Page:Four Plays of Aeschylus (Cookson).djvu/79

Rh

Mother, we would not by aught we might say

Alarm unduly or raise hopes too high.

Better approach the gods, better go pray,

If shapes of ugly seeming haunt thine eye.

Beseech them to deliver thee from ill,

And for thyself, thy children and the State

And all thou lovest good things to fulfil.

This done, with drink-offerings propitiate

Earth and the dead; and then entreat thy spouse,

Darius, whom thou say'st that yesternight

Thou did'st behold, for thee and for thy house

Up from the underworld into the light

To' send good luck, and adverse things blindfold

Muffle in nether darkness. Not untaught

By my prophetic soul have I made bold

To speak, convinced so best may good be sought.

Well, come what may, my dream hath found in thee

A first expounder loyal to our son

And all our house. May fair as fair can be

Befall. I'll get me home. All shall be done

In honour of the gods and the dear dead

That dwell beneath the earth, as thou hast said.

But, good my friends, tell me where Athens lies?

Far, far away, westwards—beyond these skies,—

Where kingly Helios pales his golden fires.

Is that the land that our dear son desires,

Gone on so long a chase, to make his prey?