ATHENA. Work your perfect will, dread maidens, O'er my land benignly watching! I rejoice. Blest be the eyes Of Peitho, that with strong persuasion Armed my tongue, to soothe the fierce Refusal of these awful maids. Jove, that rules the forum, nobly In the high debate hath conquered.[n61] In the strife of blessing now, You with me shall vie for ever. {171} ANTISTROPHE II. CHORUS. Far from thy border The lawless disorder, That sateless of evil shall reign! Far from thy dwelling The dear blood welling, That taints thy own hearth with the stain, When slaughter from slaughter Shall flow, like the water, And rancour from rancour shall grow! But joy with joy blending Live, each to all lending, And hating one-hearted the foe! When bliss hath departed, From will single-hearted, A fountain of healing shall flow. ATHENA. Wisely now the tongue of kindness Thou hast found, the way of love; And these terror-speaking faces Now look wealth to me and mine. Her so willing, ye more willing Now receive; this land and city, On ancient right securely throned, Shall shine for evermore. STROPHE III. CHORUS. Hail, and all hail! mighty people be greeted! On the sons of Athena shine sunshine the clearest! Blest people, near Jove the Olympian seated, And dear to the virgin his daughter the dearest. Timely wise 'neath the wings of the daughter ye gather; And mildly looks down on her children the father. ATHENA. Hail, all hail to you! but chiefly Me behoves it now to lead you To your fore-appointed homes. Go, with holy train attendant, With sacrifice, and torch resplendent, Underneath the ground. Go, and with your potent godhead Quell the ill that threats the city, Spur the good to victory's goal. Lead the way ye sons of Cranaus,[f25] {172} To these strangers, strange no more; Their kindly thoughts to you remember, Grateful evermore. ANTISTROPHE III. CHORUS. Hail, yet again, with this last salutation, Ye sons of Athena, ye citizens all! On gods, and on mortals, in high congregation Assembled, my blessing not vainly shall fall. O city of Pallas, while thou shalt revere me, Thy walls hold the pledge that no harm shall come near thee.