Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Plumptre 1878).djvu/513

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Yea, if 'twere lawful to speak all the truth,

She sways the breast of Zeus. All weaponless,

Without or spear or sword, the Kyprian queen

Cuts short the schemes of mortals or of Gods.

What house hath ever gained prosperity,

How swoln soe'er with pride, without the grace

Of woman's nobler nature.

But when bereavement falls upon her house,

A woman has the purpose of a man.

No small disease is poverty for those

Who boast of wealth; than poverty no foe

Is found more hostile.

Ο race of mortal men oppressed with care!

What nothings are we, like to shadows vain,

Cumbering the ground, and wandering to and fro!

None but the Gods may live untouched by ill.

Ο God, we mortals find no way to flee

From evils deeply-rooted, sent from Heaven.

Would one might live, and give the present hour

Its fill of pleasure, while the future creeps

For ever unforeseen.

The skilful gamester still should make the best

Of any throw, and not bemoan his luck.

'Tis hope that feeds the larger half of men.