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.
Studies
