Look to him who looks down from above, to him, the guardian of mortals sore-distressed, who appeal to their neighbors, yet do not obtain the justice that is their right.The wrath of Zeus, the suppliant’s god, remains, and will not be softened by a sufferer’s complaints.
King
If the sons of Aegyptus have authority over you by the law of your country claiming that they are nearest of kin, who would wish to contest it?You must plead in accordance with the laws of the land you have fled, that they have no authority over you.
Chorus
Never, oh never, may I fall subject to the power and authority of these men. I am determined to flee to escape this marriage that offends my soul, piloting my course by the stars.Take Justice as your ally, and render judgment for the cause deemed righteous by the gods.
King
The judgment is not easy—do not make me the judge. I have declared already that, though I am ruler, I will not do this thing without the consent of my people, lest hereafter,if any evil befall, the people should say, You honored aliens and brought ruin upon your own land.
Chorus
Kindred to both in blood, Zeus surveys both sides alike in this dispute with an impartial scale, apportioning, as is due, to the wicked their wrongdoing and to the godly their works of righteousness.When these things are thus equally balanced, why do you fear to act justly?
King
Surely there is need of deep and salutary counsel; need for a keen-sighted eye, not confused, to descend, like some diver, into the depths;that to the state above all things this matter may not work mischief, but may end well for us; that strife may not seize you for its prize, nor yet that we surrender you from these seats of sanctuary,and bring upon ourselves the dire, abiding vengeance of the all-destroying god, who, even in the realm of Death, does not set his victim free. Surely you cannot think there is no need of salutary counsel?
Chorus
Take counsel, and, as is your sacred duty, prove yourself our sacredchampion. Do not betray the fugitive who has been impiously cast out and driven from afar.
And see me not ravished from this sanctuary of many gods,oh you who hold sovereign power over the land. Recognize men’s wantonness, and guard against wrath.
Do not see your suppliant dragged, in spite of justice, from the images of the gods,like a horse by the bridle, and see rude hands laid upon my fine-woven robes.
For be assured of this—whichever end you bring to pass, to your children and house