Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/136

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EURIPIDES.

Of that great land, that folk Pelasgian.[1]
Beggars they saw us, homeless: for all this
They gave not up nor chased us from their land.
And I, in life,—in death, when death shall come, 320
With high laud will extol thee, good my lord,
At Theseus' side; and this shall make him glad,
My tale how thou didst welcome, didst defend
Herakles' sons, how nobly Hellas through
Thou guard'st thy sire's renown: thy father's son 325
Shames not the noble line wherefrom he sprang.
Few such there be: amid a thousand, one
Thou shouldst find undegenerate from his sire.


Chorus.

Ever of old she chooseth, this our land,
To help the helpless ones in justice' cause. 330
Wherefore unnumbered toils for friends she hath borne.
Now see I this new struggle looming nigh.


Demophon.

Well said of thee; and sure am I that these
Shall so prove; unforgot shall be our boon.
Now will I muster for the war my folk, 335
And marshal, that a goodly band may greet
Mycenæ's host. Scouts first will I send forth
To meet it, lest unwares it fall on me;
For swift the Argives throng to the gathering-cry.
Seers will I bring, and sacrifice. Thou, leave 340
Zeus' hearth, and enter with the boys mine halls:

  1. ↑ So Paley. But according to Beck,
    "Who have chosen to have for foes that mighty land,
    That folk Pelasgian, in the stead of us."
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