Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/85

Rh [To attendant] Lead the way faster! 'Tis a strait, methinks,

Brooks no delay; but now, if ever, fain

Would I renew the vigour of my youth.

But first, like breeze that fills the sails, will I

Breathe life through her:—say, by what right have these

Pinioned thine hands in bonds, and with thy son

Hale—for like ewe with lamb thou goest to death—

Whilst I and thy true lord be far away?

These, ancient, deathward hale me with my child,

As thou dost see. Why should I tell it thee?

Seeing not once I sent thee instant summons,

But by the mouth of messengers untold.

Thou know'st, hast heard, I trow, the household-strife

Of yon man's daughter, that means death to me.

And now from Thetis' altars,—hers who bare

Thy noble son, hers whom thou reverencest,—

They tear, they hale me, with no form of trial

Condemning, for the absent waiting not,

My lord, but knowing my defencelessness,

And this poor child's, the utter-innocent,

Whom they would slay along with hapless me.

But I beseech thee, ancient, falling low

Before thy knees—I cannot stretch my hand

Unto thy beard, O dear, O kindly face!—

In God's name save, else I shall surely die,

To your shame, ancient, and my misery.

Loose, I command, her bonds, ere some one rue,

And set ye free this captive's pinioned hands.