Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/324

296. Set fire to Apollo's awful sanctuary.

. I am afraid; my present sorrows are enough for me.

. Then what thou canst, that dare—thy husband's death.

. Nay, I do respect his former love in the days when he was good and true.

. At least, then, slay the boy who hath appeared to supplant thee.

. How can I? would it were possible! how I wish it were!

. Arm thy followers with daggers.

. I will about it; but where is the deed to be done?

. In the sacred tent, where he is feasting his friends.

. The murder will be too public, and slaves are poor support.

. Ah! thou art turning coward. Devise some scheme thyself.

. Well, I too have subtle plans that cannot fail.

. If both conditions they fulfil, I will assist thee.

. Hearken then; knowest thou the battle of the earth-born men?

. Surely; the fight at Phlegra waged by giants against the gods.

. There Earth brought Gorgon forth, dreadful prodigy.

. To aid her sons maybe, and cause the gods hard toil?

. Yea, and Pallas, daughter of Zeus, slew the monster.

. What savage form had it assumed?

. A breast-plate of vipers fenced its body.

. Is this the tale I heard in days of yore?

. That Athena wears its skin upon her corslet.

. Is it this that Pallas wears, called by men her ægis?