Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/317

Rh. Enough! why have aught to do with that which brings down death?

. What means this piteous strain? wherefore this alarm?

. Are we to speak or keep silence? What shall we do?

. Speak; for thou hast somewhat to tell that touches me.

. Then speak I will, though twice to die were mine. O mistress mine! never shalt thou hold a babe within thy arms or clasp him to thy breast.

. Ah me! would I were dead!

. My daughter!

. O woe is me for my calamity! Mine is a heritage of suffering and woe that poisons life, good friends.

. Ah, my child, 'tis death to us!

. Ah me! ah me! grief drives its weapon through this heart of mine.

. Stay thy lamentations.

. Nay, but sorrow lodges here.

. Till we learn

. Ah, what further news is there for me?

. Whether our master is in the same plight and shares thy misfortune, or thou art alone in thy misery.

. On him, old sir, Loxias hath bestowed a son, and he is enjoying his good fortune apart from her.

. Herein hast thou declared a further evil crowning all, a grief for me to mourn.

. The child of whom thou speakest is he some woman's destined babe, or did the god declare the fate of one already born?

. A youth already born and grown to man's estate doth Phœbus give to him; for I was there myself.

. What sayest thou? nor tongue nor lip should speak the word thou tellest me.