Page:Sophocles - Seven Plays, 1900.djvu/95

649–689] Fall frustrate, and the steely-tempered will.

Ay, and even mine, that stood so diamond-keen

Like iron lately dipped, droops now dis-edged

And weakened by this woman, whom to leave

A widow with her orphan to my foes,

Dulls me with pity. I will go to the baths

And meadows near the cliff, and purging there

My dark pollution, I will screen my soul

From reach of Pallas’ grievous wrath. I will find

Same place untrodden, and digging of the soil

Where none shall see, will bury this my sword,

Weapon of hate! for Death and Night to hold

Evermore underground. For, since my hand

Had this from Hector mine arch-enemy,

No kindness have I known from Argive men.

So true that saying of the bygone world,

‘A foe’s gift is no gift, and brings no good.’

Well, we will learn of Time. Henceforth I’ll bow

To heavenly ordinance and give homage due

To Atreus’ sons. Who rules, must be obeyed.

Since nought so fierce and terrible but yields

Place to Authority. Wild Winter’s snows

Make way for bounteous Summer’s flowery tread,

And Night’s sad orb retires for lightsome Day

With his white steeds to illumine the glad sky.

The furious storm-blast leaves the groaning sea

Gently to rest. Yea, the all-subduer Sleep

Frees whom he binds, nor holds enchained for aye.

And shall not men be taught the temperate will?

Yea, for I now know surely that my foe

Must be so hated, as being like enough

To prove a friend hereafter, and my friend

So far shall have mine aid, as one whose love

Will not continue ever. Men have found

But treacherous harbour in companionship.

Our ending, then, is peaceful. Thou, my girl,

Go in and pray the Gods my heart’s desire

Be all fulfilled. My comrades, join her here,

Honouring my wishes; and if Teucer come,

Bid him toward us be mindful, kind toward you.