Children of Erectheus, wealthy [olbioi]¹⁴ of old

and children of the blessed gods, 825

from a land holy and unconquered, feeding

on most glorious wisdom [or culture] always

stepping delicately through the brightest air, 830

There once they say the nine Muses of Pieria

gave birth to Golden Harmony.¹⁵

They sing the tale that Kypris 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 [pompimoV se cwra]

to friends,

welcome you, child-killer,

not holy with the others? [with the citizens (Kovacs) ] 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. 865

14. Happy (olbioV) is he to whom there are dear children and solid-hoofed horses and swift hunting hounds and a friend in a foreign land. Solon, 13. Return to Medea.

15. Or "Golden Harmony gave birth to the nine holy Pierian Muses." Return to Medea.