Must fear the wrath of Zeus, the suppliant's god;
That dread is mightiest with the sons of men.
Thou then, O aged father of these maidens,
Taking forthwith these branches in thine arms,
Lay them on other altars of the gods
Our country worships, that the citizens
May all behold this token of thy coming;
And about me let no rash speech be dropped,
For 'tis a people prompt to blame their rulers.
And then perchance some one, beholding them
And pitying, may wax wrathful 'gainst the outrage
Of that male troop, and with more kindly will
The people look on you; for evermore
All men wish well unto the weaker side."
Danaus expresses the thanks of his daughters, and goes forth, attended by an escort given him by the king, to seek the other altars and appear as a public suppliant before the citizens. Meanwhile the Chorus are bidden to leave the shrine, and await in a neighbouring glade their father's return. Being thus removed from the consecrated spot, in which they were safe at least for the time, they begin to mistrust the goodwill of the king, and think themselves betrayed; but he reassures them thus:—
"Nay, no long time thy sire will leave thee lorn;
And I, all people of the land convening,
Will the great mass persuade to kindly words;
And I will teach thy father what to say.
Wherefore remain, and ask our country's gods,
With suppliant prayers, to grant thy soul's desire;
And I will go in furtherance of thy wish:
Sweet Suasion follow us, and Fortune good."
