Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/56

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Were wisdom gauged alike of all, and honour,

No strife of warring words were known to men.

But no men judge alike, no men agree,

Save touching names; no being hath the deed.

Yea, mother, nothing feigning will I speak:—

I would mount to the risings of the stars

Or sun, would plunge 'neath earth, if this I could,

So to win Power, diviner than all gods.

This precious thing, my mother, will I not

Yield to another, when myself might keep.

No man's part this, to let the better slip

And grasp the worse! Nay more—I think foul shame

That he should come with arms, lay waste the land,

And win his heart's desire. This were reproach

To Thebes, if I, by spear Mycenian cowed,

Should yield my sceptre up for him to hold.

With arms should he not come in quest of peace,

Mother; for parley can accomplish all

That even steel of foes can bring to pass.

If he on other terms will dwell in Thebes,

That may he. This consent I not to yield.

I, who may rule, shall I be thrall to him?

Wherefore let fire have way, let swords have way,

Yoke ye the steeds, with chariots fill the plains:—

I will not render him my sovereignty.

If wrong may e'er be right, for a throne's sake

Were wrong most right:—be God in all else feared!