Unhappy mothers of those hapless chiefs! How wildly in my heart pale fear stirs up alarm!2nd Half-ChorusWhat is this new cry thou utterest?1st Half-ChorusI fear the issue of the strife, whereto the hosts of Pallas march.2nd Half-ChorusDost speak of issues of the sword, or interchange of words?1st Half-ChorusThat last were gain indeed; but if the carnage of battle, fighting, and the noise of beaten breasts again be heard in the land, what, alas! will be said of me, who am the cause thereof?

2nd Half-ChorusYet may fate again bring low the brilliant victor; ’tis this brave thought that twines about my heart.1st Half-ChorusThou speak’st of the gods as if they were just.2nd Half-ChorusFor who but they allot whate’er betides?1st Half-ChorusI see many a contradiction in their dealings with men.2nd Half-ChorusThe former fear hath warped thy judgment. Vengeance calls vengeance forth; slaughter calls for slaughter, but the gods give respite from affliction, holding in their own hands each thing’s allotted end.

1st Half-ChorusWould I could reach yon plains with turrets crowned, leaving Callichorus, fountain of the goddess!2nd Half-ChorusO that some god would give me wings to fly to the city of rivers twain! 1st Half-ChorusSo might’st thou see and know the fortunes of thy friends.2nd Half-ChorusWhat fate, what issue there awaits the valiant