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vv. 692–714 In darkness as in daylight shall restrain

From all unrighteousness the sons of men,

While Athens' self corrupt not her own law.

With mire and evil influx ye can flaw

Fair water till no lips may drink thereof.

I charge you, citizens, enfold and love

That spirit that nor anarch is nor thrall;

And casting away Fear, yet cast not all;

For who that hath no fear is safe from sin?

That Fear which is both Ruth and Law within

Be yours, and round your city and your land

Shall be upraised a rampart, yea, a hand

Of strong deliverance, which no sons of men,

From the Isle of Pelops to the Scythian fen,

Possess nor know, this Council of the Right,

Untouched of lucre, terrible to smite,

And swift and merciful, a guard to keep

Vigil above my people while they sleep.

Which here I establish. Let these words advise

My city evermore.—I charge you, rise

And lift your stones of doom and judge, alway

Your oath remembering. I have said my say.

Behold, an awful presence moveth yet

Within your land, which mock not nor forget!

The will of Zeus, by my lips ministered,

I charge you make not fruitless nor unfeared!