_Dan._ The Argives have decreed without division, So that my aged mind grew young again; 600 For in full congress, with their right hands raised Rustled the air as they decreed their vote That we should sojourn in their land as free, Free from arrest, and with asylum rights; And that no native here nor foreigner Should lead us off; and, should he venture force, That every citizen who gave not help Dishonoured should be driven to exile forth. Such counsel giving, the Pelasgian King 610 Gained their consent, proclaiming that great wrath Of Zeus the God of suppliants ne'er would let The city wax in fatness,—warning them That double guilt[250] upon the State would come, Touching at once both guests and citizens, The food and sustenance of sore disease That none could heal. And then the Argive host, Hearing these things, decreed by show of hands, Not waiting for the herald's proclamation, So it should be. They heard, indeed, the crowd Of those Pelasgi, all the winning speech, The well-turned phrases cunning to persuade; But it was Zeus that brought the end to pass. _Chor._ Come then, come, let us speak for Argives Prayers that are good for good deeds done; 620 Zeus, who o'er all strangers watches, May He regard with his praise and favour The praise that comes from the lips of strangers, *And guide in all to a faultless issue. STROPHE I _Half-Chor. A._ Now, now, at last, ye Gods of Zeus begotten,[251] Hear, as I pour my prayers upon their race, That ne'er may this Pelasgic city raise From out its flames the joyless cry of War, War, that in other fields Reapeth his human crop: For they have mercy shown, And passed their kind decree, 630 Pitying this piteous flock, the suppliants of great Zeus. ANTISTROPHE I They did not take their stand with men 'gainst women Casting dishonour on their plea for help, *But looked to Him who sees and works from heaven, *Full hard to war with. Yea, what house could bear To see Him on its roof Casting pollution there?[252] Sore vexing there he sits. Yes, they their kin revere, Suppliants of holiest Zeus; 640 Therefore with altars pure shall they the Gods delight. STROPHE II Therefore from faces by our boughs o'ershadowed[253] Let prayers ascend in emulous eagerness: Ne'er may dark pestilence This State of men bereave; May no fierce party strife Pollute these plains with native carcases; And may the bloom of youth Be with them still uncropt; And ne'er may Aphrodite's paramour, 650 Ares the scourge of men, Mow down their blossoms fair!