Such bitter griefs, lamenting, I recount, With cries shrill, tearful, deep, (Ah woe! ah woe!) That strike the ear with mourner's woe-fraught cry. Though yet alive, I wail mine obsequies; Thee, Apian sea-girt bluff,[218] I greet (our alien speech Thou knowest well, O land,) 110 And ofttimes fall, with rendings passionate, On robe of linen and Sidonian veil. ANTISTROPHE VI But to the Gods, for all things prospering well, When death is kept aloof, Gifts votive come of right. Ah woe! Ah woe! Oh, troubles dark, and hard to understand! Ah, whither will these waters carry me? Thee, Apian sea-girt bluff, 120 I greet (our alien speech Thou knowest well, O land,) And ofttimes fall, with rendings passionate, On robe of linen and Sidonian veil. STROPHE VII The oar indeed and dwelling, timber-wrought, With sails of canvas, 'gainst the salt sea proof Brought me with favouring gales, By stormy wind unvexed; Nor have I cause for murmur. Issues good May He, the all-seeing Father, grant, that I, 130 Great seed of Mother dread, In time may 'scape, still maiden undefiled, My suitor's marriage-bed. ANTISTROPHE VII And with a will that meets my will may She, The unstained child of Zeus, on me look down, *Our Artemis, who guards The consecrated walls; And with all strength, though hunted down, uncaught, May She, the Virgin, me a virgin free, 140 Great seed of Mother dread, That I may 'scape, still maiden undefiled, My suitor's marriage-bed. STROPHE VIII But if this may not be, We, of swarth sun-burnt race, Will with our suppliant branches go to him, Zeus, sovereign of the dead,[219] The Lord that welcomes all that come to him, Dying by twisted noose 150 If we the grace of Gods Olympian miss. By thine ire, Zeus, 'gainst Io virulent, The Gods' wrath seeks us out, And I know well the woe Comes from thy queen who reigns in heaven victorious; For after stormy wind The tempest needs must rage. ANTISTROPHE VIII