Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/33

Rh. Thou hastest, Hector, before thou knowest clearly what is happening; for we do not know for certain whether our foes are flying.

. What reason else had the Argive host to kindle fires?

. I cannot say; my soul doth much misgive me.

. If this thou fearest, be sure there's nought thou wouldst not fear.

. Never aforetime did the enemy kindle such a blaze.

. No, nor ever before did they suffer such shameful defeat and rout.

. This thou didst achieve; look now to what remains to do.

. I have but one word to say, "Arm, arm against the foe!"

. Lo! where Æneas comes, in hot haste too, as though he hath news to tell his friends.

. Why, Hector, have the sentinels in terror made their way through the host to thy couch to hold a midnight conclave and disturb the army?

. Case thee in thy coat of mail, Æneas.

. How now? are tidings come of some secret stratagem set on foot during the night by the foe?

. They are flying, these foes of ours, and going aboard their ships.

. What sure proof canst thou give of this?

. The livelong night they are kindling blazing torches; methinks they will not wait for the morrow, but after lighting brands upon their ships' decks will leave this land and fly to their homes.

. And thou, wherefore dost thou gird thee with thy sword?

. With my spear will I stop them even as they fly and leap aboard their ships, and my hand shall be heavy upon them; for shameful it were in us, aye, and cowardly as well