Athena.
I will not cease thine anger to assuage
With good words. None shall say that, in thine age
By younger gods and city-building men
Thou and thy law were mocked, cast out again
To walk the wilderness, exiles from hence.
If thou canst hold that spirit in reverence
Which hears Persuasion and which thinks again,
Whose understanding and whose peace doth reign
By God's appointment in my word and thought,
Here thou wilt stay. Or, if that please thee not,
Thou shalt not justly lay upon this land
Or wrath, or vengeance, or afflicting hand.
Stay, if ye will. Let this soil be your own
With Right made perfect and an ageless throne.
Leader.
Great Pallas, what abode shall be my lot?
Athena.
A throne unwashed by tears; reject it not.
Leader.
Say I consent; what shall mine office be?
Athena.
No house shall prosper save by aid of thee.
Leader.
Such greatness mine! Wilt thou thereof have care?
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