Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1894) v1.djvu/125

Rh For herein wholly extinct is Aigeus' name.

But thus it is—if to my land thou come,

I thy defence essay, in bounds of justice.

Howbeit of this do I forewarn thee, lady,

From this land will I not consent to lead thee.

But, if thou reachest of thyself mine homes,

Safe shalt thou bide: to no man will I yield thee.

But from this land thou must thyself escape;

For blameless will I be to allies too.

So be it. Yet, were oath-pledge given for this

To me, then had I all I would of thee.

Ha, dost not trust me?—Or at what dost stumble?

I trust thee: but my foes are Pelias' house

And Kreon. Oath-bound, thou couldst never yield me

To these, when they would drag me from the land.

Hadst thou but promised, to the Gods unpledged,

Thou mightest turn their friend, might'st lightly yield

To herald-summons. Strengthless is my cause:

Wealth is on their side, and a princely house.

Foresight exceeding, lady, in thy words!

Yet, if this be thy will, I draw not back;