Lines 209-218 from “Agamemnon” by Aeschylus

Zeus, who guided mortals to be wise,
has established his fixed law—
wisdom comes through suffering.
Trouble, with its memories of pain,
drips in our hearts as we try to sleep,
so men against their will
learn to practice moderation.
Favours come to us from gods
seated on their solemn thrones—
such grace is harsh and violent.

From: https://records.viu.ca/~johnstoi/aeschylus/aeschylus_agamemnon.htm

Date: 458 BCE (original in Greek); 2002 (translation in English)

By: Aeschylus (c525-c455 BCE)

Translated by: Ian C. Johnston (1938- )

Tags: 2002, 458 bce, aeschylus, agamemnon, ian c johnston, lines 209-218, poetry, zeus who guided mortals to be wise