Stasimon 2
[Choral 1]
Without the will of heaven none is blest, none curst, I do maintain;
Chorus
nor doth the same house for ever tread the path of bliss; for one kind of fortune follows hard upon another; one man it brings to naught from his high estate, another though of noReading ἀτίταν, Fix’s emendation for the unmetrical ἀλήταν of MS. account it crowns with happiness.
610
To shun what fate decrees, is no wise permitted; none by cunning shall thrust it from him; but he, who vainly would do so, shall have unceasing trouble.
615
Then fall not prostrate thou, but bear what heaven sends, and set a limit
to thy soul’s grief; for she, poor maid! in dying for her brothers and this land, hath won a glorious death, and splendid fame shall be her meed from all mankind;
620
for virtue’s path leads through troublous ways. Worthy of her father, worthy of her noble birth is this conduct. And if thou dost honour the virtuous dead, I share with thee that sentiment.
625