With Ægyptus’ sons, too nearly

Cousined with ourselves. For wisely,

This our threatened harm well-weighing,

Danaus, our sire, prime counsellor,

And leader of our sistered band,

Timely chose this least of sorrows

O’er the salt-sea wave to flee;

And here on Argive soil to plant us,

Whence our race its vaunted spring

Drew divinely, when great Jove