Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/139

Rh Do ye not hear?—not see the feathered shafts

At point to leap from my far-smiting bow?

Ha! ha!—

Why tarry ye? Soar to the welkin's height

On wings! There rail on Phœbus' oracles!

Ah!

Why do I rave, hard-panting from my lungs?

Whither have I leapt, whither, from my couch?

For after storm once more a calm I see.

Sister, why weep'st thou, muffling o'er thine head?

Ashamed am I to make thee share my woes,

To afflict a maiden with my malady.

For mine affliction's sake break not, dear heart.

Thou didst consent thereto, yet spilt of me

My mother's blood was. Loxias I blame,

Who thrust me on to most accursed deed,

And cheered me still with words, but not with deeds.

I trow, my father, had I face to face

Questioned him if I must my mother slay,

Had earnestly besought me by this beard

Never to thrust sword through my mother's heart,

Since he should not win so to light again,

And I, woe's me! should drain this cup of ills!

Even now unveil thee, sister well-beloved;

From tears refrain, how miserable soe'er

We be; and, when thou seest me despair,

Mine horror and the fainting of mine heart

Assuage and comfort; and, when thou shalt moan,

Must I be nigh thee, chiding lovingly;

For friendship's glory is such helpfulness.

Now, sorrow-stricken, pass within the house:

Lay thee down, give thy sleepless eyelids sleep:

Put to thy lips food, and thy body bathe.