Epeisodion 1
King
By reason of hatred? Or do you speak of unlawfulness ?
Chorus
Who would purchase their lords from among their kin?
King
In this way families have enhanced their power.
Chorus
And it is easy then, if things go ill, to separate from a wife.
King
How then am I to deal with you in accordance with my sacred duty?
340
Chorus
By not surrendering us at the demand of Aegyptus’ sons.
King
A serious request—to take upon myself a dangerous war.
Chorus
But Justice protects her champions.
King
True, if she had a share in the matter from the beginning.
Chorus
Show reverence for the ship of state thus crowned.The gods, whose statues have been wreathed with the suppliants’ branches, are regarded as the pilots who direct the ship of state. Possibly there is also a reference to the custom of crowning a vessel’s stern with flowers.
345
King
I shrink as I gaze upon these shaded shrines.
Chorus
Yet heavy is the wrath of Zeus, god of the suppliant.
