Page:The Tragedies of Aeschylus - tr. Potter - 1812.pdf/79

Rh None, till from these vile chains I shall be free?

And who, 'gainst Jove's high will, shall set thee free?

One, of necessity, from thee descended.

From me! My son release thee from thy pains?

Third of thy race, first numb'ring ten descents . Oracular this, of difficult conjecture.

Check then thy wish, nor seek to know thy toils.

Do not hold forth a grace, then snatch it from me.

Of two relations I will grant thee either.

Propose the two, then leave the choice to me.

Shall I declare the rest of thy misfortunes,

Or dost thou wish to know him that shall free me?

The first to her, to me this other grace

Vouchsafe, nor my request treat with disdain.

To her impart what toils remain; to me

Him that shall free thee; this I most desire.

This your request I shall not be averse

To gratify, and tell you all you wish.

First for thy various wand'rings: Mark my words,

And grave them on the tablet of thy heart.

When thou shalt pass the flood, the common bound

Of either continent, direct thy steps

Right to the fiery portals of the east,

The sun's bright walk, along the roaring beach,

Till thou shalt come to the gorgonian plains

Of Cisthine, where dwell the swan-like forms

Of Phorcys' daughters, bent and white with age ;