Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Plumptre 1878).djvu/309

Rh For now I am indeed alone, bereaved

Of thee and of my father. Now once more

I must live on in bondage unto those

Of all mankind most hateful far to me,

My father's murderers. Goes it well with me?

But I at least through all the time to come

Will not dwell with them, but at this their gate,

All reckless, friendless, waste away my life;

And then, if one of those that dwell within

Is wroth with this, why, let him slay me straight;

I'll thank him, if he kill me; should I live

There is but sorrow; wish for life is none.

Chor. Where then the bolts of Zeus,

And where the glorious Sun,

If, seeing deeds like these,

They hold their peace, and hide?

Elec. [Sobbing.] Alas, ah me, ah woe!

Chor. My child, why weepest thou?

Elec. Fie on it, fie,

Chor. Hush, hush, be not too bold.

Elec. Thou wilt but break my heart.

Chor. What meanest thou?

Elec. If thou suggestest any hope from those

So clearly gone to Hades, then on me,

Wasting with sorrow, thou wilt trample more.

Chor. And yet I know that King Amphiaraos

Was taken in the toils of golden snare,