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240 240 EURIPIDES

And so, I crowned my head, and to the Gods Poured my libations in thy dwelling-place, i790

"With such misfortune round me. And I blame — Certainly blame thee, having suffered thus ! But still I would not pain thee, pained enough : So let it pass ! Wherefore I seek thee now, Having turned back again though onward bound, nss That I will tell thee. Take and keep for me This woman, till I come thy way again. Driving before me, having killed the king O' the Bistones, that drove of Thrakian steeds : In such case, give the woman back to me ! woo

But should I fare, — as fare I fain would not, Seeing I hope to prosper and return, — Then, I bequeath her as thy household slave. She came into my hands with good hard toil ! For, what find I, when started on my course, 1805

But certain people, a whole country-side. Holding a wrestling-bout ? as good to me As a new labor : whence I took, and here Come keeping with me, this, the victor's prize. For, such as conquered in the easy work, isio

Gained horses which they drove away : and such As conquered in the harder, — those who boxed And wrestled, — cattle ; and, to crown the prize, A woman followed.^ Chancing as I did. Base were it to forego this fame and gain ! isis

Well, as I said, I trust her to thy care : No woman I have kidnapped, understand ! But good hard toil has done it : here I come ! Some day, who knows ? even thou wilt praise the feat!"

1 So in the funeral games in honor of Patroclus, described by Homer, a slave-womaD is the first prize in the chief contest.