Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/92

36 And battle-fame be ta'en from Sparta's sons,

In all else are ye meanest of mankind.

This race of old men may no man restrain,

Nor guard him 'gainst their sudden-fiery mood.

O'erhastily thou rushest into railing.

I came to Phthia not for violent deeds,

And will do nought unkingly, nor endure.

Now, seeing that my leisure serveth not,

Home will I go; for not from Sparta far

Some certain town there is, our friend, time was,

But now our foe: against her will I march,

Leading mine host, and bow her 'neath my sway.

Soon as things there be ordered to my mind,

I will return, will meet my marriage-kin

Openly, speak my mind, and hear reply.

And, if he punish her, and be henceforth

Temperate, he shall find me temperate too,

But, if he rage, shall meet his match in rage,

Yea, shall find deeds of mine to match his own.

But, for thy words, nothing I reck of them;

Thou art like a creeping shadow, voice thine all,

Impotent to do anything save talk.

[Exit.

Pass on, my child, sheltered beneath mine arms,