_King._ This threat is all unheeded in my mind. _Her._ But that I, knowing all, may speak it plain, (For it is meet a herald should declare Each matter clearly,) what am I to say? By whom have I been robbed of that fair band Of women whom I claim as kindred? Nay, 910 But it is Ares that shall try this cause, And not with witnesses, nor money down, Settling the matter, but there first must fall Full many a soldier, and of many a life The rending in convulsive agony. _King._ Why should I tell my name? In time thou'lt know it, Thou and thy fellow-travellers. But these maidens, With their consent and free choice of their wills, Thou may'st lead off, if godly speech persuade them: But this decree our city's men have made With one consent, that we to force yield not This company of women. Here the nail 920 Is driven tight home to keep its place full firm;[264] These things are written not on tablets only, [Nor signed and sealed in folds of byblos-rolls;] Thou hear'st them clearly from a tongue that speaks With full, free speech. Away, away, I say: And with all speed from out my presence haste. _Her._ It is thy will then a rash war to wage: May strength and victory on our males attend! [_Exit_ _King._ Nay, thou shall find the dwellers of this land Are also males, and drink not draughts of ale 930 From barley brewed.[265] [_To the Suppliants._] But ye, and your attendants, Take courage, go within the fencèd city, Shut in behind its bulwark deep of towers; Yea, many houses to the State belong, And I a palace own not meanly built, If ye prefer to live with many others In ease and plenty: or if that suits better, Ye may inhabit separate abodes. Of these two offers that which pleases best Choose for yourselves, and I as your protector, 940 And all our townsmen, will defend the pledge Which our decree has given you. Why wait'st thou For any better authorised than these? _Chor._ For these thy good deeds done may'st thou in good, All good, abound, great chief of the Pelasgi! But kindly send to us Our father Danaos, brave and true of heart, To counsel and direct. His must the first decision be where we Should dwell, and where to find A kindly home; for ready is each one To speak his word of blame 'gainst foreigners. 950 But may all good be ours! And so with fair repute and speech of men, Free from all taint of wrath, So place yourselves, dear handmaids, in the land, As Danaos hath for each of us assigned Dowry of handmaid slaves. _Enter_ DANAOS _followed by_ Soldiers