Page:Four Plays of Aeschylus (Cookson).djvu/135

Rh 'Make war upon our side!' When ye have heard

The prayer I have to offer, second it

With songs triumphant, lusty, of good cheer—

The sacrificial shout that Hellas knows,—

A salutation to embolden friends

And from their souls the battle-fright cast loose!

Hear, then, my prayer. First, I vow to the Gods,

Custodians of polity and soil,

Wardens of field and meeting-place and mart;

Next unto Dirce's river-springs,—nor less

Ismenus, do I mean to honour thee,—

If fair befall us and the State be saved,

There shall be slaughtering of bulls; the blood

Of sheep shall redden the hearth-place of the Gods.

Thus I confirm by pledge of solemn speech

Mine oath, to them trophies and raiment vowing:—

'I will bedeck your shrines inviolate,

'Yea, hang the forecourts of your sanctuaries

'With spoils spear-rent, the garments of our foes.'

On this wise pray ye! Thus acceptably

Approach the Gods with vows; not to vain groans

Addict, beast noises not articulate,

Untutored transports, ineffectual;

For by such flights ye shall no whit the more

Flee the appointed portion. I meanwhile

Will get me forth: and post at the Seven Gates

To match the foe six men of might and mettle,

Myself the seventh,—furnished in the style

Greatness approves; ere rumour improvised

Inform them, or with speedier argument

Extremity of need inflame their souls.

[ comes down from the Citadel on to the stage.