[1]This bright assembly of Agonian gods.
No mischief may this claim as town-guests breed; 350
Nor from event unlooked for, unprepared,
Be quarrel born; unwelcome to the state.
Chorus. Antistrophe I.
That mischief on our flight
Wait not, may she, Goddess of Suppliants, grant,
Themis, from Zeus, supreme Allotter, sprung!
Thou, elder-minded, learn from me more young;—
The suppliant aiding, never shalt thou want,
Nor will the gods the good man's offering slight.
King.
Not at my private hearth suppliant ye sit.
But if some common guilt the state pollute, 360
In common let the people work the cure.
No pledge I give, till, touching these events,
Counsel I hold with all my citizens.
Chorus. Strophe II.
Thou art the state, the people, thou alone:—
Ruler accountable to none;
With sovereign nod, the altar-stone,
The hearth, thou swayest, of the land,—
And from sole-sceptred throne,
All issues canst command.
Oh then pollution shun.
King.
Pollution rest upon mine enemies! 370
But you I cannot succour without bale,
- ↑ I accept Mr. Newman's emendation, γανῶνθ ὅμιλον τόνδε.
