Supplices
Aeschylus
Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922.
- Stronger than a castle is an altar—an impenetrable shield. As quick as you can, gather in your left hands your white-wreathed suppliant boughs, sacred emblems of Zeus the merciful.
- Reply to the strangers, as is fitting for aliens, in piteous and plaintive language of necessity, telling them clearly of your flight, how it was unstained by deed of blood. Above all let no arrogance accompany your speech, and reveal nothing impious in your peaceful eyes, from your respectful face.
- In your speech neither interrupt, nor hesitate—for this would offend these people. And remember to be submissive: you are an alien, a fugitive, and in need. Bold speech does not suit the weak.
- Father, your words are prudent, and they fall on prudent ears.
- I will take heed of your wise words, and hold them in memory. May Zeus, the author of our race, behold us!
- May he indeed behold you, and with a gracious eye.[*](l. 210)
- I would like even now to be seated by your side.
- Then do not delay, but put your purpose into action.[*](l. 207)
- O Zeus, have pity upon our troubles lest we are ruined.[*](l. 209)
- If he wishes it so, all will end well.
- ---
- Invoke now also that bird of Zeus
- We invoke the saving beams of the sun.
- Pure Apollo, too, who, though a god, was exiled once from heaven.
- Knowing our lot, he may well have pity on mortals.
- May he have pity indeed, and stand by ready to defend.
- Whom, further, of these divinities must I invoke?
- I behold a trident here, the token of its god.
- Well did he send us here and well may he receive us in this land.
- Here, too, is Hermes, according to the Hellenic custom.