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130 . At least, then, disclose this plan to none, but hide it closely,—and so, too, will I.

. Oh, denounce it! Thou wilt be far more hateful for thy silence, if thou proclaim not these things to all.

. Thou hast a hot heart for chilling deeds.

. I know that I please where I am most bound to please.

. Aye, if thou canst; but thou wouldst what thou canst not.

. Why, then, when my strength fails, I shall have done.

. A hopeless quest should not be made at all.

. If thus thou speakest, thou wilt have hatred from me, and will justly be subject to the lasting hatred of the dead. But leave me, and the folly that is mine alone, to suffer this dread thing; for I shall not suffer aught so dreadful as an ignoble death.

. Go, then, if thou must; and of this be sure,—that, though thine errand is foolish, to thy dear ones thou art truly dear.

[Exit on the spectators' left. retires into the palace by one of the two side-doors.

Beam of the sun, fairest light that ever dawned on Thebè of the seven gates, thou hast shone forth at last, eye of golden day, arisen above Dircè's streams! The warrior of the white shield, who came from Argos in his panoply, hath been stirred by thee to headlong flight, in swifter career;