Page:Sophocles - Seven Plays, 1900.djvu/114

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But though he used me so, I ne’er will grudge

For his proud scorn to yield him thus much honour,

That, save Achilles’ self, I have not seen

So noble an Argive on the fields of Troy.

Then ’twere not just in thee to slight him now;

Nor would thy treatment wound him, but confound

The laws of Heaven. No hatred should have scope

To offend the noble spirits of the dead.

. Wilt thou thus fight against me on his side?

. Yea, though I hated him, while hate was comely.

. Why, thou shouldst trample him the more, being dead.

. Rejoice not, King, in feats that soil thy fame!

. ’Tis hard for power to observe each pious rule.

. Not hard to grace the good words of a friend.

. The ‘noble spirit’ should hearken to command.

. No more! ’Tis conquest to be ruled by love.

. Remember what he was thou gracest so.

. A noisome enemy; but his life was great.

. And wilt thou honour such a pestilent corse?

. Hatred gives way to magnanimity.

. With addle-pated fools.

. {{em|8}Full many are found

Friends for an hour, yet bitter in the end.

. And wouldst thou have us gentle to such friends?

. I would not praise ungentleness in aught.

. We shall be known for weaklings through thy counsel.

. Not so, but righteous in all Grecian eyes.

. Thou bidst me then let bury this dead man?

. I urge thee to the course myself shall follow.

. Ay, every man for his own line! That holds.

. Why not for my own line? What else were natural?

. ’Twill be thy doing then, ne’er owned by me.

. Own it or not, the kindness is the same.

. Well, for thy sake I’d grant a greater boon;

Then why not this? However, rest assured

That in the grave or out of it, Aias still

Shall have my hatred. Do thou what thou wilt. {{float right|[Exit {{nop}}