STROPHE II. Where they see The gods and thee, Shall their lawless will not falter? Shall they tear My floating hair, As a horse dragged by the halter? Wilt thou bear Him to tear My frontlets fair, My linen robes--the bold assaulter? ANTISTROPHE II. One the danger, If the stranger Thou reject, or welcome wisely: For thee and thine To Mars a fine {233} Thou shalt pay the same precisely: From Egypt far Fearing war, Thou shalt mar Thy peace with mighty Jove, not wisely. KING. Both ways I'm marred. Even here my wits are stranded. With these or those harsh war to make, strong Force Compels my will. Nailed am I like a vessel Screwed to the dock, beneath the shipwright's tool. Which way I turn is woe. A plundered house By grace of possessory Jove[n32] may freight New ships with bales that far outweigh the loss; And a rash tongue that overshoots the mark With barbéd phrase that harshly frets the heart, With one smooth word, may charm the offence away. But ere the sluice of kindred blood be opened, With vows and victims we must pray the gods Importunate, if perchance such fateful harm They may avert. Myself were little wise To mingle in this strife: of such a war Most ignorant is most blest: but may the gods Deceive my fears, and crown your hopes with blessing! CHORUS. Now hear the end of my respectful prayers. KING. I hear. Speak on. Thy words shall not escape me. CHORUS. Thou see'st this sash, this zone my stole begirding. KING. Fit garniture of women. Yes; I see it. CHORUS. This zone well-used may serve us well. KING. How so? CHORUS. If thou refuse to pledge our safety, then-- KING. Thy zone shall pledge it how? CHORUS. Thou shalt behold These ancient altars with new tablets hung. KING. Thou speak'st in riddles. Explain. CHORUS. These gods shall see me Here hanging from their shrines. KING. Hush, maiden! Hush! Thy words pierce through my marrow! CHORUS. Thou hast heard No blind enigma now. I gave it eyes.