ATHENA. In this high cause to judge, no mortal man May venture; nor may I divide the law Of right and wrong, in such keen strife of blood. For thee, in that thou comest to my halls,[n37] In holy preparation perfected, A pure and harmless suppliant, I, as pledged Already thy protector, may not judge thee. For these, 'tis no light thing to slight their office. For, should I send them hence uncrowned with triumph, Dripping fell poison from their wrathful breasts, They'd leave a noisome pestilence in the land Behind them. Thus both ways I'm sore perplexed; {157} Absent or present, they do bring a curse. But since this business needs a swift decision, Sworn judges I'll appoint, and they shall judge Of blood in every age. Your testimonies And proofs meanwhile, and all that clears the truth, Provide. Myself, to try this weighty cause, My choicest citizens will choose, and bind them By solemn oath to judge a righteous judgment. CHORAL HYMN.[n38] STROPHE I. Ancient rights and hoary uses Now shall yield to young abuses, Right and wrong together chime, If the vote Fail to note Mother-murder for a crime. Murder now, made nimble-handed, Wide shall rage without control; Sons against their parents banded Deeds abhorred With the sword Now shall work, while ages roll. ANTISTROPHE I. Now no more, o'er deeds unlawful, Shall the sleeping Mænads[f15] awful Watch, with jealous eyes to scan; Free and chainless, Wild and reinless, Stalks o'er Earth each murtherous plan. Friend to friend his loss deploreth, Lawless rapine, treacherous wound, But in vain his plaint he poureth; To his bruises Earth refuses Balm; no balm on Earth is found. STROPHE II. Now no more, from grief's prostration, Cries and groans Heaven shall scale with invocation-- "Justice hear my supplication, Hear me, Furies, from your thrones!" {158} From the recent sorrow bleeding, Father thus or mother calls, Vainly with a piteous pleading, For the House of Justice falls. ANTISTROPHE II. Blest the man in whose heart reigneth Holy Fear; Fear his heart severely traineth; Blest, from troublous woe who gaineth Ripest fruits of wisdom clear;[f16] But who sports, a careless liver,[n39] In the sunshine's flaunting show, Holy Justice, he shall never Thy severest virtue know. STROPHE III. Lordless life, or despot-ridden, Be they both from me forbidden. To the wise mean strength is given,[n40] Thus the gods have ruled in heaven; Gods, that gently or severely Judge, discerning all things clearly. Mark my word, I tell thee truly, Pride, that lifts itself unduly,[n41] Had a godless heart for sire. Healthy-minded moderation Wins the wealthy consummation, Every heart's desire.