Page:The poetical works of Matthew Arnold, 1897.djvu/348

310 In reason good, which justified my deed.

With women the heart argues, not the mind.

But, for thy children's death, I stand assoil'd—

I saved them, meant them honor; but thy friends

Rose, and with fire and sword assailed my house

By night; in that blind tumult they were slain.

To chance impute their deaths, then, not to me.

MEROPE.

Such chance as kill'd the father, kill'd the sons.

POLYPHONTES.

One son at least I spared, for still he lives.

MEROPE.

Tyrants think him they murder not they spare.

POLYPHONTES.

Not much a tyrant thy free speech displays me.

MEROPE.

Thy shame secures my freedom, not thy will.

POLYPHONTES.

Shame rarely checks the genuine tyrant's will.

MEROPE.

One merit, then, thou hast; exult in that.

POLYPHONTES.

Thou standest out, I see, repellest peace.

MEROPE.

Thy sword repell'd it long ago, not I.