Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1894) v1.djvu/106

74 Some count me idle; some, o'erbusy; some

Unsocial:—yet not over-wise am I.

And thou, thou fear'st me, lest I mar thy music.

Not such am I—O Kreon, dread not me—

That against princes I should dare transgress.

How hast thou wronged me? Thou hast given thy child

To whom so pleased thee. But—I hate mine husband:

And, doubtless, this in prudence hast thou done?

Nay, but I grudge not thy prosperity.

Wed ye, and prosper. But in this your land

Still let me dwell: for I, how wronged soe'er,

Will hold my peace, o'ermastered by the strong.

Soft words to hear: but lurks mine heart within

Dread lest thou plottest mischief all the while;

And all the less I trust thee than before.

The vehement-hearted woman—yea, or man—

Is easier watched-for than the silent-cunning.

But forth with all speed: plead me pleadings none.

For this is stablished: no device hast thou

To bide with us, who art a foe to me.

Nay,—by thy knees, and by the bride, thy child!

Thou wastest words; thou never shalt prevail.

Wilt drive me forth, respecting nought my prayers?