diff options
Diffstat (limited to '15081-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 15081-h/15081-h.htm | 21503 |
1 files changed, 21503 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/15081-h/15081-h.htm b/15081-h/15081-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dd8d388 --- /dev/null +++ b/15081-h/15081-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,21503 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=utf-8" /> + <title>The Tragedies of Euripides, Volume I. | Project Gutenberg</title> + + <style type="text/css"> + + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + } + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} + body { margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .personae + {margin-left:40%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .personae .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .personae p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + + .poem + {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} + .poem p.i8 {margin-left: 4em;} + .poem p.i10 {margin-left: 5em;} + .poem p.z8 {margin-left: 4em; font-style: italic;} + .poem p.z10 {margin-left: 5em; font-style: italic;} + .poem p.i12 {margin-left: 6em;} + .poem p.i16 {margin-left: 8em;} + .poem p.i20 {margin-left: 10em;} + + a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} + + .center {text-align: center; } + .vol {font-size: small;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; + text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .note {margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; } /* footnote */ + + </style> + </head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 15081 ***</div> + +<p class="center">THE</p> +<h2>TRAGEDIES</h2> +<p class="center">OF</p> +<h1>EURIPIDES.</h1> + +<p class="center">LITERALLY TRANSLATED OR REVISED,</p> +<h3>WITH CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES,</h3> + +<p class="center">BY</p> +<h3>THEODORE ALOIS BUCKLEY,</h3> +<p class="center">OF CHRIST CHURCH.</p> + +<h3>VOL. I.</h3> + +<p class="center">HECUBA, ORESTES, PHŒNISSÆ, MEDEA, HIPPOLYTUS, ALCESTIS,<br /> +BACCHÆ, HERACLIDÆ, IPHIGENIA IN AULIDE,<br /> +AND IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS.</p> + +<h3>NEW YORK:</h3> +<p class="center">HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,</p> +<p class="center">FRANKLIN SQUARE.</p> + +<h3>1892.</h3> + +<hr class="full" /> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><a href="#PREFACE">PREFACE.</a></p> + <p><a href="#INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION.</a></p> + <p><a href="#HECUBA">HECUBA.</a></p> + <p><a href="#ORESTES">ORESTES.</a></p> + <p><a href="#PHOENISSAE">THE PHŒNICIAN VIRGINS.</a></p> + <p><a href="#MEDEA">MEDEA.</a></p> + <p><a href="#HIPPOLYTUS">HIPPOLYTUS.</a></p> + <p><a href="#ALCESTIS">ALCESTIS.</a></p> + <p><a href="#BACCHAE">THE BACCHÆ.</a></p> + <p><a href="#HERACLIDAE">THE HERACLIDÆ.</a></p> + <p><a href="#AULIS">IPHIGENIA IN AULIS.</a></p> + <p><a href="#TAURIS">IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS.</a></p> + </div> + </div> + +<hr class="full" /> +<a name="PREFACE"></a> +<h2>PREFACE.</h2> + + <p>The translations of the first six plays in the present volume were + published at Oxford some years since, and have been frequently reprinted. + They are now carefully revised according to Dindorf's text, and are + accompanied by a few additional notes adapted to the requirements of the + student.</p> + + <p>The translations of the Bacchæ, Heraclidæ, and the two Iphigenias, are + based upon the same text, with certain exceptions, which are pointed out + at the foot of the page. The annotations on the Iphigenias are almost + exclusively critical, as it is presumed that a student who proceeds to + the reading of these somewhat difficult plays<a name="NtA_1"></a><a + href="#Nt_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a>, will be sufficiently advanced in his + acquaintance with the Greek drama to dispense with more elementary + information.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i8">T.A. BUCKLEY,</p> + <p class="i8"> CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD.</p> + </div> + </div> +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="Nt_1"></a><a href="#NtA_1">[1]</a> The reader will obtain + some notion of the difficulties alluded to, and the best mode of + grappling with them, by consulting the recent Cambridge edition, + published with English notes (Iph. in Aulide, 1840, in Tauris, 1846), + performances of great critical acumen, attributed to the present Bishop + of Gloucester.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="INTRODUCTION"></a> +<h2>INTRODUCTION.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>Euripides, son of Mnesarchus, was born in the island of Salamis, on + the day of the celebrated victory (B.C. 480). His mother, Clito, had been + sent thither in company with the other Athenian women, when Attica was + given up, and the ships became at once the refuge of the male population, + and the national defense. Mr. Donaldson<a name="Int_1"></a><a + href="#IntN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> well remarks, that the patronymic form + of his name, derived from the Euripus, which was the scene of the first + successful resistance offered to the Persian navy, shows that the + attention of his parents was fully excited by the stirring events of the + time.</p> + + <p>Notwithstanding the fact that his mother had been an herb-seller, it + is probable that his father was a man of some family. That he was at + least possessed of ample means, is evident from the care and expense + bestowed upon our poet's education. Under the tutorship of Anaxagoras, + Prodicus, and Protagoras, he had studied both natural philosophy and + rhetoric in its sophistical form. In gymnastic exercises he exhibited a + successful prowess, being twice victorious in the Eleusinian and Thesean + games. Of his skill in painting, some specimens were preserved at + Megara.</p> + + <p>His appearance as a dramatist was at an earlier age than that of his + predecessors, as he was only five and twenty years old when he produced + the "Peliades," his first tragedy. On this occasion, he gained the third + prize in the tragic contests, but the first, fourteen years after, and + subsequently, with the "Hippolytus," in 428 B.C. The peculiar tendency of + some of the ideas expressed in his plays, was the probable cause of the + retirement of Euripides to Macedonia, where he obtained the friendship of + King Archelaus. Perhaps, however, the unhappiness of his connubial state, + arising from the infidelity of his two wives, might have rendered Athens + a disagreeable place of abode for the woman-hating poet, especially when + his "domestic bliss" was continually seasoned by the sarcastic jokes and + allusions of his political enemy, Aristophanes. Moreover, his + acquaintance with the talking philosopher, Socrates, must have been + unfavorable to the continuance of his popularity.</p> + + <p>The fate of Pentheus in our author's noble play, the "Bacchæ," appears + to have given origin to the tradition that he himself was torn to pieces + by dogs. If we reflect that this play was probably the last of his works, + the mistake seems a plausible one. The death of Euripides, which probably + happened in the ordinary course of nature, has, like that of Æschylus, + been associated with the marvelous.</p> + + <p>The Athenians vainly craved the honor of giving a resting-place to the + ashes of their philosopher-poet. He was buried at Pella, but a cenotaph + at Athens showed that his countrymen had not forgotten Euripides. His + death took place B.C. 406.</p> + + <p>The inferiority of our author to the greater tragedians, prevents our + feeling much desire to enter upon the respective merits and demerits of + his several plays, especially as we are completely anticipated by + Schlegel, with whose masterly analysis every reader ought to be + acquainted. Nevertheless, a few general remarks may, perhaps, be not + wholly unprofitable.</p> + + <p>It has been truly remarked, that tragedy, in no small degree, owed its + downfall to Euripides. Poetry was gradually superseded by rhetoric, + sublimity by earnestness, pathos by reasoning. Thus, Iphigenia and + Macaria give so many good reasons for dying, that the sacrifice appears + very small, and a modern wag in the upper regions of the theatre would, + at the end of the speech of the latter heroine, almost have exclaimed, + "Then why don't you die?"</p> + + <p>It has been said, that our poet drew the characters of life as he + found them, but bad as his characters are, they exhibit only a vulgar + wickedness. Unable to portray a Clytæmnestra, he revels in the continual + paltriness of a Menelaus or Ulysses. As if he took a delight in the black + side of humanity, he loves to show the strength of false reasoning, of + sophistry antagonistic to truth, and of cold expediency in opposition to + the natural feelings of humanity. From a similar reason, his occasional + attempts at comedy degenerate into mere farce. We question whether the + scene between Death and Apollo in the "Alcestis," could be surpassed in + vulgarity, even by the modern school of English dramatists, while his + exaggerations in the minor characters are scarcely to be surpassed by the + lowest writer of any period.</p> + + <p>Under Euripides, the stage began gradually to approximate more closely + to the ordinary and, at that time, debased character of Athenian society. + A contempt for the Lacedæmonians, a passionate taste for the babbling and + trickery of the forum, and an attempt to depreciate the social position + and influence of the weaker sex, form the most unamiable features of this + change. Yet we must allow, that if Euripides has reveled in the + amiabilities of a Melanippe or a Phædra, in the gentle revenge of a Medea + or Hecuba, he has at the same time given us an Alcestis, the only real + example of genuine conjugal affection on the Greek stage.</p> + + <p>Nor must we forget that Euripides is a greater admirer of nature, a + more complete delineator of her workings, than the two greater + tragedians. He has more of illustrative philosophy, more of regard to the + objects of the animated creation, the system of the universe, than his + greater rivals exhibit. He is, as Vitruvius has justly styled him, a + "stage-philosopher." Did we possess a larger acquaintance with the works + of Parmenides, Empedocles, and other early cosmogonists, we should + perhaps think less of his merits on this head: as it is, the possession + of some such fragments of our poet makes us deeply regret the loss of the + plays themselves.</p> + + <p>But his very love for the contemplation of nature has in no small + degree contributed to the mischievous skepticism promulgated by our poet. + In early times, when a rural theogony was the standard of belief, when + each star had its deity, each deity its undisputed, unquestioned + prerogative and worship, there was little inclination, less opportunity, + for skepticism. Throughout the poetry of Hesiod, we find this feeling + ever predominant, a feeling which Virgil and Tibullus well knew how to + appreciate. Even Euripides himself, perhaps taught by some dangerous + lessons at home, has expressed his belief that it is best "not to be too + clever in matters regarding the Gods."<a name="Int_2"></a><a + href="#IntN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> A calm retreat in the wild, picturesque + tracts of Macedonia, might have had some share in reforming this spoiled + pupil of the sophists. But as we find that the too careful contemplation + of nature degenerates into superstition or rationalism in their various + forms, so Euripides had imbibed the taste for saying startling things,<a + name="Int_3"></a><a href="#IntN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> rather than wise; + for reducing the principles of creation to materialism, the doctrines of + right and wrong to expediency, and immutable truths to a popular system + of question and answer. Like the generality of sophists, he took away a + received truth, and left nothing to supply its place; he reasoned + falsehood into probability, truth into nonentity.</p> + + <p>At a period when the Prodico-Socratic style of disputing was in high + fashion, the popularity of Euripides must have been excessive. His + familiar appeals to the trifling matters of ordinary life, his characters + all philosophizing, from the prince to the dry-nurse, his excellent + reasons for doing right or wrong, as the case might be, must have been + inestimably delightful to the accommodating morals of the Athenians. The + Court of Charles the Second could hardly have derived more pleasure from + the writings of a Behn or a Hamilton, than these unworthy descendants of + Codrus must have experienced in hearing a bad cause so cleverly defended. + Whether the orators and dikasts followed the example of the stage in + those days, can scarcely be ascertained, but it is more than certain that + they practically illustrated its principles. At least, the Sicilians were + so fond of our author, that a few of the unfortunate survivors of the + Syracusan disaster, were enabled to pick up a living by quoting such + passages of our author as they had learned by heart. A compliment paid to + few living dramatists in our days!</p> + + <p>In dramatic conduct, Euripides is at an even greater disadvantage with + Æschylus and Sophocles. The best characters of the piece are often the + least employed, as in the instance of Macaria in the "Heraclidæ," while + the play is dwindled away with dull, heavy dirges, and the complaints of + senile childishness. The chorus, as Aristotle<a name="Int_4"></a><a + href="#IntN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> has remarked, is most unfortunately + independent of the plot, although the finest poetry is generally to be + found in the lyric portions of our author's plays. In fact, Euripides + rather wanted management in employing his resources, than the resources + themselves. An ear well attuned to the harmony of verse, a delicate + perception of the graceful points of language, and a finished subtilty in + touching the more minute feelings and impulses of the mind, were all + thrown away either upon bad subjects or worse principles. There is no + true tragedy in Euripides, He is a melodramatist, but not according to + the modern acceptation. His plays might end either happily or the + reverse. A deity conveniently brought in, the arrival of a messenger, + however unexpectedly, together with a liberal allowance for a cowardly + revenge upon the vanquished—these are the Euripidean elements for + giving a tragic end to a play. Nay, so great is the prodigality of + slaughter throughout his dramas, that we can but imagine morbid cruelty + to have formed a considerable ingredient in the disposition of Euripides. + Even his pathos is somewhat tinctured with this taste for painful images. + As we have beheld in our own times a barbarian alternately glut his sight + with executions, and then shed floods of tears, and sink into idiot + despondency; so the poetry of Euripides in turn disgusts us with + outrageous cruelty, and depresses us with the most painful demands upon + our compassion.</p> + + <p>In the lyric portions of his dramas, our poet has been far more + successful. The description of the capture of Troy by night,<a + name="Int_5"></a><a href="#IntN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> is a splendid + specimen of animation blended with true pathos. But taken as a whole. + Euripides is a most unequal author. We may commence a play with pleasure + (but O for the prologues!), we may proceed with satisfaction, but the + feeling rarely lasts to the end. If I may venture an opinion upon so + uncertain a subject, I should name the Hippolytus, Ion, Troades, Bacchæ, + and Iphigenia in Aulis as his best plays, placing the Phœnissæ, + Alcestis, Medea, Hecuba, and Orestes in a lower rank. The Helena is an + amusing heap of absurdities, and reads much better in the burlesque of + Aristophanes; the Electra is utterly beneath criticism; the Cyclops a + weak, but humorous imitation of Homer. The other plays appear to be + neither bad nor good.</p> + + <p>The style of Euripides is, generally speaking, easy; and I can mention + no author from whom a taste for elegant Greek and a facility in + composition can more easily be derived. Some of his plays have suffered + severely from the ravages of time, the ignorance of copyists, and the + more dangerous officiousness of grammarians. Some passages of the Bacchæ, + Rhesus, Troades, and the two Iphigenias, despite the ingenuity and + erudition of such scholars as Porson, Elmsley, Monk, Burges, and a host + of others, must still remain mere matter for guessing. Hermann's + Euripides is, as a whole, sadly unworthy the abilities of the Humboldt of + Greek literature.</p> + + <p>The present volume contains the most popular of our author's works, + according to present usage. But the spirit which is gradually infusing + itself into the minds of those who are most actively engaged in the + educational system of England, fully warrants a hope that Porson's "four + plays" will shortly cease to be the boundaries of the student's + acquaintance with Euripides.</p> + + <p>I need scarcely observe, that the study of Aristophanes is + indissolubly connected with that of our author. If the reader discover + the painful fact that the burlesque writer is greater than the tragedian, + he will perhaps also recollect that such a literary relation is, + unfortunately, by no means confined to the days of Aristophanes.</p> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>Notes on the Introduction</h3> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="IntN_1"></a><a href="#Int_1">[1]</a> See Theatre of the + Greeks, p. 92. sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="IntN_2"></a><a href="#Int_2">[2]</a> Bacch. 200. This play + was written during his sojourn with Archelaus.</p> + + <p><a name="IntN_3"></a><a href="#Int_3">[3]</a> <span lang="el" + title="toioutoni ti + parakekindeumenon">τοιουτονι + τι + παρακεκινδευμενον</span>. + Aristoph. Ran. 99.</p> + + <p><a name="IntN_4"></a><a href="#Int_4">[4]</a> Poet. § xviii.</p> + + <p><a name="IntN_5"></a><a href="#Int_5">[5]</a> Hec. 905 sqq.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="HECUBA"></a> +<h2>HECUBA.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>PERSONS REPRESENTED.</h3> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>GHOST OF POLYDORE.</p> + <p>HECUBA.</p> + <p>CHORUS OF FEMALE CAPTIVES.</p> + <p>POLYXENA.</p> + <p>ULYSSES.</p> + <p>TALTHYBIUS.</p> + <p>FEMALE ATTENDANT.</p> + <p>AGAMEMNON.</p> + <p>POLYMESTOR AND HIS CHILDREN.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="center"><i>The Scene lies before the Grecian tents, on the coast of the Thracian Chersonese.</i></p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>THE ARGUMENT.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>After the capture of Troy, the Greeks put into the Chersonese over + against Troas, But Achilles, having appeared by night, demanded one of + the daughters of Priam to be slain. The Greeks therefore, in honor to + their hero, tore Polyxena from Hecuba, and offered her up in sacrifice. + Polymestor moreover, the king of the Thracians, murdered Polydore, a son + of Priam's. Now Polymestor had received him from the hands of Priam as a + charge to take care of, together with some money. But when the city was + taken, wishing to seize upon his wealth, he determined to dispatch him, + and disregarded the ill-fated friendship that subsisted between them; but + his body being cast out into the sea, the wave threw him up on the shore + before the tents of the captive women. Hecuba, on seeing the corse, + recognized it; and having imparted her design to Agamemnon, sent for + Polymestor to come to her with his sons, concealing what had happened, + under pretense that she might discover to him some treasures hidden in + Ilium. But on his arrival she slew his sons, and put out his eyes; but + pleading her cause before the Greeks, she gained it over her accuser + (Polymestor). For it was decided that she did not begin the cruelty, but + only avenged herself on him who did begin it.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>HECUBA.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center">GHOST OF POLYDORE.</p> + + <p>I am present, having left the secret dwellings of the dead and the + gates of darkness, where Pluto has his abode apart from the other Gods, + Polydore the son of Hecuba the daughter of Cisseus,<a name="Hec_1"></a><a + href="#HecN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> and Priam my sire, who when the danger + of falling by the spear of Greece was threatening the city of the + Phrygians, in fear, privately sent me from the Trojan land to the house + of Polymestor, his Thracian friend, who cultivates the most fruitful soil + of the Chersonese, ruling a warlike people with his spear.<a + name="Hec_2"></a><a href="#HecN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> But my father sends + privately with me a large quantity of gold, in order that, if at any time + the walls of Troy should fall, there might not be a lack of sustenance + for his surviving children. But I was the youngest of the sons of Priam; + on which account also he sent me privately from the land, for I was able + neither to bear arms nor the spear with my youthful arm. As long then + indeed as the landmarks of the country remained erect, and the towers of + Troy were unshaken, and Hector my brother prevailed with his spear, I + miserable increased vigorously as some young branch, by the nurture I + received at the hands of the Thracian, my father's friend. But after that + both Troy and the life of Hector were put an end to, and my father's + mansions razed to the ground, and himself falls at the altar built by the + God, slain by the blood-polluted son of Achilles, the friend of my father + slays me, wretched man, for the sake of my gold, and having slain me + threw me into the surf of the sea, that he might possess the gold himself + in his palace. But I am exposed on the shore, at another time on the + ocean's surge, borne about by many ebbings and flowings of the waves, + unwept, unburied; but at present I am hastening on my dear mother's + account, having left my body, borne aloft this day already the third,<a + name="Hec_3"></a><a href="#HecN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> for so long has my + wretched mother been present in this territory of the Chersonese from + Troy. But all the Grecians, holding their ships at anchor, are sitting + quiet on the shores of this land of Thrace. For Achilles the son of + Peleus, appearing above his tomb, stayed all the army of the Grecians as + they were directing homeward their sea dipped oars; and asks to receive + my sister Polyxena as a dear victim, and a tribute of honor to his tomb. + And this he will obtain, nor will he be without this gift from his + friends; and fate this day leads forth my sister to death. But my mother + will see the two corses of her two children, both mine and the unhappy + virgin's; for I shall appear on a breaker before the feet of a female + slave, that I wretched may obtain sepulture; for I have successfully + entreated those who have power beneath to find a tomb, and to fall into + my mother's hands. As much then as I wish to have shall be mine; but I + will withdraw myself out of the way of the aged Hecuba, for she is + advancing her step beyond the tent of Agamemnon, dreading my phantom. + Alas! O my mother, who, from kingly palaces, hast beheld the day of + slavery, how unfortunate art thou now, in the degree that thou wert once + fortunate! but some one of the Gods counterpoising your state, destroys + you on account of your ancient prosperity.</p> + +<p class="center">HECUBA. CHORUS.</p> + + <p>HEC. Lead onward, ye Trojan dames, the old woman before the tent; lead + onward, raising up one now your fellow-slave, but once your queen; take + me, bear me, conduct me, support my body, holding my aged hand; and I, + leaning on the bending staff of my hand,<a name="Hec_4"></a><a + href="#HecN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> will hasten to put forward the slow + motion of my joints. O lightning of Jove! O thou gloomy night! why, I + pray, am I thus disquieted in the night with terrors, with phantoms? O + thou venerable Earth, the mother of black-winged dreams, I renounce the + nightly vision, which regarding my son who is preserved in Thrace, and + regarding Polyxena my dear daughter, in my dreams have I beheld, a + fearful sight, I have learned, I have understood. Gods of this land, + preserve my son, who, my only son, and, [as it were,] the anchor of my + house, inhabits the snowy Thrace under the protection of his father's + friend. Some strange event will take place, some strain will come + mournful to the mournful. Never did my mind so incessantly shudder and + tremble. Where, I pray, ye Trojan dames, can I behold the divine spirit + of Helenus, or Cassandra, that they may interpret my dreams? For I beheld + a dappled hind torn by the blood-stained fang of the wolf, forcibly + dragged from my bosom, a miserable sight. And dreadful this vision also; + the spectre of Achilles came above the summit of his tomb, and demanded + as a tribute of honor one of the wretched Trojan women. From my daughter + then, from my daughter avert this fate, ye Gods, I implore you.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Hecuba, with haste to thee I flew, leaving the tents of our + lords, where I was allotted and ordained a slave, driven from the city of + Troy, led captive of the Greeks by the point of the spear, not to + alleviate aught of your sufferings, but bringing a heavy weight of + tidings, and to thee, O lady, a herald of woe. For it is said that it has + been decreed in the full council of the Greeks to make thy daughter a + sacrifice to Achilles: for you know how that having ascended o'er his + tomb, he appeared in his golden arms and restrained the fleet ships, as + they were setting their sails with their halliards, exclaiming in these + words; "Where speed ye, Grecians, leaving my tomb unhonored!" Then the + waves of great contention clashed together, and a divided opinion went + forth through the army of the Greeks; to some it appeared advisable to + give a victim to his tomb, and to others it appeared not. But Agamemnon + was studious to advance your good, cherishing the love of the infuriated + prophetess. But the two sons of Theseus, scions of Athens, were the + proposers of different arguments, but in this one opinion they coincided, + to crown the tomb of Achilles with fresh blood; and declared they would + never prefer the bed of Cassandra before the spear of Achilles. And the + strength of the arguments urged on either side was in a manner equal, + till that subtle adviser, that babbling knave,<a name="Hec_5"></a><a + href="#HecN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> honeyed in speech, pleasing to the + populace, that son of Laertes, persuades the army, not to reject the suit + of the noblest of all the Greeks on account of a captive victim, and not + to put it in the power of any of the dead standing near Proserpine to say + that the Grecians departed from the plains of Troy ungrateful to the + heroes who died for the state of Greece. And Ulysses will come only not + now, to tear your child from your bosom, and to take her from your aged + arms. But go to the temples, speed to the altars, sit a suppliant at the + knees of Agamemnon, invoke the Gods, both those of heaven, and those + under the earth; for either thy prayers will prevent thy being deprived + of thy wretched daughter, or thou must behold the virgin falling before + the tomb, dyed in blood gushing forth in a dark stream from her neck + adorned with gold.<a name="Hec_6"></a><a + href="#HecN_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a></p> + + <p>HEC. Alas! wretched me! what shall I exclaim? what shriek shall I + utter? what lamentation? miserable through miserable age, and slavery not + to be endured, insupportable. Alas! who is there to defend me? what + offspring, what city! The old man is gone. My children are gone. Whither + shall I turn me? and whither shall I go? Where is any god or deity to + succor me? O Trojan dames, bearers of evil tidings, bearers of woe, you + have destroyed me utterly, you have destroyed me. Life in the light is no + more desirable! O wretched foot, lead, lead an aged woman to this tent! O + child, daughter of the most afflicted mother, come forth, come forth from + the tent, hear thy mother's voice, that thou mayest know what a report I + hear that concerns thy life.</p> + +<p class="center">HECUBA, POLYXENA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>POLYX. O mother, why dost thou call! proclaiming what new affliction + hast thou frighted me from the tent, as some bird from its nest, with + this alarm?</p> + + <p>HEC. Alas! my child!</p> + + <p>POLYX. Why address me in words of ill omen? This is an evil + prelude.</p> + + <p>HEC. Alas! for thy life.</p> + + <p>POLYX. Speak, conceal it no longer from me. I fear, I fear, my mother; + why I pray dost thou groan?</p> + + <p>HEC. O child, child of an unhappy mother!</p> + + <p>POLYX. Why sayest thou this?</p> + + <p>HEC. My child, the common decree of the Greeks unites to slay thee at + the tomb of the son of Peleus.</p> + + <p>POLYX. Alas, my mother! how are you relating unenviable ills? Tell me, + tell me, my mother.</p> + + <p>HEC. I declare, my child, the ill-omened report, they bring word that + a decree has passed by the vote of the Greeks regarding thy life.</p> + + <p>POLYX. O thou that hast borne affliction! O thou wretched on every + side! O mother unhappy in your life, what most hated and most unutterable + calamity has some destiny again sent against thee! This child is no + longer thine; no longer indeed shall I miserable share slavery with + miserable age. For as a mountain whelp or heifer shalt thou wretched + behold me wretched torn from thine arms, and sent down beneath the + darkness of the earth a victim to Pluto, where I shall lie bound in + misery with the dead. But it is for thee indeed, my afflicted mother, + that I lament in these mournful strains, but for my life, my wrongs, my + fate, I mourn not; but death, a better lot, has befallen me.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But see Ulysses advances with hasty step, to declare to thee, + Hecuba, some new determination.</p> + +<p class="center">ULYSSES, HECUBA, POLYXENA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ULYSS. Lady, I imagine that you are acquainted with the decree of the + army, and the vote which has prevailed; nevertheless, I will declare it. + It has been decreed by the Greeks to offer on the lofty mound of + Achilles's tomb thy daughter Polyxena. But they order me to conduct and + convey the damsel; but the son of Achilles is appointed to be the priest, + and to preside over the rites. Do you know then what to do? Be not + dragged away by violence, nor enter into a contest of strength with me, + but acknowledge superior force and the presence of thy ills; it is wise + to have proper sentiments even in adversity.</p> + + <p>HEC. Alas! alas! the great trial is at hand, as it seems, of + lamentations full, nor without tears; for I have not died in the state in + which I ought to have died, nor hath Jove destroyed me, but preserves me, + that I wretched may behold other misfortunes greater than [past] + misfortunes. But if it be allowed slaves to put questions to the free, + not offensive nor grating to the feelings, it will be your part to be + questioned, and ours who are asking to attend.</p> + + <p>ULYSS. You have permission, ask freely, I grudge not the time.</p> + + <p>HEC. Dost thou remember when thou camest a spy on Troy, disfigured by + a vile dress, and from thine eyes drops caused by the fear of death + bedewed thy beard?</p> + + <p>ULYSS. I remember well; for it made no slight impression on my + heart.</p> + + <p>HEC. But Helen knew thee, and told me alone.</p> + + <p>ULYSS. I remember the great danger I encountered.</p> + + <p>HEC. And didst thou embrace my knees in thy humility?</p> + + <p>ULYSS. So that my hand was numbered<a name="Hec_7"></a><a + href="#HecN_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> through fear on thy garments.</p> + + <p>HEC. What then didst thou say, being then my slave?</p> + + <p>ULYSS. Many arguments that I invented to save me from death.</p> + + <p>HEC. Did I preserve thee then, and conduct thee safe from the + land?</p> + + <p>ULYSS. Yes, so that I now behold the light of the sun.</p> + + <p>HEC. Art thou not then convicted of baseness by this conduct, who hast + received benefits from me such as thou acknowledgest thou hast, and doest + us no good in return, but evil, as far as in thee lies? Thankless is your + race, as many of you as court honor from oratory before the populace; be + ye not known to me, who care not to injure your friends, provided you say + what is gratifying to the people. But plotting what dark design have they + determined upon a decree of death against my child? Did fate impel them + to offer human sacrifices at the tomb, where it were rather right to + sacrifice cattle? Or does Achilles, desirous of devoting in his turn to + death those that wrought his death, with a color of justice meditate her + destruction? But she has done him no ill: he should demand Helen as a + sacrifice on his tomb; for she destroyed him, and brought him to Troy. + But if some captive selected from the rest, and excelling in beauty, + ought to die, this is not ours. For the daughter of Tyndarus is most + preeminent in beauty, and has been found to be no less injurious than us. + On the score of justice then I urge this argument; but with respect to + what you ought to repay at my demand, hear: thou hast touched my hand, as + thou ownest, and this aged cheek also, falling at my knees. Thy hand and + knees I in return grasp, and re-demand the favor I granted you then, and + beseech you, do not tear my child from my arms, nor kill her; enough have + died already. In her I rejoice, and forget my misfortunes; she serves as + my consolation in the stead of many things, she is my city, my nurse, my + staff, the guide of my way. It becomes not those who have power to + exercise their power in things wherein they ought not, nor should the + fortunate imagine their fortune will last forever. For I too have had my + time of prosperity, but now have I ceased to be: one day wrenched from me + all my happiness. But by thy beard which I supplicate, reverence me, pity + me; go to the Grecian army, and remind them that it is a shameful thing + to slay women whom ye have once spared, and that too dragging them from + the altar. But show mercy. But the laws of blood among you are laid down + alike for the free and the slave. But your worth will carry with it + persuasion, although your arguments be bad; for the same words from those + of little character, have not the same force as when they proceed from + those of high reputation.</p> + + <p>CHOR. There is no nature of man so obdurate, which on hearing thy + groans, and thy long plaints of misery, would not let fall the tear.</p> + + <p>ULYSS. Hecuba, be advised, nor through passion deem him thine enemy + who gives thee good advice. I indeed am ready to preserve thy person + through the means of which I was fortunate; and I say no other. But what + I declared before all I will not deny, that, Troy being captured, we + should give thy daughter as a victim to the noblest man of the army, who + demands her; for in this many cities fail, when any man who is brave and + zealous receives no more honor than those who are less valiant. But + Achilles, O lady, is worthy of honor from us, a man who died most + gloriously in behalf of the Grecian country. Were not then this + disgraceful, if when living we treat him as a friend, but after he is + gone we no longer treat him so? Well! what then will any one say, if + there again should be an assembling of the army, and a contest with the + enemy: "Shall we fight or preserve our lives, seeing that he who falls + lies unhonored?" But for me at least, living from day to day, although I + have but little, that little is sufficient; but I would wish that my + monument should be beheld crowned with honor, for the gratification is + for a long time. But if thou sayest thou sufferest affliction, hear this + in return from me. There are with us aged matrons, and hoary sires, not + less wretched than thou art, and brides bereft of the noblest husbands, + whose ashes this land of Troy conceals. Endure this. But we, if we + injudiciously determine to honor the brave man, shall incur the charge of + folly. But you barbarians neither consider your friends as friends, nor + do you hold up to admiration those who have died honorably; thus shall + Greece be prosperous, but you shall experience fortune corresponding to + your counsels.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! how wretched is the state of slavery, and to endure + indignities compelled by superior force! (Note <a name="Hec_B"></a><a + href="#HecN_B">[B]</a>.)</p> + + <p>HEC. O daughter, my words respecting thy death are vanished in the + air, set forth in vain; but thou, if thou hast greater powers [of + persuasion] than thy mother, use all thy influence, uttering every note + as the throat of the nightingale, that thou mayest not be deprived of + life. But fall before the knees of Ulysses in all the eloquence of grief, + and persuade him; thou hast a pretext, for he also hath children; so that + he may be inclined to pity thy fortune.</p> + + <p>POLYX. I see, Ulysses, that thou art hiding thy hand beneath thy robe, + and turnest thy face away, that I may not touch thy beard. Be not afraid; + thou hast avoided my suppliant Jove; for I will follow thee both on + account of fate, and even wishing to die; but if I were not willing, I + should appear base, and too fond of life. For wherefore should I live, + whose father was monarch of all the Trojans; this my dawn of life. Then + was I nurtured under fair hope, a bride for princes, having no small + competition for my hand, to whose palace and hearth I should come. But I, + wretched now, was mistress among the Trojan women, and conspicuous in the + train of virgins, equal to goddesses, death only excepted. But now I am a + slave; first of all the very name, not being familiar, persuades me to + love death. Then perhaps I might meet with masters cruel in disposition, + who will buy me for silver, the sister both of Hector and many other + [heroes.] And imposing the task of making bread in his palace, will + compel me, passing the day in misery, both to sweep the house, and stand + at the loom. And some slave somewhere purchased will defile my bed, + before wooed by princes. This never shall be. I will quit this light from + mine eyes free, offering my body to Pluto. Lead on then, Ulysses, conduct + me to death; for I see neither confidence of hope, nor of expectation, + present to me that I can ever enjoy good fortune. But do thou, my mother, + in no wise hinder me by your words or by your actions; but assent to my + death before I meet with indignities unsuited to my rank. For one who has + not been accustomed to taste misfortunes bears indeed, but grieves, to + put his neck under the yoke. But he would be far more blessed in death + than in life; for to live otherwise than honorably is a great burden.</p> + + <p>CHOR. It is a great and distinguishing feature among men to be born of + generous parents, and the name of nobility of birth among the + illustrious, proceeds from great to greater still.</p> + + <p>HEC. You have spoken honorably, my daughter, but in that honorable + dwells grief. But if the son of Peleus must be gratified, and you must + escape blame, Ulysses, kill not her; but leading me to the pyre of + Achilles, strike me, spare me not; I brought forth Paris, who destroyed + the son of Thetis, having pierced him with his arrows.</p> + + <p>ULYSS. The phantom of Achilles did not demand that thou, O aged lady, + but that thy daughter here should die.</p> + + <p>HEC. Do thou then at least slay me with my daughter, and there will be + twice the libation of blood for the earth, and the dead who makes this + request.</p> + + <p>ULYSS. Thy daughter's death suffices; one must not be heaped on + another; would that we required not even this one.</p> + + <p>HEC. There is a strong necessity for me to die with my daughter.</p> + + <p>ULYSS. How so? for I am not aware of any master that I have.</p> + + <p>HEC. As the ivy the oak, so will I clasp her.</p> + + <p>ULYSS. Not so; if you will take the advice of your superiors in + knowledge.</p> + + <p>HEC. Never will I willingly quit my child here.</p> + + <p>ULYSS. Nor will I leave this place without the virgin.</p> + + <p>POLYX. Mother, be persuaded; and thou, son of Laertes, be gentle to a + parent with reason moved to anger. But thou, O wretched mother, contend + not with conquerors. Dost thou wish to fall on the earth and to wound thy + aged flesh dragged by violence, and to suffer the indignity of being torn + by a youthful arm? which things you will suffer. Do not, I pray thee, for + it is not seemly. But, my dear mother, give me thy beloved hand, and + grant me to join cheek to cheek; since never hereafter, but now for the + last time shall I behold the rays of the sun and his bright orb. Receive + my last address, O mother! O thou that bearedst me, I am going below.</p> + + <p>HEC. And I, O daughter, shall be a slave in the light of day.</p> + + <p>POLYX. Without the bridegroom, without the bridal song, which I ought + to have obtained.</p> + + <p>HEC. Mournful thou, my child; but I am a wretched woman.</p> + + <p>POLYX. There shall I lie in darkness far from thee.</p> + + <p>HEC. Alas me, what shall I do? where end my life?</p> + + <p>POLYX. I shall die a slave, born of a free father.</p> + + <p>HEC. But I bereft indeed of fifty children.</p> + + <p>POLYX. What message shall I bear to Hector, and to thy aged + husband?</p> + + <p>HEC. Tell them that I am most miserable of all women.</p> + + <p>POLYX. O ye breasts that tenderly nursed me.</p> + + <p>HEC. O daughter of an untimely and unhappy fate.</p> + + <p>POLYX. Farewell, O mother, farewell Cassandra too.</p> + + <p>HEC. Others farewell, but this is not for thy mother.</p> + + <p>POLYX. Farewell, my brother Polydore, among the warlike Thracians.</p> + + <p>HEC. If he lives at least: but I doubt, so unfortunate am I in every + thing.</p> + + <p>POLTX. He lives, and shall close thy dying eye.</p> + + <p>HEC. I am dead, before my death, beneath my ills.</p> + + <p>POLYX. Lead me, Ulysses, having covered my face with a veil, since, + before I am sacrificed indeed, I am melted in heart at my mother's + plaints, her also I melt by my lamentations. O light, for yet it is + allowed me to express thy name, but I have no share in thee, except + during the time that I am going between the sword and the pyre of + Achilles.</p> + + <p>HEC. Ah me! I faint; and my limbs fail me.—O daughter, touch thy + mother, stretch forth thy hand—give it me—leave me not + childless—I am lost, my friends. Would that I might see the Spartan + Helen, the sister of the twin sons of Jove, thus, for through her bright + eyes that most vile woman destroyed the happy Troy.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Gale, gale of the sea,<a name="Hec_8"></a><a + href="#HecN_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> which waftest the swift barks bounding + through the waves through the surge of the ocean, whither wilt thou bear + me hapless? To whose mansion shall I come, a purchased slave? Or to the + port of the Doric or Phthian shore, where they report that Apidanus, the + most beautiful father of floods, enriches the plains? or wilt thou bear + me hapless urged by the maritime oar, passing a life of misery in my + prison-house, to that island<a name="Hec_9"></a><a + href="#HecN_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> where both the first-born palm tree and + the laurel shot forth their hallowed branches to their beloved Latona, + emblem of the divine parturition? And with the Delian nymphs shall I + celebrate in song the golden chaplet and bow of Diana? Or, in the + Athenian city, shall I upon the saffron robe harness the steeds to the + car of Minerva splendid in her chariot, representing them in embroidery + upon the splendid looms of brilliant threads, or the race of Titans, + which Jove the son of Saturn sends to eternal rest with his flaming + lightning? Alas, my children! Alas, my ancestors, and my paternal land, + which is overthrown, buried in smoke, captured by the Argive sword! but I + indeed am<a name="Hec_10"></a><a href="#HecN_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a> a + slave in a foreign country, having left Asia the slave of Europe, having + changed my bridal chamber for the grave.</p> + +<p class="center">TALTHYBIUS, HECUBA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>TAL. Tell me, ye Trojan dames, where can I find Hecuba, late the queen + of Troy?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Not far from thee, O Talthybius, she is lying stretched on the + ground, muffled in her robes.</p> + + <p>TAL. O Jupiter, what shall I say? Shall I say that thou beholdest + mortals? or that they have to no end or purpose entertained false + notions, who suppose the existence of a race of Deities, and that fortune + has the sovereign control over men? Was not this the queen of the opulent + Phrygians? was not this the wife of the all-blest Priam? And now all her + city is overthrown by the spear, but she a captive, aged, childless, lies + on the ground defiling her ill-fated head with the dust. Alas! alas! I + too am old, but rather may death be my portion before I am involved in + any such debasing fortune; stand up, oh unhappy, raise thy side, and lift + up thy hoary head.</p> + + <p>HEC. Let me alone: who art thou that sufferest not my body to rest? + why dost thou, whoever thou art, disturb me from my sadness?</p> + + <p>TAL. I am here, Talthybius, the herald of the Greeks, Agamemnon having + sent me for thee, O lady.</p> + + <p>HEC. Hast thou come then, thou dearest of men, it having been decreed + by the Greeks to slay me too upon the tomb? Thou wouldest bring dear news + indeed. Then haste we, let us speed with all our might: lead on, old + man.</p> + + <p>TAL. I am here and come to thee, O lady, that thou mayest entomb thy + dead daughter. Both the two sons of Atreus and the Grecian host send + me.</p> + + <p>HEC. Alas! what wilt thou say? Art thou not come for me as doomed to + death, but to bring this cruel message? Thou art dead, my child, torn + from thy mother; and I am childless as far as regards thee; oh! wretch + that I am. But how did ye slay her? was it with becoming reverence? Or + did ye proceed in your butchery as with an enemy, O old man? Tell me, + though you will relate no pleasing tale.</p> + + <p>TAL. Twice, O lady, thou desirest me to indulge in tears through pity + for thy daughter; for both now while relating the mournful circumstance + shall I bedew this eye, as did I then at the tomb when she perished. The + whole host of the Grecian army was present before the tomb, at the + sacrifice of thy daughter. But the son of Achilles taking Polyxena by the + hand, placed her on the summit of the mound; but I stood near him: and + there followed a chosen band of illustrious youths in readiness to + restrain with their hands thy daughter's struggles; then the son of + Achilles took a full-crowned goblet of entire gold, and poured forth + libations to his deceased father; and makes signal to me to proclaim + silence through all the Grecian host. And I standing forth in the midst, + thus spoke: "Be silent, O ye Greeks, let all the people remain silent; + silence, be still:" and I made the people perfectly still. But he said, + "O son of Peleus, O my father, accept these libations which have the + power of soothing, and which speed the dead on their way; and come, that + thou mayest drink the pure purple blood of this virgin, which both the + army and myself offer unto thee; but be propitious to us, and grant us to + weigh anchor, and to loose the cables of our ships, and to return each to + his country, having met with a prosperous return from Troy." Thus much he + said, and all the army joined in the prayer. Then taking by the hilt his + sword decked with gold, he drew it from its scabbard, and made signs to + the chosen youths of the Greeks to hold the virgin. But she, when she + perceived it,<a name="Hec_11"></a><a href="#HecN_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> + uttered this speech: "O Argives, ye that destroyed my city, I die + willingly; let none touch my body; for I will offer my neck to the sword + with a good heart. But, by the Gods, let me go free while ye kill me, + that I may die free, for to be classed as a slave among the dead, when a + queen, is what I am ashamed of." But the people murmured assent, and king + Agamemnon ordered the young men to quit the virgin; [but they, soon as + they heard the last words of him who had the seat of chief authority + among them, let go their hold,] and she, on hearing this speech of her + lords, took her robe, and rent it, beginning from the top of her shoulder + down to her waist: and showed her breasts and bosom beauteous, as a + statue's, and bending her knee on the ground, spoke words the most + piteous ever heard, "Lo! strike, if this bosom thou desirest, O youth; or + wouldest thou rather under the neck, here is this throat prepared." But + he at once resolved and unresolved through pity of the virgin, cuts with + the sword the passage of her breath; and fountains of blood burst forth. + But she, e'en in death, showed much care to fall decently, and to veil + from the eyes of men what ought to be concealed. But after that she + breathed forth her spirit under the fatal blow, not one of the Greeks + exercised the same offices; but some scattered leaves from their hands on + the dead; some heap the funeral pile, bringing whole trunks of pines: but + he that would not bring, heard rebukes of this sort from him that was + thus employed: "Standest thou idle, thou man of most mean spirit? Hast in + thy hand no robe, no ornament for the maiden? Hast thou naught to give to + her so exceeding brave in heart and most noble in soul?" These things I + tell thee of the death of thy daughter, but I behold thee at once the + most happy, at once the most unhappy of all women in thine offspring.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Dreadful calamities have risen fierce against the house of + Priam; such the hard fate of the Gods.</p> + + <p>HEC. O daughter! which of my ills I shall first attend to, amidst such + a multitude, I know not: for if I touch on any, another does not suffer + me; and thence again some fresh grief draws me aside, succeeding miseries + upon miseries. And now I can not obliterate from my mind thy sufferings, + so as not to bewail them: but excess of grief hast thou taken away, + having been reported to me as noble. Is it then no paradox, if land + indeed naturally bad, when blest with a favorable season from heaven, + bears well the ear; but good land, robbed of the advantages it ought to + have, brings forth bad fruit: but ever among men, the bad by nature is + nothing else but bad; the good always good, nor under misfortune does he + degenerate from his nature, but is the same good man? Is it, that the + parents cause this difference, or the education? The being brought up + nobly hath indeed in it the knowledge and principles of goodness; but if + one is acquainted well with this, he knows what is vicious, having + already learned it by the rule of virtue. And this indeed has my mind + been ejaculating in vain. But do thou go, and signify these things to the + Greeks, that no one be suffered to touch my daughter, but bid them keep + off the multitude. In so vast an army the rabble are riotous, and the + sailors' uncontrolled insolence is fiercer than fire; and he is evil, who + does not evil. But do thou, my old attendant, taking an urn, fill it with + sea water, and bring it hither, that I may wash my girl in her last bath, + the bride no bride now, and the virgin no longer a virgin, wash her, and + lay her out; according to her merits—whence can I? This I can not; + but as I can, I will, for what can I do! And collecting ornaments from + among the captured women, who dwell beside me in these tents, if any one, + unobserved by our new lords, has by her any stolen memorial of her home. + O state of my house, O mansions once happy! O Priam, of vast wealth + possessed, and supremely blest in thine offspring, and I too, this aged + woman, the mother of such children! How have we come to nothing, bereft + of our former grandeur! And yet still forsooth we are elated, one of us + in his gorgeous palaces; another, when honored among his citizens. These + are nothing. In vain the counsels of the mind, and the tongue's boast. He + is most blest, to whom from day to day no evil happens.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>Against me was it fated that calamity, against me was it fated that + woe should spring, when Paris first hewed the pine in Ida's forest, + preparing to cut his way over the ocean surge to the bed of Helen, the + fairest that the sun's golden beams shine upon. For toils, and fate more + stern than toils, close us round: and from the folly of one came a public + calamity fatal to the land of Simois, and woes springing from other woes: + and when the dispute was decided, which the shepherd decided between the + three daughters of the blessed Gods on Ida's top, for war, and slaughter, + and the desolation of my palaces. And many a Spartan virgin at her home + on the banks of the fair-flowing Eurotas sighs while bathed in tears: and + many an aged matron strikes her hand against her hoary head, for her + children who have perished, and tears her cheek making her nails all + blood-stained with her wounds.</p> + +<p class="center">FEMALE ATTENDANT, CHORUS, HECUBA.</p> + + <p>ATT. O attendants, where, I pray, is the all-wretched Hecuba, who + surpasses the whole race of man and woman kind in calamities? no one + shall wrest from her the crown.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But what dost thou want, O wretch, in thy words of ill omen? for + thy messages of woe never rest.</p> + + <p>ATT. I bring this grief to Hecuba; but in calamity 'tis no easy thing + for men to speak words of good import.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And see, she is coming out of the house, and appears in the + right time for thy words.</p> + + <p>ATT. O all-wretched mistress, and yet still more wretched than I can + express in words, thou art undone, and no longer beholdest the light, + childless, husbandless, cityless, entirely destroyed.</p> + + <p>HEC. Thou has said nothing new, but hast reproached me who already + know it: but why dost thou bring this corse of my Polyxena, whose + sepulture was reported to me as in a state of active progress through the + labors of all the Grecians?</p> + + <p>ATT. She nothing knows, but, woe's me! laments Polyxena, nor does she + apprehend her new misfortunes.</p> + + <p>HEC. O wretched me! dost bring hither the body of the frantic and + inspired Cassandra?</p> + + <p>ATT. She whom thou mentionedst, lives; but thou dost not weep for him + who is dead; but behold this corse cast naked [on the shore,] and look if + it will appear to thee a wonder, and what thou little expectest.</p> + + <p>HEC. Alas me! I do indeed see my son Polydore a corse, whom (<i>I + fondly hoped</i>) the man of Thrace was preserving in his palace. Now am + I lost indeed, I no longer exist. Oh my child, my child! Alas! I begin + the Bacchic strain, having lately learned my woes from my evil + genius.</p> + + <p>ATT. Thou knowest then the calamity of thy son, O most + unfortunate.</p> + + <p>HEC. I see incredible evils, still fresh, still fresh: and my + immeasurable woes follow one upon the other. No longer will a day without + a tear, without a groan, have part with me.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Dreadful, oh! dreadful are the miseries that we endure!</p> + + <p>HEC. O child, child of a wretched mother, by what fate art thou dead, + by what hap liest thou here? by the hand of what man?</p> + + <p>ATT. I know not: on the wave-washed shore I found him.</p> + + <p>HEC. Cast up from the sea, or fallen by the blood-stained spear? (Note + <a name="Hec_C"></a><a href="#HecN_C">[C]</a>.)</p> + + <p>ATT. The ocean's billow cast him up from the deep on the smooth + sand.</p> + + <p>HEC. Woe is me! Now understand I the dream, the vision of mine eyes; + the black-winged phantom has not flitted by me in vain, which I saw + concerning thee, my child, as being no longer in the light of day.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But who slew him? canst thou, O skilled in dreams, declare + him?</p> + + <p>HEC. My friend, my friend, who curbs the steed in Thrace, where his + aged father placed him for concealment.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Ah me! what wilt thou say? Was it to possess his gold that he + slew him!</p> + + <p>HEC. Unutterable deeds, unworthy of a name, surpassing miracles, + unhallowed, insufferable! Where are the laws of hospitality? O most + accurst of men, how didst thou mar that skin, how sever with the cruel + sword the poor limbs of this boy, nor didst feel pity?</p> + + <p>CHOR. O hapless woman, how has the deity made thee by far the most + wretched of mortals, whoever he be that presses heavy on thee! But, my + friends, let us henceforward be silent, for I see our lord Agamemnon + advancing.</p> + +<p class="center">AGAMEMNON, CHORUS, HECUBA.</p> + + <p>AGA. Why, Hecuba, delayest thou to come, and bury thy girl in her + tomb, agreeably to what Talthybius told me, that no one of the Argives + should be suffered to touch thy daughter. For our part we leave her + alone, and touch her not; but thou art slow, whereat I am astonished. I + am come therefore to fetch thee, for every thing there has been well and + duly performed, if aught of well there be in this. Ah! what corse is this + I see before the tent? some Trojan's too? for that it is no Grecian's, + the robes that vest his limbs inform me.</p> + + <p>HEC. (<i>aside</i>) Thou ill-starr'd wretch! myself I mean, when I say + "thou." O Hecuba, what shall I do? Shall I fall at the knees of Agamemnon + here, or bear my ills in silence?</p> + + <p>AGA. Why dost lament turning thy back upon me, and sayest not what has + happened? Who is this?</p> + + <p>HEC. (<i>aside</i>) But should he, thinking me a slave, an enemy, + spurn me from his knees, I should be adding to my present sufferings.</p> + + <p>AGA. No prophet I, so as to trace, unless by hearing, the path of thy + counsels.</p> + + <p>HEC. (<i>aside</i>) Am I not rather then putting an evil construction + on this man's thoughts, whereas he has no evil intention toward me?</p> + + <p>AGA. If thou art willing that I should nothing of this affair, thou + art of a mind with me, for neither do I wish to hear.</p> + + <p>HEC. (<i>aside</i>) I can not without him take vengeance for my + children. Why do I thus hesitate? I must be bold, whether I succeed, or + fail. Agamemnon, by these knees, and by thy beard I implore thee, and by + thy blessed hand—</p> + + <p>AGA. What thy request? Is it to pass thy life in freedom? for this is + easy for thee to obtain.</p> + + <p>HEC. Not this indeed; but so that I avenge myself on the bad, I am + willing to pass my whole life in slavery.</p> + + <p>AGA. And for what assistance dost thou call on me?</p> + + <p>HEC. In none of those things which thou imaginest, O king. Seest thou + this corse, o'er which I drop the tear?</p> + + <p>AGA. I see it; thy meaning however I can not learn from this.</p> + + <p>HEC. Him did I once bring forth, him bore I in my bosom.</p> + + <p>AGA. Is this indeed one of thy children, O unhappy woman?</p> + + <p>HEC. It is, but not of the sons of Priam who fell under the walls of + Troy.</p> + + <p>AGA. Didst thou then bear any other besides those, O lady?</p> + + <p>HEC. In vain, as it appears, this whom you see.</p> + + <p>AGA. But where did he chance to be, when the city fell?</p> + + <p>HEC. His father sent him out of the country, dreading his death.</p> + + <p>AGA. Whither, having removed him alone of his children then alive?</p> + + <p>HEC. To this country, where he was found a corse.</p> + + <p>AGA. To him who is king over this state, to Polymestor?</p> + + <p>HEC. Hither was he sent, the guardian of gold, which proved most + destructive to him.</p> + + <p>AGA. By whose hand then he is dead, and having met with what fate?</p> + + <p>HEC. By whom else should he? The Thracian host slew him.</p> + + <p>AGA. O wretch! was he so inflamed with the desire of obtaining the + gold?</p> + + <p>HEC. Even so, after he had heard of Troy's disasters.</p> + + <p>AGA. And where didst thou find him, or who brought the body?</p> + + <p>HEC. She, meeting with it on the sea-shore.</p> + + <p>AGA. In quest of it, or occupied in some other employment?</p> + + <p>HEC. She was going to bring from the sea wherewith to bathe + Polyxena.</p> + + <p>AGA. This friend then, as it seems, murdered him, and after that cast + him out.</p> + + <p>HEC. To toss upon the waves thus gashing his body.</p> + + <p>AGA. O thou unhappy from thy unmeasured ills!</p> + + <p>HEC. I perish, no woe is left, O Agamemnon.</p> + + <p>AGA. Alas! alas! What woman was ever so unfortunate?</p> + + <p>HEC. There is none, except you reckon Misfortune herself. But for what + cause I fall at thy knees, now hear: if I appear to you to suffer these + ills justly, I would be reconciled to them; but if otherwise, be thou my + avenger on this man, this most impious of false friends; who revering + neither the Gods beneath<a name="Hec_12"></a><a + href="#HecN_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a> the earth, nor the Gods above, hath + done this most unholy deed, having often partaken of the same table with + me, [and in the list of hospitality the first of my friends; and having + met with whatever was due,<a name="Hec_13"></a><a + href="#HecN_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> and having received a full + consideration for his services,<a name="Hec_14"></a><a + href="#HecN_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a>] slew him, and deigned not to give + him a tomb, <i>which he might have given</i>, although he purposed to + slay him, but cast him forth at the mercy of the waves. We indeed are + slaves, and perhaps weak; but the Gods are strong, and strong the law, + which governs them; for by the law we judge that there are Gods, and we + live having justice and injustice strictly defined; which if when + referred to thee it be disregarded, and they shall suffer no punishment + who slay their guests, or dare to pollute the hallowed statutes of the + Gods, there is nothing equitable in the dealings of men. Beholding these + things then in a base and proper light, reverence me; pity me, and, as + the artist stands aside <i>to view a picture</i>, do thou view my living + portrait, and see what woes I am enduring. Once was I a queen, but now I + am thy slave; once was I blest in my children, but now aged, and at the + same time childless, cityless, destitute, the most miserable of mortals. + Alas me wretched! whither withdrawest from me thy foot? It seems<a + name="Hec_15"></a><a href="#HecN_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> I shall make no + impression, wretch that I am. Why then do we mortals toil after all other + sciences, as a matter of duty, and dive into them, but least of all + strive to learn thoroughly Persuasion, the sole mistress o'er the minds + of men, giving a price for her knowledge, that at some time we may have + it in our power at once to persuade and obtain what we wish?—How + then can any one hereafter hope that he shall be fortunate? So many + children that I had, and now not one is left to me. But I am perishing a + captive in base servitude, and yet see the smoke there leaping aloft from + the city. And however this part of my argument may perchance be vain, the + bringing forward love; still nevertheless it shall be urged. My daughter + is wont to sleep by thy side, that prophetess, whom the Trojans call + Cassandra. Where wilt thou show that thy nights were nights of love, O + king, or will my daughter receive any recompense for her most fond + embraces, and I through her? [For from the secret shade, and from night's + joys, the greatest delight is wont to spring to mortals.] Now then + attend. Thou seest this corse? Him assisting, thou wilt assist one joined + to thee in affinity. One thing my speech wants yet. I would fain I had a + voice in my arms, and hands, and in my hair, and in my footsteps, or by + the skill of Dædalus, or some God, that each at once might hold thy + knees, weeping, and imploring in all the strains of eloquence. O my lord. + O greatest light of the Greeks, be persuaded; lend thy hand to avenge + this aged woman, although she is of no consequence, yet avenge her. For + it belongs to a good man to minister justice, and always and in every + case to punish the bad.</p> + + <p>CHOR. It is strange, how every thing happens to mortals, and laws + determine even the fates, making the greatest enemies friends, and + enemies of those who before were on good terms.</p> + + <p>AGA. I, O Hecuba, have pity both on thee and thy son, thy misfortunes, + and thy suppliant touch, and I am willing in regard both to the Gods and + to justice, that this impious host should give thee full revenge, + provided a way could be found, that both you might be gratified, and I + might in the eyes of the army not seem to meditate this destruction + against the king of Thrace for Cassandra's sake. For there is a point in + which apprehension hath reached me. This man the army deems a friend, the + dead an enemy; but if he is dear to thee, this is a private feeling and + does not affect the army. Wherefore consider, that thou hast me willing + to labor with thee, and ready to assist thee, but backward, should I be + murmured against among the Greeks.</p> + + <p>HEC. Alas! no mortal is there who is free. For either he is the slave + of money or of fortune; or the populace of the city or the dictates of + the law constrain him to adopt manners not accordant with his natural + inclinations. But since thou fearest, and payest too much regard to the + multitude, I will liberate thee from this fear. For consent with me, if I + meditate vengeance against the murderer of this youth, but do not act + with me. But should any tumult or offer of assistance arise from out of + the Greeks, when the Thracian feels the punishment he shall feel, + suppress it, not appearing to do it for my sake: but of the rest be + confident: I will dispose all things well.</p> + + <p>AGA. How then? What wilt thou do? Wilt thou grasp the sword in thine + aged hand, and strike the barbarian? or with poison wilt thou work, or + with what assistance? What hand will conspire with thee? whence wilt thou + procure friends?</p> + + <p>HEC. These tents inclose a host of Trojan dames.</p> + + <p>AGA. Meanest thou the captives, the booty of the Greeks?</p> + + <p>HEC. With these will I avenge me of my murderer.</p> + + <p>AGA. And how shall the victory over men be to women?</p> + + <p>HEC. Numbers are powerful, with stratagem invincible.</p> + + <p>AGA. Powerful, I grant; I mistrust however the race of women.</p> + + <p>HEC. And why? Did not women slay the sons of Ægyptus,<a + name="Hec_16"></a><a href="#HecN_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> and utterly + extirpated the race of men from Lemnos?<a name="Hec_17"></a><a + href="#HecN_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a> But thus let it be. Give up this + discussion. But grant this woman to pass in safety through the army. And + do thou go to the Thracian host and tell him, "Hecuba, once queen of + Troy, sends for you on business of no less importance to yourself than to + her, and your sons likewise, since it is of consequence that your + children also should hear her words."—And do thou, O Agamemnon, as + yet forbear to raise the tomb over the newly-sacrificed Polyxena, that + these two, the brother and the sister, the divided care of their mother, + may, when reduced to ashes by one and the same flame, be interred side by + side.</p> + + <p>AGA. Thus shall it be. And yet, if the army could sail, I should not + have it in my power to grant thy request: but now, for the deity breathes + not prosperous gales, we must wait, watching for a calm voyage. But may + things turn out well some way or other: for this is a general principle + among all, both individuals in private and states, That the wicked man + should feel vengeance, but the good man enjoy prosperity.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>O thou, my country of Troy, no longer shall thou be called the city of + the invincible, such a cloud of Grecians envelops thee, with the spear, + with the spear having destroyed thee. And thou hast been shorn of thy + crown of turrets, and thou hast been discolored by the dismal blackness + of smoke; hapless city, no longer shall I tread my steps in thee.</p> + + <p>In the midnight hour I perished, when after the feast sweet sleep is + scattered over the eyes. And my husband, from the song and cheerful + sacrifice retired, was sleeping peacefully in my bed, his spear on its + peg, no more dreaming to behold the naval host of the Greeks treading the + streets of Troy. But I was binding my braided hair with fillets fastened + on the top of mine head, looking into the round polished surface of the + golden mirror, that I might get into my bed prepared for me. On a sudden + a tumultuous cry penetrated the city; and this shout of exhortation was + heard in the streets of Troy, "When indeed, ye sons of Grecians, when, + <i>if not now</i>, will ye return to your homes having overthrown the + proud citadel of Ilium!" And having left my dear bed, in a single robe, + like a Spartan virgin, flying for aid to the venerable shrine of Diana, I + hapless fled in vain. And I am dragged, after having seen my husband + slain, to the ocean waves; and casting a distant look back upon my city, + after the vessel had begun her way in her return to Greece, and divided + me from the land of Troy, I wretched fainted through anguish. And + consigning to curses Helen, the sister of the Twin Brothers, and the + Idean shepherd, the ruthless Paris, since his marriage, no marriage, but + some Fury's hate hath utterly destroyed me far from my native land, and + hath driven me from my home. Whom may the ocean refuse ever to bear back + again; and may she never reach again her paternal home.</p> + +<p class="center">POLYMESTOR, HECUBA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>POLY. O Priam, thou dearest of men, and thou most dear Hecuba, at thy + sight I weep for thee, and thy city, and thy daughter who has lately + died. Alas! there is nothing secure, neither glory, nor when one is + faring well is there a certainty that he will not fare ill. But the Gods + mingle these things promiscuously to and fro, making all confusion, so + that we through ignorance may worship them. But wherefore should I utter + these plaints, which in no way tend to free thee from thy former + calamities. But thou, if thou hast aught to blame for my absence, + forbear; for I chanced to be afar off in the middle of my Thracian + territories, when thou camest hither; but soon as I returned, as I was + already setting out from my house, this maid of thine met me for the + self-same purpose, and delivered thy message, which when I had heard, I + came.</p> + + <p>HEC. O Polymestor, I am ashamed to look thee in the face, sunk as I am + in such miseries; for before one who has seen me in prosperity, shame + overwhelms me, being in the state in which I now am, nor can I look upon + thee with unmoved eyes. But impute not this to any enmity I bear thee; + but there are other causes, and in some degree this law; "that women + ought not to gaze at men."</p> + + <p>POLY. And 'tis indeed no wonder; but what need hast thou of me? for + what purpose didst thou send for me to come from home?</p> + + <p>HEC. I am desirous of communicating a private affair of my own to thee + and thy children; but order thy attendants to retire from these + tents.</p> + + <p>POLY. Depart, for here to be alone is safe. Friendly thou art, this + Grecian army too is friendly toward me, but it is for thee to signify, in + what manner I, who am in good circumstances, ought to succor my friends + in distress; since, on my part, I am ready.</p> + + <p>HEC. First then tell me of my son Polydore, whom thou retainest, + receiving him from mine, and from his father's hand, if he live; but the + rest I shall inquire of thee afterward.</p> + + <p>POLY. He lives, and in good health; as far as regards him indeed thou + art happy.</p> + + <p>HEC. O my best friend, how well thou speakest, and how worthily of + thyself!</p> + + <p>POLY. What dost thou wish then to inquire of me in the next place?</p> + + <p>HEC. Whether he remembers at all me, his mother?</p> + + <p>POLY. Yes: and he even sought to come to thee by stealth.</p> + + <p>HEC. And is the gold safe, which he brought with him from Troy?</p> + + <p>POLY. It is safe, at least it is guarded in my house.</p> + + <p>HEC. Preserve it therefore, nor covet the goods of others.</p> + + <p>POLY. Certainly not. May I enjoy what is mine own, O lady.</p> + + <p>HEC. Knowest thou then, what I wish to say to thee and thy + children?</p> + + <p>POLY. I do not: this shalt thou signify by thy speech.</p> + + <p>HEC. Be my son loved by thee, as thou art now loved of me.</p> + + <p>POLY. What is it, that I and my sons must know?</p> + + <p>HEC. The ancient buried treasures of the family of Priam.</p> + + <p>POLY. Is it this thou wishest me to inform thy son of?</p> + + <p>HEC. Yes, certainly; through thee at least, for thou art a pious + man.</p> + + <p>POLY. What necessity then is there for the presence of these + children?</p> + + <p>HEC. 'Tis better in case of thy death, that these should know.</p> + + <p>POLY. Well hast thou thus said, and 'tis the wiser plan.</p> + + <p>HEC. Thou knowest then where the temple of Minerva in Troy + is—</p> + + <p>POLY. Is the gold there! but what is the mark?</p> + + <p>HEC. A black rock rising above the earth.</p> + + <p>POLY. Hast any thing further to tell me of what is there?</p> + + <p>HEC. No, but I wish thee to take care of some treasures, with which I + came out of the city.</p> + + <p>POLY. Where are they then? Hast thou them hidden beneath thy + robes?</p> + + <p>HEC. Amidst a heap of spoils they are preserved in this tent.</p> + + <p>POLY. But where? These are the naval encampments of the Grecians.</p> + + <p>HEC. The habitations of the captive women are private.</p> + + <p>POLY. And is all secure within, and untenanted by men?</p> + + <p>HEC. Not one of the Greeks is within, but we women only. But come into + the tent, for the Greeks are desirous of loosing the sheets of their + vessels homeward from Troy; so that, having done every thing that thou + oughtest, thou mayest go with thy children to that place where thou hast + given my son to dwell.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Not yet hast thou suffered, but peradventure thou wilt suffer + vengeance; as a man falling headlong into the gulf where no harbor is, + shalt thou be hurled from thy dear heart, having lost thy life;<a + name="Hec_18"></a><a href="#HecN_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> for where the + rites of hospitality coincide<a name="Hec_19"></a><a + href="#HecN_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a> with justice, and with the Gods, + <i>on the villain who dares to violate these</i> destructive, destructive + indeed impends the evil. But thy hopes will deceive thee, which thou + entertainedst from this journey, which has brought thee, thou wretched + man, to the deadly mansions of Pluto; but thou shalt quit thy life by no + warrior's hand.</p> + +<p class="center">POLYMESTOR, HECUBA, SEMICHORUS.</p> + + <p>POLY. Oh me! I wretch am deprived of the sight of mine eyes.</p> + + <p>SEMI. Heard ye the shriek of the man of Thrace, my friends?</p> + + <p>POLY. Oh me; there again—Oh my children, thy miserable + butchery!</p> + + <p>SEMI. My friends, some strange ills have been perpetrated within the + tents.</p> + + <p>POLY. But for all your nimble feet, ye never can escape me, for by my + blows will I burst open the recesses of these tents.</p> + + <p>SEMI. Behold, he uses violently the weapon of his heavy hand. Will ye + that we fall on; since the instant calls on us to be present with + assistance to Hecuba and the Trojan dames?</p> + + <p>HEC. Dash on, spare nothing, break down the gates, for thou never + shalt replace the clear sight in those pupils, nor shalt thou behold + alive those children which I have slain.</p> + + <p>SEMI. What! hast thou vanquished the Thracian? and hast thou got the + mastery over this host, my mistress? and hast thou done such deeds, as + thou sayest?</p> + + <p>HEC. Thou wilt see him quickly before the house, blind, with blind + wandering steps approaching, and the bodies of his two children, whom I + have slain with these most valiant Trojan women; but he has felt my + vengeance; but he is coming as thou seest from the tent. But I will + retire out of his way, and make good my retreat from the boiling rage of + this most desperate Thracian.</p> + + <p>POLY. Alas me! whither can I go? where stand? whither shall I direct + my way, advancing my steps like the four-footed mountain beast on my + hands and on my feet in pursuit? What new path shall I take in this + direction or in that, desirous of seizing these murderous Trojan dames, + who have utterly destroyed me; O ye impious, impious Phrygian daughters! + Ah the accursed, in what corner do they shrink from me in flight? Would + that thou, O sun, could'st heal, could'st heal these bleeding lids of my + eyes, and remove this gloomy-darkness. Ah, hush, hush! I hear the + carefully-concealed step of these women. Whither shall I direct my course + in order that I may glut myself on the flesh and bones of these, making + the wild beasts' banquet, inflicting vengeance on them, in return for the + injuries done me. Wretch that I am! Whither, whither am I borne, having + left my children deserted, for these fiends of hell to tear piecemeal, a + mangled, bleeding, savage prey to dogs, and a thing to cast out on the + mountains? Where shall I stand? Whither turn? Whither go, as a ship + setting her yellow canvas sails with her sea-washed palsers, rushing to + this lair of death, the protector of my children?</p> + + <p>CHOR. O miserable man, what intolerable evils have been perpetrated by + thee! but on thee having done base deeds the God hath sent dreadful + punishment, whoever he be that presses heavy on thee.</p> + + <p>POLY. Alas! alas! O Thracian nation, brandishing the spear, warlike, + bestriding the steed, nation ruled by Mars; O ye Greeks, sons of Atreus; + I raise the cry, the cry, the cry; Come, come, hasten, I entreat you by + the Gods. Does any hear, or will no one assist me? Why do ye delay? The + women have destroyed me, the captive women. Horrible, horrible treatment + have I suffered. Alas me for my ruin! Whither can I turn? Whither can I + go? Shall I soar through the ethereal skies to the lofty mansions where + Orion or Sirius dart from their eyes the flaming rays of fire: or shall I + hapless rush to the gloomy shore of Pluto?</p> + + <p>CHOR. It is pardonable, when any one suffers greater misfortunes than + he can bear, for him to be desirous to quit a miserable life.</p> + +<p class="center">AGAMEMNON, POLYMESTOR, HECUBA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>AGA. I came having heard the clamor: for Echo, the mountain's + daughter, did not sound in gentle strains through the army, causing a + disturbance. But did we not know that the Phrygian towers are fallen + beneath the Grecian spear, this tumult might have caused no little + terror.</p> + + <p>POLY. O my dearest friend (for I know thee, Agamemnon, having heard + thy voice), seest thou what I am suffering?</p> + + <p>AGA. Ah! wretched Polymestor, who hath destroyed thee? who made thine + eyes sightless, having drowned their orbs in blood? And who hath slain + these thy children? Sure, whoe'er it was, felt the greatest rage against + thee and thy sons.</p> + + <p>POLY. Hecuba with the female captives hath destroyed me—nay, not + destroyed me, but more than destroyed me.</p> + + <p>AGA. What sayest thou? Hast thou done this deed, as he affirms? Hast + thou, Hecuba, dared this inconceivable act of boldness?</p> + + <p>POLY. Ah me! what wilt thou say? Is she any where near me? Show me, + tell me where she is, that I may seize her in my hands, and tear + piecemeal and mangle her body.</p> + + <p>AGA. What ho! what are you doing?</p> + + <p>POLY. By the Gods I entreat thee, suffer me to lay my raging hand upon + her.</p> + + <p>AGA. Forbear. And having banished this barbarous deed from thy + thoughts, speak; that having heard both thee and her in your respective + turns, I may decide justly, in return for what thou art suffering these + ills.</p> + + <p>POLY. I will speak then. There was a certain youth, the youngest of + Priam's children, by name Polydore, the son of Hecuba; him his father + Priam sent to me from Troy to bring up in my palace, already presaging<a + name="Hec_20"></a><a href="#HecN_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> the capture of + Troy. Him I put to death. But for what cause I put him to death, with + what policy and prudent forethought, now hear. I feared, lest the boy + being left an enemy to thee, should collect the scattered remnants of + Troy, and again people the city. And lest the Greeks, having discovered + that one of the sons of Priam was alive, should again direct an + expedition against the Phrygian land, and after that should harass and + lay waste the plains of Thrace; and it might fare ill with the neighbors + of the Trojans, under which misfortune, O king, we are now laboring. But + Hecuba, when she had discovered her son's death, by such treachery as + this lured me hither, as about to tell me of treasure belonging to + Priam's family concealed in Troy, and introduces me alone with my sons + into the tent, that no one else might know it. And I sat, having reclined + on the centre of the couch; but many Trojan damsels, some from the left + hand, and others from the right, sat round me, as by an intimate friend, + holding in their hands the Edonian looms, and praised these robes, + looking at them in the light; but others, beholding with admiration my + Thracian spear, deprived me of my double ornament. But as many as were + mothers caressed my children in their arms in seeming admiration, that + they might be farther removed from their father, successively handing + them from one to another: and then, amidst their kind blandishments, what + think you? in an instant, snatching from somewhere beneath their garments + their daggers, they stab my children. But they having seized me in an + hostile manner held my hands and feet; and if, wishing to succor my + children, I raised my head, they held me by the hair: but if I attempted + to move my hands, I wretched could effect nothing through the host of + women. But at last, cruelty and worse than cruelty, they perpetrated + dreadful things; for having taken their clasps they pierce and gore the + wretched pupils of my eyes, then vanish in flight through the tent. But + I, having leaped out, like some exasperated beast, pursue the + blood-stained wretches, searching every wall, as the hunter, casting + down, rending. This have I suffered, while studious to advance thy + interest, Agamemnon, and having killed thine enemy. But that I may not + extend my speech to a greater length, if any one of those of ancient + times hath reviled women, or if any one doth now, or shall hereafter + revile them, I will comprise the whole when I say, that such a race + neither doth the sea nor the earth produce, but he who is always with + them knows it best.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Be not at all insolent, nor, in thy calamities, thus + comprehending the female sex, abuse them all. For of us there are many, + some indeed are envied <i>for their virtues</i>, but some are by nature + in the catalogue of bad things.</p> + + <p>HEC. Agamemnon, it never were fitting among men that the tongue should + have greater force than actions. But if a man has acted well, well should + he speak; if on the other hand basely, his words likewise should be + unsound, and never ought he to be capable of speaking unjust things well. + Perhaps indeed they who have brought these things to a pitch of accuracy + are accounted wise, but they can not endure wise unto the end, but perish + vilely, nor has any one yet escaped this. And this in my prelude is what + I have to say to thee. Now am I going to direct my discourse to this man, + and I will answer his arguments. Thou, that assertest, that in order to + rid the Greeks of their redoubled toil, and for Agamemnon's sake that + thou didst slay my son? But, in the first place, monstrous villain, never + can the race of barbarians be friendly to the Grecians, never can this + take place. But what favor wert thou so eagerly currying? wert thou about + to contract an alliance, or was it that thou wert of kindred birth, or + what pretext hadst thou? or were they about to ravage the crops of thy + country, having sailed thither again? Whom, thinkest thou, wilt thou + persuade of these things? The gold, if thou wert willing to speak truth, + the gold destroyed my son, and thy base gains. For come, tell me this; + how when Troy was prosperous, and a tower yet girt around the city, and + Priam lived, and the spear of Hector was in its glory, why didst thou not + then, if thou wert willing to lay him under this obligation, bringing up + my child, and retaining him in thy palace, why didst thou not then slay + him, or go and take him alive to the Greeks? But when we were no longer + in the light of prosperity, and the city by its smoke showed that it was + in the power of the enemy, thou slewest thy guest who had come to thy + hearth. Now hear besides how thou wilt appear vile: thou oughtest, if + thou wert the friend of the Greeks, to have given the gold, which thou + confessedst thou hast, not thine, but his, distributing to those who were + in need, and had long been strangers to their native land. But thou, even + now, hast not courage to part with it from thy hand, but having it, thou + still art keeping it close in thine house. And yet, in bringing up my + child, as it was thy duty to bring him up, and in preserving him, thou + hadst had fair honor. For in adversity friends are most clearly proved + good. But good circumstances have in every case their friends. But if + thou wert in want of money, and he in a flourishing condition, my son had + been to thee a vast treasure; but now, thou neither hast him for thy + friend, and the benefit from the gold is gone, and thy sons are gone, and + thou art—as thou art. But to thee, Agamemnon, I say; if thou aidest + this man, thou wilt appear to be doing wrong. For thou wilt be conferring + a benefit on a host, who is neither pious, nor faithful to those to whom + he ought, not holy, not just. But we shall say that thou delightest in + the bad, if thus thou actest: but I speak no offense to my lords.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Ah! Ah! How do good deeds ever supply to men the source of good + words!</p> + + <p>AGA. Thankless my office to decide on others' grievances; but still I + must, for it brings disgrace on a man, having taken a thing in hand, to + give it up. But to me, be assured, thou neither appearest for my sake, + nor for the sake of the Grecians, to have killed this man thy guest, but + that thou mightest possess the gold in thy palace. But thou talkest of + thy advantage, when thou art in calamities.<a name="Hec_21"></a><a + href="#HecN_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> Perhaps with you it is a slight thing + to kill your guests; but with us Grecians this thing is abhorred. How + then, in giving my decision that thou hast not injured, can I escape + blame? I can not; but as thou hast dared to do things dishonorable, + endure now things unpleasant.</p> + + <p>POLY. Alas me! worsted, as it seems, by a woman who is a slave, I + shall submit to the vengeance of my inferiors.</p> + + <p>AGA. Will it not then be justly, seeing thou hast acted wrong?</p> + + <p>POLY. Alas me! wretched on account of these children and on account of + my eyes.</p> + + <p>HEC. Thou sufferest? but what do I? Thinkest thou I suffer not for my + child?</p> + + <p>POLY. Thou rejoicest in insulting me, O thou malicious woman.</p> + + <p>HEC. For ought not I to rejoice on having avenged myself on thee?</p> + + <p>POLY. But thou wilt not soon, when the liquid wave—</p> + + <p>HEC. Shall bear me, <i>dost thou mean</i>, to the confines of the + Grecian land?</p> + + <p>POLY. —shall cover thee, having fallen from the shrouds.</p> + + <p>HEC. From whom meeting with this violent leap?</p> + + <p>POLY. Thyself shalt climb with thy feet up the ship's mast.</p> + + <p>HEC. Having wings on my back, or in what way?</p> + + <p>POLY. Thou shalt become a dog with a fiery aspect.</p> + + <p>HEC. But how dost thou know of this my metamorphose?</p> + + <p>POLY. Dionysius the Thracian prophet told it me.</p> + + <p>HEC. But did he not declare to thee any of the evils which thou + sufferest?</p> + + <p>POLY. No: for, <i>if he had</i>, thou never wouldst thus treacherously + have taken me.</p> + + <p>HEC. <a name="Hec_22"></a><a href="#HecN_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a>Thence + shall I conclude my life in death, or still live on?</p> + + <p>POLY. Thou shalt die. But the name of thy tomb shall be—</p> + + <p>HEC. Dost thou speak of it as in any way correspondent to my + shape?</p> + + <p>POLY. <a name="Hec_23"></a><a href="#HecN_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a>The + tomb of the wretched dog, a mark to mariners.</p> + + <p>HEC. I heed it not, since thou at least hast felt my vengeance.</p> + + <p>POLY. And it is fated too for thy daughter Cassandra to die.</p> + + <p>HEC. I renounce these prophecies; I give them for thyself to bear.</p> + + <p>POLY. Him shall his wife slay, a cruel guardian of his house.</p> + + <p>HEC. Never yet may the daughter of Tyndarus have arrived at such + madness.</p> + + <p>POLY. Even this man himself, having lifted up the axe.</p> + + <p>AGA. What ho! thou art mad, and art desirous of obtaining greater + ills.</p> + + <p>POLY. Kill me, for the murderous bath at Argos awaits thee.</p> + + <p>AGA. Will ye not, slaves, forcibly drag him from my presence?</p> + + <p>POLY. Thou art galled at what thou hearest.</p> + + <p>AGA. Will ye not stop his mouth?</p> + + <p>POLY. Stop it: for the word is spoken.</p> + + <p>AGA. Will ye not as quick as possible cast him out on some desert + island, since he is thus, and past endurance insolent? But do thou, + wretched Hecuba, go and bury thy two dead: and you, O Trojan dames, must + approach your masters' tents, for I perceive that the gales are favorable + for wafting us to our homes. And may we sail in safety to our native + country, and behold our household and families in prosperity, having + found rest from these toils.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Come, my friends, to the harbor, and the tents, to undergo the + tasks imposed by our masters. For necessity is relentless.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>NOTES ON HECUBA</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="HecN_1"></a><a href="#Hec_1">[1]</a> Homer makes Dymas, not + Cisseus, the father of Hecuba. Virgil however follows Euripides, the rest + of the Latin poets Virgil.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_2"></a><a href="#Hec_2">[2]</a> In the martial time of + antiquity the spear was reverenced as something divine, and signified the + chief command in arms, it was also the insigne of the highest civil + authority: in this sense Euripides in other places uses the word <span + lang="el" title="dory">δορυ</span>. See Hippol. + 988.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_3"></a><a href="#Hec_3">[3]</a> <span lang="el" + title="tritaios">τριταιος</span> + properly signifies <i>triduanus</i>; here it is used for <span lang="el" + title="tritos">τριτος</span>, the + cardinal number for the ordinal. So also Hippol. 275.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="Pôs d' ou, tritaian g' ous' asitos hêmeran:">Πως δ' ου, τριταιαν γ' ουσ' ασιτος ‛ημεραν:</span></p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="HecN_4"></a><a href="#Hec_4">[4]</a> Most interpreters render + this, <i>leaning on the crooked staff with my hand</i>. Nor has Beck + altered it in his Latin version, though he transcribed Musgrave's note. + "<span lang="el" title="skoliô, + skimpôni">σκολιω, + σκιμπωνι</span> (<i>for + which Porson directs</i> <span lang="el" + title="skipôni">σκιπωνι</span>,) + Scipiones in universum recti sunt, non curvi. Loquitur igitur non de vero + scipione, sed metaphorice de brachio, quod ancillis innitens, scipionis + usum præstabat; quodque, ob cubiti flexuram, <span lang="el" + title="skolion + skimpôma">σκολιον + σκιμπωμα</span> + vocat."</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_5"></a><a href="#Hec_5">[5]</a> <i>that babbling + knave</i>.] Tzetzes on Lycophron, line 763. <span lang="el" title="kopis, + ho rhêtôr, kai empeiros, ho hypo pollôn pragmatôn + kekommenos">κοπις, ‛ο + ‛ρητωρ, και + εμπειρος, ‛ο + ‛υπο πολλων + πραγματων + κεκομμενος</span>. + In the Index to Lycophron <span lang="el" + title="kopis">κοπις</span> is translated + <i>scurra</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_6"></a><a href="#Hec_6">[6]</a> Among the ancients it + was the custom for virgins to have a great quantity of golden ornaments + about them, to which Homer alludes, Il. <span lang="el" + title="B">Β</span>. 872.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="Hos kai chryson echôn polemon d' ien êüte kourê">‛Ος και χρυσον εχων πολεμον δ' ιεν ηϋτε κουρη</span>. PORSON.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="HecN_7"></a><a href="#Hec_7">[7]</a> This is the only sense + that can be made of <span lang="el" + title="enthanein">ενθανειν</span>, + and this sense seems strained: Brunck proposes <span lang="el" + title="entakênai">εντακηναι</span> + for <span lang="el" title="enthanein + ge">ενθανειν + γε</span>. See Note <a name="Hec_A"></a><a + href="#HecN_A">[A]</a>.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_8"></a><a href="#Hec_8">[8]</a> <span lang="el" + title="limnê">λιμνη</span> is used for the + <i>sea</i> in Troades 444; as also in Iliad <span lang="el" + title="N">Ν</span>. 21, and Odyssey <span lang="el" + title="G">Γ</span>. 1. and in many other passages of Homer.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_9"></a><a href="#Hec_9">[9]</a> The construction is + <span lang="el" title="ê poreuseis me entha nasôn">η + πορευσεις + με ενθα + νασων</span>; for <span lang="el" + title="eis ekeinên tôn nasôn, entha.">εις + εκεινην των + νασων, + ενθα.</span></p> + + <p><a name="HecN_10"></a><a href="#Hec_10">[10]</a> <span lang="el" + title="keklêmai">κεκλημαι</span> + for <span lang="el" title="eimi">ειμι</span>, not + an unusual signification. Hippol. 2, <span lang="el" title="thea keklêmai + Kypris.">θεα + κεκλημαι + Κυπρις.</span></p> + + <p><a name="HecN_11"></a><a href="#Hec_11">[11]</a> <i>When she perceived + it,</i> <span lang="el" title="ephrasthê, synêken, egnô, + enoêsen">εφρασθη, + συνηκεν, + εγνω, + ενοησεν</span>. + <i>Hesych</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_12"></a><a href="#Hec_12">[12]</a> The Gods beneath he + despised, by casting him out without a tomb; the Gods above, as the + guardians of the rites of hospitality.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_13"></a><a href="#Hec_13">[13]</a> <i>Whatever was + due</i>, either on the score of friendship, or as an equivalent for his + care and protection.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_14"></a><a href="#Hec_14">[14]</a> Musgrave proposes to + read <span lang="el" + title="promisthian">προμισθιαν</span> + for <span lang="el" + title="promêthian">προμηθιαν</span>: + the version above is in accordance with the scholiast and the + paraphrast.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_15"></a><a href="#Hec_15">[15]</a> See note on Medea + 338.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_16"></a><a href="#Hec_16">[16]</a> The story of the + daughters of Danaus is well known.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_17"></a><a href="#Hec_17">[17]</a> Of this there are two + accounts given in the Scholia. The one is, that the women of Lemnos being + punished by Venus with an ill savor, and therefore neglected by their + husbands, conspired against them and slew them. The other is found in + Herodotus, Erato, chap. 138. see also Æsch. Choephoræ, line 627, ed. + Schutz.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_18"></a><a href="#Hec_18">[18]</a> Polymestor was guilty + of two crimes, <span lang="el" + title="adikias">αδικιας</span> + and <span lang="el" + title="asebeias">ασεβειας</span>, + for he had both violated the laws of men, and profaned the deity of + Jupiter Hospitalis. Whence Agamemnon, v. 840, hints that he is to suffer + on both accounts.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="kai boulomai theôn th' hounek anosion xenon,">και βουλομαι θεων θ' ‛ουνεκ ανοσιον ξενον,</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="kai tou dikaion, tênde soi dounai dikên.">και του δικαιον, τηνδε σοι δουναι δικην.</span> </p> + </div> + </div> + <p>The Chorus therefore says, <i>Ubi contingit eundem et Justitiæ et Diis + esse addictum, exitiale semper malum esse</i>; or, as the learned + Hemsterheuyse has more fully and more elegantly expressed, it, + <i>Ubi</i>, id est, <i>in quo</i>, vel <i>in quem cadit et concurrit, ut + ob crimen commissum simul et humanæ justitiæ et Deorum vindictæ sit + obnoxius, ac velut oppignoratus; illi certissimum exitium imminet</i>. + This sense the words give, if for <span lang="el" + title="ou">ου</span>, we read <span lang="el" + title="hou">‛ου</span>, i.e. in the sense of <span + lang="el" title="hopou">‛οπου</span>. + MUSGRAVE. Correct Dindorf's text to <span lang="el" + title="hou">‛ου</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_19"></a><a href="#Hec_19">[19]</a> <span lang="el" + title="sympeseein">συμπεσεειν</span> + <i>in unum coire, coincidere</i>. In this sense it is used also, Herod. + Euterpe, chap. 49.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_20"></a><a href="#Hec_20">[20]</a> The verbal adjective + in <span lang="el" title="tos">τος</span> is almost + universally used in a passive sense; <span lang="el" + title="hypoptos">‛υποπτος</span>, + however, in this place is an exception to the rule, as are also, <span + lang="el" + title="kalyptês">καλυπτης</span>, + Soph. Antig. 1011, <span lang="el" + title="memptos">μεμπτος</span>, + Trachin. 446.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_21"></a><a href="#Hec_21">[21]</a> Perhaps the + preferable way is to make <span lang="el" + title="kakoisin">κακοισιν</span> + agree with <span lang="el" + title="anthrôpois">ανθρωποις</span> + understood; that the sense may be, <i>You are a bad man to talk of your + advantage as a plea for having acted thus</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_22"></a><a href="#Hec_22">[22]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Thanousa d' ê zôs' enthad' ekplêsô + bion">Θανουσα δ' η + ζωσ' ενθαδ' + εκπλησω + βιον</span>; a similar expression occurs in the + Anthologia.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="sigôn parerchou ton talaipôron bion,">σιγων παρερχου τον ταλαιπωρον βιον,</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="autos siôpêi ton chronon mimoumenos,">αυτος σιωπηι τον χρονον μιμουμενος,</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="lathôn de kai biôson. ei de mê, thanôn.">λαθων δε και βιωσον. ει δε μη, θανων.</span> </p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="HecN_23"></a><a href="#Hec_23">[23]</a> The place of her + burial was called Cynosema, a promontory of the Thracian Chersonese. It + was here that the Athenians gained a naval victory over the + Peloponnesians and Syracusans, in the twenty-first year of the + Peloponnesian war. Thucydides, book viii.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>ADDITIONAL NOTES.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="HecN_A"></a><a href="#Hec_A">[A]</a> Vs. 246, <span lang="el" + title="enthanein + ge">ενθανειν + γε</span>. "Pravam esse scripturam dici Brunckius et Corayus + viderunt; quorum ille legere voluit <span lang="el" title="hôst' + entakênai">‛ωστ' + εντακηναι</span>, + hic vero <span lang="el" title="hôst' + embalein">‛ωστ' + εμβαλειν</span>. Sed + neuter rem acu tetigit. Euripides scripsit: <span lang="el" title="hôst' + en ge phynai">‛ωστ' εν + γε φυναι</span>, uti patet ex + Hom. Il. <span lang="el" title="Z">Ζ</span>. 253, <span lang="el" + title="en t' ara hoi phy cheiri">εν τ' + αρα ‛οι φυ + χειρι</span>, Od. <span lang="el" + title="P">Π</span>. 21, <span lang="el" title="panta kysen + periphys">παντα + κυσεν + περιφυς</span>, Theocrit. Id. + xiii. 47, <span lang="el" title="tai d' en cheri pasai + ephysan">ται δ' εν + χερι πασαι + εφυσαν</span>, et, quod rem conficit, + ex Euripidis ipsius Ion. 891, <span lang="el" title="leukois d' emphysas + karpois cheirôn">λευκοις + δ' εμφυσας + καρποις + χειρων</span>." G. BURGES, apud + <i>Revue de Philologie</i>, vol. i. No. 5. p. 457.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_B"></a><a href="#Hec_B">[B]</a> We must, I think, read + <span lang="el" + title="tolmain">τολμαιν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="HecN_C"></a><a href="#Hec_C">[C]</a> Dindorf disposes these + lines differently, but I prefer Porson's arrangement, as follows:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="EK. ekblêton, ê pes. ph. doros;">ΕΚ. εκβλητον, η πες. φ. δορος;</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="THER. en psamathôi leurai">ΘΕΡ. εν ψαμαθωι λευραι</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="pontou nin, k.t.l.">ποντου νιν, κ.τ.λ.</span> </p> + </div> + </div> +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="ORESTES"></a> +<h2>ORESTES.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>PERSONS REPRESENTED.</h3> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>ELECTRA.</p> + <p>HELEN.</p> + <p>HERMIONE.</p> + <p>CHORUS.</p> + <p>ORESTES.</p> + <p>MENELAUS.</p> + <p>TYNDARUS.</p> + <p>PYLADES.</p> + <p>A PHRYGIAN.</p> + <p>APOLLO.</p> + </div> + </div> +<hr /> + +<h3>THE ARGUMENT.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>Orestes, in revenge for the murder of his father, took off Ægisthus + and Clyætmnestra; but having dared to slay his mother, he was instantly + punished for it by being afflicted with madness. But on Tyndarus, the + father of her who was slain, laying an accusation against him, the + Argives were about to give a public decision on this question, "What + ought he, who has dared this impious deed, to suffer?" By chance + Menelaus, having returned from his wanderings, sent in Helen indeed by + night, but himself came by day, and being entreated by Orestes to aid + him, he rather feared Tyndarus the accuser: but when the speeches came to + be spoken among the populace, the multitude were stirred up to kill + Orestes. * * * * But Pylades, his friend, accompanying him, counseled him + first to take revenge on Menelaus by killing Helen. As they were going on + this project, they were disappointed of their hope by the Gods snatching + away Helen from them. But Electra delivered up Hermione, when she made + her appearance, into their hands, and they were about to kill her. When + Menelaus came, and saw himself bereft by them at once of his wife and + child, he endeavored to storm the palace; but they, anticipating his + purpose, threatened to set it on fire. Apollo, however, having appeared, + said that he had conducted Helen to the Gods, and commanded Orestes to + take Hermione to wife, and Electra to dwell with Pylades, and, after that + he was purified of the murder, to reign over Argos.</p> + + <p>The scene of the piece is laid at Argos; But the chorus consists of + Argive women, intimate associates of Electra, who also come on inquiring + about the calamity of Orestes. The play has a catastrophe rather suited + to comedy. The opening scene of the play is thus arranged. Orestes is + discovered before the palace of Agamemnon, fatigued, and, on account of + his madness, lying on a couch on which Electra is sitting by him at his + feet. A difficulty has been started, why does not she sit at his head? + for thus would she seem to watch more tenderly over her brother, if she + sat nearer him. The poet, it is answered, seems to have made this + arrangement on account of the Chorus; for Orestes, who had but just then + and with difficulty gotten to sleep, would have been awakened, if the + women that constituted the Chorus had stood nearer to him. But this we + may infer from what Electra says to the Chorus, "<span lang="el" + title="Siga, siga, lepton ichnos arbylêis">Σιγα, + σιγα, λεπτον + ιχνος + αρβυληις</span>." It is + probable then that the above is the reason of this arrangement.</p> + + <p>The play is among the most celebrated on the stage, but infamous in + its morals; for, with the exception of Pylades, all the characters are + bad persons.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>ORESTES.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center">ELECTRA.</p> + + <p>There is no word so dreadful to relate, nor suffering, nor + heaven-inflicted calamity, the burden of which human nature may not be + compelled to bear. For Tantalus, the blest, (and I am not reproaching his + fortune, <i>when I say this</i>,) the son of Jupiter, as they report, + trembling at the rock which impends over his head, hangs in the air, and + suffers this punishment, as they say indeed, because, although being a + man, yet having the honor of a table in common with the Gods upon equal + terms, he possessed an ungovernable tongue, a most disgraceful malady. He + begat Pelops, and from him sprung Atreus, for whom the Goddess having + carded the wool<a name="Orest_1"></a><a + href="#OrestN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> spun the thread of contention, <i>and + doomed him</i> to make war on Thyestes his relation; (why must I + commemorate things unspeakable?) But Atreus then<a name="Orest_2"></a><a + href="#OrestN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> killed his children—and feasted + him. But from Atreus, for I pass over in silence the misfortunes which + intervened, sprung Agamemnon, the illustrious, (if he was indeed + illustrious,) and Menelaus; their mother Aërope of Crete. But Menelaus + indeed marries Helen, the hated of the Gods, but King Agamemnon + <i>obtained</i> Clytæmnestra's bed, memorable throughout the Grecians: + from whom we virgins were born, three from one mother; Chrysothemis, and + Iphigenia, and myself Electra; and Orestes the male part of the family, + from a most unholy mother, who slew her husband, having covered him + around with an inextricable robe; the reason however it is not decorous + in a virgin to tell; I leave this undeclared for men to consider as they + will. But why indeed must I accuse the injustice of Phœbus? Yet + persuaded he Orestes to kill that mother that brought him forth, a deed + which gained not a good report from all men. But nevertheless he did slay + her, as he would not be disobedient to the God. I also took a share in + the murder, but such as a woman ought to take. As did Pylades also who + perpetrated this deed with us. From that time wasting away, the wretched + Orestes is afflicted with a grievous malady, but falling on his couch + there lies, but his mother's blood whirls him to frenzy (for I dread to + mention those Goddesses, the Eumenides, who persecute him with terror). + Moreover this is the sixth day since his slaughtered mother was purified + by fire as to her body. During which he has neither taken any food down + his throat, he has not bathed his limbs, but covered beneath his cloak, + when indeed his body is lightened of its disease, on coming to his right + mind he weeps, but at another time starts suddenly from his couch, as a + colt from his yoke. But it has been decreed by this city of Argos, that + no one shall receive us who have slain a mother under their roof, nor at + their fire, and that none shall speak to us; but this is the appointed + day, in the which the city of the Argives will pronounce their vote, + whether it is fitting that we should die being stoned with stones, or + having whet the sword, should plunge it into our necks. But I yet have + some hope that we may not die, for Menelaus has arrived at this country + from Troy, and filling the Nauplian harbor with his oars is mooring his + fleet off the shore, having been lost in wanderings from Troy a long + time: but the much-afflicted Helen has he sent before to our palace, + having taken advantage of the night, lest any of those, whose children + died under Ilium, when they saw her coming, by day, might go so far as to + stone her; but she is within bewailing her sister, and the calamity of + her family. She has however some consolation in her woes, for the virgin + Hermione, whom Menelaus bringing from Sparta, left at our palace, when he + sailed to Troy, and gave as a charge to my mother to bring up, in her she + rejoices, and forgets her miseries. But I am looking at each avenue when + I shall see Menelaus present, since, for the rest, we ride on slender + power,<a name="Orest_3"></a><a href="#OrestN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> if we + receive not some succor from him; the house of the unfortunate is an + embarrassed state of affairs.</p> + +<p class="center">ELECTRA. HELEN.</p> + + <p>HEL. O daughter of Clytæmnestra and Agamemnon, O Electra, thou that + hast remained a virgin a long time. How are ye, O wretched woman, both + you, and your brother, the wretched Orestes (he was the murderer of his + mother)? For by thy converse I am not polluted, transferring, as I do, + the blame to Phœbus. And yet I groan the death of Clytæmnestra, + whom, after that I sailed to Troy, (how did I sail, urged by the + maddening fate of the Gods!) I saw not, but of her bereft I lament my + fortune.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Helen, why should I inform thee of things thou seest thyself + here present, the race of Agamemnon in calamities. I indeed sleepless sit + companion to the wretched corse, (for he is a corse, in that he breathes + so little,) but at his fortune I murmur not. But thou a happy woman, and + thy husband a happy man, have come to us, who fare most wretchedly.</p> + + <p>HEL. But what length of time has he been lying on his couch?</p> + + <p>ELEC. Ever since he shed his parent's blood.</p> + + <p>HEL. Oh wretched, and his mother too, that thus she perished!</p> + + <p>ELEC. These things are thus, so that he is unable to speak for + misery.</p> + + <p>HEL. By the Gods wilt thou oblige me in a thing, O virgin?</p> + + <p>ELEC. As far as I am permitted by the little leisure I have from + watching by my brother.</p> + + <p>HEL. Wilt thou go to the tomb of my sister?</p> + + <p>ELEC. My mother's tomb dost thou desire? wherefore?</p> + + <p>HEL. Bearing the first offerings of my hair, and my libations.</p> + + <p>ELEC. But is it not lawful for thee to go to the tomb of thy + friends?</p> + + <p>HEL. No, for I am ashamed to show myself among the Argives.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Late art thou discreet, then formerly leaving thine home + disgracefully.</p> + + <p>HEL. True hast thou spoken, but thou speakest not pleasantly to + me.</p> + + <p>ELEC. But what shame possesses thee among the Myceneans?</p> + + <p>HEL. I fear the fathers of those who are dead under Ilium.</p> + + <p>ELEC. For this is a dreadful thing; and at Argos thou art declaimed + against by every one's mouth.</p> + + <p>HEL. Do thou then grant me this favor, and free me from this fear.</p> + + <p>ELEC. I can not look upon the tomb of my mother.</p> + + <p>HEL. And yet it is disgraceful for servants to bear these.</p> + + <p>ELEC. But why not send thy daughter Hermione?</p> + + <p>HEL. It is not well for virgins to go among the crowd.</p> + + <p>ELEC. And yet she might repay the dead the care of her education.</p> + + <p>HEL. Right hast thou spoken, and I obey thee, O virgin, and I will + send my daughter, for thou sayest well. Come forth, my child Hermione, + before the house, and take these libations in thine hand, and my hair, + and, going to the tomb of Clytæmnestra, leave there this mixture of milk + and honey, and the froth of wine, and standing on the summit of the + mound, say thus: "Helen, thy sister, presents thee with these libations, + in fear herself to approach thy tomb, and afraid of the populace of + Argos:" and bid her hold kind intentions toward me, and thyself, and my + husband, and toward these two miserable persons whom the God has + destroyed. But promise all the offerings to the manes, whatever it is + fitting that I should perform for a sister. Go, my child, hasten, and + when thou hast offered the libations at the tomb, remember to return back + as speedily as possible.</p> + + <p>ELEC. [<i>alone</i>] O Nature, what a great evil art thou among men, + and the safeguard of those who possess thee, with virtue! For see, how + she has shorn off the extremities of her hair, in order to preserve her + beauty; but she is the same woman she always was. May the Gods detest + thee, for that thou hast destroyed me, and this man, and the whole state + of Greece: oh wretch that I am! But my dear friends that accompany me in + my lamentations are again present; perhaps they will disturb the sleeper + from his slumber, and will melt my eyes in tears when I behold my brother + raving.</p> + +<p class="center">ELECTRA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ELEC. O most dear woman, proceed with a gentle foot, make no noise, + let there be heard no sound. For your friendliness is very kind, but to + awake him will be a calamity to me. Hush, hush—gently advance the + tread of thy sandal, make no noise, let there be heard no sound. Move + onward from that place—onward from before the couch.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Behold, I obey.</p> + + <p>ELEC. St! st! Speak to me, my friend, as the breathing of the soft + reed pipe.</p> + + <p>CHOR. See, I utter a voice low as an under note.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Ay, thus come hither, come hither, approach quietly—go + quietly: tell me, for what purpose, I pray, are ye come? For he has + fallen on his couch, and been sleeping some time.</p> + + <p>CHOR. How is he? Give us an account of him, my friend.</p> + + <p>ELEC. What fortune can I say of him? and what his calamities? still + indeed he breathes, but sighs at short intervals.</p> + + <p>CHOR. What sayest thou? Oh, the unhappy man!</p> + + <p>ELEC. You will kill him if you move his eyelids, now that he is taking + the sweetest enjoyment of sleep.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Unfortunate on account of these most angry deeds from heaven! + oh! wretched on account of thy sufferings!</p> + + <p>ELEC. Alas! alas! Apollo himself unjust, then spoke unjust things, + when at the tripod of Themis he commanded the unhallowed, inauspicious + murder of my mother.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Dost thou see? he moves his body in the robes that cover + him.</p> + + <p>ELEC. You by your cries, O wretch, have disturbed him from his + sleep.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I indeed think he is sleeping yet.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Will you not depart from us? will you not bend your footsteps + back from the house, ceasing this noise?</p> + + <p>CHOR. He sleeps.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Thou sayest well.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Venerable, venerable Night, thou that dispensest sleep to + languid mortals, come from Erebus; come, come, borne on thy wings to the + house of Agamemnon; for by our griefs and by our sufferings we are quite + undone, undone.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Ye were making a noise.</p> + + <p>CHOR. No. (Note <a name="Orest_A"></a><a + href="#OrestN_A">[A]</a>.)</p> + + <p>ELEC. Silently, silently repressing the high notes of your voice, + apart from his couch, you will enable him to have the tranquil enjoyment + of sleep.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Tell us; what end to his miseries awaits him?</p> + + <p>ELEC. Death, death; what else can? for he has no appetite for + food.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Death then is manifestly before him.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Phœbus offered us as victims, when he commanded<a + name="Orest_4"></a><a href="#OrestN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> the dreadful, + abhorred murder of our mother, that slew our father.</p> + + <p>CHOR. With justice indeed, but not well.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Thou hast died, thou hast died, O mother, O thou that didst + bring me forth, but hast killed the father, and the children of thy + blood. We perish, we perish, even as two corses. For thou art among the + dead, and the greatest part of my life is passed in groans, and wailings, + and nightly tears; marriageless, childless, behold, how like a miserable + wretch do I drag out my existence forever!</p> + + <p>CHOR. O virgin Electra, approach near, and look that thy brother has + not died unobserved by thee; for by this excessive quiet he doth not + please me.</p> + +<p class="center">ORESTES, ELECTRA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ORES. O precious balm of sleep, thou that relievest my malady, how + pleasant didst thou come to me in the time of need! O divine oblivion of + my sufferings, how wise thou art, and the goddess to be supplicated by + all in distress!—whence, in heaven's name, came I hither? and how + brought? for I remember not things past, bereaved, as I am, of my + senses.</p> + + <p>ELEC. My dearest brother, how didst thou delight me when thou didst + fall asleep! wilt thou I touch thee, and raise thy body up?</p> + + <p>ORES. Raise me then, raise me, and wipe the clotted foam from off my + wretched mouth, and from my eyes.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Behold, the task is sweet, and I refuse not to administer to a + brother's limbs with a sister's hand.</p> + + <p>ORES. Lay thy side by my side, and remove the squalid hair from my + face, for I see but imperfectly with my eyes.</p> + + <p>ELEC. O wretched head, sordid with ringlets, how art thou disordered + from long want of the bath!</p> + + <p>ORES. Lay me on the couch again; when my fit of madness gives me a + respite, I am feeble and weak in my limbs.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Behold, the couch is pleasant to the sick man, an irksome thing + to keep, but still a necessary one.</p> + + <p>ORES. Again raise me upright—turn my body.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Sick persons are hard to be pleased from their feebleness.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Wilt thou set thy feet on the ground, putting forward thy + long-discontinued<a name="Orest_5"></a><a + href="#OrestN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> step? In all things change is + sweet.</p> + + <p>ORES. Yes, by all means; for this has a semblance of health, but the + semblance is good, though it be distant from the truth.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Hear now therefore, O my brother, while yet the Furies suffer + thee to have thy right faculties.</p> + + <p>ORES. Wilt thou tell any news? and if good indeed, thou art conferring + pleasure; but if it pertain at all to mischief—I have enough + distress.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Menelaus has arrived, the brother of thy father, but his ships + are moored in the Nauplian bay.</p> + + <p>ORES. How sayest? Is he come, a light in mine and thy sufferings, a + man of kindred blood, and that hath received benefits from our + father?</p> + + <p>ELEC. He is come; take this a sure proof of my words, bringing with + him Helen from the walls of Troy.</p> + + <p>ORES. Had he been saved alone, he had been more blest. But if he + brings his wife, he has arrived with a mighty evil.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Tyndarus begat an offspring of daughters, a conspicuous mark for + blame, and infamous throughout Greece.</p> + + <p>ORES. Do thou then be unlike the bad, for it is in thy power. And not + only say, but also hold these sentiments.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Alas! my brother, thine eye rolls wildly; quick art thou changed + to madness, so late in thy senses.</p> + + <p>ORES. O mother, I implore thee, urge not on me those Furies gazing + blood, horrid with snakes, for these, these are leaping around me.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Remain, O wretched man, calmly on thy couch, for thou seest none + of those things, which thou fanciest thou seest plainly.</p> + + <p>ORES. O Phœbus, these dire Goddesses in the shape of dogs will + kill me, these gorgon-visaged ministers of hell.</p> + + <p>ELEC. I will not let thee go, but, putting my arm around thee, will + stop thy starting into those unfortunate convulsions.</p> + + <p>ORES. Loose me. Thou art one of my Furies, and seizest me by the + middle, that thou mayest hurl me into Tartarus.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Oh! wretched me! what assistance can I obtain, since we have on + us the vengeful wrath of heaven!</p> + + <p>ORES. Give me my bow of horn, the gift of Phœbus, with which + Apollo said I should repel the Fiends, if they appalled me by their + maddened raging.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Shall any God be wounded by mortal hand? (Note <a + name="Orest_B"></a><a href="#OrestN_B">[B]</a>.)</p> + + <p>ORES. <i>Yes. She shall,</i> if she will not depart from my sight... + Hear ye not—see ye not the winged shafts impelled from the + distant-wounding bow? Ha! ha! Why tarry ye yet? Skim the high air with + your wings, and impeach the oracles of Phœbus.—Ah! why am I + thus disquieted, heaving my panting breath from my lungs? Whither, + whither have I wandered from my couch? For from the waves again I see a + calm.—Sister, why weepest, hiding thine eyes beneath thy vests, I + am ashamed to have thee a partner in my sufferings, and to give a virgin + trouble through my malady. Pine not away on account of my miseries: for + thou indeed didst assent to this, but the shedding of my mother's blood + was accomplished by me: but I blame Apollo, who, after having instigated + me to a most unholy act, with words indeed consoled me, but not with + deeds. But I think that my father, had I, beholding him, asked him if it + were right for me to slay my mother, would have put forth many + supplications, beseeching me by this beard not to impel my sword to the + slaughter of her who bore me, if neither he thereby could be restored to + life, and I thus wretched must go through such miseries. And now then + unveil thyself, my sister, and cease from tears, even though we be very + miserable: but when thou seest me desponding, do thou restrain my + distraction, and that which preys upon my mind, and console me; but when + thou groanest, it becomes my duty to come to thee, and suggest words of + comfort. For these are the good offices friends ought to render each + other. But go thou into the house, O unfortunate sister, and, stretched + at full length, compose thy sleepless eyelids to sleep, and take + refreshment, and pour the bath upon thy fair skin. For if thou forsakest + me, or gettest any illness by continually sitting by me, we perish; for + thee I have my only succor, by the rest, as thou seest, abandoned.</p> + + <p>ELEC. This can not be: with thee will I choose to die, with thee to + live; for it is the same: for if then shouldst die, what can I do, a + woman? how shall I be preserved, alone and destitute? without a brother, + without a father, without a friend: but if it seemeth good to thee, these + things it is my duty to do: but recline thy body on the bed, and do not + to such a degree conceive to be real whatever frightens and startles thee + from the couch, but keep quiet on the bed strewn for thee. For though + thou be not ill, but only seem to be ill, still this even is an evil and + a distress to mortals. (Note <a name="Orest_C"></a><a + href="#OrestN_C">[C]</a>.)</p> + + <p>CHORUS. Alas! alas! O swift-winged, raving<a name="Orest_6"></a><a + href="#OrestN_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> Goddesses, who keep up the dance, not + that of Bacchus, with tears and groans. You, dark Eumenides, you, that + fly through the wide extended air, executing vengeance, executing + slaughter, you do I supplicate, I supplicate: suffer the offspring of + Agamemnon to forget his furious madness; alas! for his sufferings. What + were they that eagerly grasping at, thou unhappy perishest, having + received from the tripod the oracle which Phœbus spake, on that + pavement, where are said to be the recesses in the midst of the globe! O + Jupiter, what pity is there? what is this contention of slaughter that + comes persecuting thee wretched, to whom some evil genius casts tear upon + tear, transporting to thy house the blood of thy mother which drives thee + frenzied! Thus I bewail, I bewail. Great prosperity is not lasting among + mortals; but, as the sail of the swift bark, some deity having shaken + him, hath sunk him in the voracious and destructive waves of tremendous + evils, as in the waves of the ocean. For what other<a + name="Orest_6a"></a><a href="#OrestN_6a"><sup>[6a]</sup></a> family ought + I to reverence yet before that sprung from divine nuptials, sprung from + Tantalus?—But lo! the king! the prince Menelaus, is coming! but he + is very easily discernible from the elegance of his person, as king of + the house of the Tantalidæ.</p> + + <p>O thou that didst direct the army of a thousand vessels to Asia's + land, hail! but thou comest hither with good fortune, having obtained the + object of thy wishes from the Gods.</p> + +<p class="center">MENELAUS, ORESTES, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MEN. O palace, in some respect indeed I behold thee with pleasure, + coming from Troy, but in other respect I groan when I see thee. For never + yet saw I any other house more completely encircled round with lamentable + woes. For I was made acquainted with the misfortune that befell + Agamemnon, [and his death, by what death he perished at the hands of his + wife,]<a name="Orest_6b"></a><a href="#OrestN_6b"><sup>[6b]</sup></a> + when I was landing my ships at Malea; but from the waves the prophet of + the mariners declared unto me, the foreboding Glaucus the son of Nereus, + an unerring God, who told me thus in evident form standing by me. + "Menelaus, thy brother lieth dead, having fallen in his last bath, which + his wife prepared." But he filled both me and my sailors with many tears; + but when I come to the Nauplian shore, my wife having already landed + there, expecting to clasp in my friendly embraces Orestes the son of + Agamemnon, and his mother, as being in prosperity, I heard from some + fisherman<a name="Orest_7"></a><a href="#OrestN_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> the + unhallowed murder of the daughter of Tyndarus. And now tell me, maidens, + where is the son of Agamemnon, who dared these terrible deeds of evil? + for he was an infant in Clytæmnestra's arms at that time when I left the + palace on my way to Troy, so that I should not know him, were I to see + him.</p> + + <p>ORES. I, Menelaus, am Orestes, whom thou seekest, I of my own accord + will declare my evils. But first I touch thy knees in supplication, + putting up prayers from my mouth, not using the sacred branch:<a + name="Orest_8"></a><a href="#OrestN_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> save me. But + thou art come in the very season of my sufferings.</p> + + <p>MEN. O ye Gods, what do I behold! whom of the dead do I see!</p> + + <p>ORES. Ay! well thou sayest the dead; for in my state of suffering I + live not; but see the light.</p> + + <p>MEN. Thou wretched man, how disordered thou art in thy squalid + hair!</p> + + <p>ORES. Not the appearance, but the deeds torment me.</p> + + <p>MEN. But thou glarest dreadfully with thy shriveled eyeballs.</p> + + <p>ORES. My body is vanished, but my name has not left me.</p> + + <p>MEN. Alas, thy uncomeliness of form which has appeared to me beyond + conception!</p> + + <p>ORES. I am he, the murderer of my wretched mother.</p> + + <p>MEN. I have heard; but spare a little the recital of thy woes.</p> + + <p>ORES. I spare it; but in woes the deity is rich to me.</p> + + <p>MEN. What dost thou suffer? What malady destroys thee?</p> + + <p>ORES. The conviction that I am conscious of having perpetrated + dreadful deeds.</p> + + <p>MEN. How sayest thou? Plainness, and not obscurity, is wisdom.</p> + + <p>ORES. Sorrow is chiefly what destroys me,—</p> + + <p>MEN. She is a dreadful goddess, but sorrow admits of cure.</p> + + <p>ORES. And fits of madness in revenge for my mother's blood.</p> + + <p>MEN. But when didst first have the raging? what day was it then?</p> + + <p>ORES. That day in which I heaped the tomb on my mother.</p> + + <p>MEN. What? in the house, or sitting at the pyre?</p> + + <p>ORES. As I was guarding by night lest any one should bear off her + bones.<a name="Orest_9"></a><a href="#OrestN_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a></p> + + <p>MEN. Was any one else present, who supported thy body?</p> + + <p>ORES. Pylades, who perpetrated with me the vengeance and death of my + mother.</p> + + <p>MEN. But by what visions art thou thus afflicted?</p> + + <p>ORES. I appear to behold three virgins like the night.</p> + + <p>MEN. I know whom thou meanest, but am unwilling to name them.</p> + + <p>ORES. Yes: for they are awful; but forbear from speaking such high + polished words.<a name="Orest_10"></a><a + href="#OrestN_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a></p> + + <p>MEN. Do these drive thee to distraction on account of this kindred + murder?</p> + + <p>ORES. Alas me for the persecutions, with which wretched I am + driven!</p> + + <p>MEN. It is not strange that those who do strange deeds should suffer + them.</p> + + <p>ORES. But we have whereto we may transfer the criminality<a + name="Orest_11"></a><a href="#OrestN_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> of the + mischance.</p> + + <p>MEN. Say not the death <i>of thy father;</i> for this is not wise.</p> + + <p>ORES. Phœbus who commanded us to perpetrate the slaying of our + mother.</p> + + <p>MEN. Being more ignorant than to know equity, and justice.</p> + + <p>ORES. We are servants of the Gods, whatever those Gods be.</p> + + <p>MEN. And then does not Apollo assist thee in thy miseries?</p> + + <p>ORES. He is always about to do it, but such are the Gods by + nature.</p> + + <p>MEN. But how long a time has thy mother's breath gone from her?</p> + + <p>ORES. This is the sixth day since; the funeral pyre is yet warm.</p> + + <p>MEN. How quickly have the Goddesses come to demand of thee thy + mother's blood!</p> + + <p>ORES. I am not wise, but a true friend to my friends.</p> + + <p>MEN. But what then doth the revenge of thy father profit thee?</p> + + <p>ORES. Nothing yet; but I consider what is in prospect in the same + light as a thing not done.</p> + + <p>MEN. But regarding the city how standest thou, having done these + things?</p> + + <p>ORES. We are hated to that degree, that no one speaks to us.</p> + + <p>MEN. Nor hast thou washed thy blood from thy hands according to the + laws?</p> + + <p>ORES. <i>How can I?</i> for I am shut out from the houses, + whithersoever I go.</p> + + <p>MEN. Who of the citizens thus contend to drive thee from the land?</p> + + <p>ORES. Œax,<a name="Orest_12"></a><a + href="#OrestN_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a> imputing to my father the hatred + which arose on account of Troy.</p> + + <p>MEN. I understand. The death of Palamede takes its vengeance on + thee.</p> + + <p>ORES. In which at least I had no share—but I perish by the + three.</p> + + <p>MEN. But who else? Is it perchance one of the friends of Ægisthus?</p> + + <p>ORES. They persecute me, whom now the city obeys.</p> + + <p>MEN. But does the city suffer thee to wield Agamemnon's sceptre?</p> + + <p>ORES. How should they? who no longer suffer us to live.</p> + + <p>MEN. Doing what, which thou canst tell me as a clear fact?</p> + + <p>ORES. This very day sentence will be passed upon us.</p> + + <p>MEN. To be exiled from this city? or to die? or not to die?</p> + + <p>ORES. To die, by being stoned with stones by the citizens.</p> + + <p>MEN. And dost thou not fly then, escaping beyond the boundaries of the + country?</p> + + <p>ORES. <i>How can we?</i> for we are surrounded on every side by brazen + arms.</p> + + <p>MEN. By private enemies, or by the hand of Argos?</p> + + <p>ORES. By all the citizens, that I may die—the word is brief.</p> + + <p>MEN. O unhappy man! thou art come to the extreme of misfortune.</p> + + <p>ORES. On thee my hope builds her escape from evils, but, thyself + happy, coming among the distressed, impart thy good fortune to thy + friends, and be not the only man to retain a benefit thou hast received, + but undertake also services in thy turn, paying their father's kindness + to those to whom thou oughtest. For those friends have the name, not the + reality, who are not friends in adversity.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And see the Spartan Tyndarus is toiling hither with his aged + foot, in a black vest, and shorn, his locks cut off in mourning for his + daughter.</p> + + <p>ORES. I am undone, O Menelaus! Lo! Tyndarus is coming toward us, to + come before whose presence, most of all men's, shame covereth me, on + account of what has been done. For he used to nurture me when I was + little, and satiated me with many kisses, dandling in his arms + Agamemnon's boy, and Leda with him, honoring me no less than the + twin-born of Jove. For which, O my wretched heart and soul, I have given + no good return: what dark veil can I take for my countenance? what cloud + can I place before me, that I may avoid the glances of the old man's + eyes?</p> + +<p class="center">TYNDARUS, MENELAUS, ORESTES, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>TYND. Where, where can I see my daughter's husband Menelaus? For as I + was pouring my libations on the tomb of Clytæmnestra, I heard that he was + come to Nauplia with his wife, safe through a length of years. Conduct + me, for I long to stand by his hand and salute him, seeing my friend + after a long lapse of time.</p> + + <p>MEN. O hail! old man, who sharest thy bed with Jove.</p> + + <p>TYND. O hail! thou also, Menelaus my dear relation,—ah! what an + evil is it not to know the future! This dragon here, the murderer of his + mother, glares before the house his pestilential gleams—the object + of my detestation—Menelaus, dost thou speak to this unholy + wretch?</p> + + <p>MEN. Why not? he is the son of a father who was dear to me.</p> + + <p>TYND. What! was he sprung from him, being such as he is?</p> + + <p>MEN. He was; but, though he be unfortunate, he should be + respected.</p> + + <p>TYND. Having been a long time with barbarians, thou art thyself turned + barbarian.</p> + + <p>MEN. Nay! it is the Grecian fashion always to honor one of kindred + blood.</p> + + <p>TYND. <i>Yes</i>, and also not to wish to be above the laws.</p> + + <p>MEN. Every thing proceeding from necessity is considered as + subservient to her<a name="Orest_13"></a><a + href="#OrestN_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> among the wise.</p> + + <p>TYND. Do thou then keep to this, but I'll have none of it.</p> + + <p>MEN. <i>No</i>, for anger joined with thine age, is not wisdom.</p> + + <p>TYND. With this man what controversy can there be regarding wisdom? If + what things are virtuous, and what are not virtuous, are plain to all, + what man was ever more unwise that this man? who did not indeed consider + justice, nor applied to the common existing law of the Grecians. For + after that Agamemnon breathed forth his last, struck by my daughter on + the head, a most foul deed (for never will I approve of this), it + behooved him indeed to lay against her a sacred charge of bloodshed, + following up the accusation, and to cast his mother from out of the + house; and he would have taken the wise side in the calamity, and would + have kept to law, and would have been pious. But now has he come to the + same fate with his mother. For with justice thinking her wicked, himself + has become more wicked in slaying his mother.</p> + + <p>But thus much, Menelaus, will I ask thee; If the wife that shared his + bed were to kill him, and his son again kills his mother in return, and + he that is born of him shall expiate the murder with murder, whither then + will the extremes of these evils proceed? Well did our fathers of old lay + down these things; they suffered not him to come into the sight of their + eyes, not to their converse, who was under an attainder<a + name="Orest_14"></a><a href="#OrestN_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a> of blood; + but they made him atone by banishment; they suffered however none to kill + him in return. For always were one about to be attainted of murder, + taking the pollution last into his hands. But I hate indeed impious + women, but first among them my daughter, who slew her husband. But never + will I approve of Helen thy wife, nor would I speak to her, neither do I + commend<a name="Orest_15"></a><a href="#OrestN_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> + thee for going to the plain of Troy on account of a perfidious woman. But + I will defend the law, as far at least as I am able, putting a stop to + this brutish and murderous practice, which is ever destructive both of + the country and the state.—For what feelings of humanity hadst + thou, thou wretched man, when she bared her breast in supplication, thy + mother? I indeed, though I witnessed not that scene of misery, melt in my + aged eyes with tears through wretchedness. One thing however goes to the + scale of my arguments; thou art both hated by the Gods, and sufferest + vengeance of thy mother, wandering about with madness and terrors; why + must I hear by the testimony of others, what it is in my power to see? + That thou mayest know then <i>once for all</i>, Menelaus, do not things + contrary to the Gods, through thy wishes to assist this man. But suffer + him to be slain by the citizens with stones, or set not thy foot on + Spartan ground. But my daughter in dying met with justice, but it was not + fitting that she should die by him.<a name="Orest_16"></a><a + href="#OrestN_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> In other respects indeed have I + been a happy man, except in my daughters, but in this I am not happy.</p> + + <p>CHOR. He is enviable, who is fortunate in his children, and has not on + him some notorious calamities.</p> + + <p>ORES. O old man, I tremble to speak to thee, wherein I am about to + grieve thee and thy mind. But I am unholy in that I slew my mother; but + holy at least in another point of view, having avenged my father. Let + then thine age, which hinders me through fear from speaking, be removed + out of the way of my words, and I will go on in a direct path; but now do + I fear thy gray hairs. What could I do? for oppose the facts, two against + two. My father indeed begat me, but thy daughter brought me forth, a + field receiving the seed from another; but without a father there never + could be a child. I reasoned therefore with myself, that I should assist + the prime author of my birth rather than the aliment which under him + produced me. But thy daughter (I am ashamed to call her mother), in + secret and unchaste nuptials, had approached the bed of another man; of + myself, if I speak ill of her, shall I be speaking, but yet will I tell + it. Ægisthus was her secret husband in her palace. Him I slew, and after + him I sacrificed my mother, doing indeed unholy things, but avenging my + father. But as touching those things for which thou threatenest that I + must be stoned, hear, how I shall assist all Greece. For if the women + shall arrive at such a pitch of boldness as to murder the men, making + good their escape with regard to their children, seeking to captivate + their pity by their breasts, it would be as nothing with them to slay + their husbands, having any pretext that might chance; but I having done + dreadful things (as thou sayest), have put a stop to this law, but hating + my mother deservedly I slew her, who betrayed her husband absent from + home in arms, the generalissimo of the whole land of Greece, and kept not + her bed undefiled. But when she perceived that she had done amiss, she + inflicted not vengeance on herself, but, that she might not suffer + vengeance from her husband, punished and slew my father. By the Gods, (in + no good cause have I named the Gods, pleading against a charge of + murder,) had I by my silence praised my mother's actions, what then would + the deceased have done to me? To my mother indeed the Furies are present + as allies, but would they not be present to him, who has received the + greater injury? Would he not, detesting me, have haunted me with the + Furies? Thou then, O old man, by begetting a bad daughter, hast destroyed + me; for through her boldness deprived of my father, I became a matricide. + Dost see? Telemachus slew not the wife of Ulysses, for she married not a + husband on a husband, but her marriage-bed remains unpolluted in the + palace. Dost see? Apollo, who, dwelling in his habitation in the midst of + the earth, gives the most clear oracles to mortals, by whom we are + entirely guided, whatever he may say, on him relying slew I my mother. + 'Twas he who erred, not I: what could I do? Is not the God sufficient for + me, who transfer <i>the deed</i> to him, to do away with the pollution? + Whither then can any fly for succor, unless he that commanded me shall + deliver me from death? But say not these things have been done "not + well;" but <i>say</i> "not fortunately" for us who did them. But to + whatsoever men their marriages are well established, there is a happy + life, but to those to whom they fall not out well, with regard to their + affairs both at home and abroad they are unfortunate.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Women were born always to be in the way of what may happen to + men, to the making of things unfortunate.</p> + + <p>TYND. Since thou art bold, and yieldest not to my speech, but thus + answerest me so as to grieve my mind, thou wilt rather inflame me to urge + thy death. But this I shall consider a handsome addition to those labors + for which I came, <i>namely</i>, to deck my daughter's tomb. For going to + the multitude of the Argives assembled, I will rouse the state willing + and not unwilling, to pass the sentence<a name="Orest_16a"></a><a + href="#OrestN_16a"><sup>[16a]</sup></a> of being stoned on thee and on + thy sister; but she is worthy of death rather than thee, who irritated + thee against her mother, always pealing in thine ear words to increase + thy hatred, relating dreams she had of Agamemnon, and this also, that the + infernal Gods detested the bed of Ægisthus; for even here <i>on earth</i> + it were hard <i>to be endured</i>; until she set the house in flames with + fire more strong than Vulcan's.—Menelaus, but to thee I speak this, + and will moreover perform it. If thou regard my hate, and my alliance, + ward not off death from this man in opposition to the Gods; but suffer + him to be slain by the citizens with stones, or set not thy foot on + Spartan ground. Thus much having heard, depart, nor choose the impious + for thy friends, passing over the pious.—But O attendants, conduct + us from this house.</p> + + <p>ORES. Depart, that the remainder of my speech may reach this man + uninterrupted by the clamors of thy age: Menelaus, whither dost thou roam + in thought, entering on a double path of double care?</p> + + <p>MEN. Suffer me; having some thoughts with myself, I am perplexed to + which side of fortune to turn me.</p> + + <p>ORES. Do not make up thy opinion, but having first heard my words, + then deliberate.</p> + + <p>MEN. Say on; for thou hast spoken rightly; but there are seasons where + silence may be better than talking, and there are seasons where talking + may be better than silence.</p> + + <p>ORES. I will speak then forthwith: Long speeches have the preference + before short ones, and are more plain to hear. Give thou to me nothing of + what thou hast, O Menelaus, but what thou hast received from my father, + return; I mean not riches—yet riches, which are the most dear of + what I possess, if thou wilt preserve my life. Say I am unjust, I ought + to receive from thee, instead of this evil, something contrary to what + justice demands; for Agamemnon my father having collected Greece in arms, + in a way justice did not demand, went to Troy, not having erred himself, + but in order to set right the error, and injustice of thy wife. This one + thing indeed thou oughtest to give me for one thing, but he, as friends + should for friends, of a truth exposed his person for thee toiling at the + shield, that thou mightest receive back thy wife. Repay me then this + kindness for that which thou receivedst there, toiling for one day in + standing as my succor, not completing ten years. But the sacrifice of my + sister, which Aulis received, this I suffer thee to have; do not kill + Hermione, <i>I ask it not</i>. For, I being in the state in which I now + am, thou must of necessity have the advantage, and I must suffer it to be + so. But grant my life to my wretched father, and my sister's, who has + been a virgin a long time. For dying I shall leave my father's house + destitute. Thou wilt say "impossible:" this is the very thing <i>I have + been urging</i>, it behooves friends to help their friends in + misfortunes. But when the God gives prosperity, what need is there of + friends? For the God himself sufficeth, being willing to assist. Thou + appearest to all the Greeks to be fond of thy wife; (and this I say, not + stealing under thee imperceptibly with flattery;) by her I implore thee; + O wretched me for my woes, to what have I come? but why must I suffer + thus? For in behalf of the whole house I make this supplication. O divine + brother of my father, conceive that the dead man beneath the earth hears + these things, and that his spirit is hovering over thee, and speaks what + I speak. These things have I said, with tears, and groans, and + miseries,<a name="Orest_17"></a><a href="#OrestN_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a> + and have prayed earnestly, looking for preservation, which all, and not I + only, seek.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I too implore thee, although a woman, yet still I implore thee + to succor those in need, but thou art able.</p> + + <p>MEN. Orestes, I indeed reverence thy person, and I am willing to labor + with thee in thy misfortunes. For thus it is right to endure together the + misfortunes of one's relations, if the God gives the ability, even so far + as to die, and to kill the adversary; but this ability again I want from + the Gods. For I am come having my single spear unaided by allies, having + wandered with infinite labors with small assistance of friends left me. + In battle therefore we can not come off superior to Pelasgian Argos; but + if we can by soft speeches, to that hope are we equal. For how can any + one achieve great actions with small means? For when the rabble is in + full force falling into a rage, it is equally difficult to extinguish as + a fierce fire. But if one quietly yields to it as it is spreading, and + gives in to it, watching well his opportunity, perhaps it may spend its + rage, but when it has remitted from its blast, you may without difficulty + have it your own way, as much as you please. For there is inherent in + them pity, but there is inherent also vehement passion, to one who + carefully watches his opportunity a most excellent advantage. But I will + go and endeavor to persuade Tyndarus, and the city, to use their great + power in a becoming manner. For a ship, the main sheet stretched out to a + violent degree, is wont to pitch, but stands upright again, if you + slacken the main sheet. For the God hates too great vehemence, and the + citizens hate it; but I must (I speak as I mean) save thee by wisdom, not + by opposing my superiors. But I can not by force, as perchance thou + thinkest, preserve thee; for it is no easy matter to erect from one + single spear trophies from the evils, which are about thee. For never + have we approached the land of Argos by way of supplication; but now + there is necessity for the wise to become the slaves of fortune.</p> + +<p class="center">ORESTES, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ORES. O thou, a mere cipher in other things except in warring for the + sake of a woman; O thou most base in avenging thy friends, dost thou fly, + turning away from me? But all Agamemnon's services are gone: thou wert + then without friends, O my father, in thy affliction. Alas me! I am + betrayed, and there no longer are any hopes, whither turning I may escape + death from the Argives. For he was the refuge of my safety. But I see + this most dear of men, Pylades, coming with hasty step from the Phocians, + a pleasing sight, a man faithful in adversity, more grateful to behold + than the calm to the mariners.</p> + +<p class="center">PYLADES, ORESTES, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>PYL. I came through the city with a quicker step than I ought, having + heard of the council of state assembled, and seeing it plainly myself, + against thee and thy sister, as about to kill you instantly.—What + is this? how art thou? in what state, O most dear to me of my companions + and kindred? for all these things art thou to me.</p> + + <p>ORES. We are gone—briefly to show thee my calamities.</p> + + <p>PYL. Thou wilt have ruined me too; for the things of friends are + common.</p> + + <p>ORES. Menelaus has behaved most basely toward me and my sister.</p> + + <p>PYL. It is to be expected that the husband of a bad wife be bad.</p> + + <p>ORES. He is come, and has done just as much for me as if he had not + come.</p> + + <p>PYL. What! is he in truth come to this land?</p> + + <p>ORES. After a long season; but nevertheless he was very soon + discovered to be too base to his friends.</p> + + <p>PYL. And has he brought in his ship with him his most infamous + wife?</p> + + <p>ORES. Not he her, but she brought him hither.</p> + + <p>PYL. Where is she, who, beyond any woman,<a name="Orest_18"></a><a + href="#OrestN_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> destroyed most of the Grecians?</p> + + <p>ORES. In my palace, if I may indeed be allowed to call this mine.</p> + + <p>PYL. But what words didst thou say to thy father's brother?</p> + + <p>ORES. <i>I requested him</i> not to suffer me and my sister to be + slain by the citizens.</p> + + <p>PYL. By the Gods, what said he to this request; this I wish to + know.</p> + + <p>ORES. He declined, from motives of prudence, as bad friends act toward + their friends.</p> + + <p>PYL. Going on what ground of excuse? This having learned, I am in + possession of every thing.</p> + + <p>ORES. The father himself came, he that begat such excellent + daughters.</p> + + <p>PYL. Tyndarus you mean; perhaps enraged with thee on account of his + daughter.</p> + + <p>ORES. You are right: be paid more attention to his ties with him, than + to his ties with my father.</p> + + <p>PYL. And dared he not, being present, to take arms against thy + troubles?</p> + + <p>ORES. <i>No</i>: for he was not born a warrior, but brave among + women.</p> + + <p>PYL. Thou art then in the greatest miseries, and it is necessary for + thee to die.</p> + + <p>ORES. The citizens must pass their vote on us for the murder <i>we + have committed</i>.<a name="Orest_19"></a><a + href="#OrestN_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a></p> + + <p>PYL. Which vote what will it decide? tell me, for I am in fear.</p> + + <p>ORES. Either to die or live; not many words on matters of great + import.</p> + + <p>PYL. Come fly, and quit the palace with thy sister.</p> + + <p>ORES. Seest thou not? we are watched by guards on every side,</p> + + <p>PYL. I saw the streets of the city lined with arms.</p> + + <p>ORES. We are invested as to our persons, as a city by the enemy.</p> + + <p>PYL. Now ask me also, what I suffer; for I too am undone.</p> + + <p>ORES. By whom? This would be an evil added to my evils.</p> + + <p>PYL. Strophius, my father, being enraged, hath driven me an exile from + his house.</p> + + <p>ORES. Bringing against thee some private charge, or one in common with + the citizens?</p> + + <p>PYL. Because I perpetrated with thee the murder of thy mother, he + banished me, calling me unholy.</p> + + <p>ORES. O thou unfortunate! it seems that thou also sufferest for my + evils.</p> + + <p>PYL. We have not Menelaus's manners—this must be borne.</p> + + <p>ORES. Dost thou not fear lest Argos should wish to kill thee, as it + does also me?</p> + + <p>PYL. We do not belong to these to punish, but to the land of the + Phocians.</p> + + <p>ORES. The populace is a terrible thing, when they have evil + leaders.</p> + + <p>PYL. But when they have good ones, they always deliberate good + things.</p> + + <p>ORES. Be it so: we must speak on our common business.</p> + + <p>PYL. On what affair of necessity?</p> + + <p>ORES. Supposing I should go to the citizens, and say—</p> + + <p>PYL. —that thou hast acted justly?</p> + + <p>ORES. Ay, avenging my father:</p> + + <p>PYL. I fear they might not receive thee gladly.</p> + + <p>ORES. But shall I die then shuddering in silence!</p> + + <p>PYL. This were cowardly.</p> + + <p>ORES. How then can I do?</p> + + <p>PYL. Hast thou any chance of safety, if thou remainest?</p> + + <p>ORES. I have none.</p> + + <p>PYL. But going, is there any hope of thy being preserved from thy + miseries?</p> + + <p>ORES. Should it chance well, there might be.</p> + + <p>PYL. Is not this then better than remaining?</p> + + <p>ORES. Shall I go then?</p> + + <p>PYL. Dying thus, at least thou wilt die more honorably.</p> + + <p>ORES. And I have a just cause.</p> + + <p>PYL. Only pray for its appearing so.</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou sayest well: this way I avoid the imputation of + cowardice.</p> + + <p>PYL. More than by tarrying here.</p> + + <p>ORES. And some one perchance may pity me—</p> + + <p>PYL. Yes; for thy nobleness of birth is a great thing.</p> + + <p>ORES. —indignant at my father's death.</p> + + <p>PYL. All this in prospect.</p> + + <p>ORES. Go I must, for it is not manly to die ingloriously.</p> + + <p>PYL. These sentiments I praise.</p> + + <p>ORES. Shall we then tell these things to my sister?</p> + + <p>PYL. No, by the Gods.</p> + + <p>ORES. Why, there might be tears.</p> + + <p>PYL. This then is a great omen.</p> + + <p>ORES. Clearly it is better to be silent.</p> + + <p>PYL. Thou art a gainer by delay.</p> + + <p>ORES. This one thing only opposes me.</p> + + <p>PYL. What new thing again is this thou sayest?</p> + + <p>ORES. I fear lest the goddesses should stop me with their + torments.</p> + + <p>PYL. But I will take care of thee.</p> + + <p>ORES. It is a difficult and dangerous task to touch a man thus + disordered.</p> + + <p>PYL. Not for me to touch thee.</p> + + <p>ORES. Take care how thou art partner of my madness.</p> + + <p>PYL. Let not this be thought of.</p> + + <p>ORES. Wilt thou not then be timid to assist me?</p> + + <p>PYL. No, for timidity is a great evil to friends.</p> + + <p>ORES. Go on now, the helm of my foot.</p> + + <p>PYL. Having a charge worthy of a friend.</p> + + <p>ORES. And guide me to my father's tomb.</p> + + <p>PYL. To what end is this?</p> + + <p>ORES. That I may supplicate him to save me.</p> + + <p>PYL. This at least is just.</p> + + <p>ORES. But let me not see my mother's monument.</p> + + <p>PYL. For she was an enemy. But hasten, that the decree of the Argives + condemn thee not before thou goest; leaning thy side, weary with disease, + on mine: since I will conduct thee through the city, little caring for + the multitude, nothing ashamed; for where shall I show myself thy friend, + if I assist thee not when them art in perilous condition?</p> + + <p>ORES. This it is to have companions, not relationship alone; so that a + man who is congenial in manners, though a stranger in blood, is a better + friend for a man to have, than ten thousand relatives.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>The great happiness, and the valor high sounding throughout Greece, + and by the channels of the Simois, has again withdrawn from the fortune + of the Atridæ, as of old, from the ancient calamity of the house, when + the strife of the golden lamb<a name="Orest_20"></a><a + href="#OrestN_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> arose among the descendants of + Tantalus; most shocking feasts, and the slaughter of noble children; from + whence murder responsive to murder fails not to attend on the two sons of + Atreus. What seems good is not good, to gash the parents' skin with a + fierce hand, and brandish the sword black-stained with blood in the + sunbeams. But, on the other hand, to act wickedly<a + name="Orest_21"></a><a href="#OrestN_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> is mad + impiety, and the folly of evil-minded men.</p> + + <p>But the wretched daughter of Tyndarus in the fear of death shrieked + out, "My son, thou darest impious deeds, killing thy mother; do not, + attending to the gratification of thy father, kindle an everlasting + disgrace."</p> + + <p>What malady, or what tears, or what pity on earth is greater, than to + imbrue one's hand in a mother's blood? What a deed, what a deed having + performed, does the son of Agamemnon rave with madness, a prey to the + Eumenides, marked for death, giddy with his rolling eyes! O wretched on + account of his mother, when though seeing the breast bared from the robe + of golden texture, he stabbed the mother in retaliation for the father's + sufferings.</p> + +<p class="center">ELECTRA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Ye virgins, has the wretched Orestes, overcome with + heaven-inflicted madness, rushed any where from this house?</p> + + <p>CHOR. By no means; but he is gone to the Argive people, to undergo the + trial proposed regarding life, by which you must either live or die.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Alas me! what thing has he done? but who persuaded him?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Pylades.—But this messenger seems soon about to inform us + of what has passed there concerning thy brother.</p> + +<p class="center">MESSENGER, ELECTRA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MESS. O wretched hapless daughter of the chief Agamemnon, revered + Electra, hear the unfortunate words which I am come to bring.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Alas! alas! we are undone; this thou signifiest by thy speech. + For thou comest, as it seems, a messenger of woes.</p> + + <p>MESS. It has been carried by the vote of the Pelasgians, that thy + brother and thou must die this day.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Ah me! the expected event has come, which long since fearing, I + pined away with lamentations on account of what was in + prospect.—But what was the debate? What arguments among the Argives + condemned us, and confirmed our sentence of death? Tell me, old man, + whether by the hand raised to stone me, or by the sword must I breathe + out my soul, having this calamity in common with my brother?</p> + + <p>MESS. I chanced indeed to be entering the gates from the country, + anxious to hear both what regarded thee, and what regarded Orestes; for + at all times I had a favorable inclination toward thy father: and thy + house fed me, poor indeed, but noble in my conduct toward friends. But I + see the crowd going and sitting down on an eminence; where they say + Danaus first collected the people to a common council, when he suffered + punishment at the hands of Ægyptus. But seeing this concourse, I asked + one of the citizens, "What new thing is stirring in Argos? Has any + message from hostile powers roused the city of the Danaids?" But he said, + "Seest thou not this Orestes walking near us, who is about to run in the + contest of life and death?" But I see an unexpected sight, which oh that + I had never seen! Pylades and thy brother walking together, the one + indeed broken with sickness, but the other, like a brother, sympathizing + with his friend, tending his weakened state with fostering care. But when + the assembly of the Argives was full, a herald stood forth and said, "Who + wishes to speak <i>on the question</i>, whether it is right that Orestes, + who has killed his mother, should die, or not?" And on this Talthybius + rises, who, in conjunction with thy father, laid waste the Phrygians. But + he spoke words of divided import, being the constant slave of those in + power; struck with admiration indeed at thy father, but not commending + thy brother (speciously mixing up words of bad import), because he laid + down no good laws toward his parents: but he was continually casting a + smiling glance on Ægisthus's friends. For such is this kind; heralds + always dance attendance on the prosperous; but that man is their friend, + whoever may chance to have power in the state, and to be in office. But + next to him prince Diomed harangued; he indeed was for suffering them to + kill neither thee nor thy brother, but <i>bid them</i> observe piety by + punishing you with banishment. But some indeed murmured their assent, + that he spoke well, but others praised him not.<a name="Orest_22"></a><a + href="#OrestN_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a> And after him rises up some man, + intemperate in speech, powerful in boldness, an Argive, yet not an + Argive,<a name="Orest_23"></a><a href="#OrestN_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a> + forced upon us, relying both on the tumult, and on ignorant boldness, + prompt by persuasion to involve them in some mischief. (For when a man, + sweet in words, holding bad sentiments, persuades the multitude, it is a + great evil to the city. But as many as always advise good things with + understanding, although not at the present moment, eventually are of + service to the state: but the intelligent leader ought to look to this, + for the case is the same with the man who speaks words, and the man who + approves them.) Who said, that they ought to kill Orestes and thee by + stoning. But Tyndarus was privily making up such sort of speeches for him + who wished your death to speak. But another man stood up, and spoke in + opposition to him, in form indeed not made to catch the eye; but a man + endued with the qualities of a man, rarely polluting the city, and the + circle of the forum; one who farmed his own land,<a + name="Orest_24"></a><a href="#OrestN_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a> which class + of persons<a name="Orest_25"></a><a href="#OrestN_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> + alone preserve the country, but prudent, and wishing the tenor of his + conduct to be in unison with his words, uncorrupted, one that had + conformed to a blameless mode of living; he proposed to crown Orestes the + son of Agamemnon,<a name="Orest_25a"></a><a + href="#OrestN_25a"><sup>[25a]</sup></a> who was willing to avenge his + father by slaying a wicked and unholy woman, who took this out of the + power of men, and would no one have been the cause of arming the hand for + war, nor undertaking an expedition, leaving his home, if those who are + left destroy what is intrusted to their charge in the house, disgracing + their husbands' beds. And to right-minded men at least he appeared to + speak well: and none spoke besides, but thy brother advanced and said, "O + inhabitants of the land of Inachus, avenging you no less than my father, + I slew my mother, for if the murder of men shall become licensed to + women, ye no longer can escape dying, or ye must be slaves to your wives. + But ye do the contrary to what ye ought to do. For now she that was false + to the bed of my father is dead; but if ye do indeed slay me, the law has + lost its force, and no man can escape dying, forasmuch as there will be + no lack of this audacity."</p> + + <p>But he persuaded not the people, though appearing to speak well. But + that villain, who spoke among the multitude, overcomes him, he that + harangued for the killing of thy brother and thee. But scarcely did the + wretched Orestes persuade them that he might not die by stoning; but he + promised that this day he would quit his life by self-slaughter together + with thee:—but Pylades is conducting him from the council, weeping: + but his friends accompany him bewailing him, pitying him; but he is + coming a sad spectacle to thee, and a wretched sight. But prepare the + sword, or the noose for thy neck, for thou must die, but thy nobleness of + birth hath profited thee nothing, nor the Pythian Phœbus who sits on + the tripod, but hath destroyed thee.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O unhappy virgin! how art thou dumb, casting thy muffled + countenance toward the ground, as though about to run into a strain of + groans and lamentations!</p> + + <p>ELEC. I begin the lament, O land of Greece, digging my white nail into + my cheek, sad bleeding woe, and dashing my head, which<a + name="Orest_26"></a><a href="#OrestN_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> the lovely<a + name="Orest_27"></a><a href="#OrestN_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> goddess of + the manes beneath the earth has to her share. And let the Cyclopian + land<a name="Orest_28"></a><a href="#OrestN_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> howl, + applying the steel to their head cropped of hair over the calamity of our + house. This pity, this pity, proceeds for those who are about to die, who + once were the princes of Greece. For it is gone, it is gone, the entire + race of the children of Pelops has perished, and the happiness which once + resided in these blest abodes. Envy from heaven has now seized it, and + the harsh decree of blood in the state. Alas! alas! O race of mortals + that endure for a day, full of tears, full of troubles, behold how + contrary to expectation fate comes. But in the long lapse of time each + different man receives by turns his different sufferings.<a + name="Orest_29"></a><a href="#OrestN_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a> But the + whole race of mortals is unstable and uncertain.</p> + + <p>Oh! could I go to that rock stretched from Olympus in its loftiness + midst heaven and earth by golden chains, that mass of clay borne round + with rapid revolutions, that in my plaints I might cry out to my ancient + father Tantalus; who begat the progenitors of my family, who saw + calamities, what time in the pursuing of steeds, Pelops in his car drawn + by four horses perpetrated, as he drove, the murder of Myrtilus, <i>by + casting him</i> into the sea, hurling him down to the surge of the ocean, + as he guided his car on the shore of the briny sea by Geræstus foaming + with its white billows. Whence the baleful curse came on my house since, + by the agency of Maia's son,<a name="Orest_30"></a><a + href="#OrestN_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a> there appeared the pernicious, + pernicious prodigy of the golden-fleeced lamb, a birth which took place + among the flocks of the warlike Atreus. On which both Discord drove back + the winged chariot of the sun, directing it from the path of heaven + leading to the west toward Aurora borne on her single horse.<a + name="Orest_31"></a><a href="#OrestN_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> And Jupiter + drove back the course of the seven moving Pleiads another way: and from + that period<a name="Orest_32"></a><a + href="#OrestN_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a> he sends deaths in succession to + deaths, and "the feast of Thyestes," so named from Thyestes. And the bed + of the Cretan Ærope deceitful in a deceitful marriage has come as a + finishing stroke on me and my father, to the miserable destruction of our + family.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But see, thy brother is advancing, condemned by the vote of + death, and Pylades the most faithful of all, a man like a brother, + supporting the enfeebled limbs of Orestes, walking by his side<a + name="Orest_33"></a><a href="#OrestN_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a> with the + foot of tender solicitude.</p> + +<p class="center">ELECTRA, ORESTES, PYLADES, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Alas me! for I bewail thee, my brother, seeing thee before the + tomb, and before the pyre of thy departed shade: alas me! again and + again, how am I bereft of my senses, seeing with my eyes the very last + sight of thee.</p> + + <p>ORES. Wilt thou not in silence, ceasing from womanish groans, make up + thy mind to what is decreed? These things indeed are lamentable, but yet + we must bear our present fate.</p> + + <p>ELEC. And how can I be silent? We wretched no longer are permitted to + view this light of the God.</p> + + <p>ORES. Do not thou kill me; I, the unhappy, have died enough already + under the hands of the Argives; but pass over our present ills.</p> + + <p>ELEC. O Orestes! oh wretched in thy youth, and thy fate, and thy + untimely death, then oughtest thou to live, when thou art no more.</p> + + <p>ORES. Do not by the Gods throw cowardice around me, bringing the + remembrance of my woes so as to cause tears.</p> + + <p>ELEC. We shall die; it is not possible not to groan our misfortunes; + for the dear life is a cause of pity to all mortals.</p> + + <p>ORES. This is the day appointed for us! but we must either fit the + suspended noose, or whet the sword with our hand.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Do thou then kill me, my brother; let none of the Argives kill + me, putting a contumely on the offspring of Agamemnon.</p> + + <p>ORES. I have enough of thy mother's blood, but thee I will not slay; + but die by thine own hand in whatever manner thou wilt.</p> + + <p>ELEC. These things shall be; I will not be deserted by thy sword;<a + name="Orest_34"></a><a href="#OrestN_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a> but I wish + to clasp my hands around thy neck.</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou enjoyest a vain gratification, if this be an enjoyment, to + throw thy hands around those who are hard at death's door.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Oh thou most dear! oh thou that hast the desirable and most + sweet name, and one soul with thy sister!</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou wilt melt me; and still I wish to answer thee in the + endearment of encircling arms, for why am I any longer ashamed? O bosom + of my sister, O dear object of my caresses, these embraces are allowed to + us miserable beings instead of children and the bridal bed.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Alas! How can the same sword (if this request be lawful) kill + us, and one tomb wrought of cedar receive us?</p> + + <p>ORES. This would be most sweet; but thou seest how destitute we are, + in respect to being able to share our sepulture.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Did not Menelaus speak in behalf of thee, taking a decided part + against thy death, the base man, the deserter of my father? [Note <a + name="Orest_G"></a><a href="#OrestN_G">[G]</a>.]</p> + + <p>ORES. He showed it not even in his countenance, but keeping his hopes + on the sceptre, he was cautious how he saved his friends. But let be, he + will die acting in a manner nobly, and most worthily of Agamemnon. And I + indeed will show my high descent to the city, striking home to my heart + with the sword; but thee, on the other hand, it behooveth to act in + concert with my bold attempts. But do thou, Pylades, be the umpire of our + death, and well compose the bodies of us when dead, and bury us together, + bearing us to our father's tomb. And farewell—but I am going to the + deed, as thou seest.</p> + + <p>PYL. Hold. This one thing indeed first I bring in charge against + thee—Dost thou think that I can wish to live when thou diest?<a + name="Orest_35"></a><a href="#OrestN_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a></p> + + <p>ORES. For how does it concern thee to die with me?</p> + + <p>PYL. Dost ask? But how does it to live without thy company?</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou didst not slay my mother, as I did, a wretch.</p> + + <p>PYL. With thee I did at least; I ought also to suffer these things in + common with thee.</p> + + <p>ORES. Take thyself back to thy father, do not die with me. For thou + indeed hast a city (but I no longer have), and the mansion of thy father, + and a great harbor of wealth. But thou art frustrated in thy marriage + with this unhappy virgin, whom I betrothed to thee, revering thy + friendship. Nevertheless do thou, contracting other nuptials, be a blest + father, but the connection between me and thee no longer subsists, But + thou, O darling name of my converse, farewell, be happy, for this is not + allowed me, but it is to thee; for we, the dead, are deprived of + happiness.</p> + + <p>PYL. Surely thou art wide astray from my purposes. Nor may the + fruitful plain receive my blood, nor the bright air, if ever I betraying + thee, having freed myself, forsake thee; for I committed the slaughter + with thee (I will not deny it), and I planned all things, for which now + thou sufferest vengeance. Die then I must with thee and her together, for + her, whose marriage I have courted, I consider as my wife; for what good + excuse ever shall I give, going to the Delphian land to the citadel of + the Phocians, I, who was present with you, your friend, before indeed you + were unfortunate, but now, when you are unfortunate, am no longer thy + friend? It is not possible —but these things are my care also. But + since we are about to die, let us come to a common conference, how + Menelaus may be involved in our calamity.</p> + + <p>ORES. O thou dearest man: for would I see this and die.</p> + + <p>PYL. Be persuaded then, but defer the slaughtering sword.</p> + + <p>ORES. I will defer, if any how I can avenge myself on my enemy.</p> + + <p>PYL. Be silent then, for I have but small confidence in women.</p> + + <p>ORES. Do not at all fear these, for they are friends that are + present.</p> + + <p>PYL. Let us kill Helen, which will cause great grief to Menelaus.</p> + + <p>ORES. How? for the will is here, if it can be done with glory.</p> + + <p>PYL. Stabbing her; but she is lurking in thy house.</p> + + <p>ORES. Yes indeed, and is putting her seal on all my effects.</p> + + <p>PYL. But she shall seal no more, having Pluto for her bridegroom.</p> + + <p>ORES. And how can this be? for she has a train of barbarian + attendants.</p> + + <p>PYL. Whom? for I would be afraid of no Phrygian.</p> + + <p>ORES. Such men as should preside over mirrors and scents.</p> + + <p>PYL. For has she brought hither her Trojan fineries?</p> + + <p>ORES. <i>Oh yes!</i> so that Greece is but a cottage for her.</p> + + <p>PYL. A race of slaves is a mere nothing against a race that will not + be slaves.</p> + + <p>ORES. In good truth, this if I could achieve, I shrink not from two + deaths.</p> + + <p>PYL. But neither do I indeed, if I could revenge thee at least.</p> + + <p>ORES. Disclose thy purpose, and go through it as thou sayest.</p> + + <p>PYL. We will enter then the house, as men about to die.</p> + + <p>ORES. Thus far I comprehend, but the rest I do not comprehend.</p> + + <p>PYL. We will make our lamentation to her of the things we suffer.</p> + + <p>ORES. So that she shall weep, though joyed within her heart.</p> + + <p>PYL. And the same things will be for us to do afterward, which she + does then.</p> + + <p>ORES. Then how shall we finish the contest?</p> + + <p>PYL. We will wear our swords concealed beneath our robes.</p> + + <p>ORES. But what slaughter can there be before her attendants?</p> + + <p>PYL. We will bolt them out, scattered in different parts of the + house.</p> + + <p>ORES. And him that is not silent we must kill.</p> + + <p>PYL. Then the circumstances of the moment will point out what steps to + take.</p> + + <p>ORES. To kill Helen, I understand the sign.</p> + + <p>PYL. Thou seest: but hear on what honorable principles I meditate it. + For, if we draw our sword on a more modest woman, the murder will blot + our names with infamy. But in the present instance, she shall suffer + vengeance for the whole of Greece, whose fathers she slew, and made the + brides bereaved of their spouses; there shall be a shout, and they will + kindle up fire to the Gods, praying for many blessings to fall to thee + and me, inasmuch as we shed the blood of a wicked woman. But thou shalt + not be called the matricide, when thou hast slain her, but dropping this + name thou shalt arrive at better things, being styled the slayer of the + havoc-dealing Helen. It never, never were right that Menelaus should be + prosperous, and that thy father, and thou, and thy sister should die, and + thy mother; (this I forbear, for it is not decorous to mention;) and that + he should seize thy house, having recovered his bride by the means of + Agamemnon's valor. For may I live no longer, if I draw not my black sword + upon her. But if then we do not compass the murder of Helen, having fired + the palace we will die, for we shall have glory, succeeding in one of + these two things, nobly dying, or nobly rescued.</p> + + <p>CHOR. The daughter of Tyndarus is an object of detestation to all + women, being one that has given rise to scandal against the sex.</p> + + <p>ORES. Alas! There is no better thing than a real friend, not riches, + not kingdoms; but the popular applause becomes a thing of no account to + receive in exchange for a generous friend. For thou contrivedst the + destruction that befell Ægisthus, and wast close to me in my dangers. But + now again thou givest me to revenge me on mine enemies, and art not out + of the way—but I will leave off praising thee, since there is some + burden even in this "to be praised to excess." But I altogether in a + state of death, wish to do something to my foes and die, that I may in + turn destroy those who betrayed me, and those may groan who also made me + unhappy. I am the son of Agamemnon, who ruled over Greece by general + consent; no tyrant, but yet he had the power as it were of a God, whom I + will not disgrace, suffering a slavish death, but breathe out my soul in + freedom, but on Menelaus will I revenge me. For if we could gain this one + thing, we should be prosperous, if from any chance safety should come + unhoped for on the slayers <i>then</i>, not the slain: this I pray for. + For what I wish is sweet to delight the mind without fear of cost, though + with but fleeting words uttered through the mouth.</p> + + <p>ELEC. I, O brother, think that this very thing brings safety to thee, + and thy friend, and in the third place to me.</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou meanest the providence of the Gods: but where is this? for + I know that there is understanding in thy mind.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Hear me then, and thou too give thy attention.</p> + + <p>ORES. Speak, since the existing prospect of good affords some + pleasure.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Art thou acquainted with the daughter of Helen? Thou knowest her + of whom I ask.</p> + + <p>ORES. I know her, Hermione, whom my mother brought up.</p> + + <p>ELEC. She is gone to Clytæmnestra's tomb.</p> + + <p>ORES. For what purpose? what hope dost thou suggest?</p> + + <p>ELEC. To pour libations on the tomb in behalf of her mother.</p> + + <p>ORES. And what is this, thou hast told me of, that regards our + safety?</p> + + <p>ELEC. Seize her as a pledge as she is coming back.</p> + + <p>ORES. What remedy for the three friends is this thou sayest?</p> + + <p>ELEC. When Helen is dead, if Menelaus does any harm to thee or + Pylades, or me (for this firm of friendship is all one), say that thou + wilt kill Hermione; but thou oughtest to draw thy sword, and hold it to + the neck of the virgin. And if indeed Menelaus save thee, anxious that + the virgin may not die; when he sees Helen's corse weltering in blood, + give back the virgin for her father to enjoy; but should he, not + governing his angry temper, slay thee, do thou also plunge the sword into + the virgin's neck, and I think that he, though at first he come to us + very big, will after a season soften his heart; for neither is he brave + nor valiant: this is the fortress of our safety that I have; my arguments + on the subject have been spoken.</p> + + <p>ORES. O thou that hast indeed the mind of a man, but a form among + women beautiful, to what a degree art thou more worthy of life than + death! Pylades, wilt thou miserably be disappointed of such a woman, or + dwelling with her obtain this happy marriage?</p> + + <p>PYL. For would it could be so! and she could come to the city of the + Phocians meeting with her deserts in splendid nuptials!</p> + + <p>ORES. But when will Hermione come to the house? Since for the rest + thou saidst most admirably, if we could succeed in taking the whelp of + the impious father.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Even now I guess that she must be near the house, for <i>with + this supposition</i> the space itself of the time coincides.</p> + + <p>ORES. It is well; do thou therefore, my sister Electra, waiting before + the house, meet the arrival of the virgin. And watch, lest any one, + either some ally, or the brother of my father, should be beforehand with + us coming to the palace: and make some noise toward the house, either + knocking at the doors, or sending thy voice within. But let us, O Pylades + (for thou undertakest this labor with me), entering in, arm our hands + with the sword to one last attempt. O my father, that inhabitest the + realms of gloomy night, Orestes thy son invokes thee to come a succor to + thy suppliants; for on thy account I wretched suffer unjustly, and am + betrayed by thy brother, myself having acted justly: whose wife I wish to + take and destroy; but be thou our accomplice in this affair.</p> + + <p>ELEC. O father, come then, if beneath the earth thou hearest thy + children calling, who die for thee.</p> + + <p>PYL. O thou relation<a name="Orest_36"></a><a + href="#OrestN_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> of my father, give ear, O + Agamemnon, to my prayers also, preserve thy children.</p> + + <p>ORES. I slew my mother.</p> + + <p>PYL. But I directed the sword.</p> + + <p>ELEC. But I at least incited you, and freed you from delay.</p> + + <p>ORES. Succoring thee, my father.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Neither did I forsake thee.</p> + + <p>PYL. Wilt thou not therefore, hearing these things that are brought + against thee,<a name="Orest_37"></a><a + href="#OrestN_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a> defend thy children?</p> + + <p>ORES. I pour libations on thee with my tears.</p> + + <p>ELEC. And I with lamentations.</p> + + <p>PYL. Cease, and let us haste forth to the work, for if prayers + penetrate under the earth, he hears; but, O Jove our ancestor, and thou + revered deity of justice, grant us to succeed, him, and myself, and this + virgin, for over us three friends one hazard, one cause impends, either + for all to live, or all to die!</p> + +<p class="center">ELECTRA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ELEC. O dear Mycenian virgins, who have the first place at the + Pelasgian seat of the Argives;—</p> + + <p>CHOR. What voice art thou uttering, my respected mistress? for this + appellation awaits thee in the city of the Danaids.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Arrange yourselves, some of you in this beaten way, and some + there, in that other path, to guard the house.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But on what account dost thou command this, tell me, my + friend.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Fear possesses me, lest any one being in the palace, on account + of this murderous deed, should contrive evils on evils.</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. Go, let us hasten, I indeed will guard this path, that tends + toward where the sun flings his first rays.</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. And I indeed this, which leads toward the west.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Now turn the glances of your eyes around in every position, now + here, now there, then take some other view.</p> + + <p>CHOR. We are, as thou commandest.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Now roll your eyelids over your pupils, glance them every way + through your ringlets.</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. Is this any one here appearing in the path?—Who is + this rustic that is standing about thy palace?</p> + + <p>ELEC. We are undone then, my friends; he will immediately show to the + enemy the lurking beasts of prey armed with their swords.</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. Be not afraid, the path is clear, which thou thinkest + not.</p> + + <p>ELEC. But what?—does all with you remain secure? Give me some + good report, whether the space before the hall be empty?</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. All here at least is well, but look to thy province, for no + one of the Danaids is approaching toward us.</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. Thy report agrees with mine, for neither is there a + disturbance here.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Come now,—I will listen at the door: why do ye delay, ye + that are within, to sacrifice the victim, now that ye are in + quiet?—They hear not: Alas me! wretched in misery! Are the swords + then struck dumb at her beauty? Perhaps some Argive in arms rushing in + with the foot of succor will approach the palace.—Now watch more + carefully; it is no contest that admits delay; but turn <i>your eyes</i> + some this way, and some that.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I turn each different way, looking about on all sides.</p> + + <p>HELEN. (<i>within</i>) Oh! Pelasgian Argos! I am miserably slain!</p> + + <p>ELEC. Heard ye? The men are employing their head in the + murder.—It is the shriek of Helen, as I may conjecture.</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. O eternal might of Jove, come to assist my friends in every + way.</p> + + <p>HEL. Menelaus, I die! But thou art at hand, and dost not help me!</p> + + <p>ELEC. Kill, strike, slay, plunging with your hands the two + double-edged swords into the deserter of her father, the deserter of her + husband, who destroyed numbers of the Grecians perishing by the spear at + the river, whence tears fell into conjunction with tears, fell on account + of the iron weapons around the whirlpools of Scamander.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Be still, be still: I heard the sound of some one coming along + the path around the palace.</p> + + <p>ELEC. O most dear women, in the midst of the slaughter behold Hermione + is present; let us cease from our clamor, for she comes about to fall + into the meshes of our toils. A goodly prey will she be, if she be taken. + Again to your stations with a calm countenance, and with a color that + shall not give evidence of what has been done. I too will preserve a + pensive cast of countenance, as though perfectly unacquainted with what + has happened.</p> + +<p class="center">HERMIONE, ELECTRA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ELEC. O virgin, art thou come from crowning Clytæmnestra's tomb, and + pouring libations to her manes?</p> + + <p>HERM. I am come, having obtained her good services; but some terror + has come upon me, on account of the noise in the palace, which I hear + being a far distance off the house.</p> + + <p>ELEC. But why? There have happened to us things worthy of groans.</p> + + <p>HERM. Speak good words; but what news dost thou tell me?</p> + + <p>ELEC. It has been decreed by this land, that Orestes and I die.</p> + + <p>HERM. No, I hope not so; you, who are my relations.</p> + + <p>ELEC. It is fixed; but we stand under the yoke of necessity.</p> + + <p>HERM. Was the noise then in the house on this account?</p> + + <p>ELEC. For falling down a suppliant at the knees of Helen, he cries + out—</p> + + <p>HERM. Who? for I know no more, except thou tellest me.</p> + + <p>ELEC. The wretched Orestes, that he may not die, and in behalf of + me.</p> + + <p>HERM. For a just reason then the house lamented.</p> + + <p>ELEC. For on what other account should one rather cry out? But come, + and join in supplication with thy friends, falling down before thy + mother, the supremely blest, that Menelaus will not see us perish. But, O + thou, that receivedst thy education at the hands of my mother, pity us, + and alleviate our sufferings. Come hither to the trial; but I will lead + the way, for thou alone hast the ends of our preservation.</p> + + <p>HERM. Behold I direct my footstep toward the house. Be preserved, as + far as lies in me.</p> + + <p>ELEC. O ye in the house, my dear warriors, will ye not take your + prey?</p> + + <p>HERM. Alas me! who are these I see?</p> + + <p>ORES. (<i>advancing</i>) Thou must be silent; for thou art come to + preserve us, not thyself.</p> + + <p>ELEC. Hold her, hold her; and pointing a sword to her neck be silent, + that Menelaus may know, that having found men, not Phrygian cowards, he + has treated them in a manner he should treat cowards. What ho! what ho! + my friends, make a noise, a noise, and shout before the palace, that the + murder that is perpetrated spread not a dread alarm among the Argives, so + that they run to assist to the king's palace, before I plainly see the + slaughtered Helen lying weltering in her blood within the house, or else + we hear the report from some of her attendants. For part of the havoc I + know, and part not accurately.</p> + + <p>CHOR. With justice came the vengeance of the Gods on Helen. For she + filled the whole of Greece with tears on account of the ruthless, + ruthless Idean Paris, who brought the Grecian state to Ilium. But be + silent, for the bolts of the royal mansion resound, for some one of the + Phrygians comes forth, from whom we shall hear of the affairs within the + house, in what state they are.</p> + +<p class="center">PHRYGIAN, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>PHRY. I have escaped from death by the Argive sword in these barbaric + slippers, <i>climbing</i> over the cedar beams of the bed and the Doric + triglyphs, by the flight of a barbarian.<a name="Orest_38"></a><a + href="#OrestN_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> Thou art gone, thou art gone, O my + country, my country! Alas me! whither can I escape, O strangers, flying + through the hoary air, or the sea, which the Ocean, with head in shape + like a bull's, rolling with his arms encircles the earth?</p> + + <p>CHOR. But what is the matter, O attendant of Helen, thou man of + Ida?</p> + + <p>PHRY. O Ilion, Ilion! alas me! O thou fertile Phrygian city, thou + sacred mount of Ida, how do I lament for thee destroyed, a sad,<a + name="Orest_39"></a><a href="#OrestN_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> sad strain + for my barbaric voice, on account of that form of the hapless, hapless + Helen, born from a bird, the offspring of the beauteous Leda in shape of + a swan, the fiend of the splendid Apollonian Pergamus! Alas! Oh! + lamentations! lamentations! O wretched Dardania, warlike school<a + name="Orest_40"></a><a href="#OrestN_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a> of Ganymede, + the companion of Jove!</p> + + <p>CHOR. Relate to us clearly each circumstance that happened in the + house, for I do not understand your former account, but merely + conjecture.</p> + + <p>PHRY. <span lang="el" title="Ailinon, + ailinon">Αιλινον, + αιλινον</span>, the Barbarians + begin the song of death in the language of Asia, Alas! alas! when the + blood of kings has been poured on the earth by the ruthless swords of + death. There came to the palace (that I may relate each circumstance) two + Grecians, lions, of the one the leader of the Grecian host was said to be + the father, the other the son of Strophius, a man of dark design; such + was Ulysses, secretly treacherous, but faithful to his friends, bold in + battle, skilled in war, cruel as the dragon. May he perish for his deep + concealed design, the worker of evil! But they having advanced within her + chamber, whom the archer Paris had as his wife, their eyes bathed with + tears, they sat down in humble mien, one on each side of her, on the + right and on the left, armed with swords. And around her knees did they + both fling their suppliant hands, around the knees of Helen did they + fling them. But the Phrygian attendants sprung up, and fled in amazement: + and one called out to another in terror, <i>See</i>, lest there be + treachery. To some indeed there appeared no danger; but to others the + dragon stained with his mother's blood appeared bent to infold in his + closest toils the daughter of Tyndarus.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But where wert thou then, or hadst thou long before fled through + fear?</p> + + <p>PHRY. After the Phrygian fashion I chanced with the close circle of + feathers to be fanning the gale, <i>that sported</i> in the ringlets of + Helen, before her cheek, after the barbaric fashion. But she was winding + with her fingers the flax round the distaff, but what she had spun she + let fall on the ground, desirous of making from the Phrygian spoils a + robe of purple as an ornament for the tomb, a gift to Clytæmnestra. But + Orestes entreated the Spartan girl; "O daughter of Jove, here, place thy + footstep on the ground, rising from thy seat, come to the place of our + ancestor Pelops, the ancient altar, that thou mayest hear my words." And + he leads her, but she followed, not dreaming of what was about to happen. + But his accomplice, the wicked Phocian, attended to other points. "Will + ye not depart from out of the way, but are the Phrygians always vile?" + and he bolted us out scattered in different parts of the house, some in + the stables of the horses, and some in the outhouses, and some here and + there, dispersing them some one way, some another, afar from their + mistress.</p> + + <p>CHOR. What calamity took place after this?</p> + + <p>PHRY. O powerful, powerful Idean mother, alas! alas! the murderous + sufferings, and the lawless evils, which I saw, I saw in the royal + palace! From beneath their purple robes concealed having their drawn + swords in their hands, they turned each his eye on either side, lest any + one might chance to be present. But like mountain boars standing over + against the lady, they say, "Thou shalt die, thou shalt die! thy vile + husband kills thee, having given up the offspring of his brother to die + at Argos." But she shrieked out, Ah me! ah me! and throwing her white arm + on her breast inflicted on her head miserable blows, and, her feet turned + to flight, she stepped, she stepped with her golden sandals; but Orestes + thrusting his fingers into her hair, outstripping her flight,<a + name="Orest_41"></a><a href="#OrestN_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a> bending back + her neck over his left shoulder, was about to plunge the black sword into + her throat.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Where then were the Phrygians, who dwell under the same roof, to + assist her?</p> + + <p>PHRY. With a clamor having burst by means of bars the doors and cells + where we were waiting, we run to her assistance, each to different parts + of the house, one bringing stones, another spears, another having a + long-handled sword in his hand. But Pylades came against us, impetuous, + like as the Phrygian Hector or Ajax in his triple-crested helmet, whom I + saw, I saw at the gates of Priam: but we clashed together the points of + our swords: then indeed, then did the Phrygians give clear proof how + inferior we were in the force of Mars to the spear of Greece. One indeed + turning away, a fugitive, but another wounded, and another deprecating + the death that threatened him: but under favor of the darkness we fled: + and the corses fell, but some staggered, and some lay prostrate. But the + wretched Hermione came to the house at the time when her murdered mother + fell to the ground, that unhappy woman that gave her birth. And running + upon her as Bacchanals without their thyrsus, as a heifer in the + mountains they bore her away in their hands, and again eagerly rushed + upon the daughter of Jove to slay her. But she vanished altogether from + the chamber through the palace. O Jupiter and O earth, and light, and + darkness! or by her enchantments, or by the art of magic, or by the + stealth of the Gods. But of what followed I know no farther, for I sped + in stealth my foot from the palace. But Menelaus having endured many, + many severe toils, has received back from Troy the violated rites of + Helen to no purpose.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And see something strange succeeds to these strange things, for + I see Orestes with his sword drawn walking before the palace with + agitated step,</p> + +<p class="center">ORESTES, PHRYGIAN, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ORES. Where is he that fled from my sword out of the palace?</p> + + <p>PHRY. I supplicate thee, O king, falling prostrate before thee after + the barbaric fashion.</p> + + <p>ORES. The case before us is not in Ilium, but the Argive land.</p> + + <p>PHRY. In every region to live is sweeter than to die, in the opinion + of the wise.</p> + + <p>ORES. Didst thou not raise a cry for Menelaus to come with succor?</p> + + <p>PHRY. I indeed am present on purpose to assist thee; for thou art the + more worthy.</p> + + <p>ORES. Perished then the daughter of Tyndarus justly?</p> + + <p>PHRY. Most justly, even had she three lives for vengeance.</p> + + <p>ORES. With thy tongue dost thou flatter, not having these sentiments + within?</p> + + <p>PHRY. For ought she not? She who utterly destroyed Greece as well as + the Phrygians themselves?</p> + + <p>ORES. Swear, I will kill thee else, that thou art not speaking to + curry favor with me.</p> + + <p>PHRY. By my life have I sworn, which I should wish to hold a sacred + oath.</p> + + <p>ORES. Was the steel thus dreadful to all the Phrygians at Troy + also?</p> + + <p>PHRY. Remove thy sword, for being so near me it gleams horrid + slaughter.</p> + + <p>ORES. Art thou afraid, lest thou shouldest become a rock, as though + looking on the Gorgon?</p> + + <p>PHRY. Lest I should become a corse, but I know not of the Gorgon's + head.</p> + + <p>ORES. Slave as thou art, dost thou fear death, which will rid thee + from thy woes?</p> + + <p>PHRY. Every one, although a man be a slave, rejoices to behold the + light.</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou sayest well; thy understanding; saves thee, but go into the + house.</p> + + <p>PHRY. Thou wilt not kill me then?</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou art pardoned.</p> + + <p>PHRY. This is good word thou hast spoken.</p> + + <p>ORES. Yet we may change our measures.</p> + + <p>PHRY. But this thou sayest not well.</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou art a fool, if thou thinkest I could endure to defile me by + smiting thy neck, for neither art thou a woman, nor oughtest thou to be + ranked among men. But that thou mightest not raise a clamor came I forth + out of the house: for Argos, when it has heard a noise, is soon roused, + but we have no dread in meeting Menelaus, as far as swords go; but let + him come exulting with his golden ringlets flowing over his shoulders, + for if he collects the Argives, and brings them against the palace + seeking revenge for the death of Helen, and is not willing to let me be + in safety, and my sister, and Pylades my accomplice in this affair, he + shall see two corses, both the virgin and his wife.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>Alas! alas! O fate, the house of the Atridæ again falls into another, + another fearful struggle.</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. What shall we do? shall we carry these tidings to the city, + or shall we keep in silence?</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. This is the safer plan, my friends.</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. Behold before the house, behold this smoke leaping aloft in + the air portends <i>something</i>.</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. They are lighting the torches, as about to burn down the + mansion of Tantalus, nor do they forbear from murder.</p> + + <p>CHOR. The God rules the events that happen to mortals, whichsoever way + he wills. But some vast power by the instigation of the Furies has + struck, has struck these palaces to the shedding of blood on account of + the fall of Myrtilus from the chariot.</p> + + <p>But lo! I see Menelaus also here approaching the house with a quick + step, having by some means or other perceived the calamity which now is + present. Will ye not anticipate him by closing the gates with bolts, O ye + children of Atreus, who are in the palace? A man in prosperity is a + terrible thing to those in adversity, as now them art in misery, + Orestes.</p> + +<p class="center">MENELAUS <i>below</i>, ORESTES, PYLADES, ELECTRA, HERMIONE +<i>above</i>, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MEN. I am present, having heard the horrid and atrocious deeds of the + two lions, for I call them not men. For I have now heard of my wife, that + she died not, but vanished away, this that I heard was empty report, + which one deceived by fright related; but these are the artifices of the + matricide, and much derision. Open some one the door, my attendants I + command to burst open these gates here, that my child at least we may + deliver from the hand of these blood-polluted men, and may receive my + unhappy, my miserable lady, with whom those murderers of my wife must die + by my hand.</p> + + <p>ORES. What ho there! Touch not these gates with thine hands: to + Menelaus I speak, that thou towerest in thy boldness, or with this + pinnacle will I crush thy head, having rent down the ancient battlement, + the labor of the builders. But the gates are made fast with bolts, which + will hinder thee from thy purpose of bringing aid, so that thou canst not + pass within the palace.</p> + + <p>MEN. Ha! what is this? I see the blaze of torches, and these stationed + on the battlements, on the height of the palace, and the sword placed + over the neck of my daughter to guard her.</p> + + <p>ORES. Whether is it thy will to question, or to hear me?</p> + + <p>MEN. I wish neither, but it is necessary, as it seems, to hear + thee.</p> + + <p>ORES. I am about to slay thy daughter if thou wish to know.</p> + + <p>MEN. Having slain Helen, dost thou perpetrate murder on murder?</p> + + <p>ORES. For would I had gained my purpose not being deluded, as I was, + by the Gods.</p> + + <p>MEN. Thou hast slain her, and deniest it, and speakest these things to + insult me.</p> + + <p>ORES. It is a denial that gives me pain, for would that—</p> + + <p>MEN. Thou had done what deed? for thou callest forth alarm.</p> + + <p>ORES. I had hurled to hell the fury of Greece.</p> + + <p>MEN. Give back the body of my wife, that I may bury her in a tomb.</p> + + <p>ORES. Ask her of the Gods; but I will slay thy daughter.</p> + + <p>MEN. The matricide contrives murder on murder.</p> + + <p>ORES. The avenger of his father, whom thou gavest up to die.</p> + + <p>MEN. Was not the blood of thy mother formerly shed sufficient for + thee?</p> + + <p>ORES. I should not be weary of slaying wicked women, were I to slay + them forever.</p> + + <p>MEN. Art thou also, Pylades, a partaker in this murder?</p> + + <p>ORES. By his silence he assents, but if I speak, it will be + sufficient.</p> + + <p>MEN. But not with impunity, unless indeed thou fliest on wings.</p> + + <p>ORES. We will not fly, but will set fire to the palace?</p> + + <p>MEN. What! wilt thou destroy thy father's mansion?</p> + + <p>ORES. Yes, that thou mayest not possess it, will I, having stabbed + this virgin here over the flames.</p> + + <p>MEN. Slay her; since having slain thou shalt at least give me + satisfaction for these deeds.</p> + + <p>ORES. It shall be so then.</p> + + <p>MEN. Alas! on no account do this!</p> + + <p>ORES. Be silent then; but bear to suffer evil justly.</p> + + <p>MEN. What! is it just for thee to live?</p> + + <p>ORES. Yes, and to rule over the land.</p> + + <p>MEN. What land!</p> + + <p>ORES. Here, in Pelasgian Argos.</p> + + <p>MEN. Well wouldst thou touch the sacred lavers!</p> + + <p>ORES. And pray why not?</p> + + <p>MEN. And wouldst slaughter the victim before the battle!</p> + + <p>ORES. And thou wouldst most righteously.</p> + + <p>MEN. Yes, for I am pure as to my hands.</p> + + <p>ORES. But not thy heart.</p> + + <p>MEN. Who would speak to thee?</p> + + <p>ORES. Whoever loves his father.</p> + + <p>MEN. And whoever reveres his mother.</p> + + <p>ORES. —Is happy.</p> + + <p>MEN. Not thou at least.</p> + + <p>ORES. For wicked women please me not.</p> + + <p>MEN. Take away the sword from my daughter.</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou art false in thy expectations.</p> + + <p>MEN. But wilt thou kill my daughter?</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou art no longer false.</p> + + <p>MEN. Alas me! what shall I do?</p> + + <p>ORES. Go to the Argives, and persuade them.</p> + + <p>MEN. With what persuasion?</p> + + <p>ORES. Beseech the city that we may not die.<a name="Orest_41a"></a><a + href="#OrestN_41a"><sup>[41a]</sup></a></p> + + <p>MEN. Otherwise ye will slay my daughter?</p> + + <p>ORES. The thing is so.</p> + + <p>MEN. O wretched Helen!—</p> + + <p>ORES. And am I not wretched?</p> + + <p>MEN. I brought thee hither from the Trojans to be a victim.</p> + + <p>ORES. For would this were so!</p> + + <p>MEN. Having endured ten thousand toils.</p> + + <p>ORES. Except on my account.</p> + + <p>MEN. I have met with dreadful treatment.</p> + + <p>ORES. For then, <i>when thou oughtest</i>, thou wert of no + assistance.</p> + + <p>MEN. Thou hast me.</p> + + <p>ORES. Thou at least hast caught thyself. But, ho there! set fire to + the palace, Electra, from beneath: and thou, Pylades, the most true of my + friends, light up these battlements of the walls.</p> + + <p>MEN. O land of the Danai, and inhabitants of warlike Argos, will ye + not, ho there! come in arms to my succor? For this man here, having + perpetrated the shocking murder of his mother, brings destruction on your + whole city, that he may live.</p> + +<p class="center">APOLLO.</p> + + <p>Menelaus, cease from thy irritated state of mind; I Phœbus the + son of Latona, in thy presence, am addressing thee. Thou too, Orestes, + who standest over that damsel with thy sword drawn, that thou mayest know + what commands I bring with me. Helen indeed, whom thou minded to destroy, + working Menelaus to anger, didst fail of thy purpose, she is here, whom + ye see wrapt in the bosom of the sky, preserved, and not slain by thy + hands. Her I preserved, and snatched from thy sword, commanded by my + father Jove. For being the daughter of Jove, it is right that she should + live immortal. And she shall have her seat by Castor and Pollux in the + bosom of the sky, the guardian of mariners. But take to thyself another + bride, and lead her home, since for the beauty of this woman the Gods + brought together the Greeks and Trojans, and caused deaths, that they + might draw from off the earth the pride of mortals, who had become an + infinite multitude. Thus is it with regard to Helen; but thee, on the + other hand, Orestes, it behooveth, having passed beyond the boundaries of + this land, to inhabit the Parrhasian plain during the revolution of a + year, and it shall be called by a name after thy flight, so that the + Azanes and Arcadians shall call it Oresteum: and thence having departed + to the city of the Athenians, undergo the charge of shedding thy mother's + blood laid by the three Furies. But the Gods the arbiters of the cause + shall pass on thee most sacredly their decree on the hill of Mars, in + which it behooveth thee to be victorious. But Hermione, to whose neck + thou art holding the sword, it is destined for thee, Orestes, to wed, but + Neoptolemus, who thinks to marry her, shall never marry her. For it is + fated to him to die by the Delphic sword, as he is demanding of me + satisfaction for his father Achilles. But to Pylades give thy sister's + hand, as thou didst formerly agree, but a happy life now coming on awaits + him. But, O Menelaus, suffer Orestes to reign over Argos. But depart and + rule over the Spartan land, having it as thy wife's dowry, who exposing + thee to numberless evils always was bringing thee to this. But what + regards the city I will make all right for him, I, who compelled him to + slay his mother.</p> + + <p>ORES. O Loxian prophet, thou wert not then a false prophet in thine + oracles, but a true one. And yet a fear comes upon me, that having heard + one of the Furies, I might think that I have been hearing thy voice. But + it is well fulfilled, and I will obey thy words. Behold I let go Hermione + from slaughter, and approve her alliance, whenever her father shall give + her.</p> + + <p>MEN. O Helen, daughter of Jove, hail! but I bless thee inhabiting the + happy mansions of the Gods. But to thee, Orestes, do I betroth my + daughter at Phœbus's commands, but illustrious thyself marrying from + an illustrious family, be happy, both thou and I who give her.</p> + + <p>APOL. Now depart each of you whither we have appointed, and dissolve + your quarrels.</p> + + <p>MEN. It is our duty to obey.</p> + + <p>ORES. I too entertain the same sentiments, and I receive with + friendship thee in thy sufferings, O Menelaus, and thy oracles, O + Apollo.</p> + + <p>APOL. Go now, each his own way, honoring the most excellent goddess + Peace; but I will convey Helen to the mansions of Jove, passing through + the pole of the shining stars, where sitting by Juno, and Hercules's + Hebe, a goddess, she shall ever be honored by mortals with libations, in + conjunction with the Tyndaridæ, the sons of Jove, presiding over the sea + to the benefit of mariners.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O greatly glorious Victory, mayest thou uphold my life, and + cease not from crowning me!</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>NOTES ON ORESTES</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="OrestN_1"></a><a href="#Orest_1">[1]</a> <span lang="el" + title="stemmata, + eria">στεμματα, + ερια</span>, <i>Schol.</i> "eo quod colum cingant + seu coronant," Scapula explains it.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_2"></a><a href="#Orest_2">[2]</a> "<i>Then</i>" is not + to be considered as signifying point of time, but it is meant to express + <span lang="el" title="oun">ουν</span>, + <i>continuativam</i>. See Hoogeveen de Particula <span lang="el" + title="oun">ουν</span>, Sect. ii. § 6.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_3"></a><a href="#Orest_3">[3]</a> The original Greek + phrase was <span lang="el" title="elpidos + leptês">ελπιδος + λεπτης</span>, which Euripides has + changed to <span lang="el" title="asthenous + rhômês">ασθενους + ‛ρωμης</span>, though the other had + equally suited the metre. But Euripides is fond of slight alterations in + proverbs. PORSON.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_4"></a><a href="#Orest_4">[4]</a> <span lang="el" + title="dous—dynatai de kai + apodous">δους—δυναται + δε και + αποδους</span>. SCHOL.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_5"></a><a href="#Orest_5">[5]</a> Perhaps this + interpretation of <span lang="el" + title="chronion">χρονιον</span> + is better than "slow," for the considerate Electra would hardly go to + remind her brother of his infirmities.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_6"></a><a href="#Orest_6">[6]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Potniades">Ποτνιαδες</span>. + The Furies have this epithet from Potnia, a town in Bœotia, where + Glaucus's horses, having eaten of a certain herb and becoming mad, tore + their own master in pieces. SCHOL.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_6a"></a><a href="#Orest_6a">[6a]</a> Note <a + name="Orest_D"></a><a href="#OrestN_D">[D]</a>.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_6b"></a><a href="#Orest_6b">[6b]</a> Dindorf would + omit this verse. </p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_7"></a><a href="#Orest_7">[7]</a> <span lang="el" + title="halitypôn, halieôn, hoi tais kôpais typtousi tên + thalassan">‛αλιτυπων, + ‛αλιεων, + ‛οι ταις + κωπαις + τυπτουσι + την + θαλασσαν</span>. + SCHOL.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_8"></a><a href="#Orest_8">[8]</a> <span lang="el" + title="aphyllou">αφυλλου</span>. + Alluding to the branch, which the ancients used to hold in token of + supplication.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_9"></a><a href="#Orest_9">[9]</a> "<span lang="el" + title="kata tên nykta pepontha têrôn tên anairesin, kai tên analêpsin tôn + osteôn, toutestin, hina mê tis aphelêtai + tauta">κατα την + νυκτα + πεπονθα + τηρων την + αναιρεσιν, + και την + αναληψιν + των οστεων, + τουτεστιν, + ‛ινα μη τις + αφεληται + ταυτα</span>." PARAPH. Heath translates it, + <i>watchfully observing, till her bones were collected.</i></p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_10"></a><a href="#Orest_10">[10]</a> The old reading + was <span lang="el" + title="apaideuta">απαιδευτα</span>. + The meaning of the present reading seems to be, "Yes, they are awful 'tis + true, but still however you need not be so very scrupulous about naming + them."</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_11"></a><a href="#Orest_11">[11]</a> <span lang="el" + title="anaphora">αναφορα</span> + was a legal term, and signified the line of defense adopted by the + accused, when he transferred the charge brought against himself to some + other person.—See Demosthenes in Timocr.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_12"></a><a href="#Orest_12">[12]</a> Œax was + Palamede's brother.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_13"></a><a href="#Orest_13">[13]</a> And therefore we + are not to impeach the <i>man</i>. Some would have <span lang="el" + title="doulon">δουλον</span> to bear + the sense of <span lang="el" + title="doulopoion">δουλοποιον</span>, + enslaves, and therefore can not be avoided.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_14"></a><a href="#Orest_14">[14]</a> <span lang="el" + title="echô">εχω</span> for <span lang="el" + title="enochos eimi">ενοχος + ειμι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_15"></a><a href="#Orest_15">[15]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Zêlô, to makarizô. entautha de anti tou + epainô.">Ζηλω, το + μακαριζω. + ενταυθα δε + αντι του + επαινω.</span> SCHOL.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_16"></a><a href="#Orest_16">[16]</a> Conf. Ter. Eun. + Act. v. Sc. 2.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i16">Non dedignum, Chærea,</p> + <p>Fecisti; nam si ego digna hac contumelia</p> + <p>Sum maxume, at tu indignus, qui faceres, tamen.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="OrestN_16a"></a><a href="#Orest_16a">[16a]</a> Note <a + name="Orest_E"></a><a href="#OrestN_E">[E]</a>.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_17"></a><a href="#Orest_17">[17]</a> Of this passage + the Scholiast gives two interpretations; either it may mean <span + lang="el" title="meta dakryôn kai goôn + eipon">μετα + δακρυων και + γοων ειπον</span>: + or, <span lang="el" title="eipon tauta eis dakrya kai goous, kai + xymphoras, êgoun hina mê tychô, toutôn: teuxomai de, ei petrôthênai me + easêis">ειπον + ταυτα εις + δακρυα και + γοους, και + ξυμφορας, + ηγουν ‛ινα + μη τυχω, + τουτων: + τευξομαι δε, + ει + πετρωθηναι + με εασηις</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_18"></a><a href="#Orest_18">[18]</a> <i>"Beyond any + woman,"</i> <span lang="el" title="gynê mia">γυνη + μια</span>, this is a mode of expression frequently met + with in the Attic writers, especially in Xenophon.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_19"></a><a href="#Orest_19">[19]</a> <span lang="el" + title="epi tôi phonôi, toutesti dia ton phonon, hon + eirgasametha.">επι τωι + φονωι, + τουτεστι + δια τον + φονον, ‛ον + ειργασαμεθα.</span> + PARAPH.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_20"></a><a href="#Orest_20">[20]</a> Thyestes and + Atreus, having a dispute about their father Pelops's kingdom, agreed, + that whichever should discover the first prodigy should have possession + of the throne. There appeared in Atreus's flock a golden lamb, which, + however, Ærope his wife secretly had conveyed to Thyestes to show before + the judges. Atreus afterward invited Thyestes to a feast, and served up + before him Aglaiis, Orchomenus, and Caleus, three sons he had by his + intrigues with Ærope.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_21"></a><a href="#Orest_21">[21]</a> Alluding to the + murder of Agamemnon by Clytæmnestra. This is the interpretation and + explanation of the Scholiast; but it is perhaps better translated, + "<i>but on the other hand to play the coward is great impiety, and the + error of cowardly-minded men</i>;" the chorus meaning, that this might + have been said of Orestes, had he not avenged his father.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_22"></a><a href="#Orest_22">[22]</a> That is, + <i>blamed him</i>. So St. Paul, 1 Cor. xi. 21, <span lang="el" + title="epainesô hymas en toutoi; ouk + epainô">επαινεσω + ‛υμας εν + τουτοι; ουκ + επαινω</span>. Ter. And. Act. <span + class="vol">II.</span> Sc. 6. "Et, quod dicendum hic siet, Tu quoque + perparce nimium, non laudo."</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_23"></a><a href="#Orest_23">[23]</a> An Argive as far + as he was born there, and therefore <span lang="el" + title="ênankasmenos">ηναγκασμενος</span>; + not an Argive, inasmuch as his parents were not of that state. This is + supposed to allude to Cleophon. SCHOL. See Dindorf.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_24"></a><a href="#Orest_24">[24]</a> This is the + interpretation of one Scholiast; another explains it <span lang="el" + title="oikeiais chersin + ergazomenos">οικειαις + χερσιν + εργαζομενος</span>. + Grotius translates it <i>agricola</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_25"></a><a href="#Orest_25">[25]</a> The same + construction occurs in the Supplicants, 870. <span lang="el" + title="philois d' alêthês ên philos, parousi te kai mê parousin: + hôn">φιλοις δ' + αληθης ην + φιλος, + παρουσι τε + και μη + παρουσιν: + ‛ων</span> (of which sort of men) <span lang="el" + title="arithmos ou + polys.">αριθμος ου + πολυς.</span> PORSON.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_25a"></a><a href="#Orest_25a">[25a]</a> See Note <a + name="Orest_F"></a><a href="#OrestN_F">[F]</a>.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_26"></a><a href="#Orest_26">[26]</a> Which, <span + lang="el" + title="ktypon">κτυπον</span> namely: + <span lang="el" title="onycha">ονυχα</span> + and <span lang="el" + title="ktypon">κτυπον</span> are each + governed by <span lang="el" + title="titheisa">τιθεισα</span>; + but it is not easy to find a single verb in English that should be + transitive to both these substantives.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_27"></a><a href="#Orest_27">[27]</a> <span lang="el" + title="kallipais">καλλιπαις</span>, + <i>lovely</i>, not lovely in her children: so in Phœn. 1634. <span + lang="el" title="euteknos + xynôris">ευτεκνος + ξυνωρις</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_28"></a><a href="#Orest_28">[28]</a> Argos, so called + from the Cyclopes, a nation of Thrace, who, being called in as allies, + afterward settled here.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_29"></a><a href="#Orest_29">[29]</a> <span lang="el" + title="heterois">‛ετεροις</span> + may perhaps seem to make the construction plainer than <span lang="el" + title="heteros">‛ετερος</span>; + but Porson has received the latter into his text on account of the + metre.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_30"></a><a href="#Orest_30">[30]</a> Myrtilus was the + son of Mercury, who therefore sowed this dissension between the two + brothers in revenge for his death by Pelops. See note at line 802.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_31"></a><a href="#Orest_31">[31]</a> Some would + understand by <span lang="el" + title="monopôlon">μονοπωλον</span> + not that Aurora was borne on one horse, but that this alteration in the + course of nature took place for one day. SCHOL.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_32"></a><a href="#Orest_32">[32]</a> <span lang="el" + title="kai apo tônde, êtoi meta tauta.">και + απο τωνδε, + ητοι μετα + ταυτα.</span> PARAPH.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_33"></a><a href="#Orest_33">[33]</a> <span lang="el" + title="paraseiros">παρασειρος</span> + is used to signify a loose horse tied abreast of another in the shaft, + and is technically termed "the outrigger." The metaphorical application + of it to Pylades, who voluntarily attached himself to the misfortunes of + his friend, is extremely beautiful.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_34"></a><a href="#Orest_34">[34]</a> Or, <i>"I will + not be at all behind thy slaughter."</i></p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_35"></a><a href="#Orest_35">[35]</a> <span lang="el" + title="eu">ευ</span> in this passage <i>interrogat + oblique</i>, see Hoogeveen, xvi. § 1. 15.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_36"></a><a href="#Orest_36">[36]</a> Strophius, the + father of Pylades, married Anaxibia, Agamemnon's sister.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_37"></a><a href="#Orest_37">[37]</a> <span lang="el" + title="oneidê, tôn euergesiôn tas + hypomnêseis">ονειδη, + των + ευεργεσιων + τας + ‛υπομνησεις</span>. + SCHOL. Ter. And. i. 1. "isthæc commemoratio quasi exprobratio est + immemoris benefici."</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_38"></a><a href="#Orest_38">[38]</a> i.e. being a + barbarian, and therefore not knowing whither to go.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_39"></a><a href="#Orest_39">[39]</a> <span lang="el" + title="harmateion">‛αρματειον</span>, + such a strain as that raised over Hector, <span lang="el" + title="helkomenô, dia tou + harmatos">‛ελκομενω, + δια του + ‛αρματος</span>. See two + other explanations in the Scholia.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_40"></a><a href="#Orest_40">[40]</a> <span lang="el" + title="hipposyna, hêtis hypêrches hippêlasia tou + G.">‛ιπποσυνα, + ‛ητις + ‛υπηρχες + ‛ιππηλασια + του Γ.</span> BRUNCK.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_41"></a><a href="#Orest_41">[41]</a> Literally, <i>her + Mycenian slipper</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_41a"></a><a href="#Orest_41a">[41a]</a> Read <span + lang="el" + title="thanein">θανειν</span> with + Pors. Dind.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>ADDITIONAL NOTES.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="OrestN_A"></a><a href="#Orest_A">[A]</a> But Dindorf reads + <span lang="el" title="ktypou ê êgaget'. + ouchi">κτυπου η + ηγαγετ'. + ουχι</span>; interrogatively, thus: "Ye were + making a noise. Will ye not ... enable him," etc.?</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_B"></a><a href="#Orest_B">[B]</a> Dindorf would + continue this verse to Orestes.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_C"></a><a href="#Orest_C">[C]</a> Dindorf supposes + something to be wanting after vs. 314.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_D"></a><a href="#Orest_D">[D]</a> The use of <span + lang="el" title="allos heteros">αλλος + ‛ετερος</span> is learnedly + illustrated by Dindorf.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_E"></a><a href="#Orest_E">[E]</a> Elmsley, on Heracl. + 852, more simply regards the datives <span lang="el" title="soi sêi t' + adelphê">σοι σηι τ' + αδελφη</span> as dependent upon <span + lang="el" + title="episeisô">επισεισω</span>, + understanding <span lang="el" title="hôste dounai + dikên">‛ωστε + δουναι + δικην</span>. This is better than to + suppose (with Porson) that <span lang="el" title="dounai + dikên">δουναι + δικην</span> can mean to <i>inflict</i> + punishment.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_F"></a><a href="#Orest_F">[F]</a> Dindorf (in his + notes) agrees with Porson in omitting the following verse.</p> + + <p><a name="OrestN_G"></a><a href="#Orest_G">[G]</a> Dindorf's text and + punctuation must be altered.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="PHOENISSAE"></a> +<h2>THE PHŒNICIAN VIRGINS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>PERSONS REPRESENTED.</h3> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>JOCASTA.</p> + <p>TUTOR.</p> + <p>ANTIGONE.</p> + <p>CHORUS OF PHŒNICIAN VIRGINS.</p> + <p>POLYNICES.</p> + <p>ETEOCLES.</p> + <p>CREON.</p> + <p>MENŒCEUS.</p> + <p>TIRECIAS.</p> + <p>MESSENGERS.</p> + <p>ŒDIPUS.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="center"><i>The Scene is in the Court before the royal palace at Thebes</i>.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>THE ARGUMENT.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>Eteocles having gotten possession of the throne of Thebes, deprived + his brother Polynices of his share; but he having come as an exile to + Argos, married the daughter of the king Adrastus; but ambitious of + returning to his country, and having persuaded his father-in-law, he + assembled a great army for Thebes against his brother. His mother Jocasta + made him come into the city, under sanction of a truce, and first confer + with his brother respecting the empire. But Eteocles being violent and + fierce from having possessed the empire, Jocasta could not reconcile her + children.—Polynices, prepared as against an enemy, rushed out of + the city. Now Tiresias prophesied that victory should be on the side of + the Thebans, if Menœceus the son of Creon would give himself up to + be sacrificed to Mars. Creon refused to give his son to the city, but the + youth was willing, and, his father pointing out to him the means of + flight and giving him money, he put himself to death.—The Thebans + slew the leaders of the Argives. Eteocles and Polynices in a single + combat slew each other, and their mother having found the corses of her + sons laid violent hands on herself; and Creon her brother received the + kingdom. The Argives defeated in battle retired. But Creon, being morose, + would not give up those of the enemy who had fallen at Thebes, for + sepulture, and exposed the body of Polynices without burial, and banished + Œdipus from his country; in the one instance disregarding the laws + of humanity, in the other giving way to passion, nor feeling pity for him + after his calamity.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>THE PHŒNICIAN VIRGINS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center">JOCASTA.</p> + + <p>O thou that cuttest thy path through the constellations<a + name="Phoen_1"></a><a href="#PhoenN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> of heaven, and + art mounted on thy golden-joined seats, thou sun, whirling thy flame + with<a name="Phoen_2"></a><a href="#PhoenN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> thy + swift steeds, how inauspicious didst thou dart thy ray on that day when + Cadmus came to this land having left the sea-washed coast of + Phœnicia; who in former time having married Harmonia, daughter of + Venus, begat Polydorus; from him they say sprung Labdacus, and from him + Laius. But I am<a name="Phoen_3"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> the daughter of Menœceus, and + Creon my brother was born of the same mother; me they call Jocasta (for + this name<a name="Phoen_4"></a><a href="#PhoenN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> my + father gave me), and Laius takes me for his wife; but after that he was + childless, for a long time sharing my bed in the palace, he went and + inquired of Apollo, and at the same time demands the mutual offspring of + male children in his family; but the God said, "O king of Thebes renowned + for its chariots, sow not for such a harvest of children against the will + of the Gods, for if thou shalt beget a son, he that is born shall slay + thee, and the whole of thy house shall wade through blood." But having + yielded to pleasure, and having fallen into inebriety, he begot to us a + son, and having begot him, feeling conscious of his error and the command + of the God, gives the babe to some herdsmen to expose at the meads of + Juno and the rock of Cithæron, having bored sharp-pointed iron through + the middle of his ankles, from which circumstance Greece gave him the + name of Œdipus. But him the grooms who attend the steeds of Polybus + find and carry home, and placed him in the arms of their mistress. But + she rested beneath her bosom him that gave me a mother's pangs, and + persuades her husband that she had brought forth. But now my son showing + signs of manhood in his darkening cheek, either having suspected it by + instinct, or having learned it from some one, went to the temple of + Apollo, desirous of discovering his parents; at the same time went Laius + my husband, seeking to gain intelligence of his son who had been exposed, + if he were no longer living; and both met at the same point of the road + at Phocis where it divides itself; and the charioteer of Laius commands + him, "Stranger, withdraw out of the way of princes;" but he moved slowly, + in silence, with haughty spirit; but the steeds with their hoof dyed with + blood the tendons of his feet. At this (but why need I relate each horrid + circumstance besides the deed itself?) the son kills his father, and + having taken the chariot, sends it as a present to his foster-father + Polybus. Now at this time the sphinx preyed vulture-like<a + name="Phoen_5"></a><a href="#PhoenN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> upon the city + with rapacity, my husband now no more, Creon my brother proclaims that he + will give my bed as a reward to him who would solve the enigma of the + crafty virgin. But by some chance or other Œdipus my son happens to + discover the riddle of the sphinx, [and he receives as a prize the + sceptre of this land,]<a name="Phoen_5a"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_5a"><sup>[5a]</sup></a> and marries me, his mother, + wretched he not knowing it, nor knew his mother that she was lying down + with her son. And I bear children to my child, two sons, Eteocles and the + illustrious Polynices, and two daughters, one her father named Ismene, + the elder I called Antigone. But Œdipus, after having gone through + all sufferings, having discovered in my bed the marriage with his mother, + he perpetrated a deed of horror on his own eyes, having drenched in blood + their pupils with his golden buckles. But after that the cheek of my + children grows dark with manly down, they hid their father confined with + bolts that his sad fortune might be forgotten, which indeed required the + greatest policy. He is still living in the palace, but sick in mind + through his misfortunes he imprecates the most unhallowed curses on his + children, that they may share this house with the sharpened sword. But + these two, dreading lest the Gods should bring to completion these + curses,<a name="Phoen_6"></a><a href="#PhoenN_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> + should they dwell together, in friendly compact determined that Polynices + the younger son should first go a willing exile from this land, but that + Eteocles remaining here should hold the sceptre for a year, changing in + his turn; but after that he sat on the throne of power, he moves not from + his seat, but drives Polynices an exile from this land. But he having + fled to Argos, and having contracted an alliance with Adrastus, assembles + together and leads a vast army of Argives; and having marched to these + very walls with seven gates he demands his father's sceptre and his share + of the land. But I to quell this strife persuaded my son to come to his + brother, confiding in a truce before he grasped the spear. And the + messenger who was sent declares that he will come. But, O thou that + inhabitest the shining clouds of heaven, Jove, preserve us, give + reconciliation to my children; it becomes thee, if thou art wise, not to + suffer the same man always to be unfortunate.</p> + +<p class="center">TUTOR, ANTIGONE.</p> + + <p>TUT. O thou fair bud in thy father's house, Antigone, since thy mother + has permitted thee to leave the virgin's apartments for the extreme + chamber<a name="Phoen_7"></a><a href="#PhoenN_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> of + the mansion, in order to view the Argive army in compliance with thy + entreaties, yet stay, until I shall first investigate the path, lest any + citizen should appear in the pass, and to me taunts should come as a + slave, and to thee as a princess: and I who well know each circumstance + will tell you all that I saw or heard from the Argives, when I went + bearing the offer of a truce to thy brother, from this place thither, and + again to this place from him. But no citizen approaches this house; come, + ascend with thy steps these ancient stairs of cedar, and survey the + plains, and by the streams of Ismenus and Dirce's fount how great is the + host of the enemy.</p> + + <p>ANT. Stretch forth now, stretch forth thine aged hand from the stairs + to my youth, raising up the steps of my feet.</p> + + <p>TUT. Behold, join thy hand, virgin, thou hast come in lucky hour, for + the Pelasgian host is now in motion, and they are separating the bands + from one another.</p> + + <p>ANT. O awful daughter of Latona, Hecate, the field all brass<a + name="Phoen_8"></a><a href="#PhoenN_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> gleaming like + lightning.</p> + + <p>TUT. For Polynices hath not come tamely to this land, raging with host + of horsemen, and ten thousand shields.</p> + + <p>ANT. Are the gates fastened with bars, and is the brazen bolt fitted + to the stone-work of Amphion's wall?</p> + + <p>TUT. Take courage; as to the interior the city is safe, But view the + first chief, if thou desirest to know.</p> + + <p>ANT. Who is he with the white-plumed helmet, who commands in the van + of the army, moving lightly round on his arm his brazen shield?</p> + + <p>TUT. He is a leader, lady.</p> + + <p>ANT. Who is he? From whom sprung? Speak, aged man, what is he called + by name?</p> + + <p>TUT. He indeed is called by birth a Mycenæan, and he dwells at the + streams of Lerna,<a name="Phoen_9"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> the king Hippomedon.</p> + + <p>ANT. Ah! how haughty, how terrible to behold! like to an earth-born + giant, starlike in countenance amidst his painted devices,<a + name="Phoen_10"></a><a href="#PhoenN_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a> he + corresponds not with the race of mortals.</p> + + <p>TUT. Dost thou not see him now passing the stream of Dirce, a + general?</p> + + <p>ANT. Here is another, another fashion of arms. But who is he?</p> + + <p>TUT. He is the son of Œneus, Tydeus, and bears on his breast the + Ætolian Mars.</p> + + <p>ANT. Is this the prince, O aged man, who is husband to the sister of + my brother's wife?<a name="Phoen_11"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> In his arms how different of color, + of barbaric mixture!</p> + + <p>TUT. For all the Ætolians, my child, bear the target, and hurl with + the lance, most certain in their aim.</p> + + <p>ANT. But how, O aged man, dost thou know these things so + perfectly?</p> + + <p>TUT. Having seen the devices of the shields, then I remarked them, + when I went to bear the offer of a truce to thy brother, beholding which, + I recognize the warriors.</p> + + <p>ANT. But who is this, who is passing round the tomb of Zethus, with + clustering locks, in his eyes a Gorgon to behold, in appearance a + youth?</p> + + <p>TUT. A general he is. [See Note <a name="Phoen_A"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_A">[A]</a>.]</p> + + <p>ANT. How a crowd in complete armor attends him behind!<a + name="Phoen_12"></a><a href="#PhoenN_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a></p> + + <p>TUT. This is Parthenopæus, son of Atalanta.</p> + + <p>ANT. But, may Diana who rushes over the mountains with his mother + destroy him, having subdued him with her arrows, who has come against my + city to destroy it.</p> + + <p>TUT. May it be so, my child, nevertheless they are come with justice + to this land; wherefore also I fear lest the Gods should judge + rightly.</p> + + <p>ANT. Where, but where is he who was born of one mother with me in hard + fate, O dearest old man; tell me, where is Polynices?</p> + + <p>TUT. He is standing near the tomb of the seven virgin daughters of + Niobe, close by Adrastus. Seest thou him?</p> + + <p>ANT. I see indeed, but not distinctly; but somehow I see the + resemblance of his form, and his shape shadowed out. Would that with my + feet I could perform the journey of the winged cloud through the air to + my brother, then would I fling my arms round his dearest neck, after so + long a time a wretched exile. How splendid is he, O old man, in his + golden armor, glittering like the morning rays of the sun.</p> + + <p>TUT. He will come to this house confiding in the truce, so as to fill + thee with joy.</p> + + <p>ANT. But who, O aged man, is this, who guides his milk-white steeds + seated in his chariot?</p> + + <p>TUT. The prophet Amphiaraus this, O my mistress, and with him the + victims, the libations of the earth delighting in blood.</p> + + <p>AST. O thou daughter of the brightly girded sun, thou moon, + golden-circled light, applying what quiet and temperate blows to his + steeds does he direct his chariot! But where is he who utters such + dreadful insults against this city, Capaneus?</p> + + <p>TUT. He is scanning the approach to the towers, measuring the walls + both from their foundation to the top.</p> + + <p>ANT. O vengeance, and ye loud-roaring thunders of Jove, and thou + blasting fire of the lightning, do thou quell this more-than-mortal + arrogance. This is he who will with his spear give to Mycenæ, and to the + streams of Lernæan Triæna,<a name="Phoen_13"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> and to the Amymonian<a + name="Phoen_14"></a><a href="#PhoenN_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a> waters of + Neptune, the Theban women, having invested them with slavery. Sever, O + awful Goddess, never, O daughter of Jove, with golden clusters of + ringlets, Diana, may I endure servitude.</p> + + <p>TUT. My child, enter the palace, and at home remain in thy virgin + chambers, since thou hast arrived at the indulgement of thy desire, as to + what you were anxious to behold. For, since confusion has entered the + city, a crowd of women is advancing to the royal palace. The race of + women is prone to complaint, and if they find but small occasion for + words, they add more, and it is a sort of pleasure to women, to speak + nothing well-advised one of another.<a name="Phoen_15"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a></p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>I have come, having left the Tyrian wave, the first-fruits of Loxias, + from the sea-washed Phœnicia, a slave for the shrine of Apollo, that + I might dwell under the snowy brows of Parnassus, having sped my way over + the Ionian flood by the oar, the west wind with its blasts riding over + the barren plains of waters<a name="Phoen_16"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> which flow round Sicily, the + sweetest murmur in the heavens. Chosen out from my city the fairest + present to Apollo, I came to the land of the Cadmeans, the illustrious + descendants of Agenor, sent hither to these kindred towers of Laius. And + I am made the slave of Apollo in like manner with the golden-framed + images. Moreover the water of Castalia awaits me, to lave the virgin + pride of my tresses, in the ministry of Apollo. O blazing rock, the flame + of fire that seems<a name="Phoen_17"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a> double above the Dionysian heights + of Bacchus, and thou vine, who distillest the daily nectar, producing the + fruitful cluster from the tender shoot; and ye divine caves of the + dragon,<a name="Phoen_18"></a><a href="#PhoenN_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> + and ye mountain watch-towers of the Gods, and thou hallowed snowy + mountain, would that I were the chorus of the immortal God free from + alarms encompassing thee around, by the caves of Apollo in the centre of + the earth, having left Dirce. But now impetuous Mars having advanced + before the walls lights up against this city, which may the Gods avert, + hostile war; for common are the misfortunes of friends, and common is it, + if this land defended by its seven turrets should suffer any calamity, to + the Phœnician country, alas! alas! common is the affinity,<a + name="Phoen_19"></a><a href="#PhoenN_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a> common are + the descendants of Io bearing horns; of which woes I have a share. But a + thick cloud of shields glares around the city, the likeness of gory + battle, bearing which destruction from the Furies to the children of + Œdipus Mars shall quickly advance. O Pelasgian Argos, I dread thy + power, and vengeance from the Gods, for he rushes not his arms to this + war unjustly, who seeks to recover his home.</p> + +<p class="center">POLYNICES, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>POL. The bolts indeed of the gate-keepers have with ease admitted me, + that I might come within the walls; wherefore also I fear, lest, having + caught me within their nets, they let<a name="Phoen_19a"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_19a"><sup>[19a]</sup></a> not my body go without bloodshed. + On which account my eye must be turned about on every side, both that way + and this, lest there be treachery. But armed in my hand with this sword, + I will give myself confidence of daring. Ha! Who is this; or do we fear a + noise? Every thing appears terrible even to the bold, when his foot shall + pass across a hostile country. I trust however in my mother, at the same + time I scarce trust, who persuaded me to come hither confiding in a + truce. But protection is nigh; for the hearths of the altars are at hand, + and houses not deserted. Come. I will let go my sword into its dark + scabbard, and will question these who they are, that are standing at the + palace. Ye female strangers, tell me, from what country do ye approach + Grecian habitations?</p> + + <p>CHOR. The Phœnician is my paternal country, she that nurtured me: + and the descendants of Agenor sent me hither from the spoils, the + first-fruits to Apollo. And while the renowned son of Œdipus was + preparing to send me to the revered shrine, and to the altars of + Phœbus, in the mean time the Argives marched against the city. But + do thou in turn answer me, who thou art, who hast come to this bulwark of + the Theban land with its seven gates?</p> + + <p>POL. My father is Œdipus the son of Laius; Jocasta daughter of + Menœceus brought me forth; the Theban people call me Polynices.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O thou allied to the sons of Agenor, my lords, by whom I was + sent, I fall at thy knees in lowly posture, O king, preserving my + country's custom. Thou hast come, thou hast come, after a length of time, + to thy paternal land. O venerable matron, come forth quickly, open the + doors; dost thou hear, O mother, that producedst this hero? why dost thou + delay to leave thy lofty mansion, and to embrace thy child with thine + arms?</p> + +<p class="center">JOCASTA, POLYNICES, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>JOC. Hearing the Phœnician tongue, ye virgins, within this + mansion, I drag my steps trembling with age. Ah! my son, after length of + time, after numberless days, I behold thy countenance; clasp thy mother's + bosom in thine arms, throw around her<a name="Phoen_20"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> thy kisses, and the dark ringlets + of thy clustering hair, shading my neck. Ah! scarce possible is it that + thou appearest in thy mother's arms so unhoped for, and so unexpected. + How shall I address thee? how shall I perform all? how shall I, walking + in rapture around thee on that side and this, both with my hands and + words, reap the varied pleasure, the delight of my former joys? O my son, + thou hast left thy father's house deserted, sent away an exile by + wrongful treatment from thy brother. How longed for by thy friends! how + longed for by Thebes! From which time I am both shorn of my hoary locks, + letting them fall with tears, with wailing;<a name="Phoen_21"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> deprived, my child, of the white + robes, I receive in exchange around me these dark and dismal weeds. But + the old man in the palace deprived of sight, always preserving with tears + regret for the unanimity of the brothers which is separated from the + family, has madly rushed on self-destruction with the sword and with the + noose above the beams of the house, bewailing the curse imprecated on his + children; and with cries of woe he is always hidden in darkness. But + thou, my child, I hear, art both joined in marriage, and hast the joys of + love in a foreign family, and cherishest a foreign alliance; intolerable + to this thy mother and to the aged Laius, the woe of a foreign marriage + brought upon us. But neither did I light the torch of fire for you, as is + customary in the marriage rites, as befits the happy mother; nor was + Ismenus careful of the bridal rites in the luxury of the bath: and the + entrance of thy bride was made in silence through the Theban city. May + these ills perish, whether the sword, or discord, or thy father is the + cause, or whether fate has rushed with violence upon the house of + Œdipus; for the weight of these sorrows has fallen upon me.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Parturition with the attendant throes has a wonderful effect on + women;<a name="Phoen_22"></a><a href="#PhoenN_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a> and + somehow the whole race of women have strong affection toward their + children.</p> + + <p>POL. My mother, determining wisely, and yet not determining wisely, + have I come to men my foes; but it is necessary that all must be enamored + of their country; but whoever says otherwise, pleases himself with vain + words, but has his heart there. But so far have I come to trouble and + terror, lest any treachery from my brother should slay me, so that having + my hand on my sword I proceeded through the city rolling round my eye; + but one thing is on my side, the truce and thy faith, which has brought + me within my paternal walls: but I have come with many tears, after a + length of time beholding the courts and the altars of the Gods, and the + schools wherein I was brought up, and the fount of Dirce, from which + banished by injustice, I inhabit a foreign city, having a stream of tears + flowing through my eyes. But, for from one woe springs a second, I behold + thee having thy head shorn of its locks, and these sable garments; alas + me! on account of my misfortunes. How dreadful a thing, mother, is the + enmity of relations, having means of reconciliation seldom to be brought + about! For how fares the old man my father in the palace, vainly looking + upon darkness; and how fare my two sisters? Are they indeed bewailing my + wretched banishment?</p> + + <p>JOC. Some God miserably destroys the race of Œdipus; for thus + began it, when I brought forth children in that unhallowed manner, and + thy father married me in evil hour, and thou didst spring forth. But why + relate these things? What is sent by the Gods we must bear. But how I may + ask the questions I wish, I know not, for I fear lest I wound at all thy + feelings; but I have a great desire.</p> + + <p>POL. But inquire freely, leave nothing out. For what you wish, my + mother, this is dear to me.</p> + + <p>JOC. I ask thee therefore, first, for the information that I wish to + obtain. What is the being deprived of one's country, is it a great + ill?</p> + + <p>POL. The greatest: and greater is it in deed than in word.</p> + + <p>JOC. What is the reason of that? What is that so harsh to exiles?</p> + + <p>POL. One thing, and that the greatest, not to have the liberty of + speaking.</p> + + <p>JOC. This that you have mentioned belongs to a slave, not to give + utterance to what one thinks.</p> + + <p>POL. It is necessary to bear with the follies of those in power.</p> + + <p>JOC. And this is painful, to be unwise with the unwise.</p> + + <p>POL. But for interest we must bend to slavery contrary to our + nature.</p> + + <p>JOC. But hopes support exiles, as report goes.</p> + + <p>POL. They look upon them with favorable eyes, at least, but are slow + of foot.</p> + + <p>JOC. Hath not time shown them to be vain?</p> + + <p>POL. They have a certain sweet delight to set against misfortunes.</p> + + <p>JOC. But whence wert thou supported, before thou foundest means of + sustenance by thy marriage?</p> + + <p>POL. At one time I had food for the day, at another I had not.</p> + + <p>JOC. And did the friends and hosts of your father not assist you?</p> + + <p>POL. Be prosperous, <i>and thou shalt have friends</i>:<a + name="Phoen_23"></a><a href="#PhoenN_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a> but friends + are none, should one be in adversity.</p> + + <p>JOC. Did not thy noble birth raise thee to great distinction?</p> + + <p>POL. To want is wretched; high birth fed me not.</p> + + <p>JOC. Their own country, it appears, is the dearest thing to men.</p> + + <p>POL. You can not express by words how dear it is.</p> + + <p>JOC. But how camest thou to Argos? What intention hadst thou?</p> + + <p>POL. Apollo gave a certain oracle to Adrastus.</p> + + <p>JOC. What is this thou hast mentioned? I am unable to discover.</p> + + <p>POL. To unite his daughters in marriage with a boar and lion.</p> + + <p>JOC. And what part of the name of beasts belongs to you, my son.</p> + + <p>POL. I know not. The God called me to this fortune.</p> + + <p>JOC. For the God is wise. But in what manner didst thou obtain her + bed?</p> + + <p>POL. It was night; but I came to the portals of Adrastus.</p> + + <p>JOC. In search of a couch to rest on, as a wandering exile?</p> + + <p>POL. This was the case, and then indeed there came a second exile.</p> + + <p>JOC. Who was this? how unfortunate then was he also!</p> + + <p>POL. Tydeus, who they say sprung from Œneus his sire.</p> + + <p>JOC. In what then did Adrastus liken you to beasts?</p> + + <p>POL. Because we came to blows for lodging.</p> + + <p>JOC. In this the son of Talaus understood the oracle.</p> + + <p>POL. And gave in marriage to us two his two virgin daughters.</p> + + <p>JOC. Art thou fortunate then in thy marriage alliance, or + unfortunate?</p> + + <p>POL. My marriage can not be found fault with up to this day.</p> + + <p>JOC. But how didst thou persuade an army to follow you hither?</p> + + <p>POL. Adrastus swore this oath to his two sons-in-law, that he would + replace both in their own country, but me first. And many princes of the + Argives and Mycenæans are at hand, rendering to me a sad, but necessary + favor; for I am leading an army against this my own city; but I have + called the Gods to witness how unwillingly I have raised the spear + against my dearest parents. But the dissolution of these ills extends to + thee, my mother, that having reconciled the friendly brothers, you may + free from toil me and thyself, and the whole city. It is a proverb long + ago chanted, but nevertheless I will repeat it; wealth is honored most of + all things by men, and has the greatest influence of any thing among men. + In pursuit of which I am come, leading hither ten thousand spears: for a + nobly-born man in poverty is nothing.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And see Eteocles here comes to this mediation; thy business it + is, O Jocasta, being their mother, to speak words, with which thou shalt + reconcile thy children.</p> + +<p class="center">ETEOCLES, POLYNICES, JOCASTA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Mother, I am present; giving this grace to thee, I have come; + what must I do? Let some one begin the conference. Since arranging also + around the walls the chariots of the bands, I restrained the city, that I + may hear from thee the common terms<a name="Phoen_24"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a> of reconciliation, for which thou + hast permitted this man to come within the walls under sanction of a + truce, having persuaded me.</p> + + <p>JOC. Stay; precipitate haste has not justice; but slow counsels + perform most deeds in wisdom. But repress that fierce eye and those + blasts of rage; for thou art not looking on the Gorgon's head cut off at + the neck, but thou art looking on thy brother who is come to thee. And do + thou again, Polynices, turn thy face toward thy brother; for looking at + the same point with thine eyes, thou wilt both speak better, and receive + his words better. But I wish to give you a wise piece of advice. When a + friend is enraged with a man his friend, having met him face to face, let + him fix his eyes on his friend's eyes, this only ought he to consider, + the end for which he is come, but to have no recollection of former + grievances. Thy words then first, my son, Polynices; for thou art come + leading an army of Argives, having suffered injustice, as thou sayest; + and may some God be umpire and the reconciler of your strife.</p> + + <p>POL. The speech of truth is simple, and those things which are just + need not wily interpretations; for they have energy themselves; but the + unjust speech, unsound in itself, requires cunning preparations to gloze + it. But I have previously considered for my father's house, and my own + advantage and that of this man; desiring to escape the curses, which + Œdipus denounced formerly against us, I myself of my own accord + departed from this land, having given him to rule over his own country + for the space of a year, so that I myself should have the government + again, having received it in turn, and not having come into enmity and + bloodshed with this man to perform some evil deed, and to suffer what is + now taking place. But he having assented to this, and having brought the + Gods to witness his oaths, has performed nothing of what he promised, but + himself holds the regal power and my share of the palace. And now I am + ready, having received my own right, to send the army away from out of + this land, and to regulate my house, having received it in my turn, and + to give it up again to this man for the same space of time, and neither + to lay my country waste, nor to apply to its towers the means of ascent + by the firmly-fixed ladders. Which, should I not meet with justice, will + I endeavor to put in execution: and I call the Gods as witnesses of this, + that acting in every thing with justice, I am without justice deprived of + my country in the most unrighteous manner. These individual + circumstances, mother, not having collected together intricacies of + argument, have I declared, but both to the wise and to the illiterate + just, as appears to me.</p> + + <p>CHOR. To me indeed, although we have not been brought up according to + the Grecian land, nevertheless to me thou appearest to speak with + judgment.</p> + + <p>ETEO. If the same thing were judged honorable alike by all, and at the + same time wise, there would not be doubtful strife among men. But now + nothing is similar, nothing the same among mortals, except in names; but + the sense is not the same, for I, my mother, will speak having kept + nothing back; I would mount to the rising of the stars, and sink beneath + the earth, were I able to perform this, so that I might possess the + greatest of the Goddesses, kingly power.<a name="Phoen_25"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> This prize then, my mother, I am + not willing rather to give up to another, than to preserve for myself. + For it implies cowardice in him, whoever having lost the greater share, + hath received the less; but in addition to this I feel ashamed, that this + man having come with arms, and laying the country waste, should obtain + what he wishes; for to Thebes this would be a reproach, if through fear + of the Mycenæan spear I should give up my sceptre for this man to hold. + But he ought, my mother, to effect a reconciliation, not by arms: for + speech does every thing which even the sword of the enemy could do. But + if he is desirous of inhabiting this land in any other way, it is in his + power; but the other point I will never give up willingly. When it is in + my power to rule, ever to be a slave to him? Wherefore come fire, come + sword, yoke thy steeds, fill the plains with chariots, since I will not + give up my kingly power to this man. For if one must be unjust, it is + most glorious to be unjust concerning empire, but in every thing else one + should be just.</p> + + <p>CHOR. It is not right to speak well, where the deeds are not glorious; + for this is not honorable, but galling to justice.</p> + + <p>JOC. My son, Eteocles, not every ill is added to age, but experience + has it in its power to evince more wisdom than youth.<a + name="Phoen_26"></a><a href="#PhoenN_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> Why, my + child, dost thou so desirously court ambition, the most baneful of the + deities? do not thou; the Goddess is unjust. But she hath entered into + many families and happy states and hath come forth again, to the + destruction of those who have to do with her. Of whom thou art madly + enamored. This is more noble, my son, to honor equality, which ever links + friends with friends, and states with states, and allies with allies: for + equality is sanctioned by law among men. But the lesser share is ever at + enmity with the greater, and straight begins the day of hatred. For + equality arranged also among mortals measures, and the divisions of + weights, and defined numbers. And the dark eye of night, and the light of + the sun, equally walk their annual round, and neither of them being + overcome hath envy of the other. Thus the sun and the night are + subservient to men, but wilt not thou brook having an equal share of + government, and give his share to him? Then where is justice? Why dost + thou honor so unboundedly that prosperous injustice, royalty, and think + so highly of her? Is the being conspicuous honorable? At least, it is + empty honor. Or dost thou desire to labor much, possessing much in thy + house? but what is superfluity? It possesses but a name; since a + sufficiency indeed to the temperate is abundance. Neither do men enjoy + riches as their own, but having the property of the Gods do we cherish + them. And when they list, again do they take them away. Come, if I ask + thee, having proposed together two measures, whether it is thy wish to + reign, or save the city? Wilt thou say, to reign? But should he conquer + thee, and the Argive spears overcome the Cadmæanforces, thou wilt behold + this city of the Thebans vanquished, thou wilt behold many captive + maidens with violence ravished by men your foes. Bitter then to Thebes + will be the power which thou seekest to hold; but yet thou art ambitious + of it. To thee I say this: but to thee, Polynices, say I, that Adrastus + hath conferred an unwise favor on thee; and foolishly hast thou also come + to destroy this city. Come, if thou wilt subdue this land (may which + never happen), by the Gods, how wilt thou erect trophies of thy spear? + And how again wilt thou sacrifice the first-fruits, having conquered thy + country? and how wilt thou engrave upon the spoils by the waters of + Inachus, "Having laid Thebes in ashes, Polynices consecrated these + shields to the Gods?" Never, my son, may it come to thee to receive such + glory from the Greeks. But again, shouldest thou be conquered, and should + the arms of the other prevail, how wilt thou return to Argos having left + behind ten thousand dead? Surely some one will say, O! unfortunate + marriage alliance! O Adrastus, who placed them on us, through the + nuptials of one bride we are lost! Thou art hastening two ills, my son, + to be deprived of those, and to fail in this. Give up your too great + ardor, give it up; the follies of two when they clash together in the + same point, are the most hateful ill.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O ye Gods, may ye be averters of these ills, and grant to the + children of Œdipus some means of agreement.</p> + + <p>ETEO. My mother, this is not a contest of words, but intervening time + is fruitlessly wasted; and thy earnestness avails nothing; for we shall + not agree in any other way, than on the terms proposed, that I holding + the sceptre be monarch of this land. Forbearing then tedious admonitions, + let me have my way; and do thou begone from out these walls, or thou + shalt die.</p> + + <p>POL. By whose hand? Who is there so invulnerable, who having pointed + the murderous sword against me, shall not bear the same fate?</p> + + <p>ETEO. He is near, not far removed from thee: dost thou look on these + my hands?</p> + + <p>POL. I see them. But wealth is cowardly, and feeble, loving life.</p> + + <p>ETEO. And therefore hast thou come, with such a host against one who + is nothing in arms?</p> + + <p>POL. For a cautious general is better than one daring.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Thou art insolent, having trusted in the truce, which preserves + you from death.</p> + + <p>POL. A second time again I demand of you the sceptre and my share of + the land.</p> + + <p>ETEO. I will admit no demand, for I will regulate my own family.</p> + + <p>POL. Holding more than your share?</p> + + <p>ETEO. I own it; but quit this land.</p> + + <p>POL. O ye altars of my paternal Gods.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Which thou art come to destroy?</p> + + <p>POL. Do ye hear me?</p> + + <p>ETEO. Who will hear thee, who art marching against thy country?</p> + + <p>POL. And ye shrines of the Gods<a name="Phoen_27"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> delighting in the milk-white + steeds;</p> + + <p>ETEO. Who hate thee.</p> + + <p>POL. I am driven out of my own country.</p> + + <p>ETEO. For thou hast come to destroy it.</p> + + <p>POL. With injustice indeed, O ye Gods!</p> + + <p>ETEO. At Mycenæ call upon the Gods, not here.</p> + + <p>POL. Thou art impious.</p> + + <p>ETEO. But not my country's enemy, as thou art.</p> + + <p>POL. Who drives me out without my share.</p> + + <p>ETEO. And I will put thee to death in addition.</p> + + <p>POL. My father, hearest thou what I suffer?</p> + + <p>ETEO. For he hears what wrongs thou doest.</p> + + <p>POL. And thou, my mother?</p> + + <p>ETEO. It is not lawful for thee to mention thy mother.</p> + + <p>POL. O my city!</p> + + <p>ETEO. To Argos go, and call on Lerna's stream.</p> + + <p>POL. I will go, do not distress thyself; but thee, my mother, I + mention with honor.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Depart from out of the country.</p> + + <p>POL. I will go out; but grant me to see my father.</p> + + <p>ETEO. You will not obtain your request.</p> + + <p>POL. But my virgin sisters then.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Never shalt thou behold these.</p> + + <p>POL. O my sisters!</p> + + <p>ETEO. Why callest thou on these—being their greatest enemy?</p> + + <p>POL. My mother, but thou farewell.</p> + + <p>JOC. Do I experience any thing that is well, my son?</p> + + <p>POL. I am no longer thy child.</p> + + <p>JOC. To many troubles was I born.</p> + + <p>POL. For he throws insults on us.</p> + + <p>ETEO. For I am insulted in turn.</p> + + <p>POL. Where wilt thou stand before the towers?</p> + + <p>ETEO. Why dost thou ask me this question?</p> + + <p>POL. I will oppose myself to thee, to slay thee.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Desire of this seizes me also.</p> + + <p>JOC. Wretched me! what will ye do, my children?</p> + + <p>POL. The deed itself will show.</p> + + <p>JOC. Will ye not escape your father's curses?</p> + + <p>ETEO. Let the whole house perish!</p> + + <p>POL. Since soon my blood-stained sword will not remain any longer in + inactivity. But I call to witness the land that nurtured me, and the + Gods, how dishonored I am driven from this land, suffering such foul + treatment, as a slave and not born of the same father Œdipus. And if + any thing befalls thee, my city, blame not me, but him; for against my + will have I come, and against my will am I driven from this land. And + thou, king Apollo, God of our streets, and ye shrines, farewell, and ye + my equals, and ye altars of the Gods receiving the victims; for I know + not if it is allowed me ever again to address you. But hope does not yet + slumber, in which I have trusted with the favor of the Gods, that having + slain this man, I shall be master of this Theban land.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Depart from out of the country; with truth indeed did your + father give you the name of Polynices by some divine foreknowledge, a + name corresponding with strife.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>Cadmus came from Tyre to this land, before whom the quadrupede heifer + bent with willing fall,<a name="Phoen_28"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> showing the accomplishment of the + oracle, where the divine word ordered him to colonize the plains of the + Aonians productive of wheat, where indeed the fair-flowing stream of the + water of Dirce passes over the verdant and deep-furrowed fields, where + the * * * * mother produced Bacchus, by her marriage with Jove, whom the + wreathed ivy twining around him instantly, while yet a babe, blest and + covered with its verdant shady branches, an event to be celebrated with + Bacchic revel by the Theban virgins and inspired women. There was the + bloodstained dragon of Mars, the savage guard, watching with far-rolling + eyeballs over the flowing fountains and grassy streams; whom Cadmus, + having come for water for purification, slew with a fragment of rock, the + destroyer of the monster having thrown his arms with blows on his + blood-stained head, by the counsel of the divine Pallas born without + mother, having thrown the teeth fallen to the earth upon the + deep-furrowed plains. Whence the earth sent forth a spectacle, an armed + [host] above the extreme limits of the ground; but iron-hearted slaughter + again united them with their beloved earth; and sprinkled with blood the + ground which showed them to the serene gales of the air. And thee, sprung + of old from our ancestor Io, Epaphus, O progeny of Jove, on thee have I + called, have I called in a foreign tongue, with prayers in foreign + accent, come, come to this land (thy descendants have founded it), where + the two Goddesses Proserpine and the dear Goddess Ceres, queen of all + (since earth nurtures all things), have held their possessions, send the + fire-bearing Goddesses to defend this land: since every thing is easy to + the Gods.</p> + +<p class="center">ETEOCLES, CHORUS, MESSENGER.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Go thou, and bring hither Creon son of Menœceus, the + brother of my mother Jocasta, saying this, that I wish to communicate + with him counsels of a private nature and those which concern the common + welfare of the country, before we go into battle and the ranks of war. + And see, he spares the trouble of your steps, by his presence; for I see + him coming toward my palace.</p> + +<p class="center">CREON, ETEOCLES, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>CRE. Surely have I visited many places, desiring to see you, O king + Eteocles! and I have gone round to the gates and the guards of the + Thebans, seeking you.</p> + + <p>ETEO. And indeed I have wished to see you, Creon, for I found attempts + at reconciliation altogether fail when I came and entered into conference + with Polynices.</p> + + <p>CRE. I have heard that he aspires to higher thoughts than Thebes, + having trusted in his alliance with Adrastus and his army. But it becomes + us to hold these things in dependence on the Gods. But what is most + immediately before us, this am I come to acquaint you with.</p> + + <p>ETEO. What is this? for I understand not your speech.</p> + + <p>CRE. A prisoner is arrived from the Argives.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Does he bring us any news of those stationed there?</p> + + <p>CRE. The Argive army is preparing quickly to surround the city of the + Thebans with thickly-ranged arms.(Note <a name="Phoen_B"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_B">[B]</a>.)</p> + + <p>ETEO. Therefore must we draw our forces out of the Theban city.</p> + + <p>CRE. Whither? Dost thou not in the impetuosity of youth see what it + behooves thee to see?</p> + + <p>ETEO. Without these trenches, as we are quickly about to fight.</p> + + <p>CRE. Small are the forces of this land; but theirs innumerable.</p> + + <p>ETEO. I know that they are bold in words.</p> + + <p>CRE. Argos of the Greeks has some renown.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Be confident; quickly will I fill the plain with their + slaughter.</p> + + <p>CRE. I would it were so: but this I see is a work of much labor.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Know that I will not restrain my forces within the walls.</p> + + <p>CRE. And yet the whole of victory is prudence.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Dost thou wish then that I have recourse to other measures?</p> + + <p>CRE. To every measure indeed, rather than hazard all on one + battle.</p> + + <p>ETEO. What if we were to attack them by night from ambush?</p> + + <p>CRE. If, having failed, at least you can have a safe retreat + hither.</p> + + <p>ETEO. Night brings the same advantage to all, but more to the + daring.</p> + + <p>CRE. Dreadful is it to fail in the darkness of night.</p> + + <p>ETEO. But shall I lead my force against them while at their meal?</p> + + <p>CRE. That would cause terror; but we must conquer.</p> + + <p>ETEO. The ford of Dirce is indeed deep to pass.</p> + + <p>CRE. Every thing is inferior to a good guard.</p> + + <p>ETEO. What then, shall I charge the Argive army with my cavalry?</p> + + <p>CRE. And there the army is fenced round with chariots.</p> + + <p>ETEO. What then shall I do? give up the city to the enemy?</p> + + <p>CRE. By no means; but deliberate if thou art wise.</p> + + <p>ETEO. What more prudent forethought is there?</p> + + <p>CRE. They say that they have seven men, as I have heard.</p> + + <p>ETEO. What have they been commanded to do? for their strength is + small.</p> + + <p>CRE. To head their bands, to besiege the seven gates.</p> + + <p>ETEO. What then shall we do? I will not wait this indecision.</p> + + <p>CRE. Do thou thyself also choose seven men for the gates.</p> + + <p>ETEO. To head divisions, or for single combat?</p> + + <p>CRE. To head divisions, having selected the bravest.</p> + + <p>ETEO. I understand you; to guard the approach to the walls.</p> + + <p>CRE. And with them other generals; one man sees not every thing?</p> + + <p>ETEO. Having chosen them for boldness, or prudence in judgment?</p> + + <p>CRE. For both; for one without the other availeth nothing.</p> + + <p>ETEO. It shall be so: and having gone to the city of the seven towers, + I will appoint chiefs at the gates, as you advise, having opposed equal + champions against equal foes. But to mention the name of each would be a + great delay, the enemy encamped under our very walls. But I will go, that + I may not be idle with my hand. And may it befall me to find my brother + opposed to me, and being joined with me in battle, to take him with my + spear, [and to slay him, who came to desolate my country.] But it is thy + duty to attend to the marriage of my sister Antigone and thy son Hæmon, + if I fail aught of success; but the firm vow made before I now confirm at + my going out. Thou art my mother's brother, why need I use more words? + Treat her worthily, both for thine own and my sake. But my father incurs + the punishment of the rashness he brought upon himself, having quenched + his sight; I praise him not; even us will he put to death with his + execrations, should he gain his point. But one thing is left undone by + us, if the soothsayer Tiresias have any oracle to deliver, to enquire + this of him; but I will send thy son, Creon, Menœceus, of the same + name with thy father, to bring Tiresias hither. With pleasure will he + enter into conversation with you; but I lately reviled him with his + divining art, so that he is offended with me. But this charge I give the + city with thee, Creon; if my arms should conquer, that the body of + Polynices be never buried in this Theban land; but that the man who + buries him shall die, although he be a friend. This I have told you: but + my attendants I tell, bring out my arms, and my panoply which covers me, + that we may go this appointed contest of the spear with victorious + justice. But to Caution, the most valued of the Goddesses, will we + address our prayers to preserve this city.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>O Mars, cause of infinite woe, why, I pray, art thou so possessed with + blood and death, so discordant with the revels of Bacchus? Thou dost not + in the circle of beautiful dancers in the bloom of youth, having let flow + thy hair,<a name="Phoen_29"></a><a href="#PhoenN_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a> + on the breath of the flute modulate strains, in which there is a lovely + power to renew the dance. But with thy armed men, having excited the army + of Argives against Thebes with blood, thou dancest before the city in a + most inharmonious revel, thou movest not thy foot maddened by the thyrsus + clad in fawn-skins, but thy solid-hoofed steed with thy chariot and + horses' bits; and bounding at the streams of Ismenus, thou art borne + rapidly in the chariot-course, having excited against the race of those + sown [by Cadmus,] a raging host that grasp the shield, well armed, + adverse to us at the walls of stone: surely Discord is some dreadful + Goddess, who devised all these calamities against the princes of this + land, the Labdacidæ involved in woe. O thou forest of heavenly foliage, + most productive of beasts, thou snowy eye of Diana, Cithæron, never + oughtest thou to have nourished him doomed to death, the son of Jocasta, + Œdipus, the babe who was cast out from his home, marked by the + golden clasps. Neither ought that winged virgin the Sphinx, thou mountain + monster, that grief to this land, to have come, with her most + inharmonious lays; who formerly approaching our walls, bore in her four + talons the descendants of Cadmus to the inaccessible light of heaven, + whom the infernal Pluto sends against the Thebans; but other ill-fated + discord among the children of Œdipus springs up in the palace and in + the city. For that which is not honorable, never can be honorable, as + neither can children the unhallowed offspring of the mother, the + pollution of the father. But she came to a kindred bed. Thou didst + produce, O [Theban] land! thou didst produce formerly (as I heard the + foreign report,<a name="Phoen_30"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a> I heard it formerly at home), the + race sprung from teeth from the fiery-crested dragon fed on beasts, the + proudest honor of Thebes. But to the nuptials of Harmonia the Gods came + of old, and by the harp and by the lyre of Amphion uprose the walls of + Thebes the tower of the double streams,<a name="Phoen_31"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> at the midst of the pass of Dirce, + which waters the verdant plain before Ismenus. And Io, our ancient + mother, doomed to bear horns, brought forth a line of Theban kings. But + this city receiving ten thousand goods one in change for another, hath + stood in the highest chaplets of war.</p> + +<p class="center">TIRESIAS (<i>led by his daughter</i>), MENŒCEUS, CREON, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>TIR. Lead onward, my daughter, since thou art an eye to my blind + steps, as the star to the mariners. Placing my steps hither on this level + plain, proceed lest we stumble; thy father is feeble; and preserve + carefully in thy virgin hand my calculations which I took, having learned + the auguries of the birds, sitting in the sacred seats where I fortell + the future. My child, Menœceus, son of Creon, tell me, how far is + the remainder of the journey through the city to thy father? Since my + knees are weary, and with difficulty I accomplish such a long + journey.</p> + + <p>CRE. Be of good cheer; for thou hast steered thy foot, Tiresias, near + to thy friends; but take hold of him, my son. Since every chariot,<a + name="Phoen_32"></a><a href="#PhoenN_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a> and the foot + of the aged man is used to expect the assistance of another's hand.</p> + + <p>TIR. Well: I am present; but why didst thou call me with such haste, + Creon?</p> + + <p>CRE. We have not as yet forgotten: but recover thy strength, and + collect thy breath, having thrown aside the fatigue occasioned by the + journey.</p> + + <p>TIR. I am relaxed indeed<a name="Phoen_32a"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_32a"><sup>[32a]</sup></a> with toil, brought hither from + the Athenians the day before this. For there also was a contest of the + spear with Eumolpus, where I made the descendants of Cecrops splendid + conquerors. And I wear this golden chaplet, as thou seest, having + received the first-fruits of the spoil of the enemy.</p> + + <p>CRE. Thy victorious garlands I make a happy omen. For we, as thou well + knowest, are tossing in a storm of war with the Greeks, and great is the + hazard of Thebes. The king Eteocles has therefore gone forth adorned with + his armor already to battle with the Argives. But to me has he sent that + I might learn from you, by doing what we should be most likely to + preserve the city.</p> + + <p>TRE. For Eteocles' sake indeed I would have stopped my mouth, and + repressed the oracles, but to thee, since thou desirest to know them, + will I declare them: for this land labors under the malady of old, O + Creon, from the time when Laïus became the father of children in spite of + the Gods, and begat the wretched Œdipus, a husband for his mother. + But the cruel lacerations of his eyes were in the wisdom of the Gods, and + a warning to Greece. Which things the sons of Œdipus seeking to + conceal among themselves by the lapse of time, as about forsooth to + escape from the Gods, erred through their ignorance, for they neither + giving the honor due to their father, nor allowing him a free liberty, + infuriated the unfortunate man: and he breathed out against them dreadful + threats, being both in affliction, and moreover dishonored. And I, what + things omitting to do, and what words omitting to speak on the subject, + have nevertheless fallen into the hatred of the sons of Œdipus? But + death from their mutual hands is near them, O Creon. And many corses + fallen around corses, having mingled the weapons of Argos and Thebes, + shall cause bitter lamentations to the Theban land. And thou, O wretched + city, art sapped from thy foundations, unless men will obey my words. For + this were the first thing, that not any of the family of Œdipus + should be citizens, nor king of the territory, inasmuch as they are + possessed by demons, and are they that will overthrow the city. And since + the evil triumphs over the good, there is one other thing requisite to + insure preservation. But, as this is neither safe for me to say, and + distressing to those on whom the lot has fallen, to give to the city the + balm of preservation, I will depart: farewell; for being an individual + with many shall I suffer what is about to happen if it must be so; for + what can I do!<a name="Phoen_33"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CRE. Stay here, old man.</p> + + <p>TIR. Lay not hold upon me.</p> + + <p>CRE. Remain; why dost thou fly me?</p> + + <p>TIR. Thy fortune flies thee, but not I.</p> + + <p>CRE. Tell me the means of preserving the citizens and their city.</p> + + <p>TRE. Thou wishest now indeed, and soon thou wilt not wish.</p> + + <p>CRE. And how am I not willing to preserve my country?</p> + + <p>TIR. Art thou willing then to hear, and art thou eager?</p> + + <p>CRE. For toward what ought I to have a greater eagerness?</p> + + <p>TIR. Hear now then my prophecies.—But this first I wish to + ascertain clearly, where is Menœceus who brought me hither.</p> + + <p>CRE. He is not far off, but close to thee.</p> + + <p>TIR. Let him depart then afar from my oracles.</p> + + <p>CRE. He that is my son will keep secret what ought to be kept + secret.</p> + + <p>TIR. Art thou willing then that I speak in his presence?</p> + + <p>CRE. <i>Yes</i>: for he would be delighted to hear of the means of + preservation.</p> + + <p>TIR. Hear now then the tenor of my oracles; what things doing ye may + preserve the city of the Cadmeans. It is necessary for thee to sacrifice + this thy son Menœceus for the country, since thou thyself callest + for this fortune.</p> + + <p>CRE. What sayest thou, what word is this thou hast spoken, old + man?</p> + + <p>TIR. As circumstances are, thus also oughtest thou to act.</p> + + <p>CRE. O thou, that hast said many evils in a short time!</p> + + <p>TIR. To thee at least; but to thy country great and salutary.</p> + + <p>CRE. I heard not, I attended not; let the city go where it will.</p> + + <p>TIR. This is no longer the same man; he retracts again what he + said.</p> + + <p>CRE. Farewell! depart; for I have no need of thy prophecies.</p> + + <p>TIR. Has truth perished, because thou art unfortunate?</p> + + <p>CRE. By thy knees I implore thee, and by thy reverend locks.</p> + + <p>TIR. Why kneel to me? the evils thou askest are hard to be controlled. + (Note <a name="Phoen_E"></a><a href="#PhoenN_E">[E]</a>.)</p> + + <p>CRE. Keep it secret; and speak not these words to the city.</p> + + <p>TIR. Dost thou command me to be unjust? I can not be silent.</p> + + <p>CRE. What then wilt thou do to me? Wilt thou slay my son?</p> + + <p>TIR. These things will be a care to others; but by me will it be + spoken.</p> + + <p>CRE. But from whence has this evil come to me, and to my child?</p> + + <p>TIR. Well dost thou ask me, and comest to the drift of my discourse. + It is necessary that he, stabbed in that cave where the earth-born dragon + lay, the guardian of Dirce's fountain, give his gory blood a libation to + the earth on account of the ancient wrath of Mars against Cadmus, who + avenges the slaughter of the earth-born dragon; and these things done, ye + shall obtain Mars as your ally. But if the earth receive fruit in return + for fruit, and mortal blood in return for blood, ye shall have that land + propitious, which formerly sent forth a crop of men from seed armed with + golden helmets; but there must of this race die one, who is the son of + the dragon's jaw. But thou art left among us of the race of those sown + men, pure in thy descent, both by thy mother's side and in the male line; + and thy children too: Hæmon's marriage however precludes his being slain, + for he is not a youth, [for, although he has not approached her bed, he + has yet contracted the marriage.] But this youth, devoted to this city, + by dying may preserve his native country. And he will cause a bitter + return to Adrastus and the Argives, casting back death over their eyes, + and Thebes will he make illustrious: of these two fates choose the one; + either preserve thy child or the state. Every information from me thou + hast:—lead me, my child, toward home;—but whoever exercises + the art of divination, is a fool; if indeed he chance to show + disagreeable things, he is rendered hateful to those to whom he may + prophesy; but speaking falsely to his employers from motives of pity, he + is unjust as touching the Gods.—Phœbus alone should speak in + oracles to men, who fears nobody.</p> + +<p class="center">CREON, MENŒCEUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Creon, why art thou mute compressing thy voice in silence, for + to me also there is no less consternation.</p> + + <p>CRE. But what can one say?—It is clear however what my answer + will be. For never will I go to this degree of calamity, to expose my son + a victim for the state. For all men live with an affection toward their + children, nor would any give up his own child to die. Let no one praise + me for the deed, and slay my children. But I myself, for I am arrived at + a mature period of life, am ready to die to liberate my country. But + haste, my son, before the whole city hears it, disregarding the + intemperate oracles of prophets, fly as quickly as possible, having + quitted this land. For he will tell these things to the authorities and + chiefs, going to the seven gates, and to the officers: and if indeed we + get before him, there is safety for thee, but if thou art too late, we + are undone, thou diest.</p> + + <p>MEN. Whither then fly? To what city? what friends?</p> + + <p>CRE. Wheresoever thou wilt be farthest removed from this country.</p> + + <p>MEN. Therefore it is fitting for thee to speak, and for me to do.</p> + + <p>CRE. Having passed through Delphi—</p> + + <p>MEN. Whither is it right for me to go, my father?</p> + + <p>CRE. To the land of Ætolia.</p> + + <p>MEN. And from this whither shall I proceed?</p> + + <p>CRE. To Thesprotia's soil.</p> + + <p>MEN. To the sacred seat of Dodona?</p> + + <p>CRE. Thou understandest.</p> + + <p>MEN. What then will there be to protect me?</p> + + <p>CRE. The conducting deity.</p> + + <p>MEN. But what means of procuring money?</p> + + <p>CRE. I will supply gold.</p> + + <p>MEN. Thou sayest well, my father. Go then, for having proceeded to + salute<a name="Phoen_34"></a><a href="#PhoenN_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a> thy + sister, whose breast I first sucked, Jocasta I mean, deprived of my + mother, and reft from her, an orphan, I will depart and save my life. But + haste, go, let not thy purpose be hindered.</p> + +<p class="center">MENŒCEUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MEN. Ye females, how well removed I my father's fears, having deceived + him with words, in order to gain my wishes; who sends me out of the way, + depriving the city of its good fortune, and gives me up to cowardice. And + these things are pardonable indeed in an old man, but in my case it + deserves no pardon to become the deserter of that country which gave me + birth. That ye may know then, I will go, and preserve the city, and will + give up my life for this land. For it is a disgraceful thing, that those + indeed who are free from the oracle, and are not concerned with any + compulsion of the Gods, standing at their shields in battle, shall not be + slow to die fighting before the towers for their country; and I, having + betrayed my father, and my brother, and my own city, shall depart + coward-like from out of the land; but wherever I live, I shall appear + vile. No: by that Jove that dwelleth amidst the constellations, and + sanguinary Mars, who set up those sown men, who erst sprung from the + earth, to be kings of this country. But I will depart, and standing on + the summit of the battlements, stabbing myself over the dark deep lair of + the dragon, where the prophet appointed, will give liberty to the + country—the word has been spoken. But I go, by my death about to + give no mean gift to the state, and will rid this land of its affliction. + For if every one, seizing what opportunity he had in his power of doing + good, would persist in it, and bring it forward for his country's weal, + states, experiencing fewer calamities, henceforward might be + prosperous.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou camest forth, thou camest forth, O winged monster, + production of the earth, and the viper of hell, the ravager of the + Cadmeans, big with destruction, big with woes, in form half-virgin, a + hostile prodigy, with thy ravening wings, and thy talons that preyed on + raw flesh, who erst from Dirce's spot bearing aloft the youths, + accompanied by an inharmonious lay, thou broughtest, thou broughtest + cruel woes to our country; cruel was he of the Gods, whoever was the + author of these things. And the moans of the matrons, and the moans of + the virgins, resounded in the house, in a voice, in a strain of misery, + they lamented some one thing, some another, in succession through the + city. And the groaning and the noise was like to thunder, when the winged + virgin bore out of sight any man from the city. But at length came by the + mission of the Pythian oracle Œdipus the unhappy to this land of + Thebes, to us then indeed delighted, but again came woes. For he, + wretched man, having gained the glorious victory over the enigmas, + contracts a marriage, an unfortunate marriage with his mother, and + pollutes the city. And fresh woes does the unfortunate man cause to + succeed with slaughter, devoting by curses his sons to the unhallowed + contest.—With admiration, with admiration we look on him, who is + gone to kill himself for the sake of his country's land; to Creon indeed + having left lamentations, but about to make the seven-towered gates of + the land greatly victorious. Thus may we be mothers, thus may we be blest + in our children, O dear Pallas, who destroyedst the blood of the dragon + by the hurled stone, driving the attention of Cadmus to the action, + whence with rapine some fiend of the Gods rushed on this land.</p> + +<p class="center">MESSENGER, JOCASTA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MESS. Ho there! who is at the gate of the palace? Open, conduct + Jocasta from out of the house.—What ho! again—after a long + time indeed, but yet come forth, hear, O renowned wife of Œdipus, + ceasing from thy lamentations, and thy tears of grief.</p> + + <p>JOC. O most dear man, surely thou comest bearing the news of some + calamity, of the death of Eteocles, by whose shield thou always didst go, + warding off the weapons of the enemy. What new message, I pray, dost thou + come to deliver? Is my son dead or alive? Tell me.</p> + + <p>MESS. He lives, be not alarmed for this, for I will rid thee of this + fear.</p> + + <p>JOC. But what? In what state are our seven-towered ramparts?</p> + + <p>MESS. They stand unshaken, nor is the city destroyed.</p> + + <p>JOC. Come they in danger from the spear of Argos?</p> + + <p>MESS. To the very extreme of danger; but the arms of Thebes came off + superior to the Mycenæan spear.</p> + + <p>JOC. Tell me one thing, by the Gods, whether thou knowest any thing of + Polynices (since this is a concern to me also) whether he sees the + light.</p> + + <p>MESS. Thus far in the day thy pair of children lives.</p> + + <p>JOC. Be thou blest. But how did ye stationed on the towers drive off + the spear of Argos from the gates? Tell me, that I may go and delight the + old blind man in the house with the news of his country's being + preserved.</p> + + <p>MESS. After that the son of Creon, he that died for the land, standing + on the summit of the towers, plunged the black-handled sword into his + throat, the salvation of this land, thy son placed seven cohorts, and + their leaders with them, at the seven gates, guards against the Argive + spear; and he drew up the horse ready to support the horse, and the + heavy-armed men to reinforce the shield-bearers, so that to the part of + the wall which was in danger there might be succor at hand. But from the + lofty citadel we view the army of the Argives with their white shields, + having quitted Tumessus and now come near the trench, at full speed they + reached the city of the land of Cadmus. And the pæan and the trumpets at + the same time from them resounded, and off the walls from us. And first + indeed Parthenopæus the son of the huntress (<i>Atalanta</i>) led his + division horrent with their thick shields against the Neïtan<a + name="Phoen_35"></a><a href="#PhoenN_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a> gate, having + a family device in the middle of his shield, Atalanta destroying the + Ætolian boar with her distant-wounding bow. And against the Prætan gate + marched the prophet Amphiaraüs, having victims in his car, not bearing an + insolent emblem, but modestly having his arms without a device. But + against the Ogygian gate stood Prince Hippomedon, bearing an emblem in + the middle of his shield, the Argus gazing with his spangled<a + name="Phoen_36"></a><a href="#PhoenN_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> eyes, [some + eyes indeed with the rising of the stars awake,<a name="Phoen_37"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a> and some with the setting closed, + as we had the opportunity of seeing afterward when he was dead.] But + Tydeus was drawn up at the Homoloïan gate, having on his shield a lion's + skin rough with his mane, but in his right hand he bore a torch, as the + Titan Prometheus,<a name="Phoen_38"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> intent on firing the city. But thy + son Polynices drew up his array at the Crenean gate; but the swift + Potnian mares, the emblem on his shield, were starting through fright, + well circularly<a name="Phoen_39"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> grouped within <i>the orb</i> at + the handle of the shield, so that they seemed infuriated. But Capaneus, + not holding less notions than Mars on the approaching battle, drew up his + division against the Electran gate. Upon the iron embossments of his + shield was an earth-born giant bearing upon his shoulders a whole city, + which he had torn up from the foundations with bars, an intimation to us + what our city should suffer. But at the seventh gate was Adrastus, having + his shield filled with a hundred vipers, bearing on his left arm a + representation of the hydra, the boast of Argos, and from the midst of + the walls the dragons were bearing the children of the Thebans in their + jaws. But I had the opportunity of seeing each of these, as I took the + word of battle to the leaders of the divisions. And first indeed we + fought with bows, and javelins, and distant-wounding slings, and + fragments of rocks; but when we were conquering in the fight, Tydeus + shouted out, and thy son on a sudden, "O sons of the Danaï, why delay we, + ere we are galled with their missile weapons, to make a rush at the gates + all in a body, light-armed men, horsemen, and those who drive the + chariots?" And when they heard the cry, no one was backward; but many + fell, their heads besmeared with blood; of us also you might have seen + before the walls frequent divers toppling to the ground; and they + moistened the parched earth with streams of blood. But the Arcadian, no + Argive, the son of Atalanta, as some whirlwind falling on the gates, + calls out for fire and a spade, as though he would dig up the city. But + Periclymenus the son of the God of the Ocean stopped him in his raging, + hurling at his head a stone, a wagon-load, a pinnacle<a + name="Phoen_40"></a><a href="#PhoenN_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a> <i>rent</i> + from the battlement; and dashed in pieces his head with its auburn hair, + and crushed the suture of the bones, and besmeared with blood his lately + blooming cheeks; nor shall he carry back his living form to his mother, + glorious in her bow, the daughter of Mænalus. But when thy son saw this + gate was in a state of safety, he went to another, and I followed. But I + see Tydeus, and many armed with shields around him, darting with their + Ætolian lances at the highest battlements of the towers, so that our men + put to flight quitted the heights of the ramparts; but thy son, as a + hunter, collects them together again; and posted them a second time on + the towers; and we hasten on to another gate, having relieved the + distress in this quarter. But Capaneus, how can I express the measure of + his rage! For he came bearing the ranges of a long-reaching ladder, and + made this high boast, "That not even the hallowed fire of Jove should + hinder him from taking the city from its highest turrets." And these + things soon as he had proclaimed, though assailed with stones, he + clambered up, having contracted his body under his shield, climbing the + slippery footing of the bars<a name="Phoen_41"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a> of the ladder: but when he was now + mounting the battlements of the walls Jupiter strikes him with his + thunder; and the earth resounded, insomuch that all trembled; and his + limbs were hurled, as it were by a sling, from the ladder separately from + one another, his hair to heaven, and his blood to the ground, and his + limbs, like the whirling of Ixion on his wheel, were carried round; and + his scorched body falls to the earth. But when Adrastus saw that Jove was + hostile to his army, he stationed the host of the Argives without the + trench. But ours on the contrary, when they saw the auspicious sign from + Jove, drove out their chariots, horsemen and heavy-armed, and rushing + into the midst of the Argive arms engaged in fight: and there were all + the sorts of misery together: they died, they fell from their chariots, + and the wheels leaped up and axles upon axles: and corses were heaped + together with corses.—We have preserved then our towers from being + overthrown to this present day; but whether for the future this land will + be prosperous, rests with the Gods.</p> + + <p>CHOR. To conquer is glorious; but if the Gods have the better intent, + may I be fortunate!</p> + + <p>JOC. Well are the ways of the Gods, and of fortune; for my children + live, and my country has escaped; but the unhappy Creon seems to feel the + effects of my marriage, and of Œdipus's misfortunes, being deprived + of his child; for the state indeed, happily, but individually, to his + misery: but recount to me again, what after this did my two sons purpose + to do?</p> + + <p>MESS. Forbear the rest; for in every circumstance hitherto thou art + fortunate.</p> + + <p>JOC. This hast thou said so as to raise suspicion; I must not + forbear.</p> + + <p>MESS. Dost thou want any thing more than that thy sons are safe?</p> + + <p>JOC. In what follows also I would hear if I am fortunate.</p> + + <p>MESS. Let me go: thy son is deprived of his armor-bearer.</p> + + <p>JOC. Thou concealest some ill and coverest it in obscurity.</p> + + <p>MESS. I can not speak thy ills after thy happiness.</p> + + <p>JOC. <i>But thou shalt</i>, unless fleeing from me thou fleest through + the air.</p> + + <p>MESS. Alas! alas! Why dost thou not suffer me to depart after a + message of glad tidings, but forcest me to tell calamities?—Thy + sons are intent on most shameful deeds of boldness—to engage in + single combat apart from the whole army, having addressed to the Argives + and Thebans in common a speech, such as they never ought to have spoken. + But Eteocles began, standing on the lofty turret, having commanded to + proclaim silence to the army. And he said, "O generals of the Grecian + land, and chieftains of the Danaï, who have come hither, and O people of + Cadmus, neither for the sake of Polynices barter your lives, nor for my + cause. For I myself, taking this danger on myself, alone will enter the + lists with my brother; and if indeed I slay him, I will dwell in the + palace alone; but should I be subdued, I will give it up to him alone. + But you, ceasing from the combat, O Argives, shall return to your land, + not leaving your lives here; [of the Theban people also there is enough + that lieth dead,"] Thus much he spake; but thy son Polynices rushed from + the ranks, and approved his words. But all the Argives murmured their + applause, and the people of Cadmus, as thinking this plan just. And after + this the generals made a truce, and in the space between the two armies + pledged an oath to abide by it. And now the two sons of the aged + Œdipus clad their bodies in an entire suit of brazen armor. And + their friends adorned them, the champion of this land indeed the + chieftains of the Thebans; and him the principal men of the Danaï. And + they stood resplendent, and they changed not their color, raging to let + forth their spears at each other. But their friends on either side as + they passed by encouraging them with words, thus spoke. "Polynices, it + rests with thee to erect the statue of Jove, emblem of victory, and to + confer a glorious fame on Argos." But to Eteocles on the other hand; "Now + thou fightest for the state, now if thou come off victorious, thou art in + possession of the sceptre." These things they said exhorting them to the + combat. But the seers sacrificed the sheep, and scrutinized the shooting + of the flames, and the bursting <i>of the gall</i>, the moisture + adverse<a name="Phoen_42"></a><a href="#PhoenN_42"><sup>[42]</sup></a> + <i>to the fire</i>, and the extremity of the flame, which bears a + two-fold import, both the sign of victory,<a name="Phoen_43"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_43"><sup>[43]</sup></a> and the sign of being defeated.<a + name="Phoen_44"></a><a href="#PhoenN_44"><sup>[44]</sup></a> But if thou + hast any power, or words of wisdom, or the soothing charms of + incantation, go, stay thy children from the fearful combat, since great + the danger, [and dreadful will be the sequel of the contest, + <i>namely</i>, tears for thee, deprived this day of thy two + children.]</p> + + <p>JOC. O my child, Antigone, come forth from before the palace; the + state of thy fortune suits not now the dance, nor the virgin's chamber, + but it is thy duty, in conjunction with thy mother, to hinder two + excellent men, and thy brothers verging toward death from falling by each + other's hands.</p> + +<p class="center">ANTIGONE, JOCASTA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ANT. With what new horrors, O mother of my being, dost thou call out + to thy friends before the house?</p> + + <p>JOC. O my daughter, the life of thy brothers is gone from them.</p> + + <p>ANT. How sayest thou?</p> + + <p>JOC. They are drawn out in single combat.</p> + + <p>ANT. Alas me! what wilt thou say, my mother?</p> + + <p>JOC. Nothing of pleasant import; but follow.</p> + + <p>ANT. Whither? leaving my virgin chamber.</p> + + <p>JOC. To the army.</p> + + <p>ANT. I am ashamed to go among the crowd.</p> + + <p>JOC. Thy present state admits not bashfulness.</p> + + <p>ANT. But what shall I do then?</p> + + <p>JOC. Thou shalt quell the strife of the brothers.</p> + + <p>ANT. Doing what, my mother.</p> + + <p>JOC. Falling before them with me.</p> + + <p>ANT. Lead to the space between the armies; we must not delay.</p> + + <p>JOC. Haste, daughter, haste, since, if indeed I reach my sons before + they engage, I still exist in heaven's fair light, but if they die, I + shall lie dead with them.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>Alas! alas! shuddering with horror, shuddering is my breast; and + through my flesh came pity, pity for the unhappy mother, on account of + her two children, whether of them then will distain with blood the other + (alas me for my sufferings, O Jove, O earth), the own brother's neck, the + own brother's life, in arms, in slaughter? Wretched, wretched I, over + which corse then shall I raise the lamentation for the dead? O earth, + earth, the two beasts of prey, blood-thirsty souls, brandishing the + spear, will quickly distain with blood the fallen, fallen enemy. + Wretches, that they ever came to the thought of a single combat! In a + foreign strain will I mourn with tears my elegy of groans due to the + dead. Destiny is at hand—death is near; this day will decide the + event. Ill-fated, ill-fated murder because of the Furies! But I see Creon + here with clouded brow advancing toward the house, I will cease therefore + from the groans I am uttering.</p> + +<p class="center">CREON, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>CRE. Ah me! what shall I do? whether am I to groan in weeping myself, + or the city, which a cloud of such magnitude encircles as to cast us + amidst the gloom of Acheron? For my son has perished having died for the + city, having achieved a glorious name, but to me a name of sorrow. Him + having taken just now from the dragon's den, stabbed by his own hand, I + wretched bore in my arms; and the whole house resounds with shrieks; but + I, myself aged, am come after my aged sister Jocasta, that she may wash + and lay out my son now no more. For it behooves the living well to revere + the God below by paying honors to the dead.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thy sister is gone out of the house, O Creon, and the girl + Antigone attending the steps of her mother.</p> + + <p>CRE. Whither? and for what hap? tell me.</p> + + <p>CHOR. She heard that her sons were about to come to a contest in + single battle for the royal palace.</p> + + <p>CRE. How sayest thou? whilst I was fondly attending to my son's corse, + I arrived not so far <i>in knowledge</i>, as to be acquainted with this + also.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But thy sister has indeed been gone some time; but I think, O + Creon, that the contest, in which their lives are at stake, has already + been concluded by the sons of Œdipus.</p> + + <p>CRE. Ah me! I see indeed this signal, the downcast eye and countenance + of the approaching messenger, who will relate every thing that has taken + place.</p> + +<p class="center">MESSENGER, CREON, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MESS. O wretched me! what language or what words can I utter? we are + undone—</p> + + <p>CRE. Thou beginnest thy speech with no promising prelude.</p> + + <p>MESS. Oh wretched me! doubly do I lament, for I hear great + calamities.</p> + + <p>CRE. In addition to the calamities that have happened dost thou still + speak of others?</p> + + <p>MESS. Thy sister's sons, O Creon, no longer behold the light.</p> + + <p>CRE. Ah! alas! thou utterest great ills to me and to the state.</p> + + <p>MESS. O mansions of Œdipus, do ye hear these things of thy + children who have perished by similar fates?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Ay, so that, had they but sense, they would weep.</p> + + <p>CRE. O most heavy misery! Oh me wretched with woes! alas! unhappy + me!</p> + + <p>MESS. If that thou knewest the evils yet in addition to these.</p> + + <p>CRE. And how can there be more fatal ills than these?</p> + + <p>MESS. Thy sister is dead with her two children.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Raise, raise the cry of woe, and smite your heads with the blows + of your white hands.</p> + + <p>CRE. Oh unhappy Jocasta, what an end of thy life and of thy marriage + hast thou endured in the riddles of the Sphinx!<a name="Phoen_45"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_45"><sup>[45]</sup></a> But how took place the slaughter of + her two sons, and the combat arising from the curse of Œdipus? tell + me.</p> + + <p>MESS. The success of the country before the towers indeed thou + knowest; for the circuit of the wall is not of such vast extent, but that + thou must know all that has taken place. But after that the sons of the + aged Œdipus had clad their limbs in brazen armor, they came and + stood in the midst of the plain between the two armies, ready for the + contest, and the fierceness of the single battle. And having cast a look + toward Argos, Polynices uttered his prayer; "O venerable Juno (for I am + thine, since in marriage I joined myself with the daughter of Adrastus, + and dwell in that land), grant me to slay my brother, and to cover with + blood my hostile hand bearing the victory." And Eteocles looking at the + temple of Pallas, glorious in her golden shield, prayed; "O Daughter of + Jove, grant me with my hand to hurl my victorious spear from this arm + home to the breast of my brother, [and slay him who came to lay waste my + country."] And when the sound of the Tuscan trumpet was raised, as the + torch, the signal for the fierce battle, they sped with dreadful rush + toward each other; and like wild boars whetting their savage tusks, they + met, their cheeks all moist with foam; and they rushed forward with their + lances; but they couched beneath the orbs of their shields, in order that + the steel might fall harmless. But if either perceived the other's eye + raised above the verge, he drove the lance at his face, intent to be + beforehand with him: but dexterously they shifted their eyes to the open + ornaments of their shields, so that the spear was made of none effect. + And more sweat trickled down the spectators than the combatants, through + the fear of their friends. But Eteocles, stumbling with his foot against + a stone, which rolled under his tread,<a name="Phoen_46"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_46"><sup>[46]</sup></a> places his limb without the shield. + But Polynices ran up with his spear, when he saw a stroke open to his + steel, and the Argive spear passed through the shank. And all the host of + the Danaï shouted for joy. And the hero who first was wounded, when he + perceived his shoulder exposed in this effort, pierced the breast of + Polynices with his lance, and gave joy to the citizens of Cadmus, but he + broke the point of his spear. But being come to a strait for a spear, he + retreated backward on his leg, and taking a stone of marble, he hurled it + and crashed <i>his antagonist's</i> spear in the middle: and the battle + was on equal terms, both being deprived of the spear in their hands. Then + seizing the handles of their swords they met at close quarters, and, as + they clashed their shields together, raised a great tumult of battle + around them. And Eteocles having a sort of idea of its success, made use + of a Thessalian stratagem, <i>which he had learned</i> from his + connection with that country. For giving up his present mode of attack, + he brings his left foot behind, protecting well the pit of his own + stomach; and stepping forward his right leg, he plunged the sword through + the navel, and drove it to the vertebræ. But the unhappy Polynices + bending together his side and his bowels falls weltering in blood. But + the other, as he were now the victor, and had subdued him in the fight, + casting his sword on the ground, went to spoil him, not fixing his + attention on himself, but on that his purpose. Which thing also deceived + him; for Polynices, he that fell first, still breathing a little, + preserving his sword e'en in his deathly fall, with difficulty indeed, + but he did stretch his sword to the heart of Eteocles. And holding the + dust in their gripe they both fall near one another, and determined not + the victory.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! to what degree, O Œdipus, do I groan for thy + misfortunes! but the God seems to have fulfilled thy imprecations.</p> + + <p>MESS. Hear now then woes even in addition to these—For when her + sons having fallen were breathing their last, at this moment the wretched + mother rushes before them, and when she perceived them stricken with + mortal wounds she shrieked out, "Oh my sons, I am come too late a + succor:" and throwing herself by the side of her children in turn, she + wept, she lamented with moans her long anxiety in suckling them <i>now + lost</i>: and their sister, who accompanied to stand by her in her + misery, at the same time <i>broke forth</i>; "O supporters of my mother's + age! Oh ye that have betrayed my hopes of marriage, my dearest + brothers!"—But king Eteocles heaving from his breast his gasping + breath, heard his mother, and putting out his cold clammy hand, sent not + forth indeed a voice; but from his eyes spoke her in tears to signify + affection. But Polynices, who yet breathed, looking at his sister and his + aged mother, thus spoke: "We perish, O my mother; but I grieve for thee, + and for this my sister, and my brother who lies dead, for being my + friend, he became my enemy, but still my friend.—But bury me, O + mother of my being, and thou my sister, in my native land, and pacify the + exasperated city, that I may obtain thus much at least of my country's + land, although I have lost the palace. And close my eyelids with thy + hand, my mother" (and he places it himself upon his eyes), "and fare ye + well! for now darkness surroundeth me." And both breathed out their lives + together. And the mother, when she saw what had taken place, beyond + endurance grieving, snatched the sword from the dead body, and + perpetrated a deed of horror; for she drove the steel through the middle + of her throat, and lies dead on those most dear to her, having each in + her arms embraced. But the people rose up hastily to a strife of + opinions; we indeed, as holding, that my master was victorious; but they, + that the other was; and there was also a contention between the generals, + those on the other side <i>contended</i>, that Polynices first struck + with the spear, but those on ours that there was no victory where the + combatants died. [And in the mean time Antigone withdrew from the army;] + but they rushed to arms; but fortunately by a sort of foresight the + people of Cadmus had sat upon their shields: and we gained the advantage + of falling on the Argives not yet accoutred in their arms. And no one + made a stand, but flying they covered the plain; and immense quantities + of blood were spilt of the corses that fell, but when we were victorious + in the fight, some indeed raised the image of Jove emblem of victory, but + some of us stripping the shields from the Argive corses sent the spoils + within the city. But others with Antigone are bearing hither the dead for + their friends to lament over. But these contests have in some respect + turned out most happy for this state, but in other respect most + unhappy.</p> + + <p>CHOR. No longer the misfortunes of the house come to our ears, we may + also see before the palace these three fallen corses, who have shared the + dark realms by a united death.</p> + +<p class="center">[<i>The dead bodies borne</i>.]</p> + +<p class="center">ANTIGONE, CREON, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ANT. Not veiling the softness of my cheek on which my ringlets fall, + nor caring for the purple glow of virginity under my lids, the blush of + my countenance, I am borne along the bacchanal of the dead, rending the + fillet from my hair, rejecting the saffron robe of delicateness, having + the mournful office of conducting the dead. Alas! alas! woe is me! Oh + Polynices, thou well answeredst to thy name! Alas me! Oh Thebes! but thy + strife, no strife, but murder consummated with murder,<a + name="Phoen_47"></a><a href="#PhoenN_47"><sup>[47]</sup></a> hath + destroyed the house of Œdipus with dreadful, with mournful blood. + But what groan responsive to my sufferings, or what lament of music shall + I invoke to my tears, to my tears, O house, O house, bearing these three + kindred bodies, my mother, and her children, the joy of the fury? who + destroyed the entire house of Œdipus, what time intelligently<a + name="Phoen_48"></a><a href="#PhoenN_48"><sup>[48]</sup></a> he unfolded + the difficult song of the fierce monster, having thereby slain the body + of the fierce musical Sphinx. Alas me! my father; what Grecian, or what + Barbarian, or what other of the noble in birth, of mortal blood, in time + of old ever bore such manifest sufferings of so many ills? Wretched I, + how do I lament! What bird, sitting on the highest boughs of the oak or + pine, will sing responsive to my lamentations, who have lost my mother? + who weep the strain of grief in addition to these moans <i>for my + brothers</i>, about to pass my long life in floods of tears.—Which + shall I bewail? On which first shall I scatter the first offerings rent + from my hair? On my mother's two breasts of milk, or upon the + death-wounds of my two brothers? Alas! alas! Leave thine house, bringing + thy sightless eye, O aged father, Œdipus, show thy wretched age, who + within thy palace having poured the gloomy darkness over thine eyes, + draggest on a long<a name="Phoen_49"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_49"><sup>[49]</sup></a> life. Dost thou hear wandering in + the hall,—resting thy aged foot upon the couch in a state of + misery?</p> + +<p class="center">ŒDIPUS, CREON, ANTIGONE, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Why, O virgin, hast thou with the most doleful tears called + me forth leaning on the support of a blind foot<a name="Phoen_50"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_50"><sup>[50]</sup></a> to the light, a bed-ridden man from + his darksome chamber, gray-headed, an obscure phantom of air—a dead + body beneath the earth—a flitting dream?</p> + + <p>ANT. O father, thou shalt receive words of unhappy tidings; no longer + do thy children behold the light, nor thy wife, who ever was employed in + attending as a staff on thy blind foot, my father: alas me!</p> + + <p>ŒD. Alas me, for my sufferings! for well may I groan and + vociferate these things. The three souls, tell me, my child, by what + fate, how quitted they this light?</p> + + <p>ANT. Not for the sake of reproaching thee, nor exulting over thee, but + for grief I speak: thy evil genius, heavy with swords, and fire, and + wretched combats, has rushed down upon thy children, O my father.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Alas me! ah! ah!</p> + + <p>ANT. Why dost thou thus groan?</p> + + <p>ŒD. Alas me! my children!</p> + + <p>ANT. Thou wouldest grieve indeed, if looking on the chariot of the sun + drawn by its four steeds, thou couldest direct the sight of thine eyes to + these bodies of the dead.</p> + + <p>ŒD. The evil of my sons indeed is manifest; but my wretched wife, + by what fate, O my child, did she perish?</p> + + <p>ANT. Causing to all tears of grief they could not contain, to her + children she bared her breast, a suppliant she bared it, holding it up in + supplication. But the mother found her children at the Electran gate, in + the mead where the lotus abounds, contending with their lances in the + common war, as lions bred in the same cave, with the blood-wounds now a + cold, a gory libation, which Plato received, and Mars gave. And having + seized the brazen-wrought sword from the dead she plunged it into her + flesh, but with grief for her children she fell amidst her children. But + all these sufferings, O my father, has the God heaped this day upon our + house, whoever he be, that adds this consummation.</p> + + <p>CHOR. This day hath been the beginning of many woes to the house of + Œdipus; but may life be more fortunate!</p> + + <p>CRE. Now indeed cease from your grief, for it is time to think of the + sepulture. But hear these words, O Œdipus; Eteocles, thy son, hath + given to me the dominion of this land, giving them as a marriage portion + to Hæmon, and <i>with them</i> the bed of thy daughter Antigone. I + therefore will not suffer thee any longer to dwell in this land. For + clearly did Tiresias say, that never, whilst thou dost inhabit this land, + will the state be prosperous. But depart; and this I say not from + insolence, nor being thine enemy, but on account of thy evil genius, + fearing lest the country suffer any harm.</p> + + <p>ŒD. O Fate, from the beginning how wretched [and unhappy] didst + thou form me, [if ever other man was formed!] whom, even before I came + into the light from my mother's womb, when yet unborn Apollo foretold + that I should be the murderer of my father Laïus, alas! wretch that I am! + And when I was born, again my father who gave me life, seeks to take my + life, considering that I was born his enemy: for it was fated that he + should die by my hands, and he sends me, poor wretch, as I craved the + breast, a prey for the wild beasts: where I was preserved—for would + that Cithæron, it ought, had sunk to the bottomless chasms of Tartarus, + for that it did not destroy me; but the God fixed it my lot to serve + under Polybus my master: but I unhappy man, having slain my own father, + ascended the bed of my wretched mother, and begat children, my brothers, + whom I destroyed, having received down the curse from Laïus, and given it + to my sons. For I was not by nature so utterly devoid of understanding, + as to have devised such things against my eyes, and against the life of + my children, without the interference of some of the Gods. + Well!—what then shall I ill-fated do? who will accompany me the + guide of my dark steps? She that lies here dead! living, well know I, she + would. But my noble pair of sons? I have no sons.—But still in my + vigor can I myself procure my sustenance? Whence?—Why, O Creon, + dost thou thus utterly kill me? for kill me thou wilt, if thou shalt cast + me out of the land. Yet will I not appear base, stretching my hands + around thy knees, for I can not belie my former nobleness, not even + though my plight is miserable.</p> + + <p>CRE. Well has it been spoken by thee, that thou wilt not touch my + knees, but I can not permit thee to dwell in the land. But of these + corses, the one we must even now bear to the house; but the body of + Polynices cast out unburied beyond the borders of this land. And these + things shall be proclaimed to all the Thebans: "whoever shall be found + either crowning the corse, or covering it with earth, shall receive death + for his offense." But thou, ceasing from the groans for the three dead, + retire, Antigone, within the house, and behave as beseems a virgin, + expecting the approaching day in which the bed of Hæmon awaits thee.</p> + + <p>ANT. Oh father, in what a state of woes do we miserable beings lie! + How do I lament for thee! more than for the dead! For it is not that one + of thy ills is heavy, and the other not heavy, but thou art in all things + unhappy, my father.—But thee I ask, our new lord, [wherefore dost + thou insult my father here, banishing him from his country?] Why make thy + laws against an unhappy corse?</p> + + <p>CRE. The determination of Eteocles this, not mine.</p> + + <p>ANT. It is absurd, and thou a fool to enforce it.</p> + + <p>CRE. How so? Is it not just to execute injunctions?</p> + + <p>ANT. No, if they are base, at least, and spoken with ill intent.</p> + + <p>CRE. What! will he not with justice be given to the dogs?</p> + + <p>ANT. <i>No</i>, for thus do ye not demand of him lawful justice.</p> + + <p>CRE. <i>We do</i>; since he was the enemy of the state, who least + ought to be an enemy.</p> + + <p>ANT. Hath he not paid then his life to fortune?</p> + + <p>CRE. And in his burial too let him now satisfy vengeance.</p> + + <p>ANT. What outrage having committed, if he came after his share of the + kingdom?</p> + + <p>CRE. This man, that you may know once for all, shall be unburied.</p> + + <p>ANT. I will bury him; even though the city forbid it.</p> + + <p>CRE. Thyself then wilt thou at the same time bury near the corse.</p> + + <p>ANT. But that is a glorious thing, for two friends to lie near.</p> + + <p>CRE. Lay hold of her, and bear her to the house.</p> + + <p>ANT. By no means—for I will not let go this body.</p> + + <p>CRE. The God has decreed it, O virgin, not as thou wilt.</p> + + <p>ANT. And this too is decreed—that the dead be not insulted.</p> + + <p>CRE. Around him none shall place the moist dust.</p> + + <p>ANT. Nay, by his mother here Jocasta, I entreat thee, Creon.</p> + + <p>CRE. Thou laborest in vain, for thou canst not obtain this.</p> + + <p>ANT. But suffer thou me at any rate to bathe the body.</p> + + <p>CRE. This would be one of the things forbidden by the state.</p> + + <p>ANT. But let me put bandages round his cruel wounds.</p> + + <p>CRE. In no way shalt thou show respect to this corse.</p> + + <p>ANT. Oh most dear, but I will at least kiss thy lips.</p> + + <p>CRE. Thou shalt not prepare calamity against thy wedding by thy + lamentations.</p> + + <p>ANT. What! while I live shall I ever marry thy son?</p> + + <p>CRE. There is strong necessity for thee, for by what means wilt thou + escape the marriage?</p> + + <p>ANT. That night then shall find me one of the Danaïdæ.</p> + + <p>CRE. Dost mark with what audacity she hath insulted us?</p> + + <p>ANT. The steel be witness, and the sword, by which I swear.</p> + + <p>CRE. But why art thou so eager to get rid of this marriage?</p> + + <p>ANT. I will take my flight with my most wretched father here.</p> + + <p>CRE. There is nobleness in thee; but there is some degree of + folly.</p> + + <p>ANT. And I will die with him too, that thou mayest farther know.</p> + + <p>CRE. Go—thou shalt not slay my son—quit the land.</p> + +<p class="center">ŒDIPUS, ANTIGONE, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ŒD. O daughter, I praise thee indeed for thy zealous + intentions.</p> + + <p>ANT. But if I were to marry, and thou suffer banishment alone, my + father?</p> + + <p>ŒD. Stay and be happy; I will bear with content mine own + ills.</p> + + <p>ANT. And who will minister to thee, blind as thou art, my father?</p> + + <p>ŒD. Falling wherever it shall be my fate, I will lie on the + ground.</p> + + <p>ANT. But Œdipus, where is he? and the renowned Enigmas?</p> + + <p>ŒD. Perished! one day blest me, and one day destroyed.</p> + + <p>ANT. Ought not I then to have a share in thy woes?</p> + + <p>ŒD. To a daughter exile with a blind father is shameful.</p> + + <p>ANT. Not to a right-minded one however, but honorable, my father.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Lead me now onward, that I may touch thy mother.</p> + + <p>ANT. There: touch the aged woman with thy most dear hand.</p> + + <p>ŒD. O mother! Oh most hapless wife!</p> + + <p>ANT. She doth lie miserable, having all ills at once on her.</p> + + <p>ŒD. But where is the fallen body of Eteocles, and of + Polynices?</p> + + <p>ANT. They lie extended before thee near one another.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Place my blind hand upon their unhappy faces.</p> + + <p>ANT. There: touch thy dead children with thy hand.</p> + + <p>ŒD. O ye dear wrecks, unhappy, of an unhappy father.</p> + + <p>ANT. O name of Polynices, most dear indeed to me.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Now, my child, is the oracle of Apollo come to pass.</p> + + <p>ANT. What? but dost thou mention evils in addition to these evils?</p> + + <p>ŒD. That I must die an exile at Athens.</p> + + <p>ANT. Where? what citadel of Attica will receive thee?</p> + + <p>ŒD. The sacred Colonus, and the temple of the Equestrian God. But + stay—minister to thy blind father here, since thou art desirous of + sharing his exile.</p> + + <p>ANT. Go to thy wretched banishment: stretch forth thy dear hand, O + aged father, having me as thy guide, as the gale that wafts the ship.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Behold, I go, my child, be thou my unhappy conductor.</p> + + <p>ANT. We are, we are indeed unhappy above all Theban virgins.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Where shall I place my aged footstep? Bring my staff, my + child.</p> + + <p>ANT. This way, this way come; here, here place thy foot, thou that + hast the strength of a dream.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Alas! alas! for my most wretched flight!—To drive me, + old as I am, from my country—Alas! alas! the dreadful, dreadful + things that I have suffered!</p> + + <p>ANT. What suffered! what suffered!<a name="Phoen_51"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_51"><sup>[51]</sup></a> Vengeance sees not the wicked, nor + repays the foolishness of mortals.</p> + + <p>ŒD. That man am I, who mounted aloft to the victorious heavenly + song, having solved the dark enigma of the virgin Sphinx.</p> + + <p>ANT. Dost thou bring up again the glory of the Sphinx? Forbear from + speaking of thy former successes. These wretched sufferings awaited thee, + O father, being an exile from thy country to die any where. Leaving with + my dear virgins tears for my loss, I depart far from my country, + wandering in state not like a virgin's.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Oh! the excellency of thy mind!</p> + + <p>ANT. In the calamities of a father at least it will make me glorious. + Wretched am I, on account of the insults offered to thee and to my + brother, who has perished from the family, a corse denied sepulture, + unhappy, whom, even if I must die, my father, I will cover with secret + earth.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Go, show thyself to thy companions.</p> + + <p>ANT. They have enough of my lamentations.</p> + + <p>ŒD. But make thy supplications at the altars.</p> + + <p>ANT. They have a satiety of my woes.</p> + + <p>ŒD. Go then, where stands the fane of Bacchus unapproached, on + the mountains of the Mænades.</p> + + <p>ANT. To whom I formerly, clad in the skin of the Theban fawn, danced + the sacred step of Semele on the mountains, conferring a thankless favor + on the Gods?</p> + + <p>ŒD. O ye inhabitants of my illustrious country, behold, I, this + Œdipus, who alone stayed the violence of the bloodthirsty Sphinx, + now, dishonored, forsaken, miserable, am banished from the land. Yet why + do I bewail these things, and lament in vain? For the necessity of fate + proceeding from the Gods a mortal must endure.</p> + + <p>CRE. [O greatly glorious Victory, mayest thou uphold my life, and + cease not from crowning me!] (See note <a name="Phoen_H"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_H">[H]</a>.)</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>NOTES ON THE PHŒNICIAN VIRGINS</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="PhoenN_1"></a><a href="#Phoen_1">[1]</a> That is, through the + signs of the zodiac: <span lang="el" + title="astêr">αστηρ</span> differs from + <span lang="el" + title="astron">αστρον</span>, the + former signifying a single star, the latter many.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_2"></a><a href="#Phoen_2">[2]</a> The preposition + <span lang="el" title="syn">συν</span> is omitted, as + in Homer,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="Autêi ken gaiêi erysaimi.">Αυτηι κεν γαιηι ερυσαιμι.</span> </p> + </div> + </div> + <p>The same omission occurs in the Bacchæ, <span lang="el" + title="autêisin + elatais">αυτηισιν + ελαταις</span>, and again in + the Hippolytus. It is an Atticism.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_3"></a><a href="#Phoen_3">[3]</a> See note on Hecuba, + 478.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_4"></a><a href="#Phoen_4">[4]</a> The word <span + lang="el" + title="tounoma">τουνομα</span> + must be supplied after <span lang="el" + title="touto">τουτο</span>, which is + implied in the verb <span lang="el" + title="kalousin">καλουσιν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_5"></a><a href="#Phoen_5">[5]</a> The <span lang="el" + title="zaros">ζαρος</span> is a bird of + prey of the vulture species. The sphinx was represented as having the + face of a woman, the breast and feet of a lion, and the wings of a + bird.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_5a"></a><a href="#Phoen_5a">[5a]</a> Dindorf would + omit this verse.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_6"></a><a href="#Phoen_6">[6]</a> <span lang="el" + title="arai">αραι</span> and <span lang="el" + title="arasthai">αρασθαι</span> + are often used by the poets in a good sense for prayers, <span lang="el" + title="euchai">ευχαι</span> and <span + lang="el" + title="euchesthai">ευχεσθαι</span> + for curses and imprecations.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_7"></a><a href="#Phoen_7">[7]</a> <span lang="el" + title="diêres hyperôon, ê + klimax">διηρες + ‛υπερωον, η + κλιμαξ</span>. HESYCHIUS.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_8"></a><a href="#Phoen_8">[8]</a> Milton, Par. + Regained, b. iii. l. 326.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The field, all iron, cast a gleaming brown.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="PhoenN_9"></a><a href="#Phoen_9">[9]</a> Lerna, a country of + Argolis celebrated for a grove and a lake where the Danaides threw the + heads of their murdered husbands. It was there also that Hercules killed + the famous Hydra.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_10"></a><a href="#Phoen_10">[10]</a> This alludes to + the figure of Argus engraved on his shield. See verse 1130.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_11"></a><a href="#Phoen_11">[11]</a> Tydeus married + Deipyle, Polynices Argia, both daughters of Adrastus, king of Argos.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_12"></a><a href="#Phoen_12">[12]</a> Some suppose + <span lang="el" title="hysterôi + podi">‛υστερωι + ποδι</span> to mean with their last steps, that + is, with steps which are doomed never to return again to their own + country.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_13"></a><a href="#Phoen_13">[13]</a> Triæna was a + place in Argolis, where Neptune stuck his trident in the ground, and + immediately water sprung up. SCHOL.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_14"></a><a href="#Phoen_14">[14]</a> Amymone was + daughter of Danaus and Europa; she was employed, by order of her father, + in supplying the city of Argos with water, in a great drought. Neptune + saw her in this employment, and was enamored of her. He carried her away, + and in the place where she stood he raised a fountain, which has been + called Amymone. See Propert. ii. El. 20. v. 47.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_15"></a><a href="#Phoen_15">[15]</a> <span lang="el" + title="allêlas + legousin">αλληλας + λεγουσιν</span> is, + <i>they say one of another</i>; <span lang="el" title="allêlais + legousin">αλληλαις + λεγουσιν</span>, <i>they + say among themselves</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_16"></a><a href="#Phoen_16">[16]</a> By <span + lang="el" title="pediôn + akarpistôn">πεδιων + ακαρπιστων</span> + is to be understood the sea. The construction <span lang="el" + title="pediôn perirrhyton + Sikelias">πεδιων + περιρρυτον + Σικελιας</span>, that is, + <span lang="el" title="ha Sikelian perirrhei">‛α + Σικελιαν + περιρρει</span>. The same + construction is found in Sophocles, Œd. Tyr. l. 885. <span lang="el" + title="dikas aphobêtos">δικας + αφοβητος</span>. L. 969. + <span lang="el" title="aphaustos + enchous">αφαυστος + εγχους</span>. See also Horace, Lib. + iv. Od. 4. 43.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ceu flamma per tædas, vel Eurus</p> + <p>Per Siculas equitavit undas.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="PhoenN_17"></a><a href="#Phoen_17">[17]</a> The fire was on + that head of Parnassus which was sacred to Apollo and Diana; to those + below it appeared double, being divided to the eye by a pointed rock + which rose before it. SCHOL.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_18"></a><a href="#Phoen_18">[18]</a> The Python which + Apollo slew.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_19"></a><a href="#Phoen_19">[19]</a> Libya the + daughter of Epaphus bore to Neptune Agenor and Belus. Cadmus was the son + of Agenor, and Antiope the daughter of Belus.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_19a"></a><a href="#Phoen_19a">[19a]</a> But Dind. + <span lang="el" + title="ekphrôs'">εκφρωσ'</span>. See + his note.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_20"></a><a href="#Phoen_20">[20]</a> The construction + is, <span lang="el" title="amphiballe moi to tôn parêïdôn sou + oregma">αμφιβαλλε + μοι το των + παρηϊδων + σου ορεγμα</span>: + that is, <i>genarum ad oscula porrectionem</i>. It can not be translated + literally. The verb <span lang="el" + title="amphiballe">αμφιβαλλε</span> + is to be supplied before <span lang="el" + title="oregma">ορεγμα</span>, and + before <span lang="el" + title="plokamon">πλοκαμον</span>. + See Orestes, 950.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_21"></a><a href="#Phoen_21">[21]</a> Locus videtur + corruptus. PORSON. Valckenaer proposes to read <span lang="el" + title="dakryoess' anieisa + k.t.l.">δακρυοεσσ' + ανιεισα + κ.τ.λ.</span> Markland would supply <span lang="el" + title="phônên">φωνην</span> after <span + lang="el" + title="hieisa">‛ιεισα</span>. + Another reading proposed is, <span lang="el" title="dakryoess' enieisa + penthêrê + konin">δακρυοεσσ' + ενιεισα + πενθηρη + κονιν</span>. <i>Lacrymabunda, lugubrem + cinerem injiciens</i>. Followed by Dindorf.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_22"></a><a href="#Phoen_22">[22]</a> Cf. Æsch. Prom. + 39. <span lang="el" title="to syngenes toi deinon hê th' + homilia">το + συγγενες + τοι δεινον + ‛η θ' + ‛ομιλια</span>, where consult + Schutz.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_23"></a><a href="#Phoen_23">[23]</a> See Porson's + note. A similar ellipse is to be found in Luke xiii. 9. <span lang="el" + title="Kain men poiêsêi karpon: ei de mêge, eis to mellon ekkopseis + autên:">Καιν μεν + ποιησηι + καρπον: ει δε + μηγε, εις το + μελλον + εκκοψεις + αυτην:</span> which is thus translated in + our version; "And if it bear fruit, <i>well</i>: and if not, <i>then</i> + after that thou shalt cut it down." See also Iliad, A. 135. Aristoph. + Plut. 468. ed. Kuster.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_24"></a><a href="#Phoen_24">[24]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Brabeus">Βραβευς</span>, + properly, is the judge in a contest, who confers the prizes, and on whose + decision the awarding of the prizes depends: <span lang="el" + title="brabeutês">βραβευτης</span> + is the same. <span lang="el" + title="Brabeion">Βραβειον</span> + is the prize. <span lang="el" + title="Brabeia">Βραβεια</span>, + and in the plural <span lang="el" + title="brabeiai">βραβειαι</span>, + the very act of deciding the contest.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_25"></a><a href="#Phoen_25">[25]</a> So Hotspur, of + honor:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>By heaven, methinks, it were an easy leap,</p> + <p>To pluck bright honor from the pale-faced moon:</p> + <p>Or dive into the bottom of the deep,</p> + <p>Where fathom-line could never touch the ground,</p> + <p>And pluck up drowned honor by the locks;</p> + <p>So he, that doth redeem her thence, might wear,</p> + <p>Without corrival, all her dignities.</p> + <p class="i16">Hen. IV. P. i. A. i. Sc. 3.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="PhoenN_26"></a><a href="#Phoen_26">[26]</a> See Ovid. Met. + vi. 28. Non omnia grandior ætas, Quæ fugiamus, habet; seris venit usus ab + annis.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_27"></a><a href="#Phoen_27">[27]</a> The Scholiast + doubts whether these Gods were Castor and Pollux, or Zethus and Amphion, + but inclines to the latter. See Herc. Fur. v. 29, 30.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_28"></a><a href="#Phoen_28">[28]</a> Or, <i>fell with + limbs that had never known yoke</i>.—V. Ovid: Met. iii. 10.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Bos tibi, Phœbus ait, solis occurret in arvis,</p> + <p>Nullum passa jugum.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="PhoenN_29"></a><a href="#Phoen_29">[29]</a> Valckenaer + proposes reading instead of <span lang="el" + title="horais">‛οραις</span> or + <span lang="el" + title="horas">‛ορας</span>, <span + lang="el" + title="aurais">αυραις</span>, writing + the passage <span lang="el" title="aurais bostrychon + ampetasas">αυραις + βοστρυχον + αμπετασας</span>, + "per auras leves crine jactato:" which seems peculiarly adapted to this + place, where the poet places the tumultuous rage of Mars in contrast with + the sweet enthusiasm of the Bacchanalians, who are represented as flying + over the plains with their hair streaming in the wind. But see Note <a + name="Phoen_C"></a><a href="#PhoenN_C">[C]</a>.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_30"></a><a href="#Phoen_30">[30]</a> <span lang="el" + title="akoê">ακοη</span> is here to be understood + in the sense of <span lang="el" + title="akouomenon">ακουομενον</span> + as we find <span lang="el" + title="aisthêsis">αισθησις</span> + for <span lang="el" + title="aisthêton">αισθητον</span>, + <span lang="el" title="nous">νους</span> for + <span lang="el" title="to nooumenon">το + νοουμενον</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_31"></a><a href="#Phoen_31">[31]</a> The words <span + lang="el" title="didymôn + potamôn">διδυμων + ποταμων</span> do not refer to + Dirce, but to Thebes, Thebes being called <span lang="el" title="polis + dipotamos">πολις + διποταμος</span>. + The construction is <span lang="el" title="pyrgos didymôn + potamôn">πυργος + διδυμων + ποταμων</span>. Thus in Pindar + <span lang="el" title="oikêma + potamou">οικημα + ποταμου</span> means <span + lang="el" title="oikêma para + potamôi">οικημα + παρα + ποταμωι</span>. Olymp. 2. + Antistr. 1.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_32"></a><a href="#Phoen_32">[32]</a> See note <a + name="Phoen_D"></a><a href="#PhoenN_D">[D]</a>.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_32a"></a><a href="#Phoen_32a">[32a]</a> <span + lang="el" title="goun">γουν</span>. See Dind.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_33"></a><a href="#Phoen_33">[33]</a> <span lang="el" + title="ti gar pathô">τι γαρ + παθω</span>; <i>Quid enim agam?</i> est formula + eorum, quos invitos natura vel fatum, vel quæcumque alia cogit + necessitas. VALCKEN.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_34"></a><a href="#Phoen_34">[34]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Prosêgorêsôn">Προσηγορησων</span> + is to be joined with <span lang="el" + title="molôn">μολων</span>, not with <span + lang="el" title="eimi">ειμι</span>. In + confirmation of this see line 1011.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_35"></a><a href="#Phoen_35">[35]</a> So called after + Neïs the son of Amphion and Niobe, or from <span lang="el" + title="neatai">νεαται</span>, + "<i>Newgate</i>." SCHOL.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_36"></a><a href="#Phoen_36">[36]</a> Argus himself + might be called <span lang="el" + title="stiktos">στικτος</span>, + but not his eyes, hence <span lang="el" + title="pyknois">πυκνοις</span> + is proposed by Heinsius. Abreschius receives <span lang="el" + title="stiktois">στικτοις</span> + in the sense of <span lang="el" title="hois stiktos + esti">‛οις + στικτος + εστι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_37"></a><a href="#Phoen_37">[37]</a> The Scholiast + makes <span lang="el" + title="bleponta">βλεποντα</span> + the accusative singular to agree with <span lang="el" + title="panoptên">πανοπτην</span>. + Musgrave takes it as agreeing with <span lang="el" + title="ommata">ομματα</span>; in this + latter case <span lang="el" + title="kryptonta">κρυπτοντα</span> + is used in a neuter signification. Note <a name="Phoen_F"></a><a + href="#PhoenN_F">[F]</a>.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_38"></a><a href="#Phoen_38">[38]</a> This is + Musgrave's interpretation, by putting the stop after <span lang="el" + title="hôs">‛ως</span>, which also Porson adopts; + others would join <span lang="el" + title="hôs">‛ως</span> with <span lang="el" + title="prêsôn">πρησων</span>. It + seems however more natural that the torch should be referred to Tydeus's + emblem, than to himself.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_39"></a><a href="#Phoen_39">[39]</a> Commentators and + interpreters are much at variance concerning the word <span lang="el" + title="strophinxin">στροφιγξιν</span>. + For his better satisfaction on this passage the reader is referred to the + Scholia.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_40"></a><a href="#Phoen_40">[40]</a> <span lang="el" + title="geissa">γεισσα</span> is in + apposition to <span lang="el" + title="laan">λααν</span> in the preceding line. + Cf. Orestes, 1585.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_41"></a><a href="#Phoen_41">[41]</a> Commentators are + divided on the meaning of <span lang="el" + title="enêlata">ενηλατα</span>. + One Scholiast understands it to mean the uprights of the ladder in which + the bars are fixed. Eustathias considers <span lang="el" title="enêlatôn + bathra">ενηλατων + βαθρα</span> a periphrasis for <span + lang="el" title="bathra, enêlata">βαθρα, + ενηλατα</span> being the <span + lang="el" title="bathra">βαθρα</span> or + <span lang="el" + title="bathmides">βαθμιδες</span>, + which <span lang="el" title="enelêlantai tois orthoïs + xylois">ενεληλανται + τοις ορθοϊς + ξυλοις</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_42"></a><a href="#Phoen_42">[42]</a> Musgrave would + render <span lang="el" title="hygrotêt' + enantian">‛υγροτητ' + εναντιαν</span> by + "mobilitatem male coalescentem;" in this case it would indicate the bad + omen, and be opposed to <span lang="el" title="akran + lampada">ακραν + λαμπαδα</span>, which then + should be translated "the pointed flame." Valckenaer considers the + passage as desperately corrupt. See Musgrave's note. Cf. Note <a + name="Phoen_G"></a><a href="#PhoenN_G">[G]</a>.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_43"></a><a href="#Phoen_43">[43]</a> If the flame was + clear and vivid.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_44"></a><a href="#Phoen_44">[44]</a> If it terminated + in smoke and blackness.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_45"></a><a href="#Phoen_45">[45]</a> The construction + of this passage is the same as that of Il. <span lang="el" + title="D">Δ</span> 155. <span lang="el" title="thanaton ny toi + horki' etamnon">θανατον + νυ τοι + ‛ορκι' + εταμνον</span>. "Fœdus, + quod pepigi, tibi mortis causa est." PORSON.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_46"></a><a href="#Phoen_46">[46]</a> Beck, by putting + the stop after <span lang="el" + title="petron">πετρον</span>, makes + <span lang="el" + title="hypodromon">‛υποδρομον</span> + to agree with <span lang="el" + title="kolon">κολον</span>, "<i>his limb + diverted from its tread</i>."</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_47"></a><a href="#Phoen_47">[47]</a> The construction + is <span lang="el" title="phonos krantheis + phonôi">φονος + κρανθεις + φονωι</span>: <span lang="el" + title="aimati">αιματι</span> depends + on <span lang="el" title="en">εν</span> understood.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_48"></a><a href="#Phoen_48">[48]</a> Most MSS. have + <span lang="el" + title="xynetos">ξυνετος</span>. + Here then is a remarkable instance of the same word having both an active + and a passive signification in the same sentence.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_49"></a><a href="#Phoen_49">[49]</a> <span lang="el" + title="makropnoun">μακροπνουν</span>, + not <span lang="el" + title="makropoun">μακροπουν</span>, + is Porson's reading, <span lang="el" title="makropnous + zôê">μακροπνους + ζωη</span> is explained "vita in qua longo tempore + spiratur; ergo longa."</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_50"></a><a href="#Phoen_50">[50]</a> See note at + Hecuba 65.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_51"></a><a href="#Phoen_51">[51]</a> The old reading + was <span lang="el" title="ti tlas; ti tlas;">τι + τλας; τι + τλας;</span> making it the present tense. Brunck + first edited it as it stands in Porson. Antigone repeats the last word of + her father.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>ADDITIONAL NOTES.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="PhoenN_A"></a><a href="#Phoen_A">[A]</a> "Signum interrogandi + non post <span lang="el" + title="neanias">νεανιας</span>, + sed post <span lang="el" + title="lochagos">λοχαγος</span> + ponendum. <span lang="el" + title="lochagos">λοχαγος</span> + in libris pedagogo tribuitur: quod correxit Hermannus." DINDORF.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_B"></a><a href="#Phoen_B">[B]</a> Porson and Dindorf + (in his notes) favor Reiske's conjecture, <span lang="el" + title="pyknoisi">πυκνοισι</span> + for <span lang="el" + title="pyrgoisi">πυργοισι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_C"></a><a href="#Phoen_C">[C]</a> Dindorf rightly + approves the explanation of Musgrave, who takes <span lang="el" + title="stephanoisi">στεφανοισι</span>, + like the Latin <i>corona</i>, to mean the <i>assemblies</i>. He + translates: "<i>nec in pulchros choros ducentibus circulis + juventutis</i>."</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_D"></a><a href="#Phoen_D">[D]</a> The full sense, as + laid down by Schœfer and Dindorf, is, "for ever when an old man + travels, whether in a carriage, or on foot, he requires help from + others." <span lang="el" title="pasa apênê pous + te">πασα απηνη + πους τε</span> is rather boldly used, + but is not without example.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_E"></a><a href="#Phoen_E">[E]</a> i.e. "<i>you ask a + thing</i> (i.e. your son's safety) <i>dangerous to the city, which you + can not preserve</i>." SCHŒFER.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_F"></a><a href="#Phoen_F">[F]</a> These three lines + are condemned by Valck. and Dind.</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_G"></a><a href="#Phoen_G">[G]</a> Matthiæ attempts to + explain these words as follows: "<span lang="el" title="empyroi + akmai">εμπυροι + ακμαι</span> may be put for <span lang="el" + title="ta empyra">τα + εμπυρα</span>, in which the seers + observed (<span lang="el" + title="enômôn">ενωμων</span>) two + things, viz. the divisions (<span lang="el" + title="rhêxeis">‛ρηξεις</span>) + of the flame, which, if it slid round the altars, was of ill omen (hence + <span lang="el" + title="hygrai">‛υγραι</span>, i.e. + gliding gently around the altars with many curves, for which is put <span + lang="el" title="hygrotês + enantia">‛υγροτης + εναντια</span>); and 2dly, + <i>the upright shooting of the flame</i>, <span lang="el" title="akran + lampada">ακραν + λαμπαδα</span>."</p> + + <p><a name="PhoenN_H"></a><a href="#Phoen_H">[H]</a> See Dindorf on + Orest. 1691. He fully condemns these lines as the work of an + interpolator. They are, however, as old as the days of Lucian.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="MEDEA"></a> +<h2>MEDEA.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>PERSONS REPRESENTED.</h3> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>NURSE.</p> + <p>TUTOR.</p> + <p>MEDEA.</p> + <p>CHORUS OF CORINTHIAN WOMEN.</p> + <p>CREON.</p> + <p>JASON.</p> + <p>ÆGEUS</p> + <p>MESSENGER.</p> + <p>SONS OF MEDEA.</p> + </div> + </div> +<p class="center"><i>The Scene lies in the vestibule of the palace of Jason at Corinth</i>.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>THE ARGUMENT.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>JASON, having come to Corinth, and bringing with him Medea, espouses + Glauce, the daughter of Creon, king of Corinth. But Medea, on the point + of being banished from Corinth by Creon, having asked to remain one day, + and having obtained her wish, sends to Glauce, by the hands of her sons, + presents, as an acknowledgment for the favor, a robe and a golden + chaplet, which she puts on and perishes; Creon also having embraced his + daughter is destroyed. But Medea, when she had slain her children, + escapes to Athens, in a chariot drawn by winged dragons, which she + received from the Sun, and there marries Ægeus son of Pandion.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>MEDEA.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center">NURSE OF MEDEA.</p> + + <p>Would that the hull of Argo had not winged her way to the Colchian + land through the Cyanean Symplegades,<a name="Med_1"></a><a + href="#MedN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> and that the pine felled in the forests + of Pelion had never fallen, nor had caused the hands of the chiefs to + row,<a name="Med_2"></a><a href="#MedN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> who went in + search of the golden fleece for Pelias; for neither then would my + mistress Medea have sailed to the towers of the Iolcian land, deeply + smitten in her mind with the love of Jason; nor having persuaded the + daughters of Pelias to slay their father would she have inhabited this + country of Corinth with her husband and her children, pleasing indeed by + her flight<a name="Med_3"></a><a href="#MedN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> the + citizens to whose land she came, and herself concurring in every respect + with Jason; which is the surest support of conjugal happiness, when the + wife is not estranged from the husband. But now every thing is at + variance, and the dearest ties are weakened. For having betrayed his own + children, and my mistress, Jason reposes in royal wedlock, having married + the daughter of Creon, who is prince of this land. But Medea the unhappy, + dishonored, calls on his oaths, and recalls the hands they plighted, the + greatest pledge of fidelity, and invokes the gods to witness what return + she meets with from Jason. And she lies without tasting food, having sunk + her body in grief, dissolving all her tedious time in tears, after she + had once known that she had been injured by her husband, neither raising + her eye, nor lifting her countenance from the ground; but as the rock, or + the wave of the sea, does she listen to her friends when advised. Save + that sometimes having turned her snow-white neck she to herself bewails + her dear father, and her country, and her house, having betrayed which + she hath come hither with a man who has now dishonored her. And she + wretched hath discovered from affliction what it is not to forsake one's + paternal country. But she hates her children, nor is she delighted at + beholding them: but I fear her, lest she form some new design: for + violent is her mind, nor will it endure to suffer ills. I know her, and I + fear her, lest she should force the sharpened sword through her heart, or + even should murder the princess and him who married her, and after that + receive some greater ill. For she is violent; he who engages with her in + enmity will not with ease at least sing the song of victory. But these + her children are coming hither having ceased from their exercises, + nothing mindful of their mother's ills, for the mind of youth is not wont + to grieve.</p> + +<p class="center">TUTOR, WITH THE SONS OF MEDEA, NURSE.</p> + + <p>TUT. O thou ancient possession of my mistress's house, why dost thou + stand at the gates preserving thus thy solitude, bewailing to thyself our + misfortunes? How doth Medea wish to be left alone without thee?</p> + + <p>NUR. O aged man, attendant on the children of Jason, to faithful + servants the affairs of their masters turning out ill are a calamity, and + lay hold upon their feelings. For I have arrived at such a height of + grief that desire hath stolen on me to come forth hence and tell the + misfortunes of Medea to the earth and heaven.</p> + + <p>TUT. Does not she wretched yet receive any respite from her grief?</p> + + <p>NUR. I envy thy ignorance; her woe is at its rise, and not even yet at + its height.</p> + + <p>TUT. O unwise woman, if it is allowable to say this of one's lords, + since she knows nothing of later ills.</p> + + <p>NUR. But what is this, O aged man? grudge not to tell me.</p> + + <p>TUT. Nothing: I have repented even of what was said before.</p> + + <p>NUR. Do not, I beseech you by your beard, conceal it from your + fellow-servant; for I will preserve silence, if it be necessary, on these + subjects.</p> + + <p>TUT. I heard from some one who was saying, not appearing to listen, + having approached the places where dice is played, where the elders sit, + around the hallowed font of Pirene, that the king of this land, Creon, + intends to banish from the Corinthian country these children, together + with their mother; whether this report be true, however, I know not; but + I wish this may not be the case.</p> + + <p>NUR. And will Jason endure to see his children suffer this, even + although he is at enmity with their mother?</p> + + <p>TUT. Ancient alliances are deserted for new, and he is no friend to + this family.</p> + + <p>NUR. We perish then, if to the old we shall add a new ill, before the + former be exhausted.<a name="Med_4"></a><a + href="#MedN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a></p> + + <p>TUT. But do thou, for it is not seasonable that my mistress should + know this, restrain your tongue, and be silent on this report.</p> + + <p>NUR. O my children, do you hear what your father is toward you? Yet + may he not perish, for he is my master, yet he is found to be treacherous + toward his friends.</p> + + <p>TUT. And what man is not? dost thou only now know this, that every one + loves himself dearer than his neighbor,<a name="Med_5"></a><a + href="#MedN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> some indeed with justice, but others + even for the sake of gain, unless it be that<a name="Med_6"></a><a + href="#MedN_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> their father loves not these at least + on account of new nuptials.</p> + + <p>NUR. Go within the house, my children, for all will be well. But do + thou keep these as much as possible out of the way, and let them not + approach their mother, deranged through grief. For but now I saw her + looking with wildness in her eyes on these, as about to execute some + design, nor will she cease from her fury, I well know, before she + overwhelm some one with it; upon her enemies however, and not her + friends, may she do some [ill.]</p> + + <p>MEDEA. (<i>within</i>) Wretch that I am, and miserable on account of + my misfortunes, alas me! would I might perish!</p> + + <p>NUR. Thus it is, my children; your mother excites her heart, excites + her fury. Hasten as quick as possible within the house, and come not near + her sight, nor approach her, but guard against the fierce temper and + violent nature of her self-willed mind. Go now, go as quick as possible + within. But it is evident that the cloud of grief raised up from the + beginning will quickly burst forth with greater fury; what I pray will + her soul, great in rage, implacable, irritated by ills, perform!</p> + + <p>MED. Alas! alas! I wretched have suffered, have suffered treatment + worthy of great lamentation. O ye accursed children of a hated mother, + may ye perish with your father, and may the whole house fall.</p> + + <p>NUR. Alas! alas! me miserable! but why should your children share + their father's error? Why dost thou hate these! Alas me, my children, how + beyond measure do I grieve lest ye suffer any evil! Dreadful are the + dispositions of tyrants, and somehow in few things controlled, in most + absolute, they with difficulty lay aside their passion. The being + accustomed then<a name="Med_7"></a><a href="#MedN_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> + to live in mediocrity of life is the better: may it be my lot then to + grow old if not in splendor, at least in security. For, in the first + place, even to mention the name of moderation carries with it + superiority, but to use it is by far the best conduct for men; but excess + of fortune brings more power to men than is convenient;<a + name="Med_8"></a><a href="#MedN_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> and has brought + greater woes upon families, when the Deity be enraged.</p> + +<p class="center">NURSE, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I heard the voice, I heard the cry of the unhappy Colchian; is + not she yet appeased? but, O aged matron, tell me; for within the + apartment with double doors, I heard her cry; nor am I delighted, O + woman, with the griefs of the family, since it is friendly to me.</p> + + <p>NUR. The family is not; these things are gone already: for he + possesses the bed of royalty; but she, my mistress, is melting away her + life in her chamber, in no way soothing her mind by the advice of any one + of her friends.</p> + + <p>MED. Alas! alas! may the flame of heaven rush through my head, what + profit for me to live any longer. Alas! alas! may I rest myself in death, + having left a hated life.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Dost thou hear, O Jove, and earth, and light, the cry which the + wretched bride utters? why I pray should this insatiable love of the + marriage-bed hasten thee, O vain woman, to death? Pray not for this. But + if thy husband courts a new bed, be not thus<a name="Med_9"></a><a + href="#MedN_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> enraged with him. Jove will avenge + these wrongs for thee: waste not thyself so, bewailing thy husband.</p> + + <p>MED. O great Themis and revered Diana, do ye behold what I suffer, + having bound my accursed husband by powerful oaths? Whom may I at some + time see and his bride torn piecemeal with their very houses, who dare to + injure me first. O my father, O my city, whom I basely abandoned, having + slain my brother.</p> + + <p>NUR. Do ye hear what she says, and how she invokes Themis hearing the + vow, and Jove who is considered the dispenser of oaths to mortals? It is + not possible that my mistress will lull her rage to rest on any trivial + circumstance.</p> + + <p>CHOR. By what means could she come into our sight, and hear the voice + of our discourse, if she would by any means remit her fierce anger and + her fury of mind. Let not my zeal however be wanting ever to my friends. + But go and conduct her hither from without the house, my friend, and tell + her this, hasten, before she injure in any way those within, for this + grief of hers is increased to a great height.</p> + + <p>NUR. I will do it, but I fear that I shall not persuade my mistress; + nevertheless I will give you this favor of my labor. And yet with the + aspect of a lioness that has just brought forth does she look sternly on + her attendants when any one approaches near attempting to address her. + But thou wouldest not err in calling men of old foolish and nothing wise, + who invented songs, for festivals, for banquets, and for suppers, the + delights of life that charm the ear; but no mortal has discovered how to + soothe with music and with varied strains those bitter pangs, from which + death and dreadful misfortunes overthrow families. And yet for men to + assuage these griefs with music were gain; but where the plenteous + banquet is furnished, why raise they the song in vain? for the present + bounty of the feast brings pleasure of itself to men.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I heard the dismal sound of groans, and in a shrill voice she + vents her bitter<a name="Med_10"></a><a + href="#MedN_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a> anguish on the traitor to her bed, + her faithless husband—and suffering wrongs she calls upon the + Goddess Themis, arbitress of oaths, daughter of Jove, who conducted her + to the opposite coast of Greece, across the sea by night, over the salt + straits of the boundless ocean.</p> + +<p class="center">MEDEA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MED. Ye Corinthian dames, I have come from out my palace; do not in + any wise blame me; for I have known many men who have been<a + name="Med_11"></a><a href="#MedN_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> renowned, some + who have lived far from public notice, and others in the world; but those + of a retired turn have gained for themselves a character of infamy and + indolence. For justice dwells not in the eyes of man,<a + name="Med_12"></a><a href="#MedN_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a> whoever, before + he can well discover the disposition of a man, hates him at sight, in no + way wronged by him. But it is necessary for a stranger exactly to conform + himself to the state, nor would I praise the native, whoever becoming + self-willed is insolent to his fellow-citizens through ignorance. But + this unexpected event that hath fallen upon me hath destroyed my spirit: + I am going, and having given up the pleasure of life I am desirous to + meet death, my friends. For he on whom my all rested, as you well know, + my husband, has turned out the basest of men. But of all things as many + as have life and intellect, we women are the most wretched race. Who + indeed first must purchase a husband with excess of money, and receive + him a lord of our persons; for this is a still greater ill than the + former. And in this is the greatest risk, whether we receive a bad one or + a good one; for divorces bring not good fame to women, nor is it possible + to repudiate one's husband. But on passing to new tempers and new laws, + one need be a prophetess, as one can not learn of one's self, what sort + of consort one shall most likely experience. And if with us carefully + performing these things a husband shall dwell not imposing on us a yoke + with severity, enviable is our life; if not, to die is better. But a man, + when he is displeased living with those at home, having gone abroad is + wont to relieve his heart of uneasiness, having recourse either to some + friend or compeer. But we must look but to one person. But they say of us + that we live a life of ease at home, but they are fighting with the + spear; judging ill, since I would rather thrice stand in arms, than once + suffer the pangs of child-birth. But, for the same argument comes not + home to you and me, this is thy city, and thy father's house, thine are + both the luxuries of life, and the society of friends; but I being + destitute, cityless, am wronged by my husband, brought as a prize from a + foreign land, having neither mother, nor brother, nor relation to afford + me shelter from this calamity. So much then I wish to obtain from you, if + any plan or contrivance be devised by me to repay with justice these + injuries on my husband, and on him who gave his daughter, and on her to + whom he was married,<a name="Med_13"></a><a + href="#MedN_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> that you would be silent; for a woman + in other respects is full of fear, and timid to look upon deeds of + courage and the sword; but when she is injured in her bed, no other + disposition is more blood-thirsty.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I will do this; for with justice, Medea, wilt thou avenge + thyself on thy husband, and I do not wonder that you lament your + misfortunes. But I see Creon monarch of this land advancing, the + messenger of new counsels.</p> + +<p class="center">CREON, MEDEA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>CRE. Thee of gloomy countenance, and enraged with thy husband, Medea, + I command to depart in exile from out of this land, taking with thee thy + two children, and not to delay in any way, since I am the arbiter of this + edict, and I will not return back to my palace, until I shall drive thee + beyond the boundaries of this realm.</p> + + <p>MED. Alas! alas! I wretched am utterly destroyed, for my enemies + stretch out every cable against me; nor is there any easy escape from + this evil, but I will speak, although suffering injurious treatment; for + what, Creon, dost thou drive me from this land?</p> + + <p>CRE. I fear thee (there is no need for me to wrap my words in + obscurity,) lest thou do my child some irremediable mischief, And many + circumstances are in unison with this dread. Thou art wise, and skilled + in many evil sciences, and thou art exasperated, deprived of thy + husband's bed. And I hear that thou threatenest, as they tell me, to + wreak some deed of vengeance on the betrother, and the espouser and the + espoused; against this then, before I suffer, will I guard. Better is it + for me now to incur enmity from you, than softened by your words + afterward greatly to lament it.</p> + + <p>MED. Alas! alas! not now for the first time, but often, Creon, hath + this opinion injured me, and worked me much woe. But whatever man is + prudent, let him never educate his children too deep in wisdom. For, + independent of the other charges of idleness which they meet with, they + find hostile envy from their fellow-citizens. For holding out to fools + some new-discovered wisdom, thou wilt seem to be useless and not wise. + And being judged superior to others who seem to have some varied + knowledge, thou wilt appear offensive in the city. But even I myself + share this fortune; for being wise, to some I am an object of envy, but + to others, unsuited; but I am not very wise. Thou then fearest me, lest + thou suffer some grievous mischief.<a name="Med_14"></a><a + href="#MedN_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a> My affairs are not in a state, fear + me not, Creon, so as to offend against princes. For in what hast thou + injured me? Thou hast given thy daughter to whom thy mind led thee; but I + hate my husband: but thou, I think, didst these things in prudence. And + now I envy not that thy affairs are prospering; make your alliances, be + successful; but suffer me to dwell in this land, for although injured + will I keep silence, overcome by my superiors.</p> + + <p>CRE. Thou speakest soft words to the ear, but within my mind I have my + fears, lest thou meditate some evil intent. And so much the less do I + trust thee than before. For a woman that is quick to anger, and a man + likewise, is easier to guard against, than one that is crafty and keeps + silence. But begone as quick as possible, make no more words; since this + is decreed, and thou hast no art, by which thou wilt stay with us, being + hostile to me.</p> + + <p>MED. No I beseech you by your knees, and your newly-married + daughter.</p> + + <p>CRE. Thou wastest words; for thou wilt never persuade me.</p> + + <p>MED. Wilt thou then banish me, nor reverence my prayers?</p> + + <p>CRE. For I do not love thee better than my own family.</p> + + <p>MED. O my country, how I remember thee now!</p> + + <p>CRE. For next to my children it is much the dearest thing to me.</p> + + <p>MED. Alas! alas! how great an ill is love to man!</p> + + <p>CRE. That is, I think, as fortune also shall attend it.</p> + + <p>MED. Jove, let it not escape thine eye, who is the cause of these + misfortunes.</p> + + <p>CRE. Begone, fond woman, and free me from these cares.</p> + + <p>MED. Care indeed;<a name="Med_15"></a><a + href="#MedN_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> and do not I experience cares?</p> + + <p>CRE. Quickly shalt thou be driven hence by force by the hands of my + domestics.</p> + + <p>MED. No, I pray not this at least; but I implore thee, Creon.</p> + + <p>CRE. Thou wilt give trouble, woman, it seems.<a name="Med_16"></a><a + href="#MedN_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a></p> + + <p>MED. I will go; I dare not ask to obtain this of you.</p> + + <p>CRE. Why then dost thou resist, and wilt not depart from these + realms?</p> + + <p>MED. Permit me to remain here this one day, and to bring my purpose to + a conclusion, in what way we shall fly, and to make provision for my + sons, since their father in no way regards providing for his children; + but pity them, for thou also art the father of children; and it is + probable that thou hast tenderness: for of myself I have no care whether + I may suffer banishment, but I weep for them experiencing this + calamity.</p> + + <p>CRE. My disposition is least of all imperious, and through feeling + pity in many cases have I injured myself. And now I see that I am doing + wrong, O lady, but nevertheless thou shalt obtain thy request; but this I + warn thee, if to-morrow's light of the God of day shall behold thee and + thy children within the confines of these realms, thou shalt die: this + word is spoken in truth. But now if thou must stay, remain here yet one + day, for thou wilt not do any horrid deed of which I have dread.</p> + +<p class="center">MEDEA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Unhappy woman! alas wretched on account of thy griefs! whither + wilt thou turn? what hospitality, or house, or country wilt thou find a + refuge for these ills? how the Deity hath led thee, Medea, into a + pathless tide of woes!</p> + + <p>MED. Ill hath it been done on every side. Who will gainsay it? but + these things are not in this way, do not yet think it. Still is there a + contest for those lately married, and to those allied to them no small + affliction. For dost thou think I ever would have fawned upon this man, + if I were not to gain something, or form some plan? I would not even have + addressed him. I would not even have touched him with my hands. But he + hath arrived at such a height of folly, as that, when it was in his power + to have crushed my plans, by banishing me from this land, he hath granted + me to stay this day in which three of mine enemies will I put to death, + the father, the bride, and my husband. But having in my power many + resources of destruction against them, I know not, my friends, which I + shall first attempt. Whether shall I consume the bridal house with fire, + or force the sharpened sword through her heart having entered the chamber + by stealth where the couch is spread? But one thing is against me; if I + should be caught entering the house and prosecuting my plans, by my death + I shall afford laughter for my foes. Best then is it to pursue the + straight path, in which I am most skilled, to take them off by poison. + Let it be so. And suppose them dead: what city will receive me? What + hospitable stranger affording a land of safety and a faithful home will + protect my person? There is none. Waiting then yet a little time, if any + tower of safety shall appear to us, I will proceed to this murder in + treachery and silence. But if ill fortune that leaves me without resource + force me, I myself having grasped the sword, although I should die, will + kill them, and will rush to the extreme height of daring. For never, I + swear by my mistress whom I revere most of all, and have chosen for my + assistant, Hecate, who dwells in the inmost recesses of my house, shall + any one of them wring my heart with grief with impunity. Bitter and + mournful to them will I make these nuptials, and bitter this alliance, + and my flight from this land. But come, spare none of these sciences in + which thou art skilled, Medea, deliberating and plotting. Proceed to the + deed of terror: now is the time of resolution: seest thou what thou art + suffering? Ill doth it become thee to incur ridicule from the race of + Sisyphus, and from the nuptials of Jason, who art sprung from a noble + father, and from the sun. And thou art skilled. Besides also we women + are, by nature, to good actions of the least capacity, but the most + cunning inventors of every ill.</p> + + <p>CHOR. The waters of the hallowed streams flow upward to their sources, + and justice and every thing is reversed. The counsels of men are + treacherous, and no longer is the faith of heaven firm. But fame changes, + so that my sex may have the glory.<a name="Med_17"></a><a + href="#MedN_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a> Honor cometh to the female race; no + longer shall opprobrious fame oppress the women. But the Muses shall + cease from their ancient strains, from celebrating our perfidy. For + Phœbus, leader of the choir, gave not to our minds the heavenly + music of the lyre, since they would in turn have raised a strain against + the race of men. But time of old hath much to say both of our life and + the life of men. But thou hast sailed from thy father's house with + maddened heart, having passed through the double rocks of the ocean, and + thou dwellest in a foreign land, having lost the shelter of thy widowed + bed, wretched woman, and art driven dishonored an exile from this land. + The reverence of oaths is gone, nor does shame any longer dwell in mighty + Greece, but hath fled away through the air. But thou helpless woman hast + neither father's house to afford you haven from your woes, and another + more powerful queen of the nuptial bed rules over the house.</p> + +<p class="center">JASON, MEDEA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>JAS. Not now for the first time, but often have I perceived that + fierce anger is an irremediable ill. For though it was in your power to + inhabit this land and this house, bearing with gentleness the + determination of thy superiors, by thy rash words thou shalt be banished + from this land. And to me indeed it is of no importance; never cease from + saying that Jason is the worst of men. But for what has been said by thee + against the royal family, think it the greatest good fortune that thou + art punished by banishment only. I indeed was always employed in + diminishing the anger of the enraged princes, and was willing that thou + shouldest remain. But thou remittest not of thy folly, always reviling + the ruling powers; wherefore thou shalt be banished from the land. But + nevertheless even after this am I come, not wearied with my friends, + providing for thee, O woman, that thou mightest not be banished with thy + children, either without money, or in want of any thing. Banishment draws + many misfortunes with it. For although thou hatest me, I never could wish + thee evil.</p> + + <p>MED. O thou vilest of men (for this is the greatest reproach I have in + my power with my tongue to tell thee, for thy unmanly cowardice), hast + thou come to us, hast thou come, who art most hateful? This is not + fortitude, or confidence, to look in the face of friends whom thou hast + injured, but the worst of all diseases among men, impudence. But thou + hast done well in coming. For both I shall be lightened in my heart while + reviling thee, and thou wilt be pained at hearing me. But I will first + begin to speak from the first circumstances. I preserved thee (as those + Greeks well know as many as embarked with thee on board the same ship + Argo) when sent to master the fire-breathing bulls with the yoke, and to + sow the fatal seed: and having slain the dragon who watching around the + golden fleece guarded it with spiry folds, a sleepless guard, I raised up + to thee a light of safety. But I myself having betrayed my father, and my + house, came to the Peliotic Iolcos<a name="Med_18"></a><a + href="#MedN_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> with thee, with more readiness than + prudence. And I slew Pelias by a death which it is most miserable to die, + by the hands of his own children, and I freed thee from every fear. And + having experienced these services from me, thou vilest of men, thou hast + betrayed me and hast procured for thyself a new bed, children being born + to thee, for if thou wert still childless it would be pardonable in thee + to be enamored of this alliance. But the faith of oaths is vanished: nor + can I discover whether thou thinkest that the former Gods are not still + in power, or whether new laws are now laid down for men, since thou art + at least conscious of being perjured toward me. Alas! this right hand + which thou hast often touched, and these knees, since in vain have I been + polluted by a wicked husband, and have failed in my hopes. Come (for I + will converse with thee as with a friend, not expecting to receive any + benefit from thee at least, but nevertheless I will; for when questioned + thou wilt appear more base), now whither shall I turn? Whether to my + father's house, which I betrayed for thee, and my country, and came + hither? or to the miserable daughters of Pelias? friendly would they + indeed receive me in their house, whose father I slew. For thus it is: I + am in enmity with my friends at home; but those whom I ought not to + injure, by obliging thee, I make my enemies. On which account in return + for this thou hast made me to be called happy by many dames through + Greece, and in thee I, wretch that I am, have an admirable and faithful + husband, if cast out at least I shall fly this land, deserted by my + friends, lonely with thy lonely children. Fair renown indeed to the new + married bridegroom, that his children are wandering in poverty, and I + also who preserved thee. O Jove, why I pray hast thou given to men + certain proofs of the gold which is adulterate, but no mark is set by + nature on the person of men by which one may distinguish the bad man.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Dreadful is that anger and irremediable, when friends with + friends kindle strife.</p> + + <p>JAS. It befits me, it seems, not to be weak in argument, but as the + prudent pilot of a vessel, with all the sail that can be hoisted, to run + from out of thy violent abuse, O woman. But I, since thou thus much + vauntest thy favors, think that Venus alone both of Gods and men was the + protectress of my voyage. But thou hast a fickle mind, but it is an + invidious account to go through, how love compelled thee with his + inevitable arrows to preserve my life. But I will not follow up arguments + with too great accuracy, for where thou hast assisted me it is well. + Moreover thou hast received more at least from my safety than thou + gavest, as I will explain to thee. First of all thou dwellest in Greece + instead of a foreign land, and thou learnest what justice is, and to + enjoy laws, not to be directed by mere force. And all the Grecians have + seen that thou art wise, and thou hast renown; but if thou wert dwelling + in the extreme confines of that land, there would not have been fame of + thee. But may neither gold in my house be be my lot, nor to attune the + strain more sweet than Orpheus, if my fortune be not conspicuous. So much + then have I said of my toils; for thou first broughtest forward this + contest of words. But with regard to those reproaches which thou heapest + on me for my royal marriage, in this will I show first that I have been + wise, in the next place moderate, thirdly a great friend to thee, and my + children: but be silent. After I had come hither from the Iolcian land + bringing with me many grievous calamities, what measure more fortunate + than this could I have invented, than, an exile as I was, to marry the + daughter of the monarch? not, by which thou art grated, loathing thy bed, + nor smitten with desire of a new bride, nor having emulation of a + numerous offspring, for those born to me are sufficient, nor do I find + fault with that; but that (which is of the greatest consequence) we might + live honorably, and might not be in want, knowing well that every friend + flies out of the way of a poor man; and that I might bring up my children + worthy of my house, and that having begotten brothers to those children + sprung from thee, I might place them on the same footing, and having + united the family, I might flourish; for both thou hast some need of + children, and to me it were advantageous to advance my present progeny by + means of the children which might arise; have I determined ill? not even + thou couldest say so, if thy bed did not gall thee. But thus far have you + come, that your bed being safe, you women think that you have every + thing. But if any misfortune befall that, the most excellent and fairest + objects you make the most hateful. It were well then that men should + generate children from some other source, and that the female race should + not exist, and thus there would not have been any evil among men.<a + name="Med_19"></a><a href="#MedN_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CHOR. Jason, thou hast well adorned these arguments of thine, but + nevertheless to me, although I speak reluctantly, thou appearest, in + betraying thy wife, to act unjustly.</p> + + <p>MED. Surely I am in many things different from many mortals, for in my + judgment, whatever man being unjust, is deeply skilled in argument, + merits the severest punishment. For vaunting that with his tongue he can + well gloze over injustice, he dares to work deceit, but he is not + over-wise. Thus do not thou also be now plausible to me, nor skilled in + speaking, for one word will overthrow thee: it behooved thee, if thou + wert not a bad man, to have contracted this marriage having persuaded me, + and not without the knowledge of thy friends.</p> + + <p>JAS. Well wouldest thou have lent assistance to this report, if I had + mentioned the marriage to thee, who not even now endurest to lay aside + this unabated rage of heart.</p> + + <p>MED. This did not move thee, but a foreign bed would lead in its + result to an old age without honor.</p> + + <p>JAS. Be well assured of this, that I did not form this alliance with + the princess, which I now hold, for the sake of the woman, but, as I said + before also, wishing to preserve thee, and to beget royal children + brothers to my sons, a support to our house.</p> + + <p>MED. Let not a splendid life of bitterness be my lot, nor wealth, + which rends my heart.</p> + + <p>JAS. Dost thou know how to alter thy prayers, and appear wiser? Let + not good things ever seem to you bitter, nor when in prosperity seem to + be in adversity.</p> + + <p>MED. Insult me, since thou hast refuge, but I destitute shall fly this + land.</p> + + <p>JAS. Thou chosest this thyself, blame no one else.</p> + + <p>MED. By doing what? by marrying and betraying thee?</p> + + <p>JAS. By imprecating unhallowed curses on the royal family.</p> + + <p>MED. From thy house at least am I laden with curses.</p> + + <p>JAS. I will not dispute more of this with thee. But if thou wishest to + receive either for thyself or children any part of my wealth as an + assistant on thy flight, speak, since I am ready to give with an + unsparing hand, and to send tokens of hospitality to my friends, who will + treat you well; and refusing these thou wilt be foolish, woman, but + ceasing from thine anger, thou wilt gain better treatment.</p> + + <p>MED. I will neither use thy friends, nor will I receive aught; do not + give to me, for the gifts of a bad man bring no assistance.</p> + + <p>JAS. Then I call the Gods to witness, that I wish to assist thee and + thy children in every thing; but good things please thee not, but thou + rejectest thy friends with audacity, wherefore shalt thou grieve the + more.</p> + + <p>MED. Begone, for thou art captured by desire of thy new bride, + tarrying so long without the palace; wed her, for perhaps, but with the + assistance of the God shall it be said, thou wilt make such a marriage + alliance, as thou wilt hereafter wish to renounce.</p> + + <p>CHOR. The loves, when they come too impetuously, have given neither + good report nor virtue among men, but if Venus come with moderation, no + other Goddess is so benign. Never, O my mistress, mayest thou send forth + against me from thy golden bow thy inevitable shaft, having steeped it in + desire. But may temperance preserve me, the noblest gift of heaven; never + may dreaded Venus, having smitten my mind for another's bed, heap upon me + jealous passions and unabated quarrels, but approving the peaceful union, + may she quick of perception sit in judgment on the bed of women. O my + country, and my house, never may I be an outcast of my city, having a + life scarce to be endured through poverty, the most lamentable of all + woes. By death, by death, may I before that be subdued, having lived to + accomplish that day; but no greater misfortune is there than to be + deprived of one's paternal country. We have seen it, nor have we to speak + from others' accounts; for thee, neither city nor friend hath pitied, + though suffering the most dreadful anguish. Thankless may he perish who + desires not to assist his friends, having unlocked the pure treasures of + his mind; never shall he be friend to me.</p> + +<p class="center">ÆGEUS, MEDEA, CHORUS.</p> + +ÆG. Medea, hail! for no one hath known a more honorable +salutation to address to friends than this. + + <p>MED. Hail thou also, son of the wise Pandion, Ægeus, coming from what + quarter dost thou tread the plain of this land?</p> + +ÆG. Having left the ancient oracle of Phœbus. + + <p>MED. But wherefore wert thou sent to the prophetic centre of the + earth?</p> + +ÆG. Inquiring of the God how offspring may arise to me? + + <p>MED. By the Gods, tell me, dost thou live this life hitherto + childless?</p> + +ÆG. Childless I am, by the disposal of some deity. + + <p>MED. Hast thou a wife, or knowest thou not the marriage-bed!</p> + +ÆG. I am not destitute of the connubial bed. + + <p>MED. What then did Apollo tell thee respecting thy offspring?</p> + +ÆG. Words deeper than a man can form opinion of. + + <p>MED. Is it allowable for me to know the oracle of the God?</p> + +ÆG. Certainly, inasmuch as it needs also a deep-skilled mind. + + <p>MED. What then did he say? Speak, if I may hear.</p> + +ÆG. That I was not to loose the projecting foot of the vessel— + + <p>MED. Before thou didst what, or came to what land?</p> + +ÆG. Before I revisit my paternal hearth. + + <p>MED. Then as desiring what dost thou direct thy voyage to this + land?</p> + +ÆG. There is one Pittheus, king of the country of Trazene. + + <p>MED. The most pious son, as report says, of Pelops.</p> + +ÆG. To him I wish to communicate the oracle of the God. + + <p>MED. For he is a wise man, and versed in such matters.</p> + +ÆG. And to me at least the dearest of all my friends in war. + + <p>MED. Mayest thou prosper, and obtain what thou desirest.</p> + +ÆG. But why is thine eye and thy color thus faded? + + <p>MED. Ægeus, my husband is the worst of all men.</p> + +ÆG. What sayest thou? tell me all thy troubles. + + <p>MED. Jason wrongs me, having never suffered wrong from me.</p> + +ÆG. Having done what? tell me more clearly. + + <p>MED. He hath here a wife besides me, mistress of the house.</p> + +ÆG. Hath he dared to commit this disgraceful action? + + <p>MED. Be assured he has; but we his former friends are dishonored.</p> + +ÆG. Enamored of her, or hating thy bed? + + <p>MED. [Smitten with] violent love indeed, he was faithless to his + friends.</p> + +ÆG. Let him perish then, since, as you say, he is a bad +man. + + <p>MED. He was charmed to receive an alliance with princes.</p> + +ÆG. And who gives the bride to him? finish the account, +I beg. + + <p>MED. Creon, who is monarch of this Corinthian land.</p> + +ÆG. Pardonable was it then that thou art grieved, O lady. + + <p>MED. I perish, and in addition to this am I banished from this + land.</p> + +ÆG. By whom? thou art mentioning another fresh misfortune. + + <p>MED. Creon drives me an exile out of this land of Corinth.</p> + +ÆG. And does Jason suffer it? I praise not this. + + <p>MED. By his words he does not, but at heart he wishes [to endure my + banishment:] but by this thy beard I entreat thee, and by these thy + knees, and I become thy suppliant, pity me, pity this unfortunate woman, + nor behold me going forth in exile abandoned, but receive me at thy + hearth in thy country and thy house. Thus by the Gods shall thy desire of + children be accomplished to thee, and thou thyself shalt die in + happiness. But thou knowest not what this fortune is that thou hast + found; but I will free thee from being childless, and I will cause thee + to raise up offspring, such charms I know.</p> + +ÆG. On many accounts, O lady, am I willing to confer this +favor on thee, first on account of the Gods, then of the +children, whose birth thou holdest forth; for on this point else +I am totally sunk in despair. But thus am I determined: if +thou comest to my country, I will endeavor to receive thee +with hospitality, being a just man; so much however I beforehand +apprise thee of, O lady, I shall not be willing to lead +thee with me from this land; but if thou comest thyself to my +house, thou shalt stay there in safety, and to no one will I +give thee up. But do thou of thyself withdraw thy foot from +this country, for I wish to be without blame even among +strangers. + + <p>MED. It shall be so, but if there was a pledge of this given to me, I + should have all things from thee in a noble manner.</p> + +ÆG. Dost thou not trust me? what is thy difficulty? + + <p>MED. I trust thee; but the house of Pelias is mine enemy, and Creon + too; to these then, wert thou bound by oaths, thou wouldest not give me + up from the country, should they attempt to drag me thence. But having + agreed by words alone, and without calling the Gods to witness, thou + mightest be their friend, and perhaps<a name="Med_20"></a><a + href="#MedN_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> be persuaded by an embassy; for weak + is my state, but theirs are riches, and a royal house.</p> + +ÆG. Thou hast spoken much prudence, O lady. But if it +seems fit to thee that I should do this, I refuse not. For to +me also this seems the safest plan, that I should have some +pretext to show to your enemies, and thy safety is better secured; +propose the Gods that I am to invoke. + + <p>MED. Swear by the earth, and by the sun the father of my father, and + join the whole race of Gods.</p> + +ÆG. That I will do what thing, or what not do? speak. + + <p>MED. That thou wilt neither thyself ever cast me forth from out of thy + country, nor, if any one of my enemies desire to drag me thence, that + thou wilt, while living, give me up willingly.</p> + +ÆG. I swear by the earth, and the hallowed majesty of +the sun, and by all the Gods, to abide by what I hear from +thee. + + <p>MED. It is sufficient: but what wilt thou endure shouldest thou not + abide by this oath?</p> + +ÆG. That which befalls impious men. + + <p>MED. Go with blessings; for every thing is well. And I will come as + quick as possible to thy city, having performed what I intend, and having + obtained what I desire.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But may the son of Maia the king, the guide, conduct thee safely + to thy house, and the plans of those things, which thou anxiously keepest + in thy mind, mayest thou bring to completion, since, Ægeus, thou hast + appeared to us to be a noble man.</p> + +<p class="center">MEDEA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MED. O Jove, and thou vengeance of Jove, and thou light of the sun, + now, my friends, shall I obtain a splendid victory over my enemies, and I + have struck into the path. Now is there hope that my enemies will suffer + punishment. For this man, where I was most at a loss, hath appeared a + harbor to my plans. From him will I make fast my cable from the stern, + having come to the town and citadel of Pallas. But now will I communicate + all my plans to thee; but receive my words not as attuned to pleasure. + Having sent one of my domestics, I will ask Jason to come into my + presence; and when he is come, I will address gentle words to him, as + that it appears to me that these his actions are both honorable, and are + advantageous and well determined on.<a name="Med_21"></a><a + href="#MedN_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> And I will entreat him that my sons + may stay; not that I would leave my children in a hostile country for my + enemies to insult, but that by deceit I may slay the king's daughter. For + I will send them bearing presents in their hands, both a fine-wrought + robe, and a golden-twined wreath.<a name="Med_22"></a><a + href="#MedN_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a> And if she take the ornaments and + place them round her person, she shall perish miserably, and every one + who shall touch the damsel; with such charms will I anoint the presents. + Here however I finish this account; but I bewail the deed such as must + next be done by me; for I shall slay my children; there is no one who + shall rescue them from me; and having heaped in ruins the whole house of + Jason, I will go from out this land, flying the murder of my dearest + children, and having dared a deed most unhallowed. For it is not to be + borne, my friends, to be derided by one's enemies. Let things take their + course; what gain is it to me to live longer? I have neither country, nor + house, nor refuge from my ills. Then erred I, when I left my father's + house, persuaded by the words of a Grecian man, who with the will of the + Gods shall suffer punishment from me. For neither shall he ever hereafter + behold the children he had by me alive, nor shall he raise a child by his + new wedded wife, since it is fated that the wretch should wretchedly + perish by my spells. Let no one think me mean-spirited and weak, nor of a + gentle temper, but of a contrary disposition to my foes relentless, and + to my friends kind: for the lives of such sort are most glorious.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Since thou hast communicated this plan to me, desirous both of + doing good to thee, and assisting the laws of mortals, I dissuade thee + from doing this.</p> + + <p>MED. It can not be otherwise, but it is pardonable in thee to say + this, not suffering the cruel treatment that I do.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But wilt thou dare to slay thy two sons, O lady?</p> + + <p>MED. For in this way will my husband be most afflicted.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But thou at least wilt be the most wretched woman.</p> + + <p>MED. Be that as it may: all intervening words are superfluous; but go, + hasten, and bring Jason hither; for I make use of thee in all matters of + trust. And thou wilt mention nothing of the plans determined on by me, if + at least thou meanest well to thy mistress, and art a woman.</p> + + <p>CHOR. The Athenians happy of old, and the descendants of the blessed + Gods, feeding on the most exalted wisdom of a country sacred and + unconquered, always tripping elegantly through the purest atmosphere, + where they say that of old the golden-haired Harmonia gave birth to the + chaste nine Pierian Muses.<a name="Med_23"></a><a + href="#MedN_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a> And they report also that Venus + drawing in her breath from the stream of the fair-flowing Cephisus, + breathed over their country gentle sweetly-breathing gales of air; and + always entwining in her hair the fragrant wreath of roses, sends the + loves as assessors to wisdom; the assistants of every virtue. How then + will the city of hallowed rivers,<a name="Med_24"></a><a + href="#MedN_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a> or the country which conducts thee to + friends, receive the murderer of her children, the unholy one? Consider + in conjunction with others of the slaughter of thy children, consider + what a murder thou wilt undertake. Do not by thy knees, by every plea,<a + name="Med_25"></a><a href="#MedN_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> by every prayer, + we entreat you, do not murder your children; but how wilt thou acquire + confidence either of mind or hand or in heart against thy children, + attempting a dreadful deed of boldness? But how, having darted thine eyes + upon thy children, wilt thou endure the perpetration of the murder + without tears? Thou wilt not<a name="Med_26"></a><a + href="#MedN_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> be able, when thy children fall + suppliant at thy feet, to imbrue thy savage hand in their wretched + life-blood.</p> + +<p class="center">JASON, MEDEA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>JAS. I am come, by thee requested; for although thou art enraged, thou + shalt not be deprived of this at least; but I will hear what new service + thou dost desire of me, lady.</p> + + <p>MED. Jason, I entreat you to be forgiving of what has been said, but + right is it that you should bear with my anger, since many friendly acts + have been done by us two. But I reasoned with myself and rebuked myself; + wayward woman, why am I maddened and am enraged with those who consult + well for me? and why am I in enmity with the princes of the land and with + my husband, who is acting in the most advantageous manner for us, having + married a princess, and begetting brothers to my children? Shall I not + cease from my rage? What injury do I suffer, the Gods providing well for + me? Have I not children? And I know that I am flying the country, and am + in want of friends. Revolving this in my mind I perceive that I had much + imprudence, and was enraged without reason. Now then I approve of this, + and thou appearest to me to be prudent, having added this alliance to us; + but I was foolish, who ought to share in these plans, and to join in + adorning and to stand by the bed, and to delight with thee that thy bride + was enamored of thee; but we women are as we are, I will not speak evil + of the sex; wherefore it is not right that you should put yourself on an + equality with the evil, nor repay folly for folly. I give up, and say + that then I erred in judgment, but now I have determined on these things + better. O my children, my children, come forth, leave the house, come + forth, salute, and address your father with me, and be reconciled to your + friends from your former hatred together with your mother. For there is + amity between us, and my rage hath ceased. Take his right hand. Alas! my + misfortunes; how I feel some hidden ill in my mind! Will ye, my children, + in this manner, and for a long time enjoying life, stretch out your dear + hands? Wretch that I am! how near am I to weeping and full of + fear!—But at last canceling this dispute with your father, I have + filled thus my tender sight with tears.</p> + + <p>CHOR. In my eyes also the moist tear is arisen; and may not the evil + advance to a greater height than it is at present.</p> + + <p>JAS. I approve of this, lady, nor do I blame the past; for it is + reasonable that the female sex be enraged with a husband who barters them + for another union.—But thy heart has changed to the more proper + side, and thou hast discovered, but after some time, the better counsel: + these are the actions of a wise woman. But for you, my sons, your father + not without thought hath formed many provident plans, with the assistance + of the Gods. For I think that you will be yet the first in this + Corinthian country, together with your brothers. But advance and prosper: + and the rest your father, and whatever God is propitious, will effect. + And may I behold you blooming arrive at the prime of youth, superior to + my enemies. And thou, why dost thou bedew thine eyes with the moist tear, + having turned aside thy white cheek, and why dost thou not receive these + words from me with pleasure?</p> + + <p>MED. It is nothing. I was thinking of my sons.</p> + + <p>JAS. Be of good courage; for I will arange well for them.</p> + + <p>MED. I will be so, I will not mistrust thy words; but a woman is of + soft mould, and was born to tears.</p> + + <p>JAS. Why, I pray, dost thou so grieve for thy children?</p> + + <p>MED. I brought them into the world, and when thou wert praying that + thy children might live, a feeling of pity came upon me if that would be. + But for what cause thou hast come to a conference with me, partly hath + been explained, but the other reasons I will mention. Since it appeareth + fit to the royal family to send me from this country, for me also this + appears best, I know it well, that I might not dwell here, a check either + to thee or to the princes of the land; for I seem to be an object of + enmity to the house; I indeed will set out from this land in flight; but + to the end that the children may be brought up by thy hand, entreat Creon + that they may not leave this land.</p> + + <p>JAS. I know not whether I shall persuade him; but it is right to + try.</p> + + <p>MED. But do thou then exhort thy bride to ask her father, that my + children may not leave this country.</p> + + <p>JAS. Certainly I will, and I think at least that she will persuade + him, if indeed she be one of the female sex.</p> + + <p>MED. I also will assist you in this task, for I will send to her + presents which (I well know) far surpass in beauty any now among men, + both a fine-wrought robe, and a golden-twined chaplet, my sons carrying + them. But as quick as possible let one of my attendants bring hither + these ornaments. Thy bride shall be blessed not in one instance, but in + many, having met with you at least the best of husbands, and possessing + ornaments which the sun my father's father once gave to his descendants. + Take these nuptial presents, my sons, in your hands, and bear and present + them to the blessed royal bride; she shall receive gifts not indeed to be + despised.</p> + + <p>JAS. Why, O fond woman, dost thou rob thy hands of these; thinkest + thou that the royal palace is in want of vests? in want of gold? keep + these presents, give them not away; for if the lady esteems me of any + value, she will prefer pleasing me to riches, I know full well.</p> + + <p>MED. But do not oppose me; gifts, they say, persuade even the Gods,<a + name="Med_27"></a><a href="#MedN_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> and gold is more + powerful than a thousand arguments to men. Hers is fortune, her substance + the God now increases, she in youth governs all. But the sentence of + banishment on my children I would buy off with my life, not with gold + alone. But my children, enter you the wealthy palace, to the new bride of + your father, and my mistress, entreat her, beseech her, that you may not + leave the land, presenting these ornaments; but this is of the greatest + consequence, that, she receive these gifts in her own hand. Go as quick + as possible, and may you be bearers of good tidings to your mother in + what she desires to obtain, having succeeded favorably.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Now no longer have I any hope of life for the children, no + longer [is there hope]; for already are they going to death. The bride + shall receive the destructive present of the golden chaplet, she wretched + shall receive them, and around her golden tresses shall she place the + attire of death, having received the presents in her hands. The beauty + and the divine glitter of the robe will persuade her to place around her + head the golden-wrought chaplet. Already with the dead shall the bride be + adorned; into such a net will she fall, and such a destiny will she, + hapless woman, meet with; nor will she escape her fate. But thou, oh + unhappy man! oh wretched bridegroom! son-in-law of princes, unknowingly + thou bringest on thy children destruction, and on thy wife a bitter + death; hapless man, how much art thou fallen from thy state!<a + name="Med_28"></a><a href="#MedN_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> But I lament for + thy grief, O wretch, mother of these children, who wilt murder thy sons + on account of a bridal-bed; deserting which, in defiance of thee, thy + husband dwells with another wife.</p> + +<p class="center">TUTOR, MEDEA, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>TUT. Thy sons, my mistress, are reprieved from banishment, and the + royal bride received thy presents in her hands with pleasure, and hence + is peace to thy children.</p> + + <p>MED. Ah!</p> + + <p>TUT. Why dost thou stand in confusion, when thou art fortunate?</p> + + <p>MED. Alas! alas!</p> + + <p>TUT. This behavior is not consonant with the message I have brought + thee.</p> + + <p>MED. Alas! again.</p> + + <p>TUT. Have I reported any ill fortune unknowingly, and have I failed in + my hope of being the messenger of good?</p> + + <p>MED. Thou hast said what thou hast said, I blame not thee.</p> + + <p>TUT. Why then dost thou bend down thine eye, and shed tears?</p> + + <p>MED. Strong necessity compels me, O aged man, for this the Gods and I + deliberating ill have contrived.</p> + + <p>TUT. Be of good courage; thou also wilt return home yet through thy + children.</p> + + <p>MED. Others first will I send to their home,<a name="Med_29"></a><a + href="#MedN_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a> O wretched me!</p> + + <p>TUT. Thou art not the only one who art separated from thy children; it + behooves a mortal to bear calamities with meekness.</p> + + <p>MED. I will do so; but go within the house, and prepare for the + children what is needful for the day. O my sons, my sons, you have indeed + a city, and a house, in which having forsaken me miserable, you shall + dwell, ever deprived of a mother. But I am now going an exile into a + foreign land, before I could have delight in you, and see you + flourishing, before I could adorn your marriage, and wife, and + nuptial-bed, and hold up the torch.<a name="Med_30"></a><a + href="#MedN_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a> O unfortunate woman that I am, on + account of my wayward temper. In vain then, my children, have I brought + you up, in vain have I toiled, and been consumed with cares, suffering + the strong agonies of child-bearing. Surely once there was a time when I + hapless woman had many hopes in you, that you would both tend me in my + age, and when dead would with your hands decently compose my limbs, a + thing desired by men. But now this pleasing thought hath indeed perished; + for deprived of you I shall pass a life of misery, and bitter to myself. + But you will no longer behold your mother with your dear eyes, having + passed into another state of life. Alas! alas! why do you look upon me + with your eyes, my children? Why do ye smile that last smile? Alas! alas! + what shall I do? for my heart is sinking. Ye females, when I behold the + cheerful look of my children, I have no power. Farewell my counsels: I + will take my children with me from this land. What does it avail me + grieving their father with the ills of these, to acquire twice as much + pain for myself? never will I at least do this. Farewell my counsels. And + yet what do I suffer? do I wish to incur ridicule, having left my foes + unpunished? This must be dared. But the bringing forward words of + tenderness in my mind arises also from my cowardice. Go, my children, + into the house; and he for whom it is not lawful to be present at my + sacrifice, let him take care himself to keep away.<a name="Med_31"></a><a + href="#MedN_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> But I will not stain my hand. Alas! + alas! do not thou then, my soul, do not thou at least perpetrate this. + Let them escape, thou wretch, spare thy sons. There shall they live with + us and delight thee. No, I swear by the infernal deities who dwell with + Pluto, never shall this be, that I will give up my children to be + insulted by my enemies. [At all events they must die, and since they + must, I who brought them into the world will perpetrate the deed.] This + is fully determined by fate, and shall not pass away. And now the chaplet + is on her head, and the bride is perishing in the robes; of this I am + well assured. But, since I am now going a most dismal path, and these + will I send by one still more dismal, I desire to address my children: + give, my sons, give thy right hand for thy mother to kiss. O most dear + hand, and those lips dearest to me, and that form and noble countenance + of my children, be ye blessed, but there;<a name="Med_32"></a><a + href="#MedN_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a> for every thing here your father hath + taken away. O the sweet embrace, and that soft skin, and that most + fragrant breath of my children. Go, go; no longer am I able to look upon + you, but am overcome by my ills. I know indeed the ills that I am about + to dare, but my rage is master of my counsels,<a name="Med_33"></a><a + href="#MedN_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a> which is indeed the cause of the + greatest calamities to men.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Already have I often gone through more refined reasonings, and + have come to greater arguments than suits the female mind to investigate; + for we also have a muse, which dwelleth with us, for the sake of teaching + wisdom; but not with all, for haply thou wilt find but a small number of + the race of women out of many not ungifted with the muse.<a + name="Med_34"></a><a href="#MedN_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a></p> + + <p>And I say that those men who are entirely free from wedlock, and have + not begotten children, surpass in happiness those who have families; + those indeed who are childless, through inexperience whether children are + born a joy or anguish to men, not having them themselves, are exempt from + much misery. But those who have a sweet blooming offspring of children in + their house, I behold worn with care the whole time; first of all how + they shall bring them up honorably, and how they shall leave means of + sustenance for their children. And still after this, whether they are + toiling for bad or good sons, this is still in darkness. But one ill to + mortals, the last of all, I now will mention. For suppose they have both + found sufficient store, and the bodies of their children have arrived at + manhood, and that they are good; but if this fortune shall happen to + them, death, bearing away their sons, vanishes with them to the shades of + darkness. How then does it profit that the Gods heap on mortals yet this + grief in addition to others, the most bitter of all, for the sake of + children?</p> + +<p class="center">MEDEA, MESSENGER, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MED. For a long time waiting for the event, my friends, I am anxiously + expecting what will be the result thence. And I see indeed one of the + domestics of Jason coming hither, and his quickened breath shows that he + will be the messenger of some new ill.</p> + + <p>MESS. O thou, that hast impiously perpetrated a deed of terror, Medea, + fly, fly, leaving neither the ocean chariot,<a name="Med_35"></a><a + href="#MedN_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a> nor the car whirling o'er the + plain.</p> + + <p>MED. But what is done that requires this flight?</p> + + <p>MESS. The princess is just dead, and Creon her father destroyed by thy + charms.</p> + + <p>MED. Thou hast spoken most glad tidings: and hereafter from this time + shalt thou be among my benefactors and friends.</p> + + <p>MESS. What sayest thou? Art thou in thy senses, and not mad, lady? who + having destroyed the king and family, rejoicest at hearing it, and + fearest not such things?</p> + + <p>MED. I also have something to say to these words of thine at least; + but be not hasty, my friend; but tell me how they perished, for twice as + much delight wilt thou give me if they died miserably.</p> + + <p>MESS. As soon as thy two sons were come with their father, and had + entered the bridal house, we servants, who were grieved at thy + misfortunes, were delighted; and immediately there was much conversation + in our ears, that thy husband and thou had brought the former quarrel to + a friendly termination. One kissed the hand, another the auburn head of + thy sons, and I also myself followed with them to the women's apartments + through joy. But my mistress, whom we now reverence instead of thee, + before she saw thy two sons enter, held her cheerful eyes fixed on Jason; + afterward however she covered her eyes, and turned aside her white cheek, + disgusted at the entrance of thy sons; but thy husband quelled the anger + and rage of the young bride, saying this; Be not angry with thy friends, + but cease from thy rage, and turn again thy face, esteeming those as + friends, whom thy husband does. But receive the gifts, and ask thy father + to give up the sentence of banishment against these children for my sake. + But when she saw the ornaments, she refused not, but promised her husband + every thing; and before thy sons and their father were gone far from the + house, she took and put on the variegated robes, and having placed the + golden chaplet around her tresses she arranges her hair in the radiant + mirror, smiling at the lifeless image of her person. And after, having + risen from her seat, she goes across the chamber, elegantly tripping with + snow-white foot; rejoicing greatly in the presents, looking much and + oftentimes with her eyes on her outstretched neck.<a name="Med_36"></a><a + href="#MedN_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> After that however there was a sight + of horror to behold. For having changed color, she goes staggering back + trembling in her limbs, and is scarce in time to prevent herself from + falling on the ground, by sinking into a chair. And some aged female + attendant, when she thought that the wrath either of Pan or some other + Deity<a name="Med_37"></a><a href="#MedN_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a> had + visited her, offered up the invocation, before at least she sees the + white foam bursting from her mouth, and her mistress rolling her eyeballs + from their sockets, and the blood no longer in the flesh; then she sent + forth a loud shriek of far different sound from the strain of + supplication; and straightway one rushed to the apartments of her father, + but another to her newly-married husband, to tell the calamity befallen + the bride, and all the house was filled with frequent hurryings to and + fro. And by this time a swift runner, exerting his limbs, might have + reached<a name="Med_38"></a><a href="#MedN_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> the + goal of the course of six plethra;<a name="Med_39"></a><a + href="#MedN_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> but she, wretched woman, from being + speechless, and from a closed eye having groaned deeply writhed in agony; + for a double pest was warring against her. The golden chaplet indeed + placed on her head was sending forth a stream of all-devouring fire + wonderful to behold, but the fine-wrought robes, the presents of thy + sons, were devouring the white flesh of the hapless woman. But she having + started from her seat flies, all on fire, tossing her hair and head on + this side and that side, desirous of shaking off the chaplet; but the + golden wreath firmly kept its hold; but the fire, when she shook her + hair, blazed out with double fury, and she sinks upon the ground overcome + by her sufferings, difficult for any one except her father to recognize. + For neither was the expression of her eyes clear, nor her noble + countenance; but the blood was dropping from the top of her head mixed + with fire. But her flesh was dropping off her bones, as the tear from the + pine-tree, by the hidden fangs of the poison; a sight of horror. But all + feared to touch the body, for we had her fate to warn us. But the hapless + father, through ignorance of her suffering, having come with haste into + the apartment, falls on the corpse, and groans immediately; and having + folded his arms round her, kisses her, saying these words; O miserable + child, what Deity hath thus cruelly destroyed thee? who makes an aged + father bowing to the tomb<a name="Med_40"></a><a + href="#MedN_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a> bereaved of thee? Alas me! let me die + with thee, my child. But after he had ceased from his lamentations and + cries, desiring to raise his aged body, he was held, as the ivy by the + boughs of the laurel, by the fine-wrought robes; and dreadful was the + struggle, for he wished to raise his knee, but she held him back; but if + he drew himself away by force he tore the aged flesh from his bones. But + at length the wretched man swooned away, and gave up his life; for no + longer was he able to endure the agony. But they lie corses, the daughter + and aged father near one another; a calamity that demands tears. And let + thy affairs indeed be not matter for my words; for thou thyself wilt know + a refuge from punishment. But the affairs of mortals not now for the + first time I deem a shadow, and I would venture to say that those persons + who seem to be wise and are researchers of arguments, these I say, run + into the greatest folly. For no mortal man is happy; but wealth pouring + in, one man may be more fortunate than another, but happy he can not + be.</p> + + <p>CHOR. The Deity, it seems, will in this day justly heap on Jason a + variety of ills. O hapless lady, how we pity thy sufferings, daughter of + Creon, who art gone to the house of darkness, through thy marriage with + Jason.</p> + + <p>MED. The deed is determined on by me, my friends, to slay my children + as soon as possible, and to hasten from this land; and not by delaying to + give my sons for another hand more hostile to murder. But come, be armed, + my heart; why do we delay to do dreadful but necessary deeds? Come, O + wretched hand of mine, grasp the sword, grasp it, advance to the bitter + goal of life, and be not cowardly, nor remember thy children how dear + they are, how thou broughtest them into the world; but for this short day + at least forget thy children; hereafter lament. For although thou slayest + them, nevertheless they at least were dear, but I a wretched woman.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O thou earth, and thou all-illuming beam of the sun, look down + upon, behold this abandoned woman, before she move her blood-stained hand + itself about to inflict the blow against her children; for from thy + golden race they sprung; but fearful is it for the blood of Gods to fall + by the hand of man. But do thou, O heaven-born light, restrain her, stop + her, remove from this house this blood-stained and miserable Erinnys + agitated by the Furies. The care of thy children perishes in vain, and in + vain hast thou produced a dear race, O thou who didst leave the most + inhospitable entrance of the Cyanean rocks, the Symplegades. Hapless + woman, why does such grievous rage settle on thy mind; and hostile + slaughter ensue? For kindred pollutions are difficult of purification to + mortals; correspondent calamities falling from the Gods to the earth upon + the houses of the murderers.<a name="Med_41"></a><a + href="#MedN_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a></p> + + <p>FIRST SON. (<i>within</i>) Alas! what shall I do? whither shall I fly + from my mother's hand?</p> + + <p>SECOND SON. I know not, dearest brother, for we perish.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Hearest thou the cry? hearest thou the children? O wretch, O + ill-fated woman! Shall I enter the house? It seems right to me to ward + off the murderous blow from the children.</p> + + <p>SONS. Nay, by the Gods assist us, for it is in needful time; since now + at least are we near the destruction of the sword.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Miserable woman, art thou then a rock, or iron, who cuttest down + with death by thine own hand the fair crop of children which thou + producedst thyself? one indeed I hear of, one woman of those of old, who + laid violent hands on her children, Ino, maddened by the Gods when the + wife of Jove sent her in banishment from her home; and she miserable + woman falls into the sea through the impious murder of her children, + directing her foot over the sea-shore, and dying with her two sons, there + she perished! what then I pray can be more dreadful than this? O thou bed + of woman, fruitful in ills, how many evils hast thou already brought to + men!</p> + +<p class="center">JASON, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>JAS. Ye females, who stand near this mansion, is she who hath done + these deeds of horror, Medea, in this house; or hath she withdrawn + herself in flight? For now it is necessary for her either to be hidden + beneath the earth, or to raise her winged body into the vast expanse of + air, if she would not suffer vengeance from the king's house. Does she + trust that after having slain the princes of this land, she shall herself + escape from this house with impunity?—But I have not such care for + her as for my children; for they whom she has injured will punish her. + But I came to preserve my children's life, lest [Creon's] relations by + birth do any injury,<a name="Med_42"></a><a + href="#MedN_42"><sup>[42]</sup></a> avenging the impious murder + perpetrated by their mother.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Unhappy man! thou knowest not at what misery thou hast arrived, + Jason, or else thou wouldest not have uttered these words.</p> + + <p>JAS. What is this, did she wish to slay me also?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thy children are dead by their mother's hand.</p> + + <p>JAS. Alas me! What wilt thou say? how hast thou killed me, woman!</p> + + <p>CHOR. Think now of thy sons as no longer living.</p> + + <p>JAS. Where did she slay them, within or without the house?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Open those doors, and thou wilt see the slaughter of thy + sons.</p> + + <p>JAS. Undo the bars, as quick as possible, attendants; unloose the + hinges, that I may see this double evil, my sons slain, and may punish + her.</p> + + <p>MED. Why dost thou shake and unbolt these gates, seeking the dead and + me who did the deed. Cease from this labor; but if thou wantest aught + with me, speak if thou wishest any thing; but never shall thou touch me + with thy hands; such a chariot the sun my father's father gives me, a + defense from the hostile hand.<a name="Med_43"></a><a + href="#MedN_43"><sup>[43]</sup></a></p> + + <p>JAS. O thou abomination! thou most detested woman, both by the Gods + and by me, and by all the race of man; who hast dared to plunge the sword + in thine own children, thou who bore them, and hast destroyed me + childless. And having done this thou beholdest both the sun and the + earth, having dared a most impious deed. Mayest thou perish! but I am now + wise, not being so then when I brought thee from thy house and from a + foreign land to a Grecian habitation, a great pest, traitress to thy + father and the land that nurtured thee. But the Gods have sent thy evil + genius on me. For having slain thy brother at the altar, thou embarkedst + on board the gallant vessel Argo. Thou begannest indeed with such deeds + as these; and being wedded to me, and bearing me children, thou hast + destroyed them on account of another bed and marriage. There is not one + Grecian woman who would have dared a deed like this, in preference to + whom at least, I thought worthy to wed thee, an alliance hateful and + destructive to me, a lioness, no woman, having a nature more savage than + the Tuscan Scylla. But I can not gall thy heart with ten thousand + reproaches, such shameless confidence is implanted in thee. Go, thou + worker of ill, and stained with the blood of thy children. But for me it + remains to bewail my fate, who shall neither enjoy my new nuptials, nor + shall I have it in my power to address while alive my sons whom I begot + and educated, but I have lost them.</p> + + <p>MED. Surely I could make long reply to these words, if the Sire + Jupiter did not know what treatment thou receivedst from me, and what + thou didst in return; but you were mistaken, when you expected, having + dishonored my bed, to lead a life of pleasure, mocking me, and so was the + princess, and so was Creon, who proposed the match to thee, when he + expected to drive me from this land with impunity. Wherefore, if thou + wilt, call me lioness, and Scylla who dwelt in the Tuscan plain. For thy + heart, as is right, I have wounded.</p> + + <p>JAS. And thou thyself grievest at least, and art a sharer in these + ills.</p> + + <p>MED. Be assured of that; but this lessens<a name="Med_44"></a><a + href="#MedN_44"><sup>[44]</sup></a> the grief, that thou canst not mock + me.</p> + + <p>JAS. My children, what a wicked mother have ye found!</p> + + <p>MED. My sons, how did ye perish by your father's fault!</p> + + <p>JAS. Nevertheless my hand slew them not.</p> + + <p>MED. But injury, and thy new nuptials.</p> + + <p>JAS. And on account of thy bed didst thou think fit to slay them?</p> + + <p>MED. Dost thou deem this a slight evil to a woman?</p> + + <p>JAS. Whoever at least is modest; but in thee is every ill.</p> + + <p>MED. These are no longer living, for this will gall thee.</p> + + <p>JAS. These are living, alas me! avenging furies on thy head.</p> + + <p>MED. The Gods know who began the injury.</p> + + <p>JAS. They know indeed thy execrable mind.</p> + + <p>Meo. Thou art hateful to me, and I detest thy bitter speech.</p> + + <p>JAS. And I in sooth thine; the separation at least is without + pain.</p> + + <p>MED. How then? what shall I do? for I also am very desirous.</p> + + <p>JAS. Suffer me, I beg, to bury and mourn over these dead bodies.</p> + + <p>MED. Never indeed; since I will bury them with this hand bearing them + to the shrine of Juno, the Goddess guardian of the citadel, that no one + of my enemies may insult them, tearing up their graves. But in this land + of Sisyphus will I institute in addition to this a solemn festival and + sacrifices hereafter to expiate this unhallowed murder. But I myself will + go to the land of Erectheus, to dwell with Ægeus son of Pandion. But + thou, wretch, as is fit, shalt die wretchedly, struck on thy head with a + relic of thy ship Argo, having seen the bitter end of my marriage.</p> + + <p>JAS. But may the Fury of the children, and Justice the avenger of + murder, destroy thee.</p> + + <p>MED. But what God or Deity hears thee, thou perjured man, and traitor + to the rights of hospitality?</p> + + <p>JAS. Ah! thou abominable woman, and murderer of thy children.</p> + + <p>MED. Go to thy home, and bury thy wife.</p> + + <p>JAS. I go, even deprived of both my children.</p> + + <p>MED. Thou dost not yet mourn enough: stay and grow old.<a + name="Med_45"></a><a href="#MedN_45"><sup>[45]</sup></a></p> + + <p>JAS. Oh my dearest sons!</p> + + <p>MED. To their mother at least, but not to thee.</p> + + <p>JAS. And yet thou slewest them.</p> + + <p>MED. To grieve thee.</p> + + <p>JAS. Alas, alas! I hapless man long to kiss the dear mouths of my + children.</p> + + <p>MED. Now them addressest, now salutest them, formerly rejecting them + with scorn.</p> + + <p>JAS. Grant me, by the Gods, to touch the soft skin of my sons.</p> + + <p>MED. It is not possible. Thy words are thrown away in vain.</p> + + <p>JAS. Dost thou hear this, O Jove, how I am rejected, and what I suffer + from this accursed and child-destroying lioness? But as much indeed as is + in my power and I am able, I lament and mourn over these; calling the + Gods to witness, that having slain my children, thou preventest me from + touching them with my hands, and from burying the bodies, whom, oh that I + had never begotten, and seen them thus destroyed by thee.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Jove is the dispenser of various fates in heaven, and the Gods + perform many things contrary to our expectations, and those things which + we looked for are not accomplished; but the God hath brought to pass + things unthought of. In such manner hath this affair ended.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>NOTES ON MEDEA</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="MedN_1"></a><a href="#Med_1">[1]</a> The Cyaneæ Petræ, or + Symplegades, were two rocks in the mouth of the Euxine Sea, said to meet + together with prodigious violence, and crush the passing ships. See + Pindar. Pyth. iv. 386.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_2"></a><a href="#Med_2">[2]</a> <span lang="el" + title="eretmôsai">ερετμωσαι</span> + signifies to make to row; <span lang="el" + title="eretmêsai">ερετμησαι</span>, + to row. In the same sense the two verbs derived from <span lang="el" + title="polemos">πολεμος</span> + are used, <span lang="el" + title="polemoô">πολεμοω</span> + signifying ad bellum excito; <span lang="el" + title="polemeô">πολεμεω</span>, + bellum gero.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_3"></a><a href="#Med_3">[3]</a> Elmsley reads <span + lang="el" title="phygê">φυγη</span> in the + nominative case, "<i>a flight indeed pleasing</i>," etc.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_4"></a><a href="#Med_4">[4]</a> Literally, <i>Before we + have drained this to the very dregs</i>. So Virgil, Æn. iv. 14. <i>Quæ + bella exhausta canebat</i>!</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_5"></a><a href="#Med_5">[5]</a> Ter. And. Act. ii. Sc. + 5. <i>Omnes sibi malle melius esse quam alteri</i>. Ac. iv. Sc. 1. + <i>Proximus sum egomet mihi</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_6"></a><a href="#Med_6">[6]</a> Elmsley reads <span + lang="el" title="kai">και</span> for <span lang="el" + title="ei">ει</span>, "<i>And their father</i>," etc.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_7"></a><a href="#Med_7">[7]</a> In Elms. Dind. <span + lang="el" title="to gar eithisthai">το γαρ + ειθισθαι</span>, "<i>for + the being accustomed</i>," etc.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_8"></a><a href="#Med_8">[8]</a> <span lang="el" + title="dynatai">δυναται</span> + here signifies <span lang="el" title="ischyei, + sthenei">ισχυει, + σθενει</span>; and in this sense it + is repeatedly used: <span lang="el" title="oudena + kairon">ουδενα + καιρον</span>, in this place, is not + to be interpreted "intempestive", but "immoderate, supra modum." For this + signification consult Stephen's Thesaurus, word <span lang="el" + title="kairos">καιρος</span>. + EMSLEY.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_9"></a><a href="#Med_9">[9]</a> <span lang="el" + title="hode">‛οδε</span> is used in this sense + v. 49, 687, 901, of this Play.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_10"></a><a href="#Med_10">[10]</a> <span lang="el" + title="mogera">μογερα</span> is best + taken with Reiske as the accusative plural, though the Scholiast + considers it the nominative singular. ELMSLEY.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_11"></a><a href="#Med_11">[11]</a> <span lang="el" + title="gegôtas">γεγωτας</span> + need not be translated as <span lang="el" + title="nomizomenous">νομιζομενους</span>, + the sense is [Greek; ontas]: so <span lang="el" title="authadês + gegôs">αυθαδης + γεγως</span>, line 225.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_12"></a><a href="#Med_12">[12]</a> That is, the + character of man can not be discovered by the countenance: so + Juvenal,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Fronti nulla fides.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><span lang="el" + title="hostis">‛οστις</span>, though + in the singular number, refers to <span lang="el" + title="brotôn">βροτων</span> in the + plural: a similar construction is met with in Homer, Il. <span lang="el" + title="G">Γ</span>. 279.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="anthrôpous tinnysthon, ho tis k' epiorkon homossêi">ανθρωπους τιννυσθον, ‛ο τις κ' επιορκον ‛ομοσσηι</span>.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="MedN_13"></a><a href="#Med_13">[13]</a> Grammarians teach us + that <span lang="el" + title="gamein">γαμειν</span> is + applied to the husband, <span lang="el" + title="gameisthai">γαμεισθαι</span> + to the wife; and this rule will generally be found to hold good. We must + either then read <span lang="el" title="hê t' egêmato">‛η + τ' εγηματο</span>, which + Porson does not object to, and Elmsley adopts; or understand <span + lang="el" + title="egêmato">εγηματο</span> + in an ironical sense, in the spirit of Martial's <i>Uxori nubere nolo + meæ</i>: in the latter case <span lang="el" title="hêi t' + egêmato">‛ηι τ' + εγηματο</span> should be read + (not <span lang="el" title="hên t'">‛ην + τ'</span>), as being the proper syntax.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_14"></a><a href="#Med_14">[14]</a> The primary + signification of <span lang="el" + title="plêmmelês">πλημμελης</span> + is <i>absonus</i>, <i>out of tune</i>: hence is easily deduced the + signification in which it is often found in Euripides. The word <span + lang="el" + title="plêmmelêsas">πλημμελησας</span> + occurs in the Phœnissæ, l. 1669.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_15"></a><a href="#Med_15">[15]</a> Elmsley approves of + the reading adopted by Porson, though he has given in his text</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="ponoumen hêmeis, k' on ponôn kechrêmetha">πονουμεν ‛ημεις, κ' ον πονων κεχρημεθα</span>.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>"<i>We are oppressed with cares, and want not other cares</i>," as + being more likely to have come from Euripides. So also Dindorf.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_16"></a><a href="#Med_16">[16]</a> <span lang="el" + title="hôs eoikas">‛ως + εοικας</span>; is here used for the + more common expression <span lang="el" title="hôs + eoiken">‛ως + εοικεν</span>. So Herodotus, Clio, + clv. <span lang="el" title="ou pausontai hoi Lydoi, hôs oikasi, pragmata + parechontes, kai autoi echontes">ου + παυσονται + ‛οι Λυδοι, + ‛ως οικασι, + πραγματα + παρεχοντες, + και αυτοι + εχοντες</span>. See also + Hecuba, 801.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_17"></a><a href="#Med_17">[17]</a> Beck interprets this + passage, "Mea quidem vita ut non habeat laudem, fama obstat." Heath + translates it, "Jam in contrariam partem tendens fama efficit, ut mea + quoque vita laudem habeat." We are told by the Scholiast, that by <span + lang="el" + title="biotan">βιοταν</span> is to be + understood <span lang="el" + title="physin">φυσιν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_18"></a><a href="#Med_18">[18]</a> Iolcos was a city of + Thessaly, distant about seven stadii from the sea, where the parents of + Jason lived: Pelion was both a mountain and city of Thessaly, close to + Iolcos; whence Iolcos is called Peliotic.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_19"></a><a href="#Med_19">[19]</a> For the same + sentiment more fully expressed, see Hippolytus, 616-625. See also + Paradise Lost, x. 890.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i16">Oh, why did God,</p> + <p>Creator wise, that peopled highest heaven</p> + <p>With spirits masculine, create at last</p> + <p>This novelty on earth, this fair defect</p> + <p>Of nature, and not fill the world at once</p> + <p>With men, as angels, without feminine?</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="MedN_20"></a><a href="#Med_20">[20]</a> Porson rightly reads + <span lang="el" title="tach' an pithoio">ταχ' + αν πιθοιο</span> with + Wyttenbach.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_21"></a><a href="#Med_21">[21]</a> Elmsley has</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"<span lang="el" title="hôs kai dokei moi tauta, kai kalôs echein">‛ως και δοκει μοι ταυτα, και καλως εχειν</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="gamous tyrannôn, hous prodous hêmas echei">γαμους τυραννων, ‛ους προδους ‛ημας εχει</span>,</p> + <p><span lang="el" title="kai xymphor' einai, kai kalôs egnôsmena">και ξυμφορ' ειναι, και καλως εγνωσμενα</span>."</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>"<i>that these things appear good to me, and that the alliance with + the princes, which he, having forsaken me, has contracted, are both + advantageous and well determined on</i>." So also Dind. but <span + lang="el" title="kalôs echei">καλως + εχει</span>. Porson omits the line.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_22"></a><a href="#Med_22">[22]</a> In Elmsley this line + is omitted, and instead of it is inserted</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"<span lang="el" title="nymphêi pherontas, tênde mê pheugein chthona">νυμφηι φεροντας, τηνδε μη φευγειν χθονα</span>."</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>"<i>offering them to the bride, that they may not be banished from + this country</i>," which Dindorf retains, and brackets the other.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_23"></a><a href="#Med_23">[23]</a> Although the + Scholiast reprobates this interpretation, it seems to be the best, nor is + it any objection, that <span lang="el" + title="Mnêmosynê">Μνημοσυνη</span> + is elsewhere represented as the Mother of the Muses; so much at variance + is the poetry of Euripides with the received mythology of the ancients. + ELMSLEY.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_24"></a><a href="#Med_24">[24]</a> The construction is + <span lang="el" title="polis hierôn + potamôn">πολις + ‛ιερων + ποταμων</span>; thus Thebes, + Phœnis. l. 831, is called <span lang="el" title="pyrgos didymôn + potamôn">πυργος + διδυμων + ποταμων</span>. A like + expression occurs in 2 Sam. xii. 27. I have fought against Rabbah, and + have taken <i>the city of waters</i>, <span lang="el" title="polin tôn + hydatôn">πολιν των + ‛υδατων</span> in the + Septuagint version.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_25"></a><a href="#Med_25">[25]</a> Elmsley reads <span + lang="el" + title="pantes">παντες</span>, "<i>we + all entreat thee</i>." So Dindorf.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_26"></a><a href="#Med_26">[26]</a> Elmsley reads <span + lang="el" title="hê dynasei">‛η + δυνασει</span> with the note of + interrogation after <span lang="el" + title="thymôi">θυμωι</span>; "<i>or how + wilt thou be able,</i>" etc.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_27"></a><a href="#Med_27">[27]</a> An allusion to that + well-known saying in Plato, de Repub. 1. 3. <span lang="el" title="Dôra + theous peithei, dôr' aidoious basilêas">Δωρα + θεους + πειθει, δωρ' + αιδοιους + βασιληας</span>. Ovid. de + Arte Am. iii. 635.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Munera, crede mini, capiunt hominesque deosque.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="MedN_28"></a><a href="#Med_28">[28]</a> Vertit Portus, <i>O + infelix quantam calamitatem ignoras</i>. Mihi sensus videtur esse, + <i>quantum a pristina fortuna excidisti</i>. ELMSLEY.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_29"></a><a href="#Med_29">[29]</a> Medea here makes use + of the ambiguous word <span lang="el" + title="kataxô">καταξω</span>, which + may be understood by the Tutor in the sense of "bringing back to their + country," but implies also the horrid purpose of destroying her children: + <span lang="el" title="tode 'kataxô' anti tou pempsô eis ton + Aidên">τοδε + 'καταξω' αντι + του πεμψω + εις τον + Αιδην</span>, as the Scholiast explains + it.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_30"></a><a href="#Med_30">[30]</a> It was the custom for + mothers to bear lighted torches at their children's nuptials. See Iphig. + Aul. l. 372.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_31"></a><a href="#Med_31">[31]</a> <span lang="el" + title="hotôi de phêsin ouk eusebes phainetai pareinai tôi phonôi, kai + dechesthai toiautas thysias, houtos apotô.—tôi de autôi melêsei + synapteon to mê pareinai">‛οτωι + δε φησιν ουκ + ευσεβες + φαινεται + παρειναι + τωι φονωι, + και + δεχεσθαι + τοιαυτας + θυσιας, + ‛ουτος + αποτω.—τωι + δε αυτωι + μελησει + συναπτεον + το μη + παρειναι</span>. + SCHOL.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_32"></a><a href="#Med_32">[32]</a> <i>But there</i>; + that is, in the regions below.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_33"></a><a href="#Med_33">[33]</a> Ovid. Metamorph. vii. + 20.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i4">Video meliora proboque,</p> + <p>Deteriora sequor.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="MedN_34"></a><a href="#Med_34">[34]</a> Elmsley reads</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="pauron de genos (mian en pollais">παυρον δε γενος (μιαν εν πολλαις</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="heurois an isôs)">‛ευροις αν ισως)</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="ouk, k.t.l.">ουκ, κ.τ.λ.</span> </p> + </div> + </div> + <p>"<i>But a small number of the race of women (you may perchance find + one among many) not ungifted with the muse</i>."</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_35"></a><a href="#Med_35">[35]</a> A similar expression + is found in Iphig. Taur, v. 410. <span lang="el" title="naïon + ochêma">ναϊον + οχημα</span>. A ship is frequently called + <span lang="el" title="Herma + thalassês">‛Ερμα + θαλασσης</span>: so + Virgil, Æn. vi. Classique immittit habenas.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_36"></a><a href="#Med_36">[36]</a> Elmsley is of opinion + that <i>the instep</i> and not <i>the neck</i> is meant by <span + lang="el" title="tenôn">τενων</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_37"></a><a href="#Med_37">[37]</a> The ancients + attributed all sudden terrors, and sudden sicknesses, such as epilepsies, + for which no cause appeared, to Pan, or to some other Deity. The anger of + the God they endeavored to avert by a hymn, which had the nature of a + charm.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_38"></a><a href="#Med_38">[38]</a> Elmsley has <span + lang="el" + title="anthêpteto">ανθηπτετο</span>, + which is the old reading: this makes no difference in the construing or + the construction, as, in the line before, he reads <span lang="el" + title="an helkôn">αν + ‛ελκων</span>, where Porson has + <span lang="el" + title="anelkôn">ανελκων</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_39"></a><a href="#Med_39">[39]</a> The space of time + elapsed is meant to be marked by this circumstance. MUSGRAVE. PORSON. + Thus we find in <span lang="el" title="M">Μ</span> of the Odyssey, + l. 439, the time of day expressed by the rising of the judges; in <span + lang="el" title="D">Δ</span> of the Iliad, l. 86, by the dining of + the woodman. When we recollect that the ancients had not the inventions + that we have whereby to measure their time, we shall cease to consider + the circumlocution as absurd or out of place.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_40"></a><a href="#Med_40">[40]</a> The same expression + occurs in the Heraclidæ, l. 168. The Scholiast explains it thus; <span + lang="el" title="tymbogeronta, ton plêsion thanatou honta: tymbous de + kalousi tous gerontas, paroson plêsion eisi tou thanatou kai tou + taphou">τυμβογεροντα, + τον πλησιον + θανατου + ‛οντα: + τυμβους δε + καλουσι + τους + γεροντας, + παροσον + πλησιον + εισι του + θανατου και + του ταφου</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_41"></a><a href="#Med_41">[41]</a> <span lang="el" + title="autophontais">αυτοφονταις</span> + may be taken as an adjective to agree with <span lang="el" + title="domois">δομοις</span>, or the + construction may be <span lang="el" title="achê pitnonta autophontais epi + domois">αχη + πιτνοντα + αυτοφονταις + επι δομοις</span>, + in the same manner as <span lang="el" title="lithos epese moi epi + kephalêi">λιθος + επεσε μοι + επι + κεφαληι</span>. ELMSLEY.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_42"></a><a href="#Med_42">[42]</a> <span lang="el" + title="mê me ti drasôsi'">μη με τι + δρασωσι'</span> had been "lest + they do <i>me</i> any injury." Elmsley conceives that <span lang="el" + title="nin">νιν</span> is the true reading, which might + easily have been corrupted into <span lang="el" + title="moi">μοι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_43"></a><a href="#Med_43">[43]</a> Here Medea appears + above in a chariot drawn by dragons, bearing with her the bodies of her + slaughtered sons. SCHOL. See Horace, Epod. 3.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Hoc delibutis ulta donis pellicem,</p> + <p>Serpente fugit alite.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="MedN_44"></a><a href="#Med_44">[44]</a> <span lang="el" + title="lyei">λυει</span> may also be interpreted, + with the Scholiast, in the sense of <span lang="el" + title="lysitelei">λυσιτελει</span>, + "the grief delights me." The translation given in the text is proposed by + Porson, and approved of by Elmsley.</p> + + <p><a name="MedN_45"></a><a href="#Med_45">[45]</a> Elmsley has</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="mene kai gêras">μενε και γηρας</span>.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>"<i>Stay yet for old age</i>." So also Dindorf. </p> + +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="HIPPOLYTUS"></a> +<h2>HIPPOLYTUS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>PERSONS REPRESENTED.</h3> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>VENUS.</p> + <p>HIPPOLYTUS.</p> + <p>ATTENDANTS.</p> + <p>PHÆDRA.</p> + <p>NURSE.</p> + <p>THESEUS.</p> + <p>MESSENGER.</p> + <p>DIANA.</p> + <p>CHORUS OF TRŒZENIAN DAMES.</p> + </div> + </div> +<hr /> + +<h3>THE ARGUMENT.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>Theseus was the son of Othra and Neptune, and king of the Athenians; + and having married Hippolyta, one of the Amazons, he begat Hippolytus, + who excelled in beauty and chastity. When his wife died, he married, for + his second wife, Phædra, a Cretan, daughter of Minos, king of Crete, and + Pasiphaë. Theseus, in consequence of having slain Pallas, one of his + kinsmen, goes into banishment, with his wife, to Trœzene, where it + happened that Hippolytus was being brought up by Pittheus: but Phædra + having seen the youth was desperately enamored, not that she was + incontinent, but in order to fulfill the anger of Venus, who, having + determined to destroy Hippolytus on account of his chastity, brought her + plans to a conclusion. She, concealing her disease, at length was + compelled to declare it to her nurse, who had promised to relieve her, + and who, though against her inclination, carried her words to the youth. + Phædra, having learned that he was exasperated, eluded the nurse, and + hung herself. At which time Theseus having arrived, and wishing to take + her down that was strangled, found a letter attached to her, throughout + which she accused Hippolytus of a design on her virtue. And he, believing + what was written, ordered Hippolytus to go into banishment, and put up a + prayer to Neptune, in compliance with which the god destroyed Hippolytus. + But Diana declared to Theseus every thing that had happened, and blamed + not Phædra, but comforted him, bereaved of his child and wife, and + promised to institute honors in the place to Hippolytus.</p> + + <p>The scene of the play is laid in Trœzene. It was acted in the + archonship of Ameinon, in the fourth year of the 87th Olympiad. Euripides + first, Jophon second, Jon third. This Hippolytus is the second of that + name, and is called <span lang="el" + title="STEPHANIAS">ΣΤΕΦΑΝΙΑΣ</span>: + but it appears to have been written the latest, for what was unseemly and + deserved blame is corrected in this play. The play is ranked among the + first.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>HIPPOLYTUS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center">VENUS.</p> + + <p>Great in the sight of mortals, and not without a name am I the Goddess + Venus, and in heaven: and of as many as dwell within the ocean and the + boundaries of Atlas, beholding the light of the sun, those indeed, who + reverence my authority, I advance to honor; but overthrow as many as hold + themselves high toward me. For this is in sooth a property inherent even + in the race of the Gods, that "they rejoice when honored by men." But + quickly will I show the truth of these words: for the son of Theseus, + born of the Amazon, Hippolytus, pupil of the chaste Pittheus, alone of + the inhabitants of this land of Trœzene, says that I am of deities + the vilest, and rejects the bridal bed, and will have nothing to do with + marriage. But Dian, the sister of Phœbus, daughter of Jove, he + honors, esteeming her the greatest of deities. And through the green wood + ever accompanying the virgin, with his swift dogs he clears the beasts + from off the earth, having formed a fellowship greater than mortal ought. + This indeed I grudge him not; for wherefore should I? but wherein he has + erred toward me, I will avenge me on Hippolytus this very day: and having + cleared most of the difficulties beforehand,<a name="Hipp_1"></a><a + href="#HippN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> I need not much labor. For Phædra, his + father's noble wife, having seen him, (as he was going once from the + house of Pittheus to the land of Pandion, in order to see and afterward + be fully admitted to the hallowed mysteries,) was smitten in her heart + with fierce love by my design. And even before she came to this land of + Trœzene, at the very rock of Pallas that overlooks this land, she + raised a temple to Venus, loving an absent love; and gave out + afterward,<a name="Hipp_2"></a><a href="#HippN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> that + the Goddess was honored with her temple for Hippolytus's sake. But now + since Theseus has left the land of Cecrops, in order to avoid the + pollution of the murder of the sons of Pallas, and is sailing to this + land with his wife, having submitted to a year's banishment from his + people; there indeed groaning and stricken with the stings of love, the + wretched woman perishes in secret; and not one of her domestics is + conscious of her malady. But this love must by no means fall to the + ground in this way: but I will open the matter to Theseus, and it shall + become manifest. And him that is our enemy shall the father kill with + imprecations, which Neptune, king of the ocean, granted as a privilege to + Theseus, that he should make no prayer thrice to the God in vain. But + Phædra dies, an illustrious woman indeed, yet still [she must die]; for I + will not make her ills of that high consequence, that will hinder my + enemies from giving me such full vengeance as may content me. But, as I + see the son of Theseus coming, having left the toil of the chase, I will + depart from this spot. But with him a numerous train of attendants + following behind raise a clamor, praising the Goddess Dian with hymns, + for he knows not that the gates of hell are opened, and that this day is + the last he beholds.</p> + +<p class="center">HIPPOLYTUS, ATTENDANTS.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Follow, follow, singing the heavenly Dian, daughter of Jove; + Dian, under whose protection we are.</p> + + <p>ATT. Holy, holy, most hallowed offspring of Jove, hail! hail! O Dian, + daughter of Latona and of Jove, most beauteous by far of virgins, who, + born of an illustrious sire, in the vast heaven dwellest in the palace of + Jove, that mansion rich in gold.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Hail, O most beauteous, most beauteous of virgins in Olympus, + Dian! For thee, my mistress, bear I this wreathed garland from the pure + mead, where neither does the shepherd think fit to feed his flocks, nor + yet came iron there, but the bee ranges over the pure and vernal mead, + and Reverence waters it with river dews. Whosoever has chastity, not that + which is taught in schools, but that which is by nature, for this + description of persons it is lawful thence to pluck, but for the evil it + is not lawful.<a name="Hipp_3"></a><a href="#HippN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> + But, O my dear mistress, receive this wreath to bind your golden tresses + from a pious hand. For to me alone of mortals is allowed this privilege. + With thee I am both present, and exchange words with thee, hearing thy + voice, but not seeing thy countenance. But may I finish the last turn of + my course of life, even as I began.</p> + + <p>ATT. O king, (for the Gods alone ought we to call Lords,) will you + hear somewhat from me, who advise you well?</p> + + <p>HIPP. Most certainly, or else I should not seem wise.</p> + + <p>ATT. Knowest thou then the law, which is established among men?</p> + + <p>HIPP. I know not; but what is the one, about which thou askest me?</p> + + <p>ATT. To hate haughtiness, and that which is disagreeable to all.</p> + + <p>HIPP. And rightly; for what haughty mortal is not odious?</p> + + <p>ATT. And in the affable is there any charm?</p> + + <p>HIPP. A very great one indeed, and gain with little toil.</p> + + <p>ATT. Dost thou suppose that the same thing holds also among the + Gods?</p> + + <p>HIPP. Certainly, forasmuch as we mortals use the laws of the Gods.</p> + + <p>ATT. How is it then that thou addressest not a venerable Goddess?</p> + + <p>HIPP. Whom? but take heed that thy mouth err not.<a + name="Hipp_4"></a><a href="#HippN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a></p> + + <p>ATT. Venus, who hath her station at thy gates.</p> + + <p>HIPP. I, who am chaste, salute her at a distance.</p> + + <p>ATT. Venerable is she, however, and of note among mortals.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Different Gods and men are objects of regard to different + persons.</p> + + <p>ATT. May you be blest, having as much sense as you require.<a + name="Hipp_5"></a><a href="#HippN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a></p> + + <p>HIPP. No one of the Gods, that is worshiped by night, delights me.</p> + + <p>ATT. My son, we must conform to the honors of the Gods.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Depart, my companions, and having entered the house, prepare the + viands: delightful after the chase is the full table.—And I must + rub down my horses, that having yoked them to the car, when I am satiated + with the repast, I may give them their proper exercise. But to your Venus + I bid a long farewell.</p> + + <p>ATT. But we, for one must not imitate the young, having our thoughts + such, as it becomes slaves to give utterance to, will adore thy image, O + Venus, our mistress; but thou shouldest pardon, if any one having intense + feelings of mind by reason of his youth, speak foolishly: seem not to + hear these things, for Gods must needs be wiser than men.</p> + + <p>CHOR. There is a rock near the ocean,<a name="Hipp_6"></a><a + href="#HippN_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> distilling water, which sends forth + from its precipices a flowing fountain, wherein they dip their urns; + where was a friend of mine wetting the purple vests in the dew of the + stream, and she laid them down on the back of the warm sunny cliff: from + hence first came to me the report concerning my mistress, that she, worn + with the bed of sickness, keeps her person within the house, and that + fine vests veil her auburn head. And I hear that she this day for the + third keeps her body untouched by the fruit of Ceres, [which she receives + not] into her ambrosial mouth, wishing in secret suffering to hasten to + the unhappy goal of death. For heaven-possessed, O lady, or whether by + Pan, or by Hecate, or by the venerable Corybantes, or by the mother who + haunts the mountains, thou art raving. But thou art thus tormented on + account of some fault committed against the Cretan huntress, profane + because of unoffered sacred cakes. For she goes through the sea and + beyond the land on the eddies of the watery brine. Or some one in the + palace misguides thy noble husband, the chief of the Athenians, by secret + concubinage in thy bed. Or some sailor who put from port at Crete, hath + sailed to the harbor most friendly to mariners, bringing some message to + the queen; and, confined to her couch, she is bound in soul by sorrow for + its sufferings. But wretched helplessness is wont to dwell with the + wayward constitution of women, both on account of their throes and their + loss of reason. Once through my womb shot this thrill, but I invoked the + heavenly Dian, who gives easy throes, who presides over the bow, and to + me she came ever much to be blessed, as well as the other Gods. But lo! + the old nurse is bringing her out of the palace before the gates; and the + sad cloud upon her brows is increased. What it can possibly be, my soul + desires to know, with what can be afflicted the person of the queen, of + color so changed.<a name="Hipp_7"></a><a + href="#HippN_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a></p> + +<p class="center">PHÆDRA, NURSE, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>Alas! the evils of men, and their odious diseases! what shall I do for + thee? and what not do? lo! here is the clear light for thee, here the + air: and now is thy couch whereon thou liest sick removed from out of the + house: for every word you spoke was to come hither; but soon you will be + in a hurry to go to your chamber back again: for you are soon changed, + and are pleased with nothing. Nor does what is present delight you, but + what is not present you think more agreeable. It is a better thing to be + sick, than to tend the sick: the one is a simple ill, but with the other + is joined both pain of mind and toil of hands. But the whole life of men + is full of grief, nor is there rest from toils. But whatever else there + be more dear than life, darkness enveloping hides it in clouds. Hence we + appear to dote on this present state, because it gleams on earth, through + inexperience of another life, and the non-appearance of the things + beneath the earth. But we are blindly carried away by fables.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Raise my body, place my head upright—I am faint in the + joints of my limbs, my friends, lay hold of my fair-formed hands, O + attendants—The dressing on my head is heavy for me to + support—take it off, let flow my ringlets on my shoulders.</p> + + <p>NUR. Be of good courage, my child, and do not thus painfully shift + [the posture of] your body. But you will bear your sickness more easily + both with quiet, and with a noble temper, for it is necessary for mortals + to suffer misery.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Alas! alas! would I could draw from the dewy fountain the drink + of pure waters, and that under the alders, and in the leafy mead + reclining I might rest!</p> + + <p>NUR. O my child, what sayest thou? Wilt thou not desist from uttering + these things before the multitude, blurting forth a speech of madness?<a + name="Hipp_8"></a><a href="#HippN_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a></p> + + <p>PHÆ. Bear me to the mountain—I will go to the wood, and by the + pine-trees, where tread the dogs the slayers of beasts, pursuing the + dappled hinds—By the Gods I long to cheer on the hounds, and by the + side of my auburn hair to hurl the Thessalian javelin bearing the lanced + weapon in my hand.</p> + + <p>NUR. Wherefore in the name of heaven, my child, do you hanker after + these things? wherefore have you any anxiety for hunting? and wherefore + do you long for the fountain streams? for by the towers there is a + perpetual flow of water, whence may be your draught.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. O Dian, mistress of Limna near the sea, and of the exercises of + the rattling steeds, would that I were on thy plains, breaking the + Henetian colts.</p> + + <p>NUR. Wherefore again have you madly uttered this word? at one time + having ascended the mountain you set forth with the desire of hunting; + but now again you long for the colts on the wave-beaten sands. These + things demand much skill in prophecy [to find out], who it is of the Gods + that torments thee, O lady, and strikes mad thy senses.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Wretch that I am, what then have I committed? whither have I + wandered from my sound mind? I have gone mad; I have fallen by the evil + influence of some God. Alas! alas! unhappy that I am—Nurse, cover + my head again, for I am ashamed of the things I have spoken: cover me; a + tear trickles down my eyes, and my sight is turned to my disgrace. For to + be in one's right mind causes grief: but madness is an ill; yet it is + better to perish, nothing knowing of one's ills.</p> + + <p>NUR. I cover thee—but when in sooth will death cover my body? + Length of life teaches me many things. For it behooves mortals to form + moderate friendships with each other, and not to the very marrow of the + soul: and the affections of the mind should be dissoluble, and so that we + can slacken them, or tighten.<a name="Hipp_9"></a><a + href="#HippN_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> But that one soul should feel pangs + for two, as I now grieve for her, is a heavy burden. The concerns of life + carried to too great an extent, they say, bring rather destruction than + delight, and are rather at enmity with health. Thus I praise what is in + extreme less than <i>the sentiment of</i> "Nothing in excess;" and the + wise will agree with me.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O aged woman, faithful nurse of the queen Phædra, we see indeed + the wretched state of this lady, but it is not clear what her disease is: + but we would wish to inquire and hear from you.</p> + + <p>NUR. I know not by my inquiries; for she is not willing to speak.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Nor what is the origin of these pangs?</p> + + <p>NUR. You come to the same result; for she is silent with regard to all + these things.</p> + + <p>CHOR. How feeble she is, and wasted away as to her body!</p> + + <p>NUR. How could it be otherwise, seeing that she has abstained from + food these three days?</p> + + <p>CHOR. From the violence of her calamity is it, or does she endeavor to + die?</p> + + <p>NUR. To die; but she fasts to the dissolution of her life.</p> + + <p>CHOR. An extraordinary thing you have been telling me, if this conduct + meets the approbation of her husband.</p> + + <p>NUR. [He nothing knows,] for she conceals this calamity, and denies + that she is ill.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But does he not guess it, looking into her face?</p> + + <p>NUR. [How should he?] for he is out of this country.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But do you not urge it as a matter of necessity, when you + endeavor to ascertain her disease and the wandering of her senses?</p> + + <p>NUR. I have tried every thing, and have made no further advances. I + will not however abate even now from my zeal, so that you being present + may bear witness with me, how I behave to my mistress when in + calamity—Come, dear child, let us both forget our former + conversations; and be both thou more mild, having smoothed that + contracted brow, and altered the bent of your design; and I giving up + that wherein I did not do right to follow thee, will have recourse to + other better words. And if indeed you are ill with any of those maladies + that are not to be mentioned, these women here can allay the disease: but + if it may be related to men, tell it, that the thing may be mentioned to + physicians.—Well! why art thou silent? It doth not behoove thee to + be silent, my child, but either shouldst thou convict me, if aught I say + amiss, or yield to words well spoken.—Say something—look + hither—O wretch that I am! Ladies, in vain do we undergo these + toils, while we are as far off from our purpose as before: for neither + then was she softened by our words, nor now does she give heed to us. + Still however know (now then be more obstinate than the sea) that, if + thou shalt die, thou wilt betray thy children, who will have no share in + their paternal mansion. I swear by the warlike queen the Amazon, who + brought forth a lord over thy children, base-born yet of noble + sentiments, thou knowest him well, Hippolytus.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Ah me!</p> + + <p>NUR. This touches thee.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. You have destroyed me, nurse, and by the Gods I entreat thee + henceforth to be silent with respect to this man.</p> + + <p>NUR. Do you see? you judge well indeed, but judging well you are not + willing both to assist your children and to save your own life.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. I love my children; but I am wintering in the storm of another + misfortune.</p> + + <p>NUR. You have your hands, my child, pure from blood.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. My hands are pure, but my mind has some pollution.</p> + + <p>NUR. What! from some calamity brought on you by any of your + enemies?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. A friend destroys me against my will, himself unwilling.</p> + + <p>NUR. Has Theseus sinned any sin against thee?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Would that I never be discovered to have injured him.</p> + + <p>NUR. What then this dreadful thing that impels thee to die?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Suffer me to err, for against thee I err not.</p> + + <p>NUR. Not willingly [dost thou do so,] but 'tis through thee that I + shall perish.<a name="Hipp_10"></a><a + href="#HippN_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a></p> + + <p>PHÆ. What are you doing? you oppress me, hanging on me with your + hand.</p> + + <p>NUR. And never will I let go these knees.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Ills to thyself wilt thou hear, O wretched woman, if thou shalt + hear these ills.</p> + + <p>NUR. [Still will I cling:] for what greater evil can befall me than to + lose thee?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. You will be undone.<a name="Hipp_11"></a><a + href="#HippN_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> The thing however brings honor to + me.</p> + + <p>NUR. And dost thou then hide what is useful, when I beseech thee?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. <i>Yes</i>, for from base things we devise things noble.</p> + + <p>NUR. Wilt not thou, then, appear more noble by telling it?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Depart, by the Gods, and let go my hand!</p> + + <p>NUR. No in sooth, since thou givest me not the boon that were + right.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. I will give it; for I have respect unto the reverence of thy + hand.</p> + + <p>NUR. Now will I be silent: for hence is it yours to speak.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. O wretched mother, what a love didst thou love!</p> + + <p>NUR. That which she had for the bull, my child, or what is this thou + meanest?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Thou, too, O wretched sister, wife of Bacchus!</p> + + <p>NUR. Child, what ails thee? thou speakest ill against thy + relations.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. And I the third, how unhappily I perish!</p> + + <p>NUR. I am struck dumb with amazement. Whither will thy speech + tend?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. <i>To that point</i>, whence we have not now lately become + unfortunate.</p> + + <p>NUR. I know not a whit further of the things I wish to hear.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Alas! would thou couldst speak the things which I must speak.</p> + + <p>NUR. I am no prophetess so as to know clearly things hidden.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. What is that thing, which they do call men's loving!<a + name="Hipp_12"></a><a href="#HippN_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a></p> + + <p>NUR. The same, my child, a most delightful thing, and painful + withal.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. One of the two feelings I must perceive.</p> + + <p>NUR. What say'st? Thou lovest, my child? What man!</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Him whoever he is,<a name="Hipp_13"></a><a + href="#HippN_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> that is born of the Amazon.</p> + + <p>NUR. Hippolytus dost thou say?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. From thyself, not me, you hear—this name.</p> + + <p>NUR. Ah me! what wilt thou go on to say? my child, how hast thou + destroyed me! Ladies, this is not to be borne; I will not endure to live, + hateful is the day, hateful the light I behold. I will hurl myself down, + I will rid me of this body: I will remove from life to + death—farewell—I no longer am. For the chaste are in love + with what is evil, not willingly indeed, yet still [they love.] Venus + then is no deity, but if there be aught mightier than deity, that is she, + who hath destroyed both this my mistress, and me, and the whole + house.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou didst hear, O thou didst hear the queen lamenting her + wretched sufferings that should not be heard. Dear lady, may I perish + before I come to thy state of mind! Alas me! alas! alas! O hapless for + these pangs! O the woes that attend on mortals! Thou art undone, thou + hast disclosed thy evils to the light. What time is this that has + eternally<a name="Hipp_14"></a><a href="#HippN_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a> + awaited thee? Some new misfortune will happen to the house. And no longer + is it obscure where the fortune of Venus sets, O wretched Cretan + daughter.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Women of Trœzene, who inhabit this extreme frontier of the + land of Pelops. Often at other times in the long season of night have I + thought in what manner the life of mortals is depraved.<a + name="Hipp_15"></a><a href="#HippN_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> And to me they + seem to do ill, not from the nature of their minds, for many have good + thoughts, but thus must we view these things. What things are good we + understand and know, but practice not; some from idleness, and others + preferring some other pleasures to what is right: for there are many + pleasures in life-long prates, and indolence, a pleasing ill, and shame; + but there are two, the one indeed not base, but the other the weight that + overthrows houses, but if the occasion on which each is used, were clear, + the two things would not have the same letters. Knowing them as I did + these things beforehand, by no drug did I think I should so far destroy + these <i>sentiments</i>, as to fall into an opposite way of thinking. But + I will also tell you the course of my determinations. After that love had + wounded me, I considered how best I might endure it. I began therefore + from this time to be silent, and to conceal this disease. For no + confidence can be placed in the tongue, which knows to advise the + thoughts of other men, but itself from itself has very many evils. But in + the second place, I meditated to bear well my madness conquering it by my + chastity. But in the third place, since by these means I was not able to + subdue Venus, it appeared to me best to die: no one will gainsay this + resolution. For may it be my lot, neither to be concealed where I do + noble deeds, nor to have many witnesses, where I act basely. Besides this + I knew I was a woman—a thing hated by all. O may she most miserably + perish who first began to pollute the marriage-bed with other men! From + noble families first arose this evil among women: for when base things + appear right to those who are accounted good, surely they will appear so + to the bad. I hate moreover those women who are chaste in their language + indeed, but secretly have in them no good deeds of boldness: who, how, I + pray, O Venus my revered mistress, look they on the faces of their + husbands, nor dread the darkness that aided their deeds, and the ceilings + of the house, lest they should some time or other utter a voice? For this + bare idea kills me, friends, lest I should ever be discovered to have + disgraced my husband, or my children, whom I brought forth; but free, + happy in liberty of speech may they inhabit the city of illustrious + Athens, in their mother glorious! For it enslaves a man, though he be + valiant-hearted, when he is conscious of his mother's or his father's + misdeeds. But this alone they say in endurance compeers with life, an + honest and good mind, to whomsoever it belong. But Time, when it so + chance, holding up the mirror as to a young virgin, shows forth the bad, + among whom may I be never seen!</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! In every way how fair is chastity, and how goodly a + report has it among men!</p> + + <p>NUR. My mistress, just now indeed thy calamity coming upon me + unawares, gave me a dreadful alarm. But now I perceive I was weak; and + somehow or other among mortals second thoughts are the wisest. For thou + hast not suffered any thing excessive nor extraordinary, but the anger of + the Goddess hath fallen upon thee. Thou lovest—what wonder this? + with many mortals.—And then will you lose your life for love? There + is then no advantage for those who love others, nor to those who may + hereafter, if they must needs die. For Venus is a thing not to be borne, + if she rush on vehement. Who comes quietly indeed on the person who + yields; but whom she finds haughty and of lofty notions, him taking (how + thinkest thou?) she chastises. But Venus goes through air, and is on the + ocean wave; and all things from her have their birth. She it is that sows + and gives forth love, from whence all we on earth are engendered. As many + indeed as ken the writings of the ancients, or are themselves ever among + the muses, they know indeed, how that Jove was formerly inflamed with the + love of Semele; they know too, how that formerly the lovely bright Aurora + bore away Cephalus up to the Gods, for love, but still they live in + heaven, and fly not from the presence of the Gods: but they acquiesce + yielding, I ween, to what has befallen them. And wilt thou not bear it? + Thy father then ought to have begotten thee on stipulated terms, or else + under the dominion of other Gods, unless thou wilt be content with these + laws. How many, thinkest thou, are in full and complete possession of + their senses, who, when they see their bridal bed diseased, seem not to + see it! And how many fathers, thinkest thou, have aided their erring sons + in matters of love, for this is a maxim among the wise part of mankind, + "that things that show not fair should be concealed." Nor should men + labor too exactly their conduct in life, for neither would they do well + to employ much accuracy in the roof wherewith their houses are covered; + but having fallen into fortune so deep as thou hast, how dost thou + imagine thou canst swim out? But if thou hast more things good than bad, + mortal as thou art, thou surely must be well off. But cease, my dear + child, from these evil thoughts, cease too from being haughty, for + nothing else save haughtiness is this, to wish to be superior to the + Gods. But, as thou art in love, endure it; a God hath willed it so: and, + being ill, by some good means or other try to get rid of thy illness. But + there are charms and soothing spells: there will appear some medicine for + this sickness. Else surely men would be slow indeed in discoveries, if we + women should not find contrivances.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Phædra, she speaks indeed most useful advice in thy present + state: but thee I praise. Yet is this praise less welcome than her words, + and to thee more painful to hear.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. This is it that destroys cities of men and families well + governed—words too fair. For it is not at all requisite to speak + words pleasant to the ear, but that whereby one may become of fair + report.</p> + + <p>NUR. Why dost thou talk in this grand strain? thou needest not gay + decorated words, but a man: as soon as possible must those be found, who + will speak out the plain straightforward word concerning thee. For if thy + life were not in calamities of such a cast, I never would have brought + thee thus far for the sake of lust, and for thy pleasure: but now the + great point is to save thy life; and this is not a thing deserving of + blame.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. O thou that hast spoken dreadful things, wilt thou not shut thy + mouth? and wilt not cease from uttering again those words most vile?</p> + + <p>NUR. Vile they are, but better these for thee than fair; but better + will the deed be (if at least it will save thee), than the name, in the + which while thou boastest, thou wilt die.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Nay do not, I entreat thee by the Gods (for thou speakest well, + but base are [the things thou speakest]) go beyond this, since rightly + have I surrendered my life to love; but if thou speak base things in fair + phrase, I shall be consumed, [being cast] into that [evil] which I am now + avoiding.</p> + + <p>NUR. If in truth this be thy opinion, thou oughtest not to err, but if + thou hast erred, be persuaded by me, for this is the next best thing thou + canst do.<a name="Hipp_16"></a><a href="#HippN_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> I + have in the house soothing philters of love (and they but lately came + into my thought); which, by no base deed, nor to the harm of thy senses, + will rid you of this disease, unless you are obstinate. But it is + requisite to receive from him that is the object of your love, some + token, either some word, or some relic of his vest, and to join from two + one love.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. But is the charm an unguent or a potion?</p> + + <p>NUR. I know not: wish to be relieved, not informed, my child.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. I fear thee, lest thou should appear too wise to me.</p> + + <p>NUR. Know that you would fear every thing, <i>if you fear this</i>, + but what is it you are afraid of?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Lest you should tell any of these things to the son of + Theseus.</p> + + <p>NUR. Let be, my child, I will arrange these matters honorably, only be + thou my coadjutor, O Venus, my revered mistress; but the other things + which I purpose, it will suffice to tell to my friends within.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS, PHÆDRA.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Love, love, O thou that instillest desire through the eyes, + inspiring sweet affection in the souls of those against whom thou makest + war, mayst thou never appear to me to my injury, nor come unmodulated: + for neither is the blast of fire nor the bolt of heaven more vehement, + than that of Venus, which Love, the boy of Jove, sends from his hands. In + vain, in vain, both by the Alpheus, and at the Pythian temples of + Phœbus does Greece then solemnize the slaughter of bulls: but Love, + the tyrant of men, porter of the dearest chambers of Venus, we worship + not, the destroyer and visitant of men in all shapes of calamity, when he + comes. That virgin in Œchalia, yoked to no bridal bed, till then + unwedded, and who knew no husband, having taken from her home a wanderer + impelled by the oar, her, like some Bacchanal of Pluto, with blood, with + smoke, and murderous hymeneals did Venus give to the son of Alcmena. O + unhappy woman, because of her nuptials! O sacred wall of Thebes, O mouth + of Dirce, you can assist me in telling, in what manner Venus comes: for + by the forked lightning, by a cruel fate, did she put to eternal sleep + the parent of the Jove-begotten Bacchus, when she was visited as a bride. + For dreadful doth she breathe on all things, and like some bee hovers + about.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Women, be silent: I am undone.</p> + + <p>CHOR. What is there that affrights thee, Phædra, in thine house?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Be silent, that I may make out the voice of those within.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I am silent: this however is an evil bodement.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Alas me! O! O! O! oh unhappy me, because of my sufferings!</p> + + <p>CHOR. What sound dost thou utter? what word speakest thou? tell me + what report frightens thee, lady, rushing upon thy senses!</p> + + <p>PHÆ. We are undone. Do you, standing at these gates, hear what the + noise is that strikes on the house?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou art by the gate, the noise that is sent forth from the + house is thy care. But tell me, tell me, what evil, I pray thee, came + <i>to thine ears</i>?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. The son of the warlike Amazon, Hippolytus, cries out, abusing in + dreadful forms my attendant.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I hear indeed a noise, but can not plainly tell how it is. The + voice came, it came through to the door.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. But hark! he calls her plainly the pander of wickedness, the + betrayer of her master's bed.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas me for thy miseries! Thou art betrayed, dear mistress. What + shall I counsel thee? for hidden things are come to light, and thou art + utterly destroyed——</p> + + <p>PHÆ. O! O!</p> + + <p>CHOR. Betrayed by thy friends.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. She hath destroyed me by speaking of my unhappy state, kindly but + not honorably endeavoring to heal this disease.</p> + + <p>CHOR. How then? what wilt thou do, O thou that hast suffered things + incurable?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. I know not, save one thing; to die as soon as possible is the + only cure of my present sufferings.</p> + +<p class="center">HIPPOLYTUS, PHÆDRA, NURSE, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>HIPP. O mother earth, and ye disclosing rays of the sun, of what words + have I heard the dreadful sound!</p> + + <p>NUR. Be silent, my son, before any one hears thy voice.</p> + + <p>HIPP. It is not possible for me to be silent, when I have heard such + dreadful things.</p> + + <p>NUR. Nay, I implore thee by thy beauteous hand.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Wilt not desist from bringing thy hand near me, and from + touching my garments?</p> + + <p>NUR. O! by thy knees, I implore thee, do not utterly destroy me.</p> + + <p>HIPP. But wherefore this? since, thou sayest, thou hast spoken nothing + evil.</p> + + <p>NUR. This word, my son, is by no means to be divulged.</p> + + <p>HIPP. It is more fair to speak fair things to many.</p> + + <p>NUR. O my child, by no means dishonor your oath.</p> + + <p>HIPP. My tongue hath sworn—my mind is still unsworn.<a + name="Hipp_17"></a><a href="#HippN_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a></p> + + <p>NUR. O my son, what wilt thou do? wilt thou destroy thy friends?</p> + + <p>HIPP. <i>Friends!</i> I reject the word: no unjust person is my + friend.</p> + + <p>NUR. Pardon, my child: that men should err is but to be expected.</p> + + <p>HIPP. O Jove, wherefore in the name of heaven didst thou place in the + light of the sun that specious<a name="Hipp_18"></a><a + href="#HippN_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> evil to men, women? for if thou + didst will to propagate the race of mortals, there was no necessity for + this to be done by women, but men might, having placed an equivalent in + thy temples, either in brass, or iron, or the weighty gold, buy a race of + children, each for the consideration of the value paid, and thus might + dwell in unmolested houses, without females. But now, first of all, when + we prepare to bring this evil to our homes, we squander away the wealth + of our houses. By this too it is evident, that woman is a great evil; for + the father, who begat her and brought her up, having given her a dowry + sends her away in order to be rid of the evil. But the husband, on the + other hand, when he has received the baneful evil<a name="Hipp_19"></a><a + href="#HippN_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a> into his house, rejoices, having + added a beautiful decoration to a most vile image, and tricks her out + with robes, unhappy man, while he has been insensibly minishing the + wealth of the family. But he is constrained; so that having made alliance + with noble kinsmen, he retains with [seeming] joy a marriage bitter to + him: or if he has received a good bride, but worthless parents in law, he + suppresses the evil that has befallen him by the consideration of the + good. But his state is the easiest, whose wife is settled in his house, a + cipher, but useless by reason of simplicity. But a wise woman I detest: + may there not be in my house at least a woman more highly gifted with + mind than woman ought to be. For Venus engenders mischief rather among + clever women, but a woman who is not endowed with capacity, by reason of + her small understanding, is removed from folly. But it is right that an + attendant should have no access to a woman, but with them ought to dwell + the speechless brute beasts, in which case they would be able neither to + address any one, nor from them to receive a voice in return. But now, + they that are evil follow after their evil devices within, and the + servants carry it forth abroad. As thou also hast, O evil woman, come to + the purpose of admitting me to share a bed which must not be + approached—a father's. Which impious things I will wash out with + flowing stream, pouring it into my ears: how then could I be the vile + one, who do not even deem myself pure, because I have heard such + things?—But be well assured, my piety protects thee, woman, for, + had I not been taken unawares by the oaths of the Gods, never would I + have refrained from telling these things to my father. But now will I + depart from the house, <i>and stay</i> during the time that Theseus is + absent from the land, and will keep my mouth silent; but I will see, + returning with my father's return, how you will look at him, both you and + your mistress. But your boldness I shall know, having before had proof of + it. May you perish: but never shall I take my fill of hating women, not + even if any one assert, that I am always saying this. For in some way or + other they surely are always bad. Either then let some one teach them to + be modest, or else let him suffer me ever to utter my invectives against + them.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS, PHÆDRA, NURSE.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Oh unhappy ill-fated fortune of women! what art now or what + words have we, having failed as we have, to extricate the knot caused by + [these] words?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. We have met a just reward; O earth, and light, in what manner, I + pray, can I escape from my fortunes? and how, my friends, can I conceal + my calamity? Who of the Gods will appear my succorer, or what mortal my + ally, or my fellow-worker in unjust works? for the suffering of my life + that is at present on me comes hardly to be escaped.<a + name="Hipp_20"></a><a href="#HippN_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> I am the most + ill-fated of women.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! we are undone, lady, and the arts of thy attendant + have not succeeded, and it fares ill with us.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. O thou most vile, and the destruction of thy friends, what hast + thou done to me! May Jove, my ancestor, tear thee up by the roots, having + stricken thee by his fire. Did not I tell thee (did not I foresee thy + intention?) to be silent with regard to those things with which I am now + tormented? but thou couldst not refrain; wherefore I can no longer die + with glory: but I must now in sooth employ new measures. For he, now that + his mind is made keen with rage, will tell, to my detriment, thy errors + to his father, and will fill the whole earth with the most vile reports. + Mayst thou perish, both thou and whoever else is forward to assist + friends against their will otherwise than by honorable means.</p> + + <p>NUR. Lady, thou canst indeed blame the evil I have wrought; for that + which gnaws upon thee masters thy better judgment;—but I too have + somewhat to say in answer to these things, if thou wilt admit it: I + brought thee up, and have a kind affection toward thee; but, while + searching for medicine for thy disease, I found not that I wished for. + But if I had succeeded, I had been surely ranked among the wise; for we + have the reputation of sense according to our success.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. What? is this conduct just, and satisfactory to me, to injure me + first, and then to meet me in argument?</p> + + <p>NUR. We talk too long—I did not behave wisely. But even from + this state of things it is possible that thou mayest be saved, my + child.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Desist from speaking; for before also thou didst not well advise + for me, and didst attempt evil things. But depart from my sight, and take + care about thyself; for I will settle my own affairs in an honorable + manner. But you, noble daughters of Trœzene, grant thus much to me + requesting it, bury in silence what you here have heard.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I swear by hallowed Dian, daughter of Jove, that I will never + reveal to the face of day one of thy evils.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. Thou hast well spoken: but one kind of resource, while I search + around me,<a name="Hipp_21"></a><a href="#HippN_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> + do I find for my present calamity, so that I may make the life of my + children glorious, and may myself be assisted as things have now fallen + out. For never will I disgrace the house of Crete at least, nor will I + come before the face of Theseus having acted basely, for one's life's + sake.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But what irremediable evil art thou then about to + perpetrate?</p> + + <p>PHÆ. To die: but how, this will I devise.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Speak words of better omen.</p> + + <p>PHÆ. And do thou at least advise me well. But having quitted life this + day, I shall gratify Venus, who destroys me, and shall be conquered by + bitter love. But when I am dead, I shall be an evil to another at + least,<a name="Hipp_22"></a><a href="#HippN_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a> so + that he may know not to exult over my misfortunes; but, having shared + this malady in common with me, he shall learn to be modest.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Would that I were under the rocks' vast retreats,<a + name="Hipp_23"></a><a href="#HippN_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a> and that there + the God would make me a winged bird among the swift flocks, and that I + were lifted up above the ocean wave that dashes against the Adriatic + shore, and the water of Eridanus, where for grief of Phaethon the thrice + wretched virgins let fall into their father's billow the amber-beaming + brightness of their tears: and that I could make my way to the shore + where the apples grow of the harmonious daughters of Hesperus, where the + ruler of the ocean no longer permits the passage of the purple sea to + mariners, dwelling in that dread bourn of heaven which Atlas doth + sustain, and the ambrosial founts stream forth hard by the couches of + Jove's palaces, where the divine and life-bestowing earth increases the + bliss of the Gods. O white-winged bark of Crete, who didst bear my queen + through the perturbed<a name="Hipp_24"></a><a + href="#HippN_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a> ocean wave of brine from a happy + home, thereby aiding her in a most evil marriage. For surely in both + instances, or at any rate from Crete she came ill-omened to renowned + Athens, when on the Munychian shore they bound the platted ends of their + cables, and disembarked on the continent. Wherefore she was heartbroken + with the terrible disease of unhallowed love by the influence of Venus; + and now that she can no longer hold out against the heavy calamity,<a + name="Hipp_25"></a><a href="#HippN_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> she will fit + around her the noose suspended<a name="Hipp_26"></a><a + href="#HippN_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> from the ceiling of her bridal + chamber, adjusting it to her white neck, having revered the hateful + Goddess, and embracing an honorable name, and ridding from her breast the + painful love.</p> + +<p class="center">FEMALE SERVANT, CHORUS, THESEUS.</p> + + <p>SERV. Alack! alack! run to my succor all that are near the + house—My mistress the wife of Theseus is hanging.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! the deed is done: the queen is indeed no + more—she is suspended in the noose that hangs there.</p> + + <p>SERV. Will ye not haste? will not some one bring a two-edged sword, + with which we may undo this knot around her neck?</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. My friends, what do we? does it seem good to enter the house + and to free the queen from the tight-drawn noose?</p> + + <p>SEMICHOR. Why we? Are not the young men-servants at hand? The being + over-busy is not a safe plan through life.</p> + + <p>SERV. Lay right the wretched corpse, pull her limbs straight. A + grievous housekeeping this for my master!</p> + + <p>CHOR. The unhappy woman, as I hear, has perished, for already are they + laying her out as a corpse.</p> + + <p>THES. Know ye, females, what noise this is in my house? a heavy sound + of my attendants reached me. For the family does not think fit to open + the gates to me and to hail me with joy as having returned from the + oracle. Has any ill befallen the aged Pittheus? His life is now indeed + far advanced; but still he would be much lamented by us, were he to leave + this house.</p> + + <p>CHOR. This that has happened, Theseus, extends not to the old; the + young are they that by their death will grieve thee.</p> + + <p>THES. Alas me! is the life of any of my children stolen from me?</p> + + <p>CHOR. They live, but their mother is dead in a way that will grieve + thee most.</p> + + <p>THES. What sayest? My wife dead? By what fate?</p> + + <p>CHOR. She suspended the noose, wherewith she strangled herself.</p> + + <p>THES. Wasted with sorrow, or from some sudden calamity?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thus much we know—<i>nothing further</i>; for I am but + just come to thy house, Theseus, to bewail thy evils.</p> + + <p>THES. Alas! alas! why then have I my head crowned with entwined + leaves, who am the unhappy inquirer of the oracle? Servants, undo the + bars of the gates; unloose the bolts, that I may behold the mournful + spectacle of my wife, who by her death hath utterly undone me.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! unhappy for thy wretched ills: thou hast been a + sufferer; thou hast perpetrated a deed of such extent as to throw this + house into utter confusion. Alas! alas! thy boldness, O thou who hast + died a violent death, and, by an unhallowed chance, the act committed by + thy wretched hand. Who is it then, thou unhappy one, that destroys thy + life?</p> + + <p>THES. Alas me for my sufferings!<a name="Hipp_27"></a><a + href="#HippN_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> I have suffered, unhappy wretch, the + extreme of my troubles—O fortune, how heavy hast thou come upon me + and my house, an imperceptible spot from some evil demon! the wearing out + of a life not to be endured;<a name="Hipp_28"></a><a + href="#HippN_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> and I, unhappy wretch, perceive a + sea of troubles so great, that never again can I emerge from it, nor + escape beyond the flood of this calamity. What mention making can I + unhappy, what heavy-fated fortune of thine, lady, saying that it was, can + I be right? For as some bird thou art vanished from my hand, having + leaped me a sudden leap to the realms of Pluto. Alas! alas! wretched, + wretched are these sufferings, but from some distant period or other + receive I this calamity from the Gods, for the errors of some of those of + old.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Not to thee alone, O king, have these evils happened; but with + many others thou hast lost an excellent wife.<a name="Hipp_29"></a><a + href="#HippN_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a></p> + + <p>THES. In the shades beneath the earth, I unhappy wish, dying, to dwell + in darkness, reft as I am of thy most dear company, for thou hast + destroyed rather than perished—What then do I hear? whence came the + deadly chance, lady, to thine heart? Will any speak what has happened, or + does my royal palace contain to no purpose the crowd of my + attendants?—Alas me on thy account! unhappy that I am, what grief + in my house have I seen, intolerable, indescribable! but—we are + undone! my house left desolate, and my children orphans.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou hast left us, thou hast left us, O dear among women, and + most excellent of those as many as both the light of the sun, and the + star-visaged moon of night behold. O unhappy man! how great ill doth the + house contain! with tears gushing over, my eyelids are wet at thy + calamity. But the woe that will ensue on this I have long since been + dreading.</p> + + <p>THES. Alas! alas! What I pray is this letter suspended from her dear + hand? does it mean to betoken some new calamity?—What, has the + unhappy woman written injunctions to me, making some request about<a + name="Hipp_30"></a><a href="#HippN_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a> my bridal bed + and my children? Be of good courage, hapless one; for no woman exists, + who shall enter the bed and the house of Theseus. But lo! the impressions + of the golden seal<a name="Hipp_31"></a><a + href="#HippN_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> of her no more here court my + attention.<a name="Hipp_32"></a><a href="#HippN_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a> + Come, let me unfold the envelopments of the seal, and see what this + letter should say to me.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! this new evil in succession again doth the God bring + on. To me indeed the condition of life will be impossible to bear,<a + name="Hipp_33"></a><a href="#HippN_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a> from what has + happened; for I consider, alas! as ruined and no more the house of my + kings. O God, if it be in any way possible, do not overthrow the house; + but hear me as I pray, for from some quarter, as though a prophet, I + behold an evil omen.</p> + + <p>THES. Ah me! what other evil is this in addition to evil, not to be + borne, nor spoken! alas wretched me!</p> + + <p>CHOR. What is the matter? Tell me if it may be told me.</p> + + <p>THES. It cries out—the letter cries out things most dreadful: + which way can I fly the weight of my ills; for I perish utterly + destroyed. What, what a complaint have I seen speaking in her + writing!</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! thou utterest words foreboding woes.</p> + + <p>THES. No longer will I keep within the door of my lips this dreadful, + dreadful evil hardly to be uttered. O city, city, Hippolytus has dared by + force to approach my bed, having despised the awful eye of Jove. But O + father Neptune, by one of these three curses, which thou formerly didst + promise me, by one of those destroy my son, and let him not escape beyond + this day, if thou hast given me curses that shall be verified.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O king, by the Gods recall back this prayer, for hereafter you + will know that you have erred; be persuaded by me.</p> + + <p>THES. It can not be: and moreover I will drive him from this land. And + by one or other of the two fates shall he be assailed: for either Neptune + shall send him dead to the mansions of Pluto, having respect unto my + wish; or else banished from this country, wandering over a foreign land, + he shall drag out a miserable existence.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And lo! thy son Hippolytus is present here opportunely, but if + thou let go thy evil displeasure, king Theseus, thou wilt advise the best + for thine house.</p> + +<p class="center">HIPPOLYTUS, THESEUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>HIPP. I heard thy cry, my father, and came in haste; the thing + however, for which you are groaning, I know not; but would fain hear from + you. Ha! what is the matter? I behold thy wife, my father, a corpse: this + is a thing meet for the greatest wonder.—Her, whom I lately left, + her, who beheld the light no great time since. What ails her? In what + manner died she, my father, I would fain hear from you. Art silent? But + there is no use of silence in misfortunes; for the heart which desires to + hear all things, is found eager also in the case of ills. It is not + indeed right, my father, to conceal thy misfortunes from friends, and + even more than friends.</p> + + <p>THES. O men, who vainly go astray in many things, why then do ye teach + ten thousand arts, and contrive and invent every thing; but one thing ye + do not know, nor yet have investigated, to teach those to be wise who + have no intellect!</p> + + <p>HIPP. A clever sophist this you speak of, who is able to compel those + who have no wisdom to be rightly wise. But (for thou art arguing too + refinedly on no suitable occasion) I fear, O father, lest thy tongue be + talking at random through thy woes.</p> + + <p>THES. Alas! there ought to be established for men some infallible + proof of their friends, and some means of knowing their dispositions, + both who is true, and who is not a friend, and men ought all to have two + voices, the one true, the other as it chanced, that the untrue one might + be convicted by the true, and then we should not be deceived.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Has some one then falsely accused me in your ear, and am I + suffering who am not at all guilty? I am amazed, for your words, + wandering beyond the bounds of reason, do amaze me.</p> + + <p>THES. Alas! the mind of man, to what lengths will it go? what will be + the limit to its boldness and temerity? For if it shall increase with + each generation of man, and the successor shall be wicked a degree beyond + his predecessor, it will be necessary for the Gods to add to the earth + another land, which<a name="Hipp_34"></a><a + href="#HippN_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a> will contain the unjust and the evil + ones.—But look: ye on this man, who being born of me hath defiled + my bed, and is manifestly convicted by the deceased of being most + base.—But, since thou hast come to this attaint, show thy face here + before thy father. Dost thou forsooth associate with the Gods, as being + an extraordinary person? art thou chaste and uncontaminated with evil? I + will not believe thy boasts, attributing (<i>as I must, if I do + believe</i>) to the Gods the folly of thinking evil. Now then vaunt, and + with thy feeding on inanimate food retail your doctrines upon men, and + having Orpheus<a name="Hipp_35"></a><a + href="#HippN_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a> for your master, revel it, + reverencing the emptiness of many letters; <i>which avail you not</i>; + since you are caught.</p> + + <p>But such sort of men I warn all to shun; for they hunt with + fair-sounding words, while they devise base things. She is dead: dost + thou think this will save thee? By this thou art most detected, O thou + most vile one! For what sort of oaths, what arguments can be more strong + than what she says, so that thou canst escape the accusation? Wilt thou + say that she hated thee, and that the bastard race is hateful forsooth to + those of noble birth? A bad housewife then of life you account her, if + through hatred of thee she lost what was most dear to her. But wilt thou + say that there is not this folly in men, but that there is in women? I + myself have known young men who were not a whit more steady than women, + when Venus disturbed the youthful mind: but their pretense of manliness + protects them. Now however, why do I thus contend against thy words, when + the corse, the surest witness, is here? Depart an exile from this land as + soon as possible. And neither go to the divine-built Athens, nor to the + confines of that land over which my sceptre rules. For if I thus + suffering by thee be vanquished, never will the Isthmian Sinis bear + witness of me that I killed him, but will say that I vainly boast. Nor + will the Scironian rocks, that dwell by the sea, confess that I am + formidable to the bad.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I know not how I can say that any of mortals is happy; for the + things that were most excellent are turned back again.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Father, thy rage indeed, and the commotion of thy mind is + terrible; this thing, however, though it have fair arguments, if any one + unravel it, is not fair. But I am unadorned with phrase to speak to the + multitude, but to speak to my equals and to a few, more expert: but this + also has consistency in it; for those, who are of no account among the + wise, are more fitted to speak before the rabble. But yet it is necessary + for me, since this calamity has come, to unloose my tongue. But first + will I begin to speak from that point where first you attacked, as though + you would destroy, and as though I should not answer again. Dost thou + behold this light and this earth? In these there is not a man more chaste + than me, not even though thou deny it. For, first indeed, I know to + reverence the Gods, and to have such friends as attempt not to be unjust, + but those, to whom there is modesty, so that neither they give utterance + to evil thoughts, nor minister in return base services to those who use + their friendship: nor am I the derider of my associates, O father, but + the same man to my friends when they are not present, and when I am with + them. But of one thing by which thou thinkest to crush me, I am pure;<a + name="Hipp_36"></a><a href="#HippN_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> for to this + day my body is undefiled by the couch of love; and I know not the deed + except hearing of it by report, and seeing it in a picture, nor even am I + forward to look at these things, having a virgin mind. And perhaps my + modesty persuades you not. Behooves it thee then to show in what manner I + lost it. Did this woman's person excel in beauty all women? Or did I hope + to rule over thine house, having thy bridal bed as carrying dowry with + it? I must in that case have been a fool, and not at all in my senses. + But did I do it as though to reign were pleasant to the modest? By no + means indeed is it, except monarchy have destroyed the minds of men who + are pleased with her. But I would wish indeed to be first victor in the + Grecian games, but second in the state ever to be happy with the most + excellent friends. For thus is it possible to be well circumstanced: but + the absence of the danger gives greater joy than dominion. One of my + arguments has not been spoken, but the rest you are in possession of: + for, if I had a witness such as myself am, and were she alive during my + contention, you would know the evil ones, searching them by their works. + But now I swear by Jove, the guardian of oaths,<a name="Hipp_37"></a><a + href="#HippN_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a> and by the plain of the earth, that + never touched I thy bridal bed, nor ever wished it, nor conceived the + thought. Else may I perish inglorious, without a name, and may neither + sea nor earth receive the flesh of me when dead, if I be a wicked man. + But whether or no she have destroyed her life through fear, I know not: + for it is not lawful for me to speak further. Cautious<a + name="Hipp_38"></a><a href="#HippN_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> she was, + though she could not be chaste; but I, who could be, had the power to no + good purpose.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou hast said sufficient to rebut the charge, in offering the + oaths by the Gods, no slight proof.</p> + + <p>THES. Is not this man then an enchanter and a juggler, who trusts that + he will overcome my mind by his goodness of disposition, after he has + dishonored his father?</p> + + <p>HIPP. I too very much wonder at this conduct of yours, my father; for + if you were my son, and I your father, I should slay you, and not punish + you by banishment, if you had dared to defile my wife.</p> + + <p>THES. How fitly hast thou said this! yet thou shalt not so die, as + thou hast laid down this law for thyself; for a quick grave is easiest to + the miserable man; but wandering an exile from thy country's land to + foreign realms, thou shalt drag out a life of bitterness; for this is the + reward for the impious man.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Ah me! what wilt thou do? wilt thou not even await time as + evidence against me, but wilt thou banish me from the land?</p> + + <p>THES. Ay, beyond the ocean, and the place of Atlas,<a + name="Hipp_39"></a><a href="#HippN_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> if any way I + could, so much do I hate thee.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Without having even examined oath, or proof, or the sayings of + the seers, wilt thou cast me uncondemned from out the land?</p> + + <p>THES. This letter here, that waiteth no seer's observations,<a + name="Hipp_40"></a><a href="#HippN_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a> accuses thee + faithfully; but to the birds that flit above my head I bid a long + farewell.</p> + + <p>HIPP. O Gods, wherefore then do I not ope my mouth, who am destroyed + by you whom I worship?—And yet not so—for thus I should not + altogether persuade those whom I ought, but should be violating to no + purpose the oaths which I have sworn.</p> + + <p>THES. Alas me! how thy sanctity kills me! Wilt not thou go as quick as + possible from thy country's land?</p> + + <p>HIPP. Whither then shall I unhappy turn me; what stranger's mansion + shall I enter, banished on this charge?</p> + + <p>THES. His, who delights to entertain defilers of women, and those who + dwell with<a name="Hipp_41"></a><a href="#HippN_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a> + evil deeds.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Alas! alas! this goes to my heart, and almost makes me weep: if + indeed I appear vile, and seem so to thee.</p> + + <p>THES. Then oughtest thou to have groaned, and owned the guilt before, + when thou daredst to wrong thy father's wife.</p> + + <p>HIPP. O mansions, would that ye could utter me a voice, and bear + witness whether I be a vile man!</p> + + <p>THES. Dost fly to dumb witnesses? this deed, though it speak not, + clearly proves thee vile.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Alas! would that I could look upon myself standing opposite, to + that degree do I weep for the evils which I suffer!</p> + + <p>THES. Thou hast accustomed thyself much more to regard thyself, than + to be a just man, and to do what is righteous to thy parents.</p> + + <p>HIPP. O unhappy mother! O wretched natal hour! may none of my friends + ever be illegitimate.</p> + + <p>THES. Servants, will ye not drag him out? did you not hear me long ago + pronounce him banished!</p> + + <p>HIPP. Any one of them shall touch me to his cost however; but thou + thyself, if it be thy desire, thrust me out from the land.</p> + + <p>THES. I will do this, unless thou wilt obey my words, for no pity for + thy banishment comes over me.</p> + + <p>HIPP. It is fixed, as it seems; alas, wretch that I am! since I know + these things indeed, but know not how to say them. O most dear to me of + deities, daughter of Latona, thou that assortest with me, huntest with + me, we shall then indeed be banished illustrious Athens: but farewell O + city, and land of Erectheus. O plain of Trœzene, how many things + hast thou to employ the happy youth! Farewell! for I address thee, + beholding thee for the last time—Come youths of this land my + companions, bid me farewell, and conduct me from the land, for never + shall you see a man more chaste, even though I seem not to my father.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>Surely the providence of the Gods, when it comes into my mind, greatly + takes away sorrow: but cherishing in my hope some knowledge, I am utterly + deficient, when I look on the fortunes and on the deeds of men, for they + are changed in different manners, and the life of man varies, ever + exceeding vague. Would that in answer to my petitions fate from the Gods + would give me this, prosperity with riches, and a mind unsullied by + griefs. And be my character neither too high, nor on the other hand + infamous. But changing my easy habits with the morrow ever may I lead a + happy life; for no longer have I an unperturbed mind, but I see things + contrary to my expectations: since we have seen the brightest star of + Grecian Minerva sent forth to another land on account of his father's + rage. O sands of the neighboring shore, and mountain wood, where with the + swift-footed dogs he wont to slay the wild beasts, accompanying the + chaste Dian! No more shalt thou mount the car drawn by the team of + Henetian steeds, restraining with thy foot the horses in their exercise + on the course round Limna.<a name="Hipp_42"></a><a + href="#HippN_42"><sup>[42]</sup></a> And the sleepless song that used to + dwell under the bridge of the chords shall cease in thy father's house. + And the haunts of the daughter of Latona in the deep wood shall be + without their garlands: and the contest among the damsels for thy bridal + bed has died away by reason of thy exile. But I, for thy misfortunes, + shall endure with tears a fortuneless fortune.<a name="Hipp_43"></a><a + href="#HippN_43"><sup>[43]</sup></a> O unhappy mother, thou hast brought + forth in vain! Alas! I am enraged with the Gods. Alas! alas! united + charms of marriage, wherefore send ye the unhappy one, guilty of no + crime, away from his country's land—away from these mansions?</p> + + <p>But lo! I perceive a follower of Hippolytus with a sad countenance + coming toward the house in haste.</p> + +<p class="center">MESSENGER, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MESS. Ye females, whither going can I find Theseus, king of this land? + If ye know, tell me: is he within this palace?</p> + + <p>CHOR. The [king] himself is coming out of the palace.</p> + +<p class="center">MESSENGER, THESEUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>MESS. I bring a tale that demands concern, of thee and of thy + subjects, both those who inhabit the city of the Athenians, and the + realms of the Trœzenian land.</p> + + <p>THES. What is it? Has any sudden calamity come upon the two + neighboring states?</p> + + <p>MESS. To speak the word—Hippolytus is no more. He views the + light however for a short moment.</p> + + <p>THES. <i>Killed</i>? By whom? Has any come to enmity with him, whose + wife, as his father's, he has forcibly defiled?</p> + + <p>MESS. His own chariot slew him, and the imprecations of thy mouth, + which thou didst put up to thy father, the ruler of the ocean, concerning + thy son.</p> + + <p>THES. O ye Gods! and O Neptune! how truly then wert thou my father, + when thou didst duly hear my imprecations! Tell me too, how did he + perish? in what way did the staff of Justice strike him that disgraced + me?</p> + + <p>MESS. We indeed near the wave-beaten shore were combing out with combs + the horses' hair, weeping, for there had come a messenger saying, that + Hippolytus no longer trod on this land, having from thee received the + sentence of wretched banishment. But he came bringing to us on the shore + the same strain of tears: and an innumerable throng of his friends and + companions came following with him. But at length after some time he + spake, having ceased from his groans. "Wherefore am I thus disquieted? My + father's words must be obeyed. My servants, yoke to my car the harnessed + steeds, for this city is for me no more." Then indeed every man hasted, + and sooner than one could speak we drew up the horses caparisoned before + our master; and he seizes with his hands the reins from off the bow of + the chariot, mounting with his foot sandaled as it was.<a + name="Hipp_44"></a><a href="#HippN_44"><sup>[44]</sup></a> And first + indeed he addressed the Gods with outstretched hands: "Jove, may I no + longer exist, if I am a base man; but may my father perceive how + unworthily he treats me, either when I am dead, or while I view the + light." And on this having taken the whip in his hands he struck the + horses both at once: and we the attendants followed our master by the + chariot close to the reins, along the road that leads straightway to + Argos and Epidauria, but when we came into the desert country, there is a + certain shore beyond this land which slopes even down to the Saronic Sea, + from thence a voice like the subterraneous thunder of Jove sent forth a + dreadful groan appalling to hear, and the horses pointed their heads + erect and their ears toward the sky, and on us there came a vehement + fear, whence possibly the voice could come: but looking toward the + sea-beaten shore we beheld a vast wave pillared in heaven, so that the + view of the heights of Sciron was taken from mine eye:<a + name="Hipp_45"></a><a href="#HippN_45"><sup>[45]</sup></a> and it + concealed the Isthmus and the rock of Æsculapius. And then swelling up + and splashing forth<a name="Hipp_46"></a><a + href="#HippN_46"><sup>[46]</sup></a> much foam around in the ocean surf, + it moves toward the shore, where was the chariot drawn by its four + horses. But together with its breaker and its tripled surge,<a + name="Hipp_47"></a><a href="#HippN_47"><sup>[47]</sup></a> the wave sent + forth a bull, a fierce monster; with whose bellowing the whole land + filled resounded fearfully: and to the lookers-on a sight appeared more + dreadful than the eyes could bear. And straightway a dreadful fear comes + over the steeds. But their master, being much conversant with the ways of + horses, seized the reins in his hands, and pulls them as a sailor pulls + his oar, having fixed his body in an opposite direction to the reins.<a + name="Hipp_48"></a><a href="#HippN_48"><sup>[48]</sup></a> But they, + champing with their jaws the forged bits, bare him on forcibly, heeding + neither the hand that steered them, nor the traces, nor the compact + chariot: and, if indeed holding the reins he directed their course toward + the softer ground, the bull appeared in front, so as to turn them away + maddening with fright the four horses that drew the chariot. But if they + were borne to the rocks maddened in mettle, silently approaching the + chariot he followed so far, until he overthrew it and drove it backward, + dashing the felly of the wheel against the rock. And all was in + confusion, and the naves of the wheels flew up, and the linch-pins of the + axles. But the unhappy man himself entangled in the reins is dragged + along, bound in a difficult bond, his head dashed against the rocks, and + torn his flesh, and crying out in a voice dreadful to hear, "Stop, O ye + that have been trained up in my stalls, do not destroy me. Oh unhappy + imprecation of my father! Who will come near and save a most excellent + man?" But many of us wishing so to do failed through want of swiftness: + and he indeed freed, in what manner I know not, from the entanglements of + the reins, falls, having the breath of life in him, but for a very short + time. And the horses vanished, and the woeful monster of the bull I know + not where in the mountain country. I am indeed the slave of thy house, O + king, but thus much never shall I at least be able to be persuaded of thy + son, that he is evil, not even if the whole race of women were hung, and + though one should fill with writing all the fir of Ida,<a + name="Hipp_49"></a><a href="#HippN_49"><sup>[49]</sup></a> since I am + confident that he is virtuous.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! The calamity of new evils is consummated, nor is + there refuge from fate and from what must be.</p> + + <p>THES. Through hate of the man, who has thus suffered, I was pleased + with this account; but now, having respect unto the Gods, and to him, + because he is of me, I am neither pleased, nor yet troubled at these + ills.</p> + + <p>MESS. How then? Must we bring him hither, or what must we do to the + unhappy man to gratify thy wishes! Think; but if thou take my advice, + thou wilt not be harsh toward thy son in his misfortunes.</p> + + <p>THES. Bear him hither, that seeing him before my eyes that denied he + had defiled my bed, I may confute him with words, and with what has + happened from the Gods.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou, Venus, bendest the stubborn mind of the Gods, and of + mortals, and with thee he of varied plume, that darts about on swiftest + wing; and flies over the earth and over the loud-resounding briny ocean; + and Love charms to subjection, on whose maddened heart the winged urchin + come gleaming with gold, the race of the mountain whelps, and of those + that inhabit the sea, and as many things as the earth nourisheth, which + the sun doth behold scorched [with its rays,] and men: but over all these + things thou, Venus, alone holdest sovereign rule.</p> + +<p class="center">DIANA, THESEUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>DI. Thee, the noble son of Ægeus, I command to listen; but it is I, + Diana, daughter of Latona, who am addressing thee: Theseus, wherefore + dost thou, wretched man, take delight in these things, seeing that thou + hast slain in no just way thy son, being persuaded by the lying words of + thy wife in things not seen? But the guilt that has seized on thee is + manifest. How canst thou, shamed as thou art, refrain from hiding thy + body beneath the dark recesses of the earth? or from withdrawing thy foot + from this suffering, by changing thy nature, and becoming a winged + creature above? Since among good men at least thou hast not a part in + life to possess. Hear, O Theseus, the state of thy ills. Even though I + gain no advantage from it, yet will I torment thee; but for this purpose + came I to show thee the upright mind of thy son, that he may die with a + good reputation, and thy wife's passion, or, in some sort, nobleness; + for, gnawed by the stings of that deity most hateful to us, as many as + delight in virginity, she became enamored of thy son. But while she + endeavored by right feeling to conquer Venus, she was destroyed not + willingly by the means employed by the nurse, who having first bound him + by oaths, told thy son her malady. But he, as was right, obeyed not her + words; nor, again, though evil-entreated by thee, did he violate the + sanctity of his oaths, being a pious man. But she, fearing lest her + conduct should be scrutinized, wrote a false letter, and by deceit + destroyed thy son, but nevertheless persuaded thee.</p> + + <p>THES. Ah me!</p> + + <p>DI. My tale torments thee, Theseus, but be still, that having heard + what follows thou mayest groan the more—Knowest thou then that thou + receivedst from thy father three wishes with a certainty of their being + granted? Whereof one thou hast expended, O most evil one, on thy son, + when thou mightest have done it on some of thine enemies. Thy father then + that dwelleth in the ocean, gave thee as much as he was bound to give, + because he promised. But thou both in his eyes and in mine appearest + evil, who neither didst await nor examine proof, nor the voice of the + prophets, didst not leave the consideration to length of time, but, + quicker than became thee, didst vent thy curses against thy son and slay + him.</p> + + <p>THES. Mistress, let me die!</p> + + <p>DI. Thou hast committed dreadful deeds, but nevertheless, it is still + possible even for thee to obtain pardon for these things. For Venus + willed that these things should be in order to satiate her rage. But + among the Gods the law is thus—None wishes to thwart the purpose of + him that wills anything, but we always give way. Since, be well assured, + were it not that I feared Jove, never should I have come to such + disgrace, as to suffer to die a man of all mortals the most dear to me. + But thine error, first of all thine ignorance frees from malice; and then + thy wife by her dying put an end to the proof of words, so as to persuade + thy mind. Chiefly then on thee these ills are burst, but sorrow is to me + too; for Gods rejoice not when the pious die; the wicked however we + destroy with their children and their houses.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And lo! the unhappy man there is coming, all mangled his young + flesh and auburn head. Oh the misery of the house! such double anguish + coming down from heaven has been wrought in the palaces!</p> + +<p class="center">HIPPOLYTUS, DIANA, THESEUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>HIPP. O! O! O! Unhappy I was thus foully mangled by the unjust prayers + of an unjust father—I am destroyed miserably. Ah me! ah me! Pains + rush through my head, and the spasm darts across my brain. Stop, I will + rest my fainting body. Oh! oh! O those hateful horses of my chariot, + things which I fed with my own hand, ye have destroyed me utterly and + slain me. Oh! oh! by the Gods, gently, my servants, touch with your hands + my torn flesh. Who stands by my side on the right? Lift me up properly, + and take hold all equally on me, the unblessed of heaven, and cursed by + my father's error—Jove, Jove, beholdest thou these things? Lo! I, + the chaste, and the reverencer of the Gods, I who in modesty exceed all, + have lost my life, and go to a manifest hell beneath the earth; but in + vain have I labored in the task of piety toward men. O! O! O! O! and now + the pain, the pain comes upon me, loose unhappy me, and let death come to + be my physician. Destroy me, destroy the unhappy one—I long for a + two-edged blade, wherewith to cut me in pieces, and to put my life to an + eternal rest. Oh unhappy curse of my father! the evil too of my + blood-polluted kinsmen, my old forefathers, bursts forth<a + name="Hipp_50"></a><a href="#HippN_50"><sup>[50]</sup></a> upon me; nor + is it at a distance; and it hath come on me, wherefore, I pray, who am + nothing guilty of these ills? Alas me! me! what can I say? how can I free + my life from this cruel calamity? Would that the black and nightly fate + of Pluto would put me wretched to eternal sleep!</p> + + <p>DI. Oh unhappy mortal, with what a calamity art thou enthralled! but + the nobleness of thy mind hath destroyed thee.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Let be. O divine breathing of perfume, for, even though being in + ills, I perceived thee, and felt my body lightened of its pain.<a + name="Hipp_51"></a><a href="#HippN_51"><sup>[51]</sup></a> The Goddess + Dian is in this place.</p> + + <p>DI. Oh unhappy one! she is, to thee the most dear of deities.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Mistress, thou seest wretched me, in what state I am.</p> + + <p>DI. I see; but it is not lawful for me to shed a tear down mine + eyes.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Thy hunter, and thy servant is no more.</p> + + <p>DI. No in sooth; but beloved by me thou perishest.</p> + + <p>HIPP. And he that managed they steeds, and guarded thy statutes.</p> + + <p>DI. <i>Ay</i>, for the crafty Venus hath so wrought.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Ah me! I perceive indeed the power that hath destroyed me.</p> + + <p>DI. She thought her honor aggrieved, and hated thee for being + chaste.</p> + + <p>HIPP. One Venus hath destroyed us three.</p> + + <p>DI. Thy father, and thee, and his wife the third.</p> + + <p>HIPP. I mourn therefore also my father's misery.</p> + + <p>DI. He was deceived by the devices of the Goddess.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Oh! unhappy thou, because of this calamity, my father!</p> + + <p>THES. I perish, my son, nor have I delight in life.</p> + + <p>HIPP. I lament thee rather than myself on account of thy error.</p> + + <p>THES. My son, would that I could die in thy stead!</p> + + <p>HIPP. Oh! the bitter gifts of thy father Neptune!</p> + + <p>THES. Would that the prayer had never come into my mouth.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Wherefore this wish? thou wouldst have slain me, so enraged wert + thou then.</p> + + <p>THES. For I was deceived in my notions by the Gods.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Alas! would that the race of mortals could curse the Gods!</p> + + <p>DI. Let be; for not even when thou art under the darkness of the earth + shall the rage arising from the bent of the Goddess Venus descend upon + thy body unrevenged: by reason of thy piety and thy excellent mind. For + with these inevitable weapons from mine own hand will I revenge me on + another,<a name="Hipp_52"></a><a href="#HippN_52"><sup>[52]</sup></a> + whoever to her be the dearest of mortals. But to thee, O unhappy one, in + recompense for these evils, will I give the greatest honors in the land + of Trœzene; for the unwedded virgins before their nuptials shall + shear their locks to thee for many an age, owning the greatest sorrow + tears can give; but ever among the virgins shall there be a remembrance + of thee that shall awake the song, nor dying away without a name shall + Phædra's love toward thee pass unrecorded:—But thou, O son of the + aged Ægeus, take thy son in thine arms and clasp him to thee; for + unwillingly thou didst destroy him, but that men should err, when the + Gods dispose events, is but to be expected!—and thee, Hippolytus, I + exhort not to remain at enmity with thy father; for thou perceivest the + fate, whereby thou wert destroyed. And farewell! for it is not lawful for + me to behold the dead, nor to pollute mine eye with the gasps of the + dying; but I see that thou art now near this calamity.</p> + + <p>HIPP. Go thou too, and farewell, blessed virgin! But thou easily + quittest a long companionship. But I give up all enmity against my father + at thy request, for before also I was wont to obey thy words. Ah! ah! + darkness now covers me over mine eyes. Take hold on me, my father, and + lift up my body.</p> + + <p>THES. Ah me! my son, what dost thou, do to me unhappy?</p> + + <p>HIPP. I perish, and do indeed see the gates of hell.</p> + + <p>THES. What? leaving my mind uncleansed from thy blood?</p> + + <p>HIPP. No in sooth, since I free thee from this murder.</p> + + <p>THES. What sayest thou? dost thou remit me free from the guilt of + blood?</p> + + <p>HIPP. I call to witness Dian that slays with the bow.</p> + + <p>THES. O most dear, how noble thou appearest to thy father!</p> + + <p>HIPP. O farewell thou too, take my best farewell, my father!</p> + + <p>THES. Oh me! for thy pious and brave soul!</p> + + <p>HIPP. Pray to have legitimate sons like me.</p> + + <p>THES. Do not, I prithee, leave me, my son, but be strong.</p> + + <p>HIPP. My time of strength is past; for I perish, my father: but cover + my face as quickly as possible with robes.</p> + + <p>THES. O famous realms of Athens and of Pallas, of what a man will ye + have been bereaved! Oh unhappy I! What abundant reason, Venus, shall I + have to remember thy ills!</p> + + <p>CHOR. This common grief to all the citizens hath come unexpectedly. + There will be a fast falling of many tears; for the mournful stories of + great men rather obtain.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>NOTES ON HIPPOLYTUS</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="HippN_1"></a><a href="#Hipp_1">[1]</a> The construction in + the original furnishes a remarkable example of the "nominativus + pendens."</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_2"></a><a href="#Hipp_2">[2]</a> Or, <i>that posterity + might know it</i>. TR. Dindorf would omit these words. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_3"></a><a href="#Hipp_3">[3]</a> Dindorf would omit + these lines. I think the difficulty in the structure may be removed by + reading <span lang="el" + title="hostis">‛οστις</span> instead + of <span lang="el" + title="hosois">‛οσοις</span>. The + enallage, <span lang="el" title="hostis ... + toutois">‛οστις ... + τουτοις</span>, is by no means + unusual. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_4"></a><a href="#Hipp_4">[4]</a> Cf. Soph. Œd. + Col. 121, sqq. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_5"></a><a href="#Hipp_5">[5]</a> Which at present you + do not appear to have.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_6"></a><a href="#Hipp_6">[6]</a> Monk would join <span + lang="el" + title="ôkeanou">ωκεανου</span> + with <span lang="el" + title="petra">πετρα</span>, as in the + translation, but other commentators prefer, which is certainly more + simple, to join it with <span lang="el" + title="hydôr">‛υδωρ</span>. Then the + difficulty occurs of sea-water being unfit for washing vests. This + difficulty Beck obviates, by saying that <span lang="el" title="hydôr + ôkeanou">‛υδωρ + ωκεανου</span> may be applied + to fresh water, Ocean being the parent of all streams, the word <span + lang="el" + title="ôkeanou">ωκεανου</span> + being here, in a manner, redundant. TR. Matthiæ is very wrath with the + "all on a washing day" manner in which the Chorus learned Phædra's + indisposition. The "Bothie of Toper na Fuosich" will furnish some similar + simplicities, such as the meeting a lassie "digging potatoes." But we + might as well object to the whole story of Nausicaa. It must be + recollected that the duties of the laundry were considered more + aristocratic by the ancients, than in modern times. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_7"></a><a href="#Hipp_7">[7]</a> Cf. Æsch. Pr. 23. + <span lang="el" title="Chroias ameipseis + anthos">Χροιας + αμειψεις + ανθος</span>. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_8"></a><a href="#Hipp_8">[8]</a> Literally <i>a speech + mounted on madness</i>. A similar expression occurs, Odyssey <span + lang="el" title="A">Α</span>. 297. <span lang="el" title="Nêpiaas + ocheein">Νηπιαας + οχεειν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_9"></a><a href="#Hipp_9">[9]</a> Plutarch in + explanation of this line says, "<span lang="el" title="kathaper poda + neôs, epididonta kai prosagonta tais chreiais tên + philian">καθαπερ + ποδα νεως, + επιδιδοντα + και + προσαγοντα + ταις + χρειαις την + φιλιαν</span>."</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_10"></a><a href="#Hipp_10">[10]</a> I have followed the + elegant interpretation of L. Dindorf, who observes that <span lang="el" + title="ou dêth hekousa">ου δηθ + ‛εκουσα</span> refers to + Phædra's assertion, <span lang="el" title="ou gar es s' + amartanô">ου γαρ ες σ' + αμαρτανω</span>, and that + the meaning is, "non quidem consilio in me peccas, sed si tu peribis, ego + quoque occidero." He compares Alcest. 389. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_11"></a><a href="#Hipp_11">[11]</a> See Matthiæ's note. + I prefer, however, <span lang="el" + title="oleis">ολεις</span>, with Musgrave. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_12"></a><a href="#Hipp_12">[12]</a> Matthiæ considers + this as briefly expressed for <span lang="el" title="ti touto, to eran, + ha legousi poiein anthrôpous">τι + τουτο, το + εραν, ‛α + λεγουσι + ποιειν + ανθρωπους</span>. + Still I can not help thinking <span lang="el" + title="anthrôpôn">ανθρωπων</span> + a better reading. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_13"></a><a href="#Hipp_13">[13]</a> Phædra struggles + between shame and uncertainty, before she can pronounce the name. It + should be read as if <span lang="el" title="hostis + poth'—houtos—ho tês + Amazonos">‛οστις + ποθ'—‛ουτος—‛ο + της + Αμαζονος</span>. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_14"></a><a href="#Hipp_14">[14]</a> Matthiæ takes <span + lang="el" + title="panamerios">παναμεριος</span> + as = <span lang="el" title="en têide têi hêmerai">εν + τηιδε τηι + ‛ημεραι</span>, i.e. up to + this very time. I think the passage is corrupt. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_15"></a><a href="#Hipp_15">[15]</a> This passage, like + many others in the play, is admirably burlesqued by Aristoph., Ran. 962. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_16"></a><a href="#Hipp_16">[16]</a> <i>Or, this is a + second favor thou mayst grant me</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_17"></a><a href="#Hipp_17">[17]</a> On the numberless + references to this impious sophism, see the learned notes of Valckenaer + and Monk. Compare more particularly Aristoph. Ran. 102, 1471. Thesmoph. + 275. Arist. Rhet. iii. 15. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_18"></a><a href="#Hipp_18">[18]</a> Literally, + "spurious coined race." B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_19"></a><a href="#Hipp_19">[19]</a> The MSS. reading, + <span lang="el" + title="phyton">φυτον</span>, is preferable. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_20"></a><a href="#Hipp_20">[20]</a> The syntax appears + to be <span lang="el" title="dysekperaton + biou">δυσεκπερατον + βιου</span>, <i>such as my like can scarcely get + over</i>. Musgrave has followed the other explanation of the Scholiast, + which makes <span lang="el" + title="biou">βιου</span> depend on <span + lang="el" title="pathos">παθος</span>. TR. + I have followed the Scholiast and Dindorf. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_21"></a><a href="#Hipp_21">[21]</a> <span lang="el" + title="protrepousa, anti tou zêtousa kai + exereunôsa">προτρεπουσα, + αντι του + ζητουσα και + εξερευνωσα</span>. + Schol. Dindorf acknowledges the strangeness of the usage, and seems to + prefer <span lang="el" + title="proskopous'">προσκοπουσ'</span>, + with Monk. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_22"></a><a href="#Hipp_22">[22]</a> Cf. Soph. Ant. 751. + <span lang="el" title="hêd' oun thaneitai, kai thanous' olei + tina">‛ηδ' ουν + θανειται, + και θανουσ' + ολει τινα</span>. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_23"></a><a href="#Hipp_23">[23]</a> For the meaning and + derivation of <span lang="el" + title="alibatois">αλιβατοις</span>, + see Monk's note.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_24"></a><a href="#Hipp_24">[24]</a> <span lang="el" + title="haliktypon">‛αλικτυπον</span> + seems to be an awkward epithet of <span lang="el" + title="kyma">κυμα</span>, unless it mean + "<i>dashed [against the shore] by the waves</i>." Perhaps <span lang="el" + title="aliktypon">αλικτυπον</span> + would be less forced. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_25"></a><a href="#Hipp_25">[25]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Hyperantlos ousa + symphorai">‛Υπεραντλος + ουσα + συμφοραι</span>, a + metaphor taken from a ship which can no longer keep out water.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_26"></a><a href="#Hipp_26">[26]</a> See the note on my + Translation of Æsch. Agam., p. 121, note 1. ed. Bonn. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_27"></a><a href="#Hipp_27">[27]</a> Read <span + lang="el" title="ômoi egô ponôn: epathon ô + talas">ωμοι εγω + πονων: + επαθον ω + ταλας</span> with cod. Hav. See Dindorf. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_28"></a><a href="#Hipp_28">[28]</a> Cf. Matth. apud + Dindorf. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_29"></a><a href="#Hipp_29">[29]</a> In the same manner + the chorus in the Alcestis comforts Admetus. v.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="Ou gar ti prôtos, oude loisthios brotôn">Ου γαρ τι πρωτος, ουδε λοισθιος βροτων</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="gynaikos esthlês êmplakes.">γυναικος εσθλης ημπλακες.</span> </p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="HippN_30"></a><a href="#Hipp_30">[30]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Hyper">‛Υπερ</span> is here to be + understood. VALK.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_31"></a><a href="#Hipp_31">[31]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Sphendonê">Σφενδονη</span>, + literally, the setting of the seal, which embraces the gem as a sling its + stone.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_32"></a><a href="#Hipp_32">[32]</a> See a similar + expression in Æsch. Eum. 254,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="Osmê broteiôn haimatôn me prosgelai.">Οσμη βροτειων ‛αιματων με προσγελαι.</span> </p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="HippN_33"></a><a href="#Hipp_33">[33]</a> The construction + is, <span lang="el" title="eiê an emoi abiôtos tycha biou, hoste tychein + autês.">ειη αν εμοι + αβιωτος + τυχα βιου, + ‛οστε + τυχειν + αυτης.</span> MONK.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_34"></a><a href="#Hipp_34">[34]</a> <span lang="el" + title="ê">η</span>, <i>which land, together with the present + earth</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_35"></a><a href="#Hipp_35">[35]</a> On the Orphic + abstinence from animal food, see Matth. apud Dind. Compare Porphyr. de + Abst. ii. 3 sqq. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_36"></a><a href="#Hipp_36">[36]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Athiktos">Αθικτος</span> + appears here to have an active sense. So in Soph. Œd. c. 1521. <span + lang="el" title="athiktos + hêgêtêros">αθικτος + ‛ηγητηρος</span>. + It is used in its more frequent sense (a passive) in v. 648, of this + play. TR. Compare my note on Æsch. Prom. 110, p. 6, n. I. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_37"></a><a href="#Hipp_37">[37]</a> Cf. Med. 169. <span + lang="el" title="Zêna th' hos orkôn thnatois tamias + nenomistai">Ζηνα θ' ‛ος + ορκων + θνατοις + ταμιας + νενομισται</span>. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_38"></a><a href="#Hipp_38">[38]</a> There are various + interpretations of this passage. The Scholiast puts this sense upon it, + <i>Phædra was chaste (in your eyes), who had not the power of being + chaste, I had the power, and is it likely that I did not exert it to good + purpose?</i> Others translate the former part of the passage with the + Scholiast, but make <span lang="el" title="ou kalôs + echrômetha">ου καλως + εχρωμεθα</span> refer to + the present time, <i>had it to no good purpose</i>, i.e. am not now able + to persuade you of my innocence. Some translate <span lang="el" + title="esôphroêsen">εσωφροησεν</span>, + <i>acted like a chaste woman</i>. TR. There is evidently a double + meaning, which is almost lost by translation. Theseus is not intended to + understand this. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_39"></a><a href="#Hipp_39">[39]</a> Cf. vs. 3. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_40"></a><a href="#Hipp_40">[40]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Klêroi">Κληροι</span> were the + notes the augurs took of their observations, and wrote down on tablets. + See Phœn. 852.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_41"></a><a href="#Hipp_41">[41]</a> <span lang="el" + title="xynoikourous">ξυνοικουρους</span> + appears to be metaphorically used, but I think the sense would be greatly + improved by reading <span lang="el" + title="kakous">κακους</span>, and + taking <span lang="el" + title="xynoikourous">ξυνοικουρους</span> + to mean "to dwell with him," referring it to <span lang="el" + title="hostis">‛οστις</span>. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_42"></a><a href="#Hipp_42">[42]</a> But we must read + <span lang="el" title="gymnados + hippou">γυμναδος + ‛ιππου</span> with Reiske, Brunot, + and Dindorf. See his notes. <span lang="el" + title="podi">ποδι</span> must be joined with + <span lang="el" title="gym. hippou">γυμ. + ‛ιππου</span>. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_43"></a><a href="#Hipp_43">[43]</a> <span lang="el" + title="potmon apotmon">ποτμον + αποτμον</span>. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_44"></a><a href="#Hipp_44">[44]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Autaisin + arbylaisin">Αυταισιν + αρβυλαισιν</span>. + Some have supposed <span lang="el" + title="arbylê">αρβυλη</span> to mean + a part of the chariot, but this seems at variance with the best + authorities (see Monk's note); perhaps the expression may mean what is + implied in the translation; that Hippolytus did not wait to change any + part of his dress. TR. But I agree with Dindorf, that <span lang="el" + title="autaisin">αυταισιν</span> + is then utterly absurd and useless. The Scholiast seems correct in + saying, <span lang="el" title="tais ton harmatos peri tên antyga, entha + tên otasin echei ho hêniochos">ταις + τον + ‛αρματος + περι την + αντυγα, ενθα + την οτασιν + εχει ‛ο + ‛ηνιοχος</span>. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_45"></a><a href="#Hipp_45">[45]</a> "Adeo ut deficerent + a visu, ne cernere possem, Scironis alta." B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_46"></a><a href="#Hipp_46">[46]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Kachlazô">Καχλαζω</span>, + a word formed from the noise of the sea—<span lang="el" title="ho + gar êchos tou kymatos en tois koilômasi tôn petrôn ginomenos, dokei + mimeisthai to kachla, kachla">‛ο γαρ + ηχος του + κυματος εν + τοις + κοιλωμασι + των πετρων + γινομενος, + δοκει + μιμεισθαι + το καχλα, + καχλα</span>.—<i>Etym. Mag.</i></p> + + <p><a name="HippN_47"></a><a href="#Hipp_47">[47]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Trikymiai">Τρικυμιαι</span>. + See Blomfield's <i>Glossary to the Prometheus</i>, 1051.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_48"></a><a href="#Hipp_48">[48]</a> Musgrave supposes + that Hippolytus wound the reins round his body; but on this supposition, + not to mention other objections, the comparison with the sailor does not + hold so well. It is more natural to suppose that he leaned back in order + to get a purchase: in this attitude he is made to describe himself in Ov. + <i>Met.</i> xv. 519, <i>Et retro lentas tendo resupinus habenas.</i> If + there be any doubt of <span lang="el" title="eis toumisthen + himasin">εις + τουμισθεν + ‛ιμασιν</span> being Greek, + this objection is obviated by putting a stop after <span lang="el" + title="himasin">‛ιμασιν</span>, + and making it depend on <span lang="el" + title="helkei">‛ελκει</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_49"></a><a href="#Hipp_49">[49]</a> i.e. in Crete. See + Dindorf's note. B.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_50"></a><a href="#Hipp_50">[50]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Exorizetai">Εξοριζεται</span>, + <i>valde prorumpit, liberat terminos, quibus hactenus septum fuit</i>. + REISKE.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_51"></a><a href="#Hipp_51">[51]</a> Heath translates + <span lang="el" + title="anekouphisthên">ανεκουφισθην</span> + <i>adtollebam corpus</i>, honoris scilicet gratia. Compare Iliad, <span + lang="el" title="O">Ο</span>. 241. <span lang="el" title="atar + asthma kai hidrôs pauet', epei min egeire Dios noos + aigiochoio">αταρ + ασθμα και + ‛ιδρως + παυετ', επει + μιν εγειρε + Διος νοος + αιγιοχοιο</span>, + which Pope translates,</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Jove thinking of his pains, they pass'd away:"</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>in which the idea is much more sublime; for there the thought of a + Deity effects what the presence of one does here.</p> + + <p><a name="HippN_52"></a><a href="#Hipp_52">[52]</a> Probably meaning + Adonis. See Monk. B.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="ALCESTIS"></a> +<h2>ALCESTIS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>PERSONS REPRESENTED.</h3> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>APOLLO.</p> + <p>DEATH.</p> + <p>CHORUS OF PHERŒANS.</p> + <p>ATTENDANTS.</p> + <p>ALCESTIS.</p> + <p>ADMETUS.</p> + <p>EUMELUS.</p> + <p>HERCULES.</p> + <p>PHERES.</p> + </div> + </div> +<hr /> + +<h3>THE ARGUMENT.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>Apollo desired of the Fates that Admetus, who was about to die, might + give a substitute to die for him, that so he might live for a term equal + to his former life; and Alcestis, his wife, gave herself up, while + neither of his parents were willing to die instead of their son. But not + long after the time when this calamity happened, Hercules having arrived, + and having learned from a servant what had befallen Alcestis, went to her + tomb, and having made Death retire, covers the lady with a robe; and + requested Admetus to receive her and keep her for him; and said he had + borne her off as a prize in wrestling; but when he would not, he unveiled + her, and discovered her whom he was lamenting.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>ALCESTIS</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center">APOLLO.</p> + + <p>O mansions of Admetus, wherein I endured to acquiesce in the slave's + table,<a name="Alc_1"></a><a href="#AlcN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> though a + God; for Jove was the cause, by slaying my son Æsculapius, hurling the + lightning against his breast: whereat enraged, I slay the Cyclops, + forgers of Jove's fire; and me my father compelled to serve for hire with + a mortal, as a punishment for these things. But having come to this land, + I tended the herds of him who received me, and have preserved this house + until this day: for being pious I met with a pious man,<a + name="Alc_2"></a><a href="#AlcN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> the son of Pheres, + whom I delivered from dying by deluding the Fates: but those Goddesses + granted me that Admetus should escape the impending death, could he + furnish in his place another dead for the powers below. But having tried + and gone through all his friends, his father and his aged mother who bore + him, he found not, save his wife, one who was willing to die for him, and + view no more the light: who now within the house is borne in their hands, + breathing her last; for on this day is it destined for her to die, and to + depart from life. But I, lest the pollution<a name="Alc_3"></a><a + href="#AlcN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> come upon me in the house, leave this + palace's most dear abode. But already I behold Death near, priest of the + dead, who is about to bear her down to the mansions of Pluto; but he + comes at the right time, observing this day, in the which it was destined + for her to die.</p> + +<p class="center">DEATH,<a name="Alc_4"></a><a href="#AlcN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> APOLLO.</p> + + <p>DEA. Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! What dost thou at the palace? why tamest here, + Phœbus? Art thou again at thy deeds of injustice, taking away and + putting an end to the honors of the powers beneath? Did it not suffice + thee to stay the death of Admetus, when thou didst delude the Fates by + fraudful artifice?<a name="Alc_5"></a><a + href="#AlcN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> But now too dost thou keep guard for + her, having armed thine hand with thy bow, who then promised, in order to + redeem her husband, herself, the daughter of Pelias, to die for him?</p> + + <p>AP. Fear not, I cleave to justice and honest arguments.</p> + + <p>DEA. What business then has your bow, if you cleave to justice?</p> + + <p>AP. It is my habit ever to bear it.</p> + + <p>DEA. Yes, and without regard to justice to aid this house.</p> + + <p>AP. <i>Ay</i>, for I am afflicted at the misfortunes of a man that is + dear to me.</p> + + <p>DEA. And wilt thou deprive me of this second dead?</p> + + <p>AP. But neither took I him from thee by force.</p> + + <p>DEA. How then is he upon earth, and not beneath the ground?</p> + + <p>AP. Because he gave in his stead his wife, after whom thou art now + come.</p> + + <p>DEA. Yes, and will bear her off to the land beneath.</p> + + <p>AP. Take her away, for I know not whether I can persuade thee.</p> + + <p>DEA. What? to slay him, whom I ought? for this was I commanded.</p> + + <p>AP. No: but to cast death upon those about to die.</p> + + <p>DEA. Yes, I perceive thy speech, and what thou aim'st at.</p> + + <p>AP. Is it possible then for Alcestis to arrive at old age?</p> + + <p>DEA. It is not: consider that I too am delighted with my due + honors.</p> + + <p>AP. Thou canst not, however, take more than one life.</p> + + <p>DEA. When the young die I earn the greater glory.</p> + + <p>AP. And if she die old, she will be sumptuously entombed.<a + name="Alc_6"></a><a href="#AlcN_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a></p> + + <p>DEA. Thou layest down the law, Phœbus, in favor of the rich.</p> + + <p>AP. How sayest thou? what? hast thou been clever without my perceiving + it?</p> + + <p>DEA. Those who have means would purchase to die old.</p> + + <p>AP. Doth it not then seem good to thee to grant me this favor?</p> + + <p>DEA. No in truth; and thou knowest my ways.</p> + + <p>AP. Yes, hostile to mortals, and detested by the Gods.</p> + + <p>DEA. Thou canst not have all things, which thou oughtest not.</p> + + <p>AP. Nevertheless, thou wilt stop, though thou art over-fierce; such a + man will come to the house of Pheres, whom Eurystheus hath sent after the + chariot and its horses,<a name="Alc_7"></a><a + href="#AlcN_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> <i>to bring them</i> from the wintry + regions of Thrace, who in sooth, being welcomed in the mansions of + Admetus, shall take away by force this woman from thee; and there will be + no obligation to thee at my hands, but still thou wilt do this, and wilt + be hated by me.</p> + + <p>DEA. Much though thou talkest, thou wilt gain nothing. This woman then + shall descend to the house of Pluto; and I am advancing upon her, that I + may begin the rites on her with my sword; for sacred is he to the Gods + beneath the earth, the hair of whose head this sword hath consecrated.<a + name="Alc_8"></a><a href="#AlcN_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a></p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>SEMICH. Wherefore in heaven's name is this stillness before the + palace? why is the house of Admetus hushed in silence?</p> + + <p>SEMICH. But there is not even one of our friends near, who can tell us + whether we have to deplore the departed queen, or whether Alcestis, + daughter of Pelias, yet living views this light, who has appeared to me + and to all to have been the best wife toward her husband.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Hears any one either a wailing, or the beating of hands within + the house, or a lamentation, as though the thing had taken place?<a + name="Alc_9"></a><a href="#AlcN_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> There is not + however any one of the servants standing before the gates. Oh would that + thou wouldst appear, O Apollo, amidst the waves of this calamity!</p> + + <p>SEMICH. They would not however be silent, were she dead.</p> + + <p>SEMICH. For the corse is certainly not gone from the house.</p> + + <p>SEMICH. Whence this conjecture? I do not presume this. What is it + gives you confidence?</p> + + <p>SEMICH. How could Admetus have made a private funeral of his so + excellent wife?</p> + + <p>CHOR. But before the gates I see not the bath of water from the + fountain,<a name="Alc_10"></a><a href="#AlcN_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a> as + is the custom at the gates of the dead: and in the vestibule is no shorn + hair, which is wont to fall in grief for the dead; the youthful<a + name="Alc_11"></a><a href="#AlcN_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> hand of women + for the youthful <i>wife</i> sound not.</p> + + <p>SEMICH. And yet this is the appointed day,—</p> + + <p>SEMICH. What is this thou sayest?</p> + + <p>SEMICH. In the which she must go beneath the earth.</p> + + <p>SEMICH. Thou hast touched my soul, hast touched my heart.</p> + + <p>SEMICH. When the good are afflicted, he must mourn, who from the + beginning has been accounted good.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But there is not whither in the earth any one having sent naval + equipment, or to Lycia, or to the thirsty site of Hammon's temple, can + redeem the unhappy woman's life, for abrupt fate approaches, and I know + not to whom of those that sacrifice at the hearths of the Gods I can go. + But only if the son of Phœbus were viewing with his eyes this light, + could she come, having left the darksome habitations and the gates of + Pluto: for he raised up the dead, before that the stroke of the + lightning's fire hurled by Jove destroyed him. But now what hope of life + can I any longer entertain? For all things have already been done by the + king, and at the altars of all the Gods abound the victims dropping with + blood, and no cure is there of these evils.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS, FEMALE ATTENDANT.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But here comes one of the female attendants from the house, in + tears; what shall I hear has happened? To mourn indeed, if any thing + happens to our lords, is pardonable: but whether the lady be still alive, + or whether she be dead, we would wish to know.</p> + + <p>ATT. You may call her both alive and dead.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And how can the same woman be both alive and dead?</p> + + <p>ATT. Already she is on the verge of death,<a name="Alc_12"></a><a + href="#AlcN_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a> and breathing her life away.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Oh wretched man, being what thyself of what a wife art thou + bereft!</p> + + <p>ATT. My master knows not this yet, until he suffer.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Is there no longer hope that she may save her life?</p> + + <p>ATT. No, for the destined day makes its attack upon her.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Are not then suitable preparations made for these events?</p> + + <p>ATT. Yes, the adornments<a name="Alc_13"></a><a + href="#AlcN_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> are ready, wherewith her husband will + bury her.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Let her know then that she will die glorious, and by far the + best of women under the sun.</p> + + <p>ATT. And how not the best? who will contest it? What must the woman + be, who has surpassed her? and how can any give greater proof of + esteeming her husband, than by being willing to die for him? And these + things indeed the whole city knoweth. But what she did in the house you + will marvel when you hear. For, when she perceived that the destined day + was come, she washed her fair skin with water from the river; and having + taken from her closets of cedar vesture and ornaments, she attired + herself becomingly; and standing before the altar she prayed: "O + mistress, since I go beneath the earth, adoring thee for the last time, I + will beseech thee to protect my orphan children, and to the one join a + loving wife, and to the other a noble husband: nor, as their mother + perishes, let my children untimely die, but happy in their paternal + country let them complete a joyous life."—But all the altars, which + are in the house of Admetus, she went to, and crowned, and prayed, + tearing the leaves from off the myrtle boughs, tearless, without a groan, + nor did the approaching evil change the natural beauty of her skin. And + then rushing to her chamber, and her bed, there indeed she wept and spoke + thus: "O bridal bed, whereon I loosed my virgin zone with this man, for + whom I die, farewell! for I hate thee not; but me alone hast thou lost; + for dreading to betray thee, and my husband, I die; but thee some other + woman will possess, more chaste there can not, but perchance more + fortunate."<a name="Alc_14"></a><a + href="#AlcN_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a>—And falling on it she kissed + it; but all the bed was bathed with the flood that issued from her eyes. + But when she had satiety of much weeping, she goes hastily forward,<a + name="Alc_15"></a><a href="#AlcN_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> rushing from the + bed. And ofttimes having left her chamber, she oft returned, and threw + herself upon the bed again. And her children, hanging to the garments of + their mother, wept; but she, taking them in her arms, embraced them, + first one and then the other, as about to die. But all the domestics wept + throughout the house, bewailing their mistress, but she stretched out her + right hand to each, and there was none so mean, whom she addressed not, + and was answered in return. Such are the woes in the house of Admetus. + And had he died indeed, he would have perished; but now that he has + escaped death, he has grief to that degree which he will never + forget.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Surely Admetus groans at these evils, if he must be deprived of + so excellent a wife.</p> + + <p>ATT. Yes, he weeps, holding his dear wife in his hands, and prays her + not to leave him, asking impossibilities; for she wastes away, and is + consumed by sickness, but fainting a wretched burden in his arms, yet + still though but feebly breathing, she fain would glance toward the rays + of the sun; as though never again, but now for the last time she is to + view the sun's beam and his orb. But I will go and announce your + presence, for it is by no means all that are well-wishers to their lords, + so as to come kindly to them in their misfortunes; but you of old are + friendly to my master.</p> + + <p>SEMICH. O Jove, what means of escape can there in any way be, and what + method to rid us of the fortune which attends my master?</p> + + <p>SEMICH. Will any appear? or must I cut my locks, and clothe me even + now in black array of garments?</p> + + <p>SEMICH. 'Tis plain, my friends, too plain; but still let us pray to + the Gods, for the power of the Gods is mightiest.</p> + + <p>SEMICH. O Apollo, king of healing, find out some remedy for the evils + of Admetus, procure it, O! procure it. For before this also thou didst + find <i>remedy</i>, and now become our deliverer from death, and stop the + murderous Pluto.</p> + + <p>SEMICH. Alas! alas! woe! woe! O son of Pheres, how didst thou fare + when thou wert deprived of thy wife?</p> + + <p>SEMICH. Alas! alas! these things would even justify self-slaughter, + and there is more, than whereat one might thrust one's neck in the + suspending noose.<a name="Alc_16"></a><a + href="#AlcN_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a></p> + + <p>SEMICH. For not a dear, but a most dear wife, wilt thou see dead this + day.</p> + + <p>SEMICH. Behold, behold; lo! she doth come from the house, and her + husband with her. Cry out, O groan, O land of Pheres, for the most + excellent woman, wasting with sickness, <i>departing</i> beneath the + earth to the infernal Pluto. Never will I aver that marriage brings more + joy than grief, forming my conjectures both from former things, and + beholding this fortune of the king; who, when he has lost this most + excellent wife, will thenceforward pass a life not worthy to be called + life.<a name="Alc_17"></a><a href="#AlcN_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a></p> + +<p class="center">ALCESTIS, ADMETUS, EUMELUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ALC. Thou Sun, and thou light of day, and ye heavenly eddies of the + fleeting clouds—</p> + + <p>ADM. He beholds<a name="Alc_18"></a><a + href="#AlcN_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> thee and me, two unhappy creatures, + having done nothing to the Gods, for which thou shouldst die.</p> + + <p>ALC. O earth, and ye roofs of the palace, and thou bridal bed of my + native Iolcos.</p> + + <p>ADM. Lift up thyself, unhappy one, desert me not; but entreat the + powerful Gods to pity.</p> + + <p>ALC. I see—I see the two-oared boat—and the ferryman of + the dead, holding his hand on the pole—Charon even now calls + me—"Why dost thou delay? haste, thou stoppest us here"—with + such words vehement he hastens me.</p> + + <p>ADM. Ah me! a bitter voyage this thou speakest of! Oh! unhappy one, + how do we suffer!</p> + + <p>ALC. He pulls me, some one pulls me—do you not see?—to the + hall of the dead, the winged Pluto, staring from beneath his black + eyebrows—What wilt thou do?—let me go—what a journey am + I most wretched going!</p> + + <p>ADM. Mournful to thy friends, and of these especially to me and to thy + children, who have this grief in common.</p> + + <p>ALC. Leave off<a name="Alc_19"></a><a + href="#AlcN_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a> supporting me, leave off now, lay me + down, I have no strength in my feet. Death is near, and darkling night + creeps upon mine eyes—my children, my children, no more your mother + is—no more.—Farewell, my children, long may you view this + light!</p> + + <p>ADM. Ah me! I hear this sad word, and more than any death to me. Do + not by the Gods have the heart to leave me: do not by those children, + whom thou wilt make orphans: but rise, be of good courage: for, thee + dead, I should no longer be: for on thee we depend both to live, and not + to live: for thy love we adore.</p> + + <p>ALC. Admetus, thou seest both thy affairs and mine, in what state they + are, I wish to tell thee, ere I die, what I would have done. I, honoring + thee, and causing thee at the price of my life to view this light, die, + it being in my power not to die, for thee: but though I might have + married a husband from among the Thessalians whom I would, and have lived + in a palace blessed with regal sway, was not willing to live, bereft of + thee, with my children orphans; nor did I spare myself, though possessing + the gifts of bloomy youth, wherein I delighted. And yet thy father and + thy mother forsook thee, though they had well arrived at a point of life, + in which they might have died, and nobly delivered their son, and died + with glory: for thou wert their only one, and there was no hope, when + thou wert dead, that they could have other children.<a + name="Alc_20"></a><a href="#AlcN_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> And I should + have lived, and thou, the rest of our time. And thou wouldst not be + groaning deprived of thy wife, and wouldst not have to bring up thy + children orphans. But these things indeed, some one of the Gods hath + brought to pass, that they should be thus. Be it so—but do thou + remember to give me a return for this; for never shall I ask thee for an + equal one, (for nothing is more precious than life,) but just, as thou + wilt say: for thou lovest not these children less than I do, if thou art + right-minded; them bring up lords over my house, and bring not in second + marriage a step-mother over these children, who, being a worse woman than + me, through envy will stretch out her hand against thine and my children. + Do not this then, I beseech thee; for a step-mother that is in second + marriage is enemy to the children of the former marriage, no milder than + a viper. And my boy indeed has his father, a great tower of defense; but + thou, O my child, how wilt thou be, brought up during thy virgin years? + Having what consort of thy father's? <i>I fear</i>, lest casting some + evil obloquy on thee, she destroys thy marriage in the bloom of youth.<a + name="Alc_21"></a><a href="#AlcN_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> For neither will + thy mother ever preside over thy nuptials, nor strengthen thee being + present, my daughter, at thy travails, where nothing is more kind than a + mother. For I needs must die, and this evil comes upon me not to-morrow, + nor on the third day of the month, but immediately shall I be numbered + among those that are no more. Farewell, and may you be happy; and thou + indeed, my husband, mayst boast, that thou hadst a most excellent wife, + and you, my children, that you were born of a most excellent mother.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Be of good cheer; for I fear not to answer for him: he will do + this, if he be not bereft of his senses.</p> + + <p>ADM. These things shall be so, they shall be, fear not: since I, when + alive also, possessed thee <i>alone</i>, and when thou art dead, thou + shalt be my only wife, and no Thessalian bride shall address me in the + place of thee: there is not woman who shall, either of so noble a sire, + nor otherwise most exquisite in beauty. But my children are enough; of + these I pray the Gods that I may have the enjoyment; for thee we do not + enjoy. But I shall not have this grief for thee for a year, but as long + as my life endures, O lady, abhorring her indeed that brought me forth, + and hating my father; for they were in word, not in deed, my friends. But + thou, giving what was dearest to thee for my life, hast rescued me. Have + I not then reason to groan deprived of such a wife? But I will put an end + to the feasts, and the meetings of those that drink together, and garland + and song, which wont to dwell in my house. For neither can I any more + touch the lyre, nor lift up my heart to sing to the Libyan flute; for + thou hast taken away my joy of life. But by the cunning hand of artists + imaged thy figure shall be lain on my bridal bed, on which I will fall, + and clasping my hands around, calling on thy name, shall fancy that I + hold my dear wife in mine arms, though holding her not:<a + name="Alc_22"></a><a href="#AlcN_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a> a cold delight, + I ween; but still I may draw off the weight that sits upon my soul: and + in my dreams visiting me, thou mayst delight me, for a friend is sweet + even to behold at night, for whatever time he may come. But if the tongue + of Orpheus and his strain were mine, so that invoking with hymns the + daughter of Ceres or her husband, I could receive thee from the shades + below, I would descend, and neither the dog of Pluto, nor Charon at his + oar, the ferryman of departed spirits, should stay me before I brought + thy life to the light. But there expect me when I die and prepare a + mansion for me, as about to dwell with me. For I will enjoin these<a + name="Alc_23"></a><a href="#AlcN_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a> to place me in + the same cedar with thee, and to lay my side near thy side: for not even + when dead may I be separated from thee, the only faithful one to me!</p> + + <p>CHOR. And I indeed with thee, as a friend with a friend, will bear + this painful grief for her, for she is worthy.</p> + + <p>ALC. My children, ye indeed hear your father saying that he will never + marry another wife to be over you, nor dishonor me.</p> + + <p>ADM. And now too, I say this, and will perform it</p> + + <p>ALC. For this receive these children from my hand.</p> + + <p>ADM. Yes, I receive a dear gift from a dear hand.</p> + + <p>ALC. Be thou then a mother to these children in my stead.</p> + + <p>ADM. There is much need that I should, when they are deprived of + thee.</p> + + <p>ALC. O my children, at a time when I ought to live I depart + beneath.</p> + + <p>ADM. Ah me; what shall I do of thee bereaved!</p> + + <p>ALC. Time will soften thy grief: he that is dead is nothing.</p> + + <p>ADM. Take me with thee, by the Gods take me beneath.</p> + + <p>ALC. Enough are we <i>to go</i>, who die for thee.</p> + + <p>ADM. O fate, of what a wife thou deprivest me!</p> + + <p>ALC. And lo! my darkening eye is weighed down.</p> + + <p>ADM. I am undone then, if thou wilt leave me, my wife.</p> + + <p>ALC. As being no more, you may speak of me as nothing.</p> + + <p>ADM. Lift up thy face; do not leave thy children.</p> + + <p>ALC. Not willingly in sooth, but—farewell, my children.</p> + + <p>ADM. Look on them, O! look.</p> + + <p>ALC. I am no more.</p> + + <p>ADM. What dost thou? dost thou leave us?</p> + + <p>ALC. Farewell!</p> + + <p>ADM. I am an undone wretch!</p> + + <p>CHOR. She is gone, Admetus' wife is no more.</p> + + <p>EUM. Alas me, for my state! my mother is gone indeed below; she is no + longer, my father, under the sun; but unhappy leaving me has made my life + an orphan's. For look, look at her eyelid, and her nerveless arms. Hear, + hear, O mother. I beseech thee; I, I now call thee, mother, thy young one + falling on thy mouth—</p> + + <p>ADM. Who hears not, neither sees: so that I and you are struck with a + heavy calamity.</p> + + <p>EUM. Young and deserted, my father, am I left by my dear mother: O! I + that have suffered indeed dreadful deeds!—and thou hast suffered + with me, my sister. O father, in vain, in vain didst thou marry, nor with + her didst thou arrive at the end of old age, for she perished before, but + thou being gone, mother, the house is undone.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Admetus, you must bear this calamity; for in no wise the first, + nor the last of mortals hast thou lost thy dear wife: but learn, that to + die is a debt we must all of us discharge.</p> + + <p>ADM. I know it, and this evil hath not come suddenly on me; but + knowing it long ago I was afflicted. But be present, for I will have the + corse borne forth, and while ye stay, chant a hymn to the God below that + accepteth not libations. And all the Thessalians, over whom I reign, I + enjoin to share in the grief for this lady, by shearing <i>their + locks</i> with steel, and by arraying themselves in sable garb. And + harness<a name="Alc_24"></a><a href="#AlcN_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a> your + teams of horses to your chariots, and cut from your single steeds the + manes that fall upon their necks. And let there be no noise of pipes, nor + of the lyre throughout the city for twelve completed moons. For none + other corse more dear shall I inter, nor one more kind toward me. But she + deserves to receive honor from me, seeing that she alone hath died for + me.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>O daughter of Pelias, farewell where thou dwellest in sunless dwelling + within the mansions of Pluto. And let Pluto know, the God with ebon + locks, and the old man, the ferryman of the dead, who sits intent upon + his oar and his rudder, that he is conducting by far the most excellent + of women in his two-oared boat over the lake of Acheron. Oft shall the + servants of the Muses sing of thee, celebrating thee both on the + seven-stringed lute on the mountains, and in hymns unaccompanied by the + lyre: in Sparta, when returns the annual circle in the season of the + Carnean month,<a name="Alc_25"></a><a href="#AlcN_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> + when the moon is up the whole night long; and in splendid<a + name="Alc_26"></a><a href="#AlcN_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> and happy + Athens. Such a song hast thou left by thy death to the minstrels of + melodies. Would that it rested with me, and that I could waft thee to the + light from the mansions of Pluto, and from Cocytus' streams, by the oar + of that infernal river. For thou, O unexampled, O dear among women, thou + didst dare to receive thy husband from the realms below in exchange for + thine own life. Light may the earth from above fall upon thee, lady! and + if thy husband chooses any other alliance, surely he will be much + detested by me and by thy children. When his mother was not willing for + him to hide her body in the ground, nor his aged father, but these two + wretches, having hoary locks, dared not to rescue him they brought forth, + yet thou in the vigor of youth didst depart, having died for thy husband. + May it be mine to meet with another<a name="Alc_27"></a><a + href="#AlcN_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> such a dear wife; for rare in life is + such a portion, for surely she would live with me forever without once + causing pain.</p> + +<p class="center">HERCULES, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>HER. Strangers, inhabitants of the land of Pheres, can I find Admetus + within the palace?</p> + + <p>CHOR. The son of Pheres is within the palace, O Hercules. But tell me, + what purpose sends thee to the land of the Thessalians, so that thou + comest to this city of Pheres?</p> + + <p>HER. I am performing a certain labor for the Tirynthian + Eurystheus.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And whither goest thou? on what wandering expedition art + bound?</p> + + <p>HER. After the four chariot-steeds of Diomed the Thracian.</p> + + <p>CHOR. How wilt thou be able? Art thou ignorant of this host?</p> + + <p>HER. I am ignorant; I have not yet been to the land of the + Bistonians.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou canst not be lord of these steeds without battle.</p> + + <p>HER. But neither is it possible for me to renounce the labors <i>set + me</i>.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou wilt come then having slain, or being slain wilt remain + there.</p> + + <p>HER. Not the first contest this that I shall run.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But what advance will you have made, when you have overcome + their master?</p> + + <p>HER. I will drive away the horses to king Eurystheus.</p> + + <p>CHOR. 'Tis no easy matter to put the bit in their jaws.</p> + + <p>HER. <i>'Tis,</i> except they breathe fire from their nostrils.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But they tear men piecemeal with their devouring jaws.</p> + + <p>HER. The provender of mountain beasts, not horses, you are speaking + of.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Their stalls thou mayst behold with blood bestained.</p> + + <p>HER. Son of what sire does their owner boast to be?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Of Mars, prince<a name="Alc_28"></a><a + href="#AlcN_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> of the Thracian target, rich with + gold.</p> + + <p>HER. And this labor, thou talkest of, is one my fate compels me to + (for it is ever hard and tends to steeps); if I must join in battle with + the children whom Mars begat, first indeed with Lycaon, and again with + Cycnus, and I come to this third combat, about to engage with the horses + and their master. But none there is, who shall ever see the son of + Alcmena fearing the hand of his enemies.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And lo! hither comes the very man Admetus, lord of this land, + from out of the palace.</p> + +<p class="center">ADMETUS, HERCULES, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ADM. Hail! O son of Jove, and of the blood of Perseus.</p> + + <p>HER. Admetus, hail thou too, king of the Thessalians!</p> + + <p>ADM. I would I could <i>receive this salutation;</i> but I know that + thou art well disposed toward me.</p> + + <p>HER. Wherefore art thou conspicuous with thy locks shorn for + grief?</p> + + <p>ADM. I am about to bury a certain corse this day.</p> + + <p>HER. May the God avert calamity from thy children!</p> + + <p>ADM. My children whom I begat, live in the house.</p> + + <p>HER. Thy father however is of full age, if he is gone.</p> + + <p>ADM. Both he lives, and she who bore me, Hercules.</p> + + <p>HER. Surely your wife Alcestis is not dead?</p> + + <p>ADM. There are two accounts which I may tell of her.</p> + + <p>HER. Speakest thou of her as dead or as alive?</p> + + <p>ADM. She both is, and is no more, and she grieves me.</p> + + <p>HER. I know nothing more; for thou speakest things obscure.</p> + + <p>ADM. Knowest thou not the fate which it was doomed for her to meet + with?</p> + + <p>HER. I know that she took upon herself to die for thee.</p> + + <p>ADM. How then is she any more, if that she promised this?</p> + + <p>HER. Ah! do not weep for thy wife before the time; wait till this + happens.</p> + + <p>ADM. He that is about to die is dead, and he that is dead is no + more.</p> + + <p>HER. The being and the not being is considered a different thing.</p> + + <p>ADM. You judge in this way, Hercules, but I in that.</p> + + <p>HER. Why then dost weep? Who is he of thy friends that is dead?</p> + + <p>ADM. A woman, a woman we were lately mentioning.</p> + + <p>HER. A stranger by blood, or any by birth allied to thee?</p> + + <p>ADM. A stranger; but on other account dear to this house.</p> + + <p>HER. How then died she in thine house?</p> + + <p>ADM. Her father dead, she lived an orphan here.</p> + + <p>HER. Alas! Would that I had found thee, Admetus, not mourning!</p> + + <p>ADM. As about to do what then, dost thou make use of these words?</p> + + <p>HER. I will go to some other hearth of those who will receive a + guest.</p> + + <p>ADM. It must not be, O king: let not so great an evil happen!</p> + + <p>HER. Troublesome is a guest if he come to mourners.</p> + + <p>ADM. The dead are dead—but go into the house.</p> + + <p>HER. 'Tis base however to feast with weeping friends.</p> + + <p>ADM. The guest-chamber, whither we will lead thee, is apart.</p> + + <p>HER. Let me go, and I will owe you ten thousand thanks.</p> + + <p>ADM. It must not be that thou go to the hearth of another man. Lead on + thou, having thrown open the guest-chamber that is separate from the + house: and tell them that have the management, that there be plenty of + meats; and shut the gates in the middle of the hall: it is not meet that + feasting guests should hear groans, nor should they be made sad.</p> + + <p>CHOR. What are you doing? when so great a calamity is before you, + Admetus, hast thou the heart to receive guests? wherefore art thou + foolish?</p> + + <p>ADM. But if I had driven him who came my guest from my house, and from + the city, would you have praised me rather? No in sooth, since my + calamity had been no whit the less, but I the more inhospitable: and in + addition to my evils, there had been this other evil, that mine should be + called the stranger-hating house. But I myself find this man a most + excellent host, whenever I go to the thirsty land of Argos.</p> + + <p>CHOR. How then didst thou hide thy present fate, when a friend, as + thou thyself sayest, came?</p> + + <p>ADM. He never would have been willing to enter the house if he had + known aught of my sufferings. And to him<a name="Alc_29"></a><a + href="#AlcN_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a> indeed, I ween, acting thus, I appear + not to be wise, nor will he praise me; but my house knows not to drive + away, nor to dishonor guests.</p> + +<p class="center">CHORUS.</p> + + <p>O greatly hospitable and ever liberal house of this man, + thee even the Pythian Apollo, master of the lyre, deigned to + inhabit, and endured to become a shepherd in thine abodes, + through the sloping hills piping to thy flocks his pastoral nuptial + hymns. And there were wont to feed with them, through + delight of his lays, both the spotted lynxes, and the bloody + troop of lions<a name="Alc_30"></a><a href="#AlcN_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a> + came having left the forest of Othrys; disported + too around thy cithern, Phœbus, the dappled fawn, + advancing with light pastern beyond the lofty-feathered pines, + joying in the gladdening strain. Wherefore he dwelleth in a + home most rich in flocks by the fair-flowing lake of Bœbe; + and to the tillage of his fields, and the extent of his plains, + toward that dusky <i>part of the heavens</i>, where the sun stays + his horses, makes the clime of the Molossians the limit, and + holds dominion as far as the portless shore of the Ægean Sea + at Pelion. And now having thrown open his house he hath + received his guest with moistened eyelid, weeping over the + corse of his dear wife, who but now died in the palace: for a + noble disposition is prone to reverence [of the guest]. But + in the good there is all manner of wisdom. And confidence + is seated on my soul that the man who reveres the Gods will + fare prosperously.</p> + +<p class="center">ADMETUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ADM. Ye men of Pheræ that are kindly present, my servants indeed bear + aloft<a name="Alc_31"></a><a href="#AlcN_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> the + corse, having every thing fit for the tomb, and for the pyre. But do you, + as is the custom, salute<a name="Alc_32"></a><a + href="#AlcN_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a> the dead going forth on her last + journey.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And lo! I see thy father advancing with his aged foot, and + attendants bearing in their hands adornment for thy wife, due honors of + those beneath.</p> + +<p class="center">PHERES, ADMETUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>PHE. I am at present sympathizing in thy misfortunes, my son: for thou + hast lost (no one will deny) a good and a chaste wife; but these things + indeed thou must bear, though hard to be borne. But receive this + adornment, and let it go with her beneath the earth: Her body 'tis right + to honor, who in sooth died to save thy life, my son, and made me to be + not childless, nor suffered me to waste away deprived of thee in an old + age of misery. But she has made most illustrious the life of all women, + having dared this noble action. O thou that hast preserved my son here, + and hast raised us up who were falling, farewell,<a name="Alc_33"></a><a + href="#AlcN_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a> and may it be well with thee even in + the mansions of Pluto! I affirm that such marriages are profitable to + men, or that it is not meet to marry.</p> + + <p>ADM. Neither hast thou come bidden of me to this funeral, nor do I + count thy presence among things acceptable. But she here never shall put + on thy decorations; for in no wise shall she be buried indebted to what + thou hast. Then oughtest thou to have grieved with me, when I was in + danger of perishing.<a name="Alc_34"></a><a + href="#AlcN_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a> But dost thou, who stoodest aloof, + and permittedst another, a young person, thyself being old, to die, weep + over this dead body? Thou wert not then really the father of me, nor did + she, who says she bore me, and is called my mother, bear me; but born of + slavish blood I was secretly put under the breast of thy wife. Thou + showedst when thou camest to the test, who thou art; and I deem that I am + not thy son. Or else surely thou exceedest all in nothingness of soul, + who being of the age thou art, and having come to the goal of life, + neither hadst the will nor the courage to die for thy son; but sufferedst + this stranger lady, whom alone I might justly have considered both mother + and father. And yet thou mightst have run this race for glory, hadst thou + died for thy son. But at any rate the remainder of the time thou hadst to + live was short: and I should have lived and she the rest of our days, and + I should not, bereft of her, be groaning at my miseries. And in sooth + thou didst receive as many things as a happy man should receive; thou + passedst the vigor of thine age indeed in sovereign sway, but I was thy + son to succeed thee in this palace, so that thou wert not about to die + childless and leave a desolate house for others to plunder. Thou canst + not however say of me, that I gave thee up to die, dishonoring thine old + age, whereas I was particularly respectful toward thee; and for this + behavior both thou, and she that bare me, have made me such return. + Wherefore you have no more time to lose<a name="Alc_35"></a><a + href="#AlcN_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a> in getting children, who will succor + thee in thine old age, and deck thee when dead, and lay out thy corse; + for I will not bury thee with this mine hand; for I in sooth died, as far + as in thee lay; but if, having met with, another deliverer, I view the + light, I say that I am both his child, and the friendly comforter of his + old age. In vain then do old men pray to be dead, complaining of age, and + the long time of life: but if death come near, not one is willing to die, + and old age is no longer burdensome to them.<a name="Alc_36"></a><a + href="#AlcN_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CHOR. Desist, for the present calamity is sufficient; and do not, O + son, provoke thy father's mind.</p> + + <p>PHE. O son, whom dost thou presume thou art gibing with thy + reproaches, a Lydian or a Phrygian bought with thy money?<a + name="Alc_37"></a><a href="#AlcN_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a> Knowest thou not + that I am a Thessalian, and born from a Thessalian father, truly free? + Thou art too insolent, and casting the impetuous words of youth against + us, shalt not having cast them thus depart. But I begat thee the lord of + my house, and brought thee up, but I am not thy debtor to die for thee; + for I received no paternal law like this, nor Grecian law, that fathers + should die for their children; for for thyself thou wert born, whether + unfortunate or fortunate, but what from us thou oughtest to have, thou + hast. Thou rulest indeed over many, and I will leave thee a large demesne + of lands, for these I received from my father. In what then have I + injured thee? Of what do I deprive thee? Thou joyest to see the light, + and dost think thy father does not joy?<a name="Alc_38"></a><a + href="#AlcN_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> Surely I count the time we must spend + beneath long, and life is short, but still sweet. Thou too didst + shamelessly fight off from dying, and livest, having passed over thy + destined fate, by slaying her; then dost thou talk of my nothingness of + soul, O most vile one, when thou art surpassed by a woman who died for + thee, the handsome youth? But thou hast made a clever discovery, so that + thou mayst never die, if thou wilt persuade the wife that is thine from + time to time to die for thee: and then reproachest thou thy friends who + are not willing to do this, thyself being a coward? Hold thy peace, and + consider, if thou lovest thy life, that all love theirs; but if thou + shalt speak evil against us, thou shalt hear many reproaches and not + false ones.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Too many evil things have been spoken both now and before, but + cease, old man, from reviling thy son.</p> + + <p>ADM. Speak, for I have spoken; but if thou art grieved at hearing the + truth, thou shouldst not err against me.</p> + + <p>PHE. But had I died for thee, I had erred more.</p> + + <p>ADM. What? is it the same thing for a man in his prime, and for an old + man to die?</p> + + <p>PHE. We ought to live with one life, not with two.</p> + + <p>ADM. Mayst thou then live a longer time than Jove!</p> + + <p>PHE. Dost curse thy parents, having met with no injustice?</p> + + <p>ADM. <i>I said it</i>, for I perceived thou lovedst a long life.</p> + + <p>PHE. But art not thou bearing forth this corse instead of thyself?</p> + + <p>ADM. A proof this, O most vile one, of thy nothingness of soul.</p> + + <p>PHE. She died not by us at least; thou wilt not say this.</p> + + <p>ADM. Alas! Oh that you may ever come to need my aid!</p> + + <p>PHE. Wed many wives, that more may die.</p> + + <p>ADM. This is a reproach to thyself, for thou wert not willing to + die.</p> + + <p>PHE. Sweet is this light of the God, sweet is it.</p> + + <p>ADM. Base is thy spirit and not that of men.</p> + + <p>PHE. Thou dost not laugh as carrying an aged corse.</p> + + <p>ADM. Thou wilt surely however die inglorious, when thou diest.</p> + + <p>PHE. To bear an evil report is no matter to me when dead.</p> + + <p>ADM. Alas! alas! how full of shamelessness is old age!</p> + + <p>PHE. She was not shameless: her you found mad.</p> + + <p>ADM. Begone, and suffer me to bury this dead.</p> + + <p>PHE. I will depart; but you will bury her, yourself being her + murderer. But you will render satisfaction to your wife's relatives yet: + or surely Acastus no longer ranks among men, if he shall not revenge the + blood of his sister.</p> + + <p>ADM. Get thee gone, then, thou and thy wife; childless, thy child yet + living, as ye deserve, grow old; for ye no more come into the same house + with me: and if it were necessary for me to renounce by heralds thy + paternal hearth, I would renounce it. But let us (for the evil before us + must be borne) proceed, that we may place the corse upon the funeral + pyre.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O! O! unhappy because of thy bold deed, O noble, and by far most + excellent, farewell! may both Mercury<a name="Alc_39"></a><a + href="#AlcN_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> that dwells beneath, and Pluto, + kindly receive thee; but if there too any distinction is shown to the + good, partaking of this mayst thou sit by the bride of Pluto.</p> + +<p class="center">SERVANT.</p> + + <p>I have now known many guests, and from all parts of the earth that + have come to the house of Admetus, to whom I have spread the feast, but + never yet did I receive into this house a worse one than this stranger. + Who, in the first place, indeed, though he saw my master in affliction, + came in, and prevailed upon himself to pass the gates. And then not at + all in a modest manner received he the entertainment that there happened + to be, when he heard of the calamity: but if we did not bring any thing, + he hurried us to bring it. And having taken in his hands the cup wreathed + with ivy,<a name="Alc_40"></a><a href="#AlcN_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a> he + quaffs the neat wine of the purple mother, until the fumes of the liquor + coming upon him inflamed him; and he crowns his head with branches of + myrtles howling discordantly; and there were two strains to hear; for he + was singing, not caring at all for the afflictions of Admetus, but we the + domestics, were bewailing our mistress, and we showed not that we were + weeping to the guest, for thus Admetus commanded. And now indeed I am + performing the offices of hospitality to the stranger in the house, some + deceitful thief and robber. But she is gone from the house, nor did I + follow, nor stretched out my hand in lamentation for my mistress, who was + a mother to me, and to all the domestics, for she saved us from ten + thousand ills, softening the anger of her husband. Do I not then justly + hate this stranger, who is come in our miseries?</p> + +<p class="center">HERCULES, SERVANT.</p> + + <p>HER. Ho there! why dost thou look so grave and thoughtful? The servant + ought not to be of woeful countenance before guests, but should receive + them with an affable mind. But thou, though thou seest a companion of thy + lord present, receivest him with a morose and clouded countenance, fixing + thy attention on a calamity that thou hast nothing to do with. Come + hither, that thou mayst become more wise. Knowest thou mortal affairs, of + what nature they are? I think not; from whence should you? but hear me. + Death is a debt that all mortals must pay: and there is not of them one, + who knows whether he shall live the coming morrow: for what depends on + fortune is uncertain how it will turn out, and is not to be learned, + neither is it detected by art. Having heard these things then, and + learned them from me, make thyself merry, drink, and think the life + allowed from day to day thine own, but the rest Fortune's. And honor also + Venus, the most sweet of deities to mortals, for she is a kind deity. But + let go these other things, and obey my words, if I appear to speak + rightly: I think so indeed. Wilt thou not then leave off thy excessive + grief, and drink with me, crowned with garlands, having thrown open these + gates? And well know I that the trickling of the cup falling down <i>thy + throat</i> will change thee from thy present cloudy and pent state of + mind. But we who are mortals should think as mortals. Since to all the + morose, indeed, and to those of sad countenance, if they take me as judge + at least, life is not truly life, but misery.</p> + + <p>SERV. I know this; but now we are in circumstances not such as are fit + for revel and mirth.</p> + + <p>HER. The lady that is dead is a stranger; grieve not too much, for the + lords of this house live.</p> + + <p>SERV. What live! knowest thou not the misery within the house?</p> + + <p>HER. Unless thy lord hath told me any thing falsely.</p> + + <p>SERV. He is too, too hospitable.</p> + + <p>HER. Is it unmeet that I should be well treated, because a stranger is + dead?</p> + + <p>SERV. Surely however she was very near.</p> + + <p>HER. Has he forborne to tell me any calamity that there is?</p> + + <p>SERV. Depart and farewell; we have a care for the evils of our + lords.</p> + + <p>HER. This speech is the beginning of no foreign loss.</p> + + <p>SERV. For I should not, <i>had it been foreign</i>, have been grieved + at seeing thee reveling.</p> + + <p>HER. What! have I received so great an injury from mine host?</p> + + <p>SERV. Thou camest not in a fit time for the house to receive thee, for + there is grief to us, and thou seest that we are shorn, and our black + garments.</p> + + <p>HER. But who is it that is dead? Has either any of his children died, + or his aged father?</p> + + <p>SERV. The wife indeed of Admetus is dead, O stranger.</p> + + <p>HER. What sayst thou? and yet did ye receive me?</p> + + <p>SERV. <i>Yes</i>, for he had too much respect to turn thee from his + house.</p> + + <p>HER. O unhappy man, what a wife hast thou lost!</p> + + <p>SERV. We all are lost, not she alone.</p> + + <p>HER. But I did perceive it indeed, when I saw his eye streaming with + tears, and his shorn hair, and his countenance; but he persuaded me, + saying, that he was conducting the funeral of a stranger to the tomb: but + spite of my inclination having passed over these gates, I drank in the + house of the hospitable man, while he was in this case, and reveled, + crowned as to my head with garlands. But 'twas thine to tell me not <i>to + do it</i>, when such an evil was upon the house. Where is he burying her? + whither going can I find her?</p> + + <p>SERV. By the straight road that leads to Larissa, thou wilt see the + polished tomb beyond the suburbs.</p> + +<p class="center">HERCULES.</p> + + <p>O my much-daring heart and my soul, now show what manner of son the + Tirynthian Alcmena, daughter of Electryon, bare thee to Jove. For I must + rescue the woman lately dead, Alcestis, and place her again in this + house, and perform this service for Admetus. And going I will lay wait + for the sable-vested king of the departed, Death, and I think that I + shall find him drinking of the libations near the tomb. And if having + taken him by lying in wait, rushing from my ambush, I shall seize hold of + him, and make a circle around him with mine arms, there is not who shall + take him away panting as to his sides, until he release me the woman. But + if however I fail of this capture, and he come not to the clottered mass + of blood, I will go a journey beneath to the sunless mansions of Cora and + her king, and will prefer my request; and I trust that I shall bring up + Alcestis, so as to place her in the hands of that host, who received me + into his house, nor drove me away, although struck with a heavy calamity, + but concealed it, noble as he was, having respect unto me. Who of the + Thessalians is more hospitable than he? Who that dwelleth in Greece? + Wherefore he shall not say, that he did a service to a worthless man, + himself being noble.</p> + +<p class="center">ADMETUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>ADM. Alas! alas! O hateful approach, and hateful prospect of this + widowed house. Oh me! Alas! alas! whither can I go! where rest! what can + I say! and what not! would that I could perish! Surely my mother brought + me forth to heavy fortune. I count the dead happy, them I long for! those + houses I desire to dwell in: for neither delight I in viewing the + sunbeams, nor treading with my foot upon the earth; of such a hostage has + death robbed me, and delivered up to Pluto.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Advance, advance; go into the recesses of the house.</p> + + <p>(ADM. Oh! Oh!)</p> + + <p>Thou hast suffered things that demand groans.</p> + + <p>(ADM. Alas! alas!)</p> + + <p>Thou hast gone through grief, I well know.</p> + + <p>(ADM. Woe! Woe!)</p> + + <p>Thou nothing aidest her that is beneath.</p> + + <p>(ADM. Ah me! me!)</p> + + <p>Never to see thy dear wife's face again before thee, is severe.</p> + + <p>ADM. Thou hast made mention of that which ulcerated my soul; for what + can be greater ill to man than to lose his faithful wife? Would that I + never had married and dwelt with her in the palace. But I judge happy + those, who are unmarried and childless; for theirs is one only life, for + this to grieve is a moderate burden: but to behold the diseases of + children, and the bridal bed wasted by death, is not supportable, when it + were in one's power to be without children and unmarried the whole of + life.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Fate, fate hard to be struggled with hath come.</p> + + <p>(ADM. Oh! Oh!)</p> + + <p>But puttest thou no bound to thy sorrows?</p> + + <p>(ADM. Alas! alas!)</p> + + <p>Heavy are they to bear, but still</p> + + <p>(ADM. Woe! woe!)</p> + + <p>endure, thou art not the first man that hast lost</p> + + <p>(ADM. Ah me! me!)</p> + + <p>thy wife; but calamity appearing afflicts different men in different + shapes.</p> + + <p>ADM. O lasting griefs, and sorrows for our friends beneath the + earth!—Why did you hinder me from throwing myself<a + name="Alc_41"></a><a href="#AlcN_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a> into her + hallowed grave, and from lying dead with her, by far the most excellent + woman? And Pluto would have retained instead of one, two most faithful + souls having together passed over the infernal lake.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I had a certain kinsman, whose son worthy to be lamented, an + only child, died in his house; but nevertheless he bore his calamity with + moderation, being bereft of child, though now hastening to gray hairs, + and advanced in life.</p> + + <p>ADM. O house, how can I enter in? and how dwell in thee now my fortune + has undergone this change? Ah me! for there is great difference between: + then indeed with Pelian torches, and with bridal songs I entered in, + bearing the hand of my dear wife, and there followed a loud-shouting + revelry hailing happy both her that is dead and me, inasmuch as being + noble, and born of illustrious parents both, we were united together: but + now the groan instead of hymeneals, and black array instead of white + robes, usher me in to my deserted couch.</p> + + <p>CHOR. This grief came quick on happy fortune to thee unschooled in + evil: but thou hast saved thy life. Thy wife is dead, she left her love + behind: what new thing this? Death has ere this destroyed many wives.</p> + + <p>ADM. My friends, I deem the fortune of my wife more happy than mine + own, even although these things appear not so. For her indeed no grief + shall ever touch, and she hath with glory ceased from many toils. But I, + who ought not to have lived, though I have scaped destiny, shall pass a + bitter life; I but now perceive. For how can I bear the entering into + this house? Whom speaking to, or by whom addressed,<a + name="Alc_42"></a><a href="#AlcN_42"><sup>[42]</sup></a> can I have joy + in entering? Whither shall I turn me? For the solitude within will drive + me forth, when I see the place where my wife used to lie, empty, and the + seat whereon she used to sit, and the floor throughout the house all + dirty, and when my children falling about my knees weep their mother, and + they lament their mistress, <i>thinking</i> what a lady they have lost + from out of the house. Such things within the house; but abroad the + nuptials of the Thessalians and the assemblies full of women will torture + me: for I shall not be able to look on the companions of my wife. But + whoever is mine enemy will say thus of me: "See that man, who basely + lives, who dared not to die, but giving in his stead her, whom he + married, escaped Hades, (and then does he seem to be a man?) and hates + his parents, himself not willing to die."—Such report shall I have + in addition to my woes; why then is it the more honorable course for me + to live, my friends, having an evil character and an evil fortune?</p> + + <p>CHOR. I too have both been borne aloft through song, and having very + much handled arguments have found nothing more powerful than Necessity: + nor is there any cure in the Thracian tablets which Orpheus<a + name="Alc_43"></a><a href="#AlcN_43"><sup>[43]</sup></a> wrote, nor among + those medicines, which Phœbus gave the sons of Æsculapius, + dispensing<a name="Alc_44"></a><a href="#AlcN_44"><sup>[44]</sup></a> + them to wretched mortals. But neither to the altars nor to the image of + this Goddess alone, is it lawful to approach, she hears not victims. Do + not, O revered one, come on me more severe, than hitherto in my life. For + Jove, whatever he have assented to, with thee brings this to pass. Thou + too perforce subduest the iron among the Chalybi; nor has thy rugged + spirit any remorse.</p> + + <p>And thee, <i>Admetus</i>, the Goddess hath seized in the inevitable + grasp of her hand; but bear it, for thou wilt never by weeping bring back + on earth the dead from beneath. Even the sons of the Gods by stealth + begotten perish in death. Dear she was while she was with us, and dear + even now when dead. But thou didst join to thy bed<a name="Alc_45"></a><a + href="#AlcN_45"><sup>[45]</sup></a> the noblest wife of all women. Nor + let the tomb of thy wife be accounted as the mound over the dead that + perish, but let it be honored equally with the Gods, a thing for + travelers to adore:<a name="Alc_46"></a><a + href="#AlcN_46"><sup>[46]</sup></a> and some one, going out of his direct + road, shall say thus: "She in olden time died for her husband, but now + she is a blest divinity: Hail, O adored one, and be propitious!" Such + words will be addressed to her.—And lo! here comes, as it seems, + the son of Alcmena to thy house, Admetus.</p> + +<p class="center">HERCULES, ADMETUS, CHORUS.</p> + + <p>HER. One should speak freely to a friend, Admetus, and, not in silence + keep within our bosoms what we blame. Now I thought myself worthy as a + friend to stand near thy calamities, and to search them out;<a + name="Alc_47"></a><a href="#AlcN_47"><sup>[47]</sup></a> but thou didst + not tell me that it was thy wife's corse that demanded thy attention; but + didst receive me in thy house, as though occupied in grief for one not + thine. And I crowned my head and poured out to the Gods libations in thy + house which had suffered this calamity. And I <i>do</i> blame thee, I + blame thee, having met with this treatment! not that I wish to grieve + thee in thy miseries. But wherefore I am come, having turned back again, + I will tell thee. Receive and take care of this woman for me, until I + come hither driving the Thracian mares, having slain the king of the + Bistonians. But if I meet with what I pray I may not meet with, (for may + I return!) I give thee her as an attendant of thy palace. But with much + toil came she into my hands; for I find some who had proposed a public + contest for wrestlers, worthy of my labors, from whence I bear off her, + having received her as the prize of my victory; for those who conquered + in the lighter exercises had to receive horses, but those again who + conquered in the greater, the boxing and the wrestling, cattle, and a + woman was added to these; but in me, who happened to be there, it had + been base to neglect this glorious gain. But, as I said, the woman ought + to be a care to you, for I am come not having obtained her by stealth, + but with labor; but at some time or other thou too wilt perhaps commend + me for it.</p> + + <p>ADM. By no means slighting thee, nor considering thee among mine + enemies, did I conceal from thee the unhappy fate of my wife; but this + had been a grief added to grief, if thou hadst gone to the house of + another host: but it was sufficient for me to weep my own calamity. But + the woman, if it is in any way possible, I beseech thee, O king, bid some + one of the Thessalians, who has not suffered what I have, to take care of + (but thou hast many friends among the Pheræans) lest thou remind me of my + misfortunes. I can not, beholding her in the house, refrain from weeping; + add not a sickness to me already sick; for I am enough weighed down with + misery. Where besides in the house can a youthful woman be maintained? + for she is youthful, as she evinces by her garb and her attire; shall she + then live in the men's apartment? And how will she be undefiled, living + among young men? A man in his vigor, Hercules, it is no easy thing to + restrain; but I have a care for thee. Or can I maintain her, having made + her enter the chamber of her that is dead? And how can I introduce her + into her bed? I fear a double accusation, both from the citizens, lest + any should convict me of having betrayed my benefactress, and lying in + the bed of another girl; and I ought to have much regard toward the dead + (and she deserves my respect). But thou, O lady, whoever thou art, know + that thou hast the same size of person with Alcestis, and art like her in + figure. Ah me! take by the Gods this woman from mine eyes, lest you + destroy me already destroyed. For I think, when I look upon her, that I + behold my wife; and it agitates my heart, and from mine eyes the streams + break forth; O unhappy I, how lately did I begin to taste this bitter + grief!</p> + + <p>CHOR. I can not indeed speak well of thy fortune; but it behooves + thee, whatever thou art, to bear with firmness the dispensation of the + Gods.</p> + + <p>HER. Oh would that I had such power as to bring thy wife to the light + from the infernal mansions, and to do this service for thee!</p> + + <p>ADM. Well know I that thou hast the will: but how can this be? It is + not possible for the dead to come into the light.</p> + + <p>HER. Do not, I pray, go beyond all bound, but bear it decently,</p> + + <p>ADM. Tis easier to exhort, than suffering to endure.</p> + + <p>HER. But what advantage can you gain if you wish to groan forever?</p> + + <p>ADM. I know that too myself; but a certain love impels me.</p> + + <p>HER. For to love one that is dead draws the tear.</p> + + <p>ADM. She hath destroyed me, and yet more than my words express.</p> + + <p>HER. Thou hast lost an excellent wife; who will deny it?</p> + + <p>ADM. <i>Ay,</i> so that I am no longer delighted with life.</p> + + <p>HER. Time will soften the evil, but now it is yet in its vigor<a + name="Alc_48"></a><a href="#AlcN_48"><sup>[48]</sup></a> on thee.</p> + + <p>ADM. Time thou mayst say, if to die be time.</p> + + <p>HER. A wife will bid it cease, and the desire of a new marriage.</p> + + <p>ADM. Hold thy peace—What saidst thou? I could not have supposed + it.</p> + + <p>HER. But why? what, wilt not marry, but pass a widowed life alone?</p> + + <p>ADM. There is no woman that shall lie with me.</p> + + <p>HER. Dost thou think that thou art in aught benefiting her that is + dead?</p> + + <p>ADM. Her, wherever she is, I am bound to honor.</p> + + <p>HER. I praise you indeed, I praise you; but you incur the charge of + folly.</p> + + <p>ADM. <i>Praise me, or praise me not;</i> for you shall never call me + bridegroom.</p> + + <p>HER. I do praise thee, because thou art a faithful friend to thy + wife.</p> + + <p>ADM. May I die, when I forsake her, although she is not!</p> + + <p>HER. Receive then this noble woman into thine house.</p> + + <p>ADM. Do not, I beseech thee by thy father Jove.</p> + + <p>HER. And yet you will be acting wrong, if you do not this.</p> + + <p>ADM. Yes, and if I do it, I shall have my heart gnawed with + sorrow.</p> + + <p>HER. Be prevailed upon: perhaps this favor may be proved a duty.</p> + + <p>ADM. Ah! would that you had never borne her off from the contest!</p> + + <p>HER. Yet with me conquering thou'rt victorious too.</p> + + <p>ADM. Thou hast well spoken; but let the woman depart.</p> + + <p>HER. She shall depart, if it is needful; but first see whether it be + needful.</p> + + <p>ADM. It is needful, if thou at least dost not mean to make me + angry.</p> + + <p>HER. I too have this desire, for I know somewhat.</p> + + <p>ADM. Conquer then. Thou dost not however do things pleasing to me.</p> + + <p>HER. But some time or other thou wilt praise me; only be + persuaded.</p> + + <p>ADM. Lead her in, if I must receive her in my house.</p> + + <p>HER. I will not deliver up the woman into the charge of the + servants.</p> + + <p>ADM. But do thou thyself lead her into the house if it seems fit.</p> + + <p>HER. I then will give her into thine hands.</p> + + <p>ADM. I will not touch her; but she is at liberty to enter the + house.</p> + + <p>HER. I trust her to thy right hand alone.</p> + + <p>ADM. O king, thou compellest me to do this against my will.</p> + + <p>HER. Dare to stretch out thy hand and touch the stranger.</p> + + <p>ADM. And in truth I stretch it out, as I would to the Gorgon with her + severed head.<a name="Alc_49"></a><a + href="#AlcN_49"><sup>[49]</sup></a></p> + + <p>HER. Have you her?</p> + + <p>ADM. I have.</p> + + <p>HER. Then keep her fast; and some time or other thou wilt say that the + son of Jove is a generous guest. But look on her, whether she seems aught + to resemble thy wife; and being blest leave off from thy grief.</p> + + <p>ADM. O Gods, what shall I say? An unexpected wonder this! Do I truly + see here my wife, or does the mocking joy of the Deity strike me from my + senses?</p> + + <p>HER. It is not so; but thou beholdest here thy wife.</p> + + <p>ADM. Yet see, whether this be not a phantom from the realms + beneath.</p> + + <p>HER. Thou hast not made thine host an invoker of spirits.</p> + + <p>ADM. But do I behold my wife, whom I buried?</p> + + <p>HER. Be well assured <i>thou dost;</i> but I wonder not at thy + disbelief of thy fortune.</p> + + <p>ADM. May I touch her, may I speak to her as my living wife?<a + name="Alc_50"></a><a href="#AlcN_50"><sup>[50]</sup></a></p> + + <p>HER. Speak to her; for thou hast all that thou desirest.</p> + + <p>ADM. O face and person of my dearest wife, have I thee beyond my + hopes, when I thought never to see thee more?</p> + + <p>HER. Thou hast: but <i>take care</i> there be no envy of the Gods.</p> + + <p>ADM. O noble son of the most powerful Jove, mayst thou be blest, and + may thy father, who begot thee, protect thee, for thou alone hast + restored me! How didst thou bring her from beneath into this light!</p> + + <p>HER. Having fought a battle with the prince of those beneath.</p> + + <p>ADM. Where dost thou say thou didst have this conflict with Death!</p> + + <p>HER. At the tomb itself, having seized him from ambush with my + hands.</p> + + <p>ADM. But why, I pray, does this woman stand here speechless?</p> + + <p>HER. It is not yet allowed thee to hear her address thee, before she + is unbound from her consecrations<a name="Alc_51"></a><a + href="#AlcN_51"><sup>[51]</sup></a> to the Gods beneath, and the third + day come. But lead her in, and as thou oughtest, henceforward, Admetus, + continue in thy piety with respect to strangers. And farewell! But I will + go and perform the task that is before me for the imperial son of + Sthenelus.</p> + + <p>ADM. Stay with us, and be a companion of our hearth.</p> + + <p>HER. This shall be some time hence, but now I must haste.</p> + + <p>ADM. But mayst thou be prosperous, and return on thy journey back. But + to the citizens, and to all the tetrarchy I issue my commands, that they + institute dances in honor of these happy events, and make the altars + odorous with their sacrifices of oxen that accompany their vows. For now + are we placed in a better state of life than the former one: for I will + not deny that I am happy.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Many are the shapes of the things the deities direct, and many + things the Gods perform contrary to our expectations. And those things + which we looked for are not accomplished; but the God hath brought to + pass things not looked for. Such hath been the event of this affair.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>NOTES ON ALCESTIS</h3> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="AlcN_1"></a><a href="#Alc_1">[1]</a> Lactant. i. 10. "Quid + Apollo? Nonne ... turpissime gregem pavit alienum?" B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_2"></a><a href="#Alc_2">[2]</a> Hygin. Fab. li. "Apollo + ab eo in servitutem liberaliter acceptus." B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_3"></a><a href="#Alc_3">[3]</a> Cf. Hippol. 1437. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_4"></a><a href="#Alc_4">[4]</a> No one will, I believe, + object to this translation of <span lang="el" + title="THANATOS">ΘΑΝΑΤΟΣ</span>; + it seems rather a matter of surprise that Potter has kept the Latin + ORCUS, a name clearly substituted as the nearest to <span lang="el" + title="THANATOS">ΘΑΝΑΤΟΣ</span> + of the masculine gender.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_5"></a><a href="#Alc_5">[5]</a> Cf. Æsch. Eum. 723 sqq. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_6"></a><a href="#Alc_6">[6]</a> It was customary to bury + those, who died advanced in years, with greater magnificence than young + persons.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_7"></a><a href="#Alc_7">[7]</a> The horses of Diomed, + king of Thrace. The construction is, <span lang="el" title="Eurystheôs + pempsantos [auton\] meta hippeion ochêma [axonta\] ek topôn dyschei merôn + Thrêikês">Ευρυσθεως + πεμψαντος + [αυτον] μετα + ‛ιππειον + οχημα + [αξοντα] εκ + τοπων + δυσχει + μερων + Θρηικης</span>. MONK.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_8"></a><a href="#Alc_8">[8]</a> On this custom, see + Monk, and Lomeier de Lustrationibus § xxviii. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_9"></a><a href="#Alc_9">[9]</a> Perhaps, "as though all + were over," B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_10"></a><a href="#Alc_10">[10]</a> Casaubon on Theophr. + § 16, observes that it was customary to place a large vessel filled with + lustral water before the doors of a house during the time the corpse was + lying out, with which every one who came out sprinkled himself. See also + Monk's note, Kirchmann de Funeribus, iii. 9. The same custom was observed + on returning from the funeral. See Pollux, viii. 7. p. 391, ed. Seber. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_11"></a><a href="#Alc_11">[11]</a> See Dindorf. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_12"></a><a href="#Alc_12">[12]</a> Potterus, Arch. Gr. + <i>mortuos</i> a <i>Græcis</i> <span lang="el" + title="pronôpeis">προνωπεις</span> + vocari tradit, quod solebant ex penitiore ædium parte produci, ac in + <i>vestibulo</i>, i.e. <span lang="el" + title="pronôpiôi">προνωπιωι</span> + collocari: atque hunc locum adducit, sed frustra, ut opinor. Non enim + <i>mortua</i> jam erat, nec <i>producta</i>, sed, ut recte hanc vocem + interpretatur schol. <span lang="el" title="eis thanaton + proneneukyia">εις + θανατον + προνενευκυια</span>, + i.e. <i>morti propinqua</i>. Proprie <span lang="el" + title="pronôpês">προνωπης</span> + is dicitur, qui <i>corpore prono ad terram fertur</i>, ut Æschyl. Agam. + 242. Inde, quia moribundi virium defectu terram petere solent, ad hos + designandos translatum est. KUINOEL.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_13"></a><a href="#Alc_13">[13]</a> The old word + "dizening" is perhaps the most literal translation of <span lang="el" + title="kosmos">κοσμος</span>, which, + however, here means the whole preparations for the funeral. Something + like it is implied in Hamlet, v. 1.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i16">... her virgin rites,</p> + <p>Her maiden strewments, and the bringing home</p> + <p>Of bell and burial. B.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="AlcN_14"></a><a href="#Alc_14">[14]</a> Aristophanes is + almost too bad in his burlesque, Equit. 1251. <span lang="el" title="se + d' allos tis labôn kektêsetai, kleptês men ouk an mallon, eutychês d' + hisôs">σε δ' αλλος + τις λαβων + κεκτησεται, + κλεπτης μεν + ουκ αν + μαλλον, + ευτυχης δ' + ‛ισως</span>. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_15"></a><a href="#Alc_15">[15]</a> Some would translate + <span lang="el" + title="pronôpês">προνωπης</span> + in the same manner as in verse 144.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_16"></a><a href="#Alc_16">[16]</a> Conf. Ter.: Phorm. + iv. 4, 5. Opera tua ad <i>restim</i> mihi quidem res rediit + planissume.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_17"></a><a href="#Alc_17">[17]</a> Perhaps it is + unnecessary to remark, that <span lang="el" + title="abiôton">αβιωτον</span> + agrees with <span lang="el" + title="bion">βιον</span> implied in <span + lang="el" + title="bioteusei">βιοτευσει</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_18"></a><a href="#Alc_18">[18]</a> <span lang="el" + title="horai">‛οραι</span> scilicet <span + lang="el" + title="hêlios">‛ηλιος</span>. + MONK.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_19"></a><a href="#Alc_19">[19]</a> Cf. Hippol. 1372. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_20"></a><a href="#Alc_20">[20]</a> It must be remembered + that to survive one's children was considered the greatest of + misfortunes. Cf. Plaut. Mil. Glor. l. 1. "Ita ut tuum vis unicum gnatum + tuæ Superesse vitæ, sospitem et superstitem." B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_21"></a><a href="#Alc_21">[21]</a> Kuinoel carries on + the interrogation to <span lang="el" + title="gamous">γαμους</span>, and + Buchanan has translated it according to this punctuation. Monk compares + Iliad, p. 95; <span lang="el" title="mêpôs me peristelôs' hena + polloi">μηπως με + περιστελωσ' + ‛ενα + πολλοι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_22"></a><a href="#Alc_22">[22]</a> Compare my note on + Æsch. Ag. 414 sqq. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_23"></a><a href="#Alc_23">[23]</a> <i>These</i>, my + children.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_24"></a><a href="#Alc_24">[24]</a> Reiske proposes to + read <span lang="el" title="tethrippa de zeugê te + kai">τεθριππα + δε ζευγη τε + και</span>—<i>And both from your chariot teams, + and from your single horses cut the manes</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_25"></a><a href="#Alc_25">[25]</a> This festival was + celebrated in honor of Apollo at Sparta, from the seventh to the + sixteenth day of the month Carneus. See Monk. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_26"></a><a href="#Alc_26">[26]</a> On <span lang="el" + title="liparais + Athanais">λιπαραις + Αθαναις</span>, see Monk. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_27"></a><a href="#Alc_27">[27]</a> Literally, <i>the + duplicate</i> of such a wife.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_28"></a><a href="#Alc_28">[28]</a> <span lang="el" + title="anax peltês">αναξ + πελτης</span>, so <span lang="el" + title="anax kôpês">αναξ + κωπης</span> in Æsch. Pers. 384, <i>of a + rower</i>. Wakefield compares Ovid's <i>Clypei dominus septemplicis + Ajax</i>. MONK.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_29"></a><a href="#Alc_29">[29]</a> Heath and Markland + take <span lang="el" title="tôi">τωι</span> for <span + lang="el" title="tini">τινι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_30"></a><a href="#Alc_30">[30]</a> Cf. Theocrit. Id. i. + 71 sqq. of Daphnis, <span lang="el" title="tênon men thôes, tênon lykoi + ôrysanto, Tênon choi 'k drymoio leôn aneklause thanonta ... pollai men + par possi boes, polloi de te tauroi, pollai d' au damalai kai porties + ôdyranto">τηνον μεν + θωες, τηνον + λυκοι + ωρυσαντο, + Τηνον χοι 'κ + δρυμοιο + λεων + ανεκλαυσε + θανοντα ... + πολλαι μεν + παρ ποσσι + βοες, πολλοι + δε τε ταυροι, + πολλαι δ' αυ + δαμαλαι και + πορτιες + ωδυραντο</span>. Virg. + Ecl. v. 27 sqq. Calpurnius, Ecl. ii. 18. Nemesianus, Ecl. i. 74 sqq.; ii. + 32. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_31"></a><a href="#Alc_31">[31]</a> <span lang="el" + title="ardên ginetai apo tou airein. dêloi de to + phoradên">αρδην + γινεται απο + του αιρειν. + δηλοι δε το + φοραδην</span>. Schol.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_32"></a><a href="#Alc_32">[32]</a> Cf. Suppl. 773. + "<span lang="el" title="Aidou te molpas ekcheô dakryrroous, philous + prosaudôn, hôn leleimmenos talas erêma + klaiô">Αιδου τε + μολπας + εκχεω + δακρυρροους, + φιλους + προσαυδων, + ‛ων + λελειμμενος + ταλας ερημα + κλαιω</span>. See Gorius Monum. sive + Columbar. Libert. Florent. mdccxxvii. p.186, who observes, "<span + lang="el" title="chaire">χαιρε</span> was + the accustomed salutation addressed to the dead. Catullus, Carm. xcvii. + <i>Accipe fraterno multum manantia fletu, atque in perpetuum frater HAVE, + atque VALE</i>." The same scholar compares a monument, apud Fabretti, + cap. v. p. 392, n. 265,</p> + +<p class="center"> +D. M<br /> +AVE SALVINIA<br /> +OMNIUM. AMAN<br /> +TISSIMA. ET.<br /> +VALE, +</p> + + <p>which is very apposite to the present occasion. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_33"></a><a href="#Alc_33">[33]</a> Wakefield reads <span + lang="el" title="chaire kain Aidou + domois">χαιρε καιν + Αιδου + δομοις</span>; having in his mind + probably Hom. Il. <span lang="el" title="Ps">Ψ</span>. 19. <span + lang="el" title="Chaire moi hô Patrokle, kai ein Aïdao + domoisi">Χαιρε μοι + ‛ω Πατροκλε, + και ειν + Αϊδαο + δομοισι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_34"></a><a href="#Alc_34">[34]</a> I should scarcely + have observed that this is the proper sense of the imperfect, had not the + former translator mistaken it. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_35"></a><a href="#Alc_35">[35]</a> Cf. Iph. Taur. 244. + <span lang="el" title="chernibas de kai katargmata ouk an phthanois an + eutrepê + poioumenê">χερνιβας + δε και + καταργματα + ουκ αν + φθανοις αν + ευτρεπη + ποιουμενη</span>. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_36"></a><a href="#Alc_36">[36]</a> An apparent allusion + to the fable of Death and the Old Man. B</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_37"></a><a href="#Alc_37">[37]</a> Aristophanes' version + of this line is, <span lang="el" title="ô pai, tin aucheis, potera Lydon + ê Phryga Mormolyttesthai dokeis">ω παι, + τιν αυχεις, + ποτερα + Λυδον η + Φρυγα + Μορμολυττεσθαι + δοκεις</span>. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_38"></a><a href="#Alc_38">[38]</a> Turned by + Aristophanes into an apology for beating one's father, Nub. 1415. <span + lang="el" title="klaousi paides, patera d' ou klaein + dokeis">κλαουσι + παιδες, + πατερα δ' ου + κλαειν + δοκεις</span>. See Thesmoph. 194. + B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_39"></a><a href="#Alc_39">[39]</a> Cf. Æsch. Choeph. sub + init. and Gorius, Monum. Libert. p. 24. ad Tab. x. lit. A.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_40"></a><a href="#Alc_40">[40]</a> Theocrit. i. 27. + <span lang="el" title="Kai bathy kissybion keklysmenon hadei karôi, Tô + peri men cheilê mareuetai hypsothi kissos.">Και + βαθυ + κισσυβιον + κεκλυσμενον + ‛αδει καρωι, + Τω περι μεν + χειλη + μαρευεται + ‛υψοθι + κισσος.</span> B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_41"></a><a href="#Alc_41">[41]</a> Hamlet, v. 1.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>—Hold off the earth awhile,</p> + <p>Till I have caught her once more in mine arms:</p> + <p class="i16">[<i> leaps into the grave</i>.]</p> + <p>Now pile your dust upon the quick and dead. B.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="AlcN_42"></a><a href="#Alc_42">[42]</a> Cf. vs. 195. <span + lang="el" title="hon ou proseipe kai proserrêthê + palin">‛ον ου + προσειπε + και + προσερρηθη + παλιν</span>. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_43"></a><a href="#Alc_43">[43]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Orpheia garys">Ορφεια + γαρυς</span>, a paraphrasis for <span + lang="el" + title="Orpheus">Ορφευς</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_44"></a><a href="#Alc_44">[44]</a> <span lang="el" + title="antitemôn, metaphorikôs apo tôn tas rhizas temnontôn kai + heuriskontôn.">αντιτεμων, + μεταφορικως + απο των τας + ‛ριζας + τεμνοντων + και + ‛ευρισκοντων.</span> + SCHOL. TR. Cf. on Æsch. Agam. 17. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_45"></a><a href="#Alc_45">[45]</a> In Phavorinus, among + the senses of <span lang="el" + title="klisia">κλισια</span> is <span + lang="el" title="klinê kai + klinêtêrion">κλινη και + κλινητηριον</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_46"></a><a href="#Alc_46">[46]</a> It will be remembered + that the tombs were built near the highways, with great magnificence, and + sometimes very lofty, especially when near the sea-coast (cf. Æsch. + Choeph. 351. D'Orville on Charit. lib. i. sub fin. Eurip. Hecub. 1273). + They are often used as landmarks or milestones, as in Theocr. vi. 10, and + as oratories or chapels, Apul. Florid, i. p.340, ed. Elm. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_47"></a><a href="#Alc_47">[47]</a> This appears the most + obvious sense, as connected with what follows. All the interpreters, + however, translate it, <i>I thought myself worthy, standing, as I did, + near thy calamities</i>,(i.e. near thee in thy calamities,) <i>to be + proved thy friend.</i></p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_48"></a><a href="#Alc_48">[48]</a> In the same manner + <span lang="el" title="hêbai">‛ηβαι</span> + is used in Orestes, 687, <span lang="el" title="hotan gar hêbai dêmos eis + orgên pesôn">‛οταν γαρ + ‛ηβαι δημος + εις οργην + πεσων</span>. </p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_49"></a><a href="#Alc_49">[49]</a> i.e. <i>the severed + head of the Gorgon</i>. Valckenaer observes, that this is an expression + meaning <i>facie aversa</i>, and compares l. 465 of the + Phœnissæ.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_50"></a><a href="#Alc_50">[50]</a> Winter's Tale, v. + 3.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Start not: her actions shall be holy, as,</p> + <p>You hear, my spell is lawful: do not shun her,</p> + <p>Until you see her die again; for then</p> + <p>You kill her double: Nay, present your hand:</p> + <p>When she was young you woo'd her; now, in age,</p> + <p>Is she become the suitor?</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>Compare also Much Ado about Nothing, v. 4. B.</p> + + <p><a name="AlcN_51"></a><a href="#Alc_51">[51]</a> <span lang="el" + title="haphagnizein">‛αφαγνιζειν</span> + h. l. non <i>purificare</i> sed <i>desecrare</i>. Orcus enim, quando + gladio totondisset Alcestidis capillos, eam diis manibus sacram + dicaverat, quod diserte <span lang="el" + title="hêgnisai">‛ηγνισαι</span> + appellat noster, vide 75—77. Contraria igitur aliqua ceremonia + desecranda erat, antequam Admeto ejus consuetudine et colloquio frui + liceret. HEATH.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="BACCHAE"></a> +<h2>THE BACCHÆ.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>PERSONS REPRESENTED,</h3> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>BACCHUS.</p> + <p>CHORUS.</p> + <p>TIRESIAS.</p> + <p>CADMUS.</p> + <p>PENTHEUS.</p> + <p>SERVANT.</p> + <p>MESSENGER.</p> + <p>ANOTHER MESSENGER.</p> + <p>AGAVE.</p> + </div> + </div> +<hr /> + +<h3>THE ARGUMENT.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>Bacchus, the son of Jove by Semele, had made Thebes, his mother's + birth-place, his favorite place of abode and worship. Pentheus, the then + reigning king, who, as others say, preferred the worship of Minerva, + slighted the new God, and persecuted those who celebrated his revels. + Upon this, Bacchus excited his mother Agave, together with the sisters of + Semele, Autonoe and Ino, to madness, and visiting Pentheus in disguise of + a Bacchanal, was at first imprisoned, but, easily escaping from his + bonds, he persuaded Pentheus to intrude upon the rites of the Bacchants. + While surveying them from a lofty tree, the voice of Bacchus was heard + inciting the Bacchants to avenge themselves upon the intruder, and they + tore the miserable Pentheus piecemeal. The grief and banishment of Agave + for her unwitting offense conclude the play.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>THE BACCHÆ.<a name="Ba_1"></a><a href="#BaN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a></h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center">BACCHUS.</p> + + <p>I, Bacchus, the son of Jove, am come to this land of the Thebans, whom + formerly Semele, the daughter of Cadmus, brought forth, delivered by the + lightning-bearing flame. And having taken a mortal form instead of a + God's, I am present at the fountains of Dirce and the water of Ismenus. + And I see the tomb of my thunder-stricken mother here near the palace, + and the remnants of the house smoking, and the still living name of + Jove's fire, the everlasting insult of Juno against my mother. But I + praise Cadmus, who has made this place hallowed, the shrine of his + daughter; and I have covered it around with the cluster-bearing leaf of + the vine. And having left the wealthy lands of the Lydians and Phrygians, + and the sun-parched plains of the Persians, and the Bactrian walls; and + having come over the stormy land of the Medes, and the happy Arabia, and + all Asia which lies along the coast of the salt sea, having fair-towered + cities full of Greeks and barbarians mingled together; and there having + danced and established my mysteries, that I might be a God manifest among + men, I have come to this city first of the Grecian [cities,] and I have + raised my shout first in Thebes of this land of Greece, fitting a + deer-skin on my body, and taking a thyrsus in my hand, an ivy-clad<a + name="Ba_2"></a><a href="#BaN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> weapon, because the + sisters of my mother, whom, it least of all became, said that I, Bacchus, + was not born of Jove; but that Semele, having conceived by some mortal, + charged the sin of her bed upon Jove, a trick of Cadmus; on which account + they said that Jove had slain her, because she told a false tale about + her marriage. Therefore I have now driven them from the house with + frenzy, and they dwell on the mountain, insane of mind; and I have + compelled them to wear the dress of my mysteries. And all the female seed + of the Cadmeans, as many as are women, have I driven maddened from the + house. And they, mingled with the sons of Cadmus, sit on the roofless + rocks beneath the green pines. For this city must know, even though it be + unwilling, that it is not initiated into my Bacchanalian rites, and that + I plead the cause of my mother, Semele, in appearing manifest to mortals + as a God whom she bore to Jove. Cadmus then gave his honor and power to + Pentheus, born from his daughter, who fights against the Gods as far as I + am concerned, and drives me from sacrifices, and in his prayers makes no + mention of me; on which account I will show him and all the Thebans that + I am a God. And having set matters here aright, manifesting myself, I + will move to another land. But if the city of the Thebans should in anger + seek by arms to bring down the Bacchæ from the mountain, I, general of + the Mænads, will join battle.<a name="Ba_3"></a><a + href="#BaN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> On which account I have changed my form + to a mortal one, and transformed my shape into the nature of a man. But, + O ye who have left Tmolus, the bulwark of Lydia; ye women, my assembly, + whom I have brought from among the barbarians as assistants and + companions to me; take your drums, your native instruments in the + Phrygian cities, the invention of the mother Rhea<a name="Ba_4"></a><a + href="#BaN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> and myself, and coming beat them around + this royal palace of Pentheus, that the city of Cadmus may see it. And I, + with the Bacchæ, going to the dells of Cithæron, where they are, will + share their dances.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Coming from the land of Asia, having left the sacred Tmolus, I + dance in honor of Bromius, a sweet labor and a toil easily borne, + celebrating the god Bacchus. Who is in the way? who is in the way? who is + in the halls? Let him depart. And let every one be pure as to his mouth + speaking propitious things; for now I will with hymns celebrate Bacchus + according to custom:—Blessed is he,<a name="Ba_5"></a><a + href="#BaN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> whoever being favored, knowing the + mysteries of the gods, keeps his life pure, and has his soul initiated + into the Bacchic revels, dancing o'er the mountains with holy + purifications, and reverencing the mysteries of the mighty mother Cybele, + and brandishing the thyrsus, and being crowned with ivy, serves Bacchus! + Go, ye Bacchæ; go, ye Bacchæ, escorting Bromius, a God, the son of a God, + from the Phrygian mountains to the broad streets of Greece! Bromius! whom + formerly, being in the pains of travail, the thunder of Jove flying upon + her, his mother cast from her womb, leaving life by the stroke of the + thunder-bolt. And immediately Jupiter, the son of Saturn, received him in + a chamber fitted for birth; and covering him in his thigh, shuts him with + golden clasps hidden from Juno. And he brought him forth, when the Fates + had perfected the horned God, and crowned him with crowns of snakes, + whence the thyrsus-bearing Mænads are wont to cover their prey with their + locks. O Thebes, thou nurse of Semele, crown thyself with ivy, flourish, + flourish with the verdant yew bearing sweet fruit, and be ye crowned in + honor of Bacchus with branches of oak or pine, and adorn your garments of + spotted deer-skin with fleeces of white-haired sheep,<a + name="Ba_6"></a><a href="#BaN_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> and sport in holy + games with the insulting wands, straightway shall all the earth dance, + when Bromius leads the bands to the mountain, to the mountain, where the + female crowd abides, away from the distaff and the shuttle,<a + name="Ba_7"></a><a href="#BaN_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> driven frantic by + Bacchus. O dwelling of the Curetes, and ye divine Cretan caves,<a + name="Ba_8"></a><a href="#BaN_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> parents to Jupiter, + where the Corybantes with the triple helmet invented for me in their + caves this circle o'erstretched with hide; and with the constant + sweet-voiced breath of Phrygian pipes they mingled a sound of Bacchus, + and put the instrument in the hand of Rhea, resounding with the sweet + songs of the Bacchæ. And hard by the raving satyrs went through the + sacred rites of the mother Goddess. And they added the dances of the + Trieterides;<a name="Ba_9"></a><a href="#BaN_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> in + which Bacchus rejoices; pleased on the mountains, when after the running + dance he falls upon the plain, having a sacred garment of deer-skin, + seeking a sacrifice of goats, a raw-eaten delight,<a name="Ba_10"></a><a + href="#BaN_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a> on his way to the Phrygian, the Lydian + mountains; and the leader is Bromius, Evoe!<a name="Ba_11"></a><a + href="#BaN_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> but the plain flows with milk, and + flows with wine, and flows with the nectar of bees; and the smoke is as + of Syrian frankincense. But Bacchus bearing a flaming torch of pine on + his thyrsus, rushes about arousing in his course the wandering Choruses, + and agitating them with shouts, casting his rich locks loose in the + air,—and with his songs he shouts out such words as this: O go + forth, ye Bacchæ; O go forth, ye Bacchæ, delight of gold-flowing Tmolus. + Sing Bacchus 'neath the loud drums, Evoe, celebrating the God Evius in + Phrygian cries and shouts. When the sweet-sounding sacred pipe sounds a + sacred playful sound suited to the frantic wanderers, to the mountain, to + the mountain—and the Bacchant rejoicing like a foal with its mother + at pasture, stirs its swift foot in the dance.</p> + + <p>TIRESIAS. Who at the doors will call out Cadmus from the house, the + son of Agenor, who, leaving the city of Sidon, erected this city of the + Thebans? Let some one go, tell him that Tiresias seeks him; but he + himself knows on what account I come, and what agreement I, an old man, + have made with him, yet older; to twine the thyrsi, and to put on the + skins of deer, and to crown the head with ivy branches.</p> + + <p>CADMUS. O dearest friend! how I, being in the house, was delighted, + hearing your voice, the wise voice of a wise man; and I am come prepared, + having this equipment of the God; for we needs must extol him, who is the + son sprung from my daughter, Bacchus, who has appeared as a God to men, + as much as is in our power. Whither shall I dance, whither direct the + foot, and wave the hoary head? Do you lead me, you, an old man! O + Tiresias, direct me, an old man; for you are wise. Since I shall never + tire, neither night nor day, striking the earth with the thyrsus. Gladly + we forget that we are old.</p> + + <p>TI. You have the same feelings indeed as I; for I too feel young, and + will attempt the dance.</p> + + <p>CA. Then we will go to the mountain in chariots.<a name="Ba_12"></a><a + href="#BaN_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a></p> + + <p>TI. But thus the God would not have equal honor.</p> + + <p>CA. I, an old man, will lead you, an old man.<a name="Ba_13"></a><a + href="#BaN_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a></p> + + <p>TI. The God will without trouble guide us thither.</p> + + <p>CA. But shall we alone of the city dance in honor of Bacchus?</p> + + <p>TI. [Ay,] for we alone think rightly, but the rest ill.</p> + + <p>CA. We are long in delaying;<a name="Ba_14"></a><a + href="#BaN_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a> but take hold of my hand.</p> + + <p>TI. See, take hold, and join your hand to mine.</p> + + <p>CA. I do not despise the Gods, being a mortal.</p> + + <p>TI. We do not show too much wiseness about the Gods. Our ancestral + traditions, and those which we have kept throughout our life, no argument + will overturn them; not if any one were to find out wisdom with the + highest genius. Some one will say that I do not respect old age, being + about to dance, having crowned my head with ivy; for the God has made no + distinction as to whether it becomes the young man to dance, or the + elder; but wishes to have common honors from all; but does not at all + wish to be extolled by a few.</p> + + <p>CA. Since you, O Tiresias, do not see this light, I will be to you an + interpreter of things. Hither is Pentheus coming to the house in haste, + the son of Echion, to whom I give power over the land. How fluttered he + is! what strange thing will he say?</p> + + <p>PENTHEUS. I happened to be at a distance from this land, and I hear of + strange evils in this city, that the women have left our palace in + mad-wandering Bacchic rites; and that they are rushing about in the shady + mountains, honoring with dances this new God Bacchus, whoever he is; and + that full goblets stand in the middle of their assemblies, and that + flying each different ways into secrecy, they yield to the embraces of + men, on pretence, indeed, as [being] worshiping Mænads; but that they + consider Venus before Bacchus. As many then as I have taken, the servants + keep them bound as to their hands in the public strong-holds, and as many + as are absent I will hunt from the mountain, Ino, and Agave who bore me + to Echion, and the mother of Actæon, I mean Autonoe; and having bound + them in iron fetters, I will soon stop them from this ill-working + revelry. And they say that some stranger has come hither, a juggler, a + charmer, from the Lydian land, fragrant in hair with golden curls, + florid, having in his eyes the graces of Venus, who days and nights is + with them, alluring the young maidens with Bacchic mysteries—but if + I catch him under this roof, I will stop him from making a noise with the + thyrsus, and waving his hair, by cutting off his neck from his body. He + says he is the God Bacchus, [He was once on a time sown in the thigh of + Jove,<a name="Ba_15"></a><a href="#BaN_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> ] who was + burned in the flame of lightning, together with his mother, because she + falsely claimed nuptials with Jove. Are not these things deserving of a + terrible halter, for a stranger to insult us with these insults, whoever + he be? But here is another marvel—I see Tiresias the soothsayer, in + dappled deer-skins, and the father of my mother, most great absurdity, + raging about with a thyrsus—I deprecate it, O father, seeing your + old age destitute of sense; will you not dash away the ivy?<a + name="Ba_16"></a><a href="#BaN_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> will you not, O + father of my mother, put down your hand empty of the thyrsus? Have you + persuaded him to this, O Tiresias? do you wish, introducing this new God + among men, to examine birds and to receive rewards for fiery omens? If + your hoary old age did not defend you, you should sit as a prisoner in + the midst of the Bacchæ, for introducing these wicked rites; for where + the joy of the grape-cluster is present at a feast of women, I no longer + say any thing good of their mysteries.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas for his impiety! O host, do you not reverence the Gods! and + being son of Echion, do you disgrace your race and Cadmus, who sowed the + earth-born crop?</p> + + <p>TI. When any wise man takes a good occasion for his speech, it is not + a great task to speak well; but you have a rapid tongue, as if wise, but + in your words there is no wisdom; but a powerful man, when bold, and able + to speak, is a bad citizen if he has not sense. And this new God, whom + you ridicule, I am unable to express how great he will be in Greece. For, + O young man, two things are first among men; Ceres, the goddess, and she + is the earth, call her whichever name you will.<a name="Ba_17"></a><a + href="#BaN_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a> She nourishes mortals with dry food; + but he who is come as a match to her, the son of Semele, has invented the + liquid drink of the grape, and introduced it among mortals, which + delivers miserable mortals from grief,<a name="Ba_18"></a><a + href="#BaN_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> when they are filled with the stream + of the vine; and gives sleep an oblivion of daily evils: nor is there + any other medicine for troubles. He who is a God is poured out in + libations to the Gods, that by his means men may have good + things—and you laugh at him, as to how he was sewn up in the thigh + of Jove; I will teach you that this is well—when Jove snatched him + out of the lightning flame, and bore him, a young infant, up to Olympus, + Juno wished to cast him down from heaven; but Jove had a counter + contrivance, as being a God. Having broken a part of the air which + surrounds the earth, he placed in it, giving him as a pledge, Bacchus, + safe from Juno's enmity; and in time, mortals say, that he was nourished + in the thigh of Jove; changing his name, because a God gave him formerly + as a pledge to a Goddess, they having made agreement.<a + name="Ba_19"></a><a href="#BaN_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a> But this God is a + prophet—for Bacchanal excitement and frenzy have much divination in + them.<a name="Ba_20"></a><a href="#BaN_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> For when + the God comes violent<a name="Ba_21"></a><a + href="#BaN_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> into the body, he makes the frantic to + foretell the future; and he also possesses some quality of Mars; for + terror flutters sometimes an army under arms and in its ranks, before + they touch the spear; and this also is a frenzy from Bacchus. Then you + shall see him also on the Delphic rocks, bounding with torches along the + double-pointed district, tossing about, and shaking the Bacchic branch, + mighty through Greece. But be persuaded by me, O Pentheus; do not boast + that sovereignty has power among men, nor, even if you think so, and your + mind is disordered, believe that you are at all wise. But receive the God + into the land, and sacrifice to him, and play the Bacchanal, and crown + your head. Bacchus will not compel women to be modest<a + name="Ba_22"></a><a href="#BaN_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a> with regard to + Venus, but in his nature modesty in all things is ever innate. This you + must needs consider, for she who is modest will not be corrupted by being + at Bacchanalian revels. Dost see? Thou rejoicest when many stand at thy + gates, and the city extols the name of Pentheus; and he, I ween, is + pleased, when honored. I, then, and Cadmus whom you laugh to scorn, will + crown ourselves with ivy, and dance, a hoary pair; but still we must + dance; and I will not contend against the Gods, persuaded by your + words—for you rave most grievously; nor can you procure any cure + from medicine, nor are you now afflicted beyond their power.<a + name="Ba_23"></a><a href="#BaN_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CHOR. O old man, thou dost not shame Apollo by thy words, and honoring + Bromius, the mighty God, thou art wise.</p> + + <p>CAD. My son, well has Tiresias advised you; dwell with us, not away + from the laws. For now you flit about, and though wise are wise in + naught; for although this may not be a God, as you say, let it be said by + you that he is; and tell a glorious falsehood, that Semele may seem to + have borne a God, and that honor may redound to all our race. You see the + hapless fate of Actæon,<a name="Ba_24"></a><a + href="#BaN_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a> whom his blood-thirsty hounds, whom he + had reared up, tore to pieces in the meadows, having boasted that he was + superior in the chase to Diana. This may you not suffer; come, that I may + crown thy head with ivy, with us give honor to the God—</p> + + <p>PEN. Do not bring your hand toward me; but departing, play the + Bacchanal, and wipe not off your folly on me; but I will follow up with + punishment this teacher of your madness; let some one go as quickly as + possible, and going to his seat where he watches the birds, upset and + overthrow it with levers, turning every thing upside down; and commit his + crowns to the winds and storms; for doing this, I shall gnaw him most. + And some of you going along the city, track out this effeminate stranger, + who brings this new disease upon women, and pollutes our beds. And if you + catch him, convey him hither bound; that meeting with a judgment of + stoning he may die, having seen a bitter revelry of Bacchus in + Thebes.</p> + + <p>TI. O wretched man! how little knowest thou what thou sayest! You are + mad now, and before you was out of your mind. Let us go, O Cadmus, and + entreat the God, on behalf of him, savage though he be, and on behalf of + the city, to do him no ill: but follow me with the ivy-clad staff, and + try to support my body, and I will yours; for it would be shameful for + two old men to fall down: but let that pass, for we must serve Bacchus, + the son of Jove; but beware lest Pentheus bring grief into thy house, O + Cadmus. I do not speak in prophecy, but judging from the state of things, + for a foolish man says foolish things.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O holy venerable Goddess! holy, who bearest thy golden pinions + along the earth, hearest thou these words of Pentheus? Hearest thou his + unholy insolence against Bromius, the son of Semele, the first deity of + the Gods, at the banquets where the guests wear beautiful chaplets! who + has this office, to join in dances, and to laugh with the flute, and to + put an end to cares, when the juice of the grape comes at the feast of + the Gods, and in the ivy-bearing banquets the goblet sheds sleep over + man? Of unbridled mouths and lawless folly misery is the end, but the + life of quiet and wisdom remains unshaken, and supports a house; for the + heavenly powers are afar indeed, but still inhabiting the air, they + behold the deeds of mortals. But cleverness<a name="Ba_25"></a><a + href="#BaN_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> is not wisdom, nor is the thinking on + things unfit for mortals. Life is short; and in it who, pursuing great + things, would not enjoy the present? These are the manners of maniacs; + and of ill-disposed men, in my opinion. Would that I could go to Cyprus, + the island of Venus, where the Loves dwell, soothing the minds of + mortals, and to Paphos, which the waters of a foreign river flowing with + an hundred<a name="Ba_26"></a><a href="#BaN_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> + mouths, fertilize without rain—and to the land of Pieria, where is + the beautiful seat of the Muses, the holy hill of Olympus. Lead me + thither, O Bromius, Bromius, O master thou of Bacchanals! There are the + Graces, and there is Love, and there is it lawful for the Bacchæ to + celebrate their orgies; the God, the son of Jove, delights in banquets, + and loves Peace, giver of riches, the Goddess the nourisher of youths. + And both to the rich and the poor<a name="Ba_27"></a><a + href="#BaN_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> has she granted to enjoy an equal + delight from wine, banishing grief; and he who does not care for these + things, hates to lead a happy life by day and by friendly night—but + it is wise<a name="Ba_28"></a><a href="#BaN_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> to + keep away the mind and intellect proceeding from over-curious men; what + the baser multitude thinks and adopts, that will I say.</p> + + <p>SERVANT. Pentheus, we are here; having caught this prey, for which you + sent us: nor have we gone in vain; but the beast was docile in our hands, + nor did he withdraw his foot in flight, but yielded not unwillingly; nor + did he [turn] pale nor change his wine-complexioned cheek, but laughing, + allowed us to bind and lead him away; and remained still, making my work + easy; and I for shame said, O stranger, I do not take you of my own will, + but by order of Pentheus who sent me. And the Bacchæ whom you shut up, + whom you carried off and bound in the chains of the public prison, they + being set loose are escaped, and are dancing in the meadows, invoking + Bromius as their God, and of their own accord the fetters were loosed + from their feet, and the keys opened the doors without mortal hand, and + full of many wonders is this man come to Thebes; but the rest must be thy + care.</p> + + <p>PEN. Take hold of him by the hands; for being in the toils, he is not + so swift as to escape me: but in your body you are not ill-formed, O + stranger, for women's purposes, on which account you have come to Thebes. + For your hair is long, not through wrestling, scattered over your cheeks, + full of desire, and you have a white skin from careful preparation; + hunting after Venus by your beauty not exposed to strokes of the sun, but + [kept] beneath the shade. First then tell me who thou art in family.</p> + + <p>BAC. There is no boast; but this is easy to say; thou knowest by + hearsay of the flowery Tmolus?</p> + + <p>PEN. I know, [the hill] which surrounds the city of Sardis.</p> + + <p>BAC. Thence am I; and Lydia is my country.</p> + + <p>PEN. And whence do you bring these rites into Greece?</p> + + <p>BAC. Bacchus persuaded us, the son of Jove.</p> + + <p>PEN. Is Jove then one who begets new Gods?</p> + + <p>BAC. No, but having married Semele here,—</p> + + <p>PEN. Did he compel you by night, or in your sight [by day]?</p> + + <p>BAC. Seeing me who saw him; and he gave me orgies.</p> + + <p>PEN. And what appearance have these orgies?</p> + + <p>BAC. It is unlawful for the uninitiated among mortals to know.</p> + + <p>PEN. And have they any profit to those who sacrifice?</p> + + <p>BAC. It is not lawful for you to hear, but they are worth knowing.</p> + + <p>PEN. You have well coined this story, that I may wish to hear.</p> + + <p>BAC. The orgies of the God hate him who works impiety.</p> + + <p>PEN. For you say, forsooth, that you saw the God clearly what he was + like?</p> + + <p>BAC. As he chose; I did not order this.</p> + + <p>PEN. This too you have well contrived, saying mere nonsense.</p> + + <p>BAC. One may seem, speaking wisely to one ignorant, not to be + wise.</p> + + <p>PEN. And did you come hither first, bringing the God?</p> + + <p>BAC. Every one of the barbarians celebrates these orgies.</p> + + <p>PEN. [Ay,] for they are much less wise than Greeks.</p> + + <p>BAC. In these things they are wiser, but their laws are different.</p> + + <p>PEN. Do you practice these rites at night, or by day?</p> + + <p>BAG. Most of them at night;<a name="Ba_29"></a><a + href="#BaN_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a> darkness conveys awe.</p> + + <p>PEN. This is treacherous toward women, and unsound.</p> + + <p>BAC. Even by day some may devise base things.</p> + + <p>PEN. You must pay the penalty of your evil devices.</p> + + <p>BAC. And you of your ignorance, being impious to the God.</p> + + <p>PEN. How bold is Bacchus, and not unpracticed in speech.</p> + + <p>BAC. Say what I must suffer, what ill wilt thou do me?</p> + + <p>PEN. First I will cut off your delicate hair.</p> + + <p>BAC. The hair is sacred, I cherish it for the God.<a + name="Ba_30"></a><a href="#BaN_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a></p> + + <p>PEN. Next yield up this thyrsus out of your hands.</p> + + <p>BAC. Take it from me yourself, I bear it as the ensign of Bacchus.</p> + + <p>PEN. And we will guard your body within in prison.</p> + + <p>BAC. The God himself will release me when I wish.<a + name="Ba_31"></a><a href="#BaN_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a></p> + + <p>PEN. Ay, when you call him, standing among the Bacchæ.</p> + + <p>BAC. Even now, being near, he sees what I suffer.</p> + + <p>PEN. And where is he? for at least he is not apparent to my eyes.</p> + + <p>BAC. Near me, but you being impious, see him not.</p> + + <p>PEN. Seize him, he insults me and Thebes!</p> + + <p>BAC. I warn you not to bind me: I in my senses command you not in your + senses.</p> + + <p>PEN. And I bid them to bind you, as being mightier than you.</p> + + <p>BAC. You know not why you live, nor what you do, nor who you are.</p> + + <p>PEN. Pentheus, son of Agave, and of my father Echion.</p> + + <p>BAC. You are suited to be miserable according to your name.<a + name="Ba_32"></a><a href="#BaN_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a></p> + + <p>PEN. Begone! confine him near the stable of horses that he may behold + dim darkness! There dance; and as for these women whom you bring with + you, the accomplices in your wickedness, we will either sell them away, + or stopping their hand from this noise and beating of skins, I will keep + them as slaves at the loom.</p> + + <p>BAC. I will go—for what is not right it is not right to suffer; + but as a punishment for these insults Bacchus shall pursue you, who you + say exists not; for, injuring us, you put him in bonds.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O daughter of Achelous, venerable Dirce, happy virgin, for thou + didst receive the infant of Jove in thy fountains when Jove who begat him + saved him in his thigh from the immortal fire; uttering this shout: Go, O + Dithyrambus, enter this my male womb, I will make you illustrious, O + Bacchus, in Thebes, so that they shall call you by this name. But you, O + happy Dirce, reject me having a garland-bearing company about you. Why + dost thou reject me? Why dost thou avoid me? Yet, I swear by the + clustering delights of the vine of Bacchus, yet shall you have a care for + Bacchus. What rage, what rage does the earth-born race show, and Pentheus + once descended from the dragon, whom the earth-born Echion begat, a + fierce-faced monster, not a mortal man, but like a bloody giant, an enemy + to the Gods, who will soon bind me, the handmaid of Bacchus, in halters, + he already has within the house my fellow-reveler, hidden in a dark + prison. Dost thou behold this, O son of Jove, Bacchus, thy prophets in + the dangers of restraint? Come, O thou of golden face, brandishing your + thyrsus along Olympus, and restrain the insolence of the blood-thirsty + man. Where art thou assembling thy bands of thyrsus-bearers, O Bacchus, + is it near Nysa which nourishes wild beasts, or in the summits of + Corycus?<a name="Ba_33"></a><a href="#BaN_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a> or + perhaps in the deep-wooded lairs of Olympus, where formerly Orpheus + playing the lyre drew together the trees by his songs, collected the + beasts of the fields; O happy Pieria, Evius respects you, and will come + to lead the dance with revelings having crossed the swiftly-flowing + Axius, he will bring the dancing Mænads, and [leaving] Lydia<a + name="Ba_34"></a><a href="#BaN_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a> the giver of + wealth to mortals, and the father whom I have heard fertilizes the + country renowned for horses with the fairest streams.</p> + + <p>BAC. Io! hear ye, hear ye my song, Io Bacchæ! O Bacchæ!</p> + + <p>CHOR. Who is here, who? from what quarter did the shout of Evius + summon me?</p> + + <p>BAC. Io, Io, I say again! I, the son of Semele, the son of Jove!</p> + + <p>CHOR. Io! Io! Master, master! come now to our company. O Bromius! + Bromius! Shake this place, O holy Earth!<a name="Ba_35"></a><a + href="#BaN_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a> O! O! quickly will the palace of + Pentheus be shaken in ruin—Bacchus is in the halls. Worship him. We + worship him. Behold these stone buttresses shaken with their pillars. + Bacchus will shout in the palace.</p> + + <p>BAC. Light the burning fiery lamp; burn, burn the house of + Pentheus.</p> + + <p>SEM. Alas! Dost thou not behold the fire, nor perceive around the + sacred tomb of Semele the flame which formerly the bolt-bearing thunder + of Jupiter left?</p> + + <p>SEM. Cast on the ground your trembling bodies, cast them down, O + Mænads, for the king turning things upside down is coming to this palace, + [Bacchus,] the son of Jupiter.</p> + + <p>BAC. O barbarian women! have ye fallen to the ground thus stricken + with fear? Ye have felt, it seems, Bacchus shaking the house of Pentheus; + but lift up your bodies, and take courage, casting off fear from your + flesh.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O thou most mighty light to us of Evian Bacchic rites, how + gladly do I see thee, being before alone and desolate!</p> + + <p>BAC. Ye came to despair, when I was sent in, as about to fall into the + dark prison of Pentheus.</p> + + <p>CHOR. How not?—who was my guardian if you met with misfortune? + but how were you liberated, having met with an impious man?</p> + + <p>BAC. I delivered myself easily without trouble.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And did he not bind your hands in links of chains?</p> + + <p>BAC. In this too I mocked him; for, thinking to bind me, he neither + touched nor handled me, but fed on hope; and finding a bull in the + stable, where having taken me, he confined me, he cast halters round the + knees of that, and the hoofs of its feet;<a name="Ba_36"></a><a + href="#BaN_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> breathing out fury, stilling sweat + from his body, gnashing his teeth in his lips. But I, being near, sitting + quietly, looked on; and, in the mean time, Bacchus coming, shook the + house, and kindled flame on the tomb of his mother; and he, when he saw + it, thinking the house was burning, rushed to and fro, calling to the + servants to bring water,<a name="Ba_37"></a><a + href="#BaN_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a> and every servant was at work toiling + in vain; and letting go this labor, I having escaped, seizing a dark + sword he rushes into the house, and then Bromius, as it seems to me, I + speak my opinion, made an appearance in the palace, and he rushing toward + it, rushed on and stabbed at the bright air,<a name="Ba_38"></a><a + href="#BaN_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> as if slaying me; and besides this, + Bacchus afflicts him with these other things; and threw down his house to + the ground, and every thing was shivered in pieces, while he beheld my + bitter chains; and from fatigue dropping his sword, he falls + exhausted—for he being a man, dared to join battle with a God: and + I quietly getting out of the house am come to you, not regarding + Pentheus. But, as it seems to me, a shoe sounds in the house; he will + soon come out in front of the house. What will he say after this? I shall + easily bear him, even if he comes vaunting greatly, for it is the part of + a wise man to practice prudent moderation.</p> + + <p>PEN. I have suffered terrible things, the stranger has escaped me, who + was lately coerced in bonds. Hollo! here is the man; what is this? how do + you appear near my house, having come out?</p> + + <p>BAC. Stay your foot; and substitute calm steps for anger.</p> + + <p>PEN. How come you out, having escaped your chains?</p> + + <p>BAC. Did I not say, or did you not hear, that some one would deliver + me?</p> + + <p>PEN. Who? for you are always introducing strange things.</p> + + <p>BAC. He who produces the rich-clustering vine for mortals.</p> + + <p>PEN. This is a fine reproach you charge on Bacchus; I order ye to + close every tower all round.</p> + + <p>BAC. Why? do not Gods pass over walls too?</p> + + <p>PEN. You are wise, wise at least in all save what you should be wise + in.</p> + + <p>BAC. In what I most ought, in that I was born wise; but first learn, + hearing his words who is come from the mountain to bring a message to + you; but we will await you, we will not fly.</p> + + <p>MESSENGER. Pentheus, ruler o'er this Theban land, I come, having left + Cithæron, where never have the brilliant flakes of white snow fallen.<a + name="Ba_39"></a><a href="#BaN_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a></p> + + <p>PEN. But bringing what important news are you come?</p> + + <p>MESS. Having seen the holy Bacchæ, who driven by madness have darted + their fair feet from this land, have I come, wishing to tell you and the + city, O king, what awful things they do, things beyond marvel; and I wish + to hear whether in freedom of speech I shall tell you the matters there, + or whether I shall repress my report, for I fear, O king, the hastiness + of thy mind, and your keen temper, and too imperious disposition.<a + name="Ba_40"></a><a href="#BaN_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a></p> + + <p>PEN. Speak, as you shall be in all things blameless as far as I am + concerned; for it is not meet to be wrath with the just; and in + proportion as you speak worse things of the Bacchæ, so much the more will + we punish this man who has taught these tricks to the women.</p> + + <p>MESS. I was just now driving up to the heights the herd of calves, + when the sun sends forth his rays warming the land, and I see three + companies of dances of women, of one of which Autonoe was chief; of a + second, thy mother, Agave; and Ino led the third dance; and they were all + sleeping, relaxed in their bodies, some resting their locks against the + leaves of pine, and some laying their heads at random on the leaves of + oak in the ground, modestly, not, as you say, that, drunk with the goblet + and the noise of the flute, they solitary hunt Venus through the wood. + But thy mother standing in the midst of the Bacchæ, raised a shout, to + wake their bodies from sleep, when she heard the lowing of the horned + oxen; but they, casting off refreshing sleep from their eyes, started + upright, a marvel to behold for their elegance, young, old, and virgins + yet unyoked, And first they let loose their hair over their shoulders; + and arranged their deer-skins, as many as had had the fastenings of their + knots unloosed, and they girded the dappled hides with serpents licking + their jaws—and some having in their arms a kid, or the wild whelps + of wolves, gave them white milk, all those who, having lately had + children, had breasts still full, having left their infants, and they put + on their ivy chaplets, and garlands of oak and blossoming yew; and one + having taken a thyrsus, struck it against a rock, whence a dewy stream of + water springs out; another placed her wand on the ground, and then the + God sent up a spring of wine. And as many as had craving for the white + drink, scratching the earth with the tips of their fingers, obtained + abundance of milk; and from the ivy thyrsus sweet streams of honey + dropped, so that, had you been present, beholding these things, you would + have approached with prayers that God whom you now blame. And we came + together, herdsmen and shepherds, to reason with one another concerning + this strange matter, what terrible things and worthy of marvel they do; + and some one, a wanderer about the city, and practiced in speaking, said + to us all, O ye who inhabit the holy downs of the mountains, will ye that + we hunt out Agave, the mother of Pentheus, back from the revels, and do + the king a pleasure? And he seemed to us to speak well, and hiding + ourselves, we lay in ambush in the foliage of the thickets; and they, at + the appointed hour, waved the thyrsus in their solemnities, calling on + Bacchus with united voice, the son of Jove, Bromius; and the whole + mountain and the beasts were in a revel; and nothing was unmoved by their + running; and Agave was bounding near to me, and I sprang forth, as + wishing to seize her, leaving my ambush where I was hidden. But she cried + out, O my fleet hounds, we are hunted by these men; but follow me, + follow, armed with thyrsi in your hands. We then flying, avoided the + tearing of the Bacchæ, but they sprang on the heifers browsing the grass + with unarmed hand, and you might see one rending asunder a fatted lowing + calf, and others rent open cows, and you might see either ribs, or a + cloven-footed hoof, tossed here and there, and hanging beneath the + pine-trees the fragments were dripping, dabbled in gore; and the fierce + bulls before showing their fury with their horns, were thrown to the + ground, overpowered by myriads of maiden hands; and quicker were the + coverings of flesh torn asunder by the royal maids than you could shut + your eyes; and like birds raised in their course, they proceed along the + level plain, which by the streams of the Asopus produce the fertile crop + of the Thebans, and falling on Hysiæ and Erythræ,<a name="Ba_41"></a><a + href="#BaN_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a> which, are below Cithæron, they turned + every thing upside down; they dragged children from the houses; and + whatever they put on their shoulders stuck there without chains, and fell + not on the dark plain, neither brass nor iron; and they bore fire on + their tresses, and it burned not; but some from rage betook themselves to + arms, being plundered by the Bacchæ, the sight of which was fearful to + behold, O king! For their pointed spear was not made bloody, but the + women hurling the thyrsi from their hands, wounded them, and turned their + backs to flight, women [defeating] men; not without the aid of some God. + And they went back again to whence they had departed, to the same + fountains which the God had caused to spring up for them, and they washed + off the blood; and the snakes with their tongues cleaned off the drops + from their cheeks. Receive then, O master, this deity, whoever he be, in + this city, since he is mighty in other respects, and they say this too of + him, as I hear, that he has given mortals the vine which puts an end to + grief,—for where wine exists not there is no longer Venus, nor any + thing pleasant to men.<a name="Ba_42"></a><a + href="#BaN_42"><sup>[42]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CHOR. I fear to speak unshackled words to the king, but still they + shall be spoken; Bacchus is inferior to none of the Gods.</p> + + <p>PEN. Already like fire does this insolence of the Bacchæ extend thus + near, a great reproach to the Greeks. But I must not hesitate; go to the + Electra gates, bid all the shield-bearers and riders of swift-footed + horses to assemble, and all who brandish the light shield, and twang with + their hand the string of the bow, as we will make an attack upon the + Bacchæ; but it is too much, if we are to suffer what we are suffering at + the hands of women.</p> + + <p>BAC. O Pentheus, you obey not at all hearing my words; but although + suffering ill at your hands, still I say that you ought not to take up + arms against a God, but to rest quiet; Bromius will not endure your + moving the Bacchæ from their Evian mountains.</p> + + <p>PEN. You shall not teach me; but be content,<a name="Ba_43"></a><a + href="#BaN_43"><sup>[43]</sup></a> having escaped from prison, or else I + will again bring punishment upon you.</p> + + <p>BAC. I would rather sacrifice to him than, being wrath, kick against + the pricks; a mortal against a God.</p> + + <p>PEN. I will sacrifice, making a great slaughter of the women, as they + deserve, in the glens of Cithæron.</p> + + <p>BAC. You will all fly, (and that will be shameful,) so as to yield + your brazen shields to the thyrsi of the Bacchæ.</p> + + <p>PEN. We are troubled with this impracticable stranger, who neither + suffering nor doing will be silent.</p> + + <p>BAC. My friend, there is still opportunity to arrange these things + well.</p> + + <p>PEN. By doing what? being a slave to my slaves?</p> + + <p>BAC. I will bring the women here without arms.</p> + + <p>PEN. Alas! you are contriving some trick against me.</p> + + <p>BAC. Of what sort, if I wish to save you by my contrivances?</p> + + <p>PEN. You have devised this together, that ye may have your revelings + forever.</p> + + <p>BAC. And indeed, know this, I agreed on it with the God.</p> + + <p>PEN. Bring hither the arms! and do you cease to speak.</p> + + <p>BAC. Hah! Do you wish to see them sitting on the mountains?</p> + + <p>PEN. Very much, if I gave countless weight of gold for it.</p> + + <p>BAC. But why? have you fallen into a great wish for this?</p> + + <p>PEN. I should like to see them drunk grievously [for them].</p> + + <p>BAC. Would you then gladly see what is grievous to you?</p> + + <p>PEN. To be sure, sitting quietly under the pines.</p> + + <p>BAC. But they will track you out, even though you come secretly.</p> + + <p>PEN. But [I will come] openly, for you have said this well.</p> + + <p>BAC. Shall I then guide you? and will you attempt the way?</p> + + <p>PEN. Lead me as quickly as possible; for I do not grudge you the + time.</p> + + <p>BAC. Put on then linen garments on your body.</p> + + <p>PEN. What then, shall I be reckoned among women, being a man?</p> + + <p>BAC. Lest they slay you if you be seen there, being a man.</p> + + <p>PEN. You say this well, and you have been long wise.</p> + + <p>BAC. Bacchus taught me this wisdom.</p> + + <p>PEN. How then can these things which you advise me be well done?</p> + + <p>BAC. I will attire you, going into the house.</p> + + <p>PEN. With what dress—a woman's? but shame possesses me.</p> + + <p>BAC. Do you no longer wish to be a spectator of the Mænads?</p> + + <p>PEN. But what attire do you bid me put on my body?</p> + + <p>BAC. I will spread out your hair at length on your head.</p> + + <p>PEN. And what is the next point of my equipment?</p> + + <p>BAC. A garment down to your feet; and you shall have a turban on your + head.</p> + + <p>PEN. Shall you put any thing else on me besides this?</p> + + <p>BAC. A thyrsus in your hand, and the dappled hide of a deer.</p> + + <p>PEN. I can not wear a woman's dress.</p> + + <p>BAC. But you will shed blood if you join battle with the Bacchæ.</p> + + <p>PEN. True; we must first go and see.</p> + + <p>BAC. That is wiser at least than to hunt evils with evils.</p> + + <p>PEN. And how shall I go through the city escaping the notice of the + Cadmeans?</p> + + <p>BAC. We will go by deserted roads, and I will guide you.</p> + + <p>PEN. Every thing is better than for the Bacchæ to mock me.</p> + + <p>BAC. We will go into the house and consider what seems best.</p> + + <p>PEN. We can do what we like; my part is completely prepared. Let us + go; for either I will go bearing arms, or I will be guided by your + counsels.</p> + + <p>BAC. O women! the man is in the toils,<a name="Ba_44"></a><a + href="#BaN_44"><sup>[44]</sup></a> and he will come to the Bacchæ, where, + dying, he will pay the penalty. Now, Bacchus, 'tis thine office, for you + are not far off. Let us punish him; but first drive him out of his wits, + inspiring vain frenzy, since, being in his right mind, he will not be + willing to put on a female dress, but driving him out of his senses he + will put it on; and I wish him to furnish laughter to the Thebans, being + led in woman's guise through the city, after<a name="Ba_45"></a><a + href="#BaN_45"><sup>[45]</sup></a> his former threats, with which he was + terrible. But I will go to fit on Pentheus the dress, which, having + taken, he shall die, slain by his mother's hand. And he shall know + Bacchus, the son of Jupiter, who is in fact to men at once the most + terrible, and the mildest of deities.<a name="Ba_46"></a><a + href="#BaN_46"><sup>[46]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CHOR. Shall I move my white foot in the night-long dance, honoring + Bacchus, exposing my neck to the dewy air, sporting like a fawn in the + verdant delights of the mead, when it has escaped a fearful chase beyond + the watch of the well-woven nets, (and the huntsman cheering hastens on + the course of his hounds,) and with toil like the swift storm<a + name="Ba_47"></a><a href="#BaN_47"><sup>[47]</sup></a> rushes along the + plain that skirts the river, exulting in the solitude apart from men, and + in the thickets of the shady-foliaged wood? What is wisdom, what is a + more glorious gift from the Gods among mortals than to hold one's hand on + the heads of one's enemies? What is good is always pleasant; divine + strength is roused with difficulty, but still is sure, and it chastises + those mortals who honor folly, and do not extol the Gods in their insane + mind. But the Gods cunningly conceal the long foot<a name="Ba_48"></a><a + href="#BaN_48"><sup>[48]</sup></a> of time, and hunt the impious man; for + it is not right to determine or plan any thing beyond the laws: for it is + a light expense to deem that that has power whatever is divine, and that + what has been law for a long time has its origin in nature. What is + wisdom, what is a more noble gift from the Gods among men, than to hold + one's hand on the heads of one's enemies? what is honorable is always + pleasant. Happy is he who has escaped from the wave of the sea, and + arrived in harbor.<a name="Ba_49"></a><a + href="#BaN_49"><sup>[49]</sup></a> Happy, too, is he who has overcome his + labors; and one surpasses another in different ways, in wealth and power. + Still are there innumerable hopes to innumerable men, some result in + wealth to mortals, and some fail, but I call him happy whose life is + happy day by day.</p> + + <p>BAC. You, who are eager to see what you ought not, and hasty to do a + deed not of haste, I mean Pentheus, come forth before the house, be seen + by me, having the costume of a woman, of a frantic Bacchant, as a spy + upon your mother and her company! In appearance, you are like one of the + daughters of Cadmus.</p> + + <p>PEN. And indeed I think I see two suns,<a name="Ba_50"></a><a + href="#BaN_50"><sup>[50]</sup></a> and twin Thebes, and seven-gated city; + and you seem to guide me, being like a bull, and horns seem to grow on + your head. But were you ever a beast? for you look like a bull.</p> + + <p>BAC. The God accompanies us, not propitious formerly, but now at truce + with us. You see what you should see.</p> + + <p>PEN. How do I look? Does not my standing seem like that of Ino, or of + Agave, my mother?</p> + + <p>BAC. I seem to see them as I behold you; but this lock of hair of + yours is out of its place, not as I dressed it beneath the turban.</p> + + <p>PEN. Moving it within doors backward and forward, and practicing + Bacchic revelry, I disarranged it.</p> + + <p>BAC. But we who ought to wait upon you will again rearrange it. But + hold up your head.</p> + + <p>PEN. Look, do you arrange it, for we depend on you.</p> + + <p>BAC. And your girdle is loosened, and the fringes of your garments do + not extend regularly round your legs.</p> + + <p>PEN. They seem so to me, too, about the right foot at least; but on + this side the robe sits well along the leg.</p> + + <p>BAC. Will you not think me the first of your friends when, contrary to + your expectation, you see the Bacchæ acting modestly?</p> + + <p>PEN. But shall I be more like a Bacchant holding the thyrsus in my + right hand, or in this?</p> + + <p>BAC. You should [hold it in] your right hand, and raise it at the same + time with your right foot; and I praise you for having changed your + mind.</p> + + <p>PEN. Could I bear on my shoulders the glens of Cithæron, Bacchæ and + all?</p> + + <p>BAC. You could if you were willing; but you had your mind unsound + before; but now you have such as you ought.</p> + + <p>PEN. Shall we bring levers, or shall I tear them up with my hands, + putting my shoulder or arm under the summits?</p> + + <p>BAC. No, lest you ruin the habitations of the Nymphs, and the seats of + Pan where he plays his pipes.</p> + + <p>PEN. You speak well,—it is not with strength we should conquer + women; but I will hide my body among the pines.</p> + + <p>BAC. Hide you the hiding in which you should be hidden, coming as a + crafty spy on the Mænads.</p> + + <p>PEN. And, indeed, I think to catch them in the thickets, like birds in + the sweet nets of beds.</p> + + <p>BAC. You go then as a watch for this very thing; and perhaps you will + catch them, if you be not caught first.</p> + + <p>PEN. Conduct me through the middle of the Theban land, for I am the + only man of them who would dare these things.</p> + + <p>BAC. You alone labor for this city, you alone; therefore the labors, + which are meet,<a name="Ba_51"></a><a href="#BaN_51"><sup>[51]</sup></a> + await you. But follow me, I am your saving guide, some one else will + guide you away from thence.</p> + + <p>PEN. Yes, my mother.</p> + + <p>BAC. Being remarkable among all.</p> + + <p>PEN. For this purpose do I come.</p> + + <p>BAC. You will depart being borne.<a name="Ba_52"></a><a + href="#BaN_52"><sup>[52]</sup></a></p> + + <p>PEN. You allude to my delicacy.</p> + + <p>BAC. In the hands of your mother.</p> + + <p>PEN. And wilt thou compel me to be effeminate?</p> + + <p>BAC. Ay, with such effeminacy.</p> + + <p>PEN. I lay mine hands to worthy things.</p> + + <p>BAC. You are terrible, terrible: and you go to terrible sufferings; so + that you shall find a renown reaching to heaven. Spread out, O Agave, + your hands, and ye, her sister, daughters of Cadmus! I lead this young + man to a mighty contest; and the conqueror shall be I and Bacchus! The + rest the matter itself will show.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Go, ye fleet hounds of madness, go to the mountain where the + daughters of Cadmus hold their company; drive them raving against the + frantic spy on the Mænads,—him in woman's attire. First shall his + mother from some smooth rock or paling, behold him in ambush; and she + will cry out to the Mænads: Who is this of the Cadmeans who has come to + the mountain, the mountain, as a spy on us, who are on the mountain? Io + Bacchæ! Who brought him forth? for he was not born of the blood of women: + but, as to his race, he is either born of some lion, or of the Libyan + Gorgons. Let manifest justice go forth, let it go with sword in hand, + slaying the godless, lawless, unjust, earth-born offspring of Echion + through the throat; who, with wicked mind and unjust rage about your + orgies, O Bacchus, and those of thy mother,<a name="Ba_53"></a><a + href="#BaN_53"><sup>[53]</sup></a> with raving heart and mad disposition + proceeds as about to overcome an invincible deity by force. To possess + without pretext a wise understanding in respect to the Gods, and [a + disposition] befitting mortals, is a life ever free from grief. I + joyfully hunt after wisdom, if apart from envy, but the other conduct is + evidently ever great throughout life, directing one rightly the livelong + day, to reverence things honorable.<a name="Ba_54"></a><a + href="#BaN_54"><sup>[54]</sup></a> Appear as a bull, or a many-headed + dragon, or a fiery lion, to be seen. Go, O Bacchus! cast a snare around + the hunter of the Bacchæ, with a smiling face falling upon the deadly + crowd of the Mænads.</p> + + <p>MESS. O house, which wast formerly prosperous in Greece! house of the + Sidonian old man, who sowed in the land the earth-born harvest of the + dragon; how I lament for you, though a slave. But still the [calamities] + of their masters are a grief to good servants.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But what is the matter? Tellest thou any news from the + Bacchæ?</p> + + <p>MESS. Pentheus is dead, the son of his father Echion.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O, king Bacchus! truly you appear a great God!</p> + + <p>MESS. How sayest thou? Why do you say this? Do you, O woman, delight + at my master being unfortunate?</p> + + <p>CHOR. I, a foreigner, celebrate it in foreign strains; for no longer + do I crouch in fear under my fetters.</p> + + <p>MESS. But do you think Thebes thus void of men?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Bacchus, Bacchus, not Thebes, has my allegiance.</p> + + <p>MESS. You, indeed may be pardoned; still, O woman, it is not right to + rejoice at the misfortunes which have been brought to pass.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Tell me, say, by what fate is the wicked man doing wicked things + dead, O man?</p> + + <p>MESS. When having left Therapnæ of this Theban land, we crossed the + streams of Asopus, we entered on the height of Cithæron, Pentheus and I, + for I was following my master, and the stranger who was our guide in this + search, for the sight: first, then, we sat down in a grassy vale, keeping + our steps and tongues in silence, that we might see, not being seen; and + there was a valley surrounded by precipices, irrigated with streams, + shaded around with pines, where the Mænads were sitting employing their + hands in pleasant labors, for some of them were again crowning the + worn-out thyrsus, so as to make it leafy with ivy; and some, like horses + quitting the painted yoke, shouted in reply to another a Bacchic melody. + And the miserable Pentheus, not seeing the crowd of women, spake thus: O + stranger, where we are standing, I can not come at the place where is the + dance of the Mænads; but climbing a mound, or pine with lofty neck, I + could well discern the shameful deeds of the Mænads. And on this I now + see a strange deed of the stranger; for seizing hold of the extreme lofty + branch of a pine, he pulled it down, pulled it, pulled it to the dark + earth, and it was bent like a bow, or as a curved wheel worked by a lathe + describes a circle as it revolves, thus the stranger, pulling a mountain + bough with his hands, bent it to the earth; doing no mortal's deed; and + having placed Pentheus on the pine branches, he let it go upright through + his hands steadily, taking care that it should not shake him off; and the + pine stood firm upright to the sky, bearing on its back my master, + sitting on it; and he was seen rather than saw the Mænads, for sitting on + high he was apparent, as not before.<a name="Ba_55"></a><a + href="#BaN_55"><sup>[55]</sup></a> And one could no longer see the + stranger, but there was a certain voice from the sky; Bacchus, as one + might conjecture, shouted out: O youthful women, I bring you him who made + you and me and my orgies a laughing-stock: but punish ye him. And at the + same time he cried out, and sent forth to heaven and earth a light of + holy fire;<a name="Ba_56"></a><a href="#BaN_56"><sup>[56]</sup></a> and + the air was silent, and the fair meadowed grove kept its leaves in + silence, and you could not hear the voice of the beasts; but they not + distinctly receiving the voice, stood upright, and cast their eyes + around. And again he proclaimed his bidding. And when the daughters of + Cadmus' recognized the distinct command of Bacchus, they rushed forth, + having in the eager running of their feet a speed not less than that of a + dove; his mother, Agave, and her kindred sisters, and all the Bacchæ: and + frantic with the inspiration of the God, they bounded through the + torrent-streaming valley, and the clefts. But when they saw my master + sitting on the pine, first they threw at him handfuls of stones, striking + his head, mounting on an opposite piled rock; and with pine branches some + aimed, and some hurled their thyrsi through the air at Pentheus, wretched + mark;<a name="Ba_57"></a><a href="#BaN_57"><sup>[57]</sup></a> but they + failed of their purpose; for he having a height too great for their + eagerness, sat, wretched, destitute through perplexity. But at last + thundering together<a name="Ba_58"></a><a + href="#BaN_58"><sup>[58]</sup></a> some oaken branches, they tore up the + roots with levers not of iron; and when they could not accomplish the end + of their labors, Agave said, Come, standing round in a circle, seize each + a branch, O Mænads, that we may take the beast<a name="Ba_59"></a><a + href="#BaN_59"><sup>[59]</sup></a> who has climbed aloft, that he may not + tell abroad the secret dances of the God. And they applied their + innumerable hands to the pine, and tore it up from the ground; and + sitting on high, Pentheus falls to the ground from on high, with + numberless lamentations; for he knew that he was near to ill. And first + his mother, as the priestess, began his slaughter, and falls upon him; + but he threw the turban from his hair, that the wretched Agave, + recognizing him, might not slay him; and touching her cheek, he says, I, + indeed, O mother, am thy child,<a name="Ba_60"></a><a + href="#BaN_60"><sup>[60]</sup></a> Pentheus, whom you bore in the house + of Echion; but pity me, O mother! and do not slay me, thy child, for my + sins. But she, foaming and rolling her eyes every way, not thinking as + she ought to think, was possessed by Bacchus, and he did not persuade + her; and seizing his left hand with her hand, treading on the side of the + unhappy man, she tore off his shoulder, not by [her own] strength, but + the God gave facility to her hands; and Ino completed the work on the + other side, tearing his flesh. And Autonoe and the whole crowd of the + Bacchæ pressed on; and there was a noise of all together; he, indeed, + groaning as much as he had life in him, and they shouted; and one bore + his arm, another his foot, shoe and all; and his sides were bared by + their tearings, and the whole band, with gory hands, tore to pieces the + flesh of Pentheus: and his body lies in different places, part under the + rugged rocks, part in the deep shade of the wood, not easy to be sought; + and as to his miserable head, which his mother has taken in her hands, + having fixed it on the top of a thyrsus, she is bearing it, like that of + a savage lion, through the middle of Cithæron, leaving her sisters in the + dances of the Mænads; and she goes along rejoicing in her unhappy prey, + within these walls, calling upon Bacchus, her fellow-huntsman, her + fellow-workman in the chase, of glorious victory, by which she wins a + victory of tears. I, therefore, will depart out of the way of this + calamity before Agave comes to the palace; but to be wise, and to + reverence the Gods, this, I think, is the most honorable and wisest thing + for mortals who adopt it.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Let us dance in honor of Bacchus; let us raise a shout for what + has befallen Pentheus, the descendant of the dragon, who assumed female + attire and the wand with the beautiful thyrsus,—a certain death, + having a bull<a name="Ba_61"></a><a href="#BaN_61"><sup>[61]</sup></a> as + his leader to calamity. Ye Cadmean Bacchants, ye have accomplished a + glorious victory, illustrious, yet for woe and tears. It is a glorious + contest to plunge one's dripping hand in the blood of one's son. + But—for I see Agave, the mother of Pentheus, coining to the house + with starting eyes; receive the revel of the Evian God.</p> + + <p>AGAVE. O Asiatic Bacchæ!</p> + + <p>CHOR. To what dost thou excite me? O!</p> + + <p>AG. We bring from the mountains a fresh-culled wreathing<a + name="Ba_62"></a><a href="#BaN_62"><sup>[62]</sup></a> to the house, a + blessed prey.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I see it, and hail you as a fellow-reveler, O!</p> + + <p>AG. I have caught him without a noose, a young lion, as you may + see.</p> + + <p>CHOR. From what desert?</p> + + <p>AG. Cithæron.</p> + + <p>CHOR. What did Cithæron?</p> + + <p>AG. Slew him.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Who was it who first smote him?</p> + + <p>AG. The honor is mine. Happy Agave! We are renowned in our revels.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Who else?</p> + + <p>AG. Cadmus's.</p> + + <p>CHOR. What of Cadmus?</p> + + <p>AG. Descendants after me, after me laid hands on this beast.</p> + + <p>CHOR. You are fortunate in this capture.</p> + + <p>AG. Partake then of our feast.</p> + + <p>CHOR. What shall I, unhappy, partake of?</p> + + <p>AG. The whelp is young about the chin; he has just lost his + soft-haired head-gear.<a name="Ba_63"></a><a + href="#BaN_63"><sup>[63]</sup></a></p> + + <p>AG. For it is beautiful as the mane of a wild beast.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Bacchus, a wise huntsman, wisely hurried the Mænads against this + beast.</p> + + <p>CHOR. For the king is a huntsman.</p> + + <p>AG. Do you praise?</p> + + <p>CHOR. What? I do praise.</p> + + <p>AG. But soon the Cadmeans.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And thy son Pentheus his mother—</p> + + <p>AG. —will praise, as having caught this lion-born prey.</p> + + <p>CHOR. An excellent prey.</p> + + <p>AG. Excellently.</p> + + <p>CHOR. You rejoice.</p> + + <p>AG. I rejoice greatly, having accomplished great and illustrious deeds + for this land.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Show now, O wretched woman, thy victorious booty to the + citizens, which you have come bringing with you.</p> + + <p>AG. O, ye who dwell in the fair-towered city of the Theban land, come + ye, that ye may behold this prey, O daughters of Cadmus, of the wild + beast which we have taken; not by the thonged javelins of the + Thessalians, not by nets, but by the fingers, our white arms; then may we + boast that we should in vain possess the instruments of the spear-makers; + but we, with this hand, slew this beast, and tore its limbs asunder. + Where is my aged father? let him come near; and where is my son Pentheus? + let him take and raise the ascent of a wattled ladder against the house, + that he may fasten to the triglyphs this head of the lion which I am + present having caught.</p> + + <p>CAD. Follow me, bearing the miserable burden of Pentheus; follow me, O + servants, before the house; whose body here, laboring with immeasurable + search, I bear, having found it in the defiles of Cithæron, torn to + pieces, and finding nothing in the same place, lying in a thicket, + difficult to be searched. For I heard from some one of the daring deeds + of my daughters just as I came to the city within the walls, with the old + Tiresias, concerning the Bacchæ; and having returned again to the + mountain, I bring back my child, slain by the Mænads. And I saw Autonoe, + who formerly bore Actæon to Aristæus, and Ino together, still mad in the + thicket, unhappy creatures; but some one told me that Agave was coming + hither with frantic foot; nor did I hear a false tale, for I behold her, + an unhappy sight.</p> + + <p>AG. O father! you may boast a great boast, that you of mortals have + begotten by far the best daughters; I mean all, but particularly myself, + who, leaving my shuttle at the loom, have come to greater things, to + catch wild beasts with my hands. And having taken him, I bear in my arms, + as you see, these spoils of my valor, that they may be suspended against + your house. And do you, O father, receive them in your hands; and + rejoicing over my successful capture, invite your friends to a feast; for + you are blessed, blessed since I have done such deeds.</p> + + <p>CAD. O, woe! and not to be seen, of those who have accomplished a + slaughter not to be measured by wretched hands; having stricken down a + glorious victim for the Gods, you invite Thebes and me to a banquet. Alas + me, first for thy ills, then for mine own; how justly, but how severely, + has king Bromius destroyed us, being one of our own family!</p> + + <p>AG. How morose is old age in men! and sullen to the eye; would that my + son may be fond of hunting, resembling the disposition of his mother, + when with the Theban youths he would strive after the beasts—but he + is only fit to contend with Gods. He is to be admonished, O father, by + you and me, not to rejoice in clever evil. Where is he? Who will summon + him hither to my sight, that he may see me, that happy woman?</p> + + <p>CAD. Alas, alas! knowing what ye have done, ye will grieve a sad + grief; but if forever ye remain in the condition in which ye are, not + fortunate, you will seem not to be unfortunate.</p> + + <p>AG. But what of these matters is not well, or what is grievous?</p> + + <p>CAD. First cast your eyes up to this sky.</p> + + <p>AG. Well; why do you bid me look at it?</p> + + <p>CAD. Is it still the same, or think you it is changed?</p> + + <p>AG. It is brighter than formerly, and more divine.</p> + + <p>CAD. Is then this fluttering still present to your soul?</p> + + <p>AG. I understand not your word; but I become somehow sobered, changing + from my former mind.</p> + + <p>CAD. Can you then hear any thing, and answer clearly?</p> + + <p>AG. How I forget what we said before, O father!</p> + + <p>CAD. To what house did you come in marriage?</p> + + <p>AG. You gave me, as they say, to the sown Echion.</p> + + <p>CAD. What son then was born in your house to your husband?</p> + + <p>AG. Pentheus, by the association of myself and his father.</p> + + <p>CAD. Whose head then have you in your arms?</p> + + <p>AG. That of a lion, as those who hunted him said.</p> + + <p>CAD. Look now rightly; short is the toil to see.</p> + + <p>AG. Ah! what do I see? what is this I bear in my hands?</p> + + <p>CAD. Look at it, and learn more clearly.</p> + + <p>AG. I see the greatest grief, wretch that I am!</p> + + <p>CAD. Does it seem to you to be like a lion?</p> + + <p>AG. No: but I, wretched, hold the head of Pentheus.</p> + + <p>CAD. Ay, much lamented before you recognized him.</p> + + <p>AG. Who slew him, how came he into my hands?</p> + + <p>CAD. O wretched truth, how unseasonably art thou come!</p> + + <p>AG. Tell me, since delay causes a quivering at my heart.</p> + + <p>CAD. You and your sisters slew him.</p> + + <p>AG. And where did he die, in the house, or in what place?</p> + + <p>CAD. Where formerly the dogs tore Actæon to pieces.</p> + + <p>AG. But why did he, unhappy, go to Cithæron?</p> + + <p>CAD. He went deriding the God and your Bacchic revels.</p> + + <p>AG. But on what account did we go thither?</p> + + <p>CAD. Ye were mad, and the whole city was frantic with Bacchus.<a + name="Ba_64"></a><a href="#BaN_64"><sup>[64]</sup></a></p> + + <p>AG. Bacchus undid us—now I perceive.</p> + + <p>CAD. Being insulted with insolence—for ye thought him not a + God.</p> + + <p>AG. But the dear body of my child, O father!</p> + + <p>CAD. I having with difficulty traced it, bring it all.</p> + + <p>AG. What! rightly united in its joints? * * * *</p> + + <p>AG. But what part had Pentheus in my folly?<a name="Ba_65"></a><a + href="#BaN_65"><sup>[65]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CAD. He was like you, not reverencing the God, therefore he joined all + in one ruin, both ye and this one, so as to ruin the house, and me, who + being childless of male children, see this branch of thy womb, O unhappy + woman! most miserably and shamefully slain—whom the house + respected; you, O child, who supported my house, born of my daughter, and + was an object of fear to the city; and no one wished to insult the old + man, seeing you; for he would have received a worthy punishment. But now + I shall be cast out of my house dishonored, I, the mighty Cadmus, who + sowed the Theban race, and reaped a most glorious crop; O dearest of men, + for although no longer in being, still thou shalt be counted by me as + dearest of my children; no longer touching this, my chin, with thy hand, + addressing me, your mother's father, wilt thou embrace me, my son, + saying, Who injures, who insults you, O father, who harasses your heart, + being troublesome I say, that I may punish him who does you wrong, O + father. But now I am miserable, and thou art wretched, and thy mother is + pitiable, and thy relations are wretched. But if there is any one who + despises the Gods, looking on this man's death, let him acknowledge the + Gods.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I grieve for thy state, O Cadmus; but your child has the + punishment of your daughter, deserved indeed, but grievous to you.</p> + + <p>AG. O father, for you see how I am changed ...</p> + + <p>BAC ... changing, you shall become a dragon, and your wife becoming a + beast, shall receive in exchange the form of a serpent, Harmonia, the + daughter of Mars, whom you had, being a mortal. And as the oracle of Jove + says, you shall drive with your wife a chariot of heifers, ruling over + barbarians; and with an innumerable army you shall sack many cities; and + when they plunder the temple of Apollo, they shall have a miserable + return, but Mars shall defend you and Harmonia, and shall settle your + life in the islands of the blessed. I say this, I, Bacchus, not born of a + mortal father, but of Jove; and if ye had known how to be wise when ye + would not, ye would have been happy, having the son of Jupiter for your + ally.</p> + + <p>CAD. Bacchus, we beseech thee, we have erred.</p> + + <p>BAC. Ye have learned it too late; but when it behooved you, you knew + it not.</p> + + <p>CAD. I knew it, but you press on us too severely.</p> + + <p>BAC. [Ay,] for I, being a God, was insulted by you.</p> + + <p>CAD. It is not right for Gods to resemble mortals in anger.<a + name="Ba_66"></a><a href="#BaN_66"><sup>[66]</sup></a></p> + + <p>BAC. My father, Jove, long ago decreed this.</p> + + <p>AG. Alas! a miserable banishment is the decree<a name="Ba_67"></a><a + href="#BaN_67"><sup>[67]</sup></a> [for us,] old man.</p> + + <p>BAC. Why do ye then delay what must needs be?</p> + + <p>CAD. O child, into what terrible evil have we come; both you wretched + and your * * * * sisters,<a name="Ba_68"></a><a + href="#BaN_68"><sup>[68]</sup></a> and I miserable, shall go, an aged + sojourner, to foreigners. Still it is foretold that I shall bring into + Greece a motley barbarian army, and leading their spears, I, a dragon, + shall lead the daughter of Mars, Harmonia, my wife, having the fierce + nature of a dragon, to the altars and tombs of the Greeks. Nor shall I, + wretched, rest from ills, nor even sailing over the Acheron below shall I + be at rest.</p> + + <p>AG. O, my father! and I being deprived of you shall be banished.</p> + + <p>CAD. Why do you embrace me with your hands, O unhappy child, as a + white swan does its exhausted<a name="Ba_69"></a><a + href="#BaN_69"><sup>[69]</sup></a> parent?</p> + + <p>AG. For whither can I turn, cast out from my country?</p> + + <p>CAD. I know not, my child; your father is a poor ally.</p> + + <p>AG. Farewell, O house! farewell, O ancestral city! I leave you in + misfortune a fugitive from my chamber.</p> + + <p>CAD. Go then, my child, to the land of Aristæus * * * *.</p> + + <p>AG. I bemoan thee, O father!</p> + + <p>CAD. And I thee, my child; and I lament your sisters.</p> + + <p>AG. Terribly indeed has king Bacchus brought this misery upon thy + house.</p> + + <p>BAC. [Ay,] for I have suffered terrible things from ye, having a name + unhonored in Thebes.</p> + + <p>AG. Farewell, my father.</p> + + <p>CAD. And you farewell, O miserable daughter; yet you can not easily + arrive at this.</p> + + <p>AG. Lead me, O guides, where I may take my miserable sisters as the + companions of my flight; and may I go where neither accursed Cithæron may + see me, nor I may see Cithæron with my eyes, and where there is no memory + of the thyrsus hallowed, but they may be a care to other Bacchæ.</p> + + <p>CHOR. There are many forms of divine things; and the Gods bring to + pass many in an unexpected manner: both what has been expected has not + been accomplished, and God has found out a means for doing things + unthought of. So, too, has this event turned out.<a name="Ba_70"></a><a + href="#BaN_70"><sup>[70]</sup></a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>NOTES ON THE BACCHÆ</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="BaN_1"></a><a href="#Ba_1">[1]</a> For illustrations of the + fable of this play, compare Hyginus, Fab. clxxxiv., who evidently has a + view to Euripides. Ovid, Metam. iii. fab. v. Oppian, Cyneg. iv. 241 sqq. + Nonnus, 45, p. 765 sq. and 46, p. 783 sqq., some of whose imitations I + shall mention in my notes. With the opening speech of this play compare + the similar one of Venus in the Hippolytus.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_2"></a><a href="#Ba_2">[2]</a> Cf. vs. 176; and for the + musical instruments employed in the Bacchanalian rites, vs. 125 sqq. + Oppian, Cyn. iv. 243. <span lang="el" title="nebrisi d' amphebalonto, kai + estepsanto korymbois, En speï, kai peri paida to mystikon ôrchêsanto. + Tympana d' ektypeon, kai kymbala chersi + krotainon">νεβρισι δ' + αμφεβαλοντο, + και + εστεψαντο + κορυμβοις, + Εν σπεϊ, και + περι παιδα + το μυστικον + ωρχησαντο. + Τυμπανα δ' + εκτυπεον, + και κυμβαλα + χερσι + κροταινον</span>. + Compare Gorius, Monum. Libert. et Serv. ad Tab. vii. p. 15 sq.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_3"></a><a href="#Ba_3">[3]</a> Such is the sense of <span + lang="el" + title="synapsomai">συναψομαι</span>, + <span lang="el" title="machên">μαχην</span> + being understood. See Matthiæ.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_4"></a><a href="#Ba_4">[4]</a> Drums and cymbals were + invented by the Goddess in order to drown the cries of the infant + Jupiter. Minutius Felix, xxi. "Avido patri subtrahitur infans ne voretur, + et Corybantum cymbalis, ne pater audiat, vagitus initus eliditur" (read + <i>audiat vagitus, tinnitus illi editur</i>, from the <i>vestigia</i> of + Cod. Reg.). Cf. Lactant. i. 13.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_5"></a><a href="#Ba_5">[5]</a> Cf. Homer, Hymn. in Cerer. + 485. <span lang="el" title="olbios, hos tad' opôpen epichthoniôn + anthrôpôn: Hos d' atelês, hierôn host' ammoros, oupoth' homoiôn Aisan + echei, phthimenos per, hypo zophôi + eurôenti">ολβιος, + ‛ος ταδ' + οπωπεν + επιχθονιων + ανθρωπων: + ‛Ος δ' + ατελης, + ‛ιερων + ‛οστ' + αμμορος, + ουποθ' + ‛ομοιων + Αισαν εχει, + φθιμενος + περ, ‛υπο + ζοφωι + ευρωεντι</span>. See + Ruhnken's note, and Valck. on Eur. Hippol.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_6"></a><a href="#Ba_6">[6]</a> This passage is extremely + difficult. <span lang="el" + title="Plokamôn">Πλοκαμων</span> + seems decidedly corrupt. Reiske would read <span lang="el" + title="pokadôn">ποκαδων</span>, + Musgrave <span lang="el" title="leukotrichôn plokamois + mallôn">λευκοτριχων + πλοκαμοις + μαλλων</span>. Elmsley would + substitute <span lang="el" + title="probatôn">προβατων</span>, + "si <span lang="el" + title="probaton">προβατον</span> + apud Euripidem exstaret." This seems the most probable view as yet + expressed. The <span lang="el" title="eriosteptoi + kladoi">εριοστεπτοι + κλαδοι</span> are learnedly explained + by Lobeck on Ag. p. 375 sq., quoted by Dindorf. The <span lang="el" + title="mallôsis">μαλλωσις</span> + or insertion of spots of party-colored fur upon the plain skin of + animals, was a favorite ornament of the wealthy. The spots of ermine + similarly used now are the clearest illustration to which I can point. + Lobeck also observes, "<span lang="el" title="kata + bakchiousthai">κατα + βακχιουσθαι</span> + non bacchari significat, sed coronari."</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_7"></a><a href="#Ba_7">[7]</a> These ladies seem to have + been rather undomestic in character, as Agave makes this very fact a + boast, vs. 1236.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_8"></a><a href="#Ba_8">[8]</a> Cf. Apollodor. l. i., § 3, + interpp. ad Virg. G. iv. 152. Compare Porphyr. de Nymph. Antr. p. 262, + ad. Holst. <span lang="el" title="spêlaia toinyn kai antra tôn + palaiotatôn prin kai naous epinoêsai theois aphosiountôn. kai en Krêtêi + men kourêtôn, Diï en Arkadiai de, selênêi kai Pani Lykeiôi: kai en Naxôi + Dionysôi. pantachou d' hopou ton Mithran egnôsan, dia spêlaiou ton theon + hileoumenôn">σπηλαια + τοινυν και + αντρα των + παλαιοτατων + πριν και + ναους + επινοησαι + θεοις + αφοσιουντων. + και εν + Κρητηι μεν + κουρητων, + Διϊ εν + Αρκαδιαι δε, + σεληνηι και + Πανι + Λυκειωι: και + εν Ναξωι + Διονυσωι. + πανταχου δ' + ‛οπου τον + Μιθραν + εγνωσαν, δια + σπηλαιου + τον θεον + ‛ιλεουμενων</span>. + Cf. Moll. ad Longi Past. i. 2. p. 22 sq. ed. Boden.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_9"></a><a href="#Ba_9">[9]</a> Cf. Virg. Æn. iv. 301, and + Ritterh. on Oppian, Cyn. i, 24.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_10"></a><a href="#Ba_10">[10]</a> Compare the epithet of + Bacchus <span lang="el" + title="Ômadios">Ωμαδιος</span>, + Orph. Hymn. xxx. 5; l. 7, which has been wrongly explained by Gesner and + Hermann. The true interpretation is given by Porphyr. de Abst. ii. 55, + who states that human sacrifices were offered <span lang="el" + title="ômadiôi + Dionysôi">ωμαδιωι + Διονυσωι</span> the man + being torn to pieces (<span lang="el" + title="diaapôntes">διααπωντες</span>).</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_11"></a><a href="#Ba_11">[11]</a> Persius i. 92. "et + lynceus Mænas flexura corymbis Evion ingeminat, reparabilis assonat + Echo." Euseb. Pr. Ev. ii. 3, derives the cry from Eve!</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_12"></a><a href="#Ba_12">[12]</a> I should read this line + interrogatively, with Elmsley.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_13"></a><a href="#Ba_13">[13]</a> Quoted by Gellius, + xiii. 18.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_14"></a><a href="#Ba_14">[14]</a> Elmsley would read + <span lang="el" title="makron to + mellon">μακρον το + μελλον</span>. Perhaps the true + reading is <span lang="el" title="mellein + akairon">μελλειν + ακαιρον</span> = <i>it is no + season for delay</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_15"></a><a href="#Ba_15">[15]</a> The construction is so + completely akward, that I almost feel inclined to consider this verse as + an interpolation, with Dindorf.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_16"></a><a href="#Ba_16">[16]</a> Compare Nonnus, 45. p. + 765 4. <span lang="el" title="Teiresian kai Kadmon atasthalon iache + Pentheus. Kadme, ti margaineis, tini daimoni kômon egeireis; Kadme, + miainomenês apokattheo kisson etheirês, Kattheo kai nartheka nooplaneos + Dionysou.... Nêpie Teiresia stephanêphore rhipson aêtais Sôn plokamôn + tade phylla nothon stephos, + k.t.l.">Τειρεσιαν + και Καδμον + ατασθαλον + ιαχε + Πενθευς. + Καδμε, τι + μαργαινεις, + τινι + δαιμονι + κωμον + εγειρεις; + Καδμε, + μιαινομενης + αποκατθεο + κισσον + εθειρης, + Κατθεο και + ναρθεκα + νοοπλανεος + Διονυσου.... + Νηπιε + Τειρεσια + στεφανηφορε + ‛ριψον + αηταις Σων + πλοκαμων + ταδε φυλλα + νοθον + στεφος, + κ.τ.λ.</span></p> + + <p><a name="BaN_17"></a><a href="#Ba_17">[17]</a> Compare the opinion of + Perseus in Cicero de N.D. i. 15, with Minutius Felix, xxi.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_18"></a><a href="#Ba_18">[18]</a> Pseud-Orpheus Hymn. l. + 6. <span lang="el" title="pausiponon thnêtoisi phaneis + akos.">παυσιπονον + θνητοισι + φανεις + ακος.</span></p> + + <p><a name="BaN_19"></a><a href="#Ba_19">[19]</a> Dindorf truly says that + this passage smacks rather of Proclus, than of Euripides, and I agree + with him that its spuriousness is more than probable. Had Euripides + designed an etymological quibble, he would probably have made some + allusion to Merus, a mountain of India, where Bacchus is said to have + been brought up. See Curtius, viii. 10. "Sita est sub radicibus montis, + quem Meron incolæ appellant. Inde Græci mentiendi traxere licentiam, + Jovis femine liberum patrem esse celatum." Cf. Eustath. on Dionys. + Perieg. 1159. Lucian. Dial. Deor. ix. and Hermann on Orph. Hymn. lii. + 3.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_20"></a><a href="#Ba_20">[20]</a> The gift of <span + lang="el" + title="mantikê">μαντικη</span> + was supposed to follow initiation, and is often joined with the rites of + this deity. Philostratus, Heroic. p. 22, ed. Boiss. <span lang="el" + title="hote dê kai mantikês sophias emphorountai, kai to chrêsmôdes + autais prosbakcheuei.">‛οτε δη + και + μαντικης + σοφιας + εμφορουνται, + και το + χρησμωδες + αυταις + προσβακχευει.</span></p> + + <p><a name="BaN_21"></a><a href="#Ba_21">[21]</a> Cf. Hippol. 443. <span + lang="el" title="Kypris gar ou phorêton ên pollê + rhyêi">Κυπρις γαρ + ου φορητον + ην πολλη + ‛ρυηι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_22"></a><a href="#Ba_22">[22]</a> I have followed + Matthiæ's interpretation of this passage.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_23"></a><a href="#Ba_23">[23]</a> See Hermann's note.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_24"></a><a href="#Ba_24">[24]</a> The fate of Actæon is + often joined with that of Pentheus.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_25"></a><a href="#Ba_25">[25]</a> i.e. over-cunning in + regard to religious matters. Cf. 200. <span lang="el" title="ouden + sophizomestha toisi daimosin">ουδεν + σοφιζομεσθα + τοισι + δαιμοσιν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_26"></a><a href="#Ba_26">[26]</a> Probably a mere + hyperbole to denote great fruitfulness. See Elmsley.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_27"></a><a href="#Ba_27">[27]</a> Cf. Hor. Od. iii. 21, + 20.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_28"></a><a href="#Ba_28">[28]</a> I follow Dindorf in + reading <span lang="el" title="sopha d'">σοφα + δ'</span>, but am scarcely satisfied.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_29"></a><a href="#Ba_29">[29]</a> Hence his epithet of + Bacchus <span lang="el" + title="Nyktelios">Νυκτελιος</span>. + See Herm. on Orph. Hymn. xlix. 3.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_30"></a><a href="#Ba_30">[30]</a> See my note on Æsch. + Choeph. 7.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_31"></a><a href="#Ba_31">[31]</a> Cf Person Advers. p. + 265. Hor. Ep. i. 16. 73 "Vir bonus et sapiens audebit dicere Pentheu, + Rector Thebarum, quid me perferre patique Indignum coges? Adima bona, + nempe pecus, rem, Lectos, argentum: tollas licet. In manicis et + Compedibus sævo te sub custode tenebo. Ipse deus, simul atque volam, me + solvet. Opinor, Hoc sentit: moriar. Mors ultima linea rerum est."</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_32"></a><a href="#Ba_32">[32]</a> Punning on <span + lang="el" + title="penthos">πενθος</span>, + <i>grief</i>. Cf. Arist. Rhet. ii. 23, 29.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_33"></a><a href="#Ba_33">[33]</a> i.e. of Parnassus. + Elmsley (after Stanl. on Æsch. Eum. 22.) remarks that <span lang="el" + title="Kôrykis petra">Κωρυκις + πετρα</span> means the Corycian cave in + Parnassus, <span lang="el" title="Kôrykiai + koryphai">Κωρυκιαι + κορυφαι</span>, the heights of + Parnassus.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_34"></a><a href="#Ba_34">[34]</a> Hermann and Dindorf + correct <span lang="el" + title="Loidian">Λοιδιαν</span> + from Herodot. vii. 127.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_35"></a><a href="#Ba_35">[35]</a> The earth and buildings + were supposed to shake at the presence of a deity. Cf. Callimach. Hymn. + Apol. sub init. Virg. Æn. iii. 90; vi. 255. For the present instance + Nonnus, 45. p. 751.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="êdê d' autoeliktos eseieto Pentheos aulê,">ηδη δ' αυτοελικτος εσειετο Πενθεος αυλη,</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="aklineôn sphairêdon anaïssousa themethlôn,">ακλινεων σφαιρηδον αναϊσσουσα θεμεθλων,</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="kai poleôn dedonêto thorôn enosichthoni palmôi">και πολεων δεδονητο θορων ενοσιχθονι παλμωι</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="pêmatos essomenoio proangelos.">πηματος εσσομενοιο προαγγελος.</span> </p> + </div> + </div> + <p><a name="BaN_36"></a><a href="#Ba_36">[36]</a> The madness of Ajax led + to a similar delusion. Cf. Soph. Aj. 56 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_37"></a><a href="#Ba_37">[37]</a> Compare a fragment of + Didymus apud Macrob. Sat. v. 18, who states <span lang="el" + title="Achelôon pan hydôr Euripidês phêsin en + Hypsipylêi">Αχελωον + παν ‛υδωρ + Ευριπιδης + φησιν εν + ‛Υψιπυληι</span>. + See also comm. on Virg. Georg. i. 9.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_38"></a><a href="#Ba_38">[38]</a> The reader of Scott + will call to mind the fine description of Ireton lunging at the air, in a + paroxysm of fanatic raving. See "Woodstock." So also Orestes in Iph. + Taur. 296 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_39"></a><a href="#Ba_39">[39]</a> <span lang="el" + title="aneisan">ανεισαν</span>, + <i>solvuntur, liquescunt.</i> BRODEUS.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_40"></a><a href="#Ba_40">[40]</a> Cf. Soph Ant. 243 + sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_41"></a><a href="#Ba_41">[41]</a> These two cities were + in ruins in the time of Pausanias. See ix. 3. p. 714, ed. Kuhn.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_42"></a><a href="#Ba_42">[42]</a> Cf. Athenæus, p. 40. B. + Terent. Eun. iv. 5. "Sine Cerere et Libero friget Venus." Apul Met. ii. + p. 119, ed. Elm. "Ecce, inquam, Veneris hortator et armiger Liber advenit + ultro," where see Pricæus.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_43"></a><a href="#Ba_43">[43]</a> More literally, + perhaps, "keep it and be thankful."</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_44"></a><a href="#Ba_44">[44]</a> Theocrit. i. 40. <span + lang="el" title="mega diktyon es bolon + helkei">μεγα + δικτυον ες + βολον + ‛ελκει</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_45"></a><a href="#Ba_45">[45]</a> But <span lang="el" + title="ek tôn apeilôn">εκ των + απειλων</span> conveys a notion + of change = <i>instead of</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_46"></a><a href="#Ba_46">[46]</a> Elmsley remarks that + <span lang="el" + title="anthrôpoisi">ανθρωποισι</span> + belongs to both members of the sentence. I have therefore supplied. The + sense may be illustrated from Hippol. 5 sq.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_47"></a><a href="#Ba_47">[47]</a> See Matthiæ.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_48"></a><a href="#Ba_48">[48]</a> i.e. step. This is + ridiculed by Aristoph. Ran. 100, where the Scholiast quotes a similar + example from our author's Alexandra.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_49"></a><a href="#Ba_49">[49]</a> Compare Havercamp on + Lucret. ii. sub init.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_50"></a><a href="#Ba_50">[50]</a> Compare Virgil, Æn. iv. + 469. "Et solem geminum, et duplices se ostendere Thebas." In the second + passage of Clemens Alexandrinus quoted by Elmsley, <span lang="el" + title="gerôn">γερων</span> is probably a + mistaken reference to Tiresias.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_51"></a><a href="#Ba_51">[51]</a> An obscure hint at the + impending fate of Pentheus. Nonnus has led the way to the catastrophe by + a graphic description of Agave's dream. Dionys. 45. p. 751.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_52"></a><a href="#Ba_52">[52]</a> <span lang="el" + title="pheromenos">φερομενος</span> + may mean either "carried in a litter," or "carried to burial." There is a + somewhat similar play in the epigram of Ausonius, xxiii. "Mater Lacæna + clypeo obarmans filium, cum hoc, inquit, aut in hoc, redi."</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_53"></a><a href="#Ba_53">[53]</a> Burges more rightly + reads <span lang="el" title="matros te + Gas">ματρος τε + Γας</span>. See Elmsley's note.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_54"></a><a href="#Ba_54">[54]</a> As one must make some + translation, I have done my best with this passage, which is, however, + utterly unintelligible in Dindorf's text. A reference to his selection of + notes will furnish some new readings, but, as a whole, quite + unsatisfactory.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_55"></a><a href="#Ba_55">[55]</a> Compare the parallel + account in Nonnus, 46. p. 784.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_56"></a><a href="#Ba_56">[56]</a> Alluded to by Oppian, + Cyn. iv. 300. <span lang="el" title="apte selas phlogeron patrôion, an d' + elelêxon Daian, atartêron d' opason tisin ôka + tyrannou">απτε + σελας + φλογερον + πατρωιον, αν + δ' ελεληξον + Δαιαν, + αταρτηρον δ' + οπασον + τισιν ωκα + τυραννου</span>. He then + relates that Pentheus was transformed into a bull, the Mænads into + panthers, who tore him to pieces.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_57"></a><a href="#Ba_57">[57]</a> <span lang="el" + title="stochos">στοχος</span> is + either the aim itself, or the mark aimed at, as in this passage, and + Xenoph. Ages. 1. 25.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_58"></a><a href="#Ba_58">[58]</a> I have done my best + with this extraordinary expression, of which Elmsley quotes another + example from Archilochus Fragm. 36. Perhaps the notion of excessive + rapidity is intended to be expressed.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_59"></a><a href="#Ba_59">[59]</a> <span lang="el" + title="thêr">θηρ</span> seems metaphorically said, as + in Æsch. Eum. 47. Nonnus, 45. p. 784, 23. above, 922.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_60"></a><a href="#Ba_60">[60]</a> Compare Nonnus, 46. p. + 784.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p><span lang="el" title="Kai tote min lipe lyssa noosphaleos Dionysou,">Και τοτε μιν λιπε λυσσα νοοσφαλεος Διονυσου,</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="kai proteras phrenas esche to deuteron: amphi de gaiêi">και προτερας φρενας εσχε το δευτερον: αμφι δε γαιηι</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="geitona potmon echôn kenyrên ephthenxato phônên.">γειτονα ποτμον εχων κενυρην εφθεγξατο φωνην.</span> </p> + <p>* * * * * *</p> + <p><span lang="el" title="mêter emê dysmêter apêneos iocheo lyssês,">μητερ εμη δυσμητερ απηνεος ιοχεο λυσσης,</span> </p> + <p><span lang="el" title="thêra pothen kaleeis me ton hyiea.">θηρα ποθεν καλεεις με τον ‛υιεα.</span> </p> + </div> + </div> + <p>The whole passage is very elegant, and even pathetic.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_61"></a><a href="#Ba_61">[61]</a> Alluding to the horns + of Bacchus. Cf. Sidon. Apoll. Burg. Pontii Leontii, vs. 26, "Caput ardua + rumpunt Cornua, et indigenam jaculantur fulminis ignem." See some + whimsical reasons for this in Isidor. Origg viii. 2. Albricus de Deor. + Nu. xix. But compare above, vs. 920. <span lang="el" title="Kai tauros + hêmin prosthen hêgeisthai dokeis, kai sôi kerate krati + prospephykenai">Και + ταυρος + ‛ημιν + προσθεν + ‛ηγεισθαι + δοκεις, και + σωι κερατε + κρατι + προσπεφυκεναι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_62"></a><a href="#Ba_62">[62]</a> Elmsley has rightly + shown that <span lang="el" + title="helika">‛ελικα</span> could + not of itself mean "a bull" or "heifer," although Homer has <span + lang="el" title="eilipodas helikas + bous">ειλιποδας + ‛ελικας + βους</span>. I have therefore followed Hermann, + who remarks, "<span lang="el" + title="helix">‛ελιξ</span> seems properly + to be meant for the clusters of ivy with which the thyrsus was entwined. + Hence Agave says that she adorns the thyrsus with a new-fashioned wreath, + viz. the head of her son." Such language is, however, more like the + proverbial boldness of Æschylus, than the even style of our poet.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_63"></a><a href="#Ba_63">[63]</a> "<span lang="el" + title="korytha">κορυθα</span>, + ornamentum capitis, vix potest dubitari quin pro ipso capite posuerit." + HERMANN. There is considerable variation in the manner in which the + following lines are disposed.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_64"></a><a href="#Ba_64">[64]</a> Or, "Bacchus-mad."</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_65"></a><a href="#Ba_65">[65]</a> I have marked a lacuna + with Dindorf.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_66"></a><a href="#Ba_66">[66]</a> See the commentators on + Virg. Æn. i. 11. "Tantæne animis cœlestibus iræ?"</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_67"></a><a href="#Ba_67">[67]</a> After <span lang="el" + title="tlêmones + phygai">τλημονες + φυγαι</span> supply <span lang="el" + title="menousin">μενουσιν</span>. + ELMSLEY.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_68"></a><a href="#Ba_68">[68]</a> A word is wanting to + complete the verse.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_69"></a><a href="#Ba_69">[69]</a> See Musgrave. Cranes + are chiefly celebrated for parental affection.</p> + + <p><a name="BaN_70"></a><a href="#Ba_70">[70]</a> These verses are found + at the ends of no less than four others of our author's plays, viz. + Andromacha, Helen, Medea, and Alcestis.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="HERACLIDAE"></a> +<h2>THE HERACLIDÆ.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>PERSONS REPRESENTED.</h3> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>IOLAUS.</p> + <p>COPREUS.*</p> + <p>CHORUS.</p> + <p>DEMOPHOON.</p> + <p>APOLLO.</p> + <p>MACARIA.*</p> + <p>SERVANT.</p> + <p>ALCMENA.</p> + <p>MESSENGER.</p> + <p>EURYSTHEUS.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p><i>Note</i>.—The names of Copreus and Macaria were wanting in + the MSS., but have been supplied from the mythologists. See Elmsley on + vss. 49 and 474.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>THE ARGUMENT.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>Iolaus, son of Iphiclus, and nephew of Hercules, whom he had joined in + his expeditions during his youth, in his old age protected his sons. For + the sons of Hercules having been driven out of every part of Greece by + Eurystheus, he came with them to Athens; and, embracing the altars of the + Gods, was safe, Demophoon being king of the city; and when Copreus, the + herald of Eurystheus, wished to remove the suppliants, he prevented him. + Upon this he departed, threatening war. Demophoon despised him; but + hearing the oracles promise him victory if he sacrificed the most noble + Athenian virgin to Ceres, he was grieved; not wishing to slay either his + own daughter, or that of any citizen, for the sake of the suppliants. But + Macaria, one of the daughters of Hercules, hearing of the prediction, + willingly devoted herself. They honored her for her noble death, and, + knowing that their enemies were at hand, went forth to battle. The play + ends with their victory, and the capture of Eurystheus.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>THE HERACLIDÆ.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center">IOLAUS.</p> + + <p>This has long since been my established opinion, the just man is born + for his neighbors; but he who has a mind bent upon gain is both useless + to the city and disagreeable to deal with, but best for himself. And I + know this, not having learned it by word of mouth; for I, through shame, + and reverencing the ties of kindred, when it was in my power to dwell + quietly in Argos, partook of more of Hercules' labors, while he was with + us, than any one man besides:<a name="Heraclid_1"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> and now that he dwells in heaven, + keeping these his children under my wings, I preserve them, I myself + being in want of safety. For since their father was removed from the + earth, first Eurystheus wished to kill me, but I escaped; and my country + indeed is no more, but my life is saved, and I wander in exile, migrating + from one city to another. For, in addition to my other ills, Eurystheus + has chosen to insult me with this insult; sending heralds whenever on + earth he learns we are settled, he demands us, and drives us out of the + land; alleging the city of Argos, one not paltry either to be friends + with or to make an enemy, and himself too prospering as he is; but they + seeing my weak state, and that these too are little, and bereaved of + their sire, respecting the more powerful, drive us from the land. And I + am banished, together with the banished children, and fare ill together + with those who fare ill, loathing to desert them, lest some may say thus, + Behold, now that the children have no father, Iolaus, their kinsman born, + defends them not. But being bereft of all Greece, coming to Marathon and + the country under the same rule, we sit suppliants at the altars of the + Gods, that they may assist us; for it is said that the two sons of + Theseus inhabit the territory of this land, of the race of Pandion, + having received it by lot, being near akin to these children; on which + account we have come this way to the frontiers of illustrious Athens. And + by two aged people is this flight led, I, indeed, being alarmed about + these children; and the female race of her son Alcmena preserves within + this temple, clasping it in her arms; for we are ashamed that virgins + should mingle with the mob, and stand at the altars. But Hyllus and his + brothers, who are older, are seeking where there is a strong-hold that we + may inhabit, if we be thrust forth from this land by force. O children, + children! hither; take hold of my garments; I see the herald of + Eurystheus coming hither toward us, by whom we are pursued as wanderers, + deprived of every land.<a name="Heraclid_2"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> O detested one, may you perish, + and the man who sent you: how many evils indeed have you announced to the + noble father of these children from that same mouth!</p> + + <p>COPREUS. I suppose you think that this is a fine seat you are sitting + in, and have come to a city which is an ally, thinking foolishly; for + there is no one who will choose your useless power in preference to + Eurystheus. Depart; why toilest thou thus? You must rise up and go to + Argos, where punishment by stoning awaits you.</p> + + <p>IOL. Not so, since the altar of the God will aid me, and the free land + in which we tread.</p> + + <p>COP. Do you wish to cause me trouble with this band?</p> + + <p>IOL. Surely you will not drag me away, nor these children, seizing by + force?</p> + + <p>COP. You shall know; but you are not a good prophet in this.</p> + + <p>IOL. This shall never happen, while I am alive.</p> + + <p>COP. Depart; but I will lead these away, even though you be unwilling, + considering them, wherever they may be, to belong to Eurystheus.</p> + + <p>IOL. O ye who have dwelt in Athens a long time, defend us; for, being + suppliants of Jove, the Presider over the Forum,<a + name="Heraclid_3"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> we are + treated with violence, and our garlands are profaned, both a reproach to + the city, and an insult to the Gods.</p> + + <p>CHORUS. Hollo! hollo! what is this noise near the altar? what calamity + will it straightway portend?</p> + + <p>IOL. Behold me, a weak old man, thrown down on the plain; miserable + that I am.</p> + + <p>CHOR. By whose hand do you fall this unhappy fall?</p> + + * * * * + + <p>IOL. This man, O strangers, dishonoring your Gods, drags me violently + from the altar of Jupiter.</p> + + <p>CHOR. From what land, O old man, have you come hither to this people + dwelling together in four cities?<a name="Heraclid_4"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> or, have you come hither from + across [the sea] with marine oar, having quitted the Eubœan + shore?</p> + + <p>IOL. O strangers, I am not accustomed to an islander's life, but we + are come to your land from Mycenæ.</p> + + <p>CHOR. What name, O old man, did the Mycenæan people call you?</p> + + <p>IOL. Know that I am lolaus, once the companion of Hercules; for this + body is not unrenowned.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I know, having heard of it before; but say whose youthful + children you are leading in your hand.</p> + + <p>IOL. These, O strangers, are the sons of Hercules, who are come as + suppliants of you and the city.</p> + + <p>CHOR. What do ye seek? or, tell me, is it wanting to have speech of + the city?</p> + + <p>IOL. Not to be given up, and not to go to Argos, being dragged from + your Gods by force.</p> + + <p>COP. But this will not be sufficient for your masters, who, having + power over you, find you here.</p> + + <p>CHOR. It is right, O stranger, to reverence the suppliants of the + Gods, and not for you to leave by violent hands the habitations of the + deities, for venerable Justice will not suffer this.</p> + + <p>COP. Send now Eurystheus's subjects out of this land, and I will not + use this hand violently.</p> + + <p>CHOR. It is impious for a state to reject the suppliant prayer of + strangers.</p> + + <p>COP. But it is good to have one's foot out of trouble, being possessed + of the better counsel.</p> + + <p>CHOR. You should then have dared this, having spoken to the king of + this land, but you should not drag strangers away from the Gods by force, + if you respect a free land.</p> + + <p>COP. But who is king of this country and city?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Demophoon, the son of Theseus, of a noble father.</p> + + <p>COP. With him, then, the contest of this argument had best be; all + else is spoken in vain.</p> + + <p>CHOR. And indeed hither he comes in haste, and Acamas, his brother, to + hear these words.</p> + + <p>DEMOPHOON. Since you, being an old man, have anticipated us, who are + younger, in running to this hearth of Jove, say what hap collects this + multitude here.</p> + + <p>CHOR. These sons of Hercules sit here as suppliants, having crowned + the altar, as you see. O king, and Iolaus, the faithful companion of + their father.</p> + + <p>DE. Why then did this chance occasion clamors?</p> + + <p>CHOR. This man caused the noise, seeking to lead him by force from + this hearth; and he tripped up the legs of the old man, so that I shed + the tear for pity.</p> + + <p>DE. And indeed he has a Grecian robe and style of dress; but these are + the doings of a barbarian hand; it is for you then to tell me, and not to + delay, leaving the confines of what land you are come hither.</p> + + <p>COP. I am an Argive; for this you wish to learn: and I am willing to + say why, and from whom, I am come. Eurystheus, the king of Mycenæ, sends + me hither to lead away these men; and I have come, O stranger, having + many just things at once to do and to say; for I being an Argive myself, + lead away Argives, having them as fugitives from my country condemned to + die by the laws there; and we have the right, managing our city ourselves + by ourselves, to fix our own punishments: but they having come to the + hearths of many others also, there also we have taken our stand on these + same arguments, and no one has dared to bring evils upon himself. But + either perceiving some folly in you, they have come hither, or in + perplexity running the risk, whether it shall be or not. For surely they + do not think that you alone are mad, in so great a portion of Greece as + they have been over, so as to commiserate their foolish distresses. Come, + compare the two; admitting them into your land, and suffering us to lead + them away, what will you gain? Such things as these you may gain from us; + you may add to this city the whole power of Argos, and all the might of + Eurystheus; but if looking to the words and pitiable condition of these + men, you are softened by them, the matter comes to the contest of the + spear; for think not that we will give up this contest without steel. + What then will you say? deprived of what lands, making war with the + Tirynthians and Argives, and repelling them, with what allies, and on + whose behalf will you bury the dead that fall? Surely you will obtain an + evil report among the citizens, if, for the sake of an old man, a mere + tomb,<a name="Heraclid_5"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> + one who is nothing, as one may say, and of these children, you will put + your foot into a mess;<a name="Heraclid_6"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> you will say, at best, that you + shall find, at least, hope; and this too is at present much wanting; for + these who are armed would fight but ill with Argives if they were grown + up, if this encourages your mind, and there is much time in the mean + while in which ye may be destroyed; but be persuaded by me, giving + nothing, but permitting me to lead away my own, gain Mycenæ. And do not + (as you are wont to do) suffer this, when it is in your power to choose + the better friends, choose the worse.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Who can decide what is right, or understand an argument, till he + has clearly heard the statement of both?</p> + + <p>IOL. O king, this exists in thy city; I am permitted in turn to speak + and to hear, and no one will reject me before that, as in other places; + but with this man we have nothing to do; for since nothing of Argos is + any longer ours, (it having been decreed by a vote,) but we are exiled + our country, how can this man justly lead us away as Mycenæans, whom they + have driven from the land? for we are strangers; or else you decide that + whoever is banished Argos is banished the boundaries of the Greeks. + Surely not from Athens; they will not, for fear of the Argives, drive out + the children of Hercules from their land; for it is not Trachis, nor the + Achæan city, from whence you, not by justice, but bragging about Argos; + just as you now speak, drove these men, sitting at the altars as + suppliants; for if this shall be, and they ratify your words, I no longer + know this Athens as free. But I know their disposition and nature; they + will rather die; for among virtuous men, disgrace is considered before + life. Enough of the city; for indeed it is an invidious thing to praise + it too much; and often I know myself I have been oppressed at being + overpraised: but I wish to say to you that it is necessary for you to + save these men, since you are ruler over this land. Pittheus was son of + Pelops and Æthra, daughter of Pittheus, and your father Theseus was born + of her. And again I trace for you their descent: Hercules was son of + Jupiter and Alcmena, and she was the child of the daughter of Pelops; so + your father and theirs must be fellow-cousins. Thus you, O Demophoon, are + related to them by birth; and, besides this connection, I will tell you + for what you are bound to requite the children. For I say, I formerly, + when shield-bearer to their father, sailed with Theseus after the belt,<a + name="Heraclid_7"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> the cause + of much slaughter, and from the murky recesses of hell did he bring forth + your father. All Greece bears witness to this; for which things they + beseech you to return a kindness, and that they may not be yielded up, + nor be driven from this land, torn from your Gods by violence; for this + would be disgraceful to you by yourself, and an evil to the city,<a + name="Heraclid_8"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> that + suppliant relations, wanderers—alas for the misery! look on them, + look—should be dragged away by force. But I beseech you, and offer + you suppliant garlands, by your hands and your chin, do not dishonor the + children of Hercules, having received them in your power; but be thou a + relation to them, be a friend, father, brother, master; for all these + things are better than [for them] to fall into the power of the + Argives.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Hearing of these men's misfortunes, I pitied them, O king! and + now particularly I have witnessed nobleness overcome by fortune; for + these men, being sons of a noble father, are undeservedly unhappy.</p> + + <p>DE. Three ways of misfortune urge me, O Iolaus, not to reject these + suppliants. The greatest, Jupiter, at whose altars you sit, having this + procession of youths with you; and my relationship to them, and because I + am bound of old that they should fare well at my hands, in gratitude to + their father; and the disgrace,<a name="Heraclid_9"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> which one ought exceedingly to + regard. For if I permitted this altar to be violated by force by a + strange man, I shall not seem to inhabit a free country. But I fear to + betray my suppliants to the Argives; and this is nearly as bad as the + noose. But I wish you had come with better fortune; but still, even now, + fear not that any one shall drag you and these children by force from + this altar. And do thou, going to Argos, both tell this to Eurystheus; + and besides that, if he has any charge against these strangers, he shall + meet with justice; but you shall never drag away these men.</p> + + <p>COP. Not if it be just, and I prevail in argument?</p> + + <p>DE. And how can it be just to drag away a suppliant by force?</p> + + <p>COP. This, then, is not disgraceful to me, but an injury to you.</p> + + <p>DE. To me indeed, if I allow you to drag them away.</p> + + <p>COP. But do you depart, and then will I drag them thence.</p> + + <p>DE. You are stupid, thinking yourself wiser than a God.</p> + + <p>COP. Hither it seems the wicked should fly.</p> + + <p>DE. The seat of the Gods is a common defense to all.</p> + + <p>COP. Perhaps this will not seem good to the Mycenæans.</p> + + <p>DE. Am not I then master over those here?</p> + + <p>COP. [Ay,] but not to injure them, if you are wise.</p> + + <p>DE. Are ye hurt, if I do not defile the Gods?</p> + + <p>COP. I do not wish you to have war with the Argives.</p> + + <p>DE. I, too, am the same; but I will not let go of these men.</p> + + <p>COP. At all events, taking possession of my own, I shall lead them + away.</p> + + <p>DE. Then you will not easily depart back to Argos.</p> + + <p>COP. I shall soon see that by experience.</p> + + <p>DE. You will touch them to your own injury, and that without + delay.</p> + + <p>CHOR. For God's sake, venture not to strike a herald!</p> + + <p>DE. I will not, if the herald at least will learn to be wise.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Depart thou; and do not you touch him, O king!</p> + + <p>COP. I go; for the struggle of a single hand is powerless. But I will + come, bringing hither many a brazen spear of Argive war; and ten thousand + shield-bearers await me, and Eurystheus, the king himself, as general. + And he waits, expecting news from hence, on the extreme confines of + Alcathus; and, having heard of your insolence, he will make himself too + well known to you, and to the citizens, and to this land, and to the + trees; for in vain should we have so much youth in Argos, if we did not + chastise you.</p> + + <p>DE. Destruction on you! for I do not fear your Argos. But you are not + likely, insulting me, to drag these men away from hence by force; for I + possess this land, not being subject to that of Argos, but free.</p> + + <p>CHOR. It is time to provide, before the army of the Argives approaches + the borders. And very impetuous is the Mars of the Mycenæans, and on this + account more than before; for it is the habit of all heralds to tower up + what is twice as much. What do you not think he will say to his princes + about what terrible things he has suffered, and how within a little he + was losing his life.</p> + + <p>IOL. There is not, to this man's children, a more glorious honor than + to be sprung from a good and valiant father, and to marry from a good + family; but I will not praise him who, overcome by desire, has mingled + with the vulgar, to leave his children a reproach instead of pleasure; + for noble birth wards off misfortune better than low descent; for we, + having fallen into the extremity of evils, find these men friends and + relations, who alone, in so large a country as Greece, have stood forward + [on our behalf.] Give, O children, give them your right hand; and do ye + give yours to the children, and draw near to them. O children, we have + come to experience of our friends; and if you ever have a return to your + country, and [again] possess the homes and honors of your father, always + consider them your saviors and friends, and never lift the hostile spear + against the land, remembering these things; but consider it the dearest + city of all. And they are worthy that you should revere them, who have + chosen to have so great a country and the Pelasgic people as enemies + instead of us, though seeing us to be beggared wanderers; but still they + have not given us up, nor driven us from their land. But I, living and + dying, when I do die, with much praise, my friend, will extol you when I + am in company with Theseus; and telling this, I will delight him, saying + how well you received and aided the children of Hercules; and, being + noble, you preserve through Greece your ancestral glory; and being born + of noble parents, you are nowise inferior to your father, with but few + others; for among many you may find perhaps but one who is not inferior + to his father.<a name="Heraclid_10"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CHOR. This land is ever willing to aid in a just cause those in + difficulty; therefore it has borne numberless toils for its friends, and + now I see this contest at hand.</p> + + <p>DE. Thou hast spoken well; and I boast, old man, that their + disposition is such that the kindness will be remembered. And I will make + an assembly of the citizens, and draw them up so as to receive the army + of the Mycenæans with a large force. First, I will send spies toward it, + that it may not fall upon me by surprise: for in Argos every warrior is + eager to run to assistance. And having collected the soothsayers, I will + sacrifice. And do you go to my palace with the children, leaving the + hearth of Jove, for there are those who, even if I be from home, will + take care of you; go then, old man, to my palace.</p> + + <p>IOL. I will not leave the altar; but we will sit here, as suppliants, + waiting till the city is successful; and when you are well freed from + this contest, we will go to thy palace. But we have Gods as allies not + inferior to those of the Argives, O king; for Juno, the wife of Jove, is + their champion, but Minerva ours; and I say that this also tends to + success, to have the best Gods, for Pallas will not endure to be + conquered.</p> + + <p>CHOR. If thou boastest greatly, others do not therefore care for thee + the more, O stranger, coming from Argos; but with thy big words thou wilt + not terrify my mind: may it not be so to the mighty Athens, with the + beauteous dances. But both thou art foolish, the son of Sthenelus, king + in Argos, who, coming to another city not less than Argos, being a + stranger, seek by violence to lead away wanderers, suppliants of the + Gods, and claiming the protection of my land, not yielding to our kings, + nor saying any thing else that is just. How can this be thought well + among the wise? Peace indeed pleases me; but, O foolish king, I tell + thee, if thou comest to this city, thou wilt not thus obtain what thou + thinkest for. You are not the only one who has a spear and a brazen + shield; but, O lover of war, mayest thou not with the spear disturb my + city dear to the Graces; but restrain thyself.</p> + + <p>IOL. O my son, why comest thou, bringing solicitude to my eyes? Hast + thou any news of the enemy? Do they delay, or are they at hand I or what + do you hear? for I fear the word of the herald will in no wise be false, + for their leader will come, having been fortunate in previous affairs, I + clearly know, and with no moderate pride, against Athens; but Jove is the + chastiser of over-arrogant thoughts.<a name="Heraclid_11"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a></p> + + <p>DE. The army of the Argives is coming, and Eurystheus the king. I have + seen it myself;<a name="Heraclid_12"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a> for it behooves a man who says + he knows well the duty of a general not to reconnoitre the enemy by means + of messengers. He has not then, as yet, let loose his army on these + plains, but, sitting on a lofty crag, he reconnoitres (I should tell thee + this as a conjecture) to see by which way he shall now lead his + expedition, and place it in a safe station in this land; and my + preparations are already well arranged, and the city is in arms, and the + victims stand ready for those Gods to whom they ought to be slain + offered; and the city, by means of soothsayers, is preparing by + sacrifices flight for the enemy and safety for the city.<a + name="Heraclid_13"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> And + having collected together all the bards who proclaim oracles, I have + tested the ancient oracles, both public and concealed, which might save + this land; and in their other counsels many things are different; but one + opinion of all is conspicuously the same, they command me to sacrifice to + the daughter of Ceres a damsel who is of a noble father.<a + name="Heraclid_14"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a> And I + have indeed, as you see, such great good-will toward you, but I will + neither slay my own child<a name="Heraclid_15"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> nor compel any other of my + citizens to do so unwillingly; and who is so mad of his own accord, as to + give out of his hands his dearest children? And now you may see bitter + meetings; some saying that it is right to aid foreign suppliants, and + some blaming my folly; and if I do this, a civil war is at once prepared. + This, then, do you consider, and devise how both you yourselves may be + saved and this land, and I be not brought into ill odor with the + citizens; for I have not absolute sovereignty, as over barbarians; but if + I do just things, I shall receive just things.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But does not the Goddess allow this city, although eager, to aid + strangers?</p> + + <p>IOL. O children, we are like sailors, who, fleeing from the fierce + rage of the storm, have come close to land, and then, again, by gales + from the land, have been driven again out to sea; thus also shall we be + driven from this land, being already on shore, as if saved. Alas! why, O + wretched hope, did you then delight me, not being about to perfect my + joy? For his thoughts, in truth, are to be pardoned if he is not willing + to slay the children of his citizens; and I acquiesce in their conduct + here, if the Gods decree that I shall fare thus. My gratitude to you + shall never perish. O children, I know not what to do with you: whither + shall we turn? for who of the Gods has been uncrowned by us? and what + bulwark of land have we not approachedl? We shall perish, my children, we + shall be given up; and for myself I care nothing if it behooves me to + die, except that, dying, I shall gratify my enemies; but I weep for and + pity you, O children, and Alcmena, the aged mother of your father; O! + unhappy art thou, because of thy long life; and miserable am I, having + labored much in vain. It was our fate then, our fate, falling into the + hands of an enemy, to leave life disgracefully and miserably. But do you + know in what you may aid me? for all hope of their safety has not + deserted me. Give me up to the Argives instead of them, O king, and so + neither run any risk yourself, and let the children be saved for me; I + must not love my own life, let it go; and above all, Eurystheus would + like taking me, the ally of Hercules, to insult me; for he is a froward + man; and the wise should pray to have enmity with a wise man, not with an + ignorant disposition, for in that case one, even if unfortunate, may meet + with much respect.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O old man, do not now blame the city, perhaps it might be a gain + to us; but still it would be an evil reproach that we betrayed + strangers,</p> + + <p>DE. You have spoken things noble indeed, but impossible; the king does + not lead his army hither wanting you; for what profit were it to + Eurystheus for an old man to die? but he wishes to slay these children; + for noble youths, who remember their fathers' injuries, springing up, are + terrible to enemies; all which he must needs foresee; but if you know any + other more seasonable counsel, prepare it, since I am perplexed and full + of fear, having heard the oracle.</p> + + <p>MACARIA. O strangers, do not impute boldness to me because of my + advances,<a name="Heraclid_16"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> this I will beg first; for + silence and modesty are best for a woman, and to remain quietly in-doors; + but, having heard your lamentations, O Iolaus, I have come forth, not + being commissioned to act as embassador for my race, but I am in some + wise fit to do so; but chiefly do I care for these, my brothers: + concerning myself I wish to ask whether, besides our former evils, any + additional distress gnaws your mind?</p> + + <p>IOL. O daughter, it is not a new thing that I justly have to praise + you most of the children of Hercules; but our house having appeared to us + to progress well, has again changed to perplexity, for this man says, + that the deliverers of oracles order us to sacrifice not a bull or a + heifer, but a virgin, who is of a noble father, if we and this city would + exist. About this then we are perplexed, for this man says he will + neither slay his own children nor those of any one else; and to me he + says, not plainly indeed, but somehow or other, unless I can devise any + remedy for this, that we must find some other land, but he himself wishes + to preserve this country.</p> + + <p>MAC. On this condition can we then be saved?</p> + + <p>IOL. On this, being fortunate in other respects.</p> + + <p>MAC. Fear not then any longer the hostile spear of the Argives; for I + myself, old man, before I am commanded, am prepared to die, and to stand + for slaughter; for what shall we say if the city thinks fit for our sakes + to encounter a great danger, but we putting toils on others, avoid death + when we can be saved? Not so, since this would be ridiculous for + suppliants sitting at the shrines of the Gods to mourn, but being of such + a sire as we are, to be seen to be cowards; how can this seem good! it + were more noble, I think, (which may it never happen!) to fall into the + hands of the enemy, this city being taken, and afterward, being born of a + noble father, having suffered dreadful things, to see Hades none the + less; but shall I wander about, driven from this land, and shall I not + indeed be ashamed if any one says, "Why have ye come hither with your + suppliant branches, yourselves being too fond of life! Depart from the + land, for we will not aid cowards." But neither, indeed, if these die, + and I myself am saved, have I any hope to fare well; for before now many + have in this way betrayed their friends. For who would choose to have me, + a solitary damsel, for his wife, or to raise children from me? therefore + it is better to die than to have such an unworthy fate as this; and this + may even be more seemly for some other, who is not illustrious as I. Lead + me then where this body must needs die, and crown me and begin the rites, + if you think fit, and conquer your enemies; for this life is ready for + you, willing, and not unwilling; and I promise to die for these my + brethren, and for myself; for not caring for life, I have found this most + glorious thing to find, namely, to leave life gloriously.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! what shall I say, hearing this noble speech of the + maiden who is willing to die on behalf of her brothers? Who can utter + more noble words than these I who of men can do [a greater deed?]<a + name="Heraclid_17"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IOL. My child, your head comes from no other source, but thou, the + seed of a divine mind, art sprung from Hercules.<a + name="Heraclid_18"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> I am + not ashamed at your words, but I am grieved for your fortune; but how it + may be more justly done, I will say: we must call hither all her sisters, + and then let her who draws the lot die for her family; but it is not + right for thee to die without casting lots.</p> + + <p>MAC. I will not die, obtaining the lot by chance, for then there are + no thanks [to me;]—speak it not, old man; but if you accept me, and + are willing to use me willing, I readily give up my life to them, but + not, being compelled.</p> + + <p>IOL. Alas! this word of thine is again nobler than the former, and + that other was most excellent; but you surpass daring by daring, and + [good] words by good words. I do not bid you, nor do I forbid you, to + die, my child; but you will benefit your brothers by dying.</p> + + <p>MAC. Thou biddest wisely; fear not to partake of my pollution, but I + shall die freely. But follow me, O old man; for I wish to die by your + hand; and do you, being present, wrap my body in my garments, since I am + going to the terror of sacrifice, because I am born of the father of whom + I boast to be.</p> + + <p>IOL. I could not be present at your death.</p> + + <p>MAC. At least, then, entreat of him that I may die, not by the hands + of men, but of women.</p> + + <p>CHOR. It shall be so, O hapless virgin; since it were disgraceful to + me too not to deck thee honorably on many accounts; both for your valiant + spirit, and for justice' sake: but you are the most unhappy of all women + that I have beheld with mine eyes; but, if thou wilt, depart, bespeaking + a last address to these and to the old man.</p> + + <p>MAC. Farewell, old man, farewell; and train up for me these children + to be such as thyself, wise in all respects, nothing more, for they will + suffice; and endeavor to save them, not being over-willing to die. We are + your children; by your hands we were brought up, and behold see me + yielding up my nuptial hour, dying for them. And ye, my company of + brothers now present, may ye be happy, and may every thing be yours, for + the sake of which my soul is sacrificed; and honor the old man, and the + old woman in the house, Alcmena, the mother of my father, and these + strangers. And if a release from troubles, and a return should ever be + found for you through the Gods, remember to bury her who saves you, as is + fitting; most honorably were just, for I was not wanting to you, but died + for my race. This is my heir-loom instead of children and virginity, if + indeed there be aught under the earth. May there indeed be nothing; for + if we, mortals who die, are to have cares even there, I know not where + one can turn, for to die is considered the greatest remedy for evils.</p> + + <p>IOL. But, O you, who mightily surpass all women in courage, know that, + both living and dying, you shall be most honored by us: and farewell; for + I abhor to speak words of ill omen about the Goddess to whom your body is + given as the first-fruits, the daughter of Ceres. O children, we are + undone; my limbs are relaxed by grief; take me, and place me in my seat, + veiling me there with these garments, O children; since neither am I + pleased at these things which are done, and if the oracle were not + fulfilled, life would be unbearable, for the ruin would be greater; but + even this is a calamity.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I say that no man is either happy or miserable but through the + Gods, and that the same family does not always walk in good fortune, but + different fates pursue it different ways; it is wont to make one from a + lofty station insignificant, and makes the wanderer wealthy: but it is + impossible to avoid what is fated; no one can repel it by wisdom, but he + who is hasty without purpose will always have trouble; but do not thus + bear the fortune sent by the Gods, falling down [in prayer,] and do not + over-pain your mind with grief, for she hapless possesses a glorious + portion of death on behalf of her brethren and her country; nor will an + inglorious reputation among men await her: but virtue proceeds through + toils. These things are worthy of her father, and worthy of her noble + descent; and if you respect the deaths of the good, I share your + feelings.</p> + + <p>SERVANT. O children, hail! But at what distance from this place is the + aged Iolaus and your father's mother?</p> + + <p>IOL. We are here, such a presence as mine is.</p> + + <p>SERV. On what account dost thou lie thus, and have an eye so + downcast?</p> + + <p>IOL. A domestic care has come upon me, by which I am constrained.</p> + + <p>SERV. Raise now thyself, erect thy head.</p> + + <p>IOL. I am an old man, and by no means strong.</p> + + <p>SERV. But I am come, bearing to you a great joy.</p> + + <p>IOL. And who art thou, where having met you, do I forget you?</p> + + <p>SERV. I am a poor servant of Hyllus; do you not recognize me, seeing + me?</p> + + <p>IOL. O dearest one, dost thou then come as a savior to us from + injury?</p> + + <p>SERV. Surely; and moreover you are prosperous as to the present state + of affairs.</p> + + <p>IOL. O mother of a doughty son, I mean Alcmena, come forth, hear these + most welcome words; for you have been long wasting away as to your soul + in anxiety concerning those who have come hither, where they would ever + arrive.<a name="Heraclid_19"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a></p> + + <p>ALCMENA. Wherefore has a mighty shout filled all this house? O Iolaus, + does any herald, coming from Argos, again do you violence? my strength + indeed is weak, but thus much you must know, O stranger, you shall never + drag these away while I am living, else may I no longer be thought to be + his mother; but if you touch them with your hand, you will have no + honorable contest with two old people.</p> + + <p>IOL. Be of good cheer, old woman; fear not, the herald is not come + from Argos bearing hostile words.</p> + + <p>ALC. Why then did you raise a shout, a messenger of fear?</p> + + <p>IOL. To you, that you should approach near before this temple.</p> + + <p>ALC. I do not understand this; for who is this man?</p> + + <p>IOL. He announces that your son's son is come.</p> + + <p>ALC. O! hail thou also for this news; but why and where<a + name="Heraclid_20"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> is he + now absent putting his foot in this country? what calamity prevents him + from appearing hither with you, and delighting my mind?</p> + + <p>SERV. He is stationing and marshaling the army which he has come + bringing.</p> + + <p>ALC. I no longer understand this speech.</p> + + <p>IOL. I do; but it is my business to inquire about this.</p> + + <p>SERV. What then of what has been done do you wish to learn?</p> + + <p>IOL. With how great a multitude of allies is he come?</p> + + <p>SERV. With many; but I can say no other number.</p> + + <p>IOL. The chiefs of the Athenians know, I suppose.</p> + + <p>SERV. They do; and they occupy the left wing.<a + name="Heraclid_21"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IOL. Is then the army already armed as for the work?</p> + + <p>SERV. Ay; and already the victims are led away from the ranks.</p> + + <p>IOL. And how far distant is the Argive army?</p> + + <p>SERV. So that the general can be distinctly seen.</p> + + <p>IOL. Doing what? arraying the ranks of the enemies?</p> + + <p>SERV. We conjectured this, for we did not hear him; but I will go; I + should not like my masters to join battle with the enemy, deserted as far + as my part is concerned.</p> + + <p>IOL. And I will go with you; for we think the same things, being + present to aid our friends as much as we can.</p> + + <p>SERV. It is not your part to say a foolish word.</p> + + <p>IOL. And not to share the sturdy battle with my friends!</p> + + <p>SERV. One can not see a wound from an inactive hand.</p> + + <p>IOL. But what, can not I too strike through a shield?</p> + + <p>SERV. You might strike, but you yourself would fall first.</p> + + <p>IOL. No one of the enemy will dare to behold me.</p> + + <p>SERV. You have not, my good friend, the strength which once you + had.</p> + + <p>IOL. But I will fight with them who will not be the fewer in + numbers.</p> + + <p>SERV. You add but a slight weight to your friends.</p> + + <p>IOL. Do not detain me who am prepared to act.</p> + + <p>SERV. You are not able to do any thing, but you may perhaps be to + advise.</p> + + <p>IOL. You may say the rest, as I not staying to hear.</p> + + <p>SERV. How then will you appear to the soldiers without arms?</p> + + <p>IOL. There are within this palace arms taken in war, which I will use + and restore if alive; but the God will not demand them back of me, if I + fall; but go in, and taking them down from the pegs, bring me as quickly + as possible the panoply of a warrior; for this is a disgraceful + house-keeping, for some to fight, and some to remain behind through + fear.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Time does not depress your spirit, but it grows young again, but + your body is weak: why dost thou toil in vain? which will harm you + indeed, but profit our city but little; you should consider your age, and + leave alone impossibilities, it can not be that you again should acquire + youth.</p> + + <p>ALC. Why are you, not being in your senses, about to leave me alone + with my children?</p> + + <p>IOL. For valor is the part of men; but it is your duty to take care of + them.</p> + + <p>ALC. But what if you die? how shall I be saved?</p> + + <p>IOL. Your sons who are left will take care of your son.</p> + + <p>ALC. But if they, which Heaven forbid, should meet with fate!</p> + + <p>IOL. These strangers will not betray you, do not fear.</p> + + <p>ALC. Such confidence indeed I have, nothing else.</p> + + <p>IOL. And Jove, I well know, cares for your toils.</p> + + <p>ALC. Alas! Jupiter shall never be reproached by me, but he himself + knows whether he is just toward me.</p> + + <p>SERV. You see now this panoply of arms; but you can not make too much + haste<a name="Heraclid_22"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a> in arraying your body in them, + as the contest is at hand, and, above all things, Mars hates those who + delay; but if you fear the weight of arms, now then go forth unarmed,<a + name="Heraclid_23"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a> and in + the ranks be clad with this equipment, and I will carry it so far.</p> + + <p>IOL. Thou hast said well; but bring the arms, having them close at + hand, and put a spear in my hand, and support my left arm guiding my + foot.</p> + + <p>SERV. Is it right to lead a warrior like a child?</p> + + <p>IOL. One must go safely for the sake of the omen.</p> + + <p>SERV. Would you were able to do as much as you are willing.</p> + + <p>IOL. Make haste, I shall suffer sadly if too late for the battle.</p> + + <p>SERV. It is you who delay, and not I, seeming to do something.</p> + + <p>IOL. Do you not see how my foot presses on?</p> + + <p>SERV. I see you rather seeming to hasten than hastening.</p> + + <p>IOL. You will not say so, when you behold me there.</p> + + <p>SERV. Doing what? I wish I may see you successful.</p> + + <p>IOL. Striking some of the enemy through the shield.</p> + + <p>SERV. If indeed we get there; for that I have fears of.</p> + + <p>IOL. Alas! O arm, would thou wert such an ally to me as I recollect + you in your youth, when you ravaged Sparta with Hercules, how would I put + Eurystheus to flight; since he is but a coward in abiding a spear. But in + prosperity then is this too which is not right, a reputation for courage; + for we think that he who is prosperous knows all things well.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O earth, and moon that shinest through the night, and most + brilliant rays of the God, that gave light to mortals, bring me news, and + shout in heaven and at the queenly throne of the blue-eyed Minerva. I am + about, on behalf of my country, on behalf of my house, having received + suppliants I am about to cut through danger with the white steel. It is + terrible that a city, prosperous as Mycenæ, and much praised for valor in + war, should nourish secret<a name="Heraclid_24"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a> anger against my land; but it is + evil too, O city, if we are to give up strangers at the bidding of + Argos.<a name="Heraclid_25"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> Jupiter is my ally, I fear not; + Jupiter rightly has favor toward me. Never shall the Gods seem inferior + to men in my opinion.<a name="Heraclid_26"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> But, O venerable Goddess, for + the soil of this land is thine, and the city of which you are mother, + mistress, and guardian, lead away by some other way him who unjustly + leads on this spear-brandishing host from Argos; for as far as my virtue + is concerned, I do not deserve to be banished from these halls. For + honor, with much sacrifice, is ever offered to you; nor does the waning<a + name="Heraclid_27"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> day of + the month forget you, nor the songs of youths, nor the measures of + dances; but on the lofty hill shouts resound in accordance with the + beatings of the feet of virgins the livelong night.</p> + + <p>SERV. O mistress, I bring news most concise for you to hear, and to + myself most glorious; we have conquered our enemies, and trophies are set + up bearing the panoply of your enemies.</p> + + <p>ALC. O best beloved, this day has caused thee to be made free for this + thy news; but from one disaster you do not yet free me, for I fear + whether they be living to me whom I wish to be.</p> + + <p>SERV. They live, the most glorious in the army.</p> + + <p>ALC. Does not the aged Iolaus survive?</p> + + <p>SERV. Surely, and having done most glorious deeds by help of the + Gods.</p> + + <p>ALC. But what? has he done any doughty act in the fight?</p> + + <p>SERV. He has changed from an old into a young man again.</p> + + <p>ALC. Thou tellest marvelous things, but first I wish you to relate the + prosperous contest of your friends in battle.</p> + + <p>SERV. One speech of mine shall tell you all this; for when stretching + out [our ranks] face to face, we arrayed our armies against one another, + Hyllus putting his foot out of his four-horse chariot, stood in the + mid-space of the field;<a name="Heraclid_28"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> and then said, O general, you + are come from Argos, why leave we not this land alone? and you will do + Mycenæ no harm, depriving it of one man; but you fighting alone with me + alone, either killing me, lead away the children of Hercules, or dying, + allow me to possess my ancestral prerogative and palaces. And the army + gave praise; that the speech was well spoken for a termination of their + toils, and in respect of courage. But he neither regarding those who had + heard the speech, nor, although he was general, his [own character for] + cowardice, ventured not to come near the warlike spear, but was most + cowardly; and being such, he came to enslave the descendants of Hercules. + Hyllus then returned again back to his ranks; but the soothsayers, when + they saw that the affair could not be arranged by single combat of one + shield, sacrificed, and delayed not, but let fall forth immediately the + propitious slaughter of mortal throats; and some mounted chariots, and + some concealed their sides under the sides of their shields; but the king + of the Athenians gave to his army such orders as become a high-born man. + "O fellow-citizens, now it behooves one to defend the land that has + produced and cherished us."<a name="Heraclid_29"></a><a + href="#HeraclidN_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a> And the other also besought his + allies not to disgrace Argos and Mycenæ. But when the signal was sounded + on a Tyrrhenian trumpet, and they joined battle with one another, what a + clash of spears dost thou think sounded, how great a groaning and + lamentation at the same time! And first the dashing on of the Argive + spear broke us; then they again retreated; and next foot being + interchanged with foot, and man standing against man, the battle waged + fierce; and many fell; and there were two cries, O ye who [dwell in] + Athens, O ye who sow the land of the Argives, will ye not avert disgrace + from the city? And with difficulty doing every thing, not without toils + did we put the Argive force to flight; and then the old man, seeing + Hyllus rushing on, Iolaus, stretching forth his right hand, besought him + to place him on the horse-chariot; and seizing the reins in his hands, he + pressed hard upon the horses of Eurystheus. And what happened after this + I must tell by having heard from others, I myself hitherto having seen + all; for passing by the venerable hill of the divine Minerva of Pellene, + seeing the chariot of Eurystheus, he prayed to Juno and Jupiter to be + young for one day, and to work vengeance on his enemies. But you have a + marvel to hear; for two stars standing on the horse-chariot, concealed + the chariot in a dim cloud, the wiser men say it was thy son and Hebe; + but he from the obscure darkness showed forth a youthful image of + youthful arms. And the glorious Iolaus takes the four-horse chariot of + Eurystheus at the Scironian rocks—and having bound his hands in + fetters, he comes bringing as glorious first-fruits of victory, the + general, him who before was prosperous; but by his present fortune he + proclaims clearly to all mortals to learn not to envy him who seems + prosperous, till one sees him dead, as fortune is but for the day.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O Jupiter, thou turner to flight, now is it mine to behold a day + free from dreadful fear.</p> + + <p>ALC. O Jupiter, at length you have looked upon my miseries, but still + I thank you for what has been done: and I, who formerly did not think + that my son dwelt with the Gods, now clearly know it. O children, now + indeed you shall be free from toils, and free from Eurystheus, who shall + perish miserably; and ye shall see the city of your sire, and you shall + tread on your inheritance of land; and ye shall sacrifice to your + ancestral gods, debarred from whom ye have had, as strangers, a wandering + miserable life. But devising what clever thing has Iolaus spared + Eurystheus, so as not to slay him, tell me; for in my opinion this is not + wise, having taken our enemies, not to exact punishment of them.</p> + + <p>SERV. Having respect for you, that with your own eyes you may see + him<a name="Heraclid_30"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a> + defeated and subjected to your hand; not, indeed, of his own will, but he + has bound him by force in constraint, for he was not willing to come + alive into your sight and to be punished. But, O old woman, farewell, and + remember for me what you first said when I began my tale. Make me free; + and in such noble people as you the mouth ought to be free from + falsehood.</p> + + <p>CHOR. To me the dance is sweet, if there be the thrilling delight of + the pipe at the feast; and may Venus be kind. And sweet it is to see the + good fortune of friends who did not expect it before; for the fate which + accomplishes gifts gives birth to many things; and Time, the son of + Saturn. You have, O city, a just path, you should never be deprived of + it, to honor the Gods; and he who bids you not do so, is near madness, + such proofs as these being shown. God, in truth, evidently exhorts us, + taking away the arrogance of the unjust forever. Your son, O old woman, + is gone to heaven; he shuns the report of having descended to the realm + of Pluto, being consumed as to his body in the terrible flame of fire; + and he embraces the lovely bed of Hebe in the golden hall. O Hymen, you + have honored two children of Jupiter. Many things agree with many; for in + truth they say that Minerva was an ally of their father, and the city and + people of that Goddess has saved them, and has restrained the insolence + of a man to whom passion was before justice, through violence. May my + mind and soul, never be insatiable.</p> + + <p>MESS. O mistress, you see, but still it shall be said, we are come, + bringing to you Eurystheus here, an unhoped-for sight, and one no less so + for him to meet with, for he never expected to come into your hands when + he went forth from Mycenæ with a much-toiling band of spearmen, proudly + planning things much greater than his fortune, that he should destroy + Athens; but the God changed his fortune, and made it contrary. Hyllus, + therefore, and the good Iolaus, have set up a statue, in honor of their + victory, of Jove, the putter to flight; and they send me to bring this + man to you, wishing to delight your mind; for it is most delightful to + see an enemy unfortunate, after having been fortunate.</p> + + <p>ALC. O hateful thing, art thou come? has justice taken you at last? + first then indeed turn hither your head toward me, and dare to look your + enemies in the face; for now you are ruled, and you rule no more. Art + thou he, for I wish to know, who chose, O wretch, much to insult my son, + though no longer existing? For in what respect didst thou not dare to + insult him? who led him, while alive, down to hell, and sent him forth, + bidding him destroy hydras and lions? And I am silent concerning the + other evils you contrived, for it would be a long story; and it did not + satisfy you that he alone should endure these things, but you drove me + also, and my children, out of all Greece, sitting as suppliants of the + Gods, some old, and some still infants; but you found men and a city + free, who feared you not. Thou needs must die miserably, and you shall + gain every thing, for you ought to die not once only, having wrought many + evil deeds.</p> + + <p>MESS. It is not practicable for you to put him to death.<a + name="Heraclid_31"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a></p> + + <p>ALC. In vain then have we taken him prisoner. But what law hinders him + from dying?</p> + + <p>MESS. It seems not so to the chiefs of this land.</p> + + <p>ALC. What is this? not good to them to slay one's enemies?</p> + + <p>MESS. Not any one whom they have taken alive in battle.</p> + + <p>ALC. And did Hyllus endure this decision?</p> + + <p>MESS. He could, I suppose, disobey this land!<a + name="Heraclid_32"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a></p> + + <p>ALC. He ought no longer to live, nor behold the light.</p> + + <p>MESS. Then first he did wrong in not dying.</p> + + <p>ALC. Then it is no longer right for him to be punished?<a + name="Heraclid_33"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a></p> + + <p>MESS. There is no one who may put him to death.</p> + + <p>ALC. I will. And yet I say that I am some one.</p> + + <p>MESS. You will indeed have much blame if you do this.</p> + + <p>ALC. I love this city. It can not be denied. But as for this man, + since he has come into my power, there is no mortal who shall take him + from me. For this, whoever will may call me bold, and thinking things too + much for a woman; but this deed shall be done by me.</p> + + <p>CHOR. It is a serious and excusable thing, O lady, for you to have + hatred against this man, I well know it.</p> + + <p>EURYSTHEUS. O woman, know plainly that I will not flatter you, nor say + any thing else for my life, whence I may incur any imputation of + cowardice. But not of my own accord did I undertake this strife—I + knew that I was your cousin by birth, and a relation to your son + Hercules; but whether I wished it or not, Juno, for it was a Goddess, + forced me to toil through this ill. But when I took up enmity against + him, and determined to contest this contest, I became a contriver of many + evils, and sitting continually in council with myself, I brought forth + many plans by night, how dispersing and slaying my enemies, I might dwell + for the future not with fear, knowing that your son was not one of the + many, but truly a man; for though he be mine enemy, yet shall he be well + spoken of, as he was a doughty man. And when he was released [from life], + did it not behoove me, being hated by these children, and knowing their + father's hatred to me, to move every stone, slaying and banishing them, + and contriving, that, doing such things, my own affairs would have been + safe? You, therefore, had you obtained my fortunes, would not have + oppressed with evils the hostile offspring of a hated lion, but would + wisely have permitted them to live in Argos; you will persuade no one of + this. Now then, since they did not destroy me then, when I was willing, + by the laws of the Greeks I shall, if slain, bear pollution to my slayer; + and the city, being wise, has let me go, having greater honor for God + than for its enmity toward me. And to what you said you have heard a + reply: and now you may call me at once suppliant and brave.<a + name="Heraclid_34"></a><a href="#HeraclidN_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a> Thus + is the case with me, I do not wish to die, but I should not be grieved at + leaving life.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I wish, O Alcmena, to advise you a little, to let go this man, + since it seems so to the city.</p> + + <p>ALC. But how, if he both die, and still we obey the city?</p> + + <p>CHOR. That would be best; but how can that be?</p> + + <p>ALC. I will teach you, easily; for having slain him, then I will give + his corpse to those of his friends who come after him; for I will not + deny his body to the earth, but he dying, shall satisfy my revenge.</p> + + <p>EU. Slay me, I do not deprecate thy wrath. But this city indeed, since + it has released me, and feared to slay me, I will present with an ancient + oracle of Apollo, which, in time, will be of greater profit than you + would expect; for ye will bury me when I am dead, where it is fated, + before the temple of the divine virgin of Pallene; and being well + disposed to you, and a protector to the city, I shall ever lie as a + sojourner under the ground, but most hostile to their descendants when + they come hither with much force, betraying this kindness: such strangers + do ye now defend. How then did I, knowing this, come hither, and not + respect the oracle of the God? Thinking Juno far more powerful than + oracles, and that she would not betray me, [I did so.] But suffer neither + libations nor blood to be poured on my tomb, for I will give them an evil + return as a requital for these things; and ye shall have a double gain + from me, I will both profit you and injure them by dying.</p> + + <p>ALC. Why then do ye delay, if you are fated to accomplish safety to + the city and to your descendants, to slay this man, hearing these things? + for they show us the safest path. The man is an enemy, but he will profit + us dying. Take him away, O servants; then having slain him, ye must give + him to the dogs; for hope not thou, that living, thou shalt again banish + me from my native land.</p> + + <p>CHOR. These things seem good to me, proceed, O attendants, for every + thing on our part shall be done completely for our sovereigns.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>NOTES ON THE HERACLYDÆ</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="HeraclidN_1"></a><a href="#Heraclid_1">[1]</a> Such seems to + be the force of <span lang="el" title="eis anêr">εις + ανηρ</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_2"></a><a href="#Heraclid_2">[2]</a> But the + construction is probably <span lang="el" title="alêtai + gês">αληται + γης</span>, (compare my note on Æsch. Eum. 63,) and + <span lang="el" + title="apesterêmenoi">απεστερημενοι</span> + is <i>bereaved, destitute</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_3"></a><a href="#Heraclid_3">[3]</a> Cf. Æsch. Eum. + 973.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_4"></a><a href="#Heraclid_4">[4]</a> i.e. + Œnoe, Marathon, Probalinthus, and Tricorythus.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_5"></a><a href="#Heraclid_5">[5]</a> Elmsley + compares Med. 1209. <span lang="el" title="tis ton geronta tymbon + orthanon sethen tithêsi">τις τον + γεροντα + τυμβον + ορθανον + σεθεν + τιθησι</span>; so the Latins used + "Silicernium." Cf. Fulgent. Expos. Serm. Ant. p. 171, ed. Munck.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_6"></a><a href="#Heraclid_6">[6]</a> <span + lang="el" + title="antlos">αντλος</span>, + sentina, bilge-water. See Elmsley.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_7"></a><a href="#Heraclid_7">[7]</a> See Elmsley's + note.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_8"></a><a href="#Heraclid_8">[8]</a> See Dindorf, + who repents of the reading in the text, and restores <span lang="el" + title="soi gar tod' aischron chôris en polei kakon">σοι + γαρ τοδ' + αισχρον + χωρις εν + πολει + κακον</span>. He, however, condemns this + and the two next lines as spurious.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_9"></a><a href="#Heraclid_9">[9]</a> i.e. if I + neglect them.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_10"></a><a href="#Heraclid_10">[10]</a> Cf. Hor. + Od. iii. 6, 48. "Ætas parentum, pejor avis, tulit Nos nequiores, mox + daturos Progeniem vitiosiorem."</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_11"></a><a href="#Heraclid_11">[11]</a> Cf. Soph. + Ant. 127. <span lang="el" title="Zeus gar megalês glôssês kompous + Hyperechthairei">Ζευς γαρ + μεγαλης + γλωσσης + κομπους + ‛Υπερεχθαιρει</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_12"></a><a href="#Heraclid_12">[12]</a> Cf. Æsch. + Sept. c. Th. 40 sq., also Soph. Œd. T. 6 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_13"></a><a href="#Heraclid_13">[13]</a> i.e. <span + lang="el" title="manteis kat' asty + thyêpholousi">μαντεις + κατ' αστυ + θυηφολουσι</span>. + ELMSLEY.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_14"></a><a href="#Heraclid_14">[14]</a> Pausanias, + i. 32, states that the oracle expressly required that one of the + descendants of Hercules should be devoted, and that upon this Macaria, + his daughter by Deianira, voluntarily offered herself. Her name was + afterward given to a fountain. Enripides probably omitted this fact, in + order to place the noble-mindedness of Macaria in a stronger light. The + curious reader may compare the similar sacrifices of Codrus, (Pausan. + vii. 25. Vell. Patere. i. 4,) Menœceus, (Eur. Phœn. 1009, + Statius Theb. x. 751 sqq.,) Chaon (Serv. on Virg. Æn. iii. 335). See also + Lomeier de Lustrationibus, § xxii., where the whole subject is learnedly + treated.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_15"></a><a href="#Heraclid_15">[15]</a> Cf. Æsch. + Ag. 206 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_16"></a><a href="#Heraclid_16">[16]</a> I prefer + understanding <span lang="el" title="heneka exodôn + emôn">‛ενεκα + εξοδων + εμων</span> with Elmsley, to Matthiæ's forced + interpretation. Compare Med. 214 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_17"></a><a href="#Heraclid_17">[17]</a> The cognate + accusative to <span lang="el" + title="draseien">δρασειεν</span> + must be supplied from the context.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_18"></a><a href="#Heraclid_18">[18]</a> There is + some awkwardness in the construction. Perhaps if we read <span lang="el" + title="sperma, tês theias phrenos! + peph.">σπερμα, της + θειας + φρενος! πεφ.</span> + the sense will be improved.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_19"></a><a href="#Heraclid_19">[19]</a> The + construction is thus laid down by Elmsley: <span lang="el" title="palai + gar ôdinousa [peri\] tôn aphig. ps. et. ei. n. [autôn\] + genêsetai">παλαι γαρ + ωδινουσα + [περι] των + αφιγ. ψ. ετ. ει. + ν. [αυτων] + γενησεται</span>. + He remarks that <span lang="el" + title="nostos">νοστος</span> often + means "arrival," in the tragedians.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_20"></a><a href="#Heraclid_20">[20]</a> See + Matthiæ. I should, however, prefer <span lang="el" + title="pais">παις</span> for <span lang="el" + title="pou">που</span>, with Elmsley.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_21"></a><a href="#Heraclid_21">[21]</a> <span + lang="el" title="kata">κατα</span> is understood, + as in Thucyd. v. 67. ELMSLEY.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_22"></a><a href="#Heraclid_22">[22]</a> See Alcest. + 662, Iph. Taur. 245, and Elmsley's note on this passage.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_23"></a><a href="#Heraclid_23">[23]</a> <span + lang="el" + title="gymnos">γυμνος</span>, + <i>expeditus</i>. As in agriculture it is applied to the husbandman who + casts off his upper garment, so also in war it simply denotes being + without armor.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_24"></a><a href="#Heraclid_24">[24]</a> <span + lang="el" + title="keuthein">κευθειν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_25"></a><a href="#Heraclid_25">[25]</a> I have + corrected <span lang="el" title="keleusmasin + Argous">κελευσμασιν + Αργους</span>, with Reiske and + Dindorf.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_26"></a><a href="#Heraclid_26">[26]</a> I have + adopted Dindorf's correction, <span lang="el" title="hêssones par' emoi + theoi + phanountai">‛ησσονες + παρ' εμοι + θεοι + φανουνται</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_27"></a><a href="#Heraclid_27">[27]</a> i.e. the + last, says Brodæus. But Elmsley prefers taking it for the <span lang="el" + title="noumênia">νουμηνια</span> + or Kalends, with Musgrave.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_28"></a><a href="#Heraclid_28">[28]</a> <span + lang="el" title="doros">δορος</span>, which + is often used to signify <i>the fight</i>, is here somewhat boldly put + for the arrangement of the battle.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_29"></a><a href="#Heraclid_29">[29]</a> Cf. Æsch. + Soph. c. Th. 14 sqq. Elmsley's notes on the whole of this spirited + passage deserve to be consulted.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_30"></a><a href="#Heraclid_30">[30]</a> <span + lang="el" + title="kratounta">κρατουντα</span> + can not be used passively. <span lang="el" + title="klaionta">κλαιοντα</span> + is the conjecture of Orelli, approved by Dindorf. I have expressed the + sense, not the text.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_31"></a><a href="#Heraclid_31">[31]</a> See + Musgrave's note (apud Dindorf). Tyrwhitt considers all the dramatis + personæ wrongly assigned.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_32"></a><a href="#Heraclid_32">[32]</a> Ironically + spoken.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_33"></a><a href="#Heraclid_33">[33]</a> There seems + to be something wrong here.</p> + + <p><a name="HeraclidN_34"></a><a href="#Heraclid_34">[34]</a> See + Matthiæ, who explains it: "<i>me et supplicem</i>, qui mortem deprecetur, + <i>et fortem</i>, qui mortem contemnat, <i>dicere licet</i>."</p> + +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="AULIS"></a> +<h2>IPHIGENIA IN AULIS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>PERSONS REPRESENTED.</h3> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>AGAMEMNON.</p> + <p>OLD MAN.</p> + <p>MENELAUS.</p> + <p>ACHILLES.</p> + <p>MESSENGER.</p> + <p>ANOTHER MESSENGER.</p> + <p>IPHIGENIA.</p> + <p>CLYTÆMNESTRA.</p> + <p>CHORUS.</p> + </div> + </div> +<hr /> + +<h3>THE ARGUMENT.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>When the Greeks were detained at Aulis by stress of weather, Calchas + declared that they would never reach Troy unless the daughter of + Agamemnon, Iphigenia, was sacrificed to Diana. Agamemnon sent for his + daughter with this view, but repenting, he dispatched a messenger to + prevent Clytæmnestra sending her. The messenger being intercepted by + Menelaus, an altercation between the brother chieftains arose, during + which Iphigenia, who had been tempted with the expectation of being + wedded to Achilles, arrived with her mother. The latter, meeting with + Achilles, discovered the deception, and Achilles swore to protect her. + But Iphigenia, having determined to die nobly on behalf of the Greeks, + was snatched away by the Goddess, and a stag substituted in her place. + The Greeks were then enabled to set sail.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>IPHIGENIA IN AULIS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>AGAMEMNON. Come before this dwelling, O aged man.</p> + + <p>OLD MAN. I come. But what new thing dost thou meditate, king + Agamemnon?</p> + + <p>AG. You shall learn.<a name="IA_1"></a><a + href="#IAN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OLD M. I hasten. My old age is very sleepless, and sits wakeful upon + mine eyes.</p> + + <p>AG. What star can this be that traverses this way?</p> + + <p>OLD M. Sirius, flitting yet midway (between the heavens and the + ocean,)<a name="IA_2"></a><a href="#IAN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> close to + the seven Pleiads.</p> + + <p>AG. No longer therefore is there the sound either of birds or of the + sea, but silence of the winds reigns about this Euripus.</p> + + <p>OLD M. But why art thou hastening without the tent, king Agamemnon? + But still there is silence here by Aulis, and the guards of the + fortifications are undisturbed. Let us go within.</p> + + <p>AG. I envy thee, old man, and I envy that man who has passed through a + life without danger, unknown, unglorious; but I less envy those in + honor.</p> + + <p>OLD M. And yet 'tis in this that the glory of life is.</p> + + <p>AG. But this very glory is uncertain, for the love of popularity is + pleasant indeed, but hurts when present. Sometimes the worship of the + Gods not rightly conducted upturns one's life, and sometimes the many and + dissatisfied opinions of men harass.</p> + + <p>OLD M. I praise not these remarks in a chieftain. O Agamemnon, Atreus + did not beget thee upon a condition of complete good fortune.<a + name="IA_3"></a><a href="#IAN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> But thou needs must + rejoice and grieve; [in turn,] for thou art a mortal born, and even + though you wish it not, the will of the Gods will be thus. But thou, + opening the light of a lamp, art both writing this letter, which thou + still art carrying in thy hands, and again you blot out the same + characters, and seal, and loose again, and cast the tablet to the ground, + pouring abundant tears, and thou lackest naught of the unwonted things + that tend to madness. Why art thou troubled, why art thou troubled? What + new thing, what new thing [has happened] concerning thee, O king? Come, + communicate discourse with me. But thou wilt speak to a good and faithful + man, for to thy wife Tyndarus sent me once on a time, as a dower-gift, + and disinterested companion.<a name="IA_4"></a><a + href="#IAN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a></p> + + <p>AG. To Leda, daughter of Thestias, were born three virgins, + Phœbe, and Clytæmnestra my spouse, and Helen. Of this latter, the + youths of Greece that were in the first state of prosperity came as + suitors. But terrible threats of bloodshed<a name="IA_5"></a><a + href="#IAN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> arose against one another, from whoever + should not obtain the virgin. But the matter was difficult for her father + Tyndarus, whether to give, or not to give [her in marriage,] and how he + might best deal with the circumstances, when this occurred to him; that + the suitors should join oaths and plight right hands with one another, + and over burnt-offerings should enter into treaty, and bind themselves by + this oath, "Of whomsoever the daughter of Tyndarus shall become wife, + that they will join to assist him, if any one should depart from his + house taking [her] with him, and excluding the possessor from his bed, + and that they will make an expedition in arms, and sack the city [of the + ravisher,] Greek or barbarian alike." But after they had pledged + themselves, the old man Tyndarus somehow cleverly overreached them by a + cunning plan. He permits his daughter to choose one of the suitors, + toward whom the friendly gales of Venus might impel her. But she chose + (whom would she had never taken!) Menelaus. And he who, according to the + story told by men, once judged the Goddesses, coming from Phrygia to + Lacedæmon, flowered in the vesture of his garments, and glittering with + gold, barbarian finery, loving Helen who loved him, he stole and bore her + away to the bull-stalls of Ida, having found Menelaus abroad. But he, + goaded hastily<a name="IA_6"></a><a href="#IAN_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> + through Greece, calls to witness the old oath given to Tyndarus, that it + behooves to assist the aggrieved. Henceforth the Greeks hastening with + the spear, having taken their arms, come to this Aulis with its narrow + straits, with ships and shields together, and accoutred with many horses + and chariots. And they chose me general of the host, out of regard for + Menelaus, being his brother forsooth. And would that some other than I + had obtained the dignity. But when the army was assembled and levied, we + sat, having no power of sailing, at Aulis. But Calchas the seer + proclaimed to us, being at a loss, that we should sacrifice Iphigenia, + whom I begat, to Diana, who inhabits this place, and that if we + sacrificed her, we should have both our voyage, and the sacking of Troy, + but that this should not befall us if we did not sacrifice her. But I + hearing this in rousing proclamation, bade Talthybius dismiss the whole + army, as I should never have the heart to slay my daughter. Upon this, + indeed, my brother, alleging every kind of reasoning, persuaded me to + dare the dreadful deed, and having written in the folds of a letter, I + sent word to my wife to send her daughter as if to be married to + Achilles, both enlarging on the dignity of the man, and asserting that he + would not sail with the Greeks, unless a wife for him from among us + should come to Phthia. For I had this means of persuading my wife, having + made up a pretended match for the virgin. But we alone of the Greeks know + how these matters are, Calchas, Ulysses, and Nestor. But the things which + I then determined not well, I am now differently writing so as to be + well, in this letter, which by the shadow of night thou beheldest me + opening and closing, old man. But come, go thou, taking these letters, to + Argos. But as to what the letter conceals in its folds, I will tell thee + in words all that is written therein; for thou art faithful to my wife + and house.</p> + + <p>OLD M. Speak, and tell me, that with my tongue I may also say what + agrees with your letter.</p> + + <p>AG. (reading) "I send to thee, O germ of Leda, besides<a + name="IA_7"></a><a href="#IAN_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> my former dispatches, + not to send thy daughter to the bay-like wing of Eubœa,<a + name="IA_8"></a><a href="#IAN_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> waveless Aulis. For + we will delay the bridals of our daughter till another season."</p> + + <p>OLD M. And how will not Achilles raise up his temper against thee and + thy wife, showing great wrath at failing of his spouse? This also is + terrible. Show what thou meanest.</p> + + <p>AG. Achilles, furnishing the pretext, not the reality, knows not these + nuptials, nor what we are doing; nor that I have professed to give my + daughter into the nuptial chain of his arms by marriage.<a + name="IA_9"></a><a href="#IAN_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OLD M. Thou venturest terrible things, king Agamemnon, who, having + promised thy daughter as wife to the son of the Goddess, dost lead her as + a sacrifice on behalf of the Greeks.</p> + + <p>AG. Ah me! I was out of my senses. Alas! And I am falling into + calamity. But go, plying thy foot, yielding naught to old age.</p> + + <p>OLD M. I hasten, O king.</p> + + <p>AG. Do not thou either sit down by the woody fountains, nor repose in + sleep.</p> + + <p>OLD M. Speak good words.</p> + + <p>AG. But every where as you pass the double track, look about, watching + lest there escape thee a chariot passing with swift wheels, bearing my + daughter hither to the ships of the Greeks.</p> + + <p>OLD M. This shall be.</p> + + <p>AG. And go out of the gates<a name="IA_10"></a><a + href="#IAN_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a> quickly,† for if you meet with + the procession,† again go forth, shake the reins, going to the + temples reared by the Cyclops.</p> + + <p>OLD M. But tell me, how, saying this, I shall obtain belief from thy + daughter and wife.</p> + + <p>AG. Preserve the seal, this which thou bearest on this letter. Go: + morn, already dawning forth this light, grows white, and the fire of the + sun's four steeds. Aid me in my toils. But no one of mortals is + prosperous or blest to the last, for none hath yet been born free from + pain.</p> + + <p>CHORUS. I came to the sands of the shore of marine Aulis, having + sailed through the waves of Euripus, quitting Chalcis with its narrow + strait, my city, the nurse of the sea-neighboring waters<a + name="IA_11"></a><a href="#IAN_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> of renowned + Arethusa, in order that I might behold the army of the Greeks, and the + ship-conveying oars of the Grecian youths, whom against Troy in a + thousand ships of fir, our husbands say that yellow-haired Menelaus and + Agamemnon of noble birth, are leading in quest of Helen,<a + name="IA_12"></a><a href="#IAN_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a> whom the herdsman + Paris bore from reed-nourishing Eurotas, a gift of Venus, when at the + fountain dews Venus held contest, contest respecting beauty with Juno and + Pallas. But I came swiftly through the wood of Diana with its many + sacrifices, making my cheek red with youthful modesty, wishing to behold + the defense of the shield, and the arm-bearing tents<a + name="IA_13"></a><a href="#IAN_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> of the Greeks, and + the crowd of steeds. But I saw the two Ajaces companions, the son of + Oileus, and the son of Telamon, the glory of Salamis, and Protesilaus and + Palamedes, whom the daughter of Neptune bore, diverting themselves<a + name="IA_14"></a><a href="#IAN_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a> with the + complicated figures of draughts, and Diomede rejoicing in the pleasures + of the disk, and by them Merione, the blossom of Mars, a marvel to + mortals, and the son of Laertes from the mountains of the isle, and with + them Nireus, fairest of the Greeks, and Achilles, tempest-like in the + course, fleet as the winds, whom Thetis bore, and Chiron trained up, I + beheld him on the shore, coursing in arms along the shingles. And he + toiled through a contest of feet, running against a chariot of four + steeds for victory. But the charioteer cried out, Eumelus, the grandson + of Pheres,<a name="IA_15"></a><a href="#IAN_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> whose + most beauteous steeds I beheld, decked out with gold-tricked bits, + hurried on by the lash, the middle ones in yoke dappled with + white-spotted hair, but those outside, in loose harness, running + contrariwise in the bendings of the course, bays, with dappled skins + under their legs with solid hoofs. Close by which Pelides was running in + arms, by the orb and wheels of the chariot.<a name="IA_16"></a><a + href="#IAN_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> And I came to the multitude of ships, + a sight not to be described, that I might satiate the sight of my woman's + eyes, a sweet delight. And at the right horn [of the fleet] was the + Phthiotic army of the Myrmidons, with fifty valiant ships. And in golden + effigies the Nereid Goddesses stood on the summit of the poops, the + standard of the host of Achilles. And next to these there stood the + Argive ships, with equal number of oars, of which [Euryalus] the grandson + of Mecisteus was general, whom his father Talaus trains up, and Sthenelus + son of Capaneus. But [Acamas] son of Theseus, leading sixty ships from + Athens, kept station, having the Goddess Pallas placed<a + name="IA_17"></a><a href="#IAN_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a> in her equestrian + winged chariot, a prosperous sign to sailors. But I beheld the armament + of the Bœotians, fifty sea-bound ships, with signs at the + figure-heads, and their sign was Cadmus, holding a golden dragon, at the + beaks of the ships, and Leitus the earth-born was leader of the naval + armament, and [I beheld] those from the Phocian land. But the son of + Oileus, leading an equal number of Locrian ships, came, having left the + Thronian city. But from Cyclopian Mycenæ the son of Atreus sent the + assembled mariners of a hundred ships. And with him was Adrastus, as + friend with friend, in order that Greece might wreak vengeance on those + who fled their homes, for the sake of barbarian nuptials. But from Pylos + we beheld on the poops of Gerenian Nestor, a sign bull-footed to view, + his neighbor Alpheus. But there were twelve beaks of Ænian ships, which + king Gyneus led, and near these again the chieftains of Elis, whom all + the people named Epeians, and o'er these Eurytus had power. But the + white-oared Taphian host * * * * led,<a name="IA_18"></a><a + href="#IAN_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> which Meges ruled, the offspring of + Phyleus, leaving the island Echinades, inaccessible to sailors. And Ajax, + the foster-child of Salamis, joined the right horn to the left, to which + he was stationed nearest, joining them with his furthermost ships, with + twelve most swift vessels, as I heard, and beheld the naval people. To + which if any one add the barbarian barks, * * * * it will not obtain a + return. * * * * Where I beheld the naval expedition, but hearing other + things at home I preserve remembrance of the assembled army.</p> + + <p>OLD M. Menelaus, thou art daring dreadful deeds thou shouldst not + dare.</p> + + <p>MENELAUS. Away with thee! thou art too faithful to thy masters.</p> + + <p>OLD M. An honorable rebuke thou hast rebuked me with!</p> + + <p>MEN. To thy cost shall it be, if thou dost that thou shouldst not + do.</p> + + <p>OLD M. You have no right to open the letter which I was carrying.</p> + + <p>MEN. Nor shouldst thou bear ills to all the Greeks.</p> + + <p>OLD M. Contest this point with others, but give up this [letter] to + me.</p> + + <p>MEN. I will not let it go.</p> + + <p>OLD M. Nor will I let it go.</p> + + <p>MEN. Then quickly with my sceptre will I make thine head bloody.</p> + + <p>OLD M. But glorious it is to die for one's masters.</p> + + <p>MEN. Let go. Being a slave, thou speakest too many words.</p> + + <p>OLD M. O master, I am wronged, and this man, having snatched thy + letter out of my hands, O Agamemnon, is unwilling to act rightly.</p> + + <p>MEN. Ah! what is this tumult and disorder of words?</p> + + <p>OLD M. My words, not his, are fittest to speak.<a name="IA_19"></a><a + href="#IAN_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a></p> + + <p>AG. But wherefore, Menelaus, dost thou come to strife with this man + and art dragging him by force?</p> + + <p>MEN. Look at me, that I may take this commencement of my speech.</p> + + <p>AG. What, shall I through fear not open mine eyelids, being born of + Atreus?</p> + + <p>MEN. Seest thou this letter, the minister of writings most vile?</p> + + <p>AG. I see it, and do thou first let it go from thy hands.</p> + + <p>MEN. Not, at least, before I show to the Greeks what is written + therein.</p> + + <p>AG. What, knowest thou what 'tis unseasonable thou shouldst know, + having broken the seal?</p> + + <p>MEN. Ay, so as to pain thee, having unfolded the ills thou hast + wrought privily.</p> + + <p>AG. But where didst thou obtain it? O Gods, for thy shameless + heart!</p> + + <p>MEN. Expecting thy daughter from Argos, whether she will come to the + army.</p> + + <p>AG. What behooves thee to keep watch upon my affairs? Is not this the + act of a shameless man?</p> + + <p>MEN. Because the will [to do so] teased me, and I am not born thy + slave.</p> + + <p>AG. Is it not dreadful? Shall I not be suffered to be master of my own + family?</p> + + <p>MEN. For thou thinkest inconsistently, now one thing, before another, + another thing presently.</p> + + <p>AG. Well hast thou talked evil. Hateful is a too clever tongue.<a + name="IA_20"></a><a href="#IAN_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a></p> + + <p>MEN. But an unstable mind is an unjust thing to possess, and not + clear<a name="IA_21"></a><a href="#IAN_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> for + friends. I wish to expostulate with thee, but do not thou in wrath turn + away from the truth, nor will I speak overlong. Thou knowest when thou + wast making interest to be leader of the Greeks against Troy—in + seeming indeed not wishing it, but wishing it in will—how humble + thou wast, taking hold of every right hand, and keeping open doors to any + of the people that wished, and giving audience to all in turn even if one + wished it not, seeking by manners to purchase popularity among the + multitude. But when you obtained the power, changing to different + manners, you were no longer the same friend as before to your old + friends, difficult of access,<a name="IA_22"></a><a + href="#IAN_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a> and rarely within doors. But it + behooves not a man who has met with great fortune to change his manners, + but then chiefly to be firm toward his friends, when he is best able to + benefit them, being prosperous. I have first gone over these charges + against thee, in which I first found thee base. But when thou afterward + camest into Aulis and to the army of all the Greeks, thou wast naught, + but wast in stupefaction at the fortune which then befell us from the + Gods, lacking a favorable breeze for the journey. But the Greeks demanded + that you should dismiss the ships, and not toil vainly at Aulis. But how + cheerless and distressed a countenance you wore, because you were not + able to land your army at Priam's land, having a thousand ships under + command.<a name="IA_23"></a><a href="#IAN_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a> And + thou besoughtest me, "What shall I do?" "But what resource shall I find + from whence?" so that thou mightest not lose an ill renown, being + deprived of the command. And then, when Calchas o'er the victims said + that thou must sacrifice thy daughter to Diana, and that there would + [then] be means of sailing for the Greeks, delighted in heart, you gladly + promised to sacrifice your child, and of your own accord, not by + compulsion—do not say so—you send to your wife to convoy your + daughter hither, on a pretext of being wedded to Achilles. And then + changing [your mind] you are caught altering to other writings, to the + effect that you will not now be the slayer of your daughter. Very pretty, + forsooth! This is the same air which heard these very protestations from + thee. But innumerable men experience this in their affairs; they + persevere in labor when in power,<a name="IA_24"></a><a + href="#IAN_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a> and then make a bad result, sometimes + through the foolish mind of the citizens, but sometimes with reason, + themselves becoming incapable of preserving the state, I indeed chiefly + groan for hapless Greece, who, wishing to work some doughty deed against + these good-for-nothing barbarians, will let them, laughing at us, slip + through her hands, on account of thee and thy daughter. I would not make + any one ruler of the land for the sake of necessity,<a + name="IA_25"></a><a href="#IAN_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> nor chieftain of + armed men. It behooves the general of the state to possess sense, for + every man is a ruler who possesses sense.</p> + + <p>CHOR. 'Tis dreadful for words and strife to happen between brothers, + when they fall into dispute.</p> + + <p>AG. I wish to address thee in evil terms, but mildly,<a + name="IA_26"></a><a href="#IAN_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> in brief, not + uplifting mine eyelids too much aloft through insolence, but moderately, + as being my brother. For a good man is wont to show respect [to others.] + Tell me, why dost thou burst forth thus violently, having thy face + suffused with rage? Who wrongs thee? What lackest thou? Wouldst fain gain + a good wife! I can not supply thee, for thou didst ill rule over the one + you possessed. Must I therefore pay the penalty of your mismanagement, + who have made no mistake? Or does my ambition annoy thee? But wouldst + thou fain hold in thine arms a fair woman, forgetting discretion and + honor? Evil pleasures belong to an evil man. But if I, having before + resolved ill, have changed to good counsel, am I mad? Rather art thou + [mad,] who, having lost a bad wife, desirest to recover her, when God has + well prospered thy fortune. The nuptial-craving suitors in their folly + swore the oath to Tyndarus, but hope, I ween, was their God, and wrought + this more than thyself and thy strength. Whom taking<a + name="IA_27"></a><a href="#IAN_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> make thou the + expedition, but I think thou wilt know [that it is] through the folly of + their hearts, for the divinity is not ignorant, but is capable of + discerning oaths ill plighted and perforce. But I will not slay my + children, so that thy state will in justice be well, revenge upon the + worst of wives, but nights and days will waste me away in tears, having + wrought lawless, unjust deeds against the children whom I begat. These + words are briefly spoken to thee, both plain and easy, but if thou art + unwilling to be wise, I will arrange my own affairs well.</p> + + <p>CHOR. These words are different from those before spoken, but they are + to a good effect, that the children be spared.</p> + + <p>MEN. Alas! alas! have I then wretched no friends?</p> + + <p>AG. [Yes, you have,] at least, if you do not wish to ruin your + friends.</p> + + <p>MEN. But how will you show that you are born of the same sire with + me?</p> + + <p>AG. I am born to be wise with you, not foolish.<a name="IA_28"></a><a + href="#IAN_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a></p> + + <p>MEN. It behooves friends to grieve in common with friends.</p> + + <p>AG. Admonish me by well doing, not by paining me.</p> + + <p>MEN. Dost thou not then think fit to toil through this with + Greece?</p> + + <p>AG. But Greece, with thee, is sickening through some deity.</p> + + <p>MEN. Vaunt then on thy sceptre, having betrayed thy brother. But I + will seek some other schemes, and other friends.</p> + +<p class="center">[<i>Enter a Messenger</i>.<a name="IA_29"></a><a href="#IAN_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a>]</p> + + <p>MESSENGER. O Agamemnon, king of all the Greeks, I am come, bringing + thy daughter to thee, whom thou didst name Iphigenia in thy palace. But + her mother follows, the person of thy [wife] Clytæmnestra, and the boy + Orestes, that thou mayest be pleased at the sight, being away from thine + home a long season. But as they have come a long way, they and their + mares are refreshing their female feet by the fair-flowing fountain, and + we let loose the mares in a grassy meadow, that they might taste fodder. + But I am come before them to prepare you [for their reception,] for a + swift report passed through the army, that thy daughter had arrived. And + all the multitude comes out hastily to the spectacle, that they may + behold thy child. For prosperous men are renowned and conspicuous among + all mortals. And they say, "Is there a marriage on foot? or what is going + on?" Or, "Has king Agamemnon, having a yearning after his daughter, + brought his child hither?" But from some you would have heard this: "They + are initiating<a name="IA_30"></a><a href="#IAN_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a> + the damsel in honor of Artemis, queen of Aulis, who will marry her." But + come, get ready the baskets,<a name="IA_31"></a><a + href="#IAN_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> which come next, crown thine head. And + do thou, king Menelaus, prepare a nuptial lay, and through the house let + the pipe sound and let there be noise of feet, for this day comes blessed + upon the virgin.</p> + + <p>AG. I commend [your words,] but go thou within the house, and it shall + be well, as fortune takes its course. Alas! what shall I wretched say? + Whence shall I begin? Into what fetters of necessity have I fallen! + Fortune has upturned me, so as to become far too clever for my + cleverness. But lowness of birth has some advantage thus. For such + persons are at liberty to weep, and speak unhappy words, but to him that + is of noble birth, all these things belong. We have our dignity as ruler + of our life, and are slaves to the multitude. For I am ashamed indeed to + let fall the tear, yet again wretched am I ashamed not to weep, having + come into the greatest calamities. Well! what shall I say to my wife? How + shall I receive her? What manner of countenance shall I present? And + truly she hath undone me, coming uncalled amidst the ills which before + possessed me. And with reason did she follow her daughter, being about to + deck her as a bride,<a name="IA_32"></a><a + href="#IAN_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a> and to perform the dearest offices, + where she will find us base. But for this hapless virgin—why [call + her] virgin? Hades, as it seems, will speedily attend on her + nuptials,—how do I pity her! For I think that she will beseech me + thus: O father, wilt thou slay me? Such a wedding mayest thou thyself + wed, and whosoever is a friend to thee. But Orestes being present will + cry out knowingly words not knowing, for he is yet an infant. Alas! how + has Priam's son, Paris, undone me by wedding the nuptials of Paris, who + has wrought this!</p> + + <p>CHOR. And I also pity her, as it becomes a stranger woman to moan for + the misfortune of her lords.</p> + + <p>MEN. Brother, give me thy right hand to touch.</p> + + <p>AG. I give it, for thine is the power, but I am wretched.</p> + + <p>MEN. I swear by Pelops, who was called the sire of my father and + thine, and my father Atreus, that I indeed will tell thee plainly from my + heart, and not any thing out of contrivance, but only what I think. I, + beholding thee letting fall the tear from thine eyes, pitied thee, and + myself let fall [a tear] for thee in return. And I have changed<a + name="IA_33"></a><a href="#IAN_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a> my old + determinations, not being wrath against you, but I will place myself in + your present situation, and I recommend you neither to slay your child, + nor to take my part; for it is not just that thou shouldst groan, but my + affairs be in a pleasant state, and that thine should die, but mine + behold the light. For what do I wish? Might I not obtain another choice + alliance, if I crave nuptials? But, having undone my brother, whom it + least behooved me, shall I receive Helen, an evil in place of a good? I + was foolish and young, before that, viewing the matter closely, I saw + what it is to beget children. Besides, pity came over me, considering our + connection, for the hapless girl, who is about to be sacrificed because + of my marriage. But what has thy virgin [daughter] to do with Helen? Let + the army go, being disbanded from Aulis. But cease thou bedewing thine + eyes with tears, my brother, and exciting me to tears. But if I have any + concern in the oracle respecting thy daughter, let me have none: to thee + I yield my part. But I have come to a change<a name="IA_34"></a><a + href="#IAN_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a> from terrible resolutions. I + have experienced<a name="IA_35"></a><a href="#IAN_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a> + what was meet. I have changed to regard him who is sprung from a common + source. Such changes belong not to a bad man, [viz.] to follow the best + always.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou hast spoken generous words, and becoming Tantalus the son + of Jove. Thou disgracest not thine ancestors.</p> + + <p>AG. I commend thee, Menelaus, in that, contrary to my expectation, you + have subjoined these words, rightly, and worthily of thee.</p> + + <p>MEN. A certain disturbance<a name="IA_36"></a><a + href="#IAN_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> between brothers arises on account of + love, and avarice in their houses. I abhor such a relationship, mutually + sore.</p> + + <p>AG. But [consider,] for we are come into circumstances that render it + necessary to accomplish the bloody slaughter of my daughter.</p> + + <p>MEN. How? Who will compel thee to slay thy child?</p> + + <p>AG. The whole assembly of the armament of the Greeks.</p> + + <p>MEN. Not so, if at least thou dismiss it back to Argos.</p> + + <p>AG. In this matter I might escape discovery, but in that I can not.<a + name="IA_37"></a><a href="#IAN_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a></p> + + <p>MEN. What? One should not too much fear the multitude.</p> + + <p>AG. Calchas will proclaim his prophecy to the army of the Greeks.</p> + + <p>MEN. Not if he die first—and this is easy.</p> + + <p>AG. The whole race of seers is an ambitious ill.</p> + + <p>MEN. And in naught good or profitable, when at hand.<a + name="IA_38"></a><a href="#IAN_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a></p> + + <p>AG. But dost thou not fear that which occurs to me?</p> + + <p>MEN. How can I understand the word you say not?</p> + + <p>AG. The son of Sisyphus knows all these matters.</p> + + <p>MEN. It can not be that Orestes can pain thee and me.</p> + + <p>AG. He is ever changeable, and with the multitude.</p> + + <p>MEN. He is indeed possessed with the passion for popularity, a + dreadful evil.</p> + + <p>AG. Do you not then think that he, standing in the midst of the + Greeks, will tell the oracles which Calchas pronounced, and of me, that I + promised to offer a sacrifice to Diana, and then break my word. With + which [words] having carried away the army, he will bid the Greeks slay + thee and me, and sacrifice the damsel. And if I flee to Argos, they will + come and ravage and raze the land, Cyclopean walls and all. Such are my + troubles. O unhappy me! How, by the Gods, am I at a loss in these present + matters! Take care of one thing for me, Menelaus, going through the army, + that Clytæmnestra may not learn these matters, before I take and offer my + daughter to Hades, that I may fare ill with as few tears as possible. But + do ye, O stranger women, preserve silence.</p> + + <p>CHORUS. Blest are they who share the nuptial bed of the Goddess + Aphrodite,<a name="IA_39"></a><a href="#IAN_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> when + she is moderate, and with modesty, obtaining a calm from the maddening + stings, when Love with his golden locks stretches his twin bow of graces, + the one for a prosperous fate, the other for the upturning of life. I + deprecate this [bow,] O fairest Venus, from our beds, but may mine be a + moderate grace, and holy endearments, and may I share Aphrodite, but + reject her when excessive. But the natures of mortals are different, and + their manners are different,<a name="IA_40"></a><a + href="#IAN_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a> but that which is clearly good is ever + plain. And the education which trains<a name="IA_41"></a><a + href="#IAN_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a> [men] up, conduces greatly to virtue, + for to have reverence is wisdom, and it possesses an equivalent + advantage, viz. to perceive what is fitting by one's mind, where report + bears unwasting glory to life.<a name="IA_42"></a><a + href="#IAN_42"><sup>[42]</sup></a> 'Tis a great thing to hunt for [the + praise of] virtue, among women indeed, by a secret affection,<a + name="IA_43"></a><a href="#IAN_43"><sup>[43]</sup></a> but among men, on + the other hand, honor being inherent,<a name="IA_44"></a><a + href="#IAN_44"><sup>[44]</sup></a> [bears that praise, honor,] which + increases a state to an incalculable extent.<a name="IA_45"></a><a + href="#IAN_45"><sup>[45]</sup></a></p> + + <p>Thou earnest, O Paris, †where thou wast trained up a shepherd + with the white heifers of Ida, trilling a barbarian lay, breathing an + imitation of the Phrygian pipes of Olympus on a reed. And the cows with + their well-filled udders browsed, when the judgment of the Goddesses + drove thee mad, which sends thee into Greece,† before the + ivory-decked palaces, thou who didst strike love into the eyes of Helen + which were upon thee, and thyself wast fluttered with love. Whence + strife, strife brings Greece against the bulwarks of Troy with spears and + ships.† Alas! alas! great are the fortunes of the great.<a + name="IA_46"></a><a href="#IAN_46"><sup>[46]</sup></a> Behold the king's + daughter, Iphigenia, my queen, and Clytæmnestra, daughter of Tyndarus, + how are they sprung from the great, and to what suitable fortune they are + come. The powerful, in sooth, and the wealthy, are Gods to those of + mortals who are unblest. [Let us stand still, ye children of Chalcis, let + us receive the queen from her chariot to the earth, not unsteadily, but + gently with the soft attention of our hands, lest the renowned daughter + of Agamemnon, newly coming to me, be alarmed, nor let us, as strangers to + strangers, cause disturbance or fear to the Argive ladies.<a + name="IA_47"></a><a href="#IAN_47"><sup>[47]</sup></a>]</p> + + <p>[<i>Enter</i> Clytæmnestra, IPHIGENIA, <i>and probably</i> ORESTES + <i>in a chariot. They descend from it, while the Chorus make + obeisance</i>.]</p> + + <p>CLY. I regard both your kindness and your favorable words as a good + omen, and I have some hope that I am here as escort [of my daughter] to + honorable nuptials. But take out of my chariot the dower-gifts which I + bear for my girl, and send them carefully into the house. And do thou, my + child, quit the horse-chariot, setting [carefully] thy foot delicate and + at the same time tender. But you,<a name="IA_48"></a><a + href="#IAN_48"><sup>[48]</sup></a> maidens, receive her in your arms, and + lift her from the chariot. And let some one give me the firm support of + his hand, that I may beseemingly leave the chariot-seat. But do some<a + name="IA_49"></a><a href="#IAN_49"><sup>[49]</sup></a> of you stand in + front of the horses' yoke, for the uncontrolled eye of horses is + timorous, and take this boy, the son of Agamemnon, Orestes, for he is + still an infant. Child! dost sleep, overcome by the ride? Wake up happily + for thy sisters' nuptials. For thou thyself being noble shalt obtain + relationship with a good man, the God-like son of the daughter of Nereus. + [<a name="IA_50"></a><a href="#IAN_50"><sup>[50]</sup></a>Next come thou + close to my foot, O daughter, to thy mother, Iphigenia, and standing + near, show these strangers how happy I am, and come hither indeed, and + address thy dear father.] O thou most great glory to me, king Agamemnon, + we are come, not disobeying thy bidding.</p> + + <p>IPH. O mother, running indeed, (but be thou not angry,) I will apply + my breast to my father's breast. [<a name="IA_51"></a><a + href="#IAN_51"><sup>[51]</sup></a>But I wish, rushing to embrace thy + breast, O father, after a long season. For I long for thy face. But do + not be angry.]</p> + + <p>CLY. But, O my child, enjoy [thine embraces,] but thou wert ever most + fond of thy father, of all the children I bore.</p> + + <p>IPH. O father, joyous do I behold thee after a long season.</p> + + <p>AG. And I, thy father, [joyously behold] thee. Thou speakest thus + equally in respect to both.</p> + + <p>IPH. Hail! But well hast thou done in bringing me to thee, O + father.</p> + + <p>AG. I know not how I shall say, yet not say so, my child.</p> + + <p>IPH. Ah! how uneasily dost thou regard me, joyfully beholding me + [before.]</p> + + <p>AG. A king and general has many cares.</p> + + <p>IPH. Give thyself up to me now, and turn not thyself to cares.</p> + + <p>AG. But I am altogether concerned with thee, and on no other + subject.</p> + + <p>IPH. Relax thy brow, and open thy eyes in joy.</p> + + <p>AG. See, I rejoice as I rejoice, at seeing thee, child.<a + name="IA_52"></a><a href="#IAN_52"><sup>[52]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. And then dost let fall a tear from thine eyes?</p> + + <p>AG. For long to us is the coming absence.</p> + + <p>IPH. I know not what you mean, I know not, dearest father mine.</p> + + <p>AG. Speaking sensibly, thou movest me the more to pity.</p> + + <p>IPH. I will speak foolishly, if I so may rejoice you.</p> + + <p>AG. Alas! I can not keep silence, but I commend thee.</p> + + <p>IPH. Remain, O father, in the house with thy children,</p> + + <p>AG. I fain would, but not having what I would, I am pained.</p> + + <p>IPH. Perish war and the ills of Menelaus!<a name="IA_53"></a><a + href="#IAN_53"><sup>[53]</sup></a></p> + + <p>AG. What has undone me will first undo others.</p> + + <p>IPH. How long a time wast thou absent in the recesses of Aulis!</p> + + <p>AG. And now also there is something hinders me from sending on the + army.</p> + + <p>IPH. Where say they that the Phrygians dwell, father?</p> + + <p>AG. Where would that Paris, Priam's son, had never dwelt.</p> + + <p>IPH. And dost thou go a long distance, O father, when thou leavest + me?</p> + + <p>AG. Thou art come, my daughter, to the same state with thy father.<a + name="IA_54"></a><a href="#IAN_54"><sup>[54]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. Alas! would that it were fitting me and thee to take me with thee + as thy fellow-sailor.</p> + + <p>AG. But there is yet a sailing for thee, where thou wilt remember thy + father.</p> + + <p>IPH. Shall I go, sailing with my mother, or alone?</p> + + <p>AG. Alone, apart from thy father and mother.</p> + + <p>IPH. What, art thou going to make me dwell in other houses, + father?</p> + + <p>AG. Cease. It is not proper for girls to know these matters.</p> + + <p>IPH. Hasten back from Phrygia, do, my father, having settled matters + well there.</p> + + <p>AG. It first behooves me to offer a certain sacrifice here.</p> + + <p>IPH. But it is with the priests that thou shouldst consider sacred + matters.</p> + + <p>AG. [Yet] shalt thou know it, for thou wilt stand round the altar.</p> + + <p>IPH. What, shall we stand in chorus round the altar, my father?<a + name="IA_55"></a><a href="#IAN_55"><sup>[55]</sup></a></p> + + <p>AG. I deem thee happier than myself, for that thou know-est nothing. + But go within the house, that the girls may behold thee,<a + name="IA_56"></a><a href="#IAN_56"><sup>[56]</sup></a> having given me a + sad kiss and thy right hand, being about to dwell a long time away from + thy sire. O bosom and cheeks, O yellow tresses, how has the city of the + Phrygians proved a burden to us, and Helen! I cease my words, for swift + does the drop trickle from mine eyes when I touch thee. Go into the + house. But I, I crave thy pardon, (<i>to Clytæmnestra</i>,) daughter of + Leda, if I showed too much feeling, being about to bestow my daughter on + Achilles. For the departure [of a girl] is a happy one, but nevertheless + it pains the parents, when a father, who has toiled much, delivers up his + children to another home.</p> + + <p>CLY. I am not so insensible—but think thou that I shall + experience the same feelings, (so that I should not chide thee,) when I + lead forth my girl with nuptial rejoicings, but custom wears away these + thoughts in course of time. I know, however, the name of him to whom thou + hast promised thy daughter, but I would fain know of what race, and + whence [he is.]</p> + + <p>AG. Ægina was the daughter of her father Asopus.</p> + + <p>CLY. And who of mortals or of Gods wedded her?</p> + + <p>AG. Jove, and she gave birth to Æacus, prince of Œnone.</p> + + <p>CLY. But what son obtained the house of Æacus?</p> + + <p>AG. Peleus, and Peleus obtained the daughter of Nereus.</p> + + <p>CLY. By the gift of the God, or taking her in spite of the Gods?</p> + + <p>AG. Jove acted as a sponsor, and bestowed her, having the power.<a + name="IA_57"></a><a href="#IAN_57"><sup>[57]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CLY. And where does he wed her? In the wave of the sea?</p> + + <p>AG. Where Chiron dwells at the sacred foot of Pelion.</p> + + <p>CLY. Where they say that the race of Centaurs dwells?</p> + + <p>AG. Here the Gods celebrated the nuptial feast of Peleus.</p> + + <p>CLY. But did Thetis, or his father, train up Achilles?</p> + + <p>AG. Chiron, that he might not learn the manners of evil mortals.</p> + + <p>CLY. Hah! wise was the instructor, and wiser he who intrusted him.</p> + + <p>AG. Such a man will be the husband of thy child.</p> + + <p>CLY. Not to be found fault with. But what city in Greece does he + inhabit?</p> + + <p>AG. Near the river Apidanus in the confines of Phthia.</p> + + <p>CLY. Thither will he lead thy virgin [daughter] and mine.</p> + + <p>AG. This shall be the care of him, her possessor.</p> + + <p>CLY. And may the pair be happy; but on what day will he wed her?</p> + + <p>AG. When the prospering orb of the moon comes round.</p> + + <p>CLY. But hast thou already sacrificed the first offerings for thy + daughter to the Goddess?</p> + + <p>AG. I am about to do so. In this matter we are now engaged.</p> + + <p>CLY. And wilt thou then celebrate a wedding-feast afterward?</p> + + <p>AG. [Ay,] having sacrificed such offerings as it behooves me to + sacrifice to the Gods.</p> + + <p>CLY. But where shall we set out a banquet for the women?</p> + + <p>AG. Here, by the fair-pooped ships of the Greeks.</p> + + <p>CLY. Well, and poorly,<a name="IA_58"></a><a + href="#IAN_58"><sup>[58]</sup></a> forsooth! but may it nevertheless turn + out well.</p> + + <p>AG. Do then thou knowest what, O lady, and obey me.</p> + + <p>CLY. In what? for I am accustomed to obey thee.</p> + + <p>AG. We indeed in this place, where the bridegroom is—</p> + + <p>CLY. Will do what without the mother, [of those things] which it + behooves me to do?</p> + + <p>AG. —will bestow your daughter among the Greeks.</p> + + <p>CLY. But where must I be in the mean time?</p> + + <p>AG. Go to Argos, and take care of your virgins.</p> + + <p>CLY. Leaving my child? And who will bear the [nuptial] torch?</p> + + <p>AG. I will furnish the light that becomes the nuptials.</p> + + <p>CLY. The custom is not thus, but you think these matters trifles.</p> + + <p>AG. It is not proper that thou shouldst mingle in the crowd of the + army.</p> + + <p>CLY. It is proper that I, the mother, should bestow at least my own + daughter.</p> + + <p>AG. And it [is proper] that the damsels at home should not be + alone.</p> + + <p>CLY. They are well guarded in their close chambers.</p> + + <p>AG. Obey me.</p> + + <p>CLY. [No,] by the Argive Goddess queen. But go you, and attend to + matters abroad, but I [will mind] the affairs at home, as to the things + which should be present to virgins at their wedding.<a + name="IA_59"></a><a href="#IAN_59"><sup>[59]</sup></a></p> + + <p>AG. Alas! In vain have I toiled,<a name="IA_60"></a><a + href="#IAN_60"><sup>[60]</sup></a> and have been frustrated in my hope, + wishing to send my wife out of my sight. But I am using stratagems, and + finding contrivances against those I best love, overcome at all points. + But nevertheless with the prophet Calchas I will go and ask the pleasure + of the Goddess, not fortunate for me, the trouble of Greece.<a + name="IA_61"></a><a href="#IAN_61"><sup>[61]</sup></a> But it behooves a + wise man either to support a useful and good wife in his house or not to + marry at all.<a name="IA_62"></a><a + href="#IAN_62"><sup>[62]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CHORUS. The assembly of the Grecian army will come to Simois, and to + the silver eddies, both with ships and with arms, to Ilium, and to the + Phœbeian plain of Troy, where I hear that Cassandra, adorned with a + green-blossoming crown of laurel, lets loose her yellow locks, when the + prophetic influence of the Gods breathes upon her. And the Trojans will + stand upon the towers of Troy and around its walls, when brazen-shielded + Mars, borne over the sea in fair-prowed ships, approaches the beds of + Simois by rowing, seeking to bear away Helen, [the sister] of the twain + sons of Jove in heaven, into the land of Greece, by the war-toiling + shields and spears of the Greeks. But having surrounded Pergamus,<a + name="IA_63"></a><a href="#IAN_63"><sup>[63]</sup></a> the city of the + Phrygians, around its towers of stone, with bloody Mars, having torn off + the heads [of the citizens] cut from their necks, having completely + ravaged the city of Troy, he will make the daughters and wife of Priam + shed many tears. But Helen, the daughter of Jove, will sit† in sad + lamentation, having left her husband. Never upon me or upon my children's + children may this expectation come, such as the wealthy Lydian and + Phrygian wives possess while at their spinning, conversing thus with each + other. Who,<a name="IA_64"></a><a href="#IAN_64"><sup>[64]</sup></a> + dragging out my fair-haired tresses, will choose me as his spoil despite + my tears, while my country is perishing? Through thee [forsooth,] the + offspring of the long-necked swan, if indeed the report is true, that + Leda † met with<a name="IA_65"></a><a + href="#IAN_65"><sup>[65]</sup></a> a winged bird, when the body of Jove + was transformed, and then in the tablets of the muses fables spread these + reports among men, inopportunely, and in vain.</p> + +<p class="center">[<i>Enter</i> ACHILLES.]</p> + + <p>ACHILLES. Where about here is the general of the Greeks? Who of the + servants will tell him that Achilles, the son of Peleus, is seeking him + at the gates? For we do not remain by the Euripus in equal condition; for + some of us being unyoked in nuptials, having left our solitary homes, sit + here upon the shore, but others, having wives and children:<a + name="IA_66"></a><a href="#IAN_66"><sup>[66]</sup></a> so violent a + passion for this expedition has fallen upon Greece, not without the will + of the Gods. It is therefore right that I should speak of what concerns + me, and whoever else wishes will himself speak for himself. For leaving + the Pharsalian land, and Peleus, I am waiting for these light gales of + Euripus,<a name="IA_67"></a><a href="#IAN_67"><sup>[67]</sup></a> + restraining the Myrmidons, who are continually pressing me, and saying, + "Achilles, why tarry we? what manner of time must the armament against + Troy yet measure out? At any rate act, if you are going to do any thing, + or lead the army home, not abiding the delays of the Atrides."</p> + + <p>CLY. O son of the Goddess, daughter of Nereus, hearing from within thy + words, I have come out before the house.</p> + + <p>ACH. O hallowed modesty, who can this woman be whom I behold here, + possessing a fair-seeming form?</p> + + <p>CLY. It is no wonder that you know me not, whom you have never seen + before, but I commend you because you respect modesty.</p> + + <p>ACH. But who art thou? And wherefore hast thou come to the assembly of + the Greeks, a woman to men guarded with shields?</p> + + <p>CLY. I am the daughter of Leda, and Clytæmnestra is my name, and my + husband is king Agamemnon.</p> + + <p>ACH. Well hast thou in few words spoken what is seasonable. But it is + unbecoming for me to converse with women. (<i>Is going</i>.)</p> + + <p>CLY. Remain, (why dost thou fly?) at least join thy right hand with + mine, as a happy commencement of betrothal.</p> + + <p>ACH. What sayest thou? I [give] thee my right hand? I should be + ashamed of Agamemnon, if I touched what is not lawful for me.</p> + + <p>CLY. It is particularly lawful, since you are going to wed my + daughter, O son of the sea Goddess, daughter of Nereus.</p> + + <p>ACH. What marriage dost thou say? Surprise possesses me, lady, unless, + being beside yourself, you speak this new thing.</p> + + <p>CLY. This is the nature of all people, to be ashamed when they behold + new friends, and are put in mind of nuptials.</p> + + <p>ACH. I never wooed thy daughter, lady, nor has any thing been said to + me on the subject of marriage by the Atrides.</p> + + <p>CLY. What can it be? Do you in turn marvel at my words, for thine are + a marvel to me.</p> + + <p>ACH. Conjecture; these matters are a common subject for conjecture, + for both of us perhaps are deceived in our words.<a name="IA_68"></a><a + href="#IAN_68"><sup>[68]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CLY. But surely I have suffered terrible things! I am acting as + match-maker in regard to a marriage that has no existence. I am ashamed + of this.</p> + + <p>ACH. Perhaps some one has trifled with both me and thee. But pay no + attention to it, and bear it with indifference.</p> + + <p>CLY. Farewell, for I can no longer behold thee with uplifted eyes, + having appeared as a liar, and suffered unworthy things.</p> + + <p>ACH. And this same [farewell] is thine from me. But I will go seek thy + husband within this house.</p> + +<p class="center">[<i>The</i> OLD MAN <i>appears at the door of the house</i>.]</p> + + <p>OLD M. O stranger, grandson of Æacus, remain. Ho! thee, I say, the son + of the Goddess, and thee, the daughter of Leda.</p> + + <p>ACH. Who is it that calls, partially opening the doors? With what + terror he calls!</p> + + <p>OLD M. A slave. I will not be nice about the title, for fortune allows + it not.</p> + + <p>ACH. Of whom? for thou art not mine. My property and Agamemnon's are + different.</p> + + <p>OLD M. Of this lady who is before the house, the gift of her father + Tyndarus.</p> + + <p>ACH. We are still. Say if thou wantest any thing, for which thou hast + stopped me.</p> + + <p>OLD M. Are ye sure that ye alone stand before these gates?</p> + + <p>CLY. Ay, so that you may speak to us only. But come out from the royal + dwelling.</p> + + <p>OLD M. (Coming forward) O fortune, and foresight mine, preserve whom I + wish.</p> + + <p>ACH. These words will do for<a name="IA_69"></a><a + href="#IAN_69"><sup>[69]</sup></a> a future occasion, for they have some + weight.</p> + + <p>CLY. By thy right hand [I beseech thee,] delay not, if thou hast aught + to say to me.</p> + + <p>OLD M. Thou knowest then, being what manner of man, I have been by + nature well disposed to thee and thy children.</p> + + <p>CLY. I know thee as being a faithful servant to my house.</p> + + <p>OLD M. And that king Agamemnon received me among thy dowry.</p> + + <p>CLY. Thou camest into Argos with us, and thou wast always mine.</p> + + <p>OLD M. So it is, and I am well disposed to thee, but less so to thy + husband.</p> + + <p>CLY. Unfold now at least to me what words you are saying.</p> + + <p>OLD M. The father who begat her is about to slay thy daughter with his + own hand.</p> + + <p>CLY. How? I deprecate thy words, old man, for thou thinkest not + well.</p> + + <p>OLD M. Cutting the fair neck of the hapless girl with the sword.</p> + + <p>CLY. O wretched me! Is my husband mad?</p> + + <p>OLD M. He is in his right mind, save with respect to thee and thy + daughter, but in this he is not wise.</p> + + <p>CLY. Upon what grounds? What maddening fiend impels him?</p> + + <p>OLD M. The oracles, as at least Calchas says, in order that the army + may be able to proceed.</p> + + <p>CLY. Whither? Wretched me, and wretched she whom her father is about + to slay?</p> + + <p>OLD M. To the house of Dardanus, that Menelaus may recover Helen.</p> + + <p>CLY. To the destruction, then, of Iphigenia, was the return of Helen + foredoomed?</p> + + <p>OLD M. Thou hast the whole story. Her father is going to offer thy + daughter to Diana.</p> + + <p>CLY. What! what pretext had the marriage, that brought me from + home?</p> + + <p>OLD M. That thou rejoicing mightest bring thy child, as if about to + wed her to Achilles.</p> + + <p>CLY. O daughter, both thou and thy mother are come to meet with + destruction.</p> + + <p>OLD M. Ye twain are suffering sad things, and dreadful things hath + Agamemnon dared.</p> + + <p>CLY. I wretched am undone, and my eyes no longer restrain the + tear.</p> + + <p>OLD M. For bitter 'tis to mourn, deprived of one's children.</p> + + <p>CLY. But whence, old man, sayest thou that thou hast learned and + knowest these things?</p> + + <p>OLD M. I went to bear a letter to thee, in reference to what was + before written.</p> + + <p>CLY. Not allowing, or bidding me to bring my child, that she might + die?</p> + + <p>OLD M. [It was] that you should not bring her, for your husband then + thought well.</p> + + <p>CLY. And how was it then, that, bearing the letter, thou gavest it not + to me?</p> + + <p>OLD M. Menelaus, who is the cause of these evils, took it from me.</p> + + <p>CLY. O child of Nereus' daughter, O son of Peleus, dost hear these + things?</p> + + <p>ACH. I hear that thou art wretched, and I do not bear my part + indifferently.</p> + + <p>CLY. They will slay my child, having deceived her with thy + nuptials.</p> + + <p>ACH. I also blame thy husband, nor do I bear it lightly.</p> + + <p>CLY. I will not be ashamed to fall down at thy knee, mortal, to one + born of a Goddess. For wherefore should I make a show of pride? Or what + should I study more than my children? But, O son of the Goddess, aid me + in my unhappiness, and her who is called thy wife, vainly indeed, but + nevertheless, having decked her out, I led her as if to be married, but + now I lead her to sacrifice, and reproach will come upon thee, who gavest + no aid. For though thou wast not yoked in nuptials, at least thou wast + called the beloved husband of the hapless virgin. By thy beard, by thy + right hand, by thy mother [I beseech] thee, for thy name hath undone me, + to whom thou shouldst needs give assistance. I have no other altar to fly + to, but thy knee, nor is any friend near me,<a name="IA_70"></a><a + href="#IAN_70"><sup>[70]</sup></a> but thou hearest the cruel and + all-daring conduct of Agamemnon. But I a woman, as thou seest, have come + to a naval host, uncontrolled, and bold for mischief, but useful, when + they are willing. But if thou wilt venture to stretch thine hand in my + behalf, we are saved, but if not, we are not saved.</p> + + <p>CHOR. A terrible thing it is to be a mother, and it bears a great + endearment, and one common to all, so as to toil on behalf of their + children.</p> + + <p>ACH. My mind is high-lifted in its thoughts,<a name="IA_71"></a><a + href="#IAN_71"><sup>[71]</sup></a> and knows both how to grieve + [moderately] in troubles, and to rejoice moderately in high prosperity. + For the discreet among mortals are such as pass through life correctly + with wisdom. Now there are certain cases where it is pleasant not to be + too wise, and also where it is useful to possess wisdom. But I, being + nurtured [in the dwelling] of a most pious man, Chiron, have learned to + possess a candid disposition. And I will obey the Atrides, if indeed they + order well, but when not well, I obey not. But here in Troy showing a + free nature I will glorify Mars with the spear, as far as I can. But, O + thou who hast suffered wretchedly at the hands of those dearest, in + whatever can be done by a youth, I, showing so much pity, will set thee + right, and thy daughter, having been called my bride, shall never be + sacrificed by her father, for I will not furnish thy husband with my + person to weave stratagems upon. For my name, even if he lift not up the + sword, will slay thy daughter, but thy husband is the cause. But my body + is no longer pure, if on my account, and because of my marriage, there + perish a virgin who has gone through sad and unbearable troubles, and has + been marvelously and undeservedly ill treated. I were the worst man among + the Greeks, I were of naught (but Menelaus would be among men), not as + born from Peleus, but from some fiend, if my name acts the murderer for + thy husband.<a name="IA_72"></a><a href="#IAN_72"><sup>[72]</sup></a> By + Nereus, nurtured in the damp waves, the father of Thetis, who begat me, + king Agamemnon shall not lay hands on thy daughter, not so much as with a + little finger, so as to touch her garments. I' faith, Sipylus, a fortress + of barbarians, whence the [royal] generals trace their descent, shall be + deemed a city, but the name of Phthia shall nowhere be named. And the + seer Calchas will to his cost consecrate the sacrificial cakes and + lustral waters. (But what man is a prophet?) who tells<a + name="IA_73"></a><a href="#IAN_73"><sup>[73]</sup></a> a few things true, + (but many falsely,) when he has made a hit, but when he fails, is undone. + These words are not spoken for the sake of my wedding, (ten thousand + girls are hunting after alliance with me,) but [because] king Agamemnon + has been guilty of insult toward me. But it behooved him to ask [the use + of] my name from me, as an enticement for his daughter, and Clytæmnestra + would have been most readily persuaded to give her daughter to me as a + husband. And I would have given her up to the Greeks, if on this account + their passage to Troy had been impeded: I would not have refused to + augment the common interest of those with whom I set out on the + expedition. But now I am held as of no account by the generals, and it is + a matter of indifference whether I benefit them or not. Soon shall my + sword witness, which, before death came against the Phrygians,<a + name="IA_74"></a><a href="#IAN_74"><sup>[74]</sup></a> I stained with + spots of blood, whether any one shall take thy daughter from me. But keep + quiet, I have appeared to thee as a most mighty God, though not [a God,] + but nevertheless I will be such.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O son of Peleus, thou hast spoken both worthily of thyself, and + of the marine deity, hallowed Goddess.</p> + + <p>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,<a name="IA_75"></a><a + href="#IAN_75"><sup>[75]</sup></a> 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?</p> + + <p>ACH. Let her remain within doors, for with dignity she preserves her + dignity.</p> + + <p>CLY. Yet one must needs have modesty [only] as far as circumstances + allow.</p> + + <p>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.</p> + + <p>CLY. Mayest thou be blest, ever assisting the unhappy.</p> + + <p>ACH. Hear me then, that the matter may be well.</p> + + <p>CLY. What is this thou sayest? for one must listen to thee.</p> + + <p>ACH. Let us again persuade her father to be wiser.</p> + + <p>CLY. He is a coward, and fears the army too much.</p> + + <p>ACH. But words can conquer words.</p> + + <p>CLY. Chilly is the hope, but tell me what I must do.</p> + + <p>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.<a name="IA_76"></a><a + href="#IAN_76"><sup>[76]</sup></a></p> + + <p>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?</p> + + <p>ACH. We guards will watch thee when there is occasion, lest any one + behold thee going in agitation through the host of the Greeks. But do not + shame thy ancestral home, for Tyndarus is not worthy of an evil + reputation, seeing he is great among the Greeks.</p> + + <p>CLY. These things shall be. Command; it is meet that I obey thee. But + if there are Gods, you, being a just man, will receive a good reward; but + if not, why should one toil?</p> + + <p>CHOR. What was that nuptial song that raised<a name="IA_77"></a><a + href="#IAN_77"><sup>[77]</sup></a> its strains on the Libyan reed, and + with the dance-loving lyre, and the reedy syrinx, when o'er Pelion at the + feast of the Gods the fair-haired muses, striking their feet with golden + sandals against the ground, came to the wedding of Peleus, celebrating + with melodious sounds Thetis, and the son of Æacus, on the mountains of + the Centaurs, through the Palian wood.</p> + + <p>But the Dardan,<a name="IA_78"></a><a + href="#IAN_78"><sup>[78]</sup></a> [Phrygian Ganymede,] dear delight of + Jove's bed, poured out the nectar in the golden depths of the goblets, + and along the white sands the fifty daughters of Nereus, entwining in + circles, adorned the nuptials of Nereus with the dance. But with darts of + fir, and crowns of grass, the horse-mounted troop of the Centaurs came to + the banquet of the Gods and the cup of Bacchus. And the Thessalian girls + shouted loud,<a name="IA_79"></a><a href="#IAN_79"><sup>[79]</sup></a> "O + daughter of Nereus," and the prophet Phœbus, and Chiron, skilled in + letters, declared, "Thou shalt bring forth a mighty light, who shall come + to the [Trojan] land with Myrmidons armed with spear and shield, to burn + the renowned city of Priam, around his body armed with a covering of + golden arms wrought by Vulcan, having them as a gift from his Goddess + Thetis, who begat him blessed." Then the deities celebrated the nuptials + of the noble daughter of Nereus first,<a name="IA_80"></a><a + href="#IAN_80"><sup>[80]</sup></a> and of Peleus. But thee, [O + Iphigenia,] they will crown on the head with flowery garlands, like as a + pure spotted heifer from a rocky cave, making bloody the mortal throat + [of one] not trained up with the pipe, nor amidst the songs of herdsmen, + but as a bride<a name="IA_81"></a><a href="#IAN_81"><sup>[81]</sup></a> + prepared by thy mother for some one of the Argives. Where has the face of + shame, or virtue any power to prevail? Since impiety indeed has + influence, but virtue is left behind and disregarded by mortals, and + lawlessness governs law, and it is a common struggle for mortals, lest + any envy of the Gods befall.</p> + + <p>CLY. I have come out of the house to seek for my husband, who has been + absent, and has quitted the house a long time. But my hapless daughter is + in tears, casting forth many a change of complaint, having heard the + death her father devises for her. But I was mindful of Agamemnon who is + now coming hither,<a name="IA_82"></a><a + href="#IAN_82"><sup>[82]</sup></a> who will quickly be detected doing + evil deeds against his own children.</p> + + <p>AG. Daughter of Leda, opportunely have I found you without the house, + that I may tell thee, apart from the virgin, words which it is not meet + for those to hear who are about to marry.</p> + + <p>CLY. And what is it, on which your convenience lays hold?</p> + + <p>AG. Send forth thy daughter from the house with her father, since the + lustral waters are ready prepared, and the salt-cakes to scatter with the + hands upon the purifying flame, and heifers, which needs must be slain in + honor of the Goddess Diana before the marriage solemnities, a shedding of + black gore.</p> + + <p>CLY. In words, indeed, thou speakest well, but for thy deeds, I know + not how I may say thou speakest well. But come without, O daughter, for + thou knowest all that thy father meditates, and beneath thy robes bring + the child Orestes, thy brother. See, she is here present to obey thee. + But the rest I will speak on her behalf and mine.</p> + + <p>AG. Child, why weepest thou, and no longer beholdest me cheerfully, + but fixing thy face upon the ground, keepest thy vest before it?</p> + + <p>CLY. Alas! What commencement of my sorrows shall I take? For I may use + them all as first, [both last, and middle throughout.<a + name="IA_83"></a><a href="#IAN_83"><sup>[83]</sup></a>]</p> + + <p>AG. But what is it? How all of you are come to one point with me, + bearing disturbed and alarmed countenances.</p> + + <p>CLY. Wilt thou answer candidly, husband, if I ask thee?</p> + + <p>AG. There needs no admonition: I would fain be questioned.</p> + + <p>CLY. Art thou going to slay thy child and mine?</p> + + <p>AG. Ah! wretched things dost thou say, and thinkest what thou shouldst + not.</p> + + <p>CLY. Keep quiet, and first in turn answer me that.</p> + + <p>AG. But if thou askest likely things, thou wilt hear likely.</p> + + <p>CLY. I ask no other things, nor do thou answer me others.</p> + + <p>AG. O revered destiny, and fate, and fortune mine!</p> + + <p>CLY. Ay, and mine too, and this child's, one of three + unfortunates!</p> + + <p>AG. But in what art thou wronged?</p> + + <p>CLY. Dost thou ask me this? This thy wit hath no wit.<a + name="IA_84"></a><a href="#IAN_84"><sup>[84]</sup></a></p> + + <p>AG. I am undone. My secret plans are betrayed.</p> + + <p>CLY. I know and have learned all that you are about to do to me, and + the very fact of thy silence, and of thy groaning much, is a proof that + you confess it. Do not take the trouble to say any thing.</p> + + <p>AG. Behold, I am silent: for what need is there that, falsely + speaking, I add shamelessness to misfortune?</p> + + <p>CLY. Listen, then, for I will unfold my story, and will no longer make + use of riddles away from the purpose. In the first place, that I may + first reproach thee with this—thou didst wed me unwilling, and + obtain me by force, having slain Tantalus, my former husband, and having + dashed<a name="IA_85"></a><a href="#IAN_85"><sup>[85]</sup></a> my infant + living to the ground, having torn him by force from my breast. And the + twin sons of Jove, my brothers, glorying in their steeds, made war + [against thee] but my old father Tyndarus saved you, when you had become + a suppliant, and thou again didst possess me as a wife. When I, being + reconciled to thee in respect to thy person and home, thou wilt bear + witness how blameless a wife I was, both modest in respect to affection, + and enriching thy house, so that thou both going within and without thy + doors wast blessed. And 'tis a rare prize for a man to obtain such a + wife, but there is no lack of getting a bad spouse. And I bear thee this + son, besides three virgins, of one of whom thou art cruelly going to + deprive me. And if any one ask thee on what account thou wilt slay her, + say, what will you answer? or must I needs make your plea, "that Menelaus + may obtain Helen?" A pretty custom, forsooth, that children must pay the + price of a bad woman. We gain the most hateful things at the hand of + those dearest. Come, if thou wilt set out, leaving me at home, and then + wilt be a long time absent, what sort of feelings dost think I shall + experience, when I behold every seat empty of this child's presence, and + every virgin chamber empty, but myself sit in tears alone, ever mourning + her [in such strains as these:] "My child, thy father, who begat thee, + hath destroyed thee, himself, no other, the slayer, by no other hand, + leaving such a reward for [my care of] the house."<a name="IA_86"></a><a + href="#IAN_86"><sup>[86]</sup></a> Since there wants but a little reason + for me and my remaining daughters to give thee such a reception as you + deserve to receive. Do not, by the Gods, either compel me to act evilly + toward thee, nor do thou thyself be so. Ah well! thou wilt sacrifice thy + daughter—what prayers wilt thou then utter? What good thing wilt + thou crave for thyself, slaying thy child? An evil return, seeing, + forsooth, thou hast disgracefully set out from home. But is it right that + I should pray for thee any good thing? Verily we must believe the Gods + are senseless, if we feel well disposed to murderers. But wilt thou, + returning to Argos, embrace thy children? But 'tis not lawful for thee. + Will any of your children look upon you, if thou offerest one of them for + slaughter? Thus far have I proceeded in my argument. What! does it only + behoove thee to carry about thy sceptre and marshal the army?—whose + duty it were to speak a just speech among the Greeks: "Do ye desire, O + Greeks, to sail against the land of the Phrygians? Cast lots, whose + daughter needs must die"—for this would be on equal terms, but not + that you should give thy daughter to the Greeks as a chosen victim. Or + Menelaus, whose affair it was, ought to slay Hermione for her mother's + sake. But now I, having cherished thy married life, shall be bereaved of + my child, but she who has sinned, bearing her daughter under her care to + Sparta, will be blest. As to these things, answer me if I say aught not + rightly, but if I have spoken well, do not then slay thy child and mine, + and thou wilt be wise.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Be persuaded, Agamemnon, for 'tis right to join in saving one's + children. No one of mortals will gainsay this.</p> + + <p>IPH. If, O father, I possessed the eloquence of Orpheus, that I might + charm by persuasion, so that rocks should follow me, and that I might + soften whom I would by my words, to this would I have resorted. But now I + will offer tears as all my skill, for these I can. And, as a suppliant + bough, I press against thy knees my body, which this [my mother] bore + thee, [beseeching] that thou slay me not before my time, for sweet it is + to behold the light, nor do thou compel me to visit the places beneath + the earth. And I first<a name="IA_87"></a><a + href="#IAN_87"><sup>[87]</sup></a> hailed thee sire, and thou [didst + first call] me daughter, and first drawing nigh to thy knees, I gave and + in turn received sweet tokens of affection. And such, were thy words: "My + daughter, shall I some time behold thee prospering in a husband's home, + living and flourishing worthily of me?" And mine in turn ran thus, as I + hung about thy beard, which now with my hand I embrace: "But how shall I + [treat] thee? Shall I receive thee when an old man, O father, with the + hearty reception of my house, repaying thee the careful nurture of my + youth?" Of such words have remembrance, but thou hast forgotten them, and + fain wouldst slay me. Do not, [I beseech you] by Pelops and by thy father + Atreus, and this my mother, who having before brought me forth with + throes, now suffers this second throe. What have I to do with the + marriage of Paris and Helen? Whence came he, father, for my destruction? + Look upon me; give me one look, one kiss, that this memorial of thee at + least I, dying, may possess, if thou wilt not be persuaded by my words. + Brother, thou art but a little helpmate to those dear, yet weep with me, + beseech thy sire that thy sister die not. Even in babes there is wont to + be some sense of evil. Behold, O father, he silently implores thee. But + respect my prayer, and have pity on my years. Yea, by thy beard we, two + dear ones, implore thee; the one is yet a nursling, but the other grown + up. In one brief saying I will overcome all arguments. This light of + heaven is sweetest of things for men to behold, but that below is naught; + and mad is he who seeks to die. To live dishonorably is better than to + die gloriously.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O wretched Helen, through thee and thy nuptials there is come a + contest for the Atrides and their children.</p> + + <p>AG. I can understand what merits pity, and what not; and I love my + children, for [otherwise] I were mad. And dreadful 'tis for me<a + name="IA_88"></a><a href="#IAN_88"><sup>[88]</sup></a> to dare these + things, O woman, and dreadful not to do so—for so I must needs act. + Thou seest how great is this naval host, and how many are the chieftains + of brazen arms among the Greeks, to whom there is not a power of arriving + at the towers of Troy, unless I sacrifice you, as the seer Calchas says, + nor can we take the renowned plain of Troy. But a certain passion has + maddened the army of the Greeks, to sail as quickly as possible upon the + land of the barbarians, and to put a stop to the rapes of Grecian wives. + And they will slay my daughters at Argos, and you, and me, if I break + through the commands of the Goddess. It is not Menelaus who has enslaved + me, O daughter, nor have I followed his device, but Greece, for whom I, + will or nill, must needs offer thee. And I am inferior on this head. For + it behooves her, [Helen,] as far as thou, O daughter, art concerned, to + be free, nor for us, being Greeks, to be plundered perforce of our wives + by barbarians.</p> + + <p>CLY. O child! O ye stranger women! O wretched me for thy death! Thy + father flees from thee, giving thee up to Hades.</p> + + <p>IPH. Alas for me! mother, mother. The same song suits both of us on + account of our fortunes, and no more to me is the light, nor this bright + beam of the sun. Alas! alas! thou snow-smitten wood of Troy, and + mountains of Ida, where once on a time Priam exposed a tender infant, + having separated him from his mother, that he might meet with deadly + fate, Paris, who was styled Idæan, Idæan [Paris] in the city of the + Phrygians. Would that the herdsman Paris, who was nurtured in care of + steers, had ne'er dwelt near the white stream, where are the fountains of + the Nymphs, and the meadow flourishing with blooming flowers, and roseate + flowers and hyacinths for Goddesses to cull. Where once on a time came + Pallas, and artful Venus, and Juno, and Hermes, the messenger of Jove; + Venus indeed, vaunting herself in charms, and Pallas in the spear, and + Juno in the royal nuptials of king Jove, [these came] to a hateful + judgment and strife concerning beauty; but my death, my death, O virgins, + bearing glory indeed to the Greeks, Diana hath received as first-fruits + [of the expedition] against Troy.<a name="IA_89"></a><a + href="#IAN_89"><sup>[89]</sup></a> But he that begot me wretched, O + mother, O mother, has departed, leaving me deserted. O hapless me! having + †beheld† bitter, bitter, ill-omened Helen, I am slain, I + perish, by the impious slaughter of an impious sire. Would<a + name="IA_90"></a><a href="#IAN_90"><sup>[90]</sup></a> for me that Aulis + had never received the poops of the brazen-beaked ships into these ports, + the fleet destined for Troy, nor that Jove had breathed an adverse wind + over Euripus, softening one breeze so that some mortals might rejoice in + their [expanded] sails, but to others a pain, to others difficulty, to + some to set sail, to others to furl their sails, but to others to tarry. + In truth the race of mortals is full of troubles, is full of troubles, + and it necessarily befalls men to find some misfortune. Alas! alas! thou + daughter of Tyndarus, who hast brought many sufferings, and many griefs + upon the Greeks.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I indeed pity you having met with an evil calamity, such as thou + never shouldst have met with.</p> + + <p>IPH. O mother, to whom I owe my birth, I behold a crowd of men + near.</p> + + <p>CLY. Ay, the son of the Goddess, my child, for whom thou camest + hither.</p> + + <p>IPH. Open the house, ye servants, that I may hide myself.</p> + + <p>CLY. But why dost thou fly hence, my child?</p> + + <p>IPH. I am ashamed to behold this Achilles.</p> + + <p>CLY. On what account?</p> + + <p>IPH. The unfortunate turn-out of my nuptials shames me.</p> + + <p>CLY. Thou art not in a state to give way to delicacy in the present + circumstances. But do thou remain, there is no use for punctilio, if we + can [but save your life.]</p> + + <p>ACH. O hapless lady, daughter of Leda.</p> + + <p>CLY. Thou sayest not falsely.</p> + + <p>ACH. Terrible things are cried out among the Greeks.</p> + + <p>CLY. What cry? tell me.</p> + + <p>ACH. Concerning thy child.</p> + + <p>CLY. Thou speakest a word of ill omen.</p> + + <p>ACH. That it is necessary to slay her.</p> + + <p>CLY. Does no one speak the contrary to this?</p> + + <p>ACH. Ay, I myself have got into trouble.</p> + + <p>CLY. Into what [trouble,] O friend?</p> + + <p>ACH. Of having my body stoned with stones.</p> + + <p>CLY. What, in trying to save my daughter!</p> + + <p>ACH. This very thing.</p> + + <p>CLY. And who would have dared to touch thy person?</p> + + <p>ACH. All the Greeks.</p> + + <p>CLY. And was not the host of the Myrmidons at hand for thee?</p> + + <p>ACH. That was the first that showed enmity.</p> + + <p>CLY. Then are we utterly undone, my daughter.</p> + + <p>ACH. For they railed at me as overcome by a betrothed—</p> + + <p>CLY. And what didst thou reply?</p> + + <p>ACH. That they should not slay my intended bride.</p> + + <p>CLY. For so 'twas right.</p> + + <p>ACH. [She] whom her father had promised me.</p> + + <p>CLY. Ay, and had sent for from Argos.</p> + + <p>ACH. But I was worsted by the outcry.</p> + + <p>CLY. For the multitude is a terrible evil.</p> + + <p>ACH. But nevertheless I will aid thee.</p> + + <p>CLY. And wilt thou, being one, fight with many?</p> + + <p>ACH. Dost see these men bearing [my] arms?</p> + + <p>CLY. Mayest thou gain by thy good intentions.</p> + + <p>ACH. But I will gain.</p> + + <p>CLY. Then my child will not be slain?</p> + + <p>ACH. Not, at least, with my consent.</p> + + <p>CLY. And will any one come to lay hands on the girl?</p> + + <p>ACH. Ay, a host of them, but Ulysses will conduct her.</p> + + <p>CLY. Will it be the descendant of Sisyphus?</p> + + <p>ACH. The very man.</p> + + <p>CLY. Doing it of his own accord, or appointed by the army?</p> + + <p>ACH. Chosen willingly.</p> + + <p>CLY. A wicked choice forsooth, to commit slaughter!</p> + + <p>ACH. But I will restrain him.</p> + + <p>CLY. But will he lead her unwillingly, having seized her?</p> + + <p>ACH. Ay, by her auburn locks.</p> + + <p>CLY. But what must I then do?</p> + + <p>ACH. Keep hold of your daughter.</p> + + <p>CLY. As far as this goes she shall not be slain.</p> + + <p>ACH. But it will come to this at all events.<a name="IA_91"></a><a + href="#IAN_91"><sup>[91]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. Mother, do thou hear my words, for I perceive that thou art + vainly wrathful with thy husband, but it is not easy for us to struggle + with things [almost] impossible. It is meet therefore to praise our + friend for his willingness, but it behooves thee also to see that you be + not an object of reproach to the army, and we profit nothing more, and he + meet with calamity. But hear me, mother, thinking upon what has entered + my mind. I have determined to die, and this I would fain do gloriously, I + mean, by dismissing all ignoble thoughts. Come hither, mother, consider + with me how well I speak. Greece, the greatest of cities, is now all + looking upon me, and there rests in me both the passage of the ships and + the destruction of Troy, and, for the women hereafter, if the barbarians + do them aught of harm, to allow them no longer to carry them off from + prosperous Greece, having avenged the destruction of Helen, whom Paris + bore away.<a name="IA_92"></a><a href="#IAN_92"><sup>[92]</sup></a> All + these things I dying shall redeem, and my renown, for that I have freed + Greece, will be blessed. Moreover, it is not right that I should be too + fond of life; for thou hast brought me forth for the common good of + Greece, not for thyself only. But shall ten thousand men armed with + bucklers, and ten thousand, oars in hand, their country being injured, + dare to do some deed against the foes, and perish on behalf of Greece, + while my life, being but one, shall hinder all these things? What manner + of justice is this? Have we a word to answer? And let me come to this + point: it is not meet that this man should come to strife with all the + Greeks for the sake of a woman, nor lose his life. And one man, forsooth, + is better than ten thousand women, that he should behold the light. But + if Diana hath wished to receive my body, shall I, being mortal, become an + opponent to the Goddess! But it can not be. I give my body for Greece. + Sacrifice it, and sack Troy. For this for a long time will be my + memorial, and this my children, my wedding, and my glory. But it is meet + that Greeks should rule over barbarians, O mother, but not barbarians + over Greeks, for the one is slavish, but the others are free.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thy part, indeed, O virgin, is glorious; but the work of fortune + and of the Gods sickens.</p> + + <p>ACH. Daughter of Agamemnon, some one of the Gods destined me to + happiness, if I obtained thee as a wife, and I envy Greece on thy + account, and thee on account of Greece. For well hast thou spoken this, + and worthily of the country, for, ceasing to strive with the deity, who + is more powerful than thou art, thou hast considered what is good and + useful. But still more does a desire of thy union enter my mind, when I + look to thy nature, for thou art noble. But consider, for I wish to + benefit you, and to receive you to my home, and, Thetis be my witness, I + am grieved if I shall not save you, coming to conflict with the Greeks. + Consider: death is a terrible ill.</p> + + <p>IPH. I speak these words, no others, with due foresight. Enough is the + daughter of Tyndarus to have caused contests and slaughter of men through + her person: but do not thou, O stranger, die in my behalf, nor slay any + one. But let me preserve Greece, if I am able.</p> + + <p>ACH. O best of spirits, I have naught further to answer thee, since it + seems thus to thee, for thou hast noble thoughts; for wherefore should + not one tell the truth? But nevertheless thou mayest perchance repent + these things. In order, therefore, that thou mayest all that lies in my + power, I will go and place these my arms near the altar, as I will not + allow you to die, but hinder it. And thou too wilt perhaps be of my + opinion, when thou seest the sword nigh to thy neck. I will not allow + thee to die through thy wild determination, but going with these mine + arms to the temple of the Goddess, I will await thy presence there.</p> + + <p>IPH. Mother, why dost thou silently bedew thine eyes with tears?</p> + + <p>CLY. I wretched have a reason, so as to be pained at heart.</p> + + <p>IPH. Cease; do not daunt me, but obey me in this.</p> + + <p>CLY. Speak, for thou shalt not be wronged at my hands, my child.</p> + + <p>IPH. Neither then do thou cut off the locks of thine hair, [nor put on + black garments around thy body.]</p> + + <p>CLY. Wherefore sayest thou this, my child? Having lost thee—</p> + + <p>IPH. Not you indeed—I am saved, and thou wilt be glorious as far + as I am concerned.</p> + + <p>CLY. How sayest thou? Must I not bemoan thy life?</p> + + <p>IPH. Not in the least, since no tomb will be upraised for me.</p> + + <p>CLY. Why, what then is death? Is not a tomb customary?<a + name="IA_93"></a><a href="#IAN_93"><sup>[93]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. The altar of the Goddess, daughter of Jove, will be my + memorial.</p> + + <p>CLY. But, O child, I will obey thee, for thou speakest well.</p> + + <p>IPH. Ay, as prospering like the benefactress of Greece.</p> + + <p>CLY. What then shall I tell thy sisters?</p> + + <p>IPH. Neither do thou clothe them in black garments.</p> + + <p>CLY. But shall I speak any kind message from thee to the virgins?</p> + + <p>IPH. Ay, [bid them] fare well, and do thou, for my sake, train up this + [boy] Orestes to be a man.</p> + + <p>CLY. Embrace him, beholding him for the last time.</p> + + <p>IPH. O dearest one, thou hast assisted thy friends to the utmost in + thy power.</p> + + <p>CLY. Can I, by doing any thing in Argos, do thee a pleasure?</p> + + <p>IPH. Hate not my father, yes, thy husband.</p> + + <p>CLY. He needs shall go through terrible trials on thy account.</p> + + <p>IPH. Unwillingly he hath undone me on behalf of the land of + Greece.</p> + + <p>CLY. But ungenerously, by craft, and not in a manner worthy of + Atreus.</p> + + <p>IPH. Who will come and lead me, before I am torn away by the hair?<a + name="IA_94"></a><a href="#IAN_94"><sup>[94]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CLY. I will go with thee.</p> + + <p>IPH. Not you indeed, thou sayest not well.</p> + + <p>CLY. Ay [but I will,] clinging to thy garments.</p> + + <p>IPH. Be persuaded by me, mother. Remain, for this is more fitting both + for me and thee. But let some one of these my father's followers conduct + me to the meadow of Diana, where I may be sacrificed.</p> + + <p>CLY. O child, thou art going.</p> + + <p>IPH. Ay, and I shall ne'er return.</p> + + <p>CLY. Leaving thy mother—</p> + + <p>IPH. As thou seest, though, not worthily.</p> + + <p>CLY. Hold! Do not leave me.</p> + + <p>IPH. I do not suffer thee to shed tears. But, ye maidens, raise aloft + the pæan for my sad hap, [celebrate] Diana, the daughter of Jove,<a + name="IA_95"></a><a href="#IAN_95"><sup>[95]</sup></a> and let the joyful + strain go forth to the Greeks. And let some one make ready the baskets, + and let flame burn with the purifying cakes, and let my father serve the + altar with his right hand, seeing I am going to bestow upon the Greeks + safety that produces victory.<a name="IA_96"></a><a + href="#IAN_96"><sup>[96]</sup></a></p> + + <p>Conduct me, the conqueror of the cities of Troy and of the Phrygians. + Surround<a name="IA_97"></a><a href="#IAN_97"><sup>[97]</sup></a> me with + crowns, bring them hither. Here is my hair to crown. And [bear hither] + the lustral fountains.<a name="IA_98"></a><a + href="#IAN_98"><sup>[98]</sup></a> Encircle [with dances] around the + temple and the altar, Diana, queen Diana, the blessed, since by my blood + and offering I will wash out her oracles, if it needs must be so. O + revered, revered mother, thus † indeed † will we [now] + afford thee our tears, for it is not fitting during the sacred rites. O + damsels, join in singing Diana, who dwells opposite Chalcis, where the + warlike ships have been eager [to set out,] being detained in the narrow + harbors of Aulis here through my name.<a name="IA_99"></a><a + href="#IAN_99"><sup>[99]</sup></a> Alas! O my mother-land of Pelasgia, + and my Mycenian handmaids.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Dost thou call upon the city of Perseus, the work of the + Cyclopean hands?</p> + + <p>IPH. Thou hast nurtured me for a glory to Greece, and I will not + refuse to die.</p> + + <p>CHOR. For renown will not fail thee.</p> + + <p>IPH. Alas! alas! lamp-bearing day, and thou too, beam of Jove, + another, another life and state shall we dwell in. Farewell for me, + beloved light!</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! Behold<a name="IA_100"></a><a + href="#IAN_100"><sup>[100]</sup></a> the destroyer of the cities of Troy + and of the Phrygians, wending her way, decked as to her head with + garlands and with lustral streams, to the altar of the sanguinary + Goddess, about to stream with drops of gore, being stricken on her fair + neck. Fair dewy streams, and lustral waters from ancestral sources<a + name="IA_101"></a><a href="#IAN_101"><sup>[101]</sup></a> await thee, and + the host of the Greeks eager to reach Troy. But let us celebrate Diana, + the daughter of Jove, queen of the Gods, as upon a prosperous occasion. O + hallowed one, that rejoicest in human sacrifices, send the army of the + Greeks into the land of the Phrygians, and the territory of deceitful + Troy, and grant that by Grecian spears Agamemnon may place a most + glorious crown upon his head, a glory ever to be remembered.</p> + +<p class="center">[<i>Enter a</i> MESSENGER.<a name="IA_102"></a><a href="#IAN_102"><sup>[102]</sup></a>]</p> + + <p>MESS. O daughter of Tyndarus, Clytæmnestra, come without the house, + that thou mayest hear my words.</p> + + <p>CLY. Hearing thy voice, I wretched came hither, terrified and + astounded with fear, lest thou shouldst be come, bearing some new + calamity to me in addition to the present one.</p> + + <p>MESS. Concerning thy daughter, then, I wish to tell thee marvelous and + fearful things.</p> + + <p>CLY. Then delay not, but speak as quickly as possible.</p> + + <p>MESS. But, my dear mistress, thou shalt learn every thing clearly, and + I will speak from the very commencement, unless my memory, in something + failing, deceive my tongue. For when we came to the inclosure and flowery + meads of Diana, the daughter of Jove, where there was an assembly of the + army of the Greeks, leading thy daughter, the host of the Greeks was + straightway convened. But when king Agamemnon beheld the girl wending her + way to the grove for slaughter, he groaned aloud, and turning back his + head, he shed tears, placing his garments<a name="IA_103"></a><a + href="#IAN_103"><sup>[103]</sup></a> before his eyes. But she, standing + near him that begot her, spake thus: "O father, I am here for thee, and I + willing give my body on behalf of my country, and of the whole land of + Greece, that, leading it to the altar of the Goddess, they may sacrifice + it, since this is ordained. And, as far as I am concerned, may ye be + fortunate, and obtain the gift of victory, and reach your native land. + Furthermore, let no one of the Greeks lay hands on me, for with a stout + heart I will present my neck in silence." Thus much she spoke, and every + one marveled on hearing the courage and valor of the virgin. But + Talthybius, whose office this was, standing in the midst, proclaimed + good-omened silence to the people. And the seer Calchas placed in a + golden canister a sharp knife,<a name="IA_104"></a><a + href="#IAN_104"><sup>[104]</sup></a> which he had drawn out,† + within its case,† and crowned the head of the girl. But the son of + Peleus ran around the altar of the Goddess, taking the canister and + lustral waters at the same time. And he said: "O Diana, beast-slaying + daughter of Jove, that revolvest thy brilliant light by night, receive + this offering which we bestow on thee, [we] the army of the Greeks, and + king Agamemnon, the pure blood from a fair virgin's neck; and grant that + the sail may be without injury to our ships, and that we may take the + towers of Troy by the spear." But the Atrides and all the army stood + looking on the ground, and the priest, taking the knife, prayed, and + viewed her neck, that he might find a place to strike. And no little pity + entered my mind, and I stood with eyes cast down, but suddenly there was + a marvel to behold. For every one could clearly perceive the sound of the + blow, but beheld not the virgin, where on earth she had vanished. But the + priest exclaimed, and the whole army shouted, beholding an unexpected + prodigy from some one of the Gods, of which, though seen, they had + scarcely belief. For a stag lay panting on the ground, of mighty size to + see and beautiful in appearance, with whose blood the altar of the + Goddess was abundantly wetted. And upon this Calchas (think with what + joy!) thus spake: "O leaders of this common host of the Greeks, behold + this victim which the Goddess hath brought to her altar, a + mountain-roaming stag. This she prefers greatly to the virgin, lest her + altar should be denied with generous blood. And she hath willingly + received this, and grants us a prosperous sail, and attack upon Troy. + Upon this do every sailor take good courage, and go to his ships, since + on this day it behooves us, quitting the hollow recesses of Aulis, to + pass over the Ægean wave." But when the whole victim was reduced to + ashes, he prayed what was meet, that the army might obtain a passage. And + Agamemnon sends me to tell thee this, and to say what a fortune he hath + met with from the Gods, and hath obtained unwaning glory through Greece. + But I speak, having been present, and witnessing the matter. Thy child + has evidently flown to the Gods; away then with grief, and cease wrath + against your husband. But the will of the Gods is unforeseen by mortals, + and them they love, they save. For this day hath beheld thy daughter + dying and living [in turn.]</p> + + <p>CHOR. How delighted am I at hearing this from the messenger; but he + says that thy daughter living abides among the Gods.</p> + + <p>CLY. O daughter, of whom of the Gods art thou the theft? How shall I + address thee? What shall I say that these words do not offer me a vain + comfort, that I may cease from my mournful grief on thy account?</p> + + <p>CHOR. And truly king Agamemnon draws hither, having this same story to + tell thee.</p> + +<p class="center">[<i>Enter</i> AGAMEMNON.]</p> + + <p>AG. Lady, as far as thy daughter is concerned, we may be happy, for + she really possesses a companionship with the Gods. But it behooves thee, + taking this young child [Orestes,] to go home, for the army is looking + toward setting sail. And fare thee well, long hence will be my addresses + to thee from Troy, and may it be well with thee.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Atrides, rejoicing go thou to the land of the Phrygians, and + rejoicing return, having obtained for me most glorious spoils from + Troy.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>NOTES ON IPHIGENIA IN AULIS</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="IAN_1"></a><a href="#IA_1">[1]</a> From the answer of the old + man, Porson's conjecture, <span lang="el" + title="speude">σπευδε</span>, seems + very probable.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_2"></a><a href="#IA_2">[2]</a> See Hermann's note. The + passage has been thus rendered by Ennius:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>AG. "Quid nocti" videtur in altisono</p> + <p class="i8">Cœli clupeo?</p> + <p>SEN. Temo superat stellas, cogens</p> + <p class="i4">Sublime etiam atque etiam noctis</p> + <p class="i4">Itiner.</p> + </div> + </div> + <p>See Scaliger on Varr. de L.L. vi. p.143, and on Festus s.v. + Septemtriones. All the editors have overlooked the following passage of + Apuleius de Deo Socr. p. 42, ed. Elm. "Suspicientes in hoc perfectissimo + mundi, ut ait Ennius, clypeo," whence, as I have already observed in my + notes on the passage, there is little doubt that Ennius wrote "in + altisono mundi clypeo," of which <i>cœli</i> was a gloss, naturally + introduced by those who were ignorant of the use of <i>mundus</i> in the + same sense. The same error has taken place in some of the MSS. of Virg. + Georg. i. 5, 6. Compare the commentators on Pompon. Mela. i. 1, ed. + Gronov.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_3"></a><a href="#IA_3">[3]</a> Such seems the force of + <span lang="el" title="epi pasin agathois">επι + πασιν + αγαθοις</span>. The Cambridge + editor aptly compares Hipp. 461. <span lang="el" title="chrên s' epi + rhêtois ara Patera phyteuein">χρην σ' + επι ‛ρητοις + αρα Πατερα + φυτευειν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_4"></a><a href="#IA_4">[4]</a> The <span lang="el" + title="synnymphokomos">συννυμφοκομος</span> + was probably a kind of gentleman usher, but we have no correlative either + to the custom or the word.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_5"></a><a href="#IA_5">[5]</a> Hermann rightly regards + this as a hendiadys.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_6"></a><a href="#IA_6">[6]</a> <span lang="el" + title="dromôi">δρομωι</span> for + <span lang="el" title="morôi">μορωι</span> + is Markland's, and, doubtless, the correct, reading. <span lang="el" + title="monos">μονος</span> is merely a + correction of the Aldine edition.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_7"></a><a href="#IA_7">[7]</a> But read <span lang="el" + title="tas—deltous">τας—δελτους</span> + with the Cambridge editor, = "in relation to my former dispatches."</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_8"></a><a href="#IA_8">[8]</a> <span lang="el" + title="tan">ταν</span> should probably be erased before + <span lang="el" + title="kolpôdê">κολπωδη</span>, + with the Cambridge editor. He remarks, "the sea-port, although separated + from the island by the narrow strait of Euripus, is styled its + <i>wing</i>." On the metrical difficulties and corruptions throughout + this chorus, I must refer the reader to the same critic.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_9"></a><a href="#IA_9">[9]</a> But <span lang="el" + title="lektron">λεκτρον</span>, + <i>uxorem</i>, is better, with ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_10"></a><a href="#IA_10">[10]</a> It is impossible to get + a satisfactory sense as these lines now stand. I have translated <span + lang="el" + title="exorma">εξορμα</span>. There + seems to be a lacuna. The following are the readings of the Camb. ed. + <span lang="el" title="en gar p. antêsêis, palin ex. s. chalinous, epi + kyklôpôn nin hieis thym.">εν γαρ π. + αντησηις, + παλιν εξ. ς. + χαλινους, + επι + κυκλωπων + νιν ‛ιεις + θυμ.</span></p> + + <p><a name="IAN_11"></a><a href="#IA_11">[11]</a> But <span lang="el" + title="anchialon">αγχιαλον</span> + is better, with ed. Camb. from the Homeric <span lang="el" + title="chalkida t' + anchialon">χαλκιδα τ' + αγχιαλον</span>. He + remarks that this word, in tragedy, is always the epithet of a place.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_12"></a><a href="#IA_12">[12]</a> i.e. to exact + satisfaction for her abduction.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_13"></a><a href="#IA_13">[13]</a> i.e. the tents + containing the armed soldiers.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_14"></a><a href="#IA_14">[14]</a> <span lang="el" + title="hêdomenous">‛ηδομενους</span> + refers both to <span lang="el" + title="Prôtesilaon">Πρωτεσιλαον</span> + and <span lang="el" + title="Palamêdea">Παλαμηδεα</span>, + divided by the schema Alcmanicum. See Markland.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_15"></a><a href="#IA_15">[15]</a> Cf. Homer, Il. <span + lang="el" title="B">Β</span>. 763 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_16"></a><a href="#IA_16">[16]</a> Cf. Monk on Hippol. + 1229. I have translated <span lang="el" + title="syringas">συριγγας</span> + according to the figure of a part for the whole. The whole of the + remainder of this chorus has been condemned as spurious by the Cambridge + editor. See his remarks, p. 219 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_17"></a><a href="#IA_17">[17]</a> Can <span lang="el" + title="theton">θετον</span> refer to <span + lang="el" + title="agalma">αγαλμα</span> + understood?</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_18"></a><a href="#IA_18">[18]</a> This part of the chorus + is hopeless, as it is evidently imperfect. See Herm.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_19"></a><a href="#IA_19">[19]</a> The Cambridge editor + would assign this line to Menelaus.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_20"></a><a href="#IA_20">[20]</a> I read <span lang="el" + title="eu kekompseusai">ευ + κεκομψευσαι</span>, + with Ruhnken. The Cambridge editor also reads <span lang="el" + title="ponêra">πονηρα</span>, which + is better suited to the style of Euripides.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_21"></a><a href="#IA_21">[21]</a> The same scholar has + anticipated my conjecture, <span lang="el" + title="saphês">σαφης</span> for <span + lang="el" title="saphes">σαφες</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_22"></a><a href="#IA_22">[22]</a> Compare the similar + conduct of Pausanias in Thucyd. i. 130, Dejoces in Herodot. i., with + Livy, iii. 36, and Apul. de Deo Socr. p. 44, ed. Elm.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_23"></a><a href="#IA_23">[23]</a> I read <span lang="el" + title="to Priamou">το + Πριαμου</span> with Elmsley. + See the Camb. ed.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_24"></a><a href="#IA_24">[24]</a> With the Cambridge + editor I have restored the old reading <span lang="el" + title="echontes">εχοντες</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_25"></a><a href="#IA_25">[25]</a> But see ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_26"></a><a href="#IA_26">[26]</a> <span lang="el" + title="au">αυ</span> is a better reading. See Markland and + ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_27"></a><a href="#IA_27">[27]</a> There is little hope of + this passage, unless we adopt the readings of the Cambridge editor, <span + lang="el" title="hous labôn strateum'. hetoimoi d' + eisi">‛ους λαβων + στρατευμ'. + ‛ετοιμοι δ' + εισι</span>. The next line was lost, but has been + restored from Theophilus ad Autol. p. 258, and Stob. xxviii. p. 128, + Grot.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_28"></a><a href="#IA_28">[28]</a> Cf. Soph. Antig. 523. + <span lang="el" title="outoi synechthein, alla symphilein + ephyn">ουτοι + συνεχθειν, + αλλα + συμφιλειν + εφυν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_29"></a><a href="#IA_29">[29]</a> Dindorf condemns the + whole of this speech of the messenger, as well as the two following + lines. Few will perhaps be disposed to follow him, although the + awkwardness of the passage may be admitted. Hermann considers that the + hasty entrance of the messenger is signified by his commencing with half + a line.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_30"></a><a href="#IA_30">[30]</a> There seems an intended + allusion to the double sense of <span lang="el" + title="proteleia">προτελεια</span>, + both as a marriage and sacrificial rite. See the Cambridge editor, and my + note on Æsch. Agam. p. 102, n. 2, ed. Bohn.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_31"></a><a href="#IA_31">[31]</a> "Auspicare canistra, id + quod proximum est." MUSGR.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_32"></a><a href="#IA_32">[32]</a> I think this is the + meaning implied by <span lang="el" + title="nympheusousa">νυμφευσουσα</span>, + as in vs. 885. <span lang="el" title="hin' agagois chairous' Achillei + paida nympheusousa sên">‛ιν' + αγαγοις + χαιρουσ' + Αχιλλει + παιδα + νυμφευσουσα + σην</span>. Alcest. 317. <span lang="el" title="ou gar + se mêtêr oute nympheusei pote">ου γαρ + σε μητηρ + ουτε + νυμφευσει + ποτε</span>. The word seems to refer to the whole + business of a mamma on this important occasion.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_33"></a><a href="#IA_33">[33]</a> The Cambridge editor on + vs. 439, p. 109, well observes, "the actual arrival of Iphigenia having + convinced Menelaus that her sacrifice could not any longer be avoided, he + bethinks him of removing from his brother's mind the impression produced + by their recent altercation; and knowing his open and unsuspicious + temper, he feels that he may safely adopt a false position, and deprecate + that of which he was at the same time most earnestly desirous."</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_34"></a><a href="#IA_34">[34]</a> So Markland, but + Hermann and the Cambridge editor prefer the old reading <span lang="el" + title="metesti soi">μετεστι + σοι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_35"></a><a href="#IA_35">[35]</a> This and the two + following lines are condemned by Dindorf.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_36"></a><a href="#IA_36">[36]</a> Bœckh, Dindorf, + and the Cambridge editor rightly explode these three lines, which are not + even correct Greek.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_37"></a><a href="#IA_37">[37]</a> <span lang="el" + title="lêsomen">λησομεν</span>, + <i>latebo faciens</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_38"></a><a href="#IA_38">[38]</a> <span lang="el" + title="para">παρα</span> for <span lang="el" + title="paron">παρον</span>, ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_39"></a><a href="#IA_39">[39]</a> i.e. by the gift of + Venus. For the sense, compare Hippol. 443.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_40"></a><a href="#IA_40">[40]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="diaphoroi de + tropoi">διαφοροι + δε τροποι</span> with + Monk, and <span lang="el" + title="orthôs">ορθως</span> with + Musgrave.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_41"></a><a href="#IA_41">[41]</a> But <span lang="el" + title="paideuomenôn">παιδευομενων</span> + is better, with ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_42"></a><a href="#IA_42">[42]</a> I have partly followed + Markland, partly Matthiæ, in rendering this awkward passage. But there is + much awkwardness of expression, and the notes of the Cambridge editor + well deserve the attention of the student. <span lang="el" + title="exallassousan + charin">εξαλλασσουσαν + χαριν</span> seems to refer to <span + lang="el" title="metria + charis">μετρια + χαρις</span> in vs. 555, and probably + signifies that the grace of a reasonable affection leads to the equal + grace of a clear perception, the mind being unblinded by vehement + impulses of passion.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_43"></a><a href="#IA_43">[43]</a> i.e. quiet, + domestic.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_44"></a><a href="#IA_44">[44]</a> <span lang="el" + title="enôn">ενων</span> is only Markland's + conjecture. The whole passage is desperate.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_45"></a><a href="#IA_45">[45]</a> I read <span lang="el" + title="myrioplêthê">μυριοπληθη</span> + with ed. Camb. The pronoun <span lang="el" + title="ho">‛ο</span> I can not make out, but by supplying an + impossible ellipse.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_46"></a><a href="#IA_46">[46]</a> The Cambridge editor + rightly reads <span lang="el" title="iou, iou">ιου, + ιου</span>, as an exclamation of pleasure, not of pain, + is required.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_47"></a><a href="#IA_47">[47]</a> Dindorf condemns this + whole paragraph.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_48"></a><a href="#IA_48">[48]</a> The Cambridge editor + thinks these two lines a childish interpolation. They certainly are + childish enough, but the same objection applies to the whole passage.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_49"></a><a href="#IA_49">[49]</a> But read <span + lang="el" title="hoi d'">‛οι δ'</span> with + Dobree. The grooms are meant.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_50"></a><a href="#IA_50">[50]</a> Porson condemns these + four lines, which are utterly destitute of sense or connection.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_51"></a><a href="#IA_51">[51]</a> These "precious" lines + are even worse than the preceding, and rightly condemned by all.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_52"></a><a href="#IA_52">[52]</a> See Elmsl. on Soph. + Œd. C. 273. The student must carefully observe the hidden train of + thought pervading Agamemnon's replies.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_53"></a><a href="#IA_53">[53]</a> <span lang="el" + title="ta Meneleô kaka">τα + Μενελεω + κακα</span> must mean the ills resulting from + Menelaus, the mischiefs and toils to which his wife led, as in Soph. + Antig. 2. <span lang="el" title="tôn ap Oidipou + kakôn">των απ + Οιδιπου + κακων</span>, "the ills brought about by + the misfortunes or the curse of Œdipus." But I should almost prefer + reading <span lang="el" title="lechê">λεχη</span> + for <span lang="el" title="kaka">κακα</span>, + which would naturally refer to Helen.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_54"></a><a href="#IA_54">[54]</a> This line is metrically + corrupt, but its emendation is very uncertain.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_55"></a><a href="#IA_55">[55]</a> I have endeavored to + convey the play upon the words as closely as I could. Elmsley well + suggests that the proper reading is <span lang="el" + title="hestêxeis">‛εστηξεις</span> + in vs. 675.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_56"></a><a href="#IA_56">[56]</a> <span lang="el" + title="ophthênai + korais">οφθηναι + κοραις</span>, "non, ut hic, a viris + et exercitu." BRODÆUS.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_57"></a><a href="#IA_57">[57]</a> Porson on Orest. 1090, + remarks on that <span lang="el" title="ho kyrios">‛ο + κυριος</span> was the term applied to + the father or guardian of the bride. We might therefore render, "Jove + gave her away," etc.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_58"></a><a href="#IA_58">[58]</a> If this be the correct + reading, we must take <span lang="el" + title="kalôs">καλως</span> ironically. But + I think with Dindorf, that <span lang="el" title="kakôs, anankaiôs + de">κακως, + αναγκαιως + δε</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_59"></a><a href="#IA_59">[59]</a> This verse is condemned + by the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_60"></a><a href="#IA_60">[60]</a> Barnes rightly remarked + that <span lang="el" title="êixa">ηιξα</span> is + the aorist of <span lang="el" + title="aissô">αισσω</span>, <i>conor</i>, + <i>aggredior</i>.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_61"></a><a href="#IA_61">[61]</a> These three lines are + expunged by the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_62"></a><a href="#IA_62">[62]</a> I have expressed the + sense of <span lang="el" title="ê mê trephein">η μη + τρεφειν</span> (= <span + lang="el" title="mê echein gynaika">μη + εχειν + γυναικα</span>), rather than + the literal meaning of the words.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_63"></a><a href="#IA_63">[63]</a> I must inform the + reader that the latter portion of this chorus is extremely unsatisfactory + in its present state. The Cambridge editor, who has well discussed its + difficulties, thinks that <span lang="el" + title="Pergamon">Περγαμον</span> + is wrong, and that <span lang="el" + title="eryma">ερυμα</span> should be + introduced from vs. 792, where it appears to be quite useless.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_64"></a><a href="#IA_64">[64]</a> I have ventured to read + <span lang="el" title="dakryoen + tanysas">δακρυοεν + τανυσας</span> with MSS. + Pariss., omitting <span lang="el" + title="eryma">ερυμα</span> with the + Cambridge editor, by which the difficulty is removed. The same scholar + remarks that <span lang="el" + title="dakryoen">δακρυοεν</span> + is used adverbially.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_65"></a><a href="#IA_65">[65]</a> There is obviously a + defect in the structure, but I am scarcely pleased with the attempts made + to supply it.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_66"></a><a href="#IA_66">[66]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="kai paidas">και + παιδας</span> with Musgrave.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_67"></a><a href="#IA_67">[67]</a> But see ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_68"></a><a href="#IA_68">[68]</a> But see ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_69"></a><a href="#IA_69">[69]</a> But the Cambridge + editor admirably amends, <span lang="el" title="eis mellonta sôsei + chronon">εις + μελλοντα + σωσει + χρονον</span>, i.e. "it will be a + long time before it preserves them," a hit at the self-importance of the + old gentleman.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_70"></a><a href="#IA_70">[70]</a> I have little + hesitation in reading <span lang="el" title="pelas + moi">πελας μοι</span> + with Markland, in place of <span lang="el" title="gelai + moi">γελαι + μοι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_71"></a><a href="#IA_71">[71]</a> There is much + difficulty in this passage, and Markland appears to give it up in + despair. Matthiæ simply takes the first part as equivalent to <span + lang="el" title="hypsêlophron + esti">‛υψηλοφρον + εστι</span>, referring <span lang="el" + title="metriôs">μετριως</span> + to both verbs. The Cambridge editor takes <span lang="el" + title="diazên">διαζην</span> as an + infinitive disjoined from the construction. Vss. 922 sq. are indebted to + Mr. G. Burges for their present situation, having before been assigned to + the chorus.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_72"></a><a href="#IA_72">[72]</a> I have closely followed + the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_73"></a><a href="#IA_73">[73]</a> See the notes of the + same scholar.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_74"></a><a href="#IA_74">[74]</a> Dindorf has rightly + received Porson's successful emendation. See Tracts, p. 224, and the + Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_75"></a><a href="#IA_75">[75]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="sois te mellousin">σοις τε + μελλουσιν</span> + with Markland. </p> + + <p><a name="IAN_76"></a><a href="#IA_76">[76]</a> The Cambridge editor + would omit vs. 1022. There is certainly a strange redundancy of + meaning.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_77"></a><a href="#IA_77">[77]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="estasen">εστασεν</span> + with Mark. Dind.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_78"></a><a href="#IA_78">[78]</a> So called, either + because he was carried off by Jove while hunting in the promontory of + Dardanus, or from his Trojan descent.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_79"></a><a href="#IA_79">[79]</a> I have adopted + Tyrwhitt's view, considering the words inclosed in inverted commas as the + actual words of the epithalamium. See Musgr. and ed. Camb. Hermann is + strangely out of his reckoning.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_80"></a><a href="#IA_80">[80]</a> Read, however, <span + lang="el" + title="Nêrêidôn">Νηρηιδων</span> + with Heath, "first of the Nereids."</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_81"></a><a href="#IA_81">[81]</a> The Cambridge editor + would read <span lang="el" + title="nymphokomoi">νυμφοκομοι</span>, + Reiske <span lang="el" + title="nymphokomon">νυμφοκομον</span>. + There is much difficulty in the whole of this last part of the + chorus.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_82"></a><a href="#IA_82">[82]</a> Such is Hermann's + explanation, but <span lang="el" + title="bebêkotos">βεβηκοτος</span> + can not bear the sense. The Cambridge editor suspects that these five + lines are a forgery.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_83"></a><a href="#IA_83">[83]</a> The Cambridge editor + rightly, I think, condemns this line as the addition of some one "who + thought that something more was wanting to comprise all the complaints of + the speaker." I do not think the sense or construction is benefited by + their existence.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_84"></a><a href="#IA_84">[84]</a> "Verum astus hic astu + vacat." ERASMUS.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_85"></a><a href="#IA_85">[85]</a> Dindorf has apparently + done wrong in admitting <span lang="el" + title="prosoudisas">προσουδισας</span>, + but I have some doubt about every other reading yet proposed.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_86"></a><a href="#IA_86">[86]</a> See Camb. ed., who + suspects interpolation.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_87"></a><a href="#IA_87">[87]</a> Cf. Lucret. i. 94. "Nec + miseræ prodesse in tali tempore quibat, Quod patrio princeps donarat + nomine regum." Æsch. Ag. 242 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_88"></a><a href="#IA_88">[88]</a> The Cambridge editor + clearly shows that <span lang="el" + title="moi">μοι</span> is the true reading, as in vs. + 54, <span lang="el" title="to pragma d' aporôs eiche Tyndareôi + patri">το πραγμα δ' + απορως ειχε + Τυνδαρεωι + πατρι</span>, and 370.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_89"></a><a href="#IA_89">[89]</a> There is much doubt + about the reading of this part of the chorus. See Dind. and ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_90"></a><a href="#IA_90">[90]</a> I have partly followed + Abresch in translating these lines, but I do not advise the reader to + rest satisfied with my translation. A reference to the notes of the + elegant scholar, to whom we owe the Cambridge edition of this play, will, + I trust, show that I have done as much as can well be done with such + corrupted lines.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_91"></a><a href="#IA_91">[91]</a> Achilles is supposed to + lay his hand on his sword. See however ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_92"></a><a href="#IA_92">[92]</a> Obviously a spurious + line.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_93"></a><a href="#IA_93">[93]</a> I have punctuated with + ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_94"></a><a href="#IA_94">[94]</a> See ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_95"></a><a href="#IA_95">[95]</a> <span lang="el" + title="euphêmêsate">ευφημησατε</span> + here governs two distinct accusatives.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_96"></a><a href="#IA_96">[96]</a> The Cambridge editor + here takes notice of Aristotle's charge of inconsistency, <span lang="el" + title="hoti ouden eoiken hê hiketeuousa">‛οτι + ουδεν + εοικεν ‛η + ‛ικετευουσα</span> + [Iphigenia] <span lang="el" title="têi hysterai">τηι + ‛υστεραι</span>. He well + remarks, that Iphigenia at first naturally gives way before the + suddenness of the announcement of her fate, but that when she collects + her feelings, her natural nobleness prevails.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_97"></a><a href="#IA_97">[97]</a> Cf. Lucret. i. 88. "Cui + simul <i>infula</i> virgineos <i>circumdata</i> comtus, Ex utraque pari + malarum parte profusa est."</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_98"></a><a href="#IA_98">[98]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="pagas">παγας</span> with Reiske, + Dind. ed. Camb. There is much corruption and awkwardness in the following + verses of this ode.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_99"></a><a href="#IA_99">[99]</a> On the sense of <span + lang="el" + title="memone">μεμονε</span> see ed. + Camb., who would exclude <span lang="el" title="di' emon + onoma">δι' εμον + ονομα</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_100"></a><a href="#IA_100">[100]</a> Cf. Soph. Ant. 806 + sqq. The whole of this passage has been admirably illustrated by the + Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_101"></a><a href="#IA_101">[101]</a> There is much + awkwardness about this epithet <span lang="el" + title="patrôiai">πατρωιαι</span>. + One would expect a clearer reference to Agamemnon. I scarcely can suppose + it correct, although I do not quite see my way in the Cambridge editor's + readings.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_102"></a><a href="#IA_102">[102]</a> Porson, Præf. ad + Hec. p. xxi., and the Cambridge editor (p. 228 sqq.) have concurred in + fully condemning the whole of this last scene. It is certain that in the + time of Ælian something different must have been in existence, and + equally certain that the whole abounds in repetitions and + inconsistencies, that seem to point either to spuriousness, or, at least, + to the existence of interpolations of a serious character. In this latter + opinion Matthiæ and Dindorf agree.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_103"></a><a href="#IA_103">[103]</a> An allusion to the + celebrated picture of Timanthes. See Barnes.</p> + + <p><a name="IAN_104"></a><a href="#IA_104">[104]</a> I have done my best + with this passage, following Matthiæ's explanation, which, however, I do + not perfectly understand. If vs. 1567 were away, we should be less at a + loss, but the same may be said of the whole scene.</p> + +</div> +<hr class="full" /> + +<a name="TAURIS"></a> +<h2>IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<h3>PERSONS REPRESENTED.</h3> + + <div class="personae"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>IPHIGENIA.</p> + <p>ORESTES.</p> + <p>PYLADES.</p> + <p>HERDSMAN.</p> + <p>THOAS.</p> + <p>MESSENGER.</p> + <p>MINERVA.</p> + <p>CHORUS OF GRECIAN CAPTIVE WOMEN.</p> + </div> + </div> +<hr /> + +<h3>THE ARGUMENT.</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + + <p>Orestes, coming into Tauri in Scythia, in company with Pylades, had + been commanded to bear away the image of Diana, after which he was to + meet with a respite from the avenging Erinnyes of his mother. His sister + Iphigenia, who had been carried away by Diana from Aulis, when on the + point of being sacrificed by her father, chances to be expiating a dream + that led her to suppose Orestes dead, when a herdsman announces to her + the arrival and detection of two strangers, whom she is bound by her + office to sacrifice to Diana. On meeting, a mutual discovery takes place, + and they plot their escape. Iphigenia imposes on the superstitious fears + of Thoas, and, removing them to the sea-coast, they are on the point of + making their escape together, when they are surprised, and subsequently + detained and driven back by stress of weather. Thoas is about to pursue + them, when Minerva appears, and restrains him from doing so, at the same + time procuring liberty of return for the Grecian captives who form the + chorus.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS.</h2> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<p class="center">IPHIGENIA.</p> + + <p>Pelops,<a name="IT_1"></a><a href="#ITN_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> the son + of Tantalus, setting out to Pisa with his swift steeds, weds the daughter + of Œnomaus, from whom sprang Atreus; and from Atreus his sons, + Menelaus and Agamemnon, from which [latter] I was born, Iphigenia, child + of [Clytæmnestra,] daughter of Tyndarus, whom my father, as he imagined, + sacrificed to Diana on account of Helen, near the eddies, which Euripus + continually whirls to and fro, upturning the dark blue sea with frequent + blasts, in the famed<a name="IT_2"></a><a + href="#ITN_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> recesses of Aulis. For here indeed king + Agamemnon drew together a Grecian armament of a thousand ships, desiring + that the Greeks might take the glorious prize of victory over Troy,<a + name="IT_3"></a><a href="#ITN_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> and avenge the + outraged nuptials of Helen, for the gratification of Menelaus. But, there + being great difficulty of sailing,<a name="IT_4"></a><a + href="#ITN_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> and meeting with no winds, he came to + [the consideration of] the omens of burnt sacrifices, and Calchas speaks + thus. O thou who rulest over this Grecian expedition, Agamemnon, thou + wilt not lead forth thy ships from the ports of this land, before Diana + shall receive thy daughter Iphigenia as a victim; for thou didst vow to + sacrifice to the light-bearing Goddess whatsoever the year should bring + forth most beautiful. Now your wife Clytæmnestra has brought forth a + daughter in your house, referring to me the title of the most beautiful, + whom thou must needs sacrifice. And so, by the arts of Ulysses,<a + name="IT_5"></a><a href="#ITN_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> they drew me from my + mother under pretense of being wedded to Achilles. But I wretched coming + to Aulis, being seized and raised aloft above<a name="IT_6"></a><a + href="#ITN_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> the pyre, would have been slain by the + sword; but Diana, giving to the Greeks a stag in my stead, stole me away, + and, sending me through the clear ether,<a name="IT_7"></a><a + href="#ITN_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> she settled me in this land of the + Tauri, where barbarian Thoas rules<a name="IT_8"></a><a + href="#ITN_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> the land, o'er barbarians, [Thoas,] who + guiding his foot swift as the pinion, has arrived at this epithet [of + Thoas, i.e. <i>the swift</i>] on account of his fleetness of foot. And + she places me in this house as priestess, since which time the Goddess + Diana is wont to be pleased with such rites as these,<a + name="IT_9"></a><a href="#ITN_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> the name of which + alone is fair. But, for the rest, I am silent, fearing the Goddess. For I + sacrifice even as before was the custom in the city, whatever Grecian man + comes to this land. I crop the hair, indeed, but the slaying that may not + be told is the care of others within these shrines.<a name="IT_10"></a><a + href="#ITN_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a> But the new visions which the [past] + night hath brought with it, I will tell to the sky,<a name="IT_11"></a><a + href="#ITN_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> if indeed this be any remedy. I seemed + in my sleep, removed from this land, to be dwelling in Argos, and to + slumber in my virgin chamber, but the surface of the earth [appeared] to + be shaken with a movement, and I fled, and standing without beheld the + coping<a name="IT_12"></a><a href="#ITN_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a> of the + house giving way, and all the roof falling stricken to the ground from + the high supports. And one pillar alone, as it seemed to me, was left of + my ancestral house, and from its capital it seemed to stream down yellow + locks, and to receive a human voice, and I, cherishing this man-slaying + office which I hold, weeping [began] to besprinkle it, as though about to + be slain. But I thus interpret my dream. Orestes is dead, whose rites I + was beginning. For male children are the pillars of the house, and those + whom my lustral waters<a name="IT_13"></a><a + href="#ITN_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> sprinkle die. Nor yet can I connect + the dream with my friends, for Strophius had no son, when I was to have + died. Now, therefore, I being present, will to my absent brother offer + the rites of the dead—for this I can do—in company with the + attendants whom the king gave to me, Grecian women. But from some cause + they are not yet present. I will go<a name="IT_14"></a><a + href="#ITN_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a> within the home wherein I dwell, these + shrines of the Goddess.</p> + + <p>ORESTES. Look out! Watch, lest there be any mortal in the way.</p> + + <p>PYLADES. I am looking out, and keeping watch, turning my eyes every + where.</p> + + <p>OR. Pylades, does it seem to you that this is the temple of the + Goddess, whither we have directed our ship through the seas from Argos?<a + name="IT_15"></a><a href="#ITN_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a></p> + + <p>PYL. It does, Orestes, and must seem the same to thee.</p> + + <p>OR. And the altar where Grecian blood is shed?</p> + + <p>PYL. At least it has its pinnacles tawny with blood.</p> + + <p>OR. And under the pinnacles themselves do you behold the spoils?</p> + + <p>PYL. The spoils, forsooth, of slain strangers.</p> + + <p>OR. But it behooves one, turning one's eye around, to keep a careful + watch. O Phœbus, wherefore hast thou again led me into this snare by + your prophecies, when I had avenged the blood of my father by slaying my + mother? But by successive<a name="IT_16"></a><a + href="#ITN_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> attacks of the Furies was I driven an + exile, an outcast from the land, and fulfilled many diverse bending + courses. But coming [to thy oracle] I required of thee how I might arrive + at an end of the madness that drove me on, and of my toils [which I had + labored through, wandering over Greece.<a name="IT_17"></a><a + href="#ITN_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a>] But thou didst answer that I must + come to the confines of the Tauric territory, where thy sister Diana + possesses altars, and must take the image of the Goddess, which they here + say fell from heaven<a name="IT_18"></a><a + href="#ITN_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> into these shrines; and that taking it + either by stratagem or by some stroke of fortune, having gone through the + risk, I should give it to the land of the Athenians—but no further + directions were given—and that having done this, I should have a + respite from my toils.<a name="IT_19"></a><a + href="#ITN_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a> But I am come hither, persuaded by thy + words, to an unknown and inhospitable land. I ask you, then, Pylades, for + you are a sharer with me in this toil, what shall we do? For thou + beholdest the lofty battlements of the walls. Shall we proceed to the + scaling of the walls? How then should we escape notice<a + name="IT_20"></a><a href="#ITN_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> [if we did so?] Or + shall we open the brass-wrought fastenings of the bolts? of which things + we know nothing.<a name="IT_21"></a><a href="#ITN_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> + But if we are caught opening the gates and contriving an entrance, we + shall die. But before we die, let us flee to the temple, whither we + lately sailed.</p> + + <p>PYL. To fly is unendurable, nor are we accustomed [to do so,] and we + must not make light of the oracle of the God. But quitting the temple, + let us hide our bodies in the caves, which the dark sea splashes with its + waters, far away from the city, lest any one beholding the bark, inform + the rulers, and we be straightway seized by force. But when the eye of + dim night shall come, we must venture, bring all devices to bear, to + seize the sculptured image from the temple. But observe the eaves [of the + roof,<a name="IT_22"></a><a href="#ITN_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a>] where + there is an empty space between the triglyphs in which you may let + yourself down. For good men dare encounter toils, but the cowardly are of + no account any where. We have not indeed come a long distance with our + oars, so as to return again from the goal.<a name="IT_23"></a><a + href="#ITN_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. But one must follow your advice, for you speak well. We must go + whithersoever in this land we can conceal our bodies, and lie hid. For + the [will] of the God will not be the cause of his oracle falling + useless. We must venture; for no toil has an excuse for young men.<a + name="IT_24"></a><a href="#ITN_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a></p> + +<p class="center">[ORESTES <i>and</i> PYLADES <i>retire aside</i>.]</p> + + <p>CHORUS. Keep silence,<a name="IT_25"></a><a + href="#ITN_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> O ye that inhabit the twain rocks of + the Euxine that face each other. O Dictynna, mountain daughter of Latona, + to thy court, the gold-decked pinnacles of temples with fine columns, I, + servant to the hallowed guardian of the key, conduct my pious virgin + foot, changing [for my present habitation] the towers and walls of Greece + with its noble steeds, and Europe with its fields abounding in trees, the + dwelling of my ancestral home. I am come. What new matter? What anxious + care hast thou? Wherefore hast thou led me, led me to the shrines, O + daughter of him who came to the walls of Troy with the glorious fleet, + with thousand sail, ten thousand spears of the renowned Atrides?<a + name="IT_26"></a><a href="#ITN_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPHIGENIA. O attendants mine,<a name="IT_27"></a><a + href="#ITN_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> in what moans of bitter lamentation do + I dwell, in the songs of a songless strain unfit for the lyre, alas! + alas! in funereal griefs for the ills which befall me, bemoaning my + brother, what a vision have I seen in the night whose darkness has passed + away!<a name="IT_28"></a><a href="#ITN_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> I am + undone, undone. No more is my father's house, ah me! no more is our race. + Alas! alas! for the toils in Argos! Alas! thou deity, who hast now robbed + me of my only brother, sending him to Hades, to whom I am about to pour + forth on the earth's surface these libations and this bowl for the + departed, and streams from the mountain heifer, and the wine draughts of + Bacchus, and the work of the swarthy bees,<a name="IT_29"></a><a + href="#ITN_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a> which are the wonted peace-offerings + to the departed. O germ of Agamemnon beneath the earth, to thee as dead + do I send these offerings. And do thou receive them, for not before + [thine own] tomb do I offer my auburn locks,<a name="IT_30"></a><a + href="#ITN_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a> my tears. For far away am I journeyed + from thy country and mine, where, as opinion goes, I wretched lie + slaughtered.</p> + + <p>CHOR. A respondent strain and an Asiatic hymn of barbarian wailing + will I peal forth to thee, my mistress, the song of mourning which, + delighting the dead, Hades hymns in measure apart from Pæans.<a + name="IT_31"></a><a href="#ITN_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> Alas! the light of + the sceptre in the Atrides' house is faded away. Alas! alas for my + ancestral home! And what government of prosperous kings will there be in + Argos?<a name="IT_32"></a><a href="#ITN_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a> * * * * + And labor upon labor comes on * * * * <a name="IT_33"></a><a + href="#ITN_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a> with his winged mares driven around. + But the sun, changing from its proper place, [laid aside] its eye of + light.<a name="IT_34"></a><a href="#ITN_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a> And upon + other houses woe has come, because of the golden lamb, murder upon + murder, and pang upon pang, whence the avenging Fury<a + name="IT_35"></a><a href="#ITN_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a> of those sons + slain of old comes upon the houses of the sons of Tantalus, and some + deity hastens unkindly things against thee.</p> + + <p>IPH. From the beginning the demon of my mother's zone<a + name="IT_36"></a><a href="#ITN_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> was hostile to me, + and from that night in which the Fates hastened the pangs of childbirth<a + name="IT_37"></a><a href="#ITN_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a> * * * * whom, the + first-born germ the wretched daughter of Leda, (Clytæmnestra,) wooed from + among the Greeks brought forth, and trained up as a victim to a father's + sin, a joyless sacrifice, a votive offering. But in a horse-chariot they + brought<a name="IT_38"></a><a href="#ITN_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> me to + the sands of Aulis, a bride, alas! unhappy bride to the son of Nereus' + daughter, alas! And now a stranger I dwell in an unpleasant home on the + inhospitable sea, unwedded, childless, without city, without a friend, + not chanting Juno in Argos, nor in the sweetly humming loom adorning with + the shuttle the image of Athenian Pallas<a name="IT_39"></a><a + href="#ITN_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> and of the Titans, but imbruing altars + with the shed blood of strangers, a pest unsuited to the harp, [of + strangers] sighing forth<a name="IT_40"></a><a + href="#ITN_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a> a piteous cry, and shedding a piteous + tear. And now indeed forgetfulness of these matters [comes upon] me, but + now I mourn my brother dead in Argos, whom I left yet an infant at the + breast, yet young, yet a germ in his mother's arms and on her bosom, + Orestes [the future] holder of the sceptre in Argos.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But hither comes a herdsman, leaving the sea-coast, about to + tell thee some new thing.</p> + + <p>HERDSMAN. Daughter of Agamemnon and child of Clytæmnestra, hear thou + from me a new announcement.</p> + + <p>IPH. And what is there astonishing in the present report?</p> + + <p>HERDS. Two youths are come into this land, to the dark-blue + Symplegades, fleeing into a ship, a grateful sacrifice and offering to + Diana. But you can not use too much haste<a name="IT_41"></a><a + href="#ITN_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a> in making ready the lustral waters and + the consecrations.</p> + + <p>IPH. Of what country? of what land do the strangers bear the name?</p> + + <p>HERDS. Greeks, this one thing I know, and nothing further.</p> + + <p>IPH. Hast thou not heard the name of the strangers, so as to tell + it?</p> + + <p>HERDS. One of them was styled Pylades by the other.</p> + + <p>IPH. But what was the name of the yoke-fellow of this stranger?</p> + + <p>HERDS. No one knows this. For we heard it not.</p> + + <p>IPH. But how saw ye them, and chanced to take them?</p> + + <p>HERDS. Upon the furthest breakers of the inhospitable sea.</p> + + <p>IPH. And what had herdsmen to do with the sea?</p> + + <p>HERDS. We came to lave our steers in the dew of the sea.</p> + + <p>IPH. Go back again to this point—how did ye catch them, and by + what means, for I would fain know this? For they are come after a long + season, nor has the altar of the Goddess yet been crimsoned with Grecian + blood.<a name="IT_42"></a><a href="#ITN_42"><sup>[42]</sup></a></p> + + <p>HERDS. After we woodland herdsmen had brought our cattle down to the + sea that flows between the Symplegades, there is a certain hollow cave,<a + name="IT_43"></a><a href="#ITN_43"><sup>[43]</sup></a> broken by the + frequent lashing of the waves, a retreat for those who hunt for the + purple fish. Here some herdsman among us beheld two youths, and he + retired back, piloting his step on tiptoe, and said: See ye not? these + who sit here are some divine powers. And one of us, being religiously + given, uplifted his hand, and addressed them, as he beheld: O son of + Leucothea, guardian of ships, Palæmon our lord, be propitious to us, + whether indeed ye be the twin sons of Jove (Castor and Pollux) who sit + upon our shores, or the image of Nereus, who begot the noble chorus of + the fifty Nereids. But another vain one, bold in his lawlessness, scoffed + at these prayers, and said that they were shipwrecked<a + name="IT_44"></a><a href="#ITN_44"><sup>[44]</sup></a> seamen who sat + upon the cleft through fear of the law, hearing that we here sacrifice + strangers. And to most of us he seemed to speak well, and [we resolved] + to hunt for the accustomed victims for the Goddess. But meanwhile one of + the strangers leaving the rock, stood still, and shook his head up and + down, and groaned, with his very fingers quaking, wandering with ravings, + and shouts with voice like that of hunter, "Pylades, dost thou behold + this? Dost not behold this snake of Hades, how she would fain slay me, + armed against me with horrid vipers?<a name="IT_45"></a><a + href="#ITN_45"><sup>[45]</sup></a> And she breathing from beneath her + garments<a name="IT_46"></a><a href="#ITN_46"><sup>[46]</sup></a> fire + and slaughter, rows with her wings, bearing my mother in her arms, that + she may cast upon me this rocky mass. Alas! she will slay me. Whither + shall I fly?" And one beheld not the same form of countenance, but he + uttered in turn the bellowings of calves and howls of dogs, which + imitations [of wild beasts] they say the Furies utter. But we flinching, + as though about to die, sat mute; and he drawing a sword with his hand, + rushing among the calves, lion-like, strikes them on the flank with the + steel, driving it into their sides, fancying that he was thus avenging + himself on the Fury Goddesses, till that a gory foam was dashed up from + the sea. Meanwhile, each one of us, as he beheld the herds being slain + and ravaged, armed himself, and inflating the conch<a name="IT_47"></a><a + href="#ITN_47"><sup>[47]</sup></a> shells and assembling the + inhabitants—for we thought that herdsmen were weak to fight against + well-trained and youthful strangers. And a large number of us was + assembled in a short time. But the stranger, released from the attack of + madness, drops down, with his beard befouled with foam. But when we saw + him fallen opportunely [for us,] each man did his part, with stones, with + blows. But the other of the strangers wiped away the foam, and tended his + mouth, and spread over him the well-woven texture of his garments, + guarding well the coming wounds, and aiding his friend with tender + offices. But when the stranger returning to his senses leaped up, he + perceived that a hostile tempest and present calamity was close upon + them, and he groaned aloud. But we ceased not hurling rocks, each + standing in a different place. But then indeed we heard a dread + exhortation, "Pylades, we shall die, but that we die most gloriously! + Follow me, drawing thy sword in hand." But when we saw the twain swords + of the enemy<a name="IT_48"></a><a href="#ITN_48"><sup>[48]</sup></a> + brandished, in flight we filled the woods about the crag. But if one + fled, others pressing on pelted them; and if they drove these away, again + the party who had just yielded aimed at them with rocks. But it was + incredible, for out of innumerable hands no one succeeded in hitting + these victims to the Goddess. And we with difficulty, I will not say + overcome them by force, but taking them in a circle, beat<a + name="IT_49"></a><a href="#ITN_49"><sup>[49]</sup></a> their swords out + of their hands with stones, and they dropped their knees to earth + [overcome] with toil. And we brought them to the king of this land, but + he, when he beheld them, sent them as quickly as possible to thee for + lustral waters and sacrifice. But do thou, O virgin, wish that such + strangers may be here as victims, and if thou slayest these strangers, + Hellas will atone for thy [intended] murder, paying the penalty of the + sacrifice at Aulis.<a name="IT_50"></a><a + href="#ITN_50"><sup>[50]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou hast told wondrous things concerning him who has appeared, + whosoever he be that has come to the inhospitable sea from the Grecian + earth.<a name="IT_51"></a><a href="#ITN_51"><sup>[51]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. Be it so. Do thou go and bring the strangers, but I will take + care respecting the matters<a name="IT_52"></a><a + href="#ITN_52"><sup>[52]</sup></a> here. O hapless heart, that once wast + mild and full of pity toward strangers, awarding the tear to those of + thine own land, when thou didst receive Grecian men into thine hands.<a + name="IT_53"></a><a href="#ITN_53"><sup>[53]</sup></a> But now, because + of the dreams by which I am driven wild, thinking that Orestes no longer + beholds the sun, ye will find me ill disposed, whoever ye be that come. + For this is true, I perceive it, my friends,<a name="IT_54"></a><a + href="#ITN_54"><sup>[54]</sup></a> for the unhappy who themselves fare + ill have no good feelings toward those more fortunate. But neither has + any wind sent by Jove ever come [hither,] nor ship, which could have + brought hither Helen, who destroyed me, and Menelaus, in order that I + might be avenged on them, placing an Aulis here to the account<a + name="IT_55"></a><a href="#ITN_55"><sup>[55]</sup></a> of the one there, + where the sons of Danaus seized, and would have slain me like as a calf, + and the father who begat me was the priest. Ah me! for I can not forget + the ills of that time, how oft I stretched out my hands to his beard, and + hanging on the knees of him who gave me life, spake words like these: "O + father, basely am I, basely am I wedded at thine hands. But my mother, + while thou art slaying me, and her Argive ladies are hymning my wedding<a + name="IT_56"></a><a href="#ITN_56"><sup>[56]</sup></a> with their nuptial + songs, and all the house resounds with the flute, while I perish by thy + hands. Hades in truth was Achilles, not the son of Peleus, whom thou + didst name as my husband, and in the chariot didst pilot me by craft unto + a bloody wedding." But I, casting mine eye through my slender woven veil, + neither took up with mine hands my brother who is now dead, nor joined my + lips to my sister's,<a name="IT_57"></a><a + href="#ITN_57"><sup>[57]</sup></a> through modesty, as departing to the + home of Peleus; and many a salutation I deferred, as though about to come + again to Argos. Oh wretched one, if thou hast died! from what glorious + state, Orestes, and from how envied a sire's fortune art thou fallen! But + I reproach the devices of the Goddess, who, if any one work the death of + a man, or touch with hands a woman newly delivered, or a corpse, + restrains him from her altars, as deeming him impure, but yet herself + takes pleasure in man-slaying sacrifices. It can not be that the consort + of Jove, Latona, hath brought forth so much ignorance. I even disbelieve + the banquets of Tantalus set before the Gods, [as that they] should be + pleased with feeding on a boy. But I deem that those in this land, being + themselves man-slayers, charge the Goddess with their own baseness, for I + think not that any one of the Gods is bad.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Ye dark blue, dark blue meetings of the sea, which Io, hurried + along by the brize, once passed through to the Euxine wave, having + changed the territory of Asia for Europe,—who were they who left + fair-watered Eurotas, flourishing in reeds, or the sacred founts of + Dirce, and came, and came to the inhospitable land, where the daughter of + Jove bedews her altars and column-girt temples with human blood? Of a + truth by the surge-dashing oars of fir, worked on both sides, they sailed + in a nautical carriage o'er the ocean waves, striving in the emulation + after loved wealth in their houses. For darling hope is in dangers + insatiate among men, who bear off the weight of riches, wandering in vain + speculation on the wave and o'er barbarian cities. But to some<a + name="IT_58"></a><a href="#ITN_58"><sup>[58]</sup></a> there is a mind + immoderate after riches, to others they come unsought. How did they pass + through the rocks that run together, the ne'er resting beaches of + Phineus, [and] the marine shore, running o'er the surge of Amphitrite,<a + name="IT_59"></a><a href="#ITN_59"><sup>[59]</sup></a>—where the + choruses of the fifty daughters of Nereus entwine in the + dance,—[although] with breezes that fill the sails, the creaking + rudders resting at the poop, with southern gales or the breezes of + Zephyr, to the bird-haunted land, the white beach, the glorious + race-course of Achilles, near the Euxine Sea. Would that, according to my + mistress' prayers, Helen, the dear daughter of Leda, might sometime + chance to come, quitting the city of Troy, that, having been drenched + about the head with the blood-stained lustral dews, she might die by my + mistress' hand, paying in turn an equal penalty [for her death.] Most + joyfully then would we receive this news, if any one came sailing from + the Grecian land, to make the toils of my hapless slavery to cease. And + would that in my dreams I might tread<a name="IT_60"></a><a + href="#ITN_60"><sup>[60]</sup></a> in mine home and ancestral city, + enjoying the hymns of delight, a joy shared with the prosperous. But + hither they come, bound as to their two<a name="IT_61"></a><a + href="#ITN_61"><sup>[61]</sup></a> hands with chains, a new sacrifice for + the Goddess. Be silent, my friends, for these first-fruits of the Greeks + approach the temples, nor has the herdsman told a false tale. O reverend + Goddess, if the city performs these things agreeably to thee, receive the + sacrifice which, not hallowed among the Greeks, the custom of this place + presents as a public offering.<a name="IT_62"></a><a + href="#ITN_62"><sup>[62]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. Be it so. I must first take care that the rites of the Goddess + are as they should be. Let go the hands of the strangers, that being + consecrated they may no longer be in bonds. And, going within the temple, + make ready the things which are necessary and usual on these occasions. + Alas! Who is the mother who once bore you? And who your father, and your + sister, if there be any born? Of what a pair of youths deprived will she + be brotherless! For all the dispensations of the Gods creep into + obscurity, and no one [absent] knows misfortune,<a name="IT_63"></a><a + href="#ITN_63"><sup>[63]</sup></a> for fortune leads astray to what is + hardly known. Whence come ye, O unhappy strangers? After how long a time + have ye sailed to this land, and ye will be a long time from your home, + ever among the shades!<a name="IT_64"></a><a + href="#ITN_64"><sup>[64]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. Why mournest thou thus, and teasest us<a name="IT_65"></a><a + href="#ITN_65"><sup>[65]</sup></a> concerning our future ills, whoever + thou art, O lady? In naught do I deem him wise, who, when about to die, + with bewailings seeks to overcome the fear of death, nor him who deplores + death now near at hand,<a name="IT_66"></a><a + href="#ITN_66"><sup>[66]</sup></a> when he has no hope of safety, in that + he joins two ills instead of one, both incurs the charge of folly, and + dies none the less. But one must needs let fortune take its course. But + mourn us not, for we know and are acquainted with the sacrificial rites + of this place.</p> + + <p>IPH. Which of ye twain here is named Pylades? This I would fain know + first.</p> + + <p>OR. This man, if indeed 'tis any pleasure for thee to know this.</p> + + <p>IPH. Born citizen of what Grecian state?</p> + + <p>OR. And what wouldst thou gain by knowing this, lady?</p> + + <p>IPH. Are ye brothers from one mother?</p> + + <p>OR. In friendship we are, but we are not related, lady.</p> + + <p>IPH. But what name did the father who begot thee give to thee?</p> + + <p>OR. In truth we might be styled the unhappy.</p> + + <p>IPH. I ask not this. Leave this to fortune.</p> + + <p>OR. Dying nameless, I should not be mocked.</p> + + <p>IPH. Wherefore dost grudge this, and art thus proud?</p> + + <p>OR. My body thou shalt sacrifice, not my name.</p> + + <p>IPH. Nor wilt thou tell me which is thy city?</p> + + <p>OR. No. For thou seekest a thing of no profit, seeing I am to die.</p> + + <p>IPH. But what hinders thee from granting me this favor?</p> + + <p>OR. I boast renowned Argos for my country.</p> + + <p>IPH. In truth, by the Gods I ask thee, stranger, art thou thence + born?</p> + + <p>OR. From Mycenæ,<a name="IT_67"></a><a + href="#ITN_67"><sup>[67]</sup></a> that was once prosperous.</p> + + <p>IPH. And hast thou set out a wanderer from thy country, or by what + hap?</p> + + <p>OR. I flee in a certain wise unwilling, willingly.</p> + + <p>IPH. Wouldst thou tell me one thing that I wish?</p> + + <p>OR. That something, forsooth,<a name="IT_68"></a><a + href="#ITN_68"><sup>[68]</sup></a> may be added to my misfortune.</p> + + <p>IPH. And truly thou hast come desired by me, in coming from Argos.</p> + + <p>OR. Not by myself, at all events; but if by thee, do thou enjoy it.<a + name="IT_69"></a><a href="#ITN_69"><sup>[69]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. Perchance thou knowest Troy, the fame of which is every + where.</p> + + <p>OR. Ay, would that I never had, not even seeing it in a dream!</p> + + <p>IPH. They say that it is now no more, and has fallen by the spear.</p> + + <p>OR. And so it is, nor have you heard what is not the case.</p> + + <p>IPH. And is Helen come back to the house of Menelaus?</p> + + <p>OR. She is, ay, coming unluckily to one of mine.</p> + + <p>IPH. And where is she? For she has incurred an old debt of evil with + me also.</p> + + <p>OR. She dwells in Sparta with her former consort.</p> + + <p>IPH. O hateful pest among the Greeks, not to me only!</p> + + <p>OR. I also have received some fruits of her nuptials.</p> + + <p>IPH. And did the return of the Greeks take place, as is reported?</p> + + <p>OR. How dost thou question me, embracing all matters at once!</p> + + <p>IPH. For I wish to obtain this before that thou diest.</p> + + <p>OR. Examine me, since thou hast this longing, and I will speak.</p> + + <p>IPH. Has a certain seer named Calchas returned from Troy?</p> + + <p>OR. He perished, as the story ran, at Mycenæ.</p> + + <p>IPH. O revered Goddess, how well it is! And how fares the son of + Laertes?</p> + + <p>OR. He has not yet returned to his home, but he is alive, as report + goes.</p> + + <p>IPH. May he perish, never obtaining a return to his country!</p> + + <p>OR. Invoke nothing—all his affairs are in a sickly state.</p> + + <p>IPH. But is the son of Thetis, the daughter of Nereus, yet alive?</p> + + <p>OR. He is not. In vain he held his wedding in Aulis.</p> + + <p>IPH. A crafty [wedding] it was, as those who have suffered say.</p> + + <p>OR. Who canst thou be? How well dost ken the affairs of Greece!</p> + + <p>IPH. I am from thence. While yet a child I was undone.</p> + + <p>OR. With reason thou desirest to know the affairs there, O lady.</p> + + <p>IPH. But how [fares] the general, who they say is prosperous.</p> + + <p>OR. Who? For he whom I know is not of the fortunate.</p> + + <p>IPH. A certain king Agamemnon was called the son of Atreus.</p> + + <p>OR. I know not—cease from these words, O lady.</p> + + <p>IPH. Nay, by the Gods, but speak, that I may be rejoiced, O + stranger.</p> + + <p>OR. The wretched one is dead, and furthermore hath ruined one.<a + name="IT_70"></a><a href="#ITN_70"><sup>[70]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. Is dead? By what mishap? O wretched me!</p> + + <p>OR. But why dost mourn this? Was he a relation of thine?</p> + + <p>IPH. I bemoan his former prosperity.</p> + + <p>OR. [Ay, well mayest thou,] for he has fallen, slain shamefully by a + woman.</p> + + <p>IPH. O all grievous she that slew and he that fell!</p> + + <p>OR. Cease now at least, nor question further.</p> + + <p>IPH. Thus much at least, does the wife of the unhappy man live?</p> + + <p>OR. She is no more. The son she brought forth, he slew her.</p> + + <p>IPH. O house all troubled! with what intent, then?<a + name="IT_71"></a><a href="#ITN_71"><sup>[71]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. Taking satisfaction on her for the death of his father.</p> + + <p>IPH. Alas! how well he executed an evil act of justice.<a + name="IT_72"></a><a href="#ITN_72"><sup>[72]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. But, though just, he hath not good fortune from the Gods.</p> + + <p>IPH. But does Agamemnon leave any other child in his house?</p> + + <p>OR. He has left a single virgin [daughter,] Electra.</p> + + <p>IPH. What! Is there no report of his sacrificed daughter?<a + name="IT_73"></a><a href="#ITN_73"><sup>[73]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. None indeed, save that being dead she beholds not the light.</p> + + <p>IPH. Hapless she, and the father who slew her!</p> + + <p>OR. She perished, a thankless offering<a name="IT_74"></a><a + href="#ITN_74"><sup>[74]</sup></a> because of a bad woman.</p> + + <p>IPH. But is the son of the deceased father at Argos?</p> + + <p>OR. He, wretched man, is nowhere and every where.</p> + + <p>IPH. Away, vain dreams, ye were then of naught!</p> + + <p>OR. Nor are the Gods who are called wise any less false than winged + dreams. There is much inconsistency both among the Gods and among + mortals. But one thing alone is left, when<a name="IT_75"></a><a + href="#ITN_75"><sup>[75]</sup></a> a man not being foolish, persuaded by + the words of seers, has perished, as he hath perished in man's + knowledge.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Alas! alas! But what of us and our fathers? Are they, or are + they not in being, who can tell?</p> + + <p>IPH. Hear me, for I am come to a certain discourse, meditating what is + at once profitable for you and me. But that which is well is chiefly + produced thus, when the same matter pleases all. Would ye be willing, if + I were to save you, to go to Argos, and bear a message for me to my + friends there, and carry a letter, which a certain captive wrote, pitying + me, nor deeming my hand that of a murderess, but that he died through + custom, as the Goddess sanctioned such things as just? For I had no one + who would go and bear the news back to Argos, and who, being preserved, + would send my letters to some one of my friends.<a name="IT_76"></a><a + href="#ITN_76"><sup>[76]</sup></a> But do thou, for thou art, as thou + seemest, of no ignoble birth, and knowest Mycenæ and the persons I wish, + do thou, I say,<a name="IT_77"></a><a href="#ITN_77"><sup>[77]</sup></a> + be saved, receiving no dishonorable reward, your safety for the sake of + trifling letters. But let this man, since the city compels it, be a + sacrifice to the Goddess, apart from thee.</p> + + <p>OR. Well hast thou spoken the rest, save one thing, O stranger lady, + for 'tis a heavy weight upon me that this man should be slain. For I was + steersman of the vessel to these ills,<a name="IT_78"></a><a + href="#ITN_78"><sup>[78]</sup></a> but he is a fellow-sailor because of + mine own troubles. In no wise then is it right that I should do thee a + favor to his destruction, and myself escape from ills. But let it be + thus. Give him the letter, for he will send it to Argos, so as to be well + for thee, but let him that will slay me. Base is the man, who, casting + his friends into calamity, himself is saved. But this man is a friend, + who I fain should see the light no less that myself.</p> + + <p>IPH. O noblest spirit, how art thou sprung from some generous root, + thou truly a friend to thy friends! Such might he be who is left of my + brothers! For in good truth, strangers, I am not brotherless, save that I + behold him not. But since thou willest thus, let us send this man bearing + the letter, but thou wilt die, and some great desire of this chances to + possess thee?<a name="IT_79"></a><a + href="#ITN_79"><sup>[79]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. But who will sacrifice me, and dare this dreadful deed?</p> + + <p>IPH. I; for I have this sacrificial duty<a name="IT_80"></a><a + href="#ITN_80"><sup>[80]</sup></a> from the Goddess.</p> + + <p>OR. Unenviable indeed. O damsel, and unblest.</p> + + <p>IPH. But we lie under necessity, which one must beware.</p> + + <p>OR. Thyself, a female, sacrificing males with the sword?</p> + + <p>IPH. Not so; but I shall lave around thy head with the lustral + stream.</p> + + <p>OR. But who is the slayer, if I may ask this?</p> + + <p>IPH. Within the house are they whose office is this.</p> + + <p>OR. And what manner of tomb will receive me, when I die?</p> + + <p>IPH. The holy flame within, and the dark chasm of the rock.<a + name="IT_81"></a><a href="#ITN_81"><sup>[81]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. Alas! Would that a sister's hand might lay me out.<a + name="IT_82"></a><a href="#ITN_82"><sup>[82]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. A vain prayer hast thou uttered, whoever thou art, O stranger, + for she dwells far from this barbarian land. Nevertheless, since thou art + an Argive, I will not fail to do thee kindness in what is possible. For + on thy tomb will I place much adornment, and with the tawny oil will I + cause thy body to be soon consumed,<a name="IT_83"></a><a + href="#ITN_83"><sup>[83]</sup></a> and on thy pyre will I pour the + flower-sucked riches of the swarthy bee. But I will go and fetch the + letter from the shrines of the Goddess. But do thou not bear ill will + against me. Guard them, ye servants, [but] without fetters.<a + name="IT_84"></a><a href="#ITN_84"><sup>[84]</sup></a> Perchance I shall + send unexpected tidings to some one of my friends at Argos, whom I + chiefly love, and the letter, telling to him that she lives whom he + thinks dead, will announce a faithful pleasure.</p> + + <p>CHOR. I deplore thee now destined to the gory streams of the lustral + waters.<a name="IT_85"></a><a href="#ITN_85"><sup>[85]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. 'Tis piteous, truly;<a name="IT_86"></a><a + href="#ITN_86"><sup>[86]</sup></a> but fare ye well, stranger ladies.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But thee, (<i>to Pylades</i>) O youth, we honor for thy happy + fortune, that at some time thou wilt return to thy country.</p> + + <p>PYL. Not to be coveted<a name="IT_87"></a><a + href="#ITN_87"><sup>[87]</sup></a> by friends, when friends are to + die.</p> + + <p>CHOR. O mournful journeying! Alas! alas! thou art undone. Woe! woe! + which is the [victim] to be? For still my mind resolves<a + name="IT_88"></a><a href="#ITN_88"><sup>[88]</sup></a> twain doubtful + [ills,] whether with groans I shall bemoan thee (<i>to Orestes</i>) or + thee (<i>to Pylades</i>) first.</p> + + <p>OR. Pylades, hast thou, by the Gods, experienced the same feeling as + myself?</p> + + <p>PYL. I know not. Thou askest me unable to say.</p> + + <p>OR. Who is this damsel? With what a Grecian spirit she asked us + concerning the toils in Troy, and the return of the Greeks, and Calchas + wise in augury, and about Achilles, and how she pitied wretched + Agamemnon, and asked me of his wife and children. This stranger lady is<a + name="IT_89"></a><a href="#ITN_89"><sup>[89]</sup></a> some Greek by + race; for otherwise she never would have been sending a letter and making + these inquiries, as sharing a common weal in the well-doing of Argos.</p> + + <p>PYL. Thou hast outstripped me a little, but thou outstrippest me in + saying the same things, save in one respect—for all, with whom + there is any communication, know the fate of the king. But I was<a + name="IT_90"></a><a href="#ITN_90"><sup>[90]</sup></a> considering + another subject.</p> + + <p>OR. What? laying it down in common, you will better understand.</p> + + <p>PYL. 'Tis base that I should behold the light, while you perish; and, + having sailed with you, with you I must needs die also. For I shall incur + the imputation of both cowardice and baseness in Argos and the Phocian + land with its many dells, and I shall seem to the many, for the many are + evil, to have arrived alone in safety to mine home, having deserted thee, + or even to have murdered thee, taking advantage of the sickly state of + thine house, and to have devised thy fate for the sake of reigning, in + order that, forsooth, I might wed thy sister as an heiress<a + name="IT_91"></a><a href="#ITN_91"><sup>[91]</sup></a>. These things, + then, I dread, and hold in shame, and it shall not be but I will breathe + my last with thee, be slain, and have my body burned with thee, being a + friend, and dreading reproach.</p> + + <p>OR. Speak words of better omen. I must needs bear my troubles, but + when I may [endure] one single trouble, I will not endure twain. For what + thou callest bitter and reproachful, that is my portion, if I cause thee + to be slain who hast shared my toils. For, as far as I am concerned, it + stands not badly with me, faring as I fare at the hands of the Gods, to + end my life. But thou art prosperous, and hast a home pure, not + sickening, but I [have] one impious and unhappy. And living thou mayest + raise children from my sister, whom I gave thee to have<a + name="IT_92"></a><a href="#ITN_92"><sup>[92]</sup></a> as a wife, and my + name might exist, nor would my ancestral house be ever blotted out. But + go, live, and dwell in my father's house; and when thou comest to Greece + and chivalrous Argos, by thy right hand, I commit to thee this charge. + Heap up a tomb, and place upon it remembrances of me, and let my sister + offer tears and her shorn locks upon my sepulchre. And tell how I died by + an Argive woman's hand, sacrificed as an offering by the altar's side. + And do thou never desert my sister, seeing my father's connections and + home bereaved. And fare thee well! for I have found thee best among my + friends. Oh thou who hast been my fellow-huntsman, my mate! Oh thou who + hast borne the weight of many of my sorrows! But Phœbus, prophet + though he be, has deceived me. For, artfully devising, he has driven me + as far as possible from Greece, in shame of his former prophecies. To + whom I, yielding up mine all, and obeying his words, having slain my + mother, myself perish in turn.</p> + + <p>PYL. Thou shalt have a tomb, and never will I, hapless one, betray thy + sister's bed, since I shall hold thee more a friend dead than living. But + the oracle of the God has never yet wronged thee, although thou art + indeed on the very verge of death. But excessive mischance is very wont, + is very wont to present changes, when the matter so falls.</p> + + <p>OR. Be silent—the words of Phœbus avail me naught, for the + lady is coming hither without the temple.</p> + + <p>IPH. Depart ye, and go and make ready the things within for those who + superintend the sacrifice. These, O stranger, are the many-folded + inclosures of the letter, but hear thou what I further wish. No man is + the same in trouble, and when he changes from fear into confidence. But I + fear, lest he having got away from this land, will deem my letter of no + account, who is about to bear this letter to Argos.<a name="IT_93"></a><a + href="#ITN_93"><sup>[93]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. What wouldst thou? Concerning what art thou disturbed?</p> + + <p>IPH. Let him make me oath that he will ferry these writings to Argos, + to those friends to whom I wish to send them.</p> + + <p>OR. Wilt thou in turn make the same assertion to him?</p> + + <p>IPH. That I will do, or will not do what thing? say.</p> + + <p>OR. That you will release him from this barbarian land, not dying.</p> + + <p>IPH. Thou sayest justly; for how could he bear the message?</p> + + <p>OR. But will the ruler also grant this?</p> + + <p>IPH. Yea. I will persuade him, and will myself embark him on the + ship's hull.</p> + + <p>OR. Swear, but do thou commence such oath as is holy.</p> + + <p>IPH. Thou must say "I will give this [letter] to my friends."</p> + + <p>PYL. I will give this letter to thy friends.</p> + + <p>IPH. And I will send thee safe beyond the Cyanean rocks.</p> + + <p>PYL. Whom of the Gods dost thou call to witness of thine oath in these + words?</p> + + <p>IPH. Diana, in whose temple I hold office.</p> + + <p>PYL. But I [call upon] the king of heaven, hallowed Jove.</p> + + <p>IPH. But if, deserting thine oath, thou shouldst wrong me—</p> + + <p>PYL. May I not return? But thou, if thou savest me not—</p> + + <p>IPH. May I never living set footprint in Argos.</p> + + <p>PYL. Hear now then a matter which we have passed by.</p> + + <p>IPH. There will be opportunity hereafter, if matters stand aright.</p> + + <p>PYL. Grant me this one exception. If the vessel suffer any harm, and + the letter be lost<a name="IT_94"></a><a + href="#ITN_94"><sup>[94]</sup></a> in the storm, together with the goods, + and I save my person only, that this mine oath be no longer valid.<a + name="IT_95"></a><a href="#ITN_95"><sup>[95]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. Knowest thou what I will do?<a name="IT_96"></a><a + href="#ITN_96"><sup>[96]</sup></a> for the many things contained in the + folds of the letter bear opportunity for many things.<a + name="IT_97"></a><a href="#ITN_97"><sup>[97]</sup></a> I will tell you in + words all that you are to convey to my friends, for this plan is safe. If + indeed thou preservest the letter, it will itself silently tell the + things written, but if these letters be lost at sea, saving thy body, + thou wilt preserve my message.</p> + + <p>PYL. Thou hast spoken well on behalf of the Gods<a name="IT_98"></a><a + href="#ITN_98"><sup>[98]</sup></a> and of myself. But tell me to whom at + Argos I must needs bear these epistles, and what hearing from thee, I + must tell.</p> + + <p>IPH. Bear word to Orestes, the son of Agamemnon, (<i>reading</i>) + "she<a name="IT_99"></a><a href="#ITN_99"><sup>[99]</sup></a> that was + sacrificed at Aulis gives this commission, Iphigenia alive, but no longer + alive as far as those in Argos are concerned."</p> + + <p>OR. But where is she? Does she come back again having died?</p> + + <p>IPH. She, whom you see. Do not confuse me with speaking. (<i>Continues + reading</i>) "Bear me to Argos, my brother, before I die, remove me from + this barbarian land and the sacrifices of the Goddess, in which I have + the office of slaying strangers."</p> + + <p>OR. Pylades, what shall I say? where shall we be found to be?<a + name="IT_100"></a><a href="#ITN_100"><sup>[100]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. (<i>still reading</i>) "Or I will be a cause of curses upon thine + house, Orestes," (<i>with great stress upon the name and turning to + Pylades</i>,) "that thou, twice hearing the name, mayest know it."</p> + + <p>PYL. O Gods!</p> + + <p>IPH. Why callest thou upon the Gods in matters that are mine?</p> + + <p>PYL. 'Tis nothing. Go on. I was wandering to another subject. + Perchance, inquiring of thee, I shall arrive at things incredible.<a + name="IT_101"></a><a href="#ITN_101"><sup>[101]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. (<i>continues reading</i>) "Say that the Goddess Diana saved me, + giving in exchange for me a hind, which my father sacrificed, thinking + that it was upon me that he laid the sharp sword, and she placed me to + dwell in this land." This is the burden of my message, these are the + words written in my letter.</p> + + <p>PYL. O thou who hast secured me in easy oaths, and hast sworn things + fairest, I will not delay much time, but I will firmly accomplish the + oath I have sworn. Behold, I bear and deliver to thee a letter, O + Orestes, from this thy sister.</p> + + <p>OR. I receive it. And letting go the opening of the letter, I will + first seize a delight not in words (<i>attempts to embrace her</i>). O + dearest sister mine, in amazement, yet nevertheless embracing thee with a + doubting arm, I go to a source of delight, hearing things marvelous to + me.<a name="IT_102"></a><a href="#ITN_102"><sup>[102]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CHOR. Stranger,<a name="IT_103"></a><a + href="#ITN_103"><sup>[103]</sup></a> thou dost not rightly pollute the + servant of the Goddess, casting thine arm around her garments that should + ne'er be touched.</p> + + <p>OR. O fellow-sister born of one sire, Agamemnon, turn not from me, + possessing a brother whom you never thought to possess.</p> + + <p>IPH. I [possess] thee my brother? Wilt not cease speaking? Both Argos + and Nauplia are frequented by him.<a name="IT_104"></a><a + href="#ITN_104"><sup>[104]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. Unhappy one! thy brother is not there.</p> + + <p>IPH. But did the Lacedæmonian daughter of Tyndarus beget thee?</p> + + <p>OR. Ay, to the grandson of Pelops, whence I am sprung.<a + name="IT_105"></a><a href="#ITN_105"><sup>[105]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. What sayest thou? Hast thou any proof of this for me?</p> + + <p>OR. I have. Ask something relative to my ancestral home.</p> + + <p>IPH. Thou must needs then speak, and I learn.</p> + + <p>OR. I will first speak from hearsay from Electra, this.<a + name="IT_106"></a><a href="#ITN_106"><sup>[106]</sup></a> Thou knowest + the strife that took place between Atreus and Thyestes?</p> + + <p>IPH. I have heard of it, when it was waged concerning the golden + lamb.</p> + + <p>OR. Dost thou then remember weaving [a representation of] this on the + deftly-wrought web?</p> + + <p>IPH. O dearest one. Thou art turning thy course near to my own + thoughts.<a name="IT_107"></a><a href="#ITN_107"><sup>[107]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. And [dost thou remember] a picture on the loom, the turning away + of the sun?</p> + + <p>IPH. I wove this image also in the fine-threaded web.</p> + + <p>OR. And didst thou receive<a name="IT_108"></a><a + href="#ITN_108"><sup>[108]</sup></a> a bath from thy mother, sent to + Aulis?</p> + + <p>IPH. I know it: for the wedding, though good, did not take away my + recollection.<a name="IT_109"></a><a + href="#ITN_109"><sup>[109]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. But what? [Dost thou remember] to have given thine hair to be + carried to thy mother?</p> + + <p>IPH. Ay, as a memorial for the tomb<a name="IT_110"></a><a + href="#ITN_110"><sup>[110]</sup></a> in place of my body.</p> + + <p>OR. But the proofs which I have myself beheld, these will I tell, viz. + the ancient spear of Pelops in my father's house, which brandishing in + his hand, he [Pelops] won Hippodameia, having slain Ænomaus, which is + hidden in thy virgin chamber.</p> + + <p>IPH. O dearest one, no more, for thou art dearest. I hold thee, + Orestes, one darling son<a name="IT_111"></a><a + href="#ITN_111"><sup>[111]</sup></a> far away from his father-land, from + Argos, O thou dear one!</p> + + <p>OR. And I [hold] thee that wast dead, as was supposed. But tears, yet + tearless,<a name="IT_112"></a><a href="#ITN_112"><sup>[112]</sup></a> and + groans together mingled with joy, bedew thine eyelids, and mine in like + manner.</p> + + <p>IPH. This one, this, yet a babe I left, young in the arms of the + nurse, ay, young in our house. O thou more fortunate than my words<a + name="IT_113"></a><a href="#ITN_113"><sup>[113]</sup></a> can tell, what + shall I say? This matter has turned out beyond marvel or calculation.</p> + + <p>OR. [Say this.] May we for the future be happy with each other!</p> + + <p>IPH. I have experienced an unaccountable delight, dear companions, but + I fear lest it flit<a name="IT_114"></a><a + href="#ITN_114"><sup>[114]</sup></a> from my hands, and escape toward the + sky. O ye Cyclopean hearths, O Mycenæ, dear country mine. I am grateful + to thee for my life, and grateful for my nurture, in that thou hast + trained for me this brother light in my home.</p> + + <p>OR. In our race we are fortunate, but as to calamities, O sister, our + life is by nature unhappy.</p> + + <p>IPH. But I wretched remember when my father with foolish spirit laid + the sword upon my neck.</p> + + <p>OR. Ah me! For I seem, not being present, to behold you there.<a + name="IT_115"></a><a href="#ITN_115"><sup>[115]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. Without Hymen, O my brother, when I was being led to the + fictitious nuptial bed of Achilles. But near the altar were tears and + lamentations. Alas! alas, for the lustral waters there!</p> + + <p>OR. I mourn aloud for the deed my father dared.</p> + + <p>IPH. I obtained a fatherless, a fatherless lot. But one calamity + follows upon another.<a name="IT_116"></a><a + href="#ITN_116"><sup>[116]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. [Ay,] if thou hadst lost thy brother, O hapless one, by the + intervention of some demon.</p> + + <p>IPH. O miserable for my dreadful daring! I have dared horrid, I have + dared horrid things. Alas! my brother. But by a little hast thou escaped + an unholy destruction, stricken by my hands. But what will be the end + after this? What fortune will befall me? What retreat can I find for thee + away from this city? can I send you out of the reach of slaughter to your + country Argos, before that my sword enter on the contest concerning thy + blood?<a name="IT_117"></a><a href="#ITN_117"><sup>[117]</sup></a> This + is thy business, O hapless soul, to discover, whether over the land, not + in a ship, but by the gust<a name="IT_118"></a><a + href="#ITN_118"><sup>[118]</sup></a> of your feet thou wilt approach + death, passing through<a name="IT_119"></a><a + href="#ITN_119"><sup>[119]</sup></a> barbarian hordes, and through ways + not to be traversed? Or<a name="IT_120"></a><a + href="#ITN_120"><sup>[120]</sup></a> [wilt thou pass] through the Cyanean + creek, a long journey in the flight of ships. Wretched, wretched one! Who + then or God, or mortal, or [unexpected event,<a name="IT_121"></a><a + href="#ITN_121"><sup>[121]</sup></a>] having accomplished a way out of + inextricable difficulties, will show forth to the sole twain Atrides a + release from ills?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Among marvels and things passing even fable are these things + which I shall tell as having myself beheld, and not from hearsay.</p> + + <p>PYL. It is meet indeed that friends coming into the presence of + friends, Orestes, should embrace one another with their hands, but, + having ceased from mournful matters, it behooves you also to betake you + to those measures by which we, obtaining the glorious name of safety, may + depart from this barbarian earth. For it is the part of wise men, not + wandering from their present chance, when they have obtained an + opportunity, to acquire further delights.<a name="IT_122"></a><a + href="#ITN_122"><sup>[122]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. Thou sayest well. But I think that fortune will take care of this + with us. For if a man be zealous, it is likely that the divine power will + have still greater power.</p> + + <p>IPH. Do not restrain or hinder me from your words, not first to know + what fortune of life Electra has obtained, for this were pleasant to me + [to hear.]<a name="IT_123"></a><a + href="#ITN_123"><sup>[123]</sup></a></p> + + <p>OR. She is partner with this man, possessing a happy life.</p> + + <p>IPH. And of what country is he, and son of what man born?</p> + + <p>OR. Strophius the Phocian is styled his father.</p> + + <p>IPH. And he is of the daughter of Atreus, a relative of mine?</p> + + <p>OR. Ay, a cousin, my only certain friend.</p> + + <p>IPH. Was he not in being, when my father sought to slay me?</p> + + <p>OR. He was not, for Strophius was childless some time.</p> + + <p>IPH. Hail! O thou spouse of my sister.</p> + + <p>OR. Ay, and my preserver, not relation only.</p> + + <p>IPH. But how didst thou dare the terrible deeds in respect to your + mother?</p> + + <p>OR. Let us be silent respecting my mother—'twas in avenging my + father.</p> + + <p>IPH. And what was the reason for her slaying her husband?</p> + + <p>OR. Let go the subject of my mother. Nor is it pleasant for you to + hear.</p> + + <p>IPH. I am silent. But Argos now looks up to thee.</p> + + <p>OR. Menelaus rules: I am an exile from my country.</p> + + <p>IPH. What, did our uncle abuse our house unprospering?</p> + + <p>OR. Not so, but the fear of the Erinnyes drives me from my land.</p> + + <p>IPH. For this then wert thou spoken of as being frantic even here on + the shore.</p> + + <p>OR. We were beheld not now for the first time in a hapless state.</p> + + <p>IPH. I perceive. The Goddesses goaded thee on because of thy + mother.</p> + + <p>OR. Ay, so as to cast a bloody bit<a name="IT_124"></a><a + href="#ITN_124"><sup>[124]</sup></a> upon me.</p> + + <p>IPH. For wherefore didst thou pilot thy foot to this land?</p> + + <p>OR. I came, commanded by the oracles of Phœbus—</p> + + <p>IPH. To do what thing? Is it one to be spoken of or kept in + silence?</p> + + <p>OR. I will tell you, but these are the beginning for me of many<a + name="IT_125"></a><a href="#ITN_125"><sup>[125]</sup></a> woes. After + these evil things concerning my mother, on which I keep silence, had been + wrought, I was driven an exile by the pursuits of the Erinnyes, when + Loxias sent my foot<a name="IT_126"></a><a + href="#ITN_126"><sup>[126]</sup></a> to Athens, that I might render + satisfaction to the deities that must not be named. For there is a holy + council, that Jove once on a time instituted for Mars on account of some + pollution of his hands.<a name="IT_127"></a><a + href="#ITN_127"><sup>[127]</sup></a> And coming thither, at first indeed + no one of the strangers received me willingly, as being abhorred by the + Gods, but they who had respect to me, afforded me<a name="IT_128"></a><a + href="#ITN_128"><sup>[128]</sup></a> a stranger's meal at a separate + table, being under the same house roof, and silently devised in respect + to me, unaddressed by them, how I might be separated from their banquet<a + name="IT_129"></a><a href="#ITN_129"><sup>[129]</sup></a> and cup, and, + having filled up a share of wine in a separate vessel, equal for all, + they enjoyed themselves. And I did not think fit to rebuke my guests, but + I grieved in silence, and did not seem to perceive [their conduct,] + deeply groaning, because I was my mother's slayer.<a name="IT_130"></a><a + href="#ITN_130"><sup>[130]</sup></a> But I hear that my misfortunes have + been made a festival at Athens, and that this custom still remains, that + the people of Pallas honor the Libation Vessel.<a name="IT_131"></a><a + href="#ITN_131"><sup>[131]</sup></a> But when I came to the hill of Mars, + and stood in judgment, I indeed occupying one seat, but the eldest of the + Erinnyes the other, having spoken and heard respecting my mother's death, + Phœbus saved me by bearing witness, but Pallas counted out for me<a + name="IT_132"></a><a href="#ITN_132"><sup>[132]</sup></a> the equal votes + with her hand, and I came off victor in the bloody trial.<a + name="IT_133"></a><a href="#ITN_133"><sup>[133]</sup></a> As many then as + sat [in judgment,] persuaded by the sentence, determined to hold their + dwelling near the court itself.<a name="IT_134"></a><a + href="#ITN_134"><sup>[134]</sup></a> But as many of the Erinnyes as did + not yield obedience to the sentence passed, continually kept driving me + with unsettled wanderings, until I again returned to the holy ground of + Phœbus, and lying stretched before the adyts, hungering for food, I + swore that I would break from life by dying on the spot, unless + Phœbus, who had undone, should preserve me. Upon this Phœbus, + uttering a voice from the golden tripod, sent me hither to seize the + heaven-sent image, and place it in the land of Athens. But that safety + which he marked out for me do thou aid in. For if we can lay hold on the + image of the Goddess, I both shall cease from my madness, and embarking + thee in the bark of many oars, I shall settle thee again in Mycenæ. But, + O beloved one, O sister mine, preserve my ancestral home, and preserve + me, since all my state and that of the Pelopids is undone, unless we + seize on the heavenly image of the Goddess.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Some dreadful wrath of the Gods hath burst forth, and leads the + seed of Tantalus through troubles.<a name="IT_135"></a><a + href="#ITN_135"><sup>[135]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. I entertained the desire to reach Argos, and behold thee, my + brother, even before thou camest. But I wish, as you do, both to save + thee, and to restore again our sickening ancestral home from troubles, in + no wise wrath with him who would have slain me. For I should both release + my hand from thy slaughter, and preserve mine house. But I fear how I + shall be able to escape the notice of the Goddess and the king, when he + shall find the stone pedestal bared of the image. And how shall I escape + death? What account can I give? But if indeed these matters can be + effected at once, and thou wilt bear away the image, and lead me in the + fair-pooped ship, the risk will be a glorious one. But separated from + this I perish, but you, arranging your own affairs, would obtain a + prosperous return. Yet in no wise will I fly, not even if I needs must + perish, having preserved thee. In no wise, I say;<a name="IT_136"></a><a + href="#ITN_136"><sup>[136]</sup></a> for a man who dies from among his + household is regretted, but a woman is of little account.</p> + + <p>OR. I would not be the murderer both of thee and of my mother. Her + blood is enough, and being of the same mind with you, [with you] I should + wish, living or dying, to obtain an equal lot. †But I will lead + thee, even though I myself fall here, to my house, or, remaining with + thee, will die.<a name="IT_137"></a><a + href="#ITN_137"><sup>[137]</sup></a>† But hear my opinion. If this + had been disagreeable to Diana, how would Loxias have answered, that I + should remove the image of the Goddess to the city of Pallas, and behold + thy face? For, putting all these matters together, I hope to obtain a + return.</p> + + <p>IPH. How then can it happen that neither you die, and that we obtain + what we wish? For it is in this respect that our journey homeward is at + fault, but the will is not wanting.</p> + + <p>OR. Could we possibly destroy the tyrant?</p> + + <p>IPH, Thou tellest a fearful thing, for strangers to slay their + receivers.</p> + + <p>OR. But if it will preserve thee and me, one must run the risk.</p> + + <p>IPH. I could not—yet I approve your zeal.</p> + + <p>OR. But what if you were secretly to hide me in this temple?</p> + + <p>IPH. In order, forsooth, that, taking advantage of darkness, we might + be saved?</p> + + <p>OR. For night is the time for thieves, the light for truth.</p> + + <p>IPH. But within are the sacred keepers,<a name="IT_138"></a><a + href="#ITN_138"><sup>[138]</sup></a> whom we can not escape.</p> + + <p>OR. Alas! we are undone. How can we then be saved?</p> + + <p>IPH. I seem to have a certain new device.</p> + + <p>OR. Of what kind? Make me a sharer in your opinion, that I also may + learn.</p> + + <p>IPH. I will make use of thy ravings as a contrivance.</p> + + <p>OR. Ay, cunning are women to find out tricks.</p> + + <p>IPH. I will say that thou, being slayer of thy mother, art come from + Argos.</p> + + <p>OR. Make use of my troubles, if you can turn them to account.</p> + + <p>IPH. I will say that it is not lawful to sacrifice thee to the + Goddess.</p> + + <p>OR. Having what pretext? For I partly suspect.</p> + + <p>IPH. As not being pure, but I will [say that I will]<a + name="IT_139"></a><a href="#ITN_139"><sup>[139]</sup></a> give what is + holy to sacrifice.</p> + + <p>OR. How then the more will the image of the Goddess be obtained?</p> + + <p>IPH. I [will say that I] will purify thee in the fountains of the + sea.</p> + + <p>OR. The statue, in quest of which, we have sailed, is still in the + temple.</p> + + <p>IPH. And I will say that I must wash that too, as if you had laid + hands on it.</p> + + <p>OR. Where then is the damp breaker of the sea of which you speak?</p> + + <p>IPH. Where thy ship rides at anchor with rope-bound chains.</p> + + <p>OR. But wilt thou, or some one else, bear the image in their + hands?</p> + + <p>IPH. I, for it is lawful for me alone to touch it.</p> + + <p>OR. But in what part of this contrivance will our friend Pylades<a + name="IT_140"></a><a href="#ITN_140"><sup>[140]</sup></a> be placed?</p> + + <p>IPH. He will be said to bear the same pollution of hands as + thyself.</p> + + <p>OR. And wilt thou do this unknown to, or with the knowledge of the + king?</p> + + <p>IPH. Having persuaded him by words, for I could not escape notice.</p> + + <p>OR. And truly the well-rowed ship is ready for sailing.<a + name="IT_141"></a><a href="#ITN_141"><sup>[141]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. You must take care of the rest, that it be well.</p> + + <p>OR. There lacks but one thing, namely, that these women who are + present preserve our secret. But do thou beseech them, and find words + that will persuade. A woman in truth has power to move pity. But all the + rest will perchance fall out well.</p> + + <p>IPH. O dearest women, I look to you, and my affairs rest in you, as to + whether they turn out well, or be of naught, and I be deprived of my + country, my dear brother, and dearest sister. And let this first be the + commencement of my words. We are women, a race well inclined to one + another, and most safe in keeping secret matters of common interest. Do + ye keep silence for us, and labor out our escape. Honorable is it for the + man who possesses a faithful tongue. But behold how one fortune holds the + three most dear, either a return to our father-land, or to die. But, + being preserved, that thou also mayest share my fortune, I will restore + thee safe to Greece. But, by thy right hand, thee, and thee + [<i>addressing the women of the chorus in succession</i>] I beseech, and + thee by thy beloved cheek, and thy knees, and those most dear at home, + mother, and father, and children, to whom there are such.<a + name="IT_142"></a><a href="#ITN_142"><sup>[142]</sup></a> What say ye? + Who of you will, or will not [speak!] these things.<a + name="IT_143"></a><a href="#ITN_143"><sup>[143]</sup></a> For if ye + assent not to my words, I am undone, and my wretched sister.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Be of good cheer, dear mistress, and think only of being saved, + since on my part all shall be kept secret, the mighty Jove be witness! in + the things thou enjoinest.</p> + + <p>IPH. May your words profit ye, and may ye be blest. 'Tis thy part now, + and thine [to the different women] to enter the house, as the ruler of + this land will straightway come, inquiring concerning the sacrifice of + the strangers, whether it is over. O revered Goddess, who in the recesses + of Aulis didst save me from the dire hand of a slaying father, now also + save me and these, or the voice of Loxias will through thee be no longer + truthful among mortals. But do thou with good will quit the barbarian + land for Athens, for it becomes thee not to dwell here, when you can + possess a blest city.</p> + + <p>CHORUS. Thou bird, that by the rocky cliffs of the sea, halcyon,<a + name="IT_144"></a><a href="#ITN_144"><sup>[144]</sup></a> dost chant thy + mournful elegy, a sound well understood by the skilled, namely, that thou + art ever bemoaning thine husband in song, I, a wingless bird, compare my + dirge with thine, longing for the assemblies<a name="IT_145"></a><a + href="#ITN_145"><sup>[145]</sup></a> of the Greeks, longing for Lucina, + who dwells along the Cynthian height, and near the palm<a + name="IT_146"></a><a href="#ITN_146"><sup>[146]</sup></a> with its + luxuriant foliage, and the rich-springing laurel, and the holy shoot of + the deep blue olive, the dear place of Latona's throes,<a + name="IT_147"></a><a href="#ITN_147"><sup>[147]</sup></a> and the lake + that rolls its waters in a circle,<a name="IT_148"></a><a + href="#ITN_148"><sup>[148]</sup></a> where the melodious swan honors the + muses. O ye many tricklings of tears which fell upon my cheeks, when, our + towers being destroyed, I traveled in ships beneath the oars and the + spears of the foes.<a name="IT_149"></a><a + href="#ITN_149"><sup>[149]</sup></a> And through a bartering of great + price I came a journey to a barbarian land,<a name="IT_150"></a><a + href="#ITN_150"><sup>[150]</sup></a> where I serve the daughter of + Agamemnon, the priestess of the Goddess, and the sheep-slaughtering<a + name="IT_151"></a><a href="#ITN_151"><sup>[151]</sup></a> altars, envying + her who has all her life been unfortunate;<a name="IT_152"></a><a + href="#ITN_152"><sup>[152]</sup></a> for she bends not under necessity, + who is familiar with it. Unhappiness is wont to change,<a + name="IT_153"></a><a href="#ITN_153"><sup>[153]</sup></a> but to fare ill + after prosperity is a heavy life for mortals. And thee indeed, O + mistress, an Argive ship of fifty oars will conduct home, and the + wax-bound reed of mountain Pan with Syrinx tune cheer on the oarsmen, and + prophet Phœbus, plying the tones of his seven-stringed lyre, with + song will lead thee prosperously to the rich land of Athens. But leaving + me here thou wilt travel by the dashing oars. And the halyards by the + prow,<a name="IT_154"></a><a href="#ITN_154"><sup>[154]</sup></a> will + stretch forth the sails to the air, above the beak, the sheet lines of + the swift-journeying ship. Would that I might pass through the glittering + course, where the fair light of the sun wends its way, and over my own + chamber might rest from rapidly moving the pinions on my shoulders.<a + name="IT_155"></a><a href="#ITN_155"><sup>[155]</sup></a> And would that + I might stand in the dance, where also [I was wont to stand,] a virgin + sprung from honorable nuptials,<a name="IT_156"></a><a + href="#ITN_156"><sup>[156]</sup></a> wreathing the dances of my + companions at the foot of my dear mother,<a name="IT_157"></a><a + href="#ITN_157"><sup>[157]</sup></a> bounding to the rivalry of the + graces, to the wealthy strife respecting [beauteous] hair, pouring my + variously-painted garb and tresses around, I shadowed my cheeks.<a + name="IT_158"></a><a href="#ITN_158"><sup>[158]</sup></a></p> + +<p class="center">[<i>Enter</i> THOAS.]</p> + + <p>THOAS. Where is the Grecian woman who keeps the gate of this temple? + Has she yet begun the sacrifice of the strangers, and are the bodies + burning in the flame within the pure recesses?</p> + + <p>CHOR. Here she is, O king, who will tell thee clearly all.</p> + + <p>TH. Ah! Why art thou removing in your arms this image of the Goddess + from its seat that may not be disturbed, O daughter of Agamemnon?</p> + + <p>IPH. O king, rest there thy foot in the portico.</p> + + <p>TH. But what new matter is in the house, Iphigenia?</p> + + <p>IPH. I avert the ill—for holy<a name="IT_159"></a><a + href="#ITN_159"><sup>[159]</sup></a> do I utter this word.</p> + + <p>TH. What new thing art thou prefacing? speak clearly.</p> + + <p>IPH. O king, no pure offerings hast thou hunted out for me.</p> + + <p>TH. What hath taught you this? or dost thou speak it as matter of + opinion?</p> + + <p>IPH. The image of the Goddess hath again turned away from her seat.<a + name="IT_160"></a><a href="#ITN_160"><sup>[160]</sup></a></p> + + <p>TH. Of its own accord, or did an earthquake turn it?</p> + + <p>IPH. Of its own accord, and it closed its eyes.</p> + + <p>TH. But what is the cause? is it pollution from the strangers?</p> + + <p>IPH. That very thing, naught else, for they have done dreadful + things.</p> + + <p>TH. What, did they slay any of the barbarians upon the shore?</p> + + <p>IPH. They came possessing the stain of domestic murder.</p> + + <p>TH. What? for I am fallen into a longing to learn this.</p> + + <p>IPH. They put an end to a mother's life by conspiring sword.</p> + + <p>TH. Apollo! not even among barbarians would any one have dared + this.</p> + + <p>IPH. By persecutions they were driven out of all Greece.</p> + + <p>TH. Is it then on their account that thou bearest the image + without?</p> + + <p>IPH. Ay, under the holy sky, that I may remove it from blood + stains.</p> + + <p>TH. But how didst thou discover the pollution of the strangers?</p> + + <p>IPH. I examined them, when the image of the Goddess turned away.</p> + + <p>TH. Greece hath trained thee up wise, in that thou well didst perceive + this.</p> + + <p>IPH. And now they have cast out a delightful bait for my mind.</p> + + <p>TH. By telling thee any charming news of those at Argos?</p> + + <p>IPH. That my only brother Orestes fares well.</p> + + <p>TH. So that, forsooth, thou mightest preserve them because of their + pleasant news!</p> + + <p>IPH. And that my father lives and fares well.</p> + + <p>TH. But thou hast with reason attended to the interest of the + Goddess.</p> + + <p>IPH. Ay, because hating all Greece that destroyed me.</p> + + <p>TH. What then shall we do, say, concerning the two strangers?</p> + + <p>IPH. We needs must respect the established law.</p> + + <p>TH. Are not the lustral waters and thy sword already engaged?<a + name="IT_161"></a><a href="#ITN_161"><sup>[161]</sup></a></p> + + <p>IPH. First I would fain lave them in pure cleansings.</p> + + <p>TH. In the fountains of waters, or in the dew of the sea?</p> + + <p>IPH. The sea washes out all the ills of men.</p> + + <p>TH. They would certainly fall in a more holy manner before the + Goddess.</p> + + <p>IPH. And my matters would be in a more fitting state.<a + name="IT_162"></a><a href="#ITN_162"><sup>[162]</sup></a></p> + + <p>TH. Does not the wave dash against the very temple?</p> + + <p>IPH. There is need of solitude, for we have other things to do.</p> + + <p>TH. Lead them whither thou wilt, I crave not to see things that may + not be told.</p> + + <p>IPH. The image of the Goddess also must be purified by me.</p> + + <p>TH. If indeed the stain of the matricide hath fallen on it.</p> + + <p>IPH. For otherwise I should not have removed it from its pedestal.</p> + + <p>TH. Just piety and foresight! How reasonably doth all the city marvel + at thee!</p> + + <p>IPH. Knowest thou then what must be done for me?</p> + + <p>TH. 'Tis thine to explain this.</p> + + <p>IPH. Cast fetters upon the strangers.</p> + + <p>TH. Whither could they escape from thee?</p> + + <p>IPH. Greece knows nothing faithful.</p> + + <p>TH. Go for the fetters, attendants.</p> + + <p>IPH. Ay, and let them bring the strangers hither.</p> + + <p>TH. This shall be.</p> + + <p>IPH. Having enveloped their heads in robes.</p> + + <p>TH. Against the scorching of the sun?</p> + + <p>IPH. And send thou with me of thy followers—</p> + + <p>TH. These shall accompany thee.</p> + + <p>IPH. And send some one to signify to the city—</p> + + <p>TH. What hap?</p> + + <p>IPH. That all remain in their homes.</p> + + <p>TH. Lest they encounter homicide?</p> + + <p>IPH. For such things are unclean.</p> + + <p>TH. Go thou, and order this.</p> + + <p>IPH. That no one come into sight.</p> + + <p>TH. Thou carest well for the city.</p> + + <p>IPH. Ay, and more particularly friends must not be present.<a + name="IT_163"></a><a href="#ITN_163"><sup>[163]</sup></a></p> + + <p>TH. This you say in reference to me.</p> + + <p>IPH. But do thou, abiding here before the temple of the + Goddess—</p> + + <p>TH. Do what?</p> + + <p>IPH. Purify the house with a torch.</p> + + <p>TH. That it may be pure when thou comest back to it?</p> + + <p>IPH. But when the strangers come out,</p> + + <p>TH. What must I do?</p> + + <p>IPH. Place your garment before your eyes.</p> + + <p>TH. Lest I contract contagion?</p> + + <p>IPH. But if I seem to tarry very long,</p> + + <p>TH. What limit of this shall I have?</p> + + <p>IPH. Wonder at nothing.</p> + + <p>TH. Do thou rightly the business of the Goddess at thy leisure.</p> + + <p>IPH. And may this purification turn out as I wish!</p> + + <p>TH. I join in your prayer.</p> + + <p>IPH. I now see these strangers coming out of the house, and the + adornments of the Goddess, and the young lambs, in order that I may wash + out foul slaughter by slaughter, and the shining light of lamps, and the + other things, as many as I ordered as purifications for the strangers and + the Goddess. But I proclaim to the strangers to get out of the way of + this pollution, if any gate-keeper of the temples keeps pure hands for + the Gods, or is about to join in nuptial alliance, or is pregnant, flee, + get out of the way, lest this pollution fall on any. O thou queen, virgin + daughter of Jove and Latona, if I wash away the blood-pollution from + these men, and sacrifice where 'tis fitting, thou wilt occupy a pure + house, and we shall be prosperous. But although I do not speak of the + rest, I nevertheless signify my meaning to the Gods who know most + things,<a name="IT_164"></a><a href="#ITN_164"><sup>[164]</sup></a> and + to thee, O Goddess.</p> + + <p>CHORUS.<a name="IT_165"></a><a href="#ITN_165"><sup>[165]</sup></a> Of + noble birth is the offspring of Latona, whom once on a time in the + fruitful valleys of Delos, Phœbus with his golden locks, skilled on + the lyre, (and she who rejoices in skill of the bow,) his mother bore + while yet an infant<a name="IT_166"></a><a + href="#ITN_166"><sup>[166]</sup></a> from the sea-side rock, leaving the + renowned place of her delivery, destitute of waters,<a + name="IT_167"></a><a href="#ITN_167"><sup>[167]</sup></a> the Parnassian + height haunted by Bacchus, where the ruddy-visaged serpent, with spotted + back, † brazen † beneath the shady laurel with its rich + foliage, an enormous prodigy of the earth, guarded the subterranean + oracle. Him thou, O Phœbus, while yet an infant, while yet leaping + in thy dear mother's arms, didst slay, and entered upon thy divine + oracles, and thou sittest on the golden tripod, on the throne that is + ever true, distributing to mortals prophecies from the divine adyts + beneath the Castalian streams, dwelling hard by, occupying a dwelling in + the middle of the earth.<a name="IT_168"></a><a + href="#ITN_168"><sup>[168]</sup></a> But when, having gone against + Themis, daughter of earth, he expelled her from the divine oracles, earth + begot dark phantoms of dreams, which to many mortals explain what first, + what afterward, what in future will happen, during their sleep in the + couches of the dusky earth.<a name="IT_169"></a><a + href="#ITN_169"><sup>[169]</sup></a> But † the earth † + deprived Phœbus of the honor of prophecies, through anger on her + daughter's account, and the swift-footed king, hastening to Olympus, + stretched forth his little hand to the throne of Jove.<a + name="IT_170"></a><a href="#ITN_170"><sup>[170]</sup></a> [beseeching + him] to take away the earth-born<a name="IT_171"></a><a + href="#ITN_171"><sup>[171]</sup></a> wrath of the Goddess, † and + the nightly responses. † But he laughed, because his son had come + quickly to him, wishing to obtain the wealthy office, and he shook his + hair, and put an end to the nightly dreams,<a name="IT_172"></a><a + href="#ITN_172"><sup>[172]</sup></a> and took away nightly divination + from mortals, and again conferred the honor on Loxias, and confidence to + mortals from the songs of oracles [proclaimed] on this throne, thronged + to by many strangers.<a name="IT_173"></a><a + href="#ITN_173"><sup>[173]</sup></a></p> + +<p class="center">[<i>Enter</i> A MESSENGER.]</p> + + <p>MESS. O ye guardians of the temple and presidents of the altars, where + in this land has king Thoas gone? Do ye, opening the well-fastened gates, + call the ruler of this land outside the house.</p> + + <p>CHOR. But what is it, if I may speak when I am not bidden?</p> + + <p>MESS. The two youths have escaped, and are gone by the contrivances of + Agamemnon's daughter, endeavoring to fly from this land, and taking the + sacred image in the bosom of a Grecian ship.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Thou tellest an incredible story, but the king of this country, + whom you wish to see, is gone, having quitted the temple.</p> + + <p>MESS. Whither? For he needs must know what has been done.</p> + + <p>CHOR. We know not. But go thou and pursue him to wheresoever, having + met with him, thou mayest recount this news.</p> + + <p>MESS. See, how faithless is the female race! and ye are partners in + what has been done.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Art thou mad? What have we to do with the flight of the + strangers? Will you not go as quickly as possible to the gates of the + rulers?</p> + + <p>MESS. Not at least before some distinct informer<a + name="IT_174"></a><a href="#ITN_174"><sup>[174]</sup></a> tell me this, + whether the ruler of the land is within or not within. Ho there! Open the + fastenings, I speak to those within, and tell the master that I am at the + gates, bearing a weight of evil news.</p> + + <p>THOAS. (<i>coming out</i>) Who makes this noise near the temple of the + Goddess, hammering at the door, and sending fear within?</p> + + <p>MESS. These women told me falsely, (and tried to drive me from the + house,) that you were away, while you really were in the house.</p> + + <p>TH. Expecting or hunting after what gain?</p> + + <p>MESS. I will afterward tell of what concerns them, but hear the + present, immediate matter. The virgin, she that presided over the altars + here, Iphigenia, has gone out of the land with the strangers, having the + sacred image of the Goddess; but the expiations were pretended.</p> + + <p>TH. How sayest thou? possessed by what breath of calamity?<a + name="IT_175"></a><a href="#ITN_175"><sup>[175]</sup></a></p> + + <p>MESS. In order to preserve Orestes, for at this thou wilt marvel.</p> + + <p>TH. What [Orestes]? Him, whom the daughter of Tyndarus bore?</p> + + <p>MESS. Him whom she consecrated to the Goddess at these altars.</p> + + <p>TH. Oh marvel! How can I rightly<a name="IT_176"></a><a + href="#ITN_176"><sup>[176]</sup></a> call thee by a greater name?</p> + + <p>MESS. Do not turn thine attention to this, but listen to me; and + having perceived and heard, clearly consider what pursuit will catch the + strangers.</p> + + <p>TH. Speak, for thou sayest well, for they do not flee by the way of + the neighboring sea, so as to be able to escape my fleet.</p> + + <p>MESS. When we came to the sea-shore, where the vessel of Orestes was + anchored in secret, to us indeed, whom thou didst send with her, bearing + fetters for the strangers, the daughter of Agamemnon made signs that we + should get far out of the way, as she was about to offer the secret<a + name="IT_177"></a><a href="#ITN_177"><sup>[177]</sup></a> flame and + expiation, for which she had come. But she, holding the fetters of the + strangers in her hands, followed behind them. And these matters were + suspicious, but they satisfied your attendants, O king. But at length, in + order forsooth that she might seem to us to be doing something, she + screamed aloud, and chanted barbarian songs like a sorceress, as if + washing out the stain of murder. But after we had remained sitting a long + time, it occurred to us whether the strangers set at liberty might not + slay her, and take to flight. And through fear lest we might behold what + was not fitting, we sat in silence, but at length the same words were in + every body's mouth, that we should go to where they were, although not + permitted. And upon this we behold the hull of the Grecian ship, [the + rowing winged with well-fitted oars,<a name="IT_178"></a><a + href="#ITN_178"><sup>[178]</sup></a>] and fifty sailors holding their + oars in the tholes, and the youths, freed from their fetters, standing + [on the shore] astern of the ship.<a name="IT_179"></a><a + href="#ITN_179"><sup>[179]</sup></a> But some held in the prow with their + oars, and others from the epotides let down the anchor, and others + hastily applying the ladders, drew the stern-cables through their hands, + and giving them to the sea, let them down to the strangers.<a + name="IT_180"></a><a href="#ITN_180"><sup>[180]</sup></a> But we + unsparing [of the toil,] when we beheld the crafty stratagem, laid hold + of the female stranger and of the cables, and tried to drag the rudders + from the fair-prowed ship from the steerage-place. But words ensued: "On + what plea do ye take to the sea, stealing from this land the images and + priestess? Whose son art thou, who thyself, who art carrying this woman + from the land?" But he replied, "Orestes, her brother, that you may know, + the son of Agamemnon, I, having taken this my sister, whom I had lost + from my house, am bearing her off." But naught the less we clung to the + female stranger, and compelled them by force to follow us to thee, upon + which arose sad smitings of the cheeks. For they had not arms in their + hands, nor had we; but fists were sounding against fists, and the arms of + both the youths at once were aimed against our sides and to the liver, so + that we at once were exhausted<a name="IT_181"></a><a + href="#ITN_181"><sup>[181]</sup></a> and worn out in our limbs. But + stamped with horrid marks we fled to a precipice, some having bloody + wounds on the head, others in the eyes, and standing on the heights, we + waged a safer warfare, and pelted stones. But archers, standing on the + poop, hindered us with their darts, so that we returned back. And + meanwhile—for a tremendous wave drove the ship against the land, + and there was alarm [on board] lest she might dip her sheet-line<a + name="IT_182"></a><a href="#ITN_182"><sup>[182]</sup></a>—Orestes, + taking his sister on his left shoulder, walked into the sea, and leaping + upon the ladder, placed her within the well-banked ship, and also the + image of the daughter of Jove, that fell from heaven. And from the middle + of the ship a voice spake thus, "O mariners of the Grecian ship, seize<a + name="IT_183"></a><a href="#ITN_183"><sup>[183]</sup></a> on your oars, + and make white the surge, for we have obtained the things on account of + which we sailed o'er the Euxine within the Symplegades." But they + shouting forth a pleasant cry, smote the brine. The ship, as long indeed + as it was within the port, went on; but, passing the outlet, meeting with + a strong tide, it was driven back. For a terrible gale coming suddenly, + drives [the bark winged with well-fitted oars] poop-wise,<a + name="IT_184"></a><a href="#ITN_184"><sup>[184]</sup></a> but they + persevered, kicking against the wave, but an ebbing tide brought them + again aground. But the daughter of Agamemnon stood up and prayed, "O + daughter of Latona, bring me, thy priestess, safe into Greece from a + barbarian land, and pardon the stealing away of me. Thou also, O Goddess, + lovest thy brother, and think thou that I also love my kindred." But the + sailors shouted a pæan in assent to the prayers of the girl, applying on + a given signal the point of the shoulders,<a name="IT_185"></a><a + href="#ITN_185"><sup>[185]</sup></a> bared from their hands, to the oars. + But more and more the vessel kept nearing the rocks, and one indeed + leaped into the sea with his feet, and another fastened woven nooses.<a + name="IT_186"></a><a href="#ITN_186"><sup>[186]</sup></a> And I was + immediately sent hither to thee, to tell thee, O king, what had happened + there. But go, taking fetters and halters in your hands, for, unless the + wave shall become tranquil, there is no hope of safety for the strangers. + For the ruler of the sea, the revered Neptune, both favorably regards + Troy, and is at enmity with the Pelopidæ. And he will now, as it seems, + deliver up to thee and the citizens the son of Agamemnon, to take him + into your hands, and his sister, who is detected ungratefully forgetting + the Goddess in respect to the sacrifice at Aulis.<a name="IT_187"></a><a + href="#ITN_187"><sup>[187]</sup></a></p> + + <p>CHOR. O hapless Iphigenia, with thy brother wilt thou die, again + coming into the hands of thy masters.</p> + + <p>TH. O all ye citizens of this barbarian land, will ye not, casting + bridles on your horses, run to the shore, and receive the casting on of + the Grecian ship? But hastening, by the favor of the Goddess, will ye not + hunt down the impious men, and some of you haul the swift barks down to + the sea, that by sea, and by horse-coursings on the land seizing them, we + may either hurl them down the broken rock, or impale their bodies upon + stakes. But you women, the accomplices in these plots, I will punish + hereafter, when I have leisure, but now, having such a present duty, we + will not remain idle.</p> + +<p class="center">[MINERVA <i>appears</i>.]</p> + + <p>MIN. Whither, whither sendest thou this troop to follow [the + fugitives,] king Thoas? List to the words of me, Minerva. Cease pursuing, + and stirring on the onset of your host. For by the destined oracles of + Loxias Orestes came hither, fleeing the wrath of the Erinnyes, and in + order to conduct his sister's person to Argos, and to bear the sacred + image into my land, by way of respite from his present troubles. Thus are + our words for thee, but as to him, Orestes, whom you wish to slay, having + caught him in a tempest at sea, Neptune has already, for my sake, + rendered the surface of the sea waveless, piloting him along in the ship. + But do thou, Orestes, learning my commands, (for thou hearest the voice + of a Goddess, although not present,) go, taking the image and thy sister. + And when thou art come to heaven-built Athens, there is a certain sacred + district in the farthest bounds of Atthis, near the Carystian rock, which + my people call Alœ—here, having built a temple, do thou + enshrine the image named after the Tauric land and thy toils, which thou + hast labored through, wandering over Greece, under the goad of the + Erinnyes. But mortals hereafter shall celebrate her as the Tauric Goddess + Diana. And do thou ordain this law, that, when the people celebrate a + feast in grateful commemoration of thy release from slaughter,<a + name="IT_188"></a><a href="#ITN_188"><sup>[188]</sup></a> let them apply + the sword to the neck of a man, and let blood flow on account of the holy + Goddess, that she may have honor. But, O Iphigenia, thou must needs be + guardian of the temple of this Goddess at the hallowed ascent of + Brauron;<a name="IT_189"></a><a href="#ITN_189"><sup>[189]</sup></a> + where also thou shalt be buried at thy death, and they shall offer to you + the honor of rich woven vestments, which women, dying in childbed, may + leave in their houses. But I command thee to let these Grecian women + depart from the land on account of their disinterested disposition,<a + name="IT_190"></a><a href="#ITN_190"><sup>[190]</sup></a> I, having saved + thee also on a former occasion, by determining the equal votes in the + Field of Mars, Orestes, and that, according to the same law, he should + conquer, whoever receive equal suffrages. But, O son of Agamemnon, do + thou remove thy sister from this land, nor be thou angered, Thoas.</p> + + <p>TH. Queen Minerva, whosoever, on hearing the words of the Gods, is + disobedient, thinks not wisely. But I will not be angry with Orestes, if + he has carried away the image of the Goddess with him, nor with his + sister. For what credit is there in contending with the potent Gods? Let + them depart to thy land with the image of the Goddess, and let them + prosperously enshrine the effigy. But I will also send these women to + blest Greece, as thy mandate bids. And I will stop the spear which I + raised against the strangers, and the oars of the ships, as this seems + fit to thee, O Goddess.</p> + + <p>MIN. I commend your words, for fate commands both thee and the Gods + [themselves.] Go, ye breezes, conduct the vessel of Agamemnon's son to + Athens. And I will journey with you, to guard the hallowed image of my + sister.</p> + + <p>CHOR. Go ye, happy because of your preserved fortune. But, O Athenian + Pallas, hallowed among both immortals and mortals, we will do even as + thou biddest. For I have received a very delightful and unhoped-for voice + in my hearing. O thou all hallowed Victory, mayest thou possess my life, + and cease not to crown it.<a name="IT_191"></a><a + href="#ITN_191"><sup>[191]</sup></a></p> + +<hr /> + +<h3>NOTES ON IPHIGENIA IN TAURIS</h3> + +<hr class="short" /> + +<div class="note"> + <p><a name="ITN_1"></a><a href="#IT_1">[1]</a> This verse and part of the + following are set down among the "oil cruet" verses by Aristophanes, Ran. + 1232. Aristotle, Poet. § xvii. gives a sketch of the plot of the whole + play, by way of illustrating the general form of tragedy. Hyginus, who + constantly has Euripides in view, also gives a brief analysis of the + plot, fab. cxx. For a description of the quadrigæ of Pelops, see + Philostratus Imagg. i. 19. It must be observed, that Antoninus Liberalis, + § 27, makes Iphigenia only the supposititious daughter of Agamemnon, but + really the daughter of Theseus and Helen. See Meurs. on Lycophron, p. + 145.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_2"></a><a href="#IT_2">[2]</a> I must confess that I can + not find what should have so much displeased the critics in this word. + Iphigenia, in using such an epithet, evidently refers to her own intended + sacrifice, which had rendered the recesses of Aulis a place of no small + fame.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_3"></a><a href="#IT_3">[3]</a> But Lenting prefers <span + lang="el" + title="Achaious">Αχαιους</span>, + with the approbation of the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_4"></a><a href="#IT_4">[4]</a> See Reiske apud Dindorf. + Compare my note on Æsch. Ag. 188, p. 101, ed. Bohn. So also Callimachus, + Hymn. iii. <span lang="el" title="meilion aploïês, hote hoi katedêsas + aêtas">μειλιον + απλοϊης, + ‛οτε ‛οι + κατεδησας + αητας</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_5"></a><a href="#IT_5">[5]</a> Sinon made the same + complaint. Cf. Virg. Æn. ii. 90.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_6"></a><a href="#IT_6">[6]</a> Cf. Æsch. Ag. 235.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_7"></a><a href="#IT_7">[7]</a> This whole passage has + been imitated by Ovid, de Ponto, iii. 2, 60. "Sceptra tenente illo, + liquidas fecisse per auras, Nescio quam dicunt Iphigenian iter. Quam + levibus ventis sub nube per aera vectam Creditur his Phœbe + deposuisse locis." Cf. Lycophron, p. 16, vs. 3 sqq. Nonnus xiii. p. 332, + 14 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_8"></a><a href="#IT_8">[8]</a> Observe the double + construction of <span lang="el" + title="anassei">ανασσει</span>. + Orest. 1690. <span lang="el" title="nautais medeousa + thalassês">ναυταις + μεδεουσα + θαλασσης</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_9"></a><a href="#IT_9">[9]</a> The Cambridge editor would + expunge this line, which certainly seems languid and awkward. Boissonade + on Aristænet. Ep. xiii. p. 421, would simply read <span lang="el" + title="ta d' alla s. t. th. phoboumenê: thyô gar">τα δ' + αλλα ς. τ. θ. + φοβουμενη: + θυω γαρ</span>. He also retains <span + lang="el" + title="hiereian">‛ιερειαν</span>, + referring to Gaisford on Hephæst. p. 216.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_10"></a><a href="#IT_10">[10]</a> The Cambridge editor + would throw out vs. 41.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_11"></a><a href="#IT_11">[11]</a> The Cambridge editor + refers to Med. 56, Androm. 91, Soph. El. 425. Add Plaut. Merc. i. 1, 3. + "Non ego idem facio, ut alios in comœdiis vidi facere amatores, qui + aut nocti, aut die, Aut Soli, aut Lunæ miserias narrant suas." Theognetus + apud Athen. xv. p. 671. Casaub. <span lang="el" title="pephilosophêkas + gêi kai ouranôi + lalôn">πεφιλοσοφηκας + γηι και + ουρανωι + λαλων</span>. Cf. Davis, on Cicero, Tusc. + Q. iii. 26, and Lomeier de Lustrat. § xxxvii.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_12"></a><a href="#IT_12">[12]</a> <span lang="el" + title="Thrinkon">Θριγκον</span> + is properly the uppermost part of the walls of any building (Pollux, vii. + 27) surrounding the roof, <span lang="el" + title="stegos">στεγος</span> is the + roof itself.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_13"></a><a href="#IT_13">[13]</a> Cf. Meurs. ad + Lycophron, p. 148.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_14"></a><a href="#IT_14">[14]</a> I read <span lang="el" + title="eim' eisô">ειμ' + εισω</span> with Hermann and the Cambridge + editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_15"></a><a href="#IT_15">[15]</a> This line is condemned + by the Cambridge editor. Burges has transposed it.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_16"></a><a href="#IT_16">[16]</a> But <span lang="el" + title="diadromais">διαδρομαις</span>, + the correction of the Cambridge editor, seems preferable.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_17"></a><a href="#IT_17">[17]</a> An interpolation + universally condemned.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_18"></a><a href="#IT_18">[18]</a> See Barnes, and + Wetstein on Acts xix. 35.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_19"></a><a href="#IT_19">[19]</a> On the wanderings of + Orestes see my note on Æsch. Eum. 238 sqq. p. 187, ed. Bohn.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_20"></a><a href="#IT_20">[20]</a> See the note of the + Cambridge editor, with whom we must read <span lang="el" + title="eisbêsomestha">εισβησομεσθα</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_21"></a><a href="#IT_21">[21]</a> <span lang="el" + title="hôn ouden ismen">‛ων + ουδεν + ισμεν</span> ad interiora templi spectat. + HERM.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_22"></a><a href="#IT_22">[22]</a> We must read <span + lang="el" title="geisa triglyphôn + hopoi">γεισα + τριγλυφων + ‛οποι</span>, with Blomfield and the + Cambridge editor. See Philander on Vitruv. ii. p. 35, and Pollux, vii. + 27.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_23"></a><a href="#IT_23">[23]</a> The sense is <span + lang="el" title="outoi, makran elthontes, ek + termatôn">ουτοι, + μακραν + ελθοντες, εκ + τερματων</span> (sc. a + meta) <span lang="el" + title="nostêsomen">νοστησομεν</span>. + ED. CAMB.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_24"></a><a href="#IT_24">[24]</a> The Cambridge editor + appositely compares a fragment of our author's Cresphontes, iii. 2, <span + lang="el" title="aischron te mochthein mê thelein + neanian">αισχρον τε + μοχθειν μη + θελειν + νεανιαν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_25"></a><a href="#IT_25">[25]</a> On the whole of this + chorus, which is corrupt in several places, the notes of the Cambridge + editor should be consulted.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_26"></a><a href="#IT_26">[26]</a> This last lumbering + line must be corrupt.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_27"></a><a href="#IT_27">[27]</a> Compare the similar + scene in Soph. El. 86 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_28"></a><a href="#IT_28">[28]</a> Cf. Elect. 90. <span + lang="el" title="nyktos de têsde pros taphon molôn + patros">νυκτος δε + τησδε προς + ταφον μολων + πατρος</span>. Hecub. 76. Æsch. Pers. + 179. Aristoph. Ran. 1331.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_29"></a><a href="#IT_29">[29]</a> Compare my note on + Æsch. Pers. 610 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_30"></a><a href="#IT_30">[30]</a> See on Æsch. Choeph. + 6.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_31"></a><a href="#IT_31">[31]</a> Markland's emendation + has been unanimously adopted by the later editors.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_32"></a><a href="#IT_32">[32]</a> Schema Colophonium. The + Cambridge editor compares vs. 244. <span lang="el" title="Argei + skêptouchon">Αργει + σκηπτουχον</span>. + Phœn. 17. <span lang="el" title="Thêbaisin + anax">Θηβαισιν + αναξ</span>. Heracl. 361. <span lang="el" + title="Argei tyrannos">Αργει + τυραννος</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_33"></a><a href="#IT_33">[33]</a> I have marked lacunæ, + as some mythological particulars have evidently been lost.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_34"></a><a href="#IT_34">[34]</a> An imperfect allusion + to the Thyestean banquet. Cf. Seneca Thyest. 774. "O Phœbe patiens, + fugeris retro licet, medioque ruptum merseris cœlo diem, sero + occidisti—" vs. 787 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_35"></a><a href="#IT_35">[35]</a> Cf. Æsch. Ag. 1501 sqq. + Seneca, Ag. 57 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_36"></a><a href="#IT_36">[36]</a> i.e. the demon allotted + to me at my birth (cf. notes on Æsch. 1341, p. 135, ed. Bohn). Statius, + Theb. i. 60, makes Œdipus invoke Tisiphone under the same + character.—"Si me de matre cadentem Fovisti gremio."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_37"></a><a href="#IT_37">[37]</a> See the note of the + Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_38"></a><a href="#IT_38">[38]</a> <span lang="el" + title="ebêsan">εβησαν</span> is + active.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_39"></a><a href="#IT_39">[39]</a> The Cambridge editor + aptly refers to Hecub. 464.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_40"></a><a href="#IT_40">[40]</a> These participles refer + to the preceding <span lang="el" title="aimorrantôn + xeinôn">αιμορραντων + ξεινων</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_41"></a><a href="#IT_41">[41]</a> See on Heracl. 721.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_42"></a><a href="#IT_42">[42]</a> The Cambridge editor + would omit these two lines.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_43"></a><a href="#IT_43">[43]</a> Cf. vs. 107. <span + lang="el" title="kat' antr', ha pontios notidi diaklyzei + melas">κατ' αντρ', + ‛α ποντιος + νοτιδι + διακλυζει + μελας</span>. On <span lang="el" + title="agmos">αγμος</span> (Brodæus' happy + correction for <span lang="el" + title="harmos">‛αρμος</span>) the + Cambridge editor quotes Nicander Ther. 146. <span lang="el" title="koilê + te pharanx, kai trêchees agmoi">κοιλη + τε φαραγξ, + και τρηχεες + αγμοι</span>, and other passages. The + manner of hunting the purple fish is thus described by Pollux, i. 4, p. + 24. They plat a long rope, to which they fasten, like bells, a number of + hempen baskets, with an open entrance to admit the animal, but which does + not allow of its egress. This they let down into the sea, the baskets + being filled with such food as the murex delights in, and, having + fastened the end of the rope to the rock, they leave it, and returning to + the place, draw up the baskets full of the fish. Having broken the + shells, they pound the flesh to form the dye.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_44"></a><a href="#IT_44">[44]</a> <span lang="el" + title="ephtharmenous">εφθαρμενους</span>. + Cf. Cycl. 300. Hel. 783. Ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_45"></a><a href="#IT_45">[45]</a> Compare Orest. 255 + sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_46"></a><a href="#IT_46">[46]</a> <span lang="el" + title="chitônôn">χιτωνων</span> + is probably corrupt.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_47"></a><a href="#IT_47">[47]</a> Cf. Lobeck on Aj. 17. + Hesych. <span lang="el" title="kochlos tois + thalattiois">κοχλος + τοις + θαλαττιοις</span> + (i.e. <span lang="el" + title="kochlois">κοχλοις</span>) + <span lang="el" title="echrônto, pro tês tôn salpingôn + eureseôs">εχρωντο, + προ της των + σαλπιγγων + ευρεσεως</span>. Virg. + Æn. vi. 171. "Sed tum forte cava dum personat æquora concha."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_48"></a><a href="#IT_48">[48]</a> "Moriamur, et in media + arma ruamus." Virg. Æn. ii.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_49"></a><a href="#IT_49">[49]</a> Such seems to be the + sense, but <span lang="el" + title="exeklepsamen">εξεκλεψαμεν</span> + is ridiculous, and Hermann's emendation more so. Bothe reads <span + lang="el" + title="exekopsamen">εξεκοψαμεν</span>, + which is better. The Cambridge editor thinks that the difficulty lies in + <span lang="el" + title="petroisi">πετροισι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_50"></a><a href="#IT_50">[50]</a> I would omit this line + as an evident gloss.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_51"></a><a href="#IT_51">[51]</a> See the Cambridge + editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_52"></a><a href="#IT_52">[52]</a> Reiske's emendation, + <span lang="el" title="hosia">‛οσια</span> + for <span lang="el" title="hoia">‛οια</span>, + seems deserving of admission.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_53"></a><a href="#IT_53">[53]</a> The Cambridge editor + would omit these lines.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_54"></a><a href="#IT_54">[54]</a> This line also the + Cambridge editor trusts "will never hereafter be reckoned among the + verses of Euripides."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_55"></a><a href="#IT_55">[55]</a> Such is the proper + sense of <span lang="el" + title="antitheisa">αντιθεισα</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_56"></a><a href="#IT_56">[56]</a> <span lang="el" + title="nin">νιν</span> is <span lang="el" + title="nympheumata">νυμφευματα</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_57"></a><a href="#IT_57">[57]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="kasignêtêi">κασιγνητηι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_58"></a><a href="#IT_58">[58]</a> I read <span lang="el" + title="tois men">τοις + μεν</span> and <span lang="el" title="tois + d'">τοις δ'</span> with the Cambridge + editor. Hermann's emendation is unheard of.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_59"></a><a href="#IT_59">[59]</a> This clause interrupts + the construction. <span lang="el" + title="dramontes">δραμοντες</span> + must be understood with all the following sentence, as no finite verb is + expressed except <span lang="el" + title="eperasan">επερασαν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_60"></a><a href="#IT_60">[60]</a> I have partly followed + Hermann, reading <span lang="el" title="epebaiên ... + apolauôn">επεβαιην ... + απολαυων</span>, but, as + to reading <span lang="el" + title="hypnôn">‛υπνων</span> for + <span lang="el" + title="hymnôn">‛υμνων</span>, the + Cambridge editor well calls it "one of the wonders of his edition." I + should prefer reading <span lang="el" + title="olbou">ολβου</span> with the same + elegant scholar.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_61"></a><a href="#IT_61">[61]</a> I follow the Cambridge + editor in reading <span lang="el" + title="didymas">διδυμας</span>, + from Ovid, Ep. Pont. iii. 2, 71. "Protinus immitem Triviæ ducuntur ad + aram, Evincti geminas ad sua terga manus."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_62"></a><a href="#IT_62">[62]</a> "<i>displays while she + offers</i>" i.e. "<i>presents as a public offering</i>" ED. CAMB.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_63"></a><a href="#IT_63">[63]</a> I am but half satisfied + with this passage.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_64"></a><a href="#IT_64">[64]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="esesthe dê katô">εσεσθε + δη κατω</span> with the Cambridge + editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_65"></a><a href="#IT_65">[65]</a> We must read <span + lang="el" title="nô">νω</span> with Porson.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_66"></a><a href="#IT_66">[66]</a> Probably a spurious + line.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_67"></a><a href="#IT_67">[67]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="Mykênôn g'">Μυκηνων + γ'</span>, <i>ay, from Mycenæ</i>, with the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_68"></a><a href="#IT_68">[68]</a> Hermann seems rightly + to read <span lang="el" title="hos g' en">‛ος γ' + εν</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_69"></a><a href="#IT_69">[69]</a> Dindorf rightly adopts + Reiske's emendation <span lang="el" title="sy toud' era">συ + τουδ' ερα</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_70"></a><a href="#IT_70">[70]</a> The Cambridge editor + rightly reads <span lang="el" + title="tiná">τινά</span> with an accent, as + Orestes obviously means himself. Compare Soph. Ant. 751. <span lang="el" + title="hêd' oun thaneitai, kai thanous' olei + tiná">‛ηδ' ουν + θανειται, + και θανουσ' + ολει τινά</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_71"></a><a href="#IT_71">[71]</a> Such is the force of + <span lang="el" title="dê">δη</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_72"></a><a href="#IT_72">[72]</a> I would read <span + lang="el" + title="exepraxato">εξεπραξατο</span> + with Emsley, but I do not agree with him in substituting <span lang="el" + title="kakên">κακην</span>. The oxymoron + seems intentional, and by no means unlike Euripides.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_73"></a><a href="#IT_73">[73]</a> The Cambridge editor + would read <span lang="el" title="est' outis + logos">εστ' ουτις + λογος</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_74"></a><a href="#IT_74">[74]</a> But <span lang="el" + title="charin">χαριν</span>, as Matthiæ + remarks, is taken in two senses; as a preposition with <span lang="el" + title="gynaikos">γυναικος</span>, + <i>ob improbam mulierem</i>, and as a substantive, with <span lang="el" + title="acharin">αχαριν</span> added. + Cf. Æsch. Choeph. 44. Lucretius uses a similar oxymoron respecting the + same subject, i. 99. "Sed <i>casta inceste</i> nubendi tempore in ipso + Hostia concideret mactatu mæsta parentis."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_75"></a><a href="#IT_75">[75]</a> This passage is very + corrupt. The Cambridge editor supposes something lost respecting the + fortunes of Orestes. Hermann reads <span lang="el" title="hen de + lypeisthai monon, ho t' ouk aphrôn ôn">‛εν + δε + λυπεισθαι + μονον, ‛ο τ' + ουκ αφρων + ων</span>. But I am very doubtful.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_76"></a><a href="#IT_76">[76]</a> These three lines are + justly condemned as an absurd interpolation by Dindorf and the Cambridge + editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_77"></a><a href="#IT_77">[77]</a> This seems the easiest + way of expressing <span lang="el" title="kai sy">και + συ</span> after <span lang="el" title="sy d'">συ + δ'</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_78"></a><a href="#IT_78">[78]</a> I am partly indebted to + Potter's happy version. The Cambridge editor is as ingenious as usual, + but he candidly allows that conjecture is scarcely requisite.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_79"></a><a href="#IT_79">[79]</a> i.e. thou seemest + reckless of life.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_80"></a><a href="#IT_80">[80]</a> <span lang="el" + title="prostropê">προστροπη</span>, + this mode of offering supplication, i.e. this duty of sacrifice.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_81"></a><a href="#IT_81">[81]</a> Diodorus, xx. 14. + quotes this and the preceding line reading <span lang="el" + title="chthonos">χθονος</span> for + <span lang="el" + title="petras">πετρας</span>. He + supposes that Euripides derived the present account from the sacrifices + offered to Saturn by the Carthaginians, who caused their children to fall + from the hands of the statue <span lang="el" title="eis ti chasma plêres + pyros">εις τι + χασμα + πληρες + πυρος</span>. Compare Porphyr. de Abst. ii. + 27. Justin, xviii. 6. For similar human sacrifices among the Gauls, Cæsar + de B.G. vi. 16, with the note of Vossius. Compare also Saxo Grammaticus, + Hist. Dan. iii. p. 42, and the passages of early historians quoted in + Stephens' entertaining notes, p. 92.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_82"></a><a href="#IT_82">[82]</a> Cf. Tibull. i. 3, 5. + "Abstineas, mors atra, precor, non hic mihi mater, Quæ legat in mæstos + ossa perusta sinus; non soror, Assyrios cineri quæ dedat odores, et fleat + effusis ante sepulchra comis."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_83"></a><a href="#IT_83">[83]</a> This must be what the + poet <i>intends</i> by <span lang="el" + title="katasbesô">κατασβεσω</span>, + however awkwardly expressed. See Hermann's note.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_84"></a><a href="#IT_84">[84]</a> Compare vs. 468 sq.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_85"></a><a href="#IT_85">[85]</a> This line is hopelessly + corrupt.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_86"></a><a href="#IT_86">[86]</a> I read <span lang="el" + title="men oun">μεν ουν</span> with + the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_87"></a><a href="#IT_87">[87]</a> <span lang="el" + title="azêla">αζηλα</span> is in opposition + to the whole preceding clause.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_88"></a><a href="#IT_88">[88]</a> See the note of the + Cambridge editor on Iph. Aul. 1372.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_89"></a><a href="#IT_89">[89]</a> I should prefer <span + lang="el" title="esti dê">εστι + δη</span>,"<i>she surely is.</i>"</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_90"></a><a href="#IT_90">[90]</a> We must evidently read + either <span lang="el" + title="diêlthon">διηλθον</span> + with Porson, or <span lang="el" + title="dielthe">διελθε</span> with + Jan., Le Fevre, and Markland.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_91"></a><a href="#IT_91">[91]</a> I almost agree with + Dindorf in considering this line spurious.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_92"></a><a href="#IT_92">[92]</a> For this construction + compare Ritterhus. ad Oppian, Cyn. i. 11.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_93"></a><a href="#IT_93">[93]</a> I can not help thinking + this line is spurious, and the preceding <span lang="el" + title="thêtai">θηται</span> corrupt. One + would expect <span lang="el" + title="thêsêi">θησηι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_94"></a><a href="#IT_94">[94]</a> Cf. Kuinoel on Cydon. + de Mort. Contem. § 1, p. 6, n. 18.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_95"></a><a href="#IT_95">[95]</a> Literally, "no longer a + hinderance," i.e. "that I be no longer responsible for its + fulfillment."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_96"></a><a href="#IT_96">[96]</a> The Cambridge editor, + however, seems to have settled the question in favor of <span lang="el" + title="oisth' houn ho drason">οισθ' + ‛ουν ‛ο + δρασον</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_97"></a><a href="#IT_97">[97]</a> I must candidly confess + that none of the explanations of these words satisfy me. Perhaps it is + best to regard them, with Seidler, as merely signifying the mutability of + fortune.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_98"></a><a href="#IT_98">[98]</a> i.e. as far as the + fulfilling of my oath is concerned.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_99"></a><a href="#IT_99">[99]</a> The letter evidently + commences with the words <span lang="el" title="hê 'n Aulidi + sphageisa">‛η 'ν + Αυλιδι + σφαγεισα</span>. I can + not imagine how Markland and others should have made it commence with the + previous line.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_100"></a><a href="#IT_100">[100]</a> i.e. in what + company.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_101"></a><a href="#IT_101">[101]</a> This line is either + spurious or out of place. See the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_102"></a><a href="#IT_102">[102]</a> The Cambridge editor + in a note exhibiting his usual chastened and elegant judgment, regards + these three lines as an absurd and trifling interpolation. For the credit + of Euripides, I would fain do the same.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_103"></a><a href="#IT_103">[103]</a> The same elegant + scholar justly assigns these lines to Iphigenia.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_104"></a><a href="#IT_104">[104]</a> So Erfurdt.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_105"></a><a href="#IT_105">[105]</a> See the Cambridge + editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_106"></a><a href="#IT_106">[106]</a> This line seems + justly condemned by the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_107"></a><a href="#IT_107">[107]</a> With <span lang="el" + title="kampteis">καμπτεις</span> + understand <span lang="el" + title="dromon">δρομον</span> = thou + art fast arriving at the goal of the truth.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_108"></a><a href="#IT_108">[108]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="apedexô">απεδεξω</span> + with ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_109"></a><a href="#IT_109">[109]</a> "I remember it: for + the wedding did not, by its happy result, take away the recollection of + that commencement of nuptial ceremonies." CAMB. ED.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_110"></a><a href="#IT_110">[110]</a> i.e. Iphigenia sent + it with a view to a cenotaph at Mycenæ, as she was about to die at Aulis. + See Seidler.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_111"></a><a href="#IT_111">[111]</a> "This Homeric + epithet of an only son is used, I believe, nowhere else in Attic poetry. + Its adoption here seems owing to Hom. Il. <span lang="el" + title="I">Ι</span>. 142 and 284. <span lang="el" title="tisô de min + hison Orestêi Hos moi têlygetos trephetai thaliêi eni + pollêi">τισω δε μιν + ‛ισον + Ορεστηι ‛Ος + μοι + τηλυγετος + τρεφεται + θαλιηι ενι + πολληι</span>." ED. CAMB.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_112"></a><a href="#IT_112">[112]</a> This is Musgrave's + elegant emendation, which Hermann, unwilling to let well alone, has + attempted to spoil. See, however, the Cambridge editor, who possesses + taste and clear perception, unbiased by self-love.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_113"></a><a href="#IT_113">[113]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="emois">εμοις</span> with the + Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_114"></a><a href="#IT_114">[114]</a> But <span lang="el" + title="phygêis">φυγηις</span>, and + <span lang="el" title="ô philos">ω + φιλος</span>, the emendation of Burges, + seems far better, and is followed by the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_115"></a><a href="#IT_115">[115]</a> i.e. I can imagine + your sufferings at Aulis.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_116"></a><a href="#IT_116">[116]</a> The Cambridge editor + compares Hec. 684. <span lang="el" title="hetera d' aph' heterôn kaka + kakôn kyrei">‛ετερα δ' + αφ' ‛ετερων + κακα κακων + κυρει</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_117"></a><a href="#IT_117">[117]</a> This is Reiske's + interpretation, taking the construction <span lang="el" title="prin + xiphos pal. epi haimati">πριν + ξιφος παλ. + επι + ‛αιματι</span>. But Seidler + would recall the old reading <span lang="el" + title="pelasai">πελασαι</span>, + comparing Hel. 361. <span lang="el" title="autosidaron esô pelasô dia + sarkos + hamillan">αυτοσιδαρον + εσω πελασω + δια σαρκος + ‛αμιλλαν</span>. This is + better, but we must also read <span lang="el" + title="eti">ετι</span> for <span lang="el" + title="epi">επι</span> with the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_118"></a><a href="#IT_118">[118]</a> <span lang="el" + title="rhipai podôn">‛ριπαι + ποδων</span> is a bold way of expressing + rapid traveling.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_119"></a><a href="#IT_119">[119]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="ana">ανα</span> with Markland, for <span + lang="el" title="ara">αρα</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_120"></a><a href="#IT_120">[120]</a> I read <span + lang="el" title="ê dia kyan">η δια + κυαν</span>. with the Cambridge editor. The + following words are rendered thus by Musgrave, "Per ... <i>est</i> longum + iter."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_121"></a><a href="#IT_121">[121]</a> Unintelligible, and + probably spurious.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_122"></a><a href="#IT_122">[122]</a> The Cambridge editor + finds fault with the obvious clumsiness of the expression, and proposes + <span lang="el" title="echein">εχειν</span> + for <span lang="el" + title="labein">λαβειν</span>. I have + still greater doubts about <span lang="el" title="ekbantas + tychês">εκβαντας + τυχης</span>. The sense ought to be, "'tis + the part of wise men, <i>when fortune favors</i>, not to lose the + opportunity, but to gain other advantages."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_123"></a><a href="#IT_123">[123]</a> See Dindorf's notes. + But the Cambridge editor has shown so decided a superiority to the German + critics, that I should unhesitatingly adopt his reading, as follows: + <span lang="el" title="ou mê m' epischêis, oud' apostêseis logou, to mê + ou pythesthai ... phila gar tauta">ου μη μ' + επισχηις, + ουδ' + αποστησεις + λογου, το μη + ου πυθεσθαι + ... φιλα γαρ + ταυτα</span>, (with Markland,) although + <span lang="el" + title="prôton">πρωτον</span> may + perhaps be defended.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_124"></a><a href="#IT_124">[124]</a> See the Cambridge + editor. The same elegant scholar has also improved the arrangement of the + lines.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_125"></a><a href="#IT_125">[125]</a> "Quanquam animus + meminisse horret, luctuque refugit, Incipiam." Virg. Æn. i.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_126"></a><a href="#IT_126">[126]</a> I read <span + lang="el" title="enth' emon poda">ενθ' + εμον ποδα</span> with + Herm. and Dind.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_127"></a><a href="#IT_127">[127]</a> Cf. Elect. 1258 + sqq., and Meurs. Areop. § i. <span lang="el" + title="psêphos">ψηφος</span> seems here + used to denote the place where the council was held. The pollution of + Mars was the murder of Hallirothius. Cf. Pausan. i. 21.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_128"></a><a href="#IT_128">[128]</a> An instance of the + nominativus pendens.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_129"></a><a href="#IT_129">[129]</a> So Valckenaer, + Diatr. p. 246, who quotes some passages relative to the treatment of + Orestes at Athens.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_130"></a><a href="#IT_130">[130]</a> See the Cambridge + editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_131"></a><a href="#IT_131">[131]</a> See Barnes, who + quotes the Schol. on Arist. Eq. 95. <span lang="el" + title="Chous">Χους</span> was the name of the + festival.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_132"></a><a href="#IT_132">[132]</a> <span lang="el" + title="emoi">εμοι</span> is the dativus + commodi.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_133"></a><a href="#IT_133">[133]</a> I am indebted to + Maltby for this translation.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_134"></a><a href="#IT_134">[134]</a> Cf. Piers, on + Mœr. p. 351, and the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_135"></a><a href="#IT_135">[135]</a> But see ed. + Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_136"></a><a href="#IT_136">[136]</a> Such is the force, + of <span lang="el" title="ou gar all'">ου + γαρ αλλ'</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_137"></a><a href="#IT_137">[137]</a> These lines are very + corrupt, and perhaps, as Dindorf thinks, spurious.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_138"></a><a href="#IT_138">[138]</a> Markland rightly + reads <span lang="el" + title="hierophylakes">‛ιεροφυλακες</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_139"></a><a href="#IT_139">[139]</a> "dicam me daturam." + MARKLAND.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_140"></a><a href="#IT_140">[140]</a> <span lang="el" + title="hod'">‛οδ'</span> is the correction of + Brodæus.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_141"></a><a href="#IT_141">[141]</a> <span lang="el" + title="neôs pitylos">νεως + πιτυλος</span> seems not merely + a periphrase, but implies that the oars are in the row-locks, as if ready + for starting.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_142"></a><a href="#IT_142">[142]</a> But the Cambridge + editor very elegantly reads <span lang="el" title="ei toi">ει + τοι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_143"></a><a href="#IT_143">[143]</a> Put <span lang="el" + title="phthenxasthe">φθεγξασθε</span> + in an inclosure, and join <span lang="el" + title="tauta">ταυτα</span> with <span + lang="el" title="thelei">θελει</span>. See + ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_144"></a><a href="#IT_144">[144]</a> Schol. Theocr. Id. + vii. 57. <span lang="el" title="thrênêtikon to zôion, kai para tois + aigialois + neotteuon">θρηνητικον + το ζωιον, και + παρα τοις + αιγιαλοις + νεοττευον</span>. + Cf. Aristoph. Ran. 1309, who perhaps had the passage in view.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_145"></a><a href="#IT_145">[145]</a> <span lang="el" + title="agoros">αγορος</span> is a + somewhat rare word for <span lang="el" + title="agyris">αγυρις</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_146"></a><a href="#IT_146">[146]</a> Cf. Hecub. 457 + sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_147"></a><a href="#IT_147">[147]</a> So Matthiæ, "locum + ubi Latona partum edidit."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_148"></a><a href="#IT_148">[148]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="kyklion">κυκλιον</span> + with Seidler. On the <span lang="el" title="limnê + trochoeidês">λιμνη + τροχοειδης</span> + at Delos, see Barnes.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_149"></a><a href="#IT_149">[149]</a> "I was conveyed by + sailors and soldiers." ED. CAMB.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_150"></a><a href="#IT_150">[150]</a> The same scholar + quotes Soph. Ph. 43. <span lang="el" title="all' ê' pi phorbês noston + exelêlythen">αλλ' η' πι + φορβης + νοστον + εξεληλυθεν</span>, + vhere <span lang="el" + title="nostos">νοστος</span> is used + in the same manner as here, simply meaning "a journey."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_151"></a><a href="#IT_151">[151]</a> But see Camb. + ed.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_152"></a><a href="#IT_152">[152]</a> I read <span + lang="el" title="zêlousa + tan">ζηλουσα + ταν</span> with the same.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_153"></a><a href="#IT_153">[153]</a> The Cambridge critic + again proposes <span lang="el" title="metabolai d' + eudaimonia">μεταβολαι + δ' + ευδαιμονια</span>, + which he felicitously supports. Musgrave has however partly anticipated + this emendation.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_154"></a><a href="#IT_154">[154]</a> Dindorf has shown so + little care in editing this passage, that I have merely recalled the old + reading, <span lang="el" title="aeri d' histia protonoi k. pr. hyper + stolon ekp.">αερι δ' + ‛ιστια + προτονοι κ. + πρ. ‛υπερ + στολον εκπ.</span>, + following the construction proposed by Heath, and approved, as it + appears, by the Cambridge editor. Seidler's note is learned and + instructive, but I have some doubts about his criticism.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_155"></a><a href="#IT_155">[155]</a> i.e. I wish I might + become a bird and fly homeward.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_156"></a><a href="#IT_156">[156]</a> See ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_157"></a><a href="#IT_157">[157]</a> But see ibid. + Dindorf's text is a hopeless display of bad readings and worse + punctuation.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_158"></a><a href="#IT_158">[158]</a> Reading <span + lang="el" + title="gennas">γεννας</span>, I have + done my best with this passage, but I can only refer to the Cambridge + editor for a text and notes worthy of the play.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_159"></a><a href="#IT_159">[159]</a> I have recalled the + old reading, <span lang="el" + title="hosia">‛οσια</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_160"></a><a href="#IT_160">[160]</a> On these sort of + prodigies, see Musgrave, and Dansq. on Quintus Calaber, xii. 497 sqq.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_161"></a><a href="#IT_161">[161]</a> "in eo, ut" is the + force of <span lang="el" title="en ergôi">εν + εργωι</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_162"></a><a href="#IT_162">[162]</a> Perhaps a sly + allusion to their escape.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_163"></a><a href="#IT_163">[163]</a> See ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_164"></a><a href="#IT_164">[164]</a> But we must read + <span lang="el" title="tois te">τοις + τε</span> with the Cambridge editor = "who know more than + men."</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_165"></a><a href="#IT_165">[165]</a> I can not too early + impress upon the reader the necessity of a careful attention to the + criticisms of the Cambridge editor throughout this difficult chorus, + especially to his masterly sketch of the whole, p. 146, 147.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_166"></a><a href="#IT_166">[166]</a> <span lang="el" + title="pheren inin">φερεν + ινιν</span> is Burges' elegant emendation, the + credit of which has been unduly claimed by Seidler.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_167"></a><a href="#IT_167">[167]</a> i.e. the place + afterward called Inopus. See Herm., whose construction I have + followed.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_168"></a><a href="#IT_168">[168]</a> On the <span + lang="el" + title="omphalos">ομφαλος</span> + see my note on Æsch. Eum. p. 180, ed. Bohn. On the Delphic priesthood, + compare ibid. p. 179.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_169"></a><a href="#IT_169">[169]</a> See, however, the + Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_170"></a><a href="#IT_170">[170]</a> Read <span lang="el" + title="es thronon">ες + θρονον</span> with Barnes and Dind., + or rather <span lang="el" title="epi Zênos thronon">επι + Ζηνος + θρονον</span> with Herm.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_171"></a><a href="#IT_171">[171]</a> But see Dindorf.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_172"></a><a href="#IT_172">[172]</a> See Dindorf's note, + but still better the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_173"></a><a href="#IT_173">[173]</a> I follow + Seidler.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_174"></a><a href="#IT_174">[174]</a> So ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_175"></a><a href="#IT_175">[175]</a> i.e. what evil + inspiration of the Gods impelled her to this act? Thoas, who is + represented as superstitious to the most barbarian extent, naturally + regards the infidelity of Iphigenia as proceeding from the intervention + of heaven.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_176"></a><a href="#IT_176">[176]</a> Cf. Monk. on Hippol. + 828.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_177"></a><a href="#IT_177">[177]</a> Cf. vs. 1197. <span + lang="el" title="erêmias + dei">ερημιας + δει</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_178"></a><a href="#IT_178">[178]</a> Dindorf and the + Cambridge editor follow Hermann, who would place this line after vs. + 1394.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_179"></a><a href="#IT_179">[179]</a> So Musgrave.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_180"></a><a href="#IT_180">[180]</a> Seidler has deserved + well of this passage, both by his correction <span lang="el" title="toin + xenoin">τοιν + ξενοιν</span> for <span lang="el" + title="tên xenên">την + ξενην</span>, and by his learned and clear + explanation of the nautical terms.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_181"></a><a href="#IT_181">[181]</a> Dindorf has adopted + Markland's emendation, but I prefer <span lang="el" title="hôst' + exanapnein">‛ωστ' + εξαναπνειν</span> + with the Cambridge editor.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_182"></a><a href="#IT_182">[182]</a> i.e. capsize.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_183"></a><a href="#IT_183">[183]</a> But see ed. + Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_184"></a><a href="#IT_184">[184]</a> I have introduced + the line above mentioned, and have likewise adopted Hermann's + introduction of <span lang="el" + title="palimprymnêdon">παλιμπρυμνηδον</span> + from Hesychius, in lieu of <span lang="el" title="palin + prymnêsi'">παλιν + πρυμνησι'</span>.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_185"></a><a href="#IT_185">[185]</a> See ed. Camb.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_186"></a><a href="#IT_186">[186]</a> "The obvious intent + of these measures was to fasten the vessel to some point of the rocks, + and thus prevent her being wrecked." ED. CAMB.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_187"></a><a href="#IT_187">[187]</a> "Our passage is thus + to be understood, <span lang="el" title="hê halisketai prodousa to + mnêmoneuein theai phonon">‛η + ‛αλισκεται + προδουσα το + μνημονευειν + θεαι φονον</span>." + ED. CAMB.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_188"></a><a href="#IT_188">[188]</a> So Hermann rightly + explains the sense. I agree with the Cambridge editor, that if Euripides + had intended to use <span lang="el" + title="hosias">‛οσιας</span> + substantively, he would hardly have joined it with <span lang="el" + title="theas">θεας</span>, thereby causing an + ambiguity.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_189"></a><a href="#IT_189">[189]</a> There is another + construction, taking <span lang="el" title="klim. + theas">κλιμ. θεας</span> + together. On the whole introduction of Minerva, see the clever note of + the Cambridge editor, p. 158, 159.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_190"></a><a href="#IT_190">[190]</a> There is evidently a + lacuna, as the transition to Orestes is worse than abrupt. The + mythological allusions in the following lines are well explained in the + notes of Barnes and Seidler.</p> + + <p><a name="ITN_191"></a><a href="#IT_191">[191]</a> On these last verses + see the end of the Orestes, with Dindorf's note.</p> + +</div> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 15081 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + |