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 ATHENA

Warned therefore by his fate, never do thou

Thyself utter proud words against the gods;

Nor swell with insolence, if thou shouldst vanquish

Some rival by main strength or by wealth's power.

For a day can bring all mortal greatness low,

And a day can lift it up. But the gods love

The wise of heart, the froward they abhor.

[Exeunt and .]

CHORUS

Son of Telamon, lord of Salamis' isle,

On its wave-washed throne mid the breaking sea,

I rejoice when fair are thy fortunes:

But whene'er thou art smitten by the stroke of Zeus,

Or the vehement blame of the fierce-tongued Greeks,

Then sore am I grieved, and for fear I quake,

As a fluttering dove with a scared eye.

Even so by rumour murmuring loud

Of the night late-spent our ears are assailed.

'Tis a tale of shame, how thou on the plains

Where the steeds roam wild, didst ruin the Danaan

Flocks and herds,

Our spear-won booty as yet unshared,

With bright sword smiting and slaughtering.

Such now are the slanders Odysseus forges

And whispers abroad into all men's ears,

Winning easy belief: so specious the tale

He is spreading against thee; and each new hearer

Rejoices more than he who told,

Exulting in thy degradation.

For the shaft that is aimed at the noble of soul

Smites home without fail: but whoe'er should accuse me

Of such misdeeds, no faith would he win.

'Tis the strong whom creeping jealousy strikes.

Yet small men reft of help from the mighty