Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/419

Rh Were strong, right quickly had he ceased therefrom.

But now I am nought. 'Tis thine, Amphitryon, now

To search how thou shalt pierce misfortune's snares.

Nor cowardice nor life-craving holds me back

From death: but for my son I fain would save

His sons—I covet things past hope, meseems.

Lo, here my throat is ready for thy sword,

For stabbing, murdering, hurling from the rock.

Yet grant us twain one grace, I pray thee, king:

Slay me and this poor mother ere the lads,

That—sight unhallowed—we see not the boys

Gasping out life, and calling on their mother

And grandsire: in all else thine eager will

Work out; for we have no defence from death.

And, I beseech, to this grace add a grace,

To be twice benefactor to us twain:—

Open yon doors; let me array my sons

In death's attire,—for now are we shut out,—

Their one inheritance from their father's halls.

So be it: I bid my men throw wide the doors.

Pass in; adorn you: I begrudge no robes.

But, when ye have cast the arraying round your limbs,

I come, to give you to the nether world.

[Exit.

Children, attend your hapless mother's steps