Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/108

38 Plant not the foot that trampled Ilion.

Maidens, why tarry ye, whose duty 'tis

With carpets to bespread his stepping-floor?

Swift, purple-strew his passage to a home

Unlooked for, e'en as Justice may conduct;

What further she decreeth with the gods,

Thought, not by sleep o'ermastered, shall dispose.

Daughter of Leda! Guardian of my home!

Such as my absence was, is now thy speech,

Drawn out to ample length. With better grace

My praise had come from others than from thee.

And for the rest, seek not in woman's guise

To pamper me, nor, gaping forth loud cries,

Bow down to me, as to barbaric wight.

Make not my path with tapestries bestrewn

A mark for envy. To the gods belong

Such signal honours; but for mortal man,

On bright-hued broidery to plant his foot,

I own it, is to me not free from dread;

As mortal honour me, but not as god;

Without foot-carpeting or gorgeous web,

Glory resounds; a constant mind to keep

Is Heaven's best gift; him only call we blest

Who ends in fair prosperity his days.

If thus I bear myself I need not fear.

Against my settled purpose speak not thus.