And Fame proclaims with heavy groan,
The doom, like murky cloud, that wraps a house o'erthrown.
Strophe IV.
For such Fate's decree:—awful ministers we,— 360
Keen-eyed to conceive what untired we achieve;
†Of crime ever mindful, obdurate to prayer,
Apart from the gods our loathed mission we bear;—
To living and dead, 'neath our sunless torch-ray,
Dark and rugged our way.
Antistrophe IV.
Who then without fear among mortals can hear
My Fate-sanctioned law, and who quail not with awe,
Mine office thus learning, my god-given right?
For not with dishonour I wield my dread might,
Although my hoar mission, in darkness profound,
I hold 'neath the ground.
[Athena appears in a chariot, and alights.]
Athena.
A voice I heard from far Scamander's banks
Invoking me, what time the land I claimed,—
Fair portion of the booty, spear-achieved,
Which chiefs and leaders of Achaia's host
Apportioned, root and branch, for ever mine,
To Theseus' sons a chosen heritage. 380
Thence have I come, urging unwearied feet
Of prime young coursers harnessed to my car;
My swelling Ægis rustling, without wings.
And now, beholding here these uncouth guests,
