Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/354

326. Dost speak of Leda? She Is dead; aye, dead and gone.

. Was it Helen's shame that caused her death?

. Aye, 'tis said she tied the noose about her noble neck.

. Are the sons of Tyndareus still alive or not?

. Dead, and yet alive: 'tis a double story.

. Which is the more credible report? Woe is me for my sorrows!

. Men say that they are gods in the likeness of stars.

. That is happy news; but what is the other rumour?

. That they by self-inflicted wounds gave up the ghost because of their sister's shame. But enough of such talk! I have no wish to multiply my griefs. The reason of my coming to this royal palace was a wish to see that famous prophetess Theonoe. Do thou the means afford, that I from her may obtain an oracle how I shall steer a favourable course to the sea-girt shores of Cyprus; for there Apollo hath declared my home shall be, giving to it the name of Salamis, my island home, in honour of that fatherland across the main.

. That shall the voyage itself explain, sir stranger; but do thou leave these shores and fly, ere the son of Proteus, the ruler of this land, catch sight of thee. Now is he away with his trusty hounds tracking his savage quarry to the death; for every stranger that he catcheth from the land of Hellas doth he slay. His reason never ask to know; my lips are sealed; for what could word of mine avail thee?

. Lady, thy words are fair. Heaven grant thee a fair requital for this kindness! For though in form thou dost resemble Helen, thy soul is not like hers, nay, very different. Perdition seize her! May she never reach the streams of Eurotas! But thine be joy for evermore, lady!

[Exit.