Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/358

330 my life? What fortune have I still in store? Shall I choose marriage as an alternative of evils, and dwell with a barbarian lord, seated at his sumptuous board? No! when a husband she loathes is mated with a woman, even life is loathly to her. Best for her to die; but how shall I die a noble death? The dangling noose is an uncomely end; even slaves consider it a disgrace; to stab oneself hath something fair and noble in it; 'tis a small thing that moment of ridding the flesh of life. Yes, it must be; I am plunged so deep in misery; for that beauty, which to other women is a boon, to me hath been a very bane.

. Helen, never believe that the stranger, whoe'er he was that came, has spoken naught but truth.

. Yet he said so clearly that my lord was dead.

. There is much that falsehood seems to make quite clear.

. The word of truth hath a very different sound to falsehood.

. Thou art inclined to misfortune, rather than to luck.

. Fear girds me with terrors as with a garment, and takes me in her train.

. What friends hast thou within the palace?

. All are my friends here save him who seeks to wed me.

. Thy action then is clear; leave thy seat at the tomb.

. To what words or advice art thou leading up?

. Go in and question the daughter of the ocean Nereid, who knoweth all things, even Theonoe, whether thy husband is still alive, or whether he hath left the light of day; and when thou knowest for certain, be glad or