Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/329

That thy seed die, and mine behold the light.
For, what would I? Can I not find a bride 485
Peerless elsewhere, if I for marriage yearn?
How, should I lose—whom least I ought to lose—
A brother, win a Helen, bad for good?
Mad was I and raw-witted, till I viewed
Things near, and saw what slaying children means. 490
Yea also, pity for the hapless maid
Doomed to be slaughtered for my bridal's sake,
Stole o'er me, on our kinship when I thought.
For what with Helen hath thy child to do?
From Aulis let the host disbanded go! 495
But thou forbear to drown thine eyes with tears,
O brother mine, nor challenge me to weep.
If thou hast part in oracles touching her,
No part be mine!—my share I yield to thee.
"Swift change is here," thou'lt say, "from those grim words!" 500
Nay, but most meet: for love of him who sprang
From the same womb, I change. No knave's wont this,
Ever to cleave unto the better part.

Right noble speech, and worthy Tantalus,
Zeus' son! Thou shamest not thine ancestors. 505

Thanks, Menelaus, that beyond all hope
Thou hast spoken rightly, worthily of thee.
Strife betwixt brethren for a woman's sake
May rise, or of ambition; but I loathe