Euripides 3 (GRK-In) BB (v. Way. Loeb. 1930)

>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] XoêvOeia' aarpa7rri(^6pw irvpi'

p.op(f)7]v B' rt/iet-v/ra? iK deov /Sporrjaiav

TTcipeifii AipKi]<i vdfiar' ^lajxîvov 6' vSmp.

opo) Se /jL7]Tpo(; pLvrjpLa Trj<; Kepavvia^

Toh' €yyv<i oXkwv kol So/xcov epeiTTia

Tv(fi6/Jieva Atof 7rvpo<; en tôxrav (fikoya,

cWdvaTOv"Hpa<; jJLrjrep' el<; ifiijv v^pcv.

10 alvo) he K^dS/xov, d/Barov 09 iriSov roSe

Ti07]at, 6vyaTpov 8e AvScov tov<; TroXv^^pvaov^ yvas^pvyoiv re, Tiepcroov 0' rj\io^\/]Tov<s irXuKWi

BdKrpid re Tei'yrj r-qv re hvaîfiov ydovaM7;'S&)V eireXdoiv 'ApajSiav t evSaufiova

'Kaiav re irdaav, ?) rrap' d\fj,vpdv d\aKelrai /xtydcriv' KWrjai âp^dpoi<; 6' 6/xou

7r\tjpei<; eôvaa KaWnrvpyd>Tov^ iroXeLi;,

20 el? ri'jvhe irpoirov r]\dov '^Wrjvcov ttoXiv,

TaKel 'xppevaa'; koI KaraarjjcTa^; efid^

TeXera?, jV evrjv eiJi(âvrj<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? ')(êlpa, Kiaaivov êko'^'

eVet fJb dSeXcfâl /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(êpeiv ttjv dfiapnav \eôv^,

30 KdSfiov crocj^LcrfxaO', mv viv e'iveKa Kxavecv

Zfjv' eêKav)(ôiv6' , on jdfiou<; eêuaaro.

TOiydp VLV avrdfi etc 86/j.cov axTrpiia' eyco

fiaviai^' 6po<i S' oIkovctl TrapdKOTroL cfjpevcov

cTKevrjV r' e-)(êiv r^vdyKaa' opyicov efioov,

Koi Trdv TO OrjXv cnrepfia K.aBfieicov oaat

yvvalKe^ rjaav eêp.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 âK'êv/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,aêl rd tear epê koI cnrovhodv diro

codel p.', ev evx,ai<; t ou8ap,ov piveiav e)(êt,.

o)V e'lveK avT(p 6eo<; yeyd)<i evSeiôpât

irdcTLV re &r]âLoiaiv. eh h' dWtjv yjdova,

rdvOevhe 6ep,evo^ ev, pLeraaTi](7w TroSa,

50 BeiKVu<; epâvrov rjv Be @r]/3alo)v 7r6Xi<i

opyfi (Tvv oirXoif; e^ opov^ Ba/câ9 dyeiv

^rirfi, (Tvvdyiro) p,aivdaL (TrparrjXaTcov.

wv e'lveK etSo9 Ovtjtov aXXdâi? 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 âp^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 âaiXeid r dfKJ)! Sco/xar iXOouaai rdSe

KTVireZre Tlevde(j)<i, (W9 opa KaSyiioy 7ro\i9.

iyM he ^dKyâi<i, et? KiOatpcovo^ Trru^jâ?

iXdcov, "v elcTi, av/j.fi€Ta(T')(^/]aci) -ôpcov.

XOP02

'Affta? aTTO yaia^ arp. a

lepov T/jico\ov ufjieLâaa Ood^w

BpOfli(p TTOVOV 1]8vV Kd/jLUTOV T €U-

Kafiarov, Bduîov evaô/xeva.

Tt? oSoS Tt9 08a); Tt9 ai'T. a'

fX€\dOpot<; ; eKro'jro<; ecTToy, crro/za t' ev^r)-

70 /AOi' dira^ eôaiovcrOoi' 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 âKyevwv

6<rioL9e\<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'XâL, tre Ba/c-;ât,

UpofiLov iraiha deov 6eov

Aiovvaov Kardyovcrat

^pvjLcov i^ opewv 'EX/VaSo? et?

evpv)(6pov<; ayvid<;, rbv UpofiioV

ov TTOT e-ôva^ iv oohivcov dvr. ^\o')(iai,^ dvdyKaiai

90 irraiikva^ At.6<; ^povrd^vrjhvo'^ €Kô\ov fjiaTijp

ereKev, XiTTova' alcj-

va Kepavvia ifKaya-

\o'^LOi<; S' avTLKa viv 8e-

âro da\dfioi<i Kpoi'tSa? Zei;?*

KaTCL fiiipu) he Ka\v-â<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}- arp. yâi ar€(f)avova0€ Kiaau)'

^pvETe jSpveTe )(\o7]pei

KoX KaraâKXioixrde110 Bpvo^ T] iXdrwi KXdBoiat,

(TTiKTMV T ivSvrd ve^piScov

areêre \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 'ôpevaec,

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 âK-x^La avvTOVW

Kepaaav dSu/36a ^pvyiatv

avXcov irvevfiaTL, jxarpo'i re 'Pe'a9 ei9

%e/3a 6)]Kav, ktvttov evdafxacn âic-)(av'

130 irapa Se jxaLVOfievoL zdrvpoi

parepo^ iâvvaavro 6ed<i,

et9 he ^(ôpevfiara

avvrj-âv 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' 'iâpxp'i Bp6pLo<;, €vol.

pel 8e yciXuKTi ireSov, pel S' otvai, pel he p.e-

XtaadvvcKrapi, Sypia? 8' to? Xiâvov Ka7rv6<i'

Ba/c^êu? S' e')((ov

TTvpafoBy] (fiXoya irevKa^

eK vdp6r)K0<; dlaa-ei

SpofKp Kal )(ôpot<i epeOi^wv TrXavdra^

la-)(âl'^ t' dvairdWwv,150 rpvcfyepov TrXoKafiov et? aWepa piinoiv.

djMX K eir evdafiaaiv eiri^pep-et

ToidS^' M tVe BaATâi,

&) ere ^dK)âi,

TficoXov 'Xpvcropoov -^XiBd,

fieXireTe tov Aiovvcrov

âpv^pofiwv VTTO rv/jL7rdv(ov,

€via TOV evtov dyaXXofievat Oeov

iv ^pujLaicn ôal<; evoTralai re,

160 Xa)To<; otuv evKeXaSo<;

iepo<i lepd 7raiy/u.aTa

/SpepLT], <jvvo)(â (ÔLrdaLv

eh dpos eh opo^' rjSopeva S' dpa,

7rcoXov

Ây7Jvopo>i 7rai8\ o<? ttoXlv îBcoviav

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

arecâvovv 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 avêaOai fieyav.

TTOi Sec )(ôpeveiv, 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')(êipi]a(o ôpolii.

KAAM02ovKovv oxpicTLV 619 opo9 TTepdaofxev ;

TEIPE2IA5

dXK' ovx o/io/(U9 dv 6 êo9 ri/nyv e)(pL.

KAAM02ykpwv yepovra TraiBaycoyijcra) cr' eydo.

TEIPE2IA2

6e6<; dfioxî' 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 KaKwî,

KAAM05fxaKpov TO /x^Weiv dW' e/xfj^; eôv ')(ep6<;,

TEIPE2IA5

Ihov, ^vvaTVTe Kal ^vvcoplôv %e/3a.

KAAM02ov KaTa(f)povM 'yo) roiv dewv 6in]T0côp,ea6a Tolai haipôat.

Trarpcovi; 7rapa8o)(â>i a? 6' 6p.)]\iKa<; y^povw

K6KT>]p60', ovSel^ avra Karaâkel \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 'xôpeveiv Kpara Kiaadoaa^; ep,6v.

ov yap Bir]pr]-^' 6 deo^ etVe tov veov

iXP^l^ ôyoeveti/ etVe tov yepaLTepov,

dW' i^ ciTruvToyv ôvXeTai TCpd<i eyêtv

KOi.vd<i, 8i dpidpcav h' ovSev avêadai diXei.

KAAM02210 eVet ai) (êyyo<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,

'Kîova 7rai9, o} KpdT0<; BlBcopi Y^}?.

a)9 eTTTorjTaf tl ttot' ipei vedoTepov ;

nEN0ET2€K87]fjLo<i bjv pev Tr]a8' eTvy)(âvov )(6ov6<;,

kXvco 8e v€0)(^pd t7]v8' dvd tttoXlv kuku,yvvacKa<; yplv 8(opaT' iKXeXoiTrevat

irXacTTaZcrL ÛKX^^ciiaiv, ev 8e 8aaKLoi<;

opeai 6od^€iv, tov veuxTTl 8aip.ova

220 Aiovvaov, 6aTi<i eaTi, Tip,(oaa<i ôpoif

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/cjjîoy.

oo'a9 p€v ovv el\i](f)a, Seo'yu.toL'? %e/3a?

acpôvai 7rav8i]/xoi(Ti Trpoo-iroXoi crreyai'i'

oaaL 8' aTreicnv, i^ opov^ OTjpdaopaL,

'\vu> T \\.yavrjv 6'?/ pf ctikt' 'E)îovi,

230 'A/craioi'o? re p,7]T€p\ Avrovui]v Xeyci).

Kal (r(f)d<; criSijpal'i dppocra^ ev dpKvaiTravaco KUKOvpyov rijaSe âK')(eia<i rdyâ.

Xeyovai B' w? rt? elaeXijXvde êVo?

70?;9 eVwSoi? AuS/a? «7ro ^6ov6<i,

âvOolcn ôarpv'ôLtJiv 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-ôput (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/îTpt, Aiovi ore ydpovi eyp-evcraro.

ravr' oi)%t SeLVJ]'i dy)(,ovri<; ewdîa,

v/3p€i^ i'/Bptêtv, oari^ €<ttiv 6 êi/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 âKêvovT • 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'ôi/.

ovK cLTTOTLvdêL^ KKTCTov ; OVK iXevdepuv

dvpaov p,edTi']aeL<; %et/o', eyu-/)? p.'tjrpo^ irdrep

;

(TV ravT €7r€i(Ta<;, Teipeala' tovB^ av êXei?

Tov haLjjbov dvOpcoTTOiaiv ela(f)epcov veov

(TKOTrelv TTTeyocoTOus' Ka/nTTvpoyv ixLadov<i (pepeiv

el /i?; ere ji]pa<; nroXiov eêppvero,

KaOrja^ av ev JâKâto-t Secr/zto? pêcrai^,

reXera? TTovripa<i eladycov' yvvuL^l yapOTTov /Sorpvo^ iv Bairl yiyverai ydvo^,

ov')( vyLe<; ovSev en Xeyw tcov opjLcov.

X0PO2T7]v irai^ Karaia'^^vvei^ yevo<;

;

TEIPE2IA2

OTav \d/3r) Tt? TCOV Xoywv dvrjp croô?

KaXd^ d(f)opfid<i, ov fiey^ epyov ev Xeyecv

av S' evTpo')(ôv fxev yXcoaaav &>? (f)povo)v eêt?,

ev Tot? Xoyoiai S' ovk evecai. aoi cf}peve<i.

6paav^ Se, BvvaTOf; Kal Xeyeiv 0409 t' dvrjp,

KUKOî TToXiTri^ yiyveTai, vovv ovk exîv.

OUT09 8' Sai/xoov veo^ ov av 8iayeXd<;,

OVK av Svvaifi7]v fieyeOo^ eênretv '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 ôvXei KoXeravTfj fiev iv ^rjpoiatv eKTpe(f)ei, /3poTov<;'

09 S' 7]X6' eireLT , avTiiraXov 2e/xeX?79 y6vo<;

ôTpvo^ 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 eêiv.

KOI KarayeXai; vw, &)? €V€ppd<f)7) Aio?

fiiipw ; SiSdô) a &)? koXCo'^ e;êi 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]-âvj]aa6' ola Srj Oeo^.

p^']â<; /.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';êi Tivd'

(TTpaTov yap ev OTrXot? ovTa kuttI Tdêai

<f)6/3o<i SieiTTotjae irplv Xoyxv^ Gi-y^^v-

pavia he Kal tovt cVti Aiovvaov irdpa.

eT avTov 6~êL Kairl i\eX(f)Laiv TreTpaL^

TTiihoiVTa avv rrevKaiai 8iKopvcf)ov TrXdKa,

irdXXovTa Kal creLOVTa âK^^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 8oâ aov voafj,

(^povelv S6k€c Ti- rov deov S' et? 77}^ heôv

Kol airevhe koI /Qa/c^jêue 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 ^^ âKX^vfUtaivova i] ye acocfipcov ov 8ta(f)6apyjo-eTai.

opd<i, au 'XâipeL'^, oTav ecjêaTcoaiv 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 yôpevcropLev,

TToXid ^vvcopi^, dXX" o/x&>9 ')(ôpevTeov,

Kov d€opba')(7](Ju> croiv Xoywv ireiaOel^ vtto.

paivet yap w? dXyiaTa, kovt6 (f)appdKOipove2'i peyav deov.

KAAM02330 ft) TToi, KaXd);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 -êlpa, /3aKX,€vcr€i<; S' Icov,

p.rjS' iôpopêc pwpiav Trjv ai]v ep.oi ;

rr}<; arj^ 8' civoia^ rovSe top SiBdcTKaXov

St,K7]v pereLp,c. areixeTco TLv he Oukov^ toOS' iV olwvoaKOTrel

p.o')(Kol<; rpiali'ov KuvaTpe^p-oi' epTroKiv,

ctvo) Kdrw TO, Trdvra avyxîw^ opov,

350 Koi (JTep-pAXT dvep,OL<i koX dveWaiaiv peOe<;.

pdXicTTa 'yap viv hi']ôpxiL hpdaa^ rdSe.

OL S' dvd iroXiv (TTeL)(Qvre^ e^L')(yevaaTe

TOP 9ifXvpop<ôv êvov, 09 elacpepei voaov

KaLvrjv yvi'ai^l Kol Xe^rj Xvpâiverai.

KCLVTvep Xd/SijTe, Beap,iov TropevauTe

Bevp^ avTov, &>? av Xevatpiov 8lk7]^ rv)(^cov

OavT) iTLKpav ^dxêvaiv ev 0/;/8at9 IScov.

TEIPE2IA2

eo a'êrXc, &)9 ovk oiaOa irov ttot el Xoycop.

p.epr]vapevMv.

360 arei^cop-ev ijpet^, KaS/xe, KaâiTcopeOa

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 âv')(^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'ocpocnjvai<i Saifiova irpoi-

Tov fiaKtipcov ; 09 TaS' e'Xêi,

Oiacreveiv re ')(ôpol<i

380 puerd r avKov yeXdcrai.

diTOTravaaL re pepipvaî,

oTTorav /Sorpvo^ eXdr)

ydvo'; ev Satrl OeSiv,

KiaaoôpOL'i S' ev 6a\iai^

dvBpdai Kparrjp vttvov dpî^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 avveêi 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')(û<; 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 KUKoôvXcov TTap cfioiye (fxiiTchv,

iKOLfxav ttotI KvTTpov, arp. ^

ev a 6e\î(ppov€<; vepLOv-

rai dvarolaiv "Epcore?,

yQova ^ &" av kKaTOGTOjxoi

âpjSdpov TTora/xov pool

KapTTiôvaiv 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,

irpoâK-)^ €vi€ halpiov.

eKel XapiTe9, e'/tet he Ti.660^'

eKel he Ba/câi? 6ep.L<i opyidêiv,

6 hacjuLCOv îb'i Trai? dvT. ^')(aipei, puev OaXlaicnv,

^Ckel S' oX/Sohoreipav Et-

423 pi]vav, Kovporpocôv 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.

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)(ôL/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 oIvcdttov j€Vuv,

fyeXcbv 8k KoX helv KiiTrdyeiv iîero

440 epêve re, rovpov eLiTrere? 7roiovpevo<i.

KayoD 81 ai8ou'i eiTrov w êv, ou)(^ ckcov

dyci) ere, YlevOecoî 8' 09 p eTrepyfr eVicrToXat?.

a? 8' au av Ba/c^â? elpâ^, 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^ 'xêpo^.

ttoXXmv S' o3' civrjp Oavpdrcov i]K€i TrXeio^

450 et? Tda8e (B>]â^. aol Se rdXXa ^(^prj peXeiv.

nEN0Er2paiveade' ')(jeipoii> rov8^ iv dpKVcriv yap mvOVK ecrriv ovtm^; ookv^ Mare p eKcpvyeiv.

drdp TO pev awp ovk dpoptô^ el, êve,

0)9 et? yvvalKa^, icfi oirep e/9 0>/73as" Trdper

TrXoKupo^ re yap aov ravao^, ov 7rdXri

• ou^ t)Xlov /BoXalaiv, aXX vtto crKidfi,

T7]v 'A(bpo8i,T7]v KaXXovf} 6y]p(jopevo<;.

460 irpoiTov pev ovv poi Xeôv oariî 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 "êêXrjv evddBe ^€Vâ<; ydfioi<;.

nEN0ET2TTorepa he vvKToyp (t rj Kar 6^^ rjvdyKaaev;

AIONY202470 opoyv opoivra, koX hihwaiv opyia.

nEN0ET2rd S' opyi' earl riv Iheav e'XôvTa croi ;

AI0NT202dpprjT dâKyevTOKXLv elSevat. jSpoTcov,

nEN0ET2ex^t S' ovr)(riv Toicri dvovaiv riva;

AI0NT202OV defu<i CLKOvaai cr', ecrrt 8' dî elBevai.

nEN0ET2eu toOt' eKi.^8i]\evaa<i, ij/' aKovcrai OeX(i).

AIONT202

dcrifieiav daKovvr opyC exâipei 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 Boêt 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;êt aK6To<;.

nEN0ET2TovT^ et? yvvalKa<; 86\t6v ecrri Koi aaOpov.

AIONT202

Kuv i)nepa TO 7' ala')(^p6v iêvpoi tl<; dp.

nEN0ET2hiKr^v (T€ Sovvai Set cro(f>icr/jidT(i)v kukcov.

AI0NT202

490 ere S' dfiaOlaff ye Kaaeôvvr 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 )(êpoiv.

AI0NT202avTo^ fM a(f)atpov' rovSe /Icovvaov <f)opM.

nEN0ET2eipKTalai r evhov aco/Ma <tov (pv\dô/x€V.

AIONT202\uaei jjb 6 Baifimv avT6<i, orav i<yco 6eX(i).

nEN0Er2OTav ye KoKearj'^ avrov ev Ba/<;âi9 (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\dûa6e- 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 KadelpâT 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/jLd7/3w 7rupo<; i^ d-

Oavdrov Zei/? o tekoov ijp-

Traae viv, rdB dvaôdaa<i'

Wi, AiOvpap^', ipdv dp-

aeva rdvBe (Bade vrjBvv

dva(f>aLV(o ae toS', m Ba/c-

')(î€, %i]l3ai](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 ôrpvcohr]

Aiovvaou X^P'^^ oiva<;

en aoL rou Upo/XLOV /xeXyjaei,

lo7av oiav opyav] dvr.

avaâivei, ^Poviov

<yevo(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 /caTacrê?.

TTodi Ni/oâs" dpa rd'i Otj- c'ttcoS,

porp6(f)ov Ovpao(f)opeii;

didaovq, o) Aiovva, rj

Kopv<pat^ K.(opvKiai<;

;

560 Ta;â 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 âK'xeii-

l-iacri, rov t' wKvpoaiSca/3a^ 'A^Lov elXia-

570 a-ofieva<i MaivaSw? aêi,

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/câf, tfo) Ba/câf.

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 xôvb^ evocn iroTvia.

X0P02a a,

Td\a ra Wevdkoi'i

fxekaOpa BiarivdêTat 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 aiôfiev w.

iBere \dtva kloctlv e/MôXa

SidSpofxa rdSe'

}ip6fjLto<i dXaXdêTUL crreya? eaco.

AI0NT202

aTTxe Kepavviov aWoira Xa/xTrdSa'

(TiifMcf^Xeye av/j.(f)\e'ye hdypLara Yievdeo^»

X0P05a a,

irvp ov \evcTaei<i ovB' avydêi

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

^dpâpoi yvvaiKe<;, ourco<i eKTreifkriy[xevai (f)6^(p

TT/oo? TriScp TreTTTcoKar' ; fjo-Orjcrd' , o)? eoiKe,

BcaTivdâvTO'; to, Tlev6e(i)<i Bco/jult'' ^ dXX' dvl-

arare

aayfui koL dapaeire aapKO<i iâfiei^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 âK')(êvfxaTO<;,

ci)9 iaelhov dafievrj ere, fiovaS' e)(ôv(T' eprj/xiau,

AIONT202ei9 ddvfMLav dcîKecyO' , 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)(ôt'i ;

dWd TTO)^ ))\ev6ep(i)6if)^ dvhpo^ dvoaiov tu^cop;

AIONT202avTO^; eêacocr' ipxivTov pahioi^ dvev irovov.

X0P02ovheaov avvriyjre êtê SeapLoiaiv ip /3p6ôLdTvai<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 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 'AêXwoy êpeiv

ivveTTtov, ctTra? S' iv epyco BovXo^ rjv, fiaTtjv

TTOVMV.

S/a/Lieêi? Se rovSe fxoxôv, o)? efxov 7r€(f)€vyoTO<;,

'lerat ^L(f>o<; KeXaivov apirdcra^ hofxwv ecru).

KciO' 6 Bp6fxio<i, ft)? epoiye (âiveraL, Boâv Xeyw,

630 (f>d(Tp' eTToiTjaev Kar avXi'jv 6 6' eVl rovO^

(hppi]pei'o<;

fi<T(Te KUKevrei, <f)aevv6v aWep\ a>v ipe.

7rpoo^ 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, -ôfêl 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' hiaireêvye p 6 êfo?,

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^ âvôv 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 eô) 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 (pevôvpieOa,

ArrEA02

660 TlevOev Kparvvcov rrjahe ^rjâia<; )(^dov6^,

r'jKco KiOaipcbv" eKknrdov, iV oviroTS

XevKP]^ dvelaav '^(^lovo'i evayel<i ôXai.

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 rdôî crov roiv (fypevwv BeBoiK, dva^,

KOI TOv^vOvfiov Kol TO âatXiKov \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 ôaKrjpaT cipTi 7rpo<i Xe7ra x^pov.

rjvSov 8e irdaai (T(opLacnv irapetp-evat,,

al p,€V 7r/909 eXdT7]? o-y (f)i]<;

(pvwpevw^ KparfipL Kol Xwtov -ô^cp

Orjpav KaO' vXrjv KyTT/att" rjp7}p(i>p,eva'i.

rj err) Be pr]Tr]p ooXoXvêv iv peaai<i

690 cTTaOelcra BdKXctc<i, e^ vttvov Kivelv Bep,a<;,

pvKijpaO' ft)9 i]Kova€ Kepocpopcov fiocov,

al B' diroâXovcrai OaXepov oppudTOOv vttvov

dvfjâv 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' dvderrôpov,

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 eâvrjK o'lvov Oeo^'

6aai<; Be XevKov vrcoytiaTo? 7ro6o<; Trapyjv,

oLKpoKTL BaKTvXoicri Biapcoaai y^06i>a

710 ydXaKTO<; e(rfj,ov<; eiyôv ck Be KiaaivmvOvpacov yXvKelai peXiro^ ecrraiôv poai.

w<n\ el nraprjada, top deov rov vvv •êyei'i

evyâicTLV dv fieTfjX9ei' X6yon>

eXeêv et? aTravTWi- 6> aepvd'i irXdKa^

vaiovTe<; opkwv, OeXere Oi^paaoifxeOa

720 Y\ev6e(i><; Wyawp' /xrjTep' ck /3aK)(êupdTMV

Xdpiv t' dvaKTi OciipeO' ; ev B' y)plv Xeyeiv

cBoê, 6dp,v(ov B' eXXox^'ôpev (f)6âtpop.iov KaXouaar irdv Be avveûK^^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 'ê7r7')B7]a' &)? crvvapTrdaat diXoii/,

730 Xoxp-V^ Kev(joaa<i evd' eKpvTrrofir/v Se/âf.

r; S' dve/Sorjaev' & 8pofid8e<i ifiai Kvve<i,

Oijpciified' dvSpcov T0}v8' vtt' aXV eireade /lot,

eirecrOe 6vpaoi<; Slcl ')(êpoiv oiTrXiafievat.

I'jfiel^; jxev ovv (fievyovTe<; e^rfky^cifiev

Ba/c^cof cnrapayiiov, al Se v€/j.opevai<; '^Xorjv

/LtocriÔi? eTTrjXOov ')(^6ipo<; dcriSijpov fiera.

KOI Ti-jv fiev dv 7rpoa€tSe<i evOifkov iropiv

fivKO)fM€vy]v eXKOvaav ev )(êpoLV St;â/

dWab Se 8a/j,d\a<; Siecjyopovv airapdypaaiv.

740 elSe? 8' dv i) irXevp' i) hiyrfkov e/xâaiv

pL'TTTopêv' 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 ')(êipd)V dyofievoL veavihwv.

ddaaov he 8iecf)opouvTO aapKO<; ivSvTa

?) ere ^vvdâc ^\e(f)apa ySacrtXetoi? Kopaif;.

ycopovcTL S' o)(7T 6pvi6e<i dp6eL(Tat Bpofico

TreBiav v-TrordaeL^;, at nap Wâwirov 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']p7raôv 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 ôarpv')(ôi<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<; eâvieiaai 'xêpoiv

erpaufxaTiôv KciTrevcoriôv (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 €ê(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 (âaiv 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

Tapô) /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')(ô}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 irdcrâiv o/xu>7]/jL(, j(^pr]vai a oiftC iTratpecrOat, Oew,

790 aXiC i)crv)(^di^^LV ^p6fito<; ovk dveêrac

Kivovvra Ba«;;â9 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 XaKTiôLfic 6vr]rb<; &v Oew.

nEN0ET2dvcro), (})ovov ye OrfKvv, coairep dîai,

TTokvv Tapdâ<i ev ls.iOat,piovo<; irrvyâZ^.

AI0NT202(fêvêade vrai'Te?- koI to8' alcr'^pov, d(T7nSa<;

dvpaoKTc âK')(SiV ixTpeireiv -yaKKrfKdTovi.

nEN0ET2800 drropu) ye TU)8e avfiTreTrXeypLeOa êv<p,

09 ovre 'Trda-)((ov ovre Spcov aiyijaeraL.

AION'ir202

0) rdv, ej eariv ev KaTuarrjaai TaSe.

nEN0ET2Tt hpoivra ; SovXevovTa SoyXetat? i/J-ai yvvatKa^ Sevp" ottXcov dô) Stâ.

nEN0ET2o'l/MOi- t68^ TjBr] SoXiov eU fie iirfâva.

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-

ôvXei 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 eêZira^ TdZe.

AI0NT202dycopêv ovv ere KaTTixîp-qaeL^ oSw

;

nEN0ET2820 av' a)>? rd)(îaTa, 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 eê/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^ (TvjMâXiov Ba/cât? 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/câ? epoi.

cXOovt' e? o'i/cov^ av Soktj jSovXevaopev.

AIONT202eêcTTf irdvrr) to j ipbv €VTpe7re<i irdpa.

nEN0ET2arei-xôLp dv i) yap ottX,' €-)(^(i)v iropevaopai

rj Tolai (Totai ireiOopMi /SovXevpuaiv.

AIONT202yvvaiK€<;, dvrjp et? /36Xov KaOicrraTai'

^]êi 8e Ba/c;â?, 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,

eô) 8' iXavvcov rov (^povelv ivhvaerai.

y^prjt^co Be VLV yeXoyra @t]âL0i'; 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' avaâKX^vovaa, hepav

el<? aWepa hpoaepov

p'nrrova^, fo)9 ve^po<; xôepal'!:

€p,7raiôvaa \€ip.aKo<; rjSoval<;,

rjVLK av (f)o/3epav (f)vyr)

6/jpav eô) ^vXaKo.^

870 ev7r\eKT(OV virep apKVWV,

Ooivacroiv he KvvayeTa.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(â<;

880 Twv ixOpoiv Kpeiaaw Karexî'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

avôvra'^ avv pâivo/xeva 8oâ.

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 yêlfxa, Xt/jiiva S' eKiêv

evhaifxwv 8' o^ virepde ixo-xÔwv

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, /juKapiô}.

AIONT205

<re TOV 7rp6du/j,ov 6v6' a /jLtj ^pewv opdv

airevSovTa t' dcnrovhacTTa, Tlevdea Xeyoi,

eîOt 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 XPÎ 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^ ^^âTrjX oSe,

ov^ ft)-? eyco vlv vtto p,iTpa Kadrjpfxoaa.

nEN0ET2930 evBov irpocreioiv aiirov dvacreiwv r iyu)

Koi /3aK)(îd^(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?;.

AI0NT202ôivai re (tol ')(a\oiaL Kovy^ kl^r\<i TreTrXcov

aroXiSe^ vTro a^vpoiac reivovcnv aedev.

nEN0ET2KapLol BoKovac irapd ye Beîov iroSa-

rdvdevBe 8' opdoi^ irapd rivovr e)(êi 7re7rXo9.

AIONT202

?7 irov fie ro)V awv Trpcorov rjy/jaei (f)l\cov,

940 OTUV irapd \6yov a(a(f>pova<; Ba/c;â9 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 heîa Xa^tov %ept

rj rfjSe, BaKXIJ fiaXXov eiKaaOrjaofxai

;

AIONT202iv Beîd '^prj xafia Semico ttoBl

al'peiv viv alvM 8' otl /jie6€aTi]Ka<; ^pevwv.

nEN0ET2ap' av SuvaLfirjv TU'i K.LOatp(i}vo<; 7rrv)(â<{

avTaicTL Ba/fTâi'? rol^ ep.ol'i iojjlol^ (pepeiv

;

AI0NT202Svvat av, el jSovK-OiO' Ta<; he irplv (^peva^

ovK et%e9 vyieli;, vvv 8' e';)êf? 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 SioXearjî Ihpvpxna

KOi Yl.avo<i eBpa^, evO' e^^L aupcypaTa.

nEN0Er2KokSi^ eKeâî' 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 lîawdScov KardaKOTTov.

nENOETSKol p-y-jv hoKW a(f)d'i ev X6)(^pai^ opvidwi w?XeKTpcov ex^âOai (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/xtê Sid fjL€(T)]'i fie &i]âia<i vroXeco'i-

fMuvo<i jup €ifi avTiov dvrjp toX/jLcov ToSe.

AIONT202

fiovoî 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-Trdêi a dXko<i,—nEN0ET2

rj T€KOvad ye.

AIONT202

iiriayj/xov ovra Trdaiv—nEN0ET2

eVt ToS' epxofâc,

AIONT202

(f)€p6fJ,€V0<i 7]êc<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 dîcov 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' epêi irdOrj,

ojctt' ovpavu) arrjpLôv evprjcret^ KXeoi;,

€Kretv\ Âyavr), ')^€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 âv€po<;, trm ^Kpijôpo'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 exîv, «'\u7ro9 ^('09.

TO (TO(f}OV OV (f)6oi'(p

')(aipm 6ripevov(Ta,

rd S' €Tepa peydXa (pavepd t ovr aei,

cttI rd Kokd îov

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

(ôvevovaa \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;iâi'

<ye\wvri TrpoacoTTw TrepiBaXe

^p6')(ôv eirl 6avdaipov

dyeXav Treaovri rav ^laivdBtov,

ArrEA02

0) Swyu.' Trpiv TTor r]VTVX€i<; dv EXXaSct,

"îScoviov <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<; avpôpa to, BeaTTOTcov.

X0P02

Tt S' ecTTiv ; GK âK')(S)v rt prjvvei^ vkov ;

ArrEAOS

1030 Tlev6ev<; oXwXe, Trai? 'E;^toi/09 irarpo'i.

X0P05

o)va^ Epopee' 6eo<; âivei pe>ya<i,

ArrEAOS

TTco? </)7;9 ; Tfc TOVT cXeâ? ; 17 Vt rot? e/xot?

')(aipei<i KaK(x)<i Trpdcraoua-i hecnroTai^, yvvai ;

XOP02

evd^co îva peXeai âp^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 %riâL

Kpdro<i €')(ôv(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^ eêjBripev 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 pêv ovv Troirjpov 'iôpev vdiro^,

rd T €K irohwv criyrjXa koX y\d)aar}<; airo

lOoO acpôvT€<;, &)? opwpev oiiy^ opoopevot.

Tjv S' dyK0ov, vhaai Bid^poôv,

TreuKaiai (TvaKLuôv, evOa MatmSe?Kadf]VT eyôvaai ^êipwi iv repTrvot^; 7r6voL<;.

ai pev yap auTMv Ovpcrov eKXeXonroTaKiaaw KoprjTr]v avOi^ eâvecrreôv,

al 5' €K\i7rovaat ttoiklX' ax; ttcoXoi ^vya

âK')(elov dvreKkaôv dWrfKai^ yueXof.

Ylevdev'^ S' 6 r'\.}]pcov Orfkvv ovy^ opoiv 6)(\ov

eXeê roidS'' m êV, ov pev ecTrapev,

1060 ovK i^LKVovpai ^laivdhwv oaaot^ vodoiv

6-)(dov h' eTreplBdq i) ekdrrfv v^\rav~)(,eva

IBoip' av opOco^ îaivdhiov alay^povpyiav.

TOvvTevdev rjhr] tov êvov 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 roôv rj Kvpro^ Tpo)(o<i

Topvo) 'ypa(f)6fX€vo<; Trepiipopav eA.«et Bpofiov

W9 kXwv opeiov 6 êVo? yepolv a.'ywv

eKa/UTTTev eh jrjv, epyfiar' ovj^l Ovqra hpwv.

1070 Tlevdea h' ihpvaa^ iXaTivcov oi^wv €7ri,

opOov jxeO'ieL hca -êpMV jSXdarrip,' avwdrpe/xa, (j)v\d<T(ra)V fxr] dvaxcii^Ticreie vcv.

opdi] h' e? opdbv aWep' ear^pLêTO

€')(ov(7a v(t)roi<; SeaTTorrjv ecjitj/xevov.

cocpdrj 8e fiaXkov i) KUTeiSe MatmSa?*ocrov yap ovttco Br]Xo<; rjv ddcrcrcov avw,

Kol TOP êvov 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^pilê <â)? crepLvov irvpo'i.

(Tbyrjcre B' aWrjp, alya h' vXipuof vdirrj

(f>v\X' el)ê, Orjpoiv 8' ovk dv r}KOvaaalv rjxh''^ '^^ cra(pM^ BeSeypevai

earrjaav opOal Kal BtijveyKav Kopa<;.

o B' avdi^ eireiceXevaev' co? B' iyvcopicrav

aaî) KeXevapov Ba/c^^îof KaS/ioi; Kopai,

1090 V^c''^ TreXeta? mkvtijt' ovx 't]crcrov€<;

TToBwv eôvaai, avvT6voi<; Bpopyjpncn,

pLTjTrjp ÂyavT] avyyovot 6' opocnropoi

Trdaat re BdKyâi' Bid Be 'êip.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,

oôiai, t' eXaTivoidLV rjKovTLêro-

aWai 8e 6vpcrov<; leaav 8i aldepo^

1100 Tlev6eo)<;, ctto'Xôv Zvanivov aW' ovk ijvutov.

Kpelaaov yap uiô? t/}9 TvpoOvpxa'i e)(^(ov

KaOrjaro TXijpcov, uTTopia XeXifixpevo^.

TeA,o<? he Spvivov^ avyKepavvovaai KXd8ou<i,

/Stâ? aveairapaaa-ov aacS7]poL dixl3i'ni}v

Ofjp' ft)? eXwpev, prjS' cnrayyeiXr} Oeov

')(ôpov<i Kpv<âLOv<;. al Be pvpiav %e/?a

1110 TrpocreOeaav iXdryj KaâvecTTraaav )(6ov6<;'

v^jrov 8e Odacrcov vyfrodev ;â/xai7reT?;9

TTLTTTeL 7r/30? ov8a<; pupiOL']Ty]p ypêv lepia (f)6i'ov

Kol TrpoaTTLTvei VLV 8e pnpav Kopr]<; diro

eppi-êv, 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^

K6pao<;

ciTrea-Trdpaêv 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' iêipydêTO

1130 pTjyvvcra crdpKa<i, AvTovorj r' 6^\o<i re 7rd<;

iirelyê BaK)(^cbv' rjv Be irda' 6p,ov ôrj,

6 fxev arevd^wv oaov eruyyâvev irvicov,

al h' TjXdXaôv. ecjiepe S" rj /nev ooXevrjv,

7) S' t-)(yo<; auraU dp/3uXat<i- yv/xvovvro Be

irXevpai airapaypoi'i' irdaa B' -pparcopevj]

êipa^ Bieacfyaipiê adpKa Tl€v6eco<i.

Ketrai Be %&)pt9 acop,a, to fiev vtto arvcfiXoi^

ire-rpaL^, ro B' vXi]^ ev /SadvûXo) <p6^r],

ov pdBiov î]Ti]p,a- Kpdra B' dOXiov,

1140 oirep Xaôvaa rvyy^dvei prjrijp X^potv,

irrjâcr' eir' aKpov dvpaov 6i^ opeaTepov

<t)€peL XeovTO<; Bia K.iOaip(bvo<i peaov,

XiTTOvcr' dBeXipd^ ev yôpolaL ^laivdBayv.

;^&)pe4 Be Ot^pa BvaTroTpo) yavpov/xevrf

Tei-yêwv ecrw tcovB' , dvaKuXovcra BdKjîov

Tov ^vyKVvayov, rbv ^vvepydnjv dypa<i

TOP KaXXiVLKOv,fi BdKpva viKi-jcôpel.

eyoi fxev ovv rfjB' eKiroBoov Tt] ^vpcjyopa

aTrei/jL, Âyavrjv irplv /xoXeiv 7rp6<i Bcopara.

1150 TO aa)(ppovetv Be Kal aeêiv 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/êo)?,

09 Tar drjXvyevrj aToXdvvdpdrjKd re ttio-tov "AiBaveXaêv 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 BaKXâi KaSfMeiUL,

Tov KaWivtKOV Kketvov iêirpdâTe

et9 yoov, ei<i haKpva.

Ka\b<; aycov, iv aifutTt ardôvaav

X^P<^ TTepiâXelv t€Kvov.

dW' elaopw yap et<? hoixovî dpp^cofieVTjv

TLevOetJOi; Wyavrjv firjTep' ev 8i.aarp6(f)oc'j

6(7CT0L<i, heêade KWfxov eviov deov.

AFATH*A<rmSe9 Ba/c;âi. arp.

X0P02ri jjb opoOvvea, w ;

AFATH

(fiepofxev i^ opewv

1170 eXiKa veoTOfiov irfrl fiiXaOpa,

fULKapcov Orjpav.

X0P02opoi Kai (T€ Seô/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 âXovaa 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 JâSfieioL—

X0P02KOI 7ralv>j.

XOP02Trepiaadv.

APATHTrepiaao)^.

X0P02dydWei,;

APATH

767?/ (Vi

fieydXa fieydXa koX

(fiavepd Ta8^ ^JP^ KaTcipyaafieva.

XOP021200 Belôv vvv, 6) rdXaiva, arjv viKijôpov

dcTTolaiv dypav rjv êpova iX7JXv6a<;.

APATHM KaXXtTTvpyov dcrrv @7]/3aLa'? yOovo^;

vaiovre^, eXOed' &>? ('8>;Te rr]v8^ dypav,

KdBfiov duyarep€<; 6>]p6^ rjv ^ypevaa/êp

OVK dyicuXr]TOL<; SeaaaXcov aTO')(^da/xaaiP,

ov BiKTuotaiv, dXXd XevKOirr^'êcTt

'Xeipoyv aKfiaicTt. Kara KOfiTrdêiv '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 âriv; 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

\eovTo6eo)<;, k'lrearde, TrpoairoXoL, 86/jLQ)v irdpo^;,

ov ao)p,a fxox^cov fivptoi^ ^rjTrjfiaai

(fiepo) r6B\ evpwv iv lîOaipoivo^ TTTUTâi?

1220 BiacnrapaKTov, KovSev iv ravTw ireBo)

\a^(t)v, iv vXtj Keifievov hvaevperw.

rjKOvaa ydp tov Ovyarepcov ToXp.7]/j,aTa,

iqhri Kar dcrrv retêwt' eaco /3e/3ct)9

avv rro yepovTt Teipecrla Ba/c^^wi' irdpa'

irdXiv Se Kd/xyjra*; ei? opo^ Kopaôpuii,

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«;êtft) 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? fielôv i^Kw, dripa<; dypeveiv ^6/304i/*

(êpo) 8' iv oiXevaicTLV, oo^ opd<i, rdSe

Xaf3ov(ja rdpcarela, croiai 7rpo<i 8ofMoi<t

1240 ft)? dyKpe/xacrOf}' av he, irdrep, Biâi \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^ iêipyaafiepcov.

KAAM02CO irevdo'i ov puerp-qTov oiih^ olov r IBelv,

(f)6vov roKaivaa ')(epa\v eêipyaapevcov.

Kokov TO dvpa KaraâXovcra 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<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 evTuôvcrai Boêr^ ^^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' eû7rel7ra<; 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 aaôi^;

;

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 7raTpoa(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 êpopxii to8' eV x^poiv

;

KAAM02d6pr]aov avTo koI aacêarepov 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)(êi,

KAAM02cv VLV KareKTa<i kcu KaalyvrjTai creOev,

AFATH

1290 TToO 8' wXer ; rj /car' oIkov ; rj 7roLOi<i roTroi? ;

KAAM02ovTrep irplv ÂKralwva SiiXaxov kvv€<;.

AFATH

Ti 8' €19 lîOaipSyv rjXde SvaSai/xcov o8e

;

KAAM02eKeprofiei deov cra<; re âKXî^ci<i /xoXcov.

AFATH97/Liet9 8' eKetae rlvi rpoiro) Karijpafiev

;

KAAM02epdvrjTe, iraad r iêâK'xêvdrj 7roXf9.

AFATH

Ai6vv(T0<; rjpdf; a)Xea\ dprt fMavddvo),

KAAM02v^piv 7' v^pia6€l<;' 6eov yap ou%,?776tcrê 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 Sm/x dv€^€(f>\ 0? crvvetê^, o) reKvov,

roufu,6v fxeXaOpov, 'TratBo^; e^ e/x% J^J^'iy

1310 TToXei re Tdpô<; rjcrda- rov yepovra Be

ovBel<; v/3pLêtv ijdeX" elaopwv to ctov

Kdpa' BtKT]v yap dîav ekdfiâve^,

vvv B' eK Bofioov dTi/j,o<; e/c/3e/3X?;o"oât

6 KaS/io? o p,eya<i, o? to @rjâi(ov yevof

e<T7retpa Kaî'jfxrjaa KdXkiarov depo'f.

0) îXraj 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 TrpoaTTTVêi, reKvov,

1320 Xeyoiv Tt<? dBtKel, Ti9 o"' aTifidêi, 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) êou?.

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 /xeraâXoov, Bdfxap re err)

eKOrjpiwOetcT^ 0(f)6o<i dWdêi tvttov,

r^vÂpeos ea-ê<i 'XpfMoviav 6vr}T0<i 'ye'ycio<;.

oôv 8e p.6a)(cov, xPW/ô'i to? Xeyei At09,

iXa<; fier d\6)(ov, âp/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 Ztîô?* el Be aax^povelv

eyv(i)d\ ot' ovtc rjOekere, tov Aio^ yovovTjiiBaifioveiT dv avfjufiaôv 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€êp')(ei, Xiav,

AI0NT202K(u yap 7rp6(; v^piÔfirjp.

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 âp/3dpou<; d(f)iôfxai

yepcov /x€ToiKO<i' en 8e /jlol to decrcârov

eh 'EXXdS" dyayelv /xiydSa âpâpov ajparov.

Kol rrjv "Apecu? TraiS' 'Apjuoviav SdfMupr ip-rfv,

SpdKcov SpaKa[vrj<; <f)V(riv eôvaav dyptav

cl^co 'vrt /Bcofioi)^ kuI rdiôv^ KXXrjvtKOVi,

1360 ijyov/xevoii Xoyxâiaiv ovBe Travao/xai

KUKOiv 6 rX7]po)v, ovhe top KaTac^drrjv

Â^^povra TrXevcraf; 'i]av)(ô<i yeviqaoiMit.

APATHSi irdrep, eycb Se aov arepela-a (pevôfuii.

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 êpcnv, m ToXaiva wal,

opviv 07r<w? Krj^Tjva 7roXto;^/3&)9 kvkvo'^ ;

AFAYHTTol yap TpaTTcofiai Trar/JtSo? eKêjSXijfjievr} ;

KAAM02ovK olBa, T€Kvov' jLtf/cpo? €7rLKOvpo^d/J,o)v.

KAAM02o-T€t%€ z'l'i', ft) Trat, Tov Âpicrraiov********

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; kêpev.

KAAM02/eat 7ap eTraa-xêv Beivd 7rpo 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

BaKâi? S' aWaicTi pueKoiev.

X0P02TToWal jiopâi Tcov Sai/xovicov,

TToWa B' aeXTTTft)? Kpatvovai deoi'

1390 Kol ra hoK-rjOevT ouk ireXia-Orj,

ra)V S' aSoKTjTCOv iropov rjvpe êo9.

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

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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

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TrXeupwi TiOevTe<;' iK ydp eacjipayicrpêvot

h6p,wv Ka6)]ped^ diropLa acoTi'ipia^.

132


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

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134


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

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F36


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

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fit) TToha TTpOKajxiiTe d

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130 tSere, 7rarpo<i co? iirc

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TO Be Si) KaKO'rv')(e<i ov XeXoiirev eK reKvcov,

ovS^ dTTolx^Tai ')(apL<i.

^ A very corrupt passage : Nauck's reading adopted.


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^ yêiv ; &)<? VTrep rr/v d^lav

TO irevdo^ atpecrO^, el Oavelv v/jiu<; ^pecov,

av fiev Kaff 'EXXaS' eKâXoov ko/j-ttov^ Kevov<;

ft)9 avyyafjLo^; aoi Tievî 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

^paxôvo'i (pTja^ dyyovaiaiv eêXelv.

TolaB' eâycovLêaOe ; tmv8^ ap" elveKev

rov<; 'HpaKXeiGV^ iralSa^ ov 6vr]jKtiv ')(ped>v ;

o? ea')(ê hoâv ovhev o)V eiî/rv^ta?

9iipd)v ev al')(^/xf}, TaXXa S" ovSev aXKipuo^,

09 oviroT dairiS' eaê irpo^ Xaici %e/ol

IGO oyS' TfXde Xoyj(ii<; e'YYV?, d'KXa to^' e^cov,

KUKiarov dirXov, rfi (f>vyp 7rpu)(êipo<: ^jv.

dvBpb'i S' eXeyxo<; ovxi ru^^ e"i)\//-f Y''a'»»

^ Heath : for MSS. reVoi v4ov.

T40


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 tuîp e/x/3e/3(t)^.

eêi 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 fjêXei,

Xoyoiat rrjv toOS' afiaOiav virep aeOev

Selâr 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 cnraXXdâi credev,

Ato? Kspavvov 8' rip6p,')]v reOpLinrd re,

ev ol<i ê^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,

ôXorjv 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 Wâvriha,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, TOî'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


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 TOôt? X^^P" ^X^^'^''^ euaroxoi',

ev fiev TO XwaTOV, /xvpiovi oicrrou? acêt?

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^ TOêvjJiacn,

200 TO aoifici T ov hihcoai tol^ evavTioi<;,

ev ev(^vkdKT(p K e'crTt* tovto S' eV iJîixV

ao(f)ov fxaXiCTTa, SpcbvTa TroXe/xiou^ KaKO)^

atpêiv TO (TM/xa, fir] i/c tu;^?;? coppnapevovi.

Xoyoi fiev ot'Se toZui aotov,

el TOiv dpLaTMv tukjoi'^ avTo^ d)v KaKaSeSoiKWi. uWd Tovd' ofiwi i]piv âpv,

210 el BetXia<; ar}<i KUTOavovpeO^ e'lveKa,

o XP^l^^' ^4* 'ÎP'^v TMV cifiecvovoyv iraOelv,

el 7i€u^ SiKaiwi 6t%e2/ et? t'jp-d'i cfipei'Wi.

el S' ouv exîv yP]'? a-KrjTTTpa TijcrS' auTO? 6e\ei.<i,

eaaov rjpd'^ (pvydSa^ eêXOelv 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)iô/u,at

Xoyou? oveihicTTrjpaî 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' dveôpat Trore

(TiyoiV, KaKL(TT7]v Xap/3dvwv et? 7rai8' epov,

y)v XPW veo(7(rol<i Tola8e irvp Xoyx^-'i oirXa

144


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 -ûpLV.

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(ôv.

230 poip^rj yap i/cXeXoiTrev t)v Trplv ei'xôp,6V

yrjpa he rpopêpa yvia Kajiavpov (TOevo<;.

el S' y veo<i re kuti cr(opaTO<i Kparwv,

\aj3oiv av ejxo^ rouBe tou? âv9ov<i 'TfkoKov)p,d<i ol<i ireTrvpywcrai XoyoL^,

eyco Be Bpdaco a' dvrl tmv Xoywv KaKO}<;.

240 ay', o'l p,ev 'EXikmv', ol Be Tiapiâaov 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 (Trevdêre

T0U9 'HpafcXeiovi 7ralBa<i, dXXd koI B6p,ov

250 Tu^â?, orav Trdaxf) tIj piêpvyâeade 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


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^ Seîd^; 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? dîcov ov Tvy)(^dv6r

KanreLTa Trpdaaco ttoW' iyco, (plXov^ e/xov'i

Oavoma^ ev Spcov ov (f)iX(ov pd\i(na Set /

0) Seîd %et/5, (t)<; 7roO€tpovet 7r6\i<;

(TTdcrei voaovaa Kal KaKoh ôvXevfxacnv

ov ydp ttot' dv ae 8ea7roT7]v eKTiâaro.

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 (îXo)

driKTOv, dfio^drjaa ; Kal to Ka-rOavelv

Betvov vojuiiô}' ru) B dvayKaUo rporrrp

148


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 KaTaâvdivraî, ixOpolcnv yeXcov

8c86vra<;, oiifiol rou Oavelv /xelôv 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

hoâv 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

XoyiOôpai'

yêiv vop,Lêi'i iralha aov yala^ vtto-

Kal Td OavovTcov rjXOev e^ ' XiZov iruXtv ;

a)OC 6)<i \6yoiaL TOvSe fia\Odâi/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)(ôi'i.

)]8y] S' eaijXOe fi el TrapaLrrjaaiaeOa

(puya<; TeKvcov TWi'S'" d\Xa Kal toS' dOXiov,

•wevia, (jvv olKTpj, irepifBaXelv acoryjpi'av

ft)? rd êvcov TrpoacoTra (f)evyovaiv (jf)/Xot9

ev rj/iap rjSv /SXepp,' e^îv <f)aaiv fiovov.

rdXfxa peO^ rjpcov Odvarov, o? pêvei cr op(t)<i.

TrpoKaXovp.eO^ evyeveiav, w yepov, aeOevTd<; rcov Oecov yap 6aTi<; eKpôÔel 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°


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)(ôppayovvTa 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 hopôv^ dvoLâ'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 pîjTpo^ Trohl

irarpwov eh peXaOpov, ov rrj^ overlap

aXXoi Kparovcri., to 8' ovopC ead^ tjpwv tTU

152


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 eKkrjôfiev

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>6v,

(T(i)êiv 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-êi,

350 rdv KoXXLCJÔoyyop 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 Âfi(f)iTpvo)voi; Ivlv,

vfivi]<Tai aTe(f)dv(t)/jba fio-

Ôoiv Bl ev\oyia<; deXo)

fyevvalwv 8' aperaX ttovcov

T0t9 davovaiv dydXua.

irpwTOv jxev Ai09 d\(TOv

154


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 roôi? (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

avyôpToi 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 erreâ

KoX "^âkioL^ eSdpaaae TTftjXou?

A(o/A?ySeo9, at (fiOvlaKTi (fidrvai'i

d^dXiv edoaôv

KdOaipa alra '^/eiwat, ')(apixova2cnv

dvSpo/Spcocri Svarpdireôr irepoiv S'

iS6

crrp.


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 Âvavpov irapa irrj^d'i'

J^vKVov Se êvohaiKTav

Toôi^ 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-vyôv^;

elaiâive, Ovaroi'i

fyaKavtîa<i Ti,6el<; epeTp-oc<i'

ovpavov 9^ VTTO peaaav

ekavvei êoa? eSpav,

"ArXavTOi topov iXOcov

da-rpcoTTOv^ ze Karecrx^v ot-

KOV<i evavopla 6eo)V

^ Dindorf : for MSS. Trepav . . . SieTrf'/joo-' oxôv.

tS8


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/xaôvcov arparov arp. 7

îacMTiv afji(f)l TToiXviroraixov

410 eâ St' FjVêtvov olSpa Xipbva^,

riv ovK d(f) 'EXXawa?

ajopov a\[aa<i (plXcov,

fK6pa<; 'Apeta? ifkecov^

')(pvcreou ajoXov cf)dpov<;,'f

ô)(Tri]po<i oKeOpiov^ dypa<; ;

ra KKeivd 8' 'EXXa? eXaê /3ap/3dpov ic6pa<;

\d(f)vpa, Kot (Tcpêrai ^'IvK7]vai<i.

rdv T€ p^vpioKpavov

420 7ro\v<povov Kvva Kepva^

vSpav iêTTvpcoaev,

/SeXecrt t' d/x(f)€/3d}C lov,^

TOV rpiacofucTOV olaiv e-

Kja ôrrjp' Êpudelw?.

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'^'^ô<rTo\ov

(pdpos.

2 Wecklein: for MSS. oûê^SoAe rhv.

160


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

îoTOV oils' e/3a TrdXiv.

430 areyai, 8' eprjfioL (fyiXcov,

rav S av6(TTip,ov t€kvq)v

Xdpcovos' eTTiixevei Trkara

îov KeXevOov ciOeov aoiKov et? 8e aa^

X^P^'i /3Xe7rei Scoytiar' ou TvapovTo^;,

el S' iyco a9evo

KâSpetcov re crvvyj/Soi.,

TeKeacv av irapearav

440 uXko,' vvv S' dTToXeLTTO/iiai

Td<i evâifiovo<i '}']/3a<i.

a)OC eaopCo '^/dp rovahe (f)9i/j,ev(ov

evSvT eyovra'^, rov<i rov fieydXov

SrjTTore TralSa? to irplv 'HpaKXeov;,

aXoôv re (^lXtjv vTrocreipaiov^;

TToalv eXKOvaav reKva, koI yepaiov

irarep' 'HpaKXeovi. Bvartjvo^ eyco,

haKpvcov w? ov Siivajxai /fareêtv

450 ypala<=; ocracov en 7n]yd<;.

MEFAPA

elev Tt? lepev^, rt? a(f)ayev'i rcov SvcriroT/Moyv

rj TT]ov€v<i ;

eroifi dyeiv rd Ovpiar ei? ' Aihov rdhe.

CO TeKV, dyojJLeOa lêvyo<s ov KaXov veKpwv,

opov yepovre^ /cat veoi koI pî^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


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'XâpfjUi koI 8ta(f)6opdv.

(bcv-

460 7) TTokv fxe So^rjti iêTraiaav eA-TTtSe?,

rjv irarpo]<; KaXkiKapTTOu Kpdro<i e)(cov TleKaayia^,

aToXijp re 6rjpo<i dfj,(})€/3aWe aw KapaXeofTO?, 77776/) auTo? e^coTrXlêTO'

(TV S" Tjada ^rj^cov tcov (f^LXapfidrcov dva^,

eyKXrjpa ivehia TUfid y?}? KeKTi]/j.ivo<i,

0)9 eêireiOe^ rov KaraaTretpavrd ere'

470 ei<f Beîdv Be arjv dXe^rjTJjpiov

^v\ov KaOiei SaiBakov, iêuS?} Bocriv.

aol S' yv eirepae tol<; eK7]/36\oi,^ Trore

TOÔLai Bcoaeiv Ol'âXiav LiTrecrêTO.

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 îov e')(OLT evBalpiOva.

480 Kal Tavra (f)povBa' /xeTa/SdXovcra B' rj tv)^j]

vvp.cf)a<i fxev vfitv Kr^/aa? dvreBcoK e-xêiv,

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 Ocoîai ; rep Trpoaapfxoaco arofia

164


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)]ôv, 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' coêXetv

500 peXXei-s, dpuvecv, &)? Ta;^' ovSev dpKeaei^;.

Katroi KeKXrjaat TToXXaKi^' pdrrjv ttovoh'

davelv ydp, co? eoiK , dvayKalw]8iara Biairepdaere,

e^ rjpepa^ el<; vvktu p.r} Xvirovpevoi.

ft)9 iXTTiSa^; pev xP^vo<; ovk iTriararai

arpiêiv, 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)

^€âi6<i iari. 'xalper • dvSpa ydp (f)iXov

Travvararov vvv, t]XiK€<;, SeSopKare.

MEFAPA

M irpea^v, Xevaaco rdpd (îXrar ; rj rt <^<y;

^ Wilamowitz : for MSS. Uavhu hv.

166


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 îrj 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^ iêareppeva,o')(\a) t' iv dvSpcJv r7]v ip,rjv ^vvdopovTrarepa re BaKpvovra avp(ôpdpa<JLV XP^^'i !

MEFAPA(o (fyiXraT dvSpcov—

AM*ITPTnNft) (f)ao<i poXoiv irarpi—

MEFAPA7]K€i'i, icrcoOi]^ et9 uKpijv iXBoov <jit\oi]v'

TO di)\v ydp 7rfo)9 paWov oiKrpbv dpaevoov,

Kol Tap! edvyaKe TeKv\ dTrcoXXvpLTjv S' iyco.

168


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<^


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* eêkeiirer oIkov ecrriav r i/x7]v ;

MEFAPAySta, TraTTjp /xev eKireaoiv arpwrov Xe^jôi'?.

HPAKAH2KOVK eayêv 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 hvarvêl rlve^ ;

HPAKAH2560 fMcfXâ^; Se yiivvMV a? erXrjv, direTrrva-av ;

MEFAPA

d(f)iKoi>, "v avdl<; aoi Xeyco, to Sv(TTU)(ê<;.

HPAKAH2ov ptyp-eO^ "AiSov rdaSe irepiôkdf; K6py]<;

Kol (f)a)i dva/3\e'êcr6e tov Kdroi atcoTOV

(f)i\a<i dfioi^df 6fip,aaiv SeBopKOTet;

;

iyo) Be, vvv yap tt}? e/x^9 epyov ')(êpo<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 Toêvpaac

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 ; âipovrwv Trover

p,dTi]v ydp avTOV<; rcovSe p,dWov ijvvaa.

172


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 ILvpuadecoî irop-iralai,, TOiv 8' ep,oiv reKvcov

OVK eKTTOVijao) ddvaTOV ; ovk ap 'Y{paKXrjITPTnN

TT/oos" crov p,ev, m ttul, rot? (plXocf elvac (î\ov

Tci T ex^pd p-i(Telv dWd p.i] ^Treiyov Xiav.

HPAKAH5Tt S' earl rcovSe ddaaov rj T^/jecoi^, irdrep ;

AMîTPrnNTToXXov; 7rev)]Ta'i, 6X/3iov<; Se to) X6y(p

BoKovvra690 ot ardcriv e6i]Kav kol StcoXeaav ttoXlv

60' dpirayaicn twv 7reXa<i, rd 8' iv Bopôif

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 xôva.

AM*ITPTnNKaX6i<;' irpocreXdoiv vvv irpoaeiire 6^ eariav

600 Aral So? Trarpcpom Scopaaiv abv opp,' iBelv.

?/êi yap avToî <t}]v Bdpapra kuI reKvaeX^wi' (jjovevawv Kd.p eiriacpd^cov dva^'

J 74


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%^


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

ê^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' iôhcov

TTcipeiaiv vp.lv. dWa 6dpcro<i X(7')(eT€

KoX vd/xar ocracov firiKer eâviere,

av T, Si <^vvai piOi, crvSXo^/ov -yjrvxv^ Xa/Se

rpofjbov T€ TTavaai, kol ê6ead' ijJbSyv TreirXcop'

ov 'yap 7rT€pcoTO<; ovBe (pevêio) {^tXou9.

a,

oi'S' ovK dcpiaa, dX)C dvaTrrovTat TreirXcov

630 T0crft)8e /xdWov c5S' e^rjT eirX ûpov

;

d^(o Xa^cov ye rovaS' eôX/tiSa? 'Xêpolv,

vav' 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,'

eôvaiv, ol S' ov' rrdv Se (piXoreKvov yevoi.

X0P02

d veoTw; fiot (f)l\ov dxOo<i he to yrjpa<i alel arp. dâpvrepov AtVâ? aKOTreXcov

640 eVl Kparl Keirai.,

êc^dpoiv cTKoreivov

(f)dpo^ eTriKaXvyjrav.

fii] fiot pii)r Âai^Ti8o<;

TvpavvLSo<; oX/9o9 eh],

1X7] ')(pvaou Scofiara ifKrjpr)

rd'i i]/3a<i dvTiXaêtv,

a KaWiara fiev ev oX/Sw,

KaXkia-ra S' iv Trevia.

TO Se Xvypov (povLov re 7^-

178


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 (ôpelaOu).

el he deol'i tjv ^vveai<i kuI cro(f)i.a kut avhpa<i, uvt. a

SlSvfiov dv i']âv ecpepov

(f)avep6v ^(âpaKTrjp

dperd<; oaoiaiv

660 p.era, Kardavovre^ r'

el<; auyd<i irdXiv dXtov

Siaaoix; dv e/3av SiauXou^,

a Svcryeveia 8' dirXdv dv

elê ô)d<i I^Lordv,

Kol tm8' rjv rov^ re kukov^ dpyvodvai /cal TOv<i dyaOov^,

I'aov dr' iv veêXaicnv d-

arpwv vavTULi; dpidfio'i vreXet.

vvv h' ov8el<; 6po<; eK Oeoiv

670 %/3?;iTToZ9 ovhe KaKoi^ aaî'}^,

dXX' eiXi(TcrofMevo<i Tf? al-

cov ttXovtov fxovov avêi.

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


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 êXuo? 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-)(ôpov

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 VTrdpêi,

Ato9 TTtti?' TO 8' evyevia^

K\eo<i vTrep^dWwv [dperal<ij

/xo)(^d7]aa<; rov cikv/xov

6rjK€V îoTOV ^pOToU700 irepaa^ SelfiaTa drjpoiv.

ATK02ei9 tcaipov o'lKcov, 'A/u,(f)iTpv(ov, ef&) 7repa<;'

'X^p6vo oh VTreaTTfT avTerrdyyeXroi davelv.

AM*ITPTnNdva^, SicoKeiii pu aOXico^ ireirpayora

v/Spiv 6^ v/3pL^€i<i iirl Oavovai rol<: efiol<i'

182


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';êi? reKjiripLov ;

AMÎTPTHNiKeriv 7rpo<; dyvol'; 'Ecrr/a? ddaaeLV ^dSpoi<;,

ATK02dvovrjTa y iKerevouaav eKawaat îov.

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 KaKKopîl^' Ik Scopdrcov.

AM*ITPTnN

fiiroxo'i av el'rjv tov (povov 8pdcra<i ToSe.

ATK02ripet<;, eTretSr) aol toS' ecTT' ivOvpiov,

01 SeipdTcov e^wdev eKTropevaopêv

avv p-rjTpl 7ral8a<i. Sevp^ eireade, TrpoaTToXoi,

o)? av axoXrjv Xvacopev dapêvoL ttovcov.

^ Murray : for MSS. So^rjj r^yS'.

184


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 , epxî o ot )(p€(ov' ra o aW icrw'i

aW(ti fieXyjaei. irpocrhoKa he hpwv KaKco<i

KaKov Tt Trpdêiv. w yepovre^, et? koXov(TTeix^L, ^poyoLcn S' apKvwv yevrjcrerai,

730 î(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 . fieTaôXa KaKwv pêya^ 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^plôiv 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^


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


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

fieâK dva^ 6 Kaivos,

6 Be 7ra\alTepo<i

770 Kparel, Xi/xeva Xiiroiv ye rov ^Kyêpovriov.

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 /3poTOV6pei, arp. <y

êara'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,

ijêT evyadel KeXdBcp

i/jidv TToXiv ifid re reixV»

^90


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;ô?, & Zeu, to aov ovk

iir eXTTiSt (f)dvdr],

XapLTrpav S' eSei^' o XP^ô^Tciv H/oa/c/\.eo9 uXkuv

6? 7a? e'êySa 6a\dp,(ov,

I\\ovr(ovo/

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


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 XdrpivÎpiv 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 iêaroêv, 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 avXXaôvaa 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')(êpovaLOv iropov

Tov KaXXiTraiBa aricfyavov avOevrr] (f)6vfp

840 7/'fo fiev top' lipa; Oupavov t' d(f) aip.aTO<i'

rifxa^ 8' e^co ruah\ ovk d'âa6i]vai cf)iXor^,

Ovh' l]hop.aL lf)0LTMC7^ eiT avOpooTTcov (ôvov^}

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


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^ô^ clvtI tou

KaKOV.IPI2

ov')(l aaxjypoveiv y' eirefxyê Sevpo a' ?; Aio^ Bdfiap.

AT22A

"HXlOv papTvpopeaOa Bpaxr' a Bpav ov ôvXopai.

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^poôine 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<; ewepâXcb,

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


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(ôpevacd koI tcaravXrâa)

(yrelx 69 OvXv/XTTOV rrehaipova, ^\pL, yevvaiov

TToSa' [/cXeou?.

et? S6/jbov<i S' '})p€t<; dâvToi Svaopead^ Hpa-

X0P02

OTOTorot, arevaôv cnroKeipeTaL

crov dv6o<i TToXeo?, 6 Aio? eK<yovo^.

/xeXeo? 'EWa9, a rov evepyerav

aTroâKeL*;, 6\€t<; p/ivtdaiv \v<TCTai<;

')(ôp€vdevr uvav\oi<;.

880 ê.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,

Taû 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 yôpevpa Tvpirdvwv drep,

01) ^poplw Ke)(âpi(Tpeva Ovpcrw,

198


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 ')(êv/jLacn \oi,^d<i.

(j)vyr], reKv, eôpf-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 iraihoTpocôv, 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 ÊyKeXdocp Trore ITaWa?, fi? 86/xov^ •Tref.nrei';.

ArrEAOS& XevKo, y>jpa acopâr',

XOP02

910 dvaffoXetf rtva p.e rtva /3odv ;

ArrEAOsdXaara rav Sofioiat.

XOP02

/xdvTiv oi'X erepov dôfiai.

200


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(ê6\ &>? (XTevaKrd.

X0P02

Sdioi (f)6iôi,

Sdioi 8e TOKewv pêtpe?.

ArrEA02

ovK dv Ti? eLTTOL fioXXov i) Tre-rrovOafiev,

XOP02

TTw? Traicrl crrevaKTav drav dravTTarepo^; dfi(paLV€i}9 dvaKr eVet Kjavcbv

iêfSaXe 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')(ôp,ev.

pêWwp Se 8a\ov X^'P' ê^ta (bepew,

et? Xepvi/3^ fo)9 /Bdyjreiev, 'AX/cpj]vrj<t roKO'i

930 eaTTj a-t(07rf]. Kol XpovLôvTO<i 7r«T/0O9


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<;

pLâ(p'

Trdrep, rt Ovco rrplv fcravetv F^vpuaOea

KaOdpaiov irvp, fcal irovovi ScttXov^ e)((o

iôv p.id<; /X-' €K ')(^€ip6<i ev Oeadai rdhe;

orav S' ivejKCi) Sevpo /cpdr lLvpvaOeo)<},

940 eVl roiai vvv davovaiv dyvico x^pwi.€K)(êiT€ nrriyd^, piTner ifc ')(êipMV Kavd.

Ti<i poi SiBcoai. Toâ ; ti? S' ottXov %6y009 ;

7r/909 rd<; ^lu/c/pâ'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 âlvcov dpp,aT^ ov/c e^wv eêtv

€(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

iratêi 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


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 TTttcrêi? ; Tt9 o rpoiro*; êvct)a€(o<i

rrjaS^ ; ov tl ttov <^6vo<i a eâK-êvaev veKpCov,

ov<; dpTt Kaivei<i ; o he viv lLvpvaOe(o<; hofcow

Trarepa irporapjBovi'd^ iKecriov yjraveiv 'Xêpo^,

oiOel, (âperpav h' evrpeirr} crKevdêrai

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 ; ôa he 7rpecr/3v<; olfcercov r 6)(\o<;,

6 h' eê\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' rfkaXaê KdrreKopuTraaev rdhe'

eh pev veoaao^ ohe Oavoov Ey/jucrêw?

eÔpav TTarpcpav iicTivwv ireTnooKe pot.

dW(p S' eVeiTê t6^\ 09 dp.cjil jBoypdav

eiTTi]ê Kpr-jTrlh^ 0)9 \eX')]Oevai. hoKMv.

Ôdvet 8' 6 T\/]p,cov <y6va(Tt 7rpoa7reao)v iraTpo^

Kol rrpo^ jeveLov êi/ja /cal Sepijv ^dXcovoi (îXTar, 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 TOêvpuTO^;,

pvhpofCTVTTOv p.Lp.ypu' VTTep Kdpu âXcbv

206


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 âvOov Kctpa,

eppyê S' oaTU. hevrepov he iraih^ eXoov,

')(^(opet rpiTov OvfM &)? eTTKTcpd^fov Svoli'.

dWa (f)6dp€i viv 1] TciXaiv' eiaw hofxwv

fnjrrjp vTreKKaôvaa, 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 ecTTê, «:et9 vrrvov

KaOfjKe' TTLTvei 8' et9 irehov, irpo^ KLova

VMTOV 7raT«â9, 09 ireayjp.aai (Treyrj'i

Bi'Xôppajij'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 Xriâ<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^î- 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


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


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 irpoâre, 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.

AMÎTPTHNovK drpe/xaia dpi]vov aldêr , w yepovre'i

;

i) heap! dveyeipoj-ievo^; X'^Xdaa^ aTroXec iroXiv,

diro he irarepa, [xeKaOpd re KaTapptjêi.

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,^ Toêv(Ta<i.

XOP02crrivaî vvv

AM+ITPTflN

(nevdt,w.

313


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'; iêyeipofxevo^ (npeêrai'<f)6p'

1070 diro/cpvcfiov Se/xaITPTnN

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 eêi.

X0P02Tore davelv a' e')(pr]v, ore hajxaprL aaôvov ofMoairopoiv

efio\e<i eKTrpdêiv

1080 Tacfylwv TrepiKkvcnov dcrrv 7repcra<i.

AM*ITPTnN

(f)vya (f)vya, yepovref;, diroTrpo Scofidrtov

BicoKeTe' (êvyere pudpyov

avhp iireyeipop.evov,

214


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

rdâ <j)6vov erepov em ôvcp /3aXu>v

dv av âK'êvaeL IsâS/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 Toâ 6' '\Wiov ruhe'

ft)if 5' iv k\vB(ovi Ka\ (f)pevo)v Tapdy/jLaTi

iretrraKa Seivo) koI 7rvod ruKLafiari

rj/xai veKpolai yeiTOva^ OdKOv<} e^MV

!

•mepwTd t' ey^?; roâ r ecriraprai 7riS(0,

a Trplv TrapaaTTLôi'T eyu,ot9 (Bpa')(îoaiv

1100 eacpê '7r\evpd<; i^ efiov t iaMêro.

ov TTOV KarrfkOov av0i<; et9 "AiSov irdXiv,

EtiyOfcrêo)? 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,

AMÎTPTflN

yepovTe<i, eXOco twv ifxcov kukcov TreXa? ;

X0P021110 Kaycoye avv aol, fxi) irpoSovs Td<{ av/j,(f)opd<;.

3l6


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 Kvpeiî.

HPAKAH2el'n €1 Tl Kaivov vTToypdcbei too/xm j3lai.

AM*ITPTnNel ixifKeO^ "AiBov âK'ô'i el, ^pda-ai/xev liv.

HPAKAH21120 irairal, to 8' &)9 vttotttov ipviây 7rd\iv.

AM*ITPYnNKai 0-' el /3ey8atft)? eu cf>povei ;

HPAKAH2KOI TOV ye hrjaavT etii' dvaivo/xeaOa yap,

AM'i'ITPTnN

TocrovTOV laOi tmv KaKwv tu S' aW' ea.

HPAKAH2dpKel aicoTTf) ydp /xadeiv b ôvXofiai ;

218


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 êoi' iaawi ra era TrepiareWov KCiKa.

HPAKAH21130 uTTCoXo/jieaOa' avficfiopav X€^ci<; Ttva ;

AMîTPrnNI'Sou Oeaaai rcihe reKvaiv irea/^pâra.

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 roâ 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(ô<i.

AM<l>ITPTnN


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) 'â«%eycr', efiov ;

AM*iTPrnNOVK olSa Trkrjv ev Trdvra SvaTV)(^fj to, era.

HPAKAH2TToO S' oi(npov (povev^,

KovK eifjLL Trerpa^; XicradSo^ tt/qo? aXfiara

r) (pdayavov 7rpo<; rjirap eâKOVTi<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 ôvXevpLaTwv©7?creL'? oS' epwei crvyy€i')]<; 0iXo9 t' eyu-09.

6(j)dr](76p.eada, koL tskvoktovov p,vao) Kara ')(9ovo'i jxoKoiv ;

(pep' [w peXav] tl ^ Kparl Trepi/SaXw (tk6to<;,

1160 alcF'xyvopaL yap rol<; hehpap,evoL^ kukoI^,

Kal TaSe TrpocrrpoTraLov alpa TrpocrâXcov

ovoev KUKcbaaL tou9 dvaiTiov€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


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/xotâ<; S)v vTrijpêv 'HpaK\y]<i

1170 acocra^ fie vepOev, rj\6ov, el ti Set, yepov,

?) ')(^€ipo^ vfxd<i T?}? eû)}? 7] avfx/xd-)ô)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.

AMITPTnN

(b Tov iXaioôpov oyÔov e^fov civa^—0H2ET2

Tc 'xprjixd fi oiKrpoZ^ iKd\erTa<^ 7rpooi/j,iOi<i

;

AM'I'ITPT.aN

1180 €7raOo/j,ev irdOea fxeXea 7rpoITPTnN

l3ov\op,€i'oiaiv eTrayyeWei.

0H5ET5w Seivd Xfc'â?.

AM-i'lTPTHN

ot%o/ie^'- olxofieda irravol..

0H2ET2Tt 0^9; Ti hpd(Ta<i

;

224


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;

AMITPTnN

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


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-yêde \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'êi pêXav 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' TjvTvîja^- eKela' dvoicrreov,

or eêawcrd^ 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, Svarvôvaiv 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


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 Trdcrôyv ev tot oiKreipw ae vvv.

HPAKAH2olKrpo<i yap elfii rd/ji cTroKTelvaq tckvu.

0H2EY2K\at(i) â/Jtt' o-rjv e'^' erepaicTL av[x<ôpcu^.

HPAKAH2'r]vpe<; S' eV dWov<i ev KUKOiai /Meiôcnv;

0H2ET21240 aTrrei KdrwOev ovpavov hvcnrpaîa.

HPAKi\H2

Toiydp irapecTKevdcFfieff' cocrre KarOavelv.

0H2ET2SoKei<i cnretXcov acov fxeXeiv ri Satpoaiv

;

HPAKAH2au0a8e<; 6 Oe6<i, irpb^ Be tou^ deov^ eycii.

0H2EY2t'crê cfiop! , 009 /i?) ixeya \eya)v fielôv 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


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^ îo-)(driTeov.

0H2Er2€vepy€Tr]<; /SpoTOiai koI p.€ja<; 0tXo?

;

HPAKAH2oiS' ovBev uxpeXovai /jl, ciW ' Yipa Kparel,

0H2ET2ovK av a dvd(T')(ôid^ 'EXXa? dfiaOla daveZv.

HPAKAH2UKOve 8i] vvv, &)? dp,tWy^6o) \6yoi<;

irpo'i vov6er)'](xei<i (rd<i' dvairruôi 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 hvarrvêlv 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(êt9

iTreicrecfiprjae aTrapyavoiac roi? ipol<i

rj rou Ato? crvXX€KTpo<i, co? oXoipêda.

eirei he crapKo.

9^Z


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 eî'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/]yvpiv <î\(ov

eifM ; ov yap aTa<i €V7rpo(jr]yopov<; e%&).

aW' "Apyo<i eXOco ; iro)^, inrel êvyw Trdrpav

;

(f)ep' dXX^ 69 dXXtjv hi] tlv opfiiâoy 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 /xeTaôXal XvTrrjpov w 8' del KaK(o<;

ear , ovhev dXyel avyyevoi)^ hvari]vo<; o)V.

et9 rovro S' rjêiv 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)(ôvvTevas.

«34


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'

eirpaê yap ôvXrjaiv yv iôvkero,

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-êiv kukw^.

ov8el<i 8e 6in]TMV Tai<; Tv-)(âi'^ aKyjpaTO'i,

ov deoiV, doihoiv etirep ov yêvhel<; \oyoi.

ov XeKTpa T dXktjXoiaii', mv ovSeh vofMOf,

avvrj-ylrav ; ov BecrfMotcrc Sid Tvpavvlha<;

"jraTepa^ eKtfKlhuxTav ; oKk oiKOvcr ofici)ea-ôvr6 6^ r^putpTrfKOTe^.

1320 KairoL ti (Î'-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


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 iôyKco/jiaaiv

ri/xiov avdêi, Tracr' Â0i]vaiO)v ttoXi^.

xaXoi jap dajol'i cneâvo^ '^Wi'pwv vtto

dvhp' iadXov uxjieKovvrwi evKkeia<; TV)(êtP.

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^ oicêXiop, orav OeXrj,

HPAKAH21340 o'lpôr irdpepjd tol rdS" ear eficov kukmv.

eju> 8e Tov<; 6eou^ ovre XeKrp a [xr) 6e/jii^

arepjeiv vopi^co, Secr/id r eâTrreiv xepo2vOUT 7]îu>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

earaâ 7ry]jd<;, ouS' av o}6/j,y]v irore

et9 Tovd^ iKeadai, 8dKpv' avr' Ofiiidroov âXelv.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


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^^-ôv 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 irapeaKevaôv eKfjbO)(6o}V fita

1370 evKKeiav vplv, Trarpo^ airoXavcnv koXi'jv.

ae r ou^ ofMOico^, &> raXaiv\ aTrcoXeaa

afairep av Td/xa XeKjp eVroê? dacpaXay'i,

fxaKpdi; SiavrXoucr^ iv Sofiot^ oiKOvpiaî.

otfioL Sd/xapTOi; koI reKvwv, oXfiOL S' e/xov'

0)9 a^Xt(09 TreTrpaya KuTroêvyvv/jiat

T€KV(i}v yvpaiK6<; t'* m Xvypal (fyiXrj/xdTWV

Tepêiî, Xvypal Se tcovS' ottXwv KOLVwviai.

dpLTjâvoi 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-vwdelî ottXcov,

^vv ol<i rd KaXXidT iêirpa^^ iv KXXdBi,

i^dpoL<; ijjLavrov viroâXoov 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 pôvoufievo^.

Si yata KaS/iou 7ra9 t€ Srj/BaLO^ Xea;9,

1390 Keipaade, crvfnrevdi']aaT' , eXder' eJ? Tacftov

240


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 iôXooXafMev

"lipa<; jua 7r\7]yevT€^ aOXioi TV')(r).

0H2ET2aviajacr' , Si Svarrjve' SaKpvwv 8' aXt?.

HPAKAH2OVK av BvvaL/n]V dpOpa yap TreTTTjyi fiov,

0H2ET2Kul roveu'

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 eôfiop^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

êvyo^ 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 ; (îXTpov tovt' e^wp pdcov eaei

;

242


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 TToloITPTnN

Kai av fXOl, T€KVOV.

HPAK^VH2

6dcf>6' Sia'rrep elirov 7rai8a<i.

AM^ITPTHN

ifie Se Ti9, TCKvop

;

244


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-'ôfiai %rjô)v aTTO.

aXX' elcTKOfiiê rcKva SvaKOfiicrTa yfj'

r}/j,ei<; S' dva\u)aavTe<; aLcr')(yvai^ BofioPy

%ri(Tel 7rai'U)Xei<i k^\r6[Me(Td' eôX/ftSe?.

ocTTf? he irXovTOv rj adevo^ /xdWov (plXcov

dyadwv ireTrdadai ôvXerai, KaKci)^ (fypovei.

X0P02CTeiô/iei^ oiKTpol koI iroXvKXavTOi,

TO, fieyiara (f)iX(ov oXeaavTe'i.

246


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,

eôv Kar' "A/3709 ijcrvxco'i vacev, ttuvcov

TrXeiarcov perecr-ôv €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' iêSpapev kuI 7roX<9 pev otyêTUL,

Îrv^yj 8' eacoOi], (ftevyopev 8' dXcopievoi

dX\l]V UTt' dWT]aev v/SpLcraf

TrepTTwv oTTov 7779 TTvvOdvoiO' l8pup,evov<i

20 Ki]pvKa^ iâiret re Kdêipyei ')(0ov6<i,

TToXcv 7rpoT6LV(ov ' Apyo<i ov apLLKpdv <î\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^ aeôvre^; iêipyovai 7>}'?.

iycb Be avv (pevyovat avpLêvyw 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 arpaTîyelraL (j>vyyy

40 eyoo pev dp,c})l rolaBe Ka\-)(âLV(i)v reKvoi<;,

1) B' av TO d)]\v 7raiB6<i'A\kpi'^vrj yevo^

eacode vaou jovB' vTrtp/KoXicrpepy]

aa)êr vea<; yap jrapdevou^ alBovpeOa

o^\(p ireXdêiv 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 aTeiôvr' 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


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 ÔKet<;

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 pôyOel^ ravr' ; dvLaTacrdat ae ')(^p-q

60 ei<? "A/3yo9, ov ere Xevaipoî pevei SIki],

I0AA02

ou S)}t', eVe/' po! i3copb

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/ôy,

70 dpvveO'' iKerai. B' ovre^ dyopaLov Ato?

/3i.aôp€aOa Koi crTecf)^] piaiPeTai,

iroXei t' oveiSoq Koi deoyv djipLLa.

X0P02

ea ea' Tt? ?; ySo?) ^wpov ireXa^

ecnrjKe ; Troiav (Tvp,(f)opdv heiêi rdâi

2SS


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) êvoi, /j,e (Toi)? dri/xdl^cov Oeou<i

€Xk€1 j3iaiW<i Z')]VO<i €K 7rpO,3(0/li(jOV.

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^vvoiKov rfKde<; Xaov ; rj irepa-

0ev ('t\i(p ifXara

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I0AA05

ov vi]aia)Ti]v, m êvoi, TpijBw /3lov,

a\V eV M.VKr)V(i)V arjv dcfiLyfieOa 'xP6va.

XOP02ovofxa TL ae, yepov,

^lvKi]vaio<i wvopaêv \eoi)^ ;

10AA02Tov 'WpaKkeiov tare irov irapaaTarriv

^\6\aov ov yap ovop.' dKi]pvKTOV johe.

XOP0290 otS' €iaaKovaav 7roXeo9, eveTre pôi,

fie'Kofievot, tv^Îv ;

260


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 SeaTroTatî rdB' uptceaei,

100 ot aov KpaT0vvre? YLvpuadeoi^,

KOvBei> ^laicp rfjSe ')(p/j<7opai X^P'^'

X0P02adeov iKeaiav

fieOeivai iroXet êvo)v Trpocnpoizdv.

KOnPEYSKoXov Si 7' e^(o Trpayfidrcov eêiv TroSa,

110 €vl3ov\La<; Tvûina t/}9 dfieivovo^.

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OeCov d(f)eXK€iv, yrjv asôvr^ 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


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' dBeXô;, twvS' eirrjKOOt Xoycov.

AHMO*nN120 erreiTrep e<^^>;? 7rpe(T/3v

X0P02iKeraL KadrjVTai TralSei; oi'S' 'lipaK\eov<;

^wpbov KaTaaTeylravTe<; co? 6pa<i, ava^,

iraTpo^ T€ 7riaT0 ecTTTjae KctacjirjXev yovv

yepovTO^, waT€ p! cKâXelv 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 (^pdêiv ecrrt, /a?) fieWeiv t, e/noi

TTota? d(f)lâi 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^dôvra TOvaSe' ttoXXci S' rjXOov, w êve,

SiKai ofiaprf] Bpdv re /cat Xeyeiv exôv.

'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


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"' eXirilôvcri ttov

fiovov TOcravTrj^ i)v eirrjXOov 'EXXaSo?Ta>? TcbvS' ciôvXovi aup<ôpd^ KaTOiKTiecv

ê/?' 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,

Âpyovi 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\raaip€0el<i,

TtpwOioi^; OeU TTokepbQV Âpyeioi,^ eyêiv ;

TTOioL^ S' dpvvcov aupp,dôc<i ; Tivo-i 8' virep

ddyjret^; v€Kpov<; TreaovTa^ ; rj kukov \6yovKTi']crei Trpo<; daTOiv, el yepovTa eiveKa,

T'upôv, 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 ÂpyeLoiaiv oJ'S' diifXcapbevot

pd')(ôivT 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 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<Ôi<i ;

I0AA02

dva^, virdp'êi 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 ;

êvoi ydp ea/J-ev. i) rov JLXXyjvcov bpov

190 êvyeiv BcKaiovd' 6crTi<i dv rdpyo<; (f)vyy] ;

ovKovv ^X6)']va<i y' ov ydp Wpyeuov (poô)

Tov<i 'HpaK\etov<i iralSa^ eêXcoai yfj<i.

ov ydp TO T/oa^/? icTTiv ouS' Â'âitKov

TToXfcr/x', 66ev av rovaSe rfj Blk}J jxev ov,

TO S' "Apyoi; oyKMV, oldirep Kal vvv Xeyea,

r]\avvejva<; rdaS' i\evdepa<; en.

aXA,' olB' iyoi to TMvBe Xfj/xa Kal (fivaiv

200 Ov]]aKeiv deXiâ-ova- >) ydp alax^vi] irdpo^;

Tov iî'jv Trap' ecr^Xoi? dvSpdaii' vofiiiêTat.

ttoXlv fiev dpKel- Kal ydp ovv eTricpOovov

1 Valckenaer : for MSS. cV /.ifpft.

* Elnisley ; for MSS. Kpivovfft,

268


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

crcoêiv, eTretVep rfjaSc irpoaTarei^ )(^dov6<i.

ntrêi)? jxev icm fleXoTro?, e/c he TliTêa)?

AtOpa, 7raTi]p B' e/c rPâhe 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 ô) 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 iâvrjyayev ixvôiv

rfrarepa aov 'EWa9 irdcra rovro fxapTvpei.

220 \^Mv dvTiBovvai cr 01^ dirairovaiv y^dpiv,

pbi')T eKBodi]vai fjajre 7rpo]ra^ avyyevei^, o't/moi kukoh',

fiXey\rov "wpoq avrov<i /SXe^/ôz^ ei\,0:udai ^la.^

dX,X' dvrofial ere koI Karaar€(f)co ')(êpo'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


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}? TV')(ri<; vLf<(o/iiev)]v

vvv hi] fiaXicTT elcrelSov oiBe yap warpofi

eaOXov y€y(OT6<; Suarvôva^ avaîw^.

AHMO<l>nN

Tpicraai yu,' dvayKciôvai crvfJLôpds 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 ^laêvov 7Tpo<i civhpo^ /3a)/x6v, ovk eXevOepav

oLKelv 8oK/]aco yalav, 'Apy€L0t<i B' okvu)

iKeTw; TrpoBovvai' Kal tuB^ dy)(ôv7]<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 êvoi^,

BiKTi^ Kvpi')aeiv' TovcrBe S' ovk dêa 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 ^Xaô<;.

AHMO*.aNe'/xot 7', idv croi TovaB^ ecfyeXKeaOai pbedo).

272


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' iôpiê, Kar eKuOev aôfiev,

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 pîihev, i)v ao cro)(ppoi'fj<i.

AHMO*nN(3X(i'TTTe(Td\ epov ye py p.taivovTO'^ 0€ov<;.

KOnPET2ov ôvXopai ere rroXepov Wpyelotf; eêip.

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 êcot' K)')pvKa To\ptj(Tr]<; Oeveiv.

274


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 fxaOiâeTai.

XOP02aireXOe' Kal av rovSe fiij ^17?;?, dva^,

K0nPET2areiy^w /xta? yap yêipo'^ 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]peavi'](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

dêiv /3ia TOLicrS'* ou yap WpyeUov iroXec

vtt/jkoov T}]1'S\ aXV iXevOepav e%co.

XOP02b)pa irpovoelv, irplv 6poii"

290 fidXa S' 6^1)9 "Aprjq 6 MvKi]va[cov,

eirl TolcTL he hi] /judWov er 77 irpiv,

Trdcri yap ovto<; Ki'^pvî v6/jiO<i,

S(9 rocra irvpyovv rwv yiyvojjievwv,

TToaa I'lv Xeêir /SaaiXevai hoKel<;,

ci)9 heiv eiradev Kal irapd /iiKpov

yjrvxîjv r]\6ev hiaKvataai ;

276


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

\âfxelv 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)(ârov ireaovre^ tjvpop.ev <pi\ov<;

Kal Û77ej'et9 TOvah\ o'l roarjcrBi' olKOu/j£in]<i

'JLWiji'iBo'i Y/}? TMvSe Trpovanjaav fiovoi.

B6r\ 0} reKv, avToh X^^P^ Beîdv, 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.Lêr. ciîol S' vjjuv aejSeiv

di yrjv TO(T)]vBe Kal UeXaayiKOV Xecov

i)lxo)V d7r)]XXdâi>T0 iroXejjJ.ov^ eêti',

TTTCoxov^ dXijTaii eiaop(bvT€fi- aXV 6/x(0(;

OVK eêBcoKav ovB' dm'jXaaav %ôi'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(pêi<i irarpcpav Boâv, e^ eadXwv Be (f)v<i

ovBev KaKLcov rvyxdvei<i 767609 TraTp6<i,

• 299-301 are of doubtful genuineness.

378


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] -êipcov 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 ôi]Sp6fio^'

340 /jidvT€t<; 8' dOpoiaa'i Ovaofiar au S' et9 S6/xov(!

avv naial "xôopei, Zr]vo'i ecryâpav \t7rc0v.

elalv yap 01 aov, kuv eyco Ovpalo<i 6),

fxepifJLvav eôva. dW W ci9 Sofiovi, yepov.

I0AA02

OVK dv \L7roifXL l3co/J-6v, e^co/ueada 8e

iKerat, fxevoine^ iv9dK ev irpdâL 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-ôtacv 'Apyetcov, dva^'

Tcbv iJ.lv ydp'Hpa irpoararel, Aiof hdjjiap,

350 I'lixwv 3' ^\ddva. (jitjp-l S' etV evirpaîav

Kal Tovd' virdpXî'V, Oewv dfieivovtov rvêlvvifcco/xivrj yap Ila\Xa9 ouk dveêrai.

X0P02el ai/ yiky auêt9, erepot arp.

<Tov ifkeov ov ueXovTUi,

280


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 êlv' Âpyodev eXdcov

fieyaXriyopiaicTL S' iaaf

(f}pevav 6 t' "Apyei

^deveXov rvpavvo<i'

09 TToXiv iXdcov erepav avr.

ovSev iXdaaov Apyovi,

deoiv iKTTjpa^ aXdTa<i

Kal e/xa9 ')(6ovo^ dvTOfX€Vov<;

êuo<i o)v j3iaio)<;

€Xk€i<;, ov j3aai\evaiv elâ^,

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 yêi^;,

ov)(^ ovTa)<; d BoKel'i Kvptjaei<i,

ov crol fiovo) 67^0? OL'8'

irea Kard-âXKO'^ iariv.

dXX" ov, TToXe/jiwv epaard,

fiJ] fiOL Sopl (TVVTapd^r] eyôucrap .

380 iroXiv, dXX^ dvdcrxôv.

I0AA02

CO irai, rl fioi crvvvoLav o/xixacriv êpcov

7]Ket<i ; veov n iroXe/xLcov Xey€i<i 7repi{

fxeXXovaLv r) Trdpeicrcv i) ti Tvvvddvei f


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]pVKOpovu)v

eh Tap6ucov.

AHMO'i'nN

TjKei. (TTpaTevfi 'Apyeiov Eupucrêu? 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 irpoadêt (TrparoTrehov t avev Sopo^

ev dcrcjiaXel re rfjah^ tSpvo-erai -^fÔovo^;.

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\iaaîjXeyâ Kal ê/SijXa Kal KeKpvfijmira

Xoyia TraXaid, TpSe yfj awTijpia.

Kal Twv /jLev dXXcov Bid(pop iart 6ea(f)aTfov

7roA.X'" €v Se Trdai yvwîa ravrov e/x7rp(S'rrer

a(f>dâL 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


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 '^êpojv Scoaei leKva;

Koi vvv 7rLKpa<; av avardcrei'i av elaihoL^,

Twv iiev XeyovTwv co? Slkuiov tjv êvoL<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^ eâprverai.

420 ravT ovv opa av Kal avveêvpia-y^ oirw'i

avToi re awOi'jaeade koi irehov rohe,

Kayco 7roXtTa<9 /J.i] Bca/BX'tjOyjao/j.at.

ov yap Tvpavvlh^ oxrre âp^dpcov ep^w

aX,V rjv BtKaia Spco, Sc'/cata ireiaoâi.

X0P02aXA,' ?} TTpoOvfiov ovaav ov/c ea deo<;

^€voi<; dprjyeiv rt^vBe y^prjlôva-av iroKiv

;

I0AA02

S) TeKV , eoiyiiev vavriXoicni', o'iTLve<i

ê//xcoz'09 eKcfyvyovre^ aypiov ixei'o<i

et9 %etp«. 777 avvrj'âv, elra ')(êpa66ev

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' eTepyâ<; w rdXaiini /xe

eA.7rt9 tot', ou [xeXXovaa BiareXelv yûpiv

;

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


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 ê ^^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' Â\K/u,i]vrji> irarpo'i.

CO hvcTToXaLva rou /xaKpou îov credev,

r\i]iJi03v hk KCLfyco iroWa ixo')(6r]aa<i /xaTtji'.

Xpyjv XPV^ ^P* V/^^^'i u,vhpo<i ei? i^^Ôpov X^P^^450 TreaovTw; ala-XPM<; Kal KaKO)<i Xiirelv /3iov.

aW' olad^ o fxoL avfiTrpaôv ; ov^ airaaa 'yap

ireêuyev 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 ôvXolt^ av Xa^cov

rov 'Hpc'iKXetov avfifiaxov Kadv^pcaai'

<jKaio;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<; &)? êvov<i TrpovScOKa/xev.

AHMO*nNyevvaia fxev rdK elirai;, aXA,' dfitjxciva.

ov aov âTi'^ft)!' hevp' dva^ crTpaTijXaTet.

Ti yap yepovTO'i dvSpb'i Kvpvcrdec irXiov

6av6vTo<; ; dXXd TovaSe /3ovXeTac KTavelv.

heivov yap ix0poi]/x€i'ot

470 Xvfxr]<;' a Kelvov irdvTa TrpoaKotreiv XP^^'^-dX\' ei Tiv dXXt]v olaOa KaipicoTepav

288


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)6ôv 7r\eo)<i.

MAKAPIAêvoi, 6pdao<; /xot /xr]8ev i^6Soi<; e[xai<i

Trpoadyjre' irpwrov yap toS" €âiTT]crofj-ar

lyvvaiKl yap (Tiytj re Kai to aw^poveiv

KoXXiarov, elaw 6' rfcrvôv /xevecv BofMcov.

TMV croiv S' ciKovaaa, 'I6Xe&)9, aTevayfLarcou

€^rj\6ov, ov rayÔelcra 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 B6â<i €v irpo-^wprjcraL 86/xo^

irdXcv p-ediarriK avOt<; et9 Ta/xijâvov

'^prja/xcov yap cpBov<i (p7](Ti arjiiaivew oBe,

ov ravpov ovBe p.oa'xôv, dXXd irapdevov

490 a(f)uât Kopr) Ai]fir]Tpo<; fjTi<i €vyei'i]<;,

el )(^pr] ixev i)iid<i, ')(^pri Be tj]vB' eivai iroXtv.

ravT ovv d/xtj^^âvovêv ovre yap reKva

acpdêtv 6B' avrov (f»]aiv ovt ciXXov rivof,

Ka/uLol Xeyei fxev ov aa(f)co<;, Xeyei Be tto)?,

el firj TL Tovrcov eâiir]-)âvr)crop,ev,

-rj/jLaf fxev dXX')]v yalav evpicrKeiv rivd,

avTo<; Be acocraL rrjvBe ôvXerat ')(^d6va.

MAKAPIAev rwBe Kayoyieada aoidrjvai Xoyw;

I0AA02

iv TcpBe, rdXXa 7' evTvyoo'i ireTrpayoTa,

290


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 Âpyeiov Sopveyw jap avTr] irplv KeXevadrjvai, yipov,

Ovyaxeiv eTOt/jit] Kol iraplcrTaadaL a(f)ayT).

ri (f>i]aofJi€v yap, et 7roXi9 pêv dîol

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 aîa,

crreveiv p,ev lKeTa<; Sat/xovcov KaOrjp,€vou<;,

7raTpo<; 8' eKeivov (f)vvTa<; ov 7re(f)VKap-ev,

510 KaKov}crS', a /it] tvôc 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;/iet9 ov TrpoaaxjieXyaop.ev.

520 dXX' ovBe pêuTOL, rcovSe p.ev reOvtiKOTOiv,

avrrj he awdela, eXTrlB^ evTrpdêiv 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

dvaîav ; aXXj] Be Kal irpeTret rivl

p.dXXov TdB\ )]ri<; fj,r} îrlaiip-o^ &)9 eyw.

r^yelad^ oirov Bel (TO)p.a KarOavelv roBe,

Kal arep,p.arovTe Kal KardpêaO^ el BoKel-

530 VLKCLTG B' e')(dpov<i' i]Be yap "^v^tj irdpa

292


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- KiiâyyeWofiai

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 Xeô) irapOevov p.eyav XoyovkXvcov, a8eX(f)6)v i) Trapo? OeXet Baveiv

;

rovTwv tI<; civ Xeêie 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 opâi.

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] Xaôva^ iyco'

â'pt? yap ov irpocrearL' /xt] Xe^j;?, yepov,

dXX^ el fiev evheêade Kal ôvXeaOe 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' virepêpei^;

ToXfiT) re ToX/xav Kal Xoyco -y^prjCTrd) Xoyov.

ov p,rjv KeXevco 7' ovh' uTrevveTTOi, reKvov,

dvrjcTKeLv <r'* dSeXcôiii S' OD(f)€Xel'i davovaa crov<;,

294


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-oôj? 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;;ô/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 ôvkei 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(âyi']aerai.

KoX rov yepovra r7]P t eao) ypalav hop,(i)v

296


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^'îrep^ ^KXKîrjvqv 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 eôfiev

KuKet ixepifiva<; ol 6avov/j,evoi jBpoTOiv,

ovK olS" oTToi TC<; TpeyjreTaL' to yap davelv

KaKcbv fieyicTTOv (f>dpfiaKov vo/xlêTai.

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 dô/jiai Oedv,

fjaov KarripKrai acofia, Î'lfirjTpo'^ Koprjv.

CO 7rai8e9, oiôfMecrOa' Xverai /xeXyj

\v7rr)- Xdêade «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 îcoai/xov

fi€L^Q)p yap dri], avfi(f)opd he Kal rdBe.

X0P02

ovTLvd (f)r]fii 6eo)v drep oXfiiov, ov âpvTTOTfiov,

dvSpa yeveadai,

610 ov8e Tov avTOv del ê^dvai. hofiov

evTvyla- irapa B dXXav dXXa/xolpa SiooKer

298

(TTp.


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 revyêi.

fiopcrifia 5' ovTt (fivyeiv 6e/J,i<;,

ov <TO(f)la Ti? cnrMaerafdWa fidrav 6 irpoOvfio^ del ttovov eêi.

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

Soâ Trpo? dv6p(07rcov viroheêTau'

d 8' dperd âiveu hid pô-yBatv.

dîa jjLev 7raTp6<;, dîa S'

evyeviw^ TciSe yiyverai-

el he (T€êi<; Oavdrov; dyaOwv, /i€Te;^ft) aoi.

eEPAnriN

650 w T€Kva, )iâipeT' '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';êt9

»

10AA02

^povTi^ TL<i tfXd^ olf(€co<;, rj avvet)(^6p.i]v.

* Lobeck : for MSS. a.\-i]rav.

300


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' evTvêl]T€p iadXov TratSo^;, WXK/H}]vr}v Xeyco,

€êX6\ 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)]

650 ovK ecrr' ciyetv ae rovah^ ejxov âiai]^ irore.

7] rap' €K€Lvov fMT) vo/jbiôi/j.t]v eyo)

/ji'fJTtjp tr' el 8k TcovBe Trpoadlêi %e/3t,

Bvoiv yepovTotv ov «aX,ft)9 dycoviet.

I0AA02Odpaei, yepaid, firj rpe(Tr]<i' ovk ^KpyoQev

Krjpv^ d(f)iKTai TToXefiiovs Xoyov<; eâjt-.

302


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-TTjaaî dyyeXov (f>6ôv ;

I0AA02

av 7rp6a6e vaov rovB^ ottco^ âirj^ 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^^ 7rpoaâ\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 Kadiêi 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)(ô)i' irdpecrT e^cov

;

©EPAnnN7roW,ov<i' dpidpov S' dXXov ovk e^co cf)pdaai.

1OAA02

670 taacTiv, olfxai, ravr ÂOrjvaloiv irpofiOL.

©EPAnnNXcraar kcli 8tj Xawu €aTy]K€v Kepa^.

10AA027]8rj yap d><; et? epyov lOTrXiarat aTparof;

;

304


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 Taêcov eKO,^.

IOAA02

TToaov Tt 5' ecTT arrcoOev Âpyeiov Sopv ;

OEPAnnNwar' iôpaadat rov arpaTTj'yov €fi(f>ava)^.

IOAA02

Ti SpcovTa ; /jicov rdaaovTa irdXe[ilcov aTiâ<;

;

©EPAnriN

yKuô/iev Tavr^' ov yap e^r]KOVop,ev.

aXX' elfx^' ipi']fiovf; 8ea7roTai\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' daTrCBoî ;

SEPAnnN6evot<; dv, dWd irpocrdev avro<; dv veaoi^.

10AA02

ouSet? €/jL eyjdpoyv Trpoa^Xeiroov dt'eêrai,

0EPAnnNOVK eaTLv, 0) rdv, rj ttot rjv p(t>fir] aedev.

I0iVA02

aXX' ovu fiaôvâi 7' dpi6fJ.ov ovk iXdaaocri.

306


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?;? revêwv cirep (âvel;

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 rdîcTTa 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' ovâec ttoXlv rjpeTepav ;

•XpPjV <yv(oaip,a'êtv arjv I'jXiKiav,

TO. 8' dp,ri')âv edv' ovk eaTiv ottw?

riî-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


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]^, êvoi.

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 iravTevîav.

(pOdvocf; S' av ovk av Tolahe avyKpvTrTcov 8€fia<;'

C09 eyyix; dyoiv, koI /jLoXtaT ' Ap?;? arvyel

fieXXovra'i- el Se revêcov (po/Sei /3dpo(;,

vvv yu-ez' TTopevov yvfiv6<i, iv Be rdêcriv

Koarfxcp irvKdôv rcoS'* iyo) 8' oiaco rero?.

I0AA02

KoXo)'; eXeâ^' dXX' efiol irpo-êtp' e)(^(i)v

T€vxn Kofiiê, 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<âXw<i Tropevreov.

310


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 Xeêt?, r]viK av Xevcrarf'i ji cKel.

©EPAnnNtI Spcovra ; ôvXoLfirjv S' av evTV)(ovvTd ye.

I0AA02hi dcn7Lho<i Oeivovra TroXe/nicov Tivd.

©EPAnnNel S)] TToO^ yô/iiev ye- touto yap (f)6/3o<;,

IOAA02

(f)eu'

740 €i0\ CO /Spa^tcoj', olov rjîjaavrd ere

fie/u.v7]/jie6^ rifiel'i, rjviKa ^vv 'H/oa/cXet

'^TTupTrjv €7r6p0ei^, av/j.p.aô<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)aealfi^poroi avyai,

uyyeXiav /moi iveyKacr*

3^2


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')î]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 pêv iroXiv to? ^\vKi]va<i avr. a!

760 evSatfiova Kal 8op6<i

iroXvaLveTov uXko,

firjviv €p,a 'yOovL Kevdeiv

KaKOv 8', M TToXc;, €i êi'ov^

iKTfjpa^ 7rapaS(i)ao/jiev

KeXeuapâaiv 'Apyov<;.

Zev<; p,oi avp,p,axo'i, ov (po/Sovfiai,

Zeu9 fioi, ')(dpiv ev8iKco<;

eyet" ovirore dvartav

r]<T<TOvevXa^,

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.


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^^îav eôt'Ta TroXe/xicov aeOev.

AAKMHNHft) (f)t\Tad\ ijBe a I'lfxepa Bi7]\aaev

rjXevdepayadai roiaSe rol^; dyyeXjuacriv.

790 /ita? ê /x outtco (TV/.t,(f)opd^ eX€v0epoi<;'

(})6ô<i <ydp et /xot iôicnv 01)9 eyco deXw.

eEPAnnN^coatv pLeyicTTov 7' evKXeei^ Kara arparov.

AAKMHNH6 /uiev yepoiv ovv eariv 'loXetu? ert ;

OEPAnnNfidXiara- irpdâ^ S' e'/c Oeon' ndXXiara Btj.

AAKMHNHTL 8' ecTTt ; /ifot' TL KeSiwp T^yawiêTO ;

©EPAnnNV€o<; pedearrjK eV yepovTo<; au6i<; av.

AAKMHNHOavpidaT eXeâ^' 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<; avrerdâfiev,

eAc/9a9 reOpiinrwv "TW09 dpfidrcov irnSa

316


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 /êrat^/itoi? Bopo<i.

Kaireir eXeêv S) aTparri'y 09 'Apyodev

i]Ket<;, ri TijvBe yaiap ovk eldaafiev ;

Koi ra<; MvK7Jva<i ovêv epyacrei kukov

avhpo'i aTepi]aa<;' aW ifioi /xovoî /jlovo)

fidyi^v avvd'â^, rj Kravoov c'ljov Xa/Scov

TOV<i 'WpaKKeiovi iralZa^, i) Oavciiv i/xol

810 Tifidi 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 raîv irdXiv'

/jLdvrec; B\ eTreiBi] fiovofidxov Si' daTriBo'^

820 BiaXXayd<i eyvcoaav ov TeXovfjueiâî,

eacpaôv, ovk e/xeXXov, dXX acpieaav

XaifjLcov t /Sporeicov ^ evOij^ ovpLov (f)6vov'

ol B' dpfiar^ elaelSaLvov, ol S' utt' uaTnBoiv

7rXevpoi<i eicpvTnov irXevp^' ÂdijvuLcov B' dua^

arparcf) TrapijyyeiX' 61a ')(pr] rov evyevi]'

0) ^v/xTToXlrat, rfj re ôcTKOvcrr) )(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'ôvi; 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


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]â6' 7)fid<;' etr i-x^wprjaav irakiv.

TO Sevrepov 8e ttou? e7raXXa;\;êt9 ttoSl,

dvijp S' eV ai'Spl araî 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'jêT alcr)(^vin]v iroXei ;

fi6\i<; Be TTOLvra Spcovre'i ouk arep ttovwv

iTpeyjrdfMead^ 'Apyeiov et9 (pvyijp Bopv.

KavravO o irpeaûq ' TWov eôp/j.(i)p.evov

iScov, 6p6â<; iKerevae Seîav

'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? Â6dva<;, apfi IScov ^vpvadeco^,

Tjpdaad^ "H/St] Zi]vl 0\ rjfMepav piav

ven<; yeveadai KinroTLcraaOaL hiKi-jv

i')(6pov^' KXveii' Si) Oav/.iaTov eheiêv 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 )(êlpa<i uKpodiviov

KaXXiarov rjKet rov (TTpaT}]XdTr}p aywv

^ Dindorf : for MSS. toD KfAeiia/uoroi.

320


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) î]\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 iireaKeyô) 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<â)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

êvoi 7r'\avi]ri]v etxer' dOXtov îov.

drdp Tb Kevdcov 'IoXe&)9 <T0(f)6v irore

8S0 ^vpva6eco<; eêtcra^' Mare fii] Kravelv ;

Xeôv Trap' rjfuv fiev <ydp ov ao(f)bv ToSe,

iy^dpov'i Xaôvra /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? ^âveêf^' dvayKj]' Kal yap ovk iôvXero

^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


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-êvhe<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'âpa ^K(^pohira'

repiTvov Be tl koI cplXcov ap*

evTvîav ISecrOac

TCOV Trdpoî OV hoKOVVTOiV.

TToWa yap TLKTei

Motpa TeXeaaiScoreip*

900 Al(ov re Kpovov 7rai<?.

e;êi9 oSov riv , m TroXt?, BiKaLov uvt. aOV

'X^pj]TTOTe rods' acêadai,

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-

<êvyw \6yov 0)9 tov "AiBaBojxov Kareâ, TTvpo<;

Beiva (f)\oyl aojpa Baia6eL<;'

"H/3a9 t' eparov ^po'têt

Xe^ô? )(^pvaeav KaT avXdv,

& 'T/xevace, Bicraov^

iralBaf; Ato? rjî(oaa<i.

3«4


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^'^ iêaOai 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 pêrearrjaev tv^V^-T/VXo? p.ev ovv 6 T iaOXo^ 'loXew? ^peTapeu- €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

exPpovî' Kparel yap vvv ye kov Kparel'i en.€Kelvo^ el trv, ôvXop,at yap elBiiai,

b? TToXXa fjilv TOP 6v6^ OTTOV Vti vvv ifiov

326


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 iâTroXXvvai \eyaiv

eTreinre^. aWa S" oV e/ui]-âra) 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'' "ÊXXaSo?

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 iêipyaap-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 BoâvO "TXXo? e'f?;2'e'o-;êro;

XOPO2

XP^^ ^' CLVTOVy olpat, Tf]B^ ciTTLarrjaaL ;^ôi't;

A^\KiMHXH

XPW "ôpBe fiT] i^rjv jJ,r]B' er elaopdv (pdo^;.

3«8


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" eêt? fiefx-^LV, el Spdaei<; ToSe.

AAKMHNH(f)i\(o TToXtv Ti]vK' ovhev avTiXeKTeov.

TOVTOV S', eVetTrep yêlpa'i rjXOev et? e//«9.

OVK eaTi dvi)Twv oaTi<i eâipijaeTac.

TTpo? TavTa TT]v dpaaelav oaTiq av OeXjj

Kol TTjv (^povovaav pelôv rj jvvatKa y^prj

980 Xefet" to S' epyov tovt ijuol ireirpdêTai,.

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

\eôv6^ 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(PDôv 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°


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 dcTâXi).

ovKovv (TV 7' av Xa-yovcra ^ Ta9 eiid<^ rv)(a^

e')(dpov XeovTO^; hvaixevrj l3\acrTi]fiaTa

rj\avv€ KravovTi KarOavcov

TToXi? S' d(})i]Ke croic^povovaa, tov deov

fielôv 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 îov.

X0P02TrapaiveaaL (Tot crfiiKpov, ÂXk/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«


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) BiSdô) 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)<êki]aeL fieiôv^ 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 êvcov

irpova-'Trjre. ttw? ovv ravT eyob 'TreTrva/nevo';

Bevp^ rfkOov, dXV ov ^PV^/^^^ ijBov/xyjv^ deov;

"Wpav vo/j,[â)v decK^drcov Kpeiaao) ttoXv,

1040 KovK av TrpoBovjUi fi. dXXd /j,7]T€ fioL X^^'^fJirjO^ alfx idar].

KUKOV yap avTol^ voarov dvrl tcjvB^ eyoo

Bcocrw BlttXovv Be KepBo^ eêr 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


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 KOfxHêr avrov, S/iwe'?, elra ^(pr] kvctX

Bovvac KTavovra^' fir) yap iXiriayj^; oircoî

avdi^ iraTpcpa'i ^cov e'yu,' e/cySaXet? xôv6<;,

X0P02Tavra SoKet /xoi. aTeiy(êr', OTraBoL.

ra yap i^ tjfioov

KadapS}<i earai âcriXevaiv.

336


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.

ÔINIISAI

IOKA2TH*0 Tr]v ev aaTpoi<i ovpavov re/xvcov oSou

Kot )(^pvaoKoW.i]TOL(TLv efMê/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;/ia<? Ku7rptSo9 'Apfioviav irore

TloXvhwpov iê(f)vcre, tov Se Ad^SuKov(bvuai Xeyovaiv, e/c Se rovSe Adiov,

10 eycb 8e 7rat<j /aev K\7Jô/iiat Mezôf/ceo)?,

K.p€u)v T aSeX<j!)0? [xrjTpo^; €k /i.<a? e'î/'

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 ôlôv iâirel 6' a/.ia

iraihwv 69 oikov<; dpcrevwv Kotvcaviav.

o 8' elirev «5 %y]j3aLcnv evlTnroLi; ava^,

fiT] airelpe tckvcov dXoKa Saifiovcov Î'a'

el yap reKvoiaei^; iralh , diroKTevel cr 6 <f>v<i,

20 Kal 7rd<; a-d<; OLKO<i îjaerat Be' aXfiaTO^.

8' rjhovfi Sov<; et9 re âKêlov treaoiv

ecnreipev rjulv iralha, koI (T7r€ipa<; ^pe(po<;}

* Probably corrupt : scholars propose ^ptvSs, &<pvu, Hâp.

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

0INI22AI

yvov^ Ta/XTrXaKTifxa tov Oeov re rrjv (fidriv,

Xetfioiv i<i"Hpa<; koI K.i6aipcbi'oo^,

a(f)vp(ii)v (TiBrjpd KevTpa Bi,a7rei'pa<; fiecrov

66ev vLv EXXa? oivofiaêv Olhlirovv.

Ylokvôv 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 iâvSpov/X€Vo<;

7ral<i ov/j.o<;, t) yvovi; r/ tivo<; fiadfov irdpa,

eareiê tou? (f)vaavTa<; eK/nadelv OeXcov

7rpo<; 8(1)fxa ôiôv, Aaio? 9^, oufio^ iroai^,

TOV eKTcdevTa iralSa fxaaTevwv fiadeiv,

el firjKeT el'rj. Kal ^vvaTrreTov iroha

el]<i-

40 M êve, Tvpdvvoi<; iKiroBcov êdlaTaao.

6 8' elpiT dvavSo<i, p,eya (ppovcbv ttwXol Be viv

•^rjXalii TevovTa<; iêcjôcviacrov 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<; TaXaôvS* r) TSKOVcra TraiBl avyKoificojj,evrj.

346


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^ îav,

K6pa jdficov

60 o irdvT^ dvarKa,^ Ol8iTrov<; 7rad7]/u,aTa

et? ofi/JLaO^ avTov heivov ifi^dWei <f)6vov,

p^pucTT/Xaroi? TTopiraLaw aljjbdâf; Kopa^j.

iirel he TeKVcov jeuvi e/xwv aKidêrai,

K\r]6poL<i eKpvyJrav irarep', 'Iv djxvrjfJLOiv Tvyr]

fyevoiTO TToWwv heo/mevi] (TO(f)iafj.dTQ)v.

lôiv S' ear iv ol'Koi<i. Trpo? he r?}? tu;^7;9 voawvdpa<; dparai iraialv dvouiwrdra'^,

BrjKTU) cnhi'ipu) hcofia hiaXaîêlv Tohe.

Tft) 8' ei<? (f)6l3ov Trecrovre, /jui] TeXeacf)6povT\ enrel S' eirl ^vyoi<;

Kadeêr dp)(f]^, ov /xediaTaTai dpovwv,

(fyvydha S' aTrmOel rrjcrhe TIoXweiKr) ')(6ov6<i.

6 S' "Apyo<; eXOcoi', «>}So9 WhpdcTTOV XajScov,

7roXXr]v dOpoLaa^ darrih^ Âpyeicou 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 -âvaai hop6<;.

•tjêiv 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 avfiâaiv reKvoa.

348


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<; ÂvTiyom] dako^ iraTpL,

irreL ae fit]T7]p irapdevoyvaf; iKXnrelv

90 fiedfJKe fieXddpcov e? Siijpe'^ ecrûTov

(TTpurevfi IBecu Âpyelov iKeaiaiaL aal^,

i7ricr)(ê<i, a><; hovkcp -ôyof;,

aol 8' 0)9 di'dacrrj' irdvra S' eêtSco? (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, yjcopiiôvai S' dXX'qXfov X6')(pv<i.

ANTirONH

ico TTorvia irai AaTov<;

110 'E/cara, KUTaxaXKOv airav

ireSiov daTpdirrei.

35°


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; ^ôXkoSct* ap* efi/doXa

Xalveotaiv 'Ayu.0iOi'O? 6pydpoi<;

T€i'Xêo<; 7]p/xoaTai ;

nAiAArnrosOdpaer rd j evSov acrâXw? e^^t TroXi?.

aXV elaopa rov Trpcorov, el ôvXei /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<; ovopdêrat ;

nAiAArnro2ovTO<i ÎvKr)vaio<i pev avSuTat yevo<;,

Aepvaia S* oIkci vdpa6\ 'liTTrop.eZoiv dva^.

ANTirONHe e 0)9 yavpo<i, ft)9 ôêpb^ elaiSeiv,

yiyavTL yi]yever(i irpoaopoto^

darepco7ro<; eV ypa(paiaiv, ov^l 'irpo(T(f)opo<;

130 dixepiw yevva.

nAiAArnro2rov S' eâfielôvT ovx opd<i ALpKr](i vSoyp ;

352

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? fjêv 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 /xiô/Sdpâpo^.

nAiAArnro2

o-aKe<T<f)6poi yap 7rdvT€<i AltwXoi, re/cvov,

140 X67;ât9 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)(ây6<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 roôi'i Ba/xdcracr^ oXeaeiev,

69 eV €fj,dv TToXiv e/Sa iripaoyp.

35^


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) ÎXraT, elire, irov âri Tlo\vvet,Ki]<;, yepov.

nAiAArnros

iKelvo<i eirra irapdevcov rdcfiov 7r€\a<;

160 N<o/5i;9 ÂBpdcTTo) 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 eâiwaaific 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 -^âpd^;,

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


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<êp(ov Wvvei.

180 TToO S' o? ra Setm t^S' i^v^plêu TroXei

KaTravev'i ;

nAiAArnro2

€Keivo<i 7rpoa^daei<; reK/jialperai

irvpywv livay re koI kutco rei'î] jJierpMV.

ANTirONH

iu),

êfi€cn /cat At09 âpv^pofioi /Spovrai,

Kepavvwv re ^<W9 aWaXoev, av rot

/jbeyaXayoptav virepavopa Koi[iiêL<i'

08' earlv, al')(^fj,a\(i)Ti8a<?

09 So/3l @7;/3ata9 ^lvKt]v')]icriv

Aepvata re Bcoaecv rpiaiva,

Iloaei8avLoc<; Â/xv/x(i)vloi<;

vSaat, BovKeiap Trepi/SaXcov, [\e7et] ;

190 /xi^TTore /xrjTroTe rdvh\ & irorvia,

'^pvaeo/36arpv'ôv o) Ai09 epvo<t

Âprefic, 8ov\o(7vvav Tkalriv.

nAiAArnros

0) TeKvov, e'taâ Bm/jlu kuI Kara crreyat

iv irapOevwcn fjilfive (Toi<i, eVei ttoOov

eh Tepyjnv i]\de<; mv e^prjê^ elaiSelv.

0^X09 yap, 0)9 Tapay/ji6opfjid'i nv Xd^coai Twv \oyo)v,

358


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? eTreiacêpovaLV' rjBovt] 8e Ti<i

jwai^l /xy]S€v vyi€<i aXX?;Xa<? Xeyeiv,

X0P02

Tvpiov olSfia \i7rova kfiav <Trp. aUKpoOivia AoîaôivLcraa'i utto vccaov

<IôtyQ&) 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/jidv €fio\ov ydv,

KXetvMv ÂyrjvopiSdv

6/.wyei>et<i eVt Aatov

TrefxÔela'' 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 yîhav

ôLêiaLaL \arp€Lai<;.

o) 'kdixTTovaa irerpa irvpo^ fieawKSiKopvijyov creXa? vrrep ctKpojv

Ba/cpêiojf Aiovvaov,

360


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 ôrpvv,

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 dôl3o<;

irapd fieao/jLipaXa yvaXa Oot-/8of Aip/fav irpoXtTTOvaa.

vvv he fiot irpo recêcov arp. ^240 0ovpio<; fj,o\(ov "Ap?;?

alfxa Sdiov (f)Xey€i

TttS', O p-T} TV'Ôl, TToXei'

KOivd yap ^lKwv d^yj'

KOiva 8', el.' Ti ireoaeTai

KaXkt,7rvpyo^ dSe ydôiviaaa '^(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 (ôiv'iov p,d)(i]<;,

av "Aprj<; Td-y^ elaerai

iraialv Olh'nrov cfiepcov

Tryjpovdv 'Epivvrov.

"A/370? w HeXaayiKou,

362


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^êrai 86/.wv<;.

nOATNEIKHS

TO, fitp TTvXcopcov K\fj6pd fi elaeheîiTO

St' ev7reT6La<; Tef)(êu)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; Trapeôpai,

wi] Tt? ouTO<i ; ?) KTVTTov cf)O/Sovp.e0a ;

270 diravra yap roXfioiai Seiva (âiverai,

orav St' e-Ôpd^ irov^ dp.eij3yrai ^Ôi-'o?.

TreTTOtda fievrot /j,i]rpi, kov ireTToid' dpa,

7]ri<i fi erreiae Sevp' vTroairovhov fxoXelv.

uXK" iyyv<; oKki]' ^co/jhoi yap eaûpctt

7reXa9 irdpeiai, kovk ep'ijpâ Soipara.

(fiip^ e? aKOTeiva<i Trept/SoXd'i p.edo) ^L(f)o<;

Koi rciaS' epcopat, ri.ve<; e<peaTdaiv B6p,oi<i.

êvai yupatKe^, etirar , i/c iroiaî TrdTpa<i

'FiWy^viKolai Scopâaiv ireXaêre

;

X0P02

2S0 ôivLaaa p-ev yr) irarpls i) Opeyjraad /.ce,

^Kyi]vopo<i he Traihe^ eic iraihcov hopo<;

ôi^cp pi eirep-âv evOdh^ dKpodiviov.

p,eX\.o)i/ he 7rep,Treiv pu Olhirrov K\eiv6<; yovo^

pai're'ia aepivd Ao^lov r e-n' ea^dpaî,

ev TfwS' eirearpdrevaav Âpyeloi ttoXlv.

364


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 ©rjâia^ 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 aeôvcra—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

ûivLa-<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 dfiîâWe fxa-

arov dikivaiat fiaTepo^,

^ Murray : for MSS. yepaif iroSl rpofx^pav IAkcu (irai81) woSbs

366


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, aKidôov 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 Xdâ>

'âpfiovdv ; Id) t€K09,

epy]fJbov irarpMov e\(7re? S6/xov

<f>vydb<; 0tX.ot9,

rj TToOeLvo'i &)]âi,'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 dixeiôjxai.

6 8' iv 86/Jboicn Trp^(T/3v<; 6fXfiaToaT€p7]<;

d'7r)]va^ v/xoTrrepov Ta9 o-tto-

^vyeiawi So/xcov

330 TToOov djjLtîhdKpvTOv del /caT€)((OV

368


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

avfjê fikv î(f)ov^

eir auToxîpa re a(f)a'ydv,

inrep Tcpafivd r dyôvaî,

(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 dSovavêvoiaiv ev B6fioi(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 alhapoêtr 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


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

iÔpov^ 69 av8pa<i' aXX" avayKaL(o<; e)(eL

'TrarpiSo^ ipdv airavra';' 09 5' aXkQ)<; \eyet,

360 Xoyoiai âtpet, rov Se vovv eKela e)(ei.

01/76) Se Tapôv; €19 c})6ôv r d(f)LK6n'>]v,

ixrj Ti<; 8o/\,09 p-e 7rpo9 Ka(rtyvi]Tov Krdvr],

(oaTe î(}>'>']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^ êvrjv ttoKlv

370 vaico, Si' oaacov o/xfi eêof SaKpvppoovv.

aXV €« yap dXyov; d\yo<; av ae Sep/co/naL

^Kapa ^vpr}Ke<i Kal TriTrXov; jxeKayxîp-ovi]

e)(ovaav, oXpuoL rwv ifX(bv iyco kukcov.

0)9 Beivbv e-)(6pa, fii^rep, oiKeioov <îKo3V

Kal 8va\vTov<; 6)(ôucra 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 ijpâr, 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


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' iêp(OTa, /xriBep eVSee? Xt7r»79*

a yap crv ôvXec, ravT ifioi, fifJTep, (jiCXa.

I0KA2THKat 8/; o"' epwTO) irpcoTov &v y^pr/^co rv)(êlv,

Tt TO crrepeadai iraTpihoq ; rj kukov p.e<ya

;

nOATNEIKHS/bLeyicTTOv €py(p 8' ia-rl fxelôv 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, avvacrocêlv Tot9 pii] ao(f>o2'i.

nOATNEIKHSaW' ei? TO Kep8o<i Trapa <j)vaLv BovXeuTeoi'.

IOKA2THai S' eXTTtSe? ôaKovac (f)vyd8a<i, co? X0709.

nOATNEIKH2AfaXot9 ^XeiTOvaav 7' 6p./xaaiv, [xeWovcn he,

I0KA2THoyS' 6 '^p6vo<; avTa<; Bieadipiâ^ ovaa<; Kevu<;

;

nOATNEIKH2€)(ov(riv d(f>po8iTrjv tip* rjSeiav KaKOiv.

IOKA2TH

400 TTodep S' ifioaKov irplp ydfioif; evpeiv /3iop

;

374


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 êv iir rjîap el'xpv, elr ovk el')(pv avi [

I0KA2TH

<f)i\oi. Be 7raTpo9 Kal êvoi 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'Xêcv to <y€VO<; ovk eôaKe fie.

IOKA2THrj iraTpi^, to? eoiKe, (piXrarov ^poToh.

nOATNEIKH2

ou8' ovofidaai hvvaC av co<? iarlv (fiiXov.

I0KA2TH

TTco? S' ^\6eo<; yap 6 6e6<i' rivi Tpoiro) S' ec^ê? X,e;;^09 ;

nOATNEIKH2

expv^^ 'ASyoacTTW Ao^ta9 XRV^H-^^ Tiva.

IOKA2TH

410 TTOLov ; Tt toOt' e\eâ<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, ÂBpdaTOv 8' rjXdop et9 Trayoao-TaSa?.

376


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 <â<nv iK(f)vvai, Trar/jo?.

I0KA2TH420 Tt d'qpalv vfidara ;

nOATNEIKHSKa8(0K€V rjfiiv Buo hvolv V€dvi8a<i.

IOKA2TH

ap" euTuêt9 ovv toZ? ydp.oi'i y SfcrTU^êt? ;

nOATNEIKH2ou p.€fj,7rrb<; rj/xlv 6 <ydfio<; ei? toS' yp.epa'i.

IOKA2TH

77(09 8' eê7ret<Ta9 8evp6 aoi airea-dai arparov

;

nOATNEIKH2hiaaol^ ''ABpaaTO<i wjioaev yafi^poi^; roSe,

[TvBei 76 Kapôr crvyya/xo<i yap ear ep6<;,]

dfi(f)U) Kurdêiv ei^ irdrpav, irpocrdev S' ip,e.

430 TroWol he Aavacov /cal ÎvKijvaLwv 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


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, SiaXkdâaav 6fjioyev€liXov<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'î]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 8iaXkdêt<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<; j3paêLa<i, al<i vTroairovhov fioXelv

TOPS' elaeSe^co rei^^^^ Treiaaad fie.

I0KA2TH

iiriaX'S'^' ovroi to ra^y rrjp BIktjv e;êf

/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 elaopao<i, dSeXcfjov S' eicropaî i]KOVTa crov.

crv T av trpoawTTOv 7rpo<; KacriyvrjTOv arpecpe,

JloXvveiKe<;' et9 ydp tuvtov ofifutai ^Xerrcov

Xeêf9 t' djieivov TOvSe t evSeêi X6yov<i.

460 Trapaivecrai Be ac^wv tl ôuXofiat aocjôv'

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 eêcv.

380


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

ÔINISSAI

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)6eyâT 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' eêt

TupavvlS' avTO<i Kal hofimv ifiov jnepo^.

Kal vvv €roip6<; elfii rd/navrov \a/3cov

(TTparov ixev e^w TfjaS^ dTroareiXai ;^ôi/o?,

oucelv Be top e/xov oIkov dva p,ipo}? Bi,Kr]<; Treipdaofxai

Bpav, ixdpTvpa;? drep

dvoaTepovpat irarplBoq dvoaiuiTara.

ravr aud' eKaara, pr^jep, ov)(l irepiirXoKa^

382


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

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' eêiv Tvpavvlha.Tovr ovv TO ')(^pr]aT6v, firjTep, ov^^l ôvXo/xaidWw irapelvai fxdWov rj awêiv ifxoi'

dvavhpia ydp, to irXeov 6aTi<i d7ro\icra<i

510 TOvXaaaov eXaê. 7rpo<; herolah^ alcr')(yvoixai,

ekdovra crvv OTrXoi? rovSe kuI iropOovvra yrjv

Tvxîv a XPV^^'-' '^'^^ J^P «^ ®riâi<i ToSe

yevoiT 6v€iSo<;, el ^lvK7]vaLov 8op6<i

ô/S&) Trapeirjv aK7]7rrpa rdfid twS' e')(êiv.

XPW ^' CLVTOV ou^ OTrXoicri Ta? SiaXXayd^,pLi-jrep, TTOielaOaf irdv ydp eâipel X6yo<;

Kal crlh')]po<i TroXefxiwv Spdcreiev dv.

dXX" el fiev aXXco^ ripSe yf]v oiKelv OeXet,

eêcTT' CKeivo S' oy^ eKMv /leOijaofiai,

620 dp')(eiv irapov fioi, rwSe hovXevaai Trore.

7rp6<i TavT^ era) fxev irvp, 'Itw he ^dcryava,

êvyvvaOe S' tTTTrou?, TreSla irifiirXad^ dpfxdrtov,

0)9 ov 7rapi]<T0i twS' e'/Li?;!/ jvpavviha.

384


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' evcreêlv ^peci)i'.

X0P02OVK ev Xeyeiv ^ph P-V

'''"^ "ôt? 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';êi Ti Xiâi twv vewv aocficoTepov.

Ti T^9 KaKL(jrr}<i Saifxovcov ecpLeaai

î\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 eraê Kdpi6p,ov Sicoptcre,

vvicTO'i T dêyye<i /3Xe(papov ipdov re (f)a)^

laov /SaBiêi top eviavaLov kvkXov,

KovBerepov avroiv (pOovov e)(et viKoopevov.

eW i']Xio<; p,€v vv^ re BovXevei /Bporoi'i,

av S' OVK dveêt hwpdrcov exoiv lctov

Kal TcGS' drrovep-eiv ; Kara rrov âriv 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

ôvXei ; ri S' ccrri ro rrXeov ; ovopJ e^êt povov

386


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')(ôvTe<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)(î hopv ro iiaS/jLei.(ov eXr],

oypêi hapLaaOev acrrv ®T]/3aiov ToSe,

o-yjrec Be TroWd^ ai^poKoiTiha^ Kopw^

îa 7rpo9 dvhpoiv iroXepicov iropdovpeva^,

ohvviipo^ dp' 6 7r\ovTO<;, ov ^rjTel<i ^)(eiv,

yevi'âerat, (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]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]^£it]<; 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


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 ^vfxâaLV 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 KOfiiôv reixôiv, rj Kardavel.

nOATNEIKHS

7rpo9 TtVo? ; Tt9 wS' arp(OTO<i, 6aTi<; et? t^/zo.? î(f>o<i

<f)6viov €fiâXcbv 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)(ôi

KaKOV.

ETEOKAH2

Kara crvv TToWolcnv rjXOe^ Trpo? rov ovBev e?

fidxvv

;

nOATNEIKHS

a<T<â\ri<; yap ecTT dfielvoiv rj Opacrv<; cnpaTq-\dTT)<i.

ETEOKAH2

600 ACo/x7ro9 el (T7rovSai<; TreTroidcof, al ere acpiôvaiv

davelv.

390


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


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


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

'Xâprd <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^ptôp,ai.

nOATNEIKH2TTOv TTore (TTt'jcret. irpo irvpycov ;

ETEOKAH2CO? Tt /Li' KTTopet'i ToSe ;

nOATNEIKH2avTiTaô/xai Krei'MV ere.

ETEOKAH2/cayLte ToOS' ep&)9 e';êf.

IOKA2THfoj TttXati'' iyd). Tt Spdaer, & tskv ;

nOATNEIKH2at'TO crripavel.

IOKA2TH

Trarpo'i ov (ftevêcrd^ ^Kpivv<; ;

ETEOKAH2ipperoi irpoira^ B6fio<i.

396


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 apyâei ^tô<i.

T)]v Se dpe-âadv fie lyalav koI 6eov9 a.TijjiO'i OLKTpa 7rda)(ô3P iê\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' iêXavvop-at ')(jdov6'i.

Kal av, $ot/3' dra^ Âyviev, Koi p-ekadpa ^ât/Jexe,

riXiKe<i 6' oiipiOL, Oecov re Seîfiy]X^ dydX/jLara.

ov yap 06^' et p.ot TrpoaeLTrelu av6i^ ead^ vjud'i

iXTTiBeî 8' ovTTco Kadeu8ova\ al? ireTToida aiiv

Tovh^ diroKTeiva'i KpuTrjaeiv rr/aBe ^rjâia^

ETEOKAH2€^l6^ eK ')(â>pa^' dXrjdto^ S' 6vop,a UoXwetKi]

iranip

eOero aoc Beta irpovoia veiKewv eTToovu/xop.

XOP02Krt8,uo<f epôXe rdvSe ydv arp.

Tvpio^, (p TeTpaaKeXi]<;

640 /Liccr^jô? 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^ Â6vQ)v ^ €XPV>KaXXiTTorap.o'i vBaro^ "va re

voTiî îrkpyeTuL pvTci'i

AipKa^ 'ô>](pupov<i

' Valckeuaer : for MSS, ZSfiiAif,


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 âdvaTTopov^; <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' -ôpevixa Trapdevoicn Sr^âlaiat.

Kal yvvaiîv evLOi<;.

€v6a ^6i'Lo<; i)v BpaKWV avT.

Âp€o<;, o)fx6(f)p(ov (f)v\a^

vd[iar evvSpa Kal peedpa

660 -yXoepa SepyfiuTcop Kopaiat

TToXvTrXdvoi'i eTriakottmvov iirl x^pviâ^ 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 eâvfjKe <yd

irdvoirXov oyjnv virep ciKpwv

6pcoi> '^dov6<;' aiSapocjipcou

Be viv (jyopoî TrdXw ^vi'f]\fre yd <f>LXa.

a7/xaT0<i S' eSevae yalav, d viv ewiXiotcri

helêv atOepo^ irvoal^.

Kal ae tov 7rpofidTOpo<i etraih.

'1 01)9 ttot' CKyovov

^ Murray's arrangement, securing metrical correspondence.

400


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 KofiLê top Mei/o/ /cecu?

Kpeoi/r', dSeXcpov firjrpo (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 Bopôv<; 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^lôv elacBcli', ls.p€ov

TToA-A-oij yap t-jvpov iiBeel<i BiaWayd<;,0)9 eJs Xoyovq avvr/-\lra UoXvveLKei pboXdiv.

KPEHNrjKovaa pLelôv aiirov rj 07;/?a9 (ppoveii',

Ki'jBeL T ÂBpdcxTov Kal arpaTM TreiroiOuTa.

402


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 Âpyetcov Trdpa.

ETEOKAH2\eyeL 8e Si] ri ro)v eKel vewrepov

;

KPEHN710 peWeiv [Trepi^ irvpyoiai KaS/xei'iov ttoXlv

OTrXot?] eXiêiv avriK Âpyeltov arparov.

ETEOKAH5eôtareov rdp* oirXa KâBpelcov TruXei.

KPEHNTrot; pwv ved^wv ov^ 6pa<i a XPV^ °"' opdv

;

ETEOKAH2eKTo^ Td<f)po)v TOivh\ toJ9 puôvfievovi rdâ.

KPEnNcrpiKpov TO irXrjOo'i rijaBe yrj<i, ol 6' d^dovoi.

ETEOKAH2iywha Keivov; toI^ X6yoi6i>ov.

KPEnNdeXoLfjb dv dXXa tovO' opoi ttoXXov ttovov,

ETEOKAH2

720 &>? ov Kadeôd reL-êoiv ataoi arparov,

KPEnNKol fiijv TO vLKav ian Trap evôvXia.

404


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)(ôv

;

KPEHNe'lTrep (T<âXel^ 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- ôvXevov 8\ iireiirep el crocpo';.

ETE0KAH5Tt? ovv TTpovoia yiyverat (TOcfxoTepa ;

KPEnN^ttt' dvhpa<i avToh âaiv, o)? rJKOva^ iy<o,—

406


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.

KPEHNXoîov 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

rdôi Xo')(âyov<i Trpof TrvXaiaiv, to? Xey€i<f,

750 i'crou? XaoicTL iroXe/uLOiaiv avTidei^s.

ovopa S' eKdarov 8iarpt/3)] voXXr] Xeyeiv,

iyÔpcov utt' ainoL<; Tet.)(€aiv Kadrjixevoiv.

dXX^ eifM, OTTcos av jjli] KarapyoipLev %epa.

Kai fxoi yei'Oir dB€X(f>ov dvTi]pi] XaêluKal ^varadevra 8id p,d^7](; eXeiv Sopi,

KTavelv 0' o? rjXde irarplha iropdrjcroiv Cfi/jv.

yd[Jbov]'i ^yoi <J(âX(t),

40S


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'Xêyyvoi'

7G0 Trji> irpoaOe Trotco vvv iir €ô8ol<; efiai^;.

fxr]Tepo\(0(Ta<;' ovk dyav cr^' eTrrji'ea-a'

r)fid^ t' dpataiv, rjv tv^tj, KaraKrevel.

€1' S' iarlu rjfxlv dp'ôv, et Ti decrcpaTov

olfj)v6âvTL<; Teipe'Jta'i h')(€L (ppaaai,

rovh^ eKirudecrdaL ravT • eycb 8e iralSa aov

Me/'0(/cea, aov Trarpo'^ avTeTrcovv/xov,

770 aôvra Trefxyjrco Bevpo Teipeaiav, Kpeovaol /jL€1' yap //Su? €i? Xoyovi cKpiêrar

eycb 8k Te-xyrjv fxavTiK7)v e/ie/i-v/ra/xT/v

T/8r; TTô? avTov, coaTe /xot, /i-o/i<â? €\eiv.

iroXei he Kal aol ravr (.TTLaKi^Tnci), KpeovrjVTrep Kpartjar] rajxa, WoXvveiKOV^ veKVv

fxi]7roTe Ta(f>)]vai, T^8e &7]/3ai'a ^(dovi'

OvTâKeiv he tov OdyjravTa, kclv (pLXwv Ti? rj.

aol fxkv rdh^ avhco' 7rpoa7r6Xoi9 fi? dywva rov TrpOKelfxevoi' hop6/9, rt tto^' aifian a-rp.

Kal Oavdrui Karexî BpofiLOU '7rapdfJ,ouao<; eopTaX<;

;

ouK eVi KaXXt')(^6poi<; aTecpdvoiai vedviho'; (opa<i

^6aTpv)(ov dfX'n-€Tdaa<;, Xforov Kara Trievfiara

fxeXTrei

410


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

OINI22AI

fiovcrav, ev a )(apiT€<; ôpoTrotot,

aXXa <jvv 67r\o(f)6poi<; crTparov Wpyecwv eVt-

Trreucra?

790 a't/j,aTL &i]âiv [xera 8iva,

apfiacri Kal yfra\LOi<i rerpaûfiocn /xwrv^â ttcoXoi',

iTTTreiai'i eirX êv/xaat âlvcov

^lafirjvolo 6od^€t<;, Âpy€LOi<; eirnrvevaa^

^Traprow yevvav,

da7riSo(f)ep/j.oi'a Oi'aaov eioTrXov,

dvTLTraXov Kara Xciiva rei^â

â\K(2 KoafM7]aa<;.

7] heivd T<9 "Epi9 6e6<;, a rdSe

fjbrjaaro rrtj/iara yd<; /SaaiXevaiv,

800 Aa^SoKiSai^ jTo\vp.6xOoi<;.

M âdecov TrerdXayi' iroXvd'qpora- dvr.

Tov mTTO?, 'A/OTeyu.<8o9 ')(iovoTp6(f30v o/x/xa KiOai-

pcov,

/jL^jiroTe TOV davdrtp Trpo-redevra, Xoêu/i' 'loAca-

CTTa?,

cliêXe? Olhiirohav Opi-âi ^pe<j}o<i ckôXov oI'kcov,

ypuaoSeroi'i 7repovai<i eTnaafJiov

fiTjhe ro irapOeviov inepov, ovpeiov repa<;, eXOelv

irevOea yaia<;,

'^<îyy\ dTTopbOvaoTdTaicTL avv Q)Sai<;,

a iroTe KaSfioyevi} r€Tpa/3d/j.oai x^^<^^^

412


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€iXô-L y^ptfjiTTTOfxeva (pepev aWepof ei? aârov

(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? Xeôî yXOev.-f

eT6K€^, w ja, €T€Ke<; Trore, iirfiyS.

/Sdpâpov 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 reiêa 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<ôv 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.eiôp,€va 7r6\i<i aS' tV a-

Kpoa earaKev^kprj-

oi'i aT€(pdvoiaii/,

414


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

oÔakfJiO^ el (TV, vav/3drai(Tiv darpov to?*

Bevp^ et? TO \evpov ireSov 'i')(yo<i ridela ijxov,

Trpoâive, 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]v 8e âivcov 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

êtpo? dvpaiav 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^fôvv 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


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)]âi^ 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'ô). 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 hepyîdrcov 8i.a(f)0opal

6eo)V ao(f)i(7/jLa Kd'mheiî.'i 'EWaSi.a (rvyKoXvyjrac 7raiSe9 OISlttov ')(^p6v(p

'X^prjôvT€<;, ft)? 8j] 6eov<; vTreKSpafiov/xevoi,

y/iaprov dp.ado)'^' ovre yap yepa Trarpl

OUT eôSov Si86vT€<; dvSpa Sucrrvx^]

e^qyplwaav e'/c S' eirveva avroZ 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 /xLâvTe<; /3e\y]

TTiKpov^ y6ov<i Scocrouai @y]/3ata Ôovl.

(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 xôv6<;,

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


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 «crâA,69

iriKpov re rolat Ti]v rvxw /cexTijfj-ei'ot';

TToXei TTapaaêiv (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^jê? 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

ôvXei (TV fievTOi Kov-)(i ôvXrja-ei Ta%a.

KPEflN

900 Ka\ TTW? iraTpmav yalav ov acbcrai deXo) ;

TEIPE2IA2

êA,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


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

ÔINUSAI

KPEflN

e/i09 7r€<f>VK(0(; 7ralpda(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.'\

acpdâi, 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 \eâ<i iv ^pa')(êl 'y^povid KUKa.

TEIPE2IA2

aoi y , dWa irarpLBi peydXa kuI cro)Ti'jpia.

KPEnNOVK €k\vov, ovk i'jKOvaa' yâipero) 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


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-yêi \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/xaroî

(Hfx rji' Xdîj /SpoTetoi^ eêr' 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^ yevvoayd'i aTveipyova' ov ydp eartv rjdeo^'

Kel fXTj ydp evi'i]!; I'^-âT, a}OC eêt 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


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

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7r/oo9 oIkov. o(TTiv Oecov. ôl8ov dv6p(07roi<; piovov

XPU^ OeaTTiaSeiv, 09 BeSoiKev ovBeva.

XOP02960 Kpeoi/, rl cnyai; yrjpuv cixfyOoyyov (T')(^dcra<; ;

Kilpôl yap ovSev rjcra-ov eKirXtjî'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(âyevra rralha Trpocrdetvai TroXei.

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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'îaTaTTja-B^ aTraXXa'îÔel'i ')(^Bov6^'

Xeêi yap dp-^âlq Kal (TTpaT>]XdTai'

eirrd Kal Xoâyerai; poXwvKiiv pev (})9dcrcop,6v, ecrrc croi acoTTjpia'

rjv S" vcnept'i(Tr)<i, olyopbecrOa, Kardavel.

MENOIKET2Trot Br\Ta (f)€vyco ; rtva iroXiv ; Tcva êvcov ;

KPEflN

oTTOf ')(^0ov6<; rfjah^ iKTroBoov udXiar e<T6t,

426


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

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Treipcofievai to Xoittov evTVôlep dv.

X0P02

e/3a9 e/9a9, (rrp.

1020 0) TTTepovaaa, yd'i Xo^^v/xa

43°


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

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TOT d(rfievoi<i, TrdXcv B a^T/xuTpl <ydp ydfjLovî

^3?


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

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fxvaapov eh dycova

KaraâKcbv dpatcn

reKea yaeXeo?. dydfjued^ dydêO

»

0? eirl Odvarov oTêrat

jd<; virep nrarpcpa^,

K.peovTi /xev Xlttwv yoov^,

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1060 yevoijxeO^ coSe jxaTepe^

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HaWd'i, a SpdKovTO'i atfia

XiOoôXov Karecpydcrco,

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6pfi7jcraa eV epyov,

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diy'j, Tit ev TTvXaLcn Sw/ndrMV Kvpei

;

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I0KA2TH

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;

434


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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;

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era^\ oirXlra'i 8' a(T7nBrj(f)6poi<i eiri,

436


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

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8 ovK eXacraop "Apeo^ et9 p-d^tjv <f)povct)p

438


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

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440


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 îov

rfj KaWiToô) /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 aKOVTiôvra<i, Sxjt eirahJêwv

Xiirelv epi7rva<} (^vydâ<;' ciWd viv TrdXiv,

Kvvayb^ Mcrel, iralî ao^ iâdpoiêrai,

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')(û>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^ eiXiâ<i Sep,a<;,

KXip.aKO<; dpiei^wv êar evrjXdrcov (SdOpa,

1180 rjhrj 8' virepâivovra yelaa reiyewv

^dXXei KepavvS) ^LevdTO ')(oyp\<i dXXi'fXwv pêXrj,

Kopiui p,ev €l<i"OXvp.7rov, alpui h' a^ )(dova,

pêt/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 Âpyetcov arparov.

ol S' av Trap' i)p.cov heîbv Ato9 repa<;

1190 lh6vre<i eîjXavvov dpp,dru)v 6'Xôvi;

i7r7rr}<;- orrXlrai rel<i p-^cr Wpyeicov orrXa

(Tvvrj'^lrav eyx^], rrdvra S" rjv opiov Kaxd-

442


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 eêTTLTnov avrvyatv airo,

Tpoxoi T iiri'jhoiv aôve'i t' eV dôai,

v€Kpol he v€Kpol<; eê<T(opevovd' ofiov.

TTvpycov iJiev ovv <yr}a^

et9 Trjv irapovcrav rjfjLepav el S' evTV)(^7]<i

earat to Xoittov ^Se yrj, deol<i fieXer

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 KaKirecêvye yrj.

}^pe(i)v S' eoiKe tmv efiMV vv/u,(f)ev/xdTO)v

royv T OISlttov SvaTijvo^ aTToXavaai kukup,7raiSo9 (TTepy]6ei<;, tjj TroXei fiev evTV)(^(o^,

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.

ArrEAOsfielôv 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 Xeât[x eV dyaOoiai croi KUKd,

444


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

ÔINISSAI

IOKA2TH

û /ubt] <y€ (pevycov €K<j>viyr]^ Trpo^ aiOepa.

ArrEAOSalal' TO yit' ouk etacra? i^ evayyeXov

(j)>j/jLT] ao) fieWerov, ToX/jLijfiaTa

1220 aia-xic'TCi, X^P'''^ /xovofiax^ti' TTavro<i aTparov,

XeâvTe<; ^Kpye'ioiaL JâS/xeioiai, re

€49 KOIVOV oloV /J,/]'TrOT o)(j)e\ov \ojov.

'ETeo/cXe779 8' virrjp^^ ani opQlov crraêii?

TTVpyov, Ke\evaa<; aiya Krjpvâi 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 aêj^re?, ÂpyeioL, 'yOova

viaaecrOe, /Slotov yu,?) XtTrwre? evddZe,

%7rapTb)v re Xab'? dXi,<i 6(T0<i Kelrat veKp6<;.

TocravT eXeê' cro? Se UoXweiKy^ y6vo<i

CK rdêcov oypovae Kcnryvec Xoyov;.

7rdvT€<; S' e7r€pp6d)]aav Âpyeloi 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 yÔovo^

'Ziraprcov dpia-rijs, rov Be Aava'iBcov ciKpot.

446


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

ecrrav Se Xa/MTrpa), ^/jw/xa t' ovk r/XXaâTijv

fxap'yoiVT iii dWijXoiacv levat Bopv.

irapeîome'i S' a\Xo<; aXXoOev cf)iXa)v

Xoyoicri 0apcrvvoure<; i^)]v8cov rdSe'

1250 YLoXvvetKe^, ev ao\ Zi]vb^ opdwaai /3pera(;

rpoTraiov "Apyei t euKXed hovvai Xoyov'Ereo/cXea 8' av- vvv TroXeci)? v'irepiJLa')(el<;,

(TV KaXXtviKO^ yevo/xevo^ crKi]7rTpcoi' KpaT€i<;.

TaS^ rjyopevov irapaKaXovvTe^ ei? fxd')(^)iv.

/xdvTeL'i 8e ^/}X' ea(f)aôi', €/x7rvpov<; r dfc/xd, vyporrjT^ evavTlav,

UKpav re Xa/x7raS', ?) Svolv opovi e;êt,

viKrj<; T€ arjiMa koX to tmv rjaacofievcov.

aXX' ei Tiv" uXkijv ?) crocfioix; e%ei? Xoyovi

1260 t] îXrp' iircphwv, aret)^, epijTvcrov reKvaSefi/j/9 dfxiXXt]<;, co? o Kci'8vvo<i fieya<;'

KUTraOXa Sewd SdKpvd aot yevrjaerai,

Bio'aolv aTepeicrr] r^h^ ev rjfiepa jeKvoLV.

I0KA2TH

S) TeKvov, €êX6\ Wi'Ttyoi't], Bo/xcov 7rdpo<i'

OVK ev ')(ôpeiaL<; ovBe TrapOevev/Miat

vvv aot Trpo'y^copei Sai/uovcov Kard(TTa(TL<i,

dXX* avSp* dp'iaro) kuI KaaiyvyjTco aedev

€19 OdvaTov eKvevovre KcoXvcrai ae Set

^vv fiTfTpl rfj afi fiT} 7rpo<i dXXrjXoiv davelv.

ANTirONH

1270 Tiv\ & TeKovaa fxiJTep, efCTrXrjîv veav

(j)iXoi'i dvTei<; TcovBe BcofidTcov Trdpo^

;

I0KA5TH

w Ovyarep, eppei cjoiv Kaaiyv^Tcov /8to5

448


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

;

I0KA2TH(Tvyyovwv Xvaeif epiv.

ANTirONH

Ti hpoioa, ^TfTep

;

IOKA2THTrpoaTTiTvova^ i/xov /xira.

ANTirONH

^700 av 7rpo<; pberai')(^iJLi , ov /xeWrjTeov.'""'

IOKA2TH

1280 67rei7' eireiye, Ovyarep- ax; rjv fiev (pOdaeo

TraiSa? irpb \6yxv^> ovpbo<; iv (f)d€t 0co<;-

davovau S' avToi<i avvdavovaa Keiaofuii.

450


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

X0P02alal alal, arp.

Tpofiepav <f>piKa Tpofiepav <^pev e^f^'

Sea crdpKa 8' i/xap

e\eo9 e\eo<? epoXe purepo^ SeiXaiwi.

8i8vp,a reKca iroTepo^ apa irorepov al/xaêc—1(1) pot TTOVCDV,

1290 1(1) ZeO, lo) jd—6p,oyevr) hepav, 6p,oyevi] yjrvâv

St dajriScov, St' aiparoyv;

ToXaiv' ijoD ToXaiva,

irorepov apa veKvv o\6p.evov dxV'^ >

<f)ev bd (f)ev Sa, dpT.

8i8v/xoi dripe'^, (ôviai y^vâX

Bopl iraWopevaLirecrea irecrea hdu avTix alpdêTov.

1300 rdXave^, 6 n Trore povop.dxov iirl (ppep^ rfkderrjv,

ôa Bap^dp(i)

laô^v arevaKravpeXupevav veKpoio? Sopout; areixovra, iravcro) Tovo<i

' Hermann : for <pdos of MSS.


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

$OINI22AI

TOIOVTOV MCTT€ 8l 'A%€pOl'TO<f leuai ',

ifiof T€ yap Trat? "/r}? oXwX' virepOapcov,

Tovvofia \a/3(t}i' yevvaiov, aviapov S' ifioi'

ov cipTi /(pr]/jbi'0)i' etc hpaKOVTeiwv eXcov

avTo(Tcf)ayPi hv(TTrjvo<i eicopuKJ^ iv êpolv,

j3oa Se Bcofia irav iyoi S' ijKoi jxera

ykpwv d8e\(f)r)v ypatav ^XoKaaTrjv, ottco^

XovcTT] TTpoOrjrai t' ovKer ovtu 7rat3' ifiov.

1320 TOi? yap Oavovai y^prj rov ov reOvrjKOTa

rifMa<; StSoina xôviov evcre.Setv deov.

X0P02ê^-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.

X0P02iJKovae TCKra p,ovo/j.d')(ô) /xeXXeiv Sopl

€19 acTTTiS' 7]^€tv /SaaiXiKMV 86fxa)v VTrep.

KPEnNTTw? (f)i]<i ; veKVv rot 7raiBo<i dyaird^wv €/xou

ovK ei? ToS' rfXOov uxiTe Kal raS' elSei'ai.

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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


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

$0INI22AI

KPEP.N

olxofJ-€(Td^' ovK evTrpoacoTTOit; (f>pot/x,LOi<i apjt(€t

\6yov.

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Be Tt ;

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KPEriN

1340 alai.

fxeydXa /not Opo€i<; irddea koI iroXet.

(b hcofxar^ eiayjKovcrar^ OIBlttov rdSeiraihoiv ofiotais av/x(f)opal*i oXmXotcov ;

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KPEP.N

olf-ioi ^vpL(f)opdi; papviTOTjicoTaTa^

,

ol)xoL KaKO)V BvaTyi'Oi;- 6) raXa? iyco,

ArrEAOSel Kol rd nph'i rovroial y ei8et?7<? KaKa.

KPEnNKoX 7rw9 yevoiT dv rci)vBe 8va7roT/j,d)Tepa

;

ArrEAOsreOpyjK aBeXcfii] cri] Bvoiv iraihoLV fiera.

XOP021350 dvdyeT dvdyere kcokvtov,

eirl Kupa re XevK07n}^€i<; ktvttov^ êpoiv.

456


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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yafMcov re TOiv acov Zcfîyyoi; alviyixol^ erX,?;?.

TTw? Kal TreirpaKTaL hiirrvxoiv iraihcov cf)6vo<;

apa<i T ayuiviap! OlSlttov ; arjiJbacve fxoi.

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oiad^' ov jxaKpav yap rei^êcov TrepnrTvxcit,.

[wcrr' ovx aTravrd cr' elhevai to. Spco/xeva.]

iirel 8e ')(âXKeot^ awp eKoap^TjaavO^ 07r\o(<;

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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e'êf^' ÂBpdcTTOv iralha Kal i'aia> ')(06va,

So? poi Kravetr dSeXcjiov, dvTijprj S' eprjv

Kadaiparwaau Beîav inKi](f)opov'

[a'i(T)(î(7T0P alroiv crre(âvov, 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 rjvâr' Si Ai6<; Koptj,

So? ^7X0? 7; /LIU' KaWii'iKOV eK xeph<;

el o'^lp^^ (poivlov paxpTi,

j]âv Bpopr)pa Seivov aXX?;\ot? eVi*

1380 Kdirpot, S' OTTO)? d)']yovT€<; dypiav yevvv

^vvfj-yjrav, dippM Sid/Spoxoi y€V€id8a<i'

458


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

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jjaaov Se Xoy^â/?* aXX' vcfiiâvoi' kvk\oi<;,

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\oyxV^ ivoyfJLct, aro/iaTi 7rpocf)dP]vai OeXwv.

a\V ev irpocrrp/ov dcnri^wv Ke-yy^pcojiaaiv

6(f)daXfxov , dpyov ware jiypeadai 86pv.

TTaaiv he rol^ opwaiv earuXaarcy^ ihpw irerpov

t')(JfOV<i VTToSpOflOV, KCoXoV iKTO<i (ITTTLÔ^

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KV)]/u,'rj<i re BieTrepaaev Wpyelov 86pv(npaTO<i S' dinfkdXaê AaralBcoi' d'jra<;.

Kov TwSe p.o'ydti) yvfivov o)/j,ov elcnSoiv

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fieaov S' ciKovT eOpavaev e^ I'aov 5' "Ayo?/?

^v, KdfiaKO^ dfiôlv %et/3' direa-Teprip.evoLv.

evdei' 8e Ku>7ra<i dpirdcravTe (paaydvcov

€9 ravTov rjKOi', aup-âXovTe 5' acrTTtSa?

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ela-ijyayev crocîapb ofiiXta yOovo'i'

iâXXayel<; yap rov tto pecrrcoro^; irovou,

1410 Xaiov /xev ei9 TovvriaOev dfKpepei ttoSo,

irpocrw rd Ko2Xa yaarpcx; €vXaôvp.€vo<i'

7rpo^d<; Be kmXov Seîoi^ Bi' 6/j,cf)aXov

Kadyjfcev 67^09 <T(})ovSvXoi<i t' iv-^p/xocrev.

460


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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ofjLOV he Ka/x-yfraf; irXevpa kcli vrjBvv TdXa<i

avv ai/j.aT)]pai'i (TTayoai TloXvveLKt]<; Trirvei.

6 8\ &)<? Kparcjv Bt] Kal veviKrjKox; ytia^?;,

^L(j)o<; SiKQiv et9 yaiav iaKvXeve viv,

rbv vovv 7r/309 avrov ovk e^f^v, eKeZae Si'

o Kai VLV ea<pr]X^ ' en yap efiirvecov fSpay^v,

1420 a<i)^(i)v aiSijpov iv Xvypw 7recr7]/j,aTi,

jj.6Xiev <f)€v, KUKCov crcov, OlSlttov, a oaoyv arevwTa<i aa<i S' dpa<i eoiKev eKTrXijcrai. Oeo^.

ArrEA02ciKove 8t] vvv Kal ra irpo^ TOVTot<; KaKci.

ct)9 yap reKvco ireaovT^ iX€C7reT)]v îov,

iv T(phe fjLrjrrjp ?; rdXaiva TrpocnrLTvei

1'430 (Tvv irapdevcp re /cat nrpoOvfiia 770809.

reTpwfxevov^ S' Ihovcra Kaiplov<i cr(f)ayd<i

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arevQva , u8eX(f»j 6^ i) irapaaTriiôva^ Ofiou'

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1440 (jiQJvrjv [lev ovk d<^r}Kev, ojjipidroiv 5' diro

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o 8' rjv eV ep-TTVovs, 7r/309 Kaaiyvijrrjv S' iSoov

ypaldv re pLr^rep elire IIoXvv€lk7]<; rdSe'

462


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-ôv 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 'Xâiper^ ' i'jSy] ydp p,e nrept/SdWet ct/coto?.

ap.(f)Q)6' afi €^€7rvevaai> aOXiov îov.

fjLiJTr/p 8\ OTTO)? eaelSe ry'jvSe (Tvp,(f)opdv,

VTrepTradt'-jaaa ijpTraa' i/c v€Kpcbv ^Lcf>o o)? viKOivra Bea7roT7]v ep,ov,

01 S' 0)9 CKelvov. r)v 8' ept*? arparrfXaTai^;,

01 p,ev Trardâc, Trpoade YloXweiKi^v Bopi,

01 6' ci)9 davovTcov ovBapou vlki] TreXoi.

xdv T&)S' vTre^PjXd' Wiriyoi 7] arparuv Bi)(â.

01 S' et? ottX" rjaaov ev Be ttco? Trpop^yjOla

KaOijaro HdBpov Xao^ dairiBcov eiri-

KacÔilpev ovTTOi Tev')(êaiv 7re^payp,ei'0v

Âpyelov elcnreaoi'Te^ eâi'cpinji; arpajov.

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(f)evyoVTe<i, eppet S' alixa pLVpitov veKpoyv

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01 piki' A(09 rpoiralov laraaav opera's,

ol B^ daTTiBa^ avXcovTe^ Âpyetcov veKpdv(7KvXevp.aT elaoj reiyecov i7re/j.7rop,ei'.

464


" 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^ Âvriyovrjii fxira

peKpov'i (pepovaiv evddS' otKTLaai (^1X0^9.

TToXei S' dycoue'i ol /j,ev eLfTuêcrTaroi

TrjS' eê/Syjaav, ol Be Su(TTV)êaTaTOL.

X0P02

1480 ovK ei9 dKod(i en Zvarv)^la

h(o/J,aTo<; 7]Kei' irdpa yap Xevaaeiv

TTTdofMara veKpSyp rpKrcrSiv ?;S>;

rdhe Trpo^ fxeXddpocî KOLV(f Oavdrw

aKOTiav aicova Xwôvtcov.

ANTirONH

oil TTpoKaXvTTTOfieva ôTpv)(^coBeo^

d^pd napiiiho'i ovS' inro

irapOevLa^ rov inro ^\€(f>dpui^

(ôivLic, ipvdr]/j.a rrpocrwirov,

alZo[xeva (pepofxat jSdK'â veKvwi',

1490 KpdSe/iii'a SiKovaa Ko/xa^ aTr' ifxd^,

cTToXtSo? KpoKoeaaav dvelaa rpv^dv,

dyeôvevâ veKpolai ttoXvcttovov. alai, lay fioi.

MUo\upei,K€<i,e(f>v^dp^ eTTcovv/jio^, m/xoi, (î]/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, â/a/xar' 'Eipipvo^ ;

^66


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

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a hofxov OlSiiroSa irpoTrav ooXeae,

ra? aypiui; ore

2<^t7709 dotSov (T(Ofia ôvevaa<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 iXeXiêi.

Tt9 dp^ 6pvL<i rj Spv6<i rj iXdrait

aKpoKOjioi^ dfi(^\ KXaSoL'i

kôfjLeva /xoi'O/jLdropos 68vpfMOL<i

e/iot? aêai crvp(x)86^ ;

aiXivov aldy/jLaaiv a

1520 TGiaBe irpOKkaiw fxovdh^ alon a

hidôvcra rov del ^poi'ov ev

Xei/Sofievoiatv haKpvoLatv.

riv^ ia'^rjacd ;

Tiv' eirX TrpcoTOv diro yâira^

airapayfxol'i d7rap)^dc!)v

ovXofieu aiKia/ubaTa veKpoiv ;

1530 OTOTOTol' XetTre aov^ So/xovi,

dXaov ofifia (f)ep(ov,

Trdrep yepate, Selôv,

OlBtTToBa, aov aloiva jiieXeov, o? tVi

468


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

0INI22AI

^Mfiacriv aepiov ctkotov ofiiiacn

(Tolat /3a\(i)v €\K€i<i /xa/cpoin'ovv Koâv,

K\veL<s, M Kar^ av\av aXaivwv jepaiov

TToSa heixvioi^

Bva-Tuvo^ lavcov ;

OIAinOTS

Tt fji\ CO rrapOeve, âKTp€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'^êcv 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


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<; cralavepop kukovd he ToXaiv d\oôavepd 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)(âi<; 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?*

'yâXKOKporov Be Xaôvaa veKpcov irdpa (fidayavov

eiao)

aapKoî e/Sayfrev, d-xêi 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


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 Karrjpêv Olhiirov Bo/xoi^

To8' rj/xap- eh] S' evrv'Xêarepo'; ^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 ^ttpdêiv ttoXiv.

aXX' eKKOfiiôu. Kal raS' ov')^^ v^pei Xeyco

ovB' eÔpb^ oiv (To<s, Sid Se toi'9 dXdaTopa^Toix; aov^ SeBotKco^ //.»/' rt yr) irddr) KaKov.

OIAinOTS

w jMolp , dir dp)(î]<i W9 fi e<^vaa^ ddXiov

Kal rkrjixov', el ti<; dWo<; dvdpdiiroiv €(f)V'

01' Kol irplv et9 ^W9 /j-yjrpcx; e'/c yovrjojXLaa<i TroXefiiov 7re<j)VK€var

Xprjv yap Oavelv vtv e^ ip,ov' ire/jLTrei Se fie

fiaarov TroOovvTa Otfpalv dOXiov ôpdvov awô/itada. Taprdpov yap a)(f)eXev

i\.Oetv }s.i6aipu)v et? d/Suaaa )(dafiaTa,

09 fi ov ofwXecr', aXXa SovXeuaai ye fioi

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KTai'Oiv S" efiavTov Trarep' o hvahaifiwv iyoo

€69 fiTJTpb^ ifkOov rr)ov^ ereKov, 01)9 dTtdiXecra,

474


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 TrapaXaôiV Aai'ov Koi iraicrX Sou?.

ov yap ToarovTOV aavvero^ iret^vK ijcb

axTT et9 e/i' ofxâr e^<i t eficov TralScov îov

aveu deo)V rov ravr efxrjyavrjadfirjv.

elev Tt Spdaci) Sijd' 6 Svaâip-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 €\Lâ<; 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?; ^pwêiv 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 eô) ')(9ov6<i.

Kfjpvêrai Be irdai }â8peiot<; rdSe,

09 av veKpov tovS^ rj KaraaT€(f)0)v dXco

7] yfj KaXvTTTcov, Odvarov dvTaXXdêrai.

edv 8' aKXavarov, dra(f)ov, oiO)voi<; jSopdv.

(TV 8' eKXiTTovcra rpiiTTv^^wv dprjvov; veKpwv

Kofitê cravTy]V, ÂvTiyom], Sofxcov eo"<w,

Kal irapOevevov ti-jv lovaav t'jfiepav

/xevovcr^ iv ^ ere XeKrpov X'ipovo^ ere aTevd^co rwv TeOvfjKorwv rrrXiov

476

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 âpv KaKcov, to S' ov âpv,dXV eh airavTa SuaTV^rjii e(f)V<i, iraTep.

CLTap iT^ ipwTW Tov vecoaTl Ko'ipavov

[tI TorS' u/9ptêi9 TTUTep diroaTeWtov xfôvu^;]

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}.

ANTirONHovKOvv eScoKe TJ) Tv^r] tov Baifiova ;

KPEflN

Kai TU) Td(f)q) vvv ttjv Slkijv Trapaa'êTOi.

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


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 (îXw Keiadai ireXwi.

KPEHN1660 Xd^vaOe TijuSe /cet? Sofiovi Ko/xiêre.

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.

ANTirONHiâi TT/oo? ere rijaBe p,y]Tpo<; 'loKdcrT7]q, Kpeov.

KPEHNpdraia po^^del^;' ou yap civ rv)(ÔL<; 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 TrpocnrTvôuai.

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 eKcjievêt Xe)(o^ ;

4S0


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 âvatSoiv jx eêi. 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,(}>evÔfMai TwS' ddXtcoraTO) irarpi,.

KPEflN

1680 <y€Vvai6Ti]<i croi, pôipia S' 'iveari t^9.

ANTirONHKoX ^vvOavovpal <y\ &)? P'ddrj^ Trepairipo).

KPEnN16, ov (l)ovevaeio<; (f)evyoi<;, irdrep ;

oiAinors

/ie^"' eL'Tu;ÔL'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\îcr\ ev B' drroikeaev.

482


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 yâvaov %€/3t.

OIAinOTS

o) finrep, & ^vvdop dOXiwTarr].

ANTirONHOLKTpd TrpoKcnai, irdvr eôvcr^ 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 ÂOtjvai'i KarOavelv p! d\(i}p,€POU.

4S4


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? irpoaheêrai ;

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 ^rjâidv fidXiaTa irapOevbiV.

OIAinOT5ttoOl yepaiov t')(yo Ico, SucTTi'êcrTaTa? (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/jLeiêrat ^poTon> navtKcria<i.

4S6


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 eâv

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 (îXaicn 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-)(êrai

/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


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

ve^piha aToXiScocrafieva ttot eyco

'^€/j,c\a<; diacrov

lepov opeaiv uve)(ôp€V(Ta,

X^îpiv a)(âpirov 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 ]Eî770? Karecrxov tT;? p.iai(f)6vou Kpcirrj,

vvv aTi/io<i auTO^; oiKrpo<i iêXavvofxat Ôovo'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 arecâvovaa

490


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^êre irpocnroXoi dea^,

evBatfxoveiv fie 0>;crea re iraiS' iuov

iroXiv T W07]VMV ri]v re Iltr^êw? yBova,

iv 77 fie Opeypâ<i oX/3tot9 ev hoofiacnv

A-Wpav irartip hihwai tw Uav8Lovo<i

Aijel Sdfiapra, Ao^lou fiavrevfiaaiv.

€19 rdaSe <yap ^Xe-âa^ eTnjv^dfiijv Td8e

ypav'i, at XcTrovaat Scofxar^ Wpyeia^ ')(dovo<;

10 'iKTrjpL daXXw irpoairiTVOVd^ ifiov 'yovv

"TrdOoî iradovaai heivov dfi(j)l yap 7rvXa<:

J^dBfiov davovrwv eirrd yevvaiwv reKvcov

aTraiSe? elaiv, ov 8opl

OdyjraL OeXovai r(ov8e firjTepe^ ')(6oi'i'

eXpyovat 5' ol KparovvTeî ov8' dvaipeaiv

Bovvai deXouai, vofiifi driôvje^; 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)ô^ ti'jv re hucnvêaTaTriv .

(TTevwv arpareiav i)v eTrefMyjrev e/c So/xcov

09 jii eÔTpvvei 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 yÔovo^

dpoTOV TrpoOvova^ e/c hofiwv eXdova^ e^Syy

30 77/30? Tovhe a^-jKov, evOa irpoyra (âiverai

(^pLâ<i VTrep yPjs rija-Se Kdp7rifji0<; crrd^Vi.

heapLOv 8' dheapLOV Tovh' e-)(ôvaa (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',

aeôuaa 8 lepa aTep,p,aT\ o'i')(êrai he p,oi

Ki)pv^ 7rp6<; darv cevpo Q^jaea koX'mv,

ft)? 7) TO TovTO)v \v7rp0v iêXrj -^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 êtpwy" rl yap ; a

(f)Otfievov<; 7ratSa9 e'/ioi"? ovTe 86/x,oi<;

TrpoOe/xav, ovre Tacfxov ')(û>fiaTa yaia<; ecrnpct).

€T€K€<; Kol av ttot', 0) TTorvia, Kovpov arp. /3'

(î\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 acopûT dXaivovr dracba.^

oai(o^ ovx^ ^TT^ nvdyKa<; Be TrpoTriTr-oV' dvT. 13

aa -Trpoaanova epôXov

heîTTvpovi OeoiV Ovp.eXa<;-

eôpêv 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]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-)(ôvcra<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 Ka6p6iaov,

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

AI0PA

oIS'" dXkd TMvBe /iOô? ouvTevOev, reKvov.

0H2ET2

110 ere TW KaTJjpr] ;;!^Xaz)iS(0<9 dviaropM.

\ey' eKKoXv-â^ 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<; î^êtav 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^ Âpyeiwv aKpov<;.

0H2ET2ToiavO' rXi'jpwv iroXep.o'i eêpydêrai.

AAPA2T02120 TOVTOU<; dav6vTa6vr€to<; credev

;

AAPA2T02Tt S'; evTV)(ôvvTev.

0H2ET2TO 6' "Apyo<; vp,lv ttov âriv ; 17 Kopiroi pdrtjv;

AAPA2T02crâXeWe? olxopieada. 7rpb<; ere 8' -tJKopev.

0H2ET2ISla hoKYjcrav aoi toS' r) irdarj irokei ;

AAPA2T02130 7rdvT€<; a iKVOvvrai AavaiSai dd-âi veKpov<;.

0H2ET2€K Tov S" iXavveis kind irpo'i @7]â<i \6')ôv<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' €î8a)Ka<i 7rat8a<i Âp'yeioov aeOev ;

AAPA2T02

ovK i'yêvr) avvrj'â KrjSeLav Bo/jloi<;.

0H2ET2

AAPA2T02TuSet 7e YloXvpecKei Te tu) ©rjâyevel.

0H2ET2

TLV et9 epcora Tj}crSe /c^Sfcta9 fioXcov ;

AAPA2T02ôt/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' iêXiaaeLS 7rw9 Oeou Oeama/jLara ;

AAPA2T02i\66vT€ (pvydSe vvKTO<i et? e'/za9 7ryXa9,

0H2ET2Tt9 /cat Tt? ; etVe* Si/o ya/j eâuSat: d/xa.

AAPA2T02TySeu? p,d)(r]v ^vvrj'ê Ylo\vvecK^]<; 0^ d/xa.

0H2ET2

^ TolaS" €8o)Ka<i dr-jpalv o)<i Kopaî 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]â<; Xittcov ;

AAPA2T02150 apals 7raTp<paL<i, pj} KaacyvrjTOv Krdvoi.

0H2ET2(TO<l)i]v y e\€âi^€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 â(f)dXr]v.

0H2ET2ouK ijXde'i, ct>9 eoLKtv, evvoia decov.

AAPA2T02TO Se TrXeov, rjXdov 'Ap(f)uiped) ye Trpo^ îav.

0H2ET2ovTw TO delov pa8t&)9 direarpdî]^ ;

AAPA2T02160 veoiv yap dvSpcov d6puô<i i^€7rXr]aae pe.

0H2ET2€vyfrv)(Lav €a'7revaa<i dvT evôvXia<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'êLv X^P^-irdXio^ dvrjp Tvpavvo<; ev^âipLwv 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 êvov jroSa

delvai po\L<i jepaid Kivovaai p-eXr],

irpeaêvpar ov Aijprjrpo^ et? fivarijpia,

a\V to? yeKpov'i Odyjroiaiv, a? avTard 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^êf.]^

rdx ovv dv €i7roi<;, HeXoTriav Trapel^ ^ôt-a

TTw? Tai? ÂOtjvaiî 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)(â<i.

0H2ET2dWotai 87) îrovrjcr' dfj,iX\7]6el<i XoywT0i(p8\ eXeê 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'âaro,

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)r)

dphrj re vi]hvv 7rpo<; 8e TOiai ^^êtfiaTO^

irpo^jjpar, aldpov eâfivvaaOai deov,

TTovTOv re vavaroXi']paO\ oos BiaXXaydv rrevotro yrj,

d S" ear darjpa kov aa(ô)<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 fielôv 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 ôlôv ^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,

êvoiaiv 0)8' eho)Ka<; ^covrcov Oewv,

Xafxirpbv he OoXepo) Sco/xa (Tv/jifXLâ]XK(0(Ta<; oiKov<;' XPW J^P ov8e crayfiara

ahiKa 8iKaL0i<; tov (Tocf)ov aufifiiyvvvai,

€u8ai/j.ovovvTa)'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 OeaâT , 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^piî} 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'ôvTe^ îov,

Zeivol, vep.ovTe<i to5 (pOovco irXeov [Mepo<;,

et? TOv<^ eôvTWi KevTp' d(f)idatv kuku,

y\coaaai<i irovrjpoiv irpoaTaTcov cf)r]Xov/J,€voi'

Tpioiv he fioipMV 7/ V /xeacp amêi 7r6Xei<;,

Koa/Mov (pvXdaaovcr^ ovtiv av Td^rj 7r6Xi<;.

KciTreiT iyco croi avpLixaxp'i yevrjaopiai

;

Tt 7r/?o9 TToXiTw; TOL"? efxou<; Xeycov koXov ;

ât/3ft)f W^' el yap fxij êôvXevaai KaX(b<i,

avTO<; TTieêtv ttjv tv^VV, rjp,d<; h^ edv.

X0P02S50 rjpuipTev' iv veoiai S' dvOpMircov Tohe

eveaTi' avyyvoniriv he t&)5' ^xîv 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, crretêre, yXav/crjv ')(\or]V

avTOV \i7rovaaL (f)vXX.d8o^ KaraaTefptj,

260 6eovravTov 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<? ê tt/so? ttoXiv

eTTTTjê ^(êtpaaOeiaa- 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'^êai 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 (êpere irefnrere aetpere ^ /xecraiS.

Ta\aiva<; %e/9a<? 'y€paid<;.

7r/3o? ae jeveiciSo^;, c5 <^tXo9, w SoKi/u,(t)Taroov<;, t€kvov, ev ^(dovl KdSfiov âppâra

drjpwv

7rai8a<; ev d\iKLa to, era KaTi8rj<;, iKeTevo).

^Xeyfrov ip^cov ^Xe(f)dpa)v eirt SdKpuov, a Trepl

(jolcn

'ôvvauiv c55e ttltvco, r€Kvoi<; Tdxfiov eâvvaaaOai.

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 Traprjpêvr).

AI0PAalal.

0H2ET2

Ta TOVTO)v ovî 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' eXeâ?, ^^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 pêv 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 Xaêiu310 et? Ti]vS' dvdyK')]v crfj KaTaa-rijvai %fc'pt,

vopLipd re Trdarjs; avy\eovTa<i 'EWaSo?iraiiaaL' ro ydp toi aweôv dvOpoitrav vroXet?

TOVT €(7d\ OTav Ti^ Tov^ v6pov<; (TM^rj Ka\a)<;.

epel Be Bt] ti<; tu? dvavBpia êpwz/,

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<; -^-vô) (pavXov ddXrjaa^ irovov,

ov S' 619 Kpdvo^ /SXiyfravTa koL XoyT^jy? aK/xr^v

XPÎ'^ 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 avêrafat 8' TjavxoL aKoreivd Trpdaaovaai 7r6\ei<;

(TKOTeivd Kal ^Xiirovcriv evXaôvfievai.

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 roê.

0H2ET2efxol XoyoL fJ.ev, p,t]Tep, 01 XeXey/xeuoi

6p6(x)<i e-yôva el<i rovBe, Kdirecpt^vdfiijv

yvoiiJ,y]v v(p^ ol(oi' eacfydXr] ôvXevfidrcou'

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 iêSei^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.

Boât Be ')(^pt]^(o Koi iroXei irdar) roBe.

350 Boêt 8' epov 6e\ovTO<i' aWa rov Xoyov

TrpoaBoi)'; e'Xôip,^ 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 eâirovpevo^.

aX\! to yepaiai, aepv dcpaipelre are^rj

360 p.rjTp6<i, 7rpb<; oXkov<; w? vlv Klyico^ dyci),

(ÎXrjv irpoad'tfra^; ')(êtpa' Tol<; reKovai yap

Bv(nyp'0(ov.

xdWiarof epavov Bov<; yap duriXd^vTat

iraiBoiv Trap' avrov rotdB' av roKevai Bw.

X0P02arp. a

iTTTToôTov "A/oyo?, ft) Trdxpiov epLov ireBov,

eKXvere rdS' eKXver dvaKTo6vLov eêXoc, ydv Be (ftlXiov Îpd'ôv

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^ 7rovGiXta /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' eôiv v7rr]peTei<:

TToXeL re Ka/xoc, hia<êp(i)v Krjpvynara'

eXOoiv 8' vTTep r ÂacoTrov ^\a[xrjvou 0' vScop

(rejxvw Tvpdvvo) (f)pdê lâSfieCwv 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^êtSco/^ Xeoov.

Kdv fxev deXoxTCV alveaac, waXiaavTo^

CTTelx' '^v 8' diTLcrrMa', olhe Sevrepoi Xoyor

390 KMfiov SeX^crOat top e/xov dainBticfiopov.

(TrpaTov

KaXXixopov d/x<pl ae/xvbv evrpeirr]^ oSe.

Kal /jLi]v eKovad 7' dcrfxevrj r ehiâro

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<; ôvXev/xacriv.

KHPTH

Tt? 77}f Tvpai'VO<i ; irpo^ riv' dyyeTKai fie )(pr)

400 Xoyovf; Kpeoi'To?, 09 Kparei K.dS/jiov 'Ôovo'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, êve,

îlTOiv Tvpavvov iv6dS'' ov <ydp ap'êraL

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 6aTtdXfJLaT eêSv BiKij'i.

aXXw9 re ttox; dv fii] StopBevcov Xoyov}/A09 evOvvetv ttoXlv ;

6 yap XPovo^ fiddrjaiv dvTi tov rd-xôv^

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^ dîco/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 hvapêvearepov 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^êi,

ecTTiv 6 iviaTTelv rolrriv aa6ev€(TT€poi<i

TOV evTvyovvra ravO , orav kXwj kokm^;.

viKO, 5' o fi€L(ov TOV pîyav hiKai e)(<:ov.

TovXevOepov 8' eKelvo • Tt'^ BeXei TroXet

^ptiaTov TL ôvXevpi et? pukaov (f)€pciv e^wv ;

440 Kal TaiO^ o ')(^pr]lû)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-Ôpov 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 cKâipfi KcnroXoyri^r} veov? ;

450 KraaOai 8e TrXovrov Kal îov ri Set reKvoi'j,

<W9 T&) rvpdvvcp rrXeiov eKp.o-)(6fi ^lov ;

i) rrapOeveueiv TratSa? ev Sopôit; KaX(t)<i

Tep7rva<; rvpdvvoi<; rjSovd^, orav 9eXrj,

SdKpva 5' eroip^dôvcrc ; /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 vvîêvaerai.

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) ^'ireixêv TroAt?,

Trepiacra (^wvwv • rov yap ayyeXov y^pcwv

460 \eâv0^ 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^piôva o)<; del 7rpdôvT€ 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' eêXavveiv, firjB' dvaipelaOai vef(pov<i

îa, 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-ât 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? v7repôXd<i.

orav yap eXOrj 7roA.e/xo9 et? yjri)<f)ov Xeco,

ovBel'i ed^ auTOv ddvarov eKXoyiêrai,

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,

âtpei 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<; wêXe??,

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)(âyeTai

irerpoi^ Karaâvdevre^ oaricov pacpd^;.

7] vvv (f)pov€tv djjLeivov eâvx^t, A/09,

rj deov'i SiKaico^ tov<; KaKov<; diToWvvai.

(fnXeiv fiev ovv ^prj rov<i (Tocfiovs TrpcoTOv reKva,

eireira roKewi TrarplSa 0\ r)^ avêiv XP^^^KoX firj Kardâi. (J<pa\€pov ijye/ioov 6paav<i

v€(i}<; re vavri]'^' ijavô^ KaipM ao(f)o<i.

510 Kal rovro roi rdvSpeiov, rj 77po/iT]0ia.

X0P02

iâpK€(Ta<; rjv Zeu? 6 ri/xoipovfievo^,

vfid<; 8' v^piêiv 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 heairoôvr epou

ovBe crdevovra p-elôv, coar avayKacrai

5-20 Spav Tttf W6i]vaa.

veKpovi>ia<i,

Od-yjrai hiKaiw, rov Uai'eWy'jvcov vop,ov

(T(pt(ov. TL rovTwv ecTTiv ov Ka\(b<: ôv

;

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 vocrîcras o)V XP^W ^^X^l^540 ttTacôu?. Ti? eêr BeiXlav yap elacftepei

TOtf dXKLpoiaiv, ouTO? rjv Tedfj vopo<i.

KapoX pev rjXde^ Beiv' direiXyjacov eir)],

veKpov<i Be Tap/3elT, el Kpv/BijaovTai ;^ôi'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 îTj y€V)]Tai ; firj KaTacTKayfrcoai yrjv

Ta(f)evT€<i vficov ; rj reKv ev fiv)ôi^ ')(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)(ôi><;,

ft)9 evfievrj'i rj, Ti/xiO'i yepaiperai,

6 T 6\î6<; VLV Trvevfia heL[xa'u'u>v Xiireip

vyjnjXov aipei. yvovrwi ovv 'x^pecov rdhe

d8iKoujji€vov<; T€ fieTpia fir) 6vfiM êpeiv

dBiKCiv T€ TOiavd' ola fxr] /SXdypêL iroXiv.

TTM'i ovv dv elrj ; tou? 6X(i)XoTa<i v€Kpov<i

OdyâL B66^ i)puv Tot«? deXovaiv evae/Selv.

560 rj Bf]Xa rdvOevB'' et/ii kuI dd^frco /Bla.

ov yap TTOT eL<i' EiXXrjva^ iôiad/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.

KHPTEôvXet (jvvdyô) /xvdov iv ^pax^l aedev;

0H2ET2Xey , et ri ôvXer koi ydp ov aiyrjXb'i el.

KHPTHovK av TTOT €K yf]^ 7raiBa<; ÂpyeCeov \dôc<i.

0H2ET5KUfiov vvv avrdKovaov, el ôvXei, 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 eêXoov W<T(07ria<;.

KHPTH€v aaTriaiv aoi irpwra KLvZvvevjeov.

eH2ET27roWovucr€v iâpKCiv iraTrjp;

0H2ET2oaoL 7' u^pcarai' '^^prjara B' ov KoXdiÔfiev.

KHPTHTrpdaaeiv av ttoXX' el'wâ? ^ re err) TroXf?.

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 Trdaôyv vvv S' eV et veavia<i.

0H2ET2ouToc fi i7rap€i<; Stare dvfiovadai (f)peva<;

Tot? aolat KOfiTTOL'i- aXV diroareXXov xôvo^;,

X6yovyi>,

fiovafXTTVKtov 76 (f)dXapa Kiveladai aro/ua

d<ppw KaraardiôvTU, K.aBp.€Lav )^0ova.

Xcoprjaoî 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 Tvâ<i

ra<; ad<i' eyoi yap Baifiovo'i tov/jlov fjuera

<TTpaTr]\ar7]ao) Kaivb<i iv Kaivw hopl.

kvo 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, fxdâi, (TTepvoTVTrei^ t dvd tuttov

irdXiv cpavrjaovrai ktvttoi,

Tiv dv \6yov, TdXaiva,

Tiv' dv TwvS' airla \dôi,/jLc;

HMIXOPION $'

dXXd rov evrvîa Xafiirpov dv ri<; alpoi dvr. a'

fiolpa irdXiv rohe /xot ro dpdao^ dficfyiâlvei.

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 7rdpo<i SioWvauL-BiKa h'lKav S' eKoXeae kuI (jiovo^

(f)6vov, KttKMV S' dvay}rv)(â<;

deol jSpoTol^ vefMOvaiv,

dirdvru)!' repfi eôvre'^ avroi.

HMIXOPION a

TO, KaWiTTvpya irehia vrw? iKoijued' civ, arp. ^KaWcôpov 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, âXXa (fjo/Scov iriarLî dBe Trpcora.

HMIXOPION /8'

t'o) Zev, rdf 7raXaLo/j,dTopo<i

TraiBoyove iropto'i Îvdôv,

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/xiô/u,at

7rpo9 TTvpav v^piadev.

ArrEAOS<yvvalK€<;, i'jKco ttoW' e^wi^ Xeyeiv <f)iXa,

ouTO? re awdei^;, T]pe6iiv yap iv fid')(r),

fju ol 6av6vTO>v eirra heairoTwv Xoyôt

r/ycoi/icravTO pevfia AipKUiov ircipa,

vLKTfv T€ ©i70"e<»9 dyyeXcov. \6you Be ae

p,aKpov rnroiravcrw KaTrajêw? yap 77 XciTpt^,

640 ov Zeu? KepavvM TrvpiroXM KaraidaKol.

XOP020) (îXrar , ev fiev voarov dyyeWeif; creOev

rrjv T d/jL(f)i (")T;creG)9 ^d^tv el 8e Kal (jTpaTO<i

a(o<; €<TT Âd)]V(t)v, Travr av dyye'Woi^; (j)iXa.

ArrEA02(Tco?, Kal ireTTpayev &)9 "KhpaaTO<i 0)ê\e

TTpdât ^vv WpyetoicTLv, ou? ttTr' 'Ira^ôu

(TTei\a<; iireaTpaTevae KaSfieicov ttoXiv,

XOP02TTw? yap rpoTTala Zt]v6<; Alyeu)^ toaco?

eanjcrev oX re avfip,eraaxovTepai.'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 aTparevâTov

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, ê^tov rerayfiivovi

Kepaq, TraXata'i YêKpoTria^ 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]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, JsâSfieicov (TTL')(ê<;,

670 dxovaaO^' T)/Jiei<; rjKopbev veKpov<i fieTa

Od-yjrai deXovTe^, rov T\aveXXi']vtav vop-ov

craôvTe^, ovSev SeopLevoi reiuai cpovov.

KovBev Kpeoiv ToiaS^ uvreKijpvêv \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 oôu9,

Trapai^draf; €aTi]aav ei? rdîv hop6<;.

'Xôl p,ev Gihi'^pu) hiep,d'ôvO\ 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^êlhaiaiv, dpfidrcov 6)(Xov,

o\ t" av TO K.dh/jLov hie^vXacrcTov Ittttikov,

auvrjyjrav dXKrjv KaKpdrovv iâawvTO 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 rjywviêO^ 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 eKKVîarcovrcop /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)ôi<i SvaOvfxiav.

Koi avfiTrardâvTa /jueaov irdyra cnparop700 €KT€ivov eKTeivoino, kuI Traprjyyvoov

KeXevcTp.ov dWi'jXoKTi aw ttoWtj ôfj'

delv, dvTepeiSe rot'? ' Epe;;^â8af9 Bopu.

697 /cat fii]v ra ©T/creox? 7' ovk okvw BiecpOdprj,

698 aX,X' 'i€T €vdu<i Xdpbirp dvap7rdaa<; oTrXa*^

703 Xoô^ S' oSovTcov 6<êo^ €^riv8p<j}p,€V0<;

B€iv6<; 7raXaiaTt]<i rjv ckXivc yap K€pa<i

TO Xatov ijpMV Beîov 8' rjaacopevov

(})€vyet, TO KSivcov r]V 8' dycov Icroppoiro';.

Kav TwSe Tov (nparriyov alveaai Traptjv'

ov yap TO viKOiv rovr eKepBaivev p,6vov,

aXX w^cT et? TO Kdp^vov oIkclov (TTpajov.

710 €ppr}^€ S' avBr'jv, wa6^ V7rrj)(^fjcrai. yOova'ft) iralhe^, el /xi] a)(^7]aeTe areppov hopv(TTTapTcov ToS' dvhpoiv, or;êTat to- YlaXXaBa.6dp(T0<i 8' €V(opae Travrl Kpava'iBwv arpuTw.avTO'i 6 oTrXicrfia rovirihavpiov Xa/Swv8eivfj<; Kopvv}](; hiaêpcov ia(f)ev86va,

' 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 Tpaxvôv<; KairiKeifievov KapaKvv€a<; Oepi^cov KairoKavXl^wv ^vK(p.

fjLoXcf; 8e 7ra)9 erpeyp-ev eh (ftvyijv iroha.

670) S' avrfKoKaâ 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 iê'in[XTrXaaav

^6j3(p. irapov he rei-X^^^^ el'cro) jjLoXelv,

Si](Tev<; eVecrêj;* ov yap &)<? irepcrcov iroXtv

/xoXelv e(f)aaKev, dW arranyâwv 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}9 (TUfi<f)opd<;

eêiv eXaacrov, rcovSe riaavrcov SiKtjv.

AAPA2T020) Zeu, rl Srjra tov<; raXanroipov<i ^porov<;

(fipoveiv Xeyovai ; aov yap eî]pT7]/jLeOa

SpM/xev re roiavd' av av rvy)(^civT],

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 TOôv evTelvovre<;, w k€voI ^poriav,

Kol irpo'i hixTjî 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 ôvXojiiai /xadeip,

TTci)? iê(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-iêre;

ArrEAOSoaot, ye t<\eivol<i evr ecpearacrav \6ôi<;.

AAPA2T02TTW?

<f)y]9; 8' a\Xo<; ttov KeKfirjKOTcov 6^Xo<i;

ArrEA02rdcpcp BeBovTui 7rp6<; ^lOaLpoivo^ 'jnv')(âl<i.

AAPA2T02rovKeWev rj rovvdevBe ; riî 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 (nrovBdêTat.

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 iJXttiôv dv ire-novOevai

TrdOo'i irepioaov, el yd/icov aTre^vyt]!'

;

vvv S' opo) aaêcnarovKUKOv, 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 Ôovo<; veKpwv

800 avaar dirvaar dvii^wv e/iwj/

urevaypLaTcov KXvovaai.

xoPo:s,

(o Traiêf, 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^ Âpyela, 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 dî ov8' vir dîcov,

€v ol'i dycov eKpdvdi],

X0P02b6d\ di<i irepLmv)(al(Ti, hrj

X^paî 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^(ôlv 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 ovvîv 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 ô[/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^ eîjvrXei^; 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 \eâi \oya>

roXjxi]ixa9\ ol'; yXirilôv aipijcreiv ttoXiv.

€v S' ovK epi'](TO/jiai ere, firj jiXcoT ocpXo),

OTM ûvecrrrj rwvh" eKaaro^ ev [lu-XV

rj rpav/xa Xoy^Vi 'TroXep.Uov eSeûTO.

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 êXo<i SieTrraTO ;

l\a7ravev<; oS' eariv • w îo<; [.Lev rjv 7roXv<;,

)]Kiara 5' 6X/3(p yavpo^ r/v • cf)p6vi]pa Se

ovBev ri pelôv elêi^ rj rrevrj^ dvi]p,

(jievywv Tpa7reâL<; ocrri? eôyKoir ayavrdpKovvr uTi^cov ' ov yap ev yacrrpo<; /Sopa

TO xprjCTTov elvai, p,erpia 5' eâpKelv 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'^'^ Âpyela )(dovi.

(J)l\cov Se )(^pvaov ttoWuki^; Swpovfxevcov

ovK elcreheâr olkov ware tou? rpoTrov^

Sov\ov<; Trapacryêlu y^pij/jLcircov êv^BeK; vtto.

Tou? 6' iâ/j.aprdi>ovTa(;, ovxl ttjv ttoXiv

7])(^daip ' eiret roi Kovhev alria TroXi?

880 KUKb)'; KXvovaa Bia Kvêpv^rijv KaKov.

S' av T/3tT0? rwvS' 'lirTrofieScov toloctK e<f)V'

irai^ 6w iroXfirja ev9v)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 roâ r ivreivwv ')(€polv,

TToXei rrapaaêlv aeofia y^pi^cnpôv OeXmv.o rri<; Kvvayou S" dXXo<; WraXdvrr;<; yovo'i,

7rai<i HapOevorraio^, etSo? iô)((i)raro<;,

890 'A/o/ca? /xev r]v, eXOoiV 5' eV 'Ii'a;ôu*poa<?

rraiheveraL Kar "A/ayo?. iKrpa<f)el<i 8' eKel

TtpMrov /xev, w? ^prj rovi peroiKovvrwi êvou<;,

XvTTTjpo'i OVK r/v ov8' i7rL(f)0ovo<; rroXei

ovS' €êpi(Trt]<; rcov Xoycov, oOev âpu<i

p,dXiar av eirj 8rj/j,6rT]<; re Kol êvo<;'

Xoôi<; 6' €(f)e(Tro}<; cocnrep Wpyelo^ yeyoo'i

rjiMVve \(op<}y X&Jttot' ev irpdcraoi ttoXc;,

exaipe, Xv7rpco ^(f>povpeL /xTjSev iâ/jUiprdveiv.

TuSeo)? S' eiraivov ev j3pa-)(_el Oi'-jaco fieyavOVK ev X6yoi<; rjv Xap.Trpo^, aXX' ev dcnrlSi

oeivo<; aocpiarrjii iroXXd r eêvpelv (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' aBeXôv M.e\edypov XeXeififievo^,

icrov 7rapea-êv 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 exî,

a S' dv pidOr) Tt?, ravra acpêcrdai (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

îoyOov dOXia<;, eyu) 8e

yqpojBocTKov ovk e^&)

TSKOva d rdXaiva 7rai8a.

0H2ET2Kal prjv Tov OiKXeov; ye yevvaiov tokov

Oeol ^6)vr dvapirdaavre'; eh p^vôvf; %ôiô?

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 êvo<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 SiaâXeiv avOalpero^;.

dXX' olcrO' b Spdaai ôuXofiai 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']â<; 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^^^ ypâuaai 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 Xijâvre'^ ttovwv

darrj ^vXaacreO^ âvôt 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" "ApTepiî \o-)(La

7rpoa(h$eyâiT dv Tas uTeKVOVi,

960 SvaaLcov S' 6 /3i09,

TrkayKTa 6' uxrei, rc<i vecpeXa,

TTpevpdrcov viro Suaîp^î^ 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 Ôi/xevcov,

aoihai 9^ a<i y^pv(T0K6fxa<i

ÂttoWcov ovk evSexGTai'

ryooicTiv S' opdpeuofieva

BaKpvcri vojepov ael ireirXciiV

7rpo<i arepvo) 'mv')(a riyâ).

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 virepaKpiêi,

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 eKâKyev(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 cfxfioxôv

îoTOV 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 eê<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 aupfiLâcra (f)iXov,

Xpoora XP^~^^ 7re\a<; defieva

Wepaecôveia^ i]ô) 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 dXyâei 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

ÊrioKXov et9 ytjv irarpiha vavcrdXoicraiv veKpov,

i^TjTwv S' €p,riv 7ralB\ i) Soficov eâ)7no<i

^€/3r]K€ TTijSijaacra K.a7raveo)<; Sdfiap,

1040 Oavelv epwaa avv nroaei. "^povov /aev ovv

TOV TrpoaO' €(ppovpetT^ ev hofioi^' eVet 5' eyco

(fivXaKaî uv7]Ka roi^ TrapecTTCocriv KaKoi<i,

ê^rjKev, dXXa rfjSe viv So^dÔfiev

IxoXktt dv elvar (ppdêr el Kareihere.

ETAAN

H

rl rdaS' ep(ord<; ; t^S' iyw Trerpa^; eiri

6pvL<i Tf9 6)crel Ka7raiê&)9 vrrep Trvpdt

Bvarrjvov alcoprjfMa Kovîôi, 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 ôvXev/xaTav

kXv(ov' dKovaai S' ou ae ôvXofxai, 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

ETAANHKpirî^ av €irj<; ov cro(j)6<i yv(Ofn)<; €firj<i.

1*12

(Tfcevf] Se T^Se rou %ap<i' Koaêh 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,â> 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 Âddva<; rj ^pevwv evôvkla ;

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? Âpyeiov<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 (î\ov,

rj/Mtv 8e Kol Tft) <7v/ji7rvpovfiev(p irocreL.

XOP02loi, yvvai, Beivov epyov eêipydaw,

1*12

niroyXofiriv 8u(TTr)vo<;, Âpyeiwv 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;ê? 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 eôpOov/xeOa,

alcova 8' OVK eêariv. el B' rjpev veoi

Bl<; fcal yepovT€<i, €t Ti? eîjpdprave,

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 KaêTreipadrji' 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 aropâri koX Kapa r6B€

Karelx^ Xepaiv ovhev tjhiov irarpl ^

yepovTC OvyaTpo'i' dpaevwv he /xeiôve<;

yfrvXctL yXvKelai 5' rjaaov ei? BcoTrev/xaTa

ovx f^'i 'Td')(^L(na SrjTa fi aêr' et? Bo/xov;

(TKoro) T€ ScocreT ; evd' daiTi'ai<; ipov

Be/jiav

piaoi S' ocroL '^(^pyjôvcnv eKreiveiv îov,

1110 ^pcoTOitTi Kol TTOTolai Kul payevfiacTi

7rap€KTpe7rovTe<; o^êTov (oare [xrj davelv

ov ^"^î^hdv ixrjhev wê\(ocn yrjv,

6av6vTa<; eppeiv KuKTroSoov eivat veoi^.

XOP05

l(i3, rdhe hrj TralBwv (^difievwv

ocrrd (f)ep€Tai. XdêT, 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\€iôfjievy]<i t' aXyea-i ttoWoi^,

1120 Tt 7a/3 az^ fielôv rods' en 6v7)toI^

'irddo 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,'

TTOv Se 7r6vo<i ip^cov reKvcov,

TTOV Xo')(€UpLdTU)V X^P^^rpocjiaL TS p,arpo<; dvirvd r opipdrcov reXr)

Kol (filXiat TrpocrôXaX 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'

êâcnv, ouKer elalv oifioi irdrep' arp. ^1140 ê^daiv aWrjp e^êi viv ^]hrj,

X0P02 ff

7rvp6 '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<; Tvâ<i,

aXi9 5' dXyicov ifiol irdpeaTLV,

nAi2 e'

1150 It' 'AcrcoTroO /xe heêrai ydvot;

')(â\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 âpo<; 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 (îXov

(f)iXa<; ayaXfi oyjrop-ai ae fiarpo^.

0H2ET2"ASpaare koI yvvaiiC€<i Wpyelat <yevo<;,

opdre 7rat8a<; rovaS' e)(0VTa<i iv yêpolv

Trarepcov apiaroov acapaO^ (bv avetXopTjv

rovroi<i iyco crê Kal ttoXi^ Scopov/xeOa.

vp.d'i 8e TcovBe ^p?) Xupiv p,epvr]p,evov^

1170 (Tcpêiv, 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 crretêr' rjîco/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' eô/xev yevvata yap

iradovTe^ vfid^ avnhpav o(f)6iXofjLep.

0H2ET21180 TL Si]T €0^ vfMiv liW^ vTrovpyrjaai fie 'X.PV

!

AAPA2T02

Xalp' aîo<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 Âpyei'av )(Oova

iraialv KOfXiêiv 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 Âpyelov^ 'Ôova

el<; T7]vS' iiroiaeiv Trokefxiov Travrevxlav,

aXXwv T lovTcov i/xTroBoov Biâeiv 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 âX«:o7rou? et'cro) Bop,cov,

ov ÎXlov 7T0T eâva(Tr)](xa<i ftdOpa

(nrovBi-jv eTT ctXXrjv 'HpaKXfj'i 6pp,cop€vo^

1200 urrjcrai a eêlro UvOiKrjv Trpo? ecrxdpav^

iv TwBe Xaipov<i rpeh rpiMV p^rfXcov refxoov

eyypa^jrou opKovs TpiiroBo'; iv kolXw Kvrei,

Kaireira crcpêiv 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

(ôôv yap avTol^, ijv ttot e\6(oaiv ttoXlv,

8eLx6ei(ra Orjcrei Kal kukov vocttov irdXiv.

1210 Spdcra<; 8e ravra irefiire 7r}<? eô) 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' Âpyetwv Xeyay

iropOi'icreB^ I'l/S/jcravre^ 'JafiTjvov ttoXiv,

irarepwv 6avovru>v eKhiKdôvreî (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] crvarKidôvTa^ yevvv

1220 Kol 'XâXK07rX'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 diâere'

rolov crrpdrevfia avv Oeoi Tropeva-ere.

0H2ET2hecnroLv W6dva, iretao/jiat Xoyoiai crol<s'

(TV yap jjL dvop9ol<;, were {.irj ^â/jLaprdveiv

Kal TOPS' iv 6pK0i<i êvôfiar 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, ÂBpaaO\ opKia hoifiev

TwS' di'hpl TToXet T' aîa 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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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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Euripides 3 (GRK-In) BB (v. Way. Loeb. 1930)

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Transcript of Euripides 3 (GRK-In) BB (v. Way. Loeb. 1930)