Page:Sophocles - Seven Plays, 1900.djvu/58

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. My lord, ’twere wise, if thou wouldst learn of him

In reason; and thou, Haemon, from thy sire!

Truth hes between you.

. Shall our age, forsooth,

Be taught discretion by a peevish boy?

. Only in what is right. Respects of time

Must be outbalanced by the actual need.

. To cringe to rebels cannot be a need.

. I do not claim observance for the vile.

. Why, is not she so tainted? Is ’t not proved?

. All Thebes denies it.

. Am I ruled by Thebes?

. If youth be folly, that is youngly said.

. Shall other men prescribe my government?

. One only makes not up a city, father.

. Is not the city in the sovereign’s hand?

. Nobly you’d govern as the desert’s king.

. This youngster is the woman’s champion.

. You are the woman, then—for you I care.

. Villain, to bandy reasons with your sire!

. I plead against the unreason of your fault.

. What fault is there in reverencing my power?

. There is no reverence when you spurn the Gods.

. Abominable spirit, woman-led!

. You will not find me following a base guide.

. Why, all your speech this day is spent for her.

. For you and me too, and the Gods below.

. She will not live to be your wife on earth.

. I know, then, whom she will ruin by her death.

. What, wilt thou threaten, too, thou audacious boy?

. It is no threat to answer empty words.

. Witless admonisher, thou shalt pay for this!

. Thou art my sire, else would I call thee senseless.

. Thou woman’s minion! mince not terms with me.

. Wouldst thou have all the speaking on thy side?