Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1894) v1.djvu/58

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Let me pass on, and have my thanks unmeasured.

Unto another's hearth thou canst not go.

[To an attendant] Ho thou, lead on: open the guest-bowers looking

Away from these our chambers. Tell my stewards

To set on meat in plenty. Shut withal

The mid-court doors: it fits not that the guests,

The while they feast, hear wailings, and be vexed.

What dost thou?—such affliction at the door,

And guests for thee, Admetus? Art thou mad?

But had I driven him from my home and city

Who came my guest, then hadst thou praised me more?

Nay, sooth; for mine affliction so had grown

No less, and more inhospitable I;

And to mine ills were added this beside,

That this my home were called "Guest-hating Hall."

Yea, and myself have proved him kindliest host

Whene'er to Argos' thirsty plain I fared.

Why hide then the dread Presence in the house,

When came a friend?—Thyself hast named him friend.

Never had he been won to pass my doors,

Had he one whit of mine afflictions known.