Black broods the sky above thy head,
The Earth breeds serpents at thy tread,
The Furies’ foot hath found thee;
A baleful pest their presence brings,
A curse to peasants and to kings;
The horrid shadow of their wings
Turns day to darkness round thee.
Flee o’er the Argive hills, and there,
With suppliant branch and pious prayer,
Thou shalt not crave in vain