ANTISTROPHE VIII. O Jove, how then wilt thou be free From just reproach of Libya's daughters, If thou in us dishonoured see Him whom the heifer bore to thee Whom thou didst chiefly love. If thou from us shalt turn thy face, What suppliant then shall seek thy grace? O hear my prayer enthroned in loftiest state above! For well, too well, we know What wrath divine scourged ancient Io, wailing Beneath thy consort's anger heaven-scaling; {225} And even so, On Io's seed may blow A buffeting blast from her of black despairful woe. [_Enter_ DANAUS. DANAUS. Be wise, my daughters. In no rash flight with me, A hoary father, and a faithful pilot, Ye crossed the seas; nor less is wisdom needful Ashore; be wise, and on your heart's true tablet Engrave my words. For lo! where mounts the dust, A voiceless herald of their coming; hear Their distant-rumbling wheels! A host I see Of bright shield-bearing and spear-shaking men, Swift steeds, and rounded cars.[n11] Of our here landing, Timely apprised, the chiefs that rule this country Come with their eyes to read us. But be their coming Harmless, or harsh with fell displeasure, here On this high-seat of the Agonian gods[n12] Is safety for my daughters; for an altar Is a sure tower of strength, a shield that bears The rattling terror dintless. Go ye, therefore, Embrace these altars, in your sistered hands[n13] These white-wreathed precatory boughs presenting, Which awful Jove reveres; and with choice phrase Wisely your pity-moving tale-commend When they shall ask you; as becomes the stranger, The bloodless motive of your flight declaring With clear recital. The bold tongue eschewing, With sober-fronted face and quiet eye Your tale unfold. The garrulous prate, the length Of slow-drawn speech beware. Such fault offends This people sorely. Chiefly know to yield: Thou art the weaker--a poor helpless stranger-- The bold-mouthed phrase suits ill with thy condition. CHORUS. Father, thou speakest wisely: nor unwisely Thy words would we receive, in memory's ward Storing thy hests; ancestral Jove be witness! DANAUS. Even so; and with benignant eye look down![n14] CHORUS. * * * * DANAUS. Delay not. In performance show thy strength. CHORUS. Even there where thou dost sit, I'd sit beside thee! DANAUS. O Jove show pity ere pity come too late! CHORUS. Jove willing, all is well. {226} DANAUS. Him, therefore, pray, There where his bird the altar decorates:[n15] pray Apollo, too, the pure, the exiled once[n16] From bright Olympus. CHORUS. The sun's restoring rays We pray: the god what fate he knew will pity. DANAUS. May he with pity and with aid be near! CHORUS. Whom next shall I invoke? DANAUS. Thou see'st this trident And know'st of whom the symbol?