He, should he but return, is sovereign still.[[23]]

Chor. We neither wish, O Lady, thee to frighten

O'ermuch with what we say, nor yet encourage:

But thou, the Gods adoring with entreaties,

If thou hast seen aught ill, bid them avert it,

And that all good things may receive fulfilment

For thee, thy children, and thy friends and country.

220

And next 'tis meet libations due to offer

To Earth and to the dead. And ask thy husband,