Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/201

Rh. Near enough for their general to be plainly seen.

. What is he about? marshalling the enemy's line?

. So we guessed; we could not hear exactly. But I must go, for I would not that my master should engage the foe without me, if I can help it.

. I also will go with thee; for I like thee am minded, so it seems, to be there and help my friends.

. It least of all becomes thee thus to utter words of folly.

. Far less to shrink from sharing with my friends the stubborn fight.

. Mere looks can wound no one, if the arm do naught.

. Why, cannot I smite even through their shields?

. Smite perhaps, more likely be smitten thyself.

. No foe will dare to meet me face to face.

. Friend, the strength, that erst was thine, is thine no more.

. Well, at any rate, I will fight with as many as ever I did.

. Small the weight thou canst throw into the balance for thy friends.

. Detain me not, when I have girded myself for action.

. The power to act is thine no more, the will maybe is there.

. Stay here I will not, say what else thou wilt.

. How shalt thou show thyself before the troops unarmed?

. There be captured arms within this shrine; these will I use, and, if I live, restore; and, if I am slain, the god will not demand them of me back. Go thou within, and from its peg take down a suit of armour and forthwith bring it to me. To linger thus at home is infamous, while some go fight, and others out of cowardice remain behind. [Exit Servant.