Page:Four Plays of Aeschylus (Cookson).djvu/133

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The builded city groans,—as if a voice

Spake from the ground! Oh, we are compassed in

On every side!

Is't not enough that I

With all resources wisdom can command

Confront these perils?

Loud and louder yet!—

The knocking at the gate!

Stifle thy cries!

Must the whole city hear thee?

O ye Gods,

Keep troth! Betray not to the enemy

The City ye have promised to defend!

Curse thee! Wilt hold thy peace—possess thy soul

In patience?

O divine co-denizens,

Free while ourselves are free, save me from bondage!

Ye do enslave yourselves; country and king,

Ye make both thrall!

O Zeus Omnipotent!

Strike the foe dead—dead—with thy bolt!