Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/325
Never I will slay my children, that in justice's despite
Thine avenging on a wife most wanton so may speed aright,
While I waste through nights of weeping, pine through days of misery
For my lawless, godless dealing with the children born to me!
Lo, mine answer, brief and clear, and easy to be understood. 400
If thou turn from wisdom, yet shall mine house follow after good.
Chorus.
This controverteth that thou saidst before;
Yet good is thy resolve, to spare thy child.
Menelaus.
Alas for wretched me! Friends have I none!
Agamemnon.
Yea—if thou seek not to destroy thy friends. 405
Menelaus.
How wilt thou prove thyself our father's son?
Agamemnon.
By brotherhood in wisdom, not in folly.
Menelaus.
Friends ought to feel friends' sorrow as their own.
Agamemnon.
By kindness, not unkindness, challenge me.