Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/191

Compassed with duteous hands' observances. 390
And whatso Phrygians not in battle died
Ever with wife and children day by day
Dwelt, joys whereof the Achaians tasted none.
For Hector's woeful fate—hear thou the truth:
He proved himself a hero ere he died; 395
And this the Achaians' coming brought to pass:
Had they in Greece stayed, none had seen his prowess.
And Paris wedded Zeus' child: had he not,
His halls had hailed affiance unrenowned.
Sooth, he were best shun war, whoso is wise: 400
If war must be, his country's crown of pride
Is death heroic, craven death her shame.
Then make not moan, O mother, for thy land,
Nor for my couch ; for my most bitter foes
And thine shall I destroy by mine espousals. 405

Had Phœbus not with frenzy thrilled thy soul,
Thou with such bodings shouldst not unchastised
Speed from thy land my lords, the battle-chiefs. 410
Lo, how these lofty ones, wise in repute,
Are no whit better than the nothing-worth!
For this most mighty king of allied Hellas,
This Atreus' son, hath stooped him 'neath love's yoke
For yon mad girl, of all maids! Poor am I, 415
Yet would I ne'er have gotten me her couch.
Now, seeing thou hast not unshattered wit,
Thy mocks at Argos and thy praise of Phrygia
I fling to the winds to scatter. Follow me
Unto the ships, our captain's goodly bride! 420
But thou, (to Hecuba) whenso Laertes' seed desires