Page:The Plays of Euripides Vol. 1- Edward P. Coleridge (1910).djvu/359

Rh, as fits thy fortune. But before thou hast any correct information, what shall sorrow avail thee? Nay, hearken to me; leave this tomb and seek the maiden's company, that she may tell thee the truth, for from her shalt thou learn all. If thou abide here in this building, what prospect hast thou? And I will myself go in with thee, and with thee inquire of the maiden's oracles; for 'tis a woman's bounden duty to share a sister's trouble.

. Kind friends, I welcome your advice. Come in, come in, that ye may learn the result of my struggle within the palace.

. Thy invitation comes to very willing ears.

. Woe for this heavy day! Ah me! what mournful tidings shall I hear?

. Dear mistress mine, be not a prophetess of sorrow, forestalling lamentation.

. What is the fate of my poor husband? Doth he still behold the light [turning towards ] the sun-god's chariot and the stars in their courses?

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Or among the dead, beneath the earth, is he to death consigned?

. Of the future take a brighter view, whatever shall betide.

. On thee I call, and thee adjure, Eurotas green with river-reeds, to tell me if this rumour of my husband's death be true.

. What boots this meaningless appeal?

. About my neck will I fasten the deadly noose from above, or drive the murderous knife with self-aimed thrust deep into my throat to sever it, striving to cut my flesh, a