Supplices
Aeschylus
Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922.
- Who is it then that claims to be the cow’s Zeus-begotten calf?
- Epaphus, and truly named from laying on of hands.
- And who was begotten of Epaphus?
- Libya, who reaps the fruit of the largest portion of the earth.
- What offspring, then, did Libya have?
- Agenor was her first child born.
- And who was his offspring?
- Belus, who had two sons and was father of my father here.
- Now tell me his wisely-given name.[*](The epithet, properly applicable to the venerable, Danaus, is transferred to his name, because, to the Greek, name often connoted personality. So the dreaded name of Demogorgon.)
- Danaus: and he has a brother with fifty sons.
- Reveal his name ungrudgingly.
- Aegyptus; and now that you know my ancient lineage, I pray you to help[*](Literally raise from sanctuary.)a band that is Argive by descent.
- I think you indeed have some share in this land from old. But how did you bring yourselves to leave the home of your fathers? What stroke of fortune befell you?
- Lord of the Pelasgians, of varying color are the ills of mankind, and nowhere can you find trouble of the same plume.
- For who dreamed that a kindred race, sprung of old, would thus in unexpected flight find haven at Argos, fleeing in terror through loathing of the marriage-bed?
- Why have you come as suppliants of these gods congregated here, holding in your hands those white-wreathed, fresh-plucked boughs?
- So as not to be made slave to Aegyptus’ race.
- By reason of hatred? Or do you speak of unlawfulness ?
- Who would purchase their lords from among their kin?
- In this way families have enhanced their power.