Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/324

306 Scan well the giver too. Of late I lived With bold and joyous spirit, though my lot All men considered hard to bear. But now My heart is filled with fears, my courage fails; And, bent on flight, my feet unwilling move. Tantalus [one of Thyestes' sons]: Why, O my father, dost thou falter so With steps uncertain, turn away thy face And hold thyself as on a doubtful course? Thyestes [in soliloquy]: Why hesitate, my soul, or why so long Deliberate upon a point so clear? To such uncertain things dost thou intrust Thyself as throne and brother? And fearest thou Those ills already conquered and found mild? Dost flee those cares which thou hast well bestowed? Oh, now my former wretchedness is joy. Turn back, while still thou mayst, and save thyself Tantalus: What cause, O father, forces thee to leave Thy native land at last regained? Why now, When richest gifts are falling in thy lap, Dost turn away? Thy brother's wrath is o'er; And he has turned himself once more to thee, Has given thee back thy share of sovereignty, Restored our shattered house to harmony, And made thee master of thyself again. Thyestes: Thou askest why I fear—I cannot tell. No cause for fear I see. but still I fear. I long to go, and yet my trembling limbs Go on with faltering steps, and I am borne Where I most stoutly struggle not to go. So, when a ship by oar and sail is driven, The tide, resisting both, bears it away. Tantalus: But thou must overcome whate'er it be  That doth oppose and hold thy soul in check; And see how great rewards await thee here: Thou canst be king. Thyestes: Since I have power to die. Tantalus: But royal power is— Thyestes: Naught, if only thou No power dost covet.