Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/246

218. Why dost thou deck thyself in that apparel?

. A purport strange this robe conveys, father.

. Thou hast no look of mourning for thy lord.

. No, the reason why I thus am decked is strange, maybe.

. Dost thou in such garb appear before a funeral-pyre?

. Yea, for hither it is I come to take the meed of victory.

. "Victory!" what victory? This would I learn of thee.

. A victory o'er all women on whom the sun looks down.

. In Athena's handiwork or in prudent counsel?

. In bravery; for I will lay me down and die with my lord.

. What dost thou say? What is this silly riddle thou propoundest?

. To yonder pyre where lies dead Capaneus, I will leap down.

. My daughter, speak not thus before the multitude!

. The very thing I wish, that every Argive should learn it.

. Nay, I will ne'er consent to let thee do this deed.

. (as she is throwing herself). 'Tis all one; thou shalt never catch me in thy grasp. Lo! I cast me down, no joy to thee, but to myself and to my husband blazing on the pyre with me.

. O lady, what a fearful deed!

. Ah me! I am undone, ye dames of Argos!

. Alack, alack! a cruel blow is this to thee, but thou must yet witness, poor wretch, the full horror of this deed.

. A more unhappy wretch than me ye could not find.