THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

COPREUS
Nay, this will nowise satisfy thy masters, who o'er thee have a right,
and so have tracked thee hither.
CHORUS (chanting)
Stranger, 'tis but right we should reverence the gods' suppliants,
suffering none with violent hand to make them leave the altars, for
that will dread Justice ne'er permit.
COPREUS
Do thou then drive these subjects of Eurystheus forth, and this hand
of mine shall abstain from violence.
CHORUS (chanting)
Twere impious for the state to neglect the suppliant stranger's
prayer.
COPREUS
Yet 'tis well to keep clear of troubles, by adopting that counsel, which
is the wiser.
LEADER
Thou then shouldst have told the monarch of this land thy errand before
being so bold, out of regard to his country's freedom, instead of trying
to drag strangers by force from the altars of the gods.
COPREUS
Who is monarch of this land and state?
LEADER
Demophon, son of gallant Theseus.
COPREUS
Surely it were most to the purpose to discuss this matter somewhat
with him; all else has been said in vain.
LEADER
Lo! here he comes in person, in hot haste, and Acamas his brother, to
hear what thou hast to say.
(DEMOPHON, Acamas, and their retinue enter,)
DEMOPHON
Since thou for all thy years hast outstripped younger men in coming
to the rescue to this altar of Zeus, do thou tell me what hath chanced to
bring this crowd together.