Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/351

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Ay, but 'tis said,

That from a captured town the gods depart.

Ne'er may this conclave of the gods take flight

While I behold the day;

And never may this city meet my sight

Foe-trampled, and to hostile fire a prey.

The gods invoking, be not ill-advised;

Obedience mother is of good success,

Sure pledge of safety;—so the saying runs.

True, but the strength of god is mightier still,

And oft, in direst strait,

It lifteth from the lowest depths of ill

Him who, with cloud-veiled eyes, was desperate.

Men's part it is to offer sacrifice

And victims to the gods, when foes assail;

Thine to be silent and to bide within.

'Tis through the gods we dwell

In city unsubdued;

Through them our towers repel

The hostile multitude.

What anger can this move?