ANTISTROPHE III. Mighty Jove, the gracious giver, With his full-sheaved bounty ever Crown the fruited year! Flocks that graze before thy dwelling With rich increase yearly swelling The prosperous ploughman cheer! May the gods no grace deny thee, And the tuneful Muses nigh thee, With exuberant raptures brimming, From virgin throats thy praises hymning Hold the charmèd ear! STROPHE IV. O'er the general weal presiding, They that rule with far-providing Wisdom sway, and stably-guiding, Changeful counsels mar! Timely with each foreign nation Leagues of wise conciliation Let them join, fierce wars avoiding, From sharp losses far! {241} ANTISTROPHE IV. The native gods, strong to deliver, With blood of oxen free-poured ever, With laurel-branches failing never, Piously adore! HONOUR THY PARENTS: spurn not lightly This prime statute sanctioned rightly; Cling to this, a holy liver, Steadfast evermore! [_Re-enter_ DANAUS. DANAUS. Well hymned, my daughters! I commend your prayers; But brace your hearts, nor fear, though I, your father, Approach the bearer of unlooked-for news. For from this consecrated hold of gods I spy the ship; too gallantly it peers To cheat mine eye. The sinuous sail I see, The bulging fence-work on each side,[n41] the prow Fronted with eyes to track its watery way,[n42] True to the steerman's hint that sits behind, And with no friendly bearing. On the deck Appear the crew, their swarthy limbs more swart By snow-white vests revealed: a goodly line Of succour in the rear: but in the van The admiral ship, with low-furled sail makes way By the swift strokes of measured-beating oars. Wait calmly ye, and with well-counselled awe Cling to the gods; the while ye watch their coming, Myself will hence, and straight return with aid To champion our need.[n43] For I must look for Some herald or ambassador claiming you, Their rightful prey, forthwith; but fear ye not, Their harsh will may not be. This warning take Should we with help be slow, remain you here Nor leave these gods, your strength. Faint not: for surely Comes the appointed hour, and will not stay, When godless men to Jove just fine shall pay. STROPHE I. CHORUS. Father, I tremble, lest the fleet-winged ships, Ere thou return, shall land--soon--very soon! O father, I tremble to stay, and not flee, When the bands of the ruthless are near! {242} My flight to foreclose from the chase of my foes! O father, I faint for fear! DANAUS. Fear not, my children. The accomplished vote Of Argos saves you. They are champions sworn.