Greek Texts & Translations

Look! Who was he, then? Where is he staying? Where has he rushed from this place, 120man most insatiate of all who live? Scan the ground, look well, press the search everywhere. A wanderer that old man must have been, 125a wanderer, not a dweller in the land; otherwise he never would have advanced into this untrodden grove of the maidens with whom none may strive. 130Their name we tremble to speak; we pass them by with eyes turned away, moving our lips, without sound or word, in still devotion. But now it is said that one has come who reveres them not at all; 135and him I cannot yet discern, though I look round all the holy place, nor do I know where to find his lodging.

Behold the man you seek! In sound is my sight, as the saying goes.

140Oh! Oh! Fearful he is to see, and fearful to hear!

Do not regard me, I beg you, as a lawless man.

Zeus defend us! Who may this old man be?

Not so wholly of the best fate 145that you would call him fortunate, guardians of this land! It is plain; otherwise I would not be creeping, as you see, by the eyes of others, and buoying my strength upon weakness.