Stasimon 4
[Episode]
Oh! Oh! Alas! Once again convulsive pain and frenzy, striking my brain, inflame me. I am stung by the gadfly’s barb,
Io
unforged by fire. My heart knocks at my ribs in terror; my eyeballs roll wildly round and round. I am carried out of my course by a fierce blast of madness; I’ve lost all mastery over my tongue,
880
and a stream of turbid words beats recklessly against the billows of dark destruction. Exit
885
[Choral 1]
Ah, sage, sage indeed, was he who first pondered this truth in his mind and with his tongue gave it utterance—
Chorus
that to marry in one’s own class is far the best—a poor man should not desire to marry among those who are pampered by riches, or who are mighty in pride of birth.
890
immortal Fates, may you see me the partner of the bed of Zeus, and may I be wedded to no bridegroom who descends to me from heaven. For I shudder when I behold the loveless maidenhood of Io, cruelly crushed like this
895
by her toilsome wanderings sent by Hera.
900
[Choral]
When marriage is on equal terms, in my opinion it is no cause for dread; so never may the love of the mightier gods cast on me its irresistible glance. That would indeed be a war that cannot be fought, a source of resourceless misery; and
Chorus
I do not know what would be my fate, for I do not see how I could escape the designs of Zeus.
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