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Third Stasimon (824-65)

Children of Erectheus, wealthy (1) of old
and children of the blessed gods, 825
from a land holy and unconquered, feeding
on most glorious wisdom (2) always
stepping delicately through the brightest air, 830
There once they say the nine Muses of Pieria
gave birth to Golden Harmony.(3)

They sing the tale that Kupris 835
drawing water at the streams of fair-flowing Kephisos
breathes gentle sweet-smelling
auras of winds over the land; and always putting 840
on her hair a fragrant garland of rose blossoms,
she sends the Loves, co-workers with wisdom,
helpers of every sort of excellence. 845

How then will the city of holy rivers,
the land that gives safe-passage (4)
to friends,
welcome you, child-killer,
not holy with the others?(5) 850
Look at the blow to the children;
look at what a murder you are committing.
Do not, at your knees,
in every way we beseech you,
do not kill your children. 855

Where will you get the boldness
of mind or for your hand or heart,
bringing to them terrible daring?
And, how, casting your eyes 860
upon the children will you have a share
in their murder without weeping? No, you cannot
–when your children fall begging –
wet your hand in blood
with an iron-willed heart.

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