Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Plumptre 1878).djvu/317

Rh Elec. Long since I planned it; 'tis no new device.

Chrys. I then must needs depart; thou darest not

To praise my words, nor I these moods of thine.

Elec. Go, then, within: I ne'er will follow thee,

No! not though thou should'st wish it eagerly.

To hunt a shadow is a madman's sport.

Chrys. Nay, then! If thou dost think thou reasonest well.

So reason. When thou find'st thyself in grief,

Then thou wilt praise my counsels.

[Exeunt and.

Chor. Why, when we see on high

The birds for wisdom famed

Caring to nourish those from whom they spring,

From whom they found support,

Why fail we to requite

Like boon on equal scale?

But, lo! by Zeus' glaring lightning flash,

By Themis throned on high,

Not long shall we escape our chastisement.

Ah, Voice that to the central depths of earth

Dost bear our human deeds,

Lift up thy wailing speech

To those of Atreus' sons who sleep below,

Telling of foulest shame,

Unmeet for choral song.

Long since their house is sick