_Semi-Chor. B_. And Artemis the chaste, May she behold our band 1010 With pity; ne'er be marriage rites enforcèd On us by Kythereia: those who hate us, Let that ill prize be theirs. STROPHE II _Semi-Chor. A_. Not that our kindly strain does slight to Kypris immortal; For she, together with Hera, as nearest to Zeus is mighty, A goddess of subtle thoughts, she is honoured in mysteries solemn. _Semi-Chor. B_. Yea, as associates too with that their mother belovèd,1020 Are fair Desire and Suasion,[269] whose pleading no man can gainsay, Yea, to sweet Concord too Aphrodite's power is entrusted, *And the whispering paths of the Loves. ANTISTROPHE II _Semi-Chor. A_. Yet am I sore afraid of the ship that chases us wanderers, Of terrible sorrows, and wars that are bloody and hateful; *Why else have they had fair gale for this their eager pursuing?1030 _Semi-Chor. B_. Whate'er is decreed of us, I know that it needs must happen; The mighty purpose of Zeus, unfailing, admits no transgression: *May this fate come to us, as to many women before us, *Fate of marriage and spouse! STROPHE III _Semi-Chor. A_. Ah, may great Zeus avert From me all marriage with Ægyptos' sons! _Semi-Chor. B_. Nay, all will work for good. _Semi-Chor. A_. Thou glozest that which will no glozing bear.1040 _Semi-Chor. B_. And thou know'st not what future comes to us. ANTISTROPHE III _Semi-Chor. A_. How can I read the mind Of mightiest Zeus, to sight all fathomless? _Semi-Chor. B_. Well-tempered be thy speech! _Semi-Chor. A_. What mood of calmnesss wilt thou school me in? _Semi-Chor. B_. Be not o'er-rash in what concerns the Gods. STROPHE IV _Semi-Chor. A_. Nay, may our great king Zeus avert that marriage With husbands whom we hate, E'en He who, touching her with healing hand, Freed Io from her pain, Putting an end from all her wanderings, Working with kindly force! 1050 ANTISTROPHE IV _Semi-Chor. B_. And may He give the victory to women! I choose the better part, Though mixed with ill; and that the trial end Justly, as I have prayed, By means of subtle counsels which God gives To liberate from ills.[270] ÆSCHYLOS ----- Footnote 206: The daughters of Danaos are always represented as fifty in number. It seems probable, however, that the vocal chorus was limited to twelve, the others appearing as mutes. Footnote 207: The alluvial deposit of the Delta. Footnote 208: