Ch. Go now to do it. Trust no second hand.
Cr. Even as I am, I go. Come, come, my people,
Here or not here, with mattocks in your hands
Set forth immediately to yonder hill!
And, since I have ta’en this sudden turn, myself,
Who tied the knot, will hasten to unloose it.
For now the fear comes over me, ’tis best
To pass one’s life in the accustomed round. [Exeunt
Chorus.
O God of many a name! I 1
Filling the heart of that Cadmeian bride
With deep delicious pride,
Offspring of him who wields the withering flame!
Thou for Italia’s good
Dost care, and ’midst the all-gathering bosom wide
Of Dêo dost preside;
Thou, Bacchus, by Ismenus’ winding waters
’Mongst Thebè’s frenzied daughters,
Keep’st haunt, commanding the fierce dragon’s brood.
Thee o’er the forkèd hill I 2
The pinewood flame beholds, where Bacchai rove,
Nymphs of Corycian grove,
Hard by the flowing of Castalia’s rill.
To visit Theban ways,
By bloomy wine-cliffs flushing tender bright
’Neath far Nyseian height
Thou movest o’er the ivy-mantled mound,
While myriad voices sound
Loud strains of ‘Evoe!’ to thy deathless praise.
For Thebè thou dost still uphold, II 1
First of cities manifold,
Thou and the nymph whom lightning made
Mother of thy radiant head.
Come then with healing for the violent woe
That o’er our peopled land doth largely flow,
Passing the high Parnassian steep
Or moaning narrows of the deep!
