euripides 3 (grk-in) bb (v. way. loeb. 1930)
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>ig!3lll|!3?4'3!SVsl'
THE LOEB CLASSICAL LIBRARY
EDITED BY
T. E. PAGE, LITT.D.
E. CAPPS, PH.D., LL.D. W. H. D. ROUSE, utt.d.
EURIPIDESlU
2 i
a i;^
2; $
EURIPIDESWITH AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY
ARTHUR S. WAY, D.Lir.
IN FOUR VOLUMES
III
BACCHANAI^MADNESS OF HERCUI-ES
CHILDREN OF HERCU1-E3PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
SUPPLIANTS
LONDON : WILLIAM HEINEMANNNEW YORK : G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS
JICMXXX
First printed 191
2
Reprinted, 1919, 1925. 1930-
Printed in Great Britain.
CONTENTSPAOF
THE BACCnANALS 1
THE MADNESS OF HERCnLES 125
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES 249
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS 339
SnPPLlANTS 493
2234662
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
I. Editionea principes
:
—1. J. Lascaris (Florence, 1496); Med., Hipp.,
Ale, Andr. 2. M. Musurus (Aldus, Venice, 1503) ;
17 pla3'S, all except Htrc. Fur. (added in secondedition), and Electra. 3. P. Victorius ; Eltdra,from Florentine Codex (1545).
II. Latest Critical Editions :
—
G. Murray (Clar. Press, 1902-09) ; Prinz-Weckleiu(Teubner, Leipzig, 1878-1902).
HI. Latest Important Commentaries :—Paley, all the plays, 3 v. (Whitaker and Bell,
1872-1880) ; H. Weil, Sept Tra<jidits d'Euripide(Paris, 1878).
IV. Recent Important Monographs on Euripides :
—
Decharrae's EuripideH and the Spirit of his Dramas(Paris, 1896), translated by James Loeb (Macmillan,
1906) ; Wilamowitz-Moellendorff, Herakles (Berlin,
1893) ; W. Nestle, Euripides der Dichttr der griech-
ischcn Atifkldrunfj (Stuttgart, 1902) ; P. Masqueray,Euripide et ses iddes (Paris, 1908) ; Verrall, Euripidesthe Rationalist (1895), Four Plays of Euripides
(1905) ; Tyrrell, The Bacchants of Euripides andother Easays (1910) ; Thomson, Euripides and the
Attic Orators (1898) ; Jones, The Moral Standpoint
of Euripides (1906).
V. Editions of Single Plays :
—
Bacchae, by J. E. Sandys (Cambridge Press,
1904), R. Y. Tyrrell (Macmillan, 1896); Electra,
C. H. Keene (Bell, 1893) ; Iph. at Aulis, E. B.England (Macmillan, 1891); Iph. in Tauris, E. B.England (Macmillan, 1883) ; Medea, by A. W.Verrall (Macmillan, 1881-1883) ; Orestes, Wedd (PittPress, 1895) ; Phoenissae, by A. C. Pearson (PittPress, 1911), J. U. Powell (Constable, 1911);Troadea, R. Y. Tyrrell (Macmillan, 1897).
THE BACCHANALS
VOL. rii.
ARGUMENT
Semele the daughter of Cadmus, a mortal bride of Zeus,
was persuaded by Ilera to pray the God to promise her
with an oath to grant her whatsoever she would. And,
when he had consented, she asked that he would appear
to her in all the splendour of his godhead, even us he
visited Ilera. Then Zeus, not of his will, but cofistrained
by his oath, appeared to her amidst intolerable light and
flashings of heaven s lightning, whereby her mortal body
was consumed. But the God snatched her unborn babe
from the fames, and hid him in a cleft of his thigh, till
the days were acco7nplished wherein he should be born.
Atid so the child Dionysus sprangfrom the thigh of Zeus,
and was hidden from the Jealous malice of Hera till he
was grown. Then did he set forth in victoiious march
though all the earth, bestowing upon men the gift of the
vine, and planting his worship everywhere. But the
sisters of Semele scoffed at the story of the heavenly
bridegroom, and mocked at the worship of Dionysus.
And when Cadmus was now old. Penthens his grandson
reigned in his stead, and he too defied the JVine-giver,
saying that he was no god, and that none in Thebes
should ever worship him.
And herein is told how Dionysus came in human guise
to Thebes, and filled her women with the Bacchanal
possession, and how Pentheus, essaying to withstand him,
was punished by strange and awful doom.
TA TOY APAMAT02 nPO^CHA
AIONT202
X0P05 BAKXnNTEIPE2IA2
KAAM02nEN0ET2
eEPAnnN
ArrEA02
ETEP02 ArrEAOS
AFATH
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Dionysus, the Wine-god, icho is called also Bnrchus, andlacchus, and Bromins, the Clnmourking.
Teirksias, a prophet, old and blind.
Cadmus, formerly king of Thebes.
Pentheus, king of Thebes, grandson of Cadmus,
Servant of Penthetis.
Herdman.
Messenger, servant of Penthtus.
Agave, mother of Pentheus, daughter of Cadmus.
Chorus, consisting of Bacchanals, Asiatic women who havefollowed Dionysus.
Guards, attendants.
Scene : before the royal palace of Thebes.
B AKXAI
AI0NT202"H/cft) At09 7rat9 T^yjvSe ©?7/3a.tft)v ')(^d6va
Aiovvao'i, ov TLKrec tto6' 7) K.dSfj,ou Koprj
'S.efieXr] Xo^evOeia' aarpa7rri(^6pw irvpi'
p.op(f)7]v B' rt/iet-v/ra? iK deov /Sporrjaiav
TTcipeifii AipKi]<i vdfiar' ^lajx^ivov 6' vSmp.
opo) Se /jL7]Tpo(; pLvrjpLa Trj<; Kepavvia^
Toh' €yyv<i oXkwv kol So/xcov epeiTTia
Tv(fi6/Jieva Atof 7rvpo<; en t^oxrav (fikoya,
cWdvaTOv"Hpa<; jJLrjrep' el<; ifiijv v^pcv.
10 alvo) he K^dS/xov, d/Barov 09 iriSov roSe
Ti07]at, 6vyaTpo<i arjKov dfiireXov he viv
TrepL^ eyco 'KdXvyJra ^orpvdihei X^orj.
\i7ra>v 8e AvScov tov<; TroXv^^pvaov^ yvas^pvyoiv re, Tiepcroov 0' rj\io^\/]Tov<s irXuKWi
BdKrpid re Tei'yrj r-qv re hva^ifiov ydovaM7;'S&)V eireXdoiv 'ApajSiav t evSaufiova
'Kaiav re irdaav, ?) rrap' d\fj,vpdv d\aKelrai /xtydcriv' KWrjai ^ap^dpoi<; 6' 6/xou
7r\tjpei<; e^ovaa KaWnrvpyd>Tov^ iroXeLi;,
20 el? ri'jvhe irpoirov r]\dov '^Wrjvcov ttoXiv,
TaKel 'xppevaa'; koI KaraarjjcTa^; efid^
TeXera?, jV evrjv eiJi(^avrj<i Saifioyv ^porot^.
7rp(OTa<; 8e ©jy'jSa? TTjcrSe yrj'i 'EWr]vlBo<;
THE BACCHANALS
Enter dionysus.
DIONYSUS
I TO this land of Thebes have come, Zeus' SonDionysus, born erstwhile of Cadmus' child
Semele, brought by levin-brand to travail.
My shape from God to mortal semblance changed,I stand by Diree's springs, Ismenus' flood.
I see my thunder-blasted mother's tombHere nigh the halls : the ruins of her homeSmoulder with Zeus's Hame that liveth yet
—
Hera's undying outrage on my mother.
Cadmus doth well, that he ordains this close, 10
His child's grave, hallowed : with the clustering
greenOf vines I, even I, embowered it round.
Leaving the gold-abounding Lydian meadsAnd Phrygian, o'er the Persian's sun-smit tracts,
By Bactrian strongholds, Media's storm-swept land.
Still pressing on, by Araby the Blest,
And through all Asia, by the briny sea
Lying with stately-towered cities thronged.
Peopled with Hellenes blent with aliens.
To this of Hellene cities first I come, 20
Having established in far lands my dances
And rites, to be God manifest to men.So, of all Hellas, Thebes with my acclaim
7
BAKXAI
dvpaov re Sou? et? ')(^elpa, Kiaaivov ^eko'^'
eVet fJb dSeXcf^al /j,7)Tp6^, a? yKiar' e\priv,
Aiovvaov ovK ecfyaaKov eKc^vvai Ato?,
Se/meXrjv he vv/x(f>ev9el(7av e'/c Ovqrov tivo<;
et9 Zi]v' dva(^epeiv ttjv dfiapnav \e^ov^,
30 KdSfiov crocj^LcrfxaO', mv viv e'iveKa Kxavecv
Zfjv' e^eKav)(^oiv6' , on jdfiou<; e^euaaro.
TOiydp VLV avrdfi etc 86/j.cov axTrpiia' eyco
fiaviai^' 6po<i S' oIkovctl TrapdKOTroL cfjpevcov
cTKevrjV r' e-)(^eiv r^vdyKaa' opyicov efioov,
Koi Trdv TO OrjXv cnrepfia K.aBfieicov oaat
yvvalKe^ rjaav e^ep.rjva ScopLdrcov
ojjbov he Kdhfiov 7raia]v dva/xe/xty/jievai
^Xwpai? vtt' e\dTai<; dvopo(f)Oi'i rjvrai Trerpatf.
hel yap ttoXlv t)]v8' eKpLaOelv, Kel p-i] dekec,
40 dreXearov ovaav tmv ep,(bv ^aK'^ev/xdrcov,
Se/ieA-779 re p,7]rp6<i d7roXoyj]craaOac p,' virep
(f)avevTa dvrjroc'i hatfiov', bv riKrei, Aa.Ka8/i09 fiev ovv yepa<; re Kol rvpavvlSa
Hevdel hiBaxTi 6vyarpo<i eKire^vKOTL,
09 deop,a^el rd tear ep^e koI cnrovhodv diro
codel p.', ev evx,ai<; t ou8ap,ov piveiav e)(^et,.
o)V e'lveK avT(p 6eo<; yeyd)<i evSei^op^at
irdcTLV re &r]^aLoiaiv. eh h' dWtjv yjdova,
rdvOevhe 6ep,evo^ ev, pLeraaTi](7w TroSa,
50 BeiKVu<; ep^avrov rjv Be @r]/3alo)v 7r6Xi<i
opyfi (Tvv oirXoif; e^ opov^ Ba/c^a9 dyeiv
^rirfi, (Tvvdyiro) p,aivdaL (TrparrjXaTcov.
wv e'lveK etSo9 Ovtjtov aXXd^ai? e')(co
p,op(f)7jv T epbrjv p,eTe/3aXov eh dvBpo<; (f)vaiv.
dXX^, 0) XLTTovaai TficoXov epvfia Av8ia<;,
THE BACCHANALS
I first thrilled, there with fawn-skin girt her
limbs,
And gave her hand the ivied thyrsus-spear,
Because my mother's sisters, to their shame.Proclaimed Dionysus never born of Zeus
;
But Semele by a man undone, said they,
Cliarged upon Zeus her sin of wantonness
—
A subtle wile of Cadmus ! Hence, they vaunted, 30Zeus slew the liar who named him paramour.
So frenzy-stung themselves I have driven fromhome.
And mid the hills with soul distraught they dwell,
The vesture of my revels forced to wear
;
And all the woman-seed of Cadmus' folk.
Yea all, I drave forth raving from their homes :
And there, with Cadmus' daughters mingled, these
'Neath green pines sit on crags all shelterless.
For this Thebes needs must learn, how loth soe'er,
VV^hat means it not to be in my great rites 40
Initiate, learn that I plead Semele's cause
To men God manifest, whom she bare to Zeus.
Now Cadmus gave his crown and roval estate
To Pentheus, of another daughter born.
Who wars with Heaven in me, and from libations
Thrusts, nor makes mention of me in his prayers.
Therefore to him my godhead will I prove,
And to all Thebans. To another land
Then, after triumph here, will I depart.
And manifest myself. If Thebes in wrath 50Take arms to chase her Bacchants from the hills,
Leading my Maenads I will clash in fight.
For this cause have I taken mortal form,
And changed my shape to fashion of a man.
Ho, ye who Lydia's rock-wall, Tmolus, left.
BAKXAI
fftacro^ e/i09, yvvaiKe^;, 0.9 e/c ^ap^dpoiv
eKOfiiaa 7rape8pov<; koI ^vvefi7r6pov<; €fx,oi,
atpeade raTrt^copt' ev iroXei, ^pvycov
Tvjjiirava, 'Pea? re jj,r]Tpo<; e/xd 6* evpy)ixaTa,
60 ^aaiXeid r dfKJ)! Sco/xar iXOouaai rdSe
KTVireZre Tlevde(j)<i, (W9 opa KaSyiioy 7ro\i9.
iyM he ^dKy^ai<i, et? KiOatpcovo^ Trru^j^a?
iXdcov, "v elcTi, av/j.fi€Ta(T')(^/]aci) -^opcov.
XOP02
'Affta? aTTO yaia^ arp. a
lepov T/jico\ov ufjieL^aaa Ood^w
BpOfli(p TTOVOV 1]8vV Kd/jLUTOV T €U-
Kafiarov, Bdu^iov eva^o/xeva.
Tt? oSoS Tt9 08a); Tt9 ai'T. a'
fX€\dOpot<; ; eKro'jro<; ecTToy, crro/za t' ev^r)-
70 /AOi' dira^ e^oaiovcrOoi' ra vo/xiadev-
ra jap del Aiovucroi' vjubV7]aco.
0} fidfcap, 6(TTL<i evSat/xcov arp. /3'
TeXerd'i Oewv elSox;
jSlotclv dyia-revei
KoX diacreverat \\rv)(^dv,
ev 6peaa i ^aKyevwv
6<rioL<i KaOapfiolcTLV'
rd re fiaTpo<; /jieyd\a<; op-
yia Ku/3f\a9 defxirevoiv
80 dva dvpaov re rivdacTcou
Kiaaw re (TTe^avu>9e\<i
THE BACCHANALS
Women, my revel-rout, from alien homesTo share my rest and m}' Avayfaring broughtUplift the cymbals to the Plirygian townsNative, great Mother Rhea's device and mine,And smite them, compassing yon royal halls GO
Of Pentheus, so that Cadmus' town may see.
I to Cithaeron's glens will go, where bide
My Bacchanals, and join the dances there. \^Exit.
Enter chorus, waving the thijrsiis-wands, and clashing
their timbrels.
CHORUSFrom Asian soil {Sir. 1)
Far over the hallowed ridges of Tmolus fleeting,
To the task that I love do I speed, to my painless
toil [with greeting.
For the Clamour-king, hailing the Bacchanals' God{Ant. 1)
Who is there in the way ? [one, sealing
At his doors who is standing? Avoid !—and let eachHis lips from irreverence, hallow them. Now, in
the lay [pealing. 70
Dionysus ordains, will I chant him, his h}Tnn out-
O happy to whom is the blessedness given {Sir. 2)To be taught in the Mysteries sent from heaven.
Who is pure in his life, through whose soul the
unsleepingRevel goes sweeping
!
Made meet by the sacred purifying
For the Bacchanal rout o'er the mountains flying,
For the orgies of Cybele mystery-folden.
Of the Mother olden.
Wreathed with the ivy sprays, 80
The thyrsus on high doth he raise,
II
BAKXAI
Atovvaov 6epa7rev€i.
tre BuK'X^aL, tre Ba/c-;^at,
UpofiLov iraiha deov 6eov
Aiovvaov Kardyovcrat
^pvjLcov i^ opewv 'EX/VaSo? et?
evpv)(6pov<; ayvid<;, rbv UpofiioV
ov TTOT e-^ova^ iv oohivcov dvr. ^\o')(iai,^ dvdyKaiai
90 irraiikva^ At.6<; ^povrd^vrjhvo'^ €K^o\ov fjiaTijp
ereKev, XiTTova' alcj-
va Kepavvia ifKaya-
\o'^LOi<; S' avTLKa viv 8e-
^aro da\dfioi<i Kpoi'tSa? Zei;?*
KaTCL fiiipu) he Ka\v-^a<i
^(^pvcreaicnv avvepeihei
irepovai^ KpuTrrov dcf)" Hpa<i.
€TeK€V B\ dvLKa ^lolpai
100 rekeaav, ravpoKepcov Oeov
(TT€(f)dvcocr6v re hpaKovTwv
(TTe(f)dvoi<i, evOev dypav 0vpcro(p6pot.
^laivdSe<i dfi(f)L^d\XovTaL 7r\oKd/xoi<i-
0) Se/xeXa? Tpo^ol ©>}- arp. y^ai ar€(f)avova0€ Kiaau)'
^pvETe jSpveTe )(\o7]pei
KoX Kara^aKXioixrde110 Bpvo^ T] iXdrwi KXdBoiat,
(TTiKTMV T ivSvrd ve^piScov
are^ere \evKOTpl-)(oiv TrXoKUficov
THE BACCHANALS
Singing the Vine-god's praise
—
Come, Bacchanals, come
!
The Clamour-king, child of a God,O'er the mountains of Phrygia who trod.
Unto Hellas's highways broadBring him home, bring him home !
—
(AnI. 2)
The God whom his mother,—when anguish tore
her
Of the travail resistless that deathward bore herOn the wings of the thunder of Zeus down-flying,— 90
Brought forth at her dying.
An untimely birth, as her spirit departed
Stricken from life by the flame down-darted :
But in birth-bowers new did Zeus Cronion
Receive his scion
;
For, hid in a cleft of his thigh,
By the gold-clasps knit, did he lie
Safe hidden from Hera's eyeTill the Fates' day came t
Then a God bull-horned Zeus bare, 100
And with serpents entwined his hair
:
And for this do his Maenads wearIn their tresses the same.
Thebes, nursing-town of Semele, crown (Sir. 3)
With the ivy thy brows, and beAll bloom, embowered in the starry-flowered
Lush green of the briony,
While the oak and pine thy tresses entwineIn thy bacchanal-ecstasy. 110
And thy fawn-skin flecked, with a fringe be it
deckedOf wool wliite-glisteiing
13
BAKXAI
fiaWoLf;' d/Ji(f)l Se vdp6rjKa<i v^pLcndf;
oaiovad'' avTLKa yd irdcra '^opevaec,
3p6/XLO<; €VT dv d<yr) 6cdcrov<i
etf 0/909 et<? 0/309, €vda fievei
6rjXuy€Vi]<; o;^Xo9
d(f)' laTMV irapd KepKiScav z
OL(TTpi]dei<i Atovvao).
120 ft) daXdfieufxa Kovp'q- avr. <y
rcov ^ddeol re K/)/;Ta9
Acoj€V6Top6<; evavXoi,
evda TpiK6pvde<; dvrpoL<i
^VpaOTOVOV KVKkWjJLa
ToSe [JLOL KopvfSavTe'i rjvpov
di'd Se ^aK-x^La avvTOVW
Kepaaav dSu/36a ^pvyiatv
avXcov irvevfiaTL, jxarpo'i re 'Pe'a9 ei9
%e/3a 6)]Kav, ktvttov evdafxacn ^aic-)(av'
130 irapa Se jxaLVOfievoL zdrvpoi
parepo^ i^avvaavro 6ed<i,
et9 he ^(^opevfiara
avvrj-^av TpieTijpiScov,
al<; ')(aipei Aiojwao';.
'))Su<; ev ovpeaip, evr av
eK 6idcru)V Spopaicov
irea-rj irehoae, ve/SplBo^ '^X^^
iepov ivSvrov, dypevcov
140 alfxa TpayoKTOvov, Q)fjLO(f)dyov X'lpiv,
14
THE BACCHANALS
In silvery tassels ;—O Bacchus' vassals,
High-tossed let the wild wands swing
!
One dancing-band shall be all the land
When, led by the Clamour-king,
His revel-rout fills the hills—the hills
Where thy women abide till he comeWhom the Vine-god chasing, in frenzy racing.
Hunted from shuttle and loom.
{Ant. 3)
O cavern that rang when Curetes sang, 120
O bower of the Babe Zeus' birth, [glancing
Where the Corybants, dancing with helm-crests
Through the dark halls under the earth.
This timbrel found whose hide-stretched round
We smite, and its Bacchanal mirth
They blent with the cry ringing sweet and high
From the flutes of the Phrygian land.
And its thunder, soaring o'er revel-shouts' roaring,
They gave unto Rhea's hand;
But the gift passed on from the Mother, was won 130
By the madding Satyr-band;
And to Semele's child gave the woodfolk wild
The homage he holdeth dear.
When to feet white-flashing the timbrels clashing
Are wedded in each third year.
O trance of rapture, when, reeling aside (^Epodc)
From the Bacchanal rout o'er the mountains
flying,
One sinks to the earth, and the fawn's flecked hide
Covers him lying
With its sacred vesture, wherein he hath chased 140
The goat to the death for its blood—for the taste
Of the feast raw-reeking, whe'i over the hills
15
BAKXAI
lefievo<i 669 opea ^pvyia, AvSia,
6 S' 'i^apxp'i Bp6pLo<;, €vol.
pel 8e yciXuKTi ireSov, pel S' otvai, pel he p.e-
XtaadvvcKrapi, Sypia? 8' to? Xi^avov Ka7rv6<i'
Ba/c^^eu? S' e')((ov
TTvpafoBy] (fiXoya irevKa^
eK vdp6r)K0<; dlaa-ei
SpofKp Kal )(^opot<i epeOi^wv TrXavdra^
la-)(^al'^ t' dvairdWwv,150 rpvcfyepov TrXoKafiov et? aWepa piinoiv.
djMX K eir evdafiaaiv eiri^pep-et
ToidS^' M tVe BaAT^ai,
&) ere ^dK)^ai,
TficoXov 'Xpvcropoov -^XiBd,
fieXireTe tov Aiovvcrov
^apv^pofiwv VTTO rv/jL7rdv(ov,
€via TOV evtov dyaXXofievat Oeov
iv ^pujLaicn ^oal<; evoTralai re,
160 Xa)To<; otuv evKeXaSo<;
iepo<i lepd 7raiy/u.aTa
/SpepLT], <jvvo)(^a (^OLrdaLv
eh dpos eh opo^' rjSopeva S' dpa,
7rcoXo<i 07r&)? dfia parepi (pop^dSi,
KOiXov dyet Ta)(VTTOvv crKLprr^pacn Ba/c:;^a.
TEIPE2IA2
170 Tt9 ev TrvXaiai ; K-dS/xov eKKaXec 8ofia>v
^Ay7Jvopo>i 7rai8\ o<? ttoXlv ^iBcoviav
Xiiroiv eTTvpycoa darv ^r^jBaioyv rode.
i6
THE BACCHANALS
Of Phrygia, of Lydia, the wild feet haste, [thrills
And the Clamour-king leads, and his " Evoe !
"
Our hearts replying I
Flowing with milk is the ground, and with wine is it
flowing, and flowing [Araby soars ;
Nectar of bees ; and a smoke as of incense of
And the Bacchant, uplifting the flame of the brandof the pine ruddy-glowing,
VVaveth it wide, and with shouts, from the point of
the wand as it j)ours, [and throwingChallengeth revellers straying, on-racing, on-dancing, \'>0
Loose to the breezes his curls, while clear throughthe chorus that roars
Cleaveth his shout,—" On, Bacchanal-rout,
On, Bacchanal maidens, ye glory of Tmolus the hill
gold-welling, [thundcr-knclling.
Blend the acclaim of your chant with the timbrels
Glad-pealing the glad God's j)raises out
With Phrygian cries and the voice of singing,
When upsoareth the sound of the melody-fountain.
Of the hallowed ringing of flutes far-flinging IGO
The notes that chime with the feet that climb
The pilgrim-j^ath to the mountain !
"
And with rapture the Bacchanal onward racing,
With gambollings fleet [grazing,
As of foals round the mares in the meads that are
S.peedeth her feet.
Enter teiresias.
TEIRESIAS
Gate-warder, ho ! call Cadmus forth the halls, 170
Agenor's son, who came from Sidon-town,
And with towers girded this the Thebans' burg.
17
VOL. III.
BAKXAI
It(o Tt9, eladyyeWe Tetpecrta? on^Tjrei VLV olhe 8' avTO<i wv rjKOi irepi,
a Te ^vvede/njv 7rpea/3u<; cop yepaiTepo),
dvpaov<i avdirreLv kcu ve/Sptov Bopa<; €)(^€iv
arec^avovv re Kpdra KLaaivoi<; j3\aaTj]pacnv.
KAAM02oi <pi\Ta0\ ft)? a7]v yi^pvv rja-do/xrjv kXvcov
(TocprjV ao(f)ov Trap dv8p6<;, iv So/xoiaiv mv180 yJKCo 8' €TOifMO<; ry]vh^ ^X^^ (TKevriv 9eov.
hel yap viv ovra iralZa duyarpo^ i^ €/u,f]<i,
Aiouvcrov 09 7re(f>T]V€v dvdpco7roi<; de6<;,
oaov Kad^ v/^d'i hwarov av^eaOai fieyav.
TTOi Sec )(^opeveiv, irol KaOiardvai iroha
Kal Kpdra aetaai ttoXlov ; e^rjyov av p,oi
yepcov yipovTc, Teipeaia' av yap cro(j)6<i.
ft)9 ov Ku/xoipf dv ovre vvkt' ov9' rj/xepav
dvpaw KpoTCOV yrjv iTriXeXtjcrfied' T)8ia)<{
yepovTe<i oWe?.
TEIPE2IA2
ravr' e/xol Trdcrx^L'i dpa'
190 Kayo) yap rj^Si KdirL')(^eipi]a(o ^opolii.
KAAM02ovKovv oxpicTLV 619 opo9 TTepdaofxev ;
TEIPE2IA5
dXK' ovx o/io/(U9 dv 6 ^eo9 ri/nyv e)(pL.
KAAM02ykpwv yepovra TraiBaycoyijcra) cr' eydo.
TEIPE2IA2
6e6<; dfiox^i' Keicre vu)v r)y7]a-€Tai.
KAAM02jxovoi he 'iro\eo)<i BaK'^^Lo) xopeuao/xev
;
i8
THE BACCHANALS
Go, one ; say to him that Teiresias
Seeks him—he knoweth for what cause I come,The old man's covenant with the elder-bomTo entwine the thyrsi and the fawnskin don.And crown our heads with wreaths of ivy-sprays.
Enter CADMUS.
CADMUSDear friend, within mine house I heard thy voice,
And knew it, the wise utterance of the wise.
Ready I come, thus in the God's garb dight. 180
For him, who is my daughter's very son,
Dionysus, who to men hath shown his godhead,Ought we with all our might to magnify.
Where shall we dance now, and where j)lant the foot,
And toss the silvered head ? Instruct thou me;
Let eld guide eld, Teiresias : wise art thou.
I shall not weary, nor by night nor day.
Smiting on earth the thyrsus. We forget
In joy our age,
TEIRESIAS
Thine heart is even as mine.
I too am young, I will essay the dance. 190
CADMUS
Come, to the mountain fare we, cliariot-borne.
TEIRESIAS
Nay, riding should we honour less the God.
CADMUS
Age ushering age, I will escort thee on.
TEIRESIAS
We shall not tire ; the God will lead us thither.
CADMUS
Shall we alone of Thebes to Bacchus dance ?
19
BAKXAI
TEIPE2IA5
fiovoi 'yap ev (f)povovfiev, ol h' aWoi KaKw^i,
KAAM05fxaKpov TO /x^Weiv dW' e/xfj^; e^ov ')(ep6<;,
TEIPE2IA5
Ihov, ^vvaTVTe Kal ^vvcopl^ov %e/3a.
KAAM02ov KaTa(f)povM 'yo) roiv dewv 6in]T0<i yeyco^.
TEIPE2IA2200 ovBev <TO(f>c^op,ea6a Tolai haip^oat.
Trarpcovi; 7rapa8o)(^a>i a? 6' 6p.)]\iKa<; y^povw
K6KT>]p60', ovSel^ avra Kara^akel \6yo^,
ovS' el Bi" aKpoiv to ao(f>bv T]vpt]rat. (ppevcov.
ipel Ti9 &)9 TO yijpa<i ouk aLa^vvop,ai,
p,e\Xoiv 'x^opeveiv Kpara Kiaadoaa^; ep,6v.
ov yap Bir]pr]-^' 6 deo^ etVe tov veov
iXP^l^ ^oyoeveti/ etVe tov yepaLTepov,
dW' i^ ciTruvToyv ^ovXeTai TCpd<i ey^etv
KOi.vd<i, 8i dpidpcav h' ovSev av^eadai diXei.
KAAM02210 eVet ai) (^eyyo<i, Teipecria, t68' ov^ 6pa<i,
iyoD '7rpo(f)7]TT)ii croi Xoytov yevt']aop.at.
Ilevdevf; tt/jo? oXkov^ oSe 8id a'7rov8i]<i Trepd,
'K^iova 7rai9, o} KpdT0<; BlBcopi Y^}?.
a)9 eTTTorjTaf tl ttot' ipei vedoTepov ;
nEN0ET2€K87]fjLo<i bjv pev Tr]a8' eTvy)(^avov )(6ov6<;,
kXvco 8e v€0)(^pd t7]v8' dvd tttoXlv kuku,yvvacKa<; yplv 8(opaT' iKXeXoiTrevat
irXacTTaZcrL ^UKX^^ciiaiv, ev 8e 8aaKLoi<;
opeai 6od^€iv, tov veuxTTl 8aip.ova
220 Aiovvaov, 6aTi<i eaTi, Tip,(oaa<i ^opoif
THE BACCHANALS
TEIRESIAS
Yea, we alone are wise ; the rest be fools,
CADMUSToo long we linger. Come, grasp thou mine liand
TEIRESIAS
Lo there : clasp dose the interlinking hand.
CADMUSNot I contemn the Gods, I, mortal-born
!
TEIRESIAS
'Tis not for us to reason touching Gods. 200
Traditions of our fathers, old as time.
We hold : no reasoning shall cast them down,
—
No, though of subtlest wit our wisdom spring.
Haply shall one say I respect not eld.
Who ivy-crowned address me to the dance.
Nay, for distinction none the God hath madeWhether the young or stricken in years must dance :
From all alike he claims his due of honour :
By halves he cares not to be magnified.
CADMUSSince thou, Teiresias, seest not this light, 210
1 will for thee be spokesman of thy words.
Lo to these halls comes Pentheus hastily,
Echion's son, to whom I gave the throne. [tell .''
How Avild his mood I What strange thing will he
Enter pentheus.PENTHEUS
It chanced that, sojourning without tiiis land,
I heard of strange misdeeds in this my town.
How from their homes our women have gone forth
Feigning a Bacchic rapture, and rove wild
O'er wooded hills, in dances honouring
Dionysus, this new God—whoe'er he be. 220
21
BAKXAI
TrXrjpet^ Se Oidaoi^ ev fiiaoicriv kajdvaiKpaT>]pa^, dWrjv 8' dXXoa' et? eprj/xiav
TTTwcraovcrav evval^ dpaevcov VTrrjpereiv,
7rpo<paaiv [xev co? hrj MatmSa? dvoaKoov;,
Ti]v h' 'A<ppoBLri]V TrpoaO' dyeiv rov Ba/cjj^ioy.
oo'a9 p€v ovv el\i](f)a, Seo'yu.toL'? %e/3a?
acp^ovai 7rav8i]/xoi(Ti Trpoo-iroXoi crreyai'i'
oaaL 8' aTreicnv, i^ opov^ OTjpdaopaL,
'\vu> T \\.yavrjv 6'?/ pf ctikt' 'E)^iovi,
230 'A/craioi'o? re p,7]T€p\ Avrovui]v Xeyci).
Kal (r(f)d<; criSijpal'i dppocra^ ev dpKvaiTravaco KUKOvpyov rijaSe ^aK')(eia<i rdy^a.
Xeyovai B' w? rt? elaeXijXvde ^eVo?
70?;9 eVwSoi? AuS/a? «7ro ^6ov6<i,
^avOolcn ^oarpv'^oLtJiv evoapon' Kopoiv,
oliKOTTof, oaaoi^ ^(dptra^ 'A^poSix?;? e^wt'j
0? i)pepa<i T€ Kev^pova<i avyylyverai
TeX€Td<i Trporeivcov eviov<; vedvicriv.
el h' avTOV eiaco Ti]a8e X^'j-^oput (neyri<;,
240 TravcTO} KTVirovvra dvpcrov dvaaeiovrd re
K6p.a<i, rpd^TjXov adjpaTO'i X'^P^'^ repcov.
eKeivo<; eivat (brjcn Aiovvaov Oeov,
eKe2vo<; ev P'ljpd) ttot' eppd(f>dai Afo?,
09 eKTrupovrai Xapirdaiv Kepavvlai'i
<Tvv p/^iTpt, Aiovi ore ydpovi eyp-evcraro.
ravr' oi)%t SeLVJ]'i dy)(,ovri<; ewd^ia,
v/3p€i^ i'/Bpt^etv, oari^ €<ttiv 6 ^ei/09;
drdp roh' dXXo 6avp,a, rov repaaKoirov
ev TTocKiXaiaL ve^ptcri Teipeaoav opco
250 irarepa re p,'>]Tpo<; t?}? e'/x.?}'?, ttoXvv yiXcov,
vdpdrjKi ^aK^evovT • dvalvopai, irarep.
THE BACCHANALS
And midst each revel-rout the wine-bowls stand
Brimmed : and to lonely nooksj some here, somethere,
Tliey steal, to work with men the deed of
shame.In pretext Maenad priestesses, forsooth,
But honouring Aphrodite more than Bacchus.
As many as I have seized my servants keepSafe in the common prison manacled.
But those yet forth, will I hunt from the hills
—
Ino, Agave, wlio bare me to Echion,
Autonoe withal, Actaeon's mother. 230
In toils of iron trapped, fall soon shall theyCease from this pestilent Bacchic revelling.
Men say a stranger to the land hath come,A juggling sorcerer from Lydia-land,
With essenced hair in golden tresses tossed,
Wine-flushed, Love's witching graces in his eyes.
Who with the damsels day and night consorts.
Making pretence of Evian mysteries.
If I within these walls but prison him.
Farewell to thyrsus-taboring, and to locks 240
Free-tossed ; for neck from shoulders will I hew.
He saith that Dionysus is a God !
Saith, he was once sewn up in Zeus's thigh
—
U'ho, Avith his mother, was by lightning-flames
Blasted, because she lied of Zeus's love.
Is not this worthy hanging's ruthless doom.Thus to blaspheme, whoe'er the stranger be ?
But lo, another marvel this—the seer
Teiresias, in dappled fawnskins clad !
Yea, and my mother's sire—O sight for laughter !— 250
Tossing the reed-wand ! Father, I take shame
23
BAKXAI
TO fyrjpa^ v/icov elcxopcov vovv ovk e'^oi/.
ovK cLTTOTLvd^eL^ KKTCTov ; OVK iXevdepuv
dvpaov p,edTi']aeL<; %et/o', eyu-/)? p.'tjrpo^ irdrep
;
(TV ravT €7r€i(Ta<;, Teipeala' tovB^ av ^eXei?
Tov haLjjbov dvOpcoTTOiaiv ela(f)epcov veov
(TKOTrelv TTTeyocoTOus' Ka/nTTvpoyv ixLadov<i (pepeiv
el /i?; ere ji]pa<; nroXiov e^eppvero,
KaOrja^ av ev J^aK^ato-t Secr/zto? p^ecrai^,
reXera? TTovripa<i eladycov' yvvuL^l yapOTTov /Sorpvo^ iv Bairl yiyverai ydvo^,
ov')( vyLe<; ovSev en Xeyw tcov opjLcov.
X0PO2T7]<i hvaae^ela^. 6) ^ev , ovk alhel 6eov<i
K.d8p.ov re tov cnreipavra yrfyevrj <nd-)(yv
;
^Yj'x^iovo'^ 8' o>v irai^ Karaia'^^vvei^ yevo<;
;
TEIPE2IA2
OTav \d/3r) Tt? TCOV Xoywv dvrjp cro^o?
KaXd^ d(f)opfid<i, ov fiey^ epyov ev Xeyecv
av S' evTpo')(^ov fxev yXcoaaav &>? (f)povo)v e^et?,
ev Tot? Xoyoiai S' ovk evecai. aoi cf}peve<i.
6paav^ Se, BvvaTOf; Kal Xeyeiv 0409 t' dvrjp,
KUKO^i TToXiTri^ yiyveTai, vovv ovk ex^iv.
OUT09 8' Sai/xoov veo^ ov av 8iayeXd<;,
OVK av Svvaifi7]v fieyeOo^ e^enretv '6ao<i
KaO 'EWaS' eaTUi. 8vo ydp, co veavia,
TO, irpoiT ev dvOpcoTTOiar A7]/j,y]T7]p 6ed'
yrj 8' eaTiv, ovop.a S' oiroTepov ^ovXei KoXeravTfj fiev iv ^rjpoiatv eKTpe(f)ei, /3poTov<;'
09 S' 7]X6' eireLT , avTiiraXov 2e/xeX?79 y6vo<;
^oTpvo^ vypov TTCo/i' Tjvpe KelarjveyKaTO
dvr)Toi<;, "Travel Tov<i TaXat7r(opov<i /3poTov<;
Xv7rr]<;, OTav 'TrXrjadcoatv dfnreXov porj^;.
24
THE BACCHANALS
Beholding these grey hairs so sense-bereft.
F-ling off the ivy ; let the thyrsus fall,
And set thine hand free, O my mother's sire.
Thou didst, Teiresias, draw him on to this :
'Tis thou wouldst foist this new God upon menFor augury and divination's wage !
Except thine hoary hairs protected thee.
Thou shouldst amid the Bacchanals sit in chains,
For bringing in these pestilent rites ; for when 260
In women's feasts the cluster's pride hath part.
No good, say I, comes of their revelry.
CHORUSBlasphemy !—Stranger, dost not reverence heaven,
Nor Cadmus, sower of the earth-born seed ?
Son of Echion, thou dost shame thy birth !
TEIRESIAS
Whene'er a wise man finds a noble themeFor speech, 'tis easy to be eloquent.
Thou—roundly runs thy tongue, as thou wert wise;
But in these words of thine sense is there none.
The rash man, armed with power and ready of speech, 270
Is a bad citizen, as void of sense.
But this new God, whom thou dost lau;^h to
scorn,
I cannot speak the greatness whereuntoIn Hellas he shall rise. Two chiefest Powers,
Prince, among men there are : divine Demetcr
—
Earth is she, name her by which name thou wilt ;
—
She ujwn dry food nurturcth mortal men :
Then followeth Semele's Son ; to match her gift
The cluster's flowing draught he found, and gave
To mortals, which gives rest from grief to men 280
Woe-worn, soon as the vine's stream filleUi them.
25
BAKXAI
virvov T€ XrfOrjv rcov Kad' rjfjLepav kukmvBiSwaip, ovS" €(TT aXXo (jjdpfiaKOV irovwv.
ovTO<i OeoZcTi (TTrevSeTaL 6eo<; yeyoi)<;,
coare Sta rovrov raydd' civOpdoTTOvs e^eiv.
KOI KarayeXai; vw, &)? €V€ppd<f)7) Aio?
fiiipw ; SiSd^o) a &)? koXCo'^ e;^ei Tohe.
eirei viv rjpTTaa €K 7rvpo<i Kepavviov
Tievi, et9 S' 'OXvfiTTOv /3pe(f)0<; dvTjyayev, deov
290 "V{pa viV rjOefC eK^dkelv dir ovpavov-
Zeu? S' dvT€p,y]-^avj]aa6' ola Srj Oeo^.
p^']^a<; /.L€po<i Ti Tov X^^^^ iyKVK\ovp.evov
aWepof, eOrjKe tovS' op^jpov, e/cStSoi'?
Atovvaov "Hpa<? veiKecov ^povw 8e viv
^poTol Tpacfifjvai (f)aaiv ev p-ripw Ato?,
ovopa ixeraarr'^cravre^, on 6ea 6eo<;
' Hyoo. TTod^ dipLi]pevae, crvv6evre<; \6yov.
pdvTt<; S' oaipLwv ohe- to yap /3aKX€vcnp,ov
KOl TO pMVlOihe^ paVTLKTjV TToWi-jV e^^f300 oTav yap o deo^; el<; to acop' eXOt] ttoXv^,
Xeyeip to peXXov tou9 p,ep,y'jvoTa<i rroLel.
"Aped)<; T€ p,oipav peTaXa/Soov e';^ei Tivd'
(TTpaTov yap ev OTrXot? ovTa kuttI Td^eai
<f)6/3o<i SieiTTotjae irplv Xoyxv^ Gi-y^^v-
pavia he Kal tovt cVti Aiovvaov irdpa.
eT avTov 6~^eL Kairl i\eX(f)Laiv TreTpaL^
TTiihoiVTa avv rrevKaiai 8iKopvcf)ov TrXdKa,
irdXXovTa Kal creLOVTa ^aK^^lov KXdSov,
peyav t dv EWaS'. dXX! ep,oi, Yievdev, iridov'
26
THE BACCHANALS
And sleep, the oblivion of our daily ills,
He gives—there is none other balm for toils.
He is the Gods' libation, though a God,So that through him do men obtain good things.
And dost thou mock him, as in Zeus's thigh
Sewn ? I will show thee all the legend's beauty :
When Zeus had snatched him from the levin-fire,
And bare the babe to Olympus, Hera thenFain would have cast his godhead out of heaven. 290
Zeus with a God's wit framed his counterplot.
A fragment from the earth-enfolding ether
He brake, and wrought to a hostage,^ setting so
Dionysus safe from Hera's spite. In timeMen told how he was nursed in Zeus's thigh.
Changing the name, they wrought a myth thereof.
Because the God was hostage once to Hera.
A prophet is this God : the Bacchic frenzy
And ecstjisy are full-fraught with prophecy :
For, in his fullness when he floods our frame, 300
He makes his maddened votaries tell the future.
Somewhat of Ares' dues he shares withal :
Hosts harness-clad, in ranks arrayed, sometimesAre thrilled with panic ere a spear be touched
;
This too is a frenzy Dionysus sends.
Yet shalt thou see him even on Delphi's crags
With pine-brands leaping o'er the cloven crest,
Tossing on high and waving Bacchus' bough,
—
Yea, great through Hellas. Pentheus, heed thou
me
:
' I.e. Gave this counterfeit Dionysus to Hera, as a hostageagainst his investing her rival's child with the honours of
divinity. The argument is based on the similarity of fxipos,
"fragment"; fj-vpiJi, " thigli '' ; Zfiripos, "hostage."
27
BAKXAI
310 fxr) TO KpdTO<; av)(^£i Bvvafiiv dvdpcoTroi^ e%eti',
fx.rjS', rjv BoK^<; fxiv, rj he 8o^a aov voafj,
(^povelv S6k€c Ti- rov deov S' et? 77}^ he^ov
Kol airevhe koI /Qa/c^j^eue koa are(l>ov Kcipa.
ovx Atorfcro? ao)(ppoveiv civayKaaec
yvvatKa<; et9 ttjv HvTrpiv, aXX" iv rfj <^vaet
TO ao)(ppovelv eveaTLV et? ra irdvT aet.
TOVTO (TKOTrelv XPT '^^'' y^P ^^ ^aKX^vfUtaivova i] ye acocfipcov ov 8ta(f)6apyjo-eTai.
opd<i, au 'X^aipeL'^, oTav ecj^eaTcoaiv TTfXai?
320 TToWoi, TO Hev6e(0'i S' ovofjLa fxeyakiivrj 7r6Xi<;'
KdKelvo<i, olfxaL, TeprreTai Tifi(JO/xevo<;.
ijcb fjLev ovv Koi KaS/i09, 02^ av BiayeXd';,
Kiaaw t' epe-\p'o/j,eaOa koI y^opevcropLev,
TToXid ^vvcopi^, dXX" o/x&>9 ')(^opevTeov,
Kov d€opba')(7](Ju> croiv Xoywv ireiaOel^ vtto.
paivet yap w? dXyiaTa, kovt6 (f)appdKOi<i
UKT] Xd/3oL<i dv, OUT dvev tovtwv vo<Tei<;.
XOP020) rrpea^v, ^ol(3ov t ov Karaicr'x^m'ei'^ X6yoi<i,
TipCov re Bpopiov aci)cf>pove2'i peyav deov.
KAAM02330 ft) TToi, KaXd)<i aoi Tetpeaua^ iraprjveaev
o'lKec p,e6^ rjpLMV, /i?; dvpa^e tmv vop,ci)v.
vvv yap Treret re Kai (ppoucov ovBev cf}povet<;.
Kel /A?; yap eaTiv o Oeo^ ovTOf, &)? av (^>;9,
Trapa aol XeyeaOw Kal KaTa-yfrevSov /caXco?
fo<? eaTi, Sep.eXi] 6'''iva Sokt) 6eov Texelv,
iipiiv Tf Tipi] TTavTi T(b yevei vrpoaj].
6pa<; Tov WKTaLcoiWi dOXiov popov,
ov ot)fJU)acTOi aKvXaKe^ d<; iOpe-yjraTO
SieaTrdaavTo, icpeiaaov' ev Kwaylat^
28
THE BACCHANALS
Boast not that naked force hath power o'er men; 310
Nor, if it seem so to thy jaundiced eve.
Deem thyself wise. Tlie God into thy landv\'elcome : spill wine, be bacchant, wreathe thine head.
Dionysus upon women will not thrust
Chastity : in true womanhood inborn
Dwells temperance touching all things evermore.This nuist thou heed ; for in his Bacchic rites
The virtuous-hearted shall not be undone.
Lo, thou art glad when thousands throng thy gates,
And all Thebes magnifieth Pentheus' name : 320
He too, I wot, in homage taketh joy.
'I, then, and Cadmus, whom thou laugh'st to scorn,
Will wreathe our heads with ivy, and will dance—A greybeard i)air, yet cannot we but dance.
Not at thy suasion will I war with Gods.
Most grievous is thy madness, and no spell
May medicine thee,though spells have made thee mad.
CHORLSOld sire, thou sham'st not Phoebus in thy speech.
And wisely honourest Bromius, mighty God.
CADMUSMy son, well hath Teiresias counselled thee. 330
Dwell with us, not without the pale of wont.
Thou'rt now in cloudland : naught thy wisdom is :
For, though this God were no God,—as thou sayest,
—
God be he called of thee : in glorious fraud
Be Semele famed as mother of a God :
So upon all our house shall honour rest.
Rememberest thou Actaeon's wretched doom,Whom the raw-ravening hounds himself had reared
Rent limb from limb in the meads, for that high boast
29
BAKXAI
340 'A/9Te'/itSo9 elvai fco/j,7rdaavT\ iv opydaLv.
o fj,r) TrdOr]^ av, Sevpo crov crTeyjrco Kcipa
KLcraQ)' /xe6' 7]/j.(ov tw dew Tifiijv SlSov.
nEN0ET2ov fjiJ) TrpoaoiaeL'i -^elpa, /3aKX,€vcr€i<; S' Icov,
p.rjS' i^opop^ec pwpiav Trjv ai]v ep.oi ;
rr}<; arj^ 8' civoia^ rovSe top SiBdcTKaXov
St,K7]v pereLp,c. areixeTco TL<i a><i rd-x^o^,
ekdu>v he Oukov^ toOS' iV olwvoaKOTrel
p.o')(Kol<; rpiali'ov KuvaTpe^p-oi' epTroKiv,
ctvo) Kdrw TO, Trdvra avyx^iw^ opov,
350 Koi (JTep-pAXT dvep,OL<i koX dveWaiaiv peOe<;.
pdXicTTa 'yap viv hi']^opxiL hpdaa^ rdSe.
OL S' dvd iroXiv (TTeL)(Qvre^ e^L')(yevaaTe
TOP 9ifXvpop<^ov ^evov, 09 elacpepei voaov
KaLvrjv yvi'ai^l Kol Xe^rj Xvp^aiverai.
KCLVTvep Xd/SijTe, Beap,iov TropevauTe
Bevp^ avTov, &>? av Xevatpiov 8lk7]^ rv)(^cov
OavT) iTLKpav ^dx^evaiv ev 0/;/8at9 IScov.
TEIPE2IA2
eo a'^erXc, &)9 ovk oiaOa irov ttot el Xoycop.
p.epr]va<i ijbr], Kal irplv e^earri<i 4>pevMv.
360 arei^cop-ev ijpet^, KaS/xe, Ka^aiTcopeOa
virep re tovtov Kaiirep 6Vto9 dyptov
virep T€ 7roXea}<!, top Oeov p.7]Bev veov
Spdv. dXX" eTTOu poL Kiaaivov ^dKrpov p-erw
ireipco 5' dvopOovv crto/x' ep,ov, Kayai to aovjepovre S' ala')(^pov hvo ireaelv ltco S' 6p,(o<i'
Tftj Ba/cY^V 7«/3 ~<f>A to? SovXevTeov.
TlevOeu<i S' oTTfo? pt] irevOo'; elaoiaet hop-Oiq
roL<; adlai, HdBp-e- puivrLKfj pev oii Xeyco,
Tot? TTpdypacTiv Si' p,(bpa yap pa)po<; Xiyec.
30
THE BACCHANALS
That Artemis in hunting he excelled ? 3^0Lest such be thy fate, let me crown thine head^^'ith ivy : honour thou with us the God.
PENTHEUSHence with thine hand ! Go, play the Bacchant
thou.
Neither besmirch me with thy folly's stain.
This seer, thy monitor in senselessness.
Will I chastise. Let someone go with speed
—
(To an atlendanC) Thou, hie thee to his seat of augury;
Upheave with levers, hurl it to the ground;
All in confusion turn it uj)side down;
His holy fillets fling to wind and storm : 350
For, doing so, I mobt shall wring his heart
Some—ye, range through the city, and track downThat girl-faced stranger, who upon our wives
Bringeth strange madness, and defiles our beds.
And if ye catch him, hale him bound with chains
Hither, that death by stoning be his meed,And so he rue his revelry in Thebes.
TEIRESIAS
Ah wretch, thou knowest not what thou hast said !
Thou'rt stark-mad now, who erst wast sense-bereft.
Let us go, Cadmus, and make intercession 360
Both for this man, brute savage though he be.
And Thebes, that no strange vengeance of the GodSmite them. Come with me, ivy-wand in hand,
Essay to upbear my frame, as I do thine.
Shame if two greybeards fell !—nay, what of that ?
For Bacchus, Son of Zeus, we needs must serve.
Cadmus, beware lest Pentheus bring his echo.
Repentance, to thine house :—not prophecy here
Speaks, but his deeds. A fool, he speaketh folly.
^Exeunt.
31
BAKXAI
XOP02
370 Oaia irorva Oeoiv, arp. aUata o a Kara ^av')(^pvaeav iTTepvya <pepet^,
rciSe TIev6e(i)<; atei? ;
titet? ov)(^ oaiav
v/Spiv et9 TOV Bpo/jLiov,
rov —e/x€\a<i, rov irapa Ka\\icrr€<pdi'oc<i
€V(f>pocnjvai<i Saifiova irpoi-
Tov fiaKtipcov ; 09 TaS' e'X^ei,
Oiacreveiv re ')(^opol<i
380 puerd r avKov yeXdcrai.
diTOTravaaL re pepipva^i,
oTTorav /Sorpvo^ eXdr)
ydvo'; ev Satrl OeSiv,
Kiaao^opOL'i S' ev 6a\iai^
dvBpdai Kparrjp vttvov dp^i^dWrj.
d'xaXivwv aropdruiv dvT. advopov T d(f)poavva<i
TO T€\o? hvaTV)(JLa'
6 he ra? r}crvyLa<i
390 I3loto<; koX to (^povelv
dadXevTov T-e pevei
Kol avve^ei haypara' iropcrui •yap op-cc^
aWepa vaiovre^; opw-
CTLV ra ^poTMV ovpavihaL,
TO cro(f)ov S' ov (TO(f)La
TO re pi] dvrjra c^povelv
^pa')(^u<; alcov em tovtco
8e Ti? av p.eydXa Sicokcov
TO, TrapovT ou%t (fyepot.
32
THE BACCHANALS
CHORUS
O Sanctity, thou who dost bear dominion (.S7?-. ]) 370
Over Gods, yet low as this earthly <rround,
Unto usward, stoopest thy golden pinion,
—
Hear!*t thou the words of the king, and the som dOf his blast of defiance, of Pentheus assailing
'I'he Clamour-king ?—hear'st thou his blasphemousrailing
On Semele's son, who is foremost foundOf the Blest in the festival beauty-crowned ?
—
Who hath for his own prerogative takenTo summon forth feet through his dances to
leap.
When blent with the flutes light laughters awaken, 380
And the children of care have forgotten to weep.Whensoever revealed is the cluster's splendour
Iji the banquet that men to the high Gods tender.
And o'er ivy-wreathed revellers drinking deep'J'he wine-bowl droppeth the mantle of sleep.
Of the reinless lips that will own no master, [Ant. 1)
Of the folly o'er law's pale stubborn to stray
—
One is the end of them, even disaster;
But the calm life, still as a summer day,
But the foot whose faring discretion guideth, 390
Their steadfast state unshaken abideth.
And the home still findeth in such its stay.
Ah, the Heavenly Ones dwell far away.
Yet look they on men from their cloudy portals.
O, not with knowledge is Wisdom bought;
And the spirit that soareth too high for moi^tals
Shall see few days : whosoever hath caught
At the things too great for a man's attaining.
Even blessings assured shall he lose in the gaining.
33
BAKXAI
400 fiaivofievcov S' oTSe rpoiroi
KCU KUKo^ovXcov TTap cfioiye (fxiiTchv,
iKOLfxav ttotI KvTTpov, arp. ^
ev a 6e\^i(ppov€<; vepLOv-
rai dvarolaiv "Epcore?,
yQova ^ &" av kKaTOGTOjxoi
^apjSdpov TTora/xov pool
KapTTi^ovaiv avopb^pov.
TTOv S' a KaWL(TTeuo/JL€va
410 UiepLa pLOvcreiO'i eSpa,
aepiva k\ltv<; ^0\vpL7rov;
eKela aye jxe, Bp6p,ie ^po/nie,
irpo^aK-)^ €vi€ halpiov.
eKel XapiTe9, e'/tet he Ti.660^'
eKel he Ba/c^ai? 6ep.L<i opyid^eiv,
6 hacjuLCOv ^ib'i Trai? dvT. ^')(aipei, puev OaXlaicnv,
^Ckel S' oX/Sohoreipav Et-
423 pi]vav, Kovporpoc^ov Oeciv.
tea h) et'? re tov oX^lov
Tov re yeipova hwK eyjeiv
otvov repyfriv akvirov
p,iaeL S' to p.rj ravra pueXei,
Kara (f)do<i vuktw; re ^iXa<i
evalcova hia^ijv
cro(j)6v S' cLTri'X^eiv irpaTrlha (ppeva re
' Meineke and Nauck : for MSS. nd.(poi>.
34
THE BACCHANALS
Such paths as this, meseemeth, be sought 400
Of the witless folly that roves distraught.
(Sir. 2)
O to flee hence unto where AphroditeDoth in Cyprus, the paradise-island, dwell.
The sea-ringed haunt of the Love-gods mightyTo weave the soul-enchanting spell.
Or the fields where untold is the harvest's gold,
Wliere the stream of the hundred mouths hath
rolled,
Whereon rain never fell
!
But O for the land that in beauty is peerless,^
The Pierian haunt where the Muses sing ! 410
On Olympus the hallowed to stand all fearless
Thitherward lead me, O Clamour-king !
O Revel-god, guide where the Graces abide
And Desire,—where danceth, of no man denied,
The Bacchanal ring.
(Anl. 2)
Our God, the begotten of Zeus, hath pleasure
In the glee of the feast where his chalices
shine
;
And Peace doth he love, who is giver of treasure,
Who of Youth is the nursing-mother divine. 420
On the high, on the low, doth his bounty bestowThe joyance that maketh an end of woe.
The joyance of wine.
But he hateth the man that in scorn refuseth
A life that on pinions of happiness flies
Through its days and its nights, nor the good jiart
chooseth.
Wisely shalt thou from the over-wise
' Macedonia ; where Euripides composed this play.
35
BAKXAI
irepicraSiv nrapa dxorcov.
430 TO 17X1)60^ 6 ri TO (f)av\oT€pov
ivofiiae ')(^pr)raL re, toS' av 8e)(^oL/j,au.
©EPAnnNTlevOev, Trdpeapev ryjvS' ajpav ijjpevKOTe'i
icpi' i)v e7r€py\ra^, ouS' ciKpavB^ (ji)p/.Li]aafJt,€V.
6 0'))p 8' oS' rjpuv 7rpdo<i ov8' vireaTTacre
(fivyfj 7r68\ aXX" eScoKev ovk aKwv ^epa?,
01)8' (jo'^p6<;, ouS' }]X\a^ei> oIvcdttov j€Vuv,
fyeXcbv 8k KoX helv KiiTrdyeiv i^iero
440 ep^eve re, rovpov eLiTrere? 7roiovpevo<i.
KayoD 81 ai8ou'i eiTrov w ^ev, ou)(^ ckcov
dyci) ere, YlevOeco^i 8' 09 p eTrepyfr eVicrToXat?.
a? 8' au av Ba/c^^a? elp^a^, a? avvi'jpTracra'i
Kd8i]aa<; iv 8€ap,oiai irav8r'jpov (7Te'yri<;,
<f)pov8al 7' eKelvai Xekvpevat Trpo^ 6pyd8a(;
cTKipTwac UpopLov civaKaXovpevai deovavTopara S' avrai^ 86apd 8c6Xv07] TreSwf,
KXfj8e'i r u.v)]Kav Ovperp civev OvrjTrj^ 'x^epo^.
ttoXXmv S' o3' civrjp Oavpdrcov i]K€i TrXeio^
450 et? Tda8e (B>]^a^. aol Se rdXXa ^(^prj peXeiv.
nEN0Er2paiveade' ')(jeipoii> rov8^ iv dpKVcriv yap mvOVK ecrriv ovtm^; ookv^ Mare p eKcpvyeiv.
drdp TO pev awp ovk dpopt^o^ el, ^eve,
0)9 et? yvvalKa^, icfi oirep e/9 0>/73as" Trdper
TrXoKupo^ re yap aov ravao^, ov 7rdXri<i vtto,
yevvv irap avrrjv Ke')(ypevo<i, iroOov jrXeo)^-
XevKTjv 8e ^(^poLdv eK TrapaaKev?]^'^X^''^>
• ou^ t)Xlov /BoXalaiv, aXX vtto crKidfi,
T7]v 'A(bpo8i,T7]v KaXXovf} 6y]p(jopevo<;.
460 irpoiTov pev ovv poi Xe^ov oari^i el yevo^,
56
THE BACCHANALS
Hold thee apart : but the faith of the heart 430
Of the people, that lives in the works of the mart,
For me shall suffice.
Re-enter pentheus. Eitter servant, 7i'ifh attendants,
biinging dionvsus hound.
SERVANTPentheus, we come, who have run down this prey
For which thou sentest us, nor sped in vain.
This wild-beast found we tame : he darted notIn flight away, but yielded, nothing loth,
His hands, nor paled, nor changed his cheeks' rose-hue.
But smiling bade us bind and lead him thence,
And tarried, making easv this my task. 440
Then shamed I said, " Not, stranger, of my will.
But by commands of Pentheus, lead I thee."
The captured Bacchanals thou didst put in ward.
And in the common prison bind with chains,
Fled to the meadows are they, loosed from bonds.And dance and call on Bromius the CJod.
The fetters from their feet self-sundered fell;
Doors, without mortal hand, unbarred themselves.
Yea, fraught with many marvels this man cameTo Thebes ! To thee the rest doth appertain. 450
PENTHEUSYe are mad ! Once in the toils of these mine hands.
He is not so fleet as to escape from me.
Ha ! of thy form thou art not ill-favoured, stranger.
For woman's tempting—even thy quest at Thebes.
No wrestler thou, as show thy flowing locks
Down thv cheeks floating, fraught with all desire;
\nd whitCj from heedful tendance, is thy skin,
Smit by no sun-shafts, but made wan by shade.
While thou dost hunt desire with beauty's lure.
First, tell me of what nation sprung thou art. 460
37
BAKXAI
AIONT202ov KOfi7ro<; ovBei<i' paStov 8' elirelv rohe.
rov dvOefi(i)8rj TficoXov oladd ttov kXvcov.
nEN0ET2otS', 09 TO %dp8ecov acrrv irepi^dWei kukXw.
AIONT202ivrevOev elfii, AvSia 8e fioi Trarpt?.
nEN0ET2irodev he reXerd^; rdcrS' ctyet^; e? 'KWdSa
;
AIONT202Ai6vv<To<i ri/jid<; elcre^rja, 6 rov Ato?.
nEN0ET2Zeu^ S' €<TT €K€i Ti<;, o? v€ov<; TLKTei deov<i ;
AIONT202ovK, aW' o "^e^eXrjv evddBe ^€V^a<; ydfioi<;.
nEN0ET2TTorepa he vvKToyp (t rj Kar 6^^ rjvdyKaaev;
AIONY202470 opoyv opoivra, koX hihwaiv opyia.
nEN0ET2rd S' opyi' earl riv Iheav e'X^ovTa croi ;
AI0NT202dpprjT d^aKyevTOKXLv elSevat. jSpoTcov,
nEN0ET2ex^t S' ovr)(riv Toicri dvovaiv riva;
AI0NT202OV defu<i CLKOvaai cr', ecrrt 8' d^i elBevai.
nEN0ET2eu toOt' eKi.^8i]\evaa<i, ij/' aKovcrai OeX(i).
AIONT202
dcrifieiav daKovvr opyC ex^aipei deov.
38
THE BACCHANALS
DIONYSUS
No high vaunt this—'tis easy to declare
:
Of flowery Tmolus haply thou hast heard.
PENTHEUSI know : it compasseth the Sardians' town.
DIONYSUS
Thence am I : Lydia is my fatherland.
PENTHEUSWherefore to Hellas bringest thou these rites ?
DIONYSUS
Dionysus, Zeus' son, made me initiate.
PENTHEUSLives a Zeus there, who doth beget new gods ?
DIONYSUS
Nay, the same -Zeus who wedded Semele here.
PENTHEUS
Dreaming or waking wast thou made his thrall ?
DIONYSUS
Nay, eye to eye his mysteries he bestowed. 470
PENTHEUS
Ay, of what fashion be these mysteries ?
DIONYSUS
Tis secret, save to the initiate.
PENTHEUS
What profit bring they^^to his votaries ?
DIONYSUS
Thou mayst not hear : yet are they worth thy knowing.
PENTHEUS
Shrewd counterfeiting, to whet lust to hear
!
DIONYSUS
His rites loathe him that worketh godlessness.
39
BAKXAI
nEN0ET2rov Oeov opav yap ^j)? aaipM'i, ttolo'? rt? ^v;
AI0NT205OTTOiof; ijOeX"' ovk eyco "raaaov ToSe.
nEN0ET2TovT av TTapwx^revaas €v Kovhev \eycov.
AIONT2024S0 Bo^et Tt? a/xadel ao(f)a Xeytov ovk ev (f)poV6lv.
nEN0ET2i]\6e<i 8e irpoira hevp ayuiv rov hai[xova ;
AIONT202TTo? avaxopevei /3ap/3dp(ov TciS^ opyta.
nEN0ET2<f)povov(Ti yap kciklov ¥SK\y']vo}v ttoXv.
AIONT202TaS' €v ye fidWov oi vo/xoi he 8id(f)opoi.
nEN0ET2Ta 8' lepd, vvKTcop rj fie6^ rjfiepav reXet? ;
AIONr202vvKToyp rd TToXXd ' crefxvorrjT e;^et aK6To<;.
nEN0ET2TovT^ et? yvvalKa<; 86\t6v ecrri Koi aaOpov.
AIONT202
Kuv i)nepa TO 7' ala')(^p6v i^evpoi tl<; dp.
nEN0ET2hiKr^v (T€ Sovvai Set cro(f>icr/jidT(i)v kukcov.
AI0NT202
490 ere S' dfiaOlaff ye Kaae^ovvr ei<; rov deov.
nEN0ET2to? 6pacru<; 6 ^dKXO<i kovk dyv^va(TTo<i Xoycav.
AIONT202
el'^' o Tt TTadelv hel' tI fie to Seivov ipydaei;
40
THE BACCHANALS
PENTHEUS
Thou saw'st the God : what fashion was he of?
DIONYSUS
As seemed him good : that did not I enjoin
PENTHELS
This too thou hast shrewdly parried, telhng naught.
DIONYSUS
Wise answers seem but folly to a fool. 480
PENTHEUS
Cam'st thou the first to bring his godhead hither?
DIONYSUS
All Asians through these mystic dances tread.
PENTHEUS
Av, far less wise be they than Hellene men.
DIONYSUS
Herein far wiser. Diverse wont is theirs.
PENTHEUS
By night or day dost thou perform his rites ?
DIONYSUS
Chiefly by night : gloom lends solemnity.
PENTHEUS
Ay—and for women snares of lewdness too.
DIONYSUS
In the day too may lewdness be devised.
PENTHEUS
Now punished must thy vile evasions be.
DIONYSUS
Ay, and thy folly and impiety. 490
PENTHEUS
How bold our Bacchant is, in word-fence skilled !
DIONYSUS
What is my doom ? What vengeance wilt thou wreak ?
41
BAKXAI
nEN0ET2TvpoiTOV fMev a^pov ^6<Trpv)(ov refiw criOev.
AIONT202/e/309 6 7r\6Kafio<i' rw deo) S' avrov Tpe(f)(o.
nEN0ET2eireira Ovpcrov rovhe Trapdho<; eK )(^epoiv.
AI0NT202avTo^ fM a(f)atpov' rovSe /Icovvaov <f)opM.
nEN0ET2eipKTalai r evhov aco/Ma <tov (pv\d^o/x€V.
AIONT202\uaei jjb 6 Baifimv avT6<i, orav i<yco 6eX(i).
nEN0Er2OTav ye KoKearj'^ avrov ev Ba/<;^ai9 (TraOet^.
AIONT202500 Kal vvv a Trdaxd^ 7r\.rj(Tiov irapoiv opa.
nEN0ET2Kai TTOV "arcv; ov yap cf)avepo'i of^fiacrtv 7 efiol^.
AIONT202Trap' efioL' av S' dcr€/3}]<; auT6<i wv ovk eicropa<;.
nEN0ET2\d^ua6e- KaTa(f)povet fie Kal ©T^ySa? oBe.
AI0NT202avBo) fie fiT) Belv (Tcocppovcov ov (T(t)(f)pocnv.
nEN0ET2eyco Be Beiv ye Kvpuorepo^ creOev.
AI0NT202OVK olcrO' 6 Ti ^fi^, ouS' Bpci<i, ovB^ ocrrt? et.
nEN0ET2YlevQev'i Wyain]<i 7ral<;, irarpo'i 3' 'E;!i(^toi'o?.
4«
THE BACCHANALS
PENTHEUSThy dainty tresses first will I cut off.
DIONYSUSHallowed my locks are, fostered for the CJod.
PENTHEUSNext, yield me up this thjn-sus from thine hands.
DIONYSUS
Take it thyself 'Tis Dionysus' wand.
PENTHEUSThy body in my dungeon will I ward.
DIONYSUS
The God's self shall release me, when I will.
PENTHEUSAy—when mid Bacchanals thou call'st on him !
*
DIONYSUS
Yea, he is now near, marking this despite. 500
PENTHEUSAy, where ?—not unto mine eyes manifest.
DIONYSUS
Beside me. Thou, the impious, seest him not.
PENTHEUSSeize him ! This felloAv mocketh me and Thebes.
DIONYSUS
I warn ye,' bind not !—Reason's rede to folly.
PENTHEUS1 bid them bind, who have better right than thou.
DIONYSUS
Thy life nor acts thou know'st, nor what thou art.
PENTHEUSPentheus—Agave's and Echion's son.
' i.e. Never, for you shall not escape bo rejoin them.
43
BAKXAI
A10NT202ivSv<7TU')(^rjaat tovvo/jl eTmrjheio^ el,
nEN0ET2^copef Kadelp^aT avTov lirTriKal'^ TreXa?
510 (^c'lTvaiaiv, o)? av ctkotiov elaopa Ki>e(pa<;.
€Kel -)(opeve' jdcrhe S' a? djoiv irdpei
KUKMV (Tvvepyov^ t) hLepLiroXt^crofiev
?*; %ei/3a hovirov rovSe koI ^vparj<; ktvttov
7rav(Ta<;, i(f) i(ttoI<; B/j,(Oi8a<; KeKTijcrofiai.
AI0NY202arel-xoLpb dv 6 tl yap /nrj ^(peoov, ovtoi )(p€0)V
iradelv. drdp rot, tmvS' diroiv v/3picr/u.uTa)v
fiereiai Aiovucro<i a , ov ouk elvat Xeyefi'
ri/jLd<i yap dSiKMV Ketvov et? 8eo-yu.oi»? dyeis.
X0P02'AveXftiou dvyarep, arjp.
520 TTOTVt einrdpOeve Aip/ca,
ail yap ev aai<i irore 7rayai<i
TO Af09 ^pe(f)o^ eXa/3e9,
ore /i.>7/3w 7rupo<; i^ d-
Oavdrov Zei/? o tekoov ijp-
Traae viv, rdB dva^odaa<i'
Wi, AiOvpap^', ipdv dp-
aeva rdvBe (Bade vrjBvv
dva(f>aLV(o ae toS', m Ba/c-
')(^i€, %i]l3ai<i 6vopd!^6iv.
530 (TV Be p , M p.dKatpa AipKa,
(TT€(f)av'>](f)6pov'i aTrcodei
Oidaov^ exovcrav ev aoL
Tt yti' dvaivei ; Tt fie <pevyei<;
;
44
THE BACCHANALS
DIONYSUS
Yea, fitly named to be in misery pent.
PENTHEUSAway ! Enjail him in the horses' stalls
Hard by, that he may see but murky gloom. [thee, 510
There dance ! These women thou hast brought with
Thy crimes' co-workers, I will sell for slaves,
Or make my weaving-damsels, and so hush
Their hands from cymbal -clang and smitten drum.
DIONYSUS
I go. The fate that Fate forbids can ne'er
Touch me. On thee Dionysus shall requite
These insults—he whose being thou hast denied.
Outraging me, thou halest him to bonds.
[Eacitul DIONYSUS guarded, and pentheus.
( llOHUS
All hail, Acheloiis' Daughter,^ ('^^'O
Dirce the maiden, majestic and blest I—in thy cool-
welling water 520
Thou receivedst in old time the offspring of Zeus
'neath thy silvery plashing.
When Zeus, who begat him, had snatched from the
levin unquenchably Hashing, [the Father cry,
And sealed up the babe in his thigh, and aloud did" Come ! into this, Dithvrambus, the womb of no
mother, pass thou :
—
By this name unto Thebes I proclaim thee, O Godof the Bacchanals, now."
Ah Dirce, thou thrustest me hence, when I bring
thee the glorious vision 530
Of his garlanded revels !—now why am I scouted,
disowned, and abhorred ?
^ The river Acheloiis was in legend the Father of all Greekstreams. Dirce was the sacred fountain of Thebes.
45
BAKXAI
ert vol rav ^orpvcohr]
Aiovvaou X^P'^^ oiva<;
en aoL rou Upo/XLOV /xeXyjaei,
lo7av oiav opyav] dvr.
ava^aivei, ^Poviov
<yevo<i eK(f)v<i re SpciKovrof
540 TTore llev6ev<;, ov 'E;^twy
€(})vrev(Te 'X.66vi,o<;,
ajpicoTTOv repa<;, ov <j>(a-
ra ^poreiov, (f)6viov S" &(r-
T€ lyiyavT avriTraXov Beoi^;'
0? i/i€ ^poxoicri rav rov
^poplov Taxci ^vvdylrei,
TOP ifiov 8' €vr6<; ey^^t 8co-
fiaTO<; ijBt] OiaacoTav
aKOTtaicn Kpvmov ev elpKrat^,
550 eaopa<i TaS', & Awi irai
Aiovvae, aov^ 7rpo(j)T]Ta<;
ev a/j,i\Xaiaiv avdyKWi
;
p6\€, xpuao)7ra rtvdaacov,
dva, Ovpcrov Km ' OXupTrov,
<f)OVLOV S' dvSpo<i v/Spiv /caTacr^e?.
TTodi Ni/o^as" dpa rd'i Otj- c'ttcoS,
porp6(f)ov Ovpao(f)opeii;
didaovq, o) Aiovva, rj
Kopv<pat^ K.(opvKiai<;
;
560 Ta;^a S' iv roi^ TroXvSevSpea-
aiv 'OXu/xTTOf OdXd/jiai^, ev-
6a iTor 'Op<pev<; Kidapi^rov
(xvvayev SevSpea p,ov(rai^,
avvayev 6P]pa<i dypcaTa^.
46
THE BACCHANALS
Yet there cometh—I swear by the full-clustered
grace of the vine Dionysian
—
An hour when thine heart shall accept Dionysus,shall hail him thy lord.
Lo, his earth-born lineage bewrayeth (Ant.)
Pentheus ; the taint of the blood of the dragon ofold he betrayeth,
The serpent that came of the seed of the earth-
born Titan Echion. [mortal's scion, 540
It hath made him a grim-visaged monster, and not as a
But as that fell giant brood that in strife withimmortals stood.
He is minded to fetter me, Bromius' handmaid,with cords straightway : [revel this day.
He hath prisoned his palace within my companion in
Dungeoned in gloom I Son of Zeus, are his deedsof thine eye unbeholden, 550
Dionj'sus ?—thy prophets Avith tyranny wTestling in
struggle and strain ?
Sweep down the slope of 01}anpus, uptossing thythyrsus golden : [refrain.
Come to us. King, and the murderer's insolent fury
(Epode)
Ah, where dost thou linger on Nysa the mother of
beasts of the wold.
Waving thy revellers on with thy wand, or whereheavenward soar [fold
Ci'ests of Corycia, or haply where far forest-solitudes 5G0
Round the flanks of Olympus, where Orpheus con-
strained by his minstrelsy-lore
Trees round him adoring to press, and the beasts
of the wilderness.
As he harped of yore ?
47
BAKXAI
fxiiKap 0) JJiepia,
T€ ')(op€vao)v a/LUx ^aK'xeii-
l-iacri, rov t' wKvpoaiSca/3a^ 'A^Lov elXia-
570 a-ofieva<i MaivaSw? a^ei,
AvBtav T€, Tov evhaL[xovia<i
^porot'i oX/SoSorav
irarepa re, tov efcXvov
eviTTTTOv ^copai' vBaacv
KaWicTToicri XiiraLvetv.
AIONT202l(0,
kXvet' €/j,d<i k\v6t' av8d<;,
l(o Ba/c^af, tfo) Ba/c^af.
XOP02Tt? oSe, Tt? irodev 6 Kekaho^ avd fx eKoXeaev
Eui-oi; ;
AIONTSOS580 lay loo, ttciXiv avSci),
SeyLteXa?, 6 A(09 ttul^.
X0P02la) loi heairora oecnroTa,
fxoXe vvv i)/u,erepov el<;
6taaov, 0) Bp6/u.ie J^po/xie.
AIONT502(rece irehov x^ovb^ evocn iroTvia.
X0P02a a,
Td\a ra Wevdkoi'i
fxekaOpa Biarivd^eTat Trea/jfiaa-iv,
48
THE BACCHANALS
Thrice blessed Pieria-land,
Evius honoureth thee !—lo, he cometh, he cometh,on-leading
His dances with Bacchanal chants^ over Axius' flood
swift-speeding
He shall pass, he shall marshal the leaping feet in
the dance-rings sweeping,
The feet of his Maenad-band. 570
On shall he haste over Lydias the river,
O'er the father of streams, the blessing-giver.
Whose waters fair, as the tale hath told,
O'er the land of the gallant war-steed rolled.
Spread fatness on every hand.
DIONYSUS (ivithin).
What ho ! Give heed to my voice, give heed /
Ho, Baeclianal-train, my Baccha/ial-train !
(^Members of chorus answer severally.)
CHORUS 1
What cry was it ?—whence did it ring ? 'Twas the
voice of mine Evian King !
DIONYSUS (ivithiii)
IVhai ho ! What ho ! I call yet again, 580
/, Semeles offspnng, Zeus's seed.
CHORUS 2
What ho ! Our Lord, our Lord ! What ho !
Come to our revel-band thou,
Clamour-king, Clamour-king, now !
DIONYSUS {iviihiii)
Earth-floor, sway to and fro in mighty earthquake-throe !
{Earthquake).^^^^^^ 3
Ha, swiftly shall Pentheus' hall.
Sore shaken, crash to its fall
!
49
BAKXAI
Ai6vvao<; dva /MeXaOpa'
ae/3€T6 VLV.
X0P02590 ai^ofiev w.
iBere \dtva kloctlv e/M^oXa
SidSpofxa rdSe'
}ip6fjLto<i dXaXd^eTUL crreya? eaco.
AI0NT202
aTTxe Kepavviov aWoira Xa/xTrdSa'
(TiifMcf^Xeye av/j.(f)\e'ye hdypLara Yievdeo^»
X0P05a a,
irvp ov \evcTaei<i ovB' avyd^ei
S€fie\a<i lepov dp,<^\ rdcj)ov, dv
TTore K€pavvol3o\o<i eXiire (pXoya
Alov l3povTd<; ;
600 St/cere TreSoae BUeTe rpofiepa
crcofiara, Mafi'aSe?"
o yap dva^ dvco Kdro) rc6el<; eireicn
fiekadpa rdSe Ato? 701/09.
AIONT202
^dp^apoi yvvaiKe<;, ourco<i eKTreifkriy[xevai (f)6^(p
TT/oo? TriScp TreTTTcoKar' ; fjo-Orjcrd' , o)? eoiKe,
BcaTivd^avTO'; to, Tlev6e(i)<i Bco/jult'' ^ dXX' dvl-
arare
aayfui koL dapaeire aapKO<i i^afiei^j/aaat rpo/xov.
^ Musgrave : for MSS. 5«/*a Tlevdewi.
50
THE BACCHANALS
CHOIIUS 4
Dionysus within yon halls is his godhead revealing
!
With liomage adore him.
CHORUS 5
We bow us before him. 590
(^Earthquake).
Loj how the lintels of stone over yoiukr pillars are
reeling
!
[the halls go pealing.
Now doth the Clamour-king's triuinph-shout throughDIONYSUS (jnUibi).
Kindle the torch of the levin hirid-red : [spread.
Let the compassing /tames round the palace of Pentlieus
(^A great blaze of light enirraps the palace and the
monument of Semele.)
cnoHusHa ! dost thou see not the wildfire enwreathcd
Round the hoi}- tomb
—
Lo, dost thou mark it not well ?—Which Semelc thunder-blasted bequeathed,
Her memorial of doomBy the lightning from Zeus that fell ?
Fling to the earth, ye Maenads, fling GOiJ
Your bodies that tremble with sore dismay !
For he cometh, our King, Zeus' scion, to bring
Yon halls to confusion and disarray.
CHOHVi^ fall on theirfaces. Enter Dio\\svsfro7nfhe ])alace.
DIONYSUS
Ho, ye Asian women, are ye so distraught with sheer
affright [meseems, the sight
That ye thus to earth be fallen ? Ye beheld,
When the house of Pentheus reeled as Bacchus
shook it. Nay, upraise
From the earth your limbs, and banish from your
bodies fear's amaze.
51
BAKXAI
X0P02w (f)do<i fxeyiaTov 7)fuv evlov ^aK')(^evfxaTO<;,
ci)9 iaelhov dafievrj ere, fiovaS' e)(^ov(T' eprj/xiau,
AIONT202ei9 ddvfMLav dc^iKecyO' , r^viK elcreirefjurro^rjv
,
610 Ylevdew^ &)% ei^ crKoreivas opKavwi ireaovfjievo^;
X0P02TTft)? 'yap ou ; Tl<i /xoi (f)v\a^ 7]v, el aii avfKJio-
pd^ ru)(^ot'i ;
dWd TTO)^ ))\ev6ep(i)6if)^ dvhpo^ dvoaiov tu^cop;
AIONT202avTO^; e^eacocr' ipxivTov pahioi^ dvev irovov.
X0P02ovheaov avvriyjre ^et^e SeapLoiaiv ip /3p6^oL<i ;
AIONT202TavTa Kal KaOvfSpia' avrov, oTt pe Beapeveiv
SoKMP
out' ediyev ov6' I'l^jraO' ijpMV, iXiricrLV h'
i/SocTKeTO.
TTpo^ (f>dTvai<i Se ravpov evpoov, ov KaOelp^' r/pu'i
dywv,
TooSe irepl ^p6)(ov^ e/3aWe yovaai koI ')(rfKal<i
62u dupov eKTrvewv, iSpcoTa aoopaTO<i ard^wv diro,
^eiXeaiv BiBov^; ohovra^' TrXrjaLov 8' iyo} irapoiv
ijav^O'i Odaacov eXevaaov. ev Be tmSc tmy_p6vw
dveriva^' eXdcov o 3dKXo^ Sojpa, Kal p,7]rpb<?
rdcjxp
TTvp dvr}^\r'- 6 S' a)'> eatloe, Bd)p,aT' aWeaOaihoKWV
THE BACCHANALS
CHORUSHail to thee, to us the mightiest light of Evian
reveh-y ! [on thee !
W'itli Avliat rapture, late so lonely and forlorn, I look
DIONYSUS
Ha, and did your hearts for terror fail you when I
passed within, [Pentheus' dungeon-gin ? 610
Deeming I should sink to darkness, caught in
CHORUSWherefore not? What shield had I, if thou into
mischance shouldst fall ? [tyrant's thrall ?
Nay, but how didst thou escape, who Avast a godless
DIONYSUS
I myself myself delivered, lightly, with nor toil nor
strain.
CHORUSNay, hut bound he not thine hands with coiling mesh
of chain on chain ?
DIONYSUS
My- derision there I made him, that he deemed hefettered me, [empty phantasy.
"Wt nor touched me, neither grasped me, fed onNay. a bull beside the stalls he found where he
would pen me fast
:
Hound the knees and round the hoofs of this he 'gan
his cords to cast.
Breathing fury out, the while the sweat-gouts pouredfrom every limb, [watching him fi-0
While he gnawed upon his lips—and I beside himCalmly at mine ease was sitting. Even then our
Bacchus came,And as with an earthquake shook the house, and lit
a sudden flame [he saw liis halls
On his mother's tomb. The king beholding thought
5.>
BAKXAI
rjcrcr^ eKetae Kar eKelcre, Sfifoalv 'A^eXwoy ^epeiv
ivveTTtov, ctTra? S' iv epyco BovXo^ rjv, fiaTtjv
TTOVMV.
S/a/Lie^ei? Se rovSe fxox^ov, o)? efxov 7r€(f)€vyoTO<;,
'lerat ^L(f>o<; KeXaivov apirdcra^ hofxwv ecru).
KciO' 6 Bp6fxio<i, ft)? epoiye (^aiveraL, Bo^av Xeyw,
630 (f>d(Tp' eTToiTjaev Kar avXi'jv 6 6' eVl rovO^
(hppi]pei'o<;
fi<T(Te KUKevrei, <f)aevv6v aWep\ a><i a(f)d^a>v ipe.
7rpo<i Se TotcrS' avTcp rdS' dWa Bav^^to?
XupaiveTachwpxiT epprj^ej' ^(^apM^e- avvredpdvwTat 8' dirav
TTLKpordrovi Ihovri S€ap,ov<; tou? ipov^' kottov8' VTTO
BiapeOel^ ^[(f>o^ vrapeiTai. 7rpo<; 9eov yap wvdvrjp
eh pd-^Tjv iXOelv eToXptja- rjav\o<; 8' eK^d^ iyco
Bcopdrcdv i]Kco irpo^ vpd<;, TlevOeco^ ou (f)povTiaa<i.
ft)? Se pot Sofcel, -^of^el youv dp/SuX-r] hopoiv eaco,
ei? irpovMiTL avrix V^^^-''"^' ttot dp* e'/c tovtwv
ipei
;
640 paSiWi yap avrov oiaco, Kav 7rve(ov eXOrj peya,
7r/3o? cro(f)ov yap dvBpo'i daKelv aux^pov evopyrj-
(TLaV.
nEN0ET2TreirovOa Beivd' hiaire^evye p 6 ^efo?,
0? dpri Beapoh yv KaT7]vayKaapevo<i.
ea ea'
oo' ecrriv dvi'^p' ri rdSe ; ttw? 'irpovco7no<i
(fiaivei 7r/3o? oI'koi^; toi<; ipoU, e^co /36^d)<i ;
AI0NT202arrjaov ttoo , opyfj S' viroOe^ ^av^ov iroda.
54
THE BACCHANALS
Flame-enwrapped, and hither, thither, rushed he,
wildly bidding thralls [toiling there.
Bring the water. Now was every bondman vainly
J'hen he let this labour be, as deeming I had 'scaped
the snare : [his falchion fell.
Straight within the building rushed he, drawing forth
Then did Bromius, as to me it seemed—
'tis but mythought I tell,
—
[thereon straightway.
Fashion in his halls a wraith : he hurled himself 630
Rushed, and stabbed the light-pervaded air, as
thinking me to slay. [pride to pass ;
Then did Bacchus bring a neAv abasement of his
For he hurled to earth the building. There it lies,
a ruin-mass,
—
[with toil outworn.
Sight to make my bonds full bitter to him 1 Now,Letting drop the sword, he fallcth fainting. He,
the mortal-born, [passed I through.
Dare to brave a God to battle ! Then unhinderedRecking nought of Pentheus : so from forth his lialls
I come to you. [fall's sound there is,
—
But, methinks,—for there within the house a foot-
He shall straightway come without. Ha, what shall
he say unto this ? [stress;
Lightly shall I bear his bluster, whatsoe'er his fury's 640
For it is the wise man's part to rein his wrath in
soberness.
Enter pentheus. pentheusFoul outrage this !—the stranger hath escaped.
Though bound but now in fetters fast as fate.
Ha!There is the man ! What means this .'' How hast thouWon forth to stand before my very halls ?
DIONYSUS
Stay there, and let thy fury softly tread.
55
BAKXAI
nEN0ET2TToOev (TV SecTfxa Siacjyvycop e^o) Trepan
;
AIONT202ovK elirov—r] ovk i)Kovaa<^—on Xvaei jxk Tt?
nEN0ET2fi.")0 Tt? ; Toi)? \o7oi;? "yap eL(T(f)epei<; Kaivoix; ciei.
AIONT20209 ryjv 7ro\v/3oTpvv cifirreXov (pvei /Bporoi^;.
nEN0ET2************AIONT202
wi'eiSiaa^ St] rovro Aioi'vao) koXov.
nEN0ET2Kkrjeiv KeXeuco irdvra irvpyop ev kvkXco.
AI0NT202Tt S' ; oj);^ VTrep/SaivovcTt Kal Teixv deoi
;
nEN0ET2cro(f}0'; cro0o9 crv, 7r\i]v a Set a elvai cro(^6v.
AIONT202a Set p.akt,<Tra, ravr eycoy^ €(f)uv cro(])6^.
KCLVov S' aKovaa<i irpwra TOv<i \oyov<i /xdOe,
o? e'^ opov^ TTcipeartv dyyeXcov ti aofr)/jL€i^ Be aoi p,evovp,ei', ov (pev^ovpieOa,
ArrEA02
660 TlevOev Kparvvcov rrjahe ^rj^aia<; )(^dov6^,
r'jKco KiOaipcbv" eKknrdov, iV oviroTS
XevKP]^ dvelaav '^(^lovo'i evayel<i ^oXai.
nEN0ET2r]K€i<i Be TTOiav Trpoo-TiOel^ aTrovBrjv Xoyov
;
ArrEA02
3dK)(a<i TTOTindSa^ etcnBcov, at TrjaBe y)]<;
oiarpoiai XevKov kwXov e^rjKovTKrav,
56
THE BACCHANALS
PENTHEUSHow hast thou 'scaped thy bonds and comest forth ?
DIONYSUS
Said I not—or didst hear not?—" One will free me?"PENTHEUS
Who ? Strange and ever strange thine answers are. 6o0
DIONYSUS
He who makes grow for men the clustered vine.
PENTHEUS
[Av—who drives women frenzied from the home !]
DIONYSUS
'Tis Dionysus' glory, this thy scoff.
PENTHEUS (to attendants)
1 bid ye bar all towers round about.
DIONYSUS
Why ? Cannot Gods pass even over walls ?
PENTHEUS
Wise art thou, wise—save where thou shouldst be wise.
DIONYSUS
Where most needs wisdom, therein am I wise.
But listen first to yon man, hear his tale
Who with some tidings from the mountains comes.
I will await thee : fear not lest I fly.
Enter herdman. herdmanPentheus, thou ruler of this Theban land, 660
I from Cithaeron come, whence never fail
The glistering silver arrows of the snow.
PENTHEUS
Bringing what weighty tidings comest thou ?
herdmanI have seen wild Bacchanals, who from this land
Have darted forth with white feet, frenzy-stung.
57
BAKXAI
rjKco (f)pdcrat crol Kol TroXet XPV^^^' ava^,
ft)? 8eiva Zpoicn, Oav/xaTCOv re Kpelacrova.
6e\w S' uKOvaaL, Trorepd <tol irappjjaia
^pd(T(o ra KeWev rj \6yov (jTeiXoo/xeda'
670 TO 'yap rd^o^i crov roiv (fypevwv BeBoiK, dva^,
KOI TOv^vOvfiov Kol TO ^aatXiKov \iav.
nEN0ET2Xej, ft)9 dd(fo<i i^ efxov 7rdvT<j)<; ecrer
TOi? jap hiKaiot^ o^'XJ' dvpovaOai xpecov.
6a(p S' av ecTTr}'; SeivoTepa JiaK^MV irept,
TOcrwSe pdXXov top virodevTa ra? Texycayvvac^l Tovoe Tfj Blkt} TrpoaOi'-jcroijiev.
A.rrEAOs
dyeXaia pev ^oaKrjpaT cipTi 7rpo<i Xe7ra<i
poax^v v7re^i]Kpi^ov, I'jviX vXiadKTiva<i €^L7](Tt deppaivav x^ova.
680 bpoi Ze Oidaov^; rpet? <yuvaiK€L(ov %o/?wi',
a)v yjpx ^vo<; p.ev Avrovor], tov BevTepov
p,7]Trjp Wyavr] a/], Tpirov h' '\vol> x^pov.
rjvSov 8e irdaai (T(opLacnv irapetp-evat,,
al p,€V 7r/909 eXdT7]<i vmt epetcraaaL (f)0^7]v,
at B' iv Bpvo^ (f)vXXotai tt/jo? ireScp Kdpa
elKfi /3aXov(Tat awcjipovw;, ovx &>? o-y (f)i]<;
(pvwpevw^ KparfipL Kol Xwtov -^o^cp
Orjpav KaO' vXrjv KyTT/att" rjp7}p(i>p,eva'i.
rj err) Be pr]Tr]p ooXoXv^ev iv peaai<i
690 cTTaOelcra BdKXctc<i, e^ vttvov Kivelv Bep,a<;,
pvKijpaO' ft)9 i]Kova€ Kepocpopcov fiocov,
al B' diro^aXovcrai OaXepov oppudTOOv vttvov
dvfj^av opOai, Oavp! IBelv evKO(jpia<i,
veai iraXaiUi irapBevoi t €t' d^vye<i.
Kal irpcoTa pev KaOelaav e(-9 u)pov<i Kupa<i
58
THE BACCHANALS
I come, King, fain to tell to thee and ThebesWhat strange, what passing wondrous deeds they da.
Yet would I hear if freely I may tell
Things there beheld, or reef my story's sail.
For, King, I fear thy spirit's hasty mood, 670
Thy passion and thine over-royal wrath.
PENTHEUS
Say on : of me shalt thou go all unscathed.
For we may not be wroth with honest men.The direr sounds thy tale of the Bacchanals,
The sterner punisliment will I inflict
On him who taujiht our dames this wickedness-
Thine herds of pasturing kine were even nowScaling the steep hillside, what time the sunFirst darted forth his rays to warm the earth.
When lo, 1 see three Bacchant women-bands,
—
680
Autonoe chief of one, of one tliv motherAgave, and the third band Ino led.
All sleeping lay, with bodies restful-strown;
Some backward leaned on leafy sprays of pine.
Some, witli oak-leaves for pillows, on the groundFlung careless ;—modestly, not, as thou say'st.
Drunken with wine, amid the sighing of flutes
Hunting desire through woodland shades alone.
I'hen to her feet sprang in the Bacchanals' midst
Ihy mother, crying aloud, " Shake from yon
sleep!
"
600
When fell our horned kine's lowing on her ear.
They, dashing from their eyelids rosy sleep,
Sprang up,—strange, fair array of ordered ranks,
—
Young wives, old matrons, maidens yet unwed.First down their shoulders let they stream their hair :
59
BAKXAI
ve/3piSa<; t' dveaTeiXavd' oa-aiaiv d/xfjuiToyv
avvhea-fx iXeXvTO, /cat KaracrrLKTOv^ 8opd<i
6(f)€(rt KaTe^coaavTO Xi-^jxoiaiv 'yevvv.
ai h' dyKciXaLai BopKiiB' i) (tkv[jlvov^ Xvkwv700 dypiov^; exovcrat XeuKov iBlSoaav <ydXa,
ocrai'i veor6Koi<; paaro^ yv airapyoiv enjSpecprj XiTTOvaai^;' iirl B' edevro KiaaLvov;
(rT€(b('ivov<; 8puo<; re fiiXa/co^ t' dvderr^opov,
Ovpaov he Ti^ Xa/3ova' eiraiaev et9 irerpav,
oOev Spo(T(o8r]'i vharos eKTrrjSa vori's'
dXXt] Be vupOrjK ei<; ireBov Kadi)Ke yyj^,
Koi rfjBe Kpi]vrjv e^avrjK o'lvov Oeo^'
6aai<; Be XevKov vrcoytiaTo? 7ro6o<; Trapyjv,
oLKpoKTL BaKTvXoicri Biapcoaai y^06i>a
710 ydXaKTO<; e(rfj,ov<; eiy^ov ck Be KiaaivmvOvpacov yXvKelai peXiro^ ecrrai^ov poai.
w<n\ el nraprjada, top deov rov vvv •^eyei'i
evy^aicTLV dv fieTfjX9e<i eiaiBuiv jdBe.
^uv7]X0ofiev Be /SovkoXoi kcll 7roi/xeve<;,
KoiVMV Xoyoiv BoiaovTe<; dXXi]Xoi's eptp,
ft)9 Beivd, Bpo)(7L Bavfjidrcov r' eTrdPia-
Kai Ti<; 7rXdi'r]<i fcar' dcrTU Kal rpl/3a->i' X6yon>
eXe^ev et? aTravTWi- 6> aepvd'i irXdKa^
vaiovTe<; opkwv, OeXere Oi^paaoifxeOa
720 Y\ev6e(i><; Wyawp' /xrjTep' ck /3aK)(^eupdTMV
Xdpiv t' dvaKTi OciipeO' ; ev B' y)plv Xeyeiv
cBo^e, 6dp,v(ov B' eXXox^'^opev (f)6^at<i
Kpv^avre^ avroix;' al Be rip/ reraypevrjv
Mpav eKLvoup Ovpaov et? ^aKx^vpaia,"laK^ov dOp6(p aropari rov Aio<; yovov
V>pop.iov KaXouaar irdv Be avve^uK^^v' 6po<i
6o
THE BACCHANALS
Then looped they up tlieir fawnskins,—they whosebands
Had fallen loose,—and girt the dajipled fells [while.
Round them with snakes that licked their cheeks theSome, cradling fawns or wolf-cubs in their arms,
Gave to the wild things of tlieir own white milk,— 700
Young mothers they, who had left their babes, that
still [heads
Their breasts were full. Then did they wreath their
With ivy, oak, and flower-starred briony.
One grasped her thyrsus-staff", and smote the rock.
And forth upleapt a fountain's showerv sprav :
One in earth's bosom planted her reed-wand.And up therethrough the God a wine-fount sent :
And whoso fain would drink white-foaming draughts
Scarred with their tiiiger-ti]is the breast of earth.
And milk gushed forth unstinted : dripped the while 710
Sweet streams of honey from their ivy-staves.
Hadst thou been there, thou hadst, beholding this,
With prayer approached the God whom now thouspurnest.
Then we, thine herdmen and thy shepherds, drewTogether, each with each to hold dispute
Touchmg their awful deeds and marvellous.
And one, a town\\ ard truant, ready of speech,
To all cried, " Dwellers on the terraces
Of hallowed mountains, will ye that we chase
From Bacchus' revel Agave, Pentheus' mother, 720
And do our lord a kindness ?" Well, thought we.
He spake, and we in ambush hid ourselves
Mid leaves of copses. At the appointed time
They waved the thyrsus for the revel-rites.
With one voice calling lacchus, Clamour-king,
Zeus' seed. The hills, the wild things all, were thrilled
6i
BAKXAI
Kol 6rjpe<^, ovSev B* rji/ aKivrjTOV hpofiw.
Kupet S' Wyaw] Tr\7]aiov dpuxTKOvad fiou'
Kcijco '^e7r7')B7]a' &)? crvvapTrdaat diXoii/,
730 Xoxp-V^ Kev(joaa<i evd' eKpvTrrofir/v Se/^af.
r; S' dve/Sorjaev' & 8pofid8e<i ifiai Kvve<i,
Oijpciified' dvSpcov T0}v8' vtt' aXV eireade /lot,
eirecrOe 6vpaoi<; Slcl ')(^epoiv oiTrXiafievat.
I'jfiel^; jxev ovv (fievyovTe<; e^rfky^cifiev
Ba/c^cof cnrapayiiov, al Se v€/j.opevai<; '^Xorjv
/Ltocri^Oi? eTTrjXOov ')(^6ipo<; dcriSijpov fiera.
KOI Ti-jv fiev dv 7rpoa€tSe<i evOifkov iropiv
fivKO)fM€vy]v eXKOvaav ev )(^epoLV St;^a/
dWab Se 8a/j,d\a<; Siecjyopovv airapdypaaiv.
740 elSe? 8' dv i) irXevp' i) hiyrfkov e/x^aaiv
pL'TTTop^ev' dvco re koL Kdru)' Kpe/uLatrrd Be
ecrra^' vtt' fc'XaTat9 dva7red>vpp.ev aifian.
Tavpoi B' vjBpKTjaX Ket,^ Kepa^ 6u/j.ov/xepoi
TO TTpoaOev iacpdWovTO Trpo? yaiav Befxa<;,
fMvpidai ')(^eipd)V dyofievoL veavihwv.
ddaaov he 8iecf)opouvTO aapKO<; ivSvTa
?) ere ^vvd^ac ^\e(f)apa ySacrtXetoi? Kopaif;.
ycopovcTL S' o)(7T 6pvi6e<i dp6eL(Tat Bpofico
TreBiav v-TrordaeL^;, at nap W^awirov poal<;
750 evKapirov eK/3dXXovac ®)]f3at(ov ard^vv"Taid^ T ^KpvOpd'i 9^, at }sii6aipo)vo<i XeTra?
vepOev KaTU)xi)Kaaiv, omre iTdXep,iOL
eireKxireaovaai, irdvr dvco re Kal Kuroi
Bte(f)epov' i']p7ra^ov fiev e/c Bo/xdov reKva'
oTTOcxa 8' eV &p,OL<i eOeaav, ov Secr/iMv vtto
•rrpoaelx^r ovB' eTTLTnev el<; fieXav irehov,
ov ')(a\K6<i, ov a'ihrjpo^' itrl Be ^oarpv')(^oi<i
' Reiske : for MSS ^x""*^"" • • • • Siko.
62
THE BACCHANALS
With ecstasy : naught but shook as on they rushed.
Now nigh to me Agave chanced to leap,
And forth I sprang as who would seize on her,
Leaving the thicket of mine ambush void. 730
Then shouted she, " What ho, my fleetfoot hounds,
We are chased by these men ! Ho ye, follow me
—
Follow, the thyrsus-javelins in your hands !
"
O then we fled, and fleeing scantly 'scaped
The Bacchanals' rending grasp. Downi swooped theythen
Upon our pasturing kine with swordless liand.
Then hadst thou seen thy mother with her handsRend a deep-uddered heifer bellowing loud:
And others tore the calves in crimson shreds.
Ribs hadst thou seen and cloven hoofs far hurled 740
This way and that, and flakes of flesli that hungAnd dripped all blood-bedabbled 'neath the pines.
Bulls chafing, lowering fiercel}^ along the hornErewhile, were tripped and hurled unto the earth.
Dragged down by countless-clutching maiden hands.
More swiftly was the flesh that lapped their bonesStripped, than thou couldst have closed thy kingly
eyes.
On swept they, racing like to soaring birds.
To lowland plains which by Asopus' streams
Bear the rich harvests of the Theban folk : 750
Hysiae, Erythrae, 'neath Cithaeron's scaur
Low-nestling,—swooping on them like to foes,
This way and that way hurled they all their goods.
Yea, from the houses caught they up the babes :
These, and all things laid on their shoulders, clungUnfastened ; nothing to the dark earth fell,
Nor brass nor iron ; and upon their liair
63
BAKXAI
irvp €(f)€pov, ov8^ €Kaiev. ol 8' 6pyti<i vtto
€19 oW e\mpovv cfyepopevoi Ba/cYwi^ vtto'
760 ovirep ro Seivov rjv Oeafi ISeiv, ava^.
T0i9 /jL€V <yap 01)"^ ^fiaaae Xoyx^corov y3eXo<?,
Ketvat 8e 6vpaov<; e^avieiaai 'x^epoiv
erpaufxaTi^ov KciTrevcori^ov (pvyrj
yvvaiKe^ civSpwi, ovk civev Oewv tipo<;.
iraXiv 8' e^dopovv 66ev eKLvi]aav ttoBu,
Kpy]va<i fcV avTci^ a^ av?]K avral^ Oeo'i.
viyjravTo 8' aifia, arayova 8' e/c 7rapi]L8o}v
yXcoaarf 8pdK0VTe<i €^e(f)ai8pvvov )(^poo<i.
Tov 8aLf.iov' ovv Tov8' 6(TTis eaT , S) 8ea'TTora,
770 ^^X^^ TToXei Tfj8\ ft)9 TO, T a)OC earlv p,eya<i,
KUKelvo (^aaiv avTov, o)? eyco k\uw,Trjv iravaiXuTTOv a/xTreXov 8ovvai (dpoTol'i.
OLVOv 86 [xiiKeT 6vro<; ovk eariv KuTrpt?
ouS' oKKo repirvov ov8ev dvdpcoTroi^ ert.
X0P02
Tap^o) /j,€v elirelv toj)? Xoyov^ iXevOepovi
eb<i 70V Tvpavvov, ciXX' ofico^ elpyjaerat'
Aiovvao^ i'](racov ov8evo^ dewv e(f)v.
nEN0Er2
y8t] ToS' 6771)? ware irup v(f)d7rT€Tai
v^pLajia JiaK')(^o}v, yfroyo^ e? "EXXijvwi /j,iya<;.
780 dXA,' OVK OKvelv 8el' (7Te2~^ eir ^WXeKrpa^ loov
irvXa'i' KeXeve 7rdvra<; da7n8i]^6pov<;
iTTircov T (iTravruv Ta-)(yTro8o)v eTrefx/SaTU^
TreXrwi 6^ oaoi iraXXovai koI to^wv %ept
-^dXXovai vevpd^, 0)9 eiriaTpaTevaofiev
JiaKxatatv ov yap dXX^ VTrep/SdXXec Td8e,
el 7rp6<; yvvatKtov ireLaofxead^ a Trdaxofiev.
64
THE BACCHANALS
They carried fire unscorched. The folk, in wrathTo be by Bacchanals pillaged, rushed to arms :
Whereupon, King, was this strange sight to see :— TOO
From them the steel-tipt javelin drew not blood.
But they from their hands darting thyrsus-staves
Dealt wound on wound; and they, the women, turned
To flight men, for some (iod's hand wrought therein.
Then drew they back to whence their feet had come,To those same founts the (iod sent up for them.And washed the gore, while from their cheeks the
snakes
Were licking with their tongues the blood-gouts
clean.
Wherefore, whoe'er this God be, O my lord.
Receive him in this city ; for, beside 770
His other might, they tell of him, I hear,
That he gave men the grief-assuaging vine.
When wine is no more found, then Love is not,
Nor any joy beside is left to men.
CHORUSWords wherein freedom rings I dread to speak
Before the King ; yet shall my thought be voiced
:
Dionvsus is not less than any God.
PENTHEL'S
Lo, it is on us, kindling like a flame.
The Bacchanal outrage, our reproach through
Greece !
We may not dally :—to Electra's gate 78ti
Go thou ; bid all my warriors that bear shield
To meet me, and all riders of fleet steeds.
And all that shake the buckler, all who twangThe bowstring ; for against the Bacchanals
Forth will we march. Yea, this should pass all bounds,
To endure of women that we now endure !
65
VOL. III.^
BAKXAI
AIONTSOHTreCdei fiev ovhev, twv i^wv Xoycov kKvcov,
UevOev' KaKOi^ Se tt/do? aedev irdcr^aiv o/xu><i
ov (f>7]/jL(, j(^pr]vai a oiftC iTratpecrOat, Oew,
790 aXiC i)crv)(^di^^LV ^p6fito<; ovk dve^erac
Kivovvra Ba«;;^a9 evicov opoiv diro.
nEN0EY2ov fir] ^pevctiaeL^ jx , dWa BeafiLO^ (fyuyoiv
(T(oa€t, ToS'; rj aol ttoXlv dvaaTpe^jrco hiKrjv,
AIONT202dvoLp! dv avTW p.dWov rj Ovjuov/xevot
7r/309 Kevrpa XaKTi^oLfic 6vr]rb<; &v Oew.
nEN0ET2dvcro), (})ovov ye OrfKvv, coairep d^iai,
TTokvv Tapd^a<i ev ls.iOat,piovo<; irrvy^aZ^.
AI0NT202(f^ev^eade vrai'Te?- koI to8' alcr'^pov, d(T7nSa<;
dvpaoKTc ^aK')(SiV ixTpeireiv -yaKKrfKdTovi.
nEN0ET2800 drropu) ye TU)8e avfiTreTrXeypLeOa ^ev<p,
09 ovre 'Trda-)((ov ovre Spcov aiyijaeraL.
AION'ir202
0) rdv, ej eariv ev KaTuarrjaai TaSe.
nEN0ET2Tt hpoivra ; SovXevovTa SoyXetat? i/J-ai<i ;
AI0NT202eyct> yvvatKa^ Sevp" ottXcov d^o) St^a.
nEN0ET2o'l/MOi- t68^ TjBr] SoXiov eU fie iirf^ava.
AIONT202TTolov TC, awaaL cr' el 6e\co Te^vaa efiat<i
;
66
THE BACCHANALS
DIONYSUS
No whit thou yieldest, though thou hear'st my words,
Pentheus. Yet, though thou dost despite to me,I warn thee— bear not arms against a God
;
But bide still. Bromius will not brook that thou 790
Shouldst drive his Bacchanals from their revel-hills.
PENTHEUSSchool thou not me ; but, having 'scaped thy bonds.
Content thee : else again I punish thee.
DIONYSUS
Better slay victims unto him than kick
Against the pricks, man raging against God.
PENTHEUSVictims ? Ay, women-victims, fitly slain,
—
Wild work of slaughter midst Cithaeron's glens I
DIONYSUS
Flee shall ye all ; and shame were this, that shields
Brass-forged from wands of Bacchanals turn back.
PENTHEUSThis stranger—vainly wrestle we with liim :
800
Doing nor suffering will he hold his peace.
DIONYSUS
Friend, yet this evil may be turned to good.
PENTHEUSHow ?—by becoming my bondwomen's thrall ?
DIONYSUS
I without arms will bring the women hither.
PENTHEUSHa ! here for me thou plottest treachery I
DIONYSUSTreachery ?—I would save thee by mine art
!
67
BAKXAI
nEN©ET2^vveOeade Koivfj rdZ\ iva jBaKyevr^T aei.
AIONT205Kai /j.))i> ^vve0e/j,y]v tovto <y\ I'aOi, tw dew.
nEN0ET2(Kcfiepere /xoi Bevp' oirXa- av he jravaai Xe'ycov.
AIONT202810 a-
^ovXei a(f)^ ev opeai avyKaOrjfjLeva'i ISeiv
;
nEN0ET2/xciXiaTa, fivpiov <ye Boix; )(^pv(TOv araO/xov.
AIONT202Tt S' ei<; epcora rouBe TreincoKa^ p,eyav
;
nEN0ET2\v7rpci)<; viv elaihoLfx av i^wvoajxeva^.
AI0NT202opLCO^ S' rSoi? av j)Be(0'i a aoL iriKpd;
nEN0ET2ad(^^ ladi, aiyf] 7' vtt' eXdraii; Ka6i']p.evo^'
AIONT202aXX' e^L'^vevaovalv ae, Kav eXdi]^ XdOpa.
nEN0ET2dXX' ep.(j)avM^' KaXco<; '^/dp e^eZira^ TdZe.
AI0NT202dycop^ev ovv ere KaTTix^ip-qaeL^ oSw
;
nEN0ET2820 av' a)>? rd)(^iaTa, rov ^povov Si aoi <^6ovoi.
AIONT202aTelXal vvv d/x(f)l %/3Ci)ti /3vaaLV0V<i 7re7rXov<i
69
THE BACCHANALS
PENTHEUSV^c have made this covenant, so to revel aye.
DIONYSUS
Nay : know, that covenant made I with the God.
PENTHEUS {to attendanls)
Bring forth mine arms !—thou, make an end of speech.
DIONYSUS
Ho thou ! 810
Wouldst thou behold them camped upon the hills ?
PENTHEUS
'
Ay—though with sumless gold I bought the sight.
DIONYSUS
Why on this mighty longing hast thou fallen ?
PENTHEUS
To see them drunk with wine—a bitter sight
!
DIONYSUS
Y'et wouldst thou gladly see a bitter sight ?
PENTHEUS
Yea, sooth, in silence crouched beneath the pines.
DIONYSUS
Yet will they track thee, stealthily though thou come.
PENTHEUS
Openly then !—yea, well hast thou said this.
DIONYSUS
Shall I then guide thee ? Wilt essay the path ?
PENTHEUS
Lead on with speed : I grudge thee all delay ! 820
DIONYSUS
Array thee now in robes of linen fine.
' From this time Pentbeus speaks as one hypnotized.
69
BAKXAI
nEN0ET2Tt S77 ToS' ; €19 yvvaiKU^ ef av8po<; reXw
;
AI0NT202
fi7] ere Krdvcoaiv, rjv dvrjp 6^6fi<; eKet.
nENQETSev 7' eiTra? avTo, Kai tl<; el iraXat ao(f)o<;.
AI0NT202At6vvi70<; r)fid<i e^e/xouacoa-ev rdSe.
nEN0ET2TTW? GUI' 'yevotT av a <rv fxe vouOeTet'i KaXco'i
;
AI0NT202iyo) areXct) ere Sco/xdrcov el'cro) /xoXcov.
nENeET2rlva aroXrjv ; rj 6rj\vv ; aXX.' ai8(o^ fi e')(ei.
AIONT202ovKeri 6eaTr)<; ^laLvdSwv 7rpodvfio<; el;
nEN©ET2830 (TToXrjv Be riva <f)rj<; dfi<JH %/jwt' efiov /3a\eiv
;
AIONT202KOfiTjv fxev eirl trw Kparl ravaov eKTevw.
nEN0ET2TO Bevrepov Be <T;^>'}/ia rov Kocrfiov rl p.01
;
AI0NT202TreVXot irohrjpei'i' eirl Kdpa 8' earai pirpa.
nEN0ET277 /cat Tf 7rpo9 TotcrS' aXXo irpoerdrjo'ei'i e/iol
;
AIONT202Ovpaov ye xetpt /cat ve^pov cttiktov 8epa'?.
nEN0ET2ou/t ai' Svvaifirjv OrjXvv ivhvvai cnoXrjV,
AIONr202aW' atyua drjaei^ (TvjM^aXiov Ba/c^at? fidxv^-
70
THE BACCHANALS
PENTHEUSWherefore ? From man shall I to woman turn ?
DIONYSUS
Lest they should kill thee, seeing thee there as man.
PENTHEUSWell said—yea, shrewd hast thou been heretofore.
DIONYSUS
Such science Dionysus taught to me.
PENTHEUSHow then shall thy fair rede become mine act ?
DIONYSUS
I will into thine halls, and robe thee there.
PENTHEUSWhat robe? A woman's?—nay, but I think shame.
DIONYSUS
Is thy desire to watch the Maenads dead ?
PENTHEUSIn what garb, say'st thou, wouldst thou drape my form ? 83()
DIONYSUS
Thine head with flowing tresses will I tire.
PENTHEUSAnd the next fashion of my vesture—what ?
DIONYSUS
Long robes : and on thine head a coif shall be.
PENTHEUSNaught else but these wouldst thou add unto me ?
DIONYSUS
Thyrsus in hand, and dappled fell of fawn.
PENTHEUSI cannot drape me in a woman's robe !
DIONYSUS
Then fight the Maenads— spill thy people's blood.
71
BAKXAI
nEN0ET26p9o)<;- fioXelv y^prj irpcoTov et? Karacr KOTrrjv.
AI0NT205(Totpwrepov yovv i) KaKol^ drjpdv KaKa.
nEN0EY5840 KCLi 7r(xi<s he a(7r€(t)<; elfxi KaSyu-e/oy? Xaddiv
;
AI0NT202oBov^ €pi]pov<; ifiev eyw S' rjyyjcrofiai.
nEN0ET2irdv KpelacTov ware /jLt) ^yyeXdv Ba/c^a? epoi.
cXOovt' e? o'i/cov^ av Soktj jSovXevaopev.
AIONT202e^ecTTf irdvrr) to j ipbv €VTpe7re<i irdpa.
nEN0ET2arei-x^oLp dv i) yap ottX,' €-)(^(i)v iropevaopai
rj Tolai (Totai ireiOopMi /SovXevpuaiv.
AIONT202yvvaiK€<;, dvrjp et? /36Xov KaOicrraTai'
^]^ei 8e Ba/c;^a?, ov Oavcov Scocrei 8lkt)v.
Aiovvae, vvv aov epyov, ov yap el Trpocro)'
850 TLawped^ avrov. irpoira K eKarrjcrov (f)pei'U)V,
eVet? iXa(f)pdv Xvaaav (i}<; (ppovMV pev ev
ov pi] 6eXi](Tr] drfXvv ivhvvaL aroXtju,
e^o) 8' iXavvcov rov (^povelv ivhvaerai.
y^prjt^co Be VLV yeXoyra @t]^aL0i'; ocfyXecv
yvvaiKopop(f)ov dyopevov Bl darewieK TMV direiXoiv rd)V irpiv, alai Beiv6<i r}V.
aXX* elpi Koapov ovirep eWKiBov Xa^dtv
aTreicrc, pTjrpb'i eK ^(epolv KaTaa(jiayeL<;,
YievOel Trpocrdyfrwv yvcoaerai Be rov Ato<;
SCO Aiopvcrov, 09 7re(f)VKev ev reXei 6eb'i
Becv6raT0<;, dvOpdoiTOicn 8' rj7n(t)TaT0<i.
THE BACCHANALS
PKNTHEUSAy, true :—first must I go and spy them out.
DIONYSUS
Sooth, wiser so than hunt thee ills with ills.
PENTHEUSYet, how through Cadmus' city pass unseen ? 840
DIONYSUS
By lone paths will we go. Myself will guide.
PENTHEUSBetter were anything than Bacchants' mock !
We will pass in ... . what fits will I devise.
DIONYSUS
So be it : Howe'er thou choose, mine help thou liast.
PENTHEUS
I go .... I shall march haply sword in hand.
Or—or—do haply as thou counsellest. [Exit.
DIONYSUS
Women, the man sets foot within the toils.
The Bacchants—and death's penalty—shall he find.
Dionysus, play thy part now ; thou art near :
Let us take vengeance. Craze thou first his brain, 850
Indarting sudden madness. Whole of wit.
Ne'er will he yield to don the woman's robe :
Yet shall he don, driven wide of reason's course
I long withal to make him Thebes' derision,
In woman-semblance led the city through,
After the erstwhile terrors of his threats.
I go, to lay on Pentheus the attire
Which he shall take with him to Hades, slain
By a mother's hands. And he shall know Zeus*
son
Dionysus, who hath risen at last a God 860
Most terrible, yet kindest unto men. [Exit.
73
BAKXAI
X0P02
6i']cr(i) TTore \evKov
TToS' ava^aKX^vovaa, hepav
el<? aWepa hpoaepov
p'nrrova^, fo)9 ve^po<; x^oepal'!:
€p,7rai^ovaa \€ip.aKo<; rjSoval<;,
rjVLK av (f)o/3epav (f)vyr)
6/jpav e^o) ^vXaKo.^
870 ev7r\eKT(OV virep apKVWV,
Ooivacroiv he KvvayeTa<i
crvvTeivrj ZpofJbrjpLa KVVOiV
fiox^oif; r a)KvBp6/jL0i^ r' deX-
>.at9 dpcoaKei irehiov
nrapairoraixLov, rjcofxeva
^poTMV iprjULai^
cTKiapoKOfiov T iv epveaiv v\a^,
Ti TO ao(f}OU rj n ro KaWiovirapa 6eoiv j€pa<; iv ^poTOL<;
r) %et/3' inrep Kopv(^a<;
880 Twv ixOpoiv Kpeiaaw Karex^i'V;
6 TL KoXov (f)[\ov ciei.
op/xarat /ioXt?, aW ofio)<; avr.
iriaTov Tt TO delov
a6evo<;' direvOvvei Se ^poTwvrev^ t' dyvco/ioavvav
rifjLMVTa<; koI pbrj ra Oeoiv
av^ovra'^ avv p^aivo/xeva 8o^a.
KpvTTTevovai Se 7rot/ftX&)9
Sapov xpovov TToSa Kai
74
THE BACCHANALS
CHORUSAh, shall my white feet in the dances gleam (Sir.)
The livelong night again ? Ah, shall I there
Float through the Bacchanal's ecstatic dream.Tossing my neck into the dewy air ?
—
Like to a fawn that gambols mid delight
Of pastures green, when she hath left beliind
The chasing horror, and hath sped her flight
Past watchers, o'er nets deadly-deftly twined,
Though shouting huntsmen cheer the racing hounds 870
Onward, the while with desperate stress and strain
And bursts of tempest-footed speed she boundsFar over reaches of the river-plain,
Till sheltering arms of trees around her close.
The twilight of the tresses of the woods;
—
O happy ransomed one, safe hid from foes
Where no man tracks the forest-solitudes !
What wisdom's crown, what guerdon, shines moreglorious
That Gods can give the sons of men, than this
—
O'er crests of foes to stretch the hand victorious? 880
Glory is crown and sum of human bliss
!
Slowly on-sweepeth, but unerringly, (Ant.)
The might of Heaven, with sternest lessoning
For men who in their own mad fantasy
Exalt their unbelief, and cro^^^l it king
—
Mortals who dare belittle things divine !
Ah, but the Gods in subtle ambush wait
:
On treads the foot of time ; but their design
Is unrelinquished, and the ruthless fate
7$
BAKXAI
890 Oripwaiv tov aaeinov ov
yap Kpelaaov irore roiv vofioiv
yiyvuxTKeiv xpi] Kol fieXeTav.
Kov(j)a yap haTrdva vo/xl-
6 Tt TTOT cipa TO Saifxoi'iov,
TO T iv y^povcp jxaKpu)
vofitfiov del (f)vaeL re 7r€(f)UK0<;.
tL to <TO(f>ov rj TL TO kclKKlov
irapa decov yepa^ ev PpoTol<i
rj %et^' inrep Kopv(f)d'i
900 T(t)v i)(^6pa)v Kpeiaaoy Kare^^LV ;
6 TL KaXov f^CKov dev.
evSaifXcov p,ev o? Ik 6a\daaa<i €7ri
€cf)vye y^elfxa, Xt/jiiva S' eKi^ev
evhaifxwv 8' o^ virepde ixo-x^Owv
iyeveO' • eTepa 8' €T€po<; eTepov
6\/3q) Ka\ Bvvd/jL€i iraprfKdev.
fivplai Se /jLvpioicrtv
€T eta^ eXTTtSef • al fiev
TeXevTcoaiv ev o\/3(p
/3poToi<;, al S' dTTej^rjcrav'
910 TO he KaT rjp,ap oto) /3loto^
evhal/Jiaw, /juKapi^o}.
AIONT205
<re TOV 7rp6du/j,ov 6v6' a /jLtj ^pewv opdv
airevSovTa t' dcnrovhacTTa, Tlevdea Xeyoi,
e^iOt irdpoLde hoyp-uTcov, ocjidriTl fioi
(TKevrjv yvvaiKO^ fiaivdho^ Bukxv^ ^X^^'fir]Tp6<; re t>)9 (T?}9 fcal \6xou KaTdaK07ro<i'
Tvpeirei'i he Y^dhfiov dvyaTepcov fjuopcprjv fjbid.
76
THE BACCHANALS
Quests as a sleuth-hound till it shall have tracked 890
The godless down in that relentless hunt.
We may not, in the heart's thought or the act.
Set us above the law of use and wont.
Little it costs, faith's precious heritage.
To trust that whatsoe'er from Heaven is sent
Hath sovereign sway, whate'er through age on ageHath gathered sanction by our nature's bent.
What wisdom's crown, what guerdon, shines moreglorious
That Gods can give the sons of men, than this
—
O'er crests of foes to stretch the hand victoricnis ? 900
Glory is crown and sum of hmnan bliss !
Blest who from ravening seas (^Epode)
Hath 'scaped to haven-peace.
Blest who hath triumphed in endeavour's toil andthroe.
Some men to higher height
Attain, of wealth, of might, [glow :
Than others ; myriad hopes in niyriad hearts still
To fair fruition brought
Are some, some come to naught : 910
Happy is he whose bliss from day to day doth grow.
Enter DIONYSUS.
DIONYSUS
Thou who dost burn to see forfended things,
Pentheus, O zealous with an evil zeal.
Come forth before thine halls : be seen of meWomanlike clothed in frenzied Bacchant's garb.
To spy upon thy mother and her troop.
Elder pentheus.
So I—like a daughter of Cadmus is thy form.
77
BAKXAI
nEN0ET2Kol firjv opav fioi, Svo fikv rj\LOV<; 8ok(o,
Si(Tcra<; Be 0?;yi3a? koL Trokia/ji' eirrdaToixov
920 KcCi ravpo^ tj/xlv irpoadev rjyeiaOai BoKdU
Kol crw Kepara KparX TrpocrTrecpvKevai.
dXX' 77 TTOT rjcrda 6i]p; reravpaxTai yap ovv.
AI0NT2026 ^€09 ofMaprel, irpoadev wv ovk evfievrj^;,
evairovSo'i •^filv viiv S' opa<i a XP^I o"' opdv.
nEN0ET2Tt (paivofua Srjr* ; ovxl rrju 'IvoO? <rrd<Tiv
rj TTjv' Ayavij'i kajdvai p,i]Tp6<; j i/Mrj<i ;
AIONT202aura? €Ke[va<; elcropdv Sokm <t opdv.
dXfC i^ eSpwi croi TrXoKUfio^ ^^^aTrjX oSe,
ov^ ft)-? eyco vlv vtto p,iTpa Kadrjpfxoaa.
nEN0ET2930 evBov irpocreioiv aiirov dvacreiwv r iyu)
Koi /3aK)(^id^(ov i^ e8pa<i fxed(opfj.i,aa.
AION'r202
aXX,' avrov rjfiei<;, 0I9 ere depairevetv /leXei,
trdXiv KaTaajekovjxev' aXV opdov xdpa.
nEN0ET2IBov, (TV KoafieL' aol yap dvaKei/xeaOa S?;.
AI0NT202^oivai re (tol ')(a\oiaL Kovy^ kl^r\<i TreTrXcov
aroXiSe^ vTro a^vpoiac reivovcnv aedev.
nEN0ET2KapLol BoKovac irapd ye Be^iov iroSa-
rdvdevBe 8' opdoi^ irapd rivovr e)(^ei 7re7rXo9.
AIONT202
?7 irov fie ro)V awv Trpcorov rjy/jaei (f)l\cov,
940 OTUV irapd \6yov a(a(f>pova<; Ba/c;^a9 iBtji;.
78
THE BACCHANALS
PENTHEUSAha ! meseemeth I behold two suns,
A twofold Thebes, our seven-gated burg !
A bull thou seem'st that leadeth on before;
920
And horns upon thine head have spi-outed forth.
How, irasl thou brute ?—bull art thou verily now !
DIONYSUS
The God attends us, gracious not ere this.
Leagued with us now : now seest thou as thou shouldst.
PENTHEUSVV^hose semblance bear I ? Have I not the mienOf Ino, or my mother Agave's port ?
DIONYSUS
Their very selves I seem to see in thee.
Yet, what ?—this tress hath from his place escaped.
Not as I braided it beneath the coif.
PENTHEUSTossing it forth and back within, in whirls 930
Of Bacchic frenzy, I disordered it.
DIONYSUS
Nay, I, who have taken thy tire-maiden's part,
Will rearrange it. Come, hold up thine head.
PENTHEUSLo there—thou lay it smooth : I am in thine hands.
DIONYSUS
Now is thy girdle loose ; thy garment's folds
Droop not below thine ankles evenly.
PENTHEUSYea, by my right foot so, meseems, it is.
To left, true by the sinew hangs the robe.
DIONYSUS
Me wilt thou, surely count thy chiefest friend.
When sight of sober Bacchants cheats thine hopes. 940
79
BAKXAl
nEN0ET2irorepa Se Ovpaov he^ia Xa^tov %ept
rj rfjSe, BaKXIJ fiaXXov eiKaaOrjaofxai
;
AIONT202iv Be^id '^prj xafia Semico ttoBl
al'peiv viv alvM 8' otl /jie6€aTi]Ka<; ^pevwv.
nEN0ET2ap' av SuvaLfirjv TU'i K.LOatp(i}vo<; 7rrv)(^a<{
avTaicTL Ba/fT^ai'? rol^ ep.ol'i iojjlol^ (pepeiv
;
AI0NT202Svvat av, el jSovK-OiO' Ta<; he irplv (^peva^
ovK et%e9 vyieli;, vvv 8' e';)^ef? oia*? ere hel.
nEN0ET2/iO^Xoi'9 (f)epco/M€v ; rj -yepoiv avaaTrdaw
950 Kopv(f)ai<; v7rol3a\(bv Stfiov r) ^pa')(iova
;
AIONT202p^rj av ye ra l!^vp(f>o)v SioXearj^i Ihpvpxna
KOi Yl.avo<i eBpa^, evO' e^^L aupcypaTa.
nEN0Er2KokSi^ eKe^a^i' ov aOevei viKrjreov
fyvvaiKWi, eXdraiaiv S' ifxbv Kpvyp-co Se/xa?.
AIONT202Kpv^\reL av Kpv\p-iv ijv ae Kpvcf)9f]vai ^(peoov
iXdovra SoXlov l^iawdScov KardaKOTTov.
nENOETSKol p-y-jv hoKW a(f)d'i ev X6)(^pai^ opvidwi w?XeKTpcov ex^^aOai (j^tXTdroa ev epKecnv.
8o
THE BACCHANALS
PENTHEUSThis thyrsus—shall I hold it in this hand.Or this, the more to seem true Bacchanal ?
DIONYSUS
In the right hand, and with the right foot timedLift it :—all praise to thy converted heart !
PENTHEUSCould I uj)on my shoulders raise the glens ^
Of Mount Cithaeron, yea, and the Bacchanals ?
DIONYSUS
Thou mightest, an thou wouldst : ei'ewhile thy soul
Was warped ; but now 'tis even as befits.
PENTHEUSWith levers ?—or shall mine hands tear it upWith arm or shoulder thrust beneath its crests ? 950
DIONYSUS
Now nay—the shrines of Nymphs destroy not thou.
And haunts of Pan that with his piping ring.
PENTHEUSTrue—true : we must not overcome by force
The women. I will hide me midst the pines.
DIONYSUS
Hide ?—thou shalt hide as Fate ordains thine hiding.
Who com'st with guile, a spy on Bacchanals.
PENTHEUSMethinks I see them mid the copses caught.
Like birds, in toils of their sweet dalliance.
' Among signs of incipient madness is a failure to dis-
criminate resistance, so that the patient, while raising slight
weiglits (here, the thyrsus), imagines himself to be putting
forth strength enough to raise enormous ones.
8i
VOL. III. G
BAKXAI
AIONTSOS
ovKovv eV avTo tovt airocneWei (f)v\a^'
960 A^^-v/ret 8' Icro)? a(f)d<;, rjv av /xi] \ri(f>Of]^ irdpo'^.
nEN0ET5
Ko/xt^e Sid fjL€(T)]'i fie &i]^aia<i vroXeco'i-
fMuvo<i jup €ifi avTiov dvrjp toX/jLcov ToSe.
AIONT202
fiovo^i av TToXewi T/}crS' vTrepKufivei^;, iiovo<i'
Toijdp a d'ywve^ dva/jLevovcriv ov<i ixpW'€7rov 8e- TTO/iTTo? S' el/jL iyo) awTrjpio^,
Keidev 8' d-Trd^ei a dXko<i,—nEN0ET2
rj T€KOvad ye.
AIONT202
iiriayj/xov ovra Trdaiv—nEN0ET2
eVt ToS' epxof^ac,
AIONT202
(f)€p6fJ,€V0<i 7]^ec<i—nEN0ET2d^poTTjT efirjv Xiyei^.
AIONY202iv %e/30't /xrjrp6<i.
nEN0ET2
Kol Tpv(f)dv fi dvay/cd(r€t<i,
AI0NY202
Tpv(f)d<i ye ToidaS'—nEN0ET2
970 d^icov fiev a-rrTOfuti.
82
THE BACCHANALS
DIONYSUS
To this end then art thou appointed watchman :
Perchance shalt catch them—if they catch not thee. 960
PENTHEUSOn through the midst of Thebes' town usher me !
I am their one man, I alone dare this !
DIONYSUS
Alone for Thebes thou travail est, thou alone;
Wherefore for thee wait struggle and strain fore-
doomed.Follow : all safely will I usher thee.
Another thence shall bring thee,
—
PENTHEOSAy, my mother !
DIONYSUS
To all men manifest
—
PENTHEUSFor this I come.
DIONYSUS
High-borne shalt thou return—
•
PENTHEUSSoft ease for me ?
DIONYSUS
On a mother's hands.
PENTHEUSThou wouldst thrust pomp on me !
DIONYSUS
Nay, 'tis but such pomp
—
PENTHEUSAs is my desert. 970
83
BAKXAI
AI0NT202
Seti/0? ai) 8eiv6<; /cam Beiv' ep^ei irdOrj,
ojctt' ovpavu) arrjpL^ov evprjcret^ KXeoi;,
€Kretv\ ^Ayavr), ')^€lpa<i aX 6* oixoaTropot
KdBfxov OvyaTepef;' top veaviav dyco
TOvS* ei9 dycova fxeyav, 6 viKi'jawv S' iyco
Kol Bp6/j,io<i earai. raXKa B* avro a^j/xave'i.
X0P02
iVe 0oal A.v(T(Ta<i Kvve<i it et? opo^, arp.
diaaov evd^ e')(ovaL KdS/xov KopuL,
dvoccnprjaaTe viv
98C iirl TOP ev <yvvacKOfu/x(p aroXd
XvacroiSrj KardaKOTrov M.aLvdha)v.
fidrrjp Trpojrd viv \evpa<i dtro irerpat
rj aic6XoTro<; oyjrerai
8oK€vovTa, ^laivdcnp 8' d7rv<T€f
fiaarrjp opetBpoficov
i<i OpO<i 69 0/)09 €/J,0\€V, 0) BdKX,Cll !
Tt9 dpa VlV €T€K€V ;
ov yap €^ ai/taro? yvvaiKcov e(f)v,
Xeaiva^ Be tivo^ oB" r) Topyovcov
990 Xi^vaaav yevo<i.
84
THE BACCHANALS
DIONYSUS
Stransfe, strange man ! Strange shall thine experience
be.
So shalt thou win renown that soars to heaven.
[Exit PENTHEUS.
Agave, stretch forth hands;ye sisters, stretch,
Daugliters of Cadmus ! To a mighty strife
I bring this prince. The victor I shall be
And Bromius. All else shall the issue show. [Exit.
CHORUS(Sir.)
Up, ye swift hell-hounds of Madness ! Away to themountain-glens, where [fury, to tear
Cadraus's daughters hold revel, and sting them to
Him who hath come woman-vestured to spy on the
Bacchanals there.
Frenzy-struck fool that he is !—for his mother shall 980
foremost descry [tree he would spy
Him, as from water-worn scaur or from storm-riven
That which they do, and her shout to the Maenadsshall peal from on high :
—
" Who hath come hither, hath trodden the paths to
the mountain that lead.
Spying on Cadmus's daughters, the maids o'er the
mountains that speed,
Bacchanal-sisters?—what mother hath brought to
the birth such a seed?
Who was it ?—who ?—for I ween he was born not of
womankind's blood : [of the wood;
Rather he sprang from the womb of a lioness, scourge
Haply is spawn of the Gorgons of Libya, the demon-brood." 990
85
BAKXAI
I'to) Blku ^av€po<;, trm ^Kpij^opo'j
(povevovaa \aifion> BiafiTra^
Tov adeov avofiov dSiKOv 'E')(^lopo<;
roKov yrjjevf].
09 aSiKM yvcofia Trapavojxw r opya d
irepX ad, Ba/c^^t', opyta parpos re ad<i
pbaveiaa Trpairihi
1000 TrapaKOTTM re \rip.ari areWeTai,
TaviKarov a)9 Kparrjawv /3i'a.
yvdo/Miv adx^pov , a 9varol<i uTrpocjxKTiaTO'i
€19 TO, Oeoiv h<^v,
^poreiav t ex^iv, «'\u7ro9 ^('09.
TO (TO(f}OV OV (f)6oi'(p
')(aipm 6ripevov(Ta,
rd S' €Tepa peydXa (pavepd t ovr aei,
cttI rd Kokd ^iov
ijp,ap el<i vvKTa r evayovvr^ euae/Beiv,
1010 rd S' €^0) v6/.up,a BIkus eK/3aX6v-
ra Tipciv 6eov<i.
tTft) BtKa <paV€pO<i, ITft) ^l(j)1}(l)OpO<i
(^ovevovaa \aip,a)v hiapird^
TOP dOeov dvofiov dhiKov ^^')(iovo<i
roKOv yijyt^pfj.
86
THE BACCHANALS
Justice, draw nigh us, draw nigh, with the sword of
avenging appear : [born, and shear
Slay the unrighteous, the seed of Echion the earth-
Clean through his throat, for he feareth not God,neither law doth he fear.
(Ant.)
Lo, how in impious mood, and with lawless intent,
and with spite [he cometh to fight,
Madness-distraught, with thy rites and thy mother's
Bacqhus—to bear the invincible down by his im-
potent might ! 1000
Thus shall a mortal have sorrowless days, if hekeepeth his soul [control.
Sober in spirit, and swift in obedience to heaven's
Murmuring not, neither pressing beyond his mor-tality's goal.
Not their presumptuous wisdom I covet : I seek for
mine own
—
[so may be known.Yea, in the quest is mine happiness^things that not
Glorious wisdom and great, from the days ever-
lasting forth-shown,
Even to fashion in pureness my life and in holiness
aye, [of the day,
Following ends that are noble from dawn to the deathHonouring Gods, and refusing to walk in injustice's
way. 1010
Justice, draw nigh us, draw nigh, with the sword of
avenging appear : [born, and shear
Slay the unrighteous, the seed of Echion the earth-
Clean through his throat ; for he feareth not God,neither law doth he fear.
87
BAKXAI
(f)dvr}6c ravpo^ rj irdXvKpavo'i iSeiv eTrwS.
BpaKcov ^ TTvpicfiXeycov
opaadai \eo)v.
1020 id\ a> 3dK)(^6, drjpaypevra Ba/c;i^ai'
<ye\wvri TrpoacoTTw TrepiBaXe
^p6')(^ov eirl 6avdaipov
dyeXav Treaovri rav ^laivdBtov,
ArrEA02
0) Swyu.' Trpiv TTor r]VTVX€i<; dv EXXaSct,
"^iScoviov <yepovTO<i, o? to yrjyeve^;
BpaKOVTO^ eaireip6(f)€0<; ev yaia 6epo<;,
(y? ae arevd^w, Bou\o<; o)v pev, aW' o/iw?
'^pi]crroiai SovXoi<; avp^opa to, BeaTTOTcov.
X0P02
Tt S' ecTTiv ; GK ^aK')(S)v rt prjvvei^ vkov ;
ArrEAOS
1030 Tlev6ev<; oXwXe, Trai? 'E;^toi/09 irarpo'i.
X0P05
o)va^ Epopee' 6eo<; ^aivei pe>ya<i,
ArrEAOS
TTco? </)7;9 ; Tfc TOVT cXe^a? ; 17 Vt rot? e/xot?
')(aipei<i KaK(x)<i Trpdcraoua-i hecnroTai^, yvvai ;
XOP02
evd^co ^iva peXeai ^ap^dpoi<;'
ovfcert yap Seap^wv vtto <^6^(p irT-qcraa).
ArrEAOS
S)]l3a<; S' dvdvdpov^ wS' ny€t<j* * * *
88
THE BACCHANALS
{Epode)
O Dionysus, reveal thee !—appear as a bull to behold,
Or be thou seen as a dragon, a monster of headsmanifold, [of him rolled.
Or as a lion with splendours of flame round the limbs
Come to us, Bacchus, and smiling in mockery com- 1020
pass him round [hunter be bound.Now with the toils of destruction, and so shall the
Trapped mid the throng of the Maenads, the quarry
his questing hath found.
Enter messenger.MESSENGER
O house of old through Hellas prosperous
Of that Sidonian patriarch, who sowedThe earth-born serpent's dragon-teeth in earth.
How I bemoan thee ! Though a thrall I be.
Their lords' calamities touch loyal thralls.
CHORUSWhat now ?—hast tidings of the Bacchanals ?
MESSENGER
Pentheus is dead : Echion's son is dead.
CHORUS
Hromius my King! thou hast made thy godhead plain !
MESSENGERPlow, what is this thou say'st ? Dost thou exult,
\\'omaii, upon my lord's calamities ?
CHORUSAn alien I, I chant glad outland strain.
Who cower no more in terror of the chain.
MESSENGER
Deemest thou Thebes so void of men, [that ills
Have left her powerless to punish thee ?]
89
1030
BAKXAI
XOP02Ai6vvao<; 6 Ai6vvao<;, ov %ri^aL
Kpdro<i €')(^ov(T efjiov.
ArrEAOSavyyvcocTTa fiev aoi, TrXrjv eV e^€tpya<T/j,€voi<;
1040 KaKolai '^(aipeLV, 6) jvvatKe<;, ov koKov.
X0P02evveire pot, ^pdcrov, tlvl popco OvrjaKet,
d8iK0<; ciSiKii T eKwopL^cov civiip ;
ArrEA05eVel depciTTva^ rijaBe 07;/3ata9 ydovof;
XiTTOvre^ e^ejBripev Wo-wttov pod-i,
XeVa? K.i0aip(i}i'6iov elae/BdWopevIl€pdev<f re Kayco, BeaTrorrj yap eiTropijv,
^€V0<; 0^ 0? t'jplv TTO/iTTO? r)v Oewpia'^.
irpwTov p^ev ovv Troirjpov 'i^opev vdiro^,
rd T €K irohwv criyrjXa koX y\d)aar}<; airo
lOoO acp^ovT€<;, &)? opwpev oiiy^ opoopevot.
Tjv S' dyK0<i dp(f)iKprjpi>ov, vhaai Bid^po^ov,
TreuKaiai (TvaKLu^ov, evOa MatmSe?Kadf]VT ey^ovaai ^^eipwi iv repTrvot^; 7r6voL<;.
ai pev yap auTMv Ovpcrov eKXeXonroTaKiaaw KoprjTr]v avOi^ e^avecrre^ov,
al 5' €K\i7rovaat ttoiklX' ax; ttcoXoi ^vya
^aK')(elov dvreKka^ov dWrfKai^ yueXof.
Ylevdev'^ S' 6 r'\.}]pcov Orfkvv ovy^ opoiv 6)(\ov
eXe^e roidS'' m ^eV, ov pev ecTrapev,
1060 ovK i^LKVovpai ^laivdhwv oaaot^ vodoiv
6-)(dov h' eTreplBdq i) ekdrrfv v^\rav~)(,eva
IBoip' av opOco^ ^iaivdhiov alay^povpyiav.
TOvvTevdev rjhr] tov ^evov rt 6avp opw'
XajScov yap iXdrrjii ovpdiuov axpov kXuSov
90
THE BACCHANALS
CHORUSDionysus it is, 'tis the King of the VineThat hath lordship o'er me, no Thebes of thine
!
MESSENGERThis might be jiardoned, save that base it is.
Women, to joy o'er evils past recall. 1040
CHORUSTell to me, tell,—by what doom died he,
The villain devising villainy ?
MESSENGERWhen, from the homesteads of this Theban land
Departing, we had crossed Asopus' streams.
Then we began to breast Cithaeron's steep,
Pentheus and I,—for to my lord I clave,—And he who ushered us unto the scene.
First in a grassy dell we sat us downWith footfall hushed and tongues refrained from
speech.
That so we might behold, all unbeheld. 1050
There was a glen crag-walled, with rills o'erstreamed,
Closed in with pine-shade, where the Maenad girls
Sat with hands busied with their gladsome toils.
The faded thyrsus some with ivy-sprays
Twined, till its tendril-tresses waved again :
Some, blithe as colts from carven Avain-yokes loosed,
Re-echoed each to each the Bacchic chant.
But hapless Pentheus, seeing not the throngOf women, spake thus :
" Stranger, where we stand.
Are these mock-maenad maids beyond my ken. 1060
Some knoll or pine high-crested let me climb.
And I shall see the Maenads' lew'dness well."
A marvel then I saw the stranger do :
A soaring pine-shaft by the top he caught,
91
BAKXAI
Karrj^/ev, yjyev, rjyev et? fxeXav irebov
kvkXovto S' oiare ro^ov rj Kvpro^ Tpo)(o<i
Topvo) 'ypa(f)6fX€vo<; Trepiipopav eA.«et Bpofiov
W9 kXwv opeiov 6 ^eVo? yepolv a.'ywv
eKa/UTTTev eh jrjv, epyfiar' ovj^l Ovqra hpwv.
1070 Tlevdea h' ihpvaa^ iXaTivcov oi^wv €7ri,
opOov jxeO'ieL hca -^epMV jSXdarrip,' avwdrpe/xa, (j)v\d<T(ra)V fxr] dvaxcii^Ticreie vcv.
opdi] h' e? opdbv aWep' ear^pL^eTO
€')(ov(7a v(t)roi<; SeaTTorrjv ecjitj/xevov.
cocpdrj 8e fiaXkov i) KUTeiSe MatmSa?*ocrov yap ovttco Br]Xo<; rjv ddcrcrcov avw,
Kol TOP ^evov p,ev ovKer' etaopdv iraprjv,
€K 8' alOepo<; ^ftnirj Tf?, &)? piev eLKaaat
Ai6vvao<;, dvejBorja-ev & vedviB€<i,
1080 dyci) TOP vfj.d'i Kape Tcipd r' opyta
yeXcov riOepevov dWa ripwpelcrde viv.
Kal ravd' dp,' rjyopeve Kal Trpo? ovpavov
Kcu yalav eart^pil^e <^a)? crepLvov irvpo'i.
(Tbyrjcre B' aWrjp, alya h' vXipuof vdirrj
(f>v\X' el)^e, Orjpoiv 8' ovk dv r}KOvaa<i j3ot]V.
ai B' d>alv rjxh''^ '^^ cra(pM^ BeSeypevai
earrjaav opOal Kal BtijveyKav Kopa<;.
o B' avdi^ eireiceXevaev' co? B' iyvcopicrav
aa^i) KeXevapov Ba/c^^^iof KaS/ioi; Kopai,
1090 V^c''^ TreXeta? mkvtijt' ovx 't]crcrov€<;
TToBwv e^ovaai, avvT6voi<; Bpopyjpncn,
pLTjTrjp ^AyavT] avyyovot 6' opocnropoi
Trdaat re BdKy^ai' Bid Be '^eip.dppou vd'7rrj<;
dypbwv t' eTT^Bcov 6eov irvoalaiv €p,pnvet<i.
0)9 B' eiBov if^drr) BeaTTOTrjv i^rjpievov,
TrpwTOv pkv aurov ')(epp,dBa<; KpaTai/36Xov^
92
THE BACCHANALS
And dragged down—down—still down to the darkearth.
Arched as a bow it grew, or curving wheelThat on the lathe sweeps out its circle's round :
So bowed the stranger's hands that mountain-stem,And bent to earth—a deed past mortal might
!
Then Pentheus on the pine boughs seated he 1070
And let the trunk rise, sliding through his handsGently, with heedful care to unseat him not.
Far up into the heights of air it soared.
Bearing my master throned upon its crest.
More by the Maenads seen than seeing them.
For scarce high-lifted was he manifest.
When lo, the stranger might no moi*e be seen
;
And fell from heaven a voice—the voice, most like.
Of Dionysus,—crying, " O ye maids,
I bring him who would mock at you and me, 1080
And at my rites. Take vengeance on him ye !
"
Even as he cried, up heavenward, down to earth,
He flashed a pillar-splendour of awful flame.
Hushed was the welkin ; all the forest-glade
Held hushed its leaves ; no wild thing's cry was heard.
But they, whose eai-s not clearly caught the sound.
Sprang up, and shot keen glances right and left.
Again he cried his hest : then Cadmus' daughters
Knew certainly the Bacchic God's command.And darted : and the swiftness of their feet 1090
Was as of doves in onward-straining race
—
His mother Agave and her sisters twain.
And all the Bacchanals. Through torrent gorge.
O'er boulders, leapt they, with the God's breath mad.When seated on the pine they saw my lord.
First torrent-stones with might and main they hurled,
93
BAKXAI
eppLTTTOv, avTiTTupyov eTri/Bdcrai Trirpav,
o^oiai, t' eXaTivoidLV rjKovTL^ero-
aWai 8e 6vpcrov<; leaav 8i aldepo^
1100 Tlev6eo)<;, ctto'X^ov Zvanivov aW' ovk ijvutov.
Kpelaaov yap ui^o? t/}9 TvpoOvpxa'i e)(^(ov
KaOrjaro TXijpcov, uTTopia XeXifixpevo^.
TeA,o<? he Spvivov^ avyKepavvovaai KXd8ou<i,
/St^a? aveairapaaa-ov aacS7]poL<i po)(Xot^.
eVet Se p6)(^9wv Teppar' ovk e^i'jVVTov,
eXe^' Wyavi]- cf^epe, TrepiardaaL ki/kXi-o
TTTopdov Xdj^eade, Mait'aSe?, toi> dixl3i'ni}v
Ofjp' ft)? eXwpev, prjS' cnrayyeiXr} Oeov
')(^opov<i Kpv<^aLOv<;. al Be pvpiav %e/?a
1110 TrpocreOeaav iXdryj Ka^avecTTraaav )(6ov6<;'
v^jrov 8e Odacrcov vyfrodev ;^a/xai7reT?;9
TTLTTTeL 7r/30? ov8a<; pupiOL<i oipcoypaai
UevOev^;' kukov yap iyyv<; oiv epdvdave.
TrpcoTyj Se p>']Ty]p yp^ev lepia (f)6i'ov
Kol TrpoaTTLTvei VLV 8e pnpav Kopr]<; diro
eppi-^ev, co-i vtv yvcoplaacra prj Krdvoi
tXi]fjLwv 'AyavT], koX Xeyet, irapypho^
yjravcov iyco tol, prjTep, elpl Tratf aeOeu
I\evOev<i, ov eVe/ce? iv Bopoi^; 'E;;^toi^09"
1120 otKTeipe S' w prjrep pe, prjhe raL<i epac<i
dpapTtatai fratha aov KaraKTdvrj^.
7]8' d^pov i^ceiaa kol Staarpocfiov^
K6pa<i kXiaaova , ov c^povova' a ')(^pi'i (^povelv,
€K ^aK)(Lov KUTeL^CT', ov8' eweide viv.
Xa,8ov(7a 8' wXevai^ dpiarepdv X^P^'irXevpalaiv dvrt^daa tov 8va8aipoi>o<;
ciTrea-Trdpa^ev wpov, ov^ i^to aOevov^,
dXX' 6 deo<i evpdpeiav iireBihov x^polv.
94
THE BACCHANALS
Scaling a rock, their counter-bastion,
And javelined him with branches of the pine :
And others shot their tlivrsi through the air
At Pentheus—woeful mark!—yet nought availed. 1100
For, at a height above their fury's j)itch.
Trapped in despair's gin. horror-struck he sat.
Last, oak-limbs from their trunks they thundered
down,And heaved at the roots with levers—not of iron.
But when they won no end of toil and strain,
Agave cried, " Ho, stand we round the trunk,
Maenads, and grasp, that we may catch the beast
Crouched there, that he may not proclaim abroad
Our God's mysterious rites !" Their countless
handsSet they unto the pine, tore from the soil :
—
1110
And he, high-seated, crashed down from his height
;
And earthward fell with frenzy of shriek on shriek
Pentheus, for now he knew his doom at hand.
His mother first, priest-like, began the slaughter.
And fell on him : but from his hair the coif
He tore, that she might know and slay him not,
—
Hapless Agave .'—and he touched her cheek.
Crying, " 'Tis I, O mother !—thine own son
Pentheus— thou bar'st me in Echion's halls!
Have mercy, O my mother!—for my sin 1120
Murder not thou thy son—thy very son !
"
But she, with foaming lips and eyes that rolled
Wildly, and reckless madness-clouded soul.
Possessed of Bacchus, gave no heed to him ;
But his left arm she clutched in both her hands.
And set against the wretch's ribs her foot,
And tore his shoulder out—not by her strength,
But the God made it easy to her hands.
95
BAKXAI
'Ivo) Se raTrl Odrep' i^eipyd^eTO
1130 pTjyvvcra crdpKa<i, AvTovorj r' 6^\o<i re 7rd<;
iirely^e BaK)(^cbv' rjv Be irda' 6p,ov ^orj,
6 fxev arevd^wv oaov eruyy^avev irvicov,
al h' TjXdXa^ov. ecjiepe S" rj /nev ooXevrjv,
7) S' t-)(yo<; auraU dp/3uXat<i- yv/xvovvro Be
irXevpai airapaypoi'i' irdaa B' -pparcopevj]
^eipa^ Bieacfyaipi^e adpKa Tl€v6eco<i.
Ketrai Be %&)pt9 acop,a, to fiev vtto arvcfiXoi^
ire-rpaL^, ro B' vXi]^ ev /Sadv^uXo) <p6^r],
ov pdBiov ^i]Ti]p,a- Kpdra B' dOXiov,
1140 oirep Xa^ovaa rvyy^dvei prjrijp X^potv,
irrj^acr' eir' aKpov dvpaov 6i^ opeaTepov
<t)€peL XeovTO<; Bia K.iOaip(bvo<i peaov,
XiTTOvcr' dBeXipd^ ev y^opolaL ^laivdBayv.
;^&)pe4 Be Ot^pa BvaTroTpo) yavpov/xevrf
Tei-y^ewv ecrw tcovB' , dvaKuXovcra BdKj^iov
Tov ^vyKVvayov, rbv ^vvepydnjv dypa<i
TOP KaXXiVLKOv,fi BdKpva viKi-jc^opel.
eyoi fxev ovv rfjB' eKiroBoov Tt] ^vpcjyopa
aTrei/jL, ^Ayavrjv irplv /xoXeiv 7rp6<i Bcopara.
1150 TO aa)(ppovetv Be Kal ae^eiv ra tmv 6ewv
KdXXicTTOV' olpat B' avTO Kal cro(f)(jOTaTOP
dvTjTolaiv elvaL KTrjpa rolcri '^pcopevoL^;.
XOP02dva)(opevacop.ev Ba/c;^(ot',
dvajBodacopLev ^v/xcpopav
Tav Tov BpdKOVTo^ eKyevera Tlej/^eo)?,
09 Tar drjXvyevrj aToXdvvdpdrjKd re ttio-tov "AiBaveXa^ev evdvpaov,
Tavpov irporjyi-jTrjpa (TVfKpopd'i e')((ov.
96
THE BACCHANALS
And Ino laboured on the other side,
Rending his flesh : Autonoe pressed on—all 1130
The Bacchanal throng. One awful blended cry
Rose—the king's screams while life was yet in him.And triumph-yells from them. One bare an arm.
One a foot sandal-shod. His ribs were stripped
In mangled shreds : with blood-bedabbled handsEach to and fro was tossing Pentheus' flesh.
Wide-sundered lies his corse : part 'neath roughrocks.
Part mid the tangled depths of forest-shades :
—
Hard were the search. His miserable head.
Which in her hands his mother chanced to seize, 1140
Impaled upon her thyrsus-point she bears.
Like mountain-lion's, through Cithaeron's midst.
Leaving her sisters in their Maenad dance
;
And, in her ghastly quarry glorying, comesWithin these walls, to Bacchus crying aloud.
Her fellow-hunter, helper in the chase
Triumphant—all its triumph-prize is tears !
But from this sight of misery will I
Depart, or ever Agave reach the halls.
Ay, self-restraint, and reverence for the Gods 1150
Are best, I ween ; 'tis wisest far for menTo get these in possession, and cleave thereto. [Exit.
CHORUS
Raise we to Bacchus the choral acclaim,
Shout we aloud for the fall
Of the king, of the blood of the Serpent who came,
Who arrayed him in woman's pall
;
And the thyrsus-ferule he grasped—but the sameSealed him to Hades' hall
:
And a bull was his guide to a doom of shame !
97
VOL. III. H
BAKXAI
1160 BaKX^ai KaSfMeiUL,
Tov KaWivtKOV Kketvov i^eirpd^aTe
et9 yoov, ei<i haKpva.
Ka\b<; aycov, iv aifutTt ard^ovaav
X^P<^ TTepi^aXelv t€Kvov.
dW' elaopw yap et<? hoixov^i dpp^cofieVTjv
TLevOetJOi; Wyavrjv firjTep' ev 8i.aarp6(f)oc'j
6(7CT0L<i, he^eade KWfxov eviov deov.
AFATH*A<rmSe9 Ba/c;^ai. arp.
X0P02ri jjb opoOvvea, w ;
AFATH
(fiepofxev i^ opewv
1170 eXiKa veoTOfiov irfrl fiiXaOpa,
fULKapcov Orjpav.
X0P02opoi Kai (T€ Se^o/xai avyKcopLOV.
AFAYHefjiap^jra rovS' dvev ^poywv[\eoyT09 dypo-rkpov\ vkov hav,
0)9 opdv rrdpa.X0P02
TToOev ep-qjxia^ ;
AFATHKiOatpwv—
•
X0P02Tt Kidatpcov
;
AFATHKare<p6veu€rev vlv.
XOP02Tt9 d ^aXovaa irpcoja ;
98
THE BACCHANALS
Bacchanal-maids Cadmean, 1160
Ye have gained for you glory—a victorj'-pacan
To be drowned in lamenting and weeping.
O contest triumphantly won^ when a mother in blood
of her son
Her fingers is steeping !
But lo, I see fast hurr}'ing to the lialls
Agave, Pentheus' mother, with wild eyes
Rolling :—hail ye the revel of our God !
Enter agave, carrying the head of Pentheus.
AGAVEAsian Bacchanals ! (^^'"•)
CHORUSWhy dost thou challenge me ?—say.
AGAVELo, from the mountain-side I bear
A newly-severed ivy-sjiray 1170
Unto our halls, a goodly prey.
CHORUS1 see—to our revels I welcome thee.
AGAVEI trapped him, I, with never a snare !
'Tis the whelp of a desert lion, plain to see.
CHORUS
Where in the wilderness, where ?
AGAVE
Cithaeron
—
CHORUSWhat hath Cithaeron wrought ?
AGAVE
Him hath Cithaeron to slaughter brought.
CHORUSWho was it smote him first ?
99
BAKXAI
AFATHe^iov TO yepwi.
fj-UKaip' ^Kyavrj K\r]^6/J,ed' iv Bidaoi^.
X0P02Tt9 aWa
;
AFATHTO, KaSyuou
—
X0P02Tt KaS^ou
;
AFATH
fier' ifie fier' ifxe tovB'
edcye drjpo^. evTVXV'i 1 o,t> ar^pa.
p,kTeyk vvv doiva<i. avr,
X0P02
AFATHv€0<; 6 /jLO(TXO'i dp-
ri yevvv vtto KopvO^ airaXorp1^(0.
KaTCLKop-ov OciWei.
XOPO2Trpeirei j Mare Orjp dypavXo'!} <f>6/3r),
AFATHBa«T^<09 Kvvayera's
a-o(l)6i ao(f)(t)<i dveTrrfKev eirl drjpa
TovSe Mati/aSa?.
X0P02o <ydp dva^ dypev<;.
AFATHeiraivel^;;
XOP02ri S' ; eTracvu).
100
THE BACCHANALS
AGAVEMine, mine is the guerdon,
Their revel-rout singeth me—"Happy Agave!" tlieir
burden. 1180
CHORUSWho then ?
AGAVEOf Cadmus
—
CHORUSOf Cadmus what wilt thou tell ?
AGAVE
His daughters after me smote the monster fell
—
After me I O fortunate hunting ! Is it not well ?
Now share in the banquet !
—
(Ant.)
CHORUSAlas ! wherein shall I share ?
AGAVE
This whelp is yet but a tender thing,
And over its jaws yet sprouteth fair
The down 'neath the crest of its waving hair.
CHORUS
Yea, a beast of the wold, by the hair, might it be.
AGAVE
Uproused was the Maenad gathering
To the chase by a cunning hunter full cunningly. 1190
CHORUS
Yea, a hunter is Bacchus our King.
AGAVE
Dost thou praise me ?
CHORUSHow can I choose but praise ?
lOI
BAKXAI
AFATHTaxa Se J^aSfieioL—
X0P02KOI 7ral<i ye HevOev'i—
AFATHfiaTep eTratveaerai,
Xa^ovcrav a'ypav ravhe \€OVTo<j>v>j.
XOP02Trepiaadv.
APATHTrepiaao)^.
X0P02dydWei,;
APATH
767?/ (Vi
fieydXa fieydXa koX
(fiavepd Ta8^ ^JP^ KaTcipyaafieva.
XOP021200 Bel^ov vvv, 6) rdXaiva, arjv viKij^opov
dcTTolaiv dypav rjv ^epova iX7JXv6a<;.
APATHM KaXXtTTvpyov dcrrv @7]/3aLa'? yOovo^;
vaiovre^, eXOed' &>? ('8>;Te rr]v8^ dypav,
KdBfiov duyarep€<; 6>]p6^ rjv ^ypevaa/^ep
OVK dyicuXr]TOL<; SeaaaXcov aTO')(^da/xaaiP,
ov BiKTuotaiv, dXXd XevKOirr^'^ecTt
'Xeipoyv aKfiaicTt. Kara KOfiTrd^eiv 'x^pecov
KoX Xoy')(p7roi,6)V opyava KraaOac jxdTrjv ;
7;/z,et9 Se 7' avrfi %e</)t rovhe 6^ e'lXofiev
1210 X^P^^ ''"^ 0^r]pb<; dpOpa 8L€(f)opi]cra/x€v.
TTOV [xoi rrariip itpea^v^; eXOerco TreXa^.
Tlev6€v<; r €fxo<i 7ral<i irov ^ariv; alpiadwXa^wv
THE BACCHANALS
AGAVEAy, and full soon shall Cadmus' race—
•
CHORUSAnd Pentheus thy son
—
AGAVEYea, I shall have praise ofmy scion
For the prey that is taken, even this whelp of a lioru
CHORUSStrange quarry !
—
AGAVEAnd strangely taken.
CHORUSArt glad ?
AGAVEI am fain
For the triumph achieved, both goodly and great,
and plain [ta'en.
For the land to see, in the booty mine hands have
CHORUSShow forth now, haj)less one, to all the folk 1200
The triumph-spoil that hither thou hast brought.
AGAVE
Ye, in the fair-towered burg of Theban land
Which dwell, draw nigh to look upon this prey.
The beast we, Cadmus' daughters, hunted down—
•
Not with the thong-whirled darts of Thessaly,
Neither with nets, but with the fingers whiteOf our own hands. What boots the vaunt of menWho get them tools by ai'mourers vainly wrought.
When we, with bare hands only, took the prey.
And rent asunder all the mon!i,ter's limbs ? 1210
Where is mine ancient sire? I.et him draw near.
And my son Pentheus where ? Let him upraise
103
BAKXAI
TrrjKrwv irpo'; o"kov^ KXifxdKwv 7rpo(xa/jL^da€i,<i,
0)9 TraaaaXevar] Kpdra Tpi,'y\v^0L<; Tohe
\eovTo<i ov Trdpeifjii drjpdcxaa^ iyco.
KAAM02
eirecOe fiOL, <f)€povT€<; dOXiov ^dpo^Ylei>6eo)<;, k'lrearde, TrpoairoXoL, 86/jLQ)v irdpo^;,
ov ao)p,a fxox^cov fivptoi^ ^rjTrjfiaai
(fiepo) r6B\ evpwv iv l^iOaipoivo^ TTTUT^ai?
1220 BiacnrapaKTov, KovSev iv ravTw ireBo)
\a^(t)v, iv vXtj Keifievov hvaevperw.
rjKOvaa ydp tov Ovyarepcov ToXp.7]/j,aTa,
iqhri Kar dcrrv ret^ewt' eaco /3e/3ct)9
avv rro yepovTt Teipecrla Ba/c^^wi' irdpa'
irdXiv Se Kd/xyjra*; ei? opo^ Kopa^opuii,
TOV Kardavovra iralha ^\aLvdho)v viro.
Kol rrjv p,€v WKTalcov^ Wpiarauo 7roT€
T€KOvaav elSov Avtovoijv 'Ii'c^ 9' afut
eV dp,(pl Bpv/jiol^ Oi(7TpoTTXrjya<i dOXia<i,
1230 TT)v 8' elTre rt? pbOL Sevpo /3a«;^etft) ttoSI
(TTei)(eiv 'Ayavrjv, ov8' d<pavT rjKovaafiev
Xevaao) ydp avTi]v, oyjnv ovk evhaifiova.
APATH
irdrep, jxeyiarov Koyuirdaai jrapeaTt croi,
irdvTcov dpicna^; dvyarepa^; cnrelpat, fiaKpM
Ovrjrcbv' aTrdaa^ cIttov, i^6-)(^ci)<; S' e'/ie,
rj rd<; irap^ iaTot<i iKXiirouaa KepKL8a<i
€t? fiel^ov i^Kw, dripa<; dypeveiv ^6/304i/*
(^epo) 8' iv oiXevaicTLV, oo^ opd<i, rdSe
Xaf3ov(ja rdpcarela, croiai 7rpo<i 8ofMoi<t
1240 ft)? dyKpe/xacrOf}' av he, irdrep, Bi^ai \epocvyavpovp,evo<i he Tol<i ifiol*; dypevjMiai
104
THE BACCHANALS
A ladder's stair against the palace-wall,
That to the triglyphs he may nail this head.
This lion's head that I from hunting bring.
Enter cadmus, rvith attendants carrying a bier.
CADMUS
Come with me, henchmen, to the palace come.Bearing this ghastly load that once was Pentheus,Whose limbs by toilsome searchings manifold.
About Cithaeron's glens all rent apart
I found, and bring—no twain in one place found, 1220
But lying all about the trackless wood.
For of my daughters' desperate deeds I heard.
Even as I passed within the city-walls
With old Teiresias from the Bacchant revel.
Back to the mountain turned I ; and I bring
My son thence, who by Maenads hath been slain.
There her who bore Actaeon to Aristaeus
I saw, Autonoe, saw Ino there
Still midst the oak-groves, wretches frenzy-stung
;
But hitherward, said one, with Bacchant feet 1230
Had passed Agave, and the truth I heard ;
For I behold her—sight of misery !
My father, proudest boast is thine to make.To have begotten daughters best by far
Of mortals—all thy daughters, chiefly me.
Me who left loom and shuttle, and pressed on
To high emprise, to hunt beasts with mine hands.
And in mine arms I bring, thou seest, this
The prize I took, against thy palace-wall
To hang : receive it, father, in thine hands. 1240
And now, triumphant in mine hunting's spoil,
105
BAKXAI
KaXet (f>i,\ov^ ei? Saira' fiaKapiO'i fyap el,
fUtKapio'i, rjjxoiv roidh^ i^eipyaafiepcov.
KAAM02CO irevdo'i ov puerp-qTov oiih^ olov r IBelv,
(f)6vov roKaivaa ')(epa\v e^eipyaapevcov.
Kokov TO dvpa Kara^aXovcra SaLpoaiv
eVl Sacra 0;7/3a9 raaSe Kape TrapaKaXel^.
otp,oi KUKCov pev TrpcoTa aoiv, eireir epoiyv
fo? Oeo<; r)p.d<i eVSt/cco? pev, aX)C dyav1250 Bp6p,io<i dva^ ciTrooXecr^ olKeio^ 767(09.
AFATH«W9 Bv(TKo\ov TO y)]pa<; dv0pco7roi<; e(^v
€V t' oppaat aKudpcoTTov. eWe 7rat<; epo^
€v6ripo<i elrj, pT)rpo<; el/ca<T0el<; rp67roi<;,
OT iv veavLULcn (r)7]/3aiot<i dp,a
6rjpo)V opiyvipT . dXka 6eopa)(^eiv povov0I09 t' iK€lvo<i. vov6€T7]T€0^, TTarep,
(Tovcniv. Tt? avTov Sevp* av oyp-iv et? eprjv
Ka\e(xei€V, a><t cBrj p,€ rrjv evBalpova
;
KAAM02(j}€V ^€V' (^povrjcracrat, pev oV ehpdcrare,
1260 d\yi](TeT 0X709 Bewov el Se Bta TeXou9
iv TfoS' del peveiT ev <p KaOearare,
ovK evTu^ovcrai Bo^er^ ^^X'' Bv(nv')(€lv.
APATH
Tt 8' OV Ka\oi<i TwvS' , T) Tt \v'irripw<i e-)(ei
;
KAAM02irpwTOV pev el<; rovS' aldep' ofxpxt aov fjLe$e<;.
AFATHI80V' Tt poi TOvB' e^u7rel7ra<; elaopdv ;
KAAM02e^' avro'i rj croi pera/3o\d<i exeiv hoKel;
106
THE BACCHANALS
Bid to a feast thy friends ; for blest art thou,
Blest verily, since we have achieved such deeds.
CADMUSO anguish measureless that blasts the sight
!
murder compassed by those wretched hands !
Fair victim this to cast before the Gods,And bid to such a banquet Thebes and me I
Woe for our sorrows !— first for thine, then mine !
1 low hath the God, King Bromius, ruined us I—
Just stroke—yet ruthless—is he not our kin ? 1250
AGAVEHow sour of mood is greybeard eld in men,How sullen-eyed I Framed in his mother's mouldA mighty hunter may my son become,\Vhen with the Theban youths he speedeth forth
Questing the quarry ! But he can do naughtSave war with Gods ! Father, thy part it is
To warn him. Who will call him hitherward
I'o see me, and behold mine happiness ?
CADMUSAlas ! when ye are ware what ye have done.
With sore grief shall ye gi-ieve ! If to life's end 1260
Ye should in this delusion still abide,
Ye should not, though unblest, seem all accurst.
AGAVEWhat is not well here ?—what that calls for grief .^
CADMUSFirst cast thou up thine eye to yonder heaven.
AGAVE
Lo, so I do. Why bid me look thereon?
CADMUS
Seems it the same ? Or hath it changed to thee ?
107
BAKXAI
AFATHXa/jL'rrpoT€po<; *] irplv kol BinT€T€(TT€po<;.
KAAM02TO Se TTTorjOkv to8' eVf
(jfj'^V')(rj irapa
;
AFATHovK olSa TOV7ro<; tovto, ylyvofuii Se ttw?
1270 evvov<;, /jueTaaTadelaa t6)v Trdpot (f)p€vu)v.
KAAM02kXvoi^ av ovv ri KairoKpivai' av aa^oi^;
;
AFATHft)9 eKKeXrjajjuai y a 7rdpo<; eiiro/xev, irdjep.
KAAM056t9 irolov rj\6e<i oIkov vp.evalo)v fiera
;
AFATHairapTM fi cBcoku^;, (u? Xeyova , 'Extort.
KAAM05Tt? OVV ev oiKoi^ 7rat9 iyeveTO aw iroaei
;
AFATHY[.ev6ev<;, ep^fj re koI 7raTpo<i KoivcovLa.
KAAM02TiVo? TTpoawTTOV St^t' eV dyKdXai<i e;^et9
;
AFATHXeofTO?, «y<f 7' €<f>a(TKOv ai d't]p(op,evai.
KAAM02(TKeyfrai vvv o/j^w?, fBpay^v^ o p,6^6o<; elaihelv.
AFATH1280 ea, ri Xevaao) ; ri ^epopxii to8' eV x^poiv
;
KAAM02d6pr]aov avTo koI aac^earepov pdOe,
AFATH
6/jw fieyiaTOV dXyo<; rj rdXaiv i'wco.
108
THE BACCHANALS
AGAVEBrighter—more limpid-lucent than erewhile.
CADMUSIs this delirium tossing yet thy soul ?
AGAVEThis comprehend I not : yet—yet—it passes,
My late mood— I am coming to myself. 1270
CADMUSCanst hearken aught then ? Clearly canst reply ?
AGAVEOur words late-spoken—father, I forget them.
CADMUSTo wliat house camest thou with bridal-hymns ?
AGAVEEchion's—of the Dragon-seed, men say.
CADMUSThou barest—in thine halls, to thy lord—whom ?
AGAVEPentheus—born of my union with his sire.
CADMUSWhose head
—
whose ?—art thou bearing in thine arms ?
AGAVE
A lion's—so said they which hunted it.
CADMUSLook well thereon :—small trouble this, to look.
AGAVE
Ah-h ! rvhal do I see .'' What bear I in mine hands ? 1280
CADMUSGaze, gaze on it, and be thou certified.
AGAVE
I see—mine uttermost anguish ! Woe is me !
BAKXAI
KAAM02jxoiv (TOC \eov7L (paiveTai irpocreiKevaL
;
AFATHovK' aWa Hevdecof; rj ToXaiv e;^<y Kupa.
KAAM02coficoyfiivov je irpocrOev t] ae ypcoplaai.
AFATHTt9 CKTUvev vLv; 7rco9 e/ia? rjXdev ')(€pai
;
KAAM02Bvarrjv aXrjdet, 009 iv ov Kaipw irdpet.
AFATHXcy', o)? to peXkov KapSia 7n]8r)fi e)(^ei,
KAAM02cv VLV KareKTa<i kcu KaalyvrjTai creOev,
AFATH
1290 TToO 8' wXer ; rj /car' oIkov ; rj 7roLOi<i roTroi? ;
KAAM02ovTrep irplv ^AKralwva SiiXaxov kvv€<;.
AFATH
Ti 8' €19 l^iOaipSyv rjXde SvaSai/xcov o8e
;
KAAM02eKeprofiei deov cra<; re ^aKX^i^ci<i /xoXcov.
AFATH97/Liet9 8' eKetae rlvi rpoiro) Karijpafiev
;
KAAM02epdvrjTe, iraad r i^e^aK'x^evdrj 7roXf9.
AFATH
Ai6vv(T0<; rjpdf; a)Xea\ dprt fMavddvo),
KAAM02v^piv 7' v^pia6€l<;' 6eov yap ou%,?776tcr^e t'it'.
AFATH
TO (ftlXraTOv Be acjua irov TraiBo<;, TruTep;
no
THE BACCHANALS
CADMUSSeems it to thee now like a lion's head ?
AGAVENo!—wretched !—wretched !—Pentheus' head I hold!
CADMUSOf me bewailed ere recognised of thee.
AGAVEWho murdered him ? How came he to mine hands ?
CADMUSO piteous truth that so untimely dawns !
AGAVESpeak ! Hard my heart beats, waiting for its doom.
CADMUSThou !—thou, and those thy sisters murdered him.
AGAVEWhere perished he ?—at home, or in what place ? 129()
CADMUSThere, where Actaeon erst by hounds was torn.
AGAVEHow to Cithaeron went this hapless one ?
CADMUSTo mock the God and thy wild rites he went.
AGAVEBut we—for what cause thither journeyed we ?
CADMUSYe were distraught : all Thebes went Bacchant-wild.
AGAVEDionysus ruined us ! I see it now.
CADMUSVe flouted him, would not believe him God.
AGAVE
Where, father, is my son's beloved corse ?
BAKXAI
KAAM02
AFATH
1300 fj irav iv apdpoi<i avyK€K\r)fiivov Ka\a)<i ;
AFATHHevdei Se ri /j,epo<i a(f)po<7vvr]'i 'rrpo<Trjic ifir/^ ;
KAAM02vfilv iyived^ 6fxoi,o<;, ov ae/dcov deov.
roijap (Tvvrjy\r€ 7rdvra<; et? /jlluv ^Xd^rjv,
v/xd<i T€ TovSe d\ Mare hioXecyat Sofiov^
KCLfx , 6cni<i dreKVO^ dpaevwv TralBcov 767^9,T?)? (rr/f; to^' epvo^, S) rdXatva, vr)8vo<;
aLa-)(^LaTa koI KaKiara Kardavovd^ opco,
a> Sm/x dv€^€(f>\ 0? crvvet^e^, o) reKvov,
roufu,6v fxeXaOpov, 'TratBo^; e^ e/x% J^J^'iy
1310 TToXei re Tdp^o<; rjcrda- rov yepovra Be
ovBel<; v/3pL^etv ijdeX" elaopwv to ctov
Kdpa' BtKT]v yap d^iav ekdfi^ave^,
vvv B' eK Bofioov dTi/j,o<; e/c/3e/3X?;o"o^at
6 KaS/io? o p,eya<i, o? to @rj^ai(ov yevof
e<T7retpa Ka^i'jfxrjaa KdXkiarov depo'f.
0) ^iXraj dvBpoiv, koI yap ovKer wv op.w'i
Tcov (f>iXTdT(i)v efxoLy dpi,dfi7]aei, jeKvov,
ovKeri yeveiov rovBe diyydvcov X^P^>TOP fn]Tpo<; avBcov TTUTepa TrpoaTTTV^ei, reKvov,
1320 Xeyoiv Tt<? dBtKel, Ti9 o"' aTifid^ei, yepov;
Tt? arjv rapdcraei KapBtav XvTnjpof; mv ;
Xey\ w? KoXd^ci) top dBiKOvvrd cr\ (o irdrep.
vvv 8' ddXLO<i p,ev el/M eyco, TXijp,aiv Be av,
OLKjpk Be firjTTjp, TXraove<i Be avyyovoi.
iia
THE BACCHANALS
CADMUSHere do I bear it^ by hard searching found.
AGAVEIs it all meetly fitted limb to limb ? 1300
CADMUS[Yea,—now I add thereto this dear-loved head.]
AGAVEBut—in my folly what was Pentheus' partf*
CADMUSHe was as ye, revering not the God,Who therefore in one mischief whelmed you all.
You, and this prince, so ruining all our houseAnd me, who had no manchild of mine own,Who see now, wretched daughter, this the fruit
Of thy womb horriblv and foully slain.
To thee our house looked up, O son, the stay
Of mine old halls ; my daughter's offspring thou.
Thou wast the city's dread : was none dared mock 1310
The old man, none that turned his eyes on thee,
O gallant head !—thou hadst well requited him.
Now from mine halls shall I in shame be cast
—
Cadmus the great, who sowed the seed of Thebes,
And reaped the goodliest harvest of the world.
O best-beloved !—for, though thou be no more.Thou shalt be counted best-beloved, O child.
Thou who shalt fondle never more my head.
Nor clasp and call me " Mother's father," child.
Crying, " Who wrongs thee, ancient ?—flouts thee
who ? 1320
Who vexeth thee to trouble thine heai-t's peace ?
Speak, that I may chastise the wrong, my sire."
Now am I anguish-stricken, wretched thou.
Woeful thy mother, and her sisters wretched !
VOL. III. I
BAKXAI
el 8' eariv 6aTi<; Sai/x6v(ov VTrepcfypovel,
et<? Tods' ddp/](ra<; Odvarov ^jyeiaOo) ^eou?.
X0P02TO fi€P (Tov dX'yoii, KaS/ie* cro9 S' €)(eL Blktjv
iral<i TratSo? d^c'av /J,ev, dXyeivrjv Se aoi.
AFATHoi TTUTep, 6pa<i yap rdp,^ ocrcp p.eTe<npd(^rj
AIONT202
1330 8pdK(i)v yevrjaei /xera^aXoov, Bdfxap re err)
eKOrjpiwOetcT^ 0(f)6o<i dWd^ei tvttov,
r^v^Apeos ea-^e<i 'XpfMoviav 6vr}T0<i 'ye'ycio<;.
o^ov 8e p.6a)(cov, xPW/^o'i to? Xeyei At09,
iXa<; fier d\6)(ov, ^ap/Sdpcov rjyovfievo'i.
TToWa? Be 7repa€L<i dvapiOfxcp crrpaTevpLari,
TT6\€L<i' orav Be Ao^lov ')(^pr]aTripLOv
BiapirdaaxTC, vocnov d&kiov irdXiv
aTTjaovcn- ae 8' "'Apijfi 'Ap/xovlav re pvcreTai
/xaKdpcov T 69 alav aov KaOiBpvaec /Slop.
1340 ravT ovyl OvrjTOv Traxyocx? e'/cyeycb? \eyco
Aiovvcro'i, dWd Zt^i^o?* el Be aax^povelv
eyv(i)d\ ot' ovtc rjOekere, tov Aio^ yovovTjiiBaifioveiT dv avfjufia^ov KeKTi]fiepoi,
ifi4'
THE BACCHANALS
If any man there be that scorns the Gods,This man's death let him note, and so believe.
CHORUSCadmus, for thee I grieve. Thy daughter's sonHath but just doom—yet cruel doom for thee.
AGAVEFather, thou seest what change hath passed o'er
me
—
[A large portion of the play has here been lost, containing
(1) the lament of Agave over her son ; (2) a few lines, pro-bably by the Chorus, announcing the appearance, in his
shape as a God, of Dionysus; (3) the commencement of
Dionysus' speech, in which he points out how Pentheus' sin
has proved his destruction, how Agave and her sisters have,by their unbelief, involved themselves in his punishment,and will be exiles till death ; and how Cadmus himself mustsuffer with his house, how he shall wander exiled fromHellas,—the portion preserved commencing with the pro-phecy of his weird transformation.]
'
DIONYSUS
—Thou to a serpent shalt be changed : thy wife 1330
Harmonia, Ares' child, whom thou didst wedWhen man, embruted sliall to a snake be changed.
Thou witli thy wife shalt drive a wain of steers
Leading barbaric hordes, Zeus' oracle saith,
And many a city with thy countless host
.Shalt sack ; but when they plunder Loxias' shrine,
Then shall they get them bitter home-return.
Thee and Harmonia shall Ares save.
And stablish in the Blessed Land your lives.
This say I, of no mortal father born, 1340
Dionysus, but of Zeus. Had ye but learnt
Wisdom, what time ye would not, ye had been
Blest now, with Zeus' Son for your champion gained.
' For preserved fragments of this lost portion, see Appendix.
"5
BAKXAI
AFATHAiovva-e, Xicraofieadd a, r/SiK'^KUfiev.
AI0NT202oyjr ifjidded^ r)/jLd<i, ore 8' i^prjv, ovk rjSere,
AFATHijvcoKa/iiep tuvt' dXhJ e'rr€^ep')(ei, Xiav,
AI0NT202K(u yap 7rp6<i vp,o)v deo<; <yey(i>(; v^pi^Ofirjp.
AFATH6pya<i TTpiirei deov<i ovx ofioiovaOai ^poTol^.
AI0NT202TTciXai TaSe Zev<i ovp,o<i iirevevaev Trarijp.
AFATH1350 alal, SeSoKTUC, irpia^v, Tkrjp,ove<i ^vyaL
AIONT202ri hrjra fieXXed^ direp dvayKaioi<i 6%et ;
KAAM02ft) reKVOv, ft)9 619 Seivov rfK.do[xev kukov,
[7rdvT€<f\ (TV 6^ r) TuXaiva crvyyovoi re crai,
iyoi 0* 6 rX^fKov ^ap/3dpou<; d(f)i^ofxai
yepcov /x€ToiKO<i' en 8e /jlol to decrc^arov
eh 'EXXdS" dyayelv /xiydSa ^ap^apov ajparov.
Kol rrjv "Apecu? TraiS' 'Apjuoviav SdfMupr ip-rfv,
SpdKcov SpaKa[vrj<; <f)V(riv e^ovaav dyptav
cl^co 'vrt /Bcofioi)^ kuI rdi^ov^ KXXrjvtKOVi,
1360 ijyov/xevoii Xoyx^aiaiv ovBe Travao/xai
KUKOiv 6 rX7]po)v, ovhe top KaTac^drrjv
^A^^povra TrXevcraf; 'i]av)(^o<i yeviqaoiMit.
APATHSi irdrep, eycb Se aov arepela-a (pev^ofuii.
ii6
THE BACCHANALS
AGAVEDionysus, we beseech thee !—we have sinned.
DIONYSUS
Too late ye know me, who knew not in your hour.
AGAVEWe know it : but thy vengeance passeth bounds.
DIONYSUS
I am a God : ye did despite to me.
AGAVE
It fits not that in wrath Gods be as men. -
DIONYSUS
Long since my father Zeus ordained this so.
AGAVE
Alas ! our woeful exile's doom is sealed
!
1350
DIONYSUS
Why then delay the fate that needs must be ? [Exit,
CADMUSDaughter, to what dread misery are we come,
—
Yea, all, thou and thy sisters—woe is thee ?
And I—ah me !—must visit alien men,A grey-haired sojourner. I am doomed withal
On Greeks to lead a mingled alien host
;
And Ares' child, Harmonia my wife,
In serpent form shall I, a serpent, lead
Against our Hellas' altars and her tombs.
Captaining spears. And I shall find no rest 1360
From woes, alas ! nor that down-rushing stream
Of Acheron shall I cross and be at peace '
AGAVE
Robbed of thee, father, exiled shall I be! a
"7
BAKXAI
KAAM02Tt /x' afx(f)Ll3d\X€i<i ^epcnv, m ToXaiva wal,
opviv 07r<w? Krj^Tjva 7roXto;^/3&)9 kvkvo'^ ;
AFAYHTTol yap TpaTTcofiai Trar/JtSo? eK^ejSXijfjievr} ;
KAAM02ovK olBa, T€Kvov' jLtf/cpo? €7rLKOvpo<i Trarrjp,
AFATH
^at/?', <M peXaOpov, yalp , w Trarpia
1370 ^vja<; eK Oa>^d/J,o)v.
KAAM02o-T€t%€ z'l'i', ft) Trat, Tov ^Apicrraiov********
AFATH(TTevofxai ere, irarep,
KAAM05KajM (re, TeKVOV,
Koi <Ta<i ehcLKpvaa KacriyvrjTa'i.
AFAYHSe/yw? 7a/j Tai^S' aiKiav
Ai6vvao<; dva^T0U9 crou? et9 oI'koik; k^epev.
KAAM02/eat 7ap eTraa-x^ev Beivd 7rpo<i vp,S)V,
dyepacrrov e^fov ovop^ ev Stj^aa.
AFATH
X<^^P^> Trdrep poi.
KAAM02Xcup^, M peXea
1380 Ovyarep. %aXe7rft)9 ei9 to8' ai; ^jKoa.
ii8
THE BACCHANALS
CADMUSWhy cast thine arms about me, hapless child ?
Like white swan cherishing its helpless sire ?
AGAVEWhither can I turn, outcast from my land ?
CADMUSI know not, child. Small help thy father is.
AGAVEFarewell, mine home ; farewell, ye city-towers
Of fatherland ! In anguish of despair
I pass an exile from my bridal bowers. 1370
CADMUSChild, to the halls of Aristaeus fare :
Abide thou there.
AGAVEI mourn thee, father !
CADMUSChild, I mourn for thee ;
And for thy sisters do I weep withal.
AGAVEFor Dionysus' tyrannous majesty
Most fearfully hath caused upon thine hall
This shame to fall.
CADMUSYea, outrage foul to him of you was done.
In that his name in Thebes was held in scorn
AGAVE
Farewell, my father.
CADMUSFarewell, hapless one,
Who ne'er shalt fare well, evermore forlorn ! 1380
119
BAKXAI
AFATHayeT m TTOfiTroi /le, KaatyvT]ra^
Xva avfi^vydha<i Xrjyjro/jieO^ olKrpa<;.
eXOoLflL S' OTTOV
fiTjre K.i6ai.pcoi' fiiap6<; /x iaihoi,
fjL^jre }s.idaipcbv ocraolcriv iyco,
fMrjd^ 601 Ovpaov fivyji-c avuKeiraf
BaK^ai? S' aWaicTi pueKoiev.
X0P02TToWal jiop^ai Tcov Sai/xovicov,
TToWa B' aeXTTTft)? Kpatvovai deoi'
1390 Kol ra hoK-rjOevT ouk ireXia-Orj,
ra)V S' aSoKTjTCOv iropov rjvpe ^eo9.
roiovS' a7ri/3y] roSe irpayp-a.
186
THE BACCHANALS
AGAVE
O ye, to my sisters guide me.My companions in banishment's misery.
O that afar I might hide meWhere accursed Cithaeron shall look not on me,Nor I with mine eyes shall Cithaeron see.
Where memorial is none of the thyrsus-spear!
Be these unto other Bacchanals dear.
CHORUS
O the works of the Gods—in manifold wise theyreveal them :
Manifold things unhoped-for the Gods to accom-plishment bring.
And the things that we looked for, the Gods deign
not to fulfil them;
1390
And the paths undiscerned or our eyes, the Gods un-
seal them.
So fell this marvellous thing.
^Exeunt OMNES.
T2J
APPENDIX TO THE "BACCHANALS."
A FEW fragments, given below, of the lost portion of the
Bacchae have been collected, chiefly from the Christus Patient,
"a wretchedly stupid drama, falsely attributed to GregoryNaziunzenus, giving an account of the circumstances connected
with the Passion of Christ, and consisting of a cento of verses
taken chiefly from the Bacchae, Rhesus, and Troades" (TjTrell,
Introduction to his edition of the Bacchae).
The lines marked A. may be taken as from the speech of
Agave ; those marked D. , as from that of Dionysus.
A. To find a doom of rending midst the rocks . . . .*
What corpse is this that in mine arms I clasp?
How shall I press him—woe's me !—tenderly
Unto my breast ?—in what wise wail o'er him ?
For, had mine hands received not mine own curse . .
To rend to utter fragments every limb ....
Kissing the shreds of flesh which once I nursed . . .
Come, ancient, this thrice-hapless sufferer's head
Compose we reverently, and all the frameLay we together, far as in us lies.
best-beloved face, A'outhful cheek ....Lo, with this vesture do I veil thine head,
And these thy blood-bedabbled, furrow -scarred
Limbs
Whose is the mantle that shall shroud thy formAh, whose the hands that now shall tend thee, son?
1 From Lucian. 2 From the Scholiast to Aristophanes' Plutut.
122
APPENDIX
D. He dared the chain, he dared the scoffing word . .
They which should have been last to slay him, slew
All this hath yon man suflfered righteously.
Yea, and the nation's doom I will not hide
—
To leave yon town, a sign to alien men.To pass to many cities wandering.Dragging a yoke of thraldom woefully,
War-captives, draining misery's cup to the dregs
Yea, they must leave tliis cit}', expiate
Tlie impious pollution of his murder,And see no more their own land—God forbid
That murderers by their victims' graves should lie !
All woes thou too must suffer will I tell.
123
;
THE
MADNESS OF HERCULES
ARGUMENT
Hercules was haledfrom his birth by Hera, and by hei
devices ivas made subject to Eurystheus, king of Argos.
At his com?nand he performed the great Twelve Labours,
whereof the last was that he should bring up Ceiberus,
the Hound of Hades, from the Undertrorld. Ere he
departed, he committed Amphitryon his father, with
Megara his wife, and his sons, to the keeping of Creon,
king of Thebes, and so went down into the Land of
Darkness. Now when he ivas long time absent, so that
men doubted whether he would ever retwn, a man of
Euboea, named Lycus, was brought into Thebes by evil-
hearted and discontented men, and with these conspired
against Creon, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
Then he sought further to slay all that remained of the
house of Hercules, lest any should in days to come avenge
Creon s murder. So these, in their sore strait, took
refuge at the altar of Zeus. And herein is told how,
even as they stood tinder the shadow of death, Hercules
returned for their deliverance, and how in the midst of
that joy and triumph a yet worse calamity was brought
upon them by the malice of Hera.
TA TOY APAMAT02 HPO^finA
AM*ITPTnN
MEFAPA
X0P02 ©HBAinN rEPONXriN
ATK02
HPAKAH2
IPI2
AT22A
ArrEA02
0H2ET2
DRAMATIS PERSONA E.
AiMFiiiTKYON, husband of Alcmcna, and rep^iUd father ofHercules.
M JCGARA, wife of Hercules.
Lycus, a usurper, king of Thebes.
Hekcules, son of Zeus and Alcmena.
lias, a Goddess, messenger of the Gods.
Madness, a demon.
Servant of Hercules.
Theseus, king of Athens.
Chorus, consisting of Theban Elders.
Three young Sons of Hercides ; Attendants of Lycus and ofTheseus.
Scenh: At Thebes, before the royal palace. The altar of
Zeus stands ii; [i cnl.
VOL. £11.
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
AM*ITPTnN
Tt? rov A^o? auWeKTpov ouk olSev ^porwv,^Apyeiov W.f.i(f)iTpvo)v', ov ^AX/cato9 Trort
eTixO' 6 Ile/jcrea)?, irarepa tovB''HpaK\eov<; ;
09 TcicrSe S')]/3a<i eayjcV, evO' 6 yy]y€vi)<i
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ecTwa' dptO/jLov oXijov, ot Kddfiov ttoXiv
T€Kvovat, iraihayv TraiaLV. evdev e^e<^v
}s.pc.o)v Mei^oi/ceo)? 7raL<i, dva^ Tya-Se )(Oovo<i.
Kpeoyv 8e Me^a/ja? TT/crSe 'yLyverat TruTJjp,
10 yv nravre^ v/j,€vaioi(Ti HaS/xeioi irore
X(orQ) (JvinfKc'iKa^av, i'jvlk' el<i c/xoi/?
hofiov<i k\€IVo<; HpaKXi]^ viv 'ijyero.
XiTTcov Se S/]/3a^, ov KarcoKLaOi^v eyco,
^leydpav re rijvSe TrevOepoix; re Trat? e'/io?
'Apyeia rei'^i] kuI KuKXcoirLav iroXiv
wpe^aT OLKelv, rjv eyco ^euyo; ktuvcov
^l\XeKTpv(ova' (Jv/M(f)opa^ Se Ta<i €/jid<i
i^evpap'i^cov koa iraTpav oIkcIv OeXwv,
KaOoSov SiScoai piaOov JLvpvcrOei /Jieyav,
20 €^i]fiep(baai yalav, eW "Wpa^; vtto
K€vrpoi<; Ba/jLaadel<; eire rov y^pecov [xera.
Kol rov<i /lev aXXou<; i^eix6-)(dyia€v 7r6vov<;,
130
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
AMI'Ml TRYON, MKGARA, (1)1(1 llCr (lirec SoilS //I/ floCll/cS,
seeded on the slcps of (he (ilhir of Zeus the Deliverer.
AMPHITKVON
Who knows not Zcus's couch-mate, who of men,Arsijive Amphitryon, sprung from Perseus' sonAlcaeus, father of great Hercules ?
Here in Thebes dwelt he, whence the eartli-born
crop
Of Sown Men rose, scant remnant of wliose race
The War-god spared to people Cadmus' townWith children of their children. S})vang from theseCreon, Menoeceus' son, king of this land,
Creon, the father of this Megara,Whose spousals all the sons of Cadmus once If*
Acclaimed with flutes, what time unto mine halls
Glorious Hercules brought home his bride.
But Thebes, wherein I dwelt, and Megara,And all his marriage-kin, my son forsook.
Yearning for Argos' giant-builded burgMycenae, whence I am outlawed, since I slew
Electryon : he, to lighten mine affliction,
And fain to dwell in his own fatherland.
Proffered Eurystheus for our home-return
—
Or spurred by Hera's goads, or drawn by fate
—
20
A great price, even to rid the earth of pests.
And, all the other labours now achieved,
131K 2
HPAKAH2 MAINOIVIENOS
TO XoicrOiov he TaiiHtpou Bta aro/xa
/3ei3i}K 69 "A180U TOP Tpicrco/jiarov Kvva
et? 0W9 uvd^cov, evOev ov)(^ ')]Ket irdXtv.
jepcov Se 8/] Tt? earc K.a8fi€i(ov \6yo<i
ft)9 rjp irdpo^ A[pKi]'i Tt? evvjJTCop Au/co?
T^)v eTrrdTTvpyov rijvSe Seajro^wv ttoXiv,
TO) XeuKOTTcoXto 7rp\v Tupavvfjaat x^ovo<i
30 A/iKplov^ r)Se ZijOov, eKjovo) A(09.
ov ravTov ovofxa Tral^ Trarpo^; KeK\ii[xevo^,
KaSyLiet09 ovK oiv, ciKX dir \Lv^oia<; /xoXfov,
KT€ivec UpeovTa koX Kravoiv dp-)(eL ')(dovo^,
ardaei vocrovaav ti'ivK eTreiaireacov iroXiv,
i]IMv 8e Kf]So<i et9 KpeovT dviipp.evov
KaKov p^eyiarov, &)9 eoiKe, jiyverai.
rovpov yap 6vto<; TraiSo^ ev pvx^ol^ ')(6ovo<;
6 Kaivo^ ovro'i T)]a8e yij'i apxwv Xvko<;
Toy9 ' V{paKXelov^ Trathwi i^eXeiv OeXei
40 Kravcbv hapxiprd 6\ co? (jiovM a/3eai] (f}upoi',
Kap!—el TC Si] ')(^pi] Kup,^ ev dvSpdcriv Xeyeiv
yepovT^ d')(^pelov—pi] iroO^ 0('S' iji'SpcopLevoo
pii']rpw<TLV eKTTpd^waLv aiparo^ 8lki]i>.
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—
avv p,i]Tp'i, re/cva f.u] Bdvootf 'HpaKXeov;,
(3a>p,6v Ka6[^(o TovSe a(x)ri]po<; AL6<i,
ov KoXXiVLKOv Sopo^ dyaXpC IhpvcraTO
50 Mti^i;a9 KpaTi]aa^ oupo<; euyevi]^ T0/C09.
irdvTcov he )(peioi rdaS' e8pa<; (f)vXdo-(Top,ev,
(TiTcov TTOTMV ea6rjro<;, darpcoTfo ireho)
TrXeupwi TiOevTe<;' iK ydp eacjipayicrp^evot
h6p,wv Ka6)]ped^ diropLa acoTi'ipia^.
132
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
For the last, down the gorge of TaenarusHe hath passed to Hades, to bring up to light
The hound three-headed, whence he hath not re-
turned.
Now an old legend lives mid Cadmus' sons
That erstwhile was one Lyeus Dirce's spouse,
And of tliis seven-gated city king,
Ere Zethus and Am))hion ruled the land.
Lords of the White Steeds, sprung from loins of Zeus. 30
And this man's son, who bears his father's name,
—
No Theban, an Euboean outlander,
—
P'ell on the city by sedition rent.
Slew Creon, and having slain him rules the land.
And mine affinity with Creon knit
Is turned to mighty evil, well I wot.
I'or while my son is in the earth's dark heart.
This upstart Lycus, ruler of the land.
Would fain destroy the sons of Hercules,
And slay, with blood to smother blood, his wife 40
And me,—if I be reckoned among men,A useless greybeard,—lest these, grown to man,Take vengeance for their mother's father's blood.
And I— for my son left me in his halls
To wai'd his sons and foster them, when he
Lito the earth's black nether darkness passed
—
Here with their mother sit, that Hercules' sons
May die not, at the altar of Saviour Zeus,
Which, in thanksgiving for the victory wonO'er Minvan foes, mine hero-scion reared. 50
And, lacking all things, raiment, meat, and drink.
Here keep we session, on the bare hard ground
Laying our limbs ; for desperate of life
Here sit we, barred from homes whose doors are sealed.
133
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
(f)iXcL>v 8e rov'i fxev ou aa<pel<i opoi (f)i\ov<;,
01 3' 6vT€^ 6p6o)<i ciBvi'ttTOL TTpoaMcfteXelv.
ToiovTOV av6pMTroi(TLV i) hvcTTrpa^ia,
7^9 /x')]7roO' 6(TTi<i Kol p.eaa)<i evvov; ifiol
rv^OL, cf)i\u>v e\e'y)(ov d-^evSeaTarov.
MEFAPA60 to 7rp€cr/3v, Ta(f)t(ov o? ttot' i^€i\e<; ttoXiv
(TTparrfKarrjcra'^ KXeiva K.a8fi6io)v Bop6<;,
o)? ovSev dvOpcoTTOiai rwv Oelcov cr«.^e?.
i'yo) yap ovr et? irarep cnTrfi^aBi]!' Tv-)(rj^,
o<i etveK 6\^ov fieya^ €Kop.7rdadr] rrore,
€')(oiv Tupavvt8\ -))<; fiaKpal \6y)(ai irkpi
•rnqhwa epwrt, (tmimxt ei? evhaifjiova,
€)(^cov Se reKva' Kcifx eSw/ce iraihl crc3
eiTLcnrifiov evvrjv 'Hyoa/cXet avvoiKiaa'^'
KCtl vvv eK€iva fxev Oavovr^ dveTrraTO'
70 iyo) Se koX (Tv fxeWofJiev OvrjaKeiv, yepov,
01 6^ HpuKXeioi 7ratSe9, oui viro 7rrepot<i
(Kii^w veoaaov^ opva W9 ixjyet/xei^ov^.
ol S' ei? eXey^ov dWo'i dWoOev ttlti'cov,
d) fxi]rep, avSa, irol 7raT7]p ciTreart 7>)9;
Tt Spa, TTo^' f'^^et; tw veo) 8' icrcfyaX/xivot
^yrovai, top reKovT' iyo) Be Siacbepco
\oyoiaL fivOevovcra- 0av/xd^u) S', oravirvKai \fro(f)d}ai, 7ra? r' di>iari](riv iroha,
d>^ 7r/309 irarpwov irpocnrecrovpievoL ybvv.
80 vvv ovv Tiv eX-TTtS' >) iropov acoTJjpiwi
e^eu/xapL^ei, Tvpecr/Sv; tt/do? ere yap /SXeTTO).
6j<i ovre yala^ ope dv eK^aL/xev XdOpa-
(f)vXaKal yap rj/icov Kpeiaaove<; kut^ i^6Sov<i'
ovr ev (j)LXoiaiv eX7rtSe<? acoTijpLa^
er elalv iijilv. i]vtlv ovv yvcofirjv e^et<;
134
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
And of friends some, I note, are insincere,
Some, friends in trutli, are helpless for our aid
:
Such evil is misfortune unto men;
'Tis friendship's sternest test : may it never comeTo friend of mine, how faint soe'er his love !
MEGARA
Ancient, who once didst smite the Taphians' l)ur£j, 60
Captaining gloriously the Theban spears.
How are God's ways with men past finding out I
Not Fortune's outcast was I tlirough my sire :
So prospered he, all men acclaimed him great
:
Kingshi}! he had—that thing for lust whereofLong lances leap against men fortune-throned :
Children had he ; me to thy son he gave.
In glorious spousal joined with Hercules.
Now is all dead—on vanished pinions flown I
Now, ancient, thou and I are marked for death, 70
With Hercules' children, whom, as 'neatli her
Avings
A bird her fledglings gathereth, so I keep.
And this one, that one falls to questioning still
—
" Mother, in what land stays our father ?—tell.
What doth he? When comes?" Li child-ignorance
They seek their sire : and still I put them byWith fables feigned ; yet wondering start, whene'er
A door sounds ; and all leap unto their feet.
Looking to cling about their father's knees.
What hojie or path of safety, ancient, now 80
Canst thou devise ?—for unto thee I look.
We cannot quit the land's bounds unperceived.
For at all outlets guards too strong are set
:
Nor linger hopes of safety any moreIn friends. What counsel then thou hast soe'er,
135
HPAKAHS MAIN0MEN05
Xey' €69 TO KGivov, fii] Oavelv eroi/jov /},
Xpovov Be fxi]/cuvco/x€v oVre? aaOevel'i.
AM^ITPTflN
<w Ovyarep, ovtql paSiov to, TOuiSe
(j)av\o)<; Trepatvecv (nrovhciaavT avev ttovov.
MEFAPA
90 XvTrrji; ti TrpoaSel^ 7] (f^iXeU outm (f)do^ ;
AM'i'iTPrr.N
Koi TwSe ')(aip(i) Kai (jiiX(b rci'; eXinBa^,
MEFA?
A
Knyci)' BoKeLV Be rahoKiiT ov XP*h yspov.
AM<i>ITPTnN
iv lal^ ava^dXal^ to)V Kaicwv tvear uki-j.
MEFAPAS' eV fiiaep pe \v7rpo<i wv huKvet ')(p6i'0<i.
AM*ITPTnNeV av <yevoiT^, m Ovyarep, ovpio^ Spopo^
eK T(ov TrapuPTCOV tmpo' ipol kcu crol kcikow,
eXOoi T eV tiv Tral'i oupo<;, evvi'jrcop Be (T09.
dXA,' '))av)(ai^e koI BaKpvppoov^ Te/ci>o)v
Trrj'ya^ a^aipeL Kal 7rapeuK7]\ei 7x6yoi^,
100 KKeTTTOvaa pbvdoL<i aOXiov^ KXoTTai; o/iw?.
KapLVOvat, yap rot, Kal (BporSiv al avpcfyopal,
Kal TTvevpaT ape/xcov ovk del pdip,i]v '^y^ei,
01 t' evTv^ovvze^ Bia reXov? ovk evTV\ei<i'
i^Lararai yap ttcivt dir dWrfKwv Bt)^a.
ovTO^ S' dvijp dpiaro^ oari^ eXTriat
ireiroiOev dei- to S' diropelv dvBpb<; KaKov.
XOP05v-^opo(^a peXadpa crrp.
Kui yepaici Bepvi', d/j,(f)l /3dKTpot<i
F36
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Now speak it out, lest death be at the door,
And we, who are lielpless, do but peize the time.
AMPHITRYONDaughter, not easily, without deep thought,
May one, though ne'er so earnest, counsel here.
MEGARADost seek more grief? Art so in love with life ? 90
AMPHITRYONIn this life I rejoice : I love its hopes.
MEGARAAnd I : yet for things hopeless none may h'ok.
AMPHITRYONEven in dclu}- is salve for evils found.
MEGARAHut ah the gnawing anguish of suspense !
AMPHITRYONDaughter, a fair-wind course may j-et befall
From storms of present ills for thee and me.Yet may he come—my son, tliy lord, ma}' come.Nay, calm thee : stop the fountains welling tears
Of tliese thy sons, and soothe them with th)^ words.
Cheating them with a fable—piteous cheat
!
100
Sooth, men's afflictions weary of their work.And tempest-blasts not alway keep their force
;
Nor prosperous to the end the prosperous are ;
For all things fleet and yield each other place.
He is the hero, who in steadfast hopeTrusts on : despair is but the coward's part.
Enter chorus, leaning on their staves, and clinihing tJie
ascent to the attar.
chorus
Unto the stately palace-roofs, whereby('^''O
The ancient coucheth on the ground,
137
HPAKAH2 MAINOMENOS
epeicTfia d€fX€i>o<;, ecJTciKip taXifiaiv
110 <yuu)V doiSo'^ ware iroXio^ 6pi>t.<;,
eirea fjbovov kol SoKijfxa vvKrepwTrov
evvv)(oiv oveipcov,
Tpofxepa /juev, dXX' 6/j,(o^ Trpodvfia.
o) reKea irarpos diruTop , o)
yepate av re TciXatva fMci-
rep, a tov WlSu Sofioii;
TToaiv dva(nei>d^ei<;.
fit) TToha TTpOKajxiiTe d
120 ^apv re kwXov, Mare tt/jo? ireTpatov
fXevra? ^v'yo(pupo<; apyu-aro? ^dpo<i (f)epa)v
Xa^ov ')(€pMV Kcu TreifKoiv, otov \e\onre
TToSo? dfutvpov txvo<;'
yeptov yepovra Trapa/co/xi^e,
M ^vvoifka Sopara vea vew
TO irdpo^ ev })Xlko)V irovoi'i
^uvrjv TTOT, eu/cXeecTTaTa?
nraTpiho^ ovk oveihrj.
130 tSere, 7rarpo<i co? iirc
yopjMTre^ aiSe 7rpocr(j)epei<;
ofji/jLarayp avyai,
TO Be Si) KaKO'rv')(e<i ov XeXoiirev eK reKvcov,
ovS^ dTTolx^Tai ')(apL<i.
^ A very corrupt passage : Nauck's reading adopted.
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Bowed o'er my propping staff—a chanter I
Whose song rings sorrow round
—
110
Like some hoar swan I come—a voice, no more,Like to a night-dream's phantom-show,
Palsied with eld, yet loyal as of yore
To friends of long ago,
Hail, children fatherless ! Hail, ancient, thou !
Hail, mother bowed 'neath sorrow's load,
Who mournest for thy lord long absent nowIn the Unseen King's abode !
Let feet not faint, nor let the tired limbs trail (.4;//.)
Heavy, as when uphillward strain, 120
Trampling the stones, a young steed's feet that hale
Hie massy four-wheel wain.
I>ay hold on helping hand, on vesture's fold.
Whoso hath failing feet that gropeBlindly : thy brother, ancient, thou uphold
Up this steep temple-slope.
Thy friend, who once mid toils of battle-peers
Shoulder to shoulder, did not shame
—
When thou and he were young, when clashed the
spears,
—
His country's glorious name.
Mark ye how dragon-like glaring (Epnde.) 130
As the eyes of the sire whom we knewAre the eyes of the sons !—and unsparing
His hard lot foUoweth too
His sons ! and the kingly mienOf the sire in the children is seen.
139
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
o'lov^ oTov<; oXeaaaarovcrS^ aTrocTTeprjcrei.
a)OC elaopM yap T^jaSe Koipavov ')^0ovo<;
AvKov rrepoivra roivSe Sm/xhtcov TrdpO'i.
ATK02
140 Toy 'HpciKkeiov Trarepa /cal ^vvdopov,
el XP^'] A*-''^pf^Toy ')(p')j S\ eVei je Zeairoi'iyi
v/x(ov Kadeari-jX, laropelv a /3ov\o/xar
rlv' eh 'x^povov ^yreiTe /n'ljKvvai jBiov
;
riv eXTTi^' uXk/jv t' elaopdre /j,i] Oavelv
;
rj TOP Trap " Xihr] irarepa rcopSe Keipevov
TTLcrreved^ y^eiv ; &)<? VTrep rr/v d^lav
TO irevdo^ atpecrO^, el Oavelv v/jiu<; ^pecov,
av fiev Kaff 'EXXaS' eK^aXoov ko/j-ttov^ Kevov<;
ft)9 avyyafjLo^; aoi Tiev^i reKvou re KOivewv,^
150 (TV K &)<? ciplaTOV cpcoTo^ eKXjjOy)^ Sdfiap.
ri Br] TO aefivov aw Kareipyaarai iroaei,
vBpav eXeiov el BtfoXeae KTavcov
rj rov Ne/i-etoy diip' ; ov ev ^p6-)(0Lq eXoov
^pax^ovo'i (pTja^ dyyovaiaiv e^eXelv.
TolaB' e^aycovL^eaOe ; tmv8^ ap" elveKev
rov<; 'HpaKXeiGV^ iralSa^ ov 6vr]jKtiv ')(ped>v ;
o? ea')(^e ho^av ovhev o)V ei^i/rv^ta?
9iipd)v ev al')(^/xf}, TaXXa S" ovSev aXKipuo^,
09 oviroT dairiS' ea^e irpo^ Xaici %e/ol
IGO oyS' TfXde Xoyj(ii<; e'YYV?, d'KXa to^' e^cov,
KUKiarov dirXov, rfi (f>vyp 7rpu)(^eipo<: ^jv.
dvBpb'i S' eXeyxo<; ovxi ru^^ e"i)\//-f Y''a'»»
^ Heath : for MSS. reVoi v4ov.
T40
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
O Hellas^ if thou uncariinz;
Beholdest them slain, what a bandOf champions is lost to our land !
But lo, the ruler of this realm I see,
Lycus, unto these mansions drawing nigh.
Enter lycus.
LYCUS
Thee, sire of Hercules, and thee, his wife, 140
I ask—if ask I may :—I may, I trow.
Who am your lord, make question as I will :
—
How long seek ye to lengthen out your lives ?
What ho])e expect ye or hel|) from imminentdeath ?
Trust ye that he, the sire of these, who lies
In Hades, yet shall come ? How basely yeUpraise a mourning that ye needs must die !
—ThcHi, who through Hellas scatteredst empty vaunts
That Zeus was co-begetter of sons with thee.
And thou, th.at thou wast named a hero's wife
!
150
Wiiat mighty exploit by thy lord was wroughtIn that he killed a h^dra of the fen,
Or that Nemean lion ?—which he snared.
Yet saith he slew with grip of strangling arms !
By these deeds would ye triumph ?—for their sake
Must they die not, these sons of Hercules .''
That thing of naught, who won him valour's nan-.e
Battling with beasts, a craven in all else,
Who never to his left arm clasped the shield.
Nor within spear-thrust came ; but with his bow, 160
The dastard's tool, was ever at point to flee !
Bows be no test of manhood's valiancy :
I4T
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
aXX' 09 fievcov /SXeirec re KavriSepKerai
Bopo'i jaxelav akoKa tu^ip e/x/3e/3(t)^.
e^ei 8e tov/jLov ovk uvaiheiav, <yepov,
aXX! €v\d/3eiav' olBa yap KaraKTavoov
K/oeoi/ra Trarepa T?}crSe Kal dp6vov<; e](o}v,
OVKOVP Tpa<f)€VTO)V TCOvSe Tl/JiCOpOV'i e/MOi
-X^pr^^b) XnreaOai tcov hehpap.evwv BiK)]v.
AM*ITPTnN
170 TO Tov Aio? p.€v Zey? afivvero) piipei
7rai8o<i' TO o' et? efi, UpaKXei^, i/u,oi fj^eXei,
Xoyoiat rrjv toOS' afiaOiav virep aeOev
Sel^ar KaKSi<i yap cr ovk eareov Kkveiv.
irpcorov p,ev ovv Tapprjr , ev appyjTOicri yapTi-jV ar]v vo[XL^(o SeiXiav, HpuKXee^;,
(Tvv /xdpTvaiv 0eol<i Set /x cnraXXd^ai credev,
Ato? Kspavvov 8' rip6p,')]v reOpLinrd re,
ev ol<i ^e^7]Kco<; rolcn 7?}? ^Xaarij/xacri
Viyacri, irXevpol^ irri'iv ivapfxoaa<; /SeXt],
180 TOV KoXXiviKov fjuera deoov iK(op,acre'
rerpa(TKeXe<; 6^ v^pLa/xa l\.evTavpcoi^ yevo'i,
^oXorjv eireXOoiv, 6) KaKiare (BaaiXecov,
ipov tIv dvSp^ dpiaTOV iyKpiveiav av,
rj ou iralha rov ep.6v, ov av cjjij'i eivai SoKetv.
Aip(f)vv S' ipwTMV i] a e6pe-\\r W^avriha,OVK dv a eiraLveaeiev ov yap ead^ oirov
iaOXov Ti hpd(ja<i p^dprvp dv Xd/3oi^ irdrpav.
TO 7rdvao<f)ov S' evpijp-a, TO^i'ipr) adyijv,
fjii/xcfier kXvcov vvv Tdir i/jiov (TO(f)0(; yevov.
190 dvrjp 07rXiT)]<; Soi)Ao9 iari twv ottXwt,
Kav TolcTL 'avvTa'xOelcnv ovai /it); dyaOol^
avTo^ Tedvi]K€ SeiXia rf] tcov TveXa^,
6pavaa<i re Xoy^^jv ovk e')(€i tm aco/xaTi
142
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Who bideth steadfast in the ranksj cahn-eyedFacing the spear's swift furrow—a man is he !
Greybeard, no ruthlessness hath this my pai't.
But heedfulness : well know I that I slew
Creon, this woman's sire, and hold his throne.
Therefore I would not these should grow to man.Left to avenge them on me for my deeds.
AMPHITRYON
For Zeus's part—his own son's birtli let Zeus 170
Defend : but, Hercules, to me it falls
Pleading thy cause to show this fellow's folly :
1 nia}' not suffer thee to be defamed.First, of that slander—for a slanderous lie,
Hercules, count I cowardice charged on thee,
—
By the Gods' witness thee I clear of this :
To Zeus's thunder I appeal, to the car
That bare the Hero against the earth-born brood.
The Giants, planting winged shafts in their ribs.
When with the Gods he sang the victory-chant. 180
Or thou to Pholoe go, most base of kings.
The four-foot monsters ask, the Centaur tribe.
Ask them whom they would count the bravest man.Whom but my son?—by thee named '-hollow
show'
' !
Ask Dirphys, Abas' land, which fostered thee;
It should not praise thee :—place is none whereinThy land could witness to brave deed of thine !
And at the bow, the crown of wise inventions.
Thou sneerest !—now learn wisdom from my mouth :
The man-at-arms is bondsman to his arms, 190
And through his fellows, if their hearts wax faint.
Even through his neighbours' cowardice, he dies.
And, if he break his spear, he hath naught to ward
143
HPAKAH2 MAINOMENOS
Odvarov ajxvvai, /JAav e^cov a\Kip< /-toi'ov
oaoi Ze TO^ot? X^^P" ^X^^'^''^ euaroxoi',
ev fiev TO XwaTOV, /xvpiovi oicrrou? ac^et?
aX\ot<; TO ao)fia pveTai fxi] KaTdavelv,
e/ca? S' dd)e(TTw? 7roXep.iou<; a/jLvveTai,
TV(f)Xoi'i opo)VTa^ ovTaaa^ TO^evjJiacn,
200 TO aoifici T ov hihcoai tol^ evavTioi<;,
ev ev(^vkdKT(p K e'crTt* tovto S' eV iJ^iixV
ao(f)ov fxaXiCTTa, SpcbvTa TroXe/xiou^ KaKO)^
atp^eiv TO (TM/xa, fir] i/c tu;^?;? coppnapevovi.
Xoyoi fiev ot'Se toZui aot<i ivavnavyvMpyjv exovai tmv icaOeaTooTOdv irepi.
7rai8a<i Se 8?) tl TOvaS' ciiroKTelvai dekei^ ;
Tt a^ 0(8' eSpacrav ; ev Tt cr' jp/GV/xai cro(f>ov,
el TOiv dpLaTMv tukjoi'^ avTo^ d)v KaKaSeSoiKWi. uWd Tovd' ofiwi i]piv ^apv,
210 el BetXia<; ar}<i KUTOavovpeO^ e'lveKa,
o XP^l^^' ^4* '^IP'^v TMV cifiecvovoyv iraOelv,
el 7i€u^ SiKaiwi 6t%e2/ et? t'jp-d'i cfipei'Wi.
el S' ouv ex^iv yP]'? a-KrjTTTpa TijcrS' auTO? 6e\ei.<i,
eaaov rjpd'^ (pvydSa^ e^eXOelv x^^^"^^'/Bta 8e 8pdcn]<i p.i]8ev, rj ireicrei /Stav,
oTav Oeo^ (joi irvevpa p,eTa/3a\cov tvxU'cjiev-
M yaia KdS/LLou, Kal yap et? a' dcf)i^o/u,at
Xoyou? oveihicTTrjpa^i evSaTOvp.evo';,
TOiavT dfjivved' 'HpaKXet Teicvoiai re ;
220 09 el? ^Xivvaicn irdai hid pdx^^ poXcov
@7]f3aii; eOrjKev op/x' iXevOepov ^Xeireiv.
01)8' 'FjXXd8' fjvea', ov8' dve^opat Trore
(TiyoiV, KaKL(TT7]v Xap/3dvwv et? 7rai8' epov,
y)v XPW veo(7(rol<i Tola8e irvp Xoyx^-'i oirXa
144
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
J^eath from himself, who hatli but one defence.
lint he whose hand is cunning with the bow,
—
This first, and best,—lets fly unnumbered shafts,
Yet still hath store wherewith to avert the death.
Afar he stands, yet beats the foeman back.
And wounds with shafts unseen, watch as they will;
Yet never bares his body to the foe, 200
But is safe-warded ; and in battle this
Is wisest policy, still to harm all foes
That beyond range shrink not, oneself unhurt.
These words have sense opposed full-face to thine
Touching the matter set at issue here.
But wherefore art thou fain to slay these boys ?
What have they done ? Herein I count thee Avise,
That thou, thyself a dastard, fear'st the seed
Of heroes : yet hard fate is this for us.
If we shall for thy cowardice' sake be slain, 210
As thou by us thy betters shouldst have been.
If Zeus to us were righteously inclined.
Yet, if thy will be still to keep Thebes' crown,
Suffer us exiled to go forth the land;
liut do no violence, lest thou suffer it,
When God shall haply cause the wind to change.
Out on it !
O land of Cadmus,—for to tlicc I turn,
Over thee hurling mine upbraiding words,
—
Hercules and his sons thus succourest thou.
Him who alone faced all the Minyan host, 220
And made the eyes of Thebes see freedom's dawn ?
Oh, shame on Hellas !—I will hold my peace
Never, who prove her ingrate to my son,
—
Her, whom behoved with fire, with spear, with shield
145
VOL. ni. L
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
(f>€povaav eXOelv, TrovTicov KaOapfidrcov
')(€p(Xov t' r//xoi/3a?, Mv e/xo'x^dijaev -^upLV.
ra B', o) reKv', iipXy ovre %)iJ3aicov iroki^
ovO' 'EX,\a? apKel- 7rpo<i 8' epf acrOevf] (f)iXov
BeSop/car', ovSev oina 7r\r]V yXcocrcry]^ y\r6(^ov.
230 poip^rj yap i/cXeXoiTrev t)v Trplv ei'x^op,6V
yrjpa he rpop^epa yvia Kajiavpov (TOevo<;.
el S' y veo<i re kuti cr(opaTO<i Kparwv,
\aj3oiv av ejxo^ rouBe tou? ^av9ov<i 'TfkoKov<i
KaOijp.dTcoa' dv, coar' WTXavrtfcoiV irepav
<})evyeti' opwv dv BeiXla Tovp^ov Bopu.
X0P02dp' ovK dipopp^ds T0i9 \oyoL(7iv dyaOol
Ov^jTcbv e^ovai, kuv (BpaBu^; rL<; -p Xeyeiv ;
ATK02av p,ev Xey' '>)p,d<i ol<i ireTrvpywcrai XoyoL^,
eyco Be Bpdaco a' dvrl tmv Xoywv KaKO}<;.
240 ay', o'l p,ev 'EXikmv', ol Be Tiapi^aaov 7rrv')(^di;
rep^veiv dvw)(jd' iXOuvre^ vXovpyovi Bpvo^
Kopp.ov<i' eireiBdv B' ela-Ko/iia-Odyaiv TToXei,
I3cop.ov TTepi^ vrjaavre^ dp.(f)7]p7] ^vXaepTTiTrpar' avrwv koI irvpovre crcopara
irdvToyv, "v elBcoa' ovveK ou-^ 6 Kardavcov
Kparel ')(6ovo^ rfjaB', dXX' e7fe) rd vvv rdBe.
v/xei<; Be Trpia/Sei'i TaU ep.ai'i evavrioc
yvcopaiaiv ovTe<;, ov povov (Trevd^ere
T0U9 'HpafcXeiovi 7ralBa<i, dXXd koI B6p,ov
250 Tu^^a?, orav Trdaxf) tIj pi^epvy^aeade Be
BovXoi yeyo)rc<; rfj^ ep.rj<; TupavviBo'^.
X0P02fo) yrj'i Xo')(evpa6' , ov^ "A/)'/? a-irelpet irore
Xd/3pov BpdKOVTO^ egepi]p,co<7a<; yevvv,
146
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
To have helped these babes, thank-offering for his
toils.
Repayment for his purging seas and lands.
Ah boys, such aid to you the Thebans' townNor Hellas bi'ings ! To me, a strengthless friend.
Ye look, who am nothing but a voice's sound :
For vanished is the might I had of old, 230
Palsied with eld my limbs arc, gone my strengtli.
Were I but young yet, master of my thews,
I had grasped a lance, this fellow's j-ellow hair
I had dashed witli blood, and so before my s])ear
Far beyond Atlas' bounds the craven had fled !
CHORUSLo, cannot brave men find occasion still
For speech, how slow soe'er one be of tongue ?
LYCUS
Rail on at me with words up-piled as towers
:
I Avill for Avords requite on thee ill deeds.
(To altendanf) Ho ! bid my woodmen go—to Heliconthese, 240
Those to Parnassus' folds, and hew them logs
Of oak ; and, when these into Thebes are brought,
On either side the altar billets j)ile.
And kindle ; so the bodies of all these
Roast ye, that they may know that not the deadRuleth the land, but now am I king here.
And ye old men which set 3'ourselves against
My purpose, not for Hercules' sons alone
Shall ye make moan, but for your homes' affliction.
Fast as blows fall, and so shall not forget 2.50
That ye are bondslaves of my princely power.
CHORUS
O brood of Earth, whom Ares sowed of yore,
What time he stripped the dragon's ravening jaws,
147L 2
HPAKAHS MAIN0MEN02
ov aKi)7rrpa, ')(eLpo^ Se^id^; ipelcxjuLaTa,
apelre koI rovS' av8po<i dvocriov KupaKadaifxaroyaeO' , ocrTi? ov KaS/xeto? mv
cipxei KcLKicTTO^ TMV vecov eirifKv^ mv ;
a\~k' ovK efiov ye 8e(T7r6a€i.<; 'xaipwv vroTe,
ovh' aiTovi](Ta ttoW' iyco Ka/Moov %f/5t
260 efef?' uTreppcop 8' evOev ?fK.Oe<; ivOdSe,
vjBpL^'' ifMov yap ^mvto"; ov Krevet^ ttotc
T0U9 'Hyoa«:Xe/ou9 iratSa^' ov rocrovSe yfj'i
evepd' eKeivo^ KpvTrreTat. Xittwv reKva.
eVel (TV fiev yfjv rrjvhe Sio\i(Ta<; e%6i9,
6 S' a)0eX?;cra? d^icov ov Tvy)(^dv6r
KanreLTa Trpdaaco ttoW' iyco, (plXov^ e/xov'i
Oavoma^ ev Spcov ov (f)iX(ov pd\i(na Set /
0) Se^id %et/5, (t)<; 7roO€t<i 'Xa/Seiv Bopv,
ev S' daOeve'ta top ttoOov SicoXeaa^.
270 eTret cr' eirava' civ BovXov evveirovTd fie
Kol rdaSe ®)](3a<; et'/fXeco? ajKijaafiev,
ev ah av ')(aipei<i. ov yap ev (f>povet 7r6\i<;
(TTdcrei voaovaa Kal KaKoh ^ovXevfxacnv
ov ydp ttot' dv ae 8ea7roT7]v eKTi^aaro.
MEFAPAyepovT€<i, alvS)' rcov (fiiXcov yap e'iveica
opyd^ Bt/caia^ tou? (b[\ov<; e)(€iv ')(ped)V
rjp.MV 8' eKari Sea7roTai<i Ovfxovpbevoi
TrdOtjre p.rjSev. t?;9 B efjLT]<i, A/j.(f)LTpvu)V,
yv(o/iir)<; ciKovcrov, ?;y Tt aoL Bokm Xeyeiv.
280 iycii (j)iXo) /xev reKva- 7rco9 yap ov (^iXo)
driKTOv, dfio^drjaa ; Kal to Ka-rOavelv
Betvov vojuii^o}' ru) B dvayKaUo rporrrp
148
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Will ye not lift the pi-ops of your right hands.
Your staves,, and dash with blood the impious head
Of yon man, who, though no Cadmeian he.
Base outland upstart, captains the Young Men ?^
Thou shalt not scatheless lord it over me !
Not that which I have gotten by toil of handShalt thou have ! Hence with curses whence tliou
cam'st! 2G0
There outrage ! Whilst I live thou ne'er shalt slay
Hercules' sons ! Not hidden in earth too deepFor help is he, though he hath left his babes.
Tliou, ruin of this land, possessest her;
And he, her saviour, faileth of his due !
Am I a busy meddler then, who aid
Dead friends in plight where friends are neededmost ?
Ah right hand, how thou yeai'n'st to grip the s|)ear,
But in thy weakness know'st thy yearning vain !
Else had I smitten thy taunt of bonds/are dumb, 270
And we had ruled with honour this our ThebesWherein thou joyest ! A city i)lngued with strife
And evil counsels thinketh not ai-ight
;
Else never had she gotten thee for lord.
MEGARAFathers, I thank you. Needs must friends be filled
With righteous indignation for friends' wrongs.
Yet for our sake through Avrath against your lords
Suifer not scathe. Amphitryon, hearken thou
My counsel, if my words seem good to thee :
I love my sons,—how should I not love whom 280
I bare and toiled for ?—and to die I count
Fearful : yet—yet—against the inevitable
^ The revolutionary party, who styled themselves " YoungThebes,"
149
HPAKAHS MAIN0MEN02
09 avTirelvei, crKaiov rjyoufxai, /SpoTov.
r)fid<; S' eVeiS?) Set Oavelv, OvrjaKeiv ^pea)v
fMT} TTUpl KaTa^avdivra^i, ixOpolcnv yeXcov
8c86vra<;, oiifiol rou Oavelv /xel^ov kukov.
6(bet\ofiev yap iroWa Scopacriv koKci.
ae jxev hoKTjaL^ e\aj3ev ev/c\ey]<; So/Oos",
ccxTT ovK dvGKTOv SciX/a? Oavelv a viro'
290 ovfio<i S" dfiapTvprjTO^ evK\€i]<; iTocn^,
0)9 Tovcrhe 7ralSa<; ouk civ eKawaai Oekoi
ho^av KUKTjv \a^6vra<i' ol yap evy6vel<;
Ka/xvovcn TOi? alcrxpolai tcov reKvoov virep,
i/jLOL re jiii/jLi]p, dvSpb<; ov/c diruxneov.
aKe\jraL Be ti]v crtjv eXTrtS',fj
XoyiO^opai'
y^eiv vop,L^ei'i iralha aov yala^ vtto-
Kal Td OavovTcov rjXOev e^ ' XiZov iruXtv ;
a)OC 6)<i \6yoiaL TOvSe fia\Od^ai/j,€v civ ;
i^Kiara' (pevyeiv aKatov dv8p^ e)(Opov '^pewv,
300 (Tocjioicri 8' e'lKeiv Kal TeOpapixevoi<i Ka\o)i'
pdov yap at'Soi)? V7ro/3a\cov (piX' dv TV)(^oi'i.
)]8y] S' eaijXOe fi el TrapaLrrjaaiaeOa
(puya<; TeKvcov TWi'S'" d\Xa Kal toS' dOXiov,
•wevia, (jvv olKTpj, irepifBaXelv acoryjpi'av
ft)? rd ^evcov TrpoacoTra (f)evyovaiv (jf)/Xot9
ev rj/iap rjSv /SXepp,' e^^iv <f)aaiv fiovov.
rdXfxa peO^ rjpcov Odvarov, o? p^evei cr op(t)<i.
TrpoKaXovp.eO^ evyeveiav, w yepov, aeOevTd<; rcov Oecov yap 6aTi<; eKp^o^Oel TV)(a^,
310 TrpoOupo^ eariv, i) irpoOvpia S' ucppcov
b xph y^P ovSeU fiT) xp^^v Oijaec irorL
X0P02el fiev crOevovTcov roiv ep-Siv ^payLovowr]v Tt? <T v^pi^cov, paStct)9 ciravaar^ dv
^5°
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Who strives^ I hold him but a foohsli man.Since we must needs dip, better 'tis to die
Not with fire roasted, yielding laughter-scoff
To foes, an evil worse than death to me.
Great is our debt of honour to our house :
—
Thou hast been crowned with glorious battle-fame;
Thou canst not, must not, die a coward's death :
Nor any Avitness needs my glorious spouse 290
That he would not consent to save these sons
Stained with ill-fame : for fathers gently born
Are crushed beneath the load of cliildren's shame.
My lord's example I cannot thrust from me.Thine own hope—mark how lightly I esteem it
:
Dost think, from the underworld thy son sliall
come ?
Ah, of the dead, who hath retui'ned from Hades ?
Dost dream we might with words appease this
wretch ?
Never !—of all foes, still beware the churl
!
Yield, if thou must, to wise and high-bred foes
;
300
So thy submission may find chivalrous grace.
Even now methought, '* What if we asked for these
The boon of exile ?"—nay, 'twere misery
To give them life with wretched penury linked.
For upon exile-friends the eyes of hosts
Look kindly, say they, one day and ih) more.
Face death with us : it waits thee in any wise.
Tliy noble blood I challenge, ancient friend.
Whoso with eager struggling would writhe out
From fate's net, folly is his eagerness. 310
For doom's decree shall no man disannul.
CHORUS
Had any outraged thee while yet mine armsWere strong, right quickly had he ceased therefrom ;
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
vvp S' ovSiv ea/u,€v. crov he rovvTeuOev aKOireiv
AM*iTPTnN
ovrot TO SeiXov ov8e tov /3iov iroOo^
Oavelv ipvKei \x , aWa TraiSl /3ov\o/uai
atJoaai, tekv • a\\u)<; S' aBvvdrcov eotK epav.
ISoii Trdpeariv ?;Se ctaaydvco Beprj
320 Kevrelv (f)OV€V€iv, levai nrerpa^ airo.
fiiav he vwv ho<; ^dpcv, ava^, iKvovfieda'
Kreivov fie koX T7]vh^ udXiav iraihcov 7rdpo<{,
fo)9 /i>7 TeKV etcrthco/xev, dvucriov 6eav,
ylrv)(^oppayovvTa Koi KaXovvra fxyrepa
Trarpof t6 irarepa, rciWa S'fj
7rp60v/xo<; el
irpdcra • ov yap d\Krjv €')(0[xev o)(ne fxi) Oavelv.
MEFAPA
Kayco cr' iKvovfiai ')(^dpiri irpoadeivai x^piv,rjfjitv 'iv dp,(f)otv el? i7rovpy7ja7]^ hi7r\d-
KocTfjbov Trdpe-i p,OL vratal irpoaOeivat veKpoiv,
330 hop^ov^ dvoL^a'i—vvv yap eKKeicXrjpeOa-—ft)? dXka ravrd y diroXd/Scoa oiKcov irarpo^.
AYK05
harai rdh""' oiyeiv KkfjOpa TrpoairokoL*; \eyoi.
KOcrpelaO' eao) p,o\6vTe^' ov (pOopo) TreTrXcov,
orav he Koapov irepi^dXiqade croipacnv,
i]^(o irpos vpid<i veprepa hcocrcov )(^$ovL
MEFAPA
S) TeKV, opLapretr dOXiw p^ijTpo^ Trohl
irarpwov eh peXaOpov, ov rrj^ overlap
aXXoi Kparovcri., to 8' ovopC ead^ tjpwv tTU
152
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
But now I am naught. 'Tis thine, Amphitryon, nowTo search how thou shalt pierce misfortune's snares.
AMPHITRYON
Nor cowardice nor hfe-craving liolds me backFrom death : but for my son I fain would save
His sons—I covet things past hope, meseems.Lo, here my throat is I'eady for thy sword.
For stabbing, murdering, hurhng from the rock. 320
Yet grant us twain one grace, I i)ray thee, king
:
Slay me and this poor mother ere the lads.
That—sight unhallowed—we see not the boys
Gasping out life, and calling on their motherAnd grandsire : in all else thine eager will
Work out : for we have no defence from death.
And, I beseech, to this grace add a grace,
To be twice benefactor to us twain :
—
Open yon doors ; let me array my sons
In death's attii'e,—for now are we shut out,
—
330
Their one inheritance from their father's halls.
LVCUS
So be it : I bid my men throw wide the doors.
Pass in ; adorn you : I begrudge no robes.
But, when ye have cast the arraying round yourlimbs,
I come, to give you to the nether world, ^Exit,
MEGARA
Children, attend your hapless mother's steps
To your sire's halls, where others' mastery holds
His substance, but his name yet lingereth ours.
\_Exit nith children.
153
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
AM*ITPTnN
(o Zev, ixdrifv dp" o/jbOjafjLOv cr' eKTijadfM't^v,
340 fiaTrjv Be iraiBo^ KOiveSiV ^ a eKkrj^ofiev
ail S' rjaO' dp rjacrov r} 'So/cei? elvai (ptXo'i.
dperfi (T€ viKM 6vr]r6<; o)v Oeov fieyav
TralSwi •yap ov irpovhonKa tol*? 'YipuKkeov^.
<jv h' eh l^^v evvd<; Kpv(f)io<; i)7riaT(o p-oXelv,
TaWorpia Xe/cTpa B6vro<; ovSei>6<i \a^(i>v,
(T(i)^eiv Be TOi'9 aov'i ovk iiTiaraaaL (piXov-i.
diJ,a6))<i Ti^ el 6e6<i, i) BiKaio<; ovk e(pu^.
X0P02
atkLvov fxev eir evrvxel uTp. a
fxo\7ra (po(/3o? la-^ei,
350 rdv KoXXLCJ^Ooyyop Ktddpav
i\avvo)V ifki'iKTpw j(pvak(p'
eyco Be tov 7a? evepcov t i<i 6p(f)vai
aoXovra, TraiS' e'lre A<o«? viv eiTroi
eiV ^Afi(f)iTpvo)voi; Ivlv,
vfivi]<Tai aTe(f)dv(t)/jba fio-
^Ooiv Bl ev\oyia<; deXo)
fyevvalwv 8' aperaX ttovcov
T0t9 davovaiv dydXua.
irpwTOv jxev Ai09 d\(TO<i
360 rjpijfMWcre \eopro<;,
TTvpau) 8' aix(^e KaKv(j)6'r)
^avOov Kpa-T eTTivcdTiaaf
Beivo) -^^dcTfiari d't]p6<;'
^ Scaliger : for MSS. rot vfliiv and rhv vti>v
154
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
AMPHITRYONZeus, for my coiicli-mate gained I thee in vain.
Named tliee in vain co-fatlier of my son. 340
Less than thou seemedst art thou friend to us !
Mortal, in worth tliy godhead I outdo :
Hercules' sons have I abandoned not.
Cunning wast thou to steal unto my couch,
—
To filch another's right none tendered thee,
—
Yet know'st not how to save thy dear ones now !
Thine is unwisdom, or injustice thine. \Exh.
CHORUS
The Lay of the Laiours of Hercules ^
Hard on the paean triumphant-ringing {Sir. 1)
Oft Phoebus outpealeth a mourning-song,
O'er the strings of his harp of the voice
sweet-singing 350
Sweeping the plectrum of gold along.
I also of him \\ lio hath passed to the places
Of underworld gloom—whether Zeus' Son's
story, [praises
—
Or Amphitryon's scion be theme of mySing : I am fain to uplift him before yeWreathed with the Twelve Toils' garland of
glory :
For the dead have a heritage, yea, have a crown.
Even deathless memorial of deeds of renown.
L The Nemean Lion
In Zeus' glen first, in the Lion's lair.
He fought, and the terror was no more there ; 360
But the tawny beast's grim jaws Avere veiling
His golden head, and behind swept, trailing
Over his shoulders, its fell of hair.
* For II, V, VII, VIII, later writers substitute tlie Eryman-thian Boar, the Augean Stables, the Styniphalian Birds, andthe Cretan Bull.
155
HPAKAHS MAIN0MEN02
370
rav T opeivofiov ajpuoiv
K.evTavpcov Trore yevvav
earpwcrev ro^oi? (f)ovLOC<i,
evalpcov Tnai'oi'; /SeXeaiv.
^vvoiBe Uj]V€i6<; 6 KaX\,iSiva<;
fiUKpai T cipovpai ireh'twv c'lKapTroi
KoX n?;\i«8e9 depuTTvai
avy^opToi 6^ 'OpoXa'i erau-
\ot, irevKaicnv oOev %e/3a9
irXripovine^ ydova SeaaaXojv
Tuv T6 xpvaoKapai'OV
hopKaV TTOlKlXoVCOTOV
avKrireipav dypcoaTCiv
KTeiva^, drjpocfiovov deav
Olvdddriv dydWei'
380 TedpiTTirmv t erre^a
KoX "^^akioL^ eSdpaaae TTftjXou?
A(o/A?ySeo9, at (fiOvlaKTi (fidrvai'i
d^dXiv edoa^ov
KdOaipa alra '^/eiwat, ')(apixova2cnv
dvSpo/Spcocri Svarpdire^or irepoiv S'
iS6
crrp.
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
II. The Ccnlaurs
Tlien on the mountaiii-liaunters raining (//«/. 1)
Far-flying arrows^ his hand laid low
The tameless tribes of the Centaurs, straining
Against them of old that deadly bow.
Peneius is witness, the lovely-gliding.
And the fields unsown over plains wide-
spreading,
And the hamlets in glens of Pelion hiding, 370
And on Homole's borders many a steading.
Whence poured they with ruining hoofs down-treading
Thessaly's harvests, for battle-brands
Tossing the mountain pines in their hands.
III. The Golden-homed Hind
And the Hind of the golden-antlered head.
And the dappled hide, Avhich wont to spread
O'er the lands of the husbandmen stark deso-
lation,
He slew it, and brought, for propitiation,
Unto Oenoe's Goddess, the Huntress dread.
IV. The Horses of Diomede(Sir. 2)
And on Diomede's chariot he rode, for he reined
them, 380
By his bits overmastered, the stallions four
That had ravined at mangers of murder, andstained them
With revel of banquets of horror, when gore
Fi'om men's limbs di'ipped that their fierce
teeth tore.
157
HPAKAH2 MAINOMENO:^
apyvpoppvTCtv Fj/Spov
^\vrCrjVat(p TTOVMV Tvpuvvor
TCLV re iM7;\iaS' uktciv
390 ^Avavpov irapa irrj^d'i'
J^vKVov Se ^evohaiKTav
To^oi^ cokeaev, W.p.(pavai-
a^ oIki]top' a/.UKTOV'
v/j,V(phov<; re Kopa^ avr. jS'
rjKvOev, 'Eiaireptav e? avXdv,
')(^pvaeov TreToXwv citto fi')]\o(p6pcov
X^P'- KapiTov a/j-ep^cov,
hpciKoina Trvpaovcorov, o? o"^' ciTrXarov
d/x(f)€\iKTo<; eXiK i(f)poupei, KTavdov
400 TTOi'rla'i 6^ a\m p-vy^ov^;
elai^aive, Ovaroi'i
fyaKavt^ia<i Ti,6el<; epeTp-oc<i'
ovpavov 9^ VTTO peaaav
ekavvei ^eoa? eSpav,
"ArXavTOi topov iXOcov
da-rpcoTTOv^ ze Karecrx^v ot-
KOV<i evavopla 6eo)V
^ Dindorf : for MSS. Trepav . . . SieTrf'/joo-' ox^ov.
tS8
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
V. Cycnus the Robber
Over eddies of Hebrus silvery-cuiling
He passed to the great work yet to be done,
In the tasks of tlie lord of Mycenae toihng;
By the surf mid the Mahae reefs ev^er boihng,
And by founts of Anaurus, he journeyed on^ 390
Till the shaft from his string did the death-
challenge sing
Unto Cycnus the guest-slayer, Amphanae's king.
Who gave welcome to none.
VI. The Golden Apples
{Ant. 2)
To tlie Song-maids he came, to the Gardencnfoldcn
In glory of sunset, to pluck, where they grewMid the fruit-laden frondage the ap})les golden
;
And the flame-hucd dragon, the Avarder that
drewAll round it his terrible s})ircs, he slew.
VII. Extirpation of Pirates
Through the rovers' gorges seaward-gazing 400
He sought ; and thereafter in peace might roamAll mariners plying the oars swift-racing.
VIII. The Pillars of Heaven
To the mansion of Atlas he came, and jilacing
His arms outstretched 'neath the sky's mid-dome.By his miglit he upbore the firmament's floor.
And the palace Avith splendourof stars fretted o'er,
The Immortals' home.
159
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
Tov iTTTrevTav t W/xa^ovcov arparov arp. 7
^iacMTiv afji(f)l TToiXviroraixov
410 e^a St' FjV^etvov olSpa Xipbva^,
riv ovK d(f) 'EXXawa?
ajopov a\[aa<i (plXcov,
fK6pa<; 'Apeta? ifkecov^
')(pvcreou ajoXov cf)dpov<;,'f
^o)(Tri]po<i oKeOpiov^ dypa<; ;
ra KKeivd 8' 'EXXa? eXa^e /3ap/3dpov ic6pa<;
\d(f)vpa, Kot (Tcp^erai ^'IvK7]vai<i.
rdv T€ p^vpioKpavov
420 7ro\v<povov Kvva Kepva^
vSpav i^eTTvpcoaev,
/SeXecrt t' d/x(f)€/3d}C lov,^
TOV rpiacofucTOV olaiv e-
Kja ^orrjp' ^Epudelw?.
Spo/xcov t' dXkcov dydXpuT einv)(^rj avT. 7
Bi7]\6e' TOV re TroXvhdKpvov
eTrXeva WKihav, ttovcov TeXevTdv,
"v eKTrepaivei TdXwj
^ Murray's conjecture, for MSS. ireirAwv xp'^'^^o<rTo\ov
(pdpos.
2 Wecklein: for MSS. o^u^e^SoAe rhv.
160
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
IX. The Amazon's Girdle
(Sir. 3)
On the Amazon hosts upon war-steeds riding
By the shores of Maeotis, the river-meads
green.
He fell ; for the surges of Euxine he cleft. 410
What brother in arms was in Hellas left.
That came not to follow his banner's guiding.
When to win the Belt of the Warrior Queen,The golden clasp of the mantle-vest,
He sailed far forth on a death-fraught quest ?
And the wild maid's spoils for a glory abiding
Greece won : in Mycenae they yet shall beseen*
X. The Hydra
And the myriad heads he seared
Of the Hydra-fiend with flame, 420
Of the murderous hound Lernaean.
XI. The Three-bodied Giant Geryon
With its venom the arrows he smearedThat stung through the triple frame
Of the herdman-king Erythaean.
XII. Cerberus
{Anl. 3)
Many courses beside hath he run, ever earning
Triumph ; but now to the dolorous land,
Unto Hades, hath sailed for his last toil-
strife ;
And there hath he quenched his light of life
i6i
VOL. III.**
HPAKAH2 MAINOMENOS
^ioTOV oils' e/3a TrdXiv.
430 areyai, 8' eprjfioL (fyiXcov,
rav S av6(TTip,ov t€kvq)v
Xdpcovos' eTTiixevei Trkara
^iov KeXevOov ciOeov aoiKov et? 8e aa^
X^P^'i /3Xe7rei Scoytiar' ou TvapovTo^;,
el S' iyco a9evo<i "j^cov
hopv r eTraWov ev alxP'^>
K^aSpetcov re crvvyj/Soi.,
TeKeacv av irapearav
440 uXko,' vvv S' dTToXeLTTO/iiai
Td<i ev^aifiovo<i '}']/3a<i.
a)OC eaopCo '^/dp rovahe (f)9i/j,ev(ov
evSvT eyovra'^, rov<i rov fieydXov
SrjTTore TralSa? to irplv 'HpaKXeov;,
aXo^ov re (^lXtjv vTrocreipaiov^;
TToalv eXKOvaav reKva, koI yepaiov
irarep' 'HpaKXeovi. Bvartjvo^ eyco,
haKpvcov w? ov Siivajxai /fare^etv
450 ypala<=; ocracov en 7n]yd<;.
MEFAPA
elev Tt? lepev^, rt? a(f)ayev'i rcov SvcriroT/Moyv
rj TT]<i TdXaLvrj<i tyj^ ifirj<; '^v^^'i (f>ov€v<i ;
eroifi dyeiv rd Ovpiar ei? ' Aihov rdhe.
CO TeKV, dyojJLeOa l^evyo<s ov KaXov veKpwv,
opov yepovre^ /cat veoi koI p^i^ripe'i.
u) polpa hvcndXaiv ep,7] re kol reKvcov
TcovS', ov<; iravvcTTaT 6p,p.acTiv irpoaZepKOfxai.
€T€Kov p€v v/jLd<;, '77-o\ejj,Loi<; 8' idpe-ijrdjjLijv
162
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Utterly—woe for the unreturning;
!
And of friends forlorn doth thy dwelling stand ; 430
And waits for thy children Charon's oar
By the river that none may repass any more.
Whither godless wrong would speed them : and
yearning
We strain our eyes for a vanished hand.
But if mine were the youth and the mightOf old—were mine old friends here.
Might my spear butm battle be shaken,
I had championed thy children in fight :
—
But mid desolate days and drear 440
I am left, of my youth forsaken
!
Lo where they come !—the shrouds of burial
cover
Each one,—the children of that Hercules
Named the most mighty in the days past over.
She whom he loved, whose hands draw on-
ward these
Like to a chariot's trace-led steeds,—the father
Stricken in years of Hercules !—woe's me !
Fountains of tears within mine old eyes gather ;
How should I stay them, such a sight who see ? 450
Enter megara, Amphitryon, and children.
MEGARAWho is the priest, the butcher, of the ill-starred ?
Or who the murderer of my woeful life ?
Ready the victims are to lead to death.
O sons, a shameful chariot-team death-driven
Together, old men, mothers, babes, are we.
hapless doom of me and these my sons
Whom for the last time now mine eyes behold !
1 bare you, nursed you—all to be for foes
163M 2
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
v^picTfia KaTTi'X^apfjUi koI 8ta(f)6opdv.
(bcv-
460 7) TTokv fxe So^rjti i^eTraiaav eA-TTtSe?,
rjv irarpo<i ii/XMV e'/c Xoycov ttot rjXirLcra.
aoX fiev yap "Ayoyo? evefi 6 Kurdavcov TraTijp,
^ipvadeox; S' e/ieWe? olKrjaeiv Sofiovi
T>]<; KaXkiKapTTOu Kpdro<i e)(cov TleKaayia^,
aToXijp re 6rjpo<i dfj,(})€/3aWe aw KapaXeofTO?, 77776/) auTo? e^coTrXl^eTO'
(TV S" Tjada ^rj^cov tcov (f^LXapfidrcov dva^,
eyKXrjpa ivehia TUfid y?}? KeKTi]/j.ivo<i,
0)9 e^eireiOe^ rov KaraaTretpavrd ere'
470 ei<f Be^idv Be arjv dXe^rjTJjpiov
^v\ov KaOiei SaiBakov, i^euS?} Bocriv.
aol S' yv eirepae tol<; eK7]/36\oi,^ Trore
TO^OLai Bcoaeiv Ol'^aXiav LiTrecr^eTO.
T/)et9 B' 6vra<; v/idi; TpLTrrv'xoL^; Tvpavviai
7raT7]p eirvpyov, /xeya ^povMV evavBpia'
eyco Be vvp.(f)a<i rjKpoOLVia^6p.i]v,
ki'jBt} avvdyjfovcT', eK t' 'AOijvaicov ^9ovo^
X'7rdpTr]<^ T€ Sr]^cbv 0', w? dvqfXjxevoL Kd\(p<;
rrpvfivrjaioicn ^iov e')(OLT evBalpiOva.
480 Kal Tavra (f)povBa' /xeTa/SdXovcra B' rj tv)^j]
vvp.cf)a<i fxev vfitv Kr^/aa? dvreBcoK e-x^eiv,
ifiol Be BdKpua Xourpd' Bvarrjvo^ <ppev(ov.
TraTrjp Be iraTpo^ earLo. ydfiovi oBe,
"AiBi]!' vofit^cov irevOepov, Kr']Bo<; TTiKpov.
cbfMOi, Tty' v/jLwv TrpcoTOV rj TLv vararov•jrprx; crrepva Oco^iai ; rep Trpoaapfxoaco arofia
164
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
A scofF, a glee, a thing to be destroyed.
Woe and alas !
Ah for my shattered dreams, my broken hopes, 460
Hopes that 1 once built on your father's words !
Argos to thee ^ thy dead sire would allot
:
Thou in Eurystheus' palace wast to dwell
In fair and rich Pelasgia's sceptred sway :
That beast's fell o'er thine head he wont to throw.
The lion's skin wherein himself went clad.
Thou ^ shouldst be king of chariot-loving Thebes,
And hold the champaigns of mine heritage;
Thv prayer won this of him that gave thee life ;
And to thy right hand would he yield the club, 470
A feigned gift, his carven battle-stay.
To thee ^ the land, by his far-smiting bowOnce wasted, promised he, Oechalia.
So with three princedoms would your sire exalt
His three sons, in the pride of his great heart.
And I chose out the choice of Hellas' brides.
Linking to ours by marriage Athens' land,
And Thebes, and Sparta, that ye might, as ships
Moored by sheet-anchors, ride the storms of life.
All that is past : the wind of fate hath veered, 480
And given to you the Maids of Doom for brides.
Tears for my bride-baths. Woe for those my dreams !
And now your grandsire makes the spousal-feast
With Hades for brides' sire, grim marriage-kin.
Ah me ! whom first of you, or whom the last.
To mine heart shall I press ?—whom to my lips ?
* The eldest son, Therimachus.2 Tlie second son, Creontidas.' The third son, Deicoon.
1 6.;
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
[xekiaaa avveve^/Kaiix av eK irdvTcov 7001^?,
et? ev h' iveyKova' dOpoov aTToBoirjv BaKpv.
490 o) (jaXrar', e'l Ti? (f>0o'yyo<; elaaKoveratdvrjTMV -Trap "Aihr), crol rdS', 'HpdK\ei<;, Xeyro'
6vr](TK€i Trarrjp (to<; koa tekv, oXkvpai h' iyu),
1] irpXv paKapia hid a' tKXrj^Sprjv ^porol<i.
dp)]^ov, iXOe' Koi cxKid (f)dv)]Oi, poraX<9 yap iX$a>v Kciv ovap^ yevoto av-
KaKol ydp elaiv o'l reKva Kretvovai ad,
AM*ITPTnNail pev TO, vepOev evrpeirrj ttocov, yvvar67ft) 8e a', o) Ttev, %et/)' e? ovpavov Sikcov
avSo), rcKvoiaiv et ti rotalS' co^eXetv
500 peXXei-s, dpuvecv, &)? Ta;^' ovSev dpKeaei^;.
Katroi KeKXrjaat TToXXaKi^' pdrrjv ttovoh'
davelv ydp, co? eoiK , dvayKalw<i ej^ei.
dXX , 0) yepovra, piKpd pev rd rov ^iovTovTov 6' oiru)^ '>]8iara Biairepdaere,
e^ rjpepa^ el<; vvktu p.r} Xvirovpevoi.
ft)9 iXTTiSa^; pev xP^vo<; ovk iTriararai
arpi^eiv, to S' avrov airovhdaa^ BieTrraro.
opdre p oairep ?} TrepijSXeTTTO^ ^poTohovopaara Trpdaacov, Kai p dcpetXeO^ rj tv)(^t]
510 Mairep irrepov tt/jo? aWep' t'lpepa pid.
S' oX/3o9 p.eya<; i] re S6^' ovk oI8^ otu)
^€^ai6<i iari. 'xalper • dvSpa ydp (f)iXov
Travvararov vvv, t]XiK€<;, SeSopKare.
MEFAPA
M irpea^v, Xevaaco rdpd (^iXrar ; rj rt <^<y;
^ Wilamowitz : for MSS. Uavhu hv.
166
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Whom shall I clasp ? Oh but to gather store
Of moan, like brown-winged bee, from griefs widefield,
And blend together in tribute of one tear !
Dear love,—if any in Hades of the dead 490
Can hear,—I cry this to thee, Hercules :
Thy sire, thy sons, are dying ; doomed am I,
I, once through thee called blest in all men's eyes.
Help !—come !—though as a shadow, yet appear '
Thy coming as a dream-shape should suffice
To daunt the cravens who would slay thy sons
!
AMPHITRYONLady, the death-rites duly order thou.
But I, O Zeus, with hand to heaven upcast,
Cry—if for these babes thou hast any help.
Save them ; for soon thou nothing shalt avail. 500
Yet oft hast thou been prayed : in vain I toil
;
For now, meseems, we cannot choose but die.
Ah friends, old friends, short is the span of life
:
See ye pass through it blithely as ye may,VV'^asting no time in grief 'twixt morn and eve.
For nothing careth Time to spare our hopes :
Swiftly he works his work, and fleets away.
See me, the observed of all observers once.
Doer of deeds of name—in one day all
Fortune hath snatched, as a feather skyward blown. 510
None know I whose great wealth or high repute
Is sure. Farewell : for him that was your friend
Now for the last time, age-mates, have ye seen.
HERCULES appears in the distance.
MEGARAHa!Ancient, my dear lord—else what ?—do I see ?
167
HPAKAH5 MAIN0MEN02
AM*ITPTnNOVK olSa, Ovyarep' acfyaaia Be KUfi e^€C.
MEFAPA08' icrrlv ov 77^9 vepdev elarjKovofiev,
€1 ^irj 7' oveipov iv ^deu ti Xevaao/xev
Tt (f)r]/uii ; TTOi oveipa Krjpa'ivova opw
;
ovx €(70^ 60 dX\o<; avrl aov iraiSo^, yepov.
520 Bevp', 0) reKV, eK/cprjpvacrde Trarpwwv TreirXfOV,
tV iyKovetre, /nrj peOrjT, iirel Aio?cranrjpo<i vpuv ovSev iaO^ 08' vcrTepo<i.
HPAKAH2ft) x^tpe, pekaOpov irpoTrvXd 0^ ecrrta? e/i?}?,
to? dapev6<i a eaelhov e? (^do^ poXcov.
ea' Ti ^prjpa ; reKv' opw irpo Scopdrcov
(TToXpolcrt veKpoiv Kpara^ i^eareppeva,o')(\a) t' iv dvSpcJv r7]v ip,rjv ^vvdopovTrarepa re BaKpvovra avp(^opd<i rtW? ;
(j)ep eKTrvOoypat rcovSe ttXtjo-lov aradei^,
530 Tt Kaivov ?]\d€, yvvai, hu>pa<JLV XP^^'i !
MEFAPA(o (fyiXraT dvSpcov—
AM*ITPTnNft) (f)ao<i poXoiv irarpi—
MEFAPA7]K€i'i, icrcoOi]^ et9 uKpijv iXBoov <jit\oi<i ;
HPAK.\H2
Tt ^?79 ; Ttz'' ei9 rapaypov i]Kop,ev, Trdrep ;
MEFAPAZioWvpeaBa' av Se, yepov, crvyyvwdi pot,
el Trpoadev ijpiraa a ae Xiyeiv tt/jo? toz'S' exp>]v'
TO di)\v ydp 7rfo)9 paWov oiKrpbv dpaevoov,
Kol Tap! edvyaKe TeKv\ dTrcoXXvpLTjv S' iyco.
168
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
AMPHITRYONI know not, daughter,—speechless am I struck.
MEGARA'Tis he who lay, we heard, beneath the earth.
Except in broad day we behold a dream !
What say I ?—see they dreams, these yearning eyes ?
This is none other, ancient, than thy son.
Boys, hither !—hang upon your father's cloak. 520
Speed ye, unhand him not ; for this is he,
Your helper he, no worse than Saviour Zeus.
Enter hercules.
HERCULES
All hail, mine house, hail, portals of mine hearth
!
How blithe, returned to life, I look on you !
Ha ! what is this ?—my sons before the halls
In death's attire and with heads chapleted !
—
And, mid a throng of men, my very wife !
—
My father weeping over some mischance !
Come, let me di-aw nigh these and question them.Wife, what strange stroke hath fallen on mine house ? 530
MEGARAO best-beloved !
—
AMPHITRYONTo thy sire light of life !
—
MEGARAArt come?—art saved for friends' most desperate
need?HERCULES
How ?—father, what confusion find I here ?
MEGARAWe are at point to die !—thy pardon, ancient.
That I before thee snatch thy right of speech,
For woman is more swift than man to mourn.
And my sons were to die, and I was doomed.
169
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
HPAKAH2"AttoXKov, OLOi,<i (jipoifjLLOi'i apx^t \oyov.
MEFAPATeQvaa a8e\(f)ol Kol Trarrjp oufib<i yepcov.
HPAKAH2540 TTW? 0?;? ; n Spdawi i) Sopo^ ttolov tl'^coi' ;
MEFA?AAvKO^ acf)' Katv6<; yyj^; ava^ SicoXeaev.
HPAKAH2OTrXoi^; a-TvavTOiV i) voarjadar]^ 'X^dovo^ ;
MEFAPAardaer ro KdB/juov 8' eindirvKov e)(ei Kpdro^.
HPAKAH2ri SijTa tt/jo? ae koI 'yepovr ^fkdev (})6/3o^ ;
MEFAPAKT€LV€iv efieWe Trarepa Kape koX reKva.
HPAKAH2Tt (^7;? ; Tt rap^cov 6p<^dvevp epo)v reKvcov ;
MEFAPA
p,7] TTore K.peovTO'i ddvarov iKTiaaiaro.
HPAKAH2Kocrpo'^ he 7rai8(ov Tt9 oSe vepTcpoi^; Trpeircov ;
MEFAPAOavdrov rdZ^ ijSy] TrepL^oXaC ev)]ppe6a.
HPAKAH2550 Kai irpo^ /Biav eOvrjaKer ; w rXyjpcov eyco.
MEFAPA^i\(i)v epr]/jLoi, ere Se davovr^ rjKOVopev,
HPAKAH2iroOev S' 69 u/ia? 77S' iarjXd^ dOupia ;
MEFAPAl^vpvcrdeco^; KijpvKd i'jyyeXX.ov rdSe.
\7<^
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
HERCULES
Apollo !
—
what strange prelude to thy speech !
MEGARADead are my brethren and my grey-haired sire.
HERCULES
How?—by what deed, or stricken l)y what spear? 540
MEGARA'Twas Lye us slew them, this land's upstart king.
HERCULES
Met in fair fight ?—or plague-struck was the land ?
MEGARABy faction stricken. He rules seven-gated Thebes.
HERCULES
Why fell on thee and on the old man dread ?
MEGARAHe sought to slay thy sire, thy sons, and me.
HERCULES
How?—of my fatherless children what feared he?
MEGARALest Creon's death one day they might avenge.
HERCULES
This vesture meet for dead folk, what means it?
MEGARAIn this attire we shrouded us for death.
HERCULES
And were to die by violence ?—woe is me ! 550
MEGARAForlorn of friends, we heard that thou hadst died.
HERCULES
Wherefore came on you this despair of me ?
MEGARAThe heralds of Eurystheus published this.
171
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
HPAKAH2Tt S* e^ekeiirer oIkov ecrriav r i/x7]v ;
MEFAPAySta, TraTTjp /xev eKireaoiv arpwrov Xe^j^oi'?.
HPAKAH2KOVK eay^ev alSco tov 'yepovr aripdaai ;
MEFAPAalho) ly
; airoiKel rfjaBe t?}? 6eov Trpoaco.
HPAKAH2OVTM S" (iTTOVTe^ ecnravito[xev (f)t\a>v ;
MEFAPA(piKoi jdp elaiv dvhpl hvarv^el rlve^ ;
HPAKAH2560 fMcfX^a^; Se yiivvMV a? erXrjv, direTrrva-av ;
MEFAPA
d(f)iKoi>, "v avdl<; aoi Xeyco, to Sv(TTU)(^e<;.
HPAKAH2ov ptyp-eO^ "AiSov rdaSe irepi^okdf; K6py]<;
Kol (f)a)i dva/3\e'^ecr6e tov Kdroi atcoTOV
(f)i\a<i dfioi^df 6fip,aaiv SeBopKOTet;
;
iyo) Be, vvv yap tt}? e/x^9 epyov ')(^epo<i,
Trpwrov ixkv elfii koI KaracrKdyjrco So/xous;
KaivoiV Tvpdvvwv, Kpdra 5' dvoaiov re/xcov
p'i'^w KVVMV eXKr]/u.a' JvaSpeiow S' oaov^
KaKOv<i i(f)7]vpov ev TraOovra^ e^ epov,
570 TW KoKXiVLKW TwS' oifXw 'yeipdidopiaL'
TOL'9 Se TnepaiTol^; 8ia<f)op(bv To^evpaac
veKpSiv diravT ^lap/rivov ip.TrXtjcro) <f)6vov,
AipKrji; T€ vdp,a XevKOV alpa')(dr]aerai.
ru> ydp p^ dpLVveiv /.cdWov rj Sdpupri )(pr)
KoX iraial kclI yepovr t ; ^aipovrwv Trover
p,dTi]v ydp avTOV<; rcovSe p,dWov ijvvaa.
172
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
HERCULESBut why did ye forsake mine home and hearth f
MEGARABy force : thy father from his bed was flung.
HERCULES
Had lie no shame to outrage these grey hairs ?
MEGARAShame ?—from tliat Goddess far his dwelling is
'
HERCULES
So poor of friends was I when far away !
MEGARAFriends !—what friends hath a man unfortunate ?
HERCULES
Scorned they the fights with Minyans I endured ? 660
MEGARAFriendless, I tell thee again, misfortune is.
HERCULESFling from your hair these cerements of the grave :
Look up to the light, beholding with your eyes
Exchange right welcome from the nether-gloom.
And I—for now work lieth to mine hand-Will first go, and will raze to earth the house
Of this new king, his impious head smite off
And cast to dogs to rend. Of Thebans, all
Found traitors after my good deeds to them,Some will I slay with this victorious mace, 570
And the rest scatter with my feathered shafts,
With slaughter of corpses all Ismenus fill.
And Dirce's pure stream red with blood shall run.
For whom should I defend above my wife
And sons and aged sire ? Great toils, farewell I
Vainly I wrought them, leaving these unhelped !
173
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
KOi Sec IX virep tcjvS', etirep oXh^ virep irarpo^,
6v^(TK€iv ap,uvovT- rj Ti (f)t]cropev koXoi'
vhpa pev iXdelv el<; p,dx>]v Xeovri re
580 ILvpuadeco^i irop-iralai,, TOiv 8' ep,oiv reKvcov
OVK eKTTOVijao) ddvaTOV ; ovk ap 'Y{paKXrj<i
6 KttWiviKO'i o)i TTcipoiOe Xe^op^ai.
X0P02hiKaia TOu<i reKovTWi oicfieXeiv TCKvairarepa re rrpea^vv t)]V re kolvcovov <yapoiV.
AM<f>ITPTnN
TT/oos" crov p,ev, m ttul, rot? (plXocf elvac (^i\ov
Tci T ex^pd p-i(Telv dWd p.i] ^Treiyov Xiav.
HPAKAH5Tt S' earl rcovSe ddaaov rj T^/jecoi^, irdrep ;
AM^iTPrnNTToXXov; 7rev)]Ta'i, 6X/3iov<; Se to) X6y(p
BoKovvra<i elvat. avp,pd)(ov<; dva^ ^X^^>690 ot ardcriv e6i]Kav kol StcoXeaav ttoXlv
60' dpirayaicn twv 7reXa<i, rd 8' iv Bop^oif
SaTrdvaiai (f>pov8a 8ca(f)vy6vd^ vir dpytwi.
(XK^Bi]^ iaeXOwv ttoXiv eirel 8' co^^t;?, opa
iX^pov^ dOpoiaa's prj irapd yvcoptjv Trearj^;.
HPAKAH2piiXei pev ovBev ei p,e 'jrda' elSev 7r6Xt,<;'
opvLV S' Ihciiv riv' OVK ev alaioL<; eSpai<i,
eyvcov irovov iiv et? Sopov<i ireTncoKora'
war' e'/c vpovoia^ Kpv(f)Wi elaifKOov x^ova.
AM*ITPTnNKaX6i<;' irpocreXdoiv vvv irpoaeiire 6^ eariav
600 Aral So? Trarpcpom Scopaaiv abv opp,' iBelv.
?/^ei yap avTo^i <t}]v Bdpapra kuI reKvaeX^wi' (jjovevawv Kd.p eiriacpd^cov dva^'
J 74
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
I ought defending these to die, if theseDie for their father :—else, what honour comesOf hydra and of Hon faced in fight
At King Eurystheus' hests, and from my sons 580
Death not averted ? How shall I be called
Hercules the Victorious, as of old ?
CHORUS'Tis just the father should defend the sons,
The grey sire, and the yokemate of his life.
AMPHITRYONSon, worthy of thee it is to love thy friends,
To hate thy foes : yet be not over-rash.
HERCULESFather, what haste unmeet is found in this ?
AMPHITRYONThe king hath many an ally, lackland knaves.
Fellows that have a name that they are rich.
Who sowed sedition, ruining the land, 590
To plunder neighbours, since their own estates
Squandered by wasteful idleness, were gone.
Thou wast seen entering Thebes : since thou wast seen.
Let not foes gather, and thou fall unwares.
HERCULES
Though all the city saw me, naught reck LYet, since I marked a bird in ominous place,
I knew that trouble on mine house had fallen,
And of set purpose entered secretly.
AMPHITRYONGood : go thou now, and thine hearth-gods salute.
And show thy face to thine ancestral halls. 600
Himself, yon king, shall come to hale thy wife
And sons for murder, and to slaughter me.
175
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
fievovTt S' avTOv iravra aoi yev^crerai
rfj T aacjioKeia K6pSavet<i' ttoXlv he arjv
fir] 7rp\v Tupd^T]^ Trplv toS' ev 6eadai, re/cvov.
HPAKAH2Spdcrco TaS'* ev yap elrrwi' elfi etco) So/xcov.
')(^p6v(p S' dveXdcbv ef dvrfKiwv ixv)(5iv
"\ihov I\.opr]^ T evepdev, ovk dri/xacra)
Oeoi)^ Trpoaenrelv irpoyra tou? Kara (TTeya<;.
AM*ITPTnN
610 TjXde^ yap 6vTco<i Bco/xut ei? ' AiSou, tckvov ;
HPAKAH2Kal Oripd y ei? 0(u? rov rpiKpavov ijyayov.
AM*ITPTflN
fid-XJ) KpaT)](ja<; rj ded^ hwprjfiaaLV ;
HPAKAH2/jt'd)(^T)' TO- /MVCTTfov S' opyi.^ 7]VTV')(r)(T IScov.
AM-f-ITPTHN
^ Kul KUT otKov<; icrrlv KvpvcrOeo)^; 6 d/]p ;
HPAKAH2yiOovLa^ VLv dXcro^ 'ILp/xicov t e;^ef ttoXi^;.
AM*ITPTnNovB' olSev lLvpvcrdev<; ere yr]<i rjKOvr dvco ;
HPAKAH2OVK olSev rjXdov rdvOdh^ elBevac 7rdpo<;.
AM*ITPTnN')(^povov he 7rw9 roaovrov rjaO* vtto ^dovi
;
HPAKAH2®T](Tea KOfu^wv expovia ef "Aihov, Trarep.
AM*ITPTnN620 Kal TTOv ^anv ; rj 7^9 Trarpiho^ ot')(eTai, irehov
;
t%^
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
If here thou bide, all shall go well with thee.
And thou shalt gain in surety. Stir not upThy city, ere thou hast ordered all things well.
HERCULES
I will : well said. I pass mine halls witliin.
Returned at last from sunless nether crypts
Of Hades and The Maid,i I will not slight
The Gods, but hail them first beneath my roof.
AMPHITRYON
Son, didst thou verily go to Hades' halls ? 610
HERCULES
Yea ; the three-headed hound I brought to light.
AMPHITRYONVanquished in fight, or by the Goddess given ?
HERCULES
In fight. I had seen the Mysteries—well for me !
AMPHITRYONHow ? is the monster in Eurystheus' halls ?
HERCULES
Nay, in Demeter's Grove, in Hermion's town.
AMPHITRYONNor knows Eurystheus thou art risen to day ?
HERCULES
Nay ; hither first, to know your state, I came.
AMPHITRYONHow wast thou so long time beneath the earth ?
HERCULES
From Hades rescuing Theseus, tari'ied I.
AMPHITRYONWhere is he ? Hath he passed to his fatherland ? 620
1 Persephone, whose name it was perilous to utter.
177VOL. III. N
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
HPAKAH2
^e^rjK *A0i]va<i, vkpOev a(rfX€vo<; (j}vya)V.
a\X' el', oiiaprelr, m reKV, et9 Bofiov; irarpi'
KaX\iove<i Tap" etaohoi twi' i^ohcov
TTcipeiaiv vp.lv. dWa 6dpcro<i X(7')(eT€
KoX vd/xar ocracov firiKer e^aviere,
av T, Si <^vvai piOi, crvSXo^/ov -yjrvxv^ Xa/Se
rpofjbov T€ TTavaai, kol ^e6ead' ijJbSyv TreirXcop'
ov 'yap 7rT€pcoTO<; ovBe (pev^eio) {^tXou9.
a,
oi'S' ovK dcpiaa, dX)C dvaTrrovTat TreirXcov
630 T0crft)8e /xdWov c5S' e^rjT eirX ^upov
;
d^(o Xa^cov ye rovaS' e^oX/tiSa? 'X^epolv,
vav<i S' CO? i(f)eX^a>' kol yap ovk dvaivojiai
6epd7revp,a reKvcov. rrdvra rdvdpcoTrwv laa,
(piXovcri TralBa^ o'l t d[xeivove^ ^porwvo'C t' ovSev oWe?' ')(p)]fia(Tiv 8e 8id(j)opoi,'
e^ovaiv, ol S' ov' rrdv Se (piXoreKvov yevoi.
X0P02
d veoTw; fiot (f)l\ov dxOo<i he to yrjpa<i alel arp. d^apvrepov AtV^a? aKOTreXcov
640 eVl Kparl Keirai.,
^ec^dpoiv cTKoreivov
(f)dpo^ eTriKaXvyjrav.
fii] fiot pii)r ^Aai^Ti8o<;
TvpavvLSo<; oX/9o9 eh],
1X7] ')(pvaou Scofiara ifKrjpr)
rd'i i]/3a<i dvTiXa^etv,
a KaWiara fiev ev oX/Sw,
KaXkia-ra S' iv Trevia.
TO Se Xvypov (povLov re 7^-
178
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
HERCULES
To Athens, glad to have 'scaped the underworld.
Come, children, follow to the house your sire;
For fairer to you is your entering-in
Than your outgoing. Nay then, pluck up lieart.
And shed the tear-floods from your eyes no more;
And rally thou, my wife, thy fainting spirit
;
From trembling cease ; and ye, let go my cloak :
I am no winged thing, nor would I fly my friends.
Ha!These let not go, but hang upon my cloak
Only the more ! Was doom so imminent then ? 630
E'en must I lead them clinging to mine hands.
As ship that tows her boats. Not I reject
Care of my sons. Men's hearts be all like-framed :
They love their babes, as well the nobler sort.
As they that are but naught. In wealth they differ
;
These have, those lack : their children all men love.
[^Exeunt hercules, Amphitryon, megara, and children.
CHORUS
Ah, sweet is youth !—but always eld, (A'/r. 1)
On mine head weighing, downward drags,
A heavier load than lay the crags
Of Etna on the Titan quelled, 640
Muffling mine eyes in mantle-fold
Of gloom. Not mine be wealth that lies
In Asian tyrants' treasuries;
Not mine be halls of hoarded gold,
If forfeit youth for these must fleet
—
Youth, fairest gem of high estate,
In lowliness most fair ! I hate
Age, dark with death's on-coming feet
:
N 2179
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
650 pa? jjLLaw' Kara KV/xdrcov S'
eppoi, /jii]Be TTOT axpeXev
Ovarcbv SdOfiaTa koI 7roA.ei<?
iXdeiv, dWa KaT alOep' d-
el TTTepolai (^opelaOu).
el he deol'i tjv ^vveai<i kuI cro(f)i.a kut avhpa<i, uvt. a
SlSvfiov dv i']^av ecpepov
(f)avep6v ^(^apaKTrjp
dperd<; oaoiaiv
660 p.era, Kardavovre^ r'
el<; auyd<i irdXiv dXtov
Siaaoix; dv e/3av SiauXou^,
a Svcryeveia 8' dirXdv dv
el^e ^o)d<i I^Lordv,
Kol tm8' rjv rov^ re kukov^ dpyvodvai /cal TOv<i dyaOov^,
I'aov dr' iv ve^eXaicnv d-
arpwv vavTULi; dpidfio'i vreXet.
vvv h' ov8el<; 6po<; eK Oeoiv
670 %/3?;iTToZ9 ovhe KaKoi^ aa^i'}^,
dXX' eiXi(TcrofMevo<i Tf? al-
cov ttXovtov fxovov av^ei.
ov Travcrofiat. rd^; XdpiTa<; arp. /3'
Moucrai? avyKarapLLyvvi?,
uhicnav av^vyiav.
[Mrj ^(priv fjier' d/xovaiWi,
alel B' iv (ne(^dvoLaiv ecrfi/,
en TOL yepcov dot86<i
KeXaBel "Slvaf-Loavvav
i8o
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Deep be it drowned 'neath storm-waves' stress I 650
Ah. would that ne'er such visitant
Had come, men's homes and towns to Iiaunt,
That yet its wings Hew shelterless !
If wisdom, as of sons of earth, (^Ant. 1)
And understanding, dwelt in heaven,
Twice o'er the boon of 3outh were given,
Seal manifest of manhood's worth
On all true hearts : these from the grave
To the sun's light again should climb, 660
To run their course a second time ;
One life alone the vile should have.
Then, who are evil, who are good,
By such a sign might all men learn,
As shipmen 'twixt the clouds discern
The star-host's marshalled multitude.
But now, no line clear-severing
'Twixt good and bad the Gods have drawn : 670
Wealth, as the rolling years sweep on.
Is all the blessing that they bring.
(Str. 2)
The Muses shall for me be twined for ever with the
Graces :
For evermore my song shall pour that sweetest
union's praises.
No life be mine of songless clown.
But, where for singers shines the crown.
Mine old lips still shall hymn renown of Memory'sfair creation.
i8i
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN05
680 €Ti rav WpaKKeov^KoXkiviKOv aelSco
irapd re BpofXLov olvohorav
irapd T6 ^eXuo? einaTovov/xoXttuv Kol AtySui' avKovovTTQ} Kara7ravcro/jL€v
Moi;cra?, at fx lyopevaav,
iraiava fi€V ArjXidSei; avr. /9'
vfxvovcr' dp,(f)l 7rv\a<; top
Aarov<i eviraiSa yovov
690 elXiaaovaai KaWi-)(^opov
iraidva^ S' eVt cot? fieXdOpoi<i
KVKvo<i ft)9 yepfov dot-So^
irokidv eK 'yevvwv
Ke\aSt](Ta)' to yap ev
TOL<i vp,voiaiv VTrdp^ei,
Ato9 TTtti?' TO 8' evyevia^
K\eo<i vTrep^dWwv [dperal<ij
/xo)(^d7]aa<; rov cikv/xov
6rjK€V ^ioTOV ^pOToU700 irepaa^ SelfiaTa drjpoiv.
ATK02ei9 tcaipov o'lKcov, 'A/u,(f)iTpv(ov, ef&) 7repa<;'
'X^p6vo<i yap 7]8yj Sapo^ i^ otou TreVXof?
KocT/xelcrOe crSyfia kul vcKpwv dydXpnaiv.dX\! ela, 7rai8a<; kuI Bd/xapd' 'HpaK\iov<i
e^w KeXeve rcovSe (^aivecrdaL Boficov,
i(j> oh VTreaTTfT avTerrdyyeXroi davelv.
AM*ITPTnNdva^, SicoKeiii pu aOXico^ ireirpayora
v/Spiv 6^ v/3pL^€i<i iirl Oavovai rol<: efiol<i'
182
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Great Hercules the triumph-crowned my song 680
extolleth ever, [wine-giver,
In feasts my theme, where beakers gleam of BromiusAnd where the lyre of sevenfold string
Sounds, and where Libyan flutes outring :
Ceaseless I'll hear the Muses sing, queens of myinspiration.
(Ant. 2)
As maids of Delos chant the paean's holy strain im-mortal, [Leto's scion's portal,
Whose white feet glance as sweeps the dance round 690
So will I raise the paean-lay,
Swan-song of singer hoary-grey :
The portals of thine halls to-day shall hear the old
lips chanting.
Proud theme hath minstrelsy, to sing mine hero's
high achieving : [mounts, far-leaving
He is Zeus' son, but deeds hath done whose glory
The praise of birth divine behind,
Whose toils gave peace to humankind.Slaying dread shapes that filled man's mind with
terrors ceaseless-haunting. 700
Enter lycus, attended. Re-enter Amphitryon.
LYCUS
So !—in good time, Amphitryon, com'st thou forth.
Ye have tarried all too long as ye arrayed
Your limbs in robes and trappings of the grave.
Haste, bid the sons and wife of HerculesTo show themselves forth-coming from these hails.
By your self-tendered covenant to die.
AMPHITRYONKing, thou dost trample on my misery :
Thou heapest insult on the heart bereaved.
183
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
a XPV^ ^^ /xeTpLO)<;, Kel Kpareh, airovhrjv ex^tv.
710 eVet 5' dvdyK7]v TrpoaTLdi]^; 7]ficv Oavelv,
cnepyeiv uvdyKr], hpaareov 0" a aol SoKel.
ATK02TTOV Syjra M.eydpa ; ttov tckv' 'A\Kfjb'^v7]<; yovov ;
AM*ITPTnNBokS) fiev avT7]v, o)? dvpadev eiKaaai,
ATK02Tt XPVf^^ 86^r)<; ; tov B' ^ e';^ei? reKjiripLov ;
AM^ITPTHNiKeriv 7rpo<; dyvol'; 'Ecrr/a? ddaaeLV ^dSpoi<;,
ATK02dvovrjTa y iKerevouaav eKawaat ^iov.
AM-HTprnNKa\ TOV Oavovra y' dvaKokelv fidrriv iroaiv.
ATK02h' ov TrdpecTTCV ovBe fir] [x6\r) irore.
AM<l>ITPTnN
ovK, et ye p,!] Tt? 6e(bv dvaaT)]a€ie viv,
ATK02720 %c6/)et irpo^ avr-qv KaKKop^il^' Ik Scopdrcov.
AM*ITPTnN
fiiroxo'i av el'rjv tov (povov 8pdcra<i ToSe.
ATK02ripet<;, eTretSr) aol toS' ecTT' ivOvpiov,
01 SeipdTcov e^wdev eKTropevaop^ev
avv p-rjTpl 7ral8a<i. Sevp^ eireade, TrpoaTToXoi,
o)? av axoXrjv Xvacopev dap^evoL ttovcov.
^ Murray : for MSS. So^rjj r^yS'.
184
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
So strong and so impatient fits not thee.
But, since of force thou doomest me to die, 710
Of force must I content me and do thy will.
LYCUS
And Megara^ and Alcmena's son's brood—where ?
AMPHITRYONI think that she—if one w'ithout may guess
—
LYCUS
What of thy thinking} What dost know by proof?
AMPHITRYONAt the Hearth-goddess' altar suppliant sits,
—
lACUS
With bootless prayer to heaven to save her life !
AMPHITRYONAnd vainly calleth on a husband dead.
LYCUS
Not here is he ; nor shall he ever come.
AMPHITRYONNever,—except by a God raised from the dead.
LYCUS
Go thou to her, and bring her forth the halls. 720
AMPHITRYONSo doing were I partaker in her blood
!
LYCUS
I then,—since this lies heavy on thy soul,
—
Who am past all fear, will bring forth with her sons
This mother. Henchmen, hither, follow me.With joy to sweep this hindrance from our path.
[Exit.
i8s
HPAHKA2 MAIN0MEN02
AM-f-ITPTHN
av o ovv la , epx^i o ot )(p€(ov' ra o aW icrw'i
aW(ti fieXyjaei. irpocrhoKa he hpwv KaKco<i
KaKov Tt Trpd^eiv. w yepovre^, et? koXov(TTeix^L, ^poyoLcn S' apKvwv yevrjcrerai,
730 ^i(f)T](f)6poi.ai, rov<; 7re\a^ hoKcov Kreveiv
6 irayKaKLCTTO^. el/xt S' o)? tSo) veKpov
TrLTTTOVT' e^^t Jfip rjhovcif; OvrjaKOiv di'rjp
i'X^6po<; TLViov re tmv SeSpafievwv Blkijv.
X0P02
a . fieTa^oXa KaKwv p^eya^ 6 Trp6a0' ava^ arp. aTfoXlV V7rO(TTp€(f)€l. ^tOTOV €l<;"AiSav.
/S'. lo) ZiKa Kal dewv TraXippovi 7r6Tp.o<;.
740 J . 77X^6? ')(p6vu) fiev ov Blktjv Scocret? davcov,
8'. v/3pei<; v^pl^oiv et9 dfieivova^ credev.
€. 'xapiioval SaKpvQiv eSocrav e«:/3oXa?'
ctt'. TrdXiv efioXei' a irdpo^ ovtrore Sia (f)pei>b<i
rjXincrev iradelv yd^; dva^.
i^ . aXX,' 0) yepaiol, Kai rd ScopdroiV ecrai
(TKOTrtofiev, el irpdacret, ns ct)9 iyo) OiXat.
18^
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
AMPHITRYONGo thou where doom leads. For the rest, perchance.
Another shall take thought. Look thou for ill
To suffer ill ! Old friends, in happy hour
He paceth on : in toils of snaring swords
Shall he be trappedwho thought to slay his neighbours, 730
The utter-vile ! I go to see him fall
Dead. Joy it is to see an enemyDie, suffering vengeance for his ill-deeds done. [£.ri7.
The members of the Chorus chant successively.
CHORUS 1
{Str. 1)
Ho for requital of wrong ! the king who was great
heretofore [door
!
Backward is turning the path of his life unto Hades'
CHORUS J
Hail, justice and river of fate back-turning with re-
fluent roar
!
CHORUS 3
Thou com'st at last to pay death's penalty— 740
CHORUS 4
For outrage done to better men than thee.
CHORUS 5
Gladness constraineth the fountain of tears from mineeyelids to start.
CHORUS 6
Come is the hour which the land's king never ere
this in his heart
Foresaw,—retribution's vengeance-smart I
CHORUS 7
Old friends, look we within the halls, to see
Our soul's desire upon our enemy.
187
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN05
ATKOStCO llOi fJbOl,
X0P02750 ri . ToSe Kardpyerai fieXo'i ifiol kKvclv avr. a
(f)l\iov iv So/jLOd' 6dvaT0<i ov jropao).
6'. j3oa (f)6vou (ppolfiiov crT€vd^(ov ava^.
ATK02
0) Trdcra K.d8fiov jaV, aTroWv/jiai SoXw.
X0P02
I. Kal yap BlmWv;' dvTtTroiva S' €Ktlvcov
roXfia, Sl8ov<; ye rcov SeSpa/Jbevcov Slktjv.
la . Tt9 0eov<; dvofiia ^patvcov, Ov7}t6<; mv,
d(j)pova \oyov ovpavLcov /juiKdpwv KarefSaX^,
&)9 dp' ov adevovaiv 6eoi
;
760 i(^ • yepovTC^, ouK€T ecTTL Sf(Tcre/9r/9 dvrjp.
(Tiya jxeXadpa- Trpb'i ^opovi TpaTrcofxeOa.
(f)iXoi, yap evTvxov(Tiv ov<i eyco deXo).
Xopol Xopol Kal OaXtai arp. ^fjbeXoV(ri &7]/3a'i Upov Kar dcnv.
/xeraXXayal yap SaKpvcov,
fieraXXayal (TvvTV)(iCi'i
[yea?] eT€Kov doihd<i.
188
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
LYCus (wilhiri)
Ah me ! Woe s me !
CHORUS 8 {Ant. 1)
Hark to the outburst !—as music it is for mine ears 750
to hear [is exceeding near.
That strain ringing sweet through the lialls : lo, death
CHORUS 9
This king shrieketh prelude of slaughter : heshrieketh in anguish of fear.
LYCUS (^withiti)
Oh Cadmus' land, by treachery am I slain !
CHORUS 10
As thou wouldst slay. Flinch not from vengeance-
pain :
Thine own deeds' retribution dost thou gain.
CHORUS 11
Who was it, in lawlessness flouting the Gods, that
morial wightWho in folly blasphemed the Blessed that reign in
the heaven's height,
Saying that Gods be void of might ?
CHORUS 12
Our foe is not :—such doom the impious earn. 760
Hushed are the halls. Now unto dances turn :
Blest are the dear ones over whom I yearn.
CHORUS{Str. 2)
The dances, the dances are reeling, the shout of the
banqueters pealing
Through Thebes, through the city divine.
Now from affliction of tears cometh severance;
Now from the thraldom of woe is deliverance.
And song is their heir.
HPAKAHIS MAIN0MEN02
fie^aK dva^ 6 Kaivos,
6 Be 7ra\alTepo<i
770 Kparel, Xi/xeva Xiiroiv ye rov ^Ky^epovriov.
BoKi]fidT(ov eKT09 rjkdev eXTrt?.
deol 6eol tS)v dhiKcov dvr. ^fieXovai Koi tmv oaioiv eiraeiv,
6 ')(^pvcro<i a T evTV)(ia
(f)peva)v /3poTOV<i i^dyerai,
hvvaaLv dBiKov icpeXKcov.
')(^p6vov yap ovTi'i €T\aTO irdXiv elaopdv
vofiov 7rape/J.evo<;, dvo/j,ia X^P^^ SiSov^,
780 edpavaev oX^ov KeXatvov dpfia.
^la/j,y]v' o) aTe(f)ava(f>6pei, arp. <y
^eara'i 6' eTrraTrvXov TToXeo)?
dvaxopevaar dyviai,
ALoKa ff' d KaXXippiedpo^,
crvv T 'AcTfOTrmSe? Kopai,
Trarpo^ vBcop ^dre Xlttov-
aai avvaoiBoiy
Ny/x0at, Tov 'YipaKXeov^
KaXXivLKOV djcov- c5
790 HvOlov BevBpwTL Trerpa
}Aovao)v 9^ 'KXcKcovidBiov B(t)p,aTa,
ij^eT evyadel KeXdBcp
i/jidv TToXiv ifid re reixV»
^90
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Gone is the tyrant, the upstart craven,
And enthroned is the ancient hneRe-arisen from Hades' drear ghost-haven : 770
Hope springs from despair.
(Ant. 2)
Tlie Gods, O the Gods now are seahng unrighteous-
ness' doom, and revealing
The right, their eternal design. [victorious
But Gold and Fair-fortune, with Power the
Harnessed beside them, in folly vainglorious
Hurry man to his doom :
—
Law he outpaceth, and Lawlessness lasheth
To speed ; nor his heart doth incline
To take heed to the end—lo, his car sudden-
crasheth
Shattered in gloom !^ 780
Deck thee with garlands, Ismenus, and ye (Sir. 3)
Break forth into dancing.
Streets stately with Thebes' fair masonry.
And Dirce bright-glancing :
Come, Maids of Asopus, to us, from the sprmgCome ye of your father
;
Of Hercules' glorious triumph to sing,
Nymph-chorus, O gather.
Pythian forest-peak, Helicon's steep 790
Of the Song-queens haunted,
To my town, to my walls, let the song-echoes leap
Of the strains loud-chanted
—
^ The presumptuous wrong-doer is compared to a reckless
charioteer in a race, in which he tries to outstrip the rival
chariot of Law. His four horses are Gold and Prosperity as
yoke-horses, with Power and Lawlessness for trace-horses.
191
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
%7rapT(t)v iva yevo^; i(f>dvr],
reKVcov reKVOL<; fiera/xeL/Bei,
&7]l3at^ lepov <p(o^.
(o \eKrpwv hvo avyyeveli? dvT. yevvai, OvaToy6Vov<; re koL
800 Ato?, 0? rfkOev e'f evva<;
l>ivfi(f)a<: Ta? Uepar]L8o<;- a)<?
TTICTTOV flOt, TO TTOKaLOV )']-
Bt] Xe;^o?, & Zeu, to aov ovk
iir eXTTiSt (f)dvdr],
XapLTrpav S' eSei^' o XP^^o^Tciv H/oa/c/\.eo9 uXkuv
6? 7a? e'^eySa 6a\dp,(ov,
I\\ovr(ovo<i hoip.a Xittcov veprepov,
fcpeicrawv p-oL Tvpavvo<i ecfivi
810 r] Svayevet dvuKTCov
a vvv icTopdv (paivec
^i(pr](f)6pa)v e<? dycovcov
dpiWav, el to Slkuiov
deol<; €T dpecTKei.
)/ >/
ea ea'
ap el'i Tov avTov ttltuXov r}/cop,ev (f)6/3ov,
yepovTe<i, olov (pdap, virep Bopcop opo) ;
^vyfj <^vyfi
vci>9e^ Tvehaipe kCoXov, eKirohoiv eXa.
820 &va^ JJaiav,
aTTOT/JOTTO? yeVOLO p.01 TTI'Ip.dTOiV.
1)92
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
To my town^ whence the Dragon-seed rose to the
day,
The warrior nation.
Whose sons guard the fathers' inheritance aye,
Thebes' light of salvation.
Hail to the couch where the spousals divine (^Atit. 3)With the mortal were blended,
Where for love of the Lady of Perseus' line 800
Zeus' glory descended !
For thy bridal of old is my faith, Zeus, won,Though I held it a story
Past credence : by time is the might of thy son
Revealed in its glory :
He hath burst from eartli's dungeons, hath rifted
the chain
Of Pluto's deep prison !
Thou art worthier to rule than the churl -king
slain,
O my King re-arisen ! 810
For now the usurper hath proved, when in fight
The sword-v.ielders have striven.
Whether yet, as in old time, the cause of the right
Is well-pleasing to heaven.
T//e forms of iris and madness appear above the palace.
Ha see ! ha see !
On you, on me, doth this same panic fall ?
Old friends, what phantom hovereth o'er the hall }
Ah flee ! ah flee
W^ith haste of laggard feet I -speed thou away !
Healer, to thee, '
820
O King, to avert from me yon bane I prav !
193
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
IPI2
Oapaelre Nu/cto? ti]vK opoJVTe^ eKjovov
Avaaap, y€poi>r€<i, Kcifie r)]V Oeotv Xdrpiv^Ipiv TfuXei '^/ap ovBev i']/cofxev /3Xa/3o?,
evo'i S' eV dvBpo^ Ba)fj.aTa (TTparevoixev,
ov (fiaaiv eivai Ztjvo'i 'AX/Cyu-j^V?;? t' ciTro.
TrpXv fiev <yap d^Xov^ eKTeXevrrjaaL iriKpov'^,
TO Xpy] viv i^earo^ev, ovB^ eia irarrjp
Zeu9 VLV KUKhx; hpdv out' e'yti' ovO^'Hpav iroTe.
830 tVel he [x6~)(dov^ hteirepaa'' FjvpvcrOeax;,
"l\pa TTpoadyj/ai KOivov aifi avTw 9e\et
Tralhwi Kara/CTeivavTi, avvOeXco 8' iyco.
aXV ei\ arej/CTOV avXXa^ovaa Kaphiav,
^VKTO<; KeXaivrji; dvu/u,evaie irapdeve,
/jLavLa<i r eir dvhpl rcoSe kuI iraihoKTovov^
cf)pevMV rapayfjiov^ kol itoScov aKipry/jLara
eXavve, /civei, cpoviov i^Lei KoXoiv,
cot; dv TTopeuaa'i Si' ^X')(^epovaLOv iropov
Tov KaXXiTraiBa aricfyavov avOevrr] (f)6vfp
840 7/'fo fiev top' lipa<i 0I09 c'ctt' aurcp %oA.09,
p-dOi] he 70V e/xov i) Oeol fiev ovha/xov,
TO. Ovrjrd h' earai fie'ydXa, fir} h6vT0<; hiKijv.
AY22Ae^ eiyevov^ fxev Trarpo^; e« Te fiTjTepo<i
TrecfiVKa, Nu/cto>; Oupavov t' d(f) aip.aTO<i'
rifxa^ 8' e^co ruah\ ovk d'^aa6i]vai cf)iXor^,
Ovh' l]hop.aL lf)0LTMC7^ eiT avOpooTTcov (^ovov^}
irapaiveaai he, irplv a<paXeiaav elatheiv,
"Upco deXco (TOi t', i)v TfiOijad' e/xoi9 X6joi<;.
dvijp 68' ov/c a.(xrjixo<i out eVi ')(^9ovl
' Dobree : for jSISS. (p'lKovs. Adopted by Dindorf, Paley,and Gray and Hutchinson.
194
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
IRIS
Fear not : this is the child of Nij^lit ye see,
Madness, grey sires : I, handmaid of tlie Gods,
Iris. We come not for your city's hurt
;
Only on one man's house do we make war
—
His, whom Zeus' and Alcmena's son they call.
For, till he had ended all his bitter toils,
Fate shielded him, and Father Zeus would not
That I, or Hera, wrought him ever harm.
But, now he hath toiled Eurystheus' labours through, 830
Hei'a will stain him with the blood of kin.
That he shall slay his sons : her will is mine.
On then, close up thine heart from touch of ruth,
O thou unwedded child of murky Night
:
With madness thrill this man, with soul-turmoil
Child-murdering, with Avild boundings of the feet
:
Goad him ; the sheets of murder's sails let out.
That, when o'er Acheron's ferry his own handIn blood hath sped his crown of goodly sons.
Then may he learn how dread is Hera's wrath, 840
And mine, against him : else the Gods must waneAnd mortals wax, if he taste not her vengeance.
MADNESS
Of noble sire and mother was I born,
Even of the blood of Uranus and Night,
But not to do despite to friends I hold
Mv powers, nor love to haunt for murder's sake.
Fain would I plead with Hera and Avith thee.
Ere she have erred, if ye will heed my words.
Tliis man, against whose house ye thrust me on.
o 2195
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
850 ovT iv Oeolcrii', ov ye /a' elcTTrefjiTret^ Sofj-cvi'
afBuTov Se ')(^(opav koL OaXaacrav aypiav
€^'t]/j.ep(0(Ta<;, Oeo)V avean^crev /xovo^
rijJLa<; Tntvovaa'; avocriwi' avhpwv viro'
Mcn' ^ ov irapaLvw fieyaka /SovXeadat KUKa.
IPI2
p,7] au vovOeTec rd 0'"Hpa<; Kafxa p.i]-)(avrjiMna.
AT22A
el<i TO X'paTOV efx/3ifid!^(o a' i^^o^ clvtI tou
KaKOV.IPI2
ov')(l aaxjypoveiv y' eirefxy^e Sevpo a' ?; Aio^ Bdfiap.
AT22A
"HXlOv papTvpopeaOa Bpaxr' a Bpav ov ^ovXopai.
el Be B/] p "^P^ ^' vTTOvpyeiv aol t dvayKaLQ)>i
860 rdxo'i iTTippoi^Btjv 6 opaprelv to? KVVi]yeT>j Kvva'^,
eXp^l y' oure 7r6vTO<; ovrca Kvp/xai arevcov Xd^po^oine yi)<i creiap.o<; Kepavvov r oiaTpo<i (oBivafi
iTvewv,
oV iyco ardBta Bpapovp-ai arepvov a? 'Hpa-KXeov^'
Kol KaTappi]^(o p,eXaOpa koX B6/xov<; ewep^aXcb,
reKv aTTOKreivaaa irpoirov 6 Be kuvcov ovk
elcreTaL
iratBa'i ov<; eriKT evaipcov, irplv dv e/za? Xvaaa^
rjv IBov' Koi By] rivdcraei Kpdra iBaXjSiBwv diro,
Koi Biaarpocpov; eXiacrei crlya yopycorrov'^ Kopa^.
dp.TTVod'i B' ov (r(0(ppovt^€L, Tavpo<; 0)9 69 ep^lSoXrjv
' Musgrave : for MSS. crol t*.
196
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Nor on the earth is fameless^ nor in heaven. 850
Tlie pathless land, the wild sea, hath he tamed,
And the God's honours hath alone restored,
When these by impious men were overthrown.
Therefore I plead, devise no monstrous wrong.
IRIS
Dare not with thine admonitions trammel Hera's
schemes and mine
!
MADNESS
Nay, I do but point a pathway meeter far to tread
than thine.
IRIS
Not to flaunt thy temperance hath she sent thee,
Zeus's bride divine.
MADNESS
Witness, Sun, that I am doing that which I wouldfain refuse : [not choose,
Yet, if I must work thy will and Hera's—if I mayBut with skirr of rushing footfalls follow you like 860
huntsman's pack, [ruin-wrack.
On will I ; nor sea nor moaning surges hurl such
No, nor earthquake, no, nor madding thunder's gasp-
ing agonies,
As the fury of mine onrush to the breast of Hercules.
I will rive his roofs, will swoop adown his halls :—his
children first [his murder-thirst
I will slay ; nor shall the murderer know he slakes
On the children of his body, till my madness' course
is run. [begun !
See him—lo, his head he tosses in the fearful race
See his gorgon-glaring eyeballs all in silence wildly
rolled
!
[controlled
Like a bull in act to charge, with fiery pantings un-
197
HPAKAH5 MAIN0MEN02
870 Beiva /xvKaTai Se K?}yoa9 avaKok&v Ta<i Tap-
rdpov. [^6/3(p.
rdxct o"' iyo) /xCxXkov j(^opevacd koI tcaravXr^aa)
(yrelx 69 OvXv/XTTOV rrehaipova, ^\pL, yevvaiov
TToSa' [/cXeou?.
et? S6/jbov<i S' '})p€t<; d^avToi Svaopead^ Hpa-
X0P02
OTOTorot, areva^ov cnroKeipeTaL
crov dv6o<i TToXeo?, 6 Aio? eK<yovo^.
/xeXeo? 'EWa9, a rov evepyerav
aTro^aKeL*;, 6\€t<; p/ivtdaiv \v<TCTai<;
')(^op€vdevr uvav\oi<;.
880 ^e.j3aKev ev BL(f)poiaiv a 7ro\v(TTOVO<i,
dp/jutai S' evStScoat
Kevrpov 0)9 eVi \(t)/3a
Nl'/cto9 Topy(bv eKaTO'yK€(f)d\ot.^
6(f)6a)v la'^7]pa(rc, Avcraa pappapcoTro'}.
TCf)(y rov evTvy^rj pere/3a\€V Salpcov,
Ta^u 8e TTyOo? 7raTpb<i t^kv eKirvevaerai,
Id) pot peXeo^,
lo) Zev, TO aov yevo<; dyovov avrlfca
\vaadS€<i copo/3pMT€<; (nroivohLKOL Si/cat
890 KaKolcnv iKirerdaovcnv. uo crTtiyai,
KaTapyerai y^opevpa Tvpirdvwv drep,
01) ^poplw Ke)(^api(Tpeva Ovpcrw,
198
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Awfully he bellows, howling to the fateful fiends of STO
hell
!
[appalling knell !
Wilder yet shall be thy dance, as peals my pipe's
—Ay, unto Olympus soaring, Iris, tread thy path
serene
!
[unseen.
Mine the task into the halls of Hercules to plunge
[iris ascends, and madness enters the palace.
CHORUSAlas and alas ! cry out, O town.For thy goodliest flower, Zeus' son,mown down
!
Thy champion shall slip from thine liands, to thy
bitter cost,
Hellas ; in frenzied dances of madness tossed
Where the flute sounds not, he is lost to thee,
lost!
She hath mounted her car, groans throng in hertrain
;
She is goading her horses on mission of l)ane ;S80
Night's daughter, a Gorgon with hundred-headed liiss
Of her serpents. Madness the glittering-eyed is this.
Swiftly hath fortune o'erthrown him who sat on high :
Swiftly the sons by the father's hand shall die.
Ah misery ! Zeus, mad vengeance ravenous-wild
Straightway, athirst for requital, witli evils on evils
piled, [not thy cliild.
Shall trample thy son unto dust, as though he were
Woe for the palace-dome !
Her dance is beginning, but not with the cymbalsclashing, 890
Not with the pine-wand uptossed amid loud accla-
mation,
—
199
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
CM SoUOl,
/SoTpvcov eVl ')(^ev/jLacn \oi,^d<i.
(j)vyr], reKv, e^opf-tare- hciiov roSe
hdiov /jL€\o<; eTravXelrai.
Kvva'yeTet reKVcov Biwy/jiov
oviror ciKpavra S6/.ioicn Auaaa /3aK)(ev(r€i,
900 alal kukmi'
alal 8P]Ta rov yepaiov &)<? cnevw
iraTepa, tciv re iraihoTpoc^ov, a jxaTav
reKea jevi'cirat.
IBou ISov,
dveWa (xelei S(o/xa, au/xTTiTTTec crrey?;*
i) 7], rl Spa^;, m A/09 irai ; /xeXdOpcov
Tupayua Tapjdpetov, &)9
eV ^EyKeXdocp Trore ITaWa?, fi? 86/xov^ •Tref.nrei';.
ArrEAOS& XevKo, y>jpa acop^ar',
XOP02
910 dvaffoXetf rtva p.e rtva /3odv ;
ArrEAOsdXaara rav Sofioiat.
XOP02
/xdvTiv oi'X erepov d^ofiai.
200
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Woe for a hero's home !
—
But for shedding of bloody, not the blood of the grape
glad-plashing [oblation.
As the banqueters pour it forth for the Wine-god's
Away, O ye children, in flight, for death,
Death shrieks through her pipe by the blast of
her breath I
[Criex and sound of rushing within.'^
Like a hound is he holding the children in chase !
—
Never shall Madness keep revel for naught through
his dwelling-place.
Woe, anguish and pain !
Woe and alas for the silver hair 900
Of his father !—woe for the motlier who bare
His babes in vain !
[^Sound of battering and rending within J\
Lo you, lo you !
A whirlwind is shaking the house—its roofs fall
crashing
—
Ah what, ah what, Zeus' Son, wouldst thou do ?
Down on thy palace the turmoil of hell art thou
dashing, [Enceladus flashing.
As the levin from Pallas's hand to the heart oi
Enter servant /)o7rt within.
SERVANT
O reverend pi'esences hoary-white
—
CHORUS
What meaneth thy cry unto me—thy cry of fear ? 910
servant
Within yon halls is a fearful sight !
chorus
No need, to attest thy tale, that we seek to a seer.
20I
HPAKAH2 MAINOMENOS
ArrEA02Tedvacri TralSe';,
X0P02
alai.
ArrEAOS
arevd(^e6\ &>? (XTevaKrd.
X0P02
Sdioi (f)6i^oi,
Sdioi 8e TOKewv p^etpe?.
ArrEA02
ovK dv Ti? eLTTOL fioXXov i) Tre-rrovOafiev,
XOP02
TTw? Traicrl crrevaKTav drav dravTTarepo^; dfi(paLV€i<i
;
Xeye riva rpoirov ecrvro OeoOev eTrl
920 jxeKadpa KaKa rdSe
rXtjfJiovd'i re Traihuiv rvy^a';.
ArrEA02
lepd fjiev r]V irdpoiOev icr^dpa^; Afo?KaOdpac oI'kmv, 7>}9 dvaKr eVet Kjavcbv
i^efSaXe rcovBe Scopdrcov 'H/ja/cA-e?;?*
Xopo^ 8e KaWipoptfio^ eiaT7jKei re/cvcov
TTCiryjp re ^leydpa t'* iv kvkXo) 6' 7]Si] KavovTelXiKTO /3<MyuoO, (jjOeypu S' octlov €L')(^op,ev.
p^eWwp Se 8a\ov X^'P' ^e^ta (bepew,
et? Xepvi/3^ fo)9 /Bdyjreiev, 'AX/cpj]vrj<t roKO'i
930 eaTTj a-t(07rf]. Kol XpovL^ovTO<i 7r«T/0O9
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
SERVANT
Dead are the children !
CHORUSWoe is me
!
SERVANT
Wail ! well may ye wail !
CHORUSSlain ruthlessly !
Oh that the hands of a father their murder should
wreak !
SERVANT
Things have we suffered more awful than tongue mayspeak.
CHORUS
How ? of the woeful doom by a father wroughtOn his sons, canst thou tell ?
Say, say in what fashion the malice of Gods hath
brought [fraught
These ills on the house, and the fate with misery 920
On the children that fell.
SERVANTVictims were set before the hearth of Zeus
To cleanse the house, since, having slain the king,
Forth of these halls had Hercules flung the corpse.
And there his children stood in fair array.
His sire, and Megara. Round the altar now [hush.
The maund ^ had passed ; and we kept hallowed
Then, even in act to bear the torch in hand ^
And })lunge in lustral water, silent stood
Alcmena's son : and, as their sire delayed, 930
^ A basket containing the sacrificial knife and barle}' wascarried round the altar before the slaying of tlie victim.
^ A bi-and from the altar was qiienclied in water, withwhich the bystanders were then sprinkled.
203
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
TratSe? irpoae.Gyov ofifX' 6 S' ovkW^ avTO'} rjv,
aXX' ev arpocpalaip ofi/xaTcov i(f)Oap/xevo<;
pL^a<i T iv 6(T(70i<i alpar(b7ra<; i/c^aXcov,
a(f)pov KarecTTa^' evTpi)(ov yevetdSo^.
eXefe S' apa yeXcon 7rapa7re7r\y]ypei>(p'
Trdrep, rt Ovco rrplv fcravetv F^vpuaOea
KaOdpaiov irvp, fcal irovovi ScttXov^ e)((o
i^ov p.id<; /X-' €K ')(^€ip6<i ev Oeadai rdhe;
orav S' ivejKCi) Sevpo /cpdr lLvpvaOeo)<},
940 eVl roiai vvv davovaiv dyvico x^pwi.€K)(^eiT€ nrriyd^, piTner ifc ')(^eipMV Kavd.
Ti<i poi SiBcoai. To^a ; ti? S' ottXov %6y009 ;
7r/909 rd<; ^lu/c/p^a'i el/xr Xd^vaOat. '^pewv
fxoy\ov<i 8iKeWa<i 6\ ft)9 rd K.vK\(i07r(ov j3d9pa
(fyoiiUKt KavovL koI rvKOL<i ijppoapeva
arpeinS) crihi'jpcp crvvrpiaivwcrco irdXiv.
Ik TOvSe ^alvcov dpp,aT^ ov/c e^wv e^etv
€(j)acrK6, ^[(ppov 5' elae/Saivev avrvyaKaOeive, Kevrpov hrjOev &)? e^f»^' X^P'"
950 BittXov^ S' OTraSot'? yv 76X0)9 (j)6/3o^ 6^ 6p,ov-
Kal TA9 TO^' eiirev, dXXo^ et9 dXXov SpaKcov
irat^ei 7r/)09 y)pd<; Secr7roT7;9 )) paiverai
;
6 8' elpTr' dvco re Kal Kdrco Kara areya^,
p,eaov S' €9 dvhpoiv' elarreawv Ntcrou ttoXiv
TjKeLV ecfyacTKe, Scopdrcov elcro) /3e/3co<i.
KXiOeU 8' 69 ovSa^ &)9 €X^^ cTKeudterai
0OLvi]i>. SieXOoyv 8' 0)9 I3pa')(vv "^povov p,ovf]<;,
'Icr^/ioO J>a7ra[a<; eXeye Trpoa/Saiveiv 7rAava9.
Kuvravda yvpvov aatpa Oeh rropirapdrcov,
960 7r/J09 ovhev ij/xiXXdro KUKtipvaaero
204
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
His sons looked—lo, he seemed no more the same,
But wholly marred, with rolling eyes distraught,
With bloodshot eye-roots starting from his head,
\Vhile dripped the slaver down his bearded cheek.
Suddenly with a maniac laugh he spake :
" Why, ere I slay Eurystheus, sacrifice,
Father—have cleansing fire and toil twice o'er.
When all in one act I may compass w-ell ?
When hither I have brought Pjurystheus' head,
For him, with these now slain, I'll purge my hands. 940
Spill ye the water, cast the maunds away !
Ho thei'e—my bow !—the mace of" my right hand !
I march against Mycenae :— I must tixke
Crowbars and mattocks, that yon Cyclop town.
Yon walls with red line and with gavil squared,
May by my bended lever be upheaved."
Then set forth, speaking of his car the while,
Who car had none, sprang to the chariot-rail.
And thrust, as who held in his hand a goad.
His henchmen, half in mirth and half in fear, 950
Were glancing each at other, and one spake :
" Doth our lord make us sport, or is he mad ?"
Still was he pacing up and down the house ;
Ihen, to the men's hall rushing, cried, " I have
comeTo Nisus' town !
"^—who stood in his own halls.
He casts him on the bare floor, and prepares
To feast : yet, tarrying there but little space.
He cried, " I go to Isthmus' woodland plains !
"
Then from his body cast his mantle's folds.
And wTestled with
—
no man !—proclaimed himself 960
^ Megara, half way on his imaginary journey, on theIsthmus of Corinth ; this suggested the Isthmian games.
205
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
avro'i irpos ainov KaX\.iviKO<i, ovSei'o^
dK07]v vTreiTTCov. 8eiva S' ILvpvcrOel /Spefiwv
rjv ev ^lvKi']vaL<i tm \6j(p. irarrip he viv
Oiyoov Kparaim 'X,eipo<; evvevrei rdSe'
Si TToi, rl TTttcr^ei? ; Tt9 o rpoiro*; ^evct)a€(o<i
rrjaS^ ; ov tl ttov <^6vo<i a e^aK-^evaev veKpCov,
ov<; dpTt Kaivei<i ; o he viv lLvpvaOe(o<; hofcow
Trarepa irporapjBovi'd^ iKecriov yjraveiv 'X^epo^,
oiOel, (^aperpav h' evrpeirr} crKevd^erai
970 Kal To^' eavrov iraLat, tow? Fjvpva-OefOf
hoKOiv (poveveiv. ol he Tap/3ovvTe<;(f)6/3(p
Mpovov aXXo? aXXoa, eh ireirXov'i o /xev
p,7]Tpo^ Ta\aiv7]^, S' inro klovo<; (XKidv,
dX\o^ he /Scopov opvL^ w? eTrr?;^' vtto.
j3od he pbJ]Ti]p' d) reKwv, ri hpa^ ; reKva
KTe'ivei<i ; ^oa he 7rpecr/3v<; olfcercov r 6)(\o<;,
6 h' e^e\icrao)v iralha Kiovo<i kvkXwTopevpa heivov Troho^, evavriov araOehl3dWei 7rpo<i rjirap' VTTTio'i he Xatvov^
980 6p9oaTdra<i eheuaev eKirvewv /3lov,
6 8' rfkaXa^e KdrreKopuTraaev rdhe'
eh pev veoaao^ ohe Oavoov Ey/jucr^ew?
e^Opav TTarpcpav iicTivwv ireTnooKe pot.
dW(p S' eVeiT^e t6^\ 09 dp.cjil jBoypdav
eiTTi]^e Kpr-jTrlh^ 0)9 \eX')]Oevai. hoKMv.
^Odvet 8' 6 T\/]p,cov <y6va(Tt 7rpoa7reao)v iraTpo^
Kol rrpo^ jeveLov ^ei/ja /cal Sepijv ^dXcovoi (^iXTar, avhd, p.7J pi aTroKreivr)^, irdrep-
(T09 elpi, cro9 7rai9' ov top ILvpvaOea)^ oXeh,
990 S' d'jpLcoTTov dpipa Topyovo'i aTpe<^(ov,
ft)? evro^ eari] Trah Xvypov TO^evpuTO^;,
pvhpofCTVTTOv p.Lp.ypu' VTTep Kdpu ^aXcbv
206
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
To himself the victor^ cried, " Ye people, hear !
"
—
To 7iu)te ! In fancy at Mycenae then
He stormed against Em'ystheus. But his sire
Clung to his brawny hand, and cried to him," What ails thee ? What mad change of mood is this ?
Surely thou art not driven distraught by blood
Of these late slain !" He deemed Eur^stheus' sire,
A trembling suppliant, hung upon his hand.
And spurned him back;prepared his quiver and bow
Against his own sons then, thinking to slay 970
Eurystheus' sons. They, (juaking with affright.
Rushed hither, thither : his hapless mother's skirts
This sought, that to a pillar's shadow fled;
A third cowered 'neath the altar like a bird
Then shrieked the mother, " Father, what dost thou ?
Wouldst slay thy sons?" The thralls, the ancient,
cried.
He, winding round the pillar as wound his son
In fearful circlings, met him face to face
And shot him to the heart. Back as he fell.
His death-gasps dashed the column with red spray. 980
Then shouted Hercules, and vaunted thus .
" One of Pvurysthcus' fledglings here is slain.
Dead at my feet, hath paid for his sire's hate !
"
Against the next then aimed his bow, who crouched
At the altar's base, in hope to be unseen.
But, ere he shot, the poor child clas})ed his knees,
And stretching to his beard and neck a hand," Ah, dearest father," cried he, '•' slay not me !
I am thy boy—thine !
—'Tis not Eurj'stheus' son !
"
He rolling savage gorgon-glaring eyes, 990
Since the boy stood too near for that fell bow.Swung back overhead his club, like forging-sledge,
207
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
^vXoi' KSiOfjKe TratSo'i elt ^avOov Kctpa,
eppy^e S' oaTU. hevrepov he iraih^ eXoov,
')(^(opet rpiTov OvfM &)? eTTKTcpd^fov Svoli'.
dWa (f)6dp€i viv 1] TciXaiv' eiaw hofxwv
fnjrrjp vTreKKa^ovaa, Kai KXrjei TrvXa^.
6 8' fo)9 eV avTOi<i Sr] K^vfcXwirioiaiv mv(TKairrei fio'^Xeuei Ovperpa, KdK(3a\.on' araOp,a
1000 Bcifiapra kol ttuIS' evl KarecTTpwaev jSekei.
Kctvdevhe 7rpo<i yepovTO'i nnrevei (fyovov
dXX' ijXOev eiKcov, to? opdv icfyatveTO
riaXXa? /cpaSaivova^ ^'7X^9 €7riXo(f)a) Kdpa ^
Kappiyjre irerpov arepvov et? 'WpaKXeov^,
09 vLv (povou fjLap'jMvro'i ecTT^e, «:et9 vrrvov
KaOfjKe' TTLTvei 8' et9 irehov, irpo^ KLova
VMTOV 7raT«^a9, 09 ireayjp.aai (Treyrj'i
Bi'X^oppajij'i €K€iro Kpi]7riScov eiTi'
yp.ei<i 8' i\evd€povvTe<; gk hpacrpuMV iroha
1010 (Jvv TO) jepovTi Sea/xd aeipatcov l3p6-)((ov
dv7]7rTOfl€V 77/009 KL0V\ ft)9 Xri^a<i VTTVOV
p^ySev TTpoaepydaairo roii S€Spap,h'oi<;.
€v8ei S' 6 tXjJp^cov VTTVOV ovK evSaifiova,
iralSwi (fiovevaa^ fcal 8dp.apT^' eyoo /xev ovv
OVK ol8a dvrjToyv 6(7Ti<i d0Xicorepo<i,
XOP02
o (fiovo's T]v ov 'A/3yoXt9 e^^i- Trerpa
Tore p,€v TrepiaapbOTaTo^ kuI d7naro<i
'WxXdhi Twv Aavaov TracScov
1020 rd S' VTrepe/SaXe, irapeBpa/xe rd Tore kuku.
TaXavi 8ioy€V€i Kopo).-
' Wakefield : for MSS. inl \6(pcf Kfup.^ TjTwhitt's punctuation : no stop in i\I8.
208
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Down dashed it on his own son's golden head,
And shattered all the bones. This second slain,
He speeds to add to victims twain a third.
But first the wretched mother snatched the child,
And bare within, and barred the chamber-door.But he, as though at siege of Cyclop walls,^
Mines, heaves up doors, and hurls the door-posts down,And with one arrow laid low wife and child : 1000
Then charges down to spill his own sire's blood.
But a Shape came,—as seemed unto our eyes,
Pallas with plumed helm, brandishing a spear ;
—
And against Hercules' breast she hurled a rockWhich stayed him from his murder-frenzy, and cast
Into deep sleep. To earth he fell, and dashedHis back against a pillar, cleft in twainBy the roof's ruin, on the pavement thrown.Then we, from fiight of panic breathing free,
Wrought with the old man, binding him with cords 1010
Unto the pillar, that, awaked from sleep,
He might not add ill deeds to ill deeds done.
There sleejis he, wretched man, a sleep unblest,
Who hath slaughtered sons and wife. For me, I knownot
Of mortals any man more fortune-crost.
CHORUSThat murder which Argos remembereth
Was aforetime through Hellas most famous, thestrange tale told
Of Danaus' daughters, the workers of death :^But this hath surpassed, hath outrun, that horror of 1020
old
—
[the sacrifice doneThis horror that blasts Zeus' Son ! I might tell of
* i.e. Eurystheus' city, Mycenae.
209
HPAKAH2 MAINOMEN02
fxovoreKvov UpoKvr}^
(jiovov e%o) Xe^ai dvofxevov Mofcrai?"
av he reKva rpiyova TeKOfievo^, & Siue,
XvacrdBi (TvyKareipydaco fioipa.
TLva arevay/jiov
?) yoov i) (j)Oi.TMV
cphdv, rj riv" "AtSa X^P^^ "XV""^ »
<f)€V (})€V-
iSecrde, SuivSixa K\fj9pa1030 KXlverai v-yjrLTrvXoyv S6fia)V.
1(1) fJLOi'
iSeade rdSe reKva irpo 7rarpo<i
d0\ia Keifxeva BvaTdvov,
evhovTO<i VTTVov heivov i/c TraiScov cfyovov,
irepl he heafid koX TroXv/Spox dp-fiuTcov
epeicr/xaO^ 'HpdKXeiov
dfxcf)t he/u,a<i rdhe \aivoL<i
ciinjfMfieva KLoaiv o'Ikwv.
o 8' w? Ti9 opvL<; dinepov Kajaajevrov
1040 oyhlva reKvcov, "TrpeajSv^ varepw ttooI
TTLKpav hicoKcov i]XvaLV Trdpead' ohe.
AM*ITPTnNJ^ahfieloi yepovre'?, ov aiya al-
ya Tov VTTvq) irapeifiei'ov edaer e'/c-
Xadecrdai kukcov ;
X0P02Kara ere haKpvoi'^ arevu), Trp^cr/Sv, Kal
reKea Kal to kuXXlvikov Kdpa.
2IO
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
To the Muses,' of Proene who slaughtered the onlycliild of her womb :
—
But thou, who art father of children three, () un-happiest one, [madness's doom !
Together hast murdered them all, driven on by thy
With what cry shall I wail thee, what sighing,
What chant as for dead that are lying in Hades, whatdirge of the tomb ?
Alas ! O see
How tlie bolts slide back, and asunder fall
The stately doors of the j)alace-hall. 1030
The palace is Ihrorvn ope?i, and the scene within disclosed.
Ah me ! ah me !
Lo thei'e the children—ah misery !
At the feet of their wretched father they lie :
And from murder of sons he is resting in awful sleej)
;
And around him the bonds with manifold fastenings
keepThe body of Hercules in ward,
And lashed to the palace's pillars of stone are the
coils of the cord.
And that old sire, as bird that maketh moanO'er fledgling brood, with footsteps eld-fordone 1040
Treading a bitter pathway, conieth on.
AMPHITRYONAh peace, Cadmean fathers, peace I
Let his woes in oblivion a moment cease
By slumber's release.
CHORUSWith tears I bemoan thee, and these babes dead,
ancient, and that victorious head.
1 The legend of Procne's murder of It3s has, in becoming
a theme of song, been consecrated to the Muses.
211
p 2
HPAKAH2 MAINOMENO^
AM*ITPTnNeKaarepco irpo^are, fii]
KTVTretTe, fiy /3oaTe, firj
TOP ev r iavovO^
1050 virvcoSed t evva<i eyetpeTe.
X0P02
<p6vo^ o(To<; 68'—AM'i'ITPTnN
a a,
Bid fJi 6\€IT€.X0P02
Ke^vfievo^ eTravTeWei.
AM^ITPTHNovK drpe/xaia dpi]vov ald^er , w yepovre'i
;
i) heap! dveyeipoj-ievo^; X'^Xdaa^ aTroXec iroXiv,
diro he irarepa, [xeKaOpd re KaTapptj^ei.
X0P02dhuvuT dhwuTa p,oi,
AM*ITPTnNalya, TTVod^ p,dOo)' (j)epe tt/jo? 0S9 ^d\(o.
XOP02evhet
;
AM*ITPTnN1060 vai, evhei
VTTVOV virvov oKoixevoif,
09 eKav^ ciXoxov, e/cave he re/cea, TO^^jpei
yfraXfji,^ To^ev(Ta<i.
XOP02crriva^i vvv
AM+ITPTflN
(nevdt,w.
313
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
AMPHITRYONWithdraw you farther, beat not the breast.
Neither cry, neither break ye his slumbrous rest
Of calm-draAVTi breath.
CHORUS 1050
Woe's me for the river of bhjod lie hath spilt I
—
AMIMHTRVONAh, your AV(jrds be my death !
CHORUSIt is rising against him, a witness of guilt !
AMPHITRYONLet the wail of your dirge, ye ancients, softlier fall.
Else will he wake, will rend away his bonds, and in
ruin lay
Thebes, will slay his father, and shatter his palace-hall.
CHORUS
I cannot—my crying I cannot forbear
!
AMPHITRYONHush ! let me hearken his breathing—bend low mine
ear
—
CHORUS
Sleepeth he ?
AMPHITRYONYea—in a slumber of bane,
Who hath slain his wife, hath his children slain
With the string that sang them the bow's death-
strain !
CHORUSWail therefore
—
AMPHITR\ONI wail with thee.
lOGO
213
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
X0P02reKvcov oXeOpov—
AM*ITPTnNCOflOl.
X0P02aiOev T€ iraiSo'i.
AM4>ITPTnN
alai.
X0P02CO Trpicr^v—
AM*ITPTnN(Tiya (Tiya'
iraX.ivjpoiro'; i^eyeipofxevo^ (npe^erai'<f)6p'
1070 diro/cpvcfiov Se/xa<i inro ixeKadpov /cpvyjro).
X0P02ddpaei' vv^ e;^€i ^ecpapa iraihl aw.
AM<I>ITPTnN
opdO' opdre.
TO (f)ao<; i/cXiTreiv eVt KaKoiaiv ov
(fievyoi TaXa9, dW ei fie Kavel Trarep' ovra,
TTyoo? he KaKol<i KUKii fx/jaerai
Trpof Kpivvcri 0' alfia avyyovov e^ei.
X0P02Tore davelv a' e')(pr]v, ore hajxaprL aa^ovov ofMoairopoiv
efio\e<i eKTrpd^eiv
1080 Tacfylwv TrepiKkvcnov dcrrv 7repcra<i.
AM*ITPTnN
(f)vya (f)vya, yepovref;, diroTrpo Scofidrtov
BicoKeTe' (^evyere pudpyov
avhp iireyeipop.evov,
214
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
CHORUSHis babes' death,
—
AMPHITRYONWoe is me
!
CHORUSAnd thy son's doom !
AMPHITRYONWell-a-day
!
CHORUSAh ancient
—
AMPHITRYONO hush ye ! stay !
He is writhing—is turning—is waking ! Away !
Under yon roof let me hide me out of his sight
!
1070
CHORUS
Fear not : on the eyes of tliy son yet broodeth the
night.
AMPHITRYONBeware—O beware !
Not death do I shun, for a crown of the ills that I bear
—
Wretch that I am !—but if me, if his father, he kill.
To his load of ill shall he add fresh ill,
And to heap up his debt to the Furies the blood of a
kinsman shall spill.
CHORUSThen shouldst thou have died, when thou wentest
forth to requite [smite
The blood of the kin of thy wife on the Tapliians, to
Their city enringed with the surf-crests white. 1080
AMPHITRYONFlee, ancients ! Afar from the dwelling flee !
From his frenzy of fury O liasten ye.
For he waketh from sleep !
215
HPAKAHS MAIN0MEN02
rd^a <j)6vov erepov em ^ovcp /3aXu>v
dv av ^aK'^evaeL Is^aS/xeicov ttoXiv.
X0P020) Zev, Ti TralS' )]')(^9r}pa^ &8' inrepKorw'i
rov aov, KaKMV he 7re\a<yo<i eh t68' r/yaye? ;
HPAKAH2ea'
efinrvovi fiev el/xt kui SeSopx direp fie Set,
1090 alOepa re Aral yP]v To^a 6' '\Wiov ruhe'
ft)if 5' iv k\vB(ovi Ka\ (f)pevo)v Tapdy/jLaTi
iretrraKa Seivo) koI 7rvod<i Oepfxa^i Trveo)
/xerdpa-i, ov ^e^aia, irvevfxovoiv citto.
ISov, Tt SecTfiol^; vav<; oirco'i (hpfiiafMevo'i
veaviav Ocopa/ca Kal /Bpax^ova,
7rpo<i y/xiOpavaTM \atva> ruKLafiari
rj/xai veKpolai yeiTOva^ OdKOv<} e^MV
!
•mepwTd t' ey^?; ro^a r ecriraprai 7riS(0,
a Trplv TrapaaTTL^oi'T eyu,ot9 (Bpa')(^ioaiv
1100 eacp^e '7r\evpd<; i^ efiov t iaM^ero.
ov TTOV KarrfkOov av0i<; et9 "AiSov irdXiv,
EtiyOfcr^eo)? hiavkov i^ "AiSou fioXcoj/
;
dW' ovTi 2,i(TV(f)€iov elaopo) irerpov
TVkovTCdvd r, ovSe (TKrjinpa Ar/yU,7;T/0O9 Kopi]^.
€K roi 7re7r\'}]y/jLai' 'ttov ttot mv dfxvi]/u.ovco
;
Oil), Ti9 iyyv'i r) Trpoaco (plXwv ep,6)v,
Svayvoiav ocnt,<i t)]v efiijv Idaerai
;
cra<f)M<i yap ov8ev olSa tmv elwOorcov,
AM^ITPTflN
yepovTe<i, eXOco twv ifxcov kukcov TreXa? ;
X0P021110 Kaycoye avv aol, fxi) irpoSovs Td<{ av/j,(f)opd<;.
3l6
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Full soon on the deaths he hath wrought fresh deaths
shall he heap,
Through the city of Cadmus storming in awful revelry.
CHORUSAh Zeus, why this stern hate against thy son ?
Why hast thou brought him to this sea of ills ?
HERCULKS («'«/.77/o- (111(1 sdlling)
Ha !
Breathing I am—all I should see I see,
The sky, the earth, the shafts of yonder sun : 1090
Yet as in surge and storm of turmoiled soul
Am whelmed, and fiery-fervent breath 1 breatheHard-panted from my lungs, not tempered calm.
Ha I—wherefore like a ship by hawsers moored,Hopes compassing my strong chest and mine arms,
Bt)und to half-shattered masonry of stone
Sit I ?—lo, corpses neighbours to mj^ seat
!
Winged shafts and bow are strawn about the floor.
Which once, like armour-bearers to mine arms,Warded my side, were kept of me in ward : 1100
Sure, not to Hades have I again gone dov.ii.
Who have passed, repassed, Eurystheus' Hades-cour:5e?
Xay, I see not the stone of Sisyphus,
Pluto, nor sceptre of Demeter's Child.
I am distraught. Know I not where I am ?
Ho there ! who of my friends is near or far
To be physician to my 'wilderment ?
For strange to me seem all fomiliar things.
AMPHITRYONOld friends, shall I draw near unto my grief?
CHORUS
I too with thee, forsaking not thy woe. 1110
217
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
HPAKAH2irdrep, tl «Xatet9 kol crvva[X'irl(T')(€L Kopa<;,
Tov (piXTUTOV aoL TrjXoOev 7ratBb<i y3e/3<w9 ;
AM*ITPTnNft) TeKVOV el yap koX KaKO)<i irpdacayv i/xo^;.
HPAKAH2TrpdcrcrQ) 6' eyo) tl Xvirpov, ov haKpvppoel<i ;
AM*ITPTnNa Kav 6e6)v rt?, el irdOoL, Karacnevoi.
HPAKAH2fxeya'i 7' 6 /c6fi7ro<;, Tyv rv^V^ S' ovirw \eyei<;.
AM*ITPTnN6p(i<i <yap avTO^, el (ppovwv i]8rj Kvpei^i.
HPAKAH2el'n €1 Tl Kaivov vTToypdcbei too/xm j3lai.
AM*ITPTnNel ixifKeO^ "AiBov ^aK'^o'i el, ^pda-ai/xev liv.
HPAKAH21120 irairal, to 8' &)9 vttotttov ipvi^ay 7rd\iv.
AM*ITPYnNKai 0-' el /3ey8atft)? eu cf>povei<i ijSy (Tkottm.
HPAKAH2ov ydp Tl ^UK^evawi ye jxefivripbai <ppeva<;.
AM*ITPTnN\va(o, yepovTe<i, Sea/xd 7raiSb<i t] tl 8pa> ;
HPAKAH2KOI TOV ye hrjaavT etii' dvaivo/xeaOa yap,
AM'i'ITPTnN
TocrovTOV laOi tmv KaKwv tu S' aW' ea.
HPAKAH2dpKel aicoTTf) ydp /xadeiv b ^ovXofiai ;
218
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
HERCULES
Father, why dost thou weep and veil thine eyes,
Shrinking afar from thy beloved son ?
AMPHITRYONOh my son !—mine, though ne'er so ill thy plight
!
HERCULES
Am I in grievous plight, that thou sliouldst weep ?
AMPHITRYONPlight whereat Gods might groan, were God so
stricken !
HERCULES
Great words !—but what hath chanced thou say'st
not yet.
AMPHITRYONThyself mayst see, if now thy wit be sound.
HERCULES
Speak, if thou shadowest forth strange ills for me.
AMPHITRYONI will say—so thy frenzy of hell be past.
HERCULES
Again that word !—ha, what dark riddle this? 1120
AMPHITRYONYea, if thy mind be sober yet I doubt
—
HERCULESNaught I remember of a frenzied mind.
AMPHITRYONFathers, shall I unbind my son, or no ?
HERCULESWho bound me ? Him I account no friend of mine
!
AMPHITRYONKnow thou so far thine ills :—the rest let be.
HERCULES
Is silence all ? With that must I content me ?
219
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
AM^lTPTflN
w Zev, Trap' ''H/oa? ap' opa<i dpovoov rdSe
;
HPAKAH2«X,X' ?] Tt KeWev TToXefiLov Tre-TrovOa/uiev
;
AM-tiTPrnN
T?;/> ^eoi' iaawi ra era TrepiareWov KCiKa.
HPAKAH21130 uTTCoXo/jieaOa' avficfiopav X€^ci<; Ttva ;
AM^iTPrnNI'Sou Oeaaai rcihe reKvaiv irea/^p^ara.
HPAKAH2o'ljxor Tiv oyjrn' r/ji'Se SepKO/xai. rdXa<i ;
AM-tlTPrnN
cnroXeixov, co irai, iroKefiov eaTrevaw^ TeKVOL<;.
HPAKAH2T^ nroXeixov etTra? ; xoucrSe rt? SioiXeaev ;
AM'I'ITPTnN
cru A:al era ro^a Kal 9eo)V o? alTio<;.
HPAKAH2
AM<MTPYnNp.aveL<;' epcora^ S' dOXi ^pixi]vevp.cna.
HPAKAH2
AM'I'ITPTNN
HPAKAH2
1140 a/ai' arevajfMMV •ydp /xe irepi^dWei ve(^o<i.
AM<l>ITPTnN
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
AMPHITRYON (^unhindbig him)
Zeus, seest thou this bolt from Hera's thi'one ?
HERCULES
Ha ! have I suffered mischief of her hate ?
AMPHITRYONLet be the Goddess : thine own miseries heed.
HERCULES
I am undone ! What ruin wilt thou tell? 1130
AMPHITRYONLo, mark these fallen wrecks,—wrecks of thy sons !
HERCULES
Woe's me ! ah wretch, what siglit do I behold ?
AMPHITRYONUnnatural war, son, waged against thy babes.
HERCULES
What war mean'st thou ? Who hath done these to
death ?
AMPHITRYON
Thou, and thy bow—and whatso God was cause.
HERCULES
How ?—what did I ?—O ill-reporting sire !
AMPHITRYON
In madness, Heavy enlightening cravest thou !
HERCULES
Ha ! am I murderer of my wife withal ?
AMPHITRYON
Yea : all these deeds are work of one hand—thine.
HERCULES
Alas ! a cloud of groaning shrouds me round ! 1140
AMPHITRYON
For this cause heavily mourn I thy mischance.
221
HPAK.AH2 MAIN0MEN02
HPAKAH2rj yap avvrjpa^^ oIkov, i) '^a«%eycr', efiov ;
AM*iTPrnNOVK olSa Trkrjv ev Trdvra SvaTV)(^fj to, era.
HPAKAH2TToO S' oi(npo<i rjfia<i eXa/3e ; irov BicoXeaev ;
AM-MTPXriN
ot' dfji<j}l /3(Ofxov x^ipwi Tjyvi^ov rrvpi.
HPAKAH2ol'/jior TL 8i]Ta (})€i8op.ai ''/^f%'}9 e'yU,?}?
TMV (fyiXTaTcov jioi y€v6p.€V0^ 7raiha>v (povev^,
KovK eifjLL Trerpa^; XicradSo^ tt/qo? aXfiara
r) (pdayavov 7rpo<; rjirap e^aKOVTi<Ta<;
1150 re/cvoi^ Si/cacrTr]^ a'lfiaro^ yevijao/xai ;
rj adp/ca r7]vSe rijv i/x^jv 7rp7](Ta<; irvpi,
Bv(7K\eiav i) jxevei p! diroioopai (Biov ;
aXV ep^TToScov pot Oavacnpcov ^ovXevpLaTwv©7?creL'? oS' epwei crvyy€i')]<; 0iXo9 t' eyu-09.
6(j)dr](76p.eada, koL tskvoktovov p,vao<i
619 opbpaO^ V^^^ (btXTaTW ^evcov epCov,
olpioi, Ti Bpdao) ; irol kukwv ipyjpiav
evpco, 7rTe/C)&)T09, ">) Kara ')(9ovo'i jxoKoiv ;
(pep' [w peXav] tl ^ Kparl Trepi/SaXw (tk6to<;,
1160 alcF'xyvopaL yap rol<; hehpap,evoL^ kukoI^,
Kal TaSe TrpocrrpoTraLov alpa Trpocr^aXcov
ovoev KUKcbaaL tou9 dvaiTiov<i OeXco.
0H2ET2')]K(o (Tvv ciXXoi^ ot Trap' 'Aacoirov pod^
pevovcTLV, evoTrXoi yrj<; W0)]vaLcov Kopoi,
au) iraihi, Trpecr^v, aup,p.a)(^ov (f>€pa)v Sopv.
kXi]8o}v yap rjXOev el<; 'Kpe')(6eiho)v iroXiv
^ Translator's suggestion : for MSS. (pep' &v n. Cf. 1. 1216.
222
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
HERCULES
/ wrecked mine house, or loosed wild rioters there ?
AMPHITRYONOne thing I liiiow—thy state is ruin alL
HERCULES
Where did my frenzy seize me ?—where destroy ?
AMPHITRYONAs thine hand touched the altar's cleansing fire.
HERCULES
Woe's me ! Ah wherefore spare I mine own life,
Who am found the murderer of my dear, dear sons,
And rush not to plunge headlong from a cliff",
Or dash a dagger down into mine heart,
And make me av^enger of my children's blood, 1150
Or with consuming fire burn this n:iy flesh,
To avert the imminent life-long infamy ?
But lo, to thwart my purposes of death,
Theseus draws nigh, my kinsman and my friend.
I shall be seen !—this curse of children's blood
Shall meet a friend's eyes, dearest of my friends !
Woe ! What shall I do ?—where find solitude
In ills ?—take wings, or plunge beneath the ground ?
Oh let me in black darkness pall mine head;
For I take shame for evils wrought of me, 1160
Nor would I taint him with bloodguiltiness—
^
Nay, nowise would I harm the innocent.
Enter theseus, with attendants.
THESEUSI come, with them that by Asopus' streamIn arms are tarrying, Athens' warrior sons,
Ancient, to bring thy son my battle-aid.
For rumour came to the Erechtheids' town
^ The mere sight of a murderer conveyed contamination.
223
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
&)9 (TKfjTTTpa ')((opa^ TTJa-B^ avapTraaa^ A.vKO<i
et? TToXefiov vjjuv koX p.d-xrjv KaOicnaraL,
Tivcov S' d/xot^a<; S)v vTrijp^ev 'HpaK\y]<i
1170 acocra^ fie vepOev, rj\6ov, el ti Set, yepov,
?) ')(^€ipo^ vfxd<i T?}? e^u)}? 7] avfx/xd-)^o)v.
ea- Tt' veKpcov rcovSe 7r\7]0vei irehov
;
ov TTOu XeXeijUfiat koX vecorepcoi' KaKcov
vcrrepo^ dcfiiy/xai ; Tt<? rdS' eKreivev rexva
;
TtV0? yeycoaav ryjvS' opcb avvdopov
;
ov yap 8op6<; ye TratSe? "aravrai 7reXa<?,
dX)C aX\.o Toi ttov kuivov euptaKco fca/cov.
AM<I>ITPTnN
(b Tov iXaio^opov oy^Oov e^fov civa^—0H2ET2
Tc 'xprjixd fi oiKrpoZ^ iKd\erTa<^ 7rpooi/j,iOi<i
;
AM'I'ITPT.aN
1180 €7raOo/j,ev irdOea fxeXea 7rpo<i decov.
0H5ET2ol TratSe? o'lSe xiVe?, e'0' ol? SaKpvppoei<;
;
AM*ITPTnN€T€Ke fiiv viv ov/iio<i ivi^ rdXa^;'
reKo/ievo^; 8' eKxave, (jyoviov alp-a rXd^,
0H2ET2€V(f)i]/j.a <f)covei.
AM<l>ITPTnN
l3ov\op,€i'oiaiv eTrayyeWei.
0H5ET5w Seivd Xfc'^a?.
AM-i'lTPTHN
ot%o/ie^'- olxofieda irravol..
0H2ET2Tt 0^9; Ti hpd(Ta<i
;
224
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
That Lycus, this land's sceptered sway usurped.For war had risen against you, and for figlit.
And to requite the service done of himWho out of Hades saved me, come I, ancient, 1170
If aught ye need mine hand or mine alHes.
—Ha ! wherefore bears the eartli this load of dead ?
Have I been laggard ?—have I come too late
To stay fell mischief? Who could slay these boys ?
Whose wife is she, this woman that I see ?
Not boys, good sooth, are ranged to face the spear !
Sure, some unheard-of outrage here I find !
AMPHITRYONKing, lord of the mount with the olives crowned
—
THESEUSWhy in thy first words wails a voice of woe ?
AMPHITRYONSore ills at the hands of the Gods have we found. 1180
THESEUSWhat lads be these, o'er whom thou weepest so ?
AMPHITRYONMy son was their father—alas and alas for him
—
Their father—and slew them !—who dared thatmurder grim !
THESEUSHush ! Speak not horrors thou !
AMPHITRYONAh, would that I could but obey thy word !
THESEUS
Dread things thou sayest now !
AMPHITRYONFled is our bliss, as on wings of a bird.
THESEUSWhat sayest thou ?—how WTOught he deed so dread ?
225VOL. in. Q
HPAKAH5 MAIN0MEN05
AM*ITPYnN
fxaivofievo) TrnvKw irXa'yxdei'i
1190 eKaToyK€(f)d\ov /3a(f}ai<; vSpa<;,
0H2ET2"H/5a9 oS' dycov Tt9 5' oS' ot't' veKpoX<;, yepov;
AM<i>ITPTnN
6/A09 eyLt09 oSe yovo'i o 7ro\v7rovo<;, 09 eVl
Sopu jiyavTO(pui>op rjXdev avv Oeol-
(Ti 'PXeypalou ei9 irehlov da7rL(TTd<i.
0H2ET2
(Pev <peu' Tt'9 dvSpoJv (JoSe SvaBac'pwv e(pv
;
AM*ITPTnNOL'/c at* elSeiTjq erepov
TToXvfiox'^OTepov TToXvirXayKTOTepov re duarcov.
0H2ET2
t/ 7a/3 TT^TrXoLaiv aOXiov KpiJirrei Kapa ;
AM*ITPTnN
alB6p,€V0<i TO croi' oppa1200 ATa! (f)tXi'av 6p6(pu\ov
a'lpd re 7racSo(f)6vov.
0H2ET2aX\' £t)9 avvaXyoyv 7' rfkOov eKKaXvirre viv.
AM*ITPTnN
(w reKvov,
'Trapes dir oppdroiv
ireirXov, aTrohiKe, piOo^ deXto) hel^ov
^dpo^ dvTiTraXov haKpvoLcriv dpiXXdrai.
iKeTevopev dp<pl advyeveidSa kul yovv Koi X^P^ TrpoaTriTVcov
ttoXlov re BaKpvov iKJSaXoyv.
226
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
AMPHITRYONUpon madness's surge was his soul tossed wide.
And his shafts in the blood of the hydra of hundredheads were dyed. 1190
THESEUS
Loj Hera's work ! Who eroucheth midst yon dead ?
AMPHITRYONMy son is it—mine—of the thousand toils, who stood
In the ranks of the Gods, stood slaying the giant-bro'/d
On the Plain of Phlegra, a warrior good.
THESEUS
Woe ! when was man by fate so ill-bestead !
AMPHITRYONNone other of mortal men shalt thou see
Who hath burden of heavier griefs, was more dreadly
misguided than he.
THESEUS
Why doth he overpall his hapless head ?
AMPHITRYONFor shame that thine eyes such sight should win.
Shame for the pitying love of kin, 1200
For his sons' blood shame—for the madness, the sin !
THESEUS
Unveil him—me hath sympath}' hither led.
AMPHITRYONSon, cast from thine eyes thy mantle's veil
;
Fling it hence ; thy face to the sun forth show.
Lo, a weight that outweigheth thy tears bears downgrief's scale !
^
I bow me in suppliance low [hear :
At thy beard, at thy knee, at thine hand, till thou
And mine old eyes drop the tear.
' Tiie claims of friendship outweigh those of grief.
227
Q 2
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
1210 tct) iral, /card-
a-y^ede \eovTO^ drjpiov dv\xdv, to?
hpoyuov ^ iirl (j)6viov uvoaiov i^djei,
KaKCL Oekeov kukoI^ avvdyjrai, reKvov.
0H2ET2clev ere rov Odaaovra hvari'^vov^ ehpa^
avho), (f)iXoicnv 6/ji/xa heLKVvvai to aov.
ovSels aKOTO'i <ydp wS' e'^ei p^eXav ve<po<i,
ocTTif Kaicwv aoiv avp,(fiopdp Kpvyjreiev av,
Tt p,OL TrpoaeCcov %ei/Ja aijpatvei'i (povop
;
0)9 /jbT) p,u(TO<i fie acov jBdXy '7rpoa(f)0e'ypdT(i)v
;
1220 ovSev /jueXei p,ot crvv ye aol irpdaaeLv KaKO)<i'
Kal ydp ttot' TjvTv^ija^- eKela' dvoicrreov,
or e^eawcrd^ pC et'v (^do^ veKpow irdpa,
Xdpiv 8e yrjpdaKOuaav e')(daipo} (f)i\o)v,
Kal TMV KoKoiv p,ev 6(Trt<; diroXaveiv OeXec,
avpLTrXelv Be rot? (^tXoicrt, Svarv^ovaiv oh.
dvi(7Taa\ txKdXv^jrov dOXiov xdpa.
^Xeyjrov tt/QO? »;;U.a9. oo"Ti9 evyevtj'i jSporoyv,
(f)epei rd OeMv <ye 7n(opLaT ouS' dvalverai.
HPAKAH2^Tjaeu, BeSopKWi r6v8^ dyoiv ep.cov tckvcov ;
0H2ET21230 i'jKoucra, Kal /SXeTrovri aT}p,aLvei^ KUKd.
HPAKAH2Tt 8f]Td p,ov Kpar^ dveKdXv\jra^ rjXLa)
;
0H2ET2TL 6' ; ou pLiaivei^ Ovrjroi; mv rd rcjv decov.
HPAKAH2
(f>evy\ CO TaXaiiTwp', dvoaiov puiacrpb efiov.
i Reiske : for MSS. $ij6/xov.
328
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
son^ refrain thou the furious lion's mood
!
1210
Thou wouldst speed on a race unhallowed^ a path of
blood,
Who art bent on self-slaughter, on swelling with evil
evil's flood.
THESEUS
Ho ! thee in spirit-broken session crouched1 hail—reveal unto thy friends thy face.
There is no darkness hath a pall so black
That it should hide the misery of thy woes.
Why wave me back with hand that warns of blood ?
Lest some pollution of thy speech taint me ?
Naught reck I of misfortune, sliared with thee. 1220
Fair lot hath found me— I date it from that hourWhen safe to day thou brought'st me from the dead.
Friends* gratitude that waxeth old I hate.
Hate him who would enjoy friends' sunshine-tide.
But will not in misfortune sail with them.Stand up, unmuffle thou thine hapless head :
Look on me : who of men is royal-souled
Beareth the blows of heaven, and flincheth not.
[Unveils hercules.
HERCULES
Theseus, hast seen mine onslaught on mine babes ?
THESEUS
I have heard : the ills thou namest I behold. 1230
HERCULESWhy then unveil mine head unto the sun ?
THESEUS
Why ?—mortal, thou canst not pollute the heavens.
HERCULES
Flee, hapless, my pollution god-accurst
!
229
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
0H2ET20b'5e(9 oKdarwp rol<i (f)t\oi<; eV ro)V (f)i.\(ov.
HPAKAH2iiTT^vecr^' ev 8pd(Ta<; Se a ovk dvaivofxai.
0H2ET2e'yco he Trdcr^oyv ev tot oiKreipw ae vvv.
HPAKAH2olKrpo<i yap elfii rd/ji cTroKTelvaq tckvu.
0H2EY2K\at(i) ^a/Jtt' o-rjv e'^' erepaicTL av[x<^opcu^.
HPAKAH2'r]vpe<; S' eV dWov<i ev KUKOiai /Mei^ocnv;
0H2ET21240 aTrrei KdrwOev ovpavov hvcnrpa^ia.
HPAKi\H2
Toiydp irapecTKevdcFfieff' cocrre KarOavelv.
0H2ET2SoKei<i cnretXcov acov fxeXeiv ri Satpoaiv
;
HPAKAH2au0a8e<; 6 Oe6<i, irpb^ Be tou^ deov^ eycii.
0H2EY2t'cr^e cfiop! , 009 /i?) ixeya \eya)v fiel^ov irdOij^.
HPAKAH2yep-w KaKwv hrj, KOVKer eao^ ottt; Teufj.
0H2ET5hpdaei'i he hrj tl ; ttoZ <pepei 9vp,ovp,evo^ ;
HPAKAH2davdiv, odevTrep r/XOop, eZ/xi 7?;9 vtto.
0H2ET2etprjKa^ €'imv')(pvTO<i dvdpdyirov \oyov<;.
a30
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
THESEUSNo haunting curse can pass from friend to friend.
HERCULESNow nay !—yet thanks. I helped thee, nor repent.
THESEUS
I for that kindness now compassionate thee.
HERCULESCompassion-worthy am I, who slew my sons
!
THESEUS
I weep for thy sake, for thy fortune changed.
HERCULESHast thou known any whelmed in deeper woes ?
THESEUSFrom earth to heaven reach thy calamities. 1240
HERCULES
Therefore have I prepared my soul to die.
THESEUSDeem'st thou that Heaven recks aught of threats of
thine ?
HERCULESFor me God cares not, nor care I for God !
THESEUS
Refrain lips, lest high words bring deeper woes !
HERCULESFull-fraught am I with woes—no space for more.
THESEUS
What wilt thou do ?—whither art passion-hurled ?
HERCULES
To death. I pass to Hades, v.hence I came.
THESEUS
No hero's words be these that thou hast said.
231
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
HPAKAH2ffv S' eKro<; cov ye aufj,(f)opa<; /xe vovOcTei^.
0H2ET21250 6 TToWa 8r) t\o9 'Hpa/cX?)? \eyei rdSe
;
HPAKAH2ovKovv Toaaind y' iv fierpw^ ^io-)(driTeov.
0H2Er2€vepy€Tr]<; /SpoTOiai koI p.€ja<; 0tXo?
;
HPAKAH2oiS' ovBev uxpeXovai /jl, ciW ' Yipa Kparel,
0H2ET2ovK av a dvd(T')(^oid^ 'EXXa? dfiaOla daveZv.
HPAKAH2UKOve 8i] vvv, &)? dp,tWy^6o) \6yoi<;
irpo'i vov6er)'](xei<i (rd<i' dvairru^oi 8e aoi
d/SlcoTOV t'lixiv vvv re Kal irdpoiOev 6v.
irpwrov fiev e« toOS' iyevo/xtjv ocrri? ktuvmvprjTpo<; yepaiov irarepa Trpoarpoiraio^ mv
1260 eyrjfMe rrjv reKOvcrav WXKfiijvrjv e/xe.
orav Be Kpr^Til'i /xrj KaTa^XrjOfj yivovi
opOct)^, dvdyKrj hvarrv^elv toi/? €Ky6vov<i.
7i€v<i 8'—ocTTt? Zey?
—
iroXep.Lov p! eyeivaro
"Hpa* (7V p,€VTOL /j,7]Sev a'^0€a6fj<;, yepovirarepa yap dvrl Zr]vo<; rjyovpat a^ iyco,
eV iv ydXaKTi r ovtl yopyoiTrov^ 0(^et9
iTreicrecfiprjae aTrapyavoiac roi? ipol<i
rj rou Ato? crvXX€KTpo<i, co? oXoip^eda.
eirei he crapKo<i irepijBoXaL iKTrjadpijv
1270 Tj/S&VTa, p,6x0ov<; ov^ ctXijv tl Set Xeyeiv ;
TTOtou? ttot' ?) Xeovra<; rj Tpi(T(OfidTOV<i
* Hermann i for MSS. y*, el p.frp(f>.
9^Z
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
HERCULESThou dost rebuke me—clear of misery thou !
THESEUS
Speaks Hercules, who hath endured so much,— 1250
HERCULES
Never so much !—its bounds endurance hath.
THESEUS
Men's benefactor and their mighty friend ?
HERCULES
They cannot help, for Hera's might prevails.
THESEUS
Hellas will brook not this fool's death for thee.
HERCULES
Hearken, that I may wrestle in argumentWith thine admonishings. I will unfold
Why now, as heretofore, boots not to live.
First, I am his son, who, with blood-guilt stained
From murder of my mother's aged sire,
Wedded Alcmena who gave birth to me. 1260
When the foundation of the race is laid
In sin,.needs must the issue be ill-starred.
And Zeus—whoe'er Zeus be—begat me foe
To Hera,—nay but, ancient, be not chafed.
For truer father thee I count than Zeus.
When I was yet a suckling, Zeus's bride
Sent gorgon-glaring serpents secretly
Against my cradle, that I might be slain.
Soon as I gathered vesture of brawny flesh.
What boots to tell what labours I endured .'' 1270
What lions, what three-bodied Geryon-fiends,
233
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
Tripvova<i^ rj TtyavTa^; rj TerpacrKekrj
KevravpoTrXrjO ?! iroXefiov ouk e^i'jvvcra ;
TTjv t' d/j,(f)iKpavov Kol 7raXi/ii^\a(TT)] Kvvavhpav (pov€vaa<;, fivpiwv t ciWcov Trovrov
hirfkOov uyeXwi /cet? veKpov^ cKpCKop-jp',
'!A-iSou TTuXcopov Kvva TpiKpavov el^ (pao'i
OTTco^ TTopevaai/ji' evTo\al<; ^vpvadewi.TO Xo'lctOlov he rovh^ erXriv TaXa<; <^6voi>,
1280 'irai8oKTOV7]aa<i hwp.a dpi'^Kwaai KaKol'^.
r]K(o 8' avd'yKri'i ei? toS'' ovt e/ial<i (l}L\aL<i
®i]/3ai^ ivoiKelv oaiov rfv he Kal fiei'co,
et? irolov lepov ?) 7rai>/]yvpiv <^i\(ov
eifM ; ov yap aTa<i €V7rpo(jr]yopov<; e%&).
aW' "Apyo<i eXOco ; iro)^, inrel ^evyw Trdrpav
;
(f)ep' dXX^ 69 dXXtjv hi] tlv opfii^aoy ttoXlv
KaireiO^ v7ro,BXe7rcop,ed^ co? eyvoicr[xevoL,
yXaxTCTT]^ TTLKpoU KevTpoLcn KXrjhovxovixevoL'
ou\ ouTO^ A; 09, o? re/cy' eKreivev Trore
1290 hd/jLapTa t ; ov yi)^; tPj^S^ d7rocf)0ap7]crerai
;
K€KX7]/jLev<p he ^wrl fxaKapiO) Trore
ai /xeTa^oXal XvTrrjpov w 8' del KaK(o<;
ear , ovhev dXyel avyyevoi)^ hvari]vo<; o)V.
et9 rovro S' rj^eiv avfi(f)opd<; olfxai Trore*
^covr]v yap "-jcrei -^duiv direvveTrovcrd fie
fir) Oiyydveiv yf]<i Kal OdXaacra firj irepav
Trrjyai re TroTaficov, fcal rov dpfiar/jXaTOv
'I^t'ot'' ev Secrfiocaiv e/cuifiyjcrofiai.
Trpo^ ravT dptaja pi-jhev 'l^XXr^vcov fx 6pdi\
1300 ev olcTLV evTV)(^ovvTe<i rjfiev 6X/3ioi.
Tfc BifTa fie ^r)v Set ; rt KepSo<i e^ofiev
^ioTOv d\pelov dvoaiov KeKTiffxevoL ;
1 Elmsley : for MSS. 1v<pa>vas.
«34
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Or giantSj slew T not ?—or with what host
Of fourfoot Centaurs fought not out the war ?
The hound o'erswarmed with heads that severed grew,
The Hydra, killed I : throngs of toils beside
Untold 1 wrought : I passed unto the deadTo bring forth at Eurystheus' hest to light
The hound three-headed, warder of Hell-gate.
And this—woe's me !—my latest desperate deed.
Murder of sons—mine home's topstone of ills ! 1280
I am come to this strait—in my dear-loved ThebesI cannot dwell uncursed. Though I should stay.
To what fane can I go ?—what gathering
Of friends ?—the Accurst, to whom no man mayspeak !
Shall I to Argos ?—I, an outlawed man '
Nay then, to another city let me go
—
And there be eyed askance, a branded man.My jailers there the scorpions of the tongue
—
" Lo there Zeus' son, who murdered babes and wife !
Shall he not hence ?—perdition go with him !
"1290
Now to the man called happy in time past
Reverse is torture : he whose days were dark
Always, grieves not, being cradled in distress.
To this curse shall I come at last, I ween.
That earth shall find a voice forbidding meTo touch her, and the sea, that I cross not,
And river-springs : so, like Ixion whirled
In chains upon his wheel shall I become.
Best so—that none set eyes on me in Greece,
The land where once I prospered and was blest. 1300
Why need I live ? What profit shall I have
Owning a useless life, a life accurst ?
235
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
Xopevero) Stj 7j7]vo<; // kXcivt] hdfiap
Kpovovd ^0\viJb7rov hlov apjSvKri irehov'
eirpa^e yap ^ovXrjaiv yv i^ovkero,
avhp 'EXkdho<i TOP TrpMTOV avrolaiv j3d6poi<i
avco Karo) aTpeyjraaa. TOiavTt] Oe(p
Tt? av Trpoaevyoiff ; ?) '^vvaiKo^ eiveKa
\eKTpwv (f)Oovovcra Zi]vl tou? ev€pyeTa<;
1310 'EXXaSo? ciTTcoXecr^ ovSev ovTa<; atrtou?.
0H2ET2ovK ecTTiv aWov Saipovcov dycov oSe
?') Tijfi Aio<i Sd/xapTO<;- [ovSe crol davelv] ^
TrapaivecraLfx av fidWov fj Trdcr-^eiv kukw^.
ov8el<i 8e 6in]TMV Tai<; Tv-)(^ai'^ aKyjpaTO'i,
ov deoiV, doihoiv etirep ov y^evhel<; \oyoi.
ov XeKTpa T dXktjXoiaii', mv ovSeh vofMOf,
avvrj-ylrav ; ov BecrfMotcrc Sid Tvpavvlha<;
"jraTepa^ eKtfKlhuxTav ; oKk oiKOvcr ofici)<i
"OXvpTTOv 'y)i>ea-^ovr6 6^ r^putpTrfKOTe^.
1320 KairoL ti (^I'-jaei^, el av pev Ovjjto^; 7670)9
(pepei^ vTrepcpev ra? TV')(a<;, Oeol 8e p.j]
;
0?;/3a9 pev ovv eKXetire tov vopbov -^dpiv,
eirov S' ayu,' y'lplv Trpo? TvoXiapia WaWdho'^.€Kec %e/oa? ad<i dyvlaa^ pLidaparo^,
b6pov<; T€ 8co(Tco ')(^prjpdTcov t epbwv p,ipo<;.
a S' e« TToXiTMV Scop" e^w crwcra? Kopov^
8t9 kind, ravpov K.vct)aiov KaraKTavctiV,
crol Tavra huxro). iravra'xpv he pot -)(6ovo'i
repev'i] SeSaarar tuut eTTcovopuapeva
1330 aedev ro Xolttov e'/c /Sporwv KeKXyjaerai
1 Following MSS. in assigning 1311-2 to Tliesens, andreading (translator's conjecture) ouSe <rol OavfTv for (Z to8'
aladdvd,
236
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Now let her dance, that glorious bride of Zeus,
Beating with sandalled t\)ot Olympus' floor
!
She hath compassed her desire that she desired,
Down with his pedestal hurhng in utter wreckThe foremost man of Greece ! To such a GoddessWho shall pray now ?—who, for a woman's sake
Jealous of Zeus, from Hellas hath cut off
Her benefactors, guiltless though they werel 1310
This is the assault of none of deities
Save Zeus's Queen; yet thee I counsel not
Rather to die than suffer and be strong.
No mortal hath escaped misfortune's taint.
Nor God—if minstrel-legends be not false.
Have they not linked them in unlawful bondsOf wedlock, and with chains, to win them thrones,
Outraged their fathers ? In Olympus still
They dwell, by their transgressions unabashed.
What wilt thou plead, if, mortal as thou art, 1320
Thou chafe against thy fate, and Gods do not ?
Nay then, leave Thebes, submissive to the law.
And unto Pallas' fortress come with me.There will I cleanse thine hands from taint of blood,
Give thee a home, and of my substance half.
The gifts my people gave for children saved
Twice seven, when I slew the Cnossian bull.
These will I give thee. All throughout the land
Have I demesnes assigned me : these shall bear
Thy name henceforth with men while thou shalt live. 1330
237
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
l^wvro<i' Oavovra h\ evr av et9 "KiZov fi6\r)<i,
dvaiaiaL \atvoiaL t i^oyKco/jiaaiv
ri/xiov avd^ei, Tracr' ^A0i]vaiO)v ttoXi^.
xaXoi jap dajol'i cne^avo^ '^Wi'pwv vtto
dvhp' iadXov uxjieKovvrwi evKkeia<; TV)(^etP.
Kayco ')(^dpiv aot, Trj<; e'/x/}? (TOiTrjpLa<;
T)'jvS' dvTtScjoaco- vuv jap el "j^pelo^; (piXwv.
Oeol S' orav Tifxuxriv, ovSev Set (^lXwvaXiq jap o deo^ oic^eXiop, orav OeXrj,
HPAKAH21340 o'lp^or irdpepjd tol rdS" ear eficov kukmv.
eju> 8e Tov<; 6eou^ ovre XeKrp a [xr) 6e/jii^
arepjeiv vopi^co, Secr/id r e^aTrreiv xepo2vOUT 7]^iu>aa TTCiiTTOT ovT€ 7r€iao/j.ai,
oi)S' dXXov dXXov heaTTOTi-jv TrecpuKevai.
Selrai jap 6 Oeo^, eiTrep t;aT opOoj^ deo^,
oiihevo^' doihwv oiSe hvaTt}voi Xojoi.
ecrKey\rdp.i]v he KaiTvep ev KUKolaiv cov,
p,)j SeiXiav 6(f>Xco tiv' eKXiTTcov cpdo'i.
ral<i (JVfi(f)opai^ jcip o(tti<; ou^ vcf)LaraTai,
1350 ouh' dvhpb^ dv 8vpai6' vTroarPjuai /3eXo9.
ejKaprepr]cr(o Odvarov eipn S' ei? ttoXlv
Ti]V (Ji]v X"P^^ "^t" fivplav S(opojv e)(^co.
drap irovwv hrj p,vplu)v ejevau/.L)]p-
Oiv ovT dnrel-Trov ovSev ovt dir ofifxdTcov
eara^a 7ry]jd<;, ouS' av o}6/j,y]v irore
et9 Tovd^ iKeadai, 8dKpv' avr' Ofiiidroov ^aXelv.vvv h\ ci)9 eoLKe, ttj Tu^r] SovXeuriov,
eiev jepaie, rd<i e/i.a9 (f)vjd<; 6pa<;,
opa^ 8e ttulScov ovra /.c avdevnjv ificov.
1360 So, Tovcrhe Tvp,^rp kuI TreplaTeiXov veKpov<i
SaKpvoiai TLfjLcov— ep.e jap ovK id v6iio<i—238
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
And, when in death thou goest to Hades' halls.
With sacrifice and monuments of stone
Shall all the Athenians' Town exalt thy name
:
For a fair crown to win from Greeks is this
For us, the glory of a hero helped.
Yea, this requital will I render theeFor saving me ; for now thou lackest friends.
When the Gods honour us, we need not friends
:
God's help sufficeth, Avhen he wills it so.
HERCULESAh, all this hath no pertinence to mine ills
!
1340
I deem not that the Gods for spousals craveUnhallowed : tales of Gods' hands manacledEver I scorned, nor ever will believe.
Nor that one God is born another's lord.
For God hath need, if God indeed he be.
Of naught : these be the minstrels' sorry tales.
Yet thus I have mused—how deep soe'er in ills
—
" Shall I quit life, and haply pi'ove me craven ?"
For he who flincheth from misfortune's blows,
He even from a mere man's spear would flincli. 1350
I will be strong to await death. To tliv townI go. For thy gifts thanks a thousandfold.
Ah, I have tasted travail measureless,
Nor ever shrank from any, never shedTear from mine eyes, no, nor had ever thoughtThat I should come to this, to weep the tear
!
But now, meseems, I must be thrall to fate.
Ay so !—thou seest, O ancient, mine exile;
Thou seest me a murderer of my sons.
Give these a tomb, and shroud the dead, with tears 1360
For honour,—me the law withholds therefrom,
—
239
HPAKAH2 MAINOMENOS
7r/909 aTepv' €pecaa<; firjTpl 8ov<; t' e? a<yKd\a<i,
KOivoiViav BvcTTTjvov, fjv iju) raXa?StwXecr' UKCov. <yi} S' eTrrjv Kpv-^r]<; V€Kpov^,
o'lKCL TToXiv Tr]vS', aOXio)^ [lev, aW o/io)?
'^^XV^ ^t^^-^ov TapLo, av/J,(f)ep€iv KUKci.
0) reKv , 6 (f>v(Ta^ ^w TeKcop vp.d<; irarrjp
a7r(o\€a\ oi)S' covaaOe tmv ifiwv KoKoiv,
a'yoo irapeaKeva^ov eKfjbO)(6o}V fita
1370 evKKeiav vplv, Trarpo^ airoXavcnv koXi'jv.
ae r ou^ ofMOico^, &> raXaiv\ aTrcoXeaa
afairep av Td/xa XeKjp eVro^e? dacpaXay'i,
fxaKpdi; SiavrXoucr^ iv Sofiot^ oiKOvpia^i.
otfioL Sd/xapTOi; koI reKvwv, oXfiOL S' e/xov'
0)9 a^Xt(09 TreTrpaya KuTro^evyvv/jiat
T€KV(i}v yvpaiK6<; t'* m Xvypal (fyiXrj/xdTWV
Tep^ei^i, Xvypal Se tcovS' ottXwv KOLVwviai.
dpLTj^avoi yap Trorep' eya) rdh^ rj pLeOw,
a TrXeupd ra/xa irpocT'imvovT epel Tcihe'
1380 riplv TeKV eIXe? /cat hdp.apd^' ?/yu.a9 e')(€i<i
TraiSoKTovovi aov'i. etr' iyo) rdS' aiXevai^
oi(T(i) ; Ti cj)d<rKO)V ; ctXXd yvp-vwdel^i ottXcov,
^vv ol<i rd KaXXidT i^eirpa^^ iv KXXdBi,
i^dpoL<; ijjLavrov viro^aXoov ala")(^po)<i Odvoo ;
ov Xenneov rdS', ddXica 8e crwareov.
ev fioi 71, ®rjaev, avyKap,' ddXiw' Kvvo<i
KOfiKnp' e? "A/3709 avyKaTaaTrjaov p.oXcov,
\v7rp Tt iraihwv fir] TrdOco p^ovoufievo^.
Si yata KaS/iou 7ra9 t€ Srj/BaLO^ Xea;9,
1390 Keipaade, crvfnrevdi']aaT' , eXder' eJ? Tacftov
240
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Laid on the mother's bi*east, clasped in her arms,Sad fellowship, which I—O wretch !—destx'oyed
Unknowing. When thou hast hid them in the
tomb.Live on in Thebes,—in misery, yet still
Constrain thy soul to share my load of woe.Ah childen, your begetter and your sire
Slew you !—ye had no profit of my glory,
Of all my travail and strenuous toil to winRenown for you—a sire's best legacy. 1370
And thee, lost love, not in such wise I slew
As thou didst save, didst keep mine honour safe
Through all that weary warding of mine house !
Woe for my wife and children ! woe for me !
How mournful is my plight, who am disyokedFrom babes, from bride ! Ah bitter joy of kisses
!
Ah bitter fellowship of these mine arms !
Keep—cast them from me— I know not which to do.
Hanging athwart my side thus will they say :
" JVUh us thou sleivest babes a/id wife—yet keep'st 1380
Thy children's slayers!" Shall mine hand bear
these ?
What can I plead ? Yet, naked of mine arms ^
Wherewith I wrought most glorious deeds in Greece,'Neath foes' feet shall I cast me ?—foully die ?
Leave them I may not, to my grief must keep.
In one thing help me, Theseus : come to ArgosTo back my claim of hire for Cerberus brought.
Lest grief for children slay me faring lone.
O Land of Cadmus, all ye Theban folk.
With shorn hair grieve with me : to my sons' tomb 1390
' He could not replace them by others as good ; for theywere gifts of Gods—the bow oi Apollo, and the club of
Hephaestus.
241VOL. III. B
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
ira'ihoiv, airavra'i h' kv\ A.07&) irevOrjaaTe
veKpov<i re Kci/Jie' travre'i i^oXooXafMev
"lipa<; jua 7r\7]yevT€^ aOXioi TV')(r).
0H2ET2aviajacr' , Si Svarrjve' SaKpvwv 8' aXt?.
HPAKAH2OVK av BvvaL/n]V dpOpa yap TreTTTjyi fiov,
0H2ET2Kul rov<i ad€vovTa<; yap Kadacpovcriv rv^^i.
HPAKAH2(f>eu'
avToD yevoL/jL7)v 7reT/)09 a./j.vi]/xcov KaKcov.
0H2ET2rravaar SiSov Se X^^p' ^'^VP^'^V 4>^^V'
HPAK^\H2
aXk' al/xa fii] aoi'i e^ofiop^co/xai TreVXoi?.
0H2ET21400 eK/xaaae, 0etSou /uLTjSev ovk avaivo/xai,
HPAIO\H2
ira'ihwv crreprjde\<i iralh' oirox; e)(w <t epiov.
0H2ET2SlBov hepr] arjv %et/^^ oSrjyijaa) S' iyco,
HPAKi\H2
^evyo^ ye (fiiXiov aT6po<i he BvaTVX)'j<i.
M Trpea/Su, TOiovh' avSpa xpV fcrdadai (piXov.
AM*iTprnNTj yap TeKovaa rovBe irarpl^ evTeKvo<i.
HPAKAH2Qi]aeu, iraXiv fie (TTpe\\rov, o)? t'Sft) TeKva.
0H2ET20)9 hi-j Tt ; (^iXTpov tovt' e^wp pdcov eaei
;
242
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
Pass^ and in one wail make ye moan for all
—
The dead and me : we have wholly perished all.
Smitten by one sore doom from Hera's hand.
THESEUSRise^ sorrow-stricken : let these tears suttiee.
HERCULES
I cannot : lo^ my limbs are palsy-chained.
THESEUS
O yea, misfortune breaketh down the strong.
HERCULESWoe worth the day !
Ah to be turned to stone, my Avoes forgot
!
THESEUSNo more ! To a friend, a helper, reach thine hand.
HERCULESWith this blood let me not besmirch thy robes !
THESEUSOn me wipe all off! Spare not : I refuse not! 1400
HERCULESOf sons bereaved, thee have I, like a son.
THESEUSCast o'er my neck thine arm ; I lead thee on.
HERCULESA yoke of love !—but one, a stricken man.Father, well may one gain such friend as this.
AMPHITRYONThe land that bare him breedeth noble sons
!
HERCULESTheseus, let me turn back, to see my babes.
THESEUS
What spell to ease thy pain hath this for tliee ?
243R 2
HPAKAH2 MAIN0MEN02
HPAKAH2iroOSi, 'TraTp6<; re arepva irpoadecrOaL 6e\o).
AM-HTPTflN
l8ov TctS', c5 Trar rdjj,a yap ajrevBei'i (f)t\a.
0H2ET51410 ouTco TTOvoiv aoiv ovKkri pLvr]in)v e;^et<?;
HPAKi\H2
airavr i\daaco Kelva tmvS' erXrjv kuku.
0H2ET2€L a' o-yjreraC tl<; OrjXvv ovt , ovk alveaei.
HPAKAH2^0) aol Ta7reiv6<i ; dXXa irpoaOev ov ookco.
0H2ET2dyav y'' 6 kXcivo^ 'H/aa/cA.;'}'? irov Keivo^ lov
;
HPAKAH2av TTolo<i rjcrda vepOev iv KaKoicnv wv;
0H2ET2ci)9 d<s TO \rjixa iravTO^ rjv ijaacov dv/jp.
HPAKAH27rco9 ovv dv eiTTOi^ otl avvearaX/jLai KaKol<i
;
0H2ET2irpo/Saipe,
HPAKAH2')(cup' , 0) Trpecr^v.
AM<l>ITPTnN
Kai av fXOl, T€KVOV.
HPAK^VH2
6dcf>6' Sia'rrep elirov 7rai8a<i.
AM^ITPTHN
ifie Se Ti9, TCKvop
;
244
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
HERCULES
I yearn—and on my father's breast would fall.
AMPHITRYONLo here, my son : mine heart as thine is fain.
THESEUSArt thou so all-forgetful of thy toils ? ^ 1410
HERCULES
All toils endured of old were light by these.
THESEUS
Who sees thee play the woman thus shall scorn.
HERCULES
Live I, thy scorn ? Once was I not, I trow !
THESEUS
Alas, yes ! Where is glorious Hercules?
HERCULES
What manner of man wast thou mid Hades' woes ?
THESEUS
My strength of soul was utter weakness then.
HERCULES
Shouldst thou, then, name me a man by suffering
cowed ?
THESEUS
On then
!
HERCULESFarewell, old sire.
AMPHITRYONFarewell thou, son.
HERCULES
AMPHITRYONWho burieth me, my child ?
Bury the lads.
> The Twelve Laboars, of which this weakness is onworthy.
245
HPAKAH2 MAINOMENOS
HPAKAH2
AM*ITPTnNiroT i\0(t)v
;
HPAKAH21420 I'^viK av ddyjrrjf; rCKva.
AM*ITPTnN
HPAKAH2619 'A.6t]va<; Tre/.i-'^ofiai %rj^o)v aTTO.
aXX' elcTKOfii^e rcKva SvaKOfiicrTa yfj'
r}/j,ei<; S' dva\u)aavTe<; aLcr')(yvai^ BofioPy
%ri(Tel 7rai'U)Xei<i k^\r6[Me(Td' e^oX/ftSe?.
ocTTf? he irXovTOv rj adevo^ /xdWov (plXcov
dyadwv ireTrdadai ^ovXerai, KaKci)^ (fypovei.
X0P02CTei^o/iei^ oiKTpol koI iroXvKXavTOi,
TO, fieyiara (f)iX(ov oXeaavTe'i.
246
THE MADNESS OF HERCULES
HERCULES
AMPHITRYONWhen com'st thou ?
HERCULESWhen thou hast bui-ied them. 1420
AMPHITRYONHow?
HERCULES
I from Thebes to Athens will bring thee.
Bear in my babes— earth groans to bear such burden !
I, who have wasted by my shame mine house.
Like wreck in tow will trail in Theseus' wake.
Whoso would fain possess or wealth or strength
Rather than loyal friends, is sense-bereft.
CHORUSWitli mourning and weeping sore do we pass away.
Who have lost the chiefest of all our friends this day.
• ^Exeunt OMNES.
«4?
THE
CHILDREN OF HERCULES
ARGUMENT
EiJRYSTHEUS, king of Argos, hated Hercules all his life
through, and sought to destroy him by thrusting on him
many and desperate labours. And when Hercules had
been caught up to Olympusfrom the pyre irhereon he iras
consumed on Mount Octa, Eurystheus persecuted the
hero's children, and sought to slay them. Wherefore lolau.s,
their father s friend and helper, fled with them. But in
ivhat.soever city they sought refuge, thence ivere they driven;
for Eurystheus ever made search for them, and demanded
them with threats of war. So feeingfrom land to land,
they came at last to Marathon ivhich belongeth to Athens,
and there took sanctuary at the temple of Zeus. Thither
came the folk of the land compassionating them, and
Em-ystheus' herald requiring their surrender, and the king
of Athens, Theseu.s .son, to hear their cau.se. And herein
is told the tale of the war that came of his refusal to
yield them up, of the .sacrifice of a noble maiden which
the Gods reqidred as the price of victory, of an old
wanior by miracle made yozing, and of the vengeance
of Alcmena.
TA TOY APAMAT02 nPOSfiHA
I0AA02
K0nPET2
X0P02
AHMO*nNMAKAPIA
eEPAnnN
AAKMHNHATTEAOS
ETPT20ET2
DRA^IATIS PERSONAE.
loLAUS, an old man, formerlyfritnd of Ht, cu'.ta.
CoPBEUS, herrald of Eurysiheu^.
Demophox, ting of Athejis, nm of Thernu.
Macakia, daughter of Hercults.
HEXCHiiAX of HyUui, Hercule^ ddtM ton.
AiXMEXA, mother of Htrcvdti.
Sekvast ofAlrmena.
Messekgeb, a captainfrom the. army.
EUKYSTHEUS, king of Argoi.
Chorus of old men of Marathon.
Young $f/ni of HerculeJt, guards, and attendantt.
S<JBNE : At Marathon, in the foreconrt of the temple of
Zeua. The great altar stands in the midst.
HPAKAEIAAI
lOiVAOS
UdXat ttot' ecTTi tout' ifxol SeSoyfievov
6 fiev SiKaio^ Tol'i TreXa^ 7re(f)UK' dvtjp,
6 8' et9 TO KepSo<; \f]iM' ^x^v dvei/xtvov
iroKei r' a;^/9?;crT0^ kuI auvaWdacreiv /Sapv'^,
ainu> B' apiaTO<i' oi8a h' ov Xoyo) fiaOwp,
iyo) yap alSol koX to crvyyeve^ ael^wv,
e^ov Kar' "A/3709 ijcrvxco'i vacev, ttuvcov
TrXeiarcov perecr-^ov €l<; civiip 'ilpuKXiei,
ot' ^]v ped' i)po}V' vvv h' , eirel Kar ovpavov
10 vaiei, rd k€lvou reKv e%ci>v viro irrepol^
(7a>^(0 Td8' avTO<i 8€6p,€vo<i a-(OTi^pia<i.
iirel yap avroiv 77/9 dTrrjWd'^d^] TraTr/p,
TrpMTov p,ev i)pd^ ijOeX' ^vpva9ev<i KravelvdW' i^eSpapev kuI 7roX<9 pev oty^eTUL,
^Irv^yj 8' eacoOi], (ftevyopev 8' dXcopievoi
dX\l]V UTt' dWT]<i €^Opi^OVT€<i TToXlV.
7ry0O9 Tot9 ydp aX\.oi<i Km ro8' ]Lvpvadev<; kukol^
v^piap,' 69 ))p'd<i r]^Lu>aev v/SpLcraf
TrepTTwv oTTov 7779 TTvvOdvoiO' l8pup,evov<i
20 Ki]pvKa^ i^airet re Kd^eipyei ')(0ov6<i,
TToXcv 7rpoT6LV(ov ' Apyo<i ov apLLKpdv <^i\l]V
i^dpdv re diadai, ')(avTov ev'rv)(0vi'6' dpu.
254
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
lOLAUS ivith HERCULEs' CHiLDRENj discovered sitting on
ike altar-steps.
I HOLD it ti'uth, and long have held :—the just
Lives for his brother men ; but he whose soul
Uncurbed hunts gain alone, unto the state
Useless, in dealings hard, is but to himself
A friend—nor know this by report alone;
Since I, who might in Argos peacefully
Have dwelt, for honour's sake and kinship's bondBore chief share in the toils of Hercules
When he was with us : now, when in the heavenHe dwells, his babes I shelter 'neath my wLngs lo
Defending, who myself sore need defence.
For, soon as from the earth their sire had passed.
Us would Eurystheus at the first have slain.
But we fled. Now our city, our home is lost.
Life only saved. We are exiled wanderers
From city unto city moving on.
For on our other wrongs this coping-stone
Of outrage hath Eurystheus dared to set,
—
Heralds to each land where we bide he sends,
Demandeth us, and biddeth drive us forth, 20
Warning them that no weakling friend or foe
Is Argos, and himself a mighty king.
255
HPAKAEIAAI
ol B' aaOevrj /xev tutt' ifiov SeBopKOTe^,
(TfiiKpov'i Be TOvcxBe koX irarpo'^ TT]rQ)pevov<;,
TOL'9 Kpeiaaova^ ae^ovre^; i^eipyovai 7>}'?.
iycb Be avv (pevyovat avpL^evyw r€Kvoi<i
Kol avv KaKci)<i irpdcraovcn a Vfjurpdcra oi KUKOi^,
OKi'MV TrpoBovvai, fiy Ti<i coS' el'Tryj ^poTwviBead', iTreiBi] Traicrlv ovk eariv Tranjp,
30 'loXao? OVK vpvve avyyevr-j^ yeya)<i.
irdarj^ Be ')(a)pa<i 'EXXaSo? rrjroopevoL,
^lapadwva koI avyKXiipov eXd6vTe<i )(dova
iKerai KaOe^6fj,eada /Soopioi 9eo)v,
7rpoa(i)(f)e\i](Taf ireBla yap TpjaBe ')(9ovo^
Biaaov^ KaroLKelv Sijaico^ 'rralBa'i X0709
Kky]pu) Xa)(6vra'i, e'/c yevov^ YiavBlovo^,
ToZah' eyyu'i ovra^' (bv eKUTi reppova^
K\eivu>v 'Adr]V(t}v rijvB' d<piKopead' oBov.
Buoii> yepovroLV Be arpaT^iyelraL (j>vyyy
40 eyoo pev dp,c})l rolaBe Ka\-)(^aLV(i)v reKvoi<;,
1) B' av TO d)]\v 7raiB6<i'A\kpi'^vrj yevo^
eacode vaou jovB' vTrtp/KoXicrpepy]
aa)^er vea<; yap jrapdevou^ alBovpeOa
o^\(p ireXd^eiv KaTrifBcopioarareiiK
'/TX\o<; B' dBe\(f>oi 0' olai irpeajSeveL yevo^
^TjToua' oTTov yi]^ irvpyov olKiovpeOa,
rjv Tr)aB' dirwOoipeada irpoq /Slav y^dovo^;.
to reKva reKva, Bevpo, \ap!3dve<j6' epcov
ireirXoiv' opo) K)jpuKa tovB' KvpvaO€Oi<;
50 aTei^ovr' ecf)' rjpd<;, ov BicoKopead' vtto
7racr>;9 d\y]rai 7?}? aTrearepi-jpevoL.
0) ptao<;, eW oXoio ^w 7:epy\ra^ a' dvr)p'
09 TToWd B)] Kol ToJvBe yevva'iw irarpi
€K rovBe TavTov aTopaTO<i yyy€cKa<i xuku.
2^6
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
And they, discerning that my cause is weak,These but young cliildren orphaned of their sire.
Bow to the strong, and drive us from tlicir land.
I with his banished babes share banishment.And with their ill plight am in evil plight.
Forsake them 1 dare not, lest men should say :
" See, now the children's father is no more,lolaus wards them not,—their kinsman he !
" SO
And so, from all the soil of Hellas banned,To Marathon and the federate land we come.At the Gods' altars sitting suppliant.
That they may help ; for Theseus' scions twain,
Saith rumour, in the plains of this land dwell,
By lot their heritage, Pandion's seed.
And kin to these ; for which cause have we comeThis journey unto glorious Athens' bounds.
Old captains we that lead this exile-march,
—
I, for these lads heart-full of troubled thought ;^^
And she, Alcmena, in yon temple folds
Her arms about the daughters of her son.
And guards : for we think shame to let young girls
Stand, a crowd's gazing-stock, on altar-steps.
Now Hyllus and his brethren elder-born
Seek some land for our refuge and our home.If from this soil we be with violence thrust.
O children, children, hither !—seize my robes !
Yonder I see EurAstheus' herald comeAgainst us, him of whom we are pursued, ^^
The homeless wanderers barred from every land.
E7tfer copREUs.
Loathed wretch ! Now ruin seize thee and him tliat
sent.
Who ofttimes to the noble sire of these
From that same mouth hast published evil bests.
257
HPAKAEIAAI
KOnPEY5Tj TTou KaOricrdai rrjvh' k'Spav KokrjV ^OKet<;
TToXiv T d(l)l')(6aL avfi/-ia')(ov ; icaKM'i (f)povwv
ou 'yap ri^ eanv ov irupoid' aiprjaerai
T?;z' arjv a')(peloi> hiivafiiv dvr' }LupucrOeco<;'
'X^doper Tt p^oyOel^ ravr' ; dvLaTacrdat ae ')(^p-q
60 ei<? "A/3yo9, ov ere Xevaipo^i pevei SIki],
I0AA02
ou S)}t', eVe/' po! i3copb<i apKiaei Oeov
ekevOepa re jai' ev rj jSe^rjKapev.
K0nPET3
^ovXei TTovov poL TrjSe Trpoadecvai X^P^>
IOAA02
ovTOi ^La ye p' ovSe rovaS' a^€i<i \a/3a)V.
KOnPEYS
ryvcoaei au' puvTi<i 8' r/aO' cip' ov Ka\o^ rdSe.
I0AA02
ovK dv 'yevoiro rovr' ipov ^6iVT0<i irore.
KOnPETS
airaip' ejo) Se rovaSe, Kav av pi) Oe\T)<;,
11^(0 Kopt^cov, ovirep ela', livpvad£(o<;.
I0AA02
0) TO? 'A6)]va<; Sapov oIkovvtc^ ^^po/^oy,
70 dpvveO'' iKerai. B' ovre^ dyopaLov Ato?
/3i.a^op€aOa Koi crTecf)^] piaiPeTai,
iroXei t' oveiSoq Koi deoyv djipLLa.
X0P02
ea ea' Tt? ?; ySo?) ^wpov ireXa^
ecnrjKe ; Troiav (Tvp,(f)opdv hei^ei rd^ai
2SS
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
rOPREUS
Ha, deem'st thou tliis thy session bravely eJiosen,
This state thou liast reached thine ally ? O thou tool !
There is no niaji shall choose tliat impotenceOf thy poor strength before Eurystheus' power.
AAvay ! Why make this coil ? Thou nuist depart
To Argos, where tlie doom of stoning waits thee. 60
lOLAUS
Never : for the God's altar shall avail,
And the free land whereunto we have come.
rOI'REUS
Ha ! wouldst thou find some w'ork for this mine liand ?
lOLAUS
Nor me nor these by force shalt thou hale hence.
COIMIEUS
That shalt thou prove : ill seer thou art in this.
['SWCC'A- CUILDREX.
lOLAUS (^resislhig)
This shall not be ! no, never while I live !
roi'RFrs
Hands off! these will I hale, though thou say nay,
Accounting them Eurystheus' : his they are.
[Hurlx lOLAUS lo the ground.
lOLAUS
O ye, in Athens dwellers from of old,
Help ! Su]>pliants we of Zeus of the Market-stead 70
Are evil-enlreated, holy wreaths defiled.
To Athens' shame and to your God's dishonour 1
Enter CHORUS.
CHORUS
What ho ! what outcry by the altar wakes ?
Now what calamity shall this reveal ?
2598 2
HPAKAEIAAI
IOAA02iSeTe TOP yepovr' dfiaXov eVt 7reSft>
')(^v[xevov 0) TaXa9.
X0P027r/C)09 TOV TTOT €V J f} TTTO)flU SvaT^JVOV 7rLTV€l<i ;
I0AA02
68\ 0) ^evoi, /j,e (Toi)? dri/xdl^cov Oeou<i
€Xk€1 j3iaiW<i Z')]VO<i €K 7rpO,3(0/li(jOV.
X0P0280 au S' eic tlvo^ 7/}?, w yepov, Terpc'iTTToXiV
^vvoiKov rfKde<; Xaov ; rj irepa-
0ev ('t\i(p ifXara
Ka-rky^^T' eKKmovTe'^i Eu/SoiS' aKidv ;
I0AA05
ov vi]aia)Ti]v, m ^evoi, TpijBw /3lov,
a\V eV M.VKr)V(i)V arjv dcfiLyfieOa 'xP6va.
XOP02ovofxa TL ae, yepov,
^lvKi]vaio<i wvopa^ev \eoi)^ ;
10AA02Tov 'WpaKkeiov tare irov irapaaTarriv
^\6\aov ov yap ovop.' dKi]pvKTOV johe.
XOP0290 otS' €iaaKovaa<i koI Trpiv dWd tov
TTOt' €V %«/3l (TO, KOp-i^ei^i K6p0V<i
veoTpe<^el<; ; <ppdcrov.
1OAA02'HpaKXeovf; oTS' elal TraiSe?, w ^evoi,
iKerai aeOev re kuI ttoXcco^ d(f)iyp,evoi.
XOP02Tt ;yP^09 ; 7; \6yu>v 7roXeo9, eveTre p^oi,
fie'Kofievot, tv^^Iv ;
260
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
lOLAUS
Behold ye !—the eld-stricken see
In his feebleness lun'led to the ground, woe's me !
CHORUSOf whom thus pitiably wast thou dashed down ?
lOLAUS
This man, O strangers, sets tliy Gods at naught.
And drags me from the altar-floor of Zeus.
CHORUS
But from what land, O ancient, hast thou come 80
To the folk of the Four Burgs' federal liome ?
Were ye sped overseas by the brine-dipt oar
To our land from Euboea's craggy shore ?
lOLAUS
Strangers, no island-dweller's life is mine;
From proud Mycenae come we to thy land.
CHORUS
And by what name, ancient of days, did they call
Thee, they which be fenced with Mycenae's wall ?
lOLAUS
Hercules' helper haply do ye know,lolaus, for not fameless was my name.
CHORUS
I know ; long since I heard : but whose are they, 90
The fosterling lads that thine hand leadeth hither-
ward }—say.
lOLAUS
Strangers, the sons they are of Hercules,
Whif^li have to thee and Athens supjiliant come.
CHORUS
Say, what is your need that here ye are ?
Would ye plead your cause at the nation's bar ?
261
HPAKAEIAAI
I0AA02/47;t' eKhodrjvai /jL1]T€ irpo^ /3iav Ocmv
royv aoiv diroaTradOevTe^ el<;' Apyo(; /xoXeiv,
KOnPETSaXX' ovTC TOi^ aoi'i SeaTroTat^i rdB' uptceaei,
100 ot aov KpaT0vvre<i evOdh^ evpiaKovai ere.
X0P02etVo9 deoiv iKrripa^ alhelaOai, ^eve,
Kol /x}i ^lULOi xei/Jt 8aifi6v(ov
uTToXiTreiv eSi]'
TTorvia yap AIku 7«S' ov ireicrerai.
KOnPETSeKTr^/jLTre vuv yPi<i TOuaSe toi'>? YLvpuadeoi^,
KOvBei> ^laicp rfjSe ')(p/j<7opai X^P'^'
X0P02adeov iKeaiav
fieOeivai iroXet ^evo)v Trpocnpoizdv.
KOnPEYSKoXov Si 7' e^(o Trpayfidrcov e^eiv TroSa,
110 €vl3ov\La<; Tv^uina t/}9 dfieivovo^.
XOP02ovKOvv rvpdvvcp rrjcrhe yP]<; (f^pdcravrd ae
XP^]V Tavra roXpdv, dWd pi] /Bta ^ei'ov<i
OeCov d(f)eXK€iv, yrjv as^ovr^ iXevSepav ;
KOnPET2Tt? S' e'cTTt ;;^w/9«9 TPjaSe koX iroXeccx; dva^ ;
X0P02eaOXov Trarpo^ Traw ^t]po(jicov 6 ©T^crtVovf.
KOnPET27rpo<; TOVTOV dyfiov c'lpa TOvSe tov XoyovpidXiaT civ eny TciXXa S' eLpijrai paTijv.
262
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
lOLAUS
Given up we would not be, nor torn awayHence, in thy Gods' despite, and sent to Argos,
COPREUS
Ay, but this shall not satisfy thy masters
Wliose lordship o'er thee liolds, who find thee here. 100
CHORUSGod's suppliants, stranger, must we reverence.
And not with hands of violence tear them henceFrom this place where the Holy Presence is
:
The majesty of Justice shall not suffer this.
COPREUS
Then from your land send these, Eurystheus' thralls,
And this mine hand shall do no violence.
CHORUS
Now nay, 'twere an impious thing
To cast off suppliant hands to the knees of our city
that cling
!
COPREUS
'Tis well to keep thy foot from trouble's snare.
And in good counsel find the better part. 110
CHORUS
Thou shouldst have shown respect to this free land.
And told her King, ere thy presumption tore
Therefrom the strangers in her Gods' despite.
COPREUS
And who is of this land and city king ?
CHORUS
Demophon, Theseus' child, a brave sire's son.
COPREUS
With liim then must all strife of this dispute
Be held alone : all else is idle talk.
263
HPAKAEIAAI
X0P02Koi firjv oS' auTO? epx^TCLi crTrouSrjv ex^^v
'A/cayU-a? t' dBeX^o;, twvS' eirrjKOOt Xoycov.
AHMO*nN120 erreiTrep e<^^>;? 7rpe(T/3v<i mv v€(OT€pov<i
/3oi}SpofjL7]cra'i Ti)v8^ eV ia^o-pav Ai6<i,
Xi^OV, T19 ox^ov Tovh' ClOpoL^eTUi TVXV >
X0P02iKeraL KadrjVTai TralSei; oi'S' 'lipaK\eov<;
^wpbov KaTaaTeylravTe<; co? 6pa<i, ava^,
iraTpo^ T€ 7riaT0<i 'loXeax; TrapaardTrj'i,
AHMO*nNTt St^t' Ivy/jiMV /)8' iSeiTO av/xcpopd ;
X0P02;Qm w?." ovro<; riyo-S' avr' ea^dpa^ ayeiv
^tlTcbv l3or]i> ecTTTjae KctacjirjXev yovv
yepovTO^, waT€ p! cK^aXelv oiktco Bdxpv.
AHMO^nN130 Kai p-'jv aro\)')v y " EiXkTjva koI puOp,ov TreTrXcov
ex^'' '^^ ^' ^'py^ /3ap/3dpov %e/309 rdSe.
aov Sr) TO (^pd^eiv ecrrt, /a?) fieWeiv t, e/noi
TTota? d(f)l^ai Sevpo 7779 opou<i Xittcov ;
KOnPETS'A/376to9 ei/xt, toOto 7a/3 Oe\€i<i p.a6e'iv
fc'^' oTcr/ 8' 77/ca) /cal TTrtp' ou Xeyeiv OeXo).
7re/jb7r€i ^lvK)]V(t)v Sevpo p,' ^vpvaOev^ dva^d^ovra TOvaSe' ttoXXci S' rjXOov, w ^eve,
SiKai ofiaprf] Bpdv re /cat Xeyeiv ex^ov.
'A/97et09 wy 7a/j avTo<i Wpyeiovi dyco
140 e'/c: tj/9 ep.avTov rovcrSe SpuTreTa^ e\(ov,
vopoiai TOif eKeWev eyjrtjcfjKjp.eioV'i
Oavelv BiKctioi S' iapuev olKovvTe<; iroXiv
264
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
CHORUSLo, liitherward himself in haste draws nigh.
And Acamas his brother, to hear thy claim.
Entei- DEMOPHON, ACAMAS, and attendants.
DEMOPHONSince thou, the old, preventedst younger men 120
In rescue-rush to Zeus's altar-hearth,
Tell thou what chance hath gathered all this throng.
CHORUSHere suppliant sit the sons of Hercules,
Who have wreathed the altar, as thou seest, O king.
And lolaus, leal helper of their sire.
DEMOPHONWhat need herein for lamentable cries ?
CHOIUS
Yon man essayed to drag them from the heartli
By force ; i-aised outcry so, and earthward hurled
The ancient, that for ruth burst forth my tears.
DEMOPHONYet is the fashion of his vesture Greek ; 130
But deeds of a barbarian hand are tliese.
Man, thine it is to tell me, tarrying not,
From what land's marches hither thou hast come.
COPREUS
An Argive I, since this thou wouldest know.Wherefore I come, and from whom, will I tell :
Mycenae's king Eurystheus sends me hither
To lead these hence. Stranger, I bring with meJust jileas in plenty, both for act and speech.
Myself an Argive would lead Argives hence,
Wlio find them runaways from mine own land, 140
By statutes of that land condemned to die;
For, dwellers in a state subject to none,
265
HPAKAEIAAI
avTol Kad^ avTcov Kvptov^ Kpauveiv Slku^.
ttoWmv Se KaWcav eaTia^ dcfity/ievcov,
ev roicriv avTOi<i Totals' eara/xev Xoyoif,
Kou8€l<i iToXfiiicr^ iSia irpoaOeaOai KUKa,
aX)C ?7 Tiv' e/? ere /xcoplai' ecncejjbjxivoi
Beup^ rfkdov Tj KLvhwov e^ a /j,t)')(dvcov
pL7rrovT€<;, el'r' ovv elre pi] yev/jaeTar
150 ou yap (ppevyjprj y^ ovra o"' eXiril^ovcri ttov
fiovov TOcravTrj^ i)v eirrjXOov 'EXXaSo?Ta>? TcbvS' ci^ovXovi aup<^opd^ KaTOiKTiecv
^e/?' dvTiOe'i yap, rovahe r el^ yalav 7rape\<;
')]p.d<i T idaa^ i^dyeiv, ri KepSavei^ ;
rd fiev Trap' ))po)v TOidS' eaTi aot \a/3eiv,
^Apyovi T0(7i]vB€ %et/3a Tfjv t' ItLvpvcrOeco'i
laxpy aTracrav TrjSe TrpocrOeaOai TroXei.
rjv S' el<i Xoyovi re Kal Ta tmvS' oIkt'lctpuTa^\e-y\ra<i TreTravOr]^;, et? TrdXrjv KadiaTctTai
IGO Sopo^ TO TrpdypLW p,r) yap d)<i pieOjjaopev
Bo^ij^ dycova t6p8' ciTep ya\v/38iKov.
Tt BfjTa (f))]a€i<;, Troia Treot" d(f>aip€0el<i,
TtpwOioi^; OeU TTokepbQV ^Apyeioi,^ ey^eiv ;
TTOioL^ S' dpvvcov aupp,d^oc<i ; Tivo-i 8' virep
ddyjret^; v€Kpov<; TreaovTa^ ; rj kukov \6yovKTi']crei Trpo<; daTOiv, el yepovTa eiveKa,
T'up^ov, TO prjSev 6vto<;, w? elirelv e7ro<i,
Traihoiv re tmvK, eh civtXov ep./3)](Tei. TroSa.
e'pet? TO XwaTOV ekiriS' eupqaeiv povov.
170 Ka\ TovTo TToWfp Tov 7rap6vTO<; evSee<i'
KttKM'i yap ^ApyeLoiaiv oJ'S' diifXcapbevot
pd')(^oivT av y/SijcravTe'i, ei ti tovto ae
yjruxVT^ eTraipei, %OL'y peaw 7ro\v<; ;^/joj'09,
ev cb BiepyacrOelT dv. dXhJ ep-o\ TnOov'
366
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
The right is ours to ratify her decrees.
And, though they have come to hearths of many folk
Still on the same plea did we take our stand.
And ruin on his own head none dared bring.
But these came hither, haply spying folly
In thee, or staking on one desperate throwTheir venture, or to win or lose it all :
—
For sure they deem not thou, if sound of wit, 150
Alone in all this Hellas they have traversed,
Wilt liave compassion on then* hopeless plight.
Weigh this and that :—if thou grant these a home.Or if thou let us hale them hence—what gain
Were thine ? From us these boons thou mayest win :
Argos' strong hand and all Eiirystheus' mightThou mayest range upon this city's side.
If thou regard their pleadings, by their whinings
Be softened, to the grapple of the sj^ear
The matter cometh. Never think tiiat we 160
Will yield this strife but b}^ the sword's awai'd.
What canst thou plead .'' Of what lands art thou
robbed,
That with Tii'ynthian Ai'gives thou wouldst war ?
What allies art defending ? In whose cause
Shall those thou bui'iest fall ? Ill fame were thine
With thine Athenians, if for yon old man.That sepulchre,—mere naught, as men might say,
—
And these boys, in deep waters thou wilt sink.
Thy plea at best is hope for days to come.
Scant satisfaction for the present this I 170
For against Argos these, armed, grov.n to man.Should make but feeble stand,—if haply this
Uplift thine heart :— and long years lie between,
Wherein ye may be ruined. Nay heed me :
267
HPAKAEIAAI
Sou? /jLTjSev, ciWa rafi eo)v dyeiv e/xe
KTrjcrat M.UK7]va<;, /x^jB^ oirep (fjiXelre Bpav
TTciOrji; crv tovto, tou? dfielvova'i irapov
(fiiXovi eXeadai, rov<; KUKLOVwi \d/3r]i^.
XOP02Tt9 av 8lki]v Kplveiev r] yvoi)] \oyov,
180 TTplv av Trap' dfM(f)olv fivOov eK^dOtj aa<^Oi<i ;
I0AA02
dva^, virdp'^ei fxev roh^ ev rf} afj yOovi,
elirelv dKovaai r iv fiepei irdpecrri /xot,
Kov8eL<; fi dircaaei TrpoaOev, coairep dWoOev.
I'jfitv Be Kol TwB' ovBev iarcv ev /j.ecr(p'^
eVet yap "Apyovi ov fieTecrO' rifiiv ert,
\fr)](f>o) 8oK)]crav, dWd (pevyo/xev nrdrpav,
TTftif av St/catw? w? M.VKr)vaiov^ ciyoi
ft)3' 6i'Ta<; i)/iid<i, ov<i dTn'fkaaav j(6ovo<i ;
^evoi ydp ea/J-ev. i) rov JLXXyjvcov bpov
190 ^evyeiv BcKaiovd' 6crTi<i dv rdpyo<; (f)vyy] ;
ovKovv ^X6)']va<i y' ov ydp Wpyeuov (po^o)
Tov<i 'HpaK\etov<i iralSa^ e^eXcoai yfj<i.
ov ydp TO T/oa^/? icTTiv ouS' ^A'^aitKov
TToXfcr/x', 66ev av rovaSe rfj Blk}J jxev ov,
TO S' "Apyoi; oyKMV, oldirep Kal vvv Xeyea,
r]\avve<i iKeTa<; l3(t)fiiov<; Ka6}]p.evov^.
el ydp ToS' earai Kal \6yov<i Kpavovcn'^ aov<i,
ov (j^ijfi W.0>jva<; rdaS' i\evdepa<; en.
aXA,' olB' iyoi to TMvBe Xfj/xa Kal (fivaiv
200 Ov]]aKeiv deXi^a-ova- >) ydp alax^vi] irdpo^;
Tov i^i'jv Trap' ecr^Xoi? dvSpdaii' vofiii^eTat.
ttoXlv fiev dpKel- Kal ydp ovv eTricpOovov
1 Valckenaer : for MSS. cV /.ifpft.
* Elnisley ; for MSS. Kpivovfft,
268
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Give naua;lit, but suffer me to take mine own;
So gain Mycenae's friendship. Do not err,
As oft ye do, taking the weaker side
When ye might choose for friend the sti'onger cause.
CHORUS
Who can give judgment, who grasp arguments.
Ere from both sides he clearly learn their pleas ? 180
lOLALS
King, this advantage have I in your land,
I am free to speak and in my turn to hear;
None, as from other lands, will first expel me.We and this man have naught in common now
;
We have naught to do with Argos any moreSince that decree : we are exiled from her soil.
What right hath he to hale us, whom they banished,
As we were bui-ghers of Mycenae yet ?
Aliens w^e are :—or from all Hellas bannedAre men whom Argos exiles ?—claim ye this ? 190
Sooth, not from Athens : she shall drive not forth.
For fear of Argives, sons of Hercules.
She is no Trachis, no Achaean burg.
As that whence thou didst drive these—not of
right,
But, even as now, by vaunting Argos' powei",
—
These, suppliant at the altar as they sat '
If this shall be, if she but ratify
Thine bests, free Athens then no more I know.Nay, her sons' nature know I, knoAV their mood
:
They will die sooner ; for in brave men's eyes 200
The honour that fears shame is more than life.
Suffice for Athens this ; for over-praise
269
HPAKAEIAAI
Xlav iiraiveiv ecrri, TroXXa/ct? he Sij
Kavrb'i /3apvv6e)i; oZS' ayav alvovfjuevo^'
aol 8' ci)9 ch'dyKt] roijaSe jSovXofiai, (fipdaat
crco^eiv, eTretVep rfjaSc irpoaTarei^ )(^dov6<i.
ntr^ei)? jxev icm fleXoTro?, e/c he TliT^ea)?
AtOpa, 7raTi]p B' e/c rP^ahe yevvdrat creOev
%riaev<i. irdXiv 8e rSivh' dvec/Jil aoi yevo<i.
210 'Y{paK\erj<; r]v Zi]vo<; \\.\Kfii]i'j]<; re 7rai<;,
Keivi] Be UeXoTTO^ Gvyarpo^- avrave-^t'cov
Trarijp dv eh) cro? re ^o) tovtwv 767(09.
yevovi /xev i'}Kei<i wBe rolcrBe, A')]/xo(j)(bv'
d 8' eKTO'^ i]8y rov 7rpoai']icovro<; ere Bel
Ttaai A,e7C!) aoi iraiai- (fitj/ju ydp irore
cru/x7rXou9 yeveadau tmvB' viracnril^cov Trarpl
^(t)eT}]pa Sijael top itoXvktovov fiera,
"AiBov T epefivcov i^avrjyayev ixv^oiv
rfrarepa aov 'EWa9 irdcra rovro fxapTvpei.
220 \^Mv dvTiBovvai cr 01^ dirairovaiv y^dpiv,
pbi')T eKBodi]vai fjajre 7rpo<i /3iav Oewvrwv ao)v diroo-Traa-devre^ eKirecrelv ^dov6<;.
aol yap toB' al(T-)(^p6v\ )(^C))pi<;, ev re iroXei KaKov,^^
lKera<i dX'>]ra^ avyyevei^, o't/moi kukoh',
fiXey\rov "wpoq avrov<i /SXe^/^oz^ ei\,0:udai ^la.^
dX,X' dvrofial ere koI Karaar€(f)co ')(^epo'iv,
fii] 7rpo<; yevelou, iJLi]Bap.M<; dri/j,ncri]<;
T0U9 'HpuKXeiovi 7raiBa<; et9 Xep«'9 Xa^cov.
yevov Be rolcrBe avyyev)'/^, yevov (plXa230 Trarijp aSeA.0o9 Becr7ror7]<i' drravra yap
ravr ecrrl Kpeicraw TrXyv vir 'KpyeLoi<i ireaelv.
270
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Is odious : yea, myself liave oftentimes,
Praised above measure, been but galled thereby.
But that thou canst not choose but save these boysI Avould show thee, who rulest o'er this land.
Pittheus was Pelops' son : of Pittheus sprangAethra ; of her was thy sire Theseus born.
Again, the lineage of these lads I trace :
Zeus' and Alcmena's son was Hercules ; 210
She, child of Pelops' daughter : cousins' sons
Shall be thy father and the sire of these.
So their near kinsman art thou, Demophon ;
But what requital—ties of blood apart
—
Thou oAvest to these lads, I tell thee :—onceShield-bearer to their sire, I sailed with himTo win for Theseus that Belt slaughter-fr;inght ;
*
And from black gulfs of Hades he brought upThy sire : all Hellas witnesseth to this.
This to requite, one boon they crave of thee,
—
220
Not to be given up, nor torn by force
From thy Gods' fanes, and banished from thy land
:
This were thine own shame, Athens' bane withal.
That homeless suppliants, kinsmen,—ah, their woes !
Look on them, look !—be dragged away by force.
I pray thee—these clasped hands are suppliant-
boughs,
—
By thy beard I imj)lore, set not at naughtHercules' sons, who hast them in thine hands.
Prove thee to these true kinsman, prove thee
friend.
Their father, brother, master—better that 230
Than into hands of Avgive men to fall
!
1 The belt of Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, the
winning of which cost many lives.
271
HPAKAEIAAI
X0P02cpfcreip' dKovaa<i rouaSe aufKpopci'i, ava^.
Tiji' S' euyeveiav t>}? TV')(ri<; vLf<(o/iiev)]v
vvv hi] fiaXicTT elcrelSov oiBe yap warpofi
eaOXov y€y(OT6<; Suarv^ova^ ava^iw^.
AHMO<l>nN
Tpicraai yu,' dvayKci^ovai crvfJL^opds ohoL,
'loXae, Tov<; crou? /i>) Trapcoaaadai \6yov<i'
TO liiev /JLeyicTTov Zei*?€(f)'
ov av l3(i)/iiio<;
6aKel<i veoaaoiv ttjvB' e')((ov o/xjjyupiv,
240 TO (Tvyyeve^ re Koi to TvpovcpeiXeiv kuXo)^
TTpdcraeiv Trap' i)[xoiv Tovcrhe iraTpcoav -^(ipiv'
TO T alcrxpov, ovTrep hel fidXiaTU (ppovTLcrai'
el yap Trapijau) TovSe auXdaOai ^la^evov 7Tpo<i civhpo^ /3a)/x6v, ovk eXevOepav
oLKelv 8oK/]aco yalav, 'Apy€L0t<i B' okvu)
iKeTw; TrpoBovvai' Kal tuB^ dy)(^ov7]<i 7reXa9.
dXX' co0eXe9 fiev evTV)(ecrT€po'i fioXelv
o/jlco<; Be Kal vvv fii] Tpea-rj^ 67rco<i ae ri?
(Tvv iraLal /Sw/xou touB^ dTrocnruaei ^la.
250 (TV S' "Ap709 iXOcov TavTa t JLvpvaOel (jipdcrov,
Trpo? TolcrBe t\ eJ' rt toictlB^ eyKaXei ^evoi^,
BiKTi^ Kvpi')aeiv' TovcrBe S' ovk d^ea ttotc.
KOnPETSovB' TjV BiKaiov
fiTi Kal viKO} Xoyfp ;
AHMO<!>nN
Kal TTco? Blkxiov tov iKeTJ]v dyetv jBia;
KOnPET2ovKovv efxol ToS' aca^^pov, dXX ov aoi ^Xa^o<;.
AHMO*.aNe'/xot 7', idv croi TovaB^ ecfyeXKeaOai pbedo).
272
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
CHORUSI pity these in their affliction, king.
High birth by fortune crushed I now beholdAs ne'er before : born of a noble sire
Are these, yet suffer woes unmerited.
DEMOPHONThree influences, that meet in one, constrain me,lolaus, not to thrust hence these my guests :
The chiefest, Zeus, upon whose altar thou
Art sitting with these nestlings compassed round;
Then, kinship, and the debt of old, that these 240
Should for their sire's sake fare well at mine hands;
Third, dread of shame,—this most I must regard :
For if I let this altar be despoiled
By alien force, I shall be held to dwell
In no free land, but cowed by fear of ArgosTo yield up suppliants :—hanging were not worse !
I would that thou hadst come in happier plight;
Yet, even so, fear not that any manShall from this altar tear thee with these boys.
Thou {to the herald), go to Argos ; tell Eurvstheusthis
;
'
250
And, if he implead these strangers in our courts,
He shall have right. These shalt thou hale hence
never.
COPREUS
Not if my cause be just, my plea prevail ?
DEMOPHONJust ?—to hale hence by force the suppliant ?
COPREUS
Then mine the shame : no harm befalleth thee.
DEMOPHON
My shame too, if I let thee di-ag these hence.
27.3
VOL. III.
HPAKAEIAAI
KOnPETSav S' i^opi^e, Kar eKuOev a^ofiev,
AHMO*nNcrKatb<; 7r€(f>VKa<; tou 6eou TrXeto) (ppovcov.
K0nPET2BeOp', ft)9 €01 K€, Toi<; KUKoicn (jjeuKTeov.
AHMO*nN260 airacn koivov pvfjia Saifiovcov ^8pa.
KOnPETSravT ou BoKi]a€i toI<; lslvKi]vaioi<i tcra)?.
AHMO*nNovKovv iyo) Toiv evdc'iK et/xi Kvpio^ ;
K0nPEY2^XaTTTCov 7' eKen'GVi p^iihev, i)v ao cro)(ppoi'fj<i.
AHMO*nN(3X(i'TTTe(Td\ epov ye py p.taivovTO'^ 0€ov<;.
KOnPET2ov ^ovXopai ere rroXepov Wpyelotf; e^eip.
AHMO^HNKayo) TOtovTO^- TowSe S' ov pedr](Topai.
KOnPET2
af&) ye pAvTOi rov<; epoix; iyw \a/3(ov.
AHMO*nNovK ap^ e? "Ap70? paBL(o<; uTrei iriiKiv.
KonPETS7reip(i)pevo<i S)} tovto 7' avriK eiaopai.
AHMO*nN270 K\aiwv ap" a-yjrec rcovBe kovx eV a/x/3oX.</<?.
XOP02pi] 7r/309 ^ecot' K)')pvKa To\ptj(Tr]<; Oeveiv.
274
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
COI'REUS
Banish them thou : then I '.vill lead them thence.
DEMOPHONl)orn a fool, who wouldst outwit the God !
COPREUSSo hither felons must for refuge flee !
DEMOPHOXThe God's house gives to all men sanctuary. 260
COPREUSHaply not so shall think Mycenae's folk.
DEMOPHONAm I not master then in mine own land .''
COPREUS
Not unto Argos' hurt,—so thou be wise.
DEMOPHONThe hurt be yours, so I flout not the Gods.
COPREUS
1 would not thou with Argos shouldst have war,
DEMOPHONI too : yet will I not abandon these.
COPREUS
Yet will I take mine ov.n and hale them hence.
DEMOPHONNot lightly shalt thou win to Argos back.
COPREUS
That will I now try, and be certified.
\^Attempts to seize them.
DEMOPHON {i-aisi7ig his staff)
Touch these, and thou shalt rue, and that right soon. 270
CHORUS
Dare not to strike a herald, for heaven's sake !
275T 2
HPAKAEIAAI
AHMO*nNel /u./;' 7' K)]pv^ acocfiporelv fxaOi^aeTai.
XOP02aireXOe' Kal av rovSe fiij ^17?;?, dva^,
K0nPET2areiy^w /xta? yap y^eipo'^ a<T6evr]<; /xdyr).
T^^ct) 8e TToW'ijv 'Apeo? 'Apyet'ov \a/3wi^
•jrdyx.^XKov al-)([x-i]v Seupo. fjLvpioi. he ixe
fxevovatv d(77riaTf]pe<i Kupva6ev<; t' dva^avTO<i cTTpaTrjyayv' 'AXkuBov 6' eV ea^droi<;
KapaSoKMv TuvOevhe rep/xacriv /nevet.
280 Xa/L47rpo? S' uKovaa^ atjv vjBptv (j>avi'](Terai
aol Kal 7ro\iTai>i yfj re rfjSe Kal 0fTot9'
/j,dT7]u yap i']^7]v wSe 7' dv K€KTaiju,eOa
TToWtjv iv "Apyei, fi7) ere Tificopovfievot.
AHMO*nN(f>9eipov' TO abv yap "A/9709 ov SeBoiK iyco.
ivdevhe S' ovk efieWe^; ala-)(^vva<; e/ie
d^eiv /3ia TOLicrS'* ou yap WpyeUov iroXec
vtt/jkoov T}]1'S\ aXV iXevOepav e%co.
XOP02b)pa irpovoelv, irplv 6poi<i veXdaaiarparbv W.py€i.a>i"
290 fidXa S' 6^1)9 "Aprjq 6 MvKi]va[cov,
eirl TolcTL he hi] /judWov er 77 irpiv,
Trdcri yap ovto<; Ki'^pv^i v6/jiO<i,
S(9 rocra irvpyovv rwv yiyvojjievwv,
TToaa I'lv Xe^eir /SaaiXevai hoKel<;,
ci)9 heiv eiradev Kal irapd /iiKpov
yjrvx^ijv r]\6ev hiaKvataai ;
276
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
DEMOPHONThat will I, if the herald learn not wisdom.
CHORUS[To herald] Depai-t thou :—touch thou not this man,
O king.
COPREUS
I go ; for feeble fight one hand may nAke.But I will hither come with brazen mail
And spears of Argos' war : Avarriors untold
Await me ; and Eurystheus' self, our king,
Tlu'ir chief, expecting what shall come from hence,
Waits on the marches of Alcathous.^
He shall flash forth, being told thine insolence, 280On thee, thy folk, this land, and all her fruits.
For all this warrior youth were ours for naughtIn Argos, if we avenge us not on thee.
DEMOPHONBegone ! I fear not that thine Argos, I !
'Twas not for thee to shame me and to drag
These hence by force. This city which I hold
Is not to Argives subject : she is free.
[Exit COPREUS.
CHORUS
It is time to prepare, ere the Argive array
Over our marches on-sweepeth;
For Mycenae's war-spirit is keen for the fray, 290
And more hot for these tidings upleapeth.
Yea, and after his kind will yon herald be s'^elling
His wrongs—such aye double a tale in the telling :
—
In the ears of his lords, think ye, how will he cry
On the foulness ofoutrage " that brought him this dayUnto death well nigh !
"
^ i.e. in Megara, of wliich Alcathous had shortly before
been king.
277
HPAKAEIAAI
IOAA02
ovK ecTTC rouSe iraial KciWiov <yepa<i
i) 7raTpo<i icrOXov Kciyadov irec^VKevai
\^afxelv T air ecrdXcov 09 Be vLKrjdeis irodw
300 KUKOL'; eKoivoivrjaev, ovk eTraiieao),
TeKvoa oveiho^ ^'^'v^X vBovy]^; Xnreiu.] ^
TO BucTTv'xe'i yap rjvyeveL ajjivverai
Tt]<i Svay€veLa<; /idWov ?}/xet9 yap KaKOiV
eh rova)(^arov ireaovre^ tjvpop.ev <pi\ov<;
Kal ^U77ej'et9 TOvah\ o'l roarjcrBi' olKOu/j£in]<i
'JLWiji'iBo'i Y/}? TMvSe Trpovanjaav fiovoi.
B6r\ 0} reKv, avToh X^^P^ Be^idv, Bore'
vfjbeh re iraial, Ka\ TreXa? irpocreXBere.
0) 7raLBe<i, el<; fxev Trelpav yXOo/xev (jilXutv
310 y}v S' ovv 7ro6' vpuv vo<Tro<i eh irdrpav (pai'y,
Kal Bwpiar 0iK)']cn]Te Kal ti/jlo.^ Trarpo^,
(TcoTpjpa^ del Kal (fylXovf; vo/j,l^€T€,
Kal fii]7roT eh yvjv ex^pov al'peadat Bopv,
fiefiv7]/x€P0i T(t)vB\ dXXa (fycXrdrijv ttoXlv
'rracFon' vop.L^er. ci^iol S' vjjuv aejSeiv
di yrjv TO(T)]vBe Kal UeXaayiKOV Xecov
i)lxo)V d7r)]XXd^ai>T0 iroXejjJ.ov^ e^eti',
TTTCoxov^ dXijTaii eiaop(bvT€fi- aXV 6/x(0(;
OVK e^eBcoKav ovB' dm'jXaaav %^oi'o?.
320 e7w Be Kal ^cov Kal Oavcov, orav Odvo),
itoXXm cr' eTraivcp 0?;(je(y9, oi rdv, TreXa?
v-\p^y]Xbv dpco Kal Xeycov rdB^ ev(f)pav(o,
o)? ev T eBe^co Kal reKvoiaiv i]pKecra<;
Toi? 'Hpa/cXetoi9, evyevj]<; S' dv^ 'RXXdBa(r(p^ei<i irarpcpav Bo^av, e^ eadXwv Be (f)v<i
ovBev KaKLcov rvyxdvei<i 767609 TraTp6<i,
• 299-301 are of doubtful genuineness.
378
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
lOLAUS
No fairer honour-guerdon may sons winThan this, to spring from noble sires and good,
[And so wed noble wives. Who, passion's thrall,
Links hiin with base folk, ne'er shall have mypraise, 300
Who, for his lust's sake, stamps his seed with shame.]
For noble birth stands in the evil dayBetter than base blood. We, to deepest depthsOf evil fallen, yet have found us friends
And kin in these : in all the peopled breadthOf Hellas these alone have cliampioned us.
Give, cliildren, unto these the right hand give.
And to the children ye ; draw near to them.
Boys, we have put our friends unto the test :
—
If home-return shall ever dawn for you, 310
And your sires'- halls and honours ye inlierit,
Saviours and friends account them evermore,
And never against their land lift hostile spear.
Remembering this, but hold them of all states
Most dear. They are worthy of your reverence,
Who have ta'en our burden on them, enmityOf that great land, that folk Pelasgian.
Beggars thev saw us, homeless : for all this
They gave not up nor chased us from their land.
And I, in life,—in death, when death shall come, 320
With high laud will extol thee, good my lord,
At Theseus' side ; and this shall make him glad,
My tale how thou didst welcome, didst defendHercules' sons, how nobly Hellas through
Thou guard'st thy sire's renown : thy father's son
Shames not the noble line wherefrom he sprang.
279
HPAKAEIAAI
TTavpcov fxer aWcov eva yap iv 7roXXo49 tVo)?
evpoi'i av oari^ e'crrt fxr] -^eipcov iraTpo^;.
XOP02aet TToO^ TjSe yala Tot<? dfir)^dvoi<;
330 avv Tc5 SiKaicp jBovXerai 7rpoaro(f)e\€tv.
Tocyap 7r6vov<; 8r] fiupLOv^; virep (piXcov
rjveyKe, koI vvv rovh^ ciyMV 6p6) ireXa^.
AHMO*XiN
aoi T €V XeXeKTai, Kal ra tcovB^ av^fo, yepov,
TOiavT* ecreadaf fxvi^fjLOvevcreTaL ')(dpi<;.
Kayo} p.ev darSiv avWoyov Troi/jaofLai,
Tci^co S', 07r&)9 civ tov \luKi]pai.coi' crTparov
TToWfj hex^wjJLai, %e'/3t- TrpMTa /jLCV aKOTrov<i
Trefiyjrco 77/309 avrov, /xi] XdOrj /xe Trpoaireaoov'
ra-)^v<i yap "Apy€L 7ra9 civrjp ^oi]Sp6fio^'
340 /jidvT€t<; 8' dOpoiaa'i Ovaofiar au S' et9 S6/xov(!
avv naial "x^oopei, Zr]vo'i ecry^apav \t7rc0v.
elalv yap 01 aov, kuv eyco Ovpalo<i 6),
fxepifJLvav e^ova. dW W ci9 Sofiovi, yepov.
I0AA02
OVK dv \L7roifXL l3co/J-6v, e^co/ueada 8e
iKerat, fxevoine^ iv9dK ev irpd^aL ttoXlv
orav 8' dyo3Vo<; rovB' d-TraXka-)(^6^<; Ka\oy<i,
i/j,6v 7rpo9 o('/cof 9. OeolaL S' ov KaKiocri
'^pdy/jLeaOa avp-ixd-^otacv 'Apyetcov, dva^'
Tcbv iJ.lv ydp'Hpa irpoararel, Aiof hdjjiap,
350 I'lixwv 3' ^\ddva. (jitjp-l S' etV evirpa^iav
Kal Tovd' virdpX^i'V, Oewv dfieivovtov rv^elvvifcco/xivrj yap Ila\Xa9 ouk dve^erai.
X0P02el ai/ yiky au^et9, erepot arp.
<Tov ifkeov ov ueXovTUi,
280
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Few such there be : amid a thousand, oneThou shouldst find undegenerate from his sire.
CHORUSEver of old she chooseth, this our land.
To help the helpless ones in justice' cause. 330
So hath she borne for friends unnumbered toils.
Now see I this new struggle looming nigh.
DEMOPHONWell said of thee ; and sure am I that these
Shall so prove ; unforgot shall be our boon.
Now will I muster for the war my folk,
And marshal, that a goodly band may greet
Mycenae's host. Scouts first will 1 send forth
To meet it, lest unwares it fall on me;
For swift the Argives throng to the gathering-cry.
Seers will I bring, and sacrifice. Thou, leave 340
Zeus' hearth, and enter with the boys mine halls :
Thei'ein be they which, though I be afar.
Shall care for thee. Pass, ancient, to mine halls.
lOLAUS
I will not leave the altar. Let us sit,
Abiding Athens' triumph, suppliant here.
And,when thou hast brought this strife to glorious end,Then will we enter. Champion-gods have weNot weaker than the Argive Gods, O king.
Though Hera, bride of Zeus, before them go.
Ours is Athena ; and this tells, say I, 350For triumph, to have gotten mightier Gods
;
For Pallas never shall brook overthrow.
[E.rit DEMOP^ONiCHORUS
Ay, vaunt as thou wilt, yet uncaring (Str.)
Will we swerve none the more from the right.
HPAKAEIAAI
w ^elv' ^Apyodev eXdcov
fieyaXriyopiaicTL S' iaaf
(f}peva<i ov (^o^i']<Tei<;.
jn^TTU) Tal<; fxeydXataiv ovtco
Kal KaWi'x^opoi'; W.6dvai<i
360 eh-j. (TV 8' d(f)pa>v 6 t' "Apyei
^deveXov rvpavvo<i'
09 TToXiv iXdcov erepav avr.
ovSev iXdaaov Apyovi,
deoiv iKTTjpa^ aXdTa<i
Kal e/xa9 ')(6ovo^ dvTOfX€Vov<;
^euo<i o)v j3iaio)<;
€Xk€i<;, ov j3aai\evaiv el^a^,
ovK dXXo hiKaiov enrcov
TTov TavTU KaX-co? dv e'ir]
370 Trapd y ev (f)povovaiv ;
elpt'jva fiev efioiy' dpeaKet' eVeoS.
col B', M KaKocppcop dva^,
Xeyw el ttoXiv y^ei^;,
ov)(^ ovTa)<; d BoKel'i Kvptjaei<i,
ov crol fiovo) 67^0? OL'8'
irea Kard-^aXKO'^ iariv.
dXX" ov, TToXe/jiwv epaard,
fiJ] fiOL Sopl (TVVTapd^r]<i
rdv €v '^apLTO)i> ey^oucrap .
380 iroXiv, dXX^ dvdcrx^ov.
I0AA02
CO irai, rl fioi crvvvoLav o/xixacriv ^epcov
7]Ket<i ; veov n iroXe/xLcov Xey€i<i 7repi{
fxeXXovaLv r) Trdpeicrcv i) ti Tvvvddvei f
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
O thou strangei* from Argolis faring
To Athens, thou slialt not affright
Our souls by thy bluster high-swelling.
Not yet such dishonour be doneTo the land great and fair beyond telling !
Fools—thou and thy despot-lord dwelling 360
In Argos, this Sthenelus' son I
Thou who com'st to a city no lesser (^A/it.)
Than Argos, essaying to seize
—
And thou alien, O violent o])pressor !
—
The suppliants that cling to her knees,
The homeless that cry from her altars !
Tiiou hast not respect to our king,
And with justice thy false tongue palters :
—
Who, except from truth's pathway he falters,
But shall count it an infamous thing ? 370
Peace love I well, but I warn thee, (^Epode)
O tyrant, O treacherous-souled.
Though thou march to the gates of our hold.
Not the crown of thy hopes shall adorn thee.
Not for thine hand the war-spear alone
Nor the brass on the buckler hath shone !
O thou that in battle delightest.
Trouble not, trouble not with thy spear
The burg that the Graces make brightest
Of cities :—dread thou and forbear. 380
Re-enter demophon.lOLAUS
My son, why com'st thou with care-clouded eyes ?
Tellest thou evil tidings of the foe ?
Tarry they t—are they on us ?—what hast heard ?
283
HPAKAEIAAI
ov yap Ti /jL7] -ylrevcrr) ye Kt]pVKO<i \6yo^'
6 yap arpaT^iyo^ evTV'^rj<i la TrpooOev mv^
elaiv, ad(f)^ olSa, Kal yuriA,' ov afiiKpov (j>povu)v
eh Ta<i ^A6)]va<;. aWa tmv (^poviific'nwv
Zeu? Ko\acTT-)]<i Twv ayav v7rep(f>p6ucov.
AHMO'i'nN
TjKei. (TTpaTevfi 'Apyeiov Eupucr^eu? r' ai'a^-
390 iyu) viv avTO<; elSov. avSpa yap y^peciiv,
6art,<i arpaTr]yelv (f)r)a^ iirlaraadai kuXm^,
ovK dyyeXoiai tov<; ivavTLOv^ opciv.
jrehia fiev ovv 7*}? et? Tah^ ovk ecfyfjKe ttco
arparov, Xe-Tralav 8' (x^pvrjv Kad}]/j.ei'0(;
(TKOirel, BoKTjaiv S?) t68^ av Xeyoifxi aot,
iToia irpoad^et (TrparoTrehov t avev Sopo^
ev dcrcjiaXel re rfjah^ tSpvo-erai -^f^Oovo^;.
Kal rdfxa fievToi tti'ivt^ dpap^ i)hi] /ca\o)<i'
7roX/9 t' €v 07r\oi9, acpdyid 6^ rjToi/xaapei'a
400 €iJTt]K€v 049 -^pi] ravra Tepu'eaOai- Oeojv,
6vy]7ro\eirac S' olcttv jxdvTewv vtto,
rpoirald t i'^dpoiv Kal iroXet atoTijpia.
-^p-ijafiMP S' doi8ov<; 7rdvTa<; 6t9 ev u\iaa^ijXey^a Kal ^e/SijXa Kal KeKpvfijmira
Xoyia TraXaid, TpSe yfj awTijpia.
Kal Twv /jLev dXXcov Bid(pop iart 6ea(f)aTfov
7roA.X'" €v Se Trdai yvw^ia ravrov e/x7rp(S'rrer
a(f>d^aL KeXevovaiv fie irapdevov Koprj
Ay]p.rjrpo<i, r}TL<; earl Trarpo'i evy€Vov<i.
410 iyu) 8' e';^<w /xev, ft)9 6pa<i, TrpoOu/iiiav
roatjvS^ e9 vp,d<;' iralha S' ovr e/ni]!' Krevw
OVT dXXov dcTTOiv TOiv efiwv dvayKdaco
* Tyrwhitt : for MS8. itphs Oeuv.
284
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
No empty promise was yon herald's threat.
Their captain, aye triumphant heretofore,
Shall march, I know, with heart uplifted high.
Against our Athens Notwithstanding Zeus
Chastiseth overweening ari'ogance.
DEMOPHON
They are come, the Argive host and king Eurystheus.
Myself beheld them ; for behoves the man, 390
Whoso makes claim to know good generalship.
To see—nor that with eyes of scouts—his foes.
Rut to the plains not yet hath he marched downHis bands, but, couched upon the rocky brow,
Watcheth—I but make guess of that I tell thee
—
Where without conflict to push on his host,
And in the land's heart camp him safety-girt.
Yet all my preparations well are laid :
Athens is all in arms, the victims ready
Stand for the Gods to whom they must be slain
:
400
By seers the city is filled with sacrifice
For the foes' rout and saving of the state.
All prophecy-chanters have I caused to meet,
Into old public oracles have searclied,
And secret, for salvation of this land.
And, mid their manifold diversities,
In one thing glares the sense of all the same :
—
They bid me to Demeter's Daughter slay
A maiden of a high-born father sprung.
Full am I, as thou seest, of good will 410
To you;yet neither will I slay my child.
Nor force' thereto another of my folk;
285
HPAKAEIAAI
aicovd^' sKwv Be tl<; KaKOi<; ovt(o (f)povei,
oaTi<; TO. (jyckraT^ e'/c '^^epojv Scoaei leKva;
Koi vvv 7rLKpa<; av avardcrei'i av elaihoL^,
Twv iiev XeyovTwv co? Slkuiov tjv ^evoL<i
iKeTai<i ap7]y€iv, tmv 8e ficdpiav i/mov
Kari]'yopovvTO)V' el he hrj hpdcro) ToSe,
olK€io<y i]8i] TToXefio^ e^aprverai.
420 ravT ovv opa av Kal avve^evpia-y^ oirw'i
avToi re awOi'jaeade koi irehov rohe,
Kayco 7roXtTa<9 /J.i] Bca/BX'tjOyjao/j.at.
ov yap Tvpavvlh^ oxrre ^ap^dpcov ep^w
aX,V rjv BtKaia Spco, Sc'/cata ireiao^ai.
X0P02aXA,' ?} TTpoOvfiov ovaav ov/c ea deo<;
^€voi<; dprjyeiv rt^vBe y^prjl^ova-av iroKiv
;
I0AA02
S) TeKV , eoiyiiev vavriXoicni', o'iTLve<i
^e//xcoz'09 eKcfyvyovre^ aypiov ixei'o<i
et9 %etp«. 777 avvrj'^av, elra ')(^epa66ev
430 irvoalcFiv rjXdd)]aai' ei? ttovtov irdXiv.
ovTco 8e '^(rjixels t^ctS' dTTcoOovfieaOa yi]<i
')]8n Trpo? dKTal<i 6vre<i &)? creawafxevoi.
otfjior Tt SjJt' eTepy^a<; w rdXaiini /xe
eA.7rt9 tot', ou [xeXXovaa BiareXelv y^upiv
;
auyyvuxrrd ydp roc Kal to, tovB\ el /xi] OeXei
KTelveiv TToXiTMV 7ratSa<i, alveaai 6' e;^co
Kai rdvddB\ el deolcri Brj BoKel rdBeTTpdcra-eiv e/*', ovtoi ooc 7' diroXXvTai ')(^dpi<;,
w TralBe^, vfiiv S' ovk ei/a) tI y^pijaof-iat.
440 "TTol rpe-^lrofiecrOa ; Tt? ydp acrTeTTTo? Oecov
;
TTolov Be yaia<; epKO<; ovk d(^Lyfxe9a
;
6Xovfxe6\ CO tLkv , eKBod)]cr6ixeGda Brj.
286
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
And of his own will who hath heart so hard
As from liis hands to yield a most dear child ?
Now gatherings mayst thou see of angry mood,Where some say, right it is to render help
To suppliant strangers, some cry out uponMy folly :—yea, and if I do this thing,
Even this day is civil war afoot.
See thou to this then : help me find a way 420
Whereby yourselves and Athens shall be saved,
And I shall not be of my folk reproached.
For mine is no barbarian des]:)ot's sway.
But by just dealing my just dues I win.
CHORUSHow ? do the Gods forbid that Athens help
The stranger, though she yearn with eager will ?
lOLAUS
O children, we are like to shipmen, who.Escaped the madding fury of the storm.
And now in act to grasp the land, have yet
By blasts been driven from shore to sea again. 430
Even so are we from this land thrust away.
When, as men saved, even now we touched the
strand.
Ah, me why didst thou cheer me, cruel ho])e,
Erst, when thy mind was not to crovvu thy boon ?
The king I cannot blame, who will not slay
His peo})le's daughters : yea, I am content
With Athens' dealings with us : if my plight
Please Heaven, my gi-atitude to thee dies not.
Ah boys, for you I know not what to do I
Whitherward flee .''—what Gods rest unimplored ? 440
What refuge upon earth have we not sought ?
Die shall we, children, yielded up to foes.
287
HPAKAEIAAI
Kafiov fiev ovhev el ^e ^^p?; davelv fieXei,
TrX-tjv €i Ti Tepy^Q) rov<; iju.ov<; iyOpov^ Oavcov
v/xa<; 8e Kkalw Koi KaroiKTeipco, TeKva,
Kal TYjv ryepaiav yu-J/re/a' ^A\K/u,i]vrji> irarpo'i.
CO hvcTToXaLva rou /xaKpou ^iov credev,
r\i]iJi03v hk KCLfyco iroWa ixo')(6r]aa<i /xaTtji'.
Xpyjv XPV^ ^P* V/^^^'i u,vhpo<i ei? i^^^Opov X^P^^450 TreaovTw; ala-XPM<; Kal KaKO)<i Xiirelv /3iov.
aW' olad^ o fxoL avfiTrpa^ov ; ov^ airaaa 'yap
ire^euyev eXirl^ rwvhe fiot acoTijpia^;.
e/x e'/cSo? Apyeioiaiv olvtI ro}vh\ dva^,
Kal fii'jre Kwhvveve, acod)']Tco re fioi
TeKv'' ov (piXeiv See t)]v e/xijv yfrvx^v itco.
IxdXicrra 8' ^vpvcrdev^ /le ^ovXolt^ av Xa^cov
rov 'Hpc'iKXetov avfifiaxov Kadv^pcaai'
<jKaio<i yap dv7jp' toZ? ao(^ol<^ 8' evKTOv ao(f)M
exOpav avvdineLv, /x?) d/j.a6ei (ppouij/nari.
460 TToW?}? yap al8ov<; Kal S('/c>;9 Tt9 dv rvxoi.
X0P02
0) Trpea/Sv, fii] vvv riji'h' eTrairio) ttoXiv
Tax ^^ y^P Vf^^^ \{r€v8e<; dXX* 0yu.&)? KaKovykvoLT 6v€iBo<; &)? ^evov<i TrpovScOKa/xev.
AHMO*nNyevvaia fxev rdK elirai;, aXA,' dfitjxciva.
ov aov ^aTi'^ft)!' hevp' dva^ crTpaTijXaTet.
Ti yap yepovTO'i dvSpb'i Kvpvcrdec irXiov
6av6vTo<; ; dXXd TovaSe /3ovXeTac KTavelv.
heivov yap ix0poi<i /3XacrTdvovTe<; evyevel<;,
veaviai re Kal 7rarpo<; fi€/j,v>]/x€i'ot
470 Xvfxr]<;' a Kelvov irdvTa TrpoaKotreiv XP^^'^-dX\' ei Tiv dXXt]v olaOa KaipicoTepav
288
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
I reck not of myself, if I must die,
—
Except that o'er my death yon foes shall gloat
;
But for you, babes, I weep in utter ruth,
And for your sire's grey mother, even Alcmena.O lady, hapless in thy length of days !
And hapless I, who have greatly toiled in vain !
Doomed were we, doomed into a foeman's handsTo fall, and die in shame and agony
!
450
King, help me !—wouldst know how ?—not every
hopeOf their deliverance hath fled my soul :
—
Me to the Argives yield up in their stead.
So be unperilled thou, the lads be saved.
No right have I to love life : let it go
!
Me would Eurystheus most rejoice to seize,
—
Hercules' ally, me,—and evil-entreat
;
For churl he is. Let wise men pray to strive
With wise men, not with graceless arrogance.
So, if one fall, he stoops to chivalrous foe. 460
O ancient, upon Athens cast not blame !
Haply 'twere false, yet foul reproach were this
That we abandoned stranger-suppliants.
DEMOPHON
Noble thine offer;yet it cannot be.
Not craving thee doth this king hither march;
For of what profit to Eurystheus were
An old man's death ? Nay, these he lusts to slay.
For dangerous to foes are hi^rh-born youths
Growing to man, and brooding on sires' wrongs ;
And all this he foresees, he needs must so. 470
If any rede thou knowest more than this
289
VOL. III. U
HPAKAEIAAI
/5ov\'^v, €TOifMa^\ ft)9 eycoy afxri')(avo<i
yjyrjafiwv aKovcrwi el/xL koI (j)6^ov 7r\eo)<i.
MAKAPIA^evoi, 6pdao<; /xot /xr]8ev i^6Soi<; e[xai<i
Trpoadyjre' irpwrov yap toS" €^aiTT]crofj-ar
lyvvaiKl yap (Tiytj re Kai to aw^poveiv
KoXXiarov, elaw 6' rfcrv^ov /xevecv BofMcov.
TMV croiv S' ciKovaaa, 'I6Xe&)9, aTevayfLarcou
€^rj\6ov, ov ray^Oelcra irpeajBeveLv yevovi.
4S0 aX\' elfu yap ttw? 7rp6(T(f)opo<;, fiiXet, Se fiot
fidXicTT^ dSeXcfyoJv roivhe, Ka./j.avTt]'; Trept
6e\(o TTvOecrdai, fit] Vt T0i9 TrdXat KaKot^
7rpo(TKet/j.ev6v rt irrjfjLa crrjv BdKvei (f>piva.
I0.\A02
to iral, fidXiara a ov vecoarl Br) tgkvcov
roiv 'WpaKXeicov ivSiKca alvetv €)(co.
>]fiLV Be B6^a<i €v irpo-^wprjcraL 86/xo^
irdXcv p-ediarriK avOt<; et9 Ta/xij^avov
'^prja/xcov yap cpBov<i (p7](Ti arjiiaivew oBe,
ov ravpov ovBe p.oa'x^ov, dXXd irapdevov
490 a(f)u^at Kopr) Ai]fir]Tpo<; fjTi<i €vyei'i]<;,
el )(^pr] ixev i)iid<i, ')(^pri Be tj]vB' eivai iroXtv.
ravT ovv d/xtj^^^avov^ev ovre yap reKva
acpd^etv 6B' avrov (f»]aiv ovt ciXXov rivof,
Ka/uLol Xeyei fxev ov aa(f)co<;, Xeyei Be tto)?,
el firj TL Tovrcov e^aiir]-)^avr)crop,ev,
-rj/jLaf fxev dXX')]v yalav evpicrKeiv rivd,
avTo<; Be acocraL rrjvBe ^ovXerat ')(^d6va.
MAKAPIAev rwBe Kayoyieada aoidrjvai Xoyw;
I0AA02
iv TcpBe, rdXXa 7' evTvyoo'i ireTrpayoTa,
290
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
In season, set it forth : I am desperate.
Hearing these oracles, and full of fear.
Enter yiacaria J'ro7n the temple.
MACARIAStrangers, impute not for my coming forth
Boldness to me : this is mv first request;
Since for a woman silence and discretion
Be fairest, and still tarrying in the home.But, lolaus, I heard thy moans, and came,
—
Though I be not ordained mine house's head :
Yet in some sort it fits me, for I love 480
These brethren more than all : yea, mine own fate
Fain would I learn,—lest to the former ills
Some new pang added now torments thy soul.
lOI.AUS
Daughter, long since have 1 had righteous cause
To praise thee chiefliest of Hercules' seed.
Our house, that seemed but now to prosper well.
Once more hath fallen into desperate case.
For oracle-chanters, saith this king, proclaim
That he nmst bid to slay nor bull nor calf,
But a maid, daughter of a high-born sire, 490
If we, if Athens, must not cease to be.
This then is our despair : the king refuseth
To slay his own or any other's child.
And saith to me,—albeit not in words,
—
Except we find for this some remedy.We must needs forth and seek another land
;
But his own land he cannot chose but save.
MACARIA
On these terms hangeth our deliverance ?
lOLAUS
On these,—if in all else our fortune speed.
291
HPAKAEIAAI
MAKAPIA
500 /i^ vvv rpicrr)<; er exOpov ^Apyeiov Sopveyw jap avTr] irplv KeXevadrjvai, yipov,
Ovyaxeiv eTOt/jit] Kol iraplcrTaadaL a(f)ayT).
ri (f>i]aofJi€v yap, et 7roXi9 p^ev d^iol
Kivhvvov -qjjLwv eiveK al'peadai /leyav,
auTol Se TrpoaTi9evTe<i aWoLcnv ttovov^,
nrapov <T(f)e aaxrai, (f)€v^6p,€ada /i.?; davelv
;
ov ^rjT , iirei tol Kal yeXwro'i a^ia,
crreveiv p,ev lKeTa<; Sat/xovcov KaOrjp,€vou<;,
7raTpo<; 8' eKeivov (f)vvTa<; ov 7re(f)VKap-ev,
510 KaKov<i opaadar ttov rdh^ ev 'x^prjarol^i Trpeirei,
;
KaWiov, ol/jLai, T>}crS', a /it] tv^oc irore,
TToXeo)? dXova7]<;, )(^€ipa^ a? e)(dpSiv ireaelv,
Kcnreira Seivd, TraTpo^ ovaav evyevov<i,
iraOovaav "AtSrjv p,7]Sei' i)a(7ov elaiSelp.
tiXX' eKTrecrovaa rrjah' dXrjrevaoi ')(dovo<;,
KovK ala-^^vvoufiai Si]t\ idv B-^ Ti<i Xeyrf
Tt SeD/j' d(j)i'Kead^ iKealoiai avv KXdhoi<i
avrol (piXoylfU'^ovvTe'i ; e^ire ')(dovo<i'
KaKov<i yap >;/iet9 ov TrpoaaxjieXyaop.ev.
520 dXX' ovBe p^euTOL, rcovSe p.ev reOvtiKOTOiv,
avrrj he awdela, eXTrlB^ evTrpd^eiv e'x*^*
ttoXXgI yap ySi] rr/Se TrpovSoaav cpLXov^-
Ti'? yap Kopyjv eptj/J-ov rj hdpbapr e\€LV
rj TraiSoTTOieli' e^ ip,ov /3ovXi]aeTai
;
ouKovv davelv dp,eivov i) rovrcov TV)/eiv
dva^iav ; aXXj] Be Kal irpeTret rivl
p.dXXov TdB\ )]ri<; fj,r} ^irlaiip-o^ &)9 eyw.
r^yelad^ oirov Bel (TO)p.a KarOavelv roBe,
Kal arep,p.arovTe Kal Kardp^eaO^ el BoKel-
530 VLKCLTG B' e')(dpov<i' i]Be yap "^v^tj irdpa
292
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
MACARIA
Then dread no more the Argive foeman's spear. 500
Myself— I wait no bidding, ancient—amReady to die, and yield me to be slain.
What can we say, if Athens count it meetTo brave a mighty peril for our sake.
And we to others pass the struggle on,
And flee death, when that way deliverance lies ?
Never !—a scoffing to us this should be.
To sit and moan on, suppliant to their Gods,And—born of that sire of whose loins we sprang
—
To show us craven ! Is this like the brave ? 610
Better, forsooth, this town—which God forbid !
—
Were ta'en, that into hands of foes I fell.
And suffered— I, from hero-father sprung
—
Horrors, and looked on Hades none the less
!
Or, banished, shall I wander from this land.
And not be utterly shamed, if one should say,
" Wherefore come hither with your suppliant boughs,O ye that so love life ?—hence from our land !
For we to cravens will not render help ?"
Nay, and not even if all these v/ere slain 520
And I saved, have I hope of happy days ;
—
Many, so tempted, have betrayed their friends ;
—
For who would stoop to take a friendless girl
To wife, or care to raise up seed of me ?
Better to die than light on such a doomUnworthy ! Haply this might well beseemAnother maid who hath not my renown.
Lead on to where this body needs must die :
Wreathe me, begin the rite, if this seem good.
Vanquish your foes ; for ready is this life, 530
293
HPAKAEIAAI
eKovcra kovk aKovcra- Kii^ayyeWofiai
6vrj(TK€iv dBeX(f)0}v TMvBe Ku/xavTij'i virep,
€vpi]/j,a yap rot /i?) (f)L\o'^V)(ova^ iyco
KfiWiaTov ^jvpifK , €VKKeo)<i Xiirelv /3lov.
XOP02
(f)€v (f)ev, ri Xe^o) irapOevov p.eyav XoyovkXvcov, a8eX(f)6)v i) Trapo? OeXet Baveiv
;
rovTwv tI<; civ Xe^eie yevvaiov^ X6yov<;
fidXXov, Tt9 av Spdaeiev dv6pwirwv en ;
IOAA02M T€KVOV, OVK €(TT^ dXXodeV TO CTOV KOpa,
540 dXX' i^ €K€tvov aireppa rr)^ deia^ ^pevo^
7r€(j)VKa<; 'HpaKXeio^' ouS^ ala-)(^vvopai
rol<; aol^ XoyoLcn, rfj Tv)(r) 8' dXyvi op^ai.
aXX' 77 yevoLT av ivhiKwrepw^ ^paaw7r(iaa<; d8€X<f)d<; rfjaSe Sevpo xpi] KaXelv,
Kad^ 77 Xa-)(Ovcra OvrjaKerw yevov^ virep'
ae 8' ov Si/caiov Kardavelv dveu iraXov.
MAKAPIAOVK av ddvocfiL rfj tvxj] Xa^ova^ iyco'
^a'pt? yap ov irpocrearL' /xt] Xe^j;?, yepov,
dXX^ el fiev evhe^eade Kal ^ovXeaOe fioi
550 ^prjadai irpodvpbU), rrjv ipijv y\rv)(yiv iyco
SiSoofx eKovaa TolaS\ dvayKaadelaa §' ov.
10AA02
<f}€V.
08' av X0709 <rot Tov irplv evyevearepo^'
KUKelvo^; 7}v dpiaTo<;, aW' virep^epei^;
ToXfiT) re ToX/xav Kal Xoyco -y^prjCTrd) Xoyov.
ov p,rjv KeXevco 7' ovh' uTrevveTTOi, reKvov,
dvrjcTKeLv <r'* dSeXc^oiii S' OD(f)€Xel'i davovaa crov<;,
294
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Willing, ungrudging. Yea, I pledge me nowFor these my brothers' sake, and mine, to die.
For treasure-trove most fair, by loving not
Life, have I found,—with glory to quit life.
What shall I say, who hear this maid's high wordsConsenting for her brethren's sake to die ?
What man could utter nobler words than these.
Or who do nobler deed henceforth for ever ?
O child, thine heart is of none other sire
—
Thou art his own seed, of that godlike soul, 540
Hercules, sprung ! Exceeding proud am I
For these thy words, but grieve for this hard fate.
Yet how 'twere done more justly will I tell :
Hither be all this maiden's sisters called;
Then for her house let whom the lot dooms die
;
But that thou die without lot is not just.
I will not perish by the lot's doom, I
;
For then is no free grace : thou, name it not.
But if ye will accept me, and consent
To take an eager victim, willingly 550
I give my life for these, nowise constrained.
lOLAUS
Ah, marvellous one
!
Nobler thy latter speech is than thy first.
Perfect was that, but thou o'erpassest nowCourage with courage, word with noble word !
Yet, daughter, thee I bid not, nor forbid
To die :—thy brethren dost thou, dying, help.
295
HPAKAEIAAI
MAKAPIAo-o^oj? K€\€V€i<:' fill rpecrr)^ fxtd(T/j,aTo<;
TovfiQV fi€Ta(T')(€lv, oXX" eXevOcpwi Oavw.
660 eirov he, irpecr^v crfj 'yap evOavelv X^P''
6iX(o- vrcTrXot? Be crcoyu,' epov Kpv^jroi' 7rap(t)v'
eVet a(f)ayr'](; ye tt/jo? to Sewov elpi eyoi),
eXirep irec^VKa irarpo'^ ovirep ei;;^o/xat.
I0AA02
OVK av Bvvaifirjv aw TrapeaTovai popw.
MAKAPIA
av 8' aWa jovhe XPflK^^ H^V P^ ^'^ apaevwv,
oXK! ev yvvaiKMV x^palv eKTrvevaac fiiov.
AHMO*nNecnai rah*, & rcCKatva TrapOevcov eirel
Kapoi roK alcrxpov, pt] ae KoapetaOai fca\a)<;,
TToXXcov eKaTi, t/}? re cr>}9 evyfrvxici^
670 Ka\ rov SiKaiov TXrjpLovearaTijv he ere
iraawv yvvatKwv elhov 6(f)da\p,0L^ eyco.
aXV e'i rt ^ovkei rova he rov yepovrd re,
ydipei irpoaeirrova^ vardroL<; 7rpoa<f)6eypaaLV.
MAKAPIA
to x^lpe, 7rpea/3v. %at/3e Kal hlhacKe p,oi
roLovahe rovahe iralha^; et<? ro irdv aocpov;
(oairep av, p^rfhev paWov dpKeaovai yap.
rreipoi he awaai pr] Oavelv, rrpoOvpo^ cov
aol 7rache<; eap,ev' aaiv x^potv redpdp,peda.
6pa<i he KapLe rrjv epi]V oipav ydpov580 hihovaav dvrl rwvhe Kar6avovp,evi]v.
vp,et<; S' dhe\<f)Ci)v rj irapova opiXia,
evhaipovocre, koI yevoiO' vpiv bawvr}p7) rrdpoide Kaphia a(^ayi']aerai.
KoX rov yepovra r7]P t eao) ypalav hop,(i)v
296
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
MACARIA
Thou dost bid—wisely. Fear not thou to take
Guilt-stain of me ; but let me die—die free.
Come with me, ancient : in thine arms to die 560
I ask. Be near me ; veil my corse with robes,
Since to the horror of the knife I pass
—
If I be of the sire that I boast mine.
lOLAUS
I cannot stand and look upon thy doom.
MACARIA
At least ask thou the king that I may breathe
My last breath not in men's but women's hands.
DEMOPHONThis shall be, hapless among maidens : shameWere mine to grace thee not with honour meet.
For causes manifold ; for thy great heart,
For justice' sake, and for that thou art brave 670
Above all women that mine eyes have seen.
Wouldst thou say aught to these, or this grey sire,
Speak thy last word, or ever thou depart. [Exit.
MACARIA
Farewell, old sire, farewell, and teach, O teach
These boys to be like thee, in all things wise
As thou art—no whit more : that shall suffice.
And strive from death to save them, loyal soul
:
Thy children are we, fostered by thine hands.
Thou seest how my bloom of spousal-tide
I yield up in the stead of these to die. 580
And ye, O band of brethren at my side.
Blessings on you ! May all be yours, for which
The cleaving of mine heart shall pay the price.
This old man, and the grey queen therewithin,
297
HPAKAEIAAI
TifiuTe 7raT/?o? f^'^irep^ ^KXK^irjvqv e/iou
^€vov<i T€ TovaSe. Kav aTraWayr) irovcov
Kal v6aT0<; vfxlv eupeOfj ttot ck Oecov,
/xifjivricrde ttjv acoreipav &)? dciyfrai ')(pecov
KoXXicrrd toi h'lKaiov ov yap eVSe^)?
690 vfiiv irapeaTTjv, dWa irpovdavov yevov;,
rdK dvjl TraiSaiv eari fioi KeifirfKia
Kol irapdeveia^;, et' ti Bt) Karo) ')(dovo'i'
eirj ye fievroL fnjSev el yap e^ofiev
KuKet ixepifiva<; ol 6avov/j,evoi jBpoTOiv,
ovK olS" oTToi TC<; TpeyjreTaL' to yap davelv
KaKcbv fieyicTTOv (f>dpfiaKov vo/xl^eTai.
I0AA02
aXV, M fieyiarov eKTrpiirova evy\rv')(ia
Traaoiv yvvaiKWv, \<t6l, rifiicoTdTrj
Kal ^W(t' v(f)^ rjjxoiv Kal OavoviT ecret ttoXv
600 /cal x'^lpe' 8v(T(f)i]/x€lv yap d^o/jiai Oedv,
fjaov KarripKrai acofia, ^I'lfirjTpo'^ Koprjv.
CO 7rai8e9, oi^ofMecrOa' Xverai /xeXyj
\v7rr)- Xd^eade «ei9 ehpav fi epeiaare
auTov TreirXoicn rolaSe Kpvyp-avre^;, tckvo^
o)? ovre TovTOi<; tjSo/j.at 7re7rpay/ji,€voL<;,
"Xprjaixov re /i>; KpavOei'To^; ov ^icoai/xov
fi€L^Q)p yap dri], avfi(f)opd he Kal rdBe.
X0P02
ovTLvd (f)r]fii 6eo)v drep oXfiiov, ov ^apvTTOTfiov,
dvSpa yeveadai,
610 ov8e Tov avTOv del ^e^dvai. hofiov
evTvyla- irapa B dXXav dXXa/xolpa SiooKer
298
(TTp.
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Alcmena^ my sire's mother, honour ye,
And these our hosts. If there be found of heavenFor you release from toils, and home-return.Remember then your saviours burial due,—
-
Fair burial, as is just. I have failed you naught,Have stood your champion, for mine house have died. 590
My treasure this shall be, for babes unborn,
Spousals forgone ;—if in the grave aught be :
But ah that naught might be !—for if there too
We mortals who must die shall yet have cares,
I know not whither one shall turn ; since death
For sorrows is accounted chiefest balm.
lOLAUS
O thou who for high courage hast no peer.
Above all Avomen, know, in life, in death,
Most chiefest honour shalt thou have of us.
Farewell ; for awe I dare not curse the Goddess, 600
Demeter's child, to whom thy life is sealed.
[Exit MACARiA. lOLAUS Sinks to the ground.
O boys, we are undone !—faint fail my limbs
For anguish ! Take, upbear me to a seat
Hereby, and muffle with these robes, my sons.
For neither can I joy in these deeds done.
Nor might we live, the oracle unfulfilled.
This is calamity, that were deeper ruin.
CHORUS{Str.)
Never man hath been blessed save by God s dispen-
sation, nor bowed under sorrow :
—
Lo, this do I cry :
—
[ways;
Nor the same house treads evermore in prosjierity's 610
But the fate of to-da}^ is dogged by the feet of the
fate of to-morrowEver treading anigh
;
299
HPAKAEIAAI
Tov fM€v a(f)* {jyjrrjXwv ^pa-)(yv (pKia-e,
TOP S' artrav^ evhatnova revy^ei.
fiopcrifia 5' ovTt (fivyeiv 6e/J,i<;,
ov <TO(f)la Ti? cnrMaerafdWa fidrav 6 irpoOvfio^ del ttovov e^ei.
di'T.
dXXd (TV jJiTj TrpoTTLTvrov rd dewv <j)epe pbqK inrep-
dXyet '
620 (^povrlha \vTra'
evBoKifiov yap e%et Oavdrov jxepo^
d jxeKea irpo t dBe\(f)(ov Ka\ yd<i'
01)8' aArXe?/9 viv
So^a Trpo? dv6p(07rcov virohe^eTau'
d 8' dperd ^aiveu hid p^o-yBatv.
d^ia jjLev 7raTp6<;, d^ia S'
evyeviw^ TciSe yiyverai-
el he (T€^ei<; Oavdrov; dyaOwv, /i€Te;^ft) aoi.
eEPAnriN
650 w T€Kva, )i^aipeT' 'loXew? Se trov yepwvpbrjTrjp re Trarpo? rrjah^ ehpa<i drroaTaTel
;
1OAA02
irdpea-fMev, o'ia hr] y eixov Trapovala.
eEPAnnN
Tt ')(prjfxa Keiaac koI KaTy]'^€<; ofifM e';^et9
»
10AA02
^povTi^ TL<i tfXd^ olf(€co<;, rj avvet)(^6p.i]v.
* Lobeck : for MSS. a.\-i]rav.
300
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
And him that was highly exalted it comes to abase,
And him that was nothing accounted it settetli onhigh.
Ye may flee not your doom, nor repel, though thebuckler of wisdom ye borrow.
And whoso essayeth hath vain toil endlessly.
(Ant.)
Ah, cast thee not down, but endure heaven's stroke,
nor thy spirit surrender
Unto anguished despair. 620
She hath won her a portion in death that the worldshall praise, [Athens' defender
;
Who hath out of her agony risen, her brethren's, ourAnd a crown shall she wear
Of renown that the worship of men on her browsshall place
; [ing fare.
For through tangle of trouble doth virtue unfalter-
Of her sire is it worthily done, of her line's heroic
splendour. [share.
In thine homage to noble death mine heart hath
Entei- HENCHMAN OF HYLLUS.
HENCHMANHail, children ! Where stay ancient lolaus 630And your sire's mother from their session here ?
lOLAUS
Here am I—such as my poor presence is.
HENCHMANWhy dost thou lie thus ? Why these down-drooped
eyes ?
lOLAUS
A sorrow of this house is come to oppress me.
301
HPAKAEIAAI
©EPAnnNCTraipe vvv creavTov, opdwaov Kcipa.
I0AA02fyepovTeii ia-/u,€v KovSa/ii(io<i eppco/xeOa.
©EPAnnN'}]KU) ye jxevTOi '^dp/na aot (fjepcov fieya.
I0AA02t/? S' et cru ; ttov (Tol ctuvtv^mv afivijfjioio)
;
©EPAnriN
"TXXov Trej'ecTTi]^' ov fjbe 'yiyvcoaK€i<; opcov
;
I0AA02640 c5 (j>i\Ta6\ ^Kei'i apa vwv acoTijp ^Xd^rj^ ;
©EPAnnN/idXiara' koI 77/269 7' evTv^el<i ra vvv rd8e.
1OAA020) /J'>]T€p iadXov TratSo^;, WXK/H}]vr}v Xeyco,
€^eX6\ UKOvaov TouaSe (piXTarovi X6yov<;.
irdXai yap uthivovaa twv d(f>iy/x€v(ov
"y^rv^rjv iri^Kov voaro'^ el yevijaerai.
AAKMHNHTt XpyjlJ'^ dvT)]<i irdv roh^ eirXyaOr} aTeyo<;
;
^loXae, /xcov rt? a^ av /Scd^erai irapcov
Krjpv^ dir "Apyov<; ; acrO€vr)<i fiev "1 7' e'/x/;
pdifXTj, Toaovhe 8' elhei'ai ae XP^h ^^^^>
650 ovK ecrr' ciyetv ae rovah^ ejxov ^aiai]^ irore.
7] rap' €K€Lvov fMT) vo/jbi^oi/j.t]v eyo)
/ji'fJTtjp tr' el 8k TcovBe Trpoadl^ei %e/3t,
Bvoiv yepovTotv ov «aX,ft)9 dycoviet.
I0AA02Odpaei, yepaid, firj rpe(Tr]<i' ovk ^KpyoQev
Krjpv^ d(f)iKTai TToXefiiovs Xoyov<; e^ajt-.
302
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
HENCHMANYet now upraise thyself : uplift thine head.
lOLAUS
Old am I, and my strength is utter naught.
HENCHMANBut bringing tidings of great joy I come.
lOLAUS
Who art thou ?—where have I met thee unremem-bered ?
HENCHMANI am Hyllus' vassal. Look, dost know me not?
lOLAUS
Friend, com'st thou our deliverer from bane ? 640
HENCHMANYea : therewithal thou art fortunate this day.
lOLAUS
Alcmena, mother of a hero-son,
Come forth, give ear to these most welcome words
;
For travailing long in spirit hast thou fainted
Lest those which now are come should ne'er return.
Enter alcmena J'rojn the temple.
ALCMENA
What means this outcry filling all the house ?
How, hath a herald from their Argos comeAgain to outrage thee } My strength is weakness
;
Yet of this thing, O stranger, be assured,
Never, while I live, shalt thou hale these hence;
650
Else be I counted mother of Hercules
No more ; for thou, if thou lay hand on these.
With two old foes shalt have inglorious strife.
lOLAUS
Fear not, grey queen, nor quake : no herald heFrom Argos cometh bearing bests of foes.
303
660
HPAKAEIAAI
AAKMHNHTi '^/ap ^07]v ea-TTjaa^i dyyeXov (f>6^ov ;
I0AA02
av 7rp6a6e vaov rovB^ ottco^ ^airj^ 7reXa<;.
AAKMHNHovK rjafxev r}yu.et9 ravra' tl<; yap iad^ ohe
;
I0AA02rjKovra iralha TracBo^ dyyeWei aedev.
AAKMHNHw %atpe Koi (TV ToiaBe roi^ ayyeXjxacnv.
arap rl X^^P^ "^V^^ 7rpoa^a\u>v TToSa
TTov vvv aireaTL ; Tt'9 viv elpye (7vp,(f)opa
avv aol (pavevTa Beup' ifiijv rep^jraL (f>pei'a ;
©EPAnnN(jTparov Kadi^ei rdaaerai 6' ov ^X^' 'ex<^v.
AAKMHNHTovh^ ovKeO^ rj/xiv rod Xoyov /j.eT€aTi 81'].
I0AA05/jLereaTiv' tj/moov S' epyov laropelv rdhe.
GEPAnXiN
Tt hrjTa j3ov\et, rmv ireirpaynivcov fxaOelv
;
1OAA02iroaov Ti 7r\r]0o<; av/ji/xd)(^o)i' irdpecrT e^cov
;
©EPAnnN7roW,ov<i' dpidpov S' dXXov ovk e^co cf)pdaai.
1OAA02
670 taacTiv, olfxai, ravr ^AOrjvaloiv irpofiOL.
©EPAnnNXcraar kcli 8tj Xawu €aTy]K€v Kepa^.
10AA027]8rj yap d><; et? epyov lOTrXiarat aTparof;
;
304
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
ALCMENAWhy then didst raise a cry in-ushering fear ?
lOLAUS
That thou before this temple might' st draw nigh.
ALCMENAThis was not in mv tliought :—now who is this ?
lOLAUS
He bringeth tidings. Thy son's son is here.
ALCMENAHail also thou for this thine heralding
!
660
But wherefore absent, if he liath set foot
In this land ?—where ?—what hap hath hindered himFrom coming with thee to make glad mine heart ?
HENCHMANThe host he hath brought he camps, and marshals it.
ALCMENASuch matter appertaineth not to me.
lOLAUS
It doth—though my part be to inquire thereof.
HENCHMANWhat wouldst thou know concerning things achieved ?
lOLAUS
How great a host of allies hath he bi'ought ?
HENCHMANMany : their tale I cannot tell save thus.
lOLAUS
All this, I trow, the chiefs Athenian know ? 670
HENCHMANThey know : yea, on their left he stands arrayed.
lOLAUS
Ha, is the host already armed for fight ?
305VOL. III. X
HPAKAEIAAI
OEPAnnNKul Si] TraptjKTUL acfidyia Ta^ecov eKO,^.
IOAA02
TToaov Tt 5' ecTT arrcoOev ^Apyeiov Sopv ;
OEPAnnNwar' i^opaadat rov arpaTTj'yov €fi(f>ava)^.
IOAA02
Ti SpcovTa ; /jicov rdaaovTa irdXe[ilcov aTi^a<;
;
©EPAnriN
yKu^o/iev Tavr^' ov yap e^r]KOVop,ev.
aXX' elfx^' ipi']fiovf; 8ea7roTa<i Tovfxbv fMepo<i
ovK av deXoi/xc "TroXe/XLOiai, avfijSaXeLv.
I0iVA02
680 Kaycoye avv aoi ravra yap (f)povTi^o/j,€v,
(f>i\oc<; trapovre'i, o)? €oiy/j,ev, u)(f>e\eLv.
©EPAnnNyKiara 7rp6<i aov pwpov rfv elirelv ctto?.
IOAA02
Kol fXT] ixeTacr')(elv 7' okKLfMov /xd'^r]<i (f)iXoi<i.
SEPAnnNOVK ear^ ev osp-ec rpavfia ixi] Spcoar]^ ')(ep6<i.
10AAO2
Ti S' ; ov depotfic Kav iycb Si' daTrCBo^i ;
SEPAnnN6evot<; dv, dWd irpocrdev avro<; dv veaoi^.
10AA02
ouSet? €/jL eyjdpoyv Trpoa^Xeiroov dt'e^erai,
0EPAnnNOVK eaTLv, 0) rdv, rj ttot rjv p(t>fir] aedev.
I0iVA02
aXX' ovu fia^ov^ai 7' dpi6fJ.ov ovk iXdaaocri.
306
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
HENCHMANYea, and the victims brought without the ranks.
lOLAUS
And distant how far is the Argive spear ?
HENCHMANSo that thou plainly mayst discern their chief.
lOLAUS
What doth he ?—marshals he the foemen's lines ?
HENCHMANSo made we guess : not plainly could we hear.
But I must go : I would not that without me,Through fault of mine, my lords should clash witli
foes.
lOLAUS
And 1 with thee : my purpose is as thine,
—
680
As meet is,—to be there and help my friends.
HENCHMANNay, nowise worthy thee were idle talk !
lOLAUS
Nor worthy of me to help not friends in fight
!
HENCHMANThe glance can deal no wound, if hand strike not.
lOLAUS
How ? Cannot I withal smite through a shield ?
HENCHMANSmite ?—yea, but thou thyself ere then mightst fall.
lOLAUS
There is no foe shall dare to meet mine eyes.
HENCHMANThou hast not, good my lord, thine olden strength.
lOLAUS
Yet foes by tale not fewer will I fight.
307X 2
HPAKAEIAAI
GEPAnnN690 afJLiKpov TO aov ar]K(o/J.a irpoariOrj^; <^tA.oi?.
I0AA02
/i?; Toi fi epvKe hpav TrapeaKevaa/xevop.
©EPAnnNBpdv [ihv crv 7' ou^ ol6<i re, jBovKecrOaL S' icrea?.
1OAA02
fit)? fiTj fxevovvra rdWa aot Xiyetv irapa.
©EPAnriN
7rw9 ovv ottXit?;? rev^ewv cirep (^avel;
10AA02
ecTx' €1/ SofjLOKTLu €v8ov al^/jLaXcoO oirXa
Tolas', olat ypyjaofieaOa KairohcixTOfiev
i^6)VTe<i' 6auovTa<i 5' ovk dTrainjaei 6eo<;.
a}OC etatd' etaco kcltto iraacrdXcou eXoou
€vey)(^ OTrXiryjv Koa/mov a)9 rd^icTTa p-ot'.
700 alaxpoi' jdp OLKovpy]p,a yiyverai roSe,
Tov<i pev pd)(e(Tdai, tov<; Se SecXia p.ip€iv.
XOP02Xrjpa pev oinrco aropwcn ^povof;
TO aov, dXX' r}/3d' aoip.a he (ppovhov.
Ti TTOvelf aWco? a ae p-ev ^Xayfrei,
ap,iKpd 8' ov^aec ttoXlv rjpeTepav ;
•XpPjV <yv(oaip,a'^etv arjv I'jXiKiav,
TO. 8' dp,ri')^av edv' ovk eaTiv ottw?
ri^i-jv KTi'jaei rrdXLv avdi^.
AAKMHNHTt ^p>}p,a p,eXX€is acov (f)pevMi> ovk evBov (ov
710 Xiirelv pJ €prjp,ov avv reKvoiai Toi'i €p.ol<i
;
1OAAO2
dvhpSiv yap dXKi'y aol he )(jp'q rovTotv pueXeiv.
308
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
HENCHMANScant weight into thy friends' scale wilt thou cast. 690
lOLAUS
Hinder me not. I am wrought up for the deed.
HENCHMANFor deeds no power thou hast ;—hast will, perchance.
lOLAUS
Talk as thou wilt, so I bide not behind.
HENCHMANWith mailed men how shalt thou unarmed appear ?
lOLAUS
There hang within yon fane arms battle-won.
These will I use, and, if I live, restore ;
—
The God will not require them of the slain.
Pass thou within, and from the nails take down,And bring with speed to me, that warrior-gear.
[Exit HENCHMAN.
Shameful it is—this loitering at home, 700
That some should fight, some, craven souls, hang back
!
CHORUS
Not yet may the years quell thy spirit.
Young in heart, though thy strength be no more !
Why toil to thine hurt but in vain ?
Small help of thee Athens should gain.
Let thine eld yet be wise, and refrain
From things hopeless : thou canst not inherit
Yet again the lost prowess of yore.
ALCMENAArt thou beside thyself?—what, meanest tiiou
To leave me and my children thus forlorn ? 710
lOLAUS
Yea, men must fight. For these must thou take
thought.
309
HPAKAEIAAI
AAKMHNHTi S' ; f}v 6avr)<; <tv, ttw? i'yw) crfoOrj&ofiat
;
I0AA05
TratSo? ixeXrjaei 'rraiarl roi^ XeXeifi/xevoi^.
AAKMHNHrjv 8' ovv, firj yevotTO, ')(^p7]crQ}VTat tvxjj !
I0AA02
oI'8' ov 7rpo8(0(rov(TLv ere, yu.?; rpear]^, ^evoi.
AAKMHNHTotrovSe yap roi ddp(TO<;, ovSev aXV e^w.
I0AA05
Kul Zr}v\ Twv (TO)V, olh' iy(o, fiiXei ttovcov.
AAKMHNH
(f)€V.
Zei)<? e^ e'/xoO /iev oy/c uKOvaerai KaK(o<i'
€1 S' €(tt\v ocno^ avTO'^ oiSev et? e'/i^'-
eEPAnr.N
720 oirXwv p>ev ijBrj Tt]vB' 6pa<i iravTev^iav.
(pOdvocf; S' av ovk av Tolahe avyKpvTrTcov 8€fia<;'
C09 eyyix; dyoiv, koI /jLoXtaT ' Ap?;? arvyel
fieXXovra'i- el Se rev^ecov (po/Sei /3dpo(;,
vvv yu-ez' TTopevov yvfiv6<i, iv Be rd^ecriv
Koarfxcp irvKd^ov rcoS'* iyo) 8' oiaco rero?.
I0AA02
KoXo)'; eXe^a^' dXX' efiol irpo-^etp' e)(^(i)v
T€vxn Kofii^e, X^^P''^' ^^'^^? o^vrjv,
Xaiov T €7raipe Trrj^yv, evOvvwv iroha.
©EPAnriN
rj TraiBaytoyelv yap tov oirXiT-rjv ;Ypeoii/
;
I0AA02
730 opviOo^ e'lvcK d(T<^aXw<i Tropevreov.
310
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
ALCMENABut, if thou perish, how shall I be saved ?
lOLAUS
Thy son's sons which are left shall care for thee.
ALCMENABut if—which God forbid—aught hap to them ?
lOLAUS
Our hosts shall not forsake thee. Fear not thou.
ALCMENAMine heart's last stay are these : none else have I.
lOLAUS
Nay, Zeus, I know, remembereth thy griefs.
ALCMENAAh ! (^sighs heavily.^
Never of me shall ill be said of Zeus;
But is he just to me-ward ? Himself knows !
[Retires within temple.
Re-enter henchman.HENCHMAN
Lo, here thou seest a warrior's gear complete : 720
Make all speed to encase in these thy frame.
The fight is nigh, and most the War-god loathes
Loiterers. If thou fear the armour's weight.
Go mailless now, and lap thee mid the ranks
In this array : till then will I bear all.
lOLAUS
Well hast thou said : yet ready to mine handBring on the anns : set in mine hand a spear :
Bear up my left arm, ordering my steps.
HENCHMANHow, lead as a little child the man-at-arms !
lOLAUS
For the omen's sake unstumbling must I go. 730
HPAKAEIAAI
©EPAnnNeW rjcrOa hvvaro'^ hpav oaov Trpodu/ito^ el.
I0AA02eireLje' Xenpdel^ Seiva Treiao/xat fid-^rji;.
©EPAnnNav roL /3pa8vvei<;, ovk eyo), Sokmv tl hpdv.
IO.\A02
ovKovv 6pa<i fjLOV KcoXov &)9 eTreiyerat ;
©EPAnnN6p5) SoKovvra fiaWov rj airevhovTci ae.
I0AA02ov ravra Xe^et?, r]viK av Xevcrarf'i ji cKel.
©EPAnnNtI Spcovra ; ^ovXoLfirjv S' av evTV)(ovvTd ye.
I0AA02hi dcn7Lho<i Oeivovra TroXe/nicov Tivd.
©EPAnnNel S)] TToO^ y^o/iiev ye- touto yap (f)6/3o<;,
IOAA02
(f)eu'
740 €i0\ CO /Spa^tcoj', olov rj^ijaavrd ere
fie/u.v7]/jie6^ rifiel'i, rjviKa ^vv 'H/oa/cXet
'^TTupTrjv €7r6p0ei^, av/j.p.a^o<i yevoio fioi
TO(ovTO'i- olo<; av rpoiri^v JLvpvaOeo)';
deifirjv eVet tol kuI KaKo<; fieveiv 86pv.
eoTLv S' ev 6\^(p Kal roB' ovk 6p6o)<i e-s(^ov,
ev-\jrvy^La<; hoKr^cn^- olofieaOa yaprov €vrv)(ovvra irdvr iiriaTaadat, Ka\(t)<;.
X0P02yd Kal 7ravvv^io<; aeXdva arp. a!
Kal XafXTTpoTarai deov
750 (f>aealfi^poroi avyai,
uyyeXiav /moi iveyKacr*
3^2
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
HENCHMANWould thou wert strong to do, as thou art fain 1
lOLAUS
On !—woe, if I be laggard for the fray !
HENCHMANNot I, but thou art slow, who dream'st performance.
lOLAUS
Seest thou not how onward speed my limbs ?
HENCHMANMore thine imagining see I than thy speed.
lOLAUS
Thou shalt not say so when thou seest me there
—
HENCHMANAchieving what ?— I fain would see thy triumph !
lOLAUS
Smiting some foeman, yea, clear through the shield.
HENCHMANIf we win ever thither,—this I doubt.
lOLAUS
Would, O mine arm, that, as I call to mind 740
Thy young strength, when thou didst with Hercules
Smite Sparta, such a helper unto meThou wouldst become ! How mightily would I rout
Eurystheus—craven he to abide the spear !
With high estate is this delusion linked.
Repute for courage high : for still we deemThat he who prospereth knoweth all things well.
[Ej-eunt.
CHORUS(Sir. 1)
Earth !—Moon, which reign'st the livelong night !
—
O glorious radiancy
Of Him who giveth mortals light, 750
Flash tidings unto me !
HPAKAEIAAI
ia')^i]aare K ovpavco
Kat, irapa Opovov ap')^€Tav,
yXauKa^ r ev Wddva<;.
fieWco To.^ TTarpi COTcBo(; ya<;,
/ie'Ww Kal vTrep B6fia>v,
Kivhvvov ttoXlw Tefielv cnhdpw.
heivov p^ev iroXiv to? ^\vKi]va<i avr. a!
760 evSatfiova Kal 8op6<i
iroXvaLveTov uXko,
firjviv €p,a 'yOovL Kevdeiv
KaKOv 8', M TToXc;, €i ^ei'ov^
iKTfjpa^ 7rapaS(i)ao/jiev
KeXeuap^aaiv 'Apyov<;.
Zev<; p,oi avp,p,axo'i, ov (po/Sovfiai,
Zeu9 fioi, ')(dpiv ev8iKco<;
eyet" ovirore dvartav
r]<T<TOve<i Trap e'/iol 6eo\ ^ (^avovvrai.
110 dXX', (b TTOTvia, aov <yap ovSa<; arp. fi
ya<i, aov Kal 7roXi<;, as crv p,dTTjp
Beairoivd re Kal (j>vXa^,
TTopevcroi' dXXa rov ov Bikcuco^;
TaB^ eirdyovTa Sopvacrovv
(TTparov ApyoOev ov yap ep-d 7' dperahiKaio'i elpC eKireaelv p.eXddpcov.
€7ret aoL iroXvOvaTos aiel opt. 0'
Tip,a KpaLverai, ovBe Xddeifir/vcov (f)divd<; dfiepa,
780 vetov T doihal ')(opoiv re fMoXirai.
^ Dindorf : for MSS. iror hy etr' ifiai.
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Shout triumph up through heaven's expansion,
L^p to the throne of all men's Lord,
Up to grey-eyed Athena's mansion !
I for my land am battle-dight,
Arrayed for hearth and home to fight.
To shear through danger with the sword.For right of sanctuary.
Dread peril, that Mycenae-town
—
(A7il. 1)
The mighty burg, whose hand 760The wide world through hath spear-renown,
—
Nurse wrath against my land !
Yet shame, O shame, were thine, my city.
If we must yield to Argos' hest
Suppliants,—if fear must cast out pity ! . . , ,
Zeus champions me ; I tread fear down :
Zeus' favour is my right, my crown :
In mine esteem above the Blest
Never shall mortals stand.
(Str. 2)
But, O Queen,—for our soil, for our city is thine, 770
And to thee be we given
—
O our Mother, our Mistress, O Warder Divine,
Yon despiser of heaven.
Who from Argos brings storm-rush of spearmenupon me, [won me
Chase afar !—no such guerdon hath righteousness
As from home to be driven !
(Ant. 2)
For the sacrifice-homage is rendered thee aye
W^hen the month waneth, bringing
The day when young voices to thee chant the lay,
When the dancers are singing, 780
3^5
HPAKAEIAAI
ave/jLoevTi S' eV o')(6(ii
oXoXvjfiara Travw^loi^; vtto Trap-
Oivcov ta%ei TroBoyv Kporoiaiv.
©EPAnnNBecTTTOiva, /xvOovi aol re avvTO[iwrdTov<;
KKveiv ifMOi re rwhe KaWlaTov<; (f>ep(o.
viKcofiev €^dpov<; kol rpoTraV ISpverai
iravrev^^^iav e^ot'Ta TroXe/xicov aeOev.
AAKMHNHft) (f)t\Tad\ ijBe a I'lfxepa Bi7]\aaev
rjXevdepayadai roiaSe rol^; dyyeXjuacriv.
790 /ita? ^e /x outtco (TV/.t,(f)opd^ eX€v0epoi<;'
(})6^o<i <ydp et /xot i^oicnv 01)9 eyco deXw.
eEPAnnN^coatv pLeyicTTov 7' evKXeei^ Kara arparov.
AAKMHNH6 /uiev yepoiv ovv eariv 'loXetu? ert ;
OEPAnnNfidXiara- irpd^a^ S' e'/c Oeon' ndXXiara Btj.
AAKMHNHTL 8' ecTTt ; /ifot' TL KeSiwp T^yawi^eTO ;
©EPAnnNV€o<; pedearrjK eV yepovTo<; au6i<; av.
AAKMHNHOavpidaT eXe^a^' dXXd a evTV^Pj <^l\wv
p,d-)(^1<; dytava irpoiTov dyyeiXai OeXw.
eEPAnnN€69 fiov X6yo<; aoi iravra aifpiavel rdBe.
800 eTrel yap dXXrjXotcriv OTrXtTrjv crTpuTov
Kara arofi^ eKTelvovre<; avrerd^afiev,
eAc/9a9 reOpiinrwv "TW09 dpfidrcov irnSa
316
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
When the wind-haunted hill witli the beat of the
glancing [dancing
White feet of fair girls through the night-season
And with glad cries, is ringing.
ALCMENA comes again out of the temple. Enter servant.
SERVANT
Mistress, I bring thee tidings passing brief
To hear, and passing fair for me to tell.
Our foes are smitten : trophies now are reared
Hung with war-hai'ness of thine enemies. *•
ALCMENA
Dear friend, this day hath wrought thy severance
From bondage, for the tidings thou hast brought.
Yet from one ill not yet thou freest me
—
790
Fear touching those I love, if yet they live.
SERVANT
They live, in all the host most high-renowned.
ALCMENA
The old man lolaus—lives he yet ?
SERVANT
Yea, and by Heaven's help hath done gloriously.
ALCMENA
Wliat is it ?—hath he wrought some knightly deed ?
SERVANT
He from an old man hath become a youth.
ALCMENA
Marvels thou speakest : yet I pray thee tell
First how the fight was victory for our friends.
SERVANT
One speech of mine shall set forth all to thee.
When host against host we had ranged the array 800
Of men-at-arms far-stretching face to face.
Then from his chariot Hyllus lighted down,
317
HPAKAEIAAI
eaTr] /xecroiaiv iv /^erat^/itoi? Bopo<i.
Kaireir eXe^ev S) aTparri'y 09 'Apyodev
i]Ket<;, ri TijvBe yaiap ovk eldaafiev ;
Koi ra<; MvK7Jva<i ov^ev epyacrei kukov
avhpo'i aTepi]aa<;' aW ifioi /xovo^i /jlovo)
fidyi^v avvd'^a^, rj Kravoov c'ljov Xa/Scov
TOV<i 'WpaKKeiovi iralZa^, i) Oavciiv i/xol
810 Tifid<i 7raTpa)ov<; koI B6p,ov<i e^^eti/ a^ef.
arparo^ 8' eirrjvea, et? r diraWayas ttovcov
AcaXco? XeXe^Oai fivdov eU t ev-^ux^civ-
6 S' ovre Tov'i KXvovTWi alBeaOel>i Xojoiv
ovr avT6<i avTov BecXtap (jTpaTi]'yo^ cov,
iXOelv ir6Xixy]a iyyv^ cIXkI/xov Bopo'i,
dXX^ rjv KdKiaro<i' eira toiovto^ 76701)9
TOi'9 'H/3a«XeioL'9 yXOe BovXwaoiV yovovi.
"TA,Xo9 jJ.ev ovv drrMXer et9 ra^iv irdXiv'
/jLdvrec; B\ eTreiBi] fiovofidxov Si' daTriBo'^
820 BiaXXayd<i eyvcoaav ov TeXovfjuei^a^i,
eacpa^ov, ovk e/xeXXov, dXX acpieaav
XaifjLcov t /Sporeicov ^ evOij^ ovpLov (f)6vov'
ol B' dpfiar^ elaelSaLvov, ol S' utt' uaTnBoiv
7rXevpoi<i eicpvTnov irXevp^' ^AdijvuLcov B' dua^
arparcf) TrapijyyeiX' 61a ')(pr] rov evyevi]'
0) ^v/xTToXlrat, rfj re ^ocTKOvcrr) )(jdov\
Kul TTj reKovarj vvv riv dpKeaai '^pecov.
6 5' av TO T "Apyo<ifj,7]
Karaia-^vvaL deXciv
KoX Ta9 ^lvKi]va<; av/xfid'^ovi; eXiaaeTO.
830 iirel 5' ecnjfiijv opdiov TvpayjviKTJ
adXiriyyi kul avvrjyfrav dXXi']Xoi<: fxa^tjv,
TTOcrov riv avx^l<{ iraTayov dairlBfOv (Spi/xeiv,
' An unlikely word here. Paley suggests fioTiiwv.
318
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
And midway stood between the spearmen-lines^
And cried, " O captain of the host, who hast comeFrom Argos, wherefore spare we not this land ?
Lo, if thou rob Mycenae of one man.Naught shalt thou hurt her :—come now, man to manFight thou with me : so, slaying, lead awayHercules' sons ; or, falling, leave to meMy father's honour and halls to have and hold." 810
" Yea !" the host shouted, counting this well said
For valour and for rest from battle-toil
:
Yet he, unshamed for them that heard the challenge,
And his own cowardice, war-chief though he were.
Dared not draw nigh the essay of valour's spear.
But was sheer craven. And this dastard wretch
Came to enslave the sons of Hercules !
So to the ranks again went Hyllus back :
And the priests, knowing now that end of strife
Should not by clash of champion shields be attained, 820
Did sacrifice, nor tarried, but straightway
Spilled from the victims' throats the auspicious blood.
Then mounted these their cars : their shield-rims
those
Before their bodies cast. But Athens' king
Cried to his host, as high-born chieftain should :
" Countrymen, now must each one play the manFor this land that hath borne and nurtured him '
"
The while that other pra3xd his battle-aid
To brook not shame to Argos and Mycenae.
But when the Tuscan trumpet gave the sign 830
High-shrilling, and the war-hosts clashed in fight.
How mighty a crash of bucklers thundered then—
•
319
HPAKAEIAAI
•jToaov Tiva arevay/xbv olfjLCoyijv 6* ojiov ;
TCL irpcora fiev vvv ttltvXo^ 'Apyelov 8op6<}
€pp7]^a6' 7)fid<;' etr i-x^wprjaav irakiv.
TO Sevrepov 8e ttou? e7raXXa;\;^et9 ttoSl,
dvijp S' eV ai'Spl ara^i eKaprepec p-a.'X^D'
TToXXol S' eiriTTTov, rjv he hvo Kekevcrpara'^
0) Ta<; W.di]va<i— co tov 'ApyeLwv yvrjv
840 a7r€ipovT€<;—ovx api'j^eT alcr)(^vin]v iroXei ;
fi6\i<; Be TTOLvra Spcovre'i ouk arep ttovwv
iTpeyjrdfMead^ 'Apyeiov et9 (pvyijp Bopv.
KavravO o irpea^uq ' TWov e^op/j.(i)p.evov
iScov, 6p6^a<; iKerevae Se^iav
'loXao-? ep^Tjaal vlv 'iinreiov hi^pov.
XajSoiv 8e )(epalv rjvia^ JLvpuadecof
7rco\oi<; eTrel-)(e. tcitto rovK y'jSr) kXvwvXeyoip,^ dv dXXcov, hevpo 6' avrb^ elaiScop.
HaXXrivL8o<; yap aefivbv eKirepoiv irdyov
850 Si'a? ^A6dva<;, apfi IScov ^vpvadeco^,
Tjpdaad^ "H/St] Zi]vl 0\ rjfMepav piav
ven<; yeveadai KinroTLcraaOaL hiKi-jv
i')(6pov^' KXveii' Si) Oav/.iaTo<i irapeart aoi.
htaaoi yap dajep utttikoI^ e-iri ^vyol<i
aradevT eKpvyfrav dp/xa Xvyaiw ve(})et'
aov Bt] Xiyovac TralBa 7' ol ao^oirepoL
"Yi^riv &*' S' 6p(f)vy]<; €K hvaaidplov vicop
^pa-)(^Lbvci>v ehei^ev 7)/3i]tt]v tvttov.
alpel S' 6 KXeiv6<; ^loXeccx; Y.vpvaOeco';
860 rerpcopov dpfia 7rpo<i Trerpaci ^KecpcovLcrc.
h6(Tp,ol<; re 8i']aa'i )(^elpa<i uKpodiviov
KaXXiarov rjKet rov (TTpaT}]XdTr}p aywv
^ Dindorf : for MSS. toD KfAeiia/uoroi.
320
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Think'st thou ?—what multitudinous groan andshriek
!
At first the onset of the Argive spear
Burst through our ranks : then gave they back again.
Anon foot stood in grapple locked with foot,
Man fronting man, hard-wrestling in the fray :
Fast, fast they fell. Cheers ever answered cheers
—
" Dwellers in Athens !
"—" Tillers of the land
Of Argos !
"—" from dishonour save your town ! " 840
With uttermost endeavour and strong strain
Scarce turned we unto flight the Argive spear.
Thereat old lolaus, marking whereHyllus charged on, with outstretched hand besoughtThat he would set him on a courser-car.
Then the reins grasj^ed he, then the steeds he spedAfter Eurystheus. All the rest I tell
From others' lips : the former things I sawFor, as he passed beyond Pallene's Hill
Sacred to Pallas, spying Eurystheus' car 850
He prayed to Zeus and Hebe, for one dayTo be made young, and wreak the vengeance dueOn foes :—now shalt thou hear a miracle.
For two stars rested on the chariot-yoke.
And into gloom of shadow threw the car;
And these, diviners say, were thy great son
And Hebe. Then from out that murky gloomHe flashed—a youth, with mighty-moulded anns !
And glorious lolaus overtook
By the Scironian Rocks Eurystheus' car. 860
He hath bound his hands with gyves, and hath returned
Bringing the crown of victory, that chief
321VOL. III. Y
HPAKAEIAAl
Tov o\/3tov irdpoide' rf) 8e vvv tv^V^poTol^ airaaL \afi'Trpa Ktipuaaec p,adelv,
TOV exjTV)(elv Sokovvtu /j,r) ^i]\ovv, irplv avOavovT thrj tl<;' co? i(f)y]/j.€pot rv')(aL.
X0P02CO ZeO rpoTrale, vvv efiol Beivov (f)6/3ov
ekevdepov Trdpeariv rjixap elcriheiv.
AAKMHNH0} 2j6v, ')(p6vQ) fiev Tafi iireaKey^o) kuko.,
870 X^P^^ ^' ^/iw? aoi TOiv 7re7rpay/jL€vcov e^wKal TTalZa rov ifiov TTpocrOev ov SoKova' 670;
0€ol<; oixtXelv vvv eTrlarap-aL cra<^a)9.
&) reKva, vvv hh vvv eXevdepoi, ttovcov,
iXevOepoL Ze rov KaKOi^ oiXovfxevov
^vpvaOecos eaecrde Kal ttoXlv irarpo'i
oy^reade, KXi]pov<i S' i/x/SareuaeTe 'x^dovo'^,
Kal Oeoi<; 7raTpQ)oi<; 6v(Ted\ ojv aTreipyfievoi
^evoi 7r'\avi]ri]v etxer' dOXtov ^iov.
drdp Tb Kevdcov 'IoXe&)9 <T0(f)6v irore
8S0 ^vpva6eco<; e^etcra^' Mare fii] Kravelv ;
Xe^ov Trap' rjfuv fiev <ydp ov ao(f)bv ToSe,
iy^dpov'i Xa^ovra /lltj diroTiaacrOai BlKrjv.
©EPAnnNTO aov TrpoTifiMv, w? VLV 6(f)daXfi0L<; t'Soi?
dXovra ^ Kal afj heairorovixevov %e/3t.
ov firjv eKovra 7' avrov, dXXa tt/jo? ^^ave^ef^' dvayKj]' Kal yap ovk i^ovXero
^cov eiV aov iXdelv oixfjba Kal Sovvai BIkijv,
dXX\ 0) yepatd, %atpe Kal fieixvtfcro fioi
b TrpcoTov eLTra^, r)vtK rjp'^6fX7]v Xoyov,
' Heimsoeth : for MSS. KpaTovvra. Keiske, Kparovaa.
322
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
So prosperous once ; but by his fate this day
Clear warning to all men he publisheth
To envy not the seeming-fortunate, ere
He die, since fortune dureth but a day.
O Victory-wafter Zeus, now is it mineTo see a day from dark fear disenthralled
!
ALCMENA
Zeus, late on mine affliction hast thou looked
;
Yet thank I thee for all that thou hast wrought. 870
Now know I of a surety that my son
Dwelleth with Gods :— ere this I thought not so.
O children, now, yea now from trouble free.
And from Eurystheus, doomed to a dastard's death.
Free shall ye be, shall see your father's city.
And tread the lot of your inheritance.
And sacrifice to your fathers' Gods, from whomBanned ye have known a wretched homeless life.
But for what veiled wise purpose lolaus
Hath spared Eurystheus, that he slew him not, 880
Tell ; for in our sight nothing wise is this
To capture foes and not requite their wrong.
Of thought for thee, that him thine eyes might see
Held in thy power, and subject to thine hand.
He bowed him 'neath the yoke of strong constraint
Sore loth to come, for nowise he desired
Living to meet thine eye and taste thy vengeance.
Farewell, grey queen : forget not that which erst
Thou saidst to me when I began my tale.
323Y 3
HPAKAEIAAI
890 e\evdep(i}(Teiv //,'• ev he toi^ rocolaSe )(^prj
a-^evhe<i eivac toZctl yevvaioci aro/xa.
X0P02
ifiol %o/J09 fiev rjBv^, el \tjeia arp. aXtOTov %a/C)i9 evl Batrc,
e'lT] S' ev'^apa ^K(^pohira'
repiTvov Be tl koI cplXcov ap*
evTv^iav ISecrOac
TCOV Trdpo^i OV hoKOVVTOiV.
TToWa yap TLKTei
Motpa TeXeaaiScoreip*
900 Al(ov re Kpovov 7rai<?.
e;^ei9 oSov riv , m TroXt?, BiKaLov uvt. aOV
'X^pj]TTOTe rods' ac^eadai,
Tifidv 6eov<i' Be fxi] ae (f>daKO}p
€771)9 fxavLO)v iXavvei,
BeiKvvfxevcov eXejx^^' TcovB'' eTTLatjfia yap rot,
6e6<i irapayyeWeL,
TWf dBlKwv irapaipoiv
(f)pov)jfxaTO<i del.
910 eartv ev ovpavw /3e/9a/ifft)9 arp. ^Teo9 70V09, 0) yepaid-
<^evyw \6yov 0)9 tov "AiBaBojxov Kare^a, TTvpo<;
Beiva (f)\oyl aojpa Baia6eL<;'
"H/3a9 t' eparov ^po't^et
Xe^^o? )(^pvaeav KaT avXdv,
& 'T/xevace, Bicraov^
iralBaf; Ato? rj^i(oaa<i.
3«4
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Make me free man ; for, touching suchlike boons, 890
The lips that lie not best beseem the noble. [Exit.
CHORUS(Str. 1)
Sweet to me is the dance, when clear-pealing
Ring the flutes o'er the wine,
And when Love cometh sweetly in-stealing :
Yea, and gladness is mineTo look on my dear ones well-faring
Which aforetime were whelmed in despairing.
Many blessings fate cometh on-bearing,
With whom Time paceth on, bringing healing,
Cronos' offspring divine. 900
In justice, my land, thy path lieth : (^Ant. 1)
This thy crown yield to none,
That thou fearest the Gods : who denieth,
Into madness hath run.
Lo, what sign is revealed for a token.
How the pride of wrong-doers is brokenEvermore, how to-day hath God spoken,
How the voice of Omnipotence crieth
In the deeds he hath done !
He hath died not !—to heaven hath risen (Str. 2) 910
Thy scion, grey queen.
Tell me never that Hades' dim prison
His long home hath been !
Nay, he soared through the flames leaping roundhim
;
And with honour the Spousal-god crowned him,
And to Hebe with love-links he bound him,
—
Zeus' son to Zeus' daughter,—whex-e glisten
Heaven's halls with gold-sheen.
HPAKAEIAAI
<rv/J.(f>epeTai ra iroWa TToXXot?* avr, /9'
920 Ka\ yap irarpl tcovS^ ^KddvavXeyova iirLKovpov elvai,
Kal TovaSe 6ea^ TroXt?
Kal \ao^ ecrcoae K€iva<;,
€(T)(^€v S' v^piv avhp6<i, U) 6v-
fj,6<;rjv Ttpo BiKa<; ^latof.
firjTTOT €/j,oi (f)p6vy]fia
yjrv^d T aKopecTTO^; ecrj.
ArrEAos
oecriroLv , opa<; pev, oKX* ofjuo<; elpijaeTat,
FjvpvaOea aoi tov8' ayoi'Te<; rjKop.ev,
930 aeXfTTOv oy^w, ra>he r ovx ^](T<jov Tvyyju'
ov yap TTor tjvx^^ X^^P^'^ i^eaOai credev,
or CK ^lvKr]vb)v ttoXvitovu) <tvv daTTiSi
eareix^ /u.etfoi' tt}? St'/c?;? (f>pov(i)v, iroXiv
Trepacov XOava<;. aWd rijv evavrlavhatp^wv edrj/ce kuI p^erearrjaev tv^V^-T/VXo? p.ev ovv 6 T iaOXo^ 'loXew? ^peTa<i
Ato? Tpoiraiou koWlvikov icrraaav
ip,o\ he 7rp6^ ae rovS" eTTLareXkova dyeiv,
repyp-ai 6e\ovTe<i arjv cf>peu- €k yap einvxoix;
940 rjhicrTOV i^^pov avhpa BvaTVXOvvd' opdv.
Ai\KMHNH
0) plao<;, rjKei<i ; elke cr' rj Aikti xpovw ;
TrpcJTOv /Lief ovv p,oi, Sevp" eTTLaTpeyfrov Kc'ipa
Kal TKrjdi Tov^ (Tov<i Trpoa/SXeTretv evavriov
exPpov^i' Kparel yap vvv ye kov Kparel'i en.€Kelvo^ el trv, ^ovXop,at yap elBiiai,
b? TToXXa fjilv TOP 6v6^ OTTOV Vti vvv ifiov
326
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
How oft be life's strands interwisted ! (Ant. 2)Of Athena, men say, 920
Was their sire in hard emprise assisted;
And the city this day.
And the folk of that Goddess hath saved them,And hath curbed him whose blood-lust had craved
them.Whose tyranny fain had enslaved them.In my cause never pride be enlisted
Insatiate for prey.
Enter messenger with guards leading eurvstheus in
chains.
MESSENGER
O queen, thou seest,—yet shall it be told,
—
Leading Eurvstheus unto thee we come,A sight unhoped, which ne'er he looked should hap, 930
Who ne'er had thought to fall into thine hands.
When from Mycenae with vast shield-essay
He marched, his pride o'er justice soaring high,
To smite our Athens. But our destinies
Fortune reversed, and changed them, his for ours.
Hyllus I left and valiant lolaus
Raising the victory-trophy unto Zeus;
But me they charge to bring this man to thee.
Being fain to glad thine heart ; for 'tis most sweet
To see a foe triumphant once brought low 940
ALCMENALoathed wretch, art come ? Justice at last hath
trapped thee
!
Nay then, first turn thou hitherward thine head.
And dare to look thine enemies in the face.
No more art thou the master, but the thrall !
Art thou he—for I would be certified
—
Who didst presume to load thine outrages,
327
HPAKAEIAAI
TToi^ 7]^L(oaa^, a» Travovfr/, ec^v^piaai
;
Ti yap (TV Kelvov ovk €t\tj<; Kadv^pl^rai
;
69 Kai Trap "Xihrji' twvTa. viv Ka~}]jaye<;,
950 vBpa^ \eoi/Ta? r i^aTroXXvvai \eyaiv
eTreinre^. aWa S" oV e/ui]-^ara) kuko.
a.yco- p.aKpo<i yap pvOo!; av yh'Oiro fioi.
KovK rjOKecrev croi ravra To\LU]aai povov,
«XX' i^ aTTacTi]^ Kcipe kuI Te/ci'' "^EXXaSo?
i]\avve^ iKeTw; Baipovcov KaO^jpAvov;,
Tov^ pev yeporra<;, tov<; Be in]7rLov<; en.
aX/V' yjvpe^ avSpa<; Kai ToXia-p' iXevdepov,
01 a OVK eteicrav. Set ere KarOaielv kukco^,
icai KepBaicl^ airavra- XP^^^' l^P °^'X '^"^^
960 dvfjcTKeiv ae iroWa Tnjpar i^eipyaap-ivov.
XOP02OVK ear avvarov rovhe aoi KaraKrarelv.
ArriLvos
a\\cL)<; ap avroi' aiY/i(/X&)T02' eiXopev,
.\.\KMH\H
- €tpy€i Se Br] Tt'9 Tovte p'i> davelv ropo^
;
XOP02To<"9 T/}o"Se ^co/sa? irpoardTaicnv ov BokcL
A.\KiMHXH
Ti Bt] res' ; i^^pov^ roiaiB' ov Ka\6v Kraieiv;
XOPO2oi'y oi'Tiv'' av ye tm'O' eXcocrii' h' pdxU'
A.\KMHXHKai ravra Bo^avO "TXXo? e'f?;2'e'o-;^ero;
XOPO2
XP^^ ^' CLVTOVy olpat, Tf]B^ ciTTLarrjaaL ;^^oi't;
A^\KiMHXH
XPW "^opBe fiT] i^rjv jJ,r]B' er elaopdv (pdo^;.
3«8
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Caitiff, on my son—whereso now he be ?
For wherein didst thou fear to outrage him,
Who didst to Hades speed him hving down.Didst send him, bidding him destroy thee Hydras 950
And lions ? All the ills thou didst devise
I name not, for the tale were all too long.
Nor yet sufficed thee this alone to dare;
But from all Hellas me and mine didst thou
Still hunt, though suppliant to the Gods we sat.
These stricken in years, those little children yet.
But men, and a free city, hast thou found.
Which feared thee not. Now die the dastard's death.
Yet is thy death all gain : thou ought'st to die
Not one death, who hast wrought ills manifold. 960
CHORUS
It may not be that thou shouldst slay this man
!
MESSENGER
Captive in vain then have we taken him !
ALCMENA
Prithee what law witholdeth him from death ?
CHORUSIt pleaseth not the rulers of this land.
ALCMENAHow r—do these count it shame to slay their foes ?
CHORUS
Yea, such as they have ta'en in fight unslain,
ALCMENA
Av so ?—and this their doom hath Hyllus brooked ?
CHORUS
Should he, forsooth, defy this nation's will ?
ALCMENA
He should no more have livedj nor seen the light.
329
HPAKAEIAAI
X0P02070 TOT tjBiK)]drj irpoiTOV ov davcov oSe.
AAKMHNHouKovv ex' i(TTi,v iv koKm Sovvai Siktjv ;
XOP02OVK hcTTi TOVTOV ocrTfi CIV KaraKTavoi.
AAKMHNHeYcoye' KaiTOi (f)r]/xl KUfi elval riva.
XOP02iroXkr^v ap" e^et? fiefx-^LV, el Spdaei<; ToSe.
AAKMHNH(f)i\(o TToXtv Ti]vK' ovhev avTiXeKTeov.
TOVTOV S', eVetTrep y^elpa'i rjXOev et? e//«9.
OVK eaTi dvi)Twv oaTi<i e^aipijaeTac.
TTpo? TavTa TT]v dpaaelav oaTiq av OeXjj
Kol TTjv (^povovaav pel^ov rj jvvatKa y^prj
980 Xefet" to S' epyov tovt ijuol ireirpd^eTai,.
XOP02Ze(,v6v Ti Kol (Tvyyvwarov, m jvvai, <t' e%et
fjucro^ Trpo? avBpa TovBe, jLyvcocrKco Ka\co<;.
ErPT20ET2lyvvai, (TiKpi' taOt p^rj pie OcoirevcrovTa <t€,
firjS^ dX\o pi]8€V T?}? ep,Pj<i '^v)^)']<i rrepu
\e^ov6^ oOev '^pt] 8ei\iav 6(f)\ecv Tiva.
iyco Be veiKOS ov)(^ eKcov to8^ rjpdprjv
ySr) rye aol p,ev avTave\Jrto^ yeydi'^,
TM a(p Be TraiBl avyyevrj'; 'HpuKXecL.
dTOC cIt ej(PD^ov eiTe p,T], 6eb<i yap rjv,
990 "Hpa pe.KdpveLV TijvB' e6t]Ke tt]v voctov.
eirel S' eKeivw Bvapbiveiav rjpdpurjv
Kayvwv dywva tovB' dycovLovpevo'i,
iroWoov ao(f)ca-T7]<; 7rt]p,dT<i)v iyiyv6pir)v
33°
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
CHORUSThen was he wronged—to die not at the first. 970
ALCMENASo then 'twere just he suffered vengeance yet.
CHORUS
None is there, none, would put him now to death.
ALCMENAThat will I—some one I account myself.
CHORUS
Thou shalt have bitter blame, if this thou do.
ALCMENA
I love this city ; let no man gainsay ;
—
But, since this wretch hath come into mine hands,
There is of mortals none shall pluck him thence.
Wherefore who will shall rail on the overbold,
On her that nursed for woman thoughts too high;
Yet shall this deed by me be brought to pass. 9S0
CHORUS
A fearful hatred, yet a righteous, queen.
Thou hast against this man, I know full well.
EURYSTHEUS
Woman, be sure I will not cringe to thee,
Nor utter any word beside, to save
My life, whence cowardice might stain my name.
Yet of my will this feud I took not up.
I knew myself born cousin unto thee.
And kinsman unto Hercules thy son.
But, would I or no, 'twas Heaven that thrust me on :
Hera with this affliction burdened me. 990
But when I had made him once mine enemy.
And knew that I must wrestle out this strife.
Deviser I became of many pains,
331
HPAKAEIAAI
Kal TToXV eriKTOv, vvktI avvduKcov ae'i,
07r&)9 8i(oaa^ Kal KaruKTeiva^ e/xov^
ixdpoi)^ TO XoiTTov fXT] avvoiKOiijv (f)6/3a),
€l8co<; fiev ovK apidfiov aXV iTr)TUfico<;
avBp^ ovra rov aov -naiha- Kal yap e)(^dpo<; wvaKovaerat rd <y ecrOXa '^prjcno'; o)v dvi]p.
1000 Keivov S' airaWa'xOevTO'; ovk e)(p7]v /x apafjLKTOvfievov 7r/?09 TMvSe Kal ^vvetSoTa
e'xdpav irarpwav, iravra Kivfjaai irirpov,
Kreivovra KaK/SdWovra Kal re')(yu)p,evov
;
Toiavra SpMPn ra/x iyiyver dcT^aXi).
ovKovv (TV 7' av Xa-yovcra ^ Ta9 eiid<^ rv)(a^
e')(dpov XeovTO^; hvaixevrj l3\acrTi]fiaTa
rj\avv€<i av KaKolaiv, ciWa cr(0(f)pova)<i
eiaaa^ oLKelv "Apyo<i ; ovtlv av 7nOoL<;.
vvv ovv eTretSi] fx ov Stcokeaav Tore
1010 TrpoOu/xov ovTa, rolatv 'EW^jvcov vopot^
ov'X^ dyvo^ elfxi, tu> KravovTi KarOavcov
TToXi? S' d(})i]Ke croic^povovaa, tov deov
fiel^ov Tiovcra T779 e/u.?}? e')(6pa<; Tro\v.
a 7' elTra<i a.vTrjKovaa<i' evreuOev Se 'xphrov irpoa-rpoTraiov rov re yevvalov KaXeiv.
ovro) ye /nevrot rafx e%ei" davelv [lev ov
y^prjl^w, XiTTCov S' av ovSev a.')(9oiiJLi]v ^iov.
X0P02TrapaiveaaL (Tot crfiiKpov, ^AXk/jL^Jvi], OeXco,
rov dvhp' d(f>eivaL r6vB\ eVet TroXei, SoKei.
AAKMHNH1020 ri, S\ rjv 6dvt] re Kal iroXei 7ri6co/xeOa
;
XOP02rd X(p(Tr av el'rj' ttw'? rd8^ ovv yevijaerai
;
^ Wecklein : for MSS. avaAoySoDira.
33«
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Aye scheming—Night sat by, and counselled me
—
How I might scatter and destroy my foes.
And have thenceforth for housemate fear no more,Knowing thy son no cipher, but a manIn very deed ; for, though he be my foe,
Praise shall he have, a very hero he.
But, rid of him, was I not even constrained
—
1000
Abhorred of these, ware of that heritage
Of hate—to move each scorpion-hiding stone.
By slaying, banishing, and plotting still ?
While this I did, my safety was assured.
But thou, forsooth, had but my lot been thine,
Hadst spared to persecute the infuriate whelpsLeft of thy foe the lion,—wisely rather
Hadst let them dwell in Argos ? I trow not.
Now therefore since, when I Avas fain to die.
They slew me not, by all the Hellene laws iq\qMy death pollution brings on whoso slays.
Wisely did Athens spare me, honouring moreGod, far above all enmity of me.Thou art answered. I must be hereafter namedThe Haunting Vengeance, and the Heroic Dead.Thus is it with me—I long not for death,
Yet to forsake life nowise shall I grieve.
CHORUSSuffer one word of exhortation, queen.
Let this man go ; for so the city wills.
ALCMENABut—if he die, and I obey her still ? 1020
CHORUSThis should be best
;yet how can this thing be ?
333
HPAKAEIAAI
AAKMHNH£70) BiSd^o) paSico^' KTOvovaa yapTOvS elra veKpbv rol'i fiereXdovcnv (fyiXtov
Bcoaw TO yap croyfi ovk aTria-Tijao) ')(dovL,
ovTO<i Se Scoaei rrjv SiKtjv 6avu)v ifioL
ETPT20ET2
KTelv, ov 7rapaiTov/xai ere* Ti]v8e Be tttoXiv,
iirel yu.' a(priKe Kul Karrjheadi] Kravetv,
'^p7]a-/u.w iraXaLM Ao^lov Scoptjcro/j-ai,
09 U)<^eki]aeL fiei^ov^ rj SoKeiv '^povw.
1030 Oavovra yap jxe ddyjreO' ov ro /nopaifiov,
Sta? Trdpoide nrapdevov TldWrjVLBo<i'
Kal croL /JL€P evvov<i Kal iroXeL acoTijpio^
/ji,€ToiKo<i alel K€iaojjUiL Kara )(^6ov6<;,
Tot9 TcovBe 8' eKyovoLcxi iroXe/jiioiiTaTO'i,
orav fioXcoai Bevpo avv TroXXfj x^p'^
'Xjdpiv 7rpoB6vT€<i T7]vBe' tolovtoov ^evcov
irpova-'Trjre. ttw? ovv ravT eyob 'TreTrva/nevo';
Bevp^ rfkOov, dXV ov ^PV^/^^^ ijBov/xyjv^ deov;
"Wpav vo/j,[^a)v decK^drcov Kpeiaao) ttoXv,
1040 KovK av TrpoBovjUi fi. dXXd /j,7]T€ fioL X^^'^fJirjO^ alfx idar]<i ei'? efiov ard^at rd(f)Oi>.
KUKOV yap avTol^ voarov dvrl tcjvB^ eyoo
Bcocrw BlttXovv Be KepBo^ e^er e^ e/j,ov,
v/xd'i t' 6vi]cro) TovaBe re ^XdyjrQ) 6avd>v.
AAKMHNHTt Brjra fieXXer^ el iroXei acoTqpiav
KarepydaaaOai Tolat t e^ v/mmv xp^^^tKreivecv tov dvBpa r6vB\ aKOvovre'^ rdBe
;
Be'iKvvaL yap KeXevdov d(T(f)aXe<TTdT)]v.
ix^ptx; fJ-ev dvrjp, uxpeXel Be Kardavdyv,
* Musgrave: for MSS. i]p6(xriv,
334
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
ALCMENAThis will I lightly teach thee :—I will slay,
Then yield him dead to friends that come for him.
Touching his corpse I will not cheat the state ;
But die he shall, and do me right for wrong.
EURYSTHEUSSlay : I ask not thy grace. But I bestowOn Athens, who hath spared, who shamed to
slay me.An ancient oracle of Loxias,
Which in far days shall bless her more than seems.
Me shall ye bury where 'tis fate-ordained, 1030
Before the Virgin's shrine Pallenian;
So I, thy friend and Athens' saviour aye,
A sojourner shall lie beneath your soil,
But to these and their children sternest foe
What time they march with war-hosts hitherward,
Traitors to this your kindness :—such the guests
Ye championed ! Wherefore then, if this I knew.Came I, and feared not the God's oracles ?
Hera, methought, was mightier far than these,
And would not so forsake me. Shed not thou 1040
Drink-offerings nor blood upon my tomb !
Ill home-return will I give thy sons' sons
For this ! Of me shall ye have double gain,—
•
My death shall be your blessing and their curse.
ALCMENAWhy linger then—if so ye must achieve
Your city's safety and your children's weal—
•
To slay this man, who hear this prophecy f
Himself the path of perfect safety points.
Your foe he is, yet is his death your gain.
335
HPAKAEIAAI
1050 KOfxH^er avrov, S/iwe'?, elra ^(pr] kvctX
Bovvac KTavovra^' fir) yap iXiriayj^; oirco^i
avdi^ iraTpcpa'i ^cov e'yu,' e/cySaXet? x^ov6<;,
X0P02Tavra SoKet /xoi. aTeiy(^er', OTraBoL.
ra yap i^ tjfioov
KadapS}<i earai ^acriXevaiv.
336
THE CHILDREN OF HERCULES
Hence with him, thralls. When ye have slain him,
then 1050
To dogs 'twere good to cast him. Hope not thou
To hve, and drive me again from fatherland.
\^Exeunt GUARDS with eurvstheus.
CHORUSI also consent. On, henchman-train,
March on with the doomed. No blood-guilt
stain.
Proceeding of us, on our kings shall remain.
[Exeunt omnes.
337VOL. III. 2
THE
PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
z 2
ARGUMENT
When Oedipus, king of Thehes, ivas 7vare that he had
fulfilled the oracle uttered ere he was bom, in that he
had slain his father, king Ldius, and wedded his mother
Jocasta, he plucked out his own eyes in his shame and
misery. So he ceased to be king; but, inasmuch as his
two sons rendered to him neither love nor worship, he
cursed them with this curse, " that they should divide their
inheritance with the sword." But they essayed to escape
this doom by covenanting to rule in turn., year by year.
So Eteocles, being the elder, became king for the first
year, and Polyneices his brother departedfrom the land,
lest any occasion of offence should arise. But when
after a year's space he returned, Eteocles refused to yield
to him the kingdom. Then went he to Adrastus, king of
Argos, who gave him his daughter to wife, and led forth
a host of war under seven chiefs against Thebes.
And herein is told how the brothers met in useless
parley ; by what strange sacrifice Thebes was saved ; of
the Argives vain assault ; and how the brothers slew
each other in single combat.
TA TOY APAMAT02 nPOS^HA
IOKA2TH
nAiAArnros
ANTirONH
X0P02
nOATNEIKHS
ETEOKAH2
KPEnN
TEIPE2IA2
MENOIKET2
ArrEA02
ETEP02 ArrEAOS
OIAinOT2
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
JocASTA, wife of Oedipus.
Old Servant, attendant on Antigone.
Antigone, daughter of Oedipus.
PoLTNEiCES, exiled son of Oedipus,
Eteocles, son of Oedipus, and king of Thebes.
Creon, brother of Jocasta.
Teiresias, a blind prophet.
Menoeceus, son of Creon.
Messenger, armour-bearer of Eteocles.
Oeditvs, father of Eteocles and Polyneices.
Chorus, consisting of Phoenician Maidens, dedicated by the
Tyrians to the service of Apollo at Delphi, who, resting at
Thebes oji their journey, have been detained there by the
siege.
Daughter of Teiresias, guards of Eteocles, attendants of
Jocasta and of Creon.
Scene : In front of the Royal Palace at Thebes.
^OINIISAI
IOKA2TH*0 Tr]v ev aaTpoi<i ovpavov re/xvcov oSou
Kot )(^pvaoKoW.i]TOL(TLv efM^e/So)^ Si(f)pot<;
' HXie, 6oal<; 'iTnToia-iv elXcaa-cov (pXoya,
o)9 8vaTV)(^fj (di]0aiai rfj t66^ rj/nipa
o-KTiu^ ic^rjKa^, ls.d8jjL0<i rjvLK rfK-de yrjv
rrjvh , eKXLTTcov ^olvLcraav ivakiav yOova'
09 nraiha 7>;/ia<? Ku7rptSo9 'Apfioviav irore
TloXvhwpov i^e(f)vcre, tov Se Ad^SuKov(bvuai Xeyovaiv, e/c Se rovSe Adiov,
10 eycb 8e 7rat<j /aev K\7J^o/iiat Mez^of/ceo)?,
K.p€u)v T aSeX<j!)0? [xrjTpo^; €k /i.<a? e'^i/'
KoXovcTi S' 'loKaaTrjv /xe, tovto yap TTarrjp
eOero, yafxel he Aafo? /i'* eVel 5' dirai';
rjv y^povia XeKTpa rcifi e^fov iv 8co/u,aaiv,
eXOatv epcord ^ol^ov i^airel 6' a/.ia
iraihwv 69 oikov<; dpcrevwv Kotvcaviav.
o 8' elirev «5 %y]j3aLcnv evlTnroLi; ava^,
fiT] airelpe tckvcov dXoKa Saifiovcov ^I'a'
el yap reKvoiaei^; iralh , diroKTevel cr 6 <f>v<i,
20 Kal 7rd<; a-d<; OLKO<i ^ijaerat Be' aXfiaTO^.
8' rjhovfi Sov<; et9 re ^aK^elov treaoiv
ecnreipev rjulv iralha, koI (T7r€ipa<; ^pe(po<;}
* Probably corrupt : scholars propose ^ptvSs, &<pvu, H^ap.
344
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Enter jocasta.
JOCASTA
O THOU who cleav'st thy path mid heaven's stars,
Who ridest on thy chariot golden-clamped.
Sun, whirling on with flying steeds thy fire,
What beams accurst on Jiat day sheddest thouO'er Thebes, when Cadmus came to this our land,
Leaving Phoenicia's sea-fringed realm afar !
He took to wife Harmonia, C\'pris' child.
And begat Polj'dore, of whom, men say,
Sprang Labdacus, and Laius of him.
I, daughter of Menoeceus am I named; 10
My brother Creon the selfsame mother bare.
Jocasta men call me : this name my sire
Gave ; Laius wedded me. But when long 3-ears
Of wedlock brought no child our halls within.
He went and questioned Phoebus, craved withal
For me, for him, male heirs unto his house.
The God spake :" King of chariot-glorious Thebes,
Beget not seed of sons in Heaven's despite.
If so thou do, thee shall thine issue slay.
And all thine house shall wade through seas of
blood." 20
Yet he, to passion yielding, flushed with wine,
Begat a son ; and when our babe was born.
345
<I>0INI22AI
yvov^ Ta/XTrXaKTifxa tov Oeov re rrjv (fidriv,
Xetfioiv i<i"Hpa<; koI K.i6aipcbi'o<i XeTra?
BiScocn ^ovKoXoicriv eKdelvat /3pe(f>o^,
a(f)vp(ii)v (TiBrjpd KevTpa Bi,a7rei'pa<; fiecrov
66ev vLv EXXa? oivofia^ev Olhlirovv.
Ylokv^ov he VIP \a^6vT€<; Itttto/SovkoXoi
(j)epova' e? o'lkov<; et'? re SeaTroLvr]^; %epa9
30 edrjKav. i) 8e tov ifiov whlvcov ttovov
pia(TTol<i v(f)eiTo Koi iroaiv TrelOei rcKeiv.
ijByj Be 7rvp(Tat<? jevvatv i^avSpov/X€Vo<;
7ral<i ov/j.o<;, t) yvovi; r/ tivo<; fiadfov irdpa,
earei^e tou? (f)vaavTa<; eK/nadelv OeXcov
7rpo<; 8(1)fxa ^oi^ov, Aaio? 9^, oufio^ iroai^,
TOV eKTcdevTa iralSa fxaaTevwv fiadeiv,
el firjKeT el'rj. Kal ^vvaTrreTov iroha
el<i TavTov d/jL(f)co Ow/ctSo? a)(^i(TTi}^ ohov.
Kai VLV KeXevet Aatov Tpo)(^r]XdT'>]<i-
40 M ^eve, Tvpdvvoi<; iKiroBcov ^edlaTaao.
6 8' elpiT dvavSo<i, p,eya (ppovcbv ttwXol Be viv
•^rjXalii TevovTa<; i^ecj^ocviacrov ttoBmv.
60ev—tL tukto^ tcov KaKOiv fie Bet Xiyeiv
;
—7rat9 TTUTepa Katvei Kal Xa^cov 6)(^rjixaTa
TloXv/3q) Tpo(f)ei BiBcoaiv. &)9 8' iire^dpei
'E(f)ly^ dprrayalat iroXiv, ep,6<i t' ovk tjv Troait;,
K.pe<j)v dBeX(f)0^ Tafid Krjpvcrcrei Xe')(r),
G<TTC<i <TO<f)rj<; a'iviyfMa TrapOevov fidOoi,
TOVT(p ^vvdyjreiv XeKTpa. Tvy^dvei Be ttox;
50 piovaa<i epLO^ Trat? OIBittov; %(f)iyyo^ /xadcov,
69ev Tvpavvo^ TrjaBe y)]<; KaOicTTaTai
Kal (TKrjTTTp'' eiraOXa TrjaBe Xapb^dvei y9ov6<i.
yafxei Be ttjv TeKOvaav ovk etB(o<; TaXa^ovS* r) TSKOVcra TraiBl avyKoificojj,evrj.
346
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Ware of his sin, remembering the God's word,
He gave the babe to herdmen to cast forth
In Hera's Mead upon Cithaeron's ridge.
His ankles pierced clear through with iron spikes,
Whence Hellas named him Swell-foot—Oedipus.
But Polybus' horse-tenders found him there.
And bare him home, and in their mistress' handsLaid. To my travail's fruit she gave her breast, 30
Telling her lord herself had borne the babe.
Now, grown to man with golden-bearded cheeks.
My son, divining, or of some one told.
Journeyed, resolved to find his parents forth.
To Phoebus' fane. Now Laius my lord.
Seeking assurance of the babe exposed,
If dead he were, fared thither. And they met.
These twain, where parts the highway Phocis-ward.
Then Laius' charioteer commanded him
—
" Stand clear, man, from the pathway of a prince ! " 40
Proudly he strode on, answering not. The steeds
Spurned with their hoofs his ankles, drawing blood.
Then—why tell aught beyond the sad event ?
—
Son slayeth father, takes the car, and gives
To Polybus, his fosterer. While the Sphinx
Was ravaging Thebes, when now my lord was not,
Creon my brother published that the man.Whoso should read the riddle of that witch-maid.
Even he should wed me. Strangely it befell
—
Oedipus, my son, read the Sphinx's song, 50
Whence he became the ruler of this land
:
Yea, for his guerdon wins the throne of Thebes,
And weds his mother,—wretch !—unwitting he.
Unwitting she that she was her son's bride.
347
«I>0INI22AI
TCKTO) Se TratSa? TraiBl Svo fiev apa-eva<;,
'Ereo/cXea KXeivrjv re YioXvveiKOv^ ^iav,
K6pa<i he Bicrad^' ttjv fiev 'la/jLijvrjv Trarrjp
wvojjLaae, rrjv Se irpoaOev ^AvTiyovrjv i'yd),
fxadoiv he rd/xa XeKrpa /j,r]TpMcoi> jdficov
60 o irdvT^ dvarKa,^ Ol8iTrov<; 7rad7]/u,aTa
et? ofi/JLaO^ avTov heivov ifi^dWei <f)6vov,
p^pucTT/Xaroi? TTopiraLaw aljjbd^af; Kopa^j.
iirel he TeKVcov jeuvi e/xwv aKid^erai,
K\r]6poL<i eKpvyJrav irarep', 'Iv djxvrjfJLOiv Tvyr]
fyevoiTO TToWwv heo/mevi] (TO(f)iafj.dTQ)v.
l^oiv S' ear iv ol'Koi<i. Trpo? he r?}? tu;^7;9 voawvdpa<; dparai iraialv dvouiwrdra'^,
BrjKTU) cnhi'ipu) hcofia hiaXa^i^elv Tohe.
Tft) 8' ei<? (f)6l3ov Trecrovre, /jui] TeXeacf)6pov<i
70 f^X^? O^ol Kpau'coaiv oIkovvtcov ofiou,
^u/jL/3dvT era^av tov vecorepov 7rdpo<f
^evyeiv eKOvra rrjvhe TioXvveiK-)]v y^Oova,
'Ereo/cAea he aKrjTrrp^ ^'X^^^ fievovra yi]^
iriavTov dXXd(Taoi>T\ enrel S' eirl ^vyoi<;
Kade^er dp)(f]^, ov /xediaTaTai dpovwv,
(fyvydha S' aTrmOel rrjcrhe TIoXweiKr) ')(6ov6<i.
6 S' "Apyo<; eXOcoi', «>}So9 WhpdcTTOV XajScov,
7roXXr]v dOpoLaa^ darrih^ ^Apyeicou ayercV avTci 8' eXOcbv eirrdTrvXa Te[)^rj rdhe,
80 TrarpoG' aTrairel crKYjirrpa Kal fieprj y^dov6<i,
„ eym S' epiv Xvova viroaTrovhov /xoXelv
eVetcra Traihl Tralha irplv -^avaai hop6<;.
•tj^eiv S' 6 7re/J,<p6eL^ (f)r]cnv ainov ayyeXo<i.
a\V w <paevvd<; ovpuvov vaicov 7rTV^d<;
Zev, croxxov rjjMd'i, hoq he avfi^aaiv reKvoa.
348
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
And children to my son I bare, two sons,
Eteocles and famed Polyneices' might,And daughters twain : the one the father namedIsmene, the elder I, Antigone.But, when he knew me mother both and wife,
Oedipus, crushed 'neath utterest sufferings, 60
On his own eyes wrought ruin horrible.
Yea, with gold brooch-pin drenched their orbs with
blood.
Now, being to bearded manhood grown, my sons
Close-warded kept their sire, that his dark fate.
By manifold shifts scarce veiled, might be forgot.
Within he lives ; but, by his fate distraught,
A curse most impious hurled he at his sons.
That they may share their heritage with the sword.
They, terror-stricken lest, if they should dwell
Together, Gods might bring the curse to pass, 70
Made covenant that Polyneices first.
The younger, self- exiled, should leave the land,
That Eteocles tarrying wear the crownOne year—then change. But, once in sovranty
Firm-seated, he would step not from the throne,
And thrust Polyneices banished forth the land.
To Argos fares he, weds Adrastus' child.
And bringeth huge war-muster of Argive shields.
To our very walls seven-gated hath he come.
Claiming his father's sceptre and his right. 80
And I, to allay their strife, persuaded son
In truce to meet son, ere they touch the spear :
And, saith the messenger I sent, he comes.
O dweller Zeus in heaven's veiling light,
Save us, grant reconciling to my sons !
349
OOINI22AI
')(^pf) S', el cro<f)6<; irl(^VKa<i, ovk iav /3poTOV
TOP avTOV alel hvcnv^rj KadeaTavui.
nAiAArnro2
oi KkeLvov OLKOL<; ^AvTiyom] dako^ iraTpL,
irreL ae fit]T7]p irapdevoyvaf; iKXnrelv
90 fiedfJKe fieXddpcov e? Siijpe'^ ecr^uTov
(TTpurevfi IBecu ^Apyelov iKeaiaiaL aal^,
i7ricr)(^e<i, a><i av Trpov^epevvrjcra) arilBov,
^r) Tt? TToXiTCov eV rpi^a ^avrd^erat,
KCLfiol /xev e\6rj ^avKo<i 6><; hovkcp -^oyof;,
aol 8' 0)9 di'dacrrj' irdvra S' e^etSco? (ppdaci)
a t' elBov elcr7]Kovad t Wpyelwv irdpa,
airovSa^ or rjXdov a(p Kaaiyvt]T(p (f)ep(oi'
evdevh^ eKelae Sevpo t av k€ivov vdpa.
aW' oi/Ti? darcov ToiaSe ')(p'Lpirr€TaL hupoL<i,
100 KeBpov TraXaiau KXifxaK eKtrepa irohl'
(TKoireL Se 'jrehia koI irap ^la/xrjvou poa<i
AipKr]'; re vap,a, iroXefxioiv aTpdrevfi oaov,
ANTirONH
opeye vvv opeye yepaiav vea
X^lp^, aTTO KXtfldKCOV TToSo?
t'x^'O? eiravreXXuiv.
nAiAArnro2
ihov ^vvayjroi', irapOev'' elf Kaipov S' e^r)^'
KLVovpeiov yap ruy^dvei UeXaayiKovarpdrevixa, yjcopii^ovai S' dXX'qXfov X6')(pv<i.
ANTirONH
ico TTorvia irai AaTov<;
110 'E/cara, KUTaxaXKOv airav
ireSiov daTpdirrei.
35°
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Thou oughtest not, so thou be wise, to leave
The same man evermore to be unblest. l^Exit.
Enter, above, old servant and antigone.
OLD SERVANT
Fair flower of thy sire's house, Antigone,Albeit thy mother suffered thee to leave
Thy maiden-bower at thine entreaty, and mount 90
The palace-roof to view the Argive host,
Yet stay, that I may scan the highway first.
Lest on the path some citizen appear.
And scandal light—for me, the thrall, 'twere naught,—
•
On thee, the princess. This known, will I tell
All that I saw, and heard from Argive men.When, to thy brother on truce-mission sent,
I passed hence thither, and then back from him ....Nay, not a citizen draws nigh the halls.
Climb with thy feet the ancient cedar-stair
;
100
Gaze o'er the plain, along Ismenus' streamAnd Dirce's flow, on yon great host of foes.
ANTIGONE
Stretch it forth, stretch it forth, the old man's hand,
unto meThe child, from the stair, and my feet upbear,
As upward I strain.
OLD SERVANT
Lo, maiden, grasp it : in good time thou com'st,
For yon Pelasgian host is moving now,
Battalion from battalion sundering.
ANTIGONE
O Queen, O Child of Latona, Hecate !
Lo, how the glare of the brass flashes there 110
Over all the plain I
351
4>0INI2SAI
nAiAArnro201) yap Tt (fiav\o)<i rj\6€ IloX,vveiKr]<i yOova,
TToXXoi? li^v 'iTTiroL'i, fivpLOi<; 8' 07rXot9 ^pificov.
ANTirONHapa iTvXai KXjjdpoLi; ^^oXkoSct* ap* efi/doXa
Xalveotaiv 'Ayu.0iOi'O? 6pydpoi<;
T€i'X^eo<; 7]p/xoaTai ;
nAiAArnrosOdpaer rd j evSov acr^aXw? e^^t TroXi?.
aXV elaopa rov Trpcorov, el ^ovXei /xadelv.
ANTirONHTi'? ovra \evKo\6(f)a<i,
120 nrpoTTap 09 dyelrai arpuTOVirdr^yaXKOv dcriri^ dp<JH ^pa-')(iOVl KOV^L^fOV ;
nAiAArnrosXoyayofi, (!) Biairoiva.
ANTirONHTt'9 TTodev ye<y(i)<i ;
avBacrov, w yepaie, tl<; ovopd^erat ;
nAiAArnro2ovTO<i ^IvKr)vaio<i pev avSuTat yevo<;,
Aepvaia S* oIkci vdpa6\ 'liTTrop.eZoiv dva^.
ANTirONHe e 0)9 yavpo<i, ft)9 ^o^epb^ elaiSeiv,
yiyavTL yi]yever(i irpoaopoto^
darepco7ro<; eV ypa(paiaiv, ov^l 'irpo(T(f)opo<;
130 dixepiw yevva.
nAiAArnro2rov S' e^afiel^ovT ovx opd<i ALpKr](i vSoyp ;
352
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
OLD SERVANTA}^, for not feebly Polyneices comesWith thunder of many a steed, with countless sJiields.
ANTIGONEA.h, be tlie gates secure, be the brass-clamped bolts
made sure
In the walls that Amphion in days bygoneFashioned of stone ?
OLD SERVANTFear not ; the city wards all safe Avithin. [hirn.
Mark yonder foremost chief, if thou wouldst know
r .'io/ <<^ : ANTIGONEWho is he with the white helm-crest
Who marcheth in front of their war-ari'ay, 120
And a brazen buckler fencing his breast
Lightly his arm doth sway ?
OLD SERVANT
A captain, princess.
ANTIGONEWhat his land, his birth ?
Make answer, ancient. W^hat name beareth he ?
OLD SERVANT
Yon chief proclaims him Mycenean-born :
By streams of Lerna King Hippomedon dwells.
ANTIGONE
Ah me, how haughty, how fearful he is to see,
Like to a Giant, a child of Earth I
Star-blazonrv gleams on his shield : not like is heLTnto one of mortal bii'th. 130
OLD SERVANT
See'st thou not him who crosseth Dirce's flood ?
353VOL. HI. A A
<^0IN122A1
ANTirONH
Ti9 S' ecrrlv ovros ;
nAiAArnro2TTat? fj^ev Oivewi k(f)V
TvB€v<i, "Apr] 8' Alt(i)\6v ev crrepvoi^ ^'X^*«
ANTirONH
ovTO'i 6 rd<i TloXvv€iK€o<;, S) fyepov,
avTOK.acn'yvrjra^ vv/xcfyas
o/xoja/jio^ Kvpei ;
0)9 aWo^/9&)9 OTrXoiai /xi^o/Sdp^apo^.
nAiAArnro2
o-aKe<T<f)6poi yap 7rdvT€<i AltwXoi, re/cvov,
140 X67;^at9 t' aKOVTicrrrjpe^ €V(no-)((OTaTot.
ANTirONHcry 8', w yepov, 7ra)9 alaOdvei cra^w9 raSe ;
nAiAArnro2
arifie'i ISmv tot dcTTrihwv eyvcopicra,
cnrovBa.'; or rfkOov croG KaaiyvijTW (jyepiov
a 7rpo(ThehopK(t)<i ol8a tov<; Q)7r\i<T/j,€vov<i.
ANTirONHTt9 S' 0UT09 dp.(f)l fivTjfia TO ZjJOou Trepa
Kara/SocrTpvxo'i, Ofx/Mxai 70/0709 etV-
\o)(^ay6<i, a)9 0^X09 rti/ varepcp irohl
7rdvoTrXo<i dfiifyeTret
;
nAiAArnro2
150 o5' e<rTt nap^€i/07rat09, 'AraXavT*;? yovo^.
ANTirONHoKXd viv d Kar oprj fxcTo, fiaTepo<i
"ApTC/jLi^ iefieva ro^oi'i Ba/xdcracr^ oXeaeiev,
69 eV €fj,dv TToXiv e/Sa iripaoyp.
35^
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
ANTIGONEOf other, of stranger fashion his armour shows I
Who is he ?
OLD SERVANTTydeus he, of Oeneus' blood.
Aetolia's battle-fire in the breast of him glows.
ANTIGONE
Is this he, ancient, by spousal-ties
Unto mine own Polyneices allied.
Whose wife's fair sister he won for his bride ?
How half-barbaric his harness, of no Greek guise ?
OLD SERVANT
Nay, child, shield-bearers all Aetolians are,
And most unerring hurlers of the lance. 140
ANTIGONE
And thou, how know'st thou, ancient, all so well ?
OLD SERVANT
Even then I noted their shield-blazonry.
When to thy brother with truce-pact I fared
:
I marked them, and I know their bearers well.
ANTIGONE
Who is this by Zethus' sepulchre going, [flowing ?
With the keen, stern eyes and the curls long-
A warrior young.
Yet a chief—for in armour brazen-glowing
See his folloAvers throng !
OLD SERVANT
Parthenopaeus, Atalanta's son. 150
ANTIGONE
Now may Artemis, over the mountains hasting
With his mother, smite wdth her bow, and in death
lay yon man Ioav,
Who is hitherward come for my city's wasting !
355AA 2
<^0INU2AI
nAiAArnroseh] Td8\ Si Tral' avv olkt} 8' rjKovai "yqv,
o KoX hehoLKa fii] (TKOTTcoa^ 6p6o)<; OeoL
ANTirONH
irov S' 09 ifiol /jbta(; iyever^ e'/c fiaTp6<i
TToXvirovo) fxolpa ;
b) ^IXraT, elire, irov ^ari Tlo\vvet,Ki]<;, yepov.
nAiAArnros
iKelvo<i eirra irapdevcov rdcfiov 7r€\a<;
160 N<o/5i;9 ^ABpdcTTo) TrXrjalov Trapaararet.
opa^ ;
ANTirONH
opo) hrjT ov aatpco'f, opo) Be TTft)?
fiopcjii]^ TViTMixa arepva t e^r/Kacrfieva.
dvefiMKeo^ eWe Bpo/Jiov ve(f)e\a<;
TToalv e^aiwaaific 8c aWepo<i
irpo<; ifjibv ofxoyeveropa, Trepl S' wXeva'i
Sepa (fiiXruTa /3dXoi/u,i '^povfo
(fyvydSa fieXeov. &)?
oirXoiai )(pv(T€oiatv eK7rp€7r)]<;, yepov,
€cpoi<; 6/xoia (^XeyeOwv /3oXat<i d\bov.
nAiAArnros
170 V^^'' 86/Jbov<; TovaB\ ware cr' efMTrXrjaao -^^apd^;,
evairovSo'i.
ANTirONH
ouTo<i 8\ & yepace, rt? Kvpei,
0? dpixa XevKOv rjvio(TTpo(f)6l /3e/3ce;9 ;
nAiAArnro2
6 ixdvTi<i W/ii(f)idpao^, M heairoLv', o8e'
a(f)dyia 8' d/Ji avTU), yfj^ (piXaifiaTOi poac.
3,56
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
OLD SERVANTSo be it, child : yet for the right they come ;
Wherefore I dread lest God defend the right.
ANTIGONE
And where is he whom the selfsame mother bore
With me, to a doom of travail sore ?
Dear ancient, where is Polyneices, tell.
OLD SERVANT
He standeth near Adrastus, near the tombOf Niobe's unwedded daughters seven. 160
See'st thou ?
ANTIGONE
I see—not clearl}'^—yet, half-guessed.
Discern the outline of his frame and chest.
O that as wind-driven clouds swift-racing
I might speed with my feet through the air,
and light [embracing
By my brother, mine own, and with armsMight hold but his dear neck close-enfolden
—
So long an exile in dolorous })light
!
Lo, how he flasheth in armour golden.
Like the morning shafts of the sun bright-
blazing !
OLD SERVANT
Hither with joy to fill thee shall he come 170
By truce.
ANTIGONE
But yon chief, ancient, who is he.
Car-borne, who sways the reins of horses white ?
OLD SERVANT
The propliet Amphiaraus, Lady, is this.
With him are victims, Earth's blood-offeringg,
557
*0INI22AI
ANTirONH
o) \i7rapo^Q)vov dvjarep 'AeXtou
%ekavaia, ')(^pvae6KVK\ov ^€7709,0)9 drpefiata Kevrpa koI aux^pova
irdokoL'i iJbera<^ep(ov Wvvei.
180 TToO S' o? ra Setm t^S' i^v^pl^eu TroXei
KaTravev'i ;
nAiAArnro2
€Keivo<i 7rpoa^daei<; reK/jialperai
irvpywv livay re koI kutco rei'^i] jJierpMV.
ANTirONH
iu),
^efi€cn /cat At09 ^apv^pofioi /Spovrai,
Kepavvwv re ^<W9 aWaXoev, av rot
/jbeyaXayoptav virepavopa Koi[ii^eL<i'
08' earlv, al')(^fj,a\(i)Ti8a<?
09 So/3l @7;/3ata9 ^lvKt]v')]icriv
Aepvata re Bcoaecv rpiaiva,
Iloaei8avLoc<; ^A/xv/x(i)vloi<;
vSaat, BovKeiap Trepi/SaXcov, [\e7et] ;
190 /xi^TTore /xrjTroTe rdvh\ & irorvia,
'^pvaeo/36arpv'^ov o) Ai09 epvo<t
^Aprefic, 8ov\o(7vvav Tkalriv.
nAiAArnros
0) TeKvov, e'ta^a Bm/jlu kuI Kara crreyat
iv irapOevwcn fjilfive (Toi<i, eVei ttoOov
eh Tepyjnv i]\de<; mv e^prj^e^ elaiSelv.
0^X09 yap, 0)9 Tapay/ji6<i elcrifkOev ttoKiv,
X'^P^^ yvvaiKWv 7rpo<i hofiov^ rvpainnKov'^'
^tkoy^oyov he ^PV/^^ drfKeioiv e(f)V,
a/xtKpd<i T d(f>opfjid'i nv Xd^coai Twv \oyo)v,
358
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
ANTIGONE
O Child ofthe Sun-god,the Lord ofthe radiant zone,
O Moon, thou golden-rounded gleam,How calmly, how soberly ever he driveth on.
One after other goading his team !
And where is Capaneus—he who hurls at Thebes 180
Insult of threats ?
OLD SERVANT
There :—he counts up and downThe wall-stones, gauging our towers' scaling-height.
ANTIGONE
O Nemesis, O ye thunders rolling deepOf Zeus, thou flaming light of his levin.
Overweening vaunts dost thou hush into endless
sleep
!
And is this the hero by whom shall be given
Into bondage to dames of Mycenae the spear-Avon
daughters [waters
Of Thebes,—to the Trident of Lerna, the fountain-
Amymonian, at stroke of Poseidon that leapt,
—
When his net of thraldom around them is swept ?
Never, ah never, O Artemis Queen, 190
Zeus' child, with the tresses of golden sheen.
Bowed under bondage may I be seen '
OLD SERVANT
Daughter, pass in, and 'neath the roofs abide
Thy maiden bowers within ; for thy desire
Hast thou attained, even all thou fain wouldst see.
Lo, to the royal halls a woman-throngComes, now confusion through the town hath passed.
And scandal-loving still is womankind ;
For, so they find slight cause for idle talk,
359
$0INI22AI
200 TrXet'of? eTreiac^epovaLV' rjBovt] 8e Ti<i
jwai^l /xy]S€v vyi€<i aXX?;Xa<? Xeyeiv,
X0P02
Tvpiov olSfia \i7rova kfiav <Trp. aUKpoOivia Ao^ia^oivLcraa'i utto vccaov
<I^otyQ&) hoiika /xe\d6p(t)v,
Xv VTTO Setpda-L vi(})o/3o\oi<i
liapvaaov KarevdaOi],
^loviov Kara ttovtov i\a-
ra irXevaacra irepippvrayv
210 VTrep uKapTriaTWV irehloiv
St/feX/a<? Ze(j)vpov irvoal'i
linrevcramo^ iv oupaj'U)
KuWiarov KeXdhtiixa.
7roX.eo9 eKirpoKpiOela e/jid<i avT. aKaWiCTTev[xara Ao^laKaS/.L€io>v €fio\ov ydv,
KXetvMv ^AyrjvopiSdv
6/.wyei>et<i eVt Aatov
Trefx^Oela'' ivOdSe rrvpyovi.
220 i'cra S' dydXpLaai ')(^pv(jorev-
KTOL<; ^0L/3(p yevojuLav Xdrpa.ert he KaaTa\ia<; vScop
irepLjxevei pie Ko/xa^; efid'i
Sevaai nrapdeinov y^ihav
^oL^eiaLaL \arp€Lai<;.
o) 'kdixTTovaa irerpa irvpo^ fieawKSiKopvijyov creXa? vrrep ctKpojv
Ba/cp^eiojf Aiovvaov,
360
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
More they invent. Strange pleasure women take 200
To speak of sister-women nothing good.
\^Exeu}it OLD SERVANT and antigone.
E?iter CHORUS
0S7r. 1)
Afar from the tides against lyre's walls swelling,
For Loxias chosen an offering,
From the Isle of Phoenicia I came, to be thrall
Unto Phoebus, to serve in his palace-hall,
Where 'neath crags of Parnassus, with arrowy fall
Of the snow oversprent, he hath made him a dwelling.
O'er Ionian seas did it waft me, the wingOf the oar, while the West-wind's chariot spedOver the furrows unharvested 210
That from Sicily roughened ;—before him fled
Music, till all the heavens Avere telling
The glory of beauty his breathings bring.
The choice of my city's virgin-flowers, (^Ant. 1)
A gift of beauty to Loxias made.To the land of the children of Cadmus we came.To the sons of Agenor of ancient fame.
Hither brought to a people by lineage the sameWith my fathers, even to Laius' towers.
But as gold-wrought statues to stand arrayed 220
For the service of Phoebus appointed we were ;
And Castaly's fount yet waiteth us there,
That my maiden glory of shining hair
May be oversprayed by its hallowing showers,
Ere for Phoebus' s service its tresses I braid.
Hail, rock that flashest a splendour of light (Mesotic)
From the cloven tongue of thy Hame o'er the height
Of the Bacchic peak Dionysus haunteth !
361
*0INIS2AI
o'iva 0\ a Kadafieptop
230 <JTa^6f9 TOV TToXvKapTTOV
olvdvOwi Ulcra ^orpvv,
t,d6ed r dvrpa BpuKOVTO^ ov-
peiai T€ (TKOTTial deoov
vi(f>6/3o\ov T 6po<; lepov, et-
Xiaacov ddavdra'^ 6eov
X'^po'i 'y^volp.av d^ol3o<;
irapd fieao/jLipaXa yvaXa Oot-/8of Aip/fav irpoXtTTOvaa.
vvv he fiot irpo rec^ecov arp. ^240 0ovpio<; fj,o\(ov "Ap?;?
alfxa Sdiov (f)Xey€i
TttS', O p-T} TV'^Ol, TToXei'
KOivd yap ^lKwv d^yj'
KOiva 8', el.' Ti ireoaeTai
KaXkt,7rvpyo^ dSe yd^oiviaaa '^(apa. (f)ev (f)ev.
KOLvov alpa, Koivd reKea
Ta<? Kepacr<f)6pov 7re(f>v/<-ei> 'lou?*
o)v p,eTe(nl /xol ttovcov.
250 d/j,<f>l 8e tttoXlv vi<f>o<i dvT, (3'
daTTLScov irvKvov (fiXeyei
afj/xa (^oiv'iov p,d)(i]<;,
av "Aprj<; Td-y^ elaerai
iraialv Olh'nrov cfiepcov
Tryjpovdv 'Epivvrov.
"A/370? w HeXaayiKou,
362
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Hailj vine that with each morn ofFerest upThy giant cluster to brim the cup 230That never the mystic ritual wanteth !
^
Hail, cavern revered where the Dragon abode
!
Hail, watchtower scaur of the Archer-god !
Hail, snow-smitten ridges by mortal untrod !
O that the wreaths of the dance I were weaving,With soul unafraid, to the Goddess undying,
These fear-stricken waters of Dirce leaving
For Apollo's dells by the world's heart lying !
But this day before the wall (Sir. 2)
Furious Ares comes ; his hand 240
Liglits for Thebes the slaugliter-brand
—
God forfend his will befall !
P'riend with friend is one in pain
;
And Phoenicia with all baneOf the stately-towered land
Shall condole, a mourning nation.
One our lineage, one our blood;
All be horned lo's brood :
Mine is all your tribulation.
Round the town a shield-ari'ay (^Aut. 2) 250
Cloudlike flashes levin-light—
Grim presentment of red fight
!
Yet shall Ares rue the day
If the Avengers' curse he bi'ing
On the sons of that blind king.
Argos, thy Pelasgian might
^ In the temple of Dionysus on Parnassus was a vine yield-
ing one ripe cluster daily, to furnish the libation for the God.
363
$0INI22AI
Seifiaivo) tclv aav a\KavKoX TO deoOev ov yap aSiKOV
el*; dycova tov8^ evoTrXo^; op/xa
260 Trat? jxeTepy^^erai 86/.wv<;.
nOATNEIKHS
TO, fitp TTvXcopcov K\fj6pd fi elaehe^iiTO
St' ev7reT6La<; Tef)(^eu)i' e'lcro) jxoXelv.
o Koi hehoiKa p.ij /xe Siktvoij' eaco
Xa/3uPT€^ OVK eKCJipMCT^ uvai[iaKTOv XP^^-oiv e'lveK ofxfxa TravTaxfl htoicrreov
KiiKelcre koI to hevpo, firj 8o\o^ ri? y.
wttKktiJLevo<i he %e7/3a rcphe ipaayuvo)
TO. TTicrr' e/xavTO) rov dpdaovf; Trape^opai,
wi] Tt? ouTO<i ; ?) KTVTTov cf)O/Sovp.e0a ;
270 diravra yap roXfioiai Seiva (^aiverai,
orav St' e-^Opd^ irov^ dp.eij3yrai ^^Oi-'o?.
TreTTOtda fievrot /j,i]rpi, kov ireTToid' dpa,
7]ri<i fi erreiae Sevp' vTroairovhov fxoXelv.
uXK" iyyv<; oKki]' ^co/jhoi yap ea^upctt
7reXa9 irdpeiai, kovk ep'ijp^a Soipara.
(fiip^ e? aKOTeiva<i Trept/SoXd'i p.edo) ^L(f)o<;
Koi rciaS' epcopat, ri.ve<; e<peaTdaiv B6p,oi<i.
^evai yupatKe^, etirar , i/c iroia^i TrdTpa<i
'FiWy^viKolai Scop^aaiv ireXa^ere
;
X0P02
2S0 ^oivLaaa p-ev yr) irarpls i) Opeyjraad /.ce,
^Kyi]vopo<i he Traihe^ eic iraihcov hopo<;
^oi^cp pi eirep-^av evOdh^ dKpodiviov.
p,eX\.o)i/ he 7rep,Treiv pu Olhirrov K\eiv6<; yovo^
pai're'ia aepivd Ao^lov r e-n' ea^dpa^i,
ev TfwS' eirearpdrevaav ^Apyeloi ttoXlv.
364
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Diead I, and the hand of Heaven !
For the strife of him who comesMail-clad to the ancient homesWill with Justice' help be striven. 260
Enler polyneices.
POLYNEICES
Lightly^ too lightly^ have the warders' bolts
Made way for me to pass within the walls.
Wherefore I fear lest^ once within their net,
They shall not let me 'scape but with my blood.
Needs must I then turn every way mine eyeHither and thither, lest some treachery lurk.
Mine hand with this blade armed shall give to meThe assurance of a desperate courage born.
Ha ! who goee there ?—or fear I but a sound ?
All perilous seems to them that venture all, 270
Soon as their feet are set on hostile soil.
Yet do I trust my mother—and mistrust,
—
Who drew me to come hither under truce.
But help is nigli ; for lo, the altar-hearth
At hand ; nor void the palace is of folk.
Into its dark sheath let me plunge my sword.
And ask these by the palace who they be.
Ye alien women, say, from what far land
Unto the homes of Hellas are ye come ?
CHORUS
Plioenician was the land that fostered me. 280
Agenor's sons' sons sent me hitherwardTo Phoebus, firstfruits of their battle-spoil.
When Oedipus' famed son would speed me onTo Loxias' awful oracle and hearths,
Even then the Argives marched against the town.
365
4>0INI2SAI
(TV 8' dvrd/xeiylral /x, oari^ (ov €X')]XvOa'i
eTTTcicrTo/jLov TTVpycofia ©rj^aia^ TroXeto?.
nOATNEIKH2
irarrjp fiev tjfxlv Ol8i7rou<i o Aatov,
€TiKTe 8' ^loKaarrj /j,e, 7rat<; Mei/oi/cea)?'
290 KoXel he UoKweuKT] /xe @?7/Sat09 Xe(W9.
X0P02
w avyyeveia tmv ^K<yrjvopo^ reKvoiv,
ifiMV rvpdvvoyv, wv uTrearciX.rjv vtto—tyovv7reT€i<; eSpa^ TrpocrTrlTvo) a, dva^,
Tov oiKoQev vofJiov ae^ovcra—e/3a9 w ')(^p6v(p <ydv iraTpioav.
loi Id)' TTOTVta, fioXe TrpoSo/io?,
dfiiriraaov 7rv\a<;.
K\v€i<i, 0) TCKovaa rovSe /xdrep
;
ri yLteXXet? u7rd}po(f)a fieXaOpa irepdv,
300 diyeiv r wXej/ai? reKvov
;
IOKA2TH
^uivLa-<xav j3odv
kKvovct*, 0) vedvcSe'i, yi^paiov
TToS' 'gXkco, rpofiepdv ^dcxLv}
id) T€KVOV,
XPovM (TOV OfXfxa fivplai'i iv dp,epai<i
irpoaelhov dfi^i^aWe fxa-
arov dikivaiat fiaTepo^,
^ Murray : for MSS. yepaif iroSl rpofx^pav IAkcu (irai81) woSbs
366
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
But thou, make answer, who art thou that com'st
Into this fortress of seven-gated Thebes ?
POLYNEICES
Oedipus, son of Laius, was my sire ;
Menoeceus' child Jocasta gave me birth
;
And me the Theban folk Polyneices name. 290
CHORUS
O kinsmen thou of old Agenor's race.
My rulers, who forth sent me to this place !
—
Low on my knees in obeisance I fall.
After the wont of my people, O king !—Thou art come at the last, to the land of thy fathers
comest thou
!
What ho. Queen, ho ! fare forth of the hall
!
Wide let the palace-portals swing.
Mother that barest him, hear'st thou my call ?
Why dost thou linger to pass from thine high-roofed
bowers now.And around thy son with thine arms to cling ? 300
Enter jocasta.
JOCASTA
Your Tyrian accents ringing clear
Smote, O ye maidens, on mine ear, [near.
And lo, my tottering feet, for eld slow-trailed, draw
Catches sight fj/" polyneices.
O my son, I beholdThy face at the last,
After days untold,
O my son !—now cast
Thine arms round thy mother^ and bosom to bosomenfold me fast.
367
4>0INI22AI
TraptjlScov t' opey/xa /5o-
arpu^cou re Kvav6)(p(0Ta %at-
Ta? 7r\oKa/xov, aKid^oov hepav a/juuv,
310 Id) CO), yLtoA,i9 (f)avel<;
deXTTTa KaSoKrjTa fiarpcx; d)Xevat<i.
TL (fico are ; 7rw9 airavja
Kol Xepcrt KoX \6<yoLcn
iroXveXiKTov ahovav
eKelae kol to Beupo
'irepL')(opevovaa repy^tv iraXatav Xd^a>
'^apfiovdv ; Id) t€K09,
epy]fJbov irarpMov e\(7re? S6/xov
<f>vyd<i aTToaraXei'; o/jualfjiov Xw^a,
320 y 7rodeti>b<; 0tX.ot9,
rj TToOeLvo'i &)]^ai,'i.
66ev ifidv re XevKo'x^poa Keipofxai
haKpvoeaa^ dvelaa irevOei Koixav,
a7re7rA.09 (papicov Xev/coov, tckvov,
Bua6p(f)vata 8' d/x^l rpv^n rdSe
(tkotC dixei^ojxai.
6 8' iv 86/Jboicn Trp^(T/3v<; 6fXfiaToaT€p7]<;
d'7r)]va^ v/xoTrrepov Ta9 o-tto-
^vyeiawi So/xcov
330 TToOov djjLt^ihdKpvTOv del /caT€)((OV
368
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Stoop to me, stoop.
Dear face, from above !
Let the dark head droopThe tresses thereof.
Overshadowing my neck with its clustering curls,
with the banner of love.
Hopes, dreams, they were past 310
As a tale that is told;
Yet thou comest at last
For mine arms to enfold !
What shall I say to thee ?—how shall I grasp it, the
rapture of old ?
By assurance of word^
Or by hands that embrace,
Or by feet that are stirred.
Or by body that sways,
Hitherward, thitherward, tossed as the dance inter-
twineth its maze ?
Ah son, thy father's desolate home forsaking,
Wast thou by thine own brother's tyrannous wrongExiled !—for thee thy lovers' hearts were aching, 320
Thebes' heart for thee ached long.
Therefore my white hair have I shorn for mourning,With weeping let it fall for thee, my son :
Of white robes disarrayed, for all adorning
These night-hued rags I don;
While in our halls the sightless ancient, ever
Yearning and weeping o'er that noble twain
Whom from home's yoke of love did hatred sever.
Rushed, eager to be slain 330
369voi^ in. B B
*0INa2AI
avfj^e fikv ^i(f)ov^
eir auTox^ipa re a(f)a'ydv,
inrep Tcpafivd r dy^ova^i,
(TTevd^cov dpa<; T€Kvoi<i'
<TVv d\a\al<TL S' alev alajfiaTmuCTKOTta KpvTTTerai.
(re S\ Si T€Kvov, Kal ydfioiai Bt]
k\v(o ^vyevra iraLhoiroiov dSovav^evoiaiv ev B6fioi<i e%efi'
340 ^evov re «7}So9 afK^eireiv,
akaara fiarpl raSe Aa-t(p re rtv TraXaiyevel,
yd/jicov eiruKrov drav.
iyo) 5' 0VT6 (Toi 7rvp6<; dvtjyjra <f>(o<i
vo/jLifiov ev ydfj,oi<i
[(09 TrpeVet] /xarepi fxaKapla'
dvvfievata 8' ^lafiy]v6<; eKi)bev6ii
\ovrpo(f)opov ^\i8d<;' dvd Se Hi^jBaiav
TToXiv eatydOr) adt eaoSoi, vvp,<f)a^,
360 oXotro rd8\ etre alhapo^etr epii; etre irarrjp 6 ao^ atrio<;,
eire ro Bai/jioviov KareKUifiaae
Scofiaa-iv OlSiiroBa-
7rpo9 i/iie yap kukmv ep,oXe rail's' a%^.
X0P02
heivov yvvai^lv a'l hi" whlvwv yovai,
Kal <f)iXor€Kvov 7r(U9 irdv yvvaiKelov yevo^.
370
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
By his own handj with sword, with noose down-trailing
From rafters dim,—now groaning o'er the doomHis malison brought on you, and ever wailing
With anguish, hides in gloom.
But thou, my son, men say, hast made affiance
With strangers : children gotten in thine halls
Gladden thee, yea, thou soughtest strange alliance ! 340
Son, on thy mother falls
Thine alien bridal curse to haunt her ever.
Thee shall a voice from Laius' grave accuse.
The spousal torch for thee I kindled never.
As happy mothers use;
Nor for thy bridal did Ismenus bring thee
Joy of the bath ; nor at the entering-in
Of this thy bride did Theban maidens sing thee.
A curse be on that sin.
Whether from spell of steel born,^ from thy father, 350
Or lust of strife, or whether revel rose
Of demons in yon halls !—on mine head gather
All tortures of these woes.
CHORUS
Mighty with women is their travail's fruit
;
Yea, dear the child is to all womankind.
* '* The spell of the steel itself draws men on to fight."
—
Od. xix. 13.
371BB 2
$0INI22AI
nOATNEIKHS
fir/Tep, (f>povo)v ev kov cfypovcov dipiKo/ULijv
i^Opov^ 69 av8pa<i' aXX" avayKaL(o<; e)(eL
'TrarpiSo^ ipdv airavra';' 09 5' aXkQ)<; \eyet,
360 Xoyoiai ^atpet, rov Se vovv eKela e)(ei.
01/76) Se Tap^ov; €19 c})6^ov r d(f)LK6n'>]v,
ixrj Ti<; 8o/\,09 p-e 7rpo9 Ka(rtyvi]Tov Krdvr],
(oaTe ^i(}>'>']p'>] X^'^P' ^X^^ ^^' dcrT€co<i
kvkXojv irpocrcoTrov rfkOov. ev 8e fi 0D(j)€\e2,
airovhal re Kai crrj iricrTi^, i] /i' ecnjyaye
Te^xV TraTpwa' TroXvSaKpv; S' d(f)LK6p,^]v,
"X^povio^ IBcov fieXadpa koi /3&)/u.ou9 dewvyvfivdaid 6^ olcnv ev€Tpd(f)')]v, AipKi]<; 6^ vScop
0)v ov SiKaico^ dTreXadel^ ^evrjv ttoKlv
370 vaico, Si' oaacov o/xfi e^eof SaKpvppoovv.
aXV €« yap dXyov; d\yo<; av ae Sep/co/naL
^Kapa ^vpr}Ke<i Kal TriTrXov; jxeKayx^ip-ovi]
e)(ovaav, oXpuoL rwv ifX(bv iyco kukcov.
0)9 Beivbv e-)(6pa, fii^rep, oiKeioov <^iKo3V
Kal 8va\vTov<; 6)(^oucra Ta9 SiaWayd'?.
ri yap TTUTijp p,oi vrpea/Sv^; ev Sofiocai, Spa,
(TKOJov SeSopKco'i ; ti 8e /caaiyvijrai Svo
;
rj TTOV (TTevovai T'\.i]fiova^ (pvyd^ €fid<;
;
IOKA2TH
KaKOi<i Oeoiv rif OISlttov (j)$etpei yivo'i'
380 ovTco yap ijp^ar, dvop,a fxcv reKecv e/uii,
KaK(o<i Se yijfxai Trarepa aov (f)vvai re a^.
drdp Ti ravra ; Set cfyepeiv rd rwv Oecov.
OTTCO^: S' epcofiat,, fi/j rt (tjjv BaKco (fypeva,
SeSot^', a ^(^prj^co- 8id irodov 5' eX'qKvda.
37a
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
POLYNEICES
Wisely, and yet not wisely, have I come.
Mother, mid foes : yet all men are constrained
To love their fatherland ; who saith not so,
Sporteth with words, his heart is otherwhere. 360
In such misgiving came I, in such dread
Lest treachery slay me, of my brother framed.
That through the city sword in hand I passed.
Aye keenly glancing round. One stay I had :—
-
The truce and thy fair faith drew me within
These walls ancestral. Full of tears I came,
So late to see home, altars of the Gods,
The athlete-stead that trained me, Dirce's spring.
Whence banished wrongfully, in a strange town
I dwell, mine eyes a fountain ever of tears. 370
Thee too, for sorrow's crown of sorrow, I see
With shaven head, and in dark mourning robes
Clad—woe is me for my calamities !
Mother, how dire is strife betwixt near kin.
How hopeless reconciliation is !
What doth mine ancient father in his halls.
Whose light is darkness ? And my sisters twain—
•
Do these bemoan mine exile's misery ?
JOCASTA
Foully doth some God ruin Oedipus' line.
Thus it began—I bare forfended issue ; 380
Wed under curse thy sire,—and thou wast born !
Yet wherefore this ? The Gods' will must we bear.
But how to ask the thing I would I fear.
Lest I should gall thy soul, yet long for this.
373
*0INI22A1
nOATNEIKHSaW' i^ep(OTa, /xriBep eVSee? Xt7r»79*
a yap crv ^ovXec, ravT ifioi, fifJTep, (jiCXa.
I0KA2THKat 8/; o"' epwTO) irpcoTov &v y^pr/^co rv)(^elv,
Tt TO crrepeadai iraTpihoq ; rj kukov p.e<ya
;
nOATNEIKHS/bLeyicTTOv €py(p 8' ia-rl fxel^ov rj Xoyo).
IOKA2TH
390 Tt9 6 rpoTTO^ avTov ; ri <f)vydcrcv to 8vcr^6p€<i
;
nOATNEIKHSev fxev fieyiCTTOv, ovk e%et Trapprjaiav.
I0KA2TH
SoyXof Toh^ el7ra<;, p,rj Xiyeiv a Tt? (f)pov€i.
nOATNEIKH5Ta9 Tft)^^ KpuTovpTcov dp,adLa<; (fyipeiv '^(pecov,
I0KA2THKal TOVTo XvTrpov, avvacroc^elv Tot9 pii] ao(f>o2'i.
nOATNEIKHSaW' ei? TO Kep8o<i Trapa <j)vaLv BovXeuTeoi'.
IOKA2THai S' eXTTtSe? ^oaKovac (f)vyd8a<i, co? X0709.
nOATNEIKH2AfaXot9 ^XeiTOvaav 7' 6p./xaaiv, [xeWovcn he,
I0KA2THoyS' 6 '^p6vo<; avTa<; Bieadipi^a^ ovaa<; Kevu<;
;
nOATNEIKH2€)(ov(riv d(f>po8iTrjv tip* rjSeiav KaKOiv.
IOKA2TH
400 TTodep S' ifioaKov irplp ydfioif; evpeiv /3iop
;
374
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
POLYNEICES
Nay, ask ; leave no desire unsatisfied
;
For^ mother, that thou wouldst is dear to nie.
JOCASTA
First, then, I ask thee that I fain would learn.
What meaneth exile ? Is it a sore ill ?
POLYNEICES
The sorest. In deed sorer than in word.
JOCASTA
In what wise ? Where for exiles lies its sting ? 390
POLYNEICES
This most of all—^a curb is on the tongue.
JOCASTA
That is the slave's lot, not to speak one's thought
!
POLYNEICES
The unwisdom of his rulers must one bear
JOCASTA
Hard this, that one partake in folly of fools !
POLYNEICES
Yokes nature loathes must be for profit borne.
JOCASTA
Yet hopes be exiles' meat, so runs the saw.
POLYNEICES
Hopes look with kind eyes, yet they long delay.
JOCASTA
But doth not time lay bare their emptiness ?
POLYNEICES
Ah, but sweet witchery mid ills have they !
JOCASTA
Whence wast thou fed, ere marriage brought thee
substance ? 400
375
<I)0INI22AI
nOATNEIKH2TTore ^ev iir rj^iap el'xpv, elr ovk el')(pv avi [
I0KA2TH
<f)i\oi. Be 7raTpo9 Kal ^evoi a ovk wipeXovv
;
nOAYNEIKH5eS wpacrae' ra (ptkcov 8' ovBev, r/i/ ri 8vaTv^'rj<i.
IOKA5TH
ovS* rjiiyiveid a ypev et9 v'\fro<i fjieya ;
nOATNEIKHS''' KUKov TO jxy-j e'X^ecv to <y€VO<; ovk e^oaKe fie.
IOKA2THrj iraTpi^, to? eoiKe, (piXrarov ^poToh.
nOATNEIKH2
ou8' ovofidaai hvvaC av co<? iarlv (fiiXov.
I0KA2TH
TTco? S' ^\6e<i "Ap709 ; Tti'' eirivoiav ecr')(e9e<i ;
nOATNEIKHSou« otS'* Baifxcov fx eKaXeaev irpo'i rijv tv')(7}v.
10KA2TH
ao<f>o<; yap 6 6e6<i' rivi Tpoiro) S' ec^^e? X,e;;^09 ;
nOATNEIKH2
expv^^ 'ASyoacTTW Ao^ta9 XRV^H-^^ Tiva.
IOKA2TH
410 TTOLov ; Tt toOt' e\e^a<i ; ovk e^M fiadetp.
nOATNEIKH2KCLTrpw XiovTL 6^ ap\xo<jai TraiSfOV <ydpLOV<i.
IOKA2TH
Koi ao\ Tt dr}pSiv ovo/jluto^ fjierfjv, reKvov ;
nOATNEIKH2vi)^ Tjv, ^ABpdaTOv 8' rjXdop et9 Trayoao-TaSa?.
376
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
POLYNEICES
Whiles had I daily bread, and whiles had not.
JOCASTA
Helped they not thee, thy father's friends andguests ?
POLYNEICES
Prosper :—friends vanish if thou prosper not.
JOCASTA
Did high birth bring thee not to high estate ?
POLYNEICES
A curse is penury. Birth fed me not.
JOCASTA
Most deal", meseems, to men is fatherland.
POLYNEICES
How dear, thou couldst not even utter it.
JOCASTA
To Argos how cam'st thou ? With what intent ?
POLYNEICES
I know not. Heaven to my fate summoned me.
JOCASTA
Wise is the God. How didst thou win thy bride ?
POLYNEICES
To Adrastus Loxias spake an oracle.
JOCASTA
What was it ? How mean'st thou ? I cannot guess. 410
POLYNEICES" Thy daughters wed to a lion and a boar."
JOCASTA
Son, with a brute's name what hadst thou to do ?
POLYNEICES
'Twas night ; to Adi'astus' palace-porch I came.
377
*0INI22A1
IOKA2TH
nOATNEIKHS^v ravTa' Kara y rfkdev a\Xo9 av ^vya<i,
IOKA2TH
Tt9 ovTO<i ; a)? ap' dd\io<i KaKelvo<i tjv.
nOATNEIKHSTySeu?, ov Otve&)9 <^a<nv iK(f)vvai, Trar/jo?.
I0KA2TH420 Tt d'qpalv vfid<i Bfjr "A8paaT0<i iJKaaev ;
nOATNEIKHSa-TpayfjLvrj'i e? oXktjp ovveK ij'Kdofiev irepi.
IOKA2TH
evTavda TaXaov 7raL<i avvtjKe 6€a<}>ara ;
nOATNEIKHSKa8(0K€V rjfiiv Buo hvolv V€dvi8a<i.
IOKA2TH
ap" euTu^et9 ovv toZ? ydp.oi'i y SfcrTU^^et? ;
nOATNEIKH2ou p.€fj,7rrb<; rj/xlv 6 <ydfio<; ei? toS' yp.epa'i.
IOKA2TH
77(09 8' e^e7ret<Ta9 8evp6 aoi airea-dai arparov
;
nOATNEIKH2hiaaol^ ''ABpaaTO<i wjioaev yafi^poi^; roSe,
[TvBei 76 Kap^or crvyya/xo<i yap ear ep6<;,]
dfi(f)U) Kurd^eiv ei^ irdrpav, irpocrdev S' ip,e.
430 TroWol he Aavacov /cal ^IvKijvaLwv aKpoi
Trdpetcri, \v7rpav '^dpiv, dvayKaiav S' e/ioi
Bt,Z6vre<i' eVt 70/3 ttjv ipijv arparevopai
TToXiv. 6€0V<; S" iiTiopLoa 0)9 dKOvaia)<i
Tol<i (piXTdroif; TOKeiicrtv r/pdpLyjv Bopv.
a)OC 649 o"e r€LV€c T&vBe StaXixrt? xaKOiv,
378
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
JOCASTA
Seeking a couch, as homeless exiles roam ?
POLYNEICES
Even that. Another exile thither came.
JOCASTA
Who ? In what hapless plight was he withal
!
POLYNEICES
Tydeus, who sprang, men say, of Oeneus' loins.
JOCASTA
Why to Adrastus seemed ye as wild beasts ? 420
POLYNEICES
For that we fell to fighting for our couch.
JOCASTA
Then Talaus' son read right the oracle ?
POLYNEICES
Yea—to us twain gave his young daughters twain.
JOCASTA
Blest or unblest, then, art thou in thy bride ?
POLYNEICES
Unto this day I find no fault in her.
JOCASTA
How didst thou win yon host to follow thee ?
POLYNEICES
To his two daughters' husbands swore Adrastus_,
Tydeus and me,—my marriage-kinsman he,
—
To bring both home from exile, me the first.
Danaan and Mycenean chiefs be here 430
Many—a needful, yet a mournful grace
To me, for I against my country march.
And, by the Gods I swear, unwillingly
I lift the spear against my father's house.
But with thee rests the assuaging of these ills,
379
*0INIS5AI
firjjep, SiaXkd^aaav 6fjioyev€l<i <j>iXov<i
Travaat irovfuv yu,e Kol ere koL iraaav ttoXiv.
irdXai fiev ovv v/xvrjdev, aXX ofiwi epo)'
rd 'X^py'iiMiT dvdpcoTTOiai Ti/jLicorara
440 8vva/jiiv re TrXeLarijv rSiv ev dv6p(i)7roi<i e%ef.
dyoo ixeOrjKOi hevpo fivpcav dycov
\6'y'^i]v' irevri'; <ydp ouSev €vy6vrj(; dvtjp.
X0P02Koi fir}V 'Ereo/cX^? et? Si,aXKa'yd(} oSe
^(opel' aov epyov, /^^jrep 'lo/cacrTT/, \eyeiv
TOLOVdhe fivdov<i 0(9 8iaXkd^et<i reKva.
ETE0Ki\H2
/xrjrep, Trdpei/xf TfjvSe crol %a/3fi' SiSov'i
rfkdov. Tt 'X^pii hpdv ; dpx^Tco Se Tt9 \6yov,
0)9 dfM(f)l TelvT] Kol ^vvwpiha'i Xo^cov
rdcracov eirea-'xpv iroXiv, ottco^ kXvoi/jLi, aov450 KOivd<; j3pa^eLa<i, al<i vTroairovhov fioXelv
TOPS' elaeSe^co rei^^^^ Treiaaad fie.
I0KA2TH
iiriaX'S'^' ovroi to ra^y rrjp BIktjv e;^ef
/SpaSet9 Se /j,v6oi irXelcnov dvvovaiv ao(f)6v.
a')(^daov he heivov 6/u,fia koI dv/xov 7rvod<i'
ov yap TO XaifioTfiijTov elaopa<i KapaTopy6i>o<i, dSeXcfjov S' eicropa^i i]KOVTa crov.
crv T av trpoawTTOv 7rpo<; KacriyvrjTOv arpecpe,
JloXvveiKe<;' et9 ydp tuvtov ofifutai ^Xerrcov
Xe^ef9 t' djieivov TOvSe t evSe^ei X6yov<i.
460 Trapaivecrai Be ac^wv tl ^ouXofiat aocj^ov'
orav (}>CXo<; ti<; dvBpl dv/jLoyOel^; 0tXw619 ev crvveXdwv o/Li/iar' o/x/xaacv BiSai,
€</)' olcriv rjKei, Taura xph p-ovov aKoirelv,
KUKCov 8^ T(fiv Trpiv p,r]8ev6<i fiveiav e^ecv.
380
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Mother, to set at one those one in blood,
And end mine, thine, and ail the city's toils.
Old is the saw,—yet will I utter it :
—
Wealth in men's eyes is honoured most of all,
And of all things on earth hath chiefest power. 440
Captaining countless spears for this I come
;
For the high-bom in poverty is naught.
CHORUS
Lo, unto parley Eteocles comes.
Mother Jocasta, thine the task to speak
Words whereby thou shalt set thy sons at one.
Enter eteocles.
ETEOCLES
Here am I, mother—all for grace to thee
I come. What needs to do ? Be speech begun.
For I have stayed from marshalling round the walls
The close-linked cordon of defence, to hear
Thy mediation for the which thou hast wrought 450
On me to admit this man within our walls.
JOCASTA
Forbear : haste brings not justice in its train :
But slow speech winneth oftenest wisdom's end.
Refrain fierce look and passion's storaiy breath
:
The Gorgon's severed head thou seest not
;
Thou seest thine own bi-other hither come.
And thou, unto tliy brother turn thy face,
Polyneices ; for, if thou but meet his eye.
Thou shalt the better speak, and hear his words.
Fain would I wisely counsel thee, and thee. 460
When he whose wrath is hot against his friend
Cometh to meet him, standeth eye to eye.
Let him look only at that for which he came.
And cherish no remembrance of old wrongs.
381
^OINISSAI
X670? /ji€v ovv <ro9 irpoaOe, TVokvveiKe^ tckvov
(TV 'yap (TTpdrevfia AavaiScov 'i]Kei'i dycov,
ahiKa TreTTOv6(!)<;, &)? cru <^j;<?' Kpnt)^ 8e T4?
6eci)v yevoLTO Kol SiaWaKTr]<; kuicwv.
nOATNEIKHS
aTrXoO? fj,v0o<i t?)? oXijdeLWi e(f)V,
470 Kou TToiKiXcov Set Tavhi-)^ epfifiveufiaTfov.
ex^L yap avra Kaipov 6 8' dSiKO^ X670?
voawv ev avrw (fyap/xaKWV Beirai cro<j)0}v.
iyob Be 7raT/)09 Bco/mdrMV '7rpovaKe'\lrd/j,rjv
TOVfxov re koI tov8\ eK^vyelv ')(pri^(ov dpd<i
a? OtStTTOf? i<j)6ey^aT et? ?;yLia? Trore,
e^rfkdov e^co t^ctS' e/cwz/ avro^ ')(dov6<;,
Bov<i TwS' rimcrcreit' TrarpiSo'; iviavTOv kvkXov,
oi<TT auT09 dp')(eiv av6i<; dva /xepo<i Xa/Soov
Kol fxrj hC G'x6pa<; rwSe Kal (f)ovov fioXcov
480 KaKov ri Bpdaai Kal iraOelv, a yiyverai.
6 8' alveaa'^ ravO^ opKiOvs re Sou? 6€ov<;,
eBpacrev ovhev cov VTrea^^T, aXX' e^et
TupavvlS' avTO<i Kal hofimv ifiov jnepo^.
Kal vvv €roip6<; elfii rd/navrov \a/3cov
(TTparov ixev e^w TfjaS^ dTroareiXai ;^^oi/o?,
oucelv Be top e/xov oIkov dva p,ipo<i Xa^cov
Kal T«S' dcfyeci'ai top Xaov avdi<i av 'xpovop,
Kal ixrjre iropOelv iraTpiBa p^tjre Trpoai^epeiv
irvpyoLai ttiiktwv K\i[xdKwv Trpocra/x^daei^;,
490 a fir} Kvp7](Ta^ t>}? Bi,Kr]<; Treipdaofxai
Bpav, ixdpTvpa<i Be TwvBe Baifiova^ KoXta,
CO? irdpra Trpdaacov avv Blki], St/c>;? drep
dvoaTepovpat irarplBoq dvoaiuiTara.
ravr aud' eKaara, pr^jep, ov)(l irepiirXoKa^
382
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Son Polyneices, be the first word thine,
For thou hast brought yon host of Danaus' sons,
Wronged, as thou pleadest. Now be some God judgeHereof, and reconciler of these ills.
POLYNEICES
Plain and unvarnished is the tale of truth,
And justice needs no subtle sophistries : 470
Itself hath fitness ; but the unrighteous plea.
Having no soundness, needeth cunning salves.
I had regard unto my father's house,
My weal, and this man's : fain to 'scape the curse
Uttered of Oedipus against us once,
Of mine own will I went from this realm forth.
Left him for one year's round to rule our land.
Myself in turn to take the sovereignty,
And not in hate and bloodshed clash with him.And do and suffer ill—as now befalls. 480
And he consented, in the Gods' sight swore,
Yet no whit keepeth troth, but holdeth still
The kingship and mine half the heritage.
Now ready am I, so I receive mine own.Forth from this land to send my war-array,
To take mine house, in tin'n therein to dwell,
And for like space to yield it him again,
And not to waste my fatherland, nor bring
Assault of scaling-ladders to her towers.
Which, save I win my right, Avill I essay 490
To do. I call the Gods to witness this
—
That, wholly dealing justly, robbed am I
Of fatherland, unjustly, impiously.
These things have I said, mother, point by point,
383
<I>0INI5SAI
Xoywv adpoKTWi eiirov, aXXa Kol (70(f)0L<i
X0P02
i/Mol fiev, el koX fir] kuO^ 'EWjjvcov ')(66va
re6pdfiixe9\ aXhJ ovv ^vverd fioi 8oKei<i Xeyeiv.
ETE0KAH2
€t irdai ravTO kuXov e(j)v ao(f)6v 6^ d/j,a,
500 ovK rjv av d/x(})i\€KTO<; dv9pco7roi<; epi'i'
vvv 8' ov6^ ofiOiov ovSev ovr^ icrov 0poTol<i,
TrXrjV ovo/xacnv, to ^' epyov ovk ecrriv roSe.
eyci) yap ovhev, /x^re/j, d7roKpvy{ra<; epoi'
dcnpayv av eXOoifi if)dov 7rpb<; dvTo\a<i
Kol yfj'i evepde 8vvar6<i cov Spda-ai rdBe,
Tifv decov pLeyi(TTt]v wcrr' e^eiv Tvpavvlha.Tovr ovv TO ')(^pr]aT6v, firjTep, ov^^l ^ovXo/xaidWw irapelvai fxdWov rj aw^eiv ifxoi'
dvavhpia ydp, to irXeov 6aTi<i d7ro\icra<i
510 TOvXaaaov eXa^e. 7rpo<; herolah^ alcr')(yvoixai,
ekdovra crvv OTrXoi? rovSe kuI iropOovvra yrjv
Tvx^iv a XPV^^'-' '^'^^ J^P «^ ®ri^ai<i ToSe
yevoiT 6v€iSo<;, el ^lvK7]vaLov 8op6<i
^o/S&) Trapeirjv aK7]7rrpa rdfid twS' e')(^eiv.
XPW ^' CLVTOV ou^ OTrXoicri Ta? SiaXXayd^,pLi-jrep, TTOielaOaf irdv ydp e^aipel X6yo<;
Kal crlh')]po<i TroXefxiwv Spdcreiev dv.
dXX" el fiev aXXco^ ripSe yf]v oiKelv OeXet,
e^ecTT' CKeivo S' oy^ eKMv /leOijaofiai,
620 dp')(eiv irapov fioi, rwSe hovXevaai Trore.
7rp6<i TavT^ era) fxev irvp, 'Itw he ^dcryava,
^evyvvaOe S' tTTTrou?, TreSla irifiirXad^ dpfxdrtov,
0)9 ov 7rapi]<T0i twS' e'/Li?;!/ jvpavviha.
384
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Not wrapped in webs of words, but, in the eyes
Of wise or simple, naked right, meseems.
CHORUS
To me—albeit Hellas nursed me not.
Yet to me soundly seemest thou to plead.
ETEOCLES
Were wisdom gauged alike of all, and honour.
No strife of warring words were known to men. 500
But " fairness," " equal rights "—men know them not.
They name their names : no being they have as things.
Now, mother, nothing feigning will I speak :
—
I would mount to the risings of the stars
Or sun, would plunge 'neath earth, if this I could.
So to win Power, diviner than all gods.
This precious thing, my mother, will I not
Yield to another, when myself might keep.
No man's part this, to let the better slip
And grasp the worse ! Nay more—I think foul shame 510
Tliat he should come with arms, lay waste the land.
And win his heart's desire. This were reproach
To Thebes, if I, by spears of Argos cowed.
Should yield my sceptre uji for him to hold.
With arms should he not come in quest of peace,
Mother ; for parley can accomplish all
That even steel of foes can bring to pass.
If he on other terms will dwell in Thebes,
That may he. This consent I not to yield.
1, wiio may rule, shall I be thrall to him ? 520
Wherefore let fire and sword have free course now !
Yoke ye the steeds, with chariots fill the plains :
—
I will not render him my sovereignty.
385VOL. HI, ^C
<|)OINI22AI
eiTTep yap aBiKecv XP^'h TvpavviBo<j irepi
KaX\L(TTOV aSiKeiv, raXXa S' evcre^elv ^peci)i'.
X0P02OVK ev Xeyeiv ^ph P-V
'''"^ "^ot? epyoi,<i KaXoL^^,
ou lyap Kokov tout', aWa rfj Blkt) iriKpov.
IOKA2THfo) TeKVOv, ov^ cnravra rCo "pipa KaKu,
'ETeo/cXee?, irpoaeariv aklC rjfiTreipia
530 e';^ei Ti Xi^ai twv vewv aocficoTepov.
Ti T^9 KaKL(jrr}<i Saifxovcov ecpLeaai
^i\oTifjLia<i, irai ; fit] av 7'* aSiKO<i y de6<;'
TToXXoiJ? S' e? o"kov<; koI TroXei? evSaifiovai;
€L(T)]\Oe Kci^fjXd^ eV oXWpcp tSjv xP^^P'^vwv•
e^' 7; av pLULveL. Kelvo kuWiov, reKVov,
^laoTijra Tip,dv, 7) (piXovi; ael (pi\oi<;
TToXei? re TroXecrt avpp.dxov<i re avp,p,dxoi.^
(Tvvhel' TO yap 'Icrov vop,ipov dvOpcoTTOt^; e(})V,
T(p irXeovi S' del iroXep-iov KaOlararaL640 ToiiXaaaov i^Ppd^; 6^ rjfiepa^ Karapx^rai.
Kal yap perp' dvOpooiroiat kuI p-epij araOp^cop
'Io"OT?;9 era^e Kdpi6p,ov Sicoptcre,
vvicTO'i T d^eyye<i /3Xe(papov ipdov re (f)a)^
laov /SaBi^ei top eviavaLov kvkXov,
KovBerepov avroiv (pOovov e)(et viKoopevov.
eW i']Xio<; p,€v vv^ re BovXevei /Bporoi'i,
av S' OVK dve^et hwpdrcov exoiv lctov
Kal TcGS' drrovep-eiv ; Kara rrov ^ariv r] hiKT)
;
ri ry-jv rvpavvih', dhiKiav evSai-p-ova,'''
550 rip,a<; V7r-ep(f)ev, Kal p,ey^ tjyojaac roSe ;
7repi/3Xe7rea6ai ripiov ; Kevov p-ev ovv.
rj TToXXd pLoyOe'Lv iroXX' e^j^v evhalp-ova
^ovXei ; ri S' ccrri ro rrXeov ; ovopJ e^^et povov
386
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
If wrong may e'er be right, for a throne's sakeWere wrong most right :—be God in all else feared
!
CHORUSBefits not fair speech glozing deeds unfair
:
Not fair it is, but an offence to justice.
JOCASTA
My son Eteocles, evil unalloyed
Cleaves not to old age : nay, ex})erience
Can plead more wisely than the lips of youth. 530
Why at Ambition, worst of deities,
Son, graspest thou ? Do not : she is Queen of
Wrong.Homes many and happy cities enters she.
Nor leaves till ruined are her votaries.
Thou art mad for her !—better to honour, son,
Equality, which knitteth friends to friends,
Cities to cities, allies unto allies.
Nature gave men the law of equal rights.
And the less, ever marshalled foe against
The greater, ushers in the dawn of hate. 540
Measures for men Equality ordained.
Meting of weights and number she assigned.
The sightless face of night, and the sun's beamEqually pace along their yearly round,
Nor either envieth that it must give place.
Sun, then, and night are servants unto men :
Shalt thou not brook to halve your heritage
And share with him? . . . Ah, where is justice then?Wliy overmuch dost thou prize Sovranty
—
Injustice throned !—and count it some great thing ? 550
Is worship precious ? Nay, 'tis vanity.
Wouldst have, with great wealth in thine halls, great
travail ?
What is thy profit ?—profit but in name;
387cc 2
$OiNl22AI
CTrel TO, y apKovvd' iKava Tol<i ye (rdo^pocnv.
ovroL ra '^pi'^fiar^ thia KeKTtjvraL ^poroi,
ra Tb)V Oecov 8' e')(^ovTe<i iTrifieXovfieOa'
orav Se )(^p7]^(oa\ avr dcfjaipovvTai ttoXlv.
[o S' o\0o<; ov /3€/3aio<i, aXA.' ecf)^fX€po<i.^
ay\ i]v cr epcofiac 8vo Xoyw irpodela a/na,
560 TTorepa rvpavvelv rj ttoXlv crcoaai Oe\€i,<i,
e'^fctf rvpavvelv ; rjv 8e viKijarj a^ 68e
Wpyeld T €y)(^i hopv ro iiaS/jLei.(ov eXr],
oyp^ei hapLaaOev acrrv ®T]/3aiov ToSe,
o-yjrec Be TroWd^ ai^poKoiTiha^ Kopw^
^ia 7rpo9 dvhpoiv iroXepicov iropdovpeva^,
ohvviipo^ dp' 6 7r\ovTO<;, ov ^rjTel<i ^)(eiv,
yevi'^aerat, (i^)]f3atai, (piXoTcpo^ Be av.
aol pev TttS' avBco. aol 8e no\vveLKe<i XeywdpaOel^ "ASpaaro'; ^^tipixa? etV cr' dvi'jyjraTO,
570 davveTa h' TjXde^ xal av iropdrjawv ttoXiv.
cf)ep\ i-jv eXyf yrjv ti]v8', o p,rj Tvyoi irork,
Tvpos decov, rpoiraia ttw? dvacni](TeL<i Ail
;
7rw9 h' av Kardp^ei dvpdrwv, eXoov wdrpav,
Kol (TKvXa ypd-\lrei<; ttw? eV ^Ivd^ov poal<i ;
©7^/3a9 TTvpcoaa^ rdaSe UoXvveiKrj<; deo2<;
daTTiSaf; ed'>]Ke ; p,>']7roT\ co reKVOv, KXeo<;
ToiovBe aoL yevoiO^ v(p' ' EiXX7']V(i)v Xa/3eLv.
rjv S' av KpaTr]dfj<; kuI rd tovB^ inrepBpdpr),
TTfti? "A/3709 i]^£i<i p^vplovs XiTTcbv vcKpov^ ;
5S0 epel Be Brj Ti<i' o) KaKd pvi-jarevpLara
'WBpaare irpoadel^, Bid pid<; vvp(f>t]<; ydp,ov
dTTuiXopearda. Bvo KaKO) aTrevBeif, reKvov,
Keivcov arepeadai, riovBe t ev peacp nreaelv.
puedeTov TO Xlav, pbederov dpaOtai Bvolv,
et9 Tav6^ orav p,6Xi]Tov, e-^diarov Kaxov.
388
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Seeing enough siifficeth for the wise.
Mortals hold their possessions not in fee :
We are but stewards of the gifts of God :
Whene'er he will, he claims his own again.
And wealth abides not, 'tis but for a day.
Come, if I set two things before thee, and ask," Wouldst thou be lord or saviour of thy Thebes ?
" 560
Wilt thou say, " Lord ?" But if this man prevail.
And Argos' spears bear down Cadmean might,Then conquered shalt thou see this city of Thebes,And many captive maidens shalt thou see
Dishonoured with foul outrage by the foe.
Yea, all this wealth thou covetest shall becomeThebes' curse, and thou shalt be ambition's fool.
This to thee ; and to thee, Polyneices, this :
—
A foolish grace Adrastus did to thee;
Madly thou too hast marched to ravage Thebes. 570
Come, if thou smite this land,—which God forbid,
—
'Fore heaven, how wilt thou set Zeus' trophies up ?
How sacrifice for fatherland o'ercome ?
And how at Inachus' streams inscribe the spoils ?
—
" Polyneices hath buimt Thebes, and to the Gods
Offers these shields"—thus ? Never, son, be it thine
To win from lips of Hellenes such renown !
But, he triumphant, vanquished thou, to ArgosHow canst thou come, here leaving mjTiads dead ?
And one shall say, " O cursed betrothal made 580
By thee, Adrastus ! For one bridal's sake
We are ruined ! " Evils tAvain thou draw'st onthee,
—
There, to lose all, here, fail mid thine emprise.
Forbear, forbear your vehemence ! When meetTwo headstrong fools, the issue is foulest ill.
389
*0INI52AI
X0P02
0) 6eoi, yevoca-de to)v8' cnroTpoiroi, KaKWVKoX ^vfx^aaLV riv OlSittov reKvoi<; hore.
ETEOKAH2
firJTcp, ov \6yo)v ed^ dycov, aXX" avifKwTai y^povof;
ovv iik.<7(f) /j,(iT'>]v, Trepaivei B' ov8ev 77 irpoOvfiia'
590 ov yap av ^vfi/Salfiev dWo)<i t) Vt TOt<? elprj-
fjLevoi<;,
biCTT €fi€ aKr]7rTp<ov Kparovvra rrjah^ civaKT* eivat
')(6ov6<i-
Twv fiaKpwv S' airaWayeZaa vovOerrjixaTbiv yu. ea.
kclI au TWINS' e^co KOfii^ov reix^oiv, rj Kardavel.
nOATNEIKHS
7rpo9 TtVo? ; Tt9 wS' arp(OTO<i, 6aTi<; et? t^/zo.? ^i(f>o<i
<f)6viov €fi^aXcbv TOP avrov ovk aTroicrerai fiopov ;
ETEOKAH2
e'77U9, ov irpoaw jSe^rjKev et? %e/)a9 \€va-a€t<;
nOAYNEIKH2
elcropcb' BeiXov 8' TrXoOro? koI (f)i\oylrv)(^oi
KaKOV.
ETEOKAH2
Kara crvv TToWolcnv rjXOe^ Trpo? rov ovBev e?
fidxvv
;
nOATNEIKHS
a<T<^a\ri<; yap ecTT dfielvoiv rj Opacrv<; cnpaTq-\dTT)<i.
ETEOKAH2
600 ACo/x7ro9 el (T7rovSai<; TreTroidcof, al ere acpi^ovaiv
davelv.
390
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
CHORUSAh Gods, be ye averters of these ills.
And set at one the sons of Oedipus
!
ETEOCLES
Mother, 'tis too late for parley ; nay, the time in
dallying spent [good intent.
Doth but run to waste, nor aught availeth this thyNever shall we be at one, except as I have laid it 590
down, [wear the crown.
That in lordship over Thebes I sway the sceptre,
Have thou done with tedious admonitions then, andlet me be ;
[death shall light on thee.
And, for thee, thou get thee forth these walls, ere
POLYNEICES
Death ?—of whom ?—what man so woundless, as to
plunge his murderous sword [reward ?
Into this my body, and not win himself the like
ETEOCLES
Nigh he is : pot far he standeth : lo, these hands
—
hast eyes to see ?
POLYNEICES
Yea—and know how shrinks from death that craven
curse, prosperity !
ETEOCLES
Yet against a battle-blencher thou must lead yonhuge array
!
POLYNEICES
Yea, for better than the reckless is the prudent
captain aye.
ETEOCLES
Safe behind the truce, from death that screens thee,
vaunting dost thou stand ! 600
391
$0INI22AI
nOATNEIKHSKa\ cri' Bevrepov S' airaiTOi aKrjinpa kcll fjiipr]
ydovo^.
ETE0KAH2ovK (iTraiTOVfieaO • eyw yap rov e/xov oiKy'](TOi
hofiov.
nOATNEIKHS70V jxepov; e^f^v to irXelov ;
ETEOKAH2
<f>^]fi' airaWdaaov he y^]<i.
nOATNEIKHSto Oeayv /SwjjloI TrarpMcov—
ETE0KAH2ovf (TV TTopOtjacov irdpei.
nOAYNEIKHSAfXuere fiov—
ETE0KAH2Ti? K dv kXvol crov TrarplB^ eTrearparev/xevov
;
nOArNEIKH2Ka\ 6eo)v TOiv \evK07ru>\u>v 8ci)/j,ad\
ETEOKAH2o? (TTvyovai ere.
nOArNEIKH2e^€\avv6fj,€cr6a TrarpiBo^;,
ETEOKAH2Kal <ydp r)XO€<; i^eXtov.
nOATNEIKH2dSiKia 7', M 9€01.
ETE0KAH2Mu/CJ/Vat?, fij] ^vddZ^ dvaKaXei deov<i
392
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
POLYNEICES
Ay, and screens thee !—once again ray crown, mineheritage I claim.
ETEOCLES
Naught to me are claims ; for I will dwell in this
mine house—mine own.
POLYNEICES
Grasping more than thine is ?
ETEOCLES
Ay!—now get thee forth the land—begone!
POLYNEICES
Altars of our Gods ancestral,—1
ETEOCLES1 Whom to ravage thou art come '
POLYNEICES
Hear ye me !
—
I
ETEOCLES
I
And who shall hear thee, bringer of war
j
against thine home ?
I POLYNEICES
And ye temples of the Gods of Stainless Steeds !—
•
I ETEOCLES
Who loathe thy name !
POLYNEICES
II am banished from my country !
—
ETEOCLES
He that to destroy it came.
POLYNEICES
Wrongfully, ye Gods
!
ETEOCLES
To Gods not here, but at Mycenae, cry.
393
^omasAi
nOATNEIKHSavocrio^ 7r€(f)VKa<;,
ETEOKAH2aXX^ ov irarpiho';, &)? cry, irokefiLO'^'
nOATNEIKH2
09 /i' dfioipov e^€\avi'€i<;.
ETEOKAH2
610 ««.' KaraKrevo) ye irpo^.
nOATNEIKH2a> Trdrep, k\v€1<; a iracryw ;
ETEOKAH2Kol yap ola Spa<i k\v61.
nOATNEIKH2
Kot (TV, fiTJrep ;
ETEOICAH2
aOe/jLiTov aot fXT]Tpo<; ovofid^eiv Kapa.
nOATx\EIKH2
S) TToXt?.
ETEOKAH2/jLoXcbv 69 "A/9709 dvuKoXei Kepvrj<i vhatp.
nOATNEIKH2el/i/, /ir^ Trover ere S' atVco, p,^]Tep.
ETEOKAH2e^/^f 'Xjdovo'j.
nOATNEIKH2e^t/jLev irarepa Be pot S09 elaiSelv.
ETE0Ki\H2
oy/c ay Ti;xof9.
nOATNEIKH2aXXa trapOevovit dBeX<f)d<i.
ETE0KAH2ouSe racrS' ot|ret Trore.
394
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
POLYNEICES
Impious art thou
—
ETEOCLES
Yea ?—but not my country's foe, as thou, am I.
POLYNEICES
Who dost drive me forth defrauded !
ETEOCLES
Death withal I'll deal to thee. 610
POLYNEICES
Father, hear'st thou what I suffer ?
ETEOCLES
Nay, thy doiiigs heareth he.
POLYNEICES
And thou, mother?
ETEOCLES
That thou name our mother, sacrilege it were.
POLYNEICES
O my city
!
ETEOCLES
Hence to Argos : call on Lerna's water there.
POLYNEICES
Fret thee not—I go. 1 thank thee, mother.
ETEOCLES
Forth the city ! Go !
POLYNEICES
Forth I go : yet on my father let me look
!
ETEOCLES
Thou see him ! No !
POLYNEICES
Nay then, but my maiden sisters.
ETEOCLES
These thou never more shalt see.
395
$0INI2SAI
nOAYNEIKH30) Ka<Ji<^vr\Tai.
ETEOKAH2Tt ravTa<i dvuKaXel^ e'^diaro'i mv ;
nOAYNEIKHS/-iTjTep, dWd /joi (TV j(alpe.
IOKA21H
'X^aprd <yovv •naa'yw, reKVOv.
nOATNEIKH2ovtcer^ ei/A 7ral<i ao<i.
IOKA2THei? TToXX' dOXta 7re(f)VK iyoo,
nOATNEIKH268e yap et? rjpd<i v/3pl^€i.
ETEOKAH2620 Kul yap dv6v^pt^op,ai.
nOATNEIKH2TTOv TTore (TTt'jcret. irpo irvpycov ;
ETEOKAH2CO? Tt /Li' KTTopet'i ToSe ;
nOATNEIKH2avTiTa^o/xai Krei'MV ere.
ETEOKAH2/cayLte ToOS' ep&)9 e';^ef.
IOKA2THfoj TttXati'' iyd). Tt Spdaer, & tskv ;
nOATNEIKH2at'TO crripavel.
IOKA2TH
Trarpo'i ov (ftev^ecrd^ ^Kpivv<; ;
ETEOKAH2ipperoi irpoira^ B6fio<i.
396
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
P01.YNEICES
my sisters
!
ETEOCLES
Why dost call on these, their bitterest enemy ?
POLYNEICES
Farewell, O my mother?
JOCASTA
Sooth, my son, I fare well, thus forlorn !
POLYNEICES
Son of thine no more !
—
JOCASTA
To many a sorrow was thy mother born !
POLYNEICES
Since he doth me foul despite
!
ETEOCLES
For foul despite received, I wis ! 620
POLYNEICES
Where before the towers wilt plant thee ?
ETEOCLES
Wherefore dost thou question this ?
POLYNEICES
1 will face thee there to slay thee.
ETEOCLES
Ha ! I long to have it so
!
JOCASTA
Woe is me ' what will ye do, my sons ?
POLYNEICES
The issue's self shall show.
JOCASTA
Flee, O flee your father's curses !
ETEOCLES
All our house let ruiii seize
!
397
$OINI25AI
nOATNEIKHS&)9 Tci-^ oiiKeB' aiixaTrjpov rovjuov apy^aei ^t^o<i.
T)]v Se dpe-^aadv fie lyalav koI 6eov<i fiaprvpofiai
&>9 a.TijjiO'i OLKTpa 7rda)(^o3P i^e\auvopaL ')(dovo^,
8ov\o^ W9, aW* ou')(l ravTOv irarpo'^ QISlttov
767^9*Kciv rl croi, vroXts', yevijrai, //?) 'yu-e, rovBe S' acTico.
630 ov)(^ eKMV yap yXdov, aKcov S' i^eXavvop-at ')(jdov6'i.
Kal av, $ot/3' dra^ ^Ayviev, Koi p-ekadpa ^^at/Jexe,
riXiKe<i 6' oiipiOL, Oecov re Se^ifiy]X^ dydX/jLara.
ov yap 06^' et p.ot TrpoaeLTrelu av6i^ ead^ vjud'i
iXTTiBe^i 8' ovTTco Kadeu8ova\ al? ireTToida aiiv
Tovh^ diroKTeiva'i KpuTrjaeiv rr/aBe ^rj^aia^
ETEOKAH2€^l6^ eK ')(^a>pa^' dXrjdto^ S' 6vop,a UoXwetKi]
iranip
eOero aoc Beta irpovoia veiKewv eTToovu/xop.
XOP02Krt8,uo<f ep^oXe rdvSe ydv arp.
Tvpio^, (p TeTpaaKeXi]<;
640 /Liccr^j^o? uBdp,aTO<; ireai-jpa
8(!k€ T€Xecr(f)6pov BiBova-a
')(^piiap.6v, ov KaTOiKiaai
Trehia vlv to 6ea(j)aT0v
7rvpo(f)6p^ ^A6vQ)v ^ €XPV>KaXXiTTorap.o'i vBaro^ "va re
voTi^i ^irkpyeTuL pvTci'i
AipKa^ '^o>](pupov<i
' Valckeuaer : for MSS, ZSfiiAif,
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
POLYNEICES
Soon my sword, blood-reddened, shall abide no morein deedless ease. [Gods in heaven,
But I call to witness earth that niu'sed me, witness
How with shame and piteous usage from the home-land I am driven, [Oedipus, came.
Like a bondman, not a son that of one father.
City, whatsoe'er befall thee, blame not me : yontyrant blame. [willingly.
Willingly I came not, from the land am cast un- 630
Farewell, Phoebus, Highway-king, O palace-bowers,
farewell ye ! [where sheep are slain !
Friends of youth, farewell, and statues of the GodsFor I know not if to me 'tis given to speak to you
again. [with Gods to aid.
But my hope not yet doth sleep, wherein I trust.
Him to slay, and hold the land of Thebes beneath
my sceptre swayed.
ETEOCLES
Get thee forth ! Ha, truly Polyneices, " Man ot
many a feud," [thy feuds endued !
Named thy father thee, with heavenly prescience of
[^Krit POLYNEICES.
CHORUS
To this land from Phoenicia Cadmus speeding ('^Z'•)
Came, till the heifer unbroken, leading
The wanderer, cast her to earthward, telling 640
That so was accomplished the oracle spoken
When the God for the place of his rest gave token.
Bidding take the Aonian plains for his dwelling.
Where the golden spears of the wheat-ranks quiver,
Where the outgushing flood of the lovely river
Forth flashes from fountains of Dirce welling
399
$OINI22AI
Kai ^advaTTopov^; <yva<;,
Upofiiov evOa reKero fxA-
G50 Tr)p Ato? ycifxoiai,
Ki(Tcro<; ov Tre/Jfcrre^r/?
eXiKTo^ eudii^ en /3pe(f)o<;
')(\oi]<f)6poiaiv epvecnv
KaraaKLoiaiv 6\/3i.aa<; ePooTiaev,
Ba/c;^tot' -^opevixa Trapdevoicn Sr^^alaiat.
Kal yvvai^iv evLOi<;.
€v6a ^6i'Lo<; i)v BpaKWV avT.
^Ap€o<;, o)fx6(f)p(ov (f)v\a^
vd[iar evvSpa Kal peedpa
660 -yXoepa SepyfiuTcop Kopaiat
TToXvTrXdvoi'i eTriakottmvov iirl x^pvi^a^ fio\o)v
KaSyu.09 oXeae fxapfxtipw,
Kpdra (f)uviov 6\eaidi]po^
(oXeva^ 81KCOV /SoXatif,
BLa<: dp.a.TOpO'i S'
669 €19 /3a6va7r6pov<; yua^
668 'yarreTel'i Sikcov oBov-
667 Ta9 ITaXXaSo? (^pahalaiv ^
670 'ivdev e^avfjKe <yd
irdvoirXov oyjnv virep ciKpwv
6pcoi> '^dov6<;' aiSapocjipcou
Be viv (jyopo^i TrdXw ^vi'f]\fre yd <f>LXa.
a7/xaT0<i S' eSevae yalav, d viv ewiXiotcri
hel^ev atOepo^ irvoal^.
Kal ae tov 7rpofidTOpo<i etraih.
'1 01)9 ttot' CKyovov
^ Murray's arrangement, securing metrical correspondence.
400
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Over meadows and tilth-lands harvest-teeming,
Where sprang, from the spousals levin-gleaming
Of Zeus, the God of the shout wild-ringing; 650
And the ivy arching its bowers around him.
With the fairy chains of its greenness bound him.
To the babe with its sudden tendrils clinging,
Overmantling with shadow the Blessing-laden,
For a theme of the Bacchanal dance unto maidenOf Thebes, and to matron evoe-singing.
There on tlie hallowed fountain's border (^Ant.')
Was the dragon of Ares, a ruthless warder;
And the glare of his eyeballs fearful-flashing
Wandered in restless-roving keenness
O'er the brimming runnels, the mirrored greenness : 6G0
Then came to the spring for the lustral washing
Cadnms, and hurled at the monster, and slew it ;
For he snatched a boulder, his strong arm threw it
Down on the head of the slaughtei'er crashing.
Then, of Pallas, the motherless Goddess, bidden,
O'er the deep-furrowed earth, in her breast to be
hidden.
He scattered the teeth from the grim jaws parted.
And the travailing glebe flung up bright blossom 670
Of mail-clad warriors over the bosomOf the earth ; but slaughter the iron-hearted
Again with the earth their mother blent them,
And drenched with their blood the breast which had
sent themForth, when to sun-quickened air they upstarted.
Unto thee too, Epaphus, scion (Epodc.)
Of our first mother lo, I moan.
401
*OINI22AI
"Ejiracpov, (h Aio? yeveOXov,
e/caXecr' e/<dXeaa /Sapfidpo) fioa,
680 loo, /3ap/3dpoi<; Xirat^;,
^d6i 0ddi rdi'Se ydv(Tol viv eK<yovoL KTiaav,
av 8icovvp,oi 6eai,
U€pae(f)aaaa koL <^lXa
Aap.dr}]p Bed,
TrdvToov dvaaaa, irdvTCOv Se Vd Tpo(f)6<i,
€KT>']aaiTO' ire/jLTre 7rup(f>6pov^
6ed<i, dfivve raSe yd-
irdvTa S' evTreTi) d€ol<i.
ETEOKAH2690 'X^dopet (TV Kai KofiL^e top Mei/o/ /cecu?
Kpeoi/r', dSeXcpov firjrpo<i ^loKdarri^ eP'^]^,
Xeycov ra'S', o)? oiKeia Kal fcoivd t^^^oz'o^
6e\(o Trpo? avTOv av/jii3aXeh> (3ov\evp,ara,
irplv el<i p-d^rjv re Kal 8opo<; rd^cv p.o\elv.
KaiTot TToBcbv <tS)v fio^Qov lickvei irapdiv
opdi "yap avrov Trpo<i Bop^ov<; arei*)(ovT ep,ov<;.
KPE.ON
^ TToX-X,' eTrrjXdov eiaLBelv )(p^^(ov cr^, dva^'EreoAcXee'?, irepi^ Se KaSfxelcov TruXa?
<pv\aKd<; r iirriXdov crov Bepa<i 6iipdip,evofi.
ETE0KAH2
700 Kal p^y-jv eycb a^ ey^pii^l^ov elacBcli', ls.p€ov
TToA-A-oij yap t-jvpov iiBeel<i BiaWayd<;,0)9 eJs Xoyovq avvr/-\lra UoXvveLKei pboXdiv.
KPEHNrjKovaa pLel^ov aiirov rj 07;/?a9 (ppoveii',
Ki'jBeL T ^ABpdcxTov Kal arpaTM TreiroiOuTa.
402
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Unto thee, of our lord Zeus sprung,With my ahen chant upflung
And with prayers of an ahen tongue ! 680
Thy sons, who reared Thebes to thee, cry onTheir father—O come to thine own !
For Demeter, Persephone, wearingTwin names, have our land in ward
—
Even gracious Demeter All-queen,
Who is Earth, nurse of all that hath been,
—
O send them, thy people to screen
From the evil, the Queens Torch-bearing !
—
Is there aught for the Gods too hard ?
ETEOCLES (to attendant)
Go thou, and Creon bring, Menoeceus' son, 690
Who is my mother's, even Jocasta's brother.
This tell him, that I would commune with Iiim
Touching our own advantage and the land's.
Ere we go battleward and range the spears.
But lo, he Cometh, sparing thy foot's toil.
Myself behold him drawing nigh mine halls.
Enter creon.
CREON
Seeking to see thee, far I have wended. KingEteocles ; round to all Cadmean gates
And guards, still searching for thy face, I passed.
ETEOCLES
Sooth, Creon, fain was I to look on thee : 700
For little worth I foimd his terms of peace.
When I for parley Polyneices met.
Beyond Thebes his ambition soars, I hear.
By Adrastus' kinship, and his host, puffed up.
no 2403
4)0INI22AI
aXX €i,<; deovfi ^p/) Taur' avapTrj<ravT* e-yeiv
a V €/j,7roBa)v fiaXiara, ravd^ rjKw <f)puao}p.
ETEOKAH2Ta TTola raura ; rov Xoyov yap dyvoco.
KPEflN
yK€t, Ti<i al-xfxdXcoroii ^Apyetcov Trdpa.
ETEOKAH2\eyeL 8e Si] ri ro)v eKel vewrepov
;
KPEHN710 peWeiv [Trepi^ irvpyoiai KaS/xei'iov ttoXlv
OTrXot?] eXi^eiv avriK ^Apyeltov arparov.
ETEOKAH5e^otareov rdp* oirXa K^aBpelcov TruXei.
KPEHNTrot; pwv ved^wv ov^ 6pa<i a XPV^ °"' opdv
;
ETEOKAH2eKTo^ Td<f)po)v TOivh\ toJ9 pu^ovfievovi rd^a.
KPEnNcrpiKpov TO irXrjOo'i rijaBe yrj<i, ol 6' d^dovoi.
ETEOKAH2iywha Keivov; toI^ X6yoi<i 6vTa<i $pa(jei<i.
KPEflN
e^ei Tiv' oyKov "Apyo^ 'FiXX^vcov irdpa.
ETEOKAH2ddpaer Td^ avrcov irehiov i/xTrXijau) (f>6i>ov.
KPEnNdeXoLfjb dv dXXa tovO' opoi ttoXXov ttovov,
ETEOKAH2
720 &>? ov Kade^od reL-^eoiv ataoi arparov,
KPEnNKol fiijv TO vLKav ian Trap ev^ovXia.
404
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
But these things in the Gods' hands must we leave.
Of our main stumblingblock I came to tell.
ETEOCLES
\\']iat shall this be ? Thy drift is dark to me.
CREONA captive from the Argive host is come.
ETEOCLES
What tidings bringeth he of dealings there ?
CREONThat Argos' host will straightway wind the net 710
Of arms round Cadmus' burg and all her towers.
ETEOCI-ES
Then Cadmus' burg must lead forth her array,
—
CREON
Whither ? Sees not thy rash youth what it should ?
ETEOCLES
Across yon trenches, as to fight forthwith.
CREON
Small is the host of this land, countless theirs.
ETEOCLES
I know them for tongue-valiant warriors.
CREON
Argos hath high repute mid Hellas' sons.
ETEOCLES
Fear not : their slaughter soon shall load the plain.
CREON
That would I : yet herein I see grim toil.
ETEOCLES
Not I will pen mine host within the walls ! 720
CREON
Yet wholly in good counsel victory lies.
405
<I)0INI22AI
ETE0KAH2fiovXei rpdiTOifjiaL S?}^' 6hov<i aX\a<i Tivd<;
;
KPEflN
7rdaa<; ye, irplv KLvhvvov et? arra^ yuoXet/'.
ETE0KAH2et vvKTO<; avToi<; Trpocr^dXoifxev e'/c \6)(^ov
;
KPEHNe'lTrep (T<^aXel^ ye Sevpo crcodijaei irdXiv.
ETE0Ki\H2
icrov (fyepet, vv^, tol^ 8e toX^mctiv ttXcov.
KPEHNevhv(TTV)(rjcrai heivov ev(^p6vr]<; Ki'e(f>a<;.
ETE0KAH2aXV d/jb(f)l Beiirvov oven irpocr^dXai hopv ;
KPEHN€KTrX't]^t<; av yevoiro' viKrjaai 8e 8el.
ETEOKAH2
730 I3a6v<i ye roc AipKalo<i dva-)(U)pelv Tropo'i.
KPEr.N
dirav KdKtov rod (pvXdaae<Tdai KaXw<i.
ETE0KAH2Tt 8\ el KadcTTTreva-ai/itev Wpyetcov arparov;
KPEriN
KUKel 7re(f)paKTat Xao<; dpfxaaiv irepi^.
ETEOKAH2Tt Zqra Bpda-Q) ; iroXefxioLcn Zo) iroXiv
;
KPEflN
fiy] SyjTa- ^ovXevov 8\ iireiirep el crocpo';.
ETE0KAH5Tt? ovv TTpovoia yiyverat (TOcfxoTepa ;
KPEnN^ttt' dvhpa<i avToh ^aaiv, o)? rJKOva^ iy<o,—
406
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
ETEOCI.ES
Wouldst thou I turned me unto other paths ?
CREONAny path^ ere on one cast all be staked.
ETEOCLES
How if by night we fall on them from ambush ?
CREONYea,—if, miscarrying, safe thou mayst return.
ETEOCLES
Night equals all, yet helps the venturous most.
CREON
Yet, for ill-speed, night's gloom is terrible.
ETEOCLES
Sliall I make onset even as they sup ?
CREON
A brief alarm :
—'tis victory we need.
ETEOCLES
Dirce's deep ford should hamper their retreat. 730
CREONNaught were so good as ward us warily.
ETEOCLES
How, if our horse charge down on Argos' host ?
CREON
There too their lines be fenced with chariots round.
ETEOCLES
What shall I do then ?—yield our town to foes ?
CREON
Never. Take thought, if prudent chief thou art.
ETEOCLES
What counsel is more prudent, then, than mine ?
CREON
Seven champions are there with them, have I heard,
—
467
$OINI22AI
ETEOKAH2t/ "TTpoarerd-^dat hpav ; to yap adevo<; /3pa-)^v.
KPEHNXo^iov avdaaeiv kina irpoaKeicrdac irvKai^.
ETEOKAH2740 Tt' Sr]Ta hptapiev ; cnropiav yap oii /xevco.
KPEHNcttt' dvhpa<i avTol<i Kal av irpo^ irvXai'i eXov.
ETEOKAH2X6^(0v avd(T<J€iv rj p-ovoaroXov Bop6<i
;
KPEnN
Xo'X^cov, TrpoKpLva<; o'lTrep dXKtficoTaToi,
ETEOKAH2^vvi]K' dfivvetv T€i')(ia)v 7rpoaa/jL0da€i<i.
KPEfiN
Km ^vaTparijyov^- ei<; 8' dvijp ov TrdvO' 6pa.
ETEOKAH2ddpaet irpoKpiva'i i) (^pevwv ev/SovXia ;
KPEflN
dficfiorepov dTroXeicjidei' yap ovBev Odrepov,
ETEOKAH2earai rdh^' iXdoiv 8' eTTTaTrvpyov e? iroXiv
rd^oi Xo')(^ayov<i Trpof TrvXaiaiv, to? Xey€i<f,
750 i'crou? XaoicTL iroXe/uLOiaiv avTidei^s.
ovopa S' eKdarov 8iarpt/3)] voXXr] Xeyeiv,
iy^Opcov utt' ainoL<; Tet.)(€aiv Kadrjixevoiv.
dXX^ eifM, OTTcos av jjli] KarapyoipLev %epa.
Kai fxoi yei'Oir dB€X(f>ov dvTi]pi] Xa^eluKal ^varadevra 8id p,d^7](; eXeiv Sopi,
KTavelv 0' o? rjXde irarplha iropdrjcroiv Cfi/jv.
yd[Jbov<i 8' d8eX(f)i]<; ^AvTiy6vt]<; TraiSo? re <jou
A'lfiovos, idp Ti T7;9 TVX>]'i ^yoi <J(^aX(t),
40S
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
ETEOCLES
VV^hereto appointed ? Seven men's might were small
!
CREONTo lead their bands to assail our seven gates.
ETEOCLES
What then ? I wait not counsels of despair. 740
CREONSeven choose thou too to front them at the gates.
ETEOCLES
To lead our bands, or fight with single spear?
CREONTo lead our bands : choose thou our mightiest ;—
ETEOCLES
Ay so—to avert the scaling of the walls,
CREONAnd under-captains : one man sees not all.
ETEOCLES
For valour chosen, or for prudent wit ?
CREONNay, both : without its fellow, each is naught.
ETEOCLES
This shall be. Now to the seven towers will I,
And plant chiefs, as thou biddest, at the gates.
Champion for champion, ranged against the foe. 750
To tell each o'er, were costly waste of time.
When foes be camped beneath our very walls.
But I will go, that mine hands loiter not.
God grant 1 meet my brother face to face,
Clash in the grapple, and slay him with the spear
—
Slay him, who came to lay my country waste !
But, for Antigone's marriage with thy son
Haemon^—if aught untoward hap to me,
—
409
4>OINn2AI
(Tol '^py-j fii\€a$ar rrjv hoaiv S e'X^eyyvoi'
7G0 Trji> irpoaOe Trotco vvv iir €^o8ol<; efiai^;.
fxr]Tepo<i ahe\^o<; tr rl hel fxaKpif'yopelv ;
rpecf)' d^LfO'i vlv crov re r^v t e^rjv y^uptv,
Trartjp 8' e? avTOV dfxadiav o<^\iaicdveL,
oyjrii' TV(f>\(0(Ta<;' ovk dyav cr^' eTrrji'ea-a'
r)fid^ t' dpataiv, rjv tv^tj, KaraKrevel.
€1' S' iarlu rjfxlv dp'^ov, et Ti decrcpaTov
olfj)v6^avTL<; Teipe'Jta'i h')(€L (ppaaai,
rovh^ eKirudecrdaL ravT • eycb 8e iralSa aov
Me/'0(/cea, aov Trarpo'^ avTeTrcovv/xov,
770 a^ovra Trefxyjrco Bevpo Teipeaiav, Kpeovaol /jL€1' yap //Su? €i? Xoyovi cKpi^erar
eycb 8k Te-xyrjv fxavTiK7)v e/ie/i-v/ra/xT/v
T/8r; TT^o? avTov, coaTe /xot, /i-o/i<^a? €\eiv.
iroXei he Kal aol ravr (.TTLaKi^Tnci), KpeovrjVTrep Kpartjar] rajxa, WoXvveiKOV^ veKVv
fxi]7roTe Ta(f>)]vai, T^8e &7]/3ai'a ^(dovi'
OvT^aKeiv he tov OdyjravTa, kclv (pLXwv Ti? rj.
aol fxkv rdh^ avhco' 7rpoa7r6Xoi<i & e/iot? Xeyco.
eKCpepere rei^^?; irdvoirXd t' dfji(f)i^XrjfxaTa,
780 <i>9 fi? dywva rov TrpOKelfxevoi' hop6<i
opficofieO^ rjhri ^uv hiKr) viKy](f)6pw.
T/7 8' EyX'»/3e/a. ')(^pr)aifio)TdTr} Oecov
Trpoaevy^ofieada Tijvhe hiaaw^eiv ttoXiv,
XOP02
w 7roXvfiO)(^do<; "Ap>/9, rt tto^' aifian a-rp.
Kal Oavdrui Karex^i BpofiLOU '7rapdfJ,ouao<; eopTaX<;
;
ouK eVi KaXXt')(^6poi<; aTecpdvoiai vedviho'; (opa<i
^6aTpv)(ov dfX'n-€Tdaa<;, Xforov Kara Trievfiara
fxeXTrei
410
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
See thou to this. Their late betrothal-phght
Now, as I go forth, do I ratify. 7G0
Thou art my mother's brother : why waste wordsGive her fair nurture, for thy sake and mine.
My father hath wrought folly against himself,
Blinding his eyes ;—scant praise of mine he hath ;
—
And us his curse shall slay, if so it hap.
One thing abides undone, to ask the seer
Teiresias touching this, if aught he hath
Of oracles to tell ; and I will send
Thy son Menoeceus, of thy father named,Creon, to bring Teiresias hitherward. 770
With a good will shall he commune witli tliee :
But the seer's art in time past have I mockedUnto his face ; so he may bear me grudge.
This, Creon, is mine hest to Thebes and thee :
—
If my cause conquer, never bury ye
Polyneices' corpse upon this Theban soil.
VV^ho buries him—though near and dear—must die.
This to thee :—to mine henchmen now I speak.
Bring forth my arms, mine harness-panoply.
That to the imminent conflict of the spear 780
I mav set forth, with Right to crown mine arms.
To Heedfulness, of all Gods helpfullest.
That she will save this city, now we pray. [Ea-it.
CHORUS
Ares the troublous, O whence is thy passion (Sfr.)
For blood and for death, unattuned to the feasts of
the Revelry-king ? [ginal fashion
Not for the dances, the circlings of beauty, in vir-
Tossed are thy tresses abroad, nor to breathings of
flutes dost thou sing
411
<I>OINI22AI
fiovcrav, ev a )(apiT€<; ^opoTrotot,
aXXa <jvv 67r\o(f)6poi<; crTparov Wpyecwv eVt-
Trreucra?
790 a't/j,aTL &i]^ai<i
KM/xov dvavXoraTOv irpoxopevet^.
ov8^ viro dvpaofiavel v€J3pihu>v [xera 8iva,
apfiacri Kal yfra\LOi<i rerpa^ufiocn /xwrv^^a ttcoXoi',
iTTTreiai'i eirX ^ev/xaat ^alvcov
^lafirjvolo 6od^€t<;, ^Apy€LOi<; eirnrvevaa^
^Traprow yevvav,
da7riSo(f)ep/j.oi'a Oi'aaov eioTrXov,
dvTLTraXov Kara Xciiva rei^^a
^a\K(2 KoafM7]aa<;.
7] heivd T<9 "Epi9 6e6<;, a rdSe
fjbrjaaro rrtj/iara yd<; /SaaiXevaiv,
800 Aa^SoKiSai^ jTo\vp.6xOoi<;.
M ^adecov TrerdXayi' iroXvd'qpora- dvr.
Tov mTTO?, 'A/OTeyu.<8o9 ')(iovoTp6(f30v o/x/xa KiOai-
pcov,
/jL^jiroTe TOV davdrtp Trpo-redevra, Xo^eu/i' 'loAca-
CTTa?,
cli^eXe? Olhiirohav Opi-^ai ^pe<j}o<i ck^oXov oI'kcov,
ypuaoSeroi'i 7repovai<i eTnaafJiov
fiTjhe ro irapOeviov inepov, ovpeiov repa<;, eXOelv
irevOea yaia<;,
'^<^iyy\ dTTopbOvaoTdTaicTL avv Q)Sai<;,
a iroTe KaSfioyevi} r€Tpa/3d/j.oai x^^<^^^
412
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
A strain to whose witchery dances are wreathing :
But with clangour of harness of fight through the
Argive array art thou breathing
War-lust for the blood of our Thebes atliirst, 790
As thou leadest the dance of a revel accurst
Where no flutes ring.
Tliou art found not where fawnskin and thyrsus in
mad reel mingle and sunder.
But with chariots and clashing of bits and with wai--
horses' footfall of thunder
By Ismenus' brimming margeWith the rushing of steeds dost thou charge.
Into Argives breathing tlie battle-hate
Against the sons of the Dragon-state;
And with harness of brass and with targe,
Fronting our ramparts of stone, dost array
A host for the fray.
A fearful Goddess in sooth is Strife,
By whose devising the troublous life
Of the Labdacid kings of the land is anguish-rife. 800
Gorges mysterious of frondage, Cithaeron (^Ant.)
Beast-haunted, O birth-bed of snows, O thou apple
of Artemis' eye, [Jocasta, to rear on
Ah that thou ne'er liadst received liim, the babe ot
Thy lap such a fosterling, Oedipus, thrust from his
home as to die.
Life-marked with the brooch-pin golden-looping !
And O that the portent, the w ings of the Sphinx
from the mountain swooping,
Down on the land for its woe had not come,
The maiden that sang us a chant of doom.An untuneable cry.
When with talons of feet and of hands on the ram-
parts of Cadmus she darted,
413
<l>OINI22AI
T€iX^o-L y^ptfjiTTTOfxeva (pepev aWepof ei? a^arov
(f)co<;
810 yivvav, av o Kara )(^6ovo^"Ai8a^
Ka8fi€L0i<; €7rnrifM7rer hvahaifioiv 8' e/aif aWa6dX\ei TraiSatp
OlBiTToSa Kara hoifxara koX irdXiv.
ov jap pi] KoXov ovTTor ecpv koKov,
ouS' 01 py] v6p.ipof\ TTttiSe?
parpl Xo^^vpa, plaapa warpo'i Be avv-
aip.ovo'i et? Xe^o^i yXOev.-f
eT6K€^, w ja, €T€Ke<; Trore, iirfiyS.
/Sdp^apov o)? uKodv ehdrjv ihdijv ttot' iv oiKOi'i,
820 rdv diTO di]poTpo(f)OV (f)OiviKo\6(f)Oio SpaKOVTO^
yevvav oSovrocpvfj, (dftj/Saa KdWiarov 6veiSo<i'
'App,oi'ui<i Be TTOT eh vp.€vaiov<i
ijfKvOov ovpavihai, (poppcyyi re rei^ea 0j;/Sa9
rd'i 'A/i.</)<owa9 re \vpa<i vtto irvpyo^ dveara
Bi.Bvp.oiv TTorap-wv Tropov dp,(f}i p,€aov
At/9A'a9, }(Xoeporp6<^ov a ireBioi'
Trpoirap ^\ap.rjvov KaraBevei'
'I&j ^' a Kepoeaaa Trpop-droyp
KaBp,elo)v /BaaiXya'; eyeivaro,
830 p.vpidBa<; S' dyaOcov erepoi^ trt'-
pa^ p,eTap.ei^op,€va 7r6\i<i aS' tV a-
Kpoa earaKev^kprj-
oi'i aT€(pdvoiaii/,
414
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
And bearing his offspring to siin-litten cloudland un-
trodden departed,
Slie whom Hades from dens of the dead 810
Against Cadmus' children sped !
But a new curse lights upon Thebes and her halls;
For 'twixt Oedipus' sons the liell-seed falls
Of strife, and it blossometh red.
O, never may aught that is utter shameBear honour's name
;
Nay, nor the unblest spousal' s fruit
Are sons true-born, but with stain they pollute
Their begetter, the stock that sprang from the self-
same root.
(^Epo(le)
Thou didst bear, O land, thou didst bear of old
—
For I heard, yea, 1 heard in mine liome, in an alien
tongue, the story
—
From the dragon of crimson crest that battened on 820
beasts of the wold [and her glory.
A race of the seed of his teeth, to be Thebes' reproach
To Harnionia's bridal descended of yore ^
The Children of Heaven ; and Thebes' walls rose to the
harp's voice singing, [her brows' enringing,
When the spell of Amphion's lyre fashioned towers for
In the space 'twixt the rivers twain that pour
Out of Dirce, whose dews drift greenness, shedding
Life o'er the plain by Ismenus spreading.
And our ancestress lo of horned brows
Was mother of kings unto Cadmus' house.
Lo, how hath this city, through line on line 830
Of blessings unnumbered, attained to the height
Where the War-god's crowns of victory-might
Shine
!
* Cadniua wedded Haniionia, Ares' daughter,
415
4>OINI22AI
TEIPE2IA5
17701) TrdpoiOe, 6vyaT€p' ax? rv(f)\a) ttoSI
o^OakfJiO^ el (TV, vav/3drai(Tiv darpov to?*
Bevp^ et? TO \evpov ireSov 'i')(yo<i ridela ijxov,
Trpo^aive, fi7] (r(f)a\M/xev dcr6evrj<; TraTrjp-
KXy'jpov; re p.01 (^vKacrae Trapdevw X^P'-'
0&9 eXajSov olwviapLar^ 6pvido3v /xadcov
8-40 OdKoiaiv ev lepolaiv, ou [xavrevoixaL.
7€KV0V ^levoiKev, iral Kpeovro'i, elire jxoi
TToat] Ti? 7; ^TTLkoiTTO'i dcTTeQ)^ 6So<;
7rpo<i TTUTepa rov aov w? i/nov KdfMvei yovv,
7ruKi'>]v 8e ^aivcov ifS-vaiv /xoXi^ irepo).
KPEHNddpaei. ireXa^; ydp, Yeipeaia, (f)L\oicn croU
€^(i)pp,[crai aov ttoSw Xa/Sou S' avrov, reKVOv
o)? irda diri^vrj 7rov<; re irpea^vTOv (fyiXel
^etpo? dvpaia<i dvafieveiv KOU(f)Lcr/j,aTa.
TEIPE2IA2
elev, irdpeafiev ri fie Ka\el<; airovhrj, Kpeov ;
KPEHN850 oinro) Xe\i']crfxe0^' dXXd avXXe^ai cr6evo<;
Kcu TTvev/jL ddpoiaov, aiiro^ eKJ3aXa>v ohov.
TEIPE2IA2
KOTTo) Trapetfiai yovv 'KpexdeiBcov diro
Bevp' eKKOfiiaOei^ rrf'i irdpoiOev ))p,epa<i'
KUKel ydp rjv Tif 7r6Xe/j,o<; KvfjLoXTTOV Bop6<i,
ov KaXXivLKOv^ KeKpoTTiBwi ed)]K eyol)'
Koi Tovhe xp^f^ovv aTe(f)avov, co? opa^, fc';^&)
Tui^MV dirapxjd^ TroXefilcov (TKv\ev/j,drQ)v.
KPEHNol(jL>vov edefiifv KoXXiviKa aa arecpyj-
ev ydp kXvZcovl KeipLed\ coairep olada av,
416
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Enter tkiresias led hy his daughter, with menoeceus.
TEIRESIAS
Lead on, my daughter : to my sightless feet
As eyes art thou, as star to mariners.
Hither, on even ground, plant thou my steps.
Guide, lest I stuml)le : strengthless is thy sire.
Guard in thy maiden hand the augury-lots
Which, when I marked the bodings of the birds,
In the holy seat I took, where I divine. 840
Thou child Menoeceus, son of Creon, tell
How much remaineth of the townward wayTo where thy father waits. Faint wax my knees :
Journeying so long, scarce have I strength to go.
CREON
Take heart, Teiresias, thou art nigh thy friends.
And thy foot's anchorage. Gi'asp his hand, my child.
Mule-car and aged foot alike are wontTo await the upbearing of another's hand.
TEIRESIAS
Here am I. Why this instant summons, Creon ?
CREON
We have not forgotten. Gather strength, regain 850
Thy breath, cast off thy journey's toil and strain.
TEIRESIAS
Sooth am I spent with toil, brought hitherward
But yesterday from King Ereclitheus' folk.
There too was war, against Eumolpus' spear,
Where I to Cecrops' sons gave victory.
This crown of gold, as thou mayst see, have I
As firstfruits of the foemen's spoijs received.
CREON
I take thy triumph-crown for omen fair
:
For we are, as thou knowest, in mid-surge
AnVOL. in.
*0INI22AI
860 8op6<; AavaiSoov, koI /xeya<; S)]^ai^ aycov.
/SacTiXeu? fxev ovv jBejSrjKe Koa/xr]Oe\<i 07rXoi9
ijhi] 7r/309 uXkijv 'ETeo/cX7}9 Mf/cv/w'Sa*
eyLtot o' iireaTaXK eKfxaOeiv aedev irdpa,
Tt Bpcbvre'i av fj-dXiara acoaai/mev iroKiv.
TEIPE2IA2
'Ereo/cXeoi;'? /iey eiveK av Kkrjcra^ crToi^La
'y^pi)(Tp.ov<i kTckcryov' crol h\ eTrel XPV^^^'^ /xadetp,
Xe'^o). voaet yap ijSe yi} TruXai, K.peov,
e^ ov WeKVcoOtj Adio^ jSia dewvTToaiv t' ec^vcre p.t]Tpl p,e\eov OIBlttouv
870 at' 0^ ai/MaTOiirol hepy^idrcov 8i.a(f)0opal
6eo)V ao(f)i(7/jLa Kd'mhei^i.'i 'EWaSi.a (rvyKoXvyjrac 7raiSe9 OISlttov ')(^p6v(p
'X^prj^ovT€<;, ft)? 8j] 6eov<; vTreKSpafiov/xevoi,
y/iaprov dp.ado)'^' ovre yap yepa Trarpl
OUT e^oSov Si86vT€<; dvSpa Sucrrvx^]
e^qyplwaav e'/c S' eirveva avroZ<i dpd<i
heLvd<i, vocrcoi> re Kal 7rpo<i rjrifJbaapAvo'i. '
uyco Tt oi) Spcov, irola S' ov Xeycov eiri],
el<i 'i'xdo^ rj\6ov Traicrl tolctiv OISlttou.
880 eyyu<; Se 0dvaTO<i aur6)(^€ip avTOi^, KpeovTToWol Se ve/cpol rrepX veKpol<i ireinwKore'i
Wpyela Kal K.aS/j,6La /xL^avTe<; /3e\y]
TTiKpov^ y6ov<i Scocrouai @y]/3ata ^Oovl.
(TV T Oi rdXaLva avyKaraaKdrrrei ttoXi,
el /JiT) \6yoi.<i Ti9 T049 ijxolaL TrelaeraL.
eKeivo fjbev yap irpcorov rjv, rcov OISlttov
/u,y]8€va iroX'nrjV jjLrjS' dvaKr elvai x^ov6<;,
fo)9 Baip.ovMvra'i Kdi'aTpeyjrovra'i ttoXiv,
eirel he Kpelcraov ro KaKov eari rdyaOov,
890 yu,t" ecTTtv ciXXr] P'lJX'^^V O'fOTrjplai.
4i8
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Of Danaid war^ and Thebes must wrestle hard. 860
King Eteocles, clad in war-arra}',
Even now is gone to face Mycenae's might
;
But to me gave in charge to inquire of theeWhat deeds of ours shall best deliver Thebes.
TEIRESIAS
For Eteocles sealed my lips had been.
The oracles withheld :—since thou wouldst know,I tell thee. Creon, long this land hath ailed
Since Laius in heaven's despite begat
Oedipus, his own mother's wretched spouse.
Yea, and the gory ruin of his eyes 870
Was heaven's device, for warning unto Greece.
And Oedipus' sons, who fain had cloaked it o'er
With time, as though they could outrun the Gods,
In folly erred : vouchsafing to their sire
Nor honour nor free air, they stung to fury
His misery : dread malison he breathed
Against them, suffering and shamed withal.
What did I not ? What warnings spake I not ?—
•
And had for guerdon hate of Oedipus' sons.
But nigh them, Creon, mutual slaughter looms; 880
And corpses many upon corpses piled.
Transfixed with Argive and Cadmean shafts.
With bitter Avails shall dower the Theban land.
Thou, hapless town, art made a ruin-heap
—
Except unto my bodings one give heed !
This had been best, that none of Oedipus' line
Remained in Thebes, nor citizen nor king :
They are fiend-possessed and doomed to wreck the
state.
But, seeing the evil hath o'erborne the good,
One other way of safety yet remains
;
890
419E E 2
4>0INI22AI
dX)C—ov yap elirelv ovt ifxol toB «cr^aA,69
iriKpov re rolat Ti]v rvxw /cexTijfj-ei'ot';
TToXei TTapaa^eiv (jyap/xaKOV (T(iiTi]pLa<;—aTrei/XL, ')(aipeff- el<; yap o)v ttoWwv yue'ra
TO fxikXov, el XPV' 'n'elcrofxar rl yap TrcWo) ;
KPEHNeViV^j^e? avrov, irpecr^v.
TEIPE2IA2
1X1) ^TTiXafM^dvov.
KPEHNfielvov, Tt (f}€uy€i<; ;
TE1PE2IA2
V "^^X^l ^> «^^' OVK eyot).
KPEnx
<f)pdcrov TToXtrat? Kal TroXet acoTyjplav.
TEIPE2IA2
^ovXei (TV fievTOi Kov-)(i ^ovXrja-ei Ta%a.
KPEflN
900 Ka\ TTW? iraTpmav yalav ov acbcrai deXo) ;
TEIPE2IA2
^eA,et9 uKovaai Bf]Ta kuI aTrovBrjv ex^t'i »
KPEflN
et? 7a/3 Tt /xdXXov Set irpodvp-lav exeiv ;
TEIPE2IA2
k\voi<; dv ?/S); rwt' e/icoi' OeaTricrpdrwi'.
TrpwTov 8' eKelvo /SovXofiai aa(f)co<; paOelv,
TTOv ^(TTiv ^levoiKev<;, 09 /ac SeO/o' iir/jyayev ;
KFEHN08' ou fxaKpdv direcni, ifKriaiov Be crov.
TEIPE2IA2
o7re\^€T&) I'L'i' 6e(T<^dTcov efxtav €Kd<i.
420
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
But this to tell, for me were all uneafe,
And bitter unto those whom fate endowsWith power to give their city safety's balm.I go. Farewell ! What must befall will I
—
One midst a multitude—endure. What help ?
\^Turns to go.
CREONAbide here, ancient
!
TEIRESIAS
Lay not hold on me.
CREONTariy : why flee ?
TEIRESIAS
Thy foi*tune flees, not I.
CREONTell citizens and city safety's path.
TEIRESIAS
Ay, fain art thou !—but loth thou soon shalt be.
CREONHow ?—not desire to save my fathei-land ? 900
TEIRESIAS
Wouldst thou indeed hear? Art thou set thereon ?
CREON
Yea : whereunto more earnest should I be ?
TEIRESIAS
Then straightway shalt thou hear mine oracles.
But of this first would I be certified
—
Where is Menoeceus, Avho hath led me hither ?
CREON
He stands not far, but even at thy side.
TEIRESIAS
Let hira withdraw then from my bodings far.
421
^OINUSAI
KPEflN
e/i09 7r€<f>VK(0(; 7ral<i a Bet <nyi]a€rai.
TEIPE2IA2
^ovXet irapovTO^ Bijrd croi rovrov (f>pda(o ;
KPEHN910 kKvcov 'yap av repTTOiro t?}*? crcoT»;/ota9.
TEIPE2IA2
cLKOve Bi] vvv de(T(^dro)v ificov oSov[a Spcovre'; av aooaane }s.aBfxeLO)v 7r6\iv.'\
acpd^ai, yieiwiKi) rovSe Set a vrrep "Trdrpaf;
crop TraiS', eVetS?) rf]i> rvxv^ auro? /faXet?.
KPEflN
Tt (f)7]<i ; TtV etTra? rovSe p,v6ov, m yepov ;
TEIPE2IA2
airep 7re(f)VK€, ravra KavdyKi] ae Spdv.
KPEXIN
ft) TToXka \e^a<i iv ^pa')(^el 'y^povid KUKa.
TEIPE2IA2
aoi y , dWa irarpLBi peydXa kuI cro)Ti'jpia.
KPEnNOVK €k\vov, ovk i'jKOvaa' y^aipero) 7ro\49.
TEIPE2IA2
920 dvi-jp 6'8' ovkW auTO?, eKveuei irdXiv.
KPEriN
')(aipo)v W- ov yap acov fie Bet p-avjeypdiuiv,
TEIPE2IA2
diroXoiXev dXrjOeC, eirel av Bv(rTV)(et<; ;
KPEflN
w 7rpo9 ere yovdrcov kul yepacr/uov Tpf)(6<;,
TEIPE2IA2
Tt Trpoa'TTtTvet'; pe ; Bucr(f>vXaKT alrel koku.
422
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
CREONHe is my son, will keep what must be secret.
TETRESIAS
Wilt thou indeed I speak before his face ?
CREONYea; of this safety gladly shall he hear. 910
TEIRESIAS
Hear then the tenor of mine oracle.
What deed of yours shall save the Thebans' town.
Menoeceus must thou slay for fatherland.
Thy son—since thou thyself demandest fate.
CREONHow say'st thou ? Ancient, what was this thy word ?
TEIRESIAS
As hath been doomed, even this thou needs must do.
CREONOh countless ills in one short moment told !
TEIRESIAS
Thine ills—but great salvation for thy land.
CREONI heard not !—hearkened not !—away, thou Thebes !
TEIRESIAS
Not the same man is this : he flincheth now. 920
CREONDepart in peace : thy bodings need I not.
TEIRESIAS
Is truth dead, for that thou art fortune-crost ?
CREONOh, by thy knees, and by thy reverend liair !
—
TEIRESIAS
Why kneel ? Thou prayest for ruin inevitable.
423
$0INI52AI
KPEHNatya- rrroXei Be rovaSe fir) Xeff;9 Xoyovq,
TEIPE5IA2
aBiK€iv K€\€V€i<; fi' ov (rKOTrijaaifj-ev dv.
KPEflN
Tt hrj fxe 8pd(Tec<; ; iraiBd /jlov KaraKrevet^ ;
TEIPE2IA2
aWoi? fieXija-et ravT, i/j.ol S' elpyjcrerai.
KPEnNCK Tov S' ifiol ToS' ?7X0e Kal T€Kva> kukov ;
TEIPE2IA2
930 opOo)^ jx epeoTUf; Keh dyCov ep-y^ei \6yo)i>.
Bel TovBe OaXd/j-ai^, ov BpuKcov 6 yi]'yeii]<;
eyevero ^LpKrjt; va/xaTcop eVtcr/fOTro?,
a(\iayevra (f)oviov aljxa yfj Boiivat %«a9,
KaS/iou TraKaiSiv "Apeo^ eK fajvifxciTCOv,
09 yrjyevei BpaKovri TL/xcopet <^6vov.
Kul ravra BpMVTe'? av/xfxa')(oi' KTtjaeaO^ -^PV'
^da)v S' dvTL Kapirov Kaprrov dvrl 6' aL/xaro^i
(Hfx rji' Xd^ij /SpoTetoi^ e^er' ev/xevf]
y>]P, y "Trod' ))/xlv ;YpL'cro7r?;A,?;/<:a ard^vv940 airaproiv dvrjKev e'/t yevov<i he Bet davelv
rovB\ 09 BpdKovTO^ yevvo<i iK7re(f)VKe 7rat9.
av 8' ivddB' r)/xtv XoiTro? eJ cnraprMv yevov^
uKepawi, eK re /xt]Tp6<i dpaevcov r' UTro,
oi croL re 7raiSe9. A(/ioro9 /xev ovv yd/xoi
(T(f>ayd'i aTveipyova' ov ydp eartv rjdeo^'
Kel fXTj ydp evi'i]!; I'^-^aT, a}OC e^et Xe^09'
0UT09 Be TTwA-o? TTjB' dvei/xevo<; TroXei
davMv irarpcoav yalav eKo-dxreiev dv.
TTiKpov B' WBpd(TTfp voarov 'Apyeioiai re
950 O^jaei, ixekaivav Krjp* eV Ofi/xaaiv /3aX(op,
424
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
CREONKeep silence : to the city tell not this.
TEIRESIAS
Thou bidd'st me sin : I will not hold my peace.
CREONWhat wilt thou do to me ?—wilt slay my son ?
TEIRESIAS
Others shall see to that. 'Tis mine to speak.
CREONWhence came on me this curse, and on my son ?
TEIRESIAS
Fair question and demand that I show cause. 930In that den where the earth-born dragon lay
Watching the streams of Dirce, must he yield.
Slaughtered, a blood-oblation to the earth;
For Ares, nursing wrath 'gainst Cadmus long.
Now would avenge his earth-born dragon's death.
Do this, and Ares for your champion win.
If earth for seed gain seed, and human blood
For blood, then kindly shall ye prove the earth
Which once sent up a harvest golden-helmedOf Sown-men. And it needeth that one die 940
Born of the lineage of the Dragon's Teeth;
And sole survivor art thou of the SownOf pure blood both on sire's and mother's side,
Thou and thy two sons. Haemon's spousals bar
His slaughter, for he is not virgin man.
Though sealed the rite be not, betrothed is he.
But this lad, to his city consecrate.
Dying, should yet redeem his fatherland.
And for Adrastus and the Argives makeBitter return, their eyes with black death palled, 950
425
<i>0INl2SAI
K\€ivd<i re %rj^a<i. rolvK k\ov hvolv TTOT/motv
Tov erepov ?) yap 7ral8a aMcrov i) iroKtv.
ra ixev Trap' ijpoyv iravT e^ei';' rjyou, reKvov,
7r/oo9 oIkov. o(TTi<i S' efiTTvpu) y^pvjTai Te)(^VT],
fidraio<;' rjif p-ev i')(^dpa aiiixi'p'a^; tv-^ij,
TTiKpo'i KaOeari-jj^ ol<; av olcovoaKOTrfj'
ylrevSfj 8' ott' o'iktov roiai ')(^p(op,evoi(; Xeycov
dSiKei ra tS>v Oecov. ^ol8ov dv6p(07roi<; piovov
XPU^ OeaTTiaSeiv, 09 BeSoiKev ovBeva.
XOP02960 Kpeoi/, rl cnyai; yrjpuv cixfyOoyyov (T')(^dcra<; ;
Kilp^ol yap ovSev rjcra-ov eKirXtj^i'i Trdpa.
KPEflN
Tt S' dv Ti? eiTTOi ; 8t]Xov ot' 7'ifiol \6yoi.
eycb yap oviror eh toS' elp-t crup(fiopd<;,
Mcrre a(^ayevra rralha Trpocrdetvai TroXei.
nrdcriv yap dvdpcoTroiai (fyiXoreKVO^i ^lo<;,
ovB^ av TOV avTOu TralSa t<? Boit] Krnvelv.
pn] pJ evXoyeiTCi) Tup.d t<? Kreivcov reKva.
avTO^ B\ iv copalo) yap earap,€v /3cou,
BvrjaKeiv k'roip,o(; Trar/otSo? €K\vrijpiov.
970 dXX.' eia, tckvov, irplv pbadelv irdaav ttoXiv,
aKoXacTT edaaq p,dvT6(ov OeairlapbaTa,
cj)euy^ f09 rd'^iaTaTTja-B^ aTraXXa'^i^Oel'i ')(^Bov6^'
Xe^ei yap dp-^^alq Kal (TTpaT>]XdTai<i rdSe,
7rvXa<;€(f>'
eirrd Kal Xo^ayerai; poXwvKiiv pev (})9dcrcop,6v, ecrrc croi acoTTjpia'
rjv S" vcnept'i(Tr)<i, olyopbecrOa, Kardavel.
MENOIKET2Trot Br\Ta (f)€vyco ; rtva iroXiv ; Tcva ^evcov ;
KPEflN
oTTOf ')(^0ov6<; rfjah^ iKTroBoov udXiar e<T6t,
426
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
And make Thebes glorious. One of these two fates
Choose : either save the city^, or thy son.
Now hast thou all my tale. Lead on, my child,
Homeward. Who useth the diviner's art
Is foolish. If he heraldeth ill things,
He is loathed of those to whom he prophesies.
If, pitying tliem that seek to him, he lie.
He wrongs the Gods. Sole prophet unto menOught Phoebus to have been, who feareth none.
[Exit.
CHORUS
Why silent, Creon, with lips held from speech ? 960
On me, too, consternation weighs no less.
CREON
What should one say ? . . . . But clear mine answer is :
Never such depth of misery will I seek.
As offer for my city a slaughtered son
!
For love of children filleth all men's life,
And none to death would yield up his own child.
Let no man praise me while he slays my sons !
Myself—who have reached the ripeness of myyears
—
For death stand ready, to redeem my land.
But up, my child, ere all the city hear : 970
Heed not the reckless words of soothsayers.
But fly—with all speed get thee from the land !
To the seven gates, the captains, will he go.
And tell the rulers and the chieftains this.
Yet, may we but forestall him, thou art saved;
But if thou lag, undone we are—thou diest.
MENOECEUS
But whither flee ?—what city seek ?—what friend ?
CREON
Where thou from this land's reach shalt farthest be.
427
^0£3i]ZlAI
S?SSIK
SHSsr
rjf fTomTm. lUKFT^o djbcB^', ^Xammamfg 'Xe^rn^
THE PHOENICl AV M AIOF.NS
It best beseems that thou tell. I perform.
CREON
Pass Delphi
—
MENOECEl'S
Whither, father, must I go? 9S0
CREON
Unto Aetolia.
MENOECEl'S
Whither journey thence ?
CREON
Thesprotias soil.
MENOECEl'S
Dodona's hallowed flinir ?
CREON
Thou say'sl.
MENOECBl'S
What shall be my protection there ?
CREON
The God shall speed thee.
MENOECEl'S
How supply my need.'
niEON
1 will find gold.
MENOECEl'S
Father, thou siiyest well :
Haste then. Unto thy sister will I go,
—
Jocasta, on whose bosom first I lav.
Reft oi' mv mother, left an orphai\ lnne.
—
To bid her farewell, ere I flee for life.
On then : pass in, be hindrance not in thee. 990
[^Exil CREON.
429
*0INI22AI
yvvaiK€^, CO? ev irarpo'^ e^elXov (f)OJ3ov
«\e-v//-a9 Xoyoicriv, oicrd' a /SovXofiat TV^eiv
09 yu.' €KKo/xL^ei, ttoXlv uTToarepoiv ry y'/?,
Kal SeiXta SiScoai. /cal avyyvwcna /xev
yepovTi' Tovfxov S' ov'^l aujyvcofjitjv ey^ei,
irpoSoTrjv lyevecrOai 7rarpi8o<i rj jx iyeivaro.
o)9 ovv av elhrjT, elfjLt, koX o-uxto) ttoXlv
\jrvx^7]v T€ 8(0(T03 TTjah^ inrepOavelv ')(6ovo<i.
. al(j-)(^pov yap, ol fiev 6ea(f)dT0)v ekevOepoi,
1000 KovK et9 avdyKriv Sat/xovcov d(})iyfxevoi
aravre^i Trap' dairlh^ ovk o/cptjaouaLV Oavelv,
•jTvpycov irdpoide iiayojx^voi irdrpa^ virep'
eyoi 8e, Trarepa Kal Kaaiyvi]Tov 7rpoSov<;
ttoXlv t €/j,avTov, Bei\o<; W9 e^<o x^ov6<i
aTreLfi' ottov S' av ^w, KaKO^ (fiavijaofiai.
fid Tov [xer darpcov Zi]v^ ' Apt] re (Jjolvlov,
09 TOL'9 VTrepTeiXavra^ e'/c yaia<i irore
Siraprov'; dvaKTa<i TTjaBe yi]<; iSpvaaro.
dXX" eJ/bLi Kal aTd<i i^ iirdX^ecov dfcpcov
1010 cr(f)d^a^ i/mavrov afjKov e9 fieXa/x/Badf]
SpdKOVTO^, evd^ 6 fidvTi<; e^'t]yi]craro,
eXevOepdocTOi yalav eiprjrat X6yo<i.
cTTe/^ft) Be, Oavdrov hSipov ovk ala'^pov iroXei
Scocrcov, voaov 8e ti]vB^ diraXXd^o) x^ova.el yap Xa^oov eKaaro^ 6 tl Svvairo ti<;
XPV^Tov SieXOoi, Touro Kel<i kolvov (fiepot
iraTplhi, KaKOiv dv at iroXet^; eXaaaovoyv
Treipcofievai to Xoittov evTV^olep dv.
X0P02
e/3a9 e/9a9, (rrp.
1020 0) TTTepovaaa, yd'i Xo^^v/xa
43°
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Maidens, how well I have stilled my father's fear
By guileful words, to attain the end I would !
Me would he steal hence, robbing Thebes of hope,
Branding me coward ! This might one forgive
In age ; but no forgiveness should be mineIf I betray the city of my birth.
Doubt not but I will go and save the town,And give my soul to death for this land's sake.
'Twere shame that men no oracles constrain,
Who have not fall'n into the net of fate, 1000
Shoulder to shoulder stand, blench not from death,
Fighting before the towers for fatherland,
And I, betraying father, brother, yea, •
My city, craven-like flee forth the land
—
A dastard manifest, where'er I dwell
!
By Zeus star-throned, by Ares, slaughter's lord.
Who set on high in kingship over ThebesThe Dragon-brood that cleft the womb of eartli.
Go will I, on the i-amparts' height will stand,
And o'er the Dragon's gloomy chasm-cave, 1010
Whereof the seer spake, will I slay myself.
And make my country free. The word is said.
I go, to give my country no mean gift.
My life, from ruin so to save the land :
For, if each man would take his all of good,
Lavish it, lay it at his country's feet,
Then fewer evils should the nations prove.
And should through days to come be pi-osperous.
[Exit.
CHORUS
Thou earnest, camest, O thou Avinged doom, (jSfr.)
Fruit of Earth's travailing, 1020
431
a>OINl22AI
veprepov t 'E^^t'^i'a?,
Ka8/jL€i(ov dpTrayd,
7r6Xv(f)6opo<; ttoXvcttovo^,
fjbi^oTrdpOevo^,
Sdtov Tepa<;,
(poirdai 7nepol<i
y^aXalal r odfiocTLTOLV
AipKaloov a "TTor €k
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aXvpov dfi(f)\ /j,ovaav
oXofxevav r ^Kpivvv
1030 €(f)€pe<i €(f)ep€<i ^^(^ea TrarplSc
(fiovLW <f)0VL0<i eK Oecav
09 TciS' rjv 6 irpd^a^.
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ld\€/jLot Se TrapOevcov
€<TTevaXoP OlKOl<i'
irjiov j3odv ^odv,
iijtov /xe\o<; /xe\o9
dWo<; aXV eTrtoToru^e
SiaSox^ai<; dvd tttoXiv.
^povTO, he (TTeva'yfi6<i
1040 ^X^ '^' V^ ofioto^;,
oirore TroXeo? a^avtaeLev
d irrepovaaa irapdevof tlv* dvBpcov.
Xpovfp ^' e'/Sa dvT.
Tlvdiac,<i aTTOCTToXalcnv
OlhllTOVi 6 TXdflCOV
©rj^aiav rdvBe ydv
TOT d(rfievoi<i, TrdXcv B a^T/xuTpl <ydp ydfjLov^i
^3?
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Begotten of the Worm of Nether-gloom,
On Cadmus' sons to spring
Death-frauglit, and fraught with meanings for the
dead.
Half maiden, half brute-beast,
Monster of roving pinions, talons red
From that raw-ravening feast,
Snatching from Dirce's meads her young men,
shrieking
O'er them thy dissonant knell,
Anguish of slaughter on our country wreaking.
Wreaking a curse-doom fell
!
1030
Ah, murderous God, these ills for us who fashioned
!
Moanings of mothers filled
The shuddering homes, and maidens' moanings pas-
sioned :
And wail to wail aye thrilled.
And dirge to death-dirge, each to each replying
The stricken city through
—
A nation's pang—as thunder pealed their crying, 1040
When the winged maid with each new victim flying
From earth, was lost to view.
(Ant.)
At last was Oedipus, woe-fated, bound
From Pytho, hither led,
—
Our joy, but soon our grief,—who, triumph-crowned
From that dark riddle read.
Wretch, in foul bridal made his mother wife,
433
«I>0INI25AI
8v(Tydfiov<; rdXa<;
KaWiiu/co^ wvalviyfidrwv auvaTrret,
1050 fjiiau'ei, 8e tttoXlv
hi alfidroiv 8' d/jL€i.^ec
fxvaapov eh dycova
Kara^aKcbv dpatcn
reKea yaeXeo?. dydfjued^ dyd^eO
»
0? eirl Odvarov oT^erat
jd<; virep nrarpcpa^,
K.peovTi /xev Xlttwv yoov^,
ra S' eTTTdirvpya KK,fjdpa yd<i
KaXkivtKa 6y](T(t)v.
1060 yevoijxeO^ coSe jxaTepe^
yei'o'ified^ evreKVoi, cf)i\a
HaWd'i, a SpdKovTO'i atfia
XiOo^oXov Karecpydcrco,
KaSfielav fiepifivav
6pfi7jcraa eV epyov,
odev eireavTO rdi'Se yalavdpnayalcn haiixovwv TL<i dra,
ArrEAOS
diy'j, Tit ev TTvXaLcn Sw/ndrMV Kvpei
;
dvoiyeT , eKTropever ^loKdaT')]v So/ntov.
d)ij fxd'}C avOi'i' Sid fiaKpov fxev, «A,X' ofia}<;
1070 G^e\6\ aKovaov, OISittov KXeivrj Zdfiap,
\i'j^aa oovp/XMv irevOlfxaiv re BaKpvwv.
I0KA2TH
0) <^l\rar, rj ttov ^vfi(f)opdv rjKeLt (f)€p(ov
^EiTeoKXeovt davovTo^, ou Trap' da-mBa^e^t]Ka<i de\ iroXefilcov elpymv fSeXr]
;
434
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Polluted ThebeS; and banned 1050
His sons to stain in this accursed strife
With brother-blood the hand.
Praise to him^ praise, who unto death is faring.
Yea, for his land to die.
Leaving to Creon moans of love's despairing,
But setting victory
For crown upon the city seven-gated !
Ah, may such noble son
To bless mine happy motherhood be fated,
O Pallas, gracious one !
—
1060
Pallas, of whom the sudden stone leapt, spilling
The dragon-warder's blood :
Thou gav'st the thought the heart of Cadmus thrilling
To dare the deed whence rushed, with ravin filling
The land, a God's curse-flood.
Enter MESSENGER.
MESSENGER
Ho there ! Who standeth at the palace-gate ?
Open ye, briiig Jocasta forth her bowers.
Ho there, again ! Though late, yet come thou furtii :
Hearken, renowned wife of Oedipus; 1070
Cease from thy wailings and thy tears of grief.
Enter jocasta.
JOCASTA
Friend—friend !—thou com'st not sure with ill news
fraught
Of Eteocles' death, by whose shield aye
Thou marchedst, warding him from foemen's darts ?
435F F 2
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;
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I0KA2TH1080 rfXdov he 7rpo<; Kivhwov ^Apyeiov 8op6<;
;
ArrEAOSaKjJbijv 7' eV avT)]V aXV K.aBfiei(>)v''Apr)<;
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ArrEA02
^^ (Tot ^vvoyph et<? roS' i)iJiepa<t reKvaiv.
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;
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ArrEA021090 eVei K/3€oi/T09 7rat9 7779 virepOavtov
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TTvXas e'0' eTTTCi, (f)vXaKa<; ^Apyei'ou Sop6<;,
(709 7rai9, icfyeSpov^ 8' iTnrora'i /nev iTnroTai,^
era^\ oirXlra'i 8' a(T7nBrj(f)6poi<i eiri,
436
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
What word of tidings bringest thou to me ?
Dead is my son, or liveth he ?—declare.
MESSENGERHe lives. Fear not ! I rid thee so of dread.
JOCASTA
And the seven towers, how fares the fence thereof?
MESSENGERThey stand unshattered : Thebes not yet is spoiled.
JOCASTA
Were they sore perilled of the Argive spear ? 1080
MESSENGER
At ruin's brink : but stronger proved the mightOf Cadmus' people than Mycenae's spear.
JOCASTA
One thing, by heaven !—of Polyneices aught
Canst tell ? I yearn for this ? Doth he see light ?
MESSENGER
Liveth thus far thy chariot-yoke ot sons.
JOCASTA
Blessings on thee ! How did ye thrust the spear
Of Argos back from your beleaguered gates ?
Tell, that I may rejoice the blind old manThe halls within, with news of this land saved.
MESSENGER
When Creon's son, who for his country died, 1090
Climbing a tower's height, had thrust the sword
Black-hafted through his throat to save the land,
Seven bands with captains to the seven gates,
For watch and ward against the Argive spear.
Thy son set, horsemen covering horsemen ranged.
And men-at-arms behind the shield-bearers,
437
*0INI2SAI
ft)9 TM vocrovvTt reL'^ecDV eitj Bopo^
aXK)] 8t' oXlyov. irepyd/jiiov 6 air 6p6l(ov
XevKaaTTiv elcropco/xev ^Apyeicov arparov
1100 TevfMricroi/ eKkirrovTa- koI rdippou 7reAa9
BpofMfp avvrj^ev clcttv lLah[xeia<; ')(dovo<i.
iraiav he Koi adX7nyye<i eKeXdSovp ojjlov
eKeWev €K re retx^wv i^fxSiv nrdpa.
KOL TTpSira fxev irpoarjye ^rjLo-Tcwi TTfA-at?
\6')(^ov TTUKvalaiv dcriTicnv irecfipCKoTa
6 tT]'; Kvvayov YiapdevoTToio'; eicyovo<i,
e7ri'cr?/|U,' ^^((liv ol/celov ev jxeacp crdKei,
e«77/3oXot9 To^oLcnv ^AraXdvryjv Kairpov
')(^6ipovfxev^]v AItcoXov. et9 Se IIpoiTiSa<i
1110 7rvXa<i e'^copei cr^dyL e^^wv e(^' dpfiaTt
6 /.idvTi,^ 'A/jL^idpao<?, ov crrjixeV e\iov
v^picr/ji€v\ dXXd ao)(f}p6v(o<i datjp.^ oTrXa.
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aTlKTOl<i UaVOTTTTJV OflfJLaCTLV SeSopKOTU,
rd fiev (Tvv darpwv eivLToXalcrtv ofif-iara
^Xeirovra, rd Se KpvTrrovTa Swovtcov juira,
609 varepov 6av6vTO<i elcropdv Traprjv.
'O/LLoXootaiv 8e rd^iv e'l')(e Trpb^ 7ruXai<;
1120 TuSeu9, Xeovro<i hepo<; e'^cov eir davihi
•^aiTT] Tre(f)piK6^' Se^id 8e XafiTrdSa
Ttrdv Tlpopirjdev<i etpepev <W9 Trpijacov iroXiv.
6 (TO<i Se K.p7]va [aicri HoXvveiKi]'; 7n/\ai9
^Aprj irpoariye- YloTVidhe'^ 8' eV dairihi
eTTia-rj/jLa TTMXoi Spop.d8e<; eaKiprcov (f)6^(p,
ev TTcov crrpocpiy^iv evSodev KVKXov/jievai
TTopTra^' UTT avTov, Mare /xatvecrOat BoKelv.
8 ovK eXacraop "Apeo^ et9 p-d^tjv <f)povct)p
438
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
That, where the wall's defence failed, succour of
spears
Might be hard by. Then from the soaring towersWe marked the white shields of the Argive hostLeaving Teumessus. Having neared the foss, 1100
Suddenly charging closed they on Cadmus' burg.
Then paean swelled, and shattering trumpet shrilled,
All blended, from the foe and from the walls.
Parthenopaeus, that famed huntress' son,
First led against the Gate Neistian
A squadron horrent all with serried shields.
On his mid-targe the blazon of his house,
Atalanta slaying the Aetolian boar
With shafts ftir-smiting. Against Proetus' Gate,
Slain victims on his chariot, marched the seer 1110
Amphiaraus, with no proud device.
But sober weapons void of blazonry.
The gates Ogygian King HippomedonAssailed, in mid-targe bearmg for device
Argus, with gemmy eyes for aye at gaze.
Some with the rising of the stars aglare.
While, as the stars set, some were slumber-veiled.
As might be seen thereafter, he being slain.
Against the Gate of Homole Tydeus took
His stand, his shield draped with a lion's hide 1120
All shaggy-haired : Titan Prometheus bore
A torch in hand there, as to burn the town.
Thy son Polyneices at the Fountain GateLed on the war. Upon his shield the steeds
Of Potniae racing in fear-frenzy sprang.
Wheeled round within by pivots cunningly
Hard by the hand-grip, that they seemed distraught.
High-stomached for the fight as Ares' self,
439
4>0INISSA1
Kajsravev^ Trpoa-fjye \6')(ov eV 'HXe^rpai? TrwXai?*
1130 (TiBr]povcoroL^ 8' aairiho^; tvttol^ iirriv
yi'ya<i iir a)fxoi<; yrjjevijs o\i]v ttoXiv
^epwv fio')(\ol(Tiv i^ai'aa7rdaa<; ^ddpcov,
vTToi'Oiav i]/jilv ola ireLaerai iroXi'i.
rac'i S' e^So/itti? "AEpaaTO<; iv TrvXaiaiv r^v,
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BpdKOVT€<; ecpepov TCKva K.a8/x€i,(i)v yvddoi<;.
'TTaprjv S' CKdaTOV TCOvSe /jLOl Oedfiara
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6 6' 'Ap/ira?, ov/i ^Apyeio>i, ^AraXdvrrjq y6vo<$
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1160 tppr)^€i' oarecov, dpn S' olvcoirov yevvv
440
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Led Capaneus his troop to Electra's Gate;
And, for his iron-faced buckler's blazonry, 1130
An earth-born giant on his shoulders bore
A whole town from its basement lever-Avrenched,
As token for us of our city's fate.
And at the seventh gate Adrastus was,
His graven shield with five-score vipers throngedSwung on his left arm, even the Argive vaunt.
The Hydra ; and its serpents from our walls
Were snatching Cadmus' children in their jaws.
Each chief's device I well might mark, who bare
The watchword to the leaders of our bands. 1140
Then first with bows and thong-sped javelins
We battled, and with slings that smote from far,
And crashing stones. But when we 'gan prevail.
Suddenly shouted Tydeus and thy son :
" Sons of the Danaans, ere their bolts quell you.
Why do ye tarry, onward-hurling all.
To assault their gates—light-armed, horse, chariot-
loi'ds?
"
Soon as they heard that cry, was none hung back.
Many, with heads blood-dashed, were falling fast;
And of us many earthward flung thou hadst seen 1150
Before the walls, like divers plunging, dead,
Drenching the thirsty soil with streams of gore.
But Atalanta's son—no Argive he
—
Hurls like a whirlwind at the gates, and shouts
For fire and mattocks, as to raze the town.
But his mid-fury PericljTnenus stayed.
The Sea-god's son, who hurled a wain-load crag,
A battlement-coping, down upon his shield.
Spattered abroad the golden head, and rent
The knittings of its bones : the cheeks dark-flushed 1160
441
4>0INI22AI
Kadrjixarwcrev' ouS' inroiaerai ^iov
rfj KaWiTo^o) /jiijTpi McwrnXou A'op?;.
eirel he rdaS^ elcrelBev €UTV)(et<i 7rvXa<i,
dWa<; iirrjeL iraU 0-09, ei7r6/j,rjv iyco.
opco Be TvSi] Kol TTapaairiaTCK; ttvkvov^
AiTcoXlcnv \6y)(aLaiv et? aicpov (TJOfjia
irvpyoav aKOVTi^ovra<i, Sxjt eirahJ^ewv
Xiirelv epi7rva<} (^vyd^a<;' ciWd viv TrdXiv,
Kvvayb^ Mcrel, iral^i ao^ i^adpoi^erai,
1170 7rvpyoi<; 8' eTre'cm^cr' avOi<;. et9 S" dWa^ rrvXa^
-r^'TTeiyoixeaOa, rovro 7ravaavre<; voaovv.
Ka7ravev<; Se 7rw9 etiroipj^ av o)? e/u,aiveTO ;
p.aKpav'xevo^ yap KklfiaKo^ irpoaafi^da-ei';
e')((t)v e')(^u>pei,, koI roaovS^ eKoixiracre,
/i,7;S' av -TO aep^vov irvp viv eipyaOeiv Ai6<;
TO p-i] ov Kar uKpcov Trepyd/xcov eXecv ttoXiv.
Kal ravd' dp^ tjyopeve kol 7rerpoup.evo<;
dveipcj)^ vtt' avr7]v dcrTrlS^ eiXi^a<i Sep,a<;,
KXip.aKO<; dpiei^wv ^ear evrjXdrcov (SdOpa,
1180 rjhrj 8' virep^aivovra yelaa reiyewv
^dXXei KepavvS) ^Lev<i viv. eKTviriiae he
')(6diiv, MCrre Setaai iravTa^- etc he KXip,dK(ov
e(T(f}ei'hoi>dTO ')(oyp\<i dXXi'fXwv p^eXrj,
Kopiui p,ev €l<i"OXvp.7rov, alpui h' a^ )(dova,
p^et/3e9 he Kal kcoX^ 0)9 KVKXwpC 'l^LOVO'i
eiXiacreT^' et9 y)]V S' ep,7rvpo<; mTrret veKp6<;.
ft)9 S' etS' "Ahpa(TTO<i Ziiva 7roXep,tov errpara),
e^co rd(f)pov Kadlcrev ^Apyetcov arparov.
ol S' av Trap' i)p.cov he^ibv Ato9 repa<;
1190 lh6vre<i e^ijXavvov dpp,dru)v 6'X^ovi;
i7r7rr}<;- orrXlrai rel<i p-^cr Wpyeicov orrXa
(Tvvrj'^lrav eyx^], rrdvra S" rjv opiov Kaxd-
442
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Dashed he with blood. No life shall he bear backTo his archer-mother. Maid of Maenalus.Then, marking how at this gate all went well.
Passed to the next thy son, I following still.
There saw I Tydeus with his serried shields.
With spears Aetolian javelining the heightOf the roofless towers, that fi-om the rampart's crest
Ours fled in panic. But thy son again
Rallies them, as the hunter cheers his hounds;
So manned the walls anew. To other gates 1170
On pressed we, having stayed the mischief there.
But how the madness tell of Capaneus ?
For, grasping the long ladder's scaling rounds.
On came he, and thus haughtily vaunted he.
That not Zeus' awful fire should hold him back
From razing from her topmost towers the town.
Thus crying, ever as hailed the stones on him.
He climbed, with body gathered 'neath his targe.
Aye stepping from smooth ladder-rung to rung.
But, even as o'er the ramparts rose his head, 1180
Zeus smiteth him with lightning : rang again
The earth, that all quailed. From the ladder flew
His limbs abroad wide-whirling slingstone-like :
Heavenwai'd his hair streamed, earthward rained his
blood
:
Hands, feet—Ixion on his wheel seemed he
—
Whirled round. To earth he fell, a corpse flame-
blasted.
Adrastus, seeing Zeus his army's foe.
Without the trench drew off the Argive host.
Then, marking Zeus's portent fair for us.
Forth of the gates our horse their chariots drave : 1190
Our footmen crashed through Argos' mid-array
W^ith levelled spears ;
—'twas turmoiled ruin all
—
443
$0INI25AI
'i6vr)(TKOV e^eTTLTnov avrvyatv airo,
Tpoxoi T iiri'jhoiv a^ove'i t' eV d^oai,
v€Kpol he v€Kpol<; e^e<T(opevovd' ofiov.
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Kal vvv yap avTrjv Saifiovtov eacoae rL<i.
X0P021200 KoXov TO vijcav el S' ajxeivov ol deol
yvcofMrjv €')(pvaiv—evrvxh^ ^'^V^ iyco.
IOKA2THKaX(o<; ra rwv decov Kal ra r?}? rvXH^ ^X^^'TratSef re yap fiot ^(oai KaKirec^evye yrj.
}^pe(i)v S' eoiKe tmv efiMV vv/u,(f)ev/xdTO)v
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Ihla Be XvTrpco^. dX)C dveXde fioi irdXtv,
TL tclttI tovtol^ iralh^ epioi hpaaeierov.
ArrEAOSea ra Xoiird' Sevp^ del yap ev7V)(el<i,
IOKA2TH
1210 rovT el<i vnoTrrov etTra?- ovk ewreov.
ArrEAOsfiel^ov Tt %/3?7^6i9 TratSa? i) a-eacocrfxevov; ;
10KA2THKal rdTTiXoiTrd y el KaXco^ Trpdaaon KXveiv.
ArrEAOS
ixede<i fx' €pr]fio<i vai^ vTracnncrrov aeOev.
IOKA5THKUKov Tt Kevdet,<i Kal areyei<; inro gkotw.
ArrEA02ovk dv ye Xe^at[x eV dyaOoiai croi KUKd,
444
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Men dying—falling o'er the chariot-rails
—
Wheels leaping—axles upon axles dashed,
And corpses heaped on corpses all confused.
So then for this day have we barred the fall
Of our land's towers ; but if good fortune waits
On Thebes henceforth, this resteth with the Gods
:
Only a God's hand rescued her to-day,
CHORUSGlorious is victory : if more favours yet 1200
The Gods intend—ah, may I so be blest
!
JOCASTA
Fair are the dealings of the Gods and Fate :
For lo, my sons live, and the land hath 'scaped.
But Creon hath, meseems, reaped evil fruit
Of mine and Oedipus' marriage—hapless sire,
Reft of his son, for blessing unto Thebes,
But grief to him ! Take up the tale again,
And tell what now my sons are bent to do.
MESSENGER
Forbear the rest. Thus far 'tis well with thee.
JOCASTA
Thou stirr'st surmisings ! I can not forbear ! 1210
MESSENGER
How, wouldst thou more than know thy sons are safe ?
JOCASTA
Yea, know if things to come be well for me.
MESSENGER
Now let me go : thy son his henchman lacks.
JOCASTA
Some ill thou hid'st—in darkness veilest it
!
MESSENGER
I would not tell thee evil blent with good.
445
^OINISSAI
IOKA2TH
^u /ubt] <y€ (pevycov €K<j>viyr]^ Trpo^ aiOepa.
ArrEAOSalal' TO yit' ouk etacra? i^ evayyeXov
(j)>j/jLT]<i aireXdeiv, aWa [irjvvcrai kuku ;
Tifi Tvalhe Tu> ao) fieWerov, ToX/jLijfiaTa
1220 aia-xic'TCi, X^P'''^ /xovofiax^ti' TTavro<i aTparov,
Xe^avTe<; ^Kpye'ioiaL J^aS/xeioiai, re
€49 KOIVOV oloV /J,/]'TrOT o)(j)e\ov \ojov.
'ETeo/cXe779 8' virrjp^^ ani opQlov crra^eii?
TTVpyov, Ke\evaa<; aiya Krjpv^ai arpaTM'
[eXe|-e S'* & yijif 'RWdSo^ aTpaTTjXdrai]
Aavacov dpcar^]^, oXirep ')]\deT evOdBe,
Kd8/jbov re \a6<i, /jbtJTe Uo\vv€lkov^ %"P*y\lrv)(^d<; dvef^TToXdre fxrjd^ i]p,MV vrrep.
eyco yap avTO<; rovhe klvSvvov fieOel^
1230 povo<i avvdy\ra) crvyyovw roo/xu) fid'x^rjv
Kciv f.iev Krdvo) rovS", oIkov oIkijctco jxovo^,
rjaacofMeuo'i Be rwSe TrapaSfoaco /jlovm.
vfj,€i<; S' dySiv a^ej^re?, ^ApyeioL, 'yOova
viaaecrOe, /Slotov yu,?) XtTrwre? evddZe,
%7rapTb)v re Xab'? dXi,<i 6(T0<i Kelrat veKp6<;.
TocravT eXe^e' cro? Se UoXweiKy^ y6vo<i
CK rd^ecov oypovae Kcnryvec Xoyov;.
7rdvT€<; S' e7r€pp6d)]aav ^Apyeloi rdSe
KdSfxov re Xao<; fo)9 h'tKai rjyovpevoi,,
1240 eVi TocaSe S' iaTrelaavTo, kciv /LL6raL')(^fj,ioi<}
6pKov<i avvTJyfrav epLixevelv o-TpaTrjXdTat.
i]Sy] 8' eKpvTTTOV aoifia irayxdXKOi,^ OTrXot?
Si(T<Tol yepovro^ Olhlirov veaviac
(jiiXoi S' eKoapovv, Ti]cr8e pev 7rp6p,ov y^Oovo^
'Ziraprcov dpia-rijs, rov Be Aava'iBcov ciKpot.
446
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
JOCASTA
That shalt thou—except to heaven thou wing thyflight.
MESSENGERAlas ! why couldst thou let me not go hencelifter good tidings, but wouldst have the ill ?
Thy two sons purpose single fight, apart
From all the host—a desperate deed of shame ! 1220
To Argives and Cadmeans one and all
They spake that Avhich would God they had left
unsaid
!
Eteocles from a lofty tower beg.in
—
Having bid publish silence to the host
—
And said :" O battle-chiefs of Hellas-land,
Lords of the Danaans who have hither come,And Cadmus' folk—for Polyneices' sake
Sell not your lives, nor sell them in my cause.
For I myself will free you of this risk.
And with my brother gi-apple alone in fight. 1230
If I slay him, mine halls I hold alone :
O'erthrown, I yield them up to him alone.
Argives, forbear the struggle, and return
Unto your land, not leaving here your lives
;
And of the Sown suffice the already dead."
Thus spake he ; Polpieices then, thy son.
Leapt from the ranks, and hailed the challenge-word;
And all the Argives shouted yea to this.
And Cadmus' folk, as rigliteous in their eyes.
On these terms made they truce, and in mid-space 1240
The chiefs took oaths whereby they should abide.
Then ancient Oedipus' two sons straightway
'Gan case their bodies in all-brazen mail,
Holpen of friends ; by Theban lords the king
Of this land, and by Danaan chiefs his brother.
447
*0INI22AI
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;
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448
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
There stood they gleaming,- --never paled their
cheeks,
—
Each panting at his foe to dart the spear.
On this side and on that their friends drew nigh,
With heartening words thus speaking unto them
;
" Thine, Pol^Tieices, is it to set up 1250Zeus' trophy-statue, and give Argos fame "
;
To Eteocles—" Thou for Thebes dost fight
:
Now triumph, and thou hold'st her sceptre fast."
So did they hail them, cheering them to fight.
And the priests slew the sheep : flame-tongue theymarked,
And flame-cleft, steamy reek that bodeth ill,
The pointed flame, which hath decisions twain,
Betokening victory or overthrow.
If any power thou hast or cunning words,
Or spell of charms, go, pluck thou back thy sons 1260
From that dread strife ; for grim the peril is;
And, for dread guerdon, tears shall be thy portion.
If thou of two sons be this day bereaved. [£.r/7.
JOCASTA
Daughter Antigone, come fortli the house !
No dances, neither toils of maiden hands.
Beseem thee in this hour of heaven's doom;
But heroes twain, yea, brethren unto thee,
NoAv deathward reeling, with thy mother thou
Must hold from dying, each by other slain.
Enter antigone.
ANTIGONE
Mother that bare me, what strange terror-cry 1270
Before these halls to thy friends utterest thou ?
JOCASTA
Daughter, thy brethren's life is come to naught.
449
*01N122AI
ANTirONH7raJ9 et7ra<? ;
IOKA2THaf^fJLrjV €9 ixlav Kadeararov.
ANTirONHot '706, t/ Xe'^et?, fiTjTep ;
IOKA2THou ^tA, , aXA, eirov.
ANTirONH
TTOt, irapdevSyva'i eKXiTrova*
;
10KA2THdt'a arpuTov.
ANTirONH
alSovfied^ 6')(\ov.
IOKA2THoy/c eV ala')(yvrj to. ad
ANTirONHhpdaoi Be Sr] rl
;
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ANTirONH
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IOKA2TH
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TraiSa? irpb \6yxv^> ovpbo<; iv (f)d€t 0co<;-
davovau S' avToi<i avvdavovaa Keiaofuii.
450
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
ANTIGONEHow say'st thou ?
JOCASTA
Met they ai-e for single fight.
ANTIGONEWoe ! what wilt say ?
JOCASTA
Naught welcome. Follow me.
ANTIGONEWhither, from maiden-bowers ?
JOCASTA
Through the host.
ANTIGONE
I shrink from throngs !
JOCASTA
No time for modesty this !
ANTIGONE
I—what can I do ?
JOCASTA
Part thy brethren's strife.
ANTIGONE
Mother, whereby?
JOCASTA
Fall at their feet with me.
ANTIGONE
Lead to the mid-space ! We may tarry not.
JOCASTA
Haste, daughter, haste : for, may I but forestall 1280
My sons ere fighting, light of life is mine :
If they be dead, dead with them will I lie. [Exeunt.
451GG 2
$OINI22AI
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Sea crdpKa 8' i/xap
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8i8vp,a reKca iroTepo^ apa irorepov al/xa^ec—1(1) pot TTOVCDV,
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1300 rdXave^, 6 n Trore povop.dxov iirl (ppep^ rfkderrjv,
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y6ou<;.
KPE.ON
1310 otfioi, tL Spdcro) ; irorep^ ip,avr6v rj ttoXcv
arivco Ba/cpvcra^, fjv irepi^ e^^i vi(f>o<i
' Hermann : for <pdos of MSS.
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
CHORUSAlas and alas ! («S7r.)
Shuddering, shuddering horror of soul have I :
Through the very flesh of me pass
Compassion-thrills for a mother in misery. [lie
—
Two sons—who, slain of the other, in blood shall
Woe, anguish, and dismay !
Zeus !—Earth !—to you I pray I
—
1290
With his throat pierced, his life by a brother sped.His shield cleft, and his blood by a brother shed?
Woe's me and well-a day !
For whom shall I uplift my voice to wail him dead ?
O land, O land ! (Ant.)
Two ravening beasts, two spirits ofmurderous mood.With the battle-lust quivering they stand
;
But brother shall soon lay brother low in his blood !
Wretches, that ever on duel bent they stood ! 1300
With wail of alien tongueShall my wild dirge be sung,
Tears for the dead, and lamentation's ciy.
Fate presseth nearer, murder is hard by.
In the sword's balance hung :
—
Curst slaughter, curst, the work of V'engeance-destiny
!
Ha, 'tis Creon I behold, that hitherward with clouded
brow [but now.
Hasteth to the palace. I will hush the wail begun
Enter creon, rviih attendants bearing the body ofMENOECEUS
CREON
Wliat shall I do ? Weeping shall I bemoan 1310
Myself, or Thebes whom such a cloud o'erpalls
453
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ifiof T€ yap Trat? "/r}? oXwX' virepOapcov,
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ov cipTi /(pr]/jbi'0)i' etc hpaKOVTeiwv eXcov
avTo(Tcf)ayPi hv(TTrjvo<i eicopuKJ^ iv ^epolv,
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1320 TOi? yap Oavovai y^prj rov ov reOvrjKOTa
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X0P02^e^-ijK dSeXcf)}] cr/;, Kpecov, e^w 86p.(ov
Koprj re /jit]Tp6<i WvTtyovT) koluG) ttoBl.
KPEnNTTOi KUTTi TToiav avfji(f)opdv ; arj/iaive fioi.
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1330 SoKO) 8' dyoiva rov rrepl ^v^V'^' Kpeo//,
^Sj; TreTrpdx^^t rraiai rocaiv OlSlttov.
KPEnNol)xoi, ro fxev ai]/x€iov elaopo) roSe,
aKv9pairov ofi/xa Kal rrpocrwirov dyyeXovarei')(ovro<;, o? irdv dyyeXet ro Spcofievoi'.
ArrEAOSft) rdXa<; iyco, riv" ecTrco p-vOov i) rivas y6ov<; ;
454
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
As through the gloom of Acheron drifts her now ?
Dead is my son ! He died for fatherland^
Winning a glorious name, but woe for me.Him from the Dragon's crags but now I caughtSelf-slain, and woefully bare him in mine arms.My whole house wails. I for my sister come,Jocasta,—come, the old to seek the old,
—
To bathe and lay out this no more my son.
For he who hath not died must reverence 1320
The Nether-gods by honouring the dead.
CHORUSGone is thy sister, Creon, forth the house ;
And with her went her child Antigone.
CREONWhither ?—for what mischance ? Declare to me.
CHORUS
The purpose of her sons she heard, to fight
In single combat for the royal halls.
CREON
How sayest thou ? Lo, tending my son's coi-se,
I came not to the knowledge of this deed.
CHORUS
Yea, hence thy sister parted long agone :
And that death-struggle, Creon, now, meseems, 1330
Is ended 'twixt the sons of Oedipus.
CREON
Ah me ! a token yonder do I see.
The joyless eye and face of one who comesA messenger, to tell all horrors done.
Enter messenger.MESSENGER
Woe is me ! what story can I tell, or utter forth whatwail .''
455
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1340 alai.
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,
ol)xoL KaKO)V BvaTyi'Oi;- 6) raXa? iyco,
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XOP021350 dvdyeT dvdyere kcokvtov,
eirl Kupa re XevK07n}^€i<; ktvttov^ ^epoiv.
456
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
CREONAh, undone ! With no fair-seeming pi elude thou be-
ginn'st thy tale.
MESSENGERWoe ! Again I cry it, for I bring a burden of
dismay—
-
CREONHeaped ujion calamities already wrought ? What
wouldst thou say ?
MESSENGERCreon, those thy sister's sons behold no more the light
of day.
CREONAlas 1 1340
Terrible ills for me and for Thebes dost thou tell
—
O halls of Oedipus, have ye heard this ?
—
Dost tell of sons that by one doom have died I
CHORUSTheir very walls might weep, could they but knoAv.
CREON
Woe's me, the disaster, when fate's stroke heavily fell!
Woe for my sorrows ! Ah unhajipy I !
MESSENGER
Ah, didst thou know the evils more than these
!
CREON
What can be more calamitous than these ?
MESSENGER
Dead is thy sister—dead with her two sons.
CHORUS
Upraise, upraise the lamentation-strain, 1350
Down on the head let bloAvs of white hands rain I
457
4'0INI22AI
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1360 01 Tov yepovTo<i Olhlirov veavLai,
e(Trr](Tav iXOovr et? peaov /j,€Tai')(fi(ov
[8t<7<raj aTparrjyo) koX BnrXdi aTpari]\aTa]
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/SXei/ra? S' €9 "Ayoyo? rjKe TToXft'et'/cj;? dpd<;-
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Kadaiparwaau Be^iav inKi](f)opov'
[a'i(T)(^i(7T0P alroiv crre(^avov, opoyevi) Kravelv.
1370 TToWol'i S iirrjei, SaKpva t?}? tv^V^ ocrrj,
Kci^Xe-yp-av dW7]\oiai Biah6vTe<i /fo/oa?,]
'Ereo/cXe?;? 8e IlaXXaSo? 'X^pvadarrLho'i
/SXei/ra? TT/oo? oIkov rjv^ar' Si Ai6<; Koptj,
So? ^7X0? 7; /LIU' KaWii'iKOV eK xeph<;
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(Td\7nyyo<i y]XV> o'^lp^^ (poivlov paxpTi,
j]^av Bpopr)pa Seivov aXX?;\ot? eVi*
1380 Kdirpot, S' OTTO)? d)']yovT€<; dypiav yevvv
^vvfj-yjrav, dippM Sid/Spoxoi y€V€id8a<i'
458
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
CREONHapless Jocasta, what an end of life
And marriage hast thou proved the Sphinx's riddle I
How came to pass the death of her two sons.
The strife, of Oedipus' curse that came ?—declare.
MESSENGERThe land's fair fortune in her towers' defence
Thou know'st : the girdling walls be not so far
But that thou mayest know whate'er is done.
Now when in brazen mail they had clad their limbs,
Those princes, sons of ancient Oedipus, 1360
Into the mid-space went they forth and stood.
Those chieftains two, those battle-leaders twain.
As for the grapple and strife of single fight.
Then, gazing Argos-ward, Polyneices prayed
:
" Queen Hera,—for thine am I since I wedAdrastus' child, and dwell within thy land,—
•
Grant me to slay my brother, and to stain
My warring hand with blood of victory 1 "
—
Asking a crown of shame, to slay a brother.
Tears sprang from many an eye at that dread fate, 1370
And each on other did men look askance.
But unto golden-shielded Pallas' fane
Eteocles looked, and prayed :" Daughter of Zeus,
Grant that the conquering spear, of mine hand sped,
Yea, from this arm, may smite my brother's breast,
And slay him who hath come to waste my land !
"
Then, when the Tuscan trump, like signal-torch,
Rang forth the token of the bloody fray.
Forth darted each at other in terrible rush;
And, like wild boars that whet the tameless tusk, 1380
Clashed they, foam-flakes beslavering their beards.
459
4>OINI2SAI
jjaaov Se Xoy^^a/?* aXX' vcfii^avoi' kvk\oi<;,
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1390 'Etc o/cXe?;? Se ttoBI fi€Tayp-a[pa)i> irerpov
t')(JfOV<i VTToSpOflOV, KCoXoV iKTO<i (ITTTL^O^
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1410 Xaiov /xev ei9 TovvriaOev dfKpepei ttoSo,
irpocrw rd Ko2Xa yaarpcx; €vXa^ovp.€vo<i'
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460
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
With spears they lunged : yet crouched beliind their
shields.
That so the steel might bootless glance aside.
And, if one saw foe's eye peer o'er the targe,
Aye thrust he, fain to overreach his fence.
Yet cunningly through eyelets of their shields
They glanced, that naught awhile the spear achieved,
While more from all beholders trickled sweat.
Of fear for friends, than from the champions' selves.
But Eteocles, spurning aside a stone 1390
That rolled beneath his tread, without his shield
Showed glimpse of fenceless limb. Polyneices lunged,
Mai-king the stroke so offered to the steel
;
And through the shank clear passed the Argive lance.
Loud cheered the whole array of Danaus' sons.
But his foe's shoulder by that effort bared
The stricken marked, and Polyneices' breast
Pierced with a strong spear-thrust, and gave back joy
To Cadmus' folk;yet brake his spear-head short.
So, his lance lost, back fell he step by step, 1400
Caught up a rugged rock, and sped its flight.
Snapping his foe's spear thwart. Now was the fray
Equal, since cither's hand was spear-bereft.
Thereupon snatched they at their falchion-hilts.
Closed, clashing shields, and, traversing to and fro.
Made rage the stormy clangour of the fight.
But, having learnt it visiting Thessaly,
Eteocles used the northern warriors' feint
:
For, from the instant grapple springing clear.
Back on his left foot, backward still, he sinks, 1410
Watching the while his foe's waist : leaping then,
The right foot foremost, through the navel plunged
His sword, and 'twixt the spine-bones wedged the
point.
461
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ArrEA02ciKove 8t] vvv Kal ra irpo^ TOVTot<; KaKci.
ct)9 yap reKvco ireaovT^ iX€C7reT)]v ^iov,
iv T(phe fjLrjrrjp ?; rdXaiva TrpocnrLTvei
1'430 (Tvv irapdevcp re /cat nrpoOvfiia 770809.
reTpwfxevov^ S' Ihovcra Kaiplov<i cr(f)ayd<i
wfJLCo^ev b) T€Kv\ varkpa /3o)]8p6/j,o<;
TTupeipi. irpocnrijvovaa S' iv /xepei TeKva
€KXai\ iOpt'jvei rov ttoXvv fidrTjv rrovov
arevQva , u8eX(f»j 6^ i) irapaaTrii^ova^ Ofiou'
CO yy]po^O(TKco /u,y]Tpo'i, w ya/j,ou<i ifMov<i
irpohovT dSeX(f)u> (^iXraTW. arepvwv S' diro
(jivarj/jL' dvel^ Svadvijrov 'Ereo/cXj}? dva^rjKovae ixrjrpoi;, KairiOel^ vypdv %e/3a
1440 (jiQJvrjv [lev ovk d<^r}Kev, ojjipidroiv 5' diro
irpoaelire BaKpvoi<;, locne a-i]/u.f)vai (plXa.
o 8' rjv eV ep-TTVovs, 7r/309 Kaaiyvijrrjv S' iSoov
ypaldv re pLr^rep elire IIoXvv€lk7]<; rdSe'
462
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Then, ribs and belly inarched in anguish-throe,
Down-raining blood-gouts, Polyneices falls.
Our king, as victor, winner of the fight.
Casting his sword down, fell to spoiling him,Heeding but that, nor recking his own risk
;
Which thing undid him. Faintly breathing yet.
Still grasping in his grievous fall his sword, 1'120
First-fallen Polyneices with hard strain
Plunged into Eteocles' heart the blade.
Gnashing in dust their teeth, there side by side
They lie, those twain, the victory doubtful still.
Alas ! I wail thy sore griefs, Oedipus !
Thy malisons, I wot, hath God fulfilled.
MESSENGER
Ah, but hear now what woes remain to tell.
Even as her fallen sons were leaving life,
Their wretched mother rusheth on the scene,
—
She and the maid, with haste of eager feet
;
14.30
And, seeing them stricken with their mortal wounds.She wailed, " Ah sons, too late for help I come !
"
Then, falling on her sons, on each in turn.
She wept, she wailed, her long vain nursing-toil
Bemoaning : and their sister at her side
—
" Props of your mother's age, dear brethren, whoLeave me a bride unwed !
" One dying gasp
Hard-heaving from his breast. King Eteocles
His mother heard, touched her with clammy hand.
Uttered no word, but from his eyes he spake 1440
With tears, as giving token of his love.
But Polyneices breathing yet, and gazing
On sister and on aged mother, spake :
463
<I)0INI22AI
aTrwXofxeada, iJbi)Tep' olKTeipu) Be ae
KOL TijvS' dSeXcjirjv koI Kaaiyvrfrov veKpov.
(f)L\o<; yap e')(dpo<; iyever^, dW o/ico? (f)iXo<;.
Od-^ov 8e /i', fo) T6Kovaa, koX av, avyyove,
iv yfj TTa-rpaya, Kal iroXiv 6 vfiovfievr}v
TraprjyopeLTov, &)? roaovhe yovv TvywI4S0 ')^9ovQ^ iraTpcpa^;, Kel h6pov<; diroikecra.
^vvdp/j.oaov 8e /3Xe(f)apd p.ov rfj afj %e/)t,
fiiJTep— Tidrjcri S' avrb'i 6p.p.ar(ov eiri—Kol 'X^aiper^ ' i'jSy] ydp p,e nrept/SdWet ct/coto?.
ap.(f)Q)6' afi €^€7rvevaai> aOXiov ^iov.
fjLiJTr/p 8\ OTTO)? eaelSe ry'jvSe (Tvp,(f)opdv,
VTrepTradt'-jaaa ijpTraa' i/c v€Kpcbv ^Lcf>o<i
KciTrpa^e Seivd' 8td pecrov ydp avX£vo<;
diOel ai8i]pov, iv Be TolaL (pi\TdTOL<i
davovaa Kelrai irepL^aXova^ dp<^olv '^epa^.
1460 dvfj^e S' 6p6o<; \ao<; eh epiv Xoycor,
r)p,el^ p,ei> o)? viKOivra Bea7roT7]v ep,ov,
01 S' 0)9 CKelvov. r)v 8' ept*? arparrfXaTai^;,
01 p,ev Trard^ac, Trpoade YloXweiKi^v Bopi,
01 6' ci)9 davovTcov ovBapou vlki] TreXoi.
xdv T&)S' vTre^PjXd' Wiriyoi 7] arparuv Bi)(^a.
01 S' et? ottX" rjaaov ev Be ttco? Trpop^yjOla
KaOijaro HdBpov Xao^ dairiBcov eiri-
Kac^Oilpev ovTTOi Tev')(^eaiv 7re^payp,ei'0v
^Apyelov elcnreaoi'Te^ e^ai'cpinji; arpajov.
1470 KovBe\<i inreari], ireBia S' e^eTTipirXaaav
(f)evyoVTe<i, eppet S' alixa pLVpitov veKpoyv
Xoy^aii; itltvovtcov. ax; 8' ei'iKcopev pd^r],
01 piki' A(09 rpoiralov laraaav opera's,
ol B^ daTTiBa^ avXcovTe^ ^Apyetcov veKpdv(7KvXevp.aT elaoj reiyecov i7re/j.7rop,ei'.
464
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
" Mother, our death is this. I pity thee.
And thee, my sistei-, and my brother dead.Loved, he became my foe : but loved—yet loved
!
Bury me, mother, and thou, sister mine.In native soil, and our chafed city's wrathAppease ye, that I win thus much at least
Of fatherland, though I have lost mine home. 1450
And close thou up mine eyelids with thine hand.Mother ;
"—himself on his eyes layeth it
—
" And fare ye well : the darkness wraps me round."So both together breathed their sad life forth.
And when the mother saw this woeful chance.
Grief-frenzied, from the dead she snatched a sword,
And wrought a horror : for through her mid-neckShe drives the steel, and with her best-beloved
Lies dead, embracing with her arms the twain.
Leapt to their feet the hosts with wrangling cries,— 1460
We shouting that our lord was conqueror.
They, theirs. And strife there was between the
chiefs,
These ciying, " First smote Polyneices' spear !
"
Those, " Both be dead : with none the victory rests !
"
Antigone from the field had stol'n the while.
Then rushed the foe to arms : but Cadmus' folk
By happy forethought under shield had halted
;
So we forestalled the Argive host, and fell
Suddenly on them yet unfenced for fight.
Was none withstood us : huddled o'er the plain 1470
Fled they, and streamed the blood from slain untold
By spears laid low. So, victors in the fight,
Our triumph-trophy some 'gan rear to Zeus ;
And, some from Argive corpses stripping shields.
Within our battlements the spoils we sent.
465VOL. HI. H H
$OINI22AI
a\Xoi 8e rov^ Bavovra^ ^Avriyovrjii fxira
peKpov'i (pepovaiv evddS' otKTLaai (^1X0^9.
TToXei S' dycoue'i ol /j,ev eLfTu^ecrTaroi
TrjS' e^e/Syjaav, ol Be Su(TTV)^eaTaTOL.
X0P02
1480 ovK ei9 dKod(i en Zvarv)^la
h(o/J,aTo<; 7]Kei' irdpa yap Xevaaeiv
TTTdofMara veKpSyp rpKrcrSiv ?;S>;
rdhe Trpo^ fxeXddpoc^i KOLV(f Oavdrw
aKOTiav aicova Xw^ovtcov.
ANTirONH
oil TTpoKaXvTTTOfieva ^oTpv)(^coBeo^
d^pd napiiiho'i ovS' inro
irapOevLa^ rov inro ^\€(f>dpui^
(^oivLic, ipvdr]/j.a rrpocrwirov,
alZo[xeva (pepofxat jSdK'^a veKvwi',
1490 KpdSe/iii'a SiKovaa Ko/xa^ aTr' ifxd^,
cTToXtSo? KpoKoeaaav dvelaa rpv^dv,
dye^ovev^a veKpolai ttoXvcttovov. alai, lay fioi.
MUo\upei,K€<i,e(f>v^dp^ eTTcovv/jio^, m/xoi, (^i]/3ai'
ad 8' ept? OVK €pL<i, dWd (f)6v(p (povo'i
OlSiTToSa 86/jlov ooXeae KpavOel^
aijJiaTi, Secvw, ai/MiTt Xvypo).
TLva TrpoawSov
i) Tiva fjLOvaoTToXov cnova-^dv inrX
1500 SuKpvcn 8dKpvcni>, o) S6/u,o<; Si 86/j,o<i,
dyKaXeaa/iiai,
rpiaad (fiepovaa rdSe crcofxaTU avyyova,
ixatepa Koi TeKva, ^a/a/xar' 'Eipipvo^ ;
^66
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
And others with Antigone bear onThe dead twain hither for their friends to mourn.So hath the strife had end for Thebes in part
Most happily, in part most haplessly.
CHORUSNot a grief for the hearing alone 148(1
Is the bale of the house : ye may see
Here, now, yon corpses three
By the palace, in death as oneTo the life that is darkness gone.
Enter pi'ocession hearing corjises, with ckeon andANTIGONE.
ANTIGONENever a veil o'er the tresses I threw
O'er my soft cheek sweeping,
Nor for maidenhood's shrinking I hid from viewThe hot blood leaping
'Neath mine eyes, Avhen I rushed in the bacchanal
dance for the dead, [head.
When I cast on the earth the tiring that bound mine 149(i
Loose flinging my bright robe saffron of hue
—
I, by whom corpses with wailing are graveward led.
Polyneices, "the man of much strife"-—well named!Woe's me !
—
No strife was thy strife : it was murder by murderbrought [fraught
To accomplishment, ruin to Oedipus' house, andWith bloodshed of horror, with bloodshed of misery.
On what bard shall I call ?
What harper of dirges shall I bid comeTo wail the lament,—O home, mine home !—
-
150(;
While the tears, the tears fall.
As I bear three bodies of kindred slain,
Mother and sons, while the Fiend gloats over our woe
467HIJ 2
4>0INIS2AI
a hofxov OlSiiroSa irpoTrav ooXeae,
ra? aypiui; ore
2<^t7709 dotSov (T(Ofia ^ovevaa<i.
too flOl, TTUTep,
Tt? 'EXA,a9 »; ^dplSapo<i rj
1510 Tcov "TrpoTrdpoLd' evyeveTav erepo^
erXa kukcov roacovS^
aCfiaro<i dfieptov
TomS' o,^€a <f)av€pd ;
Td\aiv\ &)9 iXeXi^ei.
Tt9 dp^ 6pvL<i rj Spv6<i rj iXdrait
aKpoKOjioi^ dfi(^\ KXaSoL'i
k^ofjLeva /xoi'O/jLdropos 68vpfMOL<i
e/iot? a^eai crvp(x)86^ ;
aiXivov aldy/jLaaiv a
1520 TGiaBe irpOKkaiw fxovdh^ alon a
hid^ovcra rov del ^poi'ov ev
Xei/Sofievoiatv haKpvoLatv.
riv^ ia'^rjacd ;
Tiv' eirX TrpcoTOv diro y^aira^
airapayfxol'i d7rap)^d<i (3d\o) ;
fiaTpo<; ifxd'i 8c8v-
jioiai yd\aKTO<i irapd fxaaruiii,
rj Trpb^ dB€\(f>c!)v
ovXofieu aiKia/ubaTa veKpoiv ;
1530 OTOTOTol' XetTre aov^ So/xovi,
dXaov ofifia (f)ep(ov,
Trdrep yepate, Sel^ov,
OlBtTToBa, aov aloiva jiieXeov, o? tVi
468
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Who brought in ruin the house of Oedipus low.
In the day when the Songstress Sphinx's strain,
So hard to read, by his wisdom was read.
And tlie fierce shape down unto death was sped ?
Woe for me, father mine !
Who hath borne griefs hke unto thine ?
What Hellene, or alien, or who that sprang lolO
Of the ancient blood of a high-born line,
Whose race in a day is run, hath endured in the sight
of the sunSuch bitter pang ?
Woe's me for my dirge Avild ringing !
What song-bird that rocketh on high,
Mid the boughs of the oak-tree swinging.
Or the pine-tree, will echo my cry,
The moans of the motherless maiden.Who wail for the life without friend 1520
I must know, who shall weep sorrow-laden
Tears without end ?
Over whom shall I make lamentation ?
Unto whom with rendings of liair
Shall I first give sorrow's oblation ?
Shall I cast them, mine offerings, there
Where the twin breasts are of my mother,
Where a suckling babe I have lain,
Or on ghastliest wounds of a brother
Cruelly slain ?
Come forth of thy chambers, blind father
;
1530
Ancient, thy sorrows lay bare,
Who didst cause mist-darkness to gather
On thine own eyes, thou who dost wear
469
<I>0INI22AI
^Mfiacriv aepiov ctkotov ofiiiacn
(Tolat /3a\(i)v €\K€i<i /xa/cpoin'ovv Ko^av,
K\veL<s, M Kar^ av\av aXaivwv jepaiov
TToSa heixvioi^
Bva-Tuvo^ lavcov ;
OIAinOTS
Tt fji\ CO rrapOeve, ^aKTp€v/j,aai tv-
1540 (f)Xov TToSo? €^dyay€<; et? 0co-r
^^X'ip^7 (^KOTtcoi' eK Oa\afXQ)i>
oiKxpoTaTOiatv hiiKpvoiaiv,
ttoXlov aWepO'i a(f)ave<; eiScoXov rj
veKvv evepuev ij
irravov oveipov ;
ANTirONH
hv(Trv)(je<; ayyeXia^; eVo? oi'aei'
Tr/nep, ovKeri aoi reKva Xevcrcrei
(f)do<; oi)S' aXo)(o<;, Trapa/BaKrpoi'?
a TToSa abv rvcfyXoTrovv BepaTrevfiacriv aiev €fj,o^6ei,
1550 & TTOLTep, MflOl.
OIAinOT5
a>/JiOt ifiwv iradeoiv irdpa yap cTTeiHi'^^ecv Ta8\
durelv.
rpiaaal \lrv)(al ttolo, /xoipa
TTW? eXiirov (pdo^ ; o) TeKvov, avBa,
ANTiroNH
ov/c eV oveiheaiv ovB^ e7n)(^dpfiaaiVy
dXX' oBvvaiai Xe7&)" cro9 aXdcTTcop
^L(f)€<TlV ^pid(ov
•cal TTvpl Koi a-)(eTXlaicn ^d')(ai<i eVi TratSa? e/3a
(o Trdrep, m/moi.
470
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Weariful days out. O hearken,Whose old feet grope through the hall.
Who in gloom that no night-tide can darkenOn thy pallet dost fall.
Enter oedipus.
OEDIPUS
Why hast thou drawn me, my child, to the light,
Whose sightless hand to thine hand's prop clings, 1540
W'ho was bowed on my bed amid chambers of night,
—
Hast drawn by a wail through tears that rings,
—
A white-haired shape, like a phantom that fades
On the sight, or a ghost from tlie underworld shades,
Or a dream that hath wings?
ANTIGONE
Woe is the word of my tidings to thee !
Father, thy sons behold no moreThe light, nor thy wife, who aye upbore
Thy blind limbs tirelessly, tenderly,
O father, ah me ! 1550
OEDIPUS
Ah me for my woes ! Full well may I shriek, full
well may I moan
!
By what doom have the spirits of these three
flown
From the light of life ? O child, make known.
ANTIGONE
Not as reproaching, nor mocking, I tell.
But in anguish. Thy curse, with its vengeance of
hell.
With swords laden, and fire,
And I'uthless contention, on thy sons fell :
Woe's me, my sire !
471
«I>0INI22AI
oiAinoTSalal.
ANTirONH1560 Tt rdSe KaraaTeveit; ;
oiAinoTSTeKva.
ANTirONHSt' 6Bvva<; €/3a<;'
el Be TO, TeOpnnrd 7' e? dp/iara \evaao)vdeXiov rdSe crcofiaTa veKponi
Ofifj,aTO<; avyat<; cral<i eirevciifia'^,
OIAinOTSrSyv /jL€v ifiwv reKecov (f>avepop kukovd he ToXaiv d\o^o<i tIvl /j,oi, reKvov, oiKero
fjboipa ;
ANTirONHBdKpva yoepa (f>avepd Trdcri rtOe/xeva,
reKeai fiaarov
€(f)€p€iJ €(f)€pev iKCTL^ iKeTiv opofxeva.
1570 -t-jvpe 8' iv ^HXeKTpaicn "rrvXac^ reKva
X(OTOTpo(f>ov Kara XeifiaKa
\o'y)(^ai<; koivov ivvdXiov
pidrtip, ware Xeoi'Ta<; evavXov^,
/xapva/ievovi eVt rpav/xacriv, aip,aTO<i
i]hi] yjrvxpdv Xoi/3dv (poviav,
dv eXa)(^ "AiBa<;, lorrraae 8'"A/3?7?*
'y^aXKOKporov Be Xa^ovaa veKpcov irdpa (fidayavov
eiao)
aapKo^i e/Sayfrev, d-x^ei Be reKvcov eirea^ dficpl
reKi'OKTiv.
iravra S' ev d/xarc raiBe (Tuvdyayev,
1580 ft) Trdrep, dfierepoca-c Bofioiatv d)(r) deb^
o? rdBe reXevrd.
472
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
OEDIPUS
Alas for me !
ANTIGONEWherefore thy deep-drawn sigh ? 1560
OEDIPUS
For my children !
ANTIGONEThine hath been agony :
—
But oh, to the Sun-god's car couldst thou raise
Thine eyes, couldst thou on these bodies gaze.
Dead where they lie !
OEDIPUS
For the evil fate of my sons, it is all too plain
!
But ah, mine unhappiest wife !—by what doom, Omy child, was she slain ?
ANTIGONEWeeping and wailing, that all of her coming were ware,
Hasted she. Unto her children she bare, O she bare
Sacredest breasts of a mother with suppliant prayer.
And she found her sons at Electra's portal, 1570
In the mead with the clover fair,
Closing w ith spears in the combat mortal
:
As lions that strive in their lair
They grappled, with falchions ruthless-gashing :
Yea, now the oblation of death fell plashing
Which Ares giveth when Hades the spoil will share.
And she snatched from the dead, and the bronze-
hammered blade through her bosom she thrust
;
And in grief for her children, enclasping her child-
ren, she fell in the dust.
Lo, all the griefs of our line, one marshalled array.
Have been gathered, O father, against our house 1580
this day [ment lay.
Of the God in whose hands their accomplisli-
47'3
$0INI22AI
X0P05TToWcov KaKwv Karrjp^ev Olhiirov Bo/xoi^
To8' rj/xap- eh] S' evrv'X^earepo'; ^lo<;.
KPEriN
oI'ktmu fxev rjh-q Xrfyed^, &)? copa Td(f)ou
fjivi]p,7]v rWeaOai- roivSe S\ OISlttov, Xoycov
ciKovaov ap')(a<; rijaSe 7/}? ehwKe fioi
'Ereo/cXe'?;? iral^; (T0<;, 'yd/xcov (f)epvd<i 8iSov<i
A'l/jiovi Kop-)]^ re XeKTpop ' \vTiyom}<; aeOev.
ovK ovv rr' edaw n'jvBe yrjv oiKeiv erf
1590 a'a(f)co<; yap eiTre Te/peo-ta? ov /u.?;' vrore
crov TtjvBe yrjv oIkovvto^ ev ^ttpd^eiv ttoXiv.
aXX' eKKOfii^ou. Kal raS' ov')^^ v^pei Xeyco
ovB' e^Opb^ oiv (To<s, Sid Se toi'9 dXdaTopa^Toix; aov^ SeBotKco^ //.»/' rt yr) irddr) KaKov.
OIAinOTS
w jMolp , dir dp)(^i]<i W9 fi e<^vaa^ ddXiov
Kal rkrjixov', el ti<; dWo<; dvdpdiiroiv €(f)V'
01' Kol irplv et9 ^W9 /j-yjrpcx; e'/c yovrj<i jioXelv,
dyoi'ov 'AttoXXcoi' Aa'uo ix eOeaTricre
(f)ovea yeveadai nrarpo'^' Si rdXat; iyco.
1600 eVet S' eyevo/xy]}', avro^i 6 (nreipci^ iraTijp
KTeivei fie i>ojXLaa<i TroXefiiov 7re<j)VK€var
Xprjv yap Oavelv vtv e^ ip,ov' ire/jLTrei Se fie
fiaarov TroOovvTa Otfpalv dOXiov ^opdvov aw^o/itada. Taprdpov yap a)(f)eXev
i\.Oetv }s.i6aipu)v et? d/Suaaa )(dafiaTa,
09 fi ov ofwXecr', aXXa SovXeuaai ye fioi
Baifiwv eSwKe Uo\v0oi' a/xcbl SeaTroT)]^.
KTai'Oiv S" efiavTov Trarep' o hvahaifiwv iyoo
€69 fiTJTpb^ ifkOov rr)<i raXanrcopov Xe;^09,
1610 7ralod<i t' d8eX(f>ov^ ereKov, 01)9 dTtdiXecra,
474
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
CHORUSMany an ill to Oedipus' house this dayBrings forth. May happier life be yet in store
!
CREONRefrain laments : time is it we gave heedTo burial. Unto these words, Oedipus,Hearken : thy son Eteocles gave me rule
O'er this land, making it a marriage-dower
To Haemon with thy child Antigone.
Therefore thou mayest dwell tlierein no more;
For plainly spake Teiresias—never Thebes 1590
Shall prosper while thou dwellest in the land.
Then get thee forth : this not despiteously
I speak, nor as thy foe, but fearing hurt
To Thebes by reason of thy vengeance-fiends.
OEDIPUS
Fate, from the firet to grief thou barest me.And pain, beyond all men that ever were.
Ere from mv motlier's womb I came to light,
Phoebus to Laius spake me, yet unborn.
My father's murderer—ah, woe is me !
When I was born, my father, my begetter,
—
1800
Doomed by mine hand to die,—accounting meFrom birth his foe, would slay me, sent me forth,
A suckling yet, a wretched prey to beasts.
Yet was I saved. Oh had Cithaeron sunkDown to the bottomless chasms of Tartarus,
For that it slew me not !—but Fate gave meTo be a bondman, Polybus my lord.
So mine own father did I slay, and came,
—
Ah wretch !—unto mine hapless mother's couch.
Sons I begat, my brethren, and destroyed, 1610
475
$0INI22AI
apa<i TrapaXa^oiV Aai'ov Koi iraicrX Sou?.
ov yap ToarovTOV aavvero^ iret^vK ijcb
axTT et9 e/i' ofx^ar e^<i t eficov TralScov ^iov
aveu deo)V rov ravr efxrjyavrjadfirjv.
elev Tt Spdaci) Sijd' 6 Sva^aip-wv iyco ;
Tt'<? I'p/efXWV jJLOL TToSo? Op.apTl'](J€l TV(f)\0V ,*
^8' 7] Oavovaa ; ^Mcrci 7' av crdcf 0I8' oti.
aW evreKvoq ^vv(opi<; ; aXX' ovk eari poi.
cCfOC eVi ved^wv avTo^ evpoi/x av /3iov ;
1620 irodev ; tl fi apSrjv wS' d7roKTeivei<i, Kpeov ;
diroKTevel^ ydp, ei /.le 7>}9 e^fo /3a\€i<;.
ov firjv €\L^a<; 7' a/x0f aw yetpa^ yovvKUKO'^ (pavov/jiar to yap ipov ttot' €vyeve<;
OVK di> 7rpoZou)v, ovhe irep Trpda-awv Ara/cw?.
KPEHN(TOi T €V \eXeKTa.i yovara /x?; ^pw^eiv efid,
eyco re vaieLV a ovk idaaifM dv )(^dova.
veKpwv he TcovSe rov fiev et<? B6ju,ov<; ^peo)!/
ySi] KOji'iXeiv, TovSe 8\ 09 irepacov ttoXiv
TraTp'.Ba avv dWoi<i r/XOe, UoXweLKov^; veKvv1630 eK^dXeT dOainov ttjctK opcov e^o) ')(9ov6<i.
Kfjpv^erai Be irdai }^a8peiot<; rdSe,
09 av veKpov tovS^ rj KaraaT€(f)0)v dXco
7] yfj KaXvTTTcov, Odvarov dvTaXXd^erai.
edv 8' aKXavarov, dra(f)ov, oiO)voi<; jSopdv.
(TV 8' eKXiTTovcra rpiiTTv^^wv dprjvov; veKpwv
Kofit^e cravTy]V, ^AvTiyom], Sofxcov eo"<w,
Kal irapOevevov ti-jv lovaav t'jfiepav
/xevovcr^ iv ^ ere XeKrpov X'ipovo<i fievet.
ANTirONHo) irdrep, iv o'ioi<; KeifMed' dOXioi Kafcoi<i.
1640 a>^ ere aTevd^co rwv TeOvfjKorwv rrrXiov
476
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Passin<'' to them the curse of Laius.
For not so witless am I from the birth^
As to devise these things against mine eves
And my sons' life, but by the finger of God.Let be :—what shall I do, the fortune-crost ?
Who shall companion me, my blind steps guide ?
She who is dead ? O yea, were she alive !
My sons, a goodly pair ? Nay, I have none.
Am I yet young, to win me livelihood ?
Whence ? Wherefore, Creon, slay me utterly ? 1620
For thou wilt slay, if forth the land thou cast.
Yet never twining round thy knee mine handsA coward will I show me, to beti'ay
My noble birth, how ill soe'er I fare.
CREON
Well hast thou said thou wilt not clasp my knees :
I cannot let thee dwell Avithin the land.
Of these dead twain, be this within the halls
Borne straightway : that—the corpse of him whocame
With aliens to smite his father's city
—
Forth of the land's bounds tombless shall be cast. 1630
To all Cadmeans shall this be proclaimed :
—
" Whoso on this corpse laying wreaths is found.
Or with earth hiding, death shall be his meed.Unwept, unburied, leave him meat for birds."
But thou thy mourning for the corpses three,
Antigone, leave, and get thee Avithin doors.
Ihy maiden state until the morrow keep.
Whereon the couch of Haemon waiteth thee.
ANTIGONE
Father, in what ills is our misery whelmed I
For thee I make moan more than for the dead. 1640
477
$OINI22AI
ov yap TO jxev aoi ^apv KaKcov, to S' ov ^apv,dXV eh airavTa SuaTV^rjii e(f)V<i, iraTep.
CLTap iT^ ipwTW Tov vecoaTl Ko'ipavov
[tI TorS' u/9pt^ei9 TTUTep diroaTeWtov xf^ovu^;]
Ti deap.OTTOiel'i errl TaXanrcopo) vexpu) ;
KPEP.N
'ETeo/fXeou? fiouXevixaT , ou;^ i)fi.a)V TaSe.
ANTirONHd(f}povd ye, kuI aii fiwpos 09 eiriOov TciBe.
KPEnN7rw9 ; TavTeTaXixev ov hiKaiov iKirovelv ;
ANTirONHovK, r)v TTOvrjpd y fj
/ca/coj? r elprnxeva.
KPEHN1650 ri 8'; ov 8iKaL0}<i oBe Kvalv SoOijaeTat ;
ANTirONHOVK ti'vo/jLOV yap t)jv Slktjv Trpdaaeade vlv.
KPEflN
eiTrep ye TroXew? e^^pcxi rjv, ovk e)(^0po'i ioi>.
ANTirONHovKOvv eScoKe TJ) Tv^r] tov Baifiova ;
KPEflN
Kai TU) Td(f)q) vvv ttjv Slkijv Trapaa'^eTOi.
ANTirONHTt 7rXi]fx/jLeX7]aa^, to fiepoi^ el /xeTPjXBe y?j^ ;
KPEHN
dTa(f)0<i 08' civr]p, C09 p.ddr)<;, yevtjaeTUL.
ANTirONH€70) a(pe ddylro), Kav dTrevveirrj iroXi^;.
KPEHNaavTrjv dp" iyyv^ TwSe avv6dyfrei<; veKpCo,
478
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
Thine ills are not part heavy and part hght,
But in all things art thou in woeful case.
But thee I question, new-created king,
[Why outrage thus my sire with banishment ?]
Wherefore make laws touching a hapless corse ?
CREON
Eteocles' ordinance, not mine, is this.
ANTIGONE
'Tis senseless—witless thou who giv'st it force.
CREONHow, were't not just to carry out his hests ?
ANTIGONE
If they be wrong, in malice spoken—no I
CREON
How, were't not just to cast yon man to dogs? 1650
ANTIGONE
Nay : so ye wreak on him no lawful vengeance
CREON
Yea, if to Thebes a foe, no foe by birth.
ANTIGONE
Hath he not unto fate paid forfeit life ?
CREON
Forfeit of burial now too let him pay.
ANTIGONE
Wherein sinned he, who came to claim his own ?
CREON
This man shall have no burial, be thou sure
ANTIGONE
I, though the state forbid, will bury him.
CREON
Tliyself then shalt thou bury with thy dead.
479
<E>0INI22AI
ANTirONHaW' eu/cXee? rot 8vo (^iXw Keiadai ireXwi.
KPEHN1660 Xd^vaOe TijuSe /cet? Sofiovi Ko/xi^ere.
ANTirONHov 8f]T\ eirel toi)8' ov /x60i'jao/.Lai veKpov.
KPEHN€KpLv SaL/uicov, TTapdcv, oux a crot BoKel.
ANTirONHKuKelvo Kefcpirat, p-i] e(f>v/3pL^€a6aL veKpov^;.
KPEn.M
&)? ovTi<; d/jL(j}l TwS' vypav 6i]cret, kovlv.
ANTirONHi^ai TT/oo? ere rijaBe p,y]Tpo<; 'loKdcrT7]q, Kpeov.
KPEHNpdraia po^^del^;' ou yap civ rv)(^OL<; rdSe.
ANTirONH<jv S" dWd veKpfp Xovrpd 7repi/3a\eiv fx ea.
KPEnNev TOUT dv eh] rcov aTfopp/jTcov voXei.
ANTirONHaXX' up(pl rpaupar dypia reXapuiVw; /SaXeli'.
KPEHN1670 ovK eaO' 07ra>9 av rovSe ri[ii](Tei^ veKvv.
ANTirONHo) c^yiXraT , d\Xd tnopa ye crov TrpocnrTv^ouai.
KPEnNov p)} e? ydp,ov<; aoix; aup,(f)opdv Krr^crr] yoot^.
ANTirONHrj yap yapov/xai ^(baa TratSl aw irore ;
KPEP.N
"TToXX)'/ 7' dvdyKiy vrot yap eKcjiev^et Xe)(o^ ;
4S0
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
ANTIGONE'Tis glorious that two friends lie side by side.
CREONSeize ye this girl, and hale her within doors ! 1660
ANTIGONENever ! for I will not unclasp this corpse.
CREONGod hath decreed, girl, not as seems thee good.
ANTIGONEYea—hath decreed this, Outrage not the dead !
CREONKnow, none shall spread the damp dust over him.
ANTIGONE
Nay !—for Jocasta's, for his mother's sake !
CREONVain is thy labour : this thou shalt not win.
ANTIGONE
Suffer at least that I may bathe the corpse.
CREONThis shall be of the things the state forbids.
ANTIGONE
Let me at least bind up his cruel wounds.
CREON
Thou shalt in no wise honour this dead man. 1670
ANTIGONE
Beloved ! on thy lips this kiss at least
—
CREON
Mar not thy bridal's fortune by laments.
ANTIGONE
How ! living shall I e'er wed son of thine ?
CREON
Needs must thou. Whither from the couch wilt flee ?
481VOL. III. 1 I
4>OINI22AI
ANTirONHvv^ ap* eKeivri ^avatSoiv jx e^ei. jxlav.
KPEXIN
eZSe9 TO r6\/jL7]fi olov i^wvelhicTev ;
ANTirONHi,'<TT&) ai8r]po<; opKiov re fioi ^[(po'i.
KPEHNTL 8' eKirpoOvp.el tcovB^ aTrrjWdx^cit 'ydp.cov ;
ANTirONH
(Tvp,(}>ev^OfMai TwS' ddXtcoraTO) irarpi,.
KPEflN
1680 <y€Vvai6Ti]<i croi, p^oipia S' 'iveari t^9.
ANTirONHKoX ^vvOavovpal <y\ &)? P'ddrj^ Trepairipo).
KPEnN16, ov (l)ovevaei<i TratS' ipov, Xiire ')(d6va.
OIAinOT2
fo) dviyajep, alvoi pev ere T/79 TrpoOvpia^.
ANTirONHdXA,' et yapoLprjv, ai) Be poi>o<; (f)evyoi<;, irdrep ;
oiAinors
/ie^"' eL'Tu;^OL'cra, ra'yu.' 670) arep^co KUKd.
ANTirONH
/tat T19 0"e TV(f)\6v ovra depairevcrei, irdrep ;
OIAinOTS
Treacov ottov poi polpa KeLaopai Treocp.
ANTirONH
o S' OtSt'TOL'? TToO /cat Ta KXeiv^ aivLypara ;
OIAinOTS
oXioX"- ev ypdp pu co\^icr\ ev B' drroikeaev.
482
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
ANTIGONEThat niglit shall prove me one of Danaus' Daughters^ !
CREON (Jo OEDIPUS)
Dost mai'k how rails she in her recklessness ?
ANTIGONE (l-uising POLYNEICES' SWOld)
Witness the steel—this sword whereby I swear.
CREONWherefore so eager to avoid this bridal ?
ANTIGONEI will share exile with mine hapless sire.
CREON
Noble thy spirit^ yet lurks folly there. 1^80
ANTIGONE
Yea^ and with him will die. Know this withal.
CREON
Thou shalt not slay my son. Hence, leave the land !
\_Exil.
OEDIPUS
Daughter, for thy devotion thank I thee.
ANTIGONE
/ marry, father,—thou in exile lone !
OEDIPUS
Ah stay : be happy. I will bear mine ills.
ANTIGONE
Who then will minister to thy blindness, father ?
OEDIPUS
Where my weird is, there shall I fall, there lie.
ANTIGONE
Ah, where is Oedipus ?—where that riddle famed ?
OEDIPUS
Lost. One day blessed me, one hath ruined me.
' Who slew the husbands whom they wedded perforce.
483II 2
$0INI22AI
ANTirONH
1690 ovKOVV fieraax^tv Kafze Sec twv aoov KaKwv ;
OIAinOT2
alcr-x^pa (ftvyr) Ovyarpl crvv tu(/>\w irarpL.
ANTirONH
ov, aaxppovovar} 7/ dWa yevvaia, irarep.
OIAinOTS
irpocdyayk vvv fxe, fxrjrpo<i w<; y^ravcxo) aeOev.
ANTirONHIhov, yepaid<i (ptXrdTtj'i y^avaov %€/3t.
OIAinOTS
o) finrep, & ^vvdop dOXiwTarr].
ANTirONHOLKTpd TrpoKcnai, irdvr e^ovcr^ ofiov fcaxd.
OIAinOT2
'Ereo/cXeou? Be 7rrw/xa Ilo\vv€t,Kov<i re irov ;
ANTirONH
TQ)S' eKTdSrjv aot Keladov dWifkoLv ireKa^.
OIAinOTS
irpoade'i rv<^\i]V X^^P ^'^'' "^poo'coira Svcrrvx')-
ANTirONH
1700 I80V, davovroiv awv tckvcov utttov %e/Jt.
OIAinOT2
0) (piXa 7r€(T7]fMaT^ dd\i dOXiov Trar/jo?.
ANTirONHw ^LXjaTov hi]T dvo/jia TloXweiKovi e/.LOL.
OIAinOTS
vvv -^pjjcTp.o'i, 0) irai, Ao^lov Trepaiverac.
ANTirONHo 7roio<i ; dX)C tj 7rp6<i kukoi^; e/?et<? Kaxd ;
OIAinOTS
iv Ta?v ^AOtjvai'i KarOavelv p! d\(i}p,€POU.
4S4
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
ANTIGONEIs it not then my due to share thine ills ^ 1690
OEDIPUS
'Twere a maid's shame,—exile with her blind sire !
ANTIGONENay, but—so she be wise—her glory, father.
OEDIPUS
That I may touch thy mother, guide me now.
ANTIGONELo, touch her with thine hand—so old, so dear
!
OEDIPUS
Ah mother ! Ah, most hapless helpmeet mine !
ANTIGONE
Piteous she lies, with all ills crowned at once.
OEDIPUS
Eteocles' corse, and Polyneices'—where .''
ANTIGONE
Here lie they, each by other's side outstretched.
OEDIPUS
Lay my blind hand upon their ill-starred brows.
ANTIGONE
Lo there : touch with thine hand thy children slain. 1700
OEDIPUS
Dear hapless dead sons of a hapless sire !
ANTIGONE
Ah Polyneices, name most dear to me !
OEDIPUS
Now, child, doth Loxias' oricle come to pass,
—
ANTIGONE
What ? Wilt thou tell new ills beside the old .''
OEDIPUS
That I, a wanderer, should in Athens die.
48s
*0INI22AI
ANTirONHTTOV ; Tt9 ere irvpyo^; 'Ar^tSo? irpoahe^erai ;
OIAinOTSi€pb<; KoXcovo^, SmfiaO' ittttiov 9eov.
aW eta, rv^Xw twS' vTrijperei Trarpi,
eirel irpoOvp.el rrjaBe KOLVOvaOai (f>vyi](;.
ANTirONH1710 W et? (fivyav rdXaivav opeye X^P^ (f>LXap,
irdrep yepaie, TrofiTrl/xav
exwv €fx coare vavaiirop'TTov avpav,
OIAinOT5Ihoi) TTopeuofiai, reKvov(TV p,OL TToSayo^ dOXla yevou.
ANTirONHyevofieda yevopeO^ cidXiai
ye By]Ta ^rj^aidv fidXiaTa irapOevbiV.
OIAinOT5ttoOl yepaiov t')(yo<i TiOrj/xi ;
^aKxpa 7rpoa(f)ep', & tckvov,
ANTirONH1720 raSe raSe fidOi p,oi,
Tahe rahe TroSa riOei
wctt' oveipov la^vv.
OIAinOT2la> Ico, SucTTi'^ecrTaTa? (j)Vyd<;
iXavvwv Tov yepovrd jx eV Trdrpa<i,
t(w i(ii, oeiva oecv eyco rXaq.
ANTiroNHri rXa? ; Tt rXa? ; ov^ opa AUa KaKov<;,
ouS' d/jLei^erat ^poTon> navtKcria<i.
4S6
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
ANTIGONE
Where ? What Athenian burg shall harbour thee ?
OEDIPUS
Hallowed Colonus, Chariot-father's ^ home.On then : to this thy blind sire minister.
Since thou art fixed to share my banishment.
ANTIGONE
To woeful exile pass away. I7IO
Stretch forth, O father hoary-grey,
Thy dear hand : grasp me. Thee I lead,
As breeze wafts on the galley's speed.
OEDIPUS
Lo, daughter, I pass on :
Thou guide me, hapless one.
ANTIGONEHapless I am—thou sayest well
—
Above all maids in Thebes that dwell,
OEDIPUS
Where shall I plant mine old feet now ?
Reach me my staff, O daughter, thou.
ANTIGONE
Hitherward, hitherward, tread: 1720
Let thy feet follow hither mine hand,
O strengthless as dream of the night
!
OEDIPUS
Ah thou who on wretchedest exile hast sped
The old man forth of his fatherland !
Ah woes I have borne ! Ah horror's height
!
ANTIGONE
Thou hast borne ?—tkoii hast borne ?—doth Justice
regard not then
The sinner ? Requiteth she not the follies of men ?
^ Poseidon, the Sea-god, who created the first war-horse.
4«7
$0INI22A1
OIAinOTS
oS' elfil fiovcrav 09 iirl kuX'\lvlkov ovpdvLOV e^av
1730 irapdevov K6pa<? al-
Vfy^ acrvverov eupcov.
ANTirONH
^(f)iyyo<i ava(f)epei<; 6vei8o<i.
uTraye ra 7rdpo<; evrv^V/xar avBcov,
rdBe a eirefxeve peXea rrrcWea
<f)vydBa TrarpiSo^ dnro yev6[jLevov,
Si irdrep, Oavelv ttou.
irodeivd Sd/cpua irapd (^iXaicn TrapOevot^
XiTTova^ direLfiL Trar/JtSo? aTroTrpb yaia<i
airapdeveuT dXcofiiva.
oiAinoTS1740 ^€V TO ')(^p7](7lflOV (f)pevcop.
ANTirONHet? TTUTpo^ ye av/jL(})opa<;
evKXed jxe di'](Ter
TaXaiv iyco [acov] avyyovov ff' v^piafjidTOiv,
09 e'/c SofMcov v€xv<; dda7rT0<; ol-)(^erai
/ie\eo9, ov, el' p.e koI Oavelv, irdrep, 'X^peoov,
<7K0Tia yd KaXvyp-co.
oiAinoTS7rpo9 j]XiKa<i <f)dvT]di crd^.
ANTirONHaXt? oSvp/xdrcov ep.(hv.
OIAinOT2(TV S' dji^X j3aipiov<i XfTa9
—
ANTirONH1750 Kopov k')(pv(j ifxwv kukcov.
488
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
OEDIPUS
Lo, I am he on breath
Of song upraised to heaven,
WTien that dark riddle of the Maid of Death 1730
To me to read was giver
ANTIGONE
Why raise the ghost of shame, the Sphinx's story ?
Forbear to vaunt too late that faded glory.
For thee this anguish lay the while in wait.
Far from thy land to know the exile's fate,
And, father, in some place unknown to die.
To maids who love me leaving tears of yearning,
From fatherland an exile unreturning
I wander far in plight unmaidenly.
OEDIPUS
Woe for the heart where duty's fire is burning! 1740
ANTIGONE
Twined with my father's sad renownThis shall be mine unfading crown.
Woe for thy wrongs ! Brother, alas for thine.
Who from thine home a tombless corse art tln-ust,
Hapless ! Though death, my sire, for this be mine,
Yet will I veil him secretly with dust.
OEDIPUS
Show thee again to thy companions' eyes.
ANTIGONEWhy should they weep ? Mine own laments suffice.
OEDIPUS
At the Gods' altars then with suppliant cry
—
ANTIGONE
They weary of my tale of misery. 1750
489
*0INI22AI
OIAinOTS
IB' ciXKa VipoyLio'^ iva re aij-
KO<i a/3aT09 opecrc fiaivdScov.
ANTirONH
K.aSfieiav u>
ve^piha aToXiScocrafieva ttot eyco
'^€/j,c\a<; diacrov
lepov opeaiv uve)(^op€V(Ta,
X^^ipiv a)(^apirov et? Oeov^ hihovcra ;
OIAinOTS
b) 7rdTpa<i KXeivy]<; TroXiTUi, Xevacrer, OlSiirov^
oBe,
09 TO. K\eiv alvl'yiiar eyvco fcal /xeyi(TTO<i rjv
dvrjp,
1760 0? /ji6vo<i ]E^i770? Karecrxov tT;? p.iai(f)6vou Kpcirrj,
vvv aTi/io<i auTO^; oiKrpo<i i^eXavvofxat ^Oovo'i.
dWd yap rl raina Oprjvco koI fiaTrjv ohvpopiaL;
Ta? yap e« d^wv avdyKa^ dvrjTov ovTa Set (f)epeiv.
X0P02&) fjbiya (T€fxvTj NiKrj, rov e/xov
filOTOV KaT€Xot<;,
Kal ^rj \r]yoi<i arec^avovaa
490
THE PHOENICIAN MAIDENS
OEDIPUS
Seek at the least the haunt of the Clamour-godMid hills of the Maenads by foot profane untrod.
ANTIGONEHow !—render homage without heart
To Him, for whom erstwhile arrayed
In Theban fawnskins, I had part
In Semele's holy dance that swayedBy hill, by glade ?
OEDIPUS
People of a glorious nation, mark me—Oedipus am I,
He who read the I'iddle world-renowned, the manonce set on high,
He whose single prowess quelled the Sphinx's blood- 1760
polluted might.
Now dishonoured am I banished from the land in
piteous plight.
Yet what boots it thus to wail ? What profits vainly
to lament ?
Whoso is but mortal needs must bear the fate of
heaven sent. [Exeunt oedipus and antigone.
CHORUSHail, revered Victory I
Rest upon my life ; and meCrown, and crown eternally !
[Exeiinl oMNES.
491
SUPPLIANTS
ARGUMENT
In the days when Theseus ruled in Athens, there ivas
war between Argos and Thebes. For the two sons ofOedipus, being mindful of their father s curse, that thctf
should divide their iiiheritance with the sivord, covenanted
to rule in tu?n, year by year, over Thebes. So Eteocles,
being the elder, became king for the Jirst year, and
Polyneices his brother departed from the land, lest any
occasion of offence should aiise. But when after a
years space he i-etumed, Eteocles refused to yield to him
the kingdom. Then went he to Adrastus, king of Argos,
7vho gave him his daughter to wife, and led forth a host
of war wider seven chiefs against Thebes. But, foras-
much as in going he set at naught oracles and seers, his
array was utterly broken in battle, and of those seven
captains none returned, but Adrastus only. Thereafter,
according to the sacred custom of Hellas, and the law ofwar, the Argives sent to reqtdre the Thebans to suffer
them to bear away their slain that they might buiy them.
For, among the Greeks, if a man being dead obtained
not burial, this was accounted a calamity worse than
death, forasmuch as he was thereby made homeless and
accurst in Hades. Yet did the Thebans impiously and
despitefully reject that claim, being minded to wreak
vengeance on their e?iemies after death. Then king
Adrastus, with the mothers of the slain chiefs, came to
Eleusis in Attica, and made supplication at the altar ofDemeter to Aethra the mother of Theseus, and to the
king's self. So Theseus consented to their prayer, and
led the array of Athens against Thebes, and therefought
and prevailed, and so brought back the bodies of those
chiefs, and rendered to them the death-rites at Eleusis.
TA TOY APAMAT02 HPOSmiA.
AI0PA
XOP02eH2ET2
AAPA2T02
KHPTH
ArrEA02
ETAANH
I<t>12
nAIAE2
AeHNA
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Aethra, mother of Theseus.
Theseus, son of Aegeus, king of Athens.
Adrastus, king of A rgos.
Herald, f-om Creon king of Thebes.
Messenger/rom the army of Theseus before Thebe.i.
EvADNE, wife of Cajiuneus one of the seven chiefs.
Iphis, father of Evadne.
Sons of the slain chiefs,
Athena, Patron-goddess of Athens.
Chorus, consisting of the mothers of the slain chiefs, with their
handmaids.
Athenian herald, guards, attendants, Athenian soldiers.
Scene : In the forecourt of the temple of Deineter andPersephone at Eleusis. The great altar stands in the
midst.
IKETIAE2
A10PA
A'^firjTep ea-Tiovx 'EX.efcrti'O? ')(dovo^
Trjcr8\ oi re vaoix; e^^ere irpocnroXoi dea^,
evBatfxoveiv fie 0>;crea re iraiS' iuov
iroXiv T W07]VMV ri]v re Iltr^^ew? yBova,
iv 77 fie Opeyp^a<i oX/3tot9 ev hoofiacnv
A-Wpav irartip hihwai tw Uav8Lovo<i
Aijel Sdfiapra, Ao^lou fiavrevfiaaiv.
€19 rdaSe <yap ^Xe-^aa^ eTnjv^dfiijv Td8e
ypav'i, at XcTrovaat Scofxar^ Wpyeia^ ')(dovo<;
10 'iKTrjpL daXXw irpoairiTVOVd^ ifiov 'yovv
"TrdOo^i iradovaai heivov dfi(j)l yap 7rvXa<:
J^dBfiov davovrwv eirrd yevvaiwv reKvcov
aTraiSe? elaiv, ov<i ttot' ^Apjeccov ava^"ABpa(TTO<i i]ya'y\ OlBlttov 7rayKXr]pia<i
fxepo^ KaTaa-^^elv (f)vyd8i HoXwetKei deXcov
yafx/3pa). veKpov<; Se TOV<i oXa)\oTa<> 8opl
OdyjraL OeXovai r(ov8e firjTepe^ ')(6oi'i'
eXpyovat 5' ol KparovvTe^i ov8' dvaipeaiv
Bovvai deXouai, vofiifi dri^ovje^; Oewv.
498
SUPPLIANTS
On ihe steps of the altar aethra is seated ; and aroundher sit the members of the chorus. The olive-boughs
of suppliance lie upon the altar, and from these are
stretched woollen fillets, attaching them to aethra andthe CHORUS. ADRASTUs Ues prostrate on the earth, apart
from these.
DemeteRj warder of Eleusis-land,
And ye which keep and serve the Goddess' fanes.
Grant me and my son Theseus prosperous days.
Grant them to Athens and to Pittheus' land,
Wliere in a happy liome my sire nursed me,Aethra, and gave me to Pandion's son
Aegeus, to wife, by Loxias' oracles.
Thus pray I as on these grey dames I look.
These which have left their homes in Argos-land,
And fall with suppliant bough before my knee, 10
Stricken with grievous stroke : for round the gates
Of Cadmus lying are their seven sons dead.
Sons of the childless, they whom Argos' king
Adrastus led, in Oedipus' heritage
To win his share for exiled Polyneices,
His daughter's lord. The mothers now of these.
The spear-slain, fain would lay them in the grave,
Wherefrom the victors let them, and refuse
The corpses, setting the Gods' laws at naught.
499
IKETIAES
20 KOLvov he (f)6pTOV TtticrS' e'^^^cov ')(^peia<i ijxrj^
"'Xhpaaio'i Ofijuia SaKpvaiv Tejycov 68e
Kelrai, to t' €y)^o^ ti'jv re hucnv^eaTaTriv .
(TTevwv arpareiav i)v eTrefMyjrev e/c So/xcov
09 jii e^OTpvvei TralS' ifiov irelcrac \iTal<i
vcKpcbv KOfiiariiv i) \6yoicnv ?} Sop6<i
poyfirj yeviadac Koi Td(f)ou fxeraLTiov,
fxovov ToS' epyov rrpoaTidel'; e/xw reKVO)
TToXet T A0}]VMV. Tvy^dvay 5' vTrep y^Oovo^
dpoTOV TrpoOvova^ e/c hofiwv eXdova^ e^Syy
30 77/30? Tovhe a^-jKov, evOa irpoyra (^aiverai
(^pL^a<i VTrep yPjs rija-Se Kdp7rifji0<; crrd^Vi.
heapLOv 8' dheapLOV Tovh' e-)(^ovaa (fivXkd8o<i
fxevct) 7rpb<; dyvai<; ia^dpai<i hvolv dealvK6pi]<; re koi Ar]p,r)Tpo<;, oLKreipovaa p.ev
iroXia'i diratha^ Tuahe /x^^rtpa? reKvcoj',
ae^ouaa 8 lepa aTep,p,aT\ o'i')(^erai he p,oi
Ki)pv^ 7rp6<; darv cevpo Q^jaea koX'mv,
ft)? 7) TO TovTO)v \v7rp0v i^eXrj -^dovo^;,
rj rdah^ dvdyKa<i iKeaiovi Xvar), 6eov<i
40 oaiov Ti hpd(Ta<i' Travra yap Bl* dpcrevwv
yvvai^l irpdaaeiv e<Vo9, a'irive<i aocpai.
XOP02iKerevw ae, yepaid, cto. a'
yepaiMv e/c (TTO/jLarcov,
Trpo? yovv imrTovaa to aovdva p-OL reKva \voat (fyBip-evcov
Soo
SUPPLIANTS
Sharing the burden of their need of me, 20
Adrastus lieth here, his eyes with tears
Drowned, mourning for the battle-sliiv ered si)car
And that ill-starred array led forth of him.
Sore pleadeth he with me to bend by prayers
My son to be redeemer of the deadBy speech or spear, and helper to the grave.
Laying this charge alone upon my son
And Athens. Now it chanceth that I comeFor the land's harvest's sake from forth mine halls
To this god's-acre, where first rose to light
Above the earth's face bristling ears of corn. 30
And, bound in this strong gossamer-chain of leaves,^
At the two Goddesses' holy hearths I stay,
Demeter's and her Daughter's, both for ruth
Of these unchilded mothers silver-haired,
And aAve of the holy bands. To Athens sped
Mine herald is, to summon Theseus hither.
That he may banish from the land these mourners,^
Or loose this strong constraint of suppliance
By rendering heaven its due. Seemly it is 40
That women, which be wise, still act through men.
CHORUS
(Sir. 1)
Reverend Queen, with aged lij)s do I implore thee;
In my suppliance at thy knee I fall before thee.
O redeem thou unto me from that assemblage of the
dead
^ The woollen fillets and boughs could nob be removedwithout sacrilege.
'^ The presence of such, especially at the temple of
Ueineter, was ominous of evil, which the king only couldavert, either by granting their request, or by refusing it andordeving them to depart.
501
ikb:tiae2
veKvcov, oi KaraXeiirovert fxeXti
Oavdro) \vcnp,€\el Oi]palv opeloicn Bopav
iaihova^ olKrpa fiev oaawv avr. a'
hc'iKpv afKJ)^ /3X€(f)dpoi<;,
50 pvcra Se aapKcov TroXidv
KaTaSpvfM/jiara ^etpwy" rl yap ; a
(f)Otfievov<; 7ratSa9 e'/ioi"? ovTe 86/x,oi<;
TrpoOe/xav, ovre Tacfxov ')(^u>fiaTa yaia<; ecrnpct).
€T€K€<; Kol av ttot', 0) TTorvia, Kovpov arp. /3'
(^i\a iroLTjcrap.eva
XcKTpa TToaei aw' fxera vvv
ho^ €/jiol (Td<i Biavoia<;,
fjb€rd8o<; B\ oaaov €7raXyco pueXea
TMV (fiOifievwv ov<; ercKov
60 TTapdireicrov Se to oov, XL(j(Jopi^Q\ tXOeiv
TeKvov 'la/jLT]vov e/jidv t' ei? %e/9a delvai
veKvwv OaXepcov acop^uT dXaivovr dracba.^
oai(o^ ovx^ ^TT^ nvdyKa<; Be TrpoTriTr-oV' dvT. 13
aa -Trpoaanova ep^oXov
he^iTTvpovi OeoiV Ovp.eXa<;-
e^op^ev 3' evhiKa' koX aoi
Ti irapecrrt (T0evo<i wctt' evreKvia
hv(nv)(Lav rdv irap epioX
KaOeXelv oiKTpd 8e Trda-)(ova^ 'iKerevfO
1 Murray : for Xiivov rd<pov.
502
i
SUPPLIANTS
My beloved, from the harvest that the hand of deathhath spread [my womb !
For the mountain-beasts to ravin on the children of
{Ani. 1)
Look upon me :-=—from mine eyes in my despairing
Tears are streaming, and my frenzied hands are 50
tearing [should I do but mourn.Crimson furrows on my wrinkled cheeks. WhatWho have laid not out my dead unto their burial to
be borne, [for their tomb ?
And who see not any heaping of the earth-mound
(Sir. 2)
Thou hast borne a little one, thou hast given a
princely son [joy in thee :
To thy lord, that marriage-treasure made his heart to
Let the full soul deal its bread to the sad ones
famished :
Give according to the measure of my childless agony.
Bend the spirit of thy son, that he may go, whose 60
help we crave, [our dead—
-
To Ismenus, that our hands may lay the bodies of
Who are outcasts now in Hades, being tombless
—
in the grave.
(AnL 2)
Not according unto rite,' butas overmastering mightOf Necessity constraineth, at the altai's do I bendWhence to heaven leajis the flame ; and the right
is that I claim.
Thou art strong, thy son remaineth ;—thou canst
make my sorrows end. [wild
Out of depths of sorest anguish rings my supplication
^ Tliere was no place in the temple-ritual for mourning.
IKETIAE2
Tov ifxov iralha TciKaiv' iv %e/3t Oeivai.
70 veKuv, dfi(f)i/3a\eLV Xvypa fxeXr] TraiSof; ifiov.
ayoyv oS' aWo<; ep-)(6TaL yowv y6oL<; crrp. <y'
8ui8oxo<;' a'x^ovcnv irpoTroXcov xeyoe?.
iV w ^vvcphoi KaKolsy
tV c5 ^vvaXyrjSove'i,
X^pov tov"Aiha^ ae/Sei,
Bia 7rapfjSo<i owxa XevKov
aiparovrexp(^'''(^ t6 (poviov
ra yap ^dtrwv rot? opcoai KO(Tp.o<i.
aTrXrjaTO^ aBe //.' e^dyei X«/3<? yocov dvr. y80 7ro\v7rovo<;, &)? e^ dXi/Bdrov 7r€Tpa<i
vypd peovaa crraycov,
a7ravaro<; del yocov
ro yap Oavovrcov tckvcov
eimrovov ti Kara yvvaiKw;et? ycov<i 7ri(f)VK€ wdOa. e €'
Bavovaa roivh^ dXyeoiv \aOoip,av.
0H2ET2Tivcov yocov ijKovaa Kai crrepvcov ktvttov
veKpwv re Opijvov<;, tmvB' dva/cropcov diro
rixov<; lovai]<i ; 009 (po^O'^ /x,' dvaiTTepot90 fM7] pot, Tf /jb7]Tr]p, f]v p,eTacrreiX(o ttoSI
Xpovtav dirovaav €k h6p.(ov, exv veov.
ea'
Tt XPVf^^ ! Kaivd<; €l(Tl3o\a<; opco \6y(ovp.r}Tepa yepaihv ^a>p,iav e(f)->]p.evriv
^eva<i 6' opLov yvvaiKWi, oux eW pv0fi6v
5°4
SUPPLIANTS
That thou give me but a corpse^ in mine embraceto hold the same, [my child.
And to fling mine arms around the piteous body of 70
The attendant handmaids, beating their breasts andmarring their faces, ivail in unison with the mothers.
O hearken yon wails to our wailing replying, (Str. 3)
To the hands of our handmaidens smiting hardOn their bosoms ! Come, ye that re-echo our crying
With a burden of mourning, who sigh with oursighing
—
Come ye to the one dance Death doth regard ;
Rend, rend ye the cheek, till the red stains streak
White fingers :—the dues that our dear dead seekShall be all our reward.
Unsatisfied mourning my soul is enthralling {^Ant. 3)
Sorrow-burdened, as forth from a preci))ice flows 80
A spring v.ith its rain ever flashing and falling.
Unrestingly wailing to wailing is calling;
For the heart's love ofwoman but one path knows.Nor can choose but to moan for the dear dead son :
—
And oh that the days of my life were done.
And forgotten my woes 1
Enter theseus.
THESEUS
What Availings heard I, smitings upon breasts.
And dirges for the dead, as rang the sound [fear
From the holy place ? How throbs mine heart with
Lest to my mother, who hath drawn me hither 90
By her long absence, some mischance betide.
Ha!What see I here ? What strange tale is to tell ?
At the altar sitting my grey mother is.
And alien dames with her in diverse guise
5°5
IKETIAE2
KUKcov e-)(^ovcra<i' e/c re <yap yepacr/jLKov
6aao)v eKavvova oiKTpov el<; yalav hciKpv,
Kovpal Be Kol 7r€7rX(opaT ov OewpiKa.
ri ravra, fxrjrep ; aov to purivveiv i/j,oi,
I'jpMV S' aKoveiv TrpoaSo/CM ri yap veov.
AI0PA
100 ft) TToi, yvvaiKei; ai'Se /x>;t€/06<? reKvcov
TMV KaTOavovTwv ap(f)l Ka6p6ia<i TTfXa?
eTTTa arparijyMV iKeaioLS Be crvv kXciSoc^
(ppovpovai /x, ft)? SeSopKa^;, iv kvkKm, t6ki>ov,
0H2Er2Ti? S' 6 mevd^wv OLKTpov iv TriiKai^ ode
;
AI0PA
"AS/oacTTO?, ft)? Xeyouaiv, WpyeUov ava^.
0H2ET2ol S' a/icf)l rovBe TralBa i) tovtov retcva ;
AI0PA
ovfc, dWa veKpoiV tow oXcoXotmv Kopoi.
0H2ET2Tt ynp 7rpo<; rjpd<i rfkOov iKeaia X^P''
>
AI0PA
oIS'" dXkd TMvBe /iO^o? ouvTevOev, reKvov.
0H2ET2
110 ere TW KaTJjpr] ;;!^Xaz)iS(0<9 dviaropM.
\ey' eKKoXv-^a^ Kpara koI Trape? 7001)*
Trepan yap ovBev prj 8id yXr/xro-?;? lov.
AAPA2T02w KaXkiyiKe y)]<; WOrjvaicov ava^,
Srjaev, a6<; iKeTrj<; Kal 7roA,eft)? i]ko) aeOev.
0H2ET2Tt XPVH^ Orjpwv Kal rlvo<; ^i^^etav ep^wi-'
»
506
SUPPLIANTS
Of sore affliction ; for the piteous tear
Unto the ground from ag^d eyes they drop.
Shorn hair and garb unmeet for worshippers !
What means it, motlier? 'Tis thy part to tell,
And mine to hear. I look for some strange thing.
AETHRAMy son, these dames the mothers are of those, 100
The chieftains seven, that in battle fell
By gates Cadmean. And with suppliant boughsCompassed they hold me, captive, as thou seest.
THESEUS
Who yonder at the gates makes piteous moan ?
AETHRAAdrastus, as they tell, the Argive king.
THESEUS
And yon lads at his side, his boys are they .*
AETHRANay, but the sons of those dead which have died.
THESEUS
Wherefore to us came they with suppliant hand ?
AETHRAI know :—but these must tell the rest, my son.
THESEUS
Tliee, in thy mantle muffled close, I ask—
-
110
Unshroud thine head, speak, let thy mourning be ;
Naught shalt thou profit, if naught pass thy tongue.
ADRASTUS
O triumph-glorious king of Athens' land,
Theseus, I come thy suppliant and thy city's.
THESEUS
What seekest thou, and whereof hast thou need ?
507
IKETIAES
AAPA2T02oi(T0' r]V crTpareiav ia-rpciTeva oXeOp'av.
0H2ET2ov yap Ti aiyj] Sienepaaa^ 'KWdSa.
AAPA2T02evravd' aircaXea dvSpa^ ^Apyeiwv aKpov<;.
0H2ET2ToiavO' rXi'jpwv iroXep.o'i e^epyd^erai.
AAPA2T02120 TOVTOU<; dav6vTa<i rj\.dov e^aiTcov iroXiv.
0H2ET2Ki]pv^iv 'Eipfiov TTicrvvo^, ft)9 Odyjrrj^ veKpov<i ;
AAPA2T02KciTreird y oi Krai>6vr€<i ovk ecocrt pe.
0H2ET2Tt yap Xeyouaw, oata xPV^oi>to<; credev
;
AAPA2T02Tt S'; evTV)(^ovvTe<i ouk iTnaravrai (f)€p€iv.
0H2Er2^up/3ou\ov ovp p iirT^XOe^ ; rj Tivo<; ^dpiv ;
AAPA2T02Kopiaai ae, Sijaev, 7ralBa<; Wpyeiwv 6e\a>v.
0H2ET2TO 6' "Apyo<; vp,lv ttov ^ariv ; 17 Kopiroi pdrtjv;
AAPA2T02cr^aXeWe? olxopieada. 7rpb<; ere 8' -tJKopev.
0H2ET2ISla hoKYjcrav aoi toS' r) irdarj irokei ;
AAPA2T02130 7rdvT€<; a iKVOvvrai AavaiSai dd-^ai veKpov<;.
0H2ET2€K Tov S" iXavveis kind irpo'i @7]^a<i \6')^ov<i ;
508
SUPPLIANTS
ADRASTUSTliou know'st what host I to destruction led.
THESEUS
Yea, not in silence passedst thou througli Greece.
ADRASTUSThe chiefest men of Argos lost I there.
THESEUS
Sucli desolation worketh woeful war.
ADRASTUSAnd these my dead I went to ask of Thebes. 120
THESEUS
Did heralds sanctify thy burial-claim ?
ADRASTUSYea : even so the slayers grant them not.
THESEUS
What say they to thy plea of holy right ?
ADRASTUSAy, what ?—prosperity hath puffed them up.
THESEUS
For counsel com'st thou then, or what wouldst thou ?
ADRASTUS
That thou sliouldst rescue, Theseus, Argos' sons.
THESEUSWhere is your Argos ? Is her vaunting vain ?
ADRASTUSWe are fallen and undone. To thee we come.
THESEUSDost thou alone will this, or all thy state ?
ADRASTUSAll Danaus' sons beseech thee entomb their dead. 130
THESEUS
Why didst thou march those seven hosts to Thebes ?
509
IKETIAE2
AAPA2T02hiaaolcL yafx^polii r^vSe iropavvoiv 'yapiv.
0H2ET2
Tw 8' €^i8a)Ka<i 7rat8a<i ^Ap'yeioov aeOev ;
AAPA2T02
ovK i'y^evr) avvrj'^a KrjSeLav Bo/jloi<;.
0H2ET2
AAPA2T02TuSet 7e YloXvpecKei Te tu) ©rj^ayevel.
0H2ET2
TLV et9 epcora Tj}crSe /c^Sfcta9 fioXcov ;
AAPA2T02^ot/Sov fM vTrrfkde SucrTOTraar alviyfiUTa.
0H2Er2Tt 8' etTr' 'AttoXXo)!/ Trapdevoi^ Kpatvoov yci/xov ;
AAPA2T02
140 KuirpM p.e hovvai Koi Xeovri TratS' ijuco.
0H2ET2(TV 8' i^eXiaaeLS 7rw9 Oeou Oeama/jLara ;
AAPA2T02i\66vT€ (pvydSe vvKTO<i et? e'/za9 7ryXa9,
0H2ET2Tt9 /cat Tt? ; etVe* Si/o ya/j e^auSat: d/xa.
AAPA2T02TySeu? p,d)(r]v ^vvrj'^e Ylo\vvecK^]<; 0^ d/xa.
0H2ET2
^ TolaS" €8o)Ka<i dr-jpalv o)<i Kopa^i crkOev
;
AAPA2T02p,d^r]p <ye Biaaoiv Kvo)hd\oiv direiKaaa'i,
Sio
SUPPLIANTS
ADRASTUSTo my two daughters' lords this grace I showed.
THESEUS
Thy daughters? To what Ai-gives gav'st thou them ?
ADRASTUS
With no man native-born I linked mine house.
THESEUS
Ha ! gavest thou to aliens Argive maids ?
ADRASTUS
To Tydeus, and to Thebes' son Polyneices.
THESEUS
Wlience thy strong love for such affinity ?
ADRASTUS
Phoebus' dark saying wrought upon my mind.
THESEUS
What spake Apollo to control their marriage ?
ADRASTUS" Thy daughiers give to a lion and a boar." 140
THESEUS
And the God's i)recept how unfoldest thou ?
ADRASTUS
There came by night two exiles to my gates.
THESEUS
Who thiSj who that ?—for thou dost speak of twain.
ADRASTUS
Tydeus and Polyneices : there they fought.
THESEUS
To these, as those wild beasts, gav'st thou thy daugh-
ters?
ADRASTUS
Yea : like those monsters twain, methought, they
strove.
IKETIAE2
©H2ET27j\dov Se Si] 7r&)9 7raT/3tSo9 eKXcirovd^ opov^ ;
AAPA2T02TvSev^ fiev alfia avjyeve^; <f)ev'y(OV ')(j9ov6<i,
0H2ET26 5' OISlttov iral^ tlvl t/qottw &7]^a<; Xittcov ;
AAPA2T02150 apals 7raTp<paL<i, pj} KaacyvrjTOv Krdvoi.
0H2ET2(TO<l)i]v y e\€^a<i t)]v8' eKovaiov (f)vyi]V.
AAPA2T02aXV 01 pevovTe<i TOv<i airovra^ i)Kkovv.
0H2ET2rj TTov acpi' d8eX(f)6<; ^pijpdrcov voa(f>i^€Tai
;
AAPA2T02ravT eKSiKci^cov ifkOov eij d7rco\6pj]V.
0H2ET2p^dvret.^ K i7ri]\de<; €p,7rvpcov r eZSe? (f)\6ya ;
AAPA2T02oi'poi' BiooKei'i p 7) pbaXiaT eyco ^a(f)dXr]v.
0H2ET2ouK ijXde'i, ct>9 eoLKtv, evvoia decov.
AAPA2T02TO Se TrXeov, rjXdov 'Ap(f)uiped) ye Trpo^ ^iav.
0H2ET2ovTw TO delov pa8t&)9 direarpd^i]^ ;
AAPA2T02160 veoiv yap dvSpcov d6pu^o<i i^€7rXr]aae pe.
0H2ET2€vyfrv)(Lav €a'7revaa<i dvT ev^ovXia<i.
512
SUPPLIANTS
THESEUS
How left they home-land's bounds, and came to thee f
ADRASTUS
Tydeus, for shedding blood of kin exiled.
THESEUS
And Oedipus* son, for what cause left he Thebes ?
ADRASTUS
His father's curse, lest he should slay his brother. 150
THESEUS
Wise was that self-sought exile, named of thee.
ADRASTUS
But they that tarried wrought the absent wrong.
THESEUS
Ha ! did his brother take his heritage f
ADRASTUS
To claim his right I came—and found my ruin.
THESEUS
Didst seek to seers, and gaze on altar-flames ?
ADRASTUS
Ah me ! thou pressest me where most I erred !
THESEUS
Not with heaven's blessing didst thou go, methinks.
ADRASTUS
Nay, worse ; in Amphiaraus' despite I went.
THESEUS
Didst thou thus lightly flout the will divine ?
ADRASTUS
The clamour of the young men daunted me. 160
THESEUS
Valour instead of wisdom favouredst thou.
513VOL. III. 1- L
IKETIAE2
AAPA2T02o 8)] ye 7roWov<; wXecre crTparrjXaTa^;.
aXV 0) Ka6' 'EXXdS' d\Ki/u,u>TaTOV Kapa,
ava^ Wdt-jvoiv, iv p,h> alaxvpai^ e%a)
TTLTVcov 7rpo<; ovSa<; yovv aov dpLTria'^eLv X^P^-irdXio^ dvrjp Tvpavvo<; ev^^aipLwv TTCipos'
o/i&)9 S" dvdiyKT] (TVjjL(f)opal<i e'lKeiv €pal<i.
aaxTov ve/cpov^ /jloc rdpd t oiKTeipa^ kukuKOL T(t)V Oavovrwv TuaSe puirepa^ reKvcov,
170 al'i yripa<i 7]K€1 ttoXlov et? dirathLav,
e\6elv 5' ejXrjcrav Sevpo koI ^evov jroSa
delvai po\L<i jepaid Kivovaai p-eXr],
irpea^evpar ov Aijprjrpo^ et? fivarijpia,
a\V to? yeKpov'i Odyjroiaiv, a? avTa<i ixp^]^
K6LVC0V Ta(^€i(Ta<i T^e/?crtt' dipalcov rvxelv.
aocfjov Be ireviav r elaopdv top oXj^lov,
nrevyjrd r et? tov<; irXovaLou^ diro^Xeireiv
^rj\ovvO\ 'Iv avTOV XP^lpdrcov epw^ ^XV>rd r OLKTpd toi)<? /li] Bvcttvx^^^ SeSopxevai'
180 [top 9^ ufivoTToiov auTo? av tlkt^ p.e\ri
XciipovTa Ti/CTeiv rjv Se fir) irdcrxu ToSe,
ouroL hvvaLT av oXKoOev 7' uTcofMevof
Tepireiv dv dXkov^' ovhe yap Slkijv e^^ef.]^
rdx ovv dv €i7roi<;, HeXoTriav Trapel^ ^^ot-a
TTw? Tai? ^AOtjvai^i TovSe irpocyTdcraei^ irovov
;
6700 BiKaio^ elfM d(pi]yeta0ai TaSe.
^TrdpTT] fiev cofii] Kal TreTTOiKiXrai rpoirov^,
rd 8' dWa piKpd icdtrOev?)' "ttoKl^ he arj
fiovT] SvvaiT^ dv TovB' vTToarrjvaL ttovov.
190 rd T oL/CTpd yap SeSopKe kol veaviav
* By most editors regarded aa an irrelevant interpolation.
SUPPLIANTS
ADRASTUSEven that hath ruined many a battle-chiei
O thou in prowess first all Hellas through,
O king of Athens, sore ashamed am I
To fall to earth, and to embrace thy knee,
A grey-haired king in time past prosperous.
Yet to mine evil plight I needs must bow.
Save thou my dead, compassionate my woes.
And these the mothers of the slaughtered sons
Whom hoary age hath found in childlessness, 170
Who have endured to come, on alien soil
To set their feet, who scarce for eld may creep;
No mission to Demeter's mysteries,
But seeking burial for their dead, a boonThemselves should have obtained of young strong
hands.
Wisely doth wealth consider poverty :
Wisely to wealth the poor uplifts his eyes
Aspiring, that desire of good may spur him :
So ought the pi'osperous to look on woe.
[The poet's self in gladness should bring forth 180
His offspring, song ; if he attain not this.
He cannot from a heart distraught with pain
Gladden his fellows : reason sayeth nay.]
Perchance thou askest, " Why pass by the land
Of Pelops, and on Athens lay this charge ?"
Sooth, right it is that 1 should answer this :—
•
Sparta is heartless, never at one stay;
The rest be small and weak : but this thy burg
Alone can stand beneath the mighty strain.
'Twas ever pitiful, and hath in thee 190
5^5LL 2
IKETIAES
€^^1 ere TTOifxev iadXov ov %p6ta '7ro\.ei<i
TToWal SicoXovT eVSeet? aTpanfkdrov.
X0P02Kciyo) TOP avTOV rcpSi aoi Xoyov Xiyw,
©T^creO, Si' oiKTOv Ta<; e'/xa? Xa/decv ru)(^a<i.
0H2ET2dWotai 87) ^irovrjcr' dfj,iX\7]6el<i XoywT0i(p8\ eXe^e yap Ti9 &)? rd yeipova
TrXeto) /SpoTOtalv iari rcov dp-eivovcov'
iyw Be TOUTOL<i dvTiav yvco/j,r]v e')(w
•nXe'ioi rd y^pi-jCTTd tcov kukmv elvat ^pOTol<i'
200 el fi7] yap r}V t68\ ovk dv r]p,ev ev (f)d6i.
alvo) S' 09 )]plv jSiorov e« 7re<^vpp,€vov
Kol Oi]pi(i)8ou^ deoiv hiecrradpi'^aaro,
irpoiTOV p,ev evOel^ avveaiv, elra S' dyyeXov
yXcoaaav Xoycov Sou?, &>? yeyoiVLCTKeiv oira,
Tpo(f)r']v re Kapirov ttj rpo(f)j] t' dir ovpavov
arayova^ vSpijXd'i, d)<i rd y e/c yaias Tpe(f>r)
dphrj re vi]hvv 7rpo<; 8e TOiai ^^^etfiaTO^
irpo^jjpar, aldpov e^afivvaaOai deov,
TTovTOv re vavaroXi']paO\ oos BiaXXayd<i
210 e^otpev dXXtjXoiaiv d>v rrevotro yrj,
d S" ear darjpa kov aa(^o)<i yiyvixJKOpev,
el<i rrvp /SXeirovre^; Ka\ Kara cnTXdy)(ycov irrvx^^jxavreif; TrpoaTjfuiivovaiv oloivwv r diro.
dp ov rpvcpM/xei' deov KaraaKev))v ^'lm
hovro^ roiavri]v, oiaiv ovk dpKei rdSe ;
dX\! 1) (f)povr]ai<; rov Oeov fiel^ov aOeveiv
^rjrei, to yavpov S' ev (j>pea]v KeKrtjfxevoi
SoKoupev elvat Bai/xovcov ao<j)(i)repoi.
17? /cat av (jiaivei 8eKd8o<; ov ao(f)o<i yeyco<i,
220 ocTTi? Kopaf pev O€a(f)droi<i ^ol^ov ^vyel<i
516
SUPPLIANTS
A young and valorous chief, for lack of whomTo lead their hosts, have many cities fallen.
CHORUSI too put up to thee the selfsame prayer,
Theseus, to have compassion on my lot.
THESEUS
With others oft in wrestle of argumentI have grappled touching this :—there be that say
That evil more abounds with men than good.
Opinion adverse unto these 1 hold,
That more than evil good abounds with men
:
Were this not so, we were not of the light. 200
Praise to the God who shaped in order's mouldOur lives redeemed from chaos and the brute.
First, by implanting reason, giving then
The tongue, word-herald, to interpret speech;
Earth's fruit for food, for nurturing thereof
Raindrops from heaven, to feed earth's fosterlings.
And water her green bosom ; therewithal
Shelter from storm, and shadow from the heat.
Sea-tracking ships, that traffic might be ours
With fellow-men of that which each land lacks
;
210
And, for invisible things or dimly seen.
Soothsayers watch the flame, the liver's folds.
Or from the birds divine the things to be.
Are we not arrogant then, when all life's needs
God giveth, therewith not to be content ?
But our presumption stronger fain would be
Than God : we have gotten overweening hearts.
And dream that we be wiser than the Gods.
And thou art of this fellowship of folly,
Who didst by Phoebus' best thy daughters wed, 220
517
IKETIAE2,
^evoiaiv 0)8' eho)Ka<i u><; ^covrcov Oewv,
Xafxirpbv he OoXepo) Sco/xa (Tv/jifXL^a<i to (tov
>]XK(0(Ta<; oiKov<;' XPW J^P ov8e crayfiara
ahiKa 8iKaL0i<; tov (Tocf)ov aufifiiyvvvai,
€u8ai/j.ovovvTa<i S' ei? 8ofj.ov<t KrdaOai (f)i\ov<;.
KOtva<; yap 6 Oeo<i ra^ rvx^w^ '>)'yov/ui€VO^
T0i9 TOV VO(TOVVTO<i TTyjfXaaiV 8l(i}\e(T€
TOV avvvoaovvTa KOvSev r/Bi.'ci'jKOTa.
et'? Se aTpaTeiav irdvTa^ 'Apjeiov; aycov,
230 fidvTecov \eyovT(ov Oea^aT , elT uTi/xdaa';
ySm irapekOoiv Oeov^ dirodXeaa'i ttoXiv,
veoL<i 7rapax^€L<;, o'ltivc^ Tip,M/j,evoi
X^ciipovat TToXe'/xoi;? t' av^dvovcr^ civeu StV?;?,
c})0€ipOVT€<i dcTTGVi;, /X€V OTTUX; (7 TpUT IjXuT T]
,
6 S' ft)? v^pi^i} Suvafiiv et? )(elpa<i Xa^cov,
dXXo<; 5e KepSou<; e'lveK , ovk dirodKorrwv
TO TrXf]do^ 6i Ti /BXaTTTCTai Trdaypv TaSe.
Tpel^ yap ttoXitwv fiepiSe^' ol fiev oX/Siot
dv(i)(f)e\€t<i re irXeiovcov t epoia uei'
240 ol 8' OVK €XovT€<; Kal aTravi'^ovTe^ ^iov,
Zeivol, vep.ovTe<i to5 (pOovco irXeov [Mepo<;,
et? TOv<^ e^ovTWi KevTp' d(f)idatv kuku,
y\coaaai<i irovrjpoiv irpoaTaTcov cf)r]Xov/J,€voi'
Tpioiv he fioipMV 7/ V /xeacp am^ei 7r6Xei<;,
Koa/Mov (pvXdaaovcr^ ovtiv av Td^rj 7r6Xi<;.
KciTreiT iyco croi avpLixaxp'i yevrjaopiai
;
Tt 7r/?o9 TToXiTw; TOL"? efxou<; Xeycov koXov ;
^at/3ft)f W^' el yap fxij ^e^ovXevaai KaX(b<i,
avTO<; TTie^etv ttjv tv^VV, rjp,d<; h^ edv.
X0P02S50 rjpuipTev' iv veoiai S' dvOpMircov Tohe
eveaTi' avyyvoniriv he t&)5' ^x^iv xpedov.
5^8
SUPPLIANTS
To aliens—thus far recognising Gods ;
—
Yet mingling thy clear blood with turbid, so
Didst mar thine house : thou oughtest ne'er to haveblent,
So thou wert wise, just lives with lives unjust,
But for thine house to have gotten heaven-blest
friends :
For God, adjudging fates joined hand in hand,Destroyeth by the sinner's stroke whoe'erPai-taketh with him, though he have not sinned.
Thou leddest forth the Argives all to war, [naughtThough seers spake heaven's warning, setting at 230
These, flouting Gods, didst ruin so thy state.
By young men led astray, which love the praise
Of men, and multiply wars wrongfully.
Corrupting others, one, to lead the host.
One, to win power, and use it for his lust.
And one for lucre's sake, who recketh naughtOf mischief to a people thus misused.
For in a nation there be orders three :
—
The highest, useless rich, aye craving more;
The lowest, poor, aye on starvation's brink, 240
A dangerous folk, of envy overfull.
Which shoot out baleful stings at prosperous folk.
Beguiled by tongues of evil men, their "champions ":
But of the three the midmost saveth states.
Who keep the order which the state ordains.
Shall I then make me ally unto thee ?
How to my nation should I make defence ?
Depart in peace : if thou hast ill devised,
Face fortune's blows thyself; drag us not down.
CHORUS
He erred ;yet on the young men rests the blame : 250
But meet it is that he find grace with thee.
IKETIAE2
AAPA2T02
ovTOi hLKacTTrjV cr ei\6/jii]v e/xwv KaKOiV,
aXV «l)9 larpov rcovS', ava^, a(f)iyfMe6a,^
ouS', ec Ti irpd^wi fJ-^] /caXw? evpicTKop-ai,,
TOUTCov KoXacTTTjv KaTTiTipTjrrjv, ava^,
aXX,' CO? ovalfi-qv. el he /i?) /3ov\et rdSe,
(TTepyeiv dvdyKTj roZai crol<;' rt, yap irddw ;
dj, 0) yepaiai, crret^ere, yXav/crjv ')(\or]V
avTOV \i7rovaaL (f)vXX.d8o^ KaraaTefptj,
260 6eov<i re koI yi)v ti^v re Trvp(^6pov Oedv
AT]pi7]Tpa Oepevai p-dpTvp I'fKiov re </)a)?,
ft)9 ovSev i]p,lv rjpKeaav Xiral decov.
X0P02************09 rieXoTTO? 7]v irah, IleXoTrias 8' T)pei<; x^^^^'>ravTov TTUTpwov aipia aol KeKTq/jieda.
AI0PA-
Ti Bpa<; ; 7rpohco(Tei<i ravTa KdKJ3aXe2<i ')(9ovof;
ypavf; ov TV)(ovaa<; ovS'^v mv aura? €'^p^]v ;
p,rj bijT- e'xet yap /caracjivyrjV Orjp p,ev irerpav,
8ov\o<i 8e l3(i)pov<i OeCov, 7roX<? ^e tt/so? ttoXiv
eTTTTj^e ^(^etpaaOeiaa- tmv yap iv ^pOTOt<;
270 ovK earn) ovSev Sia reXou^ €v8aip,ovouv.
XOP02(TTp.
fidOi, raXaiv , lepMV hairehwv diro Tlepae(f)oveia<;,
fidOi Kal dvTLaaov yovdriov eiri %etpa /3a\oucra,
TeKvcov redvecQTCov Kopiaat- 8ep,a<i, & fieXea ^yw,
ov<i VTTO ret'^^eai HaSpeLoiaiv drrcoXeaa KOvpov<;.
1 Placer! b^^ Barnes here, instead of after 251, as in MSS.2 So assigned by Paley, by other editors to Chorus.
520
SUPPLIANTS
ADRASTUS
Not for a judge I chose thee of mine ills,
But as to a healer of them, king, we come;
Nor, if I have calamitously sped.
Need I thy chastisement and chiding, king,
No, but thine aid. And if thou wilt not this,
I must content me with thy choice :—what help ?
Come, aged dames, depart :—yet leave ye here
The grey-green boughs to roof the altar o'er,^
Calling to witness heaven and earth, Demeter, 260
Fii'e-bearing Goddess, and the Sun-god's light,
That naught our prayers unto the Gods availed.
CHORUS[On thine head be it, grandson thou of Pittheus]
Old Pelops' son ! Lo, we of Pelops' land
The selfsame blood ancestral share with thee.
AETHRAHow ?—wilt thou flout these prayers, cast forth the
land
Grey mothers, Avhich have gained oftheir dues naught?Nay, nay I—the beast finds refuge in the rock.
The slave at the Gods* altars ; and a state
Storm-tossed must cower beneath another's lee ;
For in man's lot naught prospereth to the end. 270
CHORUS(Str.)
O thou afflicted, arise from Persephone s hallowed
floor;
[thine hands, and implore
Rise thou, and bow at his knees, flinging round themThat he rescue the clay of my dead, my beloved—ah,
woe is me, woe !
—
[in dust lying low.
Of the sons I have lost, under ramparts of Cadmus
1 If the petitioner's prayer was granted, he carried awaywith him his suppliant- bough ; if not, he left it on the altar.
5"
IKETIAE2
la> /JLOC Xa/3eT6 (^epere irefnrere aetpere ^ /xecraiS.
Ta\aiva<; %e/9a<? 'y€paid<;.
7r/3o? ae jeveiciSo^;, c5 <^tXo9, w SoKi/u,(t)Taro<i
'EX\d8i,
avTOfiai d/x(f)t7nTV0V(Ta ro aov yovu koI %e/}a
280 oiKTiaai dficfil tckvcov /x' iKerav tlv akdrav
oiKTpov laXe/jLov oiKrpov letaav,
dvr.
pLrjh^ drd(f>ov<;, t€kvov, ev ^(dovl KdSfiov ^app^ara
drjpwv
7rai8a<; ev d\iKLa to, era KaTi8rj<;, iKeTevo).
^Xeyfrov ip^cov ^Xe(f)dpa)v eirt SdKpuov, a Trepl
(jolcn
'^ovvauiv c55e ttltvco, r€Kvoi<; Tdxfiov e^avvaaaOai.
0H2ET2
p,P]Tep, Tt K\a:ei<i Xcttt eV 6p,p,dTa)v (pdprj
/SaXovaa tmv awv ; apa Sv(7T7]vov<; <y6ov<i
KXvovaa rcJvSe ; Kape yap 8if]X0e ri.
eiraipe XevKov Kpdra, pbrj BaKpvppoei
290 crep,vaiai Ar]ov<i i(T'^dpai<i Traprjp^evr).
AI0PAalal.
0H2ET2
Ta TOVTO)v ov^i aol arevaKriov.
AI0PA
0) rX-t]p,ov€<; yvvacKe^.
^ Hermann : for MSS. Kpivert.
522
SUPPLIANTS
(Mesode)
Woe for me !—clasp me, uplift me, help onward,upholdingThe palsied hand of the woe-forspent !
By thy beard, O thou chiefest of champions of
Hellas, O friend, I beseech thee.
In the clasp of the wretched thy knees and thyfingers enfolding !
Pity me ; for my children in suppliance bent 280
Like a beggar I bow : let my pitiful, pitiful out-
cryings reach thee !
(Ant.)
Ah, not unburied on Cadmus s soil, for a ravin and glee
Unto beasts of the wold do thou leave them, the
young men like unto thee !
O look on the tears from mine eyes that are stream-
ing !—and all that I crave
Falling low at thy knees, is a grave—that thou winfor my sons but a grave I
THESEUS
Mother, why weepest thou, before thine eyesCasting thy fine-spun veil ? Dost weep to hear
Their mournful Avails ? Sooth, mine own heart wasthrilled.
Raise th}^ white head ; be not a fount of tears.
There sitting at Demeter's holy hearth. 290
AETHHAAh me !
THESEUS
'Tis not for thee to wail their woes.
AETHRAOh hapless dames
!
IKETIAE2
©H2ET2OV (TV TWvK €(f)V'i.
AI0PA
etTTft) Tt, reKvov, croi re Koi TroXei koXov ;
0H2ET2CO? TToWd y earl Kairo drfketoiv ao(f)d.
AI0PA
aXX' et9 OKVOV fioi fivdo^ ov Kevdco <f)€pei.
eH2Er2al<x')(^p6v 7' eXe^a?, ^^pyjar^ eirr] KpvTneiv (f)L\ov<;.
AI0PA
ovTOi (TLwrruya eiTa /mefi-yjro/jLaL irore
Tr}V vvv (Ti(07rr]v o)? iaiyrjOi] /ra^rco?,
01)8' ft)? dy^pelov ra? yvvaiKas ev \eyetv
300 heiaaa d<py]a(o to5 cf)o/3(p T0vp,6v KaXov.
iyo) Be CT , o) iral, irpwra p^ev rd rcov OeoiV
(TKOTrelv KcXevoo p.r] ocpaXfj^ dripd(Ta<;'
TaW' €v (f)poi'Mv ydp, iv p,6v(p rovrcp 'a(pd\r}<;.
TTpo^ ToiaBe b , et pev prj d8iKov/xevoi<; ey^prjv
ToXprjpov elvai, Kdpr dv e^%o^' riav')(^(o<i'
vvvl he (Toi re rovro r-qv Tip.r)v <f>€p€i,
Kafiol Trapaivelv ov <f)6/3ov (pepet,, tikvov,
dvBpa<; ^lalov^ koL KareLpyovTa^ I'expou^
Td(f)ov re piOLpaf koX KTepiapidrcov Xa^eiu310 et? Ti]vS' dvdyK')]v crfj KaTaa-rijvai %fc'pt,
vopLipd re Trdarjs; avy\eovTa<i 'EWaSo?iraiiaaL' ro ydp toi awe^ov dvOpoitrav vroXet?
TOVT €(7d\ OTav Ti^ Tov^ v6pov<; (TM^rj Ka\a)<;.
epel Be Bt] ti<; tu? dvavBpia ^epwz/,
TToXet irapov aoi arecpavov €VKXeia<; XaBelv,Beiaa<; d'7rearTr}<i, Kal 0-1/09 p-ev dypi'ov
524
SUPPLIANTS
THESEUS
Thou art not of their blood.
AETHHASon, may I speak for thine and Athens' honour ?
THESEUSYea, even from women's lips much wisdom flows.
AETHRAYet—yet, it gives me pause, the word I hide.
THESEUSNay, this were shame, to hide good rede from friends.
AETHRAI will not hold my peace, to blame hereafter
Myself for coward silence of this day;
Nor, cowed by that taunt, " Woman's best advice
Is worthless," will refrain my lips from good. 300
My son, I bid thee look to this first, lest
Thou err, despising their appeal to heaven.
In this alone thou err'st, in all else wise.
Nay more—I had endured, and murmured not,
Wert thou not bound to champion the oppressed.
Lo, this is the foundation of thy fame;
Therefore I fear not to exhort thee, son.
That thou Avouldst lay thy strong constraining handOn men of violence which I'efuse the deadThe dues of burial and of funeral-rites, 310
And quell the folk that would confound all wont •
Of Hellas : for the bond of all men's states
Is this, when they with honour hold by law.
Ay, some will say faint heart made feeble hand;
That to win Athens glory's crown was thine.
Yet didst thou flinch for fear ; that thou didst close
IKETIAE5
ayoi)vo<; -^-v^o) (pavXov ddXrjaa^ irovov,
ov S' 619 Kpdvo^ /SXiyfravTa koL XoyT^jy? aK/xr^v
XP^I'^ eKirovrjo-ai, 8eiXb^ &v e<py]vpeO)]<;.
320 fJ-T) BfjT^ ep-6<; 7' cov, S) reKvov, Spaarj<; TuSe.
opa^, a/3oi'Xo<? &)? KeKepTOfi')]pevy]
Tol<i Keprofiovai yopyov opfjb dva^XeiTei,
ar] 7raTpi<i ; ev 'yap To2<i ttovoktiv av^erafat 8' TjavxoL aKoreivd Trpdaaovaai 7r6\ei<;
(TKOTeivd Kal ^Xiirovcriv evXa^ovfievai.
ovK el V€Kpolat fcal yvvai^lv dOXiac^
7rpoao}(peXT]acov, & reKvov, Ke')(^piiixevai<; ;
o)? ovre raplBu) (tvi> Slkt] a 6p/ji(op.evov,
KaS/iOf ^' opwaa Xabv ev TreTrpayoTa,
330 eV avrbv ciXXa /3\)]fxaT ev kv/3oi^ /3aXe7i>
TreTTOiO ' yap Oeo'; Trdvr dvaaTpi(pei TrdXcv,
X0P02Ct> (juXTdTT) pLoi, rwSe r e'lpyjKa^; KaXco<;
KdfjLoi- SittXovv 8e ^dpp.a yiyveraL ro^e.
0H2ET2efxol XoyoL fJ.ev, p,t]Tep, 01 XeXey/xeuoi
6p6(x)<i e-y^ova el<i rovBe, Kdirecpt^vdfiijv
yvoiiJ,y]v v(p^ ol(oi' eacfydXr] ^ovXevfidrcou'
opo) he Kdyco ravd^ direp fxe vovOerel^;,
O)? T0i9 epiolcJLV Oll-^l 7rp6(7(fiOpOV TpOTTOl^
(peuyeiv rd Seivd. TroXXd yap hpdaa<i KaXd,340 6^09 Toh^ 619 "EXXr;t'a9 i^eSei^dfitju,
ueL KoXaaT7i<i rCov kukmv Kadeardvai.ovKovv diravhdv hvvarov earl /xoi 7r6vov<i.
Tt yap fi epovcriv o'i ye Sv(Tfievel<i ^porcov,
66 T) reKovaa '^virepoppcdhova ifxou
526
SUPPLIANTS
In strife of little toil with that wild swine,^
But when behoved to face the helm, bear bruntOf the spear's point, a craven wert thou found.
Ah, do not so, my son, as thou art mine ! 320
Hast marked—bemocked for reckless policy.
How on the mockers glares with fierce bright eyes
Thy country ?—in her energy is her life.
But states which work in darkness, cautelous.
Grope in the darkness, for their caution's meed.What, to the dead, and women misery-worn
Wilt tliou not bring help, son, in this their strait ?
I fear naught : justice is witli thine essay;
And, though the folk of Cadmus prosper now.Far otherwise yet for them the dice of doom 330
Shall fall, I trust :—God bringeth low the proud.
CHORUS
O best-beloved, well hast thou said, for himAnd me alike ; herein is twofold joy.
THESEUS
Mother, the words I spake were words of truth
Unto this man, wherein I showed my mindTouching the counsels by the which he fell.
Yet these thy warnings—yea, 1 see their force.
That with my life's use it accordeth not
To flinch from peril. Many a glorious deedHath shown to sons of Hellas this my wont, 340
Ever to be a punisher of wrong.
Toil's challenge therefore cannot I refuse :
For what will they which hate me say of me.When she that bare me—who, beyond all, fears
' Phaea. the wild sow of Krommyon, slain by Theseus.
527
IKETIAE2
irpdoTrj Ke\evei<i TOfS' VTToaTrjvai irovov ;
hpacrw Ta8'* el/tt Kol v€Kpov<; ixXvaofiai
XoyoicTL ireiduiv el Se /j-i], ^ta Bopo<;
ij8i] ToS' earai kov'^l avv (pOouw Oeoiv.
Bo^at Be ')(^pt]^(o Koi iroXei irdar) roBe.
350 Bo^et 8' epov 6e\ovTO<i' aWa rov Xoyov
TrpoaBoi)'; e'X^oip,^ civ Br/p-ov evpLevecrrepov.
Koi yap KUTearrja avrov eiV p,ovap-)(^lav
i\ev6ep(t)aa<i tijvB' laoy}rr](f)ov ttoXlv,
Xa^MV 8' "ABpacTTOi^ Belyp,a rwv epcov Xoycov,
ei? TrX!]6o<; aarwv elfxi- Ka\ Treiaa<i rdBe,
XeKTOV'i aOpoLCja^ Bevp 'AOrjvaLCOv Kopovi
r^^w Trap" orrXof^ 6' )]/j.evo<i TrepL^jrco Xoyovf
ILpeovTL leKpoiv aoipar e^airovpevo^.
aX\! to yepaiai, aepv dcpaipelre are^rj
360 p.rjTp6<i, 7rpb<; oXkov<; w? vlv Klyico^ dyci),
(^IXrjv irpoad'tfra^; ')(^etpa' Tol<; reKovai yap
Bv(nyp'0<i 6aTi<i p,r) dvTiBovXevec t€ki>(ov.
xdWiarof epavov Bov<; yap duriXd^vTat
iraiBoiv Trap' avrov rotdB' av roKevai Bw.
X0P02arp. a
iTTTTo^oTov "A/oyo?, ft) Trdxpiov epLov ireBov,
eKXvere rdS' eKXver dvaKTo<i
oata irepl Beov^ Kal peydXa UeXaaycaKul Kar "Ap709.
dvr. a'
el yap eVl repp^a Kal to irXeov ep-cav KaKcov
370 iK6pevo<; ere parepo^; dyaXp,a
(f>6vLov e^eXoc, ydv Be (ftlXiov ^Ipd'^ov
deiT 6i'i']aa<i.
528
SUPPLIANTS
For me,—first bids me undertake this toil ?
I will unto the deed, redeem their deadBy fair words, if I may ; if not, the mightOf spears shall do it, nor the Gods shall grudge.
Yet I require all Athens' sanction here.
My wish should win their sanction;yet, if I 350
Show cause withal, the loyaller shall they be.
For I have made the land one single realm,
A free state, with an equal vote for all.
Adrastus for my witness will I take.
And meet their concourse ; their consenting won.
With muster of chosen youths AthenianVVill I return ; and tarrying under arms,
Will send to Creon, asking back the dead.
But ye, grey women, from my mother take
The holy wreaths, that I may clasp her hand, 360
And lead to Aegeus' halls. A sorry son
Is he that pays not service-debt to parents.
Who giveth of love's best, by his own sons
For all he hath given his parents is repaid.
[ExeioU THESEUS and aethra.
CHORUS(Sir. 1)
O Argos, mead of the battle-steed, O land where myfathers abode of yore, [the hero-king,
Ye have heard it, heard in Heaven was the word of
His sacred plight in Pelasgia's sight, the pledge to be
published all Argos o'er.
(Ant. 1)
O may he gain—yea, more than attain to the goal
that seeth my miseries end ! [mother to bring
Forth let him go, let him wrest from the foe, to the 370
Her darling's clay blood-stained, and for aye have
our own dear Inachus' land to friend.
529VOL. HI. M M
IKETIAE2
KaXov 8' ayaXfia iroXeaiv evae^rj^ 7rovG<i arp. /3'
ri /xot TToXi? KpaveZ ttot ; dpa cf>iXta /xoc
reixel, koc reKvoi^ Ta(f)a<; XTjyjrofieada ;
d/xvve fiarpi, 7r6\t<;, dfivve, HaWdBof, dvT. /3
vofiov; ^poTWv fiTj fxtalveiv.
av Toc <Te^€i<i hiKuv, to 8' rjora-ov dBiKia
380 vefi€i<;, hvarv^J) t del irdvra pvei.
0H2Er2
re^vi^v /xev del tijvS' e^oiv v7rr]peTei<:
TToXeL re Ka/xoc, hia<^ep(i)v Krjpvynara'
eXOoiv 8' vTTep r ^AacoTrov ^\a[xrjvou 0' vScop
(rejxvw Tvpdvvo) (f)pd^e l^aSfieCwv rdSe-
@r](Tev<; a dirairel Trpo^; x^P^^ ddyjrat i>€Kpov<;,
o'vyiyeiTov' oIkmv yalav, d^LOiv tvx'^'^v,
<f)iXov re OecyBai iravr 'Epe^^etSco/^ Xeoov.
Kdv fxev deXoxTCV alveaac, waXiaavTo^
CTTelx' '^v 8' diTLcrrMa', olhe Sevrepoi Xoyor
390 KMfiov SeX^crOat top e/xov dainBticfiopov.
(TrpaTo<i he 9daaeL Kd^erd^eTai 7rapd>v
KaXXixopov d/x<pl ae/xvbv evrpeirr]^ oSe.
Kal /jLi]v eKovad 7' dcrfxevrj r ehi^aro
TToXt? iTovov TOPS', ft)9 OeXovTu fx TJadero.
ea' Xoycov Tt'9 e/xTroSobv o5' epx^'^'f-i-i !
KaS/tet09, 009 eoiKev ov crdcb' elBoTi.
530
SUPPLIANTS
(Str. 2)Memorial fair shall the cities share of the sacred labour
of love : evermore [lingering.
The grace thereof shall abide, and the love ayeAh, what shall come of their rede ?—what doom ?
—
shall Athens bestow the grace I implore ?
Shall she league her might with me, and the right of
the tomb to my slaughtered sons restore ?
(Afit. 2)
O Pallas' Town, for my help step down ; the holy
cause of the mother defend;
[thing.
So the laws ofmen shall be made not then a polluted
Thou reverencest great Justice' hest : injustice be-
neath thy yoke shall bend :
And through all the lands thy champion hands to the
helpless oppressed deliverance send. 380
Enter theseus with Athenian herald.
THESEUS
O thou that usest still thine art to serve
Athens and me, wide publishing mine bests.
Pass thou Asopus and Ismenus' stream,
And to the proud Cadmean despot say :
" Theseus of grace asks corpses for the tomb :
He dwells thy neighbour, and he claims but right :
So make thou the Erechtheid folk thy friend."
If they consent to grant it, turn thou back.
If they refuse, my second message speak," Look for my shielded revel-rout of war !
"
390
Mine host is camped and marshalled hard at hand
By sacred Callichorus for fight prepared.
Yea, Athens of good will, and glad withal,
Took up this task, made ware of my desire.
Ha !—breaking in upon my speech who comes ?
Theban, I deem, yet know not certainly :
—
531M M 2
IKETIAE2
K'))pv^. e7rtcr%69, yv o-' airaWd^r] ttovov
fioXoip vTTavra rol<i ifiol<; ^ovXev/xacriv.
KHPTH
Tt? 77}f Tvpai'VO<i ; irpo^ riv' dyyeTKai fie )(pr)
400 Xoyovf; Kpeoi'To?, 09 Kparei K.dS/jiov '^Oovo'i,
'Ereo/cXeou? 6av6uro<i dpL(f eTTraaTopLOVi
TTuXa? dSeK(f)ov %eipi Ho\vveiKOV<i vtto ;
0H2ET2TTpoiTov ixev i]p^Q} Tov Xojov ylrev8(o<i, ^eve,
^ilTOiv Tvpavvov iv6dS'' ov <ydp ap'^eraL
eve's 7rpo<i dvSpo'i, aX.\' eXevdepa iroXi,^.
BPjfMO<i S' dvdacret hLaho-)(al(Tiv iv fiepei
eviavaiaLcnv, ov)(l rep ttXovto) BtBov<i
TO irXelaroi', dXXd ^(o) 7revtj(; excov taov.
KHPTHev fiev Toh' t'^puv coaTrep iv irecraol'^ St'So)'?
410 Kpelaaov iroXa yap 7)9 iyco irdpeifi cnro
€vo<i 7rpo<i dvSpo'i, ovK o)(X(p Kparvverai'
ovh^ €(TTiv avT7]v 6aTt<i eK'^avvwv Xoyoi'i
7r/309 KepBo<i iSiov dXXor ctXXoae cnpe^ei'
6 S' avTiy^ r]8u<; Kal BiSov'i ttoXXtjv xdpiv,
el(ravdi<i ejBXa^y, elra Bia^oXai^ veaii;
KXeyjra'i rd irpoade (T(f>dXfJLaT e^eSv BiKij'i.
aXXw9 re ttox; dv fii] StopBevcov Xoyov<i
6p6(ji)'i SvvaiT dv 5>}/A09 evOvvetv ttoXlv ;
6 yap XPovo^ fiddrjaiv dvTi tov rd-x^ov^
420 Kpeiaaw hihwai. ya7r6vo<; S' dvijp 'irevt)'^
el Kal yevQLTO fii] dp.ad>']<;, epycov vtto
OVK dv SvvatTo 7rpo9 rd koIv diro^Xeireiv.
r) hr) voaoihe'^ rovro rol^ djjbeLVoaiv,
OTav TTOvrjpo^ d^ico/x" dvrjp e^l}
yXooaar) xaTaaXfov hrjfMov, ovSev Oiv ro irpiv.
532
SUPPLIANTS
A herald !—stay : thy toil perchance is spared.
His coming meets my purpose in mid way.
Enter theban herald.
HERALDYour despot, who ?—to whom must I proclaim
The words of Creon, lord of Cadmus' land 400
Since Eteocles by the hand Avas slain
Of Polyneices by the sevenfold gates ?
THESEUSFirst, stranger, with false note thy speech began,Seeking a despot here. Our state is ruled
Not of one only man : Athens is free.
Her people in the order of their course
Rule year by year, bestowing on the rich
Advantage none ; the poor hath equal right.
HERALDOne vantage hast thou given me, as to oneThat playeth draughts :—the city whence I come 410
Bv one man, not by any mob, is swayed.
There is none there who, slavering them Avith talk,
This way and that way twists them for his gain.
Is popular now, and humours all their bent
;
Now, laying on others blame for mischief done.
He cloaks his faults, and slips through justice' net.
How should the mob which reason all awryHave power to pilot straight a nation's course ?
For time bestoweth better lessoning
Than haste. But yon poor delver of the ground, 420
How shrewd soe'er, by reason of his toil
Can nowise oversee the general weal.
Realm-ruining in the wise man's sight is this.
When the vile tonguester getteth himself a nameBy wooing mobs, who heretofore was naught.
555
IKETIAE2
0H2ET2KOfi^^rof; y o Krjpv^ Kal irapepyaTT)'; Xoyoov.
iirel 8' ayoiva Kal av toi'S' jjycovLao),
OLKOV ' cifiiWav yap <tv TrpovOrjKa^ Xoycov.
ovBev Tvpdvvov hvap^evearepov iroXei,
430 oTTov TO p,€V TrpcoriaTOV ovk €la\v vofioi
KoivoL, /cparet S' el? tov v6p,ov KeKTrip,evo<i
avTO^ Trap avru), Kal roS' ovKer ear Icrov.
yeypap,p,evwv Se twv v6/jL(ov o t dcrOevrjii
6 7r\ov(Ti6<; re t7]v Slktjp larjv e^^ei,
ecTTiv 6 iviaTTelv rolrriv aa6ev€(TT€poi<i
TOV evTvyovvra ravO , orav kXwj kokm^;.
viKO, 5' o fi€L(ov TOV p^iyav hiKai e)(<:ov.
TovXevOepov 8' eKelvo • Tt'^ BeXei TroXet
^ptiaTov TL ^ovXevpi et? pukaov (f)€pciv e^wv ;
440 Kal TaiO^ o ')(^pr]l^u)vXap,'Trp6<i iad , o p,r) deXwv(Tiya. TC TOVTcuv ear laaLrepov iroXet
;
Kal p,r}v oTTov ye 8)]p.o<; euOuvrr]<i )(^dov6<;,
vTTovcnv acrrol^ ySerai veaviaL<i •
uvrjp he /BaaiXev^ e-^Opov r^yelrat rohe,
Kal rov'i aptarov^;, ov-; av rjyrjrai (f}poveiv
Kreivei, SeSotKcoi; t?/9 rvpavviho^ Trepc.
TTto? ovv er av yevoir av l(7')(ypa 7ro\«9,
orav Tf? f09 Xeip(ovo<; rjpivov arcf^vv
roXp,a<i cK^aipfi KcnroXoyri^r} veov? ;
450 KraaOai 8e TrXovrov Kal ^iov ri Set reKvoi'j,
<W9 T&) rvpdvvcp rrXeiov eKp.o-)(6fi ^lov ;
i) rrapOeveueiv TratSa? ev Sop^oit; KaX(t)<i
Tep7rva<; rvpdvvoi<; rjSovd^, orav 9eXrj,
SdKpva 5' eroip^d^ovcrc ; /ir] ^(oijv en,
534
SUPPLIANTS
THESEUSAn eloquent herald this^, a speech-crammed babbler !
But, since thou hast plunged into this strife, hearme :
—
[parley :
—
'Twas thou flung'st down this challenge untoNo worse foe than the despot hath a state.
Under whom, first, can be no common laws, 430
But one rules, keeping in his private handsThe law : so is equality no more.
But when the laws are written, then the weakAnd wealthy have alike but equal right.
Yea, even the weaker may fling back the scoff
Against the prosperous, if he be reviled;
And, armed with right, the less o'ercomes the great.
Thus Freedom speaks^ :—"What man desires to bring
Good counsel for his countrj- to the people ?"
Who chooseth this, is famous : who will not, 440
Keeps silence. Can equality further go?More—when the people piloteth the land,
She joyeth in young champions native-born :
But in a king's eyes this is hatefullest
;
V"ea, the land's best, whose wisdom he discerns.
He slayeth, fearing lest they shake his throne.
How can a state be stablished then in strength.
When, even as sweeps the scj'the o'er springtide
mead,One lops the brave young hearts like flower-blooms .'*
WHiat boots it to win wealth and store for sons, 450
When all one's toil but swells a despot's hoard ?
Or to rear maiden daughters virtuously
To be a king's sweet morsels at his will.
And tears to them that dressed this dish for him ?
' He quotes the formula with which the Iierald opened the
proceedings of the popular assembly at Athens.
535
IKETIAE2
el Ta/xa reKva irpo^ jBlav vv^i^evaerai.
fcal ravra fxev Br) 7r/309 ra aa i^rjKovriaa.
r]K€i'i 8e Br) ri rrjcrBe 7% Kcxp^M'^vo^ ;
Kkaiwv y av r)\de<i, et ere fxt) ^'ireix^ev TroAt?,
Trepiacra (^wvwv • rov yap ayyeXov y^pcwv
460 \e^av0^ 6a av rd^r) Ti? ft)? Ta%o? TrciXtv
'^(^(opetv. TO XotTTov B' et? €fM7)v TToXiv Kpeoyv
rjaaov XciKov crov TrefiTreTco riv dyyeXov.
XOP02(pev (f)€u
' KUKolcriv &><? orav BaC/jicov BiBu)
KdX.ci)<;, v^pi^ova o)<; del 7rpd^ovT€<i €v.
KHPTEXeyoifi dv rjBr). twv fiev rjycovLapevwvaoi iiev Bok€ltq) tuvt, efiol Be Tavrla.
eyd> 8' dirauBw ird^ re Ka^/xeto? Xe&)<?
^'ABpaarov et? yr)v rrjvBe p,r) irapievai'
el S' eariv evyfj,
7rp\v Oeov Bvvai creka^,
470 XvaavTa crepvd crre/i/ia tcoz/ fiV(TTy')pia
rrjaB' e^eXavveiv, firjB' dvaipelaOai vef(pov<i
^ia, irpoai^KOvr ovBev Wpyetcov iroXei.
Kav fiev TTiOr) fj.ot, Kvp-drcov drep iroXiv
a)]V vavaToXi]aei<;' el Be fir'), ttoXu? kXvBcov
Tj/jLiv re Kal aol av/j,/j,dxoi^ r ecrrai Bopo^.
(TKe-^at Be, Kal fj,r) rot? e'/xoi? 0vfiov/j,€vo<i
Xoyoiaiv, co? By) ttoXiv eXevOepav ex(OV,
a^piyoiVT dp.€iy}rr) /xvdov eK /Spayiovcov.
€X7rl<i yap ear aTTiarov, r) vroWa? 7r6Xei<i
480 avvi)yfr , dyovaa Ov/xov et? v7rep^oXd<i.
orav yap eXOrj 7roA.e/xo9 et? yjri)<f)ov Xeco,
ovBel'i ed^ auTOv ddvarov eKXoyi^erai,
TO Bv<TTV)(e^ Be TOUT e? dXXov eKTperrei'
el S" Tjv Trap 6fx[jba OdpaTos ev yjnj(f)ov (f)op3,,.
SUPPLIANTS
May I die ere I see my daughters ravished !
Such answering shaft to tliine do I hurl back.
But thou, what wouldst thou have of this our land ?
Except thy state had sent tliee, thou shouldst rue
Thine insolent prating ! 'Tis the herald's part
To speak his message, and to get him back 460
With speed. Henceforth let Creon to my townSend a less wordy messenger than thee.
CHORUSOut on it I When God prospereth evil men,Wanton they wax, as who should prosper aye.
HERALDNow will I speak my charge. For our dispute.
Be this thy mind, contrariwise be mine.
But I and all the folk Cadmean warn thee
—
Receive Adrastus not into this land.
If in the land he is, ere set of sunFree from yon wreaths your sacred Mysteries, 470
And drive him forth, nor go about by force
To take those dead : ye have naught to do with
Argos.
If thou obey me, thou by storm unscathed
Shalt helm thy city ; if not. our great surge
Of war on thee and thine allies shall fall.
Look to it, nor, being chafed at these my words,
—
Because forsooth a city free thou hast,
—
Make arrogant answer from a weaker cause.
Hope is delusive : many a state hath this
Embroiled, by kindling it to mad emprise. 480
For, when for war a nation casteth votes,
Then of his own death no man taketh count.
But passeth on to his neighbour this mischance.
But, were death full in view when votes were cast,
537
IKETIAE2
ovK dv TTod^ 'EWa? Soptfiavrj'i dircoWvTO.
KuiTOi hvolv <ye 7rdvT€<; dvdpwrroi \6yoiv
rov Kpeiaaov "(Tfiev Koi rd ')^p7](Trd koI KaKn,
o(T(p re 7ro\efj,ov Kpelaaov eipi]vr} ^porol^
'
T] TTpMTa fxev Wovaaiai TrpoacfyiXeararr),
490 Tloivaicn S' e-)(dpu, repireTai 8' evrraihiq,
^atpei Se irXovTco. ravr d(f)evT€<; oi kukoi
7ro\efjLOV<; uvaipovjxeada koX tov rjaaova
8ov\ovfied\ civSpa civSpa koI 7r6\L<; iro'Kiv.
(TV S' avhpa<i i')(dpov<i koI Oav6vTa<; w^eXe??,
OaTTToyv KOfMi^wv 0' vj3pi<; ou? diroiKeaev.
ou Tap' €T 6p0o}<; \\aiTaveto<; Kepavviov
hefia^ Kairvovrai, KXifiaKcov 6pOo(ndTa<i
o<? 7rpoa/3a\a)v irvXaiaiv oypioaev ttoXiv
Trepaeiv Oeov de\ovro<i rjv re [xrj deXr],
500 ovS* rjpTTaaev ')(dpv^8i<; olwvocrKoirov,
TeOpiTTTTOV dpfia Trepi/SaXouaa ^da/uuTi,
dXXoi T€ KelvTUi Trpo^ 7ru\ai<; \o)(^ayeTai
irerpoi^ Kara^avdevre^ oaricov pacpd^;.
7] vvv (f)pov€tv djjLeivov e^avx^t, A/09,
rj deov'i SiKaico^ tov<; KaKov<; diToWvvai.
(fnXeiv fiev ovv ^prj rov<i (Tocfiovs TrpcoTOv reKva,
eireira roKewi TrarplSa 0\ r)^ av^eiv XP^^^KoX firj Kard^ai. (J<pa\€pov ijye/ioov 6paav<i
v€(i}<; re vavri]'^' ijav^o^ KaipM ao(f)o<i.
510 Kal rovro roi rdvSpeiov, rj 77po/iT]0ia.
X0P02
i^apK€(Ta<; rjv Zeu? 6 ri/xoipovfievo^,
vfid<; 8' v^pi^eiv ovk e^p^v roidvS' v^piv.
AAPA2T05
o) irayKuKKTre—538
SUPPLIANTS
Never war-frenzied Greece would rush on ruin.
Yet, of elections twain, we know—all know
—
Whether is best, the blessing or the curse.
And how nuich better is peace for men than war
;
Peace, she which is the Muses' chiefest friend.
But Retribution's foe, joys in fair children, 490
In wealth delights. Fools let these blessings slip.
And rush on Avar : man bringeth weaker manTo bondage ; city is made city's thrall.
Thou helpest men our foes, and dead men they,
Wouldst win for graves them whom their insolence
slew I
Good sooth, then, wrongfully did levin blast
Capaneus' frame upon yon ladder's height.
Which he had reared against our gates, and sworeTo sack the town, whether (iod willed or no :
Wrongly earth's chasm snatched from sight the seer, 500
Shrouding with yawning gulf his four-horse car.
While other captains lie before our gates.
The knittings of whose bones great stones haveshattered
!
Or boast thee to surpass in wisdom Zeus,
Or grant that rightly Gods destroy the wicked.
Behoves the wise to love his children first,
Parents and country next,—to make her great.
Not break her down. Rash leaders, pilots heady.
Mean ruin : the wise in season sitteth still.
This too is manful valour, even discretion. 610
CHORUS
The punishment of Zeus might well suffice !
Shall ye insult with wanton arrogance ?
ADRASTUS
ViUain of villains 1—
539
IKETIAE2
eH2ET2
0-47', "ASpaar, e%6 crTOfia
Kol fXT] ^TTLTrpocrdev tmv efion' tou? crov<i \oyov<i
6fj<i- ov yap i]K€t 7rpb<i ere fcrjpvcrcroov oSe,
aXV (w? €fi' rjpa<; KairoKpivaaOaL -x^pewv.
Kal irpoiTU pev ae 7rpo<; ra Trpotr apef^npai.
OVK oW eyco KpeovTa heairo^ovr epou
ovBe crdevovra p-el^ov, coar avayKacrai
5-20 Spav Tttf W6i]va<i TavT' avco yap av pioi
TO, TrpdypaO^ oinwi, el ^ima^opeada S/;.
TToXepov Be rovrov ovk eyco Kadiarapai,
o<? ovBe (Jvv Tolah^ rjXOov et? HdSpou ')(6oi>a.
veKpov<i Be Tot"? Oavovra'^, ov /SXaTrrfov ttoXlv
ovS' dvBpoKp,riTa<i Trpoai^epwv dyu>i>ia<i,
Od-yjrai hiKaiw, rov Uai'eWy'jvcov vop,ov
(T(pt(ov. TL rovTwv ecTTiv ov Ka\(b<: ^ov
;
el yap ri /cat ireTTovQar Xpyeiwv viro,
redvdcnv, rjpvvaaOe 7roXep.iov>i /caXw?,
530 atcr^/0ft)9 S' €K€ivoi<;, XV Biki] Bioixerai.
idcraT yBrj yfj Ka\v(l)6)]vai veKpov<;,
66ev K eKaarov et? to <^ft)<? (i(f)tKeTO,
evravd^ aTreXOelv, irvevpa p,ev irpix; aidepa,
TO crSipu 5' et9 yrjv ovti yap KeKri')p,e6a
i)perepov avTO ttXtjv evoiKijaac ^lov,
KaireiTa t?;i' dpeyfraaav avro Bel Xa/Seh'.
BoKeU KaKovpyelv 'Apyo<; ov ddinaiv veKpov<i ;
tjKiara' 7rday]<; 'EXXaSo? koivov roBe,
el Tou? dav6i'Ta<i vocr^icras o)V XP^W ^^X^l^540 ttTac^ou?. Ti? e^er BeiXlav yap elacftepei
TOtf dXKLpoiaiv, ouTO? rjv Tedfj vopo<i.
KapoX pev rjXde^ Beiv' direiXyjacov eir)],
veKpov<i Be Tap/3elT, el Kpv/BijaovTai ;^^oi't ;
540
SUPPLIANTS
THESEUSHold, Adrastus, peace,
And thrust not in before my words tliine own;
For not to thee yon fellow doth his message,But unto me : 'tis I must make reply.
Now, thy first utterance will I answer first :—I know no Creon despot over me.Nor more of might than I, that he should force
Athens to do this. Sourceward back should flow 520
The world's stream, if we brook such hest as his;
It is not I that launch upon this war.
Seeing with these I sought not Cadmus' land.
But lifeless bodies—harming not your state.
Nor thrusting man-destroying strife on her,
—
I claim to bury : lo, all Hellas' law
Do I uphold. How is not this well done ?
For if of Argives ye have suffered aught,
They are dead : with glory ye hurled back your foes,
With shame to them :—but there your right hath
end. 530
Let now the dead be hidden in the earth.
And each part, whence it came forth to the light,
Thither return, the breath unto the air.
To earth the body ; for we hold it not
In fee, but only to pass life therein;
Then she which fostered it must take it bade.
Dost think thou woundest Argos through her dead ?
Not so : the common cause of Greece is this.
If one shall rob the dead of rightful dues.
And hold them from the tomb : this shall unman 540
Even heroes, if such law shall be ordained.
And to me comest thou to bluster threats.
While ye fear corpses, if they be entombed ?
54»
IKETIAE2
Tt ^iTj y€V)]Tai ; firj KaTacTKayfrcoai yrjv
Ta(f)evT€<i vficov ; rj reKv ev fiv)^oi^ ')(dovo<i
<f)va(ocnv, ef &v elcri Ti? rifxcopia;
oKaiov 76 rdvdXo)fia t^9 'y\cocraT)<; roBe,
(f)6/3ov<i 7roi'rjpou<; Koi K€vov<i SeSoiKevai.
dXTC M fidraiot, yvcore rdvOpcoTroyv Kaxd'
650 TraXaia/jLaO' I'/fMciyv 6 jSio^' €vrv)(ouai Se
ol fiev Td^, ol S' €aavdc<;, 01 8' i)hr) IBporwv.
Tpucpa 5' 6 haifiwv 7rp6^ re yap rov Buarv)(^oi><;,
ft)9 evfievrj'i rj, Ti/xiO'i yepaiperai,
6 T 6\^i6<; VLV Trvevfia heL[xa'u'u>v Xiireip
vyjnjXov aipei. yvovrwi ovv 'x^pecov rdhe
d8iKoujji€vov<; T€ fieTpia fir) 6vfiM ^epeiv
dBiKCiv T€ TOiavd' ola fxr] /SXdyp^eL iroXiv.
TTM'i ovv dv elrj ; tou? 6X(i)XoTa<i v€Kpov<i
Ody^aL B66^ i)puv Tot«? deXovaiv evae/Selv.
560 rj Bf]Xa rdvOevB'' et/ii kuI dd^frco /Bla.
ov yap TTOT eL<i' EiXXrjva^ i^oiad/jcreTai
ft)9 ei9 €/x iXOcov Kcu ttoXlv Tlai'BLOvo<i
vofjLo<i TTaXaioii BaLfiovcov Bie(f)ddpT].
XOP02Odpcrer TO ydp roi ri}? AlKr)<i aoi^cov ^do<;,
TToXXov'i v7reK(f)vyoL^ dv dvdpcoirwv yjroyovi.
KHPTE^ovXet (jvvdy^o) /xvdov iv ^pax^l aedev;
0H2ET2Xey , et ri ^ovXer koi ydp ov aiyrjXb'i el.
KHPTHovK av TTOT €K yf]^ 7raiBa<; ^ApyeCeov \d^oc<i.
0H2ET5KUfiov vvv avrdKovaov, el ^ovXei, irdXip,
542
SUPPLIANTS
Wliat fear ye ? Lest they undermine your land,
There buried ?—or in earth's dark womb begetChildren, of whom shall vengeance fall on you ?
'Twere idle waste of speech, good sooth, to unmaskYour caitiff terrors and your empty fears !
O fools, learn ye the real ills of men :
—
Our life is conflict all : of mortals some 550
Succeed ere long, some late, and straightway
some
;
While Fortune sits a queen : worship and honourThe unblest gives her, so to see good days
;
The prosperous extols her, lest her breeze
Fail him one day. Remembering this, should weMeet wrong with calmness, not with fury of rage.
Neither on one whole nation visit wrong.
How shall it be then ?—grant to us, who are fain
To render heaven its due, to entomb tlie dead.
Else, clear is the issue : this will I by force. 560
Never to Greeks shall it be said, that whenIt fell to me and Athens to uphold
Heaven's ancient law, that law was set at nauglit.
CHORUSFear not : while thou upholdest Justice' light.
Thou shalt not fear what men can say of thee.
HERALDWouldst thou I summed up this thy claim in brief?
THESEUS
Speak, an thou list : no tongue-tied wight art thou.
HERALD*
Thou ne'er shalt win from our land Argos' sons.
THESEUS
Give ear to me in turn, then, if thou wilt.
543
IKETIAE2
KHPTH
570 xXvocfi av ov 'yap aWa hel Bovvai /J,epo<}.
0H2ET2dd-ylrw v€Kpov>i 7^9 e^eXoov W<T(07ria<;.
KHPTH€v aaTriaiv aoi irpwra KLvZvvevjeov.
eH2ET27roWov<i erXrjv Br] ')(arkpov<i aXXovi irovovi.
KHPTHrj iraaiv ovv ex' €(f>ucr€v i^apKCiv iraTrjp;
0H2ET2oaoL 7' u^pcarai' '^^prjara B' ov KoXdi^Ofiev.
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0H2ET2TOiyap irovoucrr) ttoWci ttoW evBaifiova.
KHPTH€X6\ ws" C': X6y')(rj cnrapTO<i ev iroXei Xd^rj.
©H2ET2Ti9 5' e'/c BpaKOVTO^ dovpo^ av yevoir "Ap?;?
;
KHPTH
580 yvdoaei av Trda^oyv vvv S' eV et veavia<i.
0H2ET2ouToc fi i7rap€i<; Stare dvfiovadai (f)peva<;
Tot? aolat KOfiTTOL'i- aXV diroareXXov x^ovo^;,
X6yov<i p,araiov<i ovairep r)veyKO) Xa^cov.
7repaLvop.ev yap ovBev. 6p/xda6ai y^peotv
irdvT dvBp ottXIttjv dpp.dTwv t' e7re/x/3aT>yi>,
fiovafXTTVKtov 76 (f)dXapa Kiveladai aro/ua
d<ppw Karaardi^ovTU, K.aBp.€Lav )^0ova.
Xcoprjao^i yap kind Trp6<i KdBfiov 7rvXa<i
544
SUPPLIANTS
HERALDYea—since I cannot choose but hear in turn. 670
THESEUS
From tliy land will I take and bury them.
HERALDFirst must thou face the liazard of the shield.
THESEUSFull many a harder emprise have I dared.
HERALDA champion born to match him with all men !
THESEUS
All arrogant tyrants : I scourge not the right.
HERALDAy, thou wilt still be meddling—thou and Athens.
THESEUS
Therefore, Avith much toil, much good speed is hers.
HERALDCome !—let the Dragon-seed but find thee there !
THESEUS
What valorous host should spring from dragons' teeth ?
HERALDThis slialt thou learn, and rue. Thou art yet but
young. 580THESEUS
Tush, man, thou canst not move mine heart to wrathWith all thy vauntings. Get thee forth the land :
The idle words thou broughtest, bear them back.
Naught comes of wrangling. [£.rz7 herald.
Let each man-at-arms.
Each chariot-rider, and each battle-steed,
Whose swinging cheek-plate dashes round his jawsThe foam, charge onward into Cadmus' land.
For on to Cadmus' seven gates will I march,
545vol. III. N N
IKETIAE2
590 avTO? a-iBrjpov o^vv iv xepolv e%&)i'
avTO'i re Kypv^. aol Se irpocTrdaaci) fieveiv,
"ASpaa-re, kci/ioI fir] avafxi<yvvadaL Tv^a<i
ra<; ad<i' eyoi yap Baifiovo'i tov/jlov fjuera
<TTpaTr]\ar7]ao) Kaivb<i iv Kaivw hopl.
kvo<i fiovov hel, TOi'9 6eov<; ey^eiv, ocroL
Blktjv cre^ovrar ravra yap ^vvovd' ofxov
VLKrjv hlhtoaiv. dperi] S' ovBev (pipei
^poTolaiv, rjv [xrj top deov XPV^"^'^^ ^XV*
HMIXOPION o'
b> fieXeat ixe\eo)v /xarepe? \o)(ayS>v, arp. a(U9 ixoL v(f)' TjirarL heljjLa )(\o€p6v rapdcraet.
HMIXOPION &'
600 TtV avSdv TavBe 7rpocr(f)epet-<i veav ;
HMIXOPION o'
arpdrev/xa ird TlaWdSo^ Kpi6r]a€Tai.
HMIXOPION y3'
Sia Bopb<; €l7ra<; rj Xoycov ^vvaXXayai<i
;
HMIXOPION o'
yevoLT dv Kep8o<;' el 8' dpeicparoi
(povot, fxd^ai, (TTepvoTVTrei^ t dvd tuttov
irdXiv cpavrjaovrai ktvttoi,
Tiv dv \6yov, TdXaiva,
Tiv' dv TwvS' airla \d^oi,/jLc;
HMIXOPION $'
dXXd rov evrv^ia Xafiirpov dv ri<; alpoi dvr. a'
fiolpa irdXiv rohe /xot ro dpdao^ dficfyi^alvei.
HMIXOPION a'
610 BiKaiov<i Balfxova<i av y ivverrei^.
546
SUPPLIANTS
Bearing myself the whetted steel in hand.Myself mine herald. Thee I bid remain, 590
Adrastus : mingle not with mine thy fate.
For I 'neath mine own fortune's star will lead
Mine host, a taintless chief with taintless spear.
One only thing I need, all Gods to haveWhich reverence right : for where these are, they give
Victory, Naked valour naught avails
To men, except it iiave the Gods' good will. \^Ej:it.
HALF-CHORUS 1
{Sir. 1)
Ye hapless mothers of hapless chieftains dead,
Ah, how is mine heart stormed-tossed with pale
dismay
—
HALF-CHORUS 2
What ominous word and strange of thee is said ? 600
HALF-CHORUS 1
For the dread decision on Pallas' war-array !
HALF-CHORUS 2
Through battle, or peace-fraught parley, wouldst
thou say r
HALF-CHORUS 1
Ay, this last should be well ; but if warrior-quelling
Slaughters and battles again shall be seen.
With the beating of breasts in each desolate dwelling
Of the land, what reproaches bitter-keen [been !
Should I win, through whom this sorrow hath
HALF-CHORUS 2
{Ant. 1)
Yet doom may the victor bring down low in dust
;
This comforteth me, and bids be dauntless-souled.
HALF-CHORUS 1
Thou speakest of Gods that fail not, ever just. 610
547NN 2
IKETIAE5
HMIXOPION ,8'
Tive<i yap aXXoi veixovai (TV/ji(f)opd<; ;
HMIXOPION a'
Bid^opa TToWa decov /3poroLcnv elaopca,
HMIXOPION ^'
(bo/Bo) yap tS> 7rdpo<i SioWvauL-BiKa h'lKav S' eKoXeae kuI (jiovo^
(f)6vov, KttKMV S' dvay}rv)(^a<;
deol jSpoTol^ vefMOvaiv,
dirdvru)!' repfi e^ovre'^ avroi.
HMIXOPION a
TO, KaWiTTvpya irehia vrw? iKoijued' civ, arp. ^KaWc^opov dea<i vBcop Xiirovaai ;
HMIXOPION 0'
620 TTOTUvav €l fie Ti<i decov KTi'aai,
SiTTOTa/jLov iva TToXlV /jLoXo).
HMIXOPION a'
eiBelrj<i av (piXwv
elBei7](i av TV')(a<;.
HMIXOPION ^'
Ti'? TTOT alcra, rl^ dpa irorp.o'i
eTTifievei rov uXki/xov
TaaBe yd<; avaKra ;
HMIXOPION o'
KeKXr]fxevov<i /xev dvaKaXovfjued^ av deov<i- avr, ^aXXa (fjo/Scov iriarL^i dBe Trpcora.
HMIXOPION /8'
t'o) Zev, rdf 7raXaLo/j,dTopo<i
TraiBoyove iropto'i ^Ivd^ov,
548
SUPPLIANTS
HALF-CHORUS 2
Of whom but of such be all our fates controlled ?
HAI.F-CHORUS 1
Ah, many a change in God's ways I behold !
HALF-CHORUS 2
By the terrors o'erpast is the heart in thee stricken :
Yet justice aloud unto justice doth call;
Blood calleth for blood, and the Gods shall requicken
Our souls, for to mortals all blessings befall
From the hands that encompass the goal of all.
HALF-CHORUS 1
(Sir. 2)
O might I speed from the Goddess s springs.
Even Callichorus, to the fair-towered plain !
HALF-CHORUS 2
O would the Gods but vouchsafe to me wings, 620
So to win to the city of rivers twain I^
HALF-CHORUS 1
Ah then shouldst thou clearly discern
—
How thy champions speed shouldst thou learn.
HALF-CHORUS 2
Ah God, what fate, what doom doth await
The king of the mighty hand.
The hero of Cecrops' land ?
HALF-CHORUS 1
(A?iL 2)
We have cried to the Gods, and we ciy once moi-e
To the first best trust of the sore afraid.
HALF-CHORUS 2
Zeus, hear us, whose offspring was born of yore
Of Inachus' daughter, the heifer-maid !
' Thebes : round the old citadel flowed, on one side, the
Ismenus, on the other, the Dirce.
549
IKETIAE2
HMIXOPION a
630 'yevov raB' €v/J.ei'ij<;.
HMIXOPION B'
TO (Tov ayaX/jia, to aov ihpvjxa
7ro\eo9 €KKo/xi^o/u,at
7rpo9 TTvpav v^piadev.
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ouTO? re awdei^;, T]pe6iiv yap iv fid')(r),
fju ol 6av6vTO>v eirra heairoTwv Xoy^ot
r/ycoi/icravTO pevfia AipKUiov ircipa,
vLKTfv T€ ©i70"e<»9 dyyeXcov. \6you Be ae
p,aKpov rnroiravcrw KaTraj^ew? yap 77 XciTpt^,
640 ov Zeu? KepavvM TrvpiroXM KaraidaKol.
XOP020) (^iXrar , ev fiev voarov dyyeWeif; creOev
rrjv T d/jL(f)i (")T;creG)9 ^d^tv el 8e Kal (jTpaTO<i
a(o<; €<TT ^Ad)]V(t)v, Travr av dyye'Woi^; (j)iXa.
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eanjcrev oX re avfip,eraaxovTe<i 8op6<i
;
Xe^ov Trapcov yap toi/? Trap6vTa<i cv(f>pai.'el'i,
ArrEAOs650 Xafiirpa fiev ukti'^ tjXlov, Kavcov aa(f)i']'i,
efiaXXe yalav cipxf)! 6' 'H\e«Tpa<? 7rvXa<;
ecTTtjv Oearr]^ irvpyov evayrj Xa^cov.
opw he (f>vXa rpia rpiajv aTparev^aTov
550
SUPPLIANTS
HALF-CHORUS 1
Oh be our champion thou,
To our city be gracious now ! 630
HALF-CHORUS 2
Thy beloved are we, it was planted of thee,
This city whose sons we would gain
For the tomb from the outrage-stain.
Enter messenger.
MESSENGERWomen, I come with tidings full of joy,
—
Myself escaped, for I was ta'en in fight,
What time those seven bands of chieftains slain
Hard by the fount of Dirce strove their strife,—
-
Tidings of Theseus' triumph. I will spare thee
Question :—a vassal I of CapaneusWhom Zeus did blast with Ijlazing levin-bolt. 640
CHORUSDear friend, glad tidings this of thy return.
Glad news of Theseus : but if Athens' host
Is safe withal, thou heraldest all joy.
MESSENGER
Safe : and hath fared— I would Adrastus so
Had fared with Argos' sons, whom forth he led
From Inachus to that Cadmean burg.
CHORUS
How then did Aegeus' son uprear to Zeus
The trophy, he and those his spear-allies ?
Tell ; thou wast there : them that were not make glad.
MESSENGER
Bright the sun's beam, true-levelled shaft of light, 650
Smote on the earth. Beside Electra's gate
On a far-looking tower I stood to watch.
And three tribes I beheld of war-bands three :
551
IKETIAE2
rev')(e(T^6pov fxev Xaov i/creivovT avco
^lafiqvLOv 7rpo9 6')(dov, a)<; fiev rjv X0709,
avTov t' avaKTa, TralSa Kkewov Atyeco'i,
Kal TOv<; (Tvv avrS, ^e^tov rerayfiivovi
Kepaq, TraXata'i Y^eKpoTria^ t ocKiJTOpa^,
'662 iaou<; apidpbov apfidrcov 8' o')(^r]fxaTa
659 avTov re lidpaXov iaroXiap-evov 8opr
660 Kp)jvr]v Trap' avT7]v "Apeo<;- /ttttoti;!/ S 6)(Xov
661 7rpo9 KpacTrihoiai arpaTo-nehov reTayfievov.
664 KdBfjiov Be \a6<; tjctto TrpoaOe Tei')(e(t)v,
665 veKpov<i OTnadev 6efi€vo<;, &v e/cetr' dycov.
663 evepOe aep-vcov /xv>]fMdTO)v 'Apcpi'ovo'i.^
iTTTrevai 8' i7nri]'i rjaav di OcoTrXLcr/xevoi
rerpaopoiai t' dvTL dp/iaO^ dp/J.aaiv.
KTjpv^ he &rjaeo)<; elirev el<i 7rdvTa<; TaSe'
ctydre, Xaoi, alya, Js^aSfieicov (TTL')(^e<;,
670 dxovaaO^' T)/Jiei<; rjKopbev veKpov<i fieTa
Od-yjrai deXovTe^, rov T\aveXXi']vtav vop-ov
cra^ovTe^, ovSev SeopLevoi reiuai cpovov.
KovBev Kpeoiv ToiaS^ uvreKijpv^ev \6yoi<i,
dXX^ Tjar^ e'^' ottXok: aiya. 7roLfxeve<i 8' 6^(ov
rerpaopoiv KaTi]pxov evrevOev pLd~)(i-i<i'
irepav he hi€XdaavTe<; dXXrfXwv o^ou9,
Trapai^draf; €aTi]aav ei? rd^iv hop6<;.
'X^ol p,ev Gihi'^pu) hiep,d'^ovO\ 01 5' earpe(f)Ov
7r(t)Xov<; €9 dXKt}v avOi<; 69 Trapai/Sdra'i.
680 IBmv he ^6p/3a(;, 09 p-ova/xirvKcov dva^Tjv Tot9 ^^pe^^elhaiaiv, dpfidrcov 6)(Xov,
o\ t" av TO K.dh/jLov hie^vXacrcTov Ittttikov,
auvrjyjrav dXKrjv KaKpdrovv i^aawvTO re.
Xevaacov he ravra kov kXvcov, e/cei yap r)
' Murray's re-arrangement adopted.
SUPPLIANTS
A mail-clad host far-stretching up the slopes
Unto tlie height Isnienian, as men said ;
I saw the king's self, Aegeus' gloi'ious son,
And his own war-band, marshalled on the right
With all the folk of Cecrops' ancient land.
Equal by tale. And all the battle-cars
And Seaboard Men, arrayed with sj)ears, were rangedBy Ares' fountain ; and the clouds of horse 660
Were drawn out on the fringes of the host.
Before tlieir walls were marshalled Cadmus' folk
—
Behind them lay those corpses, cause of strife
—
On levels 'ncath Amphion's hallowed tomb.
So against horsemen panoplied horsemen stood.
And four-yoked chariots were by chariots faced.
Then Theseus' herald cried in all men's ears :
"Silence, ye people ! Hush ye, ranks of Cadmus !
Hearken—we come but for the corpses' sake, 670
To bury them, and keep all Hellas' law
Inviolate; nor would lengthen bloodshed out."
But Creon let his herald answer not,
But silent under shield abode. Thereat
The four-horsed chariot-lords began the fray.
On, down the battle-lanes of foes they swept.
Set down their warriors, spear opposing spear.
And, while these strove with bickeinng steel, those
wheeledTheir steeds about, to aid their fighting-men.
Then Phorbas, captain of the Erechtheid horse, 680
And they withal which led the Theban riders,
Marking the tumult of the battle-cars,
Down charging clashed, now triumphing, rolled back
now.
This saw Ij and not heard ; for I was there.
553
IKET1AE2
evO^ apfjuiT rjywvi^eO^ oX t iTre/jL^drai.
TaKet Trapovra ttoWcl Trtjfxar, ovk e;^&)
Tt TrptoTov eiTTO), TTorepa Ttjv e? ovpavov
KOVLV irpoaavTeXkovcrav, &)? ttoWt) irapyjv,
r) TOV<; avo) re koI kutco (i)opov/jievov<;
690 Ifidaiv, aip-aTO^ re (f)Oiviov pod^,
royv p,€V TTiTVOVTfov, Twr' Be, OpavadevTcov Biffypcov,
el<i Kpdra 7rpo<; yy^v eKKV^iarcovrcop /31a
7rpo<i dpfxciTwv T dyaiai XeiirovTcov /Slop.
VLKOiVTU 8' Ilttttoi^; &)9 vTrelhero arparovK/?6Q)v TOP €vOevS\ Ireav Xa^MV X^P^'y^capel, irplv iXOecv ^vp,/j,d)^oi<i SvaOvfxiav.
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KeXevcTp.ov dWi'jXoKTi aw ttoWtj ^ofj'
delv, dvTepeiSe rot'? ' Epe;;^^a8af9 Bopu.
697 /cat fii]v ra ©T/creox? 7' ovk okvw BiecpOdprj,
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Kav TwSe Tov (nparriyov alveaai Traptjv'
ov yap TO viKOiv rovr eKepBaivev p,6vov,
aXX w^cT et? TO Kdp^vov oIkclov (TTpajov.
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' M array's re-arrangement adopted.
554
SUPPLIANTS
There where the chariots and the warriors gra{)pled.
Of thousand horrors there, which first to tell
I know not—or of dust that surged and soared
Upward unto the heavens, clouds on clouds,—Of men, by tangling reins snatched from the cars,
Slung earthward,—of the murder-streams of gore,— 690
Men falling here, and there, as crashed the chariots.
With violence hurled head downwards to the earth,
And battered out of life by chariot-shards.
But Creon, marking how our horse prevailed
On one wing, grasped his buckler in his hand.
And vanward pressed, ere allies' hearts should faint.
All down the lines the fronts of battle clashed :
Men slew—were slain—a thunder of wild war-cries 700
Hang, roared, of men on-cheering each his fellow
—
" Smite !
"—" Drive the spear against Erechtheus'
sons!
"
Ha, but the heart of Theseus fainted not
!
On charged he, tossing high his flaming shield.
IJut the host wrought to man of dragon-teeth
Was a grim wrestler : back it bowed our wing
Far on the left ; but, by our right o'erborne,
Fled theirs : so equal-balanced was the fight.
Then did our captain well and worshipfuUy;
His triumph on the right sufficed him not.
But he to his hard-pressed half-array sped fast.
And sent a shattering shout,—earth rang again,— 710
" My sons, except ye stay the stubborn spear
Of the Dragon-seed, your Pallas' cause is lost!"
So thrilled with courage all his Cranaid host.
Himself that Epidaurian weapon seized.
The fearful mace, and slingwise swung it round.
555
IKETIAE2
ofiov Tpaxv^ov<; KairiKeifievov KapaKvv€a<; Oepi^cov KairoKavXl^wv ^vK(p.
fjLoXcf; 8e 7ra)9 erpeyp-ev eh (ftvyijv iroha.
670) S' avrfKoKa^a Kavcop')(T)(7afirjv
720 KUKpovaa ')(elpa';. 01 8' ereivov eh 7rvXa<i.
/So?) Se Koi Ku>KVTO<i r]V ava irroXiv
vecov, yepovTcov, lepa t i^e'in[XTrXaaav
^6j3(p. irapov he rei-X^^^^ el'cro) jjLoXelv,
Si](Tev<; eVecr^ej;* ov yap &)<? irepcrcov iroXtv
/xoXelv e(f)aaKev, dW arrany^awv veKpov<;,
TOiovhe TOL (TTparriyov a'lpetaOai ^pecoz',
OS" ev re roi? Seivotaiv eariv a\Ktpo<;
fiiael 6^ v^piartjv \a6v, 09 Trpdaawv kuXm^;
et? liKpa /3))vai KKifxaKoiv hn'fKara
730 trjToyv diroykea o\/3ov w ')(pr]adai Trapt^jv.
XOP02vvv Ti]vh>' deXiTTOv ij/nepav ISova^ eycb
O€ov<i vofjbi^ct}, Kal BoKO) T>}9 (TUfi<f)opd<;
e^eiv eXaacrov, rcovSe riaavrcov SiKtjv.
AAPA2T020) Zeu, rl Srjra tov<; raXanroipov<i ^porov<;
(fipoveiv Xeyovai ; aov yap e^i]pT7]/jLeOa
SpM/xev re roiavd' av av rvy)(^civT]<i deXwv.i)plv yap rjv to t' "Apyo^; ov)(^ vTrocrrarov,
avTOi re ttoXXoI Kal veoi ^pa'XiocTiV'
^KreoKXeov; he avfi/dao-w jroiovfMei'Ov,
740 fiirpia deXovro^, qvk expj]^o/jiev Xa/3eh>,
KctTren' cnrcoXopeaO'. h^ av tot evTu)(7]<;,
Xo/5&)i' Tret'j;? w? dpTiTrXovra ')(^p7J/u,aTa,
v^piX\ v^piKfov T avdi<; dvraTrcoXero
Kdh/j,ov KaKo^poiv Aao?. Si Kaipov irepa ^
* Murray's transposition of Key. fip, and k. ntp. adopted.
SUPPLIANTS
Down-mowing and clean-lopping with his clubAlike their necks and heads in helmets cased :
And scarce even then those stubborn feet would fly.
And I, for joy I shouted, yea, I danced,And clapped mine hands. On strained they to the
gates. 720
Then rang a cry and wailing through the townOf young and old : the panic-stricken throngedThe fanes. But, though the way within lay clear.
There Theseus stayed :—" Not to destroy the town
Came I," spake he, "but to reclaim the dead."
Well might men choose such battle-chief as this.
Who is in peril's midst a tower of strength,
But hates the scorners who, in fortune's hourSeeking to mount the ladder's topmost round.
Let slip the bliss that lay within their hands. 730
CHORUSNow I, beholding this unhoped-for day.
Know that Gods live, and feel my load of ill
Lighter, since these have paid the penalty.
ADRASTUS
Zeus, wherefore do they say that wretched manIs wise ? For lo, we hang upon thy skirts.
And that we do, it is but as thou wilt.
We deemed before our Argos none miglit stand,
Ourselves, a countless host of lusty arms;
And, when Eteocles proffered terms of peace.
Fair was his offer, yet we would not hear; 740
So were undone. Now, prospering in their turn,
Like beggar-wight with sudden-gotten wealth.
Wanton they waxed, and perished in their pride
Cadmus' mad-hearted sons. O foolish men
557
IKETIAE2
TO TO^ov evTelvovre<;, w k€voI ^poriav,
Kol irpo'i hixTj^i ye iroWa 'rrdayovTe'; KaKci,
<pL\oi<; iJbkv ov TreiBeaOe, Toi<i Be Trpdy/jLaar
7ro\6t9 T, ex.ova-ai 8ia Xoyov KafMyjrat KOKci,
(f)ovqi Kadaipela6\ ov \oy(p, to, TrpdyfiaTa.
780 uTap ri rauTa ; Kelvo ^ovXojiiai /xadeip,
TTci)? i^e(T(i)6rj^- elra TdX)C epyjaofMai.
ArrEA02eVei rapayixo<i ttoXlv eKLvrjaev hopi,
nTv\a<; hirjXdov, jjirep elayet, (TTpaT6<i.
AAPA2T02(OV B e'lve')^ dycov rjv, veKpov'i Kop-i^ere;
ArrEAOSoaot, ye t<\eivol<i evr ecpearacrav \6^oi<;.
AAPA2T02TTW?
<f)y]9; 8' a\Xo<; ttov KeKfirjKOTcov 6^Xo<i;
ArrEA02rdcpcp BeBovTui 7rp6<; ^lOaLpoivo^ 'jnv')(^al<i.
AAPA2T02rovKeWev rj rovvdevBe ; ri^i 8' eOayjre viv ;
ArrEA020?;creu9, a-KLooBi-jq ev6^ ^RXevdeph irerpa.
AAPA2T02760 01)9 S' ovK edayfre ttov veKpoix; f]K€L<i Xnrdyv
;
ArrE.\o2
iyyv'i' 7reXa<; yap irdv 6 tl (nrovBd^eTat.
AAPA2T02Tj TTOV TTiKpcofi VIV Oepa7r€<; rjyov eK (povov;
158
SUPPLIANTS
Who strain the bow beyond the mark, and suffer
Mucli liarm at justice' hand, and yield at last
Not to friends' mediation, but stern facts !
O foolish states, which might by parley endFeuds, yet decide them in the field of blood !
Yet wherefore this ?—fain would I know of tliee 750
How thou didst 'scape ; then will I ask the rest.
MESSENGERWhen tumult's battle-earthquake shook the town.
Through that gate slipt I where the host poured in.
ADRASTUSAnd the dead bring ye, cause of all the strife .''
MESSENGER
Even all which captained those seven bands renowned.
ADRASTUS
Ha !—and the rest which perished, where be they ?
MESSENGER
Laid in the tomb, hard by Cithaeron's folds.
ADRASTUS
On that side, or on this ? *—who buried them ?
MESSENGER
Theseus, where hangs Eleutherae's shadowing rock.
ADRASTUS
Where leftest thou those whom he buried not ? 760
MESSENGER
At hand : for earnest haste brings all things near.
ADRASTUS
W' ith loathing, surely, thralls took up the slain.
^ i.e. On the Theban or the Attic side of the range : the
tombs would be in the possession of the people in whose land
they were. Eleutherae was in Attica.
559
IKETIAE2
ArrEAOS
ovSel'i iireaT^j rwSe 8ov\o<i cov irovco.
AAPA2T05********ArrEAOS
(f)ah]<i liv, el Trapfjcrd' or 7]yd7ra vsKpovf..
AAPA2T02eviyjrei' avTO<i tmv TaXaiTrcopcov a(paya<i
;
ArrEAOSKaarpcocre y €vva<i KdKuXuyjre acofiara.
AAPA2T02Betvov fX€V ovv ^darajfia Kna^vvrjv exov.
ArrEA02
tI S" ai(T-)(^phv dvOpdOTTOtat TaWijXcov kuku ;
AAPA2T02oipof TToao) a(f)iv crvvdavelv av rjdekov.
ArrEA02
770 cLKpavT oSvpet rdicrhe t i^dyei<; hdKpv.
AAPA2T02hoKO) ixev, avrai y elalv a'l htoatTKoKoi.
afOC elev alpoo X^^P ('^'n'avTt]cra<i veKpol^
"AiBov re /ioXTra? e/c%e&) Saxpvppoovi,
(fiiXou<; TTpoaavhoiv, wv \e\eipp,evo<i Ta\a^
'ipiipa KXaico' tovto yap /xovov /S.'orot?
ovK tcTTt TuvdXcofM dva\(o9ev \af]t;ip,
yjrvxv^ /SpoTeiav' ^p?7/iaTcoi/ 8' eialv iropoi.
X0P02TCI pev ev, ra Se Suarvxf]' arp.
TToXet pev evSo^i'a
780 Kol (TTpaTrjXdraLfi Sopo^
BiTrXd^eTai ripd'
560
SUPPLIANTS
MESSENGERNever a slave set hand unto the toil.
ADRASTUS[How ?-^did the king endure this^ of his love?]
MESSENGERHadst thou but seen his ministry of love !
ADRASTUSHe washed, himself^ the poor youths' slaughter-stains!
MESSENGERAnd spread the biers, and veiled the bodies o'er.
ADRASTUSAn awful burden was it, fraught with shame !
MESSENGERNay, but what shame to men are brethren's ills ?
ADRASTUS
Ah me, far liever had I died with them I
MESSENGERBootless thy mourning, stirring these to tears. 770
ADRASTUS
I trow themselves this mourning-lore have taught.
Enough : I raise mine hand to greet the dead.
And pour out songs of death with streaming eyes.
Hailing our loved, bereft of whom— ah me !^Forlorn I weep : for the one loss is this
That never mortal maketh good again,
—
The life of man, though wealth may be re-won.
CHORUS(Str. 1)
There is joy, there is sorrow this day ; for our townHath a garland of glory
;
And the chiefs of the spear-host, lo, twofold renown 780
Maketh splendid their story.
561
VOL. III. O O
IKETIAES
ifiol 8e TraiScov fiev elaiSecv pJXrj
TTiKpoi', KaXbv deafia 8\ eirrep oyfrofiai
TCLV aeXmov dfiepav,
ISovaa TrdvTwv fxe'yi<nov dXyo^,
dyafiov fi en hevp del uvt. ay^povo'i 7raXaio<i 'irari]p
bXpeX a/jiepdv KTLfraL,
Tt ydp p! eBei TTaihcov
;
790 Tt fxev yap iJXtti^ov dv ire-novOevai
TrdOo'i irepioaov, el yd/icov aTre^vyt]!'
;
vvv S' opo) aa^ecnarovKUKOv, reKvoiv ^LXrarutv (rrepeladai.
dXXd rdh^ rjhri crcofxaja Xeucrcroj
TO)v oL')(op,evu>v TraiScov fieXea
7rft)9 dv oXolfjLrjv avv ToicrSe t€kvoi^Kotvov i<i "AiBrjv KaTajSdaa ;
AAPA2T02
crevaypubv, o) /j.arepe'i, arp.rwv Kara ^Oovo<; veKpwv
800 avaar dirvaar dvii^wv e/iwj/
urevaypLaTcov KXvovaai.
xoPo:s,
(o Trai^ef, w irLKpov (plXtop
7rpoaTjy6p7]p.a /xarepcov,
TrpoaavScb ae rov davovra.
AAPA5T02i(i> 1(1),
X0P02rcbv y ifioiv KaKtav iyco.
562
SUPPLIANTS
But to see my sons' limbs !—sight bitter for nie,
Yet proud, for the day that I hoped not to see
Hath uprisen before me.Who have seen earth's ghastliest misery.
(Ant. 1)
Ah that Time the father, the ancient of daySj
Had but caused me unmarriedTo abide ! Was I wholly in evil case
W'hile childless I tarried ?
Yea, what dark bodings of anguish broke 790
My peace, when I thought to refuse love's yoke ?
But of dear sons harried
Now see I mine home, no visioned stroke.
Ah, yonder I see the forms draw nigh
Of our perished children ; alas !
but with these my beloved to die.
Unto union in Hades to pass !
Enter theseus, with Athenian soldiers marching in
procession with corpses on biers.
ADRASTUS
Mothers, ring out the moan {Str. 2)
For dear dead 'neath the ground;
Echo my crying with accordant groan 800
Of mournful-wailing sound.
CHORUS
O dead son I—bitter wordFor mothers' lips to know !
1 cry on thee, in ears that have not heard :
Ah for my woe
!
oo 2563
IKETIAE2
AAPA2T02
X0P05ilf it: ^ ^ :i:
AAPA2T02eTrddo/iiev w—
XOP02TO, Kvvrar a\yy kukuv.
AAPA2T020) iroKi^ ^Apyela, rov i/x6v TTOTfiov ovk ecropdre;
XOP026p(oaiv ipe Tr)v
810 TciXaivav, tckvcov diraiSa.
AAPA2T02'Trpoadyere rwv hvairorpwv dvT. l3
crcopad' alputTOcnayrj,
a(f)ayevTa<f ovk d^i ov8' vir d^icov,
€v ol'i dycov eKpdvdi],
X0P02b6d\ di<i irepLmv)(al(Ti, hrj
X^pa^i TTpoaappoaacy epol<i
iv dyKcJai reKva dcopai.
AAPA2T02
X0P02irrjp.dTwv y aXi<; ^dpo<i.
AAPA2T02alac.
X0P02TOi? T€KOVai S* OV \€y€l<i i
AAPA2T02diere pov.
564
SUPPLIANTS
ADRASTUSWe suffered
—
CHORUSDeepest anguish !
ADRASTUSAh, fair town
Of Argos, see my fate !
CHORUS
O yea, upon our sorrows she looks down,The childless desolate ! 810
ADRASTUSBring them, the blood-besprent (^Anf. 2)
Forms of the evil-starred,
When to unrighteous foes the victory went.Slain, an unmeet reward !
CHORUSGive them, that I mav cast
Mine arms round these, and lull.
In death's sleep clasped, my children.
ADRASTUSThis thou hast.
CHORUSGriefs cup is full
!
ADRASTUS
Woe
!
CHORUSFor these mothers wail !
ADRASTUS
Hear me f
56s
IKETIAE2
X0P02820 arevei'i eV a^(^olv axv-
AAPA2T02eWe /xe KaSfieioyv evapov crri^€<; ev Koviaicriv.
X0P02ijxov he fii'^TTOT e^vyr]
hefia<; 7' e<> dvBp6<i euvav.
AAPA2T02iSeT€ KaKOiv 7re\ayo<i, o)
/xare'/oei? jaXaivai t€kv(ov.
XOP02Kara fiev ovv^iv rj\oKia/j,eO\ dfM(f)l Be
tnroBov Kcipa Kex^p-eOa.
AAPA2T02ift) Ico fioi fioi
'
Kara fie irehov 7a? e\oi,
830 Bia Be dveWa (Tirdaai,
7rvp6<; re (f)\oy/jLo^ 6 Ai6<; ev Kapa irecroi,
XOP02•7riKpov<i i(T€iB€<i ydfxov'i,
TTi/cpdv Be ^o[/3ov (f)dTiv'
eprjfid a d it6\.V(Jtovo<; OlBnroBaBdo/jLara \17rova' 7j\d^ 'E/Jti'u?.
0H2Er2//.eA,Xft)t' o"' epoirdv, tji/Ik^ e^ijvrXei^; arparwyoov^, d(f)rja(i) • rovf CKec fiev e/cXiTrcov
840 el'acra p.v6ou<;, vvv B ^ ABpaarov laropw-
irodev TToO' oiBe BiaTrpeTrel'i ev'<^v\ia
OvT]TO)v €(f)V(Tav ; elire 7', ct)<? (TO(}>coTepo<i,
veoiaiv dcTTC^v TOJtS'* iTTKTTrjficov yap el.
566
SUPPLIANTS
CHORUSThy moan
For us, for thee, is sped. 820
ADRASTUSOh had the foe slain me !
CHORUSOh to have known
Never a husband's bed !
ADRASTUS
Ah mother !—ah, dead child !
Lo, what a trouble-sea !
CHORUS
Our cheeks are furrow-scarred, and our white heads
are marredWith ashes all defiled.
ADRASTUSWoe's me, ah woe is me !
Yawn for my grave, earth's floor !
Storm-blast, in pieces break ! 830
O that on mine head dashed the flame of Zeus downflashed !
CHORUSRuin those bridals bore :
Thy ruin Phoebus spake.
The curse of Oedipus, with sighing fraught,
Childless hath left his house, and thee hath sought.
THESEUS (to leader of chorus)
Thee had I asked, but, for thy mourning poured
Forth to the host, refrain, and my request
To thee forgo, and ask Adrastus now :
—
840
Of what race sprang these chiefs, above all menWhich shone in valour ? To my young Athenians
Tell, of thy fuller wisdom ; for thou know'st.
567
IKETIAE2
elSe? ^ 70/3 auTMV KpHcraov rj \e^ai \oya>
roXjxi]ixa9\ ol'; yXiril^ov aipijcreiv ttoXiv.
€v S' ovK epi'](TO/jiai ere, firj jiXcoT ocpXo),
OTM ^uvecrrrj rwvh" eKaaro^ ev [lu-XV
rj rpav/xa Xoy^Vi 'TroXep.Uov eSe^uTO.
KOivol "^ jap ovTOi tCov t aKOvovTccv Xoyot
850 Kal Tov XiyovTO^ ' ttco? Ti? ev p-o-XV /5e/3ft)9
Xoyxv^ iovcrj]<; irpocrdev oppdrtov ttvkvi]^
(ra(f)0)<; aTDJyyetX^ 6(TTi<i earlv aya66<i ;
OVK av Svvalp^Tjv out ipcoTrjaat rdSe
ovr av TTiOecrOaL rolat ToXp,a)aiv XeyeivpoXiq yap av ti<; avrd TavayKOi opav
hvvaiT av ecrrco? iroXep.ioi.'i ivavrto^.
AAPA2T02UKOve Sr) vvv ' Kal yap ovk aKovri p,oi
Bl8co<; eiraivov rcovS', iyco re fiovXopai
<blX(ov dXr]9r} Kal hiKai elireZv irepi.
860 o/oa? TO Aioy ov ^eXo<i SieTrraTO ;
l\a7ravev<; oS' eariv • w ^io<; [.Lev rjv 7roXv<;,
)]Kiara 5' 6X/3(p yavpo^ r/v • cf)p6vi]pa Se
ovBev ri pel^ov el^ei^ rj rrevrj^ dvi]p,
(jievywv Tpa7re^aL<; ocrri? e^oyKoir ayavrdpKovvr uTi^cov ' ov yap ev yacrrpo<; /Sopa
TO xprjCTTov elvai, p,erpia 5' e^apKelv e(j>r}.
^lXo^ r dX7]0rj^ rjv (f)iXoi<; irapovai re
Kat prj irapovaiv ' (bv dpiOp,})^ ov ttoXv^.
d-\lrevBe<; >]0o<;, evTrpoatjyopov cnopM,,
870 aKpavTOv ovSiv ovr e? olKeTa<; e^^tar
ovT et? TToXtra?. rbv Se Sevrepov Xeyco
1 Paley : for MSS. e'lSov.
^ So MSS. Grotius, »cfi'ol : "For this, for those that tell
and those that hear, Were an idle tale."
568
SUPPLIANTS
Their gallant deeds, too great for words to speak.Thou saw'st, whereby they hoped to win yon Thebes.
One question, meet for laughter, I ask not
—
Whom each of these encountered in the strife,
Or from what foeman's spear received his wound.For they that hear such tales as much could sav
As he which tells. Who, that hath stood in fight, 850
When spear on spear is flying before men's eyes.
Can certainly report who bravely bears him ?
I could not ask such vanity as this.
Nor them believe whose impudence would tell.
Scarce can a man see what needs must be seen.
What time he standeth foot to foot with foes.
ADRASTUS
Hear then. To no unwilling lips thou givest
The praise of these : full fain am I to speak
Both truth and justice touching men I loved.
Seest thou von corpse wherethrough leapt Zeus's
bolt » " 860
Capaneus he, a mighty man of wealth,
Yet naught thereby exalted, but he bare
A spirit no whit loftier than the poor.
Shunning the man whose pomp of banquets scorned
That which sufficeth. " Not in gluttony,"
Said he, " is good : enough is as a feast."
True friend to friends was he, alike when near
And far : of such is there no multitude.
A guileless heart, a mouth of gracious speech.
Who left no dues unrendered, or to servants 870
Or citizens. Now of the next I speak.
569
IKETIAE2
Kt€Ok\ov, aXX.r]v xprjaroTrjT rjaKriKOTa'
V6avia<i Tjv Tco (Biw fiev ivher)<i,
TrXelara^; Se Ti/ia? ^'^x'^'^ ^Apyela )(dovi.
(J)l\cov Se )(^pvaov ttoWuki^; Swpovfxevcov
ovK elcrehe^ar olkov ware tou? rpoTrov^
Sov\ov<; Trapacry^elu y^pij/jLcircov ^ev^BeK; vtto.
Tou? 6' i^a/j.aprdi>ovTa(;, ovxl ttjv ttoXiv
7])(^daip ' eiret roi Kovhev alria TroXi?
880 KUKb)'; KXvovaa Bia Kv^epv^rijv KaKov.
S' av T/3tT0? rwvS' 'lirTrofieScov toloctK e<f)V'
irai^ 6w iroXfirja ev9v<i ov irpo'i '>)Bova<i
Mofcrwy rpmriaOai tt/jo? to /xaXdaKov ^lov,
dypov'i 8e vauov, aKXi-jpa rfi (pvaei 8i8ov<;
e^ciipe 7r/?o? ravhpelov, el? t' aypa<; loop
iTTTTOi? re ')(aip(j)v ro^a r ivreivwv ')(€polv,
TToXei rrapaa^elv aeofia y^pi^cnp^ov OeXmv.o rri<; Kvvayou S" dXXo<; WraXdvrr;<; yovo'i,
7rai<i HapOevorraio^, etSo? i^o)((i)raro<;,
890 'A/o/ca? /xev r]v, eXOoiV 5' eV 'Ii'a;^ou*poa<?
rraiheveraL Kar "A/ayo?. iKrpa<f)el<i 8' eKel
TtpMrov /xev, w? ^prj rovi peroiKovvrwi ^evou<;,
XvTTTjpo'i OVK r/v ov8' i7rL(f)0ovo<; rroXei
ovS' €^epi(Trt]<; rcov Xoycov, oOev ^apu<i
p,dXiar av eirj 8rj/j,6rT]<; re Kol ^evo<;'
Xo^oi<; 6' €(f)e(Tro}<; cocnrep Wpyelo^ yeyoo'i
rjiMVve \(op<}y X&Jttot' ev irpdcraoi ttoXc;,
exaipe, Xv7rpco<i 8' ecfyepev, ei n hvarvxpl.TToXXov^ 6' epaard<i kutto OrjXeioiv oaa'i
900 ^X^^> ^(f>povpeL /xTjSev i^a/jUiprdveiv.
TuSeo)? S' eiraivov ev j3pa-)(_el Oi'-jaco fieyavOVK ev X6yoi<; rjv Xap.Trpo^, aXX' ev dcnrlSi
oeivo<; aocpiarrjii iroXXd r e^evpelv (T0<p6^.
570
SUPPLIANTS
Eteoclus, graced, he too, with excellence.
A young man he, not rich in this world's goods.But in the Argive land dowered rich with honour;Wlio oft, when friends would lavish on him gold.
Received it not his doors within, to makeHis life a slave bowed 'neath the yoke of wealth.
He loathed wrong-doers, not his erring country;
Seeing the guilt is nowise in the State
That through an evil pilot wins ill fame. 880
Such too Hippomedon was, the third with these.
From childhood up he deigned not turn aside
Unto the Muses' joys, for ease of life;
But in the field abode, enduring hardness
Gladly for valour's sake, and, hunting still.
Joyed in the steed and hands that strain the bow,Eager to yield his land his body's best.
The fourth was huntress Atalanta's son,
Parthenopaeus, unmatched in goodlihead :
Arcadian he, but came to Inachus, 890And lived his youth at Argos. Fostered there,
P'irst, as beseems the sojourner in the land.
He vexed not, nor was jealous of the state.
Nor was a wrangler, whereby citizens
Or aliens most shall jar with fellow-men ;
But in the ranks stood like an Argive born.
Fought for the land, and, whenso prospered Argos,
Rejoiced, and grieved when it went ill witli her ;— -
Of many a man, of many a woman loved.
Yet from transgression did he keep him pure. 900
Tydeus' high praise next will I sum in brief.
In speech he shone not ; a dread reasoner he
In logic of the shield, and war's inventions :
571
IKETIAE2
yv(o/u.T) S' aBeX^ov M.e\edypov XeXeififievo^,
icrov 7rapea-^ev ovofia, Sia rex^Vi Bop6<;
evpoov afcpt^rj fiovcriKrjv iv aairihi'
(pcXoTtfiov rj6o<i, irXovcnov (j)p6vr)/j.a Be
€V Totaiv epyoi^;, ovyl T0t9 Xoyoi<i '1<tov.
eK roivhe p-rj davp,a^€ tmv elprjpevwv,
910 %r](Tev, irpo irvpywv rovcrSe roXprjaat Oavelv,
TO yap rpa^rjvai p,r) KaKO)<; alSo) (pepei'
ala^vvcTai 8e TaydO^ d(TKT]aa<; dvrjp
KaKo<; KeKXrjadai 7rd<; ti^. rj S' evavhpia
BiBaKT6<;, elirep koX /3pe(f)0<; BiSdcrKerat
Xeyeiv UKOveiv 6' oiv p^dOrjcriv ovk ex^i,
a S' dv pidOr) Tt?, ravra acp^ecrdai (piXel
7rpo<; yripa<;. ovt(o iratSa^ ev iraiSeveTe.
X0P02to) T€KVOV, SvaTVXV <'"'
€Tp€<pov, ecjiepov v(f)^ yTraTO^
920 TTovovi iveyKova ev (hSlcr koI vvv
"Ai8a<; rov ipov e^^L
^ioyOov dOXia<;, eyu) 8e
yqpojBocTKov ovk e^&)
TSKOva d rdXaiva 7rai8a.
0H2ET2Kal prjv Tov OiKXeov; ye yevvaiov tokov
Oeol ^6)vr dvapirdaavre'; eh p^v^ovf; %^oi^o?
avrol^ redpi'iT'7roL<i evXoyovcnv ep(pav(b<;'
rov OlSiTTOv 8e TralSa, TloXuvetKrjv Xeyco,
r)p,et<; e7ratvi<TavT€<; ov yjrevSoip^d' dv.
930 ^evo<i yap yv p,oi irplv Xittcov K.dSp,ov ttoXiv
572
SUPPLIANTS
In counsel not as his brother Meleager,
Yet of like fame, through science of the spear
Getting him ripest scholarship of war.
A soaring soul was his, a spirit rich
Where deeds might serve ; in speech of less avail.
Hearing my words, O Theseus, marvel not
That these before yon towers feared not to die. 910
The fruit that noble nurture bears is honour;
And whosoe'er hath practised knightly deedsWould blush to be called craven. Ye may teach
This chivalry ; for even the babe is taught
To speak and hear things not yet understood;
And what one learneth, that he is wont to keepTo hoary hairs. Then train ye well the child.
O son, for thy sorrow I gave thee
Life of my life 'neath my zone.
And I bore for thee travail-pain : 920
And now is my loss death's gain;
Of my labours no fruit doth remain,
Nor to foster mine eld may I have thee.
Woe's me that I bare a son
!
THESEUS
To Oekleus' noble son the very Gods,
Who whelmed him with his car down earth's abyss
Living, gave manifest token of their praise.^
But Oedipus' son—I tell of Polyneices
—
Myself shall praise, nor falsely speak herein.
My guest was he, ere, leaving Cadmus' town 930
* As being rescued from pursuers, and entombed by the
Gods.
573
IKETIAE2
^vyfi TT/Jo? "A/3709 Sia^aXeiv avOalpero^;.
dXX' olcrO' b Spdaai ^ouXofiai rovjcov Trepi
;
AAPA2T02ovK olSa TrXrjv ev, aolcn ireiOecrOai X6joi<i.
0H2ET2Tov fxev Ai09 Tr\y]yevTa Kairavea Trvpl—
AAPA2T02t} %&)/3<9 lepov ft)? vsKpov ddyjfai Ot\ei<;
;
0H2ET2vai' Tou? he y dWov<; irdvra'i ev /xia irvpa.
AAPA2T02irov hrjTa O/jaei'i p,vi]p.a rwSe ^wptaa'i
;
0H2ET2avTOV Trap oIkov; rovahe (Tvp,7n']^a<; rdipov.
AAPA2T02ovro<; fiev i'jSrj S/xwalv av p,e\oi, ttovo^.
0H2ET2940 't)ixZv he <y oihe- areix^Ta) 8' dy(di] veKpS)v.
AAPA2T02Xt , S) rdXaivai fxrjTepe^, reKVcov TreXa?.
0H2Er2TfKLar , "Ahpaare, tovto 7rp6a<popov Xijei';,
AAPA2T027rft)9 ; Ta9 TeKovaw; ov XP^^^ yp^auaai reKvcdv
;
0H2ET2oXoLVT ISovaai Tovcrh' av r/XXocco/xevoui},
AAPA2T02TTiKpd yap 6-\ln<i al/xa KwreiXal vcKpotp.
0H2ET2Tt SrjTa Xinrt]v raiaSe irpoadeivai OiXei<i
;
574
SUPPLIANTS
Self-banished, unto Argos he crossed o'er.
But knowest thou my wish as touching these ?
ADRASTUSNaught know I, save one thing—to heed thy y*^i;ds.
THESEUS
Capaneus, stricken by the fire of Zeus
—
ADRASTUSWouldst bury him apart, a hallowed corpse ?
THESEUS
Yea, but the rest all on one funeral-pyre.
ADRASTUS
Where wilt thou set for him that several tomb ?
THESEUS
Here, by these halls I have built his sepulchre.
ADRASTUS
Our servants' tendance shall he straightway have.
THESEUS
These, mine. Now let the biers of death move on. 940
ADRASTUS
Come, hapless mothers, to your sons draws nigh.
THESEUS
Adrastus, this thou say'st were all unmeet.
ADRASTUS
How should the mothers choose but touch their sons ?
THESEUS
'Twei-e death to look on them so sorely marred.
ADRASTUSBitter to see are slain men's blood and wounds.
THESEUSWhy then wouldst add fresh anguish to their grief.''
575
IKETIAE2
AAPA2T02viKa<;- fieveiv xph t^VH-ov(o<}' \iyei yap ev
Sr]aev^. orav 8e rovaSe TrpoaOco/xev irvpL,
oard 7rpocrd^€ad\ o) rdkaLTTcopoi jSporcov,
950 Tt KrdaOe \6y)(a<; kol Kar aK\.i]\wv (f)6vov<;
TiOeaOe ; 7ravaaad\ dWd Xij^avre'^ ttovwv
darrj ^vXaacreO^ ^av^ot fieO^ i)avx,cc)V.
o-fjLiKpbv TO ^(^prip.a rov fitov tovtov Be xphto? pda-ra Kai prj crvv tt6vol<; SieKirepdv.
X0P02ovKer eureKVO'i, ovKer ei/Trai?, <J7p.
ov8' evTV)(ia<i pbejeajiv p.oi
KoupoTOKoi^ ev Wpyeiai^'
ovS" "ApTepi^i \o-)(La
7rpoa(h$ey^aiT dv Tas uTeKVOVi,
960 SvaaLcov S' 6 /3i09,
TrkayKTa 6' uxrei, rc<i vecpeXa,
TTpevpdrcov viro Sua^ip^^i^ diaaco.
kirrd paTepe^ eTrrd Kovpou<; uvr,
eyeivdpeO' al raKaiTrcopot
KKeLvordrovi ev ^Kpyeloi<i'
Koi vvv d'irai'i drsKvo^
yrjpdaKco BvaT't]VOTdrco<i,
ovT ev (f)dipevoi'i
ovr ev ^d)aiv Kpivopeva,
970 X^P'''^ ^'^ riva twvB' exovcra poipav.
viroXeXeLpLpieva poi BaKpva' eTrwB.
fiikea 7rafSo9 iv OLKOL<i
Kelrai, pvtjpara, 7revOip,oi,
Kovpal Kol arecpavoi Kopwi,
576
SUPPLIANTS
ADRASTUSWell said. Ye, tarry patiently, for well
Speaks Theseus. When to fire we have given these.
Yourselves the bones shall gather. Hapless mortals
!
Why do ye get you spears and deal out death 950
To fellow-men .'' Stay, from such toils forbear.
And peaceful mid the peaceful ward your towns.
Short is life's span : behoves to pass through this
Softly as may be, not with travail worn.
The funeral procession passes on to the pyres, which are
kindled in sight of the stage.
CHORUSCrowned with fair sons above others
O^''"-)
No more am I seen.
Neither blessed mid Argive mothers;
Nor the Travail-queen
To the childless shall give fair greeting !
Forlorn is my life, as a fleeting 960
Lone cloud that flees from the beating
Of storm-scourges keen.
Seven mothers—and heroes seven (^Anl.)
To our sorrow we bare :
None princelier to Argos were given.
Now in childless despair
Drear old age creepeth upon me;
Yet the ranks of the dead have not known me.Nor the count of the living may own me
;
But an outcast I fare. 970
For me are but tears remaining
:
(^Epode)
Saddest memorials rest
In mine halls of my son—shorn hair
And garlands of mourning are there ;
577
IKETIAE2
XoilSaL re vckixov ^Oi/xevcov,
aoihai 9^ a<i y^pv(T0K6fxa<i
^AttoWcov ovk evSexGTai'
ryooicTiv S' opdpeuofieva
BaKpvcri vojepov ael ireirXciiV
7rpo<i arepvo) 'mv')(a riy^a).
980 Kal fi.T]v daXdfia^ rdaS' iaopco Sr)
KaTrayew? i^Si) TVfi/3ov 0' lepov
fiekdOpcdv t' e/CT09
©T^creco? dvad7]/jiaTa v€Kpoi<;,
KKeivrjV r d\o)(ov rod KaTa<j)Oi/j.€vov
rovSe Kepavvcp ireXa'i ^vdhvrjv,
fjv *I</)i? dva^ TraiSa (pVTevei.
ri TTor aWepiav €cm)Ke Trirpav,
rj rcovSe hopwv virepaKpi^ei,
rtjvS' efi/3aiVovcra KeKevdov ;
ETAANH990 rl (^6770?, riv aiyXav ffrp,
i8l(jip€ve rod' dXio'i
aeXdva re Kur aldepa,
Xa/XTrdcriv a)KV0oai<i Xvypd*;^
iirirevovaa Si opcl)va<;,
* * dviKa '^dp.wv
r&v efjLwv 7r6\(.<i "Apyov<;
doiBa<; evSaifiovia^
eTTupycoae Kal ya/xera
'XpLkKeorevxoix; re Ka7rave(o<i ;
1000 8po/j,a<; i^ ificov rrp6<i a ej3av
oXk(£)V eK^aKyev(jap,eva,
' Text corrupt. Paley'3 reading and interpretation.
578
SUPPLIANTS
Libations—for dead lips' draining
;
Songs^which the golden-tressed
Apollo shall turn from in scoi'n;
And with wails shall I greet each morn.Ever drenching with tears fast raining
The vesture-folds on my breast.
Lo, yonder the fiery bower, 980Even Capaneus' sacred pyre :
I see it without the fane.
With Theseus' gifts to the slain.
Ha ! the wife draweth nigh in this hourTo the slain of the levin-fire,
Evadne the princess renowned !
On yon cliff why is she foundWhose crags above this fane tower ?
And she climbs^ and she climbs ever higher !
EVADNE appears on the cliff' above the pyre of Capaneus,
dressed in festal attire.
EVADNEWhat light ill-omened shone
i.^^''-) 990
When flashed thy wheels, O Sun,
And when the moon raced on.
And star-lamps glancing
Raced through a lowering sky.
When Argos tossed on high
The gladsome bridal-cry.
And throbbed with dancing.
And thrilled with song, to see
Mine hero wed with me ?
O love, I rush to thee 1000
From mine home, raving,
wt 2579
IKETIAES
TTU/oo? (f>(o<; Td(f>ov re
fiarevovcra rov avTOV,
ii;"Ai8av KaraXvcrova cfxfiox^ov
^ioTOV ai(ov6<; re 7r6vov<;'
i]Bi(TTO<f yap TOi Oavarro^
(TuvSvrjaKeiv OvrjaKOVcri (f)L\oi<i,
el SaLfKov TaBe Kpaivoi.
X0P02
KoX fiy]V 6pa<; ri]v8^ rj<i e^e<7T7;/fa9 TreAa?
1010 TTvpdv, Aio<? drjaavpov, evd^ eveari cro?
iToai^ Ba/jLaaOeU \a/j,7rdaiv KepavvLOi<i.
ETAANH
opct) Bt] T€\evrdv, avT.
'iv earaKW rvya Be fioi
^wdTTTCl TToSo?" dWa T?}?
euAcXeia? X^P*-^ evOev op-
fidao) rdaB' aTro irerpa'i
TTiiBrjaaaa irvpo^ ecrco,
acopd T aWoTTi (f)Xoyp(p
1020 iToaei aupfiL^acra (f)iXov,
Xpoora XP^~^^ 7re\a<; defieva
Wepaec^oveia^ i]^o) Oa\dpou<s,
ere TOP Oavovr ovttot ep,a
irpoBovaa '^vx^ Kara 709.
iTCt) (f)(t)'i ydfxoc re.
"feW d/j,elvove<; evval
BiKaitov vpevalcov ev "Apyei
(paveiev reKvoiaiv e/xol'i,
€17] S' €vvaio<; ya/jLera'i'f^
* Text uncertain. Paley's reading and interpretation.
580
SUPPLIANTS
Seeking thy tomb^ thy pyre,
Longing with strong desire
To end in that same fire
Mine anguish^ braving
Hades—to end life's woe ;
For death is sweetest so
With dear dead to lie low :—
•
God grant my craving !
CHORUS
Lo, the pyre nigh,—above it dost thou stand,
—
Zeus' own possession, on the which is laid 1010
Thy lord, o'erthrown by flash of levin-bolt.
The end !— I see it now, (^Aiif.)
Here standing. Friend art thou.
Fortune ! From this cliflTs brow.
For wifehood's glory.
With spurning feet I dart
Down into yon fire's heart
To meet him. ne'er to part,—Flames reddening o'er me,—
•
1020
To nestle to his side,
In Cora's ^ bowers a bride !
O love, though thou hast died,
I'll not forsake thee.
Farewell life, bridal bed !
By happier omens led.
Ah, be our children, wed !
May leal love make ye.
Bridegrooms to be, life through
Unto my daughters true :
* Persephone, queen of Hades.
S8i
IKETIAE2
crvvTq')(9ei'; avpaL<; ahokoi^
1030 yevvaia'i yjrv)(^d<; a\6)(^fp.
X0P02Kal fiTjv oS' avTO'i cro? Trarrjp /Salvei TreXa?,
'yepaLO'i '1(^*9 et? V€0)Tepov<; Xoyof9,
01)9 ou KareiSci)^ irpoadev dXy^aei k\vo)v,
1*12
CO hvaroKaivaL, SvcTToXa^ S' eyo) yepcov,
rjKO) SnrXovv 7r€v07]/jL ofutifiovcov e^wy,
Tov fiev Oavovja iralha KaSfieicov Sopl
^ErioKXov et9 ytjv irarpiha vavcrdXoicraiv veKpov,
i^TjTwv S' €p,riv 7ralB\ i) Soficov e^a)7no<i
^€/3r]K€ TTijSijaacra K.a7raveo)<; Sdfiap,
1040 Oavelv epwaa avv nroaei. "^povov /aev ovv
TOV TrpoaO' €(ppovpetT^ ev hofioi^' eVet 5' eyco
(fivXaKa^i uv7]Ka roi^ TrapecTTCocriv KaKoi<i,
^e^rjKev, dXXa rfjSe viv So^d^Ofiev
IxoXktt dv elvar (ppd^er el Kareihere.
ETAAN
H
rl rdaS' ep(ord<; ; t^S' iyw Trerpa^; eiri
6pvL<i Tf9 6)crel Ka7rai^e&)9 vrrep Trvpdt
Bvarrjvov alcoprjfMa Kov^i^oi, Trdrep,
1*12
TCKvov, Tt9 avpa ; 7/9 <tto?io9 ; TLvo<i X"V'^Sofifov VTrep^da 7]X0e<; eh riqvhe ^duva
;
ETAANH1050 opyrjv Xa,/9oA9 dv rwv ep.oiV ^ovXev/xaTav
kXv(ov' dKovaai S' ou ae ^ovXofxai, Trdrep.
1*12
t/ S' ; ov Slkuiov irarepa tov aov elSevai ;
582
SUPPLIANTS
One love-breath breathe in you.
Now, Death, come—take me I 1030
CHORUSLo, here himself, thy sire, is drawing nigh.
Old Iphis, within sound of thy strange speech,
Which, heard not yet, shall wring his heart to hear.
Enter iphis,
IPHIS
O hapless ye I—O hapless ancient I !
Burdened with twofold grief for kin I came.To bear unto his fatlaerland oversea
My son Eteoclus, slain by Theban spear.
And seeking for my daughter, who hath fled
Forth of mine halls, the wife of Capaneus,Longing with him to die. Through days o'erpast 1040
Guarded she was at home : but soon as I
Slackened the watch, for ills that pressed on me.Forth did she pass. Howbeit here, methinks.
Is she most like to be. Say, have ye seen her ?
EVADNEWherefore ask these } Here am I on the rock.
Even as a bird, my father, hang I poised
In misery o'er the pyre of Capaneus.
IPHIS
My child, what wind hath blown, what journeying
led thee ?
Why flee thine home and come unto this land ?
EVADNEThou wouldst be wroth to hear my purposes. 1060
O father, I would not that thou shouldst hear.
IPHIS
How ?—were't not just thy very father knew ?
583
IKETIAE2
ETAANHKpir^i^ av €irj<; ov cro(j)6<i yv(Ofn)<; €firj<i.
1*12
(Tfcevf] Se T^Se rou %ap<i' Koa^eh Se/xa^:
;
ETAANH0e\ei TC xXeivov ovro<; 6 (TToX/Lto?, irdrep.
1*12
o)? ovK eV dvSpl Trevd i/j.o<; TrpeVeA? opav.
ETAANH€i9 yap TL ITpaypa veo^pov icTKevdapiOa.
1*12
Kairetra Tvp,^a> Kal irvpa (paivei 7re\a<; ;
ETAANHevTavda yap Br) KaWlvi/co'? €p')(opai.
1*12
1060 VLKwaa v'lK'qv tlvu ; paOelv ')(pT]^(o aeOev,
ETAANH7racra<? yvvaiKa<; a? SeSopKev ^X/09.
1*12
€pyoi<i ^Addva<; rj ^pevwv ev^ovkla ;
ETAANHdpeTTJ- TToaei yap avvdavovaa Keicropai.
1*12
Tt ^j}? ; Ti toOt' aiviypa arip,aivei<; aadpov ;
ETAANHaaaco Oavovro<; KaTrat'ew? t?/i/S' et9 irvpdv.
1*12
w Ovyarep, ov py pvdov et? TroXXou? epei<;
;
ETAANHrovT avTo XPVK^> Trai^ra? ^Apyeiov<i padeip.
1*12
aX\ ouSe Tot aoi ireiaopai hpcoarj rdhe,
584
SUPPLIANTS
EVADNE
Thou wouldst be no wise judge of my resolve.
IPHIS
And why in this attire array tliy form ?
EVADNEFather, this vesture glorious meaning hath.
IPHIS
Thou seemest not as one that mourns her lord.
EVADNEFor deed unheard-of have I decked me thus.
IPHIS
By tomb and pyre appear'st thou in such guise ?
EVADNE
Yea, I for victory's triumph hither come.
IPHIS
What victory this ? Fain would I learn of thee. 1060
EVADNE
Over all wives on whom the sun looks down.
IPHIS
In works by Pallas taught, or prudent wit ?
EVADNE
In courage. With my lord will I lie dead.
IPHIS
How sayest thou ?—what sorry riddle this ?
EVADNE
I plunge to yon pyre of dead Capaneus.
IPHIS
O daughter, speak not so before a throng
!
EVADNE
Even this would I, that all the Argives hear.
IPHIS
Nay, surely will I let thee from this deed.
58s
IKETIAES
ETAAN
H
Ofioiov oif yap /j,7j Ki^rj<; fju ekwv %6/3t.
1070 KoX Bt) Trapelrav aSypa, ao\ /aev ov (^i\ov,
rj/Mtv 8e Kol Tft) <7v/ji7rvpovfiev(p irocreL.
XOP02loi, yvvai, Beivov epyov e^eipydaw,
1*12
niroyXofiriv 8u(TTr)vo<;, ^Apyeiwv Kopai.
X0P02e e, a)(^€T\ia rdSe iraOcov,
TO 7rdvTo\p,ov epyov oyjret rdXa^.
1*12
ovK CIV Til' eupoiT dWov dOXuorepov,
X0P024G) TaXa9"
/u,eTeXa;^e? TV)(a<i OlSnroSa, yepov,
fiepo^ Koi (TV KoX ttoKl^ e/xa TXdjuwv.
1*12
1080 OLfMor t/ 8r) ^poTolcrcv ovk eariv ToBe,
veov<; Si9 elvat Kai yepovra<i av TrdXtv
;
dlOC €v Bo/jioa jxev rjv ri fii] KaXo)<i €\i],
ypcopaiatv vcyrepaiaiv e^opOov/xeOa,
alcova 8' OVK e^eariv. el B' rjpev veoi
Bl<; fcal yepovT€<i, €t Ti? e^ijpdprave,
BlttXov jSiov TV\6vTe<i e^copOov/xeO^ dv.
iyu) yap dXXov<i elaopdv TeKvovp,evov<i
iraiBcov r €pacrT}]<; r} iroOcp r diroyXXvpyjV,
el S' et? ToS' rjXOov Ka^eTreipadrji' rraOiov^
1090 olov (TrepeaOac Tiarepa ytyverat reKPcov,
OVK dv ttot' eh toS' ifkdov el<i o vvv kukov
' Paley ; for MSS. rficvotv,
586
SUPPLIANTS
EVADNELet or let not—thou canst not reach nor seize me.Lo, hurled my body falls^ for grief to thee, 1070
For joy to me and him with me consumed.
Throws herselffrom the cliff on to the pyre.
CHORUS
O lady, what awful deed hath been compassed ofthee!
IPHIS
Argos' daughters, wretched I !—undone !
CHORUSWoe for thee, woe, who hast borne this misery !
Yet its fulness of horror remaineth for thee to see.
IPHIS
None other shall ye find more sorrow- crushed.
CHORUS
O ancient, O sore -stricken heart.
In the fortune partaker thou art [part.
Of Oedipus : thou and mine hapless city therein have
IPHIS
Ah me, why is not this to men vouchsafed, 1080
Iwice to see youth, and twice withal old age ?
Now in our homes, if aught shall fall out ill,
By wisdom's second thoughts this we amend;
Life lived we may not. Might we but be youngAnd old twice o'er, if any man should err,
We would amend us in that second life.
For I, beholding others rich in sons.
For children yearned, and by my longing perished.
Had I to that come first,—by suffering pi-oved
What to a father child -bereavement means, 1090
1 had never come to this, to this day's woe.
587
IKETIAE2
6crTi<; (f)VT€ua'a<; koI veavlav refcoov
apiarov, elra rovSe vvv crTepLcrKOfiat.
elev Tt 87] ^pr) Tov raXaLTTwpov fxe Spav
;
aTei-)(eiv 7rpo<i o'lkov<; ; Kar ep-qpnav 'Ihw
TToWrjv neXddpcov airopiav r ipuw jBuo ;
r) TT/oo? fieXadpa rouSe KaTrafeo)? jxoXw
;
i'jSicrTa Trpiv ye hr}6\ or tjv 7ral<; rjSe fioi.
aW OVKCT €(TTLV' Tj J iflTJV y€V€id8a
1100 irpocrrjyeT del arop^ari koX Kapa r6B€
Karelx^ Xepaiv ovhev tjhiov irarpl ^
yepovTC OvyaTpo'i' dpaevwv he /xei^ove<;
yfrvXctL yXvKelai 5' rjaaov ei? BcoTrev/xaTa
ovx f^'i 'Td')(^L(na SrjTa fi a^er' et? Bo/xov;
(TKoro) T€ ScocreT ; evd' daiTi'ai<; ipov
Be/jia<i yepaiov avvTaKe\<i d7ro(j)0epa).
r'i fjb 6)(^e\rjaeL 7rai86<; oarecov Ooyelv
;
0) SvaTrdXaicTTOv yripa<;, 6i<; /xktci) a ex(t>v
piaoi S' ocroL '^(^pyj^ovcnv eKreiveiv ^iov,
1110 ^pcoTOitTi Kol TTOTolai Kul payevfiacTi
7rap€KTpe7rovTe<; o^^eTov (oare [xrj davelv
ov<i XPV^> ^"^^i^hdv ixrjhev w^e\(ocn yrjv,
6av6vTa<; eppeiv KuKTroSoov eivat veoi^.
XOP05
l(i3, rdhe hrj TralBwv (^difievwv
ocrrd (f)ep€Tai. Xd^eT, dfjb(pL7ro\oi
ypaia<; dpevov<i' ov yap eveaTiv
f}(t)p,rj Traihwv viTo Trevdov;,
' Burney : for MSS. x*'P'" fttTpJ 5' oi/5ef ^Siov.
SUPPLIANTS
I, who begat a young son of my loins
Most goodly, and am now of him bereft
!
No more !—what must I do, the sorrow-frauglit ?
Wend home ?—and filled with desolation see
Home—for my life the hunger of despair?
Or seek the mansion of yon Capaneus ?
—
Once sweet, O sweet, when this my daughtei* lived !
Ah, but she is no more, who wont to drawDown to her lips my face, fold in her arms 1100
Mine head :—naught sweeter than a daughter is
To grey-haired sire ; sons' hearts be greater-framed,
But not, not theirs the dear caressing wiles
!
Lead me, with speed O lead me to mine home,And hide in darkness, there to make an endOf this old frame, by fasting pined away.
What profit if I touch my daughter's bones ?
Strong wrestler Eld, O how I loathe thy grasp—Loathe them which seek to lengthen out life's span.
By meats and drinks and magic philtre-spells 1110
To turn life's channel, that they may not die.
Who, when they are but cumberers of the ground,
Should hence, and die, and make way for the young.
The stage gradually fills with a procession, in which the
SONS of the dead chiefs bear the urns containing their ashes.
The members ofthe chorus advance to meet them.
CHORUSWoe is me, woe !
Onward, onward the bones of sons, sons dead.
Are borne : O lend me your hands ; my strengtli is
sped.
Handmaids : stricken with eld, in childless pain
I faint for my dear sons slain.
589
IKETIAE2
TToWov re ;\^p6yoi; ^coarj^; fiira S?;,
KaTa\€i^ofjievy]<i t' aXyea-i ttoWoi^,
1120 Tt 7a/3 az^ fiel^ov rods' en 6v7)toI^
'irddo<i e^€vpoi<;
rj T€Kva OavQvr iaiheadai;
nAIAES(^epo) (fyepco,^ arp. araXaiva p^arep, €k 7rvpd<i Trarpo^ ytieX?;,
^dpo<i p,€V ovK d^ptde<i dXyecov vrrep,
iv S' oKi<ya> Tdp,a rravTa avvdei^.
XOP02> \ > /
too L(0'
TTO, hcLKpva <f)ep€i<i (fiiXa
parpl reov oXcoXorcov,
1130 ajToBou re ttXtjOo^; oXiyov avTi acofidroiv
evSoKLjuLcov S'qTTOT iv M.vKi]vai,<i
;
nAI2 a'
nrairal Trairal' dvr. aiyoi S" €pT)p,o<i dOXiov Trarpo'i tuXik;
eprjp^ov oIkov 6p(f)avevcropai Xa^cav,
ov iraTpo'i iv %e/3cri tov reKovTO'i.
X0P02 a'
Ift) L(J>'
TTOv Se 7r6vo<i ip^cov reKvcov,
TTOV Xo')(€UpLdTU)V X^P^^rpocjiaL TS p,arpo<; dvirvd r opipdrcov reXr)
Kol (filXiat Trpocr^oXaX irpoadiTrayv
;
^ Paley's arrangement of this Commos adopted.
590
SUPPLIANTS
Bowed down under the load of years on years.
Wasted ever with son-ows, aye with tears.
Couldst thou tell of a harder, sorer stroke 1120
That lighteth on mortal folk,
Than when mothers behold their dead sons' biers ?
CHORUS OF CHILDRENI bear, O I bear, (Str. 1
)
Sad mother, the limbs of my sire from the
burning,
—
[there,
—
A burden not light, for the weight of my sorrow is
All that I love in this little vial inurning.
CHORUS OF MOTHERSWoe is me, woe !
Is it all that thou bringest, the salt tears' flow.
To the dead man's mother?—naught else canst
thou show ? [the men of renownTo a handful of dust brought down are the forms of 1130
So glorious erewhile in Mycenae-town ?
FIRST CHILD
Alas for my doom . (^Ant. 1)
Sad son by an ill-starred father forsaken,
Henceforth I inherit the orphan's desolate home.Unsheltered by arms of the sire from whose loins
I was taken.
FIRST MOTHERWoe for my plight
!
Whitherward hath my toil for my babes taken
flight ?
What now doth the pain of my travail requite ?
What reward hath the mother's breast, and the eyes
that would take no rest, [pressed ?
And the face to the dear little babe-face
591
IKETIAE2
nAI2 yS'
^e^acnv, ouKer elalv oifioi irdrep' arp. ^1140 ^e^daiv aWrjp e^^ei viv ^]hrj,
X0P02 ff
7rvp6<i TeTUKora^; airoSu)'
TToTavol 8' i]vvaav Tov'AiSav.
nAI2 y'
Trdrep, fx6)v aoiv k\v€L^ reKvcov y6ov(; ;
ap daiTiSovx^o^ eVi ttot' civrirlaop-ai, aov (povov ;
X0P02 yet 7a/> 'yevoLTO, reKvov.
nAi2 5'
It av deou deXovro^ eXSoi Slxa dvr. /S'
7raT/3&)09* ovTTQ} KUKov To8' cvSei,
X0P02 5'
aXi<i yocov, a\i<; Tv^a<i,
aXi9 5' dXyicov ifiol irdpeaTLV,
nAi2 e'
1150 It' 'AcrcoTroO /xe he^erai ydvot;
')(^a\KeoL^ €v 07r\oc<; AavalSayv a-TpaTtjXdrav,
X0P02 f'
Tov (f)difj.€vov 7raTpo<i eKhLKaardv.
nAi2 r'
arp. 7It eicropdv ae, irdrep, eV Ofx/xdrcoi^ So/cco—
X0P02 -'
(f)L\ov (pLXrjfxa irapa yevvv ridevra aov.
592
SUPPLIANTS
SECOND CHILD
(Str. 2)
They are gone ! No sons hast thou any more—theyare lost !
—
[ghost.
Alas for my father!—through void air drifts each 1140
SECOND MOTHERThey crumbled to ashes mid flame as the}' lay.
And to Hades now have they winged their Avay.
THIRD CHILD
O my father, the wail of thy sons ringeth dowHunto thee.
Ah shall I ever bear shield, an avenger to beOf thy blood ?
THIRD MOTHERGod grant it, my child, to thy destiny !
FOURTH CHILD
(Ant. 2)
My father's avenging !—one day unto me shall it
come, [the tomb.
If God will :—the wrong sleepeth not by his side in
FOURTH MOTHERAh, to-day's disaster and sorrow suffice :
Sufficeth the grief on mine heart that lies ! 1150
FIFTH CHILD
Ha, yet shall they greet me, Asopus' ripples of light,
Leading the Danaans onward in brass-mail dight
!
FIFTH MOTHERA champion thou of thy perished father's right.
SIXTH CHILD
O father mine, methinks I see thee now— (Sir. 3)
SIXTH MOTHERLaying the kiss of love upon thy brow.
593VOL, III. Q Q
IKETIAE2
nAi2 r'
Xoyav Be TrapaKeXeva/xa aSiV
aept (fxepofievov otx^'^t^''-
X0P02 -'
hvolv 5'a'xri, /j-arept t eXcTre—
ai r ovTTOT aXY?; Trar/jcGa XeL-yjrei.
DAIS r^ ,
€)/(o ToaovSe ^apo<; ocrov fx aTrooXecrev. avr,
X0P02 C1160 ^'^P ' "/^^^ p-acTov v7ro/3aX(o cnrohov,
nAi2 CeKXavaa rohe kXvcov eTro?
(jTvyvoTarov €01^6 fiov (f)pev(ii)V.
X0P02 (."
0) reKvov, e/3a9" ovk€tl (^iXov
(f)iXa<; ayaXfi oyjrop-ai ae fiarpo^.
0H2ET2"ASpaare koI yvvaiiC€<i Wpyelat <yevo<;,
opdre 7rat8a<; rovaS' e)(0VTa<i iv y^epolv
Trarepcov apiaroov acapaO^ (bv avetXopTjv
rovroi<i iyco cr^e Kal ttoXi^ Scopov/xeOa.
vp.d'i 8e TcovBe ^p?) Xupiv p,epvr]p,evov^
1170 (Tcp^eiv, opwvra^ cav eKvpaar i^ ipov.
7raia-\v 8' virelTrov rolahe rov^ avTOV<i X6yov<;,
Tipdv ttoXlv TTjvF, e'/c T6KVC0V ael TeKvoi<i
fjLvij/jLT]v 7rapayyeXXovTa<i wv eKvpaare.
Zei"? he ^vviarcop o'i r iv ovpavfo 6eo\
oioiv v(f)^ rjfxcov crret^er' rj^ico/xevoc.
AAPA2T02©tjaeu, ^vviafiev irdvO^ 6a ^Kpyeiav xQovaBeBpaKa<i eaffXd BeofMevrjv evepyercov,
594
SUPPLIANTS
SIXTH CHILD
But thy words of exhorting are come to naught
;
They are -wafted afar on the wind's wing caught.
SIXTH MOTHERUnto tAvain is anguish bequeathed^ unto me.And grief for thy father shall ne'er leave thee.
SEVENTH CHILD
By this my burden am I all undone ! (^Ant. 3) 1160
SEVENTH MOTHERLet me embrace the ashes of my son !
SEVENTH CHILD
I weep to liearken thy piteous word.
Most piteous—the deptlis of mine heart hath it
stirred.
SEVENTH MOTHERO son, thou art gone : never more shall I gaze
On the light of thy mother, thy glorious face !
THESEUS
Adrastus, and ye dames of Argive race.
Ye see these children bearing in their handsThe dust of gallant sires whom I redeemed :
That dust do I and Athens give to these.
But ye must guard the memory of this grace,
Keeping my boon for aye before your eyes ; 1170
And on these boys I lay the selfsame charge,
To honour Athens, and from son to son
To pass on like a Avatchword this our boon.
Lo, Zeus is witness, and the Gods in heaven.
How honoured and how favoured hence ye pass.
ADRASTUS
Theseus, our hearts know all thy noble deeds
To Ai-gos, and thy kindness in her need.
QQ 2595
IKETIAE2
X^^pi-^''' «7'//3f«t' e^o/xev yevvata yap
iradovTe^ vfid^ avnhpav o(f)6iXofjLep.
0H2ET21180 TL Si]T €0^ vfMiv liW^ vTrovpyrjaai fie 'X.PV
!
AAPA2T02
Xalp' a^io<i yap kuI au kul ttoX;? aedev.
0H2ET2earai raS'* ciWa Kal av tmv avrcov tv)(oi<;.
A0HNAciKove, ©i]aev, rovao 'Adr)vaia<i \Gyov<i,
a ')(p7] ae Spdaai, Spcovra 5' Q}(f)e\eiv rdBe.
fit) 8m(; TciS^ oard rotas' is ^Apyei'av )(Oova
iraialv KOfXi^eiv paSioos ovrw /j,e6ei<i,
aXX" dvTi Tcov acov Kal 7r6Xeco<i /io;\;^?//iaT&)t'
irpCoTOV Xa'/S' opKOV. rovSe S' 6/xvvvai 'X^pewv
"ABpacrrov ovro<i KVpios, rvpavvos mv,
1190 'rrdarj<i vTrep 7^9 AavalSoJv opKco/j-orelv.
6 S' 6pK0<; €crTai., fitjTror ^Apyelov^ '^Oova
el<; T7]vS' iiroiaeiv Trokefxiov Travrevxlav,
aXXwv T lovTcov i/xTroBoov Bi^aeiv 86pv.
rjv S' opicov eKXnr6vre<; eXOwaiv rroXiv,
KaKws oXeadai Trpoa-rpeir ""Apyeiwv )(Oovcl,
iv c5 Be re/xveiv acjidyia yjpi) (J , ciKOue fiov.
eariv TptTrov; aoi ^aX«:o7rou? et'cro) Bop,cov,
ov ^IXlov 7T0T e^ava(Tr)](xa<i ftdOpa
(nrovBi-jv eTT ctXXrjv 'HpaKXfj'i 6pp,cop€vo^
1200 urrjcrai a e^elro UvOiKrjv Trpo? ecrxdpav^
iv TwBe Xaipov<i rpeh rpiMV p^rfXcov refxoov
eyypa^jrou opKovs TpiiroBo'; iv kolXw Kvrei,
Kaireira crcp^eiv Oew S09 m A.eX(f)o!)i' p.eXei,
pvrjpeld 6^ opKcov papTvprjjjid 6^ 'EXXaSt.
7; S' av Bioi^rjif (T(j)dyia Kal rpd)crr]<; cpovov,
596
SUPPLIANTS
Our love shall ne'er wax old : ye have dealt with usNobly : your debtors owe you like for like.
THESEUSWTiat service yet remains that I may render? 1180
ADRASTUSFare well : for thou art worthy—thou and Athens.
THESEUSSo be it. The same fortune light on thee.
ATHENA appears in her chariot above the temple-roof.
ATHENAGive ear, O Theseus, to Athena's hest
What thou must do—for Athens' service do :
—
Yield thou not up thus lightly yonder bonesFor these their sons to bear to Argive land.
Nay, first, for thine and Athens' travail's sake.
An oath take of them. Let Adi'astus swear
—
He answereth for them, despot of their folk.
For all troth of the land of Danaus' sons :
—
1190
Be this the oath,^that never Argive menShall bear against this land array of war
;
If others come, their spear shall bar the v.ay.
If they break oath, and come against our town.
Call down on Argos miserable ruin.
And where to slay the victims hear me tell
:
Thou hast a brazen tripod in thine halls,
Which Hercules, from Ilium's overthrow
Hasting upon another mighty task.
Bade thee to set up at the Pythian hearth. 1200
O'er this three thi-oats of three sheep sever thou.
And in the tripod's hollow grave the oath.
Then give it to the Delphian God to guard.
Token of oaths and witness unto Hellas. [gashed
And that keen knife, wherewith thou shalt have
597
IKETIAE2
o^varo/jLov fidxai-pav e? yala^ jxvxov^
Kpv^lrov Trap avra<; eTrra TrupKata^ veKpoov
(^o^ov yap avTol^, ijv ttot e\6(oaiv ttoXlv,
8eLx6ei(ra Orjcrei Kal kukov vocttov irdXiv.
1210 Spdcra<; 8e ravra irefiire 7r}<? e^o) veKpov^.
refxevT] 8\ iv avrwv (Tcofiad^ rjyvLO-Or} irvpi,
fMeOe^ Trap' avT)]v rploSov ^la6/j.iav de('p.
cFol fX€V rdB' elTTov iraial S' ^Apyetwv Xeyay
iropOi'icreB^ I'l/S/jcravre^ 'JafiTjvov ttoXiv,
irarepwv 6avovru>v eKhiKd^ovre^i (f)ovov,
(TV T dvrl irarpo^, AlyiaXev, aTparrjXdTT}^
veo<; KaTaard^, iral^ t air AItcoXmv /xoXcav
TuSeco9, ov (i)v6/xa^€ AiofiijStjv Trar/jp.
dXX' ov (pddvecv y^pi] crvarKid^ovTa^ yevvv
1220 Kol 'X^aXK07rX'y]6rj AavatScov opfxdv crrparov
eTrrdaTOfiov Trvpyco/xa l\aSfj.euov eiri.
TTiKpol yap avToi^ V^£t\ eKTeOpafi/nevoi-
aKVfMvoi Xeoi'Tcov, TroXeo? i/c7rop6i]Top€^.
KovK eoTLv dX\cL)<;' ^KiriyovoL S' dv 'EXXciSa
KXi]0ei'T€<i coSa? varepoicri di^aere'
rolov crrpdrevfia avv Oeoi Tropeva-ere.
0H2ET2hecnroLv W6dva, iretao/jiat Xoyoiai crol<s'
(TV yap jjL dvop9ol<;, were {.irj ^^a/jLaprdveiv
Kal TOPS' iv 6pK0i<i ^ev^ofiar fioiov crv pue
1230 et? opOov laryj' aov yap evp.evov<i iroXei
ov(T7]^ TO XoLirov ao"0aX<u9 olKyjaofiev,
XOP02a'T€L)(^(i}jj,ev, ^ABpaaO\ opKia hoifiev
TwS' di'hpl TToXet T' a^ia B' i)filv
Trpofiefioxdij/cacri, ae/SeaOai.
598
SUPPLIANTS
The victims with the death-wound, bury thouIn the earth's depths hard by the seven pyres.
For, if they march on Athens ever, tliis, [shame.
Shown them, shall daunt, and turn them back withThis done, then send the dead dust forth the land. 1210
The precmct Avhei'e fire purified their limbs
Be the God's Close, by those three Isthmian ways.This to thee : now to the Argives' sons I speak.
Ye shall, to man grown, Avaste Ismenus' townIn vengeance for the slaughter of dead sires.
Thou in thy sire's stead, Aegialeus,^ shalt beTheir young chief : from Aetolia Tydeus' son,
Named Diomedes of his sire, shall come.When beards your cheeks are shadowing, tarry not
To hurl a brazen-harnessed Danaid host 1220
On the Cadmean seven-gated hold.
Bitter to them, the lions' whelps full-grown
To strength, to sack their city shall ye come.
This is sure doom. "The After-born" through
Hellas
Named, shall ye kindle song in days to be;
Such war-array with God's help shall ye lead.
THESEUS
Athena, Queen, thy words will I obey :
Thou guid'st me ever that I may not err.
Him will I bind with oaths : only do thou
Still lead me aright ; for, gracious while thou art 1230
To Athens, shall we ever safely dwell.
CHORUS
On pass we, Adrastus, and take oath-plight
Unto Theseus and Athens. That worship requite
Their travail for us, is meet and right.
\^Ej:eunt omnes.^ Son of Adrastus.
END OF VOL. Ill 599
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PLATO : THEAETETUS and SOPHIST. H. N. Fowler.
(2>ici Imp.)
PLATO, TIMAEUS, CRITIAS, CLITOPHO, MENEXE-NUS, EPISTULAE. Rev. R. G. Bury.
PLUTARCH: MORALIA. F. C. Babbitt. 14 Vols. Vols.
I. and IL
PLUTARCH: THE PARALLEL LIVES. B. Perrin. 11
Vols. (Vols. I., IL and VIL 2nd Imp.)
POLYBIUS. W. R. Paton. 6 Vols.
PROCOPIUS: HISTORY OF THE WARS. H. B.
Dewing. 7 Vols. I.-V.
QUINTUS SMYRNAEUS. A. S. Way. Verse trans.
SOPHOCLES. F. Storr. 2 Vols. (Vol. I. 5/-^ /;///., Vol.
II. a,th Imp.) Verse trans.
ST. BASIL : LETTERS. R. J. Deferrari. 4 Vols. Vols. I.
and II.
ST. JOHN DAMASCENE : BARLAAM AND lOASAPH.Rev. G. R. Woodward and Harold Mattingly.
STRABO: GEOGRAPHY. Horace L. Jones. 8 Vols.
Vols. I.-VL
THEOPHRASTUS: CHARACTERS. J. M. Edmonds;HERODES, etc. A. D. Knox.
THEOPHRASTUS: ENQUIRY INTO PLANTS. Sir
Arthur Hort, Bart. 2 Vols.
THUCYDIDES. C. F. Smith. 4 Vols. (Vols. I. and II.
2nd Imp. revised.)
XENOPHON: CYROPAEDIA. Walter Miller. 2 Vols.
(Vol. L 2nd Imp.)
6
XENOPHON: HELLENICA, ANABASIS, APOLOGY,AND SYMPOSIUM. C. L. Browiison and O. J. Todd.3 Vols. (Vol. I. 2nd Imp.)
XENOPHON : MEMORABILIA and OECONOMICUS.E. C. Marchant.
XENOPHON : SCRIPTA MINOKA. E. C. Marchant.
IN PREPARATION
Greek Authors
ARISTOTLE, METAPHYSICS. H. Tredennick.
ARISTOTLE, ON THE MOTION AND PROGRESSIONOF ANIMALS. E. S. Forster.
ARISTOTLE, ORGANON. W. M. L. Hutchinson.
ARISTOTLE, POLITICS and ATHENIAN CONSTI-TUTION. H. Rackham.
DEMOSTHENES, OLYNTHIACS, PHILIPPICS, LEP-TINES AND MINOR SPEECHES. J. H. Vince.
DEMOSTHENES, MEIDIAS, ANDROTION, ARISTO-CRATES, TIMOCRATES. J. H. Vince.
DEMOSTHENES, PRIVATE ORATIONS. G. M. Calhoun.
DIO CHRYSOSTOM. J. W. Cohoon.
GREEK IAMBIC AND ELEGIAC POETS .\nd theANACREONTEA. J. M. Edmonds.
LYSIAS. W. R. M. Lamb.
PAPYRI. A. S. Hunt.
PHILOSTRATUS, IMAGINES. Arthur Fairbanks.
PLATO, REPUBLIC. Paul Shorey.
SEXTUS EMPIRICUS. Rev. R. G. Bury.
Latin Authors
AMMIANUS MARCELLINUS. J. C. Rolfe.
BEDE, ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. J. E. King.
CICERO, IN CATILINAM, PRO FLACCO, PROMURENA, PRO SULLA. B. L. Uliman.
CICERO, DE NATURA DEORUM. H. Rackham.
CICERO, DE ORATORE, ORATOR, BRUTUS. CharlesSluttaford.
CICERO, IN PISONEM, PRO SCAURO, PRO FONTEIO,PRO MILONE, etc. N. H. Watts.
CICERO, PRO QUINCTIO, PRO ROSCIO AMERINO,PRO ROSCIO COMOEDO, CONTRA RULLUM. J. H.Freese.
CICERO, PRO SEXTIO, IN VATINIUM, PRO CAELIO,PRO PROVINCIIS CONSULARIBUS, PRO BALBO.J. H. Freese.
ENNIUS, LUCILIUS and other specimens of Old Latin.
E. H. Warmington.
MINUCIUS FELIX. W. C. A. Ker.
OVID, FASTI. Sir J. G. Frazer.
PLINY, NATURAL HISTORY. W. H. S. Jones.
ST. AUGUSTINE, SELECT LETTERS. J. H. Baxter.
ST. JEROME'S I,ETTERS. F. A. Wright.
SIDONIUS, LETTERS. E. V. Arnold and W. B. Anderson.
TACITUS, ANNALS. John Jackson,
TERTULLIAN : APOLOGY. T. R. Glover.
VALERIUS FLACCUS. A. F. Scholfield.
VITRUVIUS, DE ARCHITECTURA. F, Granger.
DESCRIPTIVE PROSPECTUS ON APPLICATION
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