when his ship is foundering in high seas?

ChorusBut trusting in the gods I came in haste to their ancient statues, when the deadly blizzard of falling stones thundered against the gates. Just then I set out in fear to pray to the Blessed Onesthat they spread their protection over the city. EteoclesPray that the rampart withstand the enemy spear. Yes, the outcome is in the gods’ hands—but then, it is said that the gods of a captured city abandon it.

ChorusNever so long as I live may this divine assembly abandon us,nor may I live to see the city overrun and the army seizing it with hostile fire! EteoclesWhen you invoke the gods, do not be ill-advised. For Obedience isthe mother of Success, wife of Salvation—as the saying goes.

ChorusSo she is, but the power of god is supreme, and often in bad times it raises the helpless man out of harsh misery even when stormclouds are lowering over his eyes.