Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/67

Rh But I feared, for my lords be stern,

That I held my peace: but thy lot ill-fated

In silence aye I compassionated,

Lest the child of the daughter of Zeus should discern

O'er thy woes how I yearn.

Enter Hermionê.

With bravery of gold about mine head,

And on my form this pomp of broidered robes,

Hither I come:—no gifts be these I wear

Or from Achilles' or from Peleus' house;

But from the Land Laconian Sparta-crowned

My father Menelaus with rich dower

Gave these, that so my tongue should not be tied.

To you I render answer in these words.

But thou, a woman-thrall, won by the spear,

Wouldst cast me out, and have this home thine own;

And through thy spells I am hated by my lord;

My womb is barren, ruined all of thee:

For cunning is the soul of Asia's daughters

For such deeds. Yet therefrom will I stay thee:

And this the Nereid's fane shall help thee nought,

Altar nor temple;—thou shalt die, shalt die!

Yea, though one stoop to save thee, man or God,

Yet must thou for thy haughty spirit of old