Page:Four Plays of Aeschylus (Cookson).djvu/65

Rh

Please you now to send to us

Our brave father, Danaus;

His wise forethought points our way;

Where he counsels we obey.

He will choose us our abode

In some kindly neighbourhood.

For so it is, strange speech, strange ways

Are a mark for men's dispraise.

Happier be our lot: may we

Dwell with honour in your land

Free from hatred, censure-free.

[Exit.

Captives of the bow and spear,

Yet not uncherished, not less dear,

Each in order take your stand

By your mistresses, for you

Are our maiden retinue

That Danaus in his day of power

Gave us for a queenly dower.

Children, unto the Argives offer prayers,

Blood-offerings and libations, as to Gods

Olympian! for our saviours they are

Past question. When I told their magistrates

How ye were used, their friendly hearts received

My tidings in such wise as to our kin

Shall prove a draught of bitter wine. Myself

This body-guard of spearmen they assigned,

Both that I might be honourably attended,