. . . old man.
Herald
You will get yourself speedily on board, on board, I say, whether you will or not, by force, by force. . . . Chorus
Alas, alas! So may you perish past all help, driven from your course over the surging waves by eastern breezes offthe sandy tomb of Sarpedon!
Herald
Wail and shout and call upon the gods—you will not escape the Egyptian ship.Cry out, utter a strain of woe more bitter still.
Chorus
Alas, alas the brutal outrage with which, you crocodile, you boast arrogantly, bellowing on the sea. May the mightyNile, who watches you, overwhelm your arrogance and destroy you.
Herald
Go to the double-prowed ship as quickly as possible. Let no one delay, for dragging by force has no mercy on locks of hair.
ChorusAlas, father; the help of the sacred images deludes me. Like a spider, he is carrying me seaward step by step—a nightmare, a black nightmare! Oh! Oh! Mother Earth, mother Earth, avert his fearful cries! O father Zeus, son of Earth!
Herald
I do not fear the native gods, be assured. They did not rear me, nor by their nurture did they bring me to old age.
ChorusHe rages close to me, the two-footed serpent. Like some viper he lays hold of me and bites my foot. Alas, alas! Mother Earth, mother Earth,avert his fearful cries! O father Zeus, son of Earth!