Athena.
Not slighted are ye, powers august! through rage
Curse not with hopeless blight the abode of man.
I too on Zeus rely; why speak of that? 790
And sole among the gods I know the key
That opes the halls where sealèd thunder sleeps.
But such we need not. Be appeased by me,
Nor scatter o'er the land, from froward tongue,
The harmful seed that turneth all to bane.
Of bitter rage lull ye the murky wave;
Be venerated here and dwell with me.
Sharing the first fruits of this ample realm,
For children offered, and for nuptial rite,
This word of mine thou wilt for ever praise. 800
Chorus.
1.That I should suffer this, oh Fie!
2.That, old in wisdom, I on earth should dwell
Dishonour'd! Fie! Debasement vile!
3.Rage I breathe forth, and wrath no stint that knows.
4.Fie! Fie! O earth, alas!
5.What agony of pain creeps o'er my heart!
6.Hear, Mother Night, my passion.
7. Mark for scorn,
By crafty gods deluded, held for nought,
Of ancient honour I am basely shorn.
Athena.
I'll bear thine anger, for mine elder thou, 810
And wiser art, in that regard, than I.
Yet me, with wisdom, Zeus not meanly dowers.
