Strophe.
"Which of the gods could I with right invoke
As doing juster deeds?
He is our father, author of our life,
The king whose right hand worketh all his will,
Our line's great author, in his counsels deep
Recording things of old,
Directing all his plans, the great work-master Zeus."
Antistrophe.
"For not as subject sitting 'neath the sway
Of strength above his own,
Reigns he subordinate to mightier powers;
Nor does he pay his homage from below
While one sits throned in majesty above;
Act is for him as speech,
To hasten what his teeming mind resolves."
And now Danaus returns to say that the people have decided, and his eager hearers learn with joy that the decree is entirely in their favour. In full assembly, the air rustling with the eager raising of their hands—the sound which the Athenians knew so well in their own popular assemblies—all have unanimously assented to the reception of the strangers. Full rights and protection are accorded them, and any citizen who should refuse them his assistance, in case of any assault from their enemies, is declared degraded and outlawed. "All this," says Danaus, "the Pelasgians have decreed; but it all comes from Zeus." With pious gratitude the successful suppliants chant,—
"Come, then, come, let us speak for Argives
Prayers that are good for good deeds done;
