Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/439

Rh Little it costs, faith's precious heritage,

To trust that whatsoe'er from Heaven is sent

Hath sovereign sway, whate'er through age on age

Hath gathered sanction by our nature's bent.

What wisdom's crown, what guerdon, shines more glorious

That Gods can give the sons of men, than this—

O'er crests of foes to stretch the hand victorious?

Honour is precious evermore, I wis.

Blest who from ravening seas

Hath 'scaped to haven-peace,

Blest who hath triumphed in endeavour's toil and throe.

This man to higher height

Attains, of wealth, of might,

Than that; yet myriad hopes in myriad hearts still glow:

To fair fruition brought

Are some, some come to nought:

Happy is he whose bliss from day to day doth grow.

Enter Dionysus.

Thou who dost burn to see forefended things,

Pentheus, O zealous with an evil zeal,

Come forth before thine halls: be seen of me

Womanlike clothed in frenzied Bacchant's garb,

To spy upon thy mother and her troop.

Enter Pentheus.

So!—like a daughter of Kadmus is thy form.

Aha! meseemeth I behold two suns,