Page:Four Plays of Aeschylus (1908) Morshead.djvu/57

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A deep, a saving counsel here there needs—

An eye that like a diver to the depth

Of dark perplexity can pass and see,

Undizzied, unconfused. First must we care

That to the State and to ourselves this thing

Shall bring no ruin; next, that wrangling hands

Shall grasp you not as prey, nor we ourselves

Betray you thus embracing sacred shrines,

Nor make the avenging all-destroying god,

Who not in hell itself sets dead men free,

A grievous inmate, an abiding bane.

—Spake I not right, of saving counsel's need?

Yea, counsel take and stand to aid

At Justice' side and mine.

Betray not me, the timorous maid

Whom far beyond the brine

A godless violence cast forth forlorn.

O King, wilt thou behold—

Lord of this land, wilt thou behold me torn

From altars manifold?

Bethink thee of the young men's wrath and lust,

Hold off their evil pride;

Steel not thyself to see the suppliant thrust

From hallowed statues' side,

Haled by the frontlet on my forehead bound,

As steeds are led, and drawn

By hands that drag from shrine and altar-mound

My vesture's fringèd lawn.

Know thou that whether for Aegyptus' race

Thou dost their wish fulfil,