Take in thy hands branches like these and lay them
On other altars of my country's Gods,
That of your comings all the citizens
May see a visible token: let not fall
One word of me: the commonalty loves
To cast reproach upon their rulers. But,
Looking thereon, pity may move some soul
With hatred for the wickedness of men
Banded against you; and the public heart
Be for your boughs more tender. 'Tis a trait
Common with men to entertain kind thoughts
Towards the weaker side.
Danaus.
That we have found a friend
Pitiful and God-fearing we account
Worth many favours. Wilt thou grant one more
And with me send some native to this land
For escort and as guides, that we may find
The altars of the city deities
That stand before the temples, and the shrines
Of those more warlike that defend your keep?
The form that nature gave us is not yours,
Nor are we habited as ye are. Nile
Nourisheth other folk than Inachus.
Beware lest an unheedful confidence
Hereafter breed dismay. Men have ere now
Slain those that were their friends, not knowing it.
King.
Go with this stranger, men: for he says well.
Show him the way to the town altars and
The seats of Gods. And look ye bruit it not
