Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1894) v1.djvu/134

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Prevail I may not, yet must I essay.

Nay then, thy bride bid thou to pray her sire

That thy sons be not banished from this land.

Yea surely; and, I trow, her shall I win,

If of her sister women she is one.

I too will bear a part in thine endeavour;

For I will send her gifts unmatched for beauty

Of all that men see now, I know, by far,

A robe fine-spun, a golden diadem;

Our sons to bear them. Now must an attendant

With all speed hither bring the ornaments.

Blessings shall hers be, not one, but untold,

Who winneth thee for lord, a peerless spouse,

Who owneth ornaments which once the Sun,

My father's father, gave unto his offspring!

Take in your hands, my sons, these bridal gifts,

And to the happy princess-bride bear ye

And give: with gifts shall she be satisfied.

But, fond one, why make void thine hands of these?

Deem'st thou a royal house hath lack of robes,

Or gold, deem'st thou? Keep these and give them not.

For, if my wife esteems me aught, my wish

Will she prefer to treasures, well I wot.