The Tragedies of Euripides, Volume I. eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 548 pages of information about The Tragedies of Euripides, Volume I..

The Tragedies of Euripides, Volume I. eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 548 pages of information about The Tragedies of Euripides, Volume I..

CLY.  What cry? tell me.

ACH.  Concerning thy child.

CLY.  Thou speakest a word of ill omen.

ACH.  That it is necessary to slay her.

CLY.  Does no one speak the contrary to this?

ACH.  Ay, I myself have got into trouble.

CLY.  Into what [trouble,] O friend?

ACH.  Of having my body stoned with stones.

CLY.  What, in trying to save my daughter!

ACH.  This very thing.

CLY.  And who would have dared to touch thy person?

ACH.  All the Greeks.

CLY.  And was not the host of the Myrmidons at hand for thee?

ACH.  That was the first that showed enmity.

CLY.  Then are we utterly undone, my daughter.

ACH.  For they railed at me as overcome by a betrothed—­

CLY.  And what didst thou reply?

ACH.  That they should not slay my intended bride.

CLY.  For so ’twas right.

ACH. [She] whom her father had promised me.

CLY.  Ay, and had sent for from Argos.

ACH.  But I was worsted by the outcry.

CLY.  For the multitude is a terrible evil.

ACH.  But nevertheless I will aid thee.

CLY.  And wilt thou, being one, fight with many?

ACH.  Dost see these men bearing [my] arms?

CLY.  Mayest thou gain by thy good intentions.

ACH.  But I will gain.

CLY.  Then my child will not be slain?

ACH.  Not, at least, with my consent.

CLY.  And will any one come to lay hands on the girl?

ACH.  Ay, a host of them, but Ulysses will conduct her.

CLY.  Will it be the descendant of Sisyphus?

ACH.  The very man.

CLY.  Doing it of his own accord, or appointed by the army?

ACH.  Chosen willingly.

CLY.  A wicked choice forsooth, to commit slaughter!

ACH.  But I will restrain him.

CLY.  But will he lead her unwillingly, having seized her?

ACH.  Ay, by her auburn locks.

CLY.  But what must I then do?

ACH.  Keep hold of your daughter.

CLY.  As far as this goes she shall not be slain.

ACH.  But it will come to this at all events.[91]

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

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The Tragedies of Euripides, Volume I. from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.