Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/425

Rh Breathing fury out, the while the sweat-gouts poured from every limb,

While he gnawed upon his lips—and I beside him watching him

Calmly at mine ease was sitting. Even then our Bacchus came,

And as with an earthquake shook the house, and lit a sudden flame

On his mother's tomb. The king beholding thought he saw his halls

Flame-enwrapped, and hither, thither, rushed he, wildly bidding thralls

Bring the water. Now was every bondman vainly toiling there.

Then he let this labour be, as deeming I had 'scaped the snare:

Straight within the building rushed he, drawing forth his falchion fell.

Then did Bromius, as to me it seemed—'tis but my thought I tell,—

Fashion in his halls a wraith: he hurled himself thereon straightway,

Rushed, and stabbed the light-pervaded air, as thinking me to slay.

Then did Bacchus bring a new abasement of his pride to pass;

For he hurled to earth the building. There it lies, a ruin-mass,—

Sight to make my bonds full bitter to him! Now, with toil outworn,

Letting drop the sword, he falleth fainting. He, the mortal-born,

Dare to brave a God to battle ! Then unhindered passed I through,