CHOR.  O son of Peleus, thou hast spoken both worthily of thyself, and of the marine deity, hallowed Goddess.

CLY.  Alas! how can I praise thee neither too much in words, nor, being deficient in this respect, [not] lose thy favor?  For in a certain wise the praised dislike their praisers, if they praise too much.  But I am ashamed at alleging pitiable words, being troubled in myself, while thou art not diseased with my ills.  But in fact the good man has some reason, even though he be unconnected with them, for assisting the unfortunate.  But pity us, for we have suffered pitiably; I, who, in the first place, thinking to have thee for a kinsman, cherished a vain hope.—­Moreover, my child, by dying, might perchance become an omen to thy future bridals,[75] which thou must needs avoid.  But well didst thou speak both first and last, for, if thou art willing, my child will be saved.  Dost wish that she embrace thy knee as a suppliant?  Such conduct is not virgin-like, but if thou wilt, she shall come, with her noble face suffused with modesty.  Or shall I obtain these things from thee, without her presence?

ACH.  Let her remain within doors, for with dignity she preserves her dignity.

CLY.  Yet one must needs have modesty [only] as far as circumstances allow.

ACH.  Do thou neither bring forth thy daughter into my sight, lady, not let us fall into reproach for inconsiderate conduct, for our assembled army, being idle from home occupations, loves evil and slanderous talk.  But at all events you will accomplish the same, whether you come to me as a suppliant, or do not supplicate, for a mighty contest awaits me, to release you from these evils.  Wherefore, having heard one thing, be persuaded that I will not speak falsely.  But if I speak falsely, and vainly amuse you, may I perish; but may I not perish, if I preserve the virgin.

CLY.  Mayest thou be blest, ever assisting the unhappy.

ACH.  Hear me then, that the matter may be well.

CLY.  What is this thou sayest? for one must listen to thee.

ACH.  Let us again persuade her father to be wiser.

CLY.  He is a coward, and fears the army too much.

ACH.  But words can conquer words.

CLY.  Chilly is the hope, but tell me what I must do.

ACH.  Beseech him first not to slay his child, but if he oppose this, you must come to me.  For if he will be persuaded what you wish, there is no occasion for my efforts, for this very [consent] contains her safety.  And I also shall appear in a better light with my friend, and the army will not blame me, if I transact matters by discretion rather than force.  And if this turn out well, these things, even without my help, may turn out satisfactorily to thy friends and thyself.[76]

CLY.  How wisely hast thou spoken!  But what thou sayest must be done.  But if I do not obtain what I seek, where shall I again see thee?  Where must I wretched woman, coming, find thee an assistant in my troubles?