To take your stand hard by this hill of Gods

Who rule o'er conflicts.[[220]] Better far than towers

Are altars, yea, a shield impenetrable.

But with all speed approach the shrine of Zeus,

The God of mercy, in your left hand holding

The suppliants' boughs wool-wreathed, in solemn guise,[[221]]

And greet our hosts as it is meet for us,

190

Coming as strangers, with all duteous words

Kindly and holy, telling them your tale