Stasimon 4
[Choral 2]
But may they return joy for joy in a spirit of common love, and may they hate with one mind; for this is the cure of many an evil in the world.
985
[Choral]
Do they not then intend to find the path of good speech?
Athena
From these terrible faces I see great profit for these citizens; for, if you always greatly honor with kindness the kindly ones, you will surely be pre-eminent, keeping your land and city in the straight path
990
[Choral 3]
Farewell, farewell, in the wealth allotted to you by fate. Farewell, people of the city, seated near to Zeus, the beloved of the beloved maiden,
Chorus
learning at last the way of wisdom. The Father stands in awe of you, since you are under Pallas’ wings.
1000
[Choral]
Farewell to you also; but I must lead the way to show you your dwellings
Athena
by the sacred light of these, your escorts.The Chorus is now to be solemnly conducted to the cave beneath the Hill of Ares, the seat of the worship of the Venerable Ones (Σεμναί, l. 1041), with whom the poet here identifies the Erinyes, the Angry Ones, the Avenging Spirits. The identification seems also to include the Eumenides, the Kindly Ones, who were worshipped at Sicyon, at Argos, and in Attica at Phlya and Colonus (see Soph. OT). The procession is formed by Athena (at its head), the Chorus, the Areopagites, torch-bearers, the women who guard the Palladium, and various others. In the rear came the Athenian public.
Go, and, speeding beneath the earth with these solemn sacrifices, hold back what is ruinous to the land, but send what is profitable for the city to win her victory.
1005
You who hold the city, children of Cranaus,Cranaus was the mythical founder of the rocky city (κραναός rocky), a favourite name of Athens. lead on their way these new dwellers here. May there be good will in the citizens in return for good done to them!
1010
[Choral 3]
Farewell, farewell, again, I repeat,
Chorus
all you in the city, both gods and mortals, living in Pallas’ city; if you duly revere my residence among you, you will not blame
1015
the chances of life.
1020
