_Dan._ I praise these seemly prayers, dear children mine. 690 But fear ye not, if I your father speak Words that are new, and all unlooked-for by you; For from this station to the suppliant given I see the ship; too clear to be mistaken The swelling sails, the bulwark's coverings, And prow with eyes that scan the onward way,[257] But too obedient to the steerman's helm, Being, as it is, unfriendly. And the men Who sail in her with swarthy limbs are seen, In raiment white conspicuous. And I see 700 Full clear the other ships that come to help; And this as leader, putting in to shore, Furling its sails, is rowed with equal stroke. 'Tis yours, with mood of calm and steadfast soul, To face the fact, and not to slight the Gods. And I will come with friends and advocates; For herald, it may be, or embassy, May come, and wish to seize and bear you off, Grasping their prey. But nought of this shall be; Fear ye not them. It were well done, however, If we should linger in our help, this succour 710 In no wise to forget. Take courage then; In their own time and at the appointed day, Whoever slights the Gods shall pay for it. STROPHE I _Chor._ I fear, my father, since the swift-winged ships Are come, and very short the time that's left. A shuddering anguish makes me sore afraid, Lest small the profit of my wandering flight. I faint, my sire, for fear. _Dan._ My children, since the Argives' vote is passed, Take courage: they will fight for thee, I know. 720 ANTISTROPHE I _Chor._ Hateful and wanton are Ægyptos' sons, Insatiable of conflict, and I speak To one who knows them. They in timbered ships, Dark-eyed, have sailed in wrath that hits its mark, With great and swarthy host. _Dan._ Yet many they shall find whose arms are tanned In the full scorching of the noontide heat.[258] STROPHE II _Chor._ Leave me not here alone, I pray thee, father! Alone, a woman is as nought, and war Is not for her. Of over-subtle mind, And subtle counsel in their souls impure, 730 Like ravens, e'en for altars caring not,— Such, such in soul are they. _Dan._ That would work well indeed for us, my children, Should they be foes to Gods as unto thee. ANTISTROPHE II _Chor._ No reverence for these tridents or the shrines Of Gods, my father, will restrain their hands: Full stout of heart, of godless mood unblest, Fed to the full, and petulant as dogs, And for the voice of high Gods caring not,— Such, such in soul are they. _Dan._ Nay, the tale runs that wolves prevail o'er dogs; 740 And byblos fruit excels not ear of corn.[259] _Chor._ But since their minds are as the minds of brutes, Restless and vain, we must beware of force.