Actor, a man whose hand pursues its deed,

Not brandishing vain boasts. No enemy,

Whose strength is in his tongue, shall sap these walls,

While Actor has a spear: nor shall the man

Who bears the hated portent on his shield

Enter our gate, but rather the grim sign

Frown on its bearer, when thick-rattling hail

Showered from our walls shall dint it. If the gods

Are just, the words I speak are prophecy.

STROPHE III.
Chorus.