Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/196

168 have we, if, while this city deems it right to incur a great danger on our behalf, we, though we might save ourselves, fly from death, by foisting our trouble on others? No! indeed, 'twere surely most ridiculous to sit and mourn as suppliants of the gods, and show ourselves but cowards, children as we are of that illustrious sire. Where among the brave is such conduct seen? Better, I suppose, this city should be taken and I (which Heaven forefend!) fall into the hands of the enemy, and then, for all I am my noble father's child, meet an awful doom, and face the Death-god none the less. Shall I wander as an exile from this land? Shall I not feel shame then, when someone says, as say they will, "Why are ye come hither with suppliant boughs, loving your lives too well? Begone from our land! for we will not succour cowards." Nay, if these be slain and I alone be saved, I have no hope in any wise of being happy, though many ere now have in this hope betrayed their friends. For who will care to wed a lonely maid or make me mother of his children? 'Tis better I should die than meet such treatment, [ little as I merit it. This were fitter treatment for some other, one that is not born to fame as I am.] Conduct me to the scene of death, [ crown me with garlands, and begin the rites, if so it please you;] then be victorious o'er the foe, for here I offer my life freely and without constraint, and for my brothers and myself I undertake to die. [ For I, by loving not my life too well, have found a treasure very fair, a glorious means to leave it.]

. Ah, what shall I say on hearing the maid's brave words, she that is ready to die for her brothers? Who can