_Chor._ Avaunt, all evil chance That brings men low in death before their time! And for the maidens lovely and beloved, Give, ye whose work it is, Life with a husband true, And ye, O Powers of self-same mother born, 920 Ye Fates who rule aright, Partners in every house, Awe-striking through all time, With presence full of righteousness and truth, Through all the universe Most honoured of the Gods! _Athena._ Much I joy that thus ye promise These boons to my land in kindness; And I love the glance of Suasion, That she guides my speech and accent Unto these who gainsaid stoutly. 930 But the victory is won by Zeus, the agora's protector; And our rivalry in blessings Is the conqueror evermore. ANTISTROPHE II _Chor._ For this too I will pray, That Discord, never satiate with ill, May never ravine in this commonwealth, Nor dust that drinks dark blood From veins of citizens, Through eager thirst for vengeance, from the State Snatch woes as penalty For deeds of murderous guilt. But may they give instead With friendly purpose acts of kind intent, 940 And if need be, may hate With minds of one accord; For this is healing found to mortal men Of many a grievous woe. _Athena._ Are they not then waxing wiser, And at last the path discerning Of a speech more good and gentle? Now from these strange forms and fearful, See I to my townsmen coming, E'en to these, great meed of profit; For if ye, with kindly welcome, Honour these as kind protectors, Then shall ye be famed as keeping, Just and upright in all dealings, Land and city evermore. STROPHE III _Chor._ Rejoice, rejoice ye in abounding wealth, Rejoice, ye citizens, Dwelling near Zeus himself,[542] 950 Loved of the virgin Goddess whom ye loved, In due time wise of heart, You, 'neath the wings of Pallas ever staying,[543] The Father honoureth. _Athena._ Rejoice ye also, but before you I must march to show your chambers, By your escorts' torches holy; Go, and with these dread oblations 960 Passing to the crypt cavernous, Keep all harm from this our country, Send all gain upon our city, Cause it o'er its foes to triumph. Lead ye on, ye sons of Cranaos,[544] Lead, ye dwellers in the city, Those who come to sojourn with you, And may good gifts work good purpose In my townsmen evermore! ANTISTROPHE III