Page:Four Plays of Aeschylus (Cookson).djvu/64

52 And through and through that act the nail is driven

So that it standeth fast. Thou hast my answer;

Not writ in folded tablets, nor yet sealed

In any secret scroll: but overt, the plain speech

Of an unfettered tongue. Now—quit my sight.

May victory and power that victory gives

Be with the men.

Oh, ye will find men here,

Trust me, no bousers of thin barley-brew.

[Exit and his followers.

And now with your handmaidens all of you

Walk boldly to the city. 'Tis well fenced

And locked with deep device of wards and towers.

Many fair dwellings are maintainéd there

At the public charge. With no illiberal hand

Myself am lodged. Here ye may share a house

With others, or, if it likes ye, live alone.

The best is at your service: take your choice

And let it be the fairest ye can find:

'Twill cost ye nothing. Look upon myself

And the whole body of the citizens,

Whose mandate this effects, as your protectors.

More powerful patrons ye've no need to ask.

Sire, may your great courtesy

Plenteously rewarded be.