Page:Suppliant Maidens (Morshead) 1883.djvu/23

Rh Of this their land are hitherward intent

To look on us, of whom they yet have heard

By messengers alone. But come who may,

And come he peaceful or in ravening wrath

Spurred on his path, 'twere best, in any case,

Damsels, to cling unto this altar-mound

Made sacred to their gods of festival,—

A shrine is stronger than a tower to save,

A shield that none may cleave. Step swift thereto,

And in your left hands hold with reverence

The white-crowned wands of suppliance, the sign

Beloved of Zeus, compassion's lord, and speak

To those that question you, words meek and low

And piteous, as beseems your stranger state,

Clearly avowing of this flight of yours

The bloodless cause; and on your utterance

See to it well that modesty attend;

From downcast eyes, from brows of pure control,

Let chastity look forth; nor, when ye speak,

Be voluble nor eager—they that dwell

Within this land are sternly swift to chide.

And be your words submissive: heed this well;

For weak ye are, outcasts on stranger lands,

And froward talk beseems not strengthless hands.

O father, warily to us aware

Thy words are spoken, and thy wisdom's hest

My mind shall hoard, with Zeus our sire to aid.