The Seven against Thebes.
275
2nd Maiden.
Succour us who may,
Or god or goddess?
3rd Maiden.
Prostrate shall I fall
Their shrines before?
4th Maiden.
Ye Blest ones here who reign
Now is the time to clasp your statues, now.
5th Maiden.
Burdened with sorrow, why, oh why delay?
6th Maiden.
The clash of shields meets it, or not your ear?
7th Maiden.
†When, if not now, shall we our prayers begin
With sacred peplus and wool-tufted bough?
8th Maiden.
I mark the rattling din!
It is the clatter of no single spear. 100
9th Maiden.
Ares, tutelary god of old,
Thy proper soil betraying what wilt gain?
10th Maiden.
O golden-helmèd god, the State behold
Which once to count belovèd thou didst deign.
