Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/379

Causelessly: 'twere hard for us inevitable doom to brave. 1370
Meet it is we thank the stranger-hero for his will to save.
Yet, that he be not reproached of Hellas' host must we beware;
So should ruin seize him, and ourselves in no wise better fare.
Hear the thing that flashed upon me, mother, as I thought hereon.
Lo, resolved I am to die; and fain am I that this be done 1375
Gloriously—that I thrust ignoble craven thoughts away.
Prithee, mother, this consider with me: mark how well I say.
Unto me all mighty Hellas looks: I only can bestow
Boons upon her—sailing of her galleys, Phrygia's overthrow,
Safety for her daughters from barbarians in the days to come, 1380
That the ravisher no more may snatch them from a happy home,
When the penalty is paid for Paris' victim, Helen's shame.
All this great deliverance I in death shall compass, and my name,
As of one who gave to Hellas freedom, shall be blessing-crowned.
Must I live, that clutching life with desperate hand I should be found? 1385
For the good of Hellenes didst thou bear me, not for thine alone.