The outward face of royalty, falsely praised , is sweet, but there is bitterness in the home; for who is happy or fortunate, who draws out his life in fear and sidelong glances? [625] I would rather live as a fortunate citizen than as a king, for whom it is a pleasure to have wicked friends and hate the virtuous through fear of death. You might say that gold overcomes these things [630] and riches give delight? I do not like to hear the noise of the crowd, while I guard my wealth at hand, nor to have troubles; I would rather have moderation, free of care.
Listen to the blessings I have here, father; first, the dearest to mortals, leisure, and [635] moderate trouble; no worthless creature has struck me out of the way; this is not to be borne, to give way and yield to road to the base. In prayers to the gods or . . . of men, I would serve those who rejoiced, not those who lamented. [640] And some I would send away, while others would come as guests, so that I was always a pleasant novelty among the new arrivals. And—what men ought to wish for, even if they are unwilling—custom and my nature made me righteous before the god. With these things in mind, [645] I think it better here than there, father. Let me live here; for the pleasure is equal, to rejoice in greatness or to have delight with little.
Chorus Leader
You have spoken well, if those whom I love are fortunate in what you love.