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250 Henceforth I must be a slave again among those whom most I hate, my father's murderers. Is it not well with me? But never, at least, henceforward, will I enter the house to dwell with them; nay, at these gates I will lay me down, and here, without a friend, my days shall wither. Therefore, if any in the house be wroth, let them slay me; for 'tis a grace, if I die, but if I live, a pain; I desire life no more.

. Where are the thunderbolts of Zeus, or where is the bright Sun, if they look upon these things, and brand them not, but rest?

. Woe, woe, ah me, ah me!

. O daughter, why weepest thou?

. (with hands outstretched to heaven). Alas!

. Utter no rash cry!

. Thou wilt break my heart!

. How meanest thou?

. If thou suggest a hope concerning those who have surely passed to the realm below, thou wilt trample yet more upon my misery.

. Nay, I know how, ensnared by a woman for a chain of gold, the prince Amphiaraüs found a grave; and now beneath the earth—

. ah me, ah me!

. —he reigns in fulness of force.

. Alas!

. Alas indeed! for the murderess—

. Was slain. . Yea.

. I know it, I know it; for a champion arose