Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1894) v1.djvu/145

Rh Of thee? Ah me, would I might die with thee!"

But, when from wailing and from moans he ceased,

Fain would he have upraised his aged frame,

Yet clave, as ivy clings to laurel boughs,

To those fine robes: then was a ghastly wrestling:

For, while he laboured to upraise his knee,

She strained against him: if by force he haled,

Then from the bones he tare his agèd flesh.

At last refrained he, and gave up the ghost,

Ill-starred, who could no more withstand his bane.

There lie the corpses, child by aged sire

Clasped;—such affliction tears, not words, must mourn.

And of thy part no word be said by me:—

Thyself from punishment wilt find escape.

But man's lot now, as oft, I count a shadow,

Nor fear to say that such as seem to be

Wise among men and cunning in speech-lore,

Even these are chargeable with deepest folly;

For among mortals happy man is none.

In fortune's flood-tide might a man become

More prosperous than his neighbour: happy?—no!

[Exit.

Meseems the God with many an ill this day

Will compass Jason,—yea, and rightfully.

But O the pity of thy calamity,

Daughter of Kreon, who to Hades' halls

Hast passed, because with thee would Jason wed!

Friends, my resolve is taken, with all speed

To slay my children, and to flee this land,

And not to linger and to yield my sons