Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/316

298 I would might fall on me, if only thus It might destroy my hated brother too. But come, my soul, do what no coming age Shall e'er approve—or e'er forget; some deed Must be attempted, impious, bloody, dire, Such as my brother's self might claim as his. No crime avenged save by a greater crime. But where the crime that can surpass his deeds? Is he yet crushed in spirit? Does he show In prosperous circumstances self-control, Contentment in defeat? Full well I know His tameless spirit; it can ne'er be bent— But can be broken. Then, before his force He strengthens and opposing powers prepares, We must the attack begin, lest, while we wait, He strike us unprepared. For well I know That he must either slay me or be slain By me There lies the crime between us two: Who leaps to grasp it first, the crime shall do. Attendant: But does the evil fame of such a deed Deter you not? Atreus: The greatest blessing this Of royal power, that men are forced to praise Their monarchs' deeds as well as bear them. Attendant: Yea, But they whose praise is forced by fear become By that same fear in turn the bitterest foes. But he who seeks the people's heartfelt praise, Will wish their hearts and not their tongues to speak. Atreus: True praise may often fall to humble men, But false alone to kings. Let subjects learn To want what they would not. Attendant: Let monarchs learn To choose the right; then all will choose the same. Atreus: When kings are forced to choose the right alone, Their rule is insecure. Attendant: Where is no shame, No thought of righteousness, no piety, No faith, no purity, Oh, then indeed