ANTISTROPHE I. CHORUS. They come--destruction's minions mad with hate, Of fight insatiate: well thou know'st the men. With their host many-counted, their ships dark-fronted,[n44] They are near, O father, how near! Their ships stoutly-timbered, their crews swarthy-membered, Triumphant in wrath I fear! DANAUS. Even let them come. They'll find their match in Argos; A strong-limbed race with noon-day sweats well hardened.[n45] STROPHE II. CHORUS. Only not leave me! Pray thee, father, stay! Weak is a lonely woman. No Mars is in her.[n46] Dark-counselled, false, cunning-hearted are they, Unholy, as obscene crows On the feast of the altar that filthily prey; They fear not the gods, my foes! DANAUS. 'Twill make our cause the stronger, daughters, if Their crime be sacrilege, and their foes the gods. ANTISTROPHE II. CHORUS. The trident and the sacred blazonry Will not repel their violent hands, O father! They are proud, haughty-hearted, a high-blown race; They are hot, they are mad for the fray! With the hound in their heart, and the dog in their face, They will tear from the altar their prey. DANAUS. Dogs let them be, the world has wolves to master them! And good Greek corn is better than papyrus.[n47] CHORUS. Being reasonless as brutes, unholy monsters, And spurred with wrath we must beware their fury. DANAUS. 'Tis no light work to land a fleet. To find Safe roads, sure anchorage, and to make fast The cables, this not with mere thought is done. The shepherds of the ships[n48] are slow to feel Full confidence, the more that on this coast Harbours are few.[n49] Besides, thou see'st the sun {243} Slants to the night; and still a prudent pilot Fears in the dark. No man will disembark, Trust me, till all are firmly anchored. Thou Through all thy terrors still cling to the gods, Thy most sure stay. Thy safety's pledged. For me I'm old, but with the tongue of fluent youth I'll speak for thee, a pleader without blame. [_Exit._ CHORAL HYMN. STROPHE I. O hilly land, high-honoured land, What wait we now, poor fugitive band? Some dark, dark cave Show me, within thy winding strand, To hide and save! Would I might vanish in smoke, ascending To Heaven, with Jove's light clouds dim-blending In misty air, Like wingless, viewless dust, and ending In nothing there! ANTISTROPHE I. 'Tis more than heart may bear. Quick Fear My quaking life with dusky drear Alarm surroundeth! My father spied my ruin: sheer Despair confoundeth. Sooner, high-swung from fatal rope, Here may I end both life and hope, And strong Death bind me, Than hated hearts shall reach their scope, And shame shall find me!