Through breathing and through touch divine
Of Zeus, hath whilom sprung.
Wherefore, on what more friendly land
Than this, a refuge could we find, 20
These sacred branches, wool-entwined,
Bearing with suppliant hand?
O city! Earth! O waters clear!
Supernal gods, and powers severe
Guarding the tombs who hold your reign,
And Zeus, third saviour, (guardian thou
Of righteous men,) our suppliant train
Tender of sex, receive ye now,
With kindly reverence native here.
But for Ægyptos' haughty brood, 30
Swarm of rude males, or e'er they gain
Firm footing on this marshy coast,
Their swift-oared galley and their host
Sweep seaward; there by hurricane,
By thunder, lightning, and by rain
Tempestuous driving,—ere, as prize,
They seize this kindred sisterhood,
And our unwilling beds profane,
Trampling time-honoured sanctities,—
O'erwhelm them in the savage flood.
Strophe I.
Him I invoke, beyond the sea 40
Our champion, progeny divine[1]
- ↑ δίον πόρτιν— literally, divine calf.
