Now, however—since in thee I have found one who500 can carry at once my message and myself—do thou save me, do thou show me mercy,—seeing how all human destiny is full of the fear and the peril that good fortune may be followed by evil. He who stands clear of trouble should beware of dangers; and when a man lives at ease, then it is that he should look most closely to his life, lest ruin come on it by stealth.
ant. Ch. Have pity, O king; he hath told of a struggle with sufferings manifold and grievous; may the like befall no friend of mine! And if, my prince, thou hatest510 the hateful Atreidae, then, turning their misdeed to this man's gain, I would waft him in thy good swift ship to the home for which he yearns, that so thou flee the just wrath of Heaven.
Ne. Beware lest, though now, as a spectator, thou art pliant, yet, when wearied of his malady by consorting520 with it, thou be found no longer constant to these words.
Ch. No, verily: never shalt thou have cause to utter that reproach against me!
Ne. Nay, then, it were shame that the stranger should find me less prompt than thou art to serve him at his need.—Come, if it please you, let us sail: let the man set forth at once; our ship, for her part, will carry him, and will not refuse.—Only may the gods convey us safely out of this land, and hence to our haven, wheresoever it be!
Ph. O most joyful day! O kindest friend—and ye,530 good sailors—would that I could prove to you in deeds what love ye have won from me! Let us be going, my