Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/276

248

Damsels beloved, I raise mine eyes to you.

Mine all is in your hands—for happiness,

Or ruin, and for loss of fatherland,

Of a dear brother, and a sister loved.

Of mine appeal be this the starting-point—

Women are we, each other's staunchest friends,

In keeping common counsel wholly loyal.

Keep silence; help us to achieve our flight.

A loyal tongue is its possessor's crown.

Ye see three friends upon one hazard cast,

Or to win back to fatherland or die.

If I escape,—that thou mayst share my fortune,—

Thee will I bring home. Oh, by thy right hand

Thee I implore—and thee!—by thy sweet face

Thee,—by thy knees—by all thou lov'st at home!

What say ye? Who consents?—Who sayeth nay—

Oh speak!—to this?—for if ye hearken not,

I and mine hapless brother are undone.

Fear not, dear lady: do but save thyself.

I will keep silence touching all the things

Whereof thou chargest me: great Zeus be witness.

Heaven bless you for the word! Happy be ye!

(To Or. and Pyl.) 'Tis thy part now, and thine, to pass within;