Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/324

Answer, why this breath tempestuous, why these bloodshot eyes of strife?
Who doth wrong thee? What dost crave? Dost yearn to win a virtuous wife?
This I cannot find thee: her thou gainedst, vilely ruledst thou.
What, must I, who have not erred, for thy transgression suffer now?
Or doth mine advancement gall thee?—nay, but one desire thou hast, 385
In thine arms to clasp a lovely woman!—reason dost thou cast,
Yea, and honour, to the winds!—the pleasures of the vile are base.
I, who erst took evil counsel, if I now give wisdom place,
Am I mad? Nay, rather thou, who, having lost an evil spouse,
Wouldst re-win her, though thy loss be gain, God's kindness to thy house.^[1] 390
Those infatuate marriage-craving suitors swore an oath indeed
Unto Tyndareus; yet these did Hope, I trow, the Goddess, lead
On, and brought it more to pass than thou and all thy strong control.
Lead them thou—O these are ready in the folly of their soul!
God is not an undiscerning judge; his eyes are keen to try
Oaths exacted by constraint, and troth-plight held unrighteously. 395