Stasimon 1
[Choral 2]
for Zeus has considered us, a blood-dripping, hateful band, unworthy of his council.
365
Chorus
For I have chosen the overthrow of houses,
whenever violence raised in the home seizes someone near and dear. Speeding after this man, we weaken him, even though he is strong, because of the fresh blood.
355
[Choral 3]
And men’s thoughts, very proud under the sky, waste away and dwindle in dishonor beneath the earth,
Chorus
at our attack in black robes and the vindictive dance of our feet.
370
For surely with a great leap from above I bring down the heavily falling force of my foot,
my limbs that trip even swift runners—unendurable ruin.
375
But, as he falls, he does not know it, because of his senseless folly; pollution hovers over the man in such darkness, and mournful rumor speaks of
a dark mist over his house.
380
For surely with a great leap from above I bring down the heavily falling force of my foot,
my limbs that trip even swift runners—unendurable ruin.
375
[Choral 4]
For it remains. We are skilled in plotting, powerful in execution, and we remember evil deeds; we are revered and hard for mortals to appease,
Chorus
pursuing our allotted office which is without rights, without honor, separated from the gods in sunless light—our office that makes the path rough for seeing and dim-sighted alike.
385
What mortal, then, does not
stand in awe and dread of this, when he hears from me the law ordained by Fate, given by the gods for perfect fulfilment? My ancient privilege still remains, I do not meet with dishonor,
390
although I have my place under the earth and in sunless darkness.
395
