Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/87

Rh To plunder things unlawful, smit with gain.

A safe return has yet to be secured,

And half the double course is yet to run.

But guilty to the gods if come the host,

Wakeful may rise the sorrows of the slain

For vengeance, though no sudden ill befal.

These words from me, a woman thou hast heard;

But may the good in overpoise prevail!

For I of many blessings choose this joy.

Like prudent man well hast thou spoken, lady.—

But I, on hearing of thy certain proofs,

Forthwith prepare me to salute the gods,

For no unworthy meed requites our toil.

[Exit. Hail, sovereign Zeus, and friendly Night,

Mistress of mighty glories, hail!

Thou who o'er Troia's tower-crowned height,

A snare so closely meshed hast flung,

That none, or fully grown or young,

Thraldom's huge drag-net may avail

To overleap. Vast ruin captures all.

Great guardian of the guest,

Thee I adore;—

Wrought were those deeds at thy behest:

The bow thou didst of yore

'Gainst Alexander strain,

That nor the destined hour before,

Nor shooting o'er the stars, in vain

The shaft might fall.