Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/332

Wrenched from its cunning fastenings was the keel,
Whereon past hope and hardly was I saved
With Helen, whom I had snatched from Ilium's wreck.
But this land's name, and who her people be,
I know not, being abashed to yonder throngs 415
To join me, who might ask of mine ill plight,
But hide for shame my misery; for a man
Low-fallen from high estate more sharply feels
The strangeness of it than the long unblest.
Want wasteth me; for neither food have I 420
Nor raiment for my body,—judge by these
That gird me, rags washed shoreward from the ship.
The robes once mine, bright vest and bravery,
The sea hath swallowed. In a cave's deep cleft
My wife I hid, first cause of all my woes, 425
And hither come, for I have straitly charged
My friends yet living to watch over her.
Alone I come, seeking for loved ones there
What shall avail their need, if search may find.
And, marking yonder mansion battlement-girt, 430
And stately portals of a prosperous man,
I drew nigh: from a wealthy house is hope
Of somewhat for my crew; but from bare walls
Nought could men aid us, howsoe'er they would.
[Knocks at gate.]
Ho! what gate-warder forth the halls will come 435
To tell within of my calamities?

Door of palace opens. Portress appears on threshold.

Who loitereth at the doors?—wilt thou not hence?
Away, stand not before the courtyard gate