Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/156
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
100
EURIPIDES.
Henchman.
If we win ever thither,—this I doubt.
Iolaus.
Would, O mine arm, that, as I call to mind 740
Thy young strength, when thou didst with Herakles}
Smite Sparta, such a helper unto me}
Thou wouldst become! Soon would I turn to rout}
Eurystheus—craven he to abide the spear!}
With high estate is this delusion linked, 745}
Repute for courage high: for still we deem}
That he who prospereth knoweth all things well.
[Exeunt.
Chorus.
(Str. 1) Earth!—Moon, which reign'st the livelong night!— O glorious radiancy750Of Him who giveth mortals light, Flash tidings unto me!Shout triumph up through heaven's expansion, Up 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.(Ant. 1) Dread peril, that Mycenæ-town—760 The mighty burg, whose handThe 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