diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg001/tlg0006.tlg001.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg001/tlg0006.tlg001.perseus-eng2.xml index 4162c7d4f..286488731 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg001/tlg0006.tlg001.perseus-eng2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg001/tlg0006.tlg001.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -69,203 +69,203 @@ Scene. — Mount Aetna in Sicily, before the cave of the Cyclops. Silenus - O Bromius, unnumbered are the toils I bear because of thee, no less now than when I was young and hale; first, when thou wert driven mad by Hera and didst leave the mountain nymphs, thy nurses; - next, when in battle with earth-born spearmen I stood beside thee on the right as squire, and slew Enceladus, smiting him full in the middle of his targe with my spear. Come, though, let me see; must I confess ’twas all a dream? No, by Zeus! since I really showed his spoils to the Bacchic god. - And now am I enduring to the full a toil still worse than those. For when Hera sent forth a race of Tyrrhene pirates against thee, that thou mightest be smuggled far away, I, as soon as the news reached me, sailed in quest of thee with my children; and, taking the helm - myself, I stood on the end of the stern and steered our trim craft; and my sons, sitting at the oars, made the grey billows froth and foam as they sought thee, my liege. But just as we had come nigh Malea in our course, an east-wind blew upon the ship - and drove us hither to the rock of Aetna, where in lonely caverns dwell the + O Bromius, unnumbered are the toils I bear because of thee, no less now than when I was young and hale; first, when thou wert driven mad by Hera and didst leave the mountain nymphs, thy nurses; + next, when in battle with earth-born spearmen I stood beside thee on the right as squire, and slew Enceladus, smiting him full in the middle of his targe with my spear. Come, though, let me see; must I confess ’twas all a dream? No, by Zeus! since I really showed his spoils to the Bacchic god. + And now am I enduring to the full a toil still worse than those. For when Hera sent forth a race of Tyrrhene pirates against thee, that thou mightest be smuggled far away, I, as soon as the news reached me, sailed in quest of thee with my children; and, taking the helm + myself, I stood on the end of the stern and steered our trim craft; and my sons, sitting at the oars, made the grey billows froth and foam as they sought thee, my liege. But just as we had come nigh Malea in our course, an east-wind blew upon the ship + and drove us hither to the rock of Aetna, where in lonely caverns dwell the one-eyed children of ocean’s god, the murdering Cyclopes. Captured by one of them we are slaves in his house; Polyphemus they call him whom we serve; - and instead of Bacchic revelry we are herding a godless Cyclops’s flocks; and so it is my children, striplings as they are, tend the young thereof on the edge of the downs; while my appointed task is to stay here and fill the troughs and sweep out the cave, - or wait upon the ungodly Cyclops at his impious feasts. His orders now compel obedience; I have to scrape out his house with the rake you see, so as to receive the Cyclops, my absent master, - and his sheep in clean caverns. But already I see my children driving their browsing flocks towards me. What means this? is the beat of feet in the Sicinnis dance the same to you now as when ye attended the Bacchic god in his revelries - and made your way with dainty steps to the mask of lyres to the halls of Althaea? + and instead of Bacchic revelry we are herding a godless Cyclops’s flocks; and so it is my children, striplings as they are, tend the young thereof on the edge of the downs; while my appointed task is to stay here and fill the troughs and sweep out the cave, + or wait upon the ungodly Cyclops at his impious feasts. His orders now compel obedience; I have to scrape out his house with the rake you see, so as to receive the Cyclops, my absent master, + and his sheep in clean caverns. But already I see my children driving their browsing flocks towards me. What means this? is the beat of feet in the Sicinnis dance the same to you now as when ye attended the Bacchic god in his revelries + and made your way with dainty steps to the mask of lyres to the halls of Althaea? Chorus - Offspring of well-bred sires and dams, pray whither wilt thou be gone from me to the rocks? Hast thou not here a gentle breeze, - and grass to browse, and water from the eddying stream set near the cave in troughs? and are not thy young ones bleating for thee? + Offspring of well-bred sires and dams, pray whither wilt thou be gone from me to the rocks? Hast thou not here a gentle breeze, + and grass to browse, and water from the eddying stream set near the cave in troughs? and are not thy young ones bleating for thee? - Pst! pst! wilt thou not browse here, - here on the dewy slope? Ho? ho! ere long will I cast a stone at thee. Away, away! O horned one, to the fold-keeper of the Cyclops, the country-ranging shepherd. + Pst! pst! wilt thou not browse here, + here on the dewy slope? Ho? ho! ere long will I cast a stone at thee. Away, away! O horned one, to the fold-keeper of the Cyclops, the country-ranging shepherd. - Loosen thy bursting udder; welcome to thy teats the kids, whom thou leavest in the + Loosen thy bursting udder; welcome to thy teats the kids, whom thou leavest in the lambkins’ pens. Those little bleating kids, asleep the livelong day, miss thee; - wilt then leave at last the rich grass pastures on the peaks of Aetna and enter the fold? + wilt then leave at last the rich grass pastures on the peaks of Aetna and enter the fold? Here we have no Bromian god; no dances here, or Bacchantes thyrsus-bearing; - no roll of drums, or drops of sparkling wine by gurgling founts; nor is it now with Nymphs in Nysa I sing a song of Bacchus, Bacchus! - to the queen of love, in quest of whom I once sped on with Bacchantes, white of foot. Dear friend, dear Bacchic god, whither art roaming alone, - waving thy auburn locks, while I, thy minister, do service to the one-eyed Cyclops, a slave and wanderer I, - clad in this wretched goat-skin dress, severed from thy love? + no roll of drums, or drops of sparkling wine by gurgling founts; nor is it now with Nymphs in Nysa I sing a song of Bacchus, Bacchus! + to the queen of love, in quest of whom I once sped on with Bacchantes, white of foot. Dear friend, dear Bacchic god, whither art roaming alone, + waving thy auburn locks, while I, thy minister, do service to the one-eyed Cyclops, a slave and wanderer I, + clad in this wretched goat-skin dress, severed from thy love? Silenus -Hush, children! and bid our servants fold the flocks in the rock-roofed cavern. +Hush, children! and bid our servants fold the flocks in the rock-roofed cavern. Chorus - (To Servants.) Away! (To Silenus.) But prithee, why such haste, father? + (To Servants.) Away! (To Silenus.) But prithee, why such haste, father? Silenus - I see the hull of a ship from Hellas at the shore, and men, that wield the oar, on their way to this cave with some chieftain. About their necks they carry empty vessels and pitchers for water; they are in want of food. Luckless strangers! - who can they be? They know not what manner of man our master Polyphemus is, to have set foot here in his cheerless abode and come to the jaws of the cannibal Cyclops in an evil hour. But hold ye your peace, that we may inquire - whence they come to the peak of Sicilian Aetna. + I see the hull of a ship from Hellas at the shore, and men, that wield the oar, on their way to this cave with some chieftain. About their necks they carry empty vessels and pitchers for water; they are in want of food. Luckless strangers! + who can they be? They know not what manner of man our master Polyphemus is, to have set foot here in his cheerless abode and come to the jaws of the cannibal Cyclops in an evil hour. But hold ye your peace, that we may inquire + whence they come to the peak of Sicilian Aetna. Odysseus - Pray tell us, sirs, of some river-spring whence we might draw a draught to slake our thirst, or of someone willing to sell victuals to mariners in need. Why, what is this? We seem to have chanced upon a city of the Bromian god; - here by the caves I see a group of Satyrs. To the eldest first I bid All hail! + Pray tell us, sirs, of some river-spring whence we might draw a draught to slake our thirst, or of someone willing to sell victuals to mariners in need. Why, what is this? We seem to have chanced upon a city of the Bromian god; + here by the caves I see a group of Satyrs. To the eldest first I bid All hail! Silenus - All hail, sir! tell me who thou art, and name thy country. + All hail, sir! tell me who thou art, and name thy country. Odysseus - Odysseus of Ithaca, king of the Cephallenians’ land. + Odysseus of Ithaca, king of the Cephallenians’ land. Silenus - I know him for a prating knave, one of Sisyphus’ shrewd offspring. + I know him for a prating knave, one of Sisyphus’ shrewd offspring. Odysseus - I am the man; abuse me not. + I am the man; abuse me not. Silenus - Whence hast thou sailed hither to Sicily? + Whence hast thou sailed hither to Sicily? Odysseus - From Ilium and the toils of Troy. + From Ilium and the toils of Troy. Silenus - How was that? didst thou not know the passage to thy native land? + How was that? didst thou not know the passage to thy native land? Odysseus - Tempestuous winds drove me hither against my will. + Tempestuous winds drove me hither against my will. Silenus - God wot! thou art in the same plight as I am. + God wot! thou art in the same plight as I am. Odysseus - Why, wert thou too drifted hither against thy will? + Why, wert thou too drifted hither against thy will? Silenus - I was, as I pursued the pirates who carried Bromius off. + I was, as I pursued the pirates who carried Bromius off. Odysseus - What land is this and who are its inhabitants? + What land is this and who are its inhabitants? Silenus - This is mount Aetna, the highest point in Sicily. + This is mount Aetna, the highest point in Sicily. Odysseus - But where are the city-walls and ramparts? + But where are the city-walls and ramparts? Silenus - There are none; the headlands, sir, are void of men. + There are none; the headlands, sir, are void of men. Odysseus - Who then possess the land? the race of wild creatures? + Who then possess the land? the race of wild creatures? Silenus - The Cyclopes, who have caves, not roofed houses. + The Cyclopes, who have caves, not roofed houses. Odysseus - Obedient unto whom? or is the power in the people’s hands? + Obedient unto whom? or is the power in the people’s hands? Silenus - They are rovers; no man obeys another in anything. + They are rovers; no man obeys another in anything. Odysseus - Do they sow Demeter’s grain, or on what do they live? + Do they sow Demeter’s grain, or on what do they live? Silenus - On milk and cheese and flesh of sheep. + On milk and cheese and flesh of sheep. Odysseus - Have they the drink of Bromius, the juice of the vine? + Have they the drink of Bromius, the juice of the vine? Silenus - No indeed! and thus it is a joyless land they dwell in. + No indeed! and thus it is a joyless land they dwell in. Odysseus - Are they hospitable and reverent towards strangers? + Are they hospitable and reverent towards strangers? Silenus - Strangers, they say, supply the daintiest meat. + Strangers, they say, supply the daintiest meat. Odysseus - What, do they delight in killing men and eating them? + What, do they delight in killing men and eating them? Silenus - No one has ever arrived here without being butchered. + No one has ever arrived here without being butchered. Odysseus - Where is the Cyclops himself? inside his dwelling? + Where is the Cyclops himself? inside his dwelling? Silenus - He is gone hunting wild beasts with hounds on Aetna. + He is gone hunting wild beasts with hounds on Aetna. Odysseus - Dost know then what to do, that we may be gone from the land? + Dost know then what to do, that we may be gone from the land? Silenus - Not I, Odysseus; but I would do anything for thee. + Not I, Odysseus; but I would do anything for thee. Odysseus - Sell us food, of which we are in need. + Sell us food, of which we are in need. Silenus - There is nothing but flesh, as I said. + There is nothing but flesh, as I said. Odysseus - Well, even that is a pleasant preventive of hunger. + Well, even that is a pleasant preventive of hunger. Silenus - And there is cheese curdled with fig-juice, and the milk of kine. + And there is cheese curdled with fig-juice, and the milk of kine. Odysseus - Bring them out; a man should see his purchases. + Bring them out; a man should see his purchases. Silenus - But tell me, how much gold wilt thou give me in exchange? + But tell me, how much gold wilt thou give me in exchange? Odysseus - No gold bring I, but Dionysus’ drink. + No gold bring I, but Dionysus’ drink. Silenus - Most welcome words! I have long been wanting that. + Most welcome words! I have long been wanting that. Odysseus - Yes, it was Maron, the god’s son, who gave me a draught. + Yes, it was Maron, the god’s son, who gave me a draught. Silenus - What! Maron whom once I dandled in these arms? + What! Maron whom once I dandled in these arms? Odysseus - The son of the Bacchic god, that thou mayst learn more certainly. + The son of the Bacchic god, that thou mayst learn more certainly. Silenus - Is it inside the ship, or hast thou it with thee? + Is it inside the ship, or hast thou it with thee? Odysseus - This, as thou seest, is the skin that holds it, old sir. + This, as thou seest, is the skin that holds it, old sir. Silenus - Why, that would not give me so much as a mouthful. + Why, that would not give me so much as a mouthful. Odysseus - This, and twice as much again as will run from the skin. + This, and twice as much again as will run from the skin. Silenus - Fair the rill thou speakest of, delicious to me. + Fair the rill thou speakest of, delicious to me. Odysseus - Shall I let thee taste the wine unmixed, to start with? + Shall I let thee taste the wine unmixed, to start with? Silenus - A reasonable offer; for of a truth a taste invites the purchase. + A reasonable offer; for of a truth a taste invites the purchase. Odysseus - Well, I haul about a cup as well as the skin. + Well, I haul about a cup as well as the skin. Silenus - Come, let it gurgle in, that I may revive my memory by a pull at it. + Come, let it gurgle in, that I may revive my memory by a pull at it. Odysseus There then! @@ -280,139 +280,139 @@ No, i’ faith, but I smell it. Odysseus - Taste it then, that thy approval may not stop at words. + Taste it then, that thy approval may not stop at words. Silenus -Zounds! Bacchus is inviting me to dance; ha! ha! +Zounds! Bacchus is inviting me to dance; ha! ha! Odysseus -Did it not gurgle finely down thy throttle? +Did it not gurgle finely down thy throttle? Silenus -Aye that it did, to the ends of my fingers. +Aye that it did, to the ends of my fingers. Odysseus -Well, we will give thee money besides. +Well, we will give thee money besides. Silenus -Only undo the skin, and never mind the money. +Only undo the skin, and never mind the money. Odysseus -Bring out the cheeses then and lambs. +Bring out the cheeses then and lambs. Silenus - I will do so, with small thought of any master. For let me have a single cup of that and I would turn madman, - giving in exchange for it the flocks of every Cyclops and then throwing myself into the sea from the Leucadian  rock, once I have been well drunk and smoothed out my wrinkled brow. For if a man rejoice not in his drinking, he is mad; for in drinking there is love - with all its frolic, and dancing withal, and oblivion of woe. Shall not I then purchase so rare a drink, bidding the senseless Cyclops and his central eye go hang? Exit Silenus. + I will do so, with small thought of any master. For let me have a single cup of that and I would turn madman, + giving in exchange for it the flocks of every Cyclops and then throwing myself into the sea from the Leucadian  rock, once I have been well drunk and smoothed out my wrinkled brow. For if a man rejoice not in his drinking, he is mad; for in drinking there is love + with all its frolic, and dancing withal, and oblivion of woe. Shall not I then purchase so rare a drink, bidding the senseless Cyclops and his central eye go hang? Exit Silenus. Chorus - Hearken, Odysseus, let us hold some converse with thee. + Hearken, Odysseus, let us hold some converse with thee. Odysseus - Well, do so; ours is a meeting of friends. + Well, do so; ours is a meeting of friends. Chorus - Did you take Troy and capture the famous Helen? + Did you take Troy and capture the famous Helen? Odysseus - Aye, and we destroyed the whole family of Priam. + Aye, and we destroyed the whole family of Priam. Chorus - After capturing your blooming prize, - were all of you in turn her lovers? for she likes variety in husbands; the traitress! the sight of a man with embroidered breeches on his legs and a golden chain about his neck so fluttered her, - that she left Menelaus, her excellent little husband. Would there had never been a race of women born into the world at all, unless it were for me alone! + After capturing your blooming prize, + were all of you in turn her lovers? for she likes variety in husbands; the traitress! the sight of a man with embroidered breeches on his legs and a golden chain about his neck so fluttered her, + that she left Menelaus, her excellent little husband. Would there had never been a race of women born into the world at all, unless it were for me alone! Silenus - (reappearing with food.) Lo! I bring you fat food from the flocks, king Odysseus, the young of bleating sheep - and cheeses of curdled milk without stint. Carry them away with you and be gone from the cave at once, after giving me a drink of merry grape-juice in exchange. + (reappearing with food.) Lo! I bring you fat food from the flocks, king Odysseus, the young of bleating sheep + and cheeses of curdled milk without stint. Carry them away with you and be gone from the cave at once, after giving me a drink of merry grape-juice in exchange. Chorus - Alack! yonder comes the Cyclops; what shall we do? + Alack! yonder comes the Cyclops; what shall we do? Odysseus - Then truly are we lost, old sir! whither must we fly? + Then truly are we lost, old sir! whither must we fly? Silenus - Inside this rock, for there ye may conceal yourselves. + Inside this rock, for there ye may conceal yourselves. Odysseus - Dangerous advice of thine, to run into the net! + Dangerous advice of thine, to run into the net! Silenus - No danger; there are ways of escape in plenty in the rock. + No danger; there are ways of escape in plenty in the rock. Odysseus - No, never that; for surely Troy will groan and loudly too, if we flee from a single man, when I have oft withstood - with my shield a countless host of Phrygians. Nay, if die we must, we will die a noble death; or, if we live, we will maintain our old renown at least with credit. + No, never that; for surely Troy will groan and loudly too, if we flee from a single man, when I have oft withstood + with my shield a countless host of Phrygians. Nay, if die we must, we will die a noble death; or, if we live, we will maintain our old renown at least with credit. Cyclops - A light here! hold it up! what is this? what means this idleness, your Bacchic revelry? Here have we no Dionysus, - nor clash of brass, nor roll of drums. Pray, how is it with my newly-born lambs in the caves? are they at the teat, running close to the side of their dams? Is the full amount of milk for cheeses milked out in baskets of rushes? - How now? what say you? One of ye will soon be shedding tears from the weight of my club; look up, not down. + A light here! hold it up! what is this? what means this idleness, your Bacchic revelry? Here have we no Dionysus, + nor clash of brass, nor roll of drums. Pray, how is it with my newly-born lambs in the caves? are they at the teat, running close to the side of their dams? Is the full amount of milk for cheeses milked out in baskets of rushes? + How now? what say you? One of ye will soon be shedding tears from the weight of my club; look up, not down. Chorus - There! my head is bent back till I see Zeus himself; I behold both the stars and Orion. + There! my head is bent back till I see Zeus himself; I behold both the stars and Orion. Cyclops -Is my breakfast quite ready? +Is my breakfast quite ready? Chorus -’Tis laid; be thy throat only ready. +’Tis laid; be thy throat only ready. Cyclops - Are the bowls too full of milk? + Are the bowls too full of milk? Chorus - Aye, so that thou canst swill off a whole hogshead, so it please thee. + Aye, so that thou canst swill off a whole hogshead, so it please thee. Cyclops - Sheeps’ milk or cows’ milk or a mixture of both? + Sheeps’ milk or cows’ milk or a mixture of both? Chorus - Whichever thou wilt; don’t swallow me, that’s all. + Whichever thou wilt; don’t swallow me, that’s all. Cyclops - Not I; for you would start kicking in the pit of my stomach and kill me by your antics. (Catching sight of Odysseus and his followers.) Ha! what is this crowd I see near the folds? Some pirates or robbers have put in here. Yes, I really see the lambs from my caves - tied up there with twisted osiers, cheese-presses scattered about, and old Silenus with his bald pate all swollen with blows. + Not I; for you would start kicking in the pit of my stomach and kill me by your antics. (Catching sight of Odysseus and his followers.) Ha! what is this crowd I see near the folds? Some pirates or robbers have put in here. Yes, I really see the lambs from my caves + tied up there with twisted osiers, cheese-presses scattered about, and old Silenus with his bald pate all swollen with blows. Silenus - Oh! oh! poor wretch that I am, pounded to a fever. + Oh! oh! poor wretch that I am, pounded to a fever. Cyclops - By whom? who has been pounding thy head, old sirrah? + By whom? who has been pounding thy head, old sirrah? Silenus - These are the culprits, Cyclops, all because I refused to let them plunder thee. + These are the culprits, Cyclops, all because I refused to let them plunder thee. Cyclops - Did they not know I was a god and sprung from gods? + Did they not know I was a god and sprung from gods? Silenus - That was what I told them, but they persisted in plundering thy goods, and, in spite of my efforts, they actually began to eat the cheese and carry off the lambs; and they said they would - tie thee in a three-cubit pillory and tear out thy bowels by force at thy navel, and flay thy back thoroughly with the scourge; and then, after binding thee, fling thy carcase down among the benches of their ship to sell to some one - for heaving up stones, or else throw thee into a mill. + That was what I told them, but they persisted in plundering thy goods, and, in spite of my efforts, they actually began to eat the cheese and carry off the lambs; and they said they would + tie thee in a three-cubit pillory and tear out thy bowels by force at thy navel, and flay thy back thoroughly with the scourge; and then, after binding thee, fling thy carcase down among the benches of their ship to sell to some one + for heaving up stones, or else throw thee into a mill. Cyclops - Oh, indeed! Be off then and sharpen my cleavers at once; heap high the faggots and light them; for they shall be slain forthwith and fill this maw of mine, - what time I pick my feast hot from the coals, waiting not for carvers, and fish up the + Oh, indeed! Be off then and sharpen my cleavers at once; heap high the faggots and light them; for they shall be slain forthwith and fill this maw of mine, + what time I pick my feast hot from the coals, waiting not for carvers, and fish up the rest from the cauldron boiled and sodden; for I have had my fill of mountain-fare and sated myself with banquets of lions and stags, but ’tis long I have been without human flesh. Silenus -Truly, master, a change like this is all the sweeter after everyday fare; for just of late there have been no fresh arrivals of strangers at these caves. +Truly, master, a change like this is all the sweeter after everyday fare; for just of late there have been no fresh arrivals of strangers at these caves. Odysseus -Hear the strangers too in turn, Cyclops. We had come near the cave from our ship, -wishing to procure provisions by purchase, when this fellow sold us the lambs and handed them over for a stoup of wine to drink himself,—a voluntary act on both sides,—there was no violence employed at all. No, there is not a particle of truth in the story he tells, -now that he has been caught selling thy property behind thy back. +Hear the strangers too in turn, Cyclops. We had come near the cave from our ship, +wishing to procure provisions by purchase, when this fellow sold us the lambs and handed them over for a stoup of wine to drink himself,—a voluntary act on both sides,—there was no violence employed at all. No, there is not a particle of truth in the story he tells, +now that he has been caught selling thy property behind thy back. Silenus I? Perdition catch thee! @@ -421,234 +421,234 @@ If I am lying, yes. Silenus - O Cyclops, by thy sire Poseidon, by mighty Triton and Nereus, by Calypso and the daughters of Nereus, - by the sacred billows and all the race of fishes! I swear to thee, most noble sir, dear little Cyclops, master mine, it is not I who sell thy goods to strangers, else may these children, dearly as I love them, come to an evil end. + O Cyclops, by thy sire Poseidon, by mighty Triton and Nereus, by Calypso and the daughters of Nereus, + by the sacred billows and all the race of fishes! I swear to thee, most noble sir, dear little Cyclops, master mine, it is not I who sell thy goods to strangers, else may these children, dearly as I love them, come to an evil end. Chorus - Keep that for thyself; with my own eyes I saw thee sell the goods to the strangers; and if I lie, perdition catch my sire! but injure not the strangers. + Keep that for thyself; with my own eyes I saw thee sell the goods to the strangers; and if I lie, perdition catch my sire! but injure not the strangers. Cyclops - Ye lie; for my part I put more faith in him than Rhadamanthus, declaring him more just. - But I have some questions to ask. Whence sailed ye, strangers? of what country are you? what city was it nursed your childhood? + Ye lie; for my part I put more faith in him than Rhadamanthus, declaring him more just. + But I have some questions to ask. Whence sailed ye, strangers? of what country are you? what city was it nursed your childhood? Odysseus - We are Ithacans by birth, and have been driven from our course by the winds of the sea on our way from Ilium, after sacking its citadel. + We are Ithacans by birth, and have been driven from our course by the winds of the sea on our way from Ilium, after sacking its citadel. Cyclops - Are ye the men who visited on Ilium, that bordereth on Scamander’s wave, the rape of Helen, worst of women? + Are ye the men who visited on Ilium, that bordereth on Scamander’s wave, the rape of Helen, worst of women? Odysseus - We are; that was the fearful labour we endured. + We are; that was the fearful labour we endured. Cyclops - A sorry expedition yours, to have sailed to the land of Phrygia for the sake of one woman! + A sorry expedition yours, to have sailed to the land of Phrygia for the sake of one woman! Odysseus - It was a god’s doing; blame not any son of man. But thee do we implore, most noble son of Ocean’s god, speaking as free-born men; be not so cruel as to slay thy friends on their coming to thy cave, nor regard us as food for thy jaws, an impious meal; - for we preserved thy sire, O king, in possession of his temple-seats deep in the nooks of Hellas; and the sacred port of Taenarus and Malea’s furthest coves remain unharmed; and Sunium’s rock, the silver-veined, sacred to Zeus-born Athena, still is safe, - and Geraestus, the harbour of refuge; and we did not permit Phrygians to put such an intolerable reproach on Hellas.It is difficult to make anything of the Greek as it stands; and Hermann is probably right in his suspicion that something has been lost after 1. 265. In the absence of any emendation that commends itself an attempt has been made to follow the received text. Now in these things thou too hast a share, for thou dwellest in a corner of the land of Hellas beneath Aetna’s fire-streaming rock; and although thou turn from arguments, - still it is a custom amongst mortal men to receive shipwrecked sailors as their suppliants and show them hospitality and help them with raiment; not that these should fill thy jaws and belly, their limbs transfixed with spits for piercing ox-flesh. The land of Priam hath emptied Hellas quite enough, - drinking the blood of many whom the spear laid low, with the ruin it has brought on widowed wives, on aged childless dames, and hoary-headed sires; and if thou roast and consume the remnant,—a meal thou wilt rue,—why, where shall one turn? Nay, be persuaded by me, Cyclops; - forego thy ravenous greed and choose piety rather than wickedness; for on many a man ere now unrighteous gains have brought down retribution. + It was a god’s doing; blame not any son of man. But thee do we implore, most noble son of Ocean’s god, speaking as free-born men; be not so cruel as to slay thy friends on their coming to thy cave, nor regard us as food for thy jaws, an impious meal; + for we preserved thy sire, O king, in possession of his temple-seats deep in the nooks of Hellas; and the sacred port of Taenarus and Malea’s furthest coves remain unharmed; and Sunium’s rock, the silver-veined, sacred to Zeus-born Athena, still is safe, + and Geraestus, the harbour of refuge; and we did not permit Phrygians to put such an intolerable reproach on Hellas.It is difficult to make anything of the Greek as it stands; and Hermann is probably right in his suspicion that something has been lost after 1. 265. In the absence of any emendation that commends itself an attempt has been made to follow the received text. Now in these things thou too hast a share, for thou dwellest in a corner of the land of Hellas beneath Aetna’s fire-streaming rock; and although thou turn from arguments, + still it is a custom amongst mortal men to receive shipwrecked sailors as their suppliants and show them hospitality and help them with raiment; not that these should fill thy jaws and belly, their limbs transfixed with spits for piercing ox-flesh. The land of Priam hath emptied Hellas quite enough, + drinking the blood of many whom the spear laid low, with the ruin it has brought on widowed wives, on aged childless dames, and hoary-headed sires; and if thou roast and consume the remnant,—a meal thou wilt rue,—why, where shall one turn? Nay, be persuaded by me, Cyclops; + forego thy ravenous greed and choose piety rather than wickedness; for on many a man ere now unrighteous gains have brought down retribution. Silenus - . . . . . I will give thee a word of advice! as for his flesh, leave not a morsel of it, and if thou eat his tongue, - Cyclops, thou wilt become a monstrous clever talker. + . . . . . I will give thee a word of advice! as for his flesh, leave not a morsel of it, and if thou eat his tongue, + Cyclops, thou wilt become a monstrous clever talker. Cyclops - Wealth, manikin, is the god for the wise; all else is mere vaunting and fine words. Plague take the headlands by the sea, on which my father seats himself! Why hast thou put forward these arguments? - I shudder not at Zeus’s thunder, nor know I wherein Zeus is a mightier god than I, sir stranger; what is more, I reck not of him; my reasons hear. When he pours down the rain from above, here in this rock in quarters snug, - feasting on roast calf’s flesh or some wild game and moistening well my upturned + Wealth, manikin, is the god for the wise; all else is mere vaunting and fine words. Plague take the headlands by the sea, on which my father seats himself! Why hast thou put forward these arguments? + I shudder not at Zeus’s thunder, nor know I wherein Zeus is a mightier god than I, sir stranger; what is more, I reck not of him; my reasons hear. When he pours down the rain from above, here in this rock in quarters snug, + feasting on roast calf’s flesh or some wild game and moistening well my upturned paunch with deep draughts from a tub of milk, I rival the thunderclaps of Zeus with my artillery; and when the north-wind blows from Thrace and sheddeth snow, - I wrap my carcase in the hides of beasts and light a fire, and what care I for snow? The earth perforce, whether she like it or not, produces grass and fattens my flocks, which I sacrifice to no one save myself - and this belly, the greatest of deities; but to the gods, not I! For surely to eat and drink one’s fill from day to day and give oneself no grief at all, this is the king of gods for your wise man, but lawgivers go hang, chequering, as they do, the life of man! - And so I will not cease from  indulging myself by devouring thee; and thou shalt receive this stranger’s gift, that I may be free of blame,—fire and my father’s element yonder, and a cauldron to hold thy flesh and boil it nicely in collops. - So in with you, that ye may feast me well, standing round the altar to honour the cavern’s god. [Enters his cave. + I wrap my carcase in the hides of beasts and light a fire, and what care I for snow? The earth perforce, whether she like it or not, produces grass and fattens my flocks, which I sacrifice to no one save myself + and this belly, the greatest of deities; but to the gods, not I! For surely to eat and drink one’s fill from day to day and give oneself no grief at all, this is the king of gods for your wise man, but lawgivers go hang, chequering, as they do, the life of man! + And so I will not cease from  indulging myself by devouring thee; and thou shalt receive this stranger’s gift, that I may be free of blame,—fire and my father’s element yonder, and a cauldron to hold thy flesh and boil it nicely in collops. + So in with you, that ye may feast me well, standing round the altar to honour the cavern’s god. [Enters his cave. Odysseus - Alas! escaped from the troubles of Troy and the sea, my barque now strands upon the whim and forbidding heart of this savage. - O Pallas, mistress mine, goddess-daughter of Zeus, help me, help me now; for I am come to toils and depths of peril worse than all at Ilium; and thou, O Zeus, the stranger’s god, who hast thy dwelling ’mid the radiant stars, behold these things; - for, if thou regard them not, in vain art thou esteemed the great god Zeus, though but a thing of naught. [Follows the Cyclops reluctantly. + Alas! escaped from the troubles of Troy and the sea, my barque now strands upon the whim and forbidding heart of this savage. + O Pallas, mistress mine, goddess-daughter of Zeus, help me, help me now; for I am come to toils and depths of peril worse than all at Ilium; and thou, O Zeus, the stranger’s god, who hast thy dwelling ’mid the radiant stars, behold these things; + for, if thou regard them not, in vain art thou esteemed the great god Zeus, though but a thing of naught. [Follows the Cyclops reluctantly. Chorus - Ope wide the portal of thy gaping throat, Cyclops; for strangers’ limbs, both boiled and grilled, are ready from off the coals for thee to gnaw and tear and mince up small, - reclining in thy shaggy goatskin coat. + Ope wide the portal of thy gaping throat, Cyclops; for strangers’ limbs, both boiled and grilled, are ready from off the coals for thee to gnaw and tear and mince up small, + reclining in thy shaggy goatskin coat. - Relinquish not thy meal for me; keep that boat for thyself alone.According to Hermann, whose explanation is here followed, ll. 362-3 are spoken ironically, pray do not consider my feelings; go on with your feast, as long as I am not asked to join it. Avaunt this cave! avaunt the burnt-offerings, - which the godless Cyclops offers on Aetna’s altars, exulting in meals on strangers’ flesh! + Relinquish not thy meal for me; keep that boat for thyself alone.According to Hermann, whose explanation is here followed, ll. 362-3 are spoken ironically, pray do not consider my feelings; go on with your feast, as long as I am not asked to join it. Avaunt this cave! avaunt the burnt-offerings, + which the godless Cyclops offers on Aetna’s altars, exulting in meals on strangers’ flesh! - Oh! the ruthless monster! to sacrifice his guests at his own hearth, the suppliants of his halls, cleaving and tearing and serving up to his loathsome teeth a feast of human flesh, hot from the coals. + Oh! the ruthless monster! to sacrifice his guests at his own hearth, the suppliants of his halls, cleaving and tearing and serving up to his loathsome teeth a feast of human flesh, hot from the coals. Odysseus - (reappearing with a look of horror.) O Zeus! what can I say after the hideous sights I have seen inside the cave, things past belief, resembling more the tales men tell than aught they do? + (reappearing with a look of horror.) O Zeus! what can I say after the hideous sights I have seen inside the cave, things past belief, resembling more the tales men tell than aught they do? Chorus - What news, Odysseus? has the Cyclops, most godless monster, been feasting on thy dear comrades? + What news, Odysseus? has the Cyclops, most godless monster, been feasting on thy dear comrades? Odysseus - Aye, he singled out a pair, on whom the flesh was - fattest and in best condition, and took them up in his hand to weigh. + Aye, he singled out a pair, on whom the flesh was + fattest and in best condition, and took them up in his hand to weigh. Chorus - How went it with you then, poor wretch? + How went it with you then, poor wretch? Odysseus - When we had entered yonder rocky abode, he lighted first a fire, throwing logs of towering oak upon his spacious hearth, - enough for three waggons to carry as their load; next, close by the blazing flame, he placed his couch of pine-boughs laid upon the floor, and filled a bowl of some ten firkins, pouring white milk thereinto, after he had milked his kine; - and by his side he put a can of ivy-wood, whose breadth was three cubits and its depth four maybe; [next he set his brazen pot a-boiling on the fire,This line is clearly out of place as it stands; it has been proposed to place it either after line 385 or 395, after either of which it would be appropriate.] spits too he set beside him, fashioned of the branches of thorn, their points hardened in the fire and the rest of them trimmed with the hatchet, - and the blood-bowls of Aetna for the axe’s edge.i.e., to catch the blood as the axe strikes, but the expression is a curious one. Kirchhoff gives γνάθους, in apposition to σφαγεῖα, taking this apparently to mean slaughtering tools. Now when that hell-cook, god-detested, had everything quite ready, he caught up a pair of my companions and proceeded deliberately to cut the throat of one of them over the yawning brazen pot; - but the other he clutched by the tendon of his heel, and, striking him against a sharp point of rocky stone, dashed out his brains; then, after hacking the fleshy parts with glutton cleaver, he set to grilling them, but the limbs he threw into his cauldron to seethe. - And I, poor wretch, drew near with streaming eyes and waited on the Cyclops; but the others kept cowering like frightened birds in crannies of the rock, and the blood forsook their skin. Anon, when he had gorged himself upon my comrades’ flesh and - had fallen on his back, breathing heavily, there came a sudden inspiration to me. I filled a cup of this Maronian wine and offered him a draught, saying, Cyclops, son of Ocean’s god, see here what heavenly drink the grapes of Hellas yield, - glad gift of Dionysus. He, glutted with his shameless meal, took and drained it at one draught, and, lifting up his hand, he thanked me thus, Dearest to me of all my guests! fair the drink thou givest me to crown so fair a feast. - Now when I saw his delight, I gave him another cup, knowing the wine would make him rue it, and he would soon be paying the penalty. Then he set to singing; but I kept filling bumper after bumper and heating him with drink. - So there he is singing discordantly amid the weeping of my fellow-sailors, and the cave re-echoes; but I have made my way out quietly and would fain save thee and myself, if thou wilt. Tell me then, is it your wish, or is it not, to fly from this unsocial wretch - and take up your abode with Naiad nymphs in the halls of the Bacchic god? Thy father within approves this scheme; but there! he is powerless, getting all he can out of his liquor; his wings are snared by the cup as if he had flown against bird-lime, and he is fuddled; but thou art young and lusty; - so save thyself with my help and regain thy old friend Dionysus, so little like the Cyclops. + When we had entered yonder rocky abode, he lighted first a fire, throwing logs of towering oak upon his spacious hearth, + enough for three waggons to carry as their load; next, close by the blazing flame, he placed his couch of pine-boughs laid upon the floor, and filled a bowl of some ten firkins, pouring white milk thereinto, after he had milked his kine; + and by his side he put a can of ivy-wood, whose breadth was three cubits and its depth four maybe; [next he set his brazen pot a-boiling on the fire,This line is clearly out of place as it stands; it has been proposed to place it either after line 385 or 395, after either of which it would be appropriate.] spits too he set beside him, fashioned of the branches of thorn, their points hardened in the fire and the rest of them trimmed with the hatchet, + and the blood-bowls of Aetna for the axe’s edge.i.e., to catch the blood as the axe strikes, but the expression is a curious one. Kirchhoff gives γνάθους, in apposition to σφαγεῖα, taking this apparently to mean slaughtering tools. Now when that hell-cook, god-detested, had everything quite ready, he caught up a pair of my companions and proceeded deliberately to cut the throat of one of them over the yawning brazen pot; + but the other he clutched by the tendon of his heel, and, striking him against a sharp point of rocky stone, dashed out his brains; then, after hacking the fleshy parts with glutton cleaver, he set to grilling them, but the limbs he threw into his cauldron to seethe. + And I, poor wretch, drew near with streaming eyes and waited on the Cyclops; but the others kept cowering like frightened birds in crannies of the rock, and the blood forsook their skin. Anon, when he had gorged himself upon my comrades’ flesh and + had fallen on his back, breathing heavily, there came a sudden inspiration to me. I filled a cup of this Maronian wine and offered him a draught, saying, Cyclops, son of Ocean’s god, see here what heavenly drink the grapes of Hellas yield, + glad gift of Dionysus. He, glutted with his shameless meal, took and drained it at one draught, and, lifting up his hand, he thanked me thus, Dearest to me of all my guests! fair the drink thou givest me to crown so fair a feast. + Now when I saw his delight, I gave him another cup, knowing the wine would make him rue it, and he would soon be paying the penalty. Then he set to singing; but I kept filling bumper after bumper and heating him with drink. + So there he is singing discordantly amid the weeping of my fellow-sailors, and the cave re-echoes; but I have made my way out quietly and would fain save thee and myself, if thou wilt. Tell me then, is it your wish, or is it not, to fly from this unsocial wretch + and take up your abode with Naiad nymphs in the halls of the Bacchic god? Thy father within approves this scheme; but there! he is powerless, getting all he can out of his liquor; his wings are snared by the cup as if he had flown against bird-lime, and he is fuddled; but thou art young and lusty; + so save thyself with my help and regain thy old friend Dionysus, so little like the Cyclops. Chorus - Best of friends, would we might see that day, escaping the godless Cyclops! [for ’tis long - we have been without the joys of men, unable to escape him.]Perhaps οὐκ ἔχοντε καταφυγεῖν might be read, to give some meaning to these worthless lines; but, as Paley points out, there are so many reasons for deciding them to be spurious that it is scarcely worth examining them very closely. + Best of friends, would we might see that day, escaping the godless Cyclops! [for ’tis long + we have been without the joys of men, unable to escape him.]Perhaps οὐκ ἔχοντε καταφυγεῖν might be read, to give some meaning to these worthless lines; but, as Paley points out, there are so many reasons for deciding them to be spurious that it is scarcely worth examining them very closely. Odysseus - Hear then how I will requite this vile monster and rescue you from thraldom. + Hear then how I will requite this vile monster and rescue you from thraldom. Chorus - Tell me how; no note of Asiatic lyre would sound  more sweetly in + Tell me how; no note of Asiatic lyre would sound  more sweetly in our ears than news of the Cyclops’ death. Odysseus - Delighted with this liquor of the Bacchic god, he fain would go a-revelling with his brethren. + Delighted with this liquor of the Bacchic god, he fain would go a-revelling with his brethren. Chorus - I understand; thy purpose is to seize and slay him in the thickets when alone, or push him down a precipice. + I understand; thy purpose is to seize and slay him in the thickets when alone, or push him down a precipice. Odysseus - Not at ail; my plan is fraught with subtlety. + Not at ail; my plan is fraught with subtlety. Chorus - What then? Truly we have long heard of thy cleverness. + What then? Truly we have long heard of thy cleverness. Odysseus - I mean to keep him from this revel, saying he must not give this drink to his brethren but keep it for himself alone and lead a happy life. Then when he falls asleep, o’ermastered by the Bacchic god, - I will put a point with this sword of mine to an olive-branch I saw lying in the cave, and will set it on fire; and when I see it well alight, I will lift the heated brand, and, thrusting it full in the Cyclops’ eye, melt out his sight with its blaze; - and, as when a man in fitting the timbers of a ship makes his auger spin to and fro with a double strap, so will I make the brand revolve in the eye that gives the Cyclops light and will scorch up the pupil thereof. + I mean to keep him from this revel, saying he must not give this drink to his brethren but keep it for himself alone and lead a happy life. Then when he falls asleep, o’ermastered by the Bacchic god, + I will put a point with this sword of mine to an olive-branch I saw lying in the cave, and will set it on fire; and when I see it well alight, I will lift the heated brand, and, thrusting it full in the Cyclops’ eye, melt out his sight with its blaze; + and, as when a man in fitting the timbers of a ship makes his auger spin to and fro with a double strap, so will I make the brand revolve in the eye that gives the Cyclops light and will scorch up the pupil thereof. Chorus - Ho! ho! how glad I feel! wild with joy at the contrivance! + Ho! ho! how glad I feel! wild with joy at the contrivance! Odysseus - That done, I will embark thee and those thou lovest with old Silenus in the deep hold of my black ship, my ship with double banks of oars, and carry you away from this land. + That done, I will embark thee and those thou lovest with old Silenus in the deep hold of my black ship, my ship with double banks of oars, and carry you away from this land. Chorus - Well, can I too lay hold of the blinding brand, as though the god’s libation had been poured? for I would fain have a share in this offering of blood. + Well, can I too lay hold of the blinding brand, as though the god’s libation had been poured? for I would fain have a share in this offering of blood. Odysseus - Indeed thou must, for the brand is large, and thou must help hold it. + Indeed thou must, for the brand is large, and thou must help hold it. Chorus - How lightly would I lift the load of e’en a hundred wains, if that will help us to grub out - the eye of the doomed Cyclops, like a wasp’s nest. + How lightly would I lift the load of e’en a hundred wains, if that will help us to grub out + the eye of the doomed Cyclops, like a wasp’s nest. Odysseus - Hush! for now thou knowest my plot in fall, and when I bid you, obey the author of it; for I am not the man to desert my friends inside the cave and save myself alone. - And yet I might escape; I am clear of the cavern’s depths already; but no! to desert the friends with whom I journeyed hither and only save myself is not a righteous course. [Re-enters the cave. + Hush! for now thou knowest my plot in fall, and when I bid you, obey the author of it; for I am not the man to desert my friends inside the cave and save myself alone. + And yet I might escape; I am clear of the cavern’s depths already; but no! to desert the friends with whom I journeyed hither and only save myself is not a righteous course. [Re-enters the cave. First Half-Chorus - Come, who will be the first and who the next to him upon the list to grip the handle of the brand, - and, thrusting it into the Cyclops’ eye, gouge out the light thereof? + Come, who will be the first and who the next to him upon the list to grip the handle of the brand, + and, thrusting it into the Cyclops’ eye, gouge out the light thereof? Second Half-Chorus - Hush! hush! Behold the drunkard leaves his rocky home, trolling loud some hideous lay, - a clumsy tuneless clown, whom tears await. Come, let us give this boor a lesson in revelry. Ere long will he be blind at any rate. + Hush! hush! Behold the drunkard leaves his rocky home, trolling loud some hideous lay, + a clumsy tuneless clown, whom tears await. Come, let us give this boor a lesson in revelry. Ere long will he be blind at any rate. First Half-Chorus - Happy he who plays the Bacchanal amid the precious streams distilled from grapes, stretched at full length for a revel, his arm around the friend he loves, - and some fair dainty damsel on his couch, his hair perfumed with nard and glossy, the while he calls, Oh! who will ope the door for me? + Happy he who plays the Bacchanal amid the precious streams distilled from grapes, stretched at full length for a revel, his arm around the friend he loves, + and some fair dainty damsel on his couch, his hair perfumed with nard and glossy, the while he calls, Oh! who will ope the door for me? Cyclops - Ha! ha! full of wine and merry with the feast’s good cheerHerwerden’s ἥδει seems preferable to ἥβῃ which is probably corrupt. am I, - my hold freighted like a merchant-ship up to my belly’s very top. This turf graciously invites me to seek my brother Cyclopes for a revel in the spring-tide. - Come, stranger, bring the wine-skin hither and hand it over to me. + Ha! ha! full of wine and merry with the feast’s good cheerHerwerden’s ἥδει seems preferable to ἥβῃ which is probably corrupt. am I, + my hold freighted like a merchant-ship up to my belly’s very top. This turf graciously invites me to seek my brother Cyclopes for a revel in the spring-tide. + Come, stranger, bring the wine-skin hither and hand it over to me. Second Half-Chorus - Forth from the house its fair lord comes, casting his fair glance round him. We have some one to befriend us.Hermann supplies the lacuna before φιλεῖ with φίλος ὣν, but there is so much corruption in this and the following few lines that little reliance can be placed on any emendation, nor is the sense very clear. A hostile brand is awaiting thee, - no tender  bride in dewy grot. No single colour will those garlands have, that soon shall cling so close about thy brow. + Forth from the house its fair lord comes, casting his fair glance round him. We have some one to befriend us.Hermann supplies the lacuna before φιλεῖ with φίλος ὣν, but there is so much corruption in this and the following few lines that little reliance can be placed on any emendation, nor is the sense very clear. A hostile brand is awaiting thee, + no tender  bride in dewy grot. No single colour will those garlands have, that soon shall cling so close about thy brow. Odysseus -(Returning with the wineskin.) Hearken, Cyclops; for I am well versed in the ways of Bacchus, -whom I have given thee to drink. +(Returning with the wineskin.) Hearken, Cyclops; for I am well versed in the ways of Bacchus, +whom I have given thee to drink. Cyclops -And who is Bacchus? some reputed god? +And who is Bacchus? some reputed god? Odysseus -The greatest god men know to cheer their life. +The greatest god men know to cheer their life. Cyclops -I like his after-taste at any rate. +I like his after-taste at any rate. Odysseus -This is the kind of god he is; he harmeth no man. +This is the kind of god he is; he harmeth no man. Cyclops -But how does a god like being housed in a wine-skin? +But how does a god like being housed in a wine-skin? Odysseus -Put him where one may, he is content there. +Put him where one may, he is content there. Cyclops -It is not right that gods should be clad in leather. +It is not right that gods should be clad in leather. Odysseus -What of that, provided he please thee? does the leather hurt thee? +What of that, provided he please thee? does the leather hurt thee? Cyclops -I hate the wine-skin, but the liquor we have here I love. +I hate the wine-skin, but the liquor we have here I love. Odysseus -Stay, then, Cyclops; drink and be merry. +Stay, then, Cyclops; drink and be merry. Cyclops -Must I not give my brethren a share in this liquor? +Must I not give my brethren a share in this liquor? Odysseus -No, keep it thyself and thou wilt appear of more honour. +No, keep it thyself and thou wilt appear of more honour. Cyclops -Give it my friends and I shall appear of more use. +Give it my friends and I shall appear of more use. Odysseus -Revelling is apt to end in blows, abuse, and strife. +Revelling is apt to end in blows, abuse, and strife. Cyclops -I may be drunk, but no man will lay hands on me for all that. +I may be drunk, but no man will lay hands on me for all that. Odysseus -Better stay at home, my friend, after a carouse. +Better stay at home, my friend, after a carouse. Cyclops -Who loves not revelling then is but a simpleton. +Who loves not revelling then is but a simpleton. Odysseus -But whoso stays at home, when drunk, is wise. +But whoso stays at home, when drunk, is wise. Cyclops -What shall we do, Silenus? art minded to stay? +What shall we do, Silenus? art minded to stay? Silenus -That I am; for what need have we of others to share our drink, Cyclops? +That I am; for what need have we of others to share our drink, Cyclops? Cyclops -Well, truly the turf is soft as down with its fresh flowering plants. +Well, truly the turf is soft as down with its fresh flowering plants. Silenus -(seating himself.) Aye, and ’tis pleasant drinking in the warm sunshine. +(seating himself.) Aye, and ’tis pleasant drinking in the warm sunshine. @@ -656,11 +656,11 @@ Paley agrees with Kirchhoff in thinking a line has been lost here. Silenus -Come, let me see thee stretch thy carcase on the ground. +Come, let me see thee stretch thy carcase on the ground. Cyclops -(sitting dawn.) [There then!] -Why art thou putting the mixing-bowl behind me? +(sitting dawn.) [There then!] +Why art thou putting the mixing-bowl behind me? Silenus That no one passing by may come upon it.καταλάβῃ, but one MS. has καταβάλῃ upset, which Kirchhoff prefers. @@ -669,31 +669,31 @@ Nay, but thy purpose is to drink upon the sly; set it between us. (To Odysseus.) Now tell me, stranger, by what name to call thee. Odysseus -Noman. What boon shall I receive of thee to earn my thanks? +Noman. What boon shall I receive of thee to earn my thanks? Cyclops -I will feast on thee last, after all thy comrades. +I will feast on thee last, after all thy comrades. Odysseus -Fair indeed the honour thou bestowest on thy guest, sir Cyclops! +Fair indeed the honour thou bestowest on thy guest, sir Cyclops! Cyclops -(turning suddenly to Silenus.) Ho, sirrah! what art thou about? taking a stealthy pull at the wine? +(turning suddenly to Silenus.) Ho, sirrah! what art thou about? taking a stealthy pull at the wine? Silenus -No, but it kissed me for my good looks. +No, but it kissed me for my good looks. Cyclops -Thou shalt smart, if thou kiss the wine when it kisses not thee. +Thou shalt smart, if thou kiss the wine when it kisses not thee. Silenus -Oh! but it did, for it says it is in love with my handsome face. +Oh! but it did, for it says it is in love with my handsome face. Cyclops -(holding out his cup.) Pour in; only give me my cup full. +(holding out his cup.) Pour in; only give me my cup full. Silenus -H’m! how is it mixed? just let me make sure. (Takes another pull.) +H’m! how is it mixed? just let me make sure. (Takes another pull.) Cyclops Perdition! give it me at once. @@ -708,12 +708,12 @@ No really, but the wine is so luscious. Thou must wipe thy lips, though, to get a draught. Cyclops -There! my lips and beard are clean now. +There! my lips and beard are clean now. Silenus -Bend thine elbow gracefully, and then quaff thy cup, as thou seest me do, and as now thou seest me not. (Burying his face in his cup.) +Bend thine elbow gracefully, and then quaff thy cup, as thou seest me do, and as now thou seest me not. (Burying his face in his cup.) Cyclops Aha! what next? @@ -722,10 +722,10 @@ I drank it off at a draught with much pleasure. Cyclops -Stranger, take the skin thyself and be my cup-bearer. +Stranger, take the skin thyself and be my cup-bearer. Odysseus -Well, at any rate the grape is no stranger to my hand. +Well, at any rate the grape is no stranger to my hand. Cyclops Come, pour it in. @@ -734,87 +734,87 @@ In it goes! keep silence, that is all. Cyclops -A difficult task when a man is deep in his cups. +A difficult task when a man is deep in his cups. Odysseus -Here, take and drink it off; leave none. +Here, take and drink it off; leave none. Cyclops Paley supposes a line to have been lost here in which the Cyclops asked And how must I drink this? Odysseus -Thou must be silentσιγῶντα, but many editors follow Casaubon in reading δὲ σπῶντα drink it off. and only give in when the liquor does. +Thou must be silentσιγῶντα, but many editors follow Casaubon in reading δὲ σπῶντα drink it off. and only give in when the liquor does. Cyclops -God wot! it is a clever stock that bears the grape. +God wot! it is a clever stock that bears the grape. Odysseus -Aye, and if thou but swallow plenty of it after a plentiful meal, moistening thy belly till its thirst is gone, it will throw thee into slumber; -but if thou leave aught behind, the Bacchic god will parch thee for it. +Aye, and if thou but swallow plenty of it after a plentiful meal, moistening thy belly till its thirst is gone, it will throw thee into slumber; +but if thou leave aught behind, the Bacchic god will parch thee for it. Cyclops -Ha! ha! what a trouble it was getting out! This is pleasure unalloyed; earth and sky seem whirling round together; I see the throne of Zeus -and all the godhead’s majesty. Kiss thee! no! There are the Graces trying to tempt me. I shall rest well enough with my Ganymede here; yea, by the Graces, right fairly. +Ha! ha! what a trouble it was getting out! This is pleasure unalloyed; earth and sky seem whirling round together; I see the throne of Zeus +and all the godhead’s majesty. Kiss thee! no! There are the Graces trying to tempt me. I shall rest well enough with my Ganymede here; yea, by the Graces, right fairly. Silenus -What! Cyclops, am I Ganymede, Zeus’s minion? +What! Cyclops, am I Ganymede, Zeus’s minion? Cyclops -(attempting to carry him into the cave.) To be sure, Ganymede whom I am carrying off from the halls of Dardanus. +(attempting to carry him into the cave.) To be sure, Ganymede whom I am carrying off from the halls of Dardanus. Silenus -I am undone, my children; outrageous treatment waits me. +I am undone, my children; outrageous treatment waits me. Chorus -Dost find fault with thy lover? dost scorn him in his cups? +Dost find fault with thy lover? dost scorn him in his cups? Silenus -Woe is me! most bitter shall I find the wine ere long. [Exit Silenus, dragged away by Cyclops. +Woe is me! most bitter shall I find the wine ere long. [Exit Silenus, dragged away by Cyclops. Odysseus -Up now, children of Dionysus, sons of a noble sire, soon will yon creature in the cave, relaxed in slumber as ye see him, spew from his shameless maw the meat. Already the brand inside his lair is vomiting a cloud of smoke; and the only reason we prepared it was to burn -the Cyclops’ eye; so mind thou quit thee like a man. +Up now, children of Dionysus, sons of a noble sire, soon will yon creature in the cave, relaxed in slumber as ye see him, spew from his shameless maw the meat. Already the brand inside his lair is vomiting a cloud of smoke; and the only reason we prepared it was to burn +the Cyclops’ eye; so mind thou quit thee like a man. Chorus -I will have a spirit as of rock or adamant; but go inside, before my father suffers any shameful treatment; for here thou hast things ready. +I will have a spirit as of rock or adamant; but go inside, before my father suffers any shameful treatment; for here thou hast things ready. Odysseus -O Hephaestus, lord of Aetna, rid thyself for once and all of a troublesome neighbour -by burning his bright eye out. Come, Sleep, as well, offspring of sable Night, come with all thy power on the monster god-detested; and never after Troy’s most glorious toils destroy Odysseus and his crew -by the hands of one who recketh naught of God or man; else must we reckon Chance a goddess, and Heaven’s wall inferior to hers. [Odysseus re-enters the cave. +O Hephaestus, lord of Aetna, rid thyself for once and all of a troublesome neighbour +by burning his bright eye out. Come, Sleep, as well, offspring of sable Night, come with all thy power on the monster god-detested; and never after Troy’s most glorious toils destroy Odysseus and his crew +by the hands of one who recketh naught of God or man; else must we reckon Chance a goddess, and Heaven’s wall inferior to hers. [Odysseus re-enters the cave. Chorus -Tightly the pincers shall grip the neck -of him who feasts upon his guest; for soon will he lose the light of his eye by fire; already the brand, a tree’s huge limb, -lurks amid the embers charred. +Tightly the pincers shall grip the neck +of him who feasts upon his guest; for soon will he lose the light of his eye by fire; already the brand, a tree’s huge limb, +lurks amid the embers charred. Oh! come ye then and work his doom, pluck out the maddened Cyclops’ eye, that he may rue his drinking. -And I too fain would leave the Cyclops’ lonely land and see king Bromius, ivy-crowned, the god I sorely miss. Ah! shall I ever come to that? +And I too fain would leave the Cyclops’ lonely land and see king Bromius, ivy-crowned, the god I sorely miss. Ah! shall I ever come to that? Odysseus -(leaving the cave cautiously.) Silence, ye cattle! I adjure you; -close your lips; make not a sound! I’ll not let a man of you so much as breathe or wink or clear his throat, that yon pest awake not, until the sight in the Cyclops’ eye has passed through the fiery ordeal. +(leaving the cave cautiously.) Silence, ye cattle! I adjure you; +close your lips; make not a sound! I’ll not let a man of you so much as breathe or wink or clear his throat, that yon pest awake not, until the sight in the Cyclops’ eye has passed through the fiery ordeal. Chorus -Silent we stand with ’bated breath. +Silent we stand with ’bated breath. Odysseus -In then, and mind your fingers grip the brand, for it is splendidly red-hot. +In then, and mind your fingers grip the brand, for it is splendidly red-hot. Chorus -Thyself ordain who first must seize the blazing bar and burn the Cyclops’ eye out, that we may share alike whate’er betides. +Thyself ordain who first must seize the blazing bar and burn the Cyclops’ eye out, that we may share alike whate’er betides. First Half-Chorus -Standing where I am before the door, I am too far off to thrust the fire into his eye. +Standing where I am before the door, I am too far off to thrust the fire into his eye. Second Half-Chorus -I have just gone lame. +I have just gone lame. First Half-Chorus -Why, then, thou art in the same plight as I; for somehow or other I sprained my ankle, standing still. +Why, then, thou art in the same plight as I; for somehow or other I sprained my ankle, standing still. Odysseus Sprained thy ankle, standing still? @@ -823,29 +823,29 @@ Yes, and my eyes are full of dust or ashes from somewhere or other. Odysseus -These are sorry fellows, worthless as allies. +These are sorry fellows, worthless as allies. Chorus -Because I feel for my back and spine, and express no wish to have my teeth -knocked out, I am a coward, am I? Well, but I know a spell of Orpheus, a most excellent one, to make the brand enter his skull of its own accord, and set alight the one-eyed son of Earth. +Because I feel for my back and spine, and express no wish to have my teeth +knocked out, I am a coward, am I? Well, but I know a spell of Orpheus, a most excellent one, to make the brand enter his skull of its own accord, and set alight the one-eyed son of Earth. Odysseus -Long since I knew thou wert by nature such an one, -and now I know it better; I must employ my own friends; but, though thou bring no active aid, cheer us on at any rate, that I may find my friends emboldened by thy encouragement. [Exit Odysseus. +Long since I knew thou wert by nature such an one, +and now I know it better; I must employ my own friends; but, though thou bring no active aid, cheer us on at any rate, that I may find my friends emboldened by thy encouragement. [Exit Odysseus. Chorus -That will I do; the Carianἐν τῷ Καρὶ κινδυνεύειν to run a risk in the person of the Carian. Latin experimentum facere in corpore vili, i.e. to let some one, whose life is less valuable, run the risk instead of doing so oneself. The Carians, being the earliest mercenaries, were commonly selected for any very dangerous enterprise and so this proverb arose. shall run the risk for us; -and as far as encouragement goes, let the Cyclops smoulder. What ho! my gallants, thrust away, make haste and burn his eye-brow off, the monster’s guest-devouring. Oh! singe  and scorch -the shepherd of Aetna; twirl the brand and drag it round and be careful lest in his agony he treat thee to some wantonness. +That will I do; the Carianἐν τῷ Καρὶ κινδυνεύειν to run a risk in the person of the Carian. Latin experimentum facere in corpore vili, i.e. to let some one, whose life is less valuable, run the risk instead of doing so oneself. The Carians, being the earliest mercenaries, were commonly selected for any very dangerous enterprise and so this proverb arose. shall run the risk for us; +and as far as encouragement goes, let the Cyclops smoulder. What ho! my gallants, thrust away, make haste and burn his eye-brow off, the monster’s guest-devouring. Oh! singe  and scorch +the shepherd of Aetna; twirl the brand and drag it round and be careful lest in his agony he treat thee to some wantonness. Cyclops -(Bellowing in the cave.) Oh! oh! my once bright eye is burnt to cinders now. +(Bellowing in the cave.) Oh! oh! my once bright eye is burnt to cinders now. Chorus -Sweet indeed the triumph-song; pray sing it to us, Cyclops. +Sweet indeed the triumph-song; pray sing it to us, Cyclops. Cyclops -(from within.) Oh! oh! once more; what outrage on me and what ruin! But never shall ye escape this rocky cave unpunished, ye worthless creatures; for I will stand in the entrance of the cleft and fit my hands into it thus. [Staggering to the entrance. +(from within.) Oh! oh! once more; what outrage on me and what ruin! But never shall ye escape this rocky cave unpunished, ye worthless creatures; for I will stand in the entrance of the cleft and fit my hands into it thus. [Staggering to the entrance. Chorus Why dost thou cry out, Cyclops? @@ -860,7 +860,7 @@ Aye, and a sad one, too. Chorus -Didst fall among the coals in a drunken fit? +Didst fall among the coals in a drunken fit? Cyclops Noman has undone me. @@ -887,18 +887,18 @@ Nowhere, Cyclops. Cyclops -It was the stranger, vile wretch! who proved my ruin, that thou mayst understand rightly, by swilling me with the liquor he gave me. +It was the stranger, vile wretch! who proved my ruin, that thou mayst understand rightly, by swilling me with the liquor he gave me. Chorus -Ah! wine is a terrible foe, hard to wrestle with. +Ah! wine is a terrible foe, hard to wrestle with. Cyclops -Tell me, I adjure thee, have they escaped or are they still within? +Tell me, I adjure thee, have they escaped or are they still within? Chorus -Here they are ranged in silence, taking the rock to screen them. +Here they are ranged in silence, taking the rock to screen them. Cyclops On which side? @@ -931,38 +931,38 @@ They are getting round thee on the left. Cyclops -Alas! I am being mocked; ye jeer me in my evil plight. +Alas! I am being mocked; ye jeer me in my evil plight. Chorus -They are no longer there; but facing thee that stranger stands. +They are no longer there; but facing thee that stranger stands. Cyclops Master of villainy, where, oh! where art thou? Odysseus Some way from thee -I am keeping careful guard over the person of Odysseus. +I am keeping careful guard over the person of Odysseus. Cyclops -What, a new name! hast changed thine? +What, a new name! hast changed thine? Odysseus -Yes, Odysseus the name my father gave me. But thou wert doomed to pay for thy unholy feast; for I should have seen Troy burned to but sorry purpose, -unless I had avenged on thee the slaughter of my comrades. +Yes, Odysseus the name my father gave me. But thou wert doomed to pay for thy unholy feast; for I should have seen Troy burned to but sorry purpose, +unless I had avenged on thee the slaughter of my comrades. Cyclops -Woe is me! ’tis an old oracle coming true; yes, it said I should have my eye put out by thee on thy way home from Troy; but it likewise foretold that thou wouldst surely pay for this, -tossing on the sea for many a day. +Woe is me! ’tis an old oracle coming true; yes, it said I should have my eye put out by thee on thy way home from Troy; but it likewise foretold that thou wouldst surely pay for this, +tossing on the sea for many a day. Odysseus -Go hang! E’en as I say, so have I done. And now will I get me to the beach and start my hollow ship across the sea of Sicily to the land of my fathers. +Go hang! E’en as I say, so have I done. And now will I get me to the beach and start my hollow ship across the sea of Sicily to the land of my fathers. Cyclops -Thou shalt not; I will break a boulder off this rock -and crush thee, crew and all, beneath my throw. Blind though I be, I will climb the hill, mounting through yonder tunnel. +Thou shalt not; I will break a boulder off this rock +and crush thee, crew and all, beneath my throw. Blind though I be, I will climb the hill, mounting through yonder tunnel. Chorus -As for us, henceforth will we be the servants of Bacchus, sharing the voyage of this hero Odysseus. +As for us, henceforth will we be the servants of Bacchus, sharing the voyage of this hero Odysseus. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg002/tlg0006.tlg002.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg002/tlg0006.tlg002.perseus-eng2.xml index aa7d0e7e8..724d0102d 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg002/tlg0006.tlg002.perseus-eng2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg002/tlg0006.tlg002.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -72,334 +72,334 @@ Apollo -Halls of Admetus, wherein I steeled my heart to be content with a servant’s board, god though I was. Zeus was to blame; he slew my son Asclepius, piercing his bosom with a thunderbolt; -whereat I was enraged and smote his Cyclopes, forgers of the heavenly fire; so my sire in recompense for this forced me to become a slave in a mortal’s home. Then came I to this land and kept a stranger’s flocks, and to this day have been the saviour of this house. -For in Pheres’ son I found a man as holy as myself, and him I saved from death by cheating Destiny, for they promised me, those goddesses of fate, that Admetus should escape the impending doom, if he found a substitute for the powers below. -So he went through all his list of friends, made trial of each, his father and the aged mother that bare him,Dindorf has good reason for suspecting this line here. but none he found save his wife alone that was willing to die for him and forego the light of life; she now within the house is upheld in his arms, -gasping out her life; for to-day is she doomed to die and pass from life to death. But I, for fear pollution overtake me in the house, am leaving the shelter of this roof I love so well, for already I see Death hard by, -the priest of souls departed, who is on his way to lead her to the halls of Hades; true to time he comes, watching this day that calls her to her doom. +Halls of Admetus, wherein I steeled my heart to be content with a servant’s board, god though I was. Zeus was to blame; he slew my son Asclepius, piercing his bosom with a thunderbolt; +whereat I was enraged and smote his Cyclopes, forgers of the heavenly fire; so my sire in recompense for this forced me to become a slave in a mortal’s home. Then came I to this land and kept a stranger’s flocks, and to this day have been the saviour of this house. +For in Pheres’ son I found a man as holy as myself, and him I saved from death by cheating Destiny, for they promised me, those goddesses of fate, that Admetus should escape the impending doom, if he found a substitute for the powers below. +So he went through all his list of friends, made trial of each, his father and the aged mother that bare him,Dindorf has good reason for suspecting this line here. but none he found save his wife alone that was willing to die for him and forego the light of life; she now within the house is upheld in his arms, +gasping out her life; for to-day is she doomed to die and pass from life to death. But I, for fear pollution overtake me in the house, am leaving the shelter of this roof I love so well, for already I see Death hard by, +the priest of souls departed, who is on his way to lead her to the halls of Hades; true to time he comes, watching this day that calls her to her doom. Death -Ha! What dost thou at this house? why is it thou art ranging here, -Phoebus? Once again thou wrongest me, circumscribing and limiting the honours of the nether world. Wert thou not content to hinder the death of Admetus, by thy knavish cunning baulking Destiny? but now again -hast thou armed thee with thy bow and art keeping guard o’er her, this daughter of Pelias, who undertook, of her free will, to die for her lord and set him free. +Ha! What dost thou at this house? why is it thou art ranging here, +Phoebus? Once again thou wrongest me, circumscribing and limiting the honours of the nether world. Wert thou not content to hinder the death of Admetus, by thy knavish cunning baulking Destiny? but now again +hast thou armed thee with thy bow and art keeping guard o’er her, this daughter of Pelias, who undertook, of her free will, to die for her lord and set him free. Apollo -Never fear; I have, be sure, justice and fair pleas to urge. +Never fear; I have, be sure, justice and fair pleas to urge. Death -What has that bow to do, if thou hast justice on thy side? +What has that bow to do, if thou hast justice on thy side? Apollo -’Tis my habit ever to carry it. +’Tis my habit ever to carry it. Death -Ay, and to help this house more than is right. +Ay, and to help this house more than is right. Apollo -The reason is, I cannot bear a friend’s distress. +The reason is, I cannot bear a friend’s distress. Death -Wilt rob me of this second corpse likewise? +Wilt rob me of this second corpse likewise? Apollo -Come! I did not take the other from thee by violence. +Come! I did not take the other from thee by violence. Death -Then how is it he lives above the earth and not beneath? +Then how is it he lives above the earth and not beneath? Apollo -He gave his wife instead, her whom now thou art come to fetch. +He gave his wife instead, her whom now thou art come to fetch. Death -Yea, and I will bear her hence to the nether world. +Yea, and I will bear her hence to the nether world. Apollo -Take her and go, for I do not suppose I can persuade thee. +Take her and go, for I do not suppose I can persuade thee. Death -To slay my rightful victim? Why, that is my appointed task. +To slay my rightful victim? Why, that is my appointed task. Apollo -Nay, but to lay thy deadly hand on those who soon would die. +Nay, but to lay thy deadly hand on those who soon would die. Death -I see thy drift, thy eager plea. +I see thy drift, thy eager plea. Apollo -Is it then possible that Alcestis should attain old age? +Is it then possible that Alcestis should attain old age? Death -It is not possible; I too, methinks, find a pleasure in my rights. +It is not possible; I too, methinks, find a pleasure in my rights. Apollo -Thou canst not anyhow take more than one life. +Thou canst not anyhow take more than one life. Death -When young lives die I reap a higher honour. +When young lives die I reap a higher honour. Apollo -Should she die old, a sumptuous funeral will she have. +Should she die old, a sumptuous funeral will she have. Death -Phoebus, the law thou layest down is all in favour of the rich. +Phoebus, the law thou layest down is all in favour of the rich. Apollo -What mean’st thou? art so wise, and I never knew it? +What mean’st thou? art so wise, and I never knew it? Death -Those who have wealth would buy the chance of their dying old. +Those who have wealth would buy the chance of their dying old. Apollo -It seems then thou wilt not grant me this favour. +It seems then thou wilt not grant me this favour. Death -Not I; my customs well thou knowest. +Not I; my customs well thou knowest. Apollo -That I do, customs men detest and gods abhor. +That I do, customs men detest and gods abhor. Death -Thou canst not realise every lawless wish. +Thou canst not realise every lawless wish. Apollo -Mark me, thou shalt have a check for all thy excessive fierceness; -such a hero shall there come to Pheres’ halls, by Eurystheus sent to fetch a team of steeds from the wintry world of Thrace; he, a guest awhile in these halls of Admetus, will wrest this woman from thee by sheer force. -So wilt thou get no thanks from me but yet wilt do this all the same, and earn my hatred too.Dindorf rejects these two lines. +Mark me, thou shalt have a check for all thy excessive fierceness; +such a hero shall there come to Pheres’ halls, by Eurystheus sent to fetch a team of steeds from the wintry world of Thrace; he, a guest awhile in these halls of Admetus, will wrest this woman from thee by sheer force. +So wilt thou get no thanks from me but yet wilt do this all the same, and earn my hatred too.Dindorf rejects these two lines. Death -Thou wilt not gain thy purpose any the more for all thy many words; that woman shall to Hades’ halls go down, I tell thee. -Lo! I am going for her, that with the sword I may begin my rites, for he whose hair this sword doth hallow is sacred to the gods below. +Thou wilt not gain thy purpose any the more for all thy many words; that woman shall to Hades’ halls go down, I tell thee. +Lo! I am going for her, that with the sword I may begin my rites, for he whose hair this sword doth hallow is sacred to the gods below. First Semichorus -WhatIn the arrangement of the following dialogue between the divided chorus I have mainly been guided by Paley, though I believe the last three lines assigned to him a Semichorus are said as the two bands are re-uniting preparatory to chanting their ode. means this silence in front of the palace? why is the house of Admetus stricken dumb? +WhatIn the arrangement of the following dialogue between the divided chorus I have mainly been guided by Paley, though I believe the last three lines assigned to him a Semichorus are said as the two bands are re-uniting preparatory to chanting their ode. means this silence in front of the palace? why is the house of Admetus stricken dumb? Second Semichorus -Not one friend near -to say if we must mourn our queen as dead, or if she liveth yet and sees the sun, Alcestis, daughter of Pelias, by me and all esteemed the best of wives -to her husband. +Not one friend near +to say if we must mourn our queen as dead, or if she liveth yet and sees the sun, Alcestis, daughter of Pelias, by me and all esteemed the best of wives +to her husband. First Semichorus - Doth any of you hear a groan, or sound of hands that smite together, or the voice of lamentation, telling all is over and done? Yet is there no servant - stationed about the gate, no, not one. O come, thou saving god, to smooth the swelling waves of woe!μετακύμιος. Liddell and Scott between two waves of misery, i.e. causing a short lull. + Doth any of you hear a groan, or sound of hands that smite together, or the voice of lamentation, telling all is over and done? Yet is there no servant + stationed about the gate, no, not one. O come, thou saving god, to smooth the swelling waves of woe!μετακύμιος. Liddell and Scott between two waves of misery, i.e. causing a short lull. Second Semichorus -Surely, were she dead, they would not be so still. +Surely, were she dead, they would not be so still. First Semichorus -Maybe her corpse is not yet from the house borne forth. +Maybe her corpse is not yet from the house borne forth. Second Semichorus -Whence that inference? I am not so sanguine. What gives thee confidence? +Whence that inference? I am not so sanguine. What gives thee confidence? First Semichorus -How could Admetus let his noble wife go unattended to the grave? +How could Admetus let his noble wife go unattended to the grave? Second Semichorus -Before the gates I see no lustral water from the spring, as custom doth ordain should be -at the gates of the dead, no shorn lock lies on the threshold, which, as thou knowest, falls in mourning for the dead, no choir of maidens smites its youthfulDindorf restores νεαλὴς for νεολαία, a doubtful word, apparently not used as an adjective. Cf. Liddell and Scott. palms together. +Before the gates I see no lustral water from the spring, as custom doth ordain should be +at the gates of the dead, no shorn lock lies on the threshold, which, as thou knowest, falls in mourning for the dead, no choir of maidens smites its youthfulDindorf restores νεαλὴς for νεολαία, a doubtful word, apparently not used as an adjective. Cf. Liddell and Scott. palms together. First Semichorus -And yet this is the appointed day. +And yet this is the appointed day. Second Semichorus -What meanest thou by this? +What meanest thou by this? First Semichorus -The day appointed for the journey to the world below. +The day appointed for the journey to the world below. Second Semichorus -Thou hast touched me to the heart, e’en to the soul. +Thou hast touched me to the heart, e’en to the soul. Chorus -Whoso from his youth up has been accounted virtuous, -needs must weep to see the good suddenly cut off. ’Tis done; no single spot in all the world remains whither one might steer a course, either to LyciaTo a shrine of Apollo. -or to the parched abodesThe temple of Zeus Ammon in the deserts of Libya. of Ammon to release the hapless lady’s soul; on comes death with step abrupt, -nor know I to whom I should go of all who at the gods’ altars offer sacrifice. Only the son of Phoebus,Asclepius, who had been slain by Zeus, for raising the dead to life. if he yet saw this light of day— -Ah! then then might she have left the dark abode and gates of Hades and have come again, for he would raise the dead to life, till that the thunderbolt’s forked flame, hurled by Zeus, smote him. -But now what further hope of life can I welcome to me? Our lords have ere this done all they could; on every altar streams the blood of abundant sacrifice; -yet our sorrows find no cure. Lo! from the house cometh a handmaid weeping; what shall I be told hath chanced? Grief may well be pardoned, if aught happeneth to one’s master; yet I fain would learn whether our lady -still is living or haply is no more. +Whoso from his youth up has been accounted virtuous, +needs must weep to see the good suddenly cut off. ’Tis done; no single spot in all the world remains whither one might steer a course, either to LyciaTo a shrine of Apollo. +or to the parched abodesThe temple of Zeus Ammon in the deserts of Libya. of Ammon to release the hapless lady’s soul; on comes death with step abrupt, +nor know I to whom I should go of all who at the gods’ altars offer sacrifice. Only the son of Phoebus,Asclepius, who had been slain by Zeus, for raising the dead to life. if he yet saw this light of day— +Ah! then then might she have left the dark abode and gates of Hades and have come again, for he would raise the dead to life, till that the thunderbolt’s forked flame, hurled by Zeus, smote him. +But now what further hope of life can I welcome to me? Our lords have ere this done all they could; on every altar streams the blood of abundant sacrifice; +yet our sorrows find no cure. Lo! from the house cometh a handmaid weeping; what shall I be told hath chanced? Grief may well be pardoned, if aught happeneth to one’s master; yet I fain would learn whether our lady +still is living or haply is no more. Maid -Alive, yet dead thou may’st call her. +Alive, yet dead thou may’st call her. Chorus -Why, how can the same person be alive, yet dead? +Why, how can the same person be alive, yet dead? Maid -She is sinking even now, and at her last gasp. +She is sinking even now, and at her last gasp. Chorus -My poor master! how sad thy lot to lose so good a wife! +My poor master! how sad thy lot to lose so good a wife! Maid -He did not know his loss, until the blow fell on him. +He did not know his loss, until the blow fell on him. Chorus -Is there then no more a hope of saving her? +Is there then no more a hope of saving her? Maid -None; the fated day comes on so fast. +None; the fated day comes on so fast. Chorus -Are then the fitting rites already taking place o’er her body? +Are then the fitting rites already taking place o’er her body? Maid -Death’s garniture is ready, wherewith her lord will bury her. +Death’s garniture is ready, wherewith her lord will bury her. Chorus -Well let her know, though die she must, her fame ranks far above any other wife’s beneath the sun. +Well let her know, though die she must, her fame ranks far above any other wife’s beneath the sun. Maid -Far above! of course it does; who will gainsay it? What must the woman be who hath surpassed her? For how could any wife have shown a clearer regard -for her lord than by offering in his stead to die? Thus much the whole city knows right well; but thou shalt hear with wonder what she did within the house. For when she knew the fatal day was come, she washed her fair white skin with water from the stream, -then from her cedar chests drew forth vesture and ornaments and robed herself becomingly; next, standing before the altar-hearth, she prayed, Mistress mine, behold! I pass beneath the earth; to thee in suppliant wise will I my latest prayer address; -be mother to my orphans, and to my boy unite a loving bride, to my daughter a noble husband. Let them not die, as I, their mother, perish now, untimely in their youth, but let them live their glad lives out, happy in their native land. -To every altar in Admetus’ halls she went and crowned them and prayed, plucking from myrtle boughs their foliage, with never a tear or groan, nor did her coming trouble change the colour of her comely face. -Anon into her bridal bower she burst, and then her tears brake forth and thus she cried, O couch, whereon I loosed my maiden state for the man in whose cause I die, farewell! no hate I feel for thee; for me alone hast thou undone, -dying as I die from fear of betraying thee and my lord. Some other wife will make thee hers, more blest maybe than me, but not more chaste. And she fell upon her knees and kissed it, till with her gushing tears the whole bed was wet. -At last, when she had had her fill of weeping, she tore herself from the bed and hurried headlong forth, and oft as she was leaving the chamber turned she back and cast herself once more upon the couch; while her children were weeping as they clung to their mother’s robes; -but she took them each in turn in her arms and kissed them fondly, as a dying mother might. And all the servants in the house fell a-crying in sorrow for their mistress; but she held out her hand to each, nor was there one so mean -but she gave him a word and took his answer back. Such are the sorrows in the halls of Admetus. Dying he had died once for all, but by avoiding death he hath a legacy of grief that he will ne’er forget. +Far above! of course it does; who will gainsay it? What must the woman be who hath surpassed her? For how could any wife have shown a clearer regard +for her lord than by offering in his stead to die? Thus much the whole city knows right well; but thou shalt hear with wonder what she did within the house. For when she knew the fatal day was come, she washed her fair white skin with water from the stream, +then from her cedar chests drew forth vesture and ornaments and robed herself becomingly; next, standing before the altar-hearth, she prayed, Mistress mine, behold! I pass beneath the earth; to thee in suppliant wise will I my latest prayer address; +be mother to my orphans, and to my boy unite a loving bride, to my daughter a noble husband. Let them not die, as I, their mother, perish now, untimely in their youth, but let them live their glad lives out, happy in their native land. +To every altar in Admetus’ halls she went and crowned them and prayed, plucking from myrtle boughs their foliage, with never a tear or groan, nor did her coming trouble change the colour of her comely face. +Anon into her bridal bower she burst, and then her tears brake forth and thus she cried, O couch, whereon I loosed my maiden state for the man in whose cause I die, farewell! no hate I feel for thee; for me alone hast thou undone, +dying as I die from fear of betraying thee and my lord. Some other wife will make thee hers, more blest maybe than me, but not more chaste. And she fell upon her knees and kissed it, till with her gushing tears the whole bed was wet. +At last, when she had had her fill of weeping, she tore herself from the bed and hurried headlong forth, and oft as she was leaving the chamber turned she back and cast herself once more upon the couch; while her children were weeping as they clung to their mother’s robes; +but she took them each in turn in her arms and kissed them fondly, as a dying mother might. And all the servants in the house fell a-crying in sorrow for their mistress; but she held out her hand to each, nor was there one so mean +but she gave him a word and took his answer back. Such are the sorrows in the halls of Admetus. Dying he had died once for all, but by avoiding death he hath a legacy of grief that he will ne’er forget. Chorus -Doubtless Admetus sorrows in this calamity, -if he must lose so good a wife. +Doubtless Admetus sorrows in this calamity, +if he must lose so good a wife. Maid -Ah yes! he weeps, holding in his arms his darling wife, and prays her not to leave him, impossible request! for she is worn and wasted with illness, and liesElmsley was the first to detect that a line has probably been lost here, containing some finite verb to complete the sense, which I have endeavoured to give by introducing lies into my translation. exhausted, a sad burden in his arms. -Still, though her breath comes short and scant, she yearns to gaze yet on the sunshine, for nevermore, but now the last and latest time her eye shall see his radiant orb.These two lines, of frequent recurrence in Greek tragedy, are here rejected by Nauck. But I will go, thy presence to announce, -for ’tis not all who have the goodwill to stand by their masters with kindly hearts in adversity. But thou of old hast been my master’s friend. +Ah yes! he weeps, holding in his arms his darling wife, and prays her not to leave him, impossible request! for she is worn and wasted with illness, and liesElmsley was the first to detect that a line has probably been lost here, containing some finite verb to complete the sense, which I have endeavoured to give by introducing lies into my translation. exhausted, a sad burden in his arms. +Still, though her breath comes short and scant, she yearns to gaze yet on the sunshine, for nevermore, but now the last and latest time her eye shall see his radiant orb.These two lines, of frequent recurrence in Greek tragedy, are here rejected by Nauck. But I will go, thy presence to announce, +for ’tis not all who have the goodwill to stand by their masters with kindly hearts in adversity. But thou of old hast been my master’s friend. Chorus -O Zeus, what way out of these sorrows can be found? how can we loose the bonds of fate that bind our lord? -Comes some one forth? Am I at once to cut my hair, and cast the sable robe about me? Too plainly, ay too plainly, friends; still let us to heaven pray; for the gods’ power is very great. -O king Paean, devise for Admetus some means of escape from his sorrows. Yes, yes, contrive it; for thou in days gone by didst find salvation for him, so now be thou a saviour from the toils of death -and stay bloodthirsty Hades. Woe! woe! alas! Thou son of Pheres, woe! Ah, thy fate in losing thy wife! Is not this enough to make thee slay thyself, ah! more than cause enough to tie the noose aloft and fit it to the neck? -Yea, for to-day wilt thou witness the death of her that was not merely dear, but dearest of the dear. Look, look! she cometh even now, her husband with her, from the house. Cry aloud and wail, O land of Pherae, -wail for the best of women, as with sickness worn she passes ’neath the earth to Hades, lord below. Never, never will I say that marriage brings more joy than grief, as I -conjecture by the past and witness these misfortunes of our king, for he when widowed of this noble wife will for the future lead a life that is no life at all. +O Zeus, what way out of these sorrows can be found? how can we loose the bonds of fate that bind our lord? +Comes some one forth? Am I at once to cut my hair, and cast the sable robe about me? Too plainly, ay too plainly, friends; still let us to heaven pray; for the gods’ power is very great. +O king Paean, devise for Admetus some means of escape from his sorrows. Yes, yes, contrive it; for thou in days gone by didst find salvation for him, so now be thou a saviour from the toils of death +and stay bloodthirsty Hades. Woe! woe! alas! Thou son of Pheres, woe! Ah, thy fate in losing thy wife! Is not this enough to make thee slay thyself, ah! more than cause enough to tie the noose aloft and fit it to the neck? +Yea, for to-day wilt thou witness the death of her that was not merely dear, but dearest of the dear. Look, look! she cometh even now, her husband with her, from the house. Cry aloud and wail, O land of Pherae, +wail for the best of women, as with sickness worn she passes ’neath the earth to Hades, lord below. Never, never will I say that marriage brings more joy than grief, as I +conjecture by the past and witness these misfortunes of our king, for he when widowed of this noble wife will for the future lead a life that is no life at all. Alcestis -O sun-god, lamp of day! -O scudding clouds that dance along the sky! +O sun-god, lamp of day! +O scudding clouds that dance along the sky! Admetus -He sees us both with anguish bowed, albeit guiltless of any crime against the gods, for the which thy death is due. +He sees us both with anguish bowed, albeit guiltless of any crime against the gods, for the which thy death is due. Alcestis -O earth, O sheltering roof, and ye my maiden chambers in my native land Iolcos! +O earth, O sheltering roof, and ye my maiden chambers in my native land Iolcos! Admetus -Lift thyself, unhappy wife, forsake me not; entreat the mighty gods to pity us. +Lift thyself, unhappy wife, forsake me not; entreat the mighty gods to pity us. Alcestis -I see the two-oared skiff, I see it; and Charon, death’s ferryman, his hand upon the boatman’s pole, -is calling me e’en now, Why lingerest thou? Hasten. Thou art keeping me. Thus in his eager haste he hurries me. +I see the two-oared skiff, I see it; and Charon, death’s ferryman, his hand upon the boatman’s pole, +is calling me e’en now, Why lingerest thou? Hasten. Thou art keeping me. Thus in his eager haste he hurries me. Admetus -Ah me! bitter to me is this voyage thou speakest of. Unhappy wife, what woes are ours! +Ah me! bitter to me is this voyage thou speakest of. Unhappy wife, what woes are ours! Alcestis -One draws me, draws me hence, seest thou not? -to the courts of death, winged Hades glaring from beneath his dark brows. What wilt thou with me? Unhand me. On what a journey am I setting out, most wretched woman I! +One draws me, draws me hence, seest thou not? +to the courts of death, winged Hades glaring from beneath his dark brows. What wilt thou with me? Unhand me. On what a journey am I setting out, most wretched woman I! Admetus -Bitter journey to thy friends, yet most of all to me -and to thy babes, the partners in this sorrow. +Bitter journey to thy friends, yet most of all to me +and to thy babes, the partners in this sorrow. Alcestis -Hands off! hands off at once! Lay me down, I cannot stand. Hades standeth near; and with its gloom steals night upon my eyes. -O my children, my children, ye have no mother now. Fare ye well, my babes, live on beneath the light! +Hands off! hands off at once! Lay me down, I cannot stand. Hades standeth near; and with its gloom steals night upon my eyes. +O my children, my children, ye have no mother now. Fare ye well, my babes, live on beneath the light! Admetus -Woe is me! this is a message of sorrow to me, worse than aught that death can do. -Steel not thy heart to leave me, I implore, by heaven, by thy babes whom thou wilt make orphans; nay, raise thyself, have courage. For if thou die I can no longer live; my life, my death are in thy hands; thy love is what I worship. +Woe is me! this is a message of sorrow to me, worse than aught that death can do. +Steel not thy heart to leave me, I implore, by heaven, by thy babes whom thou wilt make orphans; nay, raise thyself, have courage. For if thou die I can no longer live; my life, my death are in thy hands; thy love is what I worship. Alcestis -Admetus, lo! thou seest how it is with me; to thee I fain would tell my wishes ere I die. Thee I set before myself, and instead of living have ensured thy life, and so I die, though I need not have died for thee, -but might have taken for my husband whom I would of the Thessalians, and have had a home blest with royal power; reft of thee, with my children orphans, I cared not to live, nor, though crowned with youth's fair gifts, wherein I used to joy, did I grudge them. -Yet the father that begat thee, the mother that bare thee, gave thee up, though they had reached a time of life when to die were well, so saving thee their child, and winning noble death. For thou wert their only son, nor had they any hope, when thou wert dead, of other offspring. -And I should have lived and thou the remnant of our days, nor wouldst thou have wept thy wife’s loss, nor have had an orphan family. But some god hath caused these things to be even as they are. Enough! Remember thou the gratitude due to me for this; -yea, for I shall never ask thee for an adequate return, for naught is prized more highly than our life; but just is my request, as thou thyself must say, since thou no less than I dost love these children, if so be thou think’st aright. Be content to let them rule my house, -and do not marry a new wife to be a stepmother to these children, for she from jealousy, if so she be a woman worse than me, will stretch out her hand against the children of our union. Then do not this, I do beseech thee.Nauck suspects this line, and Hirzel thinks the two next are spurious. For the stepmother that succeeds, hateth children -of a former match, cruel as the viper's are her tender mercies. A son, ’tis true, hath in his sire a tower of strength, [to whom he speaks and has his answer back];Paley encloses this line in brackets as suspicious. Nauck omits it in his text. but thou, my daughter, how shall thy maidenhood be passed in honour? What shall thy experience be of thy father’s wife? -She may fasten on thee some foul report in thy youthful bloom, and frustrate thy marriage. Never shall thy mother lead thee to the bridal bed, nor by her presence in thy travail hearten thee, my child, when a mother’s kindness triumphs over all. -No, for I must die; and lo! this evil cometh to me not to-morrow nor yet on the third day of the month, but in a moment shall I be counted among the souls that are no more. Fare ye well, be happy; and thou, husband, canst boast thou hadst a peerless wife, -and you, children, that you had such an one for mother. +Admetus, lo! thou seest how it is with me; to thee I fain would tell my wishes ere I die. Thee I set before myself, and instead of living have ensured thy life, and so I die, though I need not have died for thee, +but might have taken for my husband whom I would of the Thessalians, and have had a home blest with royal power; reft of thee, with my children orphans, I cared not to live, nor, though crowned with youth's fair gifts, wherein I used to joy, did I grudge them. +Yet the father that begat thee, the mother that bare thee, gave thee up, though they had reached a time of life when to die were well, so saving thee their child, and winning noble death. For thou wert their only son, nor had they any hope, when thou wert dead, of other offspring. +And I should have lived and thou the remnant of our days, nor wouldst thou have wept thy wife’s loss, nor have had an orphan family. But some god hath caused these things to be even as they are. Enough! Remember thou the gratitude due to me for this; +yea, for I shall never ask thee for an adequate return, for naught is prized more highly than our life; but just is my request, as thou thyself must say, since thou no less than I dost love these children, if so be thou think’st aright. Be content to let them rule my house, +and do not marry a new wife to be a stepmother to these children, for she from jealousy, if so she be a woman worse than me, will stretch out her hand against the children of our union. Then do not this, I do beseech thee.Nauck suspects this line, and Hirzel thinks the two next are spurious. For the stepmother that succeeds, hateth children +of a former match, cruel as the viper's are her tender mercies. A son, ’tis true, hath in his sire a tower of strength, [to whom he speaks and has his answer back];Paley encloses this line in brackets as suspicious. Nauck omits it in his text. but thou, my daughter, how shall thy maidenhood be passed in honour? What shall thy experience be of thy father’s wife? +She may fasten on thee some foul report in thy youthful bloom, and frustrate thy marriage. Never shall thy mother lead thee to the bridal bed, nor by her presence in thy travail hearten thee, my child, when a mother’s kindness triumphs over all. +No, for I must die; and lo! this evil cometh to me not to-morrow nor yet on the third day of the month, but in a moment shall I be counted among the souls that are no more. Fare ye well, be happy; and thou, husband, canst boast thou hadst a peerless wife, +and you, children, that you had such an one for mother. Chorus -Take heart; I do not hesitate to answer for him; he will perform all this, unless his mind should go astray. +Take heart; I do not hesitate to answer for him; he will perform all this, unless his mind should go astray. Admetus -It shall be so, fear not, it shall; alive thou wert the only wife I had, and dead shalt thou, -none else, be called mine; no Thessalian maid shall ever take thy place and call me lord; not though she spring from lineage high nor though besides she be the fairest of her sex. Of children I have enough; god grant I may in them -be blessed! for in thee has it been otherwise. No year-long mourning will I keep for thee, but all my life through, lady: loathing the mother that bare me, and hating my father, for they were friends in word but not in deed. -But thou didst give thy dearest for my life and save it. May I not then mourn to lose a wife like thee? And I will put an end to revelry, to social gatherings o’er the wine, forego the festal crown and music which once reigned in my halls. -For nevermore will I touch the lyre nor lift my soul in song to the Libyan flute, for thou hast taken with thee all my joy in life. But in my bed thy figure shall be laid full length, by cunning artists fashioned; -thereon will I throw myself and, folding my arms about thee, call upon thy name, and think I hold my dear wife in my embrace, although I do not; chill comfort this, no doubt, but still I shall relieve my soul of its sad weight; and thou wilt come -to me in dreams and gladden me. For sweet it is to see our friends, come they when they will, e’en by night. Had I the tongue, the tuneful'voice of Orpheus to charm Demeter’s daughter or her husband by my lay and bring thee back from Hades, -I had gone down, nor Pluto’s hound, nor Charon, ferryman of souls, whose hand is on the oar, had held me back, till to the light I had restored thee alive. At least do thou await me there, against the hour I die, prepare a home for me to be my true wife still. -For in this same cedar coffin I will bid these children lay me with thee and stretch my limbs by thine; for never even in death may I be severed from thee, alone found faithful of them all. +It shall be so, fear not, it shall; alive thou wert the only wife I had, and dead shalt thou, +none else, be called mine; no Thessalian maid shall ever take thy place and call me lord; not though she spring from lineage high nor though besides she be the fairest of her sex. Of children I have enough; god grant I may in them +be blessed! for in thee has it been otherwise. No year-long mourning will I keep for thee, but all my life through, lady: loathing the mother that bare me, and hating my father, for they were friends in word but not in deed. +But thou didst give thy dearest for my life and save it. May I not then mourn to lose a wife like thee? And I will put an end to revelry, to social gatherings o’er the wine, forego the festal crown and music which once reigned in my halls. +For nevermore will I touch the lyre nor lift my soul in song to the Libyan flute, for thou hast taken with thee all my joy in life. But in my bed thy figure shall be laid full length, by cunning artists fashioned; +thereon will I throw myself and, folding my arms about thee, call upon thy name, and think I hold my dear wife in my embrace, although I do not; chill comfort this, no doubt, but still I shall relieve my soul of its sad weight; and thou wilt come +to me in dreams and gladden me. For sweet it is to see our friends, come they when they will, e’en by night. Had I the tongue, the tuneful'voice of Orpheus to charm Demeter’s daughter or her husband by my lay and bring thee back from Hades, +I had gone down, nor Pluto’s hound, nor Charon, ferryman of souls, whose hand is on the oar, had held me back, till to the light I had restored thee alive. At least do thou await me there, against the hour I die, prepare a home for me to be my true wife still. +For in this same cedar coffin I will bid these children lay me with thee and stretch my limbs by thine; for never even in death may I be severed from thee, alone found faithful of them all. Chorus -Lo! I too will share with thee thy mourning for her, friend with friend; -for this is but her due. +Lo! I too will share with thee thy mourning for her, friend with friend; +for this is but her due. Alcestis -My children, ye with your own ears have heard your father’s promise, that he will never wed another wife to set her over you, nor e’er dishonour me. +My children, ye with your own ears have heard your father’s promise, that he will never wed another wife to set her over you, nor e’er dishonour me. Admetus -Yea, so I promise now, and accomplish it I will. +Yea, so I promise now, and accomplish it I will. Alcestis -On these conditions receive the children from my hand. +On these conditions receive the children from my hand. Admetus -I receive them, dear pledges by a dear hapd given. +I receive them, dear pledges by a dear hapd given. Alcestis -Take thou my place and be a mother to these babes. +Take thou my place and be a mother to these babes. Admetus -Sore will be their need when they are reft of thee. +Sore will be their need when they are reft of thee. Alcestis -O my children, I am passing to that world below, when my life was needed most. +O my children, I am passing to that world below, when my life was needed most. Admetus -Ah me, what can I do bereft of thee? +Ah me, what can I do bereft of thee? Alcestis -Thy sorrow Time will soothe; ’tis the dead who are as naught. +Thy sorrow Time will soothe; ’tis the dead who are as naught. Admetus -Take me, O take me, I beseech, with thee ’neath the earth. +Take me, O take me, I beseech, with thee ’neath the earth. Alcestis -Enough that I in thy stead am dying. +Enough that I in thy stead am dying. Admetus -O Destiny! of what a wife art thou despoiling me! +O Destiny! of what a wife art thou despoiling me! Alcestis -Lo! the darkness deepens on my drooping eyes. +Lo! the darkness deepens on my drooping eyes. Admetus -Lost indeed am I, if thou, dear wife, wilt really leave me. +Lost indeed am I, if thou, dear wife, wilt really leave me. Alcestis -Thou mayst speak of me as naught, as one whose life is o’er. +Thou mayst speak of me as naught, as one whose life is o’er. Admetus -Lift up thy face, leave not thy children. +Lift up thy face, leave not thy children. Alcestis -’Tis not my own free will; O my babes, farewell! +’Tis not my own free will; O my babes, farewell! Admetus Look, look on them but once. @@ -417,461 +417,461 @@ Lost! lost! woe is me! Chorus -She is gone, the wife of Admetus is no more. +She is gone, the wife of Admetus is no more. Eumelus -O my hard fate! My mother has passed to the realms below; she lives no more, -dear father, ’neath the sun. Alas for her! she leaves us ere her time and to me bequeaths an orphan’s life. Behold that staring eye, those nerveless hands! -Hear me, mother, hear me, I implore! ’tis I who call thee now, I thy tender chick, printing my kisses on thy lips. +O my hard fate! My mother has passed to the realms below; she lives no more, +dear father, ’neath the sun. Alas for her! she leaves us ere her time and to me bequeaths an orphan’s life. Behold that staring eye, those nerveless hands! +Hear me, mother, hear me, I implore! ’tis I who call thee now, I thy tender chick, printing my kisses on thy lips. Admetus -She cannot hear, she cannot see; -a heavy blow hath fortune dealt us, you children and me. +She cannot hear, she cannot see; +a heavy blow hath fortune dealt us, you children and me. Eumelus -O father, I am but a child to have my loving mother leave me here alone; O cruel my fate, alas! -and thine, my sister, sharer in my cup of woe. Woe to thee, father! in vain, in vain didst thou take a wife and hast not reached the goal of eld with her; for she is gone before, and now that thou art dead, -my mother, our house is all undone. +O father, I am but a child to have my loving mother leave me here alone; O cruel my fate, alas! +and thine, my sister, sharer in my cup of woe. Woe to thee, father! in vain, in vain didst thou take a wife and hast not reached the goal of eld with her; for she is gone before, and now that thou art dead, +my mother, our house is all undone. Chorus -Admetus, these misfortunes thou must bear. Thou art by no means the first nor yet shalt be the last of men to lose a wife of worth; know this, we all of us are debtors unto death. +Admetus, these misfortunes thou must bear. Thou art by no means the first nor yet shalt be the last of men to lose a wife of worth; know this, we all of us are debtors unto death. Admetus -I understand; this is no sudden flight of ill hither; I was ware of it and long have pined. But since I am to. carry the dead forth to her burial, stay here with me and to that inexorable god in Hades raise your antiphone. While raise your antiphone. -While to all Thessalians in my realm I do proclaim a general mourning for this lady, with hair shorn off and robes of sable hue; all ye who harness steeds for cars, or single horses ride, cut off their manes with the sharp steel. -Hush’d be every pipe, silent every lyre throughout the city till twelve full moons are past; for never again shall I bury one whom I love more, no! nor one more loyal to me; honour from me is her due, for she for me hath died, she and she alone. +I understand; this is no sudden flight of ill hither; I was ware of it and long have pined. But since I am to. carry the dead forth to her burial, stay here with me and to that inexorable god in Hades raise your antiphone. While raise your antiphone. +While to all Thessalians in my realm I do proclaim a general mourning for this lady, with hair shorn off and robes of sable hue; all ye who harness steeds for cars, or single horses ride, cut off their manes with the sharp steel. +Hush’d be every pipe, silent every lyre throughout the city till twelve full moons are past; for never again shall I bury one whom I love more, no! nor one more loyal to me; honour from me is her due, for she for me hath died, she and she alone. [Exeunt ADMETUS and EUMELUS, with the other children. Chorus -Daughter of Pelias, be thine a happy life in that sunless home in Hades’ halls! Let Hades know, that swarthy god, -and that old man who sits to row and steer alike at his death-ferry, that he hath carried o’er the lake of Acheron in his two-oared skiff a woman peerless amidst her sex. -Oft of thee the Muses’ votaries shall sing on the seven-stringed mountain shell and in hymns that need no harp,i.e. Epic poetry. glorifying thee, oft as the season in his cycle cometh round at Sparta in that CarneanA reference to the Carnean festival, held in honour of Apollo, by the Dorians of Peloponnesus, especially by the Spartans, for nine successive days in the month Metageitnion, i.e. April, hence called the Carnean month. month -when all night long the moon sails high o’erhead, yea, and in splendid Athens, happy town. So glorious a theme has thy death bequeathed to tuneful bards. -Would it were in my power and range to bring thee to the light from the chambers of Hades and the streams of Cocytus with the oar that sweeps yon nether flood! -For thou, and thou alone, most dear of women, hadst the courage to redeem thy husband from Hades in exchange for thy own life. Light lie the earth above thee, lady! And if ever thy lord take to him a new wife, I vow he will earn my hatred -and thy children’s too. His mother had no heart to plunge into the darkness of the tomb for her son, no! nor his aged sire.A line is here wanting in the MSS., but its absence does not destroy the sense. Their own child they had not the courage to rescue, -the wretches! albeit they were grey-headed. But thou in thy youth and beauty hast died for thy lord and gone thy way. O be it mine to have for partner such a loving wife! for this lot is rare in life. Surely she should be my help-meet all my life -and never cause one tear. +Daughter of Pelias, be thine a happy life in that sunless home in Hades’ halls! Let Hades know, that swarthy god, +and that old man who sits to row and steer alike at his death-ferry, that he hath carried o’er the lake of Acheron in his two-oared skiff a woman peerless amidst her sex. +Oft of thee the Muses’ votaries shall sing on the seven-stringed mountain shell and in hymns that need no harp,i.e. Epic poetry. glorifying thee, oft as the season in his cycle cometh round at Sparta in that CarneanA reference to the Carnean festival, held in honour of Apollo, by the Dorians of Peloponnesus, especially by the Spartans, for nine successive days in the month Metageitnion, i.e. April, hence called the Carnean month. month +when all night long the moon sails high o’erhead, yea, and in splendid Athens, happy town. So glorious a theme has thy death bequeathed to tuneful bards. +Would it were in my power and range to bring thee to the light from the chambers of Hades and the streams of Cocytus with the oar that sweeps yon nether flood! +For thou, and thou alone, most dear of women, hadst the courage to redeem thy husband from Hades in exchange for thy own life. Light lie the earth above thee, lady! And if ever thy lord take to him a new wife, I vow he will earn my hatred +and thy children’s too. His mother had no heart to plunge into the darkness of the tomb for her son, no! nor his aged sire.A line is here wanting in the MSS., but its absence does not destroy the sense. Their own child they had not the courage to rescue, +the wretches! albeit they were grey-headed. But thou in thy youth and beauty hast died for thy lord and gone thy way. O be it mine to have for partner such a loving wife! for this lot is rare in life. Surely she should be my help-meet all my life +and never cause one tear. Heracles -Mine hosts, dwellers on this Phersean soil! say, shall I find Admetus in the house? +Mine hosts, dwellers on this Phersean soil! say, shall I find Admetus in the house? Chorus -The son of Pheres is within, Heracles. Tell me what need is bringing thee to the Thessalian land, -to visit this city of the Pheraeans? +The son of Pheres is within, Heracles. Tell me what need is bringing thee to the Thessalian land, +to visit this city of the Pheraeans? Heracles -I am performing a labour for Tirynthian Eurystheus. +I am performing a labour for Tirynthian Eurystheus. Chorus -And whither art thou journeying? on what wandering art thou forced to go? +And whither art thou journeying? on what wandering art thou forced to go? Heracles -To fetch the chariot-steeds of Thracian Diomedes. +To fetch the chariot-steeds of Thracian Diomedes. Chorus -How canst thou? art a stranger to the ways of thy host? +How canst thou? art a stranger to the ways of thy host? Heracles -I am; for never yet have I gone to the land of the Bistones. +I am; for never yet have I gone to the land of the Bistones. Chorus -Thou canst not master his horses without fighting. +Thou canst not master his horses without fighting. Heracles -Still I cannot refuse these labours. +Still I cannot refuse these labours. Chorus -Then shalt thou slay them and return, or thyself be slain and stay there. +Then shalt thou slay them and return, or thyself be slain and stay there. Heracles -It will not be the first hard course that I have run. +It will not be the first hard course that I have run. Chorus -And what will be thy gain, suppose thou master their lord? +And what will be thy gain, suppose thou master their lord? Heracles -The steeds will I drive away to the Tirynthian king. +The steeds will I drive away to the Tirynthian king. Chorus -No easy task to bit their jaws. +No easy task to bit their jaws. Heracles -Easy enough, unless their nostrils vomit fire. +Easy enough, unless their nostrils vomit fire. Chorus -With ravening jaws they rend the limbs of men. +With ravening jaws they rend the limbs of men. Heracles -Thou speakest of the food of mountain beasts, not of horses. +Thou speakest of the food of mountain beasts, not of horses. Chorus -Their mangers blood-bedabbled thou shalt see. +Their mangers blood-bedabbled thou shalt see. Heracles -Whose son doth he who feeds them boast to be? +Whose son doth he who feeds them boast to be? Chorus -Ares’ son, king of the golden targe of Thrace. +Ares’ son, king of the golden targe of Thrace. Heracles -This toil again is but a piece of my ill-luck; -hard it ever is and still is growing steeper, if I with Ares’ own-begotten sons must fight, first with Lycaon, next with Cycnus, while now I am bound on this third contest to engage the horses and their master. -Yet shall no man ever see Alcmena’s son trembling at his foemen’s prowess. +This toil again is but a piece of my ill-luck; +hard it ever is and still is growing steeper, if I with Ares’ own-begotten sons must fight, first with Lycaon, next with Cycnus, while now I am bound on this third contest to engage the horses and their master. +Yet shall no man ever see Alcmena’s son trembling at his foemen’s prowess. Chorus -See where Admetus, lord of this land, comes in person from the palace forth. +See where Admetus, lord of this land, comes in person from the palace forth. Admetus -Hail! son of Zeus, from Perseus sprung. +Hail! son of Zeus, from Perseus sprung. Heracles -Joy to thee also, Admetus, king of Thessaly. +Joy to thee also, Admetus, king of Thessaly. Admetus -Would there were! yet thy kindly heart I know full well. +Would there were! yet thy kindly heart I know full well. Heracles -Why dost thou appear with head shorn thus in mourning? +Why dost thou appear with head shorn thus in mourning? Admetus -To-day I am to bury one who is dead. +To-day I am to bury one who is dead. Heracles -Heaven avert calamity from thy children! +Heaven avert calamity from thy children! Admetus -The children I have begotten are alive within my house. +The children I have begotten are alive within my house. Heracles -Thy father maybe is gone; well, he was ripe to go. +Thy father maybe is gone; well, he was ripe to go. Admetus -No, Heracles, he lives; my mother too. +No, Heracles, he lives; my mother too. Heracles -It cannot be thy wife is dead, thy Alcestis? +It cannot be thy wife is dead, thy Alcestis? Admetus -I can a twofold tale tell about her. +I can a twofold tale tell about her. Heracles -Dost mean that she is dead, or living still? +Dost mean that she is dead, or living still? Admetus -She lives, yet lives no more; that is my grief. +She lives, yet lives no more; that is my grief. Heracles -I am no wiser yet; thy words are riddles to me. +I am no wiser yet; thy words are riddles to me. Admetus -Knowest thou not the doom she must undergo? +Knowest thou not the doom she must undergo? Heracles -I know she did submit to die in thy stead. +I know she did submit to die in thy stead. Admetus -How then is she still alive, if so she promised? +How then is she still alive, if so she promised? Heracles -Ah! weep not thy wife before the day, put that off till then. +Ah! weep not thy wife before the day, put that off till then. Admetus -The doomed is dead; the dead no more exists. +The doomed is dead; the dead no more exists. Heracles -Men count to be and not to be something apart. +Men count to be and not to be something apart. Admetus -Thy verdict this, O Heracles, mine another. +Thy verdict this, O Heracles, mine another. Heracles -Why weepest then? which of thy dear ones is the dead? +Why weepest then? which of thy dear ones is the dead? Admetus -’Tis a woman; I spoke of a woman just now. +’Tis a woman; I spoke of a woman just now. Heracles -A stranger, or one of thine own kin? +A stranger, or one of thine own kin? Admetus -A stranger, yet in another sense related to my house. +A stranger, yet in another sense related to my house. Heracles -How then came she by her death in house of thine? +How then came she by her death in house of thine? Admetus -Her father dead, she lived here as an orphan. +Her father dead, she lived here as an orphan. Heracles -Ah! would I had found thee free from grief, Admetus! +Ah! would I had found thee free from grief, Admetus! Admetus -With what intent dost thou devise this speech? +With what intent dost thou devise this speech? Heracles -I will seek some other friendly hearth. +I will seek some other friendly hearth. Admetus -Never, O prince! Heaven forefend such dire disgrace! +Never, O prince! Heaven forefend such dire disgrace! Heracles -A guest is a burden to sorrowing friends, if come he should. +A guest is a burden to sorrowing friends, if come he should. Admetus -The dead are dead. Come in. +The dead are dead. Come in. Heracles -To feast in a friend’s house of sorrow is shameful. +To feast in a friend’s house of sorrow is shameful. Admetus -The guest chambers lie apart, whereto we will conduct thee. +The guest chambers lie apart, whereto we will conduct thee. Heracles -Let me go; ten thousandfold shall be my thanks to thee. +Let me go; ten thousandfold shall be my thanks to thee. Admetus -Thou must not go to any other hearth. (To a Servant.) Go before, open the guest-rooms that face not these chambers, and bid my stewards see there is plenty of food; then shut the doors that lead into the courtyard; for ’tis not seemly that guests when at their meat -should hear the voice of weeping or be made sad. [Exit HERACLES. +Thou must not go to any other hearth. (To a Servant.) Go before, open the guest-rooms that face not these chambers, and bid my stewards see there is plenty of food; then shut the doors that lead into the courtyard; for ’tis not seemly that guests when at their meat +should hear the voice of weeping or be made sad. [Exit HERACLES. Chorus -What doest thou? With such calamity before thee, hast thou the heart, Admetus, to welcome visitors? What means this folly? +What doest thou? With such calamity before thee, hast thou the heart, Admetus, to welcome visitors? What means this folly? Admetus -Well, and if I had driven him from my house and city when he came to be my guest, wouldst thou have praised me more? -No indeed! for my calamity would have been no whit less, while I should have been more churlish. And this would have been another woe to add to mine, that my house should be called no friend to guests. Yea, and I find him myself the best of hosts -whene’er to Argos’ thirsty land I come. +Well, and if I had driven him from my house and city when he came to be my guest, wouldst thou have praised me more? +No indeed! for my calamity would have been no whit less, while I should have been more churlish. And this would have been another woe to add to mine, that my house should be called no friend to guests. Yea, and I find him myself the best of hosts +whene’er to Argos’ thirsty land I come. Chorus -Why then didst thou conceal thy present misfortune, if, as thy own lips declare, it was a friend that came? +Why then didst thou conceal thy present misfortune, if, as thy own lips declare, it was a friend that came? Admetus -He would never have entered my house, had he known aught of my distress. -Maybe there are who think me but a fool for acting thus, and these will blame me; but my halls have never learnt to drive away or treat with scorn my guests. +He would never have entered my house, had he known aught of my distress. +Maybe there are who think me but a fool for acting thus, and these will blame me; but my halls have never learnt to drive away or treat with scorn my guests. Chorus -O home of hospitality, thrown open by thy lord to all now and ever! -In thee it was that Pythian Apollo, the sweet harper, deigned to make his home, and in thy halls was content to lead a shepherd's life, -piping o'er the sloping downs shepherd’s madrigals to thy flocks. And spotted lynxes couched amid his sheep in joy to hear his melody, -and the lions’ tawny troop left the glen of Othrys and came; came too the dappled fawn on nimble foot from beyond the crested pines and frisked about thy lyre, O Phoebus, -for very joy at thy gladsome minstrelsy. And so it is thy lord inhabits a home rich in countless flocks -by Boebe’s lovely mere, bounding his tilled corn-land and his level pastures with the clime of the Molossi near the sun’s dark stable, -and holding sway as far as the harbourless strand of the Aegean ’neath Pelion’s shadow. Now too hath he opened wide his house and welcomed a guest although his eye is wet with tears in mourning for his wife so dear -but lately dead within his halls; yea, for noble birth to noble feeling is inclined.In Nauck’s text the word ἄγαμαι is here inserted, but it is omitted by Paley. And in the good completest wisdom dwells; and at my heart sits the bold belief -that heaven’s servant will be blesedblessed. +O home of hospitality, thrown open by thy lord to all now and ever! +In thee it was that Pythian Apollo, the sweet harper, deigned to make his home, and in thy halls was content to lead a shepherd's life, +piping o'er the sloping downs shepherd’s madrigals to thy flocks. And spotted lynxes couched amid his sheep in joy to hear his melody, +and the lions’ tawny troop left the glen of Othrys and came; came too the dappled fawn on nimble foot from beyond the crested pines and frisked about thy lyre, O Phoebus, +for very joy at thy gladsome minstrelsy. And so it is thy lord inhabits a home rich in countless flocks +by Boebe’s lovely mere, bounding his tilled corn-land and his level pastures with the clime of the Molossi near the sun’s dark stable, +and holding sway as far as the harbourless strand of the Aegean ’neath Pelion’s shadow. Now too hath he opened wide his house and welcomed a guest although his eye is wet with tears in mourning for his wife so dear +but lately dead within his halls; yea, for noble birth to noble feeling is inclined.In Nauck’s text the word ἄγαμαι is here inserted, but it is omitted by Paley. And in the good completest wisdom dwells; and at my heart sits the bold belief +that heaven’s servant will be blesedblessed. Admetus -Men of Pherae, kindly gathered here, lo! even now my servants are bearing the corpse with all its trappings shoulder-high to the funeral pyre for burial; do ye, as custom bids, -salute the dead on her last journey starting. +Men of Pherae, kindly gathered here, lo! even now my servants are bearing the corpse with all its trappings shoulder-high to the funeral pyre for burial; do ye, as custom bids, +salute the dead on her last journey starting. Chorus -Look! I see thy father advancing with aged step, and servants too bearing in their arms adornment for thy wife, offerings for the dead. +Look! I see thy father advancing with aged step, and servants too bearing in their arms adornment for thy wife, offerings for the dead. Pheres -My son, I come to share thy sorrow, -for thou hast lost a noble, peerless wife; that no man will deny. Yet must thou needs bear this blow, hard though it be. Accept this garniture, and let it go beneath the earth, for rightly is her body honoured, -since she died to save thy life, my son, and gave me back my child, suffering me not to lose thee and pine away in an old age of sorrow. Thus by the generous deed she dared, hath she made her life a noble example for all her sex. -Farewell to thee, who hast saved this son of mine and raised me up when falling; be thine a happy lot even in Hades’ halls! Such marriages I declare are gain to man, else to wed is not worth while. - -Admetus -Thou hast come uncalled by me to this burial, -nor do I count thy presence as a friendly act. Never shall she be clad in any garniture of thine, norNauck brackets this line as spurious. in her burial will she need aught of thine. Thou shouldst have shewn thy sympathy at the time my doom was sealed. But thou didst stand aloof and let another die, -though thou wert old, the victim young; shalt thou then mourn the dead? Methinks thou wert no real sire of mine nor was she my true mother who calls herself and is called so, butNauck refuses to credit Euripides with lines 638 and 639. I was sprung of slave’s blood and privily substituted at thy wife’s breast. -Brought to the test thou hast shewn thy nature; I cannot think I am thy child by birth. By heaven, thou art the very pattern of cowards, who at thy age, on the borderland of life, wouldst not, nay! couldst not find the heart to die -for thy own son; but ye, my parents, left to this stranger, whom I henceforth shall justly hold e’en as mother and as father too, and none but her. And yet ’twas a noble exploit to achieve, to die to save thy son, and in any case the -remnant of thy time to live was but short; andLines 651 and 652 are bracketed by Nauck as spurious. I and she would have lived the days that were to be, nor had I lost my wife and mourned my evil fate. Moreover thou hast had all treatment that a happy man should have; in princely pomp thy youth was spent, -thou hadst a son, myself, to be the heir of this thy home, so thou hadst no fear of dying childless and leaving thy house desolate, for strangers to pillage. Nor yet canst thou say I did dishonour thy old age and give thee up to die, seeing I have ever been -to thee most dutiful, and for this thou, my sire, and she, my mother, have made me this return. Go then, get other sons to tend thy closing years, prepare thy body for the grave, and lay out thy corpse. -For I will never bury thee with hand of mine; for I am dead for all thou didst for me; but if I found a saviour in another and still live, his son I say I am, and his fond nurse in old age will be. ’Tis vain, I see, the old man’s prayer for death, -his plaints at age and life’s long weariness. For if death do but draw near, not one doth wish to die; old age no more they count so burdensome. +My son, I come to share thy sorrow, +for thou hast lost a noble, peerless wife; that no man will deny. Yet must thou needs bear this blow, hard though it be. Accept this garniture, and let it go beneath the earth, for rightly is her body honoured, +since she died to save thy life, my son, and gave me back my child, suffering me not to lose thee and pine away in an old age of sorrow. Thus by the generous deed she dared, hath she made her life a noble example for all her sex. +Farewell to thee, who hast saved this son of mine and raised me up when falling; be thine a happy lot even in Hades’ halls! Such marriages I declare are gain to man, else to wed is not worth while. + +Admetus +Thou hast come uncalled by me to this burial, +nor do I count thy presence as a friendly act. Never shall she be clad in any garniture of thine, norNauck brackets this line as spurious. in her burial will she need aught of thine. Thou shouldst have shewn thy sympathy at the time my doom was sealed. But thou didst stand aloof and let another die, +though thou wert old, the victim young; shalt thou then mourn the dead? Methinks thou wert no real sire of mine nor was she my true mother who calls herself and is called so, butNauck refuses to credit Euripides with lines 638 and 639. I was sprung of slave’s blood and privily substituted at thy wife’s breast. +Brought to the test thou hast shewn thy nature; I cannot think I am thy child by birth. By heaven, thou art the very pattern of cowards, who at thy age, on the borderland of life, wouldst not, nay! couldst not find the heart to die +for thy own son; but ye, my parents, left to this stranger, whom I henceforth shall justly hold e’en as mother and as father too, and none but her. And yet ’twas a noble exploit to achieve, to die to save thy son, and in any case the +remnant of thy time to live was but short; andLines 651 and 652 are bracketed by Nauck as spurious. I and she would have lived the days that were to be, nor had I lost my wife and mourned my evil fate. Moreover thou hast had all treatment that a happy man should have; in princely pomp thy youth was spent, +thou hadst a son, myself, to be the heir of this thy home, so thou hadst no fear of dying childless and leaving thy house desolate, for strangers to pillage. Nor yet canst thou say I did dishonour thy old age and give thee up to die, seeing I have ever been +to thee most dutiful, and for this thou, my sire, and she, my mother, have made me this return. Go then, get other sons to tend thy closing years, prepare thy body for the grave, and lay out thy corpse. +For I will never bury thee with hand of mine; for I am dead for all thou didst for me; but if I found a saviour in another and still live, his son I say I am, and his fond nurse in old age will be. ’Tis vain, I see, the old man’s prayer for death, +his plaints at age and life’s long weariness. For if death do but draw near, not one doth wish to die; old age no more they count so burdensome. Chorus -Peace! enough the present sorrow, O my son; goad not thy father’s soul to fury. +Peace! enough the present sorrow, O my son; goad not thy father’s soul to fury. Pheres -Child, whom think’st thou art reviling? some Lydian or Phrygian bought with thy money? Art not aware I am a freebom Thessalian, son of a Thessalian sire? Thou art too insolent; yet from hence thou shalt not go as thou earnest, -after shooting out thy braggart tongue at me. To rule my house I begat and bred thee up; I own no debt of dying in thy stead; this is not the law that I received from my ancestors that fathers should die for children, nor is it a custom in Hellas. -For weal or woe, thy life must be thine own; whate’er was due from me to thee, thou hast. Dominion wide is thine, and acres broad I will leave to thee, for from my father did I inherit them. How, pray, have I wronged thee? of what am I robbing thee? -Die not thou for me, nor I for thee. Thy joy is in the light; think’st thou thy sire's is not? By Heaven! ’tis a weary while, I trow, that time beneath the earth, and life, though short, is sweet. Thou at least didst struggle hard to ’scape thy death, -lost to shame, and by her death dost live beyond thy destined term. Dost thou then speak of cowardice in me, thou craven heart! no match for thy wife, who hath died for thee, her fine young lord? A clever scheme hast thou devised to stave off death for ever, -if thou canst persuade each new wife to die instead of thee; and dost thou then taunt thy friends, who will not do the like, coward as thou art thyself? Hold thy peace; reflect, if thou dost love thy life so well, this love by all is shared; yet if thou wilt speak ill of me, -thyself shalt hear a full and truthful list of thy own crimes. +Child, whom think’st thou art reviling? some Lydian or Phrygian bought with thy money? Art not aware I am a freebom Thessalian, son of a Thessalian sire? Thou art too insolent; yet from hence thou shalt not go as thou earnest, +after shooting out thy braggart tongue at me. To rule my house I begat and bred thee up; I own no debt of dying in thy stead; this is not the law that I received from my ancestors that fathers should die for children, nor is it a custom in Hellas. +For weal or woe, thy life must be thine own; whate’er was due from me to thee, thou hast. Dominion wide is thine, and acres broad I will leave to thee, for from my father did I inherit them. How, pray, have I wronged thee? of what am I robbing thee? +Die not thou for me, nor I for thee. Thy joy is in the light; think’st thou thy sire's is not? By Heaven! ’tis a weary while, I trow, that time beneath the earth, and life, though short, is sweet. Thou at least didst struggle hard to ’scape thy death, +lost to shame, and by her death dost live beyond thy destined term. Dost thou then speak of cowardice in me, thou craven heart! no match for thy wife, who hath died for thee, her fine young lord? A clever scheme hast thou devised to stave off death for ever, +if thou canst persuade each new wife to die instead of thee; and dost thou then taunt thy friends, who will not do the like, coward as thou art thyself? Hold thy peace; reflect, if thou dost love thy life so well, this love by all is shared; yet if thou wilt speak ill of me, +thyself shalt hear a full and truthful list of thy own crimes. Chorus -Too long that list both now and heretofore; cease, father, to revile thy son. +Too long that list both now and heretofore; cease, father, to revile thy son. Admetus -Say on, for I have said my say; but if it vexes thee to hear the truth, thou shouldst not have sinned against me. +Say on, for I have said my say; but if it vexes thee to hear the truth, thou shouldst not have sinned against me. Pheres -My sin had been the deeper, had I died for thee. +My sin had been the deeper, had I died for thee. Admetus -What! is it all one for young or old to die? +What! is it all one for young or old to die? Pheres -To live one life, not twain, is all our due. +To live one life, not twain, is all our due. Admetus -Outlive then Zeus himself! +Outlive then Zeus himself! Pheres -Dost curse thy parents, though unharmed by them? +Dost curse thy parents, though unharmed by them? Admetus -Yea, for I see thy heart is set on length of days. +Yea, for I see thy heart is set on length of days. Pheres -Is it not to save thyself thou art carrying to the tomb this corpse? +Is it not to save thyself thou art carrying to the tomb this corpse? Admetus -A proof of thy cowardice, thou craven heart! +A proof of thy cowardice, thou craven heart! Pheres -At any rate her death was not due to me; this thou canst not say. +At any rate her death was not due to me; this thou canst not say. Admetus -Ah! mayst thou some day come to need my aid! +Ah! mayst thou some day come to need my aid! Pheres -Woo many wives, that there may be the more to die. +Woo many wives, that there may be the more to die. Admetus -That is thy reproach, for thou didst refuse to die. +That is thy reproach, for thou didst refuse to die. Pheres -Dear is the light of the sun-god, dear to all. +Dear is the light of the sun-god, dear to all. Admetus -A coward soul is thine, not to be reckoned among men. +A coward soul is thine, not to be reckoned among men. Pheres -No laughing now for thee at bearing forth my aged corpse. +No laughing now for thee at bearing forth my aged corpse. Admetus -Thy death will surely be a death of shame, come when it will. +Thy death will surely be a death of shame, come when it will. Pheres -Once dead I little reck of foul report. +Once dead I little reck of foul report. Admetus -Alas! how void of shame the old can be! +Alas! how void of shame the old can be! Pheres -Hers was no want of shame; ’twas want of sense in her that thou didst find. +Hers was no want of shame; ’twas want of sense in her that thou didst find. Admetus -Begone! and leave me to bury my dead. +Begone! and leave me to bury my dead. Pheres -I go; bury thy victim, thyself her murderer. Her kinsmen yet will call for an account. Else surely has Acastus ceased to be a man, if he avenge not on thee his sister’s blood. +I go; bury thy victim, thyself her murderer. Her kinsmen yet will call for an account. Else surely has Acastus ceased to be a man, if he avenge not on thee his sister’s blood. Admetus -Perdition seize thee and that wife of thine! -grow old, as ye deserve, childless, though your son yet lives, for ye shall never enter the same abode with me; nay! were it needful I should disown thy paternal hearth by heralds’ voice, I had disowned it. (Exit PHERES). Now, since we must bear our present woe, -let us go and lay the dead upon the pyre. [Exit ADMETUS. +Perdition seize thee and that wife of thine! +grow old, as ye deserve, childless, though your son yet lives, for ye shall never enter the same abode with me; nay! were it needful I should disown thy paternal hearth by heralds’ voice, I had disowned it. (Exit PHERES). Now, since we must bear our present woe, +let us go and lay the dead upon the pyre. [Exit ADMETUS. Chorus -Woe, woe for thee! Alas, for thy hardihood! Noble spirit, good beyond compare, farewell! May Hermes in the nether world, and Hades, too, give thee a kindly welcome! and if even in that other life -the good are rewarded, mayst thou have thy share therein and take thy seat by Hades' bride! +Woe, woe for thee! Alas, for thy hardihood! Noble spirit, good beyond compare, farewell! May Hermes in the nether world, and Hades, too, give thee a kindly welcome! and if even in that other life +the good are rewarded, mayst thou have thy share therein and take thy seat by Hades' bride! Attendant -Many the guests ere now from every comer of the world I have seen come to the halls of Admetus, for whom I have spread the board, but never yet -have I welcomed to this hearth a guest so shameless as this; a man who, in the first place, though he saw my master’s grief, yet entered and presumed to pass the gates, then took what cheer we had in no sober spirit, though he knew our sorrow; -no! was there aught we failed to bring? he called for it. Next in his hands he took a goblet of ivy-wood and drank the pure juice of the black grape, till the mounting fumes of wine heated him, and he crowned his head with myrtle-sprays, -howling discordantly, while two-fold strains were there to hear, for he would sing without a thought for the troubles in Admetus’ halls, while we servants mourned our mistress, though we did not let the stranger see our streaming eyes, for such was the bidding of Admetus. -So now here am I entertaining as a guest some miscreant thief maybe, or robber, while she is gone forth from the house, nor did I follow her nor stretch my hand towards her bier, in mourning for my lady, who, to me, and all her servants, -was a mother, for she would save us from countless trouble, appeasing her husband’s angry mood. Have I not good cause then to loathe this guest who cometh in our hour of woe? - -Heracles -Ho! sirrah, why that solemn, thoughtful look? ’Tis not the way for servants to scowl on guests, -but with courteous soul to welcome them. But thou, seeing a friend of thy master arrive, receivest him with sullen, lowering brow, though ’tis but a stranger that is the object of thy mourning. Come hither, that thou too mayst learn more wisdom. -Dost know the nature of this mortal state? I trow not; how shouldst thou? Well, lend an ear to me. Death is the common debt of man; no mortal really knows if he will live to see the morrow’s light; -for Fortune’s issues are not in our ken, beyond the teacher’s rule they lie, no art can master them. Hearken then to this and learn of me, be merry, drink thy cup, and count the present day thine own, the rest to Fortune yield. -And to Cypris too, sweetest of the gods by far to man, thy tribute pay, for kindly is her mood. Let be those other cares, and heed my counsel if thou think’st I speak aright; methinks I do. Come, banish this excessive grief, -and drink a cup with me when thou hast passed beyond these doors and wreathed thy brow; and I feel sure the plash of wine within the cup will bring thee to a better haven from this crabbed mood, this cabined state of mind.Reading φρενῶν, which Nauck, however, doubts. Mortals we are, and mortals’ thoughts should have; -for all they who frown and scowl do miss,—leastways I think so,—the true life and get themselves misfortune. +Many the guests ere now from every comer of the world I have seen come to the halls of Admetus, for whom I have spread the board, but never yet +have I welcomed to this hearth a guest so shameless as this; a man who, in the first place, though he saw my master’s grief, yet entered and presumed to pass the gates, then took what cheer we had in no sober spirit, though he knew our sorrow; +no! was there aught we failed to bring? he called for it. Next in his hands he took a goblet of ivy-wood and drank the pure juice of the black grape, till the mounting fumes of wine heated him, and he crowned his head with myrtle-sprays, +howling discordantly, while two-fold strains were there to hear, for he would sing without a thought for the troubles in Admetus’ halls, while we servants mourned our mistress, though we did not let the stranger see our streaming eyes, for such was the bidding of Admetus. +So now here am I entertaining as a guest some miscreant thief maybe, or robber, while she is gone forth from the house, nor did I follow her nor stretch my hand towards her bier, in mourning for my lady, who, to me, and all her servants, +was a mother, for she would save us from countless trouble, appeasing her husband’s angry mood. Have I not good cause then to loathe this guest who cometh in our hour of woe? + +Heracles +Ho! sirrah, why that solemn, thoughtful look? ’Tis not the way for servants to scowl on guests, +but with courteous soul to welcome them. But thou, seeing a friend of thy master arrive, receivest him with sullen, lowering brow, though ’tis but a stranger that is the object of thy mourning. Come hither, that thou too mayst learn more wisdom. +Dost know the nature of this mortal state? I trow not; how shouldst thou? Well, lend an ear to me. Death is the common debt of man; no mortal really knows if he will live to see the morrow’s light; +for Fortune’s issues are not in our ken, beyond the teacher’s rule they lie, no art can master them. Hearken then to this and learn of me, be merry, drink thy cup, and count the present day thine own, the rest to Fortune yield. +And to Cypris too, sweetest of the gods by far to man, thy tribute pay, for kindly is her mood. Let be those other cares, and heed my counsel if thou think’st I speak aright; methinks I do. Come, banish this excessive grief, +and drink a cup with me when thou hast passed beyond these doors and wreathed thy brow; and I feel sure the plash of wine within the cup will bring thee to a better haven from this crabbed mood, this cabined state of mind.Reading φρενῶν, which Nauck, however, doubts. Mortals we are, and mortals’ thoughts should have; +for all they who frown and scowl do miss,—leastways I think so,—the true life and get themselves misfortune. Attendant -I know all that, but our present state has little claim on revelry or laughter. +I know all that, but our present state has little claim on revelry or laughter. Heracles -The dead was a stranger woman; grieve not to excess; for the rulers of thy house are living. +The dead was a stranger woman; grieve not to excess; for the rulers of thy house are living. Attendant -How, living? Thou knowest not the trouble in the house. +How, living? Thou knowest not the trouble in the house. Heracles -I do, unless thy master did in aught deceive me. +I do, unless thy master did in aught deceive me. Attendant -Too hospitable is he. +Too hospitable is he. Heracles -Was I to miss good cheer because a stranger had died? +Was I to miss good cheer because a stranger had died? Attendant -A stranger surely! quite a stranger she! +A stranger surely! quite a stranger she! Heracles -Is there some trouble that he withheld from me? +Is there some trouble that he withheld from me? Attendant -Farewell, go thy way! my master's troubles are my care. +Farewell, go thy way! my master's troubles are my care. Heracles -This word of thine heralds not a grief for strangers felt. +This word of thine heralds not a grief for strangers felt. Attendant -Had it been, the sight of thy merriment had not grieved me so. +Had it been, the sight of thy merriment had not grieved me so. Heracles -CanThere is some doubt whether the next four lines are genuine. Nauck brackets them. it be mine host hath strangely wronged me? +CanThere is some doubt whether the next four lines are genuine. Nauck brackets them. it be mine host hath strangely wronged me? Attendant -Thou earnest at no proper time for our house to welcome thee, for sorrow is come upon us; lo! thou seest our shorn heads and robes of sable hue. +Thou earnest at no proper time for our house to welcome thee, for sorrow is come upon us; lo! thou seest our shorn heads and robes of sable hue. Heracles Who is it that is dead? -Is it a child or his aged sire that hat hath passed away? +Is it a child or his aged sire that hat hath passed away? Attendant -Nay, sir guest, ’tis Admetus’ wife that is no more. +Nay, sir guest, ’tis Admetus’ wife that is no more. Heracles -What sayest thou? and did ye then in spite of that admit me to your cheer? +What sayest thou? and did ye then in spite of that admit me to your cheer? Attendant -Yes, for his regard would not let him send thee from his door. +Yes, for his regard would not let him send thee from his door. Heracles -Unhappy husband, what a wife hast thou lost! +Unhappy husband, what a wife hast thou lost! Attendant -We are all undone, not she alone. +We are all undone, not she alone. Heracles -I knew it when I saw his streaming eye, shorn head and downcast look, yet did he persuade me, saying it was a stranger he was bearing to burial. So I did constrain myself and passed his gates -and sat drinking in his hospitable halls, when he was suffering thus. And have I wreathed my head and do I revel still? But—thou to hold thy peace when such a crushing sorrow lay upon the house! Where is he burying her? Whither shall I go to find her? +I knew it when I saw his streaming eye, shorn head and downcast look, yet did he persuade me, saying it was a stranger he was bearing to burial. So I did constrain myself and passed his gates +and sat drinking in his hospitable halls, when he was suffering thus. And have I wreathed my head and do I revel still? But—thou to hold thy peace when such a crushing sorrow lay upon the house! Where is he burying her? Whither shall I go to find her? Attendant -Beside the road that leadeth straight to Larissa, shalt thou see her carved tomb outside the suburb. +Beside the road that leadeth straight to Larissa, shalt thou see her carved tomb outside the suburb. Heracles -O heart, O soul, both sufferers oft, now show the mettle of that son Tirynthian Alcmena, daughter of Electryon, bare to Zeus. -For I must save this woman, dead but now, setting Alcestis once again within this house, and to Admetus this kind service render. So I will go and watch for death the black-robed monarch of the dead, and him methinks I shall find -as he drinks of the blood-offering near the tomb. And if, from ambush rushing, once I catch and fold him in my arms’ embrace, none shall ever wrest him thence with smarting ribs, ere he give up the woman unto me. -But should I fail to find my prey and he come not to the clotted blood, I will go to the sunless home of those beneath the earth, to Persephone and her king, and make to them my prayer, sure that I shall bring Alcestis up again, to place her in the hands of him, my host, -who welcomed me to his house nor drove me thence, though fortune smote him hard, but this his noble spirit strove to hide out of regard for me. What host more kind than him in Thessaly? or in in the homes of Hellas? Wherefore shall he never say -his generous deeds were lavished on a worthless wretch. [Exeunt HERACLES and Servant. +O heart, O soul, both sufferers oft, now show the mettle of that son Tirynthian Alcmena, daughter of Electryon, bare to Zeus. +For I must save this woman, dead but now, setting Alcestis once again within this house, and to Admetus this kind service render. So I will go and watch for death the black-robed monarch of the dead, and him methinks I shall find +as he drinks of the blood-offering near the tomb. And if, from ambush rushing, once I catch and fold him in my arms’ embrace, none shall ever wrest him thence with smarting ribs, ere he give up the woman unto me. +But should I fail to find my prey and he come not to the clotted blood, I will go to the sunless home of those beneath the earth, to Persephone and her king, and make to them my prayer, sure that I shall bring Alcestis up again, to place her in the hands of him, my host, +who welcomed me to his house nor drove me thence, though fortune smote him hard, but this his noble spirit strove to hide out of regard for me. What host more kind than him in Thessaly? or in in the homes of Hellas? Wherefore shall he never say +his generous deeds were lavished on a worthless wretch. [Exeunt HERACLES and Servant. Admetus -Ah me! I loathe this entering in, and loathe to see my widowed home. Woe, woe is me! Whither shall I go? Where stand? what say? or what suppress? Would God that I were dead! -Surely in an evil hour my mother gave me birth. The dead I envy, and would fain be as they, and long to dwell within their courts. No joy to me to see the light, no joy to tread the earth; -such a hostage death hath reft me of and handed o’er to Hades. +Ah me! I loathe this entering in, and loathe to see my widowed home. Woe, woe is me! Whither shall I go? Where stand? what say? or what suppress? Would God that I were dead! +Surely in an evil hour my mother gave me birth. The dead I envy, and would fain be as they, and long to dwell within their courts. No joy to me to see the light, no joy to tread the earth; +such a hostage death hath reft me of and handed o’er to Hades. Chorus Move forward, go within the shelter of thy house. @@ -898,12 +898,12 @@ O misery! Chorus -Nevermore to see thy dear wife face to face is grief indeed. +Nevermore to see thy dear wife face to face is grief indeed. Admetus -Thy words have probed the sore place in my heart. What greater grief can come to man -than the loss of a faithful wife? Would I had never married or shared with her my home! I envy those ’mongst men who have nor wife nor child. Theirs is but one life; to grieve for that is no excessive burden; -but to see children fall ill and bridal beds emptied by death’s ravages is too much to bear, when one might go through life without wife or child. +Thy words have probed the sore place in my heart. What greater grief can come to man +than the loss of a faithful wife? Would I had never married or shared with her my home! I envy those ’mongst men who have nor wife nor child. Theirs is but one life; to grieve for that is no excessive burden; +but to see children fall ill and bridal beds emptied by death’s ravages is too much to bear, when one might go through life without wife or child. Chorus A fate we cannot cope with is come upon us. @@ -931,200 +931,200 @@ O! woe is me! Chorus -A wife; misfortune takes a different shape for every man she plagues. +A wife; misfortune takes a different shape for every man she plagues. Admetus -O the weary sorrow! O the grief for dear ones dead and gone! Why didst thou hinder me from plung-ing into the gaping grave, there to lay me down and die with her, my peerless bride? -Then would Hades for that one have gotten these two faithful souls at once, crossing the nether lake together. +O the weary sorrow! O the grief for dear ones dead and gone! Why didst thou hinder me from plung-ing into the gaping grave, there to lay me down and die with her, my peerless bride? +Then would Hades for that one have gotten these two faithful souls at once, crossing the nether lake together. Chorus -I had a kinsman once, within whose home died -his only son, worthy of a father’s tears; yet in spite of that he bore his grief resignedly, childless though he was, his hair already turning grey, himself far on in years, upon -life’s downward track. +I had a kinsman once, within whose home died +his only son, worthy of a father’s tears; yet in spite of that he bore his grief resignedly, childless though he was, his hair already turning grey, himself far on in years, upon +life’s downward track. Admetus -O house of mine, how can I enter thee? how can I live here, now that fortune turns against me? Ah me! How wide the gulf ’twixt then and now! -Then with torches cut from Pelion’s pines, with marriage hymns I entered in, holding my dear wife’s hand; and at our back a crowd of friends with cheerful cries, singing the happy lot of my dead wife and me, -calling us a noble pair made one, children both of highborn lineage; but now the voice of woe instead of wedding hymns, and robes of black instead of snowy white usher me -into my house to my deserted couch. +O house of mine, how can I enter thee? how can I live here, now that fortune turns against me? Ah me! How wide the gulf ’twixt then and now! +Then with torches cut from Pelion’s pines, with marriage hymns I entered in, holding my dear wife’s hand; and at our back a crowd of friends with cheerful cries, singing the happy lot of my dead wife and me, +calling us a noble pair made one, children both of highborn lineage; but now the voice of woe instead of wedding hymns, and robes of black instead of snowy white usher me +into my house to my deserted couch. Chorus -Hard upon prosperous fortune came this sorrow to thee, a stranger to adversity; yet hast thou saved thy soul alive. -Thy wife is dead and gone; her love she leaves with thee. What new thing is here? Death ere now from many a man hath torn a wife. +Hard upon prosperous fortune came this sorrow to thee, a stranger to adversity; yet hast thou saved thy soul alive. +Thy wife is dead and gone; her love she leaves with thee. What new thing is here? Death ere now from many a man hath torn a wife. Admetus -My friends, I count my dead wife’s lot more blest than mine, for all it seems not so; for nevermore can sorrow touch her for ever; all her toil is over, and glorious is her fame. While I, who had no right to live, have passed the bounds of fate -only to live a life of misery; I know it now. For how shall I endure to enter this my house? Whom shall I address, by whom be answered back, to findNauck brackets this line as spurious. aught joyful in my entering in? Whither shall I turn? Within, the desolation will drive me forth, -whensoe’er I see my widowed couch, the seat whereon she sat, the floor ail dusty in the house, and my babes falling at my knees with piteous tears for their mother, while my servants mourn the good mistress their house hath lost. -These are the sorrows in my home, while abroad the marriages among Thessalians and the thronging crowds of women will drive me mad,Or, drive me away. for I can never bear to gaze upon the compeers of my wife. And whoso is my foe will taunt me thus, -Behold him living in his shame, a wretch who quailed at death himself, but of his coward heart gave up his wedded wife instead, and escaped from Hades; doth he deem himself a man after that? And he loathes his parents, though himself refused to die. Such ill report shall I to my evils add. -What profit, then, my friends, for me to live, in fame and fortune ruined. +My friends, I count my dead wife’s lot more blest than mine, for all it seems not so; for nevermore can sorrow touch her for ever; all her toil is over, and glorious is her fame. While I, who had no right to live, have passed the bounds of fate +only to live a life of misery; I know it now. For how shall I endure to enter this my house? Whom shall I address, by whom be answered back, to findNauck brackets this line as spurious. aught joyful in my entering in? Whither shall I turn? Within, the desolation will drive me forth, +whensoe’er I see my widowed couch, the seat whereon she sat, the floor ail dusty in the house, and my babes falling at my knees with piteous tears for their mother, while my servants mourn the good mistress their house hath lost. +These are the sorrows in my home, while abroad the marriages among Thessalians and the thronging crowds of women will drive me mad,Or, drive me away. for I can never bear to gaze upon the compeers of my wife. And whoso is my foe will taunt me thus, +Behold him living in his shame, a wretch who quailed at death himself, but of his coward heart gave up his wedded wife instead, and escaped from Hades; doth he deem himself a man after that? And he loathes his parents, though himself refused to die. Such ill report shall I to my evils add. +What profit, then, my friends, for me to live, in fame and fortune ruined. Chorus -Myself have traced the Muses’ path, have soared amid the stars, have laid my hold on many a theme, -and yet have found naught stronger than necessity, no spell inscribed on Thracian tablets written there by Orpheus, the sweet singer, -no! nor aught among the simples culled by Phoebus for the toiling race of men, and given to Asclepius’ sons. The only goddess she, whose altar or whose image man cannot approach; -victims she heedeth not. O come not to me, dread goddess, in greater might than heretofore in my career. Even Zeus requires thy aid to bring to pass whatso he wills. -Thou too it is that by sheer force dost bend the steel among the Chalybes; nor is there any pity in thy relentless nature. This is the goddess that hath gripped thee too in chains thou canst not ’scape; -yet steel thy heart, for all thy weeping ne’er will bring to light again the dead from the realms below. Even sons of gods perish in darknessσκότιοι or the sons of gods by mortal women. -in the hour of death. We loved her while she was with us, we love her still though dead; noblest of her sex was she, the wife thou tookest to thy bed. -Her tomb let none regard as the graves of those who die and are no more, but let her have honours equal with the gods, revered by every traveller; and many a one will cross the road and read this verse aloud, This is she that died in days gone by to save her lord; now is she a spirit blest. Hail, lady revered; be kind to us! -Such glad greeting shall she have. But see, Admetus! yonder, I believe, comes Alcmena’s son toward thy hearth. - -Heracles -Admetus, to a friend we should speak freely, not hold our peace and harbour in our hearts complaints. -I came to thee in thy hour of sorrow and claimed the right to prove myself thy friend, but thou wouldst not tell me that she, thy wife, lay stretched in death; but didst make me a welcome guest in thy halls, as though thy whole concern was centred on a stranger’s loss. -So I crowned my head and poured drink-offerings to the gods in that thy house of sorrow. Wherefore I do blame thee for this treatment of me, yet would not grieve thee in thy trouble. So now the reason I have turned my steps and come hither again, I will tell. -This lady take and keep for me until I come bringing hither the steeds of Thrace, after I have slain the lord of the Bistones. But should I fare as fare I fain would not, I give her to thee to serve within thy halls. -With no small toil she came into my hands. ’Twas thus: I found folk just appointing an open contest for athletes, well worth a struggle, and there I won her as a prize and brought her thence; now those who were successful in the lighter contests had -horses for their prize, but those who conquered in severer feats, in boxing and wrestling, won herds of oxen, and this woman was to be added thereto; with such a chance ’twere shame indeed to pass so fair a guerdon by. -So thou must take her in thy charge, as I said; for not by theft but honest toil I won the prize I bring; and maybe e’en thou in time wilt thank me. - -Admetus -’Twas not because of any slight or unkind thought of thee that I concealed my wife’s sad fate; but this were adding grief to grief -if thou hadst gone from hence to the halls of some other friend; and it sufficed that I should mourn my sorrow. But I do beseech thee, prince, if ’tis possible, bid some other Thessalian, one who hath not suffered as I have, keep the maiden for thee,—and thou hast many -friends in Pherae; remind me not of my misfortune. For I could not see her in my house and stay my tears. Oh! add not new affliction to my stricken heart, for sure by sorrow am I bowed enough. And where within my halls could a tender maiden live? -for such she is, as her dress and vesture show. Is she to dwell where men consort? Then how shall she retain her maiden purity, if ’mid our youths she come and go? O Heracles, it is no easy task to check a young man’s fancy, and I am anxious for thy sake. -Or am I to take her to my dead wife’s bower and care for her? How can I bring her there to fill the other’s bed? Twofold reproach I fear; first, some fellow-townsman may taunt me with betraying my benefactress in eagerness to wed a new young bride; -next, there is my dead wife, whom I should much regard, for she doth merit all my reverence. Thou too, lady, whosoe’er thou art, believe me, art the very counterfeit presentment of Alcestis, the picture of her form, ah me! O take this maiden, I conjure thee, from my sight; -slay me not already slain. For in her I seem once more to see my wife; and my heart is darkly troubled, and the fountains of my eyes are loosed. Ah, woe is me! Now do I taste the bitterness of this my grief. +Myself have traced the Muses’ path, have soared amid the stars, have laid my hold on many a theme, +and yet have found naught stronger than necessity, no spell inscribed on Thracian tablets written there by Orpheus, the sweet singer, +no! nor aught among the simples culled by Phoebus for the toiling race of men, and given to Asclepius’ sons. The only goddess she, whose altar or whose image man cannot approach; +victims she heedeth not. O come not to me, dread goddess, in greater might than heretofore in my career. Even Zeus requires thy aid to bring to pass whatso he wills. +Thou too it is that by sheer force dost bend the steel among the Chalybes; nor is there any pity in thy relentless nature. This is the goddess that hath gripped thee too in chains thou canst not ’scape; +yet steel thy heart, for all thy weeping ne’er will bring to light again the dead from the realms below. Even sons of gods perish in darknessσκότιοι or the sons of gods by mortal women. +in the hour of death. We loved her while she was with us, we love her still though dead; noblest of her sex was she, the wife thou tookest to thy bed. +Her tomb let none regard as the graves of those who die and are no more, but let her have honours equal with the gods, revered by every traveller; and many a one will cross the road and read this verse aloud, This is she that died in days gone by to save her lord; now is she a spirit blest. Hail, lady revered; be kind to us! +Such glad greeting shall she have. But see, Admetus! yonder, I believe, comes Alcmena’s son toward thy hearth. + +Heracles +Admetus, to a friend we should speak freely, not hold our peace and harbour in our hearts complaints. +I came to thee in thy hour of sorrow and claimed the right to prove myself thy friend, but thou wouldst not tell me that she, thy wife, lay stretched in death; but didst make me a welcome guest in thy halls, as though thy whole concern was centred on a stranger’s loss. +So I crowned my head and poured drink-offerings to the gods in that thy house of sorrow. Wherefore I do blame thee for this treatment of me, yet would not grieve thee in thy trouble. So now the reason I have turned my steps and come hither again, I will tell. +This lady take and keep for me until I come bringing hither the steeds of Thrace, after I have slain the lord of the Bistones. But should I fare as fare I fain would not, I give her to thee to serve within thy halls. +With no small toil she came into my hands. ’Twas thus: I found folk just appointing an open contest for athletes, well worth a struggle, and there I won her as a prize and brought her thence; now those who were successful in the lighter contests had +horses for their prize, but those who conquered in severer feats, in boxing and wrestling, won herds of oxen, and this woman was to be added thereto; with such a chance ’twere shame indeed to pass so fair a guerdon by. +So thou must take her in thy charge, as I said; for not by theft but honest toil I won the prize I bring; and maybe e’en thou in time wilt thank me. + +Admetus +’Twas not because of any slight or unkind thought of thee that I concealed my wife’s sad fate; but this were adding grief to grief +if thou hadst gone from hence to the halls of some other friend; and it sufficed that I should mourn my sorrow. But I do beseech thee, prince, if ’tis possible, bid some other Thessalian, one who hath not suffered as I have, keep the maiden for thee,—and thou hast many +friends in Pherae; remind me not of my misfortune. For I could not see her in my house and stay my tears. Oh! add not new affliction to my stricken heart, for sure by sorrow am I bowed enough. And where within my halls could a tender maiden live? +for such she is, as her dress and vesture show. Is she to dwell where men consort? Then how shall she retain her maiden purity, if ’mid our youths she come and go? O Heracles, it is no easy task to check a young man’s fancy, and I am anxious for thy sake. +Or am I to take her to my dead wife’s bower and care for her? How can I bring her there to fill the other’s bed? Twofold reproach I fear; first, some fellow-townsman may taunt me with betraying my benefactress in eagerness to wed a new young bride; +next, there is my dead wife, whom I should much regard, for she doth merit all my reverence. Thou too, lady, whosoe’er thou art, believe me, art the very counterfeit presentment of Alcestis, the picture of her form, ah me! O take this maiden, I conjure thee, from my sight; +slay me not already slain. For in her I seem once more to see my wife; and my heart is darkly troubled, and the fountains of my eyes are loosed. Ah, woe is me! Now do I taste the bitterness of this my grief. Chorus -Indeed I cannot call thy fortune blest, yet heaven’s gift must thou endure, whoe’er the god that comes to bring it. +Indeed I cannot call thy fortune blest, yet heaven’s gift must thou endure, whoe’er the god that comes to bring it. Heracles -Would I had the power to bring thy wife up to the light from the halls of death, and confer this kindness on thee! +Would I had the power to bring thy wife up to the light from the halls of death, and confer this kindness on thee! Admetus -Right well I know thou wouldst. But what of that? The dead can never come to life again. +Right well I know thou wouldst. But what of that? The dead can never come to life again. Heracles -Do not exceed the mark, but bear thy grief with moderation. +Do not exceed the mark, but bear thy grief with moderation. Admetus -’Tis easier to advise than to suffer and endure. +’Tis easier to advise than to suffer and endure. Heracles -Yet what thy gain, if thou for aye wilt mourn? +Yet what thy gain, if thou for aye wilt mourn? Admetus -I too know that myself, but some strange yearning leads me on. +I too know that myself, but some strange yearning leads me on. Heracles -Love for the dead compels a tear. +Love for the dead compels a tear. Admetus -Her death was mine, more than any words of mine can tell. +Her death was mine, more than any words of mine can tell. Heracles -Thou hast lost a noble wife; who shall gainsay it? +Thou hast lost a noble wife; who shall gainsay it? Admetus -Life henceforth hath lost all charm for me. +Life henceforth hath lost all charm for me. Heracles -Time will soothe the smart; as yet thy grief is young. +Time will soothe the smart; as yet thy grief is young. Admetus -Time! use that word, if death and time are one. +Time! use that word, if death and time are one. Heracles -A new wife and a longing for a fresh marriage will stay thy sorrow. +A new wife and a longing for a fresh marriage will stay thy sorrow. Admetus -Peace! What words are thine? I ne'er of thee had thought it. +Peace! What words are thine? I ne'er of thee had thought it. Heracles -What! wilt never wed, but preserve thy widowed state? +What! wilt never wed, but preserve thy widowed state? Admetus -There is no woman living that shall share my couch. +There is no woman living that shall share my couch. Heracles -Dost think that this will help the dead at all? +Dost think that this will help the dead at all? Admetus -My reverence she deserves, where’er she is. +My reverence she deserves, where’er she is. Heracles -I praise thee, yes; but still thou bringest on thyself the charge of folly. +I praise thee, yes; but still thou bringest on thyself the charge of folly. Admetus -So that thou never call’st me bridegroom, praise me if thou wilt. +So that thou never call’st me bridegroom, praise me if thou wilt. Heracles -I praise thee for thy loyalty to thy wife. +I praise thee for thy loyalty to thy wife. Admetus -Come death! if ever I betray her, dead though she be. +Come death! if ever I betray her, dead though she be. Heracles -Well, take this maiden to the shelter of thy noble house. +Well, take this maiden to the shelter of thy noble house. Admetus -Spare me, I entreat thee by Zeus, thy sire. +Spare me, I entreat thee by Zeus, thy sire. Heracles -Be sure, if thou refuse, ’twill be a sad mistake. +Be sure, if thou refuse, ’twill be a sad mistake. Admetus -If I comply, remorse will gnaw my heart. +If I comply, remorse will gnaw my heart. Heracles -Yield; for in god’s good time maybe thou wilt give me thanks. +Yield; for in god’s good time maybe thou wilt give me thanks. Admetus -Ah! would thou hadst never won her in the games! +Ah! would thou hadst never won her in the games! Heracles -Yet thou too sharest in my victory. +Yet thou too sharest in my victory. Admetus -True; still let this maiden go away. +True; still let this maiden go away. Heracles -Go she shall, if go she must; but first see if this is needful. +Go she shall, if go she must; but first see if this is needful. Admetus -I needs must, else wilt thou be wroth with me. +I needs must, else wilt thou be wroth with me. Heracles -I have a reason good to press the matter thus. +I have a reason good to press the matter thus. Admetus -Have thy way then. Yet know well thy deed I disapprove. +Have thy way then. Yet know well thy deed I disapprove. Heracles -A day will come that thou wilt praise me; only yield. +A day will come that thou wilt praise me; only yield. Admetus -(to his servants). Take her in, if I needs must give her welcome in my house. +(to his servants). Take her in, if I needs must give her welcome in my house. Heracles -To thy servants will I not hand her over. +To thy servants will I not hand her over. Admetus -Conduct her then thyself within, if so thou thinkest good. +Conduct her then thyself within, if so thou thinkest good. Heracles -Nay, but into thy hands shall mine consign her. +Nay, but into thy hands shall mine consign her. Admetus -I will not touch her, though she is free to go within my halls. +I will not touch her, though she is free to go within my halls. Heracles -To thy hand, and thine alone I her entrust. +To thy hand, and thine alone I her entrust. Admetus -Prince, against my will thou dost constrain me to this deed. +Prince, against my will thou dost constrain me to this deed. Heracles -Boldly stretch out thy hand and touch the stranger maid. +Boldly stretch out thy hand and touch the stranger maid. Admetus -There, then, I stretch it out as toward the Gorgon’s severed head.Lobeck, whom Nauck follows, to avoid the elision of the final ι of the dative singular, conjectured Γοργόν’ ὡς καρατομῶν as if beheading a Gorgon, i.e. with averted gaze, thus gaining very considerable point. Paley notices the clever suggestion, without however adopting it. +There, then, I stretch it out as toward the Gorgon’s severed head.Lobeck, whom Nauck follows, to avoid the elision of the final ι of the dative singular, conjectured Γοργόν’ ὡς καρατομῶν as if beheading a Gorgon, i.e. with averted gaze, thus gaining very considerable point. Paley notices the clever suggestion, without however adopting it. Heracles Hast hold of her? @@ -1134,72 +1134,72 @@ Heracles (removes the veil). So; keep her safely then, and -in days to come thou wilt confess the son of Zeus proved himself a noble guest. Look well at her, if haply to thy gaze she have a semblance of thy wife; and now that thou art blest, cease from sorrowing. +in days to come thou wilt confess the son of Zeus proved himself a noble guest. Look well at her, if haply to thy gaze she have a semblance of thy wife; and now that thou art blest, cease from sorrowing. Admetus -Great gods, what shall I say? a marvel past all hope is here! My wife, my own true wife I see, -or is some mocking rapture sent by heaven to drive me mad? +Great gods, what shall I say? a marvel past all hope is here! My wife, my own true wife I see, +or is some mocking rapture sent by heaven to drive me mad? Heracles -No, no; ’tis thy own wife thou seest here. +No, no; ’tis thy own wife thou seest here. Admetus -Beware it be not a phantom from that nether world. +Beware it be not a phantom from that nether world. Heracles -No necromancer was this guest whom thou didst welcome. +No necromancer was this guest whom thou didst welcome. Admetus -Do I behold my wife, her whom I buried? +Do I behold my wife, her whom I buried? Heracles -Be well assured thereof; still I marvel not thou dost distrust thy luck. +Be well assured thereof; still I marvel not thou dost distrust thy luck. Admetus -May I touch her, may I speak to her as my living wife? +May I touch her, may I speak to her as my living wife? Heracles -Speak to her. For thou hast all thy heart’s desire. +Speak to her. For thou hast all thy heart’s desire. Admetus -O form and features of my well-loved wife! past all hope I hold thee, never expecting to see thee again. +O form and features of my well-loved wife! past all hope I hold thee, never expecting to see thee again. Heracles -So thou dost; may no jealous god rise against thee! +So thou dost; may no jealous god rise against thee! Admetus -O noble son of almighty Zeus, good luck to thee! may the father that begat thee hold thee in his keeping; for thou and none else hast raised my fallen fortunes. How didst thou bring her from the world below to this light of day? +O noble son of almighty Zeus, good luck to thee! may the father that begat thee hold thee in his keeping; for thou and none else hast raised my fallen fortunes. How didst thou bring her from the world below to this light of day? Heracles -By encountering the godReading δαιμόνων τῷ κυρίῳ. Nauck has κοιράνῳ—apparently regarding the Death-god as supreme over all deities, but surely this is incorrect. Jacobs, seeing the difficulty, conjectured νερτέρων. But the translation in the text seems a possible one, and makes the emendation unnecessary. who had her in his power. +By encountering the godReading δαιμόνων τῷ κυρίῳ. Nauck has κοιράνῳ—apparently regarding the Death-god as supreme over all deities, but surely this is incorrect. Jacobs, seeing the difficulty, conjectured νερτέρων. But the translation in the text seems a possible one, and makes the emendation unnecessary. who had her in his power. Admetus -Where didst thou engage with Death? tell me this. +Where didst thou engage with Death? tell me this. Heracles -Just by the tomb I from my ambush sprang and caught him in my grip. +Just by the tomb I from my ambush sprang and caught him in my grip. Admetus -But why thus speechless stands my wife? +But why thus speechless stands my wife? Heracles -’Tis not lawful yet for thee to hear her speak, -ere she be purified from the gods below and the third day be come. So lead her in; and hereafter, e’en as now, be just and kind to guests, Admetus. Now farewell! for I must go to perform my appointed task -for the lordly son of Sthenelus. +’Tis not lawful yet for thee to hear her speak, +ere she be purified from the gods below and the third day be come. So lead her in; and hereafter, e’en as now, be just and kind to guests, Admetus. Now farewell! for I must go to perform my appointed task +for the lordly son of Sthenelus. Admetus -Abide with us and be our welcome guest. +Abide with us and be our welcome guest. Heracles -Another time; now must I use all haste. +Another time; now must I use all haste. Admetus -Good luck to thee! and mayst thou come again! To the citizens and ail my realm -I make this proclamation, that they institute dances in honour of the glad event, and make the altars steam with sacrifice, and offer prayers; for now have I moored my bark of life in a happier haven than before, and so will own myself a happy man. +Good luck to thee! and mayst thou come again! To the citizens and ail my realm +I make this proclamation, that they institute dances in honour of the glad event, and make the altars steam with sacrifice, and offer prayers; for now have I moored my bark of life in a happier haven than before, and so will own myself a happy man. Chorus -Many are the shapes that fortune takes, -and oft the gods bring things to pass beyond our expectation. That which we deemed so sure is not fulfilled, while for that we never thought would be, God finds out a way. And such hath been the issue in the present case. +Many are the shapes that fortune takes, +and oft the gods bring things to pass beyond our expectation. That which we deemed so sure is not fulfilled, while for that we never thought would be, God finds out a way. And such hath been the issue in the present case. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg003/tlg0006.tlg003.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg003/tlg0006.tlg003.perseus-eng2.xml index a7eb920c3..0b28c6b7f 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg003/tlg0006.tlg003.perseus-eng2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg003/tlg0006.tlg003.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -73,23 +73,23 @@ Scene.—Before the Palace of Creon at Corinth. Nurse Ah! would to Heaven the good ship Argo ne’er had sped its course to the Colchian land through the misty blue Symplegades, nor ever in the glens of Pelion the pine been felled to furnish with oars the chieftain’s hands, - who went to fetch the golden fleece for Pelias; for then would my own mistress Medea never have sailed to the turrets of Iolcos, her soul with love for Jason smitten, nor would she have beguiled the daughters of Pelias - to slay their father and come to live here in the land of Corinth with her husband and children, where her exile found favour with the citizens to whose land she had come, and in all things of her own accord was she at one with Jason, the greatest safeguard this - when wife and husband do agree; but now their love is all turned to hate, and tenderest ties are weak. For Jason hath betrayed his own children and my mistress dear for the love of a royal bride, for he hath wedded the daughter of Creon, lord of this land. - While Medea his hapless wife, thus scorned, appeals to the oaths he swore, recalls the strong pledge his right hand gave, and bids heaven be witness what requital she is finding from Jason. And here she lies fasting, yielding her body to her grief, - wasting away in tears ever since she learnt that she was wronged by her husband, never lifting her eye nor raising her face from off the ground; and she lends as deaf an ear to her friend’s warning as if she were a rock or ocean billow, save when she turns her snow-white neck aside - and softly to herself bemoans her father dear, her country and her home, which she gave up to come hither with the man who now holds her in dishonour. She, poor lady, hath by sad experience learnt how good a thing it is - never to quit one’s native land. And she hates her children now and feels no joy at seeing them; I am afeard she may contrive some untoward scheme; for her mood is dangerous nor will she brook her cruel treatment; full well I know her, and I much do dread - that she will plunge the keen sword through their heart, stealing without a word into the chamber where their marriage couch is spread, or else that she will slay the prince and bridegroom too, and so find some calamity still more grievous than the present; for dreadful is her wrath; - verily the man that doth incur her hate will have no easy task to raise o’er her a song of triumph. Lo! where her sons come hither from their childish sports; little they reck of their mother’s woes, for the soul of the young is no inend to sorrow. + who went to fetch the golden fleece for Pelias; for then would my own mistress Medea never have sailed to the turrets of Iolcos, her soul with love for Jason smitten, nor would she have beguiled the daughters of Pelias + to slay their father and come to live here in the land of Corinth with her husband and children, where her exile found favour with the citizens to whose land she had come, and in all things of her own accord was she at one with Jason, the greatest safeguard this + when wife and husband do agree; but now their love is all turned to hate, and tenderest ties are weak. For Jason hath betrayed his own children and my mistress dear for the love of a royal bride, for he hath wedded the daughter of Creon, lord of this land. + While Medea his hapless wife, thus scorned, appeals to the oaths he swore, recalls the strong pledge his right hand gave, and bids heaven be witness what requital she is finding from Jason. And here she lies fasting, yielding her body to her grief, + wasting away in tears ever since she learnt that she was wronged by her husband, never lifting her eye nor raising her face from off the ground; and she lends as deaf an ear to her friend’s warning as if she were a rock or ocean billow, save when she turns her snow-white neck aside + and softly to herself bemoans her father dear, her country and her home, which she gave up to come hither with the man who now holds her in dishonour. She, poor lady, hath by sad experience learnt how good a thing it is + never to quit one’s native land. And she hates her children now and feels no joy at seeing them; I am afeard she may contrive some untoward scheme; for her mood is dangerous nor will she brook her cruel treatment; full well I know her, and I much do dread + that she will plunge the keen sword through their heart, stealing without a word into the chamber where their marriage couch is spread, or else that she will slay the prince and bridegroom too, and so find some calamity still more grievous than the present; for dreadful is her wrath; + verily the man that doth incur her hate will have no easy task to raise o’er her a song of triumph. Lo! where her sons come hither from their childish sports; little they reck of their mother’s woes, for the soul of the young is no inend to sorrow. Attendant Why dost thou, so long my lady’s own handmaid, -stand here at the gate alone, loudly lamenting to thyself the piteous tale? how comes it that Medea will have thee leave her to herself? +stand here at the gate alone, loudly lamenting to thyself the piteous tale? how comes it that Medea will have thee leave her to herself? Nurse Old man, attendant on the sons of Jason, our masters’ fortunes when they go awry make good slaves grieve -and touch their hearts. Oh! I have come to such a pitch of grief that there stole a yearning wish upon me to come forth hither and proclaim to heaven and earth my mistress’s hard fate. +and touch their hearts. Oh! I have come to such a pitch of grief that there stole a yearning wish upon me to come forth hither and proclaim to heaven and earth my mistress’s hard fate. Attendant What! has not the poor lady ceased yet from her lamentation? @@ -113,11 +113,11 @@ Attendant I heard one say, pretending not to listen as I approached the place where our greybeards sit playing draughtsπεσσοὺς literally the game itself; here; explained by the Scholiast as the place where it was habitually played. near Pirene’s sacred spring, -that Creon, the ruler of this land, is bent on driving these children and their mother from the boundaries of Corinth; but I know not whether the news is to be relied upon, and would fain it were not. +that Creon, the ruler of this land, is bent on driving these children and their mother from the boundaries of Corinth; but I know not whether the news is to be relied upon, and would fain it were not. Nurse What! will Jason brook such treatment of his sons, -even though he be at variance with their mother? +even though he be at variance with their mother? Attendant Old ties give way to new; he bears no longer any love to this family. @@ -136,114 +136,114 @@ Nurse Go, children, within the house; all will be well. -Do thou keep them as far away as may be, and bring them not near their mother in her evil hour. For ere this have I seen her eyeing them savagely, as though she were minded to do them some hurt, and well I know she will not cease from her fury till she have pounced on some victim. -At least may she turn her hand against her foes, and not against her friends. +Do thou keep them as far away as may be, and bring them not near their mother in her evil hour. For ere this have I seen her eyeing them savagely, as though she were minded to do them some hurt, and well I know she will not cease from her fury till she have pounced on some victim. +At least may she turn her hand against her foes, and not against her friends. Medea (within). Ah, me! a wretched suffering woman I! O would that I could die! Nurse ’Tis as I said, my dear children; wild fancies stir your mother’s heart, wild fury goads her on. -Into the house without delay, come not near her eye, approach her not, beware her savage mood, the fell tempest of her reckless heart. -In, in with what speed ye may. For ’tis plain she will soon redouble her fury; that cry is but the herald of the gathering storm-cloud whose lightning soon will flash; what will her proud restless -soul, in the anguish of despair, be guilty of? [Exit Attendant with the children. +Into the house without delay, come not near her eye, approach her not, beware her savage mood, the fell tempest of her reckless heart. +In, in with what speed ye may. For ’tis plain she will soon redouble her fury; that cry is but the herald of the gathering storm-cloud whose lightning soon will flash; what will her proud restless +soul, in the anguish of despair, be guilty of? [Exit Attendant with the children. Medea (within). Ah, me! the agony I have suffered, deep enough to call for these laments! Curse you and your father too, ye children damned, sons of a doomed mother! Ruin seize the whole family! Nurse Ah me! ah me! the pity of it! Why, pray, do thy children share their father’s crime? Why hatest thou them? Woe is you, poor children, how do I grieve for you lest ye suffer some outrage! Strange are the tempers of princes, -and maybe because they seldom have to obey, and mostly lord it over others, change they their moods with difficulty. ’Tis better then to have been trained to live on equal terms. Be it mine to reach old age, not in proud pomp, but in security! -Moderation wins the day first as a better word for men to use, and likewise it is far the best course for them to pursue; but greatness that doth o’erreach itself, brings no blessing to mortal men; but pays a penalty of greater ruin whenever -fortune is wroth with a family. +and maybe because they seldom have to obey, and mostly lord it over others, change they their moods with difficulty. ’Tis better then to have been trained to live on equal terms. Be it mine to reach old age, not in proud pomp, but in security! +Moderation wins the day first as a better word for men to use, and likewise it is far the best course for them to pursue; but greatness that doth o’erreach itself, brings no blessing to mortal men; but pays a penalty of greater ruin whenever +fortune is wroth with a family. Chorus I heard the voice, uplifted loud, of our poor Colchian lady, nor yet is she quiet; speak, aged dame, -for as I stood by the house with double gates I heard a voice of weeping from within, and I do grieve, lady, for the sorrows of this house, for it hath won my love. +for as I stood by the house with double gates I heard a voice of weeping from within, and I do grieve, lady, for the sorrows of this house, for it hath won my love. Nurse ’Tis a house no more; all that is passed away long since; -a royal bride keeps Jason at her side, while our mistress pines away in her bower, finding no comfort for her soul in aught her friends can say. +a royal bride keeps Jason at her side, while our mistress pines away in her bower, finding no comfort for her soul in aught her friends can say. Medea (within). Oh, oh! Would that Heaven’s levin bolt would cleave this head in twain! -What gain is life to me? Woe, woe is me! O, to die and win release, quitting this loathed existence! +What gain is life to me? Woe, woe is me! O, to die and win release, quitting this loathed existence! Chorus Didst hear, O Zeus, thou earth, and thou, O light, the piteous note of woe -the hapless wife is uttering? How shall a yearning for that insatiateSo MSS. ἀπλήστου. Elmsley, whom many editors have followed, proposed ἀπλάτου = terrible. resting-place ever hasten for thee, poor reckless one, the end that death alone can bring? Never pray for that. -And if thy lord prefers a fresh love, be not angered with him for that; Zeus will judge ’twixt thee and him herein. Then mourn not for thy husband’s loss too much, nor waste thyself away. +the hapless wife is uttering? How shall a yearning for that insatiateSo MSS. ἀπλήστου. Elmsley, whom many editors have followed, proposed ἀπλάτου = terrible. resting-place ever hasten for thee, poor reckless one, the end that death alone can bring? Never pray for that. +And if thy lord prefers a fresh love, be not angered with him for that; Zeus will judge ’twixt thee and him herein. Then mourn not for thy husband’s loss too much, nor waste thyself away. Medea (within). Great Themis, and husbandκαὶ πότνι’ Ἄρτεμι, corrupt and pointless. The reading here adopted by the translator is καὶ πόσις, ἄρτι με, suggested by Munro (Journal of Philology, No. 22, p. 275) πόσις = Zeus. of Themis, behold what I am suffering now, though I did bind that accursed one, my husband, by strong oaths to me? O, to see him and his bride some day brought to utter destruction, they and their house with them, -for that they presume to wrong me thus unprovoked. O my father, my country, that I have left to my shame, after slaying my own brother. +for that they presume to wrong me thus unprovoked. O my father, my country, that I have left to my shame, after slaying my own brother. Nurse Do ye hear her words, how loudly she adjures Themis, oft invoked, and Zeus, whom -men regard as keeper of their oaths? On no mere trifle surely will our mistress spend her rage. +men regard as keeper of their oaths? On no mere trifle surely will our mistress spend her rage. Chorus Would that she would come forth for us to see, and -listen to the words of counsel we might give, if haply she might lay aside the fierce fury of her wrath, and her temper stern. Never be my zeal at any rate denied my friends! -But go thou and bring her hither outside the house, and tell her this our friendly thought; haste thee ere she do some mischief to those inside the house, for this sorrow of hers is mounting high. +listen to the words of counsel we might give, if haply she might lay aside the fierce fury of her wrath, and her temper stern. Never be my zeal at any rate denied my friends! +But go thou and bring her hither outside the house, and tell her this our friendly thought; haste thee ere she do some mischief to those inside the house, for this sorrow of hers is mounting high. Nurse This will I do; but I have my doubts whether I shall persuade -my mistress; still willingly will I undertake this trouble for you; albeit, she glares upon her servants with the look of a lioness with cubs, whenso anyone draws nigh to speak to her. -Wert thou to call the men of old time rude uncultured boors thou wouldst not err, seeing that they devised their hymns for festive occasions, for banquets, and to grace the board, a pleasure to catch the ear, shed o’er our life, -but no man hath found a way to allay hated grief by music and the minstrel’s varied strain, whence arise slaughters and fell strokes of fate to o’erthrow the homes of men. And yet this were surely a gain, -to heal men’s wounds by music’s spell, but why tune they their idle song where rich banquets are spread? for of itself doth the rich banquet, set before them, afford to men delight. +my mistress; still willingly will I undertake this trouble for you; albeit, she glares upon her servants with the look of a lioness with cubs, whenso anyone draws nigh to speak to her. +Wert thou to call the men of old time rude uncultured boors thou wouldst not err, seeing that they devised their hymns for festive occasions, for banquets, and to grace the board, a pleasure to catch the ear, shed o’er our life, +but no man hath found a way to allay hated grief by music and the minstrel’s varied strain, whence arise slaughters and fell strokes of fate to o’erthrow the homes of men. And yet this were surely a gain, +to heal men’s wounds by music’s spell, but why tune they their idle song where rich banquets are spread? for of itself doth the rich banquet, set before them, afford to men delight. Chorus I heard a bitter cry of lamentation! -loudly, bitterly she calls on the traitor of her marriage bed, her perfidious spouse; by grievous wrongs oppressed she invokes Themis, bride of Zeus, witness of oaths, who brought her -unto Hellas, the land that fronts the strand of Asia, o’er the sea by night through ocean’s boundless gate. +loudly, bitterly she calls on the traitor of her marriage bed, her perfidious spouse; by grievous wrongs oppressed she invokes Themis, bride of Zeus, witness of oaths, who brought her +unto Hellas, the land that fronts the strand of Asia, o’er the sea by night through ocean’s boundless gate. Medea From the house I have come forth, Corinthian ladies, -for fear lest you be blaming me;To extract any satisfactory meaning from this passage, as it stands in our editions, seems an almost impossible task, to judge from the attempts at present made. I have not ventured to alter Paley’s text, or proposed interpretation, unsatisfactory as it seems to me. Verrall’s emendations, though bold in the extreme, do at least make the Greek intelligible, and to his ingenious note I would refer the curious. for well I know that amongst men many by showing pride have gotten them an ill name and a reputation for indifference, both those who shun men’s gaze and those who move amid the stranger crowd, and likewise they who choose a quiet walk in life. For there is no just discernment in the eyes of men, -for they, or ever they have surely learnt their neighbour’s heart, loathe him at first sight, though never wronged by him; and so a stranger most of all should adopt a city’s views; nor do I commend that citizen, who, in the stubbornness of his heart, from churlishness resents the city’s will. +for fear lest you be blaming me;To extract any satisfactory meaning from this passage, as it stands in our editions, seems an almost impossible task, to judge from the attempts at present made. I have not ventured to alter Paley’s text, or proposed interpretation, unsatisfactory as it seems to me. Verrall’s emendations, though bold in the extreme, do at least make the Greek intelligible, and to his ingenious note I would refer the curious. for well I know that amongst men many by showing pride have gotten them an ill name and a reputation for indifference, both those who shun men’s gaze and those who move amid the stranger crowd, and likewise they who choose a quiet walk in life. For there is no just discernment in the eyes of men, +for they, or ever they have surely learnt their neighbour’s heart, loathe him at first sight, though never wronged by him; and so a stranger most of all should adopt a city’s views; nor do I commend that citizen, who, in the stubbornness of his heart, from churlishness resents the city’s will. But on me hath fallen this unforeseen disaster, and sapped my life; ruined I am, and long to resign the boon of existence, kind friends, and die. For he who was all the world to me, as well thou knowest, hath turned out the veriest villain, my own husband. -Of all things that have life and sense we women are the most hapless creatures; first must we buy a husband at an exorbitant price, and o’er ourselves a tyrant set which is an evil worse than the first; -and herein lies the most important issue, whether our choice be good or bad. For divorce is discreditable to women, nor can we disown our lords. Next must the wife, coming as she does to ways and customs new, since she hath not learnt the lesson in her home, have a diviner’s eye to see -how best to treat the partner of her life. If haply we perform these tasks with thoroughness and tact, and the husband live with us, without resenting the yoke, our life is a happy one; if not, ’twere best to die. But when a man is vexed with what he finds indoors, -he goeth forth and rids his soul of its disgust, betaking him to some friend or comrade of like age; whilst we must needs regard his single self. +Of all things that have life and sense we women are the most hapless creatures; first must we buy a husband at an exorbitant price, and o’er ourselves a tyrant set which is an evil worse than the first; +and herein lies the most important issue, whether our choice be good or bad. For divorce is discreditable to women, nor can we disown our lords. Next must the wife, coming as she does to ways and customs new, since she hath not learnt the lesson in her home, have a diviner’s eye to see +how best to treat the partner of her life. If haply we perform these tasks with thoroughness and tact, and the husband live with us, without resenting the yoke, our life is a happy one; if not, ’twere best to die. But when a man is vexed with what he finds indoors, +he goeth forth and rids his soul of its disgust, betaking him to some friend or comrade of like age; whilst we must needs regard his single self. And yet they say we live secure at home, while they are at the wars, -with their sorry reasoning, for I would gladly take my stand in battle array three times o’er, than once give birth. But enough! this language suits not thee as it does me; thou hast a city here, a father’s house, some joy in life, and friends to share thy thoughts, - but I am destitute, without a city, and therefore scorned by my husband, a captive I from a foreign shore, with no mother, brother, or kinsman in whom to find a new haven of refuge from this calamity. Wherefore this one boon and only this I wish to win from thee,— - thy silence, if haply I can some way or means devise to avenge me on my husband for this cruel treatment, and on the man who gave to him his daughter, and on her who is his wife. For though a woman be timorous enough in all else, and as regards courage, a coward at the mere sight of steel, - yet in the moment she finds her honour wronged, no heart is filled with deadlier thoughts than hers. +with their sorry reasoning, for I would gladly take my stand in battle array three times o’er, than once give birth. But enough! this language suits not thee as it does me; thou hast a city here, a father’s house, some joy in life, and friends to share thy thoughts, + but I am destitute, without a city, and therefore scorned by my husband, a captive I from a foreign shore, with no mother, brother, or kinsman in whom to find a new haven of refuge from this calamity. Wherefore this one boon and only this I wish to win from thee,— + thy silence, if haply I can some way or means devise to avenge me on my husband for this cruel treatment, and on the man who gave to him his daughter, and on her who is his wife. For though a woman be timorous enough in all else, and as regards courage, a coward at the mere sight of steel, + yet in the moment she finds her honour wronged, no heart is filled with deadlier thoughts than hers. Chorus This will I do; for thou wilt be taking a just vengeance on thy husband, Medea. That thou shouldst mourn thy lot surprises me not. But lo! I see Creon, king of this land coming hither, - to announce some new resolve. + to announce some new resolve. Creon Hark thee, Medea, I bid thee take those sullen looks and angry thoughts against thy husband forth from this land in exile, and with thee take both thy children and that without delay, for I am judge in this sentence, - and I will not return unto my house till I banish thee beyond the borders of the land. + and I will not return unto my house till I banish thee beyond the borders of the land. Medea Ah, me! now is utter destruction come upon me, unhappy that I am! For my enemies are bearing down on me full sail, nor have I any landing-place to come at in my trouble. - Yet for all my wretched plight I will ask thee, Creon, wherefore dost thou drive me from the land? + Yet for all my wretched plight I will ask thee, Creon, wherefore dost thou drive me from the land? Creon I fear thee,—no longer need I veil my dread ’neath words,—lest thou devise against my child some cureless ill. Many things contribute to this fear of mine; - thou art a witch by nature, expert in countless sorceries, and thou art chafing for the loss of thy husband’s affection. I hear, too, so they tell me, that thou dost threaten the father of the bride, her husband, and herself with some mischief; wherefore I will take precautions ere our troubles come. - For ’tis better for me to incur thy hatred now, lady, than to soften my heart and bitterly repent it hereafter. + thou art a witch by nature, expert in countless sorceries, and thou art chafing for the loss of thy husband’s affection. I hear, too, so they tell me, that thou dost threaten the father of the bride, her husband, and herself with some mischief; wherefore I will take precautions ere our troubles come. + For ’tis better for me to incur thy hatred now, lady, than to soften my heart and bitterly repent it hereafter. Medea Alas! this is not now the first time, but oft before, O Creon, hath my reputation injured me and caused sore mischief. Wherefore whoso is wise in his generation ought - never to have his children taught to be too clever; for besides the reputation they get for idleness, they purchase bitter odium from the citizens. For if thou shouldst import new learning amongst dullards, thou will be thought a useless trifler, void of knowledge; - while if thy fame in the city o’ertops that of the pretenders to cunning knowledge, thou wilt win their dislike. I too myself share in this ill-luck. Some think me clever and hate me, others say I am too reserved, and some the very reverse;This line is inclosed by most editors in brackets as an interpolation from 808 below, where it is in place. - others find me hard to please and not so very clever after all. Be that as it may, thou dost fear me lest I bring on thee something to mar thy harmony. Fear me not, Creon, ray position scarce is such that I should seek to quarrel with princes. Why should I, for how hast thou injured me? Thou hast betrothed thy daughter - where thy fancy prompted thee. No, ’tis my husband I hate, though I doubt not thou hast acted wisely herein. And now I grudge not thy prosperity; betroth thy child, good luck to thee, but let me abide in this land, for though I have been wronged - I will be still and yield to my superiors. + never to have his children taught to be too clever; for besides the reputation they get for idleness, they purchase bitter odium from the citizens. For if thou shouldst import new learning amongst dullards, thou will be thought a useless trifler, void of knowledge; + while if thy fame in the city o’ertops that of the pretenders to cunning knowledge, thou wilt win their dislike. I too myself share in this ill-luck. Some think me clever and hate me, others say I am too reserved, and some the very reverse;This line is inclosed by most editors in brackets as an interpolation from 808 below, where it is in place. + others find me hard to please and not so very clever after all. Be that as it may, thou dost fear me lest I bring on thee something to mar thy harmony. Fear me not, Creon, ray position scarce is such that I should seek to quarrel with princes. Why should I, for how hast thou injured me? Thou hast betrothed thy daughter + where thy fancy prompted thee. No, ’tis my husband I hate, though I doubt not thou hast acted wisely herein. And now I grudge not thy prosperity; betroth thy child, good luck to thee, but let me abide in this land, for though I have been wronged + I will be still and yield to my superiors. Creon Thy words are soft to hear, but much I dread lest thou art devising some mischief in thy heart, and less than ever do I trust thee now; for a cunning woman, and man likewise, - is easier to guard against when quick-tempered than when taciturn. Nay, begone at once! speak me no speeches, for this is decreed, nor hast thou any art whereby thou shalt abide amongst us, since thou hatest me. + is easier to guard against when quick-tempered than when taciturn. Nay, begone at once! speak me no speeches, for this is decreed, nor hast thou any art whereby thou shalt abide amongst us, since thou hatest me. Medea O, say not so! by thy knees and by thy daughter newly-wed, I do implore! @@ -295,88 +295,88 @@ Medea Suffer me to abide this single day and devise some plan for the manner of my exile, and means of living for my children, since their father cares not to provide his babes therewith. Then pity them; thou too hast children of thine own; - thou needs must have a kindly heart. For my own lot I care naught, though I an exile am, but for those babes I weep, that they should learn what sorrow means. + thou needs must have a kindly heart. For my own lot I care naught, though I an exile am, but for those babes I weep, that they should learn what sorrow means. Creon Mine is a nature anything but harsh; full oft by showing pity have I suffered shipwreck; - and now albeit I clearly see my error, yet shalt thou gain this request, lady; but I do forewarn thee, if to-morrow’s rising sun shall find thee and thy children within the borders of this land, thou diest; my word is spoken and it will not lie. - So now, if abide thou must, stay this one day only, for in it thou canst not do any of the fearful deeds I dread. + and now albeit I clearly see my error, yet shalt thou gain this request, lady; but I do forewarn thee, if to-morrow’s rising sun shall find thee and thy children within the borders of this land, thou diest; my word is spoken and it will not lie. + So now, if abide thou must, stay this one day only, for in it thou canst not do any of the fearful deeds I dread. Chorus Ah! poor lady, woe is thee! Alas, for thy sorrows! Whither wilt thou turn? What protection, - what home or country to save thee from thy troubles wilt thou find? O Medea, in what a hopeless sea of misery heaven hath plunged thee! + what home or country to save thee from thy troubles wilt thou find? O Medea, in what a hopeless sea of misery heaven hath plunged thee! Medea On all sides sorrow pens me in. Who shall gainsay this? - But all is not yet lost! think not so. Still are there troubles in store for the new bride, and for her bridegroom no light toil. Dost think I would ever have fawned on yonder man, unless to gain some end or form some scheme? - Nay, I would not so much as have spoken to him or touched him with my hand. But he has in folly so far stepped in that, though he might have checked my plot by banishing me from the land, he hath allowed me to abide this day, in which I will lay low in death three of my enemies— - a father and his daughter and my husband too. Now, though I have many ways to compass their death, I am not sure, friends, which I am to try first. Shall I set fire to the bridal mansion, or plunge the whetted sword through their hearts, - softly stealing into the chamber where their couch is spread? One thing stands in my way. If I am caught making my way into the chamber, intent on my design, I shall be put to death and cause my foes to mock. ’Twere best to take the shortest way—the way we women are - most skilled in—by poison to destroy them. Well, well, suppose them dead; what city will receive me? What friendly host will give me a shelter in his land, a home secure, and save my soul alive? None. So I will wait yet a little while - in case some tower of defence rise up for me; then will I proceed to this bloody deed in crafty silence; but if some unexpected mischance drive me forth, I will with mine own hand seize the sword, e’en though I die for it, and slay them, and go forth on my bold path of daring. - By that dread queen whom I revere before all others and have chosen to share my task, by Hecate who dwells within my inmost chamber, not one of them shall wound my heart and rue it not. Bitter and sad will I make their marriage for them; - bitter shall be the wooing of it, bitter my exile from the land. Up, then, Medea, spare not the secrets of thy art in plotting and devising; on to the danger. Now comes a struggle needing courage. Dost see what thou art suffering? ’Tis not for thee to be a laughing-stock - to the race of SisyphusSisyphus was the founder of the royal house of Corinth. by reason of this wedding of Jason, sprung, as thou art, from a noble sire, and of the Sun-god’s race. Thou hast cunning; and, more than this, we women, though by nature little apt for virtuous deeds, are most expert to fashion any mischief. + But all is not yet lost! think not so. Still are there troubles in store for the new bride, and for her bridegroom no light toil. Dost think I would ever have fawned on yonder man, unless to gain some end or form some scheme? + Nay, I would not so much as have spoken to him or touched him with my hand. But he has in folly so far stepped in that, though he might have checked my plot by banishing me from the land, he hath allowed me to abide this day, in which I will lay low in death three of my enemies— + a father and his daughter and my husband too. Now, though I have many ways to compass their death, I am not sure, friends, which I am to try first. Shall I set fire to the bridal mansion, or plunge the whetted sword through their hearts, + softly stealing into the chamber where their couch is spread? One thing stands in my way. If I am caught making my way into the chamber, intent on my design, I shall be put to death and cause my foes to mock. ’Twere best to take the shortest way—the way we women are + most skilled in—by poison to destroy them. Well, well, suppose them dead; what city will receive me? What friendly host will give me a shelter in his land, a home secure, and save my soul alive? None. So I will wait yet a little while + in case some tower of defence rise up for me; then will I proceed to this bloody deed in crafty silence; but if some unexpected mischance drive me forth, I will with mine own hand seize the sword, e’en though I die for it, and slay them, and go forth on my bold path of daring. + By that dread queen whom I revere before all others and have chosen to share my task, by Hecate who dwells within my inmost chamber, not one of them shall wound my heart and rue it not. Bitter and sad will I make their marriage for them; + bitter shall be the wooing of it, bitter my exile from the land. Up, then, Medea, spare not the secrets of thy art in plotting and devising; on to the danger. Now comes a struggle needing courage. Dost see what thou art suffering? ’Tis not for thee to be a laughing-stock + to the race of SisyphusSisyphus was the founder of the royal house of Corinth. by reason of this wedding of Jason, sprung, as thou art, from a noble sire, and of the Sun-god’s race. Thou hast cunning; and, more than this, we women, though by nature little apt for virtuous deeds, are most expert to fashion any mischief. Chorus Back to their source the holy rivers turn their tide. Order and the universe are being reversed. ’Tis men whose counsels are treacherous, whose oath by heaven is no longer sure. - Rumour shall bring a change o’er my life, bringing it into good repute. Honour’s dawn is breaking for woman’s sex; - no more shall the foul tongue of slander fix upon us. The songs of the poets of old shall cease to make our faithlessness their theme. Phoebus, lord of minstrelsy, hath not implanted in our mind - the gift of heavenly song, else had I sung an answering strain to the race of males, for time’s long chapter affords - many a theme on their sex as well as ours. With mind distraught didst thou thy father’s house desert on thy voyage betwixt ocean’s twin rocks, and on a foreign - strand thou dwellest, thy bed left husbandless, poor lady and thou an exile from the land, dishonoured, persecuted. Gone is the grace that oaths once had. Through all the breadth - of Hellas honour is found no more; to heaven hath it sped away. For thee no father’s house is open, woe is thee! to be a haven from the troublous storm, while o’er thy home is set another queen, the bride that is - preferred to thee. + Rumour shall bring a change o’er my life, bringing it into good repute. Honour’s dawn is breaking for woman’s sex; + no more shall the foul tongue of slander fix upon us. The songs of the poets of old shall cease to make our faithlessness their theme. Phoebus, lord of minstrelsy, hath not implanted in our mind + the gift of heavenly song, else had I sung an answering strain to the race of males, for time’s long chapter affords + many a theme on their sex as well as ours. With mind distraught didst thou thy father’s house desert on thy voyage betwixt ocean’s twin rocks, and on a foreign + strand thou dwellest, thy bed left husbandless, poor lady and thou an exile from the land, dishonoured, persecuted. Gone is the grace that oaths once had. Through all the breadth + of Hellas honour is found no more; to heaven hath it sped away. For thee no father’s house is open, woe is thee! to be a haven from the troublous storm, while o’er thy home is set another queen, the bride that is + preferred to thee. Jason It is not now I first remark, but oft ere this, how unruly a pest is a harsh temper. For instance, thou, hadst thou but patiently endured the will of thy superiors, mightest have remained here in this land and house, - but now for thy idle words wilt thou be banished. Thy words are naught to roe. Cease not to call Jason basest of men; but for those words thou hast spoken against our rulers, count it all gain that exile is thy only punishment. - I ever tried to check the outbursts of the angry monarch, and would have had thee stay, but thou wouldst not forego thy silly rage, always reviling our rulers, and so thou wilt be banished. Yet even after all this I weary not of my goodwill, - but am come with thus much forethought, lady, that thou mayst not be destitute nor want for aught, when, with thy sons, thou art cast out. Many an evil doth exile bring in its train with it; for even though thou hatest me, never will I harbour hard thoughts of thee. + but now for thy idle words wilt thou be banished. Thy words are naught to roe. Cease not to call Jason basest of men; but for those words thou hast spoken against our rulers, count it all gain that exile is thy only punishment. + I ever tried to check the outbursts of the angry monarch, and would have had thee stay, but thou wouldst not forego thy silly rage, always reviling our rulers, and so thou wilt be banished. Yet even after all this I weary not of my goodwill, + but am come with thus much forethought, lady, that thou mayst not be destitute nor want for aught, when, with thy sons, thou art cast out. Many an evil doth exile bring in its train with it; for even though thou hatest me, never will I harbour hard thoughts of thee. Medea Thou craven villain (for that is the only name my tongue can find for thee, a foul reproach on thy unmanliness)! comest thou to me, thou, most hated foe of gods, of me, and of all mankind? Tis no proof of courage or hardihood - to confront thy friends after injuring them, but that worst of all human diseases—loss of shame. Yet hast thou done well to come; for I shall ease ray soul by reviling thee, and thou wilt be vexed at my recital. - I will begin at the very beginning. I saved thy life, as every Hellene knows who sailed with thee aboard the good ship Argo, when thou wert sent to tame and yoke fire-breathing bulls, and to sow the deadly tilth. - Yea, and I slew the dragon which guarded the golden fleece, keeping sleepless watch o’er it with many a wreathed coil, and I raised for thee a beacon of deliver arice. Father and home of my free will I left and came with thee to Iolcos, ’neath Pelion’s hills, - for my love was stronger than my prudence. Next I caused the death of Pelias by a doom most grievous, even by his own children’s hand, beguiling them of all their fear. All this have I done for thee, thou traitor! and thou hast cast me over, taking to thyself another wife, - though children have been bom to us. Hadst thou been childless still, I could have pardoned thy desire for this new union. Gone is now the trust I put in oaths. I cannot even understand whether thou thinkest that the gods of old no longer rule, or that fresh decrees are now in vogue amongst mankind, - for thy conscience must tell thee thou hast not kept faith with me. Ah! poor right hand, which thou didst often grasp. These knees thou didst embrace! All in vain, I suffered a traitor to touch me! How short of my hopes I am fallen! But come, I will deal with thee as though thou wert my friend. - Yet what kindness can I expect from one so base as thee? but yet I will do it, for my questioning will show thee yet more base. Whither can I turn me now? to my father’s house, to my own country, which I for thee deserted to come hither? to the hapless daughters of Pelias? A glad - welcome, I trow, would they give me in their home, whose father’s death I compassed! My case stands even thus: I am become the bitter foe to those of mine own home, and those whom I need ne’er have wronged I have made mine enemies to pleasure thee. Wherefore to reward me for this thou hast made me doubly blest in the eyes of many a wife in Hellas; - and in thee I own a peerless, trusty lord. O woe is me, if indeed I am to be cast forth an exile from the land, without one friend; one lone woman with her babes forlorn! Yea, a fine reproach to thee in thy bridal hour, - that thy children and the wife who saved thy life are beggars and vagabonds! O Zeus! why hast thou granted unto man clear signs to know the sham in gold, white on man’s brow no brand is stamped whereby to gauge the villain’s heart? + to confront thy friends after injuring them, but that worst of all human diseases—loss of shame. Yet hast thou done well to come; for I shall ease ray soul by reviling thee, and thou wilt be vexed at my recital. + I will begin at the very beginning. I saved thy life, as every Hellene knows who sailed with thee aboard the good ship Argo, when thou wert sent to tame and yoke fire-breathing bulls, and to sow the deadly tilth. + Yea, and I slew the dragon which guarded the golden fleece, keeping sleepless watch o’er it with many a wreathed coil, and I raised for thee a beacon of deliver arice. Father and home of my free will I left and came with thee to Iolcos, ’neath Pelion’s hills, + for my love was stronger than my prudence. Next I caused the death of Pelias by a doom most grievous, even by his own children’s hand, beguiling them of all their fear. All this have I done for thee, thou traitor! and thou hast cast me over, taking to thyself another wife, + though children have been bom to us. Hadst thou been childless still, I could have pardoned thy desire for this new union. Gone is now the trust I put in oaths. I cannot even understand whether thou thinkest that the gods of old no longer rule, or that fresh decrees are now in vogue amongst mankind, + for thy conscience must tell thee thou hast not kept faith with me. Ah! poor right hand, which thou didst often grasp. These knees thou didst embrace! All in vain, I suffered a traitor to touch me! How short of my hopes I am fallen! But come, I will deal with thee as though thou wert my friend. + Yet what kindness can I expect from one so base as thee? but yet I will do it, for my questioning will show thee yet more base. Whither can I turn me now? to my father’s house, to my own country, which I for thee deserted to come hither? to the hapless daughters of Pelias? A glad + welcome, I trow, would they give me in their home, whose father’s death I compassed! My case stands even thus: I am become the bitter foe to those of mine own home, and those whom I need ne’er have wronged I have made mine enemies to pleasure thee. Wherefore to reward me for this thou hast made me doubly blest in the eyes of many a wife in Hellas; + and in thee I own a peerless, trusty lord. O woe is me, if indeed I am to be cast forth an exile from the land, without one friend; one lone woman with her babes forlorn! Yea, a fine reproach to thee in thy bridal hour, + that thy children and the wife who saved thy life are beggars and vagabonds! O Zeus! why hast thou granted unto man clear signs to know the sham in gold, white on man’s brow no brand is stamped whereby to gauge the villain’s heart? Chorus There is a something terrible and past all cure, when quarrels arise ’twixt those who are near and dear. Jason Needs must I now, it seems, turn orator, and, like a good helmsman on a ship with close-reefed sails, weather -that wearisome tongue of thine. Now, I believe, since thou wilt exaggerate thy favours, that to Cypris alone of gods or men I owe the safety of my voyage. Thou hast a subtle wit enough; yet were it a hateful thing for me -to say that the Love-god constrained thee by his resistless shaft to save my life. However, I will not reckon this too nicely; ’twas kindly done, however thou didst serve me. Yet for my safety - hast thou received more than ever thou gavest, as I will show. First, thou dwellest in Hellas, instead of thy barbarian land, and hast learnt what justice means find how to live by law, not by the dictates of brute force; and all the Hellenes recognize thy cleverness, - and thou hast gained a name; whereas, if thou hadst dwelt upon the confines of the earth, no tongue had mentioned thee. Give me no gold within my halls; nor skill to sing a fairer strain than ever Orpheus sang, unless therewith my fame be spread abroad! - So much I say to thee about my own toils, for ’twas thou didst challenge me to this retort. As for the taunts thou urgest against my marriage with the princess, I will prove to thee, first, that I am prudent herein, next chastened in my love, and last a powerful friend - to thee and to thy sons; only hold thy peace. Since I have here withdrawn from Iolcos with many a hopeless trouble at my back, what happier device could I, an exile, frame than marriage with the daughter of the king? - ’Tis not because I loathe thee for my wife—the thought that rankles in thy heart; ’tis not because I am smitten with desire fot a new bride, nor yet that I am eager to vie with others in begetting many children, for those we have are quite enough, and I do not complain. Nay, ’tis that we—and this is most important— - may dwell in comfort, instead of suffering want (for well I know that every whilom friend avoids the poor), and that I might rear my sons as doth befit my house; further, that I might be the father of brothers for the children thou hast born, and raise these to the same high rank, uniting the family in one,— - to my lasting bliss. Thou, indeed, hast no need of more children, but me it profits to help my present family by that which is to be. Have I miscarried here? Not even thou wouldest say so unless a rival’s charms rankled in thy bosom. No, but you women have such strange ideas, - that you think all is well so long as your married life runs smooth; but if some mischance occur to ruffle your love, all that was good and lovely erst you reckon as your foes. Yea, men should have begotten children from some other source, no female race existing; - thus would no evil ever have fallen on mankind. +that wearisome tongue of thine. Now, I believe, since thou wilt exaggerate thy favours, that to Cypris alone of gods or men I owe the safety of my voyage. Thou hast a subtle wit enough; yet were it a hateful thing for me +to say that the Love-god constrained thee by his resistless shaft to save my life. However, I will not reckon this too nicely; ’twas kindly done, however thou didst serve me. Yet for my safety + hast thou received more than ever thou gavest, as I will show. First, thou dwellest in Hellas, instead of thy barbarian land, and hast learnt what justice means find how to live by law, not by the dictates of brute force; and all the Hellenes recognize thy cleverness, + and thou hast gained a name; whereas, if thou hadst dwelt upon the confines of the earth, no tongue had mentioned thee. Give me no gold within my halls; nor skill to sing a fairer strain than ever Orpheus sang, unless therewith my fame be spread abroad! + So much I say to thee about my own toils, for ’twas thou didst challenge me to this retort. As for the taunts thou urgest against my marriage with the princess, I will prove to thee, first, that I am prudent herein, next chastened in my love, and last a powerful friend + to thee and to thy sons; only hold thy peace. Since I have here withdrawn from Iolcos with many a hopeless trouble at my back, what happier device could I, an exile, frame than marriage with the daughter of the king? + ’Tis not because I loathe thee for my wife—the thought that rankles in thy heart; ’tis not because I am smitten with desire fot a new bride, nor yet that I am eager to vie with others in begetting many children, for those we have are quite enough, and I do not complain. Nay, ’tis that we—and this is most important— + may dwell in comfort, instead of suffering want (for well I know that every whilom friend avoids the poor), and that I might rear my sons as doth befit my house; further, that I might be the father of brothers for the children thou hast born, and raise these to the same high rank, uniting the family in one,— + to my lasting bliss. Thou, indeed, hast no need of more children, but me it profits to help my present family by that which is to be. Have I miscarried here? Not even thou wouldest say so unless a rival’s charms rankled in thy bosom. No, but you women have such strange ideas, + that you think all is well so long as your married life runs smooth; but if some mischance occur to ruffle your love, all that was good and lovely erst you reckon as your foes. Yea, men should have begotten children from some other source, no female race existing; + thus would no evil ever have fallen on mankind. Chorus This speech, O Jason, hast thou with specious art arranged; but yet I think—albeit in saying so I betray indiscretion—that thou hast sinned in casting over thy wife. Medea No doubt I differ from the mass of men on many points; - for, to my mind, whoso hath skill to fence with words in an unjust cause, incurs the heaviest penalty; for such an one, confident that he can cast a decent veil of words o’er his injustice, dares to practise it; and yet he is not so very clever after all. So do not thou put forth thy specious pleas - and clever words to me now, for one word of mine will lay thee low. Hadst thou not had a villain’s heart, thou shouldst have gained my consent, then made this match, instead of hiding it from those who loved thee. + for, to my mind, whoso hath skill to fence with words in an unjust cause, incurs the heaviest penalty; for such an one, confident that he can cast a decent veil of words o’er his injustice, dares to practise it; and yet he is not so very clever after all. So do not thou put forth thy specious pleas + and clever words to me now, for one word of mine will lay thee low. Hadst thou not had a villain’s heart, thou shouldst have gained my consent, then made this match, instead of hiding it from those who loved thee. Jason Thou wouldest have lent me ready aid, no doubt, in this proposal, if I had told thee of my marriage, seeing that not even now - canst thou restrain thy soul’s hot fury. + canst thou restrain thy soul’s hot fury. Medea This was not what restrained thee; but thine eye was turned towards old age, and a foreign wife began to appear discreditable to thee. @@ -385,7 +385,7 @@ Jason Be well assured of this: ’twas not for the woman’s sake I wedded the king’s daughter, my present wife; - but, as I have already told thee, I wished to insure thy safety and to be the father of royal sons bound by blood to my own children—a bulwark to our house. + but, as I have already told thee, I wished to insure thy safety and to be the father of royal sons bound by blood to my own children—a bulwark to our house. Medea May that prosperity, whose end is woe, ne’er be mine, nor such wealth as would ever sting my heart! @@ -410,31 +410,31 @@ Jason Know this, I will no further dispute this point with thee. - But, if thou wilt of my fortune somewhat take for the children or thyself to help thy exile, say on; for I am ready to grant it with ungrudging hand, yea and to send tokens to my friends elsewhere who shall treat thee well. If thou refuse this offer, thou wilt do a foolish deed, - but if thou cease from anger the greater will be thy gain. + But, if thou wilt of my fortune somewhat take for the children or thyself to help thy exile, say on; for I am ready to grant it with ungrudging hand, yea and to send tokens to my friends elsewhere who shall treat thee well. If thou refuse this offer, thou wilt do a foolish deed, + but if thou cease from anger the greater will be thy gain. Medea I will have naught to do with friends of thine, naught will I receive of thee, offer it not to me; a villain’s gifts can bring no blessing. Jason At least I call the gods to witness, - that I am ready in all things to serve thee and thy children, but thou dost scorn my favours and thrustest thy friends stubbornly away; wherefore thy lot will be more bitter still. + that I am ready in all things to serve thee and thy children, but thou dost scorn my favours and thrustest thy friends stubbornly away; wherefore thy lot will be more bitter still. Medea Away! By love for thy young bride entrapped, too long thou lingerest outside her chamber; - go wed, for, if God will, thou shalt have such a marriage as thou wouldst fain refuse. + go wed, for, if God will, thou shalt have such a marriage as thou wouldst fain refuse. Chorus When in excess and past all limits Love doth come, he brings not glory or repute - to man; but if the Cyprian queen in moderate might approach, no goddess is so full of charm as she. Never, O never, lady mine, discharge at me from thy golden bow a shaft invincible, in passion’s venom dipped. - On me may chastity, heaven’s fairest gift, lookVerrall proposes to read στέγοι protect, for MSS. στέργοι. with a favouring eye; - never may Cypris, goddess dread, fasten on me a temper to dispute, or restless jealousy, smiting my soul with mad desire for unlawful love, but may she hallow peaceful married life and shrewdly decide whom each of us shall wed. O my country, O my own dear home! God grant I may never be an outcast from my city, - leading that cruel helpless life, whose every day is misery. Ere that may I this life complete and yield to death, ay, death; - for there is no misery that doth surpass the loss of fatherland. I have seen with mine eyes, nor from the lips of others have I the lesson learnt; - no city, not one friend doth pity thee in this thine awful woe. May he perish and find no favour, - whoso hath not in him honour for his friends, freely unlocking his heart to them. Never shall he be friend of mine. + to man; but if the Cyprian queen in moderate might approach, no goddess is so full of charm as she. Never, O never, lady mine, discharge at me from thy golden bow a shaft invincible, in passion’s venom dipped. + On me may chastity, heaven’s fairest gift, lookVerrall proposes to read στέγοι protect, for MSS. στέργοι. with a favouring eye; + never may Cypris, goddess dread, fasten on me a temper to dispute, or restless jealousy, smiting my soul with mad desire for unlawful love, but may she hallow peaceful married life and shrewdly decide whom each of us shall wed. O my country, O my own dear home! God grant I may never be an outcast from my city, + leading that cruel helpless life, whose every day is misery. Ere that may I this life complete and yield to death, ay, death; + for there is no misery that doth surpass the loss of fatherland. I have seen with mine eyes, nor from the lips of others have I the lesson learnt; + no city, not one friend doth pity thee in this thine awful woe. May he perish and find no favour, + whoso hath not in him honour for his friends, freely unlocking his heart to them. Never shall he be friend of mine. Aegeus All hail, Medea! no man knoweth fairer prelude to the greeting of friends than this. @@ -571,14 +571,14 @@ Medea Not in words, but he will not stand out against it. Ο, I implore thee by this beard - and by thy knees, in suppliant posture, pity, O pity my sorrows; do not see me cast forth forlorn, but receive me in thy country, to a seat within thy halls. So may thy wish by heaven’s grace be crowned with a full harvest - of offspring, and may thy life close in happiness! Thou knowest not the rare good luck thou findest here, for I will make thy childlessness to cease and cause thee to beget fair issue; so potent are the spells I know. + and by thy knees, in suppliant posture, pity, O pity my sorrows; do not see me cast forth forlorn, but receive me in thy country, to a seat within thy halls. So may thy wish by heaven’s grace be crowned with a full harvest + of offspring, and may thy life close in happiness! Thou knowest not the rare good luck thou findest here, for I will make thy childlessness to cease and cause thee to beget fair issue; so potent are the spells I know. Aegeus Lady, on many grounds I am most fain to grant thee this thy boon, - first for the gods’ sake, next for the children whom thou dost promise I shall beget; for in respect of this I am completely lost.The Schol. gives two interpretations of φροῦδος, (1) I am ruined as far as begetting children goes. (2) I am entirely devoted to doing so. Neither is satisfactory owing to want of parallel passages. ’Tis thus with me; if e’er thou reach my land, I will attempt to champion thee as I am bound to do. - Only one warning I do give thee first, lady; I will not from this land bear thee away, yet if of thyself thou reach my halls, there shalt thou bide in safety and I will never yield thee up to any man. But from this land escape without my aid, - for I have no wish to incur the blame of my allies as well.i.e., as well as Jason. + first for the gods’ sake, next for the children whom thou dost promise I shall beget; for in respect of this I am completely lost.The Schol. gives two interpretations of φροῦδος, (1) I am ruined as far as begetting children goes. (2) I am entirely devoted to doing so. Neither is satisfactory owing to want of parallel passages. ’Tis thus with me; if e’er thou reach my land, I will attempt to champion thee as I am bound to do. + Only one warning I do give thee first, lady; I will not from this land bear thee away, yet if of thyself thou reach my halls, there shalt thou bide in safety and I will never yield thee up to any man. But from this land escape without my aid, + for I have no wish to incur the blame of my allies as well.i.e., as well as Jason. Medea It shall be even so; but wouldst thou pledge thy word to this, I should in all be well content with thee. @@ -588,12 +588,12 @@ Medea Thee I trust; but Pelias’ house and Creon are my foes. - Wherefore, if thou art bound by an oath, thou wilt not giveTo avoid the very doubtful form μεθεῖς = μεθείης some read μεθεῖ’ ἂν. me up to them when they come to drag me from the land, but, having entered into a compact and swornReading ἐνώμοτος. Hermann changes καὶ into μὴ. A simpler change, supported by a Schol., and one MS., would be to read ἀνωμοτος = whereas if thou only make a verbal compact, without oath, thou mightest be persuaded, etc. The whole passage is, as it stands, probably corrupt; numerous emendations have been proposed. If the above emendation be adopted, it will be necessary to alter οὐκ ἂν πίθοιο for which Munro proposed ὀκνῶν πίθοιο = and fearing their demands of surrender thou mightest yield. Wecklein, τάχ’ ἂν τίθοι σε (adopted by Nauck), is tempting. by heaven as well, thou wilt become my friend and disregard their overtures. Weak is any aid of mine, - whilst they have wealth and a princely house. + Wherefore, if thou art bound by an oath, thou wilt not giveTo avoid the very doubtful form μεθεῖς = μεθείης some read μεθεῖ’ ἂν. me up to them when they come to drag me from the land, but, having entered into a compact and swornReading ἐνώμοτος. Hermann changes καὶ into μὴ. A simpler change, supported by a Schol., and one MS., would be to read ἀνωμοτος = whereas if thou only make a verbal compact, without oath, thou mightest be persuaded, etc. The whole passage is, as it stands, probably corrupt; numerous emendations have been proposed. If the above emendation be adopted, it will be necessary to alter οὐκ ἂν πίθοιο for which Munro proposed ὀκνῶν πίθοιο = and fearing their demands of surrender thou mightest yield. Wecklein, τάχ’ ἂν τίθοι σε (adopted by Nauck), is tempting. by heaven as well, thou wilt become my friend and disregard their overtures. Weak is any aid of mine, + whilst they have wealth and a princely house. Aegeus Lady, thy words show much foresight, so if this is thy will, I do not refuse. For I shall feel secure and safe if I have some pretext to offer to thy foes, - and thy case too the firmer stands. Now name thy gods. + and thy case too the firmer stands. Now name thy gods. Medea Swear by the plain of Earth, by Helios my father’s sire, and, in one comprehensive oath, by all the race of gods. @@ -603,7 +603,7 @@ Medea Swear that thou wilt never of thyself expel me from thy land, - nor, whilst life is thine, permit any other, one of my foes maybe, to hale me thence if so he will. + nor, whilst life is thine, permit any other, one of my foes maybe, to hale me thence if so he will. @@ -621,27 +621,27 @@ Chorus May Maia’s princely son - go with thee on thy way to bring thee to thy home, and mayest thou attain that on which thy soul is set so firmly, for to my mind thou seemest a generous man, O Aegeus. + go with thee on thy way to bring thee to thy home, and mayest thou attain that on which thy soul is set so firmly, for to my mind thou seemest a generous man, O Aegeus. Medea O Zeus, and Justice, child of Zeus, and sun-god’s light, - now will I triumph o’er my foes, kind friends; on victory’s road have I set forth; good hope have I of wreaking vengeance on those I hate. For where we were in most distress this stranger hath appeared, to be a haven in my counsels; - to him will we make fast the cables of our ship when we come to the town and citadel of Pallas. But now will I explain to thee my plans in full; do not expect to hear a pleasant tale. A servant of mine will I to Jason - send and crave an interview; then when he comes I will address him with soft words, say, this pleases me, and, that is well, even the marriage with the princess, which my treacherous lord is celebrating, and add it suits us both, ’twas well thought out;Porson condemns these two lines. - then will I entreat that here my children may abide, not that I mean to leave them in a hostile land for foes to flout, but that I may slay the king’s daughter by guile. For I will send them with gifts in their hands, - carrying them unto the bride to save them from banishment, a robe of finest woof and a chaplet of gold. And if these ornaments she take and put them on, miserably shall she die, and likewise everyone who touches her; with such fell poisons will I smear my gifts. - And here I quit this theme; but I shudder at the deed I must do next; for I will slay the children I have borne; there is none shall take them from my toils; and when I have utterly confounded Jason’s house - I will leave the land, escaping punishment for my dear children’s murder, after my most unholy deed. For I cannot endure the taunts of enemies, kind friends; enough! what gain is life to me? I have no country, home, or refuge left. - Ο, I did wrong, that hour I left my father’s home, persuaded by that Hellene’s words, who now shall pay the penalty, so help me God. Never shall he see again alive the children I bore to him, - nor from his new bride shall he beget issue, for she must die a hideous death, slain by my drugs. Let no one deem me a poor weak woman who sits with folded hands, but of another mould, dangerous to foes and well-disposed to friends; - for they win the fairest fame who live their life like me. + now will I triumph o’er my foes, kind friends; on victory’s road have I set forth; good hope have I of wreaking vengeance on those I hate. For where we were in most distress this stranger hath appeared, to be a haven in my counsels; + to him will we make fast the cables of our ship when we come to the town and citadel of Pallas. But now will I explain to thee my plans in full; do not expect to hear a pleasant tale. A servant of mine will I to Jason + send and crave an interview; then when he comes I will address him with soft words, say, this pleases me, and, that is well, even the marriage with the princess, which my treacherous lord is celebrating, and add it suits us both, ’twas well thought out;Porson condemns these two lines. + then will I entreat that here my children may abide, not that I mean to leave them in a hostile land for foes to flout, but that I may slay the king’s daughter by guile. For I will send them with gifts in their hands, + carrying them unto the bride to save them from banishment, a robe of finest woof and a chaplet of gold. And if these ornaments she take and put them on, miserably shall she die, and likewise everyone who touches her; with such fell poisons will I smear my gifts. + And here I quit this theme; but I shudder at the deed I must do next; for I will slay the children I have borne; there is none shall take them from my toils; and when I have utterly confounded Jason’s house + I will leave the land, escaping punishment for my dear children’s murder, after my most unholy deed. For I cannot endure the taunts of enemies, kind friends; enough! what gain is life to me? I have no country, home, or refuge left. + Ο, I did wrong, that hour I left my father’s home, persuaded by that Hellene’s words, who now shall pay the penalty, so help me God. Never shall he see again alive the children I bore to him, + nor from his new bride shall he beget issue, for she must die a hideous death, slain by my drugs. Let no one deem me a poor weak woman who sits with folded hands, but of another mould, dangerous to foes and well-disposed to friends; + for they win the fairest fame who live their life like me. Chorus Since thou hast imparted this design to me, I bid thee hold thy hand, both from a wish to serve thee and because I would uphold the laws men make. Medea It cannot but be so; thy words - I pardon since thou art not in the same sorry plight that I am. + I pardon since thou art not in the same sorry plight that I am. Chorus O lady, wilt thou steel thyself to slay thy children twain? @@ -654,48 +654,48 @@ Medea No matter; wasted is every word that comes ’twixt now and then. - (To the Nurse.) Ho! thou, go call me Jason hither, for thee I do employ on every mission of trust. No word divulge of all my purpose, as thou art to thy mistress loyal and likewise of my sex. + (To the Nurse.) Ho! thou, go call me Jason hither, for thee I do employ on every mission of trust. No word divulge of all my purpose, as thou art to thy mistress loyal and likewise of my sex. Chorus Sons of Erechtheus, heroes happy from of yore, - children of the blessed gods, fed on wisdom’s glorious food in a holy land ne’er pillaged by its foes, ye who move with sprightly step through a climate ever bright - and clear, where, as legend tells, the Muses nine, Pieria’s holy maids, were brought to birth by Harmonia with the golden hair; - and poets sing how Cypris drawing water from the streams of fair-flowing Cephissus breathesReading χώρας with Reiske. The passage is corrupt, and possibly some word is lost. o’er the land a gentle breeze - of balmy winds, and ever as she crowns her tresses with a garland of sweet rose-buds sends forth the Loves to sit by wisdom’s side, - to take a part in every excellence. How then shall the city of sacred streams, the land that welcomes those it loves, receive thee, the murderess of thy children, - thee whose presence with others is a pollution? Think on the murder of thy children, consider the bloody deed thou takest on thee. Nay, by thy knees we, one and all, implore thee, - slay not thy babes. WhereOf the numerous emendations of this corrupt passage, Nauck’s τέκνυν for τέκνοις is the simplest, if it goes far enough. Verrall suggests that a word has fallen out after the second and conjectures μένος of τέχναν. This is not less satisfactory than most of the emendations. shall hand or heart find hardihood enough in wreaking such a fearsome deed upon thy sons? - How wilt thou look upon thy babes, and still without a tear retain thy bloody purpose? Thou canst not, when they fall at thy feet for mercy, steel thy heart and dip - in their blood thy hand. + children of the blessed gods, fed on wisdom’s glorious food in a holy land ne’er pillaged by its foes, ye who move with sprightly step through a climate ever bright + and clear, where, as legend tells, the Muses nine, Pieria’s holy maids, were brought to birth by Harmonia with the golden hair; + and poets sing how Cypris drawing water from the streams of fair-flowing Cephissus breathesReading χώρας with Reiske. The passage is corrupt, and possibly some word is lost. o’er the land a gentle breeze + of balmy winds, and ever as she crowns her tresses with a garland of sweet rose-buds sends forth the Loves to sit by wisdom’s side, + to take a part in every excellence. How then shall the city of sacred streams, the land that welcomes those it loves, receive thee, the murderess of thy children, + thee whose presence with others is a pollution? Think on the murder of thy children, consider the bloody deed thou takest on thee. Nay, by thy knees we, one and all, implore thee, + slay not thy babes. WhereOf the numerous emendations of this corrupt passage, Nauck’s τέκνυν for τέκνοις is the simplest, if it goes far enough. Verrall suggests that a word has fallen out after the second and conjectures μένος of τέχναν. This is not less satisfactory than most of the emendations. shall hand or heart find hardihood enough in wreaking such a fearsome deed upon thy sons? + How wilt thou look upon thy babes, and still without a tear retain thy bloody purpose? Thou canst not, when they fall at thy feet for mercy, steel thy heart and dip + in their blood thy hand. Jason I am come at thy bidding, for e’en though thy hate for me is bitter thou shalt not fail in this small boon, but I will hear what new request thou hast to make of me, lady. Medea Jason, I crave thy pardon - for the words I spoke, and well thou mayest brook my burst of passion, for ere now we twain have shared much love. For I have reasoned with my soul and railed upon me thus, Ah! poor heart 1 why am I thus distraught, why so angered ’gainst all good advice, - why have I come to hate the rulers of the land, my husband too, who does the best for me he can, in wedding with a princess and rearing for my children noble brothers? Shall I not cease to fret? What possesses me, when heaven its best doth offer? - Have I not my children to consider? do I forget that we are fugitives, in need of friends? When I had thought all this I saw how foolish I had been, how senselessly enraged. So now I do commend thee and think thee most wise in forming - this connexion for us; but I was mad, I who should have shared in these designs, helped on thy plans, and lent my aid to bring about the match, only too pleased to wait upon thy bride. But what we are, we are, we women, evil I will not say; - wherefore thou shouldst not sink to our sorry level nor with our weapons meet our childishness. + for the words I spoke, and well thou mayest brook my burst of passion, for ere now we twain have shared much love. For I have reasoned with my soul and railed upon me thus, Ah! poor heart 1 why am I thus distraught, why so angered ’gainst all good advice, + why have I come to hate the rulers of the land, my husband too, who does the best for me he can, in wedding with a princess and rearing for my children noble brothers? Shall I not cease to fret? What possesses me, when heaven its best doth offer? + Have I not my children to consider? do I forget that we are fugitives, in need of friends? When I had thought all this I saw how foolish I had been, how senselessly enraged. So now I do commend thee and think thee most wise in forming + this connexion for us; but I was mad, I who should have shared in these designs, helped on thy plans, and lent my aid to bring about the match, only too pleased to wait upon thy bride. But what we are, we are, we women, evil I will not say; + wherefore thou shouldst not sink to our sorry level nor with our weapons meet our childishness. I yield and do confess that I was wrong then, but now have I come to a better mind. Come hither, my children, come, leave the house, - step forth, and with me greet and bid farewell to your father, be reconciled from all past bitterness unto your friends, as now your mother is; for we have made a truce and anger is no more. + step forth, and with me greet and bid farewell to your father, be reconciled from all past bitterness unto your friends, as now your mother is; for we have made a truce and anger is no more. Enter the Children. Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! - when I reflect, as now, upon the hidden future. O my children, since there awaits you even thus a long, long life, stretch forth the hand to take a fond farewell. Ah me! how newἀρτίδακρυς. The Schol. explains this word as ready to shed tears, but ἄρτι, as Mr. Evelyn Abbott points out, can scarcely bear such a meaning. (Cf., in Heberden’s edition of the Medea, his note.) to tears am I, how full of fear! For now that I have at last released me from my quarrel with your father, - I let the tear-drops stream adown my tender cheek. + when I reflect, as now, upon the hidden future. O my children, since there awaits you even thus a long, long life, stretch forth the hand to take a fond farewell. Ah me! how newἀρτίδακρυς. The Schol. explains this word as ready to shed tears, but ἄρτι, as Mr. Evelyn Abbott points out, can scarcely bear such a meaning. (Cf., in Heberden’s edition of the Medea, his note.) to tears am I, how full of fear! For now that I have at last released me from my quarrel with your father, + I let the tear-drops stream adown my tender cheek. Chorus From my eyes too bursts forth the copious tear; O, may no greater ill than the present e’er befall! Jason Lady, I praise this conduct, not that I blame what is past; for it is but natural to the female sex to vent their spleen against a husband - when he trafficks in other marriages besides his own.i.e., ἀλλοίους. This word is not elsewhere used in tragedy, and has therefore been suspected. Heimsoethius conjectures παρεμπολῶντι δευτέρους, Dindorf δώμασιν. But thy heart is changed to wiser schemes and thou art determined on the better course, late though it be; this is acting like a woman of sober sense. And for you, my sons, hath your father provided - with all good heed a sure refuge, by God’s grace; for ye, I trow, shall with your brothers share hereafter the foremost rank in this Corinthian realm. Only grow up, for all the rest your sire and whoso of the gods is kind to us is bringing to pass. - May I see you reach man’s full estate, high o’er the heads of those I hate! But thou, lady, why with fresh tears dost thou thine eyelids wet, turning away thy wan cheek, with no welcome for these my happy tidings? + when he trafficks in other marriages besides his own.i.e., ἀλλοίους. This word is not elsewhere used in tragedy, and has therefore been suspected. Heimsoethius conjectures παρεμπολῶντι δευτέρους, Dindorf δώμασιν. But thy heart is changed to wiser schemes and thou art determined on the better course, late though it be; this is acting like a woman of sober sense. And for you, my sons, hath your father provided + with all good heed a sure refuge, by God’s grace; for ye, I trow, shall with your brothers share hereafter the foremost rank in this Corinthian realm. Only grow up, for all the rest your sire and whoso of the gods is kind to us is bringing to pass. + May I see you reach man’s full estate, high o’er the heads of those I hate! But thou, lady, why with fresh tears dost thou thine eyelids wet, turning away thy wan cheek, with no welcome for these my happy tidings? Medea ’Tis naught; upon these children my thoughts were turned. @@ -711,8 +711,8 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Medea I gave them birth; and when thou didst pray long life for them, pity entered into my soul to think that these things must be. But the reason of thy coming hither to speak with me is partly told, the rest will I now mention. Since it is the pleasure of the rulers of the land to banish me, - and well I know ’twere best for me to stand not in the way of thee or of the rulers by dwelling here, enemy as I am thought unto their house, forth from this land in exile am I going, but these children,—that they may know thy fostering hand, - beg Creon to remit their banishment + and well I know ’twere best for me to stand not in the way of thee or of the rulers by dwelling here, enemy as I am thought unto their house, forth from this land in exile am I going, but these children,—that they may know thy fostering hand, + beg Creon to remit their banishment Jason I doubt whether I can persuade him, yet must I attempt it. @@ -724,31 +724,31 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Jason Yea, that will I; and her methinks I shall persuade, - since she is a woman like the rest. + since she is a woman like the rest. Medea I too will aid thee in this task, for by the children’s hand I will send to her gifts that far surpass in beauty, I well know, aught that now is seen ’mongst men, a robe of finest tissue and a chaplet of chased gold. - But one of my attendants must haste and bring the ornaments hither. Happy shall she be not once alone but ten thousandfold, for in thee she wins the noblest soul to share her love, and gets these gifts as well which on a day my father’s sire, the Sun-god, - bestowed on his descendants. My children, take in your hands these wedding gifts, and bear them as an offering to the royal maid, the happy bride; for verily the gifts she shall receive are not to be scorned. + But one of my attendants must haste and bring the ornaments hither. Happy shall she be not once alone but ten thousandfold, for in thee she wins the noblest soul to share her love, and gets these gifts as well which on a day my father’s sire, the Sun-god, + bestowed on his descendants. My children, take in your hands these wedding gifts, and bear them as an offering to the royal maid, the happy bride; for verily the gifts she shall receive are not to be scorned. Jason But why so rashly rob thyself of these gifts? - Dost think a royal palace wants for robes or gold? Keep them, nor give them to another. For well I know that if my lady hold me in esteem, she will set my price above all wealth. + Dost think a royal palace wants for robes or gold? Keep them, nor give them to another. For well I know that if my lady hold me in esteem, she will set my price above all wealth. Medea Say not so; ’tis said that gifts tempt even gods; - and o’er men’s minds gold holds more potent sway than countless words. Fortune smiles upon thy bride, and heaven now doth swell her triumph; youth is hers and princely power; yet to save my children from exile I would barter life, not dross alone. Children, when ye are come to the rich palace, - pray your father’s new bride, my mistress, with suppliant voice to save you from exile, offering her these ornaments the while; for it is most needful that she receive the gifts in her own hand. Now go and linger not; may ye succeed and to your mother bring back - the glad tidings she fain would hear! + and o’er men’s minds gold holds more potent sway than countless words. Fortune smiles upon thy bride, and heaven now doth swell her triumph; youth is hers and princely power; yet to save my children from exile I would barter life, not dross alone. Children, when ye are come to the rich palace, + pray your father’s new bride, my mistress, with suppliant voice to save you from exile, offering her these ornaments the while; for it is most needful that she receive the gifts in her own hand. Now go and linger not; may ye succeed and to your mother bring back + the glad tidings she fain would hear! Chorus Gone, gone is every hope I had that the children yet might live; forth to their doom they now proceed. The hapless bride will take, ay, take the golden crown that is to be her ruin; - with her own hand will she lift and place upon her golden locks the garniture of death. Its grace and sheen divine will tempt her to put on the robe and crown of gold, - and in that act will she deck herself to be a bride amid the dead. Such is the snare whereinto she will fall, such is the deadly doom that waits the hapless maid, nor shall she from the curse escape. - And thou, poor wretch, who to thy sorrow art wedding a king’s daughter, little thinkest of the doom thou art bringing on thy children’s life, or of the cruel death that waits thy bride. + with her own hand will she lift and place upon her golden locks the garniture of death. Its grace and sheen divine will tempt her to put on the robe and crown of gold, + and in that act will she deck herself to be a bride amid the dead. Such is the snare whereinto she will fall, such is the deadly doom that waits the hapless maid, nor shall she from the curse escape. + And thou, poor wretch, who to thy sorrow art wedding a king’s daughter, little thinkest of the doom thou art bringing on thy children’s life, or of the cruel death that waits thy bride. Woe is thee! how art thou fallen from thy high estate! Next do I bewail thy sorrows, O mother hapless in thy children, thou who wilt slay thy babes because thou hast a rival, the babes - thy husband hath deserted impiously to join him to another bride. + thy husband hath deserted impiously to join him to another bride. Attendant Thy children, lady, are from exile freed, and gladly did the royal bride accept thy gifts in her own hands, and so thy children made their peace with her. @@ -770,7 +770,7 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Attendant Have I unwittingly announced some evil tidings? - Have I erred in thinking my news was good? + Have I erred in thinking my news was good? Medea Thy news is as it is; I blame thee not. @@ -794,33 +794,33 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Medea I will obey; go thou within the house - and make the day’s provision for the children. O my babes, my babes, ye have still a city and a home, where far from me and my sad lot you will live your lives, reft of your mother for ever; while I must to another land in banishment, - or ever I have had my joy of you, or lived to see you happy, or ever I have graced your marriage couch, your bride, your bridal bower, or lifted high the wedding torch. Ah me! a victim of my own self-will. So it was all in vain I reared you, O my sons; - in vain did suffer, racked with anguish, enduring the cruel pangs of childbirth. ’Fore Heaven I once had hope, poor me! high hope of ye that you would nurse me in my age and deck my corpse with loving hands, - a boon we mortals covet; but now is my sweet fancy dead and gone; for I must lose you both and in bitterness and sorrow drag through life. And ye shall never with fond eyes see your mother more, for o’er your life there comes a change. - Ah me! ah me! why do ye look at me so, my children? why smile that last sweet smile? Ah me! what am I to do? My heart gives way when I behold my children’s laughing eyes. Ο, I cannot; farewell to all my former schemes; - I will take the children from the land, the babes I bore. Why should I wound their sire by wounding them, and get me a twofold measure of sorrow? No, no, I will not do it. Farewell my scheming! And yet what am I coming to? Can I consent - to let those foes of mine escape from punishment, and incur their mockery? I must face this deed. Out upon my craven heart! to think that I should even have let the softReading πρόεσθαι for which Badham proposes πρόσεσθαι, indulge my mind in gentle thoughts. words escape my soul. Into the house, children! and whoso feels he must not be present at my sacrifice, - must see to it himself; I will not spoil my handiwork. Ah! ah! do not, my heart, O do not do this deed! Let the children go, unhappy one, spare the babes! For if they live, they will cheer thee in our exile there.At Athens. Nay, by the fiends of hell’s abyss, - never, never will I hand my children over to their foes to mock and flout. Die they must in any case, and since ’tis so, why I, the mother who bore them, will give the fatal blow. In any case their doom is fixed and there is no escape. - Already the crown is on her head, the robe is round her, and she is dying, the royal bride; that do I know full well. But now since I have a piteous path to tread, and yet more piteous still the path I send my children on, fain would I say farewell to them. O my babes, - my babes, let your mother kiss your hands. Ah! hands I love so well, O lips most dear to me! O noble form and features of my children, I wish ye joy, but in that other land, for here your father robs you of your home. O the sweet embrace, - the soft young cheek, the fragrant breath! my children! Go, leave me; I cannot bear to longer look upon ye; my sorrow wins the day. At last I understand the awful deed I am to do; but passion, that cause of direst woes to mortal man, - hath triumphed o’er my sober thoughts. + and make the day’s provision for the children. O my babes, my babes, ye have still a city and a home, where far from me and my sad lot you will live your lives, reft of your mother for ever; while I must to another land in banishment, + or ever I have had my joy of you, or lived to see you happy, or ever I have graced your marriage couch, your bride, your bridal bower, or lifted high the wedding torch. Ah me! a victim of my own self-will. So it was all in vain I reared you, O my sons; + in vain did suffer, racked with anguish, enduring the cruel pangs of childbirth. ’Fore Heaven I once had hope, poor me! high hope of ye that you would nurse me in my age and deck my corpse with loving hands, + a boon we mortals covet; but now is my sweet fancy dead and gone; for I must lose you both and in bitterness and sorrow drag through life. And ye shall never with fond eyes see your mother more, for o’er your life there comes a change. + Ah me! ah me! why do ye look at me so, my children? why smile that last sweet smile? Ah me! what am I to do? My heart gives way when I behold my children’s laughing eyes. Ο, I cannot; farewell to all my former schemes; + I will take the children from the land, the babes I bore. Why should I wound their sire by wounding them, and get me a twofold measure of sorrow? No, no, I will not do it. Farewell my scheming! And yet what am I coming to? Can I consent + to let those foes of mine escape from punishment, and incur their mockery? I must face this deed. Out upon my craven heart! to think that I should even have let the softReading πρόεσθαι for which Badham proposes πρόσεσθαι, indulge my mind in gentle thoughts. words escape my soul. Into the house, children! and whoso feels he must not be present at my sacrifice, + must see to it himself; I will not spoil my handiwork. Ah! ah! do not, my heart, O do not do this deed! Let the children go, unhappy one, spare the babes! For if they live, they will cheer thee in our exile there.At Athens. Nay, by the fiends of hell’s abyss, + never, never will I hand my children over to their foes to mock and flout. Die they must in any case, and since ’tis so, why I, the mother who bore them, will give the fatal blow. In any case their doom is fixed and there is no escape. + Already the crown is on her head, the robe is round her, and she is dying, the royal bride; that do I know full well. But now since I have a piteous path to tread, and yet more piteous still the path I send my children on, fain would I say farewell to them. O my babes, + my babes, let your mother kiss your hands. Ah! hands I love so well, O lips most dear to me! O noble form and features of my children, I wish ye joy, but in that other land, for here your father robs you of your home. O the sweet embrace, + the soft young cheek, the fragrant breath! my children! Go, leave me; I cannot bear to longer look upon ye; my sorrow wins the day. At last I understand the awful deed I am to do; but passion, that cause of direst woes to mortal man, + hath triumphed o’er my sober thoughts. Chorus Oft ere now have I pursued subtler themes and have faced graver issues than woman’s sex should seek to probe; - but then e’en we aspire to culture, which dwells with us to teach us wisdom; I say not all; for small is the class amongst women—(one maybe shalt thou find ’mid many)— that is not incapable of culture. - And amongst mortals I do assert that they who are wholly without experience and have never had children far surpass in happiness those who are parents. The childless, because they have never proved - whether children grow up to be a blessing or curse to men are removed from all share in many troubles; whilst those who have a sweet race of children growing up in their houses do wear away, as I perceive, - their whole life through; first with the thought how they may train them up in virtue, next how they shall leave their sons the means to live; and after all this ’tis far from clear whether on good or bad children they bestow their toil. - But one last crowning woe for every mortal man I now will name; suppose that they have found sufficient means to live, and seen their children grow to man’s estate and walk in virtue’s path, still if - fortune so befall,Reading κυρήσει (Ald. et. Schol.). The MSS. vary between κυρήσας, σαι, σει. comes Death and bears the children’s bodies off to Hades. Can it be any profit to the gods to heap upon us mortal men beside our other woes this further grief for children lost, - a grief surpassing all? + but then e’en we aspire to culture, which dwells with us to teach us wisdom; I say not all; for small is the class amongst women—(one maybe shalt thou find ’mid many)— that is not incapable of culture. + And amongst mortals I do assert that they who are wholly without experience and have never had children far surpass in happiness those who are parents. The childless, because they have never proved + whether children grow up to be a blessing or curse to men are removed from all share in many troubles; whilst those who have a sweet race of children growing up in their houses do wear away, as I perceive, + their whole life through; first with the thought how they may train them up in virtue, next how they shall leave their sons the means to live; and after all this ’tis far from clear whether on good or bad children they bestow their toil. + But one last crowning woe for every mortal man I now will name; suppose that they have found sufficient means to live, and seen their children grow to man’s estate and walk in virtue’s path, still if + fortune so befall,Reading κυρήσει (Ald. et. Schol.). The MSS. vary between κυρήσας, σαι, σει. comes Death and bears the children’s bodies off to Hades. Can it be any profit to the gods to heap upon us mortal men beside our other woes this further grief for children lost, + a grief surpassing all? Medea Kind friends, long have I waited expectantly to know how things would at the palace chance. And lo! I see one of Jason’s servants coming hither, whose hurried gasps for breath - proclaim him the bearer of some fresh tidings. + proclaim him the bearer of some fresh tidings. Messenger Fly, fly, Medea! who hast wrought an awful deed, transgressing every law; nor leave behind or sea-borne bark or car that scours the plain. @@ -836,50 +836,50 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Messenger Ha! What? Art sane? Art not distraught, lady, -who hearest with joy the outrage to our royal house done, and art not at the horrid tale afraid? +who hearest with joy the outrage to our royal house done, and art not at the horrid tale afraid? Medea Somewhat have I, too, to say in answer to thy words. Be not so hasty, friend, but tell the manner of their death, for thou wouldst give me double joy, - if so they perished miserably. + if so they perished miserably. Messenger When the children twain whom thou didst bear came with their father and entered the palace of the bride, right glad were we thralls who had shared thy griefs, for instantly from ear to ear a rumour spread - that thou and thy lord had made up your former quarrel. One kissed thy children’s hands, another their golden hair, while I for very joy went with them in person to the women’s chambers. Our mistress, whom now we do revere in thy room, - cast a longing glance at Jason, ere she saw thy children twain; but then she veiled her eyes and turned her blanching cheek away, disgusted at their coming; but thy husband - tried to check his young bride’s angry humour with these words: O, be not angered ’gainst thy friends; cease from wrath and turn once more thy face this way, counting as friends whomso thy husband counts, and accept these gifts, and for my sake crave thy sire - to remit these children’s exile. Soon as she saw the ornaments, no longer she held out, but yielded to her lord in all; and ere the father and his sons were far from the palace gone, she took the broidered robe and put it on, - and set the golden crown about her tresses, arranging her hair at her bright mirror, with many a happy smile at her breathless counterfeit. Then rising from her seat she passed across the chamber, tripping lightly on her fair white foot, - exulting in the gift, with many a glance at her uplifted ankle.τένοντ’ ἐς ὀρθὸν σκοπουμένη, (1) she stretches out her foot to see how the robe falls over it (Paley), (2) she stands on tiptoe and looks back to see how the dress hangs behind = erecto pede (Pflugk) When lo! a scene of awful horror did ensue. In a moment she turned pale, reeled backwards, trembling in every limb, - and sinks upon a seat scarce soon enough to save herself from falling to the ground. An aged dame, one of her company, thinking belike it was a fit from PanAny sudden seizure was ascribed to Pan’s agency. or some god sent, raised a cry of prayer, till from her mouth she saw the foam-flakes issue, her eyeballs - rolling in their sockets, and all the blood her face desert; then did she raise a loud scream far different fiom her former cry. Forthwith one handmaid rushed to her father’s house, another to her new bridegroom to tell his bride’s sad fate, - and the whole house echoed with their running to and fro. By this time would a quick walker have made the turn in a course of six plethraThe reading is doubtful, still more the meaning. The conjecture ἀνελθών is adopted here, with Musgrave’s ἂν ἥπτετο for ἀνθήπτετο, ἀνελθὼν κῶλον ἑκπλέθρου δρόμου. This would mean, her swoon lasted as long as a man would take to go and return the distance of six plethra. The κῶλον then must be the limb, lap of the course up to the turning post. and reached the goal, when she with one awful shriek awoke, poor sufferer, from her speechless trance and oped her closed eyes, - for against her a twofold anguish was warring. The chaplet of gold about her head was sending forth a wondrous stream of ravening flame, while the fine raiment, thy children’s gift, was preying on the hapless maiden’s fair white flesh; - and she starts from her seat in a blaze and seeks to fly, shaking her hair and head this way and that, to cast the crown therefrom; but the gold held firm to its fastenings, and the flame, as she shook her locks, blazed forth the more with double fury. - Then to the earth she sinks, by the cruel blow o’ercome, past all recognition now save to a father’s eye; for her eyes had lost their tranquil gaze, her face no more its natural look preserved, and from the crown of her head blood and fire in mingled stream ran down; - and from her bones the flesh kept peeling off beneath the gnawing of those secret drugs, e’en as when the pine-tree weeps its tears of pitch, a fearsome sight to see. And all were afraid to touch the corpse, for we were warned by what had chanced. Anon came her hapless father - unto the house, all unwitting of her doom, and stumbles o’er the dead, and loud he cried, and folding his arms about her kissed her, with words like these the while, O my poor, poor child, which of the gods hath destroyed thee thus foully? Who is robbing me of thee, old as I am and - ripe for death? O my child, alas! would I could die with thee! He ceased his sad lament, and would have raised his aged frame, but found himself held fast by the finespun robe as ivy that clings to the branches of the bay, and then ensued a fearful struggle. - He strove to rise, but she still held him back; and if ever he pulled with all his might, from off his bones his aged flesh he tore. At last he gave it up, and breathed forth his soul in awful suffering; for he could no longer master the pain. - So there they lie, daughter and aged sire, dead side by side, a grievous sight that calls for tears. And as for thee, I leave thee out of my consideration, for thyself must discover a means to escape punishment. Not now for the first time I think this human life a shadow; - yea, and without shrinking I will say that they amongst men who pretend to wisdom and expend deep thought on words do incur a serious charge of folly; for amongst mortals no man is happy; wealth may pour in and make - one luckier than another, but none can happy be. + that thou and thy lord had made up your former quarrel. One kissed thy children’s hands, another their golden hair, while I for very joy went with them in person to the women’s chambers. Our mistress, whom now we do revere in thy room, + cast a longing glance at Jason, ere she saw thy children twain; but then she veiled her eyes and turned her blanching cheek away, disgusted at their coming; but thy husband + tried to check his young bride’s angry humour with these words: O, be not angered ’gainst thy friends; cease from wrath and turn once more thy face this way, counting as friends whomso thy husband counts, and accept these gifts, and for my sake crave thy sire + to remit these children’s exile. Soon as she saw the ornaments, no longer she held out, but yielded to her lord in all; and ere the father and his sons were far from the palace gone, she took the broidered robe and put it on, + and set the golden crown about her tresses, arranging her hair at her bright mirror, with many a happy smile at her breathless counterfeit. Then rising from her seat she passed across the chamber, tripping lightly on her fair white foot, + exulting in the gift, with many a glance at her uplifted ankle.τένοντ’ ἐς ὀρθὸν σκοπουμένη, (1) she stretches out her foot to see how the robe falls over it (Paley), (2) she stands on tiptoe and looks back to see how the dress hangs behind = erecto pede (Pflugk) When lo! a scene of awful horror did ensue. In a moment she turned pale, reeled backwards, trembling in every limb, + and sinks upon a seat scarce soon enough to save herself from falling to the ground. An aged dame, one of her company, thinking belike it was a fit from PanAny sudden seizure was ascribed to Pan’s agency. or some god sent, raised a cry of prayer, till from her mouth she saw the foam-flakes issue, her eyeballs + rolling in their sockets, and all the blood her face desert; then did she raise a loud scream far different fiom her former cry. Forthwith one handmaid rushed to her father’s house, another to her new bridegroom to tell his bride’s sad fate, + and the whole house echoed with their running to and fro. By this time would a quick walker have made the turn in a course of six plethraThe reading is doubtful, still more the meaning. The conjecture ἀνελθών is adopted here, with Musgrave’s ἂν ἥπτετο for ἀνθήπτετο, ἀνελθὼν κῶλον ἑκπλέθρου δρόμου. This would mean, her swoon lasted as long as a man would take to go and return the distance of six plethra. The κῶλον then must be the limb, lap of the course up to the turning post. and reached the goal, when she with one awful shriek awoke, poor sufferer, from her speechless trance and oped her closed eyes, + for against her a twofold anguish was warring. The chaplet of gold about her head was sending forth a wondrous stream of ravening flame, while the fine raiment, thy children’s gift, was preying on the hapless maiden’s fair white flesh; + and she starts from her seat in a blaze and seeks to fly, shaking her hair and head this way and that, to cast the crown therefrom; but the gold held firm to its fastenings, and the flame, as she shook her locks, blazed forth the more with double fury. + Then to the earth she sinks, by the cruel blow o’ercome, past all recognition now save to a father’s eye; for her eyes had lost their tranquil gaze, her face no more its natural look preserved, and from the crown of her head blood and fire in mingled stream ran down; + and from her bones the flesh kept peeling off beneath the gnawing of those secret drugs, e’en as when the pine-tree weeps its tears of pitch, a fearsome sight to see. And all were afraid to touch the corpse, for we were warned by what had chanced. Anon came her hapless father + unto the house, all unwitting of her doom, and stumbles o’er the dead, and loud he cried, and folding his arms about her kissed her, with words like these the while, O my poor, poor child, which of the gods hath destroyed thee thus foully? Who is robbing me of thee, old as I am and + ripe for death? O my child, alas! would I could die with thee! He ceased his sad lament, and would have raised his aged frame, but found himself held fast by the finespun robe as ivy that clings to the branches of the bay, and then ensued a fearful struggle. + He strove to rise, but she still held him back; and if ever he pulled with all his might, from off his bones his aged flesh he tore. At last he gave it up, and breathed forth his soul in awful suffering; for he could no longer master the pain. + So there they lie, daughter and aged sire, dead side by side, a grievous sight that calls for tears. And as for thee, I leave thee out of my consideration, for thyself must discover a means to escape punishment. Not now for the first time I think this human life a shadow; + yea, and without shrinking I will say that they amongst men who pretend to wisdom and expend deep thought on words do incur a serious charge of folly; for amongst mortals no man is happy; wealth may pour in and make + one luckier than another, but none can happy be. Chorus This day the deity, it seems, will mass on Jason, as he well deserves, a heavy load of evils. Woe is thee, daughter of Creon! We pity thy sad fate, gone as thou art to Hades’ halls - as the price of thy marriage with Jason. + as the price of thy marriage with Jason. Medea My friends, I am resolved upon the deed; at once will I slay my children and then leave this land, without delaying long enough to hand them over to some more savage hand to butcher. - Needs must they die in any case; and since they must, I will slay them—I, the mother that bare them. O heart of mine, steel thyself! Why do I hesitate to do the awful deed that must be done? Come, take the sword, thou wretched hand of mine! - Take it, and advance to the post whence starts thy life of sorrow! Away with cowardice! Give not one thought to thy babes, how dear they are or how thou art their mother This one brief day forget thy children dear, and after that lament; for though thou wilt slay them yet - they were thy darlings still, andThe construction is intentionally irregular. Her emotion prevents a grammatical completion of the sentence. am a lady of sorrows. + Needs must they die in any case; and since they must, I will slay them—I, the mother that bare them. O heart of mine, steel thyself! Why do I hesitate to do the awful deed that must be done? Come, take the sword, thou wretched hand of mine! + Take it, and advance to the post whence starts thy life of sorrow! Away with cowardice! Give not one thought to thy babes, how dear they are or how thou art their mother This one brief day forget thy children dear, and after that lament; for though thou wilt slay them yet + they were thy darlings still, andThe construction is intentionally irregular. Her emotion prevents a grammatical completion of the sentence. am a lady of sorrows. Chorus O earth, O sun whose beam illumines all, look, look upon this lost woman, ere she stretch forth, her murderous hand upon her sons for blood; - for lo! these are scions of thy own golden seed, and the blood of gods is in danger of being shed by man. O light, from Zeus proceeding, stay her, hold her hand, forth from the house - chase this fell bloody fiend by demons led. Vainly wasted were the throes thy children cost thee; vainly hast thou born, it seems, sweet babes, O thou who hast left behind thee that passage through the blue Symplegades, that strangers justly hate. - Ah! hapless one, why doth fierce anger thy soul assail? WhyThis use of ἀμείβεται is so unusual that the passage is open to grave suspicion. The three following lines are extremely confused and probably corrupt. Weil proposes ἐπέγειρεν for ἐπὶ γαῖαν; var. lect. for ξυνῳδὰ is ξύνοιδα. in its place is fell murder growing up? For grievous unto mortal men are pollutions that come of kindred blood poured on the earth, - woes to suit each crime hurled from heaven on the murderer’s house. + for lo! these are scions of thy own golden seed, and the blood of gods is in danger of being shed by man. O light, from Zeus proceeding, stay her, hold her hand, forth from the house + chase this fell bloody fiend by demons led. Vainly wasted were the throes thy children cost thee; vainly hast thou born, it seems, sweet babes, O thou who hast left behind thee that passage through the blue Symplegades, that strangers justly hate. + Ah! hapless one, why doth fierce anger thy soul assail? WhyThis use of ἀμείβεται is so unusual that the passage is open to grave suspicion. The three following lines are extremely confused and probably corrupt. Weil proposes ἐπέγειρεν for ἐπὶ γαῖαν; var. lect. for ξυνῳδὰ is ξύνοιδα. in its place is fell murder growing up? For grievous unto mortal men are pollutions that come of kindred blood poured on the earth, + woes to suit each crime hurled from heaven on the murderer’s house. 1st Son (within). Ah, me; what can I do? Whither fly to escape my mother’s blows? @@ -889,7 +889,7 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Chorus Didst hear, didst hear the children’s cry? O lady, born to sorrow, victim of an evil fate! - Shall I enter the house? For the children’s sake I am resolved to ward off the murder. + Shall I enter the house? For the children’s sake I am resolved to ward off the murder. 1st Son (within). Yea, by heaven I adjure you; help, your aid is needed. @@ -901,15 +901,15 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Chorus O hapless mother, surely thou hast a heart of stone or steel - to slay the offspring of thy womb by such a murderous doom. Of all the wives of yore I know but one who laid her hand upon her children dear, even Ino,This is Euripides’ version of the legend, not the usual one; which makes Athamas the father go mad and kill one son, while Ino leaps into the sea with the other. whom the gods did madden in the day - that the wife of Zeus drove her wandering from her home. But she, poor sufferer, flung herself into the sea because of the foul murder of her children, leaping o’er the wave-beat cliff, and in her death was she united to her children twain. - Can there be any deed of horror left to follow this? Woe for the wooing of women fraught with disaster! What sorrows hast thou caused for men ere now! + to slay the offspring of thy womb by such a murderous doom. Of all the wives of yore I know but one who laid her hand upon her children dear, even Ino,This is Euripides’ version of the legend, not the usual one; which makes Athamas the father go mad and kill one son, while Ino leaps into the sea with the other. whom the gods did madden in the day + that the wife of Zeus drove her wandering from her home. But she, poor sufferer, flung herself into the sea because of the foul murder of her children, leaping o’er the wave-beat cliff, and in her death was she united to her children twain. + Can there be any deed of horror left to follow this? Woe for the wooing of women fraught with disaster! What sorrows hast thou caused for men ere now! Jason Ladies, stationed near this house, pray tell me is the author of these hideous deeds, - Medea, still within, or hath she fled from hence? For she must hide beneath the earth or soar on wings towards heaven’s vault, if she would avoid the vengeance of the royal house. Is she so sure she will escape herself unpunished from this house, - when she hath slain the rulers of the land? But enough of this! I am forgetting her children. As for her, those whom she hath wronged will do the like by her; but I am come to save the children’s life, lest the victim’s kin visit their wrath on me, in vengeance for the murder foul, - wrought by my children’s mother. + Medea, still within, or hath she fled from hence? For she must hide beneath the earth or soar on wings towards heaven’s vault, if she would avoid the vengeance of the royal house. Is she so sure she will escape herself unpunished from this house, + when she hath slain the rulers of the land? But enough of this! I am forgetting her children. As for her, those whom she hath wronged will do the like by her; but I am come to save the children’s life, lest the victim’s kin visit their wrath on me, in vengeance for the murder foul, + wrought by my children’s mother. Chorus Unhappy man, thou knowest not the full extent of thy misery, else had thou never said those words. @@ -936,27 +936,27 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Jason Haste, ye slaves, loose the bolts, - undo the fastenings, that I may see the sight of twofold woe, my murdered sons and her, whose blood in vengeance I will shed. + undo the fastenings, that I may see the sight of twofold woe, my murdered sons and her, whose blood in vengeance I will shed. [Medea in mid air, on a chariot drawn by dragons; the children’s corpses by her. Medea Why shake those doors and attempt to loose their bolts, in quest of the dead and me their murderess? From such toil desist. If thou wouldst aught with me, - say on, if so thou wilt; but never shalt thou lay hand on me, so swift the steeds the sun, my father’s sire, to me doth give to save me from the hand of my foes. + say on, if so thou wilt; but never shalt thou lay hand on me, so swift the steeds the sun, my father’s sire, to me doth give to save me from the hand of my foes. Jason Accursed woman! by gods, by me and all mankind abhorred as never woman was, - who hadst the heart to stab thy babes, thou their mother, leaving me undone and childless; this hast thou done and still dost gaze upon the sun and earth after this deed most impious. Curses on thee! I now perceive what then I missed - in the day I brought thee, fraught with doom, from thy home in a barbarian land to dwell in Hellas, traitress to thy sire and to the land that nurtured thee. On me the gods have hurled the curse that dogged thy steps, for thou didst slay thy brother at his hearth - ere thou cam’st aboard our fair ship Argo. Such was the outset of thy life of crime; then didst thou wed with me, and having born me sons to glut thy passion’s lust, thou now hast slain them. Not one amongst the wives of Hellas e’er had dared - this deed; yet before them all I chose thee for my wife, wedding a foe to be my doom, no woman, but a lioness fiercer than Tyrrhene Scylla in nature. But with reproaches heaped a thousandfold - I cannot wound thee, so brazen is thy nature. Perish, vile sorceress, murderess of thy babes! Whilst I must mourn my luckless fate, for I shall ne’er enjoy my new-found bride, nor shall I have the children, - whom I bred and reared, alive to say the last farewell to me; nay, I have lost them. + who hadst the heart to stab thy babes, thou their mother, leaving me undone and childless; this hast thou done and still dost gaze upon the sun and earth after this deed most impious. Curses on thee! I now perceive what then I missed + in the day I brought thee, fraught with doom, from thy home in a barbarian land to dwell in Hellas, traitress to thy sire and to the land that nurtured thee. On me the gods have hurled the curse that dogged thy steps, for thou didst slay thy brother at his hearth + ere thou cam’st aboard our fair ship Argo. Such was the outset of thy life of crime; then didst thou wed with me, and having born me sons to glut thy passion’s lust, thou now hast slain them. Not one amongst the wives of Hellas e’er had dared + this deed; yet before them all I chose thee for my wife, wedding a foe to be my doom, no woman, but a lioness fiercer than Tyrrhene Scylla in nature. But with reproaches heaped a thousandfold + I cannot wound thee, so brazen is thy nature. Perish, vile sorceress, murderess of thy babes! Whilst I must mourn my luckless fate, for I shall ne’er enjoy my new-found bride, nor shall I have the children, + whom I bred and reared, alive to say the last farewell to me; nay, I have lost them. Medea To this thy speech I could have made a long retort, but Father Zeus knows well all I have done for thee, and the treatment thou hast given me. Yet thou wert not ordained to scorn my love - and lead a life of joy in mockery of me, nor was thy royal bride nor Creon, who gave thee a second wife, to thrust me from this land and rue it not. Wherefore, if thou wilt, call me e’en a lioness, and Scylla, whose home is in the Tyrrhene land; - for I in turn have wrung thy heart, as well I might. + and lead a life of joy in mockery of me, nor was thy royal bride nor Creon, who gave thee a second wife, to thrust me from this land and rue it not. Wherefore, if thou wilt, call me e’en a lioness, and Scylla, whose home is in the Tyrrhene land; + for I in turn have wrung thy heart, as well I might. Jason Thou, too, art grieved thyself, and sharest in my sorrow. @@ -1013,12 +1013,12 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Medea No, never! I will bury them myself, bearing them to Hera’s sacred field, who watches o’er the Cape, - that none of their foes may insult them by pulling down their tombs; and in this land of Sisyphus I will ordain hereafter a solemn feast and mystic rites to atone for this impious murder. Myself will now to the land of Erechtheus, - to dwell with Aegeus, Pandion’s son. But thou, as well thou mayest, shalt die a caitiff’s death, thy headLegend told how Jason was slain by a beam falling on him as he lay asleep under the shadow of his ship Argo. crushed ’neath a shattered relic of Argo, when thou hast seen the bitter ending of my marriage. + that none of their foes may insult them by pulling down their tombs; and in this land of Sisyphus I will ordain hereafter a solemn feast and mystic rites to atone for this impious murder. Myself will now to the land of Erechtheus, + to dwell with Aegeus, Pandion’s son. But thou, as well thou mayest, shalt die a caitiff’s death, thy headLegend told how Jason was slain by a beam falling on him as he lay asleep under the shadow of his ship Argo. crushed ’neath a shattered relic of Argo, when thou hast seen the bitter ending of my marriage. Jason The curse of our sons’ avenging spirit and of Justice, - that calls for blood, be on thee! + that calls for blood, be on thee! Medea What god or power divine hears thee, breaker of oaths and every law of hospitality? @@ -1051,7 +1051,7 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Jason One last fond kiss, ah me! - I fain would on their lips imprint. + I fain would on their lips imprint. Medea Embraces now, and fond farewells for them; but then a cold repulse! @@ -1064,7 +1064,7 @@ Take his right hand; ah me! my sad fate! Jason O Zeus, dost hear how I am driven hence; dost mark the treatment I receive from this she-lion, fell murderess of her young? Yet so far as I may and can, I raise for them a dirge, - and do adjureκἀπιθεάζω, Blomfield’s emendation for MSS. κἀπιθοάζω. the gods to witness how thou hast slain my sons, and wilt not suffer me to embrace or bury their dead bodies. Would I had never begotten them to see thee slay them after all! + and do adjureκἀπιθεάζω, Blomfield’s emendation for MSS. κἀπιθοάζω. the gods to witness how thou hast slain my sons, and wilt not suffer me to embrace or bury their dead bodies. Would I had never begotten them to see thee slay them after all! Chorus Many a fate doth Zeus dispense, high on his Olympian throne; oft do the gods bring things to pass beyond man’s expectation; that, which we thought would be, is not fulfilled, while for the unlooked-for god finds out a way; and such hath been the issue of this matter. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg004/tlg0006.tlg004.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg004/tlg0006.tlg004.perseus-eng2.xml index f12eafb16..1682aca10 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg004/tlg0006.tlg004.perseus-eng2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg004/tlg0006.tlg004.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -74,20 +74,20 @@ Iolaus I hold this true, and long have held: Nature hath made one man upright for his neighbours’ good, while another hath a disposition wholly given over to gain, useless alike to the state and difficult to have dealings with, - but for himself the best of men; and this I know, not from mere hearsay. I, for instance, from pure regard and reverence for my kith and kin, though I might have lived at peace in Argos, alone of all my race shared with Heracles his labours, while he was yet with us, and now that he dwells in heaven, - I keep these his children safe beneath my wing, though myself I need protection. For when their father passed from earth away, Eurystheus would first of all have slain us, but we escaped. And though our home is lost, our life was saved. But in exile we wander from city to city, - ever forced to roam. For, added to our former wrongs, Eurystheus thought it fit to put this further outrage upon us: wheresoe’er he heard that we were settling, thither would he send heralds - demanding our surrender and driving us from thence, holdingReading προτείνων (Canter’s emendation of προτιμῶν MS.). out this threat, that Argos is no mean city to make a friend or foe, and furthermore pointing to his own prosperity. So they, seeing how weak my means, and these little ones left without a father, - bow to his superior might and drive us from their land. And I share the exile of these children, and help them bear their evil lot by my sympathy, loth to betray them, lest someone say, Look you! now that the children’s sire is dead, - Iolaus no more protects them, kinsman though he is. Not one corner left us in the whole of Hellas, we are come to Marathon and its neighbouring land, and here we sit as suppliants at the altars of the gods, and pray their aid; for ’tis said - two sons of Theseus dwell upon these plains, the lot of their inheritance, scions of Pandion’s stock, related to these children; this the reason we have come on this our way to the borders of glorious Athens. To lead the flight two aged guides are we; - my care is centred on these boys, while she, I mean Alcmena, clasps her son’s daughter in her arms, and bears her for safety within this shrine, for we shrink from letting tender maidensTradition only assigned one daughter, Macaria, to the hero. παρθένους is to be understood quite generally. come anigh the crowd or stand as suppliants at the altar. - Now Hyllus and the elder of his brethren are seeking some place for us to find a refuge, if we are driven by force from this land. O children, children, come hither! hold unto my robe; for lo! I see a herald coming towards us from Eurystheus, - by whom we are persecuted, wanderers excluded from every land. A curse on thee and him that sent thee, hateful wretch! for that same tongue of thine hath oft announced its master’s evil hests to these children’s noble sire as well. + but for himself the best of men; and this I know, not from mere hearsay. I, for instance, from pure regard and reverence for my kith and kin, though I might have lived at peace in Argos, alone of all my race shared with Heracles his labours, while he was yet with us, and now that he dwells in heaven, + I keep these his children safe beneath my wing, though myself I need protection. For when their father passed from earth away, Eurystheus would first of all have slain us, but we escaped. And though our home is lost, our life was saved. But in exile we wander from city to city, + ever forced to roam. For, added to our former wrongs, Eurystheus thought it fit to put this further outrage upon us: wheresoe’er he heard that we were settling, thither would he send heralds + demanding our surrender and driving us from thence, holdingReading προτείνων (Canter’s emendation of προτιμῶν MS.). out this threat, that Argos is no mean city to make a friend or foe, and furthermore pointing to his own prosperity. So they, seeing how weak my means, and these little ones left without a father, + bow to his superior might and drive us from their land. And I share the exile of these children, and help them bear their evil lot by my sympathy, loth to betray them, lest someone say, Look you! now that the children’s sire is dead, + Iolaus no more protects them, kinsman though he is. Not one corner left us in the whole of Hellas, we are come to Marathon and its neighbouring land, and here we sit as suppliants at the altars of the gods, and pray their aid; for ’tis said + two sons of Theseus dwell upon these plains, the lot of their inheritance, scions of Pandion’s stock, related to these children; this the reason we have come on this our way to the borders of glorious Athens. To lead the flight two aged guides are we; + my care is centred on these boys, while she, I mean Alcmena, clasps her son’s daughter in her arms, and bears her for safety within this shrine, for we shrink from letting tender maidensTradition only assigned one daughter, Macaria, to the hero. παρθένους is to be understood quite generally. come anigh the crowd or stand as suppliants at the altar. + Now Hyllus and the elder of his brethren are seeking some place for us to find a refuge, if we are driven by force from this land. O children, children, come hither! hold unto my robe; for lo! I see a herald coming towards us from Eurystheus, + by whom we are persecuted, wanderers excluded from every land. A curse on thee and him that sent thee, hateful wretch! for that same tongue of thine hath oft announced its master’s evil hests to these children’s noble sire as well. Copreus Doubtless thy folly lets thee think this is a good position to have taken up, and that thou art come to a city that will help thee. No ! there is none that will prefer thy feeble arm to the might of Eurystheus. Begone! why take this trouble? Thou must arise and go - to Argos, where awaits thee death by stoning. + to Argos, where awaits thee death by stoning. Iolaus Not so, for the god’s altar will protect me, and this land of freedom, wherein we have set foot. @@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ Iolaus Help, ye who long nave had your home in Athens! - we suppliants at Zeus’ altar in your market-place are being haled by force away, our sacred wreaths defiled, shame to your city, to the gods dishonour. + we suppliants at Zeus’ altar in your market-place are being haled by force away, our sacred wreaths defiled, shame to your city, to the gods dishonour. Chorus Hark, hark! What cry is this that rises near the altar? At once explain the nature of the trouble. @@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ Iolaus Sirs, no island life I lead, - but from Mycenae to thy land I come. + but from Mycenae to thy land I come. Chorus What do they call thee, aged sir, those folk in Mycenae? @@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ Copreus Nay, this will nowise satisfy thy masters, - who o’er thee have a right, and so have tracked thee hither. + who o’er thee have a right, and so have tracked thee hither. Chorus Stranger, ’tis but right we should reverence the gods’ suppliants, suffering none with violent hand to make themReading σφε (Musgrave) for MS. σε. Schmidt, τάδ’ ἀλιτεῖν σ’ ἕδη thee (i.e. Copreus) to transgress against. leave the altars, for that will dread Justice ne’er permit. @@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ Copreus Yet ’tis well to keep clear of troubles, - by adopting that counsel, which is the wiser. + by adopting that counsel, which is the wiser. Chorus Thou then, shouldst have told the monarch of this land thy errand before being so bold, out of regard to his country’s freedom, instead of trying to drag strangers by force from the altars of the gods. @@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ Chorus There sit the sons of Heracles as suppliants, having wreathed the altar, as thou seest, O king, - and with them is Iolaus, trusty comrade of their sire. + and with them is Iolaus, trusty comrade of their sire. Demophon @@ -202,42 +202,42 @@ Copreus An Argive I; since that thou seek’st to know. - Who sent me, and the object of my coming, will I freely tell. Eurystheus, king of Mycenae, sends me hither to fetch these back; and I have come, sir stranger, with just grounds in plenty, alike for speech or action. An Argive myself, Argives I come to fetch, - taking with me these runaways from my native city, on whom the doom of death was passed by our laws there; and we have a right, since we rule our city independently, to ratify its sentences. And though they have come as suppliants to the altars of numerous others, - we have taken our stand on these same arguments, and no one has ventured to bring upon himself evils of his own getting. But they have come hither, either because they perceived some folly in thee, or, in their perplexity, staking all on one risky throw to win or lose; - for surely they do not suppose that thou, if so thou hast thy senses still, and only thou, in all the breadth of Hellas they have traversed, wilt pity their foolish troubles. Come now, put argument against argument: what will be thy gain, suppose thou admit them to thy land, or let us take them hence? - From us these benefits are thine to win: this city can secure as friends Argos, with its far-reaching arm, and Eurystheus’ might complete; whilst if thou lend an ear to their piteous pleading and grow soft, the matter - must result in trial of arms; for be sure we shall not yield this struggle without appealing to the sword. What pretext wilt thou urge? Of what domains art thou robbed that thou shouldst take and wage war with the Tirynthian Argives? What kind of allies art thou aiding? ForNauck brackets this sentence as spurious. whom - will they have fallen whom thou buriest? Surely thou wilt get an evil name from the citizens, if for the sake of an old man with one foot in the grave, a mere shadow I may say, and for these children, thou wilt plunge into troublous waters. The besti.e. a hope that they will do the same for you in your hour of need. Jebb suggested (Cf. Jerram) Ἐρῶ τὸ λῷστον· ἐλπιδ’ εὑρήσει μόνον I will put your case in the best light: you will find hope and nothing more. A most tempting elucidation of a very puzzling passage. thou canst say is, that thou wilt find in them a hope, and nothing more; - and yet this falls far short of the present need; for these would be but a poor match for Argives even when fully armed and in their prime, if haply that raises thy spirits; moreover, the time ’twixt now and then is long, wherein ye may be blotted out. Nay, hearken to me; - give me naught, but let me take mine own, and so gain Mycenae; but forbear to act now, as is your Athenian way, and take the weaker side, when it is in thy power to choose the stronger as thy friends. + Who sent me, and the object of my coming, will I freely tell. Eurystheus, king of Mycenae, sends me hither to fetch these back; and I have come, sir stranger, with just grounds in plenty, alike for speech or action. An Argive myself, Argives I come to fetch, + taking with me these runaways from my native city, on whom the doom of death was passed by our laws there; and we have a right, since we rule our city independently, to ratify its sentences. And though they have come as suppliants to the altars of numerous others, + we have taken our stand on these same arguments, and no one has ventured to bring upon himself evils of his own getting. But they have come hither, either because they perceived some folly in thee, or, in their perplexity, staking all on one risky throw to win or lose; + for surely they do not suppose that thou, if so thou hast thy senses still, and only thou, in all the breadth of Hellas they have traversed, wilt pity their foolish troubles. Come now, put argument against argument: what will be thy gain, suppose thou admit them to thy land, or let us take them hence? + From us these benefits are thine to win: this city can secure as friends Argos, with its far-reaching arm, and Eurystheus’ might complete; whilst if thou lend an ear to their piteous pleading and grow soft, the matter + must result in trial of arms; for be sure we shall not yield this struggle without appealing to the sword. What pretext wilt thou urge? Of what domains art thou robbed that thou shouldst take and wage war with the Tirynthian Argives? What kind of allies art thou aiding? ForNauck brackets this sentence as spurious. whom + will they have fallen whom thou buriest? Surely thou wilt get an evil name from the citizens, if for the sake of an old man with one foot in the grave, a mere shadow I may say, and for these children, thou wilt plunge into troublous waters. The besti.e. a hope that they will do the same for you in your hour of need. Jebb suggested (Cf. Jerram) Ἐρῶ τὸ λῷστον· ἐλπιδ’ εὑρήσει μόνον I will put your case in the best light: you will find hope and nothing more. A most tempting elucidation of a very puzzling passage. thou canst say is, that thou wilt find in them a hope, and nothing more; + and yet this falls far short of the present need; for these would be but a poor match for Argives even when fully armed and in their prime, if haply that raises thy spirits; moreover, the time ’twixt now and then is long, wherein ye may be blotted out. Nay, hearken to me; + give me naught, but let me take mine own, and so gain Mycenae; but forbear to act now, as is your Athenian way, and take the weaker side, when it is in thy power to choose the stronger as thy friends. Chorus Who can decide a cause or ascertain its merits, - till from both sides he clearly learn what they would say? + till from both sides he clearly learn what they would say? Iolaus O king, in thy land I start with this advantage, the right to hear and speak in turn, and none, ere that, will drive me hence as elsewhere they would. ’Twixt us and him is naught in common, - for we no longer have aught to do with Argos since that decree was passed, but we are exiles from our native land; how then can he justly drag us back as subjects of Mycenae,Mycenae and Argos are used indiscrimately, in the same way that Euripides elsewhere speaks of Greeks as Argives, Achaeans, Hellenes, etc., without distinction. seeing that they have banished us? For we are strangers. - Or do ye claim that every exile from Argos is exiled from the bounds of Hellas? Not from Athens surely; for ne’er will she for fear of Argos drive the children of Heracles from her land. Here is no Trachis, not at all; no! nor that Achaean town, whence thou, defying justice, - but boasting of the might of Argos in the very words thou now art using, didst drive the suppliants from their station at the altar. If this shall be, and they thy words approve, why then I trow this is no more Athens, the home of freedom. Nay, but I know the temper and nature of these citizens; - they would rather die, for honour ranks before mere life with men of worth. Enough of Athens! for excessive praise is apt to breed disgust; and oft ere now I have myself felt vexed at praise that knows no bounds. - But to thee, as ruler of this land, I fain would show the reason why thou art bound to save these children. Pittheus was the son of Pelops; from him sprung Aethra, and from her Theseus thy sire was born. And now will I trace back these children’s lineage for thee. - Heracles was son of Zeus and Alcmena; Alcmena sprang from Pelops’ daughter; therefore thy father and their father would be the sons of first cousins. Thus then art thou to them related, O Demophon, but thy just debt to them beyond the ties of kinship - do I now declare to thee; for I assert, in days gone by, I was with Theseus on the ship, as their father’s squire, when they went to fetch that girdle fraught with death; yea, and from Hades’ murky dungeons did Heracles bring thy father up; as all Hellas doth attest. - The following six lines have been condemned by the joint verdict of Paley, Porson, and Dindorf. Wherefore in return they crave this boon of thee, that they be not surrendered up nor torn by force from the altars of thy gods and cast forth from the land. For this were shame on thee, andThis line as it stands has a syllable too many for the metre. Hermann omits τε. Wecklein inserts τῇ and omits κακόν. hurtful likewise in thy state, should suppliants, exiles, - kith and kin of thine, be haled away by force. For pity’s sake! cast one glance at them. I do entreat thee, laying my suppliant bough upon thee, by thy hands and beard, slight not the sons of Heracles, now that thou hast them in thy power to help. Show thyself their kinsman and their friend; - be to them father, brother, lord; for better each and all of these than to fall beneath the Argives’ hand. + for we no longer have aught to do with Argos since that decree was passed, but we are exiles from our native land; how then can he justly drag us back as subjects of Mycenae,Mycenae and Argos are used indiscrimately, in the same way that Euripides elsewhere speaks of Greeks as Argives, Achaeans, Hellenes, etc., without distinction. seeing that they have banished us? For we are strangers. + Or do ye claim that every exile from Argos is exiled from the bounds of Hellas? Not from Athens surely; for ne’er will she for fear of Argos drive the children of Heracles from her land. Here is no Trachis, not at all; no! nor that Achaean town, whence thou, defying justice, + but boasting of the might of Argos in the very words thou now art using, didst drive the suppliants from their station at the altar. If this shall be, and they thy words approve, why then I trow this is no more Athens, the home of freedom. Nay, but I know the temper and nature of these citizens; + they would rather die, for honour ranks before mere life with men of worth. Enough of Athens! for excessive praise is apt to breed disgust; and oft ere now I have myself felt vexed at praise that knows no bounds. + But to thee, as ruler of this land, I fain would show the reason why thou art bound to save these children. Pittheus was the son of Pelops; from him sprung Aethra, and from her Theseus thy sire was born. And now will I trace back these children’s lineage for thee. + Heracles was son of Zeus and Alcmena; Alcmena sprang from Pelops’ daughter; therefore thy father and their father would be the sons of first cousins. Thus then art thou to them related, O Demophon, but thy just debt to them beyond the ties of kinship + do I now declare to thee; for I assert, in days gone by, I was with Theseus on the ship, as their father’s squire, when they went to fetch that girdle fraught with death; yea, and from Hades’ murky dungeons did Heracles bring thy father up; as all Hellas doth attest. + The following six lines have been condemned by the joint verdict of Paley, Porson, and Dindorf. Wherefore in return they crave this boon of thee, that they be not surrendered up nor torn by force from the altars of thy gods and cast forth from the land. For this were shame on thee, andThis line as it stands has a syllable too many for the metre. Hermann omits τε. Wecklein inserts τῇ and omits κακόν. hurtful likewise in thy state, should suppliants, exiles, + kith and kin of thine, be haled away by force. For pity’s sake! cast one glance at them. I do entreat thee, laying my suppliant bough upon thee, by thy hands and beard, slight not the sons of Heracles, now that thou hast them in thy power to help. Show thyself their kinsman and their friend; + be to them father, brother, lord; for better each and all of these than to fall beneath the Argives’ hand. Chorus O king, I pity them, hearing their sad lot Now more than ever do I see noble birth o’ercome by fortune; for these, though sprung from a noble sire, - are suffering what they ne’er deserved. + are suffering what they ne’er deserved. Demophon Three aspects of the case constrain me, Iolaus, not to spurn the guests thou bringest; first and foremost, there is Zeus, at whose altar thou art seated with these tender children gathered round thee; - next come ties of kin, and the debt I owe to treat them kindly for their father’s sake; and last, mine honour, which before all I must regard; for if I permit this altar to be violently despoiled by stranger hands, men will think - the land I inhabit is free no more, and that through fearReading ὄκνῳ. I have surrendered suppliants to Argives, and this comes nigh to make one hang oneself. Would that thou hadst come under a luckier star! yet, as it is, fear not that any man shall tear thee and these children from the altar by force. - Get thee (to Copreus) to Argos and tell Eurystheus so; yea and more, if he have any charge against these strangers, he shall have justice; but never shalt thou drag them hence. + next come ties of kin, and the debt I owe to treat them kindly for their father’s sake; and last, mine honour, which before all I must regard; for if I permit this altar to be violently despoiled by stranger hands, men will think + the land I inhabit is free no more, and that through fearReading ὄκνῳ. I have surrendered suppliants to Argives, and this comes nigh to make one hang oneself. Would that thou hadst come under a luckier star! yet, as it is, fear not that any man shall tear thee and these children from the altar by force. + Get thee (to Copreus) to Argos and tell Eurystheus so; yea and more, if he have any charge against these strangers, he shall have justice; but never shalt thou drag them hence. Copreus Not even if I have right upon my side and prove my case? @@ -305,96 +305,96 @@ Copreus I go; for ’tis feeble fighting with a single arm. - But I will come again, bringing hither a host of Argive troops, spearmen clad in bronze; for countless warriors are awaiting my return, and king Eurystheus in person at their head; anxiously he waits the issue here on the borders of Alcathous’He was king of Megara. realm. - And when he hears thy haughty answer, he will burst upon thee, and thy citizens, on this land and all that grows therein; for all in vain should we possess such hosts of picked young troops in Argos, should we forbear to punish thee. [Exit Copreus. + But I will come again, bringing hither a host of Argive troops, spearmen clad in bronze; for countless warriors are awaiting my return, and king Eurystheus in person at their head; anxiously he waits the issue here on the borders of Alcathous’He was king of Megara. realm. + And when he hears thy haughty answer, he will burst upon thee, and thy citizens, on this land and all that grows therein; for all in vain should we possess such hosts of picked young troops in Argos, should we forbear to punish thee. [Exit Copreus. Demophon Perdition seize thee ! I am not afraid of thy Argos. - Be very sure thou shalt not drag these suppliants hence by force, to my shame; for I hold not this city subject unto Argos, but independently. + Be very sure thou shalt not drag these suppliants hence by force, to my shame; for I hold not this city subject unto Argos, but independently. Chorus ’Tis time to use our forethought, ere the host of Argos approach our frontier, - for exceeding fierce are the warriors of Mycenae, and in the present case still more than heretofore. For all heralds observe this custom, to exaggerate what happened twofold. Bethink thee what a tale he will tell his master - of his dreadful treatment, how he came very near losing his life altogether. + for exceeding fierce are the warriors of Mycenae, and in the present case still more than heretofore. For all heralds observe this custom, to exaggerate what happened twofold. Bethink thee what a tale he will tell his master + of his dreadful treatment, how he came very near losing his life altogether. Iolaus Children have no fairer prize than this, the being born of a good and noble sire, and the power to wed from noble families; but whoso is enslaved by passion - and makes a lowborn match, I cannot praise for leaving to his children a legacy of shame, to gratify himself. For noble birth offers a stouter resistance to adversity than base parentage; we, for instance, in the last extremity of woe, have found friends - and kinsmen here, the only champions of these children through all the length and breadth of this Hellenic world. Give, children, give to them your hand, and they the same to you; draw near to them. Ah! children, we have made trial of our friends, - and if ever ye see the path that leads you back to your native land, and possess your home and the honours of your father, count them ever as your friends and saviours, and never lift against their land the foeman’s spear, in memory of this, but hold this city - first midst those ye love. Yea, they well deserve your warm regard, in that they have shifted from our shoulders to their own the enmity of so mighty a land as Argos and its people, though they saw we were vagabonds and beggars; still they did not give us up nor drive us forth. - So while I live, and after death,—come when it will,—loudly will I sing thy praise, good friend, and will extol thee as I stand at Theseus’ side, and cheer his heart, as I tell how thou didst give kind welcome and protection to the sons of Heracles, and how nobly - thou dost preserve thy father’s fame through the length of Hellas, and hast not fallen from the high estate, to which thy father brought thee, a lot which few others can boast; for ’mongst the many wilt thou find one maybe, that is not degenerate from his sire. + and makes a lowborn match, I cannot praise for leaving to his children a legacy of shame, to gratify himself. For noble birth offers a stouter resistance to adversity than base parentage; we, for instance, in the last extremity of woe, have found friends + and kinsmen here, the only champions of these children through all the length and breadth of this Hellenic world. Give, children, give to them your hand, and they the same to you; draw near to them. Ah! children, we have made trial of our friends, + and if ever ye see the path that leads you back to your native land, and possess your home and the honours of your father, count them ever as your friends and saviours, and never lift against their land the foeman’s spear, in memory of this, but hold this city + first midst those ye love. Yea, they well deserve your warm regard, in that they have shifted from our shoulders to their own the enmity of so mighty a land as Argos and its people, though they saw we were vagabonds and beggars; still they did not give us up nor drive us forth. + So while I live, and after death,—come when it will,—loudly will I sing thy praise, good friend, and will extol thee as I stand at Theseus’ side, and cheer his heart, as I tell how thou didst give kind welcome and protection to the sons of Heracles, and how nobly + thou dost preserve thy father’s fame through the length of Hellas, and hast not fallen from the high estate, to which thy father brought thee, a lot which few others can boast; for ’mongst the many wilt thou find one maybe, that is not degenerate from his sire. Chorus This land is ever ready - in an honest cause to aid the helpless. Wherefore ere now it hath endured troubles numberless for friends, and now in this I see a struggle nigh at hand. + in an honest cause to aid the helpless. Wherefore ere now it hath endured troubles numberless for friends, and now in this I see a struggle nigh at hand. Demophon Thou hast spoken well, and I feel confident their conduct will be such; our kindness will they not forget. - Now will I muster the citizens and set them in array, that I may receive Mycenae’s host with serried ranks. But first will I send scouts to meet them, lest they fall upon me unawares; for at Argos every man is prompt to answer to the call, - and I will assemble prophets and ordain a sacrifice. But do thou leave the altar of Zeus and go with the children into the house; for there are those, who will care for thee, even though I be abroad. Enter then my house, old man. + Now will I muster the citizens and set them in array, that I may receive Mycenae’s host with serried ranks. But first will I send scouts to meet them, lest they fall upon me unawares; for at Argos every man is prompt to answer to the call, + and I will assemble prophets and ordain a sacrifice. But do thou leave the altar of Zeus and go with the children into the house; for there are those, who will care for thee, even though I be abroad. Enter then my house, old man. Iolaus I will not leave the altar. LetOr, let us keep our suppliant seat, awaiting the city’s success. - us sit here still, praying for the city’s fair success, and when thou hast made a glorious end of this struggle, will we go unto the house; nor are the gods who champion us weaker than the gods of Argos, O king; Hera, wife of Zeus, is their leader; - Athena ours. And this I say is an omen of success, that we have the stronger deity, for Pallas will not brook defeat. [Exit Demophon. + us sit here still, praying for the city’s fair success, and when thou hast made a glorious end of this struggle, will we go unto the house; nor are the gods who champion us weaker than the gods of Argos, O king; Hera, wife of Zeus, is their leader; + Athena ours. And this I say is an omen of success, that we have the stronger deity, for Pallas will not brook defeat. [Exit Demophon. Chorus Though loud thy boasts, there be others care no more for thee for that, - O strangerReading ὧ ξεῖν’ Ἀργόθεν ἐλθών (Erfurdt). from the land of Argos; nor wilt thou scare my soul with swelling words. Not yet be this the fate of mighty Athens, beauteous town! - But thou art void of sense, and so is he, who lords it o’er Argos, the son of Sthenelus,—thou that comest to another state, in no wise weaker than Argos, - and, stranger that thou art, wouldst drag away by force suppliants of the gods, wanderers that clingReading with Dindorf ἀντισχομένους. Nauck has ἀντομένους. to my land for help, refusing to yield to our king, nor yet having any honest plea to urge. How can such conduct count as honourable, - at least in wise men’s judgment? I am for peace myself; yet I tell thee, wicked king, although thou come unto my city, thou shalt not get so easily what thou expectest. - Thou art not the only man to wield a sword or targe with plates of brass. Nay, thou eager warrior, I warn thee, bring not war’s alarms against our lovely - town; restrain thyself. + O strangerReading ὧ ξεῖν’ Ἀργόθεν ἐλθών (Erfurdt). from the land of Argos; nor wilt thou scare my soul with swelling words. Not yet be this the fate of mighty Athens, beauteous town! + But thou art void of sense, and so is he, who lords it o’er Argos, the son of Sthenelus,—thou that comest to another state, in no wise weaker than Argos, + and, stranger that thou art, wouldst drag away by force suppliants of the gods, wanderers that clingReading with Dindorf ἀντισχομένους. Nauck has ἀντομένους. to my land for help, refusing to yield to our king, nor yet having any honest plea to urge. How can such conduct count as honourable, + at least in wise men’s judgment? I am for peace myself; yet I tell thee, wicked king, although thou come unto my city, thou shalt not get so easily what thou expectest. + Thou art not the only man to wield a sword or targe with plates of brass. Nay, thou eager warrior, I warn thee, bring not war’s alarms against our lovely + town; restrain thyself. Iolaus My son, why, prithee, art thou returned with that anxious look? Hast thou news of the enemy? Are they coming, are they here, or what thy tidings? For of a surety yon herald will not play us false. - No! sure I am their captain, prosperous heretofore, will come, with thoughts exceeding proud against Athens. But Zeus doth punish overweening pride. + No! sure I am their captain, prosperous heretofore, will come, with thoughts exceeding proud against Athens. But Zeus doth punish overweening pride. Demophon The host of Argos is come, and Eurystheus its king; - my own eyes saw him, for the man who thinks he knows good generalship must see the foe not by messengers alone. As yet, however, he hath not sent his host into the plain, but, camped upon a rocky brow, - is watching—I only tell thee what I think this means—to see by which road to lead his army hither without fighting, and how to take up a safe position in this land. However, all my plans are by this time carefully laid; the city is under arms, the victims - stand ready to be slain to every god, whose due this is; my seers have filled the town with sacrifices, to turn the foe to flight and keep our country safe. All those who chant prophetic words have I assembled, and have examined ancient oracles, both public and secret, - as means to save this city. And though the several answers differ in many points, yet in one is the sentiment of all clearly the same; they bid me sacrifice to Demeter’sPersephone, queen of the dead. daughter some maiden from a noble father sprung. - Now I, though in your cause I am as zealous as thou seest, yet will not slay my child, nor will I compel any of my subjects to do so against his will; for who of his own will doth harbour such an evil thought as to yield with his own hands the child he loves? - And now thou mayestHartung unnecessarily reads ἀστῶν ἴδοις. see angry gatherings, where some declare, ’tis right to stand by suppliant strangers, while others charge me with folly; but if I doReading εἰ δὲ δὴ which gives a quite intelligible sense; yet it has been altered by some into ἢν δὲ μὴ. this deed, a civil war is then and there on foot. - Do thou then look to this and help to find a way to save yourselves and this country without causing me to be slandered by the citizens. For I am no despot like a barbarian monarch; but providedCobet proposed ἤνπερ ἄδικα, i.e. if I do what is unjust, I shall get my deserts. I do what is just, just will my treatment be. + my own eyes saw him, for the man who thinks he knows good generalship must see the foe not by messengers alone. As yet, however, he hath not sent his host into the plain, but, camped upon a rocky brow, + is watching—I only tell thee what I think this means—to see by which road to lead his army hither without fighting, and how to take up a safe position in this land. However, all my plans are by this time carefully laid; the city is under arms, the victims + stand ready to be slain to every god, whose due this is; my seers have filled the town with sacrifices, to turn the foe to flight and keep our country safe. All those who chant prophetic words have I assembled, and have examined ancient oracles, both public and secret, + as means to save this city. And though the several answers differ in many points, yet in one is the sentiment of all clearly the same; they bid me sacrifice to Demeter’sPersephone, queen of the dead. daughter some maiden from a noble father sprung. + Now I, though in your cause I am as zealous as thou seest, yet will not slay my child, nor will I compel any of my subjects to do so against his will; for who of his own will doth harbour such an evil thought as to yield with his own hands the child he loves? + And now thou mayestHartung unnecessarily reads ἀστῶν ἴδοις. see angry gatherings, where some declare, ’tis right to stand by suppliant strangers, while others charge me with folly; but if I doReading εἰ δὲ δὴ which gives a quite intelligible sense; yet it has been altered by some into ἢν δὲ μὴ. this deed, a civil war is then and there on foot. + Do thou then look to this and help to find a way to save yourselves and this country without causing me to be slandered by the citizens. For I am no despot like a barbarian monarch; but providedCobet proposed ἤνπερ ἄδικα, i.e. if I do what is unjust, I shall get my deserts. I do what is just, just will my treatment be. Chorus Can it be that heaven forbids this city to help strangers, when it hath the will and longing so to do? Iolaus My children, we are even as those mariners, who have escaped the storm’s relentless rage, and have the land almost within their reach, but after all are driven back from shore by tempests to the deep again. - Even so we, just as we reach the shore in seeming safety, are being thrust back from this land. Ah me! Why, cruel hope, didst thou then cheer my heart, though thou didst not mean to make the boon complete? - The king may well be pardoned, if he will not slay his subjects’ children; and with my treatment here I am content; if indeed ’tis heaven’s will, I thus should fare, still is my gratitude to thee in no wise lost. Children, I know not what to do for you. - Whither shall we turn? for what god’s altar have we left uncrowned? to what fenced city have we failed to go? Ruin and surrender are our instant lot, poor children! If I must die, ’tis naught to me, save that thereby I give those foes of mine some cause for joy. - But you, children, I lament and pity, and that aged mother of your sire, Alcmena. Ah, woe is thee for thy long span of life! and woe is me for all my idle toil! ’Twas after all our destined doom to fall into the hands of our hated foe, - and die a death of shame and misery. But lend me thine aid, thou knowest how; for all hope of these children’s safety has not yet left me. Give me up instead of them to the Argives, O king; run no risk, but let me save - the children; to love my life becomes me not; let it pass. MeUsener, followed by Nauck, regards lines 456 to 460 as spurious. will Eurystheus be most glad to take and treat despitefully, as I was Heracles’ companion; for the man is but a boor; wherefore wise men ought to pray to get a wise man for their foe, and not a proud senseless fool; - for so, even if by fortuneReading with Tyrrwhitt κἀτυχής for καὶ δίκης, which in the Aldine became καὶ τύχης and suggested the emendation. flouted, one would meet with much consideration. + Even so we, just as we reach the shore in seeming safety, are being thrust back from this land. Ah me! Why, cruel hope, didst thou then cheer my heart, though thou didst not mean to make the boon complete? + The king may well be pardoned, if he will not slay his subjects’ children; and with my treatment here I am content; if indeed ’tis heaven’s will, I thus should fare, still is my gratitude to thee in no wise lost. Children, I know not what to do for you. + Whither shall we turn? for what god’s altar have we left uncrowned? to what fenced city have we failed to go? Ruin and surrender are our instant lot, poor children! If I must die, ’tis naught to me, save that thereby I give those foes of mine some cause for joy. + But you, children, I lament and pity, and that aged mother of your sire, Alcmena. Ah, woe is thee for thy long span of life! and woe is me for all my idle toil! ’Twas after all our destined doom to fall into the hands of our hated foe, + and die a death of shame and misery. But lend me thine aid, thou knowest how; for all hope of these children’s safety has not yet left me. Give me up instead of them to the Argives, O king; run no risk, but let me save + the children; to love my life becomes me not; let it pass. MeUsener, followed by Nauck, regards lines 456 to 460 as spurious. will Eurystheus be most glad to take and treat despitefully, as I was Heracles’ companion; for the man is but a boor; wherefore wise men ought to pray to get a wise man for their foe, and not a proud senseless fool; + for so, even if by fortuneReading with Tyrrwhitt κἀτυχής for καὶ δίκης, which in the Aldine became καὶ τύχης and suggested the emendation. flouted, one would meet with much consideration. Chorus Old man, blameBut Iolaus has praised, not blamed Athens. And so Hartung proposes to read ἐπαινέσης, Usener τήνδε ταῦτ’ ἄιτει. not this city; for though perhaps a gainReading κέρδος. Nauck has ψευδές. to us, yet would it be a foul reproach that we betrayed strangers. Demophon A generous scheme is thine, but impossible. - ’Tis not in quest of thee yon king comes marching hither; what would Eurystheus gain by the death of one so old? Nay, ’tis these children’s blood he wants. For there is danger to a foe in the youthful scions of a noble race, whose memory dwells upon their father’s wrongs; - all this Eurystheus must foresee. But if thou hast any scheme besides, that better suits the time, be ready with it, for, since I heard that oracle, I am at a loss and full of fear. [Exit Demophon. + ’Tis not in quest of thee yon king comes marching hither; what would Eurystheus gain by the death of one so old? Nay, ’tis these children’s blood he wants. For there is danger to a foe in the youthful scions of a noble race, whose memory dwells upon their father’s wrongs; + all this Eurystheus must foresee. But if thou hast any scheme besides, that better suits the time, be ready with it, for, since I heard that oracle, I am at a loss and full of fear. [Exit Demophon. Macaria Sirs, impute not boldness to me, because - I venture forth; this shall be my first request, for a woman’s fairest crown is this, to practise silence and discretion, and abide at home in peace. But when I heard thy lamentations, Iolaus, I came forth, albeit I was not appointed to take the lead in my family. - Still in some sense am I fit to do so, for these my brothers are my chiefest care, and I fain would ask, as touching myself, whether some new trouble, added to the former woes, is gnawing at thy heart. + I venture forth; this shall be my first request, for a woman’s fairest crown is this, to practise silence and discretion, and abide at home in peace. But when I heard thy lamentations, Iolaus, I came forth, albeit I was not appointed to take the lead in my family. + Still in some sense am I fit to do so, for these my brothers are my chiefest care, and I fain would ask, as touching myself, whether some new trouble, added to the former woes, is gnawing at thy heart. Iolaus My daughter, ’tis nothing new that I should praise thee, as I justly may, - above all the children of Heracles. Our house seemed to be prospering, when back it fell again into a hopeless state; for the king declares the prophets signify that he must order the sacrifice, not of bull or heifer, but of some tender maid - of noble lineage, if we and this city are to exist. Herein is our perplexity; the king refuses either to sacrifice his own or any other’s child. Nauck condemns lines 494 to 497. Wherefore, though he use not terms express, yet doth he hint, - that, unless we find some way out of this perplexity, we must seek some other land, for he this country fain would save. + above all the children of Heracles. Our house seemed to be prospering, when back it fell again into a hopeless state; for the king declares the prophets signify that he must order the sacrifice, not of bull or heifer, but of some tender maid + of noble lineage, if we and this city are to exist. Herein is our perplexity; the king refuses either to sacrifice his own or any other’s child. Nauck condemns lines 494 to 497. Wherefore, though he use not terms express, yet doth he hint, + that, unless we find some way out of this perplexity, we must seek some other land, for he this country fain would save. Macaria Are these indeed the terms on which our safety depends? @@ -404,32 +404,32 @@ Macaria No longer then cower before the hated Argive spear; for I, of my own free will, or ever they bid me, am ready to die and offer myself as a victim. For what excuse have we, if, while this city deems it right to incur a great danger on our behalf, - we, though we might save ourselves, fly from death, by foisting our trouble on others? No! indeed, ’twere surely most ridiculous to sit and mourn as suppliants of the gods, and show ourselves but cowards, children as we are of that illustrious sire. - Where among the brave is such conduct seen? Better, I suppose, this city should be taken and I (which Heaven forefend!) fall into the hands of the enemy, and then, for all I am my noble father’s child, meet an awful doom, and face the Death-god none the less. - Shall I wander as an exile from this land? Shall I not feel shame then, when someone says, as say they will, Why are ye come hither with suppliant boughs, loving your lives too well? Begone from our land! for we will not succour cowards. - Nay, if these be slain and I alone be saved, I have no hope in any wise of being happy, though many ere now have in this hope betrayed their friends. For who will care to wed a lonely maid or make me mother of his children? - ’Tis better I should die than meet such treatment, Paley brackets these two lines as spurious, and Nauck suspects their genuineness. little as I merit it. This were fitter treatment for some other, one that is not born to fame as I am. Conduct me to the scene of death, Paley encloses this line in brackets. Nauck says it is either spurious or corrupt. Certainly it offends against tragic usage by containing a cretic foot as the fifth. crown me with garlands, and begin the rites, if so it please you; - then be victorious o’er the foe, for here I offer my life freely and without constraint, and for my brothers and myself I undertake to die. Also regarded by Paley as spurious. For I, by loving not my life too well, have found a treasure very fair, a glorious means to leave it. + we, though we might save ourselves, fly from death, by foisting our trouble on others? No! indeed, ’twere surely most ridiculous to sit and mourn as suppliants of the gods, and show ourselves but cowards, children as we are of that illustrious sire. + Where among the brave is such conduct seen? Better, I suppose, this city should be taken and I (which Heaven forefend!) fall into the hands of the enemy, and then, for all I am my noble father’s child, meet an awful doom, and face the Death-god none the less. + Shall I wander as an exile from this land? Shall I not feel shame then, when someone says, as say they will, Why are ye come hither with suppliant boughs, loving your lives too well? Begone from our land! for we will not succour cowards. + Nay, if these be slain and I alone be saved, I have no hope in any wise of being happy, though many ere now have in this hope betrayed their friends. For who will care to wed a lonely maid or make me mother of his children? + ’Tis better I should die than meet such treatment, Paley brackets these two lines as spurious, and Nauck suspects their genuineness. little as I merit it. This were fitter treatment for some other, one that is not born to fame as I am. Conduct me to the scene of death, Paley encloses this line in brackets. Nauck says it is either spurious or corrupt. Certainly it offends against tragic usage by containing a cretic foot as the fifth. crown me with garlands, and begin the rites, if so it please you; + then be victorious o’er the foe, for here I offer my life freely and without constraint, and for my brothers and myself I undertake to die. Also regarded by Paley as spurious. For I, by loving not my life too well, have found a treasure very fair, a glorious means to leave it. Chorus Ah, what shall I say on hearing the maid’s brave words, she that is ready to die for her brothers? Who can speak more noble words or do more noble deeds henceforth for ever? Iolaus Daughter, thou art his own true child, no other man’s but Heracles’, - that godlike soul; proud am I of thy words, though I sorrow for thy lot. Yet will I propose a fairer method: ’tis right to summon hither all the sisters of this maiden, - and then let her, on whom the lot shall fall, die for her family; for that thou shouldst die without the lot is not just. + that godlike soul; proud am I of thy words, though I sorrow for thy lot. Yet will I propose a fairer method: ’tis right to summon hither all the sisters of this maiden, + and then let her, on whom the lot shall fall, die for her family; for that thou shouldst die without the lot is not just. Macaria My death shall no chance lot decide; there is no graciousness in that; peace! old friend. But if ye accept and will avail you - of my readiness, freely do I offer my life for these, and without constraint. + of my readiness, freely do I offer my life for these, and without constraint. Iolaus Ah, this is even nobler than thy former word; that was matchless, but thou dost now surpass - thy bravery and noble speech. I cannot bid, will not forbid thy dying, Omy daughter! forNauck condemns this line. by thy death thou dost thy brothers serve. + thy bravery and noble speech. I cannot bid, will not forbid thy dying, Omy daughter! forNauck condemns this line. by thy death thou dost thy brothers serve. Macaria A cautious bidding thine! Fear not to take a stain of guilt from me; only let me die as one whose death is free. - Follow me, old friend, for in thy arms I fain would die; stand by and veil my body with my robe, for I will go even to the dreadful doom of sacrifice, seeing whose daughter I avow myself. + Follow me, old friend, for in thy arms I fain would die; stand by and veil my body with my robe, for I will go even to the dreadful doom of sacrifice, seeing whose daughter I avow myself. Iolaus I cannot stand by and see thee bleed. @@ -439,28 +439,28 @@ Demophon It shall be so, unhappy maid; for this were shame to me to refuse thee honour due, for many reasons: because thou hast a soul so brave; because - ’tis right; and thou hast shown more courage than any of thy sex my eyes have ever seen. Now, if thou hast aught to say to these children or thy aged guide, ohReading δὴ, with Elmsley, for μοι.! say the last thou hast to say—then go. + ’tis right; and thou hast shown more courage than any of thy sex my eyes have ever seen. Now, if thou hast aught to say to these children or thy aged guide, ohReading δὴ, with Elmsley, for μοι.! say the last thou hast to say—then go. Macaria Farewell, old friend, farewell! and prithee teach - these children to be like thyself, wise at every point; let them strive no further, for that will suffice them. And seek to save them from death, even as thou art anxious to do; thy children are we, thy care it was that nurtured us. Thou seest how I yield my bridal - bloom to die for them. For you, my brothers gathered here, may you be happy! and may every blessing be yours, for the which my blood shall pay the price!Badham proposed σφαλήσεται, certainly an easier reading. Honour this old friend, and her that is within the house, - Alcmena, the aged mother of my sire, and these strangers too. And if ever heaven for you devise release from trouble and a return to your home, remember the burial due to her that saved you, a funeral fairNauck, μάλιστα for κάλλιστα. as I deserve; for I have not failed, - but stood by you, and died to save my race. This shall be my pearl of price instead of children, and for the maiden life I leave, if there be really aught beyond the grave—God grant there may not be! For if, e’en there, we who are to die shall find a life of care, - I know not whither one shall turn; for death is held a sovereign cure for every ill. + these children to be like thyself, wise at every point; let them strive no further, for that will suffice them. And seek to save them from death, even as thou art anxious to do; thy children are we, thy care it was that nurtured us. Thou seest how I yield my bridal + bloom to die for them. For you, my brothers gathered here, may you be happy! and may every blessing be yours, for the which my blood shall pay the price!Badham proposed σφαλήσεται, certainly an easier reading. Honour this old friend, and her that is within the house, + Alcmena, the aged mother of my sire, and these strangers too. And if ever heaven for you devise release from trouble and a return to your home, remember the burial due to her that saved you, a funeral fairNauck, μάλιστα for κάλλιστα. as I deserve; for I have not failed, + but stood by you, and died to save my race. This shall be my pearl of price instead of children, and for the maiden life I leave, if there be really aught beyond the grave—God grant there may not be! For if, e’en there, we who are to die shall find a life of care, + I know not whither one shall turn; for death is held a sovereign cure for every ill. Iolaus Maiden of heroic soul, transcending all thy race, be sure the fame that thou shalt win from us, in life, in death, shall leave the rest of women far behind; - farewell to thee! I dare not say harsh words of her to whom thou art devoted, the goddess-daughter of Demeter. [Exit Macaria.] Children, I am undone, grief unnerves my limbs; take hold and support me to a seat hard by, when ye have drawn my mantle o’er my face, my sons. - For I am grieved at what hath happened, and yet, were it not fulfilled, we could not live; thus were the mischief worse, though this is grief enough. + farewell to thee! I dare not say harsh words of her to whom thou art devoted, the goddess-daughter of Demeter. [Exit Macaria.] Children, I am undone, grief unnerves my limbs; take hold and support me to a seat hard by, when ye have drawn my mantle o’er my face, my sons. + For I am grieved at what hath happened, and yet, were it not fulfilled, we could not live; thus were the mischief worse, though this is grief enough. Chorus Without the will of heaven none is blest, none curst, I do maintain; - nor doth the same house for ever tread the path of bliss; for one kind of fortune follows hard upon another; one man it brings to naught from his high estate, another though of noReading ἀτίταν, Fix’s emendation for the unmetrical ἀλήταν of MS. account it crowns with happiness. - To shun what fate decrees, is no wise permitted; none by cunning shall thrust it from him; but he, who vainly would do so, shall have unceasing trouble. Then fall not prostrate thou, but bear what heaven sends, and set a limit - to thy soul’s grief; for she, poor maid! in dying for her brothers and this land, hath won a glorious death, and splendid fame shall be her meed from all mankind; - for virtue’s path leads through troublous ways. Worthy of her father, worthy of her noble birth is this conduct. And if thou dost honour the virtuous dead, I share with thee that sentiment. + nor doth the same house for ever tread the path of bliss; for one kind of fortune follows hard upon another; one man it brings to naught from his high estate, another though of noReading ἀτίταν, Fix’s emendation for the unmetrical ἀλήταν of MS. account it crowns with happiness. + To shun what fate decrees, is no wise permitted; none by cunning shall thrust it from him; but he, who vainly would do so, shall have unceasing trouble. Then fall not prostrate thou, but bear what heaven sends, and set a limit + to thy soul’s grief; for she, poor maid! in dying for her brothers and this land, hath won a glorious death, and splendid fame shall be her meed from all mankind; + for virtue’s path leads through troublous ways. Worthy of her father, worthy of her noble birth is this conduct. And if thou dost honour the virtuous dead, I share with thee that sentiment. Servant (of Hyllus) All hail, ye children! Where is aged Iolaus? where the mother of your sire, absent from their place at this altar? @@ -497,16 +497,16 @@ Iolaus Alcmena, mother of a noble son, to thee I call! come forth, hear this welcome news. For long has anguish caused thee inwardly to waste, wondering if those, - who now are here, would ever come. + who now are here, would ever come. Alcmena What means that shout, that echoes throughout the house? Hath there come yet a herald from Argos, O Iolaus, and is he treating thee with violence? Feeble is any strength of mine; yet thus much let me tell thee, stranger, - never, whilst I live, shalt thou drag them hence. Shouldst thou succeed, no more let me be thought the mother of that hero. And if thou lay a finger on them, thou wilt struggle to thy shame with two aged foes. + never, whilst I live, shalt thou drag them hence. Shouldst thou succeed, no more let me be thought the mother of that hero. And if thou lay a finger on them, thou wilt struggle to thy shame with two aged foes. Iolaus Courage, aged dame, fear not; not from Argos - is a herald come, with hostile messages. + is a herald come, with hostile messages. Alcmena Why then didst raise a cry, fear’s harbinger? @@ -610,16 +610,16 @@ Iolaus There be captured arms within this shrine; these will I use, and, if I live, restore; and, if I am slain, the god will not demand them of me back. Go thou within, and from its peg take down a suit of armour and forthwith bring it to me. - To linger thus at home is infamous, while some go fight, and others out of cowardice remain behind. [Exit Servant. + To linger thus at home is infamous, while some go fight, and others out of cowardice remain behind. [Exit Servant. Chorus Not yet hath time laid low thy spirit, ’tis young as ever; but thy body’s strength is gone. Why toil to no purpose? - ’Twill do thee hurt and benefit our city little. At thy age thou shouldst confess thy error and let impossibilities alone. Thou canst in no way get thy vigour back again. + ’Twill do thee hurt and benefit our city little. At thy age thou shouldst confess thy error and let impossibilities alone. Thou canst in no way get thy vigour back again. Alcmena What means this mad resolve - to leave me with my children undefended here? + to leave me with my children undefended here? Iolaus Men must fight; and thou must look to them. @@ -647,7 +647,7 @@ Servant (of Hyllus) Lo! here thou seest a full coat of mail; make haste to case thyself therein; for the strife is nigh, and bitterly doth Ares loathe loiterers; but if thou fear the weight of the armour, go for the present without it, and in the ranks - do on this gear; meantime will I carry it. + do on this gear; meantime will I carry it. Iolaus Well said! keep the harness ready to my hand, put a spear within my grasp, and support me on the left side, guiding my steps. @@ -689,25 +689,25 @@ Iolaus Ah! would to Heaven that thou, mine arm, e’en as I remember thee in thy lusty youth, when with Heracles thou didst sack Sparta, couldst so champion me to-day! how I would put Eurystheus to flight! since he is too craven to wait the onslaught. - For prosperity carries with it this error too a reputation for bravery; for we think the prosperous man a master of all knowledge. + For prosperity carries with it this error too a reputation for bravery; for we think the prosperous man a master of all knowledge. Chorus O earth, and moon that shines by night, and dazzling radiance of the god, - that giveth light to man, bear the tidings to me, shout aloud to heaven for joy, and beside our ruler’s throne, and in the shrine of grey-eyed Athene. - For my fatherland and home will I soon decide the issue of the strife with the gleaming sword, because I have taken suppliants under my protection. ’Tis a fearful thing, that a city - prosperous as Mycenae is, one famed for martial prowess, should harbour wrath against my land; still, my countrymen, it were a shameful thing in us to yield up suppliant strangers - at the bidding of Argos. Zeus is on my side, I am not afraid; Zeus hath a favour unto me, as is my due; never by meDindorf’s emendation is followed in this corrupt passage; ἥσσονες παρ’ ἐμοὶ θεοὶ φανοῦνται. shall gods be thought weaker than mortal men. - O dread goddess,Pallas. thine the soil whereon we stand, thine this city, for thou art its mother, queen, and saviour; wherefore turn some other way the impious king, who leadeth a host - from Argos with brandished lance against this land; for, such my worth, I little merit exile from my home. For thy worshipThe festival of the Panathenaea is alluded to. is aye performed with many a sacrifice, and never art thou forgotten as each month draweth to its close, - when young voices sing and dancers’ music is heard abroad, while on our wind-swept hill goes up the cry of joy to the beat of maidens’ feet by night. + that giveth light to man, bear the tidings to me, shout aloud to heaven for joy, and beside our ruler’s throne, and in the shrine of grey-eyed Athene. + For my fatherland and home will I soon decide the issue of the strife with the gleaming sword, because I have taken suppliants under my protection. ’Tis a fearful thing, that a city + prosperous as Mycenae is, one famed for martial prowess, should harbour wrath against my land; still, my countrymen, it were a shameful thing in us to yield up suppliant strangers + at the bidding of Argos. Zeus is on my side, I am not afraid; Zeus hath a favour unto me, as is my due; never by meDindorf’s emendation is followed in this corrupt passage; ἥσσονες παρ’ ἐμοὶ θεοὶ φανοῦνται. shall gods be thought weaker than mortal men. + O dread goddess,Pallas. thine the soil whereon we stand, thine this city, for thou art its mother, queen, and saviour; wherefore turn some other way the impious king, who leadeth a host + from Argos with brandished lance against this land; for, such my worth, I little merit exile from my home. For thy worshipThe festival of the Panathenaea is alluded to. is aye performed with many a sacrifice, and never art thou forgotten as each month draweth to its close, + when young voices sing and dancers’ music is heard abroad, while on our wind-swept hill goes up the cry of joy to the beat of maidens’ feet by night. Servant (of Hyllus) Mistress, the message that I bring is very short - for thee to hear and fair for me, who stand before thee, to announce. O’er our foes we are victorious, and trophies are being set up, with panoplies upon them, taken from thy enemies. + for thee to hear and fair for me, who stand before thee, to announce. O’er our foes we are victorious, and trophies are being set up, with panoplies upon them, taken from thy enemies. Alcmena Best of friends! this day hath wroughtKeiske, διήνυσεν for the unusual διήλασεν. thy liberty by reason of these tidings. - But there still remains one anxious thought thou dost not free me from;—a thought of fear;—are those, whose lives I cherish, spared to me? + But there still remains one anxious thought thou dost not free me from;—a thought of fear;—are those, whose lives I cherish, spared to me? Servant (of Hyllus) They are, and high their fame through all the army spreads. @@ -729,57 +729,57 @@ Servant (of Hyllus) One speech of mine puts it all clearly before thee. - When we had deployed our troops and marshalled them face to face with one another, Hyllus dismounted from his four-horsed chariot and stood midway betwixt the hosts. Then cried he, Captain, who art come from Argos, - why cannot we leave this land alone? No hurt wilt thou do Mycenae, if of one man thou rob her; come! meet me in single combat, and, if thou slay me, take the children of Heracles away with thee, - but, if thou fall, leave me to possess my ancestral honours and my home. The host cried yes! saying the scheme he offered was a fair one, both to rid them of their trouble and satisfy their valour. But that other, feeling no shame before those who heard the challenge or at his own cowardice, quailed, general though he was, - to come within reach of the stubborn spear, showing himself an abject coward; yet with such a spirit he came to enslave the children of Heracles. Then did Hyllus withdraw to his own ranks again, and the prophets seeing that no reconciliation would be effected by single combat, - began the sacrifice without delay and forthwith let flow from a humanIf βροτείων is correct, it would seem to refer to Macaria. Paley offers the ingenious suggestion βοτειων, i.e., throats of beasts but the word has no authority. Better is Helbig’s βοείων. throat auspicious streams of blood. And some were mounting chariots, while others couched beneath the shelter of their shields, and the king of the Athenians, - as a highborn chieftain should, would exhort his host: Fellow-citizens, the land, that feeds you and that gave you birth, demands to-day the help of every man. Likewise Eurystheus besought his allies that they should scorn to sully the feme of Argos and Mycenae. - Anon the Etrurian trumpet sounded loud and clear, and hand to hand they rushed; then think how loudly clashed their ringing shields, what din arose of cries and groans confused! At first the onset of the Argive spearmen - broke our ranks; then they in turn gave ground; next, foot to foot and man to man, they fought their stubborn fray, many falling the while. And either chief cheered on his men, Sons of Athens! Ye who till the fields of Argos! - ward from your land disgrace. Do all we could, and spite of every effort, scarce could we turn the Argive line in flight. When lo! old Iolaus sees Hyllus starting from the ranks, whereon he lifts his hands to him with a prayer - to take him up into his chariot. Thereon he seized the reins and went hard after the horses of Eurystheus. From this point onward must I speak from hearsay, though hitherto as one whose own eyes saw. For as he was crossing Pallene’s hill, - sacred to the goddess Athene, he caught sight of Eurystheus’ chariot, and prayed to Hebe and to Zeus, that for one single day he might grow young again and wreak his vengeance on his foes. Now must thou hear a wondrous tale: two stars settled on the horses’ yokes - and threw the chariot into dark shadow, which—at least so say our wiser folk—were thy son and Hebe; and from that murky gloom appeared that aged man in the form of a youth with strong young arms; then by the rocks of Sciron - the hero Iolaus o’ertakes Eurystheus’ chariot. And he bound his hands with gyves, and is bringing that chieftain once so prosperous as a trophy hither, whose fortune now doth preach a lesson, clear as day, to all the sons of men, - that none should envy him, who seems to thrive, until they see his death; for fortune’s moods last but a day. + When we had deployed our troops and marshalled them face to face with one another, Hyllus dismounted from his four-horsed chariot and stood midway betwixt the hosts. Then cried he, Captain, who art come from Argos, + why cannot we leave this land alone? No hurt wilt thou do Mycenae, if of one man thou rob her; come! meet me in single combat, and, if thou slay me, take the children of Heracles away with thee, + but, if thou fall, leave me to possess my ancestral honours and my home. The host cried yes! saying the scheme he offered was a fair one, both to rid them of their trouble and satisfy their valour. But that other, feeling no shame before those who heard the challenge or at his own cowardice, quailed, general though he was, + to come within reach of the stubborn spear, showing himself an abject coward; yet with such a spirit he came to enslave the children of Heracles. Then did Hyllus withdraw to his own ranks again, and the prophets seeing that no reconciliation would be effected by single combat, + began the sacrifice without delay and forthwith let flow from a humanIf βροτείων is correct, it would seem to refer to Macaria. Paley offers the ingenious suggestion βοτειων, i.e., throats of beasts but the word has no authority. Better is Helbig’s βοείων. throat auspicious streams of blood. And some were mounting chariots, while others couched beneath the shelter of their shields, and the king of the Athenians, + as a highborn chieftain should, would exhort his host: Fellow-citizens, the land, that feeds you and that gave you birth, demands to-day the help of every man. Likewise Eurystheus besought his allies that they should scorn to sully the feme of Argos and Mycenae. + Anon the Etrurian trumpet sounded loud and clear, and hand to hand they rushed; then think how loudly clashed their ringing shields, what din arose of cries and groans confused! At first the onset of the Argive spearmen + broke our ranks; then they in turn gave ground; next, foot to foot and man to man, they fought their stubborn fray, many falling the while. And either chief cheered on his men, Sons of Athens! Ye who till the fields of Argos! + ward from your land disgrace. Do all we could, and spite of every effort, scarce could we turn the Argive line in flight. When lo! old Iolaus sees Hyllus starting from the ranks, whereon he lifts his hands to him with a prayer + to take him up into his chariot. Thereon he seized the reins and went hard after the horses of Eurystheus. From this point onward must I speak from hearsay, though hitherto as one whose own eyes saw. For as he was crossing Pallene’s hill, + sacred to the goddess Athene, he caught sight of Eurystheus’ chariot, and prayed to Hebe and to Zeus, that for one single day he might grow young again and wreak his vengeance on his foes. Now must thou hear a wondrous tale: two stars settled on the horses’ yokes + and threw the chariot into dark shadow, which—at least so say our wiser folk—were thy son and Hebe; and from that murky gloom appeared that aged man in the form of a youth with strong young arms; then by the rocks of Sciron + the hero Iolaus o’ertakes Eurystheus’ chariot. And he bound his hands with gyves, and is bringing that chieftain once so prosperous as a trophy hither, whose fortune now doth preach a lesson, clear as day, to all the sons of men, + that none should envy him, who seems to thrive, until they see his death; for fortune’s moods last but a day. Chorus O Zeus, who puttest my foes to flight, now may I behold the day that frees me from cruel fear! Alcmena At last, O Zeus, hast thou turned a favouring eye on my affliction; - yet do I thank thee for what has happened. And though ere this I did not believe my son was gathered to the gods, now am I convinced thereof. My children, now at last from toil shall ye be free, free from him, whom hideous death awaits, - Eurystheus; now shall ye behold your father’s city, and set foot in the land of your inheritance, and sacrifice to those ancestral gods, from whom ye have been debarred and forced to lead in strangers’ lands a life of wretched vagrancy. But tell me, what sage purpose Iolaus - nursed in his heart, that he spared the life of Eurystheus, for to my mind this is no wisdom, to catch a foe and wreak no vengeance on him. + yet do I thank thee for what has happened. And though ere this I did not believe my son was gathered to the gods, now am I convinced thereof. My children, now at last from toil shall ye be free, free from him, whom hideous death awaits, + Eurystheus; now shall ye behold your father’s city, and set foot in the land of your inheritance, and sacrifice to those ancestral gods, from whom ye have been debarred and forced to lead in strangers’ lands a life of wretched vagrancy. But tell me, what sage purpose Iolaus + nursed in his heart, that he spared the life of Eurystheus, for to my mind this is no wisdom, to catch a foe and wreak no vengeance on him. Servant (of Hyllus) ’Twas his regard for thee, that thou might’st see him subject to thy hand, and triumphReading with Reiske κρατοῦσα. o’er him. - Rest assured, ’twas no willing prisoner he made, but by strong constraint he bound him, for Eurystheus was loth indeed to come alive into thy presence and pay his penalty. Farewell, my aged mistress; I pray thee remember thy first promise when I was beginning my story; - set me free; for, at such a time as this, sincerity becometh noble lips. [Exit Servant. + Rest assured, ’twas no willing prisoner he made, but by strong constraint he bound him, for Eurystheus was loth indeed to come alive into thy presence and pay his penalty. Farewell, my aged mistress; I pray thee remember thy first promise when I was beginning my story; + set me free; for, at such a time as this, sincerity becometh noble lips. [Exit Servant. Chorus Sweet is the dance to me, whenso the clear-toned flute and lovely Aphrodite shed grace upon the feast; - and a joyful thing too it is, I trow, to witness the good luck of friends, who till then ne’er dreamt of it. For numerous is the offspring of Fate, - that bringeth all to pass, and of Time, the son of Cronos. Thine is the path of justice, O my city; this must no man wrest from thee, thy reverence for the gods, and, whoso denieth it of thee, draws nigh to frenzy’s goal, - with these plain proofs in view. Yea, for the god proclaims it clearly, by cutting short the bad man’s pride in every case. - In heaven, mother, lives thy son, passed from earth away; that he went down to Hades’ halls, his body burnt by the fire’s fierce flame, is past belief; - in golden halls reclined he has to wife Hebe, lovely nymph. Thou, O Hymen, hast honoured them, children both of Zeus. Things for the most part form a single chain; - for instance, men say Athene used to champion their father, and now the citizens of that goddess have saved his children, and checked the insolence of him, whose heart - preferred violence to justice. God save me from such arrogance, such greed of soul! [Eurystheus is brought in bound. + and a joyful thing too it is, I trow, to witness the good luck of friends, who till then ne’er dreamt of it. For numerous is the offspring of Fate, + that bringeth all to pass, and of Time, the son of Cronos. Thine is the path of justice, O my city; this must no man wrest from thee, thy reverence for the gods, and, whoso denieth it of thee, draws nigh to frenzy’s goal, + with these plain proofs in view. Yea, for the god proclaims it clearly, by cutting short the bad man’s pride in every case. + In heaven, mother, lives thy son, passed from earth away; that he went down to Hades’ halls, his body burnt by the fire’s fierce flame, is past belief; + in golden halls reclined he has to wife Hebe, lovely nymph. Thou, O Hymen, hast honoured them, children both of Zeus. Things for the most part form a single chain; + for instance, men say Athene used to champion their father, and now the citizens of that goddess have saved his children, and checked the insolence of him, whose heart + preferred violence to justice. God save me from such arrogance, such greed of soul! [Eurystheus is brought in bound. Messenger Mistress, though thine eyes see him, yet will I announce we have brought Eurystheus hither for thy pleasure, - an unexpected sight, for him no less a chance he ne’er foresaw; for little he thought of ever falling into thy hands, what time he marched from Mycenae with his toil-worn warriors, to sack Athens, thinking himself far above fortune. But a power - divine hath reversed our destinies, changing their position. Now Hyllus and brave Iolaus I left raising an image to Zeus, who routs the foe, for their triumphant victory, whilst they bid me bring this prisoner to thee, wishing to gladden thy heart; for ’tis the sweetest - sight to see a foe fall on evil days after prosperity. + an unexpected sight, for him no less a chance he ne’er foresaw; for little he thought of ever falling into thy hands, what time he marched from Mycenae with his toil-worn warriors, to sack Athens, thinking himself far above fortune. But a power + divine hath reversed our destinies, changing their position. Now Hyllus and brave Iolaus I left raising an image to Zeus, who routs the foe, for their triumphant victory, whilst they bid me bring this prisoner to thee, wishing to gladden thy heart; for ’tis the sweetest + sight to see a foe fall on evil days after prosperity. Alcmena Art come, thou hateful wretch? Hath Justice caught thee then at last? First, turn thy head this way to me, and endure to look thy enemies in the face, for thou art no more the ruler, but the slave. - ArtNauck condemns this line; as also line 948. thou the man—for this I fain would learn—who didst presume to heap thy insults on my son, who now is where he is, thou miscreant? What outrage didst thou abstain from putting upon him? Thou that didst make him go down alive even to Hades, - and wouldst send him with an order to slay hydras and lions? Thy other evil schemes I mention not, for to tell them were a tedious task for me. Nor did it content thee to venture thus far only; no! but from all Hellas wouldst thou drive me and my children, - heaven’s suppliants though we were, grey-heads some of us, and some still tender babes. But here hast thou found men and a free city, that feared not thee. Die in torment must thou, and e’en so wilt thou gain in every way, for one death is not - thy due, after all the sorrow thou hast caused. + ArtNauck condemns this line; as also line 948. thou the man—for this I fain would learn—who didst presume to heap thy insults on my son, who now is where he is, thou miscreant? What outrage didst thou abstain from putting upon him? Thou that didst make him go down alive even to Hades, + and wouldst send him with an order to slay hydras and lions? Thy other evil schemes I mention not, for to tell them were a tedious task for me. Nor did it content thee to venture thus far only; no! but from all Hellas wouldst thou drive me and my children, + heaven’s suppliants though we were, grey-heads some of us, and some still tender babes. But here hast thou found men and a free city, that feared not thee. Die in torment must thou, and e’en so wilt thou gain in every way, for one death is not + thy due, after all the sorrow thou hast caused. Messenger Thou mayst not slay him. @@ -823,20 +823,20 @@ Alcmena I love this city well; that cannot be gainsaid. But since this man hath fallen into my power, no mortal hand shall wrest him from me. Wherefore let who will, call me the woman bold, with thoughts too high for her sex; - yet shall this deed be brought to pass by me. + yet shall this deed be brought to pass by me. Chorus Lady, full well I understand thou hast a dire quarrel with this man, and ’tis pardonable. Eurystheus Woman, be sure I will not flatter thee nor say aught to save my life, - that can give any occasion for a charge of cowardice. It was not of my own free will I took this quarrel up; I am aware that I was born thy cousin, and kinsman to Heracles, thy son; but whether I would or no, - Hera, by her power divine, caused me to be afflicted thus. Still, when I undertook to be his foe, and when I knew I had to enter on this struggle, I set myself to devise trouble in plenty, and oft from time to time my midnight communing bore fruit, - scheming how to push aside and slay my foes, and for the future divorce myself from fear; for I knew that son of thine was no mere cipher, but a man indeed; yea, for, though he was my foe, I will speak well of him, because he was a man of worth. - Now, after he was taken hence, was I not forced, by reason of these children’s hatred, and because I was conscious of an hereditary feud, to leave no stone unturned by slaying, banishing, and plotting against them? So long as I did so, my safety was assured. - Suppose thyself hadst had my lot, wouldst not thou have set to harassing the lion’s angry whelps, instead of letting them dwell at Argos undisturbed? Thou wilt not persuade us otherwise. Now therefore, since they did not slay me then, - when I was prepared to die, by the laws of Hellas my death becomes a curse on him, who slays me now. The city wisely let me go, in that she regarded the gods more than her hatred of me. Thou hast had my answer to thy words; henceforth must - I be called avenging spiritOr, guilty of blood. Lat. homo piacularis. and noble hero too.i.e. I will meet my doom like a hero, and haunt you after death. ’Tis even thus with me; to die have I no wish, but, if I leave my life, I shall in no way be grieved. + that can give any occasion for a charge of cowardice. It was not of my own free will I took this quarrel up; I am aware that I was born thy cousin, and kinsman to Heracles, thy son; but whether I would or no, + Hera, by her power divine, caused me to be afflicted thus. Still, when I undertook to be his foe, and when I knew I had to enter on this struggle, I set myself to devise trouble in plenty, and oft from time to time my midnight communing bore fruit, + scheming how to push aside and slay my foes, and for the future divorce myself from fear; for I knew that son of thine was no mere cipher, but a man indeed; yea, for, though he was my foe, I will speak well of him, because he was a man of worth. + Now, after he was taken hence, was I not forced, by reason of these children’s hatred, and because I was conscious of an hereditary feud, to leave no stone unturned by slaying, banishing, and plotting against them? So long as I did so, my safety was assured. + Suppose thyself hadst had my lot, wouldst not thou have set to harassing the lion’s angry whelps, instead of letting them dwell at Argos undisturbed? Thou wilt not persuade us otherwise. Now therefore, since they did not slay me then, + when I was prepared to die, by the laws of Hellas my death becomes a curse on him, who slays me now. The city wisely let me go, in that she regarded the gods more than her hatred of me. Thou hast had my answer to thy words; henceforth must + I be called avenging spiritOr, guilty of blood. Lat. homo piacularis. and noble hero too.i.e. I will meet my doom like a hero, and haunt you after death. ’Tis even thus with me; to die have I no wish, but, if I leave my life, I shall in no way be grieved. Chorus Alcmena, fain I would advise thee somewhat; let this man go, for ’tis the city’s will. @@ -849,17 +849,17 @@ Alcmena I will teach thee easily. I will slay him and then give up his corpse to those of his friends, who come for it, for, as regards his body, I will not disobeyἀπιστήσω is suspected by Nauck, and certainly it is difficult to extract any satisfactory meaning from it. Liddell and Scott, citing this passage, alone say will not hesitate to commit it to the ground—a doubtful usage. the state; - but by his death shall he pay me the penalty. + but by his death shall he pay me the penalty. Eurystheus Slay me, I do not ask thee for mercy; yet since this city let me go and shrunk from slaying me, I will reward it with an old oracle of Loxias, which in time will benefit them more than doth appear. - Bury my body after death in its destined grave in front of the shrine of the virgin goddessPallas. at Pallene. And I will be thy friend and guardian of thy city for ever, where I lie buried in a foreign soil, but a bitter foe to these children’s descendants, - whensoe’erReferring to invasions by the Peloponnesians, descendants of the Heracleidae. with gathered host they come against this land, traitors to your kindness now; such are the strangers ye have championed. Why then came I hither, if I knew all this, instead of regarding the god’s oracle? Because I thought, that Hera was mightier far than any oracle, - and would not betray me. Waste no drink-offering on my tomb, nor spill the victim’s blood; for I will requite them for my treatment here with a journey they shall rue; and ye shall have double gain from me, for I will help you and harm them by my death. + Bury my body after death in its destined grave in front of the shrine of the virgin goddessPallas. at Pallene. And I will be thy friend and guardian of thy city for ever, where I lie buried in a foreign soil, but a bitter foe to these children’s descendants, + whensoe’erReferring to invasions by the Peloponnesians, descendants of the Heracleidae. with gathered host they come against this land, traitors to your kindness now; such are the strangers ye have championed. Why then came I hither, if I knew all this, instead of regarding the god’s oracle? Because I thought, that Hera was mightier far than any oracle, + and would not betray me. Waste no drink-offering on my tomb, nor spill the victim’s blood; for I will requite them for my treatment here with a journey they shall rue; and ye shall have double gain from me, for I will help you and harm them by my death. Alcmena Why, why delay to kill this man, after hearing this, since this is needed to secure the safety of your city and your children? Himself points out the safest road. Though the man is now our foe, yet after death is he our gain. - Away with him, ye servants, and cast himA strange breach of her promise just before—perhaps here, as in other parts of this play, some confusion is due to the very probable theory of Hermann that our text is incomplete—e.g. no account of Macaria’s death-scene is extant; this could hardly have been omitted by such a lover of pathos as Euripides. to the dogs when ye have slain him. Think not thou shalt live to cast me forth from my native land again. + Away with him, ye servants, and cast himA strange breach of her promise just before—perhaps here, as in other parts of this play, some confusion is due to the very probable theory of Hermann that our text is incomplete—e.g. no account of Macaria’s death-scene is extant; this could hardly have been omitted by such a lover of pathos as Euripides. to the dogs when ye have slain him. Think not thou shalt live to cast me forth from my native land again. Chorus I agree. Lead on, servants. OurWe have had nothing to do with it. The responsibility rests with Alcmena. conduct shall bring no stain of guilt upon our rulers. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg006/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg006/__cts__.xml index b33018a0f..cd477b4f2 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg006/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg006/__cts__.xml @@ -1,27 +1,17 @@ - - Andromache - Andromacha - - - - Andromache - - Euripides. Children of Heracles. Hippolytus. Andromache. Hecuba. Edited and translated by David Kovacs. Loeb Classical Library 484. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1995. - - - - - - - Ἀνδρομάχη - + Andromache + + + Andromache Euripides. Children of Heracles. Hippolytus. Andromache. Hecuba. Edited and translated by David Kovacs. Loeb Classical Library 484. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1995. - - - + + + + Ἀνδρομάχη + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. I. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1902. + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg006/tlg0006.tlg006.perseus-grc1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg006/tlg0006.tlg006.perseus-grc1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 7c6c592de..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg006/tlg0006.tlg006.perseus-grc1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9 +0,0 @@ -{ - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "id": "1999.01.0089", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/Classics/Euripides/copyright/eur.andr_gk.xml", - "status": "not migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg006/tlg0006.tlg006.perseus-grc1.xml" -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg006/tlg0006.tlg006.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg006/tlg0006.tlg006.perseus-grc2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..ac145053c --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg006/tlg0006.tlg006.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,1955 @@ + + + + + + + Andromache + Machine readable text + Euripides + Gilbert Murray + Perseus Project, Tufts University + Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Gregory Crane + Alison Babeu + Lisa Cerrato + Bruce Robertson + + Tufts University + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 2020 + + + + +Euripides +Euripidis Fabulae +Gilbert Murray + +Oxford +Clarendon Press +1902 + +1 + +The Internet Archive + + + + + +

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+ + + +Ἀνδρομάχη + Ἀσιάτιδος γῆς σχῆμα, Θηβαία πόλι, + ὅθεν ποθ’ ἕδνων σὺν πολυχρύσῳ χλιδῇ + Πριάμου τύραννον ἑστίαν ἀφικόμην + δάμαρ δοθεῖσα παιδοποιὸς Ἕκτορι, + ζηλωτὸς ἔν γε τῷ πρὶν Ἀνδρομάχη χρόνῳ, + νῦν δ’, εἴ τις ἄλλη, δυστυχεστάτη γυνή· + ἐμοῦ πέφυκεν ἢ γενήσεταί ποτε + ἥτις πόσιν μὲν Ἕκτορ’ ἐξ Ἀχιλλέως + θανόντ’ ἐσεῖδον, παῖδά θ’ ὃν τίκτω πόσει + ῥιφθέντα πύργων Ἀστυάνακτ’ ἀπ’ ὀρθίων, + ἐπεὶ τὸ Τροίας εἷλον Ἕλληνες πέδον· + αὐτὴ δὲ δούλη τῶν ἐλευθερωτάτων + οἴκων νομισθεῖσ’ Ἑλλάδ’ εἰσαφικόμην + τῷ νησιώτῃ Νεοπτολέμῳ δορὸς γέρας + δοθεῖσα λείας Τρωικῆς ἐξαίρετον. + Φθίας δὲ τῆσδε καὶ πόλεως Φαρσαλίας + σύγχορτα ναίω πεδί’, ἵν’ ἡ θαλασσία + Πηλεῖ ξυνῴκει χωρὶς ἀνθρώπων Θέτις + φεύγουσ’ ὅμιλον· Θεσσαλὸς δέ νιν λεὼς + Θετίδειον αὐδᾷ θεᾶς χάριν νυμφευμάτων. + ἔνθ’ οἶκον ἔσχε τόνδε παῖς Ἀχιλλέως, + Πηλέα δ’ ἀνάσσειν γῆς ἐᾷ Φαρσαλίας, + ζῶντος γέροντος σκῆπτρον οὐ θέλων λαβεῖν. + κἀγὼ δόμοις τοῖσδ’ ἄρσεν’ ἐντίκτω κόρον, + πλαθεῖσ’ Ἀχιλλέως παιδί, δεσπότῃ γ’ ἐμῷ. + καὶ πρὶν μὲν ἐν κακοῖσι κειμένην ὅμως + ἐλπίς μ’ ἀεὶ προσῆγε σωθέντος τέκνου + ἀλκήν τιν’ εὑρεῖν κἀπικούρησιν κακῶν· + ἐπεὶ δὲ τὴν Λάκαιναν Ἑρμιόνην γαμεῖ + τοὐμὸν παρώσας δεσπότης δοῦλον λέχος, + κακοῖς πρὸς αὐτῆς σχετλίοις ἐλαύνομαι. + λέγει γὰρ ὥς νιν φαρμάκοις κεκρυμμένοις + τίθημ’ ἄπαιδα καὶ πόσει μισουμένην, + αὐτὴ δὲ ναίειν οἶκον ἀντ’ αὐτῆς θέλω + τόνδ’, ἐκβαλοῦσα λέκτρα τἀκείνης βίᾳ· + ἁγὼ τὸ πρῶτον οὐχ ἑκοῦσ’ ἐδεξάμην, + νῦν δ’ ἐκλέλοιπα· Ζεὺς τάδ’ εἰδείη μέγας, + ὡς οὐχ ἑκοῦσα τῷδ’ ἐκοινώθην λέχει. + ἀλλ’ οὔ σφε πείθω, βούλεται δέ με κτανεῖν, + πατήρ τε θυγατρὶ Μενέλεως συνδρᾷ τάδε. + καὶ νῦν κατ’ οἴκους ἔστ’, ἀπὸ Σπάρτης μολὼν + ἐπ’ αὐτὸ τοῦτο· δειματουμένη δ’ ἐγὼ + δόμων πάροικον Θέτιδος εἰς ἀνάκτορον + θάσσω τόδ’ ἐλθοῦσ’, ἤν με κωλύσῃ θανεῖν. + Πηλεύς τε γάρ νιν ἔκγονοί τε Πηλέως + σέβουσιν, ἑρμήνευμα Νηρῇδος γάμων. + ὃς δ’ ἔστι παῖς μοι μόνος, ὑπεκπέμπω λάθρᾳ + ἄλλους ἐς οἴκους, μὴ θάνῃ φοβουμένη. + ὁ γὰρ φυτεύσας αὐτὸν οὔτ’ ἐμοὶ πάρα + προσωφελῆσαι, παιδί τ’ οὐδέν ἐστ’, ἀπὼν + Δελφῶν κατ’ αἶαν, ἔνθα Λοξίᾳ δίκην + δίδωσι μανίας, ᾗ ποτ’ εἰς Πυθὼ μολὼν + ᾔτησε Φοῖβον πατρὸς οὗ κτείνει δίκην, + εἴ πως τὰ πρόσθε σφάλματ’ ἐξαιτούμενος + θεὸν παράσχοιτ’ εἰς τὸ λοιπὸν εὐμενῆ. + + +Θεράπαινα + δέσποιν’—ἐγώ τοι τοὔνομ’ οὐ φεύγω τόδε + καλεῖν σ’, ἐπείπερ καὶ κατ’ οἶκον ἠξίουν + τὸν σόν, τὸ Τροίας ἡνίκ’ ᾠκοῦμεν πέδον, + εὔνους δὲ καὶ σοὶ ζῶντί τ’ ἦ τῷ σῷ πόσει, + καὶ νῦν φέρουσά σοι νέους ἥκω λόγους, + φόβῳ μέν, εἴ τις δεσποτῶν αἰσθήσεται, + οἴκτῳ δὲ τῷ σῷ· δεινὰ γὰρ βουλεύεται + Μενέλαος εἰς σὲ παῖς θ’, ἅ σοι φυλακτέα. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ὦ φιλτάτη σύνδουλε—σύνδουλος γὰρ εἶ + τῇ πρόσθ’ ἀνάσσῃ τῇδε, νῦν δὲ δυστυχεῖ— + τί δρῶσι; ποίας μηχανὰς πλέκουσιν αὖ, + κτεῖναι θέλοντες τὴν παναθλίαν ἐμέ; + +θεράπαινα + τὸν παῖδά σου μέλλουσιν, ὦ δύστηνε σύ, + κτείνειν, ὃν ἔξω δωμάτων ὑπεξέθου. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + οἴμοι· πέπυσται τὸν ἐμὸν ἔκθετον γόνον; + πόθεν ποτ’; ὦ δύστηνος, ὡς ἀπωλόμην. + +Θεράπαινα + οὐκ οἶδ’, ἐκείνων δ’ ᾐσθόμην ἐγὼ τάδε· + φροῦδος δ’ ἐπ’ αὐτὸν Μενέλεως δόμων ἄπο. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ἀπωλόμην ἄρ’. ὦ τέκνον, κτενοῦσί σε + δισσοὶ λαβόντες γῦπες· ὁ δὲ κεκλημένος + πατὴρ ἔτ’ ἐν Δελφοῖσι τυγχάνει μένων. + +Θεράπαινα + δοκῶ γὰρ οὐκ ἂν ὧδέ σ’ ἂν πράσσειν κακῶς + κείνου παρόντος· νῦν δ’ ἔρημος εἶ φίλων. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + οὐδ’ ἀμφὶ Πηλέως ἦλθεν, ὡς ἥξοι, φάτις; + +Θεράπαινα + γέρων ἐκεῖνος ὥστε σ’ ὠφελεῖν παρών. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + καὶ μὴν ἔπεμψ’ ἐπ’ αὐτὸν οὐχ ἅπαξ μόνον. + +Θεράπαινα + μῶν οὖν δοκεῖς σου φροντίσαι τιν’ ἀγγέλων; + +Ἀνδρομάχη + πόθεν; θέλεις οὖν ἄγγελος σύ μοι μολεῖν; + +Θεράπαινα + τί δῆτα φήσω χρόνιος οὖσ’ ἐκ δωμάτων; + +Ἀνδρομάχη + πολλὰς ἂν εὕροις μηχανάς· γυνὴ γὰρ εἶ. + +Θεράπαινα + κίνδυνος· Ἑρμιόνη γὰρ οὐ σμικρὸν φύλαξ. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ὁρᾷς; ἀπαυδᾷς ἐν κακοῖς φίλοισι σοῖς. + +Θεράπαινα + οὐ δῆτα· μηδὲν τοῦτ’ ὀνειδίσῃς ἐμοί. + ἀλλ’ εἶμ’, ἐπεί τοι κοὐ περίβλεπτος βίος + δούλης γυναικός, ἤν τι καὶ πάθω κακόν. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + χώρει νυν· ἡμεῖς δ’, οἷσπερ ἐγκείμεσθ’ ἀεὶ + θρήνοισι καὶ γόοισι καὶ δακρύμασι, + πρὸς αἰθέρ’ ἐκτενοῦμεν· ἐμπέφυκε γὰρ + γυναιξὶ τέρψις τῶν παρεστώτων κακῶν + ἀνὰ στόμ’ ἀεὶ καὶ διὰ γλώσσης ἔχειν. + πάρεστι δ’ οὐχ ἓν ἀλλὰ πολλά μοι στένειν, + πόλιν πατρῴαν τὸν θανόντα θ’ Ἕκτορα + στερρόν τε τὸν ἐμὸν δαίμον’ ᾧ συνεζύγην + δούλειον ἦμαρ εἰσπεσοῦσ’ ἀναξίως. + χρὴ δ’ οὔποτ’ εἰπεῖν οὐδέν’ ὄλβιον βροτῶν, + πρὶν ἂν θανόντος τὴν τελευταίαν ἴδῃς + ὅπως περάσας ἡμέραν ἥξει κάτω. + + + + +
+Ἀνδρομάχη + Ἰλίῳ αἰπεινᾷ Πάρις οὐ γάμον ἀλλά τιν’ ἄταν + ἠγάγετ’ εὐναίαν εἰς θαλάμους Ἑλέναν. + ἇς ἕνεκ’, ὦ Τροία, δορὶ καὶ πυρὶ δηιάλωτον + εἷλέ σ’ ὁ χιλιόναυς Ἑλλάδος ὠκὺς Ἄρης + καὶ τὸν ἐμὸν μελέας πόσιν Ἕκτορα, τὸν περὶ τείχη + εἵλκυσε διφρεύων παῖς ἁλίας Θέτιδος· + αὐτὰ δ’ ἐκ θαλάμων ἀγόμαν ἐπὶ θῖνα θαλάσσας, + δουλοσύναν στυγερὰν ἀμφιβαλοῦσα κάρᾳ. + πολλὰ δὲ δάκρυά μοι κατέβα χροός, ἁνίκ’ ἔλειπον + ἄστυ τε καὶ θαλάμους καὶ πόσιν ἐν κονίαις. + ὤμοι ἐγὼ μελέα, τί μ’ ἐχρῆν ἔτι φέγγος ὁρᾶσθαι + Ἑρμιόνας δούλαν; ἇς ὕπο τειρομένα + πρὸς τόδ’ ἄγαλμα θεᾶς ἱκέτις περὶ χεῖρε βαλοῦσα + τάκομαι ὡς πετρίνα πιδακόεσσα λιβάς.
+ + + +
+
+Χορός + ὦ γύναι, ἃ Θέτιδος δάπεδον καὶ ἀνάκτορα θάσσεις + δαρὸν οὐδὲ λείπεις, + Φθιὰς ὅμως ἔμολον ποτὶ σὰν Ἀσιήτιδα γένναν, + εἴ τί σοι δυναίμαν + ἄκος τῶν δυσλύτων πόνων τεμεῖν, + οἳ σὲ καὶ Ἑρμιόναν ἔριδι στυγερᾷ συνέκλῃσαν, + τλάμον’ ἀμφὶ λέκτρων + διδύμων ἐπίκοινον ἐοῦσαν + ἀμφὶ παῖδ’ Ἀχιλλέως.
+ + + +
+ Χορός + γνῶθι τύχαν, λόγισαι τὸ παρὸν κακὸν εἰς ὅπερ ἥκεις. + δεσπόταις ἁμιλλᾷ + Ἰλιὰς οὖσα κόρα Λακεδαίμονος ἐγγενέτῃσιν; + λεῖπε δεξίμηλον + δόμον τᾶς ποντίας θεοῦ. τί σοι + καιρὸς ἀτυζομένᾳ δέμας αἰκέλιον καταλείβειν + δεσποτῶν ἀνάγκαις; + τὸ κρατοῦν δέ σ’ ἔπεισι. τί μόχθον + οὐδὲν οὖσα μοχθεῖς;
+ + + +
+Χορός + ἀλλ’ ἴθι λεῖπε θεᾶς Νηρηίδος ἀγλαὸν ἕδραν, + γνῶθι δ’ οὖσ’ ἐπὶ ξένας + δμωὶς ἐπ’ ἀλλοτρίας + πόλεος, ἔνθ’ οὐ φίλων τιν’ εἰσορᾷς + σῶν, ὦ δυστυχεστάτα, + παντάλαινα νύμφα.
+ + + +
+Χορός + οἰκτροτάτα γὰρ ἔμοιγ’ ἔμολες, γύναι Ἰλιάς, οἴκους + δεσποτῶν ἐμῶν· φόβῳ δ’ + ἡσυχίαν ἄγομεν— + τὸ δὲ σὸν οἴκτῳ φέρουσα τυγχάνω— + μὴ παῖς τᾶς Διὸς κόρας + σοί μ’ εὖ φρονοῦσαν εἰδῇ. + +
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+Ἑρμιόνη + κόσμον μὲν ἀμφὶ κρατὶ χρυσέας χλιδῆς + στολμόν τε χρωτὸς τόνδε ποικίλων πέπλων + οὐ τῶν Ἀχιλλέως οὐδὲ Πηλέως ἄπο + δόμων ἀπαρχὰς δεῦρ’ ἔχουσ’ ἀφικόμην, + ἀλλ’ ἐκ Λακαίνης Σπαρτιάτιδος χθονὸς + Μενέλαος ἡμῖν ταῦτα δωρεῖται πατὴρ + πολλοῖς σὺν ἕδνοις, ὥστ’ ἐλευθεροστομεῖν. + ὑμᾶς μὲν οὖν τοῖσδ’ ἀνταμείβομαι λόγοις· + σὺ δ’ οὖσα δούλη καὶ δορίκτητος γυνὴ + δόμους κατασχεῖν ἐκβαλοῦσ’ ἡμᾶς θέλεις + τούσδε, στυγοῦμαι δ’ ἀνδρὶ φαρμάκοισι σοῖς, + νηδὺς δ’ ἀκύμων διὰ σέ μοι διόλλυται· + δεινὴ γὰρ ἠπειρῶτις εἰς τὰ τοιάδε + ψυχὴ γυναικῶν· ὧν ἐπισχήσω σ’ ἐγώ, + κοὐδέν σ’ ὀνήσει δῶμα Νηρῇδος τόδε, + οὐ βωμὸς οὐδὲ ναός, ἀλλὰ κατθανῇ. + ἢν δ’ οὖν βροτῶν τίς σ’ ἢ θεῶν σῷσαι θέλῃ, + δεῖ σ’ ἀντὶ τῶν πρὶν ὀλβίων φρονημάτων + πτῆξαι ταπεινὴν προσπεσεῖν τ’ ἐμὸν γόνυ, + σαίρειν τε δῶμα τοὐμὸν ἐκ χρυσηλάτων + τευχέων χερὶ σπείρουσαν Ἀχελῴου δρόσον, + γνῶναί θ’ ἵν’ εἶ γῆς. οὐ γάρ ἐσθ’ Ἕκτωρ τάδε, + οὐ Πρίαμος οὐδὲ χρυσός, ἀλλ’ Ἑλλὰς πόλις. + εἰς τοῦτο δ’ ἥκεις ἀμαθίας, δύστηνε σύ, + ἣ παιδὶ πατρός, ὃς σὸν ὤλεσεν πόσιν, + τολμᾷς ξυνεύδειν καὶ τέκν’ αὐθέντου πάρα + τίκτειν. τοιοῦτον πᾶν τὸ βάρβαρον γένος· + πατήρ τε θυγατρὶ παῖς τε μητρὶ μίγνυται + κόρη τ’ ἀδελφῷ, διὰ φόνου δ’ οἱ φίλτατοι + χωροῦσι, καὶ τῶνδ’ οὐδὲν ἐξείργει νόμος. + ἃ μὴ παρ’ ἡμᾶς εἴσφερ’· οὐδὲ γὰρ καλὸν + δυοῖν γυναικοῖν ἄνδρ’ ἕν’ ἡνίας ἔχειν, + ἀλλ’ εἰς μίαν βλέποντες εὐναίαν Κύπριν + στέργουσιν, ὅστις μὴ κακῶς οἰκεῖν θέλει. + +Χορός + ἐπίφθονόν τοι χρῆμα θηλείας φρενὸς + καὶ ξυγγάμοισι δυσμενὲς μάλιστ’ ἀεί. + + + +Ἀνδρομάχη + φεῦ φεῦ· + κακόν γε θνητοῖς τὸ νέον ἔν τε τῷ νέῳ + τὸ μὴ δίκαιον ὅστις ἀνθρώπων ἔχει. + ἐγὼ δὲ ταρβῶ μὴ τὸ δουλεύειν μέ σοι + λόγων ἀπώσῃ πόλλ’ ἔχουσαν ἔνδικα, + ἢν δ’ αὖ κρατήσω, μὴ ’πὶ τῷδ’ ὄφλω βλάβην· + οἱ γὰρ πνέοντες μεγάλα τοὺς κρείσσους λόγους + πικρῶς φέρουσι τῶν ἐλασσόνων ὕπο· + ὅμως δ’ ἐμαυτὴν οὐ προδοῦσ’ ἁλώσομαι. + εἴπ’, ὦ νεᾶνι, τῷ σ’ ἐχεγγύῳ λόγῳ + πεισθεῖσ’ ἀπωθῶ γνησίων νυμφευμάτων; + ὡς ἡ Λάκαινα τῶν Φρυγῶν μείων πόλις, + τύχῃ θ’ ὑπερθεῖ, κἄμ’ ἐλευθέραν ὁρᾷς; + ἢ τῷ νέῳ τε καὶ σφριγῶντι σώματι + πόλεως τε μεγέθει καὶ φίλοις ἐπηρμένη + οἶκον κατασχεῖν τὸν σὸν ἀντὶ σοῦ θέλω; + πότερον ἵν’ αὐτὴ παῖδας ἀντὶ σοῦ τέκω + δούλους ἐμαυτῇ τ’ ἀθλίαν ἐφολκίδα; + ἢ τοὺς ἐμούς τις παῖδας ἐξανέξεται + Φθίας τυράννους ὄντας, ἢν σὺ μὴ τέκῃς; + φιλοῦσι γάρ μ’ Ἕλληνες Ἕκτορός τ’ ἄπο; + αὐτή τ’ ἀμαυρὰ κοὐ τύραννος ἦ Φρυγῶν; + οὐκ ἐξ ἐμῶν σε φαρμάκων στυγεῖ πόσις, + ἀλλ’ εἰ ξυνεῖναι μὴ ’πιτηδεία κυρεῖς. + φίλτρον δὲ καὶ τόδ’· οὐ τὸ κάλλος, ὦ γύναι, + ἀλλ’ ἁρεταὶ τέρπουσι τοὺς ξυνευνέτας. + σὺ δ’ ἤν τι κνισθῇς, ἡ Λάκαινα μὲν πόλις + μέγ’ ἐστί, τὴν δὲ Σκῦρον οὐδαμοῦ τίθης· + πλουτεῖς δ’ ἐν οὐ πλουτοῦσι· Μενέλεως δέ σοι + μείζων Ἀχιλλέως. ταῦτά τοί σ’ ἔχθει πόσις. + χρὴ γὰρ γυναῖκα, κἂν κακῷ πόσει δοθῇ, + στέργειν, ἅμιλλάν τ’ οὐκ ἔχειν φρονήματος. + εἰ δ’ ἀμφὶ Θρῄκην χιόνι τὴν κατάρρυτον + τύραννον ἔσχες ἄνδρ’, ἵν’ ἐν μέρει λέχος + δίδωσι πολλαῖς εἷς ἀνὴρ κοινούμενος, + ἔκτεινας ἂν τάσδ’; εἶτ’ ἀπληστίαν λέχους + πάσαις γυναιξὶ προστιθεῖσ’ ἂν ηὑρέθης. + αἰσχρόν γε· καίτοι χείρον’ ἀρσένων νόσον + ταύτην νοσοῦμεν, ἀλλὰ προύστημεν καλῶς. + ὦ φίλταθ’ Ἕκτορ, ἀλλ’ ἐγὼ τὴν σὴν χάριν + σοὶ καὶ ξυνήρων, εἴ τί σε σφάλλοι Κύπρις, + καὶ μαστὸν ἤδη πολλάκις νόθοισι σοῖς + ἐπέσχον, ἵνα σοι μηδὲν ἐνδοίην πικρόν. + καὶ ταῦτα δρῶσα τῇ ἀρετῇ προσηγόμην + πόσιν· σὺ δ’ οὐδὲ ῥανίδ’ ὑπαιθρίας δρόσου + τῷ σῷ προσίζειν ἀνδρὶ δειμαίνουσ’ ἐᾷς. + μὴ τὴν τεκοῦσαν τῇ φιλανδρίᾳ, γύναι, + ζήτει παρελθεῖν· τῶν κακῶν γὰρ μητέρων + φεύγειν τρόπους χρὴ τέκν’, ὅσοις ἔνεστι νοῦς. + + + +Χορός + δέσποιν’, ὅσον σοι ῥᾳδίως προσίσταται, + τοσόνδε πείθου τῇδε συμβῆναι λόγοις. + +Ἑρμιόνη + τί σεμνομυθεῖς κεἰς ἀγῶν’ ἔρχῃ λόγων, + ὡς δὴ σὺ σώφρων, τἀμὰ δ’ οὐχὶ σώφρονα; + +Ἀνδρομάχη + οὔκουν ἐφ’ οἷς γε νῦν καθέστηκας λόγοις. + +Ἑρμιόνη + ὁ νοῦς ὁ σός μοι μὴ ξυνοικοίη, γύναι. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + νέα πέφυκας καὶ λέγεις αἰσχρῶν πέρι. + +Ἑρμιόνη + σὺ δ’ οὐ λέγεις γε, δρᾷς δέ μ’ εἰς ὅσον δύνῃ. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + οὐκ αὖ σιωπῇ Κύπριδος ἀλγήσεις πέρι; + +Ἑρμιόνη + τί δ’; οὐ γυναιξὶ ταῦτα πρῶτα πανταχοῦ; + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ναί, + καλῶς γε χρωμέναισιν· εἰ δὲ μή, οὐ καλά. + +Ἑρμιόνη + οὐ βαρβάρων νόμοισιν οἰκοῦμεν πόλιν. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + κἀκεῖ τά γ’ αἰσχρὰ κἀνθάδ’ αἰσχύνην ἔχει. + +Ἑρμιόνη + σοφὴ σοφὴ σύ· κατθανεῖν δ’ ὅμως σε δεῖ. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ὁρᾷς ἄγαλμα Θέτιδος εἰς σ’ ἀποβλέπον; + +Ἑρμιόνη + μισοῦν γε πατρίδα σὴν Ἀχιλλέως φόνῳ. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + Ἑλένη νιν ὤλεσ’, οὐκ ἐγώ, μήτηρ δὲ σή. + +Ἑρμιόνη + ἦ καὶ πρόσω γὰρ τῶν ἐμῶν ψαύσεις κακῶν; + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ἰδοὺ σιωπῶ κἀπιλάζυμαι στόμα. + +Ἑρμιόνη + ἐκεῖνο λέξον, οὗπερ εἵνεκ’ ἐστάλην. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + λέγω σ’ ἐγὼ νοῦν οὐκ ἔχειν ὅσον σε δεῖ. + +Ἑρμιόνη + λείψεις τόδ’ ἁγνὸν τέμενος ἐναλίας θεοῦ; + +Ἀνδρομάχη + εἰ μὴ θανοῦμαί γ’· εἰ δὲ μή, οὐ λείψω ποτέ. + +Ἑρμιόνη + ὡς τοῦτ’ ἄραρε, κοὐ μενῶ πόσιν μολεῖν. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ἀλλ’ οὐδ’ ἐγὼ μὴν πρόσθεν ἐκδώσω μέ σοι. + +Ἑρμιόνη + πῦρ σοι προσοίσω, κοὐ τὸ σὸν προσκέψομαι— + +Ἀνδρομάχη + σὺ δ’ οὖν κάταιθε· θεοὶ γὰρ εἴσονται τάδε. + +Ἑρμιόνη + καὶ χρωτὶ δεινῶν τραυμάτων ἀλγηδόνας. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + σφάζ’, αἱμάτου θεᾶς βωμόν, ἣ μέτεισί σε. + +Ἑρμιόνη + ὦ βάρβαρον σὺ θρέμμα καὶ σκληρὸν θράσος, + ἐγκαρτερεῖς δὴ θάνατον; ἀλλ’ ἐγώ σ’ ἕδρας + ἐκ τῆσδ’ ἑκοῦσαν ἐξαναστήσω τάχα· + τοιόνδ’ ἔχω σου δέλεαρ. ἀλλὰ γὰρ λόγους + κρύψω, τὸ δ’ ἔργον αὐτὸ σημανεῖ τάχα. + κάθησ’ ἑδραία· καὶ γὰρ εἰ πέριξ σ’ ἔχοι + τηκτὸς μόλυβδος, ἐξαναστήσω σ’ ἐγὼ + πρὶν ᾧ πέποιθας παῖδ’ Ἀχιλλέως μολεῖν. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + πέποιθα. δεινὸν δ’ ἑρπετῶν μὲν ἀγρίων + ἄκη βροτοῖσι θεῶν καταστῆσαί τινα· + ὃ δ’ ἔστ’ ἐχίδνης καὶ πυρὸς περαιτέρω, + οὐδεὶς γυναικὸς φάρμακ’ ἐξηύρηκέ πω + κακῆς· τοσοῦτόν ἐσμεν ἀνθρώποις κακόν.
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+ Χορός + Ἦ μεγάλων ἀχέων ἄρ’ ὑπῆρξεν, ὅτ’ Ἰδαίαν + ἐς νάπαν ἦλθ’ ὁ Μαί- + ας τε καὶ Διὸς τόκος, + τρίπωλον ἅρμα δαιμόνων + ἄγων τὸ καλλιζυγές, + ἔριδι στυγερᾷ κεκορυθμένον εὐμορφίας + σταθμοὺς ἐπὶ βούτα, + βοτῆρά τ’ ἀμφὶ μονότροπον νεανίαν + ἔρημόν θ’ + ἑστιοῦχον αὐλάν.
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+ Χορός + ταὶ δ’ ἐπεὶ ὑλόκομον νάπος ἤλυθον οὐρειᾶν + πιδάκων νίψαν αἰ- + γλᾶντα σώματα ῥοαῖς, + ἔβαν δὲ Πριαμίδαν ὑπερ- + βολαῖς λόγων δυσφρόνων + παραβαλλόμεναι, δολίοις δ’ ἕλε Κύπρις λόγοις, + τερπνοῖς μὲν ἀκοῦσαι, + πικρὰν δὲ σύγχυσιν βίου Φρυγῶν πόλει + ταλαίνᾳ + περγάμοις τε Τροίας.
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+ Χορός + ἀλλ’ εἴθ’ ὑπὲρ κεφαλὰν ἔβαλεν κακὸν + ἁ τεκοῦσά νιν Πάριν + πρὶν Ἰδαῖ- + ον κατοικίσαι λέπας· + ὅτε νιν παρὰ θεσπεσίῳ δάφνᾳ + βόασε Κασάνδρα κτανεῖν, + μεγάλαν Πριάμου πόλεως λώβαν. + τίν’ οὐκ ἐπῆλθε, ποῖον οὐκ ἐλίσσετο + δαμογερόν- + των βρέφος φονεύειν;
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+ Χορός + οὔτ’ ἂν ἐπ’ Ἰλιάσι ζυγὸν ἤλυθε + δούλιον, σύ τ’ ἂν γύναι, + τυράννων + ἔσχες ἂν δόμων ἕδρας· + παρέλυσε δ’ ἂν Ἑλλάδος ἀλγεινοὺς + μόχθους οὓς ἀμφὶ Τροίαν + δεκέτεις ἀλάληντο νέοι λόγχαις. + λέχη τ’ ἔρημ’ ἂν οὔποτ’ ἐξελείπετο, + καὶ τεκέων + ὀρφανοὶ γέροντες.
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+Μενέλαος + ἥκω λαβὼν σὸν παῖδ’, ὃν εἰς ἄλλους δόμους + λάθρᾳ θυγατρὸς τῆς ἐμῆς ὑπεξέθου. + σὲ μὲν γὰρ ηὔχεις θεᾶς βρέτας σῴσειν τόδε, + τοῦτον δὲ τοὺς κρύψαντας· ἀλλ’ ἐφηυρέθης + ἧσσον φρονοῦσα τοῦδε Μενέλεω, γύναι. + κεἰ μὴ τόδ’ ἐκλιποῦσ’ ἐρημώσεις πέδον, + ὅδ’ ἀντὶ τοῦ σοῦ σώματος σφαγήσεται. + ταῦτ’ οὖν λογίζου, πότερα κατθανεῖν θέλεις + ἢ τόνδ’ ὀλέσθαι σῆς ἁμαρτίας ὕπερ, + ἣν εἰς ἔμ’ εἴς τε παῖδ’ ἐμὴν ἁμαρτάνεις. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ὦ δόξα δόξα, μυρίοισι δὴ βροτῶν + οὐδὲν γεγῶσι βίοτον ὤγκωσας μέγαν. + εὔκλεια δ’ οἷς μὲν ἔστ’ ἀληθείας ὕπο, + εὐδαιμονίζω· τοὺς δ’ ὑπὸ ψευδῶν, ἔχειν + οὐκ ἀξιώσω, πλὴν τύχῃ φρονεῖν δοκεῖν. + σὺ δὴ στρατηγῶν λογάσιν Ἑλλήνων ποτὲ + Τροίαν ἀφείλου Πρίαμον, ὧδε φαῦλος ὤν; + ὅστις θυγατρὸς ἀντίπαιδος ἐκ λόγων + τοσόνδ’ ἔπνευσας, καὶ γυναικὶ δυστυχεῖ + δούλῃ κατέστης εἰς ἀγῶν’; οὐκ ἀξιῶ + οὔτ’ οὖν σὲ Τροίας οὔτε σοῦ Τροίαν ἔτι. + ἔξωθέν εἰσιν οἱ δοκοῦντες εὖ φρονεῖν + λαμπροί, τὰ δ’ ἔνδον πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἴσοι, + πλὴν εἴ τι πλούτῳ· τοῦτο δ’ ἰσχύει μέγα. + Μενέλαε, φέρε δὴ διαπεράνωμεν λόγους· + τέθνηκα τῇ σῇ θυγατρὶ καί μ’ ἀπώλεσε· + μιαιφόνον μὲν οὐκέτ’ ἂν φύγοι μύσος. + ἐν τοῖς δὲ πολλοῖς καὶ σὺ τόνδ’ ἀγωνιῇ + φόνον· τὸ συνδρῶν γάρ σ’ ἀναγκάσει χρέος. + ἢν δ’ οὖν ἐγὼ μὲν μὴ θανεῖν ὑπεκδράμω, + τὸν παῖδά μου κτενεῖτε; κᾆτα πῶς πατὴρ + τέκνου θανόντος ῥᾳδίως ἀνέξεται; + οὐχ ὧδ’ ἄνανδρον αὐτὸν ἡ Τροία καλεῖ· + ἀλλ’ εἶσιν οἷ χρή—Πηλέως γὰρ ἄξια + πατρός τ’ Ἀχιλλέως ἔργα δρῶν φανήσεται— + ὤσει δὲ σὴν παῖδ’ ἐκ δόμων· σὺ δ’ ἐκδιδοὺς + ἄλλῳ τί λέξεις; πότερον ὡς κακὸν πόσιν + φεύγει τὸ ταύτης σῶφρον; ἀλλὰ πεύσεται. + γαμεῖ δὲ τίς νιν; ἤ σφ’ ἄνανδρον ἐν δόμοις + χήραν καθέξεις πολιόν; ὦ τλήμων ἀνήρ, + κακῶν τοσούτων οὐχ ὁρᾷς ἐπιρροάς; + πόσας ἂν εὐνὰς θυγατέρ’ ἠδικημένην + βούλοι’ ἂν εὑρεῖν ἢ παθεῖν ἁγὼ λέγω; + οὐ χρὴ ’πὶ μικροῖς μεγάλα πορσύνειν κακὰ + οὐδ’, εἰ γυναῖκές ἐσμεν ἀτηρὸν κακόν, + ἄνδρας γυναιξὶν ἐξομοιοῦσθαι φύσιν. + ἡμεῖς γὰρ εἰ σὴν παῖδα φαρμακεύομεν + καὶ νηδὺν ἐξαμβλοῦμεν, ὡς αὐτὴ λέγει, + ἑκόντες οὐκ ἄκοντες, οὐδὲ βώμιοι + πίτνοντες, αὐτοὶ τὴν δίκην ὑφέξομεν + ἐν σοῖσι γαμβροῖς, οἷσιν οὐκ ἐλάσσονα + βλάβην ὀφείλω προστιθεῖσ’ ἀπαιδίαν. + ἡμεῖς μὲν οὖν τοιοίδε· τῆς δὲ σῆς φρενὸς— + ἕν σου δέδοικα· διὰ γυναικείαν ἔριν + καὶ τὴν τάλαιναν ὤλεσας Φρυγῶν πόλιν. + +Χορός + ἄγαν ἔλεξας ὡς γυνὴ πρὸς ἄρσενας, + καί σου τὸ σῶφρον ἐξετόξευσεν φρενός. + +Μενέλαος + γύναι, τάδ’ ἐστὶ σμικρὰ καὶ μοναρχίας + οὐκ ἄξι’, ὡς φῄς, τῆς ἐμῆς οὐδ’ Ἑλλάδος. + εὖ δ’ ἴσθ’, ὅτου τις τυγχάνει χρείαν ἔχων, + τοῦτ’ ἔσθ’ ἑκάστῳ μεῖζον ἢ Τροίαν ἑλεῖν. + κἀγὼ θυγατρί—μεγάλα γὰρ κρίνω τάδε, + λέχους στέρεσθαι—σύμμαχος καθίσταμαι. + τὰ μὲν γὰρ ἄλλα δεύτερ’ ἂν πάσχοι γυνή, + ἀνδρὸς δ’ ἁμαρτάνουσ’ ἁμαρτάνει βίου. + δούλων δ’ ἐκεῖνον τῶν ἐμῶν ἄρχειν χρεὼν + καὶ τῶν ἐκείνου τοὺς ἐμούς, ἡμᾶς τε πρός· + φίλων γὰρ οὐδὲν ἴδιον, οἵτινες φίλοι + ὀρθῶς πεφύκασ’, ἀλλὰ κοινὰ χρήματα. + μένων δὲ τοὺς ἀπόντας, εἰ μὴ θήσομαι + τἄμ’ ὡς ἄριστα, φαῦλός εἰμι κοὐ σοφός. + ἀλλ’ ἐξανίστω τῶνδ’ ἀνακτόρων θεᾶς· + ὡς, ἢν θάνῃς σύ, παῖς ὅδ’ ἐκφεύγει μόρον, + σοῦ δ’ οὐ θελούσης κατθανεῖν, τόνδε κτενῶ. + δυοῖν δ’ ἀνάγκη θατέρῳ λιπεῖν βίον. + + + + Ἀνδρομάχη + οἴμοι, πικρὰν κλήρωσιν αἵρεσίν τέ μοι + βίου καθίστης· καὶ λαχοῦσά γ’ ἀθλία + καὶ μὴ λαχοῦσα δυστυχὴς καθίσταμαι. + ὦ μεγάλα πράσσων αἰτίας μικρᾶς πέρι, + πιθοῦ· τί καίνεις μ’; ἀντὶ τοῦ; ποίαν πόλιν + προύδωκα; τίνα σῶν ἔκτανον παίδων ἐγώ; + ποῖον δ’ ἔπρησα δῶμ’; ἐκοιμήθην βίᾳ + σὺν δεσπόταισι· κᾆτ’ ἔμ’, οὐ κεῖνον κτενεῖς, + τὸν αἴτιον τῶνδ’, ἀλλὰ τὴν ἀρχὴν ἀφεὶς + πρὸς τὴν τελευτὴν ὑστέραν οὖσαν φέρῃ; + οἴμοι κακῶν τῶνδ’, ὦ τάλαιν’ ἐμὴ πατρίς, + ὡς δεινὰ πάσχω. τί δέ με καὶ τεκεῖν ἐχρῆν + ἄχθος τ’ ἐπ’ ἄχθει τῷδε προσθέσθαι διπλοῦν; + ἀτὰρ τί ταῦτα δύρομαι, τὰ δ’ ἐν ποσὶν + οὐκ ἐξικμάζω καὶ λογίζομαι κακά; + ἥτις σφαγὰς μὲν Ἕκτορος τροχηλάτους + κατεῖδον οἰκτρῶς τ’ Ἴλιον πυρούμενον, + αὐτὴ δὲ δούλη ναῦς ἐπ’ Ἀργείων ἔβην + κόμης ἐπισπασθεῖσ’· ἐπεὶ δ’ ἀφικόμην + Φθίαν, φονεῦσιν Ἕκτορος νυμφεύομαι. + τί δῆτ’ ἐμοὶ ζῆν ἡδύ; πρὸς τί χρὴ βλέπειν; + πρὸς τὰς παρούσας ἢ παρελθούσας τύχας; + εἷς παῖς ὅδ’ ἦν μοι λοιπὸς ὀφθαλμὸς βίου· + τοῦτον κτενεῖν μέλλουσιν οἷς δοκεῖ τάδε. + οὐ δῆτα τοὐμοῦ γ’ εἵνεκ’ ἀθλίου βίου· + ἐν τῷδε μὲν γὰρ ἐλπίς, εἰ σωθήσεται, + ἐμοὶ δ’ ὄνειδος μὴ θανεῖν ὑπὲρ τέκνου. + ἰδοὺ προλείπω βωμὸν ἥδε χειρία + σφάζειν φονεύειν, δεῖν, ἀπαρτῆσαι δέρην. + ὦ τέκνον, ἡ τεκοῦσά σ’, ὡς σὺ μὴ θάνῃς, + στείχω πρὸς Ἅιδην· ἢν δ’ ὑπεκδράμῃς μόρον, + μέμνησο μητρός, οἷα τλᾶσ’ ἀπωλόμην, + καὶ πατρὶ τῷ σῷ διὰ φιλημάτων ἰὼν + δάκρυά τε λείβων καὶ περιπτύσσων χέρας + λέγ’ οἷ’ ἔπραξα. πᾶσι δ’ ἀνθρώποις ἄρ’ ἦν + ψυχὴ τέκν’· ὅστις δ’ αὔτ’ ἄπειρος ὢν ψέγει, + ἧσσον μὲν ἀλγεῖ, δυστυχῶν δ’ εὐδαιμονεῖ. + +Χορός + ᾤκτιρ’ ἀκούσασ’· οἰκτρὰ γὰρ τὰ δυστυχῆ + βροτοῖς ἅπασι, κἂν θυραῖος ὢν κυρῇ. + εἰς ξύμβασιν δὲ χρῆν σε παῖδα σὴν ἄγειν, + Μενέλαε, καὶ τήνδ’, ὡς ἀπαλλαχθῇ πόνων. + + + +Μενέλαος + λάβεσθέ μοι τῆσδ’, ἀμφελίξαντες χέρας, + δμῶες· λόγους γὰρ οὐ φίλους ἀκούσεται + ἐγώ σ’, ἵν’ ἁγνὸν βωμὸν ἐκλίποις θεᾶς, + προύτεινα παιδὸς θάνατον, ᾧ σ’ ὑπήγαγον + εἰς χεῖρας ἐλθεῖν τὰς ἐμὰς ἐπὶ σφαγήν. + καὶ τἀμφὶ σοῦ μὲν ὧδ’ ἔχοντ’ ἐπίστασο· + τὰ δ’ ἀμφὶ παιδὸς τοῦδε παῖς ἐμὴ κρινεῖ, + ἤν τε κτανεῖν νιν ἤν τε μὴ κτανεῖν θέλῃ. + ἀλλ’ ἕρπ’ ἐς οἴκους τούσδ’, ἵν’ εἰς ἐλευθέρους + δούλη γεγῶσα μήποθ’ ὑβρίζειν μάθῃς. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + οἴμοι· δόλῳ μ’ ὑπῆλθες, ἠπατήμεθα. + +Μενέλαος + κήρυσσ’ ἅπασιν· οὐ γὰρ ἐξαρνούμεθα. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ἦ ταῦτ’ ἐν ὑμῖν τοῖς παρ’ Εὐρώτᾳ σοφά; + +Μενέλαος + καὶ τοῖς γε Τροίᾳ, τοὺς παθόντας ἀντιδρᾶν. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + τὰ θεῖα δ’ οὐ θεῖ’ οὐδ’ ἔχειν ἡγῇ δίκην; + +Μενέλαος + ὅταν τάδ’ ᾖ, τότ’ οἴσομεν· σὲ δὲ κτενῶ. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ἦ καὶ νεοσσὸν τόνδ’, ὑπὸ πτερῶν σπάσας; + +Μενέλαος + οὐ δῆτα· θυγατρὶ δ’, ἢν θέλῃ, δώσω κτανεῖν. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + οἴμοι· τί δῆτά σ’ οὐ καταστένω, τέκνον; + +Μενέλαος + οὔκουν θρασεῖά γ’ αὐτὸν ἐλπὶς ἀναμένει. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ὦ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποισιν ἔχθιστοι βροτῶν + Σπάρτης ἔνοικοι, δόλια βουλευτήρια, + ψευδῶν ἄνακτες, μηχανορράφοι κακῶν, + ἑλικτὰ κοὐδὲν ὑγιές, ἀλλὰ πᾶν πέριξ + φρονοῦντες, ἀδίκως εὐτυχεῖτ’ ἀν’ Ἑλλάδα. + τί δ’ οὐκ ἐν ὑμῖν ἐστιν; οὐ πλεῖστοι φόνοι; + οὐκ αἰσχροκερδεῖς; οὐ λέγοντες ἄλλα μὲν + γλώσσῃ, φρονοῦντες δ’ ἄλλ’ ἐφευρίσκεσθ’ ἀεί; + ὄλοισθ’. ἐμοὶ μὲν θάνατος οὐχ οὕτω βαρὺς + ὡς σοὶ δέδοκται· κεῖνα γάρ μ’ ἀπώλεσεν, + ὅθ’ ἡ τάλαινα πόλις ἀνηλώθη Φρυγῶν + πόσις θ’ ὁ κλεινός, ὅς σε πολλάκις δορὶ + ναύτην ἔθηκεν ἀντὶ χερσαίου κακόν. + νῦν δ’ εἰς γυναῖκα γοργὸς ὁπλίτης φανεὶς + κτείνεις μ’. ἀπόκτειν’· ὡς ἀθώπευτόν γέ σε + γλώσσης ἀφήσω τῆς ἐμῆς καὶ παῖδα σήν. + ἐπεὶ σὺ μὲν πέφυκας ἐν Σπάρτῃ μέγας, + ἡμεῖς δὲ Τροίᾳ γ’. εἰ δ’ ἐγὼ πράσσω κακῶς, + μηδὲν τόδ’ αὔχει· καὶ σὺ γὰρ πράξειας ἄν.
+ + + +
+
+Χορός + οὐδέποτε δίδυμα λέκτρ’ ἐπαινέσω βροτῶν + οὐδ’ ἀμφιμάτορας κόρους, + ἔριδας οἴκων δυσμενεῖς τε λύπας. + μίαν μοι στεργέτω πόσις γάμοις + ἀκοινώ- + νητον ἀνδρὸς εὐνάν.
+ + + +
+ Χορός + οὐδέ γ’ ἐνὶ πόλεσι δίπτυχοι τυραννίδες + μιᾶς ἀμείνονες φέρειν, + ἄχθος ἐπ’ ἄχθει καὶ στάσις πολίταις· + τεκόντοιν θ’ ὕμνον ἐργάταιν δυοῖν + ἔριν Mοῦ- + σαι φιλοῦσι κραίνειν.
+ + + +
+ Χορός + πνοαὶ δ’ ὅταν φέρωσι ναυτίλους θοαί, + κατὰ πηδαλίων δίδυμαι πραπίδων γνῶμαι, + σοφῶν τε πλῆθος ἀθρόον ἀσθενέστερον + φαυλοτέρας φρενὸς αὐτοκρατοῦς. + ἑνὸς ἁ δύνασις ἀνά τε μέλαθρα + κατά τε πόλιας, ὁπόταν εὑ- + ρεῖν θέλωσι καιρόν.
+ + + +
+ Χορός + ἔδειξεν ἡ Λάκαινα τοῦ στρατηλάτα + Μενέλα· διὰ γὰρ πυρὸς ἦλθ’ ἑτέρῳ λέχεϊ, + κτείνει δὲ τὴν τάλαιναν Ἰλιάδα κόραν + παῖδά τε δύσφρονος ἔριδος ὕπερ. + ἄθεος ἄνομος ἄχαρις ὁ φόνος· + ἔτι σε, πότνια, μετατροπὰ + τῶνδ’ ἔπεισιν ἔργων.
+ + + +
+
+ Χορός + καὶ μὴν ἐσορῶ + τόδε σύγκρατον ζεῦγος πρὸ δόμων + ψήφῳ θανάτου κατακεκριμένον. + δύστηνε γύναι, τλῆμον δὲ σὺ παῖ, + μητρὸς λεχέων ὃς ὑπερθνῄσκεις + οὐδὲν μετέχων + οὐδ’ αἴτιος ὢν βασιλεῦσιν.
+ + + +
+Ἀνδρομάχη + ἅδ’ ἐγὼ χέρας αἱματη- + ρὰς βρόχοισι κεκλῃμένα + πέμπομαι κατὰ γαίας. + + Παῖς + μᾶτερ μᾶτερ, ἐγὼ δὲ σᾷ + πτέρυγι συγκαταβαίνω. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + θῦμα δάιον, ὦ χθονὸς + Φθίας κράντορες. + +Παῖς + ὦ πάτερ, + μόλε φίλοις ἐπίκουρος. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + κείσῃ δή, τέκνον ὦ φίλος, + μαστοῖς ματέρος ἀμφὶ σᾶς + νεκρὸς ὑπὸ χθονί, σὺν νεκρῷ τ’ + +Παῖς + ὤμοι μοι, τί πάθω; τάλας + δῆτ’ ἐγὼ σύ τε, μᾶτερ.
+ + + +
+Μενέλαος + ἴθ’ ὑποχθόνιοι· καὶ γὰρ ἀπ’ ἐχθρῶν + ἥκετε πύργων· δύο δ’ ἐκ δισσαῖν + θνῄσκετ’ ἀνάγκαιν· σὲ μὲν ἡμετέρα + ψῆφος ἀναιρεῖ, παῖδα δ’ ἐμὴ παῖς + τόνδ’ Ἑρμιόνη· καὶ γὰρ ἀνοία + μεγάλη λείπειν ἐχθροὺς ἐχθρῶν, + ἐξὸν κτείνειν + καὶ φόβον οἴκων ἀφελέσθαι.
+ + + +
+Ἀνδρομάχη + ὦ πόσις πόσις, εἴθε σὰν + χεῖρα καὶ δόρυ σύμμαχον + κτησαίμαν, Πριάμου παῖ. + +Παῖς + δύστανος, τί δ’ ἐγὼ μόρου + παράτροπον μέλος εὕρω; + +Ἀνδρομάχη + λίσσου, γούνασι δεσπότου + χρίμπτων, ὦ τέκνον. + +Παῖς + ὦ φίλος, + φίλος, ἄνες θάνατόν μοι. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + λείβομαι δάκρυσιν κόρας, + στάζω λισσάδος ὡς πέτρας + λιβὰς ἀνήλιος, ἁ τάλαιν’  + +Παῖς + ὤμοι μοι, τί δ’ ἐγὼ κακῶν + μῆχος ἐξανύσωμαι;
+ + + +
+Μενέλαος + τί με προσπίτνεις, ἁλίαν πέτραν + ἢ κῦμα λιταῖς ὣς ἱκετεύων; + τοῖς γὰρ ἐμοῖσιν γέγον’ ὠφελία, + σοὶ δ’ οὐδὲν ἔχω φίλτρον, ἐπεί τοι + μέγ’ ἀναλώσας ψυχῆς μόριον + Τροίαν εἷλον καὶ μητέρα σήν· + ἧς ἀπολαύων + Ἅιδην χθόνιον καταβήσῃ. + + +Χορός + καὶ μὴν δέδορκα τόνδε Πηλέα πέλας, + σπουδῇ τιθέντα δεῦρο γηραιὸν πόδα. + +Πηλεύς + ὑμᾶς ἐρωτῶ τόν τ’ ἐφεστῶτα σφαγῇ, + τί ταῦτα; πῶς ταῦτ’; ἐκ τίνος λόγου νοσεῖ + δόμος; τί πράσσετ’ ἄκριτα μηχανώμενοι; + Μενέλα’, ἐπίσχες· μὴ τάχυν’ ἄνευ δίκης + ἡγοῦ σὺ θᾶσσον, οὐ γὰρ ὡς ἔοικέ μοι + σχολῆς τόδ’ ἔργον· ἀλλ’ ἀνηβητηρίαν + ῥώμην μ’ ἐπαινῶ λαμβάνειν, εἴπερ ποτέ + πρῶτον μὲν οὖν κατ’ οὖρον ὥσπερ ἱστίοις + ἐμπνεύσομαι τῇδ’· εἰπέ, τίνι δίκῃ χέρας + βρόχοισιν ἐκδήσαντες οἵδ’ ἄγουσί σε + καὶ παῖδ’; ὕπαρνος γάρ τις οἶς ἀπόλλυσαι, + ἡμῶν ἀπόντων τοῦ τε κυρίου σέθεν. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + οἵδ’, ὦ γεραιέ, σὺν τέκνῳ θανουμένην + ἄγουσί μ’ οὕτως ὡς ὁρᾷς. τί σοι λέγω; + οὐ γὰρ μιᾶς σε κληδόνος προθυμίᾳ + μετῆλθον, ἀλλὰ μυρίων ὑπ’ ἀγγέλων. + ἔριν δὲ τὴν κατ’ οἶκον οἶσθά που κλύων + τῆς τοῦδε θυγατρός, ὧν τ’ ἀπόλλυμαι χάριν. + καὶ νῦν με βωμοῦ Θέτιδος, ἣ τὸν εὐγενῆ + ἔτικτέ σοι παῖδ’, ἣν σὺ θαυμαστὴν σέβεις, + ἄγουσ’ ἀποσπάσαντες, οὔτε τῳ δίκῃ + κρίναντες οὔτε τοὺς ἀπόντας ἐκ δόμων + μείναντες, ἀλλὰ τὴν ἐμὴν ἐρημίαν + γνόντες τέκνου τε τοῦδ’, ὃν οὐδὲν αἴτιον + μέλλουσι σὺν ἐμοὶ τῇ ταλαιπώρῳ κτενεῖν. + ἀλλ’ ἀντιάζω σ’, ὦ γέρον, τῶν σῶν πάρος + πίτνουσα γονάτων—χειρὶ δ’ οὐκ ἔξεστί μοι + τῆς σῆς λαβέσθαι φιλτάτης γενειάδος— + ῥῦσαί με πρὸς θεῶν· εἰ δὲ μή, θανούμεθα + αἰσχρῶς μὲν ὑμῖν, δυστυχῶς δ’ ἐμοί, γέρον. + +Πηλεύς + χαλᾶν κελεύω δεσμὰ πρὶν κλαίειν τινά, + καὶ τῆσδε χεῖρας διπτύχους ἀνιέναι. + +Μενέλαος + ἐγὼ δ’ ἀπαυδῶ γ’ ἄλλος οὐχ ἥσσων σέθεν + καὶ τῆσδε πολλῷ κυριώτερος γεγώς. + +Πηλεύς + πῶς; ἦ τὸν ἀμὸν οἶκον οἰκήσεις μολὼν + δεῦρ’; οὐχ ἅλις σοι τῶν κατὰ Σπάρτην κρατεῖν; + +Μενέλαος + εἷλόν νιν αἰχμάλωτον ἐκ Τροίας ἐγώ. + +Πηλεύς + οὑμὸς δέ γ’ αὐτὴν ἔλαβε παῖς παιδὸς γέρας. + +Μενέλαος + οὔκουν ἐκείνου τἀμὰ τἀκείνου τ’ ἐμά; + +Πηλεύς + ναί, + δρᾶν εὖ, κακῶς δ’ οὔ, μηδ’ ἀποκτείνειν βίᾳ. + +Μενέλαος + ὡς τήνδ’ ἀπάξεις οὔποτ’ ἐξ ἐμῆς χερός. + +Πηλεύς + σκήπτρῳ δὲ τῷδε σὸν καθαιμάξω κάρα; + +Μενέλαος + ψαῦσόν γ’, ἵν’ εἰδῇς, καὶ πέλας πρόσελθέ μου. + + +Πηλεύς + σὺ γὰρ μετ’ ἀνδρῶν, ὦ κάκιστε κἀκ κακῶν; + σοὶ ποῦ μέτεστιν ὡς ἐν ἀνδράσιν λόγου; + ὅστις πρὸς ἀνδρὸς Φρυγὸς ἀπηλλάγης λέχος, + ἄκλῃστ’ ἄδουλα δώμαθ’ ἑστίας λιπών, + ὡς δὴ γυναῖκα σώφρον’ ἐν δόμοις ἔχων + πασῶν κακίστην. οὐδ’ ἂν εἰ βούλοιτό τις + σώφρων γένοιτο Σπαρτιατίδων κόρη, + αἳ ξὺν νέοισιν ἐξερημοῦσαι δόμους + γυμνοῖσι μηροῖς καὶ πέπλοις ἀνειμένοις + δρόμους παλαίστρας τ’ οὐκ ἀνασχετοὺς ἐμοὶ + κοινὰς ἔχουσι. κᾆτα θαυμάζειν χρεὼν + εἰ μὴ γυναῖκας σώφρονας παιδεύετε; + Ἑλένην ἐρέσθαι χρῆν τάδ’, ἥτις ἐκ δόμων + τὸν σὸν λιποῦσα Φίλιον ἐξεκώμασε + νεανίου μετ’ ἀνδρὸς εἰς ἄλλην χθόνα. + κἄπειτ’ ἐκείνης οὕνεχ’ Ἑλλήνων ὄχλον + τοσόνδ’ ἀθροίσας ἤγαγες πρὸς Ἴλιον; + ἣν χρῆν σ’ ἀποπτύσαντα μὴ κινεῖν δόρυ, + κακὴν ἐφευρόντ’, ἀλλ’ ἐᾶν αὐτοῦ μένειν + μισθόν τε δόντα μήποτ’ εἰς οἴκους λαβεῖν. + ἀλλ’ οὔτι ταύτῃ σὸν φρόνημ’ ἐπούρισας, + ψυχὰς δὲ πολλὰς κἀγαθὰς ἀπώλεσας, + παίδων τ’ ἄπαιδας γραῦς ἔθηκας ἐν δόμοις, + πολιούς τ’ ἀφείλου πατέρας εὐγενῆ τέκνα. + ὧν εἷς ἐγὼ δύστηνος· αὐθέντην δὲ σὲ + μιάστορ’ ὥς τιν’ εἰσδέδορκ’ Ἀχιλλέως. + ὃς οὐδὲ τρωθεὶς ἦλθες ἐκ Τροίας μόνος, + κάλλιστα τεύχη δ’ ἐν καλοῖσι σάγμασιν + ὅμοι’ ἐκεῖσε δεῦρό τ’ ἤγαγες πάλιν. + κἀγὼ μὲν ηὔδων τῷ γαμοῦντι μήτε σοὶ + κῆδος ξυνάψαι μήτε δώμασιν λαβεῖν + κακῆς γυναικὸς πῶλον· ἐκφέρουσι γὰρ + μητρῷ’ ὀνείδη. τοῦτο καὶ σκοπεῖτέ μοι, + μνηστῆρες, ἐσθλῆς θυγατέρ’ ἐκ μητρὸς λαβεῖν. + πρὸς τοῖσδε δ’ εἰς ἀδελφὸν οἷ’ ἐφύβρισας, + σφάξαι κελεύσας θυγατέρ’ εὐηθέστατα; + οὕτως ἔδεισας μὴ οὐ κακὴν δάμαρτ’ ἔχῃς. + ἑλὼν δὲ Τροίαν—εἶμι γὰρ κἀνταῦθά σοι— + οὐκ ἔκτανες γυναῖκα χειρίαν λαβών, + ἀλλ’, ὡς ἐσεῖδες μαστόν, ἐκβαλὼν ξίφος + φίλημ’ ἐδέξω, προδότιν αἰκάλλων κύνα, + ἥσσων πεφυκὼς Κύπριδος, ὦ κάκιστε σύ. + κἄπειτ’ ἐς οἴκους τῶν ἐμῶν ἐλθὼν τέκνων + πορθεῖς ἀπόντων, καὶ γυναῖκα δυστυχῆ + κτείνεις ἀτίμως παῖδά θ’, ὃς κλαίοντά σε + καὶ τὴν ἐν οἴκοις σὴν καταστήσει κόρην, + κεἰ τρὶς νόθος πέφυκε. πολλάκις δέ τοι + ξηρὰ βαθεῖαν γῆν ἐνίκησε σπορᾷ, + νόθοι τε πολλοὶ γνησίων ἀμείνονες. + ἀλλ’ ἐκκομίζου παῖδα. κύδιον βροτοῖς + πένητα χρηστὸν ἢ κακὸν καὶ πλούσιον + γαμβρὸν πεπᾶσθαι καὶ φίλον· σὺ δ’ οὐδὲν εἶ. + + +Χορός + σμικρᾶς ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς νεῖκος ἀνθρώποις μέγα + γλῶσσ’ ἐκπορίζει· τοῦτο δ’ οἱ σοφοὶ βροτῶν + ἐξευλαβοῦνται, μὴ φίλοις τεύχειν ἔριν. + +Μενέλαος + τί δῆτ’ ἂν εἴποις τοὺς γέροντας, ὡς σοφοί, + καὶ τοὺς φρονεῖν δοκοῦντας Ἕλλησίν ποτε; + ὅτ’ ὢν σὺ Πηλεὺς καὶ πατρὸς κλεινοῦ γεγώς, + κῆδος συνάψας, αἰσχρὰ μὲν σαυτῷ λέγεις + ἡμῖν δ’ ὀνείδη διὰ γυναῖκα βάρβαρον, + ἣν χρῆν σ’ ἐλαύνειν τήνδ’ ὑπὲρ Νείλου ῥοὰς + ὑπέρ τε Φᾶσιν, κἀμὲ παρακαλεῖν ἀεί + οὖσαν μὲν ἠπειρῶτιν, οὗ πεσήματα + πλεῖσθ’ Ἑλλάδος πέπτωκε δοριπετῆ νεκρῶν, + τοῦ σοῦ δὲ παιδὸς αἵματος κοινουμένην. + Πάρις γάρ, ὃς σὸν παῖδ’ ἔπεφν’ Ἀχιλλέα, + Ἕκτορος ἀδελφὸς ἦν, δάμαρ δ’ ἥδ’ Ἕκτορος. + καὶ τῇδέ γ’ εἰσέρχῃ σὺ ταὐτὸν εἰς στέγος + καὶ ξυντράπεζον ἀξιοῖς ἔχειν βίον, + τίκτειν δ’ ἐν οἴκοις παῖδας ἐχθίστους ἐᾷς. + ἁγὼ προνοίᾳ τῇ τε σῇ κἀμῇ, γέρον, + κτανεῖν θέλων τήνδ’ ἐκ χερῶν ἁρπάζομαι. + καίτοι φέρ’· ἅψασθαι γὰρ οὐκ αἰσχρὸν λόγου· + ἢν παῖς μὲν ἡμὴ μὴ τέκῃ, ταύτης δ’ ἄπο + βλάστωσι παῖδες, τῆσδε γῆς Φθιώτιδος + στήσεις τυράννους, βάρβαροι δ’ ὄντες γένος + Ἕλλησιν ἄρξουσ’; εἶτ’ ἐγὼ μὲν οὐ φρονῶ + μισῶν τὰ μὴ δίκαια, σοὶ δ’ ἔνεστι νοῦς; + κἀκεῖνο νῦν ἄθρησον· εἰ σὺ παῖδα σὴν + δούς τῳ πολιτῶν, εἶτ’ ἔπασχε τοιάδε, + σιγῇ καθῆσ’ ἄν; οὐ δοκῶ· ξένης δ’ ὕπερ + τοιαῦτα λάσκεις τοὺς ἀναγκαίους φίλους; + καὶ μὴν ἴσον γ’ ἀνήρ τε καὶ γυνὴ στένει + ἀδικουμένη πρὸς ἀνδρός· ὡς δ’ αὔτως ἀνὴρ + γυναῖκα μωραίνουσαν ἐν δόμοις ἔχων. + καὶ τῷ μὲν ἔστιν ἐν χεροῖν μέγα σθένος, + τῇ δ’ ἐν γονεῦσι καὶ φίλοις τὰ πράγματα. + οὔκουν δίκαιον τοῖς γ’ ἐμοῖς ἐπωφελεῖν; + γέρων γέρων εἶ. τὴν δ’ ἐμὴν στρατηγίαν + λέγων ἔμ’ ὠφελοῖς ἂν ἢ σιγῶν πλέον. + Ἑλένη δ’ ἐμόχθησ’ οὐχ ἑκοῦσ’, ἀλλ’ ἐκ θεῶν, + καὶ τοῦτο πλεῖστον ὠφέλησεν Ἑλλάδα· + ὅπλων γὰρ ὄντες καὶ μάχης ἀίστορες + ἔβησαν εἰς τἀνδρεῖον· ἡ δ’ ὁμιλία + πάντων βροτοῖσι γίγνεται διδάσκαλος. + εἰ δ’ εἰς πρόσοψιν τῆς ἐμῆς ἐλθὼν ἐγὼ + γυναικὸς ἔσχον μὴ κτανεῖν, ἐσωφρόνουν. + οὐδ’ ἂν σὲ Φῶκον ἤθελον κατακτανεῖν. + ταῦτ’ εὖ φρονῶν σ’ ἐπῆλθον, οὐκ ὀργῆς χάριν· + ἢν δ’ ὀξυθυμῇς, σοὶ μὲν ἡ γλωσσαλγία + μείζων, ἐμοὶ δὲ κέρδος ἡ προμηθία. + +Χορός + παύσασθον ἤδη· λῷστα γὰρ μακρῷ τάδε· + λόγων ματαίων, μὴ δύο σφαλῆθ’ ἅμα. + + +Πηλεύς + οἴμοι, καθ’ Ἑλλάδ’ ὡς κακῶς νομίζεται· + ὅταν τροπαῖα πολεμίων στήσῃ στρατός, + οὐ τῶν πονούντων τοὔργον ἡγοῦνται τόδε, + ἀλλ’ ὁ στρατηγὸς τὴν δόκησιν ἄρνυται, + ὃς εἷς μετ’ ἄλλων μυρίων πάλλων δόρυ, + οὐδὲν πλέον δρῶν ἑνὸς ἔχει πλείω λόγον. + σεμνοὶ δ’ ἐν ἀρχαῖς ἥμενοι κατὰ πτόλιν + φρονοῦσι δήμου μεῖζον, ὄντες οὐδένες· + οἱ δ’ εἰσὶν αὐτῶν μυρίῳ σοφώτεροι, + εἰ τόλμα προσγένοιτο βούλησίς θ’ ἅμα. + ὡς καὶ σὺ σός τ’ ἀδελφὸς ἐξωγκωμένοι + Τροίᾳ κάθησθε τῇ τ’ ἐκεῖ στρατηγίᾳ, + μόχθοισιν ἄλλων καὶ πόνοις ἐπηρμένοι. + δείξω δ’ ἐγώ σοι μὴ τὸν Ἰδαῖον Πάριν + ἥσσω νομίζειν Πηλέως ἐχθρόν ποτε, + εἰ μὴ φθερῇ τῆσδ’ ὡς τάχιστ’ ἀπὸ στέγης + καὶ παῖς ἄτεκνος, ἣν ὅ γ’ ἐξ ἡμῶν γεγὼς + ἐλᾷ δι’ οἴκων τῶνδ’ ἐπισπάσας κόμης· + ἣ στερρὸς οὖσα μόσχος οὐκ ἀνέξεται + τίκτοντας ἄλλους, οὐκ ἔχουσ’ αὐτὴ τέκνα. + ἀλλ’, εἰ τὸ κείνης δυστυχεῖ παίδων πέρι, + ἄπαιδας ἡμᾶς δεῖ καταστῆναι τέκνων; + φθείρεσθε τῆσδε, δμῶες, ὡς ἂν ἐκμάθω + εἴ τίς με λύειν τῆσδε κωλύσει χέρας. + ἔπαιρε σαυτήν· ὡς ἐγὼ καίπερ τρέμων + πλεκτὰς ἱμάντων στροφίδας ἐξανήσομαι. + ὧδ’, ὦ κάκιστε, τῆσδ’ ἐλυμήνω χέρας; + βοῦν ἢ λέοντ’ ἤλπιζες ἐντείνειν βρόχοις; + ἢ μὴ ξίφος λαβοῦσ’ ἀμυνάθοιτό σε + ἔδεισας; ἕρπε δεῦρ’ ὑπ’ ἀγκάλας, βρέφος, + ξύλλυε μητρὸς δεσμόν· ἐν Φθίᾳ σ’ ἐγὼ + θρέψω μέγαν τοῖσδ’ ἐχθρόν. εἰ δ’ ἀπῆν δορὸς + τοῖς Σπαρτιάταις δόξα καὶ μάχης ἀγών, + τἄλλ’ ὄντες ἴστε μηδενὸς βελτίονες. + +Χορός + ἀνειμένον τι χρῆμα πρεσβυτῶν γένος + καὶ δυσφύλακτον ὀξυθυμίας ὕπο. + + +Μενέλαος + ἄγαν προνωπὴς εἰς τὸ λοιδορεῖν φέρῃ· + ἐγὼ δὲ πρὸς βίαν μὲν εἰς Φθίαν μολὼν + οὔτ’ οὖν τι δράσω φλαῦρον οὔτε πείσομαι. + καὶ νῦν μέν—οὐ γὰρ ἄφθονον σχολὴν ἔχω— + ἄπειμ’ ἐς οἴκους· ἔστι γάρ τις οὐ πρόσω + Σπάρτης πόλις τις, ἣ πρὸ τοῦ μὲν ἦν φίλη, + νῦν δ’ ἐχθρὰ ποιεῖ· τήνδ’ ἐπεξελθεῖν θέλω + στρατηλατήσας χὑποχείριον λαβεῖν. + ὅταν δὲ τἀκεῖ θῶ κατὰ γνώμην ἐμήν, + ἥξω· παρὼν δὲ πρὸς παρόντας ἐμφανῶς + γαμβροὺς διδάξω καὶ διδάξομαι λόγους. + κἂν μὲν κολάζῃ τήνδε καὶ τὸ λοιπὸν ᾖ + σώφρων καθ’ ἡμᾶς, σώφρον’ ἀντιλήψεται· + θυμούμενος δὲ τεύξεται θυμουμένων, + ἔργοισι δ’ ἔργα διάδοχ’ ἀντιλήψεται. + τοὺς σοὺς δὲ μύθους ῥᾳδίως ἐγὼ φέρω· + σκιὰ γὰρ ἀντίστοιχος ὣς φωνὴν ἔχεις, + ἀδύνατος, οὐδὲν ἄλλο πλὴν λέγειν μόνον. + +Πηλεύς + ἡγοῦ, τέκνον μοι, δεῦρ’ ὑπ’ ἀγκάλαις σταθείς, + σύ τ’, ὦ τάλαινα· χείματος γὰρ ἀγρίου + τυχοῦσα λιμένας ἦλθες εἰς εὐηνέμους. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + ὦ πρέσβυ, θεοί σοι δοῖεν εὖ καὶ τοῖσι σοῖς, + σῴσαντι παῖδα κἀμὲ τὴν δυσδαίμονα. + ὅρα δὲ μὴ νῷν εἰς ἐρημίαν ὁδοῦ + πτήξαντες οἵδε πρὸς βίαν ἄγωσί με, + γέροντα μὲν σ’ ὁρῶντες, ἀσθενῆ δ’ ἐμὲ + καὶ παῖδα τόνδε νήπιον· σκόπει τάδε, + μὴ νῦν φυγόντες εἶθ’ ἁλῶμεν ὕστερον. + +Πηλεύς + οὐ μὴ γυναικῶν δειλὸν εἰσοίσεις λόγον· + χώρει· τίς ὑμῶν ἅψεται; κλαίων ἄρα + ψαύσει. θεῶν γὰρ οὕνεχ’ ἱππικοῦ τ’ ὄχλου + πολλῶν θ’ ὁπλιτῶν ἄρχομεν Φθίαν κάτα· + ἡμεῖς δ’ ἔτ’ ὀρθοὶ κοὐ γέροντες, ὡς δοκεῖς, + ἀλλ’ εἴς γε τοιόνδ’ ἄνδρ’ ἀποβλέψας μόνον + τροπαῖον αὐτοῦ στήσομαι, πρέσβυς περ ὤν. + πολλῶν νέων γὰρ κἂν γέρων εὔψυχος ᾖ + κρείσσων· τί γὰρ δεῖ δειλὸν ὄντ’ εὐσωματεῖν;
+ + + +
+
+Χορός + μὴ γενοίμαν ἢ πατέρων ἀγαθῶν + εἴην πολυκτήτων τε δόμων μέτοχος. + εἴ τι γὰρ πάσχοι τις ἀμήχανον, ἀλκᾶς + οὐ σπάνις εὐγενέταις, + κηρυσσομένοισι δ’ ἀπ’ ἐσθλῶν δωμάτων + τιμὰ καὶ κλέος· οὔτοι λείψανα τῶν ἀγαθῶν + ἀνδρῶν ἀφαιρεῖται χρόνος· ἁ δ’ ἀρετὰ + καὶ θανοῦσι λάμπει.
+ + + +
+ Χορός + κρεῖσσον δὲ νίκαν μὴ κακόδοξον ἔχειν + ἢ ξὺν φθόνῳ σφάλλειν δυνάμει τε δίκαν. + ἡδὺ μὲν γὰρ αὐτίκα τοῦτο βροτοῖσιν, + ἐν δὲ χρόνῳ τελέθει + ξηρὸν καὶ ὀνείδεσιν ἔγκειται δόμων. + ταύταν ᾔνεσα ταύταν καὶ φέρομαι βιοτάν, + μηδὲν δίκας ἔξω κράτος ἐν θαλάμοις + καὶ πόλει δύνασθαι.
+ + + +
+ Χορός + ὦ γέρον Αἰακίδα, + πείθομαι καὶ σὺν Λαπίθαισί σε Κενταύ- + ρων ὁμιλῆσαι δορὶ + κλεινοτάτῳ· καὶ ἐπ’ Ἀργῴου δορὸς ἄξενον ὑγρὰν + ἐκπερᾶσαι ποντιᾶν Ξυμπληγάδων + κλεινὰν ἐπὶ ναυστολίαν, + Ἰλιάδα τε πόλιν ὅτε πάρος + εὐδόκιμον ὁ Διὸς ἶνις ἀμφέβαλε φόνῳ, + κοινὰν τὰν εὔκλειαν ἔχοντ’ + Εὐρώπαν ἀφικέσθαι.
+ + + +
+Τροφός + ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες, ὡς κακὸν κακῷ + διάδοχον ἐν τῇδ’ ἡμέρᾳ πορσύνεται. + δέσποινα γὰρ κατ’ οἶκον, Ἑρμιόνην λέγω, + πατρός τ’ ἐρημωθεῖσα συννοίᾳ θ’ ἅμα, + οἷον δέδρακεν ἔργον Ἀνδρομάχην κτανεῖν + καὶ παῖδα βουλεύσασα, κατθανεῖν θέλει, + πόσιν τρέμουσα, μὴ ἀντὶ τῶν δεδραμένων + ἐκ τῶνδ’ ἀτίμως δωμάτων ἀποσταλῇ, + ἢ κατθάνῃ κτείνουσα τοὺς οὐ χρὴ κτανεῖν. + μόλις δέ νιν θέλουσαν ἀρτῆσαι δέρην + εἴργουσι φύλακες δμῶες ἔκ τε δεξιᾶς + ξίφη καθαρπάζουσιν ἐξαιρούμενοι. + οὕτω μεταλγεῖ καὶ τὰ πρὶν δεδραμένα + ἔγνωκε πράξασ’ οὐ καλῶς. ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν + δέσποιναν εἴργουσ’ ἀγχόνης κάμνω, φίλαι· + ὑμεῖς δὲ βᾶσαι τῶνδε δωμάτων ἔσω + θανάτου νιν ἐκλύσασθε· τῶν γὰρ ἠθάδων + φίλων νέοι μολόντες εὐπιθέστεροι. + +Χορός + καὶ μὴν ἐν οἴκοις προσπόλων ἀκούομεν + βοὴν ἐφ’ οἷσιν ἦλθες ἀγγέλλουσα σύ. + δείξειν δ’ ἔοικεν ἡ τάλαιν’ ὅσον στένει + πράξασα δεινά· δωμάτων γὰρ ἐκπερᾷ + φεύγουσα χεῖρας προσπόλων πόθῳ θανεῖν. + + + +
+Ἑρμιόνη + ἰώ μοί μοι· + σπάραγμα κόμας ὀνύχων τε δάι’ ἀ- + μύγματα θήσομαι. + +Τροφός + ὦ παῖ, τί δράσεις; σῶμα σὸν καταικιῇ;
+ + + +
+Ἑρμιόνη + αἰαῖ αἰαῖ· + ἔρρ’ αἰθέριον πλοκάμων ἐμῶν ἄπο, + λεπτόμιτον φάρος. + +Τροφός + τέκνον, κάλυπτε στέρνα, σύνδησαι πέπλους.
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+Ἑρμιόνη + τί δέ με δεῖ στέρνα + καλύπτειν πέπλοις; δῆλα καὶ + ἀμφιφανῆ καὶ ἄκρυπτα δε- + δράκαμεν πόσιν. + + +Τροφός + ἀλγεῖς, φόνον ῥάψασα συγγάμῳ σέθεν;
+ + + +
+Ἑρμιόνη + κατὰ μὲν οὖν στένω + δαΐας τόλμας, ἂν ἔρεξ’· + ὦ κατάρατος ἐγὼ κατά- + ρατος ἀνθρώποις. + +Τροφός + συγγνώσεταί σοι τήνδ’ ἁμαρτίαν πόσις.
+ + + +
+Ἑρμιόνη + τί μοι ξίφος + ἐκ χερὸς ἠγρεύσω; + ἀπόδος, ὦ φίλα, ’πόδος, ἵν’ ἀνταίαν + ἐρείσω πλαγάν· τί με βρόχων εἴργεις; + +Τροφός + ἀλλ’ εἴ σ’ ἀφείην μὴ φρονοῦσαν, ὡς θάνῃς;
+ +
+ Ἑρμιόνη + οἴμοι πότμου. + ποῦ μοι πυρὸς φίλα φλόξ; + ποῦ δ’ εἰς πέτρας ἀερθῶ, + κατὰ πόντον ἢ καθ’ ὕλαν ὀρέων, + ἵνα θανοῦσα νερτέροισιν μέλω; + + +Τροφός + τί ταῦτα μοχθεῖς; συμφοραὶ θεήλατοι + πᾶσιν βροτοῖσιν ἢ τότ’ ἦλθον ἢ τότε.
+ + + +
+Ἑρμιόνη + ἔλιπες ἔλιπες, ὦ πάτερ, ἐπακτίαν + ὡσεὶ μονάδ’ ἔρημον οὖσαν ἐνάλου κώπας. + —ὀλεῖ ὀλεῖ με· τᾷδ’ οὐκέτ’ ἐνοικήσω + νυμφιδίῳ στέγᾳ. + τίνος ἀγαλμάτων ἱκέτις ὁρμαθῶ; + ἢ δούλα δούλας γόνασι προσπέσω; + Φθιάδος ἐκ γᾶς + κυανόπτερος ὄρνις εἴθ’ εἴην, + ἢ πευκᾶεν + σκάφος, ἃ διὰ Κυανέας ἐπέρασεν ἀκτὰς + πρωτόπλοος πλάτα. + + +Τροφός + ὦ παῖ, τὸ λίαν οὔτ’ ἐκεῖν’ ἐπῄνεσα, + ὅτ’ εἰς γυναῖκα Τρῳάδ’ ἐξημάρτανες, + οὔτ’ αὖ τὸ νῦν σου δεῖμ’ ὃ δειμαίνεις ἄγαν. + οὐχ ὧδε κῆδος σὸν διώσεται πόσις + φαύλοις γυναικὸς βαρβάρου πεισθεὶς λόγοις. + οὐ γάρ τί σ’ αἰχμάλωτον ἐκ Τροίας ἔχει, + ἀλλ’ ἀνδρὸς ἐσθλοῦ παῖδα σὺν πολλοῖς λαβὼν + ἕδνοισι, πόλεώς τ’ οὐ μέσως εὐδαίμονος. + πατὴρ δέ σ’ οὐχ ὧδ’ ὡς σὺ δειμαίνεις, τέκνον, + προδοὺς ἐάσει δωμάτων τῶνδ’ ἐκπεσεῖν. + ἀλλ’ εἴσιθ’ εἴσω μηδὲ φαντάζου δόμων + πάροιθε τῶνδε, μή τιν’ αἰσχύνην λάβῃς, + πρόσθεν μελάθρων τῶνδ’ ὁρωμένη, τέκνον. + +Χορός + καὶ μὴν ὅδ’ ἀλλόχρως τις ἔκδημος ξένος + σπουδῇ πρὸς ἡμᾶς βημάτων πορεύεται. + +Ὀρέστης + ξέναι γυναῖκες, ἦ τάδ’ ἔστ’ Ἀχιλλέως + παιδὸς μέλαθρα καὶ τυραννικαὶ στέγαι; + +Χορός + ἔγνως· ἀτὰρ δὴ τίς σὺ πυνθάνῃ τάδε; + +Ὀρέστης + Ἀγαμέμνονός τε καὶ Κλυταιμήστρας τόκος, + ὄνομα δ’ Ὀρέστης· ἔρχομαι δὲ πρὸς Διὸς + μαντεῖα Δωδωναῖ’. ἐπεὶ δ’ ἀφικόμην + Φθίαν, δοκεῖ μοι ξυγγενοῦς μαθεῖν πέρι + γυναικός, εἰ ζῇ κεὐτυχοῦσα τυγχάνει + ἡ Σπαρτιᾶτις Ἑρμιόνη· τηλουρὰ γὰρ + ναίουσ’ ἀφ’ ἡμῶν πεδί’ ὅμως ἐστὶν φίλη. + +Ἑρμιόνη + ὦ ναυτίλοισι χείματος λιμὴν φανεὶς + Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖ, πρός σε τῶνδε γουνάτων, + οἴκτιρον ἡμᾶς ὧν ἐπισκοπεῖς τύχας, + πράσσοντας οὐκ εὖ. στεμμάτων δ’ οὐχ ἥσσονας + σοῖς προστίθημι γόνασιν ὠλένας ἐμάς. + +Ὀρέστης + ἔα· + τί χρῆμα; μῶν ἐσφάλμεθ’ ἢ σαφῶς ὁρῶ + δόμων ἄνασσαν τήνδε Μενέλεω κόρην; + +Ἑρμιόνη + ἥνπερ μόνην γε Τυνδαρὶς τίκτει γυνὴ + Ἑλένη κατ’ οἴκους πατρί· μηδὲν ἀγνόει. + +Ὀρέστης + ὦ Φοῖβ’ ἀκέστορ, πημάτων δοίης λύσιν. + τί χρῆμα; πρὸς θεῶν ἢ βροτῶν πάσχεις κακά; + +Ἑρμιόνη + τὰ μὲν πρὸς ἡμῶν, τὰ δὲ πρὸς ἀνδρὸς ὅς μ’ ἔχει, + τὰ δ’ ἐκ θεῶν του· πανταχῇ δ’ ὀλώλαμεν. + +Ὀρέστης + τίς οὖν ἂν εἴη μὴ πεφυκότων γέ πω + παίδων γυναικὶ συμφορὰ πλὴν εἰς λέχος; + +Ἑρμιόνη + τοῦτ’ αὐτὸ καὶ νοσοῦμεν· εὖ μ’ ὑπηγάγου. + + +Ὀρέστης + ἄλλην τιν’ εὐνὴν ἀντὶ σοῦ στέργει πόσις; + +Ἑρμιόνη + τὴν αἰχμάλωτον Ἕκτορος ξυνευνέτιν. + +Ὀρέστης + κακόν γ’ ἔλεξας, ἄνδρα δίσσ’ ἔχειν λέχη. + +Ἑρμιόνη + τοιαῦτα ταῦτα. κᾆτ’ ἔγωγ’ ἠμυνάμην. + +Ὀρέστης + μῶν εἰς γυναῖκ’ ἔρραψας οἷα δὴ γυνή; + +Ἑρμιόνη + φόνον γ’ ἐκείνῃ καὶ τέκνῳ νοθαγενεῖ. + +Ὀρέστης + κἄκτεινας, ἤ τις συμφορά σ’ ἀφείλετο; + +Ἑρμιόνη + γέρων γε Πηλεύς, τοὺς κακίονας σέβων. + +Ὀρέστης + σοὶ δ’ ἦν τις ὅστις τοῦδ’ ἐκοινώνει φόνου; + +Ἑρμιόνη + πατήρ γ’ ἐπ’ αὐτὸ τοῦτ’ ἀπὸ Σπάρτης μολών. + +Ὀρέστης + κἄπειτα τοῦ γέροντος ἡσσήθη χερί; + +Ἑρμιόνη + αἰδοῖ γε· καί μ’ ἔρημον οἴχεται λιπών. + +Ὀρέστης + συνῆκα· ταρβεῖς τοῖς δεδραμένοις πόσιν. + +Ἑρμιόνη + ἔγνως· ὀλεῖ γάρ μ’ ἐνδίκως. τί δεῖ λέγειν; + ἀλλ’ ἄντομαί σε Δία καλοῦσ’ ὁμόγνιον, + πέμψον με χώρας τῆσδ’ ὅποι προσωτάτω + ἢ πρὸς πατρῷον μέλαθρον· ὡς δοκοῦσί γε + δόμοι τ’ ἐλαύνειν φθέγμ’ ἔχοντες οἵδε με, + μισεῖ τε γαῖα Φθιάς. εἰ δ’ ἥξει πάρος + Φοίβου λιπὼν μαντεῖον εἰς δόμους πόσις, + κτενεῖ μ’ ἐπ’ αἰσχίστοισιν· ἢ δουλεύσομεν + νόθοισι λέκτροις ὧν ἐδέσποζον πρὸ τοῦ. + πῶς οὖν τάδ’, ὡς εἴποι τις, ἐξημάρτανες; + κακῶν γυναικῶν εἴσοδοί μ’ ἀπώλεσαν, + αἵ μοι λέγουσαι τούσδ’ ἐχαύνωσαν λόγους· + Σὺ τὴν κακίστην αἰχμάλωτον ἐν δόμοις + δούλην ἀνέξῃ σοὶ λέχους κοινουμένην; + μὰ τὴν ἄνασσαν, οὐκ ἂν ἔν γ’ ἐμοῖς δόμοις + βλέπουσ’ ἂν αὐγὰς τἄμ’ ἐκαρποῦτ’ ἂν λέχη. + κἀγὼ κλύουσα τούσδε Σειρήνων λόγους, + σοφῶν πανούργων ποικίλων λαλημάτων, + ἐξηνεμώθην μωρίᾳ. τί γάρ μ’ ἐχρῆν + πόσιν φυλάσσειν, ᾗ παρῆν ὅσων ἔδει; + πολὺς μὲν ὄλβος· δωμάτων δ’ ἠνάσσομεν· + παῖδας δ’ ἐγὼ μὲν γνησίους ἔτικτον ἄν, + ἡ δ’ ἡμιδούλους τοῖς ἐμοῖς νοθαγενεῖς. + ἀλλ’ οὔποτ’ οὔποτ’—οὐ γὰρ εἰσάπαξ ἐρῶ— + χρὴ τούς γε νοῦν ἔχοντας, οἷς ἔστιν γυνή, + πρὸς τὴν ἐν οἴκοις ἄλοχον ἐσφοιτᾶν ἐᾶν + γυναῖκας· αὗται γὰρ διδάσκαλοι κακῶν· + ἣ μέν τι κερδαίνουσα συμφθείρει λέχος, + ἣ δ’ ἀμπλακοῦσα συννοσεῖν αὑτῇ θέλει, + πολλαὶ δὲ μαργότητι κἀντεῦθεν δόμοι + νοσοῦσιν ἀνδρῶν. πρὸς τάδ’ εὖ φυλάσσετε + κλῄθροισι καὶ μοχλοῖσι δωμάτων πύλας· + ὑγιὲς γὰρ οὐδὲν αἱ θύραθεν εἴσοδοι + δρῶσιν γυναικῶν, ἀλλὰ πολλὰ καὶ κακά. + +Χορός + ἄγαν ἐφῆκας γλῶσσαν εἰς τὸ σύμφυτον. + συγγνωστὰ μέν νυν σοὶ τάδ’, ἀλλ’ ὅμως χρεὼν + κοσμεῖν γυναῖκας τὰς γυναικείας νόσους. + + +Ὀρέστης + σοφόν τι χρῆμα τοῦ διδάξαντος βροτοὺς + λόγους ἀκούειν τῶν ἐναντίων πάρα. + ἐγὼ γὰρ εἰδὼς τῶνδε σύγχυσιν δόμων + ἔριν τε τὴν σὴν καὶ γυναικὸς Ἕκτορος, + φυλακὰς ἔχων ἔμιμνον, εἴτ’ αὐτοῦ μενεῖς + εἴτ’ ἐκφοβηθεῖσ’ αἰχμαλωτίδος φόνῳ + γυναικὸς οἴκων τῶνδ’ ἀπηλλάχθαι θέλεις. + ἦλθον δὲ σὰς μὲν οὐ σέβων ἐπιστολάς, + εἰ δ’ ἐνδιδοίης, ὥσπερ ἐνδίδως, λόγον, + πέμψων σ’ ἀπ’ οἴκων τῶνδ’. ἐμὴ γὰρ οὖσα πρὶν + σὺν τῷδε ναίεις ἀνδρὶ σοῦ πατρὸς κάκῃ, + ὃς πρὶν τὰ Τροίας εἰσβαλεῖν ὁρίσματα + γυναῖκ’ ἐμοί σε δοὺς ὑπέσχεθ’ ὕστερον + τῷ νῦν σ’ ἔχοντι, Τρῳάδ’ εἰ πέρσοι πόλιν. + ἐπεὶ δ’ Ἀχιλλέως δεῦρ’ ἐνόστησεν γόνος, + σῷ μὲν συνέγνων πατρί, τὸν δ’ ἐλισσόμην + γάμους ἀφεῖναι σούς, ἐμὰς λέγων τύχας + καὶ τὸν παρόντα δαίμον’, ὡς φίλων μὲν ἂν + γήμαιμ’ ἀπ’ ἀνδρῶν, ἔκτοθεν δ’ οὐ ῥᾳδίως, + φεύγων ἀπ’ οἴκων ἃς ἐγὼ φεύγω φυγάς. + ὃ δ’ ἦν ὑβριστὴς εἴς τ’ ἐμῆς μητρὸς φόνον + τάς θ’ αἱματωποὺς θεὰς ὀνειδίζων ἐμοί. + κἀγὼ ταπεινὸς ὢν τύχαις ταῖς οἴκοθεν + ἤλγουν μὲν ἤλγουν, συμφοραῖς δ’ ἠνειχόμην, + σῶν δὲ στερηθεὶς ᾠχόμην ἄκων γάμων. + νῦν οὖν, ἐπειδὴ περιπετεῖς ἔχεις τύχας + καὶ ξυμφορὰν τήνδ’ εἰσπεσοῦσ’ ἀμηχανεῖς, + ἄξω σ’ ἀπ’ οἴκων καὶ πατρὸς δώσω χερί. + τὸ συγγενὲς γὰρ δεινόν, ἔν τε τοῖς κακοῖς + οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν κρεῖσσον οἰκείου φίλου. + +Ἑρμιόνη + νυμφευμάτων μὲν τῶν ἐμῶν πατὴρ ἐμὸς + μέριμναν ἕξει, κοὐκ ἐμὸν κρίνειν τόδε. + ἀλλ’ ὡς τάχιστα τῶνδέ μ’ ἔκπεμψον δόμων, + μὴ φθῇ με προσβὰς δῶμα καὶ μολὼν πόσις, + ἢ πρέσβυς οἴκους μ’ ἐξερημοῦσαν μαθὼν + Πηλεὺς μετέλθῃ πωλικοῖς διώγμασιν. + +Ὀρέστης + θάρσει γέροντος χεῖρα· τὸν δ’ Ἀχιλλέως + μηδὲν φοβηθῇς παῖδ’, ὅσ’ εἰς ἔμ’ ὕβρισε. + τοία γὰρ αὐτῷ μηχανὴ πεπλεγμένη + βρόχοις ἀκινήτοισιν ἕστηκεν φόνου + πρὸς τῆσδε χειρός· ἣν πάρος μὲν οὐκ ἐρῶ, + τελουμένων δὲ Δελφὶς εἴσεται πέτρα. + ὁ μητροφόντης δ’, ἢν δορυξένων ἐμῶν + μείνωσιν ὅρκοι Πυθικὴν ἀνὰ χθόνα, + δείξει γαμεῖν σφε μηδέν’ ὧν ἐχρῆν ἐμέ. + πικρῶς δὲ πατρὸς φόνιον αἰτήσει δίκην + ἄνακτα Φοῖβον· οὐδέ νιν μετάστασις + γνώμης ὀνήσει θεῷ διδόντα νῦν δίκας, + ἀλλ’ ἔκ τ’ ἐκείνου διαβολαῖς τε ταῖς ἐμαῖς + κακῶς ὀλεῖται· γνώσεται δ’ ἔχθραν ἐμήν. + ἐχθρῶν γὰρ ἀνδρῶν μοῖραν εἰς ἀναστροφὴν + δαίμων δίδωσι κοὐκ ἐᾷ φρονεῖν μέγα. +
+ + + +
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+Χορός + ὦ Φοῖβε πυργώσας τὸν ἐν Ἰλίῳ εὐτειχῆ πάγον + καὶ πόντιε κυανέαις ἵπποις διφρεύ- + ων ἅλιον πέλαγος, + τίνος οὕνεκ’ ἄτιμον ὀργᾶς + ἃν χέρα τεκτοσύνας Ἐ- + νυαλίῳ δοριμήστορι προσθέν- + τες τάλαιναν τάλαι- + ναν μεθεῖτε Τροίαν; +
+ + + +
+ Χορός + πλείστους δ’ ἐπ’ ἀκταῖσιν Σιμοεντίσιν εὐίππους + ὄχους + ἐζεύξατε καὶ φονίους ἀνδρῶν ἁμίλ- + λας ἔθετ’ ἀστεφάνους· + ἀπὸ δὲ φθίμενοι βεβᾶσιν + Ἰλιάδαι βασιλῆες, + οὐδ’ ἔτι πῦρ ἐπιβώμιον ἐν Τροί- + ᾳ θεοῖσιν λέλαμ- + πεν καπνῷ θυώδει. +
+ + + +
+ Χορός + βέβακε δ’ Ἀτρείδας ἀλόχου παλάμαις, + αὐτά τ’ ἐναλλάξασα φόνον θανάτῳ + πρὸς τέκνων ἀπηύρα + θεοῦ. θεοῦ νιν κέλευμ’ ἐπεστράφη + μαντόσυνον, ὅτε νιν Ἀργόθεν πορευθεὶς + Ἀγαμεμνόνιος κέλωρ, ἀδύτων ἐπιβὰς + κτεάνων, ματρὸς φονεὺς   + ὦ δαῖμον, ὦ Φοῖβε, πῶς πείθομαι;
+ + + +
+ Χορός + πολλαὶ δ’ ἀν’ Ἑλλάνων ἀγόρους στοναχὰς + μέλποντο δυστάνων τεκέων, ἄλοχοι δ’ + ἐξέλειπον οἴκους + πρὸς ἄλλον εὐνάτορ’. οὐχὶ σοὶ μόνᾳ + δύσφρονες ἐπέπεσον, οὐ φίλοισι, λῦπαι· + νόσον Ἑλλὰς ἔτλα, νόσον· διέβα δὲ Φρυγῶν + καὶ πρὸς εὐκάρπους γύας + σκηπτὸς σταλάσσων τὸν Ἅιδα φόνον.
+ + + +
+ Πηλεύς + Φθιώτιδες γυναῖκες, ἱστοροῦντί μοι + σημήνατ’· ᾐσθόμην γὰρ οὐ σαφῆ λόγον + ὡς δώματ’ ἐκλιποῦσα Μενέλεω κόρη + φρούδη τάδ’· ἥκω δ’ ἐκμαθεῖν σπουδὴν ἔχων + εἰ ταῦτ’ ἀληθῆ· τῶν γὰρ ἐκδήμων φίλων + δεῖ τοὺς κατ’ οἶκον ὄντας ἐκπονεῖν τύχας. + +Χορός + Πηλεῦ, σαφῶς ἤκουσας· οὐδ’ ἐμοὶ καλὸν + κρύπτειν ἐν οἷς παροῦσα τυγχάνω κακοῖς· + βασίλεια γὰρ τῶνδ’ οἴχεται φυγὰς δόμων. + +Πηλεύς + τίνος φόβου τυχοῦσα; διαπέραινέ μοι. + +Χορός + πόσιν τρέμουσα, μὴ δόμων νιν ἐκβάλῃ. + +Πηλεύς + μῶν ἀντὶ παιδὸς θανασίμων βουλευμάτων; + +Χορός + ναί, καὶ γυναικὸς αἰχμαλωτίδος φόβῳ. + +Πηλεύς + σὺν πατρὶ δ’ οἴκους ἢ τίνος λείπει μέτα; + +Χορός + Ἀγαμέμνονός νιν παῖς βέβηκ’ ἄγων χθονός. + +Πηλεύς + ποίαν περαίνων ἐλπίδ’; ἦ γῆμαι θέλων; + +Χορός + καὶ σῷ γε παιδὸς παιδὶ πορσύνων μόρον. + +Πηλεύς + κρυπτὸς καταστὰς ἢ κατ’ ὄμμ’ ἐλθὼν μάχῃ; + +Χορός + ἁγνοῖς ἐν ἱεροῖς Λοξίου Δελφῶν μέτα. + +Πηλεύς + οἴμοι· τόδ’ ἤδη δεινόν. οὐχ ὅσον τάχος + χωρήσεταί τις Πυθικὴν πρὸς ἑστίαν + καὶ τἀνθάδ’ ὄντα τοῖς ἐκεῖ λέξει φίλοις, + πρὶν παῖδ’ Ἀχιλλέως κατθανεῖν ἐχθρῶν ὕπο; + +Ἄγγελος + ὤμοι μοι· + οἵας ὁ τλήμων ἀγγελῶν ἥκω τύχας + σοί τ’, ὦ γεραιέ, καὶ φίλοισι δεσπότου. + +Πηλεύς + αἰαῖ· πρόμαντις θυμὸς ὥς τι προσδοκᾷ. + +Ἄγγελος + οὐκ ἔστι σοι παῖς παιδός, ὡς μάθῃς, γέρον + Πηλεῦ· τοιάσδε φασγάνων πληγὰς ἔχει + Δελφῶν ὑπ’ ἀνδρῶν καὶ Μυκηναίου ξένου. + +Χορός + ἆ ἆ, τί δράσεις, ὦ γεραιέ; μὴ πέσῃς· + ἔπαιρε σαυτόν. + +Πηλεύς + οὐδέν εἰμ’· ἀπωλόμην. + φρούδη μὲν αὐδή, φροῦδα δ’ ἄρθρα μου κάτω. + +Ἄγγελος + ἄκουσον, εἰ καὶ σοῖς φίλοις ἀμυναθεῖν + χρῄζεις, τὸ πραχθέν, σὸν κατορθώσας δέμας. + +Πηλεύς + ὦ μοῖρα, γήρως ἐσχάτοις πρὸς τέρμασιν + οἵα με τὸν δύστηνον ἀμφιβᾶσ’ ἔχεις. + πῶς δ’ οἴχεταί μοι παῖς μόνου παιδὸς μόνος; + σήμαιν’· ἀκοῦσαι δ’ οὐκ ἀκούσθ’ ὅμως θέλω. + + + + Ἄγγελος + ἐπεὶ τὸ κλεινὸν ἤλθομεν Φοίβου πέδον, + τρεῖς μὲν φαεννὰς ἡλίου διεξόδους + θέᾳ διδόντες ὄμματ’ ἐξεπίμπλαμεν. + καὶ τοῦθ’ ὕποπτον ἦν ἄρ’· εἰς δὲ συστάσεις + κύκλους τ’ ἐχώρει λαὸς οἰκήτωρ θεοῦ. + Ἀγαμέμνονος δὲ παῖς διαστείχων πόλιν + ἐς οὖς ἑκάστῳ δυσμενεῖς ηὔδα λόγους· + Ὁρᾶτε τοῦτον, ὃς διαστείχει θεοῦ + χρυσοῦ γέμοντα γύαλα, θησαυροὺς βροτῶν, + τὸ δεύτερον παρόντ’ ἐφ’ οἷσι καὶ πάρος + δεῦρ’ ἦλθε, Φοίβου ναὸν ἐκπέρσαι θέλων; + κἀκ τοῦδ’ ἐχώρει ῥόθιον ἐν πόλει κακόν· + ἀρχαί τε, πληροῦντές τε βουλευτήρια, + ἰδίᾳ θ’ ὅσοι θεοῦ χρημάτων ἐφέστασαν, + φρουρὰν ἐτάξαντ’ ἐν περιστύλοις δόμοις. + ἡμεῖς δὲ μῆλα, φυλλάδος Παρνασίας + παιδεύματ’, οὐδὲν τῶνδέ πω πεπυσμένοι, + λαβόντες ᾖμεν ἐσχάραις τ’ ἐφέσταμεν + σὺν προξένοισι μάντεσίν τε Πυθικοῖς. + καί τις τόδ’ εἶπεν· Ὦ νεανία, τί σοι + θεῷ κατευξώμεσθα; τίνος ἥκεις χάριν; + ὃ δ’ εἶπε· Φοίβῳ τῆς πάροιθ’ ἁμαρτίας + δίκας παρασχεῖν βουλόμεσθ’· ᾔτησα γὰρ + πατρός ποτ’ αὐτὸν αἵματος δοῦναι δίκην. + κἀνταῦθ’ Ὀρέστου μῦθος ἰσχύων μέγα + ἐφαίνεθ’, ὡς ψεύδοιτο δεσπότης ἐμός, + ἥκων ἐπ’ αἰσχροῖς. ἔρχεται δ’ ἀνακτόρων + κρηπῖδος ἐντός, ὡς πάρος χρηστηρίων + εὔξαιτο Φοίβῳ· τυγχάνει δ’ ἐν ἐμπύροις· + τῷ δὲ ξιφήρης ἆρ’ ὑφειστήκει λόχος + δάφνῃ σκιασθείς· ὧν Κλυταιμήστρας τόκος + εἷς ἦν ἁπάντων τῶνδε μηχανορράφος. + χὣ μὲν κατ’ ὄμμα στὰς προσεύχεται θεῷ· + οἳ δ’ ὀξυθήκτοις φασγάνοις ὡπλισμένοι + κεντοῦσ’ ἀτευχῆ παῖδ’ Ἀχιλλέως λάθρᾳ. + χωρεῖ δὲ πρύμναν· οὐ γὰρ εἰς καιρὸν τυπεὶς + ἐτύγχαν’· ἐξέλκει δὲ καὶ παραστάδος + κρεμαστὰ τεύχη πασσάλων καθαρπάσας + ἔστη ’πὶ βωμοῦ γοργὸς ὁπλίτης ἰδεῖν, + βοᾷ δὲ Δελφῶν παῖδας ἱστορῶν τάδε· + Τίνος μ’ ἕκατι κτείνετ’ εὐσεβεῖς ὁδοὺς + ἥκοντα; ποίας ὄλλυμαι πρὸς αἰτίας;— + τῶν δ’ οὐδὲν οὐδεὶς μυρίων ὄντων πέλας + ἐφθέγξατ’, ἀλλ’ ἔβαλλον ἐκ χερῶν πέτροις. + πυκνῇ δὲ νιφάδι πάντοθεν σποδούμενος + προὔτεινε τεύχη κἀφυλάσσετ’ ἐμβολὰς + ἐκεῖσε κἀκεῖσ’ ἀσπίδ’ ἐκτείνων χερί. + ἀλλ’ οὐδὲν ἦνεν· ἀλλὰ πόλλ’ ὁμοῦ βέλη, + οἰστοί, μεσάγκυλ’ ἔκλυτοί τ’ ἀμφώβολοι, + σφαγῆς ἐχώρουν βουπόροι ποδῶν πάρος. + δεινὰς δ’ ἂν εἶδες πυρρίχας φρουρουμένου + βέλεμνα παιδός. ὡς δέ νιν περισταδὸν + κύκλῳ κατεῖχον οὐ διδόντες ἀμπνοάς, + βωμοῦ κενώσας δεξίμηλον ἐσχάραν, + τὸ Τρωικὸν πήδημα πηδήσας ποδοῖν + χωρεῖ πρὸς αὐτούς· οἳ δ’ ὅπως πελειάδες + ἱέρακ’ ἰδοῦσαι πρὸς φυγὴν ἐνώτισαν. + πολλοὶ δ’ ἔπιπτον μιγάδες ἔκ τε τραυμάτων + αὐτοί θ’ ὑπ’ αὐτῶν στενοπόρους κατ’ ἐξόδους, + κραυγὴ δ’ ἐν εὐφήμοισι δύσφημος δόμοις + πέτραισιν ἀντέκλαγξ’· ἐν εὐδίᾳ δέ πως + ἔστη φαεννοῖς δεσπότης στίλβων ὅπλοις· + πρὶν δή τις ἀδύτων ἐκ μέσων ἐφθέγξατο + δεινόν τι καὶ φρικῶδες, ὦρσε δὲ στρατὸν + στρέψας πρὸς ἀλκήν. ἔνθ’ Ἀχιλλέως πίτνει + παῖς ὀξυθήκτῳ πλευρὰ φασγάνῳ τυπεὶς + Δελφοῦ πρὸς ἀνδρός, ὅσπερ αὐτὸν ὤλεσε, + πολλῶν μετ’ ἄλλων· ὡς δὲ πρὸς γαῖαν πίτνει, + τίς οὐ σίδηρον προσφέρει, τίς οὐ πέτρον, + βάλλων ἀράσσων; πᾶν δ’ ἀνήλωται δέμας + τὸ καλλίμορφον τραυμάτων ὑπ’ ἀγρίων. + νεκρὸν δὲ δή νιν κείμενον βωμοῦ πέλας + ἐξέβαλον ἐκτὸς θυοδόκων ἀνακτόρων. + ἡμεῖς δ’ ἀναρπάσαντες ὡς τάχος χεροῖν + κομίζομέν νιν σοὶ κατοιμῶξαι γόοις + κλαῦσαί τε, πρέσβυ, γῆς τε κοσμῆσαι τάφῳ. + τοιαῦθ’ ὁ τοῖς ἄλλοισι θεσπίζων ἄναξ, + ὁ τῶν δικαίων πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις κριτής, + δίκας διδόντα παῖδ’ ἔδρασ’ Ἀχιλλέως. + ἐμνημόνευσε δ’, ὥσπερ ἄνθρωπος κακός, + παλαιὰ νείκη· πῶς ἂν οὖν εἴη σοφός;
+ + + +
+
+Χορός + καὶ μὴν ὅδ’ ἄναξ ἤδη φοράδην + Δελφίδος ἐκ γῆς δῶμα πελάζει. + τλήμων ὁ παθών, τλήμων δέ, γέρον, + καὶ σύ· δέχῃ γὰρ τὸν Ἀχίλλειον + σκύμνον ἐς οἴκους οὐχ ὡς σὺ θέλεις· + αὐτός τε κακοῖς πήμασι κύρσας + εἰς ἓν μοίρας συνέκυρσας.
+ + + +
+Πηλεύς + ὤμοι ἐγώ, κακὸν οἷον ὁρῶ τόδε + καὶ δέχομαι χερὶ δώμασί τ’ ἀμοῖς. + ἰώ μοί μοι, αἰαῖ, + ὦ πόλι Θεσσαλία, διολώλαμεν, + οἰχόμεθ’· οὐκέτι μοι γένος, οὐκέτι μοι τέκνα + λείπεται οἴκοις· + ὦ σχέτλιος παθέων ἐγώ· εἰς τίνα + δὴ φίλον αὐγὰς βάλλων τέρψομαι; + ὦ φίλιον στόμα καὶ γένυ καὶ χέρες, + εἴθε σ’ ὑπ’ Ἰλίῳ ἤναρε δαίμων + Σιμοεντίδα παρ’ ἀκτάν. + + + + +Χορός + οὗτός τ’ ἂν ὡς ἐκ τῶνδ’ ἐτιμᾶτ’ ἄν, γέρον, + θανών, τὸ σὸν δ’ ἦν ὧδ’ ἂν εὐτυχέστερον.
+ + + +
+Πηλεύς + ὦ γάμος, ὦ γάμος, ὃς τάδε δώματα + καὶ πόλιν ἀμὰν ὤλεσας· αἰαῖ, + ἒ ἔ· ὦ παῖ, + μήποτε σῶν λεχέων τὸ δυσώνυμον + ὤφελ’ ἐμὸν γένος εἰς τέκνα καὶ δόμον + ἀμφιβαλέσθαι + Ἑρμιόνας Ἀίδαν ἐπὶ σοί, τέκνον, + ἀλλὰ κεραυνῷ πρόσθεν ὀλέσθαι· + μηδ’ ἐπὶ τοξοσύνᾳ φονίῳ πατρὸς + αἷμα τὸ διογενές ποτε Φοίβου + βροτὸς εἰς θεὸν ἀνάψαι.
+ + + +
+Χορός + ὀττοτοτοτοῖ, θανόντα δεσπόταν γόοις + νόμῳ τῷ + νερτέρων κατάρξω. + +Πηλεύς + ὀττοτοτοτοῖ, διάδοχα δ’ ὦ τάλας ἐγὼ + γέρων καὶ + δυστυχὴς δακρύω. + +Χορός + θεοῦ γὰρ αἶσα, θεὸς ἔκρανε συμφοράν. + +Πηλεύς + ὦ φίλος, + δόμον ἔλιπες ἔρημον, + ὤμοι μοι, ταλαίπωρον ἐμὲ + γέροντ’ ἄπαιδα νοσφίσας. + +Χορός + θανεῖν θανεῖν σε, πρέσβυ, χρῆν πάρος τέκνων. + +Πηλεύς + οὐ σπαράξομαι κόμαν, + οὐκ ἐμῷ ’πιθήσομαι + κάρᾳ κτύπημα χειρὸς ὀλοόν; ὦ πόλις, + διπλῶν τέκνων + μ’ ἐστέρησ’ ὁ Φοῖβος.
+ + + +
+Χορός + ὦ κακὰ παθὼν ἰδών τε δυστυχὴς γέρον, + τίν’ αἰῶν’ + εἰς τὸ λοιπὸν ἕξεις; + +Πηλεύς + ἄτεκνος ἔρημος, οὐκ ἔχων πέρας κακῶν + διαντλή- + σω πόνους ἐς Ἅιδαν. + +Χορός + μάτην δέ σ’ ἐν γάμοισιν ὤλβισαν θεοί. + +Πηλεύς + ἀμπτάμενα + φροῦδα πάντα, κεῖται + + κόμπων μεταρσίων πρόσω. + +Χορός + μόνος μόνοισιν ἐν δόμοις ἀναστρέφῃ. + +Πηλεύς + οὐκέτ’ εἶ, πόλις, πόλις, + σκῆπτρά τ’ ἐρρέτω τάδε ἐπὶ γαῖαν, + σύ τ’, ὦ κατ’ ἄντρα νύχια Νηρέως κόρη, + πανώλεθρόν + μ’ ὄψεαι πίτνοντα πρὸς γᾶν.
+ + + +
+
+Χορός + ἰὼ ἰώ· + τί κεκίνηται; τίνος αἰσθάνομαι + θείου; κοῦραι, λεύσσετ’ ἀθρήσατε· + δαίμων ὅδε τις λευκὴν αἰθέρα + πορθμευόμενος τῶν ἱπποβότων + Φθίας πεδίων ἐπιβαίνει. + + +Θέτις + Πηλεῦ, χάριν σοι τῶν πάρος νυμφευμάτων + ἥκω Θέτις λιποῦσα Νηρέως δόμους. + καὶ πρῶτα μέν δὴ τοῖς παρεστῶσιν κακοῖς + μηδέν τι λίαν δυσφορεῖν παρῄνεσα· + κἀγὼ γάρ, ἣν ἄκλαυτα χρῆν τίκτειν τέκνα, + ἀπώλεσ’ ἐκ σοῦ παῖδα τὸν ταχὺν πόδας + Ἀχιλλέα τεκοῦσα πρῶτον Ἑλλάδος. + ὧν δ’ οὕνεκ’ ἦλθον σημανῶ, σὺ δ’ ἐνδέχου. + τὸν μὲν θανόντα τόνδ’ Ἀχιλλέως γόνον + θάψον πορεύσας Πυθικὴν πρὸς ἐσχάραν, + Δελφοῖς ὄνειδος, ὡς ἀπαγγέλλῃ τάφος + φόνον βίαιον τῆς Ὀρεστείας χερός· + γυναῖκα δ’ αἰχμάλωτον, Ἀνδρομάχην λέγω, + Μολοσσίαν γῆν χρὴ κατοικῆσαι, γέρον, + Ἑλένῳ συναλλαχθεῖσαν εὐναίοις γάμοις, + καὶ παῖδα τόνδε, τῶν ἀπ’ Αἰακοῦ μόνον + λελειμμένον δή. βασιλέα δ’ ἐκ τοῦδε χρὴ + ἄλλον δι’ ἄλλου διαπερᾶν Μολοσσίας + εὐδαιμονοῦντας· οὐ γὰρ ὧδ’ ἀνάστατον + γένος γενέσθαι δεῖ τὸ σὸν κἀμόν, γέρον, + Τροίας τε· καὶ γὰρ θεοῖσι κἀκείνης μέλει, + καίπερ πεσούσης Παλλάδος προθυμίᾳ. + σὲ δ’, ὡς ἂν εἰδῇς τῆς ἐμῆς εὐνῆς χάριν, + θεὰ γεγῶσα καὶ θεοῦ πατρὸς τέκος, + κακῶν ἀπαλλάξασα τῶν βροτησίων + ἀθάνατον ἄφθιτόν τε ποιήσω θεόν. + κἄπειτα Νηρέως ἐν δόμοις ἐμοῦ μέτα + τὸ λοιπὸν ἤδη θεὸς συνοικήσεις θεᾷ· + ἔνθεν κομίζων ξηρὸν ἐκ πόντου πόδα + τὸν φίλτατον σοὶ παῖδ’ ἐμοί τ’ Ἀχιλλέα + ὄψῃ δόμους ναίοντα νησιωτικοὺς + Λευκὴν κατ’ ἀκτὴν ἐντὸς Εὐξείνου πόρου. + ἀλλ’ ἕρπε Δελφῶν εἰς θεόδμητον πόλιν + νεκρὸν κομίζων τόνδε, καὶ κρύψας χθονὶ + ἐλθὼν παλαιᾶς χοιράδος κοῖλον μυχὸν + Σηπιάδος ἵζου· μίμνε δ’, ἔστ’ ἂν ἐξ ἁλὸς + λαβοῦσα πεντήκοντα Νηρῄδων χορὸν + ἔλθω κομιστήν σου· τὸ γὰρ πεπρωμένον + δεῖ σ’ ἐκκομίζειν· Ζηνὶ γὰρ δοκεῖ τάδε. + παῦσαι δὲ λύπης τῶν τεθνηκότων ὕπερ· + πᾶσιν γὰρ ἀνθρώποισιν ἥδε πρὸς θεῶν + ψῆφος κέκρανται κατθανεῖν τ’ ὀφείλεται. + +Πηλεύς + ὦ πότνι’, ὦ γενναῖα συγκοιμήματα, + Νηρέως γένεθλον, χαῖρε· ταῦτα δ’ ἀξίως + σαυτῆς τε ποιεῖς καὶ τέκνων τῶν ἐκ σέθεν. + παύω δὲ λύπην σοῦ κελευούσης, θεά, + καὶ τόνδε θάψας εἶμι Πηλίου πτυχάς, + οὗπερ σὸν εἷλον χερσὶ κάλλιστον δέμας. + κᾆτ’ οὐ γαμεῖν δῆτ’ ἔκ τε γενναίων χρεὼν + δοῦναί τ’ ἐς ἐσθλούς, ὅστις εὖ βουλεύεται, + κακῶν δὲ λέκτρων μὴ ’πιθυμίαν ἔχειν, + μηδ’ εἰ ζαπλούτους οἴσεται φερνὰς δόμοις; + οὐ γάρ ποτ’ ἂν πράξειαν ἐκ θεῶν κακῶς.
+ + + +
+Χορός + πολλαὶ μορφαὶ τῶν δαιμονίων, + πολλὰ δ’ ἀέλπτως κραίνουσι θεοί· + καὶ τὰ δοκηθέντ’ οὐκ ἐτελέσθη, + τῶν δ’ ἀδοκήτων πόρον ηὗρε θεός. + τοιόνδ’ ἀπέβη τόδε πρᾶγμα.
+ +
+ +
+
\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg007/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg007/__cts__.xml index 89f14d341..d940278bc 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg007/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg007/__cts__.xml @@ -3,9 +3,9 @@ Hecuba - + Ἑκάβη - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. I. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1902. (Reprinted 1906-1974) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. I. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1902. (Reprinted 1906-1974) diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-eng2.xml index 9bef49a4a..384591a3c 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-eng2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ Hecuba Machine readable text Euripides -E. P. Coleridge +Edward P. Coleridge Perseus Project, Tufts University Gregory Crane @@ -364,10 +364,10 @@ bring up to P3

I am dead; sorrow has forestalled death here.

Polyxena -

Come veil my head, Odysseus, and take me away; for now, before the fatal blow, my heart is melted by my mother's wailing, and hers by mine. O light of day! for still I may call you by your name, though now my share in you is only the time I take to go between Achilles' tomb and the sword.Odysseus and his attendants lead Polyxena away.

+

Come veil my head, Odysseus, and take me away; for now, before the fatal blow, my heart is melted by my mother's wailing, and hers by mine. O light of day! for still I may call you by your name, though now my share in you is only the time I take to go between Achilles' tomb and the sword. Odysseus and his attendants lead Polyxena away.

Hecuba -

Alas! I faint; my limbs sink under me. O my daughter, embrace your mother, stretch out your hand, give it to me; do not leave me childless! Ah, friends! it is my death-blow. Oh! to see that Spartan woman, Helen, sister of the sons of Zeus, in such a plight; for her bright eyes have caused the shameful fall of Troy's once prosperous town.Hecuba sinks fainting to the ground.

+

Alas! I faint; my limbs sink under me. O my daughter, embrace your mother, stretch out your hand, give it to me; do not leave me childless! Ah, friends! it is my death-blow. Oh! to see that Spartan woman, Helen, sister of the sons of Zeus, in such a plight; for her bright eyes have caused the shameful fall of Troy's once prosperous town. Hecuba sinks fainting to the ground.

@@ -439,9 +439,9 @@ bring up to P3 Hecuba

O my daughter! among this crowd of sorrows I do not know where to turn my gaze; for if I set myself to one, another will not let me be; while from this again another grief summons me, finding a successor to sorrow's throne. And now I can not efface from my mind the memory of your sufferings sufficiently to stay my tears; yet the story of your noble death has taken from the keenness of my grief. Is it not then strange that a poor land, when blessed by heaven with a lucky year, yields a good crop, while that which is good, if robbed of needful care, bears little fruit; yet among men the base is nothing else but wicked, the good man is good, never changing for the worse because of misfortune, but ever the same? Is then the difference due to birth or bringing up? Good training doubtless gives lessons in good conduct, and if a man has mastered this, he knows what is shameful by the standard of the good. And these are random shafts from my mind, I know.

-

To Talthybius Go and proclaim to the Argives that they do not touch my daughter's body but keep the crowd away. For when a countless army is gathered, the mob knows no restraint, and the unruliness of sailors exceeds that of fire, all abstinence from crime being counted criminal.Talthybius goes out.

-

Addressing a servant Now you, my aged handmaid, take a pitcher and dip it in the salt sea and bring it here, that I for the last time may wash my child, an unwed bride, a ravished virgin, and lay her out, as she deserves, ah! how can I? impossible! but as best I can; and what will that amount to? I will collect adornment from the captives, my companions in these tents, if perhaps any of them escaping her new master's eye has made some theft from her home.The servant departs.

-

O towering halls, O home so happy once, O Priam, rich in store of fairest wealth, most blessed of fathers, and I no less, the grey-haired mother of your race, how are we brought to nothing, stripped of our former pride! And in spite of all we vaunt ourselves, one on the riches of his house, another because he has an honored name among his fellow-citizens! But these things are nothing; in vain are all our thoughtful schemes, in vain our boastful words. He is happiest who meets no sorrow day by day.Hecuba enters the tent.

+

To Talthybius Go and proclaim to the Argives that they do not touch my daughter's body but keep the crowd away. For when a countless army is gathered, the mob knows no restraint, and the unruliness of sailors exceeds that of fire, all abstinence from crime being counted criminal. Talthybius goes out.

+

Addressing a servant Now you, my aged handmaid, take a pitcher and dip it in the salt sea and bring it here, that I for the last time may wash my child, an unwed bride, a ravished virgin, and lay her out, as she deserves, ah! how can I? impossible! but as best I can; and what will that amount to? I will collect adornment from the captives, my companions in these tents, if perhaps any of them escaping her new master's eye has made some theft from her home. The servant departs.

+

O towering halls, O home so happy once, O Priam, rich in store of fairest wealth, most blessed of fathers, and I no less, the grey-haired mother of your race, how are we brought to nothing, stripped of our former pride! And in spite of all we vaunt ourselves, one on the riches of his house, another because he has an honored name among his fellow-citizens! But these things are nothing; in vain are all our thoughtful schemes, in vain our boastful words. He is happiest who meets no sorrow day by day. Hecuba enters the tent.

@@ -475,7 +475,7 @@ bring up to P3

It is to Hecuba I bring my bitter news; no easy task is it for mortal lips to speak smooth words in sorrow.

Chorus Leader -

Look, she is coming even now from the shelter of the tent, appearing just in time to hear you speak.Hecuba comes out of the tent.

+

Look, she is coming even now from the shelter of the tent, appearing just in time to hear you speak. Hecuba comes out of the tent.

Maid-servant

O mistress, most hapless beyond all words of mine to tell; you are ruined, you no longer exist, though you are alive; of children, husband, city bereft; hopelessly undone!

@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@ bring up to P3

Ah! woe is me! you are surely not bringing here frenzied Cassandra, the prophetic maid?

Maid-servant -

You speak of the living; but the dead you do not weep is here.Uncovering the corpse Mark well the body now laid bare; is not this a sight to fill you with wonder, and upset your hopes?

+

You speak of the living; but the dead you do not weep is here. Uncovering the corpse Mark well the body now laid bare; is not this a sight to fill you with wonder, and upset your hopes?

Hecuba @@ -709,7 +709,7 @@ Oh! what man is this I see near the tents, some Trojan's corpse? It is not an

What? did not women slay the sons of Aegyptus, and utterly clear Lemnos of men? But let it be thus; put an end to our conference, and send this woman for me safely through the army. To a servant And you are to draw near my Thracian friend and say, “Hecuba, once queen of Ilium, summons you, on your own business no less than hers, your children too, for they also must hear what she has to say.” The servant goes out. Defer awhile, Agamemnon, the burial of Polyxena lately slain, so that brother and sister may be laid on the same pyre and buried side by side, a double cause of sorrow to their mother.

Agamemnon -

So shall it be; yet if the army were able to sail, I could not have granted you this favor; but as it is, for the god sends forth no favoring breeze, the army must wait and look for a calm voyage. Good luck to you, for this is the interest alike of individual and state, that the wrong-doer be punished and the good man prosper.Agamemnon departs as Hecuba withdraws into the tent.

+

So shall it be; yet if the army were able to sail, I could not have granted you this favor; but as it is, for the god sends forth no favoring breeze, the army must wait and look for a calm voyage. Good luck to you, for this is the interest alike of individual and state, that the wrong-doer be punished and the good man prosper. Agamemnon departs as Hecuba withdraws into the tent.

@@ -757,7 +757,7 @@ Oh! what man is this I see near the tents, some Trojan's corpse? It is not an

Polymestor to his attendants -

Retire; this desert spot is safe enough.The guards go out; to Hecuba You are my friend, and this Achaean army is well-disposed to me. But you must tell me how prosperity is to help its unlucky friends; for I am ready to do so.

+

Retire; this desert spot is safe enough. The guards go out; to Hecuba You are my friend, and this Achaean army is well-disposed to me. But you must tell me how prosperity is to help its unlucky friends; for I am ready to do so.

@@ -852,7 +852,7 @@ Oh! what man is this I see near the tents, some Trojan's corpse? It is not an

It is safe to enter? are there no men about?

Hecuba -

There are no Achaeans within; we women are alone. Enter then the tent, for the Argives are eager to set sail from Troy for home; and, when you have accomplished all that you must do, you shall return with your children to the place where you have lodged my son.Hecuba leads Polymestor and his children into the tent.

+

There are no Achaeans within; we women are alone. Enter then the tent, for the Argives are eager to set sail from Troy for home; and, when you have accomplished all that you must do, you shall return with your children to the place where you have lodged my son. Hecuba leads Polymestor and his children into the tent.

Chorus

Not yet have you paid the penalty, but perhaps you will.

diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-grc1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-grc1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 46dd73940..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-grc1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14 +0,0 @@ -{ - "epidoc_compliant": false, - "fully_unicode": true, - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "has_cts_metadata": false, - "has_cts_refsDecl": false, - "id": "1999.01.0097", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/sdl/Euripides/eur.hec_murray_gk.xml", - "status": "migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-grc1.xml", - "valid_xml": true -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-grc1.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-grc1.xml deleted file mode 100644 index 8878807ce..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-grc1.xml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2359 +0,0 @@ - - - - -Hecuba -Machine readable text -Euripides -Gilbert Murray -Perseus Project, Tufts University -Gregory Crane - -Prepared under the supervision of -Lisa Cerrato -William Merrill -Elli Mylonas -David Smith - -The Annenberg CPB/Project - -About 100Kb - -Trustees of Tufts University -Medford, MA -Perseus Project - 1996 - - - - -Euripides -Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. 1 - 9780198145226 -Gilbert Murray - -Oxford -Clarendon Press -1902 - - - - - - - - - - - - -Greek -Latin - - - - -1988 - -Judith Nelson -tagging - -Basic SGML tagging - - -6/95 - -Lisa Cerrato -ed. - -Added speaker tags where needed. - - -10/98 - -Bill Merrill -ed. - -Fixed cardbreaks at 59, 914 added lines 54b, 913b, 922b. - - -23-Dec-99 - -Anne Mahoney -Markup - - -$Log: eur.hec_murray_gk.xml,v $ -Revision 1.1 2013-09-13 11:17:31 balmas01 -moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory - -Revision 1.5 2013-06-13 12:41:23 gcrane -tagging now should be compatible with CTS - -Revision 1.4 2012-02-14 18:12:30 ajones06 -Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. - -Revision 1.3 2011-09-07 13:57:46 rsingh04 adding rend=displayNum to lb tags - -Revision 1.2 2011-01-13 03:38:25 gcrane more refinements making these files SDL compatible - -Revision 1.1 2010-12-25 19:01:41 gcrane our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones -- - -Revision 1.1 2009/11/23 18:46:35 rsingh04 moved more xml files around based on copyright status - -Revision 1.2 2005/08/01 21:15:27 packel removed stray item tags - -Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 14:33:48 packel -Converted to XML - -Revision 1.9 2004/04/21 20:27:27 mimno added card 1s - -Revision 1.8 2003/09/09 18:02:08 amahoney put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff - -Revision 1.7 2003/07/01 22:16:09 yorkc -Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) - -Revision 1.6 2000/03/04 20:34:32 dasmith -Added separate funder entity to TEI header. - -Revision 1.5 2000/02/17 15:51:39 amahoney use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp - -Revision 1.4 1999/12/23 20:06:51 amahoney convert to P3 - - - - - - - - - - -Πολυδώρου εἴδωλον -Ἥκω νεκρῶν κευθμῶνα καὶ σκότου πύλας -λιπών, ἵνʼ Ἅιδης χωρὶς ᾤκισται θεῶν, -Πολύδωρος, Ἑκάβης παῖς γεγὼς τῆς Κισσέως -Πριάμου τε πατρός, ὅς μʼ, ἐπεὶ Φρυγῶν πόλιν -κίνδυνος ἔσχε δορὶ πεσεῖν Ἑλληνικῷ, -δείσας ὑπεξέπεμψε Τρωικῆς χθονὸς -Πολυμήστορος πρὸς δῶμα Θρῃκίου ξένου, -ὃς τήνδʼ ἀρίστην Χερσονησίαν πλάκα -σπείρει, φίλιππον λαὸν εὐθύνων δορί. -πολὺν δὲ σὺν ἐμοὶ χρυσὸν ἐκπέμπει λάθρᾳ -πατήρ, ἵνʼ, εἴ ποτʼ Ἰλίου τείχη πέσοι, -τοῖς ζῶσιν εἴη παισὶ μὴ σπάνις βίου. -νεώτατος δʼ ἦ Πριαμιδῶν, ὃ καί με γῆς -ὑπεξέπεμψεν· οὔτε γὰρ φέρειν ὅπλα -οὔτʼ ἔγχος οἷός τʼ ἦ νέῳ βραχίονι. -ἕως μὲν οὖν γῆς ὄρθʼ ἔκειθʼ ὁρίσματα -πύργοι τʼ ἄθραυστοι Τρωικῆς ἦσαν χθονὸς -Ἕκτωρ τʼ ἀδελφὸς οὑμὸς εὐτύχει δορί, -καλῶς παρʼ ἀνδρὶ Θρῃκὶ πατρῴῳ ξένῳ -τροφαῖσιν ὥς τις πτόρθος ηὐξόμην, τάλας· -ἐπεὶ δὲ Τροία θʼ Ἕκτορός τʼ ἀπόλλυται -ψυχή, πατρῴα θʼ ἑστία κατεσκάφη, -αὐτὸς δὲ βωμῷ πρὸς θεοδμήτῳ πίτνει -σφαγεὶς Ἀχιλλέως παιδὸς ἐκ μιαιφόνου, -κτείνει με χρυσοῦ τὸν ταλαίπωρον χάριν -ξένος πατρῷος καὶ κτανὼν ἐς οἶδμʼ ἁλὸς -μεθῆχʼ, ἵνʼ αὐτὸς χρυσὸν ἐν δόμοις ἔχῃ. -κεῖμαι δʼ ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς, ἄλλοτʼ ἐν πόντου σάλῳ, -πολλοῖς διαύλοις κυμάτων φορούμενος, -ἄκλαυτος ἄταφος· νῦν δʼ ὑπὲρ μητρὸς φίλης -Ἑκάβης ἀίσσω, σῶμʼ ἐρημώσας ἐμόν, -τριταῖον ἤδη φέγγος αἰωρούμενος, -ὅσονπερ ἐν γῇ τῇδε Χερσονησίᾳ -μήτηρ ἐμὴ δύστηνος ἐκ Τροίας πάρα. - - -πάντες δʼ Ἀχαιοὶ ναῦς ἔχοντες ἥσυχοι -θάσσουσʼ ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς τῆσδε Θρῃκίας χθονός· -ὁ Πηλέως γὰρ παῖς ὑπὲρ τύμβου φανεὶς -κατέσχʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς πᾶν στράτευμʼ Ἑλληνικόν, -πρὸς οἶκον εὐθύνοντας ἐναλίαν πλάτην· -αἰτεῖ δʼ ἀδελφὴν τὴν ἐμὴν Πολυξένην -τύμβῳ φίλον πρόσφαγμα καὶ γέρας λαβεῖν. -καὶ τεύξεται τοῦδʼ, οὐδʼ ἀδώρητος φίλων -ἔσται πρὸς ἀνδρῶν· ἡ πεπρωμένη δʼ ἄγει -θανεῖν ἀδελφὴν τῷδʼ ἐμὴν ἐν ἤματι. -δυοῖν δὲ παίδοιν δύο νεκρὼ κατόψεται -μήτηρ, ἐμοῦ τε τῆς τε δυστήνου κόρης. -φανήσομαι γάρ, ὡς τάφου τλήμων τύχω, -δούλης ποδῶν πάροιθεν ἐν κλυδωνίῳ. -τοὺς γὰρ κάτω σθένοντας ἐξῃτησάμην -τύμβου κυρῆσαι κἀς χέρας μητρὸς πεσεῖν. -τοὐμὸν μὲν οὖν ὅσονπερ ἤθελον τυχεῖν -ἔσται· γεραιᾷ δʼ ἐκποδὼν χωρήσομαι -Ἑκάβῃ· περᾷ γὰρ ἥδʼ ὑπὸ σκηνῆς πόδα -Ἀγαμέμνονος, φάντασμα δειμαίνουσʼ ἐμόν. -φεῦ· -ὦ μῆτερ ἥτις ἐκ τυραννικῶν δόμων -δούλειον ἦμαρ εἶδες, ὡς πράσσεις κακῶς -ὅσονπερ εὖ ποτʼ· ἀντισηκώσας δέ σε -φθείρει θεῶν τις τῆς πάροιθʼ εὐπραξίας. - - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -ἄγετʼ, ὦ παῖδες, τὴν γραῦν πρὸ δόμων, -ἄγετʼ ὀρθοῦσαι τὴν ὁμόδουλον, -Τρῳάδες, ὑμῖν, πρόσθε δʼ ἄνασσαν· -λάβετε φέρετε πέμπετʼ ἀείρετέ μου -γεραιᾶς χειρὸς προσλαζύμεναι· -κἀγὼ σκολιῷ σκίπωνι χερὸς -διερειδομένα σπεύσω βραδύπουν -ἤλυσιν ἄρθρων προτιθεῖσα. - -ὦ στεροπὰ Διός, ὦ σκοτία νύξ, -τί ποτʼ αἴρομαι ἔννυχος οὕτω -δείμασι, φάσμασιν; ὦ πότνια Χθών, -μελανοπτερύγων μῆτερ ὀνείρων, -ἀποπέμπομαι ἔννυχον ὄψιν, -ἣν περὶ παιδὸς ἐμοῦ τοῦ σῳζομένου κατὰ Θρῄκην -ἀμφὶ Πολυξείνης τε φίλης θυγατρὸς διʼ ὀνείρων - -εἶδον γὰρ φοβερὰν ὄψιν ἔμαθον ἐδάην. -ὦ χθόνιοι θεοί, σώσατε παῖδʼ ἐμόν, -ὃς μόνος οἴκων ἄγκυρʼ ἔτʼ ἐμῶν -τὴν χιονώδη Θρῄκην κατέχει -ξείνου πατρίου φυλακαῖσιν. -ἔσται τι νέον· -ἥξει τι μέλος γοερὸν γοεραῖς. -οὔποτʼ ἐμὰ φρὴν ὧδʼ ἀλίαστος -φρίσσει, ταρβεῖ. -ποῦ ποτε θείαν Ἑλένου ψυχὰν -καὶ Κασάνδραν ἐσίδω, Τρῳάδες, -ὥς μοι κρίνωσιν ὀνείρους; -εἶδον γὰρ βαλιὰν ἔλαφον λύκου αἵμονι χαλᾷ -σφαζομέναν, ἀπʼ ἐμῶν γονάτων σπασθεῖσαν ἀνοίκτως. -καὶ τόδε δεῖμά μοι· ἦλθʼ ὑπὲρ ἄκρας -τύμβου κορυφᾶς -φάντασμʼ Ἀχιλέως· ᾔτει δὲ γέρας -τῶν πολυμόχθων τινὰ Τρωιάδων. -ἀπʼ ἐμᾶς ἀπʼ ἐμᾶς οὖν τόδε παιδὸς -πέμψατε, δαίμονες, ἱκετεύω. - - - - - -Χορός -Ἑκάβη, σπουδῇ πρός σʼ ἐλιάσθην -τὰς δεσποσύνους σκηνὰς προλιποῦσʼ, -ἵνʼ ἐκληρώθην καὶ προσετάχθην - -δούλη, πόλεως ἀπελαυνομένη -τῆς Ἰλιάδος, λόγχης αἰχμῇ -δοριθήρατος πρὸς Ἀχαιῶν, -οὐδὲν παθέων ἀποκουφίζουσʼ, -ἀλλʼ ἀγγελίας βάρος ἀραμένη -μέγα σοί τε, γύναι, κῆρυξ ἀχέων. -ἐν γὰρ Ἀχαιῶν πλήρει ξυνόδῳ -λέγεται δόξαι σὴν παῖδʼ Ἀχιλεῖ -σφάγιον θέσθαι· τύμβου δʼ ἐπιβὰς -οἶσθʼ ὅτε χρυσέοις ἐφάνη σὺν ὅπλοις, -τὰς ποντοπόρους δʼ ἔσχε σχεδίας -λαίφη προτόνοις ἐπερειδομένας, -τάδε θωΰσσων· -Ποῖ δή, Δαναοί, τὸν ἐμὸν τύμβον -στέλλεσθʼ ἀγέραστον ἀφέντες; -πολλῆς δʼ ἔριδος συνέπαισε κλύδων, -δόξα δʼ ἐχώρει δίχʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλήνων -στρατὸν αἰχμητήν, τοῖς μὲν διδόναι -τύμβῳ σφάγιον, τοῖς δʼ οὐχὶ δοκοῦν. -ἦν δʼ ὁ τὸ μὲν σὸν σπεύδων ἀγαθὸν -τῆς μαντιπόλου Βάκχης ἀνέχων -λέκτρʼ Ἀγαμέμνων· -τὼ Θησείδα δʼ, ὄζω Ἀθηνῶν, -δισσῶν μύθων ῥήτορες ἦσαν· -γνώμῃ δὲ μιᾷ συνεχωρείτην, -τὸν Ἀχίλλειον τύμβον στεφανοῦν -αἵματι χλωρῷ, τὰ δὲ Κασάνδρας -λέκτρʼ οὐκ ἐφάτην τῆς Ἀχιλείας -πρόσθεν θήσειν ποτὲ λόγχης. - - -σπουδαὶ δὲ λόγων κατατεινομένων -ἦσαν ἴσαι πως, πρὶν ὁ ποικιλόφρων -κόπις ἡδυλόγος δημοχαριστὴς -Λαερτιάδης πείθει στρατιὰν -μὴ τὸν ἄριστον Δαναῶν πάντων -δούλων σφαγίων εἵνεκʼ ἀπωθεῖν, -μηδέ τινʼ εἰπεῖν παρὰ Φερσεφόνῃ -στάντα φθιμένων -ὡς ἀχάριστοι Δαναοὶ Δαναοῖς -τοῖς οἰχομένοις ὑπὲρ Ἑλλήνων -Τροίας πεδίων ἀπέβησαν. -ἥξει δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς ὅσον οὐκ ἤδη, -πῶλον ἀφέλξων σῶν ἀπὸ μαστῶν -ἔκ τε γεραιᾶς χερὸς ὁρμήσων. -ἀλλʼ ἴθι ναούς, ἴθι πρὸς βωμούς, -ἵζʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος ἱκέτις γονάτων, -κήρυσσε θεοὺς τούς τʼ οὐρανίδας -τούς θʼ ὑπὸ γαῖαν. -ἢ γάρ σε λιταὶ διακωλύσουσʼ -ὀρφανὸν εἶναι παιδὸς μελέας, -ἢ δεῖ σʼ ἐπιδεῖν τύμβου προπετῆ -φοινισσομένην αἵματι παρθένον -ἐκ χρυσοφόρου -δειρῆς νασμῷ μελαναυγεῖ. - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -οἲ ἐγὼ μελέα, τί ποτʼ ἀπύσω; -ποίαν ἀχώ, ποῖον ὀδυρμόν, -δειλαία δειλαίου γήρως, -δουλείας τᾶς οὐ τλατᾶς, - -τᾶς οὐ φερτᾶς; οἴμοι. -τίς ἀμύνει μοι; ποία γέννα, -ποία δὲ πόλις; φροῦδος πρέσβυς, -φροῦδοι παῖδες. -ποίαν ἢ ταύταν ἢ κείναν -στείχω; †ποῖ δʼ ἥσω;† ποῦ τις θεῶν -†ἢ δαιμόνων† ἐπαρωγός; -ὦ κάκʼ ἐνεγκοῦσαι, -Τρῳάδες ὦ κάκʼ ἐνεγκοῦσαι -πήματʼ, ἀπωλέσατʼ ὠλέσατʼ· οὐκέτι μοι βίος -ἀγαστὸς ἐν φάει. -ὦ τλάμων ἅγησαί μοι πούς, -ἅγησαι τᾷ γηραιᾷ -πρὸς τάνδʼ αὐλάν· ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ, -δυστανοτάτας ματέρος — ἔξελθʼ ἔξελθʼ -οἴκων — ἄιε ματέρος αὐδάν. - -ὦ τέκνον ὡς εἰδῇς οἵαν οἵαν - - -ἀίω φάμαν περὶ σᾶς ψυχᾶς. - - - - - - -Πολυξένη -ἰώ· -μᾶτερ μᾶτερ τί βοᾷς; τί νέον -καρύξασʼ οἴκων μʼ ὥστʼ ὄρνιν -θάμβει τῷδʼ ἐξέπταξας; - - -Ἑκάβη -οἴμοι τέκνον. - - -Πολυξένη -τί με δυσφημεῖς; φροίμιά μοι κακά. - - -Ἑκάβη -αἰαῖ σᾶς ψυχᾶς. - - -Πολυξένη -ἐξαύδα· μὴ κρύψῃς δαρόν. -δειμαίνω δειμαίνω, μᾶτερ, -τί ποτʼ ἀναστένεις - - - -Ἑκάβη - - τέκνον τέκνον μελέας ματρὸς - - - -Πολυξένη -τί δὲ τόδʼ ἀγγελεῖς; - - -Ἑκάβη -σφάξαι σʼ Ἀργείων κοινὰ -συντείνει πρὸς τύμβον γνώμα -Πηλείᾳ γέννᾳ. - - -Πολυξένη -οἴμοι μᾶτερ, πῶς φθέγγῃ -ἀμέγαρτα κακῶν; μάνυσόν μοι, -μάνυσον, μᾶτερ. - - -Ἑκάβη -αὐδῶ, παῖ, δυσφήμους φήμας· -ἀγγέλλουσʼ Ἀργείων δόξαι -ψήφῳ τᾶς σᾶς περί μοι ψυχᾶς. - - - - - -Πολυξένη -ὦ δεινὰ παθοῦσʼ, ὦ παντλάμων, -ὦ δυστάνου μᾶτερ βιοτᾶς -οἵαν οἵαν αὖ σοι λώβαν -ἐχθίσταν ἀρρήταν τʼ -ὦρσέν τις δαίμων; -οὐκέτι σοι παῖς ἅδʼ οὐκέτι δὴ -γήρᾳ δειλαίῳ δειλαία -συνδουλεύσω. -σκύμνον γάρ μʼ ὥστʼ οὐριθρέπταν -μόσχον δειλαία δειλαίαν - - ἐσόψῃ, -χειρὸς ἀναρπαστὰν -σᾶς ἄπο λαιμότομόν τʼ Ἀίδᾳ -γᾶς ὑποπεμπομέναν σκότον, ἔνθα νεκρῶν μέτα -τάλαινα κείσομαι. -καὶ σοῦ μέν, μᾶτερ, δυστάνου -κλαίω πανδύρτοις θρήνοις, -τὸν ἐμὸν δὲ βίον λώβαν λύμαν τʼ -οὐ μετακλαίομαι, ἀλλὰ θανεῖν μοι -ξυντυχία κρείσσων ἐκύρησεν. - - - - - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν Ὀδυσσεὺς ἔρχεται σπουδῇ ποδός, -Ἑκάβη, νέον τι πρὸς σὲ σημανῶν ἔπος. - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -γύναι, δοκῶ μέν σʼ εἰδέναι γνώμην στρατοῦ -ψῆφόν τε τὴν κρανθεῖσαν· ἀλλʼ ὅμως φράσω. -ἔδοξʼ Ἀχαιοῖς παῖδα σὴν Πολυξένην -σφάξαι πρὸς ὀρθὸν χῶμʼ Ἀχιλλείου τάφου. -ἡμᾶς δὲ πομποὺς καὶ κομιστῆρας κόρης -τάσσουσιν εἶναι· θύματος δʼ ἐπιστάτης -ἱερεύς τʼ ἐπέσται τοῦδε παῖς Ἀχιλλέως. -οἶσθʼ οὖν ὃ δρᾶσον; μήτʼ ἀποσπασθῇς βίᾳ -μήτʼ ἐς χερῶν ἅμιλλαν ἐξέλθῃς ἐμοί· -γίγνωσκε δʼ ἀλκὴν καὶ παρουσίαν κακῶν -τῶν σῶν. σοφόν τοι κἀν κακοῖς ἃ δεῖ φρονεῖν. - - -Ἑκάβη -αἰαῖ· παρέστηχʼ, ὡς ἔοικʼ, ἀγὼν μέγας, -πλήρης στεναγμῶν οὐδὲ δακρύων κενός. -κἄγωγʼ ἄρʼ οὐκ ἔθνῃσκον οὗ μʼ ἐχρῆν θανεῖν, -οὐδʼ ὤλεσέν με Ζεύς, τρέφει δʼ, ὅπως ὁρῶ -κακῶν κάκʼ ἄλλα μείζονʼ ἡ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ. -εἰ δʼ ἔστι τοῖς δούλοισι τοὺς ἐλευθέρους -μὴ λυπρὰ μηδὲ καρδίας δηκτήρια -ἐξιστορῆσαι, σοὶ μὲν εἰρῆσθαι χρεών, -ἡμᾶς δʼ ἀκοῦσαι τοὺς ἐρωτῶντας τάδε. - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -ἔξεστʼ, ἐρώτα· τοῦ χρόνου γὰρ οὐ φθονῶ. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἶσθʼ ἡνίκʼ ἦλθες Ἰλίου κατάσκοπος, -δυσχλαινίᾳ τʼ ἄμορφος, ὀμμάτων τʼ ἄπο -φόνου σταλαγμοὶ σὴν κατέσταζον γένυν; - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -οἶδʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἄκρας καρδίας ἔψαυσέ μου. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἔγνω δέ σʼ Ἑλένη καὶ μόνῃ κατεῖπʼ ἐμοί; - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -μεμνήμεθʼ ἐς κίνδυνον ἐλθόντες μέγαν. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἥψω δὲ γονάτων τῶν ἐμῶν ταπεινὸς ὤν; - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -ὥστʼ ἐνθανεῖν γε σοῖς πέπλοισι χεῖρʼ ἐμήν. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἔσωσα δῆτά σʼ ἐξέπεμψά τε χθονός; - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -ὥστʼ εἰσορᾶν γε φέγγος ἡλίου τόδε. - - -Ἑκάβη -τί δῆτʼ ἔλεξας δοῦλος ὢν ἐμὸς τότε; - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -πολλῶν λόγων εὑρήμαθʼ, ὥστε μὴ θανεῖν. - - - -Ἑκάβη -οὔκουν κακύνῃ τοῖσδε τοῖς βουλεύμασιν, -ὃς ἐξ ἐμοῦ μὲν ἔπαθες οἷα φῂς παθεῖν, -δρᾷς δʼ οὐδὲν ἡμᾶς εὖ, κακῶς δʼ ὅσον δύνῃ; -ἀχάριστον ὑμῶν σπέρμʼ, ὅσοι δημηγόρους -ζηλοῦτε τιμάς· μηδὲ γιγνώσκοισθέ μοι, -οἳ τοὺς φίλους βλάπτοντες οὐ φροντίζετε, -ἢν τοῖσι πολλοῖς πρὸς χάριν λέγητέ τι. -ἀτὰρ τί δὴ σόφισμα τοῦθʼ ἡγούμενοι -ἐς τήνδε παῖδα ψῆφον ὥρισαν φόνου; -πότερα τὸ χρῆν σφʼ ἐπήγαγʼ ἀνθρωποσφαγεῖν -πρὸς τύμβον, ἔνθα βουθυτεῖν μᾶλλον πρέπει; -ἢ τοὺς κτανόντας ἀνταποκτεῖναι θέλων -ἐς τήνδʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς ἐνδίκως τείνει φόνον; -ἀλλʼ οὐδὲν αὐτὸν ἥδε γʼ εἴργασται κακόν. -Ἑλένην νιν αἰτεῖν χρῆν τάφῳ προσφάγματα· -κείνη γὰρ ὤλεσέν νιν ἐς Τροίαν τʼ ἄγει. -εἰ δʼ αἰχμαλώτων χρή τινʼ ἔκκριτον θανεῖν -κάλλει θʼ ὑπερφέρουσαν, οὐχ ἡμῶν τόδε· -ἡ Τυνδαρὶς γὰρ εἶδος ἐκπρεπεστάτη, -ἀδικοῦσά θʼ ἡμῶν οὐδὲν ἧσσον ηὑρέθη. -τῷ μὲν δικαίῳ τόνδʼ ἁμιλλῶμαι λόγον· -ἃ δʼ ἀντιδοῦναι δεῖ σʼ ἀπαιτούσης ἐμοῦ, -ἄκουσον. ἥψω τῆς ἐμῆς, ὡς φῄς, χερὸς -καὶ τῆσδε γραίας προσπίτνων παρηίδος· -ἀνθάπτομαί σου τῶνδε τῶν αὐτῶν ἐγὼ -χάριν τʼ ἀπαιτῶ τὴν τόθʼ ἱκετεύω τέ σε, -μή μου τὸ τέκνον ἐκ χερῶν ἀποσπάσῃς, -μηδὲ κτάνητε· τῶν τεθνηκότων ἅλις. -ταύτῃ γέγηθα κἀπιλήθομαι κακῶν· -ἥδʼ ἀντὶ πολλῶν ἐστί μοι παραψυχή, -πόλις, τιθήνη, βάκτρον, ἡγεμὼν ὁδοῦ. -οὐ τοὺς κρατοῦντας χρὴ κρατεῖν ἃ μὴ χρεών, -οὐδʼ εὐτυχοῦντας εὖ δοκεῖν πράξειν ἀεί· -κἀγὼ γὰρ ἦ ποτʼ, ἀλλὰ νῦν οὐκ εἴμʼ ἔτι, -τὸν πάντα δʼ ὄλβον ἦμαρ ἕν μʼ ἀφείλετο. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ φίλον γένειον, αἰδέσθητί με, -οἴκτιρον· ἐλθὼν δʼ εἰς Ἀχαιικὸν στρατὸν -παρηγόρησον, ὡς ἀποκτείνειν φθόνος -γυναῖκας, ἃς τὸ πρῶτον οὐκ ἐκτείνατε -βωμῶν ἀποσπάσαντες, ἀλλʼ ᾠκτίρατε. -νόμος δʼ ἐν ὑμῖν τοῖς τʼ ἐλευθέροις ἴσος -καὶ τοῖσι δούλοις αἵματος κεῖται πέρι. -τὸ δʼ ἀξίωμα, κἂν κακῶς λέγῃ, τὸ σὸν -πείσει· λόγος γὰρ ἔκ τʼ ἀδοξούντων ἰὼν -κἀκ τῶν δοκούντων αὑτὸς οὐ ταὐτὸν σθένει. - - -Χορός -οὐκ ἔστιν οὕτω στερρὸς ἀνθρώπου φύσις, -ἥτις γόων σῶν καὶ μακρῶν ὀδυρμάτων -κλύουσα θρήνους οὐκ ἂν ἐκβάλοι δάκρυ. - - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -Ἑκάβη, διδάσκου, μηδὲ τῷ θυμουμένῳ -τὸν εὖ λέγοντα δυσμενῆ ποιοῦ φρενός. -ἐγὼ τὸ μὲν σὸν σῶμʼ ὑφʼ οὗπερ εὐτύχουν -σῴζειν ἕτοιμός εἰμι κοὐκ ἄλλως λέγω· -ἃ δʼ εἶπον εἰς ἅπαντας οὐκ ἀρνήσομαι, -Τροίας ἁλούσης ἀνδρὶ τῷ πρώτῳ στρατοῦ -σὴν παῖδα δοῦναι σφάγιον ἐξαιτουμένῳ. -ἐν τῷδε γὰρ κάμνουσιν αἱ πολλαὶ πόλεις, -ὅταν τις ἐσθλὸς καὶ πρόθυμος ὢν ἀνὴρ -μηδὲν φέρηται τῶν κακιόνων πλέον. -ἡμῖν δʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς ἄξιος τιμῆς, γύναι, -θανὼν ὑπὲρ γῆς Ἑλλάδος κάλλιστʼ ἀνήρ. -οὔκουν τόδʼ αἰσχρόν, εἰ βλέποντι μὲν φίλῳ -χρώμεσθʼ, ἐπεὶ δʼ ὄλωλε, μὴ χρώμεσθʼ ἔτι; -εἶεν· τί δῆτʼ ἐρεῖ τις, ἤν τις αὖ φανῇ -στρατοῦ τʼ ἄθροισις πολεμίων τʼ ἀγωνία; -πότερα μαχούμεθʼ ἢ φιλοψυχήσομεν, -τὸν κατθανόνθʼ ὁρῶντες οὐ τιμώμενον; -καὶ μὴν ἔμοιγε ζῶντι μέν, καθʼ ἡμέραν -κεἰ σμίκρʼ ἔχοιμι, πάντʼ ἂν ἀρκούντως ἔχοι· -τύμβον δὲ βουλοίμην ἂν ἀξιούμενον -τὸν ἐμὸν ὁρᾶσθαι· διὰ μακροῦ γὰρ ἡ χάρις. -εἰ δʼ οἰκτρὰ πάσχειν φῄς, τάδʼ ἀντάκουέ μου· -εἰσὶν παρʼ ἡμῖν οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἄθλιαι -γραῖαι γυναῖκες ἠδὲ πρεσβῦται σέθεν, -νύμφαι τʼ ἀρίστων νυμφίων τητώμεναι, -ὧν ἥδε κεύθει σώματʼ Ἰδαία κόνις. -τόλμα τάδʼ. ἡμεῖς δʼ, εἰ κακῶς νομίζομεν -τιμᾶν τὸν ἐσθλόν, ἀμαθίαν ὀφλήσομεν· -οἱ βάρβαροι δὲ μήτε τοὺς φίλους φίλους -ἡγεῖσθε, μήτε τοὺς καλῶς τεθνηκότας -θαυμάζεθʼ, ὡς ἂν ἡ μὲν Ἑλλὰς εὐτυχῇ, -ὑμεῖς δʼ ἔχηθʼ ὅμοια τοῖς βουλεύμασιν. - - -Χορός -αἰαῖ· τὸ δοῦλον ὡς κακὸν πέφυκʼ ἀεὶ -τολμᾷ θʼ ἃ μὴ χρή, τῇ βίᾳ νικώμενον. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ θύγατερ, οὑμοὶ μὲν λόγοι πρὸς αἰθέρα -φροῦδοι μάτην ῥιφέντες ἀμφὶ σοῦ φόνου· -σὺ δʼ, εἴ τι μείζω δύναμιν ἢ μήτηρ ἔχεις, -σπούδαζε πάσας ὥστʼ ἀηδόνος στόμα -φθογγὰς ἱεῖσα, μὴ στερηθῆναι βίου. -πρόσπιπτε δʼ οἰκτρῶς τοῦδʼ Ὀδυσσέως γόνυ -καὶ πεῖθʼ — ἔχεις δὲ πρόφασιν· ἔστι γὰρ τέκνα -καὶ τῷδε — τὴν σὴν ὥστʼ ἐποικτῖραι τύχην. - - - -Πολυξένη -ὁρῶ σʼ, Ὀδυσσεῦ, δεξιὰν ὑφʼ εἵματος -κρύπτοντα χεῖρα καὶ πρόσωπον ἔμπαλιν -στρέφοντα, μή σου προσθίγω γενειάδος. -θάρσει· πέφευγας τὸν ἐμὸν Ἱκέσιον Δία· -ὡς ἕψομαί γε τοῦ τʼ ἀναγκαίου χάριν -θανεῖν τε χρῄζουσʼ· εἰ δὲ μὴ βουλήσομαι, -κακὴ φανοῦμαι καὶ φιλόψυχος γυνή. -τί γάρ με δεῖ ζῆν; ᾗ πατὴρ μὲν ἦν ἄναξ -Φρυγῶν ἁπάντων· τοῦτό μοι πρῶτον βίου· -ἔπειτʼ ἐθρέφθην ἐλπίδων καλῶν ὕπο -βασιλεῦσι νύμφη, ζῆλον οὐ σμικρὸν γάμων -ἔχουσʼ, ὅτου δῶμʼ ἑστίαν τʼ ἀφίξομαι· -δέσποινα δʼ ἡ δύστηνος Ἰδαίαισιν ἦ -γυναιξὶ †παρθένοις τʼ ἀπόβλεπτος μέτα,† -ἴση θεοῖσι πλὴν τὸ κατθανεῖν μόνον· -νῦν δʼ εἰμὶ δούλη. πρῶτα μέν με τοὔνομα -θανεῖν ἐρᾶν τίθησιν οὐκ εἰωθὸς ὄν· -ἔπειτʼ ἴσως ἂν δεσποτῶν ὠμῶν φρένας -τύχοιμʼ ἄν, ὅστις ἀργύρου μʼ ὠνήσεται, -τὴν Ἕκτορός τε χἁτέρων πολλῶν κάσιν, -προσθεὶς δʼ ἀνάγκην σιτοποιὸν ἐν δόμοις, -σαίρειν τε δῶμα κερκίσιν τʼ ἐφεστάναι -λυπρὰν ἄγουσαν ἡμέραν μʼ ἀναγκάσει· -λέχη δὲ τἀμὰ δοῦλος ὠνητός ποθεν -χρανεῖ, τυράννων πρόσθεν ἠξιωμένα. -οὐ δῆτʼ· ἀφίημʼ ὀμμάτων ἐλευθέρων -φέγγος τόδʼ, Ἅιδῃ προστιθεῖσʼ ἐμὸν δέμας. -ἄγου μʼ, Ὀδυσσεῦ, καὶ διέργασαί μʼ ἄγων· -οὔτʼ ἐλπίδος γὰρ οὔτε του δόξης ὁρῶ -θάρσος παρʼ ἡμῖν ὥς ποτʼ εὖ πρᾶξαί με χρή. -μῆτερ, σὺ δʼ ἡμῖν μηδὲν ἐμποδὼν γένῃ, -λέγουσα μηδὲ δρῶσα· συμβούλου δέ μοι -θανεῖν πρὶν αἰσχρῶν μὴ κατʼ ἀξίαν τυχεῖν. -ὅστις γὰρ οὐκ εἴωθε γεύεσθαι κακῶν, -φέρει μέν, ἀλγεῖ δʼ αὐχένʼ ἐντιθεὶς ζυγῷ· -θανὼν δʼ ἂν εἴη μᾶλλον εὐτυχέστερος -ἢ ζῶν· τὸ γὰρ ζῆν μὴ καλῶς μέγας πόνος. - - -Χορός -δεινὸς χαρακτὴρ κἀπίσημος ἐν βροτοῖς -ἐσθλῶν γενέσθαι, κἀπὶ μεῖζον ἔρχεται -τῆς εὐγενείας ὄνομα τοῖσιν ἀξίοις. - - - -Ἑκάβη -καλῶς μὲν εἶπας, θύγατερ, ἀλλὰ τῷ καλῷ -λύπη πρόσεστιν. εἰ δὲ δεῖ τῷ Πηλέως -χάριν γενέσθαι παιδὶ καὶ ψόγον φυγεῖν -ὑμᾶς, Ὀδυσσεῦ, τήνδε μὲν μὴ κτείνετε, -ἡμᾶς δʼ ἄγοντες πρὸς πυρὰν Ἀχιλλέως -κεντεῖτε, μὴ φείδεσθʼ· ἐγὼ ῎τεκον Πάριν, -ὃς παῖδα Θέτιδος ὤλεσεν τόξοις βαλών. - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -οὐ σʼ, ὦ γεραιά, κατθανεῖν Ἀχιλλέως -φάντασμʼ Ἀχαιούς, ἀλλὰ τήνδʼ, ᾐτήσατο. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὑμεῖς δέ μʼ ἀλλὰ θυγατρὶ συμφονεύσατε, -καὶ δὶς τόσον πῶμʼ αἵματος γενήσεται -γαίᾳ νεκρῷ τε τῷ τάδʼ ἐξαιτουμένῳ. - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -ἅλις κόρης σῆς θάνατος, οὐ προσοιστέος -ἄλλος πρὸς ἄλλῳ· μηδὲ τόνδʼ ὠφείλομεν. - - -Ἑκάβη -πολλή γʼ ἀνάγκη θυγατρὶ συνθανεῖν ἐμέ. - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -πῶς; οὐ γὰρ οἶδα δεσπότας κεκτημένος. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὁποῖα κισσὸς δρυός, ὅπως τῆσδʼ ἕξομαι. - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -οὔκ, ἤν γε πείθῃ τοῖσι σοῦ σοφωτέροις. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὡς τῆσδʼ ἑκοῦσα παιδὸς οὐ μεθήσομαι. - - -Ὀδυσσεύς -ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ἐγὼ μὴν τήνδʼ ἄπειμʼ αὐτοῦ λιπών. - - - -Πολυξένη -μῆτερ, πιθοῦ μοι· καὶ σύ, παῖ Λαερτίου, -χάλα τοκεῦσιν εἰκότως θυμουμένοις, -σύ τʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, τοῖς κρατοῦσι μὴ μάχου. -βούλῃ πεσεῖν πρὸς οὖδας ἑλκῶσαί τε σὸν -γέροντα χρῶτα πρὸς βίαν ὠθουμένη, -ἀσχημονῆσαί τʼ ἐκ νέου βραχίονος -σπασθεῖσʼ, ἃ πείσῃ; μὴ σύ γʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἄξιον. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ φίλη μοι μῆτερ, ἡδίστην χέρα -δὸς καὶ παρειὰν προσβαλεῖν παρηίδι· -ὡς οὔποτʼ αὖθις, ἀλλὰ νῦν πανύστατον -ἀκτῖνα κύκλον θʼ ἡλίου προσόψομαι. -τέλος δέχῃ δὴ τῶν ἐμῶν προσφθεγμάτων. -ὦ μῆτερ, ὦ τεκοῦσʼ, ἄπειμι δὴ κάτω. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ θύγατερ, ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐν φάει δουλεύσομεν. - - -Πολυξένη -ἄνυμφος ἀνυμέναιος ὧν μʼ ἐχρῆν τυχεῖν. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἰκτρὰ σύ, τέκνον, ἀθλία δʼ ἐγὼ γυνή. - - -Πολυξένη -ἐκεῖ δʼ ἐν Ἅιδου κείσομαι χωρὶς σέθεν. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἴμοι· τί δράσω; ποῖ τελευτήσω βίον; - - -Πολυξένη -δούλη θανοῦμαι, πατρὸς οὖσʼ ἐλευθέρου. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἡμεῖς δὲ πεντήκοντά γʼ ἄμμοροι τέκνων. - - -Πολυξένη -τί σοι πρὸς Ἕκτορʼ ἢ γέροντʼ εἴπω πόσιν; - - -Ἑκάβη -ἄγγελλε πασῶν ἀθλιωτάτην ἐμέ. - - -Πολυξένη -ὦ στέρνα μαστοί θʼ, οἵ μʼ ἐθρέψαθʼ ἡδέως. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ τῆς ἀώρου θύγατερ ἀθλίας τύχης. - - -Πολυξένη -χαῖρʼ, ὦ τεκοῦσα, χαῖρε Κασάνδρα τʼ ἐμοί, - - -Ἑκάβη -χαίρουσιν ἄλλοι, μητρὶ δʼ οὐκ ἔστιν τόδε. - - -Πολυξένη -ὅ τʼ ἐν φιλίπποις Θρῃξὶ Πολύδωρος κάσις. - - -Ἑκάβη -εἰ ζῇ γʼ· ἀπιστῶ δʼ· ὧδε πάντα δυστυχῶ. - - -Πολυξένη -ζῇ καὶ θανούσης ὄμμα συγκλῄσει τὸ σόν. - - -Ἑκάβη -τέθνηκʼ ἔγωγε πρὶν θανεῖν κακῶν ὕπο. - - -Πολυξένη -κόμιζʼ, Ὀδυσσεῦ, μʼ ἀμφιθεὶς κάρα πέπλοις -ὡς πρὶν σφαγῆναί γʼ ἐκτέτηκα καρδίαν -θρήνοισι μητρὸς τήνδε τʼ ἐκτήκω γόοις. -ὦ φῶς· προσειπεῖν γὰρ σὸν ὄνομʼ ἔξεστί μοι, -μέτεστι δʼ οὐδὲν πλὴν ὅσον χρόνον ξίφους -βαίνω μεταξὺ καὶ πυρᾶς Ἀχιλλέως. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἲ ʼγώ, προλείπω· λύεται δέ μου μέλη. -ὦ θύγατερ, ἅψαι μητρός, ἔκτεινον χέρα, -δός· μὴ λίπῃς μʼ ἄπαιδʼ. ἀπωλόμην, φίλαι - -ὣς τὴν Λάκαιναν σύγγονον Διοσκόροιν -Ἑλένην ἴδοιμι· διὰ καλῶν γὰρ ὀμμάτων -αἴσχιστα Τροίαν εἷλε τὴν εὐδαίμονα. - - - - - - -Χορός -αὔρα, ποντιὰς αὔρα, -ἅτε ποντοπόρους κομί- -ζεις θοὰς ἀκάτους ἐπʼ οἶδμα λίμνας, -ποῖ με τὰν μελέαν πορεύ- -σεις; τῷ δουλόσυνος πρὸς οἶ- -κον κτηθεῖσʼ ἀφίξομαι; ἢ -Δωρίδος ὅρμον αἴας; -ἢ Φθιάδος, ἔνθα τὸν -καλλίστων ὑδάτων πατέρα -φασὶν Ἀπιδανὸν πεδία λιπαίνειν; - - - - - -Χορός -ἢ νάσων, ἁλιήρει -κώπᾳ πεμπομέναν τάλαι- -ναν, οἰκτρὰν βιοτὰν ἔχουσαν οἴκοις, -ἔνθα πρωτόγονός τε φοῖ- -νιξ δάφνα θʼ ἱεροὺς ἀνέ- -σχε πτόρθους Λατοῖ φίλᾳ ὠ- -δῖνος ἄγαλμα Δίας; -σὺν Δηλιάσιν τε κού- -ραισιν Ἀρτέμιδος θεᾶς -χρυσέαν ἄμπυκα τόξα τʼ εὐλογήσω; - - - - - -Χορός -ἢ Παλλάδος ἐν πόλει -τὰς καλλιδίφρους Ἀθα- -ναίας ἐν κροκέῳ πέπλῳ -ζεύξομαι ἆρα πώλους ἐν -δαιδαλέαισι ποικίλλουσʼ -ἀνθοκρόκοισι πήναις, ἢ -Τιτάνων γενεὰν -τὰν Ζεὺς ἀμφιπύρῳ κοιμί- -ζει φλογμῷ Κρονίδας; - - - - - -Χορός -ὤ μοι τεκέων ἐμῶν, -ὤ μοι πατέρων χθονός θʼ, -ἃ καπνῷ κατερείπεται, -τυφομένα, δορίκτητος -Ἀργεΐων· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐν ξεί- -νᾳ χθονὶ δὴ κέκλημαι δού- -λα, λιποῦσʼ Ἀσίαν, -Εὐρώπας θεραπνᾶν ἀλλά- -ξασʼ Ἅιδα θαλάμους. - - - - - - -Ταλθύβιος -ποῦ τὴν ἄνασσαν δή ποτʼ οὖσαν Ἰλίου -Ἑκάβην ἂν ἐξεύροιμι, Τρῳάδες κόραι; - - -Χορός -αὕτη πέλας σου νῶτʼ ἔχουσʼ ἐπὶ χθονί, -Ταλθύβιε, κεῖται ξυγκεκλῃμένη πέπλοις. - - -Ταλθύβιος -ὦ Ζεῦ, τί λέξω; πότερά σʼ ἀνθρώπους ὁρᾶν; -ἢ δόξαν ἄλλως τήνδε κεκτῆσθαι μάτην, - -ψευδῆ, δοκοῦντας δαιμόνων εἶναι γένος - -τύχην δὲ πάντα τἀν βροτοῖς ἐπισκοπεῖν; -οὐχ ἥδʼ ἄνασσα τῶν πολυχρύσων Φρυγῶν, -οὐχ ἥδε Πριάμου τοῦ μέγʼ ὀλβίου δάμαρ; -καὶ νῦν πόλις μὲν πᾶσʼ ἀνέστηκεν δορί, -αὐτὴ δὲ δούλη γραῦς ἄπαις ἐπὶ χθονὶ -κεῖται, κόνει φύρουσα δύστηνον κάρα. -φεῦ φεῦ· γέρων μέν εἰμʼ, ὅμως δέ μοι θανεῖν -εἴη πρὶν αἰσχρᾷ περιπεσεῖν τύχῃ τινί. -ἀνίστασʼ, ὦ δύστηνε, καὶ μετάρσιον -πλευρὰν ἔπαιρε καὶ τὸ πάλλευκον κάρα. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἔα· τίς οὗτος σῶμα τοὐμὸν οὐκ ἐᾷ -κεῖσθαι; τί κινεῖς μʼ, ὅστις εἶ, λυπουμένην; - - -Ταλθύβιος -Ταλθύβιος ἥκω Δαναϊδῶν ὑπηρέτης, -Ἀγαμέμνονος πέμψαντος, ὦ γύναι, μέτα. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἆρα κἄμʼ ἐπισφάξαι τάφῳ -δοκοῦν Ἀχαιοῖς ἦλθες; ὡς φίλʼ ἂν λέγοις. -σπεύδωμεν, ἐγκονῶμεν· ἡγοῦ μοι, γέρον. - - -Ταλθύβιος -σὴν παῖδα κατθανοῦσαν ὡς θάψῃς, γύναι, -ἥκω μεταστείχων σε· πέμπουσιν δέ με -δισσοί τʼ Ἀτρεῖδαι καὶ λεὼς Ἀχαιικός. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἴμοι, τί λέξεις; οὐκ ἄρʼ ὡς θανουμένους -μετῆλθες ἡμᾶς, ἀλλὰ σημανῶν κακά; -ὄλωλας, ὦ παῖ, μητρὸς ἁρπασθεῖσʼ ἄπο· -ἡμεῖς δʼ ἄτεκνοι τοὐπὶ σʼ· ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ. -πῶς καί νιν ἐξεπράξατʼ; ἆρʼ αἰδούμενοι; -ἢ πρὸς τὸ δεινὸν ἤλθεθʼ ὡς ἐχθράν, γέρον, -κτείνοντες; εἰπέ, καίπερ οὐ λέξων φίλα. - - - -Ταλθύβιος -διπλᾶ με χρῄζεις δάκρυα κερδᾶναι, γύναι, -σῆς παιδὸς οἴκτῳ· νῦν τε γὰρ λέγων κακὰ -τέγξω τόδʼ ὄμμα, πρὸς τάφῳ θʼ ὅτʼ ὤλλυτο. -παρῆν μὲν ὄχλος πᾶς Ἀχαιικοῦ στρατοῦ -πλήρης πρὸ τύμβου σῆς κόρης ἐπὶ σφαγάς· -λαβὼν δʼ Ἀχιλλέως παῖς Πολυξένην χερὸς -ἔστησʼ ἐπʼ ἄκρου χώματος, πέλας δʼ ἐγώ· -λεκτοί τʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἔκκριτοι νεανίαι, -σκίρτημα μόσχου σῆς καθέξοντες χεροῖν, -ἕσποντο. πλῆρες δʼ ἐν χεροῖν λαβὼν δέπας -πάγχρυσον αἴρει χειρὶ παῖς Ἀχιλλέως -χοὰς θανόντι πατρί· σημαίνει δέ μοι -σιγὴν Ἀχαιῶν παντὶ κηρῦξαι στρατῷ. -κἀγὼ καταστὰς εἶπον ἐν μέσοις τάδε· -Σιγᾶτʼ, Ἀχαιοί, σῖγα πᾶς ἔστω λεώς, -σίγα σιώπα· νήνεμον δʼ ἔστησʼ ὄχλον. -ὃ δʼ εἶπεν· Ὦ παῖ Πηλέως, πατὴρ δʼ ἐμός, -δέξαι χοάς μοι τάσδε κηλητηρίους, -νεκρῶν ἀγωγούς· ἐλθὲ δʼ, ὡς πίῃς μέλαν -κόρης ἀκραιφνὲς αἷμʼ, ὅ σοι δωρούμεθα -στρατός τε κἀγώ· πρευμενὴς δʼ ἡμῖν γενοῦ -λῦσαί τε πρύμνας καὶ χαλινωτήρια -νεῶν δὸς ἡμῖν †πρευμενοῦσ† τʼ ἀπʼ Ἰλίου -νόστου τυχόντας πάντας ἐς πάτραν μολεῖν. -τοσαῦτʼ ἔλεξε, πᾶς δʼ ἐπηύξατο στρατός. -εἶτʼ ἀμφίχρυσον φάσγανον κώπης λαβὼν -ἐξεῖλκε κολεοῦ, λογάσι δʼ Ἀργείων στρατοῦ -νεανίαις ἔνευσε παρθένον λαβεῖν. -ἣ δʼ, ὡς ἐφράσθη, τόνδʼ ἐσήμηνεν λόγον· -Ὦ τὴν ἐμὴν πέρσαντες Ἀργεῖοι πόλιν, -ἑκοῦσα θνῄσκω· μή τις ἅψηται χροὸς -τοὐμοῦ· παρέξω γὰρ δέρην εὐκαρδίως. -ἐλευθέραν δέ μʼ, ὡς ἐλευθέρα θάνω, -πρὸς θεῶν, μεθέντες κτείνατʼ· ἐν νεκροῖσι γὰρ -δούλη κεκλῆσθαι βασιλὶς οὖσʼ αἰσχύνομαι. - - -λαοὶ δʼ ἐπερρόθησαν, Ἀγαμέμνων τʼ ἄναξ -εἶπεν μεθεῖναι παρθένον νεανίαις. - -οἳ δʼ, ὡς τάχιστʼ ἤκουσαν ὑστάτην ὄπα, - - -μεθῆκαν, οὗπερ καὶ μέγιστον ἦν κράτος. - -κἀπεὶ τόδʼ εἰσήκουσε δεσποτῶν ἔπος, -λαβοῦσα πέπλους ἐξ ἄκρας ἐπωμίδος -ἔρρηξε λαγόνας ἐς μέσας παρʼ ὀμφαλόν, -μαστούς τʼ ἔδειξε στέρνα θʼ ὡς ἀγάλματος -κάλλιστα, καὶ καθεῖσα πρὸς γαῖαν γόνυ -ἔλεξε πάντων τλημονέστατον λόγον· -Ἰδού, τόδʼ, εἰ μὲν στέρνον, ὦ νεανία, -παίειν προθυμῇ, παῖσον, εἰ δʼ ὑπʼ αὐχένα -χρῄζεις, πάρεστι λαιμὸς εὐτρεπὴς ὅδε. - -ὃ δʼ οὐ θέλων τε καὶ θέλων οἴκτῳ κόρης, -τέμνει σιδήρῳ πνεύματος διαρροάς· -κρουνοὶ δʼ ἐχώρουν. ἣ δὲ καὶ θνῄσκουσʼ ὅμως -πολλὴν πρόνοιαν εἶχεν εὐσχήμων πεσεῖν, -κρύπτουσʼ ἃ κρύπτειν ὄμματʼ ἀρσένων χρεών. -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀφῆκε πνεῦμα θανασίμῳ σφαγῇ, -οὐδεὶς τὸν αὐτὸν εἶχεν Ἀργείων πόνον· -ἀλλʼ οἳ μὲν αὐτῶν τὴν θανοῦσαν ἐκ χερῶν -φύλλοις ἔβαλλον, οἳ δὲ πληροῦσιν πυρὰν -κορμοὺς φέροντες πευκίνους, ὁ δʼ οὐ φέρων -πρὸς τοῦ φέροντος τοιάδʼ ἤκουεν κακά· -Ἕστηκας, ὦ κάκιστε, τῇ νεάνιδι -οὐ πέπλον οὐδὲ κόσμον ἐν χεροῖν ἔχων; -οὐκ εἶ τι δώσων τῇ περίσσʼ εὐκαρδίῳ -ψυχήν τʼ ἀρίστῃ; τοιάδʼ ἀμφὶ σῆς λέγων -παιδὸς θανούσης, εὐτεκνωτάτην τέ σε -πασῶν γυναικῶν δυστυχεστάτην θʼ ὁρῶ. - - -Χορός -δεινόν τι πῆμα Πριαμίδαις ἐπέζεσεν -πόλει τε τἠμῇ θεῶν ἀνάγκαισιν τόδε. - - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ θύγατερ, οὐκ οἶδʼ εἰς ὅ τι βλέψω κακῶν, -πολλῶν παρόντων· ἢν γὰρ ἅψωμαί τινος, -τόδʼ οὐκ ἐᾷ με, παρακαλεῖ δʼ ἐκεῖθεν αὖ -λύπη τις ἄλλη διάδοχος κακῶν κακοῖς. -καὶ νῦν τὸ μὲν σὸν ὥστε μὴ στένειν πάθος -οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην ἐξαλείψασθαι φρενός· -τὸ δʼ αὖ λίαν παρεῖλες ἀγγελθεῖσά μοι -γενναῖος. οὔκουν δεινόν, εἰ γῆ μὲν κακὴ -τυχοῦσα καιροῦ θεόθεν εὖ στάχυν φέρει, -χρηστὴ δʼ ἁμαρτοῦσʼ ὧν χρεὼν αὐτὴν τυχεῖν -κακὸν δίδωσι καρπόν, ἀνθρώποις δʼ ἀεὶ -ὁ μὲν πονηρὸς οὐδὲν ἄλλο πλὴν κακός, -ὁ δʼ ἐσθλὸς ἐσθλός, οὐδὲ συμφορᾶς ὕπο -φύσιν διέφθειρʼ, ἀλλὰ χρηστός ἐστʼ ἀεί; -ἆρʼ οἱ τεκόντες διαφέρουσιν ἢ τροφαί; -ἔχει γε μέντοι καὶ τὸ θρεφθῆναι καλῶς -δίδαξιν ἐσθλοῦ· τοῦτο δʼ ἤν τις εὖ μάθῃ, -οἶδεν τό γʼ αἰσχρόν, κανόνι τοῦ καλοῦ μαθών. -καὶ ταῦτα μὲν δὴ νοῦς ἐτόξευσεν μάτην· - -σὺ δʼ ἐλθὲ καὶ σήμηνον Ἀργείοις τάδε, -μὴ θιγγάνειν μοι μηδένʼ, ἀλλʼ εἴργειν ὄχλον, -τῆς παιδός. ἔν τοι μυρίῳ στρατεύματι -ἀκόλαστος ὄχλος ναυτική τʼ ἀναρχία -κρείσσων πυρός, κακὸς δʼ ὁ μή τι δρῶν κακόν. - -σὺ δʼ αὖ λαβοῦσα τεῦχος, ἀρχαία λάτρι, -βάψασʼ ἔνεγκε δεῦρο ποντίας ἁλός, -ὡς παῖδα λουτροῖς τοῖς πανυστάτοις ἐμήν, -νύμφην τʼ ἄνυμφον παρθένον τʼ ἀπάρθενον, -λούσω προθῶμαί θʼ — ὡς μὲν ἀξία, πόθεν; -οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην· ὡς δʼ ἔχω — τί γὰρ πάθω; — -κόσμον τʼ ἀγείρασʼ αἰχμαλωτίδων πάρα, -αἵ μοι πάρεδροι τῶνδʼ ἔσω σκηνωμάτων -ναίουσιν, εἴ τις τοὺς νεωστὶ δεσπότας -λαθοῦσʼ ἔχει τι κλέμμα τῶν αὑτῆς δόμων. -ὦ σχήματʼ οἴκων, ὦ ποτʼ εὐτυχεῖς δόμοι, -ὦ πλεῖστʼ ἔχων κάλλιστά τʼ, εὐτεκνώτατε -Πρίαμε, γεραιά θʼ ἥδʼ ἐγὼ μήτηρ τέκνων, -ὡς ἐς τὸ μηδὲν ἥκομεν, φρονήματος -τοῦ πρὶν στερέντες. εἶτα δῆτʼ ὀγκούμεθα, -ὃ μέν τις ἡμῶν πλουσίοις ἐν δώμασιν, -ὃ δʼ ἐν πολίταις τίμιος κεκλημένος. -τὰ δʼ οὐδὲν ἄλλως, φροντίδων βουλεύματα -γλώσσης τε κόμποι. κεῖνος ὀλβιώτατος, -ὅτῳ κατʼ ἦμαρ τυγχάνει μηδὲν κακόν. - - - - - - -Χορός -ἐμοὶ χρῆν συμφοράν, -ἐμοὶ χρῆν πημονὰν γενέσθαι, -Ἰδαίαν ὅτε πρῶτον ὕλαν -Ἀλέξανδρος εἰλατίναν -ἐτάμεθʼ, ἅλιον ἐπʼ οἶδμα ναυστολήσων -Ἑλένας ἐπὶ λέκτρα, τὰν -καλλίσταν ὁ χρυσοφαὴς -Ἅλιος αὐγάζει. - - - - - -Χορός -πόνοι γὰρ καὶ πόνων -ἀνάγκαι κρείσσονες κυκλοῦνται -κοινὸν δʼ ἐξ ἰδίας ἀνοίας -κακὸν τᾷ Σιμουντίδι γᾷ -ὀλέθριον ἔμολε συμφορά τʼ ἀπʼ ἄλλων. -ἐκρίθη δʼ ἔρις, ἃν ἐν Ἴ- -δᾳ κρίνει τρισσὰς μακάρων -παῖδας ἀνὴρ βούτας, - - - - - -Χορός -ἐπὶ δορὶ καὶ φόνῳ καὶ ἐμῶν μελάθρων λώβᾳ· -στένει δὲ καί τις ἀμφὶ τὸν εὔροον Εὐρώταν -Λάκαινα πολυδάκρυτος ἐν δόμοις κόρα, -πολιάν τʼ ἐπὶ κρᾶτα μάτηρ -τέκνων θανόντων -†τίθεται χέρα δρύπτεται παρειάν,† -δίαιμον ὄνυχα τιθεμένα σπαραγμοῖς. - - - - - - -Θεράπαινα -γυναῖκες, Ἑκάβη ποῦ ποθʼ ἡ παναθλία, -ἡ πάντα νικῶσʼ ἄνδρα καὶ θῆλυν σπορὰν -κακοῖσιν; οὐδεὶς στέφανον ἀνθαιρήσεται. - - -Χορός -τί δʼ, ὦ τάλαινα σῆς κακογλώσσου βοῆς; -ὡς οὔποθʼ εὕδει λυπρά σου κηρύγματα. - - -Θεράπαινα -Ἑκάβῃ φέρω τόδʼ ἄλγος· ἐν κακοῖσι δὲ -οὐ ῥᾴδιον βροτοῖσιν εὐφημεῖν στόμα. - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν περῶσα τυγχάνει δόμων ὕπερ -ἥδʼ, ἐς δὲ καιρὸν σοῖσι φαίνεται λόγοις. - - -Θεράπαινα -ὦ παντάλαινα κἄτι μᾶλλον ἢ λέγω, -δέσποινʼ, ὄλωλας κοὐκέτʼ εἶ, βλέπουσα φῶς, -ἄπαις ἄνανδρος ἄπολις ἐξεφθαρμένη. - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐ καινὸν εἶπας, εἰδόσιν δʼ ὠνείδισας. -ἀτὰρ τί νεκρὸν τόνδε μοι Πολυξένης -ἥκεις κομίζουσʼ, ἧς ἀπηγγέλθη τάφος -πάντων Ἀχαιῶν διὰ χερὸς σπουδὴν ἔχειν; - - -Θεράπαινα -ἥδʼ οὐδὲν οἶδεν, ἀλλά μοι Πολυξένην -θρηνεῖ, νέων δὲ πημάτων οὐχ ἅπτεται. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα· μῶν τὸ βακχεῖον κάρα -τῆς θεσπιῳδοῦ δεῦρο Κασάνδρας φέρεις; - - -Θεράπαινα -ζῶσαν λέλακας, τὸν θανόντα δʼ οὐ στένεις -τόνδʼ· ἀλλʼ ἄθρησον σῶμα γυμνωθὲν νεκροῦ, -εἴ σοι φανεῖται θαῦμα καὶ παρʼ ἐλπίδας. - - - -Ἑκάβη - -οἴμοι, βλέπω δὴ παῖδʼ ἐμὸν τεθνηκότα, -Πολύδωρον, ὅν μοι Θρῂξ ἔσῳζʼ οἴκοις ἀνήρ. -ἀπωλόμην δύστηνος, οὐκέτʼ εἰμὶ δή. -ὦ τέκνον τέκνον, -αἰαῖ, κατάρχομαι γόων, -βακχεῖον ἐξ ἀλάστορος -ἀρτιμαθῆ νόμον. - - -Θεράπαινα -ἔγνως γὰρ ἄτην παιδός, ὦ δύστηνε σύ; - - -Ἑκάβη - -ἄπιστʼ ἄπιστα, καινὰ καινὰ δέρκομαι. -ἕτερα δʼ ἀφʼ ἑτέρων κακὰ κακῶν κυρεῖ· -οὐδέ ποτʼ ἀστένακτος ἀδάκρυτος ἁ- -μέρα μʼ ἐπισχήσει. - - -Χορός -δείνʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, δεινὰ πάσχομεν κακά. - - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ τέκνον τέκνον ταλαίνας ματρός, -τίνι μόρῳ θνῄσκεις, -τίνι πότμῳ κεῖσαι; -πρὸς τίνος ἀνθρώπων; - - -Θεράπαινα -οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς νιν κυρῶ θαλασσίαις - - - -Ἑκάβη -ἔκβλητον, ἢ πέσημα φοινίου δορός, -ἐν ψαμάθῳ λευρᾷ; - - -Θεράπαινα -πόντου νιν ἐξήνεγκε πελάγιος κλύδων. - - - - -Ἑκάβη -ὤμοι, αἰαῖ, ἔμαθον ἔνυπνον ὀμμάτων -ἐμῶν ὄψιν· οὔ με παρέβα -φάσμα μελανόπτερον, τὰν ἐσεῖδον ἀμφὶ σέ, -ὦ τέκνον, οὐκέτʼ ὄντα Διὸς ἐν φάει. - - -Χορός -τίς γάρ νιν ἔκτεινʼ; οἶσθʼ ὀνειρόφρων φράσαι; - - -Ἑκάβη -ἐμὸς ἐμὸς ξένος, Θρῄκιος ἱππότας, -ἵνʼ ὁ γέρων πατὴρ ἔθετό νιν κρύψας. - - -Χορός -οἴμοι, τί λέξεις; χρυσὸν ὡς ἔχοι κτανών; - - -Ἑκάβη -ἄρρητʼ ἀνωνόμαστα, θαυμάτων πέρα, -οὐχ ὅσιʼ οὐδʼ ἀνεκτά. ποῦ δίκα ξένων; -ὦ κατάρατʼ ἀνδρῶν, ὡς διεμοιράσω -χρόα, σιδαρέῳ τεμὼν φασγάνῳ -μέλεα τοῦδε παιδὸς οὐδʼ ᾤκτισας. - - - - - -Χορός -ὦ τλῆμον, ὥς σε πολυπονωτάτην βροτῶν -δαίμων ἔθηκεν ὅστις ἐστί σοι βαρύς. -ἀλλʼ εἰσορῶ γὰρ τοῦδε δεσπότου δέμας -Ἀγαμέμνονος, τοὐνθένδε σιγῶμεν, φίλαι. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -Ἑκάβη, τί μέλλεις παῖδα σὴν κρύπτειν τάφῳ -ἐλθοῦσʼ, ἐφʼ οἷσπερ Ταλθύβιος ἤγγειλέ μοι -μὴ θιγγάνειν σῆς μηδένʼ Ἀργείων κόρης; -ἡμεῖς μὲν οὖν εἰῶμεν οὐδʼ ἐψαύομεν· -σὺ δὲ σχολάζεις, ὥστε θαυμάζειν ἐμέ. -ἥκω δʼ ἀποστελῶν σε· τἀκεῖθεν γὰρ εὖ -πεπραγμένʼ ἐστίν — εἴ τι τῶνδʼ ἐστὶν καλῶς. -ἔα· τίνʼ ἄνδρα τόνδʼ ἐπὶ σκηναῖς ὁρῶ -θανόντα Τρώων; οὐ γὰρ Ἀργεῖον πέπλοι -δέμας περιπτύσσοντες ἀγγέλλουσί μοι. - - -Ἑκάβη -δύστηνʼ, ἐμαυτὴν γὰρ λέγω λέγουσα σέ, -Ἑκάβη, τί δράσω; πότερα προσπέσω γόνυ -Ἀγαμέμνονος τοῦδʼ ἢ φέρω σιγῇ κακά; - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -τί μοι προσώπῳ νῶτον ἐγκλίνασα σὸν -δύρῃ, τὸ πραχθὲν δʼ οὐ λέγεις; — τίς ἔσθʼ ὅδε; - - -Ἑκάβη -ἀλλʼ, εἴ με δούλην πολεμίαν θʼ ἡγούμενος -γονάτων ἀπώσαιτʼ, ἄλγος ἂν προσθείμεθʼ ἄν. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -οὔτοι πέφυκα μάντις, ὥστε μὴ κλύων -ἐξιστορῆσαι σῶν ὁδὸν βουλευμάτων. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἆρʼ ἐκλογίζομαί γε πρὸς τὸ δυσμενὲς -μᾶλλον φρένας τοῦδʼ, ὄντος οὐχὶ δυσμενοῦς; - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -εἴ τοί με βούλῃ τῶνδε μηδὲν εἰδέναι, -ἐς ταὐτὸν ἥκεις· καὶ γὰρ οὐδʼ ἐγὼ κλύειν. - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην τοῦδε τιμωρεῖν ἄτερ -τέκνοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖσι. τί στρέφω τάδε; -τολμᾶν ἀνάγκη, κἂν τύχω κἂν μὴ τύχω. — -Ἀγάμεμνον, ἱκετεύω σε τῶνδε γουνάτων -καὶ σοῦ γενείου δεξιᾶς τʼ εὐδαίμονος - - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -τί χρῆμα μαστεύουσα; μῶν ἐλεύθερον -αἰῶνα θέσθαι; ῥᾴδιον γάρ ἐστί σοι. - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐ δῆτα· τοὺς κακοὺς δὲ τιμωρουμένη -αἰῶνα τὸν σύμπαντα δουλεύειν θέλω. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -καὶ δὴ τίνʼ ἡμᾶς εἰς ἐπάρκεσιν καλεῖς; - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐδέν τι τούτων ὧν σὺ δοξάζεις, ἄναξ. — -ὁρᾷς νεκρὸν τόνδʼ, οὗ καταστάζω δάκρυ; - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ὁρῶ· τὸ μέντοι μέλλον οὐκ ἔχω μαθεῖν. - - -Ἑκάβη -τοῦτόν ποτʼ ἔτεκον κἄφερον ζώνης ὕπο. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ἔστιν δὲ τίς σῶν οὗτος, ὦ τλῆμον, τέκνων; - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐ τῶν θανόντων Πριαμιδῶν ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ἦ γάρ τινʼ ἄλλον ἔτεκες ἢ κείνους, γύναι; - - -Ἑκάβη -ἀνόνητά γʼ, ὡς ἔοικε, τόνδʼ ὃν εἰσορᾷς. - - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ποῦ δʼ ὢν ἐτύγχανʼ, ἡνίκʼ ὤλλυτο πτόλις; - - -Ἑκάβη -πατήρ νιν ἐξέπεμψεν ὀρρωδῶν θανεῖν. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ποῖ τῶν τότʼ ὄντων χωρίσας τέκνων μόνον; - - -Ἑκάβη -ἐς τήνδε χώραν, οὗπερ ηὑρέθη θανών. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -πρὸς ἄνδρʼ ὃς ἄρχει τῆσδε Πολυμήστωρ χθονός; - - -Ἑκάβη -ἐνταῦθʼ ἐπέμφθη πικροτάτου χρυσοῦ φύλαξ. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -θνῄσκει δὲ πρὸς τοῦ καὶ τίνος πότμου τυχών; - - -Ἑκάβη -τίνος γʼ ὑπʼ ἄλλου; Θρῄξ νιν ὤλεσε ξένος. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ὦ τλῆμον· ἦ που χρυσὸν ἠράσθη λαβεῖν; - - -Ἑκάβη -τοιαῦτʼ, ἐπειδὴ συμφορὰν ἔγνω Φρυγῶν. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ηὗρες δὲ ποῦ νιν; ἢ τίς ἤνεγκεν νεκρόν; - - -Ἑκάβη -ἥδʼ, ἐντυχοῦσα ποντίας ἀκτῆς ἔπι. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -τοῦτον ματεύουσʼ ἢ πονοῦσʼ ἄλλον πόνον; - - -Ἑκάβη -λούτρʼ ᾤχετʼ οἴσουσʼ ἐξ ἁλὸς Πολυξένῃ. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -κτανών νιν, ὡς ἔοικεν, ἐκβάλλει ξένος. - - -Ἑκάβη -θαλασσόπλαγκτόν γʼ, ὧδε διατεμὼν χρόα. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ὦ σχετλία σὺ τῶν ἀμετρήτων πόνων. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὄλωλα κοὐδὲν λοιπόν, Ἀγάμεμνον, κακῶν. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -φεῦ φεῦ· τίς οὕτω δυστυχὴς ἔφυ γυνή; - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐκ ἔστιν, εἰ μὴ τὴν Τύχην αὐτὴν λέγοις. -ἀλλʼ ὧνπερ οὕνεκʼ ἀμφὶ σὸν πίπτω γόνυ -ἄκουσον. εἰ μὲν ὅσιά σοι παθεῖν δοκῶ, -στέργοιμʼ ἄν· εἰ δὲ τοὔμπαλιν, σύ μοι γενοῦ -τιμωρὸς ἀνδρός, ἀνοσιωτάτου ξένου, -ὃς οὔτε τοὺς γῆς νέρθεν οὔτε τοὺς ἄνω -δείσας δέδρακεν ἔργον ἀνοσιώτατον, -κοινῆς τραπέζης πολλάκις τυχὼν ἐμοί, -ξενίας τʼ ἀριθμῷ πρῶτʼ ἔχων ἐμῶν φίλων, -τυχὼν δʼ ὅσων δεῖ — . καὶ λαβὼν προμηθίαν -ἔκτεινε· τύμβου δʼ, εἰ κτανεῖν ἐβούλετο, -οὐκ ἠξίωσεν, ἀλλʼ ἀφῆκε πόντιον. - -ἡμεῖς μὲν οὖν δοῦλοί τε κἀσθενεῖς ἴσως· -ἀλλʼ οἱ θεοὶ σθένουσι χὡ κείνων κρατῶν -Νόμος· νόμῳ γὰρ τοὺς θεοὺς ἡγούμεθα -καὶ ζῶμεν ἄδικα καὶ δίκαιʼ ὡρισμένοι· -ὃς ἐς σʼ ἀνελθὼν εἰ διαφθαρήσεται, -καὶ μὴ δίκην δώσουσιν οἵτινες ξένους -κτείνουσιν ἢ θεῶν ἱερὰ τολμῶσιν φέρειν, -οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν τῶν ἐν ἀνθρώποις ἴσον. -ταῦτʼ οὖν ἐν αἰσχρῷ θέμενος αἰδέσθητί με· -οἴκτιρον ἡμᾶς, ὡς †γραφεύσ† τʼ ἀποσταθεὶς -ἰδοῦ με κἀνάθρησον οἷʼ ἔχω κακά. -τύραννος ἦ ποτʼ, ἀλλὰ νῦν δούλη σέθεν, -εὔπαις ποτʼ οὖσα, νῦν δὲ γραῦς ἄπαις θʼ ἅμα, -ἄπολις ἔρημος, ἀθλιωτάτη βροτῶν - - - -οἴμοι τάλαινα, ποῖ μʼ ὑπεξάγεις πόδα; -ἔοικα πράξειν οὐδέν· ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ. -τί δῆτα θνητοὶ τἄλλα μὲν μαθήματα -μοχθοῦμεν ὡς χρὴ πάντα καὶ ματεύομεν, -Πειθὼ δὲ τὴν τύραννον ἀνθρώποις μόνην -οὐδέν τι μᾶλλον ἐς τέλος σπουδάζομεν -μισθοὺς διδόντες μανθάνειν, ἵνʼ ἦν ποτε -πείθειν ἅ τις βούλοιτο τυγχάνειν θʼ ἅμα; -πῶς οὖν ἔτʼ ἄν τις ἐλπίσαι πράξειν καλῶς; -οἱ μὲν γὰρ ὄντες παῖδες οὐκέτʼ εἰσί μοι, -αὕτη δʼ ἐπʼ αἰσχροῖς αἰχμάλωτος. οἴχομαι· -καπνὸν δὲ πόλεως τόνδʼ ὑπερθρῴσκονθʼ ὁρῶ. - -καὶ μήν — ἴσως μὲν τοῦ λόγου κενὸν τόδε, -Κύπριν προβάλλειν· ἀλλʼ ὅμως εἰρήσεται· -πρὸς σοῖσι πλευροῖς παῖς ἐμὴ κοιμίζεται -ἡ φοιβάς, ἣν καλοῦσι Κασάνδραν Φρύγες. -ποῦ τὰς φίλας δῆτʼ εὐφρόνας δείξεις, ἄναξ, -ἢ τῶν ἐν εὐνῇ φιλτάτων ἀσπασμάτων -χάριν τίνʼ ἕξει παῖς ἐμή, κείνης δʼ ἐγώ; - -ἐκ τοῦ σκότου τε τῶν τε νυκτερησίων - - -φίλτρων μεγίστη γίγνεται βροτοῖς χάρις. - -ἄκουε δή νυν· τὸν θανόντα τόνδʼ ὁρᾷς; -τοῦτον καλῶς δρῶν ὄντα κηδεστὴν σέθεν -δράσεις. ἑνός μοι μῦθος ἐνδεὴς ἔτι. -εἴ μοι γένοιτο φθόγγος ἐν βραχίοσι -καὶ χερσὶ καὶ κόμαισι καὶ ποδῶν βάσει -ἢ Δαιδάλου τέχναισιν ἢ θεῶν τινος, -ὡς πάνθʼ ὁμαρτῇ σῶν ἔχοιντο γουνάτων -κλαίοντʼ, ἐπισκήπτοντα παντοίους λόγους. -ὦ δέσποτʼ, ὦ μέγιστον Ἕλλησιν φάος, -πιθοῦ, παράσχες χεῖρα τῇ πρεσβύτιδι -τιμωρόν, εἰ καὶ μηδέν ἐστιν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως. -ἐσθλοῦ γὰρ ἀνδρὸς τῇ δίκῃ θʼ ὑπηρετεῖν -καὶ τοὺς κακοὺς δρᾶν πανταχοῦ κακῶς ἀεί. - - -Χορός -δεινόν γε, θνητοῖς ὡς ἅπαντα συμπίτνει, -καὶ τὰς ἀνάγκας οἱ νόμοι διώρισαν, -φίλους τιθέντες τούς γε πολεμιωτάτους -ἐχθρούς τε τοὺς πρὶν εὐμενεῖς ποιούμενοι. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ἐγὼ σὲ καὶ σὸν παῖδα καὶ τύχας σέθεν, -Ἑκάβη, διʼ οἴκτου χεῖρά θʼ ἱκεσίαν ἔχω, -καὶ βούλομαι θεῶν θʼ οὕνεκʼ ἀνόσιον ξένον -καὶ τοῦ δικαίου τήνδε σοι δοῦναι δίκην, -εἴ πως φανείη γʼ ὥστε σοί τʼ ἔχειν καλῶς, -στρατῷ τε μὴ δόξαιμι Κασάνδρας χάριν -Θρῄκης ἄνακτι τόνδε βουλεῦσαι φόνον. -ἔστιν γὰρ ᾗ ταραγμὸς ἐμπέπτωκέ μοι· -— Τὸν ἄνδρα τοῦτον φίλιον ἡγεῖται στρατός, -τὸν κατθανόντα δʼ ἐχθρόν· εἰ δὲ σοὶ φίλος -ὅδʼ ἐστί, χωρὶς τοῦτο κοὐ κοινὸν στρατῷ. — -πρὸς ταῦτα φρόντιζʼ· ὡς θέλοντα μέν μʼ ἔχεις -σοὶ ξυμπονῆσαι καὶ ταχὺν προσαρκέσαι, -βραδὺν δʼ, Ἀχαιοῖς εἰ διαβληθήσομαι. - - - -Ἑκάβη -φεῦ. -οὐκ ἔστι θνητῶν ὅστις ἔστʼ ἐλεύθερος· -ἢ χρημάτων γὰρ δοῦλός ἐστιν ἢ τύχης, -ἢ πλῆθος αὐτὸν πόλεος ἢ νόμων γραφαὶ -εἴργουσι χρῆσθαι μὴ κατὰ γνώμην τρόποις. -ἐπεὶ δὲ ταρβεῖς τῷ τʼ ὄχλῳ πλέον νέμεις, -ἐγώ σε θήσω τοῦδʼ ἐλεύθερον φόβου. -σύνισθι μὲν γάρ, ἤν τι βουλεύσω κακὸν -τῷ τόνδʼ ἀποκτείναντι, συνδράσῃς δὲ μή. -ἢν δʼ ἐξ Ἀχαιῶν θόρυβος ἢ ʼπικουρία -πάσχοντος ἀνδρὸς Θρῃκὸς οἷα πείσεται -φανῇ τις, εἶργε μὴ δοκῶν ἐμὴν χάριν. -τὰ δʼ ἄλλα — θάρσει — πάντʼ ἐγὼ θήσω καλῶς. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -πῶς οὖν; τί δράσεις; πότερα φάσγανον χερὶ -λαβοῦσα γραίᾳ φῶτα βάρβαρον κτενεῖς, -ἢ φαρμάκοισιν ἢ ʼπικουρίᾳ τινί; -τίς σοι ξυνέσται χείρ; πόθεν κτήσῃ φίλους; - - -Ἑκάβη -στέγαι κεκεύθασʼ αἵδε Τρῳάδων ὄχλον. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -τὰς αἰχμαλώτους εἶπας, Ἑλλήνων ἄγραν; - - -Ἑκάβη -σὺν ταῖσδε τὸν ἐμὸν φονέα τιμωρήσομαι. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -καὶ πῶς γυναιξὶν ἀρσένων ἔσται κράτος; - - -Ἑκάβη -δεινὸν τὸ πλῆθος σὺν δόλῳ τε δύσμαχον. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -δεινόν· τὸ μέντοι θῆλυ μέμφομαι γένος. - - -Ἑκάβη -τί δʼ; οὐ γυναῖκες εἷλον Αἰγύπτου τέκνα -καὶ Λῆμνον ἄρδην ἀρσένων ἐξῴκισαν; -ἀλλʼ ὣς γενέσθω· τόνδε μὲν μέθες λόγον, -πέμψον δέ μοι τήνδʼ ἀσφαλῶς διὰ στρατοῦ -γυναῖκα. — καὶ σὺ Θρῃκὶ πλαθεῖσα ξένῳ -λέξον· Καλεῖ σʼ ἄνασσα δή ποτʼ Ἰλίου -Ἑκάβη, σὸν οὐκ ἔλασσον ἢ κείνης χρέος, -καὶ παῖδας· ὡς δεῖ καὶ τέκνʼ εἰδέναι λόγους -τοὺς ἐξ ἐκείνης. — τὸν δὲ τῆς νεοσφαγοῦς -Πολυξένης ἐπίσχες, Ἀγάμεμνον, τάφον, -ὡς τώδʼ ἀδελφὼ πλησίον μιᾷ φλογί, -δισσὴ μέριμνα μητρί, κρυφθῆτον χθονί. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ἔσται τάδʼ οὕτω· καὶ γὰρ εἰ μὲν ἦν στρατῷ -πλοῦς, οὐκ ἂν εἶχον τήνδε σοι δοῦναι χάριν· -νῦν δʼ, οὐ γὰρ ἵησʼ οὐρίους πνοὰς θεός, -μένειν ἀνάγκη πλοῦν ὁρῶντʼ ἐς ἥσυχον. -γένοιτο δʼ εὖ πως· πᾶσι γὰρ κοινὸν τόδε, -ἰδίᾳ θʼ ἑκάστῳ καὶ πόλει, τὸν μὲν κακὸν -κακόν τι πάσχειν, τὸν δὲ χρηστὸν εὐτυχεῖν. - - - - - - - -Χορός -σὺ μέν, ὦ πατρὶς Ἰλιάς, -τῶν ἀπορθήτων πόλις οὐκέτι λέξῃ· -τοῖον Ἑλλάνων νέφος ἀμφί σε κρύπτει -δορὶ δὴ δορὶ πέρσαν. -ἀπὸ δὲ στεφάναν κέκαρ- -σαι πύργων, κατὰ δʼ αἰθάλου -κηλῖδʼ οἰκτροτάταν κέχρω- -σαι· τάλαινʼ, -οὐκέτι σʼ ἐμβατεύσω. - - - - - -Χορός -μεσονύκτιος ὠλλύμαν, -ἦμος ἐκ δείπνων ὕπνος ἡδὺς ἐπʼ ὄσσοις -σκίδναται, μολπᾶν δʼ ἄπο καὶ χοροποιῶν -θυσιᾶν καταλύσας -πόσις ἐν θαλάμοις ἔκει- -το, ξυστὸν δʼ ἐπὶ πασσάλῳ, -ναύταν οὐκέθʼ ὁρῶν ὅμι- -λον Τροίαν -Ἰλιάδʼ ἐμβεβῶτα. - - - - - -Χορός -ἐγὼ δὲ πλόκαμον ἀναδέτοις -μίτραισιν ἐρρυθμιζόμαν -χρυσέων ἐνόπτρων λεύσ- -σουσʼ ἀτέρμονας εἰς αὐγάς, -ἐπιδέμνιος ὡς πέσοιμʼ ἐς εὐνάν. -ἀνὰ δὲ κέλαδος ἔμολε πόλιν· -κέλευσμα δʼ ἦν κατʼ ἄστυ Τροί- -ας τόδʼ· Ὦ -παῖδες Ἑλλάνων, πότε δὴ πότε τὰν -Ἰλιάδα σκοπιὰν -πέρσαντες ἥξετʼ οἴκους; - - - - - -Χορός -λέχη δὲ φίλια μονόπεπλος -λιποῦσα, Δωρὶς ὡς κόρα, -σεμνὰν προσίζουσʼ οὐκ -ἤνυσʼ Ἄρτεμιν ἁ τλάμων· -ἄγομαι δὲ θανόντʼ ἰδοῦσʼ ἀκοίταν -τὸν ἐμὸν ἅλιον ἐπὶ πέλαγος, -πόλιν τʼ ἀποσκοποῦσʼ, ἐπεὶ -νόστιμον -ναῦς ἐκίνησεν πόδα καί μʼ ἀπὸ γᾶς -ὥρισεν Ἰλιάδος· -τάλαινʼ, ἀπεῖπον ἄλγει, - - - - - -Χορός -τὰν τοῖν Διοσκούροιν Ἑλέναν κάσιν -Ἰδαῖόν τε βούταν -αἰνόπαριν κατάρᾳ -διδοῦσʼ, ἐπεί με γᾶς ἐκ -πατρῴας ἀπώλεσεν -ἐξῴκισέν τʼ οἴκων γάμος, οὐ γάμος ἀλλʼ ἀ- -λάστορός τις οἰζύς· -ἃν μήτε πέλαγος ἅλιον ἀπαγάγοι πάλιν, -μήτε πα- -τρῷον ἵκοιτʼ ἐς οἶκον. - - - - - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ὦ φίλτατʼ ἀνδρῶν Πρίαμε, φιλτάτη δὲ σύ, -Ἑκάβη, δακρύω σʼ εἰσορῶν πόλιν τε σὴν -τήν τʼ ἀρτίως θανοῦσαν ἔκγονον σέθεν. -φεῦ· -οὐκ ἔστι πιστὸν οὐδέν, οὔτʼ εὐδοξία -οὔτʼ αὖ καλῶς πράσσοντα μὴ πράξειν κακῶς. -φύρουσι δʼ αὐτοὶ θεοὶ πάλιν τε καὶ πρόσω -ταραγμὸν ἐντιθέντες, ὡς ἀγνωσίᾳ -σέβωμεν αὐτούς. ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν τί δεῖ -θρηνεῖν, προκόπτοντʼ οὐδὲν ἐς πρόσθεν κακῶν; -σὺ δʼ, εἴ τι μέμφῃ τῆς ἐμῆς ἀπουσίας, -σχές· τυγχάνω γὰρ ἐν μέσοις Θρῄκης ὅροις -ἀπών, ὅτʼ ἦλθες δεῦρʼ· ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀφικόμην, -ἤδη πόδʼ ἔξω δωμάτων αἴροντί μοι -ἐς ταὐτὸν ἥδε συμπίτνει δμωὶς σέθεν -λέγουσα μύθους, ὧν κλύων ἀφικόμην. - - -Ἑκάβη -αἰσχύνομαί σε προσβλέπειν ἐναντίον, -Πολυμῆστορ, ἐν τοιοῖσδε κειμένη κακοῖς. -ὅτῳ γὰρ ὤφθην εὐτυχοῦσʼ, αἰδώς μʼ ἔχει -ἐν τῷδε πότμῳ τυγχάνουσʼ ἵνʼ εἰμὶ νῦν -κοὐκ ἂν δυναίμην προσβλέπειν ὀρθαῖς κόραις. -ἀλλʼ αὐτὸ μὴ δύσνοιαν ἡγήσῃ σέθεν, -Πολυμῆστορ· ἄλλως δʼ αἴτιόν τι καὶ νόμος, -γυναῖκας ἀνδρῶν μὴ βλέπειν ἐναντίον. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -καὶ θαῦμά γʼ οὐδέν. ἀλλὰ τίς χρεία σʼ ἐμοῦ; -τί χρῆμʼ ἐπέμψω τὸν ἐμὸν ἐκ δόμων πόδα· - - -Ἑκάβη -ἴδιον ἐμαυτῆς δή τι πρὸς σὲ βούλομαι -καὶ παῖδας εἰπεῖν σούς· ὀπάονας δέ μοι -χωρὶς κέλευσον τῶνδʼ ἀποστῆναι δόμων. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -χωρεῖτʼ· ἐν ἀσφαλεῖ γὰρ ἥδʼ ἐρημία. -φίλη μὲν εἶ σύ, προσφιλὲς δέ μοι τόδε -στράτευμʼ Ἀχαιῶν. ἀλλὰ σημαίνειν σὲ χρῆν· -τί χρὴ τὸν εὖ πράσσοντα μὴ πράσσουσιν εὖ -φίλοις ἐπαρκεῖν; ὡς ἕτοιμός εἰμʼ ἐγώ. - - - -Ἑκάβη -πρῶτον μὲν εἰπὲ παῖδʼ ὃν ἐξ ἐμῆς χερὸς -Πολύδωρον ἔκ τε πατρὸς ἐν δόμοις ἔχεις, -εἰ ζῇ· τὰ δʼ ἄλλα δεύτερόν σʼ ἐρήσομαι. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -μάλιστα· τοὐκείνου μὲν εὐτυχεῖς μέρος. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ φίλταθʼ, ὡς εὖ κἀξίως λέγεις σέθεν. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -τί δῆτα βούλῃ δεύτερον μαθεῖν ἐμοῦ; - - -Ἑκάβη -εἰ τῆς τεκούσης τῆσδε μέμνηταί τί μου; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -καὶ δεῦρό γʼ ὡς σὲ κρύφιος ἐζήτει μολεῖν. - - -Ἑκάβη -χρυσὸς δὲ σῶς ὃν ἦλθεν ἐκ Τροίας ἔχων; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -σῶς, ἐν δόμοις γε τοῖς ἐμοῖς φρουρούμενος. - - -Ἑκάβη -σῶσόν νυν αὐτὸν μηδʼ ἔρα τῶν πλησίον. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ἥκιστʼ· ὀναίμην τοῦ παρόντος, ὦ γύναι. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἶσθʼ οὖν ἃ λέξαι σοί τε καὶ παισὶν θέλω; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -οὐκ οἶδα· τῷ σῷ τοῦτο σημανεῖς λόγῳ. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἔστʼ, ὦ φιληθεὶς ὡς σὺ νῦν ἐμοὶ φιλῇ — - - -Πολυμήστωρ -τί χρῆμʼ ὃ κἀμὲ καὶ τέκνʼ εἰδέναι χρεών; - - -Ἑκάβη -χρυσοῦ παλαιαὶ Πριαμιδῶν κατώρυχες. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ταῦτʼ ἔσθʼ ἃ βούλῃ παιδὶ σημῆναι σέθεν; - - -Ἑκάβη -μάλιστα, διὰ σοῦ γʼ· εἶ γὰρ εὐσεβὴς ἀνήρ. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -τί δῆτα τέκνων τῶνδε δεῖ παρουσίας; - - -Ἑκάβη -ἄμεινον, ἢν σὺ κατθάνῃς, τούσδʼ εἰδέναι. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -καλῶς ἔλεξας· τῇδε καὶ σοφώτερον. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἶσθʼ οὖν Ἀθάνας Ἰλίας ἵνα στέγαι; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ἐνταῦθʼ ὁ χρυσός ἐστι; σημεῖον δὲ τί; - - -Ἑκάβη -μέλαινα πέτρα γῆς ὑπερτέλλουσʼ ἄνω. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ἔτʼ οὖν τι βούλῃ τῶν ἐκεῖ φράζειν ἐμοί; - - -Ἑκάβη -σῶσαί σε χρήμαθʼ οἷς συνεξῆλθον θέλω. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ποῦ δῆτα; πέπλων ἐντὸς ἢ κρύψασʼ ἔχεις; - - -Ἑκάβη -σκύλων ἐν ὄχλῳ ταῖσδε σῴζεται στέγαις. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ποῦ δʼ; αἵδʼ Ἀχαιῶν ναύλοχοι περιπτυχαί. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἰδίᾳ γυναικῶν αἰχμαλωτίδων στέγαι. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -τἄνδον δὲ πιστὰ κἀρσένων ἐρημία; - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐδεὶς Ἀχαιῶν ἔνδον, ἀλλʼ ἡμεῖς μόναι. -ἀλλʼ ἕρπʼ ἐς οἴκους· καὶ γὰρ Ἀργεῖοι νεῶν -λῦσαι ποθοῦσιν οἴκαδʼ ἐκ Τροίας πόδα· -ὡς πάντα πράξας ὧν σε δεῖ στείχῃς πάλιν -ξὺν παισὶν οὗπερ τὸν ἐμὸν ᾤκισας γόνον. - - -Χορός -οὔπω δέδωκας, ἀλλʼ ἴσως δώσεις δίκην· - - - - -Χορός -ἀλίμενόν τις ὡς εἰς ἄντλον πεσὼν -†λέχριος ἐκπεσῇ φίλας καρδίας, -ἀμέρσας βίοτον. τὸ γὰρ ὑπέγγυον -Δίκᾳ καὶ θεοῖσιν οὐ συμπίτνει· -ὀλέθριον ὀλέθριον κακόν.† -ψεύσει σʼ ὁδοῦ τῆσδʼ ἐλπὶς ἥ σʼ ἐπήγαγεν -θανάσιμον πρὸς Ἅιδαν, ἰὼ τάλας· -ἀπολέμῳ δὲ χειρὶ λείψεις βίον. - - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ἔσωθεννοταμ αδδιδι - -ὤμοι, τυφλοῦμαι φέγγος ὀμμάτων τάλας. - - -Χορός -ἠκούσατʼ ἀνδρὸς Θρῃκὸς οἰμωγήν, φίλαι; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ὤμοι μάλʼ αὖθις, τέκνα, δυστήνου σφαγῆς. - - -Χορός -φίλαι, πέπρακται καίνʼ ἔσω δόμων κακά. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ἀλλʼ οὔτι μὴ φύγητε λαιψηρῷ ποδί· -βάλλων γὰρ οἴκων τῶνδʼ ἀναρρήξω μυχούς. - - -Χορός -ἰδού, βαρείας χειρὸς ὁρμᾶται βέλος. -βούλεσθʼ ἐπεσπέσωμεν; ὡς ἀκμὴ καλεῖ -Ἑκάβῃ παρεῖναι Τρῳάσιν τε συμμάχους. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἄρασσε, φείδου μηδέν, ἐκβάλλων πύλας· -οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ὄμμα λαμπρὸν ἐνθήσεις κόραις, -οὐ παῖδας ὄψῃ ζῶντας οὓς ἔκτεινʼ ἐγώ. - - -Χορός -ἦ γὰρ καθεῖλες Θρῇκα, καὶ κρατεῖς, ξένον, -δέσποινα, καὶ δέδρακας οἷάπερ λέγεις; - - -Ἑκάβη -ὄψῃ νιν αὐτίκʼ ὄντα δωμάτων πάρος -τυφλὸν τυφλῷ στείχοντα παραφόρῳ ποδί, -παίδων τε δισσῶν σώμαθʼ, οὓς ἔκτεινʼ ἐγὼ -σὺν ταῖς ἀρίσταις Τρῳάσιν· δίκην δέ μοι -δέδωκε. χωρεῖ δʼ, ὡς ὁρᾷς, ὅδʼ ἐκ δόμων. -ἀλλʼ ἐκποδὼν ἄπειμι κἀποστήσομαι -θυμῷ ῥέοντι Θρῃκὶ δυσμαχωτάτῳ. - - - - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ὤμοι ἐγώ, πᾷ βῶ, -πᾷ στῶ, πᾷ κέλσω; -τετράποδος βάσιν θηρὸς ὀρεστέρου -τιθέμενος ἐπίχειρα κατʼ ἴχνος; ποίαν -ἢ ταύταν ἢ τάνδʼ ἐξαλλάξω, τὰς -ἀνδροφόνους μάρψαι χρῄζων Ἰλιάδας, -αἵ με διώλεσαν; -τάλαιναι κόραι τάλαιναι Φρυγῶν, -ὦ κατάρατοι, -ποῖ καί με φυγᾷ πτώσσουσι μυχῶν; -εἴθε μοι ὀμμάτων αἱματόεν βλέφαρον -ἀκέσαιʼ ἀκέσαιο τυφλόν, Ἅλιε, -φέγγος ἐπαλλάξας. - -ἆ ἆ, -σίγα· κρυπτὰν βάσιν αἰσθάνομαι -τάνδε γυναικῶν. πᾷ πόδʼ ἐπᾴξας -σαρκῶν ὀστέων τʼ ἐμπλησθῶ, -θοίναν ἀγρίων θηρῶν τιθέμενος, -ἀρνύμενος λώβαν -λύμας ἀντίποινʼ ἐμᾶς; ὦ τάλας. -ποῖ πᾷ φέρομαι τέκνʼ ἔρημα λιπὼν -Βάκχαις Ἅιδου διαμοιρᾶσαι, -σφακτά, κυσίν τε φοινίαν δαῖτʼ ἀνή- -μερον τʼ οὐρείαν ἐκβολάν; -πᾷ στῶ, πᾷ κάμψω, πᾷ βῶ, - -ναῦς ὅπως ποντίοις πείσμασιν, λινόκροκον -φᾶρος στέλλων, ἐπὶ τάνδε συθεὶς -τέκνων ἐμῶν φύλαξ ὀλέθριον κοίταν; - - - -Χορός -ὦ τλῆμον, ὥς σοι δύσφορʼ εἴργασται κακά· -δράσαντι δʼ αἰσχρὰ δεινὰ τἀπιτίμια. - -δαίμων ἔδωκεν ὅστις ἐστί σοι βαρύς. - - - - - - -Πολυμήστωρ -αἰαῖ, ἰὼ Θρῄκης λογχοφόρον ἔνο- -πλον εὔιππον Ἄρει κάτοχον γένος. -ἰὼ Ἀχαιοί. — ἰὼ Ἀτρεῖδαι. — βοὰν βοὰν ἀυτῶ, βοάν. -ὢ ἴτε· μόλετε πρὸς θεῶν. -κλύει τις ἢ οὐδεὶς ἀρκέσει; τί μέλλετε; -γυναῖκες ὤλεσάν με, γυναῖκες αἰχμαλωτίδες· δεινὰ -δεινὰ πεπόνθαμεν. -ὤμοι ἐμᾶς λώβας. -ποῖ τράπωμαι, ποῖ πορευθῶ; -ἀμπτάμενος οὐράνιον -ὑψιπετὲς ἐς μέλαθρον, -Ὠαρίων ἢ Σείριος ἔνθα πυρὸς φλογέας ἀφίη- -σιν ὄσσων αὐγάς, ἢ τὸν ἐς Ἀίδα -μελάγχρωτα πορθμὸν ᾄξω τάλας; - - - -Χορός -συγγνώσθʼ, ὅταν τις κρείσσονʼ ἢ φέρειν κακὰ -πάθῃ, ταλαίνης ἐξαπαλλάξαι ζόης. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -κραυγῆς ἀκούσας ἦλθον· οὐ γὰρ ἥσυχος -πέτρας ὀρείας παῖς λέλακʼ ἀνὰ στρατὸν -Ἠχὼ διδοῦσα θόρυβον· εἰ δὲ μὴ Φρυγῶν -πύργους πεσόντας ᾖσμεν Ἑλλήνων δορί, -φόβον παρέσχεν οὐ μέσως ὅδε κτύπος. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ὦ φίλτατʼ· ᾐσθόμην γάρ, Ἀγάμεμνον, σέθεν -φωνῆς ἀκούσας· εἰσορᾷς ἃ πάσχομεν; - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ἔα· -Πολυμῆστορ· ὦ δύστηνε, τίς σʼ ἀπώλεσεν; -τίς ὄμμʼ ἔθηκε τυφλὸν αἱμάξας κόρας, -παῖδάς τε τούσδʼ ἔκτεινεν; ἦ μέγαν χόλον -σοὶ καὶ τέκνοισιν εἶχεν ὅστις ἦν ἄρα. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -Ἑκάβη με σὺν γυναιξὶν αἰχμαλωτίσιν -ἀπώλεσʼ — οὐκ ἀπώλεσʼ, ἀλλὰ μειζόνως. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -τί φῄς; σὺ τοὔργον εἴργασαι τόδʼ, ὡς λέγει; -σὺ τόλμαν, Ἑκάβη, τήνδʼ ἔτλης ἀμήχανον; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ὤμοι, τί λέξεις; ἦ γὰρ ἐγγύς ἐστί που; -σήμηνον, εἰπὲ ποῦ ʼσθʼ, ἵνʼ ἁρπάσας χεροῖν -διασπάσωμαι καὶ καθαιμάξω χρόα. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -οὗτος, τί πάσχεις; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -πρὸς θεῶν σε λίσσομαι, -μέθες μʼ ἐφεῖναι τῇδε μαργῶσαν χέρα. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ἴσχʼ· ἐκβαλὼν δὲ καρδίας τὸ βάρβαρον -λέγʼ, ὡς ἀκούσας σοῦ τε τῆσδέ τʼ ἐν μέρει -κρίνω δικαίως ἀνθʼ ὅτου πάσχεις τάδε. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -λέγοιμʼ ἄν. ἦν τις Πριαμιδῶν νεώτατος, -Πολύδωρος, Ἑκάβης παῖς, ὃν ἐκ Τροίας ἐμοὶ -πατὴρ δίδωσι Πρίαμος ἐν δόμοις τρέφειν, -ὕποπτος ὢν δὴ Τρωικῆς ἁλώσεως. -τοῦτον κατέκτεινʼ· ἀνθʼ ὅτου δʼ ἔκτεινά νιν, -ἄκουσον, ὡς εὖ καὶ σοφῇ προμηθίᾳ. -ἔδεισα μὴ σοὶ πολέμιος λειφθεὶς ὁ παῖς -Τροίαν ἀθροίσῃ καὶ ξυνοικίσῃ πάλιν, -γνόντες δʼ Ἀχαιοὶ ζῶντα Πριαμιδῶν τινα -Φρυγῶν ἐς αἶαν αὖθις ἄρειαν στόλον, -κἄπειτα Θρῄκης πεδία τρίβοιεν τάδε -λεηλατοῦντες, γείτοσιν δʼ εἴη κακὸν -Τρώων, ἐν ᾧπερ νῦν, ἄναξ, ἐκάμνομεν. - - -Ἑκάβη δὲ παιδὸς γνοῦσα θανάσιμον μόρον -λόγῳ με τοιῷδʼ ἤγαγʼ, ὡς κεκρυμμένας -θήκας φράσουσα Πριαμιδῶν ἐν Ἰλίῳ -χρυσοῦ· μόνον δὲ σὺν τέκνοισί μʼ εἰσάγει -δόμους, ἵνʼ ἄλλος μή τις εἰδείη τάδε. -ἵζω δὲ κλίνης ἐν μέσῳ κάμψας γόνυ· -πολλαὶ δὲ χεῖρες, αἳ μὲν ἐξ ἀριστερᾶς, -αἳ δʼ ἔνθεν, ὡς δὴ παρὰ φίλῳ, Τρώων κόραι -θάκους ἔχουσαι, κερκίδʼ Ἠδωνῆς χερὸς -ᾔνουν, ὑπʼ αὐγὰς τούσδε λεύσσουσαι πέπλους· -ἄλλαι δὲ κάμακα Θρῃκίαν θεώμεναι -γυμνόν μʼ ἔθηκαν διπτύχου στολίσματος. -ὅσαι δὲ τοκάδες ἦσαν, ἐκπαγλούμεναι -τέκνʼ ἐν χεροῖν ἔπαλλον, ὡς πρόσω πατρὸς -γένοιντο, διαδοχαῖς ἀμείβουσαι χερῶν· -κᾆτʼ ἐκ γαληνῶν — πῶς δοκεῖς; — προσφθεγμάτων -εὐθὺς λαβοῦσαι φάσγανʼ ἐκ πέπλων ποθὲν -κεντοῦσι παῖδας, αἳ δὲ πολεμίων δίκην -ξυναρπάσασαι τὰς ἐμὰς εἶχον χέρας -καὶ κῶλα· παισὶ δʼ ἀρκέσαι χρῄζων ἐμοῖς, -εἰ μὲν πρόσωπον ἐξανισταίην ἐμόν, -κόμης κατεῖχον, εἰ δὲ κινοίην χέρας, -πλήθει γυναικῶν οὐδὲν ἤνυον τάλας. -τὸ λοίσθιον δέ, πῆμα πήματος πλέον, -ἐξειργάσαντο δείνʼ· ἐμῶν γὰρ ὀμμάτων, -πόρπας λαβοῦσαι, τὰς ταλαιπώρους κόρας -κεντοῦσιν, αἱμάσσουσιν· εἶτʼ ἀνὰ στέγας -φυγάδες ἔβησαν· ἐκ δὲ πηδήσας ἐγὼ -θὴρ ὣς διώκω τὰς μιαιφόνους κύνας, -ἅπαντʼ ἐρευνῶν †τοῖχον ὡς κυνηγέτησ† -βάλλων ἀράσσων. τοιάδε σπεύδων χάριν -πέπονθα τὴν σὴν πολέμιόν τε σὸν κτανών, -Ἀγάμεμνον. ὡς δὲ μὴ μακροὺς τείνω λόγους, -εἴ τις γυναῖκας τῶν πρὶν εἴρηκεν κακῶς -ἢ νῦν λέγων ἔστιν τις ἢ μέλλει λέγειν, -ἅπαντα ταῦτα συντεμὼν ἐγὼ φράσω· -γένος γὰρ οὔτε πόντος οὔτε γῆ τρέφει -τοιόνδʼ· ὁ δʼ αἰεὶ ξυντυχὼν ἐπίσταται. - - -Χορός -μηδὲν θρασύνου μηδὲ τοῖς σαυτοῦ κακοῖς -τὸ θῆλυ συνθεὶς ὧδε πᾶν μέμψῃ γένος. - -πολλαὶ γὰρ ἡμῶν, αἳ μέν εἰσʼ ἐπίφθονοι, - - -αἳ δʼ εἰς ἀριθμὸν τῶν κακῶν πεφύκαμεν. - - - - -Ἑκάβη -Ἀγάμεμνον, ἀνθρώποισιν οὐκ ἐχρῆν ποτε -τῶν πραγμάτων τὴν γλῶσσαν ἰσχύειν πλέον· -ἀλλʼ, εἴτε χρήστʼ ἔδρασε, χρήστʼ ἔδει λέγειν, -εἴτʼ αὖ πονηρά, τοὺς λόγους εἶναι σαθρούς, -καὶ μὴ δύνασθαι τἄδικʼ εὖ λέγειν ποτέ. -σοφοὶ μὲν οὖν εἰσʼ οἱ τάδʼ ἠκριβωκότες, -ἀλλʼ οὐ δύνανται διὰ τέλους εἶναι σοφοί, -κακῶς δʼ ἀπώλοντʼ· οὔτις ἐξήλυξέ πω. - -καί μοι τὸ μὲν σὸν ὧδε φροιμίοις ἔχει· -πρὸς τόνδε δʼ εἶμι καὶ λόγοις ἀμείψομαι· -ὃς φῂς Ἀχαιῶν πόνον ἀπαλλάσσων διπλοῦν -Ἀγαμέμνονός θʼ ἕκατι παῖδʼ ἐμὸν κτανεῖν. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ κάκιστε, πρῶτον οὔποτʼ ἂν φίλον -τὸ βάρβαρον γένοιτʼ ἂν Ἕλλησιν γένος -οὐδʼ ἂν δύναιτο. τίνα δὲ καὶ σπεύδων χάριν -πρόθυμος ἦσθα; πότερα κηδεύσων τινὰ -ἢ συγγενὴς ὤν, ἢ τίνʼ αἰτίαν ἔχων; -ἢ σῆς ἔμελλον γῆς τεμεῖν βλαστήματα -πλεύσαντες αὖθις; τίνα δοκεῖς πείσειν τάδε; -ὁ χρυσός, εἰ βούλοιο τἀληθῆ λέγειν, -ἔκτεινε τὸν ἐμὸν παῖδα, καὶ κέρδη τὰ σά. -ἐπεὶ δίδαξον τοῦτο· πῶς, ὅτʼ εὐτύχει -Τροία, πέριξ δὲ πύργος εἶχʼ ἔτι πτόλιν, -ἔζη τε Πρίαμος Ἕκτορός τʼ ἤνθει δόρυ, -τί δʼ οὐ τότʼ, εἴπερ τῷδʼ ἐβουλήθης χάριν -θέσθαι, τρέφων τὸν παῖδα κἀν δόμοις ἔχων -ἔκτεινας ἢ ζῶντʼ ἦλθες Ἀργείοις ἄγων; -ἀλλʼ ἡνίχʼ ἡμεῖς οὐκέτʼ ἐσμὲν ἐν φάει — -καπνῷ δʼ ἐσήμηνʼ ἄστυ — πολεμίων ὕπο, -ξένον κατέκτας σὴν μολόντʼ ἐφʼ ἑστίαν. - - -πρὸς τοῖσδε νῦν ἄκουσον, ὡς φανῇς κακός. -χρῆν σʼ, εἴπερ ἦσθα τοῖς Ἀχαιοῖσιν φίλος, -τὸν χρυσὸν ὃν φῂς οὐ σὸν ἀλλὰ τοῦδʼ ἔχειν -δοῦναι φέροντα πενομένοις τε καὶ χρόνον -πολὺν πατρῴας γῆς ἀπεξενωμένοις· -σὺ δʼ οὐδὲ νῦν πω σῆς ἀπαλλάξαι χερὸς -τολμᾷς, ἔχων δὲ καρτερεῖς ἔτʼ ἐν δόμοις. -καὶ μὴν τρέφων μὲν ὥς σε παῖδʼ ἐχρῆν τρέφειν -σώσας τε τὸν ἐμόν, εἶχες ἂν καλὸν κλέος· -ἐν τοῖς κακοῖς γὰρ ἁγαθοὶ σαφέστατοι -φίλοι· τὰ χρηστὰ δʼ αὔθʼ ἕκαστʼ ἔχει φίλους. -εἰ δʼ ἐσπάνιζες χρημάτων, ὃ δʼ εὐτύχει, -θησαυρὸς ἄν σοι παῖς ὑπῆρχʼ οὑμὸς μέγας· -νῦν δʼ οὔτʼ ἐκεῖνον ἄνδρʼ ἔχεις σαυτῷ φίλον, -χρυσοῦ τʼ ὄνησις οἴχεται παῖδές τε σοί, -αὐτός τε πράσσεις ὧδε. σοὶ δʼ ἐγὼ λέγω, -Ἀγάμεμνον, εἰ τῷδʼ ἀρκέσεις, κακὸς φανῇ· -οὔτʼ εὐσεβῆ γὰρ οὔτε πιστὸν οἷς ἐχρῆν, -οὐχ ὅσιον, οὐ δίκαιον εὖ δράσεις ξένον· -αὐτὸν δὲ χαίρειν τοῖς κακοῖς σὲ φήσομεν -τοιοῦτον ὄντα δεσπότας δʼ οὐ λοιδορῶ. - - -Χορός -φεῦ φεῦ· βροτοῖσιν ὡς τὰ χρηστὰ πράγματα -χρηστῶν ἀφορμὰς ἐνδίδωσʼ ἀεὶ λόγων. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -ἀχθεινὰ μέν μοι τἀλλότρια κρίνειν κακά, -ὅμως δʼ ἀνάγκη· καὶ γὰρ αἰσχύνην φέρει, -πρᾶγμʼ ἐς χέρας λαβόντʼ ἀπώσασθαι τόδε. -ἐμοὶ δʼ, ἵνʼ εἰδῇς, οὔτʼ ἐμὴν δοκεῖς χάριν -οὔτʼ οὖν Ἀχαιῶν ἄνδρʼ ἀποκτεῖναι ξένον, -ἀλλʼ ὡς ἔχῃς τὸν χρυσὸν ἐν δόμοισι σοῖς. -λέγεις δὲ σαυτῷ πρόσφορʼ ἐν κακοῖσιν ὤν. -τάχʼ οὖν παρʼ ὑμῖν ῥᾴδιον ξενοκτονεῖν· -ἡμῖν δέ γʼ αἰσχρὸν τοῖσιν Ἕλλησιν τόδε. -πῶς οὖν σε κρίνας μὴ ἀδικεῖν φύγω ψόγον; -οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην. ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ τὰ μὴ καλὰ -πράσσειν ἐτόλμας, τλῆθι καὶ τὰ μὴ φίλα. - - - -Πολυμήστωρ -οἴμοι, γυναικός, ὡς ἔοιχʼ, ἡσσώμενος -δούλης ὑφέξω τοῖς κακίοσιν δίκην. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -οὔκουν δικαίως, εἴπερ εἰργάσω κακά; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -οἴμοι τέκνων τῶνδʼ ὀμμάτων τʼ ἐμῶν, τάλας. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἀλγεῖς· τί δʼ; ἦ ʼμὲ παιδὸς οὐκ ἀλγεῖν δοκεῖς; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -χαίρεις ὑβρίζουσʼ εἰς ἔμʼ, ὦ πανοῦργε σύ; - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐ γάρ με χαίρειν χρή σε τιμωρουμένην; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ἀλλʼ οὐ τάχʼ, ἡνίκʼ ἄν σε ποντία νοτὶς — - - -Ἑκάβη -μῶν ναυστολήσῃ γῆς ὅρους Ἑλληνίδος; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -κρύψῃ μὲν οὖν πεσοῦσαν ἐκ καρχησίων. - - -Ἑκάβη -πρὸς τοῦ βιαίων τυγχάνουσαν ἁλμάτων; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -αὐτὴ πρὸς ἱστὸν ναὸς ἀμβήσῃ ποδί. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὑποπτέροις νώτοισιν ἢ ποίῳ τρόπῳ; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -κύων γενήσῃ πύρσʼ ἔχουσα δέργματα. - - -Ἑκάβη -πῶς δʼ οἶσθα μορφῆς τῆς ἐμῆς μετάστασιν; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ὁ Θρῃξὶ μάντις εἶπε Διόνυσος τάδε. - - -Ἑκάβη -σοὶ δʼ οὐκ ἔχρησεν οὐδὲν ὧν ἔχεις κακῶν; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ἂν σύ μʼ εἷλες ὧδε σὺν δόλῳ. - - -Ἑκάβη -θανοῦσα δʼ ἢ ζῶσʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἐκπλήσω βίον; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -θανοῦσα· τύμβῳ δʼ ὄνομα σῷ κεκλήσεται — - - -Ἑκάβη -μορφῆς ἐπῳδόν, ἢ τί, τῆς ἐμῆς ἐρεῖς; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -κυνὸς ταλαίνης σῆμα, ναυτίλοις τέκμαρ. - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐδὲν μέλει μοι σοῦ γέ μοι δόντος δίκην. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -καὶ σήν γʼ ἀνάγκη παῖδα Κασάνδραν θανεῖν. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἀπέπτυσʼ· αὐτῷ ταῦτα σοὶ δίδωμʼ ἔχειν. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -κτενεῖ νιν ἡ τοῦδʼ ἄλοχος, οἰκουρὸς πικρά. - - -Ἑκάβη -μήπω μανείη Τυνδαρὶς τοσόνδε παῖς. - - -Πολυμήστωρ -καὐτόν γε τοῦτον, πέλεκυν ἐξάρασʼ ἄνω. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -οὗτος σύ, μαίνῃ καὶ κακῶν ἐρᾷς τυχεῖν; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -κτεῖνʼ, ὡς ἐν Ἄργει φόνια λουτρά σʼ ἀμμένει. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -οὐχ ἕλξετʼ αὐτόν, δμῶες, ἐκποδὼν βίᾳ; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ἀλγεῖς ἀκούων; - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -οὐκ ἐφέξετε στόμα; - - -Πολυμήστωρ -ἐγκλῄετʼ· εἴρηται γάρ. - - -Ἀγαμέμνων -οὐχ ὅσον τάχος -νήσων ἐρήμων αὐτὸν ἐκβαλεῖτέ που, -ἐπείπερ οὕτω καὶ λίαν θρασυστομεῖ; -Ἑκάβη, σὺ δʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, διπτύχους νεκροὺς -στείχουσα θάπτε· δεσποτῶν δʼ ὑμᾶς χρεὼν -σκηναῖς πελάζειν, Τρῳάδες· καὶ γὰρ πνοὰς -πρὸς οἶκον ἤδη τάσδε πομπίμους ὁρῶ. -εὖ δʼ ἐς πάτραν πλεύσαιμεν, εὖ δὲ τἀν δόμοις -ἔχοντʼ ἴδοιμεν τῶνδʼ ἀφειμένοι πόνων. - - - - - -Χορός -ἴτε πρὸς λιμένας σκηνάς τε, φίλαι, -τῶν δεσποσύνων πειρασόμεναι -μόχθων· στερρὰ γὰρ ἀνάγκη. - - - - - - diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-grc2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..8470e9a1d --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg007/tlg0006.tlg007.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,2020 @@ + + + + + + +Ἑκάβη +Machine readable text +Euripides +Gilbert Murray +Perseus Project, Tufts University +Gregory Crane + +Prepared under the supervision of +Lisa Cerrato +William Merrill +Elli Mylonas +David Smith + +The Annenberg CPB/Project + +About 100Kb + +Trustees of Tufts University +Medford, MA +Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + Euripidis Fabulae + Gilbert Murray + + Oxford + Clarendon Press + 1902 + + 1 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + +

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+ + + Greek + Latin + + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + tagging now should be compatible with CTS + Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. + adding rend=displayNum to lb tags + more refinements making these files SDL compatible + our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones. + errors with proper names fixed + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks - and move card break past close tag of sp + Markup + convert to P3 + Fixed cardbreaks at 59, 914 added lines 54b, 913b, 922b + Added speaker tags where needed. + Basic SGML tagging + +
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+ +Πολυδώρου εἴδωλον +Ἥκω νεκρῶν κευθμῶνα καὶ σκότου πύλας +λιπών, ἵνʼ Ἅιδης χωρὶς ᾤκισται θεῶν, +Πολύδωρος, Ἑκάβης παῖς γεγὼς τῆς Κισσέως +Πριάμου τε πατρός, ὅς μʼ, ἐπεὶ Φρυγῶν πόλιν +κίνδυνος ἔσχε δορὶ πεσεῖν Ἑλληνικῷ, +δείσας ὑπεξέπεμψε Τρωικῆς χθονὸς +Πολυμήστορος πρὸς δῶμα Θρῃκίου ξένου, +ὃς τήνδʼ ἀρίστην Χερσονησίαν πλάκα +σπείρει, φίλιππον λαὸν εὐθύνων δορί. +πολὺν δὲ σὺν ἐμοὶ χρυσὸν ἐκπέμπει λάθρᾳ +πατήρ, ἵνʼ, εἴ ποτʼ Ἰλίου τείχη πέσοι, +τοῖς ζῶσιν εἴη παισὶ μὴ σπάνις βίου. +νεώτατος δʼ ἦ Πριαμιδῶν, ὃ καί με γῆς +ὑπεξέπεμψεν· οὔτε γὰρ φέρειν ὅπλα +οὔτʼ ἔγχος οἷός τʼ ἦ νέῳ βραχίονι. +ἕως μὲν οὖν γῆς ὄρθʼ ἔκειθʼ ὁρίσματα +πύργοι τʼ ἄθραυστοι Τρωικῆς ἦσαν χθονὸς +Ἕκτωρ τʼ ἀδελφὸς οὑμὸς εὐτύχει δορί, +καλῶς παρʼ ἀνδρὶ Θρῃκὶ πατρῴῳ ξένῳ +τροφαῖσιν ὥς τις πτόρθος ηὐξόμην, τάλας· +ἐπεὶ δὲ Τροία θʼ Ἕκτορός τʼ ἀπόλλυται +ψυχή, πατρῴα θʼ ἑστία κατεσκάφη, +αὐτὸς δὲ βωμῷ πρὸς θεοδμήτῳ πίτνει +σφαγεὶς Ἀχιλλέως παιδὸς ἐκ μιαιφόνου, +κτείνει με χρυσοῦ τὸν ταλαίπωρον χάριν +ξένος πατρῷος καὶ κτανὼν ἐς οἶδμʼ ἁλὸς +μεθῆχʼ, ἵνʼ αὐτὸς χρυσὸν ἐν δόμοις ἔχῃ. +κεῖμαι δʼ ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς, ἄλλοτʼ ἐν πόντου σάλῳ, +πολλοῖς διαύλοις κυμάτων φορούμενος, +ἄκλαυτος ἄταφος· νῦν δʼ ὑπὲρ μητρὸς φίλης +Ἑκάβης ἀίσσω, σῶμʼ ἐρημώσας ἐμόν, +τριταῖον ἤδη φέγγος αἰωρούμενος, +ὅσονπερ ἐν γῇ τῇδε Χερσονησίᾳ +μήτηρ ἐμὴ δύστηνος ἐκ Τροίας πάρα. + +πάντες δʼ Ἀχαιοὶ ναῦς ἔχοντες ἥσυχοι +θάσσουσʼ ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς τῆσδε Θρῃκίας χθονός· +ὁ Πηλέως γὰρ παῖς ὑπὲρ τύμβου φανεὶς +κατέσχʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς πᾶν στράτευμʼ Ἑλληνικόν, +πρὸς οἶκον εὐθύνοντας ἐναλίαν πλάτην· +αἰτεῖ δʼ ἀδελφὴν τὴν ἐμὴν Πολυξένην +τύμβῳ φίλον πρόσφαγμα καὶ γέρας λαβεῖν. +καὶ τεύξεται τοῦδʼ, οὐδʼ ἀδώρητος φίλων +ἔσται πρὸς ἀνδρῶν· ἡ πεπρωμένη δʼ ἄγει +θανεῖν ἀδελφὴν τῷδʼ ἐμὴν ἐν ἤματι. +δυοῖν δὲ παίδοιν δύο νεκρὼ κατόψεται +μήτηρ, ἐμοῦ τε τῆς τε δυστήνου κόρης. +φανήσομαι γάρ, ὡς τάφου τλήμων τύχω, +δούλης ποδῶν πάροιθεν ἐν κλυδωνίῳ. +τοὺς γὰρ κάτω σθένοντας ἐξῃτησάμην +τύμβου κυρῆσαι κἀς χέρας μητρὸς πεσεῖν. +τοὐμὸν μὲν οὖν ὅσονπερ ἤθελον τυχεῖν +ἔσται· γεραιᾷ δʼ ἐκποδὼν χωρήσομαι +Ἑκάβῃ· περᾷ γὰρ ἥδʼ ὑπὸ σκηνῆς πόδα +Ἀγαμέμνονος, φάντασμα δειμαίνουσʼ ἐμόν. +φεῦ· +ὦ μῆτερ ἥτις ἐκ τυραννικῶν δόμων +δούλειον ἦμαρ εἶδες, ὡς πράσσεις κακῶς +ὅσονπερ εὖ ποτʼ· ἀντισηκώσας δέ σε +φθείρει θεῶν τις τῆς πάροιθʼ εὐπραξίας.
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+Ἑκάβη +ἄγετʼ, ὦ παῖδες, τὴν γραῦν πρὸ δόμων, +ἄγετʼ ὀρθοῦσαι τὴν ὁμόδουλον, +Τρῳάδες, ὑμῖν, πρόσθε δʼ ἄνασσαν· +λάβετε φέρετε πέμπετʼ ἀείρετέ μου +γεραιᾶς χειρὸς προσλαζύμεναι· +κἀγὼ σκολιῷ σκίπωνι χερὸς +διερειδομένα σπεύσω βραδύπουν +ἤλυσιν ἄρθρων προτιθεῖσα. +ὦ στεροπὰ Διός, ὦ σκοτία νύξ, +τί ποτʼ αἴρομαι ἔννυχος οὕτω +δείμασι, φάσμασιν; ὦ πότνια Χθών, +μελανοπτερύγων μῆτερ ὀνείρων, +ἀποπέμπομαι ἔννυχον ὄψιν, +ἣν περὶ παιδὸς ἐμοῦ τοῦ σῳζομένου κατὰ Θρῄκην +ἀμφὶ Πολυξείνης τε φίλης θυγατρὸς διʼ ὀνείρων +εἶδον γὰρ φοβερὰν ὄψιν ἔμαθον ἐδάην. +ὦ χθόνιοι θεοί, σώσατε παῖδʼ ἐμόν, +ὃς μόνος οἴκων ἄγκυρʼ ἔτʼ ἐμῶν +τὴν χιονώδη Θρῄκην κατέχει +ξείνου πατρίου φυλακαῖσιν. +ἔσται τι νέον· +ἥξει τι μέλος γοερὸν γοεραῖς. +οὔποτʼ ἐμὰ φρὴν ὧδʼ ἀλίαστος +φρίσσει, ταρβεῖ. +ποῦ ποτε θείαν Ἑλένου ψυχὰν +καὶ Κασάνδραν ἐσίδω, Τρῳάδες, +ὥς μοι κρίνωσιν ὀνείρους; +εἶδον γὰρ βαλιὰν ἔλαφον λύκου αἵμονι χαλᾷ +σφαζομέναν, ἀπʼ ἐμῶν γονάτων σπασθεῖσαν ἀνοίκτως. +καὶ τόδε δεῖμά μοι· ἦλθʼ ὑπὲρ ἄκρας +τύμβου κορυφᾶς +φάντασμʼ Ἀχιλέως· ᾔτει δὲ γέρας +τῶν πολυμόχθων τινὰ Τρωιάδων. +ἀπʼ ἐμᾶς ἀπʼ ἐμᾶς οὖν τόδε παιδὸς +πέμψατε, δαίμονες, ἱκετεύω.
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+Χορός +Ἑκάβη, σπουδῇ πρός σʼ ἐλιάσθην +τὰς δεσποσύνους σκηνὰς προλιποῦσʼ, +ἵνʼ ἐκληρώθην καὶ προσετάχθην +δούλη, πόλεως ἀπελαυνομένη +τῆς Ἰλιάδος, λόγχης αἰχμῇ +δοριθήρατος πρὸς Ἀχαιῶν, +οὐδὲν παθέων ἀποκουφίζουσʼ, +ἀλλʼ ἀγγελίας βάρος ἀραμένη +μέγα σοί τε, γύναι, κῆρυξ ἀχέων. +ἐν γὰρ Ἀχαιῶν πλήρει ξυνόδῳ +λέγεται δόξαι σὴν παῖδʼ Ἀχιλεῖ +σφάγιον θέσθαι· τύμβου δʼ ἐπιβὰς +οἶσθʼ ὅτε χρυσέοις ἐφάνη σὺν ὅπλοις, +τὰς ποντοπόρους δʼ ἔσχε σχεδίας +λαίφη προτόνοις ἐπερειδομένας, +τάδε θωΰσσων· +Ποῖ δή, Δαναοί, τὸν ἐμὸν τύμβον +στέλλεσθʼ ἀγέραστον ἀφέντες; +πολλῆς δʼ ἔριδος συνέπαισε κλύδων, +δόξα δʼ ἐχώρει δίχʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλήνων +στρατὸν αἰχμητήν, τοῖς μὲν διδόναι +τύμβῳ σφάγιον, τοῖς δʼ οὐχὶ δοκοῦν. +ἦν δʼ ὁ τὸ μὲν σὸν σπεύδων ἀγαθὸν +τῆς μαντιπόλου Βάκχης ἀνέχων +λέκτρʼ Ἀγαμέμνων· +τὼ Θησείδα δʼ, ὄζω Ἀθηνῶν, +δισσῶν μύθων ῥήτορες ἦσαν· +γνώμῃ δὲ μιᾷ συνεχωρείτην, +τὸν Ἀχίλλειον τύμβον στεφανοῦν +αἵματι χλωρῷ, τὰ δὲ Κασάνδρας +λέκτρʼ οὐκ ἐφάτην τῆς Ἀχιλείας +πρόσθεν θήσειν ποτὲ λόγχης. + +σπουδαὶ δὲ λόγων κατατεινομένων +ἦσαν ἴσαι πως, πρὶν ὁ ποικιλόφρων +κόπις ἡδυλόγος δημοχαριστὴς +Λαερτιάδης πείθει στρατιὰν +μὴ τὸν ἄριστον Δαναῶν πάντων +δούλων σφαγίων εἵνεκʼ ἀπωθεῖν, +μηδέ τινʼ εἰπεῖν παρὰ Φερσεφόνῃ +στάντα φθιμένων +ὡς ἀχάριστοι Δαναοὶ Δαναοῖς +τοῖς οἰχομένοις ὑπὲρ Ἑλλήνων +Τροίας πεδίων ἀπέβησαν. +ἥξει δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς ὅσον οὐκ ἤδη, +πῶλον ἀφέλξων σῶν ἀπὸ μαστῶν +ἔκ τε γεραιᾶς χερὸς ὁρμήσων. +ἀλλʼ ἴθι ναούς, ἴθι πρὸς βωμούς, +ἵζʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος ἱκέτις γονάτων, +κήρυσσε θεοὺς τούς τʼ οὐρανίδας +τούς θʼ ὑπὸ γαῖαν. +ἢ γάρ σε λιταὶ διακωλύσουσʼ +ὀρφανὸν εἶναι παιδὸς μελέας, +ἢ δεῖ σʼ ἐπιδεῖν τύμβου προπετῆ +φοινισσομένην αἵματι παρθένον +ἐκ χρυσοφόρου +δειρῆς νασμῷ μελαναυγεῖ.
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+Ἑκάβη +οἲ ἐγὼ μελέα, τί ποτʼ ἀπύσω; +ποίαν ἀχώ, ποῖον ὀδυρμόν, +δειλαία δειλαίου γήρως, +δουλείας τᾶς οὐ τλατᾶς, +τᾶς οὐ φερτᾶς; οἴμοι. +τίς ἀμύνει μοι; ποία γέννα, +ποία δὲ πόλις; φροῦδος πρέσβυς, +φροῦδοι παῖδες. +ποίαν ἢ ταύταν ἢ κείναν +στείχω; ποῖ δʼ ἥσω; ποῦ τις θεῶν +ἢ δαιμόνων ἐπαρωγός; +ὦ κάκʼ ἐνεγκοῦσαι, +Τρῳάδες ὦ κάκʼ ἐνεγκοῦσαι +πήματʼ, ἀπωλέσατʼ ὠλέσατʼ· οὐκέτι μοι βίος +ἀγαστὸς ἐν φάει. +ὦ τλάμων ἅγησαί μοι πούς, +ἅγησαι τᾷ γηραιᾷ +πρὸς τάνδʼ αὐλάν· ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ, +δυστανοτάτας ματέρος — ἔξελθʼ ἔξελθʼ +οἴκων — ἄιε ματέρος αὐδάν. +ὦ τέκνον ὡς εἰδῇς οἵαν οἵαν +ἀίω φάμαν περὶ σᾶς ψυχᾶς.
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+Πολυξένη +ἰώ· +μᾶτερ μᾶτερ τί βοᾷς; τί νέον +καρύξασʼ οἴκων μʼ ὥστʼ ὄρνιν +θάμβει τῷδʼ ἐξέπταξας; + +Ἑκάβη +οἴμοι τέκνον. + +Πολυξένη +τί με δυσφημεῖς; φροίμιά μοι κακά. + +Ἑκάβη +αἰαῖ σᾶς ψυχᾶς. + +Πολυξένη +ἐξαύδα· μὴ κρύψῃς δαρόν. +δειμαίνω δειμαίνω, μᾶτερ, +τί ποτʼ ἀναστένεις + +Ἑκάβη + τέκνον τέκνον μελέας ματρὸς + +Πολυξένη +τί δὲ τόδʼ ἀγγελεῖς; + +Ἑκάβη +σφάξαι σʼ Ἀργείων κοινὰ +συντείνει πρὸς τύμβον γνώμα +Πηλείᾳ γέννᾳ. + +Πολυξένη +οἴμοι μᾶτερ, πῶς φθέγγῃ +ἀμέγαρτα κακῶν; μάνυσόν μοι, +μάνυσον, μᾶτερ. + +Ἑκάβη +αὐδῶ, παῖ, δυσφήμους φήμας· +ἀγγέλλουσʼ Ἀργείων δόξαι +ψήφῳ τᾶς σᾶς περί μοι ψυχᾶς.
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+Πολυξένη +ὦ δεινὰ παθοῦσʼ, ὦ παντλάμων, +ὦ δυστάνου μᾶτερ βιοτᾶς +οἵαν οἵαν αὖ σοι λώβαν +ἐχθίσταν ἀρρήταν τʼ +ὦρσέν τις δαίμων; +οὐκέτι σοι παῖς ἅδʼ οὐκέτι δὴ +γήρᾳ δειλαίῳ δειλαία +συνδουλεύσω. +σκύμνον γάρ μʼ ὥστʼ οὐριθρέπταν +μόσχον δειλαία δειλαίαν + ἐσόψῃ, +χειρὸς ἀναρπαστὰν +σᾶς ἄπο λαιμότομόν τʼ Ἀίδᾳ +γᾶς ὑποπεμπομέναν σκότον, ἔνθα νεκρῶν μέτα +τάλαινα κείσομαι. +καὶ σοῦ μέν, μᾶτερ, δυστάνου +κλαίω πανδύρτοις θρήνοις, +τὸν ἐμὸν δὲ βίον λώβαν λύμαν τʼ +οὐ μετακλαίομαι, ἀλλὰ θανεῖν μοι +ξυντυχία κρείσσων ἐκύρησεν.
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+Χορός +καὶ μὴν Ὀδυσσεὺς ἔρχεται σπουδῇ ποδός, +Ἑκάβη, νέον τι πρὸς σὲ σημανῶν ἔπος. + +Ὀδυσσεύς +γύναι, δοκῶ μέν σʼ εἰδέναι γνώμην στρατοῦ +ψῆφόν τε τὴν κρανθεῖσαν· ἀλλʼ ὅμως φράσω. +ἔδοξʼ Ἀχαιοῖς παῖδα σὴν Πολυξένην +σφάξαι πρὸς ὀρθὸν χῶμʼ Ἀχιλλείου τάφου. +ἡμᾶς δὲ πομποὺς καὶ κομιστῆρας κόρης +τάσσουσιν εἶναι· θύματος δʼ ἐπιστάτης +ἱερεύς τʼ ἐπέσται τοῦδε παῖς Ἀχιλλέως. +οἶσθʼ οὖν ὃ δρᾶσον; μήτʼ ἀποσπασθῇς βίᾳ +μήτʼ ἐς χερῶν ἅμιλλαν ἐξέλθῃς ἐμοί· +γίγνωσκε δʼ ἀλκὴν καὶ παρουσίαν κακῶν +τῶν σῶν. σοφόν τοι κἀν κακοῖς ἃ δεῖ φρονεῖν. + +Ἑκάβη +αἰαῖ· παρέστηχʼ, ὡς ἔοικʼ, ἀγὼν μέγας, +πλήρης στεναγμῶν οὐδὲ δακρύων κενός. +κἄγωγʼ ἄρʼ οὐκ ἔθνῃσκον οὗ μʼ ἐχρῆν θανεῖν, +οὐδʼ ὤλεσέν με Ζεύς, τρέφει δʼ, ὅπως ὁρῶ +κακῶν κάκʼ ἄλλα μείζονʼ ἡ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ. +εἰ δʼ ἔστι τοῖς δούλοισι τοὺς ἐλευθέρους +μὴ λυπρὰ μηδὲ καρδίας δηκτήρια +ἐξιστορῆσαι, σοὶ μὲν εἰρῆσθαι χρεών, +ἡμᾶς δʼ ἀκοῦσαι τοὺς ἐρωτῶντας τάδε. + +Ὀδυσσεύς +ἔξεστʼ, ἐρώτα· τοῦ χρόνου γὰρ οὐ φθονῶ. + +Ἑκάβη +οἶσθʼ ἡνίκʼ ἦλθες Ἰλίου κατάσκοπος, +δυσχλαινίᾳ τʼ ἄμορφος, ὀμμάτων τʼ ἄπο +φόνου σταλαγμοὶ σὴν κατέσταζον γένυν; + +Ὀδυσσεύς +οἶδʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἄκρας καρδίας ἔψαυσέ μου. + +Ἑκάβη +ἔγνω δέ σʼ Ἑλένη καὶ μόνῃ κατεῖπʼ ἐμοί; + +Ὀδυσσεύς +μεμνήμεθʼ ἐς κίνδυνον ἐλθόντες μέγαν. + +Ἑκάβη +ἥψω δὲ γονάτων τῶν ἐμῶν ταπεινὸς ὤν; + +Ὀδυσσεύς +ὥστʼ ἐνθανεῖν γε σοῖς πέπλοισι χεῖρʼ ἐμήν. + +Ἑκάβη +ἔσωσα δῆτά σʼ ἐξέπεμψά τε χθονός; + +Ὀδυσσεύς +ὥστʼ εἰσορᾶν γε φέγγος ἡλίου τόδε. + +Ἑκάβη +τί δῆτʼ ἔλεξας δοῦλος ὢν ἐμὸς τότε; + +Ὀδυσσεύς +πολλῶν λόγων εὑρήμαθʼ, ὥστε μὴ θανεῖν. + + + +Ἑκάβη +οὔκουν κακύνῃ τοῖσδε τοῖς βουλεύμασιν, +ὃς ἐξ ἐμοῦ μὲν ἔπαθες οἷα φῂς παθεῖν, +δρᾷς δʼ οὐδὲν ἡμᾶς εὖ, κακῶς δʼ ὅσον δύνῃ; +ἀχάριστον ὑμῶν σπέρμʼ, ὅσοι δημηγόρους +ζηλοῦτε τιμάς· μηδὲ γιγνώσκοισθέ μοι, +οἳ τοὺς φίλους βλάπτοντες οὐ φροντίζετε, +ἢν τοῖσι πολλοῖς πρὸς χάριν λέγητέ τι. +ἀτὰρ τί δὴ σόφισμα τοῦθʼ ἡγούμενοι +ἐς τήνδε παῖδα ψῆφον ὥρισαν φόνου; +πότερα τὸ χρῆν σφʼ ἐπήγαγʼ ἀνθρωποσφαγεῖν +πρὸς τύμβον, ἔνθα βουθυτεῖν μᾶλλον πρέπει; +ἢ τοὺς κτανόντας ἀνταποκτεῖναι θέλων +ἐς τήνδʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς ἐνδίκως τείνει φόνον; +ἀλλʼ οὐδὲν αὐτὸν ἥδε γʼ εἴργασται κακόν. +Ἑλένην νιν αἰτεῖν χρῆν τάφῳ προσφάγματα· +κείνη γὰρ ὤλεσέν νιν ἐς Τροίαν τʼ ἄγει. +εἰ δʼ αἰχμαλώτων χρή τινʼ ἔκκριτον θανεῖν +κάλλει θʼ ὑπερφέρουσαν, οὐχ ἡμῶν τόδε· +ἡ Τυνδαρὶς γὰρ εἶδος ἐκπρεπεστάτη, +ἀδικοῦσά θʼ ἡμῶν οὐδὲν ἧσσον ηὑρέθη. +τῷ μὲν δικαίῳ τόνδʼ ἁμιλλῶμαι λόγον· +ἃ δʼ ἀντιδοῦναι δεῖ σʼ ἀπαιτούσης ἐμοῦ, +ἄκουσον. ἥψω τῆς ἐμῆς, ὡς φῄς, χερὸς +καὶ τῆσδε γραίας προσπίτνων παρηίδος· +ἀνθάπτομαί σου τῶνδε τῶν αὐτῶν ἐγὼ +χάριν τʼ ἀπαιτῶ τὴν τόθʼ ἱκετεύω τέ σε, +μή μου τὸ τέκνον ἐκ χερῶν ἀποσπάσῃς, +μηδὲ κτάνητε· τῶν τεθνηκότων ἅλις. +ταύτῃ γέγηθα κἀπιλήθομαι κακῶν· +ἥδʼ ἀντὶ πολλῶν ἐστί μοι παραψυχή, +πόλις, τιθήνη, βάκτρον, ἡγεμὼν ὁδοῦ. +οὐ τοὺς κρατοῦντας χρὴ κρατεῖν ἃ μὴ χρεών, +οὐδʼ εὐτυχοῦντας εὖ δοκεῖν πράξειν ἀεί· +κἀγὼ γὰρ ἦ ποτʼ, ἀλλὰ νῦν οὐκ εἴμʼ ἔτι, +τὸν πάντα δʼ ὄλβον ἦμαρ ἕν μʼ ἀφείλετο. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ φίλον γένειον, αἰδέσθητί με, +οἴκτιρον· ἐλθὼν δʼ εἰς Ἀχαιικὸν στρατὸν +παρηγόρησον, ὡς ἀποκτείνειν φθόνος +γυναῖκας, ἃς τὸ πρῶτον οὐκ ἐκτείνατε +βωμῶν ἀποσπάσαντες, ἀλλʼ ᾠκτίρατε. +νόμος δʼ ἐν ὑμῖν τοῖς τʼ ἐλευθέροις ἴσος +καὶ τοῖσι δούλοις αἵματος κεῖται πέρι. +τὸ δʼ ἀξίωμα, κἂν κακῶς λέγῃ, τὸ σὸν +πείσει· λόγος γὰρ ἔκ τʼ ἀδοξούντων ἰὼν +κἀκ τῶν δοκούντων αὑτὸς οὐ ταὐτὸν σθένει. + +Χορός +οὐκ ἔστιν οὕτω στερρὸς ἀνθρώπου φύσις, +ἥτις γόων σῶν καὶ μακρῶν ὀδυρμάτων +κλύουσα θρήνους οὐκ ἂν ἐκβάλοι δάκρυ. + + + +Ὀδυσσεύς +Ἑκάβη, διδάσκου, μηδὲ τῷ θυμουμένῳ +τὸν εὖ λέγοντα δυσμενῆ ποιοῦ φρενός. +ἐγὼ τὸ μὲν σὸν σῶμʼ ὑφʼ οὗπερ εὐτύχουν +σῴζειν ἕτοιμός εἰμι κοὐκ ἄλλως λέγω· +ἃ δʼ εἶπον εἰς ἅπαντας οὐκ ἀρνήσομαι, +Τροίας ἁλούσης ἀνδρὶ τῷ πρώτῳ στρατοῦ +σὴν παῖδα δοῦναι σφάγιον ἐξαιτουμένῳ. +ἐν τῷδε γὰρ κάμνουσιν αἱ πολλαὶ πόλεις, +ὅταν τις ἐσθλὸς καὶ πρόθυμος ὢν ἀνὴρ +μηδὲν φέρηται τῶν κακιόνων πλέον. +ἡμῖν δʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς ἄξιος τιμῆς, γύναι, +θανὼν ὑπὲρ γῆς Ἑλλάδος κάλλιστʼ ἀνήρ. +οὔκουν τόδʼ αἰσχρόν, εἰ βλέποντι μὲν φίλῳ +χρώμεσθʼ, ἐπεὶ δʼ ὄλωλε, μὴ χρώμεσθʼ ἔτι; +εἶεν· τί δῆτʼ ἐρεῖ τις, ἤν τις αὖ φανῇ +στρατοῦ τʼ ἄθροισις πολεμίων τʼ ἀγωνία; +πότερα μαχούμεθʼ ἢ φιλοψυχήσομεν, +τὸν κατθανόνθʼ ὁρῶντες οὐ τιμώμενον; +καὶ μὴν ἔμοιγε ζῶντι μέν, καθʼ ἡμέραν +κεἰ σμίκρʼ ἔχοιμι, πάντʼ ἂν ἀρκούντως ἔχοι· +τύμβον δὲ βουλοίμην ἂν ἀξιούμενον +τὸν ἐμὸν ὁρᾶσθαι· διὰ μακροῦ γὰρ ἡ χάρις. +εἰ δʼ οἰκτρὰ πάσχειν φῄς, τάδʼ ἀντάκουέ μου· +εἰσὶν παρʼ ἡμῖν οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἄθλιαι +γραῖαι γυναῖκες ἠδὲ πρεσβῦται σέθεν, +νύμφαι τʼ ἀρίστων νυμφίων τητώμεναι, +ὧν ἥδε κεύθει σώματʼ Ἰδαία κόνις. +τόλμα τάδʼ. ἡμεῖς δʼ, εἰ κακῶς νομίζομεν +τιμᾶν τὸν ἐσθλόν, ἀμαθίαν ὀφλήσομεν· +οἱ βάρβαροι δὲ μήτε τοὺς φίλους φίλους +ἡγεῖσθε, μήτε τοὺς καλῶς τεθνηκότας +θαυμάζεθʼ, ὡς ἂν ἡ μὲν Ἑλλὰς εὐτυχῇ, +ὑμεῖς δʼ ἔχηθʼ ὅμοια τοῖς βουλεύμασιν. + +Χορός +αἰαῖ· τὸ δοῦλον ὡς κακὸν πέφυκʼ ἀεὶ +τολμᾷ θʼ ἃ μὴ χρή, τῇ βίᾳ νικώμενον. + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ θύγατερ, οὑμοὶ μὲν λόγοι πρὸς αἰθέρα +φροῦδοι μάτην ῥιφέντες ἀμφὶ σοῦ φόνου· +σὺ δʼ, εἴ τι μείζω δύναμιν ἢ μήτηρ ἔχεις, +σπούδαζε πάσας ὥστʼ ἀηδόνος στόμα +φθογγὰς ἱεῖσα, μὴ στερηθῆναι βίου. +πρόσπιπτε δʼ οἰκτρῶς τοῦδʼ Ὀδυσσέως γόνυ +καὶ πεῖθʼ — ἔχεις δὲ πρόφασιν· ἔστι γὰρ τέκνα +καὶ τῷδε — τὴν σὴν ὥστʼ ἐποικτῖραι τύχην. + + + +Πολυξένη +ὁρῶ σʼ, Ὀδυσσεῦ, δεξιὰν ὑφʼ εἵματος +κρύπτοντα χεῖρα καὶ πρόσωπον ἔμπαλιν +στρέφοντα, μή σου προσθίγω γενειάδος. +θάρσει· πέφευγας τὸν ἐμὸν Ἱκέσιον Δία· +ὡς ἕψομαί γε τοῦ τʼ ἀναγκαίου χάριν +θανεῖν τε χρῄζουσʼ· εἰ δὲ μὴ βουλήσομαι, +κακὴ φανοῦμαι καὶ φιλόψυχος γυνή. +τί γάρ με δεῖ ζῆν; ᾗ πατὴρ μὲν ἦν ἄναξ +Φρυγῶν ἁπάντων· τοῦτό μοι πρῶτον βίου· +ἔπειτʼ ἐθρέφθην ἐλπίδων καλῶν ὕπο +βασιλεῦσι νύμφη, ζῆλον οὐ σμικρὸν γάμων +ἔχουσʼ, ὅτου δῶμʼ ἑστίαν τʼ ἀφίξομαι· +δέσποινα δʼ ἡ δύστηνος Ἰδαίαισιν ἦ +γυναιξὶ παρθένοις τʼ ἀπόβλεπτος μέτα, +ἴση θεοῖσι πλὴν τὸ κατθανεῖν μόνον· +νῦν δʼ εἰμὶ δούλη. πρῶτα μέν με τοὔνομα +θανεῖν ἐρᾶν τίθησιν οὐκ εἰωθὸς ὄν· +ἔπειτʼ ἴσως ἂν δεσποτῶν ὠμῶν φρένας +τύχοιμʼ ἄν, ὅστις ἀργύρου μʼ ὠνήσεται, +τὴν Ἕκτορός τε χἁτέρων πολλῶν κάσιν, +προσθεὶς δʼ ἀνάγκην σιτοποιὸν ἐν δόμοις, +σαίρειν τε δῶμα κερκίσιν τʼ ἐφεστάναι +λυπρὰν ἄγουσαν ἡμέραν μʼ ἀναγκάσει· +λέχη δὲ τἀμὰ δοῦλος ὠνητός ποθεν +χρανεῖ, τυράννων πρόσθεν ἠξιωμένα. +οὐ δῆτʼ· ἀφίημʼ ὀμμάτων ἐλευθέρων +φέγγος τόδʼ, Ἅιδῃ προστιθεῖσʼ ἐμὸν δέμας. +ἄγου μʼ, Ὀδυσσεῦ, καὶ διέργασαί μʼ ἄγων· +οὔτʼ ἐλπίδος γὰρ οὔτε του δόξης ὁρῶ +θάρσος παρʼ ἡμῖν ὥς ποτʼ εὖ πρᾶξαί με χρή. +μῆτερ, σὺ δʼ ἡμῖν μηδὲν ἐμποδὼν γένῃ, +λέγουσα μηδὲ δρῶσα· συμβούλου δέ μοι +θανεῖν πρὶν αἰσχρῶν μὴ κατʼ ἀξίαν τυχεῖν. +ὅστις γὰρ οὐκ εἴωθε γεύεσθαι κακῶν, +φέρει μέν, ἀλγεῖ δʼ αὐχένʼ ἐντιθεὶς ζυγῷ· +θανὼν δʼ ἂν εἴη μᾶλλον εὐτυχέστερος +ἢ ζῶν· τὸ γὰρ ζῆν μὴ καλῶς μέγας πόνος. + +Χορός +δεινὸς χαρακτὴρ κἀπίσημος ἐν βροτοῖς +ἐσθλῶν γενέσθαι, κἀπὶ μεῖζον ἔρχεται +τῆς εὐγενείας ὄνομα τοῖσιν ἀξίοις. + + + +Ἑκάβη +καλῶς μὲν εἶπας, θύγατερ, ἀλλὰ τῷ καλῷ +λύπη πρόσεστιν. εἰ δὲ δεῖ τῷ Πηλέως +χάριν γενέσθαι παιδὶ καὶ ψόγον φυγεῖν +ὑμᾶς, Ὀδυσσεῦ, τήνδε μὲν μὴ κτείνετε, +ἡμᾶς δʼ ἄγοντες πρὸς πυρὰν Ἀχιλλέως +κεντεῖτε, μὴ φείδεσθʼ· ἐγὼ ῎τεκον Πάριν, +ὃς παῖδα Θέτιδος ὤλεσεν τόξοις βαλών. + +Ὀδυσσεύς +οὐ σʼ, ὦ γεραιά, κατθανεῖν Ἀχιλλέως +φάντασμʼ Ἀχαιούς, ἀλλὰ τήνδʼ, ᾐτήσατο. + +Ἑκάβη +ὑμεῖς δέ μʼ ἀλλὰ θυγατρὶ συμφονεύσατε, +καὶ δὶς τόσον πῶμʼ αἵματος γενήσεται +γαίᾳ νεκρῷ τε τῷ τάδʼ ἐξαιτουμένῳ. + +Ὀδυσσεύς +ἅλις κόρης σῆς θάνατος, οὐ προσοιστέος +ἄλλος πρὸς ἄλλῳ· μηδὲ τόνδʼ ὠφείλομεν. + +Ἑκάβη +πολλή γʼ ἀνάγκη θυγατρὶ συνθανεῖν ἐμέ. + +Ὀδυσσεύς +πῶς; οὐ γὰρ οἶδα δεσπότας κεκτημένος. + +Ἑκάβη +ὁποῖα κισσὸς δρυός, ὅπως τῆσδʼ ἕξομαι. + +Ὀδυσσεύς +οὔκ, ἤν γε πείθῃ τοῖσι σοῦ σοφωτέροις. + +Ἑκάβη +ὡς τῆσδʼ ἑκοῦσα παιδὸς οὐ μεθήσομαι. + +Ὀδυσσεύς +ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ἐγὼ μὴν τήνδʼ ἄπειμʼ αὐτοῦ λιπών. + + + +Πολυξένη +μῆτερ, πιθοῦ μοι· καὶ σύ, παῖ Λαερτίου, +χάλα τοκεῦσιν εἰκότως θυμουμένοις, +σύ τʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, τοῖς κρατοῦσι μὴ μάχου. +βούλῃ πεσεῖν πρὸς οὖδας ἑλκῶσαί τε σὸν +γέροντα χρῶτα πρὸς βίαν ὠθουμένη, +ἀσχημονῆσαί τʼ ἐκ νέου βραχίονος +σπασθεῖσʼ, ἃ πείσῃ; μὴ σύ γʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἄξιον. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ φίλη μοι μῆτερ, ἡδίστην χέρα +δὸς καὶ παρειὰν προσβαλεῖν παρηίδι· +ὡς οὔποτʼ αὖθις, ἀλλὰ νῦν πανύστατον +ἀκτῖνα κύκλον θʼ ἡλίου προσόψομαι. +τέλος δέχῃ δὴ τῶν ἐμῶν προσφθεγμάτων. +ὦ μῆτερ, ὦ τεκοῦσʼ, ἄπειμι δὴ κάτω. + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ θύγατερ, ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐν φάει δουλεύσομεν. + +Πολυξένη +ἄνυμφος ἀνυμέναιος ὧν μʼ ἐχρῆν τυχεῖν. + +Ἑκάβη +οἰκτρὰ σύ, τέκνον, ἀθλία δʼ ἐγὼ γυνή. + +Πολυξένη +ἐκεῖ δʼ ἐν Ἅιδου κείσομαι χωρὶς σέθεν. + +Ἑκάβη +οἴμοι· τί δράσω; ποῖ τελευτήσω βίον; + +Πολυξένη +δούλη θανοῦμαι, πατρὸς οὖσʼ ἐλευθέρου. + +Ἑκάβη +ἡμεῖς δὲ πεντήκοντά γʼ ἄμμοροι τέκνων. + +Πολυξένη +τί σοι πρὸς Ἕκτορʼ ἢ γέροντʼ εἴπω πόσιν; + +Ἑκάβη +ἄγγελλε πασῶν ἀθλιωτάτην ἐμέ. + +Πολυξένη +ὦ στέρνα μαστοί θʼ, οἵ μʼ ἐθρέψαθʼ ἡδέως. + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ τῆς ἀώρου θύγατερ ἀθλίας τύχης. + +Πολυξένη +χαῖρʼ, ὦ τεκοῦσα, χαῖρε Κασάνδρα τʼ ἐμοί, + +Ἑκάβη +χαίρουσιν ἄλλοι, μητρὶ δʼ οὐκ ἔστιν τόδε. + +Πολυξένη +ὅ τʼ ἐν φιλίπποις Θρῃξὶ Πολύδωρος κάσις. + +Ἑκάβη +εἰ ζῇ γʼ· ἀπιστῶ δʼ· ὧδε πάντα δυστυχῶ. + +Πολυξένη +ζῇ καὶ θανούσης ὄμμα συγκλῄσει τὸ σόν. + +Ἑκάβη +τέθνηκʼ ἔγωγε πρὶν θανεῖν κακῶν ὕπο. + +Πολυξένη +κόμιζʼ, Ὀδυσσεῦ, μʼ ἀμφιθεὶς κάρα πέπλοις +ὡς πρὶν σφαγῆναί γʼ ἐκτέτηκα καρδίαν +θρήνοισι μητρὸς τήνδε τʼ ἐκτήκω γόοις. +ὦ φῶς· προσειπεῖν γὰρ σὸν ὄνομʼ ἔξεστί μοι, +μέτεστι δʼ οὐδὲν πλὴν ὅσον χρόνον ξίφους +βαίνω μεταξὺ καὶ πυρᾶς Ἀχιλλέως. + +Ἑκάβη +οἲ ʼγώ, προλείπω· λύεται δέ μου μέλη. +ὦ θύγατερ, ἅψαι μητρός, ἔκτεινον χέρα, +δός· μὴ λίπῃς μʼ ἄπαιδʼ. ἀπωλόμην, φίλαι +ὣς τὴν Λάκαιναν σύγγονον Διοσκόροιν +Ἑλένην ἴδοιμι· διὰ καλῶν γὰρ ὀμμάτων +αἴσχιστα Τροίαν εἷλε τὴν εὐδαίμονα.
+ + + +
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+Χορός +αὔρα, ποντιὰς αὔρα, +ἅτε ποντοπόρους κομί- +ζεις θοὰς ἀκάτους ἐπʼ οἶδμα λίμνας, +ποῖ με τὰν μελέαν πορεύ- +σεις; τῷ δουλόσυνος πρὸς οἶ- +κον κτηθεῖσʼ ἀφίξομαι; ἢ +Δωρίδος ὅρμον αἴας; +ἢ Φθιάδος, ἔνθα τὸν +καλλίστων ὑδάτων πατέρα +φασὶν Ἀπιδανὸν πεδία λιπαίνειν;
+ + + +
+Χορός +ἢ νάσων, ἁλιήρει +κώπᾳ πεμπομέναν τάλαι- +ναν, οἰκτρὰν βιοτὰν ἔχουσαν οἴκοις, +ἔνθα πρωτόγονός τε φοῖ- +νιξ δάφνα θʼ ἱεροὺς ἀνέ- +σχε πτόρθους Λατοῖ φίλᾳ ὠ- +δῖνος ἄγαλμα Δίας; +σὺν Δηλιάσιν τε κού- +ραισιν Ἀρτέμιδος θεᾶς +χρυσέαν ἄμπυκα τόξα τʼ εὐλογήσω;
+ + + +
+Χορός +ἢ Παλλάδος ἐν πόλει +τὰς καλλιδίφρους Ἀθα- +ναίας ἐν κροκέῳ πέπλῳ +ζεύξομαι ἆρα πώλους ἐν +δαιδαλέαισι ποικίλλουσʼ +ἀνθοκρόκοισι πήναις, ἢ +Τιτάνων γενεὰν +τὰν Ζεὺς ἀμφιπύρῳ κοιμί- +ζει φλογμῷ Κρονίδας;
+ + + +
+Χορός +ὤ μοι τεκέων ἐμῶν, +ὤ μοι πατέρων χθονός θʼ, +ἃ καπνῷ κατερείπεται, +τυφομένα, δορίκτητος +Ἀργεΐων· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐν ξεί- +νᾳ χθονὶ δὴ κέκλημαι δού- +λα, λιποῦσʼ Ἀσίαν, +Εὐρώπας θεραπνᾶν ἀλλά- +ξασʼ Ἅιδα θαλάμους.
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+Ταλθύβιος +ποῦ τὴν ἄνασσαν δή ποτʼ οὖσαν Ἰλίου +Ἑκάβην ἂν ἐξεύροιμι, Τρῳάδες κόραι; + +Χορός +αὕτη πέλας σου νῶτʼ ἔχουσʼ ἐπὶ χθονί, +Ταλθύβιε, κεῖται ξυγκεκλῃμένη πέπλοις. + +Ταλθύβιος +ὦ Ζεῦ, τί λέξω; πότερά σʼ ἀνθρώπους ὁρᾶν; +ἢ δόξαν ἄλλως τήνδε κεκτῆσθαι μάτην, +ψευδῆ, δοκοῦντας δαιμόνων εἶναι γένος +τύχην δὲ πάντα τἀν βροτοῖς ἐπισκοπεῖν; +οὐχ ἥδʼ ἄνασσα τῶν πολυχρύσων Φρυγῶν, +οὐχ ἥδε Πριάμου τοῦ μέγʼ ὀλβίου δάμαρ; +καὶ νῦν πόλις μὲν πᾶσʼ ἀνέστηκεν δορί, +αὐτὴ δὲ δούλη γραῦς ἄπαις ἐπὶ χθονὶ +κεῖται, κόνει φύρουσα δύστηνον κάρα. +φεῦ φεῦ· γέρων μέν εἰμʼ, ὅμως δέ μοι θανεῖν +εἴη πρὶν αἰσχρᾷ περιπεσεῖν τύχῃ τινί. +ἀνίστασʼ, ὦ δύστηνε, καὶ μετάρσιον +πλευρὰν ἔπαιρε καὶ τὸ πάλλευκον κάρα. + +Ἑκάβη +ἔα· τίς οὗτος σῶμα τοὐμὸν οὐκ ἐᾷ +κεῖσθαι; τί κινεῖς μʼ, ὅστις εἶ, λυπουμένην; + +Ταλθύβιος +Ταλθύβιος ἥκω Δαναϊδῶν ὑπηρέτης, +Ἀγαμέμνονος πέμψαντος, ὦ γύναι, μέτα. + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἆρα κἄμʼ ἐπισφάξαι τάφῳ +δοκοῦν Ἀχαιοῖς ἦλθες; ὡς φίλʼ ἂν λέγοις. +σπεύδωμεν, ἐγκονῶμεν· ἡγοῦ μοι, γέρον. + +Ταλθύβιος +σὴν παῖδα κατθανοῦσαν ὡς θάψῃς, γύναι, +ἥκω μεταστείχων σε· πέμπουσιν δέ με +δισσοί τʼ Ἀτρεῖδαι καὶ λεὼς Ἀχαιικός. + +Ἑκάβη +οἴμοι, τί λέξεις; οὐκ ἄρʼ ὡς θανουμένους +μετῆλθες ἡμᾶς, ἀλλὰ σημανῶν κακά; +ὄλωλας, ὦ παῖ, μητρὸς ἁρπασθεῖσʼ ἄπο· +ἡμεῖς δʼ ἄτεκνοι τοὐπὶ σʼ· ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ. +πῶς καί νιν ἐξεπράξατʼ; ἆρʼ αἰδούμενοι; +ἢ πρὸς τὸ δεινὸν ἤλθεθʼ ὡς ἐχθράν, γέρον, +κτείνοντες; εἰπέ, καίπερ οὐ λέξων φίλα. + + + +Ταλθύβιος +διπλᾶ με χρῄζεις δάκρυα κερδᾶναι, γύναι, +σῆς παιδὸς οἴκτῳ· νῦν τε γὰρ λέγων κακὰ +τέγξω τόδʼ ὄμμα, πρὸς τάφῳ θʼ ὅτʼ ὤλλυτο. +παρῆν μὲν ὄχλος πᾶς Ἀχαιικοῦ στρατοῦ +πλήρης πρὸ τύμβου σῆς κόρης ἐπὶ σφαγάς· +λαβὼν δʼ Ἀχιλλέως παῖς Πολυξένην χερὸς +ἔστησʼ ἐπʼ ἄκρου χώματος, πέλας δʼ ἐγώ· +λεκτοί τʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἔκκριτοι νεανίαι, +σκίρτημα μόσχου σῆς καθέξοντες χεροῖν, +ἕσποντο. πλῆρες δʼ ἐν χεροῖν λαβὼν δέπας +πάγχρυσον αἴρει χειρὶ παῖς Ἀχιλλέως +χοὰς θανόντι πατρί· σημαίνει δέ μοι +σιγὴν Ἀχαιῶν παντὶ κηρῦξαι στρατῷ. +κἀγὼ καταστὰς εἶπον ἐν μέσοις τάδε· +Σιγᾶτʼ, Ἀχαιοί, σῖγα πᾶς ἔστω λεώς, +σίγα σιώπα· νήνεμον δʼ ἔστησʼ ὄχλον. +ὃ δʼ εἶπεν· Ὦ παῖ Πηλέως, πατὴρ δʼ ἐμός, +δέξαι χοάς μοι τάσδε κηλητηρίους, +νεκρῶν ἀγωγούς· ἐλθὲ δʼ, ὡς πίῃς μέλαν +κόρης ἀκραιφνὲς αἷμʼ, ὅ σοι δωρούμεθα +στρατός τε κἀγώ· πρευμενὴς δʼ ἡμῖν γενοῦ +λῦσαί τε πρύμνας καὶ χαλινωτήρια +νεῶν δὸς ἡμῖν πρευμενοῦς τʼ ἀπʼ Ἰλίου +νόστου τυχόντας πάντας ἐς πάτραν μολεῖν. +τοσαῦτʼ ἔλεξε, πᾶς δʼ ἐπηύξατο στρατός. +εἶτʼ ἀμφίχρυσον φάσγανον κώπης λαβὼν +ἐξεῖλκε κολεοῦ, λογάσι δʼ Ἀργείων στρατοῦ +νεανίαις ἔνευσε παρθένον λαβεῖν. +ἣ δʼ, ὡς ἐφράσθη, τόνδʼ ἐσήμηνεν λόγον· +Ὦ τὴν ἐμὴν πέρσαντες Ἀργεῖοι πόλιν, +ἑκοῦσα θνῄσκω· μή τις ἅψηται χροὸς +τοὐμοῦ· παρέξω γὰρ δέρην εὐκαρδίως. +ἐλευθέραν δέ μʼ, ὡς ἐλευθέρα θάνω, +πρὸς θεῶν, μεθέντες κτείνατʼ· ἐν νεκροῖσι γὰρ +δούλη κεκλῆσθαι βασιλὶς οὖσʼ αἰσχύνομαι. + +λαοὶ δʼ ἐπερρόθησαν, Ἀγαμέμνων τʼ ἄναξ +εἶπεν μεθεῖναι παρθένον νεανίαις. +οἳ δʼ, ὡς τάχιστʼ ἤκουσαν ὑστάτην ὄπα, +μεθῆκαν, οὗπερ καὶ μέγιστον ἦν κράτος. +κἀπεὶ τόδʼ εἰσήκουσε δεσποτῶν ἔπος, +λαβοῦσα πέπλους ἐξ ἄκρας ἐπωμίδος +ἔρρηξε λαγόνας ἐς μέσας παρʼ ὀμφαλόν, +μαστούς τʼ ἔδειξε στέρνα θʼ ὡς ἀγάλματος +κάλλιστα, καὶ καθεῖσα πρὸς γαῖαν γόνυ +ἔλεξε πάντων τλημονέστατον λόγον· +Ἰδού, τόδʼ, εἰ μὲν στέρνον, ὦ νεανία, +παίειν προθυμῇ, παῖσον, εἰ δʼ ὑπʼ αὐχένα +χρῄζεις, πάρεστι λαιμὸς εὐτρεπὴς ὅδε. +ὃ δʼ οὐ θέλων τε καὶ θέλων οἴκτῳ κόρης, +τέμνει σιδήρῳ πνεύματος διαρροάς· +κρουνοὶ δʼ ἐχώρουν. ἣ δὲ καὶ θνῄσκουσʼ ὅμως +πολλὴν πρόνοιαν εἶχεν εὐσχήμων πεσεῖν, +κρύπτουσʼ ἃ κρύπτειν ὄμματʼ ἀρσένων χρεών. +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀφῆκε πνεῦμα θανασίμῳ σφαγῇ, +οὐδεὶς τὸν αὐτὸν εἶχεν Ἀργείων πόνον· +ἀλλʼ οἳ μὲν αὐτῶν τὴν θανοῦσαν ἐκ χερῶν +φύλλοις ἔβαλλον, οἳ δὲ πληροῦσιν πυρὰν +κορμοὺς φέροντες πευκίνους, ὁ δʼ οὐ φέρων +πρὸς τοῦ φέροντος τοιάδʼ ἤκουεν κακά· +Ἕστηκας, ὦ κάκιστε, τῇ νεάνιδι +οὐ πέπλον οὐδὲ κόσμον ἐν χεροῖν ἔχων; +οὐκ εἶ τι δώσων τῇ περίσσʼ εὐκαρδίῳ +ψυχήν τʼ ἀρίστῃ; τοιάδʼ ἀμφὶ σῆς λέγων +παιδὸς θανούσης, εὐτεκνωτάτην τέ σε +πασῶν γυναικῶν δυστυχεστάτην θʼ ὁρῶ. + +Χορός +δεινόν τι πῆμα Πριαμίδαις ἐπέζεσεν +πόλει τε τἠμῇ θεῶν ἀνάγκαισιν τόδε. + + + + Ἑκάβη +ὦ θύγατερ, οὐκ οἶδʼ εἰς ὅ τι βλέψω κακῶν, +πολλῶν παρόντων· ἢν γὰρ ἅψωμαί τινος, +τόδʼ οὐκ ἐᾷ με, παρακαλεῖ δʼ ἐκεῖθεν αὖ +λύπη τις ἄλλη διάδοχος κακῶν κακοῖς. +καὶ νῦν τὸ μὲν σὸν ὥστε μὴ στένειν πάθος +οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην ἐξαλείψασθαι φρενός· +τὸ δʼ αὖ λίαν παρεῖλες ἀγγελθεῖσά μοι +γενναῖος. οὔκουν δεινόν, εἰ γῆ μὲν κακὴ +τυχοῦσα καιροῦ θεόθεν εὖ στάχυν φέρει, +χρηστὴ δʼ ἁμαρτοῦσʼ ὧν χρεὼν αὐτὴν τυχεῖν +κακὸν δίδωσι καρπόν, ἀνθρώποις δʼ ἀεὶ +ὁ μὲν πονηρὸς οὐδὲν ἄλλο πλὴν κακός, +ὁ δʼ ἐσθλὸς ἐσθλός, οὐδὲ συμφορᾶς ὕπο +φύσιν διέφθειρʼ, ἀλλὰ χρηστός ἐστʼ ἀεί; +ἆρʼ οἱ τεκόντες διαφέρουσιν ἢ τροφαί; +ἔχει γε μέντοι καὶ τὸ θρεφθῆναι καλῶς +δίδαξιν ἐσθλοῦ· τοῦτο δʼ ἤν τις εὖ μάθῃ, +οἶδεν τό γʼ αἰσχρόν, κανόνι τοῦ καλοῦ μαθών. +καὶ ταῦτα μὲν δὴ νοῦς ἐτόξευσεν μάτην· +σὺ δʼ ἐλθὲ καὶ σήμηνον Ἀργείοις τάδε, +μὴ θιγγάνειν μοι μηδένʼ, ἀλλʼ εἴργειν ὄχλον, +τῆς παιδός. ἔν τοι μυρίῳ στρατεύματι +ἀκόλαστος ὄχλος ναυτική τʼ ἀναρχία +κρείσσων πυρός, κακὸς δʼ ὁ μή τι δρῶν κακόν. +σὺ δʼ αὖ λαβοῦσα τεῦχος, ἀρχαία λάτρι, +βάψασʼ ἔνεγκε δεῦρο ποντίας ἁλός, +ὡς παῖδα λουτροῖς τοῖς πανυστάτοις ἐμήν, +νύμφην τʼ ἄνυμφον παρθένον τʼ ἀπάρθενον, +λούσω προθῶμαί θʼ — ὡς μὲν ἀξία, πόθεν; +οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην· ὡς δʼ ἔχω — τί γὰρ πάθω; — +κόσμον τʼ ἀγείρασʼ αἰχμαλωτίδων πάρα, +αἵ μοι πάρεδροι τῶνδʼ ἔσω σκηνωμάτων +ναίουσιν, εἴ τις τοὺς νεωστὶ δεσπότας +λαθοῦσʼ ἔχει τι κλέμμα τῶν αὑτῆς δόμων. +ὦ σχήματʼ οἴκων, ὦ ποτʼ εὐτυχεῖς δόμοι, +ὦ πλεῖστʼ ἔχων κάλλιστά τʼ, εὐτεκνώτατε +Πρίαμε, γεραιά θʼ ἥδʼ ἐγὼ μήτηρ τέκνων, +ὡς ἐς τὸ μηδὲν ἥκομεν, φρονήματος +τοῦ πρὶν στερέντες. εἶτα δῆτʼ ὀγκούμεθα, +ὃ μέν τις ἡμῶν πλουσίοις ἐν δώμασιν, +ὃ δʼ ἐν πολίταις τίμιος κεκλημένος. +τὰ δʼ οὐδὲν ἄλλως, φροντίδων βουλεύματα +γλώσσης τε κόμποι. κεῖνος ὀλβιώτατος, +ὅτῳ κατʼ ἦμαρ τυγχάνει μηδὲν κακόν.
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+Χορός +ἐμοὶ χρῆν συμφοράν, +ἐμοὶ χρῆν πημονὰν γενέσθαι, +Ἰδαίαν ὅτε πρῶτον ὕλαν +Ἀλέξανδρος εἰλατίναν +ἐτάμεθʼ, ἅλιον ἐπʼ οἶδμα ναυστολήσων +Ἑλένας ἐπὶ λέκτρα, τὰν +καλλίσταν ὁ χρυσοφαὴς +Ἅλιος αὐγάζει.
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+Χορός +πόνοι γὰρ καὶ πόνων +ἀνάγκαι κρείσσονες κυκλοῦνται +κοινὸν δʼ ἐξ ἰδίας ἀνοίας +κακὸν τᾷ Σιμουντίδι γᾷ +ὀλέθριον ἔμολε συμφορά τʼ ἀπʼ ἄλλων. +ἐκρίθη δʼ ἔρις, ἃν ἐν Ἴ- +δᾳ κρίνει τρισσὰς μακάρων +παῖδας ἀνὴρ βούτας,
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+Χορός +ἐπὶ δορὶ καὶ φόνῳ καὶ ἐμῶν μελάθρων λώβᾳ· +στένει δὲ καί τις ἀμφὶ τὸν εὔροον Εὐρώταν +Λάκαινα πολυδάκρυτος ἐν δόμοις κόρα, +πολιάν τʼ ἐπὶ κρᾶτα μάτηρ +τέκνων θανόντων +τίθεται χέρα δρύπτεται παρειάν, +δίαιμον ὄνυχα τιθεμένα σπαραγμοῖς.
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+Θεράπαινα +γυναῖκες, Ἑκάβη ποῦ ποθʼ ἡ παναθλία, +ἡ πάντα νικῶσʼ ἄνδρα καὶ θῆλυν σπορὰν +κακοῖσιν; οὐδεὶς στέφανον ἀνθαιρήσεται. + +Χορός +τί δʼ, ὦ τάλαινα σῆς κακογλώσσου βοῆς; +ὡς οὔποθʼ εὕδει λυπρά σου κηρύγματα. + +Θεράπαινα +Ἑκάβῃ φέρω τόδʼ ἄλγος· ἐν κακοῖσι δὲ +οὐ ῥᾴδιον βροτοῖσιν εὐφημεῖν στόμα. + +Χορός +καὶ μὴν περῶσα τυγχάνει δόμων ὕπερ +ἥδʼ, ἐς δὲ καιρὸν σοῖσι φαίνεται λόγοις. + +Θεράπαινα +ὦ παντάλαινα κἄτι μᾶλλον ἢ λέγω, +δέσποινʼ, ὄλωλας κοὐκέτʼ εἶ, βλέπουσα φῶς, +ἄπαις ἄνανδρος ἄπολις ἐξεφθαρμένη. + +Ἑκάβη +οὐ καινὸν εἶπας, εἰδόσιν δʼ ὠνείδισας. +ἀτὰρ τί νεκρὸν τόνδε μοι Πολυξένης +ἥκεις κομίζουσʼ, ἧς ἀπηγγέλθη τάφος +πάντων Ἀχαιῶν διὰ χερὸς σπουδὴν ἔχειν; + +Θεράπαινα +ἥδʼ οὐδὲν οἶδεν, ἀλλά μοι Πολυξένην +θρηνεῖ, νέων δὲ πημάτων οὐχ ἅπτεται. + +Ἑκάβη +οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα· μῶν τὸ βακχεῖον κάρα +τῆς θεσπιῳδοῦ δεῦρο Κασάνδρας φέρεις; + +Θεράπαινα +ζῶσαν λέλακας, τὸν θανόντα δʼ οὐ στένεις +τόνδʼ· ἀλλʼ ἄθρησον σῶμα γυμνωθὲν νεκροῦ, +εἴ σοι φανεῖται θαῦμα καὶ παρʼ ἐλπίδας. + + + +Ἑκάβη +οἴμοι, βλέπω δὴ παῖδʼ ἐμὸν τεθνηκότα, +Πολύδωρον, ὅν μοι Θρῂξ ἔσῳζʼ οἴκοις ἀνήρ. +ἀπωλόμην δύστηνος, οὐκέτʼ εἰμὶ δή. +ὦ τέκνον τέκνον, +αἰαῖ, κατάρχομαι γόων, +βακχεῖον ἐξ ἀλάστορος +ἀρτιμαθῆ νόμον. + +Θεράπαινα +ἔγνως γὰρ ἄτην παιδός, ὦ δύστηνε σύ; + +Ἑκάβη +ἄπιστʼ ἄπιστα, καινὰ καινὰ δέρκομαι. +ἕτερα δʼ ἀφʼ ἑτέρων κακὰ κακῶν κυρεῖ· +οὐδέ ποτʼ ἀστένακτος ἀδάκρυτος ἁ- +μέρα μʼ ἐπισχήσει. + +Χορός +δείνʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, δεινὰ πάσχομεν κακά. + +
+Ἑκάβη +ὦ τέκνον τέκνον ταλαίνας ματρός, +τίνι μόρῳ θνῄσκεις, +τίνι πότμῳ κεῖσαι; +πρὸς τίνος ἀνθρώπων; + +Θεράπαινα +οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς νιν κυρῶ θαλασσίαις + +Ἑκάβη +ἔκβλητον, ἢ πέσημα φοινίου δορός, +ἐν ψαμάθῳ λευρᾷ; + +Θεράπαινα +πόντου νιν ἐξήνεγκε πελάγιος κλύδων. +
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+Ἑκάβη +ὤμοι, αἰαῖ, ἔμαθον ἔνυπνον ὀμμάτων +ἐμῶν ὄψιν· οὔ με παρέβα +φάσμα μελανόπτερον, τὰν ἐσεῖδον ἀμφὶ σέ, +ὦ τέκνον, οὐκέτʼ ὄντα Διὸς ἐν φάει. + +Χορός +τίς γάρ νιν ἔκτεινʼ; οἶσθʼ ὀνειρόφρων φράσαι; + +Ἑκάβη +ἐμὸς ἐμὸς ξένος, Θρῄκιος ἱππότας, +ἵνʼ ὁ γέρων πατὴρ ἔθετό νιν κρύψας. + +Χορός +οἴμοι, τί λέξεις; χρυσὸν ὡς ἔχοι κτανών; + +Ἑκάβη +ἄρρητʼ ἀνωνόμαστα, θαυμάτων πέρα, +οὐχ ὅσιʼ οὐδʼ ἀνεκτά. ποῦ δίκα ξένων; +ὦ κατάρατʼ ἀνδρῶν, ὡς διεμοιράσω +χρόα, σιδαρέῳ τεμὼν φασγάνῳ +μέλεα τοῦδε παιδὸς οὐδʼ ᾤκτισας.
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+Χορός +ὦ τλῆμον, ὥς σε πολυπονωτάτην βροτῶν +δαίμων ἔθηκεν ὅστις ἐστί σοι βαρύς. +ἀλλʼ εἰσορῶ γὰρ τοῦδε δεσπότου δέμας +Ἀγαμέμνονος, τοὐνθένδε σιγῶμεν, φίλαι. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +Ἑκάβη, τί μέλλεις παῖδα σὴν κρύπτειν τάφῳ +ἐλθοῦσʼ, ἐφʼ οἷσπερ Ταλθύβιος ἤγγειλέ μοι +μὴ θιγγάνειν σῆς μηδένʼ Ἀργείων κόρης; +ἡμεῖς μὲν οὖν εἰῶμεν οὐδʼ ἐψαύομεν· +σὺ δὲ σχολάζεις, ὥστε θαυμάζειν ἐμέ. +ἥκω δʼ ἀποστελῶν σε· τἀκεῖθεν γὰρ εὖ +πεπραγμένʼ ἐστίν — εἴ τι τῶνδʼ ἐστὶν καλῶς. +ἔα· τίνʼ ἄνδρα τόνδʼ ἐπὶ σκηναῖς ὁρῶ +θανόντα Τρώων; οὐ γὰρ Ἀργεῖον πέπλοι +δέμας περιπτύσσοντες ἀγγέλλουσί μοι. + +Ἑκάβη +δύστηνʼ, ἐμαυτὴν γὰρ λέγω λέγουσα σέ, +Ἑκάβη, τί δράσω; πότερα προσπέσω γόνυ +Ἀγαμέμνονος τοῦδʼ ἢ φέρω σιγῇ κακά; + +Ἀγαμέμνων +τί μοι προσώπῳ νῶτον ἐγκλίνασα σὸν +δύρῃ, τὸ πραχθὲν δʼ οὐ λέγεις; — τίς ἔσθʼ ὅδε; + +Ἑκάβη +ἀλλʼ, εἴ με δούλην πολεμίαν θʼ ἡγούμενος +γονάτων ἀπώσαιτʼ, ἄλγος ἂν προσθείμεθʼ ἄν. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +οὔτοι πέφυκα μάντις, ὥστε μὴ κλύων +ἐξιστορῆσαι σῶν ὁδὸν βουλευμάτων. + +Ἑκάβη +ἆρʼ ἐκλογίζομαί γε πρὸς τὸ δυσμενὲς +μᾶλλον φρένας τοῦδʼ, ὄντος οὐχὶ δυσμενοῦς; + +Ἀγαμέμνων +εἴ τοί με βούλῃ τῶνδε μηδὲν εἰδέναι, +ἐς ταὐτὸν ἥκεις· καὶ γὰρ οὐδʼ ἐγὼ κλύειν. + +Ἑκάβη +οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην τοῦδε τιμωρεῖν ἄτερ +τέκνοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖσι. τί στρέφω τάδε; +τολμᾶν ἀνάγκη, κἂν τύχω κἂν μὴ τύχω. — +Ἀγάμεμνον, ἱκετεύω σε τῶνδε γουνάτων +καὶ σοῦ γενείου δεξιᾶς τʼ εὐδαίμονος + +Ἀγαμέμνων +τί χρῆμα μαστεύουσα; μῶν ἐλεύθερον +αἰῶνα θέσθαι; ῥᾴδιον γάρ ἐστί σοι. + +Ἑκάβη +οὐ δῆτα· τοὺς κακοὺς δὲ τιμωρουμένη +αἰῶνα τὸν σύμπαντα δουλεύειν θέλω. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +καὶ δὴ τίνʼ ἡμᾶς εἰς ἐπάρκεσιν καλεῖς; + +Ἑκάβη +οὐδέν τι τούτων ὧν σὺ δοξάζεις, ἄναξ. — +ὁρᾷς νεκρὸν τόνδʼ, οὗ καταστάζω δάκρυ; + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ὁρῶ· τὸ μέντοι μέλλον οὐκ ἔχω μαθεῖν. + +Ἑκάβη +τοῦτόν ποτʼ ἔτεκον κἄφερον ζώνης ὕπο. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ἔστιν δὲ τίς σῶν οὗτος, ὦ τλῆμον, τέκνων; + +Ἑκάβη +οὐ τῶν θανόντων Πριαμιδῶν ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ἦ γάρ τινʼ ἄλλον ἔτεκες ἢ κείνους, γύναι; + +Ἑκάβη +ἀνόνητά γʼ, ὡς ἔοικε, τόνδʼ ὃν εἰσορᾷς. + + + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ποῦ δʼ ὢν ἐτύγχανʼ, ἡνίκʼ ὤλλυτο πτόλις; + +Ἑκάβη +πατήρ νιν ἐξέπεμψεν ὀρρωδῶν θανεῖν. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ποῖ τῶν τότʼ ὄντων χωρίσας τέκνων μόνον; + +Ἑκάβη +ἐς τήνδε χώραν, οὗπερ ηὑρέθη θανών. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +πρὸς ἄνδρʼ ὃς ἄρχει τῆσδε Πολυμήστωρ χθονός; + +Ἑκάβη +ἐνταῦθʼ ἐπέμφθη πικροτάτου χρυσοῦ φύλαξ. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +θνῄσκει δὲ πρὸς τοῦ καὶ τίνος πότμου τυχών; + +Ἑκάβη +τίνος γʼ ὑπʼ ἄλλου; Θρῄξ νιν ὤλεσε ξένος. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ὦ τλῆμον· ἦ που χρυσὸν ἠράσθη λαβεῖν; + +Ἑκάβη +τοιαῦτʼ, ἐπειδὴ συμφορὰν ἔγνω Φρυγῶν. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ηὗρες δὲ ποῦ νιν; ἢ τίς ἤνεγκεν νεκρόν; + +Ἑκάβη +ἥδʼ, ἐντυχοῦσα ποντίας ἀκτῆς ἔπι. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +τοῦτον ματεύουσʼ ἢ πονοῦσʼ ἄλλον πόνον; + +Ἑκάβη +λούτρʼ ᾤχετʼ οἴσουσʼ ἐξ ἁλὸς Πολυξένῃ. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +κτανών νιν, ὡς ἔοικεν, ἐκβάλλει ξένος. + +Ἑκάβη +θαλασσόπλαγκτόν γʼ, ὧδε διατεμὼν χρόα. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ὦ σχετλία σὺ τῶν ἀμετρήτων πόνων. + +Ἑκάβη +ὄλωλα κοὐδὲν λοιπόν, Ἀγάμεμνον, κακῶν. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +φεῦ φεῦ· τίς οὕτω δυστυχὴς ἔφυ γυνή; + +Ἑκάβη +οὐκ ἔστιν, εἰ μὴ τὴν Τύχην αὐτὴν λέγοις. +ἀλλʼ ὧνπερ οὕνεκʼ ἀμφὶ σὸν πίπτω γόνυ +ἄκουσον. εἰ μὲν ὅσιά σοι παθεῖν δοκῶ, +στέργοιμʼ ἄν· εἰ δὲ τοὔμπαλιν, σύ μοι γενοῦ +τιμωρὸς ἀνδρός, ἀνοσιωτάτου ξένου, +ὃς οὔτε τοὺς γῆς νέρθεν οὔτε τοὺς ἄνω +δείσας δέδρακεν ἔργον ἀνοσιώτατον, +κοινῆς τραπέζης πολλάκις τυχὼν ἐμοί, +ξενίας τʼ ἀριθμῷ πρῶτʼ ἔχων ἐμῶν φίλων, +τυχὼν δʼ ὅσων δεῖ — . καὶ λαβὼν προμηθίαν +ἔκτεινε· τύμβου δʼ, εἰ κτανεῖν ἐβούλετο, +οὐκ ἠξίωσεν, ἀλλʼ ἀφῆκε πόντιον. +ἡμεῖς μὲν οὖν δοῦλοί τε κἀσθενεῖς ἴσως· +ἀλλʼ οἱ θεοὶ σθένουσι χὡ κείνων κρατῶν +Νόμος· νόμῳ γὰρ τοὺς θεοὺς ἡγούμεθα +καὶ ζῶμεν ἄδικα καὶ δίκαιʼ ὡρισμένοι· +ὃς ἐς σʼ ἀνελθὼν εἰ διαφθαρήσεται, +καὶ μὴ δίκην δώσουσιν οἵτινες ξένους +κτείνουσιν ἢ θεῶν ἱερὰ τολμῶσιν φέρειν, +οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν τῶν ἐν ἀνθρώποις ἴσον. +ταῦτʼ οὖν ἐν αἰσχρῷ θέμενος αἰδέσθητί με· +οἴκτιρον ἡμᾶς, ὡς γραφεύς τʼ ἀποσταθεὶς +ἰδοῦ με κἀνάθρησον οἷʼ ἔχω κακά. +τύραννος ἦ ποτʼ, ἀλλὰ νῦν δούλη σέθεν, +εὔπαις ποτʼ οὖσα, νῦν δὲ γραῦς ἄπαις θʼ ἅμα, +ἄπολις ἔρημος, ἀθλιωτάτη βροτῶν + +οἴμοι τάλαινα, ποῖ μʼ ὑπεξάγεις πόδα; +ἔοικα πράξειν οὐδέν· ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ. +τί δῆτα θνητοὶ τἄλλα μὲν μαθήματα +μοχθοῦμεν ὡς χρὴ πάντα καὶ ματεύομεν, +Πειθὼ δὲ τὴν τύραννον ἀνθρώποις μόνην +οὐδέν τι μᾶλλον ἐς τέλος σπουδάζομεν +μισθοὺς διδόντες μανθάνειν, ἵνʼ ἦν ποτε +πείθειν ἅ τις βούλοιτο τυγχάνειν θʼ ἅμα; +πῶς οὖν ἔτʼ ἄν τις ἐλπίσαι πράξειν καλῶς; +οἱ μὲν γὰρ ὄντες παῖδες οὐκέτʼ εἰσί μοι, +αὕτη δʼ ἐπʼ αἰσχροῖς αἰχμάλωτος. οἴχομαι· +καπνὸν δὲ πόλεως τόνδʼ ὑπερθρῴσκονθʼ ὁρῶ. +καὶ μήν — ἴσως μὲν τοῦ λόγου κενὸν τόδε, +Κύπριν προβάλλειν· ἀλλʼ ὅμως εἰρήσεται· +πρὸς σοῖσι πλευροῖς παῖς ἐμὴ κοιμίζεται +ἡ φοιβάς, ἣν καλοῦσι Κασάνδραν Φρύγες. +ποῦ τὰς φίλας δῆτʼ εὐφρόνας δείξεις, ἄναξ, +ἢ τῶν ἐν εὐνῇ φιλτάτων ἀσπασμάτων +χάριν τίνʼ ἕξει παῖς ἐμή, κείνης δʼ ἐγώ; +ἐκ τοῦ σκότου τε τῶν τε νυκτερησίων +φίλτρων μεγίστη γίγνεται βροτοῖς χάρις. +ἄκουε δή νυν· τὸν θανόντα τόνδʼ ὁρᾷς; +τοῦτον καλῶς δρῶν ὄντα κηδεστὴν σέθεν +δράσεις. ἑνός μοι μῦθος ἐνδεὴς ἔτι. +εἴ μοι γένοιτο φθόγγος ἐν βραχίοσι +καὶ χερσὶ καὶ κόμαισι καὶ ποδῶν βάσει +ἢ Δαιδάλου τέχναισιν ἢ θεῶν τινος, +ὡς πάνθʼ ὁμαρτῇ σῶν ἔχοιντο γουνάτων +κλαίοντʼ, ἐπισκήπτοντα παντοίους λόγους. +ὦ δέσποτʼ, ὦ μέγιστον Ἕλλησιν φάος, +πιθοῦ, παράσχες χεῖρα τῇ πρεσβύτιδι +τιμωρόν, εἰ καὶ μηδέν ἐστιν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως. +ἐσθλοῦ γὰρ ἀνδρὸς τῇ δίκῃ θʼ ὑπηρετεῖν +καὶ τοὺς κακοὺς δρᾶν πανταχοῦ κακῶς ἀεί. + +Χορός +δεινόν γε, θνητοῖς ὡς ἅπαντα συμπίτνει, +καὶ τὰς ἀνάγκας οἱ νόμοι διώρισαν, +φίλους τιθέντες τούς γε πολεμιωτάτους +ἐχθρούς τε τοὺς πρὶν εὐμενεῖς ποιούμενοι. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ἐγὼ σὲ καὶ σὸν παῖδα καὶ τύχας σέθεν, +Ἑκάβη, διʼ οἴκτου χεῖρά θʼ ἱκεσίαν ἔχω, +καὶ βούλομαι θεῶν θʼ οὕνεκʼ ἀνόσιον ξένον +καὶ τοῦ δικαίου τήνδε σοι δοῦναι δίκην, +εἴ πως φανείη γʼ ὥστε σοί τʼ ἔχειν καλῶς, +στρατῷ τε μὴ δόξαιμι Κασάνδρας χάριν +Θρῄκης ἄνακτι τόνδε βουλεῦσαι φόνον. +ἔστιν γὰρ ᾗ ταραγμὸς ἐμπέπτωκέ μοι· +— Τὸν ἄνδρα τοῦτον φίλιον ἡγεῖται στρατός, +τὸν κατθανόντα δʼ ἐχθρόν· εἰ δὲ σοὶ φίλος +ὅδʼ ἐστί, χωρὶς τοῦτο κοὐ κοινὸν στρατῷ. — +πρὸς ταῦτα φρόντιζʼ· ὡς θέλοντα μέν μʼ ἔχεις +σοὶ ξυμπονῆσαι καὶ ταχὺν προσαρκέσαι, +βραδὺν δʼ, Ἀχαιοῖς εἰ διαβληθήσομαι. + + + +Ἑκάβη +φεῦ. +οὐκ ἔστι θνητῶν ὅστις ἔστʼ ἐλεύθερος· +ἢ χρημάτων γὰρ δοῦλός ἐστιν ἢ τύχης, +ἢ πλῆθος αὐτὸν πόλεος ἢ νόμων γραφαὶ +εἴργουσι χρῆσθαι μὴ κατὰ γνώμην τρόποις. +ἐπεὶ δὲ ταρβεῖς τῷ τʼ ὄχλῳ πλέον νέμεις, +ἐγώ σε θήσω τοῦδʼ ἐλεύθερον φόβου. +σύνισθι μὲν γάρ, ἤν τι βουλεύσω κακὸν +τῷ τόνδʼ ἀποκτείναντι, συνδράσῃς δὲ μή. +ἢν δʼ ἐξ Ἀχαιῶν θόρυβος ἢ ʼπικουρία +πάσχοντος ἀνδρὸς Θρῃκὸς οἷα πείσεται +φανῇ τις, εἶργε μὴ δοκῶν ἐμὴν χάριν. +τὰ δʼ ἄλλα — θάρσει — πάντʼ ἐγὼ θήσω καλῶς. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +πῶς οὖν; τί δράσεις; πότερα φάσγανον χερὶ +λαβοῦσα γραίᾳ φῶτα βάρβαρον κτενεῖς, +ἢ φαρμάκοισιν ἢ ʼπικουρίᾳ τινί; +τίς σοι ξυνέσται χείρ; πόθεν κτήσῃ φίλους; + +Ἑκάβη +στέγαι κεκεύθασʼ αἵδε Τρῳάδων ὄχλον. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +τὰς αἰχμαλώτους εἶπας, Ἑλλήνων ἄγραν; + +Ἑκάβη +σὺν ταῖσδε τὸν ἐμὸν φονέα τιμωρήσομαι. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +καὶ πῶς γυναιξὶν ἀρσένων ἔσται κράτος; + +Ἑκάβη +δεινὸν τὸ πλῆθος σὺν δόλῳ τε δύσμαχον. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +δεινόν· τὸ μέντοι θῆλυ μέμφομαι γένος. + +Ἑκάβη +τί δʼ; οὐ γυναῖκες εἷλον Αἰγύπτου τέκνα +καὶ Λῆμνον ἄρδην ἀρσένων ἐξῴκισαν; +ἀλλʼ ὣς γενέσθω· τόνδε μὲν μέθες λόγον, +πέμψον δέ μοι τήνδʼ ἀσφαλῶς διὰ στρατοῦ +γυναῖκα. — καὶ σὺ Θρῃκὶ πλαθεῖσα ξένῳ +λέξον· Καλεῖ σʼ ἄνασσα δή ποτʼ Ἰλίου +Ἑκάβη, σὸν οὐκ ἔλασσον ἢ κείνης χρέος, +καὶ παῖδας· ὡς δεῖ καὶ τέκνʼ εἰδέναι λόγους +τοὺς ἐξ ἐκείνης. — τὸν δὲ τῆς νεοσφαγοῦς +Πολυξένης ἐπίσχες, Ἀγάμεμνον, τάφον, +ὡς τώδʼ ἀδελφὼ πλησίον μιᾷ φλογί, +δισσὴ μέριμνα μητρί, κρυφθῆτον χθονί. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ἔσται τάδʼ οὕτω· καὶ γὰρ εἰ μὲν ἦν στρατῷ +πλοῦς, οὐκ ἂν εἶχον τήνδε σοι δοῦναι χάριν· +νῦν δʼ, οὐ γὰρ ἵησʼ οὐρίους πνοὰς θεός, +μένειν ἀνάγκη πλοῦν ὁρῶντʼ ἐς ἥσυχον. +γένοιτο δʼ εὖ πως· πᾶσι γὰρ κοινὸν τόδε, +ἰδίᾳ θʼ ἑκάστῳ καὶ πόλει, τὸν μὲν κακὸν +κακόν τι πάσχειν, τὸν δὲ χρηστὸν εὐτυχεῖν.
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+Χορός +σὺ μέν, ὦ πατρὶς Ἰλιάς, +τῶν ἀπορθήτων πόλις οὐκέτι λέξῃ· +τοῖον Ἑλλάνων νέφος ἀμφί σε κρύπτει +δορὶ δὴ δορὶ πέρσαν. +ἀπὸ δὲ στεφάναν κέκαρ- +σαι πύργων, κατὰ δʼ αἰθάλου +κηλῖδʼ οἰκτροτάταν κέχρω- +σαι· τάλαινʼ, +οὐκέτι σʼ ἐμβατεύσω.
+ + + +
+Χορός +μεσονύκτιος ὠλλύμαν, +ἦμος ἐκ δείπνων ὕπνος ἡδὺς ἐπʼ ὄσσοις +σκίδναται, μολπᾶν δʼ ἄπο καὶ χοροποιῶν +θυσιᾶν καταλύσας +πόσις ἐν θαλάμοις ἔκει- +το, ξυστὸν δʼ ἐπὶ πασσάλῳ, +ναύταν οὐκέθʼ ὁρῶν ὅμι- +λον Τροίαν +Ἰλιάδʼ ἐμβεβῶτα.
+ + + +
+Χορός +ἐγὼ δὲ πλόκαμον ἀναδέτοις +μίτραισιν ἐρρυθμιζόμαν +χρυσέων ἐνόπτρων λεύσ- +σουσʼ ἀτέρμονας εἰς αὐγάς, +ἐπιδέμνιος ὡς πέσοιμʼ ἐς εὐνάν. +ἀνὰ δὲ κέλαδος ἔμολε πόλιν· +κέλευσμα δʼ ἦν κατʼ ἄστυ Τροί- +ας τόδʼ· Ὦ +παῖδες Ἑλλάνων, πότε δὴ πότε τὰν +Ἰλιάδα σκοπιὰν +πέρσαντες ἥξετʼ οἴκους;
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+Χορός +λέχη δὲ φίλια μονόπεπλος +λιποῦσα, Δωρὶς ὡς κόρα, +σεμνὰν προσίζουσʼ οὐκ +ἤνυσʼ Ἄρτεμιν ἁ τλάμων· +ἄγομαι δὲ θανόντʼ ἰδοῦσʼ ἀκοίταν +τὸν ἐμὸν ἅλιον ἐπὶ πέλαγος, +πόλιν τʼ ἀποσκοποῦσʼ, ἐπεὶ +νόστιμον +ναῦς ἐκίνησεν πόδα καί μʼ ἀπὸ γᾶς +ὥρισεν Ἰλιάδος· +τάλαινʼ, ἀπεῖπον ἄλγει,
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+Χορός +τὰν τοῖν Διοσκούροιν Ἑλέναν κάσιν +Ἰδαῖόν τε βούταν +αἰνόπαριν κατάρᾳ +διδοῦσʼ, ἐπεί με γᾶς ἐκ +πατρῴας ἀπώλεσεν +ἐξῴκισέν τʼ οἴκων γάμος, οὐ γάμος ἀλλʼ ἀ- +λάστορός τις οἰζύς· +ἃν μήτε πέλαγος ἅλιον ἀπαγάγοι πάλιν, +μήτε πα- +τρῷον ἵκοιτʼ ἐς οἶκον.
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+Πολυμήστωρ +ὦ φίλτατʼ ἀνδρῶν Πρίαμε, φιλτάτη δὲ σύ, +Ἑκάβη, δακρύω σʼ εἰσορῶν πόλιν τε σὴν +τήν τʼ ἀρτίως θανοῦσαν ἔκγονον σέθεν. +φεῦ· +οὐκ ἔστι πιστὸν οὐδέν, οὔτʼ εὐδοξία +οὔτʼ αὖ καλῶς πράσσοντα μὴ πράξειν κακῶς. +φύρουσι δʼ αὐτοὶ θεοὶ πάλιν τε καὶ πρόσω +ταραγμὸν ἐντιθέντες, ὡς ἀγνωσίᾳ +σέβωμεν αὐτούς. ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν τί δεῖ +θρηνεῖν, προκόπτοντʼ οὐδὲν ἐς πρόσθεν κακῶν; +σὺ δʼ, εἴ τι μέμφῃ τῆς ἐμῆς ἀπουσίας, +σχές· τυγχάνω γὰρ ἐν μέσοις Θρῄκης ὅροις +ἀπών, ὅτʼ ἦλθες δεῦρʼ· ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀφικόμην, +ἤδη πόδʼ ἔξω δωμάτων αἴροντί μοι +ἐς ταὐτὸν ἥδε συμπίτνει δμωὶς σέθεν +λέγουσα μύθους, ὧν κλύων ἀφικόμην. + +Ἑκάβη +αἰσχύνομαί σε προσβλέπειν ἐναντίον, +Πολυμῆστορ, ἐν τοιοῖσδε κειμένη κακοῖς. +ὅτῳ γὰρ ὤφθην εὐτυχοῦσʼ, αἰδώς μʼ ἔχει +ἐν τῷδε πότμῳ τυγχάνουσʼ ἵνʼ εἰμὶ νῦν +κοὐκ ἂν δυναίμην προσβλέπειν ὀρθαῖς κόραις. +ἀλλʼ αὐτὸ μὴ δύσνοιαν ἡγήσῃ σέθεν, +Πολυμῆστορ· ἄλλως δʼ αἴτιόν τι καὶ νόμος, +γυναῖκας ἀνδρῶν μὴ βλέπειν ἐναντίον. + +Πολυμήστωρ +καὶ θαῦμά γʼ οὐδέν. ἀλλὰ τίς χρεία σʼ ἐμοῦ; +τί χρῆμʼ ἐπέμψω τὸν ἐμὸν ἐκ δόμων πόδα· + +Ἑκάβη +ἴδιον ἐμαυτῆς δή τι πρὸς σὲ βούλομαι +καὶ παῖδας εἰπεῖν σούς· ὀπάονας δέ μοι +χωρὶς κέλευσον τῶνδʼ ἀποστῆναι δόμων. + +Πολυμήστωρ +χωρεῖτʼ· ἐν ἀσφαλεῖ γὰρ ἥδʼ ἐρημία. +φίλη μὲν εἶ σύ, προσφιλὲς δέ μοι τόδε +στράτευμʼ Ἀχαιῶν. ἀλλὰ σημαίνειν σὲ χρῆν· +τί χρὴ τὸν εὖ πράσσοντα μὴ πράσσουσιν εὖ +φίλοις ἐπαρκεῖν; ὡς ἕτοιμός εἰμʼ ἐγώ. + + + +Ἑκάβη +πρῶτον μὲν εἰπὲ παῖδʼ ὃν ἐξ ἐμῆς χερὸς +Πολύδωρον ἔκ τε πατρὸς ἐν δόμοις ἔχεις, +εἰ ζῇ· τὰ δʼ ἄλλα δεύτερόν σʼ ἐρήσομαι. + +Πολυμήστωρ +μάλιστα· τοὐκείνου μὲν εὐτυχεῖς μέρος. + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ φίλταθʼ, ὡς εὖ κἀξίως λέγεις σέθεν. + +Πολυμήστωρ +τί δῆτα βούλῃ δεύτερον μαθεῖν ἐμοῦ; + +Ἑκάβη +εἰ τῆς τεκούσης τῆσδε μέμνηταί τί μου; + +Πολυμήστωρ +καὶ δεῦρό γʼ ὡς σὲ κρύφιος ἐζήτει μολεῖν. + +Ἑκάβη +χρυσὸς δὲ σῶς ὃν ἦλθεν ἐκ Τροίας ἔχων; + +Πολυμήστωρ +σῶς, ἐν δόμοις γε τοῖς ἐμοῖς φρουρούμενος. + +Ἑκάβη +σῶσόν νυν αὐτὸν μηδʼ ἔρα τῶν πλησίον. + +Πολυμήστωρ +ἥκιστʼ· ὀναίμην τοῦ παρόντος, ὦ γύναι. + +Ἑκάβη +οἶσθʼ οὖν ἃ λέξαι σοί τε καὶ παισὶν θέλω; + +Πολυμήστωρ +οὐκ οἶδα· τῷ σῷ τοῦτο σημανεῖς λόγῳ. + +Ἑκάβη +ἔστʼ, ὦ φιληθεὶς ὡς σὺ νῦν ἐμοὶ φιλῇ — + +Πολυμήστωρ +τί χρῆμʼ ὃ κἀμὲ καὶ τέκνʼ εἰδέναι χρεών; + +Ἑκάβη +χρυσοῦ παλαιαὶ Πριαμιδῶν κατώρυχες. + +Πολυμήστωρ +ταῦτʼ ἔσθʼ ἃ βούλῃ παιδὶ σημῆναι σέθεν; + +Ἑκάβη +μάλιστα, διὰ σοῦ γʼ· εἶ γὰρ εὐσεβὴς ἀνήρ. + +Πολυμήστωρ +τί δῆτα τέκνων τῶνδε δεῖ παρουσίας; + +Ἑκάβη +ἄμεινον, ἢν σὺ κατθάνῃς, τούσδʼ εἰδέναι. + +Πολυμήστωρ +καλῶς ἔλεξας· τῇδε καὶ σοφώτερον. + +Ἑκάβη +οἶσθʼ οὖν Ἀθάνας Ἰλίας ἵνα στέγαι; + +Πολυμήστωρ +ἐνταῦθʼ ὁ χρυσός ἐστι; σημεῖον δὲ τί; + +Ἑκάβη +μέλαινα πέτρα γῆς ὑπερτέλλουσʼ ἄνω. + +Πολυμήστωρ +ἔτʼ οὖν τι βούλῃ τῶν ἐκεῖ φράζειν ἐμοί; + +Ἑκάβη +σῶσαί σε χρήμαθʼ οἷς συνεξῆλθον θέλω. + +Πολυμήστωρ +ποῦ δῆτα; πέπλων ἐντὸς ἢ κρύψασʼ ἔχεις; + +Ἑκάβη +σκύλων ἐν ὄχλῳ ταῖσδε σῴζεται στέγαις. + +Πολυμήστωρ +ποῦ δʼ; αἵδʼ Ἀχαιῶν ναύλοχοι περιπτυχαί. + +Ἑκάβη +ἰδίᾳ γυναικῶν αἰχμαλωτίδων στέγαι. + +Πολυμήστωρ +τἄνδον δὲ πιστὰ κἀρσένων ἐρημία; + +Ἑκάβη +οὐδεὶς Ἀχαιῶν ἔνδον, ἀλλʼ ἡμεῖς μόναι. +ἀλλʼ ἕρπʼ ἐς οἴκους· καὶ γὰρ Ἀργεῖοι νεῶν +λῦσαι ποθοῦσιν οἴκαδʼ ἐκ Τροίας πόδα· +ὡς πάντα πράξας ὧν σε δεῖ στείχῃς πάλιν +ξὺν παισὶν οὗπερ τὸν ἐμὸν ᾤκισας γόνον. + +Χορός +οὔπω δέδωκας, ἀλλʼ ἴσως δώσεις δίκην· + + + +
+Χορός +ἀλίμενόν τις ὡς εἰς ἄντλον πεσὼν +λέχριος ἐκπεσῇ φίλας καρδίας, +ἀμέρσας βίοτον. τὸ γὰρ ὑπέγγυον +Δίκᾳ καὶ θεοῖσιν οὐ συμπίτνει· +ὀλέθριον ὀλέθριον κακόν. +ψεύσει σʼ ὁδοῦ τῆσδʼ ἐλπὶς ἥ σʼ ἐπήγαγεν +θανάσιμον πρὸς Ἅιδαν, ἰὼ τάλας· +ἀπολέμῳ δὲ χειρὶ λείψεις βίον. + + + +Πολυμήστωρ +ἔσωθεν +ὤμοι, τυφλοῦμαι φέγγος ὀμμάτων τάλας. + +Χορός +— ἠκούσατʼ ἀνδρὸς Θρῃκὸς οἰμωγήν, φίλαι; + +Πολυμήστωρ +ὤμοι μάλʼ αὖθις, τέκνα, δυστήνου σφαγῆς. + +Χορός +— φίλαι, πέπρακται καίνʼ ἔσω δόμων κακά. + +Πολυμήστωρ +ἀλλʼ οὔτι μὴ φύγητε λαιψηρῷ ποδί· +βάλλων γὰρ οἴκων τῶνδʼ ἀναρρήξω μυχούς. + +Χορός +— ἰδού, βαρείας χειρὸς ὁρμᾶται βέλος. +— βούλεσθʼ ἐπεσπέσωμεν; ὡς ἀκμὴ καλεῖ +Ἑκάβῃ παρεῖναι Τρῳάσιν τε συμμάχους. + +Ἑκάβη +ἄρασσε, φείδου μηδέν, ἐκβάλλων πύλας· +οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ὄμμα λαμπρὸν ἐνθήσεις κόραις, +οὐ παῖδας ὄψῃ ζῶντας οὓς ἔκτεινʼ ἐγώ. + +Χορός +ἦ γὰρ καθεῖλες Θρῇκα, καὶ κρατεῖς, ξένον, +δέσποινα, καὶ δέδρακας οἷάπερ λέγεις; + +Ἑκάβη +ὄψῃ νιν αὐτίκʼ ὄντα δωμάτων πάρος +τυφλὸν τυφλῷ στείχοντα παραφόρῳ ποδί, +παίδων τε δισσῶν σώμαθʼ, οὓς ἔκτεινʼ ἐγὼ +σὺν ταῖς ἀρίσταις Τρῳάσιν· δίκην δέ μοι +δέδωκε. χωρεῖ δʼ, ὡς ὁρᾷς, ὅδʼ ἐκ δόμων. +ἀλλʼ ἐκποδὼν ἄπειμι κἀποστήσομαι +θυμῷ ῥέοντι Θρῃκὶ δυσμαχωτάτῳ.
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+Πολυμήστωρ +ὤμοι ἐγώ, πᾷ βῶ, +πᾷ στῶ, πᾷ κέλσω; +τετράποδος βάσιν θηρὸς ὀρεστέρου +τιθέμενος ἐπίχειρα κατʼ ἴχνος; ποίαν +ἢ ταύταν ἢ τάνδʼ ἐξαλλάξω, τὰς +ἀνδροφόνους μάρψαι χρῄζων Ἰλιάδας, +αἵ με διώλεσαν; +τάλαιναι κόραι τάλαιναι Φρυγῶν, +ὦ κατάρατοι, +ποῖ καί με φυγᾷ πτώσσουσι μυχῶν; +εἴθε μοι ὀμμάτων αἱματόεν βλέφαρον +ἀκέσαιʼ ἀκέσαιο τυφλόν, Ἅλιε, +φέγγος ἐπαλλάξας. +ἆ ἆ, +σίγα· κρυπτὰν βάσιν αἰσθάνομαι +τάνδε γυναικῶν. πᾷ πόδʼ ἐπᾴξας +σαρκῶν ὀστέων τʼ ἐμπλησθῶ, +θοίναν ἀγρίων θηρῶν τιθέμενος, +ἀρνύμενος λώβαν +λύμας ἀντίποινʼ ἐμᾶς; ὦ τάλας. +ποῖ πᾷ φέρομαι τέκνʼ ἔρημα λιπὼν +Βάκχαις Ἅιδου διαμοιρᾶσαι, +σφακτά, κυσίν τε φοινίαν δαῖτʼ ἀνή- +μερον τʼ οὐρείαν ἐκβολάν; +πᾷ στῶ, πᾷ κάμψω, πᾷ βῶ, +ναῦς ὅπως ποντίοις πείσμασιν, λινόκροκον +φᾶρος στέλλων, ἐπὶ τάνδε συθεὶς +τέκνων ἐμῶν φύλαξ ὀλέθριον κοίταν; + + + +Χορός +ὦ τλῆμον, ὥς σοι δύσφορʼ εἴργασται κακά· +δράσαντι δʼ αἰσχρὰ δεινὰ τἀπιτίμια. +δαίμων ἔδωκεν ὅστις ἐστί σοι βαρύς.
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+Πολυμήστωρ +αἰαῖ, ἰὼ Θρῄκης λογχοφόρον ἔνο- +πλον εὔιππον Ἄρει κάτοχον γένος. +ἰὼ Ἀχαιοί. — ἰὼ Ἀτρεῖδαι. — βοὰν βοὰν ἀυτῶ, βοάν. +ὢ ἴτε· μόλετε πρὸς θεῶν. +κλύει τις ἢ οὐδεὶς ἀρκέσει; τί μέλλετε; +γυναῖκες ὤλεσάν με, γυναῖκες αἰχμαλωτίδες· δεινὰ +δεινὰ πεπόνθαμεν. +ὤμοι ἐμᾶς λώβας. +ποῖ τράπωμαι, ποῖ πορευθῶ; +ἀμπτάμενος οὐράνιον +ὑψιπετὲς ἐς μέλαθρον, +Ὠαρίων ἢ Σείριος ἔνθα πυρὸς φλογέας ἀφίη- +σιν ὄσσων αὐγάς, ἢ τὸν ἐς Ἀίδα +μελάγχρωτα πορθμὸν ᾄξω τάλας; + + + +Χορός +συγγνώσθʼ, ὅταν τις κρείσσονʼ ἢ φέρειν κακὰ +πάθῃ, ταλαίνης ἐξαπαλλάξαι ζόης. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +κραυγῆς ἀκούσας ἦλθον· οὐ γὰρ ἥσυχος +πέτρας ὀρείας παῖς λέλακʼ ἀνὰ στρατὸν +Ἠχὼ διδοῦσα θόρυβον· εἰ δὲ μὴ Φρυγῶν +πύργους πεσόντας ᾖσμεν Ἑλλήνων δορί, +φόβον παρέσχεν οὐ μέσως ὅδε κτύπος. + +Πολυμήστωρ +ὦ φίλτατʼ· ᾐσθόμην γάρ, Ἀγάμεμνον, σέθεν +φωνῆς ἀκούσας· εἰσορᾷς ἃ πάσχομεν; + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ἔα· +Πολυμῆστορ· ὦ δύστηνε, τίς σʼ ἀπώλεσεν; +τίς ὄμμʼ ἔθηκε τυφλὸν αἱμάξας κόρας, +παῖδάς τε τούσδʼ ἔκτεινεν; ἦ μέγαν χόλον +σοὶ καὶ τέκνοισιν εἶχεν ὅστις ἦν ἄρα. + +Πολυμήστωρ +Ἑκάβη με σὺν γυναιξὶν αἰχμαλωτίσιν +ἀπώλεσʼ — οὐκ ἀπώλεσʼ, ἀλλὰ μειζόνως. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +τί φῄς; σὺ τοὔργον εἴργασαι τόδʼ, ὡς λέγει; +σὺ τόλμαν, Ἑκάβη, τήνδʼ ἔτλης ἀμήχανον; + +Πολυμήστωρ +ὤμοι, τί λέξεις; ἦ γὰρ ἐγγύς ἐστί που; +σήμηνον, εἰπὲ ποῦ ʼσθʼ, ἵνʼ ἁρπάσας χεροῖν +διασπάσωμαι καὶ καθαιμάξω χρόα. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +οὗτος, τί πάσχεις; + +Πολυμήστωρ +πρὸς θεῶν σε λίσσομαι, +μέθες μʼ ἐφεῖναι τῇδε μαργῶσαν χέρα. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ἴσχʼ· ἐκβαλὼν δὲ καρδίας τὸ βάρβαρον +λέγʼ, ὡς ἀκούσας σοῦ τε τῆσδέ τʼ ἐν μέρει +κρίνω δικαίως ἀνθʼ ὅτου πάσχεις τάδε. + +Πολυμήστωρ +λέγοιμʼ ἄν. ἦν τις Πριαμιδῶν νεώτατος, +Πολύδωρος, Ἑκάβης παῖς, ὃν ἐκ Τροίας ἐμοὶ +πατὴρ δίδωσι Πρίαμος ἐν δόμοις τρέφειν, +ὕποπτος ὢν δὴ Τρωικῆς ἁλώσεως. +τοῦτον κατέκτεινʼ· ἀνθʼ ὅτου δʼ ἔκτεινά νιν, +ἄκουσον, ὡς εὖ καὶ σοφῇ προμηθίᾳ. +ἔδεισα μὴ σοὶ πολέμιος λειφθεὶς ὁ παῖς +Τροίαν ἀθροίσῃ καὶ ξυνοικίσῃ πάλιν, +γνόντες δʼ Ἀχαιοὶ ζῶντα Πριαμιδῶν τινα +Φρυγῶν ἐς αἶαν αὖθις ἄρειαν στόλον, +κἄπειτα Θρῄκης πεδία τρίβοιεν τάδε +λεηλατοῦντες, γείτοσιν δʼ εἴη κακὸν +Τρώων, ἐν ᾧπερ νῦν, ἄναξ, ἐκάμνομεν. + +Ἑκάβη δὲ παιδὸς γνοῦσα θανάσιμον μόρον +λόγῳ με τοιῷδʼ ἤγαγʼ, ὡς κεκρυμμένας +θήκας φράσουσα Πριαμιδῶν ἐν Ἰλίῳ +χρυσοῦ· μόνον δὲ σὺν τέκνοισί μʼ εἰσάγει +δόμους, ἵνʼ ἄλλος μή τις εἰδείη τάδε. +ἵζω δὲ κλίνης ἐν μέσῳ κάμψας γόνυ· +πολλαὶ δὲ χεῖρες, αἳ μὲν ἐξ ἀριστερᾶς, +αἳ δʼ ἔνθεν, ὡς δὴ παρὰ φίλῳ, Τρώων κόραι +θάκους ἔχουσαι, κερκίδʼ Ἠδωνῆς χερὸς +ᾔνουν, ὑπʼ αὐγὰς τούσδε λεύσσουσαι πέπλους· +ἄλλαι δὲ κάμακα Θρῃκίαν θεώμεναι +γυμνόν μʼ ἔθηκαν διπτύχου στολίσματος. +ὅσαι δὲ τοκάδες ἦσαν, ἐκπαγλούμεναι +τέκνʼ ἐν χεροῖν ἔπαλλον, ὡς πρόσω πατρὸς +γένοιντο, διαδοχαῖς ἀμείβουσαι χερῶν· +κᾆτʼ ἐκ γαληνῶν — πῶς δοκεῖς; — προσφθεγμάτων +εὐθὺς λαβοῦσαι φάσγανʼ ἐκ πέπλων ποθὲν +κεντοῦσι παῖδας, αἳ δὲ πολεμίων δίκην +ξυναρπάσασαι τὰς ἐμὰς εἶχον χέρας +καὶ κῶλα· παισὶ δʼ ἀρκέσαι χρῄζων ἐμοῖς, +εἰ μὲν πρόσωπον ἐξανισταίην ἐμόν, +κόμης κατεῖχον, εἰ δὲ κινοίην χέρας, +πλήθει γυναικῶν οὐδὲν ἤνυον τάλας. +τὸ λοίσθιον δέ, πῆμα πήματος πλέον, +ἐξειργάσαντο δείνʼ· ἐμῶν γὰρ ὀμμάτων, +πόρπας λαβοῦσαι, τὰς ταλαιπώρους κόρας +κεντοῦσιν, αἱμάσσουσιν· εἶτʼ ἀνὰ στέγας +φυγάδες ἔβησαν· ἐκ δὲ πηδήσας ἐγὼ +θὴρ ὣς διώκω τὰς μιαιφόνους κύνας, +ἅπαντʼ ἐρευνῶν τοῖχον ὡς κυνηγέτης +βάλλων ἀράσσων. τοιάδε σπεύδων χάριν +πέπονθα τὴν σὴν πολέμιόν τε σὸν κτανών, +Ἀγάμεμνον. ὡς δὲ μὴ μακροὺς τείνω λόγους, +εἴ τις γυναῖκας τῶν πρὶν εἴρηκεν κακῶς +ἢ νῦν λέγων ἔστιν τις ἢ μέλλει λέγειν, +ἅπαντα ταῦτα συντεμὼν ἐγὼ φράσω· +γένος γὰρ οὔτε πόντος οὔτε γῆ τρέφει +τοιόνδʼ· ὁ δʼ αἰεὶ ξυντυχὼν ἐπίσταται. + +Χορός +μηδὲν θρασύνου μηδὲ τοῖς σαυτοῦ κακοῖς +τὸ θῆλυ συνθεὶς ὧδε πᾶν μέμψῃ γένος. +πολλαὶ γὰρ ἡμῶν, αἳ μέν εἰσʼ ἐπίφθονοι, +αἳ δʼ εἰς ἀριθμὸν τῶν κακῶν πεφύκαμεν. + + + +Ἑκάβη +Ἀγάμεμνον, ἀνθρώποισιν οὐκ ἐχρῆν ποτε +τῶν πραγμάτων τὴν γλῶσσαν ἰσχύειν πλέον· +ἀλλʼ, εἴτε χρήστʼ ἔδρασε, χρήστʼ ἔδει λέγειν, +εἴτʼ αὖ πονηρά, τοὺς λόγους εἶναι σαθρούς, +καὶ μὴ δύνασθαι τἄδικʼ εὖ λέγειν ποτέ. +σοφοὶ μὲν οὖν εἰσʼ οἱ τάδʼ ἠκριβωκότες, +ἀλλʼ οὐ δύνανται διὰ τέλους εἶναι σοφοί, +κακῶς δʼ ἀπώλοντʼ· οὔτις ἐξήλυξέ πω. +καί μοι τὸ μὲν σὸν ὧδε φροιμίοις ἔχει· +πρὸς τόνδε δʼ εἶμι καὶ λόγοις ἀμείψομαι· +ὃς φῂς Ἀχαιῶν πόνον ἀπαλλάσσων διπλοῦν +Ἀγαμέμνονός θʼ ἕκατι παῖδʼ ἐμὸν κτανεῖν. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ κάκιστε, πρῶτον οὔποτʼ ἂν φίλον +τὸ βάρβαρον γένοιτʼ ἂν Ἕλλησιν γένος +οὐδʼ ἂν δύναιτο. τίνα δὲ καὶ σπεύδων χάριν +πρόθυμος ἦσθα; πότερα κηδεύσων τινὰ +ἢ συγγενὴς ὤν, ἢ τίνʼ αἰτίαν ἔχων; +ἢ σῆς ἔμελλον γῆς τεμεῖν βλαστήματα +πλεύσαντες αὖθις; τίνα δοκεῖς πείσειν τάδε; +ὁ χρυσός, εἰ βούλοιο τἀληθῆ λέγειν, +ἔκτεινε τὸν ἐμὸν παῖδα, καὶ κέρδη τὰ σά. +ἐπεὶ δίδαξον τοῦτο· πῶς, ὅτʼ εὐτύχει +Τροία, πέριξ δὲ πύργος εἶχʼ ἔτι πτόλιν, +ἔζη τε Πρίαμος Ἕκτορός τʼ ἤνθει δόρυ, +τί δʼ οὐ τότʼ, εἴπερ τῷδʼ ἐβουλήθης χάριν +θέσθαι, τρέφων τὸν παῖδα κἀν δόμοις ἔχων +ἔκτεινας ἢ ζῶντʼ ἦλθες Ἀργείοις ἄγων; +ἀλλʼ ἡνίχʼ ἡμεῖς οὐκέτʼ ἐσμὲν ἐν φάει — +καπνῷ δʼ ἐσήμηνʼ ἄστυ — πολεμίων ὕπο, +ξένον κατέκτας σὴν μολόντʼ ἐφʼ ἑστίαν. + +πρὸς τοῖσδε νῦν ἄκουσον, ὡς φανῇς κακός. +χρῆν σʼ, εἴπερ ἦσθα τοῖς Ἀχαιοῖσιν φίλος, +τὸν χρυσὸν ὃν φῂς οὐ σὸν ἀλλὰ τοῦδʼ ἔχειν +δοῦναι φέροντα πενομένοις τε καὶ χρόνον +πολὺν πατρῴας γῆς ἀπεξενωμένοις· +σὺ δʼ οὐδὲ νῦν πω σῆς ἀπαλλάξαι χερὸς +τολμᾷς, ἔχων δὲ καρτερεῖς ἔτʼ ἐν δόμοις. +καὶ μὴν τρέφων μὲν ὥς σε παῖδʼ ἐχρῆν τρέφειν +σώσας τε τὸν ἐμόν, εἶχες ἂν καλὸν κλέος· +ἐν τοῖς κακοῖς γὰρ ἁγαθοὶ σαφέστατοι +φίλοι· τὰ χρηστὰ δʼ αὔθʼ ἕκαστʼ ἔχει φίλους. +εἰ δʼ ἐσπάνιζες χρημάτων, ὃ δʼ εὐτύχει, +θησαυρὸς ἄν σοι παῖς ὑπῆρχʼ οὑμὸς μέγας· +νῦν δʼ οὔτʼ ἐκεῖνον ἄνδρʼ ἔχεις σαυτῷ φίλον, +χρυσοῦ τʼ ὄνησις οἴχεται παῖδές τε σοί, +αὐτός τε πράσσεις ὧδε. σοὶ δʼ ἐγὼ λέγω, +Ἀγάμεμνον, εἰ τῷδʼ ἀρκέσεις, κακὸς φανῇ· +οὔτʼ εὐσεβῆ γὰρ οὔτε πιστὸν οἷς ἐχρῆν, +οὐχ ὅσιον, οὐ δίκαιον εὖ δράσεις ξένον· +αὐτὸν δὲ χαίρειν τοῖς κακοῖς σὲ φήσομεν +τοιοῦτον ὄντα δεσπότας δʼ οὐ λοιδορῶ. + +Χορός +φεῦ φεῦ· βροτοῖσιν ὡς τὰ χρηστὰ πράγματα +χρηστῶν ἀφορμὰς ἐνδίδωσʼ ἀεὶ λόγων. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +ἀχθεινὰ μέν μοι τἀλλότρια κρίνειν κακά, +ὅμως δʼ ἀνάγκη· καὶ γὰρ αἰσχύνην φέρει, +πρᾶγμʼ ἐς χέρας λαβόντʼ ἀπώσασθαι τόδε. +ἐμοὶ δʼ, ἵνʼ εἰδῇς, οὔτʼ ἐμὴν δοκεῖς χάριν +οὔτʼ οὖν Ἀχαιῶν ἄνδρʼ ἀποκτεῖναι ξένον, +ἀλλʼ ὡς ἔχῃς τὸν χρυσὸν ἐν δόμοισι σοῖς. +λέγεις δὲ σαυτῷ πρόσφορʼ ἐν κακοῖσιν ὤν. +τάχʼ οὖν παρʼ ὑμῖν ῥᾴδιον ξενοκτονεῖν· +ἡμῖν δέ γʼ αἰσχρὸν τοῖσιν Ἕλλησιν τόδε. +πῶς οὖν σε κρίνας μὴ ἀδικεῖν φύγω ψόγον; +οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην. ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ τὰ μὴ καλὰ +πράσσειν ἐτόλμας, τλῆθι καὶ τὰ μὴ φίλα. + + + +Πολυμήστωρ +οἴμοι, γυναικός, ὡς ἔοιχʼ, ἡσσώμενος +δούλης ὑφέξω τοῖς κακίοσιν δίκην. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +οὔκουν δικαίως, εἴπερ εἰργάσω κακά; + +Πολυμήστωρ +οἴμοι τέκνων τῶνδʼ ὀμμάτων τʼ ἐμῶν, τάλας. + +Ἑκάβη +ἀλγεῖς· τί δʼ; ἦ ʼμὲ παιδὸς οὐκ ἀλγεῖν δοκεῖς; + +Πολυμήστωρ +χαίρεις ὑβρίζουσʼ εἰς ἔμʼ, ὦ πανοῦργε σύ; + +Ἑκάβη +οὐ γάρ με χαίρειν χρή σε τιμωρουμένην; + +Πολυμήστωρ +ἀλλʼ οὐ τάχʼ, ἡνίκʼ ἄν σε ποντία νοτὶς — + +Ἑκάβη +μῶν ναυστολήσῃ γῆς ὅρους Ἑλληνίδος; + +Πολυμήστωρ +κρύψῃ μὲν οὖν πεσοῦσαν ἐκ καρχησίων. + +Ἑκάβη +πρὸς τοῦ βιαίων τυγχάνουσαν ἁλμάτων; + +Πολυμήστωρ +αὐτὴ πρὸς ἱστὸν ναὸς ἀμβήσῃ ποδί. + +Ἑκάβη +ὑποπτέροις νώτοισιν ἢ ποίῳ τρόπῳ; + +Πολυμήστωρ +κύων γενήσῃ πύρσʼ ἔχουσα δέργματα. + +Ἑκάβη +πῶς δʼ οἶσθα μορφῆς τῆς ἐμῆς μετάστασιν; + +Πολυμήστωρ +ὁ Θρῃξὶ μάντις εἶπε Διόνυσος τάδε. + +Ἑκάβη +σοὶ δʼ οὐκ ἔχρησεν οὐδὲν ὧν ἔχεις κακῶν; + +Πολυμήστωρ +οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ἂν σύ μʼ εἷλες ὧδε σὺν δόλῳ. + +Ἑκάβη +θανοῦσα δʼ ἢ ζῶσʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἐκπλήσω βίον; + +Πολυμήστωρ +θανοῦσα· τύμβῳ δʼ ὄνομα σῷ κεκλήσεται — + +Ἑκάβη +μορφῆς ἐπῳδόν, ἢ τί, τῆς ἐμῆς ἐρεῖς; + +Πολυμήστωρ +κυνὸς ταλαίνης σῆμα, ναυτίλοις τέκμαρ. + +Ἑκάβη +οὐδὲν μέλει μοι σοῦ γέ μοι δόντος δίκην. + +Πολυμήστωρ +καὶ σήν γʼ ἀνάγκη παῖδα Κασάνδραν θανεῖν. + +Ἑκάβη +ἀπέπτυσʼ· αὐτῷ ταῦτα σοὶ δίδωμʼ ἔχειν. + +Πολυμήστωρ +κτενεῖ νιν ἡ τοῦδʼ ἄλοχος, οἰκουρὸς πικρά. + +Ἑκάβη +μήπω μανείη Τυνδαρὶς τοσόνδε παῖς. + +Πολυμήστωρ +καὐτόν γε τοῦτον, πέλεκυν ἐξάρασʼ ἄνω. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +οὗτος σύ, μαίνῃ καὶ κακῶν ἐρᾷς τυχεῖν; + +Πολυμήστωρ +κτεῖνʼ, ὡς ἐν Ἄργει φόνια λουτρά σʼ ἀμμένει. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +οὐχ ἕλξετʼ αὐτόν, δμῶες, ἐκποδὼν βίᾳ; + +Πολυμήστωρ +ἀλγεῖς ἀκούων; + +Ἀγαμέμνων +οὐκ ἐφέξετε στόμα; + +Πολυμήστωρ +ἐγκλῄετʼ· εἴρηται γάρ. + +Ἀγαμέμνων +οὐχ ὅσον τάχος +νήσων ἐρήμων αὐτὸν ἐκβαλεῖτέ που, +ἐπείπερ οὕτω καὶ λίαν θρασυστομεῖ; +Ἑκάβη, σὺ δʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, διπτύχους νεκροὺς +στείχουσα θάπτε· δεσποτῶν δʼ ὑμᾶς χρεὼν +σκηναῖς πελάζειν, Τρῳάδες· καὶ γὰρ πνοὰς +πρὸς οἶκον ἤδη τάσδε πομπίμους ὁρῶ. +εὖ δʼ ἐς πάτραν πλεύσαιμεν, εὖ δὲ τἀν δόμοις +ἔχοντʼ ἴδοιμεν τῶνδʼ ἀφειμένοι πόνων.
+ + + +
+Χορός +ἴτε πρὸς λιμένας σκηνάς τε, φίλαι, +τῶν δεσποσύνων πειρασόμεναι +μόχθων· στερρὰ γὰρ ἀνάγκη.
+
+ +
+
\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg008/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg008/__cts__.xml index bbec1b70a..56a737515 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg008/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg008/__cts__.xml @@ -5,9 +5,9 @@ The Suppliant Maidens Supplices - + Ἱκέτιδες - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg008/tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-grc1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg008/tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-grc1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 28fbbcf06..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg008/tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-grc1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14 +0,0 @@ -{ - "epidoc_compliant": false, - "fully_unicode": true, - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "has_cts_metadata": false, - "has_cts_refsDecl": false, - "id": "1999.01.0121", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/sdl/Euripides/eur.supp_murray_gk.xml", - "status": "migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg008/tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-grc1.xml", - "valid_xml": true -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg008/tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-grc1.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg008/tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-grc1.xml deleted file mode 100644 index a1da78457..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg008/tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-grc1.xml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2352 +0,0 @@ - - - - -Suppliants -Machine readable text -Euripides -Gilbert Murray -Perseus Project, Tufts University -Gregory Crane - -Prepared under the supervision of -Lisa Cerrato -William Merrill -Elli Mylonas -David Smith - -The Annenberg CPB/Project - -About 100Kb - -Trustees of Tufts University -Medford, MA -Perseus Project - 1996 - - - - -Euripides -Euripidis Fabulae, vol 2. - 257234643 -Gilbert Murray - -Oxford -Clarendon Press, Oxford -1913 - - - - - - - - - - - - -Greek - - - - -1988 - -Judith Nelson -tagging - -Basic SGML tagging - - -6/95 - -Lisa Cerrato -ed. - -Added speaker tags where needed. - - -10/98 - -Bill Merrill -ed. - -Fixed cardbreaks at 79, 87, 334, 369, 373, 1031, 1139; added line nos. 78b, 86b, 368b, 372b, 1030b, 1135b. - - -14-Jan-00 - -Anne Mahoney -Markup - - -$Log: eur.supp_murray_gk.xml,v $ -Revision 1.1 2013-09-13 11:17:32 balmas01 -moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory - -Revision 1.5 2013-06-13 12:41:24 gcrane -tagging now should be compatible with CTS - -Revision 1.4 2012-02-14 18:12:30 ajones06 -Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. - -Revision 1.3 2011-09-07 13:57:47 rsingh04 adding rend=displayNum to lb tags - -Revision 1.2 2011-01-13 03:38:26 gcrane more refinements making these files SDL compatible - -Revision 1.1 2010-12-25 19:01:42 gcrane our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones -- - -Revision 1.2 2010/06/25 13:26:22 gcrane errors with proper names fixed - -Revision 1.1 2009/11/23 18:46:34 rsingh04 moved more xml files around based on copyright status - -Revision 1.2 2005/08/01 21:15:28 packel removed stray item tags - -Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 14:35:00 packel -Converted to XML - -Revision 1.11 2004/04/21 20:27:28 mimno added card 1s - -Revision 1.10 2003/09/09 18:02:09 amahoney put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff - -Revision 1.9 2003/07/01 22:16:12 yorkc -Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) - -Revision 1.8 2000/03/04 20:34:35 dasmith -Added separate funder entity to TEI header. - -Revision 1.7 2000/02/17 15:51:40 amahoney use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp - -Revision 1.6 2000/01/14 21:41:40 amahoney bring up to P3 - - - - - - - - - - -Αἴθρα -Δήμητερ ἑστιοῦχʼ Ἐλευσῖνος χθονὸς -τῆσδʼ, οἵ τε ναοὺς ἔχετε πρόσπολοι θεᾶς, -εὐδαιμονεῖν με Θησέα τε παῖδʼ ἐμὸν -πόλιν τʼ Ἀθηνῶν τήν τε Πιτθέως χθόνα, -ἐν ᾗ με θρέψας ὀλβίοις ἐν δώμασιν -Αἴθραν πατὴρ δίδωσι τῷ Πανδίονος -Αἰγεῖ δάμαρτα, Λοξίου μαντεύμασιν. -ἐς τάσδε γὰρ βλέψασʼ ἐπηυξάμην τάδε -γραῦς, αἳ λιποῦσαι δώματʼ Ἀργείας χθονὸς -ἱκτῆρι θαλλῷ προσπίτνουσʼ ἐμὸν γόνυ, -πάθος παθοῦσαι δεινόν· ἀμφὶ γὰρ πύλας -Κάδμου θανόντων ἑπτὰ γενναίων τέκνων -ἄπαιδές εἰσιν, οὕς ποτʼ Ἀργείων ἄναξ -Ἄδραστος ἤγαγʼ, Οἰδίπου παγκληρίας -μέρος κατασχεῖν φυγάδι Πολυνείκει θέλων -γαμβρῷ. νεκροὺς δὲ τοὺς ὀλωλότας δορὶ -θάψαι θελουσῶν τῶνδε μητέρων χθονὶ -εἴργουσιν οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐδʼ ἀναίρεσιν -δοῦναι θέλουσι, νόμιμʼ ἀτίζοντες θεῶν. -κοινὸν δὲ φόρτον ταῖσδʼ ἔχων χρείας ἐμῆς -Ἄδραστος ὄμμα δάκρυσιν τέγγων ὅδε -κεῖται, τό τʼ ἔγχος τήν τε δυστυχεστάτην -στένων στρατείαν ἣν ἔπεμψεν ἐκ δόμων· -ὅς μʼ ἐξοτρύνει παῖδʼ ἐμὸν πεῖσαι λιταῖς -νεκρῶν κομιστὴν ἢ λόγοισιν ἢ δορὸς -ῥώμῃ γενέσθαι καὶ τάφου μεταίτιον, -μόνον τόδʼ ἔργον προστιθεὶς ἐμῷ τέκνῳ -πόλει τʼ Ἀθηνῶν. τυγχάνω δʼ ὑπὲρ χθονὸς -ἀρότου προθύουσʼ, ἐκ δόμων ἐλθοῦσʼ ἐμῶν -πρὸς τόνδε σηκόν, ἔνθα πρῶτα φαίνεται -φρίξας ὑπὲρ γῆς τῆσδε κάρπιμος στάχυς. -δεσμὸν δʼ ἄδεσμον τόνδʼ ἔχουσα φυλλάδος -μένω πρὸς ἁγναῖς ἐσχάραις δυοῖν θεαῖν -Κόρης τε καὶ Δήμητρος, οἰκτίρουσα μὲν -πολιὰς ἄπαιδας τάσδε μητέρας τέκνων, -σέβουσα δʼ ἱερὰ στέμματʼ. οἴχεται δέ μοι -κῆρυξ πρὸς ἄστυ δεῦρο Θησέα καλῶν, -ὡς ἢ τὸ τούτων λυπρὸν ἐξέλῃ χθονός, -ἢ τάσδʼ ἀνάγκας ἱκεσίους λύσῃ, θεοὺς -ὅσιόν τι δράσας· πάντα γὰρ διʼ ἀρσένων -γυναιξὶ πράσσειν εἰκός, αἵτινες σοφαί. - - - - - - -Χορός -ἱκετεύω σε, γεραιά, -γεραιῶν ἐκ στομάτων, πρὸς -γόνυ πίπτουσα τὸ σόν· -ἄνομοι — τέκνα λῦσαι. — φθιμένων -νεκύων οἳ καταλείπουσι μέλη -θανάτῳ λυσιμελεῖ θηρσὶν ὀρείοισι βοράν· - - - - - -Χορός -ἐσιδοῦσʼ οἰκτρὰ μὲν ὄσσων -δάκρυʼ ἀμφὶ βλεφάροις, ῥυ- -σὰ δὲ σαρκῶν πολιᾶν -καταδρύμματα χειρῶν· τί γάρ; ἃ -φθιμένους παῖδας ἐμοὺς οὔτε δόμοις -προθέμαν οὔτε τάφων χώματα γαίας ἐσορῶ. - - - - - -Χορός -ἔτεκες καὶ σύ ποτʼ, ὦ πότνια, κοῦρον -φίλα ποιησαμένα λέ- -κτρα πόσει σῷ· μετά νυν -δὸς ἐμοὶ σᾶς διανοίας, -μετάδος δʼ, ὅσσον ἐπαλγῶ μελέα ʼγʼὼ - -φθιμένων οὓς ἔτεκον· -παράπεισον δὲ σόν, ὤ, λισσόμεθʼ, ἐλθεῖν -τέκνον Ἰσμηνὸν ἐμάν τʼ ἐς χέρα θεῖναι -νεκύων θαλερᾷ σώματʼ ἀλαίνοντʼ ἄταφα. - - - - - -Χορός -ὁσίως οὔχ, ὑπʼ ἀνάγκας δὲ προπίπτου- -σα προσαιτοῦσʼ ἔμολον δε- -ξιπύρους θεῶν θυμέλας· -ἔχομεν δʼ ἔνδικα, καὶ σοί -τι πάρεστι σθένος ὥστʼ εὐτεκνίᾳ δυσ- -τυχίαν τὰν παρʼ ἐμοὶ -καθελεῖν· οἰκτρὰ δὲ πάσχουσʼ ἱκετεύω -σὸν ἐμοὶ παῖδα ταλαίνᾳ ʼν χερὶ θεῖναι -νέκυν, ἀμφιβαλεῖν λυγρὰ μέλη παιδὸς ἐμοῦ. - - - - - -Χορός -ἀγὼν ὅδʼ ἄλλος ἔρχεται γόων γόων -διάδοχος, ἀχοῦσι προσπόλων χέρες. -ἴτʼ ὦ ξυνῳδοὶ κτύποι, -ἴτʼ ὦ ξυναλγηδόνες, -χορὸν τὸν Ἅιδας σέβει, -διὰ παρῇδος ὄνυχα λευκὸν -αἱματοῦτε χρῶτά τε φόνιον· -τὰ γὰρ φθιτῶν -τοῖς ὁρῶσι κόσμος. - - - - - -Χορός -ἄπληστος ἅδε μʼ ἐξάγει χάρις γόων -πολύπονος, ὡς ἐξ ἀλιβάτου πέτρας -ὑγρὰ ῥέουσα σταγὼν -ἄπαυστος αἰεί· γόων, -τὸ γὰρ θανόντων τέκνων -ἐπιπονόν τι κατὰ γυναῖκας -ἐς γόους πέφυκε πάθος. ἒ ἔ. -θανοῦσα τῶνδʼ -ἀλγέων λαθοίμαν. - - - - - - -Θησεύς -τίνων γόων ἤκουσα καὶ στέρνων κτύπον -νεκρῶν τε θρήνους, τῶνδʼ ἀνακτόρων ἄπο -ἠχοῦς ἰούσης; ὡς φόβος μʼ ἀναπτεροῖ -μή μοί τι μήτηρ, ἣν μεταστείχω ποδί, -χρονίαν ἀποῦσαν ἐκ δόμων ἔχῃ νέον. -ἔα· -τί χρῆμα; καινὰς ἐσβολὰς ὁρῶ λόγων· -μητέρα γεραιὰν βωμίαν ἐφημένην -ξένους θʼ ὁμοῦ γυναῖκας, οὐχ ἕνα ῥυθμὸν -κακῶν ἐχούσας· ἔκ τε γὰρ γερασμίων -ὄσσων ἐλαύνουσʼ οἰκτρὸν ἐς γαῖαν δάκρυ, -κουραί τε καὶ πεπλώματʼ οὐ θεωρικά. -τί ταῦτα, μῆτερ; σὸν τὸ μηνύειν ἐμοί, -ἡμῶν δʼ ἀκούειν· προσδοκῶ τι γὰρ νέον. - - -Αἴθρα -ὦ παῖ, γυναῖκες αἵδε μητέρες τέκνων -τῶν κατθανόντων ἀμφὶ Καδμείας πύλας -ἑπτὰ στρατηγῶν· ἱκεσίοις δὲ σὺν κλάδοις -φρουροῦσί μʼ, ὡς δέδορκας, ἐν κύκλῳ, τέκνον. - - -Θησεύς -τίς δʼ ὁ στενάζων οἰκτρὸν ἐν πύλαις ὅδε; - - -Αἴθρα -Ἄδραστος, ὡς λέγουσιν, Ἀργείων ἄναξ. - - -Θησεύς -οἱ δʼ ἀμφὶ τόνδε παῖδες; ἦ τούτων τέκνα; - - -Αἴθρα -οὔκ, ἀλλὰ νεκρῶν τῶν ὀλωλότων κόροι. - - -Θησεύς -τί γὰρ πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἦλθον ἱκεσίᾳ χερί; - - -Αἴθρα -οἶδʼ· ἀλλὰ τῶνδε μῦθος οὑντεῦθεν, τέκνον. - - -Θησεύς -σὲ τὸν κατήρη χλανιδίοις ἀνιστορῶ. -λέγʼ ἐκκαλύψας κρᾶτα καὶ πάρες γόον· -πέρας γὰρ οὐδὲν μὴ διὰ γλώσσης ἰόν. - - - -Ἄδραστος -ὦ καλλίνικε γῆς Ἀθηναίων ἄναξ, -Θησεῦ, σὸς ἱκέτης καὶ πόλεως ἥκω σέθεν. - - -Θησεύς -τί χρῆμα θηρῶν καὶ τίνος χρείαν ἔχων; - - -Ἄδραστος -οἶσθʼ ἣν στρατείαν ἐστράτευσʼ ὀλεθρίαν. - - -Θησεύς -οὐ γάρ τι σιγῇ διεπέρασας Ἑλλάδα. - - -Ἄδραστος -ἐνταῦθʼ ἀπώλεσʼ ἄνδρας Ἀργείων ἄκρους. - - -Θησεύς -τοιαῦθʼ ὁ τλήμων πόλεμος ἐξεργάζεται. - - -Ἄδραστος -τούτους θανόντας ἦλθον ἐξαιτῶν πόλιν. - - -Θησεύς -κήρυξιν Ἑρμοῦ πίσυνος, ὡς θάψῃς νεκρούς; - - -Ἄδραστος -κἄπειτά γʼ οἱ κτανόντες οὐκ ἐῶσί με. - - -Θησεύς -τί γὰρ λέγουσιν, ὅσια χρῄζοντος σέθεν; - - -Ἄδραστος -τί δʼ; εὐτυχοῦντες οὐκ ἐπίστανται φέρειν. - - -Θησεύς -ξύμβουλον οὖν μʼ ἐπῆλθες; ἢ τίνος χάριν; - - -Ἄδραστος -κομίσαι σε, Θησεῦ, παῖδας Ἀργείων θέλων. - - -Θησεύς -τὸ δʼ Ἄργος ἡμῖν ποῦ ʼστιν; ἢ κόμποι μάτην; - - -Ἄδραστος -σφαλέντες οἰχόμεσθα. πρὸς σὲ δʼ ἥκομεν. - - -Θησεύς -ἰδίᾳ δοκῆσάν σοι τόδʼ ἢ πάσῃ πόλει; - - -Ἄδραστος -πάντες σʼ ἱκνοῦνται Δαναΐδαι θάψαι νεκρούς. - - -Θησεύς -ἐκ τοῦ δʼ ἐλαύνεις ἑπτὰ πρὸς Θήβας λόχους; - - -Ἄδραστος -δισσοῖσι γαμβροῖς τήνδε πορσύνων χάριν. - - -Θησεύς -τῷ δʼ ἐξέδωκας παῖδας Ἀργείων σέθεν; - - -Ἄδραστος -οὐκ ἐγγενῆ συνῆψα κηδείαν δόμοις. - - -Θησεύς -ἀλλὰ ξένοις ἔδωκας Ἀργείας κόρας; - - -Ἄδραστος -Τυδεῖ γε Πολυνείκει τε τῷ Θηβαιγενεῖ. - - -Θησεύς -τίνʼ εἰς ἔρωτα τῆσδε κηδείας μολών; - - -Ἄδραστος -Φοίβου μʼ ὑπῆλθε δυστόπαστʼ αἰνίγματα. - - -Θησεύς -τί δʼ εἶπʼ Ἀπόλλων παρθένοις κραίνων γάμον; - - -Ἄδραστος -κάπρῳ με δοῦναι καὶ λέοντι παῖδʼ ἐμώ. - - -Θησεύς -σὺ δʼ ἐξελίσσεις πῶς θεοῦ θεσπίσματα; - - -Ἄδραστος -ἐλθόντε φυγάδε νυκτὸς εἰς ἐμὰς πύλας — - - -Θησεύς -τίς καὶ τίς; εἰπέ· δύο γὰρ ἐξαυδᾷς ἅμα. - - -Ἄδραστος -Τυδεὺς μάχην ξυνῆψε Πολυνείκης θʼ ἅμα. - - -Θησεύς -ἦ τοῖσδʼ ἔδωκας θηρσὶν ὣς κόρας σέθεν; - - -Ἄδραστος -μάχην γε δισσοῖν κνωδάλοιν ἀπεικάσας. - - -Θησεύς -ἦλθον δὲ δὴ πῶς πατρίδος ἐκλιπόνθʼ ὅρους; - - -Ἄδραστος -Τυδεὺς μὲν αἷμα συγγενὲς φεύγων χθονός. - - -Θησεύς -ὁ δʼ Οἰδίπου τί, τίνι τρόπῳ Θήβας λιπών; - - -Ἄδραστος -ἀραῖς πατρῴαις, μὴ κασίγνητον κτάνοι. - - -Θησεύς -σοφήν γʼ ἔλεξας τήνδʼ ἑκούσιον φυγήν. - - -Ἄδραστος -ἀλλʼ οἱ μένοντες τοὺς ἀπόντας ἠδίκουν. - - -Θησεύς -οὔ πού σφʼ ἀδελφὸς χρημάτων νοσφίζεται; - - -Ἄδραστος -ταύτῃ δικάζων ἦλθον· εἶτʼ ἀπωλόμην. - - -Θησεύς -μάντεις δʼ ἐπῆλθες ἐμπύρων τʼ εἶδες φλόγα; - - -Ἄδραστος -οἴμοι; διώκεις μʼ ᾗ μάλιστʼ ἐγὼ ʼσφάλην. - - -Θησεύς -οὐκ ἦλθες, ὡς ἔοικεν, εὐνοίᾳ θεῶν. - - -Ἄδραστος -τὸ δὲ πλέον, ἦλθον Ἀμφιάρεώ γε πρὸς βίαν. - - -Θησεύς -οὕτω τὸ θεῖον ῥᾳδίως ἀπεστράφης; - - -Ἄδραστος -νέων γὰρ ἀνδρῶν θόρυβος ἐξέπλησσέ με. - - -Θησεύς -εὐψυχίαν ἔσπευσας ἀντʼ εὐβουλίας. - - - -Ἄδραστος -ὃ δή γε πολλοὺς ὤλεσε στρατηλάτας. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ καθʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἀλκιμώτατον κάρα, -ἄναξ Ἀθηνῶν, ἐν μὲν αἰσχύναις ἔχω -πίτνων πρὸς οὖδας γόνυ σὸν ἀμπίσχειν χερί, -πολιὸς ἀνὴρ τύραννος εὐδαίμων πάρος· -ὅμως δʼ ἀνάγκη συμφοραῖς εἴκειν ἐμαῖς. -σῶσον νεκρούς μοι, τἀμά τʼ οἰκτίρας κακὰ -καὶ τῶν θανόντων τάσδε μητέρας τέκνων, -αἷς γῆρας ἥκει πολιὸν εἰς ἀπαιδίαν, -ἐλθεῖν δʼ ἔτλησαν δεῦρο καὶ ξένον πόδα -θεῖναι μόλις γεραιὰ κινοῦσαι μέλη, -πρεσβεύματʼ οὐ Δήμητρος ἐς μυστήρια, -ἀλλʼ ὡς νεκροὺς θάψωσιν, ἃς αὐτὰς ἐχρῆν -κείνων ταφείσας χερσὶν ὡραίων τυχεῖν. -σοφὸν δὲ πενίαν τʼ εἰσορᾶν τὸν ὄλβιον, -πένητά τʼ εἰς τοὺς πλουσίους ἀποβλέπειν -ζηλοῦνθʼ, ἵνʼ αὐτὸν χρημάτων ἔρως ἔχῃ, -τά τʼ οἰκτρὰ τοὺς μὴ δυστυχεῖς δεδοικέναι. - - - -τόν θʼ ὑμνοποιὸν αὐτὸς ἃν τίκτῃ μέλη -χαίροντα τίκτειν· ἢν δὲ μὴ πάσχῃ τόδε, -οὔτοι δύναιτʼ ἂν οἴκοθέν γʼ ἀτώμενος -τέρπειν ἂν ἄλλους· οὐδὲ γὰρ δίκην ἔχει. -τάχʼ οὖν ἂν εἴποις· Πελοπίαν παρεὶς χθόνα -πῶς ταῖς Ἀθήναις τόνδε προστάσσεις πόνον; -ἐγὼ δίκαιός εἰμʼ ἀφηγεῖσθαι τάδε. -Σπάρτη μὲν ὠμὴ καὶ πεποίκιλται τρόπους, -τὰ δʼ ἄλλα μικρὰ κἀσθενῆ· πόλις δὲ σὴ -μόνη δύναιτʼ ἂν τόνδʼ ὑποστῆναι πόνον· -τά τʼ οἰκτρὰ γὰρ δέδορκε καὶ νεανίαν -ἔχει σὲ ποιμένʼ ἐσθλόν· οὗ χρείᾳ πόλεις -πολλαὶ διώλοντʼ, ἐνδεεῖς στρατηλάτου. - - -Χορός -κἀγὼ τὸν αὐτὸν τῷδέ σοι λόγον λέγω, -Θησεῦ, διʼ οἴκτου τὰς ἐμὰς λαβεῖν τύχας. - - - -Θησεύς -ἄλλοισι δὴ ʼπόνησʼ ἁμιλληθεὶς λόγῳ -τοιῷδʼ. ἔλεξε γάρ τις ὡς τὰ χείρονα -πλείω βροτοῖσίν ἐστι τῶν ἀμεινόνων· -ἐγὼ δὲ τούτοις ἀντίαν γνώμην ἔχω, -πλείω τὰ χρηστὰ τῶν κακῶν εἶναι βροτοῖς· -εἰ μὴ γὰρ ἦν τόδʼ, οὐκ ἂν ἦμεν ἐν φάει. -αἰνῶ δʼ ὃς ἡμῖν βίοτον ἐκ πεφυρμένου -καὶ θηριώδους θεῶν διεσταθμήσατο, -πρῶτον μὲν ἐνθεὶς σύνεσιν, εἶτα δʼ ἄγγελον -γλῶσσαν λόγων δούς, ὥστε γιγνώσκειν ὄπα, -τροφήν τε καρποῦ τῇ τροφῇ τʼ ἀπʼ οὐρανοῦ -σταγόνας ὑδρηλάς, ὡς τά γʼ ἐκ γαίας τρέφῃ -ἄρδῃ τε νηδύν· πρὸς δὲ τοῖσι χείματος -προβλήματʼ, αἶθρον ἐξαμύνασθαι θεοῦ, -πόντου τε ναυστολήμαθʼ, ὡς διαλλαγὰς -ἔχοιμεν ἀλλήλοισιν ὧν πένοιτο γῆ. -ἃ δʼ ἔστʼ ἄσημα κοὐ σαφῶς γιγνώσκομεν, -ἐς πῦρ βλέποντες καὶ κατὰ σπλάγχνων πτυχὰς -μάντεις προσημαίνουσιν οἰωνῶν τʼ ἄπο. -ἆρʼ οὐ τρυφῶμεν θεοῦ κατασκευὴν βίῳ -δόντος τοιαύτην, οἷσιν οὐκ ἀρκεῖ τάδε; -ἀλλʼ ἡ φρόνησις τοῦ θεοῦ μεῖζον σθένειν -ζητεῖ, τὸ γαῦρον δʼ ἐν φρεσὶν κεκτημένοι -δοκοῦμεν εἶναι δαιμόνων σοφώτεροι. - -ἧς καὶ σὺ φαίνῃ δεκάδος, οὐ σοφὸς γεγώς, -ὅστις κόρας μὲν θεσφάτοις Φοίβου ζυγεὶς -ξένοισιν ὧδʼ ἔδωκας ὡς ζώντων θεῶν, -λαμπρὸν δὲ θολερῷ δῶμα συμμείξας τὸ σὸν -ἥλκωσας οἴκους· χρῆν γὰρ οὐδὲ σώματα -ἄδικα δικαίοις τὸν σοφὸν συμμιγνύναι, -εὐδαιμονοῦντας δʼ ἐς δόμους κτᾶσθαι φίλους. -κοινὰς γὰρ ὁ θεὸς τὰς τύχας ἡγούμενος -τοῖς τοῦ νοσοῦντος πήμασιν διώλεσε -τὸν συννοσοῦντα κοὐδὲν ἠδικηκότα. -ἐς δὲ στρατείαν πάντας Ἀργείους ἄγων, -μάντεων λεγόντων θέσφατʼ, εἶτʼ ἀτιμάσας -βίᾳ παρελθὼν θεοὺς ἀπώλεσας πόλιν, -νέοις παραχθείς, οἵτινες τιμώμενοι -χαίρουσι πολέμους τʼ αὐξάνουσʼ ἄνευ δίκης, -φθείροντες ἀστούς, ὁ μὲν ὅπως στρατηλατῇ, -ὁ δʼ ὡς ὑβρίζῃ δύναμιν ἐς χεῖρας λαβών, -ἄλλος δὲ κέρδους οὕνεκʼ, οὐκ ἀποσκοπῶν -τὸ πλῆθος εἴ τι βλάπτεται πάσχον τάδε. -τρεῖς γὰρ πολιτῶν μερίδες· οἳ μὲν ὄλβιοι -ἀνωφελεῖς τε πλειόνων τʼ ἐρῶσʼ ἀεί· -οἳ δʼ οὐκ ἔχοντες καὶ σπανίζοντες βίου -δεινοί, νέμοντες τῷ φθόνῳ πλέον μέρος, -ἐς τοὺς ἔχοντας κέντρʼ ἀφιᾶσιν κακά, -γλώσσαις πονηρῶν προστατῶν φηλούμενοι· -τριῶν δὲ μοιρῶν ἡ ʼν μέσῳ σῴζει πόλεις, -κόσμον φυλάσσουσʼ ὅντινʼ ἂν τάξῃ πόλις. -κἄπειτʼ ἐγώ σοι σύμμαχος γενήσομαι; -τί πρὸς πολίτας τοὺς ἐμοὺς λέγων καλόν; -χαίρων ἴθʼ· εἰ γὰρ μὴ βεβούλευσαι καλῶς, -αὐτὸς πιέζειν τὴν τύχην, ἡμᾶς δʼ ἐᾶν. - - -Χορός -ἥμαρτεν· ἐν νέοισι δʼ ἀνθρώπων τόδε -ἔνεστι· συγγνώμην δὲ τῷδʼ ἔχειν χρεών. - -ἀλλʼ ὡς ἰατρὸν τῶνδʼ, ἄναξ, ἀφίγμεθα. - - - - -Ἄδραστος -οὔτοι δικαστήν σʼ εἱλόμην ἐμῶν κακῶν -οὐδʼ, εἴ τι πράξας μὴ καλῶς εὑρίσκομαι, -τούτων κολαστὴν κἀπιτιμητήν, ἄναξ, -ἀλλʼ ὡς ὀναίμην. εἰ δὲ μὴ βούλῃ τάδε, -στέργειν ἀνάγκη τοῖσι σοῖς· τί γὰρ πάθω; -ἄγʼ, ὦ γεραιαί, στείχετε, γλαυκὴν χλόην -αὐτοῦ λιποῦσαι, φυλλάδος καταστροφῇ -θεούς τε καὶ γῆν τήν τε πυρφόρον θεὰν -Δήμητρα θέμεναι μάρτυρʼ ἡλίου τε φῶς, -ὡς οὐδὲν ἡμῖν ἤρκεσαν λιταὶ θεῶν. - - -Χορός - - - - -ὃς Πέλοπος ἦν παῖς, Πελοπίας δʼ ἡμεῖς χθονὸς -ταὐτὸν πατρῷον αἷμα σοὶ κεκτήμεθα. -τί δρᾷς; προδώσεις ταῦτα κἀκβαλεῖς χθονὸς -γραῦς οὐ τυχούσας οὐδὲν ὧν αὐτὰς ἐχρῆν; -μὴ δῆτʼ· ἔχει γὰρ καταφυγὴν θὴρ μὲν πέτραν, -δοῦλος δὲ βωμοὺς θεῶν, πόλις δὲ πρὸς πόλιν -ἔπτηξε χειμασθεῖσα· τῶν γὰρ ἐν βροτοῖς -οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν διὰ τέλους εὐδαιμονοῦν. - - - - -Χορός -βᾶθι, τάλαινʼ, ἱερῶν δαπέδων ἄπο Περσεφονείας, -βᾶθι καὶ ἀντίασον γονάτων ἔπι χεῖρα βαλοῦσα, -τέκνων τεθνεώτων κομίσαι δέμας, ὦ μελέα ʼγώ, -οὓς ὑπὸ τείχεσι Καδμείοισιν ἀπώλεσα κούρους. - -ἰώ μοι· λάβετε φέρετε πέμπετε κρίνετε ταλαίνας χέρας γεραιάς. - -πρός σε γενειάδος, ὦ φίλος, ὦ δοκιμώτατος Ἑλλάδι, -ἄντομαι ἀμφιπίτνουσα τὸ σὸν γόνυ καὶ χέρα δειλαία· -οἴκτισαι ἀμφὶ τέκνων μʼ †ἱκέταν ἤ τινʼ† ἀλάταν -οἰκτρὸν ἰήλεμον οἰκτρὸν ἱεῖσαν. -μηδʼ ἀτάφους, τέκνον, ἐν χθονὶ Κάδμου χάρματα θηρῶν -παῖδας ἐν ἁλικίᾳ τᾷ σᾷ κατίδῃς, ἱκετεύω. -βλέψον ἐμῶν βλεφάρων ἔπι δάκρυον, ἃ περὶ σοῖσι -γούνασιν ὧδε πίτνω τέκνοις τάφον ἐξανύσασθαι. - - - - - -Θησεύς -μῆτερ, τί κλαίεις λέπτʼ ἐπʼ ὀμμάτων φάρη -βαλοῦσα τῶν σῶν; ἆρα δυστήνους γόους -κλύουσα τῶνδε; κἀμὲ γὰρ διῆλθέ τι. -ἔπαιρε λευκὸν κρᾶτα, μὴ δακρυρρόει -σεμναῖσι Δηοῦς ἐσχάραις παρημένη. - - -Αἴθρα -αἰαῖ. - - -Θησεύς -τὰ τούτων οὐχὶ σοὶ στενακτέον. - - -Αἴθρα -ὦ τλήμονες γυναῖκες. - - -Θησεύς -οὐ σὺ τῶνδʼ ἔφυς. - - -Αἴθρα -εἴπω τι, τέκνον, σοί τε καὶ πόλει καλόν; - - -Θησεύς -ὡς πολλά γʼ ἐστὶ κἀπὸ θηλειῶν σοφά. - - -Αἴθρα -ἀλλʼ εἰς ὄκνον μοι μῦθος ὃν κεύθω φέρει. - - -Θησεύς -αἰσχρόν γʼ ἔλεξας, χρήστʼ ἔπη κρύπτειν φίλοις. - - -Αἴθρα -οὔτοι σιωπῶσʼ εἶτα μέμψομαί ποτε -τὴν νῦν σιωπὴν ὡς ἐσιγήθη κακῶς, -οὐδʼ ὡς ἀχρεῖον τὰς γυναῖκας εὖ λέγειν -δείσασʼ ἀφήσω τῷ φόβῳ τοὐμὸν καλόν. -ἐγὼ δέ σʼ, ὦ παῖ, πρῶτα μὲν τὰ τῶν θεῶν -σκοπεῖν κελεύω μὴ σφαλῇς ἀτιμάσας· -τἄλλʼ εὖ φρονῶν γάρ, ἐν μόνῳ τούτῳ ʼσφάλης. -πρὸς τοῖσδε δʼ, εἰ μὲν μὴ ἀδικουμένοις ἐχρῆν -τολμηρὸν εἶναι, κάρτʼ ἂν εἶχον ἡσύχως· -νῦν δʼ ἴσθι σοί τε τοῦθʼ ὅσην τιμὴν φέρει, -κἀμοὶ παραινεῖν οὐ φόβον φέρει, τέκνον, -ἄνδρας βιαίους καὶ κατείργοντας νεκροὺς -τάφου τε μοίρας καὶ κτερισμάτων λαχεῖν -ἐς τήνδʼ ἀνάγκην σῇ καταστῆσαι χερί, -νόμιμά τε πάσης συγχέοντας Ἑλλάδος -παῦσαι· τὸ γάρ τοι συνέχον ἀνθρώπων πόλεις -τοῦτʼ ἔσθʼ, ὅταν τις τοὺς νόμους σῴζῃ καλῶς. -ἐρεῖ δὲ δή τις ὡς ἀνανδρίᾳ χερῶν, -πόλει παρόν σοι στέφανον εὐκλείας λαβεῖν, -δείσας ἀπέστης, καὶ συὸς μὲν ἀγρίου -ἀγῶνος ἥψω φαῦλον ἀθλήσας πόνον, -οὗ δʼ ἐς κράνος βλέψαντα καὶ λόγχης ἀκμὴν -χρῆν ἐκπονῆσαι, δειλὸς ὢν ἐφηυρέθης. -μὴ δῆτʼ ἐμός γʼ ὤν, ὦ τέκνον, δράσῃς τάδε. -ὁρᾷς, ἄβουλος ὡς κεκερτομημένη -τοῖς κερτομοῦσι γοργὸν ὄμμʼ ἀναβλέπει -σὴ πατρίς; ἐν γὰρ τοῖς πόνοισιν αὔξεται· -αἱ δʼ ἥσυχοι σκοτεινὰ πράσσουσαι πόλεις -σκοτεινὰ καὶ βλέπουσιν εὐλαβούμεναι. -οὐκ εἶ νεκροῖσι καὶ γυναιξὶν ἀθλίαις -προσωφελήσων, ὦ τέκνον, κεχρημέναις; -ὡς οὔτε ταρβῶ σὺν δίκῃ σʼ ὁρμώμενον, -Κάδμου θʼ ὁρῶσα λαὸν εὖ πεπραγότα, -ἔτʼ αὐτὸν ἄλλα βλήματʼ ἐν κύβοις βαλεῖν -πέποιθʼ· ὁ γὰρ θεὸς πάντʼ ἀναστρέφει πάλιν. - - -Χορός -ὦ φιλτάτη μοι, τῷδέ τʼ εἴρηκας καλῶς -κἀμοί· διπλοῦν δὲ χάρμα γίγνεται τόδε. - - - -Θησεύς -ἐμοὶ λόγοι μέν, μῆτερ, οἱ λελεγμένοι -ὀρθῶς ἔχουσʼ ἐς τόνδε, κἀπεφηνάμην -γνώμην ὑφʼ οἵων ἐσφάλη βουλευμάτων· -ὁρῶ δὲ κἀγὼ ταῦθʼ ἅπερ με νουθετεῖς, -ὡς τοῖς ἐμοῖσιν οὐχὶ πρόσφορον τρόποις -φεύγειν τὰ δεινά. πολλὰ γὰρ δράσας καλὰ -ἔθος τόδʼ εἰς Ἕλληνας ἐξελεξάμην, -ἀεὶ κολαστὴς τῶν κακῶν καθεστάναι. -οὔκουν ἀπαυδᾶν δυνατόν ἐστί μοι πόνους. -τί γάρ μʼ ἐροῦσιν οἵ γε δυσμενεῖς βροτῶν, -ὅθʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα χὑπερορρωδοῦσʼ ἐμοῦ -πρώτη κελεύεις τόνδʼ ὑποστῆναι πόνον; -δράσω τάδʼ· εἶμι καὶ νεκροὺς ἐκλύσομαι -λόγοισι πείθων· εἰ δὲ μή, βίᾳ δορὸς -ἤδη τόδʼ ἔσται κοὐχὶ σὺν φθόνῳ θεῶν. -δόξαι δὲ χρῄζω καὶ πόλει πάσῃ τόδε. -δόξει δʼ ἐμοῦ θέλοντος· ἀλλὰ τοῦ λόγου -προσδοὺς ἔχοιμʼ ἂν δῆμον εὐμενέστερον. -καὶ γὰρ κατέστησʼ αὐτὸν ἐς μοναρχίαν -ἐλευθερώσας τήνδʼ ἰσόψηφον πόλιν. -λαβὼν δʼ Ἄδραστον δεῖγμα τῶν ἐμῶν λόγων -ἐς πλῆθος ἀστῶν εἶμι· καὶ πείσας τάδε, -λεκτοὺς ἀθροίσας δεῦρʼ Ἀθηναίων κόρους -ἥξω· παρʼ ὅπλοις θʼ ἥμενος πέμψω λόγους -Κρέοντι νεκρῶν σώματʼ ἐξαιτούμενος. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ γεραιαί, σέμνʼ ἀφαιρεῖτε στέφη -μητρός, πρὸς οἴκους ὥς νιν Αἰγέως ἄγω, -φίλην προσάψας χεῖρα· τοῖς τεκοῦσι γὰρ -δύστηνος ὅστις μὴ ἀντιδουλεύει τέκνων — -κάλλιστον ἔρανον· δοὺς γὰρ ἀντιλάζυται -παίδων παρʼ αὑτοῦ τοιάδʼ ἃν τοκεῦσι δῷ. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἱππόβοτον Ἄργος, ὦ πάτριον ἐμὸν πέδον, -ἐκλύετε τάδʼ, ἐκλύετε -ἄνακτος ὅσια περὶ θεοὺς -καὶ μεγάλα Πελασγίᾳ -καὶ κατʼ Ἄργος. - - - - - -Χορός -εἰ γὰρ ἐπὶ τέρμα καὶ τὸ πλέον ἐμῶν κακῶν -ἱκόμενος ἔτι ματέρος -ἄγαλμα φόνιον ἐξέλοι, -γᾶν δὲ φίλιον Ἰνάχου -θεῖτʼ ὀνήσας. - - - - - -Χορός -καλὸν δʼ ἄγαλμα πόλεσιν εὐσεβὴς πόνος -χάριν τʼ ἔχει τὰν ἐς αἰεί. -τί μοι πόλις κρανεῖ ποτʼ; ἆρα φίλιά μοι -τεμεῖ, καὶ τέκνοις ταφὰς ληψόμεσθα; - - - - - -Χορός -ἄμυνε ματρί, πόλις, ἄμυνε, Παλλάδος, -νόμους βροτῶν μὴ μιαίνειν. -σύ τοι σέβεις δίκαν, τὸ δʼ ἧσσον ἀδικίᾳ -νέμεις, δυστυχῆ τʼ ἀεὶ πάντα ῥύῃ. - - - - - - -Θησεύς -τέχνην μὲν αἰεὶ τήνδʼ ἔχων ὑπηρετεῖς -πόλει τε κἀμοί, διαφέρων κηρύγματα· -ἐλθὼν δʼ ὑπέρ τʼ Ἀσωπὸν Ἰσμηνοῦ θʼ ὕδωρ -σεμνῷ τυράννῳ φράζε Καδμείων τάδε· -Θησεύς σʼ ἀπαιτεῖ πρὸς χάριν θάψαι νεκρούς, -συγγείτονʼ οἰκῶν γαῖαν, ἀξιῶν τυχεῖν, -φίλον τε θέσθαι πάντʼ Ἐρεχθειδῶν λεών. -κἂν μὲν θέλωσιν, αἰνέσας παλίσσυτος -στεῖχʼ· ἢν δʼ ἀπιστῶσʼ, οἵδε δεύτεροι λόγοι· -Κῶμον δέχεσθαι τὸν ἐμὸν ἀσπιδηφόρον. -στρατὸς δὲ θάσσει κἀξετάζεται παρὼν -Καλλίχορον ἀμφὶ σεμνὸν εὐτρεπὴς ὅδε. -καὶ μὴν ἑκοῦσά γʼ ἀσμένη τʼ ἐδέξατο -πόλις πόνον τόνδʼ, ὡς θέλοντά μʼ ᾔσθετο. -ἔα· λόγων τίς ἐμποδὼν ὅδʼ ἔρχεται; -Καδμεῖος, ὡς ἔοικεν οὐ σάφʼ εἰδότι, -κῆρυξ. ἐπίσχες, ἤν σʼ ἀπαλλάξῃ πόνου -μολὼν ὕπαντα τοῖς ἐμοῖς βουλεύμασιν. - - - -Κῆρυξ -τίς γῆς τύραννος; πρὸς τίνʼ ἀγγεῖλαί με χρὴ -λόγους Κρέοντος, ὃς κρατεῖ Κάδμου χθονὸς -Ἐτεοκλέους θανόντος ἀμφʼ ἑπταστόμους -πύλας ἀδελφῇ χειρὶ Πολυνείκους ὕπο; - - -Θησεύς -πρῶτον μὲν ἤρξω τοῦ λόγου ψευδῶς, ξένε, -ζητῶν τύραννον ἐνθάδʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἄρχεται -ἑνὸς πρὸς ἀνδρός, ἀλλʼ ἐλευθέρα πόλις. -δῆμος δʼ ἀνάσσει διαδοχαῖσιν ἐν μέρει -ἐνιαυσίαισιν, οὐχὶ τῷ πλούτῳ διδοὺς -τὸ πλεῖστον, ἀλλὰ χὡ πένης ἔχων ἴσον. - - -Κῆρυξ -ἓν μὲν τόδʼ ἡμῖν ὥσπερ ἐν πεσσοῖς δίδως -κρεῖσσον· πόλις γὰρ ἧς ἐγὼ πάρειμʼ ἄπο -ἑνὸς πρὸς ἀνδρός, οὐκ ὄχλῳ κρατύνεται· -οὐδʼ ἔστιν αὐτὴν ὅστις ἐκχαυνῶν λόγοις -πρὸς κέρδος ἴδιον ἄλλοτʼ ἄλλοσε στρέφει, -τὸ δʼ αὐτίχʼ ἡδὺς καὶ διδοὺς πολλὴν χάριν, -ἐσαῦθις ἔβλαψʼ, εἶτα διαβολαῖς νέαις -κλέψας τὰ πρόσθε σφάλματʼ ἐξέδυ δίκης. -ἄλλως τε πῶς ἂν μὴ διορθεύων λόγους -ὀρθῶς δύναιτʼ ἂν δῆμος εὐθύνειν πόλιν; -ὁ γὰρ χρόνος μάθησιν ἀντὶ τοῦ τάχους -κρείσσω δίδωσι. γαπόνος δʼ ἀνὴρ πένης, -εἰ καὶ γένοιτο μὴ ἀμαθής, ἔργων ὕπο -οὐκ ἂν δύναιτο πρὸς τὰ κοίνʼ ἀποβλέπειν. -ἦ δὴ νοσῶδες τοῦτο τοῖς ἀμείνοσιν, -ὅταν πονηρὸς ἀξίωμʼ ἀνὴρ ἔχῃ -γλώσσῃ κατασχὼν δῆμον, οὐδὲν ὢν τὸ πρίν. - - - -Θησεύς -κομψός γʼ ὁ κῆρυξ καὶ παρεργάτης λόγων. -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀγῶνα καὶ σὺ τόνδʼ ἠγωνίσω, -ἄκουʼ· ἅμιλλαν γὰρ σὺ προύθηκας λόγων. -οὐδὲν τυράννου δυσμενέστερον πόλει, -ὅπου τὸ μὲν πρώτιστον οὐκ εἰσὶν νόμοι -κοινοί, κρατεῖ δʼ εἷς τὸν νόμον κεκτημένος -αὐτὸς παρʼ αὑτῷ· καὶ τόδʼ οὐκέτʼ ἔστʼ ἴσον. -γεγραμμένων δὲ τῶν νόμων ὅ τʼ ἀσθενὴς -ὁ πλούσιός τε τὴν δίκην ἴσην ἔχει, -ἔστιν δʼ ἐνισπεῖν τοῖσιν ἀσθενεστέροις -τὸν εὐτυχοῦντα ταὔθʼ, ὅταν κλύῃ κακῶς, -νικᾷ δʼ ὁ μείων τὸν μέγαν δίκαιʼ ἔχων. -τοὐλεύθερον δʼ ἐκεῖνο· Τίς θέλει πόλει -χρηστόν τι βούλευμʼ ἐς μέσον φέρειν ἔχων; -καὶ ταῦθʼ ὁ χρῄζων λαμπρός ἐσθʼ, ὁ μὴ θέλων -σιγᾷ. τί τούτων ἔστʼ ἰσαίτερον πόλει; -καὶ μὴν ὅπου γε δῆμος αὐθέντης χθονός, -ὑποῦσιν ἀστοῖς ἥδεται νεανίαις· -ἀνὴρ δὲ βασιλεὺς ἐχθρὸν ἡγεῖται τόδε, -καὶ τοὺς ἀρίστους οὕς τʼ ἂν ἡγῆται φρονεῖν -κτείνει, δεδοικὼς τῆς τυραννίδος πέρι. -πῶς οὖν ἔτʼ ἂν γένοιτʼ ἂν ἰσχυρὰ πόλις, -ὅταν τις ὡς λειμῶνος ἠρινοῦ στάχυν -τόλμας ἀφαιρῇ κἀπολωτίζῃ νέους; -κτᾶσθαι δὲ πλοῦτον καὶ βίον τί δεῖ τέκνοις -ὡς τῷ τυράννῳ πλείονʼ ἐκμοχθῇ βίον; -ἢ παρθενεύειν παῖδας ἐν δόμοις καλῶς, -τερπνὰς τυράννοις ἡδονάς, ὅταν θέλῃ, -δάκρυα δʼ ἑτοιμάζουσι; μὴ ζῴην ἔτι, -εἰ τἀμὰ τέκνα πρὸς βίαν νυμφεύσεται. -καὶ ταῦτα μὲν δὴ πρὸς τὰ σὰ ἐξηκόντισα. -ἥκεις δὲ δὴ τί τῆσδε γῆς κεχρημένος; -κλαίων γʼ ἂν ἦλθες, εἴ σε μὴ ʼ†πεμψεν πόλις, -περισσὰ φωνῶν· τὸν γὰρ ἄγγελον χρεὼν -λέξανθʼ ὅσʼ ἂν τάξῃ τις ὡς τάχος πάλιν -χωρεῖν. τὸ λοιπὸν δʼ εἰς ἐμὴν πόλιν Κρέων -ἧσσον λάλον σου πεμπέτω τινʼ ἄγγελον. - - -Χορός -φεῦ φεῦ· κακοῖσιν ὡς ὅταν δαίμων διδῷ -καλῶς, ὑβρίζουσʼ ὡς ἀεὶ πράξοντες εὖ. - - - -Κῆρυξ -λέγοιμʼ ἂν ἤδη. τῶν μὲν ἠγωνισμένων -σοὶ μὲν δοκείτω ταῦτʼ, ἐμοὶ δὲ τἀντία. -ἐγὼ δʼ ἀπαυδῶ πᾶς τε Καδμεῖος λεὼς -Ἄδραστον ἐς γῆν τήνδε μὴ παριέναι· -εἰ δʼ ἔστιν ἐν γῇ, πρὶν θεοῦ δῦναι σέλας, -λύσαντα σεμνὰ στεμμάτων μυστήρια -τῆσδʼ ἐξελαύνειν, μηδʼ ἀναιρεῖσθαι νεκροὺς -βίᾳ, προσήκοντʼ οὐδὲν Ἀργείων πόλει. -κἂν μὲν πίθῃ μοι, κυμάτων ἄτερ πόλιν -σὴν ναυστολήσεις· εἰ δὲ μή, πολὺς κλύδων -ἡμῖν τε καὶ σοὶ συμμάχοις τʼ ἔσται δορός. -σκέψαι δέ, καὶ μὴ τοῖς ἐμοῖς θυμούμενος -λόγοισιν, ὡς δὴ πόλιν ἐλευθέραν ἔχων, -σφριγῶντʼ ἀμείψῃ μῦθον ἐκ βραχιόνων· -ἐλπὶς γάρ ἐστʼ ἄπιστον, ἣ πολλὰς πόλεις -συνῆψʼ, ἄγουσα θυμὸν εἰς ὑπερβολάς. -ὅταν γὰρ ἔλθῃ πόλεμος ἐς ψῆφον λεώ, -οὐδεὶς ἔθʼ αὑτοῦ θάνατον ἐκλογίζεται, -τὸ δυστυχὲς δὲ τοῦτʼ ἐς ἄλλον ἐκτρέπει· -εἰ δʼ ἦν παρʼ ὄμμα θάνατος ἐν ψήφου φορᾷ, -οὐκ ἄν ποθʼ Ἑλλὰς δοριμανὴς ἀπώλλυτο. -καίτοι δυοῖν γε πάντες ἄνθρωποι λόγοιν -τὸν κρείσσονʼ ἴσμεν, καὶ τὰ χρηστὰ καὶ κακά, -ὅσῳ τε πολέμου κρεῖσσον εἰρήνη βροτοῖς· -ἣ πρῶτα μὲν Μούσαισι προσφιλεστάτη, -Ποιναῖσι δʼ ἐχθρά, τέρπεται δʼ εὐπαιδίᾳ, -χαίρει δὲ πλούτῳ. ταῦτʼ ἀφέντες οἱ κακοὶ -πολέμους ἀναιρούμεσθα καὶ τὸν ἥσσονα -δουλούμεθʼ, ἄνδρες ἄνδρα καὶ πόλις πόλιν. - -σὺ δʼ ἄνδρας ἐχθροὺς καὶ θανόντας ὠφελεῖς, -θάπτων κομίζων θʼ ὕβρις οὓς ἀπώλεσεν; -οὔ τἄρʼ ἔτʼ ὀρθῶς Καπανέως κεραύνιον -δέμας καπνοῦται, κλιμάκων ὀρθοστάτας -ὃς προσβαλὼν πύλῃσιν ὤμοσεν πόλιν -πέρσειν θεοῦ θέλοντος ἤν τε μὴ θέλῃ; -οὐδʼ ἥρπασεν χάρυβδις οἰωνοσκόπον, -τέθριππον ἅρμα περιβαλοῦσα χάσματι, -ἄλλοι τε κεῖνται πρὸς πύλαις λοχαγέται -πέτροις καταξανθέντες ὀστέων ῥαφάς; -ἤ νυν φρονεῖν ἄμεινον ἐξαύχει Διός, -ἢ θεοὺς δικαίως τοὺς κακοὺς ἀπολλύναι. -φιλεῖν μὲν οὖν χρὴ τοὺς σοφοὺς πρῶτον τέκνα, -ἔπειτα τοκέας πατρίδα θʼ, ἣν αὔξειν χρεὼν -καὶ μὴ κατᾶξαι. σφαλερὸν ἡγεμὼν θρασύς· -νεώς τε ναύτης ἥσυχος, καιρῷ σοφός. -καὶ τοῦτʼ ἐμοὶ τἀνδρεῖον, ἡ προμηθία. - - -Χορός -ἐξαρκέσας ἦν Ζεὺς ὁ τιμωρούμενος, -ὑμᾶς δʼ ὑβρίζειν οὐκ ἐχρῆν τοιάνδʼ ὕβριν. - - -Ἄδραστος -ὦ παγκάκιστε — - - -Θησεύς -σῖγʼ, Ἄδραστʼ, ἔχε στόμα, -καὶ μὴ ʼπίπροσθεν τῶν ἐμῶν τοὺς σοὺς λόγους -θῇς· οὐ γὰρ ἥκει πρὸς σὲ κηρύσσων ὅδε, -ἀλλʼ ὡς ἔμʼ· ἡμᾶς κἀποκρίνασθαι χρεών. -καὶ πρῶτα μέν σε πρὸς τὰ πρῶτʼ ἀμείψομαι. -οὐκ οἶδʼ ἐγὼ Κρέοντα δεσπόζοντʼ ἐμοῦ -οὐδὲ σθένοντα μεῖζον, ὥστʼ ἀναγκάσαι -δρᾶν τὰς Ἀθήνας ταῦτʼ· ἄνω γὰρ ἂν ῥέοι -τὰ πράγμαθʼ οὕτως, εἰ ʼπιταξόμεσθα δή. -πόλεμον δὲ τοῦτον οὐκ ἐγὼ καθίσταμαι, -ὃς οὐδὲ σὺν τοῖσδʼ ἦλθον ἐς Κάδμου χθόνα· -νεκροὺς δὲ τοὺς θανόντας, οὐ βλάπτων πόλιν -οὐδʼ ἀνδροκμῆτας προσφέρων ἀγωνίας, -θάψαι δικαιῶ, τὸν Πανελλήνων νόμον -σῴζων. τί τούτων ἐστὶν οὐ καλῶς ἔχον; -εἰ γάρ τι καὶ πεπόνθατʼ Ἀργείων ὕπο, -τεθνᾶσιν, ἠμύνασθε πολεμίους καλῶς, -αἰσχρῶς δʼ ἐκείνοις, χἡ δίκη διοίχεται. -ἐάσατʼ ἤδη γῇ καλυφθῆναι νεκρούς, -ὅθεν δʼ ἕκαστον ἐς τὸ φῶς ἀφίκετο, -ἐνταῦθʼ ἀπελθεῖν, πνεῦμα μὲν πρὸς αἰθέρα, -τὸ σῶμα δʼ ἐς γῆν· οὔτι γὰρ κεκτήμεθα -ἡμέτερον αὐτὸ πλὴν ἐνοικῆσαι βίον, -κἄπειτα τὴν θρέψασαν αὐτὸ δεῖ λαβεῖν. -δοκεῖς κακουργεῖν Ἄργος οὐ θάπτων νεκρούς; -ἥκιστα· πάσης Ἑλλάδος κοινὸν τόδε, -εἰ τοὺς θανόντας νοσφίσας ὧν χρῆν λαχεῖν -ἀτάφους τις ἕξει· δειλίαν γὰρ ἐσφέρει -τοῖς ἀλκίμοισιν οὗτος ἢν τεθῇ νόμος. -κἀμοὶ μὲν ἦλθες δείνʼ ἀπειλήσων ἔπη, -νεκροὺς δὲ ταρβεῖτʼ, εἰ κρυβήσονται χθονί; -τί μὴ γένηται; μὴ κατασκάψωσι γῆν -ταφέντες ὑμῶν; ἢ τέκνʼ ἐν μυχῷ χθονὸς -φύσωσιν, ἐξ ὧν εἶσί τις τιμωρία; -σκαιόν γε τἀνάλωμα τῆς γλώσσης τόδε, -φόβους πονηροὺς καὶ κενοὺς δεδοικέναι. - -ἀλλʼ, ὦ μάταιοι, γνῶτε τἀνθρώπων κακά· -παλαίσμαθʼ ἡμῶν ὁ βίος· εὐτυχοῦσι δὲ -οἳ μὲν τάχʼ, οἳ δʼ ἐσαῦθις, οἳ δʼ ἤδη βροτῶν, -τρυφᾷ δʼ ὁ δαίμων· πρός τε γὰρ τοῦ δυστυχοῦς, -ὡς εὐτυχήσῃ, τίμιος γεραίρεται, -ὅ τʼ ὄλβιός νιν πνεῦμα δειμαίνων λιπεῖν -ὑψηλὸν αἴρει. γνόντας οὖν χρεὼν τάδε -ἀδικουμένους τε μέτρια μὴ θυμῷ φέρειν -ἀδικεῖν τε τοιαῦθʼ οἷα μὴ βλάψαι πόλιν. -πῶς οὖν ἂν εἴη; τοὺς ὀλωλότας νεκροὺς -θάψαι δὸς ἡμῖν τοῖς θέλουσιν εὐσεβεῖν. -ἢ δῆλα τἀνθένδʼ· εἶμι καὶ θάψω βίᾳ. -οὐ γάρ ποτʼ εἰς Ἕλληνας ἐξοισθήσεται -ὡς εἰς ἔμʼ ἐλθὼν καὶ πόλιν Πανδίονος -νόμος παλαιὸς δαιμόνων διεφθάρη. - - -Χορός -θάρσει· τὸ γάρ τοι τῆς Δίκης σῴζων φάος -πολλοὺς ὑπεκφύγοις ἂν ἀνθρώπων ψόγους. - - -Κῆρυξ -βούλῃ συνάψω μῦθον ἐν βραχεῖ †σέθεν†; - - -Θησεύς -λέγʼ, εἴ τι βούλῃ· καὶ γὰρ οὐ σιγηλὸς εἶ. - - -Κῆρυξ -οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ ἐκ γῆς παῖδας Ἀργείων λάβοις. - - -Θησεύς -κἀμοῦ νυν ἀντάκουσον, εἰ βούλῃ, πάλιν. - - -Κῆρυξ -κλύοιμʼ ἄν· οὐ γὰρ ἀλλὰ δεῖ δοῦναι μέρος. - - -Θησεύς -θάψω νεκροὺς γῆς ἐξελὼν Ἀσωπίας. - - -Κῆρυξ -ἐν ἀσπίσιν σοι πρῶτα κινδυνευτέον. - - -Θησεύς -πολλοὺς ἔτλην δὴ †χἁτέρους ἄλλους πόνουσ†. - - -Κῆρυξ -ἦ πᾶσιν οὖν σʼ ἔφυσεν ἐξαρκεῖν πατήρ; - - -Θησεύς -ὅσοι γʼ ὑβρισταί· χρηστὰ δʼ οὐ κολάζομεν. - - -Κῆρυξ -πράσσειν σὺ πόλλʼ εἴωθας ἥ τε σὴ πόλις. - - -Θησεύς -τοιγὰρ πονοῦσα πολλὰ πόλλʼ εὐδαιμονεῖ. - - -Κῆρυξ -ἔλθʼ, ὥς σε λόγχη σπαρτὸς ἐν πόλει λάβῃ. - - -Θησεύς -τίς δʼ ἐκ δράκοντος θοῦρος ἂν γένοιτʼ Ἄρης; - - -Κῆρυξ -γνώσῃ σὺ πάσχων· νῦν δʼ ἔτʼ εἶ νεανίας. - - -Θησεύς -οὔτοι μʼ ἐπαρεῖς ὥστε θυμῶσαι φρένας -τοῖς σοῖσι κόμποις· ἀλλʼ ἀποστέλλου χθονός, -λόγους ματαίους οὕσπερ ἠνέγκω λαβών. -περαίνομεν γὰρ οὐδέν. -ὁρμᾶσθαι χρεὼν -πάντʼ ἄνδρʼ ὁπλίτην ἁρμάτων τʼ ἐπεμβάτην, -μοναμπύκων τε φάλαρα κινεῖσθαι στόμα -ἀφρῷ καταστάζοντα Καδμείαν χθόνα. -χωρήσομαι γὰρ ἑπτὰ πρὸς Κάδμου πύλας -αὐτὸς σίδηρον ὀξὺν ἐν χεροῖν ἔχων -αὐτός τε κῆρυξ. σοὶ δὲ προστάσσω μένειν, -Ἄδραστε, κἀμοὶ μὴ ἀναμίγνυσθαι τύχας -τὰς σάς. ἐγὼ γὰρ δαίμονος τοὐμοῦ μέτα -στρατηλατήσω καινὸς ἐν καινῷ δορί. -ἓν δεῖ μόνον μοι· τοὺς θεοὺς ἔχειν, ὅσοι -δίκην σέβονται· ταῦτα γὰρ ξυνόνθʼ ὁμοῦ -νίκην δίδωσιν. ἁρετὴ δʼ οὐδὲν λέγει -βροτοῖσιν, ἢ μὴ τὸν θεὸν χρῄζοντʼ ἔχῃ. - - - - - - -Χορός -— ὦ μέλεαι μελέων ματέρες λοχαγῶν, -ὥς μοι ὑφʼ ἥπατι χλωρὸν δεῖμα θάσσει — -— τίνʼ αὐδὰν τάνδε προσφέρεις νέαν; -— στράτευμα πᾷ Παλλάδος κριθήσεται; -— διὰ δορὸς εἶπας, ἢ λόγων ξυναλλαγαῖς; -— γένοιτʼ ἂν κέρδος· εἰ δʼ ἀρείφατοι -φόνοι μάχαι στερνοτυπεῖς τʼ ἀνὰ πτόλιν -κτύποι φανήσονται, τάλαι- -να, τίνα λόγον, τίνʼ ἂν τῶνδʼ αἰτία λάβοιμι; - - - - - -Χορός -— ἀλλὰ τὸν εὐτυχίᾳ λαμπρὸν ἄν τις αἱροῖ -μοῖρα πάλιν· τόδε μοι θράσος ἀμφιβαίνει. -— δικαίους δαίμονας σύ γʼ ἐννέπεις. -— τίνες γὰρ ἄλλοι νέμουσι συμφοράς; -— διάφορα πολλὰ θεῶν βροτοῖσιν εἰσορῶ. -— φόβῳ γὰρ τῷ πάρος διόλλυσαι· -δίκα δίκαν δʼ ἐκάλεσε καὶ φόνος φόνον, -κακῶν δʼ ἀναψυχὰς θεοὶ -βροτοῖς νέμουσι, πάντων τέρμʼ ἔχοντες αὐτοί. - - - - - -Χορός -— τὰ καλλίπυργα πεδία πῶς ἱκοίμεθʼ ἄν, -Καλλίχορον θεᾶς ὕδωρ λιποῦσαι — -— ποτανὰν εἴ σέ τις θεῶν κτίσαι. -— διπόταμον ἵνα πόλιν μόλω. -— εἰδείης ἂν φίλων εἰδείης ἂν τύχας. -— τίς ποτʼ αἶσα, τίς ἄρα πότμος -ἐπιμένει τὸν ἄλκιμον -τᾶσδε γᾶς ἄνακτα; - - - - - -Χορός -— κεκλημένους μὲν ἀνακαλούμεθʼ αὖ θεούς· -— ἀλλὰ φόβων πίστις ἅδε πρώτα. -— ἰὼ Ζεῦ, τᾶς παλαιομάτορος -παιδογόνε πόριος Ἰνάχου. -— πόλει μοι ξύμμαχος γενοῦ τᾷδʼ εὐμενής. -— τὸ σὸν ἄγαλμα, τὸ σὸν ἵδρυμα -πόλεος, ἐκκομίζομαι -πρὸς πυρὰν ὑβρισθέν. - - - - - - -Ἄγγελος -γυναῖκες, ἥκω πόλλʼ ἔχων λέγειν φίλα, -αὐτός τε σωθείς· ᾑρέθην γὰρ ἐν μάχῃ, -ἣν οἱ θανόντων ἑπτὰ δεσποτῶν λόχοι -ἠγωνίσαντο ῥεῦμα Διρκαῖον πάρα· -νίκην τε Θησέως ἀγγελῶν. λόγου δέ σε -μακροῦ ἀποπαύσω· Καπανέως γὰρ ἦ λάτρις, -ὃν Ζεὺς κεραυνῷ πυρπόλῳ καταιθαλοῖ. - - -Χορός -ὦ φίλτατʼ, εὖ μὲν νόστον ἀγγέλλεις σέθεν -τήν τʼ ἀμφὶ Θησέως βάξιν· εἰ δὲ καὶ στρατὸς -σῶς ἐστʼ Ἀθηνῶν, πάντʼ ἂν ἀγγέλλοις φίλα. - - -Ἄγγελος -σῶς, καὶ πέπραγεν ὡς Ἄδραστος ὤφελεν -πρᾶξαι ξὺν Ἀργείοισιν, οὓς ἀπʼ Ἰνάχου -στείλας ἐπεστράτευσε Καδμείων πόλιν. - - -Χορός -πῶς γὰρ τροπαῖα Ζηνὸς Αἰγέως τόκος -ἔστησεν οἵ τε συμμετασχόντες δορός; -λέξον· παρὼν γὰρ οὐ παρόντας εὐφρανεῖς. - - -Ἄγγελος -λαμπρὰ μὲν ἀκτὶς ἡλίου, κανὼν σαφής, -ἔβαλλε γαῖαν· ἀμφὶ δʼ Ἠλέκτρας πύλας -ἔστην θεατὴς πύργον εὐαγῆ λαβών. -ὁρῶ δὲ φῦλα τρία τριῶν στρατευμάτων· -τευχεσφόρον μὲν λαὸν ἐκτείνοντʼ ἄνω -Ἰσμήνιον πρὸς ὄχθον, ὡς μὲν ἦν λόγος, -αὐτόν τʼ ἄνακτα, παῖδα κλεινὸν Αἰγέως, -καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτῷ, δεξιὸν τεταγμένους -κέρας, παλαιᾶς Κεκροπίας τʼ οἰκήτορας, -ἴσους ἀριθμόν· ἁρμάτων δʼ ὀχήματα -αὐτόν τε Πάραλον ἐστολισμένον δορὶ -κρήνην παρʼ αὐτὴν Ἄρεος· ἱππότην δʼ ὄχλον -πρὸς κρασπέδοισι στρατοπέδου τεταγμένον. -Κάδμου δὲ λαὸς ἧστο πρόσθε τειχέων, -νεκροὺς ὄπισθεν θέμενος, ὧν ἔκειτʼ ἀγών, -ἔνερθε σεμνῶν μνημάτων Ἀμφίονος. -ἱππεῦσι δʼ ἱππῆς ἦσαν ἀνθωπλισμένοι -τετραόροισί τʼ ἀντίʼ ἅρμαθʼ ἅρμασιν. -κῆρυξ δὲ Θησέως εἶπεν ἐς πάντας τάδε· -Σιγᾶτε, λαοί· σῖγα, Καδμείων στίχες, -ἀκούσαθʼ· ἡμεῖς ἥκομεν νεκροὺς μέτα, -θάψαι θέλοντες, τὸν Πανελλήνων νόμον -σῴζοντες, οὐδὲν δεόμενοι τεῖναι φόνον. - -κοὐδὲν Κρέων τοῖσδʼ ἀντεκήρυξεν λόγοις, -ἀλλʼ ἧστʼ ἐφʼ ὅπλοις σῖγα. ποιμένες δʼ ὄχων -τετραόρων κατῆρχον ἐντεῦθεν μάχης· -πέραν δὲ διελάσαντες ἀλλήλων ὄχους, -παραιβάτας ἔστησαν ἐς τάξιν δορός. -χοἳ μὲν σιδήρῳ διεμάχονθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἔστρεφον -πώλους ἐς ἀλκὴν αὖθις ἐς παραιβάτας. -ἰδὼν δὲ Φόρβας, ὃς μοναμπύκων ἄναξ -ἦν τοῖς Ἐρεχθείδαισιν, ἁρμάτων ὄχλον, -οἵ τʼ αὖ τὸ Κάδμου διεφύλασσον ἱππικόν, -συνῆψαν ἀλκὴν κἀκράτουν ἡσσῶντό τε. -λεύσσων δὲ ταῦτα κοὐ κλύων — ἐκεῖ γὰρ ἦ -ἔνθʼ ἅρματʼ ἠγωνίζεθʼ οἵ τʼ ἐπεμβάται — -τἀκεῖ παρόντα πολλὰ πήματʼ, οὐκ ἔχω -τί πρῶτον εἴπω, πότερα τὴν ἐς οὐρανὸν -κόνιν προσαντέλλουσαν, ὡς πολλὴ παρῆν, -ἢ τοὺς ἄνω τε καὶ κάτω φορουμένους -ἱμᾶσιν, αἵματός τε φοινίου ῥοάς, -τῶν μὲν πιτνόντων, τῶν δὲ θραυσθέντων δίφρων -ἐς κρᾶτα πρὸς γῆν ἐκκυβιστώντων βίᾳ -πρὸς ἁρμάτων τʼ ἀγαῖσι λειπόντων βίον; -νικῶντα δʼ ἵπποις ὡς ὑπείδετο στρατὸν -Κρέων τὸν ἐνθένδʼ, ἰτέαν λαβὼν χερὶ -χωρεῖ, πρὶν ἐλθεῖν ξυμμάχοις δυσθυμίαν. -καὶ συμπατάξαντες μέσον πάντα στρατὸν -ἔκτεινον ἐκτείνοντο, καὶ παρηγγύων -κελευσμὸν ἀλλήλοισι σὺν πολλῇ βοῇ· -Θεῖνʼ· ἀντέρειδε τοῖς Ἐρεχθείδαις δόρυ. -καὶ μὴν τὰ Θησέως γʼ οὐκ ὄκνῳ διεφθάρη, -ἀλλʼ ἵετʼ εὐθὺς λάμπρʼ ἀναρπάσας ὅπλα· -λόχος δʼ ὀδόντων ὄφεος ἐξηνδρωμένος -δεινὸς παλαιστὴς ἦν· ἔκλινε γὰρ κέρας -τὸ λαιὸν ἡμῶν· δεξιοῦ δʼ ἡσσώμενον -φεύγει τὸ κείνων· ἦν δʼ ἀγὼν ἰσόρροπος. -κἀν τῷδε τὸν στρατηγὸν αἰνέσαι παρῆν· -οὐ γὰρ τὸ νικῶν τοῦτʼ ἐκέρδαινεν μόνον, -ἀλλʼ ᾤχετʼ ἐς τὸ κάμνον οἰκείου στρατοῦ. -ἔρρηξε δʼ αὐδήν, ὥσθʼ ὑπηχῆσαι χθόνα· -Ὦ παῖδες, εἰ μὴ σχήσετε στερρὸν δόρυ -σπαρτῶν τόδʼ ἀνδρῶν, οἴχεται τὰ Παλλάδος. -θάρσος δʼ ἐνῶρσε παντὶ Κραναϊδῶν στρατῷ. -αὐτός θʼ ὅπλισμα τοὐπιδαύριον λαβὼν -δεινῆς κορύνης διαφέρων ἐσφενδόνα -ὁμοῦ τραχήλους κἀπικείμενον κάρα, -κυνέας θερίζων κἀποκαυλίζων ξύλῳ. -μόλις δέ πως ἔτρεψαν ἐς φυγὴν πόδα. -ἐγὼ δʼ ἀνηλάλαξα κἀνωρχησάμην -κἄκρουσα χεῖρας. οἳ δʼ ἔτεινον ἐς πύλας. -βοὴ δὲ καὶ κωκυτὸς ἦν ἀνὰ πτόλιν -νέων γερόντων, ἱερά τʼ ἐξεπίμπλασαν -φόβῳ. παρὸν δὲ τειχέων ἔσω μολεῖν, -Θησεὺς ἐπέσχεν· οὐ γὰρ ὡς πέρσων πόλιν -μολεῖν ἔφασκεν, ἀλλʼ ἀπαιτήσων νεκρούς. - -τοιόνδε τὸν στρατηγὸν αἱρεῖσθαι χρεών, -ὃς ἔν τε τοῖς δεινοῖσίν ἐστιν ἄλκιμος -μισεῖ θʼ ὑβριστὴν λαόν, ὃς πράσσων καλῶς -ἐς ἄκρα βῆναι κλιμάκων ἐνήλατα -ζητῶν ἀπώλεσʼ ὄλβον ᾧ χρῆσθαι παρῆν. - - -Χορός -νῦν τήνδʼ ἄελπτον ἡμέραν ἰδοῦσʼ ἐγὼ -θεοὺς νομίζω, καὶ δοκῶ τῆς συμφορᾶς -ἔχειν ἔλασσον, τῶνδε τεισάντων δίκην. - - -Ἄδραστος -ὦ Ζεῦ, τί δῆτα τοὺς ταλαιπώρους βροτοὺς -φρονεῖν λέγουσι; σοῦ γὰρ ἐξηρτήμεθα -δρῶμέν τε τοιαῦθʼ ἃν σὺ τυγχάνῃς θέλων. -ἡμῖν γὰρ ἦν τό τʼ Ἄργος οὐχ ὑποστατόν, -αὐτοί τε πολλοὶ καὶ νέοι βραχίοσιν· -Ἐτεοκλέους τε σύμβασιν ποιουμένου, -μέτρια θέλοντος, οὐκ ἐχρῄζομεν λαβεῖν, -κἄπειτʼ ἀπωλόμεσθα. ὁ δʼ αὖ τότʼ εὐτυχής, -λαβὼν πένης ὣς ἀρτίπλουτα χρήματα, -ὕβριζʼ, ὑβρίζων τʼ αὖθις ἀνταπώλετο -Κάδμου κακόφρων λαός. ὦ καιροῦ πέρα -τὸ τόξον ἐντείνοντες· ὦ κενοὶ βροτῶν, -καὶ πρὸς δίκης γε πολλὰ πάσχοντες κακά, -φίλοις μὲν οὐ πείθεσθε, τοῖς δὲ πράγμασιν· -πόλεις τʼ, ἔχουσαι διὰ λόγου κάμψαι κακά, -φόνῳ καθαιρεῖσθʼ, οὐ λόγῳ, τὰ πράγματα. -ἀτὰρ τί ταῦτα; κεῖνο βούλομαι μαθεῖν, -πῶς ἐξεσώθης· εἶτα τἄλλʼ ἐρήσομαι. - - -Ἄγγελος -ἐπεὶ ταραγμὸς πόλιν ἐκίνησεν δορί, -πύλας διῆλθον, ᾗπερ εἰσῄει στρατός. - - -Ἄδραστος -ὧν δʼ οὕνεχʼ ἁγὼν ἦν, νεκροὺς κομίζετε; - - -Ἄγγελος -ὅσοι γε κλεινοῖς ἕπτʼ ἐφέστασαν δόμοις. - - -Ἄδραστος -πῶς φῄς; ὁ δʼ ἄλλος ποῦ κεκμηκότων ὄχλος; - - -Ἄγγελος -τάφῳ δέδονται πρὸς Κιθαιρῶνος πτυχαῖς. - - -Ἄδραστος -τοὐκεῖθεν ἢ τοὐνθένδε; τίς δʼ ἔθαψέ νιν; - - -Ἄγγελος -Θησεύς, σκιώδης ἔνθʼ Ἐλευθερὶς πέτρα. - - -Ἄδραστος -οὓς δʼ οὐκ ἔθαψε ποῦ νεκροὺς ἥκεις λιπών; - - -Ἄγγελος -ἐγγύς· πέλας γὰρ πᾶν ὅ τι σπουδάζεται. - - -Ἄδραστος -ἦ που πικρῶς νιν θέραπες ἦγον ἐκ φόνου; - - -Ἄγγελος -οὐδεὶς ἐπέστη τῷδε δοῦλος ὢν πόνῳ. - - -Ἄδραστος - - - - - - - -Ἄγγελος -φαίης ἄν, εἰ παρῆσθʼ ὅτʼ ἠγάπα νεκρούς. - - -Ἄδραστος -ἔνιψεν αὐτὸς τῶν ταλαιπώρων σφαγάς; - - -Ἄγγελος -κἄστρωσέ γʼ εὐνὰς κἀκάλυψε σώματα. - - -Ἄδραστος -δεινὸν μὲν ἦν βάσταγμα κᾀσχύνην ἔχον. - - -Ἄγγελος -τί δʼ αἰσχρὸν ἀνθρώποισι τἀλλήλων κακά; - - -Ἄδραστος -οἴμοι· πόσῳ σφιν συνθανεῖν ἂν ἤθελον. - - -Ἄγγελος -ἄκραντʼ ὀδύρῃ ταῖσδέ τʼ ἐξάγεις δάκρυ. - - -Ἄδραστος -δοκῶ μέν, αὐταί γʼ εἰσὶν αἱ διδάσκαλοι. -ἀλλʼ εἶἑν· αἴρω χεῖρʼ ἀπαντήσας νεκροῖς -Ἅιδου τε μολπὰς ἐκχέω δακρυρρόους, -φίλους προσαυδῶν, ὧν λελειμμένος τάλας -ἔρημα κλαίω· τοῦτο γὰρ μόνον βροτοῖς -οὐκ ἔστι τἀνάλωμʼ ἀναλωθὲν λαβεῖν, -ψυχὴν βροτείαν· χρημάτων δʼ εἰσὶν πόροι. - - - - - - -Χορός -τὰ μὲν εὖ, τὰ δὲ δυστυχῆ. -πόλει μὲν εὐδοξία -καὶ στρατηλάταις δορὸς -διπλάζεται τιμά· -ἐμοὶ δὲ παίδων μὲν εἰσιδεῖν μέλη -πικρόν, καλὸν θέαμα δʼ, εἴπερ ὄψομαι, -τὰν ἄελπτον ἁμέραν -ἰδοῦσα, πάντων μέγιστον ἄλγος. - - - - - -Χορός -ἄγαμόν μʼ ἔτι δεῦρʼ ἀεὶ -Χρόνος παλαιὸς πατὴρ -ὤφελʼ ἁμερᾶν κτίσαι. -τί γάρ μʼ ἔδει παίδων; -τὸ μὲν γὰρ ἤλπιζον ἂν πεπονθέναι -πάθος περισσόν, εἰ γάμων ἀπεζύγην, -νῦν δʼ ὁρῶ σαφέστατον -κακόν, τέκνων φιλτάτων στερεῖσα. - - - - - -Χορός -ἀλλὰ τάδʼ ἤδη σώματα λεύσσω -τῶν οἰχομένων παίδων· μελέα -πῶς ἂν ὀλοίμην σὺν τοῖσδε τέκνοις -κοινὸν ἐς Ἅιδην καταβᾶσα; - - - - - -Ἄδραστος -στεναγμόν, ὦ ματέρες, -τῶν κατὰ χθονὸς νεκρῶν -ἀύσατʼ ἀπύσατʼ ἀντίφωνʼ ἐμῶν -στεναγμάτων κλύουσαι. - - -Χορός -ὦ παῖδες, ὦ πικρὸν φίλων -προσηγόρημα ματέρων, -προσαυδῶ σε τὸν θανόντα. - - -Ἄδραστος -ἰὼ ἰώ. - - -Χορός -τῶν γʼ ἐμῶν κακῶν ἐγώ. - - -Ἄδραστος -αἰαῖ. - - -Χορός - - - - - -Ἄδραστος -ἐπάθομεν ὤ - - - -Χορός -τὰ κύντατʼ ἄλγη κακῶν. - - -Ἄδραστος -ὦ πόλις Ἀργεία, τὸν ἐμὸν πότμον οὐκ ἐσορᾶτε; - - -Χορός -ὁρῶσι κἀμὲ τὰν τάλαι- -ναν, τέκνων ἄπαιδα. - - - - - -Ἄδραστος -προσάγετε τῶν δυσπότμων -σώμαθʼ αἱματοσταγῆ, -σφαγέντας οὐκ ἄξιʼ οὐδʼ ὑπʼ ἀξίων, -ἐν οἷς ἀγὼν ἐκράνθη. - - -Χορός -δόθʼ, ὡς περιπτυχαῖσι δὴ -χέρας προσαρμόσασʼ ἐμοῖς -ἐν ἀγκῶσι τέκνα θῶμαι. - - -Ἄδραστος -ἔχεις ἔχεις. - - -Χορός -πημάτων γʼ ἅλις βάρος. - - -Ἄδραστος -αἰαῖ. - - -Χορός -τοῖς τεκοῦσι δʼ οὐ λέγεις; - - -Ἄδραστος -ἀίετέ μου. - - -Χορός -στένεις ἐπʼ ἀμφοῖν ἄχη. - - -Ἄδραστος -εἴθε με Καδμείων ἔναρον στίχες ἐν κονίαισιν. - - -Χορός -ἐμὸν δὲ μήποτʼ ἐζύγη -δέμας ἐς ἀνδρὸς εὐνάν. - - - - - -Ἄδραστος -ἴδετε κακῶν πέλαγος, ὦ -ματέρες τάλαιναι τέκνων. - - -Χορός -κατὰ μὲν ὄνυξιν ἠλοκίσμεθʼ, ἀμφὶ δὲ -σποδὸν κάρᾳ κεχύμεθα. - - -Ἄδραστος -ἰὼ ἰώ μοί μοι· -κατά με πέδον γᾶς ἕλοι, -διὰ δὲ θύελλα σπάσαι, -πυρός τε φλογμὸς ὁ Διὸς ἐν κάρᾳ πέσοι. - - -Χορός -πικροὺς ἐσεῖδες γάμους, -πικρὰν δὲ Φοίβου φάτιν· -ἔρημά σʼ ἁ πολύστονος Οἰδιπόδα -δώματα λιποῦσʼ ἦλθʼ Ἐρινύς. - - - - - - -Θησεύς -μέλλων σʼ ἐρωτᾶν, ἡνίκʼ ἐξήντλεις στρατῷ -γόους, ἀφήσω· τοὺς ἐκεῖ μὲν ἐκλιπὼν -εἴασα μύθους, νῦν δʼ Ἄδραστον εἰσορῶ· -πόθεν ποθʼ οἵδε διαπρεπεῖς εὐψυχίᾳ -θνητῶν ἔφυσαν; εἰπέ γʼ ὡς σοφώτερος -νέοισιν ἀστῶν τῶνδʼ· ἐπιστήμων γὰρ εἶ. -εἶδον γὰρ αὐτῶν κρείσσονʼ ἢ λέξαι λόγῳ -τολμήμαθʼ, οἷς ἤλπιζον αἱρήσειν πόλιν. -ἓν δʼ οὐκ ἐρήσομαί σε, μὴ γέλωτʼ ὄφλω, -ὅτῳ ξυνέστη τῶνδʼ ἕκαστος ἐν μάχῃ -ἢ τραῦμα λόγχης πολεμίων ἐδέξατο. -κενοὶ γὰρ οὗτοι τῶν τʼ ἀκουόντων λόγοι -καὶ τοῦ λέγοντος, ὅστις ἐν μάχῃ βεβὼς -λόγχης ἰούσης πρόσθεν ὀμμάτων πυκνῆς -σαφῶς ἀπήγγειλʼ ὅστις ἐστὶν ἁγαθός. -οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην οὔτʼ ἐρωτῆσαι τάδε -οὔτʼ αὖ πιθέσθαι τοῖσι τολμῶσιν λέγειν· -μόλις γὰρ ἄν τις αὐτὰ τἀναγκαῖʼ ὁρᾶν -δύναιτʼ ἂν ἑστὼς πολεμίοις ἐναντίος. - - -Ἄδραστος -ἄκουε δή νυν· καὶ γὰρ οὐκ ἄκοντί μοι -δίδως ἔπαινον ὧν ἔγωγε βούλομαι -φίλων ἀληθῆ καὶ δίκαιʼ εἰπεῖν πέρι. -ὁρᾷς τὸν ἁβρόν, οὗ βέλος διέπτατο; -Καπανεὺς ὅδʼ ἐστίν· ᾧ βίος μὲν ἦν πολύς, -ἥκιστα δʼ ὄλβῳ γαῦρος ἦν· φρόνημα δὲ -οὐδέν τι μεῖζον εἶχεν ἢ πένης ἀνήρ, -φεύγων τραπέζαις ὅστις ἐξογκοῖτʼ ἄγαν -τἀρκοῦντʼ ἀτίζων· οὐ γὰρ ἐν γαστρὸς βορᾷ -τὸ χρηστὸν εἶναι, μέτρια δʼ ἐξαρκεῖν ἔφη. -φίλοις τʼ ἀληθὴς ἦν φίλος, παροῦσί τε -καὶ μὴ παροῦσιν· ὧν ἀριθμὸς οὐ πολύς. -ἀψευδὲς ἦθος, εὐπροσήγορον στόμα, -ἄκραντον οὐδὲν οὔτʼ ἐς οἰκέτας ἔχων -οὔτʼ ἐς πολίτας. τὸν δὲ δεύτερον λέγω -Ἐτέοκλον, ἄλλην χρηστότητʼ ἠσκηκότα· -νεανίας ἦν τῷ βίῳ μὲν ἐνδεής, -πλείστας δὲ τιμὰς ἔσχʼ ἐν Ἀργείᾳ χθονί. -φίλων δὲ χρυσὸν πολλάκις δωρουμένων -οὐκ εἰσεδέξατʼ οἶκον ὥστε τοὺς τρόπους -δούλους παρασχεῖν χρημάτων ζευχθεὶς ὕπο. -τοὺς δʼ ἐξαμαρτάνοντας, οὐχὶ τὴν πόλιν -ἤχθαιρʼ· ἐπεί τοι κοὐδὲν αἰτία πόλις -κακῶς κλύουσα διὰ κυβερνήτην κακόν. - -ὁ δʼ αὖ τρίτος τῶνδʼ Ἱππομέδων τοιόσδʼ ἔφυ· -παῖς ὢν ἐτόλμησʼ εὐθὺς οὐ πρὸς ἡδονὰς -Μουσῶν τραπέσθαι πρὸς τὸ μαλθακὸν βίου, -ἀγροὺς δὲ ναίων, σκληρὰ τῇ φύσει διδοὺς -ἔχαιρε πρὸς τἀνδρεῖον, ἔς τʼ ἄγρας ἰὼν -ἵπποις τε χαίρων τόξα τʼ ἐντείνων χεροῖν, -πόλει παρασχεῖν σῶμα χρήσιμον θέλων. -ὁ τῆς κυναγοῦ δʼ ἄλλος Ἀταλάντης γόνος - -παῖς Παρθενοπαῖος, εἶδος ἐξοχώτατος, -Ἀρκὰς μὲν ἦν, ἐλθὼν δʼ ἐπʼ Ἰνάχου ῥοὰς -παιδεύεται κατʼ Ἄργος. ἐκτραφεὶς δʼ ἐκεῖ -πρῶτον μέν, ὡς χρὴ τοὺς μετοικοῦντας ξένους, -λυπηρὸς οὐκ ἦν οὐδʼ ἐπίφθονος πόλει -οὐδʼ ἐξεριστὴς τῶν λόγων, ὅθεν βαρὺς -μάλιστʼ ἂν εἴη δημότης τε καὶ ξένος. -λόχοις δʼ ἐνεστὼς ὥσπερ Ἀργεῖος γεγὼς -ἤμυνε χώρᾳ, χὡπότʼ εὖ πράσσοι πόλις, -ἔχαιρε, λυπρῶς δʼ ἔφερεν, εἴ τι δυστυχοῖ. -πολλοὺς δʼ ἐραστὰς κἀπὸ θηλειῶν ὅσας -ἔχων ἐφρούρει μηδὲν ἐξαμαρτάνειν. -Τυδέως δʼ ἔπαινον ἐν βραχεῖ θήσω μέγαν· - -οὐκ ἐν λόγοις ἦν λαμπρός, ἀλλʼ ἐν ἀσπίδι - - -δεινὸς σοφιστής, πολλά τʼ ἐξευρεῖν σοφά. - - -γνώμῃ δʼ ἀδελφοῦ Μελεάγρου λελειμμένος, - - -ἴσον παρέσχεν ὄνομα διὰ τέχνης δορός, - - -εὑρὼν ἀκριβῆ μουσικὴν ἐν ἀσπίδι· - -φιλότιμον ἦθος πλούσιον, φρόνημα δὲ -ἐν τοῖσιν ἔργοις, οὐχὶ τοῖς λόγοις, ἴσον. -ἐκ τῶνδε μὴ θαύμαζε τῶν εἰρημένων, -Θησεῦ, πρὸ πύργων τούσδε τολμῆσαι θανεῖν. -τὸ γὰρ τραφῆναι μὴ κακῶς αἰδῶ φέρει· -αἰσχύνεται δὲ τἀγάθʼ ἀσκήσας ἀνὴρ -κακὸς γενέσθαι πᾶς τις. ἡ δʼ εὐανδρία -διδακτός, εἴπερ καὶ βρέφος διδάσκεται -λέγειν ἀκούειν θʼ ὧν μάθησιν οὐκ ἔχει. -ἃ δʼ ἂν μάθῃ τις, ταῦτα σῴζεσθαι φιλεῖ -πρὸς γῆρας. οὕτω παῖδας εὖ παιδεύετε. - - - - -Χορός -ἰὼ τέκνον, δυστυχῆ σʼ -ἔτρεφον, ἔφερον ὑφʼ ἥπατος -πόνους ἐνεγκοῦσʼ ἐν ὠδῖσι· καὶ -νῦν Ἅιδας τὸν ἐμὸν -ἔχει μόχθον ἀθλίας, -ἐγὼ δὲ γηροβοσκὸν οὐκ ἔχω, τεκοῦσʼ -ἁ τάλαινα παῖδα. - - - - - -Θησεύς -καὶ μὴν τὸν Οἰκλέους γε γενναῖον τόκον -θεοὶ ζῶντʼ ἀναρπάσαντες ἐς μυχοὺς χθονὸς -αὐτοῖς τεθρίπποις εὐλογοῦσιν ἐμφανῶς· -τὸν Οἰδίπου τε παῖδα, Πολυνείκην λέγω, -ἡμεῖς ἐπαινέσαντες οὐ ψευδοίμεθʼ ἄν. -ξένος γὰρ ἦν μοι πρὶν λιπὼν Κάδμου πόλιν -φυγῇ πρὸς Ἄργος διαβαλεῖν αὐθαίρετος. -ἀλλʼ οἶσθʼ ὃ δρᾶσαι βούλομαι τούτων πέρι; - - -Ἄδραστος -οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν, σοῖσι πείθεσθαι λόγοις. - - -Θησεύς -τὸν μὲν Διὸς πληγέντα Καπανέα πυρὶ - - - -Ἄδραστος -ἦ χωρὶς ἱερὸν ὡς νεκρὸν θάψαι θέλεις; - - -Θησεύς -ναί· τοὺς δέ γʼ ἄλλους πάντας ἐν μιᾷ πυρᾷ. - - -Ἄδραστος -ποῦ δῆτα θήσεις μνῆμα τῷδε χωρίσας; - - -Θησεύς -αὐτοῦ παρʼ οἴκους τούσδε συμπήξας τάφον. - - -Ἄδραστος -οὗτος μὲν ἤδη δμωσὶν ἂν μέλοι πόνος. - - -Θησεύς -ἡμῖν δέ γʼ οἵδε· στειχέτω δʼ ἄχθη νεκρῶν. - - -Ἄδραστος -ἴτʼ, ὦ τάλαιναι μητέρες, τέκνων πέλας. - - -Θησεύς -ἥκιστʼ, Ἄδραστε, τοῦτο πρόσφορον λέγεις. - - -Ἄδραστος -πῶς; τὰς τεκούσας οὐ χρεὼν ψαῦσαι τέκνων; - - -Θησεύς -ὄλοιντʼ ἰδοῦσαι τούσδʼ ἂν ἠλλοιωμένους. - - -Ἄδραστος -πικρὰ γὰρ ὄψις αἷμα κὠτειλαὶ νεκρῶν. - - -Θησεύς -τί δῆτα λύπην ταῖσδε προσθεῖναι θέλεις; - - -Ἄδραστος -νικᾷς. μένειν χρὴ τλημόνως· λέγει γὰρ εὖ -Θησεύς· ὅταν δὲ τούσδε προσθῶμεν πυρί, -ὀστᾶ προσάξεσθε. ὦ ταλαίπωροι βροτῶν, -τί κτᾶσθε λόγχας καὶ κατʼ ἀλλήλων φόνους -τίθεσθε; παύσασθʼ, ἀλλὰ λήξαντες πόνων -ἄστη φυλάσσεθʼ ἥσυχοι μεθʼ ἡσύχων. -σμικρὸν τὸ χρῆμα τοῦ βίου· τοῦτον δὲ χρὴ -ὡς ῥᾷστα καὶ μὴ σὺν πόνοις διεκπερᾶν. - - - - - - - -Χορός -οὐκέτʼ εὔτεκνος, οὐκέτʼ εὔ- -παις, οὐδʼ εὐτυχίας μέτε- -στίν μοι κουροτόκοις ἐν Ἀργείαις· -οὐδʼ Ἄρτεμις λοχία -προσφθέγξαιτʼ ἂν τὰς ἀτέκνους. -δυσαίων δʼ ὁ βίος, -πλαγκτὰ δʼ ὡσεί τις νεφέλα -πνευμάτων ὑπὸ δυσχίμων ἀίσσω. - - - - - -Χορός -ἑπτὰ ματέρες ἑπτὰ κού- -ρους ἐγεινάμεθʼ αἱ ταλαί- -πωροι κλεινοτάτους ἐν Ἀργείοις· -καὶ νῦν ἄπαις ἄτεκνος -γηράσκω δυστανοτάτως, -οὔτʼ ἐν φθιμένοις -οὔτʼ ἐν ζωοῖσιν †ἀριθμουμένη†, -χωρὶς δή τινα τῶνδʼ ἔχουσα μοῖραν. - - - - - -Χορός -ὑπολελειμμένα μοι δάκρυα· -μέλεα παιδὸς ἐν οἴκοις -κεῖται μνήματα, πένθιμοι -κουραὶ καὶ στέφανοι κόμας, - -λοιβαί τε νεκύων φθιμένων, - -ἀοιδαί θʼ ἃς χρυσοκόμας -Ἀπόλλων οὐκ ἐνδέχεται· -γόοισι δʼ ὀρθρευομένα -δάκρυσι νοτερὸν ἀεὶ πέπλων -πρὸς στέρνῳ πτύχα τέγξω. - - - - - - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν θαλάμας τάσδʼ ἐσορῶ δὴ -Καπανέως ἤδη τύμβον θʼ ἱερὸν -μελάθρων τʼ ἐκτὸς -Θησέως ἀναθήματα νεκροῖς, -κλεινήν τʼ ἄλοχον τοῦ καπφθιμένου -τοῦδε κεραυνῷ πέλας Εὐάδνην, -ἣν Ἶφις ἄναξ παῖδα φυτεύει. -τί ποτʼ αἰθερίαν ἕστηκε πέτραν, -ἣ τῶνδε δόμων ὑπερακρίζει, -τήνδʼ ἐμβαίνουσα κέλευθον; - - - - - -Εὐάδνη -τί φέγγος, τίνʼ αἴγλαν -ἐδίφρευε τόθʼ ἅλιος -σελάνα τε κατʼ αἰθέρα, -†λαμπάδʼ ἵνʼ ὠκυθόαι νύμφαι†, -ἱππεύουσι διʼ ὀρφναίας, -ἁνίκα γάμων γάμων -τῶν ἐμῶν πόλις Ἄργους -ἀοιδάς, εὐδαιμονίας, -ἐπύργωσε καὶ γαμέτα -χαλκεοτευχοῦς, αἰαῖ, Καπανέως. -πρός σʼ ἔβαν δρομὰς ἐξ ἐμῶν -οἴκων ἐκβακχευσαμένα, -πυρᾶς φῶς τάφον τε -βατεύσουσα τὸν αὐτόν, -ἐς Ἅιδαν καταλύσουσʼ ἔμμοχθον -βίοτον αἰῶνός τε πόνους· -ἥδιστος γάρ τοι θάνατος -συνθνῄσκειν θνῄσκουσι φίλοις, -εἰ δαίμων τάδε κραίνοι. - - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν ὁρᾷς τήνδʼ ἧς ἐφέστηκας πέλας -πυράν, Διὸς θησαυρόν, ἔνθʼ ἔνεστι σὸς -πόσις δαμασθεὶς λαμπάσιν κεραυνίοις. - - - - - -Εὐάδνη -ὁρῶ δὴ τελευτάν, -ἵνʼ ἕστακα· τύχα δέ μοι -ξυνάπτοι ποδός· ἀλλὰ τᾶς -εὐκλεΐας χάριν ἔνθεν ὁρ- -μάσω τᾶσδʼ ἀπὸ πέτρας πη- -δήσασα πυρὸς ἔσω, -σῶμά τʼ αἴθοπι φλογμῷ -πόσει συμμείξασα, φίλον -χρῶτα χρωτὶ πέλας θεμένα, -Φερσεφονείας ἥξω θαλάμους, -σὲ τὸν θανόντʼ οὔποτʼ ἐμᾷ -προδοῦσα ψυχᾷ κατὰ γᾶς. -ἴτω φῶς γάμοι τε· -ἴθʼ αἵτινες εὐναὶ -δικαίων ὑμεναίων ἐν Ἄργει -φανῶσιν τέκνοις· ὅσιος δʼ - -ὅσιος εὐναῖος γαμέτας -συντηχθεὶς αὔραις ἀδόλοις -γενναίας ψυχᾶς ἀλόχοιο. - - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν ὅδʼ αὐτὸς σὸς πατὴρ βαίνει πέλας -γεραιὸς Ἶφις ἐς νεωτέρους λόγους, -οὓς οὐ κατειδὼς πρόσθεν ἀλγήσει κλύων. - - -Ἶφις -ὦ δυστάλαιναι, δυστάλας δʼ ἐγὼ γέρων, -ἥκω διπλοῦν πένθημʼ ὁμαιμόνων ἔχων, -τὸν μὲν θανόντα παῖδα Καδμείων δορὶ -Ἐτέοκλον ἐς γῆν πατρίδα ναυσθλώσων νεκρόν, -ζητῶν τʼ ἐμὴν παῖδʼ, ἣ δόμων ἐξώπιος -βέβηκε πηδήσασα Καπανέως δάμαρ, -θανεῖν ἐρῶσα σὺν πόσει. χρόνον μὲν οὖν -τὸν πρόσθʼ ἐφρουρεῖτʼ ἐν δόμοις· ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐγὼ -φυλακὰς ἀνῆκα τοῖς παρεστῶσιν κακοῖς, -βέβηκεν. ἀλλὰ τῇδέ νιν δοξάζομεν -μάλιστʼ ἂν εἶναι· φράζετʼ εἰ κατείδετε. - - -Εὐάδνη -τί τάσδʼ ἐρωτᾷς; ἥδʼ ἐγὼ πέτρας ἔπι -ὄρνις τις ὡσεὶ Καπανέως ὑπὲρ πυρᾶς -δύστηνον αἰώρημα κουφίζω, πάτερ. - - -Ἶφις -τέκνον, τίς αὔρα; τίς στόλος; τίνος χάριν -δόμων ὑπεκβᾶσʼ ἦλθες ἐς τήνδε χθόνα; - - -Εὐάδνη -ὀργὴν λάβοις ἂν τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων -κλύων· ἀκοῦσαι δʼ οὔ σε βούλομαι, πάτερ. - - -Ἶφις -τί δʼ; οὐ δίκαιον πατέρα τὸν σὸν εἰδέναι; - - -Εὐάδνη -κριτὴς ἂν εἴης οὐ σοφὸς γνώμης ἐμῆς. - - -Ἶφις -σκευῇ δὲ τῇδε τοῦ χάριν κοσμεῖς δέμας; - - -Εὐάδνη -θέλει τι κλεινὸν οὗτος ὁ στολμός, πάτερ. - - -Ἶφις -ὡς οὐκ ἐπʼ ἀνδρὶ πένθιμος πρέπεις ὁρᾶν. - - -Εὐάδνη -ἐς γάρ τι πρᾶγμα νεοχμὸν ἐσκευάσμεθα. - - -Ἶφις -κἄπειτα τύμβῳ καὶ πυρᾷ φαίνῃ πέλας; - - -Εὐάδνη -ἐνταῦθα γὰρ δὴ καλλίνικος ἔρχομαι. - - -Ἶφις -νικῶσα νίκην τίνα; μαθεῖν χρῄζω σέθεν. - - -Εὐάδνη -πάσας γυναῖκας ἃς δέδορκεν ἥλιος. - - -Ἶφις -ἔργοις Ἀθάνας ἢ φρενῶν εὐβουλίᾳ; - - -Εὐάδνη -ἀρετῇ· πόσει γὰρ συνθανοῦσα κείσομαι. - - -Ἶφις -τί φῄς; τί τοῦτʼ αἴνιγμα σημαίνεις σαθρόν; - - -Εὐάδνη -ᾄσσω θανόντος Καπανέως τήνδʼ ἐς πυράν. - - -Ἶφις -ὦ θύγατερ, οὐ μὴ μῦθον ἐς πολλοὺς ἐρεῖς. - - -Εὐάδνη -τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ χρῄζω, πάντας Ἀργείους μαθεῖν. - - -Ἶφις -ἀλλʼ οὐδέ τοί σοι πείσομαι δρώσῃ τάδε. - - -Εὐάδνη -ὅμοιον· οὐ γὰρ μὴ κίχῃς μʼ ἑλὼν χερί. -καὶ δὴ παρεῖται σῶμα — σοὶ μὲν οὐ φίλον, -ἡμῖν δὲ καὶ τῷ συμπυρουμένῳ πόσει. - - - - - -Χορός -ἰώ, γύναι, δεινὸν ἔργον ἐξειργάσω. - - -Ἶφις -ἀπωλόμην δύστηνος, Ἀργείων κόραι. - - - - -Χορός -ἒ ἔ, σχέτλια τάδε παθών, -τὸ πάντολμον ἔργον ὄψῃ τάλας. - - -Ἶφις -οὐκ ἄν τινʼ εὕροιτʼ ἄλλον ἀθλιώτερον. - - - - -Χορός -ἰὼ τάλας· -μετέλαχες τύχας Οἰδιπόδα, γέρον, -μέρος καὶ σὺ καὶ πόλις ἐμὰ τλάμων. - - - -Ἶφις -οἴμοι· τί δὴ βροτοῖσιν οὐκ ἔστιν τόδε, -νέους δὶς εἶναι καὶ γέροντας αὖ πάλιν; -ἀλλʼ ἐν δόμοις μὲν ἤν τι μὴ καλῶς ἔχῃ, -γνώμαισιν ὑστέραισιν ἐξορθούμεθα, -αἰῶνα δʼ οὐκ ἔξεστιν. εἰ δʼ ἦμεν νέοι -δὶς καὶ γέροντες, εἴ τις ἐξημάρτανε, -διπλοῦ βίου λαχόντες ἐξωρθούμεθʼ ἄν. -ἐγὼ γὰρ ἄλλους εἰσορῶν τεκνουμένους -παίδων ἐραστὴς ἦ πόθῳ τʼ ἀπωλλύμην. -†εἰ δʼ ἐς τόδʼ ἦλθον κἀξεπειράθην τέκνων -οἷον στέρεσθαι πατέρα γίγνεται τέκνων, -οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ ἐς τόδʼ ἦλθον εἰς ὃ νῦν κακόν·† -ὅστις φυτεύσας καὶ νεανίαν τεκὼν -ἄριστον, εἶτα τοῦδε νῦν στερίσκομαι. -εἶἑν· τί δὴ χρὴ τὸν ταλαίπωρόν με δρᾶν; -στείχειν πρὸς οἴκους; κᾆτʼ ἐρημίαν ἴδω -πολλῶν μελάθρων, ἀπορίαν τʼ ἐμῷ βίῳ; -ἢ πρὸς μέλαθρα τοῦδε Καπανέως μόλω; -ἥδιστα πρίν γε δῆθʼ, ὅτʼ ἦν παῖς ἥδε μοι. -ἀλλʼ οὐκέτʼ ἔστιν, ἥ γʼ ἐμὴν γενειάδα -προσήγετʼ αἰεὶ στόματι καὶ κάρα τόδε -κατεῖχε χειρί· πατρὶ δʼ οὐδὲν †ἥδιον† -γέροντι θυγατρός· ἀρσένων δὲ μείζονες -ψυχαί, γλυκεῖαι δʼ ἧσσον ἐς θωπεύματα. -οὐχ ὡς τάχιστα δῆτά μʼ ἄξετʼ ἐς δόμους; -σκότῳ δὲ δώσετʼ· ἔνθʼ ἀσιτίαις ἐμὸν -δέμας γεραιὸν συντακεὶς ἀποφθερῶ. -τί μʼ ὠφελήσει παιδὸς ὀστέων θιγεῖν; -ὦ δυσπάλαιστον γῆρας, ὡς μισῶ σʼ ἔχων, -μισῶ δʼ ὅσοι χρῄζουσιν ἐκτείνειν βίον, -βρωτοῖσι καὶ ποτοῖσι καὶ μαγεύμασι -παρεκτρέποντες ὀχετὸν ὥστε μὴ θανεῖν· -οὓς χρῆν, ἐπειδὰν μηδὲν ὠφελῶσι γῆν, -θανόντας ἔρρειν κἀκποδὼν εἶναι νέοις. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἰὼ ἰώ· - -τάδε δὴ παίδων †καὶ δὴ† φθιμένων -ὀστᾶ φέρεται. λάβετʼ, ἀμφίπολοι, -γραίας ἀμενοῦς — οὐ γὰρ ἔνεστιν -ῥώμη παίδων ὑπὸ πένθους — -πολλοῦ τε χρόνου ζώσης μέτρα δὴ -καταλειβομένης τʼ ἄλγεσι πολλοῖς. -τί γὰρ ἂν μεῖζον τοῦδʼ ἔτι θνητοῖς -πάθος ἐξεύροις -ἢ τέκνα θανόντʼ ἐσιδέσθαι; - - - - - -Παῖδες -φέρω φέρω, -τάλαινα μᾶτερ, ἐκ πυρὸς πατρὸς μέλη, -βάρος μὲν οὐκ ἀβριθὲς ἀλγέων ὕπερ, -ἐν δʼ ὀλίγῳ τἀμὰ πάντα συνθείς. - - -Χορός -ἰὼ ἰώ, -πᾶ φέρεις δάκρυα φίλᾳ -ματρὶ τῶν ὀλωλότων; -σποδοῦ τε πλῆθος ὀλίγον ἀντὶ σωμάτων -εὐδοκίμων δήποτʼ ἐν Μυκήναις; - - - - - -Παῖδες -ἄπαις, ἄπαις· -ἐγὼ δʼ ἔρημος ἀθλίου πατρὸς τάλας -ἔρημον οἶκον ὀρφανεύσομαι λαβών, -οὐ πατρὸς ἐν χερσὶ τοῦ τεκόντος. - - -Χορός -ἰὼ ἰώ· -ποῦ δὲ πόνος ἐμῶν τέκνων, -ποῦ λοχευμάτων χάρις; -τροφαί τε ματρὸς ἄυπνά τʼ ὀμμάτων τέλη, -καὶ φίλιαι προσβολαὶ προσώπων; - - - - - -Παῖδες -βεβᾶσιν, οὐκέτʼ εἰσίν· οἴμοι πάτερ· -βεβᾶσιν. - - -Χορός -αἰθὴρ ἔχει νιν ἤδη, -πυρὸς τετακότας σποδῷ· -ποτανοὶ δʼ ἤνυσαν τὸν Ἅιδαν. - - -Παῖδες -πάτερ, μῶν σῶν κλύεις τέκνων γόους; -ἆρʼ ἀσπιδοῦχος ἔτι ποτʼ ἀντιτάσσομαι -σὸν φόνον — εἰ γὰρ γένοιτο — τεκνῶν; - - - - - -Παῖδες -ἔτʼ ἂν θεοῦ θέλοντος ἔλθοι δίκα -πατρῷος· - - -Χορός -οὔπω κακὸν τόδʼ εὕδει. -αἰαῖ γόων· ἅλις τύχας, -ἅλις δʼ ἀλγέων ἐμοὶ πάρεστι. - - -Παῖδες -ἔτʼ Ἀσωποῦ με δέξεται γάνος -χαλκέοις ἐν ὅπλοις Δαναϊδῶν στρατηλάταν, -τοῦ φθιμένου πατρὸς ἐκδικαστάν. - - - - - -Παῖδες -ἔτʼ εἰσορᾶν σε, πάτερ, ἐπʼ ὀμμάτων δοκῶ - - - -Χορός -φίλον φίλημα παρὰ γένυν τιθέντα σόν. - - -Παῖδες -λόγων δὲ παρακέλευσμα σῶν -ἀέρι φερόμενον οἴχεται. - - -Χορός -δυοῖν δʼ ἄχη, ματρί τʼ ἔλιπεν — -σέ τʼ οὔποτʼ ἄλγη πατρῷα λείψει. - - - - - -Παῖδες -ἔχω τοσόνδε βάρος ὅσον μʼ ἀπώλεσεν. - - -Χορός -φέρʼ, ἀμφὶ μαστὸν ὑποβάλω φίλαν σποδόν. - - -Παῖδες -ἔκλαυσα τόδε κλύων ἔπος -στυγνότατον· ἔθιγέ μου φρενῶν. - - -Χορός -ὦ τέκνον, ἔβας· οὐκέτι φίλον -φίλας ἄγαλμʼ ὄψομαί σε ματρός. - - - - - - -Θησεύς -Ἄδραστε καὶ γυναῖκες Ἀργεῖαι γένος, -ὁρᾶτε παῖδας τούσδʼ ἔχοντας ἐν χεροῖν -πατέρων ἀρίστων σώμαθʼ ὧν ἀνειλόμην· -τούτοις ἐγώ σφε καὶ πόλις δωρούμεθα. -ὑμᾶς δὲ τῶνδε χρὴ χάριν μεμνημένους -σῴζειν, ὁρῶντας ὧν ἐκύρσατʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ, -παισίν θʼ ὑπειπεῖν τούσδε τοὺς αὐτοὺς λόγους, -τιμᾶν πόλιν τήνδʼ, ἐκ τέκνων ἀεὶ τέκνοις -μνήμην παραγγέλλοντας ὧν ἐκύρσατε. -Ζεὺς δὲ ξυνίστωρ οἵ τʼ ἐν οὐρανῷ θεοὶ -οἵων ὑφʼ ἡμῶν στείχετʼ ἠξιωμένοι. - - -Ἄδραστος -Θησεῦ, ξύνισμεν πάνθʼ ὅσʼ Ἀργείαν χθόνα -δέδρακας ἐσθλὰ δεομένην εὐεργετῶν, -χάριν τʼ ἀγήρων ἕξομεν· γενναῖα γὰρ -παθόντες ὑμᾶς ἀντιδρᾶν ὀφείλομεν. - - -Θησεύς -τί δῆτʼ ἔθʼ ὑμῖν ἄλλʼ ὑπουργῆσαί με χρή; - - -Ἄδραστος -χαῖρʼ· ἄξιος γὰρ καὶ σὺ καὶ πόλις σέθεν. - - -Θησεύς -ἔσται τάδʼ· ἀλλὰ καὶ σὺ τῶν αὐτῶν τύχοις. - - -Ἀθήνα -ἄκουε, Θησεῦ, τούσδʼ Ἀθηναίας λόγους, -ἃ χρή σε δρᾶσαι, δρῶντα δʼ ὠφελεῖν τάδε. -μὴ δῷς τάδʼ ὀστᾶ τοῖσδʼ ἐς Ἀργείαν χθόνα -παισὶν κομίζειν ῥᾳδίως οὕτω μεθείς, -ἀλλʼ ἀντὶ τῶν σῶν καὶ πόλεως μοχθημάτων -πρῶτον λάβʼ ὅρκον. τόνδε δʼ ὀμνύναι χρεὼν -Ἄδραστον· οὗτος κύριος, τύραννος ὤν, -πάσης ὑπὲρ γῆς Δαναϊδῶν ὁρκωμοτεῖν. -ὁ δʼ ὅρκος ἔσται, μήποτʼ Ἀργείους χθόνα -ἐς τήνδʼ ἐποίσειν πολέμιον παντευχίαν, -ἄλλων τʼ ἰόντων ἐμποδὼν θήσειν δόρυ. -ἢν δʼ ὅρκον ἐκλιπόντες ἔλθωσιν, πάλιν -κακῶς ὀλέσθαι πρόστρεπʼ Ἀργείων χθόνα. - -ἐν ᾧ δὲ τέμνειν σφάγια χρή σʼ, ἄκουέ μου. -ἔστιν τρίπους σοι χαλκόπους ἔσω δόμων, -ὃν Ἰλίου ποτʼ ἐξαναστήσας βάθρα -σπουδὴν ἐπʼ ἄλλην Ἡρακλῆς ὁρμώμενος -στῆσαί σʼ ἐφεῖτο Πυθικὴν πρὸς ἐσχάραν. -ἐν τῷδε λαιμοὺς τρεῖς τριῶν μήλων τεμὼν -ἔγγραψον ὅρκους τρίποδος ἐν κοίλῳ κύτει, -κἄπειτα σῴζειν θεῷ δὸς ᾧ Δελφῶν μέλει, -μνημεῖά θʼ ὅρκων μαρτύρημά θʼ Ἑλλάδι. -ᾗ δʼ ἂν διοίξῃς σφάγια καὶ τρώσῃς φόνον -ὀξύστομον μάχαιραν ἐς γαίας μυχοὺς -κρύψον παρʼ αὐτὰς ἑπτὰ πυρκαιὰς νεκρῶν· -φόβον γὰρ αὐτοῖς, ἤν ποτʼ ἔλθωσιν πόλιν, -δειχθεῖσα θήσει καὶ κακὸν νόστον πάλιν. -δράσας δὲ ταῦτα πέμπε γῆς ἔξω νεκρούς. -τεμένη δʼ, ἵνʼ αὐτῶν σώμαθʼ ἡγνίσθη πυρί, -μέθες παρʼ αὐτὴν τρίοδον Ἰσθμίας θεοῦ· -σοὶ μὲν τάδʼ εἶπον· παισὶ δʼ Ἀργείων λέγω· -πορθήσεθʼ ἡβήσαντες Ἰσμηνοῦ πόλιν, -πατέρων θανόντων ἐκδικάζοντες φόνον, -σύ τʼ ἀντὶ πατρός, Αἰγιαλεῦ, στρατηλάτης -νέος καταστάς, παῖς τʼ ἀπʼ Αἰτωλῶν μολὼν -Τυδέως, ὃν ὠνόμαζε Διομήδην πατήρ. -ἀλλʼ οὐ φθάνειν χρὴ συσκιάζοντας γένυν -καὶ χαλκοπληθῆ Δαναϊδῶν ὁρμᾶν στρατὸν -ἑπτάστολον πύργωμα Καδμείων ἔπι· -πικροὶ γὰρ αὐτοῖς ἥξετʼ, ἐκτεθραμμένοι -σκύμνοι λεόντων, πόλεος ἐκπορθήτορες. -κοὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλως· Ἔκγονοι δʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδα -κληθέντες ᾠδὰς ὑστέροισι θήσετε· -τοῖον στράτευμα σὺν θεῷ πορεύσετε. - - -Θησεύς -δέσποινʼ Ἀθάνα, πείσομαι λόγοισι σοῖς· -σὺ γάρ μʼ ἀνορθοῖς, ὥστε μὴ ʼξαμαρτάνειν· -καὶ τόνδʼ ἐν ὅρκοις ζεύξομαι· μόνον σύ με -ἐς ὀρθὸν ἵστη· σοῦ γὰρ εὐμενοῦς πόλει -οὔσης τὸ λοιπὸν ἀσφαλῶς οἰκήσομεν. - - - - -Χορός -στείχωμεν, Ἄδρασθʼ, ὅρκια δῶμεν -τῷδʼ ἀνδρὶ πόλει τʼ· ἄξια δʼ ἡμῖν -προμεμοχθήκασι σέβεσθαι. - - - - - - diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg008/tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg008/tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-grc2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..309cc739a --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg008/tlg0006.tlg008.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,2034 @@ + + + + + + + Ἱκέτιδες +Machine readable text +Euripides +Gilbert Murray +Perseus Project, Tufts University +Gregory Crane + +Prepared under the supervision of +Lisa Cerrato +William Merrill +Elli Mylonas +David Smith + +The Annenberg CPB/Project + +About 100Kb + +Trustees of Tufts University +Medford, MA +Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + Euripidis Fabulae + Gilbert Murray + + Oxford + Clarendon Press + 1913 + + 2 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + +

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+ + + Greek + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + tagging now should be compatible with CTS + Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. + adding rend=displayNum to lb tags + more refinements making these files SDL compatible + our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones. + errors with proper names fixed + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks - and move card break past close tag of sp + Markup + bring up to P3 + Fixed cardbreaks at 79, 87, 334, 369, 373, 1031, 1139; added line nos. 78b, 86b, 368b, 372b, 1030b, 1135b. + Added speaker tags where needed. + Basic SGML tagging + +
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+ + + + Αἴθρα +Δήμητερ ἑστιοῦχʼ Ἐλευσῖνος χθονὸς +τῆσδʼ, οἵ τε ναοὺς ἔχετε πρόσπολοι θεᾶς, +εὐδαιμονεῖν με Θησέα τε παῖδʼ ἐμὸν +πόλιν τʼ Ἀθηνῶν τήν τε Πιτθέως χθόνα, +ἐν ᾗ με θρέψας ὀλβίοις ἐν δώμασιν +Αἴθραν πατὴρ δίδωσι τῷ Πανδίονος +Αἰγεῖ δάμαρτα, Λοξίου μαντεύμασιν. +ἐς τάσδε γὰρ βλέψασʼ ἐπηυξάμην τάδε +γραῦς, αἳ λιποῦσαι δώματʼ Ἀργείας χθονὸς +ἱκτῆρι θαλλῷ προσπίτνουσʼ ἐμὸν γόνυ, +πάθος παθοῦσαι δεινόν· ἀμφὶ γὰρ πύλας +Κάδμου θανόντων ἑπτὰ γενναίων τέκνων +ἄπαιδές εἰσιν, οὕς ποτʼ Ἀργείων ἄναξ +Ἄδραστος ἤγαγʼ, Οἰδίπου παγκληρίας +μέρος κατασχεῖν φυγάδι Πολυνείκει θέλων +γαμβρῷ. νεκροὺς δὲ τοὺς ὀλωλότας δορὶ +θάψαι θελουσῶν τῶνδε μητέρων χθονὶ +εἴργουσιν οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐδʼ ἀναίρεσιν +δοῦναι θέλουσι, νόμιμʼ ἀτίζοντες θεῶν. +κοινὸν δὲ φόρτον ταῖσδʼ ἔχων χρείας ἐμῆς +Ἄδραστος ὄμμα δάκρυσιν τέγγων ὅδε +κεῖται, τό τʼ ἔγχος τήν τε δυστυχεστάτην +στένων στρατείαν ἣν ἔπεμψεν ἐκ δόμων· +ὅς μʼ ἐξοτρύνει παῖδʼ ἐμὸν πεῖσαι λιταῖς +νεκρῶν κομιστὴν ἢ λόγοισιν ἢ δορὸς +ῥώμῃ γενέσθαι καὶ τάφου μεταίτιον, +μόνον τόδʼ ἔργον προστιθεὶς ἐμῷ τέκνῳ +πόλει τʼ Ἀθηνῶν. τυγχάνω δʼ ὑπὲρ χθονὸς +ἀρότου προθύουσʼ, ἐκ δόμων ἐλθοῦσʼ ἐμῶν +πρὸς τόνδε σηκόν, ἔνθα πρῶτα φαίνεται +φρίξας ὑπὲρ γῆς τῆσδε κάρπιμος στάχυς. +δεσμὸν δʼ ἄδεσμον τόνδʼ ἔχουσα φυλλάδος +μένω πρὸς ἁγναῖς ἐσχάραις δυοῖν θεαῖν +Κόρης τε καὶ Δήμητρος, οἰκτίρουσα μὲν +πολιὰς ἄπαιδας τάσδε μητέρας τέκνων, +σέβουσα δʼ ἱερὰ στέμματʼ. οἴχεται δέ μοι +κῆρυξ πρὸς ἄστυ δεῦρο Θησέα καλῶν, +ὡς ἢ τὸ τούτων λυπρὸν ἐξέλῃ χθονός, +ἢ τάσδʼ ἀνάγκας ἱκεσίους λύσῃ, θεοὺς +ὅσιόν τι δράσας· πάντα γὰρ διʼ ἀρσένων +γυναιξὶ πράσσειν εἰκός, αἵτινες σοφαί. +
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+Χορός +— ἱκετεύω σε, γεραιά, +γεραιῶν ἐκ στομάτων, πρὸς +γόνυ πίπτουσα τὸ σόν· +— ἄνομοι— τέκνα λῦσαι. — φθιμένων +νεκύων οἳ καταλείπουσι μέλη +θανάτῳ λυσιμελεῖ θηρσὶν ὀρείοισι βοράν·
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+Χορός +— ἐσιδοῦσʼ οἰκτρὰ μὲν ὄσσων +δάκρυʼ ἀμφὶ βλεφάροις, ῥυ- +σὰ δὲ σαρκῶν πολιᾶν +καταδρύμματα χειρῶν· τί γάρ; ἃ +φθιμένους παῖδας ἐμοὺς οὔτε δόμοις +προθέμαν οὔτε τάφων χώματα γαίας ἐσορῶ.
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+Χορός +— ἔτεκες καὶ σύ ποτʼ, ὦ πότνια, κοῦρον +φίλα ποιησαμένα λέ- +κτρα πόσει σῷ· μετά νυν +δὸς ἐμοὶ σᾶς διανοίας, +μετάδος δʼ, ὅσσον ἐπαλγῶ μελέα ʼγὼ +φθιμένων οὓς ἔτεκον· +παράπεισον δὲ σόν, ὤ, λισσόμεθʼ, ἐλθεῖν +τέκνον Ἰσμηνὸν ἐμάν τʼ ἐς χέρα θεῖναι +νεκύων θαλερᾷ σώματʼ ἀλαίνοντʼ ἄταφα.
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+Χορός +— ὁσίως οὔχ, ὑπʼ ἀνάγκας δὲ προπίπτου- +σα προσαιτοῦσʼ ἔμολον δε- +ξιπύρους θεῶν θυμέλας· +ἔχομεν δʼ ἔνδικα, καὶ σοί +τι πάρεστι σθένος ὥστʼ εὐτεκνίᾳ δυσ- +τυχίαν τὰν παρʼ ἐμοὶ +καθελεῖν· οἰκτρὰ δὲ πάσχουσʼ ἱκετεύω +σὸν ἐμοὶ παῖδα ταλαίνᾳ ʼν χερὶ θεῖναι +νέκυν, ἀμφιβαλεῖν λυγρὰ μέλη παιδὸς ἐμοῦ.
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+Χορός +— ἀγὼν ὅδʼ ἄλλος ἔρχεται γόων γόων +διάδοχος, ἀχοῦσι προσπόλων χέρες. +ἴτʼ ὦ ξυνῳδοὶ κτύποι, +ἴτʼ ὦ ξυναλγηδόνες, +χορὸν τὸν Ἅιδας σέβει, +διὰ παρῇδος ὄνυχα λευκὸν +αἱματοῦτε χρῶτά τε φόνιον· +τὰ γὰρ φθιτῶν +τοῖς ὁρῶσι κόσμος.
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+Χορός +— ἄπληστος ἅδε μʼ ἐξάγει χάρις γόων +πολύπονος, ὡς ἐξ ἀλιβάτου πέτρας +ὑγρὰ ῥέουσα σταγὼν +ἄπαυστος αἰεί· γόων, +τὸ γὰρ θανόντων τέκνων +ἐπιπονόν τι κατὰ γυναῖκας +ἐς γόους πέφυκε πάθος. ἒ ἔ. +θανοῦσα τῶνδʼ +ἀλγέων λαθοίμαν.
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+Θησεύς +τίνων γόων ἤκουσα καὶ στέρνων κτύπον +νεκρῶν τε θρήνους, τῶνδʼ ἀνακτόρων ἄπο +ἠχοῦς ἰούσης; ὡς φόβος μʼ ἀναπτεροῖ +μή μοί τι μήτηρ, ἣν μεταστείχω ποδί, +χρονίαν ἀποῦσαν ἐκ δόμων ἔχῃ νέον. +ἔα· +τί χρῆμα; καινὰς ἐσβολὰς ὁρῶ λόγων· +μητέρα γεραιὰν βωμίαν ἐφημένην +ξένους θʼ ὁμοῦ γυναῖκας, οὐχ ἕνα ῥυθμὸν +κακῶν ἐχούσας· ἔκ τε γὰρ γερασμίων +ὄσσων ἐλαύνουσʼ οἰκτρὸν ἐς γαῖαν δάκρυ, +κουραί τε καὶ πεπλώματʼ οὐ θεωρικά. +τί ταῦτα, μῆτερ; σὸν τὸ μηνύειν ἐμοί, +ἡμῶν δʼ ἀκούειν· προσδοκῶ τι γὰρ νέον. + +Αἴθρα +ὦ παῖ, γυναῖκες αἵδε μητέρες τέκνων +τῶν κατθανόντων ἀμφὶ Καδμείας πύλας +ἑπτὰ στρατηγῶν· ἱκεσίοις δὲ σὺν κλάδοις +φρουροῦσί μʼ, ὡς δέδορκας, ἐν κύκλῳ, τέκνον. + +Θησεύς +τίς δʼ ὁ στενάζων οἰκτρὸν ἐν πύλαις ὅδε; + +Αἴθρα +Ἄδραστος, ὡς λέγουσιν, Ἀργείων ἄναξ. + +Θησεύς +οἱ δʼ ἀμφὶ τόνδε παῖδες; ἦ τούτων τέκνα; + +Αἴθρα +οὔκ, ἀλλὰ νεκρῶν τῶν ὀλωλότων κόροι. + +Θησεύς +τί γὰρ πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἦλθον ἱκεσίᾳ χερί; + +Αἴθρα +οἶδʼ· ἀλλὰ τῶνδε μῦθος οὑντεῦθεν, τέκνον. + +Θησεύς +σὲ τὸν κατήρη χλανιδίοις ἀνιστορῶ. +λέγʼ ἐκκαλύψας κρᾶτα καὶ πάρες γόον· +πέρας γὰρ οὐδὲν μὴ διὰ γλώσσης ἰόν. + + + +Ἄδραστος +ὦ καλλίνικε γῆς Ἀθηναίων ἄναξ, +Θησεῦ, σὸς ἱκέτης καὶ πόλεως ἥκω σέθεν. + +Θησεύς +τί χρῆμα θηρῶν καὶ τίνος χρείαν ἔχων; + +Ἄδραστος +οἶσθʼ ἣν στρατείαν ἐστράτευσʼ ὀλεθρίαν. + +Θησεύς +οὐ γάρ τι σιγῇ διεπέρασας Ἑλλάδα. + +Ἄδραστος +ἐνταῦθʼ ἀπώλεσʼ ἄνδρας Ἀργείων ἄκρους. + +Θησεύς +τοιαῦθʼ ὁ τλήμων πόλεμος ἐξεργάζεται. + +Ἄδραστος +τούτους θανόντας ἦλθον ἐξαιτῶν πόλιν. + +Θησεύς +κήρυξιν Ἑρμοῦ πίσυνος, ὡς θάψῃς νεκρούς; + +Ἄδραστος +κἄπειτά γʼ οἱ κτανόντες οὐκ ἐῶσί με. + +Θησεύς +τί γὰρ λέγουσιν, ὅσια χρῄζοντος σέθεν; + +Ἄδραστος +τί δʼ; εὐτυχοῦντες οὐκ ἐπίστανται φέρειν. + +Θησεύς +ξύμβουλον οὖν μʼ ἐπῆλθες; ἢ τίνος χάριν; + +Ἄδραστος +κομίσαι σε, Θησεῦ, παῖδας Ἀργείων θέλων. + +Θησεύς +τὸ δʼ Ἄργος ἡμῖν ποῦ ʼστιν; ἢ κόμποι μάτην; + +Ἄδραστος +σφαλέντες οἰχόμεσθα. πρὸς σὲ δʼ ἥκομεν. + +Θησεύς +ἰδίᾳ δοκῆσάν σοι τόδʼ ἢ πάσῃ πόλει; + +Ἄδραστος +πάντες σʼ ἱκνοῦνται Δαναΐδαι θάψαι νεκρούς. + +Θησεύς +ἐκ τοῦ δʼ ἐλαύνεις ἑπτὰ πρὸς Θήβας λόχους; + +Ἄδραστος +δισσοῖσι γαμβροῖς τήνδε πορσύνων χάριν. + +Θησεύς +τῷ δʼ ἐξέδωκας παῖδας Ἀργείων σέθεν; + +Ἄδραστος +οὐκ ἐγγενῆ συνῆψα κηδείαν δόμοις. + +Θησεύς +ἀλλὰ ξένοις ἔδωκας Ἀργείας κόρας; + +Ἄδραστος +Τυδεῖ γε Πολυνείκει τε τῷ Θηβαιγενεῖ. + +Θησεύς +τίνʼ εἰς ἔρωτα τῆσδε κηδείας μολών; + +Ἄδραστος +Φοίβου μʼ ὑπῆλθε δυστόπαστʼ αἰνίγματα. + +Θησεύς +τί δʼ εἶπʼ Ἀπόλλων παρθένοις κραίνων γάμον; + +Ἄδραστος +κάπρῳ με δοῦναι καὶ λέοντι παῖδʼ ἐμώ. + +Θησεύς +σὺ δʼ ἐξελίσσεις πῶς θεοῦ θεσπίσματα; + +Ἄδραστος +ἐλθόντε φυγάδε νυκτὸς εἰς ἐμὰς πύλας — + +Θησεύς +τίς καὶ τίς; εἰπέ· δύο γὰρ ἐξαυδᾷς ἅμα. + +Ἄδραστος +Τυδεὺς μάχην ξυνῆψε Πολυνείκης θʼ ἅμα. + +Θησεύς +ἦ τοῖσδʼ ἔδωκας θηρσὶν ὣς κόρας σέθεν; + +Ἄδραστος +μάχην γε δισσοῖν κνωδάλοιν ἀπεικάσας. + +Θησεύς +ἦλθον δὲ δὴ πῶς πατρίδος ἐκλιπόνθʼ ὅρους; + +Ἄδραστος +Τυδεὺς μὲν αἷμα συγγενὲς φεύγων χθονός. + +Θησεύς +ὁ δʼ Οἰδίπου τί, τίνι τρόπῳ Θήβας λιπών; + +Ἄδραστος +ἀραῖς πατρῴαις, μὴ κασίγνητον κτάνοι. + +Θησεύς +σοφήν γʼ ἔλεξας τήνδʼ ἑκούσιον φυγήν. + +Ἄδραστος +ἀλλʼ οἱ μένοντες τοὺς ἀπόντας ἠδίκουν. + +Θησεύς +οὔ πού σφʼ ἀδελφὸς χρημάτων νοσφίζεται; + +Ἄδραστος +ταύτῃ δικάζων ἦλθον· εἶτʼ ἀπωλόμην. + +Θησεύς +μάντεις δʼ ἐπῆλθες ἐμπύρων τʼ εἶδες φλόγα; + +Ἄδραστος +οἴμοι; διώκεις μʼ ᾗ μάλιστʼ ἐγὼ ʼσφάλην. + +Θησεύς +οὐκ ἦλθες, ὡς ἔοικεν, εὐνοίᾳ θεῶν. + +Ἄδραστος +τὸ δὲ πλέον, ἦλθον Ἀμφιάρεώ γε πρὸς βίαν. + +Θησεύς +οὕτω τὸ θεῖον ῥᾳδίως ἀπεστράφης; + +Ἄδραστος +νέων γὰρ ἀνδρῶν θόρυβος ἐξέπλησσέ με. + +Θησεύς +εὐψυχίαν ἔσπευσας ἀντʼ εὐβουλίας. + + + +Ἄδραστος +ὃ δή γε πολλοὺς ὤλεσε στρατηλάτας. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ καθʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἀλκιμώτατον κάρα, +ἄναξ Ἀθηνῶν, ἐν μὲν αἰσχύναις ἔχω +πίτνων πρὸς οὖδας γόνυ σὸν ἀμπίσχειν χερί, +πολιὸς ἀνὴρ τύραννος εὐδαίμων πάρος· +ὅμως δʼ ἀνάγκη συμφοραῖς εἴκειν ἐμαῖς. +σῶσον νεκρούς μοι, τἀμά τʼ οἰκτίρας κακὰ +καὶ τῶν θανόντων τάσδε μητέρας τέκνων, +αἷς γῆρας ἥκει πολιὸν εἰς ἀπαιδίαν, +ἐλθεῖν δʼ ἔτλησαν δεῦρο καὶ ξένον πόδα +θεῖναι μόλις γεραιὰ κινοῦσαι μέλη, +πρεσβεύματʼ οὐ Δήμητρος ἐς μυστήρια, +ἀλλʼ ὡς νεκροὺς θάψωσιν, ἃς αὐτὰς ἐχρῆν +κείνων ταφείσας χερσὶν ὡραίων τυχεῖν. +σοφὸν δὲ πενίαν τʼ εἰσορᾶν τὸν ὄλβιον, +πένητά τʼ εἰς τοὺς πλουσίους ἀποβλέπειν +ζηλοῦνθʼ, ἵνʼ αὐτὸν χρημάτων ἔρως ἔχῃ, +τά τʼ οἰκτρὰ τοὺς μὴ δυστυχεῖς δεδοικέναι. + +τόν θʼ ὑμνοποιὸν αὐτὸς ἃν τίκτῃ μέλη +χαίροντα τίκτειν· ἢν δὲ μὴ πάσχῃ τόδε, +οὔτοι δύναιτʼ ἂν οἴκοθέν γʼ ἀτώμενος +τέρπειν ἂν ἄλλους· οὐδὲ γὰρ δίκην ἔχει. +τάχʼ οὖν ἂν εἴποις· Πελοπίαν παρεὶς χθόνα +πῶς ταῖς Ἀθήναις τόνδε προστάσσεις πόνον; +ἐγὼ δίκαιός εἰμʼ ἀφηγεῖσθαι τάδε. +Σπάρτη μὲν ὠμὴ καὶ πεποίκιλται τρόπους, +τὰ δʼ ἄλλα μικρὰ κἀσθενῆ· πόλις δὲ σὴ +μόνη δύναιτʼ ἂν τόνδʼ ὑποστῆναι πόνον· +τά τʼ οἰκτρὰ γὰρ δέδορκε καὶ νεανίαν +ἔχει σὲ ποιμένʼ ἐσθλόν· οὗ χρείᾳ πόλεις +πολλαὶ διώλοντʼ, ἐνδεεῖς στρατηλάτου. + +Χορός +κἀγὼ τὸν αὐτὸν τῷδέ σοι λόγον λέγω, +Θησεῦ, διʼ οἴκτου τὰς ἐμὰς λαβεῖν τύχας. + + + +Θησεύς +ἄλλοισι δὴ ʼπόνησʼ ἁμιλληθεὶς λόγῳ +τοιῷδʼ. ἔλεξε γάρ τις ὡς τὰ χείρονα +πλείω βροτοῖσίν ἐστι τῶν ἀμεινόνων· +ἐγὼ δὲ τούτοις ἀντίαν γνώμην ἔχω, +πλείω τὰ χρηστὰ τῶν κακῶν εἶναι βροτοῖς· +εἰ μὴ γὰρ ἦν τόδʼ, οὐκ ἂν ἦμεν ἐν φάει. +αἰνῶ δʼ ὃς ἡμῖν βίοτον ἐκ πεφυρμένου +καὶ θηριώδους θεῶν διεσταθμήσατο, +πρῶτον μὲν ἐνθεὶς σύνεσιν, εἶτα δʼ ἄγγελον +γλῶσσαν λόγων δούς, ὥστε γιγνώσκειν ὄπα, +τροφήν τε καρποῦ τῇ τροφῇ τʼ ἀπʼ οὐρανοῦ +σταγόνας ὑδρηλάς, ὡς τά γʼ ἐκ γαίας τρέφῃ +ἄρδῃ τε νηδύν· πρὸς δὲ τοῖσι χείματος +προβλήματʼ, αἶθρον ἐξαμύνασθαι θεοῦ, +πόντου τε ναυστολήμαθʼ, ὡς διαλλαγὰς +ἔχοιμεν ἀλλήλοισιν ὧν πένοιτο γῆ. +ἃ δʼ ἔστʼ ἄσημα κοὐ σαφῶς γιγνώσκομεν, +ἐς πῦρ βλέποντες καὶ κατὰ σπλάγχνων πτυχὰς +μάντεις προσημαίνουσιν οἰωνῶν τʼ ἄπο. +ἆρʼ οὐ τρυφῶμεν θεοῦ κατασκευὴν βίῳ +δόντος τοιαύτην, οἷσιν οὐκ ἀρκεῖ τάδε; +ἀλλʼ ἡ φρόνησις τοῦ θεοῦ μεῖζον σθένειν +ζητεῖ, τὸ γαῦρον δʼ ἐν φρεσὶν κεκτημένοι +δοκοῦμεν εἶναι δαιμόνων σοφώτεροι. + +ἧς καὶ σὺ φαίνῃ δεκάδος, οὐ σοφὸς γεγώς, +ὅστις κόρας μὲν θεσφάτοις Φοίβου ζυγεὶς +ξένοισιν ὧδʼ ἔδωκας ὡς ζώντων θεῶν, +λαμπρὸν δὲ θολερῷ δῶμα συμμείξας τὸ σὸν +ἥλκωσας οἴκους· χρῆν γὰρ οὐδὲ σώματα +ἄδικα δικαίοις τὸν σοφὸν συμμιγνύναι, +εὐδαιμονοῦντας δʼ ἐς δόμους κτᾶσθαι φίλους. +κοινὰς γὰρ ὁ θεὸς τὰς τύχας ἡγούμενος +τοῖς τοῦ νοσοῦντος πήμασιν διώλεσε +τὸν συννοσοῦντα κοὐδὲν ἠδικηκότα. +ἐς δὲ στρατείαν πάντας Ἀργείους ἄγων, +μάντεων λεγόντων θέσφατʼ, εἶτʼ ἀτιμάσας +βίᾳ παρελθὼν θεοὺς ἀπώλεσας πόλιν, +νέοις παραχθείς, οἵτινες τιμώμενοι +χαίρουσι πολέμους τʼ αὐξάνουσʼ ἄνευ δίκης, +φθείροντες ἀστούς, ὁ μὲν ὅπως στρατηλατῇ, +ὁ δʼ ὡς ὑβρίζῃ δύναμιν ἐς χεῖρας λαβών, +ἄλλος δὲ κέρδους οὕνεκʼ, οὐκ ἀποσκοπῶν +τὸ πλῆθος εἴ τι βλάπτεται πάσχον τάδε. +τρεῖς γὰρ πολιτῶν μερίδες· οἳ μὲν ὄλβιοι +ἀνωφελεῖς τε πλειόνων τʼ ἐρῶσʼ ἀεί· +οἳ δʼ οὐκ ἔχοντες καὶ σπανίζοντες βίου +δεινοί, νέμοντες τῷ φθόνῳ πλέον μέρος, +ἐς τοὺς ἔχοντας κέντρʼ ἀφιᾶσιν κακά, +γλώσσαις πονηρῶν προστατῶν φηλούμενοι· +τριῶν δὲ μοιρῶν ἡ ʼν μέσῳ σῴζει πόλεις, +κόσμον φυλάσσουσʼ ὅντινʼ ἂν τάξῃ πόλις. +κἄπειτʼ ἐγώ σοι σύμμαχος γενήσομαι; +τί πρὸς πολίτας τοὺς ἐμοὺς λέγων καλόν; +χαίρων ἴθʼ· εἰ γὰρ μὴ βεβούλευσαι καλῶς, +αὐτὸς πιέζειν τὴν τύχην, ἡμᾶς δʼ ἐᾶν. + +Χορός +ἥμαρτεν· ἐν νέοισι δʼ ἀνθρώπων τόδε +ἔνεστι· συγγνώμην δὲ τῷδʼ ἔχειν χρεών. +ἀλλʼ ὡς ἰατρὸν τῶνδʼ, ἄναξ, ἀφίγμεθα. + + + +Ἄδραστος +οὔτοι δικαστήν σʼ εἱλόμην ἐμῶν κακῶν +οὐδʼ, εἴ τι πράξας μὴ καλῶς εὑρίσκομαι, +τούτων κολαστὴν κἀπιτιμητήν, ἄναξ, +ἀλλʼ ὡς ὀναίμην. εἰ δὲ μὴ βούλῃ τάδε, +στέργειν ἀνάγκη τοῖσι σοῖς· τί γὰρ πάθω; +ἄγʼ, ὦ γεραιαί, στείχετε, γλαυκὴν χλόην +αὐτοῦ λιποῦσαι, φυλλάδος καταστροφῇ +θεούς τε καὶ γῆν τήν τε πυρφόρον θεὰν +Δήμητρα θέμεναι μάρτυρʼ ἡλίου τε φῶς, +ὡς οὐδὲν ἡμῖν ἤρκεσαν λιταὶ θεῶν. + +Χορός + +ὃς Πέλοπος ἦν παῖς, Πελοπίας δʼ ἡμεῖς χθονὸς +ταὐτὸν πατρῷον αἷμα σοὶ κεκτήμεθα. +τί δρᾷς; προδώσεις ταῦτα κἀκβαλεῖς χθονὸς +γραῦς οὐ τυχούσας οὐδὲν ὧν αὐτὰς ἐχρῆν; +μὴ δῆτʼ· ἔχει γὰρ καταφυγὴν θὴρ μὲν πέτραν, +δοῦλος δὲ βωμοὺς θεῶν, πόλις δὲ πρὸς πόλιν +ἔπτηξε χειμασθεῖσα· τῶν γὰρ ἐν βροτοῖς +οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν διὰ τέλους εὐδαιμονοῦν. + + + +
+Χορός +βᾶθι, τάλαινʼ, ἱερῶν δαπέδων ἄπο Περσεφονείας, +βᾶθι καὶ ἀντίασον γονάτων ἔπι χεῖρα βαλοῦσα, +τέκνων τεθνεώτων κομίσαι δέμας, ὦ μελέα ʼγώ, +οὓς ὑπὸ τείχεσι Καδμείοισιν ἀπώλεσα κούρους. +ἰώ μοι· λάβετε φέρετε πέμπετε κρίνετε ταλαίνας χέρας γεραιάς. +πρός σε γενειάδος, ὦ φίλος, ὦ δοκιμώτατος Ἑλλάδι, +ἄντομαι ἀμφιπίτνουσα τὸ σὸν γόνυ καὶ χέρα δειλαία· +οἴκτισαι ἀμφὶ τέκνων μʼ ἱκέταν ἤ τινʼ ἀλάταν +οἰκτρὸν ἰήλεμον οἰκτρὸν ἱεῖσαν. +μηδʼ ἀτάφους, τέκνον, ἐν χθονὶ Κάδμου χάρματα θηρῶν +παῖδας ἐν ἁλικίᾳ τᾷ σᾷ κατίδῃς, ἱκετεύω. +βλέψον ἐμῶν βλεφάρων ἔπι δάκρυον, ἃ περὶ σοῖσι +γούνασιν ὧδε πίτνω τέκνοις τάφον ἐξανύσασθαι.
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+Θησεύς +μῆτερ, τί κλαίεις λέπτʼ ἐπʼ ὀμμάτων φάρη +βαλοῦσα τῶν σῶν; ἆρα δυστήνους γόους +κλύουσα τῶνδε; κἀμὲ γὰρ διῆλθέ τι. +ἔπαιρε λευκὸν κρᾶτα, μὴ δακρυρρόει +σεμναῖσι Δηοῦς ἐσχάραις παρημένη. + +Αἴθρα +αἰαῖ. + +Θησεύς +τὰ τούτων οὐχὶ σοὶ στενακτέον. + +Αἴθρα +ὦ τλήμονες γυναῖκες. + +Θησεύς +οὐ σὺ τῶνδʼ ἔφυς. + +Αἴθρα +εἴπω τι, τέκνον, σοί τε καὶ πόλει καλόν; + +Θησεύς +ὡς πολλά γʼ ἐστὶ κἀπὸ θηλειῶν σοφά. + +Αἴθρα +ἀλλʼ εἰς ὄκνον μοι μῦθος ὃν κεύθω φέρει. + +Θησεύς +αἰσχρόν γʼ ἔλεξας, χρήστʼ ἔπη κρύπτειν φίλοις. + +Αἴθρα +οὔτοι σιωπῶσʼ εἶτα μέμψομαί ποτε +τὴν νῦν σιωπὴν ὡς ἐσιγήθη κακῶς, +οὐδʼ ὡς ἀχρεῖον τὰς γυναῖκας εὖ λέγειν +δείσασʼ ἀφήσω τῷ φόβῳ τοὐμὸν καλόν. +ἐγὼ δέ σʼ, ὦ παῖ, πρῶτα μὲν τὰ τῶν θεῶν +σκοπεῖν κελεύω μὴ σφαλῇς ἀτιμάσας· +τἄλλʼ εὖ φρονῶν γάρ, ἐν μόνῳ τούτῳ ʼσφάλης. +πρὸς τοῖσδε δʼ, εἰ μὲν μὴ ἀδικουμένοις ἐχρῆν +τολμηρὸν εἶναι, κάρτʼ ἂν εἶχον ἡσύχως· +νῦν δʼ ἴσθι σοί τε τοῦθʼ ὅσην τιμὴν φέρει, +κἀμοὶ παραινεῖν οὐ φόβον φέρει, τέκνον, +ἄνδρας βιαίους καὶ κατείργοντας νεκροὺς +τάφου τε μοίρας καὶ κτερισμάτων λαχεῖν +ἐς τήνδʼ ἀνάγκην σῇ καταστῆσαι χερί, +νόμιμά τε πάσης συγχέοντας Ἑλλάδος +παῦσαι· τὸ γάρ τοι συνέχον ἀνθρώπων πόλεις +τοῦτʼ ἔσθʼ, ὅταν τις τοὺς νόμους σῴζῃ καλῶς. +ἐρεῖ δὲ δή τις ὡς ἀνανδρίᾳ χερῶν, +πόλει παρόν σοι στέφανον εὐκλείας λαβεῖν, +δείσας ἀπέστης, καὶ συὸς μὲν ἀγρίου +ἀγῶνος ἥψω φαῦλον ἀθλήσας πόνον, +οὗ δʼ ἐς κράνος βλέψαντα καὶ λόγχης ἀκμὴν +χρῆν ἐκπονῆσαι, δειλὸς ὢν ἐφηυρέθης. +μὴ δῆτʼ ἐμός γʼ ὤν, ὦ τέκνον, δράσῃς τάδε. +ὁρᾷς, ἄβουλος ὡς κεκερτομημένη +τοῖς κερτομοῦσι γοργὸν ὄμμʼ ἀναβλέπει +σὴ πατρίς; ἐν γὰρ τοῖς πόνοισιν αὔξεται· +αἱ δʼ ἥσυχοι σκοτεινὰ πράσσουσαι πόλεις +σκοτεινὰ καὶ βλέπουσιν εὐλαβούμεναι. +οὐκ εἶ νεκροῖσι καὶ γυναιξὶν ἀθλίαις +προσωφελήσων, ὦ τέκνον, κεχρημέναις; +ὡς οὔτε ταρβῶ σὺν δίκῃ σʼ ὁρμώμενον, +Κάδμου θʼ ὁρῶσα λαὸν εὖ πεπραγότα, +ἔτʼ αὐτὸν ἄλλα βλήματʼ ἐν κύβοις βαλεῖν +πέποιθʼ· ὁ γὰρ θεὸς πάντʼ ἀναστρέφει πάλιν. + +Χορός +ὦ φιλτάτη μοι, τῷδέ τʼ εἴρηκας καλῶς +κἀμοί· διπλοῦν δὲ χάρμα γίγνεται τόδε. + + + +Θησεύς +ἐμοὶ λόγοι μέν, μῆτερ, οἱ λελεγμένοι +ὀρθῶς ἔχουσʼ ἐς τόνδε, κἀπεφηνάμην +γνώμην ὑφʼ οἵων ἐσφάλη βουλευμάτων· +ὁρῶ δὲ κἀγὼ ταῦθʼ ἅπερ με νουθετεῖς, +ὡς τοῖς ἐμοῖσιν οὐχὶ πρόσφορον τρόποις +φεύγειν τὰ δεινά. πολλὰ γὰρ δράσας καλὰ +ἔθος τόδʼ εἰς Ἕλληνας ἐξελεξάμην, +ἀεὶ κολαστὴς τῶν κακῶν καθεστάναι. +οὔκουν ἀπαυδᾶν δυνατόν ἐστί μοι πόνους. +τί γάρ μʼ ἐροῦσιν οἵ γε δυσμενεῖς βροτῶν, +ὅθʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα χὑπερορρωδοῦσʼ ἐμοῦ +πρώτη κελεύεις τόνδʼ ὑποστῆναι πόνον; +δράσω τάδʼ· εἶμι καὶ νεκροὺς ἐκλύσομαι +λόγοισι πείθων· εἰ δὲ μή, βίᾳ δορὸς +ἤδη τόδʼ ἔσται κοὐχὶ σὺν φθόνῳ θεῶν. +δόξαι δὲ χρῄζω καὶ πόλει πάσῃ τόδε. +δόξει δʼ ἐμοῦ θέλοντος· ἀλλὰ τοῦ λόγου +προσδοὺς ἔχοιμʼ ἂν δῆμον εὐμενέστερον. +καὶ γὰρ κατέστησʼ αὐτὸν ἐς μοναρχίαν +ἐλευθερώσας τήνδʼ ἰσόψηφον πόλιν. +λαβὼν δʼ Ἄδραστον δεῖγμα τῶν ἐμῶν λόγων +ἐς πλῆθος ἀστῶν εἶμι· καὶ πείσας τάδε, +λεκτοὺς ἀθροίσας δεῦρʼ Ἀθηναίων κόρους +ἥξω· παρʼ ὅπλοις θʼ ἥμενος πέμψω λόγους +Κρέοντι νεκρῶν σώματʼ ἐξαιτούμενος. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ γεραιαί, σέμνʼ ἀφαιρεῖτε στέφη +μητρός, πρὸς οἴκους ὥς νιν Αἰγέως ἄγω, +φίλην προσάψας χεῖρα· τοῖς τεκοῦσι γὰρ +δύστηνος ὅστις μὴ ἀντιδουλεύει τέκνων — +κάλλιστον ἔρανον· δοὺς γὰρ ἀντιλάζυται +παίδων παρʼ αὑτοῦ τοιάδʼ ἃν τοκεῦσι δῷ.
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+Χορός +— ἱππόβοτον Ἄργος, ὦ πάτριον ἐμὸν πέδον, +ἐκλύετε τάδʼ, ἐκλύετε +ἄνακτος ὅσια περὶ θεοὺς +καὶ μεγάλα Πελασγίᾳ +καὶ κατʼ Ἄργος.
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+Χορός +— εἰ γὰρ ἐπὶ τέρμα καὶ τὸ πλέον ἐμῶν κακῶν +ἱκόμενος ἔτι ματέρος +ἄγαλμα φόνιον ἐξέλοι, +γᾶν δὲ φίλιον Ἰνάχου +θεῖτʼ ὀνήσας.
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+Χορός +— καλὸν δʼ ἄγαλμα πόλεσιν εὐσεβὴς πόνος +χάριν τʼ ἔχει τὰν ἐς αἰεί. +τί μοι πόλις κρανεῖ ποτʼ; ἆρα φίλιά μοι +τεμεῖ, καὶ τέκνοις ταφὰς ληψόμεσθα;
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+Χορός +— ἄμυνε ματρί, πόλις, ἄμυνε, Παλλάδος, +νόμους βροτῶν μὴ μιαίνειν. +σύ τοι σέβεις δίκαν, τὸ δʼ ἧσσον ἀδικίᾳ +νέμεις, δυστυχῆ τʼ ἀεὶ πάντα ῥύῃ.
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+Θησεύς +τέχνην μὲν αἰεὶ τήνδʼ ἔχων ὑπηρετεῖς +πόλει τε κἀμοί, διαφέρων κηρύγματα· +ἐλθὼν δʼ ὑπέρ τʼ Ἀσωπὸν Ἰσμηνοῦ θʼ ὕδωρ +σεμνῷ τυράννῳ φράζε Καδμείων τάδε· +Θησεύς σʼ ἀπαιτεῖ πρὸς χάριν θάψαι νεκρούς, +συγγείτονʼ οἰκῶν γαῖαν, ἀξιῶν τυχεῖν, +φίλον τε θέσθαι πάντʼ Ἐρεχθειδῶν λεών. +κἂν μὲν θέλωσιν, αἰνέσας παλίσσυτος +στεῖχʼ· ἢν δʼ ἀπιστῶσʼ, οἵδε δεύτεροι λόγοι· +Κῶμον δέχεσθαι τὸν ἐμὸν ἀσπιδηφόρον. +στρατὸς δὲ θάσσει κἀξετάζεται παρὼν +Καλλίχορον ἀμφὶ σεμνὸν εὐτρεπὴς ὅδε. +— καὶ μὴν ἑκοῦσά γʼ ἀσμένη τʼ ἐδέξατο +πόλις πόνον τόνδʼ, ὡς θέλοντά μʼ ᾔσθετο. +ἔα· λόγων τίς ἐμποδὼν ὅδʼ ἔρχεται; +Καδμεῖος, ὡς ἔοικεν οὐ σάφʼ εἰδότι, +κῆρυξ. ἐπίσχες, ἤν σʼ ἀπαλλάξῃ πόνου +μολὼν ὕπαντα τοῖς ἐμοῖς βουλεύμασιν. + + + +Κῆρυξ +τίς γῆς τύραννος; πρὸς τίνʼ ἀγγεῖλαί με χρὴ +λόγους Κρέοντος, ὃς κρατεῖ Κάδμου χθονὸς +Ἐτεοκλέους θανόντος ἀμφʼ ἑπταστόμους +πύλας ἀδελφῇ χειρὶ Πολυνείκους ὕπο; + +Θησεύς +πρῶτον μὲν ἤρξω τοῦ λόγου ψευδῶς, ξένε, +ζητῶν τύραννον ἐνθάδʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἄρχεται +ἑνὸς πρὸς ἀνδρός, ἀλλʼ ἐλευθέρα πόλις. +δῆμος δʼ ἀνάσσει διαδοχαῖσιν ἐν μέρει +ἐνιαυσίαισιν, οὐχὶ τῷ πλούτῳ διδοὺς +τὸ πλεῖστον, ἀλλὰ χὡ πένης ἔχων ἴσον. + +Κῆρυξ +ἓν μὲν τόδʼ ἡμῖν ὥσπερ ἐν πεσσοῖς δίδως +κρεῖσσον· πόλις γὰρ ἧς ἐγὼ πάρειμʼ ἄπο +ἑνὸς πρὸς ἀνδρός, οὐκ ὄχλῳ κρατύνεται· +οὐδʼ ἔστιν αὐτὴν ὅστις ἐκχαυνῶν λόγοις +πρὸς κέρδος ἴδιον ἄλλοτʼ ἄλλοσε στρέφει, +τὸ δʼ αὐτίχʼ ἡδὺς καὶ διδοὺς πολλὴν χάριν, +ἐσαῦθις ἔβλαψʼ, εἶτα διαβολαῖς νέαις +κλέψας τὰ πρόσθε σφάλματʼ ἐξέδυ δίκης. +ἄλλως τε πῶς ἂν μὴ διορθεύων λόγους +ὀρθῶς δύναιτʼ ἂν δῆμος εὐθύνειν πόλιν; +ὁ γὰρ χρόνος μάθησιν ἀντὶ τοῦ τάχους +κρείσσω δίδωσι. γαπόνος δʼ ἀνὴρ πένης, +εἰ καὶ γένοιτο μὴ ἀμαθής, ἔργων ὕπο +οὐκ ἂν δύναιτο πρὸς τὰ κοίνʼ ἀποβλέπειν. +ἦ δὴ νοσῶδες τοῦτο τοῖς ἀμείνοσιν, +ὅταν πονηρὸς ἀξίωμʼ ἀνὴρ ἔχῃ +γλώσσῃ κατασχὼν δῆμον, οὐδὲν ὢν τὸ πρίν. + + + +Θησεύς +κομψός γʼ ὁ κῆρυξ καὶ παρεργάτης λόγων. +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀγῶνα καὶ σὺ τόνδʼ ἠγωνίσω, +ἄκουʼ· ἅμιλλαν γὰρ σὺ προύθηκας λόγων. +οὐδὲν τυράννου δυσμενέστερον πόλει, +ὅπου τὸ μὲν πρώτιστον οὐκ εἰσὶν νόμοι +κοινοί, κρατεῖ δʼ εἷς τὸν νόμον κεκτημένος +αὐτὸς παρʼ αὑτῷ· καὶ τόδʼ οὐκέτʼ ἔστʼ ἴσον. +γεγραμμένων δὲ τῶν νόμων ὅ τʼ ἀσθενὴς +ὁ πλούσιός τε τὴν δίκην ἴσην ἔχει, +ἔστιν δʼ ἐνισπεῖν τοῖσιν ἀσθενεστέροις +τὸν εὐτυχοῦντα ταὔθʼ, ὅταν κλύῃ κακῶς, +νικᾷ δʼ ὁ μείων τὸν μέγαν δίκαιʼ ἔχων. +τοὐλεύθερον δʼ ἐκεῖνο· Τίς θέλει πόλει +χρηστόν τι βούλευμʼ ἐς μέσον φέρειν ἔχων; +καὶ ταῦθʼ ὁ χρῄζων λαμπρός ἐσθʼ, ὁ μὴ θέλων +σιγᾷ. τί τούτων ἔστʼ ἰσαίτερον πόλει; +καὶ μὴν ὅπου γε δῆμος αὐθέντης χθονός, +ὑποῦσιν ἀστοῖς ἥδεται νεανίαις· +ἀνὴρ δὲ βασιλεὺς ἐχθρὸν ἡγεῖται τόδε, +καὶ τοὺς ἀρίστους οὕς τʼ ἂν ἡγῆται φρονεῖν +κτείνει, δεδοικὼς τῆς τυραννίδος πέρι. +πῶς οὖν ἔτʼ ἂν γένοιτʼ ἂν ἰσχυρὰ πόλις, +ὅταν τις ὡς λειμῶνος ἠρινοῦ στάχυν +τόλμας ἀφαιρῇ κἀπολωτίζῃ νέους; +κτᾶσθαι δὲ πλοῦτον καὶ βίον τί δεῖ τέκνοις +ὡς τῷ τυράννῳ πλείονʼ ἐκμοχθῇ βίον; +ἢ παρθενεύειν παῖδας ἐν δόμοις καλῶς, +τερπνὰς τυράννοις ἡδονάς, ὅταν θέλῃ, +δάκρυα δʼ ἑτοιμάζουσι; μὴ ζῴην ἔτι, +εἰ τἀμὰ τέκνα πρὸς βίαν νυμφεύσεται. +καὶ ταῦτα μὲν δὴ πρὸς τὰ σὰ ἐξηκόντισα. +ἥκεις δὲ δὴ τί τῆσδε γῆς κεχρημένος; +κλαίων γʼ ἂν ἦλθες, εἴ σε μὴ ῎πεμψεν πόλις, +περισσὰ φωνῶν· τὸν γὰρ ἄγγελον χρεὼν +λέξανθʼ ὅσʼ ἂν τάξῃ τις ὡς τάχος πάλιν +χωρεῖν. τὸ λοιπὸν δʼ εἰς ἐμὴν πόλιν Κρέων +ἧσσον λάλον σου πεμπέτω τινʼ ἄγγελον. + +Χορός +φεῦ φεῦ· κακοῖσιν ὡς ὅταν δαίμων διδῷ +καλῶς, ὑβρίζουσʼ ὡς ἀεὶ πράξοντες εὖ. + + + +Κῆρυξ +λέγοιμʼ ἂν ἤδη. τῶν μὲν ἠγωνισμένων +σοὶ μὲν δοκείτω ταῦτʼ, ἐμοὶ δὲ τἀντία. +ἐγὼ δʼ ἀπαυδῶ πᾶς τε Καδμεῖος λεὼς +Ἄδραστον ἐς γῆν τήνδε μὴ παριέναι· +εἰ δʼ ἔστιν ἐν γῇ, πρὶν θεοῦ δῦναι σέλας, +λύσαντα σεμνὰ στεμμάτων μυστήρια +τῆσδʼ ἐξελαύνειν, μηδʼ ἀναιρεῖσθαι νεκροὺς +βίᾳ, προσήκοντʼ οὐδὲν Ἀργείων πόλει. +κἂν μὲν πίθῃ μοι, κυμάτων ἄτερ πόλιν +σὴν ναυστολήσεις· εἰ δὲ μή, πολὺς κλύδων +ἡμῖν τε καὶ σοὶ συμμάχοις τʼ ἔσται δορός. +σκέψαι δέ, καὶ μὴ τοῖς ἐμοῖς θυμούμενος +λόγοισιν, ὡς δὴ πόλιν ἐλευθέραν ἔχων, +σφριγῶντʼ ἀμείψῃ μῦθον ἐκ βραχιόνων· +ἐλπὶς γάρ ἐστʼ ἄπιστον, ἣ πολλὰς πόλεις +συνῆψʼ, ἄγουσα θυμὸν εἰς ὑπερβολάς. +ὅταν γὰρ ἔλθῃ πόλεμος ἐς ψῆφον λεώ, +οὐδεὶς ἔθʼ αὑτοῦ θάνατον ἐκλογίζεται, +τὸ δυστυχὲς δὲ τοῦτʼ ἐς ἄλλον ἐκτρέπει· +εἰ δʼ ἦν παρʼ ὄμμα θάνατος ἐν ψήφου φορᾷ, +οὐκ ἄν ποθʼ Ἑλλὰς δοριμανὴς ἀπώλλυτο. +καίτοι δυοῖν γε πάντες ἄνθρωποι λόγοιν +τὸν κρείσσονʼ ἴσμεν, καὶ τὰ χρηστὰ καὶ κακά, +ὅσῳ τε πολέμου κρεῖσσον εἰρήνη βροτοῖς· +ἣ πρῶτα μὲν Μούσαισι προσφιλεστάτη, +Ποιναῖσι δʼ ἐχθρά, τέρπεται δʼ εὐπαιδίᾳ, +χαίρει δὲ πλούτῳ. ταῦτʼ ἀφέντες οἱ κακοὶ +πολέμους ἀναιρούμεσθα καὶ τὸν ἥσσονα +δουλούμεθʼ, ἄνδρες ἄνδρα καὶ πόλις πόλιν. + +σὺ δʼ ἄνδρας ἐχθροὺς καὶ θανόντας ὠφελεῖς, +θάπτων κομίζων θʼ ὕβρις οὓς ἀπώλεσεν; +οὔ τἄρʼ ἔτʼ ὀρθῶς Καπανέως κεραύνιον +δέμας καπνοῦται, κλιμάκων ὀρθοστάτας +ὃς προσβαλὼν πύλῃσιν ὤμοσεν πόλιν +πέρσειν θεοῦ θέλοντος ἤν τε μὴ θέλῃ; +οὐδʼ ἥρπασεν χάρυβδις οἰωνοσκόπον, +τέθριππον ἅρμα περιβαλοῦσα χάσματι, +ἄλλοι τε κεῖνται πρὸς πύλαις λοχαγέται +πέτροις καταξανθέντες ὀστέων ῥαφάς; +ἤ νυν φρονεῖν ἄμεινον ἐξαύχει Διός, +ἢ θεοὺς δικαίως τοὺς κακοὺς ἀπολλύναι. +φιλεῖν μὲν οὖν χρὴ τοὺς σοφοὺς πρῶτον τέκνα, +ἔπειτα τοκέας πατρίδα θʼ, ἣν αὔξειν χρεὼν +καὶ μὴ κατᾶξαι. σφαλερὸν ἡγεμὼν θρασύς· +νεώς τε ναύτης ἥσυχος, καιρῷ σοφός. +καὶ τοῦτʼ ἐμοὶ τἀνδρεῖον, ἡ προμηθία. + +Χορός +ἐξαρκέσας ἦν Ζεὺς ὁ τιμωρούμενος, +ὑμᾶς δʼ ὑβρίζειν οὐκ ἐχρῆν τοιάνδʼ ὕβριν. + +Ἄδραστος +ὦ παγκάκιστε — + +Θησεύς +σῖγʼ, Ἄδραστʼ, ἔχε στόμα, +καὶ μὴ ʼπίπροσθεν τῶν ἐμῶν τοὺς σοὺς λόγους +θῇς· οὐ γὰρ ἥκει πρὸς σὲ κηρύσσων ὅδε, +ἀλλʼ ὡς ἔμʼ· ἡμᾶς κἀποκρίνασθαι χρεών. +καὶ πρῶτα μέν σε πρὸς τὰ πρῶτʼ ἀμείψομαι. +οὐκ οἶδʼ ἐγὼ Κρέοντα δεσπόζοντʼ ἐμοῦ +οὐδὲ σθένοντα μεῖζον, ὥστʼ ἀναγκάσαι +δρᾶν τὰς Ἀθήνας ταῦτʼ· ἄνω γὰρ ἂν ῥέοι +τὰ πράγμαθʼ οὕτως, εἰ ʼπιταξόμεσθα δή. +πόλεμον δὲ τοῦτον οὐκ ἐγὼ καθίσταμαι, +ὃς οὐδὲ σὺν τοῖσδʼ ἦλθον ἐς Κάδμου χθόνα· +νεκροὺς δὲ τοὺς θανόντας, οὐ βλάπτων πόλιν +οὐδʼ ἀνδροκμῆτας προσφέρων ἀγωνίας, +θάψαι δικαιῶ, τὸν Πανελλήνων νόμον +σῴζων. τί τούτων ἐστὶν οὐ καλῶς ἔχον; +εἰ γάρ τι καὶ πεπόνθατʼ Ἀργείων ὕπο, +τεθνᾶσιν, ἠμύνασθε πολεμίους καλῶς, +αἰσχρῶς δʼ ἐκείνοις, χἡ δίκη διοίχεται. +ἐάσατʼ ἤδη γῇ καλυφθῆναι νεκρούς, +ὅθεν δʼ ἕκαστον ἐς τὸ φῶς ἀφίκετο, +ἐνταῦθʼ ἀπελθεῖν, πνεῦμα μὲν πρὸς αἰθέρα, +τὸ σῶμα δʼ ἐς γῆν· οὔτι γὰρ κεκτήμεθα +ἡμέτερον αὐτὸ πλὴν ἐνοικῆσαι βίον, +κἄπειτα τὴν θρέψασαν αὐτὸ δεῖ λαβεῖν. +δοκεῖς κακουργεῖν Ἄργος οὐ θάπτων νεκρούς; +ἥκιστα· πάσης Ἑλλάδος κοινὸν τόδε, +εἰ τοὺς θανόντας νοσφίσας ὧν χρῆν λαχεῖν +ἀτάφους τις ἕξει· δειλίαν γὰρ ἐσφέρει +τοῖς ἀλκίμοισιν οὗτος ἢν τεθῇ νόμος. +κἀμοὶ μὲν ἦλθες δείνʼ ἀπειλήσων ἔπη, +νεκροὺς δὲ ταρβεῖτʼ, εἰ κρυβήσονται χθονί; +τί μὴ γένηται; μὴ κατασκάψωσι γῆν +ταφέντες ὑμῶν; ἢ τέκνʼ ἐν μυχῷ χθονὸς +φύσωσιν, ἐξ ὧν εἶσί τις τιμωρία; +σκαιόν γε τἀνάλωμα τῆς γλώσσης τόδε, +φόβους πονηροὺς καὶ κενοὺς δεδοικέναι. + +ἀλλʼ, ὦ μάταιοι, γνῶτε τἀνθρώπων κακά· +παλαίσμαθʼ ἡμῶν ὁ βίος· εὐτυχοῦσι δὲ +οἳ μὲν τάχʼ, οἳ δʼ ἐσαῦθις, οἳ δʼ ἤδη βροτῶν, +τρυφᾷ δʼ ὁ δαίμων· πρός τε γὰρ τοῦ δυστυχοῦς, +ὡς εὐτυχήσῃ, τίμιος γεραίρεται, +ὅ τʼ ὄλβιός νιν πνεῦμα δειμαίνων λιπεῖν +ὑψηλὸν αἴρει. γνόντας οὖν χρεὼν τάδε +ἀδικουμένους τε μέτρια μὴ θυμῷ φέρειν +ἀδικεῖν τε τοιαῦθʼ οἷα μὴ βλάψαι πόλιν. +πῶς οὖν ἂν εἴη; τοὺς ὀλωλότας νεκροὺς +θάψαι δὸς ἡμῖν τοῖς θέλουσιν εὐσεβεῖν. +ἢ δῆλα τἀνθένδʼ· εἶμι καὶ θάψω βίᾳ. +οὐ γάρ ποτʼ εἰς Ἕλληνας ἐξοισθήσεται +ὡς εἰς ἔμʼ ἐλθὼν καὶ πόλιν Πανδίονος +νόμος παλαιὸς δαιμόνων διεφθάρη. + +Χορός +θάρσει· τὸ γάρ τοι τῆς Δίκης σῴζων φάος +πολλοὺς ὑπεκφύγοις ἂν ἀνθρώπων ψόγους. + +Κῆρυξ +βούλῃ συνάψω μῦθον ἐν βραχεῖ σέθεν; + +Θησεύς +λέγʼ, εἴ τι βούλῃ· καὶ γὰρ οὐ σιγηλὸς εἶ. + +Κῆρυξ +οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ ἐκ γῆς παῖδας Ἀργείων λάβοις. + +Θησεύς +κἀμοῦ νυν ἀντάκουσον, εἰ βούλῃ, πάλιν. + +Κῆρυξ +κλύοιμʼ ἄν· οὐ γὰρ ἀλλὰ δεῖ δοῦναι μέρος. + +Θησεύς +θάψω νεκροὺς γῆς ἐξελὼν Ἀσωπίας. + +Κῆρυξ +ἐν ἀσπίσιν σοι πρῶτα κινδυνευτέον. + +Θησεύς +πολλοὺς ἔτλην δὴ χἁτέρους ἄλλους πόνους. + +Κῆρυξ +ἦ πᾶσιν οὖν σʼ ἔφυσεν ἐξαρκεῖν πατήρ; + +Θησεύς +ὅσοι γʼ ὑβρισταί· χρηστὰ δʼ οὐ κολάζομεν. + +Κῆρυξ +πράσσειν σὺ πόλλʼ εἴωθας ἥ τε σὴ πόλις. + +Θησεύς +τοιγὰρ πονοῦσα πολλὰ πόλλʼ εὐδαιμονεῖ. + +Κῆρυξ +ἔλθʼ, ὥς σε λόγχη σπαρτὸς ἐν πόλει λάβῃ. + +Θησεύς +τίς δʼ ἐκ δράκοντος θοῦρος ἂν γένοιτʼ Ἄρης; + +Κῆρυξ +γνώσῃ σὺ πάσχων· νῦν δʼ ἔτʼ εἶ νεανίας. + +Θησεύς +οὔτοι μʼ ἐπαρεῖς ὥστε θυμῶσαι φρένας +τοῖς σοῖσι κόμποις· ἀλλʼ ἀποστέλλου χθονός, +λόγους ματαίους οὕσπερ ἠνέγκω λαβών. +περαίνομεν γὰρ οὐδέν. +ὁρμᾶσθαι χρεὼν +πάντʼ ἄνδρʼ ὁπλίτην ἁρμάτων τʼ ἐπεμβάτην, +μοναμπύκων τε φάλαρα κινεῖσθαι στόμα +ἀφρῷ καταστάζοντα Καδμείαν χθόνα. +χωρήσομαι γὰρ ἑπτὰ πρὸς Κάδμου πύλας +αὐτὸς σίδηρον ὀξὺν ἐν χεροῖν ἔχων +αὐτός τε κῆρυξ. σοὶ δὲ προστάσσω μένειν, +Ἄδραστε, κἀμοὶ μὴ ἀναμίγνυσθαι τύχας +τὰς σάς. ἐγὼ γὰρ δαίμονος τοὐμοῦ μέτα +στρατηλατήσω καινὸς ἐν καινῷ δορί. +ἓν δεῖ μόνον μοι· τοὺς θεοὺς ἔχειν, ὅσοι +δίκην σέβονται· ταῦτα γὰρ ξυνόνθʼ ὁμοῦ +νίκην δίδωσιν. ἁρετὴ δʼ οὐδὲν λέγει +βροτοῖσιν, ἢ μὴ τὸν θεὸν χρῄζοντʼ ἔχῃ. + + + +
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+Χορός +— ὦ μέλεαι μελέων ματέρες λοχαγῶν, +ὥς μοι ὑφʼ ἥπατι χλωρὸν δεῖμα θάσσει — +— τίνʼ αὐδὰν τάνδε προσφέρεις νέαν; +— στράτευμα πᾷ Παλλάδος κριθήσεται; +— διὰ δορὸς εἶπας, ἢ λόγων ξυναλλαγαῖς; +— γένοιτʼ ἂν κέρδος· εἰ δʼ ἀρείφατοι +φόνοι μάχαι στερνοτυπεῖς τʼ ἀνὰ πτόλιν +κτύποι φανήσονται, τάλαι- +να, τίνα λόγον, τίνʼ ἂν τῶνδʼ αἰτία λάβοιμι;
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+Χορός +— ἀλλὰ τὸν εὐτυχίᾳ λαμπρὸν ἄν τις αἱροῖ +μοῖρα πάλιν· τόδε μοι θράσος ἀμφιβαίνει. +— δικαίους δαίμονας σύ γʼ ἐννέπεις. +— τίνες γὰρ ἄλλοι νέμουσι συμφοράς; +— διάφορα πολλὰ θεῶν βροτοῖσιν εἰσορῶ. +— φόβῳ γὰρ τῷ πάρος διόλλυσαι· +δίκα δίκαν δʼ ἐκάλεσε καὶ φόνος φόνον, +κακῶν δʼ ἀναψυχὰς θεοὶ +βροτοῖς νέμουσι, πάντων τέρμʼ ἔχοντες αὐτοί.
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+Χορός +— τὰ καλλίπυργα πεδία πῶς ἱκοίμεθʼ ἄν, +Καλλίχορον θεᾶς ὕδωρ λιποῦσαι — +— ποτανὰν εἴ σέ τις θεῶν κτίσαι. +— διπόταμον ἵνα πόλιν μόλω. +— εἰδείης ἂν φίλων εἰδείης ἂν τύχας. +— τίς ποτʼ αἶσα, τίς ἄρα πότμος +ἐπιμένει τὸν ἄλκιμον +τᾶσδε γᾶς ἄνακτα;
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+Χορός +— κεκλημένους μὲν ἀνακαλούμεθʼ αὖ θεούς· +— ἀλλὰ φόβων πίστις ἅδε πρώτα. +— ἰὼ Ζεῦ, τᾶς παλαιομάτορος +παιδογόνε πόριος Ἰνάχου. +— πόλει μοι ξύμμαχος γενοῦ τᾷδʼ εὐμενής. +— τὸ σὸν ἄγαλμα, τὸ σὸν ἵδρυμα +πόλεος, ἐκκομίζομαι +πρὸς πυρὰν ὑβρισθέν.
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+Ἄγγελος +γυναῖκες, ἥκω πόλλʼ ἔχων λέγειν φίλα, +αὐτός τε σωθείς· ᾑρέθην γὰρ ἐν μάχῃ, +ἣν οἱ θανόντων ἑπτὰ δεσποτῶν λόχοι +ἠγωνίσαντο ῥεῦμα Διρκαῖον πάρα· +νίκην τε Θησέως ἀγγελῶν. λόγου δέ σε +μακροῦ ἀποπαύσω· Καπανέως γὰρ ἦ λάτρις, +ὃν Ζεὺς κεραυνῷ πυρπόλῳ καταιθαλοῖ. + +Χορός +ὦ φίλτατʼ, εὖ μὲν νόστον ἀγγέλλεις σέθεν +τήν τʼ ἀμφὶ Θησέως βάξιν· εἰ δὲ καὶ στρατὸς +σῶς ἐστʼ Ἀθηνῶν, πάντʼ ἂν ἀγγέλλοις φίλα. + +Ἄγγελος +σῶς, καὶ πέπραγεν ὡς Ἄδραστος ὤφελεν +πρᾶξαι ξὺν Ἀργείοισιν, οὓς ἀπʼ Ἰνάχου +στείλας ἐπεστράτευσε Καδμείων πόλιν. + +Χορός +πῶς γὰρ τροπαῖα Ζηνὸς Αἰγέως τόκος +ἔστησεν οἵ τε συμμετασχόντες δορός; +λέξον· παρὼν γὰρ οὐ παρόντας εὐφρανεῖς. + +Ἄγγελος +λαμπρὰ μὲν ἀκτὶς ἡλίου, κανὼν σαφής, +ἔβαλλε γαῖαν· ἀμφὶ δʼ Ἠλέκτρας πύλας +ἔστην θεατὴς πύργον εὐαγῆ λαβών. +ὁρῶ δὲ φῦλα τρία τριῶν στρατευμάτων· +τευχεσφόρον μὲν λαὸν ἐκτείνοντʼ ἄνω +Ἰσμήνιον πρὸς ὄχθον, ὡς μὲν ἦν λόγος, +αὐτόν τʼ ἄνακτα, παῖδα κλεινὸν Αἰγέως, +καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτῷ, δεξιὸν τεταγμένους +κέρας, παλαιᾶς Κεκροπίας τʼ οἰκήτορας, +ἴσους ἀριθμόν· ἁρμάτων δʼ ὀχήματα +αὐτόν τε Πάραλον ἐστολισμένον δορὶ +κρήνην παρʼ αὐτὴν Ἄρεος· ἱππότην δʼ ὄχλον +πρὸς κρασπέδοισι στρατοπέδου τεταγμένον. +Κάδμου δὲ λαὸς ἧστο πρόσθε τειχέων, +νεκροὺς ὄπισθεν θέμενος, ὧν ἔκειτʼ ἀγών, +ἔνερθε σεμνῶν μνημάτων Ἀμφίονος. +ἱππεῦσι δʼ ἱππῆς ἦσαν ἀνθωπλισμένοι +τετραόροισί τʼ ἀντίʼ ἅρμαθʼ ἅρμασιν. +κῆρυξ δὲ Θησέως εἶπεν ἐς πάντας τάδε· +Σιγᾶτε, λαοί· σῖγα, Καδμείων στίχες, +ἀκούσαθʼ· ἡμεῖς ἥκομεν νεκροὺς μέτα, +θάψαι θέλοντες, τὸν Πανελλήνων νόμον +σῴζοντες, οὐδὲν δεόμενοι τεῖναι φόνον. + +κοὐδὲν Κρέων τοῖσδʼ ἀντεκήρυξεν λόγοις, +ἀλλʼ ἧστʼ ἐφʼ ὅπλοις σῖγα. ποιμένες δʼ ὄχων +τετραόρων κατῆρχον ἐντεῦθεν μάχης· +πέραν δὲ διελάσαντες ἀλλήλων ὄχους, +παραιβάτας ἔστησαν ἐς τάξιν δορός. +χοἳ μὲν σιδήρῳ διεμάχονθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἔστρεφον +πώλους ἐς ἀλκὴν αὖθις ἐς παραιβάτας. +ἰδὼν δὲ Φόρβας, ὃς μοναμπύκων ἄναξ +ἦν τοῖς Ἐρεχθείδαισιν, ἁρμάτων ὄχλον, +οἵ τʼ αὖ τὸ Κάδμου διεφύλασσον ἱππικόν, +συνῆψαν ἀλκὴν κἀκράτουν ἡσσῶντό τε. +λεύσσων δὲ ταῦτα κοὐ κλύων — ἐκεῖ γὰρ ἦ +ἔνθʼ ἅρματʼ ἠγωνίζεθʼ οἵ τʼ ἐπεμβάται — +τἀκεῖ παρόντα πολλὰ πήματʼ, οὐκ ἔχω +τί πρῶτον εἴπω, πότερα τὴν ἐς οὐρανὸν +κόνιν προσαντέλλουσαν, ὡς πολλὴ παρῆν, +ἢ τοὺς ἄνω τε καὶ κάτω φορουμένους +ἱμᾶσιν, αἵματός τε φοινίου ῥοάς, +τῶν μὲν πιτνόντων, τῶν δὲ θραυσθέντων δίφρων +ἐς κρᾶτα πρὸς γῆν ἐκκυβιστώντων βίᾳ +πρὸς ἁρμάτων τʼ ἀγαῖσι λειπόντων βίον; +νικῶντα δʼ ἵπποις ὡς ὑπείδετο στρατὸν +Κρέων τὸν ἐνθένδʼ, ἰτέαν λαβὼν χερὶ +χωρεῖ, πρὶν ἐλθεῖν ξυμμάχοις δυσθυμίαν. +καὶ συμπατάξαντες μέσον πάντα στρατὸν +ἔκτεινον ἐκτείνοντο, καὶ παρηγγύων +κελευσμὸν ἀλλήλοισι σὺν πολλῇ βοῇ· +Θεῖνʼ· ἀντέρειδε τοῖς Ἐρεχθείδαις δόρυ. +καὶ μὴν τὰ Θησέως γʼ οὐκ ὄκνῳ διεφθάρη, +ἀλλʼ ἵετʼ εὐθὺς λάμπρʼ ἀναρπάσας ὅπλα· +λόχος δʼ ὀδόντων ὄφεος ἐξηνδρωμένος +δεινὸς παλαιστὴς ἦν· ἔκλινε γὰρ κέρας +τὸ λαιὸν ἡμῶν· δεξιοῦ δʼ ἡσσώμενον +φεύγει τὸ κείνων· ἦν δʼ ἀγὼν ἰσόρροπος. +κἀν τῷδε τὸν στρατηγὸν αἰνέσαι παρῆν· +οὐ γὰρ τὸ νικῶν τοῦτʼ ἐκέρδαινεν μόνον, +ἀλλʼ ᾤχετʼ ἐς τὸ κάμνον οἰκείου στρατοῦ. +ἔρρηξε δʼ αὐδήν, ὥσθʼ ὑπηχῆσαι χθόνα· +Ὦ παῖδες, εἰ μὴ σχήσετε στερρὸν δόρυ +σπαρτῶν τόδʼ ἀνδρῶν, οἴχεται τὰ Παλλάδος. +θάρσος δʼ ἐνῶρσε παντὶ Κραναϊδῶν στρατῷ. +αὐτός θʼ ὅπλισμα τοὐπιδαύριον λαβὼν +δεινῆς κορύνης διαφέρων ἐσφενδόνα +ὁμοῦ τραχήλους κἀπικείμενον κάρα, +κυνέας θερίζων κἀποκαυλίζων ξύλῳ. +μόλις δέ πως ἔτρεψαν ἐς φυγὴν πόδα. +ἐγὼ δʼ ἀνηλάλαξα κἀνωρχησάμην +κἄκρουσα χεῖρας. οἳ δʼ ἔτεινον ἐς πύλας. +βοὴ δὲ καὶ κωκυτὸς ἦν ἀνὰ πτόλιν +νέων γερόντων, ἱερά τʼ ἐξεπίμπλασαν +φόβῳ. παρὸν δὲ τειχέων ἔσω μολεῖν, +Θησεὺς ἐπέσχεν· οὐ γὰρ ὡς πέρσων πόλιν +μολεῖν ἔφασκεν, ἀλλʼ ἀπαιτήσων νεκρούς. + +τοιόνδε τὸν στρατηγὸν αἱρεῖσθαι χρεών, +ὃς ἔν τε τοῖς δεινοῖσίν ἐστιν ἄλκιμος +μισεῖ θʼ ὑβριστὴν λαόν, ὃς πράσσων καλῶς +ἐς ἄκρα βῆναι κλιμάκων ἐνήλατα +ζητῶν ἀπώλεσʼ ὄλβον ᾧ χρῆσθαι παρῆν. + +Χορός +νῦν τήνδʼ ἄελπτον ἡμέραν ἰδοῦσʼ ἐγὼ +θεοὺς νομίζω, καὶ δοκῶ τῆς συμφορᾶς +ἔχειν ἔλασσον, τῶνδε τεισάντων δίκην. + +Ἄδραστος +ὦ Ζεῦ, τί δῆτα τοὺς ταλαιπώρους βροτοὺς +φρονεῖν λέγουσι; σοῦ γὰρ ἐξηρτήμεθα +δρῶμέν τε τοιαῦθʼ ἃν σὺ τυγχάνῃς θέλων. +ἡμῖν γὰρ ἦν τό τʼ Ἄργος οὐχ ὑποστατόν, +αὐτοί τε πολλοὶ καὶ νέοι βραχίοσιν· +Ἐτεοκλέους τε σύμβασιν ποιουμένου, +μέτρια θέλοντος, οὐκ ἐχρῄζομεν λαβεῖν, +κἄπειτʼ ἀπωλόμεσθα. ὁ δʼ αὖ τότʼ εὐτυχής, +λαβὼν πένης ὣς ἀρτίπλουτα χρήματα, +ὕβριζʼ, ὑβρίζων τʼ αὖθις ἀνταπώλετο +Κάδμου κακόφρων λαός. ὦ καιροῦ πέρα +τὸ τόξον ἐντείνοντες· ὦ κενοὶ βροτῶν, +καὶ πρὸς δίκης γε πολλὰ πάσχοντες κακά, +φίλοις μὲν οὐ πείθεσθε, τοῖς δὲ πράγμασιν· +πόλεις τʼ, ἔχουσαι διὰ λόγου κάμψαι κακά, +φόνῳ καθαιρεῖσθʼ, οὐ λόγῳ, τὰ πράγματα. +ἀτὰρ τί ταῦτα; κεῖνο βούλομαι μαθεῖν, +πῶς ἐξεσώθης· εἶτα τἄλλʼ ἐρήσομαι. + +Ἄγγελος +ἐπεὶ ταραγμὸς πόλιν ἐκίνησεν δορί, +πύλας διῆλθον, ᾗπερ εἰσῄει στρατός. + +Ἄδραστος +ὧν δʼ οὕνεχʼ ἁγὼν ἦν, νεκροὺς κομίζετε; + +Ἄγγελος +ὅσοι γε κλεινοῖς ἕπτʼ ἐφέστασαν δόμοις. + +Ἄδραστος +πῶς φῄς; ὁ δʼ ἄλλος ποῦ κεκμηκότων ὄχλος; + +Ἄγγελος +τάφῳ δέδονται πρὸς Κιθαιρῶνος πτυχαῖς. + +Ἄδραστος +τοὐκεῖθεν ἢ τοὐνθένδε; τίς δʼ ἔθαψέ νιν; + +Ἄγγελος +Θησεύς, σκιώδης ἔνθʼ Ἐλευθερὶς πέτρα. + +Ἄδραστος +οὓς δʼ οὐκ ἔθαψε ποῦ νεκροὺς ἥκεις λιπών; + +Ἄγγελος +ἐγγύς· πέλας γὰρ πᾶν ὅ τι σπουδάζεται. + +Ἄδραστος +ἦ που πικρῶς νιν θέραπες ἦγον ἐκ φόνου; + +Ἄγγελος +οὐδεὶς ἐπέστη τῷδε δοῦλος ὢν πόνῳ. + +Ἄδραστος + + +Ἄγγελος +φαίης ἄν, εἰ παρῆσθʼ ὅτʼ ἠγάπα νεκρούς. + +Ἄδραστος +ἔνιψεν αὐτὸς τῶν ταλαιπώρων σφαγάς; + +Ἄγγελος +κἄστρωσέ γʼ εὐνὰς κἀκάλυψε σώματα. + +Ἄδραστος +δεινὸν μὲν ἦν βάσταγμα κᾀσχύνην ἔχον. + +Ἄγγελος +τί δʼ αἰσχρὸν ἀνθρώποισι τἀλλήλων κακά; + +Ἄδραστος +οἴμοι· πόσῳ σφιν συνθανεῖν ἂν ἤθελον. + +Ἄγγελος +ἄκραντʼ ὀδύρῃ ταῖσδέ τʼ ἐξάγεις δάκρυ. + +Ἄδραστος +δοκῶ μέν, αὐταί γʼ εἰσὶν αἱ διδάσκαλοι. +ἀλλʼ εἶἑν· αἴρω χεῖρʼ ἀπαντήσας νεκροῖς +Ἅιδου τε μολπὰς ἐκχέω δακρυρρόους, +φίλους προσαυδῶν, ὧν λελειμμένος τάλας +ἔρημα κλαίω· τοῦτο γὰρ μόνον βροτοῖς +οὐκ ἔστι τἀνάλωμʼ ἀναλωθὲν λαβεῖν, +ψυχὴν βροτείαν· χρημάτων δʼ εἰσὶν πόροι. + + + +
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+Χορός +— τὰ μὲν εὖ, τὰ δὲ δυστυχῆ. +πόλει μὲν εὐδοξία +καὶ στρατηλάταις δορὸς +διπλάζεται τιμά· +ἐμοὶ δὲ παίδων μὲν εἰσιδεῖν μέλη +πικρόν, καλὸν θέαμα δʼ, εἴπερ ὄψομαι, +τὰν ἄελπτον ἁμέραν +ἰδοῦσα, πάντων μέγιστον ἄλγος.
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+Χορός +— ἄγαμόν μʼ ἔτι δεῦρʼ ἀεὶ +Χρόνος παλαιὸς πατὴρ +ὤφελʼ ἁμερᾶν κτίσαι. +τί γάρ μʼ ἔδει παίδων; +τὸ μὲν γὰρ ἤλπιζον ἂν πεπονθέναι +πάθος περισσόν, εἰ γάμων ἀπεζύγην, +νῦν δʼ ὁρῶ σαφέστατον +κακόν, τέκνων φιλτάτων στερεῖσα.
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+Χορός +ἀλλὰ τάδʼ ἤδη σώματα λεύσσω +τῶν οἰχομένων παίδων· μελέα +πῶς ἂν ὀλοίμην σὺν τοῖσδε τέκνοις +κοινὸν ἐς Ἅιδην καταβᾶσα;
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+Ἄδραστος +στεναγμόν, ὦ ματέρες, +τῶν κατὰ χθονὸς νεκρῶν +ἀύσατʼ ἀπύσατʼ ἀντίφωνʼ ἐμῶν +στεναγμάτων κλύουσαι. + +Χορός +— ὦ παῖδες, ὦ πικρὸν φίλων +προσηγόρημα ματέρων, +προσαυδῶ σε τὸν θανόντα. + +Ἄδραστος +ἰὼ ἰώ. + +Χορός +τῶν γʼ ἐμῶν κακῶν ἐγώ. + +Ἄδραστος +αἰαῖ. + +Χορός + + +Ἄδραστος +ἐπάθομεν ὤ + +Χορός +τὰ κύντατʼ ἄλγη κακῶν. + +Ἄδραστος +ὦ πόλις Ἀργεία, τὸν ἐμὸν πότμον οὐκ ἐσορᾶτε; + +Χορός +— ὁρῶσι κἀμὲ τὰν τάλαι- +ναν, τέκνων ἄπαιδα.
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+Ἄδραστος +προσάγετε τῶν δυσπότμων +σώμαθʼ αἱματοσταγῆ, +σφαγέντας οὐκ ἄξιʼ οὐδʼ ὑπʼ ἀξίων, +ἐν οἷς ἀγὼν ἐκράνθη. + +Χορός +— δόθʼ, ὡς περιπτυχαῖσι δὴ +χέρας προσαρμόσασʼ ἐμοῖς +ἐν ἀγκῶσι τέκνα θῶμαι. + +Ἄδραστος +ἔχεις ἔχεις. + +Χορός +— πημάτων γʼ ἅλις βάρος. + +Ἄδραστος +αἰαῖ. + +Χορός +τοῖς τεκοῦσι δʼ οὐ λέγεις; + +Ἄδραστος +ἀίετέ μου. + +Χορός +στένεις ἐπʼ ἀμφοῖν ἄχη. + +Ἄδραστος +εἴθε με Καδμείων ἔναρον στίχες ἐν κονίαισιν. + +Χορός +— ἐμὸν δὲ μήποτʼ ἐζύγη +δέμας ἐς ἀνδρὸς εὐνάν.
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+Ἄδραστος +ἴδετε κακῶν πέλαγος, ὦ +ματέρες τάλαιναι τέκνων. + +Χορός +— κατὰ μὲν ὄνυξιν ἠλοκίσμεθʼ, ἀμφὶ δὲ +σποδὸν κάρᾳ κεχύμεθα. + +Ἄδραστος +ἰὼ ἰώ μοί μοι· +κατά με πέδον γᾶς ἕλοι, +διὰ δὲ θύελλα σπάσαι, +πυρός τε φλογμὸς ὁ Διὸς ἐν κάρᾳ πέσοι. + +Χορός +— πικροὺς ἐσεῖδες γάμους, +πικρὰν δὲ Φοίβου φάτιν· +ἔρημά σʼ ἁ πολύστονος Οἰδιπόδα +δώματα λιποῦσʼ ἦλθʼ Ἐρινύς.
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+Θησεύς +μέλλων σʼ ἐρωτᾶν, ἡνίκʼ ἐξήντλεις στρατῷ +γόους, ἀφήσω· τοὺς ἐκεῖ μὲν ἐκλιπὼν +εἴασα μύθους, νῦν δʼ Ἄδραστον εἰσορῶ· +πόθεν ποθʼ οἵδε διαπρεπεῖς εὐψυχίᾳ +θνητῶν ἔφυσαν; εἰπέ γʼ ὡς σοφώτερος +νέοισιν ἀστῶν τῶνδʼ· ἐπιστήμων γὰρ εἶ. +εἶδον γὰρ αὐτῶν κρείσσονʼ ἢ λέξαι λόγῳ +τολμήμαθʼ, οἷς ἤλπιζον αἱρήσειν πόλιν. +ἓν δʼ οὐκ ἐρήσομαί σε, μὴ γέλωτʼ ὄφλω, +ὅτῳ ξυνέστη τῶνδʼ ἕκαστος ἐν μάχῃ +ἢ τραῦμα λόγχης πολεμίων ἐδέξατο. +κενοὶ γὰρ οὗτοι τῶν τʼ ἀκουόντων λόγοι +καὶ τοῦ λέγοντος, ὅστις ἐν μάχῃ βεβὼς +λόγχης ἰούσης πρόσθεν ὀμμάτων πυκνῆς +σαφῶς ἀπήγγειλʼ ὅστις ἐστὶν ἁγαθός. +οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην οὔτʼ ἐρωτῆσαι τάδε +οὔτʼ αὖ πιθέσθαι τοῖσι τολμῶσιν λέγειν· +μόλις γὰρ ἄν τις αὐτὰ τἀναγκαῖʼ ὁρᾶν +δύναιτʼ ἂν ἑστὼς πολεμίοις ἐναντίος. + +Ἄδραστος +ἄκουε δή νυν· καὶ γὰρ οὐκ ἄκοντί μοι +δίδως ἔπαινον ὧν ἔγωγε βούλομαι +φίλων ἀληθῆ καὶ δίκαιʼ εἰπεῖν πέρι. +ὁρᾷς τὸν ἁβρόν, οὗ βέλος διέπτατο; +Καπανεὺς ὅδʼ ἐστίν· ᾧ βίος μὲν ἦν πολύς, +ἥκιστα δʼ ὄλβῳ γαῦρος ἦν· φρόνημα δὲ +οὐδέν τι μεῖζον εἶχεν ἢ πένης ἀνήρ, +φεύγων τραπέζαις ὅστις ἐξογκοῖτʼ ἄγαν +τἀρκοῦντʼ ἀτίζων· οὐ γὰρ ἐν γαστρὸς βορᾷ +τὸ χρηστὸν εἶναι, μέτρια δʼ ἐξαρκεῖν ἔφη. +φίλοις τʼ ἀληθὴς ἦν φίλος, παροῦσί τε +καὶ μὴ παροῦσιν· ὧν ἀριθμὸς οὐ πολύς. +ἀψευδὲς ἦθος, εὐπροσήγορον στόμα, +ἄκραντον οὐδὲν οὔτʼ ἐς οἰκέτας ἔχων +οὔτʼ ἐς πολίτας. τὸν δὲ δεύτερον λέγω +Ἐτέοκλον, ἄλλην χρηστότητʼ ἠσκηκότα· +νεανίας ἦν τῷ βίῳ μὲν ἐνδεής, +πλείστας δὲ τιμὰς ἔσχʼ ἐν Ἀργείᾳ χθονί. +φίλων δὲ χρυσὸν πολλάκις δωρουμένων +οὐκ εἰσεδέξατʼ οἶκον ὥστε τοὺς τρόπους +δούλους παρασχεῖν χρημάτων ζευχθεὶς ὕπο. +τοὺς δʼ ἐξαμαρτάνοντας, οὐχὶ τὴν πόλιν +ἤχθαιρʼ· ἐπεί τοι κοὐδὲν αἰτία πόλις +κακῶς κλύουσα διὰ κυβερνήτην κακόν. + +ὁ δʼ αὖ τρίτος τῶνδʼ Ἱππομέδων τοιόσδʼ ἔφυ· +παῖς ὢν ἐτόλμησʼ εὐθὺς οὐ πρὸς ἡδονὰς +Μουσῶν τραπέσθαι πρὸς τὸ μαλθακὸν βίου, +ἀγροὺς δὲ ναίων, σκληρὰ τῇ φύσει διδοὺς +ἔχαιρε πρὸς τἀνδρεῖον, ἔς τʼ ἄγρας ἰὼν +ἵπποις τε χαίρων τόξα τʼ ἐντείνων χεροῖν, +πόλει παρασχεῖν σῶμα χρήσιμον θέλων. +ὁ τῆς κυναγοῦ δʼ ἄλλος Ἀταλάντης γόνος +παῖς Παρθενοπαῖος, εἶδος ἐξοχώτατος, +Ἀρκὰς μὲν ἦν, ἐλθὼν δʼ ἐπʼ Ἰνάχου ῥοὰς +παιδεύεται κατʼ Ἄργος. ἐκτραφεὶς δʼ ἐκεῖ +πρῶτον μέν, ὡς χρὴ τοὺς μετοικοῦντας ξένους, +λυπηρὸς οὐκ ἦν οὐδʼ ἐπίφθονος πόλει +οὐδʼ ἐξεριστὴς τῶν λόγων, ὅθεν βαρὺς +μάλιστʼ ἂν εἴη δημότης τε καὶ ξένος. +λόχοις δʼ ἐνεστὼς ὥσπερ Ἀργεῖος γεγὼς +ἤμυνε χώρᾳ, χὡπότʼ εὖ πράσσοι πόλις, +ἔχαιρε, λυπρῶς δʼ ἔφερεν, εἴ τι δυστυχοῖ. +πολλοὺς δʼ ἐραστὰς κἀπὸ θηλειῶν ὅσας +ἔχων ἐφρούρει μηδὲν ἐξαμαρτάνειν. +Τυδέως δʼ ἔπαινον ἐν βραχεῖ θήσω μέγαν· +οὐκ ἐν λόγοις ἦν λαμπρός, ἀλλʼ ἐν ἀσπίδι +δεινὸς σοφιστής, πολλά τʼ ἐξευρεῖν σοφά. +γνώμῃ δʼ ἀδελφοῦ Μελεάγρου λελειμμένος, +ἴσον παρέσχεν ὄνομα διὰ τέχνης δορός, +εὑρὼν ἀκριβῆ μουσικὴν ἐν ἀσπίδι· +φιλότιμον ἦθος πλούσιον, φρόνημα δὲ +ἐν τοῖσιν ἔργοις, οὐχὶ τοῖς λόγοις, ἴσον. +ἐκ τῶνδε μὴ θαύμαζε τῶν εἰρημένων, +Θησεῦ, πρὸ πύργων τούσδε τολμῆσαι θανεῖν. +τὸ γὰρ τραφῆναι μὴ κακῶς αἰδῶ φέρει· +αἰσχύνεται δὲ τἀγάθʼ ἀσκήσας ἀνὴρ +κακὸς γενέσθαι πᾶς τις. ἡ δʼ εὐανδρία +διδακτός, εἴπερ καὶ βρέφος διδάσκεται +λέγειν ἀκούειν θʼ ὧν μάθησιν οὐκ ἔχει. +ἃ δʼ ἂν μάθῃ τις, ταῦτα σῴζεσθαι φιλεῖ +πρὸς γῆρας. οὕτω παῖδας εὖ παιδεύετε. + + + +
+Χορός +ἰὼ τέκνον, δυστυχῆ σʼ +ἔτρεφον, ἔφερον ὑφʼ ἥπατος +πόνους ἐνεγκοῦσʼ ἐν ὠδῖσι· καὶ +νῦν Ἅιδας τὸν ἐμὸν +ἔχει μόχθον ἀθλίας, +ἐγὼ δὲ γηροβοσκὸν οὐκ ἔχω, τεκοῦσʼ +ἁ τάλαινα παῖδα.
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+Θησεύς +καὶ μὴν τὸν Οἰκλέους γε γενναῖον τόκον +θεοὶ ζῶντʼ ἀναρπάσαντες ἐς μυχοὺς χθονὸς +αὐτοῖς τεθρίπποις εὐλογοῦσιν ἐμφανῶς· +τὸν Οἰδίπου τε παῖδα, Πολυνείκην λέγω, +ἡμεῖς ἐπαινέσαντες οὐ ψευδοίμεθʼ ἄν. +ξένος γὰρ ἦν μοι πρὶν λιπὼν Κάδμου πόλιν +φυγῇ πρὸς Ἄργος διαβαλεῖν αὐθαίρετος. +ἀλλʼ οἶσθʼ ὃ δρᾶσαι βούλομαι τούτων πέρι; + +Ἄδραστος +οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν, σοῖσι πείθεσθαι λόγοις. + +Θησεύς +τὸν μὲν Διὸς πληγέντα Καπανέα πυρὶ + +Ἄδραστος +ἦ χωρὶς ἱερὸν ὡς νεκρὸν θάψαι θέλεις; + +Θησεύς +ναί· τοὺς δέ γʼ ἄλλους πάντας ἐν μιᾷ πυρᾷ. + +Ἄδραστος +ποῦ δῆτα θήσεις μνῆμα τῷδε χωρίσας; + +Θησεύς +αὐτοῦ παρʼ οἴκους τούσδε συμπήξας τάφον. + +Ἄδραστος +οὗτος μὲν ἤδη δμωσὶν ἂν μέλοι πόνος. + +Θησεύς +ἡμῖν δέ γʼ οἵδε· στειχέτω δʼ ἄχθη νεκρῶν. + +Ἄδραστος +ἴτʼ, ὦ τάλαιναι μητέρες, τέκνων πέλας. + +Θησεύς +ἥκιστʼ, Ἄδραστε, τοῦτο πρόσφορον λέγεις. + +Ἄδραστος +πῶς; τὰς τεκούσας οὐ χρεὼν ψαῦσαι τέκνων; + +Θησεύς +ὄλοιντʼ ἰδοῦσαι τούσδʼ ἂν ἠλλοιωμένους. + +Ἄδραστος +πικρὰ γὰρ ὄψις αἷμα κὠτειλαὶ νεκρῶν. + +Θησεύς +τί δῆτα λύπην ταῖσδε προσθεῖναι θέλεις; + +Ἄδραστος +νικᾷς. μένειν χρὴ τλημόνως· λέγει γὰρ εὖ +Θησεύς· ὅταν δὲ τούσδε προσθῶμεν πυρί, +ὀστᾶ προσάξεσθε. ὦ ταλαίπωροι βροτῶν, +τί κτᾶσθε λόγχας καὶ κατʼ ἀλλήλων φόνους +τίθεσθε; παύσασθʼ, ἀλλὰ λήξαντες πόνων +ἄστη φυλάσσεθʼ ἥσυχοι μεθʼ ἡσύχων. +σμικρὸν τὸ χρῆμα τοῦ βίου· τοῦτον δὲ χρὴ +ὡς ῥᾷστα καὶ μὴ σὺν πόνοις διεκπερᾶν.
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+Χορός +— οὐκέτʼ εὔτεκνος, οὐκέτʼ εὔ- +παις, οὐδʼ εὐτυχίας μέτε- +στίν μοι κουροτόκοις ἐν Ἀργείαις· +οὐδʼ Ἄρτεμις λοχία +προσφθέγξαιτʼ ἂν τὰς ἀτέκνους. +δυσαίων δʼ ὁ βίος, +πλαγκτὰ δʼ ὡσεί τις νεφέλα +πνευμάτων ὑπὸ δυσχίμων ἀίσσω.
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+Χορός +— ἑπτὰ ματέρες ἑπτὰ κού- +ρους ἐγεινάμεθʼ αἱ ταλαί- +πωροι κλεινοτάτους ἐν Ἀργείοις· +καὶ νῦν ἄπαις ἄτεκνος +γηράσκω δυστανοτάτως, +οὔτʼ ἐν φθιμένοις +οὔτʼ ἐν ζωοῖσιν ἀριθμουμένη, +χωρὶς δή τινα τῶνδʼ ἔχουσα μοῖραν.
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+Χορός +— ὑπολελειμμένα μοι δάκρυα· +μέλεα παιδὸς ἐν οἴκοις +κεῖται μνήματα, πένθιμοι +κουραὶ καὶ στέφανοι κόμας, +λοιβαί τε νεκύων φθιμένων, +ἀοιδαί θʼ ἃς χρυσοκόμας +Ἀπόλλων οὐκ ἐνδέχεται· +γόοισι δʼ ὀρθρευομένα +δάκρυσι νοτερὸν ἀεὶ πέπλων +πρὸς στέρνῳ πτύχα τέγξω.
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+Χορός +— καὶ μὴν θαλάμας τάσδʼ ἐσορῶ δὴ +Καπανέως ἤδη τύμβον θʼ ἱερὸν +μελάθρων τʼ ἐκτὸς +Θησέως ἀναθήματα νεκροῖς, +κλεινήν τʼ ἄλοχον τοῦ καπφθιμένου +τοῦδε κεραυνῷ πέλας Εὐάδνην, +ἣν Ἶφις ἄναξ παῖδα φυτεύει. +τί ποτʼ αἰθερίαν ἕστηκε πέτραν, +ἣ τῶνδε δόμων ὑπερακρίζει, +τήνδʼ ἐμβαίνουσα κέλευθον;
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+Εὐάδνη +τί φέγγος, τίνʼ αἴγλαν +ἐδίφρευε τόθʼ ἅλιος +σελάνα τε κατʼ αἰθέρα, +λαμπάδʼ ἵνʼ ὠκυθόαι νύμφαι, +ἱππεύουσι διʼ ὀρφναίας, +ἁνίκα γάμων γάμων +τῶν ἐμῶν πόλις Ἄργους +ἀοιδάς, εὐδαιμονίας, +ἐπύργωσε καὶ γαμέτα +χαλκεοτευχοῦς, αἰαῖ, Καπανέως. +πρός σʼ ἔβαν δρομὰς ἐξ ἐμῶν +οἴκων ἐκβακχευσαμένα, +πυρᾶς φῶς τάφον τε +βατεύσουσα τὸν αὐτόν, +ἐς Ἅιδαν καταλύσουσʼ ἔμμοχθον +βίοτον αἰῶνός τε πόνους· +ἥδιστος γάρ τοι θάνατος +συνθνῄσκειν θνῄσκουσι φίλοις, +εἰ δαίμων τάδε κραίνοι. + + + +Χορός +καὶ μὴν ὁρᾷς τήνδʼ ἧς ἐφέστηκας πέλας +πυράν, Διὸς θησαυρόν, ἔνθʼ ἔνεστι σὸς +πόσις δαμασθεὶς λαμπάσιν κεραυνίοις.
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+Εὐάδνη +ὁρῶ δὴ τελευτάν, +ἵνʼ ἕστακα· τύχα δέ μοι +ξυνάπτοι ποδός· ἀλλὰ τᾶς +εὐκλεΐας χάριν ἔνθεν ὁρ- +μάσω τᾶσδʼ ἀπὸ πέτρας πη- +δήσασα πυρὸς ἔσω, +σῶμά τʼ αἴθοπι φλογμῷ +πόσει συμμείξασα, φίλον +χρῶτα χρωτὶ πέλας θεμένα, +Φερσεφονείας ἥξω θαλάμους, +σὲ τὸν θανόντʼ οὔποτʼ ἐμᾷ +προδοῦσα ψυχᾷ κατὰ γᾶς. +ἴτω φῶς γάμοι τε· +ἴθʼ αἵτινες εὐναὶ +δικαίων ὑμεναίων ἐν Ἄργει +φανῶσιν τέκνοις· ὅσιος δʼ +ὅσιος εὐναῖος γαμέτας +συντηχθεὶς αὔραις ἀδόλοις +γενναίας ψυχᾶς ἀλόχοιο. + + + +Χορός +καὶ μὴν ὅδʼ αὐτὸς σὸς πατὴρ βαίνει πέλας +γεραιὸς Ἶφις ἐς νεωτέρους λόγους, +οὓς οὐ κατειδὼς πρόσθεν ἀλγήσει κλύων. + +Ἶφις +ὦ δυστάλαιναι, δυστάλας δʼ ἐγὼ γέρων, +ἥκω διπλοῦν πένθημʼ ὁμαιμόνων ἔχων, +τὸν μὲν θανόντα παῖδα Καδμείων δορὶ +Ἐτέοκλον ἐς γῆν πατρίδα ναυσθλώσων νεκρόν, +ζητῶν τʼ ἐμὴν παῖδʼ, ἣ δόμων ἐξώπιος +βέβηκε πηδήσασα Καπανέως δάμαρ, +θανεῖν ἐρῶσα σὺν πόσει. χρόνον μὲν οὖν +τὸν πρόσθʼ ἐφρουρεῖτʼ ἐν δόμοις· ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐγὼ +φυλακὰς ἀνῆκα τοῖς παρεστῶσιν κακοῖς, +βέβηκεν. ἀλλὰ τῇδέ νιν δοξάζομεν +μάλιστʼ ἂν εἶναι· φράζετʼ εἰ κατείδετε. + +Εὐάδνη +τί τάσδʼ ἐρωτᾷς; ἥδʼ ἐγὼ πέτρας ἔπι +ὄρνις τις ὡσεὶ Καπανέως ὑπὲρ πυρᾶς +δύστηνον αἰώρημα κουφίζω, πάτερ. + +Ἶφις +τέκνον, τίς αὔρα; τίς στόλος; τίνος χάριν +δόμων ὑπεκβᾶσʼ ἦλθες ἐς τήνδε χθόνα; + +Εὐάδνη +ὀργὴν λάβοις ἂν τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων +κλύων· ἀκοῦσαι δʼ οὔ σε βούλομαι, πάτερ. + +Ἶφις +τί δʼ; οὐ δίκαιον πατέρα τὸν σὸν εἰδέναι; + +Εὐάδνη +κριτὴς ἂν εἴης οὐ σοφὸς γνώμης ἐμῆς. + +Ἶφις +σκευῇ δὲ τῇδε τοῦ χάριν κοσμεῖς δέμας; + +Εὐάδνη +θέλει τι κλεινὸν οὗτος ὁ στολμός, πάτερ. + +Ἶφις +ὡς οὐκ ἐπʼ ἀνδρὶ πένθιμος πρέπεις ὁρᾶν. + +Εὐάδνη +ἐς γάρ τι πρᾶγμα νεοχμὸν ἐσκευάσμεθα. + +Ἶφις +κἄπειτα τύμβῳ καὶ πυρᾷ φαίνῃ πέλας; + +Εὐάδνη +ἐνταῦθα γὰρ δὴ καλλίνικος ἔρχομαι. + +Ἶφις +νικῶσα νίκην τίνα; μαθεῖν χρῄζω σέθεν. + +Εὐάδνη +πάσας γυναῖκας ἃς δέδορκεν ἥλιος. + +Ἶφις +ἔργοις Ἀθάνας ἢ φρενῶν εὐβουλίᾳ; + +Εὐάδνη +ἀρετῇ· πόσει γὰρ συνθανοῦσα κείσομαι. + +Ἶφις +τί φῄς; τί τοῦτʼ αἴνιγμα σημαίνεις σαθρόν; + +Εὐάδνη +ᾄσσω θανόντος Καπανέως τήνδʼ ἐς πυράν. + +Ἶφις +ὦ θύγατερ, οὐ μὴ μῦθον ἐς πολλοὺς ἐρεῖς. + +Εὐάδνη +τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ χρῄζω, πάντας Ἀργείους μαθεῖν. + +Ἶφις +ἀλλʼ οὐδέ τοί σοι πείσομαι δρώσῃ τάδε. + +Εὐάδνη +ὅμοιον· οὐ γὰρ μὴ κίχῃς μʼ ἑλὼν χερί. +καὶ δὴ παρεῖται σῶμα — σοὶ μὲν οὐ φίλον, +ἡμῖν δὲ καὶ τῷ συμπυρουμένῳ πόσει.
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+Χορός +ἰώ, γύναι, δεινὸν ἔργον ἐξειργάσω. + +Ἶφις +ἀπωλόμην δύστηνος, Ἀργείων κόραι.
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+Χορός +ἒ ἔ, σχέτλια τάδε παθών, +τὸ πάντολμον ἔργον ὄψῃ τάλας. + +Ἶφις +οὐκ ἄν τινʼ εὕροιτʼ ἄλλον ἀθλιώτερον.
+ +
+Χορός +ἰὼ τάλας· +μετέλαχες τύχας Οἰδιπόδα, γέρον, +μέρος καὶ σὺ καὶ πόλις ἐμὰ τλάμων. + + + +Ἶφις +οἴμοι· τί δὴ βροτοῖσιν οὐκ ἔστιν τόδε, +νέους δὶς εἶναι καὶ γέροντας αὖ πάλιν; +ἀλλʼ ἐν δόμοις μὲν ἤν τι μὴ καλῶς ἔχῃ, +γνώμαισιν ὑστέραισιν ἐξορθούμεθα, +αἰῶνα δʼ οὐκ ἔξεστιν. εἰ δʼ ἦμεν νέοι +δὶς καὶ γέροντες, εἴ τις ἐξημάρτανε, +διπλοῦ βίου λαχόντες ἐξωρθούμεθʼ ἄν. +ἐγὼ γὰρ ἄλλους εἰσορῶν τεκνουμένους +παίδων ἐραστὴς ἦ πόθῳ τʼ ἀπωλλύμην. +εἰ δʼ ἐς τόδʼ ἦλθον κἀξεπειράθην τέκνων +οἷον στέρεσθαι πατέρα γίγνεται τέκνων, +οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ ἐς τόδʼ ἦλθον εἰς ὃ νῦν κακόν· +ὅστις φυτεύσας καὶ νεανίαν τεκὼν +ἄριστον, εἶτα τοῦδε νῦν στερίσκομαι. +εἶἑν· τί δὴ χρὴ τὸν ταλαίπωρόν με δρᾶν; +στείχειν πρὸς οἴκους; κᾆτʼ ἐρημίαν ἴδω +πολλῶν μελάθρων, ἀπορίαν τʼ ἐμῷ βίῳ; +ἢ πρὸς μέλαθρα τοῦδε Καπανέως μόλω; +ἥδιστα πρίν γε δῆθʼ, ὅτʼ ἦν παῖς ἥδε μοι. +ἀλλʼ οὐκέτʼ ἔστιν, ἥ γʼ ἐμὴν γενειάδα +προσήγετʼ αἰεὶ στόματι καὶ κάρα τόδε +κατεῖχε χειρί· πατρὶ δʼ οὐδὲν ἥδιον +γέροντι θυγατρός· ἀρσένων δὲ μείζονες +ψυχαί, γλυκεῖαι δʼ ἧσσον ἐς θωπεύματα. +οὐχ ὡς τάχιστα δῆτά μʼ ἄξετʼ ἐς δόμους; +σκότῳ δὲ δώσετʼ· ἔνθʼ ἀσιτίαις ἐμὸν +δέμας γεραιὸν συντακεὶς ἀποφθερῶ. +τί μʼ ὠφελήσει παιδὸς ὀστέων θιγεῖν; +ὦ δυσπάλαιστον γῆρας, ὡς μισῶ σʼ ἔχων, +μισῶ δʼ ὅσοι χρῄζουσιν ἐκτείνειν βίον, +βρωτοῖσι καὶ ποτοῖσι καὶ μαγεύμασι +παρεκτρέποντες ὀχετὸν ὥστε μὴ θανεῖν· +οὓς χρῆν, ἐπειδὰν μηδὲν ὠφελῶσι γῆν, +θανόντας ἔρρειν κἀκποδὼν εἶναι νέοις.
+ + + +
+
+Χορός +— ἰὼ ἰώ· +τάδε δὴ παίδων καὶ δὴ φθιμένων +ὀστᾶ φέρεται. λάβετʼ, ἀμφίπολοι, +γραίας ἀμενοῦς — οὐ γὰρ ἔνεστιν +ῥώμη παίδων ὑπὸ πένθους — +πολλοῦ τε χρόνου ζώσης μέτρα δὴ +καταλειβομένης τʼ ἄλγεσι πολλοῖς. +τί γὰρ ἂν μεῖζον τοῦδʼ ἔτι θνητοῖς +πάθος ἐξεύροις +ἢ τέκνα θανόντʼ ἐσιδέσθαι;
+ + + +
+Παῖδες +— φέρω φέρω, +τάλαινα μᾶτερ, ἐκ πυρὸς πατρὸς μέλη, +βάρος μὲν οὐκ ἀβριθὲς ἀλγέων ὕπερ, +ἐν δʼ ὀλίγῳ τἀμὰ πάντα συνθείς. + +Χορός +— ἰὼ ἰώ, +πᾶ φέρεις δάκρυα φίλᾳ +ματρὶ τῶν ὀλωλότων; +σποδοῦ τε πλῆθος ὀλίγον ἀντὶ σωμάτων +εὐδοκίμων δήποτʼ ἐν Μυκήναις;
+ + + +
+Παῖδες +— ἄπαις, ἄπαις· +ἐγὼ δʼ ἔρημος ἀθλίου πατρὸς τάλας +ἔρημον οἶκον ὀρφανεύσομαι λαβών, +οὐ πατρὸς ἐν χερσὶ τοῦ τεκόντος. + +Χορός +— ἰὼ ἰώ· +ποῦ δὲ πόνος ἐμῶν τέκνων, +ποῦ λοχευμάτων χάρις; +τροφαί τε ματρὸς ἄυπνά τʼ ὀμμάτων τέλη, +καὶ φίλιαι προσβολαὶ προσώπων;
+ + + +
+Παῖδες +— βεβᾶσιν, οὐκέτʼ εἰσίν· οἴμοι πάτερ· +βεβᾶσιν. + +Χορός +αἰθὴρ ἔχει νιν ἤδη, +πυρὸς τετακότας σποδῷ· +ποτανοὶ δʼ ἤνυσαν τὸν Ἅιδαν. + +Παῖδες +— πάτερ, μῶν σῶν κλύεις τέκνων γόους; +ἆρʼ ἀσπιδοῦχος ἔτι ποτʼ ἀντιτάσσομαι +σὸν φόνον — εἰ γὰρ γένοιτο — τεκνῶν;
+ + + +
+Παῖδες +— ἔτʼ ἂν θεοῦ θέλοντος ἔλθοι δίκα +πατρῷος· + +Χορός +οὔπω κακὸν τόδʼ εὕδει. +αἰαῖ γόων· ἅλις τύχας, +ἅλις δʼ ἀλγέων ἐμοὶ πάρεστι. + +Παῖδες +— ἔτʼ Ἀσωποῦ με δέξεται γάνος +χαλκέοις ἐν ὅπλοις Δαναϊδῶν στρατηλάταν, +τοῦ φθιμένου πατρὸς ἐκδικαστάν.
+ + + +
+Παῖδες +— ἔτʼ εἰσορᾶν σε, πάτερ, ἐπʼ ὀμμάτων δοκῶ + +Χορός +— φίλον φίλημα παρὰ γένυν τιθέντα σόν. + +Παῖδες +— λόγων δὲ παρακέλευσμα σῶν +ἀέρι φερόμενον οἴχεται. + +Χορός +— δυοῖν δʼ ἄχη, ματρί τʼ ἔλιπεν — +σέ τʼ οὔποτʼ ἄλγη πατρῷα λείψει.
+ + + +
+Παῖδες +— ἔχω τοσόνδε βάρος ὅσον μʼ ἀπώλεσεν. + +Χορός +— φέρʼ, ἀμφὶ μαστὸν ὑποβάλω φίλαν σποδόν. + +Παῖδες +— ἔκλαυσα τόδε κλύων ἔπος +στυγνότατον· ἔθιγέ μου φρενῶν. + +Χορός +— ὦ τέκνον, ἔβας· οὐκέτι φίλον +φίλας ἄγαλμʼ ὄψομαί σε ματρός.
+ + + + +
+Θησεύς +Ἄδραστε καὶ γυναῖκες Ἀργεῖαι γένος, +ὁρᾶτε παῖδας τούσδʼ ἔχοντας ἐν χεροῖν +πατέρων ἀρίστων σώμαθʼ ὧν ἀνειλόμην· +τούτοις ἐγώ σφε καὶ πόλις δωρούμεθα. +ὑμᾶς δὲ τῶνδε χρὴ χάριν μεμνημένους +σῴζειν, ὁρῶντας ὧν ἐκύρσατʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ, +παισίν θʼ ὑπειπεῖν τούσδε τοὺς αὐτοὺς λόγους, +τιμᾶν πόλιν τήνδʼ, ἐκ τέκνων ἀεὶ τέκνοις +μνήμην παραγγέλλοντας ὧν ἐκύρσατε. +Ζεὺς δὲ ξυνίστωρ οἵ τʼ ἐν οὐρανῷ θεοὶ +οἵων ὑφʼ ἡμῶν στείχετʼ ἠξιωμένοι. + +Ἄδραστος +Θησεῦ, ξύνισμεν πάνθʼ ὅσʼ Ἀργείαν χθόνα +δέδρακας ἐσθλὰ δεομένην εὐεργετῶν, +χάριν τʼ ἀγήρων ἕξομεν· γενναῖα γὰρ +παθόντες ὑμᾶς ἀντιδρᾶν ὀφείλομεν. + +Θησεύς +τί δῆτʼ ἔθʼ ὑμῖν ἄλλʼ ὑπουργῆσαί με χρή; + +Ἄδραστος +χαῖρʼ· ἄξιος γὰρ καὶ σὺ καὶ πόλις σέθεν. + +Θησεύς +ἔσται τάδʼ· ἀλλὰ καὶ σὺ τῶν αὐτῶν τύχοις. + +Ἀθήνα +ἄκουε, Θησεῦ, τούσδʼ Ἀθηναίας λόγους, +ἃ χρή σε δρᾶσαι, δρῶντα δʼ ὠφελεῖν τάδε. +μὴ δῷς τάδʼ ὀστᾶ τοῖσδʼ ἐς Ἀργείαν χθόνα +παισὶν κομίζειν ῥᾳδίως οὕτω μεθείς, +ἀλλʼ ἀντὶ τῶν σῶν καὶ πόλεως μοχθημάτων +πρῶτον λάβʼ ὅρκον. τόνδε δʼ ὀμνύναι χρεὼν +Ἄδραστον· οὗτος κύριος, τύραννος ὤν, +πάσης ὑπὲρ γῆς Δαναϊδῶν ὁρκωμοτεῖν. +ὁ δʼ ὅρκος ἔσται, μήποτʼ Ἀργείους χθόνα +ἐς τήνδʼ ἐποίσειν πολέμιον παντευχίαν, +ἄλλων τʼ ἰόντων ἐμποδὼν θήσειν δόρυ. +ἢν δʼ ὅρκον ἐκλιπόντες ἔλθωσιν, πάλιν +κακῶς ὀλέσθαι πρόστρεπʼ Ἀργείων χθόνα. + +ἐν ᾧ δὲ τέμνειν σφάγια χρή σʼ, ἄκουέ μου. +ἔστιν τρίπους σοι χαλκόπους ἔσω δόμων, +ὃν Ἰλίου ποτʼ ἐξαναστήσας βάθρα +σπουδὴν ἐπʼ ἄλλην Ἡρακλῆς ὁρμώμενος +στῆσαί σʼ ἐφεῖτο Πυθικὴν πρὸς ἐσχάραν. +ἐν τῷδε λαιμοὺς τρεῖς τριῶν μήλων τεμὼν +ἔγγραψον ὅρκους τρίποδος ἐν κοίλῳ κύτει, +κἄπειτα σῴζειν θεῷ δὸς ᾧ Δελφῶν μέλει, +μνημεῖά θʼ ὅρκων μαρτύρημά θʼ Ἑλλάδι. +ᾗ δʼ ἂν διοίξῃς σφάγια καὶ τρώσῃς φόνον +ὀξύστομον μάχαιραν ἐς γαίας μυχοὺς +κρύψον παρʼ αὐτὰς ἑπτὰ πυρκαιὰς νεκρῶν· +φόβον γὰρ αὐτοῖς, ἤν ποτʼ ἔλθωσιν πόλιν, +δειχθεῖσα θήσει καὶ κακὸν νόστον πάλιν. +δράσας δὲ ταῦτα πέμπε γῆς ἔξω νεκρούς. +τεμένη δʼ, ἵνʼ αὐτῶν σώμαθʼ ἡγνίσθη πυρί, +μέθες παρʼ αὐτὴν τρίοδον Ἰσθμίας θεοῦ· +σοὶ μὲν τάδʼ εἶπον· παισὶ δʼ Ἀργείων λέγω· +πορθήσεθʼ ἡβήσαντες Ἰσμηνοῦ πόλιν, +πατέρων θανόντων ἐκδικάζοντες φόνον, +σύ τʼ ἀντὶ πατρός, Αἰγιαλεῦ, στρατηλάτης +νέος καταστάς, παῖς τʼ ἀπʼ Αἰτωλῶν μολὼν +Τυδέως, ὃν ὠνόμαζε Διομήδην πατήρ. +ἀλλʼ οὐ φθάνειν χρὴ συσκιάζοντας γένυν +καὶ χαλκοπληθῆ Δαναϊδῶν ὁρμᾶν στρατὸν +ἑπτάστολον πύργωμα Καδμείων ἔπι· +πικροὶ γὰρ αὐτοῖς ἥξετʼ, ἐκτεθραμμένοι +σκύμνοι λεόντων, πόλεος ἐκπορθήτορες. +κοὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλως· Ἔκγονοι δʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδα +κληθέντες ᾠδὰς ὑστέροισι θήσετε· +τοῖον στράτευμα σὺν θεῷ πορεύσετε. + +Θησεύς +δέσποινʼ Ἀθάνα, πείσομαι λόγοισι σοῖς· +σὺ γάρ μʼ ἀνορθοῖς, ὥστε μὴ ʼξαμαρτάνειν· +καὶ τόνδʼ ἐν ὅρκοις ζεύξομαι· μόνον σύ με +ἐς ὀρθὸν ἵστη· σοῦ γὰρ εὐμενοῦς πόλει +οὔσης τὸ λοιπὸν ἀσφαλῶς οἰκήσομεν. + + + +
+Χορός +στείχωμεν, Ἄδρασθʼ, ὅρκια δῶμεν +τῷδʼ ἀνδρὶ πόλει τʼ· ἄξια δʼ ἡμῖν +προμεμοχθήκασι σέβεσθαι. +
+
+
+ +
+
\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg009/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg009/__cts__.xml index 489d7fed1..a30423d27 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg009/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg009/__cts__.xml @@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ Ἡρακλῆς - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg009/tlg0006.tlg009.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg009/tlg0006.tlg009.perseus-eng2.xml index 0b64b3653..67b8cb474 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg009/tlg0006.tlg009.perseus-eng2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg009/tlg0006.tlg009.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ Heracles Machine readable text Euripides - E. P. Coleridge + Edward P. Coleridge Perseus Project, Tufts University Gregory Crane @@ -517,14 +517,14 @@ Lycus

I grant it, and bid my servants undo the bolts. Go in and deck yourselves; robes do not grudge. But as soon as you have clothed yourselves, I will return to you to consign you to the - nether world.Lycus and his retinue withdraw. + nether world. Lycus and his retinue withdraw.

Megara

Children, follow the footsteps of your hapless mother to your father's house, where others possess his substance, though his name is still - ours.Megara and her children enter the palace. + ours. Megara and her children enter the palace.

@@ -536,7 +536,7 @@ betray the children of Heracles; but you by stealth found your way to my bed, taking another's wife without leave given, while to save your own friends you have no skill. Either you - are a god of little sense, or else naturally unjust.Amphitryon + are a god of little sense, or else naturally unjust. Amphitryon follows Megara into the palace.

@@ -1055,7 +1055,7 @@ do not reject the care of my children; here all mankind are equal; all love their children, both those of high estate and those who are nothing; it is wealth that makes distinctions among them; some have, others want; but all the human race - loves its offspring.Heracles, Megara, Amphitryon and the children + loves its offspring. Heracles, Megara, Amphitryon and the children enter the palace.

@@ -1202,7 +1202,7 @@ of the sword, thinking to slay his neighbors, the villain! I will go, to see him fall dead; for the sight of a foe being slain and paying the penalty of his misdeeds gives - pleasure.Amphitryon follows Lycus into the palace. + pleasure. Amphitryon follows Lycus into the palace.

@@ -1640,7 +1640,7 @@ awakening he might do no further evil. So there he sleeps, poor wretch! a sleep that is not blessed, having murdered wife and children; no, for my part I do not know any mortal more - miserable than he.The messenger withdraws. + miserable than he. The messenger withdraws.

@@ -2520,7 +2520,7 @@ house by deeds of shame, will follow as a little boat in the wake of Theseus, totally destroyed. Whoever prefers wealth or might to the possession of good friends, thinks - wrongly.Theseus and his attendants lead Heracles + wrongly. Theseus and his attendants lead Heracles away.

diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg009/tlg0006.tlg009.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg009/tlg0006.tlg009.perseus-grc2.xml index d78c3495d..207888374 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg009/tlg0006.tlg009.perseus-grc2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg009/tlg0006.tlg009.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -1,12 +1,13 @@ + - Heracles + Ἡρακλῆς Machine readable text Euripides - Gilbert Murray + Gilbert Murray Perseus Project, Tufts University Gregory Crane @@ -18,57 +19,29 @@ The Annenberg CPB/Project - About 100Kb + Trustees of Tufts University Medford, MA Perseus Project 1996 - - - - Euripides - Euripidis Fabulae, vol. 2 - 257234643 - Gilbert Murray - - Oxford - Clarendon Press, Oxford - 1913 - - - - - - Ἀμφιτρύων - - - Μεγάρα - - - Χορός - - - Λύκος - - - "Ἡρακλῆς - - - Ἶρις - - - Λύσσα - - - Ἄγγελος - - - Θησεύς - - - + + + + Euripides + Euripidis Fabulae + Gilbert Murray + + Oxford + Clarendon Press + 1913 + + 2 + + The Internet Archive + + @@ -84,10 +57,11 @@ - Greek + Greek + converted said to speaker and fixed minor encoding issues fixed change log; reviewed line breaks. Note some missing line numbers arbitrarily chosen; various problems with line breaks across source texts. Note section 735-755, 905-912, 1015-1020, 1045-1077, 1200-1210 in particular. Converted all speaker tags to said many fixes to line numbering to enable use of line numbers as canonical scheme because no duplicates allowed. It required some editorial judgement because the source is not precise. used http://www.archive.org/stream/euripidisfabula02euriuoft#page/n85/mode/2up @@ -118,4508 +92,2185 @@
- - - Τίς τὸν Διὸς σύλλεκτρον οὐκ οἶδεν βροτῶν, - - - Ἀργεῖον Ἀμφιτρύωνʼ, ὃν Ἀλκαῖός ποτε - - - ἔτιχθʼ ὁ Περσέως, πατέρα τόνδʼ Ἡρακλέους; - - - ὃς τάσδε Θήβας ἔσχον, ἔνθʼ ὁ γηγενὴς - - - σπαρτῶν στάχυς ἔβλαστεν, ὧν γένους Ἄρης - - - ἔσωσʼ ἀριθμὸν ὀλίγον, οἳ Κάδμου πόλιν - - - τεκνοῦσι παίδων παισίν. ἔνθεν ἐξέφυ - - - Κρέων Μενοικέως παῖς, ἄναξ τῆσδε χθονός. - - - Κρέων δὲ Μεγάρας τῆσδε γίγνεται πατήρ, - - - ἣν πάντες ὑμεναίοισι Καδμεῖοί ποτε - - - λωτῷ συνηλάλαξαν, ἡνίκʼ εἰς ἐμοὺς - - - δόμους ὁ κλεινὸς Ἡρακλῆς νιν ἤγετο. - - - λιπὼν δὲ Θήβας, οὗ κατῳκίσθην ἐγώ, - - - Μεγάραν τε τήνδε πενθερούς τε παῖς ἐμὸς - - - Ἀργεῖα τείχη καὶ Κυκλωπίαν πόλιν - - - ὠρέξατʼ οἰκεῖν, ἣν ἐγὼ φεύγω κτανὼν - - - Ἠλεκτρύωνα· συμφορὰς δὲ τὰς ἐμὰς - - - ἐξευμαρίζων καὶ πάτραν οἰκεῖν θέλων, - - - καθόδου δίδωσι μισθὸν Εὐρυσθεῖ μέγαν, - - - ἐξημερῶσαι γαῖαν, εἴθʼ Ἥρας ὕπο - - - κέντροις δαμασθεὶς εἴτε τοῦ χρεὼν μέτα. - - - καὶ τοὺς μὲν ἄλλους ἐξεμόχθησεν πόνους, - - - τὸ λοίσθιον δὲ Ταινάρου διὰ στόμα - - - βέβηκʼ ἐς Ἅιδου, τὸν τρισώματον κύνα - - - ἐς φῶς ἀνάξων, ἔνθεν οὐχ ἥκει πάλιν. - - - γέρων δὲ δή τις ἔστι Καδμείων λόγος - - - ὡς ἦν πάρος Δίρκης τις εὐνήτωρ Λύκος - - - τὴν ἑπτάπυργον τήνδε δεσπόζων πόλιν, - - - τὼ λευκοπώλω πρὶν τυραννῆσαι χθονὸς - - - Ἀμφίονʼ ἠδὲ Ζῆθον, ἐκγόνω Διός. - - - οὗ ταὐτὸν ὄνομα παῖς πατρὸς κεκλημένος, - - - Καδμεῖος οὐκ ὤν, ἀλλʼ ἀπʼ Εὐβοίας μολών, - - - κτείνει Κρέοντα καὶ κτανὼν ἄρχει χθονός, - - - στάσει νοσοῦσαν τήνδʼ ἐπεσπεσὼν πόλιν. - - - ἡμῖν δὲ κῆδος ἐς Κρέοντʼ ἀνημμένον - - - κακὸν μέγιστον, ὡς ἔοικε, γίγνεται. - - - τοὐμοῦ γὰρ ὄντος παιδὸς ἐν μυχοῖς χθονὸς - - - ὁ καινὸς οὗτος τῆσδε γῆς ἄρχων Λύκος - - - τοὺς Ἡρακλείους παῖδας ἐξελεῖν θέλει - - - κτανὼν δάμαρτά θʼ, ὡς φόνῳ σβέσῃ φόνον, - - - κἄμʼ — εἴ τι δὴ χρὴ κἄμʼ ἐν ἀνδράσιν λέγειν - - - γέροντʼ ἀχρεῖον — μή ποθʼ οἵδʼ ἠνδρωμένοι - - - μήτρωσιν ἐκπράξωσιν αἵματος δίκην. - - - ἐγὼ δέ — λείπει γάρ με τοῖσδʼ ἐν δώμασιν - - - τροφὸν τέκνων οἰκουρόν, ἡνίκα χθονὸς - - - μέλαιναν ὄρφνην εἰσέβαινε, παῖς ἐμός — - - - σὺν μητρί, τέκνα μὴ θάνωσʼ Ἡρακλέους, - - - βωμὸν καθίζω τόνδε σωτῆρος Διός, - - - ὃν καλλινίκου δορὸς ἄγαλμʼ ἱδρύσατο - - - Μινύας κρατήσας οὑμὸς εὐγενὴς τόκος. - - - πάντων δὲ χρεῖοι τάσδʼ ἕδρας φυλάσσομεν, - - - σίτων ποτῶν ἐσθῆτος, ἀστρώτῳ πέδῳ - - - πλευρὰς τιθέντες· ἐκ γὰρ ἐσφραγισμένοι - - - δόμων καθήμεθʼ ἀπορίᾳ σωτηρίας. - - - φίλων δὲ τοὺς μὲν οὐ σαφεῖς ὁρῶ φίλους, - - - οἳ δʼ ὄντες ὀρθῶς ἀδύνατοι προσωφελεῖν. - - - τοιοῦτον ἀνθρώποισιν ἡ δυσπραξία· - - - ἧς μήποθʼ ὅστις καὶ μέσως εὔνους ἐμοὶ - - - τύχοι, φίλων ἔλεγχον ἀψευδέστατον. - - - - ὦ πρέσβυ, Ταφίων ὅς ποτʼ ἐξεῖλες πόλιν - - - στρατηλατήσας κλεινὰ Καδμείων δορός, - - - ὡς οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποισι τῶν θείων σαφές. - - - ἐγὼ γὰρ οὔτʼ ἐς πατέρʼ ἀπηλάθην τύχης, - - - ὃς οὕνεκʼ ὄλβου μέγας ἐκομπάσθη ποτέ, - - - ἔχων τυραννίδʼ, ἧς μακραὶ λόγχαι πέρι - - - πηδῶσʼ ἔρωτι σώματʼ εἰς εὐδαίμονα, - - - ἔχων δὲ τέκνα· κἄμʼ ἔδωκε παιδὶ σῷ - - - ἐπίσημον εὐνὴν Ἡρακλεῖ συνοικίσας. - - - καὶ νῦν ἐκεῖνα μὲν θανόντʼ ἀνέπτατο, - - - ἐγὼ δὲ καὶ σὺ μέλλομεν θνῄσκειν, γέρον, - - - οἵ θʼ Ἡράκλειοι παῖδες, οὓς ὑπὸ πτεροῖς - - - σῴζω νεοσσοὺς ὄρνις ὣς ὑφειμένη. - - - οἳ δʼ εἰς ἔλεγχον ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν πίτνων, - - - Ὦ μῆτερ, αὐδᾷ, ποῖ πατὴρ ἄπεστι γῆς; - - - τί δρᾷ, πόθʼ ἥξει; τῷ νέῳ δʼ ἐσφαλμένοι - - - ζητοῦσι τὸν τεκόντʼ· ἐγὼ δὲ διαφέρω - - - λόγοισι, μυθεύουσα. θαυμάζων δʼ ὅταν - - - πύλαι ψοφῶσι, πᾶς ἀνίστησιν πόδα, - - - ὡς πρὸς πατρῷον προσπεσούμενοι γόνυ. - - - νῦν οὖν τίνʼ ἐλπίδʼ ἢ πέδον σωτηρίας - - - ἐξευμαρίζῃ, πρέσβυ; πρὸς σὲ γὰρ βλέπω. - - - ὡς οὔτε γαίας ὅριʼ ἂν ἐκβαῖμεν λάθρᾳ· - - - φυλακαὶ γὰρ ἡμῶν κρείσσονες κατʼ ἐξόδους· - - - οὔτʼ ἐν φίλοισιν ἐλπίδες σωτηρίας - - - ἔτʼ εἰσὶν ἡμῖν. ἥντινʼ οὖν γνώμην ἔχεις - - - λέγʼ ἐς τὸ κοινόν, μὴ θανεῖν ἕτοιμον ᾖ. - - - ὦ θύγατερ, οὔτοι ῥᾴδιον τὰ τοιάδε - - - φαύλως παραινεῖν, σπουδάσαντʼ ἄνευ πόνου· - - - χρόνον δὲ μηκύνωμεν ὄντες ἀσθενεῖς. - - - λύπης τι προσδεῖς ἢ φιλεῖς οὕτω φάος; - - - καὶ τῷδε χαίρω καὶ φιλῶ τὰς ἐλπίδας. - - - κἀγώ· δοκεῖν δὲ τἀδόκητʼ οὐ χρή, γέρον. - - - ἐν ταῖς ἀναβολαῖς τῶν κακῶν ἔνεστʼ ἄκη. - - - ὁ δʼ ἐν μέσῳ με λυπρὸς ὢν δάκνει χρόνος. - - - ἔτʼ ἂν γένοιτʼ, ὦ θύγατερ, οὔριος δρόμος - - - ἐκ τῶν παρόντων τῶνδʼ ἐμοὶ καὶ σοὶ κακῶν, - - - ἔλθοι τʼ ἔτʼ ἂν παῖς οὑμός, εὐνήτωρ δὲ σός. - - - ἀλλʼ ἡσύχαζε καὶ δακρυρρόους τέκνων - - - πηγὰς ἀφαίρει καὶ παρευκήλει λόγοις, - - - κλέπτουσα μύθοις ἀθλίους κλοπὰς ὅμως. - - - κάμνουσι γάρ τοι καὶ βροτῶν αἱ συμφοραί, - - - καὶ πνεύματʼ ἀνέμων οὐκ ἀεὶ ῥώμην ἔχει· - - - οἵ τʼ εὐτυχοῦντες διὰ τέλους οὐκ εὐτυχεῖς. - - - ἐξίσταται γὰρ πάντʼ ἀπʼ ἀλλήλων δίχα. - - - οὗτος δʼ ἀνὴρ ἄριστος ὅστις ἐλπίσι - - - πέποιθεν αἰεί· τὸ δʼ ἀπορεῖν ἀνδρὸς κακοῦ. - -
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- - ὑπώροφα μέλαθρα καὶ - γεραιὰ δέμνιʼ, ἀμφὶ βάκτροις - - - ἔρεισμα θέμενος, ἐστάλην - - - ἰηλέμων γόων ἀοι- - - - δὸς ὥστε πολιὸς ὄρνις, - - - ἔπεα μόνον καὶ δόκη- - - - μα νυκτερωπὸν ἐννύχων ὀνείρων, - - - τρομερὰ μέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως πρόθυμʼ. - - - ὦ τέκεα, τέκεα πατρὸς ἀπάτορʼ, - - - ὦ γεραιὲ σύ τε τάλαινα μᾶ- - - - τερ, ἃ τὸν Ἀίδα δόμοις - - - πόσιν ἀναστενάζεις. - - -
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- - μὴ προκάμητε πόδα βαρύ τε - - - κῶλον ὥστε πρὸς πετραῖον - - - λέπας † ζυγηφόρον πῶλον - - - ἀνέντες ὡς βάρος φέρον - τροχηλάτοιο πώλου †. - - - λαβοῦ χερῶν καὶ πέπλων, - - - ὅτου λέλοιπε ποδὸς ἀμαυρὸν ἴχνος· - - - γέρων γέροντα παρακόμιζʼ, - - - ᾧ ξύνοπλα δόρατα νέα νέῳ - - - τὸ πάρος ἐν ἡλίκων πόνοις - - - ξυνῆν ποτʼ, εὐκλεεστάτας - - - πατρίδος οὐκ ὀνείδη. - - -
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- - ἴδετε, πατέρος ὡς γορ- - - - γῶπες αἵδε προσφερεῖς - - - ὀμμάτων αὐγαί, - - - τὸ δὲ κακοτυχὲς οὐ λέλοιπεν ἐκ τέκνων - - - οὐδʼ ἀποίχεται χάρις. - - - Ἑλλὰς ὦ ξυμμάχους - - - οἵους οἵους ὀλέσα- - - - σα τούσδʼ ἀποστερήσῃ. - - -
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- - ἀλλʼ εἰσορῶ γὰρ τῆσδε κοίρανον χθονὸς - - - Λύκον περῶντα τῶνδε δωμάτων πέλας. - - - τὸν Ἡράκλειον πατέρα καὶ ξυνάορον, - - - εἰ χρή μʼ, ἐρωτῶ· χρὴ δʼ, ἐπεί γε δεσπότης - - - ὑμῶν καθέστηχʼ, ἱστορεῖν ἃ βούλομαι. - - - τίνʼ ἐς χρόνον ζητεῖτε μηκῦναι βίον; - - - τίνʼ ἐλπίδʼ ἀλκήν τʼ εἰσορᾶτε μὴ θανεῖν; - - - ἢ τὸν παρʼ Ἅιδῃ πατέρα τῶνδε κείμενον - - - πιστεύεθʼ ἥξειν; ὡς ὑπὲρ τὴν ἀξίαν - - - τὸ πένθος αἴρεσθʼ, εἰ θανεῖν ὑμᾶς χρεών, - - - σὺ μὲν καθʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἐκβαλὼν κόμπους κενούς, - - - ὡς σύγγαμός σοι Ζεὺς τέκνου τε κοινεών, - - - σὺ δʼ ὡς ἀρίστου φωτὸς ἐκλήθης δάμαρ. - - - τί δὴ τὸ σεμνὸν σῷ κατείργασται πόσει, - - - ὕδραν ἕλειον εἰ διώλεσε κτανὼν - - - ἢ τὸν Νέμειον θῆρα; ὃν ἐν βρόχοις ἑλὼν - - - βραχίονός φησʼ ἀγχόναισιν ἐξελεῖν. - - - τοῖσδʼ ἐξαγωνίζεσθε; τῶνδʼ ἄρʼ οὕνεκα - - - τοὺς Ἡρακλείους παῖδας οὐ θνῄσκειν χρεών; - - - ὃς ἔσχε δόξαν οὐδὲν ὢν εὐψυχίας - - - θηρῶν ἐν αἰχμῇ, τἄλλα δʼ οὐδὲν ἄλκιμος, - - - ὃς οὔποτʼ ἀσπίδʼ ἔσχε πρὸς λαιᾷ χερὶ - - - οὐδʼ ἦλθε λόγχης ἐγγύς, ἀλλὰ τόξʼ ἔχων, - - - κάκιστον ὅπλον, τῇ φυγῇ πρόχειρος ἦν. - - - ἀνδρὸς δʼ ἔλεγχος οὐχὶ τόξʼ εὐψυχίας, - - - ἀλλʼ ὃς μένων βλέπει τε κἀντιδέρκεται - - - δορὸς ταχεῖαν ἄλοκα τάξιν ἐμβεβώς. - - - ἔχει δὲ τοὐμὸν οὐκ ἀναίδειαν, γέρον, - - - ἀλλʼ εὐλάβειαν· οἶδα γὰρ κατακτανὼν - - - Κρέοντα πατέρα τῆσδε καὶ θρόνους ἔχων. - - - οὔκουν τραφέντων τῶνδε τιμωροὺς ἐμοὺς - - - χρῄζω λιπέσθαι τῶν δεδραμένων δίκην. - - - - τῷ τοῦ Διὸς μὲν Ζεὺς ἀμυνέτω μέρει - - - παιδός· τὸ δʼ εἰς ἔμʼ, Ἡράκλεις, ἐμοὶ μέλει - - - λόγοισι τὴν τοῦδʼ ἀμαθίαν ὑπὲρ σέθεν - - - δεῖξαι· κακῶς γάρ σʼ οὐκ ἐατέον κλύειν. - - - πρῶτον μὲν οὖν τἄρρητʼ — ἐν ἀρρήτοισι γὰρ - - - τὴν σὴν νομίζω δειλίαν, Ἡράκλεες — - - - σὺν μάρτυσιν θεοῖς δεῖ μʼ ἀπαλλάξαι σέθεν. - - - Διὸς κεραυνόν τʼ ἠρόμην τέθριππά τε, - - - ἐν οἷς βεβηκὼς τοῖσι γῆς βλαστήμασιν - - - Γίγασι πλευροῖς πτήνʼ ἐναρμόσας βέλη - - - τὸν καλλίνικον μετὰ θεῶν ἐκώμασεν· - - - τετρασκελές θʼ ὕβρισμα, Κενταύρων γένος, - - - Φολόην ἐπελθών, ὦ κάκιστε βασιλέων, - - - ἐροῦ τίνʼ ἄνδρʼ ἄριστον ἐγκρίνειαν ἄν, - - - ἢ οὐ παῖδα τὸν ἐμόν, ὃν σὺ φῂς εἶναι δοκεῖν. - - - Δίρφυν τʼ ἐρωτῶν ἥ σʼ ἔθρεψʼ Ἀβαντίδα - - - - οὐκ ἄν σʼ ἐπαινέσειεν· οὐ γὰρ ἔσθʼ ὅπου - - - ἐσθλόν τι δράσας μάρτυρʼ ἂν λάβοις πάτραν. - - - τὸ πάνσοφον δʼ εὕρημα, τοξήρη σαγήν, - - - μέμφῃ· κλύων νῦν τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ σοφὸς γενοῦ. - - - ἀνὴρ ὁπλίτης δοῦλός ἐστι τῶν ὅπλων - - - καὶ τοῖσι συνταχθεῖσιν οὖσι μὴ ἀγαθοῖς - - - αὐτὸς τέθνηκε δειλίᾳ τῇ τῶν πέλας, - - - θραύσας τε λόγχην οὐκ ἔχει τῷ σώματι - - - θάνατον ἀμῦναι, μίαν ἔχων ἀλκὴν μόνον· - - - ὅσοι δὲ τόξοις χεῖρʼ ἔχουσιν εὔστοχον, - - - ἓν μὲν τὸ λῷστον, μυρίους οἰστοὺς ἀφεὶς - - - ἄλλοις τὸ σῶμα ῥύεται μὴ κατθανεῖν, - - - ἑκὰς δʼ ἀφεστὼς πολεμίους ἀμύνεται - - - τυφλοῖς ὁρῶντας οὐτάσας τοξεύμασιν - - - τὸ σῶμά τʼ οὐ δίδωσι τοῖς ἐναντίοις, - - - ἐν εὐφυλάκτῳ δʼ ἐστί· τοῦτο δʼ ἐν μάχῃ - - - σοφὸν μάλιστα, δρῶντα πολεμίους κακῶς - - - σῴζειν τὸ σῶμα, μὴ ʼκ τύχης ὡρμισμένον. - - - λόγοι μὲν οἵδε τοῖσι σοῖς ἐναντίαν - - - γνώμην ἔχουσι τῶν καθεστώτων πέρι. - - - παῖδας δὲ δὴ τί τούσδʼ ἀποκτεῖναι θέλεις; - - - τί σʼ οἵδʼ ἔδρασαν; ἕν τί σʼ ἡγοῦμαι σοφόν, - - - εἰ τῶν ἀρίστων τἄκγονʼ αὐτὸς ὢν κακὸς - - - δέδοικας. ἀλλὰ τοῦθʼ ὅμως ἡμῖν βαρύ, - - - εἰ δειλίας σῆς κατθανούμεθʼ εἵνεκα, - - - ὃ χρῆν σʼ ὑφʼ ἡμῶν τῶν ἀμεινόνων παθεῖν, - - - εἰ Ζεὺς δικαίας εἶχεν εἰς ἡμᾶς φρένας. - - - εἰ δʼ οὖν ἔχειν γῆς σκῆπτρα τῆσδʼ αὐτὸς θέλεις, - - - ἔασον ἡμᾶς φυγάδας ἐξελθεῖν χθονός· - - - βίᾳ δὲ δράσῃς μηδέν, ἢ πείσῃ βίαν, - - - ὅταν θεοῦ σοι πνεῦμα μεταβαλὸν τύχῃ. - φεῦ· - - - ὦ γαῖα Κάδμου· καὶ γὰρ ἐς σὲ ἀφίξομαι - - - λόγους ὀνειδιστῆρας ἐνδατούμενος· - - - τοιαῦτʼ ἀμύνεθʼ Ἡρακλεῖ τέκνοισί τε; - - - ὃς εἷς Μινύαισι πᾶσι διὰ μάχης μολὼν - - - Θήβαις ἔθηκεν ὄμμʼ ἐλεύθερον βλέπειν. - - - οὐδʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ᾔνεσʼ — οὐδʼ ἀνέξομαί ποτε - - - σιγῶν — κακίστην λαμβάνων ἐς παῖδʼ ἐμόν, - - - ἣν χρῆν νεοσσοῖς τοῖσδε πῦρ λόγχας ὅπλα - - - φέρουσαν ἐλθεῖν, ποντίων καθαρμάτων - - - χέρσου τʼ ἀμοιβάς — ὧν ἐμόχθησας χάριν. - - - τὰ δʼ, ὦ τέκνʼ, ὑμῖν οὔτε Θηβαίων πόλις - - - οὔθʼ Ἑλλὰς ἀρκεῖ· πρὸς δʼ ἔμʼ ἀσθενῆ φίλον - - - δεδόρκατʼ, οὐδὲν ὄντα πλὴν γλώσσης ψόφον. - - - ῥώμη γὰρ ἐκλέλοιπεν ἣν πρὶν εἴχομεν, - - - γήρᾳ δὲ τρομερὰ γυῖα κἀμαυρὸν σθένος. - - - εἰ δʼ ἦ νέος τε κἄτι σώματος κρατῶν, - - - λαβὼν ἂν ἔγχος τοῦδε τοὺς ξανθοὺς πλόκους - - - καθῃμάτωσʼ ἄν, ὥστʼ Ἀτλαντικῶν πέραν - - - φεύγειν ὅρων ἂν δειλίᾳ τοὐμὸν δόρυ. - - - ἆρʼ οὐκ ἀφορμὰς τοῖς λόγοισιν ἁγαθοὶ - - - θνητῶν ἔχουσι, κἂν βραδύς τις ᾖ λέγειν; - - - σὺ μὲν λέγʼ ἡμᾶς οἷς πεπύργωσαι λόγοις, - - - ἐγὼ δὲ δράσω σʼ ἀντὶ τῶν λόγων κακῶς. - - - ἄγʼ, οἳ μὲν Ἑλικῶνʼ, οἳ δὲ Παρνασοῦ πτυχὰς - - - τέμνειν ἄνωχθʼ ἐλθόντες ὑλουργοὺς δρυὸς - - - κορμούς· ἐπειδὰν δʼ ἐσκομισθῶσιν πόλει, - - - βωμὸν πέριξ νήσαντες ἀμφήρη ξύλα - - - ἐμπίμπρατʼ αὐτῶν καὶ πυροῦτε σώματα - - - πάντων, ἵνʼ εἰδῶσʼ οὕνεκʼ οὐχ ὁ κατθανὼν - - - κρατεῖ χθονὸς τῆσδʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ τὰ νῦν τάδε. - - - ὑμεῖς δέ, πρέσβεις, ταῖς ἐμαῖς ἐναντίοι - - - γνώμαισιν ὄντες, οὐ μόνον στενάξετε - - - τοὺς Ἡρακλείους παῖδας, ἀλλὰ καὶ δόμου - - - τύχας, ὅταν πάσχῃ τι, μεμνήσεσθε δὲ - - - δοῦλοι γεγῶτες τῆς ἐμῆς τυραννίδος. - - - — ὦ γῆς λοχεύμαθʼ, οὓς Ἄρης σπείρει ποτὲ - - - λάβρον δράκοντος ἐξερημώσας γένυν, - - - οὐ σκῆπτρα, χειρὸς δεξιᾶς ἐρείσματα, - - - ἀρεῖτε καὶ τοῦδʼ ἀνδρὸς ἀνόσιον κάρα - - - καθαιματώσεθʼ, ὅστις οὐ Καδμεῖος ὢν - - - ἄρχει κάκιστος τῶν νέων ἔπηλυς ὤν; - - - ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐμοῦ γε δεσπόσεις χαίρων ποτέ. - - - — οὐδʼ ἁπόνησα πόλλʼ ἐγὼ καμὼν χερὶ - - - ἕξεις. ἀπέρρων δʼ ἔνθεν ἦλθες ἐνθάδε, - - - ὕβριζʼ. ἐμοῦ γὰρ ζῶντος οὐ κτενεῖς ποτε - - - τοὺς Ἡρακλείους παῖδας. οὐ τοσόνδε γῆς - - - ἔνερθʼ ἐκεῖνος κρύπτεται λιπὼν τέκνα. - - - — ἐπεὶ σὺ μὲν γῆν τήνδε διολέσας ἔχεις, - - - ὃ δʼ ὠφελήσας ἀξίων οὐ τυγχάνει. - - - — κἄπειτα πράσσω πόλλʼ ἐγώ, φίλους ἐμοὺς - - - θανόντας εὖ δρῶν, οὗ φίλων μάλιστα δεῖ; - - - — ὦ δεξιὰ χείρ, ὡς ποθεῖς λαβεῖν δόρυ, - - - ἐν δʼ ἀσθενείᾳ τὸν πόθον διώλεσας. - - - ἐπεί σʼ ἔπαυσʼ ἂν δοῦλον ἐννέποντά με - - - καὶ τάσδε Θήβας εὐκλεῶς ᾠκήσαμεν. - - - ἐν αἷς σὺ χαίρεις· οὐ γὰρ εὖ φρονεῖ πόλις - - - στάσει νοσοῦσα καὶ κακοῖς βουλεύμασιν. - - - οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ἂν σὲ δεσπότην ἐκτήσατο. - - - γέροντες, αἰνῶ· τῶν φίλων γὰρ οὕνεκα - - - ὀργὰς δικαίας τοὺς φίλους ἔχειν χρεών· - - - ἡμῶν δʼ ἕκατι δεσπόταις θυμούμενοι - - - πάθητε μηδέν. τῆς δʼ ἐμῆς, Ἀμφιτρύων, - - - γνώμης ἄκουσον, ἤν τί σοι δοκῶ λέγειν. - - - ἐγὼ φιλῶ μὲν τέκνα· πῶς γὰρ οὐ φιλῶ - - - ἅτικτον, ἁμόχθησα; καὶ τὸ κατθανεῖν - - - δεινὸν νομίζω· τῷ δʼ ἀναγκαίῳ τρόπῳ - - - ὃς ἀντιτείνει σκαιὸν ἡγοῦμαι βροτόν. - - - ἡμᾶς δʼ, ἐπειδὴ δεῖ θανεῖν, θνῄσκειν χρεὼν - - - μὴ πυρὶ καταξανθέντας, ἐχθροῖσιν γέλων - - - διδόντας, οὑμοὶ τοῦ θανεῖν μεῖζον κακόν. - - - ὀφείλομεν γὰρ πολλὰ δώμασιν καλά· - - - σὲ μὲν δόκησις ἔλαβεν εὐκλεὴς δορός, - - - ὥστʼ οὐκ ἀνεκτὸν δειλίας θανεῖν σʼ ὕπο· - - - οὑμὸς δʼ ἀμαρτύρητος εὐκλεὴς πόσις, - - - ὡς τούσδε παῖδας οὐκ ἂν ἐκσῶσαι θέλοι - - - δόξαν κακὴν λαβόντας· οἱ γὰρ εὐγενεῖς - - - κάμνουσι τοῖς αἰσχροῖσι τῶν τέκνων ὕπερ, - - - ἐμοί τε μίμημʼ ἀνδρὸς οὐκ ἀπωστέον. - - - σκέψαι δὲ τὴν σὴν ἐλπίδʼ ᾗ λογίζομαι· - - - ἥξειν νομίζεις παῖδα σὸν γαίας ὕπο; - - - καὶ τίς θανόντων ἦλθεν ἐξ Ἅιδου πάλιν; - - - ἀλλʼ ὡς λόγοισι τόνδε μαλθάξαιμεν ἄν; - - - ἥκιστα· φεύγειν σκαιὸν ἄνδρʼ ἐχθρὸν χρεών, - - - σοφοῖσι δʼ εἴκειν καὶ τεθραμμένοις καλῶς· - - - ῥᾷον γὰρ αἰδοῦς ὑπολαβὼν φίλʼ ἂν τέμοις. - - - ἤδη δʼ ἐσῆλθέ μʼ εἰ παραιτησαίμεθα - - - φυγὰς τέκνων τῶνδʼ· ἀλλὰ καὶ τόδʼ ἄθλιον, - - - πενίᾳ σὺν οἰκτρᾷ περιβαλεῖν σωτηρίαν· - - - ὡς τὰ ξένων πρόσωπα φεύγουσιν φίλοις - - - ἓν ἦμαρ ἡδὺ βλέμμʼ ἔχειν φασὶν μόνον. - - - τόλμα μεθʼ ἡμῶν θάνατον, ὃς μένει σʼ ὅμως. - - - προκαλούμεθʼ εὐγένειαν, ὦ γέρον, σέθεν· - - - τὰς τῶν θεῶν γὰρ ὅστις ἐκμοχθεῖ τύχας, - - - πρόθυμός ἐστιν, ἡ προθυμία δʼ ἄφρων· - - - ὃ χρὴ γὰρ οὐδεὶς μὴ χρεὼν θήσει ποτέ. - - - εἰ μὲν σθενόντων τῶν ἐμῶν βραχιόνων - - - ἦν τίς σʼ ὑβρίζων, ῥᾳδίως ἐπαύσατʼ ἄν· - - - νῦν δʼ οὐδέν ἐσμεν. σὸν δὲ τοὐντεῦθεν σκοπεῖν - - - ὅπως διώσῃ τὰς τύχας, Ἀμφιτρύων. - - - οὔτοι τὸ δειλὸν οὐδὲ τοῦ βίου πόθος - - - θανεῖν ἐρύκει μʼ, ἀλλὰ παιδὶ βούλομαι - - - σῷσαι τέκνʼ· ἄλλως δʼ ἀδυνάτων ἔοικʼ ἐρᾶν. - - - ἰδοὺ πάρεστιν ἥδε φασγάνῳ δέρη - - - κεντεῖν φονεύειν, ἱέναι πέτρας ἄπο. - - - μίαν δὲ νῷν δὸς χάριν, ἄναξ, ἱκνούμεθα· - - - κτεῖνόν με καὶ τήνδʼ ἀθλίαν παίδων πάρος, - - - ὡς μὴ τέκνʼ εἰσίδωμεν, ἀνόσιον θέαν, - - - ψυχορραγοῦντα καὶ καλοῦντα μητέρα - - - πατρός τε πατέρα. τἄλλα δʼ, εἰ πρόθυμος εἶ, - - - πρᾶσσʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἀλκὴν ἔχομεν ὥστε μὴ θανεῖν. - - - κἀγώ σʼ ἱκνοῦμαι χάριτι προσθεῖναι χάριν, - - - - ἡμῖν ἵνʼ ἀμφοῖν εἷς ὑπουργήσῃς διπλᾶ· - - - κόσμον πάρες μοι παισὶ προσθεῖναι νεκρῶν, - - - δόμους ἀνοίξας — νῦν γὰρ ἐκκεκλῄμεθα — - - - ὡς ἀλλὰ ταῦτά γʼ ἀπολάχωσʼ οἴκων πατρός. - - - ἔσται τάδʼ· οἴγειν κλῇθρα προσπόλοις λέγω. - - - κοσμεῖσθʼ ἔσω μολόντες· οὐ φθονῶ πέπλων. - - - ὅταν δὲ κόσμον περιβάλησθε σώμασιν, - - - ἥξω πρὸς ὑμᾶς νερτέρᾳ δώσων χθονί. - - - ὦ τέκνʼ, ὁμαρτεῖτʼ ἀθλίῳ μητρὸς ποδὶ - - - πατρῷον ἐς μέλαθρον, οὗ τῆς οὐσίας - - - ἄλλοι κρατοῦσι, τὸ δʼ ὄνομʼ ἔσθʼ ἡμῶν ἔτι. - - - ὦ Ζεῦ, μάτην ἄρʼ ὁμόγαμόν σʼ ἐκτησάμην, - - - μάτην δὲ παιδὸς κοινεῶνʼ ἐκλῄζομεν· - - - σὺ δʼ ἦσθʼ ἄρʼ ἥσσων ἢ ʼδόκεις εἶναι φίλος. - - - ἀρετῇ σε νικῶ θνητὸς ὢν θεὸν μέγαν· - - - παῖδας γὰρ οὐ προύδωκα τοὺς Ἡρακλέους. - - - σὺ δʼ ἐς μὲν εὐνὰς κρύφιος ἠπίστω μολεῖν, - - - τἀλλότρια λέκτρα δόντος οὐδενὸς λαβών, - - - σῴζειν δὲ τοὺς σοὺς οὐκ ἐπίστασαι φίλους. - - - ἀμαθής τις εἶ θεός, ἢ δίκαιος οὐκ ἔφυς. - -
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- - αἲ Λίνον μὲν ἐπʼ εὐτυχεῖ - - - μολπᾷ Φοῖβος ἰαχεῖ - - - τὸν κάλλει φθιτόν, κιθάραν - - - ἐλαύνων πλήκτρῳ χρυσέῳ· - - - ἐγὼ δὲ τὸν γᾶς ἐνέρων τʼ - - - ἐς ὄρφναν μολόντα, παῖδʼ - εἴτε Διός νιν εἴπω, - - - εἴτʼ Ἀμφιτρύωνος ἶνιν, - - - ὑμνῆσαι στεφάνωμα μό- - - - χθων διʼ εὐλογίας θέλω. - - - γενναίων δʼ ἀρεταὶ πόνων - - - τοῖς θανοῦσιν ἄγαλμα. - - -
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- - πρῶτον μὲν Διὸς ἄλσος - - - ἠρήμωσε λέοντος, - - - πυρσῷ δʼ ἀμφεκαλύφθη - - - ξανθὸν κρᾶτʼ ἐπινωτίσας - - - δεινῷ χάσματι θηρός· - - -
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- - τάν τʼ ὀρεινόμον ἀγρίων - - - Κενταύρων ποτὲ γένναν - - - ἔστρωσεν τόξοις φονίοις, - - - ἐναίρων πτανοῖς βέλεσιν. - - - ξύνοιδε Πηνειὸς ὁ καλ- - - - λιδίνας μακραί τʼ ἄρου- - - ραι πεδίων ἄκαρποι - - - καὶ Πηλιάδες θεράπναι - - - σύγχορτοί τʼ Ὀμόλας ἔναυ- - - - λοι, πεύκαισιν ὅθεν χέρας - - - πληροῦντες χθόνα Θεσσαλῶν - - - ἱππείαις ἐδάμαζον· - - -
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- - τάν τε χρυσοκάρανον - - - δόρκαν ποικιλόνωτον - - - συλήτειραν ἀγρωστᾶν - - - κτείνας, θηροφόνον θεὰν - - - Οἰνωᾶτιν ἀγάλλει· - - -
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- - τεθρίππων τʼ ἐπέβα - - - καὶ ψαλίοις ἐδάμασε πώλους - - - Διομήδεος, αἳ φονίαισι φάτναις ἀχάλινʼ ἐθόα- - - - ζον κάθαιμα σῖτα γένυσι, - - - χαρμοναῖσιν ἀνδροβρῶσι - - - δυστράπεζοι· πέραν δʼ - - - ἀργυρορρύτων Ἕβρου - - - διεπέρασεν ὄχθων, - - - Μυκηναίῳ πονῶν τυράννῳ. - - -
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- - ἄν τε Πηλιάδʼ ἀκτὰν - - - Ἀναύρου παρὰ πηγὰς - - - Κύκνον ξεινοδαΐκταν - - - τόξοις ὤλεσεν, Ἀμφαναί- - - - ας οἰκήτορʼ ἄμεικτον· - - -
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- - ὑμνῳδούς τε κόρας - - - ἤλυθεν ἑσπέριον ἐς αὐλάν, - - - χρυσέων πετάλων ἄπο μηλοφόρον χερὶ καρπὸν ἀμέρ- - - - ξων, δράκοντα πυρσόνωτον, - - - ὅς σφʼ ἄπλατον ἀμφελικτὸς - - - ἕλικʼ ἐφρούρει, κτανών· - - - ποντίας θʼ ἁλὸς μυχοὺς - - - εἰσέβαινε, θνατοῖς - - - γαλανείας τιθεὶς ἐρετμοῖς· - - -
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- - οὐρανοῦ θʼ ὑπὸ μέσσαν - - - ἐλαύνει χέρας ἕδραν, - - - Ἄτλαντος δόμον ἐλθών, - - - ἀστρωπούς τε κατέσχεν οἴ- - - - κους εὐανορίᾳ θεῶν· - - -
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- - τὸν ἱππευτάν τʼ Ἀμαζό- - - - νων στρατὸν Μαιῶτιν ἀμφὶ - - - πολυπόταμον ἔβα διʼ Ἄ- - ξεινον οἶδμα λίμνας, - - - τίνʼ οὐκ ἀφʼ Ἑλλανίας - - - ἄγορον ἁλίσας φίλων, - - - † κόρας Ἀρείας πέπλων - - - χρυσεόστολον φάρος, † - - - ζωστῆρος ὀλεθρίους ἄγρας. - - - τὰ κλεινὰ δʼ Ἑλλὰς ἔλαβε βαρ- - - - βάρου κόρας λάφυρα, καὶ - - - σῴζεται Μυκήναις. - - -
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- - τάν τε μυριόκρανον - - - πολύφονον κύνα Λέρνας - - - ὕδραν ἐξεπύρωσεν, - - - βέλεσί τʼ ἀμφέβαλʼ ἰόν, - - - τὸν τρισώματον οἷσιν ἔ- - - - κτα βοτῆρʼ Ἐρυθείας. - - -
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- - δρόμων τʼ ἄλλων ἀγάλματʼ - - - εὐτυχῆ διῆλθε· τόν τε - - - πολυδάκρυον ἔπλευσʼ ἐς Ἅι- - δαν, πόνων τελευτάν, - - - ἵνʼ ἐκπεραίνει τάλας - - - βίοτον, οὐδʼ ἔβα πάλιν. - - - στέγαι δʼ ἔρημοι φίλων, - - - τὰν δʼ ἀνόστιμον τέκνων - - - Χάρωνος ἐπιμένει πλάτα - - - βίου κέλευθον ἄθεον ἄδι- - - - κον· ἐς δὲ σὰς χέρας βλέπει - - - δώματʼ οὐ παρόντος. - - -
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- - εἰ δʼ ἐγὼ σθένος ἥβων - - - δόρυ τʼ ἔπαλλον ἐν αἰχμᾷ, - - - Καδμείων τε σύνηβοι, - - - τέκεσιν ἂν προπαρέσταν - - - ἀλκᾷ· νῦν δʼ ἀπολείπομαι - - - τᾶς εὐδαίμονος ἥβας. - - -
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- - ἀλλʼ ἐσορῶ γὰρ τούσδε φθιμένων - - - ἔνδυτʼ ἔχοντας, τοὺς τοῦ μεγάλου - - - δή ποτε παῖδας τὸ πρὶν Ἡρακλέους, - - - ἄλοχόν τε φίλην ὑπὸ σειραίοις - - - ποσὶν ἕλκουσαν τέκνα, καὶ γεραιὸν - - - πατέρʼ Ἡρακλέους. δύστηνος ἐγώ, - - - δακρύων ὡς οὐ δύναμαι κατέχειν - - - γραίας ὄσσων ἔτι πηγάς. - - - εἶἑν· τίς ἱερεύς, τίς σφαγεὺς τῶν δυσπότμων - - - - ἢ τῆς ταλαίνης τῆς ἐμῆς ψυχῆς φονεύς; - - - - ἕτοιμʼ ἄγειν τὰ θύματʼ εἰς Ἅιδου τάδε. - - - ὦ τέκνʼ, ἀγόμεθα ζεῦγος οὐ καλὸν νεκρῶν, - - - ὁμοῦ γέροντες καὶ νέοι καὶ μητέρες. - - - ὦ μοῖρα δυστάλαινʼ ἐμή τε καὶ τέκνων - - - τῶνδʼ, οὓς πανύστατʼ ὄμμασιν προσδέρκομαι - - - - ἔτεκον μὲν ὑμᾶς, πολεμίοις δʼ ἐθρεψάμην - - - ὕβρισμα κἀπίχαρμα καὶ διαφθοράν. - φεῦ· - - - ἦ πολύ με δόξης ἐξέπαισαν ἐλπίδες, - - - ἣν πατρὸς ὑμῶν ἐκ λόγων ποτʼ ἤλπισα. - - - σοὶ μὲν γὰρ Ἄργος ἔνεμʼ ὁ κατθανὼν πατήρ, - - - Εὐρυσθέως δʼ ἔμελλες οἰκήσειν δόμους - - - τῆς καλλικάρπου κράτος ἔχων Πελασγίας, - - - στολήν τε θηρὸς ἀμφέβαλλε σῷ κάρᾳ - - - λέοντος, ᾗπερ αὐτὸς ἐξωπλίζετο· - - - σὺ δʼ ἦσθα Θηβῶν τῶν φιλαρμάτων ἄναξ, - - - ἔγκληρα πεδία τἀμὰ γῆς κεκτημένος, - - - ὡς ἐξέπειθες τὸν κατασπείραντά σε· - - - ἐς δεξιάν τε σὴν ἀλεξητήριον - - - ξύλον καθίει δαίδαλον, ψευδῆ δόσιν. - - - σοὶ δʼ ἣν ἔπερσε τοῖς ἑκηβόλοις ποτὲ - - - τόξοισι δώσειν Οἰχαλίαν ὑπέσχετο. - - - τρεῖς δʼ ὄντας ὑμᾶς τριπτύχοις τυραννίσι - - - πατὴρ ἐπύργου, μέγα φρονῶν εὐανδρίᾳ· - - - ἐγὼ δὲ νύμφας ἠκροθινιαζόμην, - - - κήδη συνάψουσʼ, ἔκ τʼ Ἀθηναίων χθονὸς - - - Σπάρτης τε Θηβῶν θʼ, ὡς ἀνημμένοι κάλῳς - - - πρυμνησίοισι βίον ἔχοιτʼ εὐδαίμονα. - - - καὶ ταῦτα φροῦδα· μεταβαλοῦσα δʼ ἡ τύχη - - - νύμφας μὲν ὑμῖν Κῆρας ἀντέδωκʼ ἔχειν, - - - ἐμοὶ δὲ δάκρυα λουτρά — δύστηνος φρενῶν. - - - πατὴρ δὲ πατρὸς ἑστιᾷ γάμους ὅδε, - - - Ἅιδην νομίζων πενθερόν, κῆδος πατρός. - - - ὤμοι, τίνʼ ὑμῶν πρῶτον ἢ τίνʼ ὕστατον - - - πρὸς στέρνα θῶμαι; τῷ προσαρμόσω στόμα; - - - τίνος λάβωμαι; πῶς ἂν ὡς ξουθόπτερος - - - μέλισσα συνενέγκαιμʼ ἂν ἐκ πάντων γόους, - - - ἐς ἓν δʼ ἐνεγκοῦσʼ ἀθρόον ἀποδοίην δάκρυ; - - - ὦ φίλτατʼ, εἴ τις φθόγγος εἰσακούεται - - - θνητῶν παρʼ Ἅιδῃ, σοὶ τάδʼ, Ἡράκλεις, λέγω· - - - θνῄσκει πατὴρ σὸς καὶ τέκνʼ, ὄλλυμαι δʼ ἐγώ, - - - ἣ πρὶν μακαρία διὰ σʼ ἐκλῃζόμην βροτοῖς. - - - ἄρηξον, ἐλθέ· καὶ σκιὰ φάνηθί μοι· - - - ἅλις γὰρ ἐλθὼν κἂν ὄναρ γένοιο σύ· - - - κακοὶ γάρ εἰσιν οἳ τέκνα κτείνουσι σά. - - - σὺ μὲν τὰ νέρθεν εὐτρεπῆ ποιοῦ, γύναι· - - - ἐγὼ δὲ σέ, ὦ Ζεῦ, χεῖρʼ ἐς οὐρανὸν δικὼν - - - αὐδῶ, τέκνοισιν εἴ τι τοισίδʼ ὠφελεῖν - - - μέλλεις, ἀμύνειν, ὡς τάχʼ οὐδὲν ἀρκέσεις. - - - καίτοι κέκλησαι πολλάκις· μάτην πονῶ· - - - θανεῖν γάρ, ὡς ἔοικʼ, ἀναγκαίως ἔχει. - - - ἀλλʼ, ὦ γέροντες, μικρὰ μὲν τὰ τοῦ βίου, - - - τοῦτον δʼ ὅπως ἥδιστα διαπεράσετε, - - - ἐξ ἡμέρας ἐς νύκτα μὴ λυπούμενοι. - - - ὡς ἐλπίδας μὲν ὁ χρόνος οὐκ ἐπίσταται - - - σῴζειν, τὸ δʼ αὑτοῦ σπουδάσας διέπτατο. - - - ὁρᾶτʼ ἔμʼ ὅσπερ ἦ περίβλεπτος βροτοῖς - - - ὀνομαστὰ πράσσων, καί μʼ ἀφείλεθʼ ἡ τύχη - - - ὥσπερ πτερὸν πρὸς αἰθέρʼ ἡμέρᾳ μιᾷ. - - - ὁ δʼ ὄλβος ὁ μέγας ἥ τε δόξʼ οὐκ οἶδʼ ὅτῳ - - - βέβαιός ἐστι. χαίρετʼ· ἄνδρα γὰρ φίλον - - - πανύστατον νῦν, ἥλικες, δεδόρκατε. - - - ἔα· - ὦ πρέσβυ, λεύσσω τἀμὰ φίλτατʼ· ἢ τί φῶ; - - - οὐκ οἶδα, θύγατερ· ἀφασία δὲ κἄμʼ ἔχει. - - - ὅδʼ ἐστὶν ὃν γῆς νέρθεν εἰσηκούομεν, - - - εἰ μή γʼ ὄνειρον ἐν φάει τι λεύσσομεν. - - - τί φημί; ποῖʼ ὄνειρα κηραίνουσʼ ὁρῶ; - - - οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅδʼ ἄλλος ἀντὶ σοῦ παιδός, γέρον. - - - δεῦρʼ, ὦ τέκνʼ, ἐκκρίμνασθε πατρῴων πέπλων, - - - ἴτʼ ἐγκονεῖτε, μὴ μεθῆτʼ, ἐπεὶ Διὸς - - - σωτῆρος ὑμῖν οὐδέν ἐσθʼ ὅδʼ ὕστερος. - - - ὦ χαῖρε, μέλαθρον πρόπυλά θʼ ἑστίας ἐμῆς, - - - ὡς ἄσμενός σʼ ἐσεῖδον ἐς φάος μολών. - - - ἔα· τί χρῆμα; τέκνʼ ὁρῶ πρὸ δωμάτων - - - στολμοῖσι νεκρῶν κρᾶτας ἐξεστεμμένα, - - - ὄχλῳ τʼ ἐν ἀνδρῶν τὴν ἐμὴν ξυνάορον, - - - πατέρα τε δακρύοντα — συμφορὰς τίνας; - - - φέρʼ ἐκπύθωμαι τῶνδε πλησίον σταθείς· - - - γύναι, τί καινὸν ἦλθε δώμασιν χρέος; - - - ὦ φίλτατʼ ἀνδρῶν - - ὦ φάος μολὼν πατρί - - - - ἥκεις, ἐσώθης εἰς ἀκμὴν ἐλθὼν φίλοις; - - - τί φῄς; τίνʼ ἐς ταραγμὸν ἥκομεν, πάτερ; - - - διολλύμεσθα· σὺ δέ, γέρον, σύγγνωθί μοι, - - - εἰ πρόσθεν ἥρπασʼ ἃ σὲ λέγειν πρὸς τόνδʼ ἐχρῆν· - - - τὸ θῆλυ γάρ πως μᾶλλον οἰκτρὸν ἀρσένων, - - - καὶ τἄμʼ ἔθνῃσκε τέκνʼ, ἀπωλλύμην δʼ ἐγώ. - - - Ἄπολλον, οἵοις φροιμίοις ἄρχῃ λόγου. - - - τεθνᾶσʼ ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατὴρ οὑμὸς γέρων. - - - πῶς φῄς; τί δράσας ἢ δορὸς ποίου τυχών; - - - Λύκος σφʼ ὁ καινὸς γῆς ἄναξ διώλεσεν. - - - ὅπλοις ἀπαντῶν ἢ νοσησάσης χθονός; - - - στάσει· τὸ Κάδμου δʼ ἑπτάπυλον ἔχει κράτος. - - - τί δῆτα πρὸς σὲ καὶ γέροντʼ ἦλθεν φόβος; - - - κτείνειν ἔμελλε πατέρα κἀμὲ καὶ τέκνα. - - - τί φῄς; τί ταρβῶν ὀρφάνευμʼ ἐμῶν τέκνων; - - - μή ποτε Κρέοντος θάνατον ἐκτεισαίατο. - - - κόσμος δὲ παίδων τίς ὅδε νερτέροις πρέπων; - - - θανάτου τάδʼ ἤδη περιβόλαιʼ ἀνήμμεθα. - - - καὶ πρὸς βίαν ἐθνῄσκετʼ; ὦ τλήμων ἐγώ. - - - φίλων γʼ ἔρημοι· σὲ δὲ θανόντʼ ἠκούομεν. - - - πόθεν δʼ ἐς ὑμᾶς ἥδʼ ἐσῆλθʼ ἀθυμία; - - - Εὐρυσθέως κήρυκες ἤγγελλον τάδε. - - - τί δʼ ἐξελείπετʼ οἶκον ἑστίαν τʼ ἐμήν; - - - βίᾳ, πατὴρ μὲν ἐκπεσὼν στρωτοῦ λέχους - - - - κοὐκ ἔσχεν αἰδῶ τὸν γέροντʼ ἀτιμάσαι; - - - αἰδώς γʼ ἀποικεῖ τῆσδε τῆς θεοῦ πρόσω. - - - οὕτω δʼ ἀπόντες ἐσπανίζομεν φίλων; - - - φίλοι γάρ εἰσιν ἀνδρὶ δυστυχεῖ τίνες; - - - μάχας δὲ Μινυῶν ἃς ἔτλην ἀπέπτυσαν; - - - ἄφιλον, ἵνʼ αὖθίς σοι λέγω, τὸ δυστυχές. - - - οὐ ῥίψεθʼ Ἅιδου τάσδε περιβολὰς κόμης - - - καὶ φῶς ἀναβλέψεσθε, τοῦ κάτω σκότου - - - φίλας ἀμοιβὰς ὄμμασιν δεδορκότες; - - - ἐγὼ δέ — νῦν γὰρ τῆς ἐμῆς ἔργον χερός — - - - πρῶτον μὲν εἶμι καὶ κατασκάψω δόμους - - - καινῶν τυράννων, κρᾶτα δʼ ἀνόσιον τεμὼν - - - ῥίψω κυνῶν ἕλκημα· Καδμείων δʼ ὅσους - - - κακοὺς ἐφηῦρον εὖ παθόντας ἐξ ἐμοῦ, - - - τῷ καλλινίκῳ τῷδʼ ὅπλῳ χειρώσομαι· - - - τοὺς δὲ πτερωτοῖς διαφορῶν τοξεύμασι - - - νεκρῶν ἅπαντʼ Ἰσμηνὸν ἐμπλήσω φόνου, - - - Δίρκης τε νᾶμα λευκὸν αἱμαχθήσεται. - - - τῷ γάρ μʼ ἀμύνειν μᾶλλον ἢ δάμαρτι χρὴ - - - καὶ παισὶ καὶ γέροντι; χαιρόντων - πόνοι· - - - μάτην γὰρ αὐτοὺς τῶνδε μᾶλλον ἤνυσα. - - - καὶ δεῖ μʼ ὑπὲρ τῶνδʼ, εἴπερ οἵδʼ ὑπὲρ πατρός, - - - θνῄσκειν ἀμύνοντʼ· ἢ τί φήσομεν καλὸν - - - ὕδρᾳ μὲν ἐλθεῖν ἐς μάχην λέοντί τε - - - Εὐρυσθέως πομπαῖσι, τῶν δʼ ἐμῶν τέκνων - - - οὐκ ἐκπονήσω θάνατον; οὐκ ἄρʼ Ἡρακλῆς - - - ὁ καλλίνικος ὡς πάροιθε λέξομαι. - - - δίκαια τοὺς τεκόντας ὠφελεῖν τέκνα, - - - πατέρα τε πρέσβυν τήν τε κοινωνὸν γάμων. - - - πρὸς σοῦ μέν, ὦ παῖ, τοῖς φίλοις τʼ εἶναι - φίλον - - - τά τʼ ἐχθρὰ μισεῖν· ἀλλὰ μὴ ʼπείγου λίαν. - - - τί δʼ ἐστὶ τῶνδε θᾶσσον ἢ χρεών, πάτερ; - - - πολλοὺς πένητας, ὀλβίους δὲ τῷ λόγῳ - - - δοκοῦντας εἶναι συμμάχους ἄναξ ἔχει, - - - οἳ στάσιν ἔθηκαν καὶ διώλεσαν πόλιν - - - ἐφʼ ἁρπαγαῖσι τῶν πέλας, τὰ δʼ ἐν δόμοις - - - δαπάναισι φροῦδα διαφυγόνθʼ ὑπʼ ἀργίας. - - - ὤφθης ἐσελθὼν πόλιν· ἐπεὶ δʼ ὤφθης, ὅρα - - - ἐχθροὺς ἀθροίσας μὴ παρὰ γνώμην πέσῃς. - - - μέλει μὲν οὐδὲν εἴ με πᾶσʼ εἶδεν πόλις· - - - ὄρνιν δʼ ἰδών τινʼ οὐκ ἐν αἰσίοις ἕδραις, - - - ἔγνων πόνον τινʼ ἐς δόμους πεπτωκότα· - - - ὥστʼ ἐκ προνοίας κρύφιος εἰσῆλθον χθόνα. - - - καλῶς· παρελθὼν νῦν πρόσειπέ θʼ ἑστίαν - - - καὶ δὸς πατρῴοις δώμασιν σὸν ὄμμʼ ἰδεῖν. - - - ἥξει γὰρ αὐτὸς σὴν δάμαρτα καὶ τέκνα - - - ἕλξων φονεύσων κἄμʼ ἐπισφάξων ἄναξ· - - - μένοντι δʼ αὐτοῦ πάντα σοι γενήσεται - - - τῇ τʼ ἀσφαλείᾳ κερδανεῖς· πόλιν δὲ σὴν - - - μὴ πρὶν ταράξῃς πρὶν τόδʼ εὖ θέσθαι, τέκνον. - - - δράσω τάδʼ· εὖ γὰρ εἶπας· εἶμʼ ἔσω δόμων. - - - χρόνῳ δʼ ἀνελθὼν ἐξ ἀνηλίων μυχῶν - - - Ἅιδου Κόρης τʼ ἔνερθεν, οὐκ ἀτιμάσω - - - θεοὺς προσειπεῖν πρῶτα τοὺς κατὰ στέγας. - - - ἦλθες γὰρ ὄντως δώματʼ εἰς Ἅιδου, τέκνον; - - - καὶ θῆρά γʼ ἐς φῶς τὸν τρίκρανον ἤγαγον. - - - μάχῃ κρατήσας ἢ θεᾶς δωρήμασιν; - - - μάχῃ· τὰ μυστῶν δʼ ὄργιʼ εὐτύχησʼ ἰδών. - - - ἦ καὶ κατʼ οἴκους ἐστὶν Εὐρυσθέως ὁ θήρ; - - - Χθονίας νιν ἄλσος Ἑρμιών τʼ ἔχει πόλις. - - - οὐδʼ οἶδεν Εὐρυσθεύς σε γῆς ἥκοντʼ ἄνω; - - - οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἵνʼ ἐλθὼν τἀνθάδʼ εἰδείην πάρος. - - - χρόνον δὲ πῶς τοσοῦτον ἦσθʼ ὑπὸ χθονί; - - - Θησέα κομίζων ἐχρόνισʼ ἐξ Ἅιδου, πάτερ. - - - καὶ ποῦ ʼστιν; ἢ γῆς πατρίδος οἴχεται πέδον; - - - βέβηκʼ Ἀθήνας νέρθεν ἄσμενος φυγών. - - - ἀλλʼ εἶʼ, ὁμαρτεῖτʼ, ὦ τέκνʼ, ἐς δόμους πατρί· - - - καλλίονές τἄρʼ εἴσοδοι τῶν ἐξόδων - - - πάρεισιν ὑμῖν. ἀλλὰ θάρσος ἴσχετε - - - καὶ νάματʼ ὄσσων μηκέτʼ ἐξανίετε· - - - σύ τʼ, ὦ γύναι μοι, σύλλογον ψυχῆς λαβὲ - - - τρόμου τε παῦσαι, καὶ μέθεσθʼ ἐμῶν πέπλων· - - - οὐ γὰρ πτερωτὸς οὐδὲ φευξείω φίλους. - - - ἆ, - οἵδʼ οὐκ ἀφιᾶσʼ, ἀλλʼ ἀνάπτονται πέπλων - - - τοσῷδε μᾶλλον· ὧδʼ ἔβητʼ ἐπὶ ξυροῦ; - - - ἄξω λαβών γε τούσδʼ ἐφολκίδας χεροῖν, - - - ναῦς δʼ ὣς ἐφέλξω· καὶ γὰρ οὐκ ἀναίνομαι - - - θεράπευμα τέκνων. πάντα τἀνθρώπων ἴσα· - - - φιλοῦσι παῖδας οἵ τʼ ἀμείνονες βροτῶν - - - οἵ τʼ οὐδὲν ὄντες· χρήμασιν δὲ διάφοροι· - - - ἔχουσιν, οἳ δʼ οὔ· πᾶν δὲ φιλότεκνον γένος. - -
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- - ἁ νεότας μοι φίλον αἰ- - - - εί· τὸ δὲ γῆρας ἄχθος - - - βαρύτερον Αἴτνας σκοπέλων - - - ἐπὶ κρατὶ κεῖται, βλεφάρων - - - σκοτεινὸν φάος ἐπικαλύψαν. - - - μή μοι μήτʼ Ἀσιήτιδος - - - τυραννίδος ὄλβος εἴη, - - - μὴ χρυσοῦ δώματα πλήρη - - - τᾶς ἥβας ἀντιλαβεῖν, - - - ἃ καλλίστα μὲν ἐν ὄλβῳ, - - - καλλίστα δʼ ἐν πενίᾳ. - - - τὸ δὲ λυγρὸν φόνιόν τε γῆ- - - - ρας μισῶ· κατὰ κυμάτων δʼ - - - ἔρροι, μηδέ ποτʼ ὤφελεν - - - θνατῶν δώματα καὶ πόλεις - - - ἐλθεῖν, ἀλλὰ κατʼ αἰθέρʼ αἰ- - - - εὶ πτεροῖσι φορείσθω. - - -
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- - εἰ δὲ θεοῖς ἦν ξύνεσις - - - καὶ σοφία κατʼ ἄνδρας, - - - δίδυμον ἂν ἥβαν ἔφερον - - - φανερὸν χαρακτῆρʼ ἀρετᾶς - - - ὅσοισιν μέτα, κατθανόντες τʼ - - - εἰς αὐγὰς πάλιν ἁλίου - - - δισσοὺς ἂν ἔβαν διαύλους, - - - ἁ δυσγένεια δʼ ἁπλοῦν ἂν - - - εἶχεν ζόας βίοτον, - - - καὶ τῷδʼ ἦν τούς τε κακοὺς ἂν - - - γνῶναι καὶ τοὺς ἀγαθούς, - - - ἴσον ἅτʼ ἐν νεφέλαισιν ἄ- - - - στρων ναύταις ἀριθμὸς πέλει. - - - νῦν δʼ οὐδεὶς ὅρος ἐκ θεῶν - - - χρηστοῖς οὐδὲ κακοῖς σαφής, - - - ἀλλʼ εἱλισσόμενός τις αἰ- - - - ὼν πλοῦτον μόνον αὔξει. - - -
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- - οὐ παύσομαι τὰς Χάριτας - - - Μούσαις συγκαταμειγνύς, - - - ἁδίσταν συζυγίαν. - - - μὴ ζῴην μετʼ ἀμουσίας, - - - αἰεὶ δʼ ἐν στεφάνοισιν εἴ- - - - ην· ἔτι τοι γέρων ἀοι- - - - δὸς κελαδεῖ Μναμοσύναν· - - - ἔτι τὰν Ἡρακλέους - - - καλλίνικον ἀείδω - - - παρά τε Βρόμιον οἰνοδόταν - - - παρά τε χέλυος ἑπτατόνου - - - μολπὰν καὶ Λίβυν αὐλόν· - - - οὔπω καταπαύσομεν - - - Μούσας, αἵ μʼ ἐχόρευσαν. - - -
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- - παιᾶνα μὲν Δηλιάδες - - - ὑμνοῦσʼ ἀμφὶ πύλας τὸν - - - Λατοῦς εὔπαιδα γόνον - - - εἱλίσσουσαι καλλίχορον· - - - παιᾶνας δʼ ἐπὶ σοῖς μελά- - - - θροις κύκνος ὣς γέρων ἀοι- - - - δὸς πολιᾶν ἐκ γενύων - - - κελαδήσω· τὸ γὰρ εὖ - - - τοῖς ὕμνοισιν ὑπάρχει· - - - Διὸς ὁ παῖς· τᾶς δʼ εὐγενίας - - - πλέον ὑπερβάλλων ἀρετᾷ - - - - μοχθήσας τὸν ἄκυμον - - - θῆκεν βίοτον βροτοῖς - - - πέρσας δείματα θηρῶν. - - -
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- - ἐς καιρὸν οἴκων Ἀμφιτρύων ἔξω περᾷ· - - - χρόνος γὰρ ἤδη δαρὸς ἐξ ὅτου πέπλοις - - - κοσμεῖσθε σῶμα καὶ νεκρῶν ἀγάλμασιν. - - - ἀλλʼ εἶα, παῖδας καὶ δάμαρθʼ Ἡρακλέους - - - ἔξω κέλευε τῶνδε φαίνεσθαι δόμων, - - - ἐφʼ οἷς ὑπέστητʼ αὐτεπάγγελτοι θανεῖν. - - - ἄναξ, διώκεις μʼ ἀθλίως πεπραγότα - - - ὕβριν θʼ ὑβρίζεις ἐπὶ θανοῦσι τοῖς ἐμοῖς· - - - ἃ χρῆν σε μετρίως, κεἰ κρατεῖς, σπουδὴν ἔχειν. - - - ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀνάγκην προστίθης ἡμῖν θανεῖν, - - - στέργειν ἀνάγκη· δραστέον δʼ ἃ σοὶ δοκεῖ. - - - ποῦ δῆτα Μεγάρα; ποῦ τέκνʼ Ἀλκμήνης γόνου; - - - δοκῶ μὲν αὐτήν, ὡς θύραθεν εἰκάσαι — - - - τί χρῆμα δόξης; τοῦ δʼ ἔχεις τεκμήριον; - - - ἱκέτιν πρὸς ἁγνοῖς Ἑστίας θάσσειν βάθροις - - - - ἀνόνητά γʼ ἱκετεύουσαν ἐκσῷσαι βίον. - - - καὶ τὸν θανόντα γʼ ἀνακαλεῖν μάτην πόσιν. - - - ὃ δʼ οὐ πάρεστιν οὐδὲ μὴ μόλῃ ποτέ. - - - οὔκ, εἴ γε μή τις θεῶν ἀναστήσειέ νιν. - - - χώρει πρὸς αὐτὴν κἀκκόμιζε δωμάτων. - - - μέτοχος ἂν εἴην τοῦ φόνου δράσας τόδε. - - - ἡμεῖς, ἐπειδὴ σοὶ τόδʼ ἔστʼ ἐνθύμιον, - - - οἱ δειμάτων ἔξωθεν ἐκπορεύσομεν - - - σὺν μητρὶ παῖδας. δεῦρʼ ἕπεσθε, πρόσπολοι, - - - ὡς ἂν σχολὴν λύσωμεν ἄσμενοι πόνων. - - - σὺ δʼ οὖν ἴθʼ, ἔρχῃ δʼ οἷ χρεών· τὰ δʼ ἄλλʼ ἴσως - - - ἄλλῳ μελήσει. προσδόκα δὲ δρῶν κακῶς - - - κακόν τι πράξειν. ὦ γέροντες, ἐς καλὸν - - - στείχει, βρόχοισι δʼ ἀρκύων γενήσεται - - - ξιφηφόροισι, τοὺς πέλας δοκῶν κτενεῖν - - - ὁ παγκάκιστος. εἶμι δʼ, ὡς ἴδω νεκρὸν - - - πίπτοντʼ· ἔχει γὰρ ἡδονὰς θνῄσκων ἀνὴρ - - - ἐχθρὸς τίνων τε τῶν δεδραμένων δίκην. - -
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- - μεταβολὰ κακῶν· μέγας ὁ πρόσθʼ ἄναξ - - - πάλιν ὑποστρέφει βίοτον ἐξ Ἅιδα. - - - ἰώ· - δίκα καὶ θεῶν παλίρρους πότμος. - - - ἦλθες χρόνῳ μὲν οὗ δίκην δώσεις θανών, - - - ὕβρεις ὑβρίζων εἰς ἀμείνονας σέθεν. - - - χαρμοναὶ δακρύων ἔδοσαν ἐκβολάς· - - - πάλιν ἔμολεν — - - - ἃ πάρος οὔποτε διὰ φρενὸς ἤλπισʼ ἂν - - - παθεῖν — γᾶς ἄναξ. - - - ἀλλʼ, ὦ γεραιοί, καὶ τὰ δωμάτων ἔσω - - - σκοπῶμεν, εἰ πράσσει τις ὡς ἐγὼ θέλω. - - - ἰώ μοί μοι. - -
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- - τόδε κατάρχεται μέλος ἐμοὶ κλύειν - - - φίλιον ἐν δόμοις· θάνατος οὐ πόρσω. - - > - βοᾷ - φόνου φροίμιον στενάζων ἄναξ. - - - ὦ πᾶσα Κάδμου γαῖʼ, ἀπόλλυμαι δόλῳ. - - - καὶ γὰρ διώλλυς· ἀντίποινα δʼ ἐκτίνων - - - τόλμα, διδούς γε τῶν δεδραμένων δίκην. - - - τίς ὁ θεοὺς ἀνομίᾳ χραίνων, θνητὸς ὤν, - - ἄφρονα λόγον - - - οὐρανίων μακάρων κατέβαλʼ, ὡς ἄρʼ οὐ - - - σθένουσιν θεοί; - - - — γέροντες, οὐκέτʼ ἔστι δυσσεβὴς ἀνήρ. - - - — σιγᾷ μέλαθρα· πρὸς χοροὺς τραπώμεθα. - - - — φίλοι γὰρ εὐτυχοῦσιν οὓς ἐγὼ θέλω. - - -
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- - χοροὶ χοροὶ - - - καὶ θαλίαι μέλουσι Θή- - - - βας ἱερὸν κατʼ ἄστυ. - - μεταλλαγαὶ γὰρ δακρύων, - - - μεταλλαγαὶ συντυχίας - - - - νέας ἔτεκον ἀοιδάς. - - - βέβακʼ ἄναξ ὁ καινός, ὁ δὲ παλαίτερος - - - κρατεῖ, λιμένα λιπών γε τὸν Ἀχερόντιον. - - - δοκημάτων - ἐκτὸς ἦλθεν ἐλπίς. - - -
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- - θεοὶ θεοὶ - τῶν ἀδίκων μέλουσι καὶ - - - τῶν ὁσίων ἐπᾴειν. - - - ὁ χρυσὸς ἅ τʼ εὐτυχία - - - φρενῶν βροτοὺς ἐξάγεται, - - - δύνασιν ἄδικον ἐφέλκων. - - - Χρόνου γὰρ οὔτις τὸ πάλιν εἰσορᾶν ἔτλα· - - - νόμον παρέμενος, ἀνομίᾳ χάριν διδοὺς - - - ἔθραυσεν ὄλ- - - - βου κελαινὸν ἅρμα. - - -
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- - Ἰσμήνʼ ὦ στεφαναφόρει, - - - ξεσταί θʼ ἑπταπύλου πόλεως - - - ἀναχορεύσατʼ ἀγυιαί, - - - Δίρκα θʼ ἁ καλλιρρέεθρος, - - - σύν τʼ Ἀσωπιάδες κόραι, - - - πατρὸς ὕδωρ βᾶτε λιποῦσαι συναοιδοί, - - - Νύμφαι, τὸν Ἡρακλέους - - - καλλίνικον ἀγῶνα. - - - Πυθίου δενδρῶτι πέτρα - - - Μουσῶν θʼ Ἑλικωνιάδων - δώματʼ, ὤ, - - - ἥξετʼ εὐγαθεῖ κελάδῳ - - - ἐμὰν πόλιν, ἐμὰ τείχη, - - - Σπαρτῶν ἵνα γένος ἔφανε - - - χαλκασπίδων λόχος, ὃς γᾶν - - - τέκνων τέκνοις μεταμείβει, - - - Θήβαις ἱερὸν φῶς. - - -
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- - ὦ λέκτρων δύο συγγενεῖς - - - εὐναί, θνατογενοῦς τε καὶ - - - Διός, ὃς ἦλθεν ἐς εὐνὰν - - - Νύμφας τᾶς Περσηίδος· ὡς - - - πιστόν μοι τὸ παλαιὸν ἤ- - - - δη λέχος, ὦ Ζεῦ, σὸν ἐπʼ οὐκ ἐλπίδι φάνθη, - - - λαμπρὰν δʼ ἔδειξʼ ὁ χρόνος - - - τὰν Ἡρακλέος ἀλκάν· - - - γᾶς ὃς ἐξέβα θαλάμων - - - Πλούτωνος δῶμα λιπὼν - νέρτερον. - - - κρείσσων μοι τύραννος ἔφυς - - - ἢ δυσγένειʼ ἀνάκτων, - - - ἃ νῦν ἐσορᾶν ἔφανε - - - ξιφηφόρων ἐς ἀγώνων - - - ἅμιλλαν, εἰ τὸ δίκαιον - - - θεοῖς ἔτʼ ἀρέσκει. - - -
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- - — ἔα ἔα· - - - ἆρʼ ἐς τὸν αὐτὸν πίτυλον ἥκομεν φόβου, - - - γέροντες, οἷον φάσμʼ ὑπὲρ δόμων ὁρῶ; - - - — φυγῇ φυγῇ - - - νωθὲς πέδαιρε κῶλον, ἐκποδὼν ἔλα. - - - — ὦναξ Παιάν, - - - ἀπότροπος γένοιό μοι πημάτων. - - - θαρσεῖτε Νυκτὸς τήνδʼ ὁρῶντες ἔκγονον - - - Λύσσαν, γέροντες, κἀμὲ τὴν θεῶν λάτριν - - - Ἶριν· πόλει γὰρ οὐδὲν ἥκομεν βλάβος, - - - ἑνὸς δʼ ἐπʼ ἀνδρὸς σῶμα συστρατεύομεν, - - - ὅν φασιν εἶναι Ζηνὸς Ἀλκμήνης τʼ ἄπο. - - - πρὶν μὲν γὰρ ἄθλους ἐκτελευτῆσαι πικρούς, - - - τὸ χρή νιν ἐξέσῳζεν, οὐδʼ εἴα πατὴρ - - - Ζεύς νιν κακῶς δρᾶν οὔτʼ ἔμʼ οὔθʼ Ἥραν ποτέ· - - - ἐπεὶ δὲ μόχθους διεπέρασʼ Εὐρυσθέως, - - - Ἥρα προσάψαι καινὸν αἷμʼ αὐτῷ θέλει - - - παῖδας κατακτείναντι, συνθέλω δʼ ἐγώ. - - - ἀλλʼ εἶʼ, ἄτεγκτον συλλαβοῦσα καρδίαν, - - - Νυκτὸς κελαινῆς ἀνυμέναιε παρθένε, - - - μανίας τʼ ἐπʼ ἀνδρὶ τῷδε καὶ παιδοκτόνους - - - φρενῶν ταραγμοὺς καὶ ποδῶν σκιρτήματα - - - ἔλαυνε, κίνει, φόνιον ἐξίει κάλων, - - - ὡς ἂν πορεύσας διʼ Ἀχερούσιον πόρον - - - τὸν καλλίπαιδα στέφανον αὐθέντῃ φόνῳ - - - γνῷ μὲν τὸν Ἥρας οἷός ἐστʼ αὐτῷ χόλος, - - - μάθῃ δὲ τὸν ἐμόν· ἢ θεοὶ μὲν οὐδαμοῦ, - - - τὰ θνητὰ δʼ ἔσται μεγάλα, μὴ δόντος δίκην. - - - ἐξ εὐγενοῦς μὲν πατρὸς ἔκ τε μητέρος - - - πέφυκα, Νυκτὸς Οὐρανοῦ τʼ ἀφʼ αἵματος· - - - † τιμάς τʼ ἔχω τάσδʼ οὐκ ἀγασθῆναι φίλοις † - - - οὐδʼ ἥδομαι φοιτῶσʼ ἐπʼ ἀνθρώπων φίλους, - - - παραινέσαι δέ, πρὶν σφαλεῖσαν εἰσιδεῖν, - - - Ἥρᾳ θέλω σοί τʼ, ἢν πίθησθʼ ἐμοῖς λόγοις. - - - ἀνὴρ ὅδʼ οὐκ ἄσημος οὔτʼ ἐπὶ χθονὶ - - - οὔτʼ ἐν θεοῖσιν, οὗ σύ μʼ ἐσπέμπεις δόμους· - - - ἄβατον δὲ χώραν καὶ θάλασσαν ἀγρίαν - - - ἐξημερώσας, θεῶν ἀνέστησεν μόνος - - - τιμὰς πιτνούσας ἀνοσίων ἀνδρῶν ὕπο· - - - - σοί τʼ οὐ παραινῶ μεγάλα βούλεσθαι κακά. - -
- - μὴ σὺ νουθέτει τά θʼ Ἥρας κἀμὰ μηχανήματα. - -
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- - ἐς τὸ λῷον ἐμβιβάζω σʼ ἴχνος ἀντὶ τοῦ κακοῦ. - -
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- - οὐχὶ σωφρονεῖν γʼ ἔπεμψε δεῦρό σʼ ἡ Διὸς δάμαρ. - -
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- - Ἥλιον μαρτυρόμεσθα δρῶσʼ ἃ δρᾶν οὐ βούλομαι. - - - εἰ δὲ δή μʼ Ἥρᾳ θʼ ὑπουργεῖν σοί τʼ ἀναγκαίως ἔχει - - - τάχος ἐπιρροίβδην θʼ ὁμαρτεῖν ὡς κυνηγέτῃ κύνας, - - - εἶμί γʼ· οὔτε πόντος οὕτως κύμασιν στένων λάβρως - - - οὔτε γῆς σεισμὸς κεραυνοῦ τʼ οἶστρος ὠδῖνας πνέων, - - - οἷʼ ἐγὼ στάδια δραμοῦμαι στέρνον εἰς Ἡρακλέους· - - - καὶ καταρρήξω μέλαθρα καὶ δόμους ἐπεμβαλῶ, - - - τέκνʼ ἀποκτείνασα πρῶτον· ὁ δὲ κανὼν οὐκ εἴσεται - - - παῖδας οὓς ἔτικτʼ ἐναίρων, πρὶν ἂν ἐμὰς λύσσας ἀφῇ. - - - ἢν ἰδού· καὶ δὴ τινάσσει κρᾶτα βαλβίδων ἄπο - - - καὶ διαστρόφους ἑλίσσει σῖγα γοργωποὺς κόρας. - - - ἀμπνοὰς δʼ οὐ σωφρονίζει, ταῦρος ὣς ἐς ἐμβολὴν - - - † δεινός· μυκᾶται † δὲ Κῆρας ἀνακαλῶν τὰς Ταρτάρου. - - - τάχα σʼ ἐγὼ μᾶλλον χορεύσω καὶ καταυλήσω φόβῳ. - - - στεῖχʼ ἐς Οὔλυμπον πεδαίρουσʼ, Ἶρι, γενναῖον πόδα· - - - ἐς δόμους δʼ ἡμεῖς ἄφαντοι δυσόμεσθʼ Ἡρακλέους. - -
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- - ὀτοτοτοτοτοῖ, στέναξον· ἀποκείρεται - - - σὸν ἄνθος πόλεος, ὁ Διὸς ἔκγονος· - - - μέλεος Ἑλλάς, ἃ τὸν εὐεργέταν - - - ἀποβαλεῖς, ὀλεῖς μανίαισιν Λύσσας - - - χορευθέντʼ ἐναύλοις. - - - βέβακεν ἐν δίφροισιν ἁ πολύστονος, - - - ἅρμασι δʼ ἐνδίδωσι - - - κέντρον ὡς ἐπὶ λώβᾳ - - - Νυκτὸς Γοργὼν ἑκατογκεφάλοις - - - ὄφεων ἰαχήμασι, Λύσσα μαρμαρωπός. - - - ταχὺ τὸν εὐτυχῆ μετέβαλεν δαίμων, - - - ταχὺ δὲ πρὸς πατρὸς τέκνʼ ἐκπνεύσεται. - -
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- - ἰώ μοι μέλεος. - -
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- - ἰὼ Ζεῦ, τὸ σὸν γένος ἄγονον αὐτίκα - - - λυσσάδες ὠμοβρῶτες ἄδικοι Ποιναὶ - - - κακοῖσιν ἐκπετάσουσιν. - ἰὼ στέγαι. - -
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- - κατάρχεται χόρευμα τυμπάνων ἄτερ, - - - οὐ βρομίῳ κεχαρισμένα θύρσῳ - - -
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- - ἰὼ δόμοι. - -
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- - πρὸς αἵματʼ, οὐχὶ τᾶς Διονυσιάδος - - - βοτρύων ἐπὶ χεύμασι λοιβᾶς. - -
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- - φυγῇ, τέκνʼ, ἐξορμᾶτε. - δάιον τόδε - -
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- - δάιον μέλος ἐπαυλεῖται. - - - κυναγετεῖ τέκνων διωγμόν· οὔποτʼ ἄκραντα δόμοισι - - - Λύσσα βακχεύσει. - -
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- - αἰαῖ κακῶν. - -
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- - αἰαῖ δῆτα τὸν γεραιὸν ὡς στένω - - - πατέρα τάν τε παιδοτρόφον, μάταν - - - τέκεα γεννᾶται. - - - ἰδοὺ ἰδού, - - - θύελλα σείει δῶμα, συμπίπτει στέγη. - -
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- - ἢ ἤ· τί δρᾷς, ὦ Διὸς παῖ, μελάθρῳ; - - - τάραγμα ταρτάρειον, ὡς ἐπʼ Ἐγκελάδῳ ποτέ, Παλλάς, - - - ἐς δόμους πέμπεις. - -
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- - ὦ λευκὰ γήρᾳ σώματʼ - - - - ἀνακαλεῖς με τίνα - - βοάν; - - ἄλαστα τἀν δόμοισι. - μάντιν οὐχ - ἕτερον ἄξομαι. - - - τεθνᾶσι παῖδες. - αἰαῖ. -
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- - στενάζεθʼ, ὡς στενακτά. - - δάιοι φόνοι, - - - δάιοι δὲ τοκέων χέρες· ὤ. - - - οὐκ ἄν τις εἴποι μᾶλλον ἢ πεπόνθαμεν. - -
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- - πῶς παισὶ στενακτὰν ἄταν ἄταν - - - πατέρος ἀμφαίνεις; - - - λέγε, τίνα τρόπον ἔσυτο θεόθεν ἐπὶ - - - μέλαθρα κακὰ τάδε, - - - τλήμονάς τε παίδων τύχας; - - - ἱερὰ μὲν ἦν πάροιθεν ἐσχάρας Διὸς - - - καθάρσιʼ οἴκων, γῆς ἄνακτʼ ἐπεὶ κτανὼν - - - ἐξέβαλε τῶνδε δωμάτων Ἡρακλέης· - - - χορὸς δὲ καλλίμορφος εἱστήκει τέκνων - - - πατήρ τε Μεγάρα τʼ· ἐν κύκλῳ δʼ ἤδη κανοῦν - - - εἵλικτο βωμοῦ, φθέγμα δʼ ὅσιον εἴχομεν. - - - μέλλων δὲ δαλὸν χειρὶ δεξιᾷ φέρειν, - - - ἐς χέρνιβʼ ὡς βάψειεν, Ἀλκμήνης τόκος - - - ἔστη σιωπῇ. καὶ χρονίζοντος πατρὸς - - - παῖδες προσέσχον ὄμμʼ· ὁ δʼ οὐκέθʼ αὑτὸς ἦν, - - - ἀλλʼ ἐν στροφαῖσιν ὀμμάτων ἐφθαρμένος - - - ῥίζας τʼ ἐν ὄσσοις αἱματῶπας ἐκβαλὼν - - - ἀφρὸν κατέσταζʼ εὐτρίχου γενειάδος. - - - ἔλεξε δʼ ἅμα γέλωτι παραπεπληγμένῳ· - - - Πάτερ, τί θύω πρὶν κτανεῖν Εὐρυσθέα - - - καθάρσιον πῦρ, καὶ πόνους διπλοῦς ἔχω; - - - ἔργον μιᾶς μοι χειρὸς εὖ θέσθαι τάδε· - - - ὅταν δʼ ἐνέγκω δεῦρο κρᾶτʼ Εὐρυσθέως, - - - ἐπὶ τοῖσι νῦν θανοῦσιν ἁγνιῶ χέρας. - - - ἐκχεῖτε πηγάς, ῥίπτετʼ ἐκ χειρῶν κανᾶ. - - - τίς μοι δίδωσι τόξα; τίς δʼ ὅπλον χερός; - - - πρὸς τὰς Μυκήνας εἶμι· λάζυσθαι χρεὼν - - - μοχλοὺς δικέλλας θʼ, ὥστε Κυκλώπων βάθρα - - - φοίνικι κανόνι καὶ τύκοις ἡρμοσμένα - - - στρεπτῷ σιδήρῳ συντριαινῶσαι πάλιν. - - - αὐτοῦ δὲ βαίνων ἅρματʼ οὐκ ἔχων ἔχειν - - - ἔφασκε, δίφρου δʼ εἰσέβαινεν ἄντυγας - - - κἄθεινε, κέντρον δῆθεν ὡς ἔχων, χερί. - - - διπλοῦς δʼ ὀπαδοῖς ἦν γέλως φόβος θʼ ὁμοῦ. - - - καί τις τόδʼ εἶπεν, ἄλλος εἰς ἄλλον δρακών· - - - Παίζει πρὸς ἡμᾶς δεσπότης ἢ μαίνεται; - - - ὁ δʼ εἷρπʼ ἄνω τε καὶ κάτω κατὰ στέγας, - - - μέσον δʼ ἐς ἀνδρῶνʼ ἐσπεσὼν Νίσου πόλιν - - - ἥκειν ἔφασκε· δωμάτων τʼ ἔσω βεβώς, - - - κλιθεὶς ἐς οὖδας, ὡς ἔχει, σκευάζεται - - - θοίνην. διελθὼν δʼ ὡς βραχὺν χρόνον μονῆς - - - Ἰσθμοῦ ναπαίας ἔλεγε προσβαίνειν πλάκας. - - - κἀνταῦθα γυμνὸν σῶμα θεὶς πορπαμάτων, - - - πρὸς οὐδένʼ ἡμιλλᾶτο κἀκηρύσσετο - - - αὐτὸς πρὸς αὑτοῦ καλλίνικος οὐδενός, - - - ἀκοὴν ὑπειπών. δεινὰ δʼ Εὐρυσθεῖ βρέμων - - - ἦν ἐν Μυκήναις τῷ λόγῳ. πατὴρ δέ νιν - - - θιγὼν κραταιᾶς χειρὸς ἐννέπει τάδε· - - - Ὦ παῖ, τί πάσχεις; τίς ὁ τρόπος ξενώσεως - - - τῆσδʼ; οὔ τί που φόνος σʼ ἐβάκχευσεν νεκρῶν, - - - οὓς ἄρτι καίνεις; ὁ δέ νιν Εὐρυσθέως δοκῶν - - - πατέρα προταρβοῦνθʼ ἱκέσιον ψαύειν χερός, - - - ὠθεῖ, φαρέτραν δʼ εὐτρεπῆ σκευάζεται - - - καὶ τόξʼ ἑαυτοῦ παισί, τοὺς Εὐρυσθέως - - - δοκῶν φονεύειν. οἳ δὲ ταρβοῦντες φόβῳ - - - ὤρουον ἄλλος ἄλλοσʼ, ἐς πέπλους ὁ μὲν - - - μητρὸς ταλαίνης, ὁ δʼ ὑπὸ κίονος σκιάν, - - - ἄλλος δὲ βωμὸν ὄρνις ὣς ἔπτηξʼ ὕπο. - - - βοᾷ δὲ μήτηρ· Ὦ τεκών, τί δρᾷς; τέκνα - - - κτείνεις; βοᾷ δὲ πρέσβυς οἰκετῶν τʼ ὄχλος. - - - ὁ δʼ ἐξελίσσων παῖδα κίονος κύκλῳ, - - - τόρνευμα δεινὸν ποδός, ἐναντίον σταθεὶς - - - βάλλει πρὸς ἧπαρ· ὕπτιος δὲ λαΐνους - - - ὀρθοστάτας ἔδευσεν ἐκπνέων βίον. - - - ὁ δʼ ἠλάλαξε κἀπεκόμπασεν τάδε· - - - Εἷς μὲν νεοσσὸς ὅδε θανὼν Εὐρυσθέως - - - ἔχθραν πατρῴαν ἐκτίνων πέπτωκέ μοι. - - - ἄλλῳ δʼ ἐπεῖχε τόξʼ, ὃς ἀμφὶ βωμίαν - - - ἔπτηξε κρηπῖδʼ ὡς λεληθέναι δοκῶν. - - - φθάνει δʼ ὁ τλήμων γόνασι προσπεσὼν πατρός, - - - καὶ πρὸς γένειον χεῖρα καὶ δέρην βαλών, - - - Ὦ φίλτατʼ, αὐδᾷ, μή μʼ ἀποκτείνῃς, πάτερ· - - - σός εἰμι, σὸς παῖς· οὐ τὸν Εὐρυσθέως ὀλεῖς. - - - ὁ δʼ ἀγριωπὸν ὄμμα Γοργόνος στρέφων, - - - ὡς ἐντὸς ἔστη παῖς λυγροῦ τοξεύματος, - - - μυδροκτύπον μίμημʼ, ὑπὲρ κάρα βαλὼν - - - ξύλον καθῆκε παιδὸς ἐς ξανθὸν κάρα, - - - ἔρρηξε δʼ ὀστᾶ. δεύτερον δὲ παῖδʼ ἑλών, - - - χωρεῖ τρίτον θῦμʼ ὡς ἐπισφάξων δυοῖν. - - - ἀλλὰ φθάνει νιν ἡ τάλαινʼ ἔσω δόμων - - - μήτηρ ὑπεκλαβοῦσα, καὶ κλῄει πύλας. - - - ὁ δʼ ὡς ἐπʼ αὐτοῖς δὴ Κυκλωπίοισιν ὢν - - - σκάπτει μοχλεύει θύρετρα, κἀκβαλὼν σταθμὰ - - - δάμαρτα καὶ παῖδʼ ἑνὶ κατέστρωσεν βέλει. - - - κἀνθένδε πρὸς γέροντος ἱππεύει φόνον· - - - ἀλλʼ ἦλθεν εἰκών, ὡς ὁρᾶν ἐφαίνετο, - - - Παλλὰς κραδαίνουσʼ ἔγχος † ἐπὶ λόφῳ κέαρ †, - - - κἄρριψε πέτρον στέρνον εἰς Ἡρακλέους, - - - ὅς νιν φόνου μαργῶντος ἔσχε, κεἰς ὕπνον - - - καθῆκε· πίτνει δʼ ἐς πέδον, πρὸς κίονα - - - νῶτον πατάξας, ὃς πεσήμασι στέγης - - - διχορραγὴς ἔκειτο κρηπίδων ἔπι. - - - ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐλευθεροῦντες ἐκ δρασμῶν πόδα - - - σὺν τῷ γέροντι δεσμὰ σειραίων βρόχων - - - ἀνήπτομεν πρὸς κίονʼ, ὡς λήξας ὕπνου - - - μηδὲν προσεργάσαιτο τοῖς δεδραμένοις. - - - εὕδει δʼ ὁ τλήμων ὕπνον οὐκ εὐδαίμονα, - - - παῖδας φονεύσας καὶ δάμαρτʼ. ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν - - - οὐκ οἶδα θνητῶν ὅστις ἀθλιώτερος. - -
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- - ὁ φόνος ἦν ὃν Ἀργολὶς ἔχει πέτρα - - - τότε μὲν περισαμότατος καὶ ἄπιστος Ἑλλάδι - - - τῶν Δαναοῦ παίδων· τάδε δʼ ὑπερέβαλε, παρ- - - - έδραμε τὰ τότε κακὰ τάλανι διογενεῖ - κόρῳ. - - - μονοτέκνου Πρόκνης φόνον ἔχω λέξαι - - - θυόμενον Μούσαις· σὺ δὲ τέκνα τρίγονʼ, ὦ - - - δάιε, τεκόμενος, λυσσάδι συγκατειργάσω μοίρᾳ. - - - αἰαῖ, τίνα στεναγμὸν - - - ἢ γόον ἢ φθιτῶν - - - ᾠδάν, ἢ τὸν Ἅιδα χορὸν ἀχήσω; - - - φεῦ φεῦ· - - - ἴδεσθε, διάνδιχα κλῇθρα - - - κλίνεται ὑψιπύλων δόμων. - - - ἰώ μοι· - - - ἴδεσθε δὲ τέκνα πρὸ πατρὸς - - - ἄθλια κείμενα δυστάνου, - - - εὕδοντος ὕπνον δεινὸν ἐκ παίδων φόνου. - - - περὶ δὲ δεσμὰ καὶ πολύβροχʼ ἁμμάτων - - - ἐρείσμαθʼ Ἡράκλειον - - - ἀμφὶ δέμας τάδε λαΐνοις - - - ἀνημμένα κίοσιν οἴκων. - -
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- - ὁ δʼ ὥς τις ὄρνις ἄπτερον καταστένων - - - ὠδῖνα τέκνων, πρέσβυς ὑστέρῳ ποδὶ - - - πικρὰν διώκων ἤλυσιν πάρεσθʼ ὅδε. - -
- - Καδμεῖοι γέροντες, οὐ σῖγα σῖ- - - - γα τὸν ὕπνῳ παρειμένον ἐάσετʼ ἐκ- - - - λαθέσθαι κακῶν; - -
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- - κατὰ σὲ δακρύοις στένω, πρέσβυ, καὶ - - - τέκεα καὶ τὸ καλλίνικον κάρα. - -
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- - ἑκαστέρω πρόβατε, μὴ - - - κτυπεῖτε, μὴ βοᾶτε, μὴ - - - τὸν εὔδιʼ ἰαύονθʼ + + + +Ἀμφιτρύων +Τίς τὸν Διὸς σύλλεκτρον οὐκ οἶδεν βροτῶν, +Ἀργεῖον Ἀμφιτρύωνʼ, ὃν Ἀλκαῖός ποτε +ἔτιχθʼ ὁ Περσέως, πατέρα τόνδʼ Ἡρακλέους; +ὃς τάσδε Θήβας ἔσχον, ἔνθʼ ὁ γηγενὴς +σπαρτῶν στάχυς ἔβλαστεν, ὧν γένους Ἄρης +ἔσωσʼ ἀριθμὸν ὀλίγον, οἳ Κάδμου πόλιν +τεκνοῦσι παίδων παισίν. ἔνθεν ἐξέφυ +Κρέων Μενοικέως παῖς, ἄναξ τῆσδε χθονός. +Κρέων δὲ Μεγάρας τῆσδε γίγνεται πατήρ, +ἣν πάντες ὑμεναίοισι Καδμεῖοί ποτε +λωτῷ συνηλάλαξαν, ἡνίκʼ εἰς ἐμοὺς +δόμους ὁ κλεινὸς Ἡρακλῆς νιν ἤγετο. +λιπὼν δὲ Θήβας, οὗ κατῳκίσθην ἐγώ, +Μεγάραν τε τήνδε πενθερούς τε παῖς ἐμὸς +Ἀργεῖα τείχη καὶ Κυκλωπίαν πόλιν +ὠρέξατʼ οἰκεῖν, ἣν ἐγὼ φεύγω κτανὼν +Ἠλεκτρύωνα· συμφορὰς δὲ τὰς ἐμὰς +ἐξευμαρίζων καὶ πάτραν οἰκεῖν θέλων, +καθόδου δίδωσι μισθὸν Εὐρυσθεῖ μέγαν, +ἐξημερῶσαι γαῖαν, εἴθʼ Ἥρας ὕπο +κέντροις δαμασθεὶς εἴτε τοῦ χρεὼν μέτα. +καὶ τοὺς μὲν ἄλλους ἐξεμόχθησεν πόνους, +τὸ λοίσθιον δὲ Ταινάρου διὰ στόμα +βέβηκʼ ἐς Ἅιδου, τὸν τρισώματον κύνα +ἐς φῶς ἀνάξων, ἔνθεν οὐχ ἥκει πάλιν. +γέρων δὲ δή τις ἔστι Καδμείων λόγος +ὡς ἦν πάρος Δίρκης τις εὐνήτωρ Λύκος +τὴν ἑπτάπυργον τήνδε δεσπόζων πόλιν, +τὼ λευκοπώλω πρὶν τυραννῆσαι χθονὸς +Ἀμφίονʼ ἠδὲ Ζῆθον, ἐκγόνω Διός. +οὗ ταὐτὸν ὄνομα παῖς πατρὸς κεκλημένος, +Καδμεῖος οὐκ ὤν, ἀλλʼ ἀπʼ Εὐβοίας μολών, +κτείνει Κρέοντα καὶ κτανὼν ἄρχει χθονός, +στάσει νοσοῦσαν τήνδʼ ἐπεσπεσὼν πόλιν. +ἡμῖν δὲ κῆδος ἐς Κρέοντʼ ἀνημμένον +κακὸν μέγιστον, ὡς ἔοικε, γίγνεται. +τοὐμοῦ γὰρ ὄντος παιδὸς ἐν μυχοῖς χθονὸς +ὁ καινὸς οὗτος τῆσδε γῆς ἄρχων Λύκος +τοὺς Ἡρακλείους παῖδας ἐξελεῖν θέλει +κτανὼν δάμαρτά θʼ, ὡς φόνῳ σβέσῃ φόνον, +κἄμʼ — εἴ τι δὴ χρὴ κἄμʼ ἐν ἀνδράσιν λέγειν +γέροντʼ ἀχρεῖον — μή ποθʼ οἵδʼ ἠνδρωμένοι +μήτρωσιν ἐκπράξωσιν αἵματος δίκην. +ἐγὼ δέ — λείπει γάρ με τοῖσδʼ ἐν δώμασιν +τροφὸν τέκνων οἰκουρόν, ἡνίκα χθονὸς +μέλαιναν ὄρφνην εἰσέβαινε, παῖς ἐμός — +σὺν μητρί, τέκνα μὴ θάνωσʼ Ἡρακλέους, +βωμὸν καθίζω τόνδε σωτῆρος Διός, +ὃν καλλινίκου δορὸς ἄγαλμʼ ἱδρύσατο +Μινύας κρατήσας οὑμὸς εὐγενὴς τόκος. +πάντων δὲ χρεῖοι τάσδʼ ἕδρας φυλάσσομεν, +σίτων ποτῶν ἐσθῆτος, ἀστρώτῳ πέδῳ +πλευρὰς τιθέντες· ἐκ γὰρ ἐσφραγισμένοι +δόμων καθήμεθʼ ἀπορίᾳ σωτηρίας. +φίλων δὲ τοὺς μὲν οὐ σαφεῖς ὁρῶ φίλους, +οἳ δʼ ὄντες ὀρθῶς ἀδύνατοι προσωφελεῖν. +τοιοῦτον ἀνθρώποισιν ἡ δυσπραξία· +ἧς μήποθʼ ὅστις καὶ μέσως εὔνους ἐμοὶ +τύχοι, φίλων ἔλεγχον ἀψευδέστατον. + + + +Μεγάρα +ὦ πρέσβυ, Ταφίων ὅς ποτʼ ἐξεῖλες πόλιν +στρατηλατήσας κλεινὰ Καδμείων δορός, +ὡς οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποισι τῶν θείων σαφές. +ἐγὼ γὰρ οὔτʼ ἐς πατέρʼ ἀπηλάθην τύχης, +ὃς οὕνεκʼ ὄλβου μέγας ἐκομπάσθη ποτέ, +ἔχων τυραννίδʼ, ἧς μακραὶ λόγχαι πέρι +πηδῶσʼ ἔρωτι σώματʼ εἰς εὐδαίμονα, +ἔχων δὲ τέκνα· κἄμʼ ἔδωκε παιδὶ σῷ +ἐπίσημον εὐνὴν Ἡρακλεῖ συνοικίσας. +καὶ νῦν ἐκεῖνα μὲν θανόντʼ ἀνέπτατο, +ἐγὼ δὲ καὶ σὺ μέλλομεν θνῄσκειν, γέρον, +οἵ θʼ Ἡράκλειοι παῖδες, οὓς ὑπὸ πτεροῖς +σῴζω νεοσσοὺς ὄρνις ὣς ὑφειμένη. +οἳ δʼ εἰς ἔλεγχον ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν πίτνων, +Ὦ μῆτερ, αὐδᾷ, ποῖ πατὴρ ἄπεστι γῆς; +τί δρᾷ, πόθʼ ἥξει; τῷ νέῳ δʼ ἐσφαλμένοι +ζητοῦσι τὸν τεκόντʼ· ἐγὼ δὲ διαφέρω +λόγοισι, μυθεύουσα. θαυμάζων δʼ ὅταν +πύλαι ψοφῶσι, πᾶς ἀνίστησιν πόδα, +ὡς πρὸς πατρῷον προσπεσούμενοι γόνυ. +νῦν οὖν τίνʼ ἐλπίδʼ ἢ πέδον σωτηρίας +ἐξευμαρίζῃ, πρέσβυ; πρὸς σὲ γὰρ βλέπω. +ὡς οὔτε γαίας ὅριʼ ἂν ἐκβαῖμεν λάθρᾳ· +φυλακαὶ γὰρ ἡμῶν κρείσσονες κατʼ ἐξόδους· +οὔτʼ ἐν φίλοισιν ἐλπίδες σωτηρίας +ἔτʼ εἰσὶν ἡμῖν. ἥντινʼ οὖν γνώμην ἔχεις +λέγʼ ἐς τὸ κοινόν, μὴ θανεῖν ἕτοιμον ᾖ. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ὦ θύγατερ, οὔτοι ῥᾴδιον τὰ τοιάδε +φαύλως παραινεῖν, σπουδάσαντʼ ἄνευ πόνου· +χρόνον δὲ μηκύνωμεν ὄντες ἀσθενεῖς. + +Μεγάρα +λύπης τι προσδεῖς ἢ φιλεῖς οὕτω φάος; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +καὶ τῷδε χαίρω καὶ φιλῶ τὰς ἐλπίδας. + +Μεγάρα +κἀγώ· δοκεῖν δὲ τἀδόκητʼ οὐ χρή, γέρον. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἐν ταῖς ἀναβολαῖς τῶν κακῶν ἔνεστʼ ἄκη. + +Μεγάρα +ὁ δʼ ἐν μέσῳ με λυπρὸς ὢν δάκνει χρόνος. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἔτʼ ἂν γένοιτʼ, ὦ θύγατερ, οὔριος δρόμος +ἐκ τῶν παρόντων τῶνδʼ ἐμοὶ καὶ σοὶ κακῶν, +ἔλθοι τʼ ἔτʼ ἂν παῖς οὑμός, εὐνήτωρ δὲ σός. +ἀλλʼ ἡσύχαζε καὶ δακρυρρόους τέκνων +πηγὰς ἀφαίρει καὶ παρευκήλει λόγοις, +κλέπτουσα μύθοις ἀθλίους κλοπὰς ὅμως. +κάμνουσι γάρ τοι καὶ βροτῶν αἱ συμφοραί, +καὶ πνεύματʼ ἀνέμων οὐκ ἀεὶ ῥώμην ἔχει· +οἵ τʼ εὐτυχοῦντες διὰ τέλους οὐκ εὐτυχεῖς. +ἐξίσταται γὰρ πάντʼ ἀπʼ ἀλλήλων δίχα. +οὗτος δʼ ἀνὴρ ἄριστος ὅστις ἐλπίσι +πέποιθεν αἰεί· τὸ δʼ ἀπορεῖν ἀνδρὸς κακοῦ.
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+Χορός +—ὑπώροφα μέλαθρα καὶ +γεραιὰ δέμνιʼ, ἀμφὶ βάκτροις +ἔρεισμα θέμενος, ἐστάλην +ἰηλέμων γόων ἀοι- +δὸς ὥστε πολιὸς ὄρνις, +ἔπεα μόνον καὶ δόκη- +μα νυκτερωπὸν ἐννύχων ὀνείρων, +τρομερὰ μέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως πρόθυμʼ. +ὦ τέκεα, τέκεα πατρὸς ἀπάτορʼ, +ὦ γεραιὲ σύ τε τάλαινα μᾶ- +τερ, ἃ τὸν Ἀίδα δόμοις +πόσιν ἀναστενάζεις.
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+Χορός +—μὴ προκάμητε πόδα βαρύ τε +κῶλον ὥστε πρὸς πετραῖον +λέπας ζυγηφόρον πῶλον +ἀνέντες ὡς βάρος φέρον +τροχηλάτοιο πώλου . +λαβοῦ χερῶν καὶ πέπλων, +ὅτου λέλοιπε ποδὸς ἀμαυρὸν ἴχνος· +γέρων γέροντα παρακόμιζʼ, +ᾧ ξύνοπλα δόρατα νέα νέῳ +τὸ πάρος ἐν ἡλίκων πόνοις +ξυνῆν ποτʼ, εὐκλεεστάτας
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+Χορός +—ἴδετε, πατέρος ὡς γορ- +γῶπες αἵδε προσφερεῖς +ὀμμάτων αὐγαί, +τὸ δὲ κακοτυχὲς οὐ λέλοιπεν ἐκ τέκνων +οὐδʼ ἀποίχεται χάρις. +Ἑλλὰς ὦ ξυμμάχους +οἵους οἵους ὀλέσα- +σα τούσδʼ ἀποστερήσῃ.
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+Χορός +—ἀλλʼ εἰσορῶ γὰρ τῆσδε κοίρανον χθονὸς +Λύκον περῶντα τῶνδε δωμάτων πέλας. + +Λύκος +τὸν Ἡράκλειον πατέρα καὶ ξυνάορον, +εἰ χρή μʼ, ἐρωτῶ· χρὴ δʼ, ἐπεί γε δεσπότης +ὑμῶν καθέστηχʼ, ἱστορεῖν ἃ βούλομαι. +τίνʼ ἐς χρόνον ζητεῖτε μηκῦναι βίον; +τίνʼ ἐλπίδʼ ἀλκήν τʼ εἰσορᾶτε μὴ θανεῖν; +ἢ τὸν παρʼ Ἅιδῃ πατέρα τῶνδε κείμενον +πιστεύεθʼ ἥξειν; ὡς ὑπὲρ τὴν ἀξίαν +τὸ πένθος αἴρεσθʼ, εἰ θανεῖν ὑμᾶς χρεών, +σὺ μὲν καθʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἐκβαλὼν κόμπους κενούς, +ὡς σύγγαμός σοι Ζεὺς τέκνου τε κοινεών, +σὺ δʼ ὡς ἀρίστου φωτὸς ἐκλήθης δάμαρ. +τί δὴ τὸ σεμνὸν σῷ κατείργασται πόσει, +ὕδραν ἕλειον εἰ διώλεσε κτανὼν +ἢ τὸν Νέμειον θῆρα; ὃν ἐν βρόχοις ἑλὼν +βραχίονός φησʼ ἀγχόναισιν ἐξελεῖν. +τοῖσδʼ ἐξαγωνίζεσθε; τῶνδʼ ἄρʼ οὕνεκα +τοὺς Ἡρακλείους παῖδας οὐ θνῄσκειν χρεών; +ὃς ἔσχε δόξαν οὐδὲν ὢν εὐψυχίας +θηρῶν ἐν αἰχμῇ, τἄλλα δʼ οὐδὲν ἄλκιμος, +ὃς οὔποτʼ ἀσπίδʼ ἔσχε πρὸς λαιᾷ χερὶ +οὐδʼ ἦλθε λόγχης ἐγγύς, ἀλλὰ τόξʼ ἔχων, +κάκιστον ὅπλον, τῇ φυγῇ πρόχειρος ἦν. +ἀνδρὸς δʼ ἔλεγχος οὐχὶ τόξʼ εὐψυχίας, +ἀλλʼ ὃς μένων βλέπει τε κἀντιδέρκεται +δορὸς ταχεῖαν ἄλοκα τάξιν ἐμβεβώς. +ἔχει δὲ τοὐμὸν οὐκ ἀναίδειαν, γέρον, +ἀλλʼ εὐλάβειαν· οἶδα γὰρ κατακτανὼν +Κρέοντα πατέρα τῆσδε καὶ θρόνους ἔχων. +οὔκουν τραφέντων τῶνδε τιμωροὺς ἐμοὺς +χρῄζω λιπέσθαι τῶν δεδραμένων δίκην. + + +Ἀμφιτρύων +τῷ τοῦ Διὸς μὲν Ζεὺς ἀμυνέτω μέρει +παιδός· τὸ δʼ εἰς ἔμʼ, Ἡράκλεις, ἐμοὶ μέλει +λόγοισι τὴν τοῦδʼ ἀμαθίαν ὑπὲρ σέθεν +δεῖξαι· κακῶς γάρ σʼ οὐκ ἐατέον κλύειν. +πρῶτον μὲν οὖν τἄρρητʼ — ἐν ἀρρήτοισι γὰρ +τὴν σὴν νομίζω δειλίαν, Ἡράκλεες — +σὺν μάρτυσιν θεοῖς δεῖ μʼ ἀπαλλάξαι σέθεν. +Διὸς κεραυνόν τʼ ἠρόμην τέθριππά τε, +ἐν οἷς βεβηκὼς τοῖσι γῆς βλαστήμασιν +Γίγασι πλευροῖς πτήνʼ ἐναρμόσας βέλη +τὸν καλλίνικον μετὰ θεῶν ἐκώμασεν· +τετρασκελές θʼ ὕβρισμα, Κενταύρων γένος, +Φολόην ἐπελθών, ὦ κάκιστε βασιλέων, +ἐροῦ τίνʼ ἄνδρʼ ἄριστον ἐγκρίνειαν ἄν, +ἢ οὐ παῖδα τὸν ἐμόν, ὃν σὺ φῂς εἶναι δοκεῖν. +Δίρφυν τʼ ἐρωτῶν ἥ σʼ ἔθρεψʼ Ἀβαντίδα +οὐκ ἄν σʼ ἐπαινέσειεν· οὐ γὰρ ἔσθʼ ὅπου +ἐσθλόν τι δράσας μάρτυρʼ ἂν λάβοις πάτραν. +τὸ πάνσοφον δʼ εὕρημα, τοξήρη σαγήν, +μέμφῃ· κλύων νῦν τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ σοφὸς γενοῦ. +ἀνὴρ ὁπλίτης δοῦλός ἐστι τῶν ὅπλων +καὶ τοῖσι συνταχθεῖσιν οὖσι μὴ ἀγαθοῖς +αὐτὸς τέθνηκε δειλίᾳ τῇ τῶν πέλας, +θραύσας τε λόγχην οὐκ ἔχει τῷ σώματι +θάνατον ἀμῦναι, μίαν ἔχων ἀλκὴν μόνον· +ὅσοι δὲ τόξοις χεῖρʼ ἔχουσιν εὔστοχον, +ἓν μὲν τὸ λῷστον, μυρίους οἰστοὺς ἀφεὶς +ἄλλοις τὸ σῶμα ῥύεται μὴ κατθανεῖν, +ἑκὰς δʼ ἀφεστὼς πολεμίους ἀμύνεται +τυφλοῖς ὁρῶντας οὐτάσας τοξεύμασιν +τὸ σῶμά τʼ οὐ δίδωσι τοῖς ἐναντίοις, +ἐν εὐφυλάκτῳ δʼ ἐστί· τοῦτο δʼ ἐν μάχῃ +σοφὸν μάλιστα, δρῶντα πολεμίους κακῶς +σῴζειν τὸ σῶμα, μὴ ʼκ τύχης ὡρμισμένον. +λόγοι μὲν οἵδε τοῖσι σοῖς ἐναντίαν +γνώμην ἔχουσι τῶν καθεστώτων πέρι. +παῖδας δὲ δὴ τί τούσδʼ ἀποκτεῖναι θέλεις; +τί σʼ οἵδʼ ἔδρασαν; ἕν τί σʼ ἡγοῦμαι σοφόν, +εἰ τῶν ἀρίστων τἄκγονʼ αὐτὸς ὢν κακὸς +δέδοικας. ἀλλὰ τοῦθʼ ὅμως ἡμῖν βαρύ, +εἰ δειλίας σῆς κατθανούμεθʼ εἵνεκα, +ὃ χρῆν σʼ ὑφʼ ἡμῶν τῶν ἀμεινόνων παθεῖν, +εἰ Ζεὺς δικαίας εἶχεν εἰς ἡμᾶς φρένας. +εἰ δʼ οὖν ἔχειν γῆς σκῆπτρα τῆσδʼ αὐτὸς θέλεις, +ἔασον ἡμᾶς φυγάδας ἐξελθεῖν χθονός· +βίᾳ δὲ δράσῃς μηδέν, ἢ πείσῃ βίαν, +ὅταν θεοῦ σοι πνεῦμα μεταβαλὸν τύχῃ. +φεῦ· +ὦ γαῖα Κάδμου· καὶ γὰρ ἐς σὲ ἀφίξομαι +λόγους ὀνειδιστῆρας ἐνδατούμενος· +τοιαῦτʼ ἀμύνεθʼ Ἡρακλεῖ τέκνοισί τε; +ὃς εἷς Μινύαισι πᾶσι διὰ μάχης μολὼν +Θήβαις ἔθηκεν ὄμμʼ ἐλεύθερον βλέπειν. +οὐδʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ᾔνεσʼ — οὐδʼ ἀνέξομαί ποτε +σιγῶν — κακίστην λαμβάνων ἐς παῖδʼ ἐμόν, +ἣν χρῆν νεοσσοῖς τοῖσδε πῦρ λόγχας ὅπλα +φέρουσαν ἐλθεῖν, ποντίων καθαρμάτων +χέρσου τʼ ἀμοιβάς — ὧν ἐμόχθησας χάριν. +τὰ δʼ, ὦ τέκνʼ, ὑμῖν οὔτε Θηβαίων πόλις +οὔθʼ Ἑλλὰς ἀρκεῖ· πρὸς δʼ ἔμʼ ἀσθενῆ φίλον +δεδόρκατʼ, οὐδὲν ὄντα πλὴν γλώσσης ψόφον. +ῥώμη γὰρ ἐκλέλοιπεν ἣν πρὶν εἴχομεν, +γήρᾳ δὲ τρομερὰ γυῖα κἀμαυρὸν σθένος. +εἰ δʼ ἦ νέος τε κἄτι σώματος κρατῶν, +λαβὼν ἂν ἔγχος τοῦδε τοὺς ξανθοὺς πλόκους +καθῃμάτωσʼ ἄν, ὥστʼ Ἀτλαντικῶν πέραν +φεύγειν ὅρων ἂν δειλίᾳ τοὐμὸν δόρυ. + +Χορός +ἆρʼ οὐκ ἀφορμὰς τοῖς λόγοισιν ἁγαθοὶ +θνητῶν ἔχουσι, κἂν βραδύς τις ᾖ λέγειν; + +Λύκος +σὺ μὲν λέγʼ ἡμᾶς οἷς πεπύργωσαι λόγοις, +ἐγὼ δὲ δράσω σʼ ἀντὶ τῶν λόγων κακῶς. +ἄγʼ, οἳ μὲν Ἑλικῶνʼ, οἳ δὲ Παρνασοῦ πτυχὰς +τέμνειν ἄνωχθʼ ἐλθόντες ὑλουργοὺς δρυὸς +κορμούς· ἐπειδὰν δʼ ἐσκομισθῶσιν πόλει, +βωμὸν πέριξ νήσαντες ἀμφήρη ξύλα +ἐμπίμπρατʼ αὐτῶν καὶ πυροῦτε σώματα +πάντων, ἵνʼ εἰδῶσʼ οὕνεκʼ οὐχ ὁ κατθανὼν +κρατεῖ χθονὸς τῆσδʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ τὰ νῦν τάδε. +ὑμεῖς δέ, πρέσβεις, ταῖς ἐμαῖς ἐναντίοι +γνώμαισιν ὄντες, οὐ μόνον στενάξετε +τοὺς Ἡρακλείους παῖδας, ἀλλὰ καὶ δόμου +τύχας, ὅταν πάσχῃ τι, μεμνήσεσθε δὲ +δοῦλοι γεγῶτες τῆς ἐμῆς τυραννίδος. + +Χορός +— ὦ γῆς λοχεύμαθʼ, οὓς Ἄρης σπείρει ποτὲ +λάβρον δράκοντος ἐξερημώσας γένυν, +οὐ σκῆπτρα, χειρὸς δεξιᾶς ἐρείσματα, +ἀρεῖτε καὶ τοῦδʼ ἀνδρὸς ἀνόσιον κάρα +καθαιματώσεθʼ, ὅστις οὐ Καδμεῖος ὢν +ἄρχει κάκιστος τῶν νέων ἔπηλυς ὤν; +ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐμοῦ γε δεσπόσεις χαίρων ποτέ. +— οὐδʼ ἁπόνησα πόλλʼ ἐγὼ καμὼν χερὶ +ἕξεις. ἀπέρρων δʼ ἔνθεν ἦλθες ἐνθάδε, +ὕβριζʼ. ἐμοῦ γὰρ ζῶντος οὐ κτενεῖς ποτε +τοὺς Ἡρακλείους παῖδας. οὐ τοσόνδε γῆς +ἔνερθʼ ἐκεῖνος κρύπτεται λιπὼν τέκνα. +— ἐπεὶ σὺ μὲν γῆν τήνδε διολέσας ἔχεις, +ὃ δʼ ὠφελήσας ἀξίων οὐ τυγχάνει. +— κἄπειτα πράσσω πόλλʼ ἐγώ, φίλους ἐμοὺς +θανόντας εὖ δρῶν, οὗ φίλων μάλιστα δεῖ; +— ὦ δεξιὰ χείρ, ὡς ποθεῖς λαβεῖν δόρυ, +ἐν δʼ ἀσθενείᾳ τὸν πόθον διώλεσας. +ἐπεί σʼ ἔπαυσʼ ἂν δοῦλον ἐννέποντά με +καὶ τάσδε Θήβας εὐκλεῶς ᾠκήσαμεν. +ἐν αἷς σὺ χαίρεις· οὐ γὰρ εὖ φρονεῖ πόλις +στάσει νοσοῦσα καὶ κακοῖς βουλεύμασιν. +οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ἂν σὲ δεσπότην ἐκτήσατο. + +Μεγάρα +γέροντες, αἰνῶ· τῶν φίλων γὰρ οὕνεκα +ὀργὰς δικαίας τοὺς φίλους ἔχειν χρεών· +ἡμῶν δʼ ἕκατι δεσπόταις θυμούμενοι +πάθητε μηδέν. τῆς δʼ ἐμῆς, Ἀμφιτρύων, +γνώμης ἄκουσον, ἤν τί σοι δοκῶ λέγειν. +ἐγὼ φιλῶ μὲν τέκνα· πῶς γὰρ οὐ φιλῶ +ἅτικτον, ἁμόχθησα; καὶ τὸ κατθανεῖν +δεινὸν νομίζω· τῷ δʼ ἀναγκαίῳ τρόπῳ +ὃς ἀντιτείνει σκαιὸν ἡγοῦμαι βροτόν. +ἡμᾶς δʼ, ἐπειδὴ δεῖ θανεῖν, θνῄσκειν χρεὼν +μὴ πυρὶ καταξανθέντας, ἐχθροῖσιν γέλων +διδόντας, οὑμοὶ τοῦ θανεῖν μεῖζον κακόν. +ὀφείλομεν γὰρ πολλὰ δώμασιν καλά· +σὲ μὲν δόκησις ἔλαβεν εὐκλεὴς δορός, +ὥστʼ οὐκ ἀνεκτὸν δειλίας θανεῖν σʼ ὕπο· +οὑμὸς δʼ ἀμαρτύρητος εὐκλεὴς πόσις, +ὡς τούσδε παῖδας οὐκ ἂν ἐκσῶσαι θέλοι +δόξαν κακὴν λαβόντας· οἱ γὰρ εὐγενεῖς +κάμνουσι τοῖς αἰσχροῖσι τῶν τέκνων ὕπερ, +ἐμοί τε μίμημʼ ἀνδρὸς οὐκ ἀπωστέον. +σκέψαι δὲ τὴν σὴν ἐλπίδʼ ᾗ λογίζομαι· +ἥξειν νομίζεις παῖδα σὸν γαίας ὕπο; +καὶ τίς θανόντων ἦλθεν ἐξ Ἅιδου πάλιν; +ἀλλʼ ὡς λόγοισι τόνδε μαλθάξαιμεν ἄν; +ἥκιστα· φεύγειν σκαιὸν ἄνδρʼ ἐχθρὸν χρεών, +σοφοῖσι δʼ εἴκειν καὶ τεθραμμένοις καλῶς· +ῥᾷον γὰρ αἰδοῦς ὑπολαβὼν φίλʼ ἂν τέμοις. +ἤδη δʼ ἐσῆλθέ μʼ εἰ παραιτησαίμεθα +φυγὰς τέκνων τῶνδʼ· ἀλλὰ καὶ τόδʼ ἄθλιον, +πενίᾳ σὺν οἰκτρᾷ περιβαλεῖν σωτηρίαν· +ὡς τὰ ξένων πρόσωπα φεύγουσιν φίλοις +ἓν ἦμαρ ἡδὺ βλέμμʼ ἔχειν φασὶν μόνον. +τόλμα μεθʼ ἡμῶν θάνατον, ὃς μένει σʼ ὅμως. +προκαλούμεθʼ εὐγένειαν, ὦ γέρον, σέθεν· +τὰς τῶν θεῶν γὰρ ὅστις ἐκμοχθεῖ τύχας, +πρόθυμός ἐστιν, ἡ προθυμία δʼ ἄφρων· +ὃ χρὴ γὰρ οὐδεὶς μὴ χρεὼν θήσει ποτέ. + +Χορός +εἰ μὲν σθενόντων τῶν ἐμῶν βραχιόνων +ἦν τίς σʼ ὑβρίζων, ῥᾳδίως ἐπαύσατʼ ἄν· +νῦν δʼ οὐδέν ἐσμεν. σὸν δὲ τοὐντεῦθεν σκοπεῖν +ὅπως διώσῃ τὰς τύχας, Ἀμφιτρύων. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +οὔτοι τὸ δειλὸν οὐδὲ τοῦ βίου πόθος +θανεῖν ἐρύκει μʼ, ἀλλὰ παιδὶ βούλομαι +σῷσαι τέκνʼ· ἄλλως δʼ ἀδυνάτων ἔοικʼ ἐρᾶν. +ἰδοὺ πάρεστιν ἥδε φασγάνῳ δέρη +κεντεῖν φονεύειν, ἱέναι πέτρας ἄπο. +μίαν δὲ νῷν δὸς χάριν, ἄναξ, ἱκνούμεθα· +κτεῖνόν με καὶ τήνδʼ ἀθλίαν παίδων πάρος, +ὡς μὴ τέκνʼ εἰσίδωμεν, ἀνόσιον θέαν, +ψυχορραγοῦντα καὶ καλοῦντα μητέρα +πατρός τε πατέρα. τἄλλα δʼ, εἰ πρόθυμος εἶ, +πρᾶσσʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἀλκὴν ἔχομεν ὥστε μὴ θανεῖν. + +Μεγάρα +κἀγώ σʼ ἱκνοῦμαι χάριτι προσθεῖναι χάριν, + ἡμῖν ἵνʼ ἀμφοῖν εἷς ὑπουργήσῃς διπλᾶ· +κόσμον πάρες μοι παισὶ προσθεῖναι νεκρῶν, +δόμους ἀνοίξας — νῦν γὰρ ἐκκεκλῄμεθα — +ὡς ἀλλὰ ταῦτά γʼ ἀπολάχωσʼ οἴκων πατρός. + +Λύκος +ἔσται τάδʼ· οἴγειν κλῇθρα προσπόλοις λέγω. +κοσμεῖσθʼ ἔσω μολόντες· οὐ φθονῶ πέπλων. +ὅταν δὲ κόσμον περιβάλησθε σώμασιν, +ἥξω πρὸς ὑμᾶς νερτέρᾳ δώσων χθονί. + +Μεγάρα +ὦ τέκνʼ, ὁμαρτεῖτʼ ἀθλίῳ μητρὸς ποδὶ +πατρῷον ἐς μέλαθρον, οὗ τῆς οὐσίας +ἄλλοι κρατοῦσι, τὸ δʼ ὄνομʼ ἔσθʼ ἡμῶν ἔτι. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ὦ Ζεῦ, μάτην ἄρʼ ὁμόγαμόν σʼ ἐκτησάμην, +μάτην δὲ παιδὸς κοινεῶνʼ ἐκλῄζομεν· +σὺ δʼ ἦσθʼ ἄρʼ ἥσσων ἢ ʼδόκεις εἶναι φίλος. +ἀρετῇ σε νικῶ θνητὸς ὢν θεὸν μέγαν· +παῖδας γὰρ οὐ προύδωκα τοὺς Ἡρακλέους. +σὺ δʼ ἐς μὲν εὐνὰς κρύφιος ἠπίστω μολεῖν, +τἀλλότρια λέκτρα δόντος οὐδενὸς λαβών, +σῴζειν δὲ τοὺς σοὺς οὐκ ἐπίστασαι φίλους. +ἀμαθής τις εἶ θεός, ἢ δίκαιος οὐκ ἔφυς.
+ +
+
+Χορός +—αἲ Λίνον μὲν ἐπʼ εὐτυχεῖ +μολπᾷ Φοῖβος ἰαχεῖ +τὸν κάλλει φθιτόν, κιθάραν +ἐλαύνων πλήκτρῳ χρυσέῳ· +ἐγὼ δὲ τὸν γᾶς ἐνέρων τʼ +ἐς ὄρφναν μολόντα, παῖδʼ +εἴτε Διός νιν εἴπω, +εἴτʼ Ἀμφιτρύωνος ἶνιν, +ὑμνῆσαι στεφάνωμα μό- +χθων διʼ εὐλογίας θέλω. +γενναίων δʼ ἀρεταὶ πόνων +τοῖς θανοῦσιν ἄγαλμα.
+ + +
+Χορός +—πρῶτον μὲν Διὸς ἄλσος +ἠρήμωσε λέοντος, +πυρσῷ δʼ ἀμφεκαλύφθη +ξανθὸν κρᾶτʼ ἐπινωτίσας +δεινῷ χάσματι θηρός·
+ + + +
+Χορός +—τάν τʼ ὀρεινόμον ἀγρίων +Κενταύρων ποτὲ γένναν +ἔστρωσεν τόξοις φονίοις, +ἐναίρων πτανοῖς βέλεσιν. +ξύνοιδε Πηνειὸς ὁ καλ- +λιδίνας μακραί τʼ ἄρου- +ραι πεδίων ἄκαρποι +καὶ Πηλιάδες θεράπναι +σύγχορτοί τʼ Ὀμόλας ἔναυ- +λοι, πεύκαισιν ὅθεν χέρας +πληροῦντες χθόνα Θεσσαλῶν +ἱππείαις ἐδάμαζον·
+ + +
+Χορός +—τάν τε χρυσοκάρανον +δόρκαν ποικιλόνωτον +συλήτειραν ἀγρωστᾶν +κτείνας, θηροφόνον θεὰν +Οἰνωᾶτιν ἀγάλλει·
+ + +
+Χορός +—τεθρίππων τʼ ἐπέβα +καὶ ψαλίοις ἐδάμασε πώλους +Διομήδεος, αἳ φονίαισι φάτναις ἀχάλινʼ ἐθόα- +ζον κάθαιμα σῖτα γένυσι, +χαρμοναῖσιν ἀνδροβρῶσι +δυστράπεζοι· πέραν δʼ +ἀργυρορρύτων Ἕβρου +διεπέρασεν ὄχθων, +Μυκηναίῳ πονῶν τυράννῳ.
+ + +
+Χορός +—ἄν τε Πηλιάδʼ ἀκτὰν +Ἀναύρου παρὰ πηγὰς +Κύκνον ξεινοδαΐκταν +τόξοις ὤλεσεν, Ἀμφαναί- +ας οἰκήτορʼ ἄμεικτον·
+ + +
+Χορός +—ὑμνῳδούς τε κόρας +ἤλυθεν ἑσπέριον ἐς αὐλάν, +χρυσέων πετάλων ἄπο μηλοφόρον χερὶ καρπὸν ἀμέρ- +ξων, δράκοντα πυρσόνωτον, +ὅς σφʼ ἄπλατον ἀμφελικτὸς +ἕλικʼ ἐφρούρει, κτανών· +ποντίας θʼ ἁλὸς μυχοὺς +εἰσέβαινε, θνατοῖς +γαλανείας τιθεὶς ἐρετμοῖς·
+ + +
+Χορός +—οὐρανοῦ θʼ ὑπὸ μέσσαν +ἐλαύνει χέρας ἕδραν, +Ἄτλαντος δόμον ἐλθών, +ἀστρωπούς τε κατέσχεν οἴ- +κους εὐανορίᾳ θεῶν·
+ + +
+Χορός +—τὸν ἱππευτάν τʼ Ἀμαζό- +νων στρατὸν Μαιῶτιν ἀμφὶ +πολυπόταμον ἔβα διʼ Ἄ- +ξεινον οἶδμα λίμνας, +τίνʼ οὐκ ἀφʼ Ἑλλανίας +ἄγορον ἁλίσας φίλων, +κόρας Ἀρείας πέπλων +χρυσεόστολον φάρος, +ζωστῆρος ὀλεθρίους ἄγρας. +τὰ κλεινὰ δʼ Ἑλλὰς ἔλαβε βαρ- +βάρου κόρας λάφυρα, καὶ +σῴζεται Μυκήναις.
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+Χορός +—τάν τε μυριόκρανον +πολύφονον κύνα Λέρνας +ὕδραν ἐξεπύρωσεν, +βέλεσί τʼ ἀμφέβαλʼ ἰόν, +τὸν τρισώματον οἷσιν ἔ- +κτα βοτῆρʼ Ἐρυθείας.
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+Χορός +—δρόμων τʼ ἄλλων ἀγάλματʼ +εὐτυχῆ διῆλθε· τόν τε +πολυδάκρυον ἔπλευσʼ ἐς Ἅι- +δαν, πόνων τελευτάν, +ἵνʼ ἐκπεραίνει τάλας +βίοτον, οὐδʼ ἔβα πάλιν. +στέγαι δʼ ἔρημοι φίλων, +τὰν δʼ ἀνόστιμον τέκνων +Χάρωνος ἐπιμένει πλάτα +βίου κέλευθον ἄθεον ἄδι- +κον· ἐς δὲ σὰς χέρας βλέπει +δώματʼ οὐ παρόντος.
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+Χορός +—εἰ δʼ ἐγὼ σθένος ἥβων +δόρυ τʼ ἔπαλλον ἐν αἰχμᾷ, +Καδμείων τε σύνηβοι, +τέκεσιν ἂν προπαρέσταν +ἀλκᾷ· νῦν δʼ ἀπολείπομαι +τᾶς εὐδαίμονος ἥβας.
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+Χορός +—ἀλλʼ ἐσορῶ γὰρ τούσδε φθιμένων +ἔνδυτʼ ἔχοντας, τοὺς τοῦ μεγάλου +δή ποτε παῖδας τὸ πρὶν Ἡρακλέους, +ἄλοχόν τε φίλην ὑπὸ σειραίοις +ποσὶν ἕλκουσαν τέκνα, καὶ γεραιὸν +πατέρʼ Ἡρακλέους. δύστηνος ἐγώ, +δακρύων ὡς οὐ δύναμαι κατέχειν +γραίας ὄσσων ἔτι πηγάς. + +Μεγάρα +εἶἑν· τίς ἱερεύς, τίς σφαγεὺς τῶν δυσπότμων + ἢ τῆς ταλαίνης τῆς ἐμῆς ψυχῆς φονεύς; +ἕτοιμʼ ἄγειν τὰ θύματʼ εἰς Ἅιδου τάδε. +ὦ τέκνʼ, ἀγόμεθα ζεῦγος οὐ καλὸν νεκρῶν, +ὁμοῦ γέροντες καὶ νέοι καὶ μητέρες. +ὦ μοῖρα δυστάλαινʼ ἐμή τε καὶ τέκνων +τῶνδʼ, οὓς πανύστατʼ ὄμμασιν προσδέρκομαι +ἔτεκον μὲν ὑμᾶς, πολεμίοις δʼ ἐθρεψάμην +ὕβρισμα κἀπίχαρμα καὶ διαφθοράν. +φεῦ· +ἦ πολύ με δόξης ἐξέπαισαν ἐλπίδες, +ἣν πατρὸς ὑμῶν ἐκ λόγων ποτʼ ἤλπισα. +σοὶ μὲν γὰρ Ἄργος ἔνεμʼ ὁ κατθανὼν πατήρ, +Εὐρυσθέως δʼ ἔμελλες οἰκήσειν δόμους +τῆς καλλικάρπου κράτος ἔχων Πελασγίας, +στολήν τε θηρὸς ἀμφέβαλλε σῷ κάρᾳ +λέοντος, ᾗπερ αὐτὸς ἐξωπλίζετο· +σὺ δʼ ἦσθα Θηβῶν τῶν φιλαρμάτων ἄναξ, +ἔγκληρα πεδία τἀμὰ γῆς κεκτημένος, +ὡς ἐξέπειθες τὸν κατασπείραντά σε· +ἐς δεξιάν τε σὴν ἀλεξητήριον +ξύλον καθίει δαίδαλον, ψευδῆ δόσιν. +σοὶ δʼ ἣν ἔπερσε τοῖς ἑκηβόλοις ποτὲ +τόξοισι δώσειν Οἰχαλίαν ὑπέσχετο. +τρεῖς δʼ ὄντας ὑμᾶς τριπτύχοις τυραννίσι +πατὴρ ἐπύργου, μέγα φρονῶν εὐανδρίᾳ· +ἐγὼ δὲ νύμφας ἠκροθινιαζόμην, +κήδη συνάψουσʼ, ἔκ τʼ Ἀθηναίων χθονὸς +Σπάρτης τε Θηβῶν θʼ, ὡς ἀνημμένοι κάλῳς +πρυμνησίοισι βίον ἔχοιτʼ εὐδαίμονα. +καὶ ταῦτα φροῦδα· μεταβαλοῦσα δʼ ἡ τύχη +νύμφας μὲν ὑμῖν Κῆρας ἀντέδωκʼ ἔχειν, +ἐμοὶ δὲ δάκρυα λουτρά — δύστηνος φρενῶν. +πατὴρ δὲ πατρὸς ἑστιᾷ γάμους ὅδε, +Ἅιδην νομίζων πενθερόν, κῆδος πατρός. +ὤμοι, τίνʼ ὑμῶν πρῶτον ἢ τίνʼ ὕστατον +πρὸς στέρνα θῶμαι; τῷ προσαρμόσω στόμα; +τίνος λάβωμαι; πῶς ἂν ὡς ξουθόπτερος +μέλισσα συνενέγκαιμʼ ἂν ἐκ πάντων γόους, +ἐς ἓν δʼ ἐνεγκοῦσʼ ἀθρόον ἀποδοίην δάκρυ; +ὦ φίλτατʼ, εἴ τις φθόγγος εἰσακούεται +θνητῶν παρʼ Ἅιδῃ, σοὶ τάδʼ, Ἡράκλεις, λέγω· +θνῄσκει πατὴρ σὸς καὶ τέκνʼ, ὄλλυμαι δʼ ἐγώ, +ἣ πρὶν μακαρία διὰ σʼ ἐκλῃζόμην βροτοῖς. +ἄρηξον, ἐλθέ· καὶ σκιὰ φάνηθί μοι· +ἅλις γὰρ ἐλθὼν κἂν ὄναρ γένοιο σύ· +κακοὶ γάρ εἰσιν οἳ τέκνα κτείνουσι σά. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +σὺ μὲν τὰ νέρθεν εὐτρεπῆ ποιοῦ, γύναι· +ἐγὼ δὲ σέ, ὦ Ζεῦ, χεῖρʼ ἐς οὐρανὸν δικὼν +αὐδῶ, τέκνοισιν εἴ τι τοισίδʼ ὠφελεῖν +μέλλεις, ἀμύνειν, ὡς τάχʼ οὐδὲν ἀρκέσεις. +καίτοι κέκλησαι πολλάκις· μάτην πονῶ· +θανεῖν γάρ, ὡς ἔοικʼ, ἀναγκαίως ἔχει. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ γέροντες, μικρὰ μὲν τὰ τοῦ βίου, +τοῦτον δʼ ὅπως ἥδιστα διαπεράσετε, +ἐξ ἡμέρας ἐς νύκτα μὴ λυπούμενοι. +ὡς ἐλπίδας μὲν ὁ χρόνος οὐκ ἐπίσταται +σῴζειν, τὸ δʼ αὑτοῦ σπουδάσας διέπτατο. +ὁρᾶτʼ ἔμʼ ὅσπερ ἦ περίβλεπτος βροτοῖς +ὀνομαστὰ πράσσων, καί μʼ ἀφείλεθʼ ἡ τύχη +ὥσπερ πτερὸν πρὸς αἰθέρʼ ἡμέρᾳ μιᾷ. +ὁ δʼ ὄλβος ὁ μέγας ἥ τε δόξʼ οὐκ οἶδʼ ὅτῳ +βέβαιός ἐστι. χαίρετʼ· ἄνδρα γὰρ φίλον +πανύστατον νῦν, ἥλικες, δεδόρκατε. + +Μεγάρα +ἔα· +ὦ πρέσβυ, λεύσσω τἀμὰ φίλτατʼ· ἢ τί φῶ; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +οὐκ οἶδα, θύγατερ· ἀφασία δὲ κἄμʼ ἔχει. + +Μεγάρα +ὅδʼ ἐστὶν ὃν γῆς νέρθεν εἰσηκούομεν, +εἰ μή γʼ ὄνειρον ἐν φάει τι λεύσσομεν. +τί φημί; ποῖʼ ὄνειρα κηραίνουσʼ ὁρῶ; +οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅδʼ ἄλλος ἀντὶ σοῦ παιδός, γέρον. +δεῦρʼ, ὦ τέκνʼ, ἐκκρίμνασθε πατρῴων πέπλων, +ἴτʼ ἐγκονεῖτε, μὴ μεθῆτʼ, ἐπεὶ Διὸς +σωτῆρος ὑμῖν οὐδέν ἐσθʼ ὅδʼ ὕστερος. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ὦ χαῖρε, μέλαθρον πρόπυλά θʼ ἑστίας ἐμῆς, +ὡς ἄσμενός σʼ ἐσεῖδον ἐς φάος μολών. +ἔα· τί χρῆμα; τέκνʼ ὁρῶ πρὸ δωμάτων +στολμοῖσι νεκρῶν κρᾶτας ἐξεστεμμένα, +ὄχλῳ τʼ ἐν ἀνδρῶν τὴν ἐμὴν ξυνάορον, +πατέρα τε δακρύοντα — συμφορὰς τίνας; +φέρʼ ἐκπύθωμαι τῶνδε πλησίον σταθείς· +γύναι, τί καινὸν ἦλθε δώμασιν χρέος; + +Μεγάρα +ὦ φίλτατʼ ἀνδρῶν + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ὦ φάος μολὼν πατρί + +Μεγάρα +ἥκεις, ἐσώθης εἰς ἀκμὴν ἐλθὼν φίλοις; + +Ἡρακλῆς +τί φῄς; τίνʼ ἐς ταραγμὸν ἥκομεν, πάτερ; + +Μεγάρα +διολλύμεσθα· σὺ δέ, γέρον, σύγγνωθί μοι, +εἰ πρόσθεν ἥρπασʼ ἃ σὲ λέγειν πρὸς τόνδʼ ἐχρῆν· +τὸ θῆλυ γάρ πως μᾶλλον οἰκτρὸν ἀρσένων, +καὶ τἄμʼ ἔθνῃσκε τέκνʼ, ἀπωλλύμην δʼ ἐγώ. + +Ἡρακλῆς +Ἄπολλον, οἵοις φροιμίοις ἄρχῃ λόγου. + +Μεγάρα +τεθνᾶσʼ ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατὴρ οὑμὸς γέρων. + +Ἡρακλῆς +πῶς φῄς; τί δράσας ἢ δορὸς ποίου τυχών; + +Μεγάρα +Λύκος σφʼ ὁ καινὸς γῆς ἄναξ διώλεσεν. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ὅπλοις ἀπαντῶν ἢ νοσησάσης χθονός; + +Μεγάρα +στάσει· τὸ Κάδμου δʼ ἑπτάπυλον ἔχει κράτος. + +Ἡρακλῆς +τί δῆτα πρὸς σὲ καὶ γέροντʼ ἦλθεν φόβος; + +Μεγάρα +κτείνειν ἔμελλε πατέρα κἀμὲ καὶ τέκνα. + +Ἡρακλῆς +τί φῄς; τί ταρβῶν ὀρφάνευμʼ ἐμῶν τέκνων; + +Μεγάρα +μή ποτε Κρέοντος θάνατον ἐκτεισαίατο. + +Ἡρακλῆς +κόσμος δὲ παίδων τίς ὅδε νερτέροις πρέπων; + +Μεγάρα +θανάτου τάδʼ ἤδη περιβόλαιʼ ἀνήμμεθα. + +Ἡρακλῆς +καὶ πρὸς βίαν ἐθνῄσκετʼ; ὦ τλήμων ἐγώ. + +Μεγάρα +φίλων γʼ ἔρημοι· σὲ δὲ θανόντʼ ἠκούομεν. + +Ἡρακλῆς +πόθεν δʼ ἐς ὑμᾶς ἥδʼ ἐσῆλθʼ ἀθυμία; + +Μεγάρα +Εὐρυσθέως κήρυκες ἤγγελλον τάδε. + +Ἡρακλῆς +τί δʼ ἐξελείπετʼ οἶκον ἑστίαν τʼ ἐμήν; + +Μεγάρα +βίᾳ, πατὴρ μὲν ἐκπεσὼν στρωτοῦ λέχους + +Ἡρακλῆς +κοὐκ ἔσχεν αἰδῶ τὸν γέροντʼ ἀτιμάσαι; + +Μεγάρα +αἰδώς γʼ ἀποικεῖ τῆσδε τῆς θεοῦ πρόσω. + +Ἡρακλῆς +οὕτω δʼ ἀπόντες ἐσπανίζομεν φίλων; + +Μεγάρα +φίλοι γάρ εἰσιν ἀνδρὶ δυστυχεῖ τίνες; + +Ἡρακλῆς +μάχας δὲ Μινυῶν ἃς ἔτλην ἀπέπτυσαν; + +Μεγάρα +ἄφιλον, ἵνʼ αὖθίς σοι λέγω, τὸ δυστυχές. + +Ἡρακλῆς +οὐ ῥίψεθʼ Ἅιδου τάσδε περιβολὰς κόμης +καὶ φῶς ἀναβλέψεσθε, τοῦ κάτω σκότου +φίλας ἀμοιβὰς ὄμμασιν δεδορκότες; +ἐγὼ δέ — νῦν γὰρ τῆς ἐμῆς ἔργον χερός — +πρῶτον μὲν εἶμι καὶ κατασκάψω δόμους +καινῶν τυράννων, κρᾶτα δʼ ἀνόσιον τεμὼν +ῥίψω κυνῶν ἕλκημα· Καδμείων δʼ ὅσους +κακοὺς ἐφηῦρον εὖ παθόντας ἐξ ἐμοῦ, +τῷ καλλινίκῳ τῷδʼ ὅπλῳ χειρώσομαι· +τοὺς δὲ πτερωτοῖς διαφορῶν τοξεύμασι +νεκρῶν ἅπαντʼ Ἰσμηνὸν ἐμπλήσω φόνου, +Δίρκης τε νᾶμα λευκὸν αἱμαχθήσεται. +τῷ γάρ μʼ ἀμύνειν μᾶλλον ἢ δάμαρτι χρὴ +καὶ παισὶ καὶ γέροντι; χαιρόντων πόνοι· +μάτην γὰρ αὐτοὺς τῶνδε μᾶλλον ἤνυσα. +καὶ δεῖ μʼ ὑπὲρ τῶνδʼ, εἴπερ οἵδʼ ὑπὲρ πατρός, +θνῄσκειν ἀμύνοντʼ· ἢ τί φήσομεν καλὸν +ὕδρᾳ μὲν ἐλθεῖν ἐς μάχην λέοντί τε +Εὐρυσθέως πομπαῖσι, τῶν δʼ ἐμῶν τέκνων +οὐκ ἐκπονήσω θάνατον; οὐκ ἄρʼ Ἡρακλῆς +ὁ καλλίνικος ὡς πάροιθε λέξομαι. + +Χορός +δίκαια τοὺς τεκόντας ὠφελεῖν τέκνα, +πατέρα τε πρέσβυν τήν τε κοινωνὸν γάμων. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +πρὸς σοῦ μέν, ὦ παῖ, τοῖς φίλοις τʼ εἶναι φίλον +τά τʼ ἐχθρὰ μισεῖν· ἀλλὰ μὴ ʼπείγου λίαν. + +Ἡρακλῆς +τί δʼ ἐστὶ τῶνδε θᾶσσον ἢ χρεών, πάτερ; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +πολλοὺς πένητας, ὀλβίους δὲ τῷ λόγῳ +δοκοῦντας εἶναι συμμάχους ἄναξ ἔχει, +οἳ στάσιν ἔθηκαν καὶ διώλεσαν πόλιν +ἐφʼ ἁρπαγαῖσι τῶν πέλας, τὰ δʼ ἐν δόμοις +δαπάναισι φροῦδα διαφυγόνθʼ ὑπʼ ἀργίας. +ὤφθης ἐσελθὼν πόλιν· ἐπεὶ δʼ ὤφθης, ὅρα +ἐχθροὺς ἀθροίσας μὴ παρὰ γνώμην πέσῃς. + +Ἡρακλῆς +μέλει μὲν οὐδὲν εἴ με πᾶσʼ εἶδεν πόλις· +ὄρνιν δʼ ἰδών τινʼ οὐκ ἐν αἰσίοις ἕδραις, +ἔγνων πόνον τινʼ ἐς δόμους πεπτωκότα· +ὥστʼ ἐκ προνοίας κρύφιος εἰσῆλθον χθόνα. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +καλῶς· παρελθὼν νῦν πρόσειπέ θʼ ἑστίαν +καὶ δὸς πατρῴοις δώμασιν σὸν ὄμμʼ ἰδεῖν. +ἥξει γὰρ αὐτὸς σὴν δάμαρτα καὶ τέκνα +ἕλξων φονεύσων κἄμʼ ἐπισφάξων ἄναξ· +μένοντι δʼ αὐτοῦ πάντα σοι γενήσεται +τῇ τʼ ἀσφαλείᾳ κερδανεῖς· πόλιν δὲ σὴν +μὴ πρὶν ταράξῃς πρὶν τόδʼ εὖ θέσθαι, τέκνον. + +Ἡρακλῆς +δράσω τάδʼ· εὖ γὰρ εἶπας· εἶμʼ ἔσω δόμων. +χρόνῳ δʼ ἀνελθὼν ἐξ ἀνηλίων μυχῶν +Ἅιδου Κόρης τʼ ἔνερθεν, οὐκ ἀτιμάσω +θεοὺς προσειπεῖν πρῶτα τοὺς κατὰ στέγας. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἦλθες γὰρ ὄντως δώματʼ εἰς Ἅιδου, τέκνον; + +Ἡρακλῆς +καὶ θῆρά γʼ ἐς φῶς τὸν τρίκρανον ἤγαγον. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +μάχῃ κρατήσας ἢ θεᾶς δωρήμασιν; + +Ἡρακλῆς +μάχῃ· τὰ μυστῶν δʼ ὄργιʼ εὐτύχησʼ ἰδών. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἦ καὶ κατʼ οἴκους ἐστὶν Εὐρυσθέως ὁ θήρ; + +Ἡρακλῆς +Χθονίας νιν ἄλσος Ἑρμιών τʼ ἔχει πόλις. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +οὐδʼ οἶδεν Εὐρυσθεύς σε γῆς ἥκοντʼ ἄνω; + +Ἡρακλῆς +οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἵνʼ ἐλθὼν τἀνθάδʼ εἰδείην πάρος. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +χρόνον δὲ πῶς τοσοῦτον ἦσθʼ ὑπὸ χθονί; + +Ἡρακλῆς +Θησέα κομίζων ἐχρόνισʼ ἐξ Ἅιδου, πάτερ. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +καὶ ποῦ ʼστιν; ἢ γῆς πατρίδος οἴχεται πέδον; + +Ἡρακλῆς +βέβηκʼ Ἀθήνας νέρθεν ἄσμενος φυγών. +ἀλλʼ εἶʼ, ὁμαρτεῖτʼ, ὦ τέκνʼ, ἐς δόμους πατρί· +καλλίονές τἄρʼ εἴσοδοι τῶν ἐξόδων +πάρεισιν ὑμῖν. ἀλλὰ θάρσος ἴσχετε +καὶ νάματʼ ὄσσων μηκέτʼ ἐξανίετε· +σύ τʼ, ὦ γύναι μοι, σύλλογον ψυχῆς λαβὲ +τρόμου τε παῦσαι, καὶ μέθεσθʼ ἐμῶν πέπλων· +οὐ γὰρ πτερωτὸς οὐδὲ φευξείω φίλους. +ἆ, +οἵδʼ οὐκ ἀφιᾶσʼ, ἀλλʼ ἀνάπτονται πέπλων +τοσῷδε μᾶλλον· ὧδʼ ἔβητʼ ἐπὶ ξυροῦ; +ἄξω λαβών γε τούσδʼ ἐφολκίδας χεροῖν, +ναῦς δʼ ὣς ἐφέλξω· καὶ γὰρ οὐκ ἀναίνομαι +θεράπευμα τέκνων. πάντα τἀνθρώπων ἴσα· +φιλοῦσι παῖδας οἵ τʼ ἀμείνονες βροτῶν +οἵ τʼ οὐδὲν ὄντες· χρήμασιν δὲ διάφοροι· +ἔχουσιν, οἳ δʼ οὔ· πᾶν δὲ φιλότεκνον γένος.
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+Χορός +ἁ νεότας μοι φίλον αἰ- +εί· τὸ δὲ γῆρας ἄχθος +βαρύτερον Αἴτνας σκοπέλων +ἐπὶ κρατὶ κεῖται, βλεφάρων +σκοτεινὸν φάος ἐπικαλύψαν. +μή μοι μήτʼ Ἀσιήτιδος +τυραννίδος ὄλβος εἴη, +μὴ χρυσοῦ δώματα πλήρη +τᾶς ἥβας ἀντιλαβεῖν, +ἃ καλλίστα μὲν ἐν ὄλβῳ, +καλλίστα δʼ ἐν πενίᾳ. +τὸ δὲ λυγρὸν φόνιόν τε γῆ- +ρας μισῶ· κατὰ κυμάτων δʼ +ἔρροι, μηδέ ποτʼ ὤφελεν +θνατῶν δώματα καὶ πόλεις +ἐλθεῖν, ἀλλὰ κατʼ αἰθέρʼ αἰ- +εὶ πτεροῖσι φορείσθω.
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+Χορός +εἰ δὲ θεοῖς ἦν ξύνεσις +καὶ σοφία κατʼ ἄνδρας, +δίδυμον ἂν ἥβαν ἔφερον +φανερὸν χαρακτῆρʼ ἀρετᾶς +ὅσοισιν μέτα, κατθανόντες τʼ +εἰς αὐγὰς πάλιν ἁλίου +δισσοὺς ἂν ἔβαν διαύλους, +ἁ δυσγένεια δʼ ἁπλοῦν ἂν +εἶχεν ζόας βίοτον, +καὶ τῷδʼ ἦν τούς τε κακοὺς ἂν +γνῶναι καὶ τοὺς ἀγαθούς, +ἴσον ἅτʼ ἐν νεφέλαισιν ἄ- +στρων ναύταις ἀριθμὸς πέλει. +νῦν δʼ οὐδεὶς ὅρος ἐκ θεῶν +χρηστοῖς οὐδὲ κακοῖς σαφής, +ἀλλʼ εἱλισσόμενός τις αἰ- +ὼν πλοῦτον μόνον αὔξει.
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+Χορός +οὐ παύσομαι τὰς Χάριτας +Μούσαις συγκαταμειγνύς, +ἁδίσταν συζυγίαν. +μὴ ζῴην μετʼ ἀμουσίας, +αἰεὶ δʼ ἐν στεφάνοισιν εἴ- +ην· ἔτι τοι γέρων ἀοι- +δὸς κελαδεῖ Μναμοσύναν· +ἔτι τὰν Ἡρακλέους +καλλίνικον ἀείδω +παρά τε Βρόμιον οἰνοδόταν +παρά τε χέλυος ἑπτατόνου +μολπὰν καὶ Λίβυν αὐλόν· +οὔπω καταπαύσομεν +Μούσας, αἵ μʼ ἐχόρευσαν.
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+Χορός +παιᾶνα μὲν Δηλιάδες +ὑμνοῦσʼ ἀμφὶ πύλας τὸν +Λατοῦς εὔπαιδα γόνον +εἱλίσσουσαι καλλίχορον· +παιᾶνας δʼ ἐπὶ σοῖς μελά- +θροις κύκνος ὣς γέρων ἀοι- +δὸς πολιᾶν ἐκ γενύων +κελαδήσω· τὸ γὰρ εὖ +τοῖς ὕμνοισιν ὑπάρχει· +Διὸς ὁ παῖς· τᾶς δʼ εὐγενίας +πλέον ὑπερβάλλων ἀρετᾷ +μοχθήσας τὸν ἄκυμον +θῆκεν βίοτον βροτοῖς +πέρσας δείματα θηρῶν.
+ + + +
+Λύκος +ἐς καιρὸν οἴκων Ἀμφιτρύων ἔξω περᾷ· +χρόνος γὰρ ἤδη δαρὸς ἐξ ὅτου πέπλοις +κοσμεῖσθε σῶμα καὶ νεκρῶν ἀγάλμασιν. +ἀλλʼ εἶα, παῖδας καὶ δάμαρθʼ Ἡρακλέους +ἔξω κέλευε τῶνδε φαίνεσθαι δόμων, +ἐφʼ οἷς ὑπέστητʼ αὐτεπάγγελτοι θανεῖν. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἄναξ, διώκεις μʼ ἀθλίως πεπραγότα +ὕβριν θʼ ὑβρίζεις ἐπὶ θανοῦσι τοῖς ἐμοῖς· +ἃ χρῆν σε μετρίως, κεἰ κρατεῖς, σπουδὴν ἔχειν. +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀνάγκην προστίθης ἡμῖν θανεῖν, +στέργειν ἀνάγκη· δραστέον δʼ ἃ σοὶ δοκεῖ. + +Λύκος +ποῦ δῆτα Μεγάρα; ποῦ τέκνʼ Ἀλκμήνης γόνου; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +δοκῶ μὲν αὐτήν, ὡς θύραθεν εἰκάσαι — + +Λύκος +τί χρῆμα δόξης; τοῦ δʼ ἔχεις τεκμήριον; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἱκέτιν πρὸς ἁγνοῖς Ἑστίας θάσσειν βάθροις + +Λύκος +ἀνόνητά γʼ ἱκετεύουσαν ἐκσῷσαι βίον. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +καὶ τὸν θανόντα γʼ ἀνακαλεῖν μάτην πόσιν. + +Λύκος +ὃ δʼ οὐ πάρεστιν οὐδὲ μὴ μόλῃ ποτέ. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +οὔκ, εἴ γε μή τις θεῶν ἀναστήσειέ νιν. + +Λύκος +χώρει πρὸς αὐτὴν κἀκκόμιζε δωμάτων. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +μέτοχος ἂν εἴην τοῦ φόνου δράσας τόδε. + +Λύκος +ἡμεῖς, ἐπειδὴ σοὶ τόδʼ ἔστʼ ἐνθύμιον, +οἱ δειμάτων ἔξωθεν ἐκπορεύσομεν +σὺν μητρὶ παῖδας. δεῦρʼ ἕπεσθε, πρόσπολοι, +ὡς ἂν σχολὴν λύσωμεν ἄσμενοι πόνων. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +σὺ δʼ οὖν ἴθʼ, ἔρχῃ δʼ οἷ χρεών· τὰ δʼ ἄλλʼ ἴσως +ἄλλῳ μελήσει. προσδόκα δὲ δρῶν κακῶς +κακόν τι πράξειν. ὦ γέροντες, ἐς καλὸν +στείχει, βρόχοισι δʼ ἀρκύων γενήσεται +ξιφηφόροισι, τοὺς πέλας δοκῶν κτενεῖν +ὁ παγκάκιστος. εἶμι δʼ, ὡς ἴδω νεκρὸν +πίπτοντʼ· ἔχει γὰρ ἡδονὰς θνῄσκων ἀνὴρ +ἐχθρὸς τίνων τε τῶν δεδραμένων δίκην.
+ +
+
+Χορός +—μεταβολὰ κακῶν· μέγας ὁ πρόσθʼ ἄναξ +πάλιν ὑποστρέφει βίοτον ἐξ Ἅιδα. +ἰώ· +δίκα καὶ θεῶν παλίρρους πότμος. +—ἦλθες χρόνῳ μὲν οὗ δίκην δώσεις θανών, +ὕβρεις ὑβρίζων εἰς ἀμείνονας σέθεν. +—χαρμοναὶ δακρύων ἔδοσαν ἐκβολάς· +πάλιν ἔμολεν — +ἃ πάρος οὔποτε διὰ φρενὸς ἤλπισʼ ἂν +παθεῖν — γᾶς ἄναξ. +—ἀλλʼ, ὦ γεραιοί, καὶ τὰ δωμάτων ἔσω +σκοπῶμεν, εἰ πράσσει τις ὡς ἐγὼ θέλω. + +Λύκος +ἰώ μοί μοι.
+ +
+Χορός +—τόδε κατάρχεται μέλος ἐμοὶ κλύειν +φίλιον ἐν δόμοις· θάνατος οὐ πόρσω. +>βοᾷ +φόνου φροίμιον στενάζων ἄναξ. + +Λύκος +ὦ πᾶσα Κάδμου γαῖʼ, ἀπόλλυμαι δόλῳ. + +Χορός +—καὶ γὰρ διώλλυς· ἀντίποινα δʼ ἐκτίνων +τόλμα, διδούς γε τῶν δεδραμένων δίκην. +—τίς ὁ θεοὺς ἀνομίᾳ χραίνων, θνητὸς ὤν, +ἄφρονα λόγον +οὐρανίων μακάρων κατέβαλʼ, ὡς ἄρʼ οὐ +σθένουσιν θεοί; +— γέροντες, οὐκέτʼ ἔστι δυσσεβὴς ἀνήρ. +— σιγᾷ μέλαθρα· πρὸς χοροὺς τραπώμεθα. +— φίλοι γὰρ εὐτυχοῦσιν οὓς ἐγὼ θέλω.
+ + +
+Χορός +—χοροὶ χοροὶ +καὶ θαλίαι μέλουσι Θή- +βας ἱερὸν κατʼ ἄστυ. +μεταλλαγαὶ γὰρ δακρύων, +μεταλλαγαὶ συντυχίας + νέας ἔτεκον ἀοιδάς. +βέβακʼ ἄναξ ὁ καινός, ὁ δὲ παλαίτερος +κρατεῖ, λιμένα λιπών γε τὸν Ἀχερόντιον. +δοκημάτων +ἐκτὸς ἦλθεν ἐλπίς.
+ + + +
+Χορός +θεοὶ θεοὶ +τῶν ἀδίκων μέλουσι καὶ +τῶν ὁσίων ἐπᾴειν. +ὁ χρυσὸς ἅ τʼ εὐτυχία +φρενῶν βροτοὺς ἐξάγεται, +δύνασιν ἄδικον ἐφέλκων. +Χρόνου γὰρ οὔτις τὸ πάλιν εἰσορᾶν ἔτλα· +νόμον παρέμενος, ἀνομίᾳ χάριν διδοὺς +ἔθραυσεν ὄλ- +βου κελαινὸν ἅρμα.
+ + +
+Χορός +Ἰσμήνʼ ὦ στεφαναφόρει, +ξεσταί θʼ ἑπταπύλου πόλεως +ἀναχορεύσατʼ ἀγυιαί, +Δίρκα θʼ ἁ καλλιρρέεθρος, +σύν τʼ Ἀσωπιάδες κόραι, +πατρὸς ὕδωρ βᾶτε λιποῦσαι συναοιδοί, +Νύμφαι, τὸν Ἡρακλέους +καλλίνικον ἀγῶνα. +Πυθίου δενδρῶτι πέτρα +Μουσῶν θʼ Ἑλικωνιάδων +δώματʼ, ὤ, +ἥξετʼ εὐγαθεῖ κελάδῳ +ἐμὰν πόλιν, ἐμὰ τείχη, +Σπαρτῶν ἵνα γένος ἔφανε +χαλκασπίδων λόχος, ὃς γᾶν +τέκνων τέκνοις μεταμείβει, +Θήβαις ἱερὸν φῶς.
+ + +
+Χορός +ὦ λέκτρων δύο συγγενεῖς +εὐναί, θνατογενοῦς τε καὶ +Διός, ὃς ἦλθεν ἐς εὐνὰν +Νύμφας τᾶς Περσηίδος· ὡς +πιστόν μοι τὸ παλαιὸν ἤ- +δη λέχος, ὦ Ζεῦ, σὸν ἐπʼ οὐκ ἐλπίδι φάνθη, +λαμπρὰν δʼ ἔδειξʼ ὁ χρόνος +τὰν Ἡρακλέος ἀλκάν· +γᾶς ὃς ἐξέβα θαλάμων +Πλούτωνος δῶμα λιπὼν +νέρτερον. +κρείσσων μοι τύραννος ἔφυς +ἢ δυσγένειʼ ἀνάκτων, +ἃ νῦν ἐσορᾶν ἔφανε +ξιφηφόρων ἐς ἀγώνων +ἅμιλλαν, εἰ τὸ δίκαιον +θεοῖς ἔτʼ ἀρέσκει.
+ + +
+Χορός +— ἔα ἔα· +ἆρʼ ἐς τὸν αὐτὸν πίτυλον ἥκομεν φόβου, +γέροντες, οἷον φάσμʼ ὑπὲρ δόμων ὁρῶ; +— φυγῇ φυγῇ +νωθὲς πέδαιρε κῶλον, ἐκποδὼν ἔλα. +— ὦναξ Παιάν, +ἀπότροπος γένοιό μοι πημάτων. + +Ἶρις +θαρσεῖτε Νυκτὸς τήνδʼ ὁρῶντες ἔκγονον +Λύσσαν, γέροντες, κἀμὲ τὴν θεῶν λάτριν +Ἶριν· πόλει γὰρ οὐδὲν ἥκομεν βλάβος, +ἑνὸς δʼ ἐπʼ ἀνδρὸς σῶμα συστρατεύομεν, +ὅν φασιν εἶναι Ζηνὸς Ἀλκμήνης τʼ ἄπο. +πρὶν μὲν γὰρ ἄθλους ἐκτελευτῆσαι πικρούς, +τὸ χρή νιν ἐξέσῳζεν, οὐδʼ εἴα πατὴρ +Ζεύς νιν κακῶς δρᾶν οὔτʼ ἔμʼ οὔθʼ Ἥραν ποτέ· +ἐπεὶ δὲ μόχθους διεπέρασʼ Εὐρυσθέως, +Ἥρα προσάψαι καινὸν αἷμʼ αὐτῷ θέλει +παῖδας κατακτείναντι, συνθέλω δʼ ἐγώ. +ἀλλʼ εἶʼ, ἄτεγκτον συλλαβοῦσα καρδίαν, +Νυκτὸς κελαινῆς ἀνυμέναιε παρθένε, +μανίας τʼ ἐπʼ ἀνδρὶ τῷδε καὶ παιδοκτόνους +φρενῶν ταραγμοὺς καὶ ποδῶν σκιρτήματα +ἔλαυνε, κίνει, φόνιον ἐξίει κάλων, +ὡς ἂν πορεύσας διʼ Ἀχερούσιον πόρον +τὸν καλλίπαιδα στέφανον αὐθέντῃ φόνῳ +γνῷ μὲν τὸν Ἥρας οἷός ἐστʼ αὐτῷ χόλος, +μάθῃ δὲ τὸν ἐμόν· ἢ θεοὶ μὲν οὐδαμοῦ, +τὰ θνητὰ δʼ ἔσται μεγάλα, μὴ δόντος δίκην. + +Λύσσα +ἐξ εὐγενοῦς μὲν πατρὸς ἔκ τε μητέρος +πέφυκα, Νυκτὸς Οὐρανοῦ τʼ ἀφʼ αἵματος· +τιμάς τʼ ἔχω τάσδʼ οὐκ ἀγασθῆναι φίλοις +οὐδʼ ἥδομαι φοιτῶσʼ ἐπʼ ἀνθρώπων φίλους, +παραινέσαι δέ, πρὶν σφαλεῖσαν εἰσιδεῖν, +Ἥρᾳ θέλω σοί τʼ, ἢν πίθησθʼ ἐμοῖς λόγοις. +ἀνὴρ ὅδʼ οὐκ ἄσημος οὔτʼ ἐπὶ χθονὶ +οὔτʼ ἐν θεοῖσιν, οὗ σύ μʼ ἐσπέμπεις δόμους· +ἄβατον δὲ χώραν καὶ θάλασσαν ἀγρίαν +ἐξημερώσας, θεῶν ἀνέστησεν μόνος +τιμὰς πιτνούσας ἀνοσίων ἀνδρῶν ὕπο· + +σοί τʼ οὐ παραινῶ μεγάλα βούλεσθαι κακά. + +
+Ἶρις +μὴ σὺ νουθέτει τά θʼ Ἥρας κἀμὰ μηχανήματα.
+ +
+Λύσσα +ἐς τὸ λῷον ἐμβιβάζω σʼ ἴχνος ἀντὶ τοῦ κακοῦ.
+ +
+Ἶρις +οὐχὶ σωφρονεῖν γʼ ἔπεμψε δεῦρό σʼ ἡ Διὸς δάμαρ.
+ +
+Λύσσα +Ἥλιον μαρτυρόμεσθα δρῶσʼ ἃ δρᾶν οὐ βούλομαι. +εἰ δὲ δή μʼ Ἥρᾳ θʼ ὑπουργεῖν σοί τʼ ἀναγκαίως ἔχει +τάχος ἐπιρροίβδην θʼ ὁμαρτεῖν ὡς κυνηγέτῃ κύνας, +εἶμί γʼ· οὔτε πόντος οὕτως κύμασιν στένων λάβρως +οὔτε γῆς σεισμὸς κεραυνοῦ τʼ οἶστρος ὠδῖνας πνέων, +οἷʼ ἐγὼ στάδια δραμοῦμαι στέρνον εἰς Ἡρακλέους· +καὶ καταρρήξω μέλαθρα καὶ δόμους ἐπεμβαλῶ, +τέκνʼ ἀποκτείνασα πρῶτον· ὁ δὲ κανὼν οὐκ εἴσεται +παῖδας οὓς ἔτικτʼ ἐναίρων, πρὶν ἂν ἐμὰς λύσσας ἀφῇ. +ἢν ἰδού· καὶ δὴ τινάσσει κρᾶτα βαλβίδων ἄπο +καὶ διαστρόφους ἑλίσσει σῖγα γοργωποὺς κόρας. +ἀμπνοὰς δʼ οὐ σωφρονίζει, ταῦρος ὣς ἐς ἐμβολὴν +δεινός· μυκᾶται δὲ Κῆρας ἀνακαλῶν τὰς Ταρτάρου. +τάχα σʼ ἐγὼ μᾶλλον χορεύσω καὶ καταυλήσω φόβῳ. +στεῖχʼ ἐς Οὔλυμπον πεδαίρουσʼ, Ἶρι, γενναῖον πόδα· +ἐς δόμους δʼ ἡμεῖς ἄφαντοι δυσόμεσθʼ Ἡρακλέους.
+ +
+
+Χορός +—ὀτοτοτοτοτοῖ, στέναξον· ἀποκείρεται +σὸν ἄνθος πόλεος, ὁ Διὸς ἔκγονος· +μέλεος Ἑλλάς, ἃ τὸν εὐεργέταν +ἀποβαλεῖς, ὀλεῖς μανίαισιν Λύσσας +χορευθέντʼ ἐναύλοις. +—βέβακεν ἐν δίφροισιν ἁ πολύστονος, +ἅρμασι δʼ ἐνδίδωσι +κέντρον ὡς ἐπὶ λώβᾳ +Νυκτὸς Γοργὼν ἑκατογκεφάλοις +ὄφεων ἰαχήμασι, Λύσσα μαρμαρωπός. +—ταχὺ τὸν εὐτυχῆ μετέβαλεν δαίμων, +ταχὺ δὲ πρὸς πατρὸς τέκνʼ ἐκπνεύσεται.
+ +
+Ἀμφιτρύων +ἰώ μοι μέλεος.
+ +
+Χορός +—ἰὼ Ζεῦ, τὸ σὸν γένος ἄγονον αὐτίκα +λυσσάδες ὠμοβρῶτες ἄδικοι Ποιναὶ +κακοῖσιν ἐκπετάσουσιν.
+ +
+Ἀμφιτρύων +ἰὼ στέγαι.
+ +
+Χορός +—κατάρχεται χόρευμα τυμπάνων ἄτερ, +οὐ βρομίῳ κεχαρισμένα θύρσῳ
+ +
+Ἀμφιτρύων +ἰὼ δόμοι.
+ +
+Χορός +πρὸς αἵματʼ, οὐχὶ τᾶς Διονυσιάδος +βοτρύων ἐπὶ χεύμασι λοιβᾶς.
+ +
+Ἀμφιτρύων +φυγῇ, τέκνʼ, ἐξορμᾶτε.
+ +
+Χορός +—δάιον τόδε +δάιον μέλος ἐπαυλεῖται. +κυναγετεῖ τέκνων διωγμόν· οὔποτʼ ἄκραντα δόμοισι +Λύσσα βακχεύσει.
+ +
+Ἀμφιτρύων +αἰαῖ κακῶν.
+ +
+Χορός +—αἰαῖ δῆτα τὸν γεραιὸν ὡς στένω +πατέρα τάν τε παιδοτρόφον, μάταν +τέκεα γεννᾶται. +—ἰδοὺ ἰδού, +θύελλα σείει δῶμα, συμπίπτει στέγη.
+ +
+Ἡρακλῆς +ἢ ἤ· τί δρᾷς, ὦ Διὸς παῖ, μελάθρῳ; +τάραγμα ταρτάρειον, ὡς ἐπʼ Ἐγκελάδῳ ποτέ, Παλλάς, +ἐς δόμους πέμπεις.
+ +
+
+Ἄγγελος +ὦ λευκὰ γήρᾳ σώματʼ + +Χορός +ἀνακαλεῖς με τίνα +βοάν; + +Ἄγγελος +ἄλαστα τἀν δόμοισι.
+ +
+ Χορός +μάντιν οὐχ +ἕτερον ἄξομαι. + +Ἄγγελος +τεθνᾶσι παῖδες.
+ +
+Χορός +αἰαῖ. + +Ἄγγελος +στενάζεθʼ, ὡς στενακτά.
+ +
+Χορός +δάιοι φόνοι, +δάιοι δὲ τοκέων χέρες· ὤ. + +Ἄγγελος +οὐκ ἄν τις εἴποι μᾶλλον ἢ πεπόνθαμεν.
+ +
+Χορός +πῶς παισὶ στενακτὰν ἄταν ἄταν +πατέρος ἀμφαίνεις; +λέγε, τίνα τρόπον ἔσυτο θεόθεν ἐπὶ +μέλαθρα κακὰ τάδε, +τλήμονάς τε παίδων τύχας; + +Ἄγγελος +ἱερὰ μὲν ἦν πάροιθεν ἐσχάρας Διὸς +καθάρσιʼ οἴκων, γῆς ἄνακτʼ ἐπεὶ κτανὼν +ἐξέβαλε τῶνδε δωμάτων Ἡρακλέης· +χορὸς δὲ καλλίμορφος εἱστήκει τέκνων +πατήρ τε Μεγάρα τʼ· ἐν κύκλῳ δʼ ἤδη κανοῦν +εἵλικτο βωμοῦ, φθέγμα δʼ ὅσιον εἴχομεν. +μέλλων δὲ δαλὸν χειρὶ δεξιᾷ φέρειν, +ἐς χέρνιβʼ ὡς βάψειεν, Ἀλκμήνης τόκος +ἔστη σιωπῇ. καὶ χρονίζοντος πατρὸς +παῖδες προσέσχον ὄμμʼ· ὁ δʼ οὐκέθʼ αὑτὸς ἦν, +ἀλλʼ ἐν στροφαῖσιν ὀμμάτων ἐφθαρμένος +ῥίζας τʼ ἐν ὄσσοις αἱματῶπας ἐκβαλὼν +ἀφρὸν κατέσταζʼ εὐτρίχου γενειάδος. +ἔλεξε δʼ ἅμα γέλωτι παραπεπληγμένῳ· +Πάτερ, τί θύω πρὶν κτανεῖν Εὐρυσθέα +καθάρσιον πῦρ, καὶ πόνους διπλοῦς ἔχω; +ἔργον μιᾶς μοι χειρὸς εὖ θέσθαι τάδε· +ὅταν δʼ ἐνέγκω δεῦρο κρᾶτʼ Εὐρυσθέως, +ἐπὶ τοῖσι νῦν θανοῦσιν ἁγνιῶ χέρας. +ἐκχεῖτε πηγάς, ῥίπτετʼ ἐκ χειρῶν κανᾶ. +τίς μοι δίδωσι τόξα; τίς δʼ ὅπλον χερός; +πρὸς τὰς Μυκήνας εἶμι· λάζυσθαι χρεὼν +μοχλοὺς δικέλλας θʼ, ὥστε Κυκλώπων βάθρα +φοίνικι κανόνι καὶ τύκοις ἡρμοσμένα +στρεπτῷ σιδήρῳ συντριαινῶσαι πάλιν. +αὐτοῦ δὲ βαίνων ἅρματʼ οὐκ ἔχων ἔχειν +ἔφασκε, δίφρου δʼ εἰσέβαινεν ἄντυγας +κἄθεινε, κέντρον δῆθεν ὡς ἔχων, χερί. +διπλοῦς δʼ ὀπαδοῖς ἦν γέλως φόβος θʼ ὁμοῦ. +καί τις τόδʼ εἶπεν, ἄλλος εἰς ἄλλον δρακών· +Παίζει πρὸς ἡμᾶς δεσπότης ἢ μαίνεται; +ὁ δʼ εἷρπʼ ἄνω τε καὶ κάτω κατὰ στέγας, +μέσον δʼ ἐς ἀνδρῶνʼ ἐσπεσὼν Νίσου πόλιν +ἥκειν ἔφασκε· δωμάτων τʼ ἔσω βεβώς, +κλιθεὶς ἐς οὖδας, ὡς ἔχει, σκευάζεται +θοίνην. διελθὼν δʼ ὡς βραχὺν χρόνον μονῆς +Ἰσθμοῦ ναπαίας ἔλεγε προσβαίνειν πλάκας. +κἀνταῦθα γυμνὸν σῶμα θεὶς πορπαμάτων, +πρὸς οὐδένʼ ἡμιλλᾶτο κἀκηρύσσετο +αὐτὸς πρὸς αὑτοῦ καλλίνικος οὐδενός, +ἀκοὴν ὑπειπών. δεινὰ δʼ Εὐρυσθεῖ βρέμων +ἦν ἐν Μυκήναις τῷ λόγῳ. πατὴρ δέ νιν +θιγὼν κραταιᾶς χειρὸς ἐννέπει τάδε· +Ὦ παῖ, τί πάσχεις; τίς ὁ τρόπος ξενώσεως +τῆσδʼ; οὔ τί που φόνος σʼ ἐβάκχευσεν νεκρῶν, +οὓς ἄρτι καίνεις; ὁ δέ νιν Εὐρυσθέως δοκῶν +πατέρα προταρβοῦνθʼ ἱκέσιον ψαύειν χερός, +ὠθεῖ, φαρέτραν δʼ εὐτρεπῆ σκευάζεται +καὶ τόξʼ ἑαυτοῦ παισί, τοὺς Εὐρυσθέως +δοκῶν φονεύειν. οἳ δὲ ταρβοῦντες φόβῳ +ὤρουον ἄλλος ἄλλοσʼ, ἐς πέπλους ὁ μὲν +μητρὸς ταλαίνης, ὁ δʼ ὑπὸ κίονος σκιάν, +ἄλλος δὲ βωμὸν ὄρνις ὣς ἔπτηξʼ ὕπο. +βοᾷ δὲ μήτηρ· Ὦ τεκών, τί δρᾷς; τέκνα +κτείνεις; βοᾷ δὲ πρέσβυς οἰκετῶν τʼ ὄχλος. +ὁ δʼ ἐξελίσσων παῖδα κίονος κύκλῳ, +τόρνευμα δεινὸν ποδός, ἐναντίον σταθεὶς +βάλλει πρὸς ἧπαρ· ὕπτιος δὲ λαΐνους +ὀρθοστάτας ἔδευσεν ἐκπνέων βίον. +ὁ δʼ ἠλάλαξε κἀπεκόμπασεν τάδε· +Εἷς μὲν νεοσσὸς ὅδε θανὼν Εὐρυσθέως +ἔχθραν πατρῴαν ἐκτίνων πέπτωκέ μοι. +ἄλλῳ δʼ ἐπεῖχε τόξʼ, ὃς ἀμφὶ βωμίαν +ἔπτηξε κρηπῖδʼ ὡς λεληθέναι δοκῶν. +φθάνει δʼ ὁ τλήμων γόνασι προσπεσὼν πατρός, +καὶ πρὸς γένειον χεῖρα καὶ δέρην βαλών, +Ὦ φίλτατʼ, αὐδᾷ, μή μʼ ἀποκτείνῃς, πάτερ· +σός εἰμι, σὸς παῖς· οὐ τὸν Εὐρυσθέως ὀλεῖς. +ὁ δʼ ἀγριωπὸν ὄμμα Γοργόνος στρέφων, +ὡς ἐντὸς ἔστη παῖς λυγροῦ τοξεύματος, +μυδροκτύπον μίμημʼ, ὑπὲρ κάρα βαλὼν +ξύλον καθῆκε παιδὸς ἐς ξανθὸν κάρα, +ἔρρηξε δʼ ὀστᾶ. δεύτερον δὲ παῖδʼ ἑλών, +χωρεῖ τρίτον θῦμʼ ὡς ἐπισφάξων δυοῖν. +ἀλλὰ φθάνει νιν ἡ τάλαινʼ ἔσω δόμων +μήτηρ ὑπεκλαβοῦσα, καὶ κλῄει πύλας. +ὁ δʼ ὡς ἐπʼ αὐτοῖς δὴ Κυκλωπίοισιν ὢν +σκάπτει μοχλεύει θύρετρα, κἀκβαλὼν σταθμὰ +δάμαρτα καὶ παῖδʼ ἑνὶ κατέστρωσεν βέλει. +κἀνθένδε πρὸς γέροντος ἱππεύει φόνον· +ἀλλʼ ἦλθεν εἰκών, ὡς ὁρᾶν ἐφαίνετο, +Παλλὰς κραδαίνουσʼ ἔγχος ἐπὶ λόφῳ κέαρ, +κἄρριψε πέτρον στέρνον εἰς Ἡρακλέους, +ὅς νιν φόνου μαργῶντος ἔσχε, κεἰς ὕπνον +καθῆκε· πίτνει δʼ ἐς πέδον, πρὸς κίονα +νῶτον πατάξας, ὃς πεσήμασι στέγης +διχορραγὴς ἔκειτο κρηπίδων ἔπι. +ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐλευθεροῦντες ἐκ δρασμῶν πόδα +σὺν τῷ γέροντι δεσμὰ σειραίων βρόχων +ἀνήπτομεν πρὸς κίονʼ, ὡς λήξας ὕπνου +μηδὲν προσεργάσαιτο τοῖς δεδραμένοις. +εὕδει δʼ ὁ τλήμων ὕπνον οὐκ εὐδαίμονα, +παῖδας φονεύσας καὶ δάμαρτʼ. ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν +οὐκ οἶδα θνητῶν ὅστις ἀθλιώτερος.
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+Χορός +—ὁ φόνος ἦν ὃν Ἀργολὶς ἔχει πέτρα +τότε μὲν περισαμότατος καὶ ἄπιστος Ἑλλάδι +τῶν Δαναοῦ παίδων· τάδε δʼ ὑπερέβαλε, παρ- +έδραμε τὰ τότε κακὰ τάλανι διογενεῖ κόρῳ. +—μονοτέκνου Πρόκνης φόνον ἔχω λέξαι +θυόμενον Μούσαις· σὺ δὲ τέκνα τρίγονʼ, ὦ +δάιε, τεκόμενος, λυσσάδι συγκατειργάσω μοίρᾳ. +—αἰαῖ, τίνα στεναγμὸν +ἢ γόον ἢ φθιτῶν +ᾠδάν, ἢ τὸν Ἅιδα χορὸν ἀχήσω; +—φεῦ φεῦ· +ἴδεσθε, διάνδιχα κλῇθρα +κλίνεται ὑψιπύλων δόμων. +—ἰώ μοι· +ἴδεσθε δὲ τέκνα πρὸ πατρὸς +ἄθλια κείμενα δυστάνου, +εὕδοντος ὕπνον δεινὸν ἐκ παίδων φόνου. +—περὶ δὲ δεσμὰ καὶ πολύβροχʼ ἁμμάτων +ἐρείσμαθʼ Ἡράκλειον +ἀμφὶ δέμας τάδε λαΐνοις +ἀνημμένα κίοσιν οἴκων.
- - ὑπνώδεά τʼ εὐνᾶς - - ἐγείρετε. - οἴμοι. - -
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- - φόνος ὅσος ὅδʼ - - - ἆ ἆ, - - - διά μʼ ὀλεῖτε. - κεχυμένος ἐπαντέλλει. - -
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- - οὐκ ἀτρεμαῖα θρῆνον αἰ- - - - άξετʼ, ὦ γέροντες; - - - ἢ δέσμʼ ἀνεγειρόμενος χαλάσας ἀπολεῖ πόλιν, - - - ἀπὸ δὲ πατέρα, μέλαθρά τε καταράξει. - -
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- - ἀδύνατʼ ἀδύνατά μοι. - -
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- - σῖγα, πνοὰς μάθω· - - - φέρε πρὸς οὖς βάλω. - - εὕδει; - - ναί, εὕδει - - - - ὕπνον γʼ ἄυπνον ὀλόμενον, ὃς ἔκανεν ἄλοχον, - - - ἔκανε δὲ τέκεα, τοξήρει ψαλμῷ τοξεύσας. - -
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- - στέναζέ νυν — - - στενάζω. - -
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- - τέκνων ὄλεθρον — - - ὤμοι. - -
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- - σέθεν τε παιδὸς — - - αἰαῖ. - -
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- - ὦ πρέσβυ - - - σῖγα σῖγα· - - - παλίντροπος ἐξεγειρόμενος στρέφεται· φέρε, - - - ἀπόκρυφον δέμας ὑπὸ μέλαθρον κρύψω. - -
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- - θάρσει· νὺξ ἔχει βλέφαρα παιδὶ σῷ. - -
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- - ὁρᾶθʼ ὁρᾶτε. τὸ φάος ἐκ- - - - λιπεῖν μὲν ἐπὶ κακοῖσιν οὐ - - - φεύγω τάλας, ἀλλʼ εἴ με κανεῖ πατέρʼ ὄντα, - - - πρὸς δὲ κακοῖς κακὰ μήσεται - - - πρὸς Ἐρινύσι θʼ αἷμα σύγγονον ἕξει. - -
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- - τότε θανεῖν σʼ ἐχρῆν, ὅτε δάμαρτι σᾷ - - - φόνον ὁμοσπόρων ἔμολες ἐκπράξας - - - Ταφίων περίκλυστον ἄστυ πέρσας. - -
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- - φυγὰν φυγάν, γέροντες, ἀποπρὸ δωμάτων - - - διώκετε· φεύγετε μάργον - - - ἄνδρʼ ἐπεγειρόμενον. - - - - τάχα φόνον ἕτερον ἐπὶ φόνῳ βαλὼν - - - ἀνʼ αὖ βακχεύσει Καδμείων πόλιν. - - - ὦ Ζεῦ, τί παῖδʼ ἤχθηρας ὧδʼ ὑπερκότως - - - τὸν σόν, κακῶν δὲ πέλαγος ἐς τόδʼ ἤγαγες; - - - ἔα· - - - ἔμπνους μέν εἰμι καὶ δέδορχʼ ἅπερ με δεῖ, - - - αἰθέρα τε καὶ γῆν τόξα θʼ Ἡλίου τάδε - - - - ὡς ἐν κλύδωνι καὶ φρενῶν ταράγματι - - - πέπτωκα δεινῷ καὶ πνοὰς θερμὰς πνέω - - - μετάρσιʼ, οὐ βέβαια, πνευμόνων ἄπο. - - - ἰδού, τί δεσμοῖς ναῦς ὅπως ὡρμισμένος - - - νεανίαν θώρακα καὶ βραχίονα, - - - πρὸς ἡμιθραύστῳ λαΐνῳ τυκίσματι - - - ἧμαι, νεκροῖσι γείτονας θάκους ἔχων; - - - πτερωτά τʼ ἔγχη· τόξα δʼ ἔσπαρται πέδῳ, - - - ἃ πρὶν παρασπίζοντʼ ἐμοῖς βραχίοσιν - - - ἔσῳζε πλευρὰς ἐξ ἐμοῦ τʼ ἐσῴζετο. - - - οὔ που κατῆλθον αὖθις εἰς Ἅιδου πάλιν, - - - Εὐρυσθέως δίαυλον; εἰς Ἅιδου; πόθεν; - - - ἀλλʼ οὔτε Σισύφειον εἰσορῶ πέτρον - - - Πλούτωνά τʼ, οὐδὲ σκῆπτρα Δήμητρος κόρης. - - - ἔκ τοι πέπληγμαι· ποῦ ποτʼ ὢν ἀμηχανῶ; - - - ὠή, τίς ἐγγὺς ἢ πρόσω φίλων ἐμῶν, - - - δύσγνοιαν ὅστις τὴν ἐμὴν ἰάσεται; - - - σαφῶς γὰρ οὐδὲν οἶδα τῶν εἰωθότων. - - - γέροντες, ἔλθω τῶν ἐμῶν κακῶν πέλας; - - - κἀγώ γε σὺν σοί, μὴ προδοὺς τὰς συμφοράς. - - - πάτερ, τί κλαίεις καὶ συναμπίσχῃ κόρας, - - - τοῦ φιλτάτου σοι τηλόθεν παιδὸς βεβώς; - - - ὦ τέκνον· εἶ γὰρ καὶ κακῶς πράσσων ἐμός. - - - πράσσω δʼ ἐγὼ τί λυπρόν, οὗ δακρυρροεῖς; - - - ἃ κἂν θεῶν τις, εἰ μάθοι, καταστένοι. - - - μέγας γʼ ὁ κόμπος, τὴν τύχην δʼ οὔπω λέγεις. - - - ὁρᾷς γὰρ αὐτός, εἰ φρονῶν ἤδη κυρεῖς. - - - εἴπʼ, εἴ τι καινὸν ὑπογράφῃ τὠμῷ βίῳ. - - - εἰ μηκέθʼ Ἅιδου βάκχος εἶ, φράσαιμεν ἄν. - - - παπαῖ, τόδʼ ὡς ὕποπτον ᾐνίξω πάλιν. - - - καί σʼ εἰ βεβαίως εὖ φρονεῖς ἤδη σκοπῶ. - - - οὐ γάρ τι βακχεύσας γε μέμνημαι φρένας. - - - λύσω, γέροντες, δεσμὰ παιδός; ἢ τί δρῶ; - - - καὶ τόν γε δήσαντʼ εἴπʼ· ἀναινόμεσθα γάρ. - - - τοσοῦτον ἴσθι τῶν κακῶν· τὰ δʼ ἄλλʼ ἔα. - - - ἀρκεῖ σιωπὴ γὰρ μαθεῖν ὃ βούλομαι; - - - ὦ Ζεῦ, παρʼ Ἥρας ἆρʼ ὁρᾷς θρόνων τάδε; - - - ἀλλʼ ἦ τι κεῖθεν πολέμιον πεπόνθαμεν; - - - τὴν θεὸν ἐάσας τὰ σὰ περιστέλλου κακά. - - - ἀπωλόμεσθα· συμφορὰν λέξεις τινά. - - - ἰδού, θέασαι τάδε τέκνων πεσήματα. - - - οἴμοι· τίνʼ ὄψιν τήνδε δέρκομαι τάλας; - - - ἀπόλεμον, ὦ παῖ, πόλεμον ἔσπευσας τέκνοις. - - - τί πόλεμον εἶπας; τούσδε τίς διώλεσε; - - - σὺ καὶ σὰ τόξα καὶ θεῶν ὃς αἴτιος. - - - τί φῄς; τί δράσας; ὦ κάκʼ ἀγγέλλων πάτερ. - - - μανείς· ἐρωτᾷς δʼ ἄθλιʼ ἑρμηνεύματα. - - - ἦ καὶ δάμαρτός εἰμʼ ἐγὼ φονεὺς ἐμῆς; - - - μιᾶς ἅπαντα χειρὸς ἔργα σῆς τάδε. - - - αἰαῖ· στεναγμῶν γάρ με περιβάλλει νέφος. - - - τούτων ἕκατι σὰς καταστένω τύχας. - - - † ἦ γὰρ συνήραξʼ οἶκον ἢ βάκχευσʼ ἐμόν; † - - - οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν· πάντα δυστυχεῖ τὰ σά. - - - ποῦ δʼ οἶστρος ἡμᾶς ἔλαβε; ποῦ διώλεσεν; - - - ὅτʼ ἀμφὶ βωμὸν χεῖρας ἡγνίζου πυρί. - - - οἴμοι· τί δῆτα φείδομαι ψυχῆς ἐμῆς - - - τῶν φιλτάτων μοι γενόμενος παίδων φονεύς; - - - κοὐκ εἶμι πέτρας λισσάδος πρὸς ἅλματα - - - ἢ φάσγανον πρὸς ἧπαρ ἐξακοντίσας - - - τέκνοις δικαστὴς αἵματος γενήσομαι; - - - ἢ σάρκα τὴν ἔμηνεν ἐμπρήσας πυρί, - - - δύσκλειαν ἣ μένει μʼ ἀπώσομαι βίου; - - - ἀλλʼ ἐμποδών μοι θανασίμων βουλευμάτων - - - Θησεὺς ὅδʼ ἕρπει συγγενὴς φίλος τʼ ἐμός. - - - ὀφθησόμεσθα, καὶ τεκνοκτόνον μύσος - - - ἐς ὄμμαθʼ ἥξει φιλτάτῳ ξένων ἐμῶν. - - - οἴμοι, τί δράσω; ποῖ κακῶν ἐρημίαν - - - εὕρω, πτερωτὸς ἢ κατὰ χθονὸς μολών; - - - † φέρʼ ἄν τι † κρατὶ περιβάλω - σκότον. - - - αἰσχύνομαι γὰρ τοῖς δεδραμένοις κακοῖς· - - - καὶ τῶνδε προστρόπαιον αἷμα προσλαβὼν - - - οὐδὲν κακῶσαι τοὺς ἀναιτίους θέλω. - - - ἥκω σὺν ἄλλοις, οἳ παρʼ Ἀσωποῦ ῥοὰς - - - μένουσιν, ἔνοπλοι γῆς Ἀθηναίων κόροι, - - - σῷ παιδί, πρέσβυ, σύμμαχον φέρων δόρυ. - - - κληδὼν γὰρ ἦλθεν εἰς Ἐρεχθειδῶν πόλιν - - - ὡς σκῆπτρα χώρας τῆσδʼ ἀναρπάσας Λύκος - - - ἐς πόλεμον ὑμῖν καὶ μάχην καθίσταται. - - - τίνων δʼ ἀμοιβὰς ὧν ὑπῆρξεν Ἡρακλῆς - - - σῴσας με νέρθεν, ἦλθον, εἴ τι δεῖ, γέρον, - - - ἢ χειρὸς ὑμᾶς τῆς ἐμῆς ἢ συμμάχων. - - - ἔα· - - τί νεκρῶν τῶνδε πληθύει πέδον; - - - οὔ που λέλειμμαι καὶ νεωτέρων κακῶν - - - ὕστερος ἀφῖγμαι; τίς τάδʼ ἔκτεινεν τέκνα; - - - τίνος γεγῶσαν τήνδʼ ὁρῶ ξυνάορον; - - - οὐ γὰρ δορός γε παῖδες ἵστανται πέλας, - - - ἀλλʼ ἄλλο πού τι καινὸν εὑρίσκω κακόν. - -
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- - ὦ τὸν ἐλαιοφόρον ὄχθον ἔχων ἄναξ - - - - - τί χρῆμά μʼ οἰκτροῖς ἐκάλεσας προοιμίοις; - -
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- - ἐπάθομεν πάθεα μέλεα πρὸς θεῶν. - - - οἱ παῖδες οἵδε τίνες, ἐφʼ οἷς δακρυρροεῖς; - -
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- - ἔτεκε μέν νιν οὑμὸς ἶνις τάλας, - - - τεκόμενος δʼ ἔκανε, φόνιον αἷμα τλάς. - - - εὔφημα φώνει. - -
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- - βουλομένοισιν ἐπαγγέλλῃ. - - - ὦ δεινὰ λέξας. - -
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- - οἰχόμεθʼ οἰχόμεθα πτανοί. - - - τί φῄς; τί δράσας; - -
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- - μαινομένῳ πιτύλῳ πλαγχθεὶς - - - ἑκατογκεφάλου τε βαφαῖς ὕδρας. - - - Ἥρας ὅδʼ ἁγών· τίς δʼ ὅδʼ οὑν νεκροῖς, γέρον; - -
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- - ἐμὸς ἐμὸς ὅδε γόνος ὁ πολύπονος, ὃς ἐπὶ - - - δόρυ γιγαντοφόνον ἦλθεν σὺν θεοῖ- - - - σι Φλεγραῖον ἐς πεδίον ἀσπιστάς. - - - φεῦ φεῦ· τίς ἀνδρῶν ὧδε δυσδαίμων ἔφυ; - -
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- - οὐκ ἂν εἰδείης ἕτερον - - - πολυμοχθότερον πολυπλαγκτότερόν - - τε θνατῶν. - - - τί γὰρ πέπλοισιν ἄθλιον κρύπτει κάρα; - -
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- - αἰδόμενος τὸ σὸν ὄμμα - - - καὶ φιλίαν ὁμόφυλον - - - αἷμά τε παιδοφόνον. - - - ἀλλʼ, εἰ συναλγῶν γʼ ἦλθον, ἐκκάλυπτέ νιν. - -
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- - ὦ τέκνον· πάρες ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων - - - πέπλον, ἀπόδικε, ῥέθος ἀελίῳ δεῖξον. - - - βάρος ἀντίπαλον, δακρύοις συναμιλλαταί, - - - ἱκετεύομεν ἀμφὶ γενειάδα καὶ - - - γόνυ καὶ χέρα σὰν προπίτνων, πολιόν τε - - - δάκρυον ἐκβάλλων· ἰὼ παῖ, κατά- - - - σχεθε λέοντος ἀγρίου θυμόν, ὡς - - - βρόμον ἐπὶ φόνιον ἀνόσιον ἐξάγῃ, - - - κακὰ θέλων κακοῖς συνάψαι, τέκνον. - - - εἶἑν· σὲ τὸν θάσσοντα δυστήνους ἕδρας - - - αὐδῶ, φίλοισιν ὄμμα δεικνύναι τὸ σόν. - - - οὐδεὶς σκότος γὰρ ὧδʼ ἔχει μέλαν νέφος, - - - ὅστις κακῶν σῶν συμφορὰν κρύψειεν ἄν. - - - τί μοι προσείων χεῖρα σημαίνεις φόνον; - - - ὡς μὴ μύσος με σῶν βάλῃ προσφθεγμάτων; - - - οὐδὲν μέλει μοι σύν γε σοὶ πράσσειν κακῶς· - - - καὶ γάρ ποτʼ εὐτύχησα. ἐκεῖσʼ ἀνοιστέον, - - - ὅτʼ ἐξέσῳσάς μʼ ἐς φάος νεκρῶν πάρα. - - - χάριν δὲ γηράσκουσαν ἐχθαίρω φίλων, - - - καὶ τῶν καλῶν μὲν ὅστις ἀπολαύειν θέλει, - - - συμπλεῖν δὲ τοῖς φίλοισι δυστυχοῦσιν οὔ. - - - ἀνίστασʼ, ἐκκάλυψον ἄθλιον κάρα, - - - βλέψον πρὸς ἡμᾶς. ὅστις εὐγενὴς βροτῶν, - - - φέρει τά γʼ ἐκ θεῶν πτώματʼ οὐδʼ ἀναίνεται. - - - Θησεῦ, δέδορκας τόνδʼ ἀγῶνʼ ἐμῶν τέκνων; - - - ἤκουσα, καὶ βλέποντι σημαίνεις κακά. - - - τί δῆτά μου κρᾶτʼ ἀνεκάλυψας ἡλίῳ; - - - τί δʼ; οὐ μιαίνεις θνητὸς ὢν τὰ τῶν θεῶν. - - - φεῦγʼ, ὦ ταλαίπωρʼ, ἀνόσιον μίασμʼ ἐμόν. - - - οὐδεὶς ἀλάστωρ τοῖς φίλοις ἐκ τῶν φίλων. - - - ἐπῄνεσʼ· εὖ δράσας δέ σʼ οὐκ ἀναίνομαι. - - - ἐγὼ δὲ πάσχων εὖ τότʼ οἰκτίρω σε νῦν. - - - οἰκτρὸς γάρ εἰμι τἄμʼ ἀποκτείνας τέκνα. - - - κλαίω χάριν σὴν ἐφʼ ἑτέραισι συμφοραῖς. - - - ηὗρες δέ γʼ ἄλλους ἐν κακοῖσι μείζοσιν; - - - ἅπτῃ κάτωθεν οὐρανοῦ δυσπραξίᾳ. - - - τοιγὰρ παρεσκευάσμεθʼ ὥστε κατθανεῖν. - - - δοκεῖς ἀπειλῶν σῶν μέλειν τι δαίμοσιν; - - - αὔθαδες ὁ θεός, πρὸς δὲ τοὺς θεοὺς ἐγώ. - - - ἴσχε στόμʼ, ὡς μὴ μέγα λέγων μεῖζον πάθῃς. - - - γέμω κακῶν δή, κοὐκέτʼ ἔσθʼ ὅπῃ τεθῇ. - - - δράσεις δὲ δὴ τί; ποῖ φέρῃ θυμούμενος; - - - θανών, ὅθενπερ ἦλθον, εἶμι γῆς ὕπο. - - - εἴρηκας ἐπιτυχόντος ἀνθρώπου λόγους. - - - σὺ δʼ ἐκτὸς ὤν γε συμφορᾶς με νουθετεῖς. - - - ὁ πολλὰ δὴ τλὰς Ἡρακλῆς λέγει τάδε; - - - οὐκ οὖν τοσαῦτά γʼ, εἰ μέτρῳ μοχθητέον. - - - εὐεργέτης βροτοῖσι καὶ μέγας φίλος; - - - οἱ δʼ οὐδὲν ὠφελοῦσί μʼ, ἀλλʼ Ἥρα κρατεῖ. - - - οὐκ ἄν σʼ ἀνάσχοιθʼ Ἑλλὰς ἀμαθίᾳ θανεῖν. - - - ἄκουε δή νυν, ὡς ἁμιλληθῶ λόγοις - - - πρὸς νουθετήσεις σάς· ἀναπτύξω δέ σοι - - - ἀβίωτον ἡμῖν νῦν τε καὶ πάροιθεν ὄν. - - - πρῶτον μὲν ἐκ τοῦδʼ ἐγενόμην, ὅστις κτανὼν - - - μητρὸς γεραιὸν πατέρα προστρόπαιος ὢν - - - ἔγημε τὴν τεκοῦσαν Ἀλκμήνην ἐμέ. - - - ὅταν δὲ κρηπὶς μὴ καταβληθῇ γένους - - - ὀρθῶς, ἀνάγκη δυστυχεῖν τοὺς ἐκγόνους. - - - Ζεὺς δʼ — ὅστις ὁ Ζεύς — πολέμιόν μʼ ἐγείνατο - - - Ἥρᾳ — σὺ μέντοι μηδὲν ἀχθεσθῇς, γέρον· - - - πατέρα γὰρ ἀντὶ Ζηνὸς ἡγοῦμαι σὲ ἐγώ· - - - ἔτʼ ἐν γάλακτί τʼ ὄντι γοργωποὺς ὄφεις - - - ἐπεισέφρησε σπαργάνοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς - - - ἡ τοῦ Διὸς σύλλεκτρος, ὡς ὀλοίμεθα. - - - ἐπεὶ δὲ σαρκὸς περιβόλαιʼ ἐκτησάμην - - - ἡβῶντα, μόχθους οὓς ἔτλην τί δεῖ λέγειν; - - - ποίους ποτʼ ἢ λέοντας ἢ τρισωμάτους - - - Τυφῶνας ἢ Γίγαντας ἢ τετρασκελῆ - - - κενταυροπληθῆ πόλεμον οὐκ ἐξήνυσα; - - - τήν τʼ ἀμφίκρανον καὶ παλιμβλαστῆ κύνα - - - ὕδραν φονεύσας μυρίων τʼ ἄλλων πόνων - - - διῆλθον ἀγέλας κἀς νεκροὺς ἀφικόμην, - - - Ἅιδου πυλωρὸν κύνα τρίκρανον ἐς φάος - - - ὅπως πορεύσαιμʼ ἐντολαῖς Εὐρυσθέως. - - - τὸν λοίσθιον δὲ τόνδʼ ἔτλην τάλας πόνον, - - - παιδοκτονήσας δῶμα θριγκῶσαι κακοῖς. - - - ἥκω δʼ ἀνάγκης ἐς τόδʼ· οὔτʼ ἐμαῖς φίλαις - - - Θήβαις ἐνοικεῖν ὅσιον· ἢν δὲ καὶ μένω, - - - ἐς ποῖον ἱερὸν ἢ πανήγυριν φίλων - - - εἶμʼ; οὐ γὰρ ἄτας εὐπροσηγόρους ἔχω. - - - ἀλλʼ Ἄργος ἔλθω; πῶς, ἐπεὶ φεύγω πάτραν; - - - φέρʼ ἀλλʼ ἐς ἄλλην δή τινʼ ὁρμήσω πόλιν; - - - κἄπειθʼ ὑποβλεπώμεθʼ ὡς ἐγνωσμένοι, - - - γλώσσης πικροῖς κέντροισι κλῃδουχούμενοι· - - - Οὐχ οὗτος ὁ Διός, ὃς τέκνʼ ἔκτεινέν ποτε - - - δάμαρτά τʼ; οὐ γῆς τῆσδʼ ἀποφθαρήσεται; - - - κεκλημένῳ δὲ φωτὶ μακαρίῳ ποτὲ - - - αἱ μεταβολαὶ λυπηρόν· ᾧ δʼ ἀεὶ κακῶς - - - ἔστʼ, οὐδὲν ἀλγεῖ συγγενῶς δύστηνος ὤν. - - - ἐς τοῦτο δʼ ἥξειν συμφορᾶς οἶμαί ποτε· - - - φωνὴν γὰρ ἥσει χθὼν ἀπεννέπουσά με - - - μὴ θιγγάνειν γῆς καὶ θάλασσα μὴ περᾶν - - - πηγαί τε ποταμῶν, καὶ τὸν ἁρματήλατον - - - Ἰξίονʼ ἐν δεσμοῖσιν ἐκμιμήσομαι. - - - καὶ ταῦτʼ ἄριστα μηδένʼ Ἑλλήνων μʼ ὁρᾶν, - - - ἐν οἷσιν εὐτυχοῦντες ἦμεν ὄλβιοι. - - - τί δῆτά με ζῆν δεῖ; τί κέρδος ἕξομεν - - - βίον γʼ ἀχρεῖον ἀνόσιον κεκτημένοι; - - - χορευέτω δὴ Ζηνὸς ἡ κλεινὴ δάμαρ - - - † κρόουσʼ Ὀλυμπίου † Ζηνὸς ἀρβύλῃ πόδα. - - - ἔπραξε γὰρ βούλησιν ἣν ἐβούλετο, - - - ἄνδρʼ Ἑλλάδος τὸν πρῶτον αὐτοῖσιν βάθροις - - - ἄνω κάτω στρέψασα. — τοιαύτῃ θεῷ - - - τίς ἂν προσεύχοιθʼ; ἣ γυναικὸς οὕνεκα - - - λέκτρων φθονοῦσα Ζηνὶ τοὺς εὐεργέτας - - - Ἑλλάδος ἀπώλεσʼ οὐδὲν ὄντας αἰτίους. - - - οὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλου δαιμόνων ἀγὼν ὅδε - - - ἢ τῆς Διὸς δάμαρτος· εὖ τόδʼ αἰσθάνῃ. - - - - παραινέσαιμʼ ἂν μᾶλλον ἢ πάσχειν κακῶς. - - - οὐδεὶς δὲ θνητῶν ταῖς τύχαις ἀκήρατος, - - - οὐ θεῶν, ἀοιδῶν εἴπερ οὐ ψευδεῖς λόγοι. - - - οὐ λέκτρʼ ἐν ἀλλήλοισιν, ὧν οὐδεὶς νόμος, - - - συνῆψαν; οὐ δεσμοῖσι διὰ τυραννίδας - - - πατέρας ἐκηλίδωσαν; ἀλλʼ οἰκοῦσʼ ὅμως - - - Ὄλυμπον ἠνέσχοντό θʼ ἡμαρτηκότες. - - - καίτοι τί φήσεις, εἰ σὺ μὲν θνητὸς γεγὼς - - - φέρεις ὑπέρφευ τὰς τύχας, θεοὶ δὲ μή; - - - Θήβας μὲν οὖν ἔκλειπε τοῦ νόμου χάριν, - - - ἕπου δʼ ἅμʼ ἡμῖν πρὸς πόλισμα Παλλάδος. - - - ἐκεῖ χέρας σὰς ἁγνίσας μιάσματος, - - - δόμους τε δώσω χρημάτων τʼ ἐμῶν μέρος. - - - ἃ δʼ ἐκ πολιτῶν δῶρʼ ἔχω σώσας κόρους - - - δὶς ἑπτά, ταῦρον Κνώσιον κατακτανών, - - - σοὶ ταῦτα δώσω. πανταχοῦ δέ μοι χθονὸς - - - τεμένη δέδασται· ταῦτʼ ἐπωνομασμένα - - - σέθεν τὸ λοιπὸν ἐκ βροτῶν κεκλήσεται - - - ζῶντος· θανόντα δʼ, εὖτʼ ἂν εἰς Ἅιδου μόλῃς, - - - θυσίαισι λαΐνοισί τʼ ἐξογκώμασι - - - τίμιον ἀνάξει πᾶσʼ Ἀθηναίων πόλις. - - - καλὸς γὰρ ἀστοῖς στέφανος Ἑλλήνων ὕπο - - - ἄνδρʼ ἐσθλὸν ὠφελοῦντας εὐκλείας τυχεῖν. - - - κἀγὼ χάριν σοι τῆς ἐμῆς σωτηρίας - - - τήνδʼ ἀντιδώσω· νῦν γὰρ εἶ χρεῖος φίλων. - - - θεοὶ δʼ ὅταν τιμῶσιν, οὐδὲν δεῖ φίλων· - - - ἅλις γὰρ ὁ θεὸς ὠφελῶν, ὅταν θέλῃ. - - - οἴμοι· πάρεργα μὲν τάδʼ ἔστʼ ἐμῶν κακῶν, - - - ἐγὼ δὲ τοὺς θεοὺς οὔτε λέκτρʼ ἃ μὴ θέμις - - - στέργειν νομίζω, δεσμά τʼ ἐξάπτειν χεροῖν - - - οὔτʼ ἠξίωσα πώποτʼ οὔτε πείσομαι, - - - οὐδʼ ἄλλον ἄλλου δεσπότην πεφυκέναι. - - - δεῖται γὰρ ὁ θεός, εἴπερ ἔστʼ ὀρθῶς θεός, - - - οὐδενός· ἀοιδῶν οἵδε δύστηνοι λόγοι. - - - ἐσκεψάμην δὲ καίπερ ἐν κακοῖσιν ὤν, - - - μὴ δειλίαν ὄφλω τινʼ ἐκλιπὼν φάος· - - - ταῖς συμφοραῖς γὰρ ὅστις οὐχ ὑφίσταται, - - - οὐδʼ ἀνδρὸς ἂν δύναιθʼ ὑποστῆναι βέλος. - - - ἐγκαρτερήσω βίοτον· εἶμι δʼ ἐς πόλιν - - - τὴν σήν, χάριν τε μυρίων δώρων ἔχω. - - - ἀτὰρ πόνων δὴ μυρίων ἐγευσάμην· - - - ὧν οὔτʼ ἀπεῖπον οὐδένʼ οὔτʼ ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων - - - ἔσταξα πηγάς, οὐδʼ ἂν ᾠόμην ποτὲ - - - ἐς τοῦθʼ ἱκέσθαι, δάκρυʼ ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων βαλεῖν· - - - νῦν δʼ, ὡς ἔοικε, τῇ τύχῃ δουλευτέον. - - - εἶἑν· γεραιέ, τὰς ἐμὰς φυγὰς ὁρᾷς, - - - ὁρᾷς δὲ παίδων ὄντα μʼ αὐθέντην ἐμῶν· - - - δὸς τούσδε τύμβῳ καὶ περίστειλον νεκροὺς - - - δακρύοισι τιμῶν — ἐμὲ γὰρ οὐκ ἐᾷ νόμος — - - - πρὸς στέρνʼ ἐρείσας μητρὶ δούς τʼ ἐς ἀγκάλας, - - - κοινωνίαν δύστηνον, ἣν ἐγὼ τάλας - - - διώλεσʼ ἄκων. γῇ δʼ ἐπὴν κρύψῃς νεκρούς, - - - οἴκει πόλιν τήνδʼ, ἀθλίως μέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως - - - ψυχὴν βιάζου τἀμὰ συμφέρειν κακά. - - - ὦ τέκνʼ, ὁ φύσας καὶ τεκὼν ὑμᾶς πατὴρ - - - ἀπώλεσʼ, οὐδʼ ὤνασθε τῶν ἐμῶν καλῶν, - - - ἁγὼ παρεσκεύαζον ἐκμοχθῶν βίᾳ - - - εὔκλειαν ὑμῖν, πατρὸς ἀπόλαυσιν καλήν. - - - σέ τʼ οὐχ ὁμοίως, ὦ τάλαινʼ, ἀπώλεσα - - - ὥσπερ σὺ τἀμὰ λέκτρʼ ἔσῳζες ἀσφαλῶς, - - - μακρὰς διαντλοῦσʼ ἐν δόμοις οἰκουρίας. - - - οἴμοι δάμαρτος καὶ τέκνων, οἴμοι δʼ ἐμοῦ, - - - ὡς ἀθλίως πέπραγα κἀποζεύγνυμαι - - - τέκνων γυναικός τʼ· ὦ λυγραὶ φιλημάτων - - - τέρψεις, λυγραὶ δὲ τῶνδʼ ὅπλων κοινωνίαι. - - - ἀμηχανῶ γὰρ πότερʼ ἔχω τάδʼ ἢ μεθῶ, - - - ἃ πλευρὰ τἀμὰ προσπίτνοντʼ ἐρεῖ τάδε· - - - Ἡμῖν τέκνʼ εἷλες καὶ δάμαρθʼ· ἡμᾶς ἔχεις - - - παιδοκτόνους σούς. εἶτʼ ἐγὼ τάδʼ ὠλέναις - - - οἴσω; τί φάσκων; ἀλλὰ γυμνωθεὶς ὅπλων, - - - ξὺν οἷς τὰ κάλλιστʼ ἐξέπραξʼ ἐν Ἑλλάδι, - - - ἐχθροῖς ἐμαυτὸν ὑποβαλὼν αἰσχρῶς θάνω; - - - οὐ λειπτέον τάδʼ, ἀθλίως δὲ σῳστέον. - - - ἕν μοί τι, Θησεῦ, σύγκαμʼ· ἀθλίου κυνὸς - - - κόμιστρʼ ἐς Ἄργος συγκατάστησον μολών, - - - λύπῃ τι παίδων μὴ πάθω μονούμενος. - - - ὦ γαῖα Κάδμου πᾶς τε Θηβαῖος λεώς, - - - κείρασθε, συμπενθήσατʼ, ἔλθετʼ ἐς τάφον - - - παίδων· ἅπαντας δʼ ἑνὶ λόγῳ πενθήσετε - - - νεκρούς τε κἀμέ· πάντες ἐξολώλαμεν - - - Ἥρας μιᾷ πληγέντες ἄθλιοι τύχῃ. - - - ἀνίστασʼ, ὦ δύστηνε· δακρύων δʼ ἅλις. - - - οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην· ἄρθρα γὰρ πέπηγέ μου. - - - καὶ τοὺς σθένοντας γὰρ καθαιροῦσιν τύχαι. - - - φεῦ· - - αὐτοῦ γενοίμην πέτρος ἀμνήμων κακῶν. - - - παῦσαι· δίδου δὲ χεῖρʼ ὑπηρέτῃ φίλῳ. - - - ἀλλʼ αἷμα μὴ σοῖς ἐξομόρξωμαι πέπλοις. - - - ἔκμασσε, φείδου μηδέν· οὐκ ἀναίνομαι. - - - παίδων στερηθεὶς παῖδʼ ὅπως ἔχω σʼ ἐμόν. - - - δίδου δέρῃ σὴν χεῖρʼ, ὁδηγήσω δʼ ἐγώ. - - - ζεῦγός γε φίλιον· ἅτερος δὲ δυστυχής. - - - ὦ πρέσβυ, τοιόνδʼ ἄνδρα χρὴ κτᾶσθαι φίλον. - - - ἡ γὰρ τεκοῦσα τόνδε πατρὶς εὔτεκνος. - - - Θησεῦ, πάλιν με στρέψον, ὡς ἴδω τέκνα. - - - ὡς δὴ τί; φίλτρον τοῦτʼ ἔχων ῥᾴων ἔσῃ; - - - ποθῶ· πατρός τε στέρνα προσθέσθαι θέλω. - - - ἰδοὺ τάδʼ, ὦ παῖ· τἀμὰ γὰρ σπεύδεις φίλα. - - - οὕτως πόνων σῶν οὐκέτι μνήμην ἔχεις; - - - ἅπαντʼ ἐλάσσω κεῖνα τῶνδʼ ἔτλην κακά. - - - εἴ σʼ ὄψεταί τις θῆλυν ὄντʼ, οὐκ αἰνέσει. - - - ζῶ σοι ταπεινός; ἀλλὰ πρόσθεν οὐ δοκῶ. - - - ἄγαν γʼ· ὁ κλεινὸς Ἡρακλῆς οὐκ εἶ νοσῶν. - - - σὺ ποῖος ἦσθα νέρθεν ἐν κακοῖσιν ὤν; - - - ὡς ἐς τὸ λῆμα παντὸς ἦν ἥσσων ἀνήρ. - - - πῶς οὖν ἔτʼ † εἴπης † ὅτι συνέσταλμαι κακοῖς; - - - - πρόβαινε. - - χαῖρʼ, ὦ πρέσβυ. - καὶ σύ μοι, τέκνον. - - - θάφθʼ ὥσπερ εἶπον παῖδας. - ἐμὲ δὲ τίς, τέκνον; - - - ἐγώ. - πότʼ ἐλθών; - ἡνίκʼ ἂν θάψῃς τέκνα. - - - πῶς; - εἰς Ἀθήνας πέμψομαι Θηβῶν ἄπο. - - - ἀλλʼ ἐσκόμιζε τέκνα δυσκόμιστα γῇ· - - - ἡμεῖς δʼ ἀναλώσαντες αἰσχύναις δόμον, - - - Θησεῖ πανώλεις ἑψόμεσθʼ ἐφολκίδες. - - - ὅστις δὲ πλοῦτον ἢ σθένος μᾶλλον φίλων - - - ἀγαθῶν πεπᾶσθαι βούλεται, κακῶς φρονεῖ. - -
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- - στείχομεν οἰκτροὶ καὶ πολύκλαυτοι, - - - τὰ μέγιστα φίλων ὀλέσαντες. - -
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+Χορός +—ὁ δʼ ὥς τις ὄρνις ἄπτερον καταστένων +ὠδῖνα τέκνων, πρέσβυς ὑστέρῳ ποδὶ +πικρὰν διώκων ἤλυσιν πάρεσθʼ ὅδε. + +
+Ἀμφιτρύων +Καδμεῖοι γέροντες, οὐ σῖγα σῖ- +γα τὸν ὕπνῳ παρειμένον ἐάσετʼ ἐκ- +λαθέσθαι κακῶν;
+ +
+Χορός +κατὰ σὲ δακρύοις στένω, πρέσβυ, καὶ +τέκεα καὶ τὸ καλλίνικον κάρα.
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +ἑκαστέρω πρόβατε, μὴ +κτυπεῖτε, μὴ βοᾶτε, μὴ +τὸν εὔδιʼ ἰαύονθʼ +ὑπνώδεά τʼ εὐνᾶς +ἐγείρετε.
+ +
+Χορός +οἴμοι. +φόνος ὅσος ὅδʼ
+ +
+Ἀμφιτρύων +ἆ ἆ, +διά μʼ ὀλεῖτε.
+ +
+Χορός +κεχυμένος ἐπαντέλλει.
+ +
+Ἀμφιτρύων +οὐκ ἀτρεμαῖα θρῆνον αἰ- +άξετʼ, ὦ γέροντες; +ἢ δέσμʼ ἀνεγειρόμενος χαλάσας ἀπολεῖ πόλιν, +ἀπὸ δὲ πατέρα, μέλαθρά τε καταράξει.
+ +
+Χορός +ἀδύνατʼ ἀδύνατά μοι.
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +σῖγα, πνοὰς μάθω· +φέρε πρὸς οὖς βάλω.
+ +
+Χορός +εὕδει;
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +ναί, εὕδει +ὕπνον γʼ ἄυπνον ὀλόμενον, ὃς ἔκανεν ἄλοχον, +ἔκανε δὲ τέκεα, τοξήρει ψαλμῷ τοξεύσας.
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+Χορός +στέναζέ νυν —
+ +
+Ἀμφιτρύων +στενάζω.
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+Χορός +τέκνων ὄλεθρον —
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +ὤμοι.
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+Χορός +σέθεν τε παιδὸς —
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +αἰαῖ.
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+Χορός +ὦ πρέσβυ
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+ Ἀμφιτρύων +σῖγα σῖγα· +παλίντροπος ἐξεγειρόμενος στρέφεται· φέρε, +ἀπόκρυφον δέμας ὑπὸ μέλαθρον κρύψω.
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+Χορός +θάρσει· νὺξ ἔχει βλέφαρα παιδὶ σῷ.
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +ὁρᾶθʼ ὁρᾶτε. τὸ φάος ἐκ- +λιπεῖν μὲν ἐπὶ κακοῖσιν οὐ +φεύγω τάλας, ἀλλʼ εἴ με κανεῖ πατέρʼ ὄντα, +πρὸς δὲ κακοῖς κακὰ μήσεται +πρὸς Ἐρινύσι θʼ αἷμα σύγγονον ἕξει.
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+Χορός +τότε θανεῖν σʼ ἐχρῆν, ὅτε δάμαρτι σᾷ +φόνον ὁμοσπόρων ἔμολες ἐκπράξας +Ταφίων περίκλυστον ἄστυ πέρσας.
+ +
+Ἀμφιτρύων +φυγὰν φυγάν, γέροντες, ἀποπρὸ δωμάτων +διώκετε· φεύγετε μάργον +ἄνδρʼ ἐπεγειρόμενον. + τάχα φόνον ἕτερον ἐπὶ φόνῳ βαλὼν +ἀνʼ αὖ βακχεύσει Καδμείων πόλιν. + +Χορός +ὦ Ζεῦ, τί παῖδʼ ἤχθηρας ὧδʼ ὑπερκότως +τὸν σόν, κακῶν δὲ πέλαγος ἐς τόδʼ ἤγαγες; + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἔα· +ἔμπνους μέν εἰμι καὶ δέδορχʼ ἅπερ με δεῖ, +αἰθέρα τε καὶ γῆν τόξα θʼ Ἡλίου τάδε +ὡς ἐν κλύδωνι καὶ φρενῶν ταράγματι +πέπτωκα δεινῷ καὶ πνοὰς θερμὰς πνέω +μετάρσιʼ, οὐ βέβαια, πνευμόνων ἄπο. +ἰδού, τί δεσμοῖς ναῦς ὅπως ὡρμισμένος +νεανίαν θώρακα καὶ βραχίονα, +πρὸς ἡμιθραύστῳ λαΐνῳ τυκίσματι +ἧμαι, νεκροῖσι γείτονας θάκους ἔχων; +πτερωτά τʼ ἔγχη· τόξα δʼ ἔσπαρται πέδῳ, +ἃ πρὶν παρασπίζοντʼ ἐμοῖς βραχίοσιν +ἔσῳζε πλευρὰς ἐξ ἐμοῦ τʼ ἐσῴζετο. +οὔ που κατῆλθον αὖθις εἰς Ἅιδου πάλιν, +Εὐρυσθέως δίαυλον; εἰς Ἅιδου; πόθεν; +ἀλλʼ οὔτε Σισύφειον εἰσορῶ πέτρον +Πλούτωνά τʼ, οὐδὲ σκῆπτρα Δήμητρος κόρης. +ἔκ τοι πέπληγμαι· ποῦ ποτʼ ὢν ἀμηχανῶ; +ὠή, τίς ἐγγὺς ἢ πρόσω φίλων ἐμῶν, +δύσγνοιαν ὅστις τὴν ἐμὴν ἰάσεται; +σαφῶς γὰρ οὐδὲν οἶδα τῶν εἰωθότων. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +γέροντες, ἔλθω τῶν ἐμῶν κακῶν πέλας; + +Χορός +κἀγώ γε σὺν σοί, μὴ προδοὺς τὰς συμφοράς. + +Ἡρακλῆς +πάτερ, τί κλαίεις καὶ συναμπίσχῃ κόρας, +τοῦ φιλτάτου σοι τηλόθεν παιδὸς βεβώς; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ὦ τέκνον· εἶ γὰρ καὶ κακῶς πράσσων ἐμός. + +Ἡρακλῆς +πράσσω δʼ ἐγὼ τί λυπρόν, οὗ δακρυρροεῖς; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἃ κἂν θεῶν τις, εἰ μάθοι, καταστένοι. + +Ἡρακλῆς +μέγας γʼ ὁ κόμπος, τὴν τύχην δʼ οὔπω λέγεις. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ὁρᾷς γὰρ αὐτός, εἰ φρονῶν ἤδη κυρεῖς. + +Ἡρακλῆς +εἴπʼ, εἴ τι καινὸν ὑπογράφῃ τὠμῷ βίῳ. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +εἰ μηκέθʼ Ἅιδου βάκχος εἶ, φράσαιμεν ἄν. + +Ἡρακλῆς +παπαῖ, τόδʼ ὡς ὕποπτον ᾐνίξω πάλιν. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +καί σʼ εἰ βεβαίως εὖ φρονεῖς ἤδη σκοπῶ. + +Ἡρακλῆς +οὐ γάρ τι βακχεύσας γε μέμνημαι φρένας. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +λύσω, γέροντες, δεσμὰ παιδός; ἢ τί δρῶ; + +Ἡρακλῆς +καὶ τόν γε δήσαντʼ εἴπʼ· ἀναινόμεσθα γάρ. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +τοσοῦτον ἴσθι τῶν κακῶν· τὰ δʼ ἄλλʼ ἔα. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἀρκεῖ σιωπὴ γὰρ μαθεῖν ὃ βούλομαι; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ὦ Ζεῦ, παρʼ Ἥρας ἆρʼ ὁρᾷς θρόνων τάδε; + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἀλλʼ ἦ τι κεῖθεν πολέμιον πεπόνθαμεν; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +τὴν θεὸν ἐάσας τὰ σὰ περιστέλλου κακά. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἀπωλόμεσθα· συμφορὰν λέξεις τινά. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἰδού, θέασαι τάδε τέκνων πεσήματα. + +Ἡρακλῆς +οἴμοι· τίνʼ ὄψιν τήνδε δέρκομαι τάλας; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἀπόλεμον, ὦ παῖ, πόλεμον ἔσπευσας τέκνοις. + +Ἡρακλῆς +τί πόλεμον εἶπας; τούσδε τίς διώλεσε; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +σὺ καὶ σὰ τόξα καὶ θεῶν ὃς αἴτιος. + +Ἡρακλῆς +τί φῄς; τί δράσας; ὦ κάκʼ ἀγγέλλων πάτερ. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +μανείς· ἐρωτᾷς δʼ ἄθλιʼ ἑρμηνεύματα. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἦ καὶ δάμαρτός εἰμʼ ἐγὼ φονεὺς ἐμῆς; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +μιᾶς ἅπαντα χειρὸς ἔργα σῆς τάδε. + +Ἡρακλῆς +αἰαῖ· στεναγμῶν γάρ με περιβάλλει νέφος. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +τούτων ἕκατι σὰς καταστένω τύχας. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἦ γὰρ συνήραξʼ οἶκον ἢ βάκχευσʼ ἐμόν; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν· πάντα δυστυχεῖ τὰ σά. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ποῦ δʼ οἶστρος ἡμᾶς ἔλαβε; ποῦ διώλεσεν; + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ὅτʼ ἀμφὶ βωμὸν χεῖρας ἡγνίζου πυρί. + +Ἡρακλῆς +οἴμοι· τί δῆτα φείδομαι ψυχῆς ἐμῆς +τῶν φιλτάτων μοι γενόμενος παίδων φονεύς; +κοὐκ εἶμι πέτρας λισσάδος πρὸς ἅλματα +ἢ φάσγανον πρὸς ἧπαρ ἐξακοντίσας +τέκνοις δικαστὴς αἵματος γενήσομαι; +ἢ σάρκα τὴν ἔμηνεν ἐμπρήσας πυρί, +δύσκλειαν ἣ μένει μʼ ἀπώσομαι βίου; +ἀλλʼ ἐμποδών μοι θανασίμων βουλευμάτων +Θησεὺς ὅδʼ ἕρπει συγγενὴς φίλος τʼ ἐμός. +ὀφθησόμεσθα, καὶ τεκνοκτόνον μύσος +ἐς ὄμμαθʼ ἥξει φιλτάτῳ ξένων ἐμῶν. +οἴμοι, τί δράσω; ποῖ κακῶν ἐρημίαν +εὕρω, πτερωτὸς ἢ κατὰ χθονὸς μολών; +φέρʼ ἄν τι κρατὶ περιβάλω σκότον. +αἰσχύνομαι γὰρ τοῖς δεδραμένοις κακοῖς· +καὶ τῶνδε προστρόπαιον αἷμα προσλαβὼν +οὐδὲν κακῶσαι τοὺς ἀναιτίους θέλω. + +Θησεύς +ἥκω σὺν ἄλλοις, οἳ παρʼ Ἀσωποῦ ῥοὰς +μένουσιν, ἔνοπλοι γῆς Ἀθηναίων κόροι, +σῷ παιδί, πρέσβυ, σύμμαχον φέρων δόρυ. +κληδὼν γὰρ ἦλθεν εἰς Ἐρεχθειδῶν πόλιν +ὡς σκῆπτρα χώρας τῆσδʼ ἀναρπάσας Λύκος +ἐς πόλεμον ὑμῖν καὶ μάχην καθίσταται. +τίνων δʼ ἀμοιβὰς ὧν ὑπῆρξεν Ἡρακλῆς +σῴσας με νέρθεν, ἦλθον, εἴ τι δεῖ, γέρον, +ἢ χειρὸς ὑμᾶς τῆς ἐμῆς ἢ συμμάχων. +ἔα· +τί νεκρῶν τῶνδε πληθύει πέδον; +οὔ που λέλειμμαι καὶ νεωτέρων κακῶν +ὕστερος ἀφῖγμαι; τίς τάδʼ ἔκτεινεν τέκνα; +τίνος γεγῶσαν τήνδʼ ὁρῶ ξυνάορον; +οὐ γὰρ δορός γε παῖδες ἵστανται πέλας, +ἀλλʼ ἄλλο πού τι καινὸν εὑρίσκω κακόν.
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +ὦ τὸν ἐλαιοφόρον ὄχθον ἔχων ἄναξ + +Θησεύς +τί χρῆμά μʼ οἰκτροῖς ἐκάλεσας προοιμίοις;
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +ἐπάθομεν πάθεα μέλεα πρὸς θεῶν. + +Θησεύς +οἱ παῖδες οἵδε τίνες, ἐφʼ οἷς δακρυρροεῖς;
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +ἔτεκε μέν νιν οὑμὸς ἶνις τάλας, +τεκόμενος δʼ ἔκανε, φόνιον αἷμα τλάς. + +Θησεύς +εὔφημα φώνει.
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +βουλομένοισιν ἐπαγγέλλῃ. + +Θησεύς +ὦ δεινὰ λέξας.
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +οἰχόμεθʼ οἰχόμεθα πτανοί. + +Θησεύς +τί φῄς; τί δράσας;
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +μαινομένῳ πιτύλῳ πλαγχθεὶς +ἑκατογκεφάλου τε βαφαῖς ὕδρας. + +Θησεύς +Ἥρας ὅδʼ ἁγών· τίς δʼ ὅδʼ οὑν νεκροῖς, γέρον;
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +ἐμὸς ἐμὸς ὅδε γόνος ὁ πολύπονος, ὃς ἐπὶ +δόρυ γιγαντοφόνον ἦλθεν σὺν θεοῖ- +σι Φλεγραῖον ἐς πεδίον ἀσπιστάς. + +Θησεύς +φεῦ φεῦ· τίς ἀνδρῶν ὧδε δυσδαίμων ἔφυ;
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +οὐκ ἂν εἰδείης ἕτερον +πολυμοχθότερον πολυπλαγκτότερόν +τε θνατῶν. + +Θησεύς +τί γὰρ πέπλοισιν ἄθλιον κρύπτει κάρα;
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +αἰδόμενος τὸ σὸν ὄμμα +καὶ φιλίαν ὁμόφυλον +αἷμά τε παιδοφόνον. + +Θησεύς +ἀλλʼ, εἰ συναλγῶν γʼ ἦλθον, ἐκκάλυπτέ νιν.
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+Ἀμφιτρύων +ὦ τέκνον· πάρες ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων +πέπλον, ἀπόδικε, ῥέθος ἀελίῳ δεῖξον. +βάρος ἀντίπαλον, δακρύοις συναμιλλαταί, +ἱκετεύομεν ἀμφὶ γενειάδα καὶ +γόνυ καὶ χέρα σὰν προπίτνων, πολιόν τε +δάκρυον ἐκβάλλων· ἰὼ παῖ, κατά- +σχεθε λέοντος ἀγρίου θυμόν, ὡς +βρόμον ἐπὶ φόνιον ἀνόσιον ἐξάγῃ, +κακὰ θέλων κακοῖς συνάψαι, τέκνον. + +Θησεύς +εἶἑν· σὲ τὸν θάσσοντα δυστήνους ἕδρας +αὐδῶ, φίλοισιν ὄμμα δεικνύναι τὸ σόν. +οὐδεὶς σκότος γὰρ ὧδʼ ἔχει μέλαν νέφος, +ὅστις κακῶν σῶν συμφορὰν κρύψειεν ἄν. +τί μοι προσείων χεῖρα σημαίνεις φόνον; +ὡς μὴ μύσος με σῶν βάλῃ προσφθεγμάτων; +οὐδὲν μέλει μοι σύν γε σοὶ πράσσειν κακῶς· +καὶ γάρ ποτʼ εὐτύχησα. ἐκεῖσʼ ἀνοιστέον, +ὅτʼ ἐξέσῳσάς μʼ ἐς φάος νεκρῶν πάρα. +χάριν δὲ γηράσκουσαν ἐχθαίρω φίλων, +καὶ τῶν καλῶν μὲν ὅστις ἀπολαύειν θέλει, +συμπλεῖν δὲ τοῖς φίλοισι δυστυχοῦσιν οὔ. +ἀνίστασʼ, ἐκκάλυψον ἄθλιον κάρα, +βλέψον πρὸς ἡμᾶς. ὅστις εὐγενὴς βροτῶν, +φέρει τά γʼ ἐκ θεῶν πτώματʼ οὐδʼ ἀναίνεται. + +Ἡρακλῆς +Θησεῦ, δέδορκας τόνδʼ ἀγῶνʼ ἐμῶν τέκνων; + +Θησεύς +ἤκουσα, καὶ βλέποντι σημαίνεις κακά. + +Ἡρακλῆς +τί δῆτά μου κρᾶτʼ ἀνεκάλυψας ἡλίῳ; + +Θησεύς +τί δʼ; οὐ μιαίνεις θνητὸς ὢν τὰ τῶν θεῶν. + +Ἡρακλῆς +φεῦγʼ, ὦ ταλαίπωρʼ, ἀνόσιον μίασμʼ ἐμόν. + +Θησεύς +οὐδεὶς ἀλάστωρ τοῖς φίλοις ἐκ τῶν φίλων. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἐπῄνεσʼ· εὖ δράσας δέ σʼ οὐκ ἀναίνομαι. + +Θησεύς +ἐγὼ δὲ πάσχων εὖ τότʼ οἰκτίρω σε νῦν. + +Ἡρακλῆς +οἰκτρὸς γάρ εἰμι τἄμʼ ἀποκτείνας τέκνα. + +Θησεύς +κλαίω χάριν σὴν ἐφʼ ἑτέραισι συμφοραῖς. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ηὗρες δέ γʼ ἄλλους ἐν κακοῖσι μείζοσιν; + +Θησεύς +ἅπτῃ κάτωθεν οὐρανοῦ δυσπραξίᾳ. + +Ἡρακλῆς +τοιγὰρ παρεσκευάσμεθʼ ὥστε κατθανεῖν. + +Θησεύς +δοκεῖς ἀπειλῶν σῶν μέλειν τι δαίμοσιν; + +Ἡρακλῆς +αὔθαδες ὁ θεός, πρὸς δὲ τοὺς θεοὺς ἐγώ. + +Θησεύς +ἴσχε στόμʼ, ὡς μὴ μέγα λέγων μεῖζον πάθῃς. + +Ἡρακλῆς +γέμω κακῶν δή, κοὐκέτʼ ἔσθʼ ὅπῃ τεθῇ. + +Θησεύς +δράσεις δὲ δὴ τί; ποῖ φέρῃ θυμούμενος; + +Ἡρακλῆς +θανών, ὅθενπερ ἦλθον, εἶμι γῆς ὕπο. + +Θησεύς +εἴρηκας ἐπιτυχόντος ἀνθρώπου λόγους. + +Ἡρακλῆς +σὺ δʼ ἐκτὸς ὤν γε συμφορᾶς με νουθετεῖς. + +Θησεύς +ὁ πολλὰ δὴ τλὰς Ἡρακλῆς λέγει τάδε; + +Ἡρακλῆς +οὐκ οὖν τοσαῦτά γʼ, εἰ μέτρῳ μοχθητέον. + +Θησεύς +εὐεργέτης βροτοῖσι καὶ μέγας φίλος; + +Ἡρακλῆς +οἱ δʼ οὐδὲν ὠφελοῦσί μʼ, ἀλλʼ Ἥρα κρατεῖ. + +Θησεύς +οὐκ ἄν σʼ ἀνάσχοιθʼ Ἑλλὰς ἀμαθίᾳ θανεῖν. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἄκουε δή νυν, ὡς ἁμιλληθῶ λόγοις +πρὸς νουθετήσεις σάς· ἀναπτύξω δέ σοι +ἀβίωτον ἡμῖν νῦν τε καὶ πάροιθεν ὄν. +πρῶτον μὲν ἐκ τοῦδʼ ἐγενόμην, ὅστις κτανὼν +μητρὸς γεραιὸν πατέρα προστρόπαιος ὢν +ἔγημε τὴν τεκοῦσαν Ἀλκμήνην ἐμέ. +ὅταν δὲ κρηπὶς μὴ καταβληθῇ γένους +ὀρθῶς, ἀνάγκη δυστυχεῖν τοὺς ἐκγόνους. +Ζεὺς δʼ — ὅστις ὁ Ζεύς — πολέμιόν μʼ ἐγείνατο +Ἥρᾳ — σὺ μέντοι μηδὲν ἀχθεσθῇς, γέρον· +πατέρα γὰρ ἀντὶ Ζηνὸς ἡγοῦμαι σὲ ἐγώ· +ἔτʼ ἐν γάλακτί τʼ ὄντι γοργωποὺς ὄφεις +ἐπεισέφρησε σπαργάνοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς +ἡ τοῦ Διὸς σύλλεκτρος, ὡς ὀλοίμεθα. +ἐπεὶ δὲ σαρκὸς περιβόλαιʼ ἐκτησάμην +ἡβῶντα, μόχθους οὓς ἔτλην τί δεῖ λέγειν; +ποίους ποτʼ ἢ λέοντας ἢ τρισωμάτους +Τυφῶνας ἢ Γίγαντας ἢ τετρασκελῆ +κενταυροπληθῆ πόλεμον οὐκ ἐξήνυσα; +τήν τʼ ἀμφίκρανον καὶ παλιμβλαστῆ κύνα +ὕδραν φονεύσας μυρίων τʼ ἄλλων πόνων +διῆλθον ἀγέλας κἀς νεκροὺς ἀφικόμην, +Ἅιδου πυλωρὸν κύνα τρίκρανον ἐς φάος +ὅπως πορεύσαιμʼ ἐντολαῖς Εὐρυσθέως. +τὸν λοίσθιον δὲ τόνδʼ ἔτλην τάλας πόνον, +παιδοκτονήσας δῶμα θριγκῶσαι κακοῖς. +ἥκω δʼ ἀνάγκης ἐς τόδʼ· οὔτʼ ἐμαῖς φίλαις +Θήβαις ἐνοικεῖν ὅσιον· ἢν δὲ καὶ μένω, +ἐς ποῖον ἱερὸν ἢ πανήγυριν φίλων +εἶμʼ; οὐ γὰρ ἄτας εὐπροσηγόρους ἔχω. +ἀλλʼ Ἄργος ἔλθω; πῶς, ἐπεὶ φεύγω πάτραν; +φέρʼ ἀλλʼ ἐς ἄλλην δή τινʼ ὁρμήσω πόλιν; +κἄπειθʼ ὑποβλεπώμεθʼ ὡς ἐγνωσμένοι, +γλώσσης πικροῖς κέντροισι κλῃδουχούμενοι· +Οὐχ οὗτος ὁ Διός, ὃς τέκνʼ ἔκτεινέν ποτε +δάμαρτά τʼ; οὐ γῆς τῆσδʼ ἀποφθαρήσεται; +κεκλημένῳ δὲ φωτὶ μακαρίῳ ποτὲ +αἱ μεταβολαὶ λυπηρόν· ᾧ δʼ ἀεὶ κακῶς +ἔστʼ, οὐδὲν ἀλγεῖ συγγενῶς δύστηνος ὤν. +ἐς τοῦτο δʼ ἥξειν συμφορᾶς οἶμαί ποτε· +φωνὴν γὰρ ἥσει χθὼν ἀπεννέπουσά με +μὴ θιγγάνειν γῆς καὶ θάλασσα μὴ περᾶν +πηγαί τε ποταμῶν, καὶ τὸν ἁρματήλατον +Ἰξίονʼ ἐν δεσμοῖσιν ἐκμιμήσομαι. +καὶ ταῦτʼ ἄριστα μηδένʼ Ἑλλήνων μʼ ὁρᾶν, +ἐν οἷσιν εὐτυχοῦντες ἦμεν ὄλβιοι. +τί δῆτά με ζῆν δεῖ; τί κέρδος ἕξομεν +βίον γʼ ἀχρεῖον ἀνόσιον κεκτημένοι; +χορευέτω δὴ Ζηνὸς ἡ κλεινὴ δάμαρ +κρόουσʼ Ὀλυμπίου Ζηνὸς ἀρβύλῃ πόδα. +ἔπραξε γὰρ βούλησιν ἣν ἐβούλετο, +ἄνδρʼ Ἑλλάδος τὸν πρῶτον αὐτοῖσιν βάθροις +ἄνω κάτω στρέψασα. — τοιαύτῃ θεῷ +τίς ἂν προσεύχοιθʼ; ἣ γυναικὸς οὕνεκα +λέκτρων φθονοῦσα Ζηνὶ τοὺς εὐεργέτας +Ἑλλάδος ἀπώλεσʼ οὐδὲν ὄντας αἰτίους. + +Χορός +οὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλου δαιμόνων ἀγὼν ὅδε +ἢ τῆς Διὸς δάμαρτος· εὖ τόδʼ αἰσθάνῃ. + +Θησεύς + +παραινέσαιμʼ ἂν μᾶλλον ἢ πάσχειν κακῶς. +οὐδεὶς δὲ θνητῶν ταῖς τύχαις ἀκήρατος, +οὐ θεῶν, ἀοιδῶν εἴπερ οὐ ψευδεῖς λόγοι. +οὐ λέκτρʼ ἐν ἀλλήλοισιν, ὧν οὐδεὶς νόμος, +συνῆψαν; οὐ δεσμοῖσι διὰ τυραννίδας +πατέρας ἐκηλίδωσαν; ἀλλʼ οἰκοῦσʼ ὅμως +Ὄλυμπον ἠνέσχοντό θʼ ἡμαρτηκότες. +καίτοι τί φήσεις, εἰ σὺ μὲν θνητὸς γεγὼς +φέρεις ὑπέρφευ τὰς τύχας, θεοὶ δὲ μή; +Θήβας μὲν οὖν ἔκλειπε τοῦ νόμου χάριν, +ἕπου δʼ ἅμʼ ἡμῖν πρὸς πόλισμα Παλλάδος. +ἐκεῖ χέρας σὰς ἁγνίσας μιάσματος, +δόμους τε δώσω χρημάτων τʼ ἐμῶν μέρος. +ἃ δʼ ἐκ πολιτῶν δῶρʼ ἔχω σώσας κόρους +δὶς ἑπτά, ταῦρον Κνώσιον κατακτανών, +σοὶ ταῦτα δώσω. πανταχοῦ δέ μοι χθονὸς +τεμένη δέδασται· ταῦτʼ ἐπωνομασμένα +σέθεν τὸ λοιπὸν ἐκ βροτῶν κεκλήσεται +ζῶντος· θανόντα δʼ, εὖτʼ ἂν εἰς Ἅιδου μόλῃς, +θυσίαισι λαΐνοισί τʼ ἐξογκώμασι +τίμιον ἀνάξει πᾶσʼ Ἀθηναίων πόλις. +καλὸς γὰρ ἀστοῖς στέφανος Ἑλλήνων ὕπο +ἄνδρʼ ἐσθλὸν ὠφελοῦντας εὐκλείας τυχεῖν. +κἀγὼ χάριν σοι τῆς ἐμῆς σωτηρίας +τήνδʼ ἀντιδώσω· νῦν γὰρ εἶ χρεῖος φίλων. +θεοὶ δʼ ὅταν τιμῶσιν, οὐδὲν δεῖ φίλων· +ἅλις γὰρ ὁ θεὸς ὠφελῶν, ὅταν θέλῃ. + +Ἡρακλῆς +οἴμοι· πάρεργα μὲν τάδʼ ἔστʼ ἐμῶν κακῶν, +ἐγὼ δὲ τοὺς θεοὺς οὔτε λέκτρʼ ἃ μὴ θέμις +στέργειν νομίζω, δεσμά τʼ ἐξάπτειν χεροῖν +οὔτʼ ἠξίωσα πώποτʼ οὔτε πείσομαι, +οὐδʼ ἄλλον ἄλλου δεσπότην πεφυκέναι. +δεῖται γὰρ ὁ θεός, εἴπερ ἔστʼ ὀρθῶς θεός, +οὐδενός· ἀοιδῶν οἵδε δύστηνοι λόγοι. +ἐσκεψάμην δὲ καίπερ ἐν κακοῖσιν ὤν, +μὴ δειλίαν ὄφλω τινʼ ἐκλιπὼν φάος· +ταῖς συμφοραῖς γὰρ ὅστις οὐχ ὑφίσταται, +οὐδʼ ἀνδρὸς ἂν δύναιθʼ ὑποστῆναι βέλος. +ἐγκαρτερήσω βίοτον· εἶμι δʼ ἐς πόλιν +τὴν σήν, χάριν τε μυρίων δώρων ἔχω. +ἀτὰρ πόνων δὴ μυρίων ἐγευσάμην· +ὧν οὔτʼ ἀπεῖπον οὐδένʼ οὔτʼ ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων +ἔσταξα πηγάς, οὐδʼ ἂν ᾠόμην ποτὲ +ἐς τοῦθʼ ἱκέσθαι, δάκρυʼ ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων βαλεῖν· +νῦν δʼ, ὡς ἔοικε, τῇ τύχῃ δουλευτέον. +εἶἑν· γεραιέ, τὰς ἐμὰς φυγὰς ὁρᾷς, +ὁρᾷς δὲ παίδων ὄντα μʼ αὐθέντην ἐμῶν· +δὸς τούσδε τύμβῳ καὶ περίστειλον νεκροὺς +δακρύοισι τιμῶν — ἐμὲ γὰρ οὐκ ἐᾷ νόμος — +πρὸς στέρνʼ ἐρείσας μητρὶ δούς τʼ ἐς ἀγκάλας, +κοινωνίαν δύστηνον, ἣν ἐγὼ τάλας +διώλεσʼ ἄκων. γῇ δʼ ἐπὴν κρύψῃς νεκρούς, +οἴκει πόλιν τήνδʼ, ἀθλίως μέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως +ψυχὴν βιάζου τἀμὰ συμφέρειν κακά. +ὦ τέκνʼ, ὁ φύσας καὶ τεκὼν ὑμᾶς πατὴρ +ἀπώλεσʼ, οὐδʼ ὤνασθε τῶν ἐμῶν καλῶν, +ἁγὼ παρεσκεύαζον ἐκμοχθῶν βίᾳ +εὔκλειαν ὑμῖν, πατρὸς ἀπόλαυσιν καλήν. +σέ τʼ οὐχ ὁμοίως, ὦ τάλαινʼ, ἀπώλεσα +ὥσπερ σὺ τἀμὰ λέκτρʼ ἔσῳζες ἀσφαλῶς, +μακρὰς διαντλοῦσʼ ἐν δόμοις οἰκουρίας. +οἴμοι δάμαρτος καὶ τέκνων, οἴμοι δʼ ἐμοῦ, +ὡς ἀθλίως πέπραγα κἀποζεύγνυμαι +τέκνων γυναικός τʼ· ὦ λυγραὶ φιλημάτων +τέρψεις, λυγραὶ δὲ τῶνδʼ ὅπλων κοινωνίαι. +ἀμηχανῶ γὰρ πότερʼ ἔχω τάδʼ ἢ μεθῶ, +ἃ πλευρὰ τἀμὰ προσπίτνοντʼ ἐρεῖ τάδε· +Ἡμῖν τέκνʼ εἷλες καὶ δάμαρθʼ· ἡμᾶς ἔχεις +παιδοκτόνους σούς. εἶτʼ ἐγὼ τάδʼ ὠλέναις +οἴσω; τί φάσκων; ἀλλὰ γυμνωθεὶς ὅπλων, +ξὺν οἷς τὰ κάλλιστʼ ἐξέπραξʼ ἐν Ἑλλάδι, +ἐχθροῖς ἐμαυτὸν ὑποβαλὼν αἰσχρῶς θάνω; +οὐ λειπτέον τάδʼ, ἀθλίως δὲ σῳστέον. +ἕν μοί τι, Θησεῦ, σύγκαμʼ· ἀθλίου κυνὸς +κόμιστρʼ ἐς Ἄργος συγκατάστησον μολών, +λύπῃ τι παίδων μὴ πάθω μονούμενος. +ὦ γαῖα Κάδμου πᾶς τε Θηβαῖος λεώς, +κείρασθε, συμπενθήσατʼ, ἔλθετʼ ἐς τάφον +παίδων· ἅπαντας δʼ ἑνὶ λόγῳ πενθήσετε +νεκρούς τε κἀμέ· πάντες ἐξολώλαμεν +Ἥρας μιᾷ πληγέντες ἄθλιοι τύχῃ. + +Θησεύς +ἀνίστασʼ, ὦ δύστηνε· δακρύων δʼ ἅλις. + +Ἡρακλῆς +οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην· ἄρθρα γὰρ πέπηγέ μου. + +Θησεύς +καὶ τοὺς σθένοντας γὰρ καθαιροῦσιν τύχαι. + +Ἡρακλῆς +φεῦ· +αὐτοῦ γενοίμην πέτρος ἀμνήμων κακῶν. + +Θησεύς +παῦσαι· δίδου δὲ χεῖρʼ ὑπηρέτῃ φίλῳ. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἀλλʼ αἷμα μὴ σοῖς ἐξομόρξωμαι πέπλοις. + +Θησεύς +ἔκμασσε, φείδου μηδέν· οὐκ ἀναίνομαι. + +Ἡρακλῆς +παίδων στερηθεὶς παῖδʼ ὅπως ἔχω σʼ ἐμόν. + +Θησεύς +δίδου δέρῃ σὴν χεῖρʼ, ὁδηγήσω δʼ ἐγώ. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ζεῦγός γε φίλιον· ἅτερος δὲ δυστυχής. +ὦ πρέσβυ, τοιόνδʼ ἄνδρα χρὴ κτᾶσθαι φίλον. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἡ γὰρ τεκοῦσα τόνδε πατρὶς εὔτεκνος. + +Ἡρακλῆς +Θησεῦ, πάλιν με στρέψον, ὡς ἴδω τέκνα. + +Θησεύς +ὡς δὴ τί; φίλτρον τοῦτʼ ἔχων ῥᾴων ἔσῃ; + +Ἡρακλῆς +ποθῶ· πατρός τε στέρνα προσθέσθαι θέλω. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἰδοὺ τάδʼ, ὦ παῖ· τἀμὰ γὰρ σπεύδεις φίλα. + +Θησεύς +οὕτως πόνων σῶν οὐκέτι μνήμην ἔχεις; + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἅπαντʼ ἐλάσσω κεῖνα τῶνδʼ ἔτλην κακά. + +Θησεύς +εἴ σʼ ὄψεταί τις θῆλυν ὄντʼ, οὐκ αἰνέσει. + +Ἡρακλῆς +ζῶ σοι ταπεινός; ἀλλὰ πρόσθεν οὐ δοκῶ. + +Θησεύς +ἄγαν γʼ· ὁ κλεινὸς Ἡρακλῆς οὐκ εἶ νοσῶν. + +Ἡρακλῆς +σὺ ποῖος ἦσθα νέρθεν ἐν κακοῖσιν ὤν; + +Θησεύς +ὡς ἐς τὸ λῆμα παντὸς ἦν ἥσσων ἀνήρ. + +Ἡρακλῆς +πῶς οὖν ἔτʼ εἴπης ὅτι συνέσταλμαι κακοῖς; + +Θησεύς + πρόβαινε. + +Ἡρακλῆς +χαῖρʼ, ὦ πρέσβυ. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +καὶ σύ μοι, τέκνον. + +Ἡρακλῆς +θάφθʼ ὥσπερ εἶπον παῖδας. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +ἐμὲ δὲ τίς, τέκνον; + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἐγώ. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +πότʼ ἐλθών; + +Ἡρακλῆς +ἡνίκʼ ἂν θάψῃς τέκνα. + +Ἀμφιτρύων +πῶς; + +Ἡρακλῆς +εἰς Ἀθήνας πέμψομαι Θηβῶν ἄπο. +ἀλλʼ ἐσκόμιζε τέκνα δυσκόμιστα γῇ· +ἡμεῖς δʼ ἀναλώσαντες αἰσχύναις δόμον, +Θησεῖ πανώλεις ἑψόμεσθʼ ἐφολκίδες. +ὅστις δὲ πλοῦτον ἢ σθένος μᾶλλον φίλων +ἀγαθῶν πεπᾶσθαι βούλεται, κακῶς φρονεῖ.
+ +
+Χορός +στείχομεν οἰκτροὶ καὶ πολύκλαυτοι, +τὰ μέγιστα φίλων ὀλέσαντες.
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg010/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg010/__cts__.xml index 405565ae2..77fbbeb03 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg010/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg010/__cts__.xml @@ -3,12 +3,12 @@ Ion - + Ἴων - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) - + Ion Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. I. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1906. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-eng2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..4d953aa68 --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,2154 @@ + + + + + + + Ion + Machine readable text + Euripides + Edward P. Coleridge + Perseus Project, Tufts University + Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Alison Babeu + Lisa Cerrato + + + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 2020 + + + + + + Euripides + The Plays of Euripides + Edward P. Coleridge + + London + George Bell and Sons + 1906 + + 1 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + + + + +

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Dramatis Personae

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Hermes

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Ion

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Chorus of Creusa’s Handmaidens

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Creusa

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Xuthus

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Old Man Servant

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Servant of Creusa

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Pythian Priestess

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Athena

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+ +Scene.—Before Apollo’s temple at Delphi. + + +Hermes + Atlas, who bears upon his brazen back the pressure of the sky, ancient dwelling of the gods, begat Maia from a daughter of one of those gods, and she bare me Hermes to mighty Zeus, to be the servant of the powers divine. + Lo! I am come to this land of Delphi where sits Phoebus on the centre of the world and giveth oracles to men, ever chanting lays prophetic of things that are to be. Now there is a city in Hellas of no small note, called after Pallas, goddess of the golden lance; + there did Phoebus force his love on Creusa, daughter of Erechtheus, beneath the rock of Pallas, northward of Athens’ steep realm, called Macrae by the kings of Attica. And she without her father’s knowledge—for such was the god’s good pleasure,— + bore the burden in her womb unto the end, and when her time came, she brought forth a child in the house and carried him away to the selfsame cave wherein the god declared his love to her, and she cradled him in the hollow of a rounded ark and cast him forth to die, + observant of the custom of her ancestors and of earth-born Erichthonius, whom the daughter of Zeus gave into the charge of the daughters of Agraulus, after setting on either side, to keep him safe, a guard of serpents twain. Hence in that land among the Erechthidae ’tis a + + custom to protect their babes with charms of golden snakes. But ere she left the babe to die, the young mother tied about him her own broidered robe. And this is the request that Phoebus craves of me, for he is my brother, “Go, brother, to those children of the soil + that dwell in glorious Athens, for well thou knowest Athena’s city, and take a new-born babe from out the hollow rock, his cradle and his swaddling-clothes as well, and bear him to my prophetic shrine at Delphi, and set him at the entering-in of my temple. + What else remains shall be my care, for that child is mine, that thou mayst know it.” So I, to do my brother Loxias a service, took up the woven ark and bore it off, and at the threshold of the shrine I have laid the babe, + after opening the lid of the wicker cradle that the child might be seen. + + But just as the sun-god was starting forth to run his course, a priestess chanced to enter the god’s shrine; and when her eyes lit upon the tender babe she thought it strange that any Delphian maid + should dare to cast her child of shame down at the temple of the god; wherefore her purpose was to remove him beyond the altar, but from pity she renounced her cruel thought, and the god to help his child did second her pity to save the babe from being cast out. So she took and brought him up, + but she knew not that Phoebus was his sire nor of the mother that bare him, nor yet did the child know his parents. While yet he was a child, around the altar that fed him he would ramble at his play, but when he came to man’s estate, the Delphians made him treasurer of the god + and steward of all his store, and found him true, and so until the present day he leads a holy life in the god’s temple. Meantime Creusa, mother of this youth, is wedded to Xuthus; and thus it came to pass; a war broke out 'twixt Athens and the folk of Chalcodon + who dwell in the land of Euboea; and Xuthus took part therein and helped to end it, for which he received the hand of Creusa as his guerdon, albeit he was no native, but an Achaean, sprung from Aeolus, the son of Zeus; and after many years of wedded life + he and Creusa still are childless; wherefore they are come to this oracle of Apollo in their desire for offspring. To this end is Loxias guiding their destiny nor hath it escaped his ken, as some suppose. For when Xuthus enters this shrine, + the god will give him his own son and declare that Xuthus is the sire, that so the boy may come to his mother’s home and be acknowledged by Creusa, while the marriage of Loxias remains a secret and the child obtains his rights; and he shall cause him to be called Ion, founder of a realm in Asia, + through all the breadth of Hellas. But now will I get me to yon grotto ’neath the laurel’s shade that I may learn what is decreed about the child. For I see the son of Loxias now coming forth to cleanse the gateway in front of the temple + with boughs of laurel. I greet him first of all the gods by his name Ion which he soon shall bear.
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+Ion + Lo! the sun-god is e’en now turning towards the earth his chariot-car resplendent; before yon fire the stars retire + to night’s mysterious gloom from forth the firmament; the peaks of Parnassus, where no man may set foot, are all ablaze and hail the car of day for mortal’s service. Up mounts the smoke of myrrh, offering of the desert; + to Phoebus' roof; there on the holy tripod sits the Delphian priestess, chanting to the ears of Hellas in numbers loud, whate’er Apollo doth proclaim. Ye Delphians, votaries of Phoebus, away! + to Castalia’s gushing fount as silver clear, and, when ye have bathed you in its waters pure, enter the shrine; and keep your lips in holy silence that it may be well, careful to utter words of good omen amongst yourselves + to those who wish to consult the oracle; while I with laurel-sprays and sacred wreaths and drops of water sprinkled o’er the floor will purify the entrance to the shrine of Phoebus, + my task each day from childhood’s hour; and with my bow will I put to flight the flocks of feathered fowls that harm his sacred offerings; + for here in Phoebus’ shrine, which nurtured me, I minister, an orphan, fatherless and motherless.
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+Ion + Come, thou tender laurel-shoot, gathered from gardens divine to wait upon the glorious god, + thou that sweepest clean the altar of Phoebus hard by his shrine, where holy founts, that ever gush with ceaseless flow, + bedew the myrtle’s hallowed spray wherewith I cleanse the temple-floor the livelong day, so soon as the swift sun-god wings his flight on high, in my daily ministration. + Hail Paean, prince of healing! blest, ah! doubly blest be thou, child of Latona!
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+Ion + Fair the service that I render to thee, Phoebus, before thy house, + honouring thy seat of prophecy; a glorious task I count it, to serve not mortal man but deathless gods; wherefore I never weary + of performing holy services. Phoebus is to me as the father that begot me, for as such I praise the god that gives me food. Whom I call by that helpful name of father, + Tis Phoebus, who dwelleth in the temple, Hail Paean, healing god, good luck to thee and blessing, child of Latona! +
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+ +Ion + My task is nearly done + of sweeping with the laurel broom, so now from a golden ewer will I sprinkle o’er the ground water from Castalia’s gushing spring, scattering the liquid dew + with hands from all defilement free. Oh may I never cease thus to serve Phoebus, or, if I do, may fortune smile upon me! + Ha! they come, the feathered tribes, + leaving their nests on Parnassus. I forbid ye to settle on the coping or enter the gilded dome. Thou herald of Zeus, that masterest the might of other birds with those talons of thine, + once more shall my arrow o’ertake thee. + Lo! another comes sailing towards the altar, a swan this time; take thy bright plumes elsewhere; the lyre that Phoebus tuneth to thy song shall never + save thee from the bow; so fly away, and settle at the Delian mere, for if thou wilt not hearken, thy blood shall choke the utterance of thy fair melody. + Ha! what new bird comes now? Does it mean to lodge a nest of dry straw for its brood beneath the gables? Soon shall my twanging bow drive thee away. Dost not hear me? + Away and rear thy young amid the streams of swirling Alpheus, or get thee to the woody Isthmian glen, that Phoebus’ offerings and his shrine may take no hurt. I am loth to slay ye, + ye messengers to mortal man of messages from heaven; still must I serve Phoebus, to whose tasks I am devoted, nor will I cease to minister to those that give me food.
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+(First) Chorus + It is not in holy Athens + only that there are courts of the gods with fine colonnades, and the worship of Apollo, guardian of highways; but here, too, at the shrine of Loxias, son of Latona, shines the lovely eye of day on faces twain. + +(Second) Chorus + Just look at this! here is the son of Zeus killing with his scimitar of gold the watersnake of Lerna. Do look at him, my friend!
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+(First) Chorus + Yes, I see. And close to him stands another + with a blazing torch uplifted; who is he? Can this be the warrior Iolaus whose story is told on my broidery, who shares with + the son of Zeus his labours and helps him in the moil? + +(Third) Chorus + Oh! but look at this! a man mounted on a winged horse, killing a fire-breathing monster with three bodies.
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+(First) Chorus + I am turning my eyes in every direction. Behold the rout of the giants carved on these walls of stone. + +(Fourth) Chorus + Yes, yes, good friends, I am looking. + +(Fifth) Chorus + Dost see her standing over Enceladus brandishing her shield with the Gorgon’s head? + +(Sixth) Chorus + I see Pallas, my own goddess. + +(Seventh) Chorus + Again, dost see the massy thunderbolt all aflame in the far-darting hands of Zeus? + +(Eighth) Chorus + I do; ’tis blasting with its flame Mimas, that deadly foe. + +(Ninth) Chorus + Bromius too, the god of revelry, is slaying another of the sons of Earth with his thyrsus of ivy, never meant for battle. +
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+(First) Chorus + Thou that art stationed by this fane, to thee I do address me, + may we pass the threshold of these vaults, with our fair white feet? + +Ion + Nay, ye must not, stranger ladies. + +(Tenth) Chorus + May I ask thee about something I have heard? + +Ion + What wouldst thou ask? + +(Eleventh) Chorus + Is it really true that the temple of Phoebus stands upon the centre of the world? + +Ion + στέμμασί γʼ ἐνδυτόν, ἀμφὶ δὲ Γοργόνες. + +(Twelfth) Chorus + οὕτω καὶ φάτις αὐδᾷ. + +Ion + If ye have offered a sacrificial cake before the shrine and have aught ye wish to ask Phoebus, approach the altar; but enter not the inmost sanctuary, save ye have sacrificed sheep. + + +(Thirteenth) Chorus + I understand; but we have ho mind to trespass against the god’s law; the pictures here without will amuse us. + +Ion + Feast your eyes on all ye may. + +(Fourteenth) Chorus + My mistress gave me leave to see these vaulted chambers. + +Ion + Whose handmaids do ye avow yourselves? + +(Fifteenth) Chorus + The temple, where Pallas dwells, is the nursing-home of my lords. But lo! here is she of whom thou askest.
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+ +Ion + Lady, whosoe’er thou art, I see thou art of noble birth, and thy bearing proves thy gentle breeding. For from his bearing one may mostly judge + whether a man is nobly born. Yet am I much amazed to see thee close thine eyes in grief and with tears bedew thy noble face, when thou standest face to face with the holy oracle of Loxias. Why, lady, art thou thus disquieted? + Here, where all others show their joy at sight of Phoebus’ sanctuary, thine eye is wet with tears. + +Creusa + Most courteously, sir stranger, dost thou express surprise at these my tears; the sight of this temple of Apollo + recalled to me a memory of long ago, and somehow my thoughts went wandering home, though I am here myself. Ah, hapless race of women! ah, ye reckless gods! What shall I say? to what standard shall we refer justice if through the injustice of our lords and masters we are brought to ruin? + +Ion + Why, lady, art thou thus cast down, past all finding out? + +Creusa + ’Tis naught; I have shot my bolt; for what remains, I say no more, nor seek thou further to inquire. + +Ion + Who art thou and whence? who is the father that begat thee? by what name are we to call thee? + + +Creusa + Creusa is my name, the daughter of Erechtheus I; my native land is Athens. + +Ion + A glorious city thine, lady, a noble line of ancestry! with what reverence I behold thee! + +Creusa + Thus far, no further goes my luck, good sir. + +Ion + Pray, is the current legend true— + +Creusa + What is thy question? I fain would learn. + +Ion + Was thy father’s grandsire really sprung from Earth? + +Creusa + Yes, Erichthonius was; but my high birth avails me not + +Ion + Is it true Athena reared him from the ground? + +Creusa + Aye, and into maidens’ hands, though not his mother’s— + +Ion + Consigned him, did she? as ’tis wont to be set forth in painting. + +Creusa + Yes, to the daughters of Cecrops, to keep him safe unseen. + +Ion + I have heard the maidens opened the ark wherein the goddess laid him. + +Creusa + And so they died, dabbling with their blood the rocky cliff. + + +Ion + Even so. But what of this next story? Is it true or groundless? + +Creusa + What is thy question? Ask on, I have no calls upon my leisure. + +Ion + Did thy sire Erechtheus offer thy sisters as a sacrifice? + +Creusa + For his country’s sake he did endure to slay the maids as victims. + +Ion + And how didst thou, alone of al thy sisters, escape? + +Creusa + I was still a tender babe in my mother’s arms. + +Ion + Did the earth really open its mouth and swallow thy father? + +Creusa + The sea-god smote and slew him with his trident. + + +Ion + Is there a spot there called Macrae? + +Creusa + Why ask that? what memories thou recallest! + +Ion + Doth the Pythian god with his flashing fire do honour to the place? + +Creusa + Honour, yes! Honour, indeed! would I had never seen the spot! + +Ion + How now? dost thou abhor that which the god holds dear? + +Creusa + No, no; but I and that cave are witnesses of a deed of shame. + +Ion + Lady, who is the Athenian lord that calls thee wife? + +Creusa + No citizen of Athens, but a stranger from another land. + +Ion + Who is he? he must have been one of noble birth. + +Creusa + Xuthus, son of Aeolus, sprung from Zeus. + +Ion + And how did he, a stranger, win thee a native born? + +Creusa + Hard by Athens lies a neighbouring township, Euboea. + +Ion + With a bounding line of waters in between, so I have heard. + +Creusa + This did he sack, making common cause with Cecrops’ sons. + +Ion + Coming as an ally, maybe; he won thy hand for this? + +Creusa + Yes, this was his dower of battle, the prize of his prowess. + +Ion + Art thou come to the oracle alone, or with thy lord? + +Creusa + With him. But he is now visiting the cavern of Trophonius. + + +Ion + As a spectator merely, or to consult the oracle? + +Creusa + ’Tis his wish to hear the self-same answer from Trophonius and Phoebus too. + +Ion + Is it to seek earth’s produce or fruit of offspring that ye come? + +Creusa + We are childless, though wedded these many years. + +Ion + Hast thou never been a mother? art thou wholly childless? + +Creusa + Phoebus knows whether I am childless. + +Ion + Unhappy wife! how this doth mar thy fortune else so happy! + + +Creusa + But who art thou? how blest I count thy mother! + +Ion + Lady, I am called the servant of Apollo, and so I am. + +Creusa + An offering of thy city, or sold to him by some master? + +Ion + Naught know I but this, that I am called the slave of Loxias. + +Creusa + Then do i in my turn pity thee, sir stranger. + +Ion + Because I know not her that bare me, or him that begat me. + +Creusa + Is thy home here in the temple, or hast thou a house to dwell in? + +Ion + The god’s whole temple is my house, wherever sleep o’ertakes me. + +Creusa + Was it as a child or young man that thou earnest to the temple? + +Ion + Those who seem to know the truth, say I was but a babe. + +Creusa + What Delphian maid, then, weaned thee? + +Ion + I never knew a mother’s breast. But she who brought me up— + +Creusa + Who was she, unhappy youth? I see thy sufferings in my own. + + +Ion + The priestess of Phoebus; I look oh her as my mother. + +Creusa + Until thou earnest unto man’s estate, what nurture hadst thou? + +Ion + The altar fed me, and the bounty of each casual guest. + +Creusa + Woe is thy mother, then, whoe’er she was! + +Ion + Maybe my birth was some poor woman’s wrong. + +Creusa + Hast thou any store, for thy dress is costly enough? + +Ion + The god I serve gives me these robes to wear. + +Creusa + Wert thou never eager to inquire into thy birth? + +Ion + Ah! yes, lady! but I have no clue at all to guide me. + +Creusa + Alas! I know another woman who hath suffered as thy mother did. + +Ion + Who is she? If she would but help me in the task, how happy should I be! + +Creusa + ’Tis she on whose account I have preceded my husband hither. + +Ion + What are thy wishes? be sure I will serve thee, lady. + +Creusa + I would fain obtain a secret answer from Apollo’s oracle. + +Ion + Name it, then; the rest will I undertake for thee. + +Creusa + Hear, then, this story. Yet am I ashamed. + +Ion + Thus wilt thou accomplish naught, for shame is a goddess slow to act. + +Creusa + A friend of mine asserts that Phoebus lay with her. + +Ion + Phoebus with a mortal woman? Stranger lady, say not so. + +Creusa + Yea, and she bare the god a child without her father’s knowledge. + +Ion + It cannot be; some man did wrong her, and she is ashamed of it. + +Creusa + This she denieis herself; and she hath suffered further woe. + + +Ion + How so, if she was wedded to a god? + +Creusa + The babe she bare she did expose. + +Ion + Where is the child who was thus cast forth? is he yet alive? + +Creusa + No man knoweth. That is the very thing I would ask the oracle. + +Ion + But if he be no more, how did he perish? + +Creusa + She supposes that beasts devoured the hapless babe. + +Ion + What proof led her to form this opinion? + +Creusa + She came to the place where she exposed him, but found him no longer there. + +Ion + Were any drops of blood upon the path? + +Creusa + None, she says; and yet she ranged the ground to and fro. + +Ion + How long is it since the babe was destroyed? + +Creusa + Thy age and his would measure out the self-same span, were he alive. + + + +Ion + Hath she given birth to no other child since then? + +Creusa + The god doth wrong her, and wretched is she in having no child. + +Ion + But what if Phoebus privily removed her child, and is rearing it? + +Creusa + Then is he acting unfairly in keeping to himself alone a joy he ought to share. + +Ion + Ah me! this misfortune sounds so like my own. + +Creusa + Thee too, fair sir, thy poor mother misses, I am sure. + +Ion + Oh! call me not back to piteous thoughts I had forgotten. + +Creusa + I am dumb; proceed with that which touches my inquiry. + +Ion + Dost know the one weak point in this thy story? + + +Creusa + ’Tis all weak in that poor lady’s case. + +Ion + How should the god declare that which he wishes hidden? + +Creusa + He must, if here upon the tripod he sits for all Hellas to seek to. + +Ion + He is ashamed of the deed; do not question him. + +Creusa + Aye, but his victim has her sorrows too. + +Ion + There is none who will act as thy medium in this. + For were Phoebus in his own temple proved a villain, he would justly wreak his vengeance on the man who expounded to thee his oracles; desist then, lady; we must not prophesy against the god’s will, + for it would be the height of folly in us, were we to try and make the gods against their will declare reluctant truths either by sacrifice of sheep at their altars, or by omens from birds. For those answers we strive to extort from heaven, lady, are goods that bring no blessing on our getting; + but what they freely offer, thereby we profit. + +Chorus + Many are the chances that befall the many tribes of men, and diverse are their forms. But scarce one happy scene canst thou find in all the life of man. + +Creusa + Ah! Phoebus, here as there, art thou unjust + to that absent sufferer, whose cause I now am pleading. Thou didst not preserve thy child, as in duty bound, nor wilt thou, for all thy prophetic skill, answer his mother’s questioning, that, if he be no more, a mound may be raised o’er him, or, if he live, he may some day be restored to his mother’s eyes. + In vain is this the home of oracles if the god prevents me from learning what I wish to ask. But lo! I see my noble lord, Xuthus, nigh at hand, returning 278 from the lair of Trophonius; say nothing, + sir, to my husband of what I have told thee, lest I incur reproach for troubling about secrets, and the matter take a different turn to that which I sought to give it. For women stand towards men in a difficult position, and the virtuous from being mingled with the wicked amongst us are hated; + such is our unhappy destiny. + + + +Xuthus + First to the god all hail! for he must receive the first-fruits of my salutation, and next all hail to thee, my wife! Has my delay in arriving caused thee alarm? + +Creusa + By no means; but thou art come at an anxious time. + Tell me what response thou bringest from Trophonius, touching our future hopes of mutual offspring. + +Xuthus + He deigned not to forestal the prophecies of Phoebus. This only did he say, that neither thou nor I should return unto our house childless from the shrine. + +Creusa + Majestic mother of Phoebus, to our journey grant success, and may our previous dealings with thy son now find a better issue! + +Xuthus + It will be so; but who acts as the god’s spokesman here? + +Ion + I serve outside the shrine, others within, + who stand near the tripod, even the noblest of the Delphians chosen by lot, sir stranger. + +Xuthus + ’Tis well; I have attained the utmost of my wishes. I will go within; for I am told that a victim has been slain in public before the temple for strangers, + and to-day,—for it is a lucky day,—I would fain receive the god’s oracle. Do thou, my wife, take branches of laurel, and seated at the altars pray to the gods that I may carry home from Apollo’s shrine an answer that bodeth well for offspring. + +Creusa + All this shall be. Now, at any rate, if Loxias would retrieve his former sins, e’en though he cannot be my friend entirely, yet will I accept whate’er he deigns to give, because he is a god. [Exeunt Xuthus and Creusa. + +Ion + Why doth this stranger lady hint dark reproaches against the god + unceasingly, either out of affection for her on whose behalf she seeks the oracle, or maybe because she is hiding something needing secrecy? Yet what have I to do with the daughter of Erectheus? She is naught to me. + No, I will go to the laver, and from golden ewers sprinkle the holy water. Yet must I warn Phoebus of what is happening to him; he ravishes a maid and proves unfaithful to her, and after secretly begetting a son leaves him to die. O! Phoebus, do not so, but as thou art supreme, + follow in virtue’s track; for whosoever of mortal men transgresses, him the gods punish. How, then, can it be just that you should enact your laws for men, and yourselves incur the charge of breaking them? Now I will put this case, though it will never happen. + Wert thou, wert Poseidon, and Zeus, the lord of heaven, to make atonement to mankind for every act of lawless love, ye would empty your temples in paying the fines for your misdeeds. For when ye pursue pleasure in preference to the claims of prudence, ye act unjustly; no longer is it fair + to call men wicked, if we are imitating the evil deeds of gods, but rather those who give us such examples. [Exit Ion
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+Chorus + On thee I call, Athena mine, at whose birth-throes no kindly goddess lent her aid, + delivered as thou wert by Titan Prometheus from the forehead of Zeus. Come, O lady Victory, come to the Pythian shrine, winging thy way from the gilded chambers of Olympus + to the city’s streets, where Phoebus at his altar on the centre of the world brings his oracles to pass beside the dance-encircled tripod; + come, too, thou daughter of Latona, together come, ye virgin goddesses, fair sisters of Phoebus! And be this your prayer, fair maidens, that the ancient house of Erechtheus + may obtain by clear oracles the blessing of children, though late it come.
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+Chorus + For this brings to man a settled source of all-surpassing bliss, + even to such as see in their ancestral halls a splendid race of strong young parents blest with offspring, to inherit from their sires + their wealth in due succession after other children; yea, for they are a defence in time of trouble, and add a charm to weal, affording to their fatherland a saving help in battle. + Give me before the pomp of wealth or royal marriages the careful nurture of noble children. The childless life I do abhor, and him who thinks it good I blame; + to a happy life amongst my children, blest with moderate wealth, may I hold fast.
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+Chorus + Ye haunts of Pan, and rocks hard by the grots of Macrae, + where Agraulos’ daughters three trip it lightly o’er the green grass-lawns before the shrine of Pallas, to the music of the piper’s varied note, + what time thou, Pan, art piping in those caves of thine, where a maiden once that had a child by Phoebus, unhappy mother! exposed her babe, forced issue of her woful wooing, + for birds to tear and beasts to rend, a bloody banquet! Never have I seen it told in woven tale or legend that children born to gods by daughters of earth have any share in bliss.
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+ Ion + Attendant maids, that watch and wait your mistress here at the steps of the temple fragrant with incense, say, hath Xuthus already left the holy tripod and the sanctuary, or doth he still abide within to ask yet further of his childlessness? + +Chorus + He is still in the temple, sir, nor hath he passed this threshold yet. + But hark! I hear a footstep at the outlet of the door, and lo! thou mayst see my master this moment coming out. + +Xuthus + All hail! my son; that word suits well as my first greeting to thee. + +Ion + ’Tis well with me; do but restrain thyself, and then both of us will be happy. + +Xuthus + Give me thy hand to grasp, thy body to embrace. + +Ion + Art thou in thy senses, sir, or hath some spiteful god reft thee of them? + +Xuthus + I am in my senses, for I have found what I hold most dear, and am eager to show my love. + +Ion + Cease! touch me not, nor tear these garlands of the god! + +Xuthus + I will embrace thee, for I am not seizing what is not my own, but only finding my own that I love full well. + +Ion + Hands off! or thou shalt feel an arrow pierce thy ribs. + +Xuthus + Why dost thou shun me, now that thou findest in me thy nearest and dearest? + +Ion + I am not fond of schooling boors and crazy strangers. + +Xuthus + Kill me, burn me, if thou wilt; for, if thou dost, thou wilt be thy father’s murderer. + +Ion + Thou my father, indeed i Oh! is not news like this enough to make me laugh? + +Xuthus + Not so; my tale, as it proceeds, will prove to thee what I assert. + +Ion + Pray, what hast thou to tell me? + +Xuthus + That I am thy own father, and thou my very child. + +Ion + Who says so? + +Xuthus + Loxias, who gave thee nurture, though thou wert my son. + +Ion + Thou art thy own witness. + +Xuthus + Nay, I have learnt the answer of the god. + +Ion + Thou art mistaken in the dark riddle thou hast heard. + +Xuthus + It seems then I do not hear aright. + +Ion + What said Phoebus? + +Xuthus + That the man who met me— + +Ion + When and where? + +Xuthus + As I came forth from the god’s temple— + +Ion + Well! what should happen to him? + +Xuthus + Should be my own true son. + +Ion + Thy own true son, or a gift from others? + +Xuthus + A gift, but mine for all that. + +Ion + Am I the first that thou didst meet? + +Xuthus + I have met no other, my son. + +Ion + Whence came this piece of luck? + +Xuthus + To both of us alike it causes surprise. + +Ion + Ah I but who was my mother? + +Xuthus + I cannot tell. + +Ion + Did not Phoebus tell thee that? + +Xuthus + I was so pleased with this, I did not ask him that. + +Ion + I must have sprung from mother earth. + + Xuthus + The ground brings forth no children. + +Ion + How can I be thine? + +Xuthus + I know not; I refer it to the god. + + +Ion + Come, let us try another theme. + +Xuthus + Better hold to this, my son. + +Ion + Didst thou e’er indulge in illicit amours? + +Xuthus + Yes, in the folly of youth. + +Ion + Ere thou didst win Erechtheus’ daughter? + +Xuthus + Never since. + +Ion + Could it be, then, thou didst beget me? + +Xuthus + The time coincides therewith. + +Ion + In that case, how came I hither? + +Xuthus + That puzzles me. + +Ion + After that long journey too? + +Xuthus + That, too, perplexes me. + +Ion + Didst thou in days gone by come to the Pythian rock? + +Xuthus + Yes, to join in the mystic rites of Bacchus. + +Ion + Didst thou lodge with one of the public hosts? + +Xuthus + With one who at Delphi— + +Ion + Initiated thee? or what is it thou sayest? + +Xuthus + Among the frantic votaries of Bacchus. + +Ion + Wert thou sober, or in thy cups? + +Xuthus + I had indulged in the pleasures of the wine-cup. + +Ion + That is just the history of my birth. + +Xuthus + Fate hath discovered thee, my son. + +Ion + How came I to the temple? + +Xuthus + Maybe the maid exposed thee. + +Ion + I have escaped the shame of slavish birth. + +Xuthus + Acknowledge then thy father, my son. + +Ion + It is not right that I should mistrust the god. + +Xuthus + Thou art right there. + +Ion + What more can I desire— + +Xuthus + Thine eyes now open to the sights they should. + +Ion + Than from a son of Zeus to spring? + +Xuthus + Which is indeed thy lot. + +Ion + May I embrace the author of my being? + +Xuthus + Aye, put thy trust in the god. + + +Ion + Hail to thee, father mine. + +Xuthus + With joy that title I accept. + +Ion + This day— + +Xuthus + Hath made me blest. + +Ion + Ah, mother dear! shall I ever see thee too? Now more than ever do I long to gaze upon thee, whoe’er thou art. + But thou perhaps art dead, and I shall never have the chance.
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+ Chorus + We share the good luck of thy house; but still I could have wished my mistress too, and Erechtheus’ line, had been blest with children. + +Xuthus + My son, albeit the god hath for thy discovery brought his oracle + to a true issue, and united thee to me, while thou, too, hast found what most thou dost desire, till now unconscious of it; still, as touching this anxiety so proper in thee, I feel an equal yearning that thou, my child, mayst find thy mother, and I the wife that bare thee unto me. + Maybe we shall discover this, if we leave it to time. But now leave the courts of the god, and this homeless life of thine, and come to Athens, in accordance with thy fathers wishes, for there his happy realm and bounteous wealth await thee; nor shalt thou + be taunted with base origin and poverty to boot, because in one of these respects thou something lackest, but thou shalt be renowned alike for birth and wealth. Art silent? why dost fix thy eyes upon the ground? Thou art lost in thought, and by this sudden change from thy former cheerfulness, thou strikest thy father with dismay. + +Ion + Things assume a different form according as we see them before us, or far off. I am glad at what has happened, since I have found in thee a father; but hear me on some points which I am now deciding. + Athens, I am told,—that glorious city of a native race,—owns no aliens; in which case I shall force my entrance there under a twofold disadvantage, as an alien’s son and base-born as I am. Branded with this reproach, while as yet I am unsupported, I shall get the name of a mere nobody, a son of nobodies; + and if I win my way to the highest place in the state, and seek to be some one, I shall be hated by those who have no influence, for superiority is galling; while ’mongst men of worth who could show their wisdom, but are silent, and take no interest in politics, + I shall incur ridicule and be thought a fool for not keeping quiet in such a fault-finding city. Again, if I win a name amongst the men of mark who are engaged in politics, still more will jealous votes bar my progress; for thus, father, is it ever wont to be; + they who have the city’s ear, and have already made their mark, are most bitter against all rivals. + + Again, if I, a stranger, come to a home that knows me not, and to that childless wife who before had thee as partner in her sorrow, but now + will feel the bitterness of having to bear her fortune all alone,—how, I ask, shall I not fairly earn her hatred, when I take my stand beside thee; while she, still childless, sees thy dear pledge with bitter eyes; and then thou have to choose between deserting me and regarding her, + or honouring me and utterly confounding thy home? How many a murder, and death by deadly drugs have wives devised for husbands! Besides, I pity that wife of thine, father, with her childless old age beginning; she little deserves + to pine in barrenness, a daughter of a noble race. That princely state we fondly praise is pleasant to the eye; but yet in its mansions sorrow lurks; for who is happy, or by fortune blest, that has to live his life in fear of violence with many a sidelong glance? + Rather would I live among the common folk, and taste their bliss, than be a tyrant who delights in making evil men his friends, and hates the good, in terror of his life. Perchance thou wilt tell me, “Gold outweighs all these evils, + and wealth is sweet.” I have no wish to be abused for holding tightly to my pelf, nor yet to have the trouble of it. Be mine a moderate fortune free from annoyance! Now hear the blessings, father, that here were mine; first, leisure, man’s chiefest joy, + with but moderate trouble; no villain ever drove me from my path, and that is a grievance hard to bear, to make room and give way to sorry knaves. My duty was to pray unto the gods, or with mortal men converse, a minister to their joys, not to their Sorrows. + And I was ever dismissing one batch of guests, while another took their place, so that I was always welcome from the charm of novelty. That honesty which men must pray for, even against their will, custom and nature did conspire to plant in me in the sight of Phoebus. Now when I think on this, + I deem that I am better here than there, father. So let me live on here, for ’tis an equal charm to joy in high estate, or in a humble fortune find a pleasure. + +Chorus + Well said! if only those I love find their happiness in thy statement of the case. + + +Xuthus + Cease such idle talk, and learn to be happy; for on that spot where I discovered thee, my son, will I begin the rites, since I have chanced on the general banquet, open to all comers, and I will offer thy birth sacrifice which aforetime I left undone. And now will I bring thee to the banquet as my guest and rejoice thy heart, + and take thee to the Athenian land as a visitor forsooth, not as my own son. For I will not grieve my wife in her childless sorrow by my good fortune. But in time will I seize a happy moment + and prevail on her to let thee wield my sceptre o’er the realm. Thy name shall be Ion, in accordance with what happened, for that thou wert the first to cross my path as I came forth from Apollo’s sanctuary. Go, gather every friend thou hast, and with them make merry o’er the flesh of sacrifice, + on the eve of thy departure from the town of Delphi. On you, ye handmaids, silence I enjoin, for, if ye say one word to my wife, death awaits you. [Exit Xuthus. + +Ion + Well, I will go; one thing my fortune lacks, for if I find not her that gave me birth, life is no life to me, my father; + and, if I may make the prayer, Oh may that mother be a daughter of Athens! that from-her I may inherit freedom of speech. For if a stranger settle in a city free from aliens, e’en though in name he be a citizen, + yet doth he find him-setf tongue-tied and debarred from open utterance. [Exit Ion.
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+Chorus + Weeping and lamentation and the beginning of mourning I foresee, when my mistress shall see her lord blest with a son, + while she is childless and forlorn. What was this oracle thou didst vouchsafe, prophetic son of Latona? Whence came this boy, thy foster-child who lingers in thy temple? who was his mother? + I like not thy oracle; I fear there is some treachery. In terror I await the issue of this chance; + for strange are these tidings and strange it is that the god declares them to me. There is guile connected with this waif’s fortune. All must allow that.
+ + +
+Chorus + Shall we, good friends, throw off disguise and tell our mistress this story about her husband in whom her all was centred and whose hopes, poor lady, she once shared? But now in misery is she plunged, while he enjoys the smiles of fortune; + to hoary eld she drifteth fast, while he, her lord, pays no regard to his loved ones,—the wretch, who came an alien to her house to share great wealth and failed to guard her fortunes! Perdition catch this traitor to my lady! + never may he succeed in offering to the gods upon their blazing altar a hallowed cake with flames that augur well! He shall know to his cost my regard + for my mistress. Now are sire and new-found son bent on the approaching feast.
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+Chorus + Ho! ye peaks of Parnassus + that rear your rocky heads to heaven, where Bacchus with uplifted torch of blazing pine bounds nimbly amid his bacchanals, that range by night! Never to my city come this boy! + let him die and leave his young life as it dawns! For should our city fall on evil days, this bringing-in of strangers would supply it with a reason. Enough, enough for us Erechtheus’ line that erst held sway!
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+Creusa + Aged retainer of my father Erechtheus while yet he lived and saw the light of day, mount to the god’s prophetic shrine that thou mayst share my gladness, if haply Loxias, great king, vouchsafe an answer touching my hopes of offspring; + for sweet it is to share with friends prosperity, and sweet likewise to see a friendly face if any ill betide,—which God forbid! As thou of yore didst tend my sire, so now, thy mistress though I am, I take his place in tending thee. + +Old Servant + Daughter, thy manners bear good witness still to thy noble lineage; thou hast never brought shame upon those ancestors of thine, the children of the soil. A hand, I prithee, to the shrine! a hand to lean upon!’Tis a steep path thither, truly; + but lend thy aid to guide my steps and make me young again. + +Creusa + Come follow then, and look where thou art treading. + +Old Servant + Behold! though my steps loiter, my thoughts take wings. + +Creusa + Lean on thy staff as thou climbest this winding path. + +Old Servant + Even this staff is a blind guide when I myself can scarcely see. + +Creusa + True, but do not yield through fatigue. + +Old Servant + Never willingly, but I am not master of that which is mine no more. + +Creusa + Maidens mine, my trusty servants at the loom and web, declare to me how my lord hath fared as touching the question of offspring which brought us hither: + for if ye give me good news, ye will cause joy to a mistress who will not prove faithless to her word. + +Chorus + O fortune! + +Old Servant + This prelude to your speech is unlucky. + +Chorus + Woe is me! + +Old Servant + Can it be that the oracles delivered to my master wound me at all? + +Chorus + Enough! why have aught to do with that which brings down death? + +Creusa + What means this piteous strain? wherefore this alarm? + +Chorus + Are we to speak or keep silence? What shall we do? + +Creusa + Speak; for thou hast somewhat to tell that touches me. + +Chorus + Then speak I will, though twice to die were mine. O mistress mine! never shalt thou hold a babe within thy arms or clasp him to thy breast. + +
+Creusa + Ah me! would I were dead! + +Old Servant + My daughter! + +Creusa + O woe is me for my calamity! Mine is a heritage of suffering and woe that poisons life, good friends. + +Old Servant + Ah, my child, ’tis death to us! + +Creusa + Ah me! ah me! grief drives its weapon through this heart of mine. + +Old Servant + Stay thy lamentations. + +Creusa + Nay, but sorrow lodges here. + +Old Servant + Till we learn— + +Creusa + Ah, what further news is there for me?
+ +
+Old Servant + Whether our master is in the same plight and shares thy misfortune, or thou art alone in thy misery. + + + Chorus + On him, old sir, Loxias hath bestowed a son, + and he is enjoying his good fortune apart from her. + +Creusa + Herein hast thou declared a further evil crowning all, a grief for me to mourn. + +Old Servant + The child of whom thou speakest—is he some woman’s destined babe, or did the god declare the fate of one already born? + +Chorus + A youth already born and grown to man’s estate doth Phoebus give to him; for I was there myself. + +Creusa + What sayest thou? nor tongue nor lip should speak the word thou tellest me. + +Old Servant + And me. But declare more clearly how this oracle is finding its fulfilment, and say who is the child. + +Chorus + Whomso thy husband first should meet as he issued from the shrine, him the god gave him for his son. + +Creusa + Ah me! my fate, it seems, has doomed me to a childless + life, and all forlorn am I to dwell in ray halls, without an heir. + +Old Servant + To whom did the oracle refer? whom did our poor lady’s husband meet? how and where did he see him? + +Chorus + Dear mistress mine, dost know that youth + that was sweeping yonder shrine? He is that son. + +Creusa + Oh! for wings to cleave the liquid air beyond the land of Hellas, away to the western stars, so keen the anguish of my soul, my friends! + +Old Servant + Dost know the name his father gave to him, or is that left as yet unsettled and unsaid? + +Chorus + He called him Ion, because he was the first to cross his path. + +Old Servant + Who is his mother? + +Chorus + That I cannot say. But,—to tell thee all I know, old sir,— + her lord is gone, with furtive step, into the hallowed tent, there to offer on this child’s behalf such gifts and victims as are offered for a birth, and with his new-found son to celebrate the feast. + + +Old Servant + Mistress mine, we are betrayed by thy husband, fellow-sufferers thou and I; ’tis a deep-laid plot to outrage us + and drive us from Erechtheus’ halls. And this I say not from any hatred of thy lord but because I bear thee more love than him; for he, after coming as a stranger to thy city and thy home, and wedding thee, and of thy heritage taking full possession, + has been detected in a secret marriage with another woman, by whom he hath children. His secret will I now disclose; when he found thee barren, he was not content to share with thee thy hard lot, but took to himself a slave to be his stealthy paramour + and thus begat a son, whom he sent abroad, giving him to some Delphian maid to nurse; and, to escape detection, the child was dedicated to the god and reared in his temple. But when he heard his boy was grown to manhood, he persuaded thee to come hither to inquire about thy childless state. + And after this, ’twas not the god that lied, but thy husband, who long had been rearing the child, and he it was that wove this tissue of falsehood, intending, if he were detected, to refer it to the god, whereas if he escaped exposure, to repel all odium, he meant to vest the sovereignty in this son of his. + Likewise he devised anew his name, coined to suit the circumstances, Ion, because, as he asserts, he met him on his way. + +Chorus + Ah! how I ever hate the wicked + who plot unrighteousness and then cunningly trick it out. Far rather would I have a virtuous friend of no great intellect than a knave of subtler wit. + + +Old Servant + Of all thy wretched fate this will be the crowning sorrow, the bringing to thy house to be its lord some slave-girl’s child, whose mother is unknown, himself of no account. For this evil had been to itself confined, + had he persuaded thee, pleading thy childlessness, to let him establish in the house some high-born mother’s son; or if this had displeased thee, he ought to have sought a daughter of Aeolus in marriage. Wherefore must thou now put thy woman’s wit to work; either take the dagger, or by guile + or poison slay thy husband and his son, ere they deal out death to thee; since if thou spare him, thou wilt lose thy own life; for when two foes meet beneath one roof, one or the other must rue it. + Myself too am ready to share this labour with thee, and to help destroy the child when I have made my way into the chamber where he is furnishing the feast, and so repaying my masters for my maintenance I am willing either to die or still behold the light of life. ’Tis but a single thing that brands the slave with shame— + his name; in all else no upright slave is a whit worse than freeborn men. + +Chorus + I too, beloved mistress, am ready to share thy fate, be it death or victory.
+ + +
+ +Creusa + Ah! my suffering soul! how am I to keep silence? + Am I to disclose the secrets of my love and lose all claim to modesty? What is there to keep me back any longer? With whom have I to pit myself in virtue’s lists? Hath not my husband proved untrue? + Home and children, both are torn from me; all hope is dead; I have not realized my wish to set the matter straight, by hushing up my former union and saying naught about my son of sorrow. + No! by the starry seat of Zeus, by her whose home is on my rocks, and by the hallowed strand of Triton’s mere with brimming flood, I will no more conceal my love; for if + I can lift that burden from my breast I shall rest easier. With tears my eyes are streaming and my heart is wrung with anguish for the treacherous counsels both of men and gods,—traitors they! as I will show, + ungrateful traitors to their loves! + + O! thou who dost awake that tuneful lyre with seven strings till to its sweet note of music the lifeless pegs of wild ox-hom resound again, + thou child of Latona, to yon 293 bright orb of thine will I publish thy reproach. Yes, I saw thee come, the glint of gold upon thy locks, as I was gathering in my folded robe the saffron blooms + that blazed like flowers of gold; and by my lily wrist didst thou catch me and ledst me to the cavern’s bed, what time I cried aloud upon my mother’s name,—thou a god + to mate with me in shameless wise to pleasure lady Cypris! Then to my sorrow I bore thee a son, whom, though anguish thrilled my mother’s breast, I cast upon that bed of thine, + where thou didst join in woful wedlock this unhappy maid. Ah! woe is me! that poor babe I bare thee is now no more; winged fowls have tom and devoured him, + but thou art gaily carolling unto thy lyre some song of joy. + + Hark! thou son of Latona, to thee I call, for that thou dispensest warnings; there at thy golden throne + on earth’s centre planted will I proclaim a word into thy ear. O! thou wicked bridegroom who art bringing to my husband’s house an heir, though from him thou hast received no boon; + while that child of thine and mine hath died unrecognized, a prey to carrion birds, his mother’s swaddling-clothes all lost. Delos hates thee now, thy bay-tree loves thee not, + whose branches sprout beside the tufted palm, where in holy throes Latona, big with child by Zeus, gave birth to thee. + + + +Chorus + Ah me! what store of sorrows is here disclosed, enough to draw a tear from every eye! + +Old Servant + Daughter, with pity am I filled as a gaze upon thy face; my reason leaves me; for just as I am striving to lighten my spirit of its sea of troubles, comes another wave astern and catches me by reason of thy words; for no sooner hadst thou uttered this tale of present troubles + than thou didst turn aside into a fresh a track of other woes. What is it thou sayest? What charge against Apollo dost thou bring? What child is this thou dost assert that thou didst bear? Where was it in the city that thou didst expose him, for beasts to rejoice o’er his burial? Tell me once again. + +Creusa + Old friend, although to meet thine eye, I am ashamed, yet will I tell thee. + +Old Servant + Full well I know how to lend my friends a generous sympathy. + +Creusa + Then hearken; dost know a cave toward the north of Cecrops’ rock, that we call Macrae? + +Old Servant + I know it; there is the shrine of Pan, and his altar hard by. + +Creusa + That was the scene of my dire conflict. + +Old Servant + What conflict? see how my tears start forth to meet thy words. + +Creusa + Phoebus forced me to a woful marriage. + +Old Servant + Was it then this, my daughter, that I noticed myself? + +Creusa + I know not; but I will tell thee if thou speak the truth. + +Old Servant + At the time thou wert mourning in secret some hidden complaint? + +Creusa + Yes, ’twas then this trouble happened, which now I am declaring to thee. + +Old Servant + How then didst conceal thy union with Apollo? + +Creusa + I bore a child; hear me patiently, old friend. + +Old Servant + Where? and who helped thy travail? or didst thou labour all alone? + +Creusa + All alone, in the cave where I became a wife. + +Old Servant + Where is the child? that thou mayst cease thy childless state. + +Creusa + Dead, old friend, to beasts exposed. + +Old Servant + Dead? did Apollo, evil god, no help afford? + +Creusa + None; my boy is in the halls of Hades. + +Old Servant + Who then exposed him? surely not thyself. + +Creusa + Myself, when ’neath the gloom of night I had wrapped him in my robe. + +Old Servant + Did no one share thy secret of the babe’s exposure? + +Creusa + Ill-fortune and secrecy alone. + +Old Servant + How couldst thou in the cavern leave thy babe? + +Creusa + Ah! how? but still I did, with many a word of pity uttered o’er him. + +Old Servant + Oh for thy hard heart! Oh for the god’s, more hard than thine! + +Creusa + Hadst thou but seen the babe stretch forth his hands to me! + +Old Servant + To find thy mother’s breast, to nestle in thy arms? + +Creusa + By being kept therefrom he suffered grievous wrong from me. + +Old Servant + How earnest thou to think of casting forth thy babe? + +Creusa + Methought the god would save his own begotten child. + + +Old Servant + Ah me! what storms assail thy family’s prosperity! + +Creusa + Why weepest thou, old man, with head close-veiled? + +Old Servant + To see the sorrows of thy sire and thee. + +Creusa + Such is our mortal life; naught abideth in one stay. + +Old Servant + Daughter, let us cease to dwell on themes of woe. + +Creusa + What must I do? Misfortune leaves us helpless. + +Old Servant + Avenge thee on the god who first did injure thee. + +Creusa + How can I, weak mortal as I am, outrun those mightier powers? + +Old Servant + Set fire to Apollo’s awful sanctuary. + +Creusa + I am afraid; my present sorrows are enough for me. + +Old Servant + Then what thou canst, that dare—thy husband’s death. + +Creusa + Nay, I do respect his former love in the days when he was good and true. + +Old Servant + At least, then, slay the boy who hath appeared to supplant thee. + +Creusa + How can I? would it were possible! how I wish it were! + +Old Servant + Arm thy followers with daggers. + +Creusa + I will about it; but where is the deed to be done? + +Old Servant + In the sacred tent, where he is feasting his friends. + +Creusa + The murder will be too public, and slaves are poor support. + +Old Servant + Ah! thou art turning coward. Devise some scheme thyself. + +Creusa + Well, I too have subtle plans that cannot fail. + +Old Servant + If both conditions they fulfil, I will assist thee. + +Creusa + Hearken then; knowest thou the battle of the earth-born men? + +Old Servant + Surely; the fight at Phlegra waged by giants against the gods. + +Creusa + There Earth brought Gorgon forth, dreadful prodigy. + +Old Servant + To aid her sons maybe, and cause the gods hard toil? + +Creusa + Yea, and Pallas, daughter of Zeus, slew the monster. + +Old Servant + What savage form had it assumed? + +Creusa + A breast-plate of vipers fenced its body. + +Old Servant + Is this the tale I heard in days of yore? + +Creusa + That Athena wears its skin upon her corslet. + +Old Servant + Is it this that Pallas wears, called by men her aegis? + +Creusa + This was the name it received, that day she came to do battle for the gods. + + +Old Servant + How, daughter, can this harm thy enemies? + +Creusa + Hast heard of Erichthonius, or no? of course thou hast. + +Old Servant + Him whom Earth produced, the founder of thy race? + +Creusa + To him whilst yet a babe did Pallas give— + +Old Servant + Ha! what? thou hast something yet to add? + +Creusa + Two drops of Gorgon’s blood. + +Old Servant + What power could they exert on the nature of a human creature? + +Creusa + The one with death is fraught, the other cures disease. + +Old Servant + What held them when she tied them to the child’s body? + +Creusa + With links of gold she fastened them; this to my sire did Erichthonius give. + +Old Servant + And at his death it came to thee? + +Creusa + Yea, and here at my wrist I wear it. + +Old Servant + How works the spell of this double gift of Pallas? + +Creusa + Each drop of gore which trickled from the hollow vein— + +Old Servant + What purpose does it serve? what virtue does it carry? + +Creusa + Wards off disease, and nourishes man’s life. + +Old Servant + What doth that second drop effect, of which thou madest mention? + +Creusa + It kills, for it is venom from the Gorgon’s snakes. + +Old Servant + Dost thou carry this charm mixed in one phial, or separate? + +Creusa + Separate; for good is no companion for evil. + +Old Servant + Daughter dear, thou art fully armed with all thou needest. + +Creusa + By this must the boy die, and thou must do the deadly deed. + +Old Servant + How and where? thine it is to speak, and mine to dare and do. + +Creusa + In Athens, when to my house he comes. + +Old Servant + That is not wisely said; I may object to thy plan as thou to mine. + +Creusa + How so? Hast thou the same mistrust that I experience? + +Old Servant + Thou wilt get the credit of his death, although thou slay him not. + +Creusa + True; men say stepdames are jealous of their husband’s children. + +Old Servant + Kill him here then, that so thou mayst deny the murder. + +Creusa + Well, thus I do anticipate the pleasure. + +Old Servant + Yea, and thou wilt from thy husband keep the very secret he would keep from thee. + +Creusa + Dost know then what to do? Take from my arm + this golden bracelet, Athena’s gift, some ancient craftsman’s work, and seek the spot where my lord is offering secret sacrifice; then when their feasting is o’er and they are about to pour drink-offering to the gods, take this phial in thy robe and pour it into the young man’s goblet; + not for all, but for him alone, providing a separate draught, who thinks to lord it o’er my house. And if once it pass his lips, never shall he come to glorious Athens, but here abide, of life bereft. + +Old Servant + Go thou within the house of our public hosts; + I the while will set about my appointed task. On! aged foot, grow young again in action, for all that time saith no to thee. Go, aid thy mistress against her enemy, help slay and drag him from her house. + ’Tis well to honour piety in the hour of fortune, but when thou wouldst harm thy foe, no law doth block thy path.
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+Chorus + Daughter of Demeter, goddess of highways, queen as thou art of haunting powers of darkness, + oh! guide as well the hand that fills by day a cup of death, against those to whom my revered mistress is sending a philtre of the gore that dripped from hellish Gorgon’s severed head, + yea, ’gainst him who would obtrude upon the halls of the Erechthidae. Never may alien, from alien stock, lord it o’er my city, + no! none save noble Erechtheus’ sons!
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+Chorus + For if this deadly deed and my lady’s aims pass unfulfilled, and the right moment for her daring go by, and with it the hope which now sustains her, either will she seize the whetted knife + or fasten the noose about her neck, and by ending one sorrow by another will go down to other phases of existence. For never will that daughter of a noble line, + while life is hers, endure within the sunshine of her eyes the sight of alien rulers in her halls.
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+Chorus + I blush for that god of song, + if this stranger is to witness the torch-dance, that heralds in the twentieth dawn, around Callichorus’ fair springs, a sleepless votary in midnight revels, what time the star-lit firmament of Zeus, + the moon, and Nereus’ fifty daughters, that trip it lightly o’er the sea and the eternal rivers’ tides, join the dance in honour + of the maiden with the crown of gold and her majestic mother; where this vagabond, by Phoebus favoured, thinks to reign, entering into other men’s hard toil.
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+Chorus + Look to it, all ye bards, who, in malicious strains, expose our amours and unholy bonds of lawless love; see how far our + virtue surpasses man’s disloyalty. Change the burden of your song and keep your spiteful verse to brand man’s faithlessness. For this scion of the stock of Zeus + shows himself a heedless wight, denying to the mistress of his halls the lot of mutual offspring, and, paying all his court to some strange love, + hath gotten him a bastard son.
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+Servant + Ladies of another land, where may I find your mistress, daughter of Erechtheus? For I have searched each nook and corner of this town, and cannot find her. + +Chorus + What news, my fellow-thrall? why that hurried gait? what tidings bringest thou? + +Servant + I am pursued; the rulers of this land are seeking her to stone her to death. + +Chorus + Alas, what is thy tale? say not we are detected in our secret plot for murdering the boy? + +Servant + Thou hast guessed aright; nor wilt thou be the last to share the trouble. + +Chorus + How was the hidden scheme laid bare? + +Servant + The god found means to master wrong with right, unwilling to see his shrine polluted. + +Chorus + How so? I do conjure thee, tell us all. + For if to die or yet to live be ours, ’twere sweeter so, when we know all. + +Servant + Soon as Xuthus, husband of Creusa, had left the god’s prophetic shrine, taking with him his new-found son, to hold the feast and sacrifice that he designed to offer to the gods, + himself departed to the place where leaps the Bacchic flame, with blood of sacrifice to dew the double peaks of Dionysus for the son now offered to his gaze, and thus he spake, My son, abide thou here, and raise a spacious tent by craftsmen’s toiling skill; + and if I remain long time away after I have sacrificed to the gods of thy birth, let the feast be spread for all friends present. + + + Therewith he took the heifers and went his way. Meantime his stripling son in solemn form set up with upright stays the tent, inclosed but not with walls, + taking good heed to guard it ’gainst the blazing midday sun, nor less against his westering beams, the limit of his course; an oblong space of five score feet he meted out so that it contained ten thousand feet within that measure’s square, as science phrases it, + intending to invite all Delphi to the feast. Then from the temple-treasury tapestry he took and therewith made a shelter, wondrous sight to see. First o’er the roof-tree he threw a canopy of robes, an offering Heracles, the son of Zeus, + had brought unto the god from his Amazonian spoils. On them was broidered many a pictured scene, to wit, Heaven marshalling his host of stars upon the vaulted sky; there was the sun-god urging on his steeds toward his fiery goal, the bright star of evening at his heels. + Night too in sable robes went hurrying by, drawn by a single pair, and the stars did bear her company. Across the zenith a Pleiad sailed, and Orion too with falchion dight was there; above was the bear making his tail to turn upon the golden pole. + Up shot the moon’s full face, that parts the months in twain; there too the Hyades showed their unerring light to mariners; arid Dawn, that brings the morning back, was chasing the stars before her. Next on the sides he hung yet other tapestry; + barbarian ships bearing down on the fleet of Hellas; and monsters half-man, half-beast; the capture of the Thracian steeds; the hunting of savage stags and lions fierce; while at the entry Cecrops close to his daughters was wreathing his coils, an offering of some Athenian + votary; and in the midst of the banquet-hall he set goblets of gold, while a herald hasted and invited to the feast all citizens who would come. Then, when the tent was full, they decked themselves with garlands and took their fill + of the rich viands. Anon after they had put from them the pleasure of eating came an old man and stood in the midst, where his officious zeal provoked loud laughter among the guests; for he would draw from the drinking-pitchers water to wash the hands withal and + was wasting as incense the liquid myrrh, and in his charge he took the golden beakers, setting himself unasked to this office. + + Now when they were come to the time for the flute-players and the general libation, cried out that aged servitor, “Hence with these tiny cups! bring larger goblets, + that our guests may find a quicker route to joyousness.” Thereon came servants bending ’neath the weight of goblets chased with silver and golden chalices; and that old man, as if to do his youthful lord a special service, chose out and offered to him a brimming bumper, when he had cast into the wine + that potent philtre which, men say, his mistress gave to him to end the young man’s days on earth; and no man knew of this; but just as he so lately found held in his hand the drink-offering, the others following suit, some servant there uttered a word of evil import; + whereat the stripling, as one who had been reared within the shrine amid reputed seers, deemed this an omen and bade them fill a fresh goblet, but that first drink-offering to the god he poured upon the ground and bade all others do the like. And silence stole upon them; + while we with water and Phoenician wine were filling high the sacred bowls. While thus we were busied, comes a flight of doves and settles in the tent, for these dwell fearlessly in the courts of Loxias. Soon as the guests had poured away the luscious juice, those thirsty birds did dip their beaks therein, + drawing it up into their feathered throats. + + + Now all the rest received no hurt from the god’s libation, but one that settled on the spot where the son newfound had poured his wine, no sooner had tasted thereof, than convulsions seized her feathered form and she went triad, and screaming aloud uttered + strange unwonted cries; and all the feasters gathered there marvelled to see the bird’s cruel agony, for she lay writhing in the toils of death, and her red claws relaxed their hold. + Forthwith the son, vouchsafed by oracles, bared his arm by casting off his cloak and stretched it out across the board + crying Who was it strove to slay me? Proclaim it, old sirrah, for thine was the officious zeal and thine the hand from which I took the cup. With that he caught the grey-beard by the arm and set to searching him that he might take the old man red-handed in the act. + So was he detected, and under strong constraint declared Creusa’s daring deed and all the trick of the poisoned draught. Forth rushed the young man, whom the oracle of Loxias to his sire assigned, taking with him the banqueters, and standing mid the Delphic nobles made harangue, + O! hallowed soil, a stranger woman, daughter of Erechtheus, seeks to poison me. And the lords of Delphi decreed by general vote that my mistress should be hurled from the rock to die, because she strove to slay the priest and compass his death in the temple. + So now is the whole city seeking her, who hath to her sorrow sped a hapless journey; for, coming to crave the boon of offspring from Phoebus, she hath lost her life and children too. + + + +
+Chorus + Ah me! I see no way at all to turn death’s + hand aside; all, all, ere this, is brought to light owing to that fatal draught of the wine-god’s juice mixed for death with drops of viper’s gore, quick to slay; + detected is our offering to the dead; for me my life must end in woe, while death by stoning waits my mistress. How can I escape? Shall I take wings and fly away, or creep beneath the darksome caverns of the earth, + striving to shun the doom of death by stoning? or shall I mount the car drawn by swiftest steeds, or embark upon a ship?
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+Chorus + No man may hide his guilt, save when some + god of his own will steals him away. Ah! my poor mistress! what suffering now awaits thy soul? Must then our wish to work another harm end in our own discomfiture, as justice doth decree?
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+Creusa + My trusty maids, the men of death are on my track; the vote of Delphi goes against me; they give me up to die. + +Chorus + Unhappy one! we know thy sad mischance, how thou art placed. + + +Creusa + Oh! whither can I fly? for scarce had I the start of my pursuers from the house in my race for life; ’tis by stealth alone that I have thus far escaped my foes. + +Chorus + Where shouldst thou fly except to the altar? + +Creusa + What good is that to me? + +Chorus + To slay a suppliant is forbidden. + +Creusa + Aye, but the law has given me over to death. + +Chorus + Only if thou fall into their hands. + +Creusa + Look! here they come, cruel champions of vengeance, eagerly brandishing their swords. + +Chorus + Sit thee down upon the altar of burnt-offering! for if thou art slain there, thou wilt fix + upon thy murderers the stain of bloodguiltiness; but we must bear our fortune.
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+Ion + O father Cephissus, with the bull-shaped head, what a viper is this thy child, or dragon with fiery eyes that dart a murderous gleam, in whose heart is throned incarnate daring, + noxious as those Gorgon drops of venom wherewith she sought to compass my death. Seize her, that the peaks of Parnassus may card the flowing tresses of her hair, for thence shall she be hurled headlong amid the rocks. My lucky star hath kept me + from going to Athens, there to fall beneath the power of a step-mother. For I have gauged thy feelings towards me—the full extent of thy bitter hostility—whilst yet amongst my friends; for hadst thou once shut me tip within thy house, my road to Hades’ halls had led direct from thence. + This altar shall not save thee, nor yet Apollo’s courts, for that pity thou implorest cries out more loudly for me and my mother, who, though absent in the flesh, is never in name far from me. + Behold this cursed woman, see the web of trickery she hath woven! yet comes she cowering to Apollo’s altar, thinking to escape the punishment of her misdeeds. + + +Creusa + I warn thee not to slay me, both in my own name and in his at whose altar I am stationed. + +Ion + What hast thou to do with Phoebus? + +Creusa + This body I devote unto that god to keep. + +Ion + And yet thou wert for poisoning his minister? + +Creusa + But thou wert not Apollo’s any longer, but thy father’s. + +Ion + Nay, I was his son, that is, in absence of a real father. + +Creusa + Thou wert so then; now ’tis I, not thou, who am Apollo’s. + +Ion + Well, thou art not guiltless now, whereas I was then. + +Creusa + I sought to slay thee as an enemy to my house. + +Ion + And yet I never invaded thy country, sword in hand. + +Creusa + Thou didst; and thou it was that wert casting a firebrand into the halls of Erechtheus. + +Ion + What sort of brand or flaming fire was it? + +Creusa + Thou didst design to seize my home against my will, and make it thine. + +Ion + What! when my father offered me a kingdom of his getting. + +Creusa + How had the sons of Aeolus any share in the realm of Pallas? + +Ion + Arms, not words, he brought to champion it. + +Creusa + No mere ally could enter into an inheritance in my land. + +Ion + And was it then from fear of consequences that thou didst try to slay me? + +Creusa + Yes, lest I should myself perish if thou wert spared. + +Ion + Doth thy childlessness make thee envious that my father found me? + +Creusa + And thou, wilt thou rob the childless of her home? + +Ion + Had I then no share at all in my father’s heritage? + +Creusa + All that his sword and shield had won was thine, and thine alone. + +Ion + Quit the altar and sanctuary built for gods. + +Creusa + Go bid thy own mother, wherever she is, do that. + +Ion + Shalt thou escape all punishment, after trying to kill me? + +Creusa + Not if thou choose to butcher me within this shrine. + +Ion + What joy can it give thee to be slain amid the sacred wreaths? + +Creusa + There is one whom I shall grieve of those who have grieved me. + +Ion + Oh! ’tis passing strange how badly the deity hath enacted laws for mortal men, contrary to all sound judgment; for instance, they should ne’er have suffered impious men to sit at their altars, + but should have driven them away; for it was nowise right that hands unclean should touch the altars of the gods, though the righteous deserved to find a refuge there from their oppressors, instead of good and bad alike having recourse to the same divine protection with equal success. + + + +Pythian Priestess + Refrain thyself, my son; for I, the priestess of Phoebus, chosen from all the maids of Delphi in accordance with the tripod’s ancient rite, have left that prophetic seat, and am passing o’er this threshold. + +Ion + Hail to thee, dear mother mine,—mother, though thou didst not give me birth. + +Pythian Priestess + Yes, so have I ever been called, and the title causes me no regret. + +Ion + Hast heard how this woman plotted my death? + +Pythian Priestess + I have; thou, too, art wrong because of thy harshness. + +Ion + Am I not to pay back murderers in their coin? + +Pythian Priestess + Wives ever hate the children of a former marriage. + +Ion + As I hate step-dames for their evil treatment of me. + +Pythian Priestess + Do not so; but leaving, as thou art, the shrine, and setting forth for thy country— + +Ion + What then wouldst thou advise me do? + +Pythian Priestess + With clean hands seek Athens, attended by good omens. + +Ion + Surely any man hath clean hands who slays his enemies. + +Pythian Priestess + Do not thou do this; but take the counsel that I have for thee. + +Ion + Say on; whate’er thou say’st will be prompted by thy good will. + +Pythian Priestess + Dost see this basket that I carry in my arms? + +Ion + An ancient ark with chaplets crowned. + +Pythian Priestess + Herein I found thee long ago, a newborn babe. + +Ion + What sayest thou? there is novelty in the story thou art introducing. + +Pythian Priestess + Yea, for I was keeping these relics a secret, but now I show them. + +Ion + How earnest thou to hide them on that day, now long ago, when thou didst find me? + +Pythian Priestess + The god wished to have thee as his servant in his courts. + +Ion + Does he no longer wish it? How am I to know this? + +Pythian Priestess + By declaring to thee thy sire, he dismisses thee from this land. + +Ion + Is it by his command thou keepest these relics, or why? + +Pythian Priestess + Loxias put in my heart that day— + +Ion + What purpose? Oh! speak, finish thy story. + +Pythian Priestess + To preserve what I had found until the present time. + +Ion + What weal or woe doth this import to me? + +Pythian Priestess + Herein were laid the swaddling-clothes in which thou wert enwrapped. + +Ion + These relics thou art producing may help me to find my mother. + +Pythian Priestess + Yes, for now the deity so wills it, though not before. + +Ion + Hail! thou day of visions blest to me! + +Pythian Priestess + Take then the relics and seek thy mother diligently. + This line is assigned to Ion in the Greek.And when thou hast traversed Asia and the bounds of Europe, + thou wilt learn this for thyself; for the god’s sake I reared thee, my child, and now to thee do I entrust these relics, which he willed that I should take + into my safe keeping, without being bidden; why he willed it I cannot tell thee. For no living soul wist that I had them in my possession, nor yet their hiding-place. And now farewell! as a mother might her child, so I greet thee. The starting-point of thy inquiry for thy mother must be this; + first, was it a Delphian maid that gave birth to thee, and exposed thee in this temple; next, was it a daughter of Hellas at all? That is all that I and Phoebus, who shares in thy lot, can do for thee. [Exit Pythian Priestess. + + +Ion + Ah me! the tears stream from my eyes + when I think of the day my mother bore me, as the fruit of her secret love, only to smuggle her babe away privily, without suckling it; nameless I led a servant’s life in the courts of the god. His service truly was kindly, yet was my fortune + heavy; for just when I ought to have lain softly in a mother’s arms, tasting somewhat of the joys of life, was I deprived of a fond mother’s fostering care. Nor less is she a prey to sorrow that bare me, seeing she hath suffered the self-same pang in losing all the joy a son might bring. + Now will I take and bear this ark unto the god as an offering, that herein I may discover naught that I would rather not. For if haply my mother proves to be some slave-girl, ’twere worse to find her out than let her rest in silence. O! Phoebus, to thy temple do I dedicate this ark. + Yet why? this is to war against the god’s intention, who saved these tokens of my mother for my sake. I must undo the lid and bear the worst. For that which fate ordains, I may ne’er o’erstep. O! hallowed wreaths and fastenings, + that have kept so safe these relics dear to me; why, ah! why were ye hidden from me? Behold the covering of this rounded ark! No signs of age are here, owing to some miracle; decay hath not touched these chaplets; and yet ’tis long enough since these were stored away. + + +Creusa + Ha! what unlooked-for sight is here? + +Ion + Peace, woman! now, as erst, thou art my enemy. + +Creusa + Silence is not for me. Bid me not be still; for lo! I see the ark wherein I did expose thee, my child, in days gone by, whilst yet a tender babe in the cavern of + Cecrops, ’neath the rocky roof of Macrae. So now will I leave this altar, though death await me. + +Ion + Seize her; she is mad, springing thus from the shelter of the carved altar. Bind her arms. + +Creusa + Kill! spare not! for I to thee will cleave, + and to this ark, and all that is within it. + +Ion + Is not this monstrous? here am I laid claim to on a specious pretext. + +Creusa + Nay, nay, but as a friend art thou by friends now found. + +Ion + I a friend of thine! and wouldst thou, then, have slain me privily? + +Creusa + Thou art my child, if that is what a parent holds most dear. + +Ion + An end to thy web of falsehood! Right well will I convict thee. + +Creusa + My child, that is my aim; God grant I reach it! + +Ion + Is this ark empty, or hath it aught within? + +Creusa + Thy raiment wherein I exposed thee long ago. + +Ion + Wilt put a name thereto before thou see it? + +Creusa + Unless I describe it, I offer to die. + +Ion + Say on; there is something strange in this thy confidence. + +Creusa + Behold the robe my childish fingers wove. + +Ion + Describe it; maidens weave many a pattern. + +Creusa + ’Tis not perfect, but a first lesson, as it were, in weaving. + +Ion + Describe its form; thou shalt not catch me thus. + +Creusa + A Gorgon figures in the centre of the warp. + +Ion + Great Zeus! what fate is this that dogs my steps? + +Creusa + ’Tis fringed with snakes like an aegis. + +Ion + Lo! ’tis the very robe; how true we find the voice of God! + +Creusa + Ah! woven work that erst my virgin shuttle wrought. + +Ion + Is there aught beside, or stays thy lucky guessing here? + +Creusa + There be serpents, too, with jaws of gold, an old-world symbol. + +Ion + This line is assigned to Creusa in the Greek. Is that Athena’s gift, bidding her race grow up under their guardianship? + +Creusa + Yes, to copy our ancestor Erichthonius. + +Ion + What is their object? what the use of these golden gauds? pray, tell. + +Creusa + Necklaces for the new-born babe to wear, my child. + +Ion + Lo! here they lie. Yet would I know the third sign. + +Creusa + About thy brow I bound an olive-wreath that day, plucked from the tree Athena first made grow on her own rock. + If haply that is there, it hath not lost its verdure yet, but still is fresh, for it came from the stock that grows not old. + + + +Ion +Mother, dearest mother, with what rapture I behold thee, as on thy cheeks, that share my joy, I press my lips! + + Creusa + My son, light that in thy mother’s eye outshinest yonder sun,— + I know the god will pardon me,—in my arms I hold thee, whom I never hoped to find, for I thought thy home was in that nether world, among the ghosts with Queen Persephone. + +Ion + Ah, dear mother mine! within thy arms I rest, the dead now brought to light, and dead no more.
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+Creusa + Hail, thou broad expanse of bright blue sky! What words can I find to utter my joy aloud? Whence comes to me such unexpected rapture? To what do I owe this bliss? + +Ion + This is the last thing that ever would have occurred to me, mother, that I was thy child. + +Creusa + With fear I tremble still. + +Ion + Dost thou doubt my reality? + +Creusa + Far from me had I banished these hopes. Whence, O whence, lady, didst thou take my babe + into thy arms? Who carried him to the courts of Loxias? + +Ion + ’Tis a miracle! Oh! may we for the rest of our career be happy, as we were hapless heretofore. + +Creusa + In tears wert thou brought forth, my child, + and with sorrow to thy mother didst thou leave her arms; but now I breathe again as I press my lips to thy cheek, in full enjoyment of happiness. + +Ion + Thy words express our mutual feelings. + +Creusa + No more am I of son and heir bereft; my house is stablished and my country hath a prince; + Erechtheus groweth young again; no longer is the house of the earth-born race plunged in gloom, but lifts its eyes unto the radiant sun. + + +Ion + Mother mine, since my father too is here, let him share the joy I have brought to thee. + +Creusa + My child, my child, what sayst thou? How is my sin finding me out! + +Ion + What meanest thou? + +Creusa + Thou art of a different, for different stock. + +Ion + Alas for me! Am I a bastard, then, bom in thy maiden days? + +Creusa + Nor nuptial torch nor dance, + my child, ushered in my wedding and thy birth. + +Ion + O mother, mother! whence do I draw my base origin? + +Creusa + Be witness she who slew the Gorgon, + +Ion + What meanest thou? + +Creusa +She that on my native rocks + makes the olive-clad hill her seat. + +Ion + Thy words to me are but as cunning riddles. I cannot read them. + +Creusa + Hard by the rock with nightingales melodious, Phoebus, + +Ion + Why dost thou mention Phoebus? + +Creusa + Forced on me his secret love. + +Ion + Say on; for thy story will crown me with fame and fortune. + +Creusa + And as the tenth month came round I bore a child to Phoebus in secret. + +Ion + Oh! thy happy tidings, if thy story is true. + +Creusa + And about thee as swaddling-clothes I fastened this my maiden work, + the faulty efforts of my loom. But to my breast I never held thy lips, or suckled or washed thee with a mother’s care; but in a desert cave wert thou cast out + to die, for taloned kites to rend and feast upon. + +Ion + An awful deed! O mother! + +Creusa + Fear held me captive, and I cast thy life away, my child; + I would, though loth, have slain thee too. + +Ion + Thou too wert all but slain by me most impiously. + +Creusa + O the horror of all I suffered then! O the horror of what is to follow now! To and fro + from bad to good we toss, though now the gale is shifting round. May it remain steady! the past brought sorrows enough; but now hath a fair breeze sprung up, my son, to waft us out of woe.
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+Chorus + Let no man ever deem a thing past hoping for, when he turns an eye towards what is happening now. + +Ion + O Fortune! who ere now hast changed the lot of countless mortals first to grief, and then to joy again, to what a goal my life had come, + even to staining my hands with a mother’s blood and enduring sufferings ill-deserved! Ah well! may we not learn these truths daily in all that the bright sun embraces? O mother, in thee have I made a happy discovery, and from my point of view there is no fault to find with my birth; + but what remains I fain would speak to thee apart. Come hither, for I would say a word in thine ear, and o’er these matters cast the veil of silence. Bethink thee, mother, carefully; didst thou make the fatal slip, that maidens will, as touching secret amours, + and then upon the god wouldst foist the blame, in thy anxiety to escape the shame of my birth asserting that Phoebus is my sire, albeit the god was not the parent. + +Creusa + Nay, by our queen of Victory, Athena, that fought by Zeus, in days gone by, high on his car against the earth-born giants I swear, + no mortal is thy father, my son, but King Loxias himself who brought thee up. + +Ion + How then is it he gave his own child to another father, declaring that I was begotten of Xuthus? + +Creusa + Begotten he never said, but as a gift he doth bestow thee + his own son on him; for friend might give to friend even his own son to rule his house. + +Ion + Mother mine, this thought disturbs my breast, as well it may, whether the god speaks truth or gives an idle oracle. + +Creusa + Hear, then, my son, the thought that hath occurred to me; + Loxias out of kindness is establishing thee in a noble family, for hadst thou been called the god’s son, thou hadst never inherited a father’s home and name. How couldst thou, when I strove to hide my marriage with him and would have slain thee privily? + But he for thy interest is handing thee over to another father. + +Ion + Not thus lightly do I pursue the inquiry; nay, I will enter Apollo’s shrine and question him whether I am the child of a mortal sire or his own son. Ha! who is that hovering o’er the incense-smoking roof, + and showing to our gaze a heavenly face, bright as the sun? Let us fly, mother, that we see not sights divine, unless haply it is right we should. + + +Athena + Fly not! I am no foe ye seek to shun, but alike in Athens and this place your kindly friend. + ’Tis I, Pallas, after whom your land is named, that am here, by Apollo sent in headlong haste; for he thought not fit to appear before you twain, lest his coming might provoke reproaches for the past; but me he sends to proclaim to you his words, + how that this is thy mother, and Apollo thy sire; while thyself he doth bestow, as seems him good, not indeed on him that begat thee, nay, but that he may bring thee to a house of high repute. For when this matter was brought to light, he devised a way of deliverance, + fearing that thou wouldst be slain by thy mother’s wiles and she by thine. Now it was King Apollo’s wish to keep this matter secret awhile, and then in Athens to acknowledge this lady as thy mother and thyself as the child of her and Phoebus. But to end the business and discharge his oracles for the god, + I bid you hearken; for such was my purpose in yoking my chariot-steeds. + + + Do thou, Creusa, take this stripling and to Cecrops’ land set forth; and there upon the monarch’s throne establish him, for from Erechtheus’ stock is he sprung, and therefore hath a right to rule that land of mine. + Through Hellas shall his fame extend; for his children,—four branches springing from one root,—shall give their names to the land and to the tribes of folk therein that dwell upon the rock I love. Teleona shall be the first; and next in order shall come + the Hopletes and Argades; and then the Aegicores, called after my aegis, shall form one tribe. And their children again shall in the time appointed found an island home amid the Cyclades and on the sea-coast, thereby strengthening my country; + for they shall dwell upon the shores of two continents, of Europe and of Asia, on either side the strait; and in honour of Ion’s name shall they be called Ionians and win them high renown. From Xuthus too and thee I see a common stock arise; + Dorus, whence the famous Dorian state will spring; and after him Achaeus in the land of Pelops; he shall lord it o’er the seaboard nigh to Rhium, and his folk, that bear his name, shall win the proud distinction of their leader’s title. + Thus in all hath Apollo rightly done; first did he deliver thee of thy babe without sickness, so that thy friends knew naught; and after thou didst bear this child and in swaddling-clothes hadst laid him, he bade Hermes carry him in his arms hither, + and did rear him, suffering him not to die. Now therefore hold thy peace as to this thy child’s real parentage, that Xuthus may delight in his fond fancy, and thou, lady, continue to enjoy thy blessing. So fare ye well! for to you I + bring tidings of a happier fate after this respite from affliction.
+ + + +
+Ion + O Pallas, daughter of almighty Zeus, in full assurance will we accept thy words; for I am convinced of my parentage from Loxias and this lady; which even before was not incredible. + +Creusa + To what I say give ear. My former blame of Phoebus now is turned to praise, + because he now restores to me the babe whom erst he slighted. Now are these portals fair unto mine eyes and this oracle of the god, though before I hated them. With joy now I even cling to the knocker on the door and salute the gates. + +Athena + I commend thee for thy sudden change, and thy fair words about the god. + ’Tis ever thus; Heaven’s justice may tarry awhile, yet comes it at the last in no wise weakened. + +Creusa + My son, let us set out for home. + +Athena + Go; I will follow. + +Ion + A guide we well may prize. + +Creusa + Aye, and one that holds our city dear. + +Athena + Go, sit thee down upon the throne of thy ancestors. + +Ion + ’Tis my heritage and I value it. + +Chorus + All hail, Apollo, son of Zeus and Latona! ’Tis only right that he, + whose house is sore beset with trouble, should reverence God and keep good heart; for at the last the righteous find their just reward, but the wicked, as their nature is, will never prosper.
+
+
+
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-grc1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-grc1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 944c0c3ae..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-grc1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14 +0,0 @@ -{ - "epidoc_compliant": false, - "fully_unicode": true, - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "has_cts_metadata": false, - "has_cts_refsDecl": false, - "id": "1999.01.0109", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/sdl/Euripides/eur.ion_murray_gk.xml", - "status": "migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-grc1.xml", - "valid_xml": true -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-grc1.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-grc1.xml deleted file mode 100644 index cae6ccbe4..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-grc1.xml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3699 +0,0 @@ - - - - -Ion -Machine readable text -Euripides -Gilbert Murray -Perseus Project, Tufts University -Gregory Crane - -Prepared under the supervision of -Lisa Cerrato -William Merrill -Elli Mylonas -David Smith - -The Annenberg CPB/Project - -About 100Kb - -Trustees of Tufts University -Medford, MA -Perseus Project - 1996 - - - - -Euripides -Euripidis Fabulae, vol. 2 - 257234643 -Gilbert Murray - -Oxford -Clarendon Press, Oxford -1913 - - - - - - - - - - - - -Greek - - - - -1988 - -Judith Nelson -tagging - -Basic SGML tagging - - -8/92 - -W. Merrill -ed. - -Set speakers l.c.; - - -6/95 - -Lisa Cerrato -ed. - -Added speaker tags where needed. - - -10/98 - -Bill Merrill -ed. - -Fixed cardbreaks at 219, 237; added line nos. 217b, 235b. - - -14-Jan-00 - -Anne Mahoney -Markup - - -$Log: eur.ion_murray_gk.xml,v $ -Revision 1.1 2013-09-13 11:17:32 balmas01 -moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory - -Revision 1.5 2013-06-13 12:41:24 gcrane -tagging now should be compatible with CTS - -Revision 1.4 2012-02-14 18:12:30 ajones06 -Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. - -Revision 1.3 2011-09-07 13:57:46 rsingh04 adding rend=displayNum to lb tags - -Revision 1.2 2011-01-13 03:38:25 gcrane more refinements making these files SDL compatible - -Revision 1.1 2010-12-25 19:01:41 gcrane our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones -- - -Revision 1.1 2009/11/23 18:46:35 rsingh04 moved more xml files around based on copyright status - -Revision 1.2 2005/08/01 21:15:27 packel removed stray item tags - -Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 14:34:24 packel -Converted to XML - -Revision 1.10 2004/04/21 20:27:28 mimno added card 1s - -Revision 1.9 2003/09/09 18:02:08 amahoney put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff - -Revision 1.8 2003/07/01 22:16:11 yorkc -Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) - -Revision 1.7 2000/03/04 20:34:33 dasmith -Added separate funder entity to TEI header. - -Revision 1.6 2000/02/17 15:51:39 amahoney use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp - -Revision 1.5 2000/01/14 21:41:40 amahoney bring up to P3 - - - - - - - - - - -Ἑρμῆς -Ἄτλας, ὁ χαλκέοισι † νώτοις οὐρανὸν -θεῶν παλαιὸν οἶκον ἐκτρίβων, θεῶν -μιᾶς † ἔφυσε Μαῖαν, ἣ ʼμʼ ἐγείνατο -Ἑρμῆν μεγίστῳ Ζηνί, δαιμόνων λάτριν. -ἥκω δὲ Δελφῶν τήνδε γῆν, ἵνʼ ὀμφαλὸν -μέσον καθίζων Φοῖβος ὑμνῳδεῖ βροτοῖς -τά τʼ ὄντα καὶ μέλλοντα θεσπίζων ἀεί. - -ἔστιν γὰρ οὐκ ἄσημος Ἑλλήνων πόλις, -τῆς χρυσολόγχου Παλλάδος κεκλημένη, -οὗ παῖδʼ Ἐρεχθέως Φοῖβος ἔζευξεν γάμοις -βίᾳ Κρέουσαν, ἔνθα προσβόρρους πέτρας -Παλλάδος ὑπʼ ὄχθῳ τῆς Ἀθηναίων χθονὸς -Μακρὰς καλοῦσι γῆς ἄνακτες Ἀτθίδος. -ἀγνὼς δὲ πατρί — τῷ θεῷ γὰρ ἦν φίλον — -γαστρὸς διήνεγκʼ ὄγκον. ὡς δʼ ἦλθεν χρόνος, -τεκοῦσʼ ἐν οἴκοις παῖδʼ ἀπήνεγκεν βρέφος -ἐς ταὐτὸν ἄντρον οὗπερ ηὐνάσθη θεῷ -Κρέουσα, κἀκτίθησιν ὡς θανούμενον -κοίλης ἐν ἀντίπηγος εὐτρόχῳ κύκλῳ, -προγόνων νόμον σῴζουσα τοῦ τε γηγενοῦς -Ἐριχθονίου. κείνῳ γὰρ ἡ Διὸς κόρη -φρουρὼ παραζεύξασα φύλακε σώματος -δισσὼ δράκοντε, παρθένοις Ἀγλαυρίσι -δίδωσι σῴζειν· ὅθεν Ἐρεχθείδαις ἐκεῖ -νόμος τις ἔστιν ὄφεσιν ἐν χρυσηλάτοις -τρέφειν τέκνα. ἀλλʼ ἣν εἶχε παρθένος χλιδὴν -τέκνῳ προσάψασʼ ἔλιπεν ὡς θανουμένῳ. -κἄμʼ ὢν ἀδελφὸς Φοῖβος αἰτεῖται τάδε· -ὦ σύγγονʼ, ἐλθὼν λαὸν εἰς αὐτόχθονα -κλεινῶν Ἀθηνῶν — οἶσθα γὰρ θεᾶς πόλιν — -λαβὼν βρέφος νεογνὸν ἐκ κοίλης πέτρας -αὐτῷ σὺν ἄγγει σπαργάνοισί θʼ οἷς ἔχει -ἔνεγκε Δελφῶν τἀμὰ πρὸς χρηστήρια, -καὶ θὲς πρὸς αὐταῖς εἰσόδοις δόμων ἐμῶν. -τὰ δʼ ἄλλʼ — ἐμὸς γάρ ἐστιν, ὡς εἰδῇς, ὁ παῖς — -ἡμῖν μελήσει. Λοξίᾳ δʼ ἐγὼ χάριν -πράσσων ἀδελφῷ πλεκτὸν ἐξάρας κύτος -ἤνεγκα, καὶ τὸν παῖδα κρηπίδων ἔπι -τίθημι ναοῦ τοῦδʼ, ἀναπτύξας κύτος -ἑλικτὸν ἀντίπηγος, ὡς ὁρῷθʼ ὁ παῖς. - - -κυρεῖ δʼ ἅμʼ ἱππεύοντος ἡλίου κύκλῳ -προφῆτις ἐσβαίνουσα μαντεῖον θεοῦ· -ὄψιν δὲ προσβαλοῦσα παιδὶ νηπίῳ -ἐθαύμασʼ εἴ τις Δελφίδων τλαίη κόρη -λαθραῖον ὠδῖνʼ ἐς θεοῦ ῥῖψαι δόμον, -ὑπέρ τε θυμέλας διορίσαι πρόθυμος ἦν· -οἴκτῳ δʼ ἀφῆκεν ὠμότητα — καὶ θεὸς -συνεργὸς ἦν τῷ παιδὶ μὴ ʼκπεσεῖν δόμων — -τρέφει δέ νιν λαβοῦσα. τὸν σπείραντα δὲ -οὐκ οἶδε Φοῖβον οὐδὲ μητέρʼ ἧς ἔφυ, -ὁ παῖς τε τοὺς τεκόντας οὐκ ἐπίσταται. - -νέος μὲν οὖν ὢν ἀμφὶ βωμίους τροφὰς -ἠλᾶτʼ ἀθύρων· ὡς δʼ ἀπηνδρώθη δέμας, -Δελφοί σφʼ ἔθεντο χρυσοφύλακα τοῦ θεοῦ -ταμίαν τε πάντων πιστόν, ἐν δʼ ἀνακτόροις -θεοῦ καταζῇ δεῦρʼ ἀεὶ σεμνὸν βίον. -Κρέουσα δʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα τὸν νεανίαν -Ξούθῳ γαμεῖται συμφορᾶς τοιᾶσδʼ ὕπο· -ἦν ταῖς Ἀθήναις τοῖς τε Χαλκωδοντίδαις, -οἳ γῆν ἔχουσʼ Εὐβοῖδα, πολέμιος κλύδων· -ὃν συμπονήσας καὶ συνεξελὼν δορὶ -γάμων Κρεούσης ἀξίωμʼ ἐδέξατο, -οὐκ ἐγγενὴς ὤν, Αἰόλου δὲ τοῦ Διὸς -γεγὼς Ἀχαιός. χρόνια δὲ σπείρας λέχη -ἄτεκνός ἐστι, καὶ Κρέουσʼ· ὧν οὕνεκα -ἥκουσι πρὸς μαντεῖʼ Ἀπόλλωνος τάδε -ἔρωτι παίδων. Λοξίας δὲ τὴν τύχην -ἐς τοῦτʼ ἐλαύνει, κοὐ λέληθεν, ὡς δοκεῖ. -δώσει γὰρ εἰσελθόντι μαντεῖον τόδε -Ξούθῳ τὸν αὑτοῦ παῖδα, καὶ πεφυκέναι -κείνου σφε φήσει, μητρὸς ὡς ἐλθὼν δόμους -γνωσθῇ Κρεούσῃ, καὶ γάμοι τε Λοξίου -κρυπτοὶ γένωνται παῖς τʼ ἔχῃ τὰ πρόσφορα. -Ἴωνα δʼ αὐτόν, κτίστορʼ Ἀσιάδος χθονός, -ὄνομα κεκλῆσθαι θήσεται καθʼ Ἑλλάδα. -ἀλλʼ ἐς δαφνώδη γύαλα βήσομαι τάδε, -τὸ κρανθὲν ὡς ἂν ἐκμάθω παιδὸς πέρι. -ὁρῶ γὰρ ἐκβαίνοντα Λοξίου γόνον -τόνδʼ, ὡς πρὸ ναοῦ λαμπρὰ θῇ πυλώματα -δάφνης κλάδοισιν. ὄνομα δʼ, οὗ μέλλει τυχεῖν, -Ἴωνʼ ἐγώ νιν πρῶτος ὀνομάζω θεῶν. - - - - - - -Ἴων -ἅρματα μὲν τάδε λαμπρὰ τεθρίππων -Ἥλιος ἤδη λάμπει κατὰ γῆν, -ἄστρα δὲ φεύγει πυρὶ τῷδʼ αἰθέρος -ἐς νύχθʼ ἱεράν· -Παρνησιάδες δʼ ἄβατοι κορυφαὶ -καταλαμπόμεναι τὴν ἡμερίαν -ἁψῖδα βροτοῖσι δέχονται. -σμύρνης δʼ ἀνύδρου καπνὸς εἰς ὀρόφους -Φοίβου πέταται. -θάσσει δὲ γυνὴ τρίποδα ζάθεον -Δελφίς, ἀείδουσʼ Ἕλλησι βοάς, -ἃς ἂν Ἀπόλλων κελαδήσῃ. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ Φοίβου Δελφοὶ θέραπες, -τὰς Κασταλίας ἀργυροειδεῖς -βαίνετε δίνας, καθαραῖς δὲ δρόσοις -ἀφυδρανάμενοι στείχετε ναούς· -στόμα τʼ εὔφημον φρουρεῖν ἀγαθόν, -φήμας τʼ ἀγαθὰς -τοῖς ἐθέλουσιν μαντεύεσθαι -γλώσσης ἰδίας ἀποφαίνειν. -ἡμεῖς δέ, πόνους οὓς ἐκ παιδὸς -μοχθοῦμεν ἀεί, πτόρθοισι δάφνης -στέφεσίν θʼ ἱεροῖς ἐσόδους Φοίβου -καθαρὰς θήσομεν, ὑγραῖς τε πέδον -ῥανίσιν νοτερόν· πτηνῶν τʼ ἀγέλας, -αἳ βλάπτουσιν σέμνʼ ἀναθήματα, -τόξοισιν ἐμοῖς φυγάδας θήσομεν· -ὡς γὰρ ἀμήτωρ ἀπάτωρ τε γεγὼς -τοὺς θρέψαντας -Φοίβου ναοὺς θεραπεύω. - - - - - -Ἴων -ἄγʼ, ὦ νεηθαλὲς ὦ -καλλίστας προπόλευμα δά- -φνας, ἃ τὰν Φοίβου θυμέλαν -σαίρεις ὑπὸ ναοῖς, -κήπων ἐξ ἀθανάτων, -ἵνα δρόσοι τέγγουσʼ ἱεραί, - -ῥοὰν ἀέναον -παγᾶν ἐκπροϊεῖσαι, -μυρσίνας ἱερὰν φόβαν· -ᾇ σαίρω δάπεδον θεοῦ -παναμέριος ἅμʼ ἁλίου -πτέρυγι θοᾷ -λατρεύων τὸ κατʼ ἦμαρ. -ὦ Παιὰν ὦ Παιάν, -εὐαίων εὐαίων -εἴης, ὦ Λατοῦς παῖ. - - - - - -Ἴων -καλόν γε τὸν πόνον, ὦ -Φοῖβε, σοὶ πρὸ δόμων λατρεύ- -ω τιμῶν μαντεῖον ἕδραν· -κλεινὸς δʼ ὁ πόνος μοι -θεοῖσιν δούλαν χέρʼ ἔχειν -οὐ θνατοῖς, ἀλλʼ ἀθανάτοις· -εὐφάμους δὲ πόνους -μοχθεῖν οὐκ ἀποκάμνω. -Φοῖβός μοι γενέτωρ πατήρ· -τὸν βόσκοντα γὰρ εὐλογῶ, -τὸ δʼ ὠφέλιμον ἐμοὶ πατέρος -ὄνομα λέγω -Φοίβου τοῦ κατὰ ναόν. -ὦ Παιὰν ὦ Παιάν, -εὐαίων εὐαίων -εἴης, ὦ Λατοῦς παῖ. - - - - - -Ἴων -ἀλλʼ ἐκπαύσω γὰρ μόχθους -δάφνας ὁλκοῖς, -χρυσέων δʼ ἐκ τευχέων ῥίψω -Γαίας παγάν, -ἃν ἀποχεύονται -Κασταλίας δῖναι, -νοτερὸν ὕδωρ βάλλων, -ὅσιος ἀπʼ εὐνᾶς ὤν. -εἴθʼ οὕτως αἰεὶ Φοίβῳ -λατρεύων μὴ παυσαίμαν, -ἢ παυσαίμαν ἀγαθᾷ μοίρᾳ. -ἔα ἔα· -φοιτῶσʼ ἤδη λείπουσίν τε -πτανοὶ Παρνασοῦ κοίτας· -αὐδῶ μὴ χρίμπτειν θριγκοῖς -μηδʼ ἐς χρυσήρεις οἴκους — -μάρψω σʼ αὖ τόξοις, ὦ Ζηνὸς -κῆρυξ, ὀρνίθων γαμφηλαῖς -ἰσχὺν νικῶν. -ὅδε πρὸς θυμέλας ἄλλος ἐρέσσει -κύκνος. οὐκ ἄλλᾳ -φοινικοφαῆ πόδα κινήσεις; -οὐδέν σʼ ἁ φόρμιγξ ἁ Φοίβου -σύμμολπος τόξων ῥύσαιτʼ ἄν. -πάραγε πτέρυγας· -λίμνας ἐπίβα τᾶς Δηλιάδος· -αἱμάξεις, εἰ μὴ πείσῃ, -τὰς καλλιφθόγγους ᾠδάς. -ἔα ἔα· -τίς ὅδʼ ὀρνίθων καινὸς προσέβα; -μῶν ὑπὸ θριγκοὺς εὐναίας -καρφυρὰς θήσων τέκνοις; -ψαλμοί σʼ εἴρξουσιν τόξων. -οὐ πείσῃ; χωρῶν δίναις -ταῖς Ἀλφειοῦ παιδούργει, -ἢ νάπος Ἴσθμιον, -ὡς ἀναθήματα μὴ βλάπτηται -ναοί θʼ οἱ Φοίβου - -κτείνειν δʼ ὑμᾶς αἰδοῦμαι -τοὺς θεῶν ἀγγέλλοντας φήμας -θνατοῖς· οἷς δʼ ἔγκειμαι μόχθοις, -Φοίβῳ δουλεύσω, κοὐ λήξω -τοὺς βόσκοντας θεραπεύων. - - - - - -Χορός -— οὐκ ἐν ταῖς ζαθέαις Ἀθά- -ναις εὐκίονες ἦσαν αὐ- -λαὶ θεῶν μόνον, οὐδʼ ἀγυι- -άτιδες θεραπεῖαι· -ἀλλὰ καὶ παρὰ Λοξίᾳ -τῷ Λατοῦς διδύμων προσώ- -πων καλλιβλέφαρον φῶς. -— ἰδοὺ τάνδʼ, ἄθρησον, -Λερναῖον ὕδραν ἐναίρει -χρυσέαις ἅρπαις ὁ Διὸς παῖς· -φίλα, πρόσιδʼ ὄσσοις. - - - - - -Χορός -— ὁρῶ. καὶ πέλας ἄλλος αὐ- -τοῦ πανὸν πυρίφλεκτον αἴ- -ρει τις — ἆρʼ ὃς ἐμαῖσι μυ- -θεύεται παρὰ πήναις, -ἀσπιστὰς Ἰόλαος, ὃς -κοινοὺς αἰρόμενος πόνους -Δίῳ παιδὶ συναντλεῖ; -— καὶ μὰν τόνδʼ ἄθρησον -πτεροῦντος ἔφεδρον ἵππου· -τὰν πῦρ πνέουσαν ἐναίρει -τρισώματον ἀλκάν. - - - - - -Χορός -— πάντᾳ τοι βλέφαρον διώ- -κω. σκέψαι κλόνον ἐν τείχεσ- -σι λαΐνοισι Γιγάντων. -— ὦ φίλαι, ὧδε δερκόμεσθα. -— λεύσσεις οὖν ἐπʼ Ἐγκελάδῳ -γοργωπὸν πάλλουσαν ἴτυν — -— λεύσσω Παλλάδʼ, ἐμὰν θεόν. -— τί γάρ; κεραυνὸν ἀμφίπυρον -ὄβριμον ἐν Διὸς -ἑκηβόλοισι χερσίν; -— ὁρῶ· τὸν δάϊον -Μίμαντα πυρὶ καταιθαλοῖ. -— καὶ Βρόμιος ἄλλον ἀπολέμοι- -σι κισσίνοισι βάκτροις -ἐναίρει Γᾶς τέκνων ὁ Βακχεύς. - - - - - -Χορός -σέ τοι, τὸν παρὰ ναὸν αὐ- -δῶ· θέμις γυάλων ὑπερ- -βῆναι, λευκῷ ποδί γʼ — ; - - - -Ἴων -οὐ θέμις, ὦ ξέναι. - - -Χορός -οὐδʼ ἂν -ἐκ σέθεν ἂν πυθοίμεθʼ αὐδάν; - - -Ἴων -τίνα τήνδε θέλεις; - - -Χορός -ἆρʼ ὄντως μέσον ὀμφαλὸν -γᾶς Φοίβου κατέχει δόμος; - - -Ἴων -στέμμασί γʼ ἐνδυτόν, ἀμφὶ δὲ Γοργόνες. - - -Χορός -οὕτω καὶ φάτις αὐδᾷ. - - -Ἴων -εἰ μὲν ἐθύσατε πέλανον πρὸ δόμων -καί τι πυθέσθαι χρῄζετε Φοίβου, -πάριτʼ ἐς θυμέλας· ἐπὶ δʼ ἀσφάκτοις -μήλοισι δόμων μὴ πάριτʼ ἐς μυχόν. - - -Χορός -ἔχω μαθοῦσα· θεοῦ δὲ νόμον -οὐ παραβαίνομεν, -ἃ δʼ ἐκτός, ὄμμα τέρψει. - - -Ἴων -πάντα θεᾶσθʼ, ὅ τι καὶ θέμις, ὄμμασι. - - -Χορός -μεθεῖσαν δεσπόται -με θεοῦ γύαλα τάδʼ εἰσιδεῖν. - - -Ἴων -δμῳαὶ δὲ τίνων κλῄζεσθε δόμων; - - -Χορός -Παλλάδι σύνοικα τρόφιμα μέλα- -θρα τῶν ἐμῶν τυράννων· -παρούσας δʼ ἀμφὶ τᾶσδʼ ἐρωτᾷς. - - - - - - -Ἴων -γενναιότης σοι, καὶ τρόπων τεκμήριον -τὸ σχῆμʼ ἔχεις τόδʼ, ἥτις εἶ ποτʼ, ὦ γύναι. -γνοίη δʼ ἂν ὡς τὰ πολλά γʼ ἀνθρώπου πέρι -τὸ σχῆμʼ ἰδών τις εἰ πέφυκεν εὐγενής. -ἔα· -ἀλλʼ ἐξέπληξάς μʼ, ὄμμα συγκλῄσασα σὸν -δακρύοις θʼ ὑγράνασʼ εὐγενῆ παρηίδα, -ὡς εἶδες ἁγνὰ Λοξίου χρηστήρια. -τί ποτε μερίμνης ἐς τόδʼ ἦλθες, ὦ γύναι; -ὃ πάντες ἄλλοι γύαλα λεύσσοντες θεοῦ -χαίρουσιν, ἐνταῦθʼ ὄμμα σὸν δακρυρροεῖ; - - -Κρέουσα -ὦ ξένε, τὸ μὲν σὸν οὐκ ἀπαιδεύτως ἔχει -ἐς θαύματʼ ἐλθεῖν δακρύων ἐμῶν πέρι· -ἐγὼ δʼ ἰδοῦσα τούσδʼ Ἀπόλλωνος δόμους -μνήμην παλαιὰν ἀνεμετρησάμην τινά· -οἴκοι δὲ τὸν νοῦν ἔσχον ἐνθάδʼ οὖσά που. -ὦ τλήμονες γυναῖκες· ὦ τολμήματα -θεῶν. τί δῆτα; ποῖ δίκην ἀνοίσομεν, -εἰ τῶν κρατούντων ἀδικίαις ὀλούμεθα; - - -Ἴων -τί χρῆμʼ ἀνερμήνευτα δυσθυμῇ, γύναι; - - -Κρέουσα -οὐδέν· μεθῆκα τόξα· τἀπὶ τῷδε δὲ -ἐγώ τε σιγῶ, καὶ σὺ μὴ φρόντιζʼ ἔτι. - - -Ἴων -τίς δʼ εἶ; πόθεν γῆς ἦλθες; ἐκ ποίας πάτρας -πέφυκας; ὄνομα τί σε καλεῖν ἡμᾶς χρεών; - - -Κρέουσα -Κρέουσα μέν μοι τοὔνομʼ, ἐκ δʼ Ἐρεχθέως -πέφυκα, πατρὶς γῆ δʼ Ἀθηναίων πόλις. - - -Ἴων -ὦ κλεινὸν οἰκοῦσʼ ἄστυ γενναίων τʼ ἄπο -τραφεῖσα πατέρων, ὥς σε θαυμάζω, γύναι. - - -Κρέουσα -τοσαῦτα κεὐτυχοῦμεν, ὦ ξένʼ, οὐ πέρα. - - -Ἴων -πρὸς θεῶν ἀληθῶς, ὡς μεμύθευται βροτοῖς ; - - -Κρέουσα -τί χρῆμʼ ἐρωτᾷς, ὦ ξένʼ, ἐκμαθεῖν θέλων; - - -Ἴων -ἐκ γῆς πατρός σου πρόγονος ἔβλαστεν πατήρ; - - -Κρέουσα -Ἐριχθόνιός γε· τὸ δὲ γένος μʼ οὐκ ὠφελεῖ. - - -Ἴων -ἦ καί σφʼ Ἀθάνα γῆθεν ἐξανείλετο; - - -Κρέουσα -ἐς παρθένους γε χεῖρας, οὐ τεκοῦσά νιν. - - -Ἴων -δίδωσι δʼ, ὥσπερ ἐν γραφῇ νομίζεται ; - - -Κρέουσα -Κέκροπός γε σῴζειν παισὶν οὐχ ὁρώμενον. - - -Ἴων -ἤκουσα λῦσαι παρθένους τεῦχος θεᾶς. - - -Κρέουσα -τοιγὰρ θανοῦσαι σκόπελον ᾕμαξαν πέτρας. - - - -Ἴων -εἶἑν· -τί δαὶ τόδʼ; ἆρʼ ἀληθὲς ἢ μάτην λόγος - - - -Κρέουσα -τί χρῆμʼ ἐρωτᾷς; καὶ γὰρ οὐ κάμνω σχολῇ. - - -Ἴων -πατὴρ Ἐρεχθεὺς σὰς ἔθυσε συγγόνους; - - -Κρέουσα -ἔτλη πρὸ γαίας σφάγια παρθένους κτανεῖν. - - -Ἴων -σὺ δʼ ἐξεσώθης πῶς κασιγνήτων μόνη; - - -Κρέουσα -βρέφος νεογνὸν μητρὸς ἦν ἐν ἀγκάλαις. - - -Ἴων -πατέρα δʼ ἀληθῶς χάσμα σὸν κρύπτει χθονός; - - -Κρέουσα -πληγαὶ τριαίνης ποντίου σφʼ ἀπώλεσαν. - - -Ἴων -Μακραὶ δὲ χῶρός ἐστʼ ἐκεῖ κεκλημένος; - - -Κρέουσα -τί δʼ ἱστορεῖς τόδʼ; ὥς μʼ ἀνέμνησάς τινος. - - -Ἴων -τιμᾷ σφε Πύθιος ἀστραπαί τε Πύθιαι. - - -Κρέουσα -† τιμᾶ τιμᾶ †· ὡς μήποτʼ ὤφελόν σφʼ ἰδεῖν. - - -Ἴων -τί δὲ στυγεῖς σὺ τοῦ θεοῦ τὰ φίλτατα; - - -Κρέουσα -οὐδέν· ξύνοιδʼ ἄντροισιν αἰσχύνην τινά. - - -Ἴων -πόσις δὲ τίς σʼ ἔγημʼ Ἀθηναίων, γύναι; - - -Κρέουσα -οὐκ ἀστός, ἀλλʼ ἐπακτὸς ἐξ ἄλλης χθονός. - - -Ἴων -τίς; εὐγενῆ νιν δεῖ πεφυκέναι τινά. - - -Κρέουσα -Ξοῦθος, πεφυκὼς Αἰόλου Διός τʼ ἄπο. - - -Ἴων -καὶ πῶς ξένος σʼ ὢν ἔσχεν οὖσαν ἐγγενῆ; - - -Κρέουσα -Εὔβοιʼ Ἀθήναις ἔστι τις γείτων πόλις - - - -Ἴων -ὅροις ὑγροῖσιν, ὡς λέγουσʼ, ὡρισμένη. - - -Κρέουσα -ταύτην ἔπερσε Κεκροπίδαις κοινῷ δορί. - - -Ἴων -ἐπίκουρος ἐλθών; κᾆτα σὸν γαμεῖ λέχος; - - -Κρέουσα -φερνάς γε πολέμου καὶ δορὸς λαβὼν γέρας. - - -Ἴων -σὺν ἀνδρὶ δʼ ἥκεις ἢ μόνη χρηστήρια; - - -Κρέουσα -σὺν ἀνδρί. σηκοὺς δʼ ἐκστρέφει Τροφωνίου. - - -Ἴων -πότερα θεατὴς ἢ χάριν μαντευμάτων; - - -Κρέουσα -κείνου τε Φοίβου θʼ ἓν θέλων μαθεῖν ἔπος. - - -Ἴων -καρποῦ δʼ ὕπερ γῆς ἥκετʼ, ἢ παίδων πέρι; - - -Κρέουσα -ἄπαιδές ἐσμεν, χρόνιʼ ἔχοντʼ εὐνήματα. - - -Ἴων -οὐδʼ ἔτεκες οὐδὲν πώποτʼ, ἀλλʼ ἄτεκνος εἶ; - - -Κρέουσα -ὁ Φοῖβος οἶδε τὴν ἐμὴν ἀπαιδίαν. - - -Ἴων -ὦ τλῆμον, ὡς τἄλλʼ εὐτυχοῦσʼ οὐκ εὐτυχεῖς. - - - -Κρέουσα -σὺ δʼ εἶ τίς; ὥς σου τὴν τεκοῦσαν ὤλβισα. - - -Ἴων -τοῦ θεοῦ καλοῦμαι δοῦλος εἰμί τʼ, ὦ γύναι. - - -Κρέουσα -ἀνάθημα πόλεως, ἤ τινος πραθεὶς ὕπο; - - -Ἴων -οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν· Λοξίου κεκλήμεθα. - - -Κρέουσα -ἡμεῖς σʼ ἄρʼ αὖθις, ὦ ξένʼ, ἀντοικτίρομεν. - - -Ἴων -ὡς μὴ εἰδόθʼ ἥτις μʼ ἔτεκεν ἐξ ὅτου τʼ ἔφυν. - - -Κρέουσα -ναοῖσι δʼ οἰκεῖς τοισίδʼ ἢ κατὰ στέγας; - - -Ἴων -ἅπαν θεοῦ μοι δῶμʼ, ἵνʼ ἂν λάβῃ μʼ ὕπνος. - - -Κρέουσα -παῖς δʼ ὢν ἀφίκου ναὸν ἢ νεανίας; - - -Ἴων -βρέφος λέγουσιν οἱ δοκοῦντες εἰδέναι. - - -Κρέουσα -καὶ τίς γάλακτί σʼ ἐξέθρεψε Δελφίδων; - - -Ἴων -οὐπώποτʼ ἔγνων μαστόν· ἣ δʼ ἔθρεψέ με - - - -Κρέουσα -τίς, ὦ ταλαίπωρʼ; ὡς νοσοῦσʼ ηὗρον νόσους. - - -Ἴων -Φοίβου προφῆτις, μητέρʼ ὣς νομίζομεν. - - -Κρέουσα -ἐς δʼ ἄνδρʼ ἀφίκου τίνα τροφὴν κεκτημένος; - - -Ἴων -βωμοί μʼ ἔφερβον οὑπιών τʼ ἀεὶ ξένος. - - -Κρέουσα -τάλαινά σʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα· τίς ποτʼ ἦν ἄρα; - - -Ἴων -ἀδίκημά του γυναικὸς ἐγενόμην ἴσως. - - -Κρέουσα -ἔχεις δὲ βίοτον· εὖ γὰρ ἤσκησαι πέπλοις. - - -Ἴων -τοῖς τοῦ θεοῦ κοσμούμεθʼ, ᾧ δουλεύομεν. - - -Κρέουσα -οὐδʼ ᾖξας εἰς ἔρευναν ἐξευρεῖν γονάς; - - -Ἴων -ἔχω γὰρ οὐδέν, ὦ γύναι, τεκμήριον. - - -Κρέουσα -φεῦ· -πέπονθέ τις σῇ μητρὶ ταὔτʼ ἄλλη γυνή. - - -Ἴων -τίς; εἰ πόνου μοι ξυλλάβοι, χαίροιμεν ἄν. - - -Κρέουσα -ἧς οὕνεκʼ ἦλθον δεῦρο πρὶν πόσιν μολεῖν. - - -Ἴων -ποῖόν τι χρῄζουσʼ; ὡς ὑπουργήσω, γύναι. - - -Κρέουσα -μάντευμα κρυπτὸν δεομένη Φοίβου μαθεῖν. - - -Ἴων -λέγοις ἄν· ἡμεῖς τἄλλα προξενήσομεν. - - -Κρέουσα -ἄκουε δὴ τὸν μῦθον. — ἀλλʼ αἰδούμεθα. - - -Ἴων -οὔ τἄρα πράξεις οὐδέν· ἀργὸς ἡ θεός. - - -Κρέουσα -Φοίβῳ μιγῆναί φησί τις φίλων ἐμῶν. - - -Ἴων -Φοίβῳ γυνὴ γεγῶσα; μὴ λέγʼ, ὦ ξένη. - - -Κρέουσα -καὶ παῖδά γʼ ἔτεκε τῷ θεῷ λάθρα πατρός. - - -Ἴων -οὐκ ἔστιν· ἀνδρὸς ἀδικίαν αἰσχύνεται. - - -Κρέουσα -οὔ φησιν αὐτή, καὶ πέπονθεν ἄθλια. - - -Ἴων -τί χρῆμα δράσασʼ, εἰ θεῷ συνεζύγη; - - -Κρέουσα -τὸν παῖδʼ ὃν ἔτεκεν ἐξέθηκε δωμάτων. - - -Ἴων -ὁ δʼ ἐκτεθεὶς παῖς ποῦ ʼστιν; εἰσορᾷ φάος; - - -Κρέουσα -οὐκ οἶδεν οὐδείς. ταῦτα καὶ μαντεύομαι. - - -Ἴων -εἰ δʼ οὐκέτʼ ἔστι, τίνι τρόπῳ διεφθάρη; - - -Κρέουσα -θῆράς σφε τὸν δύστηνον ἐλπίζει κτανεῖν. - - -Ἴων -ποίῳ τόδʼ ἔγνω χρωμένη τεκμηρίῳ; - - -Κρέουσα -ἐλθοῦσʼ ἵνʼ αὐτὸν ἐξέθηκʼ οὐχ ηὗρʼ ἔτι. - - -Ἴων -ἦν δὲ σταλαγμὸς ἐν στίβῳ τις αἵματος; - - -Κρέουσα -οὔ φησι. καίτοι πόλλʼ ἐπεστράφη πέδον. - - -Ἴων -χρόνος δὲ τίς τῷ παιδὶ διαπεπραγμένῳ; - - -Κρέουσα -σοὶ ταὐτὸν ἥβης, εἴπερ, εἶχεν ἂν μέτρον. - - - -Ἴων -ἀδικεῖ νιν ὁ θεός· ἡ τεκοῦσα δʼ ἀθλία. - - -Κρέουσα -οὔκουν ἔτʼ ἄλλον γʼ ὕστερον τίκτει γόνον. - - -Ἴων -τί δʼ, εἰ λάθρα νιν Φοῖβος ἐκτρέφει λαβών; - - -Κρέουσα -τὰ κοινὰ χαίρων οὐ δίκαια δρᾷ μόνος. - - -Ἴων -οἴμοι· προσῳδὸς ἡ τύχη τὠμῷ πάθει. - - -Κρέουσα -καὶ σέ, ὦ ξένʼ, οἶμαι μητέρʼ ἀθλίαν ποθεῖν. - - -Ἴων -καὶ μή γʼ ἐπʼ οἶκτόν μʼ ἔξαγʼ οὗ ʼλελήσμεθα. - - -Κρέουσα -σιγῶ· πέραινε δʼ ὧν σʼ ἀνιστορῶ πέρι. - - -Ἴων -οἶσθʼ οὖν ὃ κάμνει τοῦ λόγου μάλιστά σοι; - - -Κρέουσα -τί δʼ οὐκ ἐκείνῃ τῇ ταλαιπώρῳ νοσεῖ; - - -Ἴων -πῶς ὁ θεὸς ὃ λαθεῖν βούλεται μαντεύσεται; - - -Κρέουσα -εἴπερ καθίζει τρίποδα κοινὸν Ἑλλάδος. - - -Ἴων -αἰσχύνεται τὸ πρᾶγμα· μὴ ʼξέλεγχέ νιν. - - -Κρέουσα -ἀλγύνεται δέ γʼ ἡ παθοῦσα τῇ τύχῃ. - - -Ἴων -οὐκ ἔστιν ὅστις σοι προφητεύσει τάδε. -ἐν τοῖς γὰρ αὑτοῦ δώμασιν κακὸς φανεὶς -Φοῖβος δικαίως τὸν θεμιστεύοντά σοι -δράσειεν ἄν τι πῆμα. ἀπαλλάσσου, γύναι. -τῷ γὰρ θεῷ τἀναντίʼ οὐ μαντευτέον. -ἐς γὰρ τοσοῦτον ἀμαθίας ἔλθοιμεν ἄν, -εἰ τοὺς θεοὺς ἄκοντας ἐκπονήσομεν -φράζειν ἃ μὴ θέλουσιν, ἢ προβωμίοις -σφαγαῖσι μήλων ἢ διʼ οἰωνῶν πτεροῖς. -ἃν γὰρ βίᾳ σπεύδωμεν ἀκόντων θεῶν, -ἄκοντα κεκτήμεσθα τἀγάθʼ, ὦ γύναι· -ἃ δʼ ἂν διδῶσʼ ἑκόντες, ὠφελούμεθα. - - -Χορός -πολλαί γε πολλοῖς εἰσι συμφοραὶ βροτῶν, -μορφαὶ δὲ διαφέρουσιν· ἓν δʼ ἂν εὐτυχὲς -μόλις ποτʼ ἐξεύροι τις ἀνθρώπων βίῳ. - - -Κρέουσα -ὦ Φοῖβε, κἀκεῖ κἀνθάδʼ οὐ δίκαιος εἶ -ἐς τὴν ἀποῦσαν, ἧς πάρεισιν οἱ λόγοι· -ὃς οὔτʼ ἔσωσας τὸν σὸν ὃν σῶσαί σʼ ἐχρῆν, -οὔθʼ ἱστορούσῃ μητρὶ μάντις ὢν ἐρεῖς, -ὡς, εἰ μὲν οὐκέτʼ ἔστιν, ὀγκωθῇ τάφῳ, -εἰ δʼ ἔστιν - -ἀλλʼ ἐᾶν χρὴ τάδʼ, εἰ πρὸς τοῦ θεοῦ -κωλυόμεσθα μὴ μαθεῖν ἃ βούλομαι. - -ἀλλʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, εἰσορῶ γὰρ εὐγενῆ πόσιν -Ξοῦθον πέλας δὴ τόνδε, τὰς Τροφωνίου -λιπόντα θαλάμας, τοὺς λελεγμένους λόγους -σίγα πρὸς ἄνδρα, μή τινʼ αἰσχύνην λάβω -διακονοῦσα κρυπτά, καὶ προβῇ λόγος -οὐχ ᾗπερ ἡμεῖς αὐτὸν ἐξειλίσσομεν. -τὰ γὰρ γυναικῶν δυσχερῆ πρὸς ἄρσενας, -κἀν ταῖς κακαῖσιν ἁγαθαὶ μεμειγμέναι -μισούμεθʼ· οὕτω δυστυχεῖς πεφύκαμεν. - - - -Ξοῦθος -πρῶτον μὲν ὁ θεὸς τῶν ἐμῶν προσφθεγμάτων -λαβὼν ἀπαρχὰς χαιρέτω, σύ τʼ, ὦ γύναι. -μῶν χρόνιος ἐλθών σʼ ἐξέπληξʼ ὀρρωδίᾳ; - - -Κρέουσα -οὐδέν γʼ· ἀφίκου δʼ ἐς μέριμναν. ἀλλά μοι -λέξον, τί θέσπισμʼ ἐκ Τροφωνίου φέρεις, -παίδων ὅπως νῷν σπέρμα συγκραθήσεται; - - -Ξοῦθος -οὐκ ἠξίωσε τοῦ θεοῦ προλαμβάνειν -μαντεύμαθʼ· ἓν δʼ οὖν εἶπεν· οὐκ ἄπαιδά με -πρὸς οἶκον ἥξειν οὐδὲ σὲ ἐκ χρηστηρίων. - - -Κρέουσα -ὦ πότνια Φοίβου μῆτερ, εἰ γὰρ αἰσίως -ἔλθοιμεν, ἅ τε νῷν συμβόλαια πρόσθεν ἦν -ἐς παῖδα τὸν σόν, μεταπέσοι βελτίονα. - - -Ξοῦθος -ἔσται τάδʼ· ἀλλὰ τίς προφητεύει θεοῦ; - - -Ἴων -ἡμεῖς τά γʼ ἔξω, τῶν ἔσω δʼ ἄλλοις μέλει, -οἳ πλησίον θάσσουσι τρίποδος, ὦ ξένε, -Δελφῶν ἀριστῆς, οὓς ἐκλήρωσεν πάλος. - - -Ξοῦθος -καλῶς· ἔχω δὴ πάνθʼ ὅσων ἐχρῄζομεν. -στείχοιμʼ ἂν εἴσω· καὶ γάρ, ὡς ἐγὼ κλύω, -χρηστήριον πέπτωκε τοῖς ἐπήλυσι -κοινὸν πρὸ ναοῦ· βούλομαι δʼ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ -τῇδʼ — αἰσία γάρ — θεοῦ λαβεῖν μαντεύματα. -σὺ δʼ ἀμφὶ βωμούς, ὦ γύναι, δαφνηφόρους -λαβοῦσα κλῶνας, εὐτέκνους εὔχου θεοῖς -χρησμούς μʼ ἐνεγκεῖν ἐξ Ἀπόλλωνος δόμων. - - -Κρέουσα -ἔσται τάδʼ, ἔσται. Λοξίας δʼ ἐὰν θέλῃ -νῦν ἀλλὰ τὰς πρὶν ἀναλαβεῖν ἁμαρτίας, -ἅπας μὲν οὐ γένοιτʼ ἂν εἰς ἡμᾶς φίλος, -ὅσον δὲ χρῄζει — θεὸς γάρ ἐστι — δέξομαι. - - -Ἴων -τί ποτε λόγοισιν ἡ ξένη πρὸς τὸν θεὸν -κρυπτοῖσιν αἰεὶ λοιδοροῦσʼ αἰνίσσεται; -ἤτοι φιλοῦσά γʼ ἧς ὕπερ μαντεύεται, -ἢ καί τι σιγῶσʼ ὧν σιωπᾶσθαι χρεών; -ἀτὰρ θυγατρὸς τῆς Ἐρεχθέως τί μοι -μέλει; προσήκει γʼ οὐδέν. ἀλλὰ χρυσέαις -πρόχοισιν ἐλθὼν εἰς ἀπορραντήρια -δρόσον καθήσω. νουθετητέος δέ μοι -Φοῖβος, τί πάσχει· παρθένους βίᾳ γαμῶν -προδίδωσι; παῖδας ἐκτεκνούμενος λάθρᾳ -θνῄσκοντας ἀμελεῖ; μὴ σύ γʼ· ἀλλʼ, ἐπεὶ κρατεῖς, -ἀρετὰς δίωκε. καὶ γὰρ ὅστις ἂν βροτῶν -κακὸς πεφύκῃ, ζημιοῦσιν οἱ θεοί. -πῶς οὖν δίκαιον τοὺς νόμους ὑμᾶς βροτοῖς -γράψαντας, αὐτοὺς ἀνομίαν ὀφλισκάνειν; -εἰ δʼ — οὐ γὰρ ἔσται, τῷ λόγῳ δὲ χρήσομαι — -δίκας βιαίων δώσετʼ ἀνθρώποις γάμων, -σὺ καὶ Ποσειδῶν Ζεύς θʼ ὃς οὐρανοῦ κρατεῖ, -ναοὺς τίνοντες ἀδικίας κενώσετε. -τὰς ἡδονὰς γὰρ τῆς προμηθίας πάρος -σπεύδοντες ἀδικεῖτʼ. οὐκέτʼ ἀνθρώπους κακῶς -λέγειν δίκαιον, εἰ τὰ τῶν θεῶν καλὰ -μιμούμεθʼ, ἀλλὰ τοὺς διδάσκοντας τάδε. - - - - - - -Χορός -σὲ τὰν ὠδίνων λοχιᾶν -ἀνειλείθυιαν, ἐμὰν -Ἀθάναν, ἱκετεύω, -Προμηθεῖ Τιτᾶνι λοχευ- -θεῖσαν κατʼ ἀκροτάτας -κορυφᾶς Διός, ὦ μάκαιρα Νίκα, -μόλε Πύθιον οἶκον, -Ὀλύμπου χρυσέων θαλάμων -πταμένα πρὸς ἀγυιάς, -Φοιβήιος ἔνθα γᾶς -μεσσόμφαλος ἑστία -παρὰ χορευομένῳ τρίποδι -μαντεύματα κραίνει, -σὺ καὶ παῖς ἁ Λατογενής, -δύο θεαὶ δύο παρθένοι, -κασίγνηται σεμναὶ Φοίβου. -ἱκετεύσατε δʼ, ὦ κόραι, -τὸ παλαιὸν Ἐρεχθέως -γένος εὐτεκνίας χρονίου καθαροῖς -μαντεύμασι κῦρσαι. - - - - - -Χορός -ὑπερβαλλούσας γὰρ ἔχει -θνατοῖς εὐδαιμονίας -ἀκίνητον ἀφορμάν, -τέκνων οἷς ἂν καρποτρόφοι -λάμπωσιν ἐν θαλάμοις -πατρίοισι νεάνιδες ἧβαι, -διαδέκτορα πλοῦτον -ὡς ἕξοντες ἐκ πατέρων -ἑτέροις ἐπὶ τέκνοις. -ἀλκά τε γὰρ ἐν κακοῖς -σύν τʼ εὐτυχίαις φίλον, -δορί τε γᾷ πατρίᾳ φέρει -σωτήριον ἀλκάν. -ἐμοὶ μὲν πλούτου τε πάρος -βασιλικῶν τʼ εἶεν θαλάμων -τροφαὶ κήδειοι κεδνῶν γε τέκνων. -τὸν ἄπαιδα δʼ ἀποστυγῶ -βίον, ᾧ τε δοκεῖ ψέγω· -μετὰ δὲ κτεάνων μετρίων βιοτᾶς -εὔπαιδος ἐχοίμαν. - - - - - -Χορός -ὦ Πανὸς θακήματα καὶ -παραυλίζουσα πέτρα -μυχώδεσι Μακραῖς, -ἵνα χοροὺς στείβουσι ποδοῖν -Ἀγλαύρου κόραι τρίγονοι -στάδια χλοερὰ πρὸ Παλλάδος -ναῶν, συρίγγων -ὑπʼ αἰόλας ἰαχᾶς -ὕμνων, ὅτʼ ἀναλίοις -συρίζεις, ὦ Πάν, -τοῖς σοῖσιν ἐν ἄντροις, -ἵνα τεκοῦσά τις Φοίβῳ -παρθένος, ὦ μελέα, βρέφος, -πτανοῖς ἐξόρισεν θοίναν -θηρσί τε φοινίαν δαῖτα, πικρῶν γάμων -ὕβριν· οὔτʼ ἐπὶ κερκίσιν οὔτε λόγοις -φάτιν ἄιον εὐτυχίας μετέχειν -θεόθεν τέκνα θνατοῖς. - - - - - - - -Ἴων -πρόσπολοι γυναῖκες, αἳ τῶνδʼ ἀμφὶ κρηπῖδας δόμων -θυοδόκων φρούρημʼ ἔχουσαι δεσπότιν φυλάσσετε, -ἐκλέλοιπʼ ἤδη τὸν ἱερὸν τρίποδα καὶ χρηστήριον -Ξοῦθος, ἢ μίμνει κατʼ οἶκον ἱστορῶν ἀπαιδίαν; - - -Χορός -ἐν δόμοις ἔστʼ, ὦ ξένʼ· οὔπω δῶμʼ ὑπερβαίνει τόδε. -ὡς δʼ ἐπʼ ἐξόδοισιν ὄντος, τῶνδʼ ἀκούομεν πυλῶν -δοῦπον, ἐξιόντα τʼ ἤδη δεσπότην ὁρᾶν πάρα. - - -Ξοῦθος -ὦ τέκνον, χαῖρʼ· ἡ γὰρ ἀρχὴ τοῦ λόγου πρέπουσά μοι. - - -Ἴων -χαίρομεν· σὺ δʼ εὖ φρόνει γε, καὶ δύʼ ὄντʼ εὖ πράξομεν. - - -Ξοῦθος -δὸς χερὸς φίλημά μοι σῆς σώματός τʼ ἀμφιπτυχάς. - - -Ἴων -εὖ φρονεῖς μέν; ἤ σʼ ἔμηνε θεοῦ τις, ὦ ξένε, βλάβη; - - -Ξοῦθος -σωφρονῶ· τὰ φίλταθʼ εὑρὼν οὐ φυγεῖν ἐφίεμαι. - - -Ἴων -παῦε, μὴ ψαύσας τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ στέμματα ῥήξῃς χερί. - - -Ξοῦθος -ἅψομαι· κοὐ ῥυσιάζω, τἀμὰ δʼ εὑρίσκω φίλα. - - -Ἴων -οὐκ ἀπαλλάξῃ, πρὶν εἴσω τόξα πλευμόνων λαβεῖν; - - -Ξοῦθος -ὡς τί δὴ φεύγεις με; σαυτοῦ γνωρίσας τὰ φίλτατα — - - -Ἴων -οὐ φιλῶ φρενοῦν ἀμούσους καὶ μεμηνότας ξένους. - - -Ξοῦθος -κτεῖνε καὶ πίμπρη· πατρὸς γάρ, ἢν κτάνῃς, ἔσῃ φονεύς. - - -Ἴων -ποῦ δέ μοι πατὴρ σύ; ταῦτʼ οὖν οὐ γέλως κλύειν ἐμοῦ; - - -Ξοῦθος -οὔ· τρέχων ὁ μῦθος ἄν σοι τἀμὰ σημήνειεν ἄν. - - -Ἴων -καὶ τί μοι λέξεις; - - -Ξοῦθος -πατὴρ σός εἰμι καὶ σὺ παῖς ἐμός. - - -Ἴων -τίς λέγει τάδε; - - -Ξοῦθος -ὅς σʼ ἔθρεψεν ὄντα Λοξίας ἐμόν. - - -Ἴων -μαρτυρεῖς σαυτῷ. - - -Ξοῦθος -τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ γʼ ἐκμαθὼν χρηστήρια. - - -Ἴων -ἐσφάλης αἴνιγμʼ ἀκούσας. - - -Ξοῦθος -οὐκ ἄρʼ ὄρθʼ ἀκούομεν. - - -Ἴων -ὁ δὲ λόγος τίς ἐστι Φοίβου; - - -Ξοῦθος -τὸν συναντήσαντά μοι — - - -Ἴων -τίνα συνάντησιν; - - -Ξοῦθος -δόμων τῶνδʼ ἐξιόντι τοῦ θεοῦ - - -Ἴων -συμφορᾶς τίνος κυρῆσαι; - - -Ξοῦθος -παῖδʼ ἐμὸν πεφυκέναι. - - -Ἴων -σὸν γεγῶτʼ, ἢ δῶρον ἄλλως; - - -Ξοῦθος -δῶρον, ὄντα δʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ. - - -Ἴων -πρῶτα δῆτʼ ἐμοὶ ξυνάπτεις πόδα σόν; - - -Ξοῦθος -οὐκ ἄλλῳ, τέκνον. - - -Ἴων -ἡ τύχη πόθεν ποθʼ ἥκει; - - -Ξοῦθος -δύο μίαν θαυμάζομεν. - - -Ἴων -ἔα. τίνος δέ σοι πέφυκα μητρός; - - -Ξοῦθος -οὐκ ἔχω φράσαι. - - -Ἴων -οὐδὲ Φοῖβος εἶπε; - - -Ξοῦθος -τερφθεὶς τοῦτο, κεῖνʼ οὐκ ἠρόμην. - - -Ἴων -γῆς ἄρʼ ἐκπέφυκα μητρός. - - -Ξοῦθος -οὐ πέδον τίκτει τέκνα. - - -Ἴων -πῶς ἂν οὖν εἴην σός; - - -Ξοῦθος -οὐκ οἶδʼ, ἀναφέρω δʼ ἐς τὸν θεόν. - - - -Ἴων -φέρε λόγων ἁψώμεθʼ ἄλλων. - - -Ξοῦθος -ταῦτʼ ἀμείνονʼ, ὦ τέκνον. - - -Ἴων -ἦλθες ἐς νόθον τι λέκτρον; - - -Ξοῦθος -μωρίᾳ γε τοῦ νέου. - - -Ἴων -πρὶν κόρην λαβεῖν Ἐρεχθέως; - - -Ξοῦθος -οὐ γὰρ ὕστερόν γέ πω. - - -Ἴων -ἆρα δῆτʼ ἐκεῖ μʼ ἔφυσας; - - -Ξοῦθος -τῷ χρόνῳ γε συντρέχει. - - -Ἴων -κᾆτα πῶς ἀφικόμεσθα δεῦρο — - - -Ξοῦθος -ταῦτʼ ἀμηχανῶ. - - -Ἴων -διὰ μακρᾶς ἐλθὼν κελεύθου; - - -Ξοῦθος -τοῦτο κἄμʼ ἀπαιολεῖ. - - -Ἴων -Πυθίαν δʼ ἦλθες πέτραν πρίν; - - -Ξοῦθος -ἐς φανάς γε Βακχίου. - - -Ἴων -προξένων δʼ ἔν του κατέσχες; - - -Ξοῦθος -ὅς με Δελφίσιν κόραις - - - -Ἴων -ἐθιάσευσʼ, ἢ πῶς τάδʼ αὐδᾷς; - - -Ξοῦθος -Μαινάσιν γε Βακχίου. - - -Ἴων -ἔμφρονʼ ἢ κάτοινον ὄντα; - - -Ξοῦθος -Βακχίου πρὸς ἡδοναῖς. - - -Ἴων -τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖνʼ ἵνʼ ἐσπάρημεν. - - -Ξοῦθος -ὁ πότμος ἐξηῦρεν, τέκνον. - - -Ἴων -πῶς δʼ ἀφικόμεσθα ναούς; - - -Ξοῦθος -ἔκβολον κόρης ἴσως. - - -Ἴων -ἐκπεφεύγαμεν τὸ δοῦλον. - - -Ξοῦθος -πατέρα νυν δέχου, τέκνον. - - -Ἴων -τῷ θεῷ γοῦν οὐκ ἀπιστεῖν εἰκός. - - -Ξοῦθος -εὖ φρονεῖς ἄρα. - - -Ἴων -καὶ τί βουλόμεσθά γʼ ἄλλο — - - -Ξοῦθος -νῦν ὁρᾷς ἃ χρή σʼ ὁρᾶν. - - -Ἴων -ἢ Διὸς παιδὸς γενέσθαι παῖς; - - -Ξοῦθος -ὃ σοί γε γίγνεται. - - -Ἴων -ἦ θίγω δῆθʼ οἵ μʼ ἔφυσαν; - - -Ξοῦθος -πιθόμενός γε τῷ θεῷ. - - -Ἴων -χαῖρέ μοι, πάτερ — - - -Ξοῦθος -φίλον γε φθέγμʼ ἐδεξάμην τόδε. - - -Ἴων -ἡμέρα θʼ ἡ νῦν παροῦσα. - - -Ξοῦθος -μακάριόν γʼ ἔθηκέ με. - - -Ἴων -ὦ φίλη μῆτερ, πότʼ ἆρα καὶ σὸν ὄψομαι δέμας; -νῦν ποθῶ σε μᾶλλον ἢ πρίν, ἥτις εἶ ποτʼ, εἰσιδεῖν. -ἀλλʼ ἴσως τέθνηκας, ἡμεῖς δʼ οὐδὲν ἂν δυναίμεθα. - - - - - -Χορός -κοιναὶ μὲν ἡμῖν δωμάτων εὐπραξίαι· -ὅμως δὲ καὶ δέσποιναν ἐς τέκνʼ εὐτυχεῖν -ἐβουλόμην ἂν τούς τʼ Ἐρεχθέως δόμους. - - -Ξοῦθος -ὦ τέκνον, ἐς μὲν σὴν ἀνεύρεσιν θεὸς -ὀρθῶς ἔκρανε, καὶ συνῆψʼ ἐμοί τε σέ, -σύ τʼ αὖ τὰ φίλταθʼ ηὗρες οὐκ εἰδὼς πάρος. -ὃ δʼ ᾖξας ὀρθῶς, τοῦτο κἄμʼ ἔχει πόθος, -ὅπως σύ τʼ, ὦ παῖ, μητέρʼ εὑρήσεις σέθεν, -ἐγώ θʼ ὁποίας μοι γυναικὸς ἐξέφυς. -χρόνῳ δὲ δόντες ταῦτʼ ἴσως εὕροιμεν ἄν. -ἀλλʼ ἐκλιπὼν θεοῦ δάπεδʼ ἀλητείαν τε σὴν -ἐς τὰς Ἀθήνας στεῖχε κοινόφρων πατρί, -οὗ σʼ ὄλβιον μὲν σκῆπτρον ἀναμένει πατρός, -πολὺς δὲ πλοῦτος· οὐδὲ θάτερον νοσῶν -δυοῖν κεκλήσῃ δυσγενὴς πένης θʼ ἅμα, -ἀλλʼ εὐγενής τε καὶ πολυκτήμων βίου. -σιγᾷς; τί πρὸς γῆν ὄμμα σὸν βαλὼν ἔχεις; -ἐς φροντίδας δʼ ἀπῆλθες, ἐκ δὲ χαρμονῆς -πάλιν μεταστὰς δεῖμα προσβάλλεις πατρί. - - -Ἴων -οὐ ταὐτὸν εἶδος φαίνεται τῶν πραγμάτων -πρόσωθεν ὄντων ἐγγύθεν θʼ ὁρωμένων. -ἐγὼ δὲ τὴν μὲν συμφορὰν ἀσπάζομαι, -πατέρα σʼ ἀνευρών· ὧν δὲ γιγνώσκω, πάτερ, -ἄκουσον. εἶναί φασι τὰς αὐτόχθονας -κλεινὰς Ἀθήνας οὐκ ἐπείσακτον γένος, -ἵνʼ ἐσπεσοῦμαι δύο νόσω κεκτημένος, -πατρός τʼ ἐπακτοῦ καὐτὸς ὢν νοθαγενής. -καὶ τοῦτʼ ἔχων τοὔνειδος, ἀσθενὴς μὲν ὤν — - -μηδὲν καὶ οὐδὲν ὢν κεκλήσομαι· - -ἢν δʼ ἐς τὸ πρῶτον πόλεος ὁρμηθεὶς ζυγὸν -ζητῶ τις εἶναι, τῶν μὲν ἀδυνάτων ὕπο -μισησόμεσθα· λυπρὰ γὰρ τὰ κρείσσονα· -ὅσοι δέ, χρηστοὶ δυνάμενοί τʼ εἶναι σοφοί, -σιγῶσι κοὐ σπεύδουσιν ἐς τὰ πράγματα, -γέλωτʼ ἐν αὐτοῖς μωρίαν τε λήψομαι -οὐχ ἡσυχάζων ἐν πόλει φόβου πλέᾳ. -τῶν δʼ † αὖ λογίων τε † χρωμένων τε τῇ πόλει -ἐς ἀξίωμα βὰς πλέον φρουρήσομαι -ψήφοισιν. οὕτω γὰρ τάδʼ, ὦ πάτερ, φιλεῖ· -οἳ τὰς πόλεις ἔχουσι κἀξιώματα, -τοῖς ἀνθαμίλλοις εἰσὶ πολεμιώτατοι. - - -ἐλθὼν δʼ ἐς οἶκον ἀλλότριον ἔπηλυς ὢν -γυναῖκά θʼ ὡς ἄτεκνον, ἣ κοινουμένη -τὰς συμφοράς σοι πρόσθεν, ἀπολαχοῦσα νῦν -αὐτὴ καθʼ αὑτὴν τὴν τύχην οἴσει πικρῶς, -πῶς οὐχ ὑπʼ αὐτῆς εἰκότως μισήσομαι, -ὅταν παραστῶ σοὶ μὲν ἐγγύθεν ποδός, -ἣ δʼ οὖσʼ ἄτεκνος τὰ σὰ φίλʼ εἰσορᾷ πικρῶς, -κᾆτʼ ἢ προδοὺς σύ μʼ ἐς δάμαρτα σὴν βλέπῃς -ἢ τἀμὰ τιμῶν δῶμα συγχέας ἔχῃς; -ὅσας σφαγὰς δὴ φαρμάκων τε θανασίμων -γυναῖκες ηὗρον ἀνδράσιν διαφθοράς. -ἄλλως τε τὴν σὴν ἄλοχον οἰκτίρω, πάτερ, -ἄπαιδα γηράσκουσαν· οὐ γὰρ ἀξία -πατέρων ἀπʼ ἐσθλῶν οὖσʼ ἀπαιδίᾳ νοσεῖν. - -τυραννίδος δὲ τῆς μάτην αἰνουμένης -τὸ μὲν πρόσωπον ἡδύ, τἀν δόμοισι δὲ -λυπηρά· τίς γὰρ μακάριος, τίς εὐτυχής, -ὅστις δεδοικὼς καὶ παραβλέπων βίον -αἰῶνα τείνει; δημότης ἂν εὐτυχὴς -ζῆν ἂν θέλοιμι μᾶλλον ἢ τύραννος ὤν, -ᾧ τοὺς πονηροὺς ἡδονὴ φίλους ἔχειν, -ἐσθλοὺς δὲ μισεῖ κατθανεῖν φοβούμενος. -εἴποις ἂν ὡς ὁ χρυσὸς ἐκνικᾷ τάδε, -πλουτεῖν τε τερπνόν; οὐ φιλῶ ψόφους κλύειν -ἐν χερσὶ σῴζων ὄλβον οὐδʼ ἔχειν πόνους· -εἴη γʼ ἐμοὶ μὲν μέτρια μὴ λυπουμένῳ. - -ἃ δʼ ἐνθάδʼ εἶχον ἀγάθʼ ἄκουσόν μου, πάτερ· -τὴν φιλτάτην μὲν πρῶτον ἀνθρώπῳ σχολὴν -ὄχλον τε μέτριον, οὐδέ μʼ ἐξέπληξʼ ὁδοῦ -πονηρὸς οὐδείς· κεῖνο δʼ οὐκ ἀνασχετόν, -εἴκειν ὁδοῦ χαλῶντα τοῖς κακίοσιν. -θεῶν δʼ ἐν εὐχαῖς † ἢ γόοισιν ἦ † βροτῶν, -ὑπηρετῶν χαίρουσιν, οὐ γοωμένοις. -καὶ τοὺς μὲν ἐξέπεμπον, οἳ δʼ ἧκον ξένοι, -ὥσθʼ ἡδὺς αἰεὶ καινὸς ἐν καινοῖσιν ἦ. -ὃ δʼ εὐκτὸν ἀνθρώποισι, κἂν ἄκουσιν ᾖ, -δίκαιον εἶναί μʼ ὁ νόμος ἡ φύσις θʼ ἅμα -παρεῖχε τῷ θεῷ. ταῦτα συννοούμενος -κρείσσω νομίζω τἀνθάδʼ ἢ τἀκεῖ, πάτερ. -ἔα δʼ ἔμʼ αὐτοῦ ζῆν· ἴση γὰρ ἡ χάρις, -μεγάλοισι χαίρειν σμικρά θʼ ἡδέως ἔχειν. - - -Χορός -καλῶς ἔλεξας, εἴπερ οὓς ἐγὼ φιλῶ -ἐν τοῖσι σοῖσιν εὐτυχήσουσιν φίλοις. - - - -Ξοῦθος -παῦσαι λόγων τῶνδʼ, εὐτυχεῖν δʼ ἐπίστασο· -θέλω γὰρ οὗπέρ σʼ ηὗρον ἄρξασθαι, τέκνον, -κοινῆς τραπέζης, δαῖτα πρὸς κοινὴν πεσών, -θῦσαί θʼ ἅ σου πρὶν γενέθλιʼ οὐκ ἐθύσαμεν. -καὶ νῦν μὲν ὡς δὴ ξένον ἄγων σʼ ἐφέστιον -δείπνοισι τέρψω, τῆς δʼ Ἀθηναίων χθονὸς -ἄξω θεατὴν δῆθεν, ὡς οὐκ ὄντʼ ἐμόν. -καὶ γὰρ γυναῖκα τὴν ἐμὴν οὐ βούλομαι -λυπεῖν ἄτεκνον οὖσαν αὐτὸς εὐτυχῶν. -χρόνῳ δὲ καιρὸν λαμβάνων προσάξομαι -δάμαρτʼ ἐᾶν σε σκῆπτρα τἄμʼ ἔχειν χθονός. -Ἴωνα δʼ ὀνομάζω σε τῇ τύχῃ πρέπον, -ὁθούνεκʼ ἀδύτων ἐξιόντι μοι θεοῦ -ἴχνος συνῆψας πρῶτος. ἀλλὰ τῶν φίλων -πλήρωμʼ ἀθροίσας βουθύτῳ σὺν ἡδονῇ -πρόσειπε, μέλλων Δελφίδʼ ἐκλιπεῖν πόλιν. -ὑμῖν δὲ σιγᾶν, δμωΐδες, λέγω τάδε, -ἢ θάνατον εἰπούσαισι πρὸς δάμαρτʼ ἐμήν. - - -Ἴων -στείχοιμʼ ἄν. ἓν δὲ τῆς τύχης ἄπεστί μοι· -εἰ μὴ γὰρ ἥτις μʼ ἔτεκεν εὑρήσω, πάτερ, -ἀβίωτον ἡμῖν. εἰ δʼ ἐπεύξασθαι χρεών, -ἐκ τῶν Ἀθηνῶν μʼ ἡ τεκοῦσʼ εἴη γυνή, -ὥς μοι γένηται μητρόθεν παρρησία. -καθαρὰν γὰρ ἤν τις ἐς πόλιν πέσῃ ξένος, -κἂν τοῖς λόγοισιν ἀστὸς ᾖ, τό γε στόμα -δοῦλον πέπαται κοὐκ ἔχει παρρησίαν. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ὁρῶ δάκρυα καὶ πενθίμους - -ἀλαλαγὰς στεναγμάτων τʼ ἐσβολάς, -ὅταν ἐμὰ τύραννος εὐπαιδίαν -πόσιν ἔχοντʼ εἰδῇ, -αὐτὴ δʼ ἄπαις ᾖ καὶ λελειμμένη τέκνων. -τίνʼ, ὦ παῖ πρόμαντι Λατοῦς, ἔχρη- -σας ὑμνῳδίαν; -πόθεν ὁ παῖς ὅδʼ ἀμφὶ ναοὺς σέθεν -τρόφιμος ἐξέβα; γυναικῶν τίνος; -οὐ γάρ με σαίνει θέσφατα μή τινʼ ἔχῃ δόλον. -δειμαίνω συμφοράν, -ἐφʼ ὅ ποτε βάσεται. -ἄτοπος ἄτοπα γὰρ δίδωσί μοι, -τὸ δʼ ἔτʼ εὔφημʼ ἔχει, -δόλον τύχαν θʼ, ὁ παῖς — -ἄλλων τραφεὶς ἐξ αἱμάτων. -τίς οὐ τάδε ξυνοίσεται; - - - - - -Χορός -— φίλαι, πότερʼ ἐμᾷ δεσποίνᾳ -τάδε τορῶς ἐς οὖς γεγωνήσομεν; -πόσιν, ἐν ᾧ τὰ πάντʼ ἔχουσʼ ἐλπίδων -μέτοχος ἦν, τλάμων, - -— νῦν δʼ ἣ μὲν ἔρρει συμφοραῖς, ὃ δʼ εὐτυχεῖ. -— πολιὸν ἐσπεσοῦσα γῆρας, πόσις δʼ - -— ἀτίετος φίλων. -— μέλεος, ὃς θυραῖος ἐλθὼν δόμους, -μέγαν ἐς ὄλβον, οὐκ ἴσωσεν τύχης - -ʽ ʽ— ὄλοιτʼ, ὄλοιτὀπότνιαν ἐξαπαφὼν ἐμάν. -— καὶ θεοῖσιν μὴ τύχοι -καλλίφλογα πέλανον ἐπὶ -πυρὶ καθαγνίσας· τὸ δʼ ἐμὸν εἴσεται, - -ὅσον ἀμᾶς ἔφυν - -τυραννίδος φίλα. -— ἦ δὴ πέλας δείπνων κυρεῖ -παῖς καὶ πατὴρ νέος νέων. - - - - - -Χορός -ἰὼ δειράδες Παρνασοῦ πέτρας -ἔχουσαι σκόπελον οὐράνιόν θʼ ἕδραν, -ἵνα Βάκχιος ἀμφιπύρους ἀνέχων πεύκας -λαιψηρὰ πηδᾷ νυκτιπόλοις ἅμα σὺν Βάκχαις, -μή ποτʼ εἰς ἐμὰν πόλιν ἵκοιθʼ ὁ παῖς, -νέαν δʼ ἁμέραν ἀπολιπὼν θάνοι. -στενομένα γὰρ ἂν πόλις ἔχοι σκῆψιν -ξενικὸν ἐσβολὰν - - - - -ἁλίσας ὁ πάρος ἀρχαγὸς ὢν -Ἐρεχθεὺς ἄναξ. - - - - - - -Κρέουσα -ὦ πρέσβυ παιδαγώγʼ Ἐρεχθέως πατρὸς -τοὐμοῦ ποτʼ ὄντος, ἡνίκʼ ἦν ἔτʼ ἐν φάει, -ἔπαιρε σαυτὸν πρὸς θεοῦ χρηστήρια, -ὥς μοι συνησθῇς, εἴ τι Λοξίας ἄναξ -θέσπισμα παίδων ἐς γονὰς ἐφθέγξατο. -σὺν τοῖς φίλοις γὰρ ἡδὺ μὲν πράσσειν καλῶς· -ἃ μὴ γένοιτο δʼ, εἴ τι τυγχάνοι κακόν, -ἐς ὄμματʼ εὔνου φωτὸς ἐμβλέψαι γλυκύ. -ἐγὼ δέ σʼ, ὥσπερ καὶ σὺ πατέρʼ ἐμόν ποτε, -δέσποινʼ ὅμως οὖσʼ ἀντικηδεύω πατρός. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ὦ θύγατερ, ἄξιʼ ἀξίων γεννητόρων -ἤθη φυλάσσεις, κοὐ καταισχύνασʼ ἔχεις -τοὺς σοὺς παλαιούς, ἐκγόνους αὐτόχθονας. -ἕλχʼ ἕλκε πρὸς μέλαθρα καὶ κόμιζέ με. -αἰπεινά τοι μαντεῖα· τοῦ γήρως δέ μοι -συνεκπονοῦσα κῶλον ἰατρὸς γενοῦ. - - -Κρέουσα -ἕπου νυν· ἴχνος δʼ ἐκφύλασσʼ ὅπου τίθης. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ἰδού. -τὸ τοῦ ποδὸς μὲν βραδύ, τὸ τοῦ δὲ νοῦ ταχύ. - - -Κρέουσα -βάκτρῳ δʼ ἐρείδου περιφερῆ στίβον χθονός. - - -Πρεσβύτης -καὶ τοῦτο τυφλόν, ὅταν ἐγὼ βλέπω βραχύ. - - -Κρέουσα -ὀρθῶς ἔλεξας· ἀλλὰ μὴ παρῇς κόπῳ. - - -Πρεσβύτης -οὔκουν ἑκών γε· τοῦ δʼ ἀπόντος οὐ κρατῶ. - - -Κρέουσα -γυναῖκες, ἱστῶν τῶν ἐμῶν καὶ κερκίδος -δούλευμα πιστόν, τίνα τύχην λαβὼν πόσις -βέβηκε παίδων, ὧνπερ οὕνεχʼ ἥκομεν; -σημήνατʼ· εἰ γὰρ ἀγαθά μοι μηνύσετε, -οὐκ εἰς ἀπίστους δεσπότας βαλεῖς χάριν. - - - -Χορός -ἰὼ δαῖμον. - - -Πρεσβύτης -τὸ φροίμιον μὲν τῶν λόγων οὐκ εὐτυχές. - - -Χορός -ἰὼ τλᾶμον. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ἀλλʼ ἦ τι θεσφάτοισι δεσποτῶν νοσῶ; - - -Χορός -εἶἑν· τί δρῶμεν; θάνατος ὧν κεῖται πέρι - - - -Κρέουσα -τίς ἥδε μοῦσα, χὡ φόβος τίνων πέρι; - - -Χορός -εἴπωμεν ἢ σιγῶμεν; ἢ τί δράσομεν; - - -Κρέουσα -εἴφʼ· ὡς ἔχεις γε συμφοράν τινʼ εἰς ἐμέ. - - -Χορός -εἰρήσεταί τοι, κεἰ θανεῖν μέλλω διπλῇ. -οὐκ ἔστι σοι, δέσποινʼ, ἐπʼ ἀγκάλαις λαβεῖν -τέκνʼ, οὐδὲ μαστῷ σῷ προσαρμόσαι ποτέ. - - - -Κρέουσα -ὤμοι, θάνοιμι. - - -Πρεσβύτης -θύγατερ. - - -Κρέουσα -ὦ τάλαινʼ -ἐγὼ συμφορᾶς, ἔλαβον ἔπαθον ἄχος -ἀβίοτον, φίλαι. -διοιχόμεσθα. - - -Πρεσβύτης -τέκνον. - - -Κρέουσα -αἰαῖ αἰαῖ· -διανταῖος ἔτυπεν ὀδύνα με πλευ- -μόνων τῶνδʼ ἔσω. - - -Πρεσβύτης -μήπω στενάξῃς — - - -Κρέουσα -ἀλλὰ πάρεισι γόοι. - - -Πρεσβύτης -πρὶν ἂν μάθωμεν — - - -Κρέουσα -ἀγγελίαν τίνα μοι; - - - - -Πρεσβύτης -εἰ ταὐτὰ πράσσων δεσπότης τῆς συμφορᾶς -κοινωνός ἐστιν, ἢ μόνη σὺ δυστυχεῖς. - - - -Χορός -κείνῳ μέν, ὦ γεραιέ, παῖδα Λοξίας -ἔδωκεν, ἰδίᾳ δʼ εὐτυχεῖ ταύτης δίχα. - - -Κρέουσα -τόδʼ ἐπὶ τῷδε κακὸν ἄκρον ἔλακες -ἄχος ἐμοὶ στένειν. - - -Πρεσβύτης -πότερα δὲ φῦναι δεῖ γυναικὸς ἔκ τινος -τὸν παῖδʼ ὃν εἶπας, ἢ γεγῶτʼ ἐθέσπισεν; - - -Χορός -ἤδη πεφυκότʼ ἐκτελῆ νεανίαν -δίδωσιν αὐτῷ Λοξίας· παρῆ δʼ ἐγώ. - - - -Κρέουσα -πῶς φῄς; ἄφατον ἄφατον ἀναύδητον -λόγον ἐμοὶ θροεῖς. - - -Πρεσβύτης -κἄμοιγε. πῶς δʼ ὁ χρησμὸς ἐκπεραίνεται, -σαφέστερόν μοι φράζε, χὥστις ἔσθʼ ὁ παῖς. - - -Χορός -ὅτῳ ξυναντήσειεν ἐκ θεοῦ συθεὶς -πρώτῳ πόσις σός, παῖδʼ ἔδωκʼ αὐτῷ θεός. - - - -Κρέουσα -ὀττοτοττοτοῖ· τὸν δʼ ἐμὸν ἄτεκνον ἄτεκνον ἔλακεν -ἄρα βίοτον; ἐρημίᾳ δʼ ὀρφανοὺς -δόμους οἰκήσω. - - -Πρεσβύτης -τίς οὖν ἐχρήσθη; τῷ συνῆψʼ ἴχνος ποδὸς -πόσις ταλαίνης; πῶς δὲ ποῦ νιν εἰσιδών; - - -Χορός -οἶσθʼ, ὦ φίλη δέσποινα, τὸν νεανίαν -ὃς τόνδʼ ἔσαιρε ναόν; οὗτος ἔσθʼ ὁ παῖς. - - - -Κρέουσα -ἀνʼ ὑγρὸν ἀμπταίην αἰθέρα πόρσω γαί- -ας Ἑλλανίας, ἀστέρας ἑσπέρους, -οἷον οἷον ἄλγος ἔπαθον, φίλαι. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ὄνομα δὲ ποῖον αὐτὸν ὀνομάζει πατήρ; -οἶσθʼ, ἢ σιωπῇ τοῦτʼ ἀκύρωτον μένει; - - -Χορός -Ἴωνʼ, ἐπείπερ πρῶτος ἤντησεν πατρί. - - -Πρεσβύτης -μητρὸς δʼ ὁποίας ἐστὶν — - - -Χορός -οὐκ ἔχω φράσαι. -φροῦδος δʼ — ἵνʼ εἰδῇς πάντα τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ, γέρον — -παιδὸς προθύσων ξένια καὶ γενέθλια -σκηνὰς ἐς ἱερὰς τῆσδε λαθραίως πόσις, -κοινὴν ξυνάψων δαῖτα παιδὶ τῷ νέῳ. - - - -Πρεσβύτης -δέσποινα, προδεδόμεσθα — σὺν γάρ σοι νοσῶ — -τοῦ σοῦ πρὸς ἀνδρός, καὶ μεμηχανημένως -ὑβριζόμεσθα δωμάτων τʼ Ἐρεχθέως -ἐκβαλλόμεσθα. καὶ σὸν οὐ στυγῶν πόσιν -λέγω, σὲ μέντοι μᾶλλον ἢ κεῖνον φιλῶν· -ὅστις σε γήμας ξένος ἐπεισελθὼν πόλιν -καὶ δῶμα καὶ σὴν παραλαβὼν παγκληρίαν, -ἄλλης γυναικὸς παῖδας ἐκκαρπούμενος -λάθρα πέφηνεν· ὡς λάθρα δʼ, ἐγὼ φράσω. -ἐπεί σʼ ἄτεκνον ᾔσθετʼ, οὐκ ἔστεργέ σοι -ὅμοιος εἶναι τῆς τύχης τʼ ἴσον φέρειν, -λαβὼν δὲ δοῦλα λέκτρα νυμφεύσας λάθρα -τὸν παῖδʼ ἔφυσεν, ἐξενωμένον δέ τῳ -Δελφῶν δίδωσιν ἐκτρέφειν. ὃ δʼ ἐν θεοῦ -δόμοισιν ἄφετος, ὡς λάθοι, παιδεύεται. -νεανίαν δʼ ὡς ᾔσθετʼ ἐκτεθραμμένον, -ἐλθεῖν σʼ ἔπεισε δεῦρʼ ἀπαιδίας χάριν. -κᾆθʼ ὁ θεὸς οὐκ ἐψεύσαθʼ, ὅδε δʼ ἐψεύσατο -πάλαι τρέφων τὸν παῖδα, κἄπλεκεν πλοκὰς -τοιάσδʼ· ἁλοὺς μὲν ἀνέφερʼ ἐς τὸν δαίμονα, -† ἐλθὼν δὲ καὶ τὸν χρόνον ἀμύνεσθαι θέλων † -τυραννίδʼ αὐτῷ περιβαλεῖν ἔμελλε γῆς. -καινὸν δὲ τοὔνομʼ ἀνὰ χρόνον πεπλασμένον -Ἴων, ἰόντι δῆθεν ὅτι συνήντετο. - - -Χορός -οἴμοι, κακούργους ἄνδρας ὡς αἰεὶ στυγῶ, -οἳ συντιθέντες τἄδικʼ εἶτα μηχαναῖς -κοσμοῦσι. φαῦλον χρηστὸν ἂν λαβεῖν φίλον -θέλοιμι μᾶλλον ἢ κακὸν σοφώτερον. - - - -Πρεσβύτης -καὶ τῶνδʼ ἁπάντων ἔσχατον πείσῃ κακόν· -ἀμήτορʼ, ἀναρίθμητον, ἐκ δούλης τινὸς -γυναικός, ἐς σὸν δῶμα δεσπότην ἄγειν. -ἁπλοῦν ἂν ἦν γὰρ τὸ κακόν, εἰ παρʼ εὐγενοῦς -μητρός, πιθών σε, σὴν λέγων ἀπαιδίαν, -ἐσῴκισʼ οἴκους· εἰ δὲ σοὶ τόδʼ ἦν πικρόν, -τῶν Αἰόλου νιν χρῆν ὀρεχθῆναι γάμων. -ἐκ τῶνδε δεῖ σε δὴ γυναικεῖόν τι δρᾶν· -ἢ γὰρ ξίφος λαβοῦσαν ἢ δόλῳ τινὶ -ἢ φαρμάκοισι σὸν κατακτεῖναι πόσιν -καὶ παῖδα, πρὶν σοὶ θάνατον ἐκ κείνων μολεῖν. - -εἰ γάρ γʼ ὑφήσεις τοῦδʼ, ἀπαλλάξῃ βίου. - - -δυοῖν γὰρ ἐχθροῖν εἰς ἓν ἐλθόντοιν στέγος, - - -ἢ θάτερον δεῖ δυστυχεῖν ἢ θάτερον. - -ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν σοι καὶ συνεκπονεῖν θέλω, -καὶ συμφονεύειν παῖδʼ ἐπεισελθὼν δόμους -οὗ δαῖθʼ ὁπλίζει, καὶ τροφεῖα δεσπόταις -ἀποδοὺς θανεῖν τε ζῶν τε φέγγος εἰσορᾶν. -ἓν γάρ τι τοῖς δούλοισιν αἰσχύνην φέρει, -τοὔνομα· τὰ δʼ ἄλλα πάντα τῶν ἐλευθέρων -οὐδὲν κακίων δοῦλος, ὅστις ἐσθλὸς ᾖ. - - -Χορός -κἀγώ, φίλη δέσποινα, συμφορὰν θέλω -κοινουμένη τήνδʼ ἢ θανεῖν ἢ ζῆν καλῶς. - - - - - -Κρέουσα -ὦ ψυχά, πῶς σιγάσω; -πῶς δὲ σκοτίας ἀναφήνω -εὐνάς, αἰδοῦς δʼ ἀπολειφθῶ; -τί γὰρ ἐμπόδιον κώλυμʼ ἔτι μοι; -πρὸς τίνʼ ἀγῶνας τιθέμεσθʼ ἀρετῆς; -οὐ πόσις ἡμῶν προδότης γέγονεν, -στέρομαι δʼ οἴκων, στέρομαι παίδων, -φροῦδαι δʼ ἐλπίδες, ἃς διαθέσθαι -χρῄζουσα καλῶς οὐκ ἐδυνήθην, -σιγῶσα γάμους, -σιγῶσα τόκους πολυκλαύτους; -ἀλλʼ οὐ τὸ Διὸς πολύαστρον ἕδος -καὶ τὴν ἐπʼ ἐμοῖς σκοπέλοισι θεὰν -λίμνης τʼ ἐνύδρου Τριτωνιάδος -πότνιαν ἀκτάν, -οὐκέτι κρύψω λέχος, ὡς στέρνων -ἀπονησαμένη ῥᾴων ἔσομαι. -στάζουσι κόραι δακρύοισιν ἐμαί, -ψυχὴ δʼ ἀλγεῖ κακοβουλευθεῖσʼ -ἔκ τʼ ἀνθρώπων ἔκ τʼ ἀθανάτων, -οὓς ἀποδείξω -λέκτρων προδότας ἀχαρίστους. - -ὦ τᾶς ἑπταφθόγγου μέλπων -κιθάρας ἐνοπάν, ἅτʼ ἀγραύλοις -κέρασιν ἐν ἀψύχοις ἀχεῖ -μουσᾶν ὕμνους εὐαχήτους, -σοὶ μομφάν, ὦ Λατοῦς παῖ, -πρὸς τάνδʼ αὐγὰν αὐδάσω. -ἦλθές μοι χρυσῷ χαίταν -μαρμαίρων, εὖτʼ ἐς κόλπους -κρόκεα πέταλα φάρεσιν ἔδρεπον, -ἀνθίζειν χρυσανταυγῆ· -λευκοῖς δʼ ἐμφὺς καρποῖσιν -χειρῶν εἰς ἄντρου κοίτας -κραυγὰν Ὦ μᾶτέρ μʼ αὐδῶσαν -θεὸς ὁμευνέτας -ἆγες ἀναιδείᾳ -Κύπριδι χάριν πράσσων. -τίκτω δʼ ἁ δύστανός σοι -κοῦρον, τὸν φρίκᾳ ματρὸς -εἰς εὐνὰν βάλλω τὰν σάν, -ἵνα με λέχεσι μελέαν μελέοις -ἐζεύξω τὰν δύστανον. -οἴμοι μοι· καὶ νῦν ἔρρει -πτανοῖς ἁρπασθεὶς θοίνα -παῖς μοι — καὶ σός, τλάμων· -σὺ δὲ κιθάρᾳ κλάζεις -παιᾶνας μέλπων. - -ὠή, -τὸν Λατοῦς αὐδῶ σʼ, -ὅστʼ ὀμφὰν κληροῖς -πρὸς χρυσέους θάκους -καὶ γαίας μεσσήρεις ἕδρας, -εἰς οὖς αὐδὰν καρύξω· -Ἰὼ κακὸς εὐνάτωρ, -ὃς τῷ μὲν ἐμῷ νυμφεύτᾳ -χάριν οὐ προλαβὼν -παῖδʼ εἰς οἴκους οἰκίζεις· -ὁ δʼ ἐμὸς γενέτας καὶ σός γʼ, ἀμαθής, -οἰωνοῖς ἔρρει συλαθείς, -σπάργανα ματέρος ἐξαλλάξας. -μισεῖ σʼ ἁ Δᾶλος καὶ δάφνας -ἔρνεα φοίνικα παρʼ ἁβροκόμαν, -ἔνθα λοχεύματα σέμνʼ ἐλοχεύσατο -Λατὼ Δίοισί σε καρποῖς. - - - -Χορός -οἴμοι, μέγας θησαυρὸς ὡς ἀνοίγνυται -κακῶν, ἐφʼ οἷσι πᾶς ἂν ἐκβάλοι δάκρυ. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ὦ θύγατερ, οὔτοι σὸν βλέπων ἐμπίμπλαμαι -πρόσωπον, ἔξω δʼ ἐγενόμην γνώμης ἐμῆς. -κακῶν γὰρ ἄρτι κῦμʼ ὑπεξαντλῶν φρενί, -πρύμνηθεν αἴρει μʼ ἄλλο σῶν λόγων ὕπο, -οὓς ἐκβαλοῦσα τῶν παρεστώτων κακῶν -μετῆλθες ἄλλων πημάτων κακὰς ὁδούς. -τί φῄς; τίνα λόγον Λοξίου κατηγορεῖς; -ποῖον τεκεῖν φῂς παῖδα; ποῦ θεῖναι πόλεως -θηρσὶν φίλον τύμβευμʼ; ἄνελθέ μοι πάλιν. - - -Κρέουσα -αἰσχύνομαι μέν σʼ, ὦ γέρον, λέξω δʼ ὅμως. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ὡς συστενάζειν γʼ οἶδα γενναίως φίλοις. - - -Κρέουσα -ἄκουε τοίνυν· οἶσθα Κεκροπίας πέτρας -πρόσβορρον ἄντρον, ἃς Μακρὰς κικλήσκομεν; - - -Πρεσβύτης -οἶδʼ, ἔνθα Πανὸς ἄδυτα καὶ βωμοὶ πέλας. - - -Κρέουσα -ἐνταῦθʼ ἀγῶνα δεινὸν ἠγωνίσμεθα. - - -Πρεσβύτης -τίνʼ; ὡς ἀπαντᾷ δάκρυά μοι τοῖς σοῖς λόγοις. - - -Κρέουσα -Φοίβῳ ξυνῆψʼ ἄκουσα δύστηνον γάμον. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ὦ θύγατερ, ἆρʼ ἦν ταῦθʼ ἅ γʼ ᾐσθόμην ἐγώ; - - -Κρέουσα -οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἀληθῆ δʼ εἰ λέγεις φαίημεν ἄν. - - -Πρεσβύτης -νόσον κρυφαίαν ἡνίκʼ ἔστενες λάθρα; - - -Κρέουσα -τότʼ ἦν ἃ νῦν σοι φανερὰ σημαίνω κακά. - - -Πρεσβύτης -κᾆτʼ ἐξέκλεψας πῶς Ἀπόλλωνος γάμους; - - -Κρέουσα -ἔτεκον — ἀνάσχου ταῦτʼ ἐμοῦ κλύων, γέρον. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ποῦ; τίς λοχεύει σʼ; ἢ μόνη μοχθεῖς τάδε; - - -Κρέουσα -μόνη κατʼ ἄντρον οὗπερ ἐζεύχθην γάμοις. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ὁ παῖς δὲ ποῦ ʼστιν; ἵνα σὺ μηκέτʼ ᾖς ἄπαις. - - -Κρέουσα -τέθνηκεν, ὦ γεραιέ, θηρσὶν ἐκτεθείς. - - -Πρεσβύτης -τέθνηκʼ; Ἀπόλλων δʼ ὁ κακὸς οὐδὲν ἤρκεσεν; - - -Κρέουσα -οὐκ ἤρκεσʼ· Ἅιδου δʼ ἐν δόμοις παιδεύεται. - - -Πρεσβύτης -τίς γάρ νιν ἐξέθηκεν; οὐ γὰρ δὴ σύ γε. - - -Κρέουσα -ἡμεῖς, ἐν ὄρφνῃ σπαργανώσαντες πέπλοις. - - -Πρεσβύτης -οὐδὲ ξυνῄδει σοί τις ἔκθεσιν τέκνου; - - -Κρέουσα -αἱ ξυμφοραί γε καὶ τὸ λανθάνειν μόνον. - - -Πρεσβύτης -καὶ πῶς ἐν ἄντρῳ παῖδα σὸν λιπεῖν ἔτλης; - - -Κρέουσα -πῶς δʼ οἰκτρὰ πολλὰ στόματος ἐκβαλοῦσʼ ἔπη — - - -Πρεσβύτης -φεῦ· -τλήμων σὺ τόλμης, ὁ δὲ θεὸς μᾶλλον σέθεν. - - -Κρέουσα -εἰ παῖδά γʼ εἶδες χεῖρας ἐκτείνοντά μοι. - - -Πρεσβύτης -μαστὸν διώκοντʼ ἦ πρὸς ἀγκάλαις πεσεῖν; - - -Κρέουσα -ἐνταῦθʼ, ἵνʼ οὐκ ὢν ἄδικʼ ἔπασχεν ἐξ ἐμοῦ. - - -Πρεσβύτης -σοὶ δʼ ἐς τί δόξʼ ἐσῆλθεν ἐκβαλεῖν τέκνον; - - -Κρέουσα -ὡς τὸν θεὸν σῴζοντα τόν γʼ αὑτοῦ γόνον. - - - -Πρεσβύτης -οἴμοι, δόμων σῶν ὄλβος ὡς χειμάζεται. - - -Κρέουσα -τί κρᾶτα κρύψας, ὦ γέρον, δακρυρροεῖς; - - -Πρεσβύτης -σὲ καὶ πατέρα σὸν δυστυχοῦντας εἰσορῶ. - - -Κρέουσα -τὰ θνητὰ τοιαῦτʼ· οὐδὲν ἐν ταὐτῷ μένει. - - -Πρεσβύτης -μή νυν ἔτʼ οἴκτων, θύγατερ, ἀντεχώμεθα. - - -Κρέουσα -τί γάρ με χρὴ δρᾶν; ἀπορία τὸ δυστυχεῖν. - - -Πρεσβύτης -τὸν πρῶτον ἀδικήσαντά σʼ ἀποτίνου θεόν. - - -Κρέουσα -καὶ πῶς τὰ κρείσσω θνητὸς οὖσʼ ὑπερδράμω; - - -Πρεσβύτης -πίμπρη τὰ σεμνὰ Λοξίου χρηστήρια. - - -Κρέουσα -δέδοικα· καὶ νῦν πημάτων ἄδην ἔχω. - - -Πρεσβύτης -τὰ δυνατά νυν τόλμησον, ἄνδρα σὸν κτανεῖν. - - -Κρέουσα -αἰδούμεθʼ εὐνὰς τὰς τόθʼ ἡνίκʼ ἐσθλὸς ἦν. - - -Πρεσβύτης -νῦν δʼ ἀλλὰ παῖδα τὸν ἐπὶ σοὶ πεφηνότα. - - -Κρέουσα -πῶς; εἰ γὰρ εἴη δυνατόν· ὡς θέλοιμί γʼ ἄν. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ξιφηφόρους σοὺς ὁπλίσασʼ ὀπάονας. - - -Κρέουσα -στείχοιμʼ ἄν· ἀλλὰ ποῦ γενήσεται τόδε; - - -Πρεσβύτης -ἱεραῖσιν ἐν σκηναῖσιν, οὗ θοινᾷ φίλους. - - -Κρέουσα -ἐπίσημον ὁ φόνος, καὶ τὸ δοῦλον ἀσθενές. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ὤμοι, κακίζῃ· φέρε, σὺ νῦν βούλευέ τι. - - -Κρέουσα -καὶ μὴν ἔχω γε δόλια καὶ δραστήρια. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ἀμφοῖν ἂν εἴην τοῖνδʼ ὑπηρέτης ἐγώ. - - -Κρέουσα -ἄκουε τοίνυν· οἶσθα γηγενῆ μάχην; - - -Πρεσβύτης -οἶδʼ, ἣν Φλέγρᾳ Γίγαντες ἔστησαν θεοῖς. - - -Κρέουσα -ἐνταῦθα Γοργόνʼ ἔτεκε Γῆ, δεινὸν τέρας. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ἦ παισὶν αὑτῆς σύμμαχον, θεῶν πόνον; - - -Κρέουσα -ναί· καί νιν ἔκτεινʼ ἡ Διὸς Παλλὰς θεά. - - -Πρεσβύτης - -ποῖόν τι μορφῆς σχῆμʼ ἔχουσαν ἀγρίας; - - - -Κρέουσα - -θώρακʼ ἐχίδνης περιβόλοις ὡπλισμένον. - - - -Πρεσβύτης -ἆρʼ οὗτός ἐσθʼ ὁ μῦθος ὃν κλύω πάλαι; - - -Κρέουσα -ταύτης Ἀθάναν δέρος ἐπὶ στέρνοις ἔχειν. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ἣν αἰγίδʼ ὀνομάζουσι, Παλλάδος στολήν; - - -Κρέουσα -τόδʼ ἔσχεν ὄνομα θεῶν ὅτʼ ᾖξεν ἐς δόρυ. - - - -Πρεσβύτης -τί δῆτα, θύγατερ, τοῦτο σοῖς ἐχθροῖς βλάβος; - - -Κρέουσα -Ἐριχθόνιον οἶσθʼ, ἢ — ; τί δʼ οὐ μέλλεις, γέρον; - - -Πρεσβύτης -ὃν πρῶτον ὑμῶν πρόγονον ἐξανῆκε γῆ; - - -Κρέουσα -τούτῳ δίδωσι Παλλὰς ὄντι νεογόνῳ — - - -Πρεσβύτης -τί χρῆμα; μέλλον γάρ τι προσφέρεις ἔπος. - - -Κρέουσα -δισσοὺς σταλαγμοὺς αἵματος Γοργοῦς ἄπο. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ἰσχὺν ἔχοντας τίνα πρὸς ἀνθρώπου φύσιν; - - -Κρέουσα -τὸν μὲν θανάσιμον, τὸν δʼ ἀκεσφόρον νόσων. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ἐν τῷ καθάψασʼ ἀμφὶ παιδὶ σώματος; - - -Κρέουσα -χρυσοῖσι δεσμοῖς· ὁ δὲ δίδωσʼ ἐμῷ πατρί. - - -Πρεσβύτης -κείνου δὲ κατθανόντος ἐς σὲ ἀφίκετο; - - -Κρέουσα -ναί· κἀπὶ καρπῷ γʼ αὔτʼ ἐγὼ χερὸς φέρω. - - -Πρεσβύτης -πῶς οὖν κέκρανται δίπτυχον δῶρον θεᾶς; - - -Κρέουσα -κοίλης μὲν ὅστις φλεβὸς ἀπέσταξεν φόνῳ — - - -Πρεσβύτης -τί τῷδε χρῆσθαι; δύνασιν ἐκφέρει τίνα; - - -Κρέουσα -νόσους ἀπείργει καὶ τροφὰς ἔχει βίου. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ὁ δεύτερος δʼ ἀριθμὸς ὧν λέγεις τί δρᾷ; - - -Κρέουσα -κτείνει, δρακόντων ἰὸς ὢν τῶν Γοργόνος. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ἐς ἓν δὲ κραθέντʼ αὐτὸν ἢ χωρὶς φορεῖς; - - -Κρέουσα -χωρίς· κακῷ γὰρ ἐσθλὸν οὐ συμμείγνυται. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ὦ φιλτάτη παῖ, πάντʼ ἔχεις ὅσων σε δεῖ. - - -Κρέουσα -τούτῳ θανεῖται παῖς· σὺ δʼ ὁ κτείνων ἔσῃ. - - -Πρεσβύτης -ποῦ καὶ τί δράσας; σὸν λέγειν, τολμᾶν δʼ ἐμόν. - - -Κρέουσα -ἐν ταῖς Ἀθήναις, δῶμʼ ὅταν τοὐμὸν μόλῃ. - - -Πρεσβύτης -οὐκ εὖ τόδʼ εἶπας· καὶ σὺ γὰρ τοὐμὸν ψέγεις. - - -Κρέουσα -πῶς; ἆρʼ ὑπείδου τοῦθʼ ὃ κἄμʼ ἐσέρχεται; - - -Πρεσβύτης -σὺ παῖδα δόξεις διολέσαι, κεἰ μὴ κτενεῖς. - - -Κρέουσα -ὀρθῶς· φθονεῖν γάρ φασι μητρυιὰς τέκνοις. - - -Πρεσβύτης -αὐτοῦ νυν αὐτὸν κτεῖνʼ, ἵνʼ ἀρνήσῃ φόνους. - - -Κρέουσα -προλάζυμαι γοῦν τῷ χρόνῳ τῆς ἡδονῆς. - - -Πρεσβύτης -καὶ σόν γε λήσεις πόσιν ἅ σε σπεύδει λαθεῖν. - - -Κρέουσα -οἶσθʼ οὖν ὃ δρᾶσον; χειρὸς ἐξ ἐμῆς λαβὼν -χρύσωμʼ Ἀθάνας τόδε, παλαιὸν ὄργανον, -ἐλθὼν ἵνʼ ἡμῖν βουθυτεῖ λάθρα πόσις, -δείπνων ὅταν λήγωσι καὶ σπονδὰς θεοῖς -μέλλωσι λείβειν, ἐν πέπλοις ἔχων τόδε -κάθες βαλὼν ἐς πῶμα τῷ νεανίᾳ — -ἰδίᾳ δέ, μή τι πᾶσι, χωρίσας ποτὸν -τῷ τῶν ἐμῶν μέλλοντι δεσπόζειν δόμων. -κἄνπερ διέλθῃ λαιμόν, οὔποθʼ ἵξεται -κλεινὰς Ἀθήνας, κατθανὼν δʼ αὐτοῦ μενεῖ. - - -Πρεσβύτης -σὺ μέν νυν εἴσω προξένων μέθες πόδα· -ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐφʼ ᾧ τετάγμεθʼ ἐκπονήσομεν. -ἄγʼ, ὦ γεραιὲ πούς, νεανίας γενοῦ -ἔργοισι, κεἰ μὴ τῷ χρόνῳ πάρεστί σοι. -ἐχθρὸν δʼ ἐπʼ ἄνδρα στεῖχε δεσποτῶν μέτα, -καὶ συμφόνευε καὶ συνεξαίρει δόμων. -τὴν δʼ εὐσέβειαν εὐτυχοῦσι μὲν καλὸν -τιμᾶν· ὅταν δὲ πολεμίους δρᾶσαι κακῶς -θέλῃ τις, οὐδεὶς ἐμποδὼν κεῖται νόμος. - - - - - - - -Χορός -Εἰνοδία θύγατερ Δάματρος, ἃ τῶν -νυκτιπόλων ἐφόδων ἀνάσσεις -καὶ μεθαμερίων, ὅδωσον -δυσθανάτων κρατήρων πλη- -ρώματʼ ἐφʼ οἷσι πέμπει -πότνια πότνιʼ ἐμὰ χθονίας -Γοργοῦς λαιμοτόμων ἀπὸ -σταλαγμῶν -τῷ τῶν Ἐρεχθεϊδᾶν -δόμων ἐφαπτομένῳ· -μηδέ ποτʼ ἄλλος ἄλλων ἀπʼ οἴ- -κων πόλεως ἀνάσσοι -πλὴν τῶν εὐγενετᾶν Ἐρεχθειδᾶν. - - - - - -Χορός -εἰ δʼ ἀτελὴς θάνατος σπουδαί τε δεσποί- -νας, ὅ τε καιρὸς ἄπεισι τόλμας, -ᾇ νῦν ἐλπὶς ἐφαίνετʼ, ἢ θη- -κτὸν ξίφος ἢ δαίμων ἐξά- -ψει βρόχον ἀμφὶ δειρήν, -πάθεσι πάθεα δʼ ἐξανύτουσʼ -εἰς ἄλλας βιότου κάτει- -σι μορφάς. -οὐ γὰρ δόμων γʼ ἑτέρους -ἄρχοντας ἀλλοδαποὺς -ζῶσά ποτʼ ὄμμασι ἐν φαεν- -ναῖς ἀνέχοιτʼ ἂν αὐγαῖς -ἁ τῶν εὐπατριδᾶν γεγῶσʼ οἴκων. - - - - - -Χορός -αἰσχύνομαι τὸν πολύυ- -μνον θεόν, εἰ παρὰ καλλιχόροισι παγαῖς -λαμπάδα θεωρὸν εἰκάδων -ὄψεται ἐννύχιος ἄυπνος ὤν, ὅτε -καὶ Διὸς ἀστερωπὸς -ἀνεχόρευσεν αἰθήρ, -χορεύει δὲ σελάνα -καὶ πεντήκοντα κόραι -Νηρέος, αἱ κατὰ πόντον -ἀενάων τε ποταμῶν -δίνας, χορευόμεναι -τὰν χρυσοστέφανον κόραν -καὶ ματέρα σεμνάν· -ἵνʼ ἐλπίζει βασιλεύ- -σειν ἄλλων πόνον ἐσπεσὼν -ὁ Φοίβειος ἀλάτας. - - - - - -Χορός -ὁρᾶθʼ ὅσοι δυσκελάδοι- -σιν κατὰ μοῦσαν ἰόντες ἀείδεθʼ ὕμνοις -ἁμέτερα λέχεα καὶ γάμους -Κύπριδος ἀθέμιτας ἀνοσίους, ὅσον -εὐσεβίᾳ κρατοῦμεν -ἄδικον ἄροτον ἀνδρῶν. -παλίμφαμος ἀοιδὰ -καὶ μοῦσʼ εἰς ἄνδρας ἴτω -δυσκέλαδος ἀμφὶ λέκτρων. -δείκνυσι γὰρ ὁ Διὸς ἐκ -παίδων ἀμνημοσύναν, -οὐ κοινὰν τεκέων τύχαν -οἴκοισι φυτεύσας -δεσποίνᾳ· πρὸς δʼ Ἀφροδί- -ταν ἄλλαν θέμενος χάριν -νόθου παιδὸς ἔκυρσεν. - - - - - - -Θεράπων -κλειναὶ γυναῖκες, ποῦ κόρην Ἐρεχθέως, -δέσποιναν εὕρω; πανταχῇ γὰρ ἄστεως -ζητῶν νιν ἐξέπλησα κοὐκ ἔχω λαβεῖν. - - -Χορός -τί δʼ ἔστιν, ὦ ξύνδουλε; τίς προθυμία -ποδῶν ἔχει σε, καὶ λόγους τίνας φέρεις; - - -Θεράπων -θηρώμεθʼ· ἀρχαὶ δʼ ἁπιχώριοι χθονὸς -ζητοῦσιν αὐτήν, ὡς θάνῃ πετρουμένη. - - -Χορός -οἴμοι, τί λέξεις; οὔτι που λελήμμεθα -κρυφαῖον ἐς παῖδʼ ἐκπορίζουσαι φόνον; - - -Θεράπων -ἔγνως; — μεθέξεις οὐκ ἐν ὑστάτοις κακοῦ. - - -Χορός -ὤφθη δὲ πῶς τὰ κρυπτὰ μηχανήματα; - - -Θεράπων -τὸ μὴ δίκαιον τῆς δίκης ἡσσώμενον -ἐξηῦρεν ὁ θεός, οὐ μιανθῆναι θέλων. - - -Χορός -πῶς; ἀντιάζω σʼ ἱκέτις ἐξειπεῖν τάδε. -πεπυσμέναι γάρ, εἰ θανεῖν ὅμως χρεών, -ἥδιον ἂν θάνοιμεν, εἴθʼ ὁρᾶν φάος. - - -Θεράπων -ἐπεὶ θεοῦ μαντεῖον ᾤχετʼ ἐκλιπὼν -πόσις Κρεούσης, παῖδα τὸν καινὸν λαβὼν -πρὸς δεῖπνα θυσίας θʼ ἃς θεοῖς ὡπλίζετο, -Ξοῦθος μὲν ᾤχετʼ ἔνθα πῦρ πηδᾷ θεοῦ -βακχεῖον, ὡς σφαγαῖσι Διονύσου πέτρας -δεύσειε δισσὰς παιδὸς ἀντʼ ὀπτηρίων, -λέξας· Σὺ μὲν νῦν, τέκνον, ἀμφήρεις μένων -σκηνὰς ἀνίστη τεκτόνων μοχθήμασι. -θύσας δὲ Γενέταις Θεοῖσιν ἢν μακρὸν χρόνον -μένω, παροῦσι δαῖτες ἔστωσαν φίλοις. - - -λαβὼν δὲ μόσχους ᾤχεθʼ· ὁ δὲ νεανίας -σεμνῶς ἀτοίχους περιβολὰς σκηνωμάτων -ὀρθοστάταις ἱδρύεθʼ, ἡλίου βολὰς -καλῶς φυλάξας, οὔτε πρὸς μέσας φλογὸς -ἀκτῖνας, οὔτʼ αὖ πρὸς τελευτώσας βίον, -πλέθρου σταθμήσας μῆκος εἰς εὐγωνίαν, -μέτρημʼ ἔχουσαν τοὐν μέσῳ γε μυρίων -ποδῶν ἀριθμόν, ὡς λέγουσιν οἱ σοφοί, -ὡς πάντα Δελφῶν λαὸν ἐς θοίνην καλῶν. -λαβὼν δʼ ὑφάσμαθʼ ἱερὰ θησαυρῶν πάρα -κατεσκίαζε, θαύματʼ ἀνθρώποις ὁρᾶν. -πρῶτον μὲν ὀρόφῳ πτέρυγα περιβάλλει πέπλων, -ἀνάθημα Δίου παιδός, οὓς Ἡρακλέης -Ἀμαζόνων σκυλεύματʼ ἤνεγκεν θεῷ. -ἐνῆν δʼ ὑφανταὶ γράμμασιν τοιαίδʼ ὑφαί, -Οὐρανὸς ἀθροίζων ἄστρʼ ἐν αἰθέρος κύκλῳ. -ἵππους μὲν ἤλαυνʼ ἐς τελευταίαν φλόγα -Ἥλιος, ἐφέλκων λαμπρὸν Ἑσπέρου φάος· -μελάμπεπλος δὲ Νὺξ ἀσείρωτον ζυγοῖς -ὄχημʼ ἔπαλλεν, ἄστρα δʼ ὡμάρτει θεᾷ· -Πλειὰς μὲν ᾔει μεσοπόρου διʼ αἰθέρος -ὅ τε ξιφήρης Ὠρίων, ὕπερθε δὲ -Ἄρκτος στρέφουσʼ οὐραῖα χρυσήρη πόλῳ· -κύκλος δὲ πανσέληνος ἠκόντιζʼ ἄνω -μηνὸς διχήρης, Ὑάδες τε, ναυτίλοις -σαφέστατον σημεῖον, ἥ τε φωσφόρος -Ἕως διώκουσʼ ἄστρα. τοίχοισιν δʼ ἔπι -ἤμπισχεν ἄλλα βαρβάρων ὑφάσματα· -εὐηρέτμους ναῦς ἀντίας Ἑλληνίσιν, -καὶ μιξόθηρας φῶτας, ἱππείας τʼ ἄγρας -ἐλάφων, λεόντων τʼ ἀγρίων θηράματα. -κατʼ εἰσόδους δὲ Κέκροπα θυγατέρων πέλας -σπείραισιν εἱλίσσοντʼ, Ἀθηναίων τινὸς -ἀνάθημα· χρυσέους τʼ ἐν μέσῳ συσσιτίῳ -κρατῆρας ἔστησʼ. ἐν δʼ ἄκροισι βὰς ποσὶ -κῆρυξ ἀνεῖπε τὸν θέλοντʼ ἐγχωρίων -ἐς δαῖτα χωρεῖν. ὡς δʼ ἐπληρώθη στέγη, -στεφάνοισι κοσμηθέντες εὐόχθου βορᾶς -ψυχὴν ἐπλήρουν. ὡς δʼ ἀνεῖσαν ἡδονήν, -— παρελθὼν πρέσβυς ἐς μέσον πέδον -ἔστη, γέλων δʼ ἔθηκε συνδείπνοις πολύν, -πρόθυμα πράσσων· ἔκ τε γὰρ κρωσσῶν ὕδωρ -χεροῖν ἔπεμπε νίπτρα, κἀξεθυμία -σμύρνης ἱδρῶτα, χρυσέων τʼ ἐκπωμάτων -ἦρχʼ, αὐτὸς αὑτῷ τόνδε προστάξας πόνον. - - -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐς αὐλοὺς ἧκον ἐς κρατῆρά τε -κοινόν, γέρων ἔλεξʼ· Ἀφαρπάζειν χρεὼν -οἰνηρὰ τεύχη σμικρά, μεγάλα δʼ ἐσφέρειν, -ὡς θᾶσσον ἔλθωσʼ οἵδʼ ἐς ἡδονὰς φρενῶν. -ἦν δὴ φερόντων μόχθος ἀργυρηλάτους -χρυσέας τε φιάλας· ὃ δὲ λαβὼν ἐξαίρετον, -ὡς τῷ νέῳ δὴ δεσπότῃ χάριν φέρων, -ἔδωκε πλῆρες τεῦχος, εἰς οἶνον βαλὼν -ὅ φασι δοῦναι φάρμακον δραστήριον -δέσποιναν, ὡς παῖς ὁ νέος ἐκλίποι φάος· -κοὐδεὶς τάδʼ ᾔδειν. ἐν χεροῖν ἔχοντι δὲ -σπονδὰς μετʼ ἄλλων παιδὶ τῷ πεφηνότι -βλασφημίαν τις οἰκετῶν ἐφθέγξατο· -ὁ δʼ, ὡς ἐν ἱερῷ μάντεσίν τʼ ἐσθλοῖς τραφείς, -οἰωνὸν ἔθετο, κἀκέλευσʼ ἄλλον νέον -κρατῆρα πληροῦν· τὰς δὲ πρὶν σπονδὰς θεοῦ -δίδωσι γαίᾳ, πᾶσί τʼ ἐκσπένδειν λέγει. -σιγὴ δʼ ὑπῆλθεν. ἐκ δʼ ἐπίμπλαμεν δρόσου -κρατῆρας ἱεροὺς Βυβλίνου τε πώματος. -κἀν τῷδε μόχθῳ πτηνὸς ἐσπίπτει δόμοις -κῶμος πελειῶν — Λοξίου γὰρ ἐν δόμοις -ἄτρεστα ναίουσʼ — ὡς δʼ ἀπέσπεισαν μέθυ, -ἐς αὐτὸ χείλη πώματος κεχρημέναι -καθῆκαν, εἷλκον δʼ εὐπτέρους ἐς αὐχένας. - - -καὶ ταῖς μὲν ἄλλαις ἄνοσος ἦν λοιβὴ θεοῦ· -ἣ δʼ ἕζετʼ ἔνθʼ ὁ καινὸς ἔσπεισεν γόνος, -ποτοῦ τʼ ἐγεύσατʼ, εὐθὺς εὔπτερον δέμας -ἔσεισε κἀβάκχευσεν, ἐκ δʼ ἔκλαγξʼ ὄπα -ἀξύνετον αἰάζουσʼ· ἐθάμβησεν δὲ πᾶς -θοινατόρων ὅμιλος ὄρνιθος πόνους. -θνῄσκει δʼ ἀπασπαίρουσα, φοινικοσκελεῖς -χηλὰς παρεῖσα. γυμνὰ δʼ ἐκ πέπλων μέλη -ὑπὲρ τραπέζης ἧχʼ ὁ μαντευτὸς γόνος, -βοᾷ δέ· Τίς μʼ ἔμελλεν ἀνθρώπων κτενεῖν; -σήμαινε, πρέσβυ· σὴ γὰρ ἡ προθυμία, -καὶ πῶμα χειρὸς σῆς ἐδεξάμην πάρα. -εὐθὺς δʼ ἐρευνᾷ γραῖαν ὠλένην λαβών, -ἐπʼ αὐτοφώρῳ πρέσβυν ὡς ἔχονθʼ ἕλοι. -ὤφθη δὲ καὶ κατεῖπʼ ἀναγκασθεὶς μόγις -τόλμας Κρεούσης πώματός τε μηχανάς. -θεῖ δʼ εὐθὺς ἔξω συλλαβὼν θοινάτορας -ὁ πυθόχρηστος Λοξίου νεανίας, -κἀν κοιράνοισι Πυθικοῖς σταθεὶς λέγει· -Ὦ Γαῖα σεμνή, τῆς Ἐρεχθέως ὕπο, -ξένης γυναικός, φαρμάκοισι θνῄσκομεν. -Δελφῶν δʼ ἄνακτες ὥρισαν πετρορριφῆ -θανεῖν ἐμὴν δέσποιναν οὐ ψήφῳ μιᾷ, -τὸν ἱερὸν ὡς κτείνουσαν ἔν τʼ ἀνακτόροις -φόνον τιθεῖσαν. πᾶσα δὲ ζητεῖ πόλις -τὴν ἀθλίως σπεύσασαν ἀθλίαν ὁδόν· -παίδων γὰρ ἐλθοῦσʼ εἰς ἔρον Φοίβου πάρα, -τὸ σῶμα κοινῇ τοῖς τέκνοις ἀπώλεσεν. - - - - -Χορός -οὐκ ἔστʼ οὐκ ἔστιν θανάτου -παρατροπὰ μελέᾳ μοι· -φανερὰ γὰρ φανερὰ τάδʼ ἤδη, -σπονδᾶς ἐκ Διονύσου, -βοτρύων θοᾶς ἐχίδνας -σταγόσι μειγνυμένας φόνῳ — -φανερὰ θύματα νερτέρων, -συμφοραὶ μὲν ἐμῷ βίῳ, -λεύσιμοι δὲ καταφθοραὶ δεσποίνᾳ. -τίνα φυγὰν πτερόεσσαν ἢ -χθονὸς ὑπὸ σκοτίων μυχῶν πορευθῶ, -θανάτου λεύσιμον ἄταν -ἀποφεύγουσα, τεθρίππων -ὠκιστᾶν χαλᾶν ἐπιβᾶσʼ, -ἢ πρύμνας ἐπὶ ναῶν; - - - - - -Χορός -οὐκ ἔστι λαθεῖν, ὅτε μὴ χρῄζων -θεὸς ἐκκλέπτει. -τί ποτʼ, ὦ μελέα δέσποινα, μένει -ψυχῇ σε παθεῖν; ἆρα θέλουσαι -δρᾶσαί τι κακὸν τοὺς πέλας αὐταὶ -πεισόμεθʼ, ὥσπερ τὸ δίκαιον; - - - - - -Κρέουσα -πρόσπολοι, διωκόμεσθα θανασίμους ἐπὶ σφαγάς, -Πυθίᾳ ψήφῳ κρατηθεῖσʼ, ἔκδοτος δὲ γίγνομαι. - - -Χορός -ἴσμεν, ὦ τάλαινα, τὰς σὰς συμφοράς, ἵνʼ εἶ τύχης. - - -Κρέουσα -ποῖ φύγω δῆτʼ; ἐκ γὰρ οἴκων προύλαβον μόγις πόδα -μὴ θανεῖν, κλοπῇ δʼ ἀφῖγμαι διαφυγοῦσα πολεμίους. - - -Χορός -ποῖ δʼ ἂν ἄλλοσʼ ἢ ʼπὶ βωμόν; - - -Κρέουσα -καὶ τί μοι πλέον τόδε; - - -Χορός -ἱκέτιν οὐ θέμις φονεύειν. - - -Κρέουσα -τῷ νόμῳ δέ γʼ ὄλλυμαι. - - -Χορός -χειρία γʼ ἁλοῦσα. - - -Κρέουσα -καὶ μὴν οἵδʼ ἀγωνισταὶ πικροὶ -δεῦρʼ ἐπείγονται ξιφήρεις. - - -Χορός -ἵζε νυν πυρᾶς ἔπι. -κἂν θάνῃς γὰρ ἐνθάδʼ οὖσα, τοῖς ἀποκτείνασί σε -προστρόπαιον αἷμα θήσεις· οἰστέον δὲ τὴν τύχην. - - - - - -Ἴων -ὦ ταυρόμορφον ὄμμα Κηφισοῦ πατρός, -οἵαν ἔχιδναν τήνδʼ ἔφυσας ἢ πυρὸς -δράκοντʼ ἀναβλέποντα φοινίαν φλόγα, -ᾗ τόλμα πᾶσʼ ἔνεστιν, οὐδʼ ἥσσων ἔφυ -Γοργοῦς σταλαγμῶν, οἷς ἔμελλέ με κτενεῖν. -λάζυσθʼ, ἵνʼ αὐτῆς τοὺς ἀκηράτους πλόκους -κόμης καταξήνωσι Παρνασοῦ πλάκες, -ὅθεν πετραῖον ἅλμα δισκηθήσεται. -ἐσθλοῦ δʼ ἔκυρσα δαίμονος, πρὶν ἐς πόλιν -μολεῖν Ἀθηνῶν χὑπὸ μητρυιὰν πεσεῖν. -ἐν συμμάχοις γὰρ ἀνεμετρησάμην φρένας -τὰς σάς, ὅσον μοι πῆμα δυσμενής τʼ ἔφυς· -ἔσω γὰρ ἄν με περιβαλοῦσα δωμάτων -ἄρδην ἂν ἐξέπεμψας εἰς Ἅιδου δόμους. -ἀλλʼ οὔτε βωμὸς οὔτʼ Ἀπόλλωνος δόμος -σώσει σʼ· ὁ δʼ οἶκτος ὁ σὸς ἐμοὶ κρείσσων πάρα -καὶ μητρὶ τἠμῇ· καὶ γὰρ εἰ τὸ σῶμά μοι -ἄπεστιν αὐτῆς, τοὔνομʼ οὐκ ἄπεστί πω. -ἴδεσθε τὴν πανοῦργον, ἐκ τέχνης τέχνην -οἵαν ἔπλεξε· βωμὸν ἔπτηξεν θεοῦ, -ὡς οὐ δίκην δώσουσα τῶν εἰργασμένων. - - - -Κρέουσα -ἀπεννέπω σε μὴ κατακτείνειν ἐμὲ -ὑπέρ τʼ ἐμαυτῆς τοῦ θεοῦ θʼ ἵνʼ ἕσταμεν. - - -Ἴων -τί δʼ ἐστὶ Φοίβῳ σοί τε κοινὸν ἐν μέσῳ; - - -Κρέουσα -ἱερὸν τὸ σῶμα τῷ θεῷ δίδωμʼ ἔχειν. - - -Ἴων -κἄπειτʼ ἔκαινες φαρμάκοις τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ; - - -Κρέουσα -ἀλλʼ οὐκέτʼ ἦσθα Λοξίου, πατρὸς δὲ σοῦ. - - -Ἴων -ἀλλʼ ἐγενόμεσθα πατρός· οὐσίαν λέγω. - - -Κρέουσα -οὐκοῦν τότʼ ἦσθα· νῦν δʼ ἐγώ, σὺ δʼ οὐκέτι. - - -Ἴων -οὐκ εὐσεβεῖς γε· τἀμὰ δʼ εὐσεβῆ τότʼ ἦν. - - -Κρέουσα -ἔκτεινά σʼ ὄντα πολέμιον δόμοις ἐμοῖς. - - -Ἴων -οὔτοι σὺν ὅπλοις ἦλθον ἐς τὴν σὴν χθόνα. - - -Κρέουσα -μάλιστα· κἀπίμπρης γʼ Ἐρεχθέως δόμους. - - -Ἴων -ποίοισι πανοῖς ἢ πυρὸς ποίᾳ φλογί; - - -Κρέουσα -ἔμελλες οἰκεῖν τἄμʼ, ἐμοῦ βίᾳ λαβών. - - -Ἴων -πατρός γε γῆν διδόντος ἣν ἐκτήσατο. - - -Κρέουσα -τοῖς Αἰόλου δὲ πῶς μετῆν τῶν Παλλάδος; - - -Ἴων -ὅπλοισιν αὐτήν, οὐ λόγοις ἐρρύσατο. - - -Κρέουσα -ἐπίκουρος οἰκήτωρ γʼ ἂν οὐκ εἴη χθονός. - - -Ἴων -κἄπειτα τοῦ μέλλειν μʼ ἀπέκτεινες φόβῳ; - - -Κρέουσα -ὡς μὴ θάνοιμί γʼ, εἰ σὺ μὴ μέλλων τύχοις. - - -Ἴων -φθονεῖς ἄπαις οὖσʼ, εἰ πατὴρ ἐξηῦρέ με. - - -Κρέουσα -σὺ τῶν ἀτέκνων δῆτʼ ἀναρπάσεις δόμους; - - -Ἴων -ἡμῖν δέ γʼ ἀλλὰ πατρικῆς οὐκ ἦν μέρος; - - -Κρέουσα -ὅσʼ ἀσπὶς ἔγχος θʼ· ἥδε σοι παμπησία. - - -Ἴων -ἔκλειπε βωμὸν καὶ θεηλάτους ἕδρας. - - -Κρέουσα -τὴν σὴν ὅπου σοι μητέρʼ ἐστὶ νουθέτει. - - -Ἴων -σὺ δʼ οὐχ ὑφέξεις ζημίαν, κτείνουσʼ ἐμέ; - - -Κρέουσα -ἤν γʼ ἐντὸς ἀδύτων τῶνδέ με σφάξαι θέλῃς. - - -Ἴων -τίς ἡδονή σοι θεοῦ θανεῖν ἐν στέμμασι; - - -Κρέουσα -λυπήσομέν τινʼ, ὧν λελυπήμεσθʼ ὕπο. - - -Ἴων -φεῦ. -δεινόν γε, θνητοῖς τοὺς νόμους ὡς οὐ καλῶς -ἔθηκεν ὁ θεὸς οὐδʼ ἀπὸ γνώμης σοφῆς· -τοὺς μὲν γὰρ ἀδίκους βωμὸν οὐχ ἵζειν ἐχρῆν, -ἀλλʼ ἐξελαύνειν· οὐδὲ γὰρ ψαύειν καλὸν -θεῶν πονηρὰν χεῖρα· τοῖσι δʼ ἐνδίκοις — -ἱερὰ καθίζειν, ὅστις ἠδικεῖτʼ, ἐχρῆν· -καὶ μὴ ʼπὶ ταὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἰόντʼ ἔχειν ἴσον -τόν τʼ ἐσθλὸν ὄντα τόν τε μὴ θεῶν πάρα. - - - -Προφῆτις -ἐπίσχες, ὦ παῖ· τρίποδα γὰρ χρηστήριον -λιποῦσα θριγκοῦ τοῦδʼ ὑπερβάλλω πόδα -Φοίβου προφῆτις, τρίποδος ἀρχαῖον νόμον -σῴζουσα, πασῶν Δελφίδων ἐξαίρετος. - - -Ἴων -χαῖρʼ, ὦ φίλη μοι μῆτερ, οὐ τεκοῦσά περ. - - -Προφῆτις -ἀλλʼ οὖν λεγώμεθʼ· ἡ φάτις δʼ οὔ μοι πικρά. - - -Ἴων -ἤκουσας ὥς μʼ ἔκτεινεν ἥδε μηχαναῖς; - - -Προφῆτις -ἤκουσα· καὶ σὺ δʼ ὠμὸς ὢν ἁμαρτάνεις. - - -Ἴων -οὐ χρή με τοὺς κτείνοντας ἀνταπολλύναι; - - -Προφῆτις -προγονοῖς δάμαρτες δυσμενεῖς ἀεί ποτε. - - -Ἴων -ἡμεῖς δὲ μητρυιαῖς γε πάσχοντες κακῶς. - - -Προφῆτις -μὴ ταῦτα· λείπων ἱερὰ καὶ στείχων πάτραν — - - -Ἴων -τί δή με δρᾶσαι νουθετούμενον χρεών; - - -Προφῆτις -καθαρὸς Ἀθήνας ἔλθʼ ὑπʼ οἰωνῶν καλῶν. - - -Ἴων -καθαρὸς ἅπας τοι πολεμίους ὃς ἂν κτάνῃ. - - -Προφῆτις -μὴ σύ γε· παρʼ ἡμῶν δʼ ἔκλαβʼ οὓς ἔχω λόγους. - - -Ἴων -λέγοις ἄν· εὔνους δʼ οὖσʼ ἐρεῖς ὅσʼ ἂν λέγῃς. - - -Προφῆτις -ὁρᾷς τόδʼ ἄγγος χερὸς ὑπʼ ἀγκάλαις ἐμαῖς; - - -Ἴων -ὁρῶ παλαιὰν ἀντίπηγʼ ἐν στέμμασιν. - - -Προφῆτις -ἐν τῇδέ σʼ ἔλαβον νεόγονον βρέφος ποτέ. - - -Ἴων -τί φῄς; ὁ μῦθος εἰσενήνεκται νέος. - - -Προφῆτις -σιγῇ γὰρ εἶχον αὐτά· νῦν δὲ δείκνυμεν. - - -Ἴων -πῶς οὖν ἔκρυπτες τόδε λαβοῦσʼ ἡμᾶς πάλαι; - - -Προφῆτις -ὁ θεός σʼ ἐβούλετʼ ἐν δόμοις ἔχειν λάτριν. - - -Ἴων -νῦν δʼ οὐχὶ χρῄζει; τῷ τόδε γνῶναί με χρή; - - -Προφῆτις -πατέρα κατειπὼν τῆσδέ σʼ ἐκπέμπει χθονός. - - -Ἴων -σὺ δʼ ἐκ κελευσμῶν ἢ πόθεν σῴζεις τάδε; - - -Προφῆτις -ἐνθύμιόν μοι τότε τίθησι Λοξίας — - - -Ἴων -τί χρῆμα δρᾶσαι; λέγε, πέραινε σοὺς λόγους. - - -Προφῆτις -σῶσαι τόδʼ εὕρημʼ ἐς τὸν ὄντα νῦν χρόνον. - - -Ἴων -ἔχει δέ μοι τί κέρδος — ἢ τίνα βλάβην; - - -Προφῆτις -ἐνθάδε κέκρυπται σπάργανʼ οἷς ἐνῆσθα σύ. - - -Ἴων -μητρὸς τάδʼ ἡμῖν ἐκφέρεις ζητήματα; - - -Προφῆτις -ἐπεί γʼ ὁ δαίμων βούλεται· πάροιθε δʼ οὔ. - - -Ἴων -ὦ μακαρίων μοι φασμάτων ἥδʼ ἡμέρα. - - -Προφῆτις -λαβών νυν αὐτὰ τὴν τεκοῦσαν ἐκπόνει. - - -Ἴων -πᾶσάν γʼ ἐπελθὼν Ἀσιάδʼ Εὐρώπης θʼ ὅρους. - - -Προφῆτις -γνώσῃ τάδʼ αὐτός. τοῦ θεοῦ δʼ ἕκατί σε -ἔθρεψά τʼ, ὦ παῖ, καὶ τάδʼ ἀποδίδωμί σοι, -ἃ κεῖνος ἀκέλευστόν μʼ ἐβουλήθη λαβεῖν -σῶσαί θʼ· ὅτου δʼ ἐβούλεθʼ οὕνεκʼ, οὐκ ἔχω λέγειν. -ᾔδει δὲ θνητῶν οὔτις ἀνθρώπων τάδε -ἔχοντας ἡμᾶς, οὐδʼ ἵνʼ ἦν κεκρυμμένα. -καὶ χαῖρʼ· ἴσον γάρ σʼ ὡς τεκοῦσʼ ἀσπάζομαι. -ἄρξαι δʼ ὅθεν σὴν μητέρα ζητεῖν σε χρή· -πρῶτον μὲν εἴ τις Δελφίδων τεκοῦσά σε -ἐς τούσδε ναοὺς ἐξέθηκε παρθένος, -ἔπειτα δʼ εἴ τις Ἑλλάς. — ἐξ ἡμῶν δʼ ἔχεις -ἅπαντα Φοίβου θʼ, ὃς μετέσχε τῆς τύχης. - - - -Ἴων -φεῦ φεῦ· κατʼ ὄσσων ὡς ὑγρὸν βάλλω δάκρυ, -ἐκεῖσε τὸν νοῦν δούς, ὅθʼ ἡ τεκοῦσά με -κρυφαῖα νυμφευθεῖσʼ ἀπημπόλα λάθρα -καὶ μαστὸν οὐκ ὑπέσχεν· ἀλλʼ ἀνώνυμος -ἐν θεοῦ μελάθροις εἶχον οἰκέτην βίον. -τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ μὲν χρηστά, τοῦ δὲ δαίμονος -βαρέα· χρόνον γὰρ ὅν με χρῆν ἐν ἀγκάλαις -μητρὸς τρυφῆσαι καί τι τερφθῆναι βίου, -ἀπεστερήθην φιλτάτης μητρὸς τροφῆς. -τλήμων δὲ χἡ τεκοῦσά μʼ· ὡς ταὐτὸν πάθος -πέπονθε, παιδὸς ἀπολέσασα χαρμονάς. -καὶ νῦν λαβὼν τήνδʼ ἀντίπηγʼ οἴσω θεῷ -ἀνάθημʼ, ἵνʼ εὕρω μηδὲν ὧν οὐ βούλομαι. -εἰ γάρ με δούλη τυγχάνει τεκοῦσά τις, -εὑρεῖν κάκιον μητέρʼ ἢ σιγῶντʼ ἐᾶν. -ὦ Φοῖβε, ναοῖς ἀνατίθημι τήνδε σοῖς — -καίτοι τί πάσχω; τοῦ θεοῦ προθυμίᾳ -πολεμῶ, τὰ μητρὸς σύμβολʼ ὃς σέσωκέ μοι. -ἀνοικτέον τάδʼ ἐστὶ καὶ τολμητέον· -τὰ γὰρ πεπρωμένʼ οὐχ ὑπερβαίην ποτʼ ἄν. - -ὦ στέμμαθʼ ἱερά, τί ποτέ μοι κεκεύθατε, -καὶ σύνδεθʼ, οἷσι τἄμʼ ἐφρουρήθη φίλα; -ἰδοὺ περίπτυγμʼ ἀντίπηγος εὐκύκλου -ὡς οὐ γεγήρακʼ ἔκ τινος θεηλάτου, -εὐρώς τʼ ἄπεστι πλεγμάτων· ὁ δʼ ἐν μέσῳ -χρόνος πολὺς δὴ τοῖσδε θησαυρίσμασιν. - - - -Κρέουσα -τί δῆτα φάσμα τῶν ἀνελπίστων ὁρῶ; - - -Ἴων -σίγα σύ· πολλὰ καὶ πάροιθεν οἶσθά μοι — - - -Κρέουσα -οὐκ ἐν σιωπῇ τἀμά· μή με νουθέτει. -ὁρῶ γὰρ ἄγγος οὗ ʼξέθηκʼ ἐγώ ποτε — -σέ γʼ, ὦ τέκνον μοι, βρέφος ἔτʼ ὄντα νήπιον, -Κέκροπος ἐς ἄντρα καὶ Μακρὰς πετρηρεφεῖς. -λείψω δὲ βωμὸν τόνδε, κεἰ θανεῖν με χρή. - - -Ἴων -λάζυσθε τήνδε· θεομανὴς γὰρ ἥλατο -βωμοῦ λιποῦσα ξόανα· δεῖτε δʼ ὠλένας. - - -Κρέουσα -σφάζοντες οὐ λήγοιτʼ ἄν· ὡς ἀνθέξομαι -καὶ τῆσδε καὶ σοῦ τῶν τε σῶν κεκρυμμένων. - - -Ἴων -τάδʼ οὐχὶ δεινά; ῥυσιάζομαι λόγῳ. - - -Κρέουσα -οὔκ, ἀλλὰ σοῖς φίλοισιν εὑρίσκῃ φίλος. - - -Ἴων -ἐγὼ φίλος σός; κᾆτά μʼ ἔκτεινες λάθρα; - - -Κρέουσα -παῖς γʼ, εἰ τόδʼ ἐστὶ τοῖς τεκοῦσι φίλτατον. - - -Ἴων -παῦσαι πλέκουσα. — λήψομαί σʼ ἐγὼ καλῶς. - - -Κρέουσα -ἐς τοῦθʼ ἱκοίμην, τοῦδε τοξεύω, τέκνον. - - -Ἴων -κενὸν τόδʼ ἄγγος ἢ στέγει πλήρωμά τι; - - -Κρέουσα -σά γʼ ἔνδυθʼ, οἷσί σʼ ἐξέθηκʼ ἐγώ ποτε. - - -Ἴων -καὶ τοὔνομʼ αὐτῶν ἐξερεῖς πρὶν εἰσιδεῖν; - - -Κρέουσα -κἂν μὴ φράσω γε, κατθανεῖν ὑφίσταμαι. - - -Ἴων -λέγʼ· ὡς ἔχει τι δεινὸν ἥ γε τόλμα σου. - - -Κρέουσα -σκέψασθʼ· ὃ παῖς ποτʼ οὖσʼ ὕφασμʼ ὕφηνʼ ἐγὼ — - - -Ἴων -ποῖόν τι; πολλὰ παρθένων ὑφάσματα. - - -Κρέουσα -οὐ τέλεον, οἷον δʼ ἐκδίδαγμα κερκίδος. - - -Ἴων -μορφὴν ἔχον τίνʼ; ὥς με μὴ ταύτῃ λάβῃς. - - -Κρέουσα -Γοργὼ μὲν ἐν μέσοισιν ἠτρίοις πέπλων. - - -Ἴων -ὦ Ζεῦ, τίς ἡμᾶς ἐκκυνηγετεῖ πότμος; - - -Κρέουσα -κεκρασπέδωται δʼ ὄφεσιν αἰγίδος τρόπον. - - -Ἴων -ἰδού· -τόδʼ ἔσθʼ ὕφασμα, θέσφαθʼ ὡς εὑρίσκομεν. - - -Κρέουσα -ὦ χρόνιον ἱστῶν παρθένευμα τῶν ἐμῶν. - - -Ἴων -ἔστιν τι πρὸς τῷδʼ, ἢ μόνῳ τῷδʼ εὐτυχεῖς; - - -Κρέουσα -δράκοντες· ἀρχαῖόν τι παγχρύσῳ γένει -δώρημʼ Ἀθάνας, ἣ τέκνʼ ἐντρέφειν λέγει — -Ἐριχθονίου γε τοῦ πάλαι μιμήματα. - - -Ἴων -τί δρᾶν, τί χρῆσθαι, φράζε μοι, χρυσώματι; - - -Κρέουσα -δέραια παιδὶ νεογόνῳ φέρειν, τέκνον. - - -Ἴων -ἔνεισιν οἵδε· τὸ δὲ τρίτον ποθῶ μαθεῖν. - - -Κρέουσα -στέφανον ἐλαίας ἀμφέθηκά σοι τότε, -ἣν πρῶτʼ Ἀθάνα σκόπελον εἰσηνέγκατο, -ὅς, εἴπερ ἔστιν, οὔποτʼ ἐκλείπει χλόην, -θάλλει δʼ, ἐλαίας ἐξ ἀκηράτου γεγώς. - - - -Ἴων -ὦ φιλτάτη μοι μῆτερ, ἄσμενός σʼ ἰδὼν -πρὸς ἀσμένας πέπτωκα σὰς παρηίδας. - - -Κρέουσα -ὦ τέκνον, ὦ φῶς μητρὶ κρεῖσσον ἡλίου — -συγγνώσεται γὰρ ὁ θεός — ἐν χεροῖν σʼ ἔχω, - -ἄελπτον εὕρημʼ, ὃν κατὰ γᾶς ἐνέρων -χθόνιον μετὰ Περσεφόνας τʼ ἐδόκουν ναίειν. - - -Ἴων -ἀλλʼ, ὦ φίλη μοι μῆτερ, ἐν χεροῖν σέθεν -ὁ κατθανών τε κοὐ θανὼν φαντάζομαι. - - - - -Κρέουσα -ἰὼ ἰώ, λαμπρᾶς αἰθέρος ἀμπτυχαί, -τίνʼ αὐδὰν ἀύσω, -βοάσω; πόθεν μοι -συνέκυρσʼ ἀδόκητος ἡδονά; πόθεν -ἐλάβομεν χαράν; - - -Ἴων -ἐμοὶ γενέσθαι πάντα μᾶλλον ἄν ποτε, -μῆτερ, παρέστη τῶνδʼ, ὅπως σός εἰμʼ ἐγώ. - - -Κρέουσα -ἔτι φόβῳ τρέμω. - - -Ἴων -μῶν οὐκ ἔχειν μʼ ἔχουσα; - - -Κρέουσα -τὰς γὰρ ἐλπίδας -ἀπέβαλον πρόσω. -ἰὼ γύναι, πόθεν πόθεν ἔλαβες ἐμὸν -βρέφος ἐς ἀγκάλας; -τίνʼ ἀνὰ χεῖρα δόμον ἔβα Λοξίου; - - -Ἴων -θεῖον τόδʼ· ἀλλὰ τἀπίλοιπα τῆς τύχης -εὐδαιμονοῖμεν, ὡς τὰ πρόσθε δυστυχῆ. - - -Κρέουσα -τέκνον, οὐκ ἀδάκρυτος ἐκλοχεύῃ, -γόοις δὲ ματρὸς ἐκ χερῶν ὁρίζῃ· -νῦν δὲ γενειάσιν παρὰ σέθεν πνέω -μακαριωτάτας τυχοῦσʼ ἡδονᾶς. - - -Ἴων -τοὐμὸν λέγουσα καὶ τὸ σὸν κοινῶς λέγεις. - - -Κρέουσα -ἄπαιδες οὐκέτʼ ἐσμὲν οὐδʼ ἄτεκνοι· -δῶμʼ ἑστιοῦται, γᾶ δʼ ἔχει τυράννους· -ἀνηβᾷ δʼ Ἐρεχθεύς, -ὅ τε γηγενέτας δόμος οὐκέτι νύκτα δέρκεται, -ἀελίου δʼ ἀναβλέπει λαμπάσιν. - - - -Ἴων -μῆτερ, παρών μοι καὶ πατὴρ μετασχέτω -τῆς ἡδονῆς τῆσδʼ ἧς ἔδωχʼ ὑμῖν ἐγώ. - - -Κρέουσα -ὦ τέκνον, -τί φῄς; οἷον οἷον ἀνελέγχομαι. - - -Ἴων -πῶς εἶπας; - - -Κρέουσα -ἄλλοθεν γέγονας, ἄλλοθεν. - - -Ἴων -ὤμοι· νόθον με παρθένευμʼ ἔτικτε σόν; - - -Κρέουσα -οὐχ ὑπὸ λαμπάδων οὐδὲ χορευμάτων -ὑμέναιος ἐμός, -τέκνον, ἔτικτε σὸν κάρα. - - -Ἴων -αἰαῖ· πέφυκα δυσγενής. μῆτερ, πόθεν; - - -Κρέουσα -ἴστω Γοργοφόνα — - - -Ἴων -τί τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας; - - -Κρέουσα -ἃ σκοπέλοις ἐπʼ ἐμοῖς -τὸν ἐλαιοφυῆ πάγον -θάσσει — - - -Ἴων -λέγεις μοι δόλια κοὐ σαφῆ τάδε. - - -Κρέουσα -παρʼ ἀηδόνιον πέτραν -Φοίβῳ — - - -Ἴων -τί Φοῖβον αὐδᾷς; - - -Κρέουσα -κρυπτόμενον λέχος ηὐνάσθην - - - -Ἴων -λέγʼ· ὡς ἐρεῖς τι κεδνὸν εὐτυχές τέ μοι. - - -Κρέουσα -δεκάτῳ δέ σε μηνὸς ἐν -κύκλῳ κρύφιον ὠδῖνʼ ἔτεκον Φοίβῳ. - - -Ἴων -ὦ φίλτατʼ εἰποῦσʼ, εἰ λέγεις ἐτήτυμα. - - -Κρέουσα -παρθένια δʼ ἐμᾶς λάθρα ματέρος -σπάργανʼ ἀμφίβολά σοι τάδʼ ἐνῆψα, κερ- -κίδος ἐμᾶς πλάνους. -γάλακτι δʼ οὐκ ἐπέσχον, οὐδὲ μαστῷ -τροφεῖα ματρὸς οὐδὲ λουτρὰ χειροῖν, -ἀνὰ δʼ ἄντρον ἔρημον οἰωνῶν -γαμφηλαῖς φόνευμα θοίναμά τʼ εἰς -Ἅιδαν ἐκβάλλῃ. - - -Ἴων -ὦ δεινὰ τλᾶσα μῆτερ. - - -Κρέουσα -ἐν φόβῳ, τέκνον, -καταδεθεῖσα σὰν -ἀπέβαλον ψυχάν· -ἔκτεινά σʼ ἄκουσʼ. - - -Ἴων -ἐξ ἐμοῦ τʼ οὐχ ὅσιʼ ἔθνῃσκες. - - -Κρέουσα -ἰώ· δειναὶ μὲν τότε τύχαι, -δεινὰ δὲ καὶ τάδʼ· ἑλισσόμεσθʼ ἐκεῖθεν -ἐνθάδε δυστυχίαισιν εὐτυχίαις τε πάλιν, -μεθίσταται δὲ πνεύματα. -μενέτω· τὰ πάροιθεν ἅλις κακά· νῦν δὲ -γένοιτό τις οὖρος ἐκ κακῶν, ὦ παῖ. - - - - - -Χορός -μηδεὶς δοκείτω μηδὲν ἀνθρώπων ποτὲ -ἄελπτον εἶναι πρὸς τὰ τυγχάνοντα νῦν. - - -Ἴων -ὦ μεταβαλοῦσα μυρίους ἤδη βροτῶν -καὶ δυστυχῆσαι καὖθις αὖ πρᾶξαι καλῶς, -Τύχη, παρʼ οἵαν ἤλθομεν στάθμην βίου -μητέρα φονεῦσαι καὶ παθεῖν ἀνάξια. -φεῦ· -ἆρʼ ἐν φαενναῖς ἡλίου περιπτυχαῖς -ἔνεστι πάντα τάδε καθʼ ἡμέραν μαθεῖν; -φίλον μὲν οὖν σʼ εὕρημα, μῆτερ, ηὕρομεν, -καὶ τὸ γένος οὐδὲν μεμπτόν, ὡς ἡμῖν, τόδε· -τὰ δʼ ἄλλα πρὸς σὲ βούλομαι μόνην φράσαι. -δεῦρʼ ἔλθʼ· ἐς οὖς γὰρ τοὺς λόγους εἰπεῖν θέλω -καὶ περικαλύψαι τοῖσι πράγμασι σκότον. -ὅρα σύ, μῆτερ· μὴ σφαλεῖσʼ ἃ παρθένοις -ἐγγίγνεται νοσήματʼ ἐς κρυπτοὺς γάμους, -ἔπειτα τῷ θεῷ προστίθης τὴν αἰτίαν, -καὶ τοὐμὸν αἰσχρὸν ἀποφυγεῖν πειρωμένη, -Φοίβῳ τεκεῖν με φῄς, τεκοῦσʼ οὐκ ἐκ θεοῦ; - - -Κρέουσα -μὰ τὴν παρασπίζουσαν ἅρμασίν ποτε -Νίκην Ἀθηνᾶν Ζηνὶ γηγενεῖς ἔπι, -οὐκ ἔστιν ὅστις σοι πατὴρ θνητῶν, τέκνον, -ἀλλʼ ὅσπερ ἐξέθρεψε, Λοξίας ἄναξ. - - -Ἴων -πῶς οὖν τὸν αὑτοῦ παῖδʼ ἔδωκʼ ἄλλῳ πατρὶ -Ξούθου τέ φησι παῖδά μʼ ἐκπεφυκέναι; - - -Κρέουσα -πεφυκέναι μὲν οὐχί, δωρεῖται δέ σε -αὑτοῦ γεγῶτα· καὶ γὰρ ἂν φίλος φίλῳ -δοίη τὸν αὑτοῦ παῖδα δεσπότην δόμων. - - -Ἴων -ὁ θεὸς ἀληθὴς ἢ μάτην μαντεύεται, -ἐμοῦ ταράσσει, μῆτερ, εἰκότως φρένα. - - -Κρέουσα -ἄκουε δή νυν ἅμʼ ἐσῆλθεν, ὦ τέκνον· -εὐεργετῶν σε Λοξίας ἐς εὐγενῆ -δόμον καθίζει· τοῦ θεοῦ δὲ λεγόμενος, -οὐκ ἔσχες ἄν ποτʼ οὔτε παγκλήρους δόμους -οὔτʼ ὄνομα πατρός. πῶς γάρ, οὗ γʼ ἐγὼ γάμους -ἔκρυπτον αὐτὴ καί σʼ ἀπέκτεινον λάθρα; -ὃ δʼ ὠφελῶν σε προστίθησʼ ἄλλῳ πατρί. - - -Ἴων -οὐχ ὧδε φαύλως αὔτʼ ἐγὼ μετέρχομαι, -ἀλλʼ ἱστορήσω Φοῖβον εἰσελθὼν δόμους, -εἴτʼ εἰμὶ θνητοῦ πατρὸς εἴτε Λοξίου. -ἔα· τίς οἴκων θυοδόκων ὑπερτελὴς -ἀντήλιον πρόσωπον ἐκφαίνει θεῶν; -φεύγωμεν, ὦ τεκοῦσα, μὴ τὰ δαιμόνων -ὁρῶμεν — εἰ μὴ καιρός ἐσθʼ ἡμᾶς ὁρᾶν. - - - -Ἀθήνα -μὴ φεύγετʼ· οὐ γὰρ πολεμίαν με φεύγετε, -ἀλλʼ ἔν τʼ Ἀθήναις κἀνθάδʼ οὖσαν εὐμενῆ. -ἐπώνυμος δὲ σῆς ἀφικόμην χθονὸς -Παλλάς, δρόμῳ σπεύσασʼ Ἀπόλλωνος πάρα, -ὃς ἐς μὲν ὄψιν σφῷν μολεῖν οὐκ ἠξίου, -μὴ τῶν πάροιθε μέμψις ἐς μέσον μόλῃ, -ἡμᾶς δὲ πέμπει τοὺς λόγους ὑμῖν φράσαι· -ὡς ἥδε τίκτει σʼ ἐξ Ἀπόλλωνος πατρός, -δίδωσι δʼ οἷς ἔδωκεν, οὐ φύσασί σε, -ἀλλʼ ὡς νομίζῃ ʼς οἶκον εὐγενέστατον. -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀνεῴχθη πρᾶγμα μηνυθὲν τόδε, -θανεῖν σε δείσας μητρὸς ἐκ βουλευμάτων -καὶ τήνδε πρὸς σοῦ, μηχαναῖς ἐρρύσατο. -ἔμελλε δʼ αὐτὰ διασιωπήσας ἄναξ -ἐν ταῖς Ἀθήναις γνωριεῖν ταύτην τε σήν, -σέ θʼ ὡς πέφυκας τῆσδε καὶ Φοίβου πατρός. -ἀλλʼ ὡς περαίνω πρᾶγμα, καὶ χρησμοὺς θεοῦ, -ἐφʼ οἷσιν ἔζευξʼ ἅρματʼ, εἰσακούσατον. - - -λαβοῦσα τόνδε παῖδα Κεκροπίαν χθόνα -χώρει, Κρέουσα, κἀς θρόνους τυραννικοὺς -ἵδρυσον. ἐκ γὰρ τῶν Ἐρεχθέως γεγὼς -δίκαιος ἄρχειν τῆς γʼ ἐμῆς ὅδε χθονός, -ἔσται τʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδʼ εὐκλεής. οἱ τοῦδε γὰρ -παῖδες γενόμενοι τέσσαρες ῥίζης μιᾶς -ἐπώνυμοι γῆς κἀπιφυλίου χθονὸς -λαῶν ἔσονται, σκόπελον οἳ ναίουσʼ ἐμόν. -Γελέων μὲν ἔσται πρῶτος· εἶτα δεύτερος - - - - - -Ὅπλητες Ἀργαδῆς τʼ, ἐμῆς τʼ ἀπʼ αἰγίδος -ἔμφυλον ἕξουσʼ Αἰγικορῆς. οἱ τῶνδε δʼ αὖ -παῖδες γενόμενοι σὺν χρόνῳ πεπρωμένῳ -Κυκλάδας ἐποικήσουσι νησαίας πόλεις -χέρσους τε παράλους, ὃ σθένος τἠμῇ χθονὶ -δίδωσιν· ἀντίπορθμα δʼ ἠπείροιν δυοῖν -πεδία κατοικήσουσιν, Ἀσιάδος τε γῆς -Εὐρωπίας τε· τοῦδε δʼ ὀνόματος χάριν -Ἴωνες ὀνομασθέντες ἕξουσιν κλέος. -Ξούθῳ δὲ καὶ σοὶ γίγνεται κοινὸν γένος, -Δῶρος μέν, ἔνθεν Δωρὶς ὑμνηθήσεται -πόλις κατʼ αἶαν Πελοπίαν· ὁ δεύτερος -Ἀχαιός, ὃς γῆς παραλίας Ῥίου πέλας -τύραννος ἔσται, κἀπισημανθήσεται -κείνου κεκλῆσθαι λαὸς ὄνομʼ ἐπώνυμος. -καλῶς δʼ Ἀπόλλων πάντʼ ἔπραξε· πρῶτα μὲν -ἄνοσον λοχεύει σʼ, ὥστε μὴ γνῶναι φίλους· -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἔτικτες τόνδε παῖδα κἀπέθου -ἐν σπαργάνοισιν, ἁρπάσαντʼ ἐς ἀγκάλας -Ἑρμῆν κελεύει δεῦρο πορθμεῦσαι βρέφος, -ἔθρεψέ τʼ οὐδʼ εἴασεν ἐκπνεῦσαι βίον. -νῦν οὖν σιώπα, παῖς ὅδʼ ὡς πέφυκε σός, -ἵνʼ ἡ δόκησις Ξοῦθον ἡδέως ἔχῃ, -σύ τʼ αὖ τὰ σαυτῆς ἀγάθʼ ἔχουσʼ ἴῃς, γύναι. -καὶ χαίρετʼ· ἐκ γὰρ τῆσδʼ ἀναψυχῆς πόνων -εὐδαίμονʼ ὑμῖν πότμον ἐξαγγέλλομαι. - - - - - -Ἴων -ὦ Διὸς Παλλὰς μεγίστου θύγατερ, οὐκ ἀπιστίᾳ -σοὺς λόγους ἐδεξάμεσθα· πείθομαι δʼ εἶναι πατρὸς -Λοξίου καὶ τῆσδε. — καὶ πρὶν τοῦτο δʼ οὐκ ἄπιστον ἦν. - - -Κρέουσα -τἀμὰ νῦν ἄκουσον· αἰνῶ Φοῖβον οὐκ αἰνοῦσα πρίν, -οὕνεχʼ οὗ ποτʼ ἠμέλησε παιδὸς ἀποδίδωσί μοι. -αἵδε δʼ εὐωποὶ πύλαι μοι καὶ θεοῦ χρηστήρια, -δυσμενῆ πάροιθεν ὄντα. νῦν δὲ καὶ ῥόπτρων χέρας -ἡδέως ἐκκρημνάμεσθα καὶ προσεννέπω πύλας. - - -Ἀθήνα -ᾔνεσʼ οὕνεκʼ εὐλογεῖς θεὸν μεταβαλοῦσʼ· ἀεὶ γὰρ οὖν -χρόνια μὲν τὰ τῶν θεῶν πως, ἐς τέλος δʼ οὐκ ἀσθενῆ. - - -Κρέουσα -ὦ τέκνον, στείχωμεν οἴκους. - - -Ἀθήνα -στείχεθʼ, ἕψομαι δʼ ἐγώ. - - -Κρέουσα -ἀξία γʼ ἡμῶν ὁδουρός. - - -Ἀθήνα -καὶ φιλοῦσά γε πτόλιν. - - -Κρέουσα -ἐς θρόνους δʼ ἵζου παλαιούς. - - -Ἴων -ἄξιον τὸ κτῆμά μοι. - - -Χορός -ὦ Διὸς Λητοῦς τʼ Ἄπολλον, χαῖρʼ· ὅτῳ δʼ ἐλαύνεται -συμφοραῖς οἶκος, σέβοντα δαίμονας θαρσεῖν χρεών· -ἐς τέλος γὰρ οἱ μὲν ἐσθλοὶ τυγχάνουσιν ἀξίων, -οἱ κακοὶ δʼ, ὥσπερ πεφύκασʼ, οὔποτʼ εὖ πράξειαν ἄν. - - - - - - diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-grc2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..ef43095bd --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg010/tlg0006.tlg010.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,3068 @@ + + + + + + + Ἴων +Machine readable text +Euripides +Gilbert Murray + Perseus Project, Tufts University + Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Lisa Cerrato + William Merrill + Elli Mylonas + David Smith + + The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + Euripidis Fabulae + Gilbert Murray + + Oxford + Clarendon Press + 1913 + + 2 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + + + + +

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+ + + + Greek + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + tagging now should be compatible with CTS + Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. + adding rend=displayNum to lb tags + more refinements making these files SDL compatible + our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp + bring up to P3 + Fixed cardbreaks at 219, 237; added line nos. 217b, 235b. + Added speaker tags where needed. + Set speakers l.c.; + Basic SGML tagging + +
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+ + + + +Ἑρμῆς +Ἄτλας, ὁ χαλκέοισι νώτοις οὐρανὸν +θεῶν παλαιὸν οἶκον ἐκτρίβων, θεῶν +μιᾶς ἔφυσε Μαῖαν, ἣ ʼμʼ ἐγείνατο +Ἑρμῆν μεγίστῳ Ζηνί, δαιμόνων λάτριν. +ἥκω δὲ Δελφῶν τήνδε γῆν, ἵνʼ ὀμφαλὸν +μέσον καθίζων Φοῖβος ὑμνῳδεῖ βροτοῖς +τά τʼ ὄντα καὶ μέλλοντα θεσπίζων ἀεί. +ἔστιν γὰρ οὐκ ἄσημος Ἑλλήνων πόλις, +τῆς χρυσολόγχου Παλλάδος κεκλημένη, +οὗ παῖδʼ Ἐρεχθέως Φοῖβος ἔζευξεν γάμοις +βίᾳ Κρέουσαν, ἔνθα προσβόρρους πέτρας +Παλλάδος ὑπʼ ὄχθῳ τῆς Ἀθηναίων χθονὸς +Μακρὰς καλοῦσι γῆς ἄνακτες Ἀτθίδος. +ἀγνὼς δὲ πατρί — τῷ θεῷ γὰρ ἦν φίλον — +γαστρὸς διήνεγκʼ ὄγκον. ὡς δʼ ἦλθεν χρόνος, +τεκοῦσʼ ἐν οἴκοις παῖδʼ ἀπήνεγκεν βρέφος +ἐς ταὐτὸν ἄντρον οὗπερ ηὐνάσθη θεῷ +Κρέουσα, κἀκτίθησιν ὡς θανούμενον +κοίλης ἐν ἀντίπηγος εὐτρόχῳ κύκλῳ, +προγόνων νόμον σῴζουσα τοῦ τε γηγενοῦς +Ἐριχθονίου. κείνῳ γὰρ ἡ Διὸς κόρη +φρουρὼ παραζεύξασα φύλακε σώματος +δισσὼ δράκοντε, παρθένοις Ἀγλαυρίσι +δίδωσι σῴζειν· ὅθεν Ἐρεχθείδαις ἐκεῖ +νόμος τις ἔστιν ὄφεσιν ἐν χρυσηλάτοις +τρέφειν τέκνα. ἀλλʼ ἣν εἶχε παρθένος χλιδὴν +τέκνῳ προσάψασʼ ἔλιπεν ὡς θανουμένῳ. +κἄμʼ ὢν ἀδελφὸς Φοῖβος αἰτεῖται τάδε· +ὦ σύγγονʼ, ἐλθὼν λαὸν εἰς αὐτόχθονα +κλεινῶν Ἀθηνῶν — οἶσθα γὰρ θεᾶς πόλιν — +λαβὼν βρέφος νεογνὸν ἐκ κοίλης πέτρας +αὐτῷ σὺν ἄγγει σπαργάνοισί θʼ οἷς ἔχει +ἔνεγκε Δελφῶν τἀμὰ πρὸς χρηστήρια, +καὶ θὲς πρὸς αὐταῖς εἰσόδοις δόμων ἐμῶν. +τὰ δʼ ἄλλʼ — ἐμὸς γάρ ἐστιν, ὡς εἰδῇς, ὁ παῖς — +ἡμῖν μελήσει. Λοξίᾳ δʼ ἐγὼ χάριν +πράσσων ἀδελφῷ πλεκτὸν ἐξάρας κύτος +ἤνεγκα, καὶ τὸν παῖδα κρηπίδων ἔπι +τίθημι ναοῦ τοῦδʼ, ἀναπτύξας κύτος +ἑλικτὸν ἀντίπηγος, ὡς ὁρῷθʼ ὁ παῖς. + +κυρεῖ δʼ ἅμʼ ἱππεύοντος ἡλίου κύκλῳ +προφῆτις ἐσβαίνουσα μαντεῖον θεοῦ· +ὄψιν δὲ προσβαλοῦσα παιδὶ νηπίῳ +ἐθαύμασʼ εἴ τις Δελφίδων τλαίη κόρη +λαθραῖον ὠδῖνʼ ἐς θεοῦ ῥῖψαι δόμον, +ὑπέρ τε θυμέλας διορίσαι πρόθυμος ἦν· +οἴκτῳ δʼ ἀφῆκεν ὠμότητα — καὶ θεὸς +συνεργὸς ἦν τῷ παιδὶ μὴ ʼκπεσεῖν δόμων — +τρέφει δέ νιν λαβοῦσα. τὸν σπείραντα δὲ +οὐκ οἶδε Φοῖβον οὐδὲ μητέρʼ ἧς ἔφυ, +ὁ παῖς τε τοὺς τεκόντας οὐκ ἐπίσταται. +νέος μὲν οὖν ὢν ἀμφὶ βωμίους τροφὰς +ἠλᾶτʼ ἀθύρων· ὡς δʼ ἀπηνδρώθη δέμας, +Δελφοί σφʼ ἔθεντο χρυσοφύλακα τοῦ θεοῦ +ταμίαν τε πάντων πιστόν, ἐν δʼ ἀνακτόροις +θεοῦ καταζῇ δεῦρʼ ἀεὶ σεμνὸν βίον. +Κρέουσα δʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα τὸν νεανίαν +Ξούθῳ γαμεῖται συμφορᾶς τοιᾶσδʼ ὕπο· +ἦν ταῖς Ἀθήναις τοῖς τε Χαλκωδοντίδαις, +οἳ γῆν ἔχουσʼ Εὐβοῖδα, πολέμιος κλύδων· +ὃν συμπονήσας καὶ συνεξελὼν δορὶ +γάμων Κρεούσης ἀξίωμʼ ἐδέξατο, +οὐκ ἐγγενὴς ὤν, Αἰόλου δὲ τοῦ Διὸς +γεγὼς Ἀχαιός. χρόνια δὲ σπείρας λέχη +ἄτεκνός ἐστι, καὶ Κρέουσʼ· ὧν οὕνεκα +ἥκουσι πρὸς μαντεῖʼ Ἀπόλλωνος τάδε +ἔρωτι παίδων. Λοξίας δὲ τὴν τύχην +ἐς τοῦτʼ ἐλαύνει, κοὐ λέληθεν, ὡς δοκεῖ. +δώσει γὰρ εἰσελθόντι μαντεῖον τόδε +Ξούθῳ τὸν αὑτοῦ παῖδα, καὶ πεφυκέναι +κείνου σφε φήσει, μητρὸς ὡς ἐλθὼν δόμους +γνωσθῇ Κρεούσῃ, καὶ γάμοι τε Λοξίου +κρυπτοὶ γένωνται παῖς τʼ ἔχῃ τὰ πρόσφορα. +Ἴωνα δʼ αὐτόν, κτίστορʼ Ἀσιάδος χθονός, +ὄνομα κεκλῆσθαι θήσεται καθʼ Ἑλλάδα. +ἀλλʼ ἐς δαφνώδη γύαλα βήσομαι τάδε, +τὸ κρανθὲν ὡς ἂν ἐκμάθω παιδὸς πέρι. +ὁρῶ γὰρ ἐκβαίνοντα Λοξίου γόνον +τόνδʼ, ὡς πρὸ ναοῦ λαμπρὰ θῇ πυλώματα +δάφνης κλάδοισιν. ὄνομα δʼ, οὗ μέλλει τυχεῖν, +Ἴωνʼ ἐγώ νιν πρῶτος ὀνομάζω θεῶν. +
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+Ἴων +ἅρματα μὲν τάδε λαμπρὰ τεθρίππων +Ἥλιος ἤδη λάμπει κατὰ γῆν, +ἄστρα δὲ φεύγει πυρὶ τῷδʼ αἰθέρος +ἐς νύχθʼ ἱεράν· +Παρνησιάδες δʼ ἄβατοι κορυφαὶ +καταλαμπόμεναι τὴν ἡμερίαν +ἁψῖδα βροτοῖσι δέχονται. +σμύρνης δʼ ἀνύδρου καπνὸς εἰς ὀρόφους +Φοίβου πέταται. +θάσσει δὲ γυνὴ τρίποδα ζάθεον +Δελφίς, ἀείδουσʼ Ἕλλησι βοάς, +ἃς ἂν Ἀπόλλων κελαδήσῃ. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ Φοίβου Δελφοὶ θέραπες, +τὰς Κασταλίας ἀργυροειδεῖς +βαίνετε δίνας, καθαραῖς δὲ δρόσοις +ἀφυδρανάμενοι στείχετε ναούς· +στόμα τʼ εὔφημον φρουρεῖν ἀγαθόν, +φήμας τʼ ἀγαθὰς +τοῖς ἐθέλουσιν μαντεύεσθαι +γλώσσης ἰδίας ἀποφαίνειν. +ἡμεῖς δέ, πόνους οὓς ἐκ παιδὸς +μοχθοῦμεν ἀεί, πτόρθοισι δάφνης +στέφεσίν θʼ ἱεροῖς ἐσόδους Φοίβου +καθαρὰς θήσομεν, ὑγραῖς τε πέδον +ῥανίσιν νοτερόν· πτηνῶν τʼ ἀγέλας, +αἳ βλάπτουσιν σέμνʼ ἀναθήματα, +τόξοισιν ἐμοῖς φυγάδας θήσομεν· +ὡς γὰρ ἀμήτωρ ἀπάτωρ τε γεγὼς +τοὺς θρέψαντας +Φοίβου ναοὺς θεραπεύω.
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+Ἴων +ἄγʼ, ὦ νεηθαλὲς ὦ +καλλίστας προπόλευμα δά- +φνας, ἃ τὰν Φοίβου θυμέλαν +σαίρεις ὑπὸ ναοῖς, +κήπων ἐξ ἀθανάτων, +ἵνα δρόσοι τέγγουσʼ ἱεραί, +ῥοὰν ἀέναον +παγᾶν ἐκπροϊεῖσαι, +μυρσίνας ἱερὰν φόβαν· +ᾇ σαίρω δάπεδον θεοῦ +παναμέριος ἅμʼ ἁλίου +πτέρυγι θοᾷ +λατρεύων τὸ κατʼ ἦμαρ. +ὦ Παιὰν ὦ Παιάν, +εὐαίων εὐαίων +εἴης, ὦ Λατοῦς παῖ.
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+Ἴων +καλόν γε τὸν πόνον, ὦ +Φοῖβε, σοὶ πρὸ δόμων λατρεύ- +ω τιμῶν μαντεῖον ἕδραν· +κλεινὸς δʼ ὁ πόνος μοι +θεοῖσιν δούλαν χέρʼ ἔχειν +οὐ θνατοῖς, ἀλλʼ ἀθανάτοις· +εὐφάμους δὲ πόνους +μοχθεῖν οὐκ ἀποκάμνω. +Φοῖβός μοι γενέτωρ πατήρ· +τὸν βόσκοντα γὰρ εὐλογῶ, +τὸ δʼ ὠφέλιμον ἐμοὶ πατέρος +ὄνομα λέγω +Φοίβου τοῦ κατὰ ναόν. +ὦ Παιὰν ὦ Παιάν, +εὐαίων εὐαίων +εἴης, ὦ Λατοῦς παῖ.
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+Ἴων +ἀλλʼ ἐκπαύσω γὰρ μόχθους +δάφνας ὁλκοῖς, +χρυσέων δʼ ἐκ τευχέων ῥίψω +Γαίας παγάν, +ἃν ἀποχεύονται +Κασταλίας δῖναι, +νοτερὸν ὕδωρ βάλλων, +ὅσιος ἀπʼ εὐνᾶς ὤν. +εἴθʼ οὕτως αἰεὶ Φοίβῳ +λατρεύων μὴ παυσαίμαν, +ἢ παυσαίμαν ἀγαθᾷ μοίρᾳ. +ἔα ἔα· +φοιτῶσʼ ἤδη λείπουσίν τε +πτανοὶ Παρνασοῦ κοίτας· +αὐδῶ μὴ χρίμπτειν θριγκοῖς +μηδʼ ἐς χρυσήρεις οἴκους — +μάρψω σʼ αὖ τόξοις, ὦ Ζηνὸς +κῆρυξ, ὀρνίθων γαμφηλαῖς +ἰσχὺν νικῶν. +ὅδε πρὸς θυμέλας ἄλλος ἐρέσσει +κύκνος. οὐκ ἄλλᾳ +φοινικοφαῆ πόδα κινήσεις; +οὐδέν σʼ ἁ φόρμιγξ ἁ Φοίβου +σύμμολπος τόξων ῥύσαιτʼ ἄν. +πάραγε πτέρυγας· +λίμνας ἐπίβα τᾶς Δηλιάδος· +αἱμάξεις, εἰ μὴ πείσῃ, +τὰς καλλιφθόγγους ᾠδάς. +ἔα ἔα· +τίς ὅδʼ ὀρνίθων καινὸς προσέβα; +μῶν ὑπὸ θριγκοὺς εὐναίας +καρφυρὰς θήσων τέκνοις; +ψαλμοί σʼ εἴρξουσιν τόξων. +οὐ πείσῃ; χωρῶν δίναις +ταῖς Ἀλφειοῦ παιδούργει, +ἢ νάπος Ἴσθμιον, +ὡς ἀναθήματα μὴ βλάπτηται +ναοί θʼ οἱ Φοίβου +κτείνειν δʼ ὑμᾶς αἰδοῦμαι +τοὺς θεῶν ἀγγέλλοντας φήμας +θνατοῖς· οἷς δʼ ἔγκειμαι μόχθοις, +Φοίβῳ δουλεύσω, κοὐ λήξω +τοὺς βόσκοντας θεραπεύων.
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+Χορός +— οὐκ ἐν ταῖς ζαθέαις Ἀθά- +ναις εὐκίονες ἦσαν αὐ- +λαὶ θεῶν μόνον, οὐδʼ ἀγυι- +άτιδες θεραπεῖαι· +ἀλλὰ καὶ παρὰ Λοξίᾳ +τῷ Λατοῦς διδύμων προσώ- +πων καλλιβλέφαρον φῶς. +— ἰδοὺ τάνδʼ, ἄθρησον, +Λερναῖον ὕδραν ἐναίρει +χρυσέαις ἅρπαις ὁ Διὸς παῖς· +φίλα, πρόσιδʼ ὄσσοις.
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+Χορός +— ὁρῶ. καὶ πέλας ἄλλος αὐ- +τοῦ πανὸν πυρίφλεκτον αἴ- +ρει τις — ἆρʼ ὃς ἐμαῖσι μυ- +θεύεται παρὰ πήναις, +ἀσπιστὰς Ἰόλαος, ὃς +κοινοὺς αἰρόμενος πόνους +Δίῳ παιδὶ συναντλεῖ; +— καὶ μὰν τόνδʼ ἄθρησον +πτεροῦντος ἔφεδρον ἵππου· +τὰν πῦρ πνέουσαν ἐναίρει +τρισώματον ἀλκάν.
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+Χορός +— πάντᾳ τοι βλέφαρον διώ- +κω. σκέψαι κλόνον ἐν τείχεσ- +σι λαΐνοισι Γιγάντων. +— ὦ φίλαι, ὧδε δερκόμεσθα. +— λεύσσεις οὖν ἐπʼ Ἐγκελάδῳ +γοργωπὸν πάλλουσαν ἴτυν — +— λεύσσω Παλλάδʼ, ἐμὰν θεόν. +— τί γάρ; κεραυνὸν ἀμφίπυρον +ὄβριμον ἐν Διὸς +ἑκηβόλοισι χερσίν; +— ὁρῶ· τὸν δάϊον +Μίμαντα πυρὶ καταιθαλοῖ. +— καὶ Βρόμιος ἄλλον ἀπολέμοι- +σι κισσίνοισι βάκτροις +ἐναίρει Γᾶς τέκνων ὁ Βακχεύς.
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+Χορός +σέ τοι, τὸν παρὰ ναὸν αὐ- +δῶ· θέμις γυάλων ὑπερ- +βῆναι, λευκῷ ποδί γʼ — ; + + + +Ἴων +οὐ θέμις, ὦ ξέναι. + +Χορός +οὐδʼ ἂν +ἐκ σέθεν ἂν πυθοίμεθʼ αὐδάν; + +Ἴων +τίνα τήνδε θέλεις; + +Χορός +ἆρʼ ὄντως μέσον ὀμφαλὸν +γᾶς Φοίβου κατέχει δόμος; + +Ἴων +στέμμασί γʼ ἐνδυτόν, ἀμφὶ δὲ Γοργόνες. + +Χορός +οὕτω καὶ φάτις αὐδᾷ. + +Ἴων +εἰ μὲν ἐθύσατε πέλανον πρὸ δόμων +καί τι πυθέσθαι χρῄζετε Φοίβου, +πάριτʼ ἐς θυμέλας· ἐπὶ δʼ ἀσφάκτοις +μήλοισι δόμων μὴ πάριτʼ ἐς μυχόν. + +Χορός +ἔχω μαθοῦσα· θεοῦ δὲ νόμον +οὐ παραβαίνομεν, +ἃ δʼ ἐκτός, ὄμμα τέρψει. + +Ἴων +πάντα θεᾶσθʼ, ὅ τι καὶ θέμις, ὄμμασι. + +Χορός +μεθεῖσαν δεσπόται +με θεοῦ γύαλα τάδʼ εἰσιδεῖν. + +Ἴων +δμῳαὶ δὲ τίνων κλῄζεσθε δόμων; + +Χορός +Παλλάδι σύνοικα τρόφιμα μέλα- +θρα τῶν ἐμῶν τυράννων· +παρούσας δʼ ἀμφὶ τᾶσδʼ ἐρωτᾷς.
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+Ἴων +γενναιότης σοι, καὶ τρόπων τεκμήριον +τὸ σχῆμʼ ἔχεις τόδʼ, ἥτις εἶ ποτʼ, ὦ γύναι. +γνοίη δʼ ἂν ὡς τὰ πολλά γʼ ἀνθρώπου πέρι +τὸ σχῆμʼ ἰδών τις εἰ πέφυκεν εὐγενής. +ἔα· +ἀλλʼ ἐξέπληξάς μʼ, ὄμμα συγκλῄσασα σὸν +δακρύοις θʼ ὑγράνασʼ εὐγενῆ παρηίδα, +ὡς εἶδες ἁγνὰ Λοξίου χρηστήρια. +τί ποτε μερίμνης ἐς τόδʼ ἦλθες, ὦ γύναι; +ὃ πάντες ἄλλοι γύαλα λεύσσοντες θεοῦ +χαίρουσιν, ἐνταῦθʼ ὄμμα σὸν δακρυρροεῖ; + +Κρέουσα +ὦ ξένε, τὸ μὲν σὸν οὐκ ἀπαιδεύτως ἔχει +ἐς θαύματʼ ἐλθεῖν δακρύων ἐμῶν πέρι· +ἐγὼ δʼ ἰδοῦσα τούσδʼ Ἀπόλλωνος δόμους +μνήμην παλαιὰν ἀνεμετρησάμην τινά· +οἴκοι δὲ τὸν νοῦν ἔσχον ἐνθάδʼ οὖσά που. +ὦ τλήμονες γυναῖκες· ὦ τολμήματα +θεῶν. τί δῆτα; ποῖ δίκην ἀνοίσομεν, +εἰ τῶν κρατούντων ἀδικίαις ὀλούμεθα; + +Ἴων +τί χρῆμʼ ἀνερμήνευτα δυσθυμῇ, γύναι; + +Κρέουσα +οὐδέν· μεθῆκα τόξα· τἀπὶ τῷδε δὲ +ἐγώ τε σιγῶ, καὶ σὺ μὴ φρόντιζʼ ἔτι. + +Ἴων +τίς δʼ εἶ; πόθεν γῆς ἦλθες; ἐκ ποίας πάτρας +πέφυκας; ὄνομα τί σε καλεῖν ἡμᾶς χρεών; + +Κρέουσα +Κρέουσα μέν μοι τοὔνομʼ, ἐκ δʼ Ἐρεχθέως +πέφυκα, πατρὶς γῆ δʼ Ἀθηναίων πόλις. + +Ἴων +ὦ κλεινὸν οἰκοῦσʼ ἄστυ γενναίων τʼ ἄπο +τραφεῖσα πατέρων, ὥς σε θαυμάζω, γύναι. + +Κρέουσα +τοσαῦτα κεὐτυχοῦμεν, ὦ ξένʼ, οὐ πέρα. + +Ἴων +πρὸς θεῶν ἀληθῶς, ὡς μεμύθευται βροτοῖς ; + +Κρέουσα +τί χρῆμʼ ἐρωτᾷς, ὦ ξένʼ, ἐκμαθεῖν θέλων; + +Ἴων +ἐκ γῆς πατρός σου πρόγονος ἔβλαστεν πατήρ; + +Κρέουσα +Ἐριχθόνιός γε· τὸ δὲ γένος μʼ οὐκ ὠφελεῖ. + +Ἴων +ἦ καί σφʼ Ἀθάνα γῆθεν ἐξανείλετο; + +Κρέουσα +ἐς παρθένους γε χεῖρας, οὐ τεκοῦσά νιν. + +Ἴων +δίδωσι δʼ, ὥσπερ ἐν γραφῇ νομίζεται ; + +Κρέουσα +Κέκροπός γε σῴζειν παισὶν οὐχ ὁρώμενον. + +Ἴων +ἤκουσα λῦσαι παρθένους τεῦχος θεᾶς. + +Κρέουσα +τοιγὰρ θανοῦσαι σκόπελον ᾕμαξαν πέτρας. + + + +Ἴων +εἶἑν· +τί δαὶ τόδʼ; ἆρʼ ἀληθὲς ἢ μάτην λόγος + +Κρέουσα +τί χρῆμʼ ἐρωτᾷς; καὶ γὰρ οὐ κάμνω σχολῇ. + +Ἴων +πατὴρ Ἐρεχθεὺς σὰς ἔθυσε συγγόνους; + +Κρέουσα +ἔτλη πρὸ γαίας σφάγια παρθένους κτανεῖν. + +Ἴων +σὺ δʼ ἐξεσώθης πῶς κασιγνήτων μόνη; + +Κρέουσα +βρέφος νεογνὸν μητρὸς ἦν ἐν ἀγκάλαις. + +Ἴων +πατέρα δʼ ἀληθῶς χάσμα σὸν κρύπτει χθονός; + +Κρέουσα +πληγαὶ τριαίνης ποντίου σφʼ ἀπώλεσαν. + +Ἴων +Μακραὶ δὲ χῶρός ἐστʼ ἐκεῖ κεκλημένος; + +Κρέουσα +τί δʼ ἱστορεῖς τόδʼ; ὥς μʼ ἀνέμνησάς τινος. + +Ἴων +τιμᾷ σφε Πύθιος ἀστραπαί τε Πύθιαι. + +Κρέουσα +τιμᾶ τιμᾶ· ὡς μήποτʼ ὤφελόν σφʼ ἰδεῖν. + +Ἴων +τί δὲ στυγεῖς σὺ τοῦ θεοῦ τὰ φίλτατα; + +Κρέουσα +οὐδέν· ξύνοιδʼ ἄντροισιν αἰσχύνην τινά. + +Ἴων +πόσις δὲ τίς σʼ ἔγημʼ Ἀθηναίων, γύναι; + +Κρέουσα +οὐκ ἀστός, ἀλλʼ ἐπακτὸς ἐξ ἄλλης χθονός. + +Ἴων +τίς; εὐγενῆ νιν δεῖ πεφυκέναι τινά. + +Κρέουσα +Ξοῦθος, πεφυκὼς Αἰόλου Διός τʼ ἄπο. + +Ἴων +καὶ πῶς ξένος σʼ ὢν ἔσχεν οὖσαν ἐγγενῆ; + +Κρέουσα +Εὔβοιʼ Ἀθήναις ἔστι τις γείτων πόλις + +Ἴων +ὅροις ὑγροῖσιν, ὡς λέγουσʼ, ὡρισμένη. + +Κρέουσα +ταύτην ἔπερσε Κεκροπίδαις κοινῷ δορί. + +Ἴων +ἐπίκουρος ἐλθών; κᾆτα σὸν γαμεῖ λέχος; + +Κρέουσα +φερνάς γε πολέμου καὶ δορὸς λαβὼν γέρας. + +Ἴων +σὺν ἀνδρὶ δʼ ἥκεις ἢ μόνη χρηστήρια; + +Κρέουσα +σὺν ἀνδρί. σηκοὺς δʼ ἐκστρέφει Τροφωνίου. + +Ἴων +πότερα θεατὴς ἢ χάριν μαντευμάτων; + +Κρέουσα +κείνου τε Φοίβου θʼ ἓν θέλων μαθεῖν ἔπος. + +Ἴων +καρποῦ δʼ ὕπερ γῆς ἥκετʼ, ἢ παίδων πέρι; + +Κρέουσα +ἄπαιδές ἐσμεν, χρόνιʼ ἔχοντʼ εὐνήματα. + +Ἴων +οὐδʼ ἔτεκες οὐδὲν πώποτʼ, ἀλλʼ ἄτεκνος εἶ; + +Κρέουσα +ὁ Φοῖβος οἶδε τὴν ἐμὴν ἀπαιδίαν. + +Ἴων +ὦ τλῆμον, ὡς τἄλλʼ εὐτυχοῦσʼ οὐκ εὐτυχεῖς. + + + +Κρέουσα +σὺ δʼ εἶ τίς; ὥς σου τὴν τεκοῦσαν ὤλβισα. + +Ἴων +τοῦ θεοῦ καλοῦμαι δοῦλος εἰμί τʼ, ὦ γύναι. + +Κρέουσα +ἀνάθημα πόλεως, ἤ τινος πραθεὶς ὕπο; + +Ἴων +οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν· Λοξίου κεκλήμεθα. + +Κρέουσα +ἡμεῖς σʼ ἄρʼ αὖθις, ὦ ξένʼ, ἀντοικτίρομεν. + +Ἴων +ὡς μὴ εἰδόθʼ ἥτις μʼ ἔτεκεν ἐξ ὅτου τʼ ἔφυν. + +Κρέουσα +ναοῖσι δʼ οἰκεῖς τοισίδʼ ἢ κατὰ στέγας; + +Ἴων +ἅπαν θεοῦ μοι δῶμʼ, ἵνʼ ἂν λάβῃ μʼ ὕπνος. + +Κρέουσα +παῖς δʼ ὢν ἀφίκου ναὸν ἢ νεανίας; + +Ἴων +βρέφος λέγουσιν οἱ δοκοῦντες εἰδέναι. + +Κρέουσα +καὶ τίς γάλακτί σʼ ἐξέθρεψε Δελφίδων; + +Ἴων + οὐπώποτʼ ἔγνων μαστόν· ἣ δʼ ἔθρεψέ με + +Κρέουσα +τίς, ὦ ταλαίπωρʼ; ὡς νοσοῦσʼ ηὗρον νόσους. + +Ἴων +Φοίβου προφῆτις, μητέρʼ ὣς νομίζομεν. + +Κρέουσα +ἐς δʼ ἄνδρʼ ἀφίκου τίνα τροφὴν κεκτημένος; + +Ἴων +βωμοί μʼ ἔφερβον οὑπιών τʼ ἀεὶ ξένος. + +Κρέουσα +τάλαινά σʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα· τίς ποτʼ ἦν ἄρα; + +Ἴων +ἀδίκημά του γυναικὸς ἐγενόμην ἴσως. + +Κρέουσα +ἔχεις δὲ βίοτον· εὖ γὰρ ἤσκησαι πέπλοις. + +Ἴων +τοῖς τοῦ θεοῦ κοσμούμεθʼ, ᾧ δουλεύομεν. + +Κρέουσα +οὐδʼ ᾖξας εἰς ἔρευναν ἐξευρεῖν γονάς; + +Ἴων +ἔχω γὰρ οὐδέν, ὦ γύναι, τεκμήριον. + +Κρέουσα +φεῦ· +πέπονθέ τις σῇ μητρὶ ταὔτʼ ἄλλη γυνή. + +Ἴων +τίς; εἰ πόνου μοι ξυλλάβοι, χαίροιμεν ἄν. + +Κρέουσα +ἧς οὕνεκʼ ἦλθον δεῦρο πρὶν πόσιν μολεῖν. + +Ἴων +ποῖόν τι χρῄζουσʼ; ὡς ὑπουργήσω, γύναι. + +Κρέουσα +μάντευμα κρυπτὸν δεομένη Φοίβου μαθεῖν. + +Ἴων +λέγοις ἄν· ἡμεῖς τἄλλα προξενήσομεν. + +Κρέουσα +ἄκουε δὴ τὸν μῦθον. — ἀλλʼ αἰδούμεθα. + +Ἴων +οὔ τἄρα πράξεις οὐδέν· ἀργὸς ἡ θεός. + +Κρέουσα +Φοίβῳ μιγῆναί φησί τις φίλων ἐμῶν. + +Ἴων +Φοίβῳ γυνὴ γεγῶσα; μὴ λέγʼ, ὦ ξένη. + +Κρέουσα +καὶ παῖδά γʼ ἔτεκε τῷ θεῷ λάθρα πατρός. + +Ἴων +οὐκ ἔστιν· ἀνδρὸς ἀδικίαν αἰσχύνεται. + +Κρέουσα +οὔ φησιν αὐτή, καὶ πέπονθεν ἄθλια. + +Ἴων +τί χρῆμα δράσασʼ, εἰ θεῷ συνεζύγη; + +Κρέουσα +τὸν παῖδʼ ὃν ἔτεκεν ἐξέθηκε δωμάτων. + +Ἴων +ὁ δʼ ἐκτεθεὶς παῖς ποῦ ʼστιν; εἰσορᾷ φάος; + +Κρέουσα +οὐκ οἶδεν οὐδείς. ταῦτα καὶ μαντεύομαι. + +Ἴων +εἰ δʼ οὐκέτʼ ἔστι, τίνι τρόπῳ διεφθάρη; + +Κρέουσα +θῆράς σφε τὸν δύστηνον ἐλπίζει κτανεῖν. + +Ἴων +ποίῳ τόδʼ ἔγνω χρωμένη τεκμηρίῳ; + +Κρέουσα +ἐλθοῦσʼ ἵνʼ αὐτὸν ἐξέθηκʼ οὐχ ηὗρʼ ἔτι. + +Ἴων +ἦν δὲ σταλαγμὸς ἐν στίβῳ τις αἵματος; + +Κρέουσα +οὔ φησι. καίτοι πόλλʼ ἐπεστράφη πέδον. + +Ἴων +χρόνος δὲ τίς τῷ παιδὶ διαπεπραγμένῳ; + +Κρέουσα +σοὶ ταὐτὸν ἥβης, εἴπερ, εἶχεν ἂν μέτρον. + + + +Ἴων +ἀδικεῖ νιν ὁ θεός· ἡ τεκοῦσα δʼ ἀθλία. + +Κρέουσα +οὔκουν ἔτʼ ἄλλον γʼ ὕστερον τίκτει γόνον. + +Ἴων +τί δʼ, εἰ λάθρα νιν Φοῖβος ἐκτρέφει λαβών; + +Κρέουσα +τὰ κοινὰ χαίρων οὐ δίκαια δρᾷ μόνος. + +Ἴων +οἴμοι· προσῳδὸς ἡ τύχη τὠμῷ πάθει. + +Κρέουσα +καὶ σέ, ὦ ξένʼ, οἶμαι μητέρʼ ἀθλίαν ποθεῖν. + +Ἴων +καὶ μή γʼ ἐπʼ οἶκτόν μʼ ἔξαγʼ οὗ ʼλελήσμεθα. + +Κρέουσα +σιγῶ· πέραινε δʼ ὧν σʼ ἀνιστορῶ πέρι. + +Ἴων +οἶσθʼ οὖν ὃ κάμνει τοῦ λόγου μάλιστά σοι; + +Κρέουσα +τί δʼ οὐκ ἐκείνῃ τῇ ταλαιπώρῳ νοσεῖ; + +Ἴων +πῶς ὁ θεὸς ὃ λαθεῖν βούλεται μαντεύσεται; + +Κρέουσα +εἴπερ καθίζει τρίποδα κοινὸν Ἑλλάδος. + +Ἴων +αἰσχύνεται τὸ πρᾶγμα· μὴ ʼξέλεγχέ νιν. + +Κρέουσα +ἀλγύνεται δέ γʼ ἡ παθοῦσα τῇ τύχῃ. + +Ἴων +οὐκ ἔστιν ὅστις σοι προφητεύσει τάδε. +ἐν τοῖς γὰρ αὑτοῦ δώμασιν κακὸς φανεὶς +Φοῖβος δικαίως τὸν θεμιστεύοντά σοι +δράσειεν ἄν τι πῆμα. ἀπαλλάσσου, γύναι. +τῷ γὰρ θεῷ τἀναντίʼ οὐ μαντευτέον. +ἐς γὰρ τοσοῦτον ἀμαθίας ἔλθοιμεν ἄν, +εἰ τοὺς θεοὺς ἄκοντας ἐκπονήσομεν +φράζειν ἃ μὴ θέλουσιν, ἢ προβωμίοις +σφαγαῖσι μήλων ἢ διʼ οἰωνῶν πτεροῖς. +ἃν γὰρ βίᾳ σπεύδωμεν ἀκόντων θεῶν, +ἄκοντα κεκτήμεσθα τἀγάθʼ, ὦ γύναι· +ἃ δʼ ἂν διδῶσʼ ἑκόντες, ὠφελούμεθα. + +Χορός +πολλαί γε πολλοῖς εἰσι συμφοραὶ βροτῶν, +μορφαὶ δὲ διαφέρουσιν· ἓν δʼ ἂν εὐτυχὲς +μόλις ποτʼ ἐξεύροι τις ἀνθρώπων βίῳ. + +Κρέουσα +ὦ Φοῖβε, κἀκεῖ κἀνθάδʼ οὐ δίκαιος εἶ +ἐς τὴν ἀποῦσαν, ἧς πάρεισιν οἱ λόγοι· +ὃς οὔτʼ ἔσωσας τὸν σὸν ὃν σῶσαί σʼ ἐχρῆν, +οὔθʼ ἱστορούσῃ μητρὶ μάντις ὢν ἐρεῖς, +ὡς, εἰ μὲν οὐκέτʼ ἔστιν, ὀγκωθῇ τάφῳ, + εἰ δʼ ἔστιν +ἀλλʼ ἐᾶν χρὴ τάδʼ, εἰ πρὸς τοῦ θεοῦ +κωλυόμεσθα μὴ μαθεῖν ἃ βούλομαι. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, εἰσορῶ γὰρ εὐγενῆ πόσιν +Ξοῦθον πέλας δὴ τόνδε, τὰς Τροφωνίου +λιπόντα θαλάμας, τοὺς λελεγμένους λόγους +σίγα πρὸς ἄνδρα, μή τινʼ αἰσχύνην λάβω +διακονοῦσα κρυπτά, καὶ προβῇ λόγος +οὐχ ᾗπερ ἡμεῖς αὐτὸν ἐξειλίσσομεν. +τὰ γὰρ γυναικῶν δυσχερῆ πρὸς ἄρσενας, +κἀν ταῖς κακαῖσιν ἁγαθαὶ μεμειγμέναι +μισούμεθʼ· οὕτω δυστυχεῖς πεφύκαμεν. + + + +Ξοῦθος +πρῶτον μὲν ὁ θεὸς τῶν ἐμῶν προσφθεγμάτων +λαβὼν ἀπαρχὰς χαιρέτω, σύ τʼ, ὦ γύναι. +μῶν χρόνιος ἐλθών σʼ ἐξέπληξʼ ὀρρωδίᾳ; + +Κρέουσα +οὐδέν γʼ· ἀφίκου δʼ ἐς μέριμναν. ἀλλά μοι +λέξον, τί θέσπισμʼ ἐκ Τροφωνίου φέρεις, +παίδων ὅπως νῷν σπέρμα συγκραθήσεται; + +Ξοῦθος +οὐκ ἠξίωσε τοῦ θεοῦ προλαμβάνειν +μαντεύμαθʼ· ἓν δʼ οὖν εἶπεν· οὐκ ἄπαιδά με +πρὸς οἶκον ἥξειν οὐδὲ σὲ ἐκ χρηστηρίων. + +Κρέουσα +ὦ πότνια Φοίβου μῆτερ, εἰ γὰρ αἰσίως +ἔλθοιμεν, ἅ τε νῷν συμβόλαια πρόσθεν ἦν +ἐς παῖδα τὸν σόν, μεταπέσοι βελτίονα. + +Ξοῦθος +ἔσται τάδʼ· ἀλλὰ τίς προφητεύει θεοῦ; + +Ἴων +ἡμεῖς τά γʼ ἔξω, τῶν ἔσω δʼ ἄλλοις μέλει, +οἳ πλησίον θάσσουσι τρίποδος, ὦ ξένε, +Δελφῶν ἀριστῆς, οὓς ἐκλήρωσεν πάλος. + +Ξοῦθος +καλῶς· ἔχω δὴ πάνθʼ ὅσων ἐχρῄζομεν. +στείχοιμʼ ἂν εἴσω· καὶ γάρ, ὡς ἐγὼ κλύω, +χρηστήριον πέπτωκε τοῖς ἐπήλυσι +κοινὸν πρὸ ναοῦ· βούλομαι δʼ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ +τῇδʼ — αἰσία γάρ — θεοῦ λαβεῖν μαντεύματα. +σὺ δʼ ἀμφὶ βωμούς, ὦ γύναι, δαφνηφόρους +λαβοῦσα κλῶνας, εὐτέκνους εὔχου θεοῖς +χρησμούς μʼ ἐνεγκεῖν ἐξ Ἀπόλλωνος δόμων. + +Κρέουσα +ἔσται τάδʼ, ἔσται. Λοξίας δʼ ἐὰν θέλῃ +νῦν ἀλλὰ τὰς πρὶν ἀναλαβεῖν ἁμαρτίας, +ἅπας μὲν οὐ γένοιτʼ ἂν εἰς ἡμᾶς φίλος, +ὅσον δὲ χρῄζει — θεὸς γάρ ἐστι — δέξομαι. + +Ἴων +τί ποτε λόγοισιν ἡ ξένη πρὸς τὸν θεὸν +κρυπτοῖσιν αἰεὶ λοιδοροῦσʼ αἰνίσσεται; +ἤτοι φιλοῦσά γʼ ἧς ὕπερ μαντεύεται, +ἢ καί τι σιγῶσʼ ὧν σιωπᾶσθαι χρεών; + ἀτὰρ θυγατρὸς τῆς Ἐρεχθέως τί μοι +μέλει; προσήκει γʼ οὐδέν. ἀλλὰ χρυσέαις +πρόχοισιν ἐλθὼν εἰς ἀπορραντήρια +δρόσον καθήσω. νουθετητέος δέ μοι +Φοῖβος, τί πάσχει· παρθένους βίᾳ γαμῶν +προδίδωσι; παῖδας ἐκτεκνούμενος λάθρᾳ +θνῄσκοντας ἀμελεῖ; μὴ σύ γʼ· ἀλλʼ, ἐπεὶ κρατεῖς, +ἀρετὰς δίωκε. καὶ γὰρ ὅστις ἂν βροτῶν +κακὸς πεφύκῃ, ζημιοῦσιν οἱ θεοί. +πῶς οὖν δίκαιον τοὺς νόμους ὑμᾶς βροτοῖς +γράψαντας, αὐτοὺς ἀνομίαν ὀφλισκάνειν; +εἰ δʼ — οὐ γὰρ ἔσται, τῷ λόγῳ δὲ χρήσομαι — +δίκας βιαίων δώσετʼ ἀνθρώποις γάμων, +σὺ καὶ Ποσειδῶν Ζεύς θʼ ὃς οὐρανοῦ κρατεῖ, +ναοὺς τίνοντες ἀδικίας κενώσετε. +τὰς ἡδονὰς γὰρ τῆς προμηθίας πάρος +σπεύδοντες ἀδικεῖτʼ. οὐκέτʼ ἀνθρώπους κακῶς +λέγειν δίκαιον, εἰ τὰ τῶν θεῶν καλὰ +μιμούμεθʼ, ἀλλὰ τοὺς διδάσκοντας τάδε.
+ + + +
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+Χορός +σὲ τὰν ὠδίνων λοχιᾶν +ἀνειλείθυιαν, ἐμὰν +Ἀθάναν, ἱκετεύω, +Προμηθεῖ Τιτᾶνι λοχευ- +θεῖσαν κατʼ ἀκροτάτας +κορυφᾶς Διός, ὦ μάκαιρα Νίκα, +μόλε Πύθιον οἶκον, +Ὀλύμπου χρυσέων θαλάμων +πταμένα πρὸς ἀγυιάς, +Φοιβήιος ἔνθα γᾶς +μεσσόμφαλος ἑστία +παρὰ χορευομένῳ τρίποδι +μαντεύματα κραίνει, +σὺ καὶ παῖς ἁ Λατογενής, +δύο θεαὶ δύο παρθένοι, +κασίγνηται σεμναὶ Φοίβου. +ἱκετεύσατε δʼ, ὦ κόραι, +τὸ παλαιὸν Ἐρεχθέως +γένος εὐτεκνίας χρονίου καθαροῖς +μαντεύμασι κῦρσαι.
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+Χορός +ὑπερβαλλούσας γὰρ ἔχει +θνατοῖς εὐδαιμονίας +ἀκίνητον ἀφορμάν, +τέκνων οἷς ἂν καρποτρόφοι +λάμπωσιν ἐν θαλάμοις +πατρίοισι νεάνιδες ἧβαι, +διαδέκτορα πλοῦτον +ὡς ἕξοντες ἐκ πατέρων +ἑτέροις ἐπὶ τέκνοις. +ἀλκά τε γὰρ ἐν κακοῖς +σύν τʼ εὐτυχίαις φίλον, +δορί τε γᾷ πατρίᾳ φέρει +σωτήριον ἀλκάν. +ἐμοὶ μὲν πλούτου τε πάρος +βασιλικῶν τʼ εἶεν θαλάμων +τροφαὶ κήδειοι κεδνῶν γε τέκνων. +τὸν ἄπαιδα δʼ ἀποστυγῶ +βίον, ᾧ τε δοκεῖ ψέγω· +μετὰ δὲ κτεάνων μετρίων βιοτᾶς +εὔπαιδος ἐχοίμαν.
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+Χορός +ὦ Πανὸς θακήματα καὶ +παραυλίζουσα πέτρα +μυχώδεσι Μακραῖς, +ἵνα χοροὺς στείβουσι ποδοῖν +Ἀγλαύρου κόραι τρίγονοι +στάδια χλοερὰ πρὸ Παλλάδος +ναῶν, συρίγγων +ὑπʼ αἰόλας ἰαχᾶς +ὕμνων, ὅτʼ ἀναλίοις +συρίζεις, ὦ Πάν, +τοῖς σοῖσιν ἐν ἄντροις, +ἵνα τεκοῦσά τις Φοίβῳ +παρθένος, ὦ μελέα, βρέφος, +πτανοῖς ἐξόρισεν θοίναν +θηρσί τε φοινίαν δαῖτα, πικρῶν γάμων +ὕβριν· οὔτʼ ἐπὶ κερκίσιν οὔτε λόγοις +φάτιν ἄιον εὐτυχίας μετέχειν +θεόθεν τέκνα θνατοῖς.
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+Ἴων +πρόσπολοι γυναῖκες, αἳ τῶνδʼ ἀμφὶ κρηπῖδας δόμων +θυοδόκων φρούρημʼ ἔχουσαι δεσπότιν φυλάσσετε, +ἐκλέλοιπʼ ἤδη τὸν ἱερὸν τρίποδα καὶ χρηστήριον +Ξοῦθος, ἢ μίμνει κατʼ οἶκον ἱστορῶν ἀπαιδίαν; + +Χορός +ἐν δόμοις ἔστʼ, ὦ ξένʼ· οὔπω δῶμʼ ὑπερβαίνει τόδε. +ὡς δʼ ἐπʼ ἐξόδοισιν ὄντος, τῶνδʼ ἀκούομεν πυλῶν +δοῦπον, ἐξιόντα τʼ ἤδη δεσπότην ὁρᾶν πάρα. + +Ξοῦθος +ὦ τέκνον, χαῖρʼ· ἡ γὰρ ἀρχὴ τοῦ λόγου πρέπουσά μοι. + +Ἴων +χαίρομεν· σὺ δʼ εὖ φρόνει γε, καὶ δύʼ ὄντʼ εὖ πράξομεν. + +Ξοῦθος +δὸς χερὸς φίλημά μοι σῆς σώματός τʼ ἀμφιπτυχάς. + +Ἴων +εὖ φρονεῖς μέν; ἤ σʼ ἔμηνε θεοῦ τις, ὦ ξένε, βλάβη; + +Ξοῦθος +σωφρονῶ· τὰ φίλταθʼ εὑρὼν οὐ φυγεῖν ἐφίεμαι. + +Ἴων +παῦε, μὴ ψαύσας τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ στέμματα ῥήξῃς χερί. + +Ξοῦθος +ἅψομαι· κοὐ ῥυσιάζω, τἀμὰ δʼ εὑρίσκω φίλα. + +Ἴων +οὐκ ἀπαλλάξῃ, πρὶν εἴσω τόξα πλευμόνων λαβεῖν; + +Ξοῦθος +ὡς τί δὴ φεύγεις με; σαυτοῦ γνωρίσας τὰ φίλτατα — + +Ἴων +οὐ φιλῶ φρενοῦν ἀμούσους καὶ μεμηνότας ξένους. + +Ξοῦθος +κτεῖνε καὶ πίμπρη· πατρὸς γάρ, ἢν κτάνῃς, ἔσῃ φονεύς. + +Ἴων +ποῦ δέ μοι πατὴρ σύ; ταῦτʼ οὖν οὐ γέλως κλύειν ἐμοῦ; + +Ξοῦθος +οὔ· τρέχων ὁ μῦθος ἄν σοι τἀμὰ σημήνειεν ἄν. + +Ἴων +καὶ τί μοι λέξεις; + +Ξοῦθος +πατὴρ σός εἰμι καὶ σὺ παῖς ἐμός. + +Ἴων +τίς λέγει τάδε; + +Ξοῦθος +ὅς σʼ ἔθρεψεν ὄντα Λοξίας ἐμόν. + +Ἴων +μαρτυρεῖς σαυτῷ. + +Ξοῦθος +τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ γʼ ἐκμαθὼν χρηστήρια. + +Ἴων +ἐσφάλης αἴνιγμʼ ἀκούσας. + +Ξοῦθος +οὐκ ἄρʼ ὄρθʼ ἀκούομεν. + +Ἴων +ὁ δὲ λόγος τίς ἐστι Φοίβου; + +Ξοῦθος +τὸν συναντήσαντά μοι — + +Ἴων +τίνα συνάντησιν; + +Ξοῦθος +δόμων τῶνδʼ ἐξιόντι τοῦ θεοῦ + +Ἴων +συμφορᾶς τίνος κυρῆσαι; + +Ξοῦθος +παῖδʼ ἐμὸν πεφυκέναι. + +Ἴων +σὸν γεγῶτʼ, ἢ δῶρον ἄλλως; + +Ξοῦθος +δῶρον, ὄντα δʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ. + +Ἴων +πρῶτα δῆτʼ ἐμοὶ ξυνάπτεις πόδα σόν; + +Ξοῦθος +οὐκ ἄλλῳ, τέκνον. + +Ἴων +ἡ τύχη πόθεν ποθʼ ἥκει; + +Ξοῦθος +δύο μίαν θαυμάζομεν. + +Ἴων +ἔα. τίνος δέ σοι πέφυκα μητρός; + +Ξοῦθος +οὐκ ἔχω φράσαι. + +Ἴων +οὐδὲ Φοῖβος εἶπε; + +Ξοῦθος +τερφθεὶς τοῦτο, κεῖνʼ οὐκ ἠρόμην. + +Ἴων +γῆς ἄρʼ ἐκπέφυκα μητρός. + +Ξοῦθος +οὐ πέδον τίκτει τέκνα. + +Ἴων +πῶς ἂν οὖν εἴην σός; + +Ξοῦθος +οὐκ οἶδʼ, ἀναφέρω δʼ ἐς τὸν θεόν. + + + +Ἴων +φέρε λόγων ἁψώμεθʼ ἄλλων. + +Ξοῦθος +ταῦτʼ ἀμείνονʼ, ὦ τέκνον. + +Ἴων +ἦλθες ἐς νόθον τι λέκτρον; + +Ξοῦθος +μωρίᾳ γε τοῦ νέου. + +Ἴων +πρὶν κόρην λαβεῖν Ἐρεχθέως; + +Ξοῦθος +οὐ γὰρ ὕστερόν γέ πω. + +Ἴων +ἆρα δῆτʼ ἐκεῖ μʼ ἔφυσας; + +Ξοῦθος +τῷ χρόνῳ γε συντρέχει. + +Ἴων +κᾆτα πῶς ἀφικόμεσθα δεῦρο — + +Ξοῦθος +ταῦτʼ ἀμηχανῶ. + +Ἴων +διὰ μακρᾶς ἐλθὼν κελεύθου; + +Ξοῦθος +τοῦτο κἄμʼ ἀπαιολεῖ. + +Ἴων +Πυθίαν δʼ ἦλθες πέτραν πρίν; + +Ξοῦθος +ἐς φανάς γε Βακχίου. + +Ἴων +προξένων δʼ ἔν του κατέσχες; + +Ξοῦθος +ὅς με Δελφίσιν κόραις + + +Ἴων +ἐθιάσευσʼ, ἢ πῶς τάδʼ αὐδᾷς; + +Ξοῦθος +Μαινάσιν γε Βακχίου. + +Ἴων +ἔμφρονʼ ἢ κάτοινον ὄντα; + +Ξοῦθος +Βακχίου πρὸς ἡδοναῖς. + +Ἴων +τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖνʼ ἵνʼ ἐσπάρημεν. + +Ξοῦθος +ὁ πότμος ἐξηῦρεν, τέκνον. + +Ἴων +πῶς δʼ ἀφικόμεσθα ναούς; + +Ξοῦθος +ἔκβολον κόρης ἴσως. + +Ἴων +ἐκπεφεύγαμεν τὸ δοῦλον. + +Ξοῦθος +πατέρα νυν δέχου, τέκνον. + +Ἴων +τῷ θεῷ γοῦν οὐκ ἀπιστεῖν εἰκός. + +Ξοῦθος +εὖ φρονεῖς ἄρα. + +Ἴων +καὶ τί βουλόμεσθά γʼ ἄλλο — + +Ξοῦθος +νῦν ὁρᾷς ἃ χρή σʼ ὁρᾶν. + +Ἴων +ἢ Διὸς παιδὸς γενέσθαι παῖς; + +Ξοῦθος +ὃ σοί γε γίγνεται. + +Ἴων +ἦ θίγω δῆθʼ οἵ μʼ ἔφυσαν; + +Ξοῦθος +πιθόμενός γε τῷ θεῷ. + +Ἴων +χαῖρέ μοι, πάτερ — + +Ξοῦθος +φίλον γε φθέγμʼ ἐδεξάμην τόδε. + +Ἴων +ἡμέρα θʼ ἡ νῦν παροῦσα. + +Ξοῦθος +μακάριόν γʼ ἔθηκέ με. + +Ἴων +ὦ φίλη μῆτερ, πότʼ ἆρα καὶ σὸν ὄψομαι δέμας; +νῦν ποθῶ σε μᾶλλον ἢ πρίν, ἥτις εἶ ποτʼ, εἰσιδεῖν. +ἀλλʼ ἴσως τέθνηκας, ἡμεῖς δʼ οὐδὲν ἂν δυναίμεθα.
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+Χορός +κοιναὶ μὲν ἡμῖν δωμάτων εὐπραξίαι· +ὅμως δὲ καὶ δέσποιναν ἐς τέκνʼ εὐτυχεῖν +ἐβουλόμην ἂν τούς τʼ Ἐρεχθέως δόμους. + +Ξοῦθος +ὦ τέκνον, ἐς μὲν σὴν ἀνεύρεσιν θεὸς +ὀρθῶς ἔκρανε, καὶ συνῆψʼ ἐμοί τε σέ, +σύ τʼ αὖ τὰ φίλταθʼ ηὗρες οὐκ εἰδὼς πάρος. +ὃ δʼ ᾖξας ὀρθῶς, τοῦτο κἄμʼ ἔχει πόθος, +ὅπως σύ τʼ, ὦ παῖ, μητέρʼ εὑρήσεις σέθεν, +ἐγώ θʼ ὁποίας μοι γυναικὸς ἐξέφυς. +χρόνῳ δὲ δόντες ταῦτʼ ἴσως εὕροιμεν ἄν. +ἀλλʼ ἐκλιπὼν θεοῦ δάπεδʼ ἀλητείαν τε σὴν +ἐς τὰς Ἀθήνας στεῖχε κοινόφρων πατρί, +οὗ σʼ ὄλβιον μὲν σκῆπτρον ἀναμένει πατρός, +πολὺς δὲ πλοῦτος· οὐδὲ θάτερον νοσῶν +δυοῖν κεκλήσῃ δυσγενὴς πένης θʼ ἅμα, +ἀλλʼ εὐγενής τε καὶ πολυκτήμων βίου. + σιγᾷς; τί πρὸς γῆν ὄμμα σὸν βαλὼν ἔχεις; +ἐς φροντίδας δʼ ἀπῆλθες, ἐκ δὲ χαρμονῆς +πάλιν μεταστὰς δεῖμα προσβάλλεις πατρί. + +Ἴων +οὐ ταὐτὸν εἶδος φαίνεται τῶν πραγμάτων +πρόσωθεν ὄντων ἐγγύθεν θʼ ὁρωμένων. +ἐγὼ δὲ τὴν μὲν συμφορὰν ἀσπάζομαι, +πατέρα σʼ ἀνευρών· ὧν δὲ γιγνώσκω, πάτερ, +ἄκουσον. εἶναί φασι τὰς αὐτόχθονας +κλεινὰς Ἀθήνας οὐκ ἐπείσακτον γένος, +ἵνʼ ἐσπεσοῦμαι δύο νόσω κεκτημένος, +πατρός τʼ ἐπακτοῦ καὐτὸς ὢν νοθαγενής. +καὶ τοῦτʼ ἔχων τοὔνειδος, ἀσθενὴς μὲν ὤν — +μηδὲν καὶ οὐδὲν ὢν κεκλήσομαι· +ἢν δʼ ἐς τὸ πρῶτον πόλεος ὁρμηθεὶς ζυγὸν +ζητῶ τις εἶναι, τῶν μὲν ἀδυνάτων ὕπο +μισησόμεσθα· λυπρὰ γὰρ τὰ κρείσσονα· +ὅσοι δέ, χρηστοὶ δυνάμενοί τʼ εἶναι σοφοί, +σιγῶσι κοὐ σπεύδουσιν ἐς τὰ πράγματα, +γέλωτʼ ἐν αὐτοῖς μωρίαν τε λήψομαι +οὐχ ἡσυχάζων ἐν πόλει φόβου πλέᾳ. +τῶν δʼ αὖ λογίων τε χρωμένων τε τῇ πόλει +ἐς ἀξίωμα βὰς πλέον φρουρήσομαι +ψήφοισιν. οὕτω γὰρ τάδʼ, ὦ πάτερ, φιλεῖ· +οἳ τὰς πόλεις ἔχουσι κἀξιώματα, +τοῖς ἀνθαμίλλοις εἰσὶ πολεμιώτατοι. + +ἐλθὼν δʼ ἐς οἶκον ἀλλότριον ἔπηλυς ὢν +γυναῖκά θʼ ὡς ἄτεκνον, ἣ κοινουμένη +τὰς συμφοράς σοι πρόσθεν, ἀπολαχοῦσα νῦν +αὐτὴ καθʼ αὑτὴν τὴν τύχην οἴσει πικρῶς, +πῶς οὐχ ὑπʼ αὐτῆς εἰκότως μισήσομαι, +ὅταν παραστῶ σοὶ μὲν ἐγγύθεν ποδός, +ἣ δʼ οὖσʼ ἄτεκνος τὰ σὰ φίλʼ εἰσορᾷ πικρῶς, +κᾆτʼ ἢ προδοὺς σύ μʼ ἐς δάμαρτα σὴν βλέπῃς +ἢ τἀμὰ τιμῶν δῶμα συγχέας ἔχῃς; +ὅσας σφαγὰς δὴ φαρμάκων τε θανασίμων +γυναῖκες ηὗρον ἀνδράσιν διαφθοράς. +ἄλλως τε τὴν σὴν ἄλοχον οἰκτίρω, πάτερ, +ἄπαιδα γηράσκουσαν· οὐ γὰρ ἀξία +πατέρων ἀπʼ ἐσθλῶν οὖσʼ ἀπαιδίᾳ νοσεῖν. +τυραννίδος δὲ τῆς μάτην αἰνουμένης +τὸ μὲν πρόσωπον ἡδύ, τἀν δόμοισι δὲ +λυπηρά· τίς γὰρ μακάριος, τίς εὐτυχής, +ὅστις δεδοικὼς καὶ παραβλέπων βίον +αἰῶνα τείνει; δημότης ἂν εὐτυχὴς +ζῆν ἂν θέλοιμι μᾶλλον ἢ τύραννος ὤν, +ᾧ τοὺς πονηροὺς ἡδονὴ φίλους ἔχειν, +ἐσθλοὺς δὲ μισεῖ κατθανεῖν φοβούμενος. +εἴποις ἂν ὡς ὁ χρυσὸς ἐκνικᾷ τάδε, +πλουτεῖν τε τερπνόν; οὐ φιλῶ ψόφους κλύειν +ἐν χερσὶ σῴζων ὄλβον οὐδʼ ἔχειν πόνους· +εἴη γʼ ἐμοὶ μὲν μέτρια μὴ λυπουμένῳ. +ἃ δʼ ἐνθάδʼ εἶχον ἀγάθʼ ἄκουσόν μου, πάτερ· +τὴν φιλτάτην μὲν πρῶτον ἀνθρώπῳ σχολὴν +ὄχλον τε μέτριον, οὐδέ μʼ ἐξέπληξʼ ὁδοῦ +πονηρὸς οὐδείς· κεῖνο δʼ οὐκ ἀνασχετόν, +εἴκειν ὁδοῦ χαλῶντα τοῖς κακίοσιν. +θεῶν δʼ ἐν εὐχαῖς ἢ γόοισιν ἦ βροτῶν, +ὑπηρετῶν χαίρουσιν, οὐ γοωμένοις. +καὶ τοὺς μὲν ἐξέπεμπον, οἳ δʼ ἧκον ξένοι, +ὥσθʼ ἡδὺς αἰεὶ καινὸς ἐν καινοῖσιν ἦ. +ὃ δʼ εὐκτὸν ἀνθρώποισι, κἂν ἄκουσιν ᾖ, +δίκαιον εἶναί μʼ ὁ νόμος ἡ φύσις θʼ ἅμα +παρεῖχε τῷ θεῷ. ταῦτα συννοούμενος +κρείσσω νομίζω τἀνθάδʼ ἢ τἀκεῖ, πάτερ. +ἔα δʼ ἔμʼ αὐτοῦ ζῆν· ἴση γὰρ ἡ χάρις, +μεγάλοισι χαίρειν σμικρά θʼ ἡδέως ἔχειν. + +Χορός +καλῶς ἔλεξας, εἴπερ οὓς ἐγὼ φιλῶ +ἐν τοῖσι σοῖσιν εὐτυχήσουσιν φίλοις. + + + +Ξοῦθος +παῦσαι λόγων τῶνδʼ, εὐτυχεῖν δʼ ἐπίστασο· +θέλω γὰρ οὗπέρ σʼ ηὗρον ἄρξασθαι, τέκνον, +κοινῆς τραπέζης, δαῖτα πρὸς κοινὴν πεσών, +θῦσαί θʼ ἅ σου πρὶν γενέθλιʼ οὐκ ἐθύσαμεν. +καὶ νῦν μὲν ὡς δὴ ξένον ἄγων σʼ ἐφέστιον +δείπνοισι τέρψω, τῆς δʼ Ἀθηναίων χθονὸς +ἄξω θεατὴν δῆθεν, ὡς οὐκ ὄντʼ ἐμόν. +καὶ γὰρ γυναῖκα τὴν ἐμὴν οὐ βούλομαι +λυπεῖν ἄτεκνον οὖσαν αὐτὸς εὐτυχῶν. +χρόνῳ δὲ καιρὸν λαμβάνων προσάξομαι +δάμαρτʼ ἐᾶν σε σκῆπτρα τἄμʼ ἔχειν χθονός. + Ἴωνα δʼ ὀνομάζω σε τῇ τύχῃ πρέπον, +ὁθούνεκʼ ἀδύτων ἐξιόντι μοι θεοῦ +ἴχνος συνῆψας πρῶτος. ἀλλὰ τῶν φίλων +πλήρωμʼ ἀθροίσας βουθύτῳ σὺν ἡδονῇ +πρόσειπε, μέλλων Δελφίδʼ ἐκλιπεῖν πόλιν. + ὑμῖν δὲ σιγᾶν, δμωΐδες, λέγω τάδε, +ἢ θάνατον εἰπούσαισι πρὸς δάμαρτʼ ἐμήν. + +Ἴων +στείχοιμʼ ἄν. ἓν δὲ τῆς τύχης ἄπεστί μοι· +εἰ μὴ γὰρ ἥτις μʼ ἔτεκεν εὑρήσω, πάτερ, +ἀβίωτον ἡμῖν. εἰ δʼ ἐπεύξασθαι χρεών, +ἐκ τῶν Ἀθηνῶν μʼ ἡ τεκοῦσʼ εἴη γυνή, +ὥς μοι γένηται μητρόθεν παρρησία. +καθαρὰν γὰρ ἤν τις ἐς πόλιν πέσῃ ξένος, +κἂν τοῖς λόγοισιν ἀστὸς ᾖ, τό γε στόμα +δοῦλον πέπαται κοὐκ ἔχει παρρησίαν.
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+Χορός +ὁρῶ δάκρυα καὶ πενθίμους +ἀλαλαγὰς στεναγμάτων τʼ ἐσβολάς, +ὅταν ἐμὰ τύραννος εὐπαιδίαν +πόσιν ἔχοντʼ εἰδῇ, +αὐτὴ δʼ ἄπαις ᾖ καὶ λελειμμένη τέκνων. +τίνʼ, ὦ παῖ πρόμαντι Λατοῦς, ἔχρη- +σας ὑμνῳδίαν; +πόθεν ὁ παῖς ὅδʼ ἀμφὶ ναοὺς σέθεν +τρόφιμος ἐξέβα; γυναικῶν τίνος; +οὐ γάρ με σαίνει θέσφατα μή τινʼ ἔχῃ δόλον. +δειμαίνω συμφοράν, +ἐφʼ ὅ ποτε βάσεται. +ἄτοπος ἄτοπα γὰρ δίδωσί μοι, +τὸ δʼ ἔτʼ εὔφημʼ ἔχει, + δόλον τύχαν θʼ, ὁ παῖς +ἄλλων τραφεὶς ἐξ αἱμάτων. +τίς οὐ τάδε ξυνοίσεται;
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+Χορός +— φίλαι, πότερʼ ἐμᾷ δεσποίνᾳ +τάδε τορῶς ἐς οὖς γεγωνήσομεν; +πόσιν, ἐν ᾧ τὰ πάντʼ ἔχουσʼ ἐλπίδων +μέτοχος ἦν, τλάμων, +— νῦν δʼ ἣ μὲν ἔρρει συμφοραῖς, ὃ δʼ εὐτυχεῖ. + — πολιὸν ἐσπεσοῦσα γῆρας, πόσις δʼ +— ἀτίετος φίλων. +— μέλεος, ὃς θυραῖος ἐλθὼν δόμους, + μέγαν ἐς ὄλβον, οὐκ ἴσωσεν τύχης + (— ὄλοιτʼ, ὄλοιτο) πότνιαν ἐξαπαφὼν ἐμάν. +— καὶ θεοῖσιν μὴ τύχοι +καλλίφλογα πέλανον ἐπὶ +πυρὶ καθαγνίσας· τὸ δʼ ἐμὸν εἴσεται, +ὅσον ἀμᾶς ἔφυν +τυραννίδος φίλα. +— ἦ δὴ πέλας δείπνων κυρεῖ +παῖς καὶ πατὴρ νέος νέων.
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+Χορός +ἰὼ δειράδες Παρνασοῦ πέτρας +ἔχουσαι σκόπελον οὐράνιόν θʼ ἕδραν, +ἵνα Βάκχιος ἀμφιπύρους ἀνέχων πεύκας +λαιψηρὰ πηδᾷ νυκτιπόλοις ἅμα σὺν Βάκχαις, +μή ποτʼ εἰς ἐμὰν πόλιν ἵκοιθʼ ὁ παῖς, +νέαν δʼ ἁμέραν ἀπολιπὼν θάνοι. +στενομένα γὰρ ἂν πόλις ἔχοι σκῆψιν +ξενικὸν ἐσβολὰν + +ἁλίσας ὁ πάρος ἀρχαγὸς ὢν +Ἐρεχθεὺς ἄναξ.
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+Κρέουσα +ὦ πρέσβυ παιδαγώγʼ Ἐρεχθέως πατρὸς +τοὐμοῦ ποτʼ ὄντος, ἡνίκʼ ἦν ἔτʼ ἐν φάει, +ἔπαιρε σαυτὸν πρὸς θεοῦ χρηστήρια, +ὥς μοι συνησθῇς, εἴ τι Λοξίας ἄναξ +θέσπισμα παίδων ἐς γονὰς ἐφθέγξατο. +σὺν τοῖς φίλοις γὰρ ἡδὺ μὲν πράσσειν καλῶς· +ἃ μὴ γένοιτο δʼ, εἴ τι τυγχάνοι κακόν, +ἐς ὄμματʼ εὔνου φωτὸς ἐμβλέψαι γλυκύ. +ἐγὼ δέ σʼ, ὥσπερ καὶ σὺ πατέρʼ ἐμόν ποτε, +δέσποινʼ ὅμως οὖσʼ ἀντικηδεύω πατρός. + +Πρεσβύτης +ὦ θύγατερ, ἄξιʼ ἀξίων γεννητόρων +ἤθη φυλάσσεις, κοὐ καταισχύνασʼ ἔχεις +τοὺς σοὺς παλαιούς, ἐκγόνους αὐτόχθονας. +ἕλχʼ ἕλκε πρὸς μέλαθρα καὶ κόμιζέ με. +αἰπεινά τοι μαντεῖα· τοῦ γήρως δέ μοι +συνεκπονοῦσα κῶλον ἰατρὸς γενοῦ. + +Κρέουσα +ἕπου νυν· ἴχνος δʼ ἐκφύλασσʼ ὅπου τίθης. + +Πρεσβύτης +ἰδού. +τὸ τοῦ ποδὸς μὲν βραδύ, τὸ τοῦ δὲ νοῦ ταχύ. + +Κρέουσα +βάκτρῳ δʼ ἐρείδου περιφερῆ στίβον χθονός. + +Πρεσβύτης +καὶ τοῦτο τυφλόν, ὅταν ἐγὼ βλέπω βραχύ. + +Κρέουσα +ὀρθῶς ἔλεξας· ἀλλὰ μὴ παρῇς κόπῳ. + +Πρεσβύτης +οὔκουν ἑκών γε· τοῦ δʼ ἀπόντος οὐ κρατῶ. + +Κρέουσα +γυναῖκες, ἱστῶν τῶν ἐμῶν καὶ κερκίδος +δούλευμα πιστόν, τίνα τύχην λαβὼν πόσις +βέβηκε παίδων, ὧνπερ οὕνεχʼ ἥκομεν; +σημήνατʼ· εἰ γὰρ ἀγαθά μοι μηνύσετε, +οὐκ εἰς ἀπίστους δεσπότας βαλεῖς χάριν. + + +Χορός +ἰὼ δαῖμον. + +Πρεσβύτης +τὸ φροίμιον μὲν τῶν λόγων οὐκ εὐτυχές. + +Χορός +ἰὼ τλᾶμον. + +Πρεσβύτης +ἀλλʼ ἦ τι θεσφάτοισι δεσποτῶν νοσῶ; + +Χορός +εἶἑν· τί δρῶμεν; θάνατος ὧν κεῖται πέρι + +Κρέουσα +τίς ἥδε μοῦσα, χὡ φόβος τίνων πέρι; + +Χορός +εἴπωμεν ἢ σιγῶμεν; ἢ τί δράσομεν; + +Κρέουσα +εἴφʼ· ὡς ἔχεις γε συμφοράν τινʼ εἰς ἐμέ. + +Χορός +εἰρήσεταί τοι, κεἰ θανεῖν μέλλω διπλῇ. +οὐκ ἔστι σοι, δέσποινʼ, ἐπʼ ἀγκάλαις λαβεῖν +τέκνʼ, οὐδὲ μαστῷ σῷ προσαρμόσαι ποτέ. + +
+Κρέουσα +ὤμοι, θάνοιμι. + +Πρεσβύτης +θύγατερ. + +Κρέουσα +ὦ τάλαινʼ +ἐγὼ συμφορᾶς, ἔλαβον ἔπαθον ἄχος +ἀβίοτον, φίλαι. +διοιχόμεσθα. + +Πρεσβύτης +τέκνον. + +Κρέουσα +αἰαῖ αἰαῖ· +διανταῖος ἔτυπεν ὀδύνα με πλευ- +μόνων τῶνδʼ ἔσω. + +Πρεσβύτης + μήπω στενάξῃς + +Κρέουσα +ἀλλὰ πάρεισι γόοι. + +Πρεσβύτης + πρὶν ἂν μάθωμεν + +Κρέουσα +ἀγγελίαν τίνα μοι; +
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+Πρεσβύτης +εἰ ταὐτὰ πράσσων δεσπότης τῆς συμφορᾶς +κοινωνός ἐστιν, ἢ μόνη σὺ δυστυχεῖς. + + + +Χορός +κείνῳ μέν, ὦ γεραιέ, παῖδα Λοξίας +ἔδωκεν, ἰδίᾳ δʼ εὐτυχεῖ ταύτης δίχα. + +Κρέουσα +τόδʼ ἐπὶ τῷδε κακὸν ἄκρον ἔλακες +ἄχος ἐμοὶ στένειν. + +Πρεσβύτης +πότερα δὲ φῦναι δεῖ γυναικὸς ἔκ τινος +τὸν παῖδʼ ὃν εἶπας, ἢ γεγῶτʼ ἐθέσπισεν; + +Χορός +ἤδη πεφυκότʼ ἐκτελῆ νεανίαν +δίδωσιν αὐτῷ Λοξίας· παρῆ δʼ ἐγώ. + + +Κρέουσα +πῶς φῄς; ἄφατον ἄφατον ἀναύδητον +λόγον ἐμοὶ θροεῖς. + +Πρεσβύτης +κἄμοιγε. πῶς δʼ ὁ χρησμὸς ἐκπεραίνεται, +σαφέστερόν μοι φράζε, χὥστις ἔσθʼ ὁ παῖς. + +Χορός +ὅτῳ ξυναντήσειεν ἐκ θεοῦ συθεὶς +πρώτῳ πόσις σός, παῖδʼ ἔδωκʼ αὐτῷ θεός. + + +Κρέουσα +ὀττοτοττοτοῖ· τὸν δʼ ἐμὸν ἄτεκνον ἄτεκνον ἔλακεν +ἄρα βίοτον; ἐρημίᾳ δʼ ὀρφανοὺς +δόμους οἰκήσω. + +Πρεσβύτης +τίς οὖν ἐχρήσθη; τῷ συνῆψʼ ἴχνος ποδὸς +πόσις ταλαίνης; πῶς δὲ ποῦ νιν εἰσιδών; + +Χορός +οἶσθʼ, ὦ φίλη δέσποινα, τὸν νεανίαν +ὃς τόνδʼ ἔσαιρε ναόν; οὗτος ἔσθʼ ὁ παῖς. + + +Κρέουσα +ἀνʼ ὑγρὸν ἀμπταίην αἰθέρα πόρσω γαί- +ας Ἑλλανίας, ἀστέρας ἑσπέρους, +οἷον οἷον ἄλγος ἔπαθον, φίλαι. + +Πρεσβύτης +ὄνομα δὲ ποῖον αὐτὸν ὀνομάζει πατήρ; +οἶσθʼ, ἢ σιωπῇ τοῦτʼ ἀκύρωτον μένει; + +Χορός +Ἴωνʼ, ἐπείπερ πρῶτος ἤντησεν πατρί. + +Πρεσβύτης +μητρὸς δʼ ὁποίας ἐστὶν — + +Χορός +οὐκ ἔχω φράσαι. +φροῦδος δʼ — ἵνʼ εἰδῇς πάντα τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ, γέρον — +παιδὸς προθύσων ξένια καὶ γενέθλια +σκηνὰς ἐς ἱερὰς τῆσδε λαθραίως πόσις, +κοινὴν ξυνάψων δαῖτα παιδὶ τῷ νέῳ. + + + +Πρεσβύτης +δέσποινα, προδεδόμεσθα — σὺν γάρ σοι νοσῶ — +τοῦ σοῦ πρὸς ἀνδρός, καὶ μεμηχανημένως +ὑβριζόμεσθα δωμάτων τʼ Ἐρεχθέως +ἐκβαλλόμεσθα. καὶ σὸν οὐ στυγῶν πόσιν +λέγω, σὲ μέντοι μᾶλλον ἢ κεῖνον φιλῶν· +ὅστις σε γήμας ξένος ἐπεισελθὼν πόλιν +καὶ δῶμα καὶ σὴν παραλαβὼν παγκληρίαν, +ἄλλης γυναικὸς παῖδας ἐκκαρπούμενος +λάθρα πέφηνεν· ὡς λάθρα δʼ, ἐγὼ φράσω. +ἐπεί σʼ ἄτεκνον ᾔσθετʼ, οὐκ ἔστεργέ σοι +ὅμοιος εἶναι τῆς τύχης τʼ ἴσον φέρειν, +λαβὼν δὲ δοῦλα λέκτρα νυμφεύσας λάθρα +τὸν παῖδʼ ἔφυσεν, ἐξενωμένον δέ τῳ +Δελφῶν δίδωσιν ἐκτρέφειν. ὃ δʼ ἐν θεοῦ +δόμοισιν ἄφετος, ὡς λάθοι, παιδεύεται. +νεανίαν δʼ ὡς ᾔσθετʼ ἐκτεθραμμένον, +ἐλθεῖν σʼ ἔπεισε δεῦρʼ ἀπαιδίας χάριν. +κᾆθʼ ὁ θεὸς οὐκ ἐψεύσαθʼ, ὅδε δʼ ἐψεύσατο +πάλαι τρέφων τὸν παῖδα, κἄπλεκεν πλοκὰς +τοιάσδʼ· ἁλοὺς μὲν ἀνέφερʼ ἐς τὸν δαίμονα, +ἐλθὼν δὲ καὶ τὸν χρόνον ἀμύνεσθαι θέλων +τυραννίδʼ αὐτῷ περιβαλεῖν ἔμελλε γῆς. +καινὸν δὲ τοὔνομʼ ἀνὰ χρόνον πεπλασμένον +Ἴων, ἰόντι δῆθεν ὅτι συνήντετο. + +Χορός +οἴμοι, κακούργους ἄνδρας ὡς αἰεὶ στυγῶ, +οἳ συντιθέντες τἄδικʼ εἶτα μηχαναῖς +κοσμοῦσι. φαῦλον χρηστὸν ἂν λαβεῖν φίλον +θέλοιμι μᾶλλον ἢ κακὸν σοφώτερον. + + + +Πρεσβύτης +καὶ τῶνδʼ ἁπάντων ἔσχατον πείσῃ κακόν· +ἀμήτορʼ, ἀναρίθμητον, ἐκ δούλης τινὸς +γυναικός, ἐς σὸν δῶμα δεσπότην ἄγειν. +ἁπλοῦν ἂν ἦν γὰρ τὸ κακόν, εἰ παρʼ εὐγενοῦς +μητρός, πιθών σε, σὴν λέγων ἀπαιδίαν, +ἐσῴκισʼ οἴκους· εἰ δὲ σοὶ τόδʼ ἦν πικρόν, +τῶν Αἰόλου νιν χρῆν ὀρεχθῆναι γάμων. +ἐκ τῶνδε δεῖ σε δὴ γυναικεῖόν τι δρᾶν· +ἢ γὰρ ξίφος λαβοῦσαν ἢ δόλῳ τινὶ +ἢ φαρμάκοισι σὸν κατακτεῖναι πόσιν +καὶ παῖδα, πρὶν σοὶ θάνατον ἐκ κείνων μολεῖν. +εἰ γάρ γʼ ὑφήσεις τοῦδʼ, ἀπαλλάξῃ βίου. +δυοῖν γὰρ ἐχθροῖν εἰς ἓν ἐλθόντοιν στέγος, +ἢ θάτερον δεῖ δυστυχεῖν ἢ θάτερον. +ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν σοι καὶ συνεκπονεῖν θέλω, +καὶ συμφονεύειν παῖδʼ ἐπεισελθὼν δόμους +οὗ δαῖθʼ ὁπλίζει, καὶ τροφεῖα δεσπόταις +ἀποδοὺς θανεῖν τε ζῶν τε φέγγος εἰσορᾶν. +ἓν γάρ τι τοῖς δούλοισιν αἰσχύνην φέρει, +τοὔνομα· τὰ δʼ ἄλλα πάντα τῶν ἐλευθέρων +οὐδὲν κακίων δοῦλος, ὅστις ἐσθλὸς ᾖ. + +Χορός +κἀγώ, φίλη δέσποινα, συμφορὰν θέλω +κοινουμένη τήνδʼ ἢ θανεῖν ἢ ζῆν καλῶς.
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+Κρέουσα +ὦ ψυχά, πῶς σιγάσω; +πῶς δὲ σκοτίας ἀναφήνω +εὐνάς, αἰδοῦς δʼ ἀπολειφθῶ; +τί γὰρ ἐμπόδιον κώλυμʼ ἔτι μοι; +πρὸς τίνʼ ἀγῶνας τιθέμεσθʼ ἀρετῆς; +οὐ πόσις ἡμῶν προδότης γέγονεν, +στέρομαι δʼ οἴκων, στέρομαι παίδων, +φροῦδαι δʼ ἐλπίδες, ἃς διαθέσθαι +χρῄζουσα καλῶς οὐκ ἐδυνήθην, +σιγῶσα γάμους, +σιγῶσα τόκους πολυκλαύτους; +ἀλλʼ οὐ τὸ Διὸς πολύαστρον ἕδος +καὶ τὴν ἐπʼ ἐμοῖς σκοπέλοισι θεὰν +λίμνης τʼ ἐνύδρου Τριτωνιάδος +πότνιαν ἀκτάν, +οὐκέτι κρύψω λέχος, ὡς στέρνων +ἀπονησαμένη ῥᾴων ἔσομαι. +στάζουσι κόραι δακρύοισιν ἐμαί, +ψυχὴ δʼ ἀλγεῖ κακοβουλευθεῖσʼ +ἔκ τʼ ἀνθρώπων ἔκ τʼ ἀθανάτων, +οὓς ἀποδείξω +λέκτρων προδότας ἀχαρίστους. + +ὦ τᾶς ἑπταφθόγγου μέλπων +κιθάρας ἐνοπάν, ἅτʼ ἀγραύλοις +κέρασιν ἐν ἀψύχοις ἀχεῖ +μουσᾶν ὕμνους εὐαχήτους, +σοὶ μομφάν, ὦ Λατοῦς παῖ, +πρὸς τάνδʼ αὐγὰν αὐδάσω. +ἦλθές μοι χρυσῷ χαίταν +μαρμαίρων, εὖτʼ ἐς κόλπους +κρόκεα πέταλα φάρεσιν ἔδρεπον, +ἀνθίζειν χρυσανταυγῆ· +λευκοῖς δʼ ἐμφὺς καρποῖσιν +χειρῶν εἰς ἄντρου κοίτας +κραυγὰν Ὦ μᾶτέρ μʼ αὐδῶσαν +θεὸς ὁμευνέτας +ἆγες ἀναιδείᾳ +Κύπριδι χάριν πράσσων. +τίκτω δʼ ἁ δύστανός σοι +κοῦρον, τὸν φρίκᾳ ματρὸς +εἰς εὐνὰν βάλλω τὰν σάν, +ἵνα με λέχεσι μελέαν μελέοις +ἐζεύξω τὰν δύστανον. +οἴμοι μοι· καὶ νῦν ἔρρει +πτανοῖς ἁρπασθεὶς θοίνα +παῖς μοι καὶ σός, τλάμων· +σὺ δὲ κιθάρᾳ κλάζεις +παιᾶνας μέλπων. + +ὠή, +τὸν Λατοῦς αὐδῶ σʼ, +ὅστʼ ὀμφὰν κληροῖς +πρὸς χρυσέους θάκους +καὶ γαίας μεσσήρεις ἕδρας, +εἰς οὖς αὐδὰν καρύξω· +Ἰὼ κακὸς εὐνάτωρ, +ὃς τῷ μὲν ἐμῷ νυμφεύτᾳ +χάριν οὐ προλαβὼν +παῖδʼ εἰς οἴκους οἰκίζεις· +ὁ δʼ ἐμὸς γενέτας καὶ σός γʼ, ἀμαθής, +οἰωνοῖς ἔρρει συλαθείς, +σπάργανα ματέρος ἐξαλλάξας. +μισεῖ σʼ ἁ Δᾶλος καὶ δάφνας +ἔρνεα φοίνικα παρʼ ἁβροκόμαν, +ἔνθα λοχεύματα σέμνʼ ἐλοχεύσατο +Λατὼ Δίοισί σε καρποῖς. + + + +Χορός +οἴμοι, μέγας θησαυρὸς ὡς ἀνοίγνυται +κακῶν, ἐφʼ οἷσι πᾶς ἂν ἐκβάλοι δάκρυ. + +Πρεσβύτης +ὦ θύγατερ, οὔτοι σὸν βλέπων ἐμπίμπλαμαι +πρόσωπον, ἔξω δʼ ἐγενόμην γνώμης ἐμῆς. +κακῶν γὰρ ἄρτι κῦμʼ ὑπεξαντλῶν φρενί, +πρύμνηθεν αἴρει μʼ ἄλλο σῶν λόγων ὕπο, +οὓς ἐκβαλοῦσα τῶν παρεστώτων κακῶν +μετῆλθες ἄλλων πημάτων κακὰς ὁδούς. +τί φῄς; τίνα λόγον Λοξίου κατηγορεῖς; +ποῖον τεκεῖν φῂς παῖδα; ποῦ θεῖναι πόλεως +θηρσὶν φίλον τύμβευμʼ; ἄνελθέ μοι πάλιν. + +Κρέουσα +αἰσχύνομαι μέν σʼ, ὦ γέρον, λέξω δʼ ὅμως. + +Πρεσβύτης +ὡς συστενάζειν γʼ οἶδα γενναίως φίλοις. + +Κρέουσα +ἄκουε τοίνυν· οἶσθα Κεκροπίας πέτρας +πρόσβορρον ἄντρον, ἃς Μακρὰς κικλήσκομεν; + +Πρεσβύτης +οἶδʼ, ἔνθα Πανὸς ἄδυτα καὶ βωμοὶ πέλας. + +Κρέουσα +ἐνταῦθʼ ἀγῶνα δεινὸν ἠγωνίσμεθα. + +Πρεσβύτης +τίνʼ; ὡς ἀπαντᾷ δάκρυά μοι τοῖς σοῖς λόγοις. + +Κρέουσα +Φοίβῳ ξυνῆψʼ ἄκουσα δύστηνον γάμον. + +Πρεσβύτης +ὦ θύγατερ, ἆρʼ ἦν ταῦθʼ ἅ γʼ ᾐσθόμην ἐγώ; + +Κρέουσα +οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἀληθῆ δʼ εἰ λέγεις φαίημεν ἄν. + +Πρεσβύτης +νόσον κρυφαίαν ἡνίκʼ ἔστενες λάθρα; + +Κρέουσα +τότʼ ἦν ἃ νῦν σοι φανερὰ σημαίνω κακά. + +Πρεσβύτης +κᾆτʼ ἐξέκλεψας πῶς Ἀπόλλωνος γάμους; + +Κρέουσα +ἔτεκον — ἀνάσχου ταῦτʼ ἐμοῦ κλύων, γέρον. + +Πρεσβύτης +ποῦ; τίς λοχεύει σʼ; ἢ μόνη μοχθεῖς τάδε; + +Κρέουσα +μόνη κατʼ ἄντρον οὗπερ ἐζεύχθην γάμοις. + +Πρεσβύτης +ὁ παῖς δὲ ποῦ ʼστιν; ἵνα σὺ μηκέτʼ ᾖς ἄπαις. + +Κρέουσα +τέθνηκεν, ὦ γεραιέ, θηρσὶν ἐκτεθείς. + +Πρεσβύτης +τέθνηκʼ; Ἀπόλλων δʼ ὁ κακὸς οὐδὲν ἤρκεσεν; + +Κρέουσα +οὐκ ἤρκεσʼ· Ἅιδου δʼ ἐν δόμοις παιδεύεται. + +Πρεσβύτης +τίς γάρ νιν ἐξέθηκεν; οὐ γὰρ δὴ σύ γε. + +Κρέουσα +ἡμεῖς, ἐν ὄρφνῃ σπαργανώσαντες πέπλοις. + +Πρεσβύτης +οὐδὲ ξυνῄδει σοί τις ἔκθεσιν τέκνου; + +Κρέουσα +αἱ ξυμφοραί γε καὶ τὸ λανθάνειν μόνον. + +Πρεσβύτης +καὶ πῶς ἐν ἄντρῳ παῖδα σὸν λιπεῖν ἔτλης; + +Κρέουσα +πῶς δʼ οἰκτρὰ πολλὰ στόματος ἐκβαλοῦσʼ ἔπη — + +Πρεσβύτης +φεῦ· +τλήμων σὺ τόλμης, ὁ δὲ θεὸς μᾶλλον σέθεν. + +Κρέουσα +εἰ παῖδά γʼ εἶδες χεῖρας ἐκτείνοντά μοι. + +Πρεσβύτης +μαστὸν διώκοντʼ ἦ πρὸς ἀγκάλαις πεσεῖν; + +Κρέουσα +ἐνταῦθʼ, ἵνʼ οὐκ ὢν ἄδικʼ ἔπασχεν ἐξ ἐμοῦ. + +Πρεσβύτης +σοὶ δʼ ἐς τί δόξʼ ἐσῆλθεν ἐκβαλεῖν τέκνον; + +Κρέουσα +ὡς τὸν θεὸν σῴζοντα τόν γʼ αὑτοῦ γόνον. + + + +Πρεσβύτης +οἴμοι, δόμων σῶν ὄλβος ὡς χειμάζεται. + +Κρέουσα +τί κρᾶτα κρύψας, ὦ γέρον, δακρυρροεῖς; + +Πρεσβύτης +σὲ καὶ πατέρα σὸν δυστυχοῦντας εἰσορῶ. + +Κρέουσα +τὰ θνητὰ τοιαῦτʼ· οὐδὲν ἐν ταὐτῷ μένει. + +Πρεσβύτης +μή νυν ἔτʼ οἴκτων, θύγατερ, ἀντεχώμεθα. + +Κρέουσα +τί γάρ με χρὴ δρᾶν; ἀπορία τὸ δυστυχεῖν. + +Πρεσβύτης +τὸν πρῶτον ἀδικήσαντά σʼ ἀποτίνου θεόν. + +Κρέουσα +καὶ πῶς τὰ κρείσσω θνητὸς οὖσʼ ὑπερδράμω; + +Πρεσβύτης +πίμπρη τὰ σεμνὰ Λοξίου χρηστήρια. + +Κρέουσα +δέδοικα· καὶ νῦν πημάτων ἄδην ἔχω. + +Πρεσβύτης +τὰ δυνατά νυν τόλμησον, ἄνδρα σὸν κτανεῖν. + +Κρέουσα +αἰδούμεθʼ εὐνὰς τὰς τόθʼ ἡνίκʼ ἐσθλὸς ἦν. + +Πρεσβύτης +νῦν δʼ ἀλλὰ παῖδα τὸν ἐπὶ σοὶ πεφηνότα. + +Κρέουσα +πῶς; εἰ γὰρ εἴη δυνατόν· ὡς θέλοιμί γʼ ἄν. + +Πρεσβύτης +ξιφηφόρους σοὺς ὁπλίσασʼ ὀπάονας. + +Κρέουσα +στείχοιμʼ ἄν· ἀλλὰ ποῦ γενήσεται τόδε; + +Πρεσβύτης +ἱεραῖσιν ἐν σκηναῖσιν, οὗ θοινᾷ φίλους. + +Κρέουσα +ἐπίσημον ὁ φόνος, καὶ τὸ δοῦλον ἀσθενές. + +Πρεσβύτης +ὤμοι, κακίζῃ· φέρε, σὺ νῦν βούλευέ τι. + +Κρέουσα +καὶ μὴν ἔχω γε δόλια καὶ δραστήρια. + +Πρεσβύτης +ἀμφοῖν ἂν εἴην τοῖνδʼ ὑπηρέτης ἐγώ. + +Κρέουσα +ἄκουε τοίνυν· οἶσθα γηγενῆ μάχην; + +Πρεσβύτης +οἶδʼ, ἣν Φλέγρᾳ Γίγαντες ἔστησαν θεοῖς. + +Κρέουσα +ἐνταῦθα Γοργόνʼ ἔτεκε Γῆ, δεινὸν τέρας. + +Πρεσβύτης +ἦ παισὶν αὑτῆς σύμμαχον, θεῶν πόνον; + +Κρέουσα +ναί· καί νιν ἔκτεινʼ ἡ Διὸς Παλλὰς θεά. + +Πρεσβύτης +ποῖόν τι μορφῆς σχῆμʼ ἔχουσαν ἀγρίας; + +Κρέουσα +θώρακʼ ἐχίδνης περιβόλοις ὡπλισμένον. + +Πρεσβύτης +ἆρʼ οὗτός ἐσθʼ ὁ μῦθος ὃν κλύω πάλαι; + +Κρέουσα +ταύτης Ἀθάναν δέρος ἐπὶ στέρνοις ἔχειν. + +Πρεσβύτης +ἣν αἰγίδʼ ὀνομάζουσι, Παλλάδος στολήν; + +Κρέουσα +τόδʼ ἔσχεν ὄνομα θεῶν ὅτʼ ᾖξεν ἐς δόρυ. + + + +Πρεσβύτης +τί δῆτα, θύγατερ, τοῦτο σοῖς ἐχθροῖς βλάβος; + +Κρέουσα +Ἐριχθόνιον οἶσθʼ, ἢ — ; τί δʼ οὐ μέλλεις, γέρον; + +Πρεσβύτης +ὃν πρῶτον ὑμῶν πρόγονον ἐξανῆκε γῆ; + +Κρέουσα +τούτῳ δίδωσι Παλλὰς ὄντι νεογόνῳ + +Πρεσβύτης +τί χρῆμα; μέλλον γάρ τι προσφέρεις ἔπος. + +Κρέουσα +δισσοὺς σταλαγμοὺς αἵματος Γοργοῦς ἄπο. + +Πρεσβύτης +ἰσχὺν ἔχοντας τίνα πρὸς ἀνθρώπου φύσιν; + +Κρέουσα +τὸν μὲν θανάσιμον, τὸν δʼ ἀκεσφόρον νόσων. + +Πρεσβύτης +ἐν τῷ καθάψασʼ ἀμφὶ παιδὶ σώματος; + +Κρέουσα +χρυσοῖσι δεσμοῖς· ὁ δὲ δίδωσʼ ἐμῷ πατρί. + +Πρεσβύτης +κείνου δὲ κατθανόντος ἐς σὲ ἀφίκετο; + +Κρέουσα +ναί· κἀπὶ καρπῷ γʼ αὔτʼ ἐγὼ χερὸς φέρω. + +Πρεσβύτης +πῶς οὖν κέκρανται δίπτυχον δῶρον θεᾶς; + +Κρέουσα + κοίλης μὲν ὅστις φλεβὸς ἀπέσταξεν φόνῳ + +Πρεσβύτης +τί τῷδε χρῆσθαι; δύνασιν ἐκφέρει τίνα; + +Κρέουσα +νόσους ἀπείργει καὶ τροφὰς ἔχει βίου. + +Πρεσβύτης +ὁ δεύτερος δʼ ἀριθμὸς ὧν λέγεις τί δρᾷ; + +Κρέουσα +κτείνει, δρακόντων ἰὸς ὢν τῶν Γοργόνος. + +Πρεσβύτης +ἐς ἓν δὲ κραθέντʼ αὐτὸν ἢ χωρὶς φορεῖς; + +Κρέουσα +χωρίς· κακῷ γὰρ ἐσθλὸν οὐ συμμείγνυται. + +Πρεσβύτης +ὦ φιλτάτη παῖ, πάντʼ ἔχεις ὅσων σε δεῖ. + +Κρέουσα +τούτῳ θανεῖται παῖς· σὺ δʼ ὁ κτείνων ἔσῃ. + +Πρεσβύτης +ποῦ καὶ τί δράσας; σὸν λέγειν, τολμᾶν δʼ ἐμόν. + +Κρέουσα +ἐν ταῖς Ἀθήναις, δῶμʼ ὅταν τοὐμὸν μόλῃ. + +Πρεσβύτης +οὐκ εὖ τόδʼ εἶπας· καὶ σὺ γὰρ τοὐμὸν ψέγεις. + +Κρέουσα +πῶς; ἆρʼ ὑπείδου τοῦθʼ ὃ κἄμʼ ἐσέρχεται; + +Πρεσβύτης +σὺ παῖδα δόξεις διολέσαι, κεἰ μὴ κτενεῖς. + +Κρέουσα +ὀρθῶς· φθονεῖν γάρ φασι μητρυιὰς τέκνοις. + +Πρεσβύτης +αὐτοῦ νυν αὐτὸν κτεῖνʼ, ἵνʼ ἀρνήσῃ φόνους. + +Κρέουσα +προλάζυμαι γοῦν τῷ χρόνῳ τῆς ἡδονῆς. + +Πρεσβύτης +καὶ σόν γε λήσεις πόσιν ἅ σε σπεύδει λαθεῖν. + +Κρέουσα +οἶσθʼ οὖν ὃ δρᾶσον; χειρὸς ἐξ ἐμῆς λαβὼν +χρύσωμʼ Ἀθάνας τόδε, παλαιὸν ὄργανον, +ἐλθὼν ἵνʼ ἡμῖν βουθυτεῖ λάθρα πόσις, +δείπνων ὅταν λήγωσι καὶ σπονδὰς θεοῖς +μέλλωσι λείβειν, ἐν πέπλοις ἔχων τόδε +κάθες βαλὼν ἐς πῶμα τῷ νεανίᾳ +ἰδίᾳ δέ, μή τι πᾶσι, χωρίσας ποτὸν +τῷ τῶν ἐμῶν μέλλοντι δεσπόζειν δόμων. +κἄνπερ διέλθῃ λαιμόν, οὔποθʼ ἵξεται +κλεινὰς Ἀθήνας, κατθανὼν δʼ αὐτοῦ μενεῖ. + +Πρεσβύτης +σὺ μέν νυν εἴσω προξένων μέθες πόδα· +ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐφʼ ᾧ τετάγμεθʼ ἐκπονήσομεν. + ἄγʼ, ὦ γεραιὲ πούς, νεανίας γενοῦ +ἔργοισι, κεἰ μὴ τῷ χρόνῳ πάρεστί σοι. +ἐχθρὸν δʼ ἐπʼ ἄνδρα στεῖχε δεσποτῶν μέτα, +καὶ συμφόνευε καὶ συνεξαίρει δόμων. + τὴν δʼ εὐσέβειαν εὐτυχοῦσι μὲν καλὸν +τιμᾶν· ὅταν δὲ πολεμίους δρᾶσαι κακῶς +θέλῃ τις, οὐδεὶς ἐμποδὼν κεῖται νόμος.
+ + + +
+
+Χορός +Εἰνοδία θύγατερ Δάματρος, ἃ τῶν +νυκτιπόλων ἐφόδων ἀνάσσεις +καὶ μεθαμερίων, ὅδωσον +δυσθανάτων κρατήρων πλη- +ρώματʼ ἐφʼ οἷσι πέμπει +πότνια πότνιʼ ἐμὰ χθονίας +Γοργοῦς λαιμοτόμων ἀπὸ +σταλαγμῶν +τῷ τῶν Ἐρεχθεϊδᾶν +δόμων ἐφαπτομένῳ· +μηδέ ποτʼ ἄλλος ἄλλων ἀπʼ οἴ- +κων πόλεως ἀνάσσοι +πλὴν τῶν εὐγενετᾶν Ἐρεχθειδᾶν.
+ + + +
+Χορός +εἰ δʼ ἀτελὴς θάνατος σπουδαί τε δεσποί- +νας, ὅ τε καιρὸς ἄπεισι τόλμας, +ᾇ νῦν ἐλπὶς ἐφαίνετʼ, ἢ θη- +κτὸν ξίφος ἢ δαίμων ἐξά- +ψει βρόχον ἀμφὶ δειρήν, +πάθεσι πάθεα δʼ ἐξανύτουσʼ +εἰς ἄλλας βιότου κάτει- +σι μορφάς. +οὐ γὰρ δόμων γʼ ἑτέρους +ἄρχοντας ἀλλοδαποὺς +ζῶσά ποτʼ ὄμμασι ἐν φαεν- +ναῖς ἀνέχοιτʼ ἂν αὐγαῖς +ἁ τῶν εὐπατριδᾶν γεγῶσʼ οἴκων.
+ + + +
+Χορός +αἰσχύνομαι τὸν πολύυ- +μνον θεόν, εἰ παρὰ καλλιχόροισι παγαῖς +λαμπάδα θεωρὸν εἰκάδων +ὄψεται ἐννύχιος ἄυπνος ὤν, ὅτε +καὶ Διὸς ἀστερωπὸς +ἀνεχόρευσεν αἰθήρ, +χορεύει δὲ σελάνα +καὶ πεντήκοντα κόραι +Νηρέος, αἱ κατὰ πόντον +ἀενάων τε ποταμῶν +δίνας, χορευόμεναι +τὰν χρυσοστέφανον κόραν +καὶ ματέρα σεμνάν· +ἵνʼ ἐλπίζει βασιλεύ- +σειν ἄλλων πόνον ἐσπεσὼν +ὁ Φοίβειος ἀλάτας.
+ + + +
+Χορός +ὁρᾶθʼ ὅσοι δυσκελάδοι- +σιν κατὰ μοῦσαν ἰόντες ἀείδεθʼ ὕμνοις +ἁμέτερα λέχεα καὶ γάμους +Κύπριδος ἀθέμιτας ἀνοσίους, ὅσον +εὐσεβίᾳ κρατοῦμεν +ἄδικον ἄροτον ἀνδρῶν. +παλίμφαμος ἀοιδὰ +καὶ μοῦσʼ εἰς ἄνδρας ἴτω +δυσκέλαδος ἀμφὶ λέκτρων. +δείκνυσι γὰρ ὁ Διὸς ἐκ +παίδων ἀμνημοσύναν, +οὐ κοινὰν τεκέων τύχαν +οἴκοισι φυτεύσας +δεσποίνᾳ· πρὸς δʼ Ἀφροδί- +ταν ἄλλαν θέμενος χάριν +νόθου παιδὸς ἔκυρσεν.
+ + + +
+Θεράπων +κλειναὶ γυναῖκες, ποῦ κόρην Ἐρεχθέως, +δέσποιναν εὕρω; πανταχῇ γὰρ ἄστεως +ζητῶν νιν ἐξέπλησα κοὐκ ἔχω λαβεῖν. + +Χορός +τί δʼ ἔστιν, ὦ ξύνδουλε; τίς προθυμία +ποδῶν ἔχει σε, καὶ λόγους τίνας φέρεις; + +Θεράπων +θηρώμεθʼ· ἀρχαὶ δʼ ἁπιχώριοι χθονὸς +ζητοῦσιν αὐτήν, ὡς θάνῃ πετρουμένη. + +Χορός +οἴμοι, τί λέξεις; οὔτι που λελήμμεθα +κρυφαῖον ἐς παῖδʼ ἐκπορίζουσαι φόνον; + +Θεράπων +ἔγνως; — μεθέξεις οὐκ ἐν ὑστάτοις κακοῦ. + +Χορός +ὤφθη δὲ πῶς τὰ κρυπτὰ μηχανήματα; + +Θεράπων +τὸ μὴ δίκαιον τῆς δίκης ἡσσώμενον +ἐξηῦρεν ὁ θεός, οὐ μιανθῆναι θέλων. + +Χορός +πῶς; ἀντιάζω σʼ ἱκέτις ἐξειπεῖν τάδε. +πεπυσμέναι γάρ, εἰ θανεῖν ὅμως χρεών, +ἥδιον ἂν θάνοιμεν, εἴθʼ ὁρᾶν φάος. + +Θεράπων +ἐπεὶ θεοῦ μαντεῖον ᾤχετʼ ἐκλιπὼν +πόσις Κρεούσης, παῖδα τὸν καινὸν λαβὼν +πρὸς δεῖπνα θυσίας θʼ ἃς θεοῖς ὡπλίζετο, +Ξοῦθος μὲν ᾤχετʼ ἔνθα πῦρ πηδᾷ θεοῦ +βακχεῖον, ὡς σφαγαῖσι Διονύσου πέτρας +δεύσειε δισσὰς παιδὸς ἀντʼ ὀπτηρίων, +λέξας· Σὺ μὲν νῦν, τέκνον, ἀμφήρεις μένων +σκηνὰς ἀνίστη τεκτόνων μοχθήμασι. +θύσας δὲ Γενέταις Θεοῖσιν ἢν μακρὸν χρόνον +μένω, παροῦσι δαῖτες ἔστωσαν φίλοις. + +λαβὼν δὲ μόσχους ᾤχεθʼ· ὁ δὲ νεανίας +σεμνῶς ἀτοίχους περιβολὰς σκηνωμάτων +ὀρθοστάταις ἱδρύεθʼ, ἡλίου βολὰς +καλῶς φυλάξας, οὔτε πρὸς μέσας φλογὸς +ἀκτῖνας, οὔτʼ αὖ πρὸς τελευτώσας βίον, +πλέθρου σταθμήσας μῆκος εἰς εὐγωνίαν, +μέτρημʼ ἔχουσαν τοὐν μέσῳ γε μυρίων +ποδῶν ἀριθμόν, ὡς λέγουσιν οἱ σοφοί, +ὡς πάντα Δελφῶν λαὸν ἐς θοίνην καλῶν. +λαβὼν δʼ ὑφάσμαθʼ ἱερὰ θησαυρῶν πάρα +κατεσκίαζε, θαύματʼ ἀνθρώποις ὁρᾶν. +πρῶτον μὲν ὀρόφῳ πτέρυγα περιβάλλει πέπλων, +ἀνάθημα Δίου παιδός, οὓς Ἡρακλέης +Ἀμαζόνων σκυλεύματʼ ἤνεγκεν θεῷ. +ἐνῆν δʼ ὑφανταὶ γράμμασιν τοιαίδʼ ὑφαί, +Οὐρανὸς ἀθροίζων ἄστρʼ ἐν αἰθέρος κύκλῳ. +ἵππους μὲν ἤλαυνʼ ἐς τελευταίαν φλόγα +Ἥλιος, ἐφέλκων λαμπρὸν Ἑσπέρου φάος· +μελάμπεπλος δὲ Νὺξ ἀσείρωτον ζυγοῖς +ὄχημʼ ἔπαλλεν, ἄστρα δʼ ὡμάρτει θεᾷ· +Πλειὰς μὲν ᾔει μεσοπόρου διʼ αἰθέρος +ὅ τε ξιφήρης Ὠρίων, ὕπερθε δὲ +Ἄρκτος στρέφουσʼ οὐραῖα χρυσήρη πόλῳ· +κύκλος δὲ πανσέληνος ἠκόντιζʼ ἄνω +μηνὸς διχήρης, Ὑάδες τε, ναυτίλοις +σαφέστατον σημεῖον, ἥ τε φωσφόρος +Ἕως διώκουσʼ ἄστρα. τοίχοισιν δʼ ἔπι +ἤμπισχεν ἄλλα βαρβάρων ὑφάσματα· +εὐηρέτμους ναῦς ἀντίας Ἑλληνίσιν, +καὶ μιξόθηρας φῶτας, ἱππείας τʼ ἄγρας +ἐλάφων, λεόντων τʼ ἀγρίων θηράματα. +κατʼ εἰσόδους δὲ Κέκροπα θυγατέρων πέλας +σπείραισιν εἱλίσσοντʼ, Ἀθηναίων τινὸς +ἀνάθημα· χρυσέους τʼ ἐν μέσῳ συσσιτίῳ +κρατῆρας ἔστησʼ. ἐν δʼ ἄκροισι βὰς ποσὶ +κῆρυξ ἀνεῖπε τὸν θέλοντʼ ἐγχωρίων +ἐς δαῖτα χωρεῖν. ὡς δʼ ἐπληρώθη στέγη, +στεφάνοισι κοσμηθέντες εὐόχθου βορᾶς +ψυχὴν ἐπλήρουν. ὡς δʼ ἀνεῖσαν ἡδονήν, + παρελθὼν πρέσβυς ἐς μέσον πέδον +ἔστη, γέλων δʼ ἔθηκε συνδείπνοις πολύν, +πρόθυμα πράσσων· ἔκ τε γὰρ κρωσσῶν ὕδωρ +χεροῖν ἔπεμπε νίπτρα, κἀξεθυμία +σμύρνης ἱδρῶτα, χρυσέων τʼ ἐκπωμάτων +ἦρχʼ, αὐτὸς αὑτῷ τόνδε προστάξας πόνον. + +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐς αὐλοὺς ἧκον ἐς κρατῆρά τε +κοινόν, γέρων ἔλεξʼ· Ἀφαρπάζειν χρεὼν +οἰνηρὰ τεύχη σμικρά, μεγάλα δʼ ἐσφέρειν, +ὡς θᾶσσον ἔλθωσʼ οἵδʼ ἐς ἡδονὰς φρενῶν. +ἦν δὴ φερόντων μόχθος ἀργυρηλάτους +χρυσέας τε φιάλας· ὃ δὲ λαβὼν ἐξαίρετον, +ὡς τῷ νέῳ δὴ δεσπότῃ χάριν φέρων, +ἔδωκε πλῆρες τεῦχος, εἰς οἶνον βαλὼν +ὅ φασι δοῦναι φάρμακον δραστήριον +δέσποιναν, ὡς παῖς ὁ νέος ἐκλίποι φάος· +κοὐδεὶς τάδʼ ᾔδειν. ἐν χεροῖν ἔχοντι δὲ +σπονδὰς μετʼ ἄλλων παιδὶ τῷ πεφηνότι +βλασφημίαν τις οἰκετῶν ἐφθέγξατο· +ὁ δʼ, ὡς ἐν ἱερῷ μάντεσίν τʼ ἐσθλοῖς τραφείς, +οἰωνὸν ἔθετο, κἀκέλευσʼ ἄλλον νέον +κρατῆρα πληροῦν· τὰς δὲ πρὶν σπονδὰς θεοῦ +δίδωσι γαίᾳ, πᾶσί τʼ ἐκσπένδειν λέγει. +σιγὴ δʼ ὑπῆλθεν. ἐκ δʼ ἐπίμπλαμεν δρόσου +κρατῆρας ἱεροὺς Βυβλίνου τε πώματος. +κἀν τῷδε μόχθῳ πτηνὸς ἐσπίπτει δόμοις +κῶμος πελειῶν — Λοξίου γὰρ ἐν δόμοις +ἄτρεστα ναίουσʼ — ὡς δʼ ἀπέσπεισαν μέθυ, +ἐς αὐτὸ χείλη πώματος κεχρημέναι +καθῆκαν, εἷλκον δʼ εὐπτέρους ἐς αὐχένας. + +καὶ ταῖς μὲν ἄλλαις ἄνοσος ἦν λοιβὴ θεοῦ· +ἣ δʼ ἕζετʼ ἔνθʼ ὁ καινὸς ἔσπεισεν γόνος, +ποτοῦ τʼ ἐγεύσατʼ, εὐθὺς εὔπτερον δέμας +ἔσεισε κἀβάκχευσεν, ἐκ δʼ ἔκλαγξʼ ὄπα +ἀξύνετον αἰάζουσʼ· ἐθάμβησεν δὲ πᾶς +θοινατόρων ὅμιλος ὄρνιθος πόνους. +θνῄσκει δʼ ἀπασπαίρουσα, φοινικοσκελεῖς +χηλὰς παρεῖσα. γυμνὰ δʼ ἐκ πέπλων μέλη +ὑπὲρ τραπέζης ἧχʼ ὁ μαντευτὸς γόνος, +βοᾷ δέ· Τίς μʼ ἔμελλεν ἀνθρώπων κτενεῖν; +σήμαινε, πρέσβυ· σὴ γὰρ ἡ προθυμία, +καὶ πῶμα χειρὸς σῆς ἐδεξάμην πάρα. +εὐθὺς δʼ ἐρευνᾷ γραῖαν ὠλένην λαβών, +ἐπʼ αὐτοφώρῳ πρέσβυν ὡς ἔχονθʼ ἕλοι. +ὤφθη δὲ καὶ κατεῖπʼ ἀναγκασθεὶς μόγις +τόλμας Κρεούσης πώματός τε μηχανάς. +θεῖ δʼ εὐθὺς ἔξω συλλαβὼν θοινάτορας +ὁ πυθόχρηστος Λοξίου νεανίας, +κἀν κοιράνοισι Πυθικοῖς σταθεὶς λέγει· +Ὦ Γαῖα σεμνή, τῆς Ἐρεχθέως ὕπο, +ξένης γυναικός, φαρμάκοισι θνῄσκομεν. +Δελφῶν δʼ ἄνακτες ὥρισαν πετρορριφῆ +θανεῖν ἐμὴν δέσποιναν οὐ ψήφῳ μιᾷ, +τὸν ἱερὸν ὡς κτείνουσαν ἔν τʼ ἀνακτόροις +φόνον τιθεῖσαν. πᾶσα δὲ ζητεῖ πόλις +τὴν ἀθλίως σπεύσασαν ἀθλίαν ὁδόν· +παίδων γὰρ ἐλθοῦσʼ εἰς ἔρον Φοίβου πάρα, +τὸ σῶμα κοινῇ τοῖς τέκνοις ἀπώλεσεν. + + + +
+Χορός +οὐκ ἔστʼ οὐκ ἔστιν θανάτου +παρατροπὰ μελέᾳ μοι· +φανερὰ γὰρ φανερὰ τάδʼ ἤδη, +σπονδᾶς ἐκ Διονύσου, +βοτρύων θοᾶς ἐχίδνας +σταγόσι μειγνυμένας φόνῳ +φανερὰ θύματα νερτέρων, +συμφοραὶ μὲν ἐμῷ βίῳ, +λεύσιμοι δὲ καταφθοραὶ δεσποίνᾳ. +τίνα φυγὰν πτερόεσσαν ἢ +χθονὸς ὑπὸ σκοτίων μυχῶν πορευθῶ, +θανάτου λεύσιμον ἄταν +ἀποφεύγουσα, τεθρίππων +ὠκιστᾶν χαλᾶν ἐπιβᾶσʼ, +ἢ πρύμνας ἐπὶ ναῶν;
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+Χορός +οὐκ ἔστι λαθεῖν, ὅτε μὴ χρῄζων +θεὸς ἐκκλέπτει. +τί ποτʼ, ὦ μελέα δέσποινα, μένει +ψυχῇ σε παθεῖν; ἆρα θέλουσαι +δρᾶσαί τι κακὸν τοὺς πέλας αὐταὶ +πεισόμεθʼ, ὥσπερ τὸ δίκαιον;
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+Κρέουσα +πρόσπολοι, διωκόμεσθα θανασίμους ἐπὶ σφαγάς, +Πυθίᾳ ψήφῳ κρατηθεῖσʼ, ἔκδοτος δὲ γίγνομαι. + +Χορός +ἴσμεν, ὦ τάλαινα, τὰς σὰς συμφοράς, ἵνʼ εἶ τύχης. + +Κρέουσα +ποῖ φύγω δῆτʼ; ἐκ γὰρ οἴκων προύλαβον μόγις πόδα +μὴ θανεῖν, κλοπῇ δʼ ἀφῖγμαι διαφυγοῦσα πολεμίους. + +Χορός +ποῖ δʼ ἂν ἄλλοσʼ ἢ ʼπὶ βωμόν; + +Κρέουσα +καὶ τί μοι πλέον τόδε; + +Χορός +ἱκέτιν οὐ θέμις φονεύειν. + +Κρέουσα +τῷ νόμῳ δέ γʼ ὄλλυμαι. + +Χορός +χειρία γʼ ἁλοῦσα. + +Κρέουσα +καὶ μὴν οἵδʼ ἀγωνισταὶ πικροὶ +δεῦρʼ ἐπείγονται ξιφήρεις. + +Χορός +ἵζε νυν πυρᾶς ἔπι. +κἂν θάνῃς γὰρ ἐνθάδʼ οὖσα, τοῖς ἀποκτείνασί σε +προστρόπαιον αἷμα θήσεις· οἰστέον δὲ τὴν τύχην.
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+Ἴων +ὦ ταυρόμορφον ὄμμα Κηφισοῦ πατρός, +οἵαν ἔχιδναν τήνδʼ ἔφυσας ἢ πυρὸς +δράκοντʼ ἀναβλέποντα φοινίαν φλόγα, +ᾗ τόλμα πᾶσʼ ἔνεστιν, οὐδʼ ἥσσων ἔφυ +Γοργοῦς σταλαγμῶν, οἷς ἔμελλέ με κτενεῖν. +λάζυσθʼ, ἵνʼ αὐτῆς τοὺς ἀκηράτους πλόκους +κόμης καταξήνωσι Παρνασοῦ πλάκες, +ὅθεν πετραῖον ἅλμα δισκηθήσεται. + ἐσθλοῦ δʼ ἔκυρσα δαίμονος, πρὶν ἐς πόλιν +μολεῖν Ἀθηνῶν χὑπὸ μητρυιὰν πεσεῖν. +ἐν συμμάχοις γὰρ ἀνεμετρησάμην φρένας +τὰς σάς, ὅσον μοι πῆμα δυσμενής τʼ ἔφυς· +ἔσω γὰρ ἄν με περιβαλοῦσα δωμάτων +ἄρδην ἂν ἐξέπεμψας εἰς Ἅιδου δόμους. + ἀλλʼ οὔτε βωμὸς οὔτʼ Ἀπόλλωνος δόμος +σώσει σʼ· ὁ δʼ οἶκτος ὁ σὸς ἐμοὶ κρείσσων πάρα +καὶ μητρὶ τἠμῇ· καὶ γὰρ εἰ τὸ σῶμά μοι +ἄπεστιν αὐτῆς, τοὔνομʼ οὐκ ἄπεστί πω. + ἴδεσθε τὴν πανοῦργον, ἐκ τέχνης τέχνην +οἵαν ἔπλεξε· βωμὸν ἔπτηξεν θεοῦ, +ὡς οὐ δίκην δώσουσα τῶν εἰργασμένων. + + + +Κρέουσα +ἀπεννέπω σε μὴ κατακτείνειν ἐμὲ +ὑπέρ τʼ ἐμαυτῆς τοῦ θεοῦ θʼ ἵνʼ ἕσταμεν. + +Ἴων +τί δʼ ἐστὶ Φοίβῳ σοί τε κοινὸν ἐν μέσῳ; + +Κρέουσα +ἱερὸν τὸ σῶμα τῷ θεῷ δίδωμʼ ἔχειν. + +Ἴων +κἄπειτʼ ἔκαινες φαρμάκοις τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ; + +Κρέουσα +ἀλλʼ οὐκέτʼ ἦσθα Λοξίου, πατρὸς δὲ σοῦ. + +Ἴων +ἀλλʼ ἐγενόμεσθα πατρός· οὐσίαν λέγω. + +Κρέουσα +οὐκοῦν τότʼ ἦσθα· νῦν δʼ ἐγώ, σὺ δʼ οὐκέτι. + +Ἴων +οὐκ εὐσεβεῖς γε· τἀμὰ δʼ εὐσεβῆ τότʼ ἦν. + +Κρέουσα +ἔκτεινά σʼ ὄντα πολέμιον δόμοις ἐμοῖς. + +Ἴων +οὔτοι σὺν ὅπλοις ἦλθον ἐς τὴν σὴν χθόνα. + +Κρέουσα +μάλιστα· κἀπίμπρης γʼ Ἐρεχθέως δόμους. + +Ἴων +ποίοισι πανοῖς ἢ πυρὸς ποίᾳ φλογί; + +Κρέουσα +ἔμελλες οἰκεῖν τἄμʼ, ἐμοῦ βίᾳ λαβών. + +Ἴων +πατρός γε γῆν διδόντος ἣν ἐκτήσατο. + +Κρέουσα +τοῖς Αἰόλου δὲ πῶς μετῆν τῶν Παλλάδος; + +Ἴων +ὅπλοισιν αὐτήν, οὐ λόγοις ἐρρύσατο. + +Κρέουσα +ἐπίκουρος οἰκήτωρ γʼ ἂν οὐκ εἴη χθονός. + +Ἴων +κἄπειτα τοῦ μέλλειν μʼ ἀπέκτεινες φόβῳ; + +Κρέουσα +ὡς μὴ θάνοιμί γʼ, εἰ σὺ μὴ μέλλων τύχοις. + +Ἴων +φθονεῖς ἄπαις οὖσʼ, εἰ πατὴρ ἐξηῦρέ με. + +Κρέουσα +σὺ τῶν ἀτέκνων δῆτʼ ἀναρπάσεις δόμους; + +Ἴων +ἡμῖν δέ γʼ ἀλλὰ πατρικῆς οὐκ ἦν μέρος; + +Κρέουσα +ὅσʼ ἀσπὶς ἔγχος θʼ· ἥδε σοι παμπησία. + +Ἴων +ἔκλειπε βωμὸν καὶ θεηλάτους ἕδρας. + +Κρέουσα +τὴν σὴν ὅπου σοι μητέρʼ ἐστὶ νουθέτει. + +Ἴων +σὺ δʼ οὐχ ὑφέξεις ζημίαν, κτείνουσʼ ἐμέ; + +Κρέουσα +ἤν γʼ ἐντὸς ἀδύτων τῶνδέ με σφάξαι θέλῃς. + +Ἴων +τίς ἡδονή σοι θεοῦ θανεῖν ἐν στέμμασι; + +Κρέουσα +λυπήσομέν τινʼ, ὧν λελυπήμεσθʼ ὕπο. + +Ἴων +φεῦ. +δεινόν γε, θνητοῖς τοὺς νόμους ὡς οὐ καλῶς +ἔθηκεν ὁ θεὸς οὐδʼ ἀπὸ γνώμης σοφῆς· +τοὺς μὲν γὰρ ἀδίκους βωμὸν οὐχ ἵζειν ἐχρῆν, +ἀλλʼ ἐξελαύνειν· οὐδὲ γὰρ ψαύειν καλὸν +θεῶν πονηρὰν χεῖρα· τοῖσι δʼ ἐνδίκοις — +ἱερὰ καθίζειν, ὅστις ἠδικεῖτʼ, ἐχρῆν· +καὶ μὴ ʼπὶ ταὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἰόντʼ ἔχειν ἴσον +τόν τʼ ἐσθλὸν ὄντα τόν τε μὴ θεῶν πάρα. + + + +Προφῆτις +ἐπίσχες, ὦ παῖ· τρίποδα γὰρ χρηστήριον +λιποῦσα θριγκοῦ τοῦδʼ ὑπερβάλλω πόδα +Φοίβου προφῆτις, τρίποδος ἀρχαῖον νόμον +σῴζουσα, πασῶν Δελφίδων ἐξαίρετος. + +Ἴων +χαῖρʼ, ὦ φίλη μοι μῆτερ, οὐ τεκοῦσά περ. + +Προφῆτις +ἀλλʼ οὖν λεγώμεθʼ· ἡ φάτις δʼ οὔ μοι πικρά. + +Ἴων +ἤκουσας ὥς μʼ ἔκτεινεν ἥδε μηχαναῖς; + +Προφῆτις +ἤκουσα· καὶ σὺ δʼ ὠμὸς ὢν ἁμαρτάνεις. + +Ἴων +οὐ χρή με τοὺς κτείνοντας ἀνταπολλύναι; + +Προφῆτις +προγονοῖς δάμαρτες δυσμενεῖς ἀεί ποτε. + +Ἴων +ἡμεῖς δὲ μητρυιαῖς γε πάσχοντες κακῶς. + +Προφῆτις +μὴ ταῦτα· λείπων ἱερὰ καὶ στείχων πάτραν + +Ἴων +τί δή με δρᾶσαι νουθετούμενον χρεών; + +Προφῆτις +καθαρὸς Ἀθήνας ἔλθʼ ὑπʼ οἰωνῶν καλῶν. + +Ἴων +καθαρὸς ἅπας τοι πολεμίους ὃς ἂν κτάνῃ. + +Προφῆτις +μὴ σύ γε· παρʼ ἡμῶν δʼ ἔκλαβʼ οὓς ἔχω λόγους. + +Ἴων +λέγοις ἄν· εὔνους δʼ οὖσʼ ἐρεῖς ὅσʼ ἂν λέγῃς. + +Προφῆτις +ὁρᾷς τόδʼ ἄγγος χερὸς ὑπʼ ἀγκάλαις ἐμαῖς; + +Ἴων +ὁρῶ παλαιὰν ἀντίπηγʼ ἐν στέμμασιν. + +Προφῆτις +ἐν τῇδέ σʼ ἔλαβον νεόγονον βρέφος ποτέ. + +Ἴων +τί φῄς; ὁ μῦθος εἰσενήνεκται νέος. + +Προφῆτις +σιγῇ γὰρ εἶχον αὐτά· νῦν δὲ δείκνυμεν. + +Ἴων +πῶς οὖν ἔκρυπτες τόδε λαβοῦσʼ ἡμᾶς πάλαι; + +Προφῆτις +ὁ θεός σʼ ἐβούλετʼ ἐν δόμοις ἔχειν λάτριν. + +Ἴων +νῦν δʼ οὐχὶ χρῄζει; τῷ τόδε γνῶναί με χρή; + +Προφῆτις +πατέρα κατειπὼν τῆσδέ σʼ ἐκπέμπει χθονός. + +Ἴων +σὺ δʼ ἐκ κελευσμῶν ἢ πόθεν σῴζεις τάδε; + +Προφῆτις +ἐνθύμιόν μοι τότε τίθησι Λοξίας + +Ἴων +τί χρῆμα δρᾶσαι; λέγε, πέραινε σοὺς λόγους. + +Προφῆτις +σῶσαι τόδʼ εὕρημʼ ἐς τὸν ὄντα νῦν χρόνον. + +Ἴων + ἔχει δέ μοι τί κέρδος ἢ τίνα βλάβην; + +Προφῆτις +ἐνθάδε κέκρυπται σπάργανʼ οἷς ἐνῆσθα σύ. + +Ἴων +μητρὸς τάδʼ ἡμῖν ἐκφέρεις ζητήματα; + +Προφῆτις +ἐπεί γʼ ὁ δαίμων βούλεται· πάροιθε δʼ οὔ. + +Ἴων +ὦ μακαρίων μοι φασμάτων ἥδʼ ἡμέρα. + +Προφῆτις +λαβών νυν αὐτὰ τὴν τεκοῦσαν ἐκπόνει. + +Ἴων +πᾶσάν γʼ ἐπελθὼν Ἀσιάδʼ Εὐρώπης θʼ ὅρους. + +Προφῆτις +γνώσῃ τάδʼ αὐτός. τοῦ θεοῦ δʼ ἕκατί σε +ἔθρεψά τʼ, ὦ παῖ, καὶ τάδʼ ἀποδίδωμί σοι, +ἃ κεῖνος ἀκέλευστόν μʼ ἐβουλήθη λαβεῖν +σῶσαί θʼ· ὅτου δʼ ἐβούλεθʼ οὕνεκʼ, οὐκ ἔχω λέγειν. +ᾔδει δὲ θνητῶν οὔτις ἀνθρώπων τάδε +ἔχοντας ἡμᾶς, οὐδʼ ἵνʼ ἦν κεκρυμμένα. +καὶ χαῖρʼ· ἴσον γάρ σʼ ὡς τεκοῦσʼ ἀσπάζομαι. +ἄρξαι δʼ ὅθεν σὴν μητέρα ζητεῖν σε χρή· +πρῶτον μὲν εἴ τις Δελφίδων τεκοῦσά σε +ἐς τούσδε ναοὺς ἐξέθηκε παρθένος, +ἔπειτα δʼ εἴ τις Ἑλλάς. — ἐξ ἡμῶν δʼ ἔχεις +ἅπαντα Φοίβου θʼ, ὃς μετέσχε τῆς τύχης. + + + +Ἴων +φεῦ φεῦ· κατʼ ὄσσων ὡς ὑγρὸν βάλλω δάκρυ, +ἐκεῖσε τὸν νοῦν δούς, ὅθʼ ἡ τεκοῦσά με +κρυφαῖα νυμφευθεῖσʼ ἀπημπόλα λάθρα +καὶ μαστὸν οὐκ ὑπέσχεν· ἀλλʼ ἀνώνυμος +ἐν θεοῦ μελάθροις εἶχον οἰκέτην βίον. +τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ μὲν χρηστά, τοῦ δὲ δαίμονος +βαρέα· χρόνον γὰρ ὅν με χρῆν ἐν ἀγκάλαις +μητρὸς τρυφῆσαι καί τι τερφθῆναι βίου, +ἀπεστερήθην φιλτάτης μητρὸς τροφῆς. +τλήμων δὲ χἡ τεκοῦσά μʼ· ὡς ταὐτὸν πάθος +πέπονθε, παιδὸς ἀπολέσασα χαρμονάς. + καὶ νῦν λαβὼν τήνδʼ ἀντίπηγʼ οἴσω θεῷ +ἀνάθημʼ, ἵνʼ εὕρω μηδὲν ὧν οὐ βούλομαι. +εἰ γάρ με δούλη τυγχάνει τεκοῦσά τις, +εὑρεῖν κάκιον μητέρʼ ἢ σιγῶντʼ ἐᾶν. +ὦ Φοῖβε, ναοῖς ἀνατίθημι τήνδε σοῖς + καίτοι τί πάσχω; τοῦ θεοῦ προθυμίᾳ +πολεμῶ, τὰ μητρὸς σύμβολʼ ὃς σέσωκέ μοι. +ἀνοικτέον τάδʼ ἐστὶ καὶ τολμητέον· +τὰ γὰρ πεπρωμένʼ οὐχ ὑπερβαίην ποτʼ ἄν. +ὦ στέμμαθʼ ἱερά, τί ποτέ μοι κεκεύθατε, +καὶ σύνδεθʼ, οἷσι τἄμʼ ἐφρουρήθη φίλα; +ἰδοὺ περίπτυγμʼ ἀντίπηγος εὐκύκλου +ὡς οὐ γεγήρακʼ ἔκ τινος θεηλάτου, +εὐρώς τʼ ἄπεστι πλεγμάτων· ὁ δʼ ἐν μέσῳ +χρόνος πολὺς δὴ τοῖσδε θησαυρίσμασιν. + + + +Κρέουσα +τί δῆτα φάσμα τῶν ἀνελπίστων ὁρῶ; + +Ἴων + σίγα σύ· πολλὰ καὶ πάροιθεν οἶσθά μοι + +Κρέουσα +οὐκ ἐν σιωπῇ τἀμά· μή με νουθέτει. + ὁρῶ γὰρ ἄγγος οὗ ʼξέθηκʼ ἐγώ ποτε +σέ γʼ, ὦ τέκνον μοι, βρέφος ἔτʼ ὄντα νήπιον, +Κέκροπος ἐς ἄντρα καὶ Μακρὰς πετρηρεφεῖς. +λείψω δὲ βωμὸν τόνδε, κεἰ θανεῖν με χρή. + +Ἴων +λάζυσθε τήνδε· θεομανὴς γὰρ ἥλατο +βωμοῦ λιποῦσα ξόανα· δεῖτε δʼ ὠλένας. + +Κρέουσα +σφάζοντες οὐ λήγοιτʼ ἄν· ὡς ἀνθέξομαι +καὶ τῆσδε καὶ σοῦ τῶν τε σῶν κεκρυμμένων. + +Ἴων +τάδʼ οὐχὶ δεινά; ῥυσιάζομαι λόγῳ. + +Κρέουσα +οὔκ, ἀλλὰ σοῖς φίλοισιν εὑρίσκῃ φίλος. + +Ἴων +ἐγὼ φίλος σός; κᾆτά μʼ ἔκτεινες λάθρα; + +Κρέουσα +παῖς γʼ, εἰ τόδʼ ἐστὶ τοῖς τεκοῦσι φίλτατον. + +Ἴων +παῦσαι πλέκουσα. — λήψομαί σʼ ἐγὼ καλῶς. + +Κρέουσα +ἐς τοῦθʼ ἱκοίμην, τοῦδε τοξεύω, τέκνον. + +Ἴων +κενὸν τόδʼ ἄγγος ἢ στέγει πλήρωμά τι; + +Κρέουσα +σά γʼ ἔνδυθʼ, οἷσί σʼ ἐξέθηκʼ ἐγώ ποτε. + +Ἴων +καὶ τοὔνομʼ αὐτῶν ἐξερεῖς πρὶν εἰσιδεῖν; + +Κρέουσα +κἂν μὴ φράσω γε, κατθανεῖν ὑφίσταμαι. + +Ἴων +λέγʼ· ὡς ἔχει τι δεινὸν ἥ γε τόλμα σου. + +Κρέουσα +σκέψασθʼ· ὃ παῖς ποτʼ οὖσʼ ὕφασμʼ ὕφηνʼ ἐγὼ + +Ἴων +ποῖόν τι; πολλὰ παρθένων ὑφάσματα. + +Κρέουσα +οὐ τέλεον, οἷον δʼ ἐκδίδαγμα κερκίδος. + +Ἴων +μορφὴν ἔχον τίνʼ; ὥς με μὴ ταύτῃ λάβῃς. + +Κρέουσα +Γοργὼ μὲν ἐν μέσοισιν ἠτρίοις πέπλων. + +Ἴων +ὦ Ζεῦ, τίς ἡμᾶς ἐκκυνηγετεῖ πότμος; + +Κρέουσα +κεκρασπέδωται δʼ ὄφεσιν αἰγίδος τρόπον. + +Ἴων +ἰδού· +τόδʼ ἔσθʼ ὕφασμα, θέσφαθʼ ὡς εὑρίσκομεν. + +Κρέουσα +ὦ χρόνιον ἱστῶν παρθένευμα τῶν ἐμῶν. + +Ἴων +ἔστιν τι πρὸς τῷδʼ, ἢ μόνῳ τῷδʼ εὐτυχεῖς; + +Κρέουσα +δράκοντες· ἀρχαῖόν τι παγχρύσῳ γένει +δώρημʼ Ἀθάνας, ἣ τέκνʼ ἐντρέφειν λέγει +Ἐριχθονίου γε τοῦ πάλαι μιμήματα. + +Ἴων +τί δρᾶν, τί χρῆσθαι, φράζε μοι, χρυσώματι; + +Κρέουσα +δέραια παιδὶ νεογόνῳ φέρειν, τέκνον. + +Ἴων +ἔνεισιν οἵδε· τὸ δὲ τρίτον ποθῶ μαθεῖν. + +Κρέουσα +στέφανον ἐλαίας ἀμφέθηκά σοι τότε, +ἣν πρῶτʼ Ἀθάνα σκόπελον εἰσηνέγκατο, +ὅς, εἴπερ ἔστιν, οὔποτʼ ἐκλείπει χλόην, +θάλλει δʼ, ἐλαίας ἐξ ἀκηράτου γεγώς. + + + +Ἴων +ὦ φιλτάτη μοι μῆτερ, ἄσμενός σʼ ἰδὼν +πρὸς ἀσμένας πέπτωκα σὰς παρηίδας. + +Κρέουσα +ὦ τέκνον, ὦ φῶς μητρὶ κρεῖσσον ἡλίου — +συγγνώσεται γὰρ ὁ θεός — ἐν χεροῖν σʼ ἔχω, + +ἄελπτον εὕρημʼ, ὃν κατὰ γᾶς ἐνέρων +χθόνιον μετὰ Περσεφόνας τʼ ἐδόκουν ναίειν. + +Ἴων +ἀλλʼ, ὦ φίλη μοι μῆτερ, ἐν χεροῖν σέθεν +ὁ κατθανών τε κοὐ θανὼν φαντάζομαι. +
+ +
+Κρέουσα +ἰὼ ἰώ, λαμπρᾶς αἰθέρος ἀμπτυχαί, +τίνʼ αὐδὰν ἀύσω, +βοάσω; πόθεν μοι +συνέκυρσʼ ἀδόκητος ἡδονά; πόθεν +ἐλάβομεν χαράν; + +Ἴων +ἐμοὶ γενέσθαι πάντα μᾶλλον ἄν ποτε, +μῆτερ, παρέστη τῶνδʼ, ὅπως σός εἰμʼ ἐγώ. + +Κρέουσα +ἔτι φόβῳ τρέμω. + +Ἴων +μῶν οὐκ ἔχειν μʼ ἔχουσα; + +Κρέουσα +τὰς γὰρ ἐλπίδας +ἀπέβαλον πρόσω. +ἰὼ γύναι, πόθεν πόθεν ἔλαβες ἐμὸν +βρέφος ἐς ἀγκάλας; +τίνʼ ἀνὰ χεῖρα δόμον ἔβα Λοξίου; + +Ἴων +θεῖον τόδʼ· ἀλλὰ τἀπίλοιπα τῆς τύχης +εὐδαιμονοῖμεν, ὡς τὰ πρόσθε δυστυχῆ. + +Κρέουσα +τέκνον, οὐκ ἀδάκρυτος ἐκλοχεύῃ, +γόοις δὲ ματρὸς ἐκ χερῶν ὁρίζῃ· +νῦν δὲ γενειάσιν παρὰ σέθεν πνέω +μακαριωτάτας τυχοῦσʼ ἡδονᾶς. + +Ἴων +τοὐμὸν λέγουσα καὶ τὸ σὸν κοινῶς λέγεις. + +Κρέουσα +ἄπαιδες οὐκέτʼ ἐσμὲν οὐδʼ ἄτεκνοι· +δῶμʼ ἑστιοῦται, γᾶ δʼ ἔχει τυράννους· +ἀνηβᾷ δʼ Ἐρεχθεύς, +ὅ τε γηγενέτας δόμος οὐκέτι νύκτα δέρκεται, +ἀελίου δʼ ἀναβλέπει λαμπάσιν. + + + +Ἴων +μῆτερ, παρών μοι καὶ πατὴρ μετασχέτω +τῆς ἡδονῆς τῆσδʼ ἧς ἔδωχʼ ὑμῖν ἐγώ. + +Κρέουσα +ὦ τέκνον, +τί φῄς; οἷον οἷον ἀνελέγχομαι. + +Ἴων +πῶς εἶπας; + +Κρέουσα +ἄλλοθεν γέγονας, ἄλλοθεν. + +Ἴων +ὤμοι· νόθον με παρθένευμʼ ἔτικτε σόν; + +Κρέουσα +οὐχ ὑπὸ λαμπάδων οὐδὲ χορευμάτων +ὑμέναιος ἐμός, +τέκνον, ἔτικτε σὸν κάρα. + +Ἴων +αἰαῖ· πέφυκα δυσγενής. μῆτερ, πόθεν; + +Κρέουσα +ἴστω Γοργοφόνα + +Ἴων +τί τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας; + +Κρέουσα +ἃ σκοπέλοις ἐπʼ ἐμοῖς +τὸν ἐλαιοφυῆ πάγον + θάσσει + +Ἴων +λέγεις μοι δόλια κοὐ σαφῆ τάδε. + +Κρέουσα +παρʼ ἀηδόνιον πέτραν + Φοίβῳ + +Ἴων +τί Φοῖβον αὐδᾷς; + +Κρέουσα +κρυπτόμενον λέχος ηὐνάσθην + +Ἴων +λέγʼ· ὡς ἐρεῖς τι κεδνὸν εὐτυχές τέ μοι. + +Κρέουσα +δεκάτῳ δέ σε μηνὸς ἐν +κύκλῳ κρύφιον ὠδῖνʼ ἔτεκον Φοίβῳ. + +Ἴων +ὦ φίλτατʼ εἰποῦσʼ, εἰ λέγεις ἐτήτυμα. + +Κρέουσα +παρθένια δʼ ἐμᾶς λάθρα ματέρος +σπάργανʼ ἀμφίβολά σοι τάδʼ ἐνῆψα, κερ- +κίδος ἐμᾶς πλάνους. +γάλακτι δʼ οὐκ ἐπέσχον, οὐδὲ μαστῷ +τροφεῖα ματρὸς οὐδὲ λουτρὰ χειροῖν, +ἀνὰ δʼ ἄντρον ἔρημον οἰωνῶν +γαμφηλαῖς φόνευμα θοίναμά τʼ εἰς +Ἅιδαν ἐκβάλλῃ. + +Ἴων +ὦ δεινὰ τλᾶσα μῆτερ. + +Κρέουσα +ἐν φόβῳ, τέκνον, +καταδεθεῖσα σὰν +ἀπέβαλον ψυχάν· +ἔκτεινά σʼ ἄκουσʼ. + +Ἴων +ἐξ ἐμοῦ τʼ οὐχ ὅσιʼ ἔθνῃσκες. + +Κρέουσα +ἰώ· δειναὶ μὲν τότε τύχαι, +δεινὰ δὲ καὶ τάδʼ· ἑλισσόμεσθʼ ἐκεῖθεν +ἐνθάδε δυστυχίαισιν εὐτυχίαις τε πάλιν, +μεθίσταται δὲ πνεύματα. +μενέτω· τὰ πάροιθεν ἅλις κακά· νῦν δὲ +γένοιτό τις οὖρος ἐκ κακῶν, ὦ παῖ.
+ + + +
+Χορός +μηδεὶς δοκείτω μηδὲν ἀνθρώπων ποτὲ +ἄελπτον εἶναι πρὸς τὰ τυγχάνοντα νῦν. + +Ἴων +ὦ μεταβαλοῦσα μυρίους ἤδη βροτῶν +καὶ δυστυχῆσαι καὖθις αὖ πρᾶξαι καλῶς, +Τύχη, παρʼ οἵαν ἤλθομεν στάθμην βίου +μητέρα φονεῦσαι καὶ παθεῖν ἀνάξια. +φεῦ· +ἆρʼ ἐν φαενναῖς ἡλίου περιπτυχαῖς +ἔνεστι πάντα τάδε καθʼ ἡμέραν μαθεῖν; +φίλον μὲν οὖν σʼ εὕρημα, μῆτερ, ηὕρομεν, +καὶ τὸ γένος οὐδὲν μεμπτόν, ὡς ἡμῖν, τόδε· +τὰ δʼ ἄλλα πρὸς σὲ βούλομαι μόνην φράσαι. +δεῦρʼ ἔλθʼ· ἐς οὖς γὰρ τοὺς λόγους εἰπεῖν θέλω +καὶ περικαλύψαι τοῖσι πράγμασι σκότον. +ὅρα σύ, μῆτερ· μὴ σφαλεῖσʼ ἃ παρθένοις +ἐγγίγνεται νοσήματʼ ἐς κρυπτοὺς γάμους, +ἔπειτα τῷ θεῷ προστίθης τὴν αἰτίαν, +καὶ τοὐμὸν αἰσχρὸν ἀποφυγεῖν πειρωμένη, +Φοίβῳ τεκεῖν με φῄς, τεκοῦσʼ οὐκ ἐκ θεοῦ; + +Κρέουσα +μὰ τὴν παρασπίζουσαν ἅρμασίν ποτε +Νίκην Ἀθηνᾶν Ζηνὶ γηγενεῖς ἔπι, +οὐκ ἔστιν ὅστις σοι πατὴρ θνητῶν, τέκνον, +ἀλλʼ ὅσπερ ἐξέθρεψε, Λοξίας ἄναξ. + +Ἴων +πῶς οὖν τὸν αὑτοῦ παῖδʼ ἔδωκʼ ἄλλῳ πατρὶ +Ξούθου τέ φησι παῖδά μʼ ἐκπεφυκέναι; + +Κρέουσα +πεφυκέναι μὲν οὐχί, δωρεῖται δέ σε +αὑτοῦ γεγῶτα· καὶ γὰρ ἂν φίλος φίλῳ +δοίη τὸν αὑτοῦ παῖδα δεσπότην δόμων. + +Ἴων +ὁ θεὸς ἀληθὴς ἢ μάτην μαντεύεται, +ἐμοῦ ταράσσει, μῆτερ, εἰκότως φρένα. + +Κρέουσα +ἄκουε δή νυν ἅμʼ ἐσῆλθεν, ὦ τέκνον· +εὐεργετῶν σε Λοξίας ἐς εὐγενῆ +δόμον καθίζει· τοῦ θεοῦ δὲ λεγόμενος, +οὐκ ἔσχες ἄν ποτʼ οὔτε παγκλήρους δόμους +οὔτʼ ὄνομα πατρός. πῶς γάρ, οὗ γʼ ἐγὼ γάμους +ἔκρυπτον αὐτὴ καί σʼ ἀπέκτεινον λάθρα; +ὃ δʼ ὠφελῶν σε προστίθησʼ ἄλλῳ πατρί. + +Ἴων +οὐχ ὧδε φαύλως αὔτʼ ἐγὼ μετέρχομαι, +ἀλλʼ ἱστορήσω Φοῖβον εἰσελθὼν δόμους, +εἴτʼ εἰμὶ θνητοῦ πατρὸς εἴτε Λοξίου. + ἔα· τίς οἴκων θυοδόκων ὑπερτελὴς +ἀντήλιον πρόσωπον ἐκφαίνει θεῶν; +φεύγωμεν, ὦ τεκοῦσα, μὴ τὰ δαιμόνων +ὁρῶμεν — εἰ μὴ καιρός ἐσθʼ ἡμᾶς ὁρᾶν. + + + +Ἀθήνα +μὴ φεύγετʼ· οὐ γὰρ πολεμίαν με φεύγετε, +ἀλλʼ ἔν τʼ Ἀθήναις κἀνθάδʼ οὖσαν εὐμενῆ. +ἐπώνυμος δὲ σῆς ἀφικόμην χθονὸς +Παλλάς, δρόμῳ σπεύσασʼ Ἀπόλλωνος πάρα, +ὃς ἐς μὲν ὄψιν σφῷν μολεῖν οὐκ ἠξίου, +μὴ τῶν πάροιθε μέμψις ἐς μέσον μόλῃ, +ἡμᾶς δὲ πέμπει τοὺς λόγους ὑμῖν φράσαι· +ὡς ἥδε τίκτει σʼ ἐξ Ἀπόλλωνος πατρός, +δίδωσι δʼ οἷς ἔδωκεν, οὐ φύσασί σε, +ἀλλʼ ὡς νομίζῃ ʼς οἶκον εὐγενέστατον. +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀνεῴχθη πρᾶγμα μηνυθὲν τόδε, +θανεῖν σε δείσας μητρὸς ἐκ βουλευμάτων +καὶ τήνδε πρὸς σοῦ, μηχαναῖς ἐρρύσατο. +ἔμελλε δʼ αὐτὰ διασιωπήσας ἄναξ +ἐν ταῖς Ἀθήναις γνωριεῖν ταύτην τε σήν, +σέ θʼ ὡς πέφυκας τῆσδε καὶ Φοίβου πατρός. +ἀλλʼ ὡς περαίνω πρᾶγμα, καὶ χρησμοὺς θεοῦ, +ἐφʼ οἷσιν ἔζευξʼ ἅρματʼ, εἰσακούσατον. + +λαβοῦσα τόνδε παῖδα Κεκροπίαν χθόνα +χώρει, Κρέουσα, κἀς θρόνους τυραννικοὺς +ἵδρυσον. ἐκ γὰρ τῶν Ἐρεχθέως γεγὼς +δίκαιος ἄρχειν τῆς γʼ ἐμῆς ὅδε χθονός, +ἔσται τʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδʼ εὐκλεής. οἱ τοῦδε γὰρ +παῖδες γενόμενοι τέσσαρες ῥίζης μιᾶς +ἐπώνυμοι γῆς κἀπιφυλίου χθονὸς +λαῶν ἔσονται, σκόπελον οἳ ναίουσʼ ἐμόν. +Γελέων μὲν ἔσται πρῶτος· εἶτα δεύτερος + +Ὅπλητες Ἀργαδῆς τʼ, ἐμῆς τʼ ἀπʼ αἰγίδος +ἔμφυλον ἕξουσʼ Αἰγικορῆς. οἱ τῶνδε δʼ αὖ +παῖδες γενόμενοι σὺν χρόνῳ πεπρωμένῳ +Κυκλάδας ἐποικήσουσι νησαίας πόλεις +χέρσους τε παράλους, ὃ σθένος τἠμῇ χθονὶ +δίδωσιν· ἀντίπορθμα δʼ ἠπείροιν δυοῖν +πεδία κατοικήσουσιν, Ἀσιάδος τε γῆς +Εὐρωπίας τε· τοῦδε δʼ ὀνόματος χάριν +Ἴωνες ὀνομασθέντες ἕξουσιν κλέος. +Ξούθῳ δὲ καὶ σοὶ γίγνεται κοινὸν γένος, +Δῶρος μέν, ἔνθεν Δωρὶς ὑμνηθήσεται +πόλις κατʼ αἶαν Πελοπίαν· ὁ δεύτερος +Ἀχαιός, ὃς γῆς παραλίας Ῥίου πέλας +τύραννος ἔσται, κἀπισημανθήσεται +κείνου κεκλῆσθαι λαὸς ὄνομʼ ἐπώνυμος. +καλῶς δʼ Ἀπόλλων πάντʼ ἔπραξε· πρῶτα μὲν +ἄνοσον λοχεύει σʼ, ὥστε μὴ γνῶναι φίλους· +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἔτικτες τόνδε παῖδα κἀπέθου +ἐν σπαργάνοισιν, ἁρπάσαντʼ ἐς ἀγκάλας +Ἑρμῆν κελεύει δεῦρο πορθμεῦσαι βρέφος, +ἔθρεψέ τʼ οὐδʼ εἴασεν ἐκπνεῦσαι βίον. +νῦν οὖν σιώπα, παῖς ὅδʼ ὡς πέφυκε σός, +ἵνʼ ἡ δόκησις Ξοῦθον ἡδέως ἔχῃ, +σύ τʼ αὖ τὰ σαυτῆς ἀγάθʼ ἔχουσʼ ἴῃς, γύναι. +καὶ χαίρετʼ· ἐκ γὰρ τῆσδʼ ἀναψυχῆς πόνων +εὐδαίμονʼ ὑμῖν πότμον ἐξαγγέλλομαι.
+ + + +
+Ἴων +ὦ Διὸς Παλλὰς μεγίστου θύγατερ, οὐκ ἀπιστίᾳ +σοὺς λόγους ἐδεξάμεσθα· πείθομαι δʼ εἶναι πατρὸς +Λοξίου καὶ τῆσδε. — καὶ πρὶν τοῦτο δʼ οὐκ ἄπιστον ἦν. + +Κρέουσα +τἀμὰ νῦν ἄκουσον· αἰνῶ Φοῖβον οὐκ αἰνοῦσα πρίν, +οὕνεχʼ οὗ ποτʼ ἠμέλησε παιδὸς ἀποδίδωσί μοι. +αἵδε δʼ εὐωποὶ πύλαι μοι καὶ θεοῦ χρηστήρια, +δυσμενῆ πάροιθεν ὄντα. νῦν δὲ καὶ ῥόπτρων χέρας +ἡδέως ἐκκρημνάμεσθα καὶ προσεννέπω πύλας. + +Ἀθήνα +ᾔνεσʼ οὕνεκʼ εὐλογεῖς θεὸν μεταβαλοῦσʼ· ἀεὶ γὰρ οὖν +χρόνια μὲν τὰ τῶν θεῶν πως, ἐς τέλος δʼ οὐκ ἀσθενῆ. + +Κρέουσα +ὦ τέκνον, στείχωμεν οἴκους. + +Ἀθήνα +στείχεθʼ, ἕψομαι δʼ ἐγώ. + +Κρέουσα +ἀξία γʼ ἡμῶν ὁδουρός. + +Ἀθήνα +καὶ φιλοῦσά γε πτόλιν. + +Κρέουσα +ἐς θρόνους δʼ ἵζου παλαιούς. + +Ἴων +ἄξιον τὸ κτῆμά μοι. + +Χορός +ὦ Διὸς Λητοῦς τʼ Ἄπολλον, χαῖρʼ· ὅτῳ δʼ ἐλαύνεται +συμφοραῖς οἶκος, σέβοντα δαίμονας θαρσεῖν χρεών· +ἐς τέλος γὰρ οἱ μὲν ἐσθλοὶ τυγχάνουσιν ἀξίων, +οἱ κακοὶ δʼ, ὥσπερ πεφύκασʼ, οὔποτʼ εὖ πράξειαν ἄν. +
+
+
+ +
+
\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg011/__cts__.xml index 37eb84647..3a5a966f6 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg011/__cts__.xml @@ -4,12 +4,12 @@ The Trojan Women Troades - + Τρῳάδες - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) - + The Trojan Women Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. I. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1906. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-eng1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-eng1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 1ab3d858a..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-eng1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14 +0,0 @@ -{ - "epidoc_compliant": false, - "fully_unicode": true, - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "has_cts_metadata": true, - "has_cts_refsDecl": false, - "id": "1999.01.0124", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/Classics/Euripides/opensource/eur.tro_eng.xml", - "status": "migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-eng1.xml", - "valid_xml": false -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-eng1.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-eng1.xml deleted file mode 100644 index 1bd3152dd..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-eng1.xml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,910 +0,0 @@ - - - -%PersDrama; -]> - - - - -The Trojan Women -Machine readable text -Euripides -E. P. Coleridge -&responsibility; -&fund.AnnCPB; - -About 100Kb -&Perseus.publish; - - - -Euripides -The Plays of Euripides, translated by E. P. Coleridge. Volume I - -London -George Bell and Sons -1891 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -English -Greek - - - -1988 -Judith Nelsontagging -Basic SGML tagging - -6/95 -Lisa Cerratoed. -Added speaker tags where needed. - -10/98 -Bill Merrilled. -Fixed cardbreak at 444. - -16-Feb-00 -Anne MahoneyMarkup - -$Log: eur.tro_eng.xml,v $ -Revision 1.1 2013-09-13 11:17:08 balmas01 -moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory - -Revision 1.2 2013-06-30 12:34:35 gcrane -the card divs had had a line range but there was a problem with this, so we just have the start line in the n attribute. - -Revision 1.1 2009/11/23 18:46:35 rsingh04 -moved more xml files around based on copyright status - -Revision 1.3 2006/02/10 21:10:19 packel -places/dates now actually tagged - -Revision 1.2 2005/08/01 21:15:28 packel -removed stray item tags - -Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 14:35:03 packel -Converted to XML - -Revision 1.8 2004/04/21 20:27:28 mimno -added card 1s - -Revision 1.7 2003/07/01 22:16:12 yorkc -Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) - -Revision 1.6 2000/03/04 20:34:35 dasmith -Added separate funder entity to TEI header. - -Revision 1.5 2000/02/16 21:38:16 amahoney -bring up to p3, including use of n attribute on sp when a cardbreak -comes within a speech, and moving milestones out of speeches - - - - - - - - - - - - -Poseidon -

From the depths of salt Aegean floods I, Poseidon, have come, where choirs of Nereids dance in a graceful maze; for since the day that Phoebus and I with exact measurement set towers of stone about this land of Troy and ringed it round, never from my heart has passed away a kindly feeling for my Phrygian town, which now is smouldering and overthrown, a prey to Argive might. For, from his home beneath Parnassus, Phocian Epeus, aided by the craft of Pallas, framed a horse to bear within its womb an armed army, and sent it within the battlements, a deadly statue;[from which in days to come men shall tell of the Wooden Horse, with its hidden load of warriors.] Groves stand forsaken and temples of the gods run down with blood, and at the altar's very base, before the god who watched his home, Priam lies dead. While to Achaean ships great store of gold and Phrygian spoils are being conveyed, and they who came against this town, those sons of Hellas, only wait a favoring breeze to follow in their wake, that after ten long years they may with joy behold their wives and children. Vanquished by Hera, Argive goddess, and by Athena, who helped to ruin Phrygia, I am leaving Ilium, that famous town, and my altars; for when dreary desolation seizes on a town, the worship of the gods decays and tends to lose respect. Scamander's banks re-echo long and loud the screams of captive maids, as they by lot receive their masters. Arcadia takes some, and some the people of Thessaly; others are assigned to Theseus' sons, the Athenian chiefs. And such of the Trojan women as are not portioned out are in these tents, set apart for the leaders of the army; and with them Spartan Helen, daughter of Tyndareus, justly counted among the captives. And if you would see that queen of misery, Hecuba, you can; for there she lies before the gates, weeping many tears for many sorrows; at Achilles' tomb, without her knowledge, her daughter Polyxena has died most piteously; Priam is gone, and her children too; Cassandra, whom the lord Apollo left to be a virgin, frenzied maid, has been forced by Agamemnon, in contempt of the god's ordinance and of piety, to a dishonored wedlock. Farewell, O city once prosperous! farewell, you ramparts of polished stone! if Pallas, daughter of Zeus, had not decreed your ruin, you would be standing firmly still.

- - - -Athena -

May I address the mighty god whom the gods revere and who to my own father is very near in blood, laying aside our former enmity?

- -Poseidon -

You may; for over the soul the ties of kin exert no feeble spell, great queen Athena.

- -Athena -

For your forgiving mood my thanks! I have messages to impart affecting both yourself and me, lord.

- -Poseidon -

Do you bring fresh tidings from some god, from Zeus, or from some lesser power?

- -Athena -

From none of these; but on behalf of Troy, whose soil we tread, I have come to seek your mighty aid, to make it one with mine.

- -Poseidon -

What! have you laid your former hate aside to take compassion on the town now that it is burnt to ashes?

- -Athena -

First go back to the former point; will you make common cause with me in the scheme I purpose?

- -Poseidon -

Yes, surely; but I want to learn your wishes, whether you have come to help Achaeans or Phrygians.

- -Athena -

I wish to give my former foes, the Trojans, joy, and on the Achaean army impose a bitter return.

- -Poseidon -

Why do you leap thus from mood to mood? Your love and hate both go too far, on whomever centred.

- -Athena -

Do you not know the insult done to me and to the shrine I love?

- -Poseidon -

I do: when Aias dragged away Cassandra by force.

- -Athena -

Yes, and the Achaeans did nothing, said nothing to him.

- -Poseidon -

And yet it was by your mighty aid they sacked Ilium.

- -Athena -

For which cause I would join with you to do them harm.

- -Poseidon -

My powers are ready at your will. What is your intent?

- -Athena -

I will impose on them a return that is no return.

- -Poseidon -

While they stay on shore, or as they cross the salt sea?

- -Athena -

When they have set sail from Ilium for their homes. On them will Zeus also send his rain and fearful hail, and inky tempests from the sky; and he promises to grant me his thunder-bolts to hurl on the Achaeans and fire their ships. And you, for your part, make the Aegean strait to roar with mighty billows and whirlpools, and fill Euboea's hollow bay with corpses, that Achaeans may learn henceforth to reverence my temples and regard all other deities.

- -Poseidon -

So shall it be, for this favor needs only a few words. I will vex the broad Aegean sea; and the beach of Myconos and the reefs round Delos, Scyros and Lemnos too, and the cliffs of Caphareus shall be strewn with many a corpse. You go to Olympus, and taking from your father's hand his lightning bolts, keep careful watch against the hour when Argos' army lets slip its cables. A fool is he who sacks the towns of men, with shrines and tombs, the dead man's hallowed home, for at the last he makes a desert round himself and dies.

- - - - - -Hecuba -

Lift your head, unhappy one, from the ground; raise up your neck; this is Troy no more, no longer am I queen in Ilium. Though fortune change, endure your lot; sail with the stream, and follow fortune's tack, do not steer your ship of life against the tide, since chance must guide your course. Ah me! ah me! What else but tears is now my hapless lot, whose country, children, husband, all are lost? Ah! the high-blown pride of ancestors, humbled! how brought to nothing after all! What woe must I suppress, or what declare? [What plaintive dirge shall I awake?] Ah, woe is me! the anguish I suffer lying here stretched upon this hard pallet! O my head, my temples, my side! How I long to turn over, and lie now on this, now on that, to rest my back and spine, while ceaselessly my tearful wail ascends. For even this is music to the wretched, to chant their cheerless dirge of sorrow.

-
- - -

You swift-prowed ships, rowed to sacred Ilium over the deep dark sea, past the fair havens of Hellas, to the flute's ill-omened music and the dulcet voice of pipes, to the bays of Troy, alas! where you tied your hawsers, twisted handiwork from Egypt, in quest of that hateful wife of Menelaus, who brought disgrace on Castor, and on Eurotas foul reproach; who murdered Priam, the father of fifty children; the cause why I, the unhappy Hecuba, have wrecked my life upon this disastrous strand. Oh that I should sit here, over against the tent of Agamemnon! As a slave I am led away from my home, an old woman, while from my head the hair is piteously shorn for grief. Ah! unhappy wives of those armored sons of Troy! Ah! poor maidens, luckless brides, come weep, for Ilium is now a smouldering ruin; and I, like some mother-bird that over her fledgelings screams, will begin the strain; not the same as that I once sang to the gods, as I leaned on Priam's staff and beat with my foot in Phrygian time to lead the dance! -

-
- - - -First Semi-Chorus -

O Hecuba! why these cries, these piercing shrieks? What do your words mean? For I heard your piteous wail echo through the building, and a pang of terror shoots through each captive Trojan's breast, as within these walls they mourn their slavish lot.

-Hecuba -

My child, even now at the ships of the Argives—

-First Semi-Chorus -

The rower's hand is busy?

-

Ah, woe is me! what is their intent? Will they really carry me away from my country in their fleet?

-Hecuba -

I do not know, though I guess our doom.

-First Semi-Chorus -

O misery! woe to us Trojan women, soon to hear of our troubles: “Come out of the house, the Argives are preparing to return”.

-Hecuba -

Oh! please do not bid the wild Cassandra leave her chamber, the frantic prophetess, for Argives to insult, nor to my griefs add yet another. Woe to you, ill-fated Troy, Troy, your sun is set; and woe to your unhappy children, living and dead alike, who are leaving you behind!

- - - -Second Semi-Chorus -

With trembling step, alas! I leave this tent of Agamemnon to learn of you, my royal mistress, whether the Argives have resolved to take my wretched life, or whether the sailors at the prow are making ready to ply their oars.

-Hecuba -

My child, your wakeful heart!

-Second Semi-Chorus -

I have come, stricken with terror. Has a herald from the Danaids already arrived? To whom am I, poor captive, given as a slave?

-Hecuba -

You are not far from being allotted now.

-Second Semi-Chorus -

Alas! What man of Argos or Phthia will bear me in sorrow far from Troy, to his home, or to some island fastness?

-Hecuba -

Ah! ah! Whose slave shall I become in my old age? in what land? a poor old drone, the wretched copy of a corpse, alas! set to keep the gate or tend their children, I who once held royal rank in Troy.

- - - -Chorus -

Alas, alas! What piteous dirge will you devise to mourn the outrage done you? No more through Ida's looms shall I ply the shuttle to and fro. I look my last on my children's bodies, my last; I shall endure surpassing misery, it may be as the unwilling bride of some Hellene (perish the night and fortune that brings me to this!); it may be as a wretched slave from Peirene's sacred fount I shall draw their store of water. Oh! may it be ours to come to Theseus' famous realm, a land of joy. Never, never let me see Eurotas' swirling tide, hateful home of Helen, there to meet and be the slave of Menelaus, whose hand laid Troy waste!

- - - -Chorus -

That holy land by Peneus fed, nestling in all its beauty at Olympus' foot, is said, so have I heard, to be a very granary of wealth and teeming fruitfulness; next to the sacred soil of Theseus, I could wish to reach that land. They tell me too Hephaestus' home, beneath the shadow of Aetna, fronting Phoenicia, the mother of Sicilian hills, is famous for the crowns it gives to valor. Or may I find a home on that shore which lies very near

-

Ionia's sea, a land watered by Crathis, lovely stream, that dyes the hair an auburn tint, feeding with its holy waves and making glad the home of heroes.

- - - - - -Chorus Leader -

But see! a herald from the army of Danaids, with a store of fresh proclamations, comes hastening here. What is his errand? What does he say? For we are indeed slaves now to Dorian lords.

- -Talthybius -

Hecuba, you know me from my many journeys to and fro as herald between the Achaean army and Troy; I was no stranger to you, lady, even before: I, Talthybius, now sent with a fresh message.

- - -In the following lines, Talthybius makes spoken responses to Hecuba's sung questions. - -Hecuba -

Ah, kind friends, it has come! what I so long have dreaded.

- -Talthybius -

The lot has decided your fates already, if that was what you feared.

- -Hecuba -

Ah me! What city did you say, Thessalian, Phthian, or Cadmean?

- -Talthybius -

Each warrior took his prize in turn; you were not all at once assigned.

- -Hecuba -

To whom has the lot assigned us severally? Which of us Trojan women does a happy fortune await?

- -Talthybius -

I know, but ask your questions separately, not all at once.

- -Hecuba -

Then tell me, whose prize is my daughter, hapless Cassandra?

- -Talthybius -

King Agamemnon has chosen her out for himself.

- -Hecuba -

To be the slave-girl of his Spartan wife? Ah me!

- -Talthybius -

No, to share with him his stealthy love.

- -Hecuba -

What! Phoebus' virgin-priestess, to whom the god with golden locks granted the gift of maidenhood?

- -Talthybius -

The dart of love has pierced his heart, love for the frenzied maid.

- -Hecuba -

Daughter, cast from you the sacred keys, and from your body tear the holy wreaths that drape you in their folds.

- -Talthybius -

Why! is it not an honor that she should win our monarch's love?

- -Hecuba -

What have you done to her whom recently you took from me, my child?

- -Talthybius -

Do you mean Polyxena, or whom do you inquire about?

- -Hecuba -

Yes, that one; to whom has the lot assigned her?

- -Talthybius -

To minister at Achilles' tomb has been appointed her.

- -Hecuba -

Woe is me! I the mother of a dead man's slave! What custom, what ordinance is this among Hellenes, friend?

- -Talthybius -

Count your daughter happy; it is well with her.

- -Hecuba -

What wild words are these? Please tell me, is she still alive?

- -Talthybius -

Her fate is one that sets her free from trouble.

- -Hecuba -

And what of the wife of Hector skilled in arms, sad Andromache? declare her fate.

- -Talthybius -

She too was a chosen prize; Achilles' son took her.

- -Hecuba -

As for me whose hair is white with age, who need to hold a staff to be to me a third foot, whose servant am I to be?

- -Talthybius -

Odysseus, king of Ithaca, has taken you to be his slave.

- - - -Hecuba -

Oh, oh! Now smite the close-shorn head! tear your cheeks with your nails! Ah me! I have fallen as a slave to a treacherous foe I hate, a monster of lawlessness, one that by his double tongue has turned against us all that once was friendly in his camp, changing this for that and that for this again. Oh weep for me, you Trojan women! Lost and ill-fated! Ah woe! a victim to a most unhappy lot!

- - - -Chorus Leader -

Your fate, royal mistress, now you know; but for me, what Helene or Achaean is master of my destiny?

- -Talthybius -

Go, servants, and bring Cassandra forth to me here at once, that I may place her in our captain's hands, and then conduct to the rest of the chiefs the captives each has had assigned. Ha! what is the blaze of torches there within? What are they doing? Are they firing the chambers, because they must leave this land and be carried away to Argos? Are they setting themselves aflame in their longing for death? Truly the free bear their troubles in cases like this with a stiff neck. Open up! lest their deed, which suits them well but finds small favor with the Achaeans, bring blame on me.

- -Hecuba -

It is not that they are setting anything ablaze, but my child Cassandra, frenzied maid, comes rushing wildly here.

- - - -Cassandra -

Bring the light, uplift and show its flame! I am doing the god's service, see! see! making his shrine to glow with tapers bright. O Hymen, lord of marriage! blessed is the bridegroom; blessed am I also, soon to wed a princely lord in Argos. Hail Hymen, lord of marriage! Since you, my mother, are busied with tears and lamentations in your mourning for my father's death and for our country dear, I at my own nuptials am making this torch to blaze and show its light, giving to you, O Hymen, giving, O Hecate, a light, at the maiden's wedding, as the custom is.

-

Nimbly lift the foot; lead the dance on high, with cries of joy, as if to greet my father's happy fate. The dance is sacred. Come, Phoebus, now, for it is in your temple among your bay-trees that I minister. Hail Hymen, god of marriage! Hymen, hail! Dance, mother, and laugh! link your steps with me, and circle in the delightful measure, now here, now there. Salute the bride on her wedding-day with hymns and cries of joy. Come, you maids of Phrygia in fair raiment, sing my marriage with the husband fate ordains that I should wed.

- - - -Chorus Leader -

Hold the frantic maiden, royal mistress, lest with nimble foot she rush to the Argive army.

- -Hecuba -

You god of fire, it is yours to light the bridal torch for men, but piteous is the flame you kindle here, beyond my blackest expectation. Ah, my child! how little did I ever dream that such would be your marriage, a captive, and of Argos too! Give up the torch to me; you do not bear its blaze aright in your wild frantic course, nor have your afflictions left you in your sober senses, but still you are as frantic as before. Take in those torches, Trojan friends, and for her wedding madrigals weep your tears instead.

- -Cassandra -

O mother, crown my head with victor's wreaths; rejoice in my royal match; lead me and if you find me unwilling at all, thrust me there by force; for if Loxias is indeed a prophet, Agamemnon, that famous king of the Achaeans, will find in me a bride more vexatious than Helen. For I will slay him and lay waste his home to avenge my father's and my brothers' death. But let that go; I will not tell of that axe which shall sever my neck and the necks of others, or of the conflict ending in a mother's death, which my marriage shall cause, nor of the overthrow of Atreus' house. But I, for all my frenzy, will so far rise above my frantic fit, that I will prove this city happier far than those Achaeans, who for the sake of one woman and one passion have lost a countless army in hunting Helen. Their captain too, whom men call wise, has lost for what he hated most what most he prized, yielding to his brother for a woman's sake—and she was willing and not taken by force—the joy he had of his own children in his home. For from the day that they landed upon Scamander's strand, their doom began, not for loss of stolen frontier nor yet for fatherland with high towers; whomever Ares took, those never saw their children again, nor were they shrouded for the tomb by hand of wife, but in a foreign land they lie. At home the case was still the same; wives were dying widows, parents were left childless in their homes, having reared their sons for others, and none is left to make libations of blood upon the ground before their tombs. Truly to such praise as this their army can make an ample claim. It is better to pass by their shame in silence, nor may mine be the Muse to tell that evil tale.

-
- - -

But the Trojans were dying, first for their fatherland, fairest fame to win; whomever the sword took, all these found friends to bear their bodies home and were laid to rest in the embrace of their native land, their funeral rites all duly paid by duteous hands. And all such Phrygians as escaped the warrior's death lived always day by day with wife and children by them, joys the Achaeans had left behind. As for Hector and his griefs, hear how the case stands; he is dead and gone, but still his fame remains as bravest of the brave, and this was a result of the Achaeans' coming; for had they remained at home, his worth would have gone unnoticed. And Paris married the daughter of Zeus, whereas, had he never done so, the alliance he made in his family would have been forgotten. Whoever is wise should fly from making war; but if he come to this, a noble death will crown his city with glory, a coward's end with shame. Therefore, mother, you should not pity your country or my bed, for this my marriage will destroy those whom you and I most hate.

- -Chorus Leader -

How sweetly at your own sad lot you smile, chanting a strain, which, in spite of you, may prove you wrong!

- -Talthybius -

Had not Apollo turned your wits to maenad revelry, you would not for nothing have sent my chiefs with such ominous predictions forth on their way. But, after all, these lofty minds, reputed wise, are nothing better than those that are held as nothing. For that mighty king of all Hellas, dear son of Atreus, has yielded to a passion for this mad maiden of all others; though I am poor enough, yet would I never have chosen such a wife as this. As for you, since your senses are not whole, I give your taunts against Argos and your praise of Troy to the winds to carry away. Follow me now to the ships to grace the wedding of our chief. And you too follow, whenever the son of Laertes demands your presence, for you will serve a mistress most discreet, as all declare who came to Ilium.

- - - -Cassandra -

A clever fellow, this servant! Why is it heralds hold the name they do? All men unite in hating with one common hate the attendants of kings or governments. You say my mother shall come to the halls of Odysseus? Where then are Apollo's words, so clear to me in their interpretation, which declare that she shall die here? What else remains, I will not taunt her with. Unhappy Odysseus, he does not know the sufferings that await him; or how these ills I and my Phrygians endure shall one day seem to him precious as gold. For beyond the ten long years spent at Troy he shall drag out other ten and then come to his country all alone . . . where dreadful Charybdis lurks in a narrow channel between the rocks; past Cyclops the savage shepherd, and Ligurian Circe who turns men to swine; shipwrecked often upon the salt sea-wave; longing to eat the lotus, and the sacred cattle of the sun, whose flesh shall utter in the days to come a human voice, bitter to Odysseus. In brief, he shall descend alive to Hades, and, though he shall escape the waters' flood, yet shall he find a thousand troubles in his country when he arrives.

-
- - -

Enough! why do I recount the troubles of Odysseus? Lead on at once, that I may wed my husband for his home in Hades' halls. Base you are, and basely shall you be buried, in the dead of night when day is done, you captain of that army of Danaids, who think so proudly of your fortune! Yes, and the rocky chasm with its flood of wintry waters shall give my corpse cast forth in nakedness to wild beasts to make their meal upon, near my husband's tomb, I, Apollo's servant. O garlands of that god most dear to me! farewell, you mystic symbols! I here resign your feasts, my joy in days gone by. Go, I tear you from my body, that, while yet mine honor is intact, I may give them to the rushing winds to waft to you, my prince of prophecy! Where is that general's ship? Where must I go to take my place there? Lose no further time in watching for a favoring breeze to fill your sails, doomed as you are to carry from this land one of the three avenging spirits. Fare you well, mother! dry your tears. O dear country! my brothers below the earth and my own father, it will not be long before you shall welcome me; victory shall crown my advent among the dead, when I have overthrown the home of our destroyers, the house of the sons of Atreus. -

-
- - - -Chorus Leader -

You guardians of the grey-haired Hecuba, see how your mistress is sinking speechless to the ground! Take hold of her! will you let her fall, you worthless slaves? lift up again, from where it lies, her withered body.

- -Hecuba -

Leave me, my maidens—unwelcome service does not grow welcome—lying where I fell; my sufferings now, my troubles past, afflictions yet to come, all claim this lowly posture. Gods of heaven! small help I find in calling such allies, yet is there something in the form of invoking heaven, whenever we fall on evil days. First I will sing of my former blessings; so shall I inspire the greater pity for my present woes.

-

Born to royal estate and wedded to a royal lord, I was the mother of a race of gallant sons; no mere ciphers they, but Phrygia's chiefest pride, children such as no Trojan or Hellenic or barbarian mother ever had to boast. All these have I seen slain by the spear of Hellas, and at their tombs have I shorn off my hair; with these my eyes I saw their father, Priam, butchered on his own hearth, and my city captured, nor did others bring this bitter news to me. The maidens I brought up to see chosen for some marriage high, for strangers have I reared them, and seen them snatched away. Nevermore can I hope to be seen by them, nor shall my eyes behold them ever in the days to come. And last, to crown my misery, I shall be brought to Hellas, a slave in my old age. And there the tasks that least befit the evening of my life will they impose on me, Hector's mother, to watch their gates and keep the keys, or bake their bread, and on the ground instead of my royal bed lay down my shrunken limbs, with tattered rags about my wasted frame, a shameful garb for those who once were prosperous. Ah, woe is me! and this is what I bear and am to bear for one woman's marriage! O my daughter, O Cassandra! whom gods have summoned to their frenzied train, how cruel the lot that ends your virgin days! And you, Polyxena! my child of sorrow, where, oh! where are you? None of all the many sons and daughters I have born comes to aid a wretched mother. Why then raise me up? What hope is left us? Guide me, who before trod so daintily the streets of Troy, but now am a slave, to a bed upon the ground, near some rocky ridge, that from there I may cast myself down and perish, after I have wasted my body with weeping. Of all the prosperous crowd, count none a happy man before he die.

- - - - - -Chorus -

Sing me, Muse, a tale of Troy, a funeral dirge in strains unheard as yet, with tears; for now I will uplift for Troy a piteous chant, telling how I met my doom and fell a wretched captive to the Argives by reason of a four-footed beast that moved on wheels, when Achaea's sons left at our.gates that horse, loud rumbling to the sky, with its trappings of gold and its freight of warriors; and our people cried out as they stood upon the rocky citadel, “Up now, you whose toil is over, and drag this sacred image to the shrine of the Zeus-born maiden, goddess of our Ilium!” Forth from his house came every youth and every grey-head too; and with songs of joy they took the fatal snare within.

- - - -Chorus -

Then hastened all the race of Phrygia to the gates, to make the goddess a present of an Argive band ambushed in the polished mountain-pine, Dardania's ruin, a welcome gift to be to her, the virgin queen of deathless steeds; and with nooses of cord they dragged it, as it had been a ship's dark hull, to the stone-built temple of the goddess Pallas, and set it on that floor so soon to drink our country's blood. But, as they labored and made merry, came on the pitchy night; loud the Libyan flute was sounding, and Phrygian songs awoke, while maidens beat the ground with airy foot, uplifting their glad song; and in the halls a blaze of torchlight shed its flickering shadows on sleeping eyes.

- - - -Chorus -

In that hour around the house I was singing as I danced to that maiden of the hills, the child of Zeus; when there rang along the town a cry of death which filled the homes of Troy, and babies in terror clung about their mothers' skirts, as forth from their ambush came the warrior-band, the handiwork of maiden Pallas. Soon the altars ran with Phrygian blood, and desolation reigned over every bed where young men lay beheaded, a glorious crown for Hellas won, for her, the nurse of youth, but for our Phrygian fatherland a bitter grief.

- - - - - -Chorus Leader -

Hecuba, do you see Andromache advancing here on a foreign chariot? and with her, clasped to her throbbing breast, is her dear Astyanax, Hector's child. Where are you being carried, unhappy wife, mounted on that chariot, side by side with Hector's brazen arms and Phrygian spoils of war, with which Achilles' son will deck the shrines of Phthia on his return from Troy?

- - - -Andromache -

My Achaean masters are leading me away.

-Hecuba -

Ah me!

-Andromache -

Why do you in note of woe utter the dirge that is mine?

-Hecuba -

Alas—

-Andromache -

For these sorrows—

-Hecuba -

O Zeus—

-Andromache -

And for this calamity.

-Hecuba -

O my children!

-Andromache -

Our day is past.

- - - -Hecuba -

Joy is gone, Troy is gone.

-Andromache -

Unhappy!

-Hecuba -

For my gallant sons

-Andromache -

Alas!

-Hecuba -

Alas indeed, for my

-Andromache -

Misery!

-Hecuba -

Piteous the fate

-Andromache -

Of our city,

-Hecuba -

Smouldering in the smoke.

- - - -Andromache -

Come to me, my husband, c!

-Hecuba -

Ah, hapless wife! you call on my son who lies in the tomb.

-Andromache -

Your wife's defender!

- - - -Hecuba -

Oh, you, who before made the Achaeans grieve, eldest of the sons I bore to Priam, take me to your rest in Hades' halls!

- - - -Andromache -

These great griefs—

-Hecuba -

Unhappy one, bitter these woes to bear.

-Andromache -

Our city ruined—

-Hecuba -

And sorrow to sorrow added.

-Andromache -

Through the will of angry heaven, since the day that son i.e., Paris, who had been exposed to die on account of an oracle foretelling the misery he would cause if he grew to man's estate; but shepherds had found him on the hills and reared him. of yours escaped death, he that for a hated bride brought destruction on the Trojan citadel. There lie the gory corpses of the slain by the shrine of Pallas for vultures to carry off; and Troy has come to slavery's yoke.

- - - -Hecuba -

O my country, O unhappy land—

-Andromache -

I weep for you now left behind.

-Hecuba -

Now do you behold your piteous end.

-Andromache -

And you, my house, where I gave birth.

-Hecuba -

O my children! bereft of her city as your mother is, she now is losing you. Oh, what mourning and what sorrow! . . . oh, what endless streams of tears in our houses! The dead alone forget their griefs [and never shed a tear].

- - - -Chorus Leader -

What sweet relief to sufferers it is to weep, to mourn, lament, and chant the dirge that tells of grief!

- -Andromache -

Do you see this, mother of that man, Hector, who once laid low in battle many a son of Argos?

- -Hecuba -

I see that it is heaven's way to exalt what men accounted nothing, and ruin what they most esteemed.

- -Andromache -

Hence with my child as booty am I borne; the noble are brought to slavery—a bitter change.

- -Hecuba -

This is necessity's grim law; it was just now that Cassandra was torn with brutal violence from my arms.

- -Andromache -

Alas, alas! it seems a second Aias has appeared to wrong your daughter; but there are other ills for you.

- -Hecuba -

Yes, beyond all count or measure are my sorrows; evil vies with evil in the struggle to be first.

- -Andromache -

Your daughter Polyxena is dead, slain at Achilles' tomb, an offering to his lifeless corpse.

- -Hecuba -

O woe is me! This is that riddle Talthybius long ago told me, a truth obscurely uttered.

- -Andromache -

I saw her myself; so I alighted from the chariot, and covered her corpse with a mantle, and struck upon my breast.

- -Hecuba -

Alas! my child, for your unhallowed sacrifice! and yet again, alas! for your shameful death!

- -Andromache -

Her death was even as it was, and yet that death of hers was after all a happier fate than my life.

- -Hecuba -

Death and life are not the same, my child; the one is annihilation, the other keeps a place for hope.

- - - -Andromache -

Hear, O mother of children! give ear to what I urge so well, that I may cheer my drooping spirit. It is all one, I say, never to have been born and to be dead, and better far is death than life with misery. For the dead feel no sorrow any more and know no grief; but he who has known prosperity and has fallen on evil days feels his spirit straying from the scene of former joys. Now that child of yours is dead as though she never had seen the light, and little she knows of her calamity; whereas I, who aimed at a fair repute, though I won a higher lot than most, yet missed my luck in life. For all that stamps the wife a woman chaste, I strove to do in Hector's home. In the first place, whether there is a slur upon a woman, or whether there is not, the very fact of her not staying at home brings in its train an evil name; therefore I gave up any longing to do so, and stayed within my house; nor would I admit indoors the clever gossip women love, but conscious of a heart that told an honest tale I was content. And ever would I keep a silent tongue and modest eye before my husband; and well I knew where I might rule him, and where it was best to yield.

-

Report of this has reached the Achaean army, and proved my ruin; for when I was taken captive, Achilles' son would have me as his wife, and I must serve in the house of murderers. And if I set aside my love for Hector, and open my heart to this new lord, I shall appear a traitress to the dead, while, if I hate him, I shall incur my master's displeasure. And yet they say a single night removes a woman's dislike for her husband; I despise the woman who, when she has lost her former husband, transfers her love by marrying another. Not even the horse, if parted from her stablemate, will cheerfully draw the yoke; and animals have neither speech nor sense to help them, and are by nature man's inferiors.

-
- - -

O my dear Hector, in you I found a husband amply dowered with wisdom, noble birth and fortune, a brave man and a mighty; while you took from my father's house a spotless bride, yourself the first to make this maiden wife. But now death has claimed you, and I am soon to sail to Hellas, a captive doomed to wear the yoke of slavery. Has not then the dead Polyxena, for whom you wail, less evil to bear than I? I have not so much as hope, the last resource of every human heart, nor do I beguile myself with dreams of future bliss, the very thought of which is sweet.

- -Chorus Leader -

You are in the same plight as I; your lamentations for yourself remind me of my own sad case.

- -Hecuba -

I never yet have set foot on a ship's deck, though I have seen such things in pictures and know of them from hearsay. Now sailors, if there comes a storm of moderate force, are all eagerness to save themselves by toil; one stands at the tiller, another sets himself to work the sheets, a third meanwhile is baling out the ship; but if tempestuous waves arise to overwhelm them, they yield to fortune and commit themselves to the driving billows. Even so I, by reason of my countless troubles, am speechless and forbear to say a word; for this surge of misery from the gods is too strong for me. Cease, my darling child, to speak of Hector's fate; no tears of yours can save him; honor your present master, offering your sweet nature as the bait to win him. If you do this, you will cheer your friends as well as yourself and you shalt rear my Hector's child to lend stout aid to Ilium, that so your children in the aftertime may build her up again, and our city yet be established. But our talk must take a different turn; who is this Achaean servant I see coming here again, sent to tell us of some new design?

- - - -Talthybius -

You that once were the wife of Hector, bravest of the Phrygians, do not hate me, for I am not a willing messenger. The Danaids and sons of Pelops both command—

- -Andromache -

What is it? your prelude bodes evil news.

- -Talthybius -

It is decreed your son is—how can I tell my news?

- -Andromache -

Surely not to have a different master from me?

- -Talthybius -

None of all Achaea's chiefs shall ever lord it over him.

- -Andromache -

Is it their will to leave him here, a remnant of Phrygia's race?

- -Talthybius -

I know no words to break the sorrow lightly to you.

- -Andromache -

I thank you for your consideration, unless indeed you have good news to tell.

- -Talthybius -

They mean to slay your son; there is my hateful message to you.

- -Andromache -

Oh me! this is worse tidings than my forced marriage.

- -Talthybius -

So spoke Odysseus to the assembled Hellenes, and his word prevails.

- -Andromache -

Oh, once again alas! there is no measure in the woes I bear.

- -Talthybius -

He said they should not rear so brave a father's son.

- -Andromache -

May such counsels prevail about children of his!

- -Talthybius -

He must be thrown from Troy's battlements. Let it be so, and you will show more wisdom; do not cling to him, but bear your sorrows with heroic heart, nor in your weakness think that you are strong. For nowhere do you have any help; consider this you must; your husband and your city are no more, so you are in our power, and I alone am match enough for one woman; therefore I would not see you bent on strife, or any course to bring you shame or hate, nor would I hear you rashly curse the Achaeans. For if you say anything to anger the army, this child will find no burial nor pity either. But if you hold your peace and with composure take your fate, you will not leave his corpse unburied, and you yourself will find more favor with the Achaeans.

- - - -Andromache -

My dearest! my own sweet child and priceless treasure! your death the foe demands, and you must leave your wretched mother. That which saves the lives of others, proves your destruction—your father's nobility; to you your father's valiancy has proved no gift. O my unlucky bed and marriage, that brought me once to Hector's home, hoping to be the mother of a son that should rule over Asia's fruitful fields instead of serving as a victim to the Danaids! Do you weep, my child? do you know your hapless fate? Why clutch me with your hands and to my garment cling, nestling like a tender chick beneath my wing? Hector will not rise from the earth and come gripping his famous spear to bring you salvation; no kinsman of your father appears, nor might of Phrygian hosts; one dreadful headlong leap from the dizzy height and you will dash out your life with none to pity you! Oh to clasp your tender limbs, a mother's fondest joy! Oh to breathe your fragrant breath! In vain it seems these breasts did suckle you, wrapped in your swaddling-clothes; all for nothing I used to toil and wear myself away! Kiss your mother now for the last time, nestle to her that bore you, twine your arms about my neck and join your lips to mine! O you Hellenes, cunning to devise new forms of cruelty, why slay this child who never wronged any? You daughter of Tyndareus, you are no child of Zeus, but I say you were born of many a father, first of some evil demon, next of Envy, then of Murder and of Death, and every horror that the earth breeds. That Zeus was never father of yours I boldly do assert, bane as you have been to many a Hellene and barbarian too. Destruction catch you! Those fair eyes of yours have brought a shameful ruin on the fields of glorious Troy. Take the child and bear him hence, hurl him down if you wish, then feast upon his flesh! It is the gods' will we perish, and I cannot ward the deadly stroke from my child. Hide me and my misery; cast me into the ship's hold; for it is to a fair wedding I am going, now that I have lost my child!

- -Chorus Leader -

Unhappy Troy! you have lost countless men for the sake of one woman and her hateful bed.

- - - -Talthybius -

Come, child, leave fond embracing of your woeful mother, and mount the high coronal of your ancestral towers, there to draw your parting breath, as is ordained. Take him away. His should the duty be to do such herald's work, whose heart knows no pity and who loves ruthlessness more than my soul does.Exeunt Andromache and Talthybius with Astyanax.

-
- -Hecuba -

O child, son of my hapless boy, an unjust fate robs me and your mother of your life. How is it with me? What can I do for you, luckless one? For you I strike upon my head and beat my breast, my only gift; for that is in my power. Woe for my city! woe for you! What sorrow do we not have? What is wanting now to our utter and immediate ruin?

- - - - - -Chorus -

O Telamon, King of Salamis, the feeding-ground of bees, who have your home in a seagirt isle that lies near the holy hills where first Athena made the grey olive branch to appear, a crown for heavenly heads and a glory to happy Athens, you came, you came in knightly brotherhood with that great archer, Alcmena's son, to sack our city Ilium, in days gone by, [on your advent from Hellas];

- - - -Chorus -

When he led the chosen flower of Hellas, vexed for the steeds, Heracles had destroyed a sea-monster for Laomedon on condition of receiving a gift of horses for his trouble, and, on Laomedon repudiating the promise, sacked Troy. and at the fair stream of Simois he stayed his sea-borne ship and fastened cables to the stern, and forth from the ship he took the bow his hand could deftly shoot, to be the doom of Laomedon; and with the ruddy breath of fire he wasted the masonry squared by Phoebus' line and chisel, and sacked the land of Troy; so twice in two attacks has the blood-stained spear destroyed Dardania's walls.

- - - -Chorus -

In vain, it seems, you Phrygian boy Ganymede, a son of Tros. pacing with dainty step among your golden chalices, do you fill high the cup of Zeus, a lovely service; the land of your birth is being consumed by fire. The shore re-echoes to our cries; and, as a bird bewails its young, so we bewail our husbands or our children, or our old mothers. The dew-fed springs where you bathed, the course where you trained, are now no more; but you beside the throne of Zeus are sitting with a calm, sweet smile upon your fair young face, while the spear of Hellas has destroyed the land of Priam.

- - - -Chorus -

Ah! Love, Love, who once sought these Dardanian halls, deep-seated in the hearts of heavenly gods, how high you made Troy to tower in those days, allying her with deities! But I will cease to urge reproaches against Zeus; for white-winged dawn, whose light is dear to man, turned a baleful eye upon our land and watched the ruin of our citadel, though she had within her bridal bower a husband to give her children, Referring to he union of Aurora and Tithonus from this land, whom once a chariot of gold spangled stars caught up and carried there, great source of hope to his native country ; but all the love the gods once had for Troy is passed away.

- - - - - -Menelaus -

Hail! you radiant flare of the sun, by whose fair light I now shall capture her that was my wife, Helen; for I am that Menelaus, who has toiled so hard, I and Achaea's army. I came to Troy, not so much as men suppose for, the sake of a woman, but to punish the man who from my house stole my wife, traitor to my hospitality. But he, by the gods' will, has paid the penalty, ruined, and his country too, by the spear of Hellas. And I have come to bear that wretched woman away—wife I have no mind to call her, though she once was mine—for now she is one among the other Trojan women who share these tents as captives. For they, the very men who who toiled to take her with the spear, have granted to me to slay her, or, if I will, to spare and carry back with me to Argos. Now my purpose is not to put her to death in Troy, but to carry her to Hellas in my sea-borne ship, and then surrender her to death, a recompense to all whose friends were slain in Ilium. Ho! my servants, enter the tent, and drag her out to me by her hair foul with murder; and when a favoring breeze shall blow, to Hellas will we convey her.

- -Hecuba -

O you that do support the earth and rest thereupon, whoever you are, a riddle past our knowledge! Zeus, owhether you are natural necessity, or man's intellect, to you I pray; for, though you tread over a noiseless path, all your dealings with mankind are guided by justice.

- -Menelaus -

What is this? Strange the prayer you offer to the gods!

- -Hecuba -

I thank you, Menelaus, if you will slay that wife of yours. Yet shun the sight of her, lest she strike you with longing. For she ensnares the eyes of men, overthrows their towns, and burns their houses, so potent are her witcheries! Well I know her; so do you and those her victims too.

- - - -Helen -

Menelaus! this prelude well may fill me with alarm; for I am taken with violence by your servants' hands and brought before these tents. Still, though I am sure you hate me, yet I want to inquire what you and Hellas have decided about my life.

- -Menelaus -

To judge your case required no great exactness; the army with one consent, that army whom you wronged, handed you over to me to die.

- -Helen -

May I answer this decision, proving that my death, if I am to die, will be unjust?

- -Menelaus -

I came not to argue, but to slay you.

- -Hecuba -

Hear her, Menelaus; let her not die for want of that, and let me answer her again, for you know nothing of her villainies in Troy; and the whole case, if summed up, will insure her death against all chance of an escape.

- -Menelaus -

This gift needs leisure; still, if she wishes to speak, she may. Yet I will grant her this because of your words, that she may hear them, and not for her own sake.

- -Helen -

Perhaps you will not answer me, from counting me a foe, whether my words seem good or ill. Yet I will put my charges and yours over against each other, and then reply to the accusations I suppose you will advance against me. First, then, that woman was the author of these troubles by giving birth to Paris; next, old Priam ruined Troy and me, because he did not slay his child Alexander, baleful semblance of a fire-brand,Hecuba had dreamed she would hear a son who would cause the ruin of Troy; on the birth of Paris an oracle confirmed her fears. long ago. Hear what followed. This man was to judge the claims of three rival goddesses; so Pallas offered him command of all the Phrygians, and the destruction of Hellas; Hera promised he should spread his dominion over Asia, and the utmost bounds of Europe, if he would decide for her; but Cypris spoke in rapture of my loveliness, and promised him this gift, if she should have the preference over those two for beauty. Now mark the inference I deduce from this; Cypris won the day over the goddesses, and thus far has my marriage proved of benefit to Hellas, that you are not subject to barbarian rule, neither vanquished in the strife, nor yet by tyrants crushed. What Hellas gained, was ruin to me, sold for my beauty, and now I am reproached for that which should have set a crown upon my head. But you will say I am silent on the real matter at hand, how it was I started forth and left your house by stealth. With no small goddess at his side he came, my evil genius, call him Alexander or Paris, as you will; and you, villain, left him behind in your house, and sailed away from Sparta to the land of Crete.

-
- - -

Enough of this! For all that followed I must question myself, not you; what thought led me to follow the stranger from your house, traitress to my country and my home? Punish the goddess, show yourself more mighty even than Zeus, who, though he lords it over the other gods, is her slave; therefore I may well be pardoned. Still, from this you might draw a specious argument against me; when Paris died, and earth concealed his corpse, I should have left his house and sought the Argive fleet, since my marriage was no longer in the hands of gods. That was what I was eager to do; and the warders on the towers and watchmen on the walls can bear me witness, for often they found me seeking to let myself down stealthily by cords from the battlements [but tbere was that new husband, Deiphobus, that carried me off by force to be his wife against the will of Troy]. How then, my lord, could I be justly put to death . . . by you, with any show of right, seeing that he wedded me against my will, and those my other natural gifts have served a bitter slavery, instead of leading on to triumph? If it is your will indeed to master gods, that very wish displays your folly.

- -Chorus Leader -

O my royal mistress, defend your children's and your country's cause, bringing to nothing her persuasive arguments, for she pleads well in spite of all her villainy; this is monstrous!

- -Hecuba -

First I will take up the cause of those goddesses, and prove how she perverts the truth. For I can never believe that Hera or the maiden Pallas would have been guilty of such folly, the one to sell her Argos to barbarians, or that Pallas ever would make her Athens subject to the Phrygians, coming as they did in mere wanton sport to Ida to contest the palm of beauty. For why should goddess Hera set her heart so much on such a prize? Was it to win a nobler lord than Zeus? or was Athena hunting down among the gods a husband, she who in her dislike of marriage won from her father the gift of remaining unwed? Do not seek to impute folly to the goddesses, in the attempt to adorn your own sin; never will you persuade the wise. Next you have said—what well may make men jeer—that Cypris came with my son to the house of Menelaus. Could she not have stayed quietly in heaven and brought you and Amyclae as well to Ilium?

-
- - -

No! my son was exceedingly handsome, and when you saw him your mind straight became your Aphrodite; for every folly that men commit, they lay upon this goddess, and rightly does her name It is almost impossible to reproduce the play on words in *)afrodi/th and a)frosu/nh; perhaps the nearest approach would be “sensuality” and “senseless.” begin the word for “senselessness”; so when you caught sight of him in gorgeous foreign clothes, ablaze with gold, your senses utterly forsook you. Yes, for in Argos you had moved in simple state, but, once free of Sparta, it was your hope to deluge by your lavish outlay Phrygia's town, that flowed with gold; nor was the palace of Menelaus rich enough for your luxury to riot in.

-

Enough of this! My son carried you off by force, so you say; what Spartan saw this? what cry for help did you ever raise, though Castor was still alive, a vigorous youth, and his brother also, not yet among the stars? Then when you had come to Troy, and the Argives were on your track, and the mortal combat had begun, whenever tidings came to you of Menelaus' prowess, you would praise him, to grieve my son, because he had so powerful a rival in his love; but if the Trojans prospered, Menelaus was nothing to you. Your eye was fixed on Fortune, and by such practice you were careful to follow in her steps, careless of virtue's cause. And then you assert that you tried to let yourself down from the towers by stealth with twisted cords, as if unwilling to stay? Where were you ever found fastening the noose about your neck, or whetting the knife, as a noble wife would have done in regret for her former husband? And yet often I advised you saying, “Get away, daughter; my sons will take other brides, and I will belp you to steal away, and convey you to the Achaean fleet; oh, end the strife between us and Hellas!” But this was bitter to you. For you were wantoning in Alexander's house, wishing to have obeisance done you by barbarians. Yes, it was a proud time for you; and now after all this you have adorned yourself, and come forth and have dared to appear under the same sky as your husband, revolting wretch! Better if you had come in tattered raiment, cowering humbly in terror, with hair cut short, and if your feeling for your past sins were one of shame rather than effrontery. Menelaus, hear the conclusion of my argument; crown Hellas by slaying her as she deserves, and establish this law for all other women: death to every one who betrays her husband. -

-
- - - -Chorus Leader -

Avenge yourself, Menelaus, on your wife, as is worthy of your home and ancestors, clear yourself from the reproach of effeminacy at the lips of Hellas, and let your foes see your spirit.

- -Menelaus -

Your thoughts coincide with mine, that she, without constraint, left my palace, and sought a stranger's bed, and now Cypris is introduced for mere bluster. Away to those who shall stone you, and by your speedy death requite the weary toils of the Achaeans, so that you may learn not to bring shame on me!

- -Helen -

Oh, by your knees, I implore you, do not impute that heaven-sent affliction to me, or slay me; forgive me!

- -Hecuba -

Do not betray your allies, whose death this woman caused; on their behalf, and for my children's sake, I entreat you.

- -Menelaus -

Peace, revered lady; to her I pay no heed. I bid my servants take her away, aboard the ship, in which she is to sail.

- -Hecuba -

Oh never let her set foot within the same ship as you.

- -Menelaus -

Why is that? is she heavier than before?

- -Hecuba -

The one who loves once, must love always.

- -Menelaus -

Why, that depends how those we love are minded. But your wish shall be granted; she shall not set foot upon the same ship with me; for your advice is surely sound; and when she comes to Argos she shall die a shameful death as is her due, and impress the need of chastity on all women. No easy task; yet shall her fate strike their foolish hearts with terror, even though they are more lost to shame than she.Exit Menelaus, dragging Helen with him.

- - - - - -Chorus -

So then you have delivered into Achaea's hand, O Zeus, your shrine in Ilium and your fragrant altar, the offerings of burnt sacrifice with smoke of myrrh to heaven uprising, and holy Pergamos, and glens of Ida tangled with the ivy's growth, where rills of melting snow pour down their flood, a holy sun-lit land that bounds the world and takes the god's first rays!

- - - -Chorus -

Gone are your sacrifices! gone the dancer's cheerful shout! gone the vigils of the gods as night closed in! your images of carven gold are now no more; and Phrygia's holy festivals, twelve times a year, at each full moon, are ended now. It is this, it is this that fills me with anxious thought whether you, lord, seated on the sky, your heavenly throne, care at all that my city is destroyed, a prey to the furious fiery blast.

- - - -Chorus -

Ah! my loved husband, you are a wandering spectre; unwashed, unburied lies your corpse, while over the sea the ship sped by wings will carry me to Argos, land of steeds, where stand Cyclopian walls of stone reaching to heaven. There in the gate the children gather, and weep their piteous lamentation; they cry, they cry: Mother, alas! torn from your sight, the Achaeans bear me away from you to their dark ship to row me over the deep to sacred Salamis or to the hill on the Isthmus, that overlooks two seas, the seat that holds the gates of Pelops.

- - - -Chorus -

Oh may the sacred blazing thunderbolt of the Aegean, hurled in might, smite the ship of Menelaus full in the middle, on its way in mid-sea, since he is carrying me away in bitter sorrow from the shores of Ilium to be a slave in Hellas, while the daughter of Zeus still keeps her golden mirrors, delight of maidens' hearts. Never may he reach his home in Laconia or his father's hearth and home, nor come to the town of Pitane Part of Sparta was so called. or the temple of the goddess Athena of “the Brazen House,” a temple on the acropolis. with the gates of bronze, having taken as his captive the one whose marriage brought disgrace on Hellas through its length and breadth and woful anguish on the streams of Simois!

- - - - -Enter Talthybius and attendants, bearing the corpse of Astyanax on Hector's shield. - -Chorus Leader -

All me! ah me! new troubles fall on my country, to take the place of those that still are fresh! Behold, you hapless wives of Troy, the corpse of Astyanax, whom the Danaids have cruelly slain by hurling him from the battlements.

- - - -Talthybius -

Hecuba, one ship alone delays its plashing oars, and it is soon to sail to the shores of Phthia freighted with the remnant of the spoils of Achilles' son; for Neoptolemus is already out at sea, having heard that new calamities have befallen Peleus, for Acastus, son of Pelias, has banished him from the realm. Therefore he is gone, too quick to indulge in any delay, and with him goes Andromache, who drew many tears from me when she set out from the land, wailing her country and crying her farewell to Hector's tomb. And she begged her master leave to bury this poor dead child of Hector who breathed his last when hurled from the turrets; entreating too that he would not carry this shield, the terror of the Achaeans—this shield with plates of brass with which his father would gird himself—to the home of Peleus or to the same bridal bower where she, Andromache, the mother of this corpse, would be wed, a bitter sight to her, but let her bury the child in it instead of in a coffin of cedar or a tomb of stone, and to your hands commit the corpse that you may deck it with robes and garlands as best you can with your present means; for she is far away and her master's haste prevented her from burying the child herself. So we, when you have decked the corpse, will heap the earth above and set upon it a spear; but do you with your best speed perform your allotted task; one toil however I have already spared you, for I crossed Scamander's stream and bathed the corpse and cleansed its wounds. But now I will go to dig a grave for hiin, that our united efforts shortening our task may speed our ship towards home.Exit Talthybius.

- - - -Hecuba -

Place the shield upon the ground, Hector's shield so deftly rounded, a piteous sight, a bitter grief for me to see. O you Achaeans, more reason have you to boast of your prowess than your wisdom. Why have you in terror of this child been guilty of a murder never matched before? Did you fear that some day he would rear again the fallen walls of Troy? It seems then you were nothing after all, when, though Hector's fortunes in the war were prosperous and he had ten thousand other arms to back him, we still were daily overmatched; and yet, now that our city is taken and every Phrygian slain, you fear a tender child like this! I do not commend the fear of one who fears but never yet has reasoned out the cause.

-
- - -

Ah! my beloved, yours is a piteous death indeed! If you had died for your city, when you had tasted of the sweets of manhood, of marriage, and of godlike power over others, then were you blessed, if anything here is blessed. But now after one glimpse, one dream of them, you know them no more, my child, and have no joy of them, though heir to all. Ah, poor child! how sadly have your own father's walls, those towers that Loxias reared, shorn from your head the locks your mother fondled, and so often caressed, from which through fractured bones the face of murder grins—briefly to dismiss my shocking theme. O hands, how sweet the likeness you retain of his father, and yet you lie Iimp in your sockets before me! Dear mouth, so often full of words of pride, death has closed you, and you have not kept the promise you made, when nestling in my robe, “Ah, mother, many a lock of my hair I will cut off for you, and to your tomb will lead my troops of friends, taking a fond farewell of you.” But now I am not to be buried by you, but you, the younger one, a wretched corpse, are buried by me, on whom old age has come with loss of home and children. Ah me, those kisses numberless, the nurture that I gave to you, those sleepless nights—they all are lost! What shall the bard inscribe upon your tomb about you? Argives once for fear of him slew this child? Foul shame should that inscription be to Hellas. O child, though you have no part in all your father's wealth, yet shall you have his brazen shield in which to find a tomb. Ah! shield that kept safe the comely arm of Hector, now have you lost your valiant keeper! How fair upon your handle lies his imprint, and on the rim that circles around are marks of sweat, that trickled often from Hector's brow as he pressed it against his beard in battle's stress. Come, bring forth, from such store as you have, adornment for the hapless dead, for fortune gives no chance now for lovely offerings; yet of such as I possess, you shall receive these gifts. He is a foolish mortal who thinks his luck secure and so rejoices; for fortune, like a madman in her moods, springs towards this man, then towards that; and no one ever experiences the same unchanging luck.

- -Chorus Leader -

Look! all is ready and they are bringing at your bidding from the spoils of Troy adornment to put upon the dead.

- -Hecuba -

Ah! my child, it is not as victor over your comrades with horse or bow—customs Troy esteems, without pursuing them to excess—that Hector's mother decks you now with ornaments from the store that once was yours, though now Helen, whom the gods abhor, has bereft you of your own, yes, and robbed you of your life and caused your house to perish root and branch.

- - - -Chorus -

Woe! thrice woe! my heart is touched, and you the cause, my mighty prince in days now passed!

- - - -Hecuba -

About your body now I swathe this Phrygian robe of honor, which should have clad you on your marriage-day, wedded to the noblest of Asia's daughters. You too, dear shield of Hector, victorious parent of countless triumphs past, accept your crown, for though you share the dead child's tomb, death cannot touch you; for you merit honors far beyond those arms the arms of Achilles, which were set up as a prize, and won by Odysseus from Aias. that the crafty villain Odysseus won.

- - - -Chorus -

Alas! alas! you, O child, shall earth take to her breast, a cause for bitter weeping. Mourn, you mother!

- -Hecuba -

Alas!

- -Chorus -

Wail for the dead.

- -Hecuba -

Woe is me!

- -Chorus -

Woe indeed for your unending sorrow!

- - - -Hecuba -

Your wounds in part I will bind up with bandages, a wretched healer in name alone, without reality; but for the rest your father must look to that among the dead.

- - - -Chorus -

Smite, oh smite upon your head with frequent blow of hand. Woe is me!

- -Hecuba -

My kind, good friends—

- -Chorus -

Speak out, Hecuba, the word that was on your lips.

- - - -Hecuba -

It seems the only things that heaven concerns itself about are my troubles and Troy hateful in their eyes above all other cities. In vain did we sacrifice to them. But if the god had not caught us in his grip and plunged us headlong beneath the earth, we should have been unheard of, and not ever sung in Muses' songs, furnishing to bards of after-days a subject for their minstrelsy. Go, bury now in his poor tomb the dead, wreathed all duly as befits a corpse. And yet I think it makes little difference to the dead, if they get a gorgeous funeral; but this is a cause of idle pride to the living.The corpse is carried out for burial.

- - - -Chorus Leader -

Alas! for your unhappy mother, who over your corpse has closed the high hopes of her life! Born of a noble stock, counted most happy in your lot, ah! what a tragic death is yours!

-Soldiers are seen on the battlements of Troy, torch in hand. -

Ha! who are those I see on yonder pinnacles darting to and fro with flaming torches in their hands? Some new calamity wiII soon alight on Troy.

- - - -Talthybius -

You captains whose allotted task it is to fire this town of Priam, to you I speak. No longer keep the fire-brand idle in your hands, but launch the flame, that when we have destroyed the city of Ilium we may set forth in gladness on our homeward voyage from Troy. And you, you sons of Troy, to let my orders take at once a double form—start for the Achaean ships for your departure from the land, as soon as the leaders of the army blow loud and clear upon the trumpet. And you, unhappy grey-haired lady, follow; for here come servants from Odysseus to fetch you, for to him you are assigned by lot to be a slave far from your country.

- -Hecuba -

Ah, woe is me! This surely is the last, the utmost limit, of all my sorrows; I go forth from my land; my city is ablaze with flame. Yet, you aged foot, make one painful struggle to haste, that I may say a farewell to this wretched town. O Troy, that before had such a grand career among barbarian towns, soon will you be bereft of that splendid name. They are burning you, and leading us even now from our land to slavery. O gods! Yet why do I call on the gods? They did not hearken ever before to our call. Come, let us rush into the flames, for to die with my country in its blazing ruin would be a noble death for me.

- -Talthybius -

Your sorrows drive you frantic, poor lady. Go, lead her away, make no delay, for you must deliver her into the hand of Odysseus, conveying to him his prize.

- - - -Hecuba -

Woe! oh woe! Son of Cronos, prince of Phrygia, father of our race, do you behold our sufferings now, unworthy of the stock of Dardanus?

- -Chorus -

He sees them, but our mighty city is a city no more, and Troy's day is done.

- -Hecuba -

Woe! oh woe! Ilium is ablaze; the homes of Pergamos and its towering walls are now one sheet of flame.

- -Chorus -

As the smoke soars on wings to heaven, so sinks our city to the ground before the spear. With furious haste both fire and enemy spear devour each house.

- - - -Hecuba -

Oh, earth, nourisher of my children!

-Chorus -

Ah, ah!

-Hecuba -

Hearken, my children, hear your mother's voice.

-Chorus -

You are calling on the dead with voice of lamentation.

-Hecuba -

Yes, as I stretch my aged limbs upon the ground, and beat upon the earth with both my hands.

-Chorus -

I follow you and kneel, invoking from the nether world my hapless husband.

-Hecuba -

I am being dragged and hurried away—

-Chorus -

The sorrow, the sorrow of that cry!

-Hecuba -

To dwell beneath a master's roof!

-Chorus -

From my own country!

-Hecuba -

Woe is me! O Priam, Priam, slain, unburied, left without a friend, nothing do you know of my cruel fate.

-Chorus -

No, for over his eyes black death has drawn his pall, a pure man slain by the impure.

- - - -Hecuba -

Woe for the temples of the gods and for our dear city!

-Chorus -

Ah, ah!

-Hecuba -

Murderous flame and enemy spear are now your lot.

-Chorus -

Soon will you tumble to your own loved soil, and be forgotten.

-Hecuba -

And the dust, mounting to heaven on wings like smoke, will rob me of the sight of my home.

-Chorus -

The name of my country wiII pass into obscurity; all is scattered far and wide, and hapless Troy has ceased to be.

-Hecuba -

Did you know, did you hear?

-Chorus -

Yes, it was the crash of the citadel.

-Hecuba -

The shock, the shock—

-Chorus -

Will overwhelm our city utterly.

-Hecuba -

O woe is me! trembling, quaking limbs, support my footsteps! away! to face the day that begins your slavery.

-Chorus -

Woe for our unhappy town! And yet let us advance to the Achaean fleet.

-
-
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-eng2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..44d407a5f --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,1156 @@ + + + + + + +The Trojan Women +Machine readable text +Euripides +Edward P. Coleridge + Perseus Project, Tufts University + Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Lisa Cerrato + William Merrill + Elli Mylonas + David Smith + + The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + The Plays of Euripides + Edward P. Coleridge + + London + George Bell and Sons + 1906 + + 1 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + +

Modernization of language.

+ +
+ + +

This pointer pattern extracts lines

+
+
+
+ + + + + English + Greek + Latin + + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + the card divs had had a line range but there was a problem with this, so we just have the start line in the n attribute. + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + places-dates now actually tagged + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + bring up to p3, including use of n attribute on sp when a cardbreak comes within a speech, and moving milestones out of speeches + Fixed cardbreak at 444. + Added speaker tags where needed. + Basic SGML tagging + +
+ + + +
+ + +

Dramatis Personae

+

Poseidont

+

Athena

+

Hecuba

+

Chorus

+

Talthybius

+

Cassandra

+

Andromache

+

Menelaus

+

Helen

+
+ +
+ +Poseidon +From the depths of salt Aegean floods I, Poseidon, have come, where choirs of Nereids dance in a graceful maze; for since the day that Phoebus and I with exact measurement +set towers of stone about this land of Troy and ringed it round, never from my heart has passed away a kindly feeling for my Phrygian town, which now is smouldering and overthrown, a prey to Argive might. For, from his home beneath Parnassus, +Phocian Epeus, aided by the craft of Pallas, framed a horse to bear within its womb an armed army, and sent it within the battlements, a deadly statue;from which in days to come men shall tell of the Wooden Horse, with its hidden load of warriors. +Groves stand forsaken and temples of the gods run down with blood, and at the altar’s very base, before the god who watched his home, Priam lies dead. While to Achaean ships great store of gold and Phrygian spoils are being conveyed, +and they who came against this town, those sons of Hellas, only wait a favoring breeze to follow in their wake, that after ten long years they may with joy behold their wives and children. Vanquished by Hera, Argive goddess, and by Athena, who helped to ruin Phrygia, +I am leaving Ilium, that famous town, and my altars; for when dreary desolation seizes on a town, the worship of the gods decays and tends to lose respect. Scamander’s banks re-echo long and loud the screams of captive maids, as they by lot receive their masters. +Arcadia takes some, and some the people of Thessaly; others are assigned to Theseus’ sons, the Athenian chiefs. And such of the Trojan women as are not portioned out are in these tents, set apart for the leaders of the army; and with them Spartan Helen, +daughter of Tyndareus, justly counted among the captives. And if you would see that queen of misery, Hecuba, you can; for there she lies before the gates, weeping many tears for many sorrows; at Achilles’ tomb, +without her knowledge, her daughter Polyxena has died most piteously; Priam is gone, and her children too; Cassandra, whom the lord Apollo left to be a virgin, frenzied maid, has been forced by Agamemnon, in contempt of the god’s ordinance and of piety, to a dishonored wedlock. +Farewell, O city once prosperous! farewell, you ramparts of polished stone! if Pallas, daughter of Zeus, had not decreed your ruin, you would be standing firmly still. + + +Athena +May I address the mighty god whom the gods revere and who to my own father is very near in blood, +laying aside our former enmity? + +Poseidon +You may; for over the soul the ties of kin exert no feeble spell, great queen Athena. + +Athena +For your forgiving mood my thanks! I have messages to impart affecting both yourself and me, lord. + +Poseidon +Do you bring fresh tidings from some god, from Zeus, or from some lesser power? + +Athena +From none of these; but on behalf of Troy, whose soil we tread, I have come to seek your mighty aid, to make it one with mine. + +Poseidon +What! have you laid your former hate aside +to take compassion on the town now that it is burnt to ashes? + +Athena +First go back to the former point; will you make common cause with me in the scheme I purpose? + +Poseidon +Yes, surely; but I want to learn your wishes, whether you have come to help Achaeans or Phrygians. + +Athena +I wish to give my former foes, the Trojans, joy, and on the Achaean army impose a bitter return. + +Poseidon +Why do you leap thus from mood to mood? Your love and hate both go too far, on whomever centred. + +Athena +Do you not know the insult done to me and to the shrine I love? + +Poseidon +I do: when Aias dragged away Cassandra by force. + +Athena +Yes, and the Achaeans did nothing, said nothing to him. + +Poseidon +And yet it was by your mighty aid they sacked Ilium. + +Athena +For which cause I would join with you to do them harm. + +Poseidon +My powers are ready at your will. What is your intent? + +Athena +I will impose on them a return that is no return. + +Poseidon +While they stay on shore, or as they cross the salt sea? + +Athena +When they have set sail from Ilium for their homes. On them will Zeus also send his rain and fearful hail, +and inky tempests from the sky; and he promises to grant me his thunder-bolts to hurl on the Achaeans and fire their ships. And you, for your part, make the Aegean strait to roar with mighty billows and whirlpools, and fill Euboea’s hollow bay with corpses, +that Achaeans may learn henceforth to reverence my temples and regard all other deities. + +Poseidon +So shall it be, for this favor needs only a few words. I will vex the broad Aegean sea; and the beach of Myconos and the reefs round Delos, +Scyros and Lemnos too, and the cliffs of Caphareus shall be strewn with many a corpse. You go to Olympus, and taking from your father’s hand his lightning bolts, keep careful watch against the hour when Argos’ army lets slip its cables. +A fool is he who sacks the towns of men, with shrines and tombs, the dead man’s hallowed home, for at the last he makes a desert round himself and dies.
+ + + +
+
+Hecuba +Lift your head, unhappy one, from the ground; raise up your neck; this is Troy no more, +no longer am I queen in Ilium. Though fortune change, endure your lot; sail with the stream, and follow fortune’s tack, do not steer your ship of life against the tide, since chance must guide your course. +Ah me! ah me! What else but tears is now my hapless lot, whose country, children, husband, all are lost? Ah! the high-blown pride of ancestors, humbled! how brought to nothing after all! +What woe must I suppress, or what declare? What plaintive dirge shall I awake? Ah, woe is me! the anguish I suffer lying here stretched upon this hard pallet! +O my head, my temples, my side! How I long to turn over, and lie now on this, now on that, to rest my back and spine, while ceaselessly my tearful wail ascends. +For even this is music to the wretched, to chant their cheerless dirge of sorrow.
+ + +
+ Hecuba + You swift-prowed ships, rowed to sacred Ilium over the deep dark sea, +past the fair havens of Hellas, to the flute’s ill-omened music and the dulcet voice of pipes, +to the bays of Troy, alas! where you tied your hawsers, twisted handiwork from Egypt, in quest of that hateful wife of Menelaus, who brought disgrace on Castor, and on Eurotas foul reproach; who murdered +Priam, the father of fifty children; the cause why I, the unhappy Hecuba, have wrecked my life upon this disastrous strand. Oh that I should sit here, over against the tent of Agamemnon! +As a slave I am led away from my home, an old woman, while from my head the hair is piteously shorn for grief. Ah! unhappy wives of those armored sons of Troy! Ah! poor maidens, luckless brides, +come weep, for Ilium is now a smouldering ruin; and I, like some mother-bird that over her fledgelings screams, will begin the strain; not the same as that +I once sang to the gods, as I leaned on Priam’s staff and beat with my foot in Phrygian time to lead the dance! +
+ + +
+First Semi-Chorus +O Hecuba! why these cries, these piercing shrieks? What do your words mean? For I heard your piteous wail +echo through the building, and a pang of terror shoots through each captive Trojan’s breast, as within these walls they mourn their slavish lot. + +Hecuba +My child, even now at the ships of the Argives— + +First Semi-Chorus +This part of the line is assigned to Hecuba in the translation and has been moved to align with the Greek.The rower’s hand is busy? +Ah, woe is me! what is their intent? Will they really carry me away from my country in their fleet? + +Hecuba +I do not know, though I guess our doom. + +First Semi-Chorus +O misery! +woe to us Trojan women, soon to hear of our troubles: Come out of the house, the Argives are preparing to return. + +Hecuba +Oh! please do not bid the +wild Cassandra leave her chamber, the frantic prophetess, for Argives to insult, nor to my griefs add yet another. Woe to you, ill-fated Troy, Troy, your sun is set; and woe to your unhappy children, living and dead alike, +who are leaving you behind!
+ + +
+Second Semi-Chorus +With trembling step, alas! I leave this tent of Agamemnon to learn of you, my royal mistress, whether the Argives have resolved to take my wretched life, or +whether the sailors at the prow are making ready to ply their oars. + +Hecuba +My child, your wakeful heart! + +Second Semi-Chorus +I have come, stricken with terror. Has a herald from the Danaids already arrived? +To whom am I, poor captive, given as a slave? + +Hecuba +You are not far from being allotted now. + +Second Semi-Chorus +Alas! What man of Argos or Phthia will bear me in sorrow far from Troy, to his home, or to some island fastness? + +Hecuba +Ah! ah! Whose slave shall I become in my old age? in what land? a poor old drone, the wretched copy of a corpse, alas! set to keep the gate +or tend their children, I who once held royal rank in Troy.
+ + +
+Chorus +Alas, alas! What piteous dirge will you devise to mourn the outrage done you? No more through Ida’s looms +shall I ply the shuttle to and fro. I look my last on my children’s bodies, my last; I shall endure surpassing misery, it may be as the unwilling bride of some Hellene (perish the night and fortune that brings me to this!); +it may be as a wretched slave from Peirene’s sacred fount I shall draw their store of water. Oh! may it be ours to come to Theseus’ famous realm, a land of joy. +Never, never let me see Eurotas’ swirling tide, hateful home of Helen, there to meet and be the slave of Menelaus, whose hand laid Troy waste!
+ + +
+Chorus +That holy land by Peneus fed, +nestling in all its beauty at Olympus’ foot, is said, so have I heard, to be a very granary of wealth and teeming fruitfulness; next to the sacred soil of Theseus, I could wish to reach that land. +They tell me too Hephaestus’ home, beneath the shadow of Aetna, fronting Phoenicia, the mother of Sicilian hills, is famous for the crowns it gives to valor. Or may I find a home on that shore which lies very near +Ionia’s sea, a land watered by Crathis, lovely stream, that dyes the hair an auburn tint, feeding with its holy waves and making glad the home of heroes.
+ + + +
+
+ Chorus Leader +But see! a herald from the army of Danaids, with a store of fresh proclamations, comes hastening here. What is his errand? What does he say? For we are indeed slaves now to Dorian lords. + +Talthybius +Hecuba, you know me from my many journeys to and fro as herald between the Achaean army and Troy; I was no stranger to you, lady, even before: I, Talthybius, now sent with a fresh message.
+ + + +
+ In the following lines, Talthybius makes spoken responses to Hecuba’s sung questions. +Hecuba +Ah, kind friends, it has come! what I so long have dreaded. + +Talthybius +The lot has decided your fates already, if that was what you feared. + +Hecuba +Ah me! What city did you say, Thessalian, Phthian, or Cadmean? + +Talthybius +Each warrior took his prize in turn; you were not all at once assigned. + +Hecuba +To whom has the lot assigned us severally? Which of us Trojan women +does a happy fortune await? + +Talthybius +I know, but ask your questions separately, not all at once. + +Hecuba +Then tell me, whose prize is my daughter, hapless Cassandra? + +Talthybius +King Agamemnon has chosen her out for himself. + +Hecuba +To be the slave-girl of his Spartan wife? Ah me! + +Talthybius +No, to share with him his stealthy love. + +Hecuba +What! Phoebus’ virgin-priestess, to whom the god with golden locks granted the gift of maidenhood? + +Talthybius +The dart of love has pierced his heart, love for the frenzied maid. + +Hecuba +Daughter, cast from you the sacred keys, and from your body tear the holy wreaths that drape you in their folds. + +Talthybius +Why! is it not an honor that she should win our monarch’s love? + +Hecuba +What have you done to her whom recently you took from me, my child? + +Talthybius +Do you mean Polyxena, or whom do you inquire about? + +Hecuba +Yes, that one; to whom has the lot assigned her? + +Talthybius +To minister at Achilles’ tomb has been appointed her. + +Hecuba +Woe is me! I the mother of a dead man’s slave! What custom, what ordinance is this among Hellenes, friend? + +Talthybius +Count your daughter happy; it is well with her. + +Hecuba +What wild words are these? Please tell me, is she still alive? + +Talthybius +Her fate is one that sets her free from trouble. + +Hecuba +And what of the wife of Hector skilled in arms, sad Andromache? declare her fate. + +Talthybius +She too was a chosen prize; Achilles’ son took her. + +Hecuba +As for me +whose hair is white with age, who need to hold a staff to be to me a third foot, whose servant am I to be? + +Talthybius +Odysseus, king of Ithaca, has taken you to be his slave. + + +Hecuba +Oh, oh! Now smite the close-shorn head! +tear your cheeks with your nails! Ah me! I have fallen as a slave to a treacherous foe I hate, a monster of lawlessness, +one that by his double tongue has turned against us all that once was friendly in his camp, changing this for that and that for this again. Oh weep for me, you Trojan women! Lost and ill-fated! +Ah woe! a victim to a most unhappy lot!
+ + + +
+ Chorus Leader +Your fate, royal mistress, now you know; but for me, what Helene or Achaean is master of my destiny? + +Talthybius +Go, servants, and bring Cassandra forth to me here +at once, that I may place her in our captain’s hands, and then conduct to the rest of the chiefs the captives each has had assigned. Ha! what is the blaze of torches there within? What are they doing? Are they firing the chambers, +because they must leave this land and be carried away to Argos? Are they setting themselves aflame in their longing for death? Truly the free bear their troubles in cases like this with a stiff neck. Open up! lest their deed, which suits them well +but finds small favor with the Achaeans, bring blame on me. + +Hecuba +It is not that they are setting anything ablaze, but my child Cassandra, frenzied maid, comes rushing wildly here.
+ + +
+ Cassandra +Bring the light, uplift and show its flame! I am doing the god’s service, see! see! making his shrine to glow with tapers bright. +O Hymen, lord of marriage! blessed is the bridegroom; blessed am I also, soon to wed a princely lord in Argos. Hail Hymen, lord of marriage! +Since you, my mother, are busied with tears and lamentations in your mourning for my father’s death and for our country dear, I at my own nuptials +am making this torch to blaze and show its light, giving to you, O Hymen, giving, O Hecate, a light, at the maiden’s wedding, as the custom is. +Nimbly lift the foot; lead the dance on high, with cries of joy, as if to greet my father’s happy fate. The dance is sacred. Come, Phoebus, now, for it is in your temple +among your bay-trees that I minister. Hail Hymen, god of marriage! Hymen, hail! Dance, mother, and laugh! link your steps with me, and circle in the delightful measure, now here, now there. +Salute the bride on her wedding-day with hymns and cries of joy. Come, you maids of Phrygia in fair raiment, sing my marriage +with the husband fate ordains that I should wed.
+ + +
+ Chorus Leader +Hold the frantic maiden, royal mistress, lest with nimble foot she rush to the Argive army. + +Hecuba +You god of fire, it is yours to light the bridal torch for men, but piteous is the flame you kindle here, +beyond my blackest expectation. Ah, my child! how little did I ever dream that such would be your marriage, a captive, and of Argos too! Give up the torch to me; you do not bear its blaze aright in your wild frantic course, nor have your afflictions left you in your sober senses, +but still you are as frantic as before. Take in those torches, Trojan friends, and for her wedding madrigals weep your tears instead. + +Cassandra +O mother, crown my head with victor’s wreaths; rejoice in my royal match; lead me +and if you find me unwilling at all, thrust me there by force; for if Loxias is indeed a prophet, Agamemnon, that famous king of the Achaeans, will find in me a bride more vexatious than Helen. For I will slay him and lay waste his home +to avenge my father’s and my brothers’ death. But let that go; I will not tell of that axe which shall sever my neck and the necks of others, or of the conflict ending in a mother’s death, which my marriage shall cause, nor of the overthrow of Atreus’ house. +But I, for all my frenzy, will so far rise above my frantic fit, that I will prove this city happier far than those Achaeans, who for the sake of one woman and one passion have lost a countless army in hunting Helen. +Their captain too, whom men call wise, has lost for what he hated most what most he prized, yielding to his brother for a woman’s sake—and she was willing and not taken by force—the joy he had of his own children in his home. For from the day that they landed upon Scamander’s strand, their doom began, +not for loss of stolen frontier nor yet for fatherland with high towers; whomever Ares took, those never saw their children again, nor were they shrouded for the tomb by hand of wife, but in a foreign land they lie. At home the case was still the same; +wives were dying widows, parents were left childless in their homes, having reared their sons for others, and none is left to make libations of blood upon the ground before their tombs. Truly to such praise as this their army can make an ample claim. It is better to pass by their shame in silence, nor may mine be the Muse +to tell that evil tale. + + +But the Trojans were dying, first for their fatherland, fairest fame to win; whomever the sword took, all these found friends to bear their bodies home and were laid to rest in the embrace of their native land, +their funeral rites all duly paid by duteous hands. And all such Phrygians as escaped the warrior’s death lived always day by day with wife and children by them, joys the Achaeans had left behind. As for Hector and his griefs, hear how the case stands; +he is dead and gone, but still his fame remains as bravest of the brave, and this was a result of the Achaeans’ coming; for had they remained at home, his worth would have gone unnoticed. And Paris married the daughter of Zeus, whereas, had he never done so, the alliance he made in his family would have been forgotten. +Whoever is wise should fly from making war; but if he come to this, a noble death will crown his city with glory, a coward’s end with shame. Therefore, mother, you should not pity your country or my bed, for this my marriage +will destroy those whom you and I most hate. + +Chorus Leader +How sweetly at your own sad lot you smile, chanting a strain, which, in spite of you, may prove you wrong! + +Talthybius +Had not Apollo turned your wits to maenad revelry, you would not for nothing have sent my chiefs +with such ominous predictions forth on their way. But, after all, these lofty minds, reputed wise, are nothing better than those that are held as nothing. For that mighty king of all Hellas, dear son of Atreus, has yielded to a passion +for this mad maiden of all others; though I am poor enough, yet would I never have chosen such a wife as this. As for you, since your senses are not whole, I give your taunts against Argos and your praise of Troy to the winds to carry away. Follow me now +to the ships to grace the wedding of our chief. And you too follow, whenever the son of Laertes demands your presence, for you will serve a mistress most discreet, as all declare who came to Ilium. + + +Cassandra +A clever fellow, this servant! Why is it heralds hold +the name they do? All men unite in hating with one common hate the attendants of kings or governments. You say my mother shall come to the halls of Odysseus? Where then are Apollo’s words, so clear to me in their interpretation, which declare +that she shall die here? What else remains, I will not taunt her with. Unhappy Odysseus, he does not know the sufferings that await him; or how these ills I and my Phrygians endure shall one day seem to him precious as gold. For beyond the ten long years spent at Troy he shall drag out other ten and then come to his country all alone . . . +where dreadful Charybdis lurks in a narrow channel between the rocks; past Cyclops the savage shepherd, and Ligurian Circe who turns men to swine; shipwrecked often upon the salt sea-wave; longing to eat the lotus, and the sacred cattle of the sun, +whose flesh shall utter in the days to come a human voice, bitter to Odysseus. In brief, he shall descend alive to Hades, and, though he shall escape the waters’ flood, yet shall he find a thousand troubles in his country when he arrives. +
+ + +
+ Cassandra + Enough! why do I recount the troubles of Odysseus? +Lead on at once, that I may wed my husband for his home in Hades’ halls. Base you are, and basely shall you be buried, in the dead of night when day is done, you captain of that army of Danaids, who think so proudly of your fortune! Yes, and the rocky chasm with its flood of wintry waters shall give my corpse cast forth in nakedness to wild beasts to make their meal upon, +near my husband’s tomb, I, Apollo’s servant. O garlands of that god most dear to me! farewell, you mystic symbols! I here resign your feasts, my joy in days gone by. Go, I tear you from my body, that, while yet mine honor is intact, I may give them to the rushing winds to waft to you, my prince of prophecy! +Where is that general’s ship? Where must I go to take my place there? Lose no further time in watching for a favoring breeze to fill your sails, doomed as you are to carry from this land one of the three avenging spirits. Fare you well, mother! dry your tears. O dear country! my brothers below the earth and my own father, +it will not be long before you shall welcome me; victory shall crown my advent among the dead, when I have overthrown the home of our destroyers, the house of the sons of Atreus.
+ + + +
+ Chorus Leader +You guardians of the grey-haired Hecuba, see how your mistress is sinking speechless to the ground! Take hold of her! will you let her fall, +you worthless slaves? lift up again, from where it lies, her withered body. + +Hecuba +Leave me, my maidens—unwelcome service does not grow welcome—lying where I fell; my sufferings now, my troubles past, afflictions yet to come, all claim this lowly posture. Gods of heaven! small help I find in calling such allies, +yet is there something in the form of invoking heaven, whenever we fall on evil days. First I will sing of my former blessings; so shall I inspire the greater pity for my present woes. Born to royal estate and wedded to a royal lord, +I was the mother of a race of gallant sons; no mere ciphers they, but Phrygia’s chiefest pride, children such as no Trojan or Hellenic or barbarian mother ever had to boast. All these have I seen slain by the spear of Hellas, +and at their tombs have I shorn off my hair; with these my eyes I saw their father, Priam, butchered on his own hearth, and my city captured, nor did others bring this bitter news to me. The maidens I brought up +to see chosen for some marriage high, for strangers have I reared them, and seen them snatched away. Nevermore can I hope to be seen by them, nor shall my eyes behold them ever in the days to come. And last, to crown my misery, +I shall be brought to Hellas, a slave in my old age. And there the tasks that least befit the evening of my life will they impose on me, Hector’s mother, to watch their gates and keep the keys, or bake their bread, and on the ground instead of my royal bed +lay down my shrunken limbs, with tattered rags about my wasted frame, a shameful garb for those who once were prosperous. Ah, woe is me! and this is what I bear and am to bear for one woman’s marriage! +O my daughter, O Cassandra! whom gods have summoned to their frenzied train, how cruel the lot that ends your virgin days! And you, Polyxena! my child of sorrow, where, oh! where are you? None of all the many sons and daughters I have born comes to aid a wretched mother. +Why then raise me up? What hope is left us? Guide me, who before trod so daintily the streets of Troy, but now am a slave, to a bed upon the ground, near some rocky ridge, that from there I may cast myself down and perish, after I have wasted my body with weeping. +Of all the prosperous crowd, count none a happy man before he die.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +Sing me, Muse, a tale of Troy, a funeral dirge in strains unheard as yet, with tears; +for now I will uplift for Troy a piteous chant, telling how I met my doom and fell a wretched captive to the Argives by reason of a four-footed beast that moved on wheels, when Achaea’s sons left at our.gates that horse, +loud rumbling to the sky, with its trappings of gold and its freight of warriors; and our people cried out as they stood upon the rocky citadel, Up now, you whose toil is over, + and drag this sacred image to the shrine of the Zeus-born maiden, goddess of our Ilium! Forth from his house came every youth and every grey-head too; and with songs of joy +they took the fatal snare within.
+ + +
+Chorus +Then hastened all the race of Phrygia to the gates, to make the goddess a present of an Argive band ambushed in the polished mountain-pine, +Dardania’s ruin, a welcome gift to be to her, the virgin queen of deathless steeds; and with nooses of cord they dragged it, as it had been a ship’s dark hull, to the stone-built +temple of the goddess Pallas, and set it on that floor so soon to drink our country’s blood. But, as they labored and made merry, came on the pitchy night; loud the Libyan flute was sounding, +and Phrygian songs awoke, while maidens beat the ground with airy foot, uplifting their glad song; and in the halls a blaze of torchlight shed its flickering shadows +on sleeping eyes.
+ + +
+Chorus +In that hour around the house I was singing as I danced to that maiden of the hills, the child of Zeus; +when there rang along the town a cry of death which filled the homes of Troy, and babies in terror clung about their mothers’ skirts, +as forth from their ambush came the warrior-band, the handiwork of maiden Pallas. Soon the altars ran with Phrygian blood, and desolation reigned over every bed where young men lay beheaded, +a glorious crown for Hellas won, for her, the nurse of youth, but for our Phrygian fatherland a bitter grief.
+ + + +
+
+ Chorus Leader +Hecuba, do you see Andromache advancing here on a foreign chariot? +and with her, clasped to her throbbing breast, is her dear Astyanax, Hector’s child. Where are you being carried, unhappy wife, mounted on that chariot, side by side with Hector’s brazen arms and Phrygian spoils of war, +with which Achilles’ son will deck the shrines of Phthia on his return from Troy?
+ + +
+Andromache +My Achaean masters are leading me away. + +Hecuba +Ah me! + +Andromache +Why do you in note of woe utter the dirge that is mine? + +Hecuba + Alas— + +Andromache + For these sorrows— + +Hecuba +O Zeus— + +Andromache +And for this calamity. + +Hecuba + O my children! + +Andromache +Our day is past.
+ + +
+Hecuba +Joy is gone, Troy is gone. + +Andromache + Unhappy! + +Hecuba + For my gallant sons + +Andromache + Alas! + +Hecuba + Alas indeed, for my + +Andromache + Misery! + +Hecuba +Piteous the fate + +Andromache +Of our city, + +Hecuba +Smouldering in the smoke.
+ + +
+Andromache +Come to me, my husband, come to me! + +Hecuba +Ah, hapless wife! you call on my son who lies in the tomb. + +Andromache +Your wife’s defender!
+ + +
+Hecuba +Oh, you, who before made the Achaeans grieve, eldest of the sons I bore to Priam, take me to your rest in Hades’ halls!
+ + +
+Andromache +These great griefs— + +Hecuba + Unhappy one, bitter these woes to bear. + +Andromache + Our city ruined— + +Hecuba + And sorrow to sorrow added. + +Andromache +Through the will of angry heaven, since the day that son i.e., Paris, who had been exposed to die on account of an oracle foretelling the misery he would cause if he grew to man’s estate; but shepherds had found him on the hills and reared him. of yours escaped death, he that for a hated bride brought destruction on the Trojan citadel. There lie the gory corpses of the slain by the shrine of Pallas for vultures to carry off; +and Troy has come to slavery’s yoke.
+ + +
+Hecuba + O my country, O unhappy land— + +Andromache + I weep for you now left behind. + +Hecuba + Now do you behold your piteous end. + +Andromache + And you, my house, where I gave birth. + +Hecuba +O my children! bereft of her city as your mother is, she now is losing you. Oh, what mourning and what sorrow! . . . +oh, what endless streams of tears in our houses! The dead alone forget their griefs and never shed a tear. + + +Chorus Leader +What sweet relief to sufferers it is to weep, to mourn, lament, and chant the dirge that tells of grief! + +Andromache +Do you see this, mother of that man, Hector, who once laid low in battle many a son of Argos? + +Hecuba +I see that it is heaven’s way to exalt what men accounted nothing, and ruin what they most esteemed. + +Andromache +Hence with my child as booty am I borne; the noble +are brought to slavery—a bitter change. + +Hecuba +This is necessity’s grim law; it was just now that Cassandra was torn with brutal violence from my arms. + +Andromache +Alas, alas! it seems a second Aias has appeared to wrong your daughter; but there are other ills for you. + +Hecuba +Yes, beyond all count or measure are my sorrows; evil vies with evil in the struggle to be first. + +Andromache +Your daughter Polyxena is dead, slain at Achilles’ tomb, an offering to his lifeless corpse. + +Hecuba +O woe is me! This is that riddle Talthybius +long ago told me, a truth obscurely uttered. + +Andromache +I saw her myself; so I alighted from the chariot, and covered her corpse with a mantle, and struck upon my breast. + +Hecuba +Alas! my child, for your unhallowed sacrifice! and yet again, alas! for your shameful death! + +Andromache +Her death was even as it was, and yet that death of hers was after all a happier fate than my life. + +Hecuba +Death and life are not the same, my child; the one is annihilation, the other keeps a place for hope. + + +Andromache +Hear, O mother of children! give ear to what I urge so well, +that I may cheer my drooping spirit. It is all one, I say, never to have been born and to be dead, and better far is death than life with misery. For the dead feel no sorrow any more and know no grief; but he who has known prosperity and has fallen on evil days +feels his spirit straying from the scene of former joys. Now that child of yours is dead as though she never had seen the light, and little she knows of her calamity; whereas I, who aimed at a fair repute, though I won a higher lot than most, yet missed my luck in life. +For all that stamps the wife a woman chaste, I strove to do in Hector’s home. In the first place, whether there is a slur upon a woman, or whether there is not, the very fact of her not staying at home brings in its train an evil name; +therefore I gave up any longing to do so, and stayed within my house; nor would I admit indoors the clever gossip women love, but conscious of a heart that told an honest tale I was content. And ever would I keep a silent tongue and modest eye before my husband; +and well I knew where I might rule him, and where it was best to yield. +Report of this has reached the Achaean army, and proved my ruin; for when I was taken captive, Achilles’ son would have me +as his wife, and I must serve in the house of murderers. And if I set aside my love for Hector, and open my heart to this new lord, I shall appear a traitress to the dead, while, if I hate him, I shall incur my master’s displeasure. +And yet they say a single night removes a woman’s dislike for her husband; I despise the woman who, when she has lost her former husband, transfers her love by marrying another. Not even the horse, if parted from her stablemate, +will cheerfully draw the yoke; and animals have neither speech nor sense to help them, and are by nature man’s inferiors. + +O my dear Hector, in you I found a husband amply dowered with wisdom, noble birth and fortune, a brave man and a mighty; +while you took from my father’s house a spotless bride, yourself the first to make this maiden wife. But now death has claimed you, and I am soon to sail to Hellas, a captive doomed to wear the yoke of slavery. Has not then the dead Polyxena, +for whom you wail, less evil to bear than I? I have not so much as hope, the last resource of every human heart, nor do I beguile myself with dreams of future bliss, the very thought of which is sweet. + +Chorus Leader +You are in the same plight as I; your lamentations +for yourself remind me of my own sad case. + +Hecuba +I never yet have set foot on a ship’s deck, though I have seen such things in pictures and know of them from hearsay. Now sailors, if there comes a storm of moderate force, are all eagerness to save themselves by toil; +one stands at the tiller, another sets himself to work the sheets, a third meanwhile is baling out the ship; but if tempestuous waves arise to overwhelm them, they yield to fortune and commit themselves to the driving billows. Even so I, by reason of my countless troubles, +am speechless and forbear to say a word; for this surge of misery from the gods is too strong for me. Cease, my darling child, to speak of Hector’s fate; no tears of yours can save him; honor your present master, +offering your sweet nature as the bait to win him. If you do this, you will cheer your friends as well as yourself and you shalt rear my Hector’s child to lend stout aid to Ilium, that so your children in the aftertime +may build her up again, and our city yet be established. But our talk must take a different turn; who is this Achaean servant I see coming here again, sent to tell us of some new design? + + +Talthybius +You that once were the wife of Hector, bravest of the Phrygians, +do not hate me, for I am not a willing messenger. The Danaids and sons of Pelops both command— + +Andromache +What is it? your prelude bodes evil news. + +Talthybius +It is decreed your son is—how can I tell my news? + +Andromache +Surely not to have a different master from me? + +Talthybius +None of all Achaea’s chiefs shall ever lord it over him. + +Andromache +Is it their will to leave him here, a remnant of Phrygia’s race? + +Talthybius +I know no words to break the sorrow lightly to you. + +Andromache +I thank you for your consideration, unless indeed you have good news to tell. + +Talthybius +They mean to slay your son; there is my hateful message to you. + +Andromache +Oh me! this is worse tidings than my forced marriage. + +Talthybius +So spoke Odysseus to the assembled Hellenes, and his word prevails. + +Andromache +Oh, once again alas! there is no measure in the woes I bear. + +Talthybius +He said they should not rear so brave a father’s son. + +Andromache +May such counsels prevail about children of his! + +Talthybius +He must be thrown from Troy’s battlements. Let it be so, and you will show more wisdom; do not cling to him, but bear your sorrows with heroic heart, nor in your weakness think that you are strong. For nowhere do you have any help; consider this you must; +your husband and your city are no more, so you are in our power, and I alone am match enough for one woman; therefore I would not see you bent on strife, or any course to bring you shame or hate, nor would I hear you rashly curse the Achaeans. +For if you say anything to anger the army, this child will find no burial nor pity either. But if you hold your peace and with composure take your fate, you will not leave his corpse unburied, and you yourself will find more favor with the Achaeans. + + +Andromache +My dearest! my own sweet child and priceless treasure! your death the foe demands, and you must leave your wretched mother. That which saves the lives of others, proves your destruction—your father’s nobility; to you your father’s valiancy has proved no gift. +O my unlucky bed and marriage, that brought me once to Hector’s home, hoping to be the mother of a son that should rule over Asia’s fruitful fields instead of serving as a victim to the Danaids! Do you weep, my child? do you know your hapless fate? +Why clutch me with your hands and to my garment cling, nestling like a tender chick beneath my wing? Hector will not rise from the earth and come gripping his famous spear to bring you salvation; no kinsman of your father appears, nor might of Phrygian hosts; +one dreadful headlong leap from the dizzy height and you will dash out your life with none to pity you! Oh to clasp your tender limbs, a mother’s fondest joy! Oh to breathe your fragrant breath! In vain it seems these breasts did suckle you, wrapped in your swaddling-clothes; +all for nothing I used to toil and wear myself away! Kiss your mother now for the last time, nestle to her that bore you, twine your arms about my neck and join your lips to mine! O you Hellenes, cunning to devise new forms of cruelty, +why slay this child who never wronged any? You daughter of Tyndareus, you are no child of Zeus, but I say you were born of many a father, first of some evil demon, next of Envy, then of Murder and of Death, and every horror that the earth breeds. +That Zeus was never father of yours I boldly do assert, bane as you have been to many a Hellene and barbarian too. Destruction catch you! Those fair eyes of yours have brought a shameful ruin on the fields of glorious Troy. Take the child and bear him hence, hurl him down if you wish, +then feast upon his flesh! It is the gods’ will we perish, and I cannot ward the deadly stroke from my child. Hide me and my misery; cast me into the ship’s hold; for it is to a fair wedding I am going, now that I have lost my child! + +Chorus Leader +Unhappy Troy! you have lost countless men for the sake of one woman and her hateful bed.
+ + +
+ Talthybius +Come, child, leave fond embracing of your woeful mother, and mount the high coronal of your ancestral towers, +there to draw your parting breath, as is ordained. Take him away. His should the duty be to do such herald’s work, whose heart knows no pity and who loves ruthlessness more than my soul does. Exeunt Andromache and Talthybius with Astyanax.
+ +
+ Hecuba +O child, son of my hapless boy, an unjust fate robs me and your mother of your life. How is it with me? What can I do for you, luckless one? For you I strike upon my head and beat my breast, my only gift; +for that is in my power. Woe for my city! woe for you! What sorrow do we not have? What is wanting now to our utter and immediate ruin?
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +O Telamon, King of Salamis, the feeding-ground of bees, +who have your home in a seagirt isle that lies near the holy hills where first Athena made the grey olive branch to appear, a crown for heavenly heads and a glory to happy Athens, you came, you came in knightly brotherhood +with that great archer, Alcmena’s son, to sack our city Ilium, in days gone by, on your advent from Hellas;
+ + +
+Chorus +When he led the chosen flower of Hellas, vexed +for the steeds, Heracles had destroyed a sea-monster for Laomedon on condition of receiving a gift of horses for his trouble, and, on Laomedon repudiating the promise, sacked Troy. and at the fair stream of Simois he stayed his sea-borne ship and fastened cables to the stern, and forth from the ship he took the bow his hand could deftly shoot, to be the doom of Laomedon; and with the ruddy breath of fire +he wasted the masonry squared by Phoebus’ line and chisel, and sacked the land of Troy; so twice in two attacks has the blood-stained spear destroyed Dardania’s walls.
+ + +
+Chorus +In vain, it seems, you Phrygian boy Ganymede, a son of Tros. pacing with dainty step among your golden chalices, do you fill high the cup of Zeus, a lovely service; +the land of your birth is being consumed by fire. The shore re-echoes to our cries; and, as a bird bewails its young, +so we bewail our husbands or our children, or our old mothers. The dew-fed springs where you bathed, the course where you trained, +are now no more; but you beside the throne of Zeus are sitting with a calm, sweet smile upon your fair young face, while the spear of Hellas has destroyed the land of Priam.
+ + +
+Chorus +Ah! Love, Love, who once sought these Dardanian halls, deep-seated in the hearts of heavenly gods, how high you made Troy to tower in those days, +allying her with deities! But I will cease to urge reproaches against Zeus; for white-winged dawn, whose light is dear to man, +turned a baleful eye upon our land and watched the ruin of our citadel, though she had within her bridal bower a husband to give her children, Referring to he union of Aurora and Tithonus from this land, +whom once a chariot of gold spangled stars caught up and carried there, great source of hope to his native country ; but all the love the gods once had for Troy is passed away.
+ + + +
+Menelaus +Hail! you radiant flare of the sun, by whose fair light I now shall capture her that was my wife, Helen; for I am that Menelaus, who has toiled so hard, I and Achaea’s army. I came to Troy, not so much as men suppose +for, the sake of a woman, but to punish the man who from my house stole my wife, traitor to my hospitality. But he, by the gods’ will, has paid the penalty, ruined, and his country too, by the spear of Hellas. And I have come to bear that wretched woman away—wife I have no mind +to call her, though she once was mine—for now she is one among the other Trojan women who share these tents as captives. For they, the very men who who toiled to take her with the spear, have granted to me to slay her, +or, if I will, to spare and carry back with me to Argos. Now my purpose is not to put her to death in Troy, but to carry her to Hellas in my sea-borne ship, and then surrender her to death, a recompense to all whose friends were slain in Ilium. +Ho! my servants, enter the tent, and drag her out to me by her hair foul with murder; and when a favoring breeze shall blow, to Hellas will we convey her. + +Hecuba +O you that do support the earth and rest thereupon, +whoever you are, a riddle past our knowledge! Zeus, owhether you are natural necessity, or man’s intellect, to you I pray; for, though you tread over a noiseless path, all your dealings with mankind are guided by justice. + +Menelaus +What is this? Strange the prayer you offer to the gods! + +Hecuba +I thank you, Menelaus, if you will slay that wife of yours. Yet shun the sight of her, lest she strike you with longing. For she ensnares the eyes of men, overthrows their towns, and burns their houses, so potent are her witcheries! Well I know her; so do you and those her victims too. + + +Helen +Menelaus! this prelude well may fill me with alarm; for I am taken with violence by your servants’ hands and brought before these tents. Still, though I am sure you hate me, yet I want to inquire +what you and Hellas have decided about my life. + +Menelaus +To judge your case required no great exactness; the army with one consent, that army whom you wronged, handed you over to me to die. + +Helen +May I answer this decision, proving that my death, if I am to die, will be unjust? + +Menelaus +I came not to argue, but to slay you. + +Hecuba +Hear her, Menelaus; let her not die for want of that, and let me answer her again, for you know nothing of her villainies in Troy; and the whole case, if summed up, +will insure her death against all chance of an escape. + +Menelaus +This gift needs leisure; still, if she wishes to speak, she may. Yet I will grant her this because of your words, that she may hear them, and not for her own sake. + +Helen +Perhaps you will not answer me, from counting me a foe, +whether my words seem good or ill. Yet I will put my charges and yours over against each other, and then reply to the accusations I suppose you will advance against me. First, then, that woman was the author of these troubles +by giving birth to Paris; next, old Priam ruined Troy and me, because he did not slay his child Alexander, baleful semblance of a fire-brand,Hecuba had dreamed she would hear a son who would cause the ruin of Troy; on the birth of Paris an oracle confirmed her fears. long ago. Hear what followed. This man was to judge the claims of three rival goddesses; +so Pallas offered him command of all the Phrygians, and the destruction of Hellas; Hera promised he should spread his dominion over Asia, and the utmost bounds of Europe, if he would decide for her; but Cypris spoke in rapture of my loveliness, +and promised him this gift, if she should have the preference over those two for beauty. Now mark the inference I deduce from this; Cypris won the day over the goddesses, and thus far has my marriage proved of benefit to Hellas, that you are not subject to barbarian rule, neither vanquished in the strife, nor yet by tyrants crushed. +What Hellas gained, was ruin to me, sold for my beauty, and now I am reproached for that which should have set a crown upon my head. But you will say I am silent on the real matter at hand, how it was I started forth and left your house by stealth. +With no small goddess at his side he came, my evil genius, call him Alexander or Paris, as you will; and you, villain, left him behind in your house, and sailed away from Sparta to the land of Crete. + + + Enough of this! For all that followed I must question myself, not you; what thought led me to follow the stranger from your house, traitress to my country and my home? Punish the goddess, show yourself more mighty even than Zeus, who, though he lords it over the other gods, +is her slave; therefore I may well be pardoned. Still, from this you might draw a specious argument against me; when Paris died, and earth concealed his corpse, I should have left his house and sought the Argive fleet, since my marriage was no longer in the hands of gods. +That was what I was eager to do; and the warders on the towers and watchmen on the walls can bear me witness, for often they found me seeking to let myself down stealthily by cords from the battlements but there was that new husband, Deiphobus, that carried me off +by force to be his wife against the will of Troy. How then, my lord, could I be justly put to death . . . by you, with any show of right, seeing that he wedded me against my will, and those my other natural gifts have served a bitter slavery, instead of leading on to triumph? If it is your will indeed +to master gods, that very wish displays your folly. + +Chorus Leader +O my royal mistress, defend your children’s and your country’s cause, bringing to nothing her persuasive arguments, for she pleads well in spite of all her villainy; this is monstrous! + +Hecuba +First I will take up the cause of those goddesses, +and prove how she perverts the truth. For I can never believe that Hera or the maiden Pallas would have been guilty of such folly, the one to sell her Argos to barbarians, or that Pallas ever would make her Athens subject to the Phrygians, +coming as they did in mere wanton sport to Ida to contest the palm of beauty. For why should goddess Hera set her heart so much on such a prize? Was it to win a nobler lord than Zeus? or was Athena hunting down among the gods a husband, +she who in her dislike of marriage won from her father the gift of remaining unwed? Do not seek to impute folly to the goddesses, in the attempt to adorn your own sin; never will you persuade the wise. Next you have said—what well may make men jeer—that Cypris came with my son to the house of Menelaus. +Could she not have stayed quietly in heaven and brought you and Amyclae as well to Ilium? + + + No! my son was exceedingly handsome, and when you saw him your mind straight became your Aphrodite; for every folly that men commit, they lay upon this goddess, +and rightly does her name It is almost impossible to reproduce the play on words in Ἀφροδίτη and ἀφροσύνη; perhaps the nearest approach would be sensuality and senseless. begin the word for senselessness; so when you caught sight of him in gorgeous foreign clothes, ablaze with gold, your senses utterly forsook you. Yes, for in Argos you had moved in simple state, but, once free of Sparta, +it was your hope to deluge by your lavish outlay Phrygia’s town, that flowed with gold; nor was the palace of Menelaus rich enough for your luxury to riot in. +Enough of this! My son carried you off by force, so you say; what Spartan saw this? what cry for help +did you ever raise, though Castor was still alive, a vigorous youth, and his brother also, not yet among the stars? Then when you had come to Troy, and the Argives were on your track, and the mortal combat had begun, whenever tidings came to you of +Menelaus’ prowess, you would praise him, to grieve my son, because he had so powerful a rival in his love; but if the Trojans prospered, Menelaus was nothing to you. Your eye was fixed on Fortune, and by such practice you were careful to follow in her steps, careless of virtue’s cause. +And then you assert that you tried to let yourself down from the towers by stealth with twisted cords, as if unwilling to stay? Where were you ever found fastening the noose about your neck, or whetting the knife, as a noble wife would have done in regret for her former husband? +And yet often I advised you saying, Get away, daughter; my sons will take other brides, and I will belp you to steal away, and convey you to the Achaean fleet; oh, end the strife between us and Hellas! But this was bitter to you. +For you were wantoning in Alexander’s house, wishing to have obeisance done you by barbarians. Yes, it was a proud time for you; and now after all this you have adorned yourself, and come forth and have dared to appear under the same sky as your husband, revolting wretch! +Better if you had come in tattered raiment, cowering humbly in terror, with hair cut short, and if your feeling for your past sins were one of shame rather than effrontery. Menelaus, hear the conclusion of my argument; +crown Hellas by slaying her as she deserves, and establish this law for all other women: death to every one who betrays her husband. + + + + +Chorus Leader +Avenge yourself, Menelaus, on your wife, as is worthy of your home and ancestors, +clear yourself from the reproach of effeminacy at the lips of Hellas, and let your foes see your spirit. + +Menelaus +Your thoughts coincide with mine, that she, without constraint, left my palace, and sought a stranger’s bed, and now Cypris is introduced for mere bluster. Away to those who shall stone you, +and by your speedy death requite the weary toils of the Achaeans, so that you may learn not to bring shame on me! + +Helen +Oh, by your knees, I implore you, do not impute that heaven-sent affliction to me, or slay me; forgive me! + +Hecuba +Do not betray your allies, whose death this woman caused; +on their behalf, and for my children’s sake, I entreat you. + +Menelaus +Peace, revered lady; to her I pay no heed. I bid my servants take her away, aboard the ship, in which she is to sail. + +Hecuba +Oh never let her set foot within the same ship as you. + +Menelaus +Why is that? is she heavier than before? + +Hecuba +The one who loves once, must love always. + +Menelaus +Why, that depends how those we love are minded. But your wish shall be granted; she shall not set foot upon the same ship with me; for your advice is surely sound; +and when she comes to Argos she shall die a shameful death as is her due, and impress the need of chastity on all women. No easy task; yet shall her fate strike their foolish hearts with terror, even though they are more lost to shame than she. Exit Menelaus, dragging Helen with him.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +So then you have delivered into Achaea’s hand, O Zeus, your shrine in Ilium and your fragrant altar, the offerings of burnt sacrifice with smoke of myrrh to heaven uprising, +and holy Pergamos, and glens of Ida tangled with the ivy’s growth, where rills of melting snow pour down their flood, a holy sun-lit land that bounds the world +and takes the god’s first rays!
+ + +
+Chorus +Gone are your sacrifices! gone the dancer’s cheerful shout! gone the vigils of the gods as night closed in! your images of carven gold are now no more; +and Phrygia’s holy festivals, twelve times a year, at each full moon, are ended now. It is this, it is this that fills me with anxious thought whether you, lord, seated on the sky, your heavenly throne, care at all that my city is destroyed, +a prey to the furious fiery blast.
+ + +
+Chorus +Ah! my loved husband, you are a wandering spectre; +unwashed, unburied lies your corpse, while over the sea the ship sped by wings will carry me to Argos, land of steeds, where stand Cyclopian walls of stone reaching to heaven. There in the gate the children gather, +and weep their piteous lamentation; they cry, they cry: Mother, alas! torn from your sight, the Achaeans bear me away from you to their dark ship +to row me over the deep to sacred Salamis or to the hill on the Isthmus, that overlooks two seas, the seat that holds the gates of Pelops.
+ + +
+Chorus +Oh may the sacred blazing thunderbolt of the Aegean, hurled in might, smite the ship of Menelaus full in the middle, on its way in mid-sea, +since he is carrying me away in bitter sorrow from the shores of Ilium to be a slave in Hellas, while the daughter of Zeus still keeps her golden mirrors, delight of maidens’ hearts. +Never may he reach his home in Laconia or his father’s hearth and home, nor come to the town of Pitane Part of Sparta was so called. or the temple of the goddess Athena of the Brazen House, a temple on the acropolis. with the gates of bronze, having taken as his captive the one whose marriage brought disgrace on Hellas through its length and breadth and woful anguish +on the streams of Simois!
+ + + +
+
+ Enter Talthybius and attendants, bearing the corpse of Astyanax on Hector’s shield. +Chorus Leader +All me! ah me! new troubles fall on my country, to take the place of those that still are fresh! Behold, +you hapless wives of Troy, the corpse of Astyanax, whom the Danaids have cruelly slain by hurling him from the battlements. + + +Talthybius +Hecuba, one ship alone delays its plashing oars, +and it is soon to sail to the shores of Phthia freighted with the remnant of the spoils of Achilles’ son; for Neoptolemus is already out at sea, having heard that new calamities have befallen Peleus, for Acastus, son of Pelias, has banished him from the realm. Therefore he is gone, too quick to indulge in any delay, +and with him goes Andromache, who drew many tears from me when she set out from the land, wailing her country and crying her farewell to Hector’s tomb. And she begged her master leave to bury this poor dead child of Hector +who breathed his last when hurled from the turrets; entreating too that he would not carry this shield, the terror of the Achaeans—this shield with plates of brass with which his father would gird himself—to the home of Peleus or to the same bridal bower where she, Andromache, +the mother of this corpse, would be wed, a bitter sight to her, but let her bury the child in it instead of in a coffin of cedar or a tomb of stone, and to your hands commit the corpse that you may deck it with robes and garlands as best you can with your present means; +for she is far away and her master’s haste prevented her from burying the child herself. So we, when you have decked the corpse, will heap the earth above and set upon it a spear; but do you with your best speed perform your allotted task; +one toil however I have already spared you, for I crossed Scamander’s stream and bathed the corpse and cleansed its wounds. But now I will go to dig a grave for hiin, that our united efforts +shortening our task may speed our ship towards home. Exit Talthybius. + + +Hecuba +Place the shield upon the ground, Hector’s shield so deftly rounded, a piteous sight, a bitter grief for me to see. O you Achaeans, more reason have you to boast of your prowess than your wisdom. Why have you in terror of this child +been guilty of a murder never matched before? Did you fear that some day he would rear again the fallen walls of Troy? It seems then you were nothing after all, when, though Hector’s fortunes in the war were prosperous and he had ten thousand other arms to back him, we still were daily overmatched; and yet, now that our city is taken and every Phrygian slain, +you fear a tender child like this! I do not commend the fear of one who fears but never yet has reasoned out the cause. + + + Ah! my beloved, yours is a piteous death indeed! If you had died for your city, when you had tasted of the sweets of manhood, of marriage, and of godlike power over others, +then were you blessed, if anything here is blessed. But now after one glimpse, one dream of them, you know them no more, my child, and have no joy of them, though heir to all. Ah, poor child! how sadly have your own father’s walls, those towers that Loxias reared, shorn from your head +the locks your mother fondled, and so often caressed, from which through fractured bones the face of murder grins—briefly to dismiss my shocking theme. O hands, how sweet the likeness you retain of his father, and yet you lie Iimp in your sockets before me! +Dear mouth, so often full of words of pride, death has closed you, and you have not kept the promise you made, when nestling in my robe, Ah, mother, many a lock of my hair I will cut off for you, and to your tomb will lead my troops of friends, taking a fond farewell of you. +But now I am not to be buried by you, but you, the younger one, a wretched corpse, are buried by me, on whom old age has come with loss of home and children. Ah me, those kisses numberless, the nurture that I gave to you, those sleepless nights—they all are lost! What shall the bard inscribe upon your tomb about you? +Argives once for fear of him slew this child? Foul shame should that inscription be to Hellas. O child, though you have no part in all your father’s wealth, yet shall you have his brazen shield in which to find a tomb. Ah! shield that kept safe the comely arm of Hector, +now have you lost your valiant keeper! How fair upon your handle lies his imprint, and on the rim that circles around are marks of sweat, that trickled often from Hector’s brow as he pressed it against his beard in battle’s stress. +Come, bring forth, from such store as you have, adornment for the hapless dead, for fortune gives no chance now for lovely offerings; yet of such as I possess, you shall receive these gifts. He is a foolish mortal who thinks his luck secure and so rejoices; for fortune, like a madman in her moods, +springs towards this man, then towards that; and no one ever experiences the same unchanging luck. + +Chorus Leader +Look! all is ready and they are bringing at your bidding from the spoils of Troy adornment to put upon the dead. + +Hecuba +Ah! my child, it is not as victor over your comrades +with horse or bow—customs Troy esteems, without pursuing them to excess—that Hector’s mother decks you now with ornaments from the store that once was yours, though now Helen, whom the gods abhor, has bereft you of your own, yes, and robbed you +of your life and caused your house to perish root and branch.
+ + + +
+ Chorus +Woe! thrice woe! my heart is touched, and you the cause, my mighty prince in days now passed! + + +Hecuba +About your body now I swathe this Phrygian robe of honor, which should have clad you on your marriage-day, +wedded to the noblest of Asia’s daughters. You too, dear shield of Hector, victorious parent of countless triumphs past, accept your crown, for though you share the dead child’s tomb, death cannot touch you; for you merit honors far beyond those arms the arms of Achilles, which were set up as a prize, and won by Odysseus from Aias. +that the crafty villain Odysseus won.
+ + +
+ Chorus +Alas! alas! you, O child, shall earth take to her breast, a cause for bitter weeping. Mourn, you mother! + +Hecuba + Alas! + +Chorus +Wail for the dead. + +Hecuba +Woe is me! + +Chorus +Woe indeed for your unending sorrow! + + +Hecuba +Your wounds in part I will bind up with bandages, a wretched healer in name alone, without reality; but for the rest your father must look to that among the dead. + + +Chorus +Smite, oh smite upon your head with frequent blow of hand. Woe is me! + +Hecuba +My kind, good friends— + +Chorus +Speak out, Hecuba, the word that was on your lips.
+ + +
+ Hecuba +It seems the only things that heaven concerns itself about are my troubles and Troy hateful in their eyes above all other cities. In vain did we sacrifice to them. But if the god had not caught us in his grip and plunged us headlong beneath the earth, we should have been unheard of, and not ever sung in Muses’ songs, +furnishing to bards of after-days a subject for their minstrelsy. Go, bury now in his poor tomb the dead, wreathed all duly as befits a corpse. And yet I think it makes little difference to the dead, if they get a gorgeous funeral; +but this is a cause of idle pride to the living. The corpse is carried off to burial.
+ + +
+ Chorus Leader + Alas! for your unhappy mother, who over your corpse has closed the high hopes of her life! Born of a noble stock, counted most happy in your lot, +ah! what a tragic death is yours! Ha! who are those I see on yonder pinnacles darting to and fro with flaming torches in their hands? Some new calamity wiII soon alight on Troy. Soldiers are seen on the battlements of Troy, torch in hand. + + +Talthybius +You captains whose allotted task it is to fire this town of Priam, to you I speak. No longer keep the fire-brand idle in your hands, but launch the flame, that when we have destroyed the city of Ilium we may set forth in gladness on our homeward voyage from Troy. +And you, you sons of Troy, to let my orders take at once a double form—start for the Achaean ships for your departure from the land, as soon as the leaders of the army blow loud and clear upon the trumpet. And you, unhappy grey-haired lady, +follow; for here come servants from Odysseus to fetch you, for to him you are assigned by lot to be a slave far from your country. + +Hecuba +Ah, woe is me! This surely is the last, the utmost limit, of all my sorrows; I go forth from my land; my city is ablaze with flame. +Yet, you aged foot, make one painful struggle to haste, that I may say a farewell to this wretched town. O Troy, that before had such a grand career among barbarian towns, soon will you be bereft of that splendid name. They are burning you, and leading us even now from our land +to slavery. O gods! Yet why do I call on the gods? They did not hearken ever before to our call. Come, let us rush into the flames, for to die with my country in its blazing ruin would be a noble death for me. + +Talthybius +Your sorrows drive you frantic, poor lady. +Go, lead her away, make no delay, for you must deliver her into the hand of Odysseus, conveying to him his prize.
+ + +
+ Hecuba +Woe! oh woe! Son of Cronos, prince of Phrygia, father of our race, +do you behold our sufferings now, unworthy of the stock of Dardanus? + +Chorus +He sees them, but our mighty city is a city no more, and Troy’s day is done. + +Hecuba +Woe! oh woe! +Ilium is ablaze; the homes of Pergamos and its towering walls are now one sheet of flame. + +Chorus +As the smoke soars on wings to heaven, so sinks our city to the ground before the spear. +With furious haste both fire and enemy spear devour each house.
+ + +
+Hecuba +Oh, earth, nourisher of my children! + +Chorus +Ah, ah! + +Hecuba +Hearken, my children, hear your mother’s voice. + +Chorus +You are calling on the dead with voice of lamentation. + +Hecuba +Yes, as I stretch my aged limbs upon the ground, and beat upon the earth with both my hands. + +Chorus +I follow you and kneel, invoking from the nether world my hapless husband. + +Hecuba + I am being dragged and hurried away— + +Chorus +The sorrow, the sorrow of that cry! + +Hecuba + To dwell beneath a master’s roof! + +Chorus + From my own country!This part of the line is assigned to Hecuba in the translation and has been moved to align with the Greek. + +Hecuba +Woe is me! O Priam, Priam, slain, unburied, left without a friend, nothing do you know of my cruel fate. + +Chorus +No, for over his eyes black death has drawn his pall, a pure man slain by the impure.
+ + +
+Hecuba +Woe for the temples of the gods and for our dear city! + +Chorus +Ah, ah! + +Hecuba +Murderous flame and enemy spear are now your lot. + +Chorus +Soon will you tumble to your own loved soil, and be forgotten. + +Hecuba +And the dust, mounting to heaven on wings like smoke, will rob me of the sight of my home. + +Chorus +The name of my country wiII pass into obscurity; all is scattered far and wide, and hapless Troy has ceased to be. + +Hecuba +Did you know, did you hear? + +Chorus + Yes, it was the crash of the citadel. + +Hecuba + The shock, the shock— + +Chorus + Will overwhelm our city utterly. + +Hecuba +O woe is me! trembling, quaking limbs, support my footsteps! away! to face +the day that begins your slavery. + +Chorus +Woe for our unhappy town! And yet let us advance to the Achaean fleet.
+
+ +
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-grc1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-grc1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 15af5be87..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-grc1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14 +0,0 @@ -{ - "epidoc_compliant": false, - "fully_unicode": true, - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "has_cts_metadata": false, - "has_cts_refsDecl": false, - "id": "1999.01.0123", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/sdl/Euripides/eur.tro_murray_gk.xml", - "status": "migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-grc1.xml", - "valid_xml": true -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-grc1.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-grc1.xml deleted file mode 100644 index 7dd1e5e06..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-grc1.xml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2367 +0,0 @@ - - - - -The Trojan Women -Machine readable text -Euripides -Gilbert Murray -Perseus Project, Tufts University -Gregory Crane - -Prepared under the supervision of -Lisa Cerrato -William Merrill -Elli Mylonas -David Smith - -The Annenberg CPB/Project - -About 100Kb - -Trustees of Tufts University -Medford, MA -Perseus Project - 1996 - - - - -Euripides -Euripidis Fabulae, vol. 2 - 257234643 -Gilbert Murray - -Oxford -Clarendon Press, Oxford -1913 - - - - - - - - - - - - -Greek - - - - -1988 - -Judith Nelson -tagging - -Basic SGML tagging - - -6/95 - -Lisa Cerrato -ed. - -Added speaker tags where needed. - - -10/98 - -Bill Merrill -ed. - -Fixed cardbreaks at 176, didn't see a problem at 197 i.e. between 195 and 200, 341, 444, 601, 1218, 1260; added line nos. 173b, 174b, 190b, 192b, 194b, 340b, 598b, 600b, 1217b, 1256b. - - -14-Jan-00 - -Anne Mahoney -Markup - - -$Log: eur.tro_murray_gk.xml,v $ -Revision 1.1 2013-09-13 11:17:32 balmas01 -moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory - -Revision 1.5 2013-06-13 12:41:24 gcrane -tagging now should be compatible with CTS - -Revision 1.4 2012-02-14 18:12:30 ajones06 -Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. - -Revision 1.3 2011-09-07 13:57:47 rsingh04 adding rend=displayNum to lb tags - -Revision 1.2 2011-01-13 03:38:26 gcrane more refinements making these files SDL compatible - -Revision 1.1 2010-12-25 19:01:42 gcrane our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones -- - -Revision 1.1 2009/11/23 18:46:35 rsingh04 moved more xml files around based on copyright status - -Revision 1.2 2005/08/01 21:15:28 packel removed stray item tags - -Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 14:35:06 packel -Converted to XML - -Revision 1.11 2004/04/21 20:27:28 mimno added card 1s - -Revision 1.10 2003/09/09 18:02:09 amahoney put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff - -Revision 1.9 2003/07/01 22:16:12 yorkc -Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) - -Revision 1.8 2000/03/04 20:34:35 dasmith -Added separate funder entity to TEI header. - -Revision 1.7 2000/02/17 15:51:40 amahoney use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp - -Revision 1.6 2000/01/14 21:41:40 amahoney bring up to P3 - - - - - - - - - - -Ποσειδῶν -Ἥκω λιπὼν Αἴγαιον ἁλμυρὸν βάθος -πόντου Ποσειδῶν, ἔνθα Νηρῄδων χοροὶ -κάλλιστον ἴχνος ἐξελίσσουσιν ποδός. -ἐξ οὗ γὰρ ἀμφὶ τήνδε Τρωικὴν χθόνα -Φοῖβός τε κἀγὼ λαΐνους πύργους πέριξ -ὀρθοῖσιν ἔθεμεν κανόσιν, οὔποτʼ ἐκ φρενῶν -εὔνοιʼ ἀπέστη τῶν ἐμῶν Φρυγῶν πόλει· -ἣ νῦν καπνοῦται καὶ πρὸς Ἀργείου δορὸς -ὄλωλε πορθηθεῖσʼ· ὁ γὰρ Παρνάσιος -Φωκεὺς Ἐπειός, μηχαναῖσι Παλλάδος -ἐγκύμονʼ ἵππον τευχέων ξυναρμόσας, -πύργων ἔπεμψεν ἐντὸς ὀλέθριον βρέτας· - -ὅθεν πρὸς ἀνδρῶν ὑστέρων κεκλήσεται - - -Δούρειος Ἵππος, κρυπτὸν ἀμπισχὼν δόρυ. - -ἔρημα δʼ ἄλση καὶ θεῶν ἀνάκτορα -φόνῳ καταρρεῖ· πρὸς δὲ κρηπίδων βάθροις -πέπτωκε Πρίαμος Ζηνὸς ἑρκείου θανών. -πολὺς δὲ χρυσὸς Φρύγιά τε σκυλεύματα -πρὸς ναῦς Ἀχαιῶν πέμπεται· μένουσι δὲ -πρύμνηθεν οὖρον, ὡς δεκασπόρῳ χρόνῳ -ἀλόχους τε καὶ τέκνʼ εἰσίδωσιν ἄσμενοι, -οἳ τήνδʼ ἐπεστράτευσαν Ἕλληνες πόλιν. -ἐγὼ δέ — νικῶμαι γὰρ Ἀργείας θεοῦ -Ἥρας Ἀθάνας θʼ, αἳ συνεξεῖλον Φρύγας — -λείπω τὸ κλεινὸν Ἴλιον βωμούς τʼ ἐμούς· -ἐρημία γὰρ πόλιν ὅταν λάβῃ κακή, -νοσεῖ τὰ τῶν θεῶν οὐδὲ τιμᾶσθαι θέλει. -πολλοῖς δὲ κωκυτοῖσιν αἰχμαλωτίδων -βοᾷ Σκάμανδρος δεσπότας κληρουμένων. -καὶ τὰς μὲν Ἀρκάς, τὰς δὲ Θεσσαλὸς λεὼς -εἴληχʼ Ἀθηναίων τε Θησεῖδαι πρόμοι. -ὅσαι δʼ ἄκληροι Τρῳάδων, ὑπὸ στέγαις -ταῖσδʼ εἰσί, τοῖς πρώτοισιν ἐξῃρημέναι -στρατοῦ, σὺν αὐταῖς δʼ ἡ Λάκαινα Τυνδαρὶς -Ἑλένη, νομισθεῖσʼ αἰχμάλωτος ἐνδίκως. -τὴν δʼ ἀθλίαν τήνδʼ εἴ τις εἰσορᾶν θέλει, -πάρεστιν, Ἑκάβην κειμένην πυλῶν πάρος, -δάκρυα χέουσαν πολλὰ καὶ πολλῶν ὕπερ· -ᾗ παῖς μὲν ἀμφὶ μνῆμʼ Ἀχιλλείου τάφου -λάθρα τέθνηκε τλημόνως Πολυξένη· -φροῦδος δὲ Πρίαμος καὶ τέκνʼ· ἣν δὲ παρθένον -μεθῆκʼ Ἀπόλλων δρομάδα Κασάνδραν ἄναξ, -τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ τε παραλιπὼν τό τʼ εὐσεβὲς -γαμεῖ βιαίως σκότιον Ἀγαμέμνων λέχος. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ ποτʼ εὐτυχοῦσα, χαῖρέ μοι, πόλις -ξεστόν τε πύργωμʼ· εἴ σε μὴ διώλεσεν -Παλλὰς Διὸς παῖς, ἦσθʼ ἂν ἐν βάθροις ἔτι. - - - -Ἀθήνα -ἔξεστι τὸν γένει μὲν ἄγχιστον πατρὸς -μέγαν τε δαίμονʼ ἐν θεοῖς τε τίμιον, -λύσασαν ἔχθραν τὴν πάρος, προσεννέπειν; - - -Ποσειδῶν -ἔξεστιν· αἱ γὰρ συγγενεῖς ὁμιλίαι, -ἄνασσʼ Ἀθάνα, φίλτρον οὐ σμικρὸν φρενῶν. - - -Ἀθήνα -ἐπῄνεσʼ ὀργὰς ἠπίους· φέρω δὲ σοὶ -κοινοὺς ἐμαυτῇ τʼ ἐς μέσον λόγους, ἄναξ. - - -Ποσειδῶν -μῶν ἐκ θεῶν του καινὸν ἀγγελεῖς ἔπος, -ἢ Ζηνὸς ἢ καὶ δαιμόνων τινὸς πάρα; - - -Ἀθήνα -οὔκ, ἀλλὰ Τροίας οὕνεκʼ, ἔνθα βαίνομεν, -πρὸς σὴν ἀφῖγμαι δύναμιν, ὡς κοινὴν λάβω. - - -Ποσειδῶν -ἦ πού νιν, ἔχθραν τὴν πρὶν ἐκβαλοῦσα, νῦν -ἐς οἶκτον ἦλθες πυρὶ κατῃθαλωμένης; - - -Ἀθήνα -ἐκεῖσε πρῶτʼ ἄνελθε· κοινώσῃ λόγους -καὶ συνθελήσεις ἃν ἐγὼ πρᾶξαι θέλω; - - -Ποσειδῶν -μάλιστʼ· ἀτὰρ δὴ καὶ τὸ σὸν θέλω μαθεῖν· -πότερον Ἀχαιῶν ἦλθες οὕνεκʼ ἢ Φρυγῶν; - - -Ἀθήνα -τοὺς μὲν πρὶν ἐχθροὺς Τρῶας εὐφρᾶναι θέλω, -στρατῷ δʼ Ἀχαιῶν νόστον ἐμβαλεῖν πικρόν. - - -Ποσειδῶν -τί δʼ ὧδε πηδᾷς ἄλλοτʼ εἰς ἄλλους τρόπους -μισεῖς τε λίαν καὶ φιλεῖς ὃν ἂν τύχῃς; - - -Ἀθήνα -οὐκ οἶσθʼ ὑβρισθεῖσάν με καὶ ναοὺς ἐμούς; - - -Ποσειδῶν -οἶδʼ, ἡνίκʼ Αἴας εἷλκε Κασάνδραν βίᾳ. - - -Ἀθήνα -κοὐδέν γʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἔπαθεν οὐδʼ ἤκουσʼ ὕπο. - - -Ποσειδῶν -καὶ μὴν ἔπερσάν γʼ Ἴλιον τῷ σῷ σθένει. - - -Ἀθήνα -τοιγάρ σφε σὺν σοὶ βούλομαι δρᾶσαι κακῶς. - - -Ποσειδῶν -ἕτοιμʼ ἃ βούλῃ τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ. δράσεις δὲ τί; - - -Ἀθήνα -δύσνοστον αὐτοῖς νόστον ἐμβαλεῖν θέλω. - - -Ποσειδῶν -ἐν γῇ μενόντων ἢ καθʼ ἁλμυρὰν ἅλα; - - -Ἀθήνα -ὅταν πρὸς οἴκους ναυστολῶσʼ ἀπʼ Ἰλίου. -καὶ Ζεὺς μὲν ὄμβρον καὶ χάλαζαν ἄσπετον -πέμψει, δνοφώδη τʼ αἰθέρος φυσήματα· -ἐμοὶ δὲ δώσειν φησὶ πῦρ κεραύνιον, -βάλλειν Ἀχαιοὺς ναῦς τε πιμπράναι πυρί. -σὺ δʼ αὖ, τὸ σόν, παράσχες Αἴγαιον πόρον -τρικυμίαις βρέμοντα καὶ δίναις ἁλός, -πλῆσον δὲ νεκρῶν κοῖλον Εὐβοίας μυχόν, -ὡς ἂν τὸ λοιπὸν τἄμʼ ἀνάκτορʼ εὐσεβεῖν -εἰδῶσʼ Ἀχαιοί, θεούς τε τοὺς ἄλλους σέβειν. - - -Ποσειδῶν -ἔσται τάδʼ· ἡ χάρις γὰρ οὐ μακρῶν λόγων -δεῖται· ταράξω πέλαγος Αἰγαίας ἁλός. -ἀκταὶ δὲ Μυκόνου Δήλιοί τε χοιράδες -Σκῦρός τε Λῆμνός θʼ αἱ Καφήρειοί τʼ ἄκραι -πολλῶν θανόντων σώμαθʼ ἕξουσιν νεκρῶν. -ἀλλʼ ἕρπʼ Ὄλυμπον καὶ κεραυνίους βολὰς -λαβοῦσα πατρὸς ἐκ χερῶν καραδόκει, -ὅταν στράτευμʼ Ἀργεῖον ἐξιῇ κάλως. -μῶρος δὲ θνητῶν ὅστις ἐκπορθεῖ πόλεις, -ναούς τε τύμβους θʼ, ἱερὰ τῶν κεκμηκότων, -ἐρημίᾳ δοὺς αὐτὸς ὤλεθʼ ὕστερον. - - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -ἄνα, δύσδαιμον, πεδόθεν κεφαλή· -ἐπάειρε δέρην· οὐκέτι Τροία -τάδε καὶ βασιλῆς ἐσμεν Τροίας. -μεταβαλλομένου δαίμονος ἀνέχου. -πλεῖ κατὰ πορθμόν, πλεῖ κατὰ δαίμονα, -μηδὲ προσίστω πρῷραν βιότου -πρὸς κῦμα πλέουσα τύχαισιν. -αἰαῖ αἰαῖ. -τί γὰρ οὐ πάρα μοι μελέᾳ στενάχειν, -ᾗ πατρὶς ἔρρει καὶ τέκνα καὶ πόσις; -ὦ πολὺς ὄγκος συστελλόμενος -προγόνων, ὡς οὐδὲν ἄρʼ ἦσθα. -τί με χρὴ σιγᾶν; τί δὲ μὴ σιγᾶν; - -τί δὲ θρηνῆσαι; - -δύστηνος ἐγὼ τῆς βαρυδαίμονος -ἄρθρων κλίσεως, ὡς διάκειμαι, -νῶτʼ ἐν στερροῖς λέκτροισι ταθεῖσʼ. -οἴμοι κεφαλῆς, οἴμοι κροτάφων -πλευρῶν θʼ, ὥς μοι πόθος εἱλίξαι -καὶ διαδοῦναι νῶτον ἄκανθάν τʼ -εἰς ἀμφοτέρους τοίχους, μελέων -ἐπὶ τοὺς αἰεὶ δακρύων ἐλέγους. -μοῦσα δὲ χαὕτη τοῖς δυστήνοις -ἄτας κελαδεῖν ἀχορεύτους. - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -πρῷραι ναῶν, ὠκείαις -Ἴλιον ἱερὰν αἳ κώπαις -διʼ ἅλα πορφυροειδέα καὶ -λιμένας Ἑλλάδος εὐόρμους -αὐλῶν παιᾶνι στυγνῷ -συρίγγων τʼ εὐφθόγγων φωνᾷ -βαίνουσαι πλεκτὰν Αἰγύπτου -παιδείαν ἐξηρτήσασθʼ, -αἰαῖ, Τροίας ἐν κόλποις -τὰν Μενελάου μετανισόμεναι -στυγνὰν ἄλοχον, Κάστορι λώβαν -τῷ τʼ Εὐρώτᾳ δυσκλείαν, -ἃ σφάζει μὲν -τὸν πεντήκοντʼ ἀροτῆρα τέκνων -Πρίαμον, ἐμέ τε μελέαν Ἑκάβαν -ἐς τάνδʼ ἐξώκειλʼ ἄταν. -ὤμοι, θάκους οἵους θάσσω, -σκηναῖς ἐφέδρους Ἀγαμεμνονίαις. -δούλα δʼ ἄγομαι -γραῦς ἐξ οἴκων πενθήρη -κρᾶτʼ ἐκπορθηθεῖσʼ οἰκτρῶς. -ἀλλʼ ὦ τῶν χαλκεγχέων Τρώων -ἄλοχοι μέλεαι, -καὶ κοῦραι κοῦραι δύσνυμφοι, -τύφεται Ἴλιον, αἰάζωμεν. -μάτηρ δʼ ὡσεί τις πτανοῖς -ὄρνισιν, ὅπως ἐξάρξω ʼγὼ -κλαγγάν, μολπάν, οὐ τὰν αὐτὰν -οἵαν ποτὲ δὴ -σκήπτρῳ Πριάμου διερειδομένα -ποδὸς ἀρχεχόρου πληγαῖς Φρυγίους -εὐκόμποις ἐξῆρχον θεούς. - - - - - -Ἡμιχόριον Α -Ἑκάβη, τί θροεῖς; τί δὲ θωΰσσεις; -ποῖ λόγος ἥκει; διὰ γὰρ μελάθρων -ἄιον οἴκτους οὓς οἰκτίζῃ. -διὰ δὲ στέρνων φόβος ἄισσεν -Τρῳάσιν, αἳ τῶνδʼ οἴκων εἴσω -δουλείαν αἰάζουσιν. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ τέκνʼ, Ἀργείων πρὸς ναῦς ἤδη - - - -Ἡμιχόριον Α -κινεῖται κωπήρης χείρ; -οἲ ἐγώ, τί θέλουσʼ, ἦ πού μʼ ἤδη -ναυσθλώσουσιν πατρίας ἐκ γᾶς; - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐκ οἶδʼ, εἰκάζω δʼ ἄταν. - - -Ἡμιχόριον Α -ἰὼ ἰώ. -μέλεαι μόχθων ἐπακουσόμεναι -Τρῳάδες, ἔξω † κομίζεσθʼ † οἴκων· -στέλλουσʼ Ἀργεῖοι νόστον. - - -Ἑκάβη -αἶ, αἶ. -μή νύν μοι τὰν -ἐκβακχεύουσαν Κασάνδραν, -αἰσχύναν Ἀργείοισιν, -πέμψητʼ ἔξω, -μαινάδʼ, ἐπʼ ἄλγει δʼ ἀλγυνθῶ. -ἰώ. -Τροία Τροία δύστανʼ, ἔρρεις, -δύστανοι δʼ οἵ σʼ ἐκλείποντες -καὶ ζῶντες καὶ δμαθέντες. - - - - - -Ἡμιχόριον Β -οἴμοι. τρομερὰ σκηνὰς ἔλιπον -τάσδʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος ἐπακουσομένα, -βασίλεια, σέθεν· μή με κτείνειν -δόξʼ Ἀργείων κεῖται μελέαν; -ἢ κατὰ πρύμνας ἤδη ναῦται -στέλλονται κινεῖν κώπας; - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ τέκνον, ὀρθρεύου σὰν ψυχάν. - - -Ἡμιχόριον Β -ἐκπληχθεῖσʼ ἦλθον φρίκᾳ. -ἤδη τις ἔβα Δαναῶν κῆρυξ; -τῷ πρόσκειμαι δούλα τλάμων; - - -Ἑκάβη -ἐγγύς που κεῖσαι κλήρου. - - -Ἡμιχόριον Β -ἰὼ ἰώ. -τίς μʼ Ἀργείων ἢ Φθιωτᾶν -ἢ νησαίαν μʼ ἄξει χώραν -δύστανον πόρσω Τροίας; - - -Ἑκάβη -φεῦ φεῦ. -τῷ δʼ ἁ τλάμων -ποῦ πᾷ γαίας δουλεύσω γραῦς, -ὡς κηφήν, ἁ δειλαία, -νεκροῦ μορφά, -νεκύων ἀμενηνὸν ἄγαλμα, -αἰαῖ -τὰν παρὰ προθύροις φυλακὰν κατέχουσʼ -ἢ παίδων θρέπτειρʼ, ἃ Τροίας -ἀρχαγοὺς εἶχον τιμάς; - - - - - -Χορός -αἰαῖ αἰαῖ, ποίοις δʼ οἴκτοις -τὰν σὰν λύμαν ἐξαιάζεις; -οὐκ Ἰδαίοις ἱστοῖς κερκίδα -δινεύουσʼ ἐξαλλάξω. -νέατον τεκέων σώματα λεύσσω, -νέατον - -μόχθους ἕξω κρείσσους, -ἢ λέκτροις πλαθεῖσʼ Ἑλλάνων - -ʽἑ̓́ρροι νὺξ αὕτα καὶ δαίμων.ʼ -ἢ Πειρήνας ὑδρευσομένα -πρόσπολος οἰκτρὰ σεμνῶν ὑδάτων. -τὰν κλεινὰν εἴθʼ ἔλθοιμεν -Θησέως εὐδαίμονα χώραν. -μὴ γὰρ δὴ δίναν γʼ Εὐρώτα, -τὰν ἐχθίσταν θεράπναν Ἑλένας, -ἔνθʼ ἀντάσω Μενέλᾳ δούλα, -τῷ τᾶς Τροίας πορθητᾷ. - - - - - -Χορός -τὰν Πηνειοῦ σεμνὰν χώραν, -κρηπῖδʼ Οὐλύμπου καλλίσταν, -ὄλβῳ βρίθειν φάμαν ἤκουσʼ -εὐθαλεῖ τʼ εὐκαρπείᾳ· -τάδε δεύτερά μοι μετὰ τὰν ἱερὰν -Θησέως ζαθέαν ἐλθεῖν χώραν. -καὶ τὰν Αἰτναίαν Ἡφαίστου -Φοινίκας ἀντήρη χώραν, -Σικελῶν ὀρέων ματέρʼ, ἀκούω -καρύσσεσθαι στεφάνοις ἀρετᾶς. -τάν τʼ ἀγχιστεύουσαν γᾶν -† Ἰονίῳ ναύται πόντῳ, † -ἃν ὑγραίνει καλλιστεύων -ὁ ξανθὰν χαίταν πυρσαίνων -Κρᾶθις ζαθέαις πηγαῖσι τρέφων -εὔανδρόν τʼ ὀλβίζων γᾶν. - - - - - - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν Δαναῶν ὅδʼ ἀπὸ στρατιᾶς -κῆρυξ, νεοχμῶν μύθων ταμίας, -στείχει ταχύπουν ἴχνος ἐξανύων. -τί φέρει; τί λέγει; δοῦλαι γὰρ δὴ -Δωρίδος ἐσμὲν χθονὸς ἤδη. - - -Ταλθύβιος -Ἑκάβη, πυκνὰς γὰρ οἶσθά μʼ ἐς Τροίαν ὁδοὺς -ἐλθόντα κήρυκʼ ἐξ Ἀχαιικοῦ στρατοῦ, -ἐγνωσμένος δὲ καὶ πάροιθέ σοι, γύναι, -Ταλθύβιος ἥκω καινὸν ἀγγελῶν λόγον. - - - - - -Ἑκάβη - -αἰαῖ, τόδε -τόδε, φίλαι Τρῳάδες, ὃ φόβος ἦν πάλαι. - - -Ταλθύβιος -ἤδη κεκλήρωσθʼ, εἰ τόδʼ ἦν ὑμῖν φόβος. - - -Ἑκάβη -αἰαῖ, τίνʼ ἢ -Θεσσαλίας πόλιν ἢ -Φθιάδος εἶπας ἢ Καδμείας χθονός; - - -Ταλθύβιος -κατʼ ἄνδρʼ ἑκάστη κοὐχ ὁμοῦ λελόγχατε. - - -Ἑκάβη -τίνʼ ἄρα τίς ἔλαχε; τίνα πότμος εὐτυχὴς -Ἰλιάδων μένει; - - -Ταλθύβιος -οἶδʼ· ἀλλʼ ἕκαστα πυνθάνου, μὴ πάνθʼ ὁμοῦ. - - -Ἑκάβη -τοὐμὸν τίς ἆρʼ -ἔλαχε τέκος, ἔνεπε, τλάμονα Κασάνδραν; - - -Ταλθύβιος -ἐξαίρετόν νιν ἔλαβεν Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἦ τᾷ Λακεδαιμονίᾳ νύμφᾳ -δούλαν; ἰώ μοί μοι. - - -Ταλθύβιος -οὔκ, ἀλλὰ λέκτρων σκότια νυμφευτήρια. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἦ τὰν τοῦ Φοίβου παρθένον, ᾇ γέρας ὁ -χρυσοκόμας ἔδωκʼ ἄλεκτρον ζόαν; - - -Ταλθύβιος -ἔρως ἐτόξευσʼ αὐτὸν ἐνθέου κόρης. - - -Ἑκάβη -ῥῖπτε, τέκνον, ζαθέους κλῇ- -δας καὶ ἀπὸ χροὸς ἐνδυ- -τῶν στεφέων ἱεροὺς στολμούς. - - -Ταλθύβιος -οὐ γὰρ μέγʼ αὐτῇ βασιλικῶν λέκτρων τυχεῖν; - - -Ἑκάβη -τί δʼ ὃ νεοχμὸν ἀπʼ ἐμέθεν ἐλάβετε τέκος, ποῦ μοι; - - -Ταλθύβιος -Πολυξένην ἔλεξας, ἢ τίνʼ ἱστορεῖς; - - -Ἑκάβη -ταύταν· τῷ πάλος ἔζευξεν; - - -Ταλθύβιος -τύμβῳ τέτακται προσπολεῖν Ἀχιλλέως. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὤμοι ἐγώ· τάφῳ πρόσπολον ἐτεκόμαν. -ἀτὰρ τίς ὅδʼ ἢ νόμος ἢ τί -θέσμιον, ὦ φίλος, Ἑλλάνων; - - -Ταλθύβιος -εὐδαιμόνιζε παῖδα σήν· ἔχει καλῶς. - - -Ἑκάβη -τί τόδʼ ἔλακες; ἆρά μοι ἀέλιον λεύσσει; - - -Ταλθύβιος -ἔχει πότμος νιν, ὥστʼ ἀπηλλάχθαι πόνων. - - -Ἑκάβη -τί δʼ ἁ τοῦ χαλκεομήστορος Ἕκτορος δάμαρ, -Ἀνδρομάχα τάλαινα, τίνʼ ἔχει τύχαν; - - -Ταλθύβιος -καὶ τήνδʼ Ἀχιλλέως ἔλαβε παῖς ἐξαίρετον. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἐγὼ δὲ τῷ -πρόσπολος ἁ τριτοβάμονος χερὶ -δευομένα βάκτρου γεραιῷ κάρᾳ; - - -Ταλθύβιος -Ἰθάκης Ὀδυσσεὺς ἔλαχʼ ἄναξ δούλην σʼ ἔχειν. - - - -Ἑκάβη -ἒ ἔ. -ἄρασσε κρᾶτα κούριμον, -ἕλκʼ ὀνύχεσσι δίπτυχον παρειάν. -ἰώ μοί μοι. -μυσαρῷ δολίῳ λέλογχα φωτὶ δουλεύειν, -πολεμίῳ δίκας, παρανόμῳ δάκει, -ὃς πάντα τἀκεῖθεν ἐνθάδε στρέφει, τὰ δʼ - -ἀντίπαλʼ αὖθις ἐκεῖσε διπτύχῳ γλώσσᾳ -φίλα τὰ πρότερʼ ἄφιλα τιθέμενος πάντων. -γοᾶσθʼ, ὦ Τρῳάδες, με. -βέβακα δύσποτμος. οἴχομαι -τάλαινα, δυστυχεστάτῳ -προσέπεσον κλήρῳ. - - - - - -Χορός -τὸ μὲν σὸν οἶσθα, πότνια, τὰς δʼ ἐμὰς τύχας -τίς ἆρʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἢ τίς Ἑλλήνων ἔχει; - - -Ταλθύβιος -ἴτʼ, ἐκκομίζειν δεῦρο Κασάνδραν χρεὼν -ὅσον τάχιστα, δμῶες, ὡς στρατηλάτῃ -ἐς χεῖρα δούς νιν, εἶτα τὰς εἰληγμένας -καὶ τοῖσιν ἄλλοις αἰχμαλωτίδων ἄγω. -ἔα· τί πεύκης ἔνδον αἴθεται σέλας; -πιμπρᾶσιν — ἢ τί δρῶσι — Τρῳάδες μυχούς, -ὡς ἐξάγεσθαι τῆσδε μέλλουσαι χθονὸς -πρὸς Ἄργος, αὑτῶν τʼ ἐκπυροῦσι σώματα -θανεῖν θέλουσαι; κάρτα τοι τοὐλεύθερον -ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις δυσλόφως φέρει κακά. -ἄνοιγʼ ἄνοιγε, μὴ τὸ ταῖσδε πρόσφορον -ἐχθρὸν δʼ Ἀχαιοῖς εἰς ἔμʼ αἰτίαν βάλῃ. - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐκ ἔστιν, οὐ πιμπρᾶσιν, ἀλλὰ παῖς ἐμὴ -μαινὰς θοάζει δεῦρο Κασάνδρα δρόμῳ. - - - - - -Κασάνδρα -Ἄνεχε· πάρεχε. -φῶς φέρʼ, ὤ· σέβω· φλέγω — ἰδού, ἰδού — -λαμπάσι τόδʼ ἱερόν. -ὦ Ὑμέναιʼ ἄναξ· -μακάριος ὁ γαμέτας· -μακαρία δʼ ἐγὼ βασιλικοῖς λέκτροις -κατʼ Ἄργος ἁ γαμουμένα. -Ὑμήν, ὦ Ὑμέναιʼ ἄναξ. -ἐπεὶ σύ, μᾶτερ, ἐπὶ δάκρυσι καὶ -γόοισι τὸν θανόντα πατέρα πατρίδα τε -φίλαν καταστένουσʼ ἔχεις, -ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπὶ γάμοις ἐμοῖς -ἀναφλέγω πυρὸς φῶς -ἐς αὐγάν, ἐς αἴγλαν, -διδοῦσʼ, ὦ Ὑμέναιε, σοί, -διδοῦσʼ, ὦ Ἑκάτα, φάος, -παρθένων ἐπὶ λέκτροις -ᾇ νόμος ἔχει. -πάλλε πόδα. -αἰθέριον ἄναγε χορόν· εὐἅν, εὐοἵ· -ὡς ἐπὶ πατρὸς ἐμοῦ -μακαριωτάταις -τύχαις· ὁ χορὸς ὅσιος. -ἄγε σύ, Φοῖβε, νῦν· κατὰ σὸν ἐν δάφναις -ἀνάκτορον θυηπολῶ, -Ὑμήν, ὦ Ὑμέναιʼ, Ὑμήν. -χόρευε, μᾶτερ, ἀναγέλασον· -ἕλισσε τᾷδʼ ἐκεῖσε μετʼ ἐμέθεν ποδῶν -φέρουσα φιλτάταν βάσιν. -βοάσαθʼ Ὑμέναιον, ὤ, -μακαρίαις ἀοιδαῖς -ἰαχαῖς τε νύμφαν. -ἴτʼ, ὦ καλλίπεπλοι Φρυγῶν -κόραι, μέλπετʼ ἐμῶν γάμων -τὸν πεπρωμένον εὐνᾷ -πόσιν ἐμέθεν. - - - - - -Χορός -βασίλεια, βακχεύουσαν οὐ λήψῃ κόρην, -μὴ κοῦφον αἴρῃ βῆμʼ ἐς Ἀργείων στρατόν; - - -Ἑκάβη -Ἥφαιστε, δᾳδουχεῖς μὲν ἐν γάμοις βροτῶν, -ἀτὰρ λυγράν γε τήνδʼ ἀναιθύσσεις φλόγα -ἔξω τε μεγάλων ἐλπίδων. -οἴμοι, τέκνον, -ὡς οὐχ ὑπʼ αἰχμῆς σʼ οὐδʼ ὑπʼ Ἀργείου δορὸς -γάμους γαμεῖσθαι τούσδʼ ἐδόξαζόν ποτε. -παράδος ἐμοὶ φῶς· οὐ γὰρ ὀρθὰ πυρφορεῖς -μαινὰς θοάζουσʼ, οὐδέ σʼ αἱ τύχαι, τέκνον, -† ἐσωφρονήκασʼ †, ἀλλʼ ἔτʼ ἐν ταὐτῷ μένεις. -ἐσφέρετε πεύκας, δάκρυά τʼ ἀνταλλάξατε -τοῖς τῆσδε μέλεσι, Τρῳάδες, γαμηλίοις. - - -Κασάνδρα -μῆτερ, πύκαζε κρᾶτʼ ἐμὸν νικηφόρον, -καὶ χαῖρε τοῖς ἐμοῖσι βασιλικοῖς γάμοις· -καὶ πέμπε, κἂν μὴ τἀμά σοι πρόθυμά γʼ ᾖ, -ὤθει βιαίως· εἰ γὰρ ἔστι Λοξίας, -Ἑλένης γαμεῖ με δυσχερέστερον γάμον -ὁ τῶν Ἀχαιῶν κλεινὸς Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ. -κτενῶ γὰρ αὐτόν, κἀντιπορθήσω δόμους -ποινὰς ἀδελφῶν καὶ πατρὸς λαβοῦσʼ ἐμοῦ - -ἀλλʼ ἄττʼ ἐάσω· πέλεκυν οὐχ ὑμνήσομεν, -ὃς ἐς τράχηλον τὸν ἐμὸν εἶσι χἁτέρων· -μητροκτόνους τʼ ἀγῶνας, οὓς οὑμοὶ γάμοι -θήσουσιν, οἴκων τʼ Ἀτρέως ἀνάστασιν. -πόλιν δὲ δείξω τήνδε μακαριωτέραν -ἢ τοὺς Ἀχαιούς, ἔνθεος μέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως -τοσόνδε γʼ ἔξω στήσομαι βακχευμάτων· -οἳ διὰ μίαν γυναῖκα καὶ μίαν Κύπριν, -θηρῶντες Ἑλένην, μυρίους ἀπώλεσαν. -ὁ δὲ στρατηγὸς ὁ σοφὸς ἐχθίστων ὕπερ -τὰ φίλτατʼ ὤλεσʼ, ἡδονὰς τὰς οἴκοθεν -τέκνων ἀδελφῷ δοὺς γυναικὸς οὕνεκα, -καὶ ταῦθʼ ἑκούσης κοὐ βίᾳ λελῃσμένης. -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐπʼ ἀκτὰς ἤλυθον Σκαμανδρίους, -ἔθνῃσκον, οὐ γῆς ὅριʼ ἀποστερούμενοι -οὐδʼ ὑψίπυργον πατρίδʼ· οὓς δʼ Ἄρης ἕλοι, -οὐ παῖδας εἶδον, οὐ δάμαρτος ἐν χεροῖν -πέπλοις συνεστάλησαν, ἐν ξένῃ δὲ γῇ -κεῖνται. τὰ δʼ οἴκοι τοῖσδʼ ὅμοιʼ ἐγίγνετο· -χῆραί τʼ ἔθνῃσκον, οἳ δʼ ἄπαιδες ἐν δόμοις -ἄλλοις τέκνʼ ἐκθρέψαντες· οὐδὲ πρὸς τάφοις -ἔσθʼ ὅστις αὐτῶν αἷμα γῇ δωρήσεται. -ἦ τοῦδʼ ἐπαίνου τὸ στράτευμʼ ἐπάξιον. — -σιγᾶν ἄμεινον τᾀσχρά, μηδὲ μοῦσά μοι -γένοιτʼ ἀοιδὸς ἥτις ὑμνήσει κακά. - -Τρῶες δὲ πρῶτον μέν, τὸ κάλλιστον κλέος, -ὑπὲρ πάτρας ἔθνῃσκον· οὓς δʼ ἕλοι δόρυ, -νεκροί γʼ ἐς οἴκους φερόμενοι φίλων ὕπο -ἐν γῇ πατρῴᾳ περιβολὰς εἶχον χθονός, -χερσὶν περισταλέντες ὧν ἐχρῆν ὕπο· -ὅσοι δὲ μὴ θάνοιεν ἐν μάχῃ Φρυγῶν, -ἀεὶ κατʼ ἦμαρ σὺν δάμαρτι καὶ τέκνοις -ᾤκουν, Ἀχαιοῖς ὧν ἀπῆσαν ἡδοναί. -τὰ δʼ Ἕκτορός σοι λύπρʼ ἄκουσον ὡς ἔχει· -δόξας ἀνὴρ ἄριστος οἴχεται θανών, -καὶ τοῦτʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἵξις ἐξεργάζεται· -εἰ δʼ ἦσαν οἴκοι, χρηστὸς ὢν ἐλάνθανεν. -Πάρις δʼ ἔγημε τὴν Διός· γήμας δὲ μή, -σιγώμενον τὸ κῆδος εἶχεν ἐν δόμοις. -φεύγειν μὲν οὖν χρὴ πόλεμον ὅστις εὖ φρονεῖ· -εἰ δʼ ἐς τόδʼ ἔλθοι, στέφανος οὐκ αἰσχρὸς πόλει -καλῶς ὀλέσθαι, μὴ καλῶς δὲ δυσκλεές. -ὧν οὕνεκʼ οὐ χρή, μῆτερ, οἰκτίρειν σε γῆν, -οὐ τἀμὰ λέκτρα· τοὺς γὰρ ἐχθίστους ἐμοὶ -καὶ σοὶ γάμοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς διαφθερῶ. - - -Χορός -ὡς ἡδέως κακοῖσιν οἰκείοις γελᾷς, -μέλπεις θʼ ἃ μέλπουσʼ οὐ σαφῆ δείξεις ἴσως. - - -Ταλθύβιος -εἰ μή σʼ Ἀπόλλων ἐξεβάκχευεν φρένας, -οὔ τἂν ἀμισθὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς στρατηλάτας -τοιαῖσδε φήμαις ἐξέπεμπες ἂν χθονός. -ἀτὰρ τὰ σεμνὰ καὶ δοκήμασιν σοφὰ -οὐδέν τι κρείσσω τῶν τὸ μηδὲν ἦν ἄρα. -ὁ γὰρ μέγιστος τῶν Πανελλήνων ἄναξ, -Ἀτρέως φίλος παῖς, τῆσδʼ ἔρωτʼ ἐξαίρετον -μαινάδος ὑπέστη· καὶ πένης μέν εἰμʼ ἐγώ, -ἀτὰρ λέχος γε τῆσδʼ ἂν οὐκ ἐκτησάμην. -καὶ σοὶ μέν — οὐ γὰρ ἀρτίας ἔχεις φρένας — -Ἀργεῖʼ ὀνείδη καὶ Φρυγῶν ἐπαινέσεις -ἀνέμοις φέρεσθαι παραδίδωμʼ· ἕπου δέ μοι -πρὸς ναῦς, καλὸν νύμφευμα τῷ στρατηλάτῃ. -σὺ δʼ, ἡνίκʼ ἄν σε Λαρτίου χρῄζῃ τόκος -ἄγειν, ἕπεσθαι· σώφρονος δʼ ἔσῃ λάτρις -γυναικός, ὥς φασʼ οἱ μολόντες Ἴλιον. - - - -Κασάνδρα -ἦ δεινὸς ὁ λάτρις. τί ποτʼ ἔχουσι τοὔνομα -κήρυκες, ἓν ἀπέχθημα πάγκοινον βροτοῖς, -οἱ περὶ τυράννους καὶ πόλεις ὑπηρέται; -σὺ τὴν ἐμὴν φῂς μητέρʼ εἰς Ὀδυσσέως -ἥξειν μέλαθρα; ποῦ δʼ Ἀπόλλωνος λόγοι, -οἵ φασιν αὐτὴν εἰς ἔμʼ ἡρμηνευμένοι -αὐτοῦ θανεῖσθαι; τἄλλα δʼ οὐκ ὀνειδιῶ. -δύστηνος, οὐκ οἶδʼ οἷά νιν μένει παθεῖν· -ὡς χρυσὸς αὐτῷ τἀμὰ καὶ Φρυγῶν κακὰ -δόξει ποτʼ εἶναι. δέκα γὰρ ἐκπλήσας ἔτη -πρὸς τοῖσιν ἐνθάδʼ, ἵξεται μόνος πάτραν - - - -οὗ δὴ στενὸν δίαυλον ᾤκισται πέτρας -δεινὴ Χάρυβδις, ὠμοβρώς τʼ ὀρειβάτης -Κύκλωψ, Λιγυστίς θʼ ἡ συῶν μορφώτρια -Κίρκη, θαλάσσης θʼ ἁλμυρᾶς ναυάγια, -λωτοῦ τʼ ἔρωτες, Ἡλίου θʼ ἁγναὶ βόες, -αἳ σάρκα φωνήεσσαν ἥσουσίν ποτε, -πικρὰν Ὀδυσσεῖ γῆρυν. ὡς δὲ συντέμω, -ζῶν εἶσʼ ἐς Ἅιδου κἀκφυγὼν λίμνης ὕδωρ -κάκʼ ἐν δόμοισι μυρίʼ εὑρήσει μολών. - - - - - -Κασάνδρα -ἀλλὰ γὰρ τί τοὺς Ὀδυσσέως ἐξακοντίζω πόνους; -στεῖχʼ ὅπως τάχιστʼ· ἐς Ἅιδου νυμφίῳ γημώμεθα. -ἦ κακὸς κακῶς ταφήσῃ νυκτός, οὐκ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ, -ὦ δοκῶν σεμνόν τι πράσσειν, Δαναϊδῶν ἀρχηγέτα. -κἀμέ τοι νεκρὸν φάραγγες γυμνάδʼ ἐκβεβλημένην -ὕδατι χειμάρρῳ ῥέουσαι, νυμφίου πέλας τάφου, -θηρσὶ δώσουσιν δάσασθαι, τὴν Ἀπόλλωνος λάτριν. -ὦ στέφη τοῦ φιλτάτου μοι θεῶν, ἀγάλματʼ εὔια, -χαίρετʼ· ἐκλέλοιφʼ ἑορτάς, αἷς πάροιθʼ ἠγαλλόμην. -ἴτʼ ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ χρωτὸς σπαραγμοῖς, ὡς ἔτʼ οὖσʼ ἁγνὴ χρόα -δῶ θοαῖς αὔραις φέρεσθαί σοι τάδʼ, ὦ μαντεῖʼ ἄναξ. -ποῦ σκάφος τὸ τοῦ στρατηγοῦ; ποῖ ποτʼ ἐμβαίνειν με χρή; -οὐκέτʼ ἂν φθάνοις ἂν αὔραν ἱστίοις καραδοκῶν, -ὡς μίαν τριῶν Ἐρινὺν τῆσδέ μʼ ἐξάξων χθονός. -χαῖρέ μοι, μῆτερ· δακρύσῃς μηδέν· ὦ φίλη πατρίς, -οἵ τε γῆς ἔνερθʼ ἀδελφοὶ χὡ τεκὼν ἡμᾶς πατήρ, -οὐ μακρὰν δέξεσθέ μʼ· ἥξω δʼ ἐς νεκροὺς νικηφόρος -καὶ δόμους πέρσασʼ Ἀτρειδῶν, ὧν ἀπωλόμεσθʼ ὕπο. - - - - - -Χορός -Ἑκάβης γεραιᾶς φύλακες, οὐ δεδόρκατε -δέσποιναν ὡς ἄναυδος ἐκτάδην πίτνει; -οὐκ ἀντιλήψεσθʼ; ἦ μεθήσετʼ, ὦ κακαί, -γραῖαν πεσοῦσαν; αἴρετʼ εἰς ὀρθὸν δέμας. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἐᾶτέ μʼ — οὔτοι φίλα τὰ μὴ φίλʼ, ὦ κόραι — -κεῖσθαι πεσοῦσαν· πτωμάτων γὰρ ἄξια -πάσχω τε καὶ πέπονθα κἄτι πείσομαι. -ὦ θεοί κακοὺς μὲν ἀνακαλῶ τοὺς συμμάχους, -ὅμως δʼ ἔχει τι σχῆμα κικλήσκειν θεούς, -ὅταν τις ἡμῶν δυστυχῆ λάβῃ τύχην. -πρῶτον μὲν οὖν μοι τἀγάθʼ ἐξᾷσαι φίλον· -τοῖς γὰρ κακοῖσι πλείονʼ οἶκτον ἐμβαλῶ. -ἦμεν τύραννοι κἀς τύραννʼ ἐγημάμην, -κἀνταῦθʼ ἀριστεύοντʼ ἐγεινάμην τέκνα, -οὐκ ἀριθμὸν ἄλλως, ἀλλʼ ὑπερτάτους Φρυγῶν· -οὓς Τρῳὰς οὐδʼ Ἑλληνὶς οὐδὲ βάρβαρος -γυνὴ τεκοῦσα κομπάσειεν ἄν ποτε. -κἀκεῖνά τʼ εἶδον δορὶ πεσόνθʼ Ἑλληνικῷ -τρίχας τʼ ἐτμήθην τάσδε πρὸς τύμβοις νεκρῶν, -καὶ τὸν φυτουργὸν Πρίαμον οὐκ ἄλλων πάρα -κλύουσʼ ἔκλαυσα, τοῖσδε δʼ εἶδον ὄμμασιν -αὐτὴ κατασφαγέντʼ ἐφʼ ἑρκείῳ πυρᾷ, -πόλιν θʼ ἁλοῦσαν. ἃς δʼ ἔθρεψα παρθένους -ἐς ἀξίωμα νυμφίων ἐξαίρετον, -ἄλλοισι θρέψασʼ ἐκ χερῶν ἀφῃρέθην. -κοὔτʼ ἐξ ἐκείνων ἐλπὶς ὡς ὀφθήσομαι, -αὐτή τʼ ἐκείνας οὐκέτʼ ὄψομαί ποτε. -τὸ λοίσθιον δέ, θριγκὸς ἀθλίων κακῶν, -δούλη γυνὴ γραῦς Ἑλλάδʼ εἰσαφίξομαι. -ἃ δʼ ἐστὶ γήρᾳ τῷδʼ ἀσυμφορώτατα, -τούτοις με προσθήσουσιν, ἢ θυρῶν λάτριν -κλῇδας φυλάσσειν, τὴν τεκοῦσαν Ἕκτορα, -ἢ σιτοποιεῖν, κἀν πέδῳ κοίτας ἔχειν -ῥυσοῖσι νώτοις, βασιλικῶν ἐκ δεμνίων, -τρυχηρὰ περὶ τρυχηρὸν εἱμένην χρόα -πέπλων λακίσματʼ, ἀδόκιμʼ ὀλβίοις ἔχειν. -οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα, διὰ γάμον μιᾶς ἕνα -γυναικὸς οἵων ἔτυχον ὧν τε τεύξομαι. -ὦ τέκνον, ὦ σύμβακχε Κασάνδρα θεοῖς, -οἵαις ἔλυσας συμφοραῖς ἅγνευμα σόν. -σύ τʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, ποῦ ποτʼ εἶ, Πολυξένη; -ὡς οὔτε μʼ ἄρσην οὔτε θήλεια σπορὰ -πολλῶν γενομένων τὴν τάλαιναν ὠφελεῖ. -τί δῆτά μʼ ὀρθοῦτʼ; ἐλπίδων ποίων ὕπο; -ἄγετε τὸν ἁβρὸν δήποτʼ ἐν Τροίᾳ πόδα, -νῦν δʼ ὄντα δοῦλον, στιβάδα πρὸς χαμαιπετῆ -πέτρινά τε κρήδεμνʼ, ὡς πεσοῦσʼ ἀποφθαρῶ -δακρύοις καταξανθεῖσα. τῶν δʼ εὐδαιμόνων -μηδένα νομίζετʼ εὐτυχεῖν, πρὶν ἂν θάνῃ. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἀμφί μοι Ἴλιον, ὦ -Μοῦσα, καινῶν ὕμνων -ἄεισον ἐν δακρύοις ᾠδὰν ἐπικήδειον· -νῦν γὰρ μέλος ἐς Τροίαν ἰαχήσω, -τετραβάμονος ὡς ὑπʼ ἀπήνας -Ἀργείων ὀλόμαν τάλαινα δοριάλωτος, -ὅτʼ ἔλιπον ἵππον οὐράνια -βρέμοντα χρυσεοφάλαρον ἔνο- -πλον ἐν πύλαις Ἀχαιοί· -ἀνὰ δʼ ἐβόασεν λεὼς -Τρῳάδος ἀπὸ πέτρας σταθείς· -Ἴτʼ, ὦ πεπαυμένοι πόνων, -τόδʼ ἱερὸν ἀνάγετε ξόανον -Ἰλιάδι Διογενεῖ κόρᾳ. -τίς οὐκ ἔβα νεανίδων, -τίς οὐ γεραιὸς ἐκ δόμων; -κεχαρμένοι δʼ ἀοιδαῖς -δόλιον ἔσχον ἄταν. - - - - - -Χορός -πᾶσα δὲ γέννα Φρυγῶν -πρὸς πύλας ὡρμάθη, -πεύκᾳ ἐν οὐρεΐᾳ ξεστὸν λόχον Ἀργείων -καὶ Δαρδανίας ἄταν θέᾳ δώσων, -χάριν ἄζυγος ἀμβροτοπώλου· -κλωστοῦ δʼ ἀμφιβόλοις λίνοιο ναὸς ὡσεὶ -σκάφος κελαινόν, εἰς ἕδρανα -λάινα δάπεδά τε φόνια πατρί- -δι Παλλάδος θέσαν θεᾶς. -ἐπὶ δὲ πόνῳ καὶ χαρᾷ -νύχιον ἐπεὶ κνέφας παρῆν, -Λίβυς τε λωτὸς ἐκτύπει -Φρύγιά τε μέλεα, παρθένοι δʼ -ἀέριον ἀνὰ κρότον ποδῶν -βοὰν ἔμελπον εὔφρονʼ, ἐν -δόμοις δὲ παμφαὲς σέλας -πυρὸς μέλαιναν αἴγλαν - -ἄκος ἔδωκεν ὕπνῳ. - - - - - -Χορός -ἐγὼ δὲ τὰν ὀρεστέραν -τότʼ ἀμφὶ μέλαθρα παρθένον -Διὸς κόραν ἐμελπόμαν -χοροῖσι· φοινία δʼ ἀνὰ -πτόλιν βοὰ κατεῖχε Περ- -γάμων ἕδρας· βρέφη δὲ φίλι- -α περὶ πέπλους ἔβαλλε μα- -τρὶ χεῖρας ἐπτοημένας· -λόχου δʼ ἐξέβαινʼ Ἄρης, -κόρας ἔργα Παλλάδος. -σφαγαὶ δʼ ἀμφιβώμιοι -Φρυγῶν, ἔν τε δεμνίοις -καράτομος ἐρημία -νεανίδων στέφανον ἔφερεν -Ἑλλάδι κουροτρόφον, -Φρυγῶν πατρίδι πένθη. - - - - - - - -Χορός -Ἑκάβη, λεύσσεις τήνδʼ Ἀνδρομάχην -ξενικοῖς ἐπʼ ὄχοις πορθμευομένην; -παρὰ δʼ εἰρεσίᾳ μαστῶν ἕπεται -φίλος Ἀστυάναξ, Ἕκτορος ἶνις. -ποῖ ποτʼ ἀπήνης νώτοισι φέρῃ, -δύστανε γύναι, πάρεδρος χαλκέοις -Ἕκτορος ὅπλοις σκύλοις τε Φρυγῶν -δοριθηράτοις, -οἷσιν Ἀχιλλέως παῖς Φθιώτας -στέψει ναοὺς ἀπὸ Τροίας; - - - - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -Ἀχαιοὶ δεσπόται μʼ ἄγουσιν. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἴμοι. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -τί παιᾶνʼ ἐμὸν στενάζεις; - - -Ἑκάβη -αἰαῖ — - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -τῶνδʼ ἀλγέων — - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ Ζεῦ — - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -καὶ συμφορᾶς. - - -Ἑκάβη -τέκεα, - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -πρίν ποτʼ ἦμεν. - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -βέβακʼ ὄλβος, βέβακε Τροία - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -τλάμων. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἐμῶν τʼ εὐγένεια παίδων. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -φεῦ φεῦ. - - -Ἑκάβη -φεῦ δῆτʼ ἐμῶν - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -κακῶν. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἰκτρὰ τύχα - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -πόλεος, - - -Ἑκάβη -ἃ καπνοῦται. - - - - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -μόλοις, ὦ πόσις, μοι — - - -Ἑκάβη -βοᾷς τὸν παρʼ Ἅιδᾳ -παῖδʼ ἐμόν, ὦ μελέα. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -σᾶς δάμαρτος ἄλκαρ. - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -σύ τʼ, ὦ λῦμʼ Ἀχαιῶν, -τέκνων δέσποθʼ ἁμῶν, -πρεσβυγενὲς Πρίαμε, -κοίμισαί μʼ ἐς Ἅιδου. - - - - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -οἵδε πόθοι μεγάλοι - - - -Ἑκάβη -σχετλία, τάδε πάσχομεν ἄλγη. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -οἰχομένας πόλεως - - - -Ἑκάβη -ἐπὶ δʼ ἄλγεσιν ἄλγεα κεῖται. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -δυσφροσύναισι θεῶν, ὅτε σὸς γόνος ἔκφυγεν Ἅιδαν, -ὃς λεχέων στυγερῶν χάριν ὤλεσε -πέργαμα Τροίας· αἱματόεντα δὲ -θεᾷ παρὰ Παλλάδι σώματα νεκρῶν -γυψὶ φέρειν τέταται· ζυγὰ δʼ ἤνυσε -δούλια Τροίᾳ. - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ πατρίς, ὦ μελέα - - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -καταλειπομέναν σε δακρύω, - - -Ἑκάβη -νῦν τέλος οἰκτρὸν ὁρᾷς. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -καὶ ἐμὸν δόμον ἔνθʼ ἐλοχεύθην. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ τέκνʼ, ἐρημόπολις μάτηρ ἀπολείπεται ὑμῶν, -οἷος ἰάλεμος, οἷά τε πένθη - - - -δάκρυά τʼ ἐκ δακρύων καταλείβεται -ἁμετέροισι δόμοις· ὁ θανὼν δʼ ἐπι- -λάθεται ἀλγέων ἀδάκρυτος. - - - -Χορός -ὡς ἡδὺ δάκρυα τοῖς κακῶς πεπραγόσι -θρήνων τʼ ὀδυρμοὶ μοῦσά θʼ ἣ λύπας ἔχει. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -ὦ μῆτερ ἀνδρός, ὅς ποτʼ Ἀργείων δορὶ -πλείστους διώλεσʼ, Ἕκτορος, τάδʼ εἰσορᾷς; - - -Ἑκάβη -ὁρῶ τὰ τῶν θεῶν, ὡς τὰ μὲν πυργοῦσʼ ἄνω -τὸ μηδὲν ὄντα, τὰ δὲ δοκοῦντʼ ἀπώλεσαν. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -ἀγόμεθα λεία σὺν τέκνῳ· τὸ δʼ εὐγενὲς -ἐς δοῦλον ἥκει, μεταβολὰς τοσάσδʼ ἔχον. - - -Ἑκάβη -τὸ τῆς ἀνάγκης δεινόν· ἄρτι κἀπʼ ἐμοῦ -βέβηκʼ ἀποσπασθεῖσα Κασάνδρα βίᾳ. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -φεῦ φεῦ· -ἄλλος τις Αἴας, ὡς ἔοικε, δεύτερος -παιδὸς πέφηνε σῆς. νοσεῖς δὲ χἅτερα. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὧν γʼ οὔτε μέτρον οὔτʼ ἀριθμός ἐστί μοι· -κακῷ κακὸν γὰρ εἰς ἅμιλλαν ἔρχεται. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -τέθνηκέ σοι παῖς πρὸς τάφῳ Πολυξένη -σφαγεῖσʼ Ἀχιλλέως, δῶρον ἀψύχῳ νεκρῷ. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα. τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖνʼ ὅ μοι πάλαι -Ταλθύβιος αἴνιγμʼ οὐ σαφῶς εἶπεν σαφές. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -εἶδόν νιν αὐτή, κἀποβᾶσα τῶνδʼ ὄχων -ἔκρυψα πέπλοις κἀπεκοψάμην νεκρόν. - - -Ἑκάβη -αἰαῖ, τέκνον, σῶν ἀνοσίων προσφαγμάτων· -αἰαῖ μάλʼ αὖθις, ὡς κακῶς διόλλυσαι. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -ὄλωλεν ὡς ὄλωλεν· ἀλλʼ ὅμως ἐμοῦ -ζώσης γʼ ὄλωλεν εὐτυχεστέρῳ πότμῳ. - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐ ταὐτόν, ὦ παῖ, τῷ βλέπειν τὸ κατθανεῖν· -τὸ μὲν γὰρ οὐδέν, τῷ δʼ ἔνεισιν ἐλπίδες. - - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -ὦ μῆτερ, † ὦ τεκοῦσα †, κάλλιστον λόγον -ἄκουσον, ὥς σοι τέρψιν ἐμβαλῶ φρενί. -τὸ μὴ γενέσθαι τῷ θανεῖν ἴσον λέγω, -τοῦ ζῆν δὲ λυπρῶς κρεῖσσόν ἐστι κατθανεῖν. -ἀλγεῖ γὰρ οὐδὲν † τῶν κακῶν ᾐσθημένος· † -ὁ δʼ εὐτυχήσας ἐς τὸ δυστυχὲς πεσὼν -ψυχὴν ἀλᾶται τῆς πάροιθʼ εὐπραξίας. -κείνη δʼ, ὁμοίως ὥσπερ οὐκ ἰδοῦσα φῶς, -τέθνηκε κοὐδὲν οἶδε τῶν αὑτῆς κακῶν. -ἐγὼ δὲ τοξεύσασα τῆς εὐδοξίας -λαχοῦσα πλεῖον τῆς τύχης ἡμάρτανον. -ἃ γὰρ γυναιξὶ σώφρονʼ ἔσθʼ ηὑρημένα, -ταῦτʼ ἐξεμόχθουν Ἕκτορος κατὰ στέγας. -πρῶτον μέν, ἔνθα — κἂν προσῇ κἂν μὴ προσῇ -ψόγος γυναιξίν — αὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἐφέλκεται -κακῶς ἀκούειν, ἥτις οὐκ ἔνδον μένει, -τούτου παρεῖσα πόθον ἔμιμνον ἐν δόμοις· -ἔσω τε μελάθρων κομψὰ θηλειῶν ἔπη -οὐκ εἰσεφρούμην, τὸν δὲ νοῦν διδάσκαλον -οἴκοθεν ἔχουσα χρηστὸν ἐξήρκουν ἐμοί. -γλώσσης τε σιγὴν ὄμμα θʼ ἥσυχον πόσει -παρεῖχον· ᾔδη δʼ ἁμὲ χρῆν νικᾶν πόσιν, -κείνῳ τε νίκην ὧν ἐχρῆν παριέναι. -καὶ τῶνδε κληδὼν ἐς στράτευμʼ Ἀχαιϊκὸν -ἐλθοῦσʼ ἀπώλεσέν μʼ· ἐπεὶ γὰρ ᾑρέθην, -Ἀχιλλέως με παῖς ἐβουλήθη λαβεῖν -δάμαρτα· δουλεύσω δʼ ἐν αὐθεντῶν δόμοις. -κεἰ μὲν παρώσασʼ Ἕκτορος φίλον κάρα -πρὸς τὸν παρόντα πόσιν ἀναπτύξω φρένα, -κακὴ φανοῦμαι τῷ θανόντι· τόνδε δʼ αὖ -στυγοῦσʼ ἐμαυτῆς δεσπόταις μισήσομαι. -καίτοι λέγουσιν ὡς μίʼ εὐφρόνη χαλᾷ -τὸ δυσμενὲς γυναικὸς εἰς ἀνδρὸς λέχος· -ἀπέπτυσʼ αὐτήν, ἥτις ἄνδρα τὸν πάρος -καινοῖσι λέκτροις ἀποβαλοῦσʼ ἄλλον φιλεῖ. -ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ πῶλος ἥτις ἂν διαζυγῇ -τῆς συντραφείσης, ῥᾳδίως ἕλξει ζυγόν. -καίτοι τὸ θηριῶδες ἄφθογγόν τʼ ἔφυ -ξυνέσει τʼ ἄχρηστον τῇ φύσει τε λείπεται. - -σὲ δʼ, ὦ φίλʼ Ἕκτορ, εἶχον ἄνδρʼ ἀρκοῦντά μοι -ξυνέσει γένει πλούτῳ τε κἀνδρείᾳ μέγαν· -ἀκήρατον δέ μʼ ἐκ πατρὸς λαβὼν δόμων -πρῶτος τὸ παρθένειον ἐζεύξω λέχος. -καὶ νῦν ὄλωλας μὲν σύ, ναυσθλοῦμαι δʼ ἐγὼ -πρὸς Ἑλλάδʼ αἰχμάλωτος ἐς δοῦλον ζυγόν. -ἆρʼ οὐκ ἐλάσσω τῶν ἐμῶν ἔχειν κακῶν -Πολυξένης ὄλεθρος, ἣν καταστένεις; -ἐμοὶ γὰρ οὐδʼ ὃ πᾶσι λείπεται βροτοῖς -ξύνεστιν ἐλπίς, οὐδὲ κλέπτομαι φρένας -πράξειν τι κεδνόν· ἡδὺ δʼ ἐστὶ καὶ δοκεῖν. - - -Χορός -ἐς ταὐτὸν ἥκεις συμφορᾶς· θρηνοῦσα δὲ -τὸ σὸν διδάσκεις μʼ ἔνθα πημάτων κυρῶ. - - -Ἑκάβη -αὐτὴ μὲν οὔπω ναὸς εἰσέβην σκάφος, -γραφῇ δʼ ἰδοῦσα καὶ κλύουσʼ ἐπίσταμαι. -ναύταις γὰρ ἢν μὲν μέτριος ᾖ χειμὼν φέρειν, -προθυμίαν ἔχουσι σωθῆναι πόνων, -ὁ μὲν παρʼ οἴαχʼ, ὁ δʼ ἐπὶ λαίφεσιν βεβώς, -ὁ δʼ ἄντλον εἴργων ναός· ἢν δʼ ὑπερβάλῃ -πολὺς ταραχθεὶς πόντος, ἐνδόντες τύχῃ -παρεῖσαν αὑτοὺς κυμάτων δρομήμασιν. -οὕτω δὲ κἀγὼ πόλλʼ ἔχουσα πήματα -ἄφθογγός εἰμι καὶ παρεῖσʼ ἐῶ στόμα· -νικᾷ γὰρ οὑκ θεῶν με δύστηνος κλύδων. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ φίλη παῖ, τὰς μὲν Ἕκτορος τύχας -ἔασον· οὐ μὴ δάκρυά νιν σώσῃ τὰ σά· -τίμα δὲ τὸν παρόντα δεσπότην σέθεν, -φίλον διδοῦσα δέλεαρ ἀνδρὶ σῶν τρόπων. -κἂν δρᾷς τάδʼ, ἐς τὸ κοινὸν εὐφρανεῖς φίλους -καὶ παῖδα τόνδε παιδὸς ἐκθρέψειας ἂν -Τροίᾳ μέγιστον ὠφέλημʼ, ἵνʼ — εἴ ποτε — -ἐκ σοῦ γενόμενοι παῖδες Ἴλιον πάλιν -κατοικίσειαν, καὶ πόλις γένοιτʼ ἔτι. -ἀλλʼ ἐκ λόγου γὰρ ἄλλος ἐκβαίνει λόγος, -τίνʼ αὖ δέδορκα τόνδʼ Ἀχαιϊκὸν λάτριν -στείχοντα καινῶν ἄγγελον βουλευμάτων; - - - -Ταλθύβιος -Φρυγῶν ἀρίστου πρίν ποθʼ Ἕκτορος δάμαρ, -μή με στυγήσῃς· οὐχ ἑκὼν γὰρ ἀγγελῶ. -Δαναῶν δὲ κοινὰ Πελοπιδῶν τʼ ἀγγέλματα - - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -τί δʼ ἔστιν; ὥς μοι φροιμίων ἄρχῃ κακῶν. - - -Ταλθύβιος -ἔδοξε τόνδε παῖδα πῶς εἴπω λόγον; - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -μῶν οὐ τὸν αὐτὸν δεσπότην ἡμῖν ἔχειν; - - -Ταλθύβιος -οὐδεὶς Ἀχαιῶν τοῦδε δεσπόσει ποτέ. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -ἀλλʼ ἐνθάδʼ αὐτοῦ λείψανον Φρυγῶν λιπεῖν; - - -Ταλθύβιος -οὐκ οἶδʼ ὅπως σοι ῥᾳδίως εἴπω κακά. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -ἐπῄνεσʼ αἰδῶ, πλὴν ἐὰν λέγῃς καλά. - - -Ταλθύβιος -κτενοῦσι σὸν παῖδʼ, ὡς πύθῃ κακὸν μέγα. - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -οἴμοι, γάμων τόδʼ ὡς κλύω μεῖζον κακόν. - - -Ταλθύβιος -νικᾷ δʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς ἐν Πανέλλησιν λέγων - - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -αἰαῖ μάλʼ· οὐ γὰρ μέτρια πάσχομεν κακά. - - -Ταλθύβιος -λέξας ἀρίστου παῖδα μὴ τρέφειν πατρὸς - - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -τοιαῦτα νικήσειε τῶν αὑτοῦ πέρι. - - -Ταλθύβιος -ῥῖψαι δὲ πύργων δεῖν σφε Τρωικῶν ἄπο. -ἀλλʼ ὣς γενέσθω, καὶ σοφωτέρα φανῇ· -μήτʼ ἀντέχου τοῦδʼ, εὐγενῶς δʼ ἄλγει κακοῖς, -μήτε σθένουσα μηδὲν ἰσχύειν δόκει. -ἔχεις γὰρ ἀλκὴν οὐδαμῇ. σκοπεῖν δὲ χρή· -πόλις τʼ ὄλωλε καὶ πόσις, κρατῇ δὲ σύ, -ἡμεῖς δὲ πρὸς γυναῖκα μάρνασθαι μίαν -οἷοί τε. τούτων οὕνεκʼ οὐ μάχης ἐρᾶν -οὐδʼ αἰσχρὸν οὐδὲν οὐδʼ ἐπίφθονόν σε δρᾶν, -οὐδʼ αὖ σʼ Ἀχαιοῖς βούλομαι ῥίπτειν ἀράς. -εἰ γάρ τι λέξεις ὧν χολώσεται στρατός, -οὔτʼ ἂν ταφείη παῖς ὅδʼ οὔτʼ οἴκτου τύχοι. -σιγῶσα δʼ εὖ τε τὰς τύχας κεκτημένη -τὸν τοῦδε νεκρὸν οὐκ ἄθαπτον ἂν λίποις -αὐτή τʼ Ἀχαιῶν πρευμενεστέρων τύχοις. - - - -Ἀνδρομάχη -ὦ φίλτατʼ, ὦ περισσὰ τιμηθεὶς τέκνον, -θανῇ πρὸς ἐχθρῶν μητέρʼ ἀθλίαν λιπών, -ἡ τοῦ πατρὸς δέ σʼ εὐγένειʼ ἀποκτενεῖ, -ἣ τοῖσιν ἄλλοις γίγνεται σωτηρία, -τὸ δʼ ἐσθλὸν οὐκ ἐς καιρὸν ἦλθε σοὶ πατρός. -ὦ λέκτρα τἀμὰ δυστυχῆ τε καὶ γάμοι, -οἷς ἦλθον ἐς μέλαθρον Ἕκτορός ποτε, -οὐ σφάγιον υἱὸν Δαναΐδαις τέξουσʼ ἐμόν, -ἀλλʼ ὡς τύραννον Ἀσιάδος πολυσπόρου. -ὦ παῖ, δακρύεις· αἰσθάνῃ κακῶν σέθεν; -τί μου δέδραξαι χερσὶ κἀντέχῃ πέπλων, -νεοσσὸς ὡσεὶ πτέρυγας ἐσπίτνων ἐμάς; -οὐκ εἶσιν Ἕκτωρ κλεινὸν ἁρπάσας δόρυ -γῆς ἐξανελθὼν σοὶ φέρων σωτηρίαν, -οὐ συγγένεια πατρός, οὐκ ἰσχὺς Φρυγῶν· -λυγρὸν δὲ πήδημʼ ἐς τράχηλον ὑψόθεν -πεσὼν ἀνοίκτως, πνεῦμʼ ἀπορρήξεις σέθεν. -ὦ νέον ὑπαγκάλισμα μητρὶ φίλτατον, -ὦ χρωτὸς ἡδὺ πνεῦμα· διὰ κενῆς ἄρα -ἐν σπαργάνοις σε μαστὸς ἐξέθρεψʼ ὅδε, -μάτην δʼ ἐμόχθουν καὶ κατεξάνθην πόνοις. -νῦν — οὔποτʼ αὖθις — μητέρʼ ἀσπάζου σέθεν, -πρόσπιτνε τὴν τεκοῦσαν, ἀμφὶ δʼ ὠλένας -ἕλισσʼ ἐμοῖς νώτοισι καὶ στόμʼ ἅρμοσον. -ὦ βάρβαρʼ ἐξευρόντες Ἕλληνες κακά, -τί τόνδε παῖδα κτείνετʼ οὐδὲν αἴτιον; -ὦ Τυνδάρειον ἔρνος, οὔποτʼ εἶ Διός, -πολλῶν δὲ πατέρων φημί σʼ ἐκπεφυκέναι, -Ἀλάστορος μὲν πρῶτον, εἶτα δὲ Φθόνου, -Φόνου τε Θανάτου θʼ ὅσα τε γῆ τρέφει κακά. -οὐ γάρ ποτʼ αὐχῶ Ζῆνά γʼ ἐκφῦσαί σʼ ἐγώ, -πολλοῖσι κῆρα βαρβάροις Ἕλλησί τε. -ὄλοιο· καλλίστων γὰρ ὀμμάτων ἄπο -αἰσχρῶς τὰ κλεινὰ πεδίʼ ἀπώλεσας Φρυγῶν. - -ἀλλʼ ἄγετε φέρετε ῥίπτετʼ, εἰ ῥίπτειν δοκεῖ· -δαίνυσθε τοῦδε σάρκας. ἔκ τε γὰρ θεῶν -διολλύμεσθα, παιδί τʼ οὐ δυναίμεθʼ ἂν -θάνατον ἀρῆξαι. κρύπτετʼ ἄθλιον δέμας -καὶ ῥίπτετʼ ἐς ναῦς· ἐπὶ καλὸν γὰρ ἔρχομαι -ὑμέναιον, ἀπολέσασα τοὐμαυτῆς τέκνον. - - -Χορός -τάλαινα Τροία, μυρίους ἀπώλεσας -μιᾶς γυναικὸς καὶ λέχους στυγνοῦ χάριν. - - - - - -Ταλθύβιος -ἄγε παῖ, φίλιον πρόσπτυγμα μεθεὶς -μητρὸς μογερᾶς, βαῖνε πατρῴων -πύργων ἐπʼ ἄκρας στεφάνας, ὅθι σοι -πνεῦμα μεθεῖναι ψῆφος ἐκράνθη. -λαμβάνετʼ αὐτόν. τὰ δὲ τοιάδε χρὴ -κηρυκεύειν, ὅστις ἄνοικτος -καὶ ἀναιδείᾳ τῆς ἡμετέρας -γνώμης μᾶλλον φίλος ἐστίν. - - - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ παιδὸς μογεροῦ, -συλώμεθα σὴν ψυχὴν ἀδίκως -μήτηρ κἀγώ. τί πάθω; τί σʼ ἐγώ, -δύσμορε, δράσω; τάδε σοι δίδομεν -πλήγματα κρατὸς στέρνων τε κόπους· -τῶνδε γὰρ ἄρχομεν. οἲ ʼγὼ πόλεως, -οἴμοι δὲ σέθεν· τί γὰρ οὐκ ἔχομεν; -τίνος ἐνδέομεν μὴ οὐ πανσυδίᾳ -χωρεῖν ὀλέθρου διὰ παντός; - - - - - - - -Χορός -μελισσοτρόφου Σαλαμῖνος ὦ βασιλεῦ Τελαμών, -νάσου περικύμονος οἰκήσας ἕδραν -τᾶς ἐπικεκλιμένας ὄχθοις ἱεροῖς, ἵνʼ ἐλαίας -πρῶτον ἔδειξε κλάδον γλαυκᾶς Ἀθάνα, -οὐράνιον στέφανον λιπαραῖσί τε κόσμον Ἀθήναις, -ἔβας ἔβας τῷ τοξοφόρῳ συναρι- -στεύων ἅμʼ Ἀλκμήνας γόνῳ -Ἴλιον Ἴλιον ἐκπέρσων πόλιν -ἁμετέραν τὸ πάροιθεν ὅτʼ ἔβας ἀφʼ Ἑλλάδος· - - - - - -Χορός -ὅθʼ Ἑλλάδος ἄγαγε πρῶτον ἄνθος ἀτυζόμενος -πώλων, Σιμόεντι δʼ ἐπʼ εὐρείτᾳ πλάταν -ἔσχασε ποντοπόρον καὶ ναύδετʼ ἀνήψατο πρυμνᾶν -καὶ χερὸς εὐστοχίαν ἐξεῖλε ναῶν, -Λαομέδοντι φόνον· κανόνων δὲ τυκίσματα Φοίβου - - πυρὸς φοίνικι πνοᾷ καθελὼν -Τροίας ἐπόρθησε χθόνα. -δὶς δὲ δυοῖν πιτύλοιν τείχη † περὶ † -Δαρδανίας φοινία κατέλυσεν αἰχμά. - - - - - - -Χορός -μάταν ἄρʼ, ὦ χρυσέαις ἐν οἰνοχόαις ἁβρὰ βαίνων, -Λαομεδόντιε παῖ, -Ζηνὸς ἔχεις κυλίκων πλήρωμα, καλλίσταν λατρείαν· -ἁ δέ σε γειναμένα πυρὶ δαίεται· -ἠιόνες δʼ ἅλιαι -ἴακχον οἰωνὸς οἷ- -ον τεκέων ὕπερ βοᾷ, -ᾇ μὲν εὐνάτορας, ᾇ δὲ παῖδας, -ᾇ δὲ ματέρας γεραιάς. -τὰ δὲ σὰ δροσόεντα λουτρὰ -γυμνασίων τε δρόμοι -βεβᾶσι, σὺ δὲ πρόσωπα νεα- -ρὰ χάρισι παρὰ Διὸς θρόνοις -καλλιγάλανα τρέφεις· Πριάμοιο δὲ γαῖαν -Ἑλλὰς ὤλεσʼ αἰχμά. - - - - - -Χορός -Ἔρως Ἔρως, ὃς τὰ Δαρδάνεια μέλαθρά ποτʼ ἦλθες -οὐρανίδαισι μέλων, -ὡς τότε μὲν μεγάλως Τροίαν ἐπύργωσας, θεοῖσι -κῆδος ἀναψάμενος. τὸ μὲν οὖν Διὸς -οὐκέτʼ ὄνειδος ἐρῶ· -τὸ τᾶς δὲ λευκοπτέρου -φίλιον Ἁμέρας βροτοῖς -φέγγος ὀλοὸν εἶδε γαῖαν, -εἶδε περγάμων ὄλεθρον, -τεκνοποιὸν ἔχουσα τᾶσδε -γᾶς πόσιν ἐν θαλάμοις, -ὃν ἀστέρων τέθριππος ἔλα- -βε χρύσεος ὄχος ἀναρπάσας, -ἐλπίδα γᾷ πατρίᾳ μεγάλαν· τὰ θεῶν δὲ -φίλτρα φροῦδα Τροίᾳ. - - - - - - -Μενέλαος -ὦ καλλιφεγγὲς ἡλίου σέλας τόδε, -ἐν ᾧ δάμαρτα τὴν ἐμὴν χειρώσομαι -† Ἑλένην· ὁ γὰρ δὴ πολλὰ μοχθήσας ἐγὼ -Μενέλαός εἰμι καὶ στράτευμʼ Ἀχαιϊκόν. † -ἦλθον δὲ Τροίαν οὐχ ὅσον δοκοῦσί με -γυναικὸς οὕνεκʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐπʼ ἄνδρʼ ὃς ἐξ ἐμῶν -δόμων δάμαρτα ξεναπάτης ἐλῄσατο. -κεῖνος μὲν οὖν δέδωκε σὺν θεοῖς δίκην -αὐτός τε καὶ γῆ δορὶ πεσοῦσʼ Ἑλληνικῷ. -ἥκω δὲ τὴν τάλαιναν — οὐ γὰρ ἡδέως -ὄνομα δάμαρτος ἥ ποτʼ ἦν ἐμὴ λέγω — -ἄξων· δόμοις γὰρ τοῖσδʼ ἐν αἰχμαλωτικοῖς -κατηρίθμηται Τρῳάδων ἄλλων μέτα. -οἵπερ γὰρ αὐτὴν ἐξεμόχθησαν δορί, -κτανεῖν ἐμοί νιν ἔδοσαν, εἴτε μὴ κτανὼν -θέλοιμʼ ἄγεσθαι πάλιν ἐς Ἀργείαν χθόνα. -ἐμοὶ δʼ ἔδοξε τὸν μὲν ἐν Τροίᾳ μόρον -Ἑλένης ἐᾶσαι, ναυπόρῳ δʼ ἄγειν πλάτῃ -Ἑλληνίδʼ ἐς γῆν κᾆτʼ ἐκεῖ δοῦναι κτανεῖν, -ποινὰς ὅσοις τεθνᾶσʼ ἐν Ἰλίῳ φίλοι. -ἀλλʼ εἶα χωρεῖτʼ ἐς δόμους, ὀπάονες, -κομίζετʼ αὐτὴν τῆς μιαιφονωτάτης -κόμης ἐπισπάσαντες· οὔριοι δʼ ὅταν -πνοαὶ μόλωσι, πέμψομέν νιν Ἑλλάδα. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ γῆς ὄχημα κἀπὶ γῆς ἔχων ἕδραν, -ὅστις ποτʼ εἶ σύ, δυστόπαστος εἰδέναι, -Ζεύς, εἴτʼ ἀνάγκη φύσεος εἴτε νοῦς βροτῶν, -προσηυξάμην σε· πάντα γὰρ διʼ ἀψόφου -βαίνων κελεύθου κατὰ δίκην τὰ θνήτʼ ἄγεις. - - -Μενέλαος -τί δʼ ἔστιν; εὐχὰς ὡς ἐκαίνισας θεῶν. - - -Ἑκάβη -αἰνῶ σε, Μενέλαʼ, εἰ κτενεῖς δάμαρτα σήν. -ὁρᾶν δὲ τήνδε φεῦγε, μή σʼ ἕλῃ πόθῳ. -αἱρεῖ γὰρ ἀνδρῶν ὄμματʼ, ἐξαιρεῖ πόλεις, -πίμπρησιν οἴκους· ὧδʼ ἔχει κηλήματα. -ἐγώ νιν οἶδα, καὶ σύ, χοἱ πεπονθότες. - - - -Ἑλένη -Μενέλαε, φροίμιον μὲν ἄξιον φόβου -τόδʼ ἐστίν· ἐν γὰρ χερσὶ προσπόλων σέθεν -βίᾳ πρὸ τῶνδε δωμάτων ἐκπέμπομαι. -ἀτὰρ σχεδὸν μὲν οἶδά σοι μισουμένη, -ὅμως δʼ ἐρέσθαι βούλομαι· γνῶμαι τίνες -Ἕλλησι καὶ σοὶ τῆς ἐμῆς ψυχῆς πέρι; - - -Μενέλαος -οὐκ εἰς ἀκριβὲς ἦλθες, ἀλλʼ ἅπας στρατὸς -κτανεῖν ἐμοί σʼ ἔδωκεν, ὅνπερ ἠδίκεις. - - -Ἑλένη -ἔξεστιν οὖν πρὸς ταῦτʼ ἀμείψασθαι λόγῳ, -ὡς οὐ δικαίως, ἢν θάνω, θανούμεθα; - - -Μενέλαος -οὐκ ἐς λόγους ἐλήλυθʼ, ἀλλά σε κτενῶν. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἄκουσον αὐτῆς, μὴ θάνῃ τοῦδʼ ἐνδεής, -Μενέλαε, καὶ δὸς τοὺς ἐναντίους λόγους -ἡμῖν κατʼ αὐτῆς· τῶν γὰρ ἐν Τροίᾳ κακῶν -οὐδὲν κάτοισθα. συντεθεὶς δʼ ὁ πᾶς λόγος -κτενεῖ νιν οὕτως ὥστε μηδαμοῦ φυγεῖν. - - -Μενέλαος -σχολῆς τὸ δῶρον· εἰ δὲ βούλεται λέγειν, -ἔξεστι. τῶν σῶν δʼ οὕνεχʼ — ὡς μάθῃ — λόγων -δώσω τόδʼ αὐτῇ· τῆσδε δʼ οὐ δώσω χάριν. - - -Ἑλένη -ἴσως με, κἂν εὖ κἂν κακῶς δόξω λέγειν, -οὐκ ἀνταμείψῃ πολεμίαν ἡγούμενος. -ἐγὼ δʼ, ἅ σʼ οἶμαι διὰ λόγων ἰόντʼ ἐμοῦ -κατηγορήσειν, ἀντιθεῖσʼ ἀμείψομαι -τοῖς σοῖσι τἀμὰ καὶ τὰ σʼ αἰτιάματα. -πρῶτον μὲν ἀρχὰς ἔτεκεν ἥδε τῶν κακῶν, -Πάριν τεκοῦσα· δεύτερον δʼ ἀπώλεσε -Τροίαν τε κἄμʼ ὁ πρέσβυς οὐ κτανὼν βρέφος, -δαλοῦ πικρὸν μίμημʼ, Ἀλέξανδρόν ποτε. -ἐνθένδε τἀπίλοιπʼ ἄκουσον ὡς ἔχει. -ἔκρινε τρισσὸν ζεῦγος ὅδε τριῶν θεῶν· -καὶ Παλλάδος μὲν ἦν Ἀλεξάνδρῳ δόσις -Φρυξὶ στρατηγοῦνθʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἐξανιστάναι, -Ἥρα δʼ ὑπέσχετʼ Ἀσιάδʼ Εὐρώπης θʼ ὅρους -τυραννίδʼ ἕξειν, εἴ σφε κρίνειεν Πάρις· -Κύπρις δὲ τοὐμὸν εἶδος ἐκπαγλουμένη -δώσειν ὑπέσχετʼ, εἰ θεὰς ὑπερδράμοι -κάλλει. τὸν ἔνθεν δʼ ὡς ἔχει σκέψαι λόγον· -νικᾷ Κύπρις θεάς, καὶ τοσόνδʼ οὑμοὶ γάμοι -ὤνησαν Ἑλλάδʼ· οὐ κρατεῖσθʼ ἐκ βαρβάρων, -οὔτʼ ἐς δόρυ σταθέντες, οὐ τυραννίδι. -ἃ δʼ εὐτύχησεν Ἑλλάς, ὠλόμην ἐγὼ -εὐμορφίᾳ πραθεῖσα, κὠνειδίζομαι -ἐξ ὧν ἐχρῆν με στέφανον ἐπὶ κάρᾳ λαβεῖν. -οὔπω με φήσεις αὐτὰ τἀν ποσὶν λέγειν, -ὅπως ἀφώρμησʼ ἐκ δόμων τῶν σῶν λάθρα. -ἦλθʼ οὐχὶ μικρὰν θεὸν ἔχων αὑτοῦ μέτα -ὁ τῆσδʼ ἀλάστωρ, εἴτʼ Ἀλέξανδρον θέλεις -ὀνόματι προσφωνεῖν νιν εἴτε καὶ Πάριν· -ὅν, ὦ κάκιστε, σοῖσιν ἐν δόμοις λιπὼν -Σπάρτης ἀπῆρας νηὶ Κρησίαν χθόνα. - -εἶἑν. -οὐ σέ, ἀλλʼ ἐμαυτὴν τοὐπὶ τῷδʼ ἐρήσομαι· -τί δὴ φρονοῦσά γʼ ἐκ δόμων ἅμʼ ἑσπόμην -ξένῳ, προδοῦσα πατρίδα καὶ δόμους ἐμούς; -τὴν θεὸν κόλαζε καὶ Διὸς κρείσσων γενοῦ, -ὃς τῶν μὲν ἄλλων δαιμόνων ἔχει κράτος, -κείνης δὲ δοῦλός ἐστι· συγγνώμη δʼ ἐμοί. -ἔνθεν δʼ ἔχοις ἂν εἰς ἔμʼ εὐπρεπῆ λόγον· -ἐπεὶ θανὼν γῆς ἦλθʼ Ἀλέξανδρος μυχούς, -χρῆν μʼ, ἡνίκʼ οὐκ ἦν θεοπόνητά μου λέχη, -λιποῦσαν οἴκους ναῦς ἐπʼ Ἀργείων μολεῖν. -ἔσπευδον αὐτὸ τοῦτο· μάρτυρες δέ μοι -πύργων πυλωροὶ κἀπὸ τειχέων σκοποί, -οἳ πολλάκις μʼ ἐφηῦρον ἐξ ἐπάλξεων -πλεκταῖσιν ἐς γῆν σῶμα κλέπτουσαν τόδε. - -βίᾳ δʼ ὁ καινός μʼ οὗτος ἁρπάσας πόσις - - -Δηίφοβος ἄλοχον εἶχεν ἀκόντων Φρυγῶν. - -πῶς οὖν ἔτʼ ἂν θνῄσκοιμʼ ἂν ἐνδίκως, πόσι, - - - -πρὸς σοῦ δικαίως, ἣν ὁ μὲν βίᾳ γαμεῖ, -τὰ δʼ οἴκοθεν κεῖνʼ ἀντὶ νικητηρίων -πικρῶς ἐδούλευσʼ; εἰ δὲ τῶν θεῶν κρατεῖν -βούλῃ, τὸ χρῄζειν ἀμαθές ἐστί σου τόδε. - - -Χορός -βασίλειʼ, ἄμυνον σοῖς τέκνοισι καὶ πάτρᾳ -πειθὼ διαφθείρουσα τῆσδʼ, ἐπεὶ λέγει -καλῶς κακοῦργος οὖσα· δεινὸν οὖν τόδε. - - -Ἑκάβη -ταῖς θεαῖσι πρῶτα σύμμαχος γενήσομαι -καὶ τήνδε δείξω μὴ λέγουσαν ἔνδικα. -ἐγὼ γὰρ Ἥραν παρθένον τε Παλλάδα -οὐκ ἐς τοσοῦτον ἀμαθίας ἐλθεῖν δοκῶ, -ὥσθʼ ἣ μὲν Ἄργος βαρβάροις ἀπημπόλα, -Παλλὰς δʼ Ἀθήνας Φρυξὶ δουλεύειν ποτέ, -εἰ παιδιαῖσι καὶ χλιδῇ μορφῆς πέρι -ἦλθον πρὸς Ἴδην. τοῦ γὰρ οὕνεκʼ ἂν θεὰ -Ἥρα τοσοῦτον ἔσχʼ ἔρωτα καλλονῆς; -πότερον ἀμείνονʼ ὡς λάβῃ Διὸς πόσιν; -ἢ γάμον Ἀθηνᾶ θεῶν τίνος θηρωμένη — -ἣ παρθενείαν πατρὸς ἐξῃτήσατο, -φεύγουσα λέκτρα; μὴ ἀμαθεῖς ποίει θεὰς -τὸ σὸν κακὸν κοσμοῦσα, μὴ οὐ πείσῃς σοφούς. -Κύπριν δʼ ἔλεξας — ταῦτα γὰρ γέλως πολύς — -ἐλθεῖν ἐμῷ ξὺν παιδὶ Μενέλεω δόμους. -οὐκ ἂν μένουσʼ ἂν ἥσυχός σʼ ἐν οὐρανῷ -αὐταῖς Ἀμύκλαις ἤγαγεν πρὸς Ἴλιον; - -ἦν οὑμὸς υἱὸς κάλλος ἐκπρεπέστατος, -ὁ σὸς δʼ ἰδών νιν νοῦς ἐποιήθη Κύπρις· -τὰ μῶρα γὰρ πάντʼ ἐστὶν Ἀφροδίτη βροτοῖς, -καὶ τοὔνομʼ ὀρθῶς ἀφροσύνης ἄρχει θεᾶς. -ὃν εἰσιδοῦσα βαρβάροις ἐσθήμασι -χρυσῷ τε λαμπρὸν ἐξεμαργώθης φρένας. -ἐν μὲν γὰρ Ἄργει μίκρʼ ἔχουσʼ ἀνεστρέφου, -Σπάρτης δʼ ἀπαλλαχθεῖσα τὴν Φρυγῶν πόλιν -χρυσῷ ῥέουσαν ἤλπισας κατακλύσειν -δαπάναισιν· οὐδʼ ἦν ἱκανά σοι τὰ Μενέλεω -μέλαθρα ταῖς σαῖς ἐγκαθυβρίζειν τρυφαῖς. -εἶἑν· βίᾳ γὰρ παῖδα φῄς σʼ ἄγειν ἐμόν· -τίς Σπαρτιατῶν ᾔσθετʼ; ἢ ποίαν βοὴν -ἀνωλόλυξας — Κάστορος νεανίου -τοῦ συζύγου τʼ ἔτʼ ὄντος, οὐ κατʼ ἄστρα πω; -ἐπεὶ δὲ Τροίαν ἦλθες Ἀργεῖοί τέ σου -κατʼ ἴχνος, ἦν δὲ δοριπετὴς ἀγωνία, -εἰ μὲν τὰ τοῦδε κρείσσονʼ ἀγγέλλοιτό σοι, -Μενέλαον ᾔνεις, παῖς ὅπως λυποῖτʼ ἐμὸς -ἔχων ἔρωτος ἀνταγωνιστὴν μέγαν· -εἰ δʼ εὐτυχοῖεν Τρῶες, οὐδὲν ἦν ὅδε. -ἐς τὴν τύχην δʼ ὁρῶσα τοῦτʼ ἤσκεις, ὅπως -ἕποιʼ ἅμʼ αὐτῇ, τῇ ἀρετῇ δʼ οὐκ ἤθελες. -κἄπειτα πλεκταῖς σῶμα σὸν κλέπτειν λέγεις -πύργων καθιεῖσʼ, ὡς μένουσʼ ἀκουσίως; -ποῦ δῆτʼ ἐλήφθης ἢ βρόχους ἀρτωμένη -ἢ φάσγανον θήγουσʼ, ἃ γενναία γυνὴ -δράσειεν ἂν ποθοῦσα τὸν πάρος πόσιν; -καίτοι σʼ ἐνουθέτουν γε πολλὰ πολλάκις· -Ὦ θύγατερ, ἔξελθʼ· οἱ δʼ ἐμοὶ παῖδες γάμους -ἄλλους γαμοῦσι, σὲ δʼ ἐπὶ ναῦς Ἀχαιϊκὰς -πέμψω συνεκκλέψασα· καὶ παῦσον μάχης -Ἕλληνας ἡμᾶς τε. ἀλλὰ σοὶ τόδʼ ἦν πικρόν. -ἐν τοῖς Ἀλεξάνδρου γὰρ ὕβριζες δόμοις -καὶ προσκυνεῖσθαι βαρβάρων ὕπʼ ἤθελες· -μεγάλα γὰρ ἦν σοι. — κἀπὶ τοῖσδε σὸν δέμας -ἐξῆλθες ἀσκήσασα κἄβλεψας πόσει -τὸν αὐτὸν αἰθέρʼ, ὦ κατάπτυστον κάρα· -ἣν χρῆν ταπεινὴν ἐν πέπλων ἐρειπίοις, -φρίκῃ τρέμουσαν, κρᾶτʼ ἀπεσκυθισμένην -ἐλθεῖν, τὸ σῶφρον τῆς ἀναιδείας πλέον -ἔχουσαν ἐπὶ τοῖς πρόσθεν ἡμαρτημένοις. -Μενέλαʼ, ἵνʼ εἰδῇς οἷ τελευτήσω λόγον, -στεφάνωσον Ἑλλάδʼ ἀξίως τήνδε κτανὼν -σαυτοῦ, νόμον δὲ τόνδε ταῖς ἄλλαισι θὲς -γυναιξί, θνῄσκειν ἥτις ἂν προδῷ πόσιν. - - - -Χορός -Μενέλαε, προγόνων τʼ ἀξίως δόμων τε σῶν -τεῖσαι δάμαρτα κἀφελοῦ, πρὸς Ἑλλάδος, -ψόγον τὸ θῆλύ τʼ, εὐγενὴς ἐχθροῖς φανείς. - - -Μενέλαος -ἐμοὶ σὺ συμπέπτωκας ἐς ταὐτὸν λόγου, -ἑκουσίως τήνδʼ ἐκ δόμων ἐλθεῖν ἐμῶν -ξένας ἐς εὐνάς· χἡ Κύπρις κόμπου χάριν -λόγοις ἐνεῖται. — βαῖνε λευστήρων πέλας -πόνους τʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἀπόδος ἐν μικρῷ μακροὺς -θανοῦσʼ, ἵνʼ εἰδῇς μὴ καταισχύνειν ἐμέ. - - -Ἑλένη -μή, πρός σε γονάτων, τὴν νόσον τὴν τῶν θεῶν -προσθεὶς ἐμοὶ κτάνῃς με, συγγίγνωσκε δέ. - - -Ἑκάβη -μηδʼ οὓς ἀπέκτεινʼ ἥδε συμμάχους προδῷς· -ἐγὼ πρὸ κείνων καὶ τέκνων σε λίσσομαι. - - -Μενέλαος -παῦσαι, γεραιά· τῆσδε δʼ οὐκ ἐφρόντισα. -λέγω δὲ προσπόλοισι πρὸς πρύμνας νεῶν -τήνδʼ ἐκκομίζειν, ἔνθα ναυστολήσεται. - - -Ἑκάβη -μή νυν νεὼς σοὶ ταὐτὸν ἐσβήτω σκάφος. - - -Μενέλαος -τί δʼ ἔστι; μεῖζον βρῖθος ἢ πάροιθʼ ἔχει; - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐκ ἔστʼ ἐραστὴς ὅστις οὐκ ἀεὶ φιλεῖ. - - -Μενέλαος -ὅπως ἂν ἐκβῇ τῶν ἐρωμένων ὁ νοῦς. -ἔσται δʼ ἃ βούλῃ· ναῦν γὰρ οὐκ ἐσβήσεται -ἐς ἥνπερ ἡμεῖς· καὶ γὰρ οὐ κακῶς λέγεις· -ἐλθοῦσα δʼ Ἄργος ὥσπερ ἀξία κακῶς -κακὴ θανεῖται καὶ γυναιξὶ σωφρονεῖν -πάσαισι θήσει. ῥᾴδιον μὲν οὐ τόδε· -ὅμως δʼ ὁ τῆσδʼ ὄλεθρος ἐς φόβον βαλεῖ -τὸ μῶρον αὐτῶν, κἂν ἔτʼ ὦσʼ ἐχθίονες. - - - - - - -Χορός -οὕτω δὴ τὸν ἐν Ἰλίῳ -ναὸν καὶ θυόεντα βω- -μὸν προύδωκας Ἀχαιοῖς, -ὦ Ζεῦ, καὶ πελάνων φλόγα -σμύρνης αἰθερίας τε κα- -πνὸν καὶ Πέργαμον ἱερὰν -Ἰδαῖά τʼ Ἰδαῖα κισσοφόρα νάπη -χιόνι κατάρυτα ποταμίᾳ -τέρμονα πρωτόβολόν θʼ ἁλίῳ, -τὰν καταλαμπομέναν ζαθέαν θεράπναν. - - - - - -Χορός -φροῦδαί σοι θυσίαι χορῶν τʼ -εὔφημοι κέλαδοι κατʼ ὄρ- -φναν τε παννυχίδες θεῶν, -χρυσέων τε ξοάνων τύποι -Φρυγῶν τε ζάθεοι σελᾶ- -ναι συνδώδεκα πλήθει. -μέλει μέλει μοι τάδʼ εἰ φρονεῖς, ἄναξ, -οὐράνιον ἕδρανον ἐπιβεβὼς -αἰθέρα τε πτόλεως ὀλομένας, -ἃν πυρὸς αἰθομένα κατέλυσεν ὁρμά. - - - - - -Χορός -ὦ φίλος ὦ πόσι μοι, -σὺ μὲν φθίμενος ἀλαίνεις -ἄθαπτος ἄνυδρος, ἐμὲ δὲ πόντιον σκάφος -ἀίσσον πτεροῖσι πορεύσει -ἱππόβοτον Ἄργος, ἵνα τείχεα -λάινα Κυκλώπιʼ οὐράνια νέμονται. -τέκνων δὲ πλῆθος ἐν πύλαις -δάκρυσι κατᾴορα στένει· -βοᾷ βοᾷ· -Μᾶτερ, ὤμοι, μόναν δή μʼ Ἀχαιοὶ κομί- -ζουσι σέθεν ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων -κυανέαν ἐπὶ ναῦν -εἰναλίαισι πλάταις -ἢ Σαλαμῖνʼ ἱερὰν -ἢ δίπορον κορυφὰν -Ἴσθμιον, ἔνθα πύλας -Πέλοπος ἔχουσιν ἕδραι. - - - - - -Χορός -εἴθʼ ἀκάτου Μενέλα -μέσον πέλαγος ἰούσας, -δίπαλτον ἱερὸν ἀνὰ μέσον πλατᾶν πέσοι -Αἰγαίου κεραυνοφαὲς πῦρ, -Ἰλιόθεν ὅτε με πολύδακρυν -Ἑλλάδι λάτρευμα γᾶθεν ἐξορίζει, -χρύσεα δʼ ἔνοπτρα, παρθένων -χάριτας, ἔχουσα τυγχάνει -Διὸς κόρα· -μηδὲ γαῖάν ποτʼ ἔλθοι Λάκαιναν πατρῷ- -όν τε θάλαμον ἑστίας, -μηδὲ πόλιν Πιτάνας -χαλκόπυλόν τε θεάν, -δύσγαμον αἶσχος ἑλὼν -Ἑλλάδι τᾷ μεγάλᾳ -καὶ Σιμοεντιάσιν -μέλεα πάθεα ῥοῇσιν. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἰὼ ἰώ, -καίνʼ ἐκ καινῶν μεταβάλλουσαι -χθονὶ συντυχίαι. λεύσσετε Τρώων -τόνδʼ Ἀστυάνακτʼ ἄλοχοι μέλεαι -νεκρόν, ὃν πύργων δίσκημα πικρὸν -Δαναοὶ κτείναντες ἔχουσιν. - - - -Ταλθύβιος -Ἑκάβη, νεὼς μὲν πίτυλος εἷς λελειμμένος -λάφυρα τἀπίλοιπʼ Ἀχιλλείου τόκου -μέλλει πρὸς ἀκτὰς ναυστολεῖν Φθιώτιδας· -αὐτὸς δʼ ἀνῆκται Νεοπτόλεμος, καινάς τινας -Πηλέως ἀκούσας συμφοράς, ὥς νιν χθονὸς -Ἄκαστος ἐκβέβληκεν, ὁ Πελίου γόνος. -οὗ θᾶσσον οὕνεκʼ, ἢ χάριν μονῆς ἔχων, -φροῦδος, μετʼ αὐτοῦ δʼ Ἀνδρομάχη, πολλῶν ἐμοὶ -δακρύων ἀγωγός, ἡνίκʼ ἐξώρμα χθονός, -πάτραν τʼ ἀναστένουσα καὶ τὸν Ἕκτορος -τύμβον προσεννέπουσα. καί σφʼ ᾐτήσατο -θάψαι νεκρὸν τόνδʼ, ὃς πεσὼν ἐκ τειχέων -ψυχὴν ἀφῆκεν Ἕκτορος τοῦ σοῦ γόνος· -φόβον τʼ Ἀχαιῶν, χαλκόνωτον ἀσπίδα -τήνδʼ, ἣν πατὴρ τοῦδʼ ἀμφὶ πλεύρʼ ἐβάλλετο, -μή νυν πορεῦσαι Πηλέως ἐφʼ ἑστίαν, -μηδʼ ἐς τὸν αὐτὸν θάλαμον, οὗ νυμφεύσεται -μήτηρ νεκροῦ τοῦδʼ Ἀνδρομάχη, λύπας ὁρᾶν, -ἀλλʼ ἀντὶ κέδρου περιβόλων τε λαΐνων -ἐν τῇδε θάψαι παῖδα· σὰς δʼ ἐς ὠλένας -δοῦναι, πέπλοισιν ὡς περιστείλῃς νεκρὸν -στεφάνοις θʼ, ὅση σοι δύναμις, ὡς ἔχει τὰ σά· -ἐπεὶ βέβηκε, καὶ τὸ δεσπότου τάχος -ἀφείλετʼ αὐτὴν παῖδα μὴ δοῦναι τάφῳ. -ἡμεῖς μὲν οὖν, ὅταν σὺ κοσμήσῃς νέκυν, -γῆν τῷδʼ ἐπαμπισχόντες ἀροῦμεν δόρυ· -σὺ δʼ ὡς τάχιστα πρᾶσσε τἀπεσταλμένα. -ἑνὸς μὲν οὖν μόχθου σʼ ἀπαλλάξας ἔχω· -Σκαμανδρίους γὰρ τάσδε διαπερῶν ῥοὰς -ἔλουσα νεκρὸν κἀπένιψα τραύματα. -ἀλλʼ εἶμʼ ὀρυκτὸν τῷδʼ ἀναρρήξων τάφον, -ὡς σύντομʼ ἡμῖν τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ τε κἀπὸ σοῦ -ἐς ἓν ξυνελθόντʼ οἴκαδʼ ὁρμήσῃ πλάτην. - - - -Ἑκάβη -θέσθʼ ἀμφίτορνον ἀσπίδʼ Ἕκτορος πέδῳ, -λυπρὸν θέαμα κοὐ φίλον λεύσσειν ἐμοί. -ὦ μείζονʼ ὄγκον δορὸς ἔχοντες ἢ φρενῶν, -τί τόνδʼ, Ἀχαιοί, παῖδα δείσαντες φόνον -καινὸν διειργάσασθε; μὴ Τροίαν ποτὲ -πεσοῦσαν ὀρθώσειεν; οὐδὲν ἦτʼ ἄρα, -ὅθʼ Ἕκτορος μὲν εὐτυχοῦντος ἐς δόρυ -διωλλύμεσθα μυρίας τʼ ἄλλης χερός, -πόλεως δʼ ἁλούσης καὶ Φρυγῶν ἐφθαρμένων -βρέφος τοσόνδʼ ἐδείσατʼ· οὐκ αἰνῶ φόβον, -ὅστις φοβεῖται μὴ διεξελθὼν λόγῳ. - -ὦ φίλταθʼ, ὥς σοι θάνατος ἦλθε δυστυχής. -εἰ μὲν γὰρ ἔθανες πρὸ πόλεως, ἥβης τυχὼν -γάμων τε καὶ τῆς ἰσοθέου τυραννίδος, -μακάριος ἦσθʼ ἄν, εἴ τι τῶνδε μακάριον· -νῦν δʼ αὔτʼ ἰδὼν μὲν γνούς τε σῇ ψυχῇ, τέκνον, -οὐκ οἶσθʼ, ἐχρήσω δʼ οὐδὲν ἐν δόμοις ἔχων. -δύστηνε, κρατὸς ὥς σʼ ἔκειρεν ἀθλίως -τείχη πατρῷα, Λοξίου πυργώματα, -ὃν πόλλʼ ἐκήπευσʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα βόστρυχον -φιλήμασίν τʼ ἔδωκεν, ἔνθεν ἐκγελᾷ -ὀστέων ῥαγέντων φόνος, ἵνʼ αἰσχρὰ μὴ λέγω. -ὦ χεῖρες, ὡς εἰκοὺς μὲν ἡδείας πατρὸς -κέκτησθʼ, ἐν ἄρθροις δʼ ἔκλυτοι πρόκεισθέ μοι. -ὦ πολλὰ κόμπους ἐκβαλὸν φίλον στόμα, -ὄλωλας, ἐψεύσω μʼ, ὅτʼ ἐσπίπτων πέπλους, -Ὦ μῆτερ, ηὔδας, ἦ πολύν σοι βοστρύχων -πλόκαμον κεροῦμαι, πρὸς τάφον θʼ ὁμηλίκων -κώμους ἀπάξω, φίλα διδοὺς προσφθέγματα. -σὺ δʼ οὐκ ἔμʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ σὲ τὸν νεώτερον, -γραῦς ἄπολις ἄτεκνος, ἄθλιον θάπτω νεκρόν. -οἴμοι, τὰ πόλλʼ ἀσπάσμαθʼ αἵ τʼ ἐμαὶ τροφαὶ -ὕπνοι τʼ ἐκεῖνοι φροῦδά μοι. τί καί ποτε -γράψειεν ἄν σε μουσοποιὸς ἐν τάφῳ; -Τὸν παῖδα τόνδʼ ἔκτειναν Ἀργεῖοί ποτε -δείσαντες; — αἰσχρὸν τοὐπίγραμμά γʼ Ἑλλάδι. -ἀλλʼ οὖν πατρῴων οὐ λαχὼν ἕξεις ὅμως -ἐν ᾗ ταφήσῃ χαλκόνωτον ἰτέαν. -ὦ καλλίπηχυν Ἕκτορος βραχίονα -σῴζουσʼ, ἄριστον φύλακʼ ἀπώλεσας σέθεν. -ὡς ἡδὺς ἐν πόρπακι σῷ κεῖται τύπος -ἴτυός τʼ ἐν εὐτόρνοισι περιδρόμοις ἱδρώς, -ὃν ἐκ μετώπου πολλάκις πόνους ἔχων -ἔσταζεν Ἕκτωρ προστιθεὶς γενειάδι. -φέρετε, κομίζετʼ ἀθλίῳ κόσμον νεκρῷ -ἐκ τῶν παρόντων· οὐ γὰρ ἐς κάλλος τύχας -δαίμων δίδωσιν· ὧν δʼ ἔχω, λήψῃ τάδε. -θνητῶν δὲ μῶρος ὅστις εὖ πράσσειν δοκῶν -βέβαια χαίρει· τοῖς τρόποις γὰρ αἱ τύχαι, -ἔμπληκτος ὡς ἄνθρωπος, ἄλλοτʼ ἄλλοσε -πηδῶσι, κοὐδεὶς αὐτὸς εὐτυχεῖ ποτε. - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν πρόχειρον αἵδε σοι σκυλευμάτων -Φρυγίων φέρουσι κόσμον ἐξάπτειν νεκρῷ. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ τέκνον, οὐχ ἵπποισι νικήσαντά σε -οὐδʼ ἥλικας τόξοισιν, οὓς Φρύγες νόμους -τιμῶσιν, οὐκ ἐς πλησμονὰς θηρωμένη, -μήτηρ πατρός σοι προστίθησʼ ἀγάλματα -τῶν σῶν ποτʼ ὄντων· νῦν δέ σʼ ἡ θεοστυγὴς -ἀφείλεθʼ Ἑλένη, πρὸς δὲ καὶ ψυχὴν σέθεν -ἔκτεινε καὶ πάντʼ οἶκον ἐξαπώλεσεν. - - - - - -Χορός -ἒ ἔ, φρενῶν -ἔθιγες ἔθιγες· ὦ μέγας ἐμοί ποτʼ ἂν -ἀνάκτωρ πόλεως. - - - -Ἑκάβη -ἃ δʼ ἐν γάμοισι χρῆν σε προσθέσθαι χροῒ -Ἀσιατίδων γήμαντα τὴν ὑπερτάτην, -Φρύγια πέπλων ἀγάλματʼ ἐξάπτω χροός. -σύ τʼ, ὦ ποτʼ οὖσα καλλίνικε, μυρίων -μῆτερ τροπαίων, Ἕκτορος φίλον σάκος, -στεφανοῦ· θανῇ γὰρ οὐ θανοῦσα σὺν νεκρῷ· -ἐπεὶ σὲ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἢ τὰ τοῦ σοφοῦ -κακοῦ τʼ Ὀδυσσέως ἄξιον τιμᾶν ὅπλα. - - - - - -Χορός -αἰαῖ αἰαῖ· πικρὸν ὄδυρμα - -γαῖά σʼ ὦ τέκνον δέξεται. -στέναζε, μᾶτερ, - - -Ἑκάβη -αἰαῖ. - - -Χορός -νεκρῶν ἴακχον. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἴμοι μοι. - - -Χορός -οἴμοι δῆτα σῶν ἀλάστων κακῶν. - - - -Ἑκάβη -τελαμῶσιν ἕλκη τὰ μὲν ἐγώ σʼ ἰάσομαι, -τλήμων ἰατρός, ὄνομʼ ἔχουσα, τἄργα δʼ οὔ· -τὰ δʼ ἐν νεκροῖσι φροντιεῖ πατὴρ σέθεν. - - - -Χορός -ἄρασσʼ ἄρασσε κρᾶτα -πιτύλους διδοῦσα χειρός, -ἰώ μοί μοι. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες - - - -Χορός -Ἑκάβη, σὰς ἔνεπε· τίνα θροεῖς αὐδάν; - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -οὐκ ἦν ἄρʼ ἐν θεοῖσι πλὴν οὑμοὶ πόνοι -Τροία τε πόλεων ἔκκριτον μισουμένη, -μάτην δʼ ἐβουθυτοῦμεν. εἰ δὲ μὴ θεὸς -ἔστρεψε τἄνω περιβαλὼν κάτω χθονός, -ἀφανεῖς ἂν ὄντες οὐκ ἂν ὑμνήθημεν ἂν -μούσαις ἀοιδὰς δόντες ὑστέρων βροτῶν. -χωρεῖτε, θάπτετʼ ἀθλίῳ τύμβῳ νεκρόν· -ἔχει γὰρ οἷα δεῖ γε νερτέρων στέφη. -δοκῶ δὲ τοῖς θανοῦσι διαφέρειν βραχύ, -εἰ πλουσίων τις τεύξεται κτερισμάτων· -κενὸν δὲ γαύρωμʼ ἐστὶ τῶν ζώντων τόδε. - - - - - -Χορός -ἰὼ ἰώ· -μελέα μήτηρ, ἣ τὰς μεγάλας -ἐλπίδας ἐν σοὶ κατέκναψε βίου. -μέγα δʼ ὀλβισθεὶς ὡς ἐκ πατέρων -ἀγαθῶν ἐγένου, -δεινῷ θανάτῳ διόλωλας. -ἔα ἔα· -τίνας Ἰλιάσιν ταῖσδʼ ἐν κορυφαῖς -λεύσσω φλογέας δαλοῖσι χέρας -διερέσσοντας; μέλλει Τροίᾳ -καινόν τι κακὸν προσέσεσθαι. - - - -Ταλθύβιος -αὐδῶ λοχαγοῖς, οἳ τέταχθʼ ἐμπιμπράναι -Πριάμου τόδʼ ἄστυ, μηκέτʼ ἀργοῦσαν φλόγα -ἐν χειρὶ σῴζειν, ἀλλὰ πῦρ ἐνιέναι, -ὡς ἂν κατασκάψαντες Ἰλίου πόλιν -στελλώμεθʼ οἴκαδʼ ἄσμενοι Τροίας ἄπο. -ὑμεῖς δʼ, ἵνʼ αὑτὸς λόγος ἔχῃ μορφὰς δύο, -χωρεῖτε, Τρώων παῖδες, ὀρθίαν ὅταν -σάλπιγγος ἠχὼ δῶσιν ἀρχηγοὶ στρατοῦ, -πρὸς ναῦς Ἀχαιῶν, ὡς ἀποστέλλησθε γῆς. -σύ τʼ, ὦ γεραιὰ δυστυχεστάτη γύναι, -ἕπου. μεθήκουσίν σʼ Ὀδυσσέως πάρα -οἵδʼ, ᾧ σε δούλην κλῆρος ἐκπέμπει πάτρας. - - -Ἑκάβη -οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα· τοῦτο δὴ τὸ λοίσθιον -καὶ τέρμα πάντων τῶν ἐμῶν ἤδη κακῶν· -ἔξειμι πατρίδος, πόλις ὑφάπτεται πυρί. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ γεραιὲ πούς, ἐπίσπευσον μόλις, -ὡς ἀσπάσωμαι τὴν ταλαίπωρον πόλιν. -ὦ μεγάλα δή ποτʼ ἀμπνέουσʼ ἐν βαρβάροις -Τροία, τὸ κλεινὸν ὄνομʼ ἀφαιρήσῃ τάχα. -πιμπρᾶσί σʼ, ἡμᾶς δʼ ἐξάγουσʼ ἤδη χθονὸς -δούλας· ἰὼ θεοί. καὶ τί τοὺς θεοὺς καλῶ; -καὶ πρὶν γὰρ οὐκ ἤκουσαν ἀνακαλούμενοι. -φέρʼ ἐς πυρὰν δράμωμεν· ὡς κάλλιστά μοι -σὺν τῇδε πατρίδι κατθανεῖν πυρουμένῃ. - - -Ταλθύβιος -ἐνθουσιᾷς, δύστηνε, τοῖς σαυτῆς κακοῖς. -ἀλλʼ ἄγετε, μὴ φείδεσθʼ· Ὀδυσσέως δὲ χρὴ -ἐς χεῖρα δοῦναι τήνδε καὶ πέμπειν γέρας. - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -ὀττοτοτοτοτοῖ. -Κρόνιε, πρύτανι Φρύγιε, γενέτα -πάτερ, ἀνάξια τᾶς Δαρδάνου -γονᾶς τάδʼ οἷα πάσχομεν δέδορκας; - - -Χορός -δέδορκεν, ἁ δὲ μεγαλόπολις -ἄπολις ὄλωλεν οὐδʼ ἔτʼ ἔστι Τροία. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὀττοτοτοτοτοῖ. -λέλαμπεν Ἴλιος, Περ- -γάμων τε πυρὶ καταίθεται τέραμνα -καὶ πόλις ἄκρα τε τειχέων. - - -Χορός -πτέρυγι δὲ καπνὸς ὥς τις οὐ- -ρανίᾳ πεσοῦσα δορὶ καταφθίνει γᾶ. -μαλερὰ μέλαθρα πυρὶ κατάδρομα -δαΐῳ τε λόγχᾳ. - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -ἰὼ γᾶ τρόφιμε τῶν ἐμῶν τέκνων. - - -Χορός -ἓ ἕ. - - -Ἑκάβη -ὦ τέκνα, κλύετε, μάθετε ματρὸς αὐδάν. - - -Χορός -ἰαλέμῳ τοὺς θανόντας ἀπύεις. - - -Ἑκάβη -γεραιά γʼ ἐς πέδον τιθεῖσα μέλεα καὶ -χερσὶ γαῖαν κτυποῦσα δισσαῖς. - - -Χορός -διάδοχά σοι γόνυ τίθημι γαίᾳ -τοὺς ἐμοὺς καλοῦσα νέρθεν -ἀθλίους ἀκοίτας. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἀγόμεθα φερόμεθʼ - - - -Χορός -ἄλγος ἄλγος βοᾷς. - - -Ἑκάβη -δούλειον ὑπὸ μέλαθρον. - - -Χορός -ἐκ πάτρας γʼ ἐμᾶς. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἰώ. -Πρίαμε Πρίαμε, σὺ μὲν ὀλόμενος -ἄταφος ἄφιλος -ἄτας ἐμᾶς ἄιστος εἶ. - - -Χορός -μέλας γὰρ ὄσσε κατεκάλυψε -θάνατος ὅσιος ἀνοσίαις σφαγαῖσιν. - - - - - -Ἑκάβη -ἰὼ θεῶν μέλαθρα καὶ πόλις φίλα, - - -Χορός -ἓ ἕ. - - -Ἑκάβη -τὰν φόνιον ἔχετε φλόγα δορός τε λόγχαν. - - -Χορός -τάχʼ ἐς φίλαν γᾶν πεσεῖσθʼ ἀνώνυμοι. - - -Ἑκάβη -κόνις δʼ ἴσα καπνῷ πτέρυγι πρὸς αἰθέρα -ᾆστον οἴκων ἐμῶν με θήσει. - - -Χορός -ὄνομα δὲ γᾶς ἀφανὲς εἶσιν· ἄλλᾳ δʼ -ἄλλο φροῦδον, οὐδʼ ἔτʼ ἔστιν -ἁ τάλαινα Τροία. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἐμάθετʼ, ἐκλύετε; - - -Χορός -Περγάμων γε κτύπον. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἔνοσις ἅπασαν ἔνοσις - - - -Χορός -ἐπικλύσει πόλιν. - - -Ἑκάβη -ἰώ· -τρομερὰ μέλεα, φέρετʼ ἐμὸν ἴχνος· -ἴτʼ ἐπί, τάλανα, -δούλειον ἁμέραν βίου. - - -Χορός -ἰὼ τάλαινα πόλις· ὅμως δὲ -πρόφερε πόδα σὸν ἐπὶ πλάτας Ἀχαιῶν. - - - - - - diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-grc2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..1122b93c7 --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg011/tlg0006.tlg011.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,2090 @@ + + + + + + + Τρῳάδες +Machine readable text +Euripides +Gilbert Murray + Perseus Project, Tufts University + Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Lisa Cerrato + William Merrill + Elli Mylonas + David Smith + + The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + Euripidis Fabulae + Gilbert Murray + + Oxford + Clarendon Press + 1913 + + 2 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + + + + +

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+ + + + Greek + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + tagging now should be compatible with CTS + Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. + adding rend=displayNum to lb tags + more refinements making these files SDL compatible + our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp + bring up to P3 + Fixed cardbreaks at 176, didn't see a problem at 197 i.e. between 195 and 200, 341, 444, 601, 1218, 1260; added line nos. 173b, 174b, 190b, 192b, 194b, 340b, 598b, 600b, 1217b, 1256b. + Added speaker tags where needed. + Basic SGML tagging + +
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+ + +Ποσειδῶν +Ἥκω λιπὼν Αἴγαιον ἁλμυρὸν βάθος +πόντου Ποσειδῶν, ἔνθα Νηρῄδων χοροὶ +κάλλιστον ἴχνος ἐξελίσσουσιν ποδός. +ἐξ οὗ γὰρ ἀμφὶ τήνδε Τρωικὴν χθόνα +Φοῖβός τε κἀγὼ λαΐνους πύργους πέριξ +ὀρθοῖσιν ἔθεμεν κανόσιν, οὔποτʼ ἐκ φρενῶν +εὔνοιʼ ἀπέστη τῶν ἐμῶν Φρυγῶν πόλει· +ἣ νῦν καπνοῦται καὶ πρὸς Ἀργείου δορὸς +ὄλωλε πορθηθεῖσʼ· ὁ γὰρ Παρνάσιος +Φωκεὺς Ἐπειός, μηχαναῖσι Παλλάδος +ἐγκύμονʼ ἵππον τευχέων ξυναρμόσας, +πύργων ἔπεμψεν ἐντὸς ὀλέθριον βρέτας· +ὅθεν πρὸς ἀνδρῶν ὑστέρων κεκλήσεται +Δούρειος Ἵππος, κρυπτὸν ἀμπισχὼν δόρυ. +ἔρημα δʼ ἄλση καὶ θεῶν ἀνάκτορα +φόνῳ καταρρεῖ· πρὸς δὲ κρηπίδων βάθροις +πέπτωκε Πρίαμος Ζηνὸς ἑρκείου θανών. +πολὺς δὲ χρυσὸς Φρύγιά τε σκυλεύματα +πρὸς ναῦς Ἀχαιῶν πέμπεται· μένουσι δὲ +πρύμνηθεν οὖρον, ὡς δεκασπόρῳ χρόνῳ +ἀλόχους τε καὶ τέκνʼ εἰσίδωσιν ἄσμενοι, +οἳ τήνδʼ ἐπεστράτευσαν Ἕλληνες πόλιν. +ἐγὼ δέ — νικῶμαι γὰρ Ἀργείας θεοῦ +Ἥρας Ἀθάνας θʼ, αἳ συνεξεῖλον Φρύγας — +λείπω τὸ κλεινὸν Ἴλιον βωμούς τʼ ἐμούς· +ἐρημία γὰρ πόλιν ὅταν λάβῃ κακή, +νοσεῖ τὰ τῶν θεῶν οὐδὲ τιμᾶσθαι θέλει. +πολλοῖς δὲ κωκυτοῖσιν αἰχμαλωτίδων +βοᾷ Σκάμανδρος δεσπότας κληρουμένων. +καὶ τὰς μὲν Ἀρκάς, τὰς δὲ Θεσσαλὸς λεὼς +εἴληχʼ Ἀθηναίων τε Θησεῖδαι πρόμοι. +ὅσαι δʼ ἄκληροι Τρῳάδων, ὑπὸ στέγαις +ταῖσδʼ εἰσί, τοῖς πρώτοισιν ἐξῃρημέναι +στρατοῦ, σὺν αὐταῖς δʼ ἡ Λάκαινα Τυνδαρὶς +Ἑλένη, νομισθεῖσʼ αἰχμάλωτος ἐνδίκως. +τὴν δʼ ἀθλίαν τήνδʼ εἴ τις εἰσορᾶν θέλει, +πάρεστιν, Ἑκάβην κειμένην πυλῶν πάρος, +δάκρυα χέουσαν πολλὰ καὶ πολλῶν ὕπερ· +ᾗ παῖς μὲν ἀμφὶ μνῆμʼ Ἀχιλλείου τάφου +λάθρα τέθνηκε τλημόνως Πολυξένη· +φροῦδος δὲ Πρίαμος καὶ τέκνʼ· ἣν δὲ παρθένον +μεθῆκʼ Ἀπόλλων δρομάδα Κασάνδραν ἄναξ, +τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ τε παραλιπὼν τό τʼ εὐσεβὲς +γαμεῖ βιαίως σκότιον Ἀγαμέμνων λέχος. + ἀλλʼ, ὦ ποτʼ εὐτυχοῦσα, χαῖρέ μοι, πόλις +ξεστόν τε πύργωμʼ· εἴ σε μὴ διώλεσεν +Παλλὰς Διὸς παῖς, ἦσθʼ ἂν ἐν βάθροις ἔτι. + + +Ἀθήνα +ἔξεστι τὸν γένει μὲν ἄγχιστον πατρὸς +μέγαν τε δαίμονʼ ἐν θεοῖς τε τίμιον, +λύσασαν ἔχθραν τὴν πάρος, προσεννέπειν; + +Ποσειδῶν +ἔξεστιν· αἱ γὰρ συγγενεῖς ὁμιλίαι, +ἄνασσʼ Ἀθάνα, φίλτρον οὐ σμικρὸν φρενῶν. + +Ἀθήνα +ἐπῄνεσʼ ὀργὰς ἠπίους· φέρω δὲ σοὶ +κοινοὺς ἐμαυτῇ τʼ ἐς μέσον λόγους, ἄναξ. + +Ποσειδῶν +μῶν ἐκ θεῶν του καινὸν ἀγγελεῖς ἔπος, +ἢ Ζηνὸς ἢ καὶ δαιμόνων τινὸς πάρα; + +Ἀθήνα +οὔκ, ἀλλὰ Τροίας οὕνεκʼ, ἔνθα βαίνομεν, +πρὸς σὴν ἀφῖγμαι δύναμιν, ὡς κοινὴν λάβω. + +Ποσειδῶν +ἦ πού νιν, ἔχθραν τὴν πρὶν ἐκβαλοῦσα, νῦν +ἐς οἶκτον ἦλθες πυρὶ κατῃθαλωμένης; + +Ἀθήνα +ἐκεῖσε πρῶτʼ ἄνελθε· κοινώσῃ λόγους +καὶ συνθελήσεις ἃν ἐγὼ πρᾶξαι θέλω; + +Ποσειδῶν +μάλιστʼ· ἀτὰρ δὴ καὶ τὸ σὸν θέλω μαθεῖν· +πότερον Ἀχαιῶν ἦλθες οὕνεκʼ ἢ Φρυγῶν; + +Ἀθήνα +τοὺς μὲν πρὶν ἐχθροὺς Τρῶας εὐφρᾶναι θέλω, +στρατῷ δʼ Ἀχαιῶν νόστον ἐμβαλεῖν πικρόν. + +Ποσειδῶν +τί δʼ ὧδε πηδᾷς ἄλλοτʼ εἰς ἄλλους τρόπους +μισεῖς τε λίαν καὶ φιλεῖς ὃν ἂν τύχῃς; + +Ἀθήνα +οὐκ οἶσθʼ ὑβρισθεῖσάν με καὶ ναοὺς ἐμούς; + +Ποσειδῶν +οἶδʼ, ἡνίκʼ Αἴας εἷλκε Κασάνδραν βίᾳ. + +Ἀθήνα +κοὐδέν γʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἔπαθεν οὐδʼ ἤκουσʼ ὕπο. + +Ποσειδῶν +καὶ μὴν ἔπερσάν γʼ Ἴλιον τῷ σῷ σθένει. + +Ἀθήνα +τοιγάρ σφε σὺν σοὶ βούλομαι δρᾶσαι κακῶς. + +Ποσειδῶν +ἕτοιμʼ ἃ βούλῃ τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ. δράσεις δὲ τί; + +Ἀθήνα +δύσνοστον αὐτοῖς νόστον ἐμβαλεῖν θέλω. + +Ποσειδῶν +ἐν γῇ μενόντων ἢ καθʼ ἁλμυρὰν ἅλα; + +Ἀθήνα +ὅταν πρὸς οἴκους ναυστολῶσʼ ἀπʼ Ἰλίου. +καὶ Ζεὺς μὲν ὄμβρον καὶ χάλαζαν ἄσπετον +πέμψει, δνοφώδη τʼ αἰθέρος φυσήματα· +ἐμοὶ δὲ δώσειν φησὶ πῦρ κεραύνιον, +βάλλειν Ἀχαιοὺς ναῦς τε πιμπράναι πυρί. +σὺ δʼ αὖ, τὸ σόν, παράσχες Αἴγαιον πόρον +τρικυμίαις βρέμοντα καὶ δίναις ἁλός, +πλῆσον δὲ νεκρῶν κοῖλον Εὐβοίας μυχόν, +ὡς ἂν τὸ λοιπὸν τἄμʼ ἀνάκτορʼ εὐσεβεῖν +εἰδῶσʼ Ἀχαιοί, θεούς τε τοὺς ἄλλους σέβειν. + +Ποσειδῶν +ἔσται τάδʼ· ἡ χάρις γὰρ οὐ μακρῶν λόγων +δεῖται· ταράξω πέλαγος Αἰγαίας ἁλός. +ἀκταὶ δὲ Μυκόνου Δήλιοί τε χοιράδες +Σκῦρός τε Λῆμνός θʼ αἱ Καφήρειοί τʼ ἄκραι +πολλῶν θανόντων σώμαθʼ ἕξουσιν νεκρῶν. +ἀλλʼ ἕρπʼ Ὄλυμπον καὶ κεραυνίους βολὰς +λαβοῦσα πατρὸς ἐκ χερῶν καραδόκει, +ὅταν στράτευμʼ Ἀργεῖον ἐξιῇ κάλως. + μῶρος δὲ θνητῶν ὅστις ἐκπορθεῖ πόλεις, +ναούς τε τύμβους θʼ, ἱερὰ τῶν κεκμηκότων, +ἐρημίᾳ δοὺς αὐτὸς ὤλεθʼ ὕστερον.
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+Ἑκάβη +ἄνα, δύσδαιμον, πεδόθεν κεφαλή· +ἐπάειρε δέρην· οὐκέτι Τροία +τάδε καὶ βασιλῆς ἐσμεν Τροίας. +μεταβαλλομένου δαίμονος ἀνέχου. +πλεῖ κατὰ πορθμόν, πλεῖ κατὰ δαίμονα, +μηδὲ προσίστω πρῷραν βιότου + πρὸς κῦμα πλέουσα τύχαισιν. +αἰαῖ αἰαῖ. +τί γὰρ οὐ πάρα μοι μελέᾳ στενάχειν, +ᾗ πατρὶς ἔρρει καὶ τέκνα καὶ πόσις; +ὦ πολὺς ὄγκος συστελλόμενος +προγόνων, ὡς οὐδὲν ἄρʼ ἦσθα. +τί με χρὴ σιγᾶν; τί δὲ μὴ σιγᾶν; +τί δὲ θρηνῆσαι; +δύστηνος ἐγὼ τῆς βαρυδαίμονος +ἄρθρων κλίσεως, ὡς διάκειμαι, +νῶτʼ ἐν στερροῖς λέκτροισι ταθεῖσʼ. +οἴμοι κεφαλῆς, οἴμοι κροτάφων +πλευρῶν θʼ, ὥς μοι πόθος εἱλίξαι +καὶ διαδοῦναι νῶτον ἄκανθάν τʼ +εἰς ἀμφοτέρους τοίχους, μελέων +ἐπὶ τοὺς αἰεὶ δακρύων ἐλέγους. +μοῦσα δὲ χαὕτη τοῖς δυστήνοις +ἄτας κελαδεῖν ἀχορεύτους.
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+Ἑκάβη +πρῷραι ναῶν, ὠκείαις +Ἴλιον ἱερὰν αἳ κώπαις +διʼ ἅλα πορφυροειδέα καὶ +λιμένας Ἑλλάδος εὐόρμους +αὐλῶν παιᾶνι στυγνῷ +συρίγγων τʼ εὐφθόγγων φωνᾷ +βαίνουσαι πλεκτὰν Αἰγύπτου +παιδείαν ἐξηρτήσασθʼ, +αἰαῖ, Τροίας ἐν κόλποις +τὰν Μενελάου μετανισόμεναι +στυγνὰν ἄλοχον, Κάστορι λώβαν +τῷ τʼ Εὐρώτᾳ δυσκλείαν, +ἃ σφάζει μὲν +τὸν πεντήκοντʼ ἀροτῆρα τέκνων +Πρίαμον, ἐμέ τε μελέαν Ἑκάβαν +ἐς τάνδʼ ἐξώκειλʼ ἄταν. +ὤμοι, θάκους οἵους θάσσω, +σκηναῖς ἐφέδρους Ἀγαμεμνονίαις. +δούλα δʼ ἄγομαι +γραῦς ἐξ οἴκων πενθήρη +κρᾶτʼ ἐκπορθηθεῖσʼ οἰκτρῶς. +ἀλλʼ ὦ τῶν χαλκεγχέων Τρώων +ἄλοχοι μέλεαι, +καὶ κοῦραι κοῦραι δύσνυμφοι, +τύφεται Ἴλιον, αἰάζωμεν. +μάτηρ δʼ ὡσεί τις πτανοῖς +ὄρνισιν, ὅπως ἐξάρξω ʼγὼ +κλαγγάν, μολπάν, οὐ τὰν αὐτὰν +οἵαν ποτὲ δὴ +σκήπτρῳ Πριάμου διερειδομένα +ποδὸς ἀρχεχόρου πληγαῖς Φρυγίους +εὐκόμποις ἐξῆρχον θεούς.
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+Ἡμιχόριον Α +Ἑκάβη, τί θροεῖς; τί δὲ θωΰσσεις; +ποῖ λόγος ἥκει; διὰ γὰρ μελάθρων +ἄιον οἴκτους οὓς οἰκτίζῃ. +διὰ δὲ στέρνων φόβος ἄισσεν +Τρῳάσιν, αἳ τῶνδʼ οἴκων εἴσω +δουλείαν αἰάζουσιν. + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ τέκνʼ, Ἀργείων πρὸς ναῦς ἤδη + +Ἡμιχόριον Α +κινεῖται κωπήρης χείρ; +οἲ ἐγώ, τί θέλουσʼ, ἦ πού μʼ ἤδη +ναυσθλώσουσιν πατρίας ἐκ γᾶς; + +Ἑκάβη +οὐκ οἶδʼ, εἰκάζω δʼ ἄταν. + +Ἡμιχόριον Α +ἰὼ ἰώ. +μέλεαι μόχθων ἐπακουσόμεναι +Τρῳάδες, ἔξω κομίζεσθʼ οἴκων· +στέλλουσʼ Ἀργεῖοι νόστον. + +Ἑκάβη +αἶ, αἶ. +μή νύν μοι τὰν +ἐκβακχεύουσαν Κασάνδραν, +αἰσχύναν Ἀργείοισιν, +πέμψητʼ ἔξω, +μαινάδʼ, ἐπʼ ἄλγει δʼ ἀλγυνθῶ. +ἰώ. +Τροία Τροία δύστανʼ, ἔρρεις, +δύστανοι δʼ οἵ σʼ ἐκλείποντες +καὶ ζῶντες καὶ δμαθέντες.
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+Ἡμιχόριον Β +οἴμοι. τρομερὰ σκηνὰς ἔλιπον +τάσδʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος ἐπακουσομένα, +βασίλεια, σέθεν· μή με κτείνειν +δόξʼ Ἀργείων κεῖται μελέαν; +ἢ κατὰ πρύμνας ἤδη ναῦται +στέλλονται κινεῖν κώπας; + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ τέκνον, ὀρθρεύου σὰν ψυχάν. + +Ἡμιχόριον Β +ἐκπληχθεῖσʼ ἦλθον φρίκᾳ. +ἤδη τις ἔβα Δαναῶν κῆρυξ; +τῷ πρόσκειμαι δούλα τλάμων; + +Ἑκάβη +ἐγγύς που κεῖσαι κλήρου. + +Ἡμιχόριον Β +ἰὼ ἰώ. +τίς μʼ Ἀργείων ἢ Φθιωτᾶν +ἢ νησαίαν μʼ ἄξει χώραν +δύστανον πόρσω Τροίας; + +Ἑκάβη +φεῦ φεῦ. +τῷ δʼ ἁ τλάμων +ποῦ πᾷ γαίας δουλεύσω γραῦς, +ὡς κηφήν, ἁ δειλαία, +νεκροῦ μορφά, +νεκύων ἀμενηνὸν ἄγαλμα, +αἰαῖ +τὰν παρὰ προθύροις φυλακὰν κατέχουσʼ +ἢ παίδων θρέπτειρʼ, ἃ Τροίας +ἀρχαγοὺς εἶχον τιμάς;
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+Χορός +αἰαῖ αἰαῖ, ποίοις δʼ οἴκτοις +τὰν σὰν λύμαν ἐξαιάζεις; +οὐκ Ἰδαίοις ἱστοῖς κερκίδα +δινεύουσʼ ἐξαλλάξω. +νέατον τεκέων σώματα λεύσσω, +νέατον +μόχθους ἕξω κρείσσους, +ἢ λέκτροις πλαθεῖσʼ Ἑλλάνων +ʽἑ̓́ρροι νὺξ αὕτα καὶ δαίμων.ʼ +ἢ Πειρήνας ὑδρευσομένα +πρόσπολος οἰκτρὰ σεμνῶν ὑδάτων. +τὰν κλεινὰν εἴθʼ ἔλθοιμεν +Θησέως εὐδαίμονα χώραν. +μὴ γὰρ δὴ δίναν γʼ Εὐρώτα, +τὰν ἐχθίσταν θεράπναν Ἑλένας, +ἔνθʼ ἀντάσω Μενέλᾳ δούλα, +τῷ τᾶς Τροίας πορθητᾷ.
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+Χορός +τὰν Πηνειοῦ σεμνὰν χώραν, +κρηπῖδʼ Οὐλύμπου καλλίσταν, +ὄλβῳ βρίθειν φάμαν ἤκουσʼ +εὐθαλεῖ τʼ εὐκαρπείᾳ· +τάδε δεύτερά μοι μετὰ τὰν ἱερὰν +Θησέως ζαθέαν ἐλθεῖν χώραν. +καὶ τὰν Αἰτναίαν Ἡφαίστου +Φοινίκας ἀντήρη χώραν, +Σικελῶν ὀρέων ματέρʼ, ἀκούω +καρύσσεσθαι στεφάνοις ἀρετᾶς. +τάν τʼ ἀγχιστεύουσαν γᾶν +Ἰονίῳ ναύται πόντῳ, +ἃν ὑγραίνει καλλιστεύων +ὁ ξανθὰν χαίταν πυρσαίνων +Κρᾶθις ζαθέαις πηγαῖσι τρέφων +εὔανδρόν τʼ ὀλβίζων γᾶν.
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+Χορός +καὶ μὴν Δαναῶν ὅδʼ ἀπὸ στρατιᾶς +κῆρυξ, νεοχμῶν μύθων ταμίας, +στείχει ταχύπουν ἴχνος ἐξανύων. +τί φέρει; τί λέγει; δοῦλαι γὰρ δὴ +Δωρίδος ἐσμὲν χθονὸς ἤδη. + +Ταλθύβιος +Ἑκάβη, πυκνὰς γὰρ οἶσθά μʼ ἐς Τροίαν ὁδοὺς +ἐλθόντα κήρυκʼ ἐξ Ἀχαιικοῦ στρατοῦ, +ἐγνωσμένος δὲ καὶ πάροιθέ σοι, γύναι, +Ταλθύβιος ἥκω καινὸν ἀγγελῶν λόγον.
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+Ἑκάβη +αἰαῖ, τόδε +τόδε, φίλαι Τρῳάδες, ὃ φόβος ἦν πάλαι. + +Ταλθύβιος +ἤδη κεκλήρωσθʼ, εἰ τόδʼ ἦν ὑμῖν φόβος. + +Ἑκάβη +αἰαῖ, τίνʼ ἢ +Θεσσαλίας πόλιν ἢ +Φθιάδος εἶπας ἢ Καδμείας χθονός; + +Ταλθύβιος +κατʼ ἄνδρʼ ἑκάστη κοὐχ ὁμοῦ λελόγχατε. + +Ἑκάβη +τίνʼ ἄρα τίς ἔλαχε; τίνα πότμος εὐτυχὴς +Ἰλιάδων μένει; + +Ταλθύβιος +οἶδʼ· ἀλλʼ ἕκαστα πυνθάνου, μὴ πάνθʼ ὁμοῦ. + +Ἑκάβη +τοὐμὸν τίς ἆρʼ +ἔλαχε τέκος, ἔνεπε, τλάμονα Κασάνδραν; + +Ταλθύβιος +ἐξαίρετόν νιν ἔλαβεν Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ. + +Ἑκάβη +ἦ τᾷ Λακεδαιμονίᾳ νύμφᾳ +δούλαν; ἰώ μοί μοι. + +Ταλθύβιος +οὔκ, ἀλλὰ λέκτρων σκότια νυμφευτήρια. + +Ἑκάβη +ἦ τὰν τοῦ Φοίβου παρθένον, ᾇ γέρας ὁ +χρυσοκόμας ἔδωκʼ ἄλεκτρον ζόαν; + +Ταλθύβιος +ἔρως ἐτόξευσʼ αὐτὸν ἐνθέου κόρης. + +Ἑκάβη +ῥῖπτε, τέκνον, ζαθέους κλῇ- +δας καὶ ἀπὸ χροὸς ἐνδυ- +τῶν στεφέων ἱεροὺς στολμούς. + +Ταλθύβιος +οὐ γὰρ μέγʼ αὐτῇ βασιλικῶν λέκτρων τυχεῖν; + +Ἑκάβη +τί δʼ ὃ νεοχμὸν ἀπʼ ἐμέθεν ἐλάβετε τέκος, ποῦ μοι; + +Ταλθύβιος +Πολυξένην ἔλεξας, ἢ τίνʼ ἱστορεῖς; + +Ἑκάβη +ταύταν· τῷ πάλος ἔζευξεν; + +Ταλθύβιος +τύμβῳ τέτακται προσπολεῖν Ἀχιλλέως. + +Ἑκάβη +ὤμοι ἐγώ· τάφῳ πρόσπολον ἐτεκόμαν. +ἀτὰρ τίς ὅδʼ ἢ νόμος ἢ τί +θέσμιον, ὦ φίλος, Ἑλλάνων; + +Ταλθύβιος +εὐδαιμόνιζε παῖδα σήν· ἔχει καλῶς. + +Ἑκάβη +τί τόδʼ ἔλακες; ἆρά μοι ἀέλιον λεύσσει; + +Ταλθύβιος +ἔχει πότμος νιν, ὥστʼ ἀπηλλάχθαι πόνων. + +Ἑκάβη +τί δʼ ἁ τοῦ χαλκεομήστορος Ἕκτορος δάμαρ, +Ἀνδρομάχα τάλαινα, τίνʼ ἔχει τύχαν; + +Ταλθύβιος +καὶ τήνδʼ Ἀχιλλέως ἔλαβε παῖς ἐξαίρετον. + +Ἑκάβη +ἐγὼ δὲ τῷ +πρόσπολος ἁ τριτοβάμονος χερὶ +δευομένα βάκτρου γεραιῷ κάρᾳ; + +Ταλθύβιος +Ἰθάκης Ὀδυσσεὺς ἔλαχʼ ἄναξ δούλην σʼ ἔχειν. + + + +Ἑκάβη +ἒ ἔ. +ἄρασσε κρᾶτα κούριμον, +ἕλκʼ ὀνύχεσσι δίπτυχον παρειάν. +ἰώ μοί μοι. +μυσαρῷ δολίῳ λέλογχα φωτὶ δουλεύειν, +πολεμίῳ δίκας, παρανόμῳ δάκει, +ὃς πάντα τἀκεῖθεν ἐνθάδε στρέφει, τὰ δʼ +ἀντίπαλʼ αὖθις ἐκεῖσε διπτύχῳ γλώσσᾳ +φίλα τὰ πρότερʼ ἄφιλα τιθέμενος πάντων. +γοᾶσθʼ, ὦ Τρῳάδες, με. + βέβακα δύσποτμος. οἴχομαι +τάλαινα, δυστυχεστάτῳ +προσέπεσον κλήρῳ.
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+Χορός +τὸ μὲν σὸν οἶσθα, πότνια, τὰς δʼ ἐμὰς τύχας +τίς ἆρʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἢ τίς Ἑλλήνων ἔχει; + +Ταλθύβιος +ἴτʼ, ἐκκομίζειν δεῦρο Κασάνδραν χρεὼν +ὅσον τάχιστα, δμῶες, ὡς στρατηλάτῃ +ἐς χεῖρα δούς νιν, εἶτα τὰς εἰληγμένας +καὶ τοῖσιν ἄλλοις αἰχμαλωτίδων ἄγω. +ἔα· τί πεύκης ἔνδον αἴθεται σέλας; +πιμπρᾶσιν — ἢ τί δρῶσι — Τρῳάδες μυχούς, +ὡς ἐξάγεσθαι τῆσδε μέλλουσαι χθονὸς +πρὸς Ἄργος, αὑτῶν τʼ ἐκπυροῦσι σώματα +θανεῖν θέλουσαι; κάρτα τοι τοὐλεύθερον +ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις δυσλόφως φέρει κακά. + ἄνοιγʼ ἄνοιγε, μὴ τὸ ταῖσδε πρόσφορον +ἐχθρὸν δʼ Ἀχαιοῖς εἰς ἔμʼ αἰτίαν βάλῃ. + +Ἑκάβη +οὐκ ἔστιν, οὐ πιμπρᾶσιν, ἀλλὰ παῖς ἐμὴ +μαινὰς θοάζει δεῦρο Κασάνδρα δρόμῳ.
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+Κασάνδρα +Ἄνεχε· πάρεχε. +φῶς φέρʼ, ὤ· σέβω· φλέγω — ἰδού, ἰδού — +λαμπάσι τόδʼ ἱερόν. +ὦ Ὑμέναιʼ ἄναξ· +μακάριος ὁ γαμέτας· +μακαρία δʼ ἐγὼ βασιλικοῖς λέκτροις +κατʼ Ἄργος ἁ γαμουμένα. +Ὑμήν, ὦ Ὑμέναιʼ ἄναξ. +ἐπεὶ σύ, μᾶτερ, ἐπὶ δάκρυσι καὶ +γόοισι τὸν θανόντα πατέρα πατρίδα τε +φίλαν καταστένουσʼ ἔχεις, +ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπὶ γάμοις ἐμοῖς +ἀναφλέγω πυρὸς φῶς +ἐς αὐγάν, ἐς αἴγλαν, +διδοῦσʼ, ὦ Ὑμέναιε, σοί, +διδοῦσʼ, ὦ Ἑκάτα, φάος, +παρθένων ἐπὶ λέκτροις +ᾇ νόμος ἔχει. +πάλλε πόδα. +αἰθέριον ἄναγε χορόν· εὐἅν, εὐοἵ· +ὡς ἐπὶ πατρὸς ἐμοῦ +μακαριωτάταις +τύχαις· ὁ χορὸς ὅσιος. +ἄγε σύ, Φοῖβε, νῦν· κατὰ σὸν ἐν δάφναις +ἀνάκτορον θυηπολῶ, +Ὑμήν, ὦ Ὑμέναιʼ, Ὑμήν. +χόρευε, μᾶτερ, ἀναγέλασον· +ἕλισσε τᾷδʼ ἐκεῖσε μετʼ ἐμέθεν ποδῶν +φέρουσα φιλτάταν βάσιν. +βοάσαθʼ Ὑμέναιον, ὤ, +μακαρίαις ἀοιδαῖς +ἰαχαῖς τε νύμφαν. +ἴτʼ, ὦ καλλίπεπλοι Φρυγῶν +κόραι, μέλπετʼ ἐμῶν γάμων +τὸν πεπρωμένον εὐνᾷ +πόσιν ἐμέθεν. +
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+Χορός +βασίλεια, βακχεύουσαν οὐ λήψῃ κόρην, +μὴ κοῦφον αἴρῃ βῆμʼ ἐς Ἀργείων στρατόν; + +Ἑκάβη +Ἥφαιστε, δᾳδουχεῖς μὲν ἐν γάμοις βροτῶν, +ἀτὰρ λυγράν γε τήνδʼ ἀναιθύσσεις φλόγα +ἔξω τε μεγάλων ἐλπίδων. +οἴμοι, τέκνον, +ὡς οὐχ ὑπʼ αἰχμῆς σʼ οὐδʼ ὑπʼ Ἀργείου δορὸς +γάμους γαμεῖσθαι τούσδʼ ἐδόξαζόν ποτε. +παράδος ἐμοὶ φῶς· οὐ γὰρ ὀρθὰ πυρφορεῖς +μαινὰς θοάζουσʼ, οὐδέ σʼ αἱ τύχαι, τέκνον, +ἐσωφρονήκασʼ, ἀλλʼ ἔτʼ ἐν ταὐτῷ μένεις. + ἐσφέρετε πεύκας, δάκρυά τʼ ἀνταλλάξατε +τοῖς τῆσδε μέλεσι, Τρῳάδες, γαμηλίοις. + +Κασάνδρα +μῆτερ, πύκαζε κρᾶτʼ ἐμὸν νικηφόρον, +καὶ χαῖρε τοῖς ἐμοῖσι βασιλικοῖς γάμοις· +καὶ πέμπε, κἂν μὴ τἀμά σοι πρόθυμά γʼ ᾖ, +ὤθει βιαίως· εἰ γὰρ ἔστι Λοξίας, +Ἑλένης γαμεῖ με δυσχερέστερον γάμον +ὁ τῶν Ἀχαιῶν κλεινὸς Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ. +κτενῶ γὰρ αὐτόν, κἀντιπορθήσω δόμους +ποινὰς ἀδελφῶν καὶ πατρὸς λαβοῦσʼ ἐμοῦ +ἀλλʼ ἄττʼ ἐάσω· πέλεκυν οὐχ ὑμνήσομεν, +ὃς ἐς τράχηλον τὸν ἐμὸν εἶσι χἁτέρων· +μητροκτόνους τʼ ἀγῶνας, οὓς οὑμοὶ γάμοι +θήσουσιν, οἴκων τʼ Ἀτρέως ἀνάστασιν. + πόλιν δὲ δείξω τήνδε μακαριωτέραν +ἢ τοὺς Ἀχαιούς, ἔνθεος μέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως +τοσόνδε γʼ ἔξω στήσομαι βακχευμάτων· +οἳ διὰ μίαν γυναῖκα καὶ μίαν Κύπριν, +θηρῶντες Ἑλένην, μυρίους ἀπώλεσαν. +ὁ δὲ στρατηγὸς ὁ σοφὸς ἐχθίστων ὕπερ +τὰ φίλτατʼ ὤλεσʼ, ἡδονὰς τὰς οἴκοθεν +τέκνων ἀδελφῷ δοὺς γυναικὸς οὕνεκα, +καὶ ταῦθʼ ἑκούσης κοὐ βίᾳ λελῃσμένης. +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐπʼ ἀκτὰς ἤλυθον Σκαμανδρίους, +ἔθνῃσκον, οὐ γῆς ὅριʼ ἀποστερούμενοι +οὐδʼ ὑψίπυργον πατρίδʼ· οὓς δʼ Ἄρης ἕλοι, +οὐ παῖδας εἶδον, οὐ δάμαρτος ἐν χεροῖν +πέπλοις συνεστάλησαν, ἐν ξένῃ δὲ γῇ +κεῖνται. τὰ δʼ οἴκοι τοῖσδʼ ὅμοιʼ ἐγίγνετο· +χῆραί τʼ ἔθνῃσκον, οἳ δʼ ἄπαιδες ἐν δόμοις +ἄλλοις τέκνʼ ἐκθρέψαντες· οὐδὲ πρὸς τάφοις +ἔσθʼ ὅστις αὐτῶν αἷμα γῇ δωρήσεται. +ἦ τοῦδʼ ἐπαίνου τὸ στράτευμʼ ἐπάξιον. — + σιγᾶν ἄμεινον τᾀσχρά, μηδὲ μοῦσά μοι +γένοιτʼ ἀοιδὸς ἥτις ὑμνήσει κακά. + + Τρῶες δὲ πρῶτον μέν, τὸ κάλλιστον κλέος, +ὑπὲρ πάτρας ἔθνῃσκον· οὓς δʼ ἕλοι δόρυ, +νεκροί γʼ ἐς οἴκους φερόμενοι φίλων ὕπο +ἐν γῇ πατρῴᾳ περιβολὰς εἶχον χθονός, +χερσὶν περισταλέντες ὧν ἐχρῆν ὕπο· +ὅσοι δὲ μὴ θάνοιεν ἐν μάχῃ Φρυγῶν, +ἀεὶ κατʼ ἦμαρ σὺν δάμαρτι καὶ τέκνοις +ᾤκουν, Ἀχαιοῖς ὧν ἀπῆσαν ἡδοναί. +τὰ δʼ Ἕκτορός σοι λύπρʼ ἄκουσον ὡς ἔχει· +δόξας ἀνὴρ ἄριστος οἴχεται θανών, +καὶ τοῦτʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἵξις ἐξεργάζεται· +εἰ δʼ ἦσαν οἴκοι, χρηστὸς ὢν ἐλάνθανεν. +Πάρις δʼ ἔγημε τὴν Διός· γήμας δὲ μή, +σιγώμενον τὸ κῆδος εἶχεν ἐν δόμοις. + φεύγειν μὲν οὖν χρὴ πόλεμον ὅστις εὖ φρονεῖ· +εἰ δʼ ἐς τόδʼ ἔλθοι, στέφανος οὐκ αἰσχρὸς πόλει +καλῶς ὀλέσθαι, μὴ καλῶς δὲ δυσκλεές. +ὧν οὕνεκʼ οὐ χρή, μῆτερ, οἰκτίρειν σε γῆν, +οὐ τἀμὰ λέκτρα· τοὺς γὰρ ἐχθίστους ἐμοὶ +καὶ σοὶ γάμοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς διαφθερῶ. + +Χορός +ὡς ἡδέως κακοῖσιν οἰκείοις γελᾷς, +μέλπεις θʼ ἃ μέλπουσʼ οὐ σαφῆ δείξεις ἴσως. + +Ταλθύβιος +εἰ μή σʼ Ἀπόλλων ἐξεβάκχευεν φρένας, +οὔ τἂν ἀμισθὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς στρατηλάτας +τοιαῖσδε φήμαις ἐξέπεμπες ἂν χθονός. + ἀτὰρ τὰ σεμνὰ καὶ δοκήμασιν σοφὰ +οὐδέν τι κρείσσω τῶν τὸ μηδὲν ἦν ἄρα. +ὁ γὰρ μέγιστος τῶν Πανελλήνων ἄναξ, +Ἀτρέως φίλος παῖς, τῆσδʼ ἔρωτʼ ἐξαίρετον +μαινάδος ὑπέστη· καὶ πένης μέν εἰμʼ ἐγώ, +ἀτὰρ λέχος γε τῆσδʼ ἂν οὐκ ἐκτησάμην. + καὶ σοὶ μέν — οὐ γὰρ ἀρτίας ἔχεις φρένας — +Ἀργεῖʼ ὀνείδη καὶ Φρυγῶν ἐπαινέσεις +ἀνέμοις φέρεσθαι παραδίδωμʼ· ἕπου δέ μοι +πρὸς ναῦς, καλὸν νύμφευμα τῷ στρατηλάτῃ. + σὺ δʼ, ἡνίκʼ ἄν σε Λαρτίου χρῄζῃ τόκος +ἄγειν, ἕπεσθαι· σώφρονος δʼ ἔσῃ λάτρις +γυναικός, ὥς φασʼ οἱ μολόντες Ἴλιον. + + + +Κασάνδρα +ἦ δεινὸς ὁ λάτρις. τί ποτʼ ἔχουσι τοὔνομα +κήρυκες, ἓν ἀπέχθημα πάγκοινον βροτοῖς, +οἱ περὶ τυράννους καὶ πόλεις ὑπηρέται; + σὺ τὴν ἐμὴν φῂς μητέρʼ εἰς Ὀδυσσέως +ἥξειν μέλαθρα; ποῦ δʼ Ἀπόλλωνος λόγοι, +οἵ φασιν αὐτὴν εἰς ἔμʼ ἡρμηνευμένοι + αὐτοῦ θανεῖσθαι; τἄλλα δʼ οὐκ ὀνειδιῶ. +δύστηνος, οὐκ οἶδʼ οἷά νιν μένει παθεῖν· +ὡς χρυσὸς αὐτῷ τἀμὰ καὶ Φρυγῶν κακὰ +δόξει ποτʼ εἶναι. δέκα γὰρ ἐκπλήσας ἔτη +πρὸς τοῖσιν ἐνθάδʼ, ἵξεται μόνος πάτραν + +οὗ δὴ στενὸν δίαυλον ᾤκισται πέτρας +δεινὴ Χάρυβδις, ὠμοβρώς τʼ ὀρειβάτης +Κύκλωψ, Λιγυστίς θʼ ἡ συῶν μορφώτρια +Κίρκη, θαλάσσης θʼ ἁλμυρᾶς ναυάγια, +λωτοῦ τʼ ἔρωτες, Ἡλίου θʼ ἁγναὶ βόες, +αἳ σάρκα φωνήεσσαν ἥσουσίν ποτε, +πικρὰν Ὀδυσσεῖ γῆρυν. ὡς δὲ συντέμω, +ζῶν εἶσʼ ἐς Ἅιδου κἀκφυγὼν λίμνης ὕδωρ +κάκʼ ἐν δόμοισι μυρίʼ εὑρήσει μολών.
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+Κασάνδρα +ἀλλὰ γὰρ τί τοὺς Ὀδυσσέως ἐξακοντίζω πόνους; +στεῖχʼ ὅπως τάχιστʼ· ἐς Ἅιδου νυμφίῳ γημώμεθα. +ἦ κακὸς κακῶς ταφήσῃ νυκτός, οὐκ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ, +ὦ δοκῶν σεμνόν τι πράσσειν, Δαναϊδῶν ἀρχηγέτα. +κἀμέ τοι νεκρὸν φάραγγες γυμνάδʼ ἐκβεβλημένην +ὕδατι χειμάρρῳ ῥέουσαι, νυμφίου πέλας τάφου, +θηρσὶ δώσουσιν δάσασθαι, τὴν Ἀπόλλωνος λάτριν. +ὦ στέφη τοῦ φιλτάτου μοι θεῶν, ἀγάλματʼ εὔια, +χαίρετʼ· ἐκλέλοιφʼ ἑορτάς, αἷς πάροιθʼ ἠγαλλόμην. +ἴτʼ ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ χρωτὸς σπαραγμοῖς, ὡς ἔτʼ οὖσʼ ἁγνὴ χρόα +δῶ θοαῖς αὔραις φέρεσθαί σοι τάδʼ, ὦ μαντεῖʼ ἄναξ. +ποῦ σκάφος τὸ τοῦ στρατηγοῦ; ποῖ ποτʼ ἐμβαίνειν με χρή; +οὐκέτʼ ἂν φθάνοις ἂν αὔραν ἱστίοις καραδοκῶν, +ὡς μίαν τριῶν Ἐρινὺν τῆσδέ μʼ ἐξάξων χθονός. +χαῖρέ μοι, μῆτερ· δακρύσῃς μηδέν· ὦ φίλη πατρίς, +οἵ τε γῆς ἔνερθʼ ἀδελφοὶ χὡ τεκὼν ἡμᾶς πατήρ, +οὐ μακρὰν δέξεσθέ μʼ· ἥξω δʼ ἐς νεκροὺς νικηφόρος +καὶ δόμους πέρσασʼ Ἀτρειδῶν, ὧν ἀπωλόμεσθʼ ὕπο.
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+Χορός +Ἑκάβης γεραιᾶς φύλακες, οὐ δεδόρκατε +δέσποιναν ὡς ἄναυδος ἐκτάδην πίτνει; +οὐκ ἀντιλήψεσθʼ; ἦ μεθήσετʼ, ὦ κακαί, +γραῖαν πεσοῦσαν; αἴρετʼ εἰς ὀρθὸν δέμας. + +Ἑκάβη +ἐᾶτέ μʼ — οὔτοι φίλα τὰ μὴ φίλʼ, ὦ κόραι — +κεῖσθαι πεσοῦσαν· πτωμάτων γὰρ ἄξια +πάσχω τε καὶ πέπονθα κἄτι πείσομαι. + ὦ θεοί κακοὺς μὲν ἀνακαλῶ τοὺς συμμάχους, +ὅμως δʼ ἔχει τι σχῆμα κικλήσκειν θεούς, +ὅταν τις ἡμῶν δυστυχῆ λάβῃ τύχην. +πρῶτον μὲν οὖν μοι τἀγάθʼ ἐξᾷσαι φίλον· +τοῖς γὰρ κακοῖσι πλείονʼ οἶκτον ἐμβαλῶ. +ἦμεν τύραννοι κἀς τύραννʼ ἐγημάμην, +κἀνταῦθʼ ἀριστεύοντʼ ἐγεινάμην τέκνα, +οὐκ ἀριθμὸν ἄλλως, ἀλλʼ ὑπερτάτους Φρυγῶν· +οὓς Τρῳὰς οὐδʼ Ἑλληνὶς οὐδὲ βάρβαρος +γυνὴ τεκοῦσα κομπάσειεν ἄν ποτε. +κἀκεῖνά τʼ εἶδον δορὶ πεσόνθʼ Ἑλληνικῷ +τρίχας τʼ ἐτμήθην τάσδε πρὸς τύμβοις νεκρῶν, +καὶ τὸν φυτουργὸν Πρίαμον οὐκ ἄλλων πάρα +κλύουσʼ ἔκλαυσα, τοῖσδε δʼ εἶδον ὄμμασιν +αὐτὴ κατασφαγέντʼ ἐφʼ ἑρκείῳ πυρᾷ, +πόλιν θʼ ἁλοῦσαν. ἃς δʼ ἔθρεψα παρθένους +ἐς ἀξίωμα νυμφίων ἐξαίρετον, +ἄλλοισι θρέψασʼ ἐκ χερῶν ἀφῃρέθην. +κοὔτʼ ἐξ ἐκείνων ἐλπὶς ὡς ὀφθήσομαι, +αὐτή τʼ ἐκείνας οὐκέτʼ ὄψομαί ποτε. +τὸ λοίσθιον δέ, θριγκὸς ἀθλίων κακῶν, +δούλη γυνὴ γραῦς Ἑλλάδʼ εἰσαφίξομαι. +ἃ δʼ ἐστὶ γήρᾳ τῷδʼ ἀσυμφορώτατα, +τούτοις με προσθήσουσιν, ἢ θυρῶν λάτριν +κλῇδας φυλάσσειν, τὴν τεκοῦσαν Ἕκτορα, +ἢ σιτοποιεῖν, κἀν πέδῳ κοίτας ἔχειν +ῥυσοῖσι νώτοις, βασιλικῶν ἐκ δεμνίων, +τρυχηρὰ περὶ τρυχηρὸν εἱμένην χρόα +πέπλων λακίσματʼ, ἀδόκιμʼ ὀλβίοις ἔχειν. +οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα, διὰ γάμον μιᾶς ἕνα +γυναικὸς οἵων ἔτυχον ὧν τε τεύξομαι. + ὦ τέκνον, ὦ σύμβακχε Κασάνδρα θεοῖς, +οἵαις ἔλυσας συμφοραῖς ἅγνευμα σόν. +σύ τʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, ποῦ ποτʼ εἶ, Πολυξένη; +ὡς οὔτε μʼ ἄρσην οὔτε θήλεια σπορὰ +πολλῶν γενομένων τὴν τάλαιναν ὠφελεῖ. +τί δῆτά μʼ ὀρθοῦτʼ; ἐλπίδων ποίων ὕπο; +ἄγετε τὸν ἁβρὸν δήποτʼ ἐν Τροίᾳ πόδα, +νῦν δʼ ὄντα δοῦλον, στιβάδα πρὸς χαμαιπετῆ +πέτρινά τε κρήδεμνʼ, ὡς πεσοῦσʼ ἀποφθαρῶ +δακρύοις καταξανθεῖσα. τῶν δʼ εὐδαιμόνων +μηδένα νομίζετʼ εὐτυχεῖν, πρὶν ἂν θάνῃ.
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+Χορός +ἀμφί μοι Ἴλιον, ὦ +Μοῦσα, καινῶν ὕμνων +ἄεισον ἐν δακρύοις ᾠδὰν ἐπικήδειον· +νῦν γὰρ μέλος ἐς Τροίαν ἰαχήσω, +τετραβάμονος ὡς ὑπʼ ἀπήνας +Ἀργείων ὀλόμαν τάλαινα δοριάλωτος, +ὅτʼ ἔλιπον ἵππον οὐράνια +βρέμοντα χρυσεοφάλαρον ἔνο- +πλον ἐν πύλαις Ἀχαιοί· +ἀνὰ δʼ ἐβόασεν λεὼς +Τρῳάδος ἀπὸ πέτρας σταθείς· +Ἴτʼ, ὦ πεπαυμένοι πόνων, +τόδʼ ἱερὸν ἀνάγετε ξόανον +Ἰλιάδι Διογενεῖ κόρᾳ. +τίς οὐκ ἔβα νεανίδων, +τίς οὐ γεραιὸς ἐκ δόμων; +κεχαρμένοι δʼ ἀοιδαῖς +δόλιον ἔσχον ἄταν.
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+Χορός +πᾶσα δὲ γέννα Φρυγῶν +πρὸς πύλας ὡρμάθη, +πεύκᾳ ἐν οὐρεΐᾳ ξεστὸν λόχον Ἀργείων +καὶ Δαρδανίας ἄταν θέᾳ δώσων, +χάριν ἄζυγος ἀμβροτοπώλου· +κλωστοῦ δʼ ἀμφιβόλοις λίνοιο ναὸς ὡσεὶ +σκάφος κελαινόν, εἰς ἕδρανα +λάινα δάπεδά τε φόνια πατρί- +δι Παλλάδος θέσαν θεᾶς. +ἐπὶ δὲ πόνῳ καὶ χαρᾷ +νύχιον ἐπεὶ κνέφας παρῆν, +Λίβυς τε λωτὸς ἐκτύπει +Φρύγιά τε μέλεα, παρθένοι δʼ +ἀέριον ἀνὰ κρότον ποδῶν +βοὰν ἔμελπον εὔφρονʼ, ἐν +δόμοις δὲ παμφαὲς σέλας +πυρὸς μέλαιναν αἴγλαν + +ἄκος ἔδωκεν ὕπνῳ.
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+Χορός +ἐγὼ δὲ τὰν ὀρεστέραν +τότʼ ἀμφὶ μέλαθρα παρθένον +Διὸς κόραν ἐμελπόμαν +χοροῖσι· φοινία δʼ ἀνὰ +πτόλιν βοὰ κατεῖχε Περ- +γάμων ἕδρας· βρέφη δὲ φίλι- +α περὶ πέπλους ἔβαλλε μα- +τρὶ χεῖρας ἐπτοημένας· +λόχου δʼ ἐξέβαινʼ Ἄρης, +κόρας ἔργα Παλλάδος. +σφαγαὶ δʼ ἀμφιβώμιοι +Φρυγῶν, ἔν τε δεμνίοις +καράτομος ἐρημία +νεανίδων στέφανον ἔφερεν +Ἑλλάδι κουροτρόφον, +Φρυγῶν πατρίδι πένθη.
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+Χορός +Ἑκάβη, λεύσσεις τήνδʼ Ἀνδρομάχην +ξενικοῖς ἐπʼ ὄχοις πορθμευομένην; +παρὰ δʼ εἰρεσίᾳ μαστῶν ἕπεται +φίλος Ἀστυάναξ, Ἕκτορος ἶνις. +ποῖ ποτʼ ἀπήνης νώτοισι φέρῃ, +δύστανε γύναι, πάρεδρος χαλκέοις +Ἕκτορος ὅπλοις σκύλοις τε Φρυγῶν +δοριθηράτοις, +οἷσιν Ἀχιλλέως παῖς Φθιώτας +στέψει ναοὺς ἀπὸ Τροίας;
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+Ἀνδρομάχη +Ἀχαιοὶ δεσπόται μʼ ἄγουσιν. + +Ἑκάβη +οἴμοι. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + τί παιᾶνʼ ἐμὸν στενάζεις; + +Ἑκάβη + αἰαῖ — + +Ἀνδρομάχη + τῶνδʼ ἀλγέων — + +Ἑκάβη + ὦ Ζεῦ — + +Ἀνδρομάχη + καὶ συμφορᾶς. + +Ἑκάβη + τέκεα, + +Ἀνδρομάχη + πρίν ποτʼ ἦμεν.
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+Ἑκάβη +βέβακʼ ὄλβος, βέβακε Τροία + +Ἀνδρομάχη + τλάμων. + +Ἑκάβη + ἐμῶν τʼ εὐγένεια παίδων. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + φεῦ φεῦ. + +Ἑκάβη + φεῦ δῆτʼ ἐμῶν + +Ἀνδρομάχη + κακῶν. + +Ἑκάβη + οἰκτρὰ τύχα + +Ἀνδρομάχη + πόλεος, + +Ἑκάβη + ἃ καπνοῦται.
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+Ἀνδρομάχη +μόλοις, ὦ πόσις, μοι — + +Ἑκάβη +βοᾷς τὸν παρʼ Ἅιδᾳ +παῖδʼ ἐμόν, ὦ μελέα. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +σᾶς δάμαρτος ἄλκαρ.
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+Ἑκάβη +σύ τʼ, ὦ λῦμʼ Ἀχαιῶν, +τέκνων δέσποθʼ ἁμῶν, +πρεσβυγενὲς Πρίαμε, +κοίμισαί μʼ ἐς Ἅιδου.
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+Ἀνδρομάχη + οἵδε πόθοι μεγάλοι + +Ἑκάβη +σχετλία, τάδε πάσχομεν ἄλγη. + +Ἀνδρομάχη + οἰχομένας πόλεως + +Ἑκάβη +ἐπὶ δʼ ἄλγεσιν ἄλγεα κεῖται. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +δυσφροσύναισι θεῶν, ὅτε σὸς γόνος ἔκφυγεν Ἅιδαν, +ὃς λεχέων στυγερῶν χάριν ὤλεσε +πέργαμα Τροίας· αἱματόεντα δὲ +θεᾷ παρὰ Παλλάδι σώματα νεκρῶν +γυψὶ φέρειν τέταται· ζυγὰ δʼ ἤνυσε +δούλια Τροίᾳ.
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+Ἑκάβη + ὦ πατρίς, ὦ μελέα + +Ἀνδρομάχη +καταλειπομέναν σε δακρύω, + +Ἑκάβη +νῦν τέλος οἰκτρὸν ὁρᾷς. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +καὶ ἐμὸν δόμον ἔνθʼ ἐλοχεύθην. + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ τέκνʼ, ἐρημόπολις μάτηρ ἀπολείπεται ὑμῶν, +οἷος ἰάλεμος, οἷά τε πένθη + +δάκρυά τʼ ἐκ δακρύων καταλείβεται +ἁμετέροισι δόμοις· ὁ θανὼν δʼ ἐπι- +λάθεται ἀλγέων ἀδάκρυτος. + + +Χορός +ὡς ἡδὺ δάκρυα τοῖς κακῶς πεπραγόσι +θρήνων τʼ ὀδυρμοὶ μοῦσά θʼ ἣ λύπας ἔχει. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +ὦ μῆτερ ἀνδρός, ὅς ποτʼ Ἀργείων δορὶ +πλείστους διώλεσʼ, Ἕκτορος, τάδʼ εἰσορᾷς; + +Ἑκάβη +ὁρῶ τὰ τῶν θεῶν, ὡς τὰ μὲν πυργοῦσʼ ἄνω +τὸ μηδὲν ὄντα, τὰ δὲ δοκοῦντʼ ἀπώλεσαν. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +ἀγόμεθα λεία σὺν τέκνῳ· τὸ δʼ εὐγενὲς +ἐς δοῦλον ἥκει, μεταβολὰς τοσάσδʼ ἔχον. + +Ἑκάβη +τὸ τῆς ἀνάγκης δεινόν· ἄρτι κἀπʼ ἐμοῦ +βέβηκʼ ἀποσπασθεῖσα Κασάνδρα βίᾳ. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +φεῦ φεῦ· +ἄλλος τις Αἴας, ὡς ἔοικε, δεύτερος +παιδὸς πέφηνε σῆς. νοσεῖς δὲ χἅτερα. + +Ἑκάβη +ὧν γʼ οὔτε μέτρον οὔτʼ ἀριθμός ἐστί μοι· +κακῷ κακὸν γὰρ εἰς ἅμιλλαν ἔρχεται. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +τέθνηκέ σοι παῖς πρὸς τάφῳ Πολυξένη +σφαγεῖσʼ Ἀχιλλέως, δῶρον ἀψύχῳ νεκρῷ. + +Ἑκάβη +οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα. τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖνʼ ὅ μοι πάλαι +Ταλθύβιος αἴνιγμʼ οὐ σαφῶς εἶπεν σαφές. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +εἶδόν νιν αὐτή, κἀποβᾶσα τῶνδʼ ὄχων +ἔκρυψα πέπλοις κἀπεκοψάμην νεκρόν. + +Ἑκάβη +αἰαῖ, τέκνον, σῶν ἀνοσίων προσφαγμάτων· +αἰαῖ μάλʼ αὖθις, ὡς κακῶς διόλλυσαι. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +ὄλωλεν ὡς ὄλωλεν· ἀλλʼ ὅμως ἐμοῦ +ζώσης γʼ ὄλωλεν εὐτυχεστέρῳ πότμῳ. + +Ἑκάβη +οὐ ταὐτόν, ὦ παῖ, τῷ βλέπειν τὸ κατθανεῖν· +τὸ μὲν γὰρ οὐδέν, τῷ δʼ ἔνεισιν ἐλπίδες. + + + +Ἀνδρομάχη +ὦ μῆτερ, ὦ τεκοῦσα, κάλλιστον λόγον +ἄκουσον, ὥς σοι τέρψιν ἐμβαλῶ φρενί. +τὸ μὴ γενέσθαι τῷ θανεῖν ἴσον λέγω, +τοῦ ζῆν δὲ λυπρῶς κρεῖσσόν ἐστι κατθανεῖν. +ἀλγεῖ γὰρ οὐδὲν τῶν κακῶν ᾐσθημένος· +ὁ δʼ εὐτυχήσας ἐς τὸ δυστυχὲς πεσὼν +ψυχὴν ἀλᾶται τῆς πάροιθʼ εὐπραξίας. +κείνη δʼ, ὁμοίως ὥσπερ οὐκ ἰδοῦσα φῶς, +τέθνηκε κοὐδὲν οἶδε τῶν αὑτῆς κακῶν. +ἐγὼ δὲ τοξεύσασα τῆς εὐδοξίας +λαχοῦσα πλεῖον τῆς τύχης ἡμάρτανον. +ἃ γὰρ γυναιξὶ σώφρονʼ ἔσθʼ ηὑρημένα, +ταῦτʼ ἐξεμόχθουν Ἕκτορος κατὰ στέγας. +πρῶτον μέν, ἔνθα — κἂν προσῇ κἂν μὴ προσῇ +ψόγος γυναιξίν — αὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἐφέλκεται +κακῶς ἀκούειν, ἥτις οὐκ ἔνδον μένει, +τούτου παρεῖσα πόθον ἔμιμνον ἐν δόμοις· +ἔσω τε μελάθρων κομψὰ θηλειῶν ἔπη +οὐκ εἰσεφρούμην, τὸν δὲ νοῦν διδάσκαλον +οἴκοθεν ἔχουσα χρηστὸν ἐξήρκουν ἐμοί. +γλώσσης τε σιγὴν ὄμμα θʼ ἥσυχον πόσει +παρεῖχον· ᾔδη δʼ ἁμὲ χρῆν νικᾶν πόσιν, +κείνῳ τε νίκην ὧν ἐχρῆν παριέναι. + καὶ τῶνδε κληδὼν ἐς στράτευμʼ Ἀχαιϊκὸν +ἐλθοῦσʼ ἀπώλεσέν μʼ· ἐπεὶ γὰρ ᾑρέθην, +Ἀχιλλέως με παῖς ἐβουλήθη λαβεῖν +δάμαρτα· δουλεύσω δʼ ἐν αὐθεντῶν δόμοις. +κεἰ μὲν παρώσασʼ Ἕκτορος φίλον κάρα +πρὸς τὸν παρόντα πόσιν ἀναπτύξω φρένα, +κακὴ φανοῦμαι τῷ θανόντι· τόνδε δʼ αὖ +στυγοῦσʼ ἐμαυτῆς δεσπόταις μισήσομαι. +καίτοι λέγουσιν ὡς μίʼ εὐφρόνη χαλᾷ +τὸ δυσμενὲς γυναικὸς εἰς ἀνδρὸς λέχος· +ἀπέπτυσʼ αὐτήν, ἥτις ἄνδρα τὸν πάρος +καινοῖσι λέκτροις ἀποβαλοῦσʼ ἄλλον φιλεῖ. +ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ πῶλος ἥτις ἂν διαζυγῇ +τῆς συντραφείσης, ῥᾳδίως ἕλξει ζυγόν. +καίτοι τὸ θηριῶδες ἄφθογγόν τʼ ἔφυ +ξυνέσει τʼ ἄχρηστον τῇ φύσει τε λείπεται. + + σὲ δʼ, ὦ φίλʼ Ἕκτορ, εἶχον ἄνδρʼ ἀρκοῦντά μοι +ξυνέσει γένει πλούτῳ τε κἀνδρείᾳ μέγαν· +ἀκήρατον δέ μʼ ἐκ πατρὸς λαβὼν δόμων +πρῶτος τὸ παρθένειον ἐζεύξω λέχος. +καὶ νῦν ὄλωλας μὲν σύ, ναυσθλοῦμαι δʼ ἐγὼ +πρὸς Ἑλλάδʼ αἰχμάλωτος ἐς δοῦλον ζυγόν. +ἆρʼ οὐκ ἐλάσσω τῶν ἐμῶν ἔχειν κακῶν +Πολυξένης ὄλεθρος, ἣν καταστένεις; +ἐμοὶ γὰρ οὐδʼ ὃ πᾶσι λείπεται βροτοῖς +ξύνεστιν ἐλπίς, οὐδὲ κλέπτομαι φρένας +πράξειν τι κεδνόν· ἡδὺ δʼ ἐστὶ καὶ δοκεῖν. + +Χορός +ἐς ταὐτὸν ἥκεις συμφορᾶς· θρηνοῦσα δὲ +τὸ σὸν διδάσκεις μʼ ἔνθα πημάτων κυρῶ. + +Ἑκάβη +αὐτὴ μὲν οὔπω ναὸς εἰσέβην σκάφος, +γραφῇ δʼ ἰδοῦσα καὶ κλύουσʼ ἐπίσταμαι. +ναύταις γὰρ ἢν μὲν μέτριος ᾖ χειμὼν φέρειν, +προθυμίαν ἔχουσι σωθῆναι πόνων, +ὁ μὲν παρʼ οἴαχʼ, ὁ δʼ ἐπὶ λαίφεσιν βεβώς, +ὁ δʼ ἄντλον εἴργων ναός· ἢν δʼ ὑπερβάλῃ +πολὺς ταραχθεὶς πόντος, ἐνδόντες τύχῃ +παρεῖσαν αὑτοὺς κυμάτων δρομήμασιν. +οὕτω δὲ κἀγὼ πόλλʼ ἔχουσα πήματα +ἄφθογγός εἰμι καὶ παρεῖσʼ ἐῶ στόμα· +νικᾷ γὰρ οὑκ θεῶν με δύστηνος κλύδων. + ἀλλʼ, ὦ φίλη παῖ, τὰς μὲν Ἕκτορος τύχας +ἔασον· οὐ μὴ δάκρυά νιν σώσῃ τὰ σά· +τίμα δὲ τὸν παρόντα δεσπότην σέθεν, +φίλον διδοῦσα δέλεαρ ἀνδρὶ σῶν τρόπων. +κἂν δρᾷς τάδʼ, ἐς τὸ κοινὸν εὐφρανεῖς φίλους +καὶ παῖδα τόνδε παιδὸς ἐκθρέψειας ἂν +Τροίᾳ μέγιστον ὠφέλημʼ, ἵνʼ — εἴ ποτε — +ἐκ σοῦ γενόμενοι παῖδες Ἴλιον πάλιν +κατοικίσειαν, καὶ πόλις γένοιτʼ ἔτι. + ἀλλʼ ἐκ λόγου γὰρ ἄλλος ἐκβαίνει λόγος, +τίνʼ αὖ δέδορκα τόνδʼ Ἀχαιϊκὸν λάτριν +στείχοντα καινῶν ἄγγελον βουλευμάτων; + + + +Ταλθύβιος +Φρυγῶν ἀρίστου πρίν ποθʼ Ἕκτορος δάμαρ, +μή με στυγήσῃς· οὐχ ἑκὼν γὰρ ἀγγελῶ. + Δαναῶν δὲ κοινὰ Πελοπιδῶν τʼ ἀγγέλματα + +Ἀνδρομάχη +τί δʼ ἔστιν; ὥς μοι φροιμίων ἄρχῃ κακῶν. + +Ταλθύβιος + ἔδοξε τόνδε παῖδα πῶς εἴπω λόγον; + +Ἀνδρομάχη +μῶν οὐ τὸν αὐτὸν δεσπότην ἡμῖν ἔχειν; + +Ταλθύβιος +οὐδεὶς Ἀχαιῶν τοῦδε δεσπόσει ποτέ. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +ἀλλʼ ἐνθάδʼ αὐτοῦ λείψανον Φρυγῶν λιπεῖν; + +Ταλθύβιος +οὐκ οἶδʼ ὅπως σοι ῥᾳδίως εἴπω κακά. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +ἐπῄνεσʼ αἰδῶ, πλὴν ἐὰν λέγῃς καλά. + +Ταλθύβιος +κτενοῦσι σὸν παῖδʼ, ὡς πύθῃ κακὸν μέγα. + +Ἀνδρομάχη +οἴμοι, γάμων τόδʼ ὡς κλύω μεῖζον κακόν. + +Ταλθύβιος + νικᾷ δʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς ἐν Πανέλλησιν λέγων + +Ἀνδρομάχη +αἰαῖ μάλʼ· οὐ γὰρ μέτρια πάσχομεν κακά. + +Ταλθύβιος + λέξας ἀρίστου παῖδα μὴ τρέφειν πατρὸς + +Ἀνδρομάχη +τοιαῦτα νικήσειε τῶν αὑτοῦ πέρι. + +Ταλθύβιος +ῥῖψαι δὲ πύργων δεῖν σφε Τρωικῶν ἄπο. + ἀλλʼ ὣς γενέσθω, καὶ σοφωτέρα φανῇ· +μήτʼ ἀντέχου τοῦδʼ, εὐγενῶς δʼ ἄλγει κακοῖς, +μήτε σθένουσα μηδὲν ἰσχύειν δόκει. +ἔχεις γὰρ ἀλκὴν οὐδαμῇ. σκοπεῖν δὲ χρή· +πόλις τʼ ὄλωλε καὶ πόσις, κρατῇ δὲ σύ, +ἡμεῖς δὲ πρὸς γυναῖκα μάρνασθαι μίαν +οἷοί τε. τούτων οὕνεκʼ οὐ μάχης ἐρᾶν +οὐδʼ αἰσχρὸν οὐδὲν οὐδʼ ἐπίφθονόν σε δρᾶν, +οὐδʼ αὖ σʼ Ἀχαιοῖς βούλομαι ῥίπτειν ἀράς. +εἰ γάρ τι λέξεις ὧν χολώσεται στρατός, +οὔτʼ ἂν ταφείη παῖς ὅδʼ οὔτʼ οἴκτου τύχοι. +σιγῶσα δʼ εὖ τε τὰς τύχας κεκτημένη +τὸν τοῦδε νεκρὸν οὐκ ἄθαπτον ἂν λίποις +αὐτή τʼ Ἀχαιῶν πρευμενεστέρων τύχοις. + + + +Ἀνδρομάχη +ὦ φίλτατʼ, ὦ περισσὰ τιμηθεὶς τέκνον, +θανῇ πρὸς ἐχθρῶν μητέρʼ ἀθλίαν λιπών, +ἡ τοῦ πατρὸς δέ σʼ εὐγένειʼ ἀποκτενεῖ, +ἣ τοῖσιν ἄλλοις γίγνεται σωτηρία, +τὸ δʼ ἐσθλὸν οὐκ ἐς καιρὸν ἦλθε σοὶ πατρός. +ὦ λέκτρα τἀμὰ δυστυχῆ τε καὶ γάμοι, + οἷς ἦλθον ἐς μέλαθρον Ἕκτορός ποτε, +οὐ σφάγιον υἱὸν Δαναΐδαις τέξουσʼ ἐμόν, +ἀλλʼ ὡς τύραννον Ἀσιάδος πολυσπόρου. +ὦ παῖ, δακρύεις· αἰσθάνῃ κακῶν σέθεν; +τί μου δέδραξαι χερσὶ κἀντέχῃ πέπλων, +νεοσσὸς ὡσεὶ πτέρυγας ἐσπίτνων ἐμάς; +οὐκ εἶσιν Ἕκτωρ κλεινὸν ἁρπάσας δόρυ +γῆς ἐξανελθὼν σοὶ φέρων σωτηρίαν, +οὐ συγγένεια πατρός, οὐκ ἰσχὺς Φρυγῶν· +λυγρὸν δὲ πήδημʼ ἐς τράχηλον ὑψόθεν +πεσὼν ἀνοίκτως, πνεῦμʼ ἀπορρήξεις σέθεν. +ὦ νέον ὑπαγκάλισμα μητρὶ φίλτατον, +ὦ χρωτὸς ἡδὺ πνεῦμα· διὰ κενῆς ἄρα +ἐν σπαργάνοις σε μαστὸς ἐξέθρεψʼ ὅδε, +μάτην δʼ ἐμόχθουν καὶ κατεξάνθην πόνοις. +νῦν — οὔποτʼ αὖθις — μητέρʼ ἀσπάζου σέθεν, +πρόσπιτνε τὴν τεκοῦσαν, ἀμφὶ δʼ ὠλένας +ἕλισσʼ ἐμοῖς νώτοισι καὶ στόμʼ ἅρμοσον. + ὦ βάρβαρʼ ἐξευρόντες Ἕλληνες κακά, +τί τόνδε παῖδα κτείνετʼ οὐδὲν αἴτιον; +ὦ Τυνδάρειον ἔρνος, οὔποτʼ εἶ Διός, +πολλῶν δὲ πατέρων φημί σʼ ἐκπεφυκέναι, +Ἀλάστορος μὲν πρῶτον, εἶτα δὲ Φθόνου, +Φόνου τε Θανάτου θʼ ὅσα τε γῆ τρέφει κακά. +οὐ γάρ ποτʼ αὐχῶ Ζῆνά γʼ ἐκφῦσαί σʼ ἐγώ, +πολλοῖσι κῆρα βαρβάροις Ἕλλησί τε. +ὄλοιο· καλλίστων γὰρ ὀμμάτων ἄπο +αἰσχρῶς τὰ κλεινὰ πεδίʼ ἀπώλεσας Φρυγῶν. + ἀλλʼ ἄγετε φέρετε ῥίπτετʼ, εἰ ῥίπτειν δοκεῖ· +δαίνυσθε τοῦδε σάρκας. ἔκ τε γὰρ θεῶν +διολλύμεσθα, παιδί τʼ οὐ δυναίμεθʼ ἂν +θάνατον ἀρῆξαι. κρύπτετʼ ἄθλιον δέμας +καὶ ῥίπτετʼ ἐς ναῦς· ἐπὶ καλὸν γὰρ ἔρχομαι +ὑμέναιον, ἀπολέσασα τοὐμαυτῆς τέκνον. + +Χορός +τάλαινα Τροία, μυρίους ἀπώλεσας +μιᾶς γυναικὸς καὶ λέχους στυγνοῦ χάριν.
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+Ταλθύβιος +ἄγε παῖ, φίλιον πρόσπτυγμα μεθεὶς +μητρὸς μογερᾶς, βαῖνε πατρῴων +πύργων ἐπʼ ἄκρας στεφάνας, ὅθι σοι +πνεῦμα μεθεῖναι ψῆφος ἐκράνθη. +λαμβάνετʼ αὐτόν. τὰ δὲ τοιάδε χρὴ +κηρυκεύειν, ὅστις ἄνοικτος +καὶ ἀναιδείᾳ τῆς ἡμετέρας +γνώμης μᾶλλον φίλος ἐστίν. +
+ +
+Ἑκάβη +ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ παιδὸς μογεροῦ, +συλώμεθα σὴν ψυχὴν ἀδίκως +μήτηρ κἀγώ. τί πάθω; τί σʼ ἐγώ, +δύσμορε, δράσω; τάδε σοι δίδομεν +πλήγματα κρατὸς στέρνων τε κόπους· +τῶνδε γὰρ ἄρχομεν. οἲ ʼγὼ πόλεως, +οἴμοι δὲ σέθεν· τί γὰρ οὐκ ἔχομεν; +τίνος ἐνδέομεν μὴ οὐ πανσυδίᾳ +χωρεῖν ὀλέθρου διὰ παντός;
+ + + + +
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+Χορός +μελισσοτρόφου Σαλαμῖνος ὦ βασιλεῦ Τελαμών, +νάσου περικύμονος οἰκήσας ἕδραν +τᾶς ἐπικεκλιμένας ὄχθοις ἱεροῖς, ἵνʼ ἐλαίας +πρῶτον ἔδειξε κλάδον γλαυκᾶς Ἀθάνα, +οὐράνιον στέφανον λιπαραῖσί τε κόσμον Ἀθήναις, +ἔβας ἔβας τῷ τοξοφόρῳ συναρι- +στεύων ἅμʼ Ἀλκμήνας γόνῳ +Ἴλιον Ἴλιον ἐκπέρσων πόλιν +ἁμετέραν τὸ πάροιθεν ὅτʼ ἔβας ἀφʼ Ἑλλάδος·
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+Χορός +ὅθʼ Ἑλλάδος ἄγαγε πρῶτον ἄνθος ἀτυζόμενος +πώλων, Σιμόεντι δʼ ἐπʼ εὐρείτᾳ πλάταν +ἔσχασε ποντοπόρον καὶ ναύδετʼ ἀνήψατο πρυμνᾶν +καὶ χερὸς εὐστοχίαν ἐξεῖλε ναῶν, +Λαομέδοντι φόνον· κανόνων δὲ τυκίσματα Φοίβου +πυρὸς φοίνικι πνοᾷ καθελὼν +Τροίας ἐπόρθησε χθόνα. +δὶς δὲ δυοῖν πιτύλοιν τείχη περὶ +Δαρδανίας φοινία κατέλυσεν αἰχμά.
+ + + +
+Χορός +μάταν ἄρʼ, ὦ χρυσέαις ἐν οἰνοχόαις ἁβρὰ βαίνων, +Λαομεδόντιε παῖ, +Ζηνὸς ἔχεις κυλίκων πλήρωμα, καλλίσταν λατρείαν· +ἁ δέ σε γειναμένα πυρὶ δαίεται· +ἠιόνες δʼ ἅλιαι +ἴακχον οἰωνὸς οἷ- +ον τεκέων ὕπερ βοᾷ, +ᾇ μὲν εὐνάτορας, ᾇ δὲ παῖδας, +ᾇ δὲ ματέρας γεραιάς. +τὰ δὲ σὰ δροσόεντα λουτρὰ +γυμνασίων τε δρόμοι +βεβᾶσι, σὺ δὲ πρόσωπα νεα- +ρὰ χάρισι παρὰ Διὸς θρόνοις +καλλιγάλανα τρέφεις· Πριάμοιο δὲ γαῖαν +Ἑλλὰς ὤλεσʼ αἰχμά.
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+Χορός +Ἔρως Ἔρως, ὃς τὰ Δαρδάνεια μέλαθρά ποτʼ ἦλθες +οὐρανίδαισι μέλων, +ὡς τότε μὲν μεγάλως Τροίαν ἐπύργωσας, θεοῖσι +κῆδος ἀναψάμενος. τὸ μὲν οὖν Διὸς +οὐκέτʼ ὄνειδος ἐρῶ· +τὸ τᾶς δὲ λευκοπτέρου +φίλιον Ἁμέρας βροτοῖς +φέγγος ὀλοὸν εἶδε γαῖαν, +εἶδε περγάμων ὄλεθρον, +τεκνοποιὸν ἔχουσα τᾶσδε +γᾶς πόσιν ἐν θαλάμοις, +ὃν ἀστέρων τέθριππος ἔλα- +βε χρύσεος ὄχος ἀναρπάσας, +ἐλπίδα γᾷ πατρίᾳ μεγάλαν· τὰ θεῶν δὲ +φίλτρα φροῦδα Τροίᾳ.
+ + + +
+Μενέλαος +ὦ καλλιφεγγὲς ἡλίου σέλας τόδε, +ἐν ᾧ δάμαρτα τὴν ἐμὴν χειρώσομαι + Ἑλένην· ὁ γὰρ δὴ πολλὰ μοχθήσας ἐγὼ +Μενέλαός εἰμι καὶ στράτευμʼ Ἀχαιϊκόν. +ἦλθον δὲ Τροίαν οὐχ ὅσον δοκοῦσί με +γυναικὸς οὕνεκʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐπʼ ἄνδρʼ ὃς ἐξ ἐμῶν +δόμων δάμαρτα ξεναπάτης ἐλῄσατο. +κεῖνος μὲν οὖν δέδωκε σὺν θεοῖς δίκην +αὐτός τε καὶ γῆ δορὶ πεσοῦσʼ Ἑλληνικῷ. +ἥκω δὲ τὴν τάλαιναν — οὐ γὰρ ἡδέως +ὄνομα δάμαρτος ἥ ποτʼ ἦν ἐμὴ λέγω — +ἄξων· δόμοις γὰρ τοῖσδʼ ἐν αἰχμαλωτικοῖς +κατηρίθμηται Τρῳάδων ἄλλων μέτα. +οἵπερ γὰρ αὐτὴν ἐξεμόχθησαν δορί, +κτανεῖν ἐμοί νιν ἔδοσαν, εἴτε μὴ κτανὼν +θέλοιμʼ ἄγεσθαι πάλιν ἐς Ἀργείαν χθόνα. +ἐμοὶ δʼ ἔδοξε τὸν μὲν ἐν Τροίᾳ μόρον +Ἑλένης ἐᾶσαι, ναυπόρῳ δʼ ἄγειν πλάτῃ +Ἑλληνίδʼ ἐς γῆν κᾆτʼ ἐκεῖ δοῦναι κτανεῖν, +ποινὰς ὅσοις τεθνᾶσʼ ἐν Ἰλίῳ φίλοι. + ἀλλʼ εἶα χωρεῖτʼ ἐς δόμους, ὀπάονες, +κομίζετʼ αὐτὴν τῆς μιαιφονωτάτης +κόμης ἐπισπάσαντες· οὔριοι δʼ ὅταν +πνοαὶ μόλωσι, πέμψομέν νιν Ἑλλάδα. + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ γῆς ὄχημα κἀπὶ γῆς ἔχων ἕδραν, +ὅστις ποτʼ εἶ σύ, δυστόπαστος εἰδέναι, +Ζεύς, εἴτʼ ἀνάγκη φύσεος εἴτε νοῦς βροτῶν, +προσηυξάμην σε· πάντα γὰρ διʼ ἀψόφου +βαίνων κελεύθου κατὰ δίκην τὰ θνήτʼ ἄγεις. + +Μενέλαος +τί δʼ ἔστιν; εὐχὰς ὡς ἐκαίνισας θεῶν. + +Ἑκάβη +αἰνῶ σε, Μενέλαʼ, εἰ κτενεῖς δάμαρτα σήν. +ὁρᾶν δὲ τήνδε φεῦγε, μή σʼ ἕλῃ πόθῳ. +αἱρεῖ γὰρ ἀνδρῶν ὄμματʼ, ἐξαιρεῖ πόλεις, +πίμπρησιν οἴκους· ὧδʼ ἔχει κηλήματα. +ἐγώ νιν οἶδα, καὶ σύ, χοἱ πεπονθότες. + + + +Ἑλένη +Μενέλαε, φροίμιον μὲν ἄξιον φόβου +τόδʼ ἐστίν· ἐν γὰρ χερσὶ προσπόλων σέθεν +βίᾳ πρὸ τῶνδε δωμάτων ἐκπέμπομαι. +ἀτὰρ σχεδὸν μὲν οἶδά σοι μισουμένη, +ὅμως δʼ ἐρέσθαι βούλομαι· γνῶμαι τίνες +Ἕλλησι καὶ σοὶ τῆς ἐμῆς ψυχῆς πέρι; + +Μενέλαος +οὐκ εἰς ἀκριβὲς ἦλθες, ἀλλʼ ἅπας στρατὸς +κτανεῖν ἐμοί σʼ ἔδωκεν, ὅνπερ ἠδίκεις. + +Ἑλένη +ἔξεστιν οὖν πρὸς ταῦτʼ ἀμείψασθαι λόγῳ, +ὡς οὐ δικαίως, ἢν θάνω, θανούμεθα; + +Μενέλαος +οὐκ ἐς λόγους ἐλήλυθʼ, ἀλλά σε κτενῶν. + +Ἑκάβη +ἄκουσον αὐτῆς, μὴ θάνῃ τοῦδʼ ἐνδεής, +Μενέλαε, καὶ δὸς τοὺς ἐναντίους λόγους +ἡμῖν κατʼ αὐτῆς· τῶν γὰρ ἐν Τροίᾳ κακῶν +οὐδὲν κάτοισθα. συντεθεὶς δʼ ὁ πᾶς λόγος +κτενεῖ νιν οὕτως ὥστε μηδαμοῦ φυγεῖν. + +Μενέλαος +σχολῆς τὸ δῶρον· εἰ δὲ βούλεται λέγειν, +ἔξεστι. τῶν σῶν δʼ οὕνεχʼ — ὡς μάθῃ — λόγων +δώσω τόδʼ αὐτῇ· τῆσδε δʼ οὐ δώσω χάριν. + +Ἑλένη +ἴσως με, κἂν εὖ κἂν κακῶς δόξω λέγειν, +οὐκ ἀνταμείψῃ πολεμίαν ἡγούμενος. +ἐγὼ δʼ, ἅ σʼ οἶμαι διὰ λόγων ἰόντʼ ἐμοῦ +κατηγορήσειν, ἀντιθεῖσʼ ἀμείψομαι +τοῖς σοῖσι τἀμὰ καὶ τὰ σʼ αἰτιάματα. + πρῶτον μὲν ἀρχὰς ἔτεκεν ἥδε τῶν κακῶν, +Πάριν τεκοῦσα· δεύτερον δʼ ἀπώλεσε +Τροίαν τε κἄμʼ ὁ πρέσβυς οὐ κτανὼν βρέφος, +δαλοῦ πικρὸν μίμημʼ, Ἀλέξανδρόν ποτε. +ἐνθένδε τἀπίλοιπʼ ἄκουσον ὡς ἔχει. +ἔκρινε τρισσὸν ζεῦγος ὅδε τριῶν θεῶν· +καὶ Παλλάδος μὲν ἦν Ἀλεξάνδρῳ δόσις +Φρυξὶ στρατηγοῦνθʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἐξανιστάναι, +Ἥρα δʼ ὑπέσχετʼ Ἀσιάδʼ Εὐρώπης θʼ ὅρους +τυραννίδʼ ἕξειν, εἴ σφε κρίνειεν Πάρις· +Κύπρις δὲ τοὐμὸν εἶδος ἐκπαγλουμένη +δώσειν ὑπέσχετʼ, εἰ θεὰς ὑπερδράμοι +κάλλει. τὸν ἔνθεν δʼ ὡς ἔχει σκέψαι λόγον· +νικᾷ Κύπρις θεάς, καὶ τοσόνδʼ οὑμοὶ γάμοι +ὤνησαν Ἑλλάδʼ· οὐ κρατεῖσθʼ ἐκ βαρβάρων, +οὔτʼ ἐς δόρυ σταθέντες, οὐ τυραννίδι. +ἃ δʼ εὐτύχησεν Ἑλλάς, ὠλόμην ἐγὼ +εὐμορφίᾳ πραθεῖσα, κὠνειδίζομαι +ἐξ ὧν ἐχρῆν με στέφανον ἐπὶ κάρᾳ λαβεῖν. + οὔπω με φήσεις αὐτὰ τἀν ποσὶν λέγειν, +ὅπως ἀφώρμησʼ ἐκ δόμων τῶν σῶν λάθρα. +ἦλθʼ οὐχὶ μικρὰν θεὸν ἔχων αὑτοῦ μέτα +ὁ τῆσδʼ ἀλάστωρ, εἴτʼ Ἀλέξανδρον θέλεις +ὀνόματι προσφωνεῖν νιν εἴτε καὶ Πάριν· +ὅν, ὦ κάκιστε, σοῖσιν ἐν δόμοις λιπὼν +Σπάρτης ἀπῆρας νηὶ Κρησίαν χθόνα. + +εἶἑν. +οὐ σέ, ἀλλʼ ἐμαυτὴν τοὐπὶ τῷδʼ ἐρήσομαι· +τί δὴ φρονοῦσά γʼ ἐκ δόμων ἅμʼ ἑσπόμην +ξένῳ, προδοῦσα πατρίδα καὶ δόμους ἐμούς; +τὴν θεὸν κόλαζε καὶ Διὸς κρείσσων γενοῦ, +ὃς τῶν μὲν ἄλλων δαιμόνων ἔχει κράτος, +κείνης δὲ δοῦλός ἐστι· συγγνώμη δʼ ἐμοί. +ἔνθεν δʼ ἔχοις ἂν εἰς ἔμʼ εὐπρεπῆ λόγον· +ἐπεὶ θανὼν γῆς ἦλθʼ Ἀλέξανδρος μυχούς, +χρῆν μʼ, ἡνίκʼ οὐκ ἦν θεοπόνητά μου λέχη, +λιποῦσαν οἴκους ναῦς ἐπʼ Ἀργείων μολεῖν. +ἔσπευδον αὐτὸ τοῦτο· μάρτυρες δέ μοι +πύργων πυλωροὶ κἀπὸ τειχέων σκοποί, +οἳ πολλάκις μʼ ἐφηῦρον ἐξ ἐπάλξεων +πλεκταῖσιν ἐς γῆν σῶμα κλέπτουσαν τόδε. +βίᾳ δʼ ὁ καινός μʼ οὗτος ἁρπάσας πόσις +Δηίφοβος ἄλοχον εἶχεν ἀκόντων Φρυγῶν. +πῶς οὖν ἔτʼ ἂν θνῄσκοιμʼ ἂν ἐνδίκως, πόσι, + +πρὸς σοῦ δικαίως, ἣν ὁ μὲν βίᾳ γαμεῖ, +τὰ δʼ οἴκοθεν κεῖνʼ ἀντὶ νικητηρίων +πικρῶς ἐδούλευσʼ; εἰ δὲ τῶν θεῶν κρατεῖν +βούλῃ, τὸ χρῄζειν ἀμαθές ἐστί σου τόδε. + +Χορός +βασίλειʼ, ἄμυνον σοῖς τέκνοισι καὶ πάτρᾳ +πειθὼ διαφθείρουσα τῆσδʼ, ἐπεὶ λέγει +καλῶς κακοῦργος οὖσα· δεινὸν οὖν τόδε. + +Ἑκάβη +ταῖς θεαῖσι πρῶτα σύμμαχος γενήσομαι +καὶ τήνδε δείξω μὴ λέγουσαν ἔνδικα. +ἐγὼ γὰρ Ἥραν παρθένον τε Παλλάδα +οὐκ ἐς τοσοῦτον ἀμαθίας ἐλθεῖν δοκῶ, +ὥσθʼ ἣ μὲν Ἄργος βαρβάροις ἀπημπόλα, +Παλλὰς δʼ Ἀθήνας Φρυξὶ δουλεύειν ποτέ, +εἰ παιδιαῖσι καὶ χλιδῇ μορφῆς πέρι +ἦλθον πρὸς Ἴδην. τοῦ γὰρ οὕνεκʼ ἂν θεὰ +Ἥρα τοσοῦτον ἔσχʼ ἔρωτα καλλονῆς; +πότερον ἀμείνονʼ ὡς λάβῃ Διὸς πόσιν; +ἢ γάμον Ἀθηνᾶ θεῶν τίνος θηρωμένη — +ἣ παρθενείαν πατρὸς ἐξῃτήσατο, +φεύγουσα λέκτρα; μὴ ἀμαθεῖς ποίει θεὰς +τὸ σὸν κακὸν κοσμοῦσα, μὴ οὐ πείσῃς σοφούς. +Κύπριν δʼ ἔλεξας — ταῦτα γὰρ γέλως πολύς — +ἐλθεῖν ἐμῷ ξὺν παιδὶ Μενέλεω δόμους. +οὐκ ἂν μένουσʼ ἂν ἥσυχός σʼ ἐν οὐρανῷ +αὐταῖς Ἀμύκλαις ἤγαγεν πρὸς Ἴλιον; + + ἦν οὑμὸς υἱὸς κάλλος ἐκπρεπέστατος, +ὁ σὸς δʼ ἰδών νιν νοῦς ἐποιήθη Κύπρις· +τὰ μῶρα γὰρ πάντʼ ἐστὶν Ἀφροδίτη βροτοῖς, +καὶ τοὔνομʼ ὀρθῶς ἀφροσύνης ἄρχει θεᾶς. +ὃν εἰσιδοῦσα βαρβάροις ἐσθήμασι +χρυσῷ τε λαμπρὸν ἐξεμαργώθης φρένας. +ἐν μὲν γὰρ Ἄργει μίκρʼ ἔχουσʼ ἀνεστρέφου, +Σπάρτης δʼ ἀπαλλαχθεῖσα τὴν Φρυγῶν πόλιν +χρυσῷ ῥέουσαν ἤλπισας κατακλύσειν +δαπάναισιν· οὐδʼ ἦν ἱκανά σοι τὰ Μενέλεω +μέλαθρα ταῖς σαῖς ἐγκαθυβρίζειν τρυφαῖς. + εἶἑν· βίᾳ γὰρ παῖδα φῄς σʼ ἄγειν ἐμόν· +τίς Σπαρτιατῶν ᾔσθετʼ; ἢ ποίαν βοὴν +ἀνωλόλυξας — Κάστορος νεανίου +τοῦ συζύγου τʼ ἔτʼ ὄντος, οὐ κατʼ ἄστρα πω; +ἐπεὶ δὲ Τροίαν ἦλθες Ἀργεῖοί τέ σου +κατʼ ἴχνος, ἦν δὲ δοριπετὴς ἀγωνία, +εἰ μὲν τὰ τοῦδε κρείσσονʼ ἀγγέλλοιτό σοι, +Μενέλαον ᾔνεις, παῖς ὅπως λυποῖτʼ ἐμὸς +ἔχων ἔρωτος ἀνταγωνιστὴν μέγαν· +εἰ δʼ εὐτυχοῖεν Τρῶες, οὐδὲν ἦν ὅδε. +ἐς τὴν τύχην δʼ ὁρῶσα τοῦτʼ ἤσκεις, ὅπως +ἕποιʼ ἅμʼ αὐτῇ, τῇ ἀρετῇ δʼ οὐκ ἤθελες. +κἄπειτα πλεκταῖς σῶμα σὸν κλέπτειν λέγεις +πύργων καθιεῖσʼ, ὡς μένουσʼ ἀκουσίως; +ποῦ δῆτʼ ἐλήφθης ἢ βρόχους ἀρτωμένη +ἢ φάσγανον θήγουσʼ, ἃ γενναία γυνὴ +δράσειεν ἂν ποθοῦσα τὸν πάρος πόσιν; +καίτοι σʼ ἐνουθέτουν γε πολλὰ πολλάκις· +Ὦ θύγατερ, ἔξελθʼ· οἱ δʼ ἐμοὶ παῖδες γάμους +ἄλλους γαμοῦσι, σὲ δʼ ἐπὶ ναῦς Ἀχαιϊκὰς +πέμψω συνεκκλέψασα· καὶ παῦσον μάχης +Ἕλληνας ἡμᾶς τε. ἀλλὰ σοὶ τόδʼ ἦν πικρόν. +ἐν τοῖς Ἀλεξάνδρου γὰρ ὕβριζες δόμοις +καὶ προσκυνεῖσθαι βαρβάρων ὕπʼ ἤθελες· +μεγάλα γὰρ ἦν σοι. — κἀπὶ τοῖσδε σὸν δέμας +ἐξῆλθες ἀσκήσασα κἄβλεψας πόσει +τὸν αὐτὸν αἰθέρʼ, ὦ κατάπτυστον κάρα· +ἣν χρῆν ταπεινὴν ἐν πέπλων ἐρειπίοις, +φρίκῃ τρέμουσαν, κρᾶτʼ ἀπεσκυθισμένην +ἐλθεῖν, τὸ σῶφρον τῆς ἀναιδείας πλέον +ἔχουσαν ἐπὶ τοῖς πρόσθεν ἡμαρτημένοις. + Μενέλαʼ, ἵνʼ εἰδῇς οἷ τελευτήσω λόγον, +στεφάνωσον Ἑλλάδʼ ἀξίως τήνδε κτανὼν +σαυτοῦ, νόμον δὲ τόνδε ταῖς ἄλλαισι θὲς +γυναιξί, θνῄσκειν ἥτις ἂν προδῷ πόσιν. + + +Χορός +Μενέλαε, προγόνων τʼ ἀξίως δόμων τε σῶν +τεῖσαι δάμαρτα κἀφελοῦ, πρὸς Ἑλλάδος, +ψόγον τὸ θῆλύ τʼ, εὐγενὴς ἐχθροῖς φανείς. + +Μενέλαος +ἐμοὶ σὺ συμπέπτωκας ἐς ταὐτὸν λόγου, +ἑκουσίως τήνδʼ ἐκ δόμων ἐλθεῖν ἐμῶν +ξένας ἐς εὐνάς· χἡ Κύπρις κόμπου χάριν +λόγοις ἐνεῖται. — βαῖνε λευστήρων πέλας +πόνους τʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἀπόδος ἐν μικρῷ μακροὺς +θανοῦσʼ, ἵνʼ εἰδῇς μὴ καταισχύνειν ἐμέ. + +Ἑλένη +μή, πρός σε γονάτων, τὴν νόσον τὴν τῶν θεῶν +προσθεὶς ἐμοὶ κτάνῃς με, συγγίγνωσκε δέ. + +Ἑκάβη +μηδʼ οὓς ἀπέκτεινʼ ἥδε συμμάχους προδῷς· +ἐγὼ πρὸ κείνων καὶ τέκνων σε λίσσομαι. + +Μενέλαος +παῦσαι, γεραιά· τῆσδε δʼ οὐκ ἐφρόντισα. +λέγω δὲ προσπόλοισι πρὸς πρύμνας νεῶν +τήνδʼ ἐκκομίζειν, ἔνθα ναυστολήσεται. + +Ἑκάβη +μή νυν νεὼς σοὶ ταὐτὸν ἐσβήτω σκάφος. + +Μενέλαος +τί δʼ ἔστι; μεῖζον βρῖθος ἢ πάροιθʼ ἔχει; + +Ἑκάβη +οὐκ ἔστʼ ἐραστὴς ὅστις οὐκ ἀεὶ φιλεῖ. + +Μενέλαος +ὅπως ἂν ἐκβῇ τῶν ἐρωμένων ὁ νοῦς. +ἔσται δʼ ἃ βούλῃ· ναῦν γὰρ οὐκ ἐσβήσεται +ἐς ἥνπερ ἡμεῖς· καὶ γὰρ οὐ κακῶς λέγεις· +ἐλθοῦσα δʼ Ἄργος ὥσπερ ἀξία κακῶς +κακὴ θανεῖται καὶ γυναιξὶ σωφρονεῖν +πάσαισι θήσει. ῥᾴδιον μὲν οὐ τόδε· +ὅμως δʼ ὁ τῆσδʼ ὄλεθρος ἐς φόβον βαλεῖ +τὸ μῶρον αὐτῶν, κἂν ἔτʼ ὦσʼ ἐχθίονες.
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+Χορός +οὕτω δὴ τὸν ἐν Ἰλίῳ +ναὸν καὶ θυόεντα βω- +μὸν προύδωκας Ἀχαιοῖς, +ὦ Ζεῦ, καὶ πελάνων φλόγα +σμύρνης αἰθερίας τε κα- +πνὸν καὶ Πέργαμον ἱερὰν +Ἰδαῖά τʼ Ἰδαῖα κισσοφόρα νάπη +χιόνι κατάρυτα ποταμίᾳ +τέρμονα πρωτόβολόν θʼ ἁλίῳ, +τὰν καταλαμπομέναν ζαθέαν θεράπναν.
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+Χορός +φροῦδαί σοι θυσίαι χορῶν τʼ +εὔφημοι κέλαδοι κατʼ ὄρ- +φναν τε παννυχίδες θεῶν, +χρυσέων τε ξοάνων τύποι +Φρυγῶν τε ζάθεοι σελᾶ- +ναι συνδώδεκα πλήθει. +μέλει μέλει μοι τάδʼ εἰ φρονεῖς, ἄναξ, +οὐράνιον ἕδρανον ἐπιβεβὼς +αἰθέρα τε πτόλεως ὀλομένας, +ἃν πυρὸς αἰθομένα κατέλυσεν ὁρμά.
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+Χορός +ὦ φίλος ὦ πόσι μοι, +σὺ μὲν φθίμενος ἀλαίνεις +ἄθαπτος ἄνυδρος, ἐμὲ δὲ πόντιον σκάφος +ἀίσσον πτεροῖσι πορεύσει +ἱππόβοτον Ἄργος, ἵνα τείχεα +λάινα Κυκλώπιʼ οὐράνια νέμονται. +τέκνων δὲ πλῆθος ἐν πύλαις +δάκρυσι κατᾴορα στένει· +βοᾷ βοᾷ· +Μᾶτερ, ὤμοι, μόναν δή μʼ Ἀχαιοὶ κομί- +ζουσι σέθεν ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων +κυανέαν ἐπὶ ναῦν +εἰναλίαισι πλάταις +ἢ Σαλαμῖνʼ ἱερὰν +ἢ δίπορον κορυφὰν +Ἴσθμιον, ἔνθα πύλας +Πέλοπος ἔχουσιν ἕδραι.
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+Χορός +εἴθʼ ἀκάτου Μενέλα +μέσον πέλαγος ἰούσας, +δίπαλτον ἱερὸν ἀνὰ μέσον πλατᾶν πέσοι +Αἰγαίου κεραυνοφαὲς πῦρ, +Ἰλιόθεν ὅτε με πολύδακρυν +Ἑλλάδι λάτρευμα γᾶθεν ἐξορίζει, +χρύσεα δʼ ἔνοπτρα, παρθένων +χάριτας, ἔχουσα τυγχάνει +Διὸς κόρα· +μηδὲ γαῖάν ποτʼ ἔλθοι Λάκαιναν πατρῷ- +όν τε θάλαμον ἑστίας, +μηδὲ πόλιν Πιτάνας +χαλκόπυλόν τε θεάν, +δύσγαμον αἶσχος ἑλὼν +Ἑλλάδι τᾷ μεγάλᾳ +καὶ Σιμοεντιάσιν +μέλεα πάθεα ῥοῇσιν.
+ + + +
+
+Χορός +ἰὼ ἰώ, +καίνʼ ἐκ καινῶν μεταβάλλουσαι +χθονὶ συντυχίαι. λεύσσετε Τρώων +τόνδʼ Ἀστυάνακτʼ ἄλοχοι μέλεαι +νεκρόν, ὃν πύργων δίσκημα πικρὸν +Δαναοὶ κτείναντες ἔχουσιν. + + + +Ταλθύβιος +Ἑκάβη, νεὼς μὲν πίτυλος εἷς λελειμμένος +λάφυρα τἀπίλοιπʼ Ἀχιλλείου τόκου +μέλλει πρὸς ἀκτὰς ναυστολεῖν Φθιώτιδας· +αὐτὸς δʼ ἀνῆκται Νεοπτόλεμος, καινάς τινας +Πηλέως ἀκούσας συμφοράς, ὥς νιν χθονὸς +Ἄκαστος ἐκβέβληκεν, ὁ Πελίου γόνος. +οὗ θᾶσσον οὕνεκʼ, ἢ χάριν μονῆς ἔχων, +φροῦδος, μετʼ αὐτοῦ δʼ Ἀνδρομάχη, πολλῶν ἐμοὶ +δακρύων ἀγωγός, ἡνίκʼ ἐξώρμα χθονός, +πάτραν τʼ ἀναστένουσα καὶ τὸν Ἕκτορος +τύμβον προσεννέπουσα. καί σφʼ ᾐτήσατο +θάψαι νεκρὸν τόνδʼ, ὃς πεσὼν ἐκ τειχέων +ψυχὴν ἀφῆκεν Ἕκτορος τοῦ σοῦ γόνος· +φόβον τʼ Ἀχαιῶν, χαλκόνωτον ἀσπίδα +τήνδʼ, ἣν πατὴρ τοῦδʼ ἀμφὶ πλεύρʼ ἐβάλλετο, +μή νυν πορεῦσαι Πηλέως ἐφʼ ἑστίαν, +μηδʼ ἐς τὸν αὐτὸν θάλαμον, οὗ νυμφεύσεται +μήτηρ νεκροῦ τοῦδʼ Ἀνδρομάχη, λύπας ὁρᾶν, +ἀλλʼ ἀντὶ κέδρου περιβόλων τε λαΐνων +ἐν τῇδε θάψαι παῖδα· σὰς δʼ ἐς ὠλένας +δοῦναι, πέπλοισιν ὡς περιστείλῃς νεκρὸν +στεφάνοις θʼ, ὅση σοι δύναμις, ὡς ἔχει τὰ σά· +ἐπεὶ βέβηκε, καὶ τὸ δεσπότου τάχος +ἀφείλετʼ αὐτὴν παῖδα μὴ δοῦναι τάφῳ. + ἡμεῖς μὲν οὖν, ὅταν σὺ κοσμήσῃς νέκυν, +γῆν τῷδʼ ἐπαμπισχόντες ἀροῦμεν δόρυ· +σὺ δʼ ὡς τάχιστα πρᾶσσε τἀπεσταλμένα. + ἑνὸς μὲν οὖν μόχθου σʼ ἀπαλλάξας ἔχω· +Σκαμανδρίους γὰρ τάσδε διαπερῶν ῥοὰς +ἔλουσα νεκρὸν κἀπένιψα τραύματα. + ἀλλʼ εἶμʼ ὀρυκτὸν τῷδʼ ἀναρρήξων τάφον, +ὡς σύντομʼ ἡμῖν τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ τε κἀπὸ σοῦ +ἐς ἓν ξυνελθόντʼ οἴκαδʼ ὁρμήσῃ πλάτην. + + + +Ἑκάβη +θέσθʼ ἀμφίτορνον ἀσπίδʼ Ἕκτορος πέδῳ, +λυπρὸν θέαμα κοὐ φίλον λεύσσειν ἐμοί. + ὦ μείζονʼ ὄγκον δορὸς ἔχοντες ἢ φρενῶν, +τί τόνδʼ, Ἀχαιοί, παῖδα δείσαντες φόνον +καινὸν διειργάσασθε; μὴ Τροίαν ποτὲ +πεσοῦσαν ὀρθώσειεν; οὐδὲν ἦτʼ ἄρα, +ὅθʼ Ἕκτορος μὲν εὐτυχοῦντος ἐς δόρυ +διωλλύμεσθα μυρίας τʼ ἄλλης χερός, +πόλεως δʼ ἁλούσης καὶ Φρυγῶν ἐφθαρμένων +βρέφος τοσόνδʼ ἐδείσατʼ· οὐκ αἰνῶ φόβον, +ὅστις φοβεῖται μὴ διεξελθὼν λόγῳ. + + ὦ φίλταθʼ, ὥς σοι θάνατος ἦλθε δυστυχής. +εἰ μὲν γὰρ ἔθανες πρὸ πόλεως, ἥβης τυχὼν +γάμων τε καὶ τῆς ἰσοθέου τυραννίδος, +μακάριος ἦσθʼ ἄν, εἴ τι τῶνδε μακάριον· +νῦν δʼ αὔτʼ ἰδὼν μὲν γνούς τε σῇ ψυχῇ, τέκνον, +οὐκ οἶσθʼ, ἐχρήσω δʼ οὐδὲν ἐν δόμοις ἔχων. +δύστηνε, κρατὸς ὥς σʼ ἔκειρεν ἀθλίως +τείχη πατρῷα, Λοξίου πυργώματα, +ὃν πόλλʼ ἐκήπευσʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα βόστρυχον +φιλήμασίν τʼ ἔδωκεν, ἔνθεν ἐκγελᾷ +ὀστέων ῥαγέντων φόνος, ἵνʼ αἰσχρὰ μὴ λέγω. +ὦ χεῖρες, ὡς εἰκοὺς μὲν ἡδείας πατρὸς +κέκτησθʼ, ἐν ἄρθροις δʼ ἔκλυτοι πρόκεισθέ μοι. +ὦ πολλὰ κόμπους ἐκβαλὸν φίλον στόμα, +ὄλωλας, ἐψεύσω μʼ, ὅτʼ ἐσπίπτων πέπλους, +Ὦ μῆτερ, ηὔδας, ἦ πολύν σοι βοστρύχων +πλόκαμον κεροῦμαι, πρὸς τάφον θʼ ὁμηλίκων +κώμους ἀπάξω, φίλα διδοὺς προσφθέγματα. +σὺ δʼ οὐκ ἔμʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ σὲ τὸν νεώτερον, +γραῦς ἄπολις ἄτεκνος, ἄθλιον θάπτω νεκρόν. +οἴμοι, τὰ πόλλʼ ἀσπάσμαθʼ αἵ τʼ ἐμαὶ τροφαὶ +ὕπνοι τʼ ἐκεῖνοι φροῦδά μοι. τί καί ποτε +γράψειεν ἄν σε μουσοποιὸς ἐν τάφῳ; +Τὸν παῖδα τόνδʼ ἔκτειναν Ἀργεῖοί ποτε +δείσαντες; — αἰσχρὸν τοὐπίγραμμά γʼ Ἑλλάδι. +ἀλλʼ οὖν πατρῴων οὐ λαχὼν ἕξεις ὅμως +ἐν ᾗ ταφήσῃ χαλκόνωτον ἰτέαν. + ὦ καλλίπηχυν Ἕκτορος βραχίονα +σῴζουσʼ, ἄριστον φύλακʼ ἀπώλεσας σέθεν. +ὡς ἡδὺς ἐν πόρπακι σῷ κεῖται τύπος +ἴτυός τʼ ἐν εὐτόρνοισι περιδρόμοις ἱδρώς, +ὃν ἐκ μετώπου πολλάκις πόνους ἔχων +ἔσταζεν Ἕκτωρ προστιθεὶς γενειάδι. +φέρετε, κομίζετʼ ἀθλίῳ κόσμον νεκρῷ +ἐκ τῶν παρόντων· οὐ γὰρ ἐς κάλλος τύχας +δαίμων δίδωσιν· ὧν δʼ ἔχω, λήψῃ τάδε. + θνητῶν δὲ μῶρος ὅστις εὖ πράσσειν δοκῶν +βέβαια χαίρει· τοῖς τρόποις γὰρ αἱ τύχαι, +ἔμπληκτος ὡς ἄνθρωπος, ἄλλοτʼ ἄλλοσε +πηδῶσι, κοὐδεὶς αὐτὸς εὐτυχεῖ ποτε. + +Χορός +καὶ μὴν πρόχειρον αἵδε σοι σκυλευμάτων +Φρυγίων φέρουσι κόσμον ἐξάπτειν νεκρῷ. + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ τέκνον, οὐχ ἵπποισι νικήσαντά σε +οὐδʼ ἥλικας τόξοισιν, οὓς Φρύγες νόμους +τιμῶσιν, οὐκ ἐς πλησμονὰς θηρωμένη, +μήτηρ πατρός σοι προστίθησʼ ἀγάλματα +τῶν σῶν ποτʼ ὄντων· νῦν δέ σʼ ἡ θεοστυγὴς +ἀφείλεθʼ Ἑλένη, πρὸς δὲ καὶ ψυχὴν σέθεν +ἔκτεινε καὶ πάντʼ οἶκον ἐξαπώλεσεν.
+ + + + +
+Χορός +ἒ ἔ, φρενῶν +ἔθιγες ἔθιγες· ὦ μέγας ἐμοί ποτʼ ἂν +ἀνάκτωρ πόλεως. + + + +Ἑκάβη +ἃ δʼ ἐν γάμοισι χρῆν σε προσθέσθαι χροῒ +Ἀσιατίδων γήμαντα τὴν ὑπερτάτην, +Φρύγια πέπλων ἀγάλματʼ ἐξάπτω χροός. +σύ τʼ, ὦ ποτʼ οὖσα καλλίνικε, μυρίων +μῆτερ τροπαίων, Ἕκτορος φίλον σάκος, +στεφανοῦ· θανῇ γὰρ οὐ θανοῦσα σὺν νεκρῷ· +ἐπεὶ σὲ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἢ τὰ τοῦ σοφοῦ +κακοῦ τʼ Ὀδυσσέως ἄξιον τιμᾶν ὅπλα.
+ + + + +
+Χορός +αἰαῖ αἰαῖ· πικρὸν ὄδυρμα +γαῖά σʼ ὦ τέκνον δέξεται. +στέναζε, μᾶτερ, + +Ἑκάβη +αἰαῖ. + +Χορός +νεκρῶν ἴακχον. + +Ἑκάβη +οἴμοι μοι. + +Χορός +οἴμοι δῆτα σῶν ἀλάστων κακῶν. + + + +Ἑκάβη +τελαμῶσιν ἕλκη τὰ μὲν ἐγώ σʼ ἰάσομαι, +τλήμων ἰατρός, ὄνομʼ ἔχουσα, τἄργα δʼ οὔ· +τὰ δʼ ἐν νεκροῖσι φροντιεῖ πατὴρ σέθεν. + + + +Χορός +ἄρασσʼ ἄρασσε κρᾶτα +πιτύλους διδοῦσα χειρός, +ἰώ μοί μοι. + +Ἑκάβη + ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες + +Χορός +Ἑκάβη, σὰς ἔνεπε· τίνα θροεῖς αὐδάν;
+ + + + +
+Ἑκάβη +οὐκ ἦν ἄρʼ ἐν θεοῖσι πλὴν οὑμοὶ πόνοι +Τροία τε πόλεων ἔκκριτον μισουμένη, +μάτην δʼ ἐβουθυτοῦμεν. εἰ δὲ μὴ θεὸς +ἔστρεψε τἄνω περιβαλὼν κάτω χθονός, +ἀφανεῖς ἂν ὄντες οὐκ ἂν ὑμνήθημεν ἂν +μούσαις ἀοιδὰς δόντες ὑστέρων βροτῶν. + χωρεῖτε, θάπτετʼ ἀθλίῳ τύμβῳ νεκρόν· +ἔχει γὰρ οἷα δεῖ γε νερτέρων στέφη. +δοκῶ δὲ τοῖς θανοῦσι διαφέρειν βραχύ, +εἰ πλουσίων τις τεύξεται κτερισμάτων· +κενὸν δὲ γαύρωμʼ ἐστὶ τῶν ζώντων τόδε.
+ + + + +
+Χορός +ἰὼ ἰώ· +μελέα μήτηρ, ἣ τὰς μεγάλας +ἐλπίδας ἐν σοὶ κατέκναψε βίου. +μέγα δʼ ὀλβισθεὶς ὡς ἐκ πατέρων +ἀγαθῶν ἐγένου, +δεινῷ θανάτῳ διόλωλας. +ἔα ἔα· +τίνας Ἰλιάσιν ταῖσδʼ ἐν κορυφαῖς +λεύσσω φλογέας δαλοῖσι χέρας +διερέσσοντας; μέλλει Τροίᾳ +καινόν τι κακὸν προσέσεσθαι. + + + +Ταλθύβιος +αὐδῶ λοχαγοῖς, οἳ τέταχθʼ ἐμπιμπράναι +Πριάμου τόδʼ ἄστυ, μηκέτʼ ἀργοῦσαν φλόγα +ἐν χειρὶ σῴζειν, ἀλλὰ πῦρ ἐνιέναι, +ὡς ἂν κατασκάψαντες Ἰλίου πόλιν +στελλώμεθʼ οἴκαδʼ ἄσμενοι Τροίας ἄπο. + ὑμεῖς δʼ, ἵνʼ αὑτὸς λόγος ἔχῃ μορφὰς δύο, +χωρεῖτε, Τρώων παῖδες, ὀρθίαν ὅταν +σάλπιγγος ἠχὼ δῶσιν ἀρχηγοὶ στρατοῦ, +πρὸς ναῦς Ἀχαιῶν, ὡς ἀποστέλλησθε γῆς. + σύ τʼ, ὦ γεραιὰ δυστυχεστάτη γύναι, +ἕπου. μεθήκουσίν σʼ Ὀδυσσέως πάρα +οἵδʼ, ᾧ σε δούλην κλῆρος ἐκπέμπει πάτρας. + +Ἑκάβη +οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα· τοῦτο δὴ τὸ λοίσθιον +καὶ τέρμα πάντων τῶν ἐμῶν ἤδη κακῶν· +ἔξειμι πατρίδος, πόλις ὑφάπτεται πυρί. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ γεραιὲ πούς, ἐπίσπευσον μόλις, +ὡς ἀσπάσωμαι τὴν ταλαίπωρον πόλιν. + ὦ μεγάλα δή ποτʼ ἀμπνέουσʼ ἐν βαρβάροις +Τροία, τὸ κλεινὸν ὄνομʼ ἀφαιρήσῃ τάχα. +πιμπρᾶσί σʼ, ἡμᾶς δʼ ἐξάγουσʼ ἤδη χθονὸς +δούλας· ἰὼ θεοί. καὶ τί τοὺς θεοὺς καλῶ; +καὶ πρὶν γὰρ οὐκ ἤκουσαν ἀνακαλούμενοι. + φέρʼ ἐς πυρὰν δράμωμεν· ὡς κάλλιστά μοι +σὺν τῇδε πατρίδι κατθανεῖν πυρουμένῃ. + +Ταλθύβιος +ἐνθουσιᾷς, δύστηνε, τοῖς σαυτῆς κακοῖς. +ἀλλʼ ἄγετε, μὴ φείδεσθʼ· Ὀδυσσέως δὲ χρὴ +ἐς χεῖρα δοῦναι τήνδε καὶ πέμπειν γέρας.
+ + + + +
+Ἑκάβη +ὀττοτοτοτοτοῖ. +Κρόνιε, πρύτανι Φρύγιε, γενέτα +πάτερ, ἀνάξια τᾶς Δαρδάνου +γονᾶς τάδʼ οἷα πάσχομεν δέδορκας; + +Χορός +δέδορκεν, ἁ δὲ μεγαλόπολις +ἄπολις ὄλωλεν οὐδʼ ἔτʼ ἔστι Τροία. + +Ἑκάβη +ὀττοτοτοτοτοῖ. +λέλαμπεν Ἴλιος, Περ- +γάμων τε πυρὶ καταίθεται τέραμνα +καὶ πόλις ἄκρα τε τειχέων. + +Χορός +πτέρυγι δὲ καπνὸς ὥς τις οὐ- +ρανίᾳ πεσοῦσα δορὶ καταφθίνει γᾶ. +μαλερὰ μέλαθρα πυρὶ κατάδρομα +δαΐῳ τε λόγχᾳ.
+ + + + +
+Ἑκάβη +ἰὼ γᾶ τρόφιμε τῶν ἐμῶν τέκνων. + +Χορός +ἓ ἕ. + +Ἑκάβη +ὦ τέκνα, κλύετε, μάθετε ματρὸς αὐδάν. + +Χορός +ἰαλέμῳ τοὺς θανόντας ἀπύεις. + +Ἑκάβη +γεραιά γʼ ἐς πέδον τιθεῖσα μέλεα καὶ +χερσὶ γαῖαν κτυποῦσα δισσαῖς. + +Χορός +διάδοχά σοι γόνυ τίθημι γαίᾳ +τοὺς ἐμοὺς καλοῦσα νέρθεν +ἀθλίους ἀκοίτας. + +Ἑκάβη + ἀγόμεθα φερόμεθʼ + +Χορός +ἄλγος ἄλγος βοᾷς. + +Ἑκάβη +δούλειον ὑπὸ μέλαθρον. + +Χορός + ἐκ πάτρας γʼ ἐμᾶς. + +Ἑκάβη +ἰώ. +Πρίαμε Πρίαμε, σὺ μὲν ὀλόμενος +ἄταφος ἄφιλος +ἄτας ἐμᾶς ἄιστος εἶ. + +Χορός +μέλας γὰρ ὄσσε κατεκάλυψε +θάνατος ὅσιος ἀνοσίαις σφαγαῖσιν.
+ + + +
+Ἑκάβη +ἰὼ θεῶν μέλαθρα καὶ πόλις φίλα, + +Χορός +ἓ ἕ. + +Ἑκάβη +τὰν φόνιον ἔχετε φλόγα δορός τε λόγχαν. + +Χορός +τάχʼ ἐς φίλαν γᾶν πεσεῖσθʼ ἀνώνυμοι. + +Ἑκάβη +κόνις δʼ ἴσα καπνῷ πτέρυγι πρὸς αἰθέρα +ᾆστον οἴκων ἐμῶν με θήσει. + +Χορός +ὄνομα δὲ γᾶς ἀφανὲς εἶσιν· ἄλλᾳ δʼ +ἄλλο φροῦδον, οὐδʼ ἔτʼ ἔστιν +ἁ τάλαινα Τροία. + +Ἑκάβη +ἐμάθετʼ, ἐκλύετε; + +Χορός +Περγάμων γε κτύπον. + +Ἑκάβη + ἔνοσις ἅπασαν ἔνοσις + +Χορός +ἐπικλύσει πόλιν. + +Ἑκάβη +ἰώ· +τρομερὰ μέλεα, φέρετʼ ἐμὸν ἴχνος· +ἴτʼ ἐπί, τάλανα, +δούλειον ἁμέραν βίου. + +Χορός +ἰὼ τάλαινα πόλις· ὅμως δὲ +πρόφερε πόδα σὸν ἐπὶ πλάτας Ἀχαιῶν. +
+
+
+ +
+
\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg012/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg012/__cts__.xml index c3a102791..caf114959 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg012/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg012/__cts__.xml @@ -3,12 +3,12 @@ Electra - + Ἠλέκτρα - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) - + Electra Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-eng1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-eng1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 17cf078a9..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-eng1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9 +0,0 @@ -{ - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "id": "1999.01.0096", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/Classics/Euripides/copyright/eur.el_eng.xml", - "status": "not migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-eng1.xml" -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-eng2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..886feb534 --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,1556 @@ + + + + + + +Electra +Machine readable text +Euripides + Edward P. Coleridge + Perseus Project, Tufts University + Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Lisa Cerrato + William Merrill + Elli Mylonas + David Smith + + The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + The Plays of Euripides + Edward P. Coleridge + + London + George Bell and Sons + 1891 + + 2 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + +

Modernization of language.

+ +
+ + +

This pointer pattern extracts lines

+
+
+
+ + + + + + English + Greek + Latin + + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + copyrighted CTS texts from sdl and classics in new canonical structure per github repo + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + the card divs had had a line range but there was a problem with this, so we just have the start line in the n attribute. + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + places-dates now actually tagged + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + fix broken titles (too much cutting and pasting too fast) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + bring up to p3, including use of n attribute on sp when a cardbreak comes within a speech, and moving milestones out of speeches + Fixed cardbreak at 464, 998. + Added speaker tags where needed. + Basic SGML tagging and modernizing + +
+ + + +
+ + +

Dramatis Personae

+

Peasant

+

Electra

+

Orestes

+

Pylades, a mute character

+

Chorus

+

Old man

+

Messenger

+

Clytemnestra

+

Dioskouroi

+
+ +
+ +On the borders of Argolis. +Peasant +O ancient plain of land, the streams of Inachus, from which king Agamemnon once mounted war on a thousand ships and sailed to the land of Troy. After he had slain Priam, the ruler of Ilium, +and captured the famous city of Dardanus, he came here to Argos and set up on the high temples many spoils of the barbarians. And in Troy he was successful; but at home he died by the guile of his wife Clytemnestra +and the hand of Aegisthus, son of Thyestes. And he left behind the ancient scepter of Tantalus, and is dead; but Aegisthus rules the land, possessing Agamemnon’s wife, the daughter of Tyndareus. Now as for those whom he left in his house when he sailed to Troy, +his son Orestes and his young daughter Electra: when Orestes was about to die at the hand of Aegisthus, his father’s old servant stole him away and gave him to Strophius to bring up in the land of the Phocians. Electra stayed in her father’s house, +and when she came to the blooming season of youth, the foremost suitors of the land of Hellas asked for her in marriage. But Aegisthus feared she might bear to some chieftain a son who would avenge Agamemnon, and so he kept her at home and did not betroth her to any bridegroom. +When even this filled him with great fear, that she might secretly bear children to some noble lord, Aegisthus planned to kill her, but her mother, although cruel at heart, rescued her from his hand. For she had a pretext for having slain her husband, +but she feared that she would be despised for the murder of her children. So then, for these reasons, Aegisthus devised such a scheme: he promised gold to anyone who should kill Agamemnon’s son, who had left the country as an exile, while Electra he gave +in marriage to me. My ancestors were Mycenaeans; in that respect at least I am not to blame. My family was noble in race but poor in money—which is the ruin of good birth. He gave her to a powerless man so that his fear might lose its power. +For if some man of high position got her, he would have roused the sleeping blood of Agamemnon and judgment would have come at some time to Aegisthus. But I have never (Cypris knows this too) dishonored her in bed; she is still a virgin indeed. +I am ashamed to have the daughter of a wealthy man and violate her, when I was not born of equal rank. And I groan for the wretched Orestes, called my kinsman, if he shall ever return to Argos and see the unfortunate marriage of his sister. + +And whoever says I am a fool if I do not touch a young girl when I have her in my house, let him know that he measures soundness of mind by worthless standards of judgment, and he himself is a fool. + +Electra +O black night, nurse of the golden stars, +in which I go to the river’s streams, bearing this pitcher resting on my head—not because I have come to such a point of necessity, but so that I may show to the gods Aegisthus’ insolence—and send forth laments into the wide sky, to my father. +For the deadly daughter of Tyndareus, my mother, has cast me out of the house to please her husband; since she has borne other children in her union with Aegisthus, she considers Orestes and me secondary in the home. + +Peasant +Why, unhappy one, do you do this work, laboring for my sake, +though you were well brought up before, and do not stop, even when I tell you this? + +Electra +I hold you equal to the gods in kindness, for in my distress you have not insulted me. It is a great allotment for mortals +to find a healer for ill fortune, such as I have in you. And so, even though unbidden, I ought to share your labors, relieving you of work as far as I have strength, so that you may bear it more easily. You have enough to do outside; I must keep the house +in order. It is pleasant for the worker coming in from outside to find things within right. + +Peasant +Go, then, if you wish; and in fact the springs are not far from my house. When it is day, I will drive the oxen to my lands and sow the fields. +For no idler, though he has the gods’ names always on his lips, can gather a livelihood without hard work. Exeunt Peasant and Electra. Enter Orestes and Pylades. + + +Orestes +Pylades, I hold you first among men as a kind and trusted friend to me. You alone of my friends have honored me, Orestes, +being as I am in dreadful suffering from Aegisthus, who killed my father, he and my most deadly mother. I have come from the mystic shrine of the god to Argive land, and no one knows it, to repay my father’s murderers with murder. +During this past night, going to my father’s tomb, I wept and cut off a lock of my hair as an offering and sacrificed over the altar the blood of a slaughtered sheep, unnoticed by the tyrants who rule this land. And now I do not set foot within the walls, +but I have come to the borders of this land combining two desires: I may escape to another country if anyone on the watch should recognize me; and, looking for my sister (for they say that she lives here, joined in marriage, and is no longer a virgin), +I may meet with her and, having her as an accomplice for murder, I may learn clearly what is happening within the walls. And now, since dawn is lifting up her bright eye, let us step aside from this path. For either some plowman or serving maid +will come in our sight, from whom we may ask if my sister lives in this place. But now that I see this maidservant, bearing a weight of water on her shorn head, let us sit down, and inquire +of this slave girl, if we may receive some word about the matter, Pylades, for which we have come to this land. They retire a little.
+ + + +
+
+Electra +Hasten your step, it is time; go onward, onward, weeping! Ah me! +I am Agamemnon’s child, and Clytemnestra, hated daughter of Tyndareus, bore me; the citizens call me unhappy Electra. +Alas for my cruel pain and hateful life! O father, Agamemnon, you lie in Hades, by the butchery of your wife and Aegisthus.
+ + +
+Electra +Come, waken the same lament, take up the enjoyment of long weeping.
+ + +
+Electra +Hasten your step, it is time; go onward, onward, weeping. Ah me! +In what city and what household do you wander about, my wretched brother, leaving your pitiable sister in our ancestral home, to great pain? +Come to me, the unhappy one, as a deliverer from this pain, oh Zeus, Zeus, and as a defender for my father against his most hateful bloodshed; bring the wanderer to shore in Argos.
+ + +
+Electra +Take this pitcher from my head and put it down, so that I may cry aloud the night-time laments for my father. A wail, a song of death, of death, for you, father, under the earth, I speak the laments +in which I am always engaged, day by day, tearing my skin with my nails, and striking my cropped head with my hand, for your death.
+ + +
+Electra +Oh, oh, tear my face; as a clear-sounding swan beside the river’s streams calls to its dearest father, dying in the crafty snares of the +net, so I lament you, my unhappy father,
+ + +
+Electra +washed by the very last bath, in the most piteous bed of death. Oh, me, +your bitter cleaving by the axe, father, the bitter plans of the way from Troy! Your wife welcomed you with no victor’s garlands or crowns, but with a two-edged sword, +making you the mournful victim of Aigisthus, she got a treacherous bed-fellow.
+ + + +
+Chorus +O Electra, daughter of Agamemnon, I have come to your rustic courtyard. A milk-drinker from Mycenae has come, he has come, +a mountain walker; he reports that the Argives are proclaiming a sacrifice for the third day from now, and that all maidens are to go to Hera’s temple. + +Electra +My unhappy heart beats fast, friends, but not at adornment or gold; nor will I set up choruses with the maidens of Argos +and beat my foot in the mazes of the dance. By tears I pass the night; tears are my unhappy care day by day. See if my filthy hair, +and the rags of my dress, will be fit for a princess, a daughter of Agamemnon, or for Troy, once taken, which remembers my father.
+ + +
+Chorus +Mighty is the goddess; come then, and borrow from me thick-woven clothes to wear, and gold—as a favor to me—accessories to adornment. Do you think to rule over your enemies by tears, if you do not revere the gods? +Honoring the gods not by lamentation but by prayers, you will have good fortune, child. + +Electra +No god attends to the voice of the ill-fated one, +or to the slaying of my father long ago. Alas for the dead, and for the living vagabond, who dwells in another land somewhere, +miserably wandering to a slave’s hearth, yet born of that renowned father. I myself live in a poor man’s house, wasting my life away, an exile from my father’s house, +on the mountain crags. But my mother, with a new husband, makes her home in a bed stained by blood.
+ + + +
+Chorus Leader +Helen, your mother’s sister, is the cause of many evils to the Hellenes and to your house. + +Electra +Catching sight of Orestes and Pylades +Ah! Women, I have broken off my lament; strangers, who had their lair at the altar, are rising from ambush towards the household. Let us escape the villains by flight, you along the path and I to the house. + +Orestes +Stay, poor girl; do not fear my hand. + +Electra +O Phoebus Apollo! I beseech you to spare my life. + +Orestes +May I kill others more hated than you! + +Electra +Go away! Do not touch one whom you must not touch. + +Orestes +There is no one I have a better right to touch. + +Electra +Then why are you in ambush, with drawn sword, near my house? + +Orestes +Wait and hear, and you will soon say the same. + +Electra +I am still; in any case, I am yours, since you are the stronger. + +Orestes +I have come to bring you word from your brother. + +Electra +Oh best of friends! Is he alive or dead? + +Orestes +Alive; for I want to tell you the good news first. + +Electra +May you be happy, as a reward for your most welcome tidings. + +Orestes +I give that blessing for us two to have in common. + +Electra +Where does the unhappy one live, in his unhappy exile? + +Orestes +He goes miserably about, not following the customs of any one city. + +Electra +Surely he does not want for a living, day by day? + +Orestes +He has that, but an exile is a helpless man at best. + +Electra +What is this message you have come bringing from him? + +Orestes +If you are alive, and if so, how you are. + +Electra +Well then, you see first of all how withered my body is. + +Orestes +Yes, so wasted with sorrow that I sigh for it. + +Electra +And my head and hair, close shaven as if by a Scythian’s razor. + +Orestes +Your brother and your dead father perhaps gnaw at your heart. + +Electra +Alas! For what is dearer to me than they? + +Orestes +Ah! What are you to your brother, do you think? + +Electra +He is far away, not here to be my friend. + +Orestes +Why are you living here, far from the city? + +Electra +I am married, stranger; a deadly match. + +Orestes +I pity your brother. Is your husband a Mycenaean? + +Electra +Not one to whom my father ever hoped to give me. + +Orestes +Tell me so that I may hear and inform your brother. + +Electra +I live in his house, at a distance from the city. + +Orestes +A ditch-digger or a herdsman is worthy of the house. + +Electra +He is a man poor but noble, and respectful to me. + +Orestes +What is this respect that your husband has? + +Electra +He has never dared to touch me in bed. + +Orestes +Does he hold some form of religious chastity, or does he think you unworthy? + +Electra +He did not think himself worthy to insult my family. + +Orestes +And how was he not delighted to make such a marriage? + +Electra +He thinks the person who gave me did not have that right, stranger. + +Orestes +I understand; he fears that he may someday be punished by Orestes. + +Electra +He does fear that, but he is also a virtuous man. + + +Orestes +Ah! You have described a noble man, and he must be treated well. + +Electra +Yes, if ever the one now absent comes home. + +Orestes +But did your mother, who gave you birth, endure this? + +Electra +Women love their husbands, stranger, not their children. + +Orestes +Why did Aegisthus insult you in this way? + +Electra +He planned for me to bear powerless children, when he gave me to such a man. + +Orestes +So that you might not bear sons to punish him, of course? + +Electra +That was his plan; may he make amends to me for it! + +Orestes +Does your mother’s husband know that you are a virgin? + +Electra +He does not know; we steal that from him by our silence. + +Orestes +Are these women who hear our talk friends of yours ? + +Electra +They will keep both your words and mine well hidden. + +Orestes +What then could Orestes do in this matter if he comes to Argos? + +Electra +Do you ask this? You have said a shameful word; isn’t it the critical time now? + +Orestes +But if he does come, how might he kill his father’s murderers? + +Electra +By daring such things as his enemies dared against my father. + +Orestes +And would you dare, with him, to kill your mother? + +Electra +Yes, with that same axe by which my father died. + +Orestes +Am I to tell him this, and that your purpose is steadfast? + +Electra +Once I had shed my mother’s blood, I might die! + +Orestes +Ah! Would that Orestes were near by, to hear that! + +Electra +But, stranger, I would not know him if I saw him. + +Orestes +No wonder, for you were both young when you were parted. + +Electra +There is only one of my friends who would recognize him. + +Orestes +The man who is said to have stolen him away from murder? + +Electra +Yes, the old man, my father’s old servant. + +Orestes +Did the dead man, your father, find burial? + +Electra +He found what he could, cast out of the house. + +Orestes +Alas, the things you have said! For perception of suffering, even another’s, gnaws at mortals. Speak, so that when I know, I may tell your brother the story, unpleasant, but necessary to hear. Pity is not present at all in clownishness, +but in wise men. And indeed it is not without mischief for the wise to have overly profound thoughts. + +Chorus Leader +And I have the same desire in my heart as this man. Being far from the town, I do not know the city’s scandals, and now I want to learn them. + + +Electra +I will speak, if I must—and one must speak to a friend—about my own and my father’s heavy misfortunes. Since you are setting the tale in motion, I entreat you, stranger, tell Orestes of our sorrows, mine and his. First of all, in what clothes I live like a beast in a stall, +with what filth I am weighted down, under what roof I dwell, having lived in a royal home; I myself working hard on my clothes at the loom, or else I shall go barely clad and do without; always carrying water from the springs myself, +with no share in the festival rites, no part in the dance. I turn away from married women, as a virgin; and I turn away from Castor, who sought me in marriage before he joined the gods, for I was his relative. But my mother, in the spoils of Troy, +is seated on her throne, and at her chair stand slaves from Asia, my father’s plunder, fastening their Trojan robes with golden brooches. And still my father’s blood has rotted black on the wall, while the one who killed him +mounts the same chariot and goes forth; and is proud to hold in his blood-stained hands the scepter with which my father used to command the Hellenes. Agamemnon’s grave, dishonoured, has not yet ever received any libations, or branch of myrtle, +but his altar is barren of ornament. That famous one, my mother’s husband, leaps on the grave, they say, when soaked in drink, and pelts my father’s marble monument with stones, and dares to say this to us: +Where is your son Orestes? Is he here to defend the tomb for you nobly? Orestes is insulted in this way while absent. But, stranger, I beg you, report these things. There are many calling him to come—I am their interpreter—these hands, this tongue, my broken heart, +my shorn head, and his own father. For it is shameful, if his father exterminated the Trojans but Orestes is unable to kill a man, one against one, being young and born from a more noble father. + +Chorus Leader +And look, I see him, I mean your husband, +on his way home, his day’s work done. + + +Peasant +Entering and catching sight of strangers talking to Electra. +Oh! who are these strangers I see at my door? Why have they come here to my rustic gate? Do they want something from me? For it is shameful for a woman to be standing with young men. + +Electra +Dearest, do not be suspicious of me; you shall hear the truth; for these strangers have come to me as messengers of news from Orestes. But, strangers, pardon him for what he said. + +Peasant +What do they say? The man is alive and sees the light of day? + +Electra +He is, at least in their report, and I believe them. + +Peasant +Surely then he remembers something of your father’s wrongs and your own? + +Electra +These are things to hope for; a man in exile is powerless. + +Peasant +What message from Orestes have they come to declare? + +Electra +He sent them as spies of my wrongs. + +Peasant +Then they see a part of it, and perhaps you are telling them the rest. + +Electra +They know; they have all these things in abundance. + +Peasant +Then shouldn’t you have opened the doors to them long before? Go into the house; for in return for your good tidings, you shall find as much hospitality as my house holds in store. +Servants, take their baggage within the house. Do not contradict me, since you are friends coming from a friend; for, even if I am poor, I will not display manners that are ill-bred. + + +Orestes +By the gods! Is this the man who makes a fraud of your marriage, +because he does not want to shame Orestes? + +Electra +This is the one who is called my husband, unhappy as I am. + +Orestes +Ah! There is no exact way to test a man’s worth; for human nature has confusion in it. For instance, I have seen before now the son of a noble father +worth nothing, and good children from evil parents; famine in a rich man’s spirit, and a mighty soul in a poor man’s body. How then does one rightly distinguish and judge these things? By wealth? A sorry test to use. +Or by those who have nothing? But poverty has a disease, it teaches a man to be wicked in his need. But shall I turn to warfare? Who, facing the enemy’s spear, could be a witness as to who is brave? It is best to leave these matters alone, at random. +For this man, neither important in Argos, nor puffed up by the good reputation of his family, but one of the many, has been found to be the best. Do not be foolish, you who wander about full of empty notions, but judge those noble among men by their company +and by their habits. For such men rule well both states and homes; while those bodies that are empty of mind are only ornaments in the market-place. For the strong arm does not await the battle any better than the weak; +this depends on natural courage. But, since Agamemnon’s son, both present and not present, for whose sake we have come, is worthy of it, let us accept a lodging in this house. Calling to his servants. We must go within this house, slaves. May a man poor +but eager be a better host for me than a rich man! And so I am content with the reception into this man’s house, though I would have wanted your brother, in good fortune, to lead me to his fortunate home. Perhaps he may come; the oracles of Loxias are +sure, but human prophecy I dismiss. +Exeunt Orestes and Pylades. + + +Chorus Leader +Now more than before, Electra, I feel the warmth of joy at my heart; for perhaps good fortune, advancing with difficulty, might come to a good resting-place. + +Electra +O reckless man, why, knowing the poverty of your house, +did you welcome these strangers, greater than you? + +Peasant +What? If they are really as noble as they seem, won’t they be equally content among great and small? + +Electra +Since you, one of the small, have now made this error, go to my father’s dear old servant, +who tends his flocks, an outcast from the city, by the river Tanaus which cuts a boundary between Argive land and the land of Sparta; bid him come, since these men have arrived at my house, and provide something for the guests’ meal. +He will be glad, and will offer prayers to the gods, when he hears that the child, whom he once saved, is alive. I cannot get anything from my mother or from my father’s house; for we would bring bitter news, if she, the hard-hearted, were to learn that Orestes is still alive. + +Peasant +I will take this message to the old man, if you wish; but go inside the house at once and make things ready there. Surely a woman, if she wants to, can find many additions to a meal. Really there is still enough in the house +to cram them with food for one day at least. It is in such cases, whenever I fail in my intentions, that I see how wealth has great power, to give to strangers, and to expend in curing the body when it falls sick; but money for our daily food +comes to little; for every man when full, rich or poor, gets an equal amount. Exeunt Electra and Peasant.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +O famous ships, you that once with countless oars went to Troy, conducting dances with the Nereids, +where the music-loving dolphin leapt and rolled at your dark-blue prows, bringing Achilles, the son of Thetis, light in the leap of his foot, +with Agamemnon to the banks of Trojan Simois.
+ + +
+Chorus +The Nereids, leaving Euboea’s headlands, brought from Hephaestus’ anvil his shield-work of golden armor, +up to Pelion and the glens at the foot of holy Ossa, the Nymphs’ watch-tower . . . where his father, the horseman, was training the son of Thetis as a light for Hellas, +sea-born, swift-footed for the sons of Atreus.
+ + +
+Chorus +I heard, from someone who had arrived at the harbor of Nauplia from Ilium, that +on the circle of your famous shield, O son of Thetis, were wrought these signs, a terror to the Phrygians: on the surrounding base of the shield’s rim, Perseus the throat-cutter, over +the sea with winged sandals, was holding the Gorgon’s body, with Hermes, Zeus’ messenger, the rustic son of Maia.
+ + +
+Chorus +In the center of the shield the sun’s bright circle +was shining on winged horses, and the heavenly chorus of stars, Pleiades, Hyades, bringing defeat to the eyes of Hector; +and upon his gold-forged helmet were sphinxes, bearing in their talons prey from singing. On his breast-plate a lioness, breathing flame, was eager in flight, with her claws, +seeing the colt of Pirene.
+ + +
+Chorus +On the bloody hilt four-footed horses were prancing, while over their backs black dust rose up. But your adultery killed the lord of such mighty warriors, +evil-minded daughter of Tyndareus! For this the gods of heaven will one day send you to death; +truly the day will come when I shall see, under your red throat, blood gushing forth at the sword.
+ + + +
+Old man +Where, where is my young queen and mistress, Agamemnon’s child, whom I once brought up? How steep is the approach to her house, +for a wrinkled old man to ascend with this foot! Still, for these friends, I must drag along my back bent double and sinking knees. Oh, daughter—for I see you now before the house—I have come, bringing you from my own sheep +this newborn nursling of the flock, having drawn it away from its mother, and garlands, and cheeses I have taken from the press, and this old treasure of Dionysus, furnished with fragrance, small, but sweet to pour a cup of it into a weaker drink. +Let some one carry these gifts into the house for the guests. I have moistened my eyes with tears, and wish to wipe them off on this shred of my robe. + +Electra +Why are your eyes wet, old man? Have my troubles stirred your memory, after an interval of time? +Or are you groaning over the sad exile of Orestes, and over my father, whom you once held in your arms and brought up, in vain for you and for your friends? + +Old man +In vain; but still I could not endure this: for I came to his grave, an addition to my journey, +and falling on it I wept for its desolation; then I opened the wine-skin which I am bringing to the guests, and poured a libation, and set myrtle-sprigs round the tomb. On the alter itself I saw a black-fleeced ram as an offering, and there was blood, not long poured out, +and severed locks of yellow hair. And I wondered, child, who ever dared come to the the tomb; for it was no Argive at least. But perhaps your brother has somehow come secretly and on his return has done honor to his father’s wretched grave. +Go look to see if the color of the cut lock is the same as yours, putting it to your own hair; it is usual for those who have the same paternal blood to have a close bodily resemblance in most points. + + +Electra +Old man, your words are unworthy of a wise man, +if you think my own brave brother would come to this land secretly for fear of Aegisthus. Then, how will a lock of hair correspond, the one made to grow in the wrestling schools of a well-bred man, the other, a woman’s lock, by combing? No, it is impossible. +But you could find in many people hair very similar, although they are not of the same blood, old man. + +Old man +Then stand in the footprint and see if the tread of the boot will measure with your own foot, child. + +Electra +How could there be an imprint of feet on a stony plot of ground? +And if there is, the foot of brother and sister would not be the same in size, for the male conquers. + +Old man +There is not, even if your brother, coming to this land . . . by which you might know your loom’s weaving, +in which I once stole him away from death? + +Electra +Don’t you know that I was still young when Orestes was driven out of the land? And even if I had woven him a robe, how could he, a child then, have the same one now, unless his clothes grew together with his body? +But either a stranger, taking pity on his grave. . . + + +Old man +Where are the guests? I want to see them and question them about your brother. + +Electra +There they are, coming quickly out of the house. + +Old man +They are well-born, but that may ring false; for many of the well-born are base. However; I give the guests welcome. + +Orestes +Welcome, old man! To which of your friends, Electra, does this ancient remnant of a man belong? + +Electra +This is the one who brought up my father, stranger. + +Orestes +What are you saying? Is this the one who stole away your brother? + +Electra +This is the one who saved him, if indeed he is still alive. + +Orestes +Oh! Why does he look at me, as if he were examining the clear mark impressed on a silver coin? Is he comparing me to someone? + +Electra +Perhaps he is glad to see in you a companion of Orestes. + +Orestes +A beloved man, yes. But why is he circling all around me? + +Electra +I too am amazed, looking at this, stranger. + +Old man +O mistress, daughter Electra, pray to the gods. + +Electra +For what thing, present or absent? + +Old man +To have a beloved treasure, which the god is revealing. + +Electra +See: I call on the gods. Or whatever do you mean, old man? + +Old man +Look now at this man, my child, your dearest one. + +Electra +I have been looking for a long time, to see whether you have lost your mind. + +Old man +Lost my mind, because I see your brother? + +Electra +What do you mean, old man, by this word, unhoped for? + +Old man +That I see Orestes here, Agamemnon’s son. + +Electra +What mark do you see, by which I shall be persuaded? + +Old man +A scar along his brow, where he fell and drew blood one day in his father’s home when chasing a fawn with you. + +Electra +What are you saying? I see the sign of the fall. + +Old man +Then do you hesitate to embrace your dearest one? + +Electra +Not any longer, old man; for my heart is persuaded by your tokens. O you who have appeared at last, I hold you, beyond all hope. + +Orestes +And you are held by me at last. + +Electra +I never expected it. + +Orestes + Nor did I hope. + +Electra + Are you that one? + +Orestes + Yes, your one ally. If I draw back the cast of the net I am aiming for—but I have confidence; or else we must no longer believe in gods, if wrong is to be victorious over right. + + +
+Chorus +You have come, you have come, oh, long-delayed day, you have lighted up, you have made visible a beacon to the city, who in long ago exile went forth from his father’s house, unhappily wandering. +A god, now, a god brings our victory, my dear. Lift up your hands, lift up your words, send prayers to the gods for your brother with fortune, with fortune, +to enter the city. + + +Orestes +Well; I have the loving pleasures of your greeting and later I will give them back in turn. You, old man, for you have come at the right time, tell me, what should I do to avenge myself on my father’s murderer +and on my mother,the partner in his unholy marriage? Do I still have any well-disposed friends in Argos? Or am I wholly bankrupt, just as my fortunes are? With whom shall I ally myself? By night or day? What course shall I take against my enemies? + +Old man +Child, you have no friend in your misfortune. For this thing is a godsend indeed, to share in common, both good and bad. But you—for you have been destroyed from the foundations, in the eyes of your friends, and you have left them no hope—hear it from me and know: +all that you have is in your own arm and fortune, to win your father’s home and your city. + +Orestes +What must I do then to accomplish this? + +Old man +Kill Thyestes’ son and your mother. + +Orestes +I have come for that victor’s crown; but how shall I grasp it? + +Old man +Not by going within the walls, even if you wanted to. + +Orestes +Is he well furnished with garrisons and body-guards? + +Old man +You have understood; for, clearly, he is afraid of you, and does not sleep. + +Orestes +Well; it is for you to plan the next step, old man. + +Old man +Hear me then; for something has just come to me. + +Orestes +May you reveal something good, and may I understand it. + +Old man +I saw Aegisthus, when I was on my way here. + +Orestes +I approve what you have said. Where was he? + +Old man +Near these fields, at his stables. + +Orestes +What was he doing? I see some hope, out of difficulties. + +Old man +He was preparing a feast for the Nymphs, I thought. + +Orestes +In return for the bringing up of children or for a coming birth? + +Old man +I only know this: he was preparing to sacrifice an ox. + +Orestes +With how many men? Or alone with his slaves? + +Old man +No Argive was there, but a band of his own servants. + +Orestes +Surely there isn’t anyone who will know me if he sees me, old man? + +Old man +There are slaves, who have never even seen you. + +Orestes +Would they be well disposed to me, if I should prevail? + +Old man +Yes, for that is the way of slaves, luckily for you. + +Orestes +However might I approach him then? + +Old man +By going where he will see you as he sacrifices. + +Orestes +He has fields by the road, it seems? + +Old man +Yes, and when he sees you there, he will invite you to the feast. + +Orestes +I shall be a bitter companion in the feast, if the god wishes it. + +Old man +After that, you yourself invent something, as it falls out. + +Orestes +Well said. But my mother, where is she? + +Old man +At Argos; but she will join her husband for the feast. + +Orestes +Why didn’t my mother set out with her husband? + +Old man +From fear of the citizens’ reproach she stayed behind. + +Orestes +I understand; she knows that the city suspects her. + +Old man +Something like that; for an unholy woman is an object of hatred. + + +Orestes +How then shall I kill her and him at once? + +Electra +I shall prepare my mother’s slaughter! + +Orestes +And as for the other matter, fortune will ordain well. + +Electra +Let this man here help us with both. + +Old man +I will; but how will you find a way to kill your mother? + +Electra +Go to Clytemnestra, old man, and say this: report that I have given birth to a male child. + +Old man +That you have given birth some time ago, or quite recently? + +Electra +Ten days ago, in which a woman who has given birth stays pure. + +Old man +And how does this grant us the slaughter of your mother? + +Electra +She will come, when she hears of my childbirth pangs. + +Old man +How is that? Do you think she cares for you, child? + +Electra +Yes; and she will weep, surely, over my child’s low rank. + +Old man +Perhaps; bring your story back again to the turning-point. + +Electra +Well then, if she comes, it is clear that she will die. + +Old man +Yes, she will come right up to the door of your house. + +Electra +Won’t it then be a little thing for her to turn aside to Hades? + +Old man +May I die, once I have seen this! + +Electra +First of all, old man, guide my brother— + +Old man +To the place where Aegisthus is now sacrificing to the gods? + +Electra +Then, going to meet my mother, give her my message. + +Old man +So that the very words will seem to have been said by you. + +Electra +To Orestes +Your work begins at once; you have drawn the first lot in the slaughter. + +Orestes +I would go, if some one would show me the way. + +Old man +Yes, I can escort you myself, not against my will. + + +Orestes +O Zeus, god of my fathers, be also the vanquisher of my enemies— + +Electra +And have pity on us; for we have suffered pitiably— + +Old man +Yes, indeed, have pity on your own descendants. + +Electra +And Hera, you who rule Mycenae’s altars— + +Orestes +Give us victory, if we are asking for what is right. + +Old man +Yes, indeed, give them the right of vengeance for their father. + +Orestes +You too, father, living below the earth through an unholy deed— + +Electra +And Lady Earth, to whom I give my hands— + +Old man +Defend, defend these, your dearest children. + +Orestes +Now come and bring with you all the dead as allies. + +Electra +Those who destroyed the Trojans in war with you— + +Old man +And all who hate the unholy and polluted. + +Electra +Do you hear me, you who suffered dreadful things from my mother? + +Old man +Your father hears everything, I know; but it is time to be on our way. + +Electra +And I tell you therefore that Aegisthus is to die; if you fall dead in the struggle, I am also dead, do not count me as alive; for I will strike my heart with a two-edged sword. I will go indoors and make things ready there. +So that if a good report comes from you, the whole house will cry aloud in triumph; but, if you die, it will be the opposite of that. These are my words to you. + +Orestes + I know it all. + +Electra + Therefore you must be a man.Exeunt Orestes, Pylades, and Old Man. And you, women, please take care to give +a shout in signal of this contest. I will keep a sword ready, holding it in my hand, for I will not ever, if defeated, submit to my enemies the right to insult my body. +Exit Electra.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +The story remains in old legends +that Pan, the keeper of wild beasts, breathing sweet-voiced music on his well-joined pipes, once brought from its tender mother on Argive hills +a lamb with beautiful golden fleece. A herald stood on the stone platform and cried aloud, To assembly, Mycenaeans, go to assembly + to see the omens given to our blessed rulers. . . . and they honored the house of Atreus.
+ + +
+Chorus +The altars of beaten gold were set out; and through the town the +altar fires of the Argives blazed; the flute, handmaid of the Muse’s song, sounded its note sweetly, and lovely songs of the golden lamb swelled forth, saying that Thyestes had the luck; for he +persuaded Atreus’ own wife to secret love, and carried off to his house the portent; coming before the assembly he declared that he had in his +house the horned sheep with fleece of gold.
+ + +
+Chorus +Then, it was then that Zeus changed the radiant paths of the stars, and the light of the sun, and the +bright face of dawn; and the sun drove across the western back of the sky with hot flame from heaven’s fires, while the rain-clouds went northward and Ammon’s +lands grew parched and faint, not knowing moisture, robbed of heaven’s fairest showers of rain.
+ + +
+Chorus +It is said, but I have small belief in it, that the sun turned round his glowing +throne of gold, changing it to the misfortune of mankind, for the punishment of mortals. But tales that frighten men are profitable for service to the gods; of whom you had no thought, when you +killed your husband, you who are the relative of famous brothers.
+ + + +
+Chorus Leader +Oh, oh! My friends, did you hear a noise—or did an empty notion come to me?—like the underground rumbling from Zeus? Look, the breeze rises, bringing with it a sign. +Mistress, Electra, leave the house! + +Electra +Rushing out +My friends, what is it? How do we stand in the contest? + +Leader +I only know this; I hear a wailing that means bloodshed. + +Electra +I heard it also, far off, but still heard. + +Leader +Yes, the sound is coming a long way, but it is clear. + +Electra +The groan was of an Argive; was it from my friends? + +Leader +I don’t know; for the whole tune of the shout is confused. + +Electra +You are calling out to me my death; why do I delay? + +Leader +Hold back, to learn your fortune clearly. + +Electra +No, no; we are vanquished; where are the messengers? + +Leader +They will come; it is no trivial matter to kill a king. + +Messenger +O victorious maidens of Mycenae, I report to all his friends that Orestes has conquered, and Aegisthus, the murderer of Agamemnon, lies on the ground; but we must offer prayers to the gods. + +Electra +Who are you? How trustworthy is your announcement? + +Messenger +Don’t you know your brother’s servant when you look at me? + +Electra +O best of friends! I could not recognize your face out of fear; but now I know you well. What are you saying? Is my father’s hated murderer dead? + +Messenger +He is dead; I am telling you twice what you certainly want to hear. + +Electra +O gods, and all-seeing justice, at last you have come. In what way and by what form of death did he kill Thyestes’ son? I would like to learn. + + + +Messenger +After we had left this house, +we stepped onto the broad highway and went to the place where the famous King of Mycenae was. He turned out to be walking in a well-watered garden, plucking a wreath of tender myrtle-sprays for his head; when he saw us, he called out, Welcome, strangers! Who are you + and from where do you come? from what country? Orestes said, We are Thessalians, going to the Alpheus river to sacrifice to Olympian Zeus. When Aegisthus heard that, he said, You must be my guests for the feast + with us now, for I happen to be sacrificing an ox to the Nymphs; and if you get out of bed at dawn, it will make no difference to you. But let us go within—while he was addressing us, he took us by the hand and led us off the road—you must not refuse. +And when we were in the house, he gave the command: Let someone bring water immediately for my guests, so that they may stand around the altar near the basin. But Orestes said: Just now we purified ourselves in clean water from the river’s streams. + So if strangers must join in the sacrifice with citizens, Aegisthus, we are ready and will not refuse, lord. So they ended their public conversation. The slaves who formed the master’s bodyguard laid aside their spears, and all applied their hands to the work. +Some brought the bowl to catch the blood, others took up baskets, while others kindled fire and set cauldrons around the hearth, and the whole roof rang. Then your mother’s bed-fellow took barley for sprinkling, and cast it upon the altar with these words, +Nymphs of the rocks, may I and my wife, the daughter of Tyndareus, often sacrifice at home, in good fortune as now, and may my enemies suffer—meaning you and Orestes. But my master prayed for the opposite, not speaking the words aloud, +that he might win his father’s house. Aegisthus took from a basket a long straight knife, and cutting off some of the calf’s hair laid it with his right hand on the sacred fire, and then cut the calf’s throat when the servants had lifted it upon their shoulders, and said this to your brother: +They boast that this is among the honorable accomplishments for the Thessalians: to cut up a bull rightly and to tame horses; take the knife, stranger, and show us if the report about the Thessalians is true. + +Orestes seized in his hands the well-hammered Dorian knife and +threw from his shoulders his graceful buckled robe; he chose Pylades as an assistant in the work and drove back the servants; and taking the calf by the hoof, he laid bare its white flesh, with arm outstretched, and flayed the hide quicker than a runner +finishes the two laps of the horses’ race-course; and then he laid the flanks open. Aegisthus took the entrails in his hands and inspected them. Now the liver had no lobe, while the portal vein and near-by gall-bladder revealed threatening approaches to the one who was observing it. +Aegisthus was angry, but my master asked, Why are you disheartened? Stranger, I fear some treachery from abroad. Agamemnon’s son is the man I hate most, and an enemy to my house. But Orestes said, Do you really fear treachery from an exile, + when you rule the city? Instead of the Dorian knife, let someone bring me a Thessalian axe and let me split the breast-bone, so that we may hold the sacrificial feast. He took the axe and cut. Now Aegisthus took up the entrails, and was inspecting and sorting them out. As he was bending down, +your brother rose on tiptoe and struck him on the spine; his back-bone broke apart; with his whole body he struggled up and down, and cried out, dying hard in his blood. As soon as the servants saw it, they rushed to arms, +many to fight against two; yet Pylades and Orestes in their bravery stood to face them, brandishing their weapons. Then he said: I do not come hostile to this city or to my own servants; I, the unhappy Orestes, have avenged myself on the murderer of my father; + but do not kill me, old servants of my father! They, when they heard his words, held back their spears, and he was recognized by an old man, who had been long in the household. Immediately they crowned your brother with a wreath, and shouted with joy. +And he comes bringing a head to show you, not that of the Gorgon, but of the one you hate, Aegisthus; his death today has paid in blood a bitter debt of blood. +
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +Set your step to the dance, my dear, +like a fawn leaping high up to heaven with joy. Your brother is victorious and has accomplished the wearing of a crown . . . beside the streams of Alpheus. Come sing +a glorious victory ode, to my dance. + + +Electra +O light, O blaze of the sun, drawn by its team! O earth and night, all that I saw before; now I am free to open my eyes, for Aegisthus, my father’s murderer, has fallen. +Come, let me bring out whatever adornment for hair that I have and my house contains, friends, and I shall wreath the head of my conquering brother.
+ + +
+Chorus +It is for you to bring adornment now for his head; +our dance, dear to the Muses, will go on. Now, those who were once our dear kings will rule our land justly, having destroyed the unjust. So let the shout, harmonious with joy, go up.
+ + + +
+ +Electra +O glorious victor, Orestes, son of a father victorious in battle under Troy, receive this band for the locks of your hair. You have come home, running a contest of the stadium that was not useless, but rather killing +Aegisthus, the murderer of your father and mine. And you, his companion, Pylades, taught by a most pious father, receive a garland from my hand; for you also bear an equal part of the contest, with Orestes. May you always seem to me fortunate! + +Orestes +First believe that the gods, Electra, are the leaders of our fortune, and then praise me as the servant of them and of fate. I come, having killed Aegisthus not in word but in deed; to add this proof to your knowledge, +I am bringing you his corpse, which, if you wish, you may expose as prey for wild animals or impale and press it down on a stake as spoil for birds, the children of the air; for now he is your slave, once called your master. + +Electra +I am ashamed, but equally I wish to speak. + +Orestes +What is it? Speak, as you are free from fear. + +Electra +I am ashamed to insult the dead, for fear someone might hurl malice at me. + +Orestes +There is no one who would blame you. + +Electra +Our citizens are hard to please, and love scandal. + +Orestes +Speak, if you need to say anything, sister; for we engaged in hostilities with him on terms without truce. + + +ElectraTurning to the corpse of Aegisthus +Well then! Which of your evil acts shall I tell of first, as a beginning? What sort of end shall I make? What part of my speech shall I assign to the middle place? And yet I never ceased, throughout the early mornings, +repeating what I wished to say to your face, if ever I were free from my old terrors. And now I am; so I will pay you back with those reproaches I wanted to make when you were alive. You destroyed me, and orphaned me +and this man here of a dear father, though you were wronged in no way by us; and you made a shameful marriage with my mother, and killed her husband, who led the armies of Hellas, though you never went to Troy. You were so foolish that you really expected, in marrying my mother, that she would not be unfaithful to you, +though you were wronging my father’s bed. Know that whoever ruins another’s wife, in secret love, and then is forced to take her himself, is pitiable, if he thinks that the chastity which did not govern her before will do so with him. +You lived most miserably, although you thought it otherwise; you knew well that you had made an unholy marriage, and my mother knew that she had in you an impious husband. Both being wicked, she took up your fortune, you her evil. +Among all the Argives you would hear this: That woman’s husband, not that man’s wife. Although this is a shameful thing, for the wife to rule the house and not the husband; and I hate those children who are called in the city not the sons of the man, their father, +but of their mother. For instance, when a man makes a remarkable marriage, one above his rank, there is no talk of the husband but only of the wife. This deceived you the most, in your ignorance: you professed to be some one, strong in your wealth, +but that is nothing, except to associate with briefly. It is nature that is secure, not wealth; for, always standing by, it takes away troubles; but prosperity, when it lives wickedly and with fools, flies out of the house, flowering for a short time. +As to your women, I am silent—for it is not good for a maiden to speak of this—but I will tell riddles that can be understood. You were insolent because you had a king’s house and were endowed with good looks. May I never have a husband with a girl’s face, but one with a man’s ways. +For the children of the latter cling to a life of arms, while the fair ones are only an ornament in the dance. +Spurning the corpse with her foot Begone, knowing nothing of how you were discovered and paid the penalty in time. So let no evildoer suppose, even if he runs the first step well, +that he will get the better of Justice, until he comes to the end of the finish-line and makes the last turn in life. + + +Chorus Leader +He did terrible things, and repaid them to you and Orestes; for Justice has great strength. + +Electra +Well then; you must carry the body of this man inside +and hide it, slaves, so that when my mother comes, she may not see his corpse before her slaughter. + +Orestes +Wait! Let us go into another matter. + +Electra +What? Those are not rescuers from Mycenae whom I see? + +Orestes +No, but the mother who bore me. + +Electra +Then finely she walks to the middle of the net. —And here she comes, splendid in her chariot and dress. + +Orestes +What are we going to do? Shall we kill our mother? + +Electra +Surely pity did not seize you, when you saw your mother? + +Orestes +Ah! How can I kill her when she bore me and brought me up? + +Electra +As she killed your father and mine. + +Orestes +O Phoebus, you prophesied a great folly— + +Electra +Where Apollo is a fool, who are the wise? + +Orestes +You who declared I was to kill my mother, whom it is clearly wrong to kill. + +Electra +How can you be hurt by avenging your father? + +Orestes +I shall stand trial as a matricide, though I was pure before. + +Electra +And by not defending your father, you will be impious. + +Orestes +I, my mother—? To whom will I pay the penalty for her murder? + +Electra +And to whom, if you give up our father’s vengeance? + +Orestes +Was it a fiend who spoke in the likeness of the god? + +Electra +Seated on the holy tripod? I do not think so. + +Orestes +I cannot believe that this oracle was well prophesied. + +Electra +Do not become a coward and fall into unmanliness! + +Orestes +Am I to devise the same crafty scheme for her? + +Electra +The same death that you gave to her husband, Aegisthus. + +Orestes +I will go in; it is a dreadful task I am beginning and I will do dreadful things. If the gods approve, let it be; to me the contest is bitter and also sweet. + + +
+Orestes withdraws into the house. +Chorus +Hail, Queen of the land of Argos, child of Tyndareus, +and sister of those two noble sons of Zeus who dwell in the fiery heavens among the stars, whose honored office it is to save mortals in the high waves. Welcome, I give you worship equal to the blessed gods +for your wealth and great prosperity. Now is the time to pay our court to your fortunes. Welcome, o queen. + + +Clytemnestra +Come out of the wagon, Trojan maids, and take my hand, that I may step down from the chariot. +The homes of the gods are adorned with Phrygian spoils, but I have obtained these women, choice objects from the land of Troy, in return for the daughter whom I lost, a slight reward but an ornament to my house. + +Electra +And, mother—for I live as a slave +in this miserable house, cast out from my father’s home—may I not take that blessed hand of yours? + +Clytemnestra +These slaves are here; take no trouble on my account. + +Electra +What? You sent me away from home, a captive; I was taken when my home was taken, like these, +all of us orphaned of a father. + + Clytemnestra +Well, your father laid such plots against those whom least of all he should have, his own family. I will tell you; although when a woman gets an evil reputation, her tongue is bitter. +In my opinion, not rightly; but it is correct for those who learn about the matter to hate, if it deserves hatred; if not, why hate at all? Now Tyndareus gave me to your father not so that I or any children I might bear should die. +But that man went from the house, taking my child, with the persuasion of a marriage with Achilles, to Aulis which held the fleet; and there he stretched Iphigenia over the pyre, and cut her white cheek. And if, as a cure for the capture of the city, +or as a benefit to his house, or to save his other children, he had killed one on behalf of many, I would have pardoned him. But, because Helen was lustful and the one who had her as a wife did not know how to punish the betrayer—for these reasons he destroyed my child. +Well, although I was wronged, I would not have been angry at this, nor would I have killed my husband. But he came back to me with a girl, raving and possessed, and put her in his bed, and had two brides at once in the same house. + +A woman is a foolish thing, I don’t deny it; but, this granted, whenever a husband goes astray and rejects his own bed, the woman is likely to imitate her husband and find another love. And then in us the blame shines clearly, +while the men, who caused this, are not badly spoken of. Now if Menelaus had been secretly snatched from his home, should I have killed Orestes to save Menelaus, my sister’s husband? How would your father have endured this? And so isn’t it right for him to die +when he had killed what was mine, since I would have suffered at his hands? I killed him, I turned where indeed it was possible to go—to his enemies. For which one of your father’s friends would have joined me in his murder? Speak, if you want to say anything, and make your retort with frankness, +in what way your father died unfairly. + +Chorus Leader +Justly spoken, but this justice is shameful. For a woman should yield to her husband in all things, if she has sense; anyone who does not agree does not come within the scope of what I say. + +Electra +Remember, mother, those last words of yours, giving me frankness towards you. + +Clytemnestra +I say it again, and I do not deny it, child. + +Electra +Then will you treat me badly, when you hear it? + +Clytemnestra +No, no, I will give some pleasure to your heart. + + +Electra +I will speak, and this is the beginning of my preface: oh, mother, I wish that you had a better heart. For though your beauty, and Helen’s, is worthy to bring you praise, yet you two were born true sisters, both frivolous, not worthy of Castor. +She was carried off, willingly ruined; and you have destroyed the bravest man in Greece, putting forward the excuse that you killed a husband for the sake of a child; for they don’t know you so well as I do. You who, before your daughter’s death was decided, +as soon as your husband had started from home, were adorning the golden locks of your hair at the mirror. A wife who decks herself out for beauty, when her husband is gone from home—strike her off the list as worthless. +There is no need for her to show her pretty face out of doors, unless she is seeking some mischief. Of all the women in Hellas you were the only one I know to be joyful when Troy was fortunate, and with a clouded face when it was weaker, since you did not want Agamemnon to return from Troy. +And yet it was in your power to be chaste, and rightly; you had a husband, no worse than Aegisthus, whom Hellas chose to be its commander; and when your sister Helen had done her work, it was possible for you to achieve great fame, +for the bad gives a standard of comparison to the good and provides a spectacle. But if, as you say, my father killed your daughter, what is the wrong I and and my brother have done you? How was it that after you had killed your husband, you did not assign to us our father’s home, +but you brought the goods belonging to another to bed, buying your marriage with wages? And how is it that your husband is not exiled in the place of your son, nor has he died in my place, although he has killed me, alive, twice as much as my sister? If murder, giving judgment, requites murder, your +son Orestes and I must kill you to avenge our father. For if that was just, then so is this. Whoever marries a wicked woman, looking to wealth or noble birth, is a fool; for humble wives, if chaste, are better in the home than great ones. + + +Chorus Leader +Chance is in the marriages of women; among mankind, I see some fall out well, others not. + +Clytemnestra +Child, it was always your nature to love your father. This is what happens: some children are for their fathers, others in turn love their mothers more than a father. +I will forgive you; for I do not rejoice so very much at what I have done, child. +You, a woman who has just given birth—why is your body so unwashed and meanly clad? Alas for my schemes! +I drove on in anger against my husband more than I should have. + +Electra +You sigh too late, when you have no remedy. My father is dead; but why do you not recall that exile, your own wandering son? + +Clytemnestra +l am afraid; I am looking to my interests, not his. +For he is angry, they say, over the murder of his father. + +Electra +And why do you cause your husband to be cruel to me? + +Clytemnestra +Such are his ways. You have a stubborn nature also. + +Electra +Yes, for I am in distress. Yet I will cease from my anger. + +Clytemnestra +And then he will no longer be harsh to you. + +Electra +He is proud; for he lives in my home. + +Clytemnestra +You see? Again you are rekindling new quarrels. + +Electra +I am silent; I fear him—as I fear him. + +Clytemnestra +Stop this talk! But why did you summon me, child? + +Electra +You have heard, I suppose, that I have given birth; +in thanks for this, please sacrifice—for I do not know how—on the tenth day, as is the custom for the child. For I have no experience, being childless before. + +Clytemnestra +This is work for another, the one who delivered you. + +Electra +I was all alone in my labor and at the baby’s birth. + +Clytemnestra +Is this household situated with no friends as neighbors? + +Electra +No one is willing to have the poor as friends. + +Clytemnestra +But I will go to make the tenth-day sacrifice to the gods for the child; and when I have done you this favor, I will go to the field where my husband is sacrificing to the +Nymphs. Take this team away, my attendants, and bring it to the stalls; and when you think that I have finished this sacrifice to the gods, be ready; for I must also please my husband. + +Electra +Go into a poor house; but please take care +that my smoke-grimed walls do not smear your robes with soot. For you will make the sacrifice to the gods that you ought to make. Going in to the house. The basket is ready, and the knife sharpened, the same that killed the bull by whose side you will lie, struck down. Even in Hades’ house you will be the bride of the one +whom you slept with in life. This is the favor I will give you, and you will give me retribution for my father. Exit Electra.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +Requital for evils; the breezes of the house shift and blow. At another time my leader, my own, fell murdered in the bath, +and the roof and stone walls of the house cried aloud, while he said: "O cruelty! My wife, why are you murdering me on my return to my dear country in the tenth year?" . . .
+ + +
+Chorus +Retribution for straying love has flowed back and brings to judgment the one who killed her wretched husband, when he came at last to his home and to the towering Cyclopean walls; with her own hand she killed him with the sharp-edged weapon, +holding the axe in her hands. Unhappy husband! whatever the curse that possessed that wretched woman. Like a lioness of the hills that ranges through the meadowland woods, she accomplished these things. + + + +within +Clytemnestra +O children, by the gods, do not kill your mother.
+ +
+Chorus +Do you hear her cries within the house?
+ +
+Clytemnestra +O God! Ah me! + +Chorus +I also wail for you, overpowered by your children. Truly the god deals out justice, whenever it befalls. +You have suffered cruelly, unhappy one, yet you did unholy things to your husband. + + +Chorus Leader +But here they come from the house, defiled in the newly shed blood of their mother, a triumphal rout, evidence of the pitiable sacrifice. +There is no house more pitiable than the race of Tantalus, nor has there ever been. The two corpses are shown.
+ + +
+ +Orestes +O Earth, and Zeus who sees all mortal acts, look at these loathsome bloody deeds, these two bodies +lying on the earth at the blow from my hand, atonement for my suffering . . . + +Electra +Too many tears, my brother, and I am the cause. Unhappy, that I came to fiery rage against this woman, who was my mother! + +Chorus +Alas for your fate; you gave birth to unbearable pain, and you suffered it, miserably and beyond, from your children. Yet you have rightly paid for their father’s murder.
+ + +
+Orestes +Ah, Phoebus! you proclaimed in song unclear justice, but you have brought about clear woes, and granted me a bloody destiny far from the land of Hellas. To what other city can I go? +What host, what pious man will look at me, who killed my mother? + +Electra +Ah me! Where can I go, to what dance, to what marriage? What husband will receive me +into the bridal bed? + +Chorus +Again, again your thought changes with the breeze; for now you think piously, though you did not before, and you did dreadful things, +my dear, to your unwilling brother.
+ + +
+Orestes +Did you see how the unhappy one threw off her robe and showed her bosom in the slaughter, alas, hurling to the ground the limbs that gave me birth? And her hair, I— + +Chorus +I know it well; you passed through agony, hearing the mournful wail of the mother that bore you.
+ + +
+Orestes +She uttered this cry, putting her hand to my chin: +My child, I entreat you! And she clung to my cheeks, so that the sword fell from my hand. + +Chorus +The unhappy one! How did you endure to see the blood +of your mother, breathing her last before your eyes?
+ + +
+Orestes +I threw my cloak over my eyes, and began the sacrifice by plunging the sword into my mother’s throat. + +Electra +And I urged you on and +put my hand to the sword together with you. + +Chorus +You have done the most dreadful of deeds.
+ + +
+Orestes +Take and hide the limbs of our mother beneath a robe, and close the wounds. Turning to the corpse Ah! You gave birth to your own murderers. + +Electra +Covering the corpse +There, I am putting this cloak over the one loved and not loved. + +Chorus +An end of great troubles for the house.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus Leader +Divine forms are seen above the house. But see the ones who are appearing over the top of the house—spirits or gods from heaven? +For this path does not belong to men. Why ever do they come into the clear sight of mortals? + + + +Dioskouroi +Son of Agamemnon, listen; the twin sons of Zeus, your mother’s brothers, +Castor and his brother Polydeuces, are calling you. Having just now calmed the swell of the sea, terrible for ships, we have come to Argos when we saw the slaying of our sister, your mother. Now she has her just reward, but you have not acted justly, +and Phoebus, Phoebus—but I am silent, for he is my lord; although he is wise, he gave you oracles that were not. But it is necessary to accept these things. As to what remains, you must do what Fate and Zeus have accomplished for you. Give Electra to Pylades as his wife to take to his home; +but you leave Argos; for it is not for you, who killed your mother, to set foot in this city. And the dread goddesses of death, the one who glare like hounds, will drive you up and down, a maddened wanderer. Go to Athens and embrace the holy image of Pallas; +for she will prevent them, flickering with dreadful serpents, from touching you, as she stretches over your head her Gorgon-faced shield. There is a hill of Ares, where the gods first sat over their votes to decide on bloodshed, +when savage Ares killed Halirrothius, son of the ocean’s ruler, in anger for the unholy violation of his daughter, so that the tribunal is most sacred and secure in the eyes of the gods. + +You also must run your risk here, for murder. +An equal number of votes cast will save you from dying by the verdict; for Loxias will take the blame upon himself, since it was his oracle that advised your mother’s murder. And this law will be set for posterity, that the accused will always win his case if he has equal votes. +Then the dread goddesses, stricken with grief at this, will sink into a cleft of the earth beside this hill, a holy, revered prophetic shrine for mortals. You must found an Arcadian city beside the streams of Alpheus near the sacred enclosure to Lycaean Apollo; +and the city will be called after your name. I say this to you. As for this corpse of Aegisthus, the citizens of Argos will cover it in the earth in burial. But as for your mother, Menelaus, who has arrived at Nauplia only now after capturing Troy, +will bury her, with Helen helping him; for she has come from Proteus’ house, leaving Egypt, and she never went to Troy; Zeus, to stir up strife and bloodshed among mortals, sent a phantom of Helen to Ilium. Now let Pylades, having one who is both a virgin and a married woman, +go home from the Achaean land, and let him conduct the one called your brother-in-law to the land of Phocis, and give him a weight of riches. But you set out along the narrow Isthmus, and go to Cecropia’s blessed hill. +For once you have completed your appointed lot of murder, you will be happy, freed from these troubles. +
+ + +
+Chorus +Sons of Zeus, is it right for us to draw near to speak with you? + +Dioskouroi +It is right, for those not polluted by this murder. + +Electra +May I too share your conversation, sons of Tyndareus? + +Dioskouroi +You too; to Phoebus I will attribute this bloody deed. + +Chorus +How was it that you, being gods and the brothers of this murdered woman, +did not keep the death-goddesses away from her house? + +Dioskouroi +Necessity’s fate led to what must be, and unwise speech from the mouth of Phoebus. + +Electra +But what Apollo, what sort of oracles, ordained for me to be my mother’s murderer? + +Dioskouroi +The deeds were shared, the fates were shared; one ancestral curse has ground down both. + +Orestes +Ah, my sister, seeing you after a long time, at once I am robbed of your affection, +and I must abandon you, abandoned by you. + +Dioskouroi +She has a husband and a home; she does not suffer pitiably, except that she leaves the city of the Argives. + +Electra +And what other unhappiness is greater +than to leave the boundary of one’s native land? + +Orestes +But I shall leave my father’s house, and at a stranger’s tribunal undergo trial for my mother’s murder. + +Dioskouroi +Have courage; you will go +to the holy town of Pallas; only hold out. + + +Electra +Clasp me to your breast, my dearest brother; for the curse of our mother’s blood is separating us from our father’s home. + +Orestes +Throw your arms in close embrace about me. Lament as if I were dead, over my grave. + +Dioskouroi +Alas! You have said things terrible even for gods to hear. For in me and in the Olympians there is +pity for much-suffering mortals. + +Orestes +I shall no longer see you! + +Electra +Nor will I draw near your sight! + +Orestes +These are my last words to you. + +Electra +Farewell, my city! +And a long farewell to you, my fellow-countrywomen! + +Orestes +Are you going already, most faithful one? + +Electra +I am going, my young eye wet with tears. + +Orestes +Go, Pylades, and be happy; marry Electra. + +Dioskouroi +Marriage will be for them to think of. But go towards Athens, seeking to escape these hounds of hell, for they are pursuing you fearfully, +the dark-skinned ones, with snakes for hands, holding a reward of dreadful pains. But we two must go in haste over the Sicilian sea to rescue the seagoing ships. As we go through the plains of the air, +we do not come to the aid of those who are polluted; but we save and release from severe hardships those who love piety and justice in their ways of life. And so, let no one wish to act unjustly, +or set sail with perjurers; as a god, I give this address to mortals. + +Chorus +Farewell! Any mortal who is able to fare well, and is not worn down by any misfortune, achieves happiness.
+
+
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-grc1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-grc1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 481a55852..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-grc1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14 +0,0 @@ -{ - "epidoc_compliant": false, - "fully_unicode": true, - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "has_cts_metadata": false, - "has_cts_refsDecl": false, - "id": "1999.01.0095", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/sdl/Euripides/eur.el_murray_gk.xml", - "status": "migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-grc1.xml", - "valid_xml": true -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-grc1.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-grc1.xml deleted file mode 100644 index ae54134ed..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-grc1.xml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2827 +0,0 @@ - - - - -Electra -Machine readable text -Euripides -Gilbert Murray -Perseus Project, Tufts University -Gregory Crane - -Prepared under the supervision of -Lisa Cerrato -William Merrill -Elli Mylonas -David Smith - -The Annenberg CPB/Project - -About 100Kb - -Trustees of Tufts University -Medford, MA -Perseus Project - 1996 - - - - -Euripides -Euripidis Fabulae, vol 2. - 257234643 -Gilbert Murray - -Oxford -Clarendon Press, Oxford -1913 - - - - - - - - - - - - -Greek - - - - -1988 - -Judith Nelson -tagging - -Basic SGML tagging - - -8/92 - -Bill Merrill -ed. - -Made Speakers lower case;tagged lacunae; cut L N="0006" L N="012" from line 328, '†L N="32" from 870; removed some caps; - - -6/95 - -Lisa Cerrato -ed. - -Added speaker tags where needed. - - -10/98 - -Bill Merrill -ed. - -Fixed cardbreaks at 464, 998; added line 463b. - - -23-Dec-99 - -Anne Mahoney -Markup - - -$Log: eur.el_murray_gk.xml,v $ -Revision 1.1 2013-09-13 11:17:31 balmas01 -moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory - -Revision 1.6 2013-06-13 12:41:23 gcrane -tagging now should be compatible with CTS - -Revision 1.5 2012-02-14 18:12:30 ajones06 -Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. - -Revision 1.4 2011-09-07 13:57:46 rsingh04 adding rend=displayNum to lb tags - -Revision 1.3 2011-03-30 17:16:22 gcrane small fixes - -Revision 1.2 2011-01-13 03:38:25 gcrane more refinements making these files SDL compatible - -Revision 1.1 2010-12-25 19:01:41 gcrane our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones -- - -Revision 1.1 2009/11/23 18:46:35 rsingh04 moved more xml files around based on copyright status - -Revision 1.2 2005/08/01 21:15:27 packel removed stray item tags - -Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 14:33:42 packel -Converted to XML - -Revision 1.9 2004/04/21 20:27:27 mimno added card 1s - -Revision 1.8 2003/09/09 18:02:08 amahoney put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff - -Revision 1.7 2003/07/01 22:16:09 yorkc -Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) - -Revision 1.6 2000/03/04 20:34:32 dasmith -Added separate funder entity to TEI header. - -Revision 1.5 2000/02/17 15:51:39 amahoney use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp - -Revision 1.4 1999/12/23 20:06:51 amahoney convert to P3 - - - - - - - - - - -Αὐτουργός -ὦ γῆς παλαιὸν ἄργος, Ἰνάχου ῥοαί, -ὅθεν ποτʼ ἄρας ναυσὶ χιλίαις Ἄρη -ἐς γῆν ἔπλευσε Τρῳάδʼ Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ. -κτείνας δὲ τὸν κρατοῦντʼ ἐν Ἰλιάδι χθονὶ -Πρίαμον, ἑλών τε Δαρδάνου κλεινὴν πόλιν, -ἀφίκετʼ ἐς τόδʼ Ἄργος, ὑψηλῶν δʼ ἐπὶ -ναῶν ἔθηκε σκῦλα πλεῖστα βαρβάρων. -κἀκεῖ μὲν εὐτύχησεν· ἐν δὲ δώμασι -θνῄσκει γυναικὸς πρὸς Κλυταιμήστρας δόλῳ -καὶ τοῦ Θυέστου παιδὸς Αἰγίσθου χερί. -χὣ μὲν παλαιὰ σκῆπτρα Ταντάλου λιπὼν -ὄλωλεν, Αἴγισθος δὲ βασιλεύει χθονός, -ἄλοχον ἐκείνου Τυνδαρίδα κόρην ἔχων. -οὓς δʼ ἐν δόμοισιν ἔλιφʼ ὅτʼ ἐς Τροίαν ἔπλει, -ἄρσενά τʼ Ὀρέστην θῆλύ τʼ Ἠλέκτρας θάλος, -τὸν μὲν πατρὸς γεραιὸς ἐκκλέπτει τροφεὺς -μέλλοντʼ Ὀρέστην χερὸς ὑπʼ Αἰγίσθου θανεῖν -Στροφίῳ τʼ ἔδωκε Φωκέων ἐς γῆν τρέφειν· -ἣ δʼ ἐν δόμοις ἔμεινεν Ἠλέκτρα πατρός, -ταύτην ἐπειδὴ θαλερὸς εἶχʼ ἥβης χρόνος, -μνηστῆρες ᾔτουν Ἑλλάδος πρῶτοι χθονός. -δείσας δὲ μή τῳ παῖδʼ ἀριστέων τέκοι -Ἀγαμέμνονος ποινάτορʼ, εἶχεν ἐν δόμοις -Αἴγισθος οὐδʼ ἥρμοζε νυμφίῳ τινί. - -ἐπεὶ δὲ καὶ τοῦτʼ ἦν φόβου πολλοῦ πλέων, -μή τῳ λαθραίως τέκνα γενναίῳ τέκοι, -κτανεῖν σφε βουλεύσαντος, ὠμόφρων ὅμως -μήτηρ νιν ἐξέσῳσεν Αἰγίσθου χερός. -ἐς μὲν γὰρ ἄνδρα σκῆψιν εἶχʼ ὀλωλότα, -παίδων δʼ ἔδεισε μὴ φθονηθείη φόνῳ. -ἐκ τῶνδε δὴ τοιόνδʼ ἐμηχανήσατο -Αἴγισθος· ὃς μὲν γῆς ἀπηλλάχθη φυγὰς -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, χρυσὸν εἶφʼ ὃς ἂν κτάνῃ, -ἡμῖν δὲ δὴ δίδωσιν Ἠλέκτραν ἔχειν -δάμαρτα, πατέρων μὲν Μυκηναίων ἄπο -γεγῶσιν — οὐ δὴ τοῦτό γʼ ἐξελέγχομαι· -λαμπροὶ γὰρ ἐς γένος γε, χρημάτων δὲ δὴ -πένητες, ἔνθεν ηὑγένειʼ ἀπόλλυται — -ὡς ἀσθενεῖ δοὺς ἀσθενῆ λάβοι φόβον. -εἰ γάρ νιν ἔσχεν ἀξίωμʼ ἔχων ἀνήρ, -εὕδοντʼ ἂν ἐξήγειρε τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος -φόνον δίκη τʼ ἂν ἦλθεν Αἰγίσθῳ τότε. -ἣν οὔποθʼ ἁνὴρ ὅδε — σύνοιδέ μοι Κύπρις — -ᾔσχυνεν εὐνῇ· παρθένος δʼ ἔτʼ ἐστὶ δή. -αἰσχύνομαι γὰρ ὀλβίων ἀνδρῶν τέκνα -λαβὼν ὑβρίζειν, οὐ κατάξιος γεγώς. -στένω δὲ τὸν λόγοισι κηδεύοντʼ ἐμοὶ -ἄθλιον Ὀρέστην, εἴ ποτʼ εἰς Ἄργος μολὼν -γάμους ἀδελφῆς δυστυχεῖς ἐσόψεται. - - -ὅστις δέ μʼ εἶναί φησι μῶρον, εἰ λαβὼν -νέαν ἐς οἴκους παρθένον μὴ θιγγάνω, -γνώμης πονηροῖς κανόσιν ἀναμετρούμενος -τὸ σῶφρον ἴστω καὐτὸς αὖ τοιοῦτος ὤν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ νὺξ μέλαινα, χρυσέων ἄστρων τροφέ, -ἐν ᾗ τόδʼ ἄγγος τῷδʼ ἐφεδρεῦον κάρᾳ -φέρουσα πηγὰς ποταμίας μετέρχομαι — -οὐ δή τι χρείας ἐς τοσόνδʼ ἀφιγμένη, -ἀλλʼ ὡς ὕβριν δείξωμεν Αἰγίσθου θεοῖς — -γόους τʼ ἀφίημʼ αἰθέρʼ ἐς μέγαν πατρί. -ἡ γὰρ πανώλης Τυνδαρίς, μήτηρ ἐμή, -ἐξέβαλέ μʼ οἴκων, χάριτα τιθεμένη πόσει· -τεκοῦσα δʼ ἄλλους παῖδας Αἰγίσθῳ πάρα -πάρεργʼ Ὀρέστην κἀμὲ ποιεῖται δόμων — - - -Αὐτουργός -τί γὰρ τάδʼ, ὦ δύστηνʼ, ἐμὴν μοχθεῖς χάριν -πόνους ἔχουσα, πρόσθεν εὖ τεθραμμένη, -καὶ ταῦτʼ ἐμοῦ λέγοντος οὐκ ἀφίστασαι; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐγώ σʼ ἴσον θεοῖσιν ἡγοῦμαι φίλον· -ἐν τοῖς ἐμοῖς γὰρ οὐκ ἐνύβρισας κακοῖς. -μεγάλη δὲ θνητοῖς μοῖρα συμφορᾶς κακῆς -ἰατρὸν εὑρεῖν, ὡς ἐγὼ σὲ λαμβάνω. -δεῖ δή με κἀκέλευστον εἰς ὅσον σθένω -μόχθου ʼπικουφίζουσαν, ὡς ῥᾷον φέρῃς, -συνεκκομίζειν σοι πόνους. ἅλις δʼ ἔχεις -τἄξωθεν ἔργα· τἀν δόμοις δʼ ἡμᾶς χρεὼν -ἐξευτρεπίζειν. εἰσιόντι δʼ ἐργάτῃ -θύραθεν ἡδὺ τἄνδον εὑρίσκειν καλῶς. - - -Αὐτουργός -εἴ τοι δοκεῖ σοι, στεῖχε· καὶ γὰρ οὐ πρόσω -πηγαὶ μελάθρων τῶνδʼ. ἐγὼ δʼ ἅμʼ ἡμέρᾳ -βοῦς εἰς ἀρούρας ἐσβαλὼν σπερῶ γύας. -ἀργὸς γὰρ οὐδεὶς θεοὺς ἔχων ἀνὰ στόμα -βίον δύναιτʼ ἂν ξυλλέγειν ἄνευ πόνου. - - - -Ὀρέστης -Πυλάδη, σὲ γὰρ δὴ πρῶτον ἀνθρώπων ἐγὼ -πιστὸν νομίζω καὶ φίλον ξένον τʼ ἐμοί· -μόνος δʼ Ὀρέστην τόνδʼ ἐθαύμαζες φίλων, -πράσσονθʼ ἃ πράσσω δείνʼ ὑπʼ Αἰγίσθου παθών, -ὅς μου κατέκτα πατέρα — χἡ πανώλεθρος -μήτηρ. ἀφῖγμαι δʼ ἐκ θεοῦ μυστηρίων -Ἀργεῖον οὖδας οὐδενὸς ξυνειδότος, -φόνον φονεῦσι πατρὸς ἀλλάξων ἐμοῦ. -νυκτὸς δὲ τῆσδε πρὸς τάφον μολὼν πατρὸς -δάκρυά τʼ ἔδωκα καὶ κόμης ἀπηρξάμην -πυρᾷ τʼ ἐπέσφαξʼ αἷμα μηλείου φόνου, -λαθὼν τυράννους οἳ κρατοῦσι τῆσδε γῆς. -καὶ τειχέων μὲν ἐντὸς οὐ βαίνω πόδα, -δυοῖν δʼ ἅμιλλαν ξυντιθεὶς ἀφικόμην -πρὸς τέρμονας γῆς τῆσδʼ, ἵνʼ ἐκβάλω ποδὶ -ἄλλην ἐπʼ αἶαν, εἴ μέ τις γνοίη σκοπῶν, -ζητῶν τʼ ἀδελφήν· φασὶ γάρ νιν ἐν γάμοις -ζευχθεῖσαν οἰκεῖν οὐδὲ παρθένον μένειν· -ὡς συγγένωμαι καὶ φόνου ξυνεργάτιν -λαβὼν τά γʼ εἴσω τειχέων σαφῶς μάθω. - -νῦν οὖν — ἕως γὰρ λευκὸν ὄμμʼ ἀναίρεται — -ἔξω τρίβου τοῦδʼ ἴχνος ἀλλαξώμεθα. -ἢ γάρ τις ἀροτὴρ ἤ τις οἰκέτις γυνὴ -φανήσεται νῷν, ἥντινʼ ἱστορήσομεν -εἰ τούσδε ναίει σύγγονος τόπους ἐμή. -ἀλλʼ — εἰσορῶ γὰρ τήνδε προσπόλον τινά, -πηγαῖον ἄχθος ἐν κεκαρμένῳ κάρᾳ -φέρουσαν — ἑζώμεσθα κἀκπυθώμεθα -δούλης γυναικός, ἤν τι δεξώμεσθʼ ἔπος -ἐφʼ οἷσι, Πυλάδη, τήνδʼ ἀφίγμεθα χθόνα. - - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -σύντεινʼ — ὥρα — ποδὸς ὁρμάν· ὤ, -ἔμβα, ἔμβα κατακλαίουσα· -ἰώ μοί μοι. -ἐγενόμαν Ἀγαμέμνονος -καί μʼ ἔτεκεν Κλυταιμήστρα -στυγνὰ Τυνδάρεω κόρα, -κικλήσκουσι δέ μʼ ἀθλίαν -Ἠλέκτραν πολιῆται. -φεῦ φεῦ σχετλίων πόνων -καὶ στυγερᾶς ζόας. -ὦ πάτερ, σὺ δʼ ἐν Ἀΐδα -κεῖσαι, σᾶς ἀλόχου σφαγαῖς -Αἰγίσθου τʼ, Ἀγάμεμνον. - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἴθι τὸν αὐτὸν ἔγειρε γόον, -ἄναγε πολύδακρυν ἁδονάν. - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -σύντεινʼ — ὥρα — ποδὸς ὁρμάν· ὤ, -ἔμβα, ἔμβα, κατακλαίουσα· -ἰώ μοί μοι. -τίνα πόλιν, τίνα δʼ οἶκον, ὦ -τλᾶμον σύγγονʼ, ἀλατεύεις -οἰκτρὰν ἐν θαλάμοις λιπὼν -πατρῴοις ἐπὶ συμφοραῖς -ἀλγίσταισιν ἀδελφάν; -ἔλθοις τῶνδε πόνων ἐμοὶ -τᾷ μελέᾳ λυτήρ, -ὦ Ζεῦ Ζεῦ, πατρί θʼ αἱμάτων -ἐχθίστων ἐπίκουρος, Ἄρ- -γει κέλσας πόδʼ ἀλάταν. - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -θὲς τόδε τεῦχος ἐμῆς ἀπὸ κρατὸς ἑ- -λοῦσʼ, ἵνα πατρὶ γόους νυχίους -ἐπορθροβοάσω, -ἰαχάν, Ἀΐδα μέλος, -Ἀΐδα, πάτερ, σοι -κατὰ γᾶς ἐνέπω γόους -οἷς ἀεὶ τὸ κατʼ ἦμαρ -διέπομαι, κατὰ μὲν φίλαν -ὄνυχι τεμνομένα δέραν -χέρα τε κρᾶτʼ ἐπὶ κούριμον -τιθεμένα θανάτῳ σῷ. - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -αἶ αἶ, δρύπτε κάρα· -οἷα δέ τις κύκνος ἀχέτας -ποταμίοις παρὰ χεύμασιν -πατέρα φίλτατον καλεῖ, -ὀλόμενον δολίοις βρόχων -ἕρκεσιν, ὣς σὲ τὸν ἄθλιον, -πάτερ, ἐγὼ κατακλαίομαι, - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -λουτρὰ πανύσταθʼ ὑδρανάμενον χροῒ -κοίτᾳ ἐν οἰκτροτάτᾳ θανάτου. -ἰώ μοι, ἰώ μοι -πικρᾶς μὲν πελέκεως τομᾶς -σᾶς, πάτερ, πικρᾶς δʼ ἐκ -Τροΐας ὁδίου βουλᾶς· -οὐ μίτραισι γυνή σε -δέξατʼ οὐδʼ ἐπὶ στεφάνοις, -ξίφεσι δʼ ἀμφιτόμοις λυγρὰν -Αἰγίσθου λώβαν θεμένα -δόλιον ἔσχεν ἀκοίταν. - - - - - -Χορός -Ἀγαμέμνονος ὦ κόρα, -ἤλυθον, Ἠλέκτρα, ποτὶ -σὰν ἀγρότειραν αὐλάν. -ἔμολέ τις ἔμολεν γαλακτοπότας ἀνὴρ -Μυκηναῖος ὀρειβάτας· -ἀγγέλλει δʼ ὅτι νῦν τριταί- -αν καρύσσουσιν θυσίαν -Ἀργεῖοι, πᾶσαι δὲ παρʼ Ἥ- -ραν μέλλουσιν παρθενικαὶ στείχειν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκ ἐπʼ ἀγλαΐαις, φίλαι, -θυμὸν οὐδʼ ἐπὶ χρυσέοις -ὅρμοις ἐκπεπόταμαι -τάλαινʼ, οὐδʼ ἱστᾶσα χοροὺς -Ἀργείαις ἅμα νύμφαις -εἱλικτὸν κρούσω πόδʼ ἐμόν. -δάκρυσι νυχεύ- -ω, δακρύων δέ μοι μέλει -δειλαίᾳ τὸ κατʼ ἦμαρ. -σκέψαι μου πιναρὰν κόμαν -καὶ τρύχη τάδʼ ἐμῶν πέπλων, -εἰ πρέποντʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος -κούρᾳ ʼσται βασιλείᾳ -τᾷ Τροίᾳ θʼ, ἃ ʼμοῦ πατέρος -μέμναταί ποθʼ ἁλοῦσα. - - - - - -Χορός -μεγάλα θεός· ἀλλʼ ἴθι, -καὶ παρʼ ἐμοῦ χρῆσαι πολύ- -πηνα φάρεα δῦναι, -χρύσεά τε — χαρίσαι — προσθήματʼ ἀγλαΐας. -δοκεῖς τοῖσι σοῖς δακρύοις -μὴ τιμῶσα θεούς, κρατή- -σειν ἐχθρῶν; οὔτοι στοναχαῖς, -ἀλλʼ εὐχαῖσι θεοὺς σεβί- -ζουσʼ ἕξεις εὐαμερίαν, ὦ παῖ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐδεὶς θεῶν ἐνοπᾶς κλύει -τᾶς δυσδαίμονος, οὐ παλαι- -ῶν πατρὸς σφαγιασμῶν. -οἴμοι τοῦ καταφθιμένου -τοῦ τε ζῶντος ἀλάτα, -ὅς που γᾶν ἄλλαν κατέχει, -μέλεος ἀλαί- -νων ποτὶ θῆσσαν ἑστίαν, -τοῦ κλεινοῦ πατρὸς ἐκφύς. -αὐτὰ δʼ ἐν χερνῆσι δόμοις -ναίω ψυχὰν τακομένα -δωμάτων πατρίων φυγάς, -οὐρείας ἀνʼ ἐρίπνας. -μάτηρ δʼ ἐν λέκτροις φονίοις -ἄλλῳ σύγγαμος οἰκεῖ. - - - - - - -Χορός -πολλῶν κακῶν Ἕλλησιν αἰτίαν ἔχει -σῆς μητρὸς Ἑλένη σύγγονος δόμοις τε σοῖς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οἴμοι, γυναῖκες, ἐξέβην θρηνημάτων. -ξένοι τινὲς παρʼ οἶκον οἵδʼ ἐφεστίους -εὐνὰς ἔχοντες ἐξανίστανται λόχου· -φυγῇ σὺ μὲν κατʼ οἶμον, ἐς δόμους δʼ ἐγὼ -φῶτας κακούργους ἐξαλύξωμεν ποδί. - - -Ὀρέστης -μένʼ, ὦ τάλαινα· μὴ τρέσῃς ἐμὴν χέρα. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ Φοῖβʼ Ἄπολλον· προσπίτνω σε μὴ θανεῖν. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἄλλους κτάνοιμι μᾶλλον ἐχθίους σέθεν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἄπελθε, μὴ ψαῦʼ ὧν σε μὴ ψαύειν χρεών. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅτου θίγοιμʼ ἂν ἐνδικώτερον. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καὶ πῶς ξιφήρης πρὸς δόμοις λοχᾷς ἐμοῖς; - - -Ὀρέστης -μείνασʼ ἄκουσον, καὶ τάχʼ οὐκ ἄλλως ἐρεῖς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἕστηκα· πάντως δʼ εἰμὶ σή· κρείσσων γὰρ εἶ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἥκω φέρων σοι σοῦ κασιγνήτου λόγους. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἆρα ζῶντος ἢ τεθνηκότος; - - -Ὀρέστης -ζῇ· πρῶτα γάρ σοι τἀγάθʼ ἀγγέλλειν θέλω. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -εὐδαιμονοίης, μισθὸν ἡδίστων λόγων. - - -Ὀρέστης -κοινῇ δίδωμι τοῦτο νῷν ἀμφοῖν ἔχειν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ποῦ γῆς ὁ τλήμων τλήμονας φυγὰς ἔχων; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐχ ἕνα νομίζων φθείρεται πόλεως νόμον. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὔ που σπανίζων τοῦ καθʼ ἡμέραν βίου; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔχει μέν, ἀσθενὴς δὲ δὴ φεύγων ἀνήρ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -λόγον δὲ δὴ τίνʼ ἦλθες ἐκ κείνου φέρων; - - -Ὀρέστης -εἰ ζῇς, ὅπως τε ζῶσα συμφορᾶς ἔχεις. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκοῦν ὁρᾷς μου πρῶτον ὡς ξηρὸν δέμας. - - -Ὀρέστης -λύπαις γε συντετηκός, ὥστε με στένειν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καὶ κρᾶτα πλόκαμόν τʼ ἐσκυθισμένον ξυρῷ. - - -Ὀρέστης -δάκνει σʼ ἀδελφὸς ὅ τε θανὼν ἴσως πατήρ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οἴμοι, τί γάρ μοι τῶνδέ γʼ ἐστὶ φίλτερον; - - -Ὀρέστης -φεῦ φεῦ· τί δαὶ σὺ σῷ κασιγνήτῳ, δοκεῖς; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἀπὼν ἐκεῖνος, οὐ παρὼν ἡμῖν φίλος. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐκ τοῦ δὲ ναίεις ἐνθάδʼ ἄστεως ἑκάς; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐγημάμεσθʼ, ὦ ξεῖνε, θανάσιμον γάμον. - - -Ὀρέστης -ᾤμωξʼ ἀδελφὸν σόν. Μυκηναίων τίνι; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐχ ᾧ πατήρ μʼ ἤλπιζεν ἐκδώσειν ποτέ. - - -Ὀρέστης -εἴφʼ, ὡς ἀκούσας σῷ κασιγνήτῳ λέγω. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐν τοῖσδʼ ἐκείνου τηλορὸς ναίω δόμοις. - - -Ὀρέστης -σκαφεύς τις ἢ βουφορβὸς ἄξιος δόμων. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -πένης ἀνὴρ γενναῖος ἔς τʼ ἔμʼ εὐσεβής. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἡ δʼ εὐσέβεια τίς πρόσεστι σῷ πόσει; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐπώποτʼ εὐνῆς τῆς ἐμῆς ἔτλη θιγεῖν. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἅγνευμʼ ἔχων τι θεῖον ἤ σʼ ἀπαξιῶν; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -γονέας ὑβρίζειν τοὺς ἐμοὺς οὐκ ἠξίου. - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ πῶς γάμον τοιοῦτον οὐχ ἥσθη λαβών; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐ κύριον τὸν δόντα μʼ ἡγεῖται, ξένε. - - -Ὀρέστης -ξυνῆκʼ· Ὀρέστῃ μή ποτʼ ἐκτείσῃ δίκην. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ ταρβῶν, πρὸς δὲ καὶ σώφρων ἔφυ. - - - -Ὀρέστης -φεῦ· -γενναῖον ἄνδρʼ ἔλεξας, εὖ τε δραστέον. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -εἰ δή ποθʼ ἥξει γʼ ἐς δόμους ὁ νῦν ἀπών. - - -Ὀρέστης -μήτηρ δέ σʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα ταῦτʼ ἠνέσχετο; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -γυναῖκες ἀνδρῶν, ὦ ξένʼ, οὐ παίδων φίλαι. - - -Ὀρέστης -τίνος δέ σʼ οὕνεχʼ ὕβρισʼ Αἴγισθος τάδε; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τεκεῖν μʼ ἐβούλετʼ ἀσθενῆ, τοιῷδε δούς. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὡς δῆθε παῖδας μὴ τέκοις ποινάτορας; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τοιαῦτʼ ἐβούλευσʼ· ὧν ἐμοὶ δοίη δίκην. - - -Ὀρέστης -οἶδεν δέ σʼ οὖσαν παρθένον μητρὸς πόσις; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκ οἶδε· σιγῇ τοῦθʼ ὑφαιρούμεσθά νιν. - - -Ὀρέστης -αἵδʼ οὖν φίλαι σοι τούσδʼ ἀκούουσιν λόγους; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὥστε στέγειν γε τἀμὰ καὶ σʼ ἔπη καλῶς. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δῆτʼ Ὀρέστης πρὸς τόδʼ, Ἄργος ἢν μόλῃ; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἤρου τόδʼ; αἰσχρόν γʼ εἶπας· οὐ γὰρ νῦν ἀκμή; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐλθὼν δὲ δὴ πῶς φονέας ἂν κτάνοι πατρός; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τολμῶν ὑπʼ ἐχθρῶν οἷʼ ἐτολμήθη πατήρ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἦ καὶ μετʼ αὐτοῦ μητέρʼ ἂν τλαίης κτανεῖν; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ταὐτῷ γε πελέκει τῷ πατὴρ ἀπώλετο. - - -Ὀρέστης -λέγω τάδʼ αὐτῷ, καὶ βέβαια τἀπὸ σοῦ; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -θάνοιμι μητρὸς αἷμʼ ἐπισφάξασʼ ἐμῆς. - - -Ὀρέστης -φεῦ· -εἴθʼ ἦν Ὀρέστης πλησίον κλύων τάδε. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἀλλʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, οὐ γνοίην ἂν εἰσιδοῦσά νιν. - - -Ὀρέστης -νέα γάρ, οὐδὲν θαῦμʼ, ἀπεζεύχθης νέου. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -εἷς ἂν μόνος νιν τῶν ἐμῶν γνοίη φίλων. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἆρʼ ὃν λέγουσιν αὐτὸν ἐκκλέψαι φόνου; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -πατρός γε παιδαγωγὸς ἀρχαῖος γέρων. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὁ κατθανὼν δὲ σὸς πατὴρ τύμβου κυρεῖ; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἔκυρσεν ὡς ἔκυρσεν, ἐκβληθεὶς δόμων. - - -Ὀρέστης -οἴμοι, τόδʼ οἷον εἶπας· — αἴσθησις γὰρ οὖν -κἀκ τῶν θυραίων πημάτων δάκνει βροτούς. -λέξον δʼ, ἵνʼ εἰδὼς σῷ κασιγνήτῳ φέρω -λόγους ἀτερπεῖς, ἀλλʼ ἀναγκαίους κλύειν. -ἔνεστι δʼ οἶκτος ἀμαθίᾳ μὲν οὐδαμοῦ, -σοφοῖσι δʼ ἀνδρῶν· καὶ γὰρ οὐδʼ ἀζήμιον -γνώμην ἐνεῖναι τοῖς σοφοῖς λίαν σοφήν. - - -Χορός -κἀγὼ τὸν αὐτὸν τῷδʼ ἔρον ψυχῆς ἔχω. -πρόσω γὰρ ἄστεως οὖσα τἀν πόλει κακὰ -οὐκ οἶδα, νῦν δὲ βούλομαι κἀγὼ μαθεῖν. - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -λέγοιμʼ ἄν, εἰ χρή — χρὴ δὲ πρὸς φίλον λέγειν — -τύχας βαρείας τὰς ἐμὰς κἀμοῦ πατρός. -ἐπεὶ δὲ κινεῖς μῦθον, ἱκετεύω, ξένε, -ἄγγελλʼ Ὀρέστῃ τἀμὰ καὶ κείνου κακά, -πρῶτον μὲν οἵοις ἐν πέπλοις αὐλίζομαι, -πίνῳ θʼ ὅσῳ βέβριθʼ, ὑπὸ στέγαισί τε -οἵαισι ναίω βασιλικῶν ἐκ δωμάτων, -αὐτὴ μὲν ἐκμοχθοῦσα κερκίσιν πέπλους, -ἢ γυμνὸν ἕξω σῶμα κἀστερήσομαι, -αὐτὴ δὲ πηγὰς ποταμίους φορουμένη, -ἀνέορτος ἱερῶν καὶ χορῶν τητωμένη. -ἀναίνομαι γυναῖκας οὖσα παρθένος, -ἀναίνομαι δὲ Κάστορʼ, ᾧ πρὶν ἐς θεοὺς -ἐλθεῖν ἔμʼ ἐμνήστευον, οὖσαν ἐγγενῆ. -μήτηρ δʼ ἐμὴ Φρυγίοισιν ἐν σκυλεύμασιν -θρόνῳ κάθηται, πρὸς δʼ ἕδραισιν Ἀσίδες -δμωαὶ στατίζουσʼ, ἃς ἔπερσʼ ἐμὸς πατήρ, -Ἰδαῖα φάρη χρυσέαις ἐζευγμέναι -πόρπαισιν. αἷμα δʼ ἔτι πατρὸς κατὰ στέγας -μέλαν σέσηπεν, ὃς δʼ ἐκεῖνον ἔκτανεν, -ἐς ταὐτὰ βαίνων ἅρματʼ ἐκφοιτᾷ πατρί, -καὶ σκῆπτρʼ ἐν οἷς Ἕλλησιν ἐστρατηλάτει -μιαιφόνοισι χερσὶ γαυροῦται λαβών. -Ἀγαμέμνονος δὲ τύμβος ἠτιμασμένος -οὔπω χοάς ποτʼ οὐδὲ κλῶνα μυρσίνης -ἔλαβε, πυρὰ δὲ χέρσος ἀγλαϊσμάτων. -μέθῃ δὲ βρεχθεὶς τῆς ἐμῆς μητρὸς πόσις -ὁ κλεινός, ὡς λέγουσιν, ἐνθρῴσκει τάφῳ -πέτροις τε λεύει μνῆμα λάινον πατρός, -καὶ τοῦτο τολμᾷ τοὔπος εἰς ἡμᾶς λέγειν· -ποῦ παῖς Ὀρέστης; ἆρά σοι τύμβῳ καλῶς -παρὼν ἀμύνει; — ταῦτʼ ἀπὼν ὑβρίζεται. - -ἀλλʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ἱκετεύω σʼ, ἀπάγγειλον τάδε. -πολλοὶ δʼ ἐπιστέλλουσιν, ἑρμηνεὺς δʼ ἐγώ, -αἱ χεῖρες ἡ γλῶσσʼ ἡ ταλαίπωρός τε φρήν, -κάρα τʼ ἐμὸν ξυρῆκες, ὅ τʼ ἐκεῖνον τεκών. -αἰσχρὸν γάρ, εἰ πατὴρ μὲν ἐξεῖλεν Φρύγας, -ὁ δʼ ἄνδρʼ ἕνʼ εἷς ὢν οὐ δυνήσεται κτανεῖν, -νέος πεφυκὼς κἀξ ἀμείνονος πατρός. - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν δέδορκα τόνδε, σὸν λέγω πόσιν, -λήξαντα μόχθου πρὸς δόμους ὡρμημένον. - - - -Αὐτουργός -ἔα· τίνας τούσδʼ ἐν πύλαις ὁρῶ ξένους; -τίνος δʼ ἕκατι τάσδʼ ἐπʼ ἀγραύλους πύλας -προσῆλθον; ἦ ʼμοῦ δεόμενοι; γυναικί τοι -αἰσχρὸν μετʼ ἀνδρῶν ἑστάναι νεανιῶν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ φίλτατʼ, εἰς ὕποπτα μὴ μόλῃς ἐμοί· -τὸν ὄντα δʼ εἴσῃ μῦθον· οἵδε γὰρ ξένοι -ἥκουσʼ Ὀρέστου πρός με κήρυκες λόγων. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ ξένοι, σύγγνωτε τοῖς εἰρημένοις. - - -Αὐτουργός -τί φασίν; ἁνὴρ ἔστι καὶ λεύσσει φάος; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἔστιν λόγῳ γοῦν, φασὶ δʼ οὐκ ἄπιστʼ ἐμοί. - - -Αὐτουργός -ἦ καί τι πατρὸς σῶν τε μέμνηται κακῶν; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐν ἐλπίσιν ταῦτʼ· ἀσθενὴς φεύγων ἀνήρ. - - -Αὐτουργός -ἦλθον δʼ Ὀρέστου τίνʼ ἀγορεύοντες λόγον; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -σκοποὺς ἔπεμψε τούσδε τῶν ἐμῶν κακῶν. - - -Αὐτουργός -οὐκοῦν τὰ μὲν λεύσσουσι, τὰ δὲ σύ που λέγεις. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἴσασιν, οὐδὲν τῶνδʼ ἔχουσιν ἐνδεές. - - -Αὐτουργός -οὐκοῦν πάλαι χρῆν τοῖσδʼ ἀνεπτύχθαι πύλας; -χωρεῖτʼ ἐς οἴκους· ἀντὶ γὰρ χρηστῶν λόγων -ξενίων κυρήσεθʼ, οἷʼ ἐμὸς κεύθει δόμος. -αἴρεσθʼ, ὀπαδοί, τῶνδʼ ἔσω τεύχη δόμων. -καὶ μηδὲν ἀντείπητε, παρὰ φίλου φίλοι -μολόντες ἀνδρός· καὶ γὰρ εἰ πένης ἔφυν, -οὔτοι τό γʼ ἦθος δυσγενὲς παρέξομαι. - - - -Ὀρέστης -πρὸς θεῶν, ὅδʼ ἁνὴρ ὃς συνεκκλέπτει γάμους -τοὺς σούς, Ὀρέστην οὐ καταισχύνειν θέλων; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὗτος κέκληται πόσις ἐμὸς τῆς ἀθλίας. - - -Ὀρέστης -φεῦ· -οὐκ ἔστʼ ἀκριβὲς οὐδὲν εἰς εὐανδρίαν· -ἔχουσι γὰρ ταραγμὸν αἱ φύσεις βροτῶν. -ἤδη γὰρ εἶδον ἄνδρα γενναίου πατρὸς -τὸ μηδὲν ὄντα, χρηστά τʼ ἐκ κακῶν τέκνα, -λιμόν τʼ ἐν ἀνδρὸς πλουσίου φρονήματι, -γνώμην τε μεγάλην ἐν πένητι σώματι. -πῶς οὖν τις αὐτὰ διαλαβὼν ὀρθῶς κρινεῖ; -πλούτῳ; πονηρῷ τἄρα χρήσεται κριτῇ. -ἢ τοῖς ἔχουσι μηδέν; ἀλλʼ ἔχει νόσον -πενία, διδάσκει δʼ ἄνδρα τῇ χρείᾳ κακόν. -ἀλλʼ εἰς ὅπλʼ ἔλθω; τίς δὲ πρὸς λόγχην βλέπων -μάρτυς γένοιτʼ ἂν ὅστις ἐστὶν ἁγαθός; -κράτιστον εἰκῇ ταῦτʼ ἐᾶν ἀφειμένα. -οὗτος γὰρ ἁνὴρ οὔτʼ ἐν Ἀργείοις μέγας -οὔτʼ αὖ δοκήσει δωμάτων ὠγκωμένος, -ἐν τοῖς δὲ πολλοῖς ὤν, ἄριστος ηὑρέθη. -οὐ μὴ ἀφρονήσεθʼ, οἳ κενῶν δοξασμάτων -πλήρεις πλανᾶσθε, τῇ δʼ ὁμιλίᾳ βροτοὺς -κρινεῖτε καὶ τοῖς ἤθεσιν τοὺς εὐγενεῖς; -οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι καὶ πόλεις οἰκοῦσιν εὖ -καὶ δώμαθʼ· αἱ δὲ σάρκες αἱ κεναὶ φρενῶν -ἀγάλματʼ ἀγορᾶς εἰσιν. οὐδὲ γὰρ δόρυ -μᾶλλον βραχίων σθεναρὸς ἀσθενοῦς μένει· -ἐν τῇ φύσει δὲ τοῦτο κἀν εὐψυχίᾳ. - -ἀλλʼ — ἄξιος γὰρ ὅ τε παρὼν ὅ τʼ οὐ παρὼν -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, οὗπερ οὕνεχʼ ἥκομεν — -δεξώμεθʼ οἴκων καταλύσεις. χωρεῖν χρεών, -δμῶες, δόμων τῶνδʼ ἐντός. ὡς ἐμοὶ πένης -εἴη πρόθυμος πλουσίου μᾶλλον ξένος. -αἰνῶ μὲν οὖν τοῦδʼ ἀνδρὸς ἐσδοχὰς δόμων, -ἐβουλόμην δʼ ἄν, εἰ κασίγνητός με σὸς -ἐς εὐτυχοῦντας ἦγεν εὐτυχῶν δόμους. -ἴσως δʼ ἂν ἔλθοι· Λοξίου γὰρ ἔμπεδοι -χρησμοί, βροτῶν δὲ μαντικὴν χαίρειν ἐῶ. - - - -Χορός -νῦν ἢ πάροιθεν μᾶλλον, Ἠλέκτρα, χαρᾷ -θερμαινόμεσθα καρδίαν· ἴσως γὰρ ἂν -μόλις προβαίνουσʼ ἡ τύχη σταίη καλῶς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ τλῆμον, εἰδὼς δωμάτων χρείαν σέθεν -τί τούσδʼ ἐδέξω μείζονας σαυτοῦ ξένους; - - -Αὐτουργός -τί δʼ; εἴπερ εἰσὶν ὡς δοκοῦσιν εὐγενεῖς, -οὐκ ἔν τε μικροῖς ἔν τε μὴ στέρξουσʼ ὁμῶς; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐπεί νυν ἐξήμαρτες ἐν σμικροῖσιν ὤν, -ἔλθʼ ὡς παλαιὸν τροφὸν ἐμοῦ φίλον πατρός, -ὃς ἀμφὶ ποταμὸν Τάναον Ἀργείας ὅρους -τέμνοντα γαίας Σπαρτιάτιδός τε γῆς -ποίμναις ὁμαρτεῖ πόλεος ἐκβεβλημένος· -κέλευε δʼ αὐτὸν τῶνδʼ ἐμοὐσαφιγμένων -ἐλθεῖν, ξένων τʼ ἐς δαῖτα πορσῦναί τινα. -ἡσθήσεταί τοι καὶ προσεύξεται θεοῖς, -ζῶντʼ εἰσακούσας παῖδʼ ὃν ἐκσῴζει ποτέ. -οὐ γὰρ πατρῴων ἐκ δόμων μητρὸς πάρα -λάβοιμεν ἄν τι· πικρὰ δʼ ἀγγείλαιμεν ἄν, -εἰ ζῶντʼ Ὀρέστην ἡ τάλαινʼ αἴσθοιτʼ ἔτι. - - -Αὐτουργός -ἀλλʼ, εἰ δοκεῖ σοι, τούσδʼ ἀπαγγελῶ λόγους -γέροντι· χώρει δʼ ἐς δόμους ὅσον τάχος -καὶ τἄνδον ἐξάρτυε. πολλά τοι γυνὴ -χρῄζουσʼ ἂν εὕροι δαιτὶ προσφορήματα. -ἔστιν δὲ δὴ τοσαῦτά γʼ ἐν δόμοις ἔτι, -ὥσθʼ ἕν γʼ ἐπʼ ἦμαρ τούσδε πληρῶσαι βορᾶς. -ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις δʼ ἡνίκʼ ἂν γνώμης πέσω, -σκοπῶ τὰ χρήμαθʼ ὡς ἔχει μέγα σθένος, -ξένοις τε δοῦναι σῶμά τʼ ἐς νόσους πεσὸν -δαπάναισι σῷσαι· τῆς δʼ ἐφʼ ἡμέραν βορᾶς -ἐς σμικρὸν ἥκει· πᾶς γὰρ ἐμπλησθεὶς ἀνὴρ -ὁ πλούσιός τε χὡ πένης ἴσον φέρει. - - - - - - -Χορός -κλειναὶ νᾶες, αἵ ποτʼ ἔβατε Τροίαν -τοῖς ἀμετρήτοις ἐρετμοῖς -πέμπουσαι χοροὺς μετὰ Νηρῄδων, -ἵνʼ ὁ φίλαυλος ἔπαλλε δελ- -φὶς πρῴραις κυανεμβόλοι- -σιν εἱλισσόμενος, -πορεύων τὸν τᾶς Θέτιδος -κοῦφον ἅλμα ποδῶν Ἀχιλῆ -σὺν Ἀγαμέμνονι Τρωίας -ἐπὶ Σιμουντίδας ἀκτάς. - - - - - -Χορός -Νηρῇδες δʼ Εὐβοῖδας ἄκρας λιποῦσαι -μόχθους ἀσπιστὰς ἀκμόνων -Ἡφαίστου χρυσέων ἔφερον τευχέων, -ἀνά τε Πήλιον ἀνά τε πρυ- -μνὰς Ὄσσας ἱερᾶς νάπας -†Νυμφαίας σκοπιὰς -κόρας μάτευσʼ, † ἔνθα πατὴρ -ἱππότας τρέφεν Ἑλλάδι φῶς -Θέτιδος εἰνάλιον γόνον -ταχύπορον πόδʼ Ἀτρείδαις. - - - - - -Χορός -Ἰλιόθεν δʼ ἔκλυόν τινος ἐν λιμέσιν -Ναυπλίοισι βεβῶτος -τᾶς σᾶς, ὦ Θέτιδος παῖ, -κλεινᾶς ἀσπίδος ἐν κύκλῳ -τοιάδε σήματα, δείματα -Φρύγια, τετύχθαι· -περιδρόμῳ μὲν ἴτυος ἕδρᾳ -Περσέα λαιμοτόμαν ὑπὲρ -ἁλὸς ποτανοῖσι πεδί- -λοισι φυὰν Γοργόνος ἴ- -σχειν, Διὸς ἀγγέλῳ σὺν Ἑρ- -μᾷ, τῷ Μαί- -ας ἀγροτῆρι κούρῳ· - - - - - -Χορός -ἐν δὲ μέσῳ κατέλαμπε σάκει φαέθων -κύκλος ἀελίοιο -ἵπποις ἂμ πτεροέσσαις -ἄστρων τʼ αἰθέριοι χοροί, -Πλειάδες, Ὑάδες, Ἕκτορος -ὄμμασι τροπαῖοι· -ἐπὶ δὲ χρυσοτύπῳ κράνει -Σφίγγες ὄνυξιν ἀοίδιμον -ἄγραν φέρουσαι· περιπλεύ- -ρῳ δὲ κύτει πύρπνοος ἔ- -σπευδε δρόμῳ λέαινα χαλ- -αῖς Πειρη- -ναῖον ὁρῶσα πῶλον. - - - - - -Χορός -ἄορι δʼ ἐν φονίῳ τετραβάμονες ἵπποι ἔπαλ- -λον, κελαινὰ δʼ ἀμφὶ νῶθʼ ἵετο κόνις. -τοιῶνδʼ ἄνακτα δοριπόνων -ἔκανεν ἀνδρῶν, Τυνδαρίς, -σὰ λέχεα, κακόφρων κούρα. -τοιγάρ σέ ποτʼ οὐρανίδαι -πέμψουσιν θανάτοις· ἦ σὰν -ἔτʼ ἔτι φόνιον ὑπὸ δέραν -ὄψομαι αἷμα χυθὲν σιδάρῳ. - - - - - - -Πρέσβυς -ποῦ ποῦ νεᾶνις πότνιʼ ἐμὴ δέσποινά τε, -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, ὅν ποτʼ ἐξέθρεψʼ ἐγώ; -ὡς πρόσβασιν τῶνδʼ ὀρθίαν οἴκων ἔχει -ῥυσῷ γέροντι τῷδε προσβῆναι ποδί. -ὅμως δὲ πρός γε τοὺς φίλους ἐξελκτέον -διπλῆν ἄκανθαν καὶ παλίρροπον γόνυ. - -ὦ θύγατερ — ἄρτι γάρ σε πρὸς δόμοις ὁρῶ — -ἥκω φέρων σοι τῶν ἐμῶν βοσκημάτων -ποίμνης νεογνὸν θρέμμʼ ὑποσπάσας τόδε -στεφάνους τε τευχέων τʼ ἐξελὼν τυρεύματα, -παλαιόν τε θησαύρισμα Διονύσου τόδε -ὀσμῇ κατῆρες, μικρόν, ἀλλʼ ἐπεσβαλεῖν -ἡδὺ σκύφον τοῦδʼ ἀσθενεστέρῳ ποτῷ. -ἴτω φέρων τις τοῖς ξένοις τάδʼ ἐς δόμους· -ἐγὼ δὲ τρύχει τῷδʼ ἐμῶν πέπλων κόρας -δακρύοισι τέγξας ἐξομόρξασθαι θέλω. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τί δʼ, ὦ γεραιέ, διάβροχον τόδʼ ὄμμʼ ἔχεις; -μῶν τἀμὰ διὰ χρόνου σʼ ἀνέμνησεν κακά; -ἢ τὰς Ὀρέστου τλήμονας φυγὰς στένεις -καὶ πατέρα τὸν ἐμόν, ὅν ποτʼ ἐν χεροῖν ἔχων -ἀνόνητʼ ἔθρεψας σοί τε καὶ τοῖς σοῖς φίλοις; - - -Πρέσβυς -ἀνόνηθʼ· ὅμως δʼ οὖν τοῦτό γʼ οὐκ ἠνεσχόμην. -ἦλθον γὰρ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τάφον πάρεργʼ ὁδοῦ -καὶ προσπεσὼν ἔκλαυσʼ ἐρημίας τυχών, -σπονδάς τε, λύσας ἀσκὸν ὃν φέρω ξένοις, -ἔσπεισα, τύμβῳ δʼ ἀμφέθηκα μυρσίνας. -πυρᾶς δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῆς οἶν μελάγχιμον πόκῳ -σφάγιον ἐσεῖδον αἷμά τʼ οὐ πάλαι χυθὲν -ξανθῆς τε χαίτης βοστρύχους κεκαρμένους. -κἀθαύμασʼ, ὦ παῖ, τίς ποτʼ ἀνθρώπων ἔτλη -πρὸς τύμβον ἐλθεῖν· οὐ γὰρ Ἀργείων γέ τις. -ἀλλʼ ἦλθʼ ἴσως που σὸς κασίγνητος λάθρᾳ, -μολὼν δʼ ἐθαύμασʼ ἄθλιον τύμβον πατρός. -σκέψαι δὲ χαίτην προστιθεῖσα σῇ κόμῃ, -εἰ χρῶμα ταὐτὸν κουρίμης ἔσται τριχός· -φιλεῖ γάρ, αἷμα ταὐτὸν οἷς ἂν ᾖ πατρός, -τὰ πόλλʼ ὅμοια σώματος πεφυκέναι. - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκ ἄξιʼ ἀνδρός, ὦ γέρον, σοφοῦ λέγεις, -εἰ κρυπτὸν ἐς γῆν τήνδʼ ἂν Αἰγίσθου φόβῳ -δοκεῖς ἀδελφὸν τὸν ἐμὸν εὐθαρσῆ μολεῖν. -ἔπειτα χαίτης πῶς συνοίσεται πλόκος, -ὁ μὲν παλαίστραις ἀνδρὸς εὐγενοῦς τραφείς, -ὁ δὲ κτενισμοῖς θῆλυς; ἀλλʼ ἀμήχανον. -πολλοῖς δʼ ἂν εὕροις βοστρύχους ὁμοπτέρους -καὶ μὴ γεγῶσιν αἵματος ταὐτοῦ, γέρον. - - -Πρέσβυς -σὺ δʼ εἰς ἴχνος βᾶσʼ ἀρβύλης σκέψαι βάσιν -εἰ σύμμετρος σῷ ποδὶ γενήσεται, τέκνον. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -πῶς δʼ ἂν γένοιτʼ ἂν ἐν κραταιλέῳ πέδῳ -γαίας ποδῶν ἔκμακτρον; εἰ δʼ ἔστιν τόδε, -δυοῖν ἀδελφοῖν ποὺς ἂν οὐ γένοιτʼ ἴσος -ἀνδρός τε καὶ γυναικός, ἀλλʼ ἅρσην κρατεῖ. - - -Πρέσβυς -οὐκ ἔστιν, εἰ καὶ γῆν κασίγνητος μολών, - - - -κερκίδος ὅτῳ γνοίης ἂν ἐξύφασμα σῆς, -ἐν ᾧ ποτʼ αὐτὸν ἐξέκλεψα μὴ θανεῖν; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκ οἶσθʼ, Ὀρέστης ἡνίκʼ ἐκπίπτει χθονός, -νέαν μʼ ἔτʼ οὖσαν; εἰ δὲ κἄκρεκον πέπλους, -πῶς ἂν τότʼ ὢν παῖς ταὐτὰ νῦν ἔχοι φάρη, -εἰ μὴ ξυναύξοινθʼ οἱ πέπλοι τῷ σώματι; -ἀλλʼ ἤ τις αὐτοῦ τάφον ἐποικτίρας ξένος -†ἐκείρατʼ, ἢ τῆσδε σκοποὺς λαβὼν χθονὸς — † - - - -Πρέσβυς -οἱ δὲ ξένοι ποῦ; βούλομαι γὰρ εἰσιδὼν -αὐτοὺς ἔρεσθαι σοῦ κασιγνήτου πέρι. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οἵδʼ ἐκ δόμων βαίνουσι λαιψηρῷ ποδί. - - -Πρέσβυς -ἀλλʼ εὐγενεῖς μέν, ἐν δὲ κιβδήλῳ τόδε· -πολλοὶ γὰρ ὄντες εὐγενεῖς εἰσιν κακοί. -ὅμως δέ. — χαίρειν τοὺς ξένους προσεννέπω. - - -Ὀρέστης -χαῖρʼ, ὦ γεραιέ. — τοῦ ποτʼ, Ἠλέκτρα, τόδε -παλαιὸν ἀνδρὸς λείψανον φίλων κυρεῖ; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὗτος τὸν ἁμὸν πατέρʼ ἔθρεψεν, ὦ ξένε. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί φῄς; ὅδʼ ὃς σὸν ἐξέκλεψε σύγγονον; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὅδʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ σώσας κεῖνον, εἴπερ ἔστʼ ἔτι. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔα· -τί μʼ ἐσδέδορκεν ὥσπερ ἀργύρου σκοπῶν -λαμπρὸν χαρακτῆρʼ; ἢ προσεικάζει μέ τῳ; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἴσως Ὀρέστου σʼ ἥλιχʼ ἥδεται βλέπων. - - -Ὀρέστης -φίλου γε φωτός. τί δὲ κυκλεῖ πέριξ πόδα; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καὐτὴ τόδʼ εἰσορῶσα θαυμάζω, ξένε. - - -Πρέσβυς -ὦ πότνιʼ, εὔχου, θύγατερ Ἠλέκτρα, θεοῖς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τί τῶν ἀπόντων ἢ τί τῶν ὄντων πέρι; - - -Πρέσβυς -λαβεῖν φίλον θησαυρόν, ὃν φαίνει θεός. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἰδού· καλῶ θεούς. ἢ τί δὴ λέγεις, γέρον; - - -Πρέσβυς -βλέψον νυν ἐς τόνδʼ, ὦ τέκνον, τὸν φίλτατον. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -πάλαι δέδορκα, μὴ σύ γʼ οὐκέτʼ εὖ φρονῇς. - - -Πρέσβυς -οὐκ εὖ φρονῶ ʼγὼ σὸν κασίγνητον βλέπων; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -πῶς εἶπας, ὦ γεραίʼ, ἀνέλπιστον λόγον; - - -Πρέσβυς -ὁρᾶν Ὀρέστην τόνδε τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ποῖον χαρακτῆρʼ εἰσιδών, ᾧ πείσομαι; - - -Πρέσβυς -οὐλὴν παρʼ ὀφρύν, ἥν ποτʼ ἐν πατρὸς δόμοις -νεβρὸν διώκων σοῦ μέθʼ ᾑμάχθη πεσών. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -πῶς φῄς; ὁρῶ μὲν πτώματος τεκμήριον. - - -Πρέσβυς -ἔπειτα μέλλεις προσπίτνειν τοῖς φιλτάτοις; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἀλλʼ οὐκέτʼ, ὦ γεραιέ· συμβόλοισι γὰρ -τοῖς σοῖς πέπεισμαι θυμόν. — ὦ χρόνῳ φανείς, -ἔχω σʼ ἀέλπτως — - - -Ὀρέστης -κἀξ ἐμοῦ γʼ ἔχῃ χρόνῳ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐδέποτε δόξασα. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐδʼ ἐγὼ γὰρ ἤλπισα. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐκεῖνος εἶ σύ; - - -Ὀρέστης -σύμμαχός γέ σοι μόνος. -ἢν δʼ ἀνσπάσωμαί γʼ ὃν μετέρχομαι βόλον — -πέποιθα δʼ· ἢ χρὴ μηκέθʼ ἡγεῖσθαι θεούς, -εἰ τἄδικʼ ἔσται τῆς δίκης ὑπέρτερα. - - - - -Χορός -ἔμολες ἔμολες, ὤ, χρόνιος ἁμέρα, -κατέλαμψας, ἔδειξας ἐμφανῆ -πόλει πυρσόν, ὃς παλαιᾷ φυγᾷ -πατρίων ἀπὸ δωμάτων τάλας -ἀλαίνων ἔβα. -θεὸς αὖ θεὸς ἁμετέραν τις ἄγει -νίκαν, ὦ φίλα. -ἄνεχε χέρας, ἄνεχε λόγον, ἵει λιτὰς -ἐς θεούς, τύχᾳ σοι τύχᾳ -κασίγνητον ἐμβατεῦσαι πόλιν. - - - -Ὀρέστης -εἶἑν· φίλας μὲν ἡδονὰς ἀσπασμάτων -ἔχω, χρόνῳ δὲ καὖθις αὐτὰ δώσομεν. -σὺ δʼ, ὦ γεραιέ — καίριος γὰρ ἤλυθες — -λέξον, τί δρῶν ἂν φονέα τεισαίμην πατρός; - -μητέρα τε κοινωνὸν ἀνοσίων γάμων; - -ἔστιν τί μοι κατʼ Ἄργος εὐμενὲς φίλων; -ἢ πάντʼ ἀνεσκευάσμεθʼ, ὥσπερ αἱ τύχαι; -τῷ ξυγγένωμαι; νύχιος ἢ καθʼ ἡμέραν; -ποίαν ὁδὸν τραπώμεθʼ εἰς ἐχθροὺς ἐμούς; - - -Πρέσβυς -ὦ τέκνον, οὐδεὶς δυστυχοῦντί σοι φίλος. -εὕρημα γάρ τοι χρῆμα γίγνεται τόδε, -κοινῇ μετασχεῖν τἀγαθοῦ καὶ τοῦ κακοῦ. -σὺ δʼ — ἐκ βάθρων γὰρ πᾶς ἀνῄρησαι φίλοις -οὐδʼ ἐλλέλοιπας ἐλπίδʼ — ἴσθι μου κλύων, -ἐν χειρὶ τῇ σῇ πάντʼ ἔχεις καὶ τῇ τύχῃ, -πατρῷον οἶκον καὶ πόλιν λαβεῖν σέθεν. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δῆτα δρῶντες τοῦδʼ ἂν ἐξικοίμεθα; - - -Πρέσβυς -κτανὼν Θυέστου παῖδα σήν τε μητέρα. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἥκω ʼπὶ τόνδε στέφανον· ἀλλὰ πῶς λάβω; - - -Πρέσβυς -τειχέων μὲν ἐλθὼν ἐντὸς οὐδʼ ἂν εἰ θέλοις. - - -Ὀρέστης -φρουραῖς κέκασται δεξιαῖς τε δορυφόρων; - - -Πρέσβυς -ἔγνως· φοβεῖται γάρ σε κοὐχ εὕδει σαφῶς. - - -Ὀρέστης -εἶἑν· σὺ δὴ τοὐνθένδε βούλευσον, γέρον. - - -Πρέσβυς -κἀμοῦ γʼ ἄκουσον· ἄρτι γάρ μʼ ἐσῆλθέ τι. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐσθλόν τι μηνύσειας, αἰσθοίμην δʼ ἐγώ. - - -Πρέσβυς -Αἴγισθον εἶδον, ἡνίχʼ εἷρπον ἐνθάδε. - - -Ὀρέστης -προσηκάμην τὸ ῥηθέν. ἐν ποίοις τόποις; - - -Πρέσβυς -ἀγρῶν πέλας τῶνδʼ ἱπποφορβίων ἔπι. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δρῶνθʼ; ὁρῶ γὰρ ἐλπίδʼ ἐξ ἀμηχάνων. - - -Πρέσβυς -Νύμφαις ἐπόρσυνʼ ἔροτιν, ὡς ἔδοξέ μοι. - - -Ὀρέστης -τροφεῖα παίδων ἢ πρὸ μέλλοντος τόκου; - - -Πρέσβυς -οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν· βουσφαγεῖν ὡπλίζετο. - - -Ὀρέστης -πόσων μετʼ ἀνδρῶν; ἢ μόνος δμώων μέτα; - - -Πρέσβυς -οὐδεὶς παρῆν Ἀργεῖος, οἰκεία δὲ χείρ. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὔ πού τις ὅστις γνωριεῖ μʼ ἰδών, γέρον; - - -Πρέσβυς -δμῶες μέν εἰσιν, οἳ σέ γʼ οὐκ εἶδόν ποτε. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἡμῖν ἂν εἶεν, εἰ κρατοῖμεν, εὐμενεῖς; - - -Πρέσβυς -δούλων γὰρ ἴδιον τοῦτο, σοὶ δὲ σύμφορον. - - -Ὀρέστης -πῶς οὖν ἂν αὐτῷ πλησιασθείην ποτέ; - - -Πρέσβυς -στείχων ὅθεν σε βουθυτῶν ἐσόψεται. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὁδὸν παρʼ αὐτήν, ὡς ἔοικʼ, ἀγροὺς ἔχει; - - -Πρέσβυς -ὅθεν γʼ ἰδών σε δαιτὶ κοινωνὸν καλεῖ. - - -Ὀρέστης -πικρόν γε συνθοινάτορʼ, ἢν θεὸς θέλῃ. - - -Πρέσβυς -τοὐνθένδε πρὸς τὸ πῖπτον αὐτὸς ἐννόει. - - -Ὀρέστης -καλῶς ἔλεξας. — ἡ τεκοῦσα δʼ ἐστὶ ποῦ; - - -Πρέσβυς -Ἄργει· παρέσται δʼ οὖν πόσει θοίνην ἔπι. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δʼ οὐχ ἅμʼ ἐξωρμᾶτʼ ἐμὴ μήτηρ πόσει; - - -Πρέσβυς -ψόγον τρέμουσα δημοτῶν ἐλείπετο. - - -Ὀρέστης -ξυνῆχʼ· ὕποπτος οὖσα γιγνώσκει πόλει. - - -Πρέσβυς -τοιαῦτα· μισεῖται γὰρ ἀνόσιος γυνή. - - - -Ὀρέστης -πῶς οὖν ἐκείνην τόνδε τʼ ἐν ταὐτῷ κτενῶ; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐγὼ φόνον γε μητρὸς ἐξαρτύσομαι. - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ μὴν ἐκεῖνά γʼ ἡ τύχη θήσει καλῶς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὑπηρετείτω μὲν δυοῖν ὄντοιν ὅδε. - - -Πρέσβυς -ἔσται τάδʼ· εὑρίσκεις δὲ μητρὶ πῶς φόνον; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -λέγʼ, ὦ γεραιέ, τάδε Κλυταιμήστρᾳ μολών· -λεχώ μʼ ἀπάγγελλʼ οὖσαν ἄρσενος τόκῳ. - - -Πρέσβυς -πότερα πάλαι τεκοῦσαν ἢ νεωστὶ δή; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -δέχʼ ἡλίους, ἐν οἷσιν ἁγνεύει λεχώ. - - -Πρέσβυς -καὶ δὴ τί τοῦτο μητρὶ προσβάλλει φόνον; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἥξει κλύουσα λόχιά μου νοσήματα. - - -Πρέσβυς -πόθεν; τί δʼ αὐτῇ σοῦ μέλειν δοκεῖς, τέκνον; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ναί· καὶ δακρύσει γʼ ἀξίωμʼ ἐμῶν τόκων. - - -Πρέσβυς -ἴσως· πάλιν τοι μῦθον ἐς καμπὴν ἄγε. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐλθοῦσα μέντοι δῆλον ὡς ἀπόλλυται. - - -Πρέσβυς -καὶ μὴν ἐπʼ αὐτάς γʼ εἶσι σῶν δόμων πύλας. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκοῦν τραπέσθαι σμικρὸν εἰς Ἅιδου τόδε; - - -Πρέσβυς -εἰ γὰρ θάνοιμι τοῦτʼ ἰδὼν ἐγώ ποτε. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -πρώτιστα μέν νυν τῷδʼ ὑφήγησαι, γέρον — - - -Πρέσβυς -Αἴγισθος ἔνθα νῦν θυηπολεῖ θεοῖς; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἔπειτʼ ἀπαντῶν μητρὶ τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ φράσον. - - -Πρέσβυς -ὥστʼ αὐτά γʼ ἐκ σοῦ στόματος εἰρῆσθαι δοκεῖν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -σὸν ἔργον ἤδη· πρόσθεν εἴληχας φόνου. - - -Ὀρέστης -στείχοιμʼ ἄν, εἴ τις ἡγεμὼν γίγνοιθʼ ὁδοῦ. - - -Πρέσβυς -καὶ μὴν ἐγὼ πέμποιμʼ ἂν οὐκ ἀκουσίως. - - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ Ζεῦ Πατρῷε, καὶ Τροπαῖʼ ἐχθρῶν γενοῦ — - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οἴκτιρέ θʼ ἡμᾶς· οἰκτρὰ γὰρ πεπόνθαμεν — - - -Πρέσβυς -οἴκτιρε δῆτα σούς γε φύντας ἐκγόνους. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -Ἥρα τε, βωμῶν ἣ Μυκηναίων κρατεῖς — - - -Ὀρέστης -νίκην δὸς ἡμῖν, εἰ δίκαιʼ αἰτούμεθα. - - -Πρέσβυς -δὸς δῆτα πατρὸς τοῖσδε τιμωρὸν δίκην. - - -Ὀρέστης -σύ τʼ, ὦ κάτω γῆς ἀνοσίως οἰκῶν πάτερ — - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καὶ Γαῖʼ ἄνασσα, χεῖρας ᾗ δίδωμʼ ἐμὰς — - - -Πρέσβυς -ἄμυνʼ ἄμυνε τοῖσδε φιλτάτοις τέκνοις. - - -Ὀρέστης -νῦν πάντα νεκρὸν ἐλθὲ σύμμαχον λαβών. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οἵπερ γε σὺν σοὶ Φρύγας ἀνήλωσαν δορὶ — - - -Πρέσβυς -χὥσοι στυγοῦσιν ἀνοσίους μιάστορας. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἤκουσας, ὦ δείνʼ ἐξ ἐμῆς μητρὸς παθών; - - -Πρέσβυς -πάντʼ, οἶδʼ, ἀκούει τάδε πατήρ· στείχειν δʼ ἀκμή. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καί σοι προφωνῶ πρὸς τάδʼ Αἴγισθον θανεῖν· -ὡς εἰ παλαισθεὶς πτῶμα θανάσιμον πεσῇ, -τέθνηκα κἀγώ, μηδέ με ζῶσαν λέγε· -παίσω γὰρ ἧπαρ τοὐμὸν ἀμφήκει ξίφει. -δόμων ἔσω βᾶσʼ εὐτρεπὲς ποήσομαι. -ὡς ἢν μὲν ἔλθῃ πύστις εὐτυχὴς σέθεν, -ὀλολύξεται πᾶν δῶμα· θνῄσκοντος δέ σου -τἀναντίʼ ἔσται τῶνδε· ταῦτά σοι λέγω. - - -Ὀρέστης -πάντʼ οἶδα. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -πρὸς τάδʼ ἄνδρα γίγνεσθαί σε χρή. - -ὑμεῖς δέ μοι, γυναῖκες, εὖ πυρσεύετε -κραυγὴν ἀγῶνος τοῦδε· φρουρήσω δʼ ἐγὼ -πρόχειρον ἔγχος χειρὶ βαστάζουσʼ ἐμῇ. -οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ἐχθροῖς τοῖς ἐμοῖς νικωμένη -δίκην ὑφέξω, σῶμʼ ἐμὸν καθυβρίσαι. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἀταλᾶς ὑπὸ ματρὸς ἄρνʼ - -Ἀργείων -ὀρέων ποτὲ κληδὼν ἐν -πολιαῖσι μένει φήμαις -εὐαρμόστοις ἐν καλάμοις -Πᾶνα μοῦσαν ἡδύθροον -πνέοντʼ, ἀγρῶν ταμίαν, -χρυσέαν καλλιπλόκαμον -πορεῦσαι. πετρίνοις δʼ ἐπι- -στὰς κᾶρυξ ἰάχει βάθροις· -Ἀγορὰν ἀγοράν, Μυκη- -ναῖοι, στείχετε μακαρίων -ὀψόμενοι τυράννων -φάσματα † δείματα χοροὶ δʼ Ἀτρει- -δᾶν † ἐγέραιρον οἴκους· - - - - - -Χορός -θυμέλαι δʼ ἐπίτναντο χρυ- -σήλατοι, -σελαγεῖτο δʼ ἀνʼ ἄστυ πῦρ -ἐπιβώμιον Ἀργείων· -λωτὸς δὲ φθόγγον κελάδει -κάλλιστον, Μουσᾶν θεράπων· -μολπαὶ δʼ ηὔξοντʼ ἐραταί, -χρυσέας ἀρνὸς ἐπίλογοι, -Θυέστου· κρυφίαις γὰρ εὐ- -ναῖς πείσας ἄλοχον φίλαν -Ἀτρέως, τέρας ἐκκομί- -ζει πρὸς δώματα· νεόμενος δʼ -εἰς ἀγόρους ἀυτεῖ -τὰν κερόεσσαν ἔχειν χρυσεόμαλ- -λον κατὰ δῶμα ποίμναν. - - - - - -Χορός -τότε δὴ τότε φαεν- -νὰς ἄστρων μετέβασʼ ὁδοὺς -Ζεὺς καὶ φέγγος ἀελίου -λευκόν τε πρόσωπον ἀ- -οῦς, τὰ δʼ ἕσπερα νῶτʼ ἐλαύ- -νει θερμᾷ φλογὶ θεοπύρῳ, -νεφέλαι δʼ ἔνυδροι πρὸς ἄρ- -κτον, ξηραί τʼ Ἀμμωνίδες ἕ- -δραι φθίνουσʼ ἀπειρόδροσοι, -καλλίστων ὄμβρων Διόθεν στερεῖσαι. - - - - - -Χορός -λέγεται, τὰν δὲ πί- -στιν σμικρὰν παρʼ ἔμοιγʼ ἔχει, -στρέψαι θερμὰν ἀέλιον -χρυσωπὸν ἕδραν ἀλλά- -ξαντα δυστυχίᾳ βροτεί- -ῳ θνατᾶς ἕνεκεν δίκας. -φοβεροὶ δὲ βροτοῖσι μῦ- -θοι κέρδος πρὸς θεῶν θεραπεί- -αν. ὧν οὐ μνασθεῖσα πόσιν -κτείνεις, κλεινῶν συγγενέτειρʼ ἀδελφῶν. - - - - - - -Χορός -ἔα ἔα· -φίλαι, βοῆς ἠκούσατʼ — ἢ δοκὼ κενὴ -ὑπῆλθέ μʼ; — ὥστε νερτέρα βροντὴ Διός; -ἰδού, τάδʼ οὐκ ἄσημα πνεύματʼ αἴρεται· -δέσποινʼ, ἄμειψον δώματʼ, Ἠλέκτρα, τάδε. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -φίλαι, τί χρῆμα; πῶς ἀγῶνος ἥκομεν; - - -Χορός -οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν· φόνιον οἰμωγὴν κλύω. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἤκουσα κἀγώ, τηλόθεν μέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως. - - -Χορός -μακρὰν γὰρ ἕρπει γῆρυς, ἐμφανής γε μήν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -Ἀργεῖος ὁ στεναγμός· ἦ φίλων ἐμῶν; - - -Χορός -οὐκ οἶδα· πᾶν γὰρ μείγνυται μέλος βοῆς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -σφαγὴν ἀυτεῖς τήνδε μοι· τί μέλλομεν; - - -Χορός -ἔπισχε, τρανῶς ὡς μάθῃς τύχας σέθεν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκ ἔστι· νικώμεσθα· ποῦ γὰρ ἄγγελοι; - - -Χορός -ἥξουσιν· οὔτοι βασιλέα φαῦλον κτανεῖν. - - -Ἄγγελος -ὦ καλλίνικοι παρθένοι Μυκηνίδες, -νικῶντʼ Ὀρέστην πᾶσιν ἀγγέλλω φίλοις, -Ἀγαμέμνονος δὲ φονέα κείμενον πέδῳ -Αἴγισθον· ἀλλὰ θεοῖσιν εὔχεσθαι χρεών. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τίς δʼ εἶ σύ; πῶς μοι πιστὰ σημαίνεις τάδε; - - -Ἄγγελος -οὐκ οἶσθʼ ἀδελφοῦ μʼ εἰσορῶσα πρόσπολον; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἔκ τοι δείματος δυσγνωσίαν -εἶχον προσώπου· νῦν δὲ γιγνώσκω σε δή. -τί φῄς; τέθνηκε πατρὸς ἐμοῦ στυγνὸς φονεύς; - - -Ἄγγελος -τέθνηκε· δίς σοι ταὔθʼ, ἃ γοῦν βούλῃ, λέγω. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ θεοί, Δίκη τε πάνθʼ ὁρῶσʼ, ἦλθές ποτε. -ποίῳ τρόπῳ δὲ καὶ τίνι ῥυθμῷ φόνου -κτείνει Θυέστου παῖδα; βούλομαι μαθεῖν. - - - -Ἄγγελος -ἐπεὶ μελάθρων τῶνδʼ ἀπήραμεν πόδα, -ἐσβάντες ᾖμεν δίκροτον εἰς ἁμαξιτὸν -ἔνθʼ ἦν ὁ κλεινὸς τῶν Μυκηναίων ἄναξ. -κυρεῖ δὲ κήποις ἐν καταρρύτοις βεβώς, -δρέπων τερείνης μυρσίνης κάρᾳ πλόκους· -ἰδών τʼ ἀυτεῖ· Χαίρετʼ, ὦ ξένοι· τίνες -πόθεν πορεύεσθʼ; ἔστε τʼ ἐκ ποίας χθονός; -ὁ δʼ εἶπʼ Ὀρέστης· Θεσσαλοί· πρὸς δʼ Ἀλφεὸν -θύσοντες ἐρχόμεσθʼ Ὀλυμπίῳ Διί. -κλύων δὲ ταῦτʼ Αἴγισθος ἐννέπει τάδε· -νῦν μὲν παρʼ ἡμῖν χρὴ συνεστίους ἐμοὶ -θοίνης γενέσθαι· τυγχάνω δὲ βουθυτῶν -νύμφαις· ἑῷοι δʼ ἐξαναστάντες λέχους -ἐς ταὐτὸν ἥξετʼ. ἀλλʼ ἴωμεν ἐς δόμους — -καὶ ταῦθʼ ἅμʼ ἠγόρευε καὶ χερὸς λαβὼν -παρῆγεν ἡμᾶς — οὐδʼ ἀπαρνεῖσθαι χρεών· - -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐν οἴκοις ἦμεν, ἐννέπει τάδε· - -λούτρʼ ὡς τάχιστα τοῖς ξένοις τις αἰρέτω, -ὡς ἀμφὶ βωμὸν στῶσι χερνίβων πέλας. -ἀλλʼ εἶπʼ Ὀρέστης· Ἀρτίως ἡγνίσμεθα -λουτροῖσι καθαροῖς ποταμίων ῥείθρων ἄπο. -εἰ δὲ ξένους ἀστοῖσι συνθύειν χρεών, -Αἴγισθʼ, ἕτοιμοι κοὐκ ἀπαρνούμεσθʼ, ἄναξ. - -τοῦτον μὲν οὖν μεθεῖσαν ἐκ μέσου λόγον· -λόγχας δὲ θέντες δεσπότου φρουρήματα -δμῶες πρὸς ἔργον πάντες ἵεσαν χέρας· -οἳ μὲν σφαγεῖον ἔφερον, οἳ δʼ ᾖρον κανᾶ, -ἄλλοι δὲ πῦρ ἀνῆπτον ἀμφί τʼ ἐσχάρας -λέβητας ὤρθουν· πᾶσα δʼ ἐκτύπει στέγη. -λαβὼν δὲ προχύτας μητρὸς εὐνέτης σέθεν -ἔβαλλε βωμούς, τοιάδʼ ἐννέπων ἔπη· -νύμφαι πετραῖαι, πολλάκις με βουθυτεῖν -καὶ τὴν κατʼ οἴκους Τυνδαρίδα δάμαρτʼ ἐμὴν -πράσσοντας ὡς νῦν, τοὺς δʼ ἐμοὺς ἐχθροὺς κακῶς -— λέγων Ὀρέστην καὶ σέ. δεσπότης δʼ ἐμὸς -τἀναντίʼ ηὔχετʼ, οὐ γεγωνίσκων λόγους, -λαβεῖν πατρῷα δώματʼ. ἐκ κανοῦ δʼ ἑλὼν -Αἴγισθος ὀρθὴν σφαγίδα, μοσχείαν τρίχα -τεμὼν ἐφʼ ἁγνὸν πῦρ ἔθηκε δεξιᾷ, -κἄσφαξʼ ἐπʼ ὤμων μόσχον ὡς ἦραν χεροῖν -δμῶες, λέγει δὲ σῷ κασιγνήτῳ τάδε· -Ἐκ τῶν καλῶν κομποῦσι τοῖσι Θεσσαλοῖς -εἶναι τόδʼ, ὅστις ταῦρον ἀρταμεῖ καλῶς -ἵππους τʼ ὀχμάζει· λαβὲ σίδηρον, ὦ ξένε, -δεῖξόν τε φήμην ἔτυμον ἀμφὶ Θεσσαλῶν. - - -ὁ δʼ εὐκρότητον Δωρίδʼ ἁρπάσας χεροῖν, -ῥίψας ἀπʼ ὤμων εὐπρεπῆ πορπάματα, -Πυλάδην μὲν εἵλετʼ ἐν πόνοις ὑπηρέτην, -δμῶας δʼ ἀπωθεῖ· καὶ λαβὼν μόσχου πόδα, -λευκὰς ἐγύμνου σάρκας ἐκτείνων χέρα· -θᾶσσον δὲ βύρσαν ἐξέδειρεν ἢ δρομεὺς -δισσοὺς διαύλους ἱππίους διήνυσε, -κἀνεῖτο λαγόνας. ἱερὰ δʼ ἐς χεῖρας λαβὼν -Αἴγισθος ἤθρει. καὶ λοβὸς μὲν οὐ προσῆν -σπλάγχνοις, πύλαι δὲ καὶ δοχαὶ χολῆς πέλας -κακὰς ἔφαινον τῷ σκοποῦντι προσβολάς. -χὣ μὲν σκυθράζει, δεσπότης δʼ ἀνιστορεῖ· -τί χρῆμʼ ἀθυμεῖς; — ὦ ξένʼ, ὀρρωδῶ τινα -δόλον θυραῖον. ἔστι δʼ ἔχθιστος βροτῶν -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς πολέμιός τʼ ἐμοῖς δόμοις· -ὃ δʼ εἶπε· φυγάδος δῆτα δειμαίνεις δόλον, -πόλεως ἀνάσσων; οὐχ, ὅπως παστήρια -θοινασόμεσθα, Φθιάδʼ ἀντὶ Δωρικῆς -οἴσει τις ἡμῖν κοπίδʼ, ἀπορρήξω χέλυν; -λαβὼν δὲ κόπτει. σπλάγχνα δʼ Αἴγισθος λαβὼν -ἤθρει διαιρῶν. τοῦ δὲ νεύοντος κάτω -ὄνυχας ἐπʼ ἄκρους στὰς κασίγνητος σέθεν -ἐς σφονδύλους ἔπαισε, νωτιαῖα δὲ -ἔρρηξεν ἄρθρα· πᾶν δὲ σῶμʼ ἄνω κάτω -ἤσπαιρεν ἠλάλαζε δυσθνῄσκων φόνῳ. - -δμῶες δʼ ἰδόντες εὐθὺς ᾖξαν ἐς δόρυ, -πολλοὶ μάχεσθαι πρὸς δύʼ· ἀνδρείας δʼ ὕπο -ἔστησαν ἀντίπρῳρα σείοντες βέλη -Πυλάδης Ὀρέστης τʼ. εἶπε δʼ· οὐχὶ δυσμενὴς -ἥκω πόλει τῇδʼ οὐδʼ ἐμοῖς ὀπάοσιν, -φονέα δὲ πατρὸς ἀντετιμωρησάμην -τλήμων Ὀρέστης· ἀλλὰ μή με καίνετε, -πατρὸς παλαιοὶ δμῶες. οἳ δʼ, ἐπεὶ λόγων -ἤκουσαν, ἔσχον κάμακας· ἐγνώσθη δʼ ὑπὸ -γέροντος ἐν δόμοισιν ἀρχαίου τινός. -στέφουσι δʼ εὐθὺς σοῦ κασιγνήτου κάρα -χαίροντες ἀλαλάζοντες. ἔρχεται δὲ σοὶ -κάρα ʼπιδείξων οὐχὶ Γοργόνος φέρων, -ἀλλʼ ὃν στυγεῖς Αἴγισθον· αἷμα δʼ αἵματος -πικρὸς δανεισμὸς ἦλθε τῷ θανόντι νῦν. - - - - - - -Χορός -θὲς ἐς χορόν, ὦ φίλα, ἴχνος, -ὡς νεβρὸς οὐράνιον -πήδημα κουφίζουσα σὺν ἀγλαΐᾳ. -νικᾷ στεφαναφορίαν -† κρείσσω τοῖς † παρʼ Ἀλφειοῦ ῥεέθροισι τελέσσας -κασίγνητος σέθεν· ἀλλʼ ἐπάειδε -καλλίνικον ᾠδὰν ἐμῷ χορῷ. - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ φέγγος, ὦ τέθριππον ἡλίου σέλας, -ὦ γαῖα καὶ νὺξ ἣν ἐδερκόμην πάρος, -νῦν ὄμμα τοὐμὸν ἀμπτυχαί τʼ ἐλεύθεροι, -ἐπεὶ πατρὸς πέπτωκεν Αἴγισθος φονεύς. -φέρʼ, οἷα δὴ χω καὶ δόμοι κεύθουσί μου -κόμης ἀγάλματʼ ἐξενέγκωμαι, φίλαι, -στέψω τʼ ἀδελφοῦ κρᾶτα τοῦ νικηφόρου. - - - - - -Χορός -σὺ μέν νυν ἀγάλματʼ ἄειρε -κρατί· τὸ δʼ ἁμέτερον -χωρήσεται Μούσαισι χόρευμα φίλον. -νῦν οἱ πάρος ἁμέτεροι -γαίας τυραννεύσουσι φίλοι βασιλῆες, -δικαίως τοὺς ἀδίκους καθελόντες. -ἀλλʼ ἴτω ξύναυλος βοὰ χαρᾷ. - - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ καλλίνικε, πατρὸς ἐκ νικηφόρου -γεγώς, Ὀρέστα, τῆς ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ μάχης, -δέξαι κόμης σῆς βοστρύχων ἀνδήματα. -ἥκεις γὰρ οὐκ ἀχρεῖον ἔκπλεθρον δραμὼν -ἀγῶνʼ ἐς οἴκους, ἀλλὰ πολέμιον κτανὼν -Αἴγισθον, ὃς σὸν πατέρα κἀμὸν ὤλεσε. -σύ τʼ, ὦ παρασπίστʼ, ἀνδρὸς εὐσεβεστάτου -παίδευμα Πυλάδη, στέφανον ἐξ ἐμῆς χερὸς -δέχου· φέρῃ γὰρ καὶ σὺ τῷδʼ ἴσον μέρος -ἀγῶνος· αἰεὶ δʼ εὐτυχεῖς φαίνοισθέ μοι. - - -Ὀρέστης -θεοὺς μὲν ἡγοῦ πρῶτον, Ἠλέκτρα, τύχης -ἀρχηγέτας τῆσδʼ, εἶτα κἄμʼ ἐπαίνεσον -τὸν τῶν θεῶν τε τῆς τύχης θʼ ὑπηρέτην. -ἥκω γὰρ οὐ λόγοισιν ἀλλʼ ἔργοις κτανὼν -Αἴγισθον· ὡς δὲ τῷ σάφʼ εἰδέναι τάδε -προσθῶμεν, αὐτὸν τὸν θανόντα σοι φέρω, -ὃν εἴτε χρῄζεις θηρσὶν ἁρπαγὴν πρόθες, -ἢ σκῦλον οἰωνοῖσιν, αἰθέρος τέκνοις, -πήξασʼ ἔρεισον σκόλοπι· σὸς γάρ ἐστι νῦν - -δοῦλος, πάροιθε δεσπότης κεκλημένος. - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -αἰσχύνομαι μέν, βούλομαι δʼ εἰπεῖν ὅμως. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί χρῆμα; λέξον· ὡς φόβου γʼ ἔξωθεν εἶ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -νεκροὺς ὑβρίζειν, μή μέ τις φθόνῳ βάλῃ. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδεὶς ὅστις ἂν μέμψαιτό σε. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -δυσάρεστος ἡμῶν καὶ φιλόψογος πόλις. - - -Ὀρέστης -λέγʼ, εἴ τι χρῄζεις, σύγγονʼ· ἀσπόνδοισι γὰρ -νόμοισιν ἔχθραν τῷδε συμβεβλήκαμεν. - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -εἶἑν· τίνʼ ἀρχὴν πρῶτά σʼ ἐξείπω κακῶν, -ποίας τελευτάς; τίνα μέσον τάξω λόγον; -καὶ μὴν διʼ ὄρθρων γʼ οὔποτʼ ἐξελίμπανον -θρυλοῦσʼ ἅ γʼ εἰπεῖν ἤθελον κατʼ ὄμμα σόν, -εἰ δὴ γενοίμην δειμάτων ἐλευθέρα -τῶν πρόσθε. νῦν οὖν ἐσμεν· ἀποδώσω δέ σοι -ἐκεῖνʼ ἅ σε ζῶντʼ ἤθελον λέξαι κακά. - -ἀπώλεσάς με κὠρφανὴν φίλου πατρὸς -καὶ τόνδʼ ἔθηκας, οὐδὲν ἠδικημένος, -κἄγημας αἰσχρῶς μητέρʼ ἄνδρα τʼ ἔκτανες -στρατηλατοῦνθʼ Ἕλλησιν, οὐκ ἐλθὼν Φρύγας. -ἐς τοῦτο δʼ ἦλθες ἀμαθίας ὥστʼ ἤλπισας -ὡς ἐς σὲ ἐμὴν δὴ μητέρʼ οὐχ ἕξοις κακὴν -γήμας, ἐμοῦ δὲ πατρὸς ἠδίκεις λέχη. -ἴστω δʼ, ὅταν τις διολέσας δάμαρτά του -κρυπταῖσιν εὐναῖς εἶτʼ ἀναγκασθῇ λαβεῖν, -δύστηνός ἐστιν, εἰ δοκεῖ τὸ σωφρονεῖν -ἐκεῖ μὲν αὐτὴν οὐκ ἔχειν, παρʼ οἷ δʼ ἔχειν. -ἄλγιστα δʼ ᾤκεις, οὐ δοκῶν οἰκεῖν κακῶς· -ᾔδησθα γὰρ δῆτʼ ἀνόσιον γήμας γάμον, -μήτηρ δὲ σʼ ἄνδρα δυσσεβῆ κεκτημένη. -ἄμφω πονηρὼ δʼ ὄντʼ ἀνῃρεῖσθον τύχην -† κείνη τε τὴν σὴν καὶ σὺ τοὐκείνης κακόν. † -πᾶσιν δʼ ἐν Ἀργείοισιν ἤκουες τάδε· -Ὁ τῆς γυναικός — οὐχὶ τἀνδρὸς ἡ γυνή. -καίτοι τόδʼ αἰσχρόν, προστατεῖν γε δωμάτων -γυναῖκα, μὴ τὸν ἄνδρα· κἀκείνους στυγῶ -τοὺς παῖδας, ὅστις τοῦ μὲν ἄρσενος πατρὸς -οὐκ ὠνόμασται, τῆς δὲ μητρὸς ἐν πόλει. -ἐπίσημα γὰρ γήμαντι καὶ μείζω λέχη -τἀνδρὸς μὲν οὐδείς, τῶν δὲ θηλειῶν λόγος. - -ὃ δʼ ἠπάτα σε πλεῖστον οὐκ ἐγνωκότα, -ηὔχεις τις εἶναι τοῖσι χρήμασι σθένων· -τὰ δʼ οὐδὲν εἰ μὴ βραχὺν ὁμιλῆσαι χρόνον. -ἡ γὰρ φύσις βέβαιος, οὐ τὰ χρήματα. -ἣ μὲν γὰρ αἰεὶ παραμένουσʼ αἴρει κακά· -ὁ δʼ ὄλβος ἀδίκως καὶ μετὰ σκαιῶν ξυνὼν -ἐξέπτατʼ οἴκων, σμικρὸν ἀνθήσας χρόνον. -ἃ δʼ ἐς γυναῖκας — παρθένῳ γὰρ οὐ καλὸν -λέγειν — σιωπῶ, γνωρίμως δʼ αἰνίξομαι. -ὕβριζες, ὡς δὴ βασιλικοὺς ἔχων δόμους -κάλλει τʼ ἀραρώς. ἀλλʼ ἔμοιγʼ εἴη πόσις -μὴ παρθενωπός, ἀλλὰ τἀνδρείου τρόπου. -τὰ γὰρ τέκνʼ αὐτῶν Ἄρεος ἐκκρεμάννυται, -τὰ δʼ εὐπρεπῆ δὴ κόσμος ἐν χοροῖς μόνον. - -ἔρρʼ, οὐδὲν εἰδὼς ὧν ἐφευρεθεὶς χρόνῳ -δίκην δέδωκας. — ὧδέ τις κακοῦργος ὢν -μή μοι τὸ πρῶτον βῆμʼ ἐὰν δράμῃ καλῶς, -νικᾶν δοκείτω τὴν Δίκην, πρὶν ἂν πέλας -γραμμῆς ἵκηται καὶ τέλος κάμψῃ βίου. - - - -Χορός -ἔπραξε δεινά, δεινὰ δʼ ἀντέδωκε σοὶ -καὶ τῷδʼ· ἔχει γὰρ ἡ Δίκη μέγα σθένος. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -εἶἑν· κομίζειν τοῦδε σῶμʼ ἔσω χρεὼν -σκότῳ τε δοῦναι, δμῶες, ὡς, ὅταν μόλῃ -μήτηρ, σφαγῆς πάροιθε μὴ εἰσίδῃ νεκρόν. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐπίσχες· ἐμβάλωμεν εἰς ἄλλον λόγον. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τί δʼ; ἐκ Μυκηνῶν μῶν βοηδρόμους ὁρῶ; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὔκ, ἀλλὰ τὴν τεκοῦσαν ἥ μʼ ἐγείνατο. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καλῶς ἄρʼ ἄρκυν ἐς μέσην πορεύεται — -καὶ μὴν ὄχοις γε καὶ στολῇ λαμπρύνεται. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δῆτα δρῶμεν; μητέρʼ ἦ φονεύσομεν; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -μῶν σʼ οἶκτος εἷλε, μητρὸς ὡς εἶδες δέμας; - - -Ὀρέστης -φεῦ· -πῶς γὰρ κτάνω νιν, ἥ μʼ ἔθρεψε κἄτεκεν; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὥσπερ πατέρα σὸν ἥδε κἀμὸν ὤλεσεν. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ Φοῖβε, πολλήν γʼ ἀμαθίαν ἐθέσπισας — - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὅπου δʼ Ἀπόλλων σκαιὸς ᾖ, τίνες σοφοί; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὅστις μʼ ἔχρησας μητέρʼ, ἣν οὐ χρῆν, κτανεῖν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -βλάπτῃ δὲ δὴ τί πατρὶ τιμωρῶν σέθεν; - - -Ὀρέστης -μητροκτόνος νῦν φεύξομαι, τόθʼ ἁγνὸς ὤν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καὶ μή γʼ ἀμύνων πατρὶ δυσσεβὴς ἔσῃ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐγὼ δὲ μητρὸς — ; τῷ φόνου δώσω δίκας; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τῷ δʼ ἢν πατρῴαν διαμεθῇς τιμωρίαν; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἆρʼ αὔτʼ ἀλάστωρ εἶπʼ ἀπεικασθεὶς θεῷ; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἱερὸν καθίζων τρίποδʼ; ἐγὼ μὲν οὐ δοκῶ. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐδʼ ἂν πιθοίμην εὖ μεμαντεῦσθαι τάδε. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐ μὴ κακισθεὶς εἰς ἀνανδρίαν πεσῇ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀλλʼ ἦ τὸν αὐτὸν τῇδʼ ὑποστήσω δόλον; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ᾧ καὶ πόσιν καθεῖλες, Αἴγισθον κτανών. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔσειμι· δεινοῦ δʼ ἄρχομαι προβλήματος -καὶ δεινὰ δράσω γε — εἰ θεοῖς δοκεῖ τάδε, -ἔστω· πικρὸν δὲ χἡδὺ τἀγώνισμά μοι. - - - - -Χορός - -ἰώ, - -βασίλεια γύναι χθονὸς Ἀργείας, -παῖ Τυνδάρεω, -καὶ τοῖν ἀγαθοῖν ξύγγονε κούροιν -Διός, οἳ φλογερὰν αἰθέρʼ ἐν ἄστροις -ναίουσι, βροτῶν ἐν ἁλὸς ῥοθίοις -τιμὰς σωτῆρας ἔχοντες· -χαῖρε, σεβίζω σʼ ἴσα καὶ μάκαρας -πλούτου μεγάλης τʼ εὐδαιμονίας. -τὰς σὰς δὲ τύχας θεραπεύεσθαι -καιρός. χαῖρʼ, ὦ βασίλεια. - - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -ἔκβητʼ ἀπήνης, Τρῳάδες, χειρὸς δʼ ἐμῆς -λάβεσθʼ, ἵνʼ ἔξω τοῦδʼ ὄχου στήσω πόδα. -σκύλοισι μὲν γὰρ θεῶν κεκόσμηνται δόμοι -Φρυγίοις, ἐγὼ δὲ τάσδε, Τρῳάδος χθονὸς -ἐξαίρετʼ, ἀντὶ παιδὸς ἣν ἀπώλεσα -σμικρὸν γέρας, καλὸν δὲ κέκτημαι δόμοις. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὔκουν ἐγώ — δούλη γὰρ ἐκβεβλημένη -δόμων πατρῴων δυστυχεῖς οἰκῶ δόμους — -μῆτερ, λάβωμαι μακαρίας τῆς σῆς χερός; - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -δοῦλαι πάρεισιν αἵδε, μὴ σύ μοι πόνει. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τί δʼ; αἰχμάλωτόν τοί μʼ ἀπῴκισας δόμων, -ᾑρημένων δὲ δωμάτων ᾑρήμεθα, -ὡς αἵδε, πατρὸς ὀρφαναὶ λελειμμέναι. - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -τοιαῦτα μέντοι σὸς πατὴρ βουλεύματα -ἐς οὓς ἐχρῆν ἥκιστʼ ἐβούλευσεν φίλων. -λέξω δὲ καίτοι δόξʼ ὅταν λάβῃ κακὴ -γυναῖκα, γλώσσῃ πικρότης ἔνεστί τις. -ὡς μὲν παρʼ ἡμῖν, οὐ καλῶς· τὸ πρᾶγμα δὲ -μαθόντας, ἢν μὲν ἀξίως μισεῖν ἔχῃ, -στυγεῖν δίκαιον· εἰ δὲ μή, τί δεῖ στυγεῖν; -ἡμᾶς ἔδωκε Τυνδάρεως τῷ σῷ πατρί, -οὐχ ὥστε θνῄσκειν, οὐδʼ ἃ γειναίμην ἐγώ. -κεῖνος δὲ παῖδα τὴν ἐμὴν Ἀχιλλέως -λέκτροισι πείσας ᾤχετʼ ἐκ δόμων ἄγων -πρυμνοῦχον Αὖλιν, ἔνθʼ ὑπερτείνας πυρᾶς -λευκὴν διήμησʼ Ἰφιγόνης παρηΐδα. -κεἰ μὲν πόλεως ἅλωσιν ἐξιώμενος, -ἢ δῶμʼ ὀνήσων τἄλλα τʼ ἐκσῴζων τέκνα, -ἔκτεινε πολλῶν μίαν ὕπερ, συγγνώστʼ ἂν ἦν· -νῦν δʼ οὕνεχʼ Ἑλένη μάργος ἦν ὅ τʼ αὖ λαβὼν -ἄλοχον κολάζειν προδότιν οὐκ ἠπίστατο, -τούτων ἕκατι παῖδʼ ἐμὴν διώλεσεν. -ἐπὶ τοῖσδε τοίνυν καίπερ ἠδικημένη -οὐκ ἠγριώμην οὐδʼ ἂν ἔκτανον πόσιν· -ἀλλʼ ἦλθʼ ἔχων μοι μαινάδʼ ἔνθεον κόρην -λέκτροις τʼ ἐπεισέφρηκε, καὶ νύμφα δύο -ἐν τοῖσιν αὐτοῖς δώμασιν κατείχομεν. - - -μῶρον μὲν οὖν γυναῖκες, οὐκ ἄλλως λέγω· -ὅταν δʼ, ὑπόντος τοῦδʼ, ἁμαρτάνῃ πόσις -τἄνδον παρώσας λέκτρα, μιμεῖσθαι θέλει -γυνὴ τὸν ἄνδρα χἅτερον κτᾶσθαι φίλον. -κἄπειτʼ ἐν ἡμῖν ὁ ψόγος λαμπρύνεται, -οἱ δʼ αἴτιοι τῶνδʼ οὐ κλύουσʼ ἄνδρες κακῶς. -εἰ δʼ ἐκ δόμων ἥρπαστο Μενέλεως λάθρᾳ, -κτανεῖν μʼ Ὀρέστην χρῆν, κασιγνήτης πόσιν -Μενέλαον ὡς σώσαιμι; σὸς δὲ πῶς πατὴρ -ἠνέσχετʼ ἂν ταῦτʼ; εἶτα τὸν μὲν οὐ θανεῖν -κτείνοντα χρῆν τἄμʼ, ἐμὲ δὲ πρὸς κείνου παθεῖν; -ἔκτεινʼ, ἐτρέφθην ἥνπερ ἦν πορεύσιμον -πρὸς τοὺς ἐκείνῳ πολεμίους. φίλων γὰρ ἂν -τίς ἂν πατρὸς σοῦ φόνον ἐκοινώνησέ μοι; -λέγʼ, εἴ τι χρῄζεις, κἀντίθες παρρησίᾳ, -ὅπως τέθνηκε σὸς πατὴρ οὐκ ἐνδίκως. - - -Χορός -δίκαιʼ ἔλεξας· ἡ δίκη δʼ αἰσχρῶς ἔχει. -γυναῖκα γὰρ χρὴ πάντα συγχωρεῖν πόσει, -ἥτις φρενήρης· ᾗ δὲ μὴ δοκεῖ τάδε, -οὐδʼ εἰς ἀριθμὸν τῶν ἐμῶν ἥκει λόγων. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -μέμνησο, μῆτερ, οὓς ἔλεξας ὑστάτους -λόγους, διδοῦσα πρὸς σέ μοι παρρησίαν. - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -καὶ νῦν γέ φημι κοὐκ ἀπαρνοῦμαι, τέκνον. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -† ἆρα † κλύουσα, μῆτερ, εἶτʼ ἔρξεις κακῶς; - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -οὐκ ἔστι, τῇ σῇ δʼ ἡδὺ προσθήσω φρενί. - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -λέγοιμʼ ἄν· ἀρχὴ δʼ ἥδε μοι προοιμίου· -εἴθʼ εἶχες, ὦ τεκοῦσα, βελτίους φρένας. -τὸ μὲν γὰρ εἶδος αἶνον ἄξιον φέρειν -Ἑλένης τε καὶ σοῦ, δύο δʼ ἔφυτε συγγόνω, -ἄμφω ματαίω Κάστορός τʼ οὐκ ἀξίω. -ἣ μὲν γὰρ ἁρπασθεῖσʼ ἑκοῦσʼ ἀπώλετο, -σὺ δʼ ἄνδρʼ ἄριστον Ἑλλάδος διώλεσας, -σκῆψιν προτείνουσʼ, ὡς ὑπὲρ τέκνου πόσιν -ἔκτεινας· οὐ γάρ σʼ ὡς ἔγωγʼ ἴσασιν εὖ. -ἥτις, θυγατρὸς πρὶν κεκυρῶσθαι σφαγάς, -νέον τʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων ἀνδρὸς ἐξωρμημένου, -ξανθὸν κατόπτρῳ πλόκαμον ἐξήσκεις κόμης. -γυνὴ δʼ, ἀπόντος ἀνδρός ἥτις ἐκ δόμων -ἐς κάλλος ἀσκεῖ, διάγραφʼ ὡς οὖσαν κακήν. -οὐδὲν γὰρ αὐτὴν δεῖ θύρασιν εὐπρεπὲς -φαίνειν πρόσωπον, ἤν τι μὴ ζητῇ κακόν. -μόνη δὲ πασῶν οἶδʼ ἐγὼ σʼ Ἑλληνίδων, -εἰ μὲν τὰ Τρώων εὐτυχοῖ, κεχαρμένην, -εἰ δʼ ἥσσονʼ εἴη, συννεφοῦσαν ὄμματα, -Ἀγαμέμνονʼ οὐ χρῄζουσαν ἐκ Τροίας μολεῖν. -καίτοι καλῶς γε σωφρονεῖν παρεῖχέ σοι· -ἄνδρʼ εἶχες οὐ κακίονʼ Αἰγίσθου πόσιν, -ὃν Ἑλλὰς αὑτῆς εἵλετο στρατηλάτην· -Ἑλένης δʼ ἀδελφῆς τοιάδʼ ἐξειργασμένης -ἐξῆν κλέος σοι μέγα λαβεῖν· τὰ γὰρ κακὰ -παράδειγμα τοῖς ἐσθλοῖσιν εἴσοψίν τʼ ἔχει. - -εἰ δʼ, ὡς λέγεις, σὴν θυγατέρʼ ἔκτεινεν πατήρ, -ἐγὼ τί σʼ ἠδίκησʼ ἐμός τε σύγγονος; -πῶς οὐ πόσιν κτείνασα πατρῴους δόμους -ἡμῖν προσῆψας, ἀλλʼ ἐπηνέγκω λέχει -τἀλλότρια, μισθοῦ τοὺς γάμους ὠνουμένη; -κοὔτʼ ἀντιφεύγει παιδὸς ἀντὶ σοῦ πόσις, -οὔτʼ ἀντʼ ἐμοῦ τέθνηκε, δὶς τόσως ἐμὲ -κτείνας ἀδελφῆς ζῶσαν. εἰ δʼ ἀμείψεται -φόνον δικάζων φόνος, ἀποκτενῶ σʼ ἐγὼ -καὶ παῖς Ὀρέστης πατρὶ τιμωρούμενοι· -εἰ γὰρ δίκαιʼ ἐκεῖνα, καὶ τάδʼ ἔνδικα. - -ὅστις δὲ πλοῦτον ἢ εὐγένειαν εἰσιδὼν - - -γαμεῖ πονηράν, μῶρός ἐστι· μικρὰ γὰρ - - -μεγάλων ἀμείνω σώφρονʼ ἐν δόμοις λέχη. - - - - -Χορός - -τύχη γυναικῶν ἐς γάμους. τὰ μὲν γὰρ εὖ, - - -τὰ δʼ οὐ καλῶς πίπτοντα δέρκομαι βροτῶν. - - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -ὦ παῖ, πέφυκας πατέρα σὸν στέργειν ἀεί· -ἔστιν δὲ καὶ τόδʼ· οἳ μέν εἰσιν ἀρσένων, -οἳ δʼ αὖ φιλοῦσι μητέρας μᾶλλον πατρός. -συγγνώσομαί σοι· καὶ γὰρ οὐχ οὕτως ἄγαν -χαίρω τι, τέκνον, τοῖς δεδραμένοις ἐμοί. - -σὺ δʼ ὧδʼ ἄλουτος καὶ δυσείματος χρόα -λεχὼ νεογνῶν ἐκ τόκων πεπαυμένη; - -οἴμοι τάλαινα τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων· -ὡς μᾶλλον ἢ χρῆν ἤλασʼ εἰς ὀργὴν πόσιν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὀψὲ στενάζεις, ἡνίκʼ οὐκ ἔχεις ἄκη. -πατὴρ μὲν οὖν τέθνηκε· τὸν δʼ ἔξω χθονὸς -πῶς οὐ κομίζῃ παῖδʼ ἀλητεύοντα σόν; - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -δέδοικα· τοὐμὸν δʼ, οὐχὶ τοὐκείνου, σκοπῶ. -πατρὸς γάρ, ὡς λέγουσι, θυμοῦται φόνῳ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τί δαὶ πόσιν σὸν ἄγριον εἰς ἡμᾶς ἔχεις; - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -τρόποι τοιοῦτοι· καὶ σὺ δʼ αὐθάδης ἔφυς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἀλγῶ γάρ· ἀλλὰ παύσομαι θυμουμένη. - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -καὶ μὴν ἐκεῖνος οὐκέτʼ ἔσται σοι βαρύς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -φρονεῖ μέγʼ· ἐν γὰρ τοῖς ἐμοῖς ναίει δόμοις. - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -ὁρᾷς; ἀνʼ αὖ σὺ ζωπυρεῖς νείκη νέα. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -σιγῶ· δέδοικα γάρ νιν ὡς δέδοικʼ ἐγώ. - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -παῦσαι λόγων τῶνδε. ἀλλὰ τί μʼ ἐκάλεις, τέκνον; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἤκουσας, οἶμαι, τῶν ἐμῶν λοχευμάτων· -τούτων ὕπερ μοι θῦσον — οὐ γὰρ οἶδʼ ἐγώ — -δεκάτῃ σελήνῃ παιδὸς ὡς νομίζεται· -τρίβων γὰρ οὐκ εἴμʼ, ἄτοκος οὖσʼ ἐν τῷ πάρος. - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -ἄλλης τόδʼ ἔργον, ἥ σʼ ἔλυσεν ἐκ τόκων. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -αὐτὴ ʼλόχευον κἄτεκον μόνη βρέφος. - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -οὕτως ἀγείτων οἶκος ἵδρυται φίλων; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -πένητας οὐδεὶς βούλεται κτᾶσθαι φίλους. - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -ἀλλʼ εἶμι, παιδὸς ἀριθμὸν ὡς τελεσφόρον -θύσω θεοῖσι· σοὶ δʼ ὅταν πράξω χάριν -τήνδʼ, εἶμʼ ἐπʼ ἀγρὸν οὗ πόσις θυηπολεῖ -νύμφαισιν. ἀλλὰ τούσδʼ ὄχους, ὀπάονες, -φάτναις ἄγοντες πρόσθεθʼ· ἡνίκʼ ἂν δέ με -δοκῆτε θυσίας τῆσδʼ ἀπηλλάχθαι θεοῖς, -πάρεστε· δεῖ γὰρ καὶ πόσει δοῦναι χάριν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -χώρει πένητας ἐς δόμους· φρούρει δέ μοι -μή σʼ αἰθαλώσῃ πολύκαπνον στέγος πέπλους. -θύσεις γὰρ οἷα χρή σε δαίμοσιν θύη. - -κανοῦν δʼ ἐνῆρκται καὶ τεθηγμένη σφαγίς, -ἥπερ καθεῖλε ταῦρον, οὗ πέλας πεσῇ -πληγεῖσα· νυμφεύσῃ δὲ κἀν Ἅιδου δόμοις -ᾧπερ ξυνηῦδες ἐν φάει. τοσήνδʼ ἐγὼ -δώσω χάριν σοι, σὺ δὲ δίκην ἐμοὶ πατρός. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἀμοιβαὶ κακῶν· μετάτροποι πνέου- -σιν αὖραι δόμων. τότε μὲν ἐν λουτροῖς -ἔπεσεν ἐμὸς ἐμὸς ἀρχέτας, -ἰάχησε δὲ στέγα λάινοί τε θριγκοὶ δόμων, -τάδʼ ἐνέποντος· Ὦ σχέτλια· τί με, γύναι, φονεύσεις φίλαν -πατρίδα δεκέτεσιν σποραῖσιν ἐλθόντʼ ἐμάν; - - - - - - - - -Χορός -παλίρρους δὲ τάνδʼ ὑπάγεται δίκα -διαδρόμου λέχους μέλεον ἃ πόσιν -χρόνιον ἱκόμενον εἰς οἴκους -Κυκλώπειά τʼ οὐράνια τείχεʼ ὀξυθήκτου βέλους -ἔκανεν αὐτόχειρ, πέλεκυν ἐν χεροῖν λαβοῦσʼ· ἆ τλάμων -πόσις, ὅ τί ποτε τὰν τάλαιναν ἔσχεν κακόν. -ὀρεία τις ὡς λέαινʼ ὀργάδων -δρύοχα νεμομένα, τάδε κατήνυσεν. - - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -ὦ τέκνα, πρὸς θεῶν, μὴ κτάνητε μητέρα. - - - - -Χορός -κλύεις ὑπώροφον βοάν; - - - - -Κλυταιμήστρα -ἰώ μοί μοι. - - -Χορός - -ᾤμωξα κἀγὼ πρὸς τέκνων χειρουμένης. -νέμει τοι δίκαν θεός, ὅταν τύχῃ· -σχέτλια μὲν ἔπαθες, ἀνόσια δʼ εἰργάσω, -τάλαινʼ, εὐνέταν. - - - -Χορός -ἀλλʼ οἵδε μητρὸς νεοφόνοις ἐν αἵμασι -πεφυρμένοι βαίνουσιν ἐξ οἴκων πόδα, -τροπαῖα δείγματʼ ἀθλίων προσφαγμάτων. -οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδεὶς οἶκος ἀθλιώτερος -τῶν Τανταλείων οὐδʼ ἔφυ ποτʼ ἐκγόνων. - - - - - -Ὀρέστης -ἰὼ Γᾶ καὶ Ζεῦ πανδερκέτα -βροτῶν, ἴδετε τάδʼ ἔργα φόνι- -α μυσαρά, δίγονα σώματʼ ἐν -χθονὶ κείμενα πλαγᾷ -χερὸς ὑπʼ ἐμᾶς, ἄποινʼ ἐμῶν -πημάτων - - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -δακρύτʼ ἄγαν, ὦ σύγγονʼ, αἰτία δʼ ἐγώ. -διὰ πυρὸς ἔμολον ἁ τάλαινα ματρὶ τᾷδʼ, -ἅ μʼ ἔτικτε κούραν. - - -Χορός -ἰὼ τύχας, σᾶς τύχας, -μᾶτερ τεκοῦσʼ ἄλαστα, -ἄλαστα μέλεα καὶ πέρα -παθοῦσα σῶν τέκνων ὑπαί. -πατρὸς δʼ ἔτεισας φόνον δικαίως. - - - - - -Ὀρέστης -ἰὼ Φοῖβʼ, ἀνύμνησας δίκαιʼ -ἄφαντα, φανερὰ δʼ ἐξέπρα- -ξας ἄχεα, φόνια δʼ ὤπασας -λάχεʼ ἀπὸ γᾶς τᾶς Ἑλλανίδος. -τίνα δʼ ἑτέραν μόλω πόλιν; -τίς ξένος, τίς εὐσεβὴς -ἐμὸν κάρα προσόψεται -ματέρα κτανόντος; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἰὼ ἰώ μοι. ποῖ δʼ ἐγώ, τίνʼ ἐς χορόν, -τίνα γάμον εἶμι; τίς πόσις με δέξεται -νυμφικὰς ἐς εὐνάς; - - -Χορός -πάλιν, πάλιν φρόνημα σὸν -μετεστάθη πρὸς αὔραν· -φρονεῖς γὰρ ὅσια νῦν, τότʼ οὐ -φρονοῦσα, δεινὰ δʼ εἰργάσω, -φίλα, κασίγνητον οὐ θέλοντα. - - - - - -Ὀρέστης -κατεῖδες, οἷον ἁ τάλαινʼ ἔξω πέπλων -ἔβαλεν, ἔδειξε μαστὸν ἐν φοναῖσιν, -ἰώ μοι, πρὸς πέδῳ -τιθεῖσα γόνιμα μέλεα; τὰν κόμαν δʼ ἐγὼ — - - -Χορός -σάφʼ οἶδα, διʼ ὀδύνας ἔβας, -ἰήιον κλύων γόον -ματρός, ἅ σʼ ἔτικτε. - - - - - -Ὀρέστης -βοὰν δʼ ἔλασκε τάνδε, πρὸς γένυν ἐμὰν -τιθεῖσα χεῖρα· Τέκος ἐμόν, λιταίνω· -παρῄδων τʼ ἐξ ἐμᾶν -ἐκρίμναθʼ, ὥστε χέρας ἐμὰς λιπεῖν βέλος. - - -Χορός -τάλαινα· πῶς ἔτλας φόνον -διʼ ὀμμάτων ἰδεῖν σέθεν -ματρὸς ἐκπνεούσας; - - - - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐγὼ μὲν ἐπιβαλὼν φάρη κόραις ἐμαῖς -φασγάνῳ κατηρξάμαν -ματέρος ἔσω δέρας μεθείς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπεγκέλευσά σοι -ξίφους τʼ ἐφηψάμαν ἅμα. - - -Χορός -δεινότατον παθέων ἔρεξας. - - - - - -Ὀρέστης -λαβοῦ, κάλυπτε μέλεα ματέρος πέπλοις - -καὶ καθάρμοσον σφαγάς. -φονέας ἔτικτες ἆρά σοι. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἰδού, φίλᾳ τε κοὐ φίλᾳ -φάρεα τάδʼ ἀμφιβάλλομεν. - - -Χορός -τέρμα κακῶν μεγάλων δόμοισιν. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἀλλʼ οἵδε δόμων ὑπὲρ ἀκροτάτων -φαίνουσι τίνες — δαίμονες ἢ θεῶν -τῶν οὐρανίων; οὐ γὰρ θνητῶν γʼ -ἥδε κέλευθος· τί ποτʼ ἐς φανερὰν -ὄψιν βαίνουσι βροτοῖσιν; - - - -Διόσκουροι -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖ, κλῦθι· δίπτυχοι δέ σε -καλοῦσι μητρὸς σύγγονοι Διόσκοροι, -Κάστωρ κασίγνητός τε Πολυδεύκης ὅδε. -δεινὸν δὲ ναυσὶν ἀρτίως πόντου σάλον -παύσαντʼ ἀφίγμεθʼ Ἄργος, ὡς ἐσείδομεν -σφαγὰς ἀδελφῆς τῆσδε, μητέρος δὲ σῆς. -δίκαια μέν νυν ἥδʼ ἔχει, σὺ δʼ οὐχὶ δρᾷς· -Φοῖβός τε, Φοῖβος — ἀλλʼ ἄναξ γάρ ἐστʼ ἐμός, -σιγῶ· σοφὸς δʼ ὢν οὐκ ἔχρησέ σοι σοφά. -αἰνεῖν δʼ ἀνάγκη ταῦτα· τἀντεῦθεν δὲ χρὴ -πράσσειν ἃ Μοῖρα Ζεύς τʼ ἔκρανε σοῦ πέρι. - -Πυλάδῃ μὲν Ἠλέκτραν δὸς ἄλοχον ἐς δόμους, -σὺ δʼ Ἄργος ἔκλιπʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἔστι σοι πόλιν -τήνδʼ ἐμβατεύειν, μητέρα κτείναντι σήν. -δειναὶ δὲ κῆρές σʼ αἱ κυνώπιδες θεαὶ -τροχηλατήσουσʼ ἐμμανῆ πλανώμενον. -ἐλθὼν δʼ Ἀθήνας Παλλάδος σεμνὸν βρέτας -πρόσπτυξον· εἵρξει γάρ νιν ἐπτοημένας -δεινοῖς δράκουσιν ὥστε μὴ ψαύειν σέθεν, -γοργῶφʼ ὑπερτείνουσα σῷ κάρᾳ κύκλον. -ἔστιν δʼ Ἄρεώς τις ὄχθος, οὗ πρῶτον θεοὶ -ἕζοντʼ ἐπὶ ψήφοισιν αἵματος πέρι, -Ἁλιρρόθιον ὅτʼ ἔκτανʼ ὠμόφρων Ἄρης, -μῆνιν θυγατρὸς ἀνοσίων νυμφευμάτων, -πόντου κρέοντος παῖδʼ, ἵνʼ εὐσεβεστάτη -ψῆφος βεβαία τʼ ἐστὶν † ἔκ τε τοῦ † θεοῖς. - - -ἐνταῦθα καὶ σὲ δεῖ δραμεῖν φόνου πέρι. -ἴσαι δέ σʼ ἐκσῴζουσι μὴ θανεῖν δίκῃ -ψῆφοι τεθεῖσαι· Λοξίας γὰρ αἰτίαν -ἐς αὑτὸν οἴσει, μητέρος χρήσας φόνον. -καὶ τοῖσι λοιποῖς ὅδε νόμος τεθήσεται, -νικᾶν ἴσαις ψήφοισι τὸν φεύγοντʼ ἀεί. -δειναὶ μὲν οὖν θεαὶ τῷδʼ ἄχει πεπληγμέναι -πάγον παρʼ αὐτὸν χάσμα δύσονται χθονός, -σεμνὸν βροτοῖσιν εὐσεβὲς χρηστήριον· -σὲ δʼ Ἀρκάδων χρὴ πόλιν ἐπʼ Ἀλφειοῦ ῥοαῖς -οἰκεῖν Λυκαίου πλησίον σηκώματος· -ἐπώνυμος δὲ σοῦ πόλις κεκλήσεται. - -σοὶ μὲν τάδʼ εἶπον· τόνδε δʼ Αἰγίσθου νέκυν -Ἄργους πολῖται γῆς καλύψουσιν τάφῳ. -μητέρα δὲ τὴν σὴν ἄρτι Ναυπλίαν παρὼν -Μενέλαος, ἐξ οὗ Τρωικὴν εἷλε χθόνα, -Ἑλένη τε θάψει· Πρωτέως γὰρ ἐκ δόμων -ἥκει λιποῦσʼ Αἴγυπτον οὐδʼ ἦλθεν Φρύγας· -Ζεὺς δʼ, ὡς ἔρις γένοιτο καὶ φόνος βροτῶν, -εἴδωλον Ἑλένης ἐξέπεμψʼ ἐς Ἴλιον. -Πυλάδης μὲν οὖν κόρην τε καὶ δάμαρτʼ ἔχων -Ἀχαιίδος γῆς οἴκαδʼ ἐσπορευέτω, -καὶ τὸν λόγῳ σὸν πενθερὸν κομιζέτω -Φωκέων ἐς αἶαν καὶ δότω πλούτου βάρος· -σὺ δʼ Ἰσθμίας γῆς αὐχένʼ ἐμβαίνω ποδὶ -χώρει πρὸς ὄχθον Κεκροπίας εὐδαίμονα. -πεπρωμένην γὰρ μοῖραν ἐκπλήσας φόνου -εὐδαιμονήσεις τῶνδʼ ἀπαλλαχθεὶς πόνων. - - - - - -Χορός -ὦ παῖδε Διός, θέμις ἐς φθογγὰς -τὰς ὑμετέρας ἡμῖν πελάθειν; - - -Διόσκουροι -θέμις, οὐ μυσαραῖς τοῖσδε σφαγίοις. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -κἀμοὶ μύθου μέτα, Τυνδαρίδαι; - - -Διόσκουροι -καὶ σοί· Φοίβῳ τήνδʼ ἀναθήσω -πρᾶξιν φονίαν. - - -Χορός -πῶς ὄντε θεὼ τῆσδέ τʼ ἀδελφὼ -τῆς καπφθιμένης -οὐκ ἠρκέσατον κῆρας μελάθροις; - - -Διόσκουροι -μοῖρά τʼ ἀνάγκης ἦγʼ ἐς τὸ χρεών, -Φοίβου τʼ ἄσοφοι γλώσσης ἐνοπαί. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τίς δʼ ἔμʼ Ἀπόλλων, ποῖοι χρησμοὶ -φονίαν ἔδοσαν μητρὶ γενέσθαι; - - -Διόσκουροι -κοιναὶ πράξεις, κοινοὶ δὲ πότμοι, -μία δʼ ἀμφοτέρους -ἄτη πατέρων διέκναισεν. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ σύγγονέ μοι, χρονίαν σʼ ἐσιδὼν -τῶν σῶν εὐθὺς φίλτρων στέρομαι -καὶ σʼ ἀπολείψω σοῦ λειπόμενος. - - -Διόσκουροι -πόσις ἔστʼ αὐτῇ καὶ δόμος· οὐχ ἥδʼ -οἰκτρὰ πέπονθεν, πλὴν ὅτι λείπει -πόλιν Ἀργείων. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καὶ τίνες ἄλλαι στοναχαὶ μείζους -ἢ γῆς πατρίας ὅρον ἐκλείπειν; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ οἴκων ἔξειμι πατρὸς -καὶ ἐπʼ ἀλλοτρίαις ψήφοισι φόνον -μητρὸς ὑφέξω. - - -Διόσκουροι -θάρσει· Παλλάδος -ὁσίαν ἥξεις πόλιν· ἀλλʼ ἀνέχου. - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -περί μοι στέρνοις στέρνα πρόσαψον, -σύγγονε φίλτατε· -διὰ γὰρ ζευγνῦσʼ ἡμᾶς πατρίων -μελάθρων μητρὸς φόνιοι κατάραι. - - -Ὀρέστης -βάλε, πρόσπτυξον σῶμα· θανόντος δʼ -ὡς ἐπὶ τύμβῳ καταθρήνησον. - - -Διόσκουροι -φεῦ φεῦ· δεινὸν τόδʼ ἐγηρύσω -καὶ θεοῖσι κλύειν. -ἔνι γὰρ κἀμοὶ τοῖς τʼ οὐρανίδαις -οἶκτοι θνητῶν πολυμόχθων. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκέτι σʼ ὄψομαι. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐδʼ ἐγὼ ἐς σὸν βλέφαρον πελάσω. - - -Ὀρέστης -τάδε λοίσθιά μοι προσφθέγματά σου. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ χαῖρε, πόλις· -χαίρετε δʼ ὑμεῖς πολλά, πολίτιδες. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ πιστοτάτη, στείχεις ἤδη; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -στείχω βλέφαρον τέγγουσʼ ἁπαλόν. - - -Ὀρέστης -Πυλάδη, χαίρων ἴθι, νυμφεύου -δέμας Ἠλέκτρας. - - -Διόσκουροι -τοῖσδε μελήσει γάμος· ἀλλὰ κύνας -τάσδʼ ὑποφεύγων στεῖχʼ ἐπʼ Ἀθηνῶν· -δεινὸν γὰρ ἴχνος βάλλουσʼ ἐπὶ σοὶ -χειροδράκοντες χρῶτα κελαιναί, -δεινῶν ὀδυνῶν καρπὸν ἔχουσαι· -νὼ δʼ ἐπὶ πόντον Σικελὸν σπουδῇ -σῴσοντε νεῶν πρῴρας ἐνάλους. -διὰ δʼ αἰθερίας στείχοντε πλακὸς -τοῖς μὲν μυσαροῖς οὐκ ἐπαρήγομεν, -οἷσιν δʼ ὅσιον καὶ τὸ δίκαιον -φίλον ἐν βιότῳ, τούτους χαλεπῶν -ἐκλύοντες μόχθων σῴζομεν. -οὕτως ἀδικεῖν μηδεὶς θελέτω -μηδʼ ἐπιόρκων μέτα συμπλείτω· -θεὸς ὢν θνητοῖς ἀγορεύω. - - -Χορός -χαίρετε· χαίρειν δʼ ὅστις δύναται -καὶ ξυντυχίᾳ μή τινι κάμνει -θνητῶν, εὐδαίμονα πράσσει. - - - - - - diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-grc2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..0f82870e0 --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg012/tlg0006.tlg012.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,2422 @@ + + + + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +Machine readable text +Euripides +Gilbert Murray +Perseus Project, Tufts University +Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Lisa Cerrato + William Merrill + Elli Mylonas + David Smith + +The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + Euripidis Fabulae + Gilbert Murray + + Oxford + Clarendon Press + 1913 + + 2 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + + + + +

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+ + + + Greek + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + tagging now should be compatible with CTS + Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. + adding rend=displayNum to lb tags + small fixes + more refinements making these files SDL compatible + our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp + convert to P3 + Fixed cardbreaks at 464, 998; added line 463b. + Added speaker tags where needed. + Made Speakers lower case; tagged lacunae; cut L N="0006" L N="012" from line 328, '†L N="32" from 870; removed some caps; + Basic SGML tagging + +
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+ + + +Αὐτουργός +ὦ γῆς παλαιὸν ἄργος, Ἰνάχου ῥοαί, +ὅθεν ποτʼ ἄρας ναυσὶ χιλίαις Ἄρη +ἐς γῆν ἔπλευσε Τρῳάδʼ Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ. +κτείνας δὲ τὸν κρατοῦντʼ ἐν Ἰλιάδι χθονὶ +Πρίαμον, ἑλών τε Δαρδάνου κλεινὴν πόλιν, +ἀφίκετʼ ἐς τόδʼ Ἄργος, ὑψηλῶν δʼ ἐπὶ +ναῶν ἔθηκε σκῦλα πλεῖστα βαρβάρων. +κἀκεῖ μὲν εὐτύχησεν· ἐν δὲ δώμασι +θνῄσκει γυναικὸς πρὸς Κλυταιμήστρας δόλῳ +καὶ τοῦ Θυέστου παιδὸς Αἰγίσθου χερί. +χὣ μὲν παλαιὰ σκῆπτρα Ταντάλου λιπὼν +ὄλωλεν, Αἴγισθος δὲ βασιλεύει χθονός, +ἄλοχον ἐκείνου Τυνδαρίδα κόρην ἔχων. +οὓς δʼ ἐν δόμοισιν ἔλιφʼ ὅτʼ ἐς Τροίαν ἔπλει, +ἄρσενά τʼ Ὀρέστην θῆλύ τʼ Ἠλέκτρας θάλος, +τὸν μὲν πατρὸς γεραιὸς ἐκκλέπτει τροφεὺς +μέλλοντʼ Ὀρέστην χερὸς ὑπʼ Αἰγίσθου θανεῖν +Στροφίῳ τʼ ἔδωκε Φωκέων ἐς γῆν τρέφειν· +ἣ δʼ ἐν δόμοις ἔμεινεν Ἠλέκτρα πατρός, +ταύτην ἐπειδὴ θαλερὸς εἶχʼ ἥβης χρόνος, +μνηστῆρες ᾔτουν Ἑλλάδος πρῶτοι χθονός. +δείσας δὲ μή τῳ παῖδʼ ἀριστέων τέκοι +Ἀγαμέμνονος ποινάτορʼ, εἶχεν ἐν δόμοις +Αἴγισθος οὐδʼ ἥρμοζε νυμφίῳ τινί. + ἐπεὶ δὲ καὶ τοῦτʼ ἦν φόβου πολλοῦ πλέων, +μή τῳ λαθραίως τέκνα γενναίῳ τέκοι, +κτανεῖν σφε βουλεύσαντος, ὠμόφρων ὅμως +μήτηρ νιν ἐξέσῳσεν Αἰγίσθου χερός. +ἐς μὲν γὰρ ἄνδρα σκῆψιν εἶχʼ ὀλωλότα, +παίδων δʼ ἔδεισε μὴ φθονηθείη φόνῳ. +ἐκ τῶνδε δὴ τοιόνδʼ ἐμηχανήσατο +Αἴγισθος· ὃς μὲν γῆς ἀπηλλάχθη φυγὰς +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, χρυσὸν εἶφʼ ὃς ἂν κτάνῃ, +ἡμῖν δὲ δὴ δίδωσιν Ἠλέκτραν ἔχειν +δάμαρτα, πατέρων μὲν Μυκηναίων ἄπο +γεγῶσιν — οὐ δὴ τοῦτό γʼ ἐξελέγχομαι· +λαμπροὶ γὰρ ἐς γένος γε, χρημάτων δὲ δὴ +πένητες, ἔνθεν ηὑγένειʼ ἀπόλλυται — +ὡς ἀσθενεῖ δοὺς ἀσθενῆ λάβοι φόβον. +εἰ γάρ νιν ἔσχεν ἀξίωμʼ ἔχων ἀνήρ, +εὕδοντʼ ἂν ἐξήγειρε τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος +φόνον δίκη τʼ ἂν ἦλθεν Αἰγίσθῳ τότε. +ἣν οὔποθʼ ἁνὴρ ὅδε — σύνοιδέ μοι Κύπρις — +ᾔσχυνεν εὐνῇ· παρθένος δʼ ἔτʼ ἐστὶ δή. +αἰσχύνομαι γὰρ ὀλβίων ἀνδρῶν τέκνα +λαβὼν ὑβρίζειν, οὐ κατάξιος γεγώς. +στένω δὲ τὸν λόγοισι κηδεύοντʼ ἐμοὶ +ἄθλιον Ὀρέστην, εἴ ποτʼ εἰς Ἄργος μολὼν +γάμους ἀδελφῆς δυστυχεῖς ἐσόψεται. + + ὅστις δέ μʼ εἶναί φησι μῶρον, εἰ λαβὼν +νέαν ἐς οἴκους παρθένον μὴ θιγγάνω, +γνώμης πονηροῖς κανόσιν ἀναμετρούμενος +τὸ σῶφρον ἴστω καὐτὸς αὖ τοιοῦτος ὤν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ νὺξ μέλαινα, χρυσέων ἄστρων τροφέ, +ἐν ᾗ τόδʼ ἄγγος τῷδʼ ἐφεδρεῦον κάρᾳ +φέρουσα πηγὰς ποταμίας μετέρχομαι — +οὐ δή τι χρείας ἐς τοσόνδʼ ἀφιγμένη, +ἀλλʼ ὡς ὕβριν δείξωμεν Αἰγίσθου θεοῖς — +γόους τʼ ἀφίημʼ αἰθέρʼ ἐς μέγαν πατρί. +ἡ γὰρ πανώλης Τυνδαρίς, μήτηρ ἐμή, +ἐξέβαλέ μʼ οἴκων, χάριτα τιθεμένη πόσει· +τεκοῦσα δʼ ἄλλους παῖδας Αἰγίσθῳ πάρα +πάρεργʼ Ὀρέστην κἀμὲ ποιεῖται δόμων — + +Αὐτουργός +τί γὰρ τάδʼ, ὦ δύστηνʼ, ἐμὴν μοχθεῖς χάριν +πόνους ἔχουσα, πρόσθεν εὖ τεθραμμένη, +καὶ ταῦτʼ ἐμοῦ λέγοντος οὐκ ἀφίστασαι; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐγώ σʼ ἴσον θεοῖσιν ἡγοῦμαι φίλον· +ἐν τοῖς ἐμοῖς γὰρ οὐκ ἐνύβρισας κακοῖς. +μεγάλη δὲ θνητοῖς μοῖρα συμφορᾶς κακῆς +ἰατρὸν εὑρεῖν, ὡς ἐγὼ σὲ λαμβάνω. +δεῖ δή με κἀκέλευστον εἰς ὅσον σθένω +μόχθου ʼπικουφίζουσαν, ὡς ῥᾷον φέρῃς, +συνεκκομίζειν σοι πόνους. ἅλις δʼ ἔχεις +τἄξωθεν ἔργα· τἀν δόμοις δʼ ἡμᾶς χρεὼν +ἐξευτρεπίζειν. εἰσιόντι δʼ ἐργάτῃ +θύραθεν ἡδὺ τἄνδον εὑρίσκειν καλῶς. + +Αὐτουργός +εἴ τοι δοκεῖ σοι, στεῖχε· καὶ γὰρ οὐ πρόσω +πηγαὶ μελάθρων τῶνδʼ. ἐγὼ δʼ ἅμʼ ἡμέρᾳ +βοῦς εἰς ἀρούρας ἐσβαλὼν σπερῶ γύας. +ἀργὸς γὰρ οὐδεὶς θεοὺς ἔχων ἀνὰ στόμα +βίον δύναιτʼ ἂν ξυλλέγειν ἄνευ πόνου. + + +Ὀρέστης +Πυλάδη, σὲ γὰρ δὴ πρῶτον ἀνθρώπων ἐγὼ +πιστὸν νομίζω καὶ φίλον ξένον τʼ ἐμοί· +μόνος δʼ Ὀρέστην τόνδʼ ἐθαύμαζες φίλων, +πράσσονθʼ ἃ πράσσω δείνʼ ὑπʼ Αἰγίσθου παθών, +ὅς μου κατέκτα πατέρα — χἡ πανώλεθρος +μήτηρ. ἀφῖγμαι δʼ ἐκ θεοῦ μυστηρίων +Ἀργεῖον οὖδας οὐδενὸς ξυνειδότος, +φόνον φονεῦσι πατρὸς ἀλλάξων ἐμοῦ. +νυκτὸς δὲ τῆσδε πρὸς τάφον μολὼν πατρὸς +δάκρυά τʼ ἔδωκα καὶ κόμης ἀπηρξάμην +πυρᾷ τʼ ἐπέσφαξʼ αἷμα μηλείου φόνου, +λαθὼν τυράννους οἳ κρατοῦσι τῆσδε γῆς. +καὶ τειχέων μὲν ἐντὸς οὐ βαίνω πόδα, +δυοῖν δʼ ἅμιλλαν ξυντιθεὶς ἀφικόμην +πρὸς τέρμονας γῆς τῆσδʼ, ἵνʼ ἐκβάλω ποδὶ +ἄλλην ἐπʼ αἶαν, εἴ μέ τις γνοίη σκοπῶν, +ζητῶν τʼ ἀδελφήν· φασὶ γάρ νιν ἐν γάμοις +ζευχθεῖσαν οἰκεῖν οὐδὲ παρθένον μένειν· +ὡς συγγένωμαι καὶ φόνου ξυνεργάτιν +λαβὼν τά γʼ εἴσω τειχέων σαφῶς μάθω. + νῦν οὖν — ἕως γὰρ λευκὸν ὄμμʼ ἀναίρεται — +ἔξω τρίβου τοῦδʼ ἴχνος ἀλλαξώμεθα. +ἢ γάρ τις ἀροτὴρ ἤ τις οἰκέτις γυνὴ +φανήσεται νῷν, ἥντινʼ ἱστορήσομεν +εἰ τούσδε ναίει σύγγονος τόπους ἐμή. + ἀλλʼ — εἰσορῶ γὰρ τήνδε προσπόλον τινά, +πηγαῖον ἄχθος ἐν κεκαρμένῳ κάρᾳ +φέρουσαν — ἑζώμεσθα κἀκπυθώμεθα +δούλης γυναικός, ἤν τι δεξώμεσθʼ ἔπος +ἐφʼ οἷσι, Πυλάδη, τήνδʼ ἀφίγμεθα χθόνα.
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+ +Ἠλέκτρα +σύντεινʼ — ὥρα — ποδὸς ὁρμάν· ὤ, +ἔμβα, ἔμβα κατακλαίουσα· +ἰώ μοί μοι. +ἐγενόμαν Ἀγαμέμνονος +καί μʼ ἔτεκεν Κλυταιμήστρα +στυγνὰ Τυνδάρεω κόρα, +κικλήσκουσι δέ μʼ ἀθλίαν +Ἠλέκτραν πολιῆται. +φεῦ φεῦ σχετλίων πόνων +καὶ στυγερᾶς ζόας. +ὦ πάτερ, σὺ δʼ ἐν Ἀΐδα +κεῖσαι, σᾶς ἀλόχου σφαγαῖς +Αἰγίσθου τʼ, Ἀγάμεμνον.
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+Ἠλέκτρα +ἴθι τὸν αὐτὸν ἔγειρε γόον, +ἄναγε πολύδακρυν ἁδονάν.
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+Ἠλέκτρα +σύντεινʼ — ὥρα — ποδὸς ὁρμάν· ὤ, +ἔμβα, ἔμβα, κατακλαίουσα· +ἰώ μοί μοι. +τίνα πόλιν, τίνα δʼ οἶκον, ὦ +τλᾶμον σύγγονʼ, ἀλατεύεις +οἰκτρὰν ἐν θαλάμοις λιπὼν +πατρῴοις ἐπὶ συμφοραῖς +ἀλγίσταισιν ἀδελφάν; +ἔλθοις τῶνδε πόνων ἐμοὶ +τᾷ μελέᾳ λυτήρ, +ὦ Ζεῦ Ζεῦ, πατρί θʼ αἱμάτων +ἐχθίστων ἐπίκουρος, Ἄρ- +γει κέλσας πόδʼ ἀλάταν.
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+Ἠλέκτρα +θὲς τόδε τεῦχος ἐμῆς ἀπὸ κρατὸς ἑ- +λοῦσʼ, ἵνα πατρὶ γόους νυχίους +ἐπορθροβοάσω, +ἰαχάν, Ἀΐδα μέλος, +Ἀΐδα, πάτερ, σοι +κατὰ γᾶς ἐνέπω γόους +οἷς ἀεὶ τὸ κατʼ ἦμαρ +διέπομαι, κατὰ μὲν φίλαν +ὄνυχι τεμνομένα δέραν +χέρα τε κρᾶτʼ ἐπὶ κούριμον +τιθεμένα θανάτῳ σῷ.
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+ +Ἠλέκτρα +αἶ αἶ, δρύπτε κάρα· +οἷα δέ τις κύκνος ἀχέτας +ποταμίοις παρὰ χεύμασιν +πατέρα φίλτατον καλεῖ, +ὀλόμενον δολίοις βρόχων +ἕρκεσιν, ὣς σὲ τὸν ἄθλιον, +πάτερ, ἐγὼ κατακλαίομαι,
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+ +Ἠλέκτρα +λουτρὰ πανύσταθʼ ὑδρανάμενον χροῒ +κοίτᾳ ἐν οἰκτροτάτᾳ θανάτου. +ἰώ μοι, ἰώ μοι +πικρᾶς μὲν πελέκεως τομᾶς +σᾶς, πάτερ, πικρᾶς δʼ ἐκ +Τροΐας ὁδίου βουλᾶς· +οὐ μίτραισι γυνή σε +δέξατʼ οὐδʼ ἐπὶ στεφάνοις, +ξίφεσι δʼ ἀμφιτόμοις λυγρὰν +Αἰγίσθου λώβαν θεμένα +δόλιον ἔσχεν ἀκοίταν.
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+Χορός +Ἀγαμέμνονος ὦ κόρα, +ἤλυθον, Ἠλέκτρα, ποτὶ +σὰν ἀγρότειραν αὐλάν. +ἔμολέ τις ἔμολεν γαλακτοπότας ἀνὴρ +Μυκηναῖος ὀρειβάτας· +ἀγγέλλει δʼ ὅτι νῦν τριταί- +αν καρύσσουσιν θυσίαν +Ἀργεῖοι, πᾶσαι δὲ παρʼ Ἥ- +ραν μέλλουσιν παρθενικαὶ στείχειν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκ ἐπʼ ἀγλαΐαις, φίλαι, +θυμὸν οὐδʼ ἐπὶ χρυσέοις +ὅρμοις ἐκπεπόταμαι +τάλαινʼ, οὐδʼ ἱστᾶσα χοροὺς +Ἀργείαις ἅμα νύμφαις +εἱλικτὸν κρούσω πόδʼ ἐμόν. +δάκρυσι νυχεύ- +ω, δακρύων δέ μοι μέλει +δειλαίᾳ τὸ κατʼ ἦμαρ. +σκέψαι μου πιναρὰν κόμαν +καὶ τρύχη τάδʼ ἐμῶν πέπλων, +εἰ πρέποντʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος +κούρᾳ ʼσται βασιλείᾳ +τᾷ Τροίᾳ θʼ, ἃ ʼμοῦ πατέρος +μέμναταί ποθʼ ἁλοῦσα.
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+Χορός +μεγάλα θεός· ἀλλʼ ἴθι, +καὶ παρʼ ἐμοῦ χρῆσαι πολύ- +πηνα φάρεα δῦναι, +χρύσεά τε — χαρίσαι — προσθήματʼ ἀγλαΐας. +δοκεῖς τοῖσι σοῖς δακρύοις +μὴ τιμῶσα θεούς, κρατή- +σειν ἐχθρῶν; οὔτοι στοναχαῖς, +ἀλλʼ εὐχαῖσι θεοὺς σεβί- +ζουσʼ ἕξεις εὐαμερίαν, ὦ παῖ. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐδεὶς θεῶν ἐνοπᾶς κλύει +τᾶς δυσδαίμονος, οὐ παλαι- +ῶν πατρὸς σφαγιασμῶν. +οἴμοι τοῦ καταφθιμένου +τοῦ τε ζῶντος ἀλάτα, +ὅς που γᾶν ἄλλαν κατέχει, +μέλεος ἀλαί- +νων ποτὶ θῆσσαν ἑστίαν, +τοῦ κλεινοῦ πατρὸς ἐκφύς. +αὐτὰ δʼ ἐν χερνῆσι δόμοις +ναίω ψυχὰν τακομένα +δωμάτων πατρίων φυγάς, +οὐρείας ἀνʼ ἐρίπνας. +μάτηρ δʼ ἐν λέκτροις φονίοις +ἄλλῳ σύγγαμος οἰκεῖ.
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+ +Χορός +πολλῶν κακῶν Ἕλλησιν αἰτίαν ἔχει +σῆς μητρὸς Ἑλένη σύγγονος δόμοις τε σοῖς. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οἴμοι, γυναῖκες, ἐξέβην θρηνημάτων. +ξένοι τινὲς παρʼ οἶκον οἵδʼ ἐφεστίους +εὐνὰς ἔχοντες ἐξανίστανται λόχου· +φυγῇ σὺ μὲν κατʼ οἶμον, ἐς δόμους δʼ ἐγὼ +φῶτας κακούργους ἐξαλύξωμεν ποδί. + +Ὀρέστης +μένʼ, ὦ τάλαινα· μὴ τρέσῃς ἐμὴν χέρα. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ Φοῖβʼ Ἄπολλον· προσπίτνω σε μὴ θανεῖν. + +Ὀρέστης +ἄλλους κτάνοιμι μᾶλλον ἐχθίους σέθεν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἄπελθε, μὴ ψαῦʼ ὧν σε μὴ ψαύειν χρεών. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅτου θίγοιμʼ ἂν ἐνδικώτερον. + +Ἠλέκτρα +καὶ πῶς ξιφήρης πρὸς δόμοις λοχᾷς ἐμοῖς; + +Ὀρέστης +μείνασʼ ἄκουσον, καὶ τάχʼ οὐκ ἄλλως ἐρεῖς. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἕστηκα· πάντως δʼ εἰμὶ σή· κρείσσων γὰρ εἶ. + +Ὀρέστης +ἥκω φέρων σοι σοῦ κασιγνήτου λόγους. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἆρα ζῶντος ἢ τεθνηκότος; + +Ὀρέστης +ζῇ· πρῶτα γάρ σοι τἀγάθʼ ἀγγέλλειν θέλω. + +Ἠλέκτρα +εὐδαιμονοίης, μισθὸν ἡδίστων λόγων. + +Ὀρέστης +κοινῇ δίδωμι τοῦτο νῷν ἀμφοῖν ἔχειν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ποῦ γῆς ὁ τλήμων τλήμονας φυγὰς ἔχων; + +Ὀρέστης +οὐχ ἕνα νομίζων φθείρεται πόλεως νόμον. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὔ που σπανίζων τοῦ καθʼ ἡμέραν βίου; + +Ὀρέστης +ἔχει μέν, ἀσθενὴς δὲ δὴ φεύγων ἀνήρ. + +Ἠλέκτρα +λόγον δὲ δὴ τίνʼ ἦλθες ἐκ κείνου φέρων; + +Ὀρέστης +εἰ ζῇς, ὅπως τε ζῶσα συμφορᾶς ἔχεις. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκοῦν ὁρᾷς μου πρῶτον ὡς ξηρὸν δέμας. + +Ὀρέστης +λύπαις γε συντετηκός, ὥστε με στένειν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +καὶ κρᾶτα πλόκαμόν τʼ ἐσκυθισμένον ξυρῷ. + +Ὀρέστης +δάκνει σʼ ἀδελφὸς ὅ τε θανὼν ἴσως πατήρ. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οἴμοι, τί γάρ μοι τῶνδέ γʼ ἐστὶ φίλτερον; + +Ὀρέστης +φεῦ φεῦ· τί δαὶ σὺ σῷ κασιγνήτῳ, δοκεῖς; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἀπὼν ἐκεῖνος, οὐ παρὼν ἡμῖν φίλος. + +Ὀρέστης +ἐκ τοῦ δὲ ναίεις ἐνθάδʼ ἄστεως ἑκάς; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐγημάμεσθʼ, ὦ ξεῖνε, θανάσιμον γάμον. + +Ὀρέστης +ᾤμωξʼ ἀδελφὸν σόν. Μυκηναίων τίνι; + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐχ ᾧ πατήρ μʼ ἤλπιζεν ἐκδώσειν ποτέ. + +Ὀρέστης +εἴφʼ, ὡς ἀκούσας σῷ κασιγνήτῳ λέγω. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐν τοῖσδʼ ἐκείνου τηλορὸς ναίω δόμοις. + +Ὀρέστης +σκαφεύς τις ἢ βουφορβὸς ἄξιος δόμων. + +Ἠλέκτρα +πένης ἀνὴρ γενναῖος ἔς τʼ ἔμʼ εὐσεβής. + +Ὀρέστης +ἡ δʼ εὐσέβεια τίς πρόσεστι σῷ πόσει; + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐπώποτʼ εὐνῆς τῆς ἐμῆς ἔτλη θιγεῖν. + +Ὀρέστης +ἅγνευμʼ ἔχων τι θεῖον ἤ σʼ ἀπαξιῶν; + +Ἠλέκτρα +γονέας ὑβρίζειν τοὺς ἐμοὺς οὐκ ἠξίου. + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ πῶς γάμον τοιοῦτον οὐχ ἥσθη λαβών; + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐ κύριον τὸν δόντα μʼ ἡγεῖται, ξένε. + +Ὀρέστης +ξυνῆκʼ· Ὀρέστῃ μή ποτʼ ἐκτείσῃ δίκην. + +Ἠλέκτρα +τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ ταρβῶν, πρὸς δὲ καὶ σώφρων ἔφυ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +φεῦ· +γενναῖον ἄνδρʼ ἔλεξας, εὖ τε δραστέον. + +Ἠλέκτρα +εἰ δή ποθʼ ἥξει γʼ ἐς δόμους ὁ νῦν ἀπών. + +Ὀρέστης +μήτηρ δέ σʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα ταῦτʼ ἠνέσχετο; + +Ἠλέκτρα +γυναῖκες ἀνδρῶν, ὦ ξένʼ, οὐ παίδων φίλαι. + +Ὀρέστης +τίνος δέ σʼ οὕνεχʼ ὕβρισʼ Αἴγισθος τάδε; + +Ἠλέκτρα +τεκεῖν μʼ ἐβούλετʼ ἀσθενῆ, τοιῷδε δούς. + +Ὀρέστης +ὡς δῆθε παῖδας μὴ τέκοις ποινάτορας; + +Ἠλέκτρα +τοιαῦτʼ ἐβούλευσʼ· ὧν ἐμοὶ δοίη δίκην. + +Ὀρέστης +οἶδεν δέ σʼ οὖσαν παρθένον μητρὸς πόσις; + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκ οἶδε· σιγῇ τοῦθʼ ὑφαιρούμεσθά νιν. + +Ὀρέστης +αἵδʼ οὖν φίλαι σοι τούσδʼ ἀκούουσιν λόγους; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὥστε στέγειν γε τἀμὰ καὶ σʼ ἔπη καλῶς. + +Ὀρέστης +τί δῆτʼ Ὀρέστης πρὸς τόδʼ, Ἄργος ἢν μόλῃ; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἤρου τόδʼ; αἰσχρόν γʼ εἶπας· οὐ γὰρ νῦν ἀκμή; + +Ὀρέστης +ἐλθὼν δὲ δὴ πῶς φονέας ἂν κτάνοι πατρός; + +Ἠλέκτρα +τολμῶν ὑπʼ ἐχθρῶν οἷʼ ἐτολμήθη πατήρ. + +Ὀρέστης +ἦ καὶ μετʼ αὐτοῦ μητέρʼ ἂν τλαίης κτανεῖν; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ταὐτῷ γε πελέκει τῷ πατὴρ ἀπώλετο. + +Ὀρέστης +λέγω τάδʼ αὐτῷ, καὶ βέβαια τἀπὸ σοῦ; + +Ἠλέκτρα +θάνοιμι μητρὸς αἷμʼ ἐπισφάξασʼ ἐμῆς. + +Ὀρέστης +φεῦ· +εἴθʼ ἦν Ὀρέστης πλησίον κλύων τάδε. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἀλλʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, οὐ γνοίην ἂν εἰσιδοῦσά νιν. + +Ὀρέστης +νέα γάρ, οὐδὲν θαῦμʼ, ἀπεζεύχθης νέου. + +Ἠλέκτρα +εἷς ἂν μόνος νιν τῶν ἐμῶν γνοίη φίλων. + +Ὀρέστης +ἆρʼ ὃν λέγουσιν αὐτὸν ἐκκλέψαι φόνου; + +Ἠλέκτρα +πατρός γε παιδαγωγὸς ἀρχαῖος γέρων. + +Ὀρέστης +ὁ κατθανὼν δὲ σὸς πατὴρ τύμβου κυρεῖ; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἔκυρσεν ὡς ἔκυρσεν, ἐκβληθεὶς δόμων. + +Ὀρέστης +οἴμοι, τόδʼ οἷον εἶπας· — αἴσθησις γὰρ οὖν +κἀκ τῶν θυραίων πημάτων δάκνει βροτούς. + λέξον δʼ, ἵνʼ εἰδὼς σῷ κασιγνήτῳ φέρω +λόγους ἀτερπεῖς, ἀλλʼ ἀναγκαίους κλύειν. +ἔνεστι δʼ οἶκτος ἀμαθίᾳ μὲν οὐδαμοῦ, +σοφοῖσι δʼ ἀνδρῶν· καὶ γὰρ οὐδʼ ἀζήμιον +γνώμην ἐνεῖναι τοῖς σοφοῖς λίαν σοφήν. + +Χορός +κἀγὼ τὸν αὐτὸν τῷδʼ ἔρον ψυχῆς ἔχω. +πρόσω γὰρ ἄστεως οὖσα τἀν πόλει κακὰ +οὐκ οἶδα, νῦν δὲ βούλομαι κἀγὼ μαθεῖν. + + + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +λέγοιμʼ ἄν, εἰ χρή — χρὴ δὲ πρὸς φίλον λέγειν — +τύχας βαρείας τὰς ἐμὰς κἀμοῦ πατρός. +ἐπεὶ δὲ κινεῖς μῦθον, ἱκετεύω, ξένε, +ἄγγελλʼ Ὀρέστῃ τἀμὰ καὶ κείνου κακά, +πρῶτον μὲν οἵοις ἐν πέπλοις αὐλίζομαι, +πίνῳ θʼ ὅσῳ βέβριθʼ, ὑπὸ στέγαισί τε +οἵαισι ναίω βασιλικῶν ἐκ δωμάτων, +αὐτὴ μὲν ἐκμοχθοῦσα κερκίσιν πέπλους, +ἢ γυμνὸν ἕξω σῶμα κἀστερήσομαι, +αὐτὴ δὲ πηγὰς ποταμίους φορουμένη, +ἀνέορτος ἱερῶν καὶ χορῶν τητωμένη. +ἀναίνομαι γυναῖκας οὖσα παρθένος, +ἀναίνομαι δὲ Κάστορʼ, ᾧ πρὶν ἐς θεοὺς +ἐλθεῖν ἔμʼ ἐμνήστευον, οὖσαν ἐγγενῆ. +μήτηρ δʼ ἐμὴ Φρυγίοισιν ἐν σκυλεύμασιν +θρόνῳ κάθηται, πρὸς δʼ ἕδραισιν Ἀσίδες +δμωαὶ στατίζουσʼ, ἃς ἔπερσʼ ἐμὸς πατήρ, +Ἰδαῖα φάρη χρυσέαις ἐζευγμέναι +πόρπαισιν. αἷμα δʼ ἔτι πατρὸς κατὰ στέγας +μέλαν σέσηπεν, ὃς δʼ ἐκεῖνον ἔκτανεν, +ἐς ταὐτὰ βαίνων ἅρματʼ ἐκφοιτᾷ πατρί, +καὶ σκῆπτρʼ ἐν οἷς Ἕλλησιν ἐστρατηλάτει +μιαιφόνοισι χερσὶ γαυροῦται λαβών. +Ἀγαμέμνονος δὲ τύμβος ἠτιμασμένος +οὔπω χοάς ποτʼ οὐδὲ κλῶνα μυρσίνης +ἔλαβε, πυρὰ δὲ χέρσος ἀγλαϊσμάτων. +μέθῃ δὲ βρεχθεὶς τῆς ἐμῆς μητρὸς πόσις +ὁ κλεινός, ὡς λέγουσιν, ἐνθρῴσκει τάφῳ +πέτροις τε λεύει μνῆμα λάινον πατρός, +καὶ τοῦτο τολμᾷ τοὔπος εἰς ἡμᾶς λέγειν· +ποῦ παῖς Ὀρέστης; ἆρά σοι τύμβῳ καλῶς +παρὼν ἀμύνει; — ταῦτʼ ἀπὼν ὑβρίζεται. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ἱκετεύω σʼ, ἀπάγγειλον τάδε. +πολλοὶ δʼ ἐπιστέλλουσιν, ἑρμηνεὺς δʼ ἐγώ, +αἱ χεῖρες ἡ γλῶσσʼ ἡ ταλαίπωρός τε φρήν, +κάρα τʼ ἐμὸν ξυρῆκες, ὅ τʼ ἐκεῖνον τεκών. +αἰσχρὸν γάρ, εἰ πατὴρ μὲν ἐξεῖλεν Φρύγας, +ὁ δʼ ἄνδρʼ ἕνʼ εἷς ὢν οὐ δυνήσεται κτανεῖν, +νέος πεφυκὼς κἀξ ἀμείνονος πατρός. + +Χορός +καὶ μὴν δέδορκα τόνδε, σὸν λέγω πόσιν, +λήξαντα μόχθου πρὸς δόμους ὡρμημένον. + + + +Αὐτουργός +ἔα· τίνας τούσδʼ ἐν πύλαις ὁρῶ ξένους; +τίνος δʼ ἕκατι τάσδʼ ἐπʼ ἀγραύλους πύλας +προσῆλθον; ἦ ʼμοῦ δεόμενοι; γυναικί τοι +αἰσχρὸν μετʼ ἀνδρῶν ἑστάναι νεανιῶν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ φίλτατʼ, εἰς ὕποπτα μὴ μόλῃς ἐμοί· +τὸν ὄντα δʼ εἴσῃ μῦθον· οἵδε γὰρ ξένοι +ἥκουσʼ Ὀρέστου πρός με κήρυκες λόγων. + ἀλλʼ, ὦ ξένοι, σύγγνωτε τοῖς εἰρημένοις. + +Αὐτουργός +τί φασίν; ἁνὴρ ἔστι καὶ λεύσσει φάος; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἔστιν λόγῳ γοῦν, φασὶ δʼ οὐκ ἄπιστʼ ἐμοί. + +Αὐτουργός +ἦ καί τι πατρὸς σῶν τε μέμνηται κακῶν; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐν ἐλπίσιν ταῦτʼ· ἀσθενὴς φεύγων ἀνήρ. + +Αὐτουργός +ἦλθον δʼ Ὀρέστου τίνʼ ἀγορεύοντες λόγον; + +Ἠλέκτρα +σκοποὺς ἔπεμψε τούσδε τῶν ἐμῶν κακῶν. + +Αὐτουργός +οὐκοῦν τὰ μὲν λεύσσουσι, τὰ δὲ σύ που λέγεις. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἴσασιν, οὐδὲν τῶνδʼ ἔχουσιν ἐνδεές. + +Αὐτουργός +οὐκοῦν πάλαι χρῆν τοῖσδʼ ἀνεπτύχθαι πύλας; + χωρεῖτʼ ἐς οἴκους· ἀντὶ γὰρ χρηστῶν λόγων +ξενίων κυρήσεθʼ, οἷʼ ἐμὸς κεύθει δόμος. + αἴρεσθʼ, ὀπαδοί, τῶνδʼ ἔσω τεύχη δόμων. +καὶ μηδὲν ἀντείπητε, παρὰ φίλου φίλοι +μολόντες ἀνδρός· καὶ γὰρ εἰ πένης ἔφυν, +οὔτοι τό γʼ ἦθος δυσγενὲς παρέξομαι. + + + + + +Ὀρέστης +πρὸς θεῶν, ὅδʼ ἁνὴρ ὃς συνεκκλέπτει γάμους +τοὺς σούς, Ὀρέστην οὐ καταισχύνειν θέλων; + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὗτος κέκληται πόσις ἐμὸς τῆς ἀθλίας. + +Ὀρέστης +φεῦ· +οὐκ ἔστʼ ἀκριβὲς οὐδὲν εἰς εὐανδρίαν· +ἔχουσι γὰρ ταραγμὸν αἱ φύσεις βροτῶν. +ἤδη γὰρ εἶδον ἄνδρα γενναίου πατρὸς +τὸ μηδὲν ὄντα, χρηστά τʼ ἐκ κακῶν τέκνα, +λιμόν τʼ ἐν ἀνδρὸς πλουσίου φρονήματι, +γνώμην τε μεγάλην ἐν πένητι σώματι. + πῶς οὖν τις αὐτὰ διαλαβὼν ὀρθῶς κρινεῖ; +πλούτῳ; πονηρῷ τἄρα χρήσεται κριτῇ. +ἢ τοῖς ἔχουσι μηδέν; ἀλλʼ ἔχει νόσον +πενία, διδάσκει δʼ ἄνδρα τῇ χρείᾳ κακόν. +ἀλλʼ εἰς ὅπλʼ ἔλθω; τίς δὲ πρὸς λόγχην βλέπων +μάρτυς γένοιτʼ ἂν ὅστις ἐστὶν ἁγαθός; +κράτιστον εἰκῇ ταῦτʼ ἐᾶν ἀφειμένα. + οὗτος γὰρ ἁνὴρ οὔτʼ ἐν Ἀργείοις μέγας +οὔτʼ αὖ δοκήσει δωμάτων ὠγκωμένος, +ἐν τοῖς δὲ πολλοῖς ὤν, ἄριστος ηὑρέθη. +οὐ μὴ ἀφρονήσεθʼ, οἳ κενῶν δοξασμάτων +πλήρεις πλανᾶσθε, τῇ δʼ ὁμιλίᾳ βροτοὺς +κρινεῖτε καὶ τοῖς ἤθεσιν τοὺς εὐγενεῖς; + οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι καὶ πόλεις οἰκοῦσιν εὖ +καὶ δώμαθʼ· αἱ δὲ σάρκες αἱ κεναὶ φρενῶν +ἀγάλματʼ ἀγορᾶς εἰσιν. οὐδὲ γὰρ δόρυ +μᾶλλον βραχίων σθεναρὸς ἀσθενοῦς μένει· +ἐν τῇ φύσει δὲ τοῦτο κἀν εὐψυχίᾳ. + ἀλλʼ — ἄξιος γὰρ ὅ τε παρὼν ὅ τʼ οὐ παρὼν +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, οὗπερ οὕνεχʼ ἥκομεν — +δεξώμεθʼ οἴκων καταλύσεις. χωρεῖν χρεών, +δμῶες, δόμων τῶνδʼ ἐντός. ὡς ἐμοὶ πένης +εἴη πρόθυμος πλουσίου μᾶλλον ξένος. +αἰνῶ μὲν οὖν τοῦδʼ ἀνδρὸς ἐσδοχὰς δόμων, +ἐβουλόμην δʼ ἄν, εἰ κασίγνητός με σὸς +ἐς εὐτυχοῦντας ἦγεν εὐτυχῶν δόμους. +ἴσως δʼ ἂν ἔλθοι· Λοξίου γὰρ ἔμπεδοι +χρησμοί, βροτῶν δὲ μαντικὴν χαίρειν ἐῶ. + + + + + +Χορός +νῦν ἢ πάροιθεν μᾶλλον, Ἠλέκτρα, χαρᾷ +θερμαινόμεσθα καρδίαν· ἴσως γὰρ ἂν +μόλις προβαίνουσʼ ἡ τύχη σταίη καλῶς. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ τλῆμον, εἰδὼς δωμάτων χρείαν σέθεν +τί τούσδʼ ἐδέξω μείζονας σαυτοῦ ξένους; + +Αὐτουργός +τί δʼ; εἴπερ εἰσὶν ὡς δοκοῦσιν εὐγενεῖς, +οὐκ ἔν τε μικροῖς ἔν τε μὴ στέρξουσʼ ὁμῶς; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐπεί νυν ἐξήμαρτες ἐν σμικροῖσιν ὤν, +ἔλθʼ ὡς παλαιὸν τροφὸν ἐμοῦ φίλον πατρός, +ὃς ἀμφὶ ποταμὸν Τάναον Ἀργείας ὅρους +τέμνοντα γαίας Σπαρτιάτιδός τε γῆς +ποίμναις ὁμαρτεῖ πόλεος ἐκβεβλημένος· +κέλευε δʼ αὐτὸν τῶνδʼ ἐμοὐσαφιγμένων +ἐλθεῖν, ξένων τʼ ἐς δαῖτα πορσῦναί τινα. +ἡσθήσεταί τοι καὶ προσεύξεται θεοῖς, +ζῶντʼ εἰσακούσας παῖδʼ ὃν ἐκσῴζει ποτέ. +οὐ γὰρ πατρῴων ἐκ δόμων μητρὸς πάρα +λάβοιμεν ἄν τι· πικρὰ δʼ ἀγγείλαιμεν ἄν, +εἰ ζῶντʼ Ὀρέστην ἡ τάλαινʼ αἴσθοιτʼ ἔτι. + +Αὐτουργός +ἀλλʼ, εἰ δοκεῖ σοι, τούσδʼ ἀπαγγελῶ λόγους +γέροντι· χώρει δʼ ἐς δόμους ὅσον τάχος +καὶ τἄνδον ἐξάρτυε. πολλά τοι γυνὴ +χρῄζουσʼ ἂν εὕροι δαιτὶ προσφορήματα. + ἔστιν δὲ δὴ τοσαῦτά γʼ ἐν δόμοις ἔτι, +ὥσθʼ ἕν γʼ ἐπʼ ἦμαρ τούσδε πληρῶσαι βορᾶς. +ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις δʼ ἡνίκʼ ἂν γνώμης πέσω, +σκοπῶ τὰ χρήμαθʼ ὡς ἔχει μέγα σθένος, +ξένοις τε δοῦναι σῶμά τʼ ἐς νόσους πεσὸν +δαπάναισι σῷσαι· τῆς δʼ ἐφʼ ἡμέραν βορᾶς +ἐς σμικρὸν ἥκει· πᾶς γὰρ ἐμπλησθεὶς ἀνὴρ +ὁ πλούσιός τε χὡ πένης ἴσον φέρει.
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+ +Χορός +κλειναὶ νᾶες, αἵ ποτʼ ἔβατε Τροίαν +τοῖς ἀμετρήτοις ἐρετμοῖς +πέμπουσαι χοροὺς μετὰ Νηρῄδων, +ἵνʼ ὁ φίλαυλος ἔπαλλε δελ- +φὶς πρῴραις κυανεμβόλοι- +σιν εἱλισσόμενος, +πορεύων τὸν τᾶς Θέτιδος +κοῦφον ἅλμα ποδῶν Ἀχιλῆ +σὺν Ἀγαμέμνονι Τρωίας +ἐπὶ Σιμουντίδας ἀκτάς.
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+Χορός +Νηρῇδες δʼ Εὐβοῖδας ἄκρας λιποῦσαι +μόχθους ἀσπιστὰς ἀκμόνων +Ἡφαίστου χρυσέων ἔφερον τευχέων, +ἀνά τε Πήλιον ἀνά τε πρυ- +μνὰς Ὄσσας ἱερᾶς νάπας +Νυμφαίας σκοπιὰς +κόρας μάτευσʼ, ἔνθα πατὴρ +ἱππότας τρέφεν Ἑλλάδι φῶς +Θέτιδος εἰνάλιον γόνον +ταχύπορον πόδʼ Ἀτρείδαις.
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+Χορός +Ἰλιόθεν δʼ ἔκλυόν τινος ἐν λιμέσιν +Ναυπλίοισι βεβῶτος +τᾶς σᾶς, ὦ Θέτιδος παῖ, +κλεινᾶς ἀσπίδος ἐν κύκλῳ +τοιάδε σήματα, δείματα +Φρύγια, τετύχθαι· +περιδρόμῳ μὲν ἴτυος ἕδρᾳ +Περσέα λαιμοτόμαν ὑπὲρ +ἁλὸς ποτανοῖσι πεδί- +λοισι φυὰν Γοργόνος ἴ- +σχειν, Διὸς ἀγγέλῳ σὺν Ἑρ- +μᾷ, τῷ Μαί- +ας ἀγροτῆρι κούρῳ·
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+Χορός +ἐν δὲ μέσῳ κατέλαμπε σάκει φαέθων +κύκλος ἀελίοιο +ἵπποις ἂμ πτεροέσσαις +ἄστρων τʼ αἰθέριοι χοροί, +Πλειάδες, Ὑάδες, Ἕκτορος +ὄμμασι τροπαῖοι· +ἐπὶ δὲ χρυσοτύπῳ κράνει +Σφίγγες ὄνυξιν ἀοίδιμον +ἄγραν φέρουσαι· περιπλεύ- +ρῳ δὲ κύτει πύρπνοος ἔ- +σπευδε δρόμῳ λέαινα χαλ- +αῖς Πειρη- +ναῖον ὁρῶσα πῶλον.
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+Χορός +ἄορι δʼ ἐν φονίῳ τετραβάμονες ἵπποι ἔπαλ- +λον, κελαινὰ δʼ ἀμφὶ νῶθʼ ἵετο κόνις. +τοιῶνδʼ ἄνακτα δοριπόνων +ἔκανεν ἀνδρῶν, Τυνδαρίς, +σὰ λέχεα, κακόφρων κούρα. +τοιγάρ σέ ποτʼ οὐρανίδαι +πέμψουσιν θανάτοις· ἦ σὰν +ἔτʼ ἔτι φόνιον ὑπὸ δέραν +ὄψομαι αἷμα χυθὲν σιδάρῳ.
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+ +Πρέσβυς +ποῦ ποῦ νεᾶνις πότνιʼ ἐμὴ δέσποινά τε, +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, ὅν ποτʼ ἐξέθρεψʼ ἐγώ; +ὡς πρόσβασιν τῶνδʼ ὀρθίαν οἴκων ἔχει +ῥυσῷ γέροντι τῷδε προσβῆναι ποδί. +ὅμως δὲ πρός γε τοὺς φίλους ἐξελκτέον +διπλῆν ἄκανθαν καὶ παλίρροπον γόνυ. + ὦ θύγατερ — ἄρτι γάρ σε πρὸς δόμοις ὁρῶ — +ἥκω φέρων σοι τῶν ἐμῶν βοσκημάτων +ποίμνης νεογνὸν θρέμμʼ ὑποσπάσας τόδε +στεφάνους τε τευχέων τʼ ἐξελὼν τυρεύματα, +παλαιόν τε θησαύρισμα Διονύσου τόδε +ὀσμῇ κατῆρες, μικρόν, ἀλλʼ ἐπεσβαλεῖν +ἡδὺ σκύφον τοῦδʼ ἀσθενεστέρῳ ποτῷ. +ἴτω φέρων τις τοῖς ξένοις τάδʼ ἐς δόμους· +ἐγὼ δὲ τρύχει τῷδʼ ἐμῶν πέπλων κόρας +δακρύοισι τέγξας ἐξομόρξασθαι θέλω. + +Ἠλέκτρα +τί δʼ, ὦ γεραιέ, διάβροχον τόδʼ ὄμμʼ ἔχεις; +μῶν τἀμὰ διὰ χρόνου σʼ ἀνέμνησεν κακά; +ἢ τὰς Ὀρέστου τλήμονας φυγὰς στένεις +καὶ πατέρα τὸν ἐμόν, ὅν ποτʼ ἐν χεροῖν ἔχων +ἀνόνητʼ ἔθρεψας σοί τε καὶ τοῖς σοῖς φίλοις; + +Πρέσβυς +ἀνόνηθʼ· ὅμως δʼ οὖν τοῦτό γʼ οὐκ ἠνεσχόμην. +ἦλθον γὰρ αὐτοῦ πρὸς τάφον πάρεργʼ ὁδοῦ +καὶ προσπεσὼν ἔκλαυσʼ ἐρημίας τυχών, +σπονδάς τε, λύσας ἀσκὸν ὃν φέρω ξένοις, +ἔσπεισα, τύμβῳ δʼ ἀμφέθηκα μυρσίνας. +πυρᾶς δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῆς οἶν μελάγχιμον πόκῳ +σφάγιον ἐσεῖδον αἷμά τʼ οὐ πάλαι χυθὲν +ξανθῆς τε χαίτης βοστρύχους κεκαρμένους. +κἀθαύμασʼ, ὦ παῖ, τίς ποτʼ ἀνθρώπων ἔτλη +πρὸς τύμβον ἐλθεῖν· οὐ γὰρ Ἀργείων γέ τις. + ἀλλʼ ἦλθʼ ἴσως που σὸς κασίγνητος λάθρᾳ, +μολὼν δʼ ἐθαύμασʼ ἄθλιον τύμβον πατρός. +σκέψαι δὲ χαίτην προστιθεῖσα σῇ κόμῃ, +εἰ χρῶμα ταὐτὸν κουρίμης ἔσται τριχός· +φιλεῖ γάρ, αἷμα ταὐτὸν οἷς ἂν ᾖ πατρός, +τὰ πόλλʼ ὅμοια σώματος πεφυκέναι. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκ ἄξιʼ ἀνδρός, ὦ γέρον, σοφοῦ λέγεις, +εἰ κρυπτὸν ἐς γῆν τήνδʼ ἂν Αἰγίσθου φόβῳ +δοκεῖς ἀδελφὸν τὸν ἐμὸν εὐθαρσῆ μολεῖν. +ἔπειτα χαίτης πῶς συνοίσεται πλόκος, +ὁ μὲν παλαίστραις ἀνδρὸς εὐγενοῦς τραφείς, +ὁ δὲ κτενισμοῖς θῆλυς; ἀλλʼ ἀμήχανον. +πολλοῖς δʼ ἂν εὕροις βοστρύχους ὁμοπτέρους +καὶ μὴ γεγῶσιν αἵματος ταὐτοῦ, γέρον. + +Πρέσβυς +σὺ δʼ εἰς ἴχνος βᾶσʼ ἀρβύλης σκέψαι βάσιν +εἰ σύμμετρος σῷ ποδὶ γενήσεται, τέκνον. + +Ἠλέκτρα +πῶς δʼ ἂν γένοιτʼ ἂν ἐν κραταιλέῳ πέδῳ +γαίας ποδῶν ἔκμακτρον; εἰ δʼ ἔστιν τόδε, +δυοῖν ἀδελφοῖν ποὺς ἂν οὐ γένοιτʼ ἴσος +ἀνδρός τε καὶ γυναικός, ἀλλʼ ἅρσην κρατεῖ. + +Πρέσβυς +οὐκ ἔστιν, εἰ καὶ γῆν κασίγνητος μολών, + +κερκίδος ὅτῳ γνοίης ἂν ἐξύφασμα σῆς, +ἐν ᾧ ποτʼ αὐτὸν ἐξέκλεψα μὴ θανεῖν; + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκ οἶσθʼ, Ὀρέστης ἡνίκʼ ἐκπίπτει χθονός, +νέαν μʼ ἔτʼ οὖσαν; εἰ δὲ κἄκρεκον πέπλους, +πῶς ἂν τότʼ ὢν παῖς ταὐτὰ νῦν ἔχοι φάρη, +εἰ μὴ ξυναύξοινθʼ οἱ πέπλοι τῷ σώματι; + ἀλλʼ ἤ τις αὐτοῦ τάφον ἐποικτίρας ξένος +ἐκείρατʼ, ἢ τῆσδε σκοποὺς λαβὼν χθονὸς — + + + +Πρέσβυς +οἱ δὲ ξένοι ποῦ; βούλομαι γὰρ εἰσιδὼν +αὐτοὺς ἔρεσθαι σοῦ κασιγνήτου πέρι. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οἵδʼ ἐκ δόμων βαίνουσι λαιψηρῷ ποδί. + +Πρέσβυς +ἀλλʼ εὐγενεῖς μέν, ἐν δὲ κιβδήλῳ τόδε· +πολλοὶ γὰρ ὄντες εὐγενεῖς εἰσιν κακοί. +ὅμως δέ. — χαίρειν τοὺς ξένους προσεννέπω. + +Ὀρέστης +χαῖρʼ, ὦ γεραιέ. — τοῦ ποτʼ, Ἠλέκτρα, τόδε +παλαιὸν ἀνδρὸς λείψανον φίλων κυρεῖ; + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὗτος τὸν ἁμὸν πατέρʼ ἔθρεψεν, ὦ ξένε. + +Ὀρέστης +τί φῄς; ὅδʼ ὃς σὸν ἐξέκλεψε σύγγονον; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὅδʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ σώσας κεῖνον, εἴπερ ἔστʼ ἔτι. + +Ὀρέστης +ἔα· +τί μʼ ἐσδέδορκεν ὥσπερ ἀργύρου σκοπῶν +λαμπρὸν χαρακτῆρʼ; ἢ προσεικάζει μέ τῳ; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἴσως Ὀρέστου σʼ ἥλιχʼ ἥδεται βλέπων. + +Ὀρέστης +φίλου γε φωτός. τί δὲ κυκλεῖ πέριξ πόδα; + +Ἠλέκτρα +καὐτὴ τόδʼ εἰσορῶσα θαυμάζω, ξένε. + +Πρέσβυς +ὦ πότνιʼ, εὔχου, θύγατερ Ἠλέκτρα, θεοῖς. + +Ἠλέκτρα +τί τῶν ἀπόντων ἢ τί τῶν ὄντων πέρι; + +Πρέσβυς +λαβεῖν φίλον θησαυρόν, ὃν φαίνει θεός. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἰδού· καλῶ θεούς. ἢ τί δὴ λέγεις, γέρον; + +Πρέσβυς +βλέψον νυν ἐς τόνδʼ, ὦ τέκνον, τὸν φίλτατον. + +Ἠλέκτρα +πάλαι δέδορκα, μὴ σύ γʼ οὐκέτʼ εὖ φρονῇς. + +Πρέσβυς +οὐκ εὖ φρονῶ ʼγὼ σὸν κασίγνητον βλέπων; + +Ἠλέκτρα +πῶς εἶπας, ὦ γεραίʼ, ἀνέλπιστον λόγον; + +Πρέσβυς +ὁρᾶν Ὀρέστην τόνδε τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ποῖον χαρακτῆρʼ εἰσιδών, ᾧ πείσομαι; + +Πρέσβυς +οὐλὴν παρʼ ὀφρύν, ἥν ποτʼ ἐν πατρὸς δόμοις +νεβρὸν διώκων σοῦ μέθʼ ᾑμάχθη πεσών. + +Ἠλέκτρα +πῶς φῄς; ὁρῶ μὲν πτώματος τεκμήριον. + +Πρέσβυς +ἔπειτα μέλλεις προσπίτνειν τοῖς φιλτάτοις; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἀλλʼ οὐκέτʼ, ὦ γεραιέ· συμβόλοισι γὰρ +τοῖς σοῖς πέπεισμαι θυμόν. — ὦ χρόνῳ φανείς, +ἔχω σʼ ἀέλπτως — + +Ὀρέστης +κἀξ ἐμοῦ γʼ ἔχῃ χρόνῳ. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐδέποτε δόξασα. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐδʼ ἐγὼ γὰρ ἤλπισα. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐκεῖνος εἶ σύ; + +Ὀρέστης +σύμμαχός γέ σοι μόνος. +ἢν δʼ ἀνσπάσωμαί γʼ ὃν μετέρχομαι βόλον — +πέποιθα δʼ· ἢ χρὴ μηκέθʼ ἡγεῖσθαι θεούς, +εἰ τἄδικʼ ἔσται τῆς δίκης ὑπέρτερα. + + + + +
+ +Χορός +ἔμολες ἔμολες, ὤ, χρόνιος ἁμέρα, +κατέλαμψας, ἔδειξας ἐμφανῆ +πόλει πυρσόν, ὃς παλαιᾷ φυγᾷ +πατρίων ἀπὸ δωμάτων τάλας +ἀλαίνων ἔβα. +θεὸς αὖ θεὸς ἁμετέραν τις ἄγει +νίκαν, ὦ φίλα. +ἄνεχε χέρας, ἄνεχε λόγον, ἵει λιτὰς +ἐς θεούς, τύχᾳ σοι τύχᾳ +κασίγνητον ἐμβατεῦσαι πόλιν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +εἶἑν· φίλας μὲν ἡδονὰς ἀσπασμάτων +ἔχω, χρόνῳ δὲ καὖθις αὐτὰ δώσομεν. +σὺ δʼ, ὦ γεραιέ — καίριος γὰρ ἤλυθες — +λέξον, τί δρῶν ἂν φονέα τεισαίμην πατρός; + +μητέρα τε κοινωνὸν ἀνοσίων γάμων; + +ἔστιν τί μοι κατʼ Ἄργος εὐμενὲς φίλων; +ἢ πάντʼ ἀνεσκευάσμεθʼ, ὥσπερ αἱ τύχαι; +τῷ ξυγγένωμαι; νύχιος ἢ καθʼ ἡμέραν; +ποίαν ὁδὸν τραπώμεθʼ εἰς ἐχθροὺς ἐμούς; + +Πρέσβυς +ὦ τέκνον, οὐδεὶς δυστυχοῦντί σοι φίλος. +εὕρημα γάρ τοι χρῆμα γίγνεται τόδε, +κοινῇ μετασχεῖν τἀγαθοῦ καὶ τοῦ κακοῦ. +σὺ δʼ — ἐκ βάθρων γὰρ πᾶς ἀνῄρησαι φίλοις +οὐδʼ ἐλλέλοιπας ἐλπίδʼ — ἴσθι μου κλύων, +ἐν χειρὶ τῇ σῇ πάντʼ ἔχεις καὶ τῇ τύχῃ, +πατρῷον οἶκον καὶ πόλιν λαβεῖν σέθεν. + +Ὀρέστης +τί δῆτα δρῶντες τοῦδʼ ἂν ἐξικοίμεθα; + +Πρέσβυς +κτανὼν Θυέστου παῖδα σήν τε μητέρα. + +Ὀρέστης +ἥκω ʼπὶ τόνδε στέφανον· ἀλλὰ πῶς λάβω; + +Πρέσβυς +τειχέων μὲν ἐλθὼν ἐντὸς οὐδʼ ἂν εἰ θέλοις. + +Ὀρέστης +φρουραῖς κέκασται δεξιαῖς τε δορυφόρων; + +Πρέσβυς +ἔγνως· φοβεῖται γάρ σε κοὐχ εὕδει σαφῶς. + +Ὀρέστης +εἶἑν· σὺ δὴ τοὐνθένδε βούλευσον, γέρον. + +Πρέσβυς +κἀμοῦ γʼ ἄκουσον· ἄρτι γάρ μʼ ἐσῆλθέ τι. + +Ὀρέστης +ἐσθλόν τι μηνύσειας, αἰσθοίμην δʼ ἐγώ. + +Πρέσβυς +Αἴγισθον εἶδον, ἡνίχʼ εἷρπον ἐνθάδε. + +Ὀρέστης +προσηκάμην τὸ ῥηθέν. ἐν ποίοις τόποις; + +Πρέσβυς +ἀγρῶν πέλας τῶνδʼ ἱπποφορβίων ἔπι. + +Ὀρέστης +τί δρῶνθʼ; ὁρῶ γὰρ ἐλπίδʼ ἐξ ἀμηχάνων. + +Πρέσβυς +Νύμφαις ἐπόρσυνʼ ἔροτιν, ὡς ἔδοξέ μοι. + +Ὀρέστης +τροφεῖα παίδων ἢ πρὸ μέλλοντος τόκου; + +Πρέσβυς +οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν· βουσφαγεῖν ὡπλίζετο. + +Ὀρέστης +πόσων μετʼ ἀνδρῶν; ἢ μόνος δμώων μέτα; + +Πρέσβυς +οὐδεὶς παρῆν Ἀργεῖος, οἰκεία δὲ χείρ. + +Ὀρέστης +οὔ πού τις ὅστις γνωριεῖ μʼ ἰδών, γέρον; + +Πρέσβυς +δμῶες μέν εἰσιν, οἳ σέ γʼ οὐκ εἶδόν ποτε. + +Ὀρέστης +ἡμῖν ἂν εἶεν, εἰ κρατοῖμεν, εὐμενεῖς; + +Πρέσβυς +δούλων γὰρ ἴδιον τοῦτο, σοὶ δὲ σύμφορον. + +Ὀρέστης +πῶς οὖν ἂν αὐτῷ πλησιασθείην ποτέ; + +Πρέσβυς +στείχων ὅθεν σε βουθυτῶν ἐσόψεται. + +Ὀρέστης +ὁδὸν παρʼ αὐτήν, ὡς ἔοικʼ, ἀγροὺς ἔχει; + +Πρέσβυς +ὅθεν γʼ ἰδών σε δαιτὶ κοινωνὸν καλεῖ. + +Ὀρέστης +πικρόν γε συνθοινάτορʼ, ἢν θεὸς θέλῃ. + +Πρέσβυς +τοὐνθένδε πρὸς τὸ πῖπτον αὐτὸς ἐννόει. + +Ὀρέστης +καλῶς ἔλεξας. — ἡ τεκοῦσα δʼ ἐστὶ ποῦ; + +Πρέσβυς +Ἄργει· παρέσται δʼ οὖν πόσει θοίνην ἔπι. + +Ὀρέστης +τί δʼ οὐχ ἅμʼ ἐξωρμᾶτʼ ἐμὴ μήτηρ πόσει; + +Πρέσβυς +ψόγον τρέμουσα δημοτῶν ἐλείπετο. + +Ὀρέστης +ξυνῆχʼ· ὕποπτος οὖσα γιγνώσκει πόλει. + +Πρέσβυς +τοιαῦτα· μισεῖται γὰρ ἀνόσιος γυνή. + + + + + +Ὀρέστης +πῶς οὖν ἐκείνην τόνδε τʼ ἐν ταὐτῷ κτενῶ; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐγὼ φόνον γε μητρὸς ἐξαρτύσομαι. + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ μὴν ἐκεῖνά γʼ ἡ τύχη θήσει καλῶς. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὑπηρετείτω μὲν δυοῖν ὄντοιν ὅδε. + +Πρέσβυς +ἔσται τάδʼ· εὑρίσκεις δὲ μητρὶ πῶς φόνον; + +Ἠλέκτρα +λέγʼ, ὦ γεραιέ, τάδε Κλυταιμήστρᾳ μολών· +λεχώ μʼ ἀπάγγελλʼ οὖσαν ἄρσενος τόκῳ. + +Πρέσβυς +πότερα πάλαι τεκοῦσαν ἢ νεωστὶ δή; + +Ἠλέκτρα +δέχʼ ἡλίους, ἐν οἷσιν ἁγνεύει λεχώ. + +Πρέσβυς +καὶ δὴ τί τοῦτο μητρὶ προσβάλλει φόνον; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἥξει κλύουσα λόχιά μου νοσήματα. + +Πρέσβυς +πόθεν; τί δʼ αὐτῇ σοῦ μέλειν δοκεῖς, τέκνον; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ναί· καὶ δακρύσει γʼ ἀξίωμʼ ἐμῶν τόκων. + +Πρέσβυς +ἴσως· πάλιν τοι μῦθον ἐς καμπὴν ἄγε. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐλθοῦσα μέντοι δῆλον ὡς ἀπόλλυται. + +Πρέσβυς +καὶ μὴν ἐπʼ αὐτάς γʼ εἶσι σῶν δόμων πύλας. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκοῦν τραπέσθαι σμικρὸν εἰς Ἅιδου τόδε; + +Πρέσβυς +εἰ γὰρ θάνοιμι τοῦτʼ ἰδὼν ἐγώ ποτε. + +Ἠλέκτρα +πρώτιστα μέν νυν τῷδʼ ὑφήγησαι, γέρον — + +Πρέσβυς +Αἴγισθος ἔνθα νῦν θυηπολεῖ θεοῖς; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἔπειτʼ ἀπαντῶν μητρὶ τἀπʼ ἐμοῦ φράσον. + +Πρέσβυς +ὥστʼ αὐτά γʼ ἐκ σοῦ στόματος εἰρῆσθαι δοκεῖν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +σὸν ἔργον ἤδη· πρόσθεν εἴληχας φόνου. + +Ὀρέστης +στείχοιμʼ ἄν, εἴ τις ἡγεμὼν γίγνοιθʼ ὁδοῦ. + +Πρέσβυς +καὶ μὴν ἐγὼ πέμποιμʼ ἂν οὐκ ἀκουσίως. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ Ζεῦ Πατρῷε, καὶ Τροπαῖʼ ἐχθρῶν γενοῦ — + +Ἠλέκτρα +οἴκτιρέ θʼ ἡμᾶς· οἰκτρὰ γὰρ πεπόνθαμεν — + +Πρέσβυς +οἴκτιρε δῆτα σούς γε φύντας ἐκγόνους. + +Ἠλέκτρα +Ἥρα τε, βωμῶν ἣ Μυκηναίων κρατεῖς — + +Ὀρέστης +νίκην δὸς ἡμῖν, εἰ δίκαιʼ αἰτούμεθα. + +Πρέσβυς +δὸς δῆτα πατρὸς τοῖσδε τιμωρὸν δίκην. + +Ὀρέστης +σύ τʼ, ὦ κάτω γῆς ἀνοσίως οἰκῶν πάτερ — + +Ἠλέκτρα +καὶ Γαῖʼ ἄνασσα, χεῖρας ᾗ δίδωμʼ ἐμὰς — + +Πρέσβυς +ἄμυνʼ ἄμυνε τοῖσδε φιλτάτοις τέκνοις. + +Ὀρέστης +νῦν πάντα νεκρὸν ἐλθὲ σύμμαχον λαβών. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οἵπερ γε σὺν σοὶ Φρύγας ἀνήλωσαν δορὶ — + +Πρέσβυς +χὥσοι στυγοῦσιν ἀνοσίους μιάστορας. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἤκουσας, ὦ δείνʼ ἐξ ἐμῆς μητρὸς παθών; + +Πρέσβυς +πάντʼ, οἶδʼ, ἀκούει τάδε πατήρ· στείχειν δʼ ἀκμή. + +Ἠλέκτρα +καί σοι προφωνῶ πρὸς τάδʼ Αἴγισθον θανεῖν· +ὡς εἰ παλαισθεὶς πτῶμα θανάσιμον πεσῇ, +τέθνηκα κἀγώ, μηδέ με ζῶσαν λέγε· +παίσω γὰρ ἧπαρ τοὐμὸν ἀμφήκει ξίφει. +δόμων ἔσω βᾶσʼ εὐτρεπὲς ποήσομαι. +ὡς ἢν μὲν ἔλθῃ πύστις εὐτυχὴς σέθεν, +ὀλολύξεται πᾶν δῶμα· θνῄσκοντος δέ σου +τἀναντίʼ ἔσται τῶνδε· ταῦτά σοι λέγω. + +Ὀρέστης +πάντʼ οἶδα. + +Ἠλέκτρα +πρὸς τάδʼ ἄνδρα γίγνεσθαί σε χρή. + ὑμεῖς δέ μοι, γυναῖκες, εὖ πυρσεύετε +κραυγὴν ἀγῶνος τοῦδε· φρουρήσω δʼ ἐγὼ +πρόχειρον ἔγχος χειρὶ βαστάζουσʼ ἐμῇ. +οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ἐχθροῖς τοῖς ἐμοῖς νικωμένη +δίκην ὑφέξω, σῶμʼ ἐμὸν καθυβρίσαι.
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+ +Χορός +ἀταλᾶς ὑπὸ ματρὸς ἄρνʼ +Ἀργείων +ὀρέων ποτὲ κληδὼν ἐν +πολιαῖσι μένει φήμαις +εὐαρμόστοις ἐν καλάμοις +Πᾶνα μοῦσαν ἡδύθροον +πνέοντʼ, ἀγρῶν ταμίαν, +χρυσέαν καλλιπλόκαμον +πορεῦσαι. πετρίνοις δʼ ἐπι- +στὰς κᾶρυξ ἰάχει βάθροις· +Ἀγορὰν ἀγοράν, Μυκη- +ναῖοι, στείχετε μακαρίων +ὀψόμενοι τυράννων +φάσματα δείματα χοροὶ δʼ Ἀτρει- +δᾶν ἐγέραιρον οἴκους·
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+ +Χορός +θυμέλαι δʼ ἐπίτναντο χρυ- +σήλατοι, +σελαγεῖτο δʼ ἀνʼ ἄστυ πῦρ +ἐπιβώμιον Ἀργείων· +λωτὸς δὲ φθόγγον κελάδει +κάλλιστον, Μουσᾶν θεράπων· +μολπαὶ δʼ ηὔξοντʼ ἐραταί, +χρυσέας ἀρνὸς ἐπίλογοι, +Θυέστου· κρυφίαις γὰρ εὐ- +ναῖς πείσας ἄλοχον φίλαν +Ἀτρέως, τέρας ἐκκομί- +ζει πρὸς δώματα· νεόμενος δʼ +εἰς ἀγόρους ἀυτεῖ +τὰν κερόεσσαν ἔχειν χρυσεόμαλ- +λον κατὰ δῶμα ποίμναν.
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+ +Χορός +τότε δὴ τότε φαεν- +νὰς ἄστρων μετέβασʼ ὁδοὺς +Ζεὺς καὶ φέγγος ἀελίου +λευκόν τε πρόσωπον ἀ- +οῦς, τὰ δʼ ἕσπερα νῶτʼ ἐλαύ- +νει θερμᾷ φλογὶ θεοπύρῳ, +νεφέλαι δʼ ἔνυδροι πρὸς ἄρ- +κτον, ξηραί τʼ Ἀμμωνίδες ἕ- +δραι φθίνουσʼ ἀπειρόδροσοι, +καλλίστων ὄμβρων Διόθεν στερεῖσαι.
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+ +Χορός +λέγεται, τὰν δὲ πί- +στιν σμικρὰν παρʼ ἔμοιγʼ ἔχει, +στρέψαι θερμὰν ἀέλιον +χρυσωπὸν ἕδραν ἀλλά- +ξαντα δυστυχίᾳ βροτεί- +ῳ θνατᾶς ἕνεκεν δίκας. +φοβεροὶ δὲ βροτοῖσι μῦ- +θοι κέρδος πρὸς θεῶν θεραπεί- +αν. ὧν οὐ μνασθεῖσα πόσιν +κτείνεις, κλεινῶν συγγενέτειρʼ ἀδελφῶν.
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+ +Χορός +ἔα ἔα· +φίλαι, βοῆς ἠκούσατʼ — ἢ δοκὼ κενὴ +ὑπῆλθέ μʼ; — ὥστε νερτέρα βροντὴ Διός; +ἰδού, τάδʼ οὐκ ἄσημα πνεύματʼ αἴρεται· +δέσποινʼ, ἄμειψον δώματʼ, Ἠλέκτρα, τάδε. + +Ἠλέκτρα +φίλαι, τί χρῆμα; πῶς ἀγῶνος ἥκομεν; + +Χορός +οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν· φόνιον οἰμωγὴν κλύω. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἤκουσα κἀγώ, τηλόθεν μέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως. + +Χορός +μακρὰν γὰρ ἕρπει γῆρυς, ἐμφανής γε μήν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +Ἀργεῖος ὁ στεναγμός· ἦ φίλων ἐμῶν; + +Χορός +οὐκ οἶδα· πᾶν γὰρ μείγνυται μέλος βοῆς. + +Ἠλέκτρα +σφαγὴν ἀυτεῖς τήνδε μοι· τί μέλλομεν; + +Χορός +ἔπισχε, τρανῶς ὡς μάθῃς τύχας σέθεν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκ ἔστι· νικώμεσθα· ποῦ γὰρ ἄγγελοι; + +Χορός +ἥξουσιν· οὔτοι βασιλέα φαῦλον κτανεῖν. + +Ἄγγελος +ὦ καλλίνικοι παρθένοι Μυκηνίδες, +νικῶντʼ Ὀρέστην πᾶσιν ἀγγέλλω φίλοις, +Ἀγαμέμνονος δὲ φονέα κείμενον πέδῳ +Αἴγισθον· ἀλλὰ θεοῖσιν εὔχεσθαι χρεών. + +Ἠλέκτρα +τίς δʼ εἶ σύ; πῶς μοι πιστὰ σημαίνεις τάδε; + +Ἄγγελος +οὐκ οἶσθʼ ἀδελφοῦ μʼ εἰσορῶσα πρόσπολον; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἔκ τοι δείματος δυσγνωσίαν +εἶχον προσώπου· νῦν δὲ γιγνώσκω σε δή. +τί φῄς; τέθνηκε πατρὸς ἐμοῦ στυγνὸς φονεύς; + +Ἄγγελος +τέθνηκε· δίς σοι ταὔθʼ, ἃ γοῦν βούλῃ, λέγω. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ θεοί, Δίκη τε πάνθʼ ὁρῶσʼ, ἦλθές ποτε. +ποίῳ τρόπῳ δὲ καὶ τίνι ῥυθμῷ φόνου +κτείνει Θυέστου παῖδα; βούλομαι μαθεῖν. + + + +Ἄγγελος +ἐπεὶ μελάθρων τῶνδʼ ἀπήραμεν πόδα, +ἐσβάντες ᾖμεν δίκροτον εἰς ἁμαξιτὸν +ἔνθʼ ἦν ὁ κλεινὸς τῶν Μυκηναίων ἄναξ. +κυρεῖ δὲ κήποις ἐν καταρρύτοις βεβώς, +δρέπων τερείνης μυρσίνης κάρᾳ πλόκους· +ἰδών τʼ ἀυτεῖ· Χαίρετʼ, ὦ ξένοι· τίνες +πόθεν πορεύεσθʼ; ἔστε τʼ ἐκ ποίας χθονός; +ὁ δʼ εἶπʼ Ὀρέστης· Θεσσαλοί· πρὸς δʼ Ἀλφεὸν +θύσοντες ἐρχόμεσθʼ Ὀλυμπίῳ Διί. +κλύων δὲ ταῦτʼ Αἴγισθος ἐννέπει τάδε· +νῦν μὲν παρʼ ἡμῖν χρὴ συνεστίους ἐμοὶ +θοίνης γενέσθαι· τυγχάνω δὲ βουθυτῶν +νύμφαις· ἑῷοι δʼ ἐξαναστάντες λέχους +ἐς ταὐτὸν ἥξετʼ. ἀλλʼ ἴωμεν ἐς δόμους — +καὶ ταῦθʼ ἅμʼ ἠγόρευε καὶ χερὸς λαβὼν +παρῆγεν ἡμᾶς — οὐδʼ ἀπαρνεῖσθαι χρεών· +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐν οἴκοις ἦμεν, ἐννέπει τάδε· +λούτρʼ ὡς τάχιστα τοῖς ξένοις τις αἰρέτω, +ὡς ἀμφὶ βωμὸν στῶσι χερνίβων πέλας. + ἀλλʼ εἶπʼ Ὀρέστης· Ἀρτίως ἡγνίσμεθα +λουτροῖσι καθαροῖς ποταμίων ῥείθρων ἄπο. +εἰ δὲ ξένους ἀστοῖσι συνθύειν χρεών, +Αἴγισθʼ, ἕτοιμοι κοὐκ ἀπαρνούμεσθʼ, ἄναξ. + τοῦτον μὲν οὖν μεθεῖσαν ἐκ μέσου λόγον· +λόγχας δὲ θέντες δεσπότου φρουρήματα +δμῶες πρὸς ἔργον πάντες ἵεσαν χέρας· +οἳ μὲν σφαγεῖον ἔφερον, οἳ δʼ ᾖρον κανᾶ, +ἄλλοι δὲ πῦρ ἀνῆπτον ἀμφί τʼ ἐσχάρας +λέβητας ὤρθουν· πᾶσα δʼ ἐκτύπει στέγη. +λαβὼν δὲ προχύτας μητρὸς εὐνέτης σέθεν +ἔβαλλε βωμούς, τοιάδʼ ἐννέπων ἔπη· +νύμφαι πετραῖαι, πολλάκις με βουθυτεῖν +καὶ τὴν κατʼ οἴκους Τυνδαρίδα δάμαρτʼ ἐμὴν +πράσσοντας ὡς νῦν, τοὺς δʼ ἐμοὺς ἐχθροὺς κακῶς +— λέγων Ὀρέστην καὶ σέ. δεσπότης δʼ ἐμὸς +τἀναντίʼ ηὔχετʼ, οὐ γεγωνίσκων λόγους, +λαβεῖν πατρῷα δώματʼ. ἐκ κανοῦ δʼ ἑλὼν +Αἴγισθος ὀρθὴν σφαγίδα, μοσχείαν τρίχα +τεμὼν ἐφʼ ἁγνὸν πῦρ ἔθηκε δεξιᾷ, +κἄσφαξʼ ἐπʼ ὤμων μόσχον ὡς ἦραν χεροῖν +δμῶες, λέγει δὲ σῷ κασιγνήτῳ τάδε· +Ἐκ τῶν καλῶν κομποῦσι τοῖσι Θεσσαλοῖς +εἶναι τόδʼ, ὅστις ταῦρον ἀρταμεῖ καλῶς +ἵππους τʼ ὀχμάζει· λαβὲ σίδηρον, ὦ ξένε, +δεῖξόν τε φήμην ἔτυμον ἀμφὶ Θεσσαλῶν. + +ὁ δʼ εὐκρότητον Δωρίδʼ ἁρπάσας χεροῖν, +ῥίψας ἀπʼ ὤμων εὐπρεπῆ πορπάματα, +Πυλάδην μὲν εἵλετʼ ἐν πόνοις ὑπηρέτην, +δμῶας δʼ ἀπωθεῖ· καὶ λαβὼν μόσχου πόδα, +λευκὰς ἐγύμνου σάρκας ἐκτείνων χέρα· +θᾶσσον δὲ βύρσαν ἐξέδειρεν ἢ δρομεὺς +δισσοὺς διαύλους ἱππίους διήνυσε, +κἀνεῖτο λαγόνας. ἱερὰ δʼ ἐς χεῖρας λαβὼν +Αἴγισθος ἤθρει. καὶ λοβὸς μὲν οὐ προσῆν +σπλάγχνοις, πύλαι δὲ καὶ δοχαὶ χολῆς πέλας +κακὰς ἔφαινον τῷ σκοποῦντι προσβολάς. +χὣ μὲν σκυθράζει, δεσπότης δʼ ἀνιστορεῖ· +τί χρῆμʼ ἀθυμεῖς; — ὦ ξένʼ, ὀρρωδῶ τινα +δόλον θυραῖον. ἔστι δʼ ἔχθιστος βροτῶν +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς πολέμιός τʼ ἐμοῖς δόμοις· +ὃ δʼ εἶπε· φυγάδος δῆτα δειμαίνεις δόλον, +πόλεως ἀνάσσων; οὐχ, ὅπως παστήρια +θοινασόμεσθα, Φθιάδʼ ἀντὶ Δωρικῆς +οἴσει τις ἡμῖν κοπίδʼ, ἀπορρήξω χέλυν; +λαβὼν δὲ κόπτει. σπλάγχνα δʼ Αἴγισθος λαβὼν +ἤθρει διαιρῶν. τοῦ δὲ νεύοντος κάτω +ὄνυχας ἐπʼ ἄκρους στὰς κασίγνητος σέθεν +ἐς σφονδύλους ἔπαισε, νωτιαῖα δὲ +ἔρρηξεν ἄρθρα· πᾶν δὲ σῶμʼ ἄνω κάτω +ἤσπαιρεν ἠλάλαζε δυσθνῄσκων φόνῳ. +δμῶες δʼ ἰδόντες εὐθὺς ᾖξαν ἐς δόρυ, +πολλοὶ μάχεσθαι πρὸς δύʼ· ἀνδρείας δʼ ὕπο +ἔστησαν ἀντίπρῳρα σείοντες βέλη +Πυλάδης Ὀρέστης τʼ. εἶπε δʼ· οὐχὶ δυσμενὴς +ἥκω πόλει τῇδʼ οὐδʼ ἐμοῖς ὀπάοσιν, +φονέα δὲ πατρὸς ἀντετιμωρησάμην +τλήμων Ὀρέστης· ἀλλὰ μή με καίνετε, +πατρὸς παλαιοὶ δμῶες. οἳ δʼ, ἐπεὶ λόγων +ἤκουσαν, ἔσχον κάμακας· ἐγνώσθη δʼ ὑπὸ +γέροντος ἐν δόμοισιν ἀρχαίου τινός. +στέφουσι δʼ εὐθὺς σοῦ κασιγνήτου κάρα +χαίροντες ἀλαλάζοντες. ἔρχεται δὲ σοὶ +κάρα ʼπιδείξων οὐχὶ Γοργόνος φέρων, +ἀλλʼ ὃν στυγεῖς Αἴγισθον· αἷμα δʼ αἵματος +πικρὸς δανεισμὸς ἦλθε τῷ θανόντι νῦν. +
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+ +Χορός +θὲς ἐς χορόν, ὦ φίλα, ἴχνος, +ὡς νεβρὸς οὐράνιον +πήδημα κουφίζουσα σὺν ἀγλαΐᾳ. +νικᾷ στεφαναφορίαν +κρείσσω τοῖς παρʼ Ἀλφειοῦ ῥεέθροισι τελέσσας +κασίγνητος σέθεν· ἀλλʼ ἐπάειδε +καλλίνικον ᾠδὰν ἐμῷ χορῷ. + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ φέγγος, ὦ τέθριππον ἡλίου σέλας, +ὦ γαῖα καὶ νὺξ ἣν ἐδερκόμην πάρος, +νῦν ὄμμα τοὐμὸν ἀμπτυχαί τʼ ἐλεύθεροι, +ἐπεὶ πατρὸς πέπτωκεν Αἴγισθος φονεύς. +φέρʼ, οἷα δὴ χω καὶ δόμοι κεύθουσί μου +κόμης ἀγάλματʼ ἐξενέγκωμαι, φίλαι, +στέψω τʼ ἀδελφοῦ κρᾶτα τοῦ νικηφόρου.
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+Χορός +σὺ μέν νυν ἀγάλματʼ ἄειρε +κρατί· τὸ δʼ ἁμέτερον +χωρήσεται Μούσαισι χόρευμα φίλον. +νῦν οἱ πάρος ἁμέτεροι +γαίας τυραννεύσουσι φίλοι βασιλῆες, +δικαίως τοὺς ἀδίκους καθελόντες. +ἀλλʼ ἴτω ξύναυλος βοὰ χαρᾷ.
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+Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ καλλίνικε, πατρὸς ἐκ νικηφόρου +γεγώς, Ὀρέστα, τῆς ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ μάχης, +δέξαι κόμης σῆς βοστρύχων ἀνδήματα. +ἥκεις γὰρ οὐκ ἀχρεῖον ἔκπλεθρον δραμὼν +ἀγῶνʼ ἐς οἴκους, ἀλλὰ πολέμιον κτανὼν +Αἴγισθον, ὃς σὸν πατέρα κἀμὸν ὤλεσε. + σύ τʼ, ὦ παρασπίστʼ, ἀνδρὸς εὐσεβεστάτου +παίδευμα Πυλάδη, στέφανον ἐξ ἐμῆς χερὸς +δέχου· φέρῃ γὰρ καὶ σὺ τῷδʼ ἴσον μέρος +ἀγῶνος· αἰεὶ δʼ εὐτυχεῖς φαίνοισθέ μοι. + +Ὀρέστης +θεοὺς μὲν ἡγοῦ πρῶτον, Ἠλέκτρα, τύχης +ἀρχηγέτας τῆσδʼ, εἶτα κἄμʼ ἐπαίνεσον +τὸν τῶν θεῶν τε τῆς τύχης θʼ ὑπηρέτην. +ἥκω γὰρ οὐ λόγοισιν ἀλλʼ ἔργοις κτανὼν +Αἴγισθον· ὡς δὲ τῷ σάφʼ εἰδέναι τάδε +προσθῶμεν, αὐτὸν τὸν θανόντα σοι φέρω, +ὃν εἴτε χρῄζεις θηρσὶν ἁρπαγὴν πρόθες, +ἢ σκῦλον οἰωνοῖσιν, αἰθέρος τέκνοις, +πήξασʼ ἔρεισον σκόλοπι· σὸς γάρ ἐστι νῦν +δοῦλος, πάροιθε δεσπότης κεκλημένος. + +Ἠλέκτρα +αἰσχύνομαι μέν, βούλομαι δʼ εἰπεῖν ὅμως. + +Ὀρέστης +τί χρῆμα; λέξον· ὡς φόβου γʼ ἔξωθεν εἶ. + +Ἠλέκτρα +νεκροὺς ὑβρίζειν, μή μέ τις φθόνῳ βάλῃ. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδεὶς ὅστις ἂν μέμψαιτό σε. + +Ἠλέκτρα +δυσάρεστος ἡμῶν καὶ φιλόψογος πόλις. + +Ὀρέστης +λέγʼ, εἴ τι χρῄζεις, σύγγονʼ· ἀσπόνδοισι γὰρ +νόμοισιν ἔχθραν τῷδε συμβεβλήκαμεν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +εἶἑν· τίνʼ ἀρχὴν πρῶτά σʼ ἐξείπω κακῶν, +ποίας τελευτάς; τίνα μέσον τάξω λόγον; +καὶ μὴν διʼ ὄρθρων γʼ οὔποτʼ ἐξελίμπανον +θρυλοῦσʼ ἅ γʼ εἰπεῖν ἤθελον κατʼ ὄμμα σόν, +εἰ δὴ γενοίμην δειμάτων ἐλευθέρα +τῶν πρόσθε. νῦν οὖν ἐσμεν· ἀποδώσω δέ σοι +ἐκεῖνʼ ἅ σε ζῶντʼ ἤθελον λέξαι κακά. + ἀπώλεσάς με κὠρφανὴν φίλου πατρὸς +καὶ τόνδʼ ἔθηκας, οὐδὲν ἠδικημένος, +κἄγημας αἰσχρῶς μητέρʼ ἄνδρα τʼ ἔκτανες +στρατηλατοῦνθʼ Ἕλλησιν, οὐκ ἐλθὼν Φρύγας. + ἐς τοῦτο δʼ ἦλθες ἀμαθίας ὥστʼ ἤλπισας +ὡς ἐς σὲ ἐμὴν δὴ μητέρʼ οὐχ ἕξοις κακὴν +γήμας, ἐμοῦ δὲ πατρὸς ἠδίκεις λέχη. +ἴστω δʼ, ὅταν τις διολέσας δάμαρτά του +κρυπταῖσιν εὐναῖς εἶτʼ ἀναγκασθῇ λαβεῖν, +δύστηνός ἐστιν, εἰ δοκεῖ τὸ σωφρονεῖν +ἐκεῖ μὲν αὐτὴν οὐκ ἔχειν, παρʼ οἷ δʼ ἔχειν. +ἄλγιστα δʼ ᾤκεις, οὐ δοκῶν οἰκεῖν κακῶς· +ᾔδησθα γὰρ δῆτʼ ἀνόσιον γήμας γάμον, +μήτηρ δὲ σʼ ἄνδρα δυσσεβῆ κεκτημένη. +ἄμφω πονηρὼ δʼ ὄντʼ ἀνῃρεῖσθον τύχην +κείνη τε τὴν σὴν καὶ σὺ τοὐκείνης κακόν. +πᾶσιν δʼ ἐν Ἀργείοισιν ἤκουες τάδε· +Ὁ τῆς γυναικός — οὐχὶ τἀνδρὸς ἡ γυνή. + καίτοι τόδʼ αἰσχρόν, προστατεῖν γε δωμάτων +γυναῖκα, μὴ τὸν ἄνδρα· κἀκείνους στυγῶ +τοὺς παῖδας, ὅστις τοῦ μὲν ἄρσενος πατρὸς +οὐκ ὠνόμασται, τῆς δὲ μητρὸς ἐν πόλει. +ἐπίσημα γὰρ γήμαντι καὶ μείζω λέχη +τἀνδρὸς μὲν οὐδείς, τῶν δὲ θηλειῶν λόγος. + ὃ δʼ ἠπάτα σε πλεῖστον οὐκ ἐγνωκότα, +ηὔχεις τις εἶναι τοῖσι χρήμασι σθένων· +τὰ δʼ οὐδὲν εἰ μὴ βραχὺν ὁμιλῆσαι χρόνον. +ἡ γὰρ φύσις βέβαιος, οὐ τὰ χρήματα. +ἣ μὲν γὰρ αἰεὶ παραμένουσʼ αἴρει κακά· +ὁ δʼ ὄλβος ἀδίκως καὶ μετὰ σκαιῶν ξυνὼν +ἐξέπτατʼ οἴκων, σμικρὸν ἀνθήσας χρόνον. + ἃ δʼ ἐς γυναῖκας — παρθένῳ γὰρ οὐ καλὸν +λέγειν — σιωπῶ, γνωρίμως δʼ αἰνίξομαι. +ὕβριζες, ὡς δὴ βασιλικοὺς ἔχων δόμους +κάλλει τʼ ἀραρώς. ἀλλʼ ἔμοιγʼ εἴη πόσις +μὴ παρθενωπός, ἀλλὰ τἀνδρείου τρόπου. +τὰ γὰρ τέκνʼ αὐτῶν Ἄρεος ἐκκρεμάννυται, +τὰ δʼ εὐπρεπῆ δὴ κόσμος ἐν χοροῖς μόνον. + ἔρρʼ, οὐδὲν εἰδὼς ὧν ἐφευρεθεὶς χρόνῳ +δίκην δέδωκας. — ὧδέ τις κακοῦργος ὢν +μή μοι τὸ πρῶτον βῆμʼ ἐὰν δράμῃ καλῶς, +νικᾶν δοκείτω τὴν Δίκην, πρὶν ἂν πέλας +γραμμῆς ἵκηται καὶ τέλος κάμψῃ βίου. + + +Χορός +ἔπραξε δεινά, δεινὰ δʼ ἀντέδωκε σοὶ +καὶ τῷδʼ· ἔχει γὰρ ἡ Δίκη μέγα σθένος. + +Ἠλέκτρα +εἶἑν· κομίζειν τοῦδε σῶμʼ ἔσω χρεὼν +σκότῳ τε δοῦναι, δμῶες, ὡς, ὅταν μόλῃ +μήτηρ, σφαγῆς πάροιθε μὴ εἰσίδῃ νεκρόν. + +Ὀρέστης +ἐπίσχες· ἐμβάλωμεν εἰς ἄλλον λόγον. + +Ἠλέκτρα +τί δʼ; ἐκ Μυκηνῶν μῶν βοηδρόμους ὁρῶ; + +Ὀρέστης +οὔκ, ἀλλὰ τὴν τεκοῦσαν ἥ μʼ ἐγείνατο. + +Ἠλέκτρα +καλῶς ἄρʼ ἄρκυν ἐς μέσην πορεύεται — +καὶ μὴν ὄχοις γε καὶ στολῇ λαμπρύνεται. + +Ὀρέστης +τί δῆτα δρῶμεν; μητέρʼ ἦ φονεύσομεν; + +Ἠλέκτρα +μῶν σʼ οἶκτος εἷλε, μητρὸς ὡς εἶδες δέμας; + +Ὀρέστης +φεῦ· +πῶς γὰρ κτάνω νιν, ἥ μʼ ἔθρεψε κἄτεκεν; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὥσπερ πατέρα σὸν ἥδε κἀμὸν ὤλεσεν. + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ Φοῖβε, πολλήν γʼ ἀμαθίαν ἐθέσπισας — + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὅπου δʼ Ἀπόλλων σκαιὸς ᾖ, τίνες σοφοί; + +Ὀρέστης +ὅστις μʼ ἔχρησας μητέρʼ, ἣν οὐ χρῆν, κτανεῖν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +βλάπτῃ δὲ δὴ τί πατρὶ τιμωρῶν σέθεν; + +Ὀρέστης +μητροκτόνος νῦν φεύξομαι, τόθʼ ἁγνὸς ὤν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +καὶ μή γʼ ἀμύνων πατρὶ δυσσεβὴς ἔσῃ. + +Ὀρέστης +ἐγὼ δὲ μητρὸς — ; τῷ φόνου δώσω δίκας; + +Ἠλέκτρα +τῷ δʼ ἢν πατρῴαν διαμεθῇς τιμωρίαν; + +Ὀρέστης +ἆρʼ αὔτʼ ἀλάστωρ εἶπʼ ἀπεικασθεὶς θεῷ; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἱερὸν καθίζων τρίποδʼ; ἐγὼ μὲν οὐ δοκῶ. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐδʼ ἂν πιθοίμην εὖ μεμαντεῦσθαι τάδε. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐ μὴ κακισθεὶς εἰς ἀνανδρίαν πεσῇ. + +Ὀρέστης +ἀλλʼ ἦ τὸν αὐτὸν τῇδʼ ὑποστήσω δόλον; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ᾧ καὶ πόσιν καθεῖλες, Αἴγισθον κτανών. + +Ὀρέστης +ἔσειμι· δεινοῦ δʼ ἄρχομαι προβλήματος +καὶ δεινὰ δράσω γε — εἰ θεοῖς δοκεῖ τάδε, +ἔστω· πικρὸν δὲ χἡδὺ τἀγώνισμά μοι. + + + +
+ +Χορός +ἰώ, +βασίλεια γύναι χθονὸς Ἀργείας, +παῖ Τυνδάρεω, +καὶ τοῖν ἀγαθοῖν ξύγγονε κούροιν +Διός, οἳ φλογερὰν αἰθέρʼ ἐν ἄστροις +ναίουσι, βροτῶν ἐν ἁλὸς ῥοθίοις +τιμὰς σωτῆρας ἔχοντες· +χαῖρε, σεβίζω σʼ ἴσα καὶ μάκαρας +πλούτου μεγάλης τʼ εὐδαιμονίας. +τὰς σὰς δὲ τύχας θεραπεύεσθαι +καιρός. χαῖρʼ, ὦ βασίλεια. + + + +Κλυταιμήστρα +ἔκβητʼ ἀπήνης, Τρῳάδες, χειρὸς δʼ ἐμῆς +λάβεσθʼ, ἵνʼ ἔξω τοῦδʼ ὄχου στήσω πόδα. +σκύλοισι μὲν γὰρ θεῶν κεκόσμηνται δόμοι +Φρυγίοις, ἐγὼ δὲ τάσδε, Τρῳάδος χθονὸς +ἐξαίρετʼ, ἀντὶ παιδὸς ἣν ἀπώλεσα +σμικρὸν γέρας, καλὸν δὲ κέκτημαι δόμοις. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὔκουν ἐγώ — δούλη γὰρ ἐκβεβλημένη +δόμων πατρῴων δυστυχεῖς οἰκῶ δόμους — +μῆτερ, λάβωμαι μακαρίας τῆς σῆς χερός; + +Κλυταιμήστρα +δοῦλαι πάρεισιν αἵδε, μὴ σύ μοι πόνει. + +Ἠλέκτρα +τί δʼ; αἰχμάλωτόν τοί μʼ ἀπῴκισας δόμων, +ᾑρημένων δὲ δωμάτων ᾑρήμεθα, +ὡς αἵδε, πατρὸς ὀρφαναὶ λελειμμέναι. + +Κλυταιμήστρα +τοιαῦτα μέντοι σὸς πατὴρ βουλεύματα +ἐς οὓς ἐχρῆν ἥκιστʼ ἐβούλευσεν φίλων. +λέξω δὲ καίτοι δόξʼ ὅταν λάβῃ κακὴ +γυναῖκα, γλώσσῃ πικρότης ἔνεστί τις. +ὡς μὲν παρʼ ἡμῖν, οὐ καλῶς· τὸ πρᾶγμα δὲ +μαθόντας, ἢν μὲν ἀξίως μισεῖν ἔχῃ, +στυγεῖν δίκαιον· εἰ δὲ μή, τί δεῖ στυγεῖν; + ἡμᾶς ἔδωκε Τυνδάρεως τῷ σῷ πατρί, +οὐχ ὥστε θνῄσκειν, οὐδʼ ἃ γειναίμην ἐγώ. +κεῖνος δὲ παῖδα τὴν ἐμὴν Ἀχιλλέως +λέκτροισι πείσας ᾤχετʼ ἐκ δόμων ἄγων +πρυμνοῦχον Αὖλιν, ἔνθʼ ὑπερτείνας πυρᾶς +λευκὴν διήμησʼ Ἰφιγόνης παρηΐδα. +κεἰ μὲν πόλεως ἅλωσιν ἐξιώμενος, +ἢ δῶμʼ ὀνήσων τἄλλα τʼ ἐκσῴζων τέκνα, +ἔκτεινε πολλῶν μίαν ὕπερ, συγγνώστʼ ἂν ἦν· +νῦν δʼ οὕνεχʼ Ἑλένη μάργος ἦν ὅ τʼ αὖ λαβὼν +ἄλοχον κολάζειν προδότιν οὐκ ἠπίστατο, +τούτων ἕκατι παῖδʼ ἐμὴν διώλεσεν. +ἐπὶ τοῖσδε τοίνυν καίπερ ἠδικημένη +οὐκ ἠγριώμην οὐδʼ ἂν ἔκτανον πόσιν· +ἀλλʼ ἦλθʼ ἔχων μοι μαινάδʼ ἔνθεον κόρην +λέκτροις τʼ ἐπεισέφρηκε, καὶ νύμφα δύο +ἐν τοῖσιν αὐτοῖς δώμασιν κατείχομεν. + + μῶρον μὲν οὖν γυναῖκες, οὐκ ἄλλως λέγω· +ὅταν δʼ, ὑπόντος τοῦδʼ, ἁμαρτάνῃ πόσις +τἄνδον παρώσας λέκτρα, μιμεῖσθαι θέλει +γυνὴ τὸν ἄνδρα χἅτερον κτᾶσθαι φίλον. +κἄπειτʼ ἐν ἡμῖν ὁ ψόγος λαμπρύνεται, +οἱ δʼ αἴτιοι τῶνδʼ οὐ κλύουσʼ ἄνδρες κακῶς. +εἰ δʼ ἐκ δόμων ἥρπαστο Μενέλεως λάθρᾳ, +κτανεῖν μʼ Ὀρέστην χρῆν, κασιγνήτης πόσιν +Μενέλαον ὡς σώσαιμι; σὸς δὲ πῶς πατὴρ +ἠνέσχετʼ ἂν ταῦτʼ; εἶτα τὸν μὲν οὐ θανεῖν +κτείνοντα χρῆν τἄμʼ, ἐμὲ δὲ πρὸς κείνου παθεῖν; +ἔκτεινʼ, ἐτρέφθην ἥνπερ ἦν πορεύσιμον +πρὸς τοὺς ἐκείνῳ πολεμίους. φίλων γὰρ ἂν +τίς ἂν πατρὸς σοῦ φόνον ἐκοινώνησέ μοι; + λέγʼ, εἴ τι χρῄζεις, κἀντίθες παρρησίᾳ, +ὅπως τέθνηκε σὸς πατὴρ οὐκ ἐνδίκως. + +Χορός +δίκαιʼ ἔλεξας· ἡ δίκη δʼ αἰσχρῶς ἔχει. +γυναῖκα γὰρ χρὴ πάντα συγχωρεῖν πόσει, +ἥτις φρενήρης· ᾗ δὲ μὴ δοκεῖ τάδε, +οὐδʼ εἰς ἀριθμὸν τῶν ἐμῶν ἥκει λόγων. + +Ἠλέκτρα +μέμνησο, μῆτερ, οὓς ἔλεξας ὑστάτους +λόγους, διδοῦσα πρὸς σέ μοι παρρησίαν. + +Κλυταιμήστρα +καὶ νῦν γέ φημι κοὐκ ἀπαρνοῦμαι, τέκνον. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἆρα κλύουσα, μῆτερ, εἶτʼ ἔρξεις κακῶς; + +Κλυταιμήστρα +οὐκ ἔστι, τῇ σῇ δʼ ἡδὺ προσθήσω φρενί. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +λέγοιμʼ ἄν· ἀρχὴ δʼ ἥδε μοι προοιμίου· +εἴθʼ εἶχες, ὦ τεκοῦσα, βελτίους φρένας. +τὸ μὲν γὰρ εἶδος αἶνον ἄξιον φέρειν +Ἑλένης τε καὶ σοῦ, δύο δʼ ἔφυτε συγγόνω, +ἄμφω ματαίω Κάστορός τʼ οὐκ ἀξίω. +ἣ μὲν γὰρ ἁρπασθεῖσʼ ἑκοῦσʼ ἀπώλετο, +σὺ δʼ ἄνδρʼ ἄριστον Ἑλλάδος διώλεσας, +σκῆψιν προτείνουσʼ, ὡς ὑπὲρ τέκνου πόσιν +ἔκτεινας· οὐ γάρ σʼ ὡς ἔγωγʼ ἴσασιν εὖ. + ἥτις, θυγατρὸς πρὶν κεκυρῶσθαι σφαγάς, +νέον τʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων ἀνδρὸς ἐξωρμημένου, +ξανθὸν κατόπτρῳ πλόκαμον ἐξήσκεις κόμης. +γυνὴ δʼ, ἀπόντος ἀνδρός ἥτις ἐκ δόμων +ἐς κάλλος ἀσκεῖ, διάγραφʼ ὡς οὖσαν κακήν. +οὐδὲν γὰρ αὐτὴν δεῖ θύρασιν εὐπρεπὲς +φαίνειν πρόσωπον, ἤν τι μὴ ζητῇ κακόν. +μόνη δὲ πασῶν οἶδʼ ἐγὼ σʼ Ἑλληνίδων, +εἰ μὲν τὰ Τρώων εὐτυχοῖ, κεχαρμένην, +εἰ δʼ ἥσσονʼ εἴη, συννεφοῦσαν ὄμματα, +Ἀγαμέμνονʼ οὐ χρῄζουσαν ἐκ Τροίας μολεῖν. +καίτοι καλῶς γε σωφρονεῖν παρεῖχέ σοι· +ἄνδρʼ εἶχες οὐ κακίονʼ Αἰγίσθου πόσιν, +ὃν Ἑλλὰς αὑτῆς εἵλετο στρατηλάτην· +Ἑλένης δʼ ἀδελφῆς τοιάδʼ ἐξειργασμένης +ἐξῆν κλέος σοι μέγα λαβεῖν· τὰ γὰρ κακὰ +παράδειγμα τοῖς ἐσθλοῖσιν εἴσοψίν τʼ ἔχει. + εἰ δʼ, ὡς λέγεις, σὴν θυγατέρʼ ἔκτεινεν πατήρ, +ἐγὼ τί σʼ ἠδίκησʼ ἐμός τε σύγγονος; +πῶς οὐ πόσιν κτείνασα πατρῴους δόμους +ἡμῖν προσῆψας, ἀλλʼ ἐπηνέγκω λέχει +τἀλλότρια, μισθοῦ τοὺς γάμους ὠνουμένη; +κοὔτʼ ἀντιφεύγει παιδὸς ἀντὶ σοῦ πόσις, +οὔτʼ ἀντʼ ἐμοῦ τέθνηκε, δὶς τόσως ἐμὲ +κτείνας ἀδελφῆς ζῶσαν. εἰ δʼ ἀμείψεται +φόνον δικάζων φόνος, ἀποκτενῶ σʼ ἐγὼ +καὶ παῖς Ὀρέστης πατρὶ τιμωρούμενοι· +εἰ γὰρ δίκαιʼ ἐκεῖνα, καὶ τάδʼ ἔνδικα. +ὅστις δὲ πλοῦτον ἢ εὐγένειαν εἰσιδὼν +γαμεῖ πονηράν, μῶρός ἐστι· μικρὰ γὰρ +μεγάλων ἀμείνω σώφρονʼ ἐν δόμοις λέχη. + + + +Χορός +τύχη γυναικῶν ἐς γάμους. τὰ μὲν γὰρ εὖ, +τὰ δʼ οὐ καλῶς πίπτοντα δέρκομαι βροτῶν. + +Κλυταιμήστρα +ὦ παῖ, πέφυκας πατέρα σὸν στέργειν ἀεί· +ἔστιν δὲ καὶ τόδʼ· οἳ μέν εἰσιν ἀρσένων, +οἳ δʼ αὖ φιλοῦσι μητέρας μᾶλλον πατρός. +συγγνώσομαί σοι· καὶ γὰρ οὐχ οὕτως ἄγαν +χαίρω τι, τέκνον, τοῖς δεδραμένοις ἐμοί. + σὺ δʼ ὧδʼ ἄλουτος καὶ δυσείματος χρόα +λεχὼ νεογνῶν ἐκ τόκων πεπαυμένη; + οἴμοι τάλαινα τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων· +ὡς μᾶλλον ἢ χρῆν ἤλασʼ εἰς ὀργὴν πόσιν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὀψὲ στενάζεις, ἡνίκʼ οὐκ ἔχεις ἄκη. +πατὴρ μὲν οὖν τέθνηκε· τὸν δʼ ἔξω χθονὸς +πῶς οὐ κομίζῃ παῖδʼ ἀλητεύοντα σόν; + +Κλυταιμήστρα +δέδοικα· τοὐμὸν δʼ, οὐχὶ τοὐκείνου, σκοπῶ. +πατρὸς γάρ, ὡς λέγουσι, θυμοῦται φόνῳ. + +Ἠλέκτρα +τί δαὶ πόσιν σὸν ἄγριον εἰς ἡμᾶς ἔχεις; + +Κλυταιμήστρα +τρόποι τοιοῦτοι· καὶ σὺ δʼ αὐθάδης ἔφυς. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἀλγῶ γάρ· ἀλλὰ παύσομαι θυμουμένη. + +Κλυταιμήστρα +καὶ μὴν ἐκεῖνος οὐκέτʼ ἔσται σοι βαρύς. + +Ἠλέκτρα +φρονεῖ μέγʼ· ἐν γὰρ τοῖς ἐμοῖς ναίει δόμοις. + +Κλυταιμήστρα +ὁρᾷς; ἀνʼ αὖ σὺ ζωπυρεῖς νείκη νέα. + +Ἠλέκτρα +σιγῶ· δέδοικα γάρ νιν ὡς δέδοικʼ ἐγώ. + +Κλυταιμήστρα +παῦσαι λόγων τῶνδε. ἀλλὰ τί μʼ ἐκάλεις, τέκνον; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἤκουσας, οἶμαι, τῶν ἐμῶν λοχευμάτων· +τούτων ὕπερ μοι θῦσον — οὐ γὰρ οἶδʼ ἐγώ — +δεκάτῃ σελήνῃ παιδὸς ὡς νομίζεται· +τρίβων γὰρ οὐκ εἴμʼ, ἄτοκος οὖσʼ ἐν τῷ πάρος. + +Κλυταιμήστρα +ἄλλης τόδʼ ἔργον, ἥ σʼ ἔλυσεν ἐκ τόκων. + +Ἠλέκτρα +αὐτὴ ʼλόχευον κἄτεκον μόνη βρέφος. + +Κλυταιμήστρα +οὕτως ἀγείτων οἶκος ἵδρυται φίλων; + +Ἠλέκτρα +πένητας οὐδεὶς βούλεται κτᾶσθαι φίλους. + +Κλυταιμήστρα +ἀλλʼ εἶμι, παιδὸς ἀριθμὸν ὡς τελεσφόρον +θύσω θεοῖσι· σοὶ δʼ ὅταν πράξω χάριν +τήνδʼ, εἶμʼ ἐπʼ ἀγρὸν οὗ πόσις θυηπολεῖ +νύμφαισιν. ἀλλὰ τούσδʼ ὄχους, ὀπάονες, +φάτναις ἄγοντες πρόσθεθʼ· ἡνίκʼ ἂν δέ με +δοκῆτε θυσίας τῆσδʼ ἀπηλλάχθαι θεοῖς, +πάρεστε· δεῖ γὰρ καὶ πόσει δοῦναι χάριν. + +Ἠλέκτρα +χώρει πένητας ἐς δόμους· φρούρει δέ μοι +μή σʼ αἰθαλώσῃ πολύκαπνον στέγος πέπλους. +θύσεις γὰρ οἷα χρή σε δαίμοσιν θύη. +κανοῦν δʼ ἐνῆρκται καὶ τεθηγμένη σφαγίς, +ἥπερ καθεῖλε ταῦρον, οὗ πέλας πεσῇ +πληγεῖσα· νυμφεύσῃ δὲ κἀν Ἅιδου δόμοις +ᾧπερ ξυνηῦδες ἐν φάει. τοσήνδʼ ἐγὼ +δώσω χάριν σοι, σὺ δὲ δίκην ἐμοὶ πατρός.
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+ +Χορός +ἀμοιβαὶ κακῶν· μετάτροποι πνέου- +σιν αὖραι δόμων. τότε μὲν ἐν λουτροῖς +ἔπεσεν ἐμὸς ἐμὸς ἀρχέτας, +ἰάχησε δὲ στέγα λάινοί τε θριγκοὶ δόμων, +τάδʼ ἐνέποντος· Ὦ σχέτλια· τί με, γύναι, φονεύσεις φίλαν +πατρίδα δεκέτεσιν σποραῖσιν ἐλθόντʼ ἐμάν; + +
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+ +Χορός +παλίρρους δὲ τάνδʼ ὑπάγεται δίκα +διαδρόμου λέχους μέλεον ἃ πόσιν +χρόνιον ἱκόμενον εἰς οἴκους +Κυκλώπειά τʼ οὐράνια τείχεʼ ὀξυθήκτου βέλους +ἔκανεν αὐτόχειρ, πέλεκυν ἐν χεροῖν λαβοῦσʼ· ἆ τλάμων +πόσις, ὅ τί ποτε τὰν τάλαιναν ἔσχεν κακόν. +ὀρεία τις ὡς λέαινʼ ὀργάδων +δρύοχα νεμομένα, τάδε κατήνυσεν. + + + +Κλυταιμήστρα +ὦ τέκνα, πρὸς θεῶν, μὴ κτάνητε μητέρα. +
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+Χορός +κλύεις ὑπώροφον βοάν; +
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+Κλυταιμήστρα +ἰώ μοί μοι. + +Χορός + +ᾤμωξα κἀγὼ πρὸς τέκνων χειρουμένης. +νέμει τοι δίκαν θεός, ὅταν τύχῃ· +σχέτλια μὲν ἔπαθες, ἀνόσια δʼ εἰργάσω, +τάλαινʼ, εὐνέταν. + + + +Χορός +ἀλλʼ οἵδε μητρὸς νεοφόνοις ἐν αἵμασι +πεφυρμένοι βαίνουσιν ἐξ οἴκων πόδα, +τροπαῖα δείγματʼ ἀθλίων προσφαγμάτων. +οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδεὶς οἶκος ἀθλιώτερος +τῶν Τανταλείων οὐδʼ ἔφυ ποτʼ ἐκγόνων.
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+Ὀρέστης +ἰὼ Γᾶ καὶ Ζεῦ πανδερκέτα +βροτῶν, ἴδετε τάδʼ ἔργα φόνι- +α μυσαρά, δίγονα σώματʼ ἐν +χθονὶ κείμενα πλαγᾷ +χερὸς ὑπʼ ἐμᾶς, ἄποινʼ ἐμῶν +πημάτων + + +Ἠλέκτρα +δακρύτʼ ἄγαν, ὦ σύγγονʼ, αἰτία δʼ ἐγώ. +διὰ πυρὸς ἔμολον ἁ τάλαινα ματρὶ τᾷδʼ, +ἅ μʼ ἔτικτε κούραν. + +Χορός +ἰὼ τύχας, σᾶς τύχας, +μᾶτερ τεκοῦσʼ ἄλαστα, +ἄλαστα μέλεα καὶ πέρα +παθοῦσα σῶν τέκνων ὑπαί. +πατρὸς δʼ ἔτεισας φόνον δικαίως.
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+ +Ὀρέστης +ἰὼ Φοῖβʼ, ἀνύμνησας δίκαιʼ +ἄφαντα, φανερὰ δʼ ἐξέπρα- +ξας ἄχεα, φόνια δʼ ὤπασας +λάχεʼ ἀπὸ γᾶς τᾶς Ἑλλανίδος. +τίνα δʼ ἑτέραν μόλω πόλιν; +τίς ξένος, τίς εὐσεβὴς +ἐμὸν κάρα προσόψεται +ματέρα κτανόντος; + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἰὼ ἰώ μοι. ποῖ δʼ ἐγώ, τίνʼ ἐς χορόν, +τίνα γάμον εἶμι; τίς πόσις με δέξεται +νυμφικὰς ἐς εὐνάς; + +Χορός +πάλιν, πάλιν φρόνημα σὸν +μετεστάθη πρὸς αὔραν· +φρονεῖς γὰρ ὅσια νῦν, τότʼ οὐ +φρονοῦσα, δεινὰ δʼ εἰργάσω, +φίλα, κασίγνητον οὐ θέλοντα.
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+ +Ὀρέστης +κατεῖδες, οἷον ἁ τάλαινʼ ἔξω πέπλων +ἔβαλεν, ἔδειξε μαστὸν ἐν φοναῖσιν, +ἰώ μοι, πρὸς πέδῳ +τιθεῖσα γόνιμα μέλεα; τὰν κόμαν δʼ ἐγὼ — + +Χορός +σάφʼ οἶδα, διʼ ὀδύνας ἔβας, +ἰήιον κλύων γόον +ματρός, ἅ σʼ ἔτικτε.
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+Ὀρέστης +βοὰν δʼ ἔλασκε τάνδε, πρὸς γένυν ἐμὰν +τιθεῖσα χεῖρα· Τέκος ἐμόν, λιταίνω· +παρῄδων τʼ ἐξ ἐμᾶν +ἐκρίμναθʼ, ὥστε χέρας ἐμὰς λιπεῖν βέλος. + +Χορός +τάλαινα· πῶς ἔτλας φόνον +διʼ ὀμμάτων ἰδεῖν σέθεν +ματρὸς ἐκπνεούσας;
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+Ὀρέστης +ἐγὼ μὲν ἐπιβαλὼν φάρη κόραις ἐμαῖς +φασγάνῳ κατηρξάμαν +ματέρος ἔσω δέρας μεθείς. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπεγκέλευσά σοι +ξίφους τʼ ἐφηψάμαν ἅμα. + +Χορός +δεινότατον παθέων ἔρεξας.
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+Ὀρέστης +λαβοῦ, κάλυπτε μέλεα ματέρος πέπλοις + +καὶ καθάρμοσον σφαγάς. +φονέας ἔτικτες ἆρά σοι. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἰδού, φίλᾳ τε κοὐ φίλᾳ +φάρεα τάδʼ ἀμφιβάλλομεν. + +Χορός +τέρμα κακῶν μεγάλων δόμοισιν.
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+ +Χορός +ἀλλʼ οἵδε δόμων ὑπὲρ ἀκροτάτων +φαίνουσι τίνες — δαίμονες ἢ θεῶν +τῶν οὐρανίων; οὐ γὰρ θνητῶν γʼ +ἥδε κέλευθος· τί ποτʼ ἐς φανερὰν +ὄψιν βαίνουσι βροτοῖσιν; + + + +Διόσκουροι +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖ, κλῦθι· δίπτυχοι δέ σε +καλοῦσι μητρὸς σύγγονοι Διόσκοροι, +Κάστωρ κασίγνητός τε Πολυδεύκης ὅδε. +δεινὸν δὲ ναυσὶν ἀρτίως πόντου σάλον +παύσαντʼ ἀφίγμεθʼ Ἄργος, ὡς ἐσείδομεν +σφαγὰς ἀδελφῆς τῆσδε, μητέρος δὲ σῆς. +δίκαια μέν νυν ἥδʼ ἔχει, σὺ δʼ οὐχὶ δρᾷς· +Φοῖβός τε, Φοῖβος — ἀλλʼ ἄναξ γάρ ἐστʼ ἐμός, +σιγῶ· σοφὸς δʼ ὢν οὐκ ἔχρησέ σοι σοφά. +αἰνεῖν δʼ ἀνάγκη ταῦτα· τἀντεῦθεν δὲ χρὴ +πράσσειν ἃ Μοῖρα Ζεύς τʼ ἔκρανε σοῦ πέρι. + Πυλάδῃ μὲν Ἠλέκτραν δὸς ἄλοχον ἐς δόμους, +σὺ δʼ Ἄργος ἔκλιπʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἔστι σοι πόλιν +τήνδʼ ἐμβατεύειν, μητέρα κτείναντι σήν. +δειναὶ δὲ κῆρές σʼ αἱ κυνώπιδες θεαὶ +τροχηλατήσουσʼ ἐμμανῆ πλανώμενον. +ἐλθὼν δʼ Ἀθήνας Παλλάδος σεμνὸν βρέτας +πρόσπτυξον· εἵρξει γάρ νιν ἐπτοημένας +δεινοῖς δράκουσιν ὥστε μὴ ψαύειν σέθεν, +γοργῶφʼ ὑπερτείνουσα σῷ κάρᾳ κύκλον. +ἔστιν δʼ Ἄρεώς τις ὄχθος, οὗ πρῶτον θεοὶ +ἕζοντʼ ἐπὶ ψήφοισιν αἵματος πέρι, +Ἁλιρρόθιον ὅτʼ ἔκτανʼ ὠμόφρων Ἄρης, +μῆνιν θυγατρὸς ἀνοσίων νυμφευμάτων, +πόντου κρέοντος παῖδʼ, ἵνʼ εὐσεβεστάτη +ψῆφος βεβαία τʼ ἐστὶν ἔκ τε τοῦ θεοῖς. + +ἐνταῦθα καὶ σὲ δεῖ δραμεῖν φόνου πέρι. +ἴσαι δέ σʼ ἐκσῴζουσι μὴ θανεῖν δίκῃ +ψῆφοι τεθεῖσαι· Λοξίας γὰρ αἰτίαν +ἐς αὑτὸν οἴσει, μητέρος χρήσας φόνον. +καὶ τοῖσι λοιποῖς ὅδε νόμος τεθήσεται, +νικᾶν ἴσαις ψήφοισι τὸν φεύγοντʼ ἀεί. +δειναὶ μὲν οὖν θεαὶ τῷδʼ ἄχει πεπληγμέναι +πάγον παρʼ αὐτὸν χάσμα δύσονται χθονός, +σεμνὸν βροτοῖσιν εὐσεβὲς χρηστήριον· +σὲ δʼ Ἀρκάδων χρὴ πόλιν ἐπʼ Ἀλφειοῦ ῥοαῖς +οἰκεῖν Λυκαίου πλησίον σηκώματος· +ἐπώνυμος δὲ σοῦ πόλις κεκλήσεται. + σοὶ μὲν τάδʼ εἶπον· τόνδε δʼ Αἰγίσθου νέκυν +Ἄργους πολῖται γῆς καλύψουσιν τάφῳ. +μητέρα δὲ τὴν σὴν ἄρτι Ναυπλίαν παρὼν +Μενέλαος, ἐξ οὗ Τρωικὴν εἷλε χθόνα, +Ἑλένη τε θάψει· Πρωτέως γὰρ ἐκ δόμων +ἥκει λιποῦσʼ Αἴγυπτον οὐδʼ ἦλθεν Φρύγας· +Ζεὺς δʼ, ὡς ἔρις γένοιτο καὶ φόνος βροτῶν, +εἴδωλον Ἑλένης ἐξέπεμψʼ ἐς Ἴλιον. + Πυλάδης μὲν οὖν κόρην τε καὶ δάμαρτʼ ἔχων +Ἀχαιίδος γῆς οἴκαδʼ ἐσπορευέτω, +καὶ τὸν λόγῳ σὸν πενθερὸν κομιζέτω +Φωκέων ἐς αἶαν καὶ δότω πλούτου βάρος· +σὺ δʼ Ἰσθμίας γῆς αὐχένʼ ἐμβαίνω ποδὶ +χώρει πρὸς ὄχθον Κεκροπίας εὐδαίμονα. +πεπρωμένην γὰρ μοῖραν ἐκπλήσας φόνου +εὐδαιμονήσεις τῶνδʼ ἀπαλλαχθεὶς πόνων.
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+ +Χορός +ὦ παῖδε Διός, θέμις ἐς φθογγὰς +τὰς ὑμετέρας ἡμῖν πελάθειν; + +Διόσκουροι +θέμις, οὐ μυσαραῖς τοῖσδε σφαγίοις. + +Ἠλέκτρα +κἀμοὶ μύθου μέτα, Τυνδαρίδαι; + +Διόσκουροι +καὶ σοί· Φοίβῳ τήνδʼ ἀναθήσω +πρᾶξιν φονίαν. + +Χορός +πῶς ὄντε θεὼ τῆσδέ τʼ ἀδελφὼ +τῆς καπφθιμένης +οὐκ ἠρκέσατον κῆρας μελάθροις; + +Διόσκουροι +μοῖρά τʼ ἀνάγκης ἦγʼ ἐς τὸ χρεών, +Φοίβου τʼ ἄσοφοι γλώσσης ἐνοπαί. + +Ἠλέκτρα +τίς δʼ ἔμʼ Ἀπόλλων, ποῖοι χρησμοὶ +φονίαν ἔδοσαν μητρὶ γενέσθαι; + +Διόσκουροι +κοιναὶ πράξεις, κοινοὶ δὲ πότμοι, +μία δʼ ἀμφοτέρους +ἄτη πατέρων διέκναισεν. + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ σύγγονέ μοι, χρονίαν σʼ ἐσιδὼν +τῶν σῶν εὐθὺς φίλτρων στέρομαι +καὶ σʼ ἀπολείψω σοῦ λειπόμενος. + +Διόσκουροι +πόσις ἔστʼ αὐτῇ καὶ δόμος· οὐχ ἥδʼ +οἰκτρὰ πέπονθεν, πλὴν ὅτι λείπει +πόλιν Ἀργείων. + +Ἠλέκτρα +καὶ τίνες ἄλλαι στοναχαὶ μείζους +ἢ γῆς πατρίας ὅρον ἐκλείπειν; + +Ὀρέστης +ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ οἴκων ἔξειμι πατρὸς +καὶ ἐπʼ ἀλλοτρίαις ψήφοισι φόνον +μητρὸς ὑφέξω. + +Διόσκουροι +θάρσει· Παλλάδος +ὁσίαν ἥξεις πόλιν· ἀλλʼ ἀνέχου. + + +Ἠλέκτρα +περί μοι στέρνοις στέρνα πρόσαψον, +σύγγονε φίλτατε· +διὰ γὰρ ζευγνῦσʼ ἡμᾶς πατρίων +μελάθρων μητρὸς φόνιοι κατάραι. + +Ὀρέστης +βάλε, πρόσπτυξον σῶμα· θανόντος δʼ +ὡς ἐπὶ τύμβῳ καταθρήνησον. + +Διόσκουροι +φεῦ φεῦ· δεινὸν τόδʼ ἐγηρύσω +καὶ θεοῖσι κλύειν. +ἔνι γὰρ κἀμοὶ τοῖς τʼ οὐρανίδαις +οἶκτοι θνητῶν πολυμόχθων. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκέτι σʼ ὄψομαι. + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐδʼ ἐγὼ ἐς σὸν βλέφαρον πελάσω. + +Ὀρέστης +τάδε λοίσθιά μοι προσφθέγματά σου. + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ χαῖρε, πόλις· +χαίρετε δʼ ὑμεῖς πολλά, πολίτιδες. + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ πιστοτάτη, στείχεις ἤδη; + +Ἠλέκτρα +στείχω βλέφαρον τέγγουσʼ ἁπαλόν. + +Ὀρέστης +Πυλάδη, χαίρων ἴθι, νυμφεύου +δέμας Ἠλέκτρας. + +Διόσκουροι +τοῖσδε μελήσει γάμος· ἀλλὰ κύνας +τάσδʼ ὑποφεύγων στεῖχʼ ἐπʼ Ἀθηνῶν· +δεινὸν γὰρ ἴχνος βάλλουσʼ ἐπὶ σοὶ +χειροδράκοντες χρῶτα κελαιναί, +δεινῶν ὀδυνῶν καρπὸν ἔχουσαι· +νὼ δʼ ἐπὶ πόντον Σικελὸν σπουδῇ +σῴσοντε νεῶν πρῴρας ἐνάλους. +διὰ δʼ αἰθερίας στείχοντε πλακὸς +τοῖς μὲν μυσαροῖς οὐκ ἐπαρήγομεν, +οἷσιν δʼ ὅσιον καὶ τὸ δίκαιον +φίλον ἐν βιότῳ, τούτους χαλεπῶν +ἐκλύοντες μόχθων σῴζομεν. +οὕτως ἀδικεῖν μηδεὶς θελέτω +μηδʼ ἐπιόρκων μέτα συμπλείτω· +θεὸς ὢν θνητοῖς ἀγορεύω. + +Χορός +χαίρετε· χαίρειν δʼ ὅστις δύναται +καὶ ξυντυχίᾳ μή τινι κάμνει +θνητῶν, εὐδαίμονα πράσσει. +
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\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg013/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg013/__cts__.xml index c2de8a4ee..fe980e147 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg013/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg013/__cts__.xml @@ -4,12 +4,12 @@ Iphigenia in Tauris Iphigenia Taurica - + Ἰφιγένεια ἐν Ταύροις - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962) - + Iphigenia Among the Tauri Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-eng1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-eng1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index ba4a85288..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-eng1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9 +0,0 @@ -{ - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "id": "1999.01.0112", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/Classics/Euripides/copyright/eur.it_eng.xml", - "status": "not migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-eng1.xml" -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-eng2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..c7c49566a --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,1708 @@ + + + + + + +Iphigenia Among the Tauri +Modernized adaptation +Machine readable text +Euripides +Edward P. Coleridge + Perseus Project, Tufts University + Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Lisa Cerrato + William Merrill + Elli Mylonas + David Smith + + The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + The Plays of Euripides + Edward P. Coleridge + + London + George Bell and Sons + 1891 + + 2 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + +

Modernization of language.

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+ + + + + + English + Greek + Latin + + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + copyrighted CTS texts from sdl and classics in new canonical structure per github repo + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + the card divs had had a line range but there was a problem with this, so we just have the start line in the n attribute. + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + places-dates now actually tagged + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + fix broken titles (too much cutting and pasting too fast) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + bring up to p3, including use of n attribute on sp when a cardbreak comes within a speech, and moving milestones out of speeches + Added speaker tags where needed. + Basic SGML tagging and modernizing +
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Dramatis Personae

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Iphigenia

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Orestes

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Pylades

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Chorus

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Herdsman

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Thoas

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Messenger

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Athena

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+ The work has been heavily adapted and modernized from the Coleridge translation. + +
+ +On the sea-shore, in the Tauric Chersonese, near a temple of Artemis. +Iphigenia +Pelops, son of Tantalus, coming to Pisa with swift horses, married Oenomaus’ daughter, and she gave birth to Atreus, whose children are Menelaus and Agamemnon; from him I was born, +his child Iphigenia, by the daughter of Tyndareus. Where Euripus rolls about its whirlpools in the frequent winds and twists the darkening waves, my father sacrificed me to Artemis for Helen’s sake, or so he thought, in the famous clefts of Aulis. +For there lord Agamemnon mustered his expedition of a thousand ships of Hellas, wanting to take the crown of Troy in glorious victory and avenge the outrage to Helen’s marriage, doing this favor for Menelaus. +But when he met with dreadful winds that would not let him sail, he went to burnt sacrifices, and Calchas had this to say: Lord and general of Hellas, Agamemnon, you will not set free your ships from land until Artemis has your daughter Iphigenia +as a victim. For you once vowed to sacrifice to the torch-bearing goddess the most beautiful creature brought forth that year; then your wife, Clytemnestra, bore a child in your house—ascribing the prize of beauty to me—whom you must sacrifice. And by the craft of Odysseus, +they took me from my mother, pretending a marriage with Achilles. I came to Aulis; held up high over the altar, I, the unhappy one, was about to die by the sword; but Artemis gave the Achaeans a deer in exchange for me and stole me from them; conducting me through the bright air, +she settled me here in the land of the Taurians. A barbarian rules this land of barbarians: Thoas, who runs as quickly as the flight of birds, and so he received his name for his swiftness of foot. Artemis has made me the priestess in this temple. +Here I begin the rites, which the goddess delights in, of a banquet noble in name only—I am silent as to the rest, for I fear the goddess— for I sacrifice, by a custom of the city established earlier, any Hellene who comes to this land. +But others carry out the sacrifices, not to be spoken of, within the temple of the goddess. + +But the strange visions which the night brought with it, I will tell to the air, if that is any relief. I dreamed that I had left this land +to live in Argos, and to sleep in the midst of the maidens’ rooms; but the earth’s back was shaken by a tossing swell. When I escaped and stood outside, I saw the cornice of the house fall, and the whole roof hurled in ruins on the ground, from the highest pillars. +One support of my father’s house was left, I thought, and it had yellow locks of hair waving from its capital, and took on human voice. In observance of the art of slaughtering strangers that I practice here, I gave it holy water as if it were about to die, while I wept. +This is my interpretation of this dream: Orestes, whom I consecrated by my rites, is dead. For male children are the supports of the house; and those whom I purify with holy water die. I cannot connect this dream to my friends, +for Strophius, when I perished, had no son. Now I wish to give libations to my brother, though he is absent from me—for I would be able to do this—with the attendants given me by the king, Hellene women. But why +are they not yet here? I will go inside this temple of the goddess where I live. Exit Iphigenia. + + + + + +Orestes +(entering cautiously.) Look out, take care that no one is in the path. + +Pylades +I am looking, and turning my eyes everywhere, in examination. + +Orestes +Pylades, do you think this is the hall of the goddess, +for which we set sail from Argos? + +Pylades +Yes, Orestes; and you must think so too. + +Orestes +And the altar, that drips with the slaughter of Hellenes? + +Pylades +Its dedications of hair, at least, are red with blood. + +Orestes +Do you see the spoils hanging from the very walls? + +Pylades +Trophies of strangers that have been slain. But I must look all around and keep careful watch.This sentence is assigned to Orestes in the Coleridge translation but has been moved to align with the Greek. + +Orestes +O Phoebus, where have you again brought me into the snare, by your oracles, since I avenged my father’s blood by the murder of my mother, and was driven by successive Furies, +a fugitive, away from the land, and completed many winding courses; and coming to you I asked how I might arrive at an end to whirling madness and my labors, which I have carried out, wandering all over Hellas. . . . +And you told me to go to the boundaries of the Tauric land, where Artemis, your sister, has an altar, and to take the statue of the goddess, which is said here to have fallen to this temple from heaven; and, taking it by craft of some stroke of luck, +to complete the venture by giving it to the Athenian land—what was to come next was not spoken of—and if I did this, I would have rest from my labors. + +I have come here, obedient to your words, to an unknown, inhospitable land. I ask you, +Pylades, for you are my accomplice in this task, what shall we do? You see that the surrounding walls are high; shall we ascend the steps leading up to the house? But how might we escape notice? Or loosening the bronze bars of the door with levers, +of which we know nothing? If we are caught opening the gates and contriving an entrance, we shall die. No, but before we die, let us escape on the ship in which we sailed here. + +Pylades +Flight is not to be endured, nor are we accustomed to it, +and we must not bring reproach on the god’s oracle; let us leave the temple and hide in a cave which the black sea washes with its moisture—far from the ship, so that no one, seeing it, may tell the ruler, and then seize us by force. +But when the eye of gloomy night comes on, then we must dare to take the polished statue from the shrine, by any means. See where between the triglyphs there is an empty space to let ourselves down. The brave endure their labors, +the cowardly are worth nothing at all. + +Orestes +Yes, we did not come on a long sea voyage only to undertake a return home before the end; but you have spoken wel, we must obey. We should go wherever we can hide and escape notice. +For it will not be the god’s fault if his sacred oracle falls to the ground without effect. We must endure. Exeunt Orestes and Pylades.
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+Chorus +Keep a holy silence, you who inhabit the double clashing +rocks of the Black Sea! +O daughter of Leto, Dictynna of the mountains, to your hall, to the golden walls of your temple with beautiful pillars, +I, the servant of the holy key-holder, bend my holy virgin steps. For I have left the towers and walls of Hellas, famous for horses, and +Europe with its forests, my father’s home. +I have come. What is the news? What is troubling you? Why have you brought me, brought me to the shrine, you who are the daughter of Atreus’ son, master of a thousand ships and ten thousand soldiers, +who came to the towers of Troy with a famous fleet? + + + +Iphigenia +Oh! My servants, how I am involved in mournful dirges, +in laments unfit for the lyre, of a song that is not melodious, alas! alas! wailing for my family. Ruin has come to me; I am lamenting the life of my brother, +such a vision I saw in my dreams, in the night whose darkness is now over. + I am lost, lost! My father’s house is no more; alas for my vanished family, +alas for the sufferings of Argos! O fate, I had one brother only and you carry him off and send him to Hades. For him, +I am about to pour over the back of the earth these libations and the bowl of the dead: streams of milk from mountain cows, and offerings of wine from Bacchus, +and the labor of the tawny bees; these sacrifices are soothing to the dead. + (To a servant) Give me the golden vessel and the libation of Hades. +O child of Agamemnon beneath the earth, I send these to you as one dead. Accept them; for I will not bring to your tomb my yellow hair or my tears. +I live far indeed from your country and mine, where I am thought to lie, unhappily slaughtered. + + + +Chorus +I will sing for you, my mistress, responsive songs and +a barbarian cry of Asian hymns; this song, dear to the dead, +Hades sings in laments, in chants—not songs of triumph. + Alas for the house of the Atreidae; the light of their scepter, alas, of the ancestral house, is lost. Once they ruled +as prosperous kings in Argos, but troubles dart out from troubles: Pelops, on his horses swiftly whirling, made his cast; the sun changed from its seat the holy beam of its rays. +One pain comes after another, to the house of the golden lamb. . . . from that earlier time when the Tantalids were killed, +punishment came to the house, and fate presses what you do not want upon you. + + + +Iphigenia +From the beginning my fate was unhappy, from that first night of my mather’s marriage; + from the beginning the Fates attendant on my birth directed a hard upbringing for me, wooed by Hellenes, the first-born child in the home, +whom the unhappy daughter of Leda, by my father’s fault, bore as a victim and a sacrifice not joyful, she brought me up as an offering. In the horse-drawn chariot, +they set me as a bride on the sands of Aulis, oh woe, a wretched bride for the son of the Nereid, alas! But now, as a stranger I live in an unfertile home on this sea that is hostile to strangers, +without marriage, or children, or city, or friends, not raising hymns to Hera at Argos, nor embroidering with my shuttle, in the singing loom, the likeness of Athenian Pallas and the Titans; but +. . . a bloody fate, not to be hymned by the lyre, of strangers who wail a piteous cry and weep piteous tears. And now I must forget these things, +and lament my brother, killed in Argos, whom I left at the breast, still a baby, still an infant, still a young child in his mother’s arms and at her breast, +the holder of the scepter in Argos, Orestes.
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+Chorus Leader +Look, here comes a herdsman, who has left the shores of the sea to bring you some new message. + +Herdsman +Daughter of Agamemnon, and of Clytemnestra, hear a strange report from me. + +Iphigenia +And what is amazing in your news? + +Herdsman +Two young men have come to this land, fleeing the dark Symplegades in their ship, an offering and sacrifice pleasing to the goddess Artemis. Be quick to prepare +the purifications and the first offerings. + +Iphigenia +What country are the strangers from? How are they dressed? + +Herdsman +They are Hellenes; I know this one thing, and nothing further. + +Iphigenia +Can’t you tell me their names? Did you hear them? + +Herdsman +One was called Pylades by the other. + +Iphigenia +What is the name of his companion? + +Herdsman +No one knows; we didn’t hear it. + +Iphigenia +How did you see them? How did you come upon them and catch them? + +Herdsman +At the edge of the breakers of the Black Sea + +Iphigenia +And what do herdsmen have to do with the sea? + +Herdsman +We came to wash our cattle in the salt water. + +Iphigenia +Go back to the earlier question, how did you take them, and in what way, for I want to know this. They have come after a long time; the altar of the goddess has not yet been reddened by streams of Hellene blood. + + + +Herdsman +When we were driving the cattle, that feed in the forest, into the sea that flows through the Symplegades, there was a broken cleft, hollowed by the constant surge of waves, shelter for those who hunt the purple-fish. Here one of the herdsmen saw two youths, +and made a retreat on tip-toe. He said: Don’t you see them? These are deities that sit there. One of us, who revered the gods, lifted up his hands and prayed, as he saw them: +O son of the sea-goddess Leukothea, guardian of ships, lord Palaemon, be propitious to us! Or do you sit on our shores, twin sons of Zeus? Or the darlings of Nereus, father of the chorus of fifty Nereids? +Another, who was foolish and bold in his lawlessness, laughed at the prayers and asserted that ship-wrecked sailors were sitting on the cliff, in fear of our custom, having heard that we sacrifice strangers here. + Most of us thought that he spoke well, +and that we ought to hunt down the customary offerings to the goddess. At this moment, one of the strangers left the rock, and stood, shaking his head up and down and groaning, with hands trembling, wandering in madness; and like a hunter, he cried aloud: +Pylades, do you see her? Don’t you see hell’s dragon, how she wants to kill me, fringed with her dreadful vipers against me? and the one who breathes fire and slaughter from her robe and wings her way, my mother +in her arms—the rocky mass, how she hurls it at me! Ah, she will kill me! Where can I escape? + We could not see these shapes; but he alternated the sounds of sheep and howling of dogs . . . to send forth the Furies’ imitations. + +Astonished, we cowered together and sat in silence; but he drew his sword and rushed like a lion into the midst of our cattle, striking their flanks with his iron sword and thrusting it into their sides, thinking in this way to ward off the Furies, +so that the waves of the sea blossomed red with blood. And all of us, as we saw our herds falling and ravaged, took arms, blew our conch shells, and collected the neighbors; for we thought cowherds would make a poor fight of it +against well-grown and young foreigners. After a long time, our numbers were complete. But the stranger fell down, his pulsing beat of madness gone, his chin dripping with foam; when we saw him, so conveniently fallen, each of us went to work, +hurling and striking at him. The other stranger wiped off the foam and tended his body, covering him with a finely-woven robe, looking out for the attacking blows, treating his friend kindly with his care. +The stranger, now in his senses, started up from his fall and realized the surge of enemies close at hand and the present danger to them both, with a groan; we did not let up our attack with stones, pressing hard from all sides. +Then we heard his dreadful exhortation: Pylades, we shall die, but let us die with glory; draw your sword, and follow me. + But when we saw our enemies brandishing their two swords, we fled and filled up the rocky glens. +But while some would flee, others pressed on and attacked them; if they drove those back, the ones who had just given way struck them with stones again. But it was hard to believe; with so many hands, no one succeeded in hitting these offerings to the goddess. +We got the better of them with difficulty; not by daring, but by surrounding them in a circle, with stones we took away their swords; they sank on their knees to the ground, in weariness. Then we brought them to the lord of this land. He saw them, and at once +sent them to you, for purification and slaughter. You have prayed for such sacrificial victims as these strangers, lady; if you destroy them, Hellas will make atonement for your murder and pay the penalty for the sacrifice in Aulis. + +Chorus Leader +You have told an amazing story about this madman, whoever he is, who has come from Hellas to the Black Sea. + + + +Iphigenia +Very well. You go and bring the strangers here; the holy rites will be my concern. Exit Herdsman. + O my unhappy heart, you were gentle to strangers before, +and always full of pity, measuring out tears for the sake of our common race, whenever Hellenes came into your hands. But now, after those dreams that have made me savage, thinking that Orestes is no longer alive, +whoever comes here will find me harsh to them. This is true after all, my friends, I have realized: the unfortunate, when themselves doing badly, do not have kind thoughts towards those who are more unfortunate. + But no breeze from Zeus ever came, +or a boat, bringing Helen here, through the rocks of the Symplegedes—Helen who destroyed me, with Menelaus, so that I might avenge myself on them, setting an Aulis here against that one there, where the Danaids overpowered me and were going to sacrifice me like a calf, +and my own father was the priest. + Ah me!—I cannot forget those past evils—how often did I stroke my father’s cheek and, hanging on his knees, told him: O father, I am brought +to a shameful betrothal by you; but while you are killing me, my mother and the Argive women are singing wedding hymns, and the whole house is filled with the music of flutes; but I am being destroyed by you. For Achilles was Hades after all, not the son of Peleus, +whom you held out to me as a husband, and you brought me in a chariot to a bloody wedding by treachery. But I was modestly looking out through a fine veil, and did not take up my brother in my arms—and now he is dead—did not kiss my sister, +because I was going to the house of Peleus; I put off many embraces to another time, thinking that I would come back again to Argos. + My unhappy Orestes, if you are dead, what glories have you left, what achievements of a father! +I blame the goddess’ subtleties; whichever mortal has engaged in murder, or has touched a woman in childbirth or a corpse, she drives from her altars, thinking him impure; but she herself delights in human sacrifices. +It is not possible that Leto, the wife of Zeus, gave birth to such folly. I judge that the feast prepared by Tantalus for the gods is not to be believed, that they fed on the flesh of his son; and I think that the people here, who are themselves killers of men, +ascribe to the goddess their sorry behavior. For I believe that no god is evil.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +Dark straits of the sea, dark, where the gadfly flying from Argos +crossed over the inhospitable wave . . . taking the Asian land in exchange for Europe. Whoever are the ones who left the lovely waters +of Eurotas, green with reeds, or the holy streams of Dirce, to come here, to come to the unsociable land, where, for the divine maiden, the blood of mortals stains +the altars and columned temples?
+ + +
+Chorus +Did they sail the pine-wood oars with double beat of surge, over the waves of the sea, +a chariot of a ship in breezes that move the linen sails, to increase the contest of wealth for their halls? For hope is sweet, and +insatiable in mortals, to their hurt, for those who bear away the weight of wealth, wandering over the wave and crossing to barbarian cities, with one expectation. But thought of wealth comes at the wrong time for some, +while for others it comes moderately.
+ + +
+Chorus +The rocks that rush together, the sleepless shores of Phineus—how did they cross them, running along the salty coast +on Amphitrite’s surge, where the fifty daughters of Nereus . . . the circular choruses sing, +with wind in the sails, the guiding rudder creaking under the stern, with southern breezes or by the blasts of the west wind, +to the land of many birds, the white strand, Achilles’ lovely race-course, over the Black Sea?
+ + +
+Chorus +Would that, by my mistress’ prayers, Helen, Leda’s dear child, +might happen to leave Troy and come here, where she might die, crowned over her hair by the bloody water, +her throat cut by the hands of my mistress, and so pay her requital. But what a sweet message I should receive, if a sailor came from Hellas, +to put an end to my wretched slavery! For may I even in dreams be at home and in my ancestral city, the enjoyment of pleasant sleep, +a grace we have in common with prosperity.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus Leader +But here come the two youths, with tightly bound hands, the new sacrifice for the goddess; silence, my friends. These first-fruits of Hellas are indeed +approaching the temple; the herdman did not deliver a false message. +Lady Artemis, if this city carries out the rites in a way pleasing to you, accept the victims, + which the custom among us declares to be unholy. + + + +Iphigenia +Enough; first, it will be my care to perform well the rites of the goddess. Unbind the strangers’ hands, so that, as holy victims, they may no longer be in chains. +Then go into the temple and make ready what is necessary and customary at the present time. + (Turning to the prisoners.)Ah! Who was your mother, who gave you birth, and your father? And your sister, if you happen to have one . . . such two youths as she has lost, +and will be without a brother! Who knows where such fortunes will arrive? For all the gods’ affairs creep on in darkness, and no one knows evil . . . fate leads us on towards what we cannot know. + Unhappy strangers, where have you come from? +For you have sailed a long time to reach this land, and you will be away from your home a long time, in the world below. + +Orestes +Why do you lament these things, and mourn for the evils about to come upon us, lady, whoever you are? I do not think the one who is about to die wise, +if he wishes to conquer the fear of death by wailing, nor the one who laments when Hades is near and there is no hope of safety; for so he puts together two ills out of one, incurring a charge of folly and dying all the same; we must let fate alone. +Do not grieve for us; for we are acquainted with the sacrifices here and we know them. + + + +Iphigenia +Which of you is called by the name of Pylades? I want to know this first. + +Orestes +That one, if you have any pleasure in the knowledge. + +Iphigenia +Of what city of Hellas were you born a citizen? + +Orestes +What would you gain by learning this, lady? + +Iphigenia +Are you brothers, from one mother? + +Orestes +By friendship, yes; we are not brothers by birth, lady. + +Iphigenia +What name did your father give you? + +Orestes +I might rightly be called Unfortunate. + +Iphigenia +I do not ask that; ascribe that to fortune. + +Orestes +If I die unnamed, I would not be mocked at. + +Iphigenia +Why do you begrudge this? Are you so proud? + +Orestes +You will sacrifice my body, not my name. + +Iphigenia +Can you not say what city you are from? + +Orestes +You are seeking nothing profitable, since I am going to die. + +Iphigenia +What hinders you from doing me this favor? + +Orestes +The famous Argos I claim as my native land. + +Iphigenia +By the gods, truly, stranger, were you born there? + +Orestes +Yes, from Mycenae, which was once prosperous. + +Iphigenia +Have you left your country as an exile, or by what fate? + +Orestes +My flight is in some manner willed and unwilled. + +Iphigenia +Could you then tell me something that I wish to know? + +Orestes +It will be no great addition to my own misfortune. + +Iphigenia +Indeed, I am so glad that you have come from Argos! + +Orestes +I am not; but if you are, take pleasure in it. + +Iphigenia +Perhaps you know Troy, whose fame is everywhere. + +Orestes +Would that I did not, even seen in a dream! + +Iphigenia +They say it is no more, lost to the spear. + +Orestes +It is so; you have heard nothing that has not happened. + +Iphigenia +Has Helen come back to Menelaus’ home? + +Orestes +She has; it was an unfortunate arrival for one dear to me. + +Iphigenia +And where is she? She deserves an ill turn from me also. + +Orestes +She lives at Sparta with her former bedfellow. + +Iphigenia +Creature hated by Hellas, not by me alone! + +Orestes +I have also had some benefit from the marriage of that woman! + +Iphigenia +Have the Achaeans returned, as reported? + +Orestes +How you put everything together and ask me all at once! + +Iphigenia +Before you die, I want to profit by your answers. + +Orestes +Question me, since you desire this; I will tell you. + +Iphigenia +Has a certain Calchas, a prophet, come back from Troy? + +Orestes +He is dead, as the story goes in Mycenae. + +Iphigenia +O goddess, how good that is! What about Odysseus? + +Orestes +He has not yet returned, but is alive, they say. + +Iphigenia +May he die and never achieve a return to his country! + +Orestes +Do not pray against that man; all is misery for him. + +Iphigenia +But is the son of Thetis the Nereid still alive? + +Orestes +He is not; his marriage at Aulis was in vain. + +Iphigenia +Yes, for it was a cheat, as those who experienced it know. + + + +Orestes +Who are you? How well you ask about Hellas! + +Iphigenia +I am from there; while still a child I was lost. + +Orestes +Then rightly you desire to know what has happened there, lady. + +Iphigenia +What about the general, who is said to be happy? + +Orestes +Who? The one I knew was not happy. + +Iphigenia +There was said to be a certain lord, Agamemnon, son of Atreus. + +Orestes +I do not know; leave this subject, lady. + +Iphigenia +No, by the gods, but tell me, stranger, to delight me. + +Orestes +The wretched man is dead, and in addition he destroyed another. + +Iphigenia +Dead? By what fate? I am unhappy! + +Orestes +Why do you mourn for this? It doesn’t concern you, does it? + +Iphigenia +I grieve for his former prosperity. + +Orestes +Yes, for he was dreadfully murdered by a woman. + +Iphigenia +O miserable the slayer . . . and the slain! + +Orestes +Stop now, and do not ask further. + +Iphigenia +Only this much, if the wife of the wretched man is alive. + +Orestes +She is not; she was killed by the son that she bore. + +Iphigenia +O house thrown into confusion! What was his intent? + +Orestes +To avenge on her the death of his father. + +Iphigenia +Ah! How well he exacted an evil justice! + +Orestes +Though he is just, he does not have good fortune from the gods. + +Iphigenia +Did Agamemnon leave any other children in his house? + +Orestes +He left one virgin daughter, Electra. + +Iphigenia +What else? Is there any report of the daughter who was sacrificed? + +Orestes +None, except that she is dead and does not see the light. + +Iphigenia +Unhappy girl, and also the father that killed her! + +Orestes +As a thankless favor to an evil woman, she died. + +Iphigenia +Does the dead father’s son live at Argos? + +Orestes +He lives, the miserable one, both nowhere and everywhere. + +Iphigenia +False dreams, farewell; after all, you were nothing. + +Orestes +And those who are called wise divinities are not less false than winged dreams. These is much confusion, both in divine affairs and in human; but only this is a grief to the one who was not foolish, but trusted in the words of prophets +and died—as he died to those that know. + +Chorus Leader +Ah! What about me, and my parents? Are they alive? Are they not? Who can say? + + + +Iphigenia +Listen to me; I have come to a subject which means benefit both to you, strangers, +and to me, by your efforts. A good action is especially so, if the same matter is pleasing to all. Would you, if I should save you, go to Argos and take a report of me to my friends there, and bring a tablet, +which a captive wrote for me in pity? He did not think my hand murderous, but that the victims of the goddess, who holds these things just, die under the law. For I have had no one to go back to Argos with that message, who, +being saved, would send my letter to one of my friends. But you—if, as it seems, you are not hostile to me, and you know Mycenae and those whom I want you to know—be rescued, and have this reward, not a shameful one, safety for the sake of this small letter. +But let him, since the city exacts it, be the offering to the goddess, separated from you. + +Orestes + Stranger, you have spoken all well but this: to sacrifice him would be a heavy grief to me. I am the pilot of these misfortunes, +he sailed with me for the sake of my troubles. For it is not right for me to do you a favor and get out of danger, on condition of his death. But let it happen this way: give him the letter and he will take it to to Argos, for your well-being; +let anyone who wishes kill me. It is most shameful for anyone to save himself by hurling his friends’ affairs into catastrophe. That man is my friend, and I wish him to live, no less than myself. + +Iphigenia +O brave spirit! How you were born from some noble +stock, and are rightly a friend to your friends! May that one of my relatives who is left be such as you! For I am not without a brother, strangers, except in so far as I do not see him. + Since you wish it, I will send this man +with the tablet, and you will die; a great eagerness for this seems to possess you. + + + +Orestes +Who will sacrifice me and dare such a dreadful deed ? + +Iphigenia +I will; for I hold the office of this goddess. + +Orestes +It is not envied, lady, and not blessed. + +Iphigenia +But I am dedicated to necessity, which must be kept. + +Orestes +Do you yourself, a woman, sacrifice men with the sword? + +Iphigenia +No; but I sprinkle the holy water around your hair. + +Orestes +Who is the slayer? If I may ask this. + +Iphigenia +That charge belongs to those within this temple. + +Orestes +What sort of tomb will receive me, when I die? + +Iphigenia +The sacred fire within and the wide hollow of a cave. + +Orestes +Ah! Would that my sister’s hand might lay out my body! + +Iphigenia +You have prayed in vain, unhappy youth, whoever you are; for she lives far from a barbarian land. +Yet indeed, since you happen to be an Argive, I too will not leave out any favor that I can do. I will set much ornament on the tomb and quench your body with yellow oil, and throw onto your funeral pyre the gleaming honey, that streams from flowers, +of the tawny mountain bee. + But I will go and bring the tablet from the temple of the goddess; take care not to bear me ill-will. + Guard them, attendants, without chains. Perhaps I will send unexpected news to one of my friends, +whom I especially love, in Argos; and the tablet, in telling him that those whom he thought dead are alive, will report a joy that can be believed. Exit Iphigenia.
+ + + +
+ Chorus +(to Orestes.) I raise a lament for you; the drops from the holy water, +mingled with blood, will soon take you into their care. + +Orestes +This is not a case for pity, but farewell, strangers.
+ +
+ Chorus + (to Pylades.)We honor you, young man, for your happy fate, because you will tread on your native land some day. + +Pylades +An unenviable fate indeed for a friend, when his friend is to die. +
+ +
+ Chorus +O cruel mission! +Ah, ah! You are destroyed! Alas, alas! Which is better? +For still my mind disputes a double argument, shall I mourn for you or rather for you. + + + +Orestes +By the gods, Pylades, do you feel the same thing I do? + +Pylades +I do not know; I have no reply to your question. + +Orestes +Who is the girl? How like a Hellene she questioned me about the labors in Ilium and the return of the Achaeans, and Calchas, wise in omens, and Achilles’ name; and how she pitied the wretched Agamemnon, and asked me about +his wife and children! This stranger is an Argive by race, and from that land; or she would not be sending the tablet and examining these things, as if she had some share in Argos’ prosperity. + +Pylades +You are not much ahead of me: I was about to say the same things you said, +except this: all who move about in the world know what happens to kings. But I have arrived at another consideration. + +Orestes +What is it? Share it with me so that you may know better. + +Pylades +It is shameful for me to live when you are dead; +I sailed together with you, and I ought to die together with you. For I will seem a coward and base in Argos and Phocis of the many mountain folds. Most will think—for most people are base—that I betrayed you and saved myself to come home alone, +or I plotted your death, in the afflictions of your house, for the sake of your kingdom, since I married your sister and heiress. I fear these things and I am ashamed; and I must breathe my last with you, +be slaughtered with you and consumed on the pyre; because I am your friend and I fear reproach. + + + +Orestes +Hush! I must bear my own ills, and when the grief is single, I will not bear it double. What you call vile and infamous, +would be mine, if I cause you, who have toiled with me, to die; for it is not a hardship for me, suffering as I do at the hands of the gods, to give up my life. But you are prosperous, and you have a house that is pure, not afflicted, while mine is impious and unfortunate. +If you are saved and get sons from my sister, whom I gave to you for wife, my name would remain and the whole house of my father would not be wiped out in childlessness. But go, and live, and dwell in my father’s house. +And when you come to Hellas and to Argos of the horses, I charge you, by this right hand: heap up a tomb and build a memorial for me, and let my sister give her hair and tears to the tomb. Report that I died at the hand of an Argive +woman, at an altar, purified for death. Do not ever betray my sister, when you see how lonely is my father’s house that you have joined by marriage. And now farewell; I have found you the dearest of my friends, you who have hunted with me, grown up with me, +and borne with me many miseries. Phoebus, though a prophet, has deceived me; creating his plot, he drove me far away from Hellas, ashamed of his earlier prophecies. I gave him my all and trusted in his words, +killed my mother, and myself perish in turn. + +Pylades +You will have a tomb, and I will never betray your sister’s bed, unhappy youth, since I will hold you dearer when dead than when alive. But the prophecy of the god has not destroyed you yet; + although you stand near to slaughter. Great misfortune can offer great reversals, when it is fated; it can indeed. + +Orestes +Silence; the words of Phoebus are no benefit to me; here comes the woman out of the temple. + + + +Iphigenia +(to the guard.) Go away and make the preparations within for those who attend to the sacrifice. +Here are the many folds of the tablet, strangers. Hear what I want in addition. No man is the same when he is in troubles +and when he falls out of fear into courage. I am afraid that when the one who is going to take this tablet to Argos leaves this land, he will put aside my letter as worth nothing. + +Orestes +What do you want, then? What are you perplexed about? + +Iphigenia +Let him give me an oath that he will convey this letter to Argos, to the friends to whom I wish to send it. + +Orestes +And will you give in return the same words to him? + +Iphigenia +To do what, or refrain from doing? Tell me. + +Orestes +To send him from this barbarous land alive. + +Iphigenia +What you say is right; how else could he deliver it? + +Orestes +Will the king agree to this? + +Iphigenia +Yes. I will persuade the king, and I myself will put this man on the ship. + +Orestes + (to Pylades.)Swear; begin a pious oath. + +Iphigenia + (to Pylades.)You must say: I will give this to your friends. + +Pylades +I will give this letter to your friends. + +Iphigenia +And I will see you safely outside the dark rocks. + +Pylades +What god do you do you swear by, as witness to your oath? + +Iphigenia +Artemis, in whose temple I hold office. + +Pylades +And I swear by the king of heaven, revered Zeus. + +Iphigenia +But if you leave off your oath, and wrong me? + +Pylades +May I not return. What about you, if you do not save me? + +Iphigenia +May I never set foot in Argos alive. + +Pylades +Now listen to a consideration we have passed over. + +Iphigenia +But it will be something new, if it is good. + +Pylades +Give me this exception: if the ship suffers and the tablet is lost with its cargo in the waves, and I rescue myself only, may this oath not hinder me. + +Iphigenia +Do you know what I will do? For many attempts hit many targets. +I will tell you what is written in the folds of this tablet for you to report to my friends. For this is secure: if you preserve the writing, itself, though silent, will speak its message; if the writing is lost in the sea, +when you save yourself, you will save my words. + +Pylades +You have spoken well, on behalf of the gods and me. Make clear to whom I must bring this letter in Argos, and what I must say when I have heard it from you. + + + +Iphigenia +Report to Orestes, the son of Agamemnon: +the one slain at Aulis sends you this, Iphigenia, who is alive, though no longer alive to those there— + +Orestes +Where is she? Has she come back from the dead?? + +Iphigenia +The one you are looking at; don’t confuse me by your talk. Bring me to Argos, my brother, before I die. +Take me away from the barbarian land and the sacrifices of the goddess, where I hold the office of killing foreigners. + +Orestes +Pylades, what shall I say? Where have we found ourselves? + +Iphigenia +Or I will be a curse to your house. + +Pylades +Orestes?Assigned to Iphigenia in the Coleridge translation. + +Iphigenia +(stopping to address Pylades.)So that you may know the name, hearing it twice. + +Pylades +O gods! + +Iphigenia +Why do you invoke the gods in my affairs? + +Pylades +No reason; finish your words; my thoughts were elsewhere. Perhaps, if I question you, I will not arrive at things I cannot believe. + +Iphigenia +Tell him that Artemis saved me, by giving a deer in exchange for me; my father sacrificed it, +thinking that he drove the sword sharply into me; and she settled me in this land. This is my letter, this is the writing in the tablet. + +Pylades +You have bound me with an easy oath, and sworn very well. I will not take much time +to carry out the oath I swore. +See, Orestes, I bring you a tablet from your sister here, and give it to you. + +Orestes +I do receive it, but first I will pass over the letter’s folds to take a joy that is not in words. +(Approaching to embrace Iphigenia.)My dearest sister, with what astonishment and delight I hold you in my unbelieving arms, after learning these marvels! + + + +Chorus Leader +Stranger, you are wrongly defiling the attendant of the goddess, by putting your hands on her robe that should not be touched. + +Orestes +My own sister, born from my father Agamemnon, do not turn away from me, when you hold your brother and thought you never would! + +Iphigenia +You are my brother? Stop this talk! He is well known in Argos and Nauplia. + +Orestes +Unhappy girl, your brother is not there. + +Iphigenia +But did Tyndareus’ daughter, the Spartan, give birth to you? + +Orestes +Yes, and my father was Pelops’ grandson. + +Iphigenia +What are you saying? Do you have some proof of this for me? + +Orestes +I do; ask me something about our father’s home. + +Iphigenia +Well, it is for you to speak, for me to learn. + +Orestes +I will say first what I have heard from Electra. Do you know of the strife that was between Atreus and Thyestes? + +Iphigenia +I have heard of it; the quarrel concerned a golden ram. + +Orestes +Did you not weave these things in a fine-textured web? + +Iphigenia +O dearest, you are bending your course near to my heart! + +Orestes +And the image of the sun in the middle of the loom? + +Iphigenia +I wove that shape also, in fine threads. + +Orestes +And you received a ceremonial bath from your mother, for Aulis? + +Iphigenia +I know; for no happy marriage has taken that memory from me. + +Orestes +What about this? You gave locks of your hair to be brought to your mother? + +Iphigenia +As a memorial, in place of my body, in the tomb. + +Orestes +What I myself have seen, I will say for proof: an old spear of Pelops, in my father’s house, which he brandished in his hand when he won Hippodamia, +the maiden of Pisa, and killed Oenomaus; it was hung up in your rooms. + + + +Iphigenia +O dearest, for you are my dearest, none other, I have you, Orestes, +far from our country of Argos, my darling.
+ +
+ Orestes +And I have you, who were thought to be dead. Tears, and laments mixed with joy, fill your eyes and also mine. + +Iphigenia +I left you still a baby, +young in the arms of your nurse, young in the house. O my soul, you have been more fortunate than words can say. +I have come upon things that are beyond wonder, far from speech. + +Orestes +For the rest of time, may we be fortunate with each other! + +Iphigenia +O my friends, I have found an extraordinary joy; I am afraid that he will fly from my hands into the air. +O Cyclopean hearths; o my country, dear Mycenae, I thank you for his life, for his nourishment, because you brought up this light of the house, my brother. + +Orestes +We are fortunate in our family, but in our circumstances, my sister, we were born to be unfortunate in life. + +Iphigenia +I was unhappy, I know, when my wretched father put the sword to my throat. + +Orestes +Alas! Though I was not present, I seem to see you there. + +Iphigenia +O brother, when I was brought, not a bride, to the treacherous bed of Achilles; +but beside the altar there were tears and wails. Alas for the libations there! + +Orestes +I also mourned for the daring act of our father. + +Iphigenia +Fatherless was the fate I received, fatherless. +One thing comes from another, by divine fortune. + +Orestes +Yes, if you had killed your brother, unhappy one! + + + +Iphigenia + O wretched, in my dreadful daring! +How dreadful were the things I endured, alas, my brother! By only a little you escaped an unholy death, slain by my hands. But how will these things end? What fortune will assist me? +What way will I find to send you from this city, from slaughter, to your native Argos, +before the sword draws near to your blood? This is your business, unhappy soul, to find out. On the dry land, not in a ship? +But if you go on foot, through trackless paths and barbarian tribes, you will draw near to death. +But through the dark rocks of the narrow passage is a long way for flight by ship. + I am unhappy, unhappy! +Who, either god or mortal or something unexpected, might accomplish a way that is no way, and reveal a release from troubles for the only two children of the house of Atreus?
+ + + +
+ Chorus Leader +It is marvelous and surpasses a fable, this event that I myself have have seen and shall relate, not as hearsay. + +Pylades +When friends come into the sight of friends, Orestes, it is reasonable to embrace; but we must leave off wailing and turn to other matters: +how we shall get the glorious name of safety and leave the foreign land. For wise men take opportunities, and do not overstep their fate to get other pleasures. + +Orestes +Well said; but I think fortune will take care +of that with us; when one is eager, divine strength is likely to be greater. + +Iphigenia +(to Pylades.) Let nothing hold me back; nor will it prevent me speaking before I first find out Electra’s fate, for you are all dear to me. + +Orestes + She lives with this man, (pointing to Pylades) and has a happy life. + +Iphigenia +What country is he from, and who is his father? + +Orestes +Strophius of Phocis is the name of his father. + +Iphigenia +He is related to me, by the daughter of Atreus? + +Orestes +He is a cousin, and my only true friend. + +Iphigenia +He was not born when my father tried to kill me. + +Orestes +He was not; for Strophius was childless for some time. + +Iphigenia +Welcome, husband of my sister! + +Orestes +And also my savior, not only a relation. + +Iphigenia +But how did you dare that dreadful deed with our mother? + +Orestes +Let us be silent on that; I was avenging my father. + +Iphigenia +What reason did she have to kill her husband? + +Orestes +Let our mother’s affairs be; nor is it good for you to hear. + +Iphigenia +I am silent; does Argos now look to you? + +Orestes + Menelaus rules there; I am an exile from my country + +Iphigenia +Our uncle has surely not maltreated our afflicted house, has he? + +Orestes +No, but fear of the Furies drives me out of the land. + +Iphigenia +That was the madness that they reported there on the shore? + +Orestes +That was not the first time that I was seen to be wretched. + +Iphigenia +I know; the goddesses were driving you for the sake of your mother. + +Orestes +So as to put a bloody bit in my mouth. + +Iphigenia +Why have you made a journey to this land? + +Orestes +I have come at the commands of Phoebus’ oracles. + +Iphigenia +To do what? Can you speak of it, or must you be silent? + + + +Orestes +I will tell you; this is the beginning of my many troubles. +When my mother’s evil deeds, that I cannot speak of, came into my hands, I was driven to flight by the Furies’ pursuit; then Loxias sent me to Athens, to stand trial with the goddesses who may not be named. +For there is a holy tribunal there, which Zeus once established for Ares, when his hands were stained with blood-pollution. I came there . . . at first, no host would willingly take me in, as one hated by the gods; then some who felt shame offered me a table apart, as a guest, +themselves being under the same roof, and in silence they kept me from speaking, so that I might be apart from them in food and drink, and into each private cup they poured an equal measure of wine and had their delight. +And I did not think it right to blame my hosts, but I grieved in silence and seemed not to know, while I sighed deeply, that I was the murderer of my mother. I hear that my misfortunes have become a festival at Athens, and they still hold this custom +and the people of Pallas honor the cup that belongs to the Feast of Pitchers. When I came to the hill of Ares to stand my trial, I took one seat, and the eldest of the Furies took the other. I spoke and heard arguments on the murder of my mother, +and Phoebus saved me by bearing witness; Pallas counted out equal votes for me; and I went away victorious in my ordeal of blood. Some of the Furies who sat there, persuaded by the judgment, marked out a holy place for themselves beside this very tribunal; +but others were not persuaded by the law, and drove me always in vagabond courses until I came to the holy plain of Phoebus in turn. Stretched out before his shrine and fasting, I swore to break off my life and die there, +if Phoebus, who had destroyed me, did not save me. And then Phoebus cried out a golden voice from the tripod, and sent me here, to get the image Zeus hurled down, and set it up in Athena’s land. But what he marked out for my safety +you must help me with; for if we possess the statue of the goddess, I will be released from madness and will put you on my ship of many oars and establish you again in Mycenae. But, my beloved sister, save our father’s house and save me; +for so I perish and all the race of Pelops, unless we take the heavenly image of the goddess. + + + +Chorus Leader +A terrible anger from the gods has boiled up against the race of Tantalus and drives them through torments. + +Iphigenia +Before you came here, I was eager +to be in Argos and see you, my brother. Your wish is mine: to release you from torment, and restore our father’s afflicted house, for I am not angry at the one who killed me; it is my wish. I would set my hand free from your slaughter +and save our house. But I worry about concealment from the goddess and the king, when he finds the stone pedestal empty of the statue. How will I escape death? What argument will I have? But if this one thing happens all together, +that you take the statue and bear me away on your lovely ship, the venture is a noble one. If I am separated from this, I am lost, but you might settle your affairs well and have a safe return. Indeed, I do not shrink from it, not even if I must die +to save you. No, for when a man dies and is gone from the home, he is longed for; but women are powerless. + +Orestes +I would not be the murderer of you as well as my mother; her blood is enough; I would rather have an equal share of life or death, in common with you. +I will bring you home, if I myself escape from here, or if I die, I will remain here with you. Listen to what I think: if Artemis were hostile to this, how could Loxias have prophesied that I would take the statue of the goddess to Pallas’ city . . . +and see your face. Putting all these things together, I have hope of our return. + + + +Iphigenia +But how may we live, and take what we want? For our return home suffers from this; but the will is present. + +Orestes +Could we murder the king? + +Iphigenia +A fearful suggestion, for foreigners to kill their host! + +Orestes +But we must dare it, if it brings our safety. + +Iphigenia +I could not; yet I approve your eagerness. + +Orestes +What if you were to hide me secretly in the shrine? + +Iphigenia +So that we might take advantage of the darkness and escape? + +Orestes +Yes, for the night belongs to thieves, the light to truth. + +Iphigenia +There are secred guards within, who will notice us. + +Orestes +Alas, we are ruined! How can we be saved? + +Iphigenia +I think I have a new stratagem. + +Orestes +What is it? Let me know; share your thought. + +Iphigenia +I will use your sorrows as my contrivance. + +Orestes +Women are wonderfully good at devising crafty plans! + +Iphigenia +I will say that you came from Argos after killing your mother. + +Orestes +Make use of my troubles, if you gain by it. + +Iphigenia +And that it is not right to sacrifice you to the goddess. + +Orestes +With what reason? I have a suspicion. + +Iphigenia +Because you are not pure; I will frighten what is sacred. + +Orestes +How does this help us to seize the statue of the goddess? + +Iphigenia +I shall want to purify you in the waves of the sea— + +Orestes +The image that we have sailed for is still in the temple. + +Iphigenia +I will say that I have washed that also, since you have touched it. + +Orestes +Where? Do you mean the watery inlet of the sea? + +Iphigenia +Where your ship is moored by its roped anchor. + +Orestes +Will you or some other bear the image in your hands? + +Iphigenia +I shall; it is holy for me alone to touch it. + +Orestes +But Pylades here—how will he be assigned to our labor? + +Iphigenia +His hands, it will be said, are stained like yours with blood-pollution. + +Orestes +Will you do all this secretly from the king, or with his knowledge? + +Iphigenia +I shall persuade him; I could not hide it from him. + +Orestes +Well then, my ship, with its quick stroke of oars, is at hand. + +Iphigenia +You must indeed take care of the rest, so that it goes well. + +Orestes +We need only one thing more, that these women conceal our plans; you approach them and find persuasive words. A woman has power over pity. +The rest, perhaps—. May all turn out well! + + + +Iphigenia +My dearest friends, I look to you; I am in your hands, whether I am to succeed, or come to nothing and lose my country, and my dear brother and dearest sister. +And first of all, I begin my speech with this: we are women, and have hearts naturally formed to love each other, and keep our common interests most secure. Be silent for us and assist us in our flight. It is good to have trustworthy speech. +You see how one fortune holds us three, most dear to each other, either to return to our native land, or to die. If I am saved, I will bring you safe to Hellas, so that you may share my fortune. By your right hand, I entreat you, and you, and you;(addressing different members of the Chorus.) you by your dear face, +by your knees, by all that is dearest to you in your home: father, mother, child, if you have children. What do you reply? Who agrees with us, or is not willing to do this—speak! For if you do not acquiesce in my words, both I and my unhappy brother must die. + +Chorus Leader +Have courage, dear mistress, only see to your safety; I will be silent on all that you have charged me with—great Zeus be my witness. + +Iphigenia + Bless you for your words, may you be happy! It is your work now, and yours, To Orestes and Pylades to enter the temple; +for soon the ruler of this land will come, inquiring if the sacrifice of the strangers has been carried out. +Lady Artemis, you who saved me from my father’s slaughtering hand by the clefts of Aulis, save me now also, and these men; or through you Loxias’ +prophetic voice will no longer be held true by mortals But leave this barbarian land for Athens with good will; it is not fitting for you to dwell here, when you could have so fortunate a city. Exeunt Iphigenia, Orestes, and Pylades.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +Halcyon bird, you that sing your fate as a lament +beside the rocky ridges of the sea, a cry easily understood by the wise, that you are always chanting for your husband; I, wingless bird that I am, compare +my laments with yours, in my longing for the festivals of Hellas, and for Artemis of childbirth, who dwells beside the Cynthian mountain and the palm with delicate leaves +and the well-grown laurel and the holy shoot of gray-green olive, Leto’s dear child, and the lake that rolls about its ripples, where the melodious swan +serves the Muses.
+ + +
+Chorus +O streams of tears that fell onto my cheeks, when my city was destroyed and the enemy forced me to sail, +by their oars, by their spears! Purchased by gold, I came to a barbarian home, where I serve Agamemnon’s daughter, +the attendant maid of the deer-killing goddess, and the altars where no sheep are sacrificed; and I envy ruin that is wretched throughout, for when you are brought up in harsh necessity, you do not suffer. +Misery changes; life is hard for mortals, when they are treated badly after happiness.
+ + +
+Chorus +And you, lady, the Argive penteconter will bear you home; +the wax-bound reed of the mountain god Pan, piping, will shout to the oars, and Phoebus the prophet, with the ring of his seven-stringed lyre, +singing, will guide you well to the gleaming land of the Athenians. Leaving me here, you will go with splashing oars. In the breeze, the forestays of the ship that carries you swiftly +will spread out over the front beyond the prow.
+ + +
+Chorus +May I come to the bright race-course, where the sun’s fire goes; +over the chambers of my home, may I cease to flutter the wings on my back. May I take my stand in the dances of glorious marriages, where I stood as a maiden, +twirling about in the dancing bands of other girls, away from my dear mother; rushing on to the contest of charms, the luxuriant strife of hair, I covered my cheeks with the multi-colored veil +and shadowed them with the locks of my hair.
+ + + +
+ +Thoas +Where is the gate-keeper of this temple, the woman of Hellas? Has she already begun the rites on the strangers? +Are they glowing with fire in the holy sanctuary? + +Chorus Leader +Here she is, to tell you everything clearly, lord. + +Thoas +Oh! Daughter of Agamemnon, why have you lifted up in your arms the statue of the goddess from its pedestal that must not be moved? + +Iphigenia +Lord, stand there in the entrance! + +Thoas +Iphigenia, what has happened in the temple? + +Iphigenia +I spit out the pollution;(turning to Thoas to explain.) I say this for Holiness. + +Thoas +What is this news in your introduction? Tell it clearly. + +Iphigenia +The victims you caught for me are not pure, lord. + +Thoas +What taught you this? Or are you only saying what you think? + +Iphigenia +The image of the goddess turned back from its place. + +Thoas +By itself, or did an earthquake turn it? + +Iphigenia +By itself; it closed up its eyes. + +Thoas +What was the reason? Was it the uncleanness of the strangers? + +Iphigenia +That was the reason, and nothing else; for they have done dreadful things. + +Thoas +What, have they killed one of the barbarians on the shore? + +Iphigenia +They come with murder done at home. + +Thoas +What murder? For I strongly want to know. + +Iphigenia +They killed their mother together with their swords. + +Thoas +Apollo! No barbarian would have dared this. + +Iphigenia +They were driven in pursuit from all of Hellas. + +Thoas +Is it for this that you bring the statue outside? + +Iphigenia +Yes, to the holy air, to remove it from slaughter. + +Thoas +How did you know the blood-pollution of the strangers? + +Iphigenia +I questioned them, because the image of the goddess had turned back. + +Thoas +Hellas has brought you up to be clever; how well you understood this. + +Iphigenia +And yet they dangled a sweet lure for my heart. + +Thoas +Reporting to you some charm of news from Argos? + +Iphigenia +That Orestes, my only brother, is happy. + +Thoas +So that you might save them, for the delight of their messages. + +Iphigenia +And that my father is alive and doing well. + +Thoas +But you turned to the goddess, with reason. + +Iphigenia +Yes, for I hate all Hellas, which has ruined me. + +Thoas +Tell me, what shall we do with the strangers? + +Iphigenia +We must reverence the law as it stands. + +Thoas +But the libations and your sword are not at work? + +Iphigenia +First I want to wash them, with holy purification. + +Thoas +In fountain waters, or the drops of the sea? + +Iphigenia +The sea washes away all men’s evils. + +Thoas +They would certainly be holier victims for the goddess. + +Iphigenia +And in this way my plans would succeed better. + +Thoas +Doesn’t the wave beat against this very temple? + +Iphigenia +This requires solitude; and I shall do more. + +Thoas +Then where you wish; I do not want to see what should not be seen. + +Iphigenia +I must purify the image of the goddess also. + +Thoas +Yes, if a stain from the matricide has fallen on it. + +Iphigenia +For I would not have lifted it from its base otherwise. + +Thoas +Your piety and forethought are correct. + + + +
+ Iphigenia +Do you know what to do for me now? + +Thoas +It is for you to make it known. + +Iphigenia +Put chains on the strangers. + +Thoas +Where could they escape you? + +Iphigenia +Hellas knows no faith. + +Thoas + (to his servants.)Go to get chains, attendants. + +Iphigenia + And let them bring the strangers here. + +Thoas + It will be so. + +Iphigenia + And veil their faces with their robes. + +Thoas + Before the light of the sun. + +Iphigenia + And send some of your servants with me. + +Thoas + These will attend you. + +Iphigenia + And send someone to announce to the city— + +Thoas + That what has happened? + +Iphigenia + That all remain indoors. + +Thoas + So that they do not come in contact with murder? + +Iphigenia + Yes, for such things are polluted. + +Thoas + (to a servant.)Go and announce— + +Iphigenia + That no one come near the sight. An attendant departs. + +Thoas + You are taking good care of the city + +Iphigenia + And of the friends to whom I owe the most. + +Thoas + You mean this for me. + +Iphigenia + . . . + +Thoas + The whole city marvels at you, with reason. + +Iphigenia + You stay here before the shrine of the goddess. + +Thoas + What shall I do? + +Iphigenia + Purify the house with fire. + +Thoas + So that you may return to find it pure. + +Iphigenia + When the strangers come outside— + +Thoas + What must I do? + +Iphigenia + Hold your robe over your eyes. + +Thoas + So that I do not receive the pollution. + +Iphigenia + If I seem to delay too long— + +Thoas + What limit of the delay should I keep in mind? + +Iphigenia + Do not wonder at it. + +Thoas + Carry out the rites of the goddess well, since you have leisure. + +Iphigenia + May this purification fall out as I wish! + +Thoas + I pray along with you.(Exit Thoas.) + +Iphigenia +I see the strangers coming out of the temple now, and the ornaments of the goddess and the new-born lambs, because I will wash blood-pollution away with blood, and the flash of torches and all the rest that +I have set out as purification for the strangers and the goddess. + I proclaim to the citizens to keep away from this pollution, if any guard of the temple is purifying his hands for the gods, or if anyone is coming to form a marriage alliance, or is weighted down by childbirth— begone, stand away, so that this defilement does not fall on anyone. +(Aside.) O lady, maiden daughter of of Leto and Zeus, if I cleanse the stain of murder from these men, and make the sacrifice where I ought to make it, you will dwell in a pure home, and we will be fortunate. I do not speak the rest, but I indicate it to those who know more, the gods and you, goddess. Exit Iphigenia.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +Lovely is the son of Leto, +whom she, the Delian, once bore in the fruitful valleys, golden-haired, skilled at the lyre; and also the one who glories in her well-aimed arrows. +For the mother, leaving the famous birth-place, brought him from the ridges of the sea to the heights of Parnassus, with its gushing waters, which celebrate the revels for Dionysus. Here the dark-faced serpent +with brightly colored back, his scales of bronze in the leaf-shaded laurel, huge monster of the earth, guarded Earth’s prophetic shrine. You killed him, o Phoebus, while still a baby, +still leaping in the arms of your dear mother, and you entered the holy shrine, and sit on the golden tripod, on your truthful throne +distributing prophecies from the gods to mortals, up from the sanctuary, neighbor of Castalia’s streams, as you dwell in the middle of the earth.
+ + +
+Chorus +But when he came and sent Themis, +the child of Earth, away from the holy oracle of Pytho, Earth gave birth to dream visions of the night; and they told to the cities of men the present, +and what will happen in the future, through dark beds of sleep on the ground; and so Earth took the office of prophecy away from Phoebus, in envy, because of her daughter. The lord made his swift way to Olympus +and wound his baby hands around the throne of Zeus, to take the wrath of the earth goddess from the Pythian home. Zeus smiled, that the child so quickly came +to ask for worship that pays in gold. He shook his locks of hair, to put an end to the night voices, and took away from mortals the truth that appears in darkness, +and gave the privilege back again to Loxias, and to mortals confidence in the songs of prophecy at the throne visited by many men.
+ + + +
+ +Messenger +O you that guard the temple and stand by the altar, +where has Thoas, the lord of this land, gone? Open the well-fastened gates, and call forth from this shrine the ruler of the land. + +Chorus Leader +What is it, if I may speak when not commanded? + +Messenger +The two young men are gone away, +through the plots of Agamemnon’s daughter; they are escaping from this land, with the holy image deep within a Hellene ship. + +Chorus Leader +What you say is incredible; but the one you want to see, the lord of the country, has gone in haste from the temple. + +Messenger +Where? For he should know what has been done. + +Chorus Leader +We don’t know; but go after him, and report these things to him where you find him. + +Messenger +See, what a faithless race you women are! You also have a share in what has been done. + +Chorus Leader +You are mad! What do we have to do the the flight of the strangers? Go as quickly as you can to the ruler’s door! + +Messenger +No! Not until this interpreter brings word if the king is inside or not. Ho there! Unbar the doors—I am speaking to those within— +and inform the master that I am at the gate with a burden of bad news. + +Thoas + (appearing at the temple door.)Who is raising this clamor at the temple of the goddess, striking at the gates and sending his noise within? + +Messenger +Ah! These women told me that you were outside; they would have driven me away from the temple, +but you were inside after all. + +Thoas +What advantage were they expecting and hunting after? + +Messenger +I will tell you about them later; hear what is currently at hand. The girl who presided at this altar, Iphigenia, has left the country +with the strangers, and takes with her the holy statue of the goddess; the purification was a cheat. + +Thoas +What are you saying? What influence in her character brought her to this? + +Messenger +To save Orestes; here is a marvel for you! + +Thoas +To save whom? Clytemnestra’s son? + +Messenger +The one whom the goddess was dedicating to herself at this altar. + +Thoas +Marvelous! for what more can it be called? + +Messenger +Do not think of that, but listen to me; consider it clearly and when you hear, devise a pursuit to hunt down the strangers. + +Thoas +Speak; you have said well; for their flight is not so brief a voyage as to escape my spear. + + + +Messenger +When we came to the sea-shore, where Orestes’ ship was moored in hiding, +Agamemnon’s daughter motioned to those of us you sent with the strangers’ bonds to stand far off, as if her sacrifice of purifying flame, that she had come for, were secret. But she went on alone, holding the strangers’ chains in her hands, behind them. Your servants, lord, were suspicious, +but we allowed it. After a while, so that we might think that she was accomplishing something, she raised a shout, and chanted strange songs and spells, as if she were washing off the pollution of murder. When we had sat a long time, +it occurred to us that the strangers, loosed from their bonds, might kill her and escape by flight. But we were afraid of seeing what we ought not, and sat in silence. But at length we all resolved to go where they were, although we were not allowed. +There we saw a Hellene ship, winged with ready blade for the stroke, and at the oar-locks were fifty rowers with their oars; the two youths stood by the stern, freed from their chains. +Some were holding the prow in place with poles; others were fastening the anchor from the cat-heads; others were drawing the stern-cables through their hands, and making haste to let down the ladders into the sea for the strangers. Without sparing ourselves, when we saw +their treacherous wiles, we seized the priestess and the cables, and tried to draw the ship’s rudder-oars out through their holes. Then there was a debate: What is your reason for carrying the statue and the priestess away from the land by theft? +Who is your father, who are you, to smuggle her away? He said: Know that I am Orestes, her brother, Agamemnon’s son, and I have come to take my sister, whom I lost from her home. + +But we held her no less, +and were leading her to you by force, for which I received these dreadful blows on my cheeks; they had no swords, nor did we. Both the youths gave rattling blows with their fists, +darting their limbs against our sides and breasts, so that as soon as we joined battle, we were worn out. We were fleeing to the cliff, stamped with dreadful marks, some with bloody wounds on their heads, others on their eyes; +when we stood on the on the heights, we fought more cautiously and hurled rocks at them. But, standing on the stern, the archers with their arrows kept us off and drove us away. And now an immense swelling wave ran the ship aground, +and the maiden was afraid to get her feet wet. Orestes bore his sister on his left arm, going into the sea and quickly up the ladder, and he set her on the ship, along with the statue of Zeus’ daughter, fallen from heaven. +From the middle of the ship, he cried out: Sailors of Hellas, seize the ship with the oars and make the waves white with foam; for we possess those things for which we sailed the inhospitable straits, within the clashing rocks. + +They gave a cheerful shout, and struck the salt wave. The ship, while it was within the harbor, was headed for the mouth; but when it had crossed, it met with a violent swell aand was hard pressed; and the wind, rising with sudden dreadful gusts, +forced it astern. They beat the waves strongly; but the swell was driving the ship back towards the land. Agamemnon’s daughter stood up and prayed: O daughter of Leto, bring me, your priestess, safely to Hellas +from this barbaric land, and forgive my thefts. For you, goddess, love your brother; believe that I love mine also. The sailors shouted the paean in response to her prayer, and applied their naked shoulders +to the oars, at the command. But the ship came nearer and nearer to the rocks; some of us rushed into the sea, others grasped the woven ropes. And I set out here to you at once, lord, +to tell you what has happened there. But go, take chains and nets with you; for if the swell does not become calm, there is no hope of safety for the strangers. +Revered Poseidon, ruler of the sea, watches over Troy and is hostile to the race of Pelops; he will now allow you and your citizens, as is right, to have in your hands the son of Agamemnon and his sister; she stands convicted as betrayer of her unremembered sacrifice to the goddess in Aulis. + +Chorus Leader +Unhappy Iphigenia, you will die with your brother, if you come again into the hands of the king. + +Thoas +All citizens of this barbarian land, hurl the reins on your horses, rush to the coast and seize what the Hellene ship +casts forth! With the goddess’ help, be eager to hunt down these impious men! Drag the swift ships to the sea! So that by sea and with pursuit on horseback by land, you may take them; and hurl their bodies from the hard rock, +or impale them on the stake. +(Turning to the Chorus.) As for you women, who knew about these plots, I will punish you later, when I am at leisure. But now in this present urgency, I will not remain still. + + + +Athena +Where, where are you carrying this pursuit, lord Thoas? Listen the words of Athena, who is here. Cease to follow or to send an army pouring forth; for Orestes came here, destined by the oracles of Loxias, to flee from the anger of the Furies, +and to bring his sister to Argos and take the holy statue to my land, thus gaining a release from his present miseries. Thoas, I am speaking to you: you expect to take Orestes in the sea-swell and kill him; but Poseidon, for my sake, +now lets him sail over the back of the waveless sea. +And you, Orestes, attend to my commands, for you hear the goddess’ voice even though not present: go away with the statue and your sister; and when you come to Athens, built by the gods, +there is a place on the farthest borders of the Attic land, neighbor to the ridge of Carystia, sacred, and my people call it Halae. There build a temple and set up the image in it; it will have its name from the Tauric land and from your labors, +which you have endured, wandering through Hellas and goaded by the Furies. And mortals will in future times celebrate Artemis Tauropolos with hymns. And establish this law: whenever the people keep the festival, let a sword be held +to a man’s throat and draw out blood, in atonement for your sacrifice, so that the goddess may have her honors, and holiness is revered. +You, Iphigenia, must be key-holder for this goddess on the hallowed stairs of Brauron, and will die there and be buried; +and they will dedicate adornment to you, finely-woven robes which women who have died in childbirth leave in their homes. I charge you to send these Hellene women to their country, for their correct intentions. . . . For I saved you +before also, Orestes, on Ares’ hill when the votes were equal; and this will be the custom, for the one with equal votes to win. But, son of Agamemnon, take your sister away from this land. And you, Thoas, do not be angry. + + + +Thoas +Lady Athena, whoever hears the words of the gods and does not obey, is not thinking rightly. I am not angry at Orestes, for going off with the goddess’ image, or at his sister; for what good is it to contend against the strength of gods? +Let them go to your land with the statue of the goddess, and let them establish it there, with good fortune. I will send these women also to fortunate Hellas, as you bid me. And I will stop the army +and the ships I raised against the strangers, as you think this right, goddess. + +Athena +I commend you; for necessity rules both you and the gods. +Go, winds, carry the son of Agamemnon to Athens by sea; I will journey with them, and keep safe the holy image of my sister. + + + +
+ Chorus +Go with good fortune, blessed in having your portion of safety. +Pallas Athena, holy among immortals and mortals, we will do as you command. +For we receive your voice in our ears with great and unexpected pleasure. +Greatly revered Victory, may you occupy my life and never cease to crown me!
+
+
+
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-grc1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-grc1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 6baed9edf..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-grc1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14 +0,0 @@ -{ - "epidoc_compliant": false, - "fully_unicode": true, - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "has_cts_metadata": false, - "has_cts_refsDecl": false, - "id": "1999.01.0111", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/sdl/Euripides/eur.it_murray_gk.xml", - "status": "migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-grc1.xml", - "valid_xml": true -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-grc1.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-grc1.xml deleted file mode 100644 index e099f1e5f..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-grc1.xml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3018 +0,0 @@ - - - - -Iphigenia in Tauris -Machine readable text -Euripides -Gilbert Murray -Perseus Project, Tufts University -Gregory Crane - -Prepared under the supervision of -Lisa Cerrato -William Merrill -Elli Mylonas -David Smith - -The Annenberg CPB/Project - -About 100Kb - -Trustees of Tufts University -Medford, MA -Perseus Project - 1996 - - - - -Euripides -Euripidis Fabulae, vol. 2 - 257234643 -Gilbert Murray - -Oxford -Clarendon Press, Oxford -1913 - - - - - - - - - - - - -Greek - - - - -1988 - -Judith Nelson -tagging - -Basic SGML tagging - - -8/92 - -W. Merrill -ed. - -lc speaker names, remove caps, check tagging - - -6/95 - -Lisa Cerrato -ed. - -Added speaker tags where needed. - - -14-Jan-00 - -Anne Mahoney -Markup - - -$Log: eur.it_murray_gk.xml,v $ -Revision 1.1 2013-09-13 11:17:32 balmas01 -moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory - -Revision 1.5 2013-06-13 12:41:24 gcrane -tagging now should be compatible with CTS - -Revision 1.4 2012-02-14 18:12:30 ajones06 -Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. - -Revision 1.3 2011-09-07 13:57:46 rsingh04 adding rend=displayNum to lb tags - -Revision 1.2 2011-01-13 03:38:26 gcrane more refinements making these files SDL compatible - -Revision 1.1 2010-12-25 19:01:41 gcrane our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones -- - -Revision 1.1 2009/11/23 18:46:35 rsingh04 moved more xml files around based on copyright status - -Revision 1.2 2005/08/01 21:15:28 packel removed stray item tags - -Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 14:34:30 packel -Converted to XML - -Revision 1.9 2004/04/21 20:27:28 mimno added card 1s - -Revision 1.8 2003/09/09 18:02:08 amahoney put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff - -Revision 1.7 2003/07/01 22:16:11 yorkc -Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) - -Revision 1.6 2000/03/04 20:34:33 dasmith -Added separate funder entity to TEI header. - -Revision 1.5 2000/02/17 15:51:39 amahoney use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp - -Revision 1.4 2000/01/14 21:41:40 amahoney bring up to P3 - - - - - - - - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -Πέλοψ ὁ Ταντάλειος ἐς Πῖσαν μολὼν -θοαῖσιν ἵπποις Οἰνομάου γαμεῖ κόρην, -ἐξ ἧς Ἀτρεὺς ἔβλαστεν· Ἀτρέως δὲ παῖς -Μενέλαος Ἀγαμέμνων τε· τοῦ δʼ ἔφυν ἐγώ -τῆς Τυνδαρείας θυγατρὸς Ἰφιγένεια παῖς, -ἣν ἀμφὶ δίναις ἃς θάμʼ Εὔριπος πυκναῖς -αὔραις ἑλίσσων κυανέαν ἅλα στρέφει, -ἔσφαξεν Ἑλένης οὕνεχʼ, ὡς δοκεῖ, πατὴρ -Ἀρτέμιδι κλειναῖς ἐν πτυχαῖσιν Αὐλίδος. -ἐνταῦθα γὰρ δὴ χιλίων ναῶν στόλον -Ἑλληνικὸν συνήγαγʼ Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ, -τὸν καλλίνικον στέφανον Ἰλίου θέλων -λαβεῖν Ἀχαιοῖς τούς θʼ ὑβρισθέντας γάμους -Ἑλένης μετελθεῖν, Μενέλεῳ χάριν φέρων. -δεινῆς δʼ ἀπλοίας πνευμάτων τε τυγχάνων, -ἐς ἔμπυρʼ ἦλθε, καὶ λέγει Κάλχας τάδε· -ὦ τῆσδʼ ἀνάσσων Ἑλλάδος στρατηγίας, -Ἀγάμεμνον, οὐ μὴ ναῦς ἀφορμίσῃ χθονός, -πρὶν ἂν κόρην σὴν Ἰφιγένειαν Ἄρτεμις -λάβῃ σφαγεῖσαν· ὅ τι γὰρ ἐνιαυτὸς τέκοι -κάλλιστον, ηὔξω φωσφόρῳ θύσειν θεᾷ. -παῖδʼ οὖν ἐν οἴκοις σὴ Κλυταιμήστρα δάμαρ -τίκτει — τὸ καλλιστεῖον εἰς ἔμʼ ἀναφέρων — -ἣν χρή σε θῦσαι. καί μʼ Ὀδυσσέως τέχναις -μητρὸς παρείλοντʼ ἐπὶ γάμοις Ἀχιλλέως. -ἐλθοῦσα δʼ Αὐλίδʼ ἡ τάλαινʼ ὑπὲρ πυρᾶς -μεταρσία ληφθεῖσʼ ἐκαινόμην ξίφει· -ἀλλʼ ἐξέκλεψεν ἔλαφον ἀντιδοῦσά μου -Ἄρτεμις Ἀχαιοῖς, διὰ δὲ λαμπρὸν αἰθέρα -πέμψασά μʼ ἐς τήνδʼ ᾤκισεν Ταύρων χθόνα, -οὗ γῆς ἀνάσσει βαρβάροισι βάρβαρος -Θόας, ὃς ὠκὺν πόδα τιθεὶς ἴσον πτεροῖς -ἐς τοὔνομʼ ἦλθε τόδε ποδωκείας χάριν. -ναοῖσι δʼ ἐν τοῖσδʼ ἱερέαν τίθησί με· -ὅθεν νόμοισι τοῖσιν ἥδεται θεὰ -Ἄρτεμις, ἑορτῆς, τοὔνομʼ ἧς καλὸν μόνον — -τὰ δʼ ἄλλα σιγῶ, τὴν θεὸν φοβουμένη — - -θύω γὰρ ὄντος τοῦ νόμου καὶ πρὶν πόλει, - - -ὃς ἂν κατέλθῃ τήνδε γῆν Ἕλλην ἀνήρ. - -κατάρχομαι μέν, σφάγια δʼ ἄλλοισιν μέλει -ἄρρητʼ ἔσωθεν τῶνδʼ ἀνακτόρων θεᾶς. - - -ἃ καινὰ δʼ ἥκει νὺξ φέρουσα φάσματα, -λέξω πρὸς αἰθέρʼ, εἴ τι δὴ τόδʼ ἔστʼ ἄκος. -ἔδοξʼ ἐν ὕπνῳ τῆσδʼ ἀπαλλαχθεῖσα γῆς -οἰκεῖν ἐν Ἄργει, παρθένοισι δʼ ἐν μέσαις -εὕδειν, χθονὸς δὲ νῶτα σεισθῆναι σάλῳ, -φεύγειν δὲ κἄξω στᾶσα θριγκὸν εἰσιδεῖν -δόμων πίτνοντα, πᾶν δʼ ἐρείψιμον στέγος -βεβλημένον πρὸς οὖδας ἐξ ἄκρων σταθμῶν. -μόνος λελεῖφθαι στῦλος εἷς ἔδοξέ μοι -δόμων πατρῴων, ἐκ δʼ ἐπικράνων κόμας -ξανθὰς καθεῖναι, φθέγμα δʼ ἀνθρώπου λαβεῖν, -κἀγὼ τέχνην τήνδʼ ἣν ἔχω ξενοκτόνον -τιμῶσʼ ὑδραίνειν αὐτὸν ὡς θανούμενον, -κλαίουσα. τοὔναρ δʼ ὧδε συμβάλλω τόδε· -τέθνηκʼ Ὀρέστης, οὗ κατηρξάμην ἐγώ. -στῦλοι γὰρ οἴκων παῖδές εἰσιν ἄρσενες· -θνῄσκουσι δʼ οὓς ἂν χέρνιβες βάλωσʼ ἐμαί. - -οὐδʼ αὖ συνάψαι τοὔναρ ἐς φίλους ἔχω· - - -Στροφίῳ γὰρ οὐκ ἦν παῖς, ὅτʼ ὠλλύμην ἐγώ. - -νῦν οὖν ἀδελφῷ βούλομαι δοῦναι χοὰς -παροῦσʼ ἀπόντι — ταῦτα γὰρ δυναίμεθʼ ἄν — -σὺν προσπόλοισιν, ἃς ἔδωχʼ ἡμῖν ἄναξ -Ἑλληνίδας γυναῖκας. ἀλλʼ ἐξ αἰτίας -οὔπω τίνος πάρεισιν; εἶμʼ ἔσω δόμων -ἐν οἷσι ναίω τῶνδʼ ἀνακτόρων θεᾶς. - - - -Ὀρέστης -ὅρα, φυλάσσου μή τις ἐν στίβῳ βροτῶν. - - -Πυλάδης -ὁρῶ, σκοποῦμαι δʼ ὄμμα πανταχῆ στρέφων. - - -Ὀρέστης -Πυλάδη, δοκεῖ σοι μέλαθρα ταῦτʼ εἶναι θεᾶς -ἔνθʼ Ἀργόθεν ναῦν ποντίαν ἐστείλαμεν; - - -Πυλάδης -ἔμοιγʼ, Ὀρέστα· σοὶ δὲ συνδοκεῖν χρεών. - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ βωμός, Ἕλλην οὗ καταστάζει φόνος; - - -Πυλάδης -ἐξ αἱμάτων γοῦν ξάνθʼ ἔχει τριχώματα. - - -Ὀρέστης -θριγκοῖς δʼ ὑπʼ αὐτοῖς σκῦλʼ ὁρᾷς ἠρτημένα; - - -Πυλάδης -τῶν κατθανόντων γʼ ἀκροθίνια ξένων. -ἀλλʼ ἐγκυκλοῦντʼ ὀφθαλμὸν εὖ σκοπεῖν χρεών. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ Φοῖβε, ποῖ μʼ αὖ τήνδʼ ἐς ἄρκυν ἤγαγες -χρήσας, ἐπειδὴ πατρὸς αἷμʼ ἐτεισάμην, -μητέρα κατακτάς, διαδοχαῖς δʼ Ἐρινύων -ἠλαυνόμεσθα φυγάδες ἔξεδροι χθονὸς -δρόμους τε πολλοὺς ἐξέπλησα καμπίμους, -ἐλθὼν δέ σʼ ἠρώτησα πῶς τροχηλάτου -μανίας ἂν ἔλθοιμʼ ἐς τέλος πόνων τʼ ἐμῶν, -οὓς ἐξεμόχθουν περιπολῶν καθʼ Ἑλλάδα — -σὺ δʼ εἶπας ἐλθεῖν Ταυρικῆς μʼ ὅρους χθονός, -ἔνθʼ Ἄρτεμίς σοι σύγγονος βωμοὺς ἔχοι, -λαβεῖν τʼ ἄγαλμα θεᾶς, ὅ φασιν ἐνθάδε -ἐς τούσδε ναοὺς οὐρανοῦ πεσεῖν ἄπο· -λαβόντα δʼ ἢ τέχναισιν ἢ τύχῃ τινί, -κίνδυνον ἐκπλήσαντʼ, Ἀθηναίων χθονὶ -δοῦναι — τὸ δʼ ἐνθένδʼ οὐδὲν ἐρρήθη πέρα — -καὶ ταῦτα δράσαντʼ ἀμπνοὰς ἕξειν πόνων. - - -ἥκω δὲ πεισθεὶς σοῖς λόγοισιν ἐνθάδε -ἄγνωστον ἐς γῆν, ἄξενον. σὲ δʼ ἱστορῶ, -Πυλάδη — σὺ γάρ μοι τοῦδε συλλήπτωρ πόνου — -τί δρῶμεν; ἀμφίβληστρα γὰρ τοίχων ὁρᾷς -ὑψηλά· πότερα δωμάτων προσαμβάσεις -ἐκβησόμεσθα; πῶς ἂν οὖν λάθοιμεν ἄν; -ἢ χαλκότευκτα κλῇθρα λύσαντες μοχλοῖς — -ὧν οὐδὲν ἴσμεν; ἢν δʼ ἀνοίγοντες πύλας -ληφθῶμεν ἐσβάσεις τε μηχανώμενοι, -θανούμεθʼ. ἀλλὰ πρὶν θανεῖν, νεὼς ἔπι -φεύγωμεν, ᾗπερ δεῦρʼ ἐναυστολήσαμεν. - - -Πυλάδης -φεύγειν μὲν οὐκ ἀνεκτὸν οὐδʼ εἰώθαμεν, -τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ δὲ χρησμὸν οὐ κακιστέον· -ναοῦ δʼ ἀπαλλαχθέντε κρύψωμεν δέμας -κατʼ ἄντρʼ ἃ πόντος νοτίδι διακλύζει μέλας — -νεὼς ἄπωθεν, μή τις εἰσιδὼν σκάφος -βασιλεῦσιν εἴπῃ κᾆτα ληφθῶμεν βίᾳ. -ὅταν δὲ νυκτὸς ὄμμα λυγαίας μόλῃ, -τολμητέον τοι ξεστὸν ἐκ ναοῦ λαβεῖν -ἄγαλμα πάσας προσφέροντε μηχανάς. -ὅρα δέ γʼ εἴσω τριγλύφων ὅποι κενὸν -δέμας καθεῖναι· τοὺς πόνους γὰρ ἁγαθοὶ -τολμῶσι, δειλοὶ δʼ εἰσὶν οὐδὲν οὐδαμοῦ. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὔ τοι μακρὸν μὲν ἤλθομεν κώπῃ πόρον, -ἐκ τερμάτων δὲ νόστον ἀροῦμεν πάλιν. -ἀλλʼ εὖ γὰρ εἶπας, πειστέον· χωρεῖν χρεὼν -ὅποι χθονὸς κρύψαντε λήσομεν δέμας. -οὐ γὰρ τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ γʼ αἴτιον γενήσεται -πεσεῖν ἄχρηστον θέσφατον· τολμητέον· -μόχθος γὰρ οὐδεὶς τοῖς νέοις σκῆψιν φέρει. - - - - - - -Χορός -εὐφαμεῖτʼ, ὦ -πόντου δισσὰς συγχωρούσας -πέτρας Ἀξείνου ναίοντες. -ὦ παῖ τᾶς Λατοῦς, -Δίκτυννʼ οὐρεία, -πρὸς σὰν αὐλάν, εὐστύλων -ναῶν χρυσήρεις θριγκούς, -πόδα παρθένιον ὅσιον ὁσίας -κλῃδούχου δούλα πέμπω, -Ἑλλάδος εὐίππου πύργους -καὶ τείχη χόρτων τʼ εὐδένδρων -ἐξαλλάξασʼ Εὐρώπαν, -πατρῴων οἴκων ἕδρας. -ἔμολον· τί νέον; τίνα φροντίδʼ ἔχεις; -τί με πρὸς ναοὺς ἄγαγες ἄγαγες, -ὦ παῖ τοῦ τᾶς Τροίας πύργους -ἐλθόντος κλεινᾷ σὺν κώπᾳ -χιλιοναύτα -μυριοτευχοῦς Ἀτρείδα; τῶν κλεινῶν; - - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἰὼ δμωαί, -δυσθρηνήτοις ὡς θρήνοις -ἔγκειμαι, τᾶς οὐκ εὐμούσου -μολπᾶς βοὰν ἀλύροις ἐλέγοις, αἰαῖ, -αἰαῖ, κηδείοις οἴκτοισιν· -αἵ μοι συμβαίνουσʼ ἆται, -σύγγονον ἁμὸν κατακλαιομένα -ζωᾶς, οἵαν οἵαν ἰδόμαν -ὄψιν ὀνείρων -νυκτός, τᾶς ἐξῆλθʼ ὄρφνα. -ὀλόμαν ὀλόμαν· -οὐκ εἴσʼ οἶκοι πατρῷοι· -οἴμοι μοι φροῦδος γέννα. -φεῦ φεῦ τῶν Ἄργει μόχθων. -ἰὼ δαῖμον, -μόνον ὅς με κασίγνητον συλᾷς -Ἀίδᾳ πέμψας, ᾧ τάσδε χοὰς -μέλλω κρατῆρά τε τὸν φθιμένων -ὑδραίνειν γαίας ἐν νώτοις -πηγάς τʼ οὐρείων ἐκ μόσχων -Βάκχου τʼ οἰνηρὰς λοιβὰς -ξουθᾶν τε πόνημα μελισσᾶν, -ἃ νεκροῖς θελκτήρια κεῖται. -ἀλλʼ ἔνδος μοι πάγχρυσον -τεῦχος καὶ λοιβὰν Ἅιδα. -ὦ κατὰ γαίας Ἀγαμεμνόνιον -θάλος, ὡς φθιμένῳ τάδε σοι πέμπω· -δέξαι δʼ· οὐ γὰρ πρὸς τύμβον σοι -ξανθὰν χαίταν, οὐ δάκρυʼ οἴσω. -τηλόσε γὰρ δὴ σᾶς ἀπενάσθην -πατρίδος καὶ ἐμᾶς, ἔνθα δοκήμασι -κεῖμαι σφαχθεῖσʼ ἁ τλάμων. - - - -Χορός -ἀντιψάλμους ᾠδὰς ὕμνων τʼ -Ἀσιητᾶν σοι βάρβαρον ἀχὰν -δεσποίνᾳ γʼ ἐξαυδάσω, -τὰν ἐν θρήνοισιν μοῦσαν -νέκυσι μελομέναν, τὰν ἐν μολπαῖς -Ἅιδας ὑμνεῖ δίχα παιάνων. -οἴμοι, τῶν Ἀτρειδᾶν οἴκων· -ἔρρει φῶς σκήπτρων, οἴμοι, -πατρῴων οἴκων. -ἦν ἐκ τῶν εὐόλβων Ἄργει -βασιλέων ἀρχά, -μόχθος δʼ ἐκ μόχθων ᾄσσει· -δινευούσαις ἵπποισι ῥιφαὶ - - -Πέλοπος πταναῖς· ἀλλάξας δʼ ἐξ -ἕδρας ἱερὸν ἱερὸν ὄμμʼ αὐγᾶς -ἅλιος. ἄλλαις δʼ ἄλλα προσέβα -χρυσέας ἀρνὸς μελάθροις ὀδύνα, -† φόνος ἐπὶ φόνῳ, ἄχεα ἄχεσιν † -ἔνθεν τῶν πρόσθεν δμαθέντων -Τανταλιδᾶν ἐκβαίνει ποινά γʼ -εἰς οἴκους, σπεύδει δʼ ἀσπούδαστʼ -ἐπὶ σοὶ δαίμων. - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἐξ ἀρχᾶς μοι δυσδαίμων -δαίμων τᾶς ματρὸς ζώνας -καὶ νυκτὸς κείνας· ἐξ ἀρχᾶς -λόχιαι στερρὰν παιδείαν -Μοῖραι ξυντείνουσιν θεαί, -τᾷ μναστευθείσᾳ ʼξ Ἑλλάνων, -ἃν πρωτόγονον θάλος ἐν θαλάμοις -Λήδας ἁ τλάμων κούρα -σφάγιον πατρῴᾳ λώβᾳ -καὶ θῦμʼ οὐκ εὐγάθητον -ἔτεκεν, ἔτρεφεν εὐκταίαν· -ἱππείοις δʼ ἐν δίφροισι -ψαμάθων Αὐλίδος ἐπέβασαν -νύμφαιον, οἴμοι, δύσνυμφον -τῷ τᾶς Νηρέως κούρας, αἰαῖ. -νῦν δʼ ἀξείνου πόντου ξείνα -δυσχόρτους οἴκους ναίω, -ἄγαμος ἄτεκνος ἄπολις ἄφιλος, -οὐ τὰν Ἄργει μέλπουσʼ Ἥραν -οὐδʼ ἱστοῖς ἐν καλλιφθόγγοις -κερκίδι Παλλάδος Ἀτθίδος εἰκὼ - -καὶ Τιτάνων ποικίλλουσʼ, ἀλλʼ -αἱμόρραντον δυσφόρμιγγα -ξείνων † αἱμάσσουσʼ ἄταν βωμούς, † -οἰκτράν τʼ αἰαζόντων αὐδὰν -οἰκτρόν τʼ ἐκβαλλόντων δάκρυον. -καὶ νῦν κείνων μέν μοι λάθα, -τὸν δʼ Ἄργει δμαθέντα κλαίω -σύγγονον, ὃν ἔλιπον ἐπιμαστίδιον, -ἔτι βρέφος, ἔτι νέον, ἔτι θάλος -ἐν χερσὶν ματρὸς πρὸς στέρνοις τʼ -Ἄργει σκηπτοῦχον Ὀρέσταν. - - - - - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν ὅδʼ ἀκτὰς ἐκλιπὼν θαλασσίους -βουφορβὸς ἥκει σημανῶν τί σοι νέον. - - -Βουκόλος -Ἀγαμέμνονός τε καὶ Κλυταιμήστρας τέκνον, -ἄκουε καινῶν ἐξ ἐμοῦ κηρυγμάτων. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τί δʼ ἔστι τοῦ παρόντος ἐκπλῆσσον λόγου; - - -Βουκόλος -ἥκουσιν ἐς γῆν, κυανέαν Συμπληγάδα -πλάτῃ φυγόντες, δίπτυχοι νεανίαι, -θεᾷ φίλον πρόσφαγμα καὶ θυτήριον -Ἀρτέμιδι. χέρνιβας δὲ καὶ κατάργματα -οὐκ ἂν φθάνοις ἂν εὐτρεπῆ ποιουμένη. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ποδαποί; τίνος γῆς σχῆμʼ ἔχουσιν οἱ ξένοι; - - -Βουκόλος -Ἕλληνες· ἓν τοῦτʼ οἶδα κοὐ περαιτέρω. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὐδʼ ὄνομʼ ἀκούσας οἶσθα τῶν ξένων φράσαι; - - -Βουκόλος -Πυλάδης ἐκλῄζεθʼ ἅτερος πρὸς θατέρου. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τοῦ ξυζύγου δὲ τοῦ ξένου τί τοὔνομʼ ἦν; - - -Βουκόλος -οὐδεὶς τόδʼ οἶδεν· οὐ γὰρ εἰσηκούσαμεν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πῶς δʼ εἴδετʼ αὐτοὺς κἀντυχόντες εἵλετε; - - -Βουκόλος -ἄκραις ἐπὶ ῥηγμῖσιν ἀξένου πόρου — - - -Ἰφιγένεια -καὶ τίς θαλάσσης βουκόλοις κοινωνία; - - -Βουκόλος -βοῦς ἤλθομεν νίψοντες ἐναλίᾳ δρόσῳ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἐκεῖσε δὴ ʼπάνελθε, πῶς νιν εἵλετε -τρόπῳ θʼ ὁποίῳ· τοῦτο γὰρ μαθεῖν θέλω. -χρόνιοι γὰρ ἥκουσʼ· οὐδέ πω βωμὸς θεᾶς -Ἑλληνικαῖσιν ἐξεφοινίχθη ῥοαῖς. - - - -Βουκόλος -ἐπεὶ τὸν ἐσρέοντα διὰ Συμπληγάδων -βοῦς ὑλοφορβοὺς πόντον εἰσεβάλλομεν, -ἦν τις διαρρὼξ κυμάτων πολλῷ σάλῳ -κοιλωπὸς ἀγμός, πορφυρευτικαὶ στέγαι. -ἐνταῦθα δισσοὺς εἶδέ τις νεανίας -βουφορβὸς ἡμῶν, κἀπεχώρησεν πάλιν -ἄκροισι δακτύλοισι πορθμεύων ἴχνος. -ἔλεξε δʼ· Οὐχ ὁρᾶτε; δαίμονές τινες -θάσσουσιν οἵδε. — θεοσεβὴς δʼ ἡμῶν τις ὢν -ἀνέσχε χεῖρα καὶ προσηύξατʼ εἰσιδών· -ὦ ποντίας παῖ Λευκοθέας, νεῶν φύλαξ, -δέσποτα Παλαῖμον, ἵλεως ἡμῖν γενοῦ, -εἴτʼ οὖν ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς θάσσετον Διοσκόρω, -ἢ Νηρέως ἀγάλμαθʼ, ὃς τὸν εὐγενῆ -ἔτικτε πεντήκοντα Νηρῄδων χορόν. - -ἄλλος δέ τις μάταιος, ἀνομίᾳ θρασύς, -ἐγέλασεν εὐχαῖς, ναυτίλους δʼ ἐφθαρμένους -θάσσειν φάραγγʼ ἔφασκε τοῦ νόμου φόβῳ, -κλύοντας ὡς θύοιμεν ἐνθάδε ξένους. -ἔδοξε δʼ ἡμῶν εὖ λέγειν τοῖς πλείοσι, -θηρᾶν τε τῇ θεῷ σφάγια τἀπιχώρια. -κἀν τῷδε πέτραν ἅτερος λιπὼν ξένοιν -ἔστη κάρα τε διετίναξʼ ἄνω κάτω -κἀπεστέναξεν ὠλένας τρέμων ἄκρας, -μανίαις ἀλαίνων, καὶ βοᾷ κυναγὸς ὥς· -Πυλάδη, δέδορκας τήνδε; τήνδε δʼ οὐχ ὁρᾷς -Ἅιδου δράκαιναν, ὥς με βούλεται κτανεῖν -δειναῖς ἐχίδναις εἰς ἔμʼ ἐστομωμένη; -ἣ δʼ ἐκ χιτώνων πῦρ πνέουσα καὶ φόνον -πτεροῖς ἐρέσσει, μητέρʼ ἀγκάλαις ἐμὴν -ἔχουσα — πέτρινον ὄχθον, ὡς ἐπεμβάλῃ. -οἴμοι, κτενεῖ με· ποῖ φύγω; -παρῆν δʼ ὁρᾶν -οὐ ταῦτα μορφῆς σχήματʼ, ἀλλʼ ἠλλάσσετο -φθογγάς τε μόσχων καὶ κυνῶν ὑλάγματα, -† ἃς φᾶσʼ † Ἐρινῦς ἱέναι μιμήματα. - - -ἡμεῖς δὲ συσταλέντες, ὡς θαμβούμενοι, -σιγῇ καθήμεθʼ· ὃ δὲ χερὶ σπάσας ξίφος, -μόσχους ὀρούσας ἐς μέσας λέων ὅπως, -παίει σιδήρῳ λαγόνας ἐς πλευράς θʼ ἱείς, -δοκῶν Ἐρινῦς θεὰς ἀμύνεσθαι τάδε, -ὡς αἱματηρὸν πέλαγος ἐξανθεῖν ἁλός. -κἀν τῷδε πᾶς τις, ὡς ὁρᾷ βουφόρβια -πίπτοντα καὶ πορθούμενʼ, ἐξωπλίζετο, -κόχλους τε φυσῶν συλλέγων τʼ ἐγχωρίους· -πρὸς εὐτραφεῖς γὰρ καὶ νεανίας ξένους -φαύλους μάχεσθαι βουκόλους ἡγούμεθα. -πολλοὶ δʼ ἐπληρώθημεν ἐν μακρῷ χρόνῳ. -πίπτει δὲ μανίας πίτυλον ὁ ξένος μεθείς, -στάζων ἀφρῷ γένειον· ὡς δʼ ἐσείδομεν -προύργου πεσόντα, πᾶς ἀνὴρ ἔσχεν πόνον -βάλλων ἀράσσων. ἅτερος δὲ τοῖν ξένοιν -ἀφρόν τʼ ἀπέψη σώματός τʼ ἐτημέλει -πέπλων τε προυκάλυπτεν εὐπήνους ὑφάς, -καραδοκῶν μὲν τἀπιόντα τραύματα, -φίλον δὲ θεραπείαισιν ἄνδρʼ εὐεργετῶν. -ἔμφρων δʼ ἀνᾴξας ὁ ξένος πεσήματος -ἔγνω κλύδωνα πολεμίων προσκείμενον -καὶ τὴν παροῦσαν συμφορὰν αὐτοῖν πέλας, -ᾤμωξέ θʼ· ἡμεῖς δʼ οὐκ ἀνίεμεν πέτροις -βάλλοντες, ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν προσκείμενοι. -οὗ δὴ τὸ δεινὸν παρακέλευσμʼ ἠκούσαμεν· -Πυλάδη, θανούμεθʼ, ἀλλʼ ὅπως θανούμεθα -κάλλισθʼ· ἕπου μοι, φάσγανον σπάσας χερί. — - -ὡς δʼ εἴδομεν δίπαλτα πολεμίων ξίφη, -φυγῇ λεπαίας ἐξεπίμπλαμεν νάπας. -ἀλλʼ, εἰ φύγοι τις, ἅτεροι προσκείμενοι -ἔβαλλον αὐτούς· εἰ δὲ τούσδʼ ὠσαίατο, -αὖθις τὸ νῦν ὑπεῖκον ἤρασσεν πέτροις. -ἀλλʼ ἦν ἄπιστον· μυρίων γὰρ ἐκ χερῶν -οὐδεὶς τὰ τῆς θεοῦ θύματʼ εὐτύχει βαλών. -μόλις δέ νιν τόλμῃ μὲν οὐ χειρούμεθα, -κύκλῳ δὲ περιβαλόντες ἐξεκλέψαμεν -πέτροισι χειρῶν φάσγανʼ, ἐς δὲ γῆν γόνυ -καμάτῳ καθεῖσαν. πρὸς δʼ ἄνακτα τῆσδε γῆς -κομίζομέν νιν. ὃ δʼ ἐσιδὼν ὅσον τάχος -ἐς χέρνιβάς τε καὶ σφαγεῖʼ ἔπεμπέ σοι. -ηὔχου δὲ τοιάδʼ, ὦ νεᾶνί, σοι ξένων -σφάγια παρεῖναι· κἂν ἀναλίσκῃς ξένους -τοιούσδε, τὸν σὸν Ἑλλὰς ἀποτείσει φόνον -δίκας τίνουσα τῆς ἐν Αὐλίδι σφαγῆς. - - -Χορός -θαυμάστʼ ἔλεξας τὸν μανένθʼ, ὅστις ποτὲ -Ἕλληνος ἐκ γῆς πόντον ἦλθεν ἄξενον. - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -εἶἑν· σὺ μὲν κόμιζε τοὺς ξένους μολών, -τὰ δʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἡμεῖς ὅσια φροντιούμεθα — - -ὦ καρδία τάλαινα, πρὶν μὲν ἐς ξένους -γαληνὸς ἦσθα καὶ φιλοικτίρμων ἀεί, -ἐς θοὑμόφυλον ἀναμετρουμένη δάκρυ, -Ἕλληνας ἄνδρας ἡνίκʼ ἐς χέρας λάβοις. -νῦν δʼ ἐξ ὀνείρων οἷσιν ἠγριώμεθα, -δοκοῦσʼ Ὀρέστην μηκέθʼ ἥλιον βλέπειν, -δύσνουν με λήψεσθʼ, οἵτινές ποθʼ ἥκετε. -καὶ τοῦτʼ ἄρʼ ἦν ἀληθές, ᾐσθόμην, φίλαι· -οἱ δυστυχεῖς γὰρ τοῖσι δυστυχεστέροις -αὐτοὶ κακῶς πράξαντες οὐ φρονοῦσιν εὖ. -ἀλλʼ οὔτε πνεῦμα Διόθεν ἦλθε πώποτε, -οὐ πορθμίς, ἥτις διὰ πέτρας Συμπληγάδας -Ἑλένην ἀπήγαγʼ ἐνθάδʼ, ἥ μʼ ἀπώλεσεν, -Μενέλεών θʼ, ἵνʼ αὐτοὺς ἀντετιμωρησάμην, -τὴν ἐνθάδʼ Αὖλιν ἀντιθεῖσα τῆς ἐκεῖ, -οὗ μʼ ὥστε μόσχον Δαναΐδαι χειρούμενοι -ἔσφαζον, ἱερεὺς δʼ ἦν ὁ γεννήσας πατήρ. -οἴμοι — κακῶν γὰρ τῶν τότʼ οὐκ ἀμνημονῶ — -ὅσας γενείου χεῖρας ἐξηκόντισα -γονάτων τε τοῦ τεκόντος, ἐξαρτωμένη, -λέγουσα τοιάδʼ· ὦ πάτερ, νυμφεύομαι -νυμφεύματʼ αἰσχρὰ πρὸς σέθεν· μήτηρ δʼ ἐμὲ -σέθεν κατακτείνοντος Ἀργεῖαί τε νῦν -ὑμνοῦσιν ὑμεναίοισιν, αὐλεῖται δὲ πᾶν -μέλαθρον· ἡμεῖς δʼ ὀλλύμεσθα πρὸς σέθεν. -Ἅιδης Ἀχιλλεὺς ἦν ἄρʼ, οὐχ ὁ Πηλέως, -ὅν μοι προσείσας πόσιν, ἐν ἁρμάτων ὄχοις -ἐς αἱματηρὸν γάμον ἐπόρθμευσας δόλῳ. -ἐγὼ δὲ λεπτῶν ὄμμα διὰ καλυμμάτων -ἔχουσʼ, ἀδελφόν τʼ οὐκ ἀνειλόμην χεροῖν, -— ὃς νῦν ὄλωλεν — οὐ κασιγνήτῃ στόμα -συνῆψʼ ὑπʼ αἰδοῦς, ὡς ἰοῦσʼ ἐς Πηλέως -μέλαθρα· πολλὰ δʼ ἀπεθέμην ἀσπάσματα -ἐς αὖθις, ὡς ἥξουσʼ ἐς Ἄργος αὖ πάλιν. - -ὦ τλῆμον, εἰ τέθνηκας, ἐξ οἵων καλῶν -ἔρρεις, Ὀρέστα, καὶ πατρὸς ζηλωμάτων — -τὰ τῆς θεοῦ δὲ μέμφομαι σοφίσματα, -ἥτις βροτῶν μὲν ἤν τις ἅψηται φόνου, -ἢ καὶ λοχείας ἢ νεκροῦ θίγῃ χεροῖν, -βωμῶν ἀπείργει, μυσαρὸν ὡς ἡγουμένη, -αὐτὴ δὲ θυσίαις ἥδεται βροτοκτόνοις. -οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅπως ἔτεκεν ἂν ἡ Διὸς δάμαρ -Λητὼ τοσαύτην ἀμαθίαν. ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν -τὰ Ταντάλου θεοῖσιν ἑστιάματα -ἄπιστα κρίνω, παιδὸς ἡσθῆναι βορᾷ, -τοὺς δʼ ἐνθάδʼ, αὐτοὺς ὄντας ἀνθρωποκτόνους, -ἐς τὴν θεὸν τὸ φαῦλον ἀναφέρειν δοκῶ· -οὐδένα γὰρ οἶμαι δαιμόνων εἶναι κακόν. - - - - - - -Χορός -κυάνεαι κυάνεαι -σύνοδοι θαλάσσας, ἵνʼ οἶ- -στρος ὁ πετόμενος Ἀργόθεν ἄ- -ξενον ἐπʼ οἶδμα διεπέρασεν — -Ἀσιήτιδα γαῖαν -Εὐρώπας διαμείψας. -τίνες ποτʼ ἄρα τὸν εὔυδρον δονακόχλοα -λιπόντες Εὐρώταν ἢ -ῥεύματα σεμνὰ Δίρκας -ἔβασαν ἔβασαν ἄμεικτον αἶαν, ἔνθα κούρᾳ -δίᾳ τέγγει -βωμοὺς καὶ περικίονας -ναοὺς αἷμα βρότειον; - - - - - -Χορός -ἦ ῥοθίοις εἰλατίνας -δικρότοισι κώπας ἔπλευ- -σαν ἐπὶ πόντια κύματα, νά- -ιον ὄχημα λινοπόροις αὔραις, -φιλόπλουτον ἅμιλλαν -αὔξοντες μελάθροισιν; -φίλα γὰρ ἐλπίς γʼ, ἐπί τε πήμασιν βροτῶν -ἄπληστος ἀνθρώποις, ὄλ- -βου βάρος οἳ φέρονται -πλάνητες ἐπʼ οἶδμα πόλεις τε βαρβάρους περῶντες, -κοινᾷ δόξᾳ· -γνώμα δʼ οἷς μὲν ἄκαιρος ὄλ- -βου, τοῖς δʼ ἐς μέσον ἥκει. - - - - - -Χορός -πῶς πέτρας τὰς συνδρομάδας, -πῶς Φινεϊδᾶν ἀΰ- -πνους ἀκτὰς ἐπέρασαν -παρʼ ἅλιον -αἰγιαλὸν ἐπʼ Ἀμφιτρί- -τας ῥοθίῳ δραμόντες, -ὅπου πεντήκοντα κορᾶν -Νηρῄδων χοροὶ -μέλπουσιν ἐγκύκλιοι, -πλησιστίοισι πνοαῖς -συριζόντων κατὰ πρύμναν -εὐναίων πηδαλίων -αὔραις σὺν νοτίαις -ἢ πνεύμασι Ζεφύρου, -τὰν πολυόρνιθον ἐπʼ αἶ- -αν, λευκὰν ἀκτάν, Ἀχιλῆ- -ος δρόμους καλλισταδίους, -ἄξεινον κατὰ πόντον; - - - - - -Χορός -εἴθʼ εὐχαῖσιν δεσποσύνοις -Λήδας Ἑλένα φίλα -παῖς ἐλθοῦσα τύχοι τὰν -Τρῳάδα λι- -ποῦσα πόλιν, ἵνʼ ἀμφὶ χαί- -τᾳ δρόσον αἱματηρὰν -ἑλιχθεῖσα λαιμοτόμῳ -δεσποίνας χειρὶ θάνοι -ποινὰς δοῦσʼ ἀντιπάλους. -ἁδίσταν δʼ ἀγγελίαν -δεξαίμεσθʼ, Ἑλλάδος ἐκ γᾶς -πλωτήρων εἴ τις ἔβα, -δουλείας ἐμέθεν -δειλαίας παυσίπονος· -κἀν γὰρ ὀνείροισι συνεί- -ην δόμοις πόλει τε πατρῴ- -ᾳ, τερπνῶν ὕπνων ἀπόλαυ- -σιν, κοινὰν χάριν ὄλβου. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἀλλʼ οἵδε χέρας δεσμοῖς δίδυμοι -συνερεισθέντες χωροῦσι, νέον -πρόσφαγμα θεᾶς· σιγᾶτε, φίλαι. -τὰ γὰρ Ἑλλήνων ἀκροθίνια δὴ -ναοῖσι πέλας τάδε βαίνει· -οὐδʼ ἀγγελίας ψευδεῖς ἔλακεν -βουφορβὸς ἀνήρ. -ὦ πότνιʼ, εἴ σοι τάδʼ ἀρεσκόντως -πόλις ἥδε τελεῖ, δέξαι θυσίας, -ἃς ὁ παρʼ ἡμῖν νόμος οὐχ ὁσίας - -Ἕλλησι διδοὺς ἀναφαίνει. - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -εἶἑν· -τὰ τῆς θεοῦ μὲν πρῶτον ὡς καλῶς ἔχῃ -φροντιστέον μοι. μέθετε τῶν ξένων χέρας, -ὡς ὄντες ἱεροὶ μηκέτʼ ὦσι δέσμιοι. -ναοῦ δʼ ἔσω στείχοντες εὐτρεπίζετε -ἃ χρὴ ʼπὶ τοῖς παροῦσι καὶ νομίζεται. -φεῦ· -τίς ἆρα μήτηρ ἡ τεκοῦσʼ ὑμᾶς ποτε -πατήρ τʼ; ἀδελφή τʼ, εἰ γεγῶσα τυγχάνει — -οἵων στερεῖσα διπτύχων νεανιῶν -ἀνάδελφος ἔσται. — τὰς τύχας τίς οἶδʼ ὅτῳ -τοιαίδʼ ἔσονται; πάντα γὰρ τὰ τῶν θεῶν -ἐς ἀφανὲς ἕρπει, κοὐδὲν οἶδʼ οὐδεὶς κακὸν - - - - - -ἡ γὰρ τύχη παρήγαγʼ ἐς τὸ δυσμαθές. -πόθεν ποθʼ ἥκετʼ, ὦ ταλαίπωροι ξένοι; -ὡς διὰ μακροῦ μὲν τήνδʼ ἐπλεύσατε χθόνα, -μακρὸν δʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων χρόνον ἔσεσθʼ ἀεὶ κάτω. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί ταῦτʼ ὀδύρῃ, κἀπὶ τοῖς μέλλουσι νῷν -κακοῖσι λυπεῖς, ἥτις εἶ ποτʼ, ὦ γύναι; -οὔτοι νομίζω σοφόν, ὃς ἂν μέλλων κτενεῖν -οἴκτῳ τὸ δεῖμα τοὐλέθρου νικᾶν θέλῃ. -οὐχ ὅστις Ἅιδην ἐγγὺς ὄντʼ οἰκτίζεται -σωτηρίας ἄνελπις· ὡς δύʼ ἐξ ἑνὸς -κακὼ συνάπτει, μωρίαν τʼ ὀφλισκάνει -θνῄσκει θʼ ὁμοίως· τὴν τύχην δʼ ἐᾶν χρεών. -ἡμᾶς δὲ μὴ θρήνει σύ· τὰς γὰρ ἐνθάδε -θυσίας ἐπιστάμεσθα καὶ γιγνώσκομεν. - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πότερος ἄρʼ ὑμῶν ἐνθάδʼ ὠνομασμένος -Πυλάδης κέκληται; τόδε μαθεῖν πρῶτον θέλω. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὅδʼ, εἴ τι δή σοι τοῦτʼ ἐν ἡδονῇ μαθεῖν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ποίας πολίτης πατρίδος Ἕλληνος γεγώς; - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δʼ ἂν μαθοῦσα τόδε πλέον λάβοις, γύναι; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πότερον ἀδελφὼ μητρός ἐστον ἐκ μιᾶς; - - -Ὀρέστης -φιλότητί γʼ· ἐσμὲν δʼ οὐ κασιγνήτω, γύναι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -σοὶ δʼ ὄνομα ποῖον ἔθεθʼ ὁ γεννήσας πατήρ; - - -Ὀρέστης -τὸ μὲν δίκαιον Δυστυχὴς καλοίμεθʼ ἄν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὐ τοῦτʼ ἐρωτῶ· τοῦτο μὲν δὸς τῇ τύχῃ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀνώνυμοι θανόντες οὐ γελῴμεθʼ ἄν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τί δὲ φθονεῖς τοῦτο; ἦ φρονεῖς οὕτω μέγα; - - -Ὀρέστης -τὸ σῶμα θύσεις τοὐμόν, οὐχὶ τοὔνομα. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὐδʼ ἂν πόλιν φράσειας ἥτις ἐστί σοι; - - -Ὀρέστης -ζητεῖς γὰρ οὐδὲν κέρδος, ὡς θανουμένῳ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -χάριν δὲ δοῦναι τήνδε κωλύει τί σε; - - -Ὀρέστης -τὸ κλεινὸν Ἄργος πατρίδʼ ἐμὴν ἐπεύχομαι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πρὸς θεῶν, ἀληθῶς, ὦ ξένʼ, εἶ κεῖθεν γεγώς; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐκ τῶν Μυκηνῶν γʼ, αἵ ποτʼ ἦσαν ὄλβιαι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -φυγὰς δʼ ἀπῆρας πατρίδος, ἢ ποίᾳ τύχῃ; - - -Ὀρέστης -φεύγω τρόπον γε δή τινʼ οὐχ ἑκὼν ἑκών. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἆρʼ ἄν τί μοι φράσειας ὧν ἐγὼ θέλω; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὡς ἐν παρέργῳ τῆς ἐμῆς δυσπραξίας. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -καὶ μὴν ποθεινός γʼ ἦλθες ἐξ Ἄργους μολών. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὔκουν ἐμαυτῷ γʼ· εἰ δὲ σοί, σὺ τοῦτʼ ἔρα. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -Τροίαν ἴσως οἶσθʼ, ἧς ἁπανταχοῦ λόγος. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὡς μήποτʼ ὤφελόν γε μηδʼ ἰδὼν ὄναρ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -φασίν νιν οὐκέτʼ οὖσαν οἴχεσθαι δορί. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔστιν γὰρ οὕτως οὐδʼ ἄκραντʼ ἠκούσατε. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -Ἑλένη δʼ ἀφῖκται δῶμα Μενέλεω πάλιν; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἥκει, κακῶς γʼ ἐλθοῦσα τῶν ἐμῶν τινι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -καὶ ποῦ ʼστι; κἀμοὶ γάρ τι προυφείλει κακόν. - - -Ὀρέστης -Σπάρτῃ ξυνοικεῖ τῷ πάρος ξυνευνέτῃ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὦ μῖσος εἰς Ἕλληνας, οὐκ ἐμοὶ μόνῃ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀπέλαυσα κἀγὼ δή τι τῶν κείνης γάμων. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -νόστος δʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἐγένεθʼ, ὡς κηρύσσεται; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὡς πάνθʼ ἅπαξ με συλλαβοῦσʼ ἀνιστορεῖς. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πρὶν γὰρ θανεῖν σε, τοῦδʼ ἐπαυρέσθαι θέλω. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔλεγχʼ, ἐπειδὴ τοῦδʼ ἐρᾷς· λέξω δʼ ἐγώ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -Κάλχας τις ἦλθε μάντις ἐκ Τροίας πάλιν; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὄλωλεν, ὡς ἦν ἐν Μυκηναίοις λόγος. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὦ πότνιʼ, ὡς εὖ. — τί γὰρ ὁ Λαέρτου γόνος; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὔπω νενόστηκʼ οἶκον, ἔστι δʼ, ὡς λόγος. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὄλοιτο, νόστου μήποτʼ ἐς πάτραν τυχών. - - -Ὀρέστης -μηδὲν κατεύχου· πάντα τἀκείνου νοσεῖ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -Θέτιδος δʼ ὁ τῆς Νηρῇδος ἔστι παῖς ἔτι; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἔστιν· ἄλλως λέκτρʼ ἔγημʼ ἐν Αὐλίδι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -δόλια γάρ, ὡς ἴσασιν οἱ πεπονθότες. - - - -Ὀρέστης -τίς εἶ ποθʼ; ὡς εὖ πυνθάνῃ τἀφʼ Ἑλλάδος. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἐκεῖθέν εἰμι· παῖς ἔτʼ οὖσʼ ἀπωλόμην. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὀρθῶς ποθεῖς ἄρʼ εἰδέναι τἀκεῖ, γύναι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τί δʼ ὁ στρατηγός, ὃν λέγουσʼ εὐδαιμονεῖν; - - -Ὀρέστης -τίς; οὐ γὰρ ὅν γʼ ἐγᾦδα τῶν εὐδαιμόνων. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -Ἀτρέως ἐλέγετο δή τις Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἄπελθε τοῦ λόγου τούτου, γύναι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -μὴ πρὸς θεῶν, ἀλλʼ εἴφʼ, ἵνʼ εὐφρανθῶ, ξένε. - - -Ὀρέστης -τέθνηχʼ ὁ τλήμων, πρὸς δʼ ἀπώλεσέν τινα. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τέθνηκε; ποίᾳ συμφορᾷ; τάλαινʼ ἐγώ. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δʼ ἐστέναξας τοῦτο; μῶν προσῆκέ σοι; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τὸν ὄλβον αὐτοῦ τὸν πάροιθʼ ἀναστένω. - - -Ὀρέστης -δεινῶς γὰρ ἐκ γυναικὸς οἴχεται σφαγείς. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὦ πανδάκρυτος ἡ κτανοῦσα χὡ κτανών. - - -Ὀρέστης -παῦσαί νυν ἤδη μηδʼ ἐρωτήσῃς πέρα. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τοσόνδε γʼ, εἰ ζῇ τοῦ ταλαιπώρου δάμαρ. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἔστι· παῖς νιν ὃν ἔτεχʼ, οὗτος ὤλεσεν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὦ συνταραχθεὶς οἶκος. ὡς τί δὴ θέλων; - - -Ὀρέστης -πατρὸς θανόντος τήνδε τιμωρούμενος. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -φεῦ· -ὡς εὖ κακὸν δίκαιον εἰσεπράξατο. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀλλʼ οὐ τὰ πρὸς θεῶν εὐτυχεῖ δίκαιος ὤν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -λείπει δʼ ἐν οἴκοις ἄλλον Ἀγαμέμνων γόνον; - - -Ὀρέστης -λέλοιπεν Ἠλέκτραν γε παρθένον μίαν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τί δέ; σφαγείσης θυγατρὸς ἔστι τις λόγος; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐδείς γε, πλὴν θανοῦσαν οὐχ ὁρᾶν φάος. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τάλαινʼ ἐκείνη χὡ κτανὼν αὐτὴν πατήρ. - - -Ὀρέστης -κακῆς γυναικὸς χάριν ἄχαριν ἀπώλετο. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὁ τοῦ θανόντος δʼ ἔστι παῖς Ἄργει πατρός; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔστʼ, ἄθλιός γε, κοὐδαμοῦ καὶ πανταχοῦ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ψευδεῖς ὄνειροι, χαίρετʼ· οὐδὲν ἦτʼ ἄρα. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐδʼ οἱ σοφοί γε δαίμονες κεκλημένοι -πτηνῶν ὀνείρων εἰσὶν ἀψευδέστεροι. -πολὺς ταραγμὸς ἔν τε τοῖς θείοις ἔνι -κἀν τοῖς βροτείοις· ἓν δὲ λυπεῖται μόνον, -ὃς οὐκ ἄφρων ὢν μάντεων πεισθεὶς λόγοις -ὄλωλεν — ὡς ὄλωλε τοῖσιν εἰδόσιν. - - -Χορός -φεῦ φεῦ· τί δʼ ἡμεῖς οἵ τʼ ἐμοὶ γεννήτορες; -ἆρʼ εἰσίν; ἆρʼ οὐκ εἰσί; τίς φράσειεν ἄν; - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἀκούσατʼ· ἐς γὰρ δή τινʼ ἥκομεν λόγον, -ὑμῖν τʼ ὄνησιν, ὦ ξένοι, σπουδῆς ἅμα -κἀμοί. τὸ δʼ εὖ μάλιστά γʼ οὕτω γίγνεται, -εἰ πᾶσι ταὐτὸν πρᾶγμʼ ἀρεσκόντως ἔχει. -θέλοις ἄν, εἰ σῴσαιμί σʼ, ἀγγεῖλαί τί μοι -πρὸς Ἄργος ἐλθὼν τοῖς ἐμοῖς ἐκεῖ φίλοις, -δέλτον τʼ ἐνεγκεῖν, ἥν τις οἰκτίρας ἐμὲ -ἔγραψεν αἰχμάλωτος, οὐχὶ τὴν ἐμὴν -φονέα νομίζων χεῖρα, τοῦ νόμου δʼ ὕπο -θνῄσκειν τὰ τῆς θεοῦ, τάδε δίκαιʼ ἡγουμένης; -οὐδένα γὰρ εἶχον ὅστις ἀγγείλαι μολὼν -ἐς Ἄργος αὖθις, τάς τʼ ἐμὰς ἐπιστολὰς -πέμψειε σωθεὶς τῶν ἐμῶν φίλων τινί. -σὺ δʼ — εἶ γάρ, ὡς ἔοικας, οὔτε δυσμενὴς -καὶ τὰς Μυκήνας οἶσθα χοὓς κἀγὼ θέλω — -σώθητι, καὶ σὺ μισθὸν οὐκ αἰσχρὸν λαβών, -κούφων ἕκατι γραμμάτων σωτηρίαν. -οὗτος δʼ, ἐπείπερ πόλις ἀναγκάζει τάδε, -θεᾷ γενέσθω θῦμα χωρισθεὶς σέθεν. - - -Ὀρέστης -καλῶς ἔλεξας τἄλλα πλὴν ἕν, ὦ ξένη· -τὸ γὰρ σφαγῆναι τόνδε μοι βάρος μέγα. -ὁ ναυστολῶν γάρ εἰμʼ ἐγὼ τὰς συμφοράς, -οὗτος δὲ συμπλεῖ τῶν ἐμῶν μόχθων χάριν. -οὔκουν δίκαιον ἐπʼ ὀλέθρῳ τῷ τοῦδʼ ἐμὲ -χάριν τίθεσθαι καὐτὸν ἐκδῦναι κακῶν. -ἀλλʼ ὣς γενέσθω· τῷδε μὲν δέλτον δίδου· -πέμψει γὰρ Ἄργος, ὥστε σοι καλῶς ἔχειν· -ἡμᾶς δʼ ὁ χρῄζων κτεινέτω. τὰ τῶν φίλων -αἴσχιστον ὅστις καταβαλὼν ἐς ξυμφορὰς -αὐτὸς σέσῳσται. τυγχάνει δʼ ὅδʼ ὢν φίλος, -ὃν οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἢ ʼμὲ φῶς ὁρᾶν θέλω. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὦ λῆμʼ ἄριστον, ὡς ἀπʼ εὐγενοῦς τινος -ῥίζης πέφυκας τοῖς φίλοις τʼ ὀρθῶς φίλος. -τοιοῦτος εἴη τῶν ἐμῶν ὁμοσπόρων -ὅσπερ λέλειπται. καὶ γὰρ οὐδʼ ἐγώ, ξένοι, -ἀνάδελφός εἰμι, πλὴν ὅσʼ οὐχ ὁρῶσά νιν. -ἐπεὶ δὲ βούλῃ ταῦτα, τόνδε πέμψομεν -δέλτον φέροντα, σὺ δὲ θανῇ· πολλὴ δέ τις -προθυμία σε τοῦδʼ ἔχουσα τυγχάνει. - - - -Ὀρέστης -θύσει δὲ τίς με καὶ τὰ δεινὰ τλήσεται; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἐγώ· θεᾶς γὰρ τῆσδε προστροπὴν ἔχω. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἄζηλά γʼ, ὦ νεᾶνι, κοὐκ εὐδαίμονα. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἀλλʼ εἰς ἀνάγκην κείμεθʼ, ἣν φυλακτέον. - - -Ὀρέστης -αὐτὴ ξίφει θύουσα θῆλυς ἄρσενας; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὔκ, ἀλλὰ χαίτην ἀμφὶ σὴν χερνίψομαι. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὁ δὲ σφαγεὺς τίς; εἰ τάδʼ ἱστορεῖν με χρή. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἔσω δόμων τῶνδʼ εἰσὶν οἷς μέλει τάδε. - - -Ὀρέστης -τάφος δὲ ποῖος δέξεταί μʼ, ὅταν θάνω; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πῦρ ἱερὸν ἔνδον χάσμα τʼ εὐρωπὸν πέτρας. - - -Ὀρέστης -φεῦ· -πῶς ἄν μʼ ἀδελφῆς χεὶρ περιστείλειεν ἄν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -μάταιον εὐχήν, ὦ τάλας, ὅστις ποτʼ εἶ, -ηὔξω· μακρὰν γὰρ βαρβάρου ναίει χθονός. -οὐ μήν, ἐπειδὴ τυγχάνεις Ἀργεῖος ὤν, -ἀλλʼ ὧν γε δυνατὸν οὐδʼ ἐγὼ λείψω χάριν. -πολύν τε γάρ σοι κόσμον ἐνθήσω τάφῳ, -ξανθῷ τʼ ἐλαίῳ σῶμα σὸν κατασβέσω, -καὶ τῆς ὀρείας ἀνθεμόρρυτον γάνος -ξουθῆς μελίσσης ἐς πυρὰν βαλῶ σέθεν. -ἀλλʼ εἶμι δέλτον τʼ ἐκ θεᾶς ἀνακτόρων -οἴσω· τὸ μέντοι δυσμενὲς μὴ ʼμοὶ λάβῃς. - -φυλάσσετʼ αὐτούς, πρόσπολοι, δεσμῶν ἄτερ — -ἴσως ἄελπτα τῶν ἐμῶν φίλων τινὶ -πέμψω πρὸς Ἄργος, ὃν μάλιστʼ ἐγὼ φιλῶ, -καὶ δέλτος αὐτῷ ζῶντας οὓς δοκεῖ θανεῖν -λέγουσα πιστὰς ἡδονὰς ἀπαγγελεῖ. - - - - - -Χορός -κατολοφύρομαι σὲ τὸν χερνίβων -ῥανίσι μελόμενον αἱμακταῖς. - - -Ὀρέστης -οἶκτος γὰρ οὐ ταῦτʼ, ἀλλὰ χαίρετʼ, ὦ ξέναι. - - - - -Χορός -σὲ δὲ τύχας μάκαρος, ὦ -νεανία, σεβόμεθʼ, ἐς -πάτραν ὅτι ποτʼ ἐπεμβάσῃ. - - -Πυλάδης -ἄζηλά τοι φίλοισι, θνῃσκόντων φίλων. - - - - -Χορός -ὦ σχέτλιοι πομπαί. -φεῦ φεῦ, διόλλυσαι. -αἰαῖ αἰαῖ. πότερος ὁ μᾶλλον; -ἔτι γὰρ ἀμφίλογα δίδυμα μέμονε φρήν, -σὲ πάρος ἢ σὲ ἀναστενάξω γόοις. - - - -Ὀρέστης -Πυλάδη, πέπονθας ταὐτὸ πρὸς θεῶν ἐμοί; - - -Πυλάδης -οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἐρωτᾷς οὐ λέγειν ἔχοντά με. - - -Ὀρέστης -τίς ἐστὶν ἡ νεᾶνις; ὡς Ἑλληνικῶς -ἀνήρεθʼ ἡμᾶς τούς τʼ ἐν Ἰλίῳ πόνους -νόστον τʼ Ἀχαιῶν τόν τʼ ἐν οἰωνοῖς σοφὸν -Κάλχαντʼ Ἀχιλλέως τʼ ὄνομα, καὶ τὸν ἄθλιον -Ἀγαμέμνονʼ ὡς ᾤκτιρʼ ἀνηρώτα τέ με -γυναῖκα παῖδάς τε. ἔστιν ἡ ξένη γένος -ἐκεῖθεν Ἀργεία τις· οὐ γὰρ ἄν ποτε -δέλτον τʼ ἔπεμπε καὶ τάδʼ ἐξεμάνθανεν, -ὡς κοινὰ πράσσουσʼ, Ἄργος εἰ πράσσει καλῶς. - - -Πυλάδης -ἔφθης με μικρόν· ταὐτὰ δὲ φθάσας λέγεις, -πλὴν ἕν· τὰ γὰρ τῶν βασιλέων παθήματα -ἴσασι πάντες, ὧν ἐπιστροφή τις ἦν. -ἀτὰρ διῆλθον χἅτερον λόγον τινά. - - -Ὀρέστης -τίνʼ; ἐς τὸ κοινὸν δοὺς ἄμεινον ἂν μάθοις. - - -Πυλάδης -αἰσχρὸν θανόντος σοῦ βλέπειν ἡμᾶς φάος· -κοινῇ τʼ ἔπλευσα δεῖ με καὶ κοινῇ θανεῖν. -καὶ δειλίαν γὰρ καὶ κάκην κεκτήσομαι -Ἄργει τε Φωκέων τʼ ἐν πολυπτύχῳ χθονί, -δόξω δὲ τοῖς πολλοῖσι — πολλοὶ γὰρ κακοί — -προδοὺς σεσῷσθαί σʼ αὐτὸς εἰς οἴκους μόνος -ἢ καὶ φονεύσας ἐπὶ νοσοῦσι δώμασι -ῥάψαι μόρον σοι σῆς τυραννίδος χάριν, -ἔγκληρον ὡς δὴ σὴν κασιγνήτην γαμῶν. -ταῦτʼ οὖν φοβοῦμαι καὶ διʼ αἰσχύνης ἔχω, -κοὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅπως οὐ χρὴ συνεκπνεῦσαί μέ σοι -καὶ σὺν σφαγῆναι καὶ πυρωθῆναι δέμας, -φίλον γεγῶτα καὶ φοβούμενον ψόγον. - - - -Ὀρέστης -εὔφημα φώνει· τἀμὰ δεῖ φέρειν κακά, -ἁπλᾶς δὲ λύπας ἐξόν, οὐκ οἴσω διπλᾶς. -ὃ γὰρ σὺ λυπρὸν κἀπονείδιστον λέγεις, -ταὔτʼ ἔστιν ἡμῖν, εἴ σε συμμοχθοῦντʼ ἐμοὶ -κτενῶ· τὸ μὲν γὰρ εἰς ἔμʼ οὐ κακῶς ἔχει, -πράσσονθʼ ἃ πράσσω πρὸς θεῶν, λῦσαι βίον. -σὺ δʼ ὄλβιός τʼ εἶ, καθαρά τʼ, οὐ νοσοῦντʼ, ἔχεις -μέλαθρʼ, ἐγὼ δὲ δυσσεβῆ καὶ δυστυχῆ. -σωθεὶς δέ, παῖδας ἐξ ἐμῆς ὁμοσπόρου -κτησάμενος, ἣν ἔδωκά σοι δάμαρτʼ ἔχειν — -ὄνομά τʼ ἐμοῦ γένοιτʼ ἄν, οὐδʼ ἄπαις δόμος -πατρῷος οὑμὸς ἐξαλειφθείη ποτʼ ἄν. -ἀλλʼ ἕρπε καὶ ζῆ καὶ δόμους οἴκει πατρός. -ὅταν δʼ ἐς Ἑλλάδʼ ἵππιόν τʼ Ἄργος μόλῃς, -πρὸς δεξιᾶς σε τῆσδʼ ἐπισκήπτω τάδε· -τύμβον τε χῶσον κἀπίθες μνημεῖά μοι, -καὶ δάκρυʼ ἀδελφὴ καὶ κόμας δότω τάφῳ. -ἄγγελλε δʼ ὡς ὄλωλʼ ὑπʼ Ἀργείας τινὸς -γυναικός, ἀμφὶ βωμὸν ἁγνισθεὶς φόνῳ. -καὶ μὴ προδῷς μου τὴν κασιγνήτην ποτέ, -ἔρημα κήδη καὶ δόμους ὁρῶν πατρός. -καὶ χαῖρʼ· ἐμῶν γὰρ φίλτατόν σʼ ηὗρον φίλων, -ὦ συγκυναγὲ καὶ συνεκτραφεὶς ἐμοί, -ὦ πόλλʼ ἐνεγκὼν τῶν ἐμῶν ἄχθη κακῶν. - -ἡμᾶς δʼ ὁ Φοῖβος μάντις ὢν ἐψεύσατο· -τέχνην δὲ θέμενος ὡς προσώταθʼ Ἑλλάδος -ἀπήλασʼ, αἰδοῖ τῶν πάρος μαντευμάτων. -ᾧ πάντʼ ἐγὼ δοὺς τἀμὰ καὶ πεισθεὶς λόγοις, -μητέρα κατακτὰς αὐτὸς ἀνταπόλλυμαι. - - -Πυλάδης -ἔσται τάφος σοι, καὶ κασιγνήτης λέχος -οὐκ ἂν προδοίην, ὦ τάλας, ἐπεί σʼ ἐγὼ -θανόντα μᾶλλον ἢ βλέπονθʼ ἕξω φίλον. -ἀτὰρ τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ σʼ οὐ διέφθορέν γέ πω -μάντευμα· καίτοι γʼ ἐγγὺς ἕστηκας φόνου. -ἀλλʼ ἔστιν, ἔστιν, ἡ λίαν δυσπραξία -λίαν διδοῦσα μεταβολάς, ὅταν τύχῃ. - - -Ὀρέστης -σίγα· τὰ Φοίβου δʼ οὐδὲν ὠφελεῖ μʼ ἔπη· -γυνὴ γὰρ ἥδε δωμάτων ἔξω περᾷ. - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἀπέλθεθʼ ὑμεῖς καὶ παρευτρεπίζετε -τἄνδον μολόντες τοῖς ἐφεστῶσι σφαγῇ. - -δέλτου μὲν αἵδε πολύθυροι διαπτυχαί, -ξένοι, πάρεισιν· ἃ δʼ ἐπὶ τοῖσδε βούλομαι, -ἀκούσατʼ. οὐδεὶς αὑτὸς ἐν πόνοις τʼ ἀνὴρ -ὅταν τε πρὸς τὸ θάρσος ἐκ φόβου πέσῃ. -ἐγὼ δὲ ταρβῶ μὴ ἀπονοστήσας χθονὸς -θῆται παρʼ οὐδὲν τὰς ἐμὰς ἐπιστολὰς -ὁ τήνδε μέλλων δέλτον εἰς Ἄργος φέρειν. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δῆτα βούλῃ; τίνος ἀμηχανεῖς πέρι; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὅρκον δότω μοι τάσδε πορθμεύσειν γραφὰς -πρὸς Ἄργος, οἷσι βούλομαι πέμψαι φίλων. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἦ κἀντιδώσεις τῷδε τοὺς αὐτοὺς λόγους; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τί χρῆμα δράσειν ἢ τί μὴ δράσειν; λέγε. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐκ γῆς ἀφήσειν μὴ θανόντα βαρβάρου. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -δίκαιον εἶπας· πῶς γὰρ ἀγγείλειεν ἄν; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἦ καὶ τύραννος ταῦτα συγχωρήσεται; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ναί. -πείσω σφε, καὐτὴ ναὸς εἰσβήσω σκάφος. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὄμνυ· σὺ δʼ ἔξαρχʼ ὅρκον ὅστις εὐσεβής. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -δώσω, λέγειν χρή, τήνδε τοῖσι σοῖς φίλοις. - - -Πυλάδης -τοῖς σοῖς φίλοισι γράμματʼ ἀποδώσω τάδε. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -κἀγὼ σὲ σώσω κυανέας ἔξω πέτρας. - - -Πυλάδης -τίνʼ οὖν ἐπόμνυς τοισίδʼ ὅρκιον θεῶν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -Ἄρτεμιν, ἐν ἧσπερ δώμασιν τιμὰς ἔχω. - - -Πυλάδης -ἐγὼ δʼ ἄνακτά γʼ οὐρανοῦ, σεμνὸν Δία. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -εἰ δʼ ἐκλιπὼν τὸν ὅρκον ἀδικοίης ἐμέ; - - -Πυλάδης -ἄνοστος εἴην· τί δὲ σύ, μὴ σῴσασά με; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -μήποτε κατʼ Ἄργος ζῶσʼ ἴχνος θείην ποδός. - - -Πυλάδης -ἄκουε δή νυν ὃν παρήλθομεν λόγον. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἀλλʼ αὖθις ἔσται καινός, ἢν καλῶς ἔχῃ. - - -Πυλάδης -ἐξαίρετόν μοι δὸς τόδʼ, ἤν τι ναῦς πάθῃ, -χἡ δέλτος ἐν κλύδωνι χρημάτων μέτα -ἀφανὴς γένηται, σῶμα δʼ ἐκσῴσω μόνον, -τὸν ὅρκον εἶναι τόνδε μηκέτʼ ἔμπεδον. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἀλλʼ οἶσθʼ ὃ δράσω; πολλὰ γὰρ πολλῶν κυρεῖ· -τἀνόντα κἀγγεγραμμένʼ ἐν δέλτου πτυχαῖς -λόγῳ φράσω σοι πάντʼ ἀναγγεῖλαι φίλοις. -ἐν ἀσφαλεῖ γάρ· ἢν μὲν ἐκσῴσῃς γραφήν, -αὐτὴν φράσει σιγῶσα τἀγγεγραμμένα· -ἢν δʼ ἐν θαλάσσῃ γράμματʼ ἀφανισθῇ τάδε, -τὸ σῶμα σῴσας τοὺς λόγους σῴσεις ἐμοί. - - -Πυλάδης -καλῶς ἔλεξας τῶν θεῶν ἐμοῦ θʼ ὕπερ. -σήμαινε δʼ ᾧ χρὴ τάσδʼ ἐπιστολὰς φέρειν -πρὸς Ἄργος ὅ τι τε χρὴ κλύοντα σοῦ λέγειν. - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἄγγελλʼ Ὀρέστῃ, παιδὶ τῷ Ἀγαμέμνονος· -Ἡ ʼν Αὐλίδι σφαγεῖσʼ ἐπιστέλλει τάδε -ζῶσʼ Ἰφιγένεια, τοῖς ἐκεῖ δʼ οὐ ζῶσʼ ἔτι — - - -Ὀρέστης -ποῦ δʼ ἔστʼ ἐκείνη; κατθανοῦσʼ ἥκει πάλιν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἥδʼ ἣν ὁρᾷς σύ· μὴ λόγοις ἔκπλησσέ με. -Κόμισαί μʼ ἐς Ἄργος, ὦ σύναιμε, πρὶν θανεῖν, -ἐκ βαρβάρου γῆς καὶ μετάστησον θεᾶς -σφαγίων, ἐφʼ οἷσι ξενοφόνους τιμὰς ἔχω. - - -Ὀρέστης -Πυλάδη, τί λέξω; ποῦ ποτʼ ὄνθʼ ηὑρήμεθα; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἢ σοῖς ἀραία δώμασιν γενήσομαι. - - -Πυλάδης -Ὀρέστα — ; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἵνʼ αὖθις ὄνομα δὶς κλύων μάθῃς. - - -Πυλάδης -ὦ θεοί. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τί τοὺς θεοὺς ἀνακαλεῖς ἐν τοῖς ἐμοῖς; - - -Πυλάδης -οὐδέν· πέραινε δʼ· ἐξέβην γὰρ ἄλλοσε. -τάχʼ οὐκ ἐρωτῶν σʼ εἰς ἄπιστʼ ἀφίξομαι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -λέγʼ οὕνεκʼ ἔλαφον ἀντιδοῦσά μου θεὰ -Ἄρτεμις ἔσῳσέ μʼ, ἣν ἔθυσʼ ἐμὸς πατήρ, -δοκῶν ἐς ἡμᾶς ὀξὺ φάσγανον βαλεῖν, -ἐς τήνδε δʼ ᾤκισʼ αἶαν. αἵδʼ ἐπιστολαί, -τάδʼ ἐστὶ τἀν δέλτοισιν ἐγγεγραμμένα. - - -Πυλάδης -ὦ ῥᾳδίοις ὅρκοισι περιβαλοῦσά με, -κάλλιστα δʼ ὀμόσασʼ, οὐ πολὺν σχήσω χρόνον, -τὸν δʼ ὅρκον ὃν κατώμοσʼ ἐμπεδώσομεν. - -ἰδού, φέρω σοι δέλτον ἀποδίδωμί τε, -Ὀρέστα, τῆσδε σῆς κασιγνήτης πάρα. - - -Ὀρέστης -δέχομαι· παρεὶς δὲ γραμμάτων διαπτυχὰς -τὴν ἡδονὴν πρῶτʼ οὐ λόγοις αἱρήσομαι. - -ὦ φιλτάτη μοι σύγγονʼ, ἐκπεπληγμένος -ὅμως σʼ ἀπίστῳ περιβαλὼν βραχίονι -ἐς τέρψιν εἶμι, πυθόμενος θαυμάστʼ ἐμοί. - - - -Χορός -ξένʼ, οὐ δικαίως τῆς θεοῦ τὴν πρόσπολον -χραίνεις ἀθίκτοις περιβαλὼν πέπλοις χέρα. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ συγκασιγνήτη τε κἀκ ταὐτοῦ πατρὸς -Ἀγαμέμνονος γεγῶσα, μή μʼ ἀποστρέφου, -ἔχουσʼ ἀδελφόν, οὐ δοκοῦσʼ ἕξειν ποτέ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἐγώ σʼ ἀδελφὸν τὸν ἐμόν; οὐ παύσῃ λέγων; -τὸ δʼ Ἄργος αὐτοῦ μεστὸν ἥ τε Ναυπλία. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἔστʼ ἐκεῖ σός, ὦ τάλαινα, σύγγονος. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἀλλʼ ἡ Λάκαινα Τυνδαρίς σʼ ἐγείνατο; - - -Ὀρέστης -Πέλοπός γε παιδὶ παιδός, οὗ ʼκπέφυκʼ ἐγώ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τί φῄς; ἔχεις τι τῶνδέ μοι τεκμήριον; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔχω· πατρῴων ἐκ δόμων τι πυνθάνου. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὐκοῦν λέγειν μὲν χρὴ σέ, μανθάνειν δʼ ἐμέ. - - -Ὀρέστης -λέγοιμʼ ἄν, ἀκοῇ πρῶτον Ἠλέκτρας τάδε· -Ἀτρέως Θυέστου τʼ οἶσθα γενομένην ἔριν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἤκουσα· χρυσῆς ἀρνὸς ἦν νείκη πέρι. - - -Ὀρέστης -ταῦτʼ οὖν ὑφήνασʼ οἶσθʼ ἐν εὐπήνοις ὑφαῖς; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἐγγὺς τῶν ἐμῶν κάμπτεις φρενῶν. - - -Ὀρέστης -εἰκώ τʼ ἐν ἱστοῖς ἡλίου μετάστασιν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὕφηνα καὶ τόδʼ εἶδος εὐμίτοις πλοκαῖς. - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ λούτρʼ ἐς Αὖλιν μητρὸς ἀνεδέξω πάρα; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οἶδʼ· οὐ γὰρ ὁ γάμος ἐσθλὸς ὤν μʼ ἀφείλετο. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί γάρ; κόμας σὰς μητρὶ δοῦσα σῇ φέρειν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -μνημεῖά γʼ ἀντὶ σώματος τοὐμοῦ τάφῳ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἃ δʼ εἶδον αὐτός, τάδε φράσω τεκμήρια· -Πέλοπος παλαιὰν ἐν δόμοις λόγχην πατρός, -ἣν χερσὶ πάλλων παρθένον Πισάτιδα -ἐκτήσαθʼ Ἱπποδάμειαν, Οἰνόμαον κτανών, -ἐν παρθενῶσι τοῖσι σοῖς κεκρυμμένην. - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὦ φίλτατʼ, οὐδὲν ἄλλο, φίλτατος γὰρ εἶ, -ἔχω σʼ, Ὀρέστα, τηλύγετον χθονὸς ἀπὸ πατρίδος - -Ἀργόθεν, ὦ φίλος. - - - - - -Ὀρέστης -κἀγώ σε τὴν θανοῦσαν, ὡς δοξάζεται. -κατὰ δὲ δάκρυ, κατὰ δὲ γόος ἅμα χαρᾷ -τὸ σὸν νοτίζει βλέφαρον, ὡσαύτως δʼ ἐμόν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τόδʼ ἔτι βρέφος -ἔλιπον ἀγκάλαισι νεαρὸν τροφοῦ -νεαρὸν ἐν δόμοις. -ὦ κρεῖσσον ἢ λόγοισιν εὐτυχοῦσά μου -ψυχά, τί φῶ; θαυμάτων -πέρα καὶ λόγου πρόσω τάδʼ ἐπέβα. - - -Ὀρέστης -τὸ λοιπὸν εὐτυχοῖμεν ἀλλήλων μέτα. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἄτοπον ἁδονὰν ἔλαβον, ὦ φίλαι· -δέδοικα δʼ ἐκ χερῶν με μὴ πρὸς αἰθέρα -ἀμπτάμενος φύγῃ· -ἰὼ Κυκλωπὶς ἑστία· ἰὼ πατρίς, -Μυκήνα φίλα, -χάριν ἔχω ζόας, χάριν ἔχω τροφᾶς, -ὅτι μοι συνομαίμονα τόνδε δόμοις -ἐξεθρέψω φάος. - - -Ὀρέστης -γένει μὲν εὐτυχοῦμεν, ἐς δὲ συμφοράς, -ὦ σύγγονʼ, ἡμῶν δυστυχὴς ἔφυ βίος. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἐγᾦδʼ ἁ μέλεος, οἶδʼ, ὅτε φάσγανον -δέρᾳ θῆκέ μοι μελεόφρων πατήρ. - - -Ὀρέστης -οἴμοι. δοκῶ γὰρ οὐ παρών σʼ ὁρᾶν ἐκεῖ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἀνυμέναιος, σύγγονʼ, Ἀχιλλέως -ἐς κλισίαν λέκτρων -δολίαν ὅτʼ ἀγόμαν· -παρὰ δὲ βωμὸν ἦν δάκρυα καὶ γόοι. -φεῦ φεῦ χερνίβων τῶν ἐκεῖ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ᾤμωξα κἀγὼ τόλμαν ἣν ἔτλη πατήρ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἀπάτορʼ ἀπάτορα πότμον ἔλαχον. -ἄλλα δʼ ἐξ ἄλλων κυρεῖ -δαίμονος τύχᾳ τινός. - - -Ὀρέστης -εἰ σόν γʼ ἀδελφόν, ὦ τάλαινʼ, ἀπώλεσας. - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὦ μελέα δεινᾶς τόλμας. δείνʼ ἔτλαν -δείνʼ ἔτλαν, ὤμοι σύγγονε. παρὰ δʼ ὀλίγον -ἀπέφυγες ὄλεθρον ἀνόσιον ἐξ ἐμᾶν -δαϊχθεὶς χερῶν. -ἁ δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτοῖσι τίς τελευτά; -τίς τύχα μοι συγχωρήσει; -τίνα σοι πόρον εὑρομένα — -πάλιν ἀπὸ πόλεως, ἀπὸ φόνου πέμψω -πατρίδʼ ἐς Ἀργείαν, -πρὶν ἐπὶ ξίφος αἵματι σῷ πελάσαι; -τόδε τόδε σόν, ὦ μελέα ψυχά, -χρέος ἀνευρίσκειν. -πότερον κατὰ χέρσον, οὐχὶ ναΐ — ; -ἀλλὰ ποδῶν ῥιπᾷ -θανάτῳ πελάσεις ἄρα βάρβαρα φῦλα -καὶ διʼ ὁδοὺς ἀνόδους στείχων· διὰ κυανέας μὴν -στενοπόρου πέτρας μακρὰ κέλευθα να- -ΐοισιν δρασμοῖς. -τάλαινα, τάλαινα. -τίς ἂν οὖν τάδʼ ἂν ἢ θεὸς ἢ βροτὸς ἢ -τί τῶν ἀδοκήτων, -πόρον ἄπορον ἐξανύσας, δυοῖν -τοῖν μόνοιν Ἀτρείδαιν φαίνοι - -κακῶν ἔκλυσιν; - - - - - -Χορός -ἐν τοῖσι θαυμαστοῖσι καὶ μύθων πέρα -τάδʼ εἶδον αὐτὴ κοὐ κλύουσʼ ἀπαγγελῶ. - - -Πυλάδης -τὸ μὲν φίλους ἐλθόντας εἰς ὄψιν φίλων, -Ὀρέστα, χειρῶν περιβολὰς εἰκὸς λαβεῖν· -λήξαντα δʼ οἴκτων κἀπʼ ἐκεῖνʼ ἐλθεῖν χρεών, -ὅπως τὸ κλεινὸν ὄνομα τῆς σωτηρίας -λαβόντες ἐκ γῆς βησόμεσθα βαρβάρου. -σοφῶν γὰρ ἀνδρῶν ταῦτα, μὴ ʼκβάντας τύχης, -καιρὸν λαβόντας, ἡδονὰς ἄλλας λαβεῖν. - - -Ὀρέστης -καλῶς ἔλεξας· τῇ τύχῃ δʼ οἶμαι μέλειν -τοῦδε ξὺν ἡμῖν· ἢν δέ τις πρόθυμος ᾖ, -σθένειν τὸ θεῖον μᾶλλον εἰκότως ἔχει. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -μηδέν μʼ ἐπίσχῃ γʼ· οὐδʼ ἀποστήσει λόγου, -πρῶτον πυθέσθαι τίνα ποτʼ Ἠλέκτρα πότμον -εἴληχε βιότου· φίλα γὰρ ἔστε πάντʼ ἐμοί. - - -Ὀρέστης -τῷδε ξυνοικεῖ βίον ἔχουσʼ εὐδαίμονα. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὗτος δὲ ποδαπὸς καὶ τίνος πέφυκε παῖς; - - -Ὀρέστης -Στρόφιος ὁ Φωκεὺς τοῦδε κλῄζεται πατήρ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὁ δʼ ἐστί γʼ Ἀτρέως θυγατρός, ὁμογενὴς ἐμός; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀνεψιός γε, μόνος ἐμοὶ σαφὴς φίλος. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὐκ ἦν τόθʼ οὗτος ὅτε πατὴρ ἔκτεινέ με. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἦν· χρόνον γὰρ Στρόφιος ἦν ἄπαις τινά. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -χαῖρʼ ὦ πόσις μοι τῆς ἐμῆς ὁμοσπόρου. - - -Ὀρέστης -κἀμός γε σωτήρ, οὐχὶ συγγενὴς μόνον. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τὰ δεινὰ δʼ ἔργα πῶς ἔτλης μητρὸς πέρι; - - -Ὀρέστης -σιγῶμεν αὐτά· πατρὶ τιμωρῶν ἐμῷ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἡ δʼ αἰτία τίς ἀνθʼ ὅτου κτείνει πόσιν; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔα τὰ μητρός· οὐδὲ σοὶ κλύειν καλόν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -σιγῶ· τὸ δʼ Ἄργος πρὸς σὲ νῦν ἀποβλέπει; - - -Ὀρέστης -Μενέλαος ἄρχει· φυγάδες ἐσμὲν ἐκ πάτρας. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὔ που νοσοῦντας θεῖος ὕβρισεν δόμους; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὔκ, ἀλλʼ Ἐρινύων δεῖμά μʼ ἐκβάλλει χθονός. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ταῦτʼ ἆρʼ ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς κἀνθάδʼ ἠγγέλης μανείς; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὤφθημεν οὐ νῦν πρῶτον ὄντες ἄθλιοι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἔγνωκα· μητρός σʼ οὕνεκʼ ἠλάστρουν θεαί. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὥσθʼ αἱματηρὰ στόμιʼ ἐπεμβαλεῖν ἐμοί. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τί γάρ ποτʼ ἐς γῆν τήνδʼ ἐπόρθμευσας πόδα; - - -Ὀρέστης -Φοίβου κελευσθεὶς θεσφάτοις ἀφικόμην. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τί χρῆμα δράσειν; ῥητὸν ἢ σιγώμενον; - - - -Ὀρέστης -λέγοιμʼ ἄν· ἀρχαὶ δʼ αἵδε μοι πολλῶν πόνων. -ἐπεὶ τὰ μητρὸς ταῦθʼ ἃ σιγῶμεν κακὰ -ἐς χεῖρας ἦλθε, μεταδρομαῖς Ἐρινύων -ἠλαυνόμεσθα φυγάδες, ἔνθεν μοι πόδα -ἐς τὰς Ἀθήνας δῆτʼ ἔπεμψε Λοξίας, -δίκην παρασχεῖν ταῖς ἀνωνύμοις θεαῖς. -ἔστιν γὰρ ὁσία ψῆφος, ἣν Ἄρει ποτὲ -Ζεὺς εἵσατʼ ἔκ του δὴ χερῶν μιάσματος. -ἐλθὼν δʼ ἐκεῖσε — πρῶτα μέν μʼ οὐδεὶς ξένων -ἑκὼν ἐδέξαθʼ, ὡς θεοῖς στυγούμενον· -οἳ δʼ ἔσχον αἰδῶ, ξένια μονοτράπεζά μοι -παρέσχον, οἴκων ὄντες ἐν ταὐτῷ στέγει, -σιγῇ δʼ ἐτεκτήναντʼ ἀπόφθεγκτόν μʼ, ὅπως -δαιτὸς γενοίμην πώματός τʼ αὐτοῖς δίχα, -ἐς δʼ ἄγγος ἴδιον ἴσον ἅπασι βακχίου -μέτρημα πληρώσαντες εἶχον ἡδονήν. -κἀγὼ ʼξελέγξαι μὲν ξένους οὐκ ἠξίουν, -ἤλγουν δὲ σιγῇ κἀδόκουν οὐκ εἰδέναι, -μέγα στενάζων οὕνεκʼ ἦ μητρὸς φονεύς. -κλύω δʼ Ἀθηναίοισι τἀμὰ δυστυχῆ -τελετὴν γενέσθαι, κἄτι τὸν νόμον μένειν, -χοῆρες ἄγγος Παλλάδος τιμᾶν λεών. - -ὡς δʼ εἰς Ἄρειον ὄχθον ἧκον, ἐς δίκην -ἔστην, ἐγὼ μὲν θάτερον λαβὼν βάθρον, -τὸ δʼ ἄλλο πρέσβειρʼ ἥπερ ἦν Ἐρινύων. -εἰπὼν δʼ ἀκούσας θʼ αἵματος μητρὸς πέρι, -Φοῖβός μʼ ἔσῳσε μαρτυρῶν, ἴσας δέ μοι -ψήφους διηρίθμησε Παλλὰς ὠλένῃ· -νικῶν δʼ ἀπῆρα φόνια πειρατήρια. -ὅσαι μὲν οὖν ἕζοντο πεισθεῖσαι δίκῃ, -ψῆφον παρʼ αὐτὴν ἱερὸν ὡρίσαντʼ ἔχειν· -ὅσαι δʼ Ἐρινύων οὐκ ἐπείσθησαν νόμῳ, -δρόμοις ἀνιδρύτοισιν ἠλάστρουν μʼ ἀεί, -ἕως ἐς ἁγνὸν ἦλθον αὖ Φοίβου πέδον, -καὶ πρόσθεν ἀδύτων ἐκταθείς, νῆστις βορᾶς, -ἐπώμοσʼ αὐτοῦ βίον ἀπορρήξειν θανών, -εἰ μή με σώσει Φοῖβος, ὅς μʼ ἀπώλεσεν. -ἐντεῦθεν αὐδὴν τρίποδος ἐκ χρυσοῦ λακὼν -Φοῖβός μʼ ἔπεμψε δεῦρο, διοπετὲς λαβεῖν -ἄγαλμʼ Ἀθηνῶν τʼ ἐγκαθιδρῦσαι χθονί. -ἀλλʼ ἥνπερ ἡμῖν ὥρισεν σωτηρίαν, -σύμπραξον· ἢν γὰρ θεᾶς κατάσχωμεν βρέτας, -μανιῶν τε λήξω καὶ σὲ πολυκώπῳ σκάφει -στείλας Μυκήναις ἐγκαταστήσω πάλιν. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ φιληθεῖσʼ, ὦ κασίγνητον κάρα, -σῷσον πατρῷον οἶκον, ἔκσῳσον δʼ ἐμέ· -ὡς τἄμʼ ὄλωλε πάντα καὶ τὰ Πελοπιδῶν, -οὐράνιον εἰ μὴ ληψόμεσθα θεᾶς βρέτας. - - - -Χορός -δεινή τις ὀργὴ δαιμόνων ἐπέζεσε -τὸ Ταντάλειον σπέρμα διὰ πόνων τʼ ἄγει. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τὸ μὲν πρόθυμον, πρίν σε δεῦρʼ ἐλθεῖν, ἔχω -Ἄργει γενέσθαι καὶ σέ, σύγγονʼ, εἰσιδεῖν. -θέλω δʼ ἅπερ σύ, σέ τε μεταστῆσαι πόνων -νοσοῦντά τʼ οἶκον, οὐχὶ τῷ κτανόντι με -θυμουμένη, πατρῷον ὀρθῶσαι· θέλω· -σφαγῆς τε γὰρ σῆς χεῖρʼ ἀπαλλάξαιμεν ἂν -σῴσαιμί τʼ οἴκους. τὴν θεὸν δʼ ὅπως λάθω -δέδοικα καὶ τύραννον, ἡνίκʼ ἂν κενὰς -κρηπῖδας εὕρῃ λαΐνας ἀγάλματος. -πῶς δʼ οὐ θανοῦμαι; τίς δʼ ἔνεστί μοι λόγος; -ἀλλʼ, εἰ μὲν — ἕν τι — τοῦθʼ ὁμοῦ γενήσεται, -ἄγαλμά τʼ οἴσεις κἄμʼ ἐπʼ εὐπρύμνου νεὼς -ἄξεις, τὸ κινδύνευμα γίγνεται καλόν· -τούτου δὲ χωρισθεῖσʼ — ἐγὼ μὲν ὄλλυμαι, -σὺ δʼ ἂν τὸ σαυτοῦ θέμενος εὖ νόστου τύχοις. -οὐ μήν τι φεύγω γʼ, οὐδέ σʼ εἰ θανεῖν χρεὼν -σῴσασαν· οὐ γὰρ ἀλλʼ ἀνὴρ μὲν ἐκ δόμων -θανὼν ποθεινός, τὰ δὲ γυναικὸς ἀσθενῆ. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἂν γενοίμην σοῦ τε καὶ μητρὸς φονεύς· -ἅλις τὸ κείνης αἷμα· κοινόφρων δὲ σοὶ -καὶ ζῆν θέλοιμʼ ἂν καὶ θανὼν λαχεῖν ἴσον. -ἄξω δέ γʼ, ἤνπερ καὐτὸς ἐνταυθοῖ περῶ, -πρὸς οἶκον, ἢ σοῦ κατθανὼν μενῶ μέτα. -γνώμης δʼ ἄκουσον· εἰ πρόσαντες ἦν τόδε -Ἀρτέμιδι, πῶς ἂν Λοξίας ἐθέσπισε -κομίσαι μʼ ἄγαλμα θεᾶς πόλισμʼ ἐς Παλλάδος - - - - - -καὶ σὸν πρόσωπον εἰσιδεῖν; ἅπαντα γὰρ -συνθεὶς τάδʼ εἰς ἓν νόστον ἐλπίζω λαβεῖν. - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πῶς οὖν γένοιτʼ ἂν ὥστε μήθʼ ἡμᾶς θανεῖν, -λαβεῖν θʼ ἃ βουλόμεσθα; τῇδε γὰρ νοσεῖ -νόστος πρὸς οἴκους· ἡ δὲ βούλησις πάρα. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἆρʼ ἂν τύραννον διολέσαι δυναίμεθʼ ἄν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -δεινὸν τόδʼ εἶπας, ξενοφονεῖν ἐπήλυδας. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀλλʼ, εἰ σὲ σώσει κἀμέ, κινδυνευτέον. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην· τὸ δὲ πρόθυμον ᾔνεσα. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δʼ, εἴ με ναῷ τῷδε κρύψειας λάθρα; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὡς δὴ σκότον λαβόντες ἐκσωθεῖμεν ἄν; - - -Ὀρέστης -κλεπτῶν γὰρ ἡ νύξ, τῆς δʼ ἀληθείας τὸ φῶς. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -εἴσʼ ἔνδον ἱεροὶ φύλακες, οὓς οὐ λήσομεν. - - -Ὀρέστης -οἴμοι, διεφθάρμεσθα· πῶς σωθεῖμεν ἄν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἔχειν δοκῶ μοι καινὸν ἐξεύρημά τι. - - -Ὀρέστης -ποῖόν τι; δόξης μετάδος, ὡς κἀγὼ μάθω. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ταῖς σαῖς ἀνίαις χρήσομαι σοφίσμασι. - - -Ὀρέστης -δειναὶ γὰρ αἱ γυναῖκες εὑρίσκειν τέχνας. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -φονέα σε φήσω μητρὸς ἐξ Ἄργους μολεῖν. - - -Ὀρέστης -χρῆσαι κακοῖσι τοῖς ἐμοῖς, εἰ κερδανεῖς. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὡς οὐ θέμις γε λέξομεν θύειν θεᾷ, - - -Ὀρέστης -τίνʼ αἰτίαν ἔχουσʼ; ὑποπτεύω τι γάρ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὐ καθαρὸν ὄντα· τὸ δʼ ὅσιον δώσω φόβῳ. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δῆτα μᾶλλον θεᾶς ἄγαλμʼ ἁλίσκεται; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πόντου σε πηγαῖς ἁγνίσαι βουλήσομαι, - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔτʼ ἐν δόμοισι βρέτας, ἐφʼ ᾧ πεπλεύκαμεν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -κἀκεῖνο νίψαι, σοῦ θιγόντος ὥς, ἐρῶ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ποῖ δῆτα; πόντου νοτερὸν εἶπας ἔκβολον; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὗ ναῦς χαλινοῖς λινοδέτοις ὁρμεῖ σέθεν. - - -Ὀρέστης -σὺ δʼ ἤ τις ἄλλος ἐν χεροῖν οἴσει βρέτας; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἐγώ· θιγεῖν γὰρ ὅσιόν ἐστʼ ἐμοὶ μόνῃ. - - -Ὀρέστης -Πυλάδης δʼ ὅδʼ ἡμῖν ποῦ τετάξεται πόνου; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ταὐτὸν χεροῖν σοὶ λέξεται μίασμʼ ἔχων. - - -Ὀρέστης -λάθρα δʼ ἄνακτος ἢ εἰδότος δράσεις τάδε; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πείσασα μύθοις· οὐ γὰρ ἂν λάθοιμί γε. - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ μὴν νεώς γε πίτυλος εὐήρης πάρα. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -σοὶ δὴ μέλειν χρὴ τἄλλʼ ὅπως ἕξει καλῶς. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἑνὸς μόνου δεῖ, τάσδε συγκρύψαι τάδε. -ἀλλʼ ἀντίαζε καὶ λόγους πειστηρίους -εὕρισκʼ· ἔχει τοι δύναμιν εἰς οἶκτον γυνή. -τὰ δʼ ἄλλʼ ἴσως — . ἅπαντα συμβαίη καλῶς. - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες, εἰς ὑμᾶς βλέπω, -καὶ τἄμʼ ἐν ὑμῖν ἐστιν ἢ καλῶς ἔχειν -ἢ μηδὲν εἶναι καὶ στερηθῆναι πάτρας -φίλου τʼ ἀδελφοῦ φιλτάτης τε συγγόνου. -καὶ πρῶτα μέν μοι τοῦ λόγου τάδʼ ἀρχέτω· -γυναῖκές ἐσμεν, φιλόφρον ἀλλήλαις γένος -σῴζειν τε κοινὰ πράγματʼ ἀσφαλέσταται. -σιγήσαθʼ ἡμῖν καὶ συνεκπονήσατε -φυγάς. καλόν τοι γλῶσσʼ ὅτῳ πιστὴ παρῇ. -ὁρᾶτε δʼ ὡς τρεῖς μία τύχη τοὺς φιλτάτους, -ἢ γῆς πατρῴας νόστον ἢ θανεῖν ἔχει. -σωθεῖσα δʼ, ὡς ἂν καὶ σὺ κοινωνῇς τύχης, -σώσω σʼ ἐς Ἑλλάδʼ. ἀλλὰ πρός σε δεξιᾶς -σὲ καὶ σὲ ἱκνοῦμαι, σὲ δὲ φίλης παρηίδος, -γονάτων τε καὶ τῶν ἐν δόμοισι φιλτάτων -μητρὸς πατρός τε καὶ τέκνων ὅτῳ κυρεῖ. -τί φατέ; τίς ὑμῶν φησιν ἢ τίς οὐ θέλειν — -φθέγξασθε — ταῦτα; μὴ γὰρ αἰνουσῶν λόγους -ὄλωλα κἀγὼ καὶ κασίγνητος τάλας. - - -Χορός -θάρσει, φίλη δέσποινα, καὶ σῴζου μόνον· -ὡς ἔκ γʼ ἐμοῦ σοι πάντα σιγηθήσεται — -ἴστω μέγας Ζεύς — ὧν ἐπισκήπτεις πέρι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ὄναισθε μύθων καὶ γένοισθʼ εὐδαίμονες. - -σὸν ἔργον ἤδη καὶ σὸν ἐσβαίνειν δόμους· -ὡς αὐτίχʼ ἥξει τῆσδε κοίρανος χθονός, -θυσίαν ἐλέγχων εἰ κατείργασται ξένων. - -ὦ πότνιʼ, ἥπερ μʼ Αὐλίδος κατὰ πτυχὰς -δεινῆς ἔσωσας ἐκ πατροκτόνου χερός, -σῶσόν με καὶ νῦν τούσδε τʼ· ἢ τὸ Λοξίου -οὐκέτι βροτοῖσι διὰ σὲ ἐτήτυμον στόμα. -ἀλλʼ εὐμενὴς ἔκβηθι βαρβάρου χθονὸς -ἐς τὰς Ἀθήνας· καὶ γὰρ ἐνθάδʼ οὐ πρέπει -ναίειν, παρόν σοι πόλιν ἔχειν εὐδαίμονα. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ὄρνις, ἃ παρὰ πετρίνας -πόντου δειράδας, ἀλκυών, -ἔλεγον οἶτον ἀείδεις, -εὐξύνετον ξυνετοῖς βοάν, -ὅτι πόσιν κελαδεῖς ἀεὶ μολπαῖς, -ἐγώ σοι παραβάλλομαι -θρήνους, ἄπτερος ὅρνις, -ποθοῦσʼ Ἑλλάνων ἀγόρους, -ποθοῦσʼ Ἄρτεμιν λοχίαν, -ἃ παρὰ Κύνθιον ὄχθον οἰ- -κεῖ φοίνικά θʼ ἁβροκόμαν -δάφναν τʼ εὐερνέα καὶ -γλαυκᾶς θαλλὸν ἱερὸν ἐλαί- -ας, Λατοῦς ὠδῖνα φίλαν, -λίμναν θʼ εἱλίσσουσαν ὕδωρ -κύκλιον, ἔνθα κύκνος μελῳ- -δὸς Μούσας θεραπεύει. - - - - - -Χορός -ὦ πολλαὶ δακρύων λιβάδες, -αἳ παρηίδας εἰς ἐμὰς -ἔπεσον, ἁνίκα πύργων -ὀλομένων ἐν ναυσὶν ἔβαν -πολεμίων ἐρετμοῖσι καὶ λόγχαις. -ζαχρύσου δὲ διʼ ἐμπολᾶς -νόστον βάρβαρον ἦλθον, -ἔνθα τᾶς ἐλαφοκτόνου -θεᾶς ἀμφίπολον κόραν -παῖδʼ Ἀγαμεμνονίαν λατρεύ- -ω βωμούς τʼ οὐ μηλοθύτας, -ζηλοῦσʼ ἄταν διὰ παν- -τὸς δυσδαίμονʼ· ἐν γὰρ ἀνάγ- -καις οὐ κάμνεις σύντροφος ὤν. -μεταβάλλει δυσδαιμονία· -τὸ δὲ μετʼ εὐτυχίας κακοῦ- -σθαι θνατοῖς βαρὺς αἰών. - - - - - -Χορός -καὶ σὲ μέν, πότνιʼ, Ἀργεία -πεντηκόντορος οἶκον ἄξει· -συρίζων θʼ ὁ κηροδέτας -κάλαμος οὐρείου Πανὸς -κώπαις ἐπιθωΰξει, -ὁ Φοῖβός θʼ ὁ μάντις ἔχων -κέλαδον ἑπτατόνου λύρας -ἀείδων ἄξει λιπαρὰν -εὖ σʼ Ἀθηναίων ἐπὶ γᾶν. -ἐμὲ δʼ αὐτοῦ λιποῦσα -βήσῃ ῥοθίοισι πλάταις· -ἀέρι δὲ ἱστία πρότονοι κατὰ πρῷραν ὑ- -πὲρ στόλον ἐκπετάσουσι πόδα -ναὸς ὠκυπόμπου. - - - - - -Χορός -λαμπροὺς ἱπποδρόμους βαίην, -ἔνθʼ εὐάλιον ἔρχεται πῦρ· -οἰκείων δʼ ὑπὲρ θαλάμων -πτέρυγας ἐν νώτοις ἁμοῖς -λήξαιμι θοάζουσα· -χοροῖς δʼ ἑσταίην, ὅθι καὶ -παρθένος, εὐδοκίμων γάμων, -παρὰ πόδʼ εἱλίσσουσα φίλας -ματρὸς ἡλίκων θιάσους, -χαρίτων εἰς ἁμίλλας, -χαίτας ἁβρόπλουτον ἔριν, -ὀρνυμένα, πολυποίκιλα φάρεα -καὶ πλοκάμους περιβαλλομένα -γένυσιν ἐσκίαζον. - - - - - - -Θόας -ποῦ ʼσθʼ ἡ πυλωρὸς τῶνδε δωμάτων γυνὴ -Ἑλληνίς; ἤδη τῶν ξένων κατήρξατο; -ἀδύτοις ἐν ἁγνοῖς σῶμα λάμπονται πυρί; - - -Χορός -ἥδʼ ἐστίν, ἥ σοι πάντʼ, ἄναξ, ἐρεῖ σαφῶς. - - -Θόας -ἔα· -τί τόδε μεταίρεις ἐξ ἀκινήτων βάθρων, -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖ, θεᾶς ἄγαλμʼ ἐν ὠλέναις; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἄναξ, ἔχʼ αὐτοῦ πόδα σὸν ἐν παραστάσιν. - - -Θόας -τί δʼ ἔστιν, Ἰφιγένεια, καινὸν ἐν δόμοις; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἀπέπτυσʼ· Ὁσίᾳ γὰρ δίδωμʼ ἔπος τόδε. - - -Θόας -τί φροιμιάζῃ νεοχμόν; ἐξαύδα σαφῶς. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὐ καθαρά μοι τὰ θύματʼ ἠγρεύσασθʼ, ἄναξ. - - -Θόας -τί τοὐκδιδάξαν τοῦτό σʼ; ἢ δόξαν λέγεις; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -βρέτας τὸ τῆς θεοῦ πάλιν ἕδρας ἀπεστράφη. - - -Θόας -αὐτόματον, ἤ νιν σεισμὸς ἔστρεψε χθονός; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -αὐτόματον· ὄψιν δʼ ὀμμάτων ξυνήρμοσεν. - - -Θόας -ἡ δʼ αἰτία τίς; ἦ τὸ τῶν ξένων μύσος; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἥδʼ, οὐδὲν ἄλλο· δεινὰ γὰρ δεδράκατον. - - -Θόας -ἀλλʼ ἦ τινʼ ἔκανον βαρβάρων ἀκτῆς ἔπι; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οἰκεῖον ἦλθον τὸν φόνον κεκτημένοι. - - -Θόας -τίνʼ; εἰς ἔρον γὰρ τοῦ μαθεῖν πεπτώκαμεν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -μητέρα κατειργάσαντο κοινωνῷ ξίφει. - - -Θόας -Ἄπολλον, οὐδʼ ἐν βαρβάροις ἔτλη τις ἄν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πάσης διωγμοῖς ἠλάθησαν Ἑλλάδος. - - -Θόας -ἦ τῶνδʼ ἕκατι δῆτʼ ἄγαλμʼ ἔξω φέρεις; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -σεμνόν γʼ ὑπʼ αἰθέρʼ, ὡς μεταστήσω φόνου. - - -Θόας -μίασμα δʼ ἔγνως τοῖν ξένοιν ποίῳ τρόπῳ; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἤλεγχον, ὡς θεᾶς βρέτας ἀπεστράφη πάλιν. - - -Θόας -σοφήν σʼ ἔθρεψεν Ἑλλάς, ὡς ᾔσθου καλῶς. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -καὶ μὴν καθεῖσαν δέλεαρ ἡδύ μοι φρενῶν. - - -Θόας -τῶν Ἀργόθεν τι φίλτρον ἀγγέλλοντέ σοι; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τὸν μόνον Ὀρέστην ἐμὸν ἀδελφὸν εὐτυχεῖν. - - -Θόας -ὡς δή σφε σῴσαις ἡδοναῖς ἀγγελμάτων. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -καὶ πατέρα γε ζῆν καὶ καλῶς πράσσειν ἐμόν. - - -Θόας -σὺ δʼ ἐς τὸ τῆς θεοῦ γʼ ἐξένευσας εἰκότως. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πᾶσάν γε μισοῦσʼ Ἑλλάδʼ, ἥ μʼ ἀπώλεσεν. - - -Θόας -τί δῆτα δρῶμεν, φράζε, τοῖν ξένοιν πέρι; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τὸν νόμον ἀνάγκη τὸν προκείμενον σέβειν. - - -Θόας -οὔκουν ἐν ἔργῳ χέρνιβες ξίφος τε σόν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἁγνοῖς καθαρμοῖς πρῶτά νιν νίψαι θέλω. - - -Θόας -πηγαῖσιν ὑδάτων ἢ θαλασσίᾳ δρόσῳ; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -θάλασσα κλύζει πάντα τἀνθρώπων κακά. - - -Θόας -ὁσιώτερον γοῦν τῇ θεῷ πέσοιεν ἄν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -καὶ τἀμά γʼ οὕτω μᾶλλον ἂν καλῶς ἔχοι. - - -Θόας -οὔκουν πρὸς αὐτὸν ναὸν ἐκπίπτει κλύδων; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἐρημίας δεῖ· καὶ γὰρ ἄλλα δράσομεν. - - -Θόας -ἄγʼ ἔνθα χρῄζεις· οὐ φιλῶ τἄρρηθʼ ὁρᾶν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἁγνιστέον μοι καὶ τὸ τῆς θεοῦ βρέτας. - - -Θόας -εἴπερ γε κηλὶς ἔβαλέ νιν μητροκτόνος. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ἄν νιν ἠράμην βάθρων ἄπο. - - -Θόας -δίκαιος ηὑσέβεια καὶ προμηθία. - - - - -Ἰφιγένεια -οἶσθά νυν ἅ μοι γενέσθω; - - -Θόας -σὸν τὸ σημαίνειν τόδε. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -δεσμὰ τοῖς ξένοισι πρόσθες. - - -Θόας -ποῖ δέ σʼ ἐκφύγοιεν ἄν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πιστὸν Ἑλλὰς οἶδεν οὐδέν. - - -Θόας -ἴτʼ ἐπὶ δεσμά, πρόσπολοι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -κἀκκομιζόντων δὲ δεῦρο τοὺς ξένους — - - -Θόας -ἔσται τάδε. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -κρᾶτα κρύψαντες πέπλοισιν. - - -Θόας -ἡλίου πρόσθεν φλογός. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -σῶν τέ μοι σύμπεμπʼ ὀπαδῶν. - - -Θόας -οἵδʼ ὁμαρτήσουσί σοι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -καὶ πόλει πέμψον τινʼ ὅστις σημανεῖ — - - -Θόας -ποίας τύχας; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἐν δόμοις μίμνειν ἅπαντας. - - -Θόας -μὴ συναντῷεν φόνῳ; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -μυσαρὰ γὰρ τὰ τοιάδʼ ἐστί. - - -Θόας -στεῖχε καὶ σήμαινε σύ — - - -Ἰφιγένεια -μηδένʼ εἰς ὄψιν πελάζειν. - - -Θόας -εὖ γε κηδεύεις πόλιν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -καὶ φίλων γʼ οὓς δεῖ μάλιστα. - - -Θόας -τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας εἰς ἐμέ. - - -Ἰφιγένεια - - - - - - -Θόας -ὡς εἰκότως σε πᾶσα θαυμάζει πόλις. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -σὺ δὲ μένων αὐτοῦ πρὸ ναῶν τῇ θεῷ — - - -Θόας -τί χρῆμα δρῶ; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἅγνισον πυρσῷ μέλαθρον. - - -Θόας -καθαρὸν ὡς μόλῃς πάλιν. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἡνίκʼ ἂν δʼ ἔξω περῶσιν οἱ ξένοι — - - -Θόας -τί χρή με δρᾶν; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -πέπλον ὀμμάτων προθέσθαι. - - -Θόας -μὴ παλαμναῖον λάβω. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -ἢν δʼ ἄγαν δοκῶ χρονίζειν — - - -Θόας -τοῦδʼ ὅρος τίς ἐστί μοι; - - -Ἰφιγένεια -θαυμάσῃς μηδέν. - - -Θόας -τὰ τῆς θεοῦ πρᾶσσʼ — ἐπεὶ σχολή — καλῶς. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -εἰ γὰρ ὡς θέλω καθαρμὸς ὅδε πέσοι. - - -Θόας -συνεύχομαι. - - -Ἰφιγένεια -τούσδʼ ἄρʼ ἐκβαίνοντας ἤδη δωμάτων ὁρῶ ξένους -καὶ θεᾶς κόσμους νεογνούς τʼ ἄρνας, ὡς φόνῳ φόνον -μυσαρὸν ἐκνίψω, σέλας τε λαμπάδων τά τʼ ἄλλʼ ὅσα -προυθέμην ἐγὼ ξένοισι καὶ θεᾷ καθάρσια. -ἐκποδὼν δʼ αὐδῶ πολίταις τοῦδʼ ἔχειν μιάσματος, -εἴ τις ἢ ναῶν πυλωρὸς χεῖρας ἁγνεύει θεοῖς -ἢ γάμον στείχει συνάψων ἢ τόκοις βαρύνεται, -φεύγετʼ, ἐξίστασθε, μή τῳ προσπέσῃ μύσος τόδε. - -ὦ Διὸς Λητοῦς τʼ ἄνασσα παρθένʼ, ἢν νίψω φόνον -τῶνδε καὶ θύσωμεν οὗ χρή, καθαρὸν οἰκήσεις δόμον, -εὐτυχεῖς δʼ ἡμεῖς ἐσόμεθα. τἄλλα δʼ οὐ λέγουσʼ, ὅμως -τοῖς τὰ πλείονʼ εἰδόσιν θεοῖς σοί τε σημαίνω, θεά. - - - - - - - -Χορός -εὔπαις ὁ Λατοῦς γόνος, -τόν ποτε Δηλιὰς ἐν καρποφόροις γυάλοις - -ἔτικτε, χρυσοκόμαν -ἐν κιθάρᾳ σοφόν, ἅ τʼ ἐπὶ τόξων -εὐστοχίᾳ γάνυται· φέρε δʼ αὐτά - -νιν ἀπὸ δειράδος εἰναλίας, -λοχεῖα κλεινὰ λιποῦσα μά- -τηρ, τὰν ἀστάκτων ὑδάτων -βακχεύουσαν Διονύ- -σῳ Παρνάσιον κορυφάν· -ὅθι ποικιλόνωτος οἰ- -νωπὸς δράκων, -σκιερᾷ κατάχαλκος εὐ- -φύλλῳ δάφνᾳ, -γᾶς πελώριον τέρας, ἄμφεπε μαντεῖ- -ον Χθόνιον. -ἔτι μιν ἔτι βρέφος, ἔτι φίλας -ἐπὶ ματέρος ἀγκάλαισι θρῴσκων -ἔκανες, ὦ Φοῖβε, μαντείων δʼ ἐπέβας ζαθέων, -τρίποδί τʼ ἐν χρυσέῳ θάσσεις, ἐν ἀψευδεῖ θρόνῳ -μαντείας βροτοῖς θεσφάτων νέμων -ἀδύτων ὕπο, Κασταλίας ῥεέθρων γείτων, μέσον -γᾶς ἔχων μέλαθρον. - - - - - -Χορός -Θέμιν δʼ ἐπεὶ γᾶς ἰὼν -παῖδʼ ἀπενάσσατο Πυθῶνος ἀπὸ ζαθέων -χρηστηρίων, νύχια -Χθὼν ἐτεκνώσατο φάσματʼ ὀνείρων, -οἳ πολέσιν μερόπων τά τε πρῶτα, τά τʼ -ἔπειθʼ, ὅσσα τʼ ἔμελλε τυχεῖν, -ὕπνου κατὰ δνοφερὰς γᾶς εὐ- -νὰς ἔφραζον· Γαῖα δὲ τὰν -μαντεῖον ἀφείλετο τι- -μὰν Φοῖβον, φθόνῳ θυγατρός. -ταχύπους δʼ ἐς Ὄλυμπον ὁρ- -μαθεὶς ἄναξ -χέρα παιδνὸν ἕλιξεν ἐκ -Διὸς θρόνων -Πυθίων δόμων χθονίαν ἀφελεῖν μῆ- -νιν θεᾶς. νυχίους τʼ ἐνοπὰς. - -γέλασε δʼ, ὅτι τέκος ἄφαρ ἔβα -πολύχρυσα θέλων λατρεύματα σχεῖν· -ἐπὶ δʼ ἔσεισεν κόμαν, παῦσαι νυχίους ἐνοπάς, -ἀπὸ δʼ ἀλαθοσύναν νυκτωπὸν ἐξεῖλεν βροτῶν, -καὶ τιμὰς πάλιν θῆκε Λοξίᾳ, -πολυάνορι δʼ ἐν ξενόεντι θρόνῳ θάρση βροτοῖς -θεσφάτων ἀοιδαῖς. - - - - - - -Ἄγγελος -ὦ ναοφύλακες βώμιοί τʼ ἐπιστάται, -Θόας ἄναξ γῆς τῆσδε ποῦ κυρεῖ βεβώς; -καλεῖτʼ ἀναπτύξαντες εὐγόμφους πύλας -ἔξω μελάθρων τῶνδε κοίρανον χθονός. - - -Χορός -τί δʼ ἔστιν, εἰ χρὴ μὴ κελευσθεῖσαν λέγειν; - - -Ἄγγελος -βεβᾶσι φροῦδοι δίπτυχοι νεανίαι -Ἀγαμεμνονείας παιδὸς ἐκ βουλευμάτων -φεύγοντες ἐκ γῆς τῆσδε καὶ σεμνὸν βρέτας -λαβόντες ἐν κόλποισιν Ἑλλάδος νεώς. - - -Χορός -ἄπιστον εἶπας μῦθον· ὃν δʼ ἰδεῖν θέλεις -ἄνακτα χώρας, φροῦδος ἐκ ναοῦ συθείς. - - -Ἄγγελος -ποῖ; δεῖ γὰρ αὐτὸν εἰδέναι τὰ δρώμενα. - - -Χορός -οὐκ ἴσμεν· ἀλλὰ στεῖχε καὶ δίωκέ νιν -ὅπου κυρήσας τούσδʼ ἀπαγγελεῖς λόγους. - - -Ἄγγελος -ὁρᾶτʼ, ἄπιστον ὡς γυναικεῖον γένος· -μέτεστι χὑμῖν τῶν πεπραγμένων μέρος. - - -Χορός -μαίνῃ· τί δʼ ἡμῖν τῶν ξένων δρασμοῦ μέτα; -οὐκ εἶ κρατούντων πρὸς πύλας ὅσον τάχος; - - -Ἄγγελος -οὔ, πρίν γʼ ἂν εἴπῃ τοὔπος ἑρμηνεὺς ὅδε, -εἴτʼ ἔνδον εἴτʼ οὐκ ἔνδον ἀρχηγὸς χθονός. - -ὠή, χαλᾶτε κλῇθρα, τοῖς ἔνδον λέγω, -καὶ δεσπότῃ σημήναθʼ οὕνεκʼ ἐν πύλαις -πάρειμι, καινῶν φόρτον ἀγγέλλων κακῶν. - - -Θόας -τίς ἀμφὶ δῶμα θεᾶς τόδʼ ἵστησιν βοήν, -πύλας ἀράξας καὶ ψόφον πέμψας ἔσω; - - -Ἄγγελος -φεῦ· -πῶς ἔλεγον αἵδε, καί μʼ ἀπήλαυνον δόμων, -ὡς ἐκτὸς εἴης· σὺ δὲ κατʼ οἶκον ἦσθʼ ἄρα. - - -Θόας -τί προσδοκῶσαι κέρδος ἢ θηρώμεναι; - - -Ἄγγελος -αὖθις τὰ τῶνδε σημανῶ· τὰ δʼ ἐν ποσὶ -παρόντʼ ἄκουσον. ἡ νεᾶνις ἣ ʼνθάδε -βωμοῖς παρίστατʼ, Ἰφιγένειʼ, ἔξω χθονὸς -σὺν τοῖς ξένοισιν οἴχεται, σεμνὸν θεᾶς -ἄγαλμʼ ἔχουσα· δόλια δʼ ἦν καθάρματα. - - -Θόας -πῶς φῄς; τί πνεῦμα συμφορᾶς κεκτημένη; - - -Ἄγγελος -σῴζουσʼ Ὀρέστην· τοῦτο γὰρ σὺ θαυμάσῃ. - - -Θόας -τὸν ποῖον; ἆρʼ ὃν Τυνδαρὶς τίκτει κόρη; - - -Ἄγγελος -ὃν τοῖσδε βωμοῖς θεὰ καθωσιώσατο. - - -Θόας -ὦ θαῦμα — πῶς σε μεῖζον ὀνομάσας τύχω; - - -Ἄγγελος -μὴ ʼνταῦθα τρέψῃς σὴν φρένʼ, ἀλλʼ ἄκουέ μου· -σαφῶς δʼ ἀθρήσας καὶ κλύων ἐκφρόντισον -διωγμὸς ὅστις τοὺς ξένους θηράσεται. - - -Θόας -λέγʼ· εὖ γὰρ εἶπας· οὐ γὰρ ἀγχίπλουν πόρον -φεύγουσιν, ὥστε διαφυγεῖν τοὐμὸν δόρυ. - - - -Ἄγγελος -ἐπεὶ πρὸς ἀκτὰς ἤλθομεν θαλασσίας, -οὗ ναῦς Ὀρέστου κρύφιος ἦν ὡρμισμένη, -ἡμᾶς μέν, οὓς σὺ δεσμὰ συμπέμπεις ξένων -ἔχοντας, ἐξένευσʼ ἀποστῆναι πρόσω -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, ὡς ἀπόρρητον φλόγα -θύουσα καὶ καθαρμὸν ὃν μετῴχετο, -αὐτὴ δʼ ὄπισθε δέσμʼ ἔχουσα τοῖν ξένοιν -ἔστειχε χερσί. καὶ τάδʼ ἦν ὕποπτα μέν, -ἤρεσκε μέντοι σοῖσι προσπόλοις, ἄναξ. -χρόνῳ δʼ, ἵνʼ ἡμῖν δρᾶν τι δὴ δοκοῖ πλέον, -ἀνωλόλυξε καὶ κατῇδε βάρβαρα -μέλη μαγεύουσʼ, ὡς φόνον νίζουσα δή. -ἐπεὶ δὲ δαρὸν ἦμεν ἥμενοι χρόνον, -ἐσῆλθεν ἡμᾶς μὴ λυθέντες οἱ ξένοι -κτάνοιεν αὐτὴν δραπέται τʼ οἰχοίατο. -φόβῳ δʼ ἃ μὴ χρῆν εἰσορᾶν καθήμεθα -σιγῇ· τέλος δὲ πᾶσιν ἦν αὑτὸς λόγος -στείχειν ἵνʼ ἦσαν, καίπερ οὐκ ἐωμένοις. - -κἀνταῦθʼ ὁρῶμεν Ἑλλάδος νεὼς σκάφος -ταρσῷ κατήρει πίτυλον ἐπτερωμένον, -ναύτας τε πεντήκοντʼ ἐπὶ σκαλμῶν πλάτας -ἔχοντας, ἐκ δεσμῶν δὲ τοὺς νεανίας -ἐλευθέρους πρύμνηθεν ἑστῶτας νεώς. -κοντοῖς δὲ πρῷραν εἶχον, οἳ δʼ ἐπωτίδων -ἄγκυραν ἐξανῆπτον· οἳ δέ, κλίμακας -σπεύδοντες, ἦγον διὰ χερῶν πρυμνήσια, -πόντῳ δὲ δόντες τοῖν ξένοιν καθίεσαν. -ἡμεῖς δʼ ἀφειδήσαντες, ὡς ἐσείδομεν -δόλια τεχνήματʼ, εἰχόμεσθα τῆς ξένης -πρυμνησίων τε, καὶ διʼ εὐθυντηρίας -οἴακας ἐξῃροῦμεν εὐπρύμνου νεώς. -λόγοι δʼ ἐχώρουν· Τίνι λόγῳ πορθμεύετε -κλέπτοντες ἐκ γῆς ξόανα καὶ θυηπόλους; -τίνος τίς ὢν σὺ τήνδʼ ἀπεμπολᾷς χθονός; -ὁ δʼ εἶπʼ· Ὀρέστης, τῆσδʼ ὅμαιμος, ὡς μάθῃς, -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, τήνδʼ ἐμὴν κομίζομαι -λαβὼν ἀδελφήν, ἣν ἀπώλεσʼ ἐκ δόμων. - - -ἀλλʼ οὐδὲν ἧσσον εἰχόμεσθα τῆς ξένης -καὶ πρὸς σὲ ἕπεσθαι διεβιαζόμεσθά νιν· -ὅθεν τὰ δεινὰ πλήγματʼ ἦν γενειάδων. -κεῖνοί τε γὰρ σίδηρον οὐκ εἶχον χεροῖν -ἡμεῖς τε· πυγμαί τʼ ἦσαν ἐγκροτούμεναι, -καὶ κῶλʼ ἀπʼ ἀμφοῖν τοῖν νεανίαιν ἅμα -ἐς πλευρὰ καὶ πρὸς ἧπαρ ἠκοντίζετο, -ὡς τῷ ξυνάπτειν καὶ συναποκαμεῖν μέλη. -δεινοῖς δὲ σημάντροισιν ἐσφραγισμένοι -ἐφεύγομεν πρὸς κρημνόν, οἳ μὲν ἐν κάρᾳ -κάθαιμʼ ἔχοντες τραύμαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἐν ὄμμασιν· -ὄχθοις δʼ ἐπισταθέντες εὐλαβεστέρως -ἐμαρνάμεσθα καὶ πέτρους ἐβάλλομεν. -ἀλλʼ εἶργον ἡμᾶς τοξόται πρύμνης ἔπι -σταθέντες ἰοῖς, ὥστʼ ἀναστεῖλαι πρόσω. -κἀν τῷδε — δεινὸς γὰρ κλύδων ὤκειλε ναῦν -πρὸς γῆν, φόβος δʼ ἦν παρθένῳ τέγξαι πόδα — -λαβὼν Ὀρέστης ὦμον εἰς ἀριστερόν, -βὰς ἐς θάλασσαν κἀπὶ κλίμακος θορών, -ἔθηκʼ ἀδελφὴν ἐντὸς εὐσήμου νεώς, -τό τʼ οὐρανοῦ πέσημα, τῆς Διὸς κόρης -ἄγαλμα. ναὸς δʼ ἐκ μέσης ἐφθέγξατο -βοή τις· ὦ γῆς Ἑλλάδος ναῦται, νεὼς -λάβεσθε κώπαις ῥόθιά τʼ ἐκλευκαίνετε· -ἔχομεν γὰρ ὧνπερ οὕνεκʼ ἄξενον πόρον -Συμπληγάδων ἔσωθεν εἰσεπλεύσαμεν. - - -οἳ δὲ στεναγμὸν ἡδὺν ἐκβρυχώμενοι -ἔπαισαν ἅλμην. ναῦς δʼ, ἕως μὲν ἐντὸς ἦν -λιμένος, ἐχώρει στόμια, διαπερῶσα δὲ -λάβρῳ κλύδωνι συμπεσοῦσʼ ἠπείγετο· -δεινὸς γὰρ ἐλθὼν ἄνεμος ἐξαίφνης νεὼς -ὠθεῖ παλίμπρυμνʼ ἱστίʼ· οἳ δʼ ἐκαρτέρουν -πρὸς κῦμα λακτίζοντες· ἐς δὲ γῆν πάλιν -κλύδων παλίρρους ἦγε ναῦν. σταθεῖσα δὲ -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς ηὔξατʼ· ὦ Λητοῦς κόρη -σῷσόν με τὴν σὴν ἱερέαν πρὸς Ἑλλάδα -ἐκ βαρβάρου γῆς καὶ κλοπαῖς σύγγνωθʼ ἐμαῖς. -φιλεῖς δὲ καὶ σὺ σὸν κασίγνητον, θεά· -φιλεῖν δὲ κἀμὲ τοὺς ὁμαίμονας δόκει. -ναῦται δʼ ἐπευφήμησαν εὐχαῖσιν κόρης -παιᾶνα, γυμνὰς ἐκ πέπλων ἐπωμίδας -κώπῃ προσαρμόσαντες ἐκ κελεύσματος. -μᾶλλον δὲ μᾶλλον πρὸς πέτρας ᾔει σκάφος· -χὣ μέν τις ἐς θάλασσαν ὡρμήθη ποσίν, -ἄλλος δὲ πλεκτὰς ἐξανῆπτεν ἀγκύλας. -κἀγὼ μὲν εὐθὺς πρὸς σὲ δεῦρʼ ἀπεστάλην, -σοὶ τὰς ἐκεῖθεν σημανῶν, ἄναξ, τύχας. -ἀλλʼ ἕρπε, δεσμὰ καὶ βρόχους λαβὼν χεροῖν· -εἰ μὴ γὰρ οἶδμα νήνεμον γενήσεται, -οὐκ ἔστιν ἐλπὶς τοῖς ξένοις σωτηρίας. -πόντου δʼ ἀνάκτωρ Ἴλιόν τʼ ἐπισκοπεῖ -σεμνὸς Ποσειδῶν, Πελοπίδαις ἐναντίος, -καὶ νῦν παρέξει τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος γόνον -σοὶ καὶ πολίταις, ὡς ἔοικεν, ἐν χεροῖν -λαβεῖν, ἀδελφήν θʼ, ἣ φόνον τὸν Αὐλίδι -ἀμνημόνευτον θεᾷ προδοῦσʼ ἁλίσκεται. - - -Χορός -ὦ τλῆμον Ἰφιγένεια, συγγόνου μέτα -θανῇ πάλιν μολοῦσα δεσποτῶν χέρας. - - -Θόας -ὦ πάντες ἀστοὶ τῆσδε βαρβάρου χθονός, -οὐκ εἶα πώλοις ἐμβαλόντες ἡνίας -παράκτιοι δραμεῖσθε κἀκβολὰς νεὼς -Ἑλληνίδος δέξεσθε, σὺν δὲ τῇ θεῷ -σπεύδοντες ἄνδρας δυσσεβεῖς θηράσετε, -οἳ δʼ ὠκυπομποὺς ἕλξετʼ ἐς πόντον πλάτας; -ὡς ἐκ θαλάσσης ἔκ τε γῆς ἱππεύμασι -λαβόντες αὐτοὺς ἢ κατὰ στύφλου πέτρας -ῥίψωμεν, ἢ σκόλοψι πήξωμεν δέμας. - -ὑμᾶς δὲ τὰς τῶνδʼ ἴστορας βουλευμάτων, -γυναῖκες, αὖθις, ἡνίκʼ ἂν σχολὴν λάβω, -ποινασόμεσθα· νῦν δὲ τὴν προκειμένην -σπουδὴν ἔχοντες οὐ μενοῦμεν ἥσυχοι. - - - -Ἀθήνα -ποῖ ποῖ διωγμὸν τόνδε πορθμεύεις, ἄναξ -Θόας; ἄκουσον τῆσδʼ Ἀθηναίας λόγους. -παῦσαι διώκων ῥεῦμά τʼ ἐξορμῶν στρατοῦ· -πεπρωμένος γὰρ θεσφάτοισι Λοξίου -δεῦρʼ ἦλθʼ Ὀρέστης, τόν τʼ Ἐρινύων χόλον -φεύγων ἀδελφῆς τʼ Ἄργος ἐσπέμψων δέμας -ἄγαλμά θʼ ἱερὸν εἰς ἐμὴν ἄξων χθόνα, -τῶν νῦν παρόντων πημάτων ἀναψυχάς. -πρὸς μὲν σὲ ὅδʼ ἡμῖν μῦθος· ὃν δʼ ἀποκτενεῖν -δοκεῖς Ὀρέστην ποντίῳ λαβὼν σάλῳ, -ἤδη Ποσειδῶν χάριν ἐμὴν ἀκύμονα -πόντου τίθησι νῶτα πορθμεύειν πλάτῃ. - -μαθὼν δʼ, Ὀρέστα, τὰς ἐμὰς ἐπιστολάς — -κλύεις γὰρ αὐδὴν καίπερ οὐ παρὼν θεᾶς — -χώρει λαβὼν ἄγαλμα σύγγονόν τε σήν. -ὅταν δʼ Ἀθήνας τὰς θεοδμήτους μόλῃς, -χῶρός τις ἔστιν Ἀτθίδος πρὸς ἐσχάτοις -ὅροισι, γείτων δειράδος Καρυστίας, -ἱερός, Ἁλάς νιν οὑμὸς ὀνομάζει λεώς· -ἐνταῦθα τεύξας ναὸν ἵδρυσαι βρέτας, -ἐπώνυμον γῆς Ταυρικῆς πόνων τε σῶν, -οὓς ἐξεμόχθεις περιπολῶν καθʼ Ἑλλάδα -οἴστροις Ἐρινύων. Ἄρτεμιν δέ νιν βροτοὶ -τὸ λοιπὸν ὑμνήσουσι Ταυροπόλον θεάν. -νόμον τε θὲς τόνδʼ· ὅταν ἑορτάζῃ λεώς, -τῆς σῆς σφαγῆς ἄποινʼ ἐπισχέτω ξίφος -δέρῃ πρὸς ἀνδρὸς αἷμά τʼ ἐξανιέτω, -ὁσίας ἕκατι θεά θʼ ὅπως τιμὰς ἔχῃ. -σὲ δʼ ἀμφὶ σεμνάς, Ἰφιγένεια, κλίμακας -Βραυρωνίας δεῖ τῇδε κλῃδουχεῖν θεᾷ· -οὗ καὶ τεθάψῃ κατθανοῦσα, καὶ πέπλων -ἄγαλμά σοι θήσουσιν εὐπήνους ὑφάς, -ἃς ἂν γυναῖκες ἐν τόκοις ψυχορραγεῖς -λίπωσʼ ἐν οἴκοις. τάσδε δʼ ἐκπέμπειν χθονὸς -Ἑλληνίδας γυναῖκας ἐξεφίεμαι -γνώμης δικαίας οὕνεκʼ - - - - - -ἐκσῴσασα δὲ -καὶ πρίν σʼ Ἀρείοις ἐν πάγοις ψήφους ἴσας -κρίνασʼ, Ὀρέστα· καὶ νόμισμʼ ἔσται τόδε, -νικᾶν ἰσήρεις ὅστις ἂν ψήφους λάβῃ. -ἀλλʼ ἐκκομίζου σὴν κασιγνήτην χθονός, -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖ. — καὶ σὺ μὴ θυμοῦ, Θόας. - - - -Θόας -ἄνασσʼ Ἀθάνα, τοῖσι τῶν θεῶν λόγοις -ὅστις κλύων ἄπιστος, οὐκ ὀρθῶς φρονεῖ. -ἐγὼ δʼ Ὀρέστῃ τʼ, εἰ φέρων βρέτας θεᾶς -βέβηκʼ, ἀδελφῇ τʼ οὐχὶ θυμοῦμαι· τί γὰρ -πρὸς τοὺς σθένοντας θεοὺς ἁμιλλᾶσθαι καλόν; -ἴτωσαν ἐς σὴν σὺν θεᾶς ἀγάλματι -γαῖαν, καθιδρύσαιντό τʼ εὐτυχῶς βρέτας. -πέμψω δὲ καὶ τάσδʼ Ἑλλάδʼ εἰς εὐδαίμονα -γυναῖκας, ὥσπερ σὸν κέλευσμʼ ἐφίεται. -παύσω δὲ λόγχην ἣν ἐπαίρομαι ξένοις -ναῶν τʼ ἐρετμά, σοὶ τάδʼ ὡς δοκεῖ, θεά. - - -Ἀθήνα -αἰνῶ· τὸ γὰρ χρεὼν σοῦ τε καὶ θεῶν κρατεῖ. - -ἴτʼ, ὦ πνοαί, ναυσθλοῦσθε τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος -παῖδʼ εἰς Ἀθήνας· συμπορεύσομαι δʼ ἐγὼ -σῴζουσʼ ἀδελφῆς τῆς ἐμῆς σεμνὸν βρέτας. - - - - -Χορός -ἴτʼ ἐπʼ εὐτυχίᾳ τῆς σῳζομένης -μοίρας εὐδαίμονες ὄντες. - -ἀλλʼ, ὦ σεμνὴ παρά τʼ ἀθανάτοις -καὶ παρὰ θνητοῖς, Παλλὰς Ἀθάνα, -δράσομεν οὕτως ὡς σὺ κελεύεις. -μάλα γὰρ τερπνὴν κἀνέλπιστον -φήμην ἀκοαῖσι δέδεγμαι. -— — — - -ὦ μέγα σεμνὴ Νίκη, τὸν ἐμὸν -βίοτον κατέχοις -καὶ μὴ λήγοις στεφανοῦσα. - - - - - - diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-grc2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..814b82f1f --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg013/tlg0006.tlg013.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,2567 @@ + + + + + Ἰφιγένεια ἐν Ταύροις +Machine readable text +Euripides +Gilbert Murray +Perseus Project, Tufts University +Gregory Crane + +Prepared under the supervision of +Lisa Cerrato +William Merrill +Elli Mylonas +David Smith + +The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + +Trustees of Tufts University +Medford, MA +Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + Euripidis Fabulae + Gilbert Murray + + Oxford + Clarendon Press + 1913 + + 2 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + + + + +

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+ + + + Greek + + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + tagging now should be compatible with CTS + Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. + adding rend=displayNum to lb tags + more refinements making these files SDL compatible + our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp + bring up to P3 + Added speaker tags where needed. + lc speaker names, remove caps, check tagging + Basic SGML tagging + +
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+ + + +Ἰφιγένεια +Πέλοψ ὁ Ταντάλειος ἐς Πῖσαν μολὼν +θοαῖσιν ἵπποις Οἰνομάου γαμεῖ κόρην, +ἐξ ἧς Ἀτρεὺς ἔβλαστεν· Ἀτρέως δὲ παῖς +Μενέλαος Ἀγαμέμνων τε· τοῦ δʼ ἔφυν ἐγώ +τῆς Τυνδαρείας θυγατρὸς Ἰφιγένεια παῖς, +ἣν ἀμφὶ δίναις ἃς θάμʼ Εὔριπος πυκναῖς +αὔραις ἑλίσσων κυανέαν ἅλα στρέφει, +ἔσφαξεν Ἑλένης οὕνεχʼ, ὡς δοκεῖ, πατὴρ +Ἀρτέμιδι κλειναῖς ἐν πτυχαῖσιν Αὐλίδος. +ἐνταῦθα γὰρ δὴ χιλίων ναῶν στόλον +Ἑλληνικὸν συνήγαγʼ Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ, +τὸν καλλίνικον στέφανον Ἰλίου θέλων +λαβεῖν Ἀχαιοῖς τούς θʼ ὑβρισθέντας γάμους +Ἑλένης μετελθεῖν, Μενέλεῳ χάριν φέρων. +δεινῆς δʼ ἀπλοίας πνευμάτων τε τυγχάνων, +ἐς ἔμπυρʼ ἦλθε, καὶ λέγει Κάλχας τάδε· +ὦ τῆσδʼ ἀνάσσων Ἑλλάδος στρατηγίας, +Ἀγάμεμνον, οὐ μὴ ναῦς ἀφορμίσῃ χθονός, +πρὶν ἂν κόρην σὴν Ἰφιγένειαν Ἄρτεμις +λάβῃ σφαγεῖσαν· ὅ τι γὰρ ἐνιαυτὸς τέκοι +κάλλιστον, ηὔξω φωσφόρῳ θύσειν θεᾷ. +παῖδʼ οὖν ἐν οἴκοις σὴ Κλυταιμήστρα δάμαρ +τίκτει — τὸ καλλιστεῖον εἰς ἔμʼ ἀναφέρων — +ἣν χρή σε θῦσαι. καί μʼ Ὀδυσσέως τέχναις +μητρὸς παρείλοντʼ ἐπὶ γάμοις Ἀχιλλέως. +ἐλθοῦσα δʼ Αὐλίδʼ ἡ τάλαινʼ ὑπὲρ πυρᾶς +μεταρσία ληφθεῖσʼ ἐκαινόμην ξίφει· +ἀλλʼ ἐξέκλεψεν ἔλαφον ἀντιδοῦσά μου +Ἄρτεμις Ἀχαιοῖς, διὰ δὲ λαμπρὸν αἰθέρα +πέμψασά μʼ ἐς τήνδʼ ᾤκισεν Ταύρων χθόνα, +οὗ γῆς ἀνάσσει βαρβάροισι βάρβαρος +Θόας, ὃς ὠκὺν πόδα τιθεὶς ἴσον πτεροῖς +ἐς τοὔνομʼ ἦλθε τόδε ποδωκείας χάριν. +ναοῖσι δʼ ἐν τοῖσδʼ ἱερέαν τίθησί με· +ὅθεν νόμοισι τοῖσιν ἥδεται θεὰ +Ἄρτεμις, ἑορτῆς, τοὔνομʼ ἧς καλὸν μόνον — +τὰ δʼ ἄλλα σιγῶ, τὴν θεὸν φοβουμένη — +θύω γὰρ ὄντος τοῦ νόμου καὶ πρὶν πόλει, +ὃς ἂν κατέλθῃ τήνδε γῆν Ἕλλην ἀνήρ. +κατάρχομαι μέν, σφάγια δʼ ἄλλοισιν μέλει +ἄρρητʼ ἔσωθεν τῶνδʼ ἀνακτόρων θεᾶς. + + ἃ καινὰ δʼ ἥκει νὺξ φέρουσα φάσματα, +λέξω πρὸς αἰθέρʼ, εἴ τι δὴ τόδʼ ἔστʼ ἄκος. +ἔδοξʼ ἐν ὕπνῳ τῆσδʼ ἀπαλλαχθεῖσα γῆς +οἰκεῖν ἐν Ἄργει, παρθένοισι δʼ ἐν μέσαις +εὕδειν, χθονὸς δὲ νῶτα σεισθῆναι σάλῳ, +φεύγειν δὲ κἄξω στᾶσα θριγκὸν εἰσιδεῖν +δόμων πίτνοντα, πᾶν δʼ ἐρείψιμον στέγος +βεβλημένον πρὸς οὖδας ἐξ ἄκρων σταθμῶν. +μόνος λελεῖφθαι στῦλος εἷς ἔδοξέ μοι +δόμων πατρῴων, ἐκ δʼ ἐπικράνων κόμας +ξανθὰς καθεῖναι, φθέγμα δʼ ἀνθρώπου λαβεῖν, +κἀγὼ τέχνην τήνδʼ ἣν ἔχω ξενοκτόνον +τιμῶσʼ ὑδραίνειν αὐτὸν ὡς θανούμενον, +κλαίουσα. τοὔναρ δʼ ὧδε συμβάλλω τόδε· +τέθνηκʼ Ὀρέστης, οὗ κατηρξάμην ἐγώ. +στῦλοι γὰρ οἴκων παῖδές εἰσιν ἄρσενες· +θνῄσκουσι δʼ οὓς ἂν χέρνιβες βάλωσʼ ἐμαί. +οὐδʼ αὖ συνάψαι τοὔναρ ἐς φίλους ἔχω· +Στροφίῳ γὰρ οὐκ ἦν παῖς, ὅτʼ ὠλλύμην ἐγώ. +νῦν οὖν ἀδελφῷ βούλομαι δοῦναι χοὰς +παροῦσʼ ἀπόντι — ταῦτα γὰρ δυναίμεθʼ ἄν — +σὺν προσπόλοισιν, ἃς ἔδωχʼ ἡμῖν ἄναξ +Ἑλληνίδας γυναῖκας. ἀλλʼ ἐξ αἰτίας +οὔπω τίνος πάρεισιν; εἶμʼ ἔσω δόμων +ἐν οἷσι ναίω τῶνδʼ ἀνακτόρων θεᾶς. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὅρα, φυλάσσου μή τις ἐν στίβῳ βροτῶν. + +Πυλάδης +ὁρῶ, σκοποῦμαι δʼ ὄμμα πανταχῆ στρέφων. + +Ὀρέστης +Πυλάδη, δοκεῖ σοι μέλαθρα ταῦτʼ εἶναι θεᾶς +ἔνθʼ Ἀργόθεν ναῦν ποντίαν ἐστείλαμεν; + +Πυλάδης +ἔμοιγʼ, Ὀρέστα· σοὶ δὲ συνδοκεῖν χρεών. + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ βωμός, Ἕλλην οὗ καταστάζει φόνος; + +Πυλάδης +ἐξ αἱμάτων γοῦν ξάνθʼ ἔχει τριχώματα. + +Ὀρέστης +θριγκοῖς δʼ ὑπʼ αὐτοῖς σκῦλʼ ὁρᾷς ἠρτημένα; + +Πυλάδης +τῶν κατθανόντων γʼ ἀκροθίνια ξένων. +ἀλλʼ ἐγκυκλοῦντʼ ὀφθαλμὸν εὖ σκοπεῖν χρεών. + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ Φοῖβε, ποῖ μʼ αὖ τήνδʼ ἐς ἄρκυν ἤγαγες +χρήσας, ἐπειδὴ πατρὸς αἷμʼ ἐτεισάμην, +μητέρα κατακτάς, διαδοχαῖς δʼ Ἐρινύων +ἠλαυνόμεσθα φυγάδες ἔξεδροι χθονὸς +δρόμους τε πολλοὺς ἐξέπλησα καμπίμους, +ἐλθὼν δέ σʼ ἠρώτησα πῶς τροχηλάτου +μανίας ἂν ἔλθοιμʼ ἐς τέλος πόνων τʼ ἐμῶν, +οὓς ἐξεμόχθουν περιπολῶν καθʼ Ἑλλάδα — +σὺ δʼ εἶπας ἐλθεῖν Ταυρικῆς μʼ ὅρους χθονός, +ἔνθʼ Ἄρτεμίς σοι σύγγονος βωμοὺς ἔχοι, +λαβεῖν τʼ ἄγαλμα θεᾶς, ὅ φασιν ἐνθάδε +ἐς τούσδε ναοὺς οὐρανοῦ πεσεῖν ἄπο· +λαβόντα δʼ ἢ τέχναισιν ἢ τύχῃ τινί, +κίνδυνον ἐκπλήσαντʼ, Ἀθηναίων χθονὶ +δοῦναι — τὸ δʼ ἐνθένδʼ οὐδὲν ἐρρήθη πέρα — +καὶ ταῦτα δράσαντʼ ἀμπνοὰς ἕξειν πόνων. + +ἥκω δὲ πεισθεὶς σοῖς λόγοισιν ἐνθάδε +ἄγνωστον ἐς γῆν, ἄξενον. σὲ δʼ ἱστορῶ, +Πυλάδη — σὺ γάρ μοι τοῦδε συλλήπτωρ πόνου — +τί δρῶμεν; ἀμφίβληστρα γὰρ τοίχων ὁρᾷς +ὑψηλά· πότερα δωμάτων προσαμβάσεις +ἐκβησόμεσθα; πῶς ἂν οὖν λάθοιμεν ἄν; +ἢ χαλκότευκτα κλῇθρα λύσαντες μοχλοῖς — +ὧν οὐδὲν ἴσμεν; ἢν δʼ ἀνοίγοντες πύλας +ληφθῶμεν ἐσβάσεις τε μηχανώμενοι, +θανούμεθʼ. ἀλλὰ πρὶν θανεῖν, νεὼς ἔπι +φεύγωμεν, ᾗπερ δεῦρʼ ἐναυστολήσαμεν. + +Πυλάδης +φεύγειν μὲν οὐκ ἀνεκτὸν οὐδʼ εἰώθαμεν, +τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ δὲ χρησμὸν οὐ κακιστέον· +ναοῦ δʼ ἀπαλλαχθέντε κρύψωμεν δέμας +κατʼ ἄντρʼ ἃ πόντος νοτίδι διακλύζει μέλας — +νεὼς ἄπωθεν, μή τις εἰσιδὼν σκάφος +βασιλεῦσιν εἴπῃ κᾆτα ληφθῶμεν βίᾳ. +ὅταν δὲ νυκτὸς ὄμμα λυγαίας μόλῃ, +τολμητέον τοι ξεστὸν ἐκ ναοῦ λαβεῖν +ἄγαλμα πάσας προσφέροντε μηχανάς. +ὅρα δέ γʼ εἴσω τριγλύφων ὅποι κενὸν +δέμας καθεῖναι· τοὺς πόνους γὰρ ἁγαθοὶ +τολμῶσι, δειλοὶ δʼ εἰσὶν οὐδὲν οὐδαμοῦ. + +Ὀρέστης +οὔ τοι μακρὸν μὲν ἤλθομεν κώπῃ πόρον, +ἐκ τερμάτων δὲ νόστον ἀροῦμεν πάλιν. +ἀλλʼ εὖ γὰρ εἶπας, πειστέον· χωρεῖν χρεὼν +ὅποι χθονὸς κρύψαντε λήσομεν δέμας. +οὐ γὰρ τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ γʼ αἴτιον γενήσεται +πεσεῖν ἄχρηστον θέσφατον· τολμητέον· +μόχθος γὰρ οὐδεὶς τοῖς νέοις σκῆψιν φέρει. +
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+Χορός +εὐφαμεῖτʼ, ὦ +πόντου δισσὰς συγχωρούσας +πέτρας Ἀξείνου ναίοντες. +ὦ παῖ τᾶς Λατοῦς, +Δίκτυννʼ οὐρεία, +πρὸς σὰν αὐλάν, εὐστύλων +ναῶν χρυσήρεις θριγκούς, +πόδα παρθένιον ὅσιον ὁσίας +κλῃδούχου δούλα πέμπω, +Ἑλλάδος εὐίππου πύργους +καὶ τείχη χόρτων τʼ εὐδένδρων +ἐξαλλάξασʼ Εὐρώπαν, +πατρῴων οἴκων ἕδρας. +ἔμολον· τί νέον; τίνα φροντίδʼ ἔχεις; +τί με πρὸς ναοὺς ἄγαγες ἄγαγες, +ὦ παῖ τοῦ τᾶς Τροίας πύργους +ἐλθόντος κλεινᾷ σὺν κώπᾳ +χιλιοναύτα +μυριοτευχοῦς Ἀτρείδα; τῶν κλεινῶν; + + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἰὼ δμωαί, +δυσθρηνήτοις ὡς θρήνοις +ἔγκειμαι, τᾶς οὐκ εὐμούσου +μολπᾶς βοὰν ἀλύροις ἐλέγοις, αἰαῖ, +αἰαῖ, κηδείοις οἴκτοισιν· +αἵ μοι συμβαίνουσʼ ἆται, +σύγγονον ἁμὸν κατακλαιομένα +ζωᾶς, οἵαν οἵαν ἰδόμαν +ὄψιν ὀνείρων +νυκτός, τᾶς ἐξῆλθʼ ὄρφνα. +ὀλόμαν ὀλόμαν· +οὐκ εἴσʼ οἶκοι πατρῷοι· +οἴμοι μοι φροῦδος γέννα. +φεῦ φεῦ τῶν Ἄργει μόχθων. +ἰὼ δαῖμον, +μόνον ὅς με κασίγνητον συλᾷς +Ἀίδᾳ πέμψας, ᾧ τάσδε χοὰς +μέλλω κρατῆρά τε τὸν φθιμένων +ὑδραίνειν γαίας ἐν νώτοις +πηγάς τʼ οὐρείων ἐκ μόσχων +Βάκχου τʼ οἰνηρὰς λοιβὰς +ξουθᾶν τε πόνημα μελισσᾶν, +ἃ νεκροῖς θελκτήρια κεῖται. +ἀλλʼ ἔνδος μοι πάγχρυσον +τεῦχος καὶ λοιβὰν Ἅιδα. +ὦ κατὰ γαίας Ἀγαμεμνόνιον +θάλος, ὡς φθιμένῳ τάδε σοι πέμπω· +δέξαι δʼ· οὐ γὰρ πρὸς τύμβον σοι +ξανθὰν χαίταν, οὐ δάκρυʼ οἴσω. +τηλόσε γὰρ δὴ σᾶς ἀπενάσθην +πατρίδος καὶ ἐμᾶς, ἔνθα δοκήμασι +κεῖμαι σφαχθεῖσʼ ἁ τλάμων. + + + +Χορός +ἀντιψάλμους ᾠδὰς ὕμνων τʼ +Ἀσιητᾶν σοι βάρβαρον ἀχὰν +δεσποίνᾳ γʼ ἐξαυδάσω, +τὰν ἐν θρήνοισιν μοῦσαν +νέκυσι μελομέναν, τὰν ἐν μολπαῖς +Ἅιδας ὑμνεῖ δίχα παιάνων. +οἴμοι, τῶν Ἀτρειδᾶν οἴκων· +ἔρρει φῶς σκήπτρων, οἴμοι, +πατρῴων οἴκων. +ἦν ἐκ τῶν εὐόλβων Ἄργει +βασιλέων ἀρχά, +μόχθος δʼ ἐκ μόχθων ᾄσσει· +δινευούσαις ἵπποισι ῥιφαὶ +Πέλοπος πταναῖς· ἀλλάξας δʼ ἐξ +ἕδρας ἱερὸν ἱερὸν ὄμμʼ αὐγᾶς +ἅλιος. ἄλλαις δʼ ἄλλα προσέβα +χρυσέας ἀρνὸς μελάθροις ὀδύνα, +φόνος ἐπὶ φόνῳ, ἄχεα ἄχεσιν +ἔνθεν τῶν πρόσθεν δμαθέντων +Τανταλιδᾶν ἐκβαίνει ποινά γʼ +εἰς οἴκους, σπεύδει δʼ ἀσπούδαστʼ +ἐπὶ σοὶ δαίμων. + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἐξ ἀρχᾶς μοι δυσδαίμων +δαίμων τᾶς ματρὸς ζώνας +καὶ νυκτὸς κείνας· ἐξ ἀρχᾶς +λόχιαι στερρὰν παιδείαν +Μοῖραι ξυντείνουσιν θεαί, +τᾷ μναστευθείσᾳ ʼξ Ἑλλάνων, +ἃν πρωτόγονον θάλος ἐν θαλάμοις +Λήδας ἁ τλάμων κούρα +σφάγιον πατρῴᾳ λώβᾳ +καὶ θῦμʼ οὐκ εὐγάθητον +ἔτεκεν, ἔτρεφεν εὐκταίαν· +ἱππείοις δʼ ἐν δίφροισι +ψαμάθων Αὐλίδος ἐπέβασαν +νύμφαιον, οἴμοι, δύσνυμφον +τῷ τᾶς Νηρέως κούρας, αἰαῖ. +νῦν δʼ ἀξείνου πόντου ξείνα +δυσχόρτους οἴκους ναίω, +ἄγαμος ἄτεκνος ἄπολις ἄφιλος, +οὐ τὰν Ἄργει μέλπουσʼ Ἥραν +οὐδʼ ἱστοῖς ἐν καλλιφθόγγοις +κερκίδι Παλλάδος Ἀτθίδος εἰκὼ + +καὶ Τιτάνων ποικίλλουσʼ, ἀλλʼ +αἱμόρραντον δυσφόρμιγγα +ξείνων αἱμάσσουσʼ ἄταν βωμούς, +οἰκτράν τʼ αἰαζόντων αὐδὰν +οἰκτρόν τʼ ἐκβαλλόντων δάκρυον. +καὶ νῦν κείνων μέν μοι λάθα, +τὸν δʼ Ἄργει δμαθέντα κλαίω +σύγγονον, ὃν ἔλιπον ἐπιμαστίδιον, +ἔτι βρέφος, ἔτι νέον, ἔτι θάλος +ἐν χερσὶν ματρὸς πρὸς στέρνοις τʼ +Ἄργει σκηπτοῦχον Ὀρέσταν. +
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+Χορός +καὶ μὴν ὅδʼ ἀκτὰς ἐκλιπὼν θαλασσίους +βουφορβὸς ἥκει σημανῶν τί σοι νέον. + +Βουκόλος +Ἀγαμέμνονός τε καὶ Κλυταιμήστρας τέκνον, +ἄκουε καινῶν ἐξ ἐμοῦ κηρυγμάτων. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τί δʼ ἔστι τοῦ παρόντος ἐκπλῆσσον λόγου; + +Βουκόλος +ἥκουσιν ἐς γῆν, κυανέαν Συμπληγάδα +πλάτῃ φυγόντες, δίπτυχοι νεανίαι, +θεᾷ φίλον πρόσφαγμα καὶ θυτήριον +Ἀρτέμιδι. χέρνιβας δὲ καὶ κατάργματα +οὐκ ἂν φθάνοις ἂν εὐτρεπῆ ποιουμένη. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ποδαποί; τίνος γῆς σχῆμʼ ἔχουσιν οἱ ξένοι; + +Βουκόλος +Ἕλληνες· ἓν τοῦτʼ οἶδα κοὐ περαιτέρω. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὐδʼ ὄνομʼ ἀκούσας οἶσθα τῶν ξένων φράσαι; + +Βουκόλος +Πυλάδης ἐκλῄζεθʼ ἅτερος πρὸς θατέρου. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τοῦ ξυζύγου δὲ τοῦ ξένου τί τοὔνομʼ ἦν; + +Βουκόλος +οὐδεὶς τόδʼ οἶδεν· οὐ γὰρ εἰσηκούσαμεν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +πῶς δʼ εἴδετʼ αὐτοὺς κἀντυχόντες εἵλετε; + +Βουκόλος +ἄκραις ἐπὶ ῥηγμῖσιν ἀξένου πόρου — + +Ἰφιγένεια +καὶ τίς θαλάσσης βουκόλοις κοινωνία; + +Βουκόλος +βοῦς ἤλθομεν νίψοντες ἐναλίᾳ δρόσῳ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἐκεῖσε δὴ ʼπάνελθε, πῶς νιν εἵλετε +τρόπῳ θʼ ὁποίῳ· τοῦτο γὰρ μαθεῖν θέλω. +χρόνιοι γὰρ ἥκουσʼ· οὐδέ πω βωμὸς θεᾶς +Ἑλληνικαῖσιν ἐξεφοινίχθη ῥοαῖς. + + + +Βουκόλος +ἐπεὶ τὸν ἐσρέοντα διὰ Συμπληγάδων +βοῦς ὑλοφορβοὺς πόντον εἰσεβάλλομεν, +ἦν τις διαρρὼξ κυμάτων πολλῷ σάλῳ +κοιλωπὸς ἀγμός, πορφυρευτικαὶ στέγαι. +ἐνταῦθα δισσοὺς εἶδέ τις νεανίας +βουφορβὸς ἡμῶν, κἀπεχώρησεν πάλιν +ἄκροισι δακτύλοισι πορθμεύων ἴχνος. +ἔλεξε δʼ· Οὐχ ὁρᾶτε; δαίμονές τινες +θάσσουσιν οἵδε. — θεοσεβὴς δʼ ἡμῶν τις ὢν +ἀνέσχε χεῖρα καὶ προσηύξατʼ εἰσιδών· +ὦ ποντίας παῖ Λευκοθέας, νεῶν φύλαξ, +δέσποτα Παλαῖμον, ἵλεως ἡμῖν γενοῦ, +εἴτʼ οὖν ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς θάσσετον Διοσκόρω, +ἢ Νηρέως ἀγάλμαθʼ, ὃς τὸν εὐγενῆ +ἔτικτε πεντήκοντα Νηρῄδων χορόν. + ἄλλος δέ τις μάταιος, ἀνομίᾳ θρασύς, +ἐγέλασεν εὐχαῖς, ναυτίλους δʼ ἐφθαρμένους +θάσσειν φάραγγʼ ἔφασκε τοῦ νόμου φόβῳ, +κλύοντας ὡς θύοιμεν ἐνθάδε ξένους. +ἔδοξε δʼ ἡμῶν εὖ λέγειν τοῖς πλείοσι, +θηρᾶν τε τῇ θεῷ σφάγια τἀπιχώρια. +κἀν τῷδε πέτραν ἅτερος λιπὼν ξένοιν +ἔστη κάρα τε διετίναξʼ ἄνω κάτω +κἀπεστέναξεν ὠλένας τρέμων ἄκρας, +μανίαις ἀλαίνων, καὶ βοᾷ κυναγὸς ὥς· +Πυλάδη, δέδορκας τήνδε; τήνδε δʼ οὐχ ὁρᾷς +Ἅιδου δράκαιναν, ὥς με βούλεται κτανεῖν +δειναῖς ἐχίδναις εἰς ἔμʼ ἐστομωμένη; +ἣ δʼ ἐκ χιτώνων πῦρ πνέουσα καὶ φόνον +πτεροῖς ἐρέσσει, μητέρʼ ἀγκάλαις ἐμὴν +ἔχουσα — πέτρινον ὄχθον, ὡς ἐπεμβάλῃ. +οἴμοι, κτενεῖ με· ποῖ φύγω; +παρῆν δʼ ὁρᾶν +οὐ ταῦτα μορφῆς σχήματʼ, ἀλλʼ ἠλλάσσετο +φθογγάς τε μόσχων καὶ κυνῶν ὑλάγματα, +ἃς φᾶσʼ Ἐρινῦς ἱέναι μιμήματα. + + ἡμεῖς δὲ συσταλέντες, ὡς θαμβούμενοι, +σιγῇ καθήμεθʼ· ὃ δὲ χερὶ σπάσας ξίφος, +μόσχους ὀρούσας ἐς μέσας λέων ὅπως, +παίει σιδήρῳ λαγόνας ἐς πλευράς θʼ ἱείς, +δοκῶν Ἐρινῦς θεὰς ἀμύνεσθαι τάδε, +ὡς αἱματηρὸν πέλαγος ἐξανθεῖν ἁλός. +κἀν τῷδε πᾶς τις, ὡς ὁρᾷ βουφόρβια +πίπτοντα καὶ πορθούμενʼ, ἐξωπλίζετο, +κόχλους τε φυσῶν συλλέγων τʼ ἐγχωρίους· +πρὸς εὐτραφεῖς γὰρ καὶ νεανίας ξένους +φαύλους μάχεσθαι βουκόλους ἡγούμεθα. +πολλοὶ δʼ ἐπληρώθημεν ἐν μακρῷ χρόνῳ. +πίπτει δὲ μανίας πίτυλον ὁ ξένος μεθείς, +στάζων ἀφρῷ γένειον· ὡς δʼ ἐσείδομεν +προύργου πεσόντα, πᾶς ἀνὴρ ἔσχεν πόνον +βάλλων ἀράσσων. ἅτερος δὲ τοῖν ξένοιν +ἀφρόν τʼ ἀπέψη σώματός τʼ ἐτημέλει +πέπλων τε προυκάλυπτεν εὐπήνους ὑφάς, +καραδοκῶν μὲν τἀπιόντα τραύματα, +φίλον δὲ θεραπείαισιν ἄνδρʼ εὐεργετῶν. +ἔμφρων δʼ ἀνᾴξας ὁ ξένος πεσήματος +ἔγνω κλύδωνα πολεμίων προσκείμενον +καὶ τὴν παροῦσαν συμφορὰν αὐτοῖν πέλας, +ᾤμωξέ θʼ· ἡμεῖς δʼ οὐκ ἀνίεμεν πέτροις +βάλλοντες, ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν προσκείμενοι. +οὗ δὴ τὸ δεινὸν παρακέλευσμʼ ἠκούσαμεν· +Πυλάδη, θανούμεθʼ, ἀλλʼ ὅπως θανούμεθα +κάλλισθʼ· ἕπου μοι, φάσγανον σπάσας χερί. — + ὡς δʼ εἴδομεν δίπαλτα πολεμίων ξίφη, +φυγῇ λεπαίας ἐξεπίμπλαμεν νάπας. +ἀλλʼ, εἰ φύγοι τις, ἅτεροι προσκείμενοι +ἔβαλλον αὐτούς· εἰ δὲ τούσδʼ ὠσαίατο, +αὖθις τὸ νῦν ὑπεῖκον ἤρασσεν πέτροις. +ἀλλʼ ἦν ἄπιστον· μυρίων γὰρ ἐκ χερῶν +οὐδεὶς τὰ τῆς θεοῦ θύματʼ εὐτύχει βαλών. +μόλις δέ νιν τόλμῃ μὲν οὐ χειρούμεθα, +κύκλῳ δὲ περιβαλόντες ἐξεκλέψαμεν +πέτροισι χειρῶν φάσγανʼ, ἐς δὲ γῆν γόνυ +καμάτῳ καθεῖσαν. πρὸς δʼ ἄνακτα τῆσδε γῆς +κομίζομέν νιν. ὃ δʼ ἐσιδὼν ὅσον τάχος +ἐς χέρνιβάς τε καὶ σφαγεῖʼ ἔπεμπέ σοι. + ηὔχου δὲ τοιάδʼ, ὦ νεᾶνί, σοι ξένων +σφάγια παρεῖναι· κἂν ἀναλίσκῃς ξένους +τοιούσδε, τὸν σὸν Ἑλλὰς ἀποτείσει φόνον +δίκας τίνουσα τῆς ἐν Αὐλίδι σφαγῆς. + +Χορός +θαυμάστʼ ἔλεξας τὸν μανένθʼ, ὅστις ποτὲ +Ἕλληνος ἐκ γῆς πόντον ἦλθεν ἄξενον. + + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +εἶἑν· σὺ μὲν κόμιζε τοὺς ξένους μολών, +τὰ δʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἡμεῖς ὅσια φροντιούμεθα — + ὦ καρδία τάλαινα, πρὶν μὲν ἐς ξένους +γαληνὸς ἦσθα καὶ φιλοικτίρμων ἀεί, +ἐς θοὑμόφυλον ἀναμετρουμένη δάκρυ, +Ἕλληνας ἄνδρας ἡνίκʼ ἐς χέρας λάβοις. +νῦν δʼ ἐξ ὀνείρων οἷσιν ἠγριώμεθα, +δοκοῦσʼ Ὀρέστην μηκέθʼ ἥλιον βλέπειν, +δύσνουν με λήψεσθʼ, οἵτινές ποθʼ ἥκετε. +καὶ τοῦτʼ ἄρʼ ἦν ἀληθές, ᾐσθόμην, φίλαι· +οἱ δυστυχεῖς γὰρ τοῖσι δυστυχεστέροις +αὐτοὶ κακῶς πράξαντες οὐ φρονοῦσιν εὖ. +ἀλλʼ οὔτε πνεῦμα Διόθεν ἦλθε πώποτε, +οὐ πορθμίς, ἥτις διὰ πέτρας Συμπληγάδας +Ἑλένην ἀπήγαγʼ ἐνθάδʼ, ἥ μʼ ἀπώλεσεν, +Μενέλεών θʼ, ἵνʼ αὐτοὺς ἀντετιμωρησάμην, +τὴν ἐνθάδʼ Αὖλιν ἀντιθεῖσα τῆς ἐκεῖ, +οὗ μʼ ὥστε μόσχον Δαναΐδαι χειρούμενοι +ἔσφαζον, ἱερεὺς δʼ ἦν ὁ γεννήσας πατήρ. +οἴμοι — κακῶν γὰρ τῶν τότʼ οὐκ ἀμνημονῶ — +ὅσας γενείου χεῖρας ἐξηκόντισα +γονάτων τε τοῦ τεκόντος, ἐξαρτωμένη, +λέγουσα τοιάδʼ· ὦ πάτερ, νυμφεύομαι +νυμφεύματʼ αἰσχρὰ πρὸς σέθεν· μήτηρ δʼ ἐμὲ +σέθεν κατακτείνοντος Ἀργεῖαί τε νῦν +ὑμνοῦσιν ὑμεναίοισιν, αὐλεῖται δὲ πᾶν +μέλαθρον· ἡμεῖς δʼ ὀλλύμεσθα πρὸς σέθεν. +Ἅιδης Ἀχιλλεὺς ἦν ἄρʼ, οὐχ ὁ Πηλέως, +ὅν μοι προσείσας πόσιν, ἐν ἁρμάτων ὄχοις +ἐς αἱματηρὸν γάμον ἐπόρθμευσας δόλῳ. +ἐγὼ δὲ λεπτῶν ὄμμα διὰ καλυμμάτων +ἔχουσʼ, ἀδελφόν τʼ οὐκ ἀνειλόμην χεροῖν, +— ὃς νῦν ὄλωλεν — οὐ κασιγνήτῃ στόμα +συνῆψʼ ὑπʼ αἰδοῦς, ὡς ἰοῦσʼ ἐς Πηλέως +μέλαθρα· πολλὰ δʼ ἀπεθέμην ἀσπάσματα +ἐς αὖθις, ὡς ἥξουσʼ ἐς Ἄργος αὖ πάλιν. + ὦ τλῆμον, εἰ τέθνηκας, ἐξ οἵων καλῶν +ἔρρεις, Ὀρέστα, καὶ πατρὸς ζηλωμάτων — +τὰ τῆς θεοῦ δὲ μέμφομαι σοφίσματα, +ἥτις βροτῶν μὲν ἤν τις ἅψηται φόνου, +ἢ καὶ λοχείας ἢ νεκροῦ θίγῃ χεροῖν, +βωμῶν ἀπείργει, μυσαρὸν ὡς ἡγουμένη, +αὐτὴ δὲ θυσίαις ἥδεται βροτοκτόνοις. +οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅπως ἔτεκεν ἂν ἡ Διὸς δάμαρ +Λητὼ τοσαύτην ἀμαθίαν. ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν +τὰ Ταντάλου θεοῖσιν ἑστιάματα +ἄπιστα κρίνω, παιδὸς ἡσθῆναι βορᾷ, +τοὺς δʼ ἐνθάδʼ, αὐτοὺς ὄντας ἀνθρωποκτόνους, +ἐς τὴν θεὸν τὸ φαῦλον ἀναφέρειν δοκῶ· +οὐδένα γὰρ οἶμαι δαιμόνων εἶναι κακόν. + +
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+Χορός +κυάνεαι κυάνεαι +σύνοδοι θαλάσσας, ἵνʼ οἶ- +στρος ὁ πετόμενος Ἀργόθεν ἄ- +ξενον ἐπʼ οἶδμα διεπέρασεν — +Ἀσιήτιδα γαῖαν +Εὐρώπας διαμείψας. +τίνες ποτʼ ἄρα τὸν εὔυδρον δονακόχλοα +λιπόντες Εὐρώταν ἢ +ῥεύματα σεμνὰ Δίρκας +ἔβασαν ἔβασαν ἄμεικτον αἶαν, ἔνθα κούρᾳ +δίᾳ τέγγει +βωμοὺς καὶ περικίονας +ναοὺς αἷμα βρότειον; +
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+Χορός +ἦ ῥοθίοις εἰλατίνας +δικρότοισι κώπας ἔπλευ- +σαν ἐπὶ πόντια κύματα, νά- +ιον ὄχημα λινοπόροις αὔραις, +φιλόπλουτον ἅμιλλαν +αὔξοντες μελάθροισιν; +φίλα γὰρ ἐλπίς γʼ, ἐπί τε πήμασιν βροτῶν +ἄπληστος ἀνθρώποις, ὄλ- +βου βάρος οἳ φέρονται +πλάνητες ἐπʼ οἶδμα πόλεις τε βαρβάρους περῶντες, +κοινᾷ δόξᾳ· +γνώμα δʼ οἷς μὲν ἄκαιρος ὄλ- +βου, τοῖς δʼ ἐς μέσον ἥκει. +
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+Χορός +πῶς πέτρας τὰς συνδρομάδας, +πῶς Φινεϊδᾶν ἀΰ- +πνους ἀκτὰς ἐπέρασαν +παρʼ ἅλιον +αἰγιαλὸν ἐπʼ Ἀμφιτρί- +τας ῥοθίῳ δραμόντες, +ὅπου πεντήκοντα κορᾶν +Νηρῄδων χοροὶ +μέλπουσιν ἐγκύκλιοι, +πλησιστίοισι πνοαῖς +συριζόντων κατὰ πρύμναν +εὐναίων πηδαλίων +αὔραις σὺν νοτίαις +ἢ πνεύμασι Ζεφύρου, +τὰν πολυόρνιθον ἐπʼ αἶ- +αν, λευκὰν ἀκτάν, Ἀχιλῆ- +ος δρόμους καλλισταδίους, +ἄξεινον κατὰ πόντον; +
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+Χορός +εἴθʼ εὐχαῖσιν δεσποσύνοις +Λήδας Ἑλένα φίλα +παῖς ἐλθοῦσα τύχοι τὰν +Τρῳάδα λι- +ποῦσα πόλιν, ἵνʼ ἀμφὶ χαί- +τᾳ δρόσον αἱματηρὰν +ἑλιχθεῖσα λαιμοτόμῳ +δεσποίνας χειρὶ θάνοι +ποινὰς δοῦσʼ ἀντιπάλους. +ἁδίσταν δʼ ἀγγελίαν +δεξαίμεσθʼ, Ἑλλάδος ἐκ γᾶς +πλωτήρων εἴ τις ἔβα, +δουλείας ἐμέθεν +δειλαίας παυσίπονος· +κἀν γὰρ ὀνείροισι συνεί- +ην δόμοις πόλει τε πατρῴ- +ᾳ, τερπνῶν ὕπνων ἀπόλαυ- +σιν, κοινὰν χάριν ὄλβου. + +
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+Χορός +ἀλλʼ οἵδε χέρας δεσμοῖς δίδυμοι +συνερεισθέντες χωροῦσι, νέον +πρόσφαγμα θεᾶς· σιγᾶτε, φίλαι. +τὰ γὰρ Ἑλλήνων ἀκροθίνια δὴ +ναοῖσι πέλας τάδε βαίνει· +οὐδʼ ἀγγελίας ψευδεῖς ἔλακεν +βουφορβὸς ἀνήρ. +ὦ πότνιʼ, εἴ σοι τάδʼ ἀρεσκόντως +πόλις ἥδε τελεῖ, δέξαι θυσίας, +ἃς ὁ παρʼ ἡμῖν νόμος οὐχ ὁσίας +Ἕλλησι διδοὺς ἀναφαίνει. + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +εἶἑν· +τὰ τῆς θεοῦ μὲν πρῶτον ὡς καλῶς ἔχῃ +φροντιστέον μοι. μέθετε τῶν ξένων χέρας, +ὡς ὄντες ἱεροὶ μηκέτʼ ὦσι δέσμιοι. +ναοῦ δʼ ἔσω στείχοντες εὐτρεπίζετε +ἃ χρὴ ʼπὶ τοῖς παροῦσι καὶ νομίζεται. +φεῦ· +τίς ἆρα μήτηρ ἡ τεκοῦσʼ ὑμᾶς ποτε +πατήρ τʼ; ἀδελφή τʼ, εἰ γεγῶσα τυγχάνει — +οἵων στερεῖσα διπτύχων νεανιῶν +ἀνάδελφος ἔσται. — τὰς τύχας τίς οἶδʼ ὅτῳ +τοιαίδʼ ἔσονται; πάντα γὰρ τὰ τῶν θεῶν +ἐς ἀφανὲς ἕρπει, κοὐδὲν οἶδʼ οὐδεὶς κακὸν + +ἡ γὰρ τύχη παρήγαγʼ ἐς τὸ δυσμαθές. +πόθεν ποθʼ ἥκετʼ, ὦ ταλαίπωροι ξένοι; +ὡς διὰ μακροῦ μὲν τήνδʼ ἐπλεύσατε χθόνα, +μακρὸν δʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων χρόνον ἔσεσθʼ ἀεὶ κάτω. + +Ὀρέστης +τί ταῦτʼ ὀδύρῃ, κἀπὶ τοῖς μέλλουσι νῷν +κακοῖσι λυπεῖς, ἥτις εἶ ποτʼ, ὦ γύναι; +οὔτοι νομίζω σοφόν, ὃς ἂν μέλλων κτενεῖν +οἴκτῳ τὸ δεῖμα τοὐλέθρου νικᾶν θέλῃ. +οὐχ ὅστις Ἅιδην ἐγγὺς ὄντʼ οἰκτίζεται +σωτηρίας ἄνελπις· ὡς δύʼ ἐξ ἑνὸς +κακὼ συνάπτει, μωρίαν τʼ ὀφλισκάνει +θνῄσκει θʼ ὁμοίως· τὴν τύχην δʼ ἐᾶν χρεών. +ἡμᾶς δὲ μὴ θρήνει σύ· τὰς γὰρ ἐνθάδε +θυσίας ἐπιστάμεσθα καὶ γιγνώσκομεν. + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +πότερος ἄρʼ ὑμῶν ἐνθάδʼ ὠνομασμένος +Πυλάδης κέκληται; τόδε μαθεῖν πρῶτον θέλω. + +Ὀρέστης +ὅδʼ, εἴ τι δή σοι τοῦτʼ ἐν ἡδονῇ μαθεῖν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ποίας πολίτης πατρίδος Ἕλληνος γεγώς; + +Ὀρέστης +τί δʼ ἂν μαθοῦσα τόδε πλέον λάβοις, γύναι; + +Ἰφιγένεια +πότερον ἀδελφὼ μητρός ἐστον ἐκ μιᾶς; + +Ὀρέστης +φιλότητί γʼ· ἐσμὲν δʼ οὐ κασιγνήτω, γύναι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +σοὶ δʼ ὄνομα ποῖον ἔθεθʼ ὁ γεννήσας πατήρ; + +Ὀρέστης +τὸ μὲν δίκαιον Δυστυχὴς καλοίμεθʼ ἄν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὐ τοῦτʼ ἐρωτῶ· τοῦτο μὲν δὸς τῇ τύχῃ. + +Ὀρέστης +ἀνώνυμοι θανόντες οὐ γελῴμεθʼ ἄν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τί δὲ φθονεῖς τοῦτο; ἦ φρονεῖς οὕτω μέγα; + +Ὀρέστης +τὸ σῶμα θύσεις τοὐμόν, οὐχὶ τοὔνομα. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὐδʼ ἂν πόλιν φράσειας ἥτις ἐστί σοι; + +Ὀρέστης +ζητεῖς γὰρ οὐδὲν κέρδος, ὡς θανουμένῳ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +χάριν δὲ δοῦναι τήνδε κωλύει τί σε; + +Ὀρέστης +τὸ κλεινὸν Ἄργος πατρίδʼ ἐμὴν ἐπεύχομαι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +πρὸς θεῶν, ἀληθῶς, ὦ ξένʼ, εἶ κεῖθεν γεγώς; + +Ὀρέστης +ἐκ τῶν Μυκηνῶν γʼ, αἵ ποτʼ ἦσαν ὄλβιαι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +φυγὰς δʼ ἀπῆρας πατρίδος, ἢ ποίᾳ τύχῃ; + +Ὀρέστης +φεύγω τρόπον γε δή τινʼ οὐχ ἑκὼν ἑκών. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἆρʼ ἄν τί μοι φράσειας ὧν ἐγὼ θέλω; + +Ὀρέστης +ὡς ἐν παρέργῳ τῆς ἐμῆς δυσπραξίας. + +Ἰφιγένεια +καὶ μὴν ποθεινός γʼ ἦλθες ἐξ Ἄργους μολών. + +Ὀρέστης +οὔκουν ἐμαυτῷ γʼ· εἰ δὲ σοί, σὺ τοῦτʼ ἔρα. + +Ἰφιγένεια +Τροίαν ἴσως οἶσθʼ, ἧς ἁπανταχοῦ λόγος. + +Ὀρέστης +ὡς μήποτʼ ὤφελόν γε μηδʼ ἰδὼν ὄναρ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +φασίν νιν οὐκέτʼ οὖσαν οἴχεσθαι δορί. + +Ὀρέστης +ἔστιν γὰρ οὕτως οὐδʼ ἄκραντʼ ἠκούσατε. + +Ἰφιγένεια +Ἑλένη δʼ ἀφῖκται δῶμα Μενέλεω πάλιν; + +Ὀρέστης +ἥκει, κακῶς γʼ ἐλθοῦσα τῶν ἐμῶν τινι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +καὶ ποῦ ʼστι; κἀμοὶ γάρ τι προυφείλει κακόν. + +Ὀρέστης +Σπάρτῃ ξυνοικεῖ τῷ πάρος ξυνευνέτῃ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὦ μῖσος εἰς Ἕλληνας, οὐκ ἐμοὶ μόνῃ. + +Ὀρέστης +ἀπέλαυσα κἀγὼ δή τι τῶν κείνης γάμων. + +Ἰφιγένεια +νόστος δʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἐγένεθʼ, ὡς κηρύσσεται; + +Ὀρέστης +ὡς πάνθʼ ἅπαξ με συλλαβοῦσʼ ἀνιστορεῖς. + +Ἰφιγένεια +πρὶν γὰρ θανεῖν σε, τοῦδʼ ἐπαυρέσθαι θέλω. + +Ὀρέστης +ἔλεγχʼ, ἐπειδὴ τοῦδʼ ἐρᾷς· λέξω δʼ ἐγώ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +Κάλχας τις ἦλθε μάντις ἐκ Τροίας πάλιν; + +Ὀρέστης +ὄλωλεν, ὡς ἦν ἐν Μυκηναίοις λόγος. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὦ πότνιʼ, ὡς εὖ. — τί γὰρ ὁ Λαέρτου γόνος; + +Ὀρέστης +οὔπω νενόστηκʼ οἶκον, ἔστι δʼ, ὡς λόγος. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὄλοιτο, νόστου μήποτʼ ἐς πάτραν τυχών. + +Ὀρέστης +μηδὲν κατεύχου· πάντα τἀκείνου νοσεῖ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +Θέτιδος δʼ ὁ τῆς Νηρῇδος ἔστι παῖς ἔτι; + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἔστιν· ἄλλως λέκτρʼ ἔγημʼ ἐν Αὐλίδι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +δόλια γάρ, ὡς ἴσασιν οἱ πεπονθότες. + + + +Ὀρέστης +τίς εἶ ποθʼ; ὡς εὖ πυνθάνῃ τἀφʼ Ἑλλάδος. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἐκεῖθέν εἰμι· παῖς ἔτʼ οὖσʼ ἀπωλόμην. + +Ὀρέστης +ὀρθῶς ποθεῖς ἄρʼ εἰδέναι τἀκεῖ, γύναι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τί δʼ ὁ στρατηγός, ὃν λέγουσʼ εὐδαιμονεῖν; + +Ὀρέστης +τίς; οὐ γὰρ ὅν γʼ ἐγᾦδα τῶν εὐδαιμόνων. + +Ἰφιγένεια +Ἀτρέως ἐλέγετο δή τις Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἄπελθε τοῦ λόγου τούτου, γύναι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +μὴ πρὸς θεῶν, ἀλλʼ εἴφʼ, ἵνʼ εὐφρανθῶ, ξένε. + +Ὀρέστης +τέθνηχʼ ὁ τλήμων, πρὸς δʼ ἀπώλεσέν τινα. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τέθνηκε; ποίᾳ συμφορᾷ; τάλαινʼ ἐγώ. + +Ὀρέστης +τί δʼ ἐστέναξας τοῦτο; μῶν προσῆκέ σοι; + +Ἰφιγένεια +τὸν ὄλβον αὐτοῦ τὸν πάροιθʼ ἀναστένω. + +Ὀρέστης +δεινῶς γὰρ ἐκ γυναικὸς οἴχεται σφαγείς. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὦ πανδάκρυτος ἡ κτανοῦσα χὡ κτανών. + +Ὀρέστης +παῦσαί νυν ἤδη μηδʼ ἐρωτήσῃς πέρα. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τοσόνδε γʼ, εἰ ζῇ τοῦ ταλαιπώρου δάμαρ. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἔστι· παῖς νιν ὃν ἔτεχʼ, οὗτος ὤλεσεν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὦ συνταραχθεὶς οἶκος. ὡς τί δὴ θέλων; + +Ὀρέστης +πατρὸς θανόντος τήνδε τιμωρούμενος. + +Ἰφιγένεια +φεῦ· +ὡς εὖ κακὸν δίκαιον εἰσεπράξατο. + +Ὀρέστης +ἀλλʼ οὐ τὰ πρὸς θεῶν εὐτυχεῖ δίκαιος ὤν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +λείπει δʼ ἐν οἴκοις ἄλλον Ἀγαμέμνων γόνον; + +Ὀρέστης +λέλοιπεν Ἠλέκτραν γε παρθένον μίαν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τί δέ; σφαγείσης θυγατρὸς ἔστι τις λόγος; + +Ὀρέστης +οὐδείς γε, πλὴν θανοῦσαν οὐχ ὁρᾶν φάος. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τάλαινʼ ἐκείνη χὡ κτανὼν αὐτὴν πατήρ. + +Ὀρέστης +κακῆς γυναικὸς χάριν ἄχαριν ἀπώλετο. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὁ τοῦ θανόντος δʼ ἔστι παῖς Ἄργει πατρός; + +Ὀρέστης +ἔστʼ, ἄθλιός γε, κοὐδαμοῦ καὶ πανταχοῦ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ψευδεῖς ὄνειροι, χαίρετʼ· οὐδὲν ἦτʼ ἄρα. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐδʼ οἱ σοφοί γε δαίμονες κεκλημένοι +πτηνῶν ὀνείρων εἰσὶν ἀψευδέστεροι. +πολὺς ταραγμὸς ἔν τε τοῖς θείοις ἔνι +κἀν τοῖς βροτείοις· ἓν δὲ λυπεῖται μόνον, +ὃς οὐκ ἄφρων ὢν μάντεων πεισθεὶς λόγοις +ὄλωλεν — ὡς ὄλωλε τοῖσιν εἰδόσιν. + +Χορός +φεῦ φεῦ· τί δʼ ἡμεῖς οἵ τʼ ἐμοὶ γεννήτορες; +ἆρʼ εἰσίν; ἆρʼ οὐκ εἰσί; τίς φράσειεν ἄν; + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἀκούσατʼ· ἐς γὰρ δή τινʼ ἥκομεν λόγον, +ὑμῖν τʼ ὄνησιν, ὦ ξένοι, σπουδῆς ἅμα +κἀμοί. τὸ δʼ εὖ μάλιστά γʼ οὕτω γίγνεται, +εἰ πᾶσι ταὐτὸν πρᾶγμʼ ἀρεσκόντως ἔχει. +θέλοις ἄν, εἰ σῴσαιμί σʼ, ἀγγεῖλαί τί μοι +πρὸς Ἄργος ἐλθὼν τοῖς ἐμοῖς ἐκεῖ φίλοις, +δέλτον τʼ ἐνεγκεῖν, ἥν τις οἰκτίρας ἐμὲ +ἔγραψεν αἰχμάλωτος, οὐχὶ τὴν ἐμὴν +φονέα νομίζων χεῖρα, τοῦ νόμου δʼ ὕπο +θνῄσκειν τὰ τῆς θεοῦ, τάδε δίκαιʼ ἡγουμένης; +οὐδένα γὰρ εἶχον ὅστις ἀγγείλαι μολὼν +ἐς Ἄργος αὖθις, τάς τʼ ἐμὰς ἐπιστολὰς +πέμψειε σωθεὶς τῶν ἐμῶν φίλων τινί. +σὺ δʼ — εἶ γάρ, ὡς ἔοικας, οὔτε δυσμενὴς +καὶ τὰς Μυκήνας οἶσθα χοὓς κἀγὼ θέλω — +σώθητι, καὶ σὺ μισθὸν οὐκ αἰσχρὸν λαβών, +κούφων ἕκατι γραμμάτων σωτηρίαν. + οὗτος δʼ, ἐπείπερ πόλις ἀναγκάζει τάδε, +θεᾷ γενέσθω θῦμα χωρισθεὶς σέθεν. + +Ὀρέστης +καλῶς ἔλεξας τἄλλα πλὴν ἕν, ὦ ξένη· +τὸ γὰρ σφαγῆναι τόνδε μοι βάρος μέγα. +ὁ ναυστολῶν γάρ εἰμʼ ἐγὼ τὰς συμφοράς, +οὗτος δὲ συμπλεῖ τῶν ἐμῶν μόχθων χάριν. +οὔκουν δίκαιον ἐπʼ ὀλέθρῳ τῷ τοῦδʼ ἐμὲ +χάριν τίθεσθαι καὐτὸν ἐκδῦναι κακῶν. +ἀλλʼ ὣς γενέσθω· τῷδε μὲν δέλτον δίδου· +πέμψει γὰρ Ἄργος, ὥστε σοι καλῶς ἔχειν· +ἡμᾶς δʼ ὁ χρῄζων κτεινέτω. τὰ τῶν φίλων +αἴσχιστον ὅστις καταβαλὼν ἐς ξυμφορὰς +αὐτὸς σέσῳσται. τυγχάνει δʼ ὅδʼ ὢν φίλος, +ὃν οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἢ ʼμὲ φῶς ὁρᾶν θέλω. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὦ λῆμʼ ἄριστον, ὡς ἀπʼ εὐγενοῦς τινος +ῥίζης πέφυκας τοῖς φίλοις τʼ ὀρθῶς φίλος. +τοιοῦτος εἴη τῶν ἐμῶν ὁμοσπόρων +ὅσπερ λέλειπται. καὶ γὰρ οὐδʼ ἐγώ, ξένοι, +ἀνάδελφός εἰμι, πλὴν ὅσʼ οὐχ ὁρῶσά νιν. +ἐπεὶ δὲ βούλῃ ταῦτα, τόνδε πέμψομεν +δέλτον φέροντα, σὺ δὲ θανῇ· πολλὴ δέ τις +προθυμία σε τοῦδʼ ἔχουσα τυγχάνει. + + + +Ὀρέστης +θύσει δὲ τίς με καὶ τὰ δεινὰ τλήσεται; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἐγώ· θεᾶς γὰρ τῆσδε προστροπὴν ἔχω. + +Ὀρέστης +ἄζηλά γʼ, ὦ νεᾶνι, κοὐκ εὐδαίμονα. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἀλλʼ εἰς ἀνάγκην κείμεθʼ, ἣν φυλακτέον. + +Ὀρέστης +αὐτὴ ξίφει θύουσα θῆλυς ἄρσενας; + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὔκ, ἀλλὰ χαίτην ἀμφὶ σὴν χερνίψομαι. + +Ὀρέστης +ὁ δὲ σφαγεὺς τίς; εἰ τάδʼ ἱστορεῖν με χρή. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἔσω δόμων τῶνδʼ εἰσὶν οἷς μέλει τάδε. + +Ὀρέστης +τάφος δὲ ποῖος δέξεταί μʼ, ὅταν θάνω; + +Ἰφιγένεια +πῦρ ἱερὸν ἔνδον χάσμα τʼ εὐρωπὸν πέτρας. + +Ὀρέστης +φεῦ· +πῶς ἄν μʼ ἀδελφῆς χεὶρ περιστείλειεν ἄν; + +Ἰφιγένεια +μάταιον εὐχήν, ὦ τάλας, ὅστις ποτʼ εἶ, +ηὔξω· μακρὰν γὰρ βαρβάρου ναίει χθονός. +οὐ μήν, ἐπειδὴ τυγχάνεις Ἀργεῖος ὤν, +ἀλλʼ ὧν γε δυνατὸν οὐδʼ ἐγὼ λείψω χάριν. +πολύν τε γάρ σοι κόσμον ἐνθήσω τάφῳ, +ξανθῷ τʼ ἐλαίῳ σῶμα σὸν κατασβέσω, +καὶ τῆς ὀρείας ἀνθεμόρρυτον γάνος +ξουθῆς μελίσσης ἐς πυρὰν βαλῶ σέθεν. +ἀλλʼ εἶμι δέλτον τʼ ἐκ θεᾶς ἀνακτόρων +οἴσω· τὸ μέντοι δυσμενὲς μὴ ʼμοὶ λάβῃς. +φυλάσσετʼ αὐτούς, πρόσπολοι, δεσμῶν ἄτερ — +ἴσως ἄελπτα τῶν ἐμῶν φίλων τινὶ +πέμψω πρὸς Ἄργος, ὃν μάλιστʼ ἐγὼ φιλῶ, +καὶ δέλτος αὐτῷ ζῶντας οὓς δοκεῖ θανεῖν +λέγουσα πιστὰς ἡδονὰς ἀπαγγελεῖ.
+ + + +
+Χορός +κατολοφύρομαι σὲ τὸν χερνίβων +ῥανίσι μελόμενον αἱμακταῖς. + +Ὀρέστης +οἶκτος γὰρ οὐ ταῦτʼ, ἀλλὰ χαίρετʼ, ὦ ξέναι. + +
+ +
+Χορός +σὲ δὲ τύχας μάκαρος, ὦ +νεανία, σεβόμεθʼ, ἐς +πάτραν ὅτι ποτʼ ἐπεμβάσῃ. + +Πυλάδης +ἄζηλά τοι φίλοισι, θνῃσκόντων φίλων. + +
+ +
+Χορός +ὦ σχέτλιοι πομπαί. +φεῦ φεῦ, διόλλυσαι. +αἰαῖ αἰαῖ. πότερος ὁ μᾶλλον; +ἔτι γὰρ ἀμφίλογα δίδυμα μέμονε φρήν, +σὲ πάρος ἢ σὲ ἀναστενάξω γόοις. + + + +Ὀρέστης +Πυλάδη, πέπονθας ταὐτὸ πρὸς θεῶν ἐμοί; + +Πυλάδης +οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἐρωτᾷς οὐ λέγειν ἔχοντά με. + +Ὀρέστης +τίς ἐστὶν ἡ νεᾶνις; ὡς Ἑλληνικῶς +ἀνήρεθʼ ἡμᾶς τούς τʼ ἐν Ἰλίῳ πόνους +νόστον τʼ Ἀχαιῶν τόν τʼ ἐν οἰωνοῖς σοφὸν +Κάλχαντʼ Ἀχιλλέως τʼ ὄνομα, καὶ τὸν ἄθλιον +Ἀγαμέμνονʼ ὡς ᾤκτιρʼ ἀνηρώτα τέ με +γυναῖκα παῖδάς τε. ἔστιν ἡ ξένη γένος +ἐκεῖθεν Ἀργεία τις· οὐ γὰρ ἄν ποτε +δέλτον τʼ ἔπεμπε καὶ τάδʼ ἐξεμάνθανεν, +ὡς κοινὰ πράσσουσʼ, Ἄργος εἰ πράσσει καλῶς. + +Πυλάδης +ἔφθης με μικρόν· ταὐτὰ δὲ φθάσας λέγεις, +πλὴν ἕν· τὰ γὰρ τῶν βασιλέων παθήματα +ἴσασι πάντες, ὧν ἐπιστροφή τις ἦν. +ἀτὰρ διῆλθον χἅτερον λόγον τινά. + +Ὀρέστης +τίνʼ; ἐς τὸ κοινὸν δοὺς ἄμεινον ἂν μάθοις. + +Πυλάδης +αἰσχρὸν θανόντος σοῦ βλέπειν ἡμᾶς φάος· +κοινῇ τʼ ἔπλευσα δεῖ με καὶ κοινῇ θανεῖν. +καὶ δειλίαν γὰρ καὶ κάκην κεκτήσομαι +Ἄργει τε Φωκέων τʼ ἐν πολυπτύχῳ χθονί, +δόξω δὲ τοῖς πολλοῖσι — πολλοὶ γὰρ κακοί — +προδοὺς σεσῷσθαί σʼ αὐτὸς εἰς οἴκους μόνος +ἢ καὶ φονεύσας ἐπὶ νοσοῦσι δώμασι +ῥάψαι μόρον σοι σῆς τυραννίδος χάριν, +ἔγκληρον ὡς δὴ σὴν κασιγνήτην γαμῶν. +ταῦτʼ οὖν φοβοῦμαι καὶ διʼ αἰσχύνης ἔχω, +κοὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅπως οὐ χρὴ συνεκπνεῦσαί μέ σοι +καὶ σὺν σφαγῆναι καὶ πυρωθῆναι δέμας, +φίλον γεγῶτα καὶ φοβούμενον ψόγον. + + + +Ὀρέστης +εὔφημα φώνει· τἀμὰ δεῖ φέρειν κακά, +ἁπλᾶς δὲ λύπας ἐξόν, οὐκ οἴσω διπλᾶς. +ὃ γὰρ σὺ λυπρὸν κἀπονείδιστον λέγεις, +ταὔτʼ ἔστιν ἡμῖν, εἴ σε συμμοχθοῦντʼ ἐμοὶ +κτενῶ· τὸ μὲν γὰρ εἰς ἔμʼ οὐ κακῶς ἔχει, +πράσσονθʼ ἃ πράσσω πρὸς θεῶν, λῦσαι βίον. +σὺ δʼ ὄλβιός τʼ εἶ, καθαρά τʼ, οὐ νοσοῦντʼ, ἔχεις +μέλαθρʼ, ἐγὼ δὲ δυσσεβῆ καὶ δυστυχῆ. +σωθεὶς δέ, παῖδας ἐξ ἐμῆς ὁμοσπόρου +κτησάμενος, ἣν ἔδωκά σοι δάμαρτʼ ἔχειν — +ὄνομά τʼ ἐμοῦ γένοιτʼ ἄν, οὐδʼ ἄπαις δόμος +πατρῷος οὑμὸς ἐξαλειφθείη ποτʼ ἄν. +ἀλλʼ ἕρπε καὶ ζῆ καὶ δόμους οἴκει πατρός. +ὅταν δʼ ἐς Ἑλλάδʼ ἵππιόν τʼ Ἄργος μόλῃς, +πρὸς δεξιᾶς σε τῆσδʼ ἐπισκήπτω τάδε· +τύμβον τε χῶσον κἀπίθες μνημεῖά μοι, +καὶ δάκρυʼ ἀδελφὴ καὶ κόμας δότω τάφῳ. +ἄγγελλε δʼ ὡς ὄλωλʼ ὑπʼ Ἀργείας τινὸς +γυναικός, ἀμφὶ βωμὸν ἁγνισθεὶς φόνῳ. +καὶ μὴ προδῷς μου τὴν κασιγνήτην ποτέ, +ἔρημα κήδη καὶ δόμους ὁρῶν πατρός. +καὶ χαῖρʼ· ἐμῶν γὰρ φίλτατόν σʼ ηὗρον φίλων, +ὦ συγκυναγὲ καὶ συνεκτραφεὶς ἐμοί, +ὦ πόλλʼ ἐνεγκὼν τῶν ἐμῶν ἄχθη κακῶν. +ἡμᾶς δʼ ὁ Φοῖβος μάντις ὢν ἐψεύσατο· +τέχνην δὲ θέμενος ὡς προσώταθʼ Ἑλλάδος +ἀπήλασʼ, αἰδοῖ τῶν πάρος μαντευμάτων. +ᾧ πάντʼ ἐγὼ δοὺς τἀμὰ καὶ πεισθεὶς λόγοις, +μητέρα κατακτὰς αὐτὸς ἀνταπόλλυμαι. + +Πυλάδης +ἔσται τάφος σοι, καὶ κασιγνήτης λέχος +οὐκ ἂν προδοίην, ὦ τάλας, ἐπεί σʼ ἐγὼ +θανόντα μᾶλλον ἢ βλέπονθʼ ἕξω φίλον. +ἀτὰρ τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ σʼ οὐ διέφθορέν γέ πω +μάντευμα· καίτοι γʼ ἐγγὺς ἕστηκας φόνου. +ἀλλʼ ἔστιν, ἔστιν, ἡ λίαν δυσπραξία +λίαν διδοῦσα μεταβολάς, ὅταν τύχῃ. + +Ὀρέστης +σίγα· τὰ Φοίβου δʼ οὐδὲν ὠφελεῖ μʼ ἔπη· +γυνὴ γὰρ ἥδε δωμάτων ἔξω περᾷ. + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἀπέλθεθʼ ὑμεῖς καὶ παρευτρεπίζετε +τἄνδον μολόντες τοῖς ἐφεστῶσι σφαγῇ. + δέλτου μὲν αἵδε πολύθυροι διαπτυχαί, +ξένοι, πάρεισιν· ἃ δʼ ἐπὶ τοῖσδε βούλομαι, +ἀκούσατʼ. οὐδεὶς αὑτὸς ἐν πόνοις τʼ ἀνὴρ +ὅταν τε πρὸς τὸ θάρσος ἐκ φόβου πέσῃ. +ἐγὼ δὲ ταρβῶ μὴ ἀπονοστήσας χθονὸς +θῆται παρʼ οὐδὲν τὰς ἐμὰς ἐπιστολὰς +ὁ τήνδε μέλλων δέλτον εἰς Ἄργος φέρειν. + +Ὀρέστης +τί δῆτα βούλῃ; τίνος ἀμηχανεῖς πέρι; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὅρκον δότω μοι τάσδε πορθμεύσειν γραφὰς +πρὸς Ἄργος, οἷσι βούλομαι πέμψαι φίλων. + +Ὀρέστης +ἦ κἀντιδώσεις τῷδε τοὺς αὐτοὺς λόγους; + +Ἰφιγένεια +τί χρῆμα δράσειν ἢ τί μὴ δράσειν; λέγε. + +Ὀρέστης +ἐκ γῆς ἀφήσειν μὴ θανόντα βαρβάρου. + +Ἰφιγένεια +δίκαιον εἶπας· πῶς γὰρ ἀγγείλειεν ἄν; + +Ὀρέστης +ἦ καὶ τύραννος ταῦτα συγχωρήσεται; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ναί. +πείσω σφε, καὐτὴ ναὸς εἰσβήσω σκάφος. + +Ὀρέστης +ὄμνυ· σὺ δʼ ἔξαρχʼ ὅρκον ὅστις εὐσεβής. + +Ἰφιγένεια +δώσω, λέγειν χρή, τήνδε τοῖσι σοῖς φίλοις. + +Πυλάδης +τοῖς σοῖς φίλοισι γράμματʼ ἀποδώσω τάδε. + +Ἰφιγένεια +κἀγὼ σὲ σώσω κυανέας ἔξω πέτρας. + +Πυλάδης +τίνʼ οὖν ἐπόμνυς τοισίδʼ ὅρκιον θεῶν; + +Ἰφιγένεια +Ἄρτεμιν, ἐν ἧσπερ δώμασιν τιμὰς ἔχω. + +Πυλάδης +ἐγὼ δʼ ἄνακτά γʼ οὐρανοῦ, σεμνὸν Δία. + +Ἰφιγένεια +εἰ δʼ ἐκλιπὼν τὸν ὅρκον ἀδικοίης ἐμέ; + +Πυλάδης +ἄνοστος εἴην· τί δὲ σύ, μὴ σῴσασά με; + +Ἰφιγένεια +μήποτε κατʼ Ἄργος ζῶσʼ ἴχνος θείην ποδός. + +Πυλάδης +ἄκουε δή νυν ὃν παρήλθομεν λόγον. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἀλλʼ αὖθις ἔσται καινός, ἢν καλῶς ἔχῃ. + +Πυλάδης +ἐξαίρετόν μοι δὸς τόδʼ, ἤν τι ναῦς πάθῃ, +χἡ δέλτος ἐν κλύδωνι χρημάτων μέτα +ἀφανὴς γένηται, σῶμα δʼ ἐκσῴσω μόνον, +τὸν ὅρκον εἶναι τόνδε μηκέτʼ ἔμπεδον. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἀλλʼ οἶσθʼ ὃ δράσω; πολλὰ γὰρ πολλῶν κυρεῖ· +τἀνόντα κἀγγεγραμμένʼ ἐν δέλτου πτυχαῖς +λόγῳ φράσω σοι πάντʼ ἀναγγεῖλαι φίλοις. +ἐν ἀσφαλεῖ γάρ· ἢν μὲν ἐκσῴσῃς γραφήν, +αὐτὴν φράσει σιγῶσα τἀγγεγραμμένα· +ἢν δʼ ἐν θαλάσσῃ γράμματʼ ἀφανισθῇ τάδε, +τὸ σῶμα σῴσας τοὺς λόγους σῴσεις ἐμοί. + +Πυλάδης +καλῶς ἔλεξας τῶν θεῶν ἐμοῦ θʼ ὕπερ. +σήμαινε δʼ ᾧ χρὴ τάσδʼ ἐπιστολὰς φέρειν +πρὸς Ἄργος ὅ τι τε χρὴ κλύοντα σοῦ λέγειν. + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἄγγελλʼ Ὀρέστῃ, παιδὶ τῷ Ἀγαμέμνονος· +Ἡ ʼν Αὐλίδι σφαγεῖσʼ ἐπιστέλλει τάδε +ζῶσʼ Ἰφιγένεια, τοῖς ἐκεῖ δʼ οὐ ζῶσʼ ἔτι — + +Ὀρέστης +ποῦ δʼ ἔστʼ ἐκείνη; κατθανοῦσʼ ἥκει πάλιν; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἥδʼ ἣν ὁρᾷς σύ· μὴ λόγοις ἔκπλησσέ με. +Κόμισαί μʼ ἐς Ἄργος, ὦ σύναιμε, πρὶν θανεῖν, +ἐκ βαρβάρου γῆς καὶ μετάστησον θεᾶς +σφαγίων, ἐφʼ οἷσι ξενοφόνους τιμὰς ἔχω. + +Ὀρέστης +Πυλάδη, τί λέξω; ποῦ ποτʼ ὄνθʼ ηὑρήμεθα; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἢ σοῖς ἀραία δώμασιν γενήσομαι. + +Πυλάδης +Ὀρέστα — ; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἵνʼ αὖθις ὄνομα δὶς κλύων μάθῃς. + +Πυλάδης +ὦ θεοί. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τί τοὺς θεοὺς ἀνακαλεῖς ἐν τοῖς ἐμοῖς; + +Πυλάδης +οὐδέν· πέραινε δʼ· ἐξέβην γὰρ ἄλλοσε. +τάχʼ οὐκ ἐρωτῶν σʼ εἰς ἄπιστʼ ἀφίξομαι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +λέγʼ οὕνεκʼ ἔλαφον ἀντιδοῦσά μου θεὰ +Ἄρτεμις ἔσῳσέ μʼ, ἣν ἔθυσʼ ἐμὸς πατήρ, +δοκῶν ἐς ἡμᾶς ὀξὺ φάσγανον βαλεῖν, +ἐς τήνδε δʼ ᾤκισʼ αἶαν. αἵδʼ ἐπιστολαί, +τάδʼ ἐστὶ τἀν δέλτοισιν ἐγγεγραμμένα. + +Πυλάδης +ὦ ῥᾳδίοις ὅρκοισι περιβαλοῦσά με, +κάλλιστα δʼ ὀμόσασʼ, οὐ πολὺν σχήσω χρόνον, +τὸν δʼ ὅρκον ὃν κατώμοσʼ ἐμπεδώσομεν. + ἰδού, φέρω σοι δέλτον ἀποδίδωμί τε, +Ὀρέστα, τῆσδε σῆς κασιγνήτης πάρα. + +Ὀρέστης +δέχομαι· παρεὶς δὲ γραμμάτων διαπτυχὰς +τὴν ἡδονὴν πρῶτʼ οὐ λόγοις αἱρήσομαι. + ὦ φιλτάτη μοι σύγγονʼ, ἐκπεπληγμένος +ὅμως σʼ ἀπίστῳ περιβαλὼν βραχίονι +ἐς τέρψιν εἶμι, πυθόμενος θαυμάστʼ ἐμοί. + + + +Χορός +ξένʼ, οὐ δικαίως τῆς θεοῦ τὴν πρόσπολον +χραίνεις ἀθίκτοις περιβαλὼν πέπλοις χέρα. + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ συγκασιγνήτη τε κἀκ ταὐτοῦ πατρὸς +Ἀγαμέμνονος γεγῶσα, μή μʼ ἀποστρέφου, +ἔχουσʼ ἀδελφόν, οὐ δοκοῦσʼ ἕξειν ποτέ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἐγώ σʼ ἀδελφὸν τὸν ἐμόν; οὐ παύσῃ λέγων; +τὸ δʼ Ἄργος αὐτοῦ μεστὸν ἥ τε Ναυπλία. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἔστʼ ἐκεῖ σός, ὦ τάλαινα, σύγγονος. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἀλλʼ ἡ Λάκαινα Τυνδαρίς σʼ ἐγείνατο; + +Ὀρέστης +Πέλοπός γε παιδὶ παιδός, οὗ ʼκπέφυκʼ ἐγώ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τί φῄς; ἔχεις τι τῶνδέ μοι τεκμήριον; + +Ὀρέστης +ἔχω· πατρῴων ἐκ δόμων τι πυνθάνου. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὐκοῦν λέγειν μὲν χρὴ σέ, μανθάνειν δʼ ἐμέ. + +Ὀρέστης +λέγοιμʼ ἄν, ἀκοῇ πρῶτον Ἠλέκτρας τάδε· +Ἀτρέως Θυέστου τʼ οἶσθα γενομένην ἔριν; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἤκουσα· χρυσῆς ἀρνὸς ἦν νείκη πέρι. + +Ὀρέστης +ταῦτʼ οὖν ὑφήνασʼ οἶσθʼ ἐν εὐπήνοις ὑφαῖς; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἐγγὺς τῶν ἐμῶν κάμπτεις φρενῶν. + +Ὀρέστης +εἰκώ τʼ ἐν ἱστοῖς ἡλίου μετάστασιν; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὕφηνα καὶ τόδʼ εἶδος εὐμίτοις πλοκαῖς. + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ λούτρʼ ἐς Αὖλιν μητρὸς ἀνεδέξω πάρα; + +Ἰφιγένεια +οἶδʼ· οὐ γὰρ ὁ γάμος ἐσθλὸς ὤν μʼ ἀφείλετο. + +Ὀρέστης +τί γάρ; κόμας σὰς μητρὶ δοῦσα σῇ φέρειν; + +Ἰφιγένεια +μνημεῖά γʼ ἀντὶ σώματος τοὐμοῦ τάφῳ. + +Ὀρέστης +ἃ δʼ εἶδον αὐτός, τάδε φράσω τεκμήρια· +Πέλοπος παλαιὰν ἐν δόμοις λόγχην πατρός, +ἣν χερσὶ πάλλων παρθένον Πισάτιδα +ἐκτήσαθʼ Ἱπποδάμειαν, Οἰνόμαον κτανών, +ἐν παρθενῶσι τοῖσι σοῖς κεκρυμμένην. + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὦ φίλτατʼ, οὐδὲν ἄλλο, φίλτατος γὰρ εἶ, +ἔχω σʼ, Ὀρέστα, τηλύγετον χθονὸς ἀπὸ πατρίδος + +Ἀργόθεν, ὦ φίλος. + +
+ +
+ +Ὀρέστης +κἀγώ σε τὴν θανοῦσαν, ὡς δοξάζεται. +κατὰ δὲ δάκρυ, κατὰ δὲ γόος ἅμα χαρᾷ +τὸ σὸν νοτίζει βλέφαρον, ὡσαύτως δʼ ἐμόν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τόδʼ ἔτι βρέφος +ἔλιπον ἀγκάλαισι νεαρὸν τροφοῦ +νεαρὸν ἐν δόμοις. +ὦ κρεῖσσον ἢ λόγοισιν εὐτυχοῦσά μου +ψυχά, τί φῶ; θαυμάτων +πέρα καὶ λόγου πρόσω τάδʼ ἐπέβα. + +Ὀρέστης +τὸ λοιπὸν εὐτυχοῖμεν ἀλλήλων μέτα. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἄτοπον ἁδονὰν ἔλαβον, ὦ φίλαι· +δέδοικα δʼ ἐκ χερῶν με μὴ πρὸς αἰθέρα +ἀμπτάμενος φύγῃ· +ἰὼ Κυκλωπὶς ἑστία· ἰὼ πατρίς, +Μυκήνα φίλα, +χάριν ἔχω ζόας, χάριν ἔχω τροφᾶς, +ὅτι μοι συνομαίμονα τόνδε δόμοις +ἐξεθρέψω φάος. + +Ὀρέστης +γένει μὲν εὐτυχοῦμεν, ἐς δὲ συμφοράς, +ὦ σύγγονʼ, ἡμῶν δυστυχὴς ἔφυ βίος. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἐγᾦδʼ ἁ μέλεος, οἶδʼ, ὅτε φάσγανον +δέρᾳ θῆκέ μοι μελεόφρων πατήρ. + +Ὀρέστης +οἴμοι. δοκῶ γὰρ οὐ παρών σʼ ὁρᾶν ἐκεῖ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἀνυμέναιος, σύγγονʼ, Ἀχιλλέως +ἐς κλισίαν λέκτρων +δολίαν ὅτʼ ἀγόμαν· +παρὰ δὲ βωμὸν ἦν δάκρυα καὶ γόοι. +φεῦ φεῦ χερνίβων τῶν ἐκεῖ. + +Ὀρέστης +ᾤμωξα κἀγὼ τόλμαν ἣν ἔτλη πατήρ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἀπάτορʼ ἀπάτορα πότμον ἔλαχον. +ἄλλα δʼ ἐξ ἄλλων κυρεῖ +δαίμονος τύχᾳ τινός. + +Ὀρέστης +εἰ σόν γʼ ἀδελφόν, ὦ τάλαινʼ, ἀπώλεσας. + + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὦ μελέα δεινᾶς τόλμας. δείνʼ ἔτλαν +δείνʼ ἔτλαν, ὤμοι σύγγονε. παρὰ δʼ ὀλίγον +ἀπέφυγες ὄλεθρον ἀνόσιον ἐξ ἐμᾶν +δαϊχθεὶς χερῶν. +ἁ δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτοῖσι τίς τελευτά; +τίς τύχα μοι συγχωρήσει; +τίνα σοι πόρον εὑρομένα — +πάλιν ἀπὸ πόλεως, ἀπὸ φόνου πέμψω +πατρίδʼ ἐς Ἀργείαν, +πρὶν ἐπὶ ξίφος αἵματι σῷ πελάσαι; +τόδε τόδε σόν, ὦ μελέα ψυχά, +χρέος ἀνευρίσκειν. +πότερον κατὰ χέρσον, οὐχὶ ναΐ — ; +ἀλλὰ ποδῶν ῥιπᾷ +θανάτῳ πελάσεις ἄρα βάρβαρα φῦλα +καὶ διʼ ὁδοὺς ἀνόδους στείχων· διὰ κυανέας μὴν +στενοπόρου πέτρας μακρὰ κέλευθα να- +ΐοισιν δρασμοῖς. +τάλαινα, τάλαινα. +τίς ἂν οὖν τάδʼ ἂν ἢ θεὸς ἢ βροτὸς ἢ +τί τῶν ἀδοκήτων, +πόρον ἄπορον ἐξανύσας, δυοῖν +τοῖν μόνοιν Ἀτρείδαιν φαίνοι + +κακῶν ἔκλυσιν;
+ +
+ +Χορός +ἐν τοῖσι θαυμαστοῖσι καὶ μύθων πέρα +τάδʼ εἶδον αὐτὴ κοὐ κλύουσʼ ἀπαγγελῶ. + +Πυλάδης +τὸ μὲν φίλους ἐλθόντας εἰς ὄψιν φίλων, +Ὀρέστα, χειρῶν περιβολὰς εἰκὸς λαβεῖν· +λήξαντα δʼ οἴκτων κἀπʼ ἐκεῖνʼ ἐλθεῖν χρεών, +ὅπως τὸ κλεινὸν ὄνομα τῆς σωτηρίας +λαβόντες ἐκ γῆς βησόμεσθα βαρβάρου. +σοφῶν γὰρ ἀνδρῶν ταῦτα, μὴ ʼκβάντας τύχης, +καιρὸν λαβόντας, ἡδονὰς ἄλλας λαβεῖν. + +Ὀρέστης +καλῶς ἔλεξας· τῇ τύχῃ δʼ οἶμαι μέλειν +τοῦδε ξὺν ἡμῖν· ἢν δέ τις πρόθυμος ᾖ, +σθένειν τὸ θεῖον μᾶλλον εἰκότως ἔχει. + +Ἰφιγένεια +μηδέν μʼ ἐπίσχῃ γʼ· οὐδʼ ἀποστήσει λόγου, +πρῶτον πυθέσθαι τίνα ποτʼ Ἠλέκτρα πότμον +εἴληχε βιότου· φίλα γὰρ ἔστε πάντʼ ἐμοί. + +Ὀρέστης +τῷδε ξυνοικεῖ βίον ἔχουσʼ εὐδαίμονα. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὗτος δὲ ποδαπὸς καὶ τίνος πέφυκε παῖς; + +Ὀρέστης +Στρόφιος ὁ Φωκεὺς τοῦδε κλῄζεται πατήρ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὁ δʼ ἐστί γʼ Ἀτρέως θυγατρός, ὁμογενὴς ἐμός; + +Ὀρέστης +ἀνεψιός γε, μόνος ἐμοὶ σαφὴς φίλος. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὐκ ἦν τόθʼ οὗτος ὅτε πατὴρ ἔκτεινέ με. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἦν· χρόνον γὰρ Στρόφιος ἦν ἄπαις τινά. + +Ἰφιγένεια +χαῖρʼ ὦ πόσις μοι τῆς ἐμῆς ὁμοσπόρου. + +Ὀρέστης +κἀμός γε σωτήρ, οὐχὶ συγγενὴς μόνον. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τὰ δεινὰ δʼ ἔργα πῶς ἔτλης μητρὸς πέρι; + +Ὀρέστης +σιγῶμεν αὐτά· πατρὶ τιμωρῶν ἐμῷ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἡ δʼ αἰτία τίς ἀνθʼ ὅτου κτείνει πόσιν; + +Ὀρέστης +ἔα τὰ μητρός· οὐδὲ σοὶ κλύειν καλόν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +σιγῶ· τὸ δʼ Ἄργος πρὸς σὲ νῦν ἀποβλέπει; + +Ὀρέστης +Μενέλαος ἄρχει· φυγάδες ἐσμὲν ἐκ πάτρας. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὔ που νοσοῦντας θεῖος ὕβρισεν δόμους; + +Ὀρέστης +οὔκ, ἀλλʼ Ἐρινύων δεῖμά μʼ ἐκβάλλει χθονός. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ταῦτʼ ἆρʼ ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς κἀνθάδʼ ἠγγέλης μανείς; + +Ὀρέστης +ὤφθημεν οὐ νῦν πρῶτον ὄντες ἄθλιοι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἔγνωκα· μητρός σʼ οὕνεκʼ ἠλάστρουν θεαί. + +Ὀρέστης +ὥσθʼ αἱματηρὰ στόμιʼ ἐπεμβαλεῖν ἐμοί. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τί γάρ ποτʼ ἐς γῆν τήνδʼ ἐπόρθμευσας πόδα; + +Ὀρέστης +Φοίβου κελευσθεὶς θεσφάτοις ἀφικόμην. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τί χρῆμα δράσειν; ῥητὸν ἢ σιγώμενον; + + + +Ὀρέστης +λέγοιμʼ ἄν· ἀρχαὶ δʼ αἵδε μοι πολλῶν πόνων. +ἐπεὶ τὰ μητρὸς ταῦθʼ ἃ σιγῶμεν κακὰ +ἐς χεῖρας ἦλθε, μεταδρομαῖς Ἐρινύων +ἠλαυνόμεσθα φυγάδες, ἔνθεν μοι πόδα +ἐς τὰς Ἀθήνας δῆτʼ ἔπεμψε Λοξίας, +δίκην παρασχεῖν ταῖς ἀνωνύμοις θεαῖς. +ἔστιν γὰρ ὁσία ψῆφος, ἣν Ἄρει ποτὲ +Ζεὺς εἵσατʼ ἔκ του δὴ χερῶν μιάσματος. +ἐλθὼν δʼ ἐκεῖσε — πρῶτα μέν μʼ οὐδεὶς ξένων +ἑκὼν ἐδέξαθʼ, ὡς θεοῖς στυγούμενον· +οἳ δʼ ἔσχον αἰδῶ, ξένια μονοτράπεζά μοι +παρέσχον, οἴκων ὄντες ἐν ταὐτῷ στέγει, +σιγῇ δʼ ἐτεκτήναντʼ ἀπόφθεγκτόν μʼ, ὅπως +δαιτὸς γενοίμην πώματός τʼ αὐτοῖς δίχα, +ἐς δʼ ἄγγος ἴδιον ἴσον ἅπασι βακχίου +μέτρημα πληρώσαντες εἶχον ἡδονήν. +κἀγὼ ʼξελέγξαι μὲν ξένους οὐκ ἠξίουν, +ἤλγουν δὲ σιγῇ κἀδόκουν οὐκ εἰδέναι, +μέγα στενάζων οὕνεκʼ ἦ μητρὸς φονεύς. +κλύω δʼ Ἀθηναίοισι τἀμὰ δυστυχῆ +τελετὴν γενέσθαι, κἄτι τὸν νόμον μένειν, +χοῆρες ἄγγος Παλλάδος τιμᾶν λεών. +ὡς δʼ εἰς Ἄρειον ὄχθον ἧκον, ἐς δίκην +ἔστην, ἐγὼ μὲν θάτερον λαβὼν βάθρον, +τὸ δʼ ἄλλο πρέσβειρʼ ἥπερ ἦν Ἐρινύων. +εἰπὼν δʼ ἀκούσας θʼ αἵματος μητρὸς πέρι, +Φοῖβός μʼ ἔσῳσε μαρτυρῶν, ἴσας δέ μοι +ψήφους διηρίθμησε Παλλὰς ὠλένῃ· +νικῶν δʼ ἀπῆρα φόνια πειρατήρια. +ὅσαι μὲν οὖν ἕζοντο πεισθεῖσαι δίκῃ, +ψῆφον παρʼ αὐτὴν ἱερὸν ὡρίσαντʼ ἔχειν· +ὅσαι δʼ Ἐρινύων οὐκ ἐπείσθησαν νόμῳ, +δρόμοις ἀνιδρύτοισιν ἠλάστρουν μʼ ἀεί, +ἕως ἐς ἁγνὸν ἦλθον αὖ Φοίβου πέδον, +καὶ πρόσθεν ἀδύτων ἐκταθείς, νῆστις βορᾶς, +ἐπώμοσʼ αὐτοῦ βίον ἀπορρήξειν θανών, +εἰ μή με σώσει Φοῖβος, ὅς μʼ ἀπώλεσεν. +ἐντεῦθεν αὐδὴν τρίποδος ἐκ χρυσοῦ λακὼν +Φοῖβός μʼ ἔπεμψε δεῦρο, διοπετὲς λαβεῖν +ἄγαλμʼ Ἀθηνῶν τʼ ἐγκαθιδρῦσαι χθονί. +ἀλλʼ ἥνπερ ἡμῖν ὥρισεν σωτηρίαν, +σύμπραξον· ἢν γὰρ θεᾶς κατάσχωμεν βρέτας, +μανιῶν τε λήξω καὶ σὲ πολυκώπῳ σκάφει +στείλας Μυκήναις ἐγκαταστήσω πάλιν. + ἀλλʼ, ὦ φιληθεῖσʼ, ὦ κασίγνητον κάρα, +σῷσον πατρῷον οἶκον, ἔκσῳσον δʼ ἐμέ· +ὡς τἄμʼ ὄλωλε πάντα καὶ τὰ Πελοπιδῶν, +οὐράνιον εἰ μὴ ληψόμεσθα θεᾶς βρέτας. + + +Χορός +δεινή τις ὀργὴ δαιμόνων ἐπέζεσε +τὸ Ταντάλειον σπέρμα διὰ πόνων τʼ ἄγει. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τὸ μὲν πρόθυμον, πρίν σε δεῦρʼ ἐλθεῖν, ἔχω +Ἄργει γενέσθαι καὶ σέ, σύγγονʼ, εἰσιδεῖν. +θέλω δʼ ἅπερ σύ, σέ τε μεταστῆσαι πόνων +νοσοῦντά τʼ οἶκον, οὐχὶ τῷ κτανόντι με +θυμουμένη, πατρῷον ὀρθῶσαι· θέλω· +σφαγῆς τε γὰρ σῆς χεῖρʼ ἀπαλλάξαιμεν ἂν +σῴσαιμί τʼ οἴκους. τὴν θεὸν δʼ ὅπως λάθω +δέδοικα καὶ τύραννον, ἡνίκʼ ἂν κενὰς +κρηπῖδας εὕρῃ λαΐνας ἀγάλματος. +πῶς δʼ οὐ θανοῦμαι; τίς δʼ ἔνεστί μοι λόγος; +ἀλλʼ, εἰ μὲν — ἕν τι — τοῦθʼ ὁμοῦ γενήσεται, +ἄγαλμά τʼ οἴσεις κἄμʼ ἐπʼ εὐπρύμνου νεὼς +ἄξεις, τὸ κινδύνευμα γίγνεται καλόν· +τούτου δὲ χωρισθεῖσʼ — ἐγὼ μὲν ὄλλυμαι, +σὺ δʼ ἂν τὸ σαυτοῦ θέμενος εὖ νόστου τύχοις. +οὐ μήν τι φεύγω γʼ, οὐδέ σʼ εἰ θανεῖν χρεὼν +σῴσασαν· οὐ γὰρ ἀλλʼ ἀνὴρ μὲν ἐκ δόμων +θανὼν ποθεινός, τὰ δὲ γυναικὸς ἀσθενῆ. + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἂν γενοίμην σοῦ τε καὶ μητρὸς φονεύς· +ἅλις τὸ κείνης αἷμα· κοινόφρων δὲ σοὶ +καὶ ζῆν θέλοιμʼ ἂν καὶ θανὼν λαχεῖν ἴσον. +ἄξω δέ γʼ, ἤνπερ καὐτὸς ἐνταυθοῖ περῶ, +πρὸς οἶκον, ἢ σοῦ κατθανὼν μενῶ μέτα. +γνώμης δʼ ἄκουσον· εἰ πρόσαντες ἦν τόδε +Ἀρτέμιδι, πῶς ἂν Λοξίας ἐθέσπισε +κομίσαι μʼ ἄγαλμα θεᾶς πόλισμʼ ἐς Παλλάδος + +καὶ σὸν πρόσωπον εἰσιδεῖν; ἅπαντα γὰρ +συνθεὶς τάδʼ εἰς ἓν νόστον ἐλπίζω λαβεῖν. + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +πῶς οὖν γένοιτʼ ἂν ὥστε μήθʼ ἡμᾶς θανεῖν, +λαβεῖν θʼ ἃ βουλόμεσθα; τῇδε γὰρ νοσεῖ +νόστος πρὸς οἴκους· ἡ δὲ βούλησις πάρα. + +Ὀρέστης +ἆρʼ ἂν τύραννον διολέσαι δυναίμεθʼ ἄν; + +Ἰφιγένεια +δεινὸν τόδʼ εἶπας, ξενοφονεῖν ἐπήλυδας. + +Ὀρέστης +ἀλλʼ, εἰ σὲ σώσει κἀμέ, κινδυνευτέον. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην· τὸ δὲ πρόθυμον ᾔνεσα. + +Ὀρέστης +τί δʼ, εἴ με ναῷ τῷδε κρύψειας λάθρα; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὡς δὴ σκότον λαβόντες ἐκσωθεῖμεν ἄν; + +Ὀρέστης +κλεπτῶν γὰρ ἡ νύξ, τῆς δʼ ἀληθείας τὸ φῶς. + +Ἰφιγένεια +εἴσʼ ἔνδον ἱεροὶ φύλακες, οὓς οὐ λήσομεν. + +Ὀρέστης +οἴμοι, διεφθάρμεσθα· πῶς σωθεῖμεν ἄν; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἔχειν δοκῶ μοι καινὸν ἐξεύρημά τι. + +Ὀρέστης +ποῖόν τι; δόξης μετάδος, ὡς κἀγὼ μάθω. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ταῖς σαῖς ἀνίαις χρήσομαι σοφίσμασι. + +Ὀρέστης +δειναὶ γὰρ αἱ γυναῖκες εὑρίσκειν τέχνας. + +Ἰφιγένεια +φονέα σε φήσω μητρὸς ἐξ Ἄργους μολεῖν. + +Ὀρέστης +χρῆσαι κακοῖσι τοῖς ἐμοῖς, εἰ κερδανεῖς. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὡς οὐ θέμις γε λέξομεν θύειν θεᾷ, + +Ὀρέστης +τίνʼ αἰτίαν ἔχουσʼ; ὑποπτεύω τι γάρ. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὐ καθαρὸν ὄντα· τὸ δʼ ὅσιον δώσω φόβῳ. + +Ὀρέστης +τί δῆτα μᾶλλον θεᾶς ἄγαλμʼ ἁλίσκεται; + +Ἰφιγένεια +πόντου σε πηγαῖς ἁγνίσαι βουλήσομαι, + +Ὀρέστης +ἔτʼ ἐν δόμοισι βρέτας, ἐφʼ ᾧ πεπλεύκαμεν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +κἀκεῖνο νίψαι, σοῦ θιγόντος ὥς, ἐρῶ. + +Ὀρέστης +ποῖ δῆτα; πόντου νοτερὸν εἶπας ἔκβολον; + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὗ ναῦς χαλινοῖς λινοδέτοις ὁρμεῖ σέθεν. + +Ὀρέστης +σὺ δʼ ἤ τις ἄλλος ἐν χεροῖν οἴσει βρέτας; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἐγώ· θιγεῖν γὰρ ὅσιόν ἐστʼ ἐμοὶ μόνῃ. + +Ὀρέστης +Πυλάδης δʼ ὅδʼ ἡμῖν ποῦ τετάξεται πόνου; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ταὐτὸν χεροῖν σοὶ λέξεται μίασμʼ ἔχων. + +Ὀρέστης +λάθρα δʼ ἄνακτος ἢ εἰδότος δράσεις τάδε; + +Ἰφιγένεια +πείσασα μύθοις· οὐ γὰρ ἂν λάθοιμί γε. + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ μὴν νεώς γε πίτυλος εὐήρης πάρα. + +Ἰφιγένεια +σοὶ δὴ μέλειν χρὴ τἄλλʼ ὅπως ἕξει καλῶς. + +Ὀρέστης +ἑνὸς μόνου δεῖ, τάσδε συγκρύψαι τάδε. +ἀλλʼ ἀντίαζε καὶ λόγους πειστηρίους +εὕρισκʼ· ἔχει τοι δύναμιν εἰς οἶκτον γυνή. +τὰ δʼ ἄλλʼ ἴσως — . ἅπαντα συμβαίη καλῶς. + + + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες, εἰς ὑμᾶς βλέπω, +καὶ τἄμʼ ἐν ὑμῖν ἐστιν ἢ καλῶς ἔχειν +ἢ μηδὲν εἶναι καὶ στερηθῆναι πάτρας +φίλου τʼ ἀδελφοῦ φιλτάτης τε συγγόνου. +καὶ πρῶτα μέν μοι τοῦ λόγου τάδʼ ἀρχέτω· +γυναῖκές ἐσμεν, φιλόφρον ἀλλήλαις γένος +σῴζειν τε κοινὰ πράγματʼ ἀσφαλέσταται. +σιγήσαθʼ ἡμῖν καὶ συνεκπονήσατε +φυγάς. καλόν τοι γλῶσσʼ ὅτῳ πιστὴ παρῇ. +ὁρᾶτε δʼ ὡς τρεῖς μία τύχη τοὺς φιλτάτους, +ἢ γῆς πατρῴας νόστον ἢ θανεῖν ἔχει. +σωθεῖσα δʼ, ὡς ἂν καὶ σὺ κοινωνῇς τύχης, +σώσω σʼ ἐς Ἑλλάδʼ. ἀλλὰ πρός σε δεξιᾶς +σὲ καὶ σὲ ἱκνοῦμαι, σὲ δὲ φίλης παρηίδος, +γονάτων τε καὶ τῶν ἐν δόμοισι φιλτάτων +μητρὸς πατρός τε καὶ τέκνων ὅτῳ κυρεῖ. +τί φατέ; τίς ὑμῶν φησιν ἢ τίς οὐ θέλειν — +φθέγξασθε — ταῦτα; μὴ γὰρ αἰνουσῶν λόγους +ὄλωλα κἀγὼ καὶ κασίγνητος τάλας. + +Χορός +θάρσει, φίλη δέσποινα, καὶ σῴζου μόνον· +ὡς ἔκ γʼ ἐμοῦ σοι πάντα σιγηθήσεται — +ἴστω μέγας Ζεύς — ὧν ἐπισκήπτεις πέρι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ὄναισθε μύθων καὶ γένοισθʼ εὐδαίμονες. + σὸν ἔργον ἤδη καὶ σὸν ἐσβαίνειν δόμους· +ὡς αὐτίχʼ ἥξει τῆσδε κοίρανος χθονός, +θυσίαν ἐλέγχων εἰ κατείργασται ξένων. + >ὦ πότνιʼ, ἥπερ μʼ Αὐλίδος κατὰ πτυχὰς +δεινῆς ἔσωσας ἐκ πατροκτόνου χερός, +σῶσόν με καὶ νῦν τούσδε τʼ· ἢ τὸ Λοξίου +οὐκέτι βροτοῖσι διὰ σὲ ἐτήτυμον στόμα. +ἀλλʼ εὐμενὴς ἔκβηθι βαρβάρου χθονὸς +ἐς τὰς Ἀθήνας· καὶ γὰρ ἐνθάδʼ οὐ πρέπει +ναίειν, παρόν σοι πόλιν ἔχειν εὐδαίμονα. +
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+Χορός +ὄρνις, ἃ παρὰ πετρίνας +πόντου δειράδας, ἀλκυών, +ἔλεγον οἶτον ἀείδεις, +εὐξύνετον ξυνετοῖς βοάν, +ὅτι πόσιν κελαδεῖς ἀεὶ μολπαῖς, +ἐγώ σοι παραβάλλομαι +θρήνους, ἄπτερος ὅρνις, +ποθοῦσʼ Ἑλλάνων ἀγόρους, +ποθοῦσʼ Ἄρτεμιν λοχίαν, +ἃ παρὰ Κύνθιον ὄχθον οἰ- +κεῖ φοίνικά θʼ ἁβροκόμαν +δάφναν τʼ εὐερνέα καὶ +γλαυκᾶς θαλλὸν ἱερὸν ἐλαί- +ας, Λατοῦς ὠδῖνα φίλαν, +λίμναν θʼ εἱλίσσουσαν ὕδωρ +κύκλιον, ἔνθα κύκνος μελῳ- +δὸς Μούσας θεραπεύει. +
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+Χορός +ὦ πολλαὶ δακρύων λιβάδες, +αἳ παρηίδας εἰς ἐμὰς +ἔπεσον, ἁνίκα πύργων +ὀλομένων ἐν ναυσὶν ἔβαν +πολεμίων ἐρετμοῖσι καὶ λόγχαις. +ζαχρύσου δὲ διʼ ἐμπολᾶς +νόστον βάρβαρον ἦλθον, +ἔνθα τᾶς ἐλαφοκτόνου +θεᾶς ἀμφίπολον κόραν +παῖδʼ Ἀγαμεμνονίαν λατρεύ- +ω βωμούς τʼ οὐ μηλοθύτας, +ζηλοῦσʼ ἄταν διὰ παν- +τὸς δυσδαίμονʼ· ἐν γὰρ ἀνάγ- +καις οὐ κάμνεις σύντροφος ὤν. +μεταβάλλει δυσδαιμονία· +τὸ δὲ μετʼ εὐτυχίας κακοῦ- +σθαι θνατοῖς βαρὺς αἰών. +
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+Χορός +καὶ σὲ μέν, πότνιʼ, Ἀργεία +πεντηκόντορος οἶκον ἄξει· +συρίζων θʼ ὁ κηροδέτας +κάλαμος οὐρείου Πανὸς +κώπαις ἐπιθωΰξει, +ὁ Φοῖβός θʼ ὁ μάντις ἔχων +κέλαδον ἑπτατόνου λύρας +ἀείδων ἄξει λιπαρὰν +εὖ σʼ Ἀθηναίων ἐπὶ γᾶν. +ἐμὲ δʼ αὐτοῦ λιποῦσα +βήσῃ ῥοθίοισι πλάταις· +ἀέρι δὲ ἱστία πρότονοι κατὰ πρῷραν ὑ- +πὲρ στόλον ἐκπετάσουσι πόδα +ναὸς ὠκυπόμπου.
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+Χορός +λαμπροὺς ἱπποδρόμους βαίην, +ἔνθʼ εὐάλιον ἔρχεται πῦρ· +οἰκείων δʼ ὑπὲρ θαλάμων +πτέρυγας ἐν νώτοις ἁμοῖς +λήξαιμι θοάζουσα· +χοροῖς δʼ ἑσταίην, ὅθι καὶ +παρθένος, εὐδοκίμων γάμων, +παρὰ πόδʼ εἱλίσσουσα φίλας +ματρὸς ἡλίκων θιάσους, +χαρίτων εἰς ἁμίλλας, +χαίτας ἁβρόπλουτον ἔριν, +ὀρνυμένα, πολυποίκιλα φάρεα +καὶ πλοκάμους περιβαλλομένα +γένυσιν ἐσκίαζον.
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+Θόας +ποῦ ʼσθʼ ἡ πυλωρὸς τῶνδε δωμάτων γυνὴ +Ἑλληνίς; ἤδη τῶν ξένων κατήρξατο; +ἀδύτοις ἐν ἁγνοῖς σῶμα λάμπονται πυρί; + +Χορός +ἥδʼ ἐστίν, ἥ σοι πάντʼ, ἄναξ, ἐρεῖ σαφῶς. + +Θόας +ἔα· +τί τόδε μεταίρεις ἐξ ἀκινήτων βάθρων, +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖ, θεᾶς ἄγαλμʼ ἐν ὠλέναις; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἄναξ, ἔχʼ αὐτοῦ πόδα σὸν ἐν παραστάσιν. + +Θόας +τί δʼ ἔστιν, Ἰφιγένεια, καινὸν ἐν δόμοις; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἀπέπτυσʼ· Ὁσίᾳ γὰρ δίδωμʼ ἔπος τόδε. + +Θόας +τί φροιμιάζῃ νεοχμόν; ἐξαύδα σαφῶς. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὐ καθαρά μοι τὰ θύματʼ ἠγρεύσασθʼ, ἄναξ. + +Θόας +τί τοὐκδιδάξαν τοῦτό σʼ; ἢ δόξαν λέγεις; + +Ἰφιγένεια +βρέτας τὸ τῆς θεοῦ πάλιν ἕδρας ἀπεστράφη. + +Θόας +αὐτόματον, ἤ νιν σεισμὸς ἔστρεψε χθονός; + +Ἰφιγένεια +αὐτόματον· ὄψιν δʼ ὀμμάτων ξυνήρμοσεν. + +Θόας +ἡ δʼ αἰτία τίς; ἦ τὸ τῶν ξένων μύσος; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἥδʼ, οὐδὲν ἄλλο· δεινὰ γὰρ δεδράκατον. + +Θόας +ἀλλʼ ἦ τινʼ ἔκανον βαρβάρων ἀκτῆς ἔπι; + +Ἰφιγένεια +οἰκεῖον ἦλθον τὸν φόνον κεκτημένοι. + +Θόας +τίνʼ; εἰς ἔρον γὰρ τοῦ μαθεῖν πεπτώκαμεν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +μητέρα κατειργάσαντο κοινωνῷ ξίφει. + +Θόας +Ἄπολλον, οὐδʼ ἐν βαρβάροις ἔτλη τις ἄν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +πάσης διωγμοῖς ἠλάθησαν Ἑλλάδος. + +Θόας +ἦ τῶνδʼ ἕκατι δῆτʼ ἄγαλμʼ ἔξω φέρεις; + +Ἰφιγένεια +σεμνόν γʼ ὑπʼ αἰθέρʼ, ὡς μεταστήσω φόνου. + +Θόας +μίασμα δʼ ἔγνως τοῖν ξένοιν ποίῳ τρόπῳ; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἤλεγχον, ὡς θεᾶς βρέτας ἀπεστράφη πάλιν. + +Θόας +σοφήν σʼ ἔθρεψεν Ἑλλάς, ὡς ᾔσθου καλῶς. + +Ἰφιγένεια +καὶ μὴν καθεῖσαν δέλεαρ ἡδύ μοι φρενῶν. + +Θόας +τῶν Ἀργόθεν τι φίλτρον ἀγγέλλοντέ σοι; + +Ἰφιγένεια +τὸν μόνον Ὀρέστην ἐμὸν ἀδελφὸν εὐτυχεῖν. + +Θόας +ὡς δή σφε σῴσαις ἡδοναῖς ἀγγελμάτων. + +Ἰφιγένεια +καὶ πατέρα γε ζῆν καὶ καλῶς πράσσειν ἐμόν. + +Θόας +σὺ δʼ ἐς τὸ τῆς θεοῦ γʼ ἐξένευσας εἰκότως. + +Ἰφιγένεια +πᾶσάν γε μισοῦσʼ Ἑλλάδʼ, ἥ μʼ ἀπώλεσεν. + +Θόας +τί δῆτα δρῶμεν, φράζε, τοῖν ξένοιν πέρι; + +Ἰφιγένεια +τὸν νόμον ἀνάγκη τὸν προκείμενον σέβειν. + +Θόας +οὔκουν ἐν ἔργῳ χέρνιβες ξίφος τε σόν; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἁγνοῖς καθαρμοῖς πρῶτά νιν νίψαι θέλω. + +Θόας +πηγαῖσιν ὑδάτων ἢ θαλασσίᾳ δρόσῳ; + +Ἰφιγένεια +θάλασσα κλύζει πάντα τἀνθρώπων κακά. + +Θόας +ὁσιώτερον γοῦν τῇ θεῷ πέσοιεν ἄν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +καὶ τἀμά γʼ οὕτω μᾶλλον ἂν καλῶς ἔχοι. + +Θόας +οὔκουν πρὸς αὐτὸν ναὸν ἐκπίπτει κλύδων; + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἐρημίας δεῖ· καὶ γὰρ ἄλλα δράσομεν. + +Θόας +ἄγʼ ἔνθα χρῄζεις· οὐ φιλῶ τἄρρηθʼ ὁρᾶν. + +Ἰφιγένεια +ἁγνιστέον μοι καὶ τὸ τῆς θεοῦ βρέτας. + +Θόας +εἴπερ γε κηλὶς ἔβαλέ νιν μητροκτόνος. + +Ἰφιγένεια +οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ἄν νιν ἠράμην βάθρων ἄπο. + +Θόας +δίκαιος ηὑσέβεια καὶ προμηθία. + + + +
+Ἰφιγένεια +οἶσθά νυν ἅ μοι γενέσθω; + +Θόας + σὸν τὸ σημαίνειν τόδε. + +Ἰφιγένεια + δεσμὰ τοῖς ξένοισι πρόσθες. + +Θόας + ποῖ δέ σʼ ἐκφύγοιεν ἄν; + +Ἰφιγένεια + πιστὸν Ἑλλὰς οἶδεν οὐδέν. + +Θόας + ἴτʼ ἐπὶ δεσμά, πρόσπολοι. + +Ἰφιγένεια + κἀκκομιζόντων δὲ δεῦρο τοὺς ξένους — + +Θόας + ἔσται τάδε. + +Ἰφιγένεια + κρᾶτα κρύψαντες πέπλοισιν. + +Θόας + ἡλίου πρόσθεν φλογός. + +Ἰφιγένεια + σῶν τέ μοι σύμπεμπʼ ὀπαδῶν. + +Θόας + οἵδʼ ὁμαρτήσουσί σοι. + +Ἰφιγένεια + καὶ πόλει πέμψον τινʼ ὅστις σημανεῖ — + +Θόας + ποίας τύχας; + +Ἰφιγένεια + ἐν δόμοις μίμνειν ἅπαντας. + +Θόας + μὴ συναντῷεν φόνῳ; + +Ἰφιγένεια + μυσαρὰ γὰρ τὰ τοιάδʼ ἐστί. + +Θόας + στεῖχε καὶ σήμαινε σύ — + +Ἰφιγένεια + μηδένʼ εἰς ὄψιν πελάζειν. + +Θόας + εὖ γε κηδεύεις πόλιν. + +Ἰφιγένεια + καὶ φίλων γʼ οὓς δεῖ μάλιστα. + +Θόας + τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας εἰς ἐμέ. + +Ἰφιγένεια + + +Θόας + ὡς εἰκότως σε πᾶσα θαυμάζει πόλις. + +Ἰφιγένεια + σὺ δὲ μένων αὐτοῦ πρὸ ναῶν τῇ θεῷ — + +Θόας + τί χρῆμα δρῶ; + +Ἰφιγένεια + ἅγνισον πυρσῷ μέλαθρον. + +Θόας + καθαρὸν ὡς μόλῃς πάλιν. + +Ἰφιγένεια + ἡνίκʼ ἂν δʼ ἔξω περῶσιν οἱ ξένοι — + +Θόας + τί χρή με δρᾶν; + +Ἰφιγένεια + πέπλον ὀμμάτων προθέσθαι. + +Θόας + μὴ παλαμναῖον λάβω. + +Ἰφιγένεια + ἢν δʼ ἄγαν δοκῶ χρονίζειν — + +Θόας + τοῦδʼ ὅρος τίς ἐστί μοι; + +Ἰφιγένεια + θαυμάσῃς μηδέν. + +Θόας + τὰ τῆς θεοῦ πρᾶσσʼ — ἐπεὶ σχολή — καλῶς. + +Ἰφιγένεια + εἰ γὰρ ὡς θέλω καθαρμὸς ὅδε πέσοι. + +Θόας + συνεύχομαι. + +Ἰφιγένεια +τούσδʼ ἄρʼ ἐκβαίνοντας ἤδη δωμάτων ὁρῶ ξένους +καὶ θεᾶς κόσμους νεογνούς τʼ ἄρνας, ὡς φόνῳ φόνον +μυσαρὸν ἐκνίψω, σέλας τε λαμπάδων τά τʼ ἄλλʼ ὅσα +προυθέμην ἐγὼ ξένοισι καὶ θεᾷ καθάρσια. +ἐκποδὼν δʼ αὐδῶ πολίταις τοῦδʼ ἔχειν μιάσματος, +εἴ τις ἢ ναῶν πυλωρὸς χεῖρας ἁγνεύει θεοῖς +ἢ γάμον στείχει συνάψων ἢ τόκοις βαρύνεται, +φεύγετʼ, ἐξίστασθε, μή τῳ προσπέσῃ μύσος τόδε. + ὦ Διὸς Λητοῦς τʼ ἄνασσα παρθένʼ, ἢν νίψω φόνον +τῶνδε καὶ θύσωμεν οὗ χρή, καθαρὸν οἰκήσεις δόμον, +εὐτυχεῖς δʼ ἡμεῖς ἐσόμεθα. τἄλλα δʼ οὐ λέγουσʼ, ὅμως +τοῖς τὰ πλείονʼ εἰδόσιν θεοῖς σοί τε σημαίνω, θεά. + +
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+Χορός +εὔπαις ὁ Λατοῦς γόνος, +τόν ποτε Δηλιὰς ἐν καρποφόροις γυάλοις +ἔτικτε, χρυσοκόμαν +ἐν κιθάρᾳ σοφόν, ἅ τʼ ἐπὶ τόξων +εὐστοχίᾳ γάνυται· φέρε δʼ αὐτά +νιν ἀπὸ δειράδος εἰναλίας, +λοχεῖα κλεινὰ λιποῦσα μά- +τηρ, τὰν ἀστάκτων ὑδάτων +βακχεύουσαν Διονύ- +σῳ Παρνάσιον κορυφάν· +ὅθι ποικιλόνωτος οἰ- +νωπὸς δράκων, +σκιερᾷ κατάχαλκος εὐ- +φύλλῳ δάφνᾳ, +γᾶς πελώριον τέρας, ἄμφεπε μαντεῖ- +ον Χθόνιον. +ἔτι μιν ἔτι βρέφος, ἔτι φίλας +ἐπὶ ματέρος ἀγκάλαισι θρῴσκων +ἔκανες, ὦ Φοῖβε, μαντείων δʼ ἐπέβας ζαθέων, +τρίποδί τʼ ἐν χρυσέῳ θάσσεις, ἐν ἀψευδεῖ θρόνῳ +μαντείας βροτοῖς θεσφάτων νέμων +ἀδύτων ὕπο, Κασταλίας ῥεέθρων γείτων, μέσον +γᾶς ἔχων μέλαθρον. +
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+Χορός +Θέμιν δʼ ἐπεὶ γᾶς ἰὼν +παῖδʼ ἀπενάσσατο Πυθῶνος ἀπὸ ζαθέων +χρηστηρίων, νύχια +Χθὼν ἐτεκνώσατο φάσματʼ ὀνείρων, +οἳ πολέσιν μερόπων τά τε πρῶτα, τά τʼ +ἔπειθʼ, ὅσσα τʼ ἔμελλε τυχεῖν, +ὕπνου κατὰ δνοφερὰς γᾶς εὐ- +νὰς ἔφραζον· Γαῖα δὲ τὰν +μαντεῖον ἀφείλετο τι- +μὰν Φοῖβον, φθόνῳ θυγατρός. +ταχύπους δʼ ἐς Ὄλυμπον ὁρ- +μαθεὶς ἄναξ +χέρα παιδνὸν ἕλιξεν ἐκ +Διὸς θρόνων +Πυθίων δόμων χθονίαν ἀφελεῖν μῆ- +νιν θεᾶς. νυχίους τʼ ἐνοπὰς. +γέλασε δʼ, ὅτι τέκος ἄφαρ ἔβα +πολύχρυσα θέλων λατρεύματα σχεῖν· +ἐπὶ δʼ ἔσεισεν κόμαν, παῦσαι νυχίους ἐνοπάς, +ἀπὸ δʼ ἀλαθοσύναν νυκτωπὸν ἐξεῖλεν βροτῶν, +καὶ τιμὰς πάλιν θῆκε Λοξίᾳ, +πολυάνορι δʼ ἐν ξενόεντι θρόνῳ θάρση βροτοῖς +θεσφάτων ἀοιδαῖς. +
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+Ἄγγελος +ὦ ναοφύλακες βώμιοί τʼ ἐπιστάται, +Θόας ἄναξ γῆς τῆσδε ποῦ κυρεῖ βεβώς; +καλεῖτʼ ἀναπτύξαντες εὐγόμφους πύλας +ἔξω μελάθρων τῶνδε κοίρανον χθονός. + +Χορός +τί δʼ ἔστιν, εἰ χρὴ μὴ κελευσθεῖσαν λέγειν; + +Ἄγγελος +βεβᾶσι φροῦδοι δίπτυχοι νεανίαι +Ἀγαμεμνονείας παιδὸς ἐκ βουλευμάτων +φεύγοντες ἐκ γῆς τῆσδε καὶ σεμνὸν βρέτας +λαβόντες ἐν κόλποισιν Ἑλλάδος νεώς. + +Χορός +ἄπιστον εἶπας μῦθον· ὃν δʼ ἰδεῖν θέλεις +ἄνακτα χώρας, φροῦδος ἐκ ναοῦ συθείς. + +Ἄγγελος +ποῖ; δεῖ γὰρ αὐτὸν εἰδέναι τὰ δρώμενα. + +Χορός +οὐκ ἴσμεν· ἀλλὰ στεῖχε καὶ δίωκέ νιν +ὅπου κυρήσας τούσδʼ ἀπαγγελεῖς λόγους. + +Ἄγγελος +ὁρᾶτʼ, ἄπιστον ὡς γυναικεῖον γένος· +μέτεστι χὑμῖν τῶν πεπραγμένων μέρος. + +Χορός +μαίνῃ· τί δʼ ἡμῖν τῶν ξένων δρασμοῦ μέτα; +οὐκ εἶ κρατούντων πρὸς πύλας ὅσον τάχος; + +Ἄγγελος +οὔ, πρίν γʼ ἂν εἴπῃ τοὔπος ἑρμηνεὺς ὅδε, +εἴτʼ ἔνδον εἴτʼ οὐκ ἔνδον ἀρχηγὸς χθονός. +ὠή, χαλᾶτε κλῇθρα, τοῖς ἔνδον λέγω, +καὶ δεσπότῃ σημήναθʼ οὕνεκʼ ἐν πύλαις +πάρειμι, καινῶν φόρτον ἀγγέλλων κακῶν. + +Θόας +τίς ἀμφὶ δῶμα θεᾶς τόδʼ ἵστησιν βοήν, +πύλας ἀράξας καὶ ψόφον πέμψας ἔσω; + +Ἄγγελος +φεῦ· +πῶς ἔλεγον αἵδε, καί μʼ ἀπήλαυνον δόμων, +ὡς ἐκτὸς εἴης· σὺ δὲ κατʼ οἶκον ἦσθʼ ἄρα. + +Θόας +τί προσδοκῶσαι κέρδος ἢ θηρώμεναι; + +Ἄγγελος +αὖθις τὰ τῶνδε σημανῶ· τὰ δʼ ἐν ποσὶ +παρόντʼ ἄκουσον. ἡ νεᾶνις ἣ ʼνθάδε +βωμοῖς παρίστατʼ, Ἰφιγένειʼ, ἔξω χθονὸς +σὺν τοῖς ξένοισιν οἴχεται, σεμνὸν θεᾶς +ἄγαλμʼ ἔχουσα· δόλια δʼ ἦν καθάρματα. + +Θόας +πῶς φῄς; τί πνεῦμα συμφορᾶς κεκτημένη; + +Ἄγγελος +σῴζουσʼ Ὀρέστην· τοῦτο γὰρ σὺ θαυμάσῃ. + +Θόας +τὸν ποῖον; ἆρʼ ὃν Τυνδαρὶς τίκτει κόρη; + +Ἄγγελος +ὃν τοῖσδε βωμοῖς θεὰ καθωσιώσατο. + +Θόας +ὦ θαῦμα — πῶς σε μεῖζον ὀνομάσας τύχω; + +Ἄγγελος +μὴ ʼνταῦθα τρέψῃς σὴν φρένʼ, ἀλλʼ ἄκουέ μου· +σαφῶς δʼ ἀθρήσας καὶ κλύων ἐκφρόντισον +διωγμὸς ὅστις τοὺς ξένους θηράσεται. + +Θόας +λέγʼ· εὖ γὰρ εἶπας· οὐ γὰρ ἀγχίπλουν πόρον +φεύγουσιν, ὥστε διαφυγεῖν τοὐμὸν δόρυ. + + + +Ἄγγελος +ἐπεὶ πρὸς ἀκτὰς ἤλθομεν θαλασσίας, +οὗ ναῦς Ὀρέστου κρύφιος ἦν ὡρμισμένη, +ἡμᾶς μέν, οὓς σὺ δεσμὰ συμπέμπεις ξένων +ἔχοντας, ἐξένευσʼ ἀποστῆναι πρόσω +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, ὡς ἀπόρρητον φλόγα +θύουσα καὶ καθαρμὸν ὃν μετῴχετο, +αὐτὴ δʼ ὄπισθε δέσμʼ ἔχουσα τοῖν ξένοιν +ἔστειχε χερσί. καὶ τάδʼ ἦν ὕποπτα μέν, +ἤρεσκε μέντοι σοῖσι προσπόλοις, ἄναξ. + χρόνῳ δʼ, ἵνʼ ἡμῖν δρᾶν τι δὴ δοκοῖ πλέον, +ἀνωλόλυξε καὶ κατῇδε βάρβαρα +μέλη μαγεύουσʼ, ὡς φόνον νίζουσα δή. +ἐπεὶ δὲ δαρὸν ἦμεν ἥμενοι χρόνον, +ἐσῆλθεν ἡμᾶς μὴ λυθέντες οἱ ξένοι +κτάνοιεν αὐτὴν δραπέται τʼ οἰχοίατο. +φόβῳ δʼ ἃ μὴ χρῆν εἰσορᾶν καθήμεθα +σιγῇ· τέλος δὲ πᾶσιν ἦν αὑτὸς λόγος +στείχειν ἵνʼ ἦσαν, καίπερ οὐκ ἐωμένοις. + κἀνταῦθʼ ὁρῶμεν Ἑλλάδος νεὼς σκάφος +ταρσῷ κατήρει πίτυλον ἐπτερωμένον, +ναύτας τε πεντήκοντʼ ἐπὶ σκαλμῶν πλάτας +ἔχοντας, ἐκ δεσμῶν δὲ τοὺς νεανίας +ἐλευθέρους πρύμνηθεν ἑστῶτας νεώς. +κοντοῖς δὲ πρῷραν εἶχον, οἳ δʼ ἐπωτίδων +ἄγκυραν ἐξανῆπτον· οἳ δέ, κλίμακας +σπεύδοντες, ἦγον διὰ χερῶν πρυμνήσια, +πόντῳ δὲ δόντες τοῖν ξένοιν καθίεσαν. + ἡμεῖς δʼ ἀφειδήσαντες, ὡς ἐσείδομεν +δόλια τεχνήματʼ, εἰχόμεσθα τῆς ξένης +πρυμνησίων τε, καὶ διʼ εὐθυντηρίας +οἴακας ἐξῃροῦμεν εὐπρύμνου νεώς. +λόγοι δʼ ἐχώρουν· Τίνι λόγῳ πορθμεύετε +κλέπτοντες ἐκ γῆς ξόανα καὶ θυηπόλους; +τίνος τίς ὢν σὺ τήνδʼ ἀπεμπολᾷς χθονός; +ὁ δʼ εἶπʼ· Ὀρέστης, τῆσδʼ ὅμαιμος, ὡς μάθῃς, +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, τήνδʼ ἐμὴν κομίζομαι +λαβὼν ἀδελφήν, ἣν ἀπώλεσʼ ἐκ δόμων. + + ἀλλʼ οὐδὲν ἧσσον εἰχόμεσθα τῆς ξένης +καὶ πρὸς σὲ ἕπεσθαι διεβιαζόμεσθά νιν· +ὅθεν τὰ δεινὰ πλήγματʼ ἦν γενειάδων. +κεῖνοί τε γὰρ σίδηρον οὐκ εἶχον χεροῖν +ἡμεῖς τε· πυγμαί τʼ ἦσαν ἐγκροτούμεναι, +καὶ κῶλʼ ἀπʼ ἀμφοῖν τοῖν νεανίαιν ἅμα +ἐς πλευρὰ καὶ πρὸς ἧπαρ ἠκοντίζετο, +ὡς τῷ ξυνάπτειν καὶ συναποκαμεῖν μέλη. +δεινοῖς δὲ σημάντροισιν ἐσφραγισμένοι +ἐφεύγομεν πρὸς κρημνόν, οἳ μὲν ἐν κάρᾳ +κάθαιμʼ ἔχοντες τραύμαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἐν ὄμμασιν· +ὄχθοις δʼ ἐπισταθέντες εὐλαβεστέρως +ἐμαρνάμεσθα καὶ πέτρους ἐβάλλομεν. +ἀλλʼ εἶργον ἡμᾶς τοξόται πρύμνης ἔπι +σταθέντες ἰοῖς, ὥστʼ ἀναστεῖλαι πρόσω. +κἀν τῷδε — δεινὸς γὰρ κλύδων ὤκειλε ναῦν +πρὸς γῆν, φόβος δʼ ἦν παρθένῳ τέγξαι πόδα — +λαβὼν Ὀρέστης ὦμον εἰς ἀριστερόν, +βὰς ἐς θάλασσαν κἀπὶ κλίμακος θορών, +ἔθηκʼ ἀδελφὴν ἐντὸς εὐσήμου νεώς, +τό τʼ οὐρανοῦ πέσημα, τῆς Διὸς κόρης +ἄγαλμα. ναὸς δʼ ἐκ μέσης ἐφθέγξατο +βοή τις· ὦ γῆς Ἑλλάδος ναῦται, νεὼς +λάβεσθε κώπαις ῥόθιά τʼ ἐκλευκαίνετε· +ἔχομεν γὰρ ὧνπερ οὕνεκʼ ἄξενον πόρον +Συμπληγάδων ἔσωθεν εἰσεπλεύσαμεν. + + οἳ δὲ στεναγμὸν ἡδὺν ἐκβρυχώμενοι +ἔπαισαν ἅλμην. ναῦς δʼ, ἕως μὲν ἐντὸς ἦν +λιμένος, ἐχώρει στόμια, διαπερῶσα δὲ +λάβρῳ κλύδωνι συμπεσοῦσʼ ἠπείγετο· +δεινὸς γὰρ ἐλθὼν ἄνεμος ἐξαίφνης νεὼς +ὠθεῖ παλίμπρυμνʼ ἱστίʼ· οἳ δʼ ἐκαρτέρουν +πρὸς κῦμα λακτίζοντες· ἐς δὲ γῆν πάλιν +κλύδων παλίρρους ἦγε ναῦν. σταθεῖσα δὲ +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς ηὔξατʼ· ὦ Λητοῦς κόρη +σῷσόν με τὴν σὴν ἱερέαν πρὸς Ἑλλάδα +ἐκ βαρβάρου γῆς καὶ κλοπαῖς σύγγνωθʼ ἐμαῖς. +φιλεῖς δὲ καὶ σὺ σὸν κασίγνητον, θεά· +φιλεῖν δὲ κἀμὲ τοὺς ὁμαίμονας δόκει. + ναῦται δʼ ἐπευφήμησαν εὐχαῖσιν κόρης +παιᾶνα, γυμνὰς ἐκ πέπλων ἐπωμίδας +κώπῃ προσαρμόσαντες ἐκ κελεύσματος. +μᾶλλον δὲ μᾶλλον πρὸς πέτρας ᾔει σκάφος· +χὣ μέν τις ἐς θάλασσαν ὡρμήθη ποσίν, +ἄλλος δὲ πλεκτὰς ἐξανῆπτεν ἀγκύλας. +κἀγὼ μὲν εὐθὺς πρὸς σὲ δεῦρʼ ἀπεστάλην, +σοὶ τὰς ἐκεῖθεν σημανῶν, ἄναξ, τύχας. + ἀλλʼ ἕρπε, δεσμὰ καὶ βρόχους λαβὼν χεροῖν· +εἰ μὴ γὰρ οἶδμα νήνεμον γενήσεται, +οὐκ ἔστιν ἐλπὶς τοῖς ξένοις σωτηρίας. +πόντου δʼ ἀνάκτωρ Ἴλιόν τʼ ἐπισκοπεῖ +σεμνὸς Ποσειδῶν, Πελοπίδαις ἐναντίος, +καὶ νῦν παρέξει τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος γόνον +σοὶ καὶ πολίταις, ὡς ἔοικεν, ἐν χεροῖν +λαβεῖν, ἀδελφήν θʼ, ἣ φόνον τὸν Αὐλίδι +ἀμνημόνευτον θεᾷ προδοῦσʼ ἁλίσκεται. + +Χορός +ὦ τλῆμον Ἰφιγένεια, συγγόνου μέτα +θανῇ πάλιν μολοῦσα δεσποτῶν χέρας. + +Θόας +ὦ πάντες ἀστοὶ τῆσδε βαρβάρου χθονός, +οὐκ εἶα πώλοις ἐμβαλόντες ἡνίας +παράκτιοι δραμεῖσθε κἀκβολὰς νεὼς +Ἑλληνίδος δέξεσθε, σὺν δὲ τῇ θεῷ +σπεύδοντες ἄνδρας δυσσεβεῖς θηράσετε, +οἳ δʼ ὠκυπομποὺς ἕλξετʼ ἐς πόντον πλάτας; +ὡς ἐκ θαλάσσης ἔκ τε γῆς ἱππεύμασι +λαβόντες αὐτοὺς ἢ κατὰ στύφλου πέτρας +ῥίψωμεν, ἢ σκόλοψι πήξωμεν δέμας. + ὑμᾶς δὲ τὰς τῶνδʼ ἴστορας βουλευμάτων, +γυναῖκες, αὖθις, ἡνίκʼ ἂν σχολὴν λάβω, +ποινασόμεσθα· νῦν δὲ τὴν προκειμένην +σπουδὴν ἔχοντες οὐ μενοῦμεν ἥσυχοι. + + + + +Ἀθήνα +ποῖ ποῖ διωγμὸν τόνδε πορθμεύεις, ἄναξ +Θόας; ἄκουσον τῆσδʼ Ἀθηναίας λόγους. +παῦσαι διώκων ῥεῦμά τʼ ἐξορμῶν στρατοῦ· +πεπρωμένος γὰρ θεσφάτοισι Λοξίου +δεῦρʼ ἦλθʼ Ὀρέστης, τόν τʼ Ἐρινύων χόλον +φεύγων ἀδελφῆς τʼ Ἄργος ἐσπέμψων δέμας +ἄγαλμά θʼ ἱερὸν εἰς ἐμὴν ἄξων χθόνα, +τῶν νῦν παρόντων πημάτων ἀναψυχάς. +πρὸς μὲν σὲ ὅδʼ ἡμῖν μῦθος· ὃν δʼ ἀποκτενεῖν +δοκεῖς Ὀρέστην ποντίῳ λαβὼν σάλῳ, +ἤδη Ποσειδῶν χάριν ἐμὴν ἀκύμονα +πόντου τίθησι νῶτα πορθμεύειν πλάτῃ. +μαθὼν δʼ, Ὀρέστα, τὰς ἐμὰς ἐπιστολάς — +κλύεις γὰρ αὐδὴν καίπερ οὐ παρὼν θεᾶς — +χώρει λαβὼν ἄγαλμα σύγγονόν τε σήν. +ὅταν δʼ Ἀθήνας τὰς θεοδμήτους μόλῃς, +χῶρός τις ἔστιν Ἀτθίδος πρὸς ἐσχάτοις +ὅροισι, γείτων δειράδος Καρυστίας, +ἱερός, Ἁλάς νιν οὑμὸς ὀνομάζει λεώς· +ἐνταῦθα τεύξας ναὸν ἵδρυσαι βρέτας, +ἐπώνυμον γῆς Ταυρικῆς πόνων τε σῶν, +οὓς ἐξεμόχθεις περιπολῶν καθʼ Ἑλλάδα +οἴστροις Ἐρινύων. Ἄρτεμιν δέ νιν βροτοὶ +τὸ λοιπὸν ὑμνήσουσι Ταυροπόλον θεάν. +νόμον τε θὲς τόνδʼ· ὅταν ἑορτάζῃ λεώς, +τῆς σῆς σφαγῆς ἄποινʼ ἐπισχέτω ξίφος +δέρῃ πρὸς ἀνδρὸς αἷμά τʼ ἐξανιέτω, +ὁσίας ἕκατι θεά θʼ ὅπως τιμὰς ἔχῃ. +σὲ δʼ ἀμφὶ σεμνάς, Ἰφιγένεια, κλίμακας +Βραυρωνίας δεῖ τῇδε κλῃδουχεῖν θεᾷ· +οὗ καὶ τεθάψῃ κατθανοῦσα, καὶ πέπλων +ἄγαλμά σοι θήσουσιν εὐπήνους ὑφάς, +ἃς ἂν γυναῖκες ἐν τόκοις ψυχορραγεῖς +λίπωσʼ ἐν οἴκοις. τάσδε δʼ ἐκπέμπειν χθονὸς +Ἑλληνίδας γυναῖκας ἐξεφίεμαι +γνώμης δικαίας οὕνεκʼ + +ἐκσῴσασα δὲ +καὶ πρίν σʼ Ἀρείοις ἐν πάγοις ψήφους ἴσας +κρίνασʼ, Ὀρέστα· καὶ νόμισμʼ ἔσται τόδε, +νικᾶν ἰσήρεις ὅστις ἂν ψήφους λάβῃ. +ἀλλʼ ἐκκομίζου σὴν κασιγνήτην χθονός, +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖ. — καὶ σὺ μὴ θυμοῦ, Θόας. + + + +Θόας +ἄνασσʼ Ἀθάνα, τοῖσι τῶν θεῶν λόγοις +ὅστις κλύων ἄπιστος, οὐκ ὀρθῶς φρονεῖ. +ἐγὼ δʼ Ὀρέστῃ τʼ, εἰ φέρων βρέτας θεᾶς +βέβηκʼ, ἀδελφῇ τʼ οὐχὶ θυμοῦμαι· τί γὰρ +πρὸς τοὺς σθένοντας θεοὺς ἁμιλλᾶσθαι καλόν; +ἴτωσαν ἐς σὴν σὺν θεᾶς ἀγάλματι +γαῖαν, καθιδρύσαιντό τʼ εὐτυχῶς βρέτας. +πέμψω δὲ καὶ τάσδʼ Ἑλλάδʼ εἰς εὐδαίμονα +γυναῖκας, ὥσπερ σὸν κέλευσμʼ ἐφίεται. +παύσω δὲ λόγχην ἣν ἐπαίρομαι ξένοις +ναῶν τʼ ἐρετμά, σοὶ τάδʼ ὡς δοκεῖ, θεά. + +Ἀθήνα +αἰνῶ· τὸ γὰρ χρεὼν σοῦ τε καὶ θεῶν κρατεῖ. + ἴτʼ, ὦ πνοαί, ναυσθλοῦσθε τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος +παῖδʼ εἰς Ἀθήνας· συμπορεύσομαι δʼ ἐγὼ +σῴζουσʼ ἀδελφῆς τῆς ἐμῆς σεμνὸν βρέτας. + + + +
+Χορός +ἴτʼ ἐπʼ εὐτυχίᾳ τῆς σῳζομένης +μοίρας εὐδαίμονες ὄντες. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ σεμνὴ παρά τʼ ἀθανάτοις +καὶ παρὰ θνητοῖς, Παλλὰς Ἀθάνα, +δράσομεν οὕτως ὡς σὺ κελεύεις. +μάλα γὰρ τερπνὴν κἀνέλπιστον +φήμην ἀκοαῖσι δέδεγμαι. +— — — +ὦ μέγα σεμνὴ Νίκη, τὸν ἐμὸν +βίοτον κατέχοις +καὶ μὴ λήγοις στεφανοῦσα. + +
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\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg014/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg014/__cts__.xml index f0d051da0..9b5a66589 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg014/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg014/__cts__.xml @@ -4,12 +4,12 @@ Helen Helena - + Ἑλένη - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. III. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1920-1978) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. III. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1920-1978) - + Helen Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. I. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1906. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-eng1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-eng1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 1a05b05e7..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-eng1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9 +0,0 @@ -{ - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "id": "1999.01.0100", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/Classics/Euripides/copyright/eur.hel_eng.xml", - "status": "not migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-eng1.xml" -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-eng2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..d1dca9940 --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,1967 @@ + + + + + + +Helen +Machine readable text +Euripides +Edward P. Coleridge + Perseus Project, Tufts University + Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Lisa Cerrato + William Merrill + Elli Mylonas + David Smith + + The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + The Plays of Euripides + Edward P. Coleridge + + London + George Bell and Sons + 1906 + + 1 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + +

Modernization of language.

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This pointer pattern extracts lines

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+ + + + + + English + Greek + Latin + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + copyrighted CTS texts from sdl and classics in new canonical structure per github repo + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + the card divs had had a line range but there was a problem with this, so we just have the start line in the n attribute. + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + places-dates now actually tagged + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + use n attribute on sp for speeches interrupted by card breaks, and move card milestone out of the end of such speeches + bring up to P3 + Fixed cardbreak at 362. + Added speaker tags where needed. + Basic SGML tagging and modernizing + +
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+ + +

Dramatis Personae

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Helen

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Teucer

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Chorus

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Menelaos

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Old woman (Portress)

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Messenger

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Theonoe

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Theoklymenos

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Servant

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Dioskouroi

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+ +
+ +Scene.— Tomb of Proteus in the island of Pharos. +Helen +These are the lovely pure streams of the Nile, which waters the plain and lands of Egypt, fed by white melting snow instead of rain from heaven. Proteus was king of this land when he was alive, +living on the island of Pharos and lord of Egypt; and he married one of the daughters of the sea, Psamathe, after she left Aiakos’ bed. She bore two children in his palace here: a son Theoklymenos, because he spent his life in reverence of the gods, +and a noble daughter, her mother’s pride, called Eido in her infancy. But when she came to youth, the season of marriage, she was called Theonoe; for she knew whatever the gods design, both present and to come, +having received this honor from her grandfather Nereus. +My own fatherland, Sparta, is not without fame, and my father is Tyndareus; but there is indeed a story that Zeus flew to my mother Leda, taking the form of a bird, a swan, +which accomplished the deceitful union, fleeing the pursuit of an eagle, if this story is true. My name is Helen; I will tell the evils I have suffered. For the sake of beauty, three goddesses came to a deep valley on Mount Ida, to Paris: +Hera and Kypris, and the virgin daughter of Zeus, wishing to have the judgment of their loveliness decided. Kypris offered my beauty, if misfortune is beautiful, for Paris to marry, and so she won. Paris, the shepherd of Ida, left his ox-stalls +and came to Sparta, to have me in marriage. + +But Hera, indignant at not defeating the goddesses, made an airy nothing of my marriage with Paris; she gave to the son of king Priam not me, but an image, alive and breathing, that she fashioned out of the sky and made to look like me; +and he thinks he has me—an idle fancy, for he doesn’t have me. And in turn the plans of Zeus added further troubles to these; for he brought a war upon the land of the Hellenes and the unhappy Phrygians, so that he might lighten mother earth +of her crowded mass of mortals, and bring fame to the bravest man of Hellas. So I was set up as the Hellenes’ spear-prize, to test the courage of the Trojans; or rather not me, but my name. Hermes caught me up in the folds of the air and +hid me in a cloud—for Zeus was not neglectful of me—and he set me down here in the house of Proteus, having selected the most self-controlled of all mankind, so that I might keep my bed pure for Menelaos. And so I am here, while my wretched husband +has gathered an army and gone over to the towers of Ilion to hunt down and recover me. And many lives have been lost for my sake by the streams of Skamandros; and I who have endured all this am accursed, and have in appearance betrayed my husband +and brought a great war to the Hellenes. Why then am I still alive? I heard the god Hermes declare that I would yet live in the glorious country of Sparta, with my husband—for Hermes knew I never went to Ilion—so that I would not go to bed with another man. +Well, as long as Proteus saw this light of the sun, I was safe from marriage; but now that he is hidden in the dark earth, the dead man’s son hunts after a marriage with me. But I, out of regard to my husband of long ago, am throwing myself down as a suppliant before this tomb of Proteus, +for him to keep my bed safe for my husband, so that, if I bear a name infamous throughout Hellas, at least my body may not incur disgrace here. + + + + +Teucer +Who holds power over this fortified house? The dwelling is worthy of comparison with Ploutos’, +its royal enclosures and towering buildings. Ah! Oh gods, what sight is here? I see the hateful deadly likeness of the woman who ruined me and all the Achaeans. May the gods spurn you, so much do you look like +Helen! If I were not in a foreign land, you would have died by this well-aimed arrow as a reward for your likeness to the daughter of Zeus. + +Helen +What is it, poor man—who are you, that you have turned away from me and loathe me for the misfortunes of that one? + +Teucer +I was wrong; I gave way to my anger more than I should, for all Hellas hates that daughter of Zeus. Forgive me for what I said, lady. + +Helen +Who are you? Where have you come from, to visit this land? + +Teucer +I am one of those unfortunate Achaeans, lady. + +Helen +Then it is no wonder that you loathe Helen. But who are you and where do you come from? Whose son should I call you? + +Teucer +My name is Teucer, my father is Telamon, and Salamis is the land that nurtured me. + +Helen +Then why are you visiting these lands of the Nile? + +Teucer +I am an exile, driven out of my native land. + +Helen +You must be unhappy! Who banished you from your fatherland? + +Teucer +My father Telamon. Could you find anyone closer to me? + +Helen +But why? This matter is surely an unfortunate one. + +Teucer +The death of my brother Aias at Troy was my ruin. + +Helen +How so? You didn’t take his life with your sword, did you? + +Teucer +He threw himself on his own sword and died. + +Helen +Was he mad? For what sensible man would dare such a thing? + +Teucer +Do you know a certain Achilleus, the son of Peleus? + +Helen +Yes; he came to woo Helen once, so I hear. + +Teucer +When he died, he left a contest for his armor to his allies. + +Helen +Well, if he did, what harm is this to Aias? + +Teucer +When someone else got the arms, he took his own life. + +Helen +Then are you ill through his suffering? + +Teucer +Yes, because I did not die together with him. + +Helen +So you went to the famous city of Ilion, stranger? + +Teucer +Yes, and by helping to sack it, I destroyed myself as well. + +Helen +Has it already been set alight and completely consumed by fire? + +Teucer +So that not even a trace of the walls is evident. + +Helen +O miserable Helen! Because of you, the Phrygians have been destroyed. + +Teucer +And also the Achaeans; great evils have been committed. + +Helen +How long is it since the city was sacked? + +Teucer +Almost seven years have gone full circle, with their harvests. + +Helen +And how much longer were you waiting at Troy? + +Teucer +For many months; the moon held its course through ten years. + + +Helen +And did you capture the Spartan woman? + +Teucer +Menelaos caught her by the hair to drag her away. + +Helen +Did you yourself see the wretched creature? Or do you speak from hearsay? + +Teucer +I saw her with my own eyes, just as I see you, no less. + +Helen +Consider whether you had some fancy, sent by the gods. + +Teucer +Think of some other topic, not that woman still! + +Helen +Are you so sure this fancy was reliable? + +Teucer +I saw it with my own eyes; and the mind has sight. + +Helen +Is Menelaos already at home with his wife? + +Teucer +No; he is neither in Argos nor by the streams of the Eurotas. + +Helen +Alas! This is evil news for those to whom you bring it. + +Teucer +He is said to have disappeared with his wife. + +Helen +Wasn’t there the same passage for all the Argives? + +Teucer +Yes; but a tempest scattered them in every direction. + +Helen +On which surface of the salty ocean? + +Teucer +While they were crossing the Aegean in mid-channel. + +Helen +And from that time does no one know of Menelaos’ arrival? + +Teucer +No one; but throughout Hellas he is reported to be dead. + +Helen +I am wholly lost. Is the daughter of Thestius alive? + +Teucer +You speak of Leda? She is dead and gone, indeed. + +Helen +It wasn’t Helen’s disgraceful fame that killed her, surely? + +Teucer +Yes, they say she tied a noose around her noble neck. + +Helen +Are the sons of Tyndareus still alive or not? + +Teucer +They are dead, and not dead: it is a double story. + +Helen +Which report is the stronger? I am so unhappy at these evils! + +Teucer +Men say that they are gods in the likeness of stars. + +Helen +That is good news; but what is the other story? + +Teucer +That they killed themselves because of their sister. But enough of such talk! I do not need to grieve twice. As to why I came to this royal palace, +wanting to see the prophetess Theonoe, you be my patron, so I might obtain an oracle: how I should steer a favorable course to the island of Cyprus, where Apollo has declared I am to live, giving it the island name of +Salamis in honor of that fatherland over there. + +Helen +The voyage itself will explain that, stranger; leave this land and escape, before the son of Proteus, the ruler of this land, catches sight of you; now he is away with his trusty hounds tracking his savage quarry to the death; +for he kills every visitor from Hellas that he catches. Do not seek to learn his reason, and I will not say; for how could I help you? + +Teucer +Lady, you have spoken well. May the gods grant you a return for your kindness! +Although you have a body like Helen’s, your heart is not like hers, but very different. May she die miserably, and never reach the streams of Eurotas! But may you always have good fortune, lady.
+ + + +
+
+Exit Teucer. +Helen +Oh, as I begin the great lament of my great distress, +what mourning shall I strive to utter? or what Muse shall I approach with tears or songs of death or woe? Alas!
+ + +
+Helen +Winged maidens, virgin daughters of Earth, the Sirens, may you come to my mourning +with Libyan flute or pipe or lyre, tears to match my plaintive woes; grief for grief and mournful chant for chant, may Persephone send choirs of death +in harmony with my lamentation, so that she may receive as thanks from me, in addition to my tears, a paean for the departed dead beneath her gloomy roof.
+ + +
+Chorus +Beside the deep-blue water +and on the tangled grass, I happened to be drying purple robes in the sun’s golden blaze near the young reed shoots; from my mistress, from where she cried aloud her misery, +I heard a sound, a mournful song not fit for the lyre, because she was then shrieking, lamenting with her wails; just as a Naiad nymph, who sends a song of woe ringing over the hills, cries out, under the rocky hollows, with screams +at the rape of Pan.
+ + +
+Helen +Oh! Oh! Maidens of Hellas, the prey of barbarian sailors! An Achaean sailor +came, he came bringing tears upon tears to me. Ilion has been destroyed and is left to the enemy’s fire through me, the death-giver, through my name, full of suffering. +Leda sought death by hanging, in anguish over my disgrace. My husband, after much wandering in the sea, has died and is gone; +and Castor and his brother, twin glory of their native land, have vanished, vanished, leaving the plains that shook to their galloping horses, +and the schools of reed-fringed Eurotas, scene of youthful labors.
+ + +
+Chorus +Alas, alas! for your mournful fate and destiny, lady! You were fated, fated to have a life full of pain, when Zeus begot you on your mother, +shining through the air on the wings of a snow-white swan. What evil is not yours? What life have you not endured? Your mother is dead; +the twin beloved sons of Zeus do not enjoy happiness; and you do not see your fatherland, while through the cities a rumor goes, mistress, which hands you over +to the bed of a barbarian; your husband has lost his life in the salty waves, and never again will you bring glee to your father’s halls and Athene of the Bronze House.
+ + +
+Helen +Ah! Who was it, either from Phrygia +or from Hellas, who cut the pine that brought tears to Ilion? From this wood the son of Priam built his deadly ship, and sailed by barbarian oars +to my home, to that most ill-fated beauty, to win me as his wife; and with him sailed deceitful and murderous Kypris, bearing death for the Danaans. +Oh, unhappy in my misfortune! But Hera, the holy beloved of Zeus on her golden throne, sent the swift-footed son of Maia. I was gathering fresh rose leaves in the folds of my robe, +so that I might go to the goddess of the Bronze House; he carried me off through the air to this luckless land, and made me an object of miserable strife, of strife between Hellas and the sons of Priam. And my name +beside the streams of Simois bears a false rumor.
+ + + +
+Chorus Leader +You have sorrows, I know; but it is best to bear as lightly as we can the necessary evils of life. + +Helen +Dear friends, to what a fate am I yoked? Did my mother bear me as a wonder to mankind? For no other woman, Hellene or barbarian, gives birth to a white vessel of chicks, in which they say Leda bore me to Zeus. +My life and all I do is a wonder, partly because of Hera, and partly my beauty is to blame. If only I could be rubbed out like a painting, and have again in turn a plainer form instead of beauty, and the Hellenes would have forgotten the evil fate that I now have, +and would remember what part of my life is not evil, as they now remember what is. +When someone looks to one event only, and is ill-treated by the gods, it is hard, but all the same it can be borne. But I am involved in countless troubles. +First, although I never acted wrongly, my good name is gone. And this trouble is stronger than the reality, if someone incurs blame for wrongs that are not his own. Next, the gods have removed me from my native country to barbarian habits, and bereft of friends +I have become a slave although I am free by birth; for among barbarians all are slaves except one. And the only anchor of my fortunes is gone, the hope that my husband would come one day and free me of my woes—he is dead, he no longer exists. + My mother is dead, and I am called her murderer—unjustly, but that injustice is mine to bear; while the one who was born the glory of the house, my daughter, is growing gray as a virgin, without a husband; and those two Dioskouroi, called the sons of Zeus, are no more. +But with all my misfortunes, I am as good as dead in my circumstances, though not in fact. And this is the last evil of all: if ever I should come home, I would be shut out by barred doors, for people would think I was that Helen of Troy, coming back with Menelaos. +If my husband were still alive, we could have recognized each other by recourse to tokens which are evident to us alone. But now this is not so, and he can never be saved. + +Why then do I still live? What fortune do I have left? Shall I choose marriage in exchange for evils, +and live with a barbarian man, seated at his sumptuous table? But whenever a husband she hates lives with a woman, her own body is also hateful to her. It is best to die; how could this not be well done? To hang oneself, high in the air, is unseemly, +even slaves consider it undignified; but to stab oneself is noble and good, and the moment of rending life from the body is short. For I have come to such a depth of misery; other women have good fortune from their beauty, +but the same thing has destroyed me. + +Chorus Leader +Helen, do not suppose that stranger who came here, whoever he was, has spoken the whole truth. + +Helen +And yet he said very clearly that my husband was dead. + +Chorus Leader +Many words might be said in falsehood also. + +Helen +And the opposite of falsehood is clear in its truth. + +Chorus Leader +You are carried towards misfortune instead of what is good. + +Helen +Yes, for terror has embraced me and leads me to the thing I fear. + +Chorus Leader +How much goodwill is there in this house for you? + +Helen +All are my friends, except the one who hunts me in marriage. + +Chorus Leader +Then do you know what you should do? Leave your seat at the monument— + +Helen +What sort of word of advice are you coming to? + +Chorus Leader +Go inside and question the daughter of the sea-nymph, Theonoe, who knows all things, about your husband, whether he is still alive, or has left the light of day; +and when you know for certain, rejoice or be full of mourning, according to your fortune. Before you know anything correctly, what good would it do you to grieve? But be persuaded by me; leave this tomb and join the girl; +when you have someone in this house from whom you can learn the whole truth, why do you look further? And I myself want to go in and ask about the prophecies of the maiden with you; for, truly, women ought to help each other. + + +
+Helen +Dear friends, I welcome your advice. Come in, come into the house, to learn within about my struggles. + +Chorus +You are calling on one who is wholly willing. + +Helen +Oh, what an unhappy day! What tearful word shall I hear, unhappy as I am? + +Chorus +Do not be a prophetess of sorrow, dear friend, anticipating lamentation. + +Helen +What has my poor husband suffered? Does he see the light and the sun’s chariot and the paths of the stars? Or does he have a lasting fate +among the dead beneath the earth? + +Chorus +Take a brighter view of the future, whatever will happen. + +Helen +For I call on you, I swear to you, Eurotas green with watery reeds, +if this rumor of my husband’s death is true—and what was obscure in those words?—I will stretch a deadly noose about my neck, or drive inward a murderous thrust of slaughter that gushes from the throat, +a contest of the blade through my flesh, as a sacrifice to the three goddesses and to the son of Priam, who once sat on the hollows of Ida, near the ox-stalls. + +Chorus +May sorrow be turned aside elsewhere, and may your lot be fortunate! + + + +Helen +Oh, unhappy Troy! Through deeds not done by yourself, you are ruined, and have suffered pitiably; for the gift that Kypris gave me has caused much blood +and many tears; it has added grief to grief and tear to tear, sorrows. . . . Mothers have lost their children and virgin sisters of the slain have cut off their hair by the swollen tide of Phrygian Skamandros. +And Hellas has cried aloud, aloud, and broken forth in wailing, beating her head, and drenching her soft-skinned cheek with the bloody strokes of her nails. + + O maiden Kallisto, blessed once in Arcadia, who climbed into the bed of Zeus on four paws, how much happier was your lot than my mother’s, you who in the form of a shaggy-limbed beast—the bearing of a lioness with your fierce eye—changed your burden of sorrow; +and also the one whom Artemis once drove from her chorus, as a deer with horns of gold, the Titan girl, daughter of Merops, because of her loveliness; but the beauty of my body has destroyed the Dardanian towers, it has destroyed them and +the lost Achaeans. + +
+ + +
+Exit Helen. +Menelaos +O Pelops, who once held that chariot-race contest with Oinomaos over Pisa, if only, when you were persuaded to make a banquet for the gods, you had left your life then, inside the gods, +before you ever begot my father, Atreus, to whom were born, from his marriage with Airope, Agamemnon and myself, Menelaos, a famous pair; for I believe that I carried a mighty army—and I say this not in boast—in ships to Troy, +no tyrant commanding any troops by force, but leading the young men of Hellas by voluntary consent. And some of these can be counted no longer alive, others as having a joyful escape from the sea, bringing home again names thought to be of the dead. +But I wander miserably over the swelling waves of the gray ocean, ever since I sacked the towers of Ilion; and although I long to come home, I am not thought worthy by the gods to achieve this. I have sailed to Libya’s deserts and all its inhospitable landing-places; +and whenever I draw near my native land, the blast drives me back again, and no favoring wind has ever entered my sails to let me come home. +And now I am cast up on this shore, a miserable shipwrecked sailor who has lost his friends; and my ship is +broken into many pieces against the rocks. But out of its cleverly-wrought fastenings the keel was left, on which I made my difficult escape by an unexpected chance, and also Helen with me, whom I dragged away from Troy. But I do not know the name of this country +and its people; for I was embarrassed to burst into a crowd and make inquiries, and so I concealed these shabby clothes, in shame over my misfortune. For whenever a man of high degree is badly off, he falls into an unaccustomed state which is worse than that of one who has long been unfortunate. +But poverty is wearing me away; for I have neither food, nor clothes around my body; one can compare what I am wearing to rags cast out of the ship. The sea snatched away all the robes I once wore, splendid clothes and ornaments. Deep in a cave +I hid the woman who caused all my troubles, and have come here, after compelling those of my friends who survived to guard my wife. I have come alone, seeking help for those friends there, if I may find it somehow after careful search. +When I saw this home, surrounded by walls, and the majestic gateways of some prosperous man, I came near; sailors can hope to get something from wealthy homes; but from those who have no livelihood—they could not help us, even if they wanted to. +Hello! Is there some gatekeeper who might come from the house and announce my troubles within? + + + +Old woman +Who’s at the door? Get away from the house and don’t annoy my master by standing at the court-yard gate! Or else you will die because you are +a Hellene, and they have no business here. + +Menelaos +My good woman, you can say these same words in a different tone, for I shall be persuaded; but let go your angry speech. + +Old woman +Go away! Stranger, my orders are to let no Hellene come near this house. + +Menelaos +Ah! Do not push me, or thrust me away by force. + +Old woman +You are to blame, for not heeding what I say. + +Menelaos +Announce to your master inside— + +Old woman +I think someone would be sorry, if I announced your words. + +Menelaos +I come as a shipwrecked man and a guest; such people are safe from violence. + +Old woman +Well, go to some other house instead of this one. + +Menelaos +No; I am going inside. You listen to me. + +Old woman +Know that you’re only causing trouble; and soon you’ll be thrown out by force. + +Menelaos +Alas! Where are those glorious armies of mine? + +Old woman +Perhaps you were grand somewhere, but not here. + +Menelaos +O my fortune, how we have been unworthily dishonored. + +Old woman +Why are your eyes wet with tears? To whom are you lamenting? + +Menelaos +To my fortunes, which were happy before this. + +Old woman +Well then, why don’t you go away and give these tears to your friends. + +Menelaos +What is this land? Whose palace is this? + +Old woman +Proteus lives here, the land is Egypt. + +Menelaos +Egypt? O wretched, that I have sailed here! + +Old woman +And why do you blame the bright gleam of the Nile? + +Menelaos +I do not blame it; I am sighing for my fate. + +Old woman +Many people are doing badly; you are not the only one. + +Menelaos +Is the king you name in the house? + +Old woman +This is his tomb; his son rules the land. + +Menelaos +And where might he be? Abroad, or in the house? + +Old woman +He is not inside; he is most bitterly opposed to the Hellenes. + +Menelaos +What cause does he have? I have felt the consequences of it! + +Old woman +Helen, the daughter of Zeus, is in this house. + +Menelaos +What do you mean? What did you say? Tell me again. + +Old woman +The daughter of Tyndareus, who once lived in Sparta. + +Menelaos +Where did she come from? What is the meaning of this? + +Old woman +She came here from the land of Lakedaimon. + +Menelaos +When? Surely I have not been robbed of my wife from the cave? + + +Old woman +Before the Achaeans went to Troy, stranger. But get away from the house; for something is happening within, by which the palace is thrown into confusion. You have not come at the right time; and if my master +catches you, death will be your guest-gift. For I am well-disposed to Hellenes, for all that I spoke harshly to you in fear of my master. +Exit Old woman. + +Menelaos +What can I say? For after my former troubles, this present event that I hear of is an unhappy one, +if I have come here, bringing my wife who was taken from Troy, and she is kept safe in the cave, but some other woman who has the same name as my wife lives in this house. She said the woman was born the child of Zeus. +Can there be a man with the name of Zeus by the banks of Nile? For there is only one in heaven. Where in the world is there a Sparta, except by the streams of Eurotas, with its lovely reeds? The name of Tyndareus is the name of one alone. +Is there any land of the same name as Lakedaimon or Troy? I do not know what to say; for there are probably many things in the wide world that have the same names, both cities and women; there is nothing, then, to marvel at. +Besides, I will not run away from a servant’s fears; for no man is so barbaric at heart as to refuse me food when he has heard my name. The fire of Troy is famous, and I, Menelaos, who lighted it, am well known in every land. +I will wait for the master of the house; he gives me two things to look out for: if he is a cruel sort of person, I will keep myself hidden and go back to the shipwreck; but if he shows any softening, I will ask for help in my present state. +This is the worst evil for me in my misery, to beg the means of life from other kings, when I am myself a king; but it is necessary. The saying is not mine, but it is a wise word: nothing is stronger than dreadful necessity.
+ + +
+ +Chorus +I have heard the prophetic maiden, who gave a clear answer within the palace: Menelaos is not yet dead and buried, gone to the land of shadows where darkness takes the place of light; +but he is still wearing out his life on the ocean swell and has not yet reached the haven of his country, wretched in his wandering life, +bereft of every friend, approaching every land in his sea-going ship from the land of Troy.
+ + +
+Helen +Here I am, once again coming back to the sanctuary of this tomb, after learning the welcome words of Theonoe, +who knows all things truly; she says my husband is alive and sees the light of day; he is roaming here and there on countless voyages, not without practice in wandering, and he shall come here when he finds an end to his suffering. +But she left one thing unsaid: if he will escape when he has come? And I refrained from asking that question clearly; I was so glad when she told me he was safe. She said that he was near this land somewhere, cast up, shipwrecked, with a few friends. +Oh, when will you come? How much I long for your arrival! +Ah! Who is this? I am not being ambushed by the plots of Proteus’ impious son, am I? Shall I not, like a young racehorse or a worshipper of Bacchus, reach the tomb? There is something wild +about the looks of this man who is hunting me down. + +Menelaos +You there! the one trying with fearful effort to reach the base of the tomb and the pillars of burnt sacrifice, stay where you are. Why do you flee? I am amazed and speechless at the sight of your body. + +Helen +Women, I am being ill-treated. This man is keeping me from the tomb, and he wants to take me and give me to the king, whose wooing I was seeking to avoid. + +Menelaos +I am no thief, nor a servant of evil men. + +Helen +And yet the clothes you are wearing are unsightly enough. + +Menelaos +Put fear aside and stop your rapid flight. + +Helen +I do so, now that I have reached this spot. + +Menelaos +Who are you? Whom do I see in you, lady? + +Helen +But who are you? The same reason prompts us both. + +Menelaos +I never saw a closer resemblance. + +Helen +O gods! For the recognizing of friends is a god. + +Menelaos +Are you a woman from Hellas, or a native of this land? + +Helen +From Hellas; but I want to learn your story too. + +Menelaos +You seem to me very much like Helen, lady. + +Helen +And you seem to me like Menelaos; I don’t know what to say. + +Menelaos +Well, you have correctly recognized a most unfortunate man. + + +Helen +Oh, at last you have come to the arms of your wife! + +Menelaos +What do you mean by wife? Do not touch my robe. + +Helen +The one whom Tyndareus, my father, gave to you. + +Menelaos +O torch-bearing Hekate, send visions that are favorable! + +Helen +You see in me no specter of the night, attendant on the queen of phantoms. + +Menelaos +As one man, I am certainly not the husband of two women. + +Helen +You are the master of what other wife? + +Menelaos +The one hidden in the cave, whom I am bringing from Troy. + +Helen +You have no other wife but me. + +Menelaos +Can it be that I am in my right mind, but my sight is failing? + +Helen +Don’t you think that when you look at me you see your wife? + +Menelaos +Your body resembles hers, but the real truth robs me of this belief. + +Helen +Look; what more do you need? Who knows better than you? + +Menelaos +You are like her; I will not deny that at least. + +Helen +Who then shall teach you, if not your own eyes? + +Menelaos +It is there that I am ailing, because I have another wife. + +Helen +I did not go to Troy; that was a phantom. + +Menelaos +And who fashions living bodies? + +Helen +The air, out of which you have a wife that the gods labored over. + +Menelaos +What god’s handiwork? You are saying things beyond hope. + +Helen +Hera’s, as a substitute, so that Paris would not have me. + +Menelaos +How then could you be here and in Troy at the same time? + +Helen +The name may be in many places, though not the body. + +Menelaos +Let me go! I have come here with enough pain. + +Helen +Will you leave me, and take that phantom bride away? + +Menelaos +Yes, and fare well, for your likeness to Helen. + +Helen +I am ruined! I found you, my husband, but I will not have you. + +Menelaos +The greatness of my troubles over there convinces me; you do not. + +Helen +Ah me! Who was ever more miserable than I am? +Those whom I love best are leaving me, and I shall never reach the Hellenes or my own country. + + + +Messenger +(entering hurriedly.)Menelaos, I find you, after taking great trouble to look for you, wandering over the whole of this foreign land; I am sent by the comrades whom you left behind. + +Menelaos +What is it? Surely you are not being plundered by the foreigners? + +Messenger +It is a miracle; what I say is of less account than what happened. + +Menelaos +Tell me; for, judging by this eagerness, you are certainly bringing something new. + +Messenger +I say that you have suffered countless labors in vain. + +Menelaos +You are mourning over old sorrows; what is your message? + +Messenger +Your wife has disappeared, taken up into the folds of the unseen air; she is hidden in heaven, and as she left the hallowed cave where we were keeping her, she said this: Miserable Phrygians, and all the Achaeans! On my account you were dying by the banks of Skamandros, + through Hera’s contrivance, for you thought that Paris had Helen when he didn’t. But I, since I have stayed my appointed time, and kept the laws of fate, will now depart into the sky, my father; but the unhappy daughter of Tyndareus, + guilty in no way, has borne an evil name without reason. +Catching sight of Helen +Welcome, daughter of Leda, were you here after all? I was just announcing your departure up to the hidden starry realms, not knowing that you had a winged body. I will not let you mock us like this again, +for you gave your fill of trouble to your husband and his allies in Ilion. + +Menelaos +This is the meaning of that; her words have turned out to be true. O longed-for day, that has given you to my arms! + + +Helen +O Menelaos, dearest of men, the time was long, but delight is just now ours. +With joy I have found my husband, friends, I have embraced my dear one, after long days of blazing light. + +Menelaos +And I have found you; but I have many questions about t; now I do not know what to begin with first.
+ +
+Helen +I am so happy, the hair rises on my head and my tears run down. I fling my arms around your neck, +dear husband, to have my delight. + +Menelaos +O dearest sight! I have no fault to find: I have my wife, the daughter of Zeus and Leda; your brothers on their snow-white steeds +blessed you, blessed you at an earlier time, while torches blazed, but the god who took you from my home is driving us on to another fortune, better than this. An evil that was good brought you together with me, your husband +after a long time, but may I still benefit by my good luck. + +Chorus +May you benefit indeed, and I join in the same prayer; for when there are two, it is not possible for one to be unhappy and the other not. + +Helen +My dear friends, I no longer sigh or grieve over what is past. +I have my husband, for whom I have been waiting to come from Troy for many years. + +Menelaos +You have me, and I have you; although it was hard to live through so many days, I now understand the actions of the goddess. My joy is tearful; it has more +delight than sorrow. + +Helen +What can I say? What mortal could ever have hoped for this? I hold you to my heart, little as I ever thought to. + +Menelaos +And I hold you, whom we thought to have gone to Ida’s city and the unhappy towers of Ilion. +By the gods, how were you taken from my home? + +Helen +Ah! ah! You are setting out on a bitter beginning. Ah! ah! You are asking about a bitter tale. + +Menelaos +Speak; all gifts from the gods should be heard. + +Helen +I detest the story I am now to introduce. + +Menelaos +Tell it anyway. It is sweet to hear of troubles. + + +Helen +Not to the bed of the young barbarian, on the wings of oars, on the wings of desire for lawless marriage— + +Menelaos +What god or fate tore you from your country? + +Helen +Ah, my husband! The son of Zeus, of Zeus, brought me to the Nile. + +Menelaos +Amazing! Who sent you there? O dreadful story! + +Helen +I have wept bitterly, and my eyes are wet with tears; the wife of Zeus ruined me. + +Menelaos +Hera? Why did she want to bring trouble to the two of us? + +Helen +Alas for my terrible fate, the baths and springs, where the goddesses brightened the beauty from which the judgment came. + +Menelaos +Regarding the judgment, Hera made it a cause of these troubles for you? + +Helen +To take me away from Paris + +Menelaos +How? Tell me. + +Helen +To whom Kypris had promised me. + +Menelaos +O unhappy one! + +Helen +Unhappy, unhappy; and so she brought me to Egypt. + +Menelaos +Then she gave him a phantom instead, as I hear from you. + +Helen +Sorrow, sorrow to your house, +mother, alas. + +Menelaos + What do you mean? + +Helen +My mother is no more; through shame of my disgraceful marriage she tied a noose around her neck. + +Menelaos +Alas! Is our daughter Hermione alive? + +Helen +Ah, my husband! Unmarried, and without children, she mourns my +fatal marriage. + +Menelaos +O Paris, who utterly destroyed my whole house, these things ruined you also, and countless bronze-clad Danaans. + +Helen +The god cast me out, ill-fated and accursed, from my country, +from my city, and from you, when I left my home and bed—yet I did not leave them—for a shameful marriage.
+ + + +
+Chorus Leader +If indeed you should find happiness in the future, it would be a match for the past. + +Messenger +Menelaos, give me as well a share of that joy which I understand, but not clearly. + +Menelaos +Come and take part in our talk, old man, you too. + +Messenger +This woman is not the arbitrator of all the trouble in Troy? + +Menelaos +She is not; I was tricked by the gods +and had in my arms the baneful image of a cloud. + +Messenger +What are you saying? We suffered in vain for the sake of a cloud? + +Menelaos +It was the work of Hera, and the rivalry of the three goddesses. + +Messenger +And the one who is truly your wife is this woman here? + +Menelaos +This is she; trust my word for that. + +Messenger +O daughter, how intricate and hard to trace out is the nature of the god! In some way that is good, he twists everything about, now up, now down; one man suffers, and one who has not suffered comes afterwards to a bad end, +having no security in his current fortune. You and your husband have had your share of trouble, you in repute, he in the heat of battle. In his eagerness, while he was eager, he got nothing; but now that he has achieved the greatest good fortune, he has it without cause. +You did not, after all, bring shame upon your old father or on the twin sons of Zeus, nor did you do such things as were spoken of. Now again I renew your wedding rites and remember the blazing torch I bore, running beside the four yoked horses; and you, +in the chariot as a bride, were leaving your happy home with this man here. Whoever pays no reverence to his master’s affairs, rejoicing with him and grieving with his troubles, is worthless. Although I was born a servant, let me still be numbered among honest +slaves; my mind is free, if not my name. For this is better than to suffer double misery as one man: to have a worthless heart and, being a slave, to owe obedience to any other. + + +Menelaos +Come, old man—often by my shield +you have had your full share of trouble and hard work—now also have a share in my success, and go tell the friends I left behind the state of matters here, as you found them, and how my fortune stands; and bid them wait at the beach and watch eagerly for the +struggle which I expect awaits me; and if we should be able somehow to steal this woman away from the land, tell them to keep good watch so that we may share the luck and escape, if we can, from the barbarians. + +Messenger +It shall be done, lord. Now indeed I see how worthless +the seers’ doings are, and how full of falsehood; there was no health in the blaze of sacrifice after all, or in the cry of winged birds; even to think that birds can help mankind is certainly foolish. For Calchas gave no word or sign to the army, +when he saw his friends dying on behalf of a cloud, nor did Helenos; but the city was taken by storm in vain. You might say: because the god did not want them to? Then why do we consult prophets? We ought to sacrifice to the gods and ask a blessing, but leave divination alone; +for this was invented otherwise, as a bait for a livelihood, and no man grows rich by sacrifices if he is idle. But sound judgment and discernment are the best of seers. Exit Messenger. + + +Chorus Leader +My views about seers coincide exactly with this old man’s; whoever has the gods as friends +would have the best prophecy at home. + +Helen +All right; so far all is well. But how you were saved, my poor husband, from Troy, there is no gain in knowing, yet friends have a desire to learn what their friends have suffered. + +Menelaos +Truly you have asked a great deal all at once. Why should I tell you about our losses in the Aegean, and Nauplios’ beacons on Euboia, and my visits to Crete and the cities of Libya, and the mountain-peaks of Perseus? For I would not satisfy you with the tale, +and by telling you these evils I would suffer still, as I did when I experienced them; and so my grief would be doubled. + +Helen +Your answer is better than my question. Leave out the rest, and tell me only this: how long were you a weary wanderer over the surface of the sea? + +Menelaos +Besides those ten years in Troy, I went through seven cycles of years on board ship. + +Helen +Alas, poor man, you have spoken of a long time; and, saved from there, you have come here to the slaughter. + +Menelaos +What do you mean? What will you say? Ah, my wife, you have ruined me. + +Helen +Escape from this land and flee as quickly as possible. The man who lives in this house will kill you. + +Menelaos +What have I done to deserve such a fate? + +Helen +You have come unexpectedly to hinder my marriage. + +Menelaos +What! Does someone plan to marry my wife? + +Helen +And to act in violence against me, which I have endured. + +Menelaos +Does he have private power, or is he the ruler of the country? + +Helen +He is the lord of this land, the son of Proteus. + +Menelaos +This is that riddle I heard from the servant. + +Helen +Which one of the barbarian’s gates were you standing beside? + +Menelaos +This one, from which I was being driven away like a beggar. + +Helen +You were surely not begging for food, were you? How unhappy I am! + +Menelaos +That was the deed, though it did not have that name. + + +Helen +Then you know everything, it seems, about my marriage. + +Menelaos +I do. But if you have escaped his bed—that I do not know. + +Helen +Know that I have saved myself untouched for you. + +Menelaos +What could persuade me of this? If true, your words are sweet. + +Helen +Do you see my wretched sanctuary at this tomb? + +Menelaos +I see a miserable bed of straw, but what do you have to do with it? + +Helen +Here, as a suppliant, I am asking for an escape from his bed. + +Menelaos +For want of an altar, or because it is the barbarians’ way? + +Helen +This was as good a protection to me as the temples of the gods. + +Menelaos +Then it’s not possible for me to take you home by ship? + +Helen +A sword is waiting for you, rather than my bed. + +Menelaos +So I would be the most wretched of mortals. + +Helen +Do not feel shame now, but escape from this land. + +Menelaos +Leaving you behind? I ravaged Troy for your sake. + +Helen +Yes, for that is better than that our union should cause your death. + +Menelaos +Oh! these are coward’s words, unworthy of those days at Troy. + +Helen +You could not kill the tyrant, your possible intention. + +Menelaos +Does he then have a body that cannot be wounded by a sword? + +Helen +You will hear. But to undertake impossibilities is no mark of wisdom. + +Menelaos +And so I am to offer my hands to be bound, in silence? + +Helen +You are in a dilemma; we need some contrivance. + +Menelaos +Yes, for it is sweeter to die in action than by not acting. + +Helen +There is one hope, and only one, for our safety. + +Menelaos +Are we to buy it, or dare it, or win it with words? + +Helen +If the tyrant were not to learn of your arrival. + +Menelaos +Will any one tell him about me? He will certainly not know who I am. + +Helen +He has within an ally equal to the gods. + +Menelaos +A voice that has settled in the inmost parts of his house? + +Helen +No, but his sister; she is called Theonoe. + +Menelaos +The name is prophetic; tell me what she does. + +Helen +She knows everything, and she will tell her brother that you are here. + +Menelaos +We must die; for I cannot escape her notice. + +Helen +Perhaps we might persuade her by supplication— + +Menelaos +To do what? What hope are you leading me to? + +Helen +Not to tell her brother that you are here in this land. + +Menelaos +If we persuade her, could we get away from this country? + +Helen +Easily, in common with her; but secretly we could not. + +Menelaos +The task is yours; it is suitable for women to deal with women. + +Helen +Be sure that I will clasp her knees. + + +Menelaos +Well, then, what if she rejects our proposals? + +Helen +You will die. And I, the unhappy one, will be married by force. + +Menelaos +You would be a traitor; that force of yours is all an excuse. + +Helen +But I have sworn a sacred oath by your life— + +Menelaos +What do you mean? To die? And never to take his bed in exchange for mine? + +Helen +Yes, by the same sword; I will lie at your side. + +Menelaos +Then on these conditions touch my right hand. + +Helen +I touch it, swearing that I will leave the light of day if you die. + +Menelaos +And I will end my life if I lose you. + +Helen +How then shall we die so as to insure our reputation for this? + +Menelaos +I will kill you on the tomb’s surface, and then kill myself. But first I will fight a great contest for your bed. Let anyone who wishes come near! +For I will not disgrace my Trojan fame, nor, on my return to Hellas, will I receive great blame—I who robbed Thetis of Achilleus, and saw the slaughter of Aias, son of Telamon, and the son of Neleus made childless; +shall I not resolve to die for my wife? Most certainly; for if the gods are wise, they lightly bury in the earth a brave man who has been killed by his enemies, while cowards they cast up out of the earth onto a harsh rock. + +Chorus Leader +O gods, may the race of Tantalos be fortunate at last, and may it be set free from evils! + +Helen +Ah, I am unhappy, for so is my fate! Menelaos, we are destroyed. The prophetess Theonoe is coming out of the house; it resounds as the +bolts are unfastened. Try to escape! But what is the use of trying? For whether she is absent or present she knows of your arrival here. Oh, I am lost, unfortunate! Saved from Troy and from a barbarian land, you have come only to fall upon barbarian swords. + + + +Theonoe +Please lead the way with blazing torches, and purify, according to the sacred law, the inmost corners of the air, so I may receive the pure breath of heaven; and you in turn, if someone has harmed the path by treading with unholy foot, submit it to the cleansing fire, +and strike the torch in front of me, so that I may pass through. And when you have paid back to the gods my customary observance, take the household flame within. +Helen, what about my prophecy—how is it? This man, your husband Menelaos, has openly arrived, +robbed of his ships and of your counterfeit. O unhappy man! What troubles you have escaped to come here; nor do you know whether you are to return home or to stay here. For there will be strife among the gods, and a solemn assembly held by Zeus on your account this very day. +Hera, who was hostile to you before, is now friendly and wants to bring you safely home, with this woman, so that Hellas may learn that the marriage of Paris, Kypris’ gift, was false; but Kypris wishes to ruin your journey home, +so that she may not be convicted, or seem to have bought the prize of beauty by a marriage that was profitless as regards Helen. Now the decision rests with me, whether to ruin you, as Kypris wishes, by telling my brother of your presence here, or to save your life by taking Hera’s side, +keeping my brother in the dark, for his orders are for me to tell him, whenever you happen to come to this land. +One of you, go show my brother this man is here, so that I may secure my position. + + +Helen +Maiden, I fall at your knees as a suppliant, +and seat myself in this sad posture on behalf of myself and of this man; I am on the point of seeing him slain, after I have found him with such difficulty. Please do not tell your brother that my husband has returned to my loving arms, +but save us, I beseech you; do not forsake the piety that was once yours for your brother’s sake, buying favors that are wicked and unjust. For the god hates violence, and commands everyone to have their possessions without robbery. +Wealth that is unjust, though it may bring some power, ought to be avoided. Heaven is common to all mortals, and so is the earth, where people ought to fill up their homes without having another’s property, or taking it away by force. +At a critical time, but unhappily for me, Hermes gave me to your father to keep safe for my husband, this man who is here and wishes to have me back. But how could he recover me if he is dead? How could your father ever restore the living to the dead? Now examine the will of the god and of your father; +would the deity and your dead father be willing to give back again their neighbor’s goods, or would they not? I think they would. It is not, therefore, right that you should attach more importance to a thoughtless brother more than a good father. If you, who are a prophet and believe in divine affairs, +ruin the lawful intention of your father and gratify your lawless brother, it is disgraceful that you should have full knowledge of divine matters, both what is and what will be, and yet not know what is right. Save me, the unhappy one, enveloped in these troubles, +and give me this addition to my fate; for there is no mortal who does not hate Helen; I am famous throughout Hellas as the one who betrayed my husband and lived in Phrygia’s golden halls. If I come to Hellas and set foot once more in Sparta, +they will hear and see how they were ruined by the wiles of gods, while I was no traitor to my friends after all; and so they will lead me back to virtue again, and I shall betroth my daughter, whom no man now will marry; and, leaving this bitter beggar’s life here, shall enjoy the goods that are in my home. +And if this man were dead and slaughtered on a funeral pyre, I would be cherishing his memory with tears far away; but shall I be robbed of him when he is now alive and safe? +Ah! not that, maiden, I beseech you: +grant me this favor, and imitate the character of a just father; for this is the fairest glory for children, when the child of a good father resembles its parents in character. + + +Chorus Leader +The arguments here proposed are worthy of pity, +and so are you. But I am anxious to hear what Menelaos will say to save his life. + +Menelaos +I could not endure to fall at your knees, or wet my eyes with tears; for if I were cowardly, I would greatly dishonor Troy. +And yet they say that it is fitting for a noble man to let tears fall from his eyes in misfortune. But I will not choose this honorable course, if it is honorable, in preference to bravery. But, if you think it right to save a stranger +seeking justly to recover his wife, then restore her and save us in addition; if not, I would be wretched, not now for the first time but as often before, and you will seem to be an evil woman. What I consider honest and worthy of me, +and what will touch your heart most closely, these things I will say at the tomb of your father, with regret for his loss. +Old man, dwelling in this tomb of stone, give her back, I demand of you my wife, whom Zeus sent here for you to keep for me. +I know you will never restore her to me yourself, for you are dead; but this woman here will not think it right that her father, invoked from below, once so glorious, should bear a tarnished name; for she is the one in authority now. + +You, too, Hades of the world below, I call as an ally; +you who have received so many bodies slain by my sword for Helen’s sake, you have your payment; either restore them to life again now, or compel this woman to show herself better than her pious father, and give me back my wife. +But if you will rob me of her, I will tell you what she omitted in her speech. So that you may know, maiden, I am bound by an oath, first to go into battle with your brother; he or I must die; the matter is simple. +If he refuses to meet me face to face, but hunts us down, two suppliants at the tomb, by starvation, I am resolved to kill this woman, and then to plunge this two-edged sword through my heart, on the surface of the tomb, so that streams of blood may +run down the grave; we will lie, two corpses side by side upon this polished slab, a deathless grief to you, and a reproach to your father. Your brother will never marry this woman, nor will any other; but I will carry her off, +if not to my house, at any rate to death. +Why do I say this? If I turned to women’s ways with tears, rather than being active, I would be pitied more. Kill me, if it seems good to you; you will not kill those who are without fame; but it is better to yield to what I say, +so that you may act with justice, and I recover my wife. + +Chorus Leader +You must judge these arguments, maiden. Decide in such a way as to please all. + + +Theonoe +My nature and my inclination lean towards piety; and I respect myself, and I would not defile +my father’s fame, or gratify my brother at the cost of seeming infamous. There is a great temple of justice in my nature; and having this heritage from Nereus, I will try to keep it, Menelaos. +Since Hera wishes to serve you, I will cast my vote on her side. May Kypris be gracious to me; but she has had nothing to do with me, and I will try to remain a virgin always. As for your reproaches against my father at this tomb, +I have the same words to say. I would be doing wrong if I do not give her back; for that man, if he were alive, would have given her back for you to have, and you to her. +For truly there is retribution for these things, both among the dead and among all men living. The mind +of the dead does not live, yet it has eternal thought as it falls into eternal ether. So as not to give advice at length, I will be silent as to what you have entreated, and I will never aid my brother’s folly with my counsel. +For I am doing him a service, though he does not think it, if I turn him from his godless life to holiness. You yourselves devise some course of action; I will stand out of your way by my silence. Begin with the gods, and beg +Kypris to allow you to return to your country, and Hera that her intention to save you and your husband may remain the same. And you, my own dead father, never, as far as I have strength, shall you be called impious instead of pious. Exit Theonoe. + +Chorus Leader +No one born lawless ever prospered, but in a lawful cause there is hope of safety. + + +Helen +Menelaos, as far as the maiden is concerned, we are safe. For the rest, you must contribute your advice and frame a device to save ourselves. + +Menelaos +Then listen; you have been in the house for a long time and are intimate with the king’s servants. + +Helen +What do you mean by that? You are offering hope, as if you were really about to do something useful for both of us. + +Menelaos +Could you persuade someone in charge of the wagons +and horses to give us a chariot? + +Helen +I might; but how will we escape, in our ignorance of the country and the barbarian land? + +Menelaos +You are right; a dilemma. Well, what if I were to hide in the house and kill the king with this two-edged sword? + +Helen +His sister would never be silent or allow you to intend her own brother’s death. + +Menelaos +Nor indeed is there a ship in which we might safely escape; for the sea holds the one we had. + +Helen +Listen to me, if even a woman can say something wise. +Are you willing to be called dead in word, though you are not dead? + +Menelaos +It is a bad omen; but if I profit by it, I am ready to be called dead in word, though I am not dead. + +Helen +And truly I would mourn you, as women do, with hair cut short and laments before this impious man. + +Menelaos +What saving remedy does this have for us two? There is a flavor of deception in your scheme. + +Helen +I will beg the tyrant of this country for permission to bury you in an empty tomb, as if you had really died at sea. + +Menelaos +Soppose he allows it; then how shall we escape with no ship, +when we have buried my body in the empty tomb? + +Helen +I will urge him to give me a vessel, from which I shall have the offerings from your tomb let down into the sea’s embrace. + +Menelaos +You have spoken well, except for one thing: if he commands you to set up a tomb on the dry land, your pretext comes to nothing. + +Helen +But I will say it is not the custom in Hellas to bury those who have died at sea on the dry land. + + +Menelaos +You are setting this right, too; then I will sail with you, and help let down the funeral offerings, in the same ship. + +Helen +You must above all be at hand, +with your sailors who escaped from the wreck. + +Menelaos +Be sure that if I have a ship at anchor, they will be posted, man beside man, each with his sword. + +Helen +You must direct everything; only let there be winds in our sails to guide us, and a speedy ship. + +Menelaos +It will be so; for the deities will bring my troubles to an end. But from whom will you say that you heard I was dead? + +Helen +From you; allege that you were the only one to escape death, when you were sailing with the son of Atreus, and that you saw him dead. + +Menelaos +It is true that these rags thrown around my body +will bear witness with me as to the shipwreck. + +Helen +They have come at the right time, although then they seemed an ill-timed loss. Perhaps that misery may turn to good fortune. + +Menelaos +Should I to enter the house with you, or am I to sit quietly here at this tomb? + +Helen +Stay here; for if he does something harsh to you, this tomb and your sword would protect you. But I will go into the house, cut off my hair, exchange my white robe for a dark one, and tear my cheek with nails that make the flesh bloody. +For the contest is a great one, and I see two turns of the scale: either I must die if I am detected in my plot, or else come home and save you as well. +Lady Hera, you who lie in the bed of Zeus, grant relief from their labors to two pitiable creatures; +we beg you, casting our arms straight towards heaven, where you have your home in an embroidery of stars. And you, who won the prize of beauty at the price of my marriage, Kypris, daughter of Dione, do not destroy me utterly. You have maltreated me enough before now, +handing over my name, though not my body, to barbarians. Let me die, if you want to kill me, in my native land. Why are you so insatiable for mischief, practising arts of love, deceits, and treacherous schemes, and magic spells that bring bloodshed on families? +If you were only moderate, in other ways you are by nature the sweetest of gods for men; I don’t deny it. Exeunt Helen and Menelaos.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +Let me call on you, beneath leafy haunts, sitting in your place of song, you, the most sweetly singing bird, +tearful nightingale, oh, come, trilling through your tawny throat, to aid me in my lament, as I sing the piteous woes of Helen and +the tearful fate of Trojan women under the Achaeans’ spears; when he sped over the surging plains with foreign oar, when he came, came bringing to Priam’s race from Lacedaemon +you, Helen, his unhappy bride—Paris, fatally wedded, under the guidance of Aphrodite.
+ + +
+Chorus +Many of the Achaeans have breathed out their last amid the spears and hurling stones and have gone to unhappy Hades; their wives have cut off their hair in sorrow, +and their homes are left without a bride; an Achaean man, who had only a single ship, lit a blazing beacon on sea-girt Euboia, and destroyed many of them, casting them onto the rocks of Kaphareus +and the sea-shores of the Aegean, by the treacherous flame he kindled. The mountains of Malea provided no harbor, in the gusts of the storm, when Menelaos sped far away from his country, bearing on his ships a prize of the barbarian expedition, no prize but strife +with the Danaans, Hera’s holy phantom.
+ + +
+Chorus +What is god, or what is not god, or what is in between— what mortal says he has found it by searching the farthest limit, +when he sees divine affairs leaping here and there again and back, in contradictory and unexpected chances? You, Helen, are the daughter of Zeus; +for a winged father begot you in Leda’s womb; and then you were proclaimed throughout Hellas, betrayer, faithless, lawless, godless. I do not know whatever certainty is among mortals, +but the word of the gods I have found true.
+ + +
+Chorus +You are fools, who try to win a reputation for virtue through war and marshalled lines of spears, senselessly putting an end to mortal troubles; +for if a bloody quarrel is to decide it, strife will never leave off in the towns of men; by it they won as their lot bed-chambers of Priam’s earth, when they could have set right by discussion +the strife over you, O Helen. And now they are below in Hades’ keeping, and fire has darted onto the walls like the bolt of Zeus, and you are bringing woe on woe . . . .
+ + + +
+ +Theoklymenos +Greetings, tomb of my father! For I buried you, Proteus, in the passageway so that I could address you; and always as I leave and enter the house, I, your son Theoklymenos, call on you, father. You servants, take the hounds and hunting nets +into the palace. I have rebuked myself many times; for do we not punish evil men with death? And now I have heard that some Hellene has come openly to the land, without the guards’ notice, +either as a spy or thievishly hunting after Helen; he will die if only I can catch him. Ah! But it seems I have found everything in ruins; for the daughter of Tyndareus has deserted her seat at the tomb and has been carried away from the land. +Ho there! undo the bars; loose the horses from their stalls, servants, and bring out my chariot, so that the wife whom I long for may not be carried away from this land without my notice, for want of effort. +Wait! for I see that the one I am pursuing +is still in the house, and has not fled. +You there, why have you put black robes instead of white on your body, and cut the hair from your noble head with a sword, and why do you drench your cheeks with pale tears, +lamenting? Do you mourn, persuaded by dreams in the night, or have you broken your heart with grief because you heard some voice within? + +Helen +My lord—for now I give you that name—I am destroyed; everything of mine is gone and I am nothing. + +Theokylmenos +In what misfortune are you plunged? What has happened? + +Helen +Menelaos—alas, how shall I say it?—is dead, my husband. + +Theoklymenos +I do not rejoice at your words, but it is good fortune for me. How do you know? Did Theonoe tell you this? + +Helen +Both she, and one who was there when he perished. + +Theoklymenos +Someone has come who announces this for certain? + +Helen +Someone has come; and may he go where I want him to go! + +Theoklymenos +Who is it? Where is he? so that I may learn this more clearly. + +Helen +That one, who is sitting crouched at this tomb. + +Theoklymenos +Apollo! He certainly has unattractive clothing. + +Helen +Alas! I think my husband is in the same situation also. + + +Theoklymenos +What is this man’s country, and where did he come from, to land here? + +Helen +He is a Hellene, one of the Achaeans who saiIed with my husband. + +Theoklymenos +What kind of death does he say Menelaos died? + +Helen +The most piteous, in the watery waves at sea. + +Theoklymenos +On what part of the barbarous ocean was he sailing? + +Helen +He was cast up on the harborless rocks of Libya. + +Theoklymenos +How did this man not perish if he was sailing with him? + +Helen +There are times when common men have more luck than their betters. + +Theoklymenos +Where did he leave the wreckage of his ship before coming here? + +Helen +Where ruin may come upon it— but not on Menelaos! + +Theoklymenos +He is already ruined. In what ship did this man come? + +Helen +Sailors happened to meet him and took him up, as he says. + +Theoklymenos +Where then is that mischievous creature that was sent to Troy in your place? + +Helen +You mean the cloud image? It has gone into the air. + +Theoklymenos +O Priam, and Trojan lands, how you have perished in vain! + +Helen +I too have shared misfortunes with Priam’s race. + +Theoklymenos +Did he leave your husband unburied, or did he hide him in the earth? + +Helen +He is unburied; I am so unhappy in my troubles! + +Theoklymenos +It is for this that you have cut your locks of golden hair? + +Helen +Yes, for he is dear to me, whoever he is, being here. + +Theoklymenos +She rightly weeps for this misfortune. . . + +Helen +It is certainly easy to escape your sister’s notice! + +Theoklymenos +No, indeed. Well, what now? Will you continue to live at this tomb? + +Helen +Why do you jeer at me? Won’t you let the dead man be? + +Theoklymenos +No, for you are loyal to your husband and avoid me. + +Helen +No longer; begin my wedding now. + +Theoklymenos +It has come after a long time, but still I commend you for it. + +Helen +Do you know what you should do? Let us forget what is past. + +Theoklymenos +On what terms? One good turn deserves another. + +Helen +Let us make a truce; be reconciled to me. + +Theoklymenos +I relinquish my quarrel with you; may it go away on wings. + +Helen +Now by your knees, since you are indeed a friend— + +Theoklymenos +What thing do you hunt after, that you stretch out a suppliant hand to me? + +Helen +I wish to bury my dead husband. + +Theoklymenos +What? Is there a tomb for the absent? Or will you bury a shadow? + +Helen +It is customary among the Hellenes, whenever someone dies at sea— + +Theoklymenos +To do what? The race of Pelops is certainly clever in such matters. + +Helen +To carry out the funeral rites in empty woven robes. + +Theoklymenos +Hold the funeral; set up the tomb wherever you wish. + +Helen +We do not give burial like this to sailors who have perished. + +Theoklymenos +How then? I know nothing of the customs in Hellas. + +Helen +We take out of harbor to the sea all that is the dead man’s due. + +Theoklymenos +Then what am I to give you for the dead man? + +Helen +This man knows, but I have no experience, as I was fortunate before. + + +Theoklymenos +Stranger, you have brought welcome news. + +Menelaos +Not for me, certainly, nor for the dead man. + +Theoklymenos +How do you bury those who have died at sea? + +Menelaos +Each according to his means. + +Theoklymenos +As far as wealth goes, say what you want, for her sake. + +Menelaos +There must be a blood-offering first to the dead. + +Theoklymenos +Blood of what? Explain it to me, and I will obey. + +Menelaos +You decide that yourself; whatever you give will suffice. + +Theoklymenos +Among barbarians it is customary to sacrifice a horse or a bull. + +Menelaos +If you make a gift, take care to give nothing mean. + +Theokylemnos +I have no lack of such in my rich herds. + +Menelaos +Next, a couch empty of the body is decked and carried in procession. + +Theoklymenos +It wall be done; what else is it customary to add? + +Menelaos +Bronze arms; for war was his delight. + +Theoklymenos +These will be worthy of the race of Pelops, and these we will give. + +Menelaos +And for the rest, all the lovely offspring that the earth bears. + +Theoklymenos +How then? In what way do you let them fall into the waves? + +Menelaos +A ship must be ready, and rowers. + +Theoklymenos +How far from the shore does the ship put out? + +Menelaos +So far that the foam in her wake can scarcely be seen from the land. + +Theoklymenos +But why? Why does Hellas observe this custom. + +Menelaos +So that the waves may not wash pollution back ashore. + +Theoklymenos +A swift Phoenician ship will be there. + +Menelaos +That would be well done, and pleasing to Menelaos, too. + +Theoklymenos +Can you not perform these rites well enough without Helen? + +Menelaos +This task belongs to mother, or wife, or children. + +Theoklymenos +According to you, the work of burying her husband belongs to her. + +Menelaos +Yes indeed; piety demands that the dead be not robbed of their due. + +Theoklymenos +Let her go; it is in my interest to foster piety in a wife. Go inside and choose adornment for the dead; +I will not send you away from the land empty-handed either, since you have done her a favor. As you have brought me good news, you will receive clothing instead of going in rags, and food, so that you may reach your country, since now I see you doing very badly indeed. +As for you, poor lady, do not wear yourself out in a hopeless case; Menelaos has met his doom, and your dead husband could not return to life. + +Menelaos +This is your duty, young woman; you must be content with the husband at your side, and let go the one that no longer exists; +for this is best for you, according to what has happened. And if I come to Hellas and find safety, I will put to an end your former bad reputation, if you are such a wife as you ought to be to your husband. + +Helen +I will; my husband will never find fault with me; +you yourself will be at hand to know it. Now go inside, unhappy man, and find the bath, and change your clothes. I will show my kindness to you without delay. For you will perform the due services with more kindly feeling for my dearest Menelaos, +if you get from me what you ought to have. Exeunt Theoklymenos, Helen, Menelaos.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +Once with swift foot the mountain mother of the gods rushed through the wooded glen, and the river’s streams +and the deep-thundering sea wave, yearning for her lost daughter, whose name may not be spoken. The loudly rattling castanets cried out a shrill sound, +when they, swift-footed as whirlwinds, followed the goddess on her chariot yoked to wild creatures, after the girl that was snatched away from the circling chorus of maidens— +here Artemis with her bow, and there the grim-eyed goddess, in full armor, with her spear. But Zeus, who sees clearly from his throne in heaven, brought to pass another destiny.
+ + +
+Chorus +When the mother ceased from her wild +wandering toil, searching for the treacherous rape of her daughter, she crossed the snow-capped heights of the nymphs of Mount Ida; +and in sorrow cast herself down in the rocky woods deep in snow; and, by not making fruitful with crops the barren fields of the earth for mortals, she destroyed the human race. +She would not send forth the rich nourishment of leafy tendrils for the herds, and life was leaving the cities. No sacrifice was offered to the gods, and on the altars were no cakes to burn; +she made the dew-fed springs of clear water cease flowing, the avenger in sorrow for her child.
+ + +
+Chorus +When she made an end to banquets for gods and the race of men, Zeus spoke out, appeasing the +Mother’s gloomy wrath: Go, holy Graces, go and with a loud cry take from Demeter’s angry heart her grief for the maiden; +and you, Muses, with song and dance. Then Kypris, fairest of the blessed gods, first took up the rumbling voice of bronze and the drum with tight-stretched skin; and the goddess smiled, +and received in her hand the deep-toned flute, pleased with its loud note.
+ + +
+Chorus +You made burnt offerings that were neither right nor holy, in the chambers of the gods, +and you have incurred the wrath of the great mother, child, by not honoring her sacrifices. Oh! Great is the power of dappled fawn-skin robes, +and green ivy that crowns a sacred thyrsos, the whirling beat of the tambourine circling in the air, hair streaming wildly for the revelry of Bromios, +and the night-long festivals of the goddess. . . . You gloried in your beauty alone.
+ + + +
+ +Helen +My friends, all goes well for us inside; +for the daughter of Proteus, who aids us in our theft, has told her brother nothing when questioned as to my husband’s coming; for my sake she said that he was not alive, but dead and buried. . . . My husband has snatched up by chance fine things indeed; +for he is carrying away the armor he was intending to let fall into the sea, putting his noble arm through the shield-strap and holding a spear in his right hand, on pretence of joining in the service to the dead. He has equipped his body with weapons conveniently for the battle, +in order to to set up the trophies of countless barbarians, whenever we embark on the oared ship. I adorned him with robes in place of his shipwrecked garments, and I washed him, a long-delayed bath in water from the stream. +But I must be silent, for the man is coming from the house who thinks he holds my marriage ready in his hands; and I claim your goodwill and strict silence, so that, when we have saved ourselves, we may be able some day to save you also. + +Theoklymenos +Advance in order, servants, as the stranger directed, bearing the funeral gifts for the sea. But you, Helen, if you will agree with my words, be persuaded and stay here; for you will do your husband equal service whether you are present or not. +For I am afraid that some sudden passion should persuade you to throw your body into the swelling waves, stricken by love for your former husband; you are grieving for him too much, although he is lost. + +Helen +O my new husband, I must honor +my first marriage-bed and the one whose company I shared as a bride; for I could even die with my husband, I loved him so much. But how could he thank me, if I were to share death with him? Let me go and pay funeral rites to the dead in person. +May the gods give to you the things I wish and also to this stranger here, for his assistance! And you will have in me such a wife at home as you ought to have, since you are doing a good service to Menelaos and to me; for surely these events are leading to some good fortune. +But now appoint someone to give us a ship in which to carry these gifts, so that I may have your kindness in full. + + +Theoklymenos +(to an attendant.)You, go and give them a Sidonian ship of fifty oars, and rowers also. + +Helen +This man who is ordering the funeral will be in command of the ship, won’t he? + +Theoklymenos +Most certainly; my sailors must obey him. + +Helen +Repeat the order, so that they may clearly understand you. + +Theoklymenos +I repeat the order, and a third time too, if you wish it. + +Helen +May you have benefit from it—and I from my plans! + +Thoeklymenos +Do not ruin your skin with too much weeping now. + +Helen +This day will show my gratitude to you. + +Theoklymenos +The state of the dead is nothingness; toil for them is vain. + +Helen +There is something of what I say both there and here. + +Theoklymenos +You will not find in me a husband at all inferior to Menelaos. + +Helen +You are not at fault in any way; good luck is all I need. + +Theoklymenos +That is in your power, if you show kindness to me. + +Helen +This is not a lesson I shall have to learn now, to love my friends. + +Theoklymenos +Would you like me to send out the equipment in person, working together with you? + +Helen +Not at all! Do not become a slave to your slaves, lord. + +Theoklymenos +Come then! I have no concern with the customs of the race of Pelops. +My house is pure; for Menelaos did not die here. Let someone go and tell my chieftans to bring marriage-offerings to my house; the whole earth must ring with joyful wedding-songs +in celebration of my wedding with Helen, so that it may be envied. You, stranger, go and give to the sea’s embrace these offerings to this woman’s husband, who was once alive; and then hurry back home with my wife, so that after sharing with me her marriage-feast, you may +set out for home or remain here in happiness. Exit Theoklymenos. + +Menelaos +O Zeus, called father and god of wisdom, look on us and alter our woes! As we drag our fortunes to the rocky hill, make haste to join with us; if you touch us with your finger-tip only, +we shall reach our longed-for goal. There has been enough distress in what we have suffered before. I have invoked you, gods, with many names, good and painful; I am not bound to be unfortunate forever, but to advance in a straight course. If you grant me one favor, +you will make me fortunate hereafter. Exeunt Menelaos and Helen.
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +O swift Phoenician ship of Sidon, dear to the surging waves, mother of the oar, leader of the lovely dancing +of dolphins, when the sea is clear of breezes and Ocean’s gray-green daughter, spirit of calm, says these words: Spread your sails + to the sea-breezes, as you go on your way, grasp your oars of pine, oh! sailors, sailors, speeding Helen on her way to the shore with good harbor, where once Perseus lived..
+ + +
+Chorus +Perhaps you may find the daughters of Leukippos beside the swell of the river or before the temple of Pallas, when at last you join in the dances or the revels of Hyakinthos +in night-long joy—Hyakinthos, whom Phoebus killed with the round discus, contesting for the farthest throw—a day of the sacrifice of oxen in the Lakonian land; +the son of Zeus declared that his race would be honored; and you may find the girl whom you left at home, Hermione, for as yet no torch has lit the way to her marriage.
+ + +
+Chorus +Oh, that we had wings to cleave the air, where the birds of Libya go in their ranks, +leaving the winter rain, obedient to the piping of their veteran leader, who raises his exultant cry +as he wings his way over unmoistened and crop-bearing plains of the earth. O you winged long-necked comrades of the racing clouds, go on beneath the Pleiades in their central station +and Orion of the night; deliver the message, as you settle on Eurotas’ banks, that Menelaos has sacked the city of Dardanos, and will come home.
+ + +
+Chorus +May you come at last, speeding over your horses’ path through the sky, sons of Tyndareus, under the whirling of the radiant stars; you who dwell in heaven, Helen’s rescuers, +go over the gray-green swell and the dark gray surge of sea-waves, sending the sailors +favoring breezes from Zeus; and cast away from your sister her ill-fame from marriage with a barbarian, the punishment she received from the contest on Ida; +but she never went to the land of Ilion, to the towers of Phoebus.
+ + + +
+Second Messenger +(entering hurriedly.)O king, at last have I found thee in the palace; for new. . . troubles are you soon to hear from me. + +Theoklymenos +What is it? + +Messenger +Go to work on the courtship of another +woman; for Helen has left the country. + +Theoklymenos +Carried up on wings, or treading on the earth? + +Messenger +Menelaos has taken her off as plunder, out of the land; he was the one that came with the news of his own death. + +Theoklymenos +O dreadful story! What ship carried her +off from this land? Your story is unbelievable. + +Messenger +The very one that you gave to the stranger; and he has gone with your sailors, so that you may know everything in brief. + +Theoklymenos +How? I am eager to know; for I never expected that a single hand could excel over +so many sailors, with whom you were sent. + +Messenger +When the daughter of Zeus had left this royal house and started for the sea, delicately picking her way, she most cleverly began to mourn her husband, though he was close at hand and not dead. +When we reached the enclosure of your dockyards, we began to launch the Sidonian ship on her first voyage, with her fifty benches and full measure of rowers. Task gave way to task: one set up the mast, another set up the oars +. . . and the rudders were lowered by their cross-bars. And during this labor, men of Hellas who had been fellow-voyagers with Menelaos were watching us, it seems, and they drew near to the beach, clad in the rags of shipwrecked men, +handsome, but rough to look upon. And the son of Atreus, when he saw them approach, spoke to them, craftily introducing the reason for his mourning: Unhappy sailors, how have you arrived? From the wreckage of what Achaean ship? + Are you here to help bury the dead son of Atreus, whose missing body this lady, daughter of Tyndareus, is honoring with an empty grave? They wept in a feigned manner, and went to the ship, carrying aboard the offerings to be thrown into the sea for Menelaos. We were suspicious at this, +and said to each other that there would be a crowd of those additional passengers; but still we remained silent, out of respect for your orders; for by bidding the stranger command the vessel, you threw everything into confusion. + +Well, we easily put the other victims on the ship, for they were light; +but the bull did not want to go forward along the plank, but kept bellowing loudly, rolling his eyes around; and, arching his back and peering along his horns, he prevented us from touching him. But Helen’s husband +called out: O you who sacked the town of Ilion, come pick up this bull on young shoulders, as is the way in Hellas, and cast him into the prow . . . the sacrifice to the dead man. +Then they came at his summons, and caught up the bull and carried him on to the deck. And Menelaos stroked the horse on neck and brow, coaxing it to go aboard. +Finally, when the ship was fully loaded, +Helen climbed up the ladder with elegant step, and took her seat in the middle of the rowers’ benches, and he was near by, Menelaos who was called dead. The rest, equally divided on the right and left sides of the ship, sat down, each beside his man, with swords concealed beneath their cloaks, +and the waves were filled with shouting as we heard the voice of the boatswain. + +Now when we had put out from land, neither very far nor very near, the helmsman asked, Shall we sail yet further, stranger, or is this far enough? + For the command of this ship is yours. And he answered, Far enough for me. Holding a sword in his right hand, he stepped into the prow; and, standing over the bull to slay it, with no mention of any dead man, he cut its throat and prayed: O Poseidon of the sea, + who lives in the deep, and you holy daughters of Nereus, bring me and my wife safe and sound from here to Nauplia’s shore! Streams of blood, a good omen for the stranger, darted into the waves. And someone said, There is treachery in this voyage; + let us sail back again! You, give an order for the right oar, you, turn your rudder. But the son of Atreus, standing where he slew the bull, cried out to his comrades, Why do you, the pick of Hellas, delay to slaughter and kill the barbarians + and hurl them from the ship into the waves? And the boatswain cried the opposite command to your rowers: Some of you catch up planks at the end, break up the benches, or snatch the oars from the locks, and make the heads of these foreign enemies bloody!. + They all leapt upright, some with oars in their hands, others with swords; and the ship ran with blood. Helen cheered them on from the stern: Where is the fame you won in Troy? Show it against the barbarians! In their eagerness, some would +fall, some stood upright, you would have seen others lying dead. But Menelaos, in full armor, wherever he spied that his comrades were suffering, would go there, sword in hand; and so we dived +from the ship, and he cleared the benches of your rowers. Then going to the helmsman he told him to sail a straight course to Hellas. So they set up the mast, and favoring breezes blew. +They are gone from here. But I escaped death and let myself down by the anchor into the sea; +and just as I was worn out, some fisherman took me up, and put me out on land, to bring you this report. Nothing is more useful to mankind than a prudent distrust. + +Chorus Leader +I never would have believed that Menelaos could have eluded both us +and you, O king, the way he did on his arrival. + + +
+Theoklymenos +Caught by a woman’s tricks, unhappy that I am! My bride has escaped me. If the ship could have been pursued and overtaken, I would have made an effort to catch the strangers at once; but now I will avenge myself upon my treacherous sister, +for she saw Menelaos in my house and did not tell me. Therefore she will never deceive another man by her oracles. + +Servant +You, there! Where are you rushing off to, my lord? to what bloody deed? + +Theoklymenos +Where justice calls me. Get out of my way! + +Servant +I will not let go of your robe, for you are striving after great wickedness. + +Theoklymenos +Will you rule over your master, although you are a slave? + +Servant + Yes, for I am in my right mind. + +Theoklymenos + Not in my opinion, if you will not let me— + +Servant + No, I will not let you! + +Theoklymenos + Let me kill my most wicked sister— + +Servant + No, she is most pious. + +Theoklymenos + Who betrayed me— + +Servant + It was a noble betrayal, correctly done. + +Theoklymenos + When she gave my bride to another. + +Servant + To the one who had a better right. + +Theoklymenos + Who has rights over my property? + +Servant + The one who received her from her father. + +Theoklymenos + But fortune gave her to me. + +Servant + And necessity took her away. + +Theoklymenos + It is not for you to judge my affairs. + +Servant + Yes, if my counsel is better. + +Theoklymenos + So I am your subject, not your ruler. + +Servant + Subject to do right, not wrong. + +Theoklymenos + It seems you desire to be killed. + +Servant + Kill me; +you will not kill your sister with my consent, but me instead; to die for their masters is the most glorious act for noble slaves.
+ + +
+ +Dioskouroi +Restrain the anger that is wrongly carrying you away, Theoklymenos, king of this land. We, the twin sons of Zeus, are calling you; Leda once gave birth to us, +with Helen, who has fled from your home. For you are angry about a marriage that is not destined for you; and your sister Theonoe, daughter of a Nereid goddess, does not wrong you when she honors the word of the gods and her father’s just commands. + For it was ordained that Helen should live in your house up to the present time; but no longer, since Troy is wholly destroyed and she has provided her name to the gods; she must be united in her own marriage, +and come home and live with her husband. But hold your black sword away from your sister, and believe that she is acting with discretion in this matter. Long ago, before this, we would have saved our sister, seeing that Zeus has made us gods; +but we are weaker than fate and also than the gods, who decreed these things to happen in this way. +This is my bidding to you, while I say to my sister: Sail on with your husband; and you shall have a favorable breeze; for we, your two savior brothers, + riding over the sea, will send you to your fatherland. And when you make the last turn of the race-course and end your life, you will be named as a goddess, and share libations with the Dioskouroi, and receive gifts from men with us; for such is the will of Zeus. + And the place where the son of Maia first set the boundary to your course through the air, when he took you away from Sparta, stealing your body so that Paris would not marry you—I mean the island stretched like a sentinel along the coast of Attica—shall be called by your name among men for the future, since it welcomed you + when you were stolen from your home. And it is destined by the gods that the wanderer Menelaos will dwell in the islands of the blessed; for deities do not hate the well-born, but the sufferings of the multitude are greater. + +Theoklymenos +You sons of Leda and Zeus, I will let go my former quarrel over your sister; and mine I shall no longer try to kill. Let Helen go home, if the gods think it right. Know that you are born from the same blood as a sister +who is the best and also most self-controlled; may you fare well, for the sake of Helen’s most noble mind, a quality not to be found in many women.
+ + +
+Chorus + +Many are the forms of divinities, and many things the gods bring to pass unhoped for. +And what was expected has not been fulfilled; for what was not expected, a god finds a way. Such was the result of this action.
+
+
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-grc1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-grc1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 2943ef8e9..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-grc1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14 +0,0 @@ -{ - "epidoc_compliant": false, - "fully_unicode": true, - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "has_cts_metadata": false, - "has_cts_refsDecl": false, - "id": "1999.01.0099", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/sdl/Euripides/eur.hel_murray_gk.xml", - "status": "migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-grc1.xml", - "valid_xml": true -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-grc1.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-grc1.xml deleted file mode 100644 index d7cf77332..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-grc1.xml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3538 +0,0 @@ - - - - -Helen -Machine readable text -Euripides -Gilbert Murray -Perseus Project, Tufts University -Gregory Crane - -Prepared under the supervision of -Lisa Cerrato -William Merrill -Elli Mylonas -David Smith - -The Annenberg CPB/Project - -About 100Kb - -Trustees of Tufts University -Medford, MA -Perseus Project - 1996 - - - - -Euripides -Euripidis Fabulae, vol. 3 - 58816731 -Gilbert Murray - -Oxford -Clarendon Press, Oxford -1913 - - - - - - - - - - - - -Greek - - - - -1988 - -Judith Nelson -tagging - -Basic SGML tagging - - -8/92 - -Bill Merrill -ed. - -I made the speakers lower case; added hyphens to broken words in choral passages; took out "L N="0006" L N="014"" at line 874. - - -6/95 - -Lisa Cerrato -ed. - -Added speaker tags where needed. - - -10/98 - -Bill Merrill -ed. - -Fixed cardbreaks at 179, 191, 211, 229, 362, 1319, 1478; added line nos. 177b, 187b, 189b, 210b, 228b, 362b, 1318b, 1476b. - - -11-Jan-00 - -Anne Mahoney -Markup - - -$Log: eur.hel_murray_gk.xml,v $ -Revision 1.1 2013-09-13 11:17:31 balmas01 -moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory - -Revision 1.6 2013-06-13 12:41:23 gcrane -tagging now should be compatible with CTS - -Revision 1.5 2012-02-14 18:12:30 ajones06 -Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. - -Revision 1.4 2011-09-07 13:57:46 rsingh04 adding rend=displayNum to lb tags - -Revision 1.3 2011-03-30 17:16:22 gcrane small fixes - -Revision 1.2 2011-01-13 03:38:25 gcrane more refinements making these files SDL compatible - -Revision 1.1 2010-12-25 19:01:41 gcrane our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones -- - -Revision 1.1 2009/11/23 18:46:35 rsingh04 moved more xml files around based on copyright status - -Revision 1.2 2005/08/01 21:15:27 packel removed stray item tags - -Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 14:33:54 packel -Converted to XML - -Revision 1.9 2004/04/21 20:27:27 mimno added card 1s - -Revision 1.8 2003/09/09 18:02:08 amahoney put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff - -Revision 1.7 2003/07/01 22:16:09 yorkc -Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) - -Revision 1.6 2000/03/04 20:34:32 dasmith -Added separate funder entity to TEI header. - -Revision 1.5 2000/02/17 15:51:39 amahoney use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp - -Revision 1.4 2000/01/11 20:40:40 amahoney convert to P3 - - - - - - - - - - -Ἑλένη -Νείλου μὲν αἵδε καλλιπάρθενοι ῥοαί, -ὃς ἀντὶ δίας ψακάδος Αἰγύπτου πέδον -λευκῆς τακείσης χιόνος ὑγραίνει γύας. -Πρωτεὺς δʼ ὅτʼ ἔζη τῆσδε γῆς τύραννος ἦν, -Φάρον μὲν οἰκῶν νῆσον, Αἰγύπτου δʼ ἄναξ, -ὃς τῶν κατʼ οἶδμα παρθένων μίαν γαμεῖ, -Ψαμάθην, ἐπειδὴ λέκτρʼ ἀφῆκεν Αἰακοῦ. -τίκτει δὲ τέκνα δισσὰ τοῖσδε δώμασι, -Θεοκλύμενον ἄρσενʼ ὅτι δὴ θεοὺς σέβων - - -βίον διήνεγκʼ εὐγενῆ τε παρθένον -Εἰδώ, τὸ μητρὸς ἀγλάισμʼ, ὅτʼ ἦν βρέφος· -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐς ἥβην ἦλθεν ὡραίαν γάμων, -καλοῦσιν αὐτὴν Θεονόην· τὰ θεῖα γὰρ -τά τʼ ὄντα καὶ μέλλοντα πάντʼ ἠπίστατο, -προγόνου λαβοῦσα Νηρέως τιμὰς πάρα. - -ἡμῖν δὲ γῆ μὲν πατρὶς οὐκ ἀνώνυμος -Σπάρτη, πατὴρ δὲ Τυνδάρεως· ἔστιν δὲ δὴ -λόγος τις ὡς Ζεὺς μητέρʼ ἔπτατʼ εἰς ἐμὴν -Λήδαν κύκνου μορφώματʼ ὄρνιθος λαβών, -ὃς δόλιον εὐνὴν ἐξέπραξʼ ὑπʼ αἰετοῦ -δίωγμα φεύγων, εἰ σαφὴς οὗτος λόγος· -Ἑλένη δʼ ἐκλήθην. ἃ δὲ πεπόνθαμεν κακὰ -λέγοιμʼ ἄν. ἦλθον τρεῖς θεαὶ κάλλους πέρι -Ἰδαῖον ἐς κευθμῶνʼ Ἀλέξανδρον πάρα, -Ἥρα Κύπρις τε διογενής τε παρθένος, -μορφῆς θέλουσαι διαπεράνασθαι κρίσιν. -τοὐμὸν δὲ κάλλος, εἰ καλὸν τὸ δυστυχές, -Κύπρις προτείνασʼ ὡς Ἀλέξανδρος γαμεῖ, -νικᾷ. λιπὼν δὲ βούσταθμʼ Ἰδαῖος Πάρις -Σπάρτην ἀφίκεθʼ ὡς ἐμὸν σχήσων λέχος. - - -Ἥρα δὲ μεμφθεῖσʼ οὕνεκʼ οὐ νικᾷ θεάς, -ἐξηνέμωσε τἄμʼ Ἀλεξάνδρῳ λέχη, -δίδωσι δʼ οὐκ ἔμʼ, ἀλλʼ ὁμοιώσασʼ ἐμοὶ -εἴδωλον ἔμπνουν οὐρανοῦ ξυνθεῖσʼ ἄπο, -Πριάμου τυράννου παιδί· καὶ δοκεῖ μʼ ἔχειν — -κενὴν δόκησιν, οὐκ ἔχων. τὰ δʼ αὖ Διὸς -βουλεύματʼ ἄλλα τοῖσδε συμβαίνει κακοῖς· -πόλεμον γὰρ εἰσήνεγκεν Ἑλλήνων χθονὶ -καὶ Φρυξὶ δυστήνοισιν, ὡς ὄχλου βροτῶν -πλήθους τε κουφίσειε μητέρα χθόνα -γνωτόν τε θείη τὸν κράτιστον Ἑλλάδος. -Φρυγῶν δʼ ἐς ἀλκὴν προυτέθην ἐγὼ μὲν οὔ, -τὸ δʼ ὄνομα τοὐμόν, ἆθλον Ἕλλησιν δορός. -λαβὼν δέ μʼ Ἑρμῆς ἐν πτυχαῖσιν αἰθέρος -νεφέλῃ καλύψας — οὐ γὰρ ἠμέλησέ μου -Ζεύς — τόνδʼ ἐς οἶκον Πρωτέως ἱδρύσατο, -πάντων προκρίνας σωφρονέστατον βροτῶν, -ἀκέραιον ὡς σῴσαιμι Μενέλεῳ λέχος. -κἀγὼ μὲν ἐνθάδʼ εἴμʼ, ὁ δʼ ἄθλιος πόσις -στράτευμʼ ἀθροίσας τὰς ἐμὰς ἀναρπαγὰς -θηρᾷ πορευθεὶς Ἰλίου πυργώματα. -ψυχαὶ δὲ πολλαὶ διʼ ἔμʼ ἐπὶ Σκαμανδρίοις -ῥοαῖσιν ἔθανον· ἡ δὲ πάντα τλᾶσʼ ἐγὼ -κατάρατός εἰμι καὶ δοκῶ προδοῦσʼ ἐμὸν -πόσιν συνάψαι πόλεμον Ἕλλησιν μέγαν. -τί δῆτʼ ἔτι ζῶ; θεοῦ τόδʼ εἰσήκουσʼ ἔπος -Ἑρμοῦ, τὸ κλεινὸν ἔτι κατοικήσειν πέδον -Σπάρτης σὺν ἀνδρί, γνόντος ὡς ἐς Ἴλιον -οὐκ ἦλθον, ἵνα μὴ λέκτρʼ ὑποστρώσω τινί. -ἕως μὲν οὖν φῶς ἡλίου τόδʼ ἔβλεπεν -Πρωτεύς, ἄσυλος ἦ γάμων· ἐπεὶ δὲ γῆς -σκότῳ κέκρυπται, παῖς ὁ τοῦ τεθνηκότος -θηρᾷ γαμεῖν με. τὸν πάλαι δʼ ἐγὼ πόσιν -τιμῶσα Πρωτέως μνῆμα προσπίτνω τόδε -ἱκέτις, ἵνʼ ἀνδρὶ τἀμὰ διασῴσῃ λέχη, -ὡς, εἰ καθʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ὄνομα δυσκλεὲς φέρω, -μή μοι τὸ σῶμά γʼ ἐνθάδʼ αἰσχύνην ὄφλῃ. - - - -Τεῦκρος -τίς τῶνδʼ ἐρυμνῶν δωμάτων ἔχει κράτος; -πλούτου γὰρ οἶκος ἄξιος προσεικάσαι, -βασίλειά τʼ ἀμφιβλήματʼ εὔθριγκοί θʼ ἕδραι. -ἔα· -ὦ θεοί, τίνʼ εἶδον ὄψιν; ἐχθίστην ὁρῶ -γυναικὸς εἰκὼ φόνιον, ἥ μʼ ἀπώλεσεν -πάντας τʼ Ἀχαιούς. θεοί σʼ, ὅσον μίμημʼ ἔχεις -Ἑλένης, ἀποπτύσειαν. εἰ δὲ μὴ ʼν ξένῃ -γαίᾳ πόδʼ εἶχον, τῷδʼ ἂν εὐστόχῳ πτερῷ -ἀπόλαυσιν εἰκοῦς ἔθανες ἂν Διὸς κόρης. - - -Ἑλένη -τί δʼ, ὦ ταλαίπωρʼ — ὅστις ὤν μʼ ἀπεστράφης -καὶ ταῖς ἐκείνης συμφοραῖς ἐμὲ στυγεῖς; - - -Τεῦκρος -ἥμαρτον· ὀργῇ δʼ εἶξα μᾶλλον ἤ με χρῆν· -μισεῖ γὰρ Ἑλλὰς πᾶσα τὴν Διὸς κόρην. -σύγγνωθι δʼ ἡμῖν τοῖς λελεγμένοις, γύναι. - - -Ἑλένη -τίς δʼ εἶ; πόθεν γῆς τῆσδʼ ἐπεστράφης πέδον; - - -Τεῦκρος -εἷς τῶν Ἀχαιῶν, ὦ γύναι, τῶν ἀθλίων. - - -Ἑλένη -οὐ τἄρα σʼ Ἑλένην εἰ στυγεῖς θαυμαστέον. -ἀτὰρ τίς εἶ πόθεν; τίνος δʼ αὐδᾶν σε χρή; - - -Τεῦκρος -ὄνομα μὲν ἡμῖν Τεῦκρος, ὁ δὲ φύσας πατὴρ -Τελαμών, Σαλαμὶς δὲ πατρὶς ἡ θρέψασά με. - - -Ἑλένη -τί δῆτα Νείλου τούσδʼ ἐπιστρέφῃ γύας; - - -Τεῦκρος -φυγὰς πατρῴας ἐξελήλαμαι χθονός. - - -Ἑλένη -τλήμων ἂν εἴης· τίς δέ σʼ ἐκβάλλει πάτρας; - - -Τεῦκρος -Τελαμὼν ὁ φύσας. τίνʼ ἂν ἔχοις μᾶλλον φίλον; - - -Ἑλένη -ἐκ τοῦ; τὸ γάρ τοι πρᾶγμα συμφορὰν ἔχει. - - -Τεῦκρος -Αἴας μʼ ἀδελφὸς ὤλεσʼ ἐν Τροίᾳ θανών. - - -Ἑλένη -πῶς; οὔ τί που σῷ φασγάνῳ βίον στερείς; - - -Τεῦκρος -οἰκεῖον αὐτὸν ὤλεσʼ ἅλμʼ ἐπὶ ξίφος. - - -Ἑλένη -μανέντʼ; ἐπεὶ τίς σωφρονῶν τλαίη τάδʼ ἄν; - - -Τεῦκρος -τὸν Πηλέως τινʼ οἶσθʼ Ἀχιλλέα γόνον; - - -Ἑλένη -ναί· -μνηστήρ ποθʼ Ἑλένης ἦλθεν, ὡς ἀκούομεν. - - -Τεῦκρος -θανὼν ὅδʼ ὅπλων ἔριν ἔθηκε συμμάχοις. - - -Ἑλένη -καὶ δὴ τί τοῦτʼ Αἴαντι γίγνεται κακόν; - - -Τεῦκρος -ἄλλου λαβόντος ὅπλʼ ἀπηλλάχθη βίου. - - -Ἑλένη -σὺ τοῖς ἐκείνου δῆτα πήμασιν νοσεῖς; - - -Τεῦκρος -ὁθούνεκʼ αὐτῷ γʼ οὐ ξυνωλόμην ὁμοῦ. - - -Ἑλένη -ἦλθες γάρ, ὦ ξένʼ, Ἰλίου κλεινὴν πόλιν; - - -Τεῦκρος -καὶ ξύν γε πέρσας αὐτὸς ἀνταπωλόμην. - - -Ἑλένη -ἤδη γὰρ ἧπται καὶ κατείργασται πυρί; - - -Τεῦκρος -ὥστʼ οὐδʼ ἴχνος γε τειχέων εἶναι σαφές. - - -Ἑλένη -ὦ τλῆμον Ἑλένη, διὰ σʼ ἀπόλλυνται Φρύγες. - - -Τεῦκρος -καὶ πρός γʼ Ἀχαιοί· μεγάλα δʼ εἴργασται κακά. - - -Ἑλένη -πόσον χρόνον γὰρ διαπεπόρθηται πόλις; - - -Τεῦκρος -ἑπτὰ σχεδόν τι καρπίμους ἐτῶν κύκλους. - - -Ἑλένη -χρόνον δʼ ἐμείνατʼ ἄλλον ἐν Τροίᾳ πόσον; - - -Τεῦκρος -πολλὰς σελήνας, δέκα διελθούσας ἔτη. - - - -Ἑλένη -ἦ καὶ γυναῖκα Σπαρτιᾶτιν εἵλετε; - - -Τεῦκρος -Μενέλαος αὐτὴν ἦγʼ ἐπισπάσας κόμης. - - -Ἑλένη -εἶδες σὺ τὴν δύστηνον; ἢ κλύων λέγεις; - - -Τεῦκρος -ὥσπερ γε σέ, οὐδὲν ἧσσον, ὀφθαλμοῖς ὁρῶ. - - -Ἑλένη -σκοπεῖτε μὴ δόκησιν εἴχετʼ ἐκ θεῶν. - - -Τεῦκρος -ἄλλου λόγου μέμνησο, μὴ κείνης ἔτι. - - -Ἑλένη -οὕτω δοκεῖτε τὴν δόκησιν ἀσφαλῆ; - - -Τεῦκρος -αὐτὸς γὰρ ὄσσοις εἰδόμην· καὶ νοῦς ὁρᾷ. - - -Ἑλένη -ἤδη δʼ ἐν οἴκοις σὺν δάμαρτι Μενέλεως; - - -Τεῦκρος -οὔκουν ἐν Ἄργει γʼ οὐδʼ ἐπʼ Εὐρώτα ῥοαῖς. - - -Ἑλένη -αἰαῖ· κακὸν τόδʼ εἶπας οἷς κακὸν λέγεις. - - -Τεῦκρος -ὡς κεῖνος ἀφανὴς σὺν δάμαρτι κλῄζεται. - - -Ἑλένη -οὐ πᾶσι πορθμὸς αὑτὸς Ἀργείοισιν ἦν; - - -Τεῦκρος -ἦν, ἀλλὰ χειμὼν ἄλλοσʼ ἄλλον ὥρισεν. - - -Ἑλένη -ποίοισιν ἐν νώτοισι ποντίας ἁλός; - - -Τεῦκρος -μέσον περῶσι πέλαγος Αἰγαίου πόρου. - - -Ἑλένη -κἀκ τοῦδε Μενέλαν οὔτις εἶδʼ ἀφιγμένον; - - -Τεῦκρος -οὐδείς· θανὼν δὲ κλῄζεται καθʼ Ἑλλάδα. - - -Ἑλένη -ἀπωλόμεσθα· Θεστιὰς δʼ ἔστιν κόρη; - - -Τεῦκρος -Λήδαν ἔλεξας; οἴχεται θανοῦσα δή. - - -Ἑλένη -οὔ πού νιν Ἑλένης αἰσχρὸν ὤλεσεν κλέος; - - -Τεῦκρος -φασίν, βρόχῳ γʼ ἅψασαν εὐγενῆ δέρην. - - -Ἑλένη -οἱ Τυνδάρειοι δʼ εἰσὶν ἢ οὐκ εἰσὶν κόροι; - - -Τεῦκρος -τεθνᾶσι καὶ οὐ τεθνᾶσι· δύο δʼ ἐστὸν λόγω. - - -Ἑλένη -πότερος ὁ κρείσσων; ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ κακῶν. - - -Τεῦκρος -ἄστροις σφʼ ὁμοιωθέντε φάσʼ εἶναι θεώ. - - -Ἑλένη -καλῶς ἔλεξας τοῦτο· θάτερον δὲ τί; - - -Τεῦκρος -σφαγαῖς ἀδελφῆς οὕνεκʼ ἐκπνεῦσαι βίον. -ἅλις δὲ μύθων· οὐ διπλᾶ χρῄζω στένειν. -ὧν δʼ οὕνεκʼ ἦλθον τούσδε βασιλείους δόμους, -τὴν θεσπιῳδὸν Θεονόην χρῄζων ἰδεῖν, -σὺ προξένησον, ὡς τύχω μαντευμάτων -ὅπῃ νεὼς στείλαιμʼ ἂν οὔριον πτερὸν -ἐς γῆν ἐναλίαν Κύπρον, οὗ μʼ ἐθέσπισεν -οἰκεῖν Ἀπόλλων, ὄνομα νησιωτικὸν -Σαλαμῖνα θέμενον τῆς ἐκεῖ χάριν πάτρας. - - -Ἑλένη -πλοῦς, ὦ ξένʼ, αὐτὸς σημανεῖ· σὺ δʼ ἐκλιπὼν -γῆν τήνδε φεῦγε πρίν σε παῖδα Πρωτέως -ἰδεῖν, ὃς ἄρχει τῆσδε γῆς· ἄπεστι δὲ -κυσὶν πεποιθὼς ἐν φοναῖς θηροκτόνοις· -κτείνει γὰρ Ἕλληνʼ ὅντινʼ ἂν λάβῃ ξένον. -ὅτου δʼ ἕκατι, μήτε σὺ ζήτει μαθεῖν -ἐγώ τε σιγῶ· τί γὰρ ἂν ὠφελοῖμί σε; - - -Τεῦκρος -καλῶς ἔλεξας, ὦ γύναι· θεοὶ δέ σοι -ἐσθλῶν ἀμοιβὰς ἀντιδωρησαίατο. -Ἑλένῃ δʼ ὅμοιον σῶμʼ ἔχουσʼ οὐ τὰς φρένας -ἔχεις ὁμοίας, ἀλλὰ διαφόρους πολύ. -κακῶς δʼ ὄλοιτο μηδʼ ἐπʼ Εὐρώτα ῥοὰς -ἔλθοι· σὺ δʼ εἴης εὐτυχὴς ἀεί, γύναι. - - - - - - -Ἑλένη -ὤ, μεγάλων ἀχέων καταβαλλομένα μέγαν οἶκτον -ποῖον ἁμιλλαθῶ γόον; ἢ τίνα μοῦσαν ἐπέλθω -δάκρυσιν ἢ θρήνοις ἢ πένθεσιν; αἰαῖ. - - - - - -Ἑλένη -πτεροφόροι νεάνιδες, -παρθένοι Χθονὸς κόραι -Σειρῆνες, εἴθʼ ἐμοῖς γόοις -μόλοιτʼ ἔχουσαι Λίβυν -λωτὸν ἢ σύριγγας ἢ -φόρμιγγας, αἰλίνοις κακοῖς -τοῖς ἐμοῖσι σύνοχα δάκρυα· -πάθεσι πάθεα, μέλεσι μέλεα, -μουσεῖα θρηνήμα- -σι ξυνῳδὰ πέμψειε -Φερσέφασσα -φόνια, χάριτας ἵνʼ ἐπὶ δάκρυσι -παρʼ ἐμέθεν ὑπὸ μέλαθρα νύχια -παιᾶνα -νέκυσιν ὀλομένοις λάβῃ. - - - - - -Χορός -κυανοειδὲς ἀμφʼ ὕδωρ -ἔτυχον ἕλικά τʼ ἀνὰ χλόαν -φοίνικας ἁλίου πέπλους -αὐγαῖσιν ἐν χρυσέαις -ἀμφὶ δόνακος ἔρνεσιν -θάλπουσα· ποτνίας δʼ ἐμᾶς, - -ἔνθεν οἰκτρὸν ἀνεβόασεν, -ὅμαδον ἔκλυον, ἄλυρον ἔλεγον, -ὅτι ποτʼ ἔλακεν αἰάγμα -σι στένουσα, Νύμφα τις -οἷα Ναῒς -ὄρεσι φυγάδα νόμον ἱεῖσα -γοερόν, ὑπὸ δὲ πέτρινα γύαλα -κλαγγαῖσι -Πανὸς ἀναβοᾷ γάμους. - - - - - -Ἑλένη -ἰὼ ἰώ· -θήραμα βαρβάρου πλάτας, -Ἑλλανίδες κόραι, -ναύτας Ἀχαιῶν -τις ἔμολεν ἔμολε δάκρυα δάκρυσί μοι φέρων. -Ἰλίου κατασκαφαὶ -πυρὶ μέλουσι δαΐῳ -διʼ ἐμὲ τὰν πολυκτόνον, -διʼ ἐμὸν ὄνομα πολύπονον. -Λήδα δʼ ἐν ἀγχόναις -θάνατον ἔλαβεν αἰσχύ- -νας ἐμᾶς ὑπʼ ἀλγέων. -ὁ δʼ ἐμὸς ἐν ἁλὶ πολυπλανὴς -πόσις ὀλόμενος οἴχεται, -κάστορός τε συγγόνου τε -διδυμογενὲς ἄγαλμα πατρίδος -ἀφανὲς ἀφανὲς ἱππόκροτα λέ- -λοιπε δάπεδα γυμνάσιά τε -δονακόεντος Εὐρώ- -τα, νεανιᾶν πόνον. - - - - - -Χορός -αἰαῖ αἰαῖ· -ὦ δαίμονος πολυστόνου -μοίρας τε σᾶς, γύναι. -αἰὼν δυσαίων -τις ἔλαχεν ἔλαχεν, ὅτε σʼ ἐτέκετο ματρόθεν -χιονόχρως κύκνου πτερῷ -Ζεὺς πρέπων διʼ αἰθέρος· -τί γὰρ ἄπεστί σοι κακῶν; -τίνα δὲ βίοτον οὐκ ἔτλας; -μάτηρ μὲν οἴχεται, -δίδυμά τε Διὸς οὐκ εὐ- -δαιμονεῖ τέκεα φίλα, -χθόνα δὲ πάτριον οὐχ ὁρᾷς, -διὰ δὲ πόλεας ἔρχεται -βάξις, ἅ σε βαρβάροισι, -πότνια, παραδίδωσι λέχεσιν, -ὁ δὲ σὸς ἐν ἁλὶ κύμασί τε λέ- -λοιπε βίοτον, οὐδέ ποτʼ ἔτι -πάτρια μέλαθρα καὶ τὰν -Χαλκίοικον ὀλβιεῖς. - - - - - -Ἑλένη -φεῦ φεῦ, τίς ἢ Φρυγῶν -ἢ τίς Ἑλλανίας ἀπὸ χθονὸς -ἔτεμε τὰν δακρυόεσσαν -Ἰλίῳ πεύκαν; -ἔνθεν ὀλόμενον σκάφος -συναρμόσας ὁ Πριαμίδας -ἔπλευσε βαρβάρῳ πλάτᾳ -τὰν ἐμὰν ἐφʼ ἑστίαν, -ἐπὶ τὸ δυστυχέστατον -κάλλος, ὡς ἕλοι, γάμων -ἀμῶν· ἅ τε δόλιος -ἁ πολυκτόνος Κύπρις -Δαναΐδαις ἄγουσα θάνατον Πριαμίδαις, -ὦ τάλαινα συμφορᾶς. -ἁ δὲ χρυσέοις θρόνοις -Διὸς ὑπαγκάλισμα σεμνὸν -Ἥρα τὸν ὠκύπουν -ἔπεμψε Μαιάδος γόνον· -ὅς με χλοερὰ δρεπομέναν -ἔσω πέπλων ῥόδεα πέταλα, -Χαλκίοικον ὡς Ἀθάναν μόλοιμʼ, -ἀναρπάσας διʼ αἰθέρος -τάνδε γαῖαν εἰς ἄνολβον -ἔριν ἔριν τάλαιναν ἔθετο -Πριαμίδαισιν Ἑλλάδος. -τὸ δʼ ἐμὸν ὄνομα -παρὰ Σιμουντίοις ῥοαῖσι -μαψίδιον ἔχει φάτιν. - - - - - - -Χορός -ἔχεις μὲν ἀλγείνʼ, οἶδα· σύμφορον δέ τοι -ὡς ῥᾷστα τἀναγκαῖα τοῦ βίου φέρειν. - - -Ἑλένη -φίλαι γυναῖκες, τίνι πότμῳ συνεζύγην; -ἆρʼ ἡ τεκοῦσά μʼ ἔτεκεν ἀνθρώποις τέρας; - -γυνὴ γὰρ οὔθʼ Ἑλληνὶς οὔτε βάρβαρος - - -τεῦχος νεοσσῶν λευκὸν ἐκλοχεύεται, - - -ἐν ᾧ με Λήδαν φασὶν ἐκ Διὸς τεκεῖν. - -τέρας γὰρ ὁ βίος καὶ τὰ πράγματʼ ἐστί μου, -τὰ μὲν διʼ Ἥραν, τὰ δὲ τὸ κάλλος αἴτιον. -εἴθʼ ἐξαλειφθεῖσʼ ὡς ἄγαλμʼ αὖθις πάλιν -αἴσχιον εἶδος ἔλαβον ἀντὶ τοῦ καλοῦ, -καὶ τὰς τύχας μὲν τὰς κακὰς ἃς νῦν ἔχω -Ἕλληνες ἐπελάθοντο, τὰς δὲ μὴ κακὰς -ἔσῳζον ὥσπερ τὰς κακὰς σῴζουσί μου. - -ὅστις μὲν οὖν ἐς μίαν ἀποβλέπων τύχην -πρὸς θεῶν κακοῦται, βαρὺ μέν, οἰστέον δʼ ὅμως· -ἡμεῖς δὲ πολλαῖς συμφοραῖς ἐγκείμεθα. -πρῶτον μὲν οὐκ οὖσʼ ἄδικος, εἰμὶ δυσκλεής· -καὶ τοῦτο μεῖζον τῆς ἀληθείας κακόν, -ὅστις τὰ μὴ προσόντα κέκτηται κακά. -ἔπειτα πατρίδος θεοί μʼ ἀφιδρύσαντο γῆς -ἐς βάρβαρʼ ἤθη, καὶ φίλων τητωμένη -δούλη καθέστηκʼ οὖσʼ ἐλευθέρων ἄπο· -τὰ βαρβάρων γὰρ δοῦλα πάντα πλὴν ἑνός. -ἄγκυρα δʼ ἥ μου τὰς τύχας ὤχει μόνη, -πόσιν ποθʼ ἥξειν καί μʼ ἀπαλλάξειν κακῶν — -οὗτος τέθνηκεν, οὗτος οὐκέτʼ ἔστι δή. - -μήτηρ δʼ ὄλωλε, καὶ φονεὺς αὐτῆς ἐγώ, -ἀδίκως μέν, ἀλλὰ τἄδικον τοῦτʼ ἔστʼ ἐμόν· -ὃ δʼ ἀγλάισμα δωμάτων ἐμοῦ τʼ ἔφυ, -θυγάτηρ ἄνανδρος πολιὰ παρθενεύεται· -τὼ τοῦ Διὸς δὲ λεγομένω Διοσκόρω -οὐκ ἐστόν. ἀλλὰ πάντʼ ἔχουσα δυστυχῆ -τοῖς πράγμασιν τέθνηκα, τοῖς δʼ ἔργοισιν οὔ. -τὸ δʼ ἔσχατον τοῦτʼ, εἰ μόλοιμεν ἐς πάτραν, -κλῄθροις ἂν εἰργοίμεσθα — τὴν ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ -δοκοῦντες Ἑλένην Μενέλεώ μʼ ἐλθεῖν μέτα. -εἰ μὲν γὰρ ἔζη πόσις, ἀνεγνώσθημεν ἂν -ἐλθόντες, ἃ φανέρʼ ἦν μόνοις, ἐς ξύμβολα. -νῦν δʼ οὔτε τοῦτʼ ἔστʼ οὔτε μὴ σωθῇ ποτε. - - -τί δῆτʼ ἔτι ζῶ; τίνʼ ὑπολείπομαι τύχην; -γάμους ἑλομένη τῶν κακῶν ὑπαλλαγάς, -μετʼ ἀνδρὸς οἰκεῖν βαρβάρου πρὸς πλουσίαν -τράπεζαν ἵζουσʼ; ἀλλʼ ὅταν πόσις πικρὸς -ξυνῇ γυναικί, καὶ τὸ σῶμʼ ἐστιν πικρόν. -θανεῖν κράτιστον· πῶς θάνοιμʼ ἂν οὐ καλῶς; - -ἀσχήμονες μὲν ἀγχόναι μετάρσιοι, - - -κἀν τοῖσι δούλοις δυσπρεπὲς νομίζεται· - - -σφαγαὶ δʼ ἔχουσιν εὐγενές τι καὶ καλόν, - - -σμικρὸν δʼ ὁ καιρὸς σάρκʼ ἀπαλλάξαι βίου. - -ἐς γὰρ τοσοῦτον ἤλθομεν βάθος κακῶν· -αἱ μὲν γὰρ ἄλλαι διὰ τὸ κάλλος εὐτυχεῖς -γυναῖκες, ἡμᾶς δʼ αὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἀπώλεσεν. - - -Χορός -Ἑλένη, τὸν ἐλθόνθʼ, ὅστις ἐστὶν ὁ ξένος, -μὴ πάντʼ ἀληθῆ δοξάσῃς εἰρηκέναι. - - -Ἑλένη -καὶ μὴν σαφῶς γʼ ἔλεξʼ ὀλωλέναι πόσιν. - - -Χορός -πόλλʼ ἂν γένοιτο καὶ διὰ ψευδῶν ἔπη. - - -Ἑλένη -καὶ τἄμπαλίν γε τῶνδʼ ἀληθείᾳ σαφῆ. - - -Χορός -ἐς ξυμφορὰν γὰρ ἀντὶ τἀγαθοῦ φέρῃ. - - -Ἑλένη -φόβος γὰρ ἐς τὸ δεῖμα περιβαλών μʼ ἄγει. - - -Χορός -πῶς δʼ εὐμενείας τοισίδʼ ἐν δόμοις ἔχεις; - - -Ἑλένη -πάντες φίλοι μοι πλὴν ὁ θηρεύων γάμους. - - -Χορός -οἶσθʼ οὖν ὃ δρᾶσον; μνήματος λιποῦσʼ ἕδραν — - - -Ἑλένη -ἐς ποῖον ἕρπεις μῦθον ἢ παραίνεσιν; - - -Χορός -ἐλθοῦσʼ ἐς οἴκους, ἣ τὰ πάντʼ ἐπίσταται, -τῆς ποντίας Νηρῇδος ἐκγόνου κόρης, -πυθοῦ πόσιν σὸν Θεονόης, εἴτʼ ἔστʼ ἔτι -εἴτʼ ἐκλέλοιπε φέγγος· ἐκμαθοῦσα δʼ εὖ -πρὸς τὰς τύχας τὸ χάρμα τοὺς γόους τʼ ἔχε. -πρὶν δʼ οὐδὲν ὀρθῶς εἰδέναι, τί σοι πλέον -λυπουμένῃ γένοιτʼ ἄν; ἀλλʼ ἐμοὶ πιθοῦ· -τάφον λιποῦσα τόνδε σύμμειξον κόρῃ· -ὅθενπερ εἴσῃ πάντα τἀληθῆ μαθεῖν -ἔχουσʼ ἐν οἴκοις τοῖσδε, τί βλέπεις πρόσω; -θέλω δὲ κἀγὼ σοὶ συνεισελθεῖν δόμους -καὶ συμπυθέσθαι παρθένου θεσπίσματα· -γυναῖκα γὰρ δὴ συμπονεῖν γυναικὶ χρή. - - - - -Ἑλένη -φίλαι, λόγους ἐδεξάμαν· -βᾶτε βᾶτε δʼ ἐς δόμους, -ἀγῶνας ἐντὸς οἴκων -ὡς πύθησθε τοὺς ἐμούς. - - -Χορός -θέλουσαν οὐ μόλις καλεῖς. - - -Ἑλένη -ἰὼ μέλεος ἁμέρα. -τίνʼ ἄρα τάλαινα τίνα δακρυό- -εντα λόγον ἀκούσομαι; - - -Χορός -μὴ πρόμαντις ἀλγέων -προλάμβανʼ, ὦ φίλα, γόους. - - -Ἑλένη -τί μοι πόσις μέλεος ἔτλα; -πότερα δέρκεται φάος -τέθριππά θʼ ἁλίου κέλευθά τʼ ἀστέρων, -ἢ ʼν νέκυσι κατὰ χθονὸς -τὰν χρόνιον ἔχει τύχαν; - - -Χορός -ἐς τὸ φέρτερον τίθει -τὸ μέλλον, ὅ τι γενήσεται. - - -Ἑλένη -σὲ γὰρ ἐκάλεσα, σὲ δὲ κατόμοσα, -τὸν ὑδρόεντι δόνακι χλωρὸν -Εὐρώταν, θανόντος -εἰ βάξις ἔτυμος ἀνδρὸς -ἅδε μοι — τί τάδʼ ἀσύνετα; — -φόνιον αἰώρημα -διὰ δέρης ὀρέξομαι, -ἢ ξιφοκτόνον δίωγμα -λαιμορρύτου σφαγᾶς -αὐτοσίδαρον ἔσω πελάσω διὰ σαρκὸς ἅμιλλαν, -θῦμα τριζύγοις θεαῖσι -τῷ τε σήραγγας Ἰδαί -ας ἐνίζοντι Πριαμί -δᾳ ποτʼ ἀμφὶ βουστάθμους. - - -Χορός -ἄλλοσʼ ἀποτροπὰ κακῶν -γένοιτο, τὸ δὲ σὸν εὐτυχές. - - - -Ἑλένη -ἰὼ Τροία τάλαινα, -διʼ ἔργʼ ἄνεργʼ ὄλλυσαι -μέλεά τʼ ἔτλας· τὰ δʼ ἐμὰ δῶρα -Κύπριδος ἔτεκε πολὺ μὲν αἷμα, -πολὺ δὲ δάκρυον· ἄχεά τʼ ἄχεσι, -δάκρυα δάκρυσιν ἔλαβε, πάθεα - -ματέρες τε παῖδας ὄλεσαν, -ἀπὸ δὲ παρθένοι κόμας -ἔθεντο σύγγονοι νεκρῶν Σκαμάνδριον -ἀμφὶ Φρύγιον οἶδμα. -βοὰν βοὰν δʼ Ἑλλὰς -κελάδησε κἀνοτότυξεν, -ἐπὶ δὲ κρατὶ χέρας ἔθηκεν, -ὄνυχι δʼ ἁπαλόχροα γένυν -δεῦσε φονίαισι πλαγαῖς. - -ὦ μάκαρ Ἀρκαδίᾳ ποτὲ παρθένε Καλλιστοῖ, Διὸς -ἃ λεχέων ἐπέβας τετραβάμοσι γυίοις, -ὡς πολὺ ματρὸς ἐμᾶς ἔλαχες πλέον, -ἁ μορφᾷ θηρῶν λαχνογυίων — -ὄμματι λάβρῷ σχῆμα λεαίνης — -ἐξαλλάξασʼ ἄχθεα λύπης· -ἅν τέ ποτʼ Ἄρτεμις ἐξεχορεύσατο -χρυσοκέρατʼ ἔλαφον Μέροπος Τιτανίδα κούραν -καλλοσύνας ἕνεκεν· τὸ δʼ ἐμὸν δέμας -ὤλεσεν ὤλεσε πέργαμα Δαρδανίας -ὀλομένους τʼ Ἀχαιούς. - - - - - -Μενελέως -ὦ τὰς τεθρίππους Οἰνομάῳ Πῖσαν κάτα -Πέλοψ ἁμίλλας ἐξαμιλληθείς ποτε, -εἴθʼ ὤφελες τόθʼ, ἡνίκʼ ἔρανον εἰς θεοὺς -πεισθεὶς ἐποίεις, ἐν θεοῖς λιπεῖν βίον, -πρὶν τὸν ἐμὸν Ἀτρέα πατέρα γεννῆσαί ποτε, -ὃς ἐξέφυσεν Ἀερόπης λέκτρων ἄπο -Ἀγαμέμνονʼ ἐμέ τε Μενέλεων, κλεινὸν ζυγόν· -πλεῖστον γὰρ οἶμαι — καὶ τόδʼ οὐ κόμπῳ λέγω — -στράτευμα κώπῃ διορίσαι Τροίαν ἔπι, -τύραννος οὐδὲν πρὸς βίαν στρατηλατῶν, -ἑκοῦσι δʼ ἄρξας Ἑλλάδος νεανίαις. -καὶ τοὺς μὲν οὐκέτʼ ὄντας ἀριθμῆσαι πάρα, -τοὺς δʼ ἐκ θαλάσσης ἀσμένους πεφευγότας, -νεκρῶν φέροντας ὀνόματʼ εἰς οἴκους πάλιν. -ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπʼ οἶδμα πόντιον γλαυκῆς ἁλὸς -τλήμων ἀλῶμαι χρόνον ὅσονπερ Ἰλίου -πύργους ἔπερσα, κἀς πάτραν χρῄζων μολεῖν -οὐκ ἀξιοῦμαι τοῦδε πρὸς θεῶν τυχεῖν. -Λιβύης τʼ ἐρήμους ἀξένους τʼ ἐπιδρομὰς -πέπλευκα πάσας· χὥταν ἐγγὺς ὦ πάτρας, -πάλιν μʼ ἀπωθεῖ πνεῦμα, κοὔποτʼ οὔριον -ἐσῆλθε λαῖφος ὥστε μʼ ἐς πάτραν μολεῖν. - -καὶ νῦν τάλας ναυαγὸς ἀπολέσας φίλους -ἐξέπεσον ἐς γῆν τήνδε· ναῦς δὲ πρὸς πέτρας -πολλοὺς ἀριθμοὺς ἄγνυται ναυαγίων. -τρόπις δʼ ἐλείφθη ποικίλων ἁρμοσμάτων, -ἐφʼ ἧς ἐσώθην μόλις ἀνελπίστῳ τύχῃ -Ἑλένη τε, Τροίας ἣν ἀποσπάσας ἔχω. -ὄνομα δὲ χώρας ἥτις ἥδε καὶ λεὼς -οὐκ οἶδα· ὄχλον γὰρ ἐσπεσεῖν ᾐσχυνόμην -ὥσθʼ ἱστορῆσαι, τὰς ἐμὰς δυσχλαινίας -κρύπτων ὑπʼ αἰδοῦς τῆς τύχης. ὅταν δʼ ἀνὴρ -πράξῃ κακῶς ὑψηλός, εἰς ἀηθίαν -πίπτει κακίω τοῦ πάλαι δυσδαίμονος. -χρεία δὲ τείρει μʼ· οὔτε γὰρ σῖτος πάρα -οὔτʼ ἀμφὶ χρῶτʼ ἐσθῆτες· αὐτὰ δʼ εἰκάσαι -πάρεστι ναὸς ἐκβόλοις ἃ ἀμπίσχομαι. -πέπλους δὲ τοὺς πρὶν λαμπρά τʼ ἀμφιβλήματα -χλιδάς τε πόντος ἥρπασʼ· ἐν δʼ ἄντρου μυχοῖς -κρύψας γυναῖκα τὴν κακῶν πάντων ἐμοὶ -ἄρξασαν ἥκω τούς τε περιλελειμμένους -φίλων φυλάσσειν τἄμʼ ἀναγκάσας λέχη. -μόνος δὲ νοστῶ, τοῖς ἐκεῖ ζητῶν φίλοις -τὰ πρόσφορʼ ἤν πως ἐξερευνήσας λάβω. -ἰδὼν δὲ δῶμα περιφερὲς θριγκοῖς τόδε -πύλας τε σεμνὰς ἀνδρὸς ὀλβίου τινός, -προσῆλθον· ἐλπὶς δʼ ἔκ γε πλουσίων δόμων -λαβεῖν τι ναύταις· ἐκ δὲ μὴ ἐχόντων βίον — -οὐδʼ εἰ θέλοιεν, ὠφελεῖν ἔχοιεν ἄν. - -ὠή· τίς ἂν πυλωρὸς ἐκ δόμων μόλοι, -ὅστις διαγγείλειε τἄμʼ ἔσω κακά; - - - -Γραῦς -τίς πρὸς πύλαισιν; οὐκ ἀπαλλάξῃ δόμων -καὶ μὴ πρὸς αὐλείοισιν ἑστηκὼς πύλαις -ὄχλον παρέξεις δεσπόταις; ἢ κατθανῇ -Ἕλλην πεφυκώς, οἷσιν οὐκ ἐπιστροφαί. - - -Μενελέως -ὦ γραῖα, ταὐτὰ ταῦτʼ ἔπη κἄλλως λέγειν -ἔξεστι, πείσομαι γάρ· ἀλλʼ ἄνες λόγον. - - -Γραῦς -ἄπελθʼ· ἐμοὶ γὰρ τοῦτο πρόσκειται, ξένε, -μηδένα πελάζειν τοισίδʼ Ἑλλήνων δόμοις. - - -Μενελέως -ἆ· μὴ προσείλει χεῖρα μηδʼ ὤθει βίᾳ. - - -Γραῦς -πείθῃ γὰρ οὐδὲν ὧν λέγω, σὺ δʼ αἴτιος. - - -Μενελέως -ἄγγειλον εἴσω δεσπόταισι τοῖσι σοῖς - - - -Γραῦς -πικρῶς ἄρʼ οἶμαί γʼ ἀγγελεῖν τοὺς σοὺς λόγους. - - -Μενελέως -ναυαγὸς ἥκω ξένος, ἀσύλητον γένος. - - -Γραῦς -οἶκον πρὸς ἄλλον νύν τινʼ ἀντὶ τοῦδʼ ἴθι. - - -Μενελέως -οὔκ, ἀλλʼ ἔσω πάρειμι· καὶ σύ μοι πιθοῦ. - - -Γραῦς -ὀχληρὸς ἴσθʼ ὤν· καὶ τάχʼ ὠσθήσῃ βίᾳ. - - -Μενελέως -αἰαῖ· τὰ κλεινὰ ποῦ ʼστί μοι στρατεύματα; - - -Γραῦς -οὐκοῦν ἐκεῖ που σεμνὸς ἦσθʼ, οὐκ ἐνθάδε. - - -Μενελέως -ὦ δαῖμον, ὡς ἀνάξιʼ ἠτιμώμεθα. - - -Γραῦς -τί βλέφαρα τέγγεις δάκρυσι; πρὸς τίνʼ οἰκτρὸς εἶ; - - -Μενελέως -πρὸς τὰς πάροιθεν συμφορὰς εὐδαίμονας. - - -Γραῦς -οὔκουν ἀπελθὼν δάκρυα σοῖς δώσεις φίλοις; - - -Μενελέως -τίς δʼ ἥδε χώρα; τοῦ δὲ βασίλειοι δόμοι; - - -Γραῦς -Πρωτεὺς τάδʼ οἰκεῖ δώματʼ, Αἴγυπτος δὲ γῆ. - - -Μενελέως -Αἴγυπτος; ὦ δύστηνος, οἷ πέπλευκʼ ἄρα. - - -Γραῦς -τί δὴ τὸ Νείλου μεμπτόν ἐστί σοι γάνος; - - -Μενελέως -οὐ τοῦτʼ ἐμέμφθην· τὰς ἐμὰς στένω τύχας. - - -Γραῦς -πολλοὶ κακῶς πράσσουσιν, οὐ σὺ δὴ μόνος. - - -Μενελέως -ἔστʼ οὖν ἐν οἴκοις ὅντινʼ ὀνομάζεις ἄναξ; - - -Γραῦς -τόδʼ ἐστὶν αὐτοῦ μνῆμα, παῖς δʼ ἄρχει χθονός. - - -Μενελέως -ποῦ δῆτʼ ἂν εἴη; πότερον ἐκτὸς ἢ ʼν δόμοις; - - -Γραῦς -οὐκ ἔνδον· Ἕλλησιν δὲ πολεμιώτατος. - - -Μενελέως -τίνʼ αἰτίαν σχὼν ἧς ἐπηυρόμην ἐγώ; - - -Γραῦς -Ἑλένη κατʼ οἴκους ἐστὶ τούσδʼ ἡ τοῦ Διός. - - -Μενελέως -πῶς φῄς; τίνʼ εἶπας μῦθον; αὖθίς μοι φράσον. - - -Γραῦς -ἡ Τυνδαρὶς παῖς, ἣ κατὰ Σπάρτην ποτʼ ἦν. - - -Μενελέως -πόθεν μολοῦσα; τίνα τὸ πρᾶγμʼ ἔχει λόγον; - - -Γραῦς -Λακεδαίμονος γῆς δεῦρο νοστήσασʼ ἄπο. - - -Μενελέως -πότε; οὔ τί που λελῄσμεθʼ ἐξ ἄντρων λέχος; - - - -Γραῦς -πρὶν τοὺς Ἀχαιούς, ὦ ξένʼ, ἐς Τροίαν μολεῖν. -ἀλλʼ ἕρπʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων· ἔστι γάρ τις ἐν δόμοις -τύχη, τύραννος ᾗ ταράσσεται δόμος. -καιρὸν γὰρ οὐδένʼ ἦλθες· ἢν δὲ δεσπότης -λάβῃ σε, θάνατος ξένιά σοι γενήσεται. -εὔνους γάρ εἰμʼ Ἕλλησιν, οὐχ ὅσον πικροὺς -λόγους ἔδωκα δεσπότην φοβουμένη. - - -Μενελέως -τί φῶ; τί λέξω; συμφορὰς γὰρ ἀθλίας -ἐκ τῶν πάροιθεν τὰς παρεστώσας κλύω, -εἰ τὴν μὲν αἱρεθεῖσαν ἐκ Τροίας ἄγων -ἥκω δάμαρτα καὶ κατʼ ἄντρα σῴζεται, -ὄνομα δὲ ταὐτὸν τῆς ἐμῆς ἔχουσά τις -δάμαρτος ἄλλη τοισίδʼ ἐνναίει δόμοις. -Διὸς δʼ ἔλεξε παῖδά νιν πεφυκέναι. -ἀλλʼ ἦ τις ἔστι Ζηνὸς ὄνομʼ ἔχων ἀνὴρ -Νείλου παρʼ ὄχθας; εἷς γὰρ ὅ γε κατʼ οὐρανόν. -Σπάρτη δὲ ποῦ γῆς ἐστι πλὴν ἵνα ῥοαὶ -τοῦ καλλιδόνακός εἰσιν Εὐρώτα μόνον; -ἁπλοῦν δὲ Τυνδάρειον ὄνομα κλῄζεται. -Λακεδαίμονος δὲ γαῖα τίς ξυνώνυμος -Τροίας τε; ἐγὼ μὲν οὐκ ἔχω τί χρὴ λέγειν. -πολλοὶ γάρ, ὡς εἴξασιν, ἐν πολλῇ χθονὶ -ὀνόματα ταὔτʼ ἔχουσι καὶ πόλις πόλει -γυνὴ γυναικί τʼ· οὐδὲν οὖν θαυμαστέον. -οὐδʼ αὖ τὸ δεινὸν προσπόλου φευξούμεθα· -ἀνὴρ γὰρ οὐδεὶς ὧδε βάρβαρος φρένας, -ὃς ὄνομʼ ἀκούσας τοὐμὸν οὐ δώσει βοράν. -κλεινὸν τὸ Τροίας πῦρ ἐγώ θʼ ὃς ἧψά νιν, -Μενέλαος, οὐκ ἄγνωστος ἐν πάσῃ χθονί. -δόμων ἄνακτα προσμενῶ· δισσὰς δέ μοι -ἔχει φυλάξεις· ἢν μὲν ὠμόφρων τις ᾖ, -κρύψας ἐμαυτὸν εἶμι πρὸς ναυάγια· -ἢν δʼ ἐνδιδῷ τι μαλθακόν, τὰ πρόσφορα -τῆς νῦν παρούσης συμφορᾶς αἰτήσομαι. -κακῶν μὲν ἡμῖν ἔσχατον τοῖς ἀθλίοις, -ἄλλους τυράννους αὐτὸν ὄντα βασιλέα -βίον προσαιτεῖν· ἀλλʼ ἀναγκαίως ἔχει. -λόγος γάρ ἐστιν οὐκ ἐμός, σοφὸν δʼ ἔπος, -δεινῆς ἀνάγκης οὐδὲν ἰσχύειν πλέον. - - - - - -Χορός -ἤκουσα τᾶς θεσπιῳδοῦ κόρας, -ἃ χρῄζουσʼ ἐφάνη τυράννοις -δόμοις, ὡς Μενέλαος οὔ -πω μελαμφαὲς οἴχεται -διʼ ἔρεβος χθονὶ κρυφθείς, -ἀλλʼ ἔτι κατʼ οἶδμʼ ἅλιον -τρυχόμενος οὔπω λιμένων -ψαύσειεν πατρίας γᾶς, -ἀλατείᾳ βιότου -ταλαίφρων, ἄφιλος φίλων, -παντοδαπᾶς † ἐπὶ γᾶς † πόδα -χριμπτόμενος εἰναλίῳ -κώπᾳ Τρῳάδος ἐκ γᾶς. - - - - - -Ἑλένη -ἥδʼ αὖ τάφου τοῦδʼ εἰς ἕδρας ἐγὼ πάλιν -στείχω, μαθοῦσα Θεονόης φίλους λόγους, -ἣ πάντʼ ἀληθῶς οἶδε· φησὶ δʼ ἐν φάει -πόσιν τὸν ἁμὸν ζῶντα φέγγος εἰσορᾶν, -πορθμοὺς δʼ ἀλᾶσθαι μυρίους πεπλωκότα -ἐκεῖσε κἀκεῖσʼ οὐδʼ ἀγύμναστον πλάνοις, -ἥξειν δʼ ὅταν δὴ πημάτων λάβῃ τέλος. -ἓν δʼ οὐκ ἔλεξεν, εἰ μολὼν σωθήσεται. -ἐγὼ δʼ ἀπέστην τοῦτʼ ἐρωτῆσαι σαφῶς, -ἡσθεῖσʼ ἐπεί νιν εἶπέ μοι σεσῳσμένον. -ἐγγὺς δέ νίν που τῆσδʼ ἔφασκʼ εἶναι χθονός, -ναυαγὸν ἐκπεσόντα σὺν παύροις φίλοις. -ὤμοι, πόθʼ ἥξεις; ὡς ποθεινὸς ἂν μόλοις. -ἔα, τίς οὗτος; οὔ τί που κρυπτεύομαι -Πρωτέως ἀσέπτου παιδὸς ἐκ βουλευμάτων; -οὐχ ὡς δρομαία πῶλος ἢ Βάκχη θεοῦ -τάφῳ ξυνάψω κῶλον; ἄγριος δέ τις -μορφὴν ὅδʼ ἐστίν, ὅς με θηρᾶται λαβεῖν. - - -Μενελέως -σὲ τὴν ὄρεγμα δεινὸν ἡμιλλημένην -τύμβου ʼπὶ κρηπῖδʼ ἐμπύρους τʼ ὀρθοστάτας, -μεῖνον· τί φεύγεις; ὡς δέμας δείξασα σὸν -ἔκπληξιν ἡμῖν ἀφασίαν τε προστίθης. - - -Ἑλένη -ἀδικούμεθʼ, ὦ γυναῖκες· εἰργόμεσθα γὰρ -τάφου πρὸς ἀνδρὸς τοῦδε, καί μʼ ἑλὼν θέλει -δοῦναι τυράννοις ὧν ἐφεύγομεν γάμους. - - -Μενελέως -οὐ κλῶπές ἐσμεν, οὐχ ὑπηρέται κακῶν. - - -Ἑλένη -καὶ μὴν στολήν γʼ ἄμορφον ἀμφὶ σῶμʼ ἔχεις. - - -Μενελέως -στῆσον, φόβου μεθεῖσα, λαιψηρὸν πόδα. - - -Ἑλένη -ἵστημʼ, ἐπεί γε τοῦδʼ ἐφάπτομαι τόπου. - - -Μενελέως -τίς εἶ; τίνʼ ὄψιν σήν, γύναι, προσδέρκομαι; - - -Ἑλένη -σὺ δʼ εἶ τίς; αὑτὸς γὰρ σὲ κἄμʼ ἔχει λόγος. - - -Μενελέως -οὐπώποτʼ εἶδον προσφερέστερον δέμας. - - -Ἑλένη -ὦ θεοί· θεὸς γὰρ καὶ τὸ γιγνώσκειν φίλους. - - - -Μενελέως - - -Ἑλληνὶς εἶ τις ἢ ἐπιχωρία γυνή; - - - -Ἑλένη -Ἑλληνίς· ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸ σὸν θέλω μαθεῖν. - - -Μενελέως -Ἑλένῃ σʼ ὁμοίαν δὴ μάλιστʼ εἶδον, γύναι. - - -Ἑλένη -ἐγὼ δὲ Μενέλεῴ γε σέ· οὐδʼ ἔχω τί φῶ. - - -Μενελέως -ἔγνως γὰρ ὀρθῶς ἄνδρα δυστυχέστατον. - - - -Ἑλένη -ὦ χρόνιος ἐλθὼν σῆς δάμαρτος ἐς χέρας. - - -Μενελέως -ποίας δάμαρτος; μὴ θίγῃς ἐμῶν πέπλων. - - -Ἑλένη -ἥν σοι δίδωσι Τυνδάρεως, ἐμὸς πατήρ. - - -Μενελέως -ὦ φωσφόρʼ Ἑκάτη, πέμπε φάσματʼ εὐμενῆ. - - -Ἑλένη -οὐ νυκτίφαντον πρόπολον Ἐνοδίας μʼ ὁρᾷς. - - -Μενελέως -οὐ μὴν γυναικῶν γʼ εἷς δυοῖν ἔφυν πόσις. - - -Ἑλένη -ποίων δὲ λέκτρων δεσπότης ἄλλων ἔφυς; - - -Μενελέως -ἣν ἄντρα κεύθει κἀκ Φρυγῶν κομίζομαι. - - -Ἑλένη -οὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλη σή τις ἀντʼ ἐμοῦ γυνή. - - -Μενελέως -οὔ που φρονῶ μὲν εὖ, τὸ δʼ ὄμμα μου νοσεῖ; - - -Ἑλένη -οὐ γάρ με λεύσσων σὴν δάμαρθʼ ὁρᾶν δοκεῖς; - - -Μενελέως -τὸ σῶμʼ ὅμοιον, τὸ δὲ σαφές μʼ ἀποστερεῖ. - - -Ἑλένη -σκέψαι· τί σοὐνδεῖ; τίς δὲ σοῦ σοφώτερος; - - -Μενελέως -ἔοικας· οὔτοι τοῦτό γʼ ἐξαρνήσομαι. - - -Ἑλένη -τίς οὖν διδάξει σʼ ἄλλος ἢ τὰ σʼ ὄμματα; - - -Μενελέως -ἐκεῖ νοσοῦμεν, ὅτι δάμαρτʼ ἄλλην ἔχω. - - -Ἑλένη -οὐκ ἦλθον ἐς γῆν Τρῳάδʼ, ἀλλʼ εἴδωλον ἦν. - - -Μενελέως -καὶ τίς βλέποντα σώματʼ ἐξεργάζεται; - - -Ἑλένη -αἰθήρ, ὅθεν σὺ θεοπόνητʼ ἔχεις λέχη. - - -Μενελέως -τίνος πλάσαντος θεῶν; ἄελπτα γὰρ λέγεις. - - -Ἑλένη -Ἥρας, διάλλαγμʼ, ὡς Πάρις με μὴ λάβοι. - - -Μενελέως -πῶς οὖν ἂν ἐνθάδʼ ἦσθά τʼ ἐν Τροίᾳ θʼ ἅμα; - - -Ἑλένη -τοὔνομα γένοιτʼ ἂν πολλαχοῦ, τὸ σῶμα δʼ οὔ. - - -Μενελέως -μέθες με, λύπης ἅλις ἔχων ἐλήλυθα. - - -Ἑλένη -λείψεις γὰρ ἡμᾶς, τὰ δὲ κένʼ ἐξάξεις λέχη; - - -Μενελέως -καὶ χαῖρέ γʼ, Ἑλένῃ προσφερὴς ὁθούνεκʼ εἶ. - - -Ἑλένη -ἀπωλόμην· λαβοῦσά σʼ οὐχ ἕξω πόσιν. - - -Μενελέως -τοὐκεῖ με μέγεθος τῶν πόνων πείθει, σὺ δʼ οὔ. - - -Ἑλένη -οἲ ἐγώ· τίς ἡμῶν ἐγένετʼ ἀθλιωτέρα; -οἱ φίλτατοι λείπουσί μʼ οὐδʼ ἀφίξομαι -Ἕλληνας οὐδὲ πατρίδα τὴν ἐμήν ποτε. - - - -Ἄγγελος -Μενέλαε, μαστεύων σε κιγχάνω μόλις -πᾶσαν πλανηθεὶς τήνδε βάρβαρον χθόνα, -πεμφθεὶς ἑταίρων τῶν λελειμμένων ὕπο. - - -Μενελέως -τί δʼ ἔστιν; οὔ που βαρβάρων συλᾶσθʼ ὕπο; - - -Ἄγγελος -θαῦμʼ ἔστʼ, ἔλασσον τοὔνομʼ ἢ τὸ πρᾶγμʼ ἔχον. - - -Μενελέως -λέγʼ· ὡς φέρεις τι τῇδε τῇ σπουδῇ νέον. - - -Ἄγγελος -λέγω πόνους σε μυρίους τλῆναι μάτην. - - -Μενελέως -παλαιὰ θρηνεῖς πήματʼ· ἀγγέλλεις δὲ τί; - - -Ἄγγελος -βέβηκεν ἄλοχος σὴ πρὸς αἰθέρος πτυχὰς -ἀρθεῖσʼ ἄφαντος· οὐρανῷ δὲ κρύπτεται -λιποῦσα σεμνὸν ἄντρον οὗ σφʼ ἐσῴζομεν, -τοσόνδε λέξασʼ· ὦ ταλαίπωροι Φρύγες -πάντες τʼ Ἀχαιοί, διʼ ἔμʼ ἐπὶ Σκαμανδρίοις -ἀκταῖσιν Ἥρας μηχαναῖς ἐθνῄσκετε, -δοκοῦντες Ἑλένην οὐκ ἔχοντʼ ἔχειν Πάριν. -ἐγὼ δʼ, ἐπειδὴ χρόνον ἔμεινʼ ὅσον με χρῆν, -τὸ μόρσιμον σῴσασα, πατέρʼ ἐς οὐρανὸν -ἄπειμι· φήμας δʼ ἡ τάλαινα Τυνδαρὶς -ἄλλως κακὰς ἤκουσεν οὐδὲν αἰτία. - -ὦ χαῖρε, Λήδας θύγατερ, ἐνθάδʼ ἦσθʼ ἄρα; -ἐγὼ δέ σʼ ἄστρων ὡς βεβηκυῖαν μυχοὺς -ἤγγελλον εἰδὼς οὐδὲν ὡς ὑπόπτερον -δέμας φοροίης. οὐκ ἐῶ σε κερτομεῖν -ἡμᾶς τόδʼ αὖθις, ὡς ἄδην ἐν Ἰλίῳ -πόνους παρεῖχες σῷ πόσει καὶ συμμάχοις. - - -Μενελέως -τοῦτʼ ἔστʼ ἐκεῖνο· ξυμβεβᾶσιν οἱ λόγοι -οἱ τῆσδʼ ἀληθεῖς. ὦ ποθεινὸς ἡμέρα, -ἥ σʼ εἰς ἐμὰς ἔδωκεν ὠλένας λαβεῖν. - - - -Ἑλένη -ὦ φίλτατʼ ἀνδρῶν Μενέλεως, ὁ μὲν χρόνος -παλαιός, ἡ δὲ τέρψις ἀρτίως πάρα. - -ἔλαβον ἀσμένα πόσιν ἐμόν, φίλαι, -περί τʼ ἐπέτασα χέρα -φίλιον ἐν μακρᾷ φλογὶ φαεσφόρῳ. - - -Μενελέως -κἀγὼ σέ· πολλοὺς δʼ ἐν μέσῳ λόγους ἔχων -οὐκ οἶδʼ ὁποίου πρῶτον ἄρξωμαι τὰ νῦν. - - - - -Ἑλένη -γέγηθα, κρατὶ δʼ ὀρθίους ἐθείρας -ἀνεπτέρωκα καὶ δάκρυ σταλάσσω, -περὶ δὲ γυῖα χέρας ἔβαλον, ἡδονάν, -ὦ πόσις, ὡς λάβω. - - - -Μενελέως -ὦ φιλτάτη πρόσοψις, οὐκ ἐμέμφθην· -ἔχω τὰ τῆς Διός τε λέκτρα Λήδας θʼ, -ἃν ὑπὸ λαμπάδων κόροι λεύκιπποι -ξυνομαίμονες ὤλβισαν ὤλβισαν -τὸ πρόσθεν, ἐκ δόμων δὲ νοσφίσας σʼ ἐμοῦ -πρὸς ἄλλαν ἐλαύνει -θεὸς συμφορὰν τᾶσδε κρείσσω. -τὸ κακὸν δʼ ἀγαθὸν σέ τε κἀμὲ συνάγαγε, πόσιν -χρόνιον, ἀλλʼ ὅμως ὀναίμαν τύχας. - - -Χορός -ὄναιο δῆτα. ταὐτὰ δὴ ξυνεύχομαι· -δυοῖν γὰρ ὄντοιν οὐχ ὃ μὲν τλήμων, ὃ δʼ οὔ. - - -Ἑλένη -φίλαι φίλαι, τὰ πάρος οὐκέτι -στένομεν οὐδʼ ἀλγῶ. -πόσιν ἐμὸν ἔχομεν ἔχομεν, ὃν ἔμενον - -ἔμενον ἐκ Τροίας πολυετῆ μολεῖν. - - -Μενελέως -ἔχεις, ἐγώ τε σέ· ἡλίους δὲ μυρίους -μόλις διελθὼν ᾐσθόμην τὰ τῆς θεοῦ. -ἐμὰ δὲ χαρμονὰ δάκρυα· πλέον ἔχει -χάριτος ἢ λύπας. - - -Ἑλένη -τί φῶ; τίς ἂν τάδʼ ἤλπισεν βροτῶν ποτε; -ἀδόκητον ἔχω σε πρὸς στέρνοις. - - -Μενελέως -κἀγὼ σὲ τὴν δοκοῦσαν Ἰδαίαν πόλιν -μολεῖν Ἰλίου τε μελέους πύργους. -πρὸς θεῶν, δόμων πῶς τῶν ἐμῶν ἀπεστάλης; - - -Ἑλένη -ἒ ἔ· πικρὰς ἐς ἀρχὰς βαίνεις, -ἒ ἔ· πικρὰν δʼ ἐρευνᾷς φάτιν. - - -Μενελέως -λέγʼ· ὡς ἀκουστὰ πάντα δῶρα δαιμόνων. - - -Ἑλένη -ἀπέπτυσα μὲν λόγον, οἷον οἷον ἐσοίσομαι. - - -Μενελέως -ὅμως δὲ λέξον· ἡδύ τοι μόχθων κλύειν. - - - -Ἑλένη -οὐκ ἐπὶ βαρβάρου λέκτρα νεανία -πετομένας κώπας, -πετομένου δʼ ἔρωτος ἀδίκων γάμων - - - -Μενελέως -τίς γάρ σε δαίμων ἢ πότμος συλᾷ πάτρας; - - -Ἑλένη -ὁ Διὸς ὁ Διός, ὦ πόσι, παῖς μʼ - -ἐπέλασεν Νείλῳ. - - -Μενελέως -θαυμαστά· τοῦ πέμψαντος; ὦ δεινοὶ λόγοι. - - -Ἑλένη -κατεδάκρυσα καὶ βλέφαρον ὑγραίνω -δάκρυσιν· ἁ Διός μʼ ἄλοχος ὤλεσεν. - - -Μενελέως -Ἥρα; τί νῷν χρῄζουσα προσθεῖναι κακόν; - - -Ἑλένη -ὤμοι ἐμῶν δεινῶν, λουτρῶν καὶ κρηνῶν, -ἵνα θεαὶ μορφὰν -ἐφαίδρυναν, ἔνθεν ἔμολεν κρίσις. - - -Μενελέως -τὰ δʼ ἐς κρίσιν σοι τῶνδʼ ἔθηχʼ Ἥρα κακῶν — ; - - -Ἑλένη -Πάριν ὡς ἀφέλοιτο — - - -Μενελέως -πῶς; αὔδα. - - -Ἑλένη -Κύπρις ᾧ μʼ ἐπένευσεν — - - -Μενελέως -ὦ τλᾶμον. - - -Ἑλένη -τλάμων, τλάμων· ὧδʼ ἐπέλασʼ Αἰγύπτῳ. - - -Μενελέως -εἶτʼ ἀντέδωκʼ εἴδωλον, ὡς σέθεν κλύω. - - -Ἑλένη -τὰ δὲ σὰ κατὰ μέλαθρα πάθεα πάθεα, μᾶ- -τερ, οἲ ʼγώ. - - -Μενελέως -τί φῄς; - - -Ἑλένη -οὐκ ἔστι μάτηρ· ἀγχόνιον δὲ βρόχον -διʼ ἐμὰν κατεδήσατο δυσγάμου αἰσχύναν. - - -Μενελέως -ὤμοι· θυγατρὸς δʼ Ἑρμιόνης ἔστιν βίος; - - -Ἑλένη -ἄγαμος ἄτεκνος, ὦ πόσι, καταστένει -γάμον ἄγαμον ἐμόν. - - -Μενελέως -ὦ πᾶν κατʼ ἄκρας δῶμʼ ἐμὸν πέρσας Πάρις, -τάδε καὶ σὲ διώλεσε μυριάδας τε -χαλκεόπλων Δαναῶν. - - -Ἑλένη -ἐμὲ δὲ πατρίδος ἄπο κακόποτμον ἀραίαν -ἔβαλε θεὸς ἀπό τε πόλεος ἀπό τε σέθεν, -ὅτε μέλαθρα λέχεά τʼ ἔλιπον — οὐ λιποῦσʼ -ἐπʼ αἰσχροῖς γάμοις. - - - - - -Χορός -εἰ καὶ τὰ λοιπὰ τῆς τύχης εὐδαίμονος -τύχοιτε, πρὸς τὰ πρόσθεν ἀρκέσειεν ἄν. - - -Ἄγγελος -Μενέλαε, κἀμοὶ πρόσδοτον τῆς ἡδονῆς, -ἣν μανθάνω μὲν καὐτός, οὐ σαφῶς δʼ ἔχω. - - -Μενελέως -ἀλλʼ, ὦ γεραιέ, καὶ σὺ κοινώνει λόγων. - - -Ἄγγελος -οὐχ ἥδε μόχθων τῶν ἐν Ἰλίῳ βραβεύς; - - -Μενελέως -οὐχ ἥδε, πρὸς θεῶν δʼ ἦμεν ἠπατημένοι, -νεφέλης ἄγαλμʼ ἔχοντες ἐν χεροῖν λυγρόν. - - -Ἄγγελος -τί φῄς; -νεφέλης ἄρʼ ἄλλως εἴχομεν πόνους πέρι; - - -Μενελέως -Ἥρας τάδʼ ἔργα καὶ θεῶν τρισσῶν ἔρις. - - -Ἄγγελος -ἡ δʼ οὖσʼ ἀληθῶς ἐστιν ἥδε σὴ δάμαρ; - - -Μενελέως -αὕτη· λόγοις δʼ ἐμοῖσι πίστευσον τάδε. - - -Ἄγγελος -ὦ θύγατερ, ὁ θεὸς ὡς ἔφυ τι ποικίλον -καὶ δυστέκμαρτον. εὖ δέ πως πάντα στρέφει -ἐκεῖσε κἀκεῖσʼ ἀναφέρων· ὃ μὲν πονεῖ, -ὃ δʼ οὐ πονήσας αὖθις ὄλλυται κακῶς, -βέβαιον οὐδὲν τῆς ἀεὶ τύχης ἔχων. -σὺ γὰρ πόσις τε σὸς πόνων μετέσχετε, -σὺ μὲν λόγοισιν, ὃ δὲ δορὸς προθυμίᾳ. -σπεύδων δʼ ὅτʼ ἔσπευδʼ οὐδὲν εἶχε· νῦν δʼ ἔχει -αὐτόματα πράξας τἀγάθʼ εὐτυχέστατα. -οὐκ ἄρα γέροντα πατέρα καὶ Διοσκόρω -ᾔσχυνας, οὐδʼ ἔδρασας οἷα κλῄζεται. -νῦν ἀνανεοῦμαι τὸν σὸν ὑμέναιον πάλιν -καὶ λαμπάδων μεμνήμεθʼ ἃς τετραόροις -ἵπποις τροχάζων παρέφερον· σὺ δʼ ἐν δίφροις -ξὺν τῷδε νύμφη δῶμʼ ἔλειπες ὄλβιον. -κακὸς γὰρ ὅστις μὴ σέβει τὰ δεσποτῶν -καὶ ξυγγέγηθε καὶ συνωδίνει κακοῖς. -ἐγὼ μὲν εἴην, κεἰ πέφυχʼ ὅμως λάτρις, -ἐν τοῖσι γενναίοισιν ἠριθμημένος -δούλοισι, τοὔνομʼ οὐκ ἔχων ἐλεύθερον, -τὸν νοῦν δέ· κρεῖσσον γὰρ τόδʼ ἢ δυοῖν κακοῖν -ἕνʼ ὄντα χρῆσθαι, τὰς φρένας τʼ ἔχειν κακὰς -ἄλλων τʼ ἀκούειν δοῦλον ὄντα τῶν πέλας. - - - -Μενελέως -ἄγʼ, ὦ γεραιέ, πολλὰ μὲν παρʼ ἀσπίδα -μοχθήματʼ ἐξέπλησας ἐκπονῶν ἐμοί, -καὶ νῦν μετασχὼν τῆς ἐμῆς εὐπραξίας -ἄγγειλον ἐλθὼν τοῖς λελειμμένοις φίλοις -τάδʼ ὡς ἔχονθʼ ηὕρηκας οἷ τʼ ἐσμὲν τύχης, -μένειν τʼ ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς τούς τʼ ἐμοὺς καραδοκεῖν -ἀγῶνας οἳ μένουσί μʼ, ὡς ἐλπίζομεν, -κεἰ τήνδε πως δυναίμεθʼ ἐκκλέψαι χθονός, -φρουρεῖν ὅπως ἂν εἰς ἓν ἐλθόντες τύχης -ἐκ βαρβάρων σωθῶμεν, ἢν δυνώμεθα. - - -Ἄγγελος -ἔσται τάδʼ, ὦναξ. ἀλλά τοι τὰ μάντεων -ἐσεῖδον ὡς φαῦλʼ ἐστὶ καὶ ψευδῶν πλέα. -οὐδʼ ἦν ἄρʼ ὑγιὲς οὐδὲν ἐμπύρου φλογὸς -οὐδὲ πτερωτῶν φθέγματʼ· εὔηθες δέ τοι -τὸ καὶ δοκεῖν ὄρνιθας ὠφελεῖν βροτούς. -Κάλχας γὰρ οὐκ εἶπʼ οὐδʼ ἐσήμηνε στρατῷ -νεφέλης ὑπερθνῄσκοντας εἰσορῶν φίλους -οὐδʼ Ἕλενος, ἀλλὰ πόλις ἀνηρπάσθη μάτην. -εἴποις ἄν· οὕνεχʼ ὁ θεὸς οὐκ ἠβούλετο; -τί δῆτα μαντευόμεθα; τοῖς θεοῖσι χρὴ -θύοντας αἰτεῖν ἀγαθά, μαντείας δʼ ἐᾶν· -βίου γὰρ ἄλλως δέλεαρ ηὑρέθη τόδε, -κοὐδεὶς ἐπλούτησʼ ἐμπύροισιν ἀργὸς ὤν· -γνώμη δʼ ἀρίστη μάντις ἥ τʼ εὐβουλία. - - - -Χορός -ἐς ταὐτὸ κἀμοὶ δόξα μαντειῶν πέρι -χωρεῖ γέροντι· τοὺς θεοὺς ἔχων τις ἂν -φίλους ἀρίστην μαντικὴν ἔχοι δόμοις. - - -Ἑλένη -εἶἑν· τὰ μὲν δὴ δεῦρʼ ἀεὶ καλῶς ἔχει. -ὅπως δʼ ἐσώθης, ὦ τάλας, Τροίας ἄπο, -κέρδος μὲν οὐδὲν εἰδέναι, πόθος δέ τις -τὰ τῶν φίλων φίλοισιν αἰσθέσθαι κακά. - - -Μενελέως -ἦ πόλλʼ ἀνήρου μʼ ἑνὶ λόγῳ μιᾷ θʼ ὁδῷ. -τί σοι λέγοιμʼ ἂν τὰς ἐν Αἰγαίῳ φθορὰς -τὰ Ναυπλίου τʼ Εὐβοικὰ πυρπολήματα -Κρήτην τε Λιβύης θʼ ἃς ἐπεστράφην πόλεις, -σκοπιάς τε Περσέως; οὐ γὰρ ἐμπλήσαιμί σʼ ἂν - -μύθων, λέγων τʼ ἄν σοι κάκʼ ἀλγοίην ἔτι, -πάσχων τʼ ἔκαμνον· δὶς δὲ λυπηθεῖμεν ἄν. - - -Ἑλένη -κάλλιον εἶπας ἤ σʼ ἀνηρόμην ἐγώ. -ἓν δʼ εἰπὲ πάντα παραλιπών, πόσον χρόνον -πόντου ʼπὶ νώτοις ἅλιον ἐφθείρου πλάνον; - - -Μενελέως -ἐν ναυσὶν ὢν πρὸς τοῖσιν ἐν Τροίᾳ δέκα -ἔτεσι διῆλθον ἑπτὰ περιδρομὰς ἐτῶν. - - -Ἑλένη -φεῦ φεῦ· μακρόν γʼ ἔλεξας, ὦ τάλας, χρόνον -σωθεὶς δʼ ἐκεῖθεν ἐνθάδʼ ἦλθες ἐς σφαγάς. - - -Μενελέως -πῶς φῄς; τί λέξεις; ὥς μʼ ἀπώλεσας, γύναι. - - -Ἑλένη -φεῦγʼ ὡς τάχιστα τῆσδʼ ἀπαλλαχθεὶς χθονός. -θανῇ πρὸς ἀνδρὸς οὗ τάδʼ ἐστὶ δώματα. - - -Μενελέως -τί χρῆμα δράσας ἄξιον τῆς συμφορᾶς; - - -Ἑλένη -ἥκεις ἄελπτος ἐμποδὼν ἐμοῖς γάμοις. - - -Μενελέως -ἦ γὰρ γαμεῖν τις τἄμʼ ἐβουλήθη λέχη; - - -Ἑλένη -ὕβριν θʼ ὑβρίζειν εἰς ἔμʼ, ἣν ἔτλην ἐγώ. - - -Μενελέως -ἰδίᾳ σθένων τις ἢ τυραννεύων χθονός; - - -Ἑλένη -ὃς γῆς ἀνάσσει τῆσδε Πρωτέως γόνος. - - -Μενελέως -τόδʼ ἔστʼ ἐκεῖνʼ αἴνιγμʼ ὃ προσπόλου κλύω. - - -Ἑλένη -ποίοις ἐπιστὰς βαρβάροις πυλώμασιν; - - -Μενελέως -τοῖσδʼ, ἔνθεν ὥσπερ πτωχὸς ἐξηλαυνόμην. - - -Ἑλένη -οὔ που προσῄτεις βίοτον; ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ. - - -Μενελέως -τοὔργον μὲν ἦν τοῦτʼ, ὄνομα δʼ οὐκ εἶχεν τόδε. - - - -Ἑλένη -πάντʼ οἶσθʼ ἄρʼ, ὡς ἔοικας, ἀμφʼ ἐμῶν γάμων. - - -Μενελέως -οἶδʼ· εἰ δὲ λέκτρα διέφυγες τάδʼ οὐκ ἔχω. - - -Ἑλένη -ἄθικτον εὐνὴν ἴσθι σοι σεσῳσμένην. - - -Μενελέως -τίς τοῦδε πειθώ; φίλα γάρ, εἰ σαφῆ λέγεις. - - -Ἑλένη -ὁρᾷς τάφου τοῦδʼ ἀθλίους ἕδρας ἐμάς; - - -Μενελέως -ὁρῶ ταλαίνας στιβάδας, ὧν τί σοὶ μέτα; - - -Ἑλένη -ἐνταῦθα λέκτρων ἱκετεύομεν φυγάς. - - -Μενελέως -βωμοῦ σπανίζουσʼ ἢ νόμοισι βαρβάροις; - - -Ἑλένη -ἐρρύεθʼ ἡμᾶς τοῦτʼ ἴσον ναοῖς θεῶν. - - -Μενελέως -οὐδʼ ἄρα πρὸς οἴκους ναυστολεῖν σʼ ἔξεστί μοι; - - -Ἑλένη -ξίφος μένει σε μᾶλλον ἢ τοὐμὸν λέχος. - - -Μενελέως -οὕτως ἂν εἴην ἀθλιώτατος βροτῶν. - - -Ἑλένη -μή νυν καταιδοῦ, φεῦγε δʼ ἐκ τῆσδε χθονός. - - -Μενελέως -λιπών σε; Τροίαν ἐξέπερσα σὴν χάριν. - - -Ἑλένη -κρεῖσσον γὰρ ἤ σε τἄμʼ ἀποκτεῖναι λέχη. - - -Μενελέως -ἄνανδρά γʼ εἶπας Ἰλίου τʼ οὐκ ἄξια. - - -Ἑλένη -οὐκ ἂν κτάνοις τύραννον, ὃ σπεύδεις ἴσως. - - -Μενελέως -οὕτω σιδήρῳ τρωτὸν οὐκ ἔχει δέμας; - - -Ἑλένη -εἴσῃ. τὸ τολμᾶν δʼ ἀδύνατʼ ἀνδρὸς οὐ σοφοῦ. - - -Μενελέως -σιγῇ παράσχω δῆτʼ ἐμὰς δῆσαι χέρας; - - -Ἑλένη -ἐς ἄπορον ἥκεις· δεῖ δὲ μηχανῆς τινος. - - -Μενελέως -δρῶντας γὰρ ἢ μὴ δρῶντας ἥδιον θανεῖν. - - -Ἑλένη -μίʼ ἔστιν ἐλπίς, ᾗ μόνῃ σωθεῖμεν ἄν. - - -Μενελέως -ὠνητὸς ἢ τολμητὸς ἢ λόγων ὕπο; - - -Ἑλένη -εἰ μὴ τύραννός σʼ ἐκπύθοιτʼ ἀφιγμένον. - - -Μενελέως -ἐρεῖ δὲ τίς μʼ; οὐ γνώσεταί γʼ ὅς εἰμʼ ἐγώ. - - -Ἑλένη -ἔστʼ ἔνδον αὐτῷ ξύμμαχος θεοῖς ἴση. - - -Μενελέως -φήμη τις οἴκων ἐν μυχοῖς ἱδρυμένη; - - -Ἑλένη -οὔκ, ἀλλʼ ἀδελφή· Θεονόην καλοῦσί νιν. - - -Μενελέως -χρηστήριον μὲν τοὔνομʼ· ὅ τι δὲ δρᾷ φράσον. - - -Ἑλένη -πάντʼ οἶδʼ, ἐρεῖ τε συγγόνῳ παρόντα σε. - - -Μενελέως -θνῄσκοιμεν ἄν· λαθεῖν γὰρ οὐχ οἷόν τέ μοι. - - -Ἑλένη -ἴσως ἂν ἀναπείσαιμεν ἱκετεύοντέ νιν — - - -Μενελέως -τί χρῆμα δρᾶσαι; τίνʼ ὑπάγεις μʼ ἐς ἐλπίδα; - - -Ἑλένη -παρόντα γαίᾳ μὴ φράσαι σε συγγόνῳ. - - -Μενελέως -πείσαντε δʼ ἐκ γῆς διορίσαιμεν ἂν πόδα; - - -Ἑλένη -κοινῇ γʼ ἐκείνῃ ῥᾳδίως, λάθρᾳ δʼ ἂν οὔ. - - -Μενελέως -σὸν ἔργον, ὡς γυναικὶ πρόσφορον γυνή. - - -Ἑλένη -ὡς οὐκ ἄχρωστα γόνατʼ ἐμῶν ἕξει χερῶν. - - - -Μενελέως -φέρʼ, ἢν δὲ δὴ νῷν μὴ ἀποδέξηται λόγους; - - -Ἑλένη -θανῇ· γαμοῦμαι δʼ ἡ τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ βίᾳ. - - -Μενελέως -προδότις ἂν εἴης· τὴν βίαν σκήψασʼ ἔχεις. - - -Ἑλένη -ἀλλʼ ἁγνὸν ὅρκον σὸν κάρα κατώμοσα - - - -Μενελέως -τί φῄς; θανεῖσθαι; κοὔποτʼ ἀλλάξεις λέχη; - - -Ἑλένη -ταὐτῷ ξίφει γε· κείσομαι δὲ σοῦ πέλας. - - -Μενελέως -ἐπὶ τοῖσδε τοίνυν δεξιᾶς ἐμῆς θίγε. - - -Ἑλένη -ψαύω, θανόντος σοῦ τόδʼ ἐκλείψειν φάος. - - -Μενελέως -κἀγὼ στερηθεὶς σοῦ τελευτήσειν βίον. - - -Ἑλένη -πῶς οὖν θανούμεθʼ ὥστε καὶ δόξαν λαβεῖν; - - -Μενελέως -τύμβου ʼπὶ νώτῳ σὲ κτανὼν ἐμὲ κτενῶ. -πρῶτον δʼ ἀγῶνα μέγαν ἀγωνιούμεθα -λέκτρων ὑπὲρ σῶν. ὁ δὲ θέλων ἴτω πέλας· -τὸ Τρωικὸν γὰρ οὐ καταισχυνῶ κλέος -οὐδʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἐλθὼν λήψομαι πολὺν ψόγον, -ὅστις Θέτιν μὲν ἐστέρησʼ Ἀχιλλέως, -Τελαμωνίου δʼ Αἴαντος εἰσεῖδον σφαγάς, -τὸν Νηλέως τʼ ἄπαιδα· διὰ δὲ τὴν ἐμὴν -οὐκ ἀξιώσω κατθανεῖν δάμαρτʼ ἐγώ; -μάλιστά γε· εἰ γάρ εἰσιν οἱ θεοὶ σοφοί, -εὔψυχον ἄνδρα πολεμίων θανόνθʼ ὕπο -κούφῃ καταμπίσχουσιν ἐν τύμβῳ χθονί, -κακοὺς δʼ ἐφʼ ἕρμα στερεὸν ἐκβάλλουσι γῆς. - - -Χορός -ὦ θεοί, γενέσθω δή ποτʼ εὐτυχὲς γένος -τὸ Ταντάλειον καὶ μεταστήτω κακῶν. - - -Ἑλένη -οἲ ἐγὼ τάλαινα· τῆς τύχης γὰρ ὧδʼ ἔχω. -Μενέλαε, διαπεπράγμεθʼ· ἐκβαίνει δόμων -ἡ θεσπιῳδὸς Θεονόη· κτυπεῖ δόμος -κλῄθρων λυθέντων. φεῦγʼ· ἀτὰρ τί φευκτέον; -ἀποῦσα γάρ σε καὶ παροῦσʼ ἀφιγμένον -δεῦρʼ οἶδεν· ὦ δύστηνος, ὡς ἀπωλόμην. -Τροίας δὲ σωθεὶς κἀπὸ βαρβάρου χθονὸς -ἐς βάρβαρʼ ἐλθὼν φάσγανʼ αὖθις ἐμπεσῇ. - - - -Θεονόη -ἡγοῦ σύ μοι φέρουσα λαμπτήρων σέλας -θείου δε σεμνὸν θεσμὸν αἰθέρος μυχούς, -ὡς πνεῦμα καθαρὸν οὐρανοῦ δεξώμεθα· -σὺ δʼ αὖ κέλευθον εἴ τις ἔβλαψεν ποδὶ -στείβων ἀνοσίῳ, δὸς καθαρσίῳ φλογί, -κροῦσον δὲ πεύκην, ἵνα διεξέλθω, πυρός. -νόμον δὲ τὸν ἐμὸν θεοῖσιν ἀποδοῦσαι πάρος -ἐφέστιον φλόγʼ ἐς δόμους κομίζετε. - -Ἑλένη, τί τἀμὰ — πῶς ἔχει — θεσπίσματα; -ἥκει πόσις σοι Μενέλεως ὅδʼ ἐμφανής, -νεῶν στερηθεὶς τοῦ τε σοῦ μιμήματος. -ὦ τλῆμον, οἵους διαφυγὼν ἦλθες πόνους, -οὐδʼ οἶσθα νόστον οἴκαδʼ εἴτʼ αὐτοῦ μενεῖς· -ἔρις γὰρ ἐν θεοῖς σύλλογός τε σοῦ πέρι -ἔσται πάρεδρος Ζηνὶ τῷδʼ ἐν ἤματι. -Ἥρα μέν, ἥ σοι δυσμενὴς πάροιθεν ἦν, -νῦν ἐστιν εὔνους κἀς πάτραν σῷσαι θέλει -ξὺν τῇδʼ, ἵνʼ Ἑλλὰς τοὺς Ἀλεξάνδρου γάμους, -δώρημα Κύπριδος, ψευδονυμφεύτους μάθῃ· -Κύπρις δὲ νόστον σὸν διαφθεῖραι θέλει, -ὡς μὴ ʼξελεγχθῇ μηδὲ πριαμένη φανῇ -τὸ κάλλος, Ἑλένης οὕνεκʼ, ἀνονήτοις γάμοις. -τέλος δʼ ἐφʼ ἡμῖν, εἴθʼ, ἃ βούλεται Κύπρις, -λέξασʼ ἀδελφῷ σʼ ἐνθάδʼ ὄντα διολέσω, -εἴτʼ αὖ μεθʼ Ἥρας στᾶσα σὸν σώσω βίον, -κρύψασʼ ὁμαίμονʼ, ὅς με προστάσσει τάδε -εἰπεῖν, ὅταν γῆν τήνδε νοστήσας τύχῃς - - -τίς εἶσʼ ἀδελφῷ τόνδε σημανῶν ἐμῷ -παρόνθʼ, ὅπως ἂν τοὐμὸν ἀσφαλῶς ἔχῃ; - - - -Ἑλένη -ὦ παρθένʼ, ἱκέτις ἀμφὶ σὸν πίτνω γόνυ -καὶ προσκαθίζω θᾶκον οὐκ εὐδαίμονα -ὑπέρ τʼ ἐμαυτῆς τοῦδέ θʼ, ὃν μόλις ποτὲ -λαβοῦσʼ ἐπʼ ἀκμῆς εἰμι κατθανόντʼ ἰδεῖν· -μή μοι κατείπῃς σῷ κασιγνήτῳ πόσιν -τόνδʼ εἰς ἐμὰς ἥκοντα φιλτάτας χέρας, -σῷσον δέ, λίσσομαί σε· συγγόνῳ δὲ σῷ -τὴν εὐσέβειαν μὴ προδῷς τὴν σήν ποτε, -χάριτας πονηρὰς κἀδίκους ὠνουμένη. -μισεῖ γὰρ ὁ θεὸς τὴν βίαν, τὰ κτητὰ δὲ -κτᾶσθαι κελεύει πάντας οὐκ ἐς ἁρπαγάς. - -ἐατέος δʼ ὁ πλοῦτος ἄδικός τις ὤν. - -κοινὸς γάρ ἐστιν οὐρανὸς πᾶσιν βροτοῖς -καὶ γαῖʼ, ἐν ᾗ χρὴ δώματʼ ἀναπληρουμένους -τἀλλότρια μὴ σχεῖν μηδʼ ἀφαιρεῖσθαι βίᾳ. -ἡμᾶς δὲ καιρίως μέν, ἀθλίως δʼ ἐμοί, -Ἑρμῆς ἔδωκε πατρὶ σῷ σῴζειν πόσει -τῷδʼ ὃς πάρεστι κἀπολάζυσθαι θέλει. -πῶς οὖν θανὼν ἂν ἀπολάβοι; κεῖνος δὲ πῶς -τὰ ζῶντα τοῖς θανοῦσιν ἀποδοίη ποτʼ ἄν; -ἤδη τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τὰ τοῦ πατρὸς σκόπει· -πότερον ὁ δαίμων χὡ θανὼν τὰ τῶν πέλας -βούλοιντʼ ἂν ἢ οὐ βούλοιντʼ ἂν ἀποδοῦναι πάλιν; -δοκῶ μέν. οὔκουν χρή σε συγγόνῳ πλέον -νέμειν ματαίῳ μᾶλλον ἢ χρηστῷ πατρί. -εἰ δʼ οὖσα μάντις καὶ τὰ θεῖʼ ἡγουμένη -τὸ μὲν δίκαιον τοῦ πατρὸς διαφθερεῖς, -τῷ δʼ οὐ δικαίῳ συγγόνῳ σώσεις χάριν, -αἰσχρὸν τὰ μέν σε θεῖα πάντʼ ἐξειδέναι, -τά τʼ ὄντα καὶ μέλλοντα, τὰ δὲ δίκαια μή. -τήν τʼ ἀθλίαν ἔμʼ, οἷσιν ἔγκειμαι κακοῖς, -ῥῦσαι, πάρεργον δοῦσα τοῦτο τῆς τύχης· -Ἑλένην γὰρ οὐδεὶς ὅστις οὐ στυγεῖ βροτῶν· -ἣ κλῄζομαι καθʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ὡς προδοῦσʼ ἐμὸν -πόσιν Φρυγῶν ᾤκησα πολυχρύσους δόμους. -ἢν δʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἔλθω κἀπιβῶ Σπάρτης πάλιν, -κλύοντες εἰσιδόντες ὡς τέχναις θεῶν -ὤλοντʼ, ἐγὼ δὲ προδότις οὐκ ἄρʼ ἦ φίλων, -πάλιν μʼ ἀνάξουσʼ ἐς τὸ σῶφρον αὖθις αὖ, -ἑδνώσομαί τε θυγατέρʼ, ἣν οὐδεὶς γαμεῖ, -τὴν δʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἐκλιποῦσʼ ἀλητείαν πικρὰν -ὄντων ἐν οἴκοις χρημάτων ὀνήσομαι. -κεἰ μὲν θανὼν ὅδʼ ἐν πυρᾷ κατεσφάγη, -πρόσω σφʼ ἀπόντα δακρύοις ἂν ἠγάπων· -νῦν δʼ ὄντα καὶ σωθέντʼ ἀφαιρεθήσομαι; - -μὴ δῆτα, παρθένʼ, ἀλλά σʼ ἱκετεύω τόδε· -δὸς τὴν χάριν μοι τήνδε καὶ μιμοῦ τρόπους -πατρὸς δικαίου· παισὶ γὰρ κλέος τόδε -κάλλιστον, ὅστις ἐκ πατρὸς χρηστοῦ γεγὼς -ἐς ταὐτὸν ἦλθε τοῖς τεκοῦσι τοὺς τρόπους. - - - -Χορός -οἰκτρὸν μὲν οἱ παρόντες ἐν μέσῳ λόγοι, -οἰκτρὰ δὲ καὶ σύ. τοὺς δὲ Μενέλεω ποθῶ -λόγους ἀκοῦσαι τίνας ἐρεῖ ψυχῆς πέρι. - - -Μενελέως -ἐγὼ σὸν οὔτʼ ἂν προσπεσεῖν τλαίην γόνυ -οὔτʼ ἂν δακρῦσαι βλέφαρα· τὴν Τροίαν γὰρ ἂν -δειλοὶ γενόμενοι πλεῖστον αἰσχύνοιμεν ἄν. -καίτοι λέγουσιν ὡς πρὸς ἀνδρὸς εὐγενοῦς -ἐν ξυμφοραῖσι δάκρυʼ ἀπʼ ὀφθαλμῶν βαλεῖν. -ἀλλʼ οὐχὶ τοῦτο τὸ καλόν, εἰ καλὸν τόδε, -αἱρήσομαι ʼγὼ πρόσθε τῆς εὐψυχίας. -ἀλλʼ, εἰ μὲν ἄνδρα σοι δοκεῖ σῷσαι ξένον -ζητοῦντά γʼ ὀρθῶς ἀπολαβεῖν δάμαρτʼ ἐμήν, -ἀπόδος τε καὶ πρὸς σῷσον· εἰ δὲ μὴ δοκεῖ, -ἐγὼ μὲν οὐ νῦν πρῶτον ἀλλὰ πολλάκις -ἄθλιος ἂν εἴην, σὺ δὲ γυνὴ κακὴ φανῇ. -ἃ δʼ ἄξιʼ ἡμῶν καὶ δίκαιʼ ἡγούμεθα -καὶ σῆς μάλιστα καρδίας ἀνθάψεται, -λέξω τάδʼ ἀμφὶ μνῆμα σοῦ πατρὸς πόθῳ· - -ὦ γέρον, ὃς οἰκεῖς τόνδε λάινον τάφον, -ἀπόδος, ἀπαιτῶ τὴν ἐμὴν δάμαρτά σε, -ἣν Ζεὺς ἔπεμψε δεῦρό σοι σῴζειν ἐμοί. -οἶδʼ οὕνεκʼ ἡμῖν οὔποτʼ ἀποδώσεις θανών· -ἀλλʼ ἥδε πατέρα νέρθεν ἀνακαλούμενον -οὐκ ἀξιώσει τὸν πρὶν εὐκλεέστατον -κακῶς ἀκοῦσαι· κυρία γάρ ἐστι νῦν. - - -ὦ νέρτερʼ Ἅιδη, καὶ σὲ σύμμαχον καλῶ, -ὃς πόλλʼ ἐδέξω τῆσδʼ ἕκατι σώματα -πεσόντα τὠμῷ φασγάνῳ, μισθὸν δʼ ἔχεις· -ἢ νῦν ἐκείνους ἀπόδος ἐμψύχους πάλιν, -ἢ τήνδε πατρὸς εὐσεβοῦς ἀνάγκασον -κρείσσω φανεῖσαν τἀμά γʼ ἀποδοῦναι λέχη. -εἰ δʼ ἐμὲ γυναῖκα τὴν ἐμὴν συλήσετε, -ἅ σοι παρέλιπεν ἥδε τῶν λόγων, φράσω. -ὅρκοις κεκλῄμεθʼ, ὡς μάθῃς, ὦ παρθένε, -πρῶτον μὲν ἐλθεῖν διὰ μάχης σῷ συγγόνῳ -κἀκεῖνον ἢ ʼμὲ δεῖ θανεῖν· ἁπλοῦς λόγος. -ἢν δʼ ἐς μὲν ἀλκὴν μὴ πόδʼ ἀντιθῇ ποδί, -λιμῷ δὲ θηρᾷ τύμβον ἱκετεύοντε νώ, -κτανεῖν δέδοκται τήνδε μοι κἄπειτʼ ἐμὸν -πρὸς ἧπαρ ὦσαι δίστομον ξίφος τόδε -τύμβου ʼπὶ νώτοις τοῦδʼ, ἵνʼ αἵματος ῥοαὶ -τάφου καταστάζωσι· κεισόμεσθα δὲ -νεκρὼ δύʼ ἑξῆς τῷδʼ ἐπὶ ξεστῷ τάφῳ, -ἀθάνατον ἄλγος σοί, ψόγος δὲ σῷ πατρί. -οὐ γὰρ γαμεῖ τήνδʼ οὔτε σύγγονος σέθεν -οὔτʼ ἄλλος οὐδείς· ἀλλʼ ἐγώ σφʼ ἀπάξομαι, -εἰ μὴ πρὸς οἴκους δυνάμεθʼ, ἀλλὰ πρὸς νεκρούς. - -τί ταῦτα; δακρύοις ἐς τὸ θῆλυ τρεπόμενος -ἐλεινὸς ἦν ἂν μᾶλλον ἢ δραστήριος. -κτεῖνʼ, εἰ δοκεῖ σοι· δυσκλεᾶς γὰρ οὐ κτενεῖς· -μᾶλλόν γε μέντοι τοῖς ἐμοῖς πείθου λόγοις, -ἵνʼ ᾖς δικαία καὶ δάμαρτʼ ἐγὼ λάβω. - - -Χορός -ἐν σοὶ βραβεύειν, ὦ νεᾶνι, τοὺς λόγους· -οὕτω δὲ κρῖνον, ὡς ἅπασιν ἁνδάνῃς. - - - -Θεονόη -ἐγὼ πέφυκά τʼ εὐσεβεῖν καὶ βούλομαι, -φιλῶ τʼ ἐμαυτήν, καὶ κλέος τοὐμοῦ πατρὸς -οὐκ ἂν μιάναιμʼ, οὐδὲ συγγόνῳ χάριν -δοίην ἂν ἐξ ἧς δυσκλεὴς φανήσομαι. -ἔνεστι δʼ ἱερὸν τῆς δίκης ἐμοὶ μέγα -ἐν τῇ φύσει· καὶ τοῦτο Νηρέως πάρα -ἔχουσα σῴζειν, Μενέλεως, πειράσομαι. -Ἥρᾳ δʼ, ἐπείπερ βούλεταί σʼ εὐεργετεῖν, -ἐς ταὐτὸν οἴσω ψῆφον· ἡ Κύπρις δʼ ἐμοὶ -ἵλεως μὲν εἴη, ξυμβέβηκε δʼ οὐδαμοῦ· -πειράσομαι δὲ παρθένος μένειν ἀεί. -ἃ δʼ ἀμφὶ τύμβῳ τῷδʼ ὀνειδίζεις πατρί, -ἡμῖν ὅδʼ αὑτὸς μῦθος. ἀδικοίημεν ἄν, -εἰ μὴ ἀποδώσω· καὶ γὰρ ἂν κεῖνος βλέπων -ἀπέδωκεν ἂν σοὶ τήνδʼ ἔχειν, ταύτῃ δὲ σέ. - -καὶ γὰρ τίσις τῶνδʼ ἐστὶ τοῖς τε νερτέροις -καὶ τοῖς ἄνωθεν πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις· ὁ νοῦς -τῶν κατθανόντων ζῇ μὲν οὔ, γνώμην δʼ ἔχει -ἀθάνατον εἰς ἀθάνατον αἰθέρʼ ἐμπεσών. -ὡς οὖν παραινῶ μὴ μακράν, σιγήσομαι -ἅ μου καθικετεύσατʼ, οὐδὲ μωρίᾳ -ξύμβουλος ἔσομαι τῇ κασιγνήτου ποτέ. -εὐεργετῶ γὰρ κεῖνον οὐ δοκοῦσʼ ὅμως, -ἐκ δυσσεβείας ὅσιον εἰ τίθημί νιν. -αὐτοὶ μὲν οὖν ὁδόν τινʼ ἐξευρίσκετε, -ἐγὼ δʼ ἀποστᾶσʼ ἐκποδὼν σιγήσομαι. -ἐκ τῶν θεῶν δʼ ἄρχεσθε χἱκετεύετε -τὴν μέν σʼ ἐᾶσαι πατρίδα νοστῆσαι Κύπριν, -Ἥρας δὲ τὴν ἔννοιαν ἐν ταὐτῷ μένειν -ἣν ἐς σὲ καὶ σὸν πόσιν ἔχει σωτηρίας. -σὺ δʼ, ὦ θανών μοι πάτερ, ὅσον γʼ ἐγὼ σθένω, -οὔποτε κεκλήσῃ δυσσεβὴς ἀντʼ εὐσεβοῦς. - - -Χορός -οὐδείς ποτʼ εὐτύχησεν ἔκδικος γεγώς, -ἐν τῷ δικαίῳ δʼ ἐλπίδες σωτηρίας. - - - -Ἑλένη -Μενέλαε, πρὸς μὲν παρθένου σεσῴσμεθα· -τοὐνθένδε δὴ σὲ τοὺς λόγους φέροντα χρὴ -κοινὴν ξυνάπτειν μηχανὴν σωτηρίας. - - -Μενελέως -ἄκουε δή νυν· χρόνιος εἶ κατὰ στέγας -καὶ συντέθραψαι προσπόλοισι βασιλέως. - - -Ἑλένη -τί τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας; ἐσφέρεις γὰρ ἐλπίδας -ὡς δή τι δράσων χρηστὸν ἐς κοινόν γε νῷν. - - -Μενελέως -πείσειας ἄν τινʼ οἵτινες τετραζύγων -ὄχων ἀνάσσουσʼ, ὥστε νῷν δοῦναι δίφρους; - - -Ἑλένη -πείσαιμʼ ἄν· ἀλλὰ τίνα φυγὴν φευξούμεθα -πεδίων ἄπειροι βαρβάρου τʼ ὄντες χθονός; - - -Μενελέως -ἀδύνατον εἶπας. φέρε, τί δʼ, εἰ κρυφθεὶς δόμοις -κτάνοιμʼ ἄνακτα τῷδε διστόμῳ ξίφει; - - -Ἑλένη -οὐκ ἄν σʼ ἀνάσχοιτʼ οὐδὲ σιγήσειεν ἂν -μέλλοντʼ ἀδελφὴ σύγγονον κατακτενεῖν. - - -Μενελέως -ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ μὴν ναῦς ἔστιν ᾗ σωθεῖμεν ἂν -φεύγοντες· ἣν γὰρ εἴχομεν θάλασσʼ ἔχει. - - -Ἑλένη -ἄκουσον, ἤν τι καὶ γυνὴ λέξῃ σοφόν. -βούλῃ λέγεσθαι, μὴ θανών, λόγῳ θανεῖν; - - -Μενελέως -κακὸς μὲν ὄρνις· εἰ δὲ κερδανῶ, λέγειν -ἕτοιμός εἰμι μὴ θανὼν λόγῳ θανεῖν. - - -Ἑλένη -καὶ μὴν γυναικείοις σʼ ἂν οἰκτισαίμεθα -κουραῖσι καὶ θρήνοισι πρὸς τὸν ἀνόσιον. - - -Μενελέως -σωτηρίας δὲ τοῦτʼ ἔχει τί νῷν ἄκος; -παλαιότης γὰρ τῷ λόγῳ γʼ ἔνεστί τις. - - -Ἑλένη -ὡς δὴ θανόντα σʼ ἐνάλιον κενῷ τάφῳ -θάψαι τύραννον τῆσδε γῆς αἰτήσομαι. - - -Μενελέως -καὶ δὴ παρεῖκεν· εἶτα πῶς ἄνευ νεὼς -σωθησόμεσθα κενοταφοῦντʼ ἐμὸν δέμας; - - -Ἑλένη -δοῦναι κελεύσω πορθμίδʼ, ᾗ καθήσομαι -κόσμον τάφῳ σῷ πελαγίους ἐς ἀγκάλας. - - -Μενελέως -ὡς εὖ τόδʼ εἶπας πλὴν ἕν· εἰ χέρσῳ ταφὰς -θεῖναι κελεύσει σʼ, οὐδὲν ἡ σκῆψις φέρει. - - -Ἑλένη -ἀλλʼ οὐ νομίζειν φήσομεν καθʼ Ἑλλάδα -χέρσῳ καλύπτειν τοὺς θανόντας ἐναλίους. - - - -Μενελέως -τοῦτʼ αὖ κατορθοῖς· εἶτʼ ἐγὼ συμπλεύσομαι -καὶ συγκαθήσω κόσμον ἐν ταὐτῷ σκάφει. - - -Ἑλένη -σὲ καὶ παρεῖναι δεῖ μάλιστα τούς τε σοὺς -πλωτῆρας οἵπερ ἔφυγον ἐκ ναυαγίας. - - -Μενελέως -καὶ μὴν ἐάνπερ ναῦν ἐπʼ ἀγκύρας λάβω, -ἀνὴρ παρʼ ἄνδρα στήσεται ξιφηφόρος. - - -Ἑλένη -σὲ χρὴ βραβεύειν πάντα· πόμπιμοι μόνον -λαίφει πνοαὶ γένοιντο καὶ νεὼς δρόμος. - - -Μενελέως -ἔσται· πόνους γὰρ δαίμονες παύσουσί μου. -ἀτὰρ θανόντα τοῦ μʼ ἐρεῖς πεπυσμένη; - - -Ἑλένη -σοῦ· καὶ μόνος γε φάσκε διαφυγεῖν μόρον -Ἀτρέως πλέων σὺν παιδὶ καὶ θανόνθʼ ὁρᾶν. - - -Μενελέως -καὶ μὴν τάδʼ ἀμφίβληστρα σώματος ῥάκη -ξυμμαρτυρήσει ναυτικῶν ἐρειπίων. - - -Ἑλένη -ἐς καιρὸν ἦλθε, τότε δʼ ἄκαιρʼ ἀπώλλυτο· -τὸ δʼ ἄθλιον κεῖνʼ εὐτυχὲς τάχʼ ἂν πέσοι. - - -Μενελέως -πότερα δʼ ἐς οἴκους σοὶ συνεισελθεῖν με χρὴ -ἢ πρὸς τάφῳ τῷδʼ ἥσυχοι καθώμεθα; - - -Ἑλένη -αὐτοῦ μένʼ· ἢν γὰρ καί τι πλημμελές σε δρᾷ, -τάφος σʼ ὅδʼ ἂν ῥύσαιτο φάσγανόν τε σόν. -ἐγὼ δʼ ἐς οἴκους βᾶσα βοστρύχους τεμῶ -πέπλων τε λευκῶν μέλανας ἀνταλλάξομαι -παρῇδί τʼ ὄνυχα φόνιον ἐμβαλῶ χροός. -μέγας γὰρ ἁγών, καὶ βλέπω δύο ῥοπάς· -ἢ γὰρ θανεῖν δεῖ μʼ, ἢν ἁλῶ τεχνωμένη, -ἢ πατρίδα τʼ ἐλθεῖν καὶ σὸν ἐκσῷσαι δέμας. - -ὦ πότνιʼ ἣ Δίοισιν ἐν λέκτροις πίτνεις -Ἥρα, δύʼ οἰκτρὼ φῶτʼ ἀνάψυξον πόνων, -αἰτούμεθʼ ὀρθὰς ὠλένας πρὸς οὐρανὸν -ῥίπτονθʼ, ἵνʼ οἰκεῖς ἀστέρων ποικίλματα. -σύ θʼ, ἣ ʼπὶ τὠμῷ κάλλος ἐκτήσω γάμῳ, -κόρη Διώνης Κύπρι, μή μʼ ἐξεργάσῃ. -ἅλις δὲ λύμης ἥν μʼ ἐλυμήνω πάρος -τοὔνομα παρασχοῦσʼ, οὐ τὸ σῶμʼ, ἐν βαρβάροις. -θανεῖν δʼ ἔασόν μʼ, εἰ κατακτεῖναι θέλεις, -ἐν γῇ πατρῴᾳ. τί ποτʼ ἄπληστος εἶ κακῶν, -ἔρωτας ἀπάτας δόλιά τʼ ἐξευρήματα -ἀσκοῦσα φίλτρα θʼ αἱματηρὰ δωμάτων; -εἰ δʼ ἦσθα μετρία, τἄλλα γʼ ἡδίστη θεῶν -πέφυκας ἀνθρώποισιν· οὐκ ἄλλως λέγω. - - - - - - - -Χορός -σὲ τὰν ἐναύλοις ὑπὸ δενδροκόμοις -μουσεῖα καὶ θάκους ἐνί- -ζουσαν ἀναβοάσω, -σὲ τὰν ἀοιδοτάταν ὄρνιθα μελῳδὸν -ἀηδόνα δακρυόεσσαν, -ἔλθʼ ὦ διὰ ξουθᾶν -γενύων ἐλελιζομένα -θρήνων ἐμοὶ ξυνεργός, -Ἑλένας μελέας πόνους -τὸν Ἰλιάδων τʼ ἀει -δούσᾳ δακρυόεντα πότμον -Ἀχαιῶν ὑπὸ λόγχαις· -ὅτʼ ἔδραμε ῥόθια πεδία βαρβάρῳ πλάτᾳ -ὅτʼ ἔμολεν ἔμολε, μέλεα Πριαμίδαις ἄγων -Λακεδαίμονος ἄπο λέχεα -σέθεν, ὦ Ἑλένα, Πάρις αἰνόγαμος -πομπαῖσιν Ἀφροδίτας. - - - - - -Χορός -πολλοὶ δʼ Ἀχαιῶν δορὶ καὶ πετρίναις -ῥιπαῖσιν ἐκπνεύσαντες Ἅι- -δαν μέλεον ἔχουσιν, -ταλαινᾶν ἀλόχων κείραντες ἔθειραν· -ἄνυμφα δὲ μέλαθρα κεῖται· -πολλοὺς δὲ πυρσεύσας -φλογερὸν σέλας ἀμφιρύταν -Εὔβοιαν εἷλʼ Ἀχαιῶν -μονόκωπος ἀνήρ, πέτραις -Καφηρίσιν ἐμβαλὼν -Αἰγαίαις τʼ ἐνάλοις δόλιον -ἀκταῖς ἀστέρα λάμψας. -ἀλίμενα δʼ ὄρεα Μάλεα χειμάτων πνοᾷ, -ὅτʼ ἔσυτο πατρίδος ἀποπρό, βαρβάρου στολᾶς -γέρας, οὐ γέρας ἀλλʼ ἔριν, -Δαναῶν Μενέλας ἐπὶ ναυσὶν ἄγων, -εἴδωλον ἱερὸν Ἥρας. - - - - - -Χορός -ὅ τι θεὸς ἢ μὴ θεὸς ἢ τὸ μέσον, -τίς φησʼ ἐρευνήσας βροτῶν -μακρότατον πέρας εὑρεῖν -ὃς τὰ θεῶν ἐσορᾷ -δεῦρο καὶ αὖθις ἐκεῖσε -καὶ πάλιν ἀντιλόγοις -πηδῶντʼ ἀνελπίστοις τύχαις; -σὺ Διὸς ἔφυς, ὦ Ἑλένα, θυγάτηρ· -πτανὸς γὰρ ἐν κόλποις σε Λή- -δας ἐτέκνωσε πατήρ. -κᾆτʼ ἰαχήθης καθʼ Ἑλλανίαν -προδότις ἄπιστος ἄδικος ἄθεος· οὐδʼ ἔχω -τί τὸ σαφὲς ἔτι ποτʼ ἐν βροτοῖς· -τὸ τῶν θεῶν δʼ ἔπος ἀλαθὲς ηὗρον. - - - - - -Χορός -ἄφρονες ὅσοι τὰς ἀρετὰς πολέμῳ -λόγχαισί τʼ ἀλκαίου δορὸς -κτᾶσθε, πόνους ἀμαθῶς θνα- -τῶν καταπαυόμενοι· -εἰ γὰρ ἅμιλλα κρινεῖ νιν -αἵματος, οὔποτʼ ἔρις -λείψει κατʼ ἀνθρώπων πόλεις· -ᾇ Πριαμίδος γᾶς ἔλαχον θαλάμους, -ἐξὸν διορθῶσαι λόγοις -σὰν ἔριν, ὦ Ἑλένα. -νῦν δʼ οἳ μὲν Ἅιδᾳ μέλονται κάτω, -τείχεα δὲ φλογμὸς ὥστε Διός ἐπέσυτο φλόξ, -ἐπὶ δὲ πάθεα πάθεσι φέρεις -† ἀθλίοις συμφοραῖς αἰλίνοις. † - - - - - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ὦ χαῖρε, πατρὸς μνῆμʼ· ἐπʼ ἐξόδοισι γὰρ -ἔθαψα, Πρωτεῦ, σʼ ἕνεκʼ ἐμῆς προσρήσεως· -ἀεὶ δέ σʼ ἐξιών τε κἀσιὼν δόμους -Θεοκλύμενος παῖς ὅδε προσεννέπει, πάτερ. -ὑμεῖς μὲν οὖν κύνας τε καὶ θηρῶν βρόχους, -δμῶες, κομίζετʼ ἐς δόμους τυραννικούς· -ἐγὼ δʼ ἐμαυτὸν πόλλʼ ἐλοιδόρησα δή· -οὐ γάρ τι θανάτῳ τοὺς κακοὺς κολάζομεν; -καὶ νῦν πέπυσμαι φανερὸν Ἑλλήνων τινὰ -ἐς γῆν ἀφῖχθαι καὶ λεληθέναι σκοπούς, -ἤτοι κατόπτην ἢ κλοπαῖς θηρώμενον -Ἑλένην· θανεῖται δʼ, ἤν γε δὴ ληφθῇ μόνον. -ἔα· -ἀλλʼ, ὡς ἔοικε, πάντα διαπεπραγμένα -ηὕρηκα· τύμβου γὰρ κενὰς λιποῦσʼ ἕδρας -ἡ Τυνδαρὶς παῖς ἐκπεπόρθμευται χθονός. -ὠή, χαλᾶτε κλῇθρα· λύεθʼ ἱππικὰ -φάτνης, ὀπαδοί, κἀκκομίζεθʼ ἅρματα, -ὡς ἂν πόνου γʼ ἕκατι μὴ λάθῃ με γῆς -τῆσδʼ ἐκκομισθεῖσʼ ἄλοχος, ἧς ἐφίεμαι. — - -ἐπίσχετʼ· εἰσορῶ γὰρ οὓς διώκομεν -παρόντας ἐν δόμοισι κοὐ πεφευγότας. - -αὕτη, τί πέπλους μέλανας ἐξήψω χροὸς -λευκῶν ἀμείψασʼ ἔκ τε κρατὸς εὐγενοῦς -κόμας σίδηρον ἐμβαλοῦσʼ ἀπέθρισας -χλωροῖς τε τέγγεις δάκρυσι σὴν παρηίδα -κλαίουσα; πότερον ἐννύχοις πεπεισμένη -στένεις ὀνείροις, ἢ φάτιν τινʼ οἴκοθεν -κλύουσα λύπῃ σὰς διέφθαρσαι φρένας; - - -Ἑλένη -ὦ δέσποτʼ — ἤδη γὰρ τόδʼ ὀνομάζω σʼ ἔπος — -ὄλωλα· φροῦδα τἀμὰ κοὐδέν εἰμʼ ἔτι. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἐν τῷ δὲ κεῖσαι συμφορᾶς; τίς ἡ τύχη; - - -Ἑλένη -Μενέλαος — οἴμοι, πῶς φράσω; — τέθνηκέ μοι. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -οὐδέν τι χαίρω σοῖς λόγοις, τὰ δʼ εὐτυχῶ. -πῶς δʼ οἶσθα; μῶν σοι Θεονόη λέγει τάδε; - - -Ἑλένη -κείνη τε φησὶν ὅ τε παρὼν ὅτʼ ὤλλυτο. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἥκει γὰρ ὅστις καὶ τάδʼ ἀγγέλλει σαφῆ; - - -Ἑλένη -ἥκει· μόλοι γὰρ οἷ σφʼ ἐγὼ χρῄζω μολεῖν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τίς ἐστι; ποῦ ʼστιν; ἵνα σαφέστερον μάθω. - - -Ἑλένη -ὅδʼ ὃς κάθηται τῷδʼ ὑποπτήξας τάφῳ. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -Ἄπολλον, ὡς ἐσθῆτι δυσμόρφῳ πρέπει. - - -Ἑλένη -οἴμοι, δοκῶ μὲν κἀμὸν ὧδʼ ἔχειν πόσιν. - - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ποδαπὸς δʼ ὅδʼ ἁνὴρ καὶ πόθεν κατέσχε γῆν; - - -Ἑλένη -Ἕλλην, Ἀχαιῶν εἷς ἐμῷ σύμπλους πόσει. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -θανάτῳ δὲ ποίῳ φησὶ Μενέλεων θανεῖν; - - -Ἑλένη -οἰκτρόταθʼ, ὑγροῖσιν ἐν κλυδωνίοις ἁλός. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ποῦ βαρβάροισι πελάγεσιν ναυσθλούμενον; - - -Ἑλένη -Λιβύης ἀλιμένοις ἐκπεσόντα πρὸς πέτραις. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -καὶ πῶς ὅδʼ οὐκ ὄλωλε κοινωνῶν πλάτης; - - -Ἑλένη -ἐσθλῶν κακίους ἐνίοτʼ εὐτυχέστεροι. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -λιπὼν δὲ ναὸς ποῦ πάρεστιν ἔκβολα; - - -Ἑλένη -ὅπου κακῶς ὄλοιτο, Μενέλεως δὲ μή. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ὄλωλʼ ἐκεῖνος. ἦλθε δʼ ἐν ποίῳ σκάφει; - - -Ἑλένη -ναῦταί σφʼ ἀνείλοντʼ ἐντυχόντες, ὡς λέγει. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ποῦ δὴ τὸ πεμφθὲν ἀντὶ σοῦ Τροίᾳ κακόν; - - -Ἑλένη -νεφέλης λέγεις ἄγαλμα; ἐς αἰθέρʼ οἴχεται. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ὦ Πρίαμε καὶ γῆ Τρῳάς, ὡς ἔρρεις μάτην. - - -Ἑλένη -κἀγὼ μετέσχον Πριαμίδαις δυσπραξίας. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -πόσιν δʼ ἄθαπτον ἔλιπεν ἢ κρύπτει χθονί; - - -Ἑλένη -ἄθαπτον· οἲ ἐγὼ τῶν ἐμῶν τλήμων κακῶν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τῶνδʼ οὕνεκʼ ἔταμες βοστρύχους ξανθῆς κόμης· - - -Ἑλένη -φίλος γάρ ἐστιν, ὅς ποτʼ ἐστίν, ἐνθάδʼ ὤν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ὀρθῶς μὲν ἥδε συμφορὰ δακρύεται — - - -Ἑλένη -ἐν εὐμαρεῖ γοῦν σὴν κασιγνήτην λαθεῖν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -οὐ δῆτα. πῶς οὖν; τόνδʼ ἔτʼ οἰκήσεις τάφον; - - -Ἑλένη -τί κερτομεῖς με, τὸν θανόντα δʼ οὐκ ἐᾷς; - - -Θεοκλύμενος -πιστὴ γὰρ εἶ σὺ σῷ πόσει φεύγουσά με. - - -Ἑλένη -ἀλλʼ οὐκέτʼ· ἤδη δʼ ἄρχε τῶν ἐμῶν γάμων. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -χρόνια μὲν ἦλθεν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως αἰνῶ τάδε. - - -Ἑλένη -οἶσθʼ οὖν ὃ δρᾶσον; τῶν πάρος λαθώμεθα. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἐπὶ τῷ; χάρις γὰρ ἀντὶ χάριτος ἐλθέτω. - - -Ἑλένη -σπονδὰς τέμωμεν καὶ διαλλάχθητί μοι. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -μεθίημι νεῖκος τὸ σόν, ἴτω δʼ ὑπόπτερον. - - -Ἑλένη -πρός νύν σε γονάτων τῶνδʼ, ἐπείπερ εἶ φίλος — - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τί χρῆμα θηρῶσʼ ἱκέτις ὠρέχθης ἐμοῦ; - - -Ἑλένη -τὸν κατθανόντα πόσιν ἐμὸν θάψαι θέλω. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τί δʼ; ἔστʼ ἀπόντων τύμβος; ἢ θάψεις σκιάν; - - -Ἑλένη -Ἕλλησίν ἐστι νόμος, ὃς ἂν πόντῳ θάνῃ — - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τί δρᾶν; σοφοί τοι Πελοπίδαι τὰ τοιάδε. - - -Ἑλένη -κενοῖσι θάπτειν ἐν πέπλων ὑφάσμασιν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -κτέριζʼ· ἀνίστη τύμβον οὗ χρῄζεις χθονός. - - -Ἑλένη -οὐχ ὧδε ναύτας ὀλομένους τυμβεύομεν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -πῶς δαί; λέλειμμαι τῶν ἐν Ἕλλησιν νόμων. - - -Ἑλένη -ἐς πόντον ὅσα χρὴ νέκυσιν ἐξορμίζομεν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τί σοι παράσχω δῆτα τῷ τεθνηκότι; - - -Ἑλένη -ὅδʼ οἶδʼ, ἐγὼ δʼ ἄπειρος, εὐτυχοῦσα πρίν. - - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ὦ ξένε, λόγων μὲν κληδόνʼ ἤνεγκας φίλην. - - -Μενελέως -οὔκουν ἐμαυτῷ γʼ οὐδὲ τῷ τεθνηκότι. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -πῶς τοὺς θανόντας θάπτετʼ ἐν πόντῳ νεκρούς; - - -Μενελέως -ὡς ἂν παρούσης οὐσίας ἕκαστος ᾖ. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -πλούτου λέγʼ οὕνεχʼ ὅ τι θέλεις ταύτης χάριν. - - -Μενελέως -προσφάζεται μὲν αἷμα πρῶτα νερτέροις. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τίνος; σύ μοι σήμαινε, πείσομαι δʼ ἐγώ. - - -Μενελέως -αὐτὸς σὺ γίγνωσκʼ· ἀρκέσει γὰρ ἃν διδῷς. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἐν βαρβάροις μὲν ἵππον ἢ ταῦρον νόμος. - - -Μενελέως -διδούς γε μὲν δὴ δυσγενὲς μηδὲν δίδου. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -οὐ τῶνδʼ ἐν ἀγέλαις ὀλβίαις σπανίζομεν. - - -Μενελέως -καὶ στρωτὰ φέρεται λέκτρα σώματος κενά. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἔσται· τί δʼ ἄλλο προσφέρειν νομίζεται; - - -Μενελέως -χαλκήλαθʼ ὅπλα· καὶ γὰρ ἦν φίλος δορί. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἄξια τάδʼ ἔσται Πελοπιδῶν ἃ δώσομεν. - - -Μενελέως -καὶ τἄλλʼ ὅσα χθὼν καλὰ φέρει βλαστήματα. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -πῶς οὖν; ἐς οἶδμα τίνι τρόπῳ καθίετε; - - -Μενελέως -ναῦν δεῖ παρεῖναι κἀρετμῶν ἐπιστάτας. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -πόσον δʼ ἀπείργει μῆκος ἐκ γαίας δόρυ; - - -Μενελέως -ὥστʼ ἐξορᾶσθαι ῥόθια χερσόθεν μόλις. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τί δή; τόδʼ Ἑλλὰς νόμιμον ἐκ τίνος σέβει; - - -Μενελέως -ὡς μὴ πάλιν γῇ λύματʼ ἐκβάλῃ κλύδων. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -Φοίνισσα κώπη ταχύπορος γενήσεται. - - -Μενελέως -καλῶς ἂν εἴη Μενέλεῴ τε πρὸς χάριν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -οὔκουν σὺ χωρὶς τῆσδε δρῶν ἀρκεῖς τάδε; - - -Μενελέως -μητρὸς τόδʼ ἔργον ἢ γυναικὸς ἢ τέκνων. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ταύτης ὁ μόχθος, ὡς λέγεις, θάπτειν πόσιν. - - -Μενελέως -ἐν εὐσεβεῖ γοῦν νόμιμα μὴ κλέπτειν νεκρῶν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἴτω· πρὸς ἡμῶν ἄλοχον εὐσεβῆ τρέφειν. -ἐλθὼν δʼ ἐς οἴκους ἐξελοῦ κόσμον νεκρῷ· -καὶ σὲ οὐ κεναῖσι χερσὶ γῆς ἀποστελῶ, -δράσαντα τῇδε πρὸς χάριν· φήμας δʼ ἐμοὶ -ἐσθλὰς ἐνεγκὼν ἀντὶ τῆς ἀχλαινίας -ἐσθῆτα λήψῃ σῖτά θʼ, ὥστε σʼ ἐς πάτραν -ἐλθεῖν, ἐπεὶ νῦν γʼ ἀθλίως ἔχονθʼ ὁρῶ. -σὺ δʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, μὴ ʼπὶ τοῖς ἀνηνύτοις -τρύχουσα σαυτήν — Μενέλεως δʼ ἔχει πότμον, -κοὐκ ἂν δύναιτο ζῆν ὁ κατθανὼν πόσις. - - -Μενελέως -σὸν ἔργον, ὦ νεᾶνι· τὸν παρόντα μὲν -στέργειν πόσιν χρή, τὸν δὲ μηκέτʼ ὄντʼ ἐᾶν· -ἄριστα γάρ σοι ταῦτα πρὸς τὸ τυγχάνον. -ἢν δʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἔλθω καὶ τύχω σωτηρίας, -παύσω ψόγου σε τοῦ πρίν, ἢν γυνὴ γένῃ -οἵαν γενέσθαι χρή σε σῷ ξυνευνέτῃ. - - -Ἑλένη -ἔσται τάδʼ· οὐδὲ μέμψεται πόσις ποτὲ -ἡμῖν· σὺ δʼ αὐτὸς ἐγγὺς ὢν εἴσῃ τάδε. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ τάλας, εἴσελθε καὶ λουτρῶν τύχε -ἐσθῆτά τʼ ἐξάλλαξον. οὐκ ἐς ἀμβολὰς -εὐεργετήσω σʼ· εὐμενέστερον γὰρ ἂν -τῷ φιλτάτῳ μοι Μενέλεῳ τὰ πρόσφορα -δρῴης ἄν, ἡμῶν τυγχάνων οἵων σε χρή. - - - - - - -Χορός -Ὀρεία ποτὲ δρομάδι κώ- -λῳ μάτηρ θεῶν ἐσύθη ἀνʼ -ὑλάεντα νάπη -ποτάμιόν τε χεῦμʼ ὑδάτων -βαρύβρομόν τε κῦμʼ ἅλιον -πόθῳ τᾶς ἀποιχομένας -ἀρρήτου κούρας. -κρόταλα δὲ βρόμια διαπρύσιον -ἱέντα κέλαδον ἀνεβόα, -θηρῶν ὅτε ζυγίους -ζευξάσᾳ θεᾷ σατίνας -τὰν ἁρπασθεῖσαν κυκλίων -χορῶν ἔξω παρθενίων -μετὰ κούραν, ἀελλόποδες, -ἃ μὲν τόξοις Ἄρτεμις, ἃ δʼ -ἔγχει Γοργῶπις πάνοπλος, - -συνείποντο. Ζεὺς δʼ ἑδράνων - -αὐγάζων ἐξ οὐρανίων -ἄλλαν μοῖραν ἔκραινε. - - - - - -Χορός -δρομαῖον δʼ ὅτε πολυπλάνη- -τον μάτηρ ἔπαυσε πόνον, -μαστεύουσα † πόνους † -θυγατρὸς ἁρπαγὰς δολίους, -χιονοθρέμμονάς γʼ ἐπέρασʼ -Ἰδαιᾶν Νυμφᾶν σκοπιάς· -ῥίπτει δʼ ἐν πένθει -πέτρινα κατὰ δρία πολυνιφέα· -βροτοῖσι δʼ ἄχλοα πεδία γᾶς -οὐ καρπίζουσʼ ἀρότοις -λαῶν δὲ φθείρει γενεάν· -ποίμναις δʼ οὐχ ἵει θαλερὰς -βοσκὰς εὐφύλλων ἑλίκων, -πόλεων δʼ ἀπέλειπε βίος· -οὐδʼ ἦσαν θεῶν θυσίαι, -βωμοῖς δʼ ἄφλεκτοι πέλανοι· -πηγὰς δʼ ἀμπαύει δροσερὰς -λευκῶν ἐκβάλλειν ὑδάτων -πένθει παιδὸς ἀλάστωρ. - - - - - -Χορός -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἔπαυσʼ εἰλαπίνας -θεοῖς βροτείῳ τε γένει, -Ζεὺς μειλίσσων στυγίους -ματρὸς ὀργὰς ἐνέπει· -βᾶτε, σεμναὶ Χάριτες, -ἴτε, τᾷ περὶ παρθένῳ -Δηοῖ θυμωσαμένᾳ -λύπαν ἐξαλλάξατʼ ἀλαλᾷ, -Μοῦσαί θʼ ὕμνοισι χορῶν. -χαλκοῦ δʼ αὐδὰν χθονίαν -τύπανά τʼ ἔλαβε βυρσοτενῆ -καλλίστα τότε πρῶτα μακά -ρων Κύπρις· γέλασέν τε θεὰ -δέξατό τʼ ἐς χέρας -βαρύβρομον αὐλὸν -τερφθεῖσʼ ἀλαλαγμῷ. - - - - - -Χορός -ὧν οὐ θέμις σʼ οὔθʼ ὁσία -ʼπʼύρωσας ἐν θεῶν θαλάμοις, -μῆνιν δʼ ἔσχες μεγάλας -ματρός, ὦ παῖ, θυσίας -οὐ σεβίζουσα θεᾶς. -μέγα τοι δύναται νεβρῶν -παμποίκιλοι στολίδες -κισσοῦ τε στεφθεῖσα χλόα -νάρθηκας εἰς ἱερούς, -ῥόμβου θʼ εἱλισσομένα -κύκλιος ἔνοσις αἰθερία, -βακχεύουσά τʼ ἔθειρα Βρομί -ῳ καὶ παννυχίδες θεᾶς. -† εὖ δέ νιν ἄμασιν -ὑπέρβαλε σελάνα † -μορφᾷ μόνον ηὔχεις. - - - - - - -Ἑλένη -τὰ μὲν κατʼ οἴκους εὐτυχοῦμεν, ὦ φίλαι· -ἡ γὰρ συνεκκλέπτουσα Πρωτέως κόρη -πόσιν παρόντα τὸν ἐμὸν ἱστορουμένη -οὐκ εἶπʼ ἀδελφῷ· κατθανόντα δʼ ἐν χθονὶ -οὔ φησιν αὐγὰς εἰσορᾶν ἐμὴν χάριν. - - - - - -κάλλιστα δῆτʼ ἀνήρπασʼ ἐν τύχῃ πόσις· -ἃ γὰρ καθήσειν ὅπλʼ ἔμελλεν εἰς ἅλα, -ταῦτʼ ἐμβαλὼν πόρπακι γενναίαν χέρα -αὐτὸς κομίζει δόρυ τε δεξιᾷ λαβών, -ὡς τῷ θανόντι χάριτα δὴ συνεκπονῶν. -προύργου δʼ ἐς ἀλκὴν σῶμʼ ὅπλοις ἠσκήσατο, -ὡς βαρβάρων τρόπαια μυρίων χερὶ -θήσων, ὅταν κωπῆρες ἐσβῶμεν σκάφος, -πέπλους δʼ ἀμείψασʼ ἀντὶ ναυφθόρου στολῆς -ἐγώ νιν ἐξήσκησα, καὶ λουτροῖς χρόα -ἔδωκα, χρόνια νίπτρα ποταμίας δρόσου. -ἀλλʼ, ἐκπερᾷ γὰρ δωμάτων ὁ τοὺς ἐμοὺς -γάμους ἑτοίμους ἐν χεροῖν ἔχειν δοκῶν, -σιγητέον μοι· καὶ σὲ προσποιούμεθα -εὔνουν κρατεῖν τε στόματος, ἢν δυνώμεθα -σωθέντες αὐτοὶ καὶ σὲ συνσῶσαί ποτε. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -χωρεῖτʼ ἐφεξῆς, ὡς ἔταξεν ὁ ξένος, -δμῶες, φέροντες ἐνάλια κτερίσματα. -Ἑλένη, σὺ δʼ, ἤν σοι μὴ κακῶς δόξω λέγειν, -πείθου, μένʼ αὐτοῦ· ταὐτὰ γὰρ παροῦσά τε -πράξεις τὸν ἄνδρα τὸν σὸν ἤν τε μὴ παρῇς. -δέδοικα γάρ σε μή τις ἐμπεσὼν πόθος -πείσῃ μεθεῖναι σῶμʼ ἐς οἶδμα πόντιον -τοῦ πρόσθεν ἀνδρὸς χάρισιν ἐκπεπληγμένην· -ἄγαν γὰρ αὐτὸν οὐ παρόνθʼ ὅμως στένεις. - - -Ἑλένη -ὦ καινὸς ἡμῖν πόσις, ἀναγκαίως ἔχει -τὰ πρῶτα λέκτρα νυμφικάς θʼ ὁμιλίας -τιμᾶν· ἐγὼ δὲ διὰ τὸ μὲν στέργειν πόσιν -καὶ ξυνθάνοιμʼ ἄν· ἀλλὰ τίς κείνῳ χάρις -ξὺν κατθανόντι κατθανεῖν; ἔα δέ με -αὐτὴν μολοῦσαν ἐντάφια δοῦναι νεκρῷ. -θεοὶ δὲ σοί τε δοῖεν οἷʼ ἐγὼ θέλω, -καὶ τῷ ξένῳ τῷδʼ, ὅτι συνεκπονεῖ τάδε. -ἕξεις δέ μʼ οἵαν χρή σʼ ἔχειν ἐν δώμασι -γυναῖκʼ, ἐπειδὴ Μενέλεων εὐεργετεῖς -κἄμʼ· ἔρχεται γὰρ δή τινʼ ἐς τύχην τάδε. -ὅστις δὲ δώσει ναῦν ἐν ᾗ τάδʼ ἄξομεν, -πρόσταξον, ὡς ἂν τὴν χάριν πλήρη λάβω. - - - -Θεοκλύμενος -χώρει σὺ καὶ ναῦν τοῖσδε πεντηκόντορον -Σιδωνίαν δὸς κἀρετμῶν ἐπιστάτας. - - -Ἑλένη -οὔκουν ὅδʼ ἄρξει ναὸς ὃς κοσμεῖ τάφον; - - -Θεοκλύμενος -μάλιστʼ· ἀκούειν τοῦδε χρὴ ναύτας ἐμούς. - - -Ἑλένη -αὖθις κέλευσον, ἵνα σαφῶς μάθωσί σου. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -αὖθις κελεύω καὶ τρίτον γʼ, εἴ σοι φίλον. - - -Ἑλένη -ὄναιο· κἀγὼ τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -μή νυν ἄγαν σὸν δάκρυσιν ἐκτήξῃς χρόα. - - -Ἑλένη -ἥδʼ ἡμέρα σοι τὴν ἐμὴν δείξει χάριν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τὰ τῶν θανόντων οὐδέν, ἀλλʼ ἄλλως πόνος. - - -Ἑλένη -ἔστιν τι κἀκεῖ κἀνθάδʼ ὧν ἐγὼ λέγω. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -οὐδὲν κακίω Μενέλεώ μʼ ἕξεις πόσιν. - - -Ἑλένη -οὐδὲν σὺ μεμπτός· τῆς τύχης με δεῖ μόνον. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἐν σοὶ τόδʼ, ἢν σὴν εἰς ἔμʼ εὔνοιαν διδῷς. - - -Ἑλένη -οὐ νῦν διδαξόμεσθα τοὺς φίλους φιλεῖν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -βούλῃ ξυνεργῶν αὐτὸς ἐκπέμψω στόλον; - - -Ἑλένη -ἥκιστα· μὴ δούλευε σοῖς δούλοις, ἄναξ. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἀλλʼ εἶα· τοὺς μὲν Πελοπιδῶν ἐῶ νόμους· -καθαρὰ γὰρ ἡμῖν δώματʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἐνθάδε -ψυχὴν ἀφῆκε Μενέλεως· ἴτω δέ τις -φράσων ὑπάρχοις τοῖς ἐμοῖς φέρειν γάμων -ἀγάλματʼ οἴκους εἰς ἐμούς· πᾶσαν δὲ χρὴ -γαῖαν βοᾶσθαι μακαρίαις ὑμνῳδίαις -ὑμέναιον Ἑλένης κἀμόν, ὡς ζηλωτὸς ᾖ. -σὺ δʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ἐλθών, πελαγίους ἐς ἀγκάλας -τῷ τῆσδε πρίν ποτʼ ὄντι δοὺς πόσει τάδε, -πάλιν πρὸς οἴκους σπεῦδʼ ἐμὴν δάμαρτʼ ἔχων, -ὡς τοὺς γάμους τοὺς τῆσδε συνδαίσας ἐμοὶ -στέλλῃ πρὸς οἴκους ἢ μένων εὐδαιμονῇς. - - -Μενελέως -ὦ Ζεῦ, πατήρ τε καὶ σοφὸς κλῄζῃ θεός, -βλέψον πρὸς ἡμᾶς καὶ μετάστησον κακῶν. -ἕλκουσι δʼ ἡμῖν πρὸς λέπας τὰς συμφορὰς -σπουδῇ σύναψαι· κἂν ἄκρᾳ θίγῃς χερί, -ἥξομεν ἵνʼ ἐλθεῖν βουλόμεσθα τῆς τύχης. -ἅλις δὲ μόχθων οὓς ἐμοχθοῦμεν πάρος. -κέκλησθέ μοι, θεοί, πολλά χρήσθʼ ἐμοῦ κλύειν -καὶ λύπρʼ· ὀφείλω δʼ οὐκ ἀεὶ πράσσειν κακῶς, -ὀρθῷ δὲ βῆναι ποδί· μίαν δέ μοι χάριν -δόντες τὸ λοιπὸν εὐτυχῆ με θήσετε. - - - - - - -Χορός -Φοίνισσα Σιδωνιὰς ὦ -ταχεῖα κώπα, ῥοθίοισι μάτηρ -εἰρεσίας φίλα, -χοραγὲ τῶν καλλιχόρων -δελφίνων, ὅταν αὔραις -πέλαγος ἀνήνεμον ᾖ, -γλαυκὰ δὲ Πόντου θυγάτηρ -Γαλάνεια τάδʼ εἴπῃ· -κατὰ μὲν ἱστία πετάσατʼ αὔ- -ραις λιπόντες εἰναλίαις, -λάβετε δʼ εἰλατίνας πλάτας, -ὦ ναῦται, ναῦται, -πέμποντες εὐλιμένους -Περσείων οἴκων Ἑλέναν ἐπʼ ἀκτάς. - - - - - -Χορός -ἦ που κόρας ἂν ποταμοῦ -παρʼ οἶδμα Λευκιππίδας ἢ πρὸ ναοῦ -Παλλάδος ἂν λάβοις -χρόνῳ ξυνελθοῦσα χοροῖς -ἢ κώμοις Ὑακίνθου -νύχιον ἐς εὐφροσύναν, -ὃν ἐξαμιλλησάμενος -τροχῷ τέρμονα δίσκου -ἔκανε Φοῖβος, τᾷ Λακαί- -νᾳ γᾷ βούθυτον ἁμέραν· -ὁ Διὸς δʼ εἶπε σέβειν γόνος· -μόσχον θʼ, ἃν οἴκοις - -ἔλειπες, Ἑρμιόναν, - -ἇς οὔπω πεῦκαι πρὸ γάμων ἔλαμψαν. - - - - - -Χορός -διʼ ἀέρος εἴθε ποτανοὶ -γενοίμεσθʼ ᾇ Λιβύας -οἰωνοὶ στοχάδες -ὄμβρον λιποῦσαι χειμέριον -νίσονται πρεσβυτάτᾳ -σύριγγι πειθόμεναι -ποιμένος, ὃς ἄβροχα πεδία καρποφόρα τε γᾶς -ἐπιπετόμενος ἰαχεῖ. -ὦ πταναὶ δολιχαύχενες, -σύννομοι νεφέων δρόμου, -βᾶτε Πλειάδας ὑπὸ μέσας -ὠρίωνά τʼ ἐννύχιον· -καρύξατʼ ἀγγελίαν, -Εὐρώταν ἐφεζόμεναι, -Μενέλεως ὅτι Δαρδάνου -πόλιν ἑλὼν δόμον ἥξει. - - - - - -Χορός -μόλοιτέ ποθʼ ἵππιον οἶμον -διʼ αἰθέρος ἱέμενοι -παῖδες Τυνδαρίδαι, -λαμπρῶν ἄστρων ὑπʼ ἀέλλαισιν· -οἳ ναίετʼ οὐράνιοι, -σωτῆρες τᾶς Ἑλένας, -γλαυκὸν ἔπιτʼ οἶδμα κυανόχροά τε κυμάτων -ῥόθια πολιὰ θαλάσσας, -ναύταις εὐαεῖς ἀνέμων -πέμποντες Διόθεν πνοάς· -δύσκλειαν δʼ ἀπὸ συγγόνου -βάλετε βαρβάρων λεχέων, -ἃν Ἰδαίων ἐρίδων -ποιναθεῖσʼ ἐκτήσατο, γᾶν -οὐκ ἐλθοῦσά ποτʼ Ἰλίου -Φοιβείους ἐπὶ πύργους. - - - - - - -Ἄγγελος -† ἄναξ, τὰ κάκιστʼ ἐν δόμοις εὑρήκαμεν· † -ὡς καίνʼ ἀκούσῃ πήματʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ τάχα. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τί δʼ ἔστιν; - - -Ἄγγελος -ἄλλης ἐκπόνει μνηστεύματα -γυναικός· Ἑλένη γὰρ βέβηκʼ ἔξω χθονός. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -πτεροῖσιν ἀρθεῖσʼ ἢ πεδοστιβεῖ ποδί; - - -Ἄγγελος -Μενέλαος αὐτὴν ἐκπεπόρθμευται χθονός, -ὃς αὐτὸς αὑτὸν ἦλθεν ἀγγέλλων θανεῖν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ὦ δεινὰ λέξας· τίς δέ νιν ναυκληρία -ἐκ τῆσδʼ ἀπῆρε χθονός; ἄπιστα γὰρ λέγεις. - - -Ἄγγελος -ἥν γε ξένῳ δίδως σύ· τούς τε σοὺς ἔχων -ναύτας βέβηκεν, ὡς ἂν ἐν βραχεῖ μάθῃς. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -πῶς; εἰδέναι πρόθυμος· οὐ γὰρ ἐλπίδων -ἔσω βέβηκα μίαν ὑπερδραμεῖν χέρα -τοσούσδε ναύτας, ὧν ἀπεστάλης μέτα. - - -Ἄγγελος -ἐπεὶ λιποῦσα τούσδε βασιλείους δόμους -ἡ τοῦ Διὸς παῖς πρὸς θάλασσαν ἐστάλη -σοφώταθʼ ἁβρὸν πόδα τιθεῖσʼ ἀνέστενε -πόσιν πέλας παρόντα κοὐ τεθνηκότα. -ὡς δʼ ἤλθομεν σῶν περίβολον νεωρίων, -Σιδωνίαν ναῦν πρωτόπλουν καθείλκομεν -ζυγῶν τε πεντήκοντα κἀρετμῶν μέτρα -ἔχουσαν. ἔργου δʼ ἔργον ἐξημείβετο· -ὃ μὲν γὰρ ἱστόν, ὃ δὲ πλάτην καθίσατο -†ταρσόν τε χειρί, λευκά θʼ ἱστίʼ εἰς ἓν ἦν† -πηδάλιά τε ζεύγλαισι παρακαθίετο. -κἀν τῷδε μόχθῳ, τοῦτʼ ἄρα σκοπούμενοι, -Ἕλληνες ἄνδρες Μενέλεῳ ξυνέμποροι -προσῆλθον ἀκταῖς ναυφθόροις ἠσθημένοι -πέπλοισιν, εὐειδεῖς μέν, αὐχμηροὶ δʼ ὁρᾶν. -ἰδὼν δέ νιν παρόντας Ἀτρέως γόνος -προσεῖπε δόλιον οἶκτον ἐς μέσον φέρων· -ὦ τλήμονες, πῶς ἐκ τίνος νεώς ποτε -Ἀχαιίδος θραύσαντες ἥκετε σκάφος; -ἆρʼ Ἀτρέως παῖδʼ ὀλόμενον συνθάπτετε, -ὃν Τυνδαρὶς παῖς ἥδʼ ἀπόντα κενοταφεῖ; -οἳ δʼ ἐκβαλόντες δάκρυα ποιητῷ τρόπῳ, -ἐς ναῦν ἐχώρουν Μενέλεῳ ποντίσματα -φέροντες. ἡμῖν δʼ ἦν μὲν ἥδʼ ὑποψία -λόγος τʼ ἐν ἀλλήλοισι, τῶν ἐπεσβατῶν -ὡς πλῆθος εἴη· διεσιωπῶμεν δʼ ὅμως -τοὺς σοὺς λόγους σῴζοντες· ἄρχειν γὰρ νεὼς -ξένον κελεύσας πάντα συνέχεας τάδε. - - -καὶ τἄλλα μὲν δὴ ῥᾳδίως ἔσω νεὼς -ἐθέμεθα κουφίζοντα· ταύρειος δὲ ποὺς -οὐκ ἤθελʼ ὀρθὸς σανίδα προσβῆναι κάτα, -ἀλλʼ ἐξεβρυχᾶτʼ ὄμμʼ ἀναστρέφων κύκλῳ -κυρτῶν τε νῶτα κἀς κέρας παρεμβλέπων -μὴ θιγγάνειν ἀπεῖργεν. ὁ δʼ Ἑλένης πόσις -ἐκάλεσεν· ὦ πέρσαντες Ἰλίου πόλιν, -οὐκ εἶʼ ἀναρπάσαντες Ἑλλήνων νόμῳ -νεανίαις ὤμοισι ταύρειον δέμας -ἐς πρῷραν ἐμβαλεῖτε, †φάσγανόν θʼ ἅμα -πρόχειρον ὤσει† σφάγια τῷ τεθνηκότι; -οἳ δʼ ἐς κέλευσμʼ ἐλθόντες ἐξανήρπασαν -ταῦρον φέροντές τʼ εἰσέθεντο σέλματα. -μονάμπυκον δὲ Μενέλεως ψήχων δέρην -μέτωπά τʼ ἐξέπεισεν ἐσβῆναι δόρυ. - -τέλος δʼ, ἐπειδὴ ναῦς τὰ πάντʼ ἐδέξατο, -πλήσασα κλιμακτῆρας εὐσφύρῳ ποδί -Ἑλένη καθέζετʼ ἐν μέσοις ἑδωλίοις, -ὅ τʼ οὐκέτʼ ὢν λόγοισι Μενέλεως πέλας· -ἄλλοι δὲ τοίχους δεξιοὺς λαιούς τʼ ἴσοι -ἀνὴρ παρʼ ἄνδρʼ ἕζονθʼ, ὑφʼ εἵμασι ξίφη -λαθραῖʼ ἔχοντες, ῥόθιά τʼ ἐξεπίμπλατο -βοῆς κελευστοῦ φθέγμαθʼ ὡς ἠκούσαμεν. - - -ἐπεὶ δὲ γαίας ἦμεν οὔτʼ ἄγαν πρόσω -οὔτʼ ἐγγύς, οὕτως ἤρετʼ οἰάκων φύλαξ· -ἔτʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ἐς τὸ πρόσθεν — ἢ καλῶς ἔχει — -πλεύσωμεν; ἀρχαὶ γὰρ νεὼς μέλουσι σοί. -ὃ δʼ εἶφʼ· ἅλις μοι. δεξιᾷ δʼ ἑλὼν ξίφος -ἐς πρῷραν εἷρπε κἀπὶ ταυρείῳ σφαγῇ -σταθεὶς νεκρῶν μὲν οὐδενὸς μνήμην ἔχων, -τέμνων δὲ λαιμὸν ηὔχετʼ· ὦ ναίων ἅλα -πόντιε Πόσειδον Νηρέως θʼ ἁγναὶ κόραι, -σώσατέ μʼ ἐπʼ ἀκτὰς Ναυπλίας δάμαρτά τε -ἄσυλον ἐκ γῆς. αἵματος δʼ ἀπορροαὶ -ἐς οἶδμʼ ἐσηκόντιζον οὔριοι ξένῳ. -καί τις τόδʼ εἶπε· δόλιος ἡ ναυκληρία. -πάλιν πλέωμεν· δεξιὰν κέλευε σύ, -σὺ δὲ στρέφʼ οἴακʼ. ἐκ δὲ ταυρείου φόνου -Ἀτρέως σταθεὶς παῖς ἀνεβόησε συμμάχους· -τί μέλλετʼ, ὦ γῆς Ἑλλάδος λωτίσματα, -σφάζειν φονεύειν βαρβάρους νεώς τʼ ἄπο -ῥίπτειν ἐς οἶδμα; ναυβάταις δὲ τοῖσι σοῖς -βοᾷ κελευστὴς τὴν ἐναντίαν ὄπα· -οὐκ εἶʼ ὃ μέν τις λοῖσθον ἀρεῖται δόρυ, -ὃ δὲ ζύγʼ ἄξας, ὃ δʼ ἀφελὼν σκαλμοῦ πλάτην -καθαιματώσει κρᾶτα πολεμίων ξένων; - -ὀρθοὶ δʼ ἀνῇξαν πάντες, οἳ μὲν ἐν χεροῖν -κορμοὺς ἔχοντες ναυτικούς, οἳ δὲ ξίφη· -φόνῳ δὲ ναῦς ἐρρεῖτο. παρακέλευσμα δʼ ἦν -πρύμνηθεν Ἑλένης· ποῦ τὸ Τρωικὸν κλέος; -δείξατε πρὸς ἄνδρας βαρβάρους· σπουδῆς δʼ ὕπο -ἔπιπτον, οἳ δʼ ὠρθοῦντο, τοὺς δὲ κειμένους -νεκροὺς ἂν εἶδες. Μενέλεως δʼ ἔχων ὅπλα, -ὅποι νοσοῖεν ξύμμαχοι κατασκοπῶν, -ταύτῃ προσῆγε χειρὶ δεξιᾷ ξίφος, -ὥστʼ ἐκκολυμβᾶν ναός, ἠρήμωσε δὲ -σῶν ναυβατῶν ἐρετμά. ἐπʼ οἰάκων δὲ βὰς -ἄνακτʼ ἐς Ἑλλάδʼ εἶπεν εὐθύνειν δόρυ. -οἳ δʼ ἱστὸν ᾖρον, οὔριαι δʼ ἧκον πνοαί. - -βεβᾶσι δʼ ἐκ γῆς. διαφυγὼν δʼ ἐγὼ φόνον -καθῆκʼ ἐμαυτὸν εἰς ἅλʼ ἄγκυραν πάρα· -ἤδη δὲ κάμνονθʼ ὁρμιατόνων μέ τις -ἀνείλετʼ, ἐς δὲ γαῖαν ἐξέβησέ σοι -τάδʼ ἀγγελοῦντα. σώφρονος δʼ ἀπιστίας -οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν χρησιμώτερον βροτοῖς. - - -Χορός -οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ ηὔχουν οὔτε σʼ οὔθʼ ἡμᾶς λαθεῖν -Μενέλαον, ὦναξ, ὡς ἐλάνθανεν παρών. - - - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ὦ γυναικείαις τέχναισιν αἱρεθεὶς ἐγὼ τάλας· -ἐκπεφεύγασιν γάμοι με. κεἰ μὲν ἦν ἁλώσιμος -ναῦς διώγμασιν, πονήσας εἷλον ἂν τάχα ξένους· -νῦν δὲ τὴν προδοῦσαν ἡμᾶς τεισόμεσθα σύγγονον, -ἥτις ἐν δόμοις ὁρῶσα Μενέλεων οὐκ εἶπέ μοι. -τοιγὰρ οὔποτʼ ἄλλον ἄνδρα ψεύσεται μαντεύμασιν. - - -Θεράπων -οὗτος ὤ, ποῖ σὸν πόδʼ αἴρεις, δέσποτʼ, ἐς ποῖον φόνον; - - -Θεοκλύμενος -οἷπερ ἡ δίκη κελεύει με· ἀλλʼ ἀφίστασʼ ἐκποδών. - - -Θεράπων -οὐκ ἀφήσομαι πέπλων σῶν· μεγάλα γὰρ σπεύδεις κακά. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἀλλὰ δεσποτῶν κρατήσεις δοῦλος ὤν; - - -Θεράπων -φρονῶ γὰρ εὖ. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -οὐκ ἔμοιγʼ, εἰ μή μʼ ἐάσεις — - - -Θεράπων -οὐ μὲν οὖν σʼ ἐάσομεν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -σύγγονον κτανεῖν κακίστην — - - -Θεράπων -εὐσεβεστάτην μὲν οὖν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἥ με προύδωκεν — - - -Θεράπων -καλήν γε προδοσίαν, δίκαια δρᾶν. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -τἀμὰ λέκτρʼ ἄλλῳ διδοῦσα. - - -Θεράπων -τοῖς γε κυριωτέροις. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -κύριος δὲ τῶν ἐμῶν τίς; - - -Θεράπων -ὃς ἔλαβεν πατρὸς πάρα. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἀλλʼ ἔδωκεν ἡ τύχη μοι. - - -Θεράπων -τὸ δὲ χρεὼν ἀφείλετο. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -οὐ σὲ τἀμὰ χρὴ δικάζειν. - - -Θεράπων -ἤν γε βελτίω λέγω. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ἀρχόμεσθʼ ἄρʼ, οὐ κρατοῦμεν. - - -Θεράπων -ὅσια δρᾶν, τὰ δʼ ἔκδικʼ οὔ. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -κατθανεῖν ἐρᾶν ἔοικας. - - -Θεράπων -κτεῖνε· σύγγονον δὲ σὴν -οὐ κτενεῖς ἡμῶν ἑκόντων, ἀλλʼ ἔμε· ὡς πρὸ δεσποτῶν -τοῖσι γενναίοισι δούλοις εὐκλεέστατον θανεῖν. - - - - - -Διόσκοροι -ἐπίσχες ὀργὰς αἷσιν οὐκ ὀρθῶς φέρῃ, -Θεοκλύμενε, γαίας τῆσδʼ ἄναξ· δισσοὶ δέ σε -Διόσκοροι καλοῦμεν, οὓς Λήδα ποτὲ -ἔτικτεν Ἑλένην θʼ, ἣ πέφευγε σοὺς δόμους· -οὐ γὰρ πεπρωμένοισιν ὀργίζῃ γάμοις, -οὐδʼ ἡ θεᾶς Νηρῇδος ἔκγονος κόρη -ἀδικεῖ σʼ ἀδελφὴ Θεονόη, τὰ τῶν θεῶν -τιμῶσα πατρός τʼ ἐνδίκους ἐπιστολάς. - -ἐς μὲν γὰρ αἰεὶ τὸν παρόντα νῦν χρόνον -κείνην κατοικεῖν σοῖσιν ἐν δόμοις ἐχρῆν· -ἐπεὶ δὲ Τροίας ἐξανεστάθη βάθρα, -καὶ τοῖς θεοῖς παρέσχε τοὔνομʼ, οὐκέτι· -ἐν τοῖσι δʼ αὑτῆς δεῖ νιν ἐζεῦχθαι γάμοις -ἐλθεῖν τʼ ἐς οἴκους καὶ συνοικῆσαι πόσει. -ἀλλʼ ἴσχε μὲν σῆς συγγόνου μέλαν ξίφος, -νόμιζε δʼ αὐτὴν σωφρόνως πράσσειν τάδε. -πάλαι δʼ ἀδελφὴν κἂν πρὶν ἐξεσώσαμεν, -ἐπείπερ ἡμᾶς Ζεὺς ἐποίησεν θεούς· -ἀλλʼ ἥσσονʼ ἦμεν τοῦ πεπρωμένου θʼ ἅμα -καὶ τῶν θεῶν, οἷς ταῦτʼ ἔδοξεν ὧδʼ ἔχειν. - -σοὶ μὲν τάδʼ αὐδῶ, συγγόνῳ δʼ ἐμῇ λέγω· -πλεῖ ξὺν πόσει σῷ· πνεῦμα δʼ ἕξετʼ οὔριον· -σωτῆρε δʼ ἡμεῖς σὼ κασιγνήτω διπλῶ -πόντον παριππεύοντε πέμψομεν πάτραν. -ὅταν δὲ κάμψῃς καὶ τελευτήσῃς βίον, -θεὸς κεκλήσῃ καὶ Διοσκόρων μέτα -σπονδῶν μεθέξεις ξένιά τʼ ἀνθρώπων πάρα -ἕξεις μεθʼ ἡμῶν· Ζεὺς γὰρ ὧδε βούλεται. -οὗ δʼ ὥρισέν σοι πρῶτα Μαιάδος τόκος, -Σπάρτης ἀπάρας, τὸν κατʼ οὐρανὸν δρόμον, -κλέψας δέμας σὸν μὴ Πάρις γήμειέ σε, -— φρουρὸν παρʼ Ἀκτὴν τεταμένην νῆσον λέγω — -Ἑλένη τὸ λοιπὸν ἐν βροτοῖς κεκλήσεται, -ἐπεὶ κλοπαίαν σʼ ἐκ δόμων ἐδέξατο. -καὶ τῷ πλανήτῃ Μενέλεῳ θεῶν πάρα -μακάρων κατοικεῖν νῆσόν ἐστι μόρσιμον· -τοὺς εὐγενεῖς γὰρ οὐ στυγοῦσι δαίμονες, -τῶν δʼ ἀναριθμήτων μᾶλλόν εἰσιν οἱ πόνοι. - - -Θεοκλύμενος -ὦ παῖδε Λήδας καὶ Διός, τὰ μὲν πάρος -νείκη μεθήσω σφῶν κασιγνήτης πέρι· -ἐγὼ δʼ ἀδελφὴν οὐκέτʼ ἂν κτάνοιμʼ ἐμήν. -κείνη δʼ ἴτω πρὸς οἶκον, εἰ θεοῖς δοκεῖ. -ἴστον δʼ ἀρίστης σωφρονεστάτης θʼ ἅμα -γεγῶτʼ ἀδελφῆς ὁμογενοῦς ἀφʼ αἵματος. -καὶ χαίρεθʼ Ἑλένης οὕνεκʼ εὐγενεστάτης -γνώμης, ὃ πολλαῖς ἐν γυναιξὶν οὐκ ἔνι. - - - - - -Χορός -πολλαὶ μορφαὶ τῶν δαιμονίων, -πολλὰ δʼ ἀέλπτως κραίνουσι θεοί· -καὶ τὰ δοκηθέντʼ οὐκ ἐτελέσθη, -τῶν δʼ ἀδοκήτων πόρον ηὗρε θεός. -τοιόνδʼ ἀπέβη τόδε πρᾶγμα. - - - - - - diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-grc2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..d3201724e --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg014/tlg0006.tlg014.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,2994 @@ + + + + + + + Ἑλένη +Machine readable text +Euripides +Gilbert Murray +Perseus Project, Tufts University +Gregory Crane + +Prepared under the supervision of +Lisa Cerrato +William Merrill +Elli Mylonas +David Smith + +The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + +Trustees of Tufts University +Medford, MA +Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + Euripidis Fabulae + Gilbert Murray + + Oxford + Clarendon Press + 1913 + + 3 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + + + + +

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+ + + + Greek + + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + tagging now should be compatible with CTS + Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. + adding rend=displayNum to lb tags + small fixes + more refinements making these files SDL compatible + our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp + convert to P3 + Fixed cardbreaks at 179, 191, 211, 229, 362, 1319, 1478; added line nos. 177b, 187b, 189b, 210b, 228b, 362b, 1318b, 1476b. + Added speaker tags where needed. + I made the speakers lower case; added hyphens to broken words in choral passages; took out "L N="0006" L N="014" at line 874. + Basic SGML tagging + +
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+ +Ἑλένη +Νείλου μὲν αἵδε καλλιπάρθενοι ῥοαί, +ὃς ἀντὶ δίας ψακάδος Αἰγύπτου πέδον +λευκῆς τακείσης χιόνος ὑγραίνει γύας. +Πρωτεὺς δʼ ὅτʼ ἔζη τῆσδε γῆς τύραννος ἦν, +Φάρον μὲν οἰκῶν νῆσον, Αἰγύπτου δʼ ἄναξ, +ὃς τῶν κατʼ οἶδμα παρθένων μίαν γαμεῖ, +Ψαμάθην, ἐπειδὴ λέκτρʼ ἀφῆκεν Αἰακοῦ. +τίκτει δὲ τέκνα δισσὰ τοῖσδε δώμασι, +Θεοκλύμενον ἄρσενʼ ὅτι δὴ θεοὺς σέβων +βίον διήνεγκʼ εὐγενῆ τε παρθένον +Εἰδώ, τὸ μητρὸς ἀγλάισμʼ, ὅτʼ ἦν βρέφος· +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐς ἥβην ἦλθεν ὡραίαν γάμων, +καλοῦσιν αὐτὴν Θεονόην· τὰ θεῖα γὰρ +τά τʼ ὄντα καὶ μέλλοντα πάντʼ ἠπίστατο, +προγόνου λαβοῦσα Νηρέως τιμὰς πάρα. +ἡμῖν δὲ γῆ μὲν πατρὶς οὐκ ἀνώνυμος +Σπάρτη, πατὴρ δὲ Τυνδάρεως· ἔστιν δὲ δὴ +λόγος τις ὡς Ζεὺς μητέρʼ ἔπτατʼ εἰς ἐμὴν +Λήδαν κύκνου μορφώματʼ ὄρνιθος λαβών, +ὃς δόλιον εὐνὴν ἐξέπραξʼ ὑπʼ αἰετοῦ +δίωγμα φεύγων, εἰ σαφὴς οὗτος λόγος· +Ἑλένη δʼ ἐκλήθην. ἃ δὲ πεπόνθαμεν κακὰ +λέγοιμʼ ἄν. ἦλθον τρεῖς θεαὶ κάλλους πέρι +Ἰδαῖον ἐς κευθμῶνʼ Ἀλέξανδρον πάρα, +Ἥρα Κύπρις τε διογενής τε παρθένος, +μορφῆς θέλουσαι διαπεράνασθαι κρίσιν. +τοὐμὸν δὲ κάλλος, εἰ καλὸν τὸ δυστυχές, +Κύπρις προτείνασʼ ὡς Ἀλέξανδρος γαμεῖ, +νικᾷ. λιπὼν δὲ βούσταθμʼ Ἰδαῖος Πάρις +Σπάρτην ἀφίκεθʼ ὡς ἐμὸν σχήσων λέχος. + +Ἥρα δὲ μεμφθεῖσʼ οὕνεκʼ οὐ νικᾷ θεάς, +ἐξηνέμωσε τἄμʼ Ἀλεξάνδρῳ λέχη, +δίδωσι δʼ οὐκ ἔμʼ, ἀλλʼ ὁμοιώσασʼ ἐμοὶ +εἴδωλον ἔμπνουν οὐρανοῦ ξυνθεῖσʼ ἄπο, +Πριάμου τυράννου παιδί· καὶ δοκεῖ μʼ ἔχειν — +κενὴν δόκησιν, οὐκ ἔχων. τὰ δʼ αὖ Διὸς +βουλεύματʼ ἄλλα τοῖσδε συμβαίνει κακοῖς· +πόλεμον γὰρ εἰσήνεγκεν Ἑλλήνων χθονὶ +καὶ Φρυξὶ δυστήνοισιν, ὡς ὄχλου βροτῶν +πλήθους τε κουφίσειε μητέρα χθόνα +γνωτόν τε θείη τὸν κράτιστον Ἑλλάδος. +Φρυγῶν δʼ ἐς ἀλκὴν προυτέθην ἐγὼ μὲν οὔ, +τὸ δʼ ὄνομα τοὐμόν, ἆθλον Ἕλλησιν δορός. +λαβὼν δέ μʼ Ἑρμῆς ἐν πτυχαῖσιν αἰθέρος +νεφέλῃ καλύψας — οὐ γὰρ ἠμέλησέ μου +Ζεύς — τόνδʼ ἐς οἶκον Πρωτέως ἱδρύσατο, +πάντων προκρίνας σωφρονέστατον βροτῶν, +ἀκέραιον ὡς σῴσαιμι Μενέλεῳ λέχος. +κἀγὼ μὲν ἐνθάδʼ εἴμʼ, ὁ δʼ ἄθλιος πόσις +στράτευμʼ ἀθροίσας τὰς ἐμὰς ἀναρπαγὰς +θηρᾷ πορευθεὶς Ἰλίου πυργώματα. +ψυχαὶ δὲ πολλαὶ διʼ ἔμʼ ἐπὶ Σκαμανδρίοις +ῥοαῖσιν ἔθανον· ἡ δὲ πάντα τλᾶσʼ ἐγὼ +κατάρατός εἰμι καὶ δοκῶ προδοῦσʼ ἐμὸν +πόσιν συνάψαι πόλεμον Ἕλλησιν μέγαν. +τί δῆτʼ ἔτι ζῶ; θεοῦ τόδʼ εἰσήκουσʼ ἔπος +Ἑρμοῦ, τὸ κλεινὸν ἔτι κατοικήσειν πέδον +Σπάρτης σὺν ἀνδρί, γνόντος ὡς ἐς Ἴλιον +οὐκ ἦλθον, ἵνα μὴ λέκτρʼ ὑποστρώσω τινί. +ἕως μὲν οὖν φῶς ἡλίου τόδʼ ἔβλεπεν +Πρωτεύς, ἄσυλος ἦ γάμων· ἐπεὶ δὲ γῆς +σκότῳ κέκρυπται, παῖς ὁ τοῦ τεθνηκότος +θηρᾷ γαμεῖν με. τὸν πάλαι δʼ ἐγὼ πόσιν +τιμῶσα Πρωτέως μνῆμα προσπίτνω τόδε +ἱκέτις, ἵνʼ ἀνδρὶ τἀμὰ διασῴσῃ λέχη, +ὡς, εἰ καθʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ὄνομα δυσκλεὲς φέρω, +μή μοι τὸ σῶμά γʼ ἐνθάδʼ αἰσχύνην ὄφλῃ. + + +Τεῦκρος +τίς τῶνδʼ ἐρυμνῶν δωμάτων ἔχει κράτος; +πλούτου γὰρ οἶκος ἄξιος προσεικάσαι, +βασίλειά τʼ ἀμφιβλήματʼ εὔθριγκοί θʼ ἕδραι. +ἔα· +ὦ θεοί, τίνʼ εἶδον ὄψιν; ἐχθίστην ὁρῶ +γυναικὸς εἰκὼ φόνιον, ἥ μʼ ἀπώλεσεν +πάντας τʼ Ἀχαιούς. θεοί σʼ, ὅσον μίμημʼ ἔχεις +Ἑλένης, ἀποπτύσειαν. εἰ δὲ μὴ ʼν ξένῃ +γαίᾳ πόδʼ εἶχον, τῷδʼ ἂν εὐστόχῳ πτερῷ +ἀπόλαυσιν εἰκοῦς ἔθανες ἂν Διὸς κόρης. + +Ἑλένη +τί δʼ, ὦ ταλαίπωρʼ — ὅστις ὤν μʼ ἀπεστράφης +καὶ ταῖς ἐκείνης συμφοραῖς ἐμὲ στυγεῖς; + +Τεῦκρος +ἥμαρτον· ὀργῇ δʼ εἶξα μᾶλλον ἤ με χρῆν· +μισεῖ γὰρ Ἑλλὰς πᾶσα τὴν Διὸς κόρην. +σύγγνωθι δʼ ἡμῖν τοῖς λελεγμένοις, γύναι. + +Ἑλένη +τίς δʼ εἶ; πόθεν γῆς τῆσδʼ ἐπεστράφης πέδον; + +Τεῦκρος +εἷς τῶν Ἀχαιῶν, ὦ γύναι, τῶν ἀθλίων. + +Ἑλένη +οὐ τἄρα σʼ Ἑλένην εἰ στυγεῖς θαυμαστέον. +ἀτὰρ τίς εἶ πόθεν; τίνος δʼ αὐδᾶν σε χρή; + +Τεῦκρος +ὄνομα μὲν ἡμῖν Τεῦκρος, ὁ δὲ φύσας πατὴρ +Τελαμών, Σαλαμὶς δὲ πατρὶς ἡ θρέψασά με. + +Ἑλένη +τί δῆτα Νείλου τούσδʼ ἐπιστρέφῃ γύας; + +Τεῦκρος +φυγὰς πατρῴας ἐξελήλαμαι χθονός. + +Ἑλένη +τλήμων ἂν εἴης· τίς δέ σʼ ἐκβάλλει πάτρας; + +Τεῦκρος +Τελαμὼν ὁ φύσας. τίνʼ ἂν ἔχοις μᾶλλον φίλον; + +Ἑλένη +ἐκ τοῦ; τὸ γάρ τοι πρᾶγμα συμφορὰν ἔχει. + +Τεῦκρος +Αἴας μʼ ἀδελφὸς ὤλεσʼ ἐν Τροίᾳ θανών. + +Ἑλένη +πῶς; οὔ τί που σῷ φασγάνῳ βίον στερείς; + +Τεῦκρος +οἰκεῖον αὐτὸν ὤλεσʼ ἅλμʼ ἐπὶ ξίφος. + +Ἑλένη +μανέντʼ; ἐπεὶ τίς σωφρονῶν τλαίη τάδʼ ἄν; + +Τεῦκρος +τὸν Πηλέως τινʼ οἶσθʼ Ἀχιλλέα γόνον; + +Ἑλένη +ναί· +μνηστήρ ποθʼ Ἑλένης ἦλθεν, ὡς ἀκούομεν. + +Τεῦκρος +θανὼν ὅδʼ ὅπλων ἔριν ἔθηκε συμμάχοις. + +Ἑλένη +καὶ δὴ τί τοῦτʼ Αἴαντι γίγνεται κακόν; + +Τεῦκρος +ἄλλου λαβόντος ὅπλʼ ἀπηλλάχθη βίου. + +Ἑλένη +σὺ τοῖς ἐκείνου δῆτα πήμασιν νοσεῖς; + +Τεῦκρος +ὁθούνεκʼ αὐτῷ γʼ οὐ ξυνωλόμην ὁμοῦ. + +Ἑλένη +ἦλθες γάρ, ὦ ξένʼ, Ἰλίου κλεινὴν πόλιν; + +Τεῦκρος +καὶ ξύν γε πέρσας αὐτὸς ἀνταπωλόμην. + +Ἑλένη +ἤδη γὰρ ἧπται καὶ κατείργασται πυρί; + +Τεῦκρος +ὥστʼ οὐδʼ ἴχνος γε τειχέων εἶναι σαφές. + +Ἑλένη +ὦ τλῆμον Ἑλένη, διὰ σʼ ἀπόλλυνται Φρύγες. + +Τεῦκρος +καὶ πρός γʼ Ἀχαιοί· μεγάλα δʼ εἴργασται κακά. + +Ἑλένη +πόσον χρόνον γὰρ διαπεπόρθηται πόλις; + +Τεῦκρος +ἑπτὰ σχεδόν τι καρπίμους ἐτῶν κύκλους. + +Ἑλένη +χρόνον δʼ ἐμείνατʼ ἄλλον ἐν Τροίᾳ πόσον; + +Τεῦκρος +πολλὰς σελήνας, δέκα διελθούσας ἔτη. + + + +Ἑλένη +ἦ καὶ γυναῖκα Σπαρτιᾶτιν εἵλετε; + +Τεῦκρος +Μενέλαος αὐτὴν ἦγʼ ἐπισπάσας κόμης. + +Ἑλένη +εἶδες σὺ τὴν δύστηνον; ἢ κλύων λέγεις; + +Τεῦκρος +ὥσπερ γε σέ, οὐδὲν ἧσσον, ὀφθαλμοῖς ὁρῶ. + +Ἑλένη +σκοπεῖτε μὴ δόκησιν εἴχετʼ ἐκ θεῶν. + +Τεῦκρος +ἄλλου λόγου μέμνησο, μὴ κείνης ἔτι. + +Ἑλένη +οὕτω δοκεῖτε τὴν δόκησιν ἀσφαλῆ; + +Τεῦκρος +αὐτὸς γὰρ ὄσσοις εἰδόμην· καὶ νοῦς ὁρᾷ. + +Ἑλένη +ἤδη δʼ ἐν οἴκοις σὺν δάμαρτι Μενέλεως; + +Τεῦκρος +οὔκουν ἐν Ἄργει γʼ οὐδʼ ἐπʼ Εὐρώτα ῥοαῖς. + +Ἑλένη +αἰαῖ· κακὸν τόδʼ εἶπας οἷς κακὸν λέγεις. + +Τεῦκρος +ὡς κεῖνος ἀφανὴς σὺν δάμαρτι κλῄζεται. + +Ἑλένη +οὐ πᾶσι πορθμὸς αὑτὸς Ἀργείοισιν ἦν; + +Τεῦκρος +ἦν, ἀλλὰ χειμὼν ἄλλοσʼ ἄλλον ὥρισεν. + +Ἑλένη +ποίοισιν ἐν νώτοισι ποντίας ἁλός; + +Τεῦκρος +μέσον περῶσι πέλαγος Αἰγαίου πόρου. + +Ἑλένη +κἀκ τοῦδε Μενέλαν οὔτις εἶδʼ ἀφιγμένον; + +Τεῦκρος +οὐδείς· θανὼν δὲ κλῄζεται καθʼ Ἑλλάδα. + +Ἑλένη +ἀπωλόμεσθα· Θεστιὰς δʼ ἔστιν κόρη; + +Τεῦκρος +Λήδαν ἔλεξας; οἴχεται θανοῦσα δή. + +Ἑλένη +οὔ πού νιν Ἑλένης αἰσχρὸν ὤλεσεν κλέος; + +Τεῦκρος +φασίν, βρόχῳ γʼ ἅψασαν εὐγενῆ δέρην. + +Ἑλένη +οἱ Τυνδάρειοι δʼ εἰσὶν ἢ οὐκ εἰσὶν κόροι; + +Τεῦκρος +τεθνᾶσι καὶ οὐ τεθνᾶσι· δύο δʼ ἐστὸν λόγω. + +Ἑλένη +πότερος ὁ κρείσσων; ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ κακῶν. + +Τεῦκρος +ἄστροις σφʼ ὁμοιωθέντε φάσʼ εἶναι θεώ. + +Ἑλένη +καλῶς ἔλεξας τοῦτο· θάτερον δὲ τί; + +Τεῦκρος +σφαγαῖς ἀδελφῆς οὕνεκʼ ἐκπνεῦσαι βίον. +ἅλις δὲ μύθων· οὐ διπλᾶ χρῄζω στένειν. +ὧν δʼ οὕνεκʼ ἦλθον τούσδε βασιλείους δόμους, +τὴν θεσπιῳδὸν Θεονόην χρῄζων ἰδεῖν, +σὺ προξένησον, ὡς τύχω μαντευμάτων +ὅπῃ νεὼς στείλαιμʼ ἂν οὔριον πτερὸν +ἐς γῆν ἐναλίαν Κύπρον, οὗ μʼ ἐθέσπισεν +οἰκεῖν Ἀπόλλων, ὄνομα νησιωτικὸν +Σαλαμῖνα θέμενον τῆς ἐκεῖ χάριν πάτρας. + +Ἑλένη +πλοῦς, ὦ ξένʼ, αὐτὸς σημανεῖ· σὺ δʼ ἐκλιπὼν +γῆν τήνδε φεῦγε πρίν σε παῖδα Πρωτέως +ἰδεῖν, ὃς ἄρχει τῆσδε γῆς· ἄπεστι δὲ +κυσὶν πεποιθὼς ἐν φοναῖς θηροκτόνοις· +κτείνει γὰρ Ἕλληνʼ ὅντινʼ ἂν λάβῃ ξένον. +ὅτου δʼ ἕκατι, μήτε σὺ ζήτει μαθεῖν +ἐγώ τε σιγῶ· τί γὰρ ἂν ὠφελοῖμί σε; + +Τεῦκρος +καλῶς ἔλεξας, ὦ γύναι· θεοὶ δέ σοι +ἐσθλῶν ἀμοιβὰς ἀντιδωρησαίατο. +Ἑλένῃ δʼ ὅμοιον σῶμʼ ἔχουσʼ οὐ τὰς φρένας +ἔχεις ὁμοίας, ἀλλὰ διαφόρους πολύ. +κακῶς δʼ ὄλοιτο μηδʼ ἐπʼ Εὐρώτα ῥοὰς +ἔλθοι· σὺ δʼ εἴης εὐτυχὴς ἀεί, γύναι.
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+ +Ἑλένη +ὤ, μεγάλων ἀχέων καταβαλλομένα μέγαν οἶκτον +ποῖον ἁμιλλαθῶ γόον; ἢ τίνα μοῦσαν ἐπέλθω +δάκρυσιν ἢ θρήνοις ἢ πένθεσιν; αἰαῖ.
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+Ἑλένη +πτεροφόροι νεάνιδες, +παρθένοι Χθονὸς κόραι +Σειρῆνες, εἴθʼ ἐμοῖς γόοις +μόλοιτʼ ἔχουσαι Λίβυν +λωτὸν ἢ σύριγγας ἢ +φόρμιγγας, αἰλίνοις κακοῖς +τοῖς ἐμοῖσι σύνοχα δάκρυα· +πάθεσι πάθεα, μέλεσι μέλεα, +μουσεῖα θρηνήμα- +σι ξυνῳδὰ πέμψειε +Φερσέφασσα +φόνια, χάριτας ἵνʼ ἐπὶ δάκρυσι +παρʼ ἐμέθεν ὑπὸ μέλαθρα νύχια +παιᾶνα +νέκυσιν ὀλομένοις λάβῃ. + +
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+Χορός +κυανοειδὲς ἀμφʼ ὕδωρ +ἔτυχον ἕλικά τʼ ἀνὰ χλόαν +φοίνικας ἁλίου πέπλους +αὐγαῖσιν ἐν χρυσέαις +ἀμφὶ δόνακος ἔρνεσιν +θάλπουσα· ποτνίας δʼ ἐμᾶς, +ἔνθεν οἰκτρὸν ἀνεβόασεν, +ὅμαδον ἔκλυον, ἄλυρον ἔλεγον, +ὅτι ποτʼ ἔλακεν αἰάγμα- +σι στένουσα, Νύμφα τις +οἷα Ναῒς +ὄρεσι φυγάδα νόμον ἱεῖσα +γοερόν, ὑπὸ δὲ πέτρινα γύαλα +κλαγγαῖσι +Πανὸς ἀναβοᾷ γάμους. +
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+Ἑλένη +ἰὼ ἰώ· +θήραμα βαρβάρου πλάτας, +Ἑλλανίδες κόραι, +ναύτας Ἀχαιῶν +τις ἔμολεν ἔμολε δάκρυα δάκρυσί μοι φέρων. +Ἰλίου κατασκαφαὶ +πυρὶ μέλουσι δαΐῳ +διʼ ἐμὲ τὰν πολυκτόνον, +διʼ ἐμὸν ὄνομα πολύπονον. +Λήδα δʼ ἐν ἀγχόναις +θάνατον ἔλαβεν αἰσχύ- +νας ἐμᾶς ὑπʼ ἀλγέων. +ὁ δʼ ἐμὸς ἐν ἁλὶ πολυπλανὴς +πόσις ὀλόμενος οἴχεται, +κάστορός τε συγγόνου τε +διδυμογενὲς ἄγαλμα πατρίδος +ἀφανὲς ἀφανὲς ἱππόκροτα λέ- +λοιπε δάπεδα γυμνάσιά τε +δονακόεντος Εὐρώ- +τα, νεανιᾶν πόνον. +
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+Χορός +αἰαῖ αἰαῖ· +ὦ δαίμονος πολυστόνου +μοίρας τε σᾶς, γύναι. +αἰὼν δυσαίων +τις ἔλαχεν ἔλαχεν, ὅτε σʼ ἐτέκετο ματρόθεν +χιονόχρως κύκνου πτερῷ +Ζεὺς πρέπων διʼ αἰθέρος· +τί γὰρ ἄπεστί σοι κακῶν; +τίνα δὲ βίοτον οὐκ ἔτλας; +μάτηρ μὲν οἴχεται, +δίδυμά τε Διὸς οὐκ εὐ- +δαιμονεῖ τέκεα φίλα, +χθόνα δὲ πάτριον οὐχ ὁρᾷς, +διὰ δὲ πόλεας ἔρχεται +βάξις, ἅ σε βαρβάροισι, +πότνια, παραδίδωσι λέχεσιν, +ὁ δὲ σὸς ἐν ἁλὶ κύμασί τε λέ- +λοιπε βίοτον, οὐδέ ποτʼ ἔτι +πάτρια μέλαθρα καὶ τὰν +Χαλκίοικον ὀλβιεῖς. +
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+Ἑλένη +φεῦ φεῦ, τίς ἢ Φρυγῶν +ἢ τίς Ἑλλανίας ἀπὸ χθονὸς +ἔτεμε τὰν δακρυόεσσαν +Ἰλίῳ πεύκαν; +ἔνθεν ὀλόμενον σκάφος +συναρμόσας ὁ Πριαμίδας +ἔπλευσε βαρβάρῳ πλάτᾳ +τὰν ἐμὰν ἐφʼ ἑστίαν, +ἐπὶ τὸ δυστυχέστατον +κάλλος, ὡς ἕλοι, γάμων +ἀμῶν· ἅ τε δόλιος +ἁ πολυκτόνος Κύπρις +Δαναΐδαις ἄγουσα θάνατον Πριαμίδαις, +ὦ τάλαινα συμφορᾶς. +ἁ δὲ χρυσέοις θρόνοις +Διὸς ὑπαγκάλισμα σεμνὸν +Ἥρα τὸν ὠκύπουν +ἔπεμψε Μαιάδος γόνον· +ὅς με χλοερὰ δρεπομέναν +ἔσω πέπλων ῥόδεα πέταλα, +Χαλκίοικον ὡς Ἀθάναν μόλοιμʼ, +ἀναρπάσας διʼ αἰθέρος +τάνδε γαῖαν εἰς ἄνολβον +ἔριν ἔριν τάλαιναν ἔθετο +Πριαμίδαισιν Ἑλλάδος. +τὸ δʼ ἐμὸν ὄνομα +παρὰ Σιμουντίοις ῥοαῖσι +μαψίδιον ἔχει φάτιν. +
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+Χορός +ἔχεις μὲν ἀλγείνʼ, οἶδα· σύμφορον δέ τοι +ὡς ῥᾷστα τἀναγκαῖα τοῦ βίου φέρειν. + +Ἑλένη +φίλαι γυναῖκες, τίνι πότμῳ συνεζύγην; +ἆρʼ ἡ τεκοῦσά μʼ ἔτεκεν ἀνθρώποις τέρας; +γυνὴ γὰρ οὔθʼ Ἑλληνὶς οὔτε βάρβαρος +τεῦχος νεοσσῶν λευκὸν ἐκλοχεύεται, +ἐν ᾧ με Λήδαν φασὶν ἐκ Διὸς τεκεῖν. +τέρας γὰρ ὁ βίος καὶ τὰ πράγματʼ ἐστί μου, +τὰ μὲν διʼ Ἥραν, τὰ δὲ τὸ κάλλος αἴτιον. +εἴθʼ ἐξαλειφθεῖσʼ ὡς ἄγαλμʼ αὖθις πάλιν +αἴσχιον εἶδος ἔλαβον ἀντὶ τοῦ καλοῦ, +καὶ τὰς τύχας μὲν τὰς κακὰς ἃς νῦν ἔχω +Ἕλληνες ἐπελάθοντο, τὰς δὲ μὴ κακὰς +ἔσῳζον ὥσπερ τὰς κακὰς σῴζουσί μου. +ὅστις μὲν οὖν ἐς μίαν ἀποβλέπων τύχην +πρὸς θεῶν κακοῦται, βαρὺ μέν, οἰστέον δʼ ὅμως· +ἡμεῖς δὲ πολλαῖς συμφοραῖς ἐγκείμεθα. +πρῶτον μὲν οὐκ οὖσʼ ἄδικος, εἰμὶ δυσκλεής· +καὶ τοῦτο μεῖζον τῆς ἀληθείας κακόν, +ὅστις τὰ μὴ προσόντα κέκτηται κακά. +ἔπειτα πατρίδος θεοί μʼ ἀφιδρύσαντο γῆς +ἐς βάρβαρʼ ἤθη, καὶ φίλων τητωμένη +δούλη καθέστηκʼ οὖσʼ ἐλευθέρων ἄπο· +τὰ βαρβάρων γὰρ δοῦλα πάντα πλὴν ἑνός. +ἄγκυρα δʼ ἥ μου τὰς τύχας ὤχει μόνη, +πόσιν ποθʼ ἥξειν καί μʼ ἀπαλλάξειν κακῶν — +οὗτος τέθνηκεν, οὗτος οὐκέτʼ ἔστι δή. +μήτηρ δʼ ὄλωλε, καὶ φονεὺς αὐτῆς ἐγώ, +ἀδίκως μέν, ἀλλὰ τἄδικον τοῦτʼ ἔστʼ ἐμόν· +ὃ δʼ ἀγλάισμα δωμάτων ἐμοῦ τʼ ἔφυ, +θυγάτηρ ἄνανδρος πολιὰ παρθενεύεται· +τὼ τοῦ Διὸς δὲ λεγομένω Διοσκόρω +οὐκ ἐστόν. ἀλλὰ πάντʼ ἔχουσα δυστυχῆ +τοῖς πράγμασιν τέθνηκα, τοῖς δʼ ἔργοισιν οὔ. +τὸ δʼ ἔσχατον τοῦτʼ, εἰ μόλοιμεν ἐς πάτραν, +κλῄθροις ἂν εἰργοίμεσθα — τὴν ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ +δοκοῦντες Ἑλένην Μενέλεώ μʼ ἐλθεῖν μέτα. +εἰ μὲν γὰρ ἔζη πόσις, ἀνεγνώσθημεν ἂν +ἐλθόντες, ἃ φανέρʼ ἦν μόνοις, ἐς ξύμβολα. +νῦν δʼ οὔτε τοῦτʼ ἔστʼ οὔτε μὴ σωθῇ ποτε. + +τί δῆτʼ ἔτι ζῶ; τίνʼ ὑπολείπομαι τύχην; +γάμους ἑλομένη τῶν κακῶν ὑπαλλαγάς, +μετʼ ἀνδρὸς οἰκεῖν βαρβάρου πρὸς πλουσίαν +τράπεζαν ἵζουσʼ; ἀλλʼ ὅταν πόσις πικρὸς +ξυνῇ γυναικί, καὶ τὸ σῶμʼ ἐστιν πικρόν. +θανεῖν κράτιστον· πῶς θάνοιμʼ ἂν οὐ καλῶς; +ἀσχήμονες μὲν ἀγχόναι μετάρσιοι, +κἀν τοῖσι δούλοις δυσπρεπὲς νομίζεται· +σφαγαὶ δʼ ἔχουσιν εὐγενές τι καὶ καλόν, +σμικρὸν δʼ ὁ καιρὸς σάρκʼ ἀπαλλάξαι βίου. +ἐς γὰρ τοσοῦτον ἤλθομεν βάθος κακῶν· +αἱ μὲν γὰρ ἄλλαι διὰ τὸ κάλλος εὐτυχεῖς +γυναῖκες, ἡμᾶς δʼ αὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἀπώλεσεν. + +Χορός +Ἑλένη, τὸν ἐλθόνθʼ, ὅστις ἐστὶν ὁ ξένος, +μὴ πάντʼ ἀληθῆ δοξάσῃς εἰρηκέναι. + +Ἑλένη +καὶ μὴν σαφῶς γʼ ἔλεξʼ ὀλωλέναι πόσιν. + +Χορός +πόλλʼ ἂν γένοιτο καὶ διὰ ψευδῶν ἔπη. + +Ἑλένη +καὶ τἄμπαλίν γε τῶνδʼ ἀληθείᾳ σαφῆ. + +Χορός +ἐς ξυμφορὰν γὰρ ἀντὶ τἀγαθοῦ φέρῃ. + +Ἑλένη +φόβος γὰρ ἐς τὸ δεῖμα περιβαλών μʼ ἄγει. + +Χορός +πῶς δʼ εὐμενείας τοισίδʼ ἐν δόμοις ἔχεις; + +Ἑλένη +πάντες φίλοι μοι πλὴν ὁ θηρεύων γάμους. + +Χορός +οἶσθʼ οὖν ὃ δρᾶσον; μνήματος λιποῦσʼ ἕδραν — + +Ἑλένη +ἐς ποῖον ἕρπεις μῦθον ἢ παραίνεσιν; + +Χορός +ἐλθοῦσʼ ἐς οἴκους, ἣ τὰ πάντʼ ἐπίσταται, +τῆς ποντίας Νηρῇδος ἐκγόνου κόρης, +πυθοῦ πόσιν σὸν Θεονόης, εἴτʼ ἔστʼ ἔτι +εἴτʼ ἐκλέλοιπε φέγγος· ἐκμαθοῦσα δʼ εὖ +πρὸς τὰς τύχας τὸ χάρμα τοὺς γόους τʼ ἔχε. +πρὶν δʼ οὐδὲν ὀρθῶς εἰδέναι, τί σοι πλέον +λυπουμένῃ γένοιτʼ ἄν; ἀλλʼ ἐμοὶ πιθοῦ· +τάφον λιποῦσα τόνδε σύμμειξον κόρῃ· +ὅθενπερ εἴσῃ πάντα τἀληθῆ μαθεῖν +ἔχουσʼ ἐν οἴκοις τοῖσδε, τί βλέπεις πρόσω; +θέλω δὲ κἀγὼ σοὶ συνεισελθεῖν δόμους +καὶ συμπυθέσθαι παρθένου θεσπίσματα· +γυναῖκα γὰρ δὴ συμπονεῖν γυναικὶ χρή. + + + + +
+ +Ἑλένη +φίλαι, λόγους ἐδεξάμαν· +βᾶτε βᾶτε δʼ ἐς δόμους, +ἀγῶνας ἐντὸς οἴκων +ὡς πύθησθε τοὺς ἐμούς. + +Χορός +θέλουσαν οὐ μόλις καλεῖς. + +Ἑλένη +ἰὼ μέλεος ἁμέρα. +τίνʼ ἄρα τάλαινα τίνα δακρυό- +εντα λόγον ἀκούσομαι; + +Χορός +μὴ πρόμαντις ἀλγέων +προλάμβανʼ, ὦ φίλα, γόους. + +Ἑλένη +τί μοι πόσις μέλεος ἔτλα; +πότερα δέρκεται φάος +τέθριππά θʼ ἁλίου κέλευθά τʼ ἀστέρων, +ἢ ʼν νέκυσι κατὰ χθονὸς +τὰν χρόνιον ἔχει τύχαν; + +Χορός +ἐς τὸ φέρτερον τίθει +τὸ μέλλον, ὅ τι γενήσεται. + +Ἑλένη +σὲ γὰρ ἐκάλεσα, σὲ δὲ κατόμοσα, +τὸν ὑδρόεντι δόνακι χλωρὸν +Εὐρώταν, θανόντος +εἰ βάξις ἔτυμος ἀνδρὸς +ἅδε μοι — τί τάδʼ ἀσύνετα; — +φόνιον αἰώρημα +διὰ δέρης ὀρέξομαι, +ἢ ξιφοκτόνον δίωγμα +λαιμορρύτου σφαγᾶς +αὐτοσίδαρον ἔσω πελάσω διὰ σαρκὸς ἅμιλλαν, +θῦμα τριζύγοις θεαῖσι +τῷ τε σήραγγας Ἰδαί- +ας ἐνίζοντι Πριαμί- +δᾳ ποτʼ ἀμφὶ βουστάθμους. + +Χορός +ἄλλοσʼ ἀποτροπὰ κακῶν +γένοιτο, τὸ δὲ σὸν εὐτυχές. + + + +Ἑλένη +ἰὼ Τροία τάλαινα, +διʼ ἔργʼ ἄνεργʼ ὄλλυσαι +μέλεά τʼ ἔτλας· τὰ δʼ ἐμὰ δῶρα +Κύπριδος ἔτεκε πολὺ μὲν αἷμα, +πολὺ δὲ δάκρυον· ἄχεά τʼ ἄχεσι, +δάκρυα δάκρυσιν ἔλαβε, πάθεα +ματέρες τε παῖδας ὄλεσαν, +ἀπὸ δὲ παρθένοι κόμας +ἔθεντο σύγγονοι νεκρῶν Σκαμάνδριον +ἀμφὶ Φρύγιον οἶδμα. +βοὰν βοὰν δʼ Ἑλλὰς +κελάδησε κἀνοτότυξεν, +ἐπὶ δὲ κρατὶ χέρας ἔθηκεν, +ὄνυχι δʼ ἁπαλόχροα γένυν +δεῦσε φονίαισι πλαγαῖς. + +ὦ μάκαρ Ἀρκαδίᾳ ποτὲ παρθένε Καλλιστοῖ, Διὸς +ἃ λεχέων ἐπέβας τετραβάμοσι γυίοις, +ὡς πολὺ ματρὸς ἐμᾶς ἔλαχες πλέον, +ἁ μορφᾷ θηρῶν λαχνογυίων — +ὄμματι λάβρῷ σχῆμα λεαίνης — +ἐξαλλάξασʼ ἄχθεα λύπης· +ἅν τέ ποτʼ Ἄρτεμις ἐξεχορεύσατο +χρυσοκέρατʼ ἔλαφον Μέροπος Τιτανίδα κούραν +καλλοσύνας ἕνεκεν· τὸ δʼ ἐμὸν δέμας +ὤλεσεν ὤλεσε πέργαμα Δαρδανίας +ὀλομένους τʼ Ἀχαιούς. +
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+Μενελέως +ὦ τὰς τεθρίππους Οἰνομάῳ Πῖσαν κάτα +Πέλοψ ἁμίλλας ἐξαμιλληθείς ποτε, +εἴθʼ ὤφελες τόθʼ, ἡνίκʼ ἔρανον εἰς θεοὺς +πεισθεὶς ἐποίεις, ἐν θεοῖς λιπεῖν βίον, +πρὶν τὸν ἐμὸν Ἀτρέα πατέρα γεννῆσαί ποτε, +ὃς ἐξέφυσεν Ἀερόπης λέκτρων ἄπο +Ἀγαμέμνονʼ ἐμέ τε Μενέλεων, κλεινὸν ζυγόν· +πλεῖστον γὰρ οἶμαι — καὶ τόδʼ οὐ κόμπῳ λέγω — +στράτευμα κώπῃ διορίσαι Τροίαν ἔπι, +τύραννος οὐδὲν πρὸς βίαν στρατηλατῶν, +ἑκοῦσι δʼ ἄρξας Ἑλλάδος νεανίαις. +καὶ τοὺς μὲν οὐκέτʼ ὄντας ἀριθμῆσαι πάρα, +τοὺς δʼ ἐκ θαλάσσης ἀσμένους πεφευγότας, +νεκρῶν φέροντας ὀνόματʼ εἰς οἴκους πάλιν. +ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπʼ οἶδμα πόντιον γλαυκῆς ἁλὸς +τλήμων ἀλῶμαι χρόνον ὅσονπερ Ἰλίου +πύργους ἔπερσα, κἀς πάτραν χρῄζων μολεῖν +οὐκ ἀξιοῦμαι τοῦδε πρὸς θεῶν τυχεῖν. +Λιβύης τʼ ἐρήμους ἀξένους τʼ ἐπιδρομὰς +πέπλευκα πάσας· χὥταν ἐγγὺς ὦ πάτρας, +πάλιν μʼ ἀπωθεῖ πνεῦμα, κοὔποτʼ οὔριον +ἐσῆλθε λαῖφος ὥστε μʼ ἐς πάτραν μολεῖν. +καὶ νῦν τάλας ναυαγὸς ἀπολέσας φίλους +ἐξέπεσον ἐς γῆν τήνδε· ναῦς δὲ πρὸς πέτρας +πολλοὺς ἀριθμοὺς ἄγνυται ναυαγίων. +τρόπις δʼ ἐλείφθη ποικίλων ἁρμοσμάτων, +ἐφʼ ἧς ἐσώθην μόλις ἀνελπίστῳ τύχῃ +Ἑλένη τε, Τροίας ἣν ἀποσπάσας ἔχω. +ὄνομα δὲ χώρας ἥτις ἥδε καὶ λεὼς +οὐκ οἶδα· ὄχλον γὰρ ἐσπεσεῖν ᾐσχυνόμην +ὥσθʼ ἱστορῆσαι, τὰς ἐμὰς δυσχλαινίας +κρύπτων ὑπʼ αἰδοῦς τῆς τύχης. ὅταν δʼ ἀνὴρ +πράξῃ κακῶς ὑψηλός, εἰς ἀηθίαν +πίπτει κακίω τοῦ πάλαι δυσδαίμονος. +χρεία δὲ τείρει μʼ· οὔτε γὰρ σῖτος πάρα +οὔτʼ ἀμφὶ χρῶτʼ ἐσθῆτες· αὐτὰ δʼ εἰκάσαι +πάρεστι ναὸς ἐκβόλοις ἃ ἀμπίσχομαι. +πέπλους δὲ τοὺς πρὶν λαμπρά τʼ ἀμφιβλήματα +χλιδάς τε πόντος ἥρπασʼ· ἐν δʼ ἄντρου μυχοῖς +κρύψας γυναῖκα τὴν κακῶν πάντων ἐμοὶ +ἄρξασαν ἥκω τούς τε περιλελειμμένους +φίλων φυλάσσειν τἄμʼ ἀναγκάσας λέχη. +μόνος δὲ νοστῶ, τοῖς ἐκεῖ ζητῶν φίλοις +τὰ πρόσφορʼ ἤν πως ἐξερευνήσας λάβω. +ἰδὼν δὲ δῶμα περιφερὲς θριγκοῖς τόδε +πύλας τε σεμνὰς ἀνδρὸς ὀλβίου τινός, +προσῆλθον· ἐλπὶς δʼ ἔκ γε πλουσίων δόμων +λαβεῖν τι ναύταις· ἐκ δὲ μὴ ἐχόντων βίον — +οὐδʼ εἰ θέλοιεν, ὠφελεῖν ἔχοιεν ἄν. +ὠή· τίς ἂν πυλωρὸς ἐκ δόμων μόλοι, +ὅστις διαγγείλειε τἄμʼ ἔσω κακά; + + + +Γραῦς +τίς πρὸς πύλαισιν; οὐκ ἀπαλλάξῃ δόμων +καὶ μὴ πρὸς αὐλείοισιν ἑστηκὼς πύλαις +ὄχλον παρέξεις δεσπόταις; ἢ κατθανῇ +Ἕλλην πεφυκώς, οἷσιν οὐκ ἐπιστροφαί. + +Μενελέως +ὦ γραῖα, ταὐτὰ ταῦτʼ ἔπη κἄλλως λέγειν +ἔξεστι, πείσομαι γάρ· ἀλλʼ ἄνες λόγον. + +Γραῦς +ἄπελθʼ· ἐμοὶ γὰρ τοῦτο πρόσκειται, ξένε, +μηδένα πελάζειν τοισίδʼ Ἑλλήνων δόμοις. + +Μενελέως +ἆ· μὴ προσείλει χεῖρα μηδʼ ὤθει βίᾳ. + +Γραῦς +πείθῃ γὰρ οὐδὲν ὧν λέγω, σὺ δʼ αἴτιος. + +Μενελέως +ἄγγειλον εἴσω δεσπόταισι τοῖσι σοῖς + + +Γραῦς +πικρῶς ἄρʼ οἶμαί γʼ ἀγγελεῖν τοὺς σοὺς λόγους. + +Μενελέως +ναυαγὸς ἥκω ξένος, ἀσύλητον γένος. + +Γραῦς +οἶκον πρὸς ἄλλον νύν τινʼ ἀντὶ τοῦδʼ ἴθι. + +Μενελέως +οὔκ, ἀλλʼ ἔσω πάρειμι· καὶ σύ μοι πιθοῦ. + +Γραῦς +ὀχληρὸς ἴσθʼ ὤν· καὶ τάχʼ ὠσθήσῃ βίᾳ. + +Μενελέως +αἰαῖ· τὰ κλεινὰ ποῦ ʼστί μοι στρατεύματα; + +Γραῦς +οὐκοῦν ἐκεῖ που σεμνὸς ἦσθʼ, οὐκ ἐνθάδε. + +Μενελέως +ὦ δαῖμον, ὡς ἀνάξιʼ ἠτιμώμεθα. + +Γραῦς +τί βλέφαρα τέγγεις δάκρυσι; πρὸς τίνʼ οἰκτρὸς εἶ; + +Μενελέως +πρὸς τὰς πάροιθεν συμφορὰς εὐδαίμονας. + +Γραῦς +οὔκουν ἀπελθὼν δάκρυα σοῖς δώσεις φίλοις; + +Μενελέως +τίς δʼ ἥδε χώρα; τοῦ δὲ βασίλειοι δόμοι; + +Γραῦς +Πρωτεὺς τάδʼ οἰκεῖ δώματʼ, Αἴγυπτος δὲ γῆ. + +Μενελέως +Αἴγυπτος; ὦ δύστηνος, οἷ πέπλευκʼ ἄρα. + +Γραῦς +τί δὴ τὸ Νείλου μεμπτόν ἐστί σοι γάνος; + +Μενελέως +οὐ τοῦτʼ ἐμέμφθην· τὰς ἐμὰς στένω τύχας. + +Γραῦς +πολλοὶ κακῶς πράσσουσιν, οὐ σὺ δὴ μόνος. + +Μενελέως +ἔστʼ οὖν ἐν οἴκοις ὅντινʼ ὀνομάζεις ἄναξ; + +Γραῦς +τόδʼ ἐστὶν αὐτοῦ μνῆμα, παῖς δʼ ἄρχει χθονός. + +Μενελέως +ποῦ δῆτʼ ἂν εἴη; πότερον ἐκτὸς ἢ ʼν δόμοις; + +Γραῦς +οὐκ ἔνδον· Ἕλλησιν δὲ πολεμιώτατος. + +Μενελέως +τίνʼ αἰτίαν σχὼν ἧς ἐπηυρόμην ἐγώ; + +Γραῦς +Ἑλένη κατʼ οἴκους ἐστὶ τούσδʼ ἡ τοῦ Διός. + +Μενελέως +πῶς φῄς; τίνʼ εἶπας μῦθον; αὖθίς μοι φράσον. + +Γραῦς +ἡ Τυνδαρὶς παῖς, ἣ κατὰ Σπάρτην ποτʼ ἦν. + +Μενελέως +πόθεν μολοῦσα; τίνα τὸ πρᾶγμʼ ἔχει λόγον; + +Γραῦς +Λακεδαίμονος γῆς δεῦρο νοστήσασʼ ἄπο. + +Μενελέως +πότε; οὔ τί που λελῄσμεθʼ ἐξ ἄντρων λέχος; + + + +Γραῦς +πρὶν τοὺς Ἀχαιούς, ὦ ξένʼ, ἐς Τροίαν μολεῖν. +ἀλλʼ ἕρπʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων· ἔστι γάρ τις ἐν δόμοις +τύχη, τύραννος ᾗ ταράσσεται δόμος. +καιρὸν γὰρ οὐδένʼ ἦλθες· ἢν δὲ δεσπότης +λάβῃ σε, θάνατος ξένιά σοι γενήσεται. +εὔνους γάρ εἰμʼ Ἕλλησιν, οὐχ ὅσον πικροὺς +λόγους ἔδωκα δεσπότην φοβουμένη. + +Μενελέως +τί φῶ; τί λέξω; συμφορὰς γὰρ ἀθλίας +ἐκ τῶν πάροιθεν τὰς παρεστώσας κλύω, +εἰ τὴν μὲν αἱρεθεῖσαν ἐκ Τροίας ἄγων +ἥκω δάμαρτα καὶ κατʼ ἄντρα σῴζεται, +ὄνομα δὲ ταὐτὸν τῆς ἐμῆς ἔχουσά τις +δάμαρτος ἄλλη τοισίδʼ ἐνναίει δόμοις. +Διὸς δʼ ἔλεξε παῖδά νιν πεφυκέναι. +ἀλλʼ ἦ τις ἔστι Ζηνὸς ὄνομʼ ἔχων ἀνὴρ +Νείλου παρʼ ὄχθας; εἷς γὰρ ὅ γε κατʼ οὐρανόν. +Σπάρτη δὲ ποῦ γῆς ἐστι πλὴν ἵνα ῥοαὶ +τοῦ καλλιδόνακός εἰσιν Εὐρώτα μόνον; +ἁπλοῦν δὲ Τυνδάρειον ὄνομα κλῄζεται. +Λακεδαίμονος δὲ γαῖα τίς ξυνώνυμος +Τροίας τε; ἐγὼ μὲν οὐκ ἔχω τί χρὴ λέγειν. +πολλοὶ γάρ, ὡς εἴξασιν, ἐν πολλῇ χθονὶ +ὀνόματα ταὔτʼ ἔχουσι καὶ πόλις πόλει +γυνὴ γυναικί τʼ· οὐδὲν οὖν θαυμαστέον. +οὐδʼ αὖ τὸ δεινὸν προσπόλου φευξούμεθα· +ἀνὴρ γὰρ οὐδεὶς ὧδε βάρβαρος φρένας, +ὃς ὄνομʼ ἀκούσας τοὐμὸν οὐ δώσει βοράν. +κλεινὸν τὸ Τροίας πῦρ ἐγώ θʼ ὃς ἧψά νιν, +Μενέλαος, οὐκ ἄγνωστος ἐν πάσῃ χθονί. +δόμων ἄνακτα προσμενῶ· δισσὰς δέ μοι +ἔχει φυλάξεις· ἢν μὲν ὠμόφρων τις ᾖ, +κρύψας ἐμαυτὸν εἶμι πρὸς ναυάγια· +ἢν δʼ ἐνδιδῷ τι μαλθακόν, τὰ πρόσφορα +τῆς νῦν παρούσης συμφορᾶς αἰτήσομαι. +κακῶν μὲν ἡμῖν ἔσχατον τοῖς ἀθλίοις, +ἄλλους τυράννους αὐτὸν ὄντα βασιλέα +βίον προσαιτεῖν· ἀλλʼ ἀναγκαίως ἔχει. +λόγος γάρ ἐστιν οὐκ ἐμός, σοφὸν δʼ ἔπος, +δεινῆς ἀνάγκης οὐδὲν ἰσχύειν πλέον. +
+ + + +
+Χορός +ἤκουσα τᾶς θεσπιῳδοῦ κόρας, +ἃ χρῄζουσʼ ἐφάνη τυράννοις +δόμοις, ὡς Μενέλαος οὔ- +πω μελαμφαὲς οἴχεται +διʼ ἔρεβος χθονὶ κρυφθείς, +ἀλλʼ ἔτι κατʼ οἶδμʼ ἅλιον +τρυχόμενος οὔπω λιμένων +ψαύσειεν πατρίας γᾶς, +ἀλατείᾳ βιότου +ταλαίφρων, ἄφιλος φίλων, +παντοδαπᾶς ἐπὶ γᾶς πόδα +χριμπτόμενος εἰναλίῳ +κώπᾳ Τρῳάδος ἐκ γᾶς.
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+Ἑλένη +ἥδʼ αὖ τάφου τοῦδʼ εἰς ἕδρας ἐγὼ πάλιν +στείχω, μαθοῦσα Θεονόης φίλους λόγους, +ἣ πάντʼ ἀληθῶς οἶδε· φησὶ δʼ ἐν φάει +πόσιν τὸν ἁμὸν ζῶντα φέγγος εἰσορᾶν, +πορθμοὺς δʼ ἀλᾶσθαι μυρίους πεπλωκότα +ἐκεῖσε κἀκεῖσʼ οὐδʼ ἀγύμναστον πλάνοις, +ἥξειν δʼ ὅταν δὴ πημάτων λάβῃ τέλος. +ἓν δʼ οὐκ ἔλεξεν, εἰ μολὼν σωθήσεται. +ἐγὼ δʼ ἀπέστην τοῦτʼ ἐρωτῆσαι σαφῶς, +ἡσθεῖσʼ ἐπεί νιν εἶπέ μοι σεσῳσμένον. +ἐγγὺς δέ νίν που τῆσδʼ ἔφασκʼ εἶναι χθονός, +ναυαγὸν ἐκπεσόντα σὺν παύροις φίλοις. +ὤμοι, πόθʼ ἥξεις; ὡς ποθεινὸς ἂν μόλοις. +ἔα, τίς οὗτος; οὔ τί που κρυπτεύομαι +Πρωτέως ἀσέπτου παιδὸς ἐκ βουλευμάτων; +οὐχ ὡς δρομαία πῶλος ἢ Βάκχη θεοῦ +τάφῳ ξυνάψω κῶλον; ἄγριος δέ τις +μορφὴν ὅδʼ ἐστίν, ὅς με θηρᾶται λαβεῖν. + +Μενελέως +σὲ τὴν ὄρεγμα δεινὸν ἡμιλλημένην +τύμβου ʼπὶ κρηπῖδʼ ἐμπύρους τʼ ὀρθοστάτας, +μεῖνον· τί φεύγεις; ὡς δέμας δείξασα σὸν +ἔκπληξιν ἡμῖν ἀφασίαν τε προστίθης. + +Ἑλένη +ἀδικούμεθʼ, ὦ γυναῖκες· εἰργόμεσθα γὰρ +τάφου πρὸς ἀνδρὸς τοῦδε, καί μʼ ἑλὼν θέλει +δοῦναι τυράννοις ὧν ἐφεύγομεν γάμους. + +Μενελέως +οὐ κλῶπές ἐσμεν, οὐχ ὑπηρέται κακῶν. + +Ἑλένη +καὶ μὴν στολήν γʼ ἄμορφον ἀμφὶ σῶμʼ ἔχεις. + +Μενελέως +στῆσον, φόβου μεθεῖσα, λαιψηρὸν πόδα. + +Ἑλένη +ἵστημʼ, ἐπεί γε τοῦδʼ ἐφάπτομαι τόπου. + +Μενελέως +τίς εἶ; τίνʼ ὄψιν σήν, γύναι, προσδέρκομαι; + +Ἑλένη +σὺ δʼ εἶ τίς; αὑτὸς γὰρ σὲ κἄμʼ ἔχει λόγος. + +Μενελέως +οὐπώποτʼ εἶδον προσφερέστερον δέμας. + +Ἑλένη +ὦ θεοί· θεὸς γὰρ καὶ τὸ γιγνώσκειν φίλους. + + +Μενελέως + +Ἑλληνὶς εἶ τις ἢ ἐπιχωρία γυνή; + +Ἑλένη +Ἑλληνίς· ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸ σὸν θέλω μαθεῖν. + +Μενελέως +Ἑλένῃ σʼ ὁμοίαν δὴ μάλιστʼ εἶδον, γύναι. + +Ἑλένη +ἐγὼ δὲ Μενέλεῴ γε σέ· οὐδʼ ἔχω τί φῶ. + +Μενελέως +ἔγνως γὰρ ὀρθῶς ἄνδρα δυστυχέστατον. + + + +Ἑλένη +ὦ χρόνιος ἐλθὼν σῆς δάμαρτος ἐς χέρας. + +Μενελέως +ποίας δάμαρτος; μὴ θίγῃς ἐμῶν πέπλων. + +Ἑλένη +ἥν σοι δίδωσι Τυνδάρεως, ἐμὸς πατήρ. + +Μενελέως +ὦ φωσφόρʼ Ἑκάτη, πέμπε φάσματʼ εὐμενῆ. + +Ἑλένη +οὐ νυκτίφαντον πρόπολον Ἐνοδίας μʼ ὁρᾷς. + +Μενελέως +οὐ μὴν γυναικῶν γʼ εἷς δυοῖν ἔφυν πόσις. + +Ἑλένη +ποίων δὲ λέκτρων δεσπότης ἄλλων ἔφυς; + +Μενελέως +ἣν ἄντρα κεύθει κἀκ Φρυγῶν κομίζομαι. + +Ἑλένη +οὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλη σή τις ἀντʼ ἐμοῦ γυνή. + +Μενελέως +οὔ που φρονῶ μὲν εὖ, τὸ δʼ ὄμμα μου νοσεῖ; + +Ἑλένη +οὐ γάρ με λεύσσων σὴν δάμαρθʼ ὁρᾶν δοκεῖς; + +Μενελέως +τὸ σῶμʼ ὅμοιον, τὸ δὲ σαφές μʼ ἀποστερεῖ. + +Ἑλένη +σκέψαι· τί σοὐνδεῖ; τίς δὲ σοῦ σοφώτερος; + +Μενελέως +ἔοικας· οὔτοι τοῦτό γʼ ἐξαρνήσομαι. + +Ἑλένη +τίς οὖν διδάξει σʼ ἄλλος ἢ τὰ σʼ ὄμματα; + +Μενελέως +ἐκεῖ νοσοῦμεν, ὅτι δάμαρτʼ ἄλλην ἔχω. + +Ἑλένη +οὐκ ἦλθον ἐς γῆν Τρῳάδʼ, ἀλλʼ εἴδωλον ἦν. + +Μενελέως +καὶ τίς βλέποντα σώματʼ ἐξεργάζεται; + +Ἑλένη +αἰθήρ, ὅθεν σὺ θεοπόνητʼ ἔχεις λέχη. + +Μενελέως +τίνος πλάσαντος θεῶν; ἄελπτα γὰρ λέγεις. + +Ἑλένη +Ἥρας, διάλλαγμʼ, ὡς Πάρις με μὴ λάβοι. + +Μενελέως +πῶς οὖν ἂν ἐνθάδʼ ἦσθά τʼ ἐν Τροίᾳ θʼ ἅμα; + +Ἑλένη +τοὔνομα γένοιτʼ ἂν πολλαχοῦ, τὸ σῶμα δʼ οὔ. + +Μενελέως +μέθες με, λύπης ἅλις ἔχων ἐλήλυθα. + +Ἑλένη +λείψεις γὰρ ἡμᾶς, τὰ δὲ κένʼ ἐξάξεις λέχη; + +Μενελέως +καὶ χαῖρέ γʼ, Ἑλένῃ προσφερὴς ὁθούνεκʼ εἶ. + +Ἑλένη +ἀπωλόμην· λαβοῦσά σʼ οὐχ ἕξω πόσιν. + +Μενελέως +τοὐκεῖ με μέγεθος τῶν πόνων πείθει, σὺ δʼ οὔ. + +Ἑλένη +οἲ ἐγώ· τίς ἡμῶν ἐγένετʼ ἀθλιωτέρα; +οἱ φίλτατοι λείπουσί μʼ οὐδʼ ἀφίξομαι +Ἕλληνας οὐδὲ πατρίδα τὴν ἐμήν ποτε. + + + +Ἄγγελος +Μενέλαε, μαστεύων σε κιγχάνω μόλις +πᾶσαν πλανηθεὶς τήνδε βάρβαρον χθόνα, +πεμφθεὶς ἑταίρων τῶν λελειμμένων ὕπο. + +Μενελέως +τί δʼ ἔστιν; οὔ που βαρβάρων συλᾶσθʼ ὕπο; + +Ἄγγελος +θαῦμʼ ἔστʼ, ἔλασσον τοὔνομʼ ἢ τὸ πρᾶγμʼ ἔχον. + +Μενελέως +λέγʼ· ὡς φέρεις τι τῇδε τῇ σπουδῇ νέον. + +Ἄγγελος +λέγω πόνους σε μυρίους τλῆναι μάτην. + +Μενελέως +παλαιὰ θρηνεῖς πήματʼ· ἀγγέλλεις δὲ τί; + +Ἄγγελος +βέβηκεν ἄλοχος σὴ πρὸς αἰθέρος πτυχὰς +ἀρθεῖσʼ ἄφαντος· οὐρανῷ δὲ κρύπτεται +λιποῦσα σεμνὸν ἄντρον οὗ σφʼ ἐσῴζομεν, +τοσόνδε λέξασʼ· ὦ ταλαίπωροι Φρύγες +πάντες τʼ Ἀχαιοί, διʼ ἔμʼ ἐπὶ Σκαμανδρίοις +ἀκταῖσιν Ἥρας μηχαναῖς ἐθνῄσκετε, +δοκοῦντες Ἑλένην οὐκ ἔχοντʼ ἔχειν Πάριν. +ἐγὼ δʼ, ἐπειδὴ χρόνον ἔμεινʼ ὅσον με χρῆν, +τὸ μόρσιμον σῴσασα, πατέρʼ ἐς οὐρανὸν +ἄπειμι· φήμας δʼ ἡ τάλαινα Τυνδαρὶς +ἄλλως κακὰς ἤκουσεν οὐδὲν αἰτία. +ὦ χαῖρε, Λήδας θύγατερ, ἐνθάδʼ ἦσθʼ ἄρα; +ἐγὼ δέ σʼ ἄστρων ὡς βεβηκυῖαν μυχοὺς +ἤγγελλον εἰδὼς οὐδὲν ὡς ὑπόπτερον +δέμας φοροίης. οὐκ ἐῶ σε κερτομεῖν +ἡμᾶς τόδʼ αὖθις, ὡς ἄδην ἐν Ἰλίῳ +πόνους παρεῖχες σῷ πόσει καὶ συμμάχοις. + +Μενελέως +τοῦτʼ ἔστʼ ἐκεῖνο· ξυμβεβᾶσιν οἱ λόγοι +οἱ τῆσδʼ ἀληθεῖς. ὦ ποθεινὸς ἡμέρα, +ἥ σʼ εἰς ἐμὰς ἔδωκεν ὠλένας λαβεῖν. + + + +Ἑλένη +ὦ φίλτατʼ ἀνδρῶν Μενέλεως, ὁ μὲν χρόνος +παλαιός, ἡ δὲ τέρψις ἀρτίως πάρα. + +ἔλαβον ἀσμένα πόσιν ἐμόν, φίλαι, +περί τʼ ἐπέτασα χέρα +φίλιον ἐν μακρᾷ φλογὶ φαεσφόρῳ. + +Μενελέως +κἀγὼ σέ· πολλοὺς δʼ ἐν μέσῳ λόγους ἔχων +οὐκ οἶδʼ ὁποίου πρῶτον ἄρξωμαι τὰ νῦν. + +
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+Ἑλένη +γέγηθα, κρατὶ δʼ ὀρθίους ἐθείρας +ἀνεπτέρωκα καὶ δάκρυ σταλάσσω, +περὶ δὲ γυῖα χέρας ἔβαλον, ἡδονάν, +ὦ πόσις, ὡς λάβω. + + + +Μενελέως +ὦ φιλτάτη πρόσοψις, οὐκ ἐμέμφθην· +ἔχω τὰ τῆς Διός τε λέκτρα Λήδας θʼ, +ἃν ὑπὸ λαμπάδων κόροι λεύκιπποι +ξυνομαίμονες ὤλβισαν ὤλβισαν +τὸ πρόσθεν, ἐκ δόμων δὲ νοσφίσας σʼ ἐμοῦ +πρὸς ἄλλαν ἐλαύνει +θεὸς συμφορὰν τᾶσδε κρείσσω. +τὸ κακὸν δʼ ἀγαθὸν σέ τε κἀμὲ συνάγαγε, πόσιν +χρόνιον, ἀλλʼ ὅμως ὀναίμαν τύχας. + +Χορός +ὄναιο δῆτα. ταὐτὰ δὴ ξυνεύχομαι· +δυοῖν γὰρ ὄντοιν οὐχ ὃ μὲν τλήμων, ὃ δʼ οὔ. + +Ἑλένη +φίλαι φίλαι, τὰ πάρος οὐκέτι +στένομεν οὐδʼ ἀλγῶ. +πόσιν ἐμὸν ἔχομεν ἔχομεν, ὃν ἔμενον + +ἔμενον ἐκ Τροίας πολυετῆ μολεῖν. + +Μενελέως +ἔχεις, ἐγώ τε σέ· ἡλίους δὲ μυρίους +μόλις διελθὼν ᾐσθόμην τὰ τῆς θεοῦ. +ἐμὰ δὲ χαρμονὰ δάκρυα· πλέον ἔχει +χάριτος ἢ λύπας. + +Ἑλένη +τί φῶ; τίς ἂν τάδʼ ἤλπισεν βροτῶν ποτε; +ἀδόκητον ἔχω σε πρὸς στέρνοις. + +Μενελέως +κἀγὼ σὲ τὴν δοκοῦσαν Ἰδαίαν πόλιν +μολεῖν Ἰλίου τε μελέους πύργους. +πρὸς θεῶν, δόμων πῶς τῶν ἐμῶν ἀπεστάλης; + +Ἑλένη +ἒ ἔ· πικρὰς ἐς ἀρχὰς βαίνεις, +ἒ ἔ· πικρὰν δʼ ἐρευνᾷς φάτιν. + +Μενελέως +λέγʼ· ὡς ἀκουστὰ πάντα δῶρα δαιμόνων. + +Ἑλένη +ἀπέπτυσα μὲν λόγον, οἷον οἷον ἐσοίσομαι. + +Μενελέως +ὅμως δὲ λέξον· ἡδύ τοι μόχθων κλύειν. + + + +Ἑλένη +οὐκ ἐπὶ βαρβάρου λέκτρα νεανία +πετομένας κώπας, +πετομένου δʼ ἔρωτος ἀδίκων γάμων + + +Μενελέως +τίς γάρ σε δαίμων ἢ πότμος συλᾷ πάτρας; + +Ἑλένη +ὁ Διὸς ὁ Διός, ὦ πόσι, παῖς μʼ + +ἐπέλασεν Νείλῳ. + +Μενελέως +θαυμαστά· τοῦ πέμψαντος; ὦ δεινοὶ λόγοι. + +Ἑλένη +κατεδάκρυσα καὶ βλέφαρον ὑγραίνω +δάκρυσιν· ἁ Διός μʼ ἄλοχος ὤλεσεν. + +Μενελέως +Ἥρα; τί νῷν χρῄζουσα προσθεῖναι κακόν; + +Ἑλένη +ὤμοι ἐμῶν δεινῶν, λουτρῶν καὶ κρηνῶν, +ἵνα θεαὶ μορφὰν +ἐφαίδρυναν, ἔνθεν ἔμολεν κρίσις. + +Μενελέως +τὰ δʼ ἐς κρίσιν σοι τῶνδʼ ἔθηχʼ Ἥρα κακῶν — ; + +Ἑλένη +Πάριν ὡς ἀφέλοιτο — + +Μενελέως +πῶς; αὔδα. + +Ἑλένη +Κύπρις ᾧ μʼ ἐπένευσεν — + +Μενελέως +ὦ τλᾶμον. + +Ἑλένη +τλάμων, τλάμων· ὧδʼ ἐπέλασʼ Αἰγύπτῳ. + +Μενελέως +εἶτʼ ἀντέδωκʼ εἴδωλον, ὡς σέθεν κλύω. + +Ἑλένη +τὰ δὲ σὰ κατὰ μέλαθρα πάθεα πάθεα, μᾶ- +τερ, οἲ ʼγώ. + +Μενελέως +τί φῄς; + +Ἑλένη +οὐκ ἔστι μάτηρ· ἀγχόνιον δὲ βρόχον +διʼ ἐμὰν κατεδήσατο δυσγάμου αἰσχύναν. + +Μενελέως +ὤμοι· θυγατρὸς δʼ Ἑρμιόνης ἔστιν βίος; + +Ἑλένη +ἄγαμος ἄτεκνος, ὦ πόσι, καταστένει +γάμον ἄγαμον ἐμόν. + +Μενελέως +ὦ πᾶν κατʼ ἄκρας δῶμʼ ἐμὸν πέρσας Πάρις, +τάδε καὶ σὲ διώλεσε μυριάδας τε +χαλκεόπλων Δαναῶν. + +Ἑλένη +ἐμὲ δὲ πατρίδος ἄπο κακόποτμον ἀραίαν +ἔβαλε θεὸς ἀπό τε πόλεος ἀπό τε σέθεν, +ὅτε μέλαθρα λέχεά τʼ ἔλιπον — οὐ λιποῦσʼ +ἐπʼ αἰσχροῖς γάμοις.
+ + + +
+Χορός +εἰ καὶ τὰ λοιπὰ τῆς τύχης εὐδαίμονος +τύχοιτε, πρὸς τὰ πρόσθεν ἀρκέσειεν ἄν. + +Ἄγγελος +Μενέλαε, κἀμοὶ πρόσδοτον τῆς ἡδονῆς, +ἣν μανθάνω μὲν καὐτός, οὐ σαφῶς δʼ ἔχω. + +Μενελέως +ἀλλʼ, ὦ γεραιέ, καὶ σὺ κοινώνει λόγων. + +Ἄγγελος +οὐχ ἥδε μόχθων τῶν ἐν Ἰλίῳ βραβεύς; + +Μενελέως +οὐχ ἥδε, πρὸς θεῶν δʼ ἦμεν ἠπατημένοι, +νεφέλης ἄγαλμʼ ἔχοντες ἐν χεροῖν λυγρόν. + +Ἄγγελος +τί φῄς; +νεφέλης ἄρʼ ἄλλως εἴχομεν πόνους πέρι; + +Μενελέως +Ἥρας τάδʼ ἔργα καὶ θεῶν τρισσῶν ἔρις. + +Ἄγγελος +ἡ δʼ οὖσʼ ἀληθῶς ἐστιν ἥδε σὴ δάμαρ; + +Μενελέως +αὕτη· λόγοις δʼ ἐμοῖσι πίστευσον τάδε. + +Ἄγγελος +ὦ θύγατερ, ὁ θεὸς ὡς ἔφυ τι ποικίλον +καὶ δυστέκμαρτον. εὖ δέ πως πάντα στρέφει +ἐκεῖσε κἀκεῖσʼ ἀναφέρων· ὃ μὲν πονεῖ, +ὃ δʼ οὐ πονήσας αὖθις ὄλλυται κακῶς, +βέβαιον οὐδὲν τῆς ἀεὶ τύχης ἔχων. +σὺ γὰρ πόσις τε σὸς πόνων μετέσχετε, +σὺ μὲν λόγοισιν, ὃ δὲ δορὸς προθυμίᾳ. +σπεύδων δʼ ὅτʼ ἔσπευδʼ οὐδὲν εἶχε· νῦν δʼ ἔχει +αὐτόματα πράξας τἀγάθʼ εὐτυχέστατα. +οὐκ ἄρα γέροντα πατέρα καὶ Διοσκόρω +ᾔσχυνας, οὐδʼ ἔδρασας οἷα κλῄζεται. +νῦν ἀνανεοῦμαι τὸν σὸν ὑμέναιον πάλιν +καὶ λαμπάδων μεμνήμεθʼ ἃς τετραόροις +ἵπποις τροχάζων παρέφερον· σὺ δʼ ἐν δίφροις +ξὺν τῷδε νύμφη δῶμʼ ἔλειπες ὄλβιον. +κακὸς γὰρ ὅστις μὴ σέβει τὰ δεσποτῶν +καὶ ξυγγέγηθε καὶ συνωδίνει κακοῖς. +ἐγὼ μὲν εἴην, κεἰ πέφυχʼ ὅμως λάτρις, +ἐν τοῖσι γενναίοισιν ἠριθμημένος +δούλοισι, τοὔνομʼ οὐκ ἔχων ἐλεύθερον, +τὸν νοῦν δέ· κρεῖσσον γὰρ τόδʼ ἢ δυοῖν κακοῖν +ἕνʼ ὄντα χρῆσθαι, τὰς φρένας τʼ ἔχειν κακὰς +ἄλλων τʼ ἀκούειν δοῦλον ὄντα τῶν πέλας. + + + +Μενελέως +ἄγʼ, ὦ γεραιέ, πολλὰ μὲν παρʼ ἀσπίδα +μοχθήματʼ ἐξέπλησας ἐκπονῶν ἐμοί, +καὶ νῦν μετασχὼν τῆς ἐμῆς εὐπραξίας +ἄγγειλον ἐλθὼν τοῖς λελειμμένοις φίλοις +τάδʼ ὡς ἔχονθʼ ηὕρηκας οἷ τʼ ἐσμὲν τύχης, +μένειν τʼ ἐπʼ ἀκταῖς τούς τʼ ἐμοὺς καραδοκεῖν +ἀγῶνας οἳ μένουσί μʼ, ὡς ἐλπίζομεν, +κεἰ τήνδε πως δυναίμεθʼ ἐκκλέψαι χθονός, +φρουρεῖν ὅπως ἂν εἰς ἓν ἐλθόντες τύχης +ἐκ βαρβάρων σωθῶμεν, ἢν δυνώμεθα. + +Ἄγγελος +ἔσται τάδʼ, ὦναξ. ἀλλά τοι τὰ μάντεων +ἐσεῖδον ὡς φαῦλʼ ἐστὶ καὶ ψευδῶν πλέα. +οὐδʼ ἦν ἄρʼ ὑγιὲς οὐδὲν ἐμπύρου φλογὸς +οὐδὲ πτερωτῶν φθέγματʼ· εὔηθες δέ τοι +τὸ καὶ δοκεῖν ὄρνιθας ὠφελεῖν βροτούς. +Κάλχας γὰρ οὐκ εἶπʼ οὐδʼ ἐσήμηνε στρατῷ +νεφέλης ὑπερθνῄσκοντας εἰσορῶν φίλους +οὐδʼ Ἕλενος, ἀλλὰ πόλις ἀνηρπάσθη μάτην. +εἴποις ἄν· οὕνεχʼ ὁ θεὸς οὐκ ἠβούλετο; +τί δῆτα μαντευόμεθα; τοῖς θεοῖσι χρὴ +θύοντας αἰτεῖν ἀγαθά, μαντείας δʼ ἐᾶν· +βίου γὰρ ἄλλως δέλεαρ ηὑρέθη τόδε, +κοὐδεὶς ἐπλούτησʼ ἐμπύροισιν ἀργὸς ὤν· +γνώμη δʼ ἀρίστη μάντις ἥ τʼ εὐβουλία. + + + +Χορός +ἐς ταὐτὸ κἀμοὶ δόξα μαντειῶν πέρι +χωρεῖ γέροντι· τοὺς θεοὺς ἔχων τις ἂν +φίλους ἀρίστην μαντικὴν ἔχοι δόμοις. + +Ἑλένη +εἶἑν· τὰ μὲν δὴ δεῦρʼ ἀεὶ καλῶς ἔχει. +ὅπως δʼ ἐσώθης, ὦ τάλας, Τροίας ἄπο, +κέρδος μὲν οὐδὲν εἰδέναι, πόθος δέ τις +τὰ τῶν φίλων φίλοισιν αἰσθέσθαι κακά. + +Μενελέως +ἦ πόλλʼ ἀνήρου μʼ ἑνὶ λόγῳ μιᾷ θʼ ὁδῷ. +τί σοι λέγοιμʼ ἂν τὰς ἐν Αἰγαίῳ φθορὰς +τὰ Ναυπλίου τʼ Εὐβοικὰ πυρπολήματα +Κρήτην τε Λιβύης θʼ ἃς ἐπεστράφην πόλεις, +σκοπιάς τε Περσέως; οὐ γὰρ ἐμπλήσαιμί σʼ ἂν + +μύθων, λέγων τʼ ἄν σοι κάκʼ ἀλγοίην ἔτι, +πάσχων τʼ ἔκαμνον· δὶς δὲ λυπηθεῖμεν ἄν. + +Ἑλένη +κάλλιον εἶπας ἤ σʼ ἀνηρόμην ἐγώ. +ἓν δʼ εἰπὲ πάντα παραλιπών, πόσον χρόνον +πόντου ʼπὶ νώτοις ἅλιον ἐφθείρου πλάνον; + +Μενελέως +ἐν ναυσὶν ὢν πρὸς τοῖσιν ἐν Τροίᾳ δέκα +ἔτεσι διῆλθον ἑπτὰ περιδρομὰς ἐτῶν. + +Ἑλένη +φεῦ φεῦ· μακρόν γʼ ἔλεξας, ὦ τάλας, χρόνον +σωθεὶς δʼ ἐκεῖθεν ἐνθάδʼ ἦλθες ἐς σφαγάς. + +Μενελέως +πῶς φῄς; τί λέξεις; ὥς μʼ ἀπώλεσας, γύναι. + +Ἑλένη +φεῦγʼ ὡς τάχιστα τῆσδʼ ἀπαλλαχθεὶς χθονός. +θανῇ πρὸς ἀνδρὸς οὗ τάδʼ ἐστὶ δώματα. + +Μενελέως +τί χρῆμα δράσας ἄξιον τῆς συμφορᾶς; + +Ἑλένη +ἥκεις ἄελπτος ἐμποδὼν ἐμοῖς γάμοις. + +Μενελέως +ἦ γὰρ γαμεῖν τις τἄμʼ ἐβουλήθη λέχη; + +Ἑλένη +ὕβριν θʼ ὑβρίζειν εἰς ἔμʼ, ἣν ἔτλην ἐγώ. + +Μενελέως +ἰδίᾳ σθένων τις ἢ τυραννεύων χθονός; + +Ἑλένη +ὃς γῆς ἀνάσσει τῆσδε Πρωτέως γόνος. + +Μενελέως +τόδʼ ἔστʼ ἐκεῖνʼ αἴνιγμʼ ὃ προσπόλου κλύω. + +Ἑλένη +ποίοις ἐπιστὰς βαρβάροις πυλώμασιν; + +Μενελέως +τοῖσδʼ, ἔνθεν ὥσπερ πτωχὸς ἐξηλαυνόμην. + +Ἑλένη +οὔ που προσῄτεις βίοτον; ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ. + +Μενελέως +τοὔργον μὲν ἦν τοῦτʼ, ὄνομα δʼ οὐκ εἶχεν τόδε. + + + +Ἑλένη +πάντʼ οἶσθʼ ἄρʼ, ὡς ἔοικας, ἀμφʼ ἐμῶν γάμων. + +Μενελέως +οἶδʼ· εἰ δὲ λέκτρα διέφυγες τάδʼ οὐκ ἔχω. + +Ἑλένη +ἄθικτον εὐνὴν ἴσθι σοι σεσῳσμένην. + +Μενελέως +τίς τοῦδε πειθώ; φίλα γάρ, εἰ σαφῆ λέγεις. + +Ἑλένη +ὁρᾷς τάφου τοῦδʼ ἀθλίους ἕδρας ἐμάς; + +Μενελέως +ὁρῶ ταλαίνας στιβάδας, ὧν τί σοὶ μέτα; + +Ἑλένη +ἐνταῦθα λέκτρων ἱκετεύομεν φυγάς. + +Μενελέως +βωμοῦ σπανίζουσʼ ἢ νόμοισι βαρβάροις; + +Ἑλένη +ἐρρύεθʼ ἡμᾶς τοῦτʼ ἴσον ναοῖς θεῶν. + +Μενελέως +οὐδʼ ἄρα πρὸς οἴκους ναυστολεῖν σʼ ἔξεστί μοι; + +Ἑλένη +ξίφος μένει σε μᾶλλον ἢ τοὐμὸν λέχος. + +Μενελέως +οὕτως ἂν εἴην ἀθλιώτατος βροτῶν. + +Ἑλένη +μή νυν καταιδοῦ, φεῦγε δʼ ἐκ τῆσδε χθονός. + +Μενελέως +λιπών σε; Τροίαν ἐξέπερσα σὴν χάριν. + +Ἑλένη +κρεῖσσον γὰρ ἤ σε τἄμʼ ἀποκτεῖναι λέχη. + +Μενελέως +ἄνανδρά γʼ εἶπας Ἰλίου τʼ οὐκ ἄξια. + +Ἑλένη +οὐκ ἂν κτάνοις τύραννον, ὃ σπεύδεις ἴσως. + +Μενελέως +οὕτω σιδήρῳ τρωτὸν οὐκ ἔχει δέμας; + +Ἑλένη +εἴσῃ. τὸ τολμᾶν δʼ ἀδύνατʼ ἀνδρὸς οὐ σοφοῦ. + +Μενελέως +σιγῇ παράσχω δῆτʼ ἐμὰς δῆσαι χέρας; + +Ἑλένη +ἐς ἄπορον ἥκεις· δεῖ δὲ μηχανῆς τινος. + +Μενελέως +δρῶντας γὰρ ἢ μὴ δρῶντας ἥδιον θανεῖν. + +Ἑλένη +μίʼ ἔστιν ἐλπίς, ᾗ μόνῃ σωθεῖμεν ἄν. + +Μενελέως +ὠνητὸς ἢ τολμητὸς ἢ λόγων ὕπο; + +Ἑλένη +εἰ μὴ τύραννός σʼ ἐκπύθοιτʼ ἀφιγμένον. + +Μενελέως +ἐρεῖ δὲ τίς μʼ; οὐ γνώσεταί γʼ ὅς εἰμʼ ἐγώ. + +Ἑλένη +ἔστʼ ἔνδον αὐτῷ ξύμμαχος θεοῖς ἴση. + +Μενελέως +φήμη τις οἴκων ἐν μυχοῖς ἱδρυμένη; + +Ἑλένη +οὔκ, ἀλλʼ ἀδελφή· Θεονόην καλοῦσί νιν. + +Μενελέως +χρηστήριον μὲν τοὔνομʼ· ὅ τι δὲ δρᾷ φράσον. + +Ἑλένη +πάντʼ οἶδʼ, ἐρεῖ τε συγγόνῳ παρόντα σε. + +Μενελέως +θνῄσκοιμεν ἄν· λαθεῖν γὰρ οὐχ οἷόν τέ μοι. + +Ἑλένη +ἴσως ἂν ἀναπείσαιμεν ἱκετεύοντέ νιν — + +Μενελέως +τί χρῆμα δρᾶσαι; τίνʼ ὑπάγεις μʼ ἐς ἐλπίδα; + +Ἑλένη +παρόντα γαίᾳ μὴ φράσαι σε συγγόνῳ. + +Μενελέως +πείσαντε δʼ ἐκ γῆς διορίσαιμεν ἂν πόδα; + +Ἑλένη +κοινῇ γʼ ἐκείνῃ ῥᾳδίως, λάθρᾳ δʼ ἂν οὔ. + +Μενελέως +σὸν ἔργον, ὡς γυναικὶ πρόσφορον γυνή. + +Ἑλένη +ὡς οὐκ ἄχρωστα γόνατʼ ἐμῶν ἕξει χερῶν. + + + +Μενελέως +φέρʼ, ἢν δὲ δὴ νῷν μὴ ἀποδέξηται λόγους; + +Ἑλένη +θανῇ· γαμοῦμαι δʼ ἡ τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ βίᾳ. + +Μενελέως +προδότις ἂν εἴης· τὴν βίαν σκήψασʼ ἔχεις. + +Ἑλένη +ἀλλʼ ἁγνὸν ὅρκον σὸν κάρα κατώμοσα + + +Μενελέως +τί φῄς; θανεῖσθαι; κοὔποτʼ ἀλλάξεις λέχη; + +Ἑλένη +ταὐτῷ ξίφει γε· κείσομαι δὲ σοῦ πέλας. + +Μενελέως +ἐπὶ τοῖσδε τοίνυν δεξιᾶς ἐμῆς θίγε. + +Ἑλένη +ψαύω, θανόντος σοῦ τόδʼ ἐκλείψειν φάος. + +Μενελέως +κἀγὼ στερηθεὶς σοῦ τελευτήσειν βίον. + +Ἑλένη +πῶς οὖν θανούμεθʼ ὥστε καὶ δόξαν λαβεῖν; + +Μενελέως +τύμβου ʼπὶ νώτῳ σὲ κτανὼν ἐμὲ κτενῶ. +πρῶτον δʼ ἀγῶνα μέγαν ἀγωνιούμεθα +λέκτρων ὑπὲρ σῶν. ὁ δὲ θέλων ἴτω πέλας· +τὸ Τρωικὸν γὰρ οὐ καταισχυνῶ κλέος +οὐδʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἐλθὼν λήψομαι πολὺν ψόγον, +ὅστις Θέτιν μὲν ἐστέρησʼ Ἀχιλλέως, +Τελαμωνίου δʼ Αἴαντος εἰσεῖδον σφαγάς, +τὸν Νηλέως τʼ ἄπαιδα· διὰ δὲ τὴν ἐμὴν +οὐκ ἀξιώσω κατθανεῖν δάμαρτʼ ἐγώ; +μάλιστά γε· εἰ γάρ εἰσιν οἱ θεοὶ σοφοί, +εὔψυχον ἄνδρα πολεμίων θανόνθʼ ὕπο +κούφῃ καταμπίσχουσιν ἐν τύμβῳ χθονί, +κακοὺς δʼ ἐφʼ ἕρμα στερεὸν ἐκβάλλουσι γῆς. + +Χορός +ὦ θεοί, γενέσθω δή ποτʼ εὐτυχὲς γένος +τὸ Ταντάλειον καὶ μεταστήτω κακῶν. + +Ἑλένη +οἲ ἐγὼ τάλαινα· τῆς τύχης γὰρ ὧδʼ ἔχω. +Μενέλαε, διαπεπράγμεθʼ· ἐκβαίνει δόμων +ἡ θεσπιῳδὸς Θεονόη· κτυπεῖ δόμος +κλῄθρων λυθέντων. φεῦγʼ· ἀτὰρ τί φευκτέον; +ἀποῦσα γάρ σε καὶ παροῦσʼ ἀφιγμένον +δεῦρʼ οἶδεν· ὦ δύστηνος, ὡς ἀπωλόμην. +Τροίας δὲ σωθεὶς κἀπὸ βαρβάρου χθονὸς +ἐς βάρβαρʼ ἐλθὼν φάσγανʼ αὖθις ἐμπεσῇ. + + + +Θεονόη +ἡγοῦ σύ μοι φέρουσα λαμπτήρων σέλας +θείου δε σεμνὸν θεσμὸν αἰθέρος μυχούς, +ὡς πνεῦμα καθαρὸν οὐρανοῦ δεξώμεθα· +σὺ δʼ αὖ κέλευθον εἴ τις ἔβλαψεν ποδὶ +στείβων ἀνοσίῳ, δὸς καθαρσίῳ φλογί, +κροῦσον δὲ πεύκην, ἵνα διεξέλθω, πυρός. +νόμον δὲ τὸν ἐμὸν θεοῖσιν ἀποδοῦσαι πάρος +ἐφέστιον φλόγʼ ἐς δόμους κομίζετε. +Ἑλένη, τί τἀμὰ — πῶς ἔχει — θεσπίσματα; +ἥκει πόσις σοι Μενέλεως ὅδʼ ἐμφανής, +νεῶν στερηθεὶς τοῦ τε σοῦ μιμήματος. +ὦ τλῆμον, οἵους διαφυγὼν ἦλθες πόνους, +οὐδʼ οἶσθα νόστον οἴκαδʼ εἴτʼ αὐτοῦ μενεῖς· +ἔρις γὰρ ἐν θεοῖς σύλλογός τε σοῦ πέρι +ἔσται πάρεδρος Ζηνὶ τῷδʼ ἐν ἤματι. +Ἥρα μέν, ἥ σοι δυσμενὴς πάροιθεν ἦν, +νῦν ἐστιν εὔνους κἀς πάτραν σῷσαι θέλει +ξὺν τῇδʼ, ἵνʼ Ἑλλὰς τοὺς Ἀλεξάνδρου γάμους, +δώρημα Κύπριδος, ψευδονυμφεύτους μάθῃ· +Κύπρις δὲ νόστον σὸν διαφθεῖραι θέλει, +ὡς μὴ ʼξελεγχθῇ μηδὲ πριαμένη φανῇ +τὸ κάλλος, Ἑλένης οὕνεκʼ, ἀνονήτοις γάμοις. +τέλος δʼ ἐφʼ ἡμῖν, εἴθʼ, ἃ βούλεται Κύπρις, +λέξασʼ ἀδελφῷ σʼ ἐνθάδʼ ὄντα διολέσω, +εἴτʼ αὖ μεθʼ Ἥρας στᾶσα σὸν σώσω βίον, +κρύψασʼ ὁμαίμονʼ, ὅς με προστάσσει τάδε +εἰπεῖν, ὅταν γῆν τήνδε νοστήσας τύχῃς + +τίς εἶσʼ ἀδελφῷ τόνδε σημανῶν ἐμῷ +παρόνθʼ, ὅπως ἂν τοὐμὸν ἀσφαλῶς ἔχῃ; + + + +Ἑλένη +ὦ παρθένʼ, ἱκέτις ἀμφὶ σὸν πίτνω γόνυ +καὶ προσκαθίζω θᾶκον οὐκ εὐδαίμονα +ὑπέρ τʼ ἐμαυτῆς τοῦδέ θʼ, ὃν μόλις ποτὲ +λαβοῦσʼ ἐπʼ ἀκμῆς εἰμι κατθανόντʼ ἰδεῖν· +μή μοι κατείπῃς σῷ κασιγνήτῳ πόσιν +τόνδʼ εἰς ἐμὰς ἥκοντα φιλτάτας χέρας, +σῷσον δέ, λίσσομαί σε· συγγόνῳ δὲ σῷ +τὴν εὐσέβειαν μὴ προδῷς τὴν σήν ποτε, +χάριτας πονηρὰς κἀδίκους ὠνουμένη. +μισεῖ γὰρ ὁ θεὸς τὴν βίαν, τὰ κτητὰ δὲ +κτᾶσθαι κελεύει πάντας οὐκ ἐς ἁρπαγάς. +ἐατέος δʼ ὁ πλοῦτος ἄδικός τις ὤν. + +κοινὸς γάρ ἐστιν οὐρανὸς πᾶσιν βροτοῖς +καὶ γαῖʼ, ἐν ᾗ χρὴ δώματʼ ἀναπληρουμένους +τἀλλότρια μὴ σχεῖν μηδʼ ἀφαιρεῖσθαι βίᾳ. +ἡμᾶς δὲ καιρίως μέν, ἀθλίως δʼ ἐμοί, +Ἑρμῆς ἔδωκε πατρὶ σῷ σῴζειν πόσει +τῷδʼ ὃς πάρεστι κἀπολάζυσθαι θέλει. +πῶς οὖν θανὼν ἂν ἀπολάβοι; κεῖνος δὲ πῶς +τὰ ζῶντα τοῖς θανοῦσιν ἀποδοίη ποτʼ ἄν; +ἤδη τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τὰ τοῦ πατρὸς σκόπει· +πότερον ὁ δαίμων χὡ θανὼν τὰ τῶν πέλας +βούλοιντʼ ἂν ἢ οὐ βούλοιντʼ ἂν ἀποδοῦναι πάλιν; +δοκῶ μέν. οὔκουν χρή σε συγγόνῳ πλέον +νέμειν ματαίῳ μᾶλλον ἢ χρηστῷ πατρί. +εἰ δʼ οὖσα μάντις καὶ τὰ θεῖʼ ἡγουμένη +τὸ μὲν δίκαιον τοῦ πατρὸς διαφθερεῖς, +τῷ δʼ οὐ δικαίῳ συγγόνῳ σώσεις χάριν, +αἰσχρὸν τὰ μέν σε θεῖα πάντʼ ἐξειδέναι, +τά τʼ ὄντα καὶ μέλλοντα, τὰ δὲ δίκαια μή. +τήν τʼ ἀθλίαν ἔμʼ, οἷσιν ἔγκειμαι κακοῖς, +ῥῦσαι, πάρεργον δοῦσα τοῦτο τῆς τύχης· +Ἑλένην γὰρ οὐδεὶς ὅστις οὐ στυγεῖ βροτῶν· +ἣ κλῄζομαι καθʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ὡς προδοῦσʼ ἐμὸν +πόσιν Φρυγῶν ᾤκησα πολυχρύσους δόμους. +ἢν δʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἔλθω κἀπιβῶ Σπάρτης πάλιν, +κλύοντες εἰσιδόντες ὡς τέχναις θεῶν +ὤλοντʼ, ἐγὼ δὲ προδότις οὐκ ἄρʼ ἦ φίλων, +πάλιν μʼ ἀνάξουσʼ ἐς τὸ σῶφρον αὖθις αὖ, +ἑδνώσομαί τε θυγατέρʼ, ἣν οὐδεὶς γαμεῖ, +τὴν δʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἐκλιποῦσʼ ἀλητείαν πικρὰν +ὄντων ἐν οἴκοις χρημάτων ὀνήσομαι. +κεἰ μὲν θανὼν ὅδʼ ἐν πυρᾷ κατεσφάγη, +πρόσω σφʼ ἀπόντα δακρύοις ἂν ἠγάπων· +νῦν δʼ ὄντα καὶ σωθέντʼ ἀφαιρεθήσομαι; +μὴ δῆτα, παρθένʼ, ἀλλά σʼ ἱκετεύω τόδε· +δὸς τὴν χάριν μοι τήνδε καὶ μιμοῦ τρόπους +πατρὸς δικαίου· παισὶ γὰρ κλέος τόδε +κάλλιστον, ὅστις ἐκ πατρὸς χρηστοῦ γεγὼς +ἐς ταὐτὸν ἦλθε τοῖς τεκοῦσι τοὺς τρόπους. + + + +Χορός +οἰκτρὸν μὲν οἱ παρόντες ἐν μέσῳ λόγοι, +οἰκτρὰ δὲ καὶ σύ. τοὺς δὲ Μενέλεω ποθῶ +λόγους ἀκοῦσαι τίνας ἐρεῖ ψυχῆς πέρι. + +Μενελέως +ἐγὼ σὸν οὔτʼ ἂν προσπεσεῖν τλαίην γόνυ +οὔτʼ ἂν δακρῦσαι βλέφαρα· τὴν Τροίαν γὰρ ἂν +δειλοὶ γενόμενοι πλεῖστον αἰσχύνοιμεν ἄν. +καίτοι λέγουσιν ὡς πρὸς ἀνδρὸς εὐγενοῦς +ἐν ξυμφοραῖσι δάκρυʼ ἀπʼ ὀφθαλμῶν βαλεῖν. +ἀλλʼ οὐχὶ τοῦτο τὸ καλόν, εἰ καλὸν τόδε, +αἱρήσομαι ʼγὼ πρόσθε τῆς εὐψυχίας. +ἀλλʼ, εἰ μὲν ἄνδρα σοι δοκεῖ σῷσαι ξένον +ζητοῦντά γʼ ὀρθῶς ἀπολαβεῖν δάμαρτʼ ἐμήν, +ἀπόδος τε καὶ πρὸς σῷσον· εἰ δὲ μὴ δοκεῖ, +ἐγὼ μὲν οὐ νῦν πρῶτον ἀλλὰ πολλάκις +ἄθλιος ἂν εἴην, σὺ δὲ γυνὴ κακὴ φανῇ. +ἃ δʼ ἄξιʼ ἡμῶν καὶ δίκαιʼ ἡγούμεθα +καὶ σῆς μάλιστα καρδίας ἀνθάψεται, +λέξω τάδʼ ἀμφὶ μνῆμα σοῦ πατρὸς πόθῳ· +ὦ γέρον, ὃς οἰκεῖς τόνδε λάινον τάφον, +ἀπόδος, ἀπαιτῶ τὴν ἐμὴν δάμαρτά σε, +ἣν Ζεὺς ἔπεμψε δεῦρό σοι σῴζειν ἐμοί. +οἶδʼ οὕνεκʼ ἡμῖν οὔποτʼ ἀποδώσεις θανών· +ἀλλʼ ἥδε πατέρα νέρθεν ἀνακαλούμενον +οὐκ ἀξιώσει τὸν πρὶν εὐκλεέστατον +κακῶς ἀκοῦσαι· κυρία γάρ ἐστι νῦν. + +ὦ νέρτερʼ Ἅιδη, καὶ σὲ σύμμαχον καλῶ, +ὃς πόλλʼ ἐδέξω τῆσδʼ ἕκατι σώματα +πεσόντα τὠμῷ φασγάνῳ, μισθὸν δʼ ἔχεις· +ἢ νῦν ἐκείνους ἀπόδος ἐμψύχους πάλιν, +ἢ τήνδε πατρὸς εὐσεβοῦς ἀνάγκασον +κρείσσω φανεῖσαν τἀμά γʼ ἀποδοῦναι λέχη. +εἰ δʼ ἐμὲ γυναῖκα τὴν ἐμὴν συλήσετε, +ἅ σοι παρέλιπεν ἥδε τῶν λόγων, φράσω. +ὅρκοις κεκλῄμεθʼ, ὡς μάθῃς, ὦ παρθένε, +πρῶτον μὲν ἐλθεῖν διὰ μάχης σῷ συγγόνῳ +κἀκεῖνον ἢ ʼμὲ δεῖ θανεῖν· ἁπλοῦς λόγος. +ἢν δʼ ἐς μὲν ἀλκὴν μὴ πόδʼ ἀντιθῇ ποδί, +λιμῷ δὲ θηρᾷ τύμβον ἱκετεύοντε νώ, +κτανεῖν δέδοκται τήνδε μοι κἄπειτʼ ἐμὸν +πρὸς ἧπαρ ὦσαι δίστομον ξίφος τόδε +τύμβου ʼπὶ νώτοις τοῦδʼ, ἵνʼ αἵματος ῥοαὶ +τάφου καταστάζωσι· κεισόμεσθα δὲ +νεκρὼ δύʼ ἑξῆς τῷδʼ ἐπὶ ξεστῷ τάφῳ, +ἀθάνατον ἄλγος σοί, ψόγος δὲ σῷ πατρί. +οὐ γὰρ γαμεῖ τήνδʼ οὔτε σύγγονος σέθεν +οὔτʼ ἄλλος οὐδείς· ἀλλʼ ἐγώ σφʼ ἀπάξομαι, +εἰ μὴ πρὸς οἴκους δυνάμεθʼ, ἀλλὰ πρὸς νεκρούς. +τί ταῦτα; δακρύοις ἐς τὸ θῆλυ τρεπόμενος +ἐλεινὸς ἦν ἂν μᾶλλον ἢ δραστήριος. +κτεῖνʼ, εἰ δοκεῖ σοι· δυσκλεᾶς γὰρ οὐ κτενεῖς· +μᾶλλόν γε μέντοι τοῖς ἐμοῖς πείθου λόγοις, +ἵνʼ ᾖς δικαία καὶ δάμαρτʼ ἐγὼ λάβω. + +Χορός +ἐν σοὶ βραβεύειν, ὦ νεᾶνι, τοὺς λόγους· +οὕτω δὲ κρῖνον, ὡς ἅπασιν ἁνδάνῃς. + + + + +Θεονόη +ἐγὼ πέφυκά τʼ εὐσεβεῖν καὶ βούλομαι, +φιλῶ τʼ ἐμαυτήν, καὶ κλέος τοὐμοῦ πατρὸς +οὐκ ἂν μιάναιμʼ, οὐδὲ συγγόνῳ χάριν +δοίην ἂν ἐξ ἧς δυσκλεὴς φανήσομαι. +ἔνεστι δʼ ἱερὸν τῆς δίκης ἐμοὶ μέγα +ἐν τῇ φύσει· καὶ τοῦτο Νηρέως πάρα +ἔχουσα σῴζειν, Μενέλεως, πειράσομαι. +Ἥρᾳ δʼ, ἐπείπερ βούλεταί σʼ εὐεργετεῖν, +ἐς ταὐτὸν οἴσω ψῆφον· ἡ Κύπρις δʼ ἐμοὶ +ἵλεως μὲν εἴη, ξυμβέβηκε δʼ οὐδαμοῦ· +πειράσομαι δὲ παρθένος μένειν ἀεί. +ἃ δʼ ἀμφὶ τύμβῳ τῷδʼ ὀνειδίζεις πατρί, +ἡμῖν ὅδʼ αὑτὸς μῦθος. ἀδικοίημεν ἄν, +εἰ μὴ ἀποδώσω· καὶ γὰρ ἂν κεῖνος βλέπων +ἀπέδωκεν ἂν σοὶ τήνδʼ ἔχειν, ταύτῃ δὲ σέ. +καὶ γὰρ τίσις τῶνδʼ ἐστὶ τοῖς τε νερτέροις +καὶ τοῖς ἄνωθεν πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις· ὁ νοῦς +τῶν κατθανόντων ζῇ μὲν οὔ, γνώμην δʼ ἔχει +ἀθάνατον εἰς ἀθάνατον αἰθέρʼ ἐμπεσών. +ὡς οὖν παραινῶ μὴ μακράν, σιγήσομαι +ἅ μου καθικετεύσατʼ, οὐδὲ μωρίᾳ +ξύμβουλος ἔσομαι τῇ κασιγνήτου ποτέ. +εὐεργετῶ γὰρ κεῖνον οὐ δοκοῦσʼ ὅμως, +ἐκ δυσσεβείας ὅσιον εἰ τίθημί νιν. + αὐτοὶ μὲν οὖν ὁδόν τινʼ ἐξευρίσκετε, +ἐγὼ δʼ ἀποστᾶσʼ ἐκποδὼν σιγήσομαι. +ἐκ τῶν θεῶν δʼ ἄρχεσθε χἱκετεύετε +τὴν μέν σʼ ἐᾶσαι πατρίδα νοστῆσαι Κύπριν, +Ἥρας δὲ τὴν ἔννοιαν ἐν ταὐτῷ μένειν +ἣν ἐς σὲ καὶ σὸν πόσιν ἔχει σωτηρίας. + σὺ δʼ, ὦ θανών μοι πάτερ, ὅσον γʼ ἐγὼ σθένω, +οὔποτε κεκλήσῃ δυσσεβὴς ἀντʼ εὐσεβοῦς. + +Χορός +οὐδείς ποτʼ εὐτύχησεν ἔκδικος γεγώς, +ἐν τῷ δικαίῳ δʼ ἐλπίδες σωτηρίας. + + + +Ἑλένη +Μενέλαε, πρὸς μὲν παρθένου σεσῴσμεθα· +τοὐνθένδε δὴ σὲ τοὺς λόγους φέροντα χρὴ +κοινὴν ξυνάπτειν μηχανὴν σωτηρίας. + +Μενελέως +ἄκουε δή νυν· χρόνιος εἶ κατὰ στέγας +καὶ συντέθραψαι προσπόλοισι βασιλέως. + +Ἑλένη +τί τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας; ἐσφέρεις γὰρ ἐλπίδας +ὡς δή τι δράσων χρηστὸν ἐς κοινόν γε νῷν. + +Μενελέως +πείσειας ἄν τινʼ οἵτινες τετραζύγων +ὄχων ἀνάσσουσʼ, ὥστε νῷν δοῦναι δίφρους; + +Ἑλένη +πείσαιμʼ ἄν· ἀλλὰ τίνα φυγὴν φευξούμεθα +πεδίων ἄπειροι βαρβάρου τʼ ὄντες χθονός; + +Μενελέως +ἀδύνατον εἶπας. φέρε, τί δʼ, εἰ κρυφθεὶς δόμοις +κτάνοιμʼ ἄνακτα τῷδε διστόμῳ ξίφει; + +Ἑλένη +οὐκ ἄν σʼ ἀνάσχοιτʼ οὐδὲ σιγήσειεν ἂν +μέλλοντʼ ἀδελφὴ σύγγονον κατακτενεῖν. + +Μενελέως +ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ μὴν ναῦς ἔστιν ᾗ σωθεῖμεν ἂν +φεύγοντες· ἣν γὰρ εἴχομεν θάλασσʼ ἔχει. + +Ἑλένη +ἄκουσον, ἤν τι καὶ γυνὴ λέξῃ σοφόν. +βούλῃ λέγεσθαι, μὴ θανών, λόγῳ θανεῖν; + +Μενελέως +κακὸς μὲν ὄρνις· εἰ δὲ κερδανῶ, λέγειν +ἕτοιμός εἰμι μὴ θανὼν λόγῳ θανεῖν. + +Ἑλένη +καὶ μὴν γυναικείοις σʼ ἂν οἰκτισαίμεθα +κουραῖσι καὶ θρήνοισι πρὸς τὸν ἀνόσιον. + +Μενελέως +σωτηρίας δὲ τοῦτʼ ἔχει τί νῷν ἄκος; +παλαιότης γὰρ τῷ λόγῳ γʼ ἔνεστί τις. + +Ἑλένη +ὡς δὴ θανόντα σʼ ἐνάλιον κενῷ τάφῳ +θάψαι τύραννον τῆσδε γῆς αἰτήσομαι. + +Μενελέως +καὶ δὴ παρεῖκεν· εἶτα πῶς ἄνευ νεὼς +σωθησόμεσθα κενοταφοῦντʼ ἐμὸν δέμας; + +Ἑλένη +δοῦναι κελεύσω πορθμίδʼ, ᾗ καθήσομαι +κόσμον τάφῳ σῷ πελαγίους ἐς ἀγκάλας. + +Μενελέως +ὡς εὖ τόδʼ εἶπας πλὴν ἕν· εἰ χέρσῳ ταφὰς +θεῖναι κελεύσει σʼ, οὐδὲν ἡ σκῆψις φέρει. + +Ἑλένη +ἀλλʼ οὐ νομίζειν φήσομεν καθʼ Ἑλλάδα +χέρσῳ καλύπτειν τοὺς θανόντας ἐναλίους. + + + +Μενελέως +τοῦτʼ αὖ κατορθοῖς· εἶτʼ ἐγὼ συμπλεύσομαι +καὶ συγκαθήσω κόσμον ἐν ταὐτῷ σκάφει. + +Ἑλένη +σὲ καὶ παρεῖναι δεῖ μάλιστα τούς τε σοὺς +πλωτῆρας οἵπερ ἔφυγον ἐκ ναυαγίας. + +Μενελέως +καὶ μὴν ἐάνπερ ναῦν ἐπʼ ἀγκύρας λάβω, +ἀνὴρ παρʼ ἄνδρα στήσεται ξιφηφόρος. + +Ἑλένη +σὲ χρὴ βραβεύειν πάντα· πόμπιμοι μόνον +λαίφει πνοαὶ γένοιντο καὶ νεὼς δρόμος. + +Μενελέως +ἔσται· πόνους γὰρ δαίμονες παύσουσί μου. +ἀτὰρ θανόντα τοῦ μʼ ἐρεῖς πεπυσμένη; + +Ἑλένη +σοῦ· καὶ μόνος γε φάσκε διαφυγεῖν μόρον +Ἀτρέως πλέων σὺν παιδὶ καὶ θανόνθʼ ὁρᾶν. + +Μενελέως +καὶ μὴν τάδʼ ἀμφίβληστρα σώματος ῥάκη +ξυμμαρτυρήσει ναυτικῶν ἐρειπίων. + +Ἑλένη +ἐς καιρὸν ἦλθε, τότε δʼ ἄκαιρʼ ἀπώλλυτο· +τὸ δʼ ἄθλιον κεῖνʼ εὐτυχὲς τάχʼ ἂν πέσοι. + +Μενελέως +πότερα δʼ ἐς οἴκους σοὶ συνεισελθεῖν με χρὴ +ἢ πρὸς τάφῳ τῷδʼ ἥσυχοι καθώμεθα; + +Ἑλένη +αὐτοῦ μένʼ· ἢν γὰρ καί τι πλημμελές σε δρᾷ, +τάφος σʼ ὅδʼ ἂν ῥύσαιτο φάσγανόν τε σόν. +ἐγὼ δʼ ἐς οἴκους βᾶσα βοστρύχους τεμῶ +πέπλων τε λευκῶν μέλανας ἀνταλλάξομαι +παρῇδί τʼ ὄνυχα φόνιον ἐμβαλῶ χροός. +μέγας γὰρ ἁγών, καὶ βλέπω δύο ῥοπάς· +ἢ γὰρ θανεῖν δεῖ μʼ, ἢν ἁλῶ τεχνωμένη, +ἢ πατρίδα τʼ ἐλθεῖν καὶ σὸν ἐκσῷσαι δέμας. +ὦ πότνιʼ ἣ Δίοισιν ἐν λέκτροις πίτνεις +Ἥρα, δύʼ οἰκτρὼ φῶτʼ ἀνάψυξον πόνων, +αἰτούμεθʼ ὀρθὰς ὠλένας πρὸς οὐρανὸν +ῥίπτονθʼ, ἵνʼ οἰκεῖς ἀστέρων ποικίλματα. +σύ θʼ, ἣ ʼπὶ τὠμῷ κάλλος ἐκτήσω γάμῳ, +κόρη Διώνης Κύπρι, μή μʼ ἐξεργάσῃ. +ἅλις δὲ λύμης ἥν μʼ ἐλυμήνω πάρος +τοὔνομα παρασχοῦσʼ, οὐ τὸ σῶμʼ, ἐν βαρβάροις. +θανεῖν δʼ ἔασόν μʼ, εἰ κατακτεῖναι θέλεις, +ἐν γῇ πατρῴᾳ. τί ποτʼ ἄπληστος εἶ κακῶν, +ἔρωτας ἀπάτας δόλιά τʼ ἐξευρήματα +ἀσκοῦσα φίλτρα θʼ αἱματηρὰ δωμάτων; +εἰ δʼ ἦσθα μετρία, τἄλλα γʼ ἡδίστη θεῶν +πέφυκας ἀνθρώποισιν· οὐκ ἄλλως λέγω.
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+Χορός +σὲ τὰν ἐναύλοις ὑπὸ δενδροκόμοις +μουσεῖα καὶ θάκους ἐνί- +ζουσαν ἀναβοάσω, +σὲ τὰν ἀοιδοτάταν ὄρνιθα μελῳδὸν +ἀηδόνα δακρυόεσσαν, +ἔλθʼ ὦ διὰ ξουθᾶν +γενύων ἐλελιζομένα +θρήνων ἐμοὶ ξυνεργός, +Ἑλένας μελέας πόνους +τὸν Ἰλιάδων τʼ ἀει- +δούσᾳ δακρυόεντα πότμον +Ἀχαιῶν ὑπὸ λόγχαις· +ὅτʼ ἔδραμε ῥόθια πεδία βαρβάρῳ πλάτᾳ +ὅτʼ ἔμολεν ἔμολε, μέλεα Πριαμίδαις ἄγων +Λακεδαίμονος ἄπο λέχεα +σέθεν, ὦ Ἑλένα, Πάρις αἰνόγαμος +πομπαῖσιν Ἀφροδίτας. + + +
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+Χορός +πολλοὶ δʼ Ἀχαιῶν δορὶ καὶ πετρίναις +ῥιπαῖσιν ἐκπνεύσαντες Ἅι- +δαν μέλεον ἔχουσιν, +ταλαινᾶν ἀλόχων κείραντες ἔθειραν· +ἄνυμφα δὲ μέλαθρα κεῖται· +πολλοὺς δὲ πυρσεύσας +φλογερὸν σέλας ἀμφιρύταν +Εὔβοιαν εἷλʼ Ἀχαιῶν +μονόκωπος ἀνήρ, πέτραις +Καφηρίσιν ἐμβαλὼν +Αἰγαίαις τʼ ἐνάλοις δόλιον +ἀκταῖς ἀστέρα λάμψας. +ἀλίμενα δʼ ὄρεα Μάλεα χειμάτων πνοᾷ, +ὅτʼ ἔσυτο πατρίδος ἀποπρό, βαρβάρου στολᾶς +γέρας, οὐ γέρας ἀλλʼ ἔριν, +Δαναῶν Μενέλας ἐπὶ ναυσὶν ἄγων, +εἴδωλον ἱερὸν Ἥρας. + + +
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+Χορός +ὅ τι θεὸς ἢ μὴ θεὸς ἢ τὸ μέσον, +τίς φησʼ ἐρευνήσας βροτῶν +μακρότατον πέρας εὑρεῖν +ὃς τὰ θεῶν ἐσορᾷ +δεῦρο καὶ αὖθις ἐκεῖσε +καὶ πάλιν ἀντιλόγοις +πηδῶντʼ ἀνελπίστοις τύχαις; +σὺ Διὸς ἔφυς, ὦ Ἑλένα, θυγάτηρ· +πτανὸς γὰρ ἐν κόλποις σε Λή- +δας ἐτέκνωσε πατήρ. +κᾆτʼ ἰαχήθης καθʼ Ἑλλανίαν +προδότις ἄπιστος ἄδικος ἄθεος· οὐδʼ ἔχω +τί τὸ σαφὲς ἔτι ποτʼ ἐν βροτοῖς· +τὸ τῶν θεῶν δʼ ἔπος ἀλαθὲς ηὗρον. + + +
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+Χορός +ἄφρονες ὅσοι τὰς ἀρετὰς πολέμῳ +λόγχαισί τʼ ἀλκαίου δορὸς +κτᾶσθε, πόνους ἀμαθῶς θνα- +τῶν καταπαυόμενοι· +εἰ γὰρ ἅμιλλα κρινεῖ νιν +αἵματος, οὔποτʼ ἔρις +λείψει κατʼ ἀνθρώπων πόλεις· +ᾇ Πριαμίδος γᾶς ἔλαχον θαλάμους, +ἐξὸν διορθῶσαι λόγοις +σὰν ἔριν, ὦ Ἑλένα. +νῦν δʼ οἳ μὲν Ἅιδᾳ μέλονται κάτω, +τείχεα δὲ φλογμὸς ὥστε Διός ἐπέσυτο φλόξ, +ἐπὶ δὲ πάθεα πάθεσι φέρεις +ἀθλίοις συμφοραῖς αἰλίνοις. + + +
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+Θεοκλύμενος +ὦ χαῖρε, πατρὸς μνῆμʼ· ἐπʼ ἐξόδοισι γὰρ +ἔθαψα, Πρωτεῦ, σʼ ἕνεκʼ ἐμῆς προσρήσεως· +ἀεὶ δέ σʼ ἐξιών τε κἀσιὼν δόμους +Θεοκλύμενος παῖς ὅδε προσεννέπει, πάτερ. +ὑμεῖς μὲν οὖν κύνας τε καὶ θηρῶν βρόχους, +δμῶες, κομίζετʼ ἐς δόμους τυραννικούς· +ἐγὼ δʼ ἐμαυτὸν πόλλʼ ἐλοιδόρησα δή· +οὐ γάρ τι θανάτῳ τοὺς κακοὺς κολάζομεν; +καὶ νῦν πέπυσμαι φανερὸν Ἑλλήνων τινὰ +ἐς γῆν ἀφῖχθαι καὶ λεληθέναι σκοπούς, +ἤτοι κατόπτην ἢ κλοπαῖς θηρώμενον +Ἑλένην· θανεῖται δʼ, ἤν γε δὴ ληφθῇ μόνον. +ἔα· +ἀλλʼ, ὡς ἔοικε, πάντα διαπεπραγμένα +ηὕρηκα· τύμβου γὰρ κενὰς λιποῦσʼ ἕδρας +ἡ Τυνδαρὶς παῖς ἐκπεπόρθμευται χθονός. +ὠή, χαλᾶτε κλῇθρα· λύεθʼ ἱππικὰ +φάτνης, ὀπαδοί, κἀκκομίζεθʼ ἅρματα, +ὡς ἂν πόνου γʼ ἕκατι μὴ λάθῃ με γῆς +τῆσδʼ ἐκκομισθεῖσʼ ἄλοχος, ἧς ἐφίεμαι. — +ἐπίσχετʼ· εἰσορῶ γὰρ οὓς διώκομεν +παρόντας ἐν δόμοισι κοὐ πεφευγότας. +αὕτη, τί πέπλους μέλανας ἐξήψω χροὸς +λευκῶν ἀμείψασʼ ἔκ τε κρατὸς εὐγενοῦς +κόμας σίδηρον ἐμβαλοῦσʼ ἀπέθρισας +χλωροῖς τε τέγγεις δάκρυσι σὴν παρηίδα +κλαίουσα; πότερον ἐννύχοις πεπεισμένη +στένεις ὀνείροις, ἢ φάτιν τινʼ οἴκοθεν +κλύουσα λύπῃ σὰς διέφθαρσαι φρένας; + +Ἑλένη +ὦ δέσποτʼ — ἤδη γὰρ τόδʼ ὀνομάζω σʼ ἔπος — +ὄλωλα· φροῦδα τἀμὰ κοὐδέν εἰμʼ ἔτι. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ἐν τῷ δὲ κεῖσαι συμφορᾶς; τίς ἡ τύχη; + +Ἑλένη +Μενέλαος — οἴμοι, πῶς φράσω; — τέθνηκέ μοι. + +Θεοκλύμενος +οὐδέν τι χαίρω σοῖς λόγοις, τὰ δʼ εὐτυχῶ. +πῶς δʼ οἶσθα; μῶν σοι Θεονόη λέγει τάδε; + +Ἑλένη +κείνη τε φησὶν ὅ τε παρὼν ὅτʼ ὤλλυτο. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ἥκει γὰρ ὅστις καὶ τάδʼ ἀγγέλλει σαφῆ; + +Ἑλένη +ἥκει· μόλοι γὰρ οἷ σφʼ ἐγὼ χρῄζω μολεῖν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +τίς ἐστι; ποῦ ʼστιν; ἵνα σαφέστερον μάθω. + +Ἑλένη +ὅδʼ ὃς κάθηται τῷδʼ ὑποπτήξας τάφῳ. + +Θεοκλύμενος +Ἄπολλον, ὡς ἐσθῆτι δυσμόρφῳ πρέπει. + +Ἑλένη +οἴμοι, δοκῶ μὲν κἀμὸν ὧδʼ ἔχειν πόσιν. + + + +Θεοκλύμενος +ποδαπὸς δʼ ὅδʼ ἁνὴρ καὶ πόθεν κατέσχε γῆν; + +Ἑλένη +Ἕλλην, Ἀχαιῶν εἷς ἐμῷ σύμπλους πόσει. + +Θεοκλύμενος +θανάτῳ δὲ ποίῳ φησὶ Μενέλεων θανεῖν; + +Ἑλένη +οἰκτρόταθʼ, ὑγροῖσιν ἐν κλυδωνίοις ἁλός. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ποῦ βαρβάροισι πελάγεσιν ναυσθλούμενον; + +Ἑλένη +Λιβύης ἀλιμένοις ἐκπεσόντα πρὸς πέτραις. + +Θεοκλύμενος +καὶ πῶς ὅδʼ οὐκ ὄλωλε κοινωνῶν πλάτης; + +Ἑλένη +ἐσθλῶν κακίους ἐνίοτʼ εὐτυχέστεροι. + +Θεοκλύμενος +λιπὼν δὲ ναὸς ποῦ πάρεστιν ἔκβολα; + +Ἑλένη +ὅπου κακῶς ὄλοιτο, Μενέλεως δὲ μή. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ὄλωλʼ ἐκεῖνος. ἦλθε δʼ ἐν ποίῳ σκάφει; + +Ἑλένη +ναῦταί σφʼ ἀνείλοντʼ ἐντυχόντες, ὡς λέγει. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ποῦ δὴ τὸ πεμφθὲν ἀντὶ σοῦ Τροίᾳ κακόν; + +Ἑλένη +νεφέλης λέγεις ἄγαλμα; ἐς αἰθέρʼ οἴχεται. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ὦ Πρίαμε καὶ γῆ Τρῳάς, ὡς ἔρρεις μάτην. + +Ἑλένη +κἀγὼ μετέσχον Πριαμίδαις δυσπραξίας. + +Θεοκλύμενος +πόσιν δʼ ἄθαπτον ἔλιπεν ἢ κρύπτει χθονί; + +Ἑλένη +ἄθαπτον· οἲ ἐγὼ τῶν ἐμῶν τλήμων κακῶν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +τῶνδʼ οὕνεκʼ ἔταμες βοστρύχους ξανθῆς κόμης· + +Ἑλένη +φίλος γάρ ἐστιν, ὅς ποτʼ ἐστίν, ἐνθάδʼ ὤν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ὀρθῶς μὲν ἥδε συμφορὰ δακρύεται — + +Ἑλένη +ἐν εὐμαρεῖ γοῦν σὴν κασιγνήτην λαθεῖν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +οὐ δῆτα. πῶς οὖν; τόνδʼ ἔτʼ οἰκήσεις τάφον; + +Ἑλένη +τί κερτομεῖς με, τὸν θανόντα δʼ οὐκ ἐᾷς; + +Θεοκλύμενος +πιστὴ γὰρ εἶ σὺ σῷ πόσει φεύγουσά με. + +Ἑλένη +ἀλλʼ οὐκέτʼ· ἤδη δʼ ἄρχε τῶν ἐμῶν γάμων. + +Θεοκλύμενος +χρόνια μὲν ἦλθεν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως αἰνῶ τάδε. + +Ἑλένη +οἶσθʼ οὖν ὃ δρᾶσον; τῶν πάρος λαθώμεθα. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ἐπὶ τῷ; χάρις γὰρ ἀντὶ χάριτος ἐλθέτω. + +Ἑλένη +σπονδὰς τέμωμεν καὶ διαλλάχθητί μοι. + +Θεοκλύμενος +μεθίημι νεῖκος τὸ σόν, ἴτω δʼ ὑπόπτερον. + +Ἑλένη +πρός νύν σε γονάτων τῶνδʼ, ἐπείπερ εἶ φίλος — + +Θεοκλύμενος +τί χρῆμα θηρῶσʼ ἱκέτις ὠρέχθης ἐμοῦ; + +Ἑλένη +τὸν κατθανόντα πόσιν ἐμὸν θάψαι θέλω. + +Θεοκλύμενος +τί δʼ; ἔστʼ ἀπόντων τύμβος; ἢ θάψεις σκιάν; + +Ἑλένη +Ἕλλησίν ἐστι νόμος, ὃς ἂν πόντῳ θάνῃ — + +Θεοκλύμενος +τί δρᾶν; σοφοί τοι Πελοπίδαι τὰ τοιάδε. + +Ἑλένη +κενοῖσι θάπτειν ἐν πέπλων ὑφάσμασιν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +κτέριζʼ· ἀνίστη τύμβον οὗ χρῄζεις χθονός. + +Ἑλένη +οὐχ ὧδε ναύτας ὀλομένους τυμβεύομεν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +πῶς δαί; λέλειμμαι τῶν ἐν Ἕλλησιν νόμων. + +Ἑλένη +ἐς πόντον ὅσα χρὴ νέκυσιν ἐξορμίζομεν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +τί σοι παράσχω δῆτα τῷ τεθνηκότι; + +Ἑλένη +ὅδʼ οἶδʼ, ἐγὼ δʼ ἄπειρος, εὐτυχοῦσα πρίν. + + + +Θεοκλύμενος +ὦ ξένε, λόγων μὲν κληδόνʼ ἤνεγκας φίλην. + +Μενελέως +οὔκουν ἐμαυτῷ γʼ οὐδὲ τῷ τεθνηκότι. + +Θεοκλύμενος +πῶς τοὺς θανόντας θάπτετʼ ἐν πόντῳ νεκρούς; + +Μενελέως +ὡς ἂν παρούσης οὐσίας ἕκαστος ᾖ. + +Θεοκλύμενος +πλούτου λέγʼ οὕνεχʼ ὅ τι θέλεις ταύτης χάριν. + +Μενελέως +προσφάζεται μὲν αἷμα πρῶτα νερτέροις. + +Θεοκλύμενος +τίνος; σύ μοι σήμαινε, πείσομαι δʼ ἐγώ. + +Μενελέως +αὐτὸς σὺ γίγνωσκʼ· ἀρκέσει γὰρ ἃν διδῷς. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ἐν βαρβάροις μὲν ἵππον ἢ ταῦρον νόμος. + +Μενελέως +διδούς γε μὲν δὴ δυσγενὲς μηδὲν δίδου. + +Θεοκλύμενος +οὐ τῶνδʼ ἐν ἀγέλαις ὀλβίαις σπανίζομεν. + +Μενελέως +καὶ στρωτὰ φέρεται λέκτρα σώματος κενά. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ἔσται· τί δʼ ἄλλο προσφέρειν νομίζεται; + +Μενελέως +χαλκήλαθʼ ὅπλα· καὶ γὰρ ἦν φίλος δορί. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ἄξια τάδʼ ἔσται Πελοπιδῶν ἃ δώσομεν. + +Μενελέως +καὶ τἄλλʼ ὅσα χθὼν καλὰ φέρει βλαστήματα. + +Θεοκλύμενος +πῶς οὖν; ἐς οἶδμα τίνι τρόπῳ καθίετε; + +Μενελέως +ναῦν δεῖ παρεῖναι κἀρετμῶν ἐπιστάτας. + +Θεοκλύμενος +πόσον δʼ ἀπείργει μῆκος ἐκ γαίας δόρυ; + +Μενελέως +ὥστʼ ἐξορᾶσθαι ῥόθια χερσόθεν μόλις. + +Θεοκλύμενος +τί δή; τόδʼ Ἑλλὰς νόμιμον ἐκ τίνος σέβει; + +Μενελέως +ὡς μὴ πάλιν γῇ λύματʼ ἐκβάλῃ κλύδων. + +Θεοκλύμενος +Φοίνισσα κώπη ταχύπορος γενήσεται. + +Μενελέως +καλῶς ἂν εἴη Μενέλεῴ τε πρὸς χάριν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +οὔκουν σὺ χωρὶς τῆσδε δρῶν ἀρκεῖς τάδε; + +Μενελέως +μητρὸς τόδʼ ἔργον ἢ γυναικὸς ἢ τέκνων. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ταύτης ὁ μόχθος, ὡς λέγεις, θάπτειν πόσιν. + +Μενελέως +ἐν εὐσεβεῖ γοῦν νόμιμα μὴ κλέπτειν νεκρῶν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ἴτω· πρὸς ἡμῶν ἄλοχον εὐσεβῆ τρέφειν. +ἐλθὼν δʼ ἐς οἴκους ἐξελοῦ κόσμον νεκρῷ· +καὶ σὲ οὐ κεναῖσι χερσὶ γῆς ἀποστελῶ, +δράσαντα τῇδε πρὸς χάριν· φήμας δʼ ἐμοὶ +ἐσθλὰς ἐνεγκὼν ἀντὶ τῆς ἀχλαινίας +ἐσθῆτα λήψῃ σῖτά θʼ, ὥστε σʼ ἐς πάτραν +ἐλθεῖν, ἐπεὶ νῦν γʼ ἀθλίως ἔχονθʼ ὁρῶ. + σὺ δʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, μὴ ʼπὶ τοῖς ἀνηνύτοις +τρύχουσα σαυτήν — Μενέλεως δʼ ἔχει πότμον, +κοὐκ ἂν δύναιτο ζῆν ὁ κατθανὼν πόσις. + +Μενελέως +σὸν ἔργον, ὦ νεᾶνι· τὸν παρόντα μὲν +στέργειν πόσιν χρή, τὸν δὲ μηκέτʼ ὄντʼ ἐᾶν· +ἄριστα γάρ σοι ταῦτα πρὸς τὸ τυγχάνον. +ἢν δʼ Ἑλλάδʼ ἔλθω καὶ τύχω σωτηρίας, +παύσω ψόγου σε τοῦ πρίν, ἢν γυνὴ γένῃ +οἵαν γενέσθαι χρή σε σῷ ξυνευνέτῃ. + +Ἑλένη +ἔσται τάδʼ· οὐδὲ μέμψεται πόσις ποτὲ +ἡμῖν· σὺ δʼ αὐτὸς ἐγγὺς ὢν εἴσῃ τάδε. + ἀλλʼ, ὦ τάλας, εἴσελθε καὶ λουτρῶν τύχε +ἐσθῆτά τʼ ἐξάλλαξον. οὐκ ἐς ἀμβολὰς +εὐεργετήσω σʼ· εὐμενέστερον γὰρ ἂν +τῷ φιλτάτῳ μοι Μενέλεῳ τὰ πρόσφορα +δρῴης ἄν, ἡμῶν τυγχάνων οἵων σε χρή.
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+Χορός +Ὀρεία ποτὲ δρομάδι κώ- +λῳ μάτηρ θεῶν ἐσύθη ἀνʼ +ὑλάεντα νάπη +ποτάμιόν τε χεῦμʼ ὑδάτων +βαρύβρομόν τε κῦμʼ ἅλιον +πόθῳ τᾶς ἀποιχομένας +ἀρρήτου κούρας. +κρόταλα δὲ βρόμια διαπρύσιον +ἱέντα κέλαδον ἀνεβόα, +θηρῶν ὅτε ζυγίους +ζευξάσᾳ θεᾷ σατίνας +τὰν ἁρπασθεῖσαν κυκλίων +χορῶν ἔξω παρθενίων +μετὰ κούραν, ἀελλόποδες, +ἃ μὲν τόξοις Ἄρτεμις, ἃ δʼ +ἔγχει Γοργῶπις πάνοπλος, + +συνείποντο. Ζεὺς δʼ ἑδράνων + +αὐγάζων ἐξ οὐρανίων +ἄλλαν μοῖραν ἔκραινε. + +
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+Χορός +δρομαῖον δʼ ὅτε πολυπλάνη- +τον μάτηρ ἔπαυσε πόνον, +μαστεύουσα πόνους +θυγατρὸς ἁρπαγὰς δολίους, +χιονοθρέμμονάς γʼ ἐπέρασʼ +Ἰδαιᾶν Νυμφᾶν σκοπιάς· +ῥίπτει δʼ ἐν πένθει +πέτρινα κατὰ δρία πολυνιφέα· +βροτοῖσι δʼ ἄχλοα πεδία γᾶς +οὐ καρπίζουσʼ ἀρότοις +λαῶν δὲ φθείρει γενεάν· +ποίμναις δʼ οὐχ ἵει θαλερὰς +βοσκὰς εὐφύλλων ἑλίκων, +πόλεων δʼ ἀπέλειπε βίος· +οὐδʼ ἦσαν θεῶν θυσίαι, +βωμοῖς δʼ ἄφλεκτοι πέλανοι· +πηγὰς δʼ ἀμπαύει δροσερὰς +λευκῶν ἐκβάλλειν ὑδάτων +πένθει παιδὸς ἀλάστωρ. + + +
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+Χορός +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἔπαυσʼ εἰλαπίνας +θεοῖς βροτείῳ τε γένει, +Ζεὺς μειλίσσων στυγίους +ματρὸς ὀργὰς ἐνέπει· +βᾶτε, σεμναὶ Χάριτες, +ἴτε, τᾷ περὶ παρθένῳ +Δηοῖ θυμωσαμένᾳ +λύπαν ἐξαλλάξατʼ ἀλαλᾷ, +Μοῦσαί θʼ ὕμνοισι χορῶν. +χαλκοῦ δʼ αὐδὰν χθονίαν +τύπανά τʼ ἔλαβε βυρσοτενῆ +καλλίστα τότε πρῶτα μακά- +ρων Κύπρις· γέλασέν τε θεὰ +δέξατό τʼ ἐς χέρας +βαρύβρομον αὐλὸν +τερφθεῖσʼ ἀλαλαγμῷ. +
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+Χορός +ὧν οὐ θέμις σʼ οὔθʼ ὁσία +ʼπʼύρωσας ἐν θεῶν θαλάμοις, +μῆνιν δʼ ἔσχες μεγάλας +ματρός, ὦ παῖ, θυσίας +οὐ σεβίζουσα θεᾶς. +μέγα τοι δύναται νεβρῶν +παμποίκιλοι στολίδες +κισσοῦ τε στεφθεῖσα χλόα +νάρθηκας εἰς ἱερούς, +ῥόμβου θʼ εἱλισσομένα +κύκλιος ἔνοσις αἰθερία, +βακχεύουσά τʼ ἔθειρα Βρομί- +ῳ καὶ παννυχίδες θεᾶς. +εὖ δέ νιν ἄμασιν +ὑπέρβαλε σελάνα +μορφᾷ μόνον ηὔχεις. +
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+Ἑλένη +τὰ μὲν κατʼ οἴκους εὐτυχοῦμεν, ὦ φίλαι· +ἡ γὰρ συνεκκλέπτουσα Πρωτέως κόρη +πόσιν παρόντα τὸν ἐμὸν ἱστορουμένη +οὐκ εἶπʼ ἀδελφῷ· κατθανόντα δʼ ἐν χθονὶ +οὔ φησιν αὐγὰς εἰσορᾶν ἐμὴν χάριν. + +κάλλιστα δῆτʼ ἀνήρπασʼ ἐν τύχῃ πόσις· +ἃ γὰρ καθήσειν ὅπλʼ ἔμελλεν εἰς ἅλα, +ταῦτʼ ἐμβαλὼν πόρπακι γενναίαν χέρα +αὐτὸς κομίζει δόρυ τε δεξιᾷ λαβών, +ὡς τῷ θανόντι χάριτα δὴ συνεκπονῶν. +προύργου δʼ ἐς ἀλκὴν σῶμʼ ὅπλοις ἠσκήσατο, +ὡς βαρβάρων τρόπαια μυρίων χερὶ +θήσων, ὅταν κωπῆρες ἐσβῶμεν σκάφος, +πέπλους δʼ ἀμείψασʼ ἀντὶ ναυφθόρου στολῆς +ἐγώ νιν ἐξήσκησα, καὶ λουτροῖς χρόα +ἔδωκα, χρόνια νίπτρα ποταμίας δρόσου. +ἀλλʼ, ἐκπερᾷ γὰρ δωμάτων ὁ τοὺς ἐμοὺς +γάμους ἑτοίμους ἐν χεροῖν ἔχειν δοκῶν, +σιγητέον μοι· καὶ σὲ προσποιούμεθα +εὔνουν κρατεῖν τε στόματος, ἢν δυνώμεθα +σωθέντες αὐτοὶ καὶ σὲ συνσῶσαί ποτε. + +Θεοκλύμενος +χωρεῖτʼ ἐφεξῆς, ὡς ἔταξεν ὁ ξένος, +δμῶες, φέροντες ἐνάλια κτερίσματα. +Ἑλένη, σὺ δʼ, ἤν σοι μὴ κακῶς δόξω λέγειν, +πείθου, μένʼ αὐτοῦ· ταὐτὰ γὰρ παροῦσά τε +πράξεις τὸν ἄνδρα τὸν σὸν ἤν τε μὴ παρῇς. +δέδοικα γάρ σε μή τις ἐμπεσὼν πόθος +πείσῃ μεθεῖναι σῶμʼ ἐς οἶδμα πόντιον +τοῦ πρόσθεν ἀνδρὸς χάρισιν ἐκπεπληγμένην· +ἄγαν γὰρ αὐτὸν οὐ παρόνθʼ ὅμως στένεις. + +Ἑλένη +ὦ καινὸς ἡμῖν πόσις, ἀναγκαίως ἔχει +τὰ πρῶτα λέκτρα νυμφικάς θʼ ὁμιλίας +τιμᾶν· ἐγὼ δὲ διὰ τὸ μὲν στέργειν πόσιν +καὶ ξυνθάνοιμʼ ἄν· ἀλλὰ τίς κείνῳ χάρις +ξὺν κατθανόντι κατθανεῖν; ἔα δέ με +αὐτὴν μολοῦσαν ἐντάφια δοῦναι νεκρῷ. +θεοὶ δὲ σοί τε δοῖεν οἷʼ ἐγὼ θέλω, +καὶ τῷ ξένῳ τῷδʼ, ὅτι συνεκπονεῖ τάδε. +ἕξεις δέ μʼ οἵαν χρή σʼ ἔχειν ἐν δώμασι +γυναῖκʼ, ἐπειδὴ Μενέλεων εὐεργετεῖς +κἄμʼ· ἔρχεται γὰρ δή τινʼ ἐς τύχην τάδε. +ὅστις δὲ δώσει ναῦν ἐν ᾗ τάδʼ ἄξομεν, +πρόσταξον, ὡς ἂν τὴν χάριν πλήρη λάβω. + + + +Θεοκλύμενος +χώρει σὺ καὶ ναῦν τοῖσδε πεντηκόντορον +Σιδωνίαν δὸς κἀρετμῶν ἐπιστάτας. + +Ἑλένη +οὔκουν ὅδʼ ἄρξει ναὸς ὃς κοσμεῖ τάφον; + +Θεοκλύμενος +μάλιστʼ· ἀκούειν τοῦδε χρὴ ναύτας ἐμούς. + +Ἑλένη +αὖθις κέλευσον, ἵνα σαφῶς μάθωσί σου. + +Θεοκλύμενος +αὖθις κελεύω καὶ τρίτον γʼ, εἴ σοι φίλον. + +Ἑλένη +ὄναιο· κἀγὼ τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων. + +Θεοκλύμενος +μή νυν ἄγαν σὸν δάκρυσιν ἐκτήξῃς χρόα. + +Ἑλένη +ἥδʼ ἡμέρα σοι τὴν ἐμὴν δείξει χάριν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +τὰ τῶν θανόντων οὐδέν, ἀλλʼ ἄλλως πόνος. + +Ἑλένη +ἔστιν τι κἀκεῖ κἀνθάδʼ ὧν ἐγὼ λέγω. + +Θεοκλύμενος +οὐδὲν κακίω Μενέλεώ μʼ ἕξεις πόσιν. + +Ἑλένη +οὐδὲν σὺ μεμπτός· τῆς τύχης με δεῖ μόνον. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ἐν σοὶ τόδʼ, ἢν σὴν εἰς ἔμʼ εὔνοιαν διδῷς. + +Ἑλένη +οὐ νῦν διδαξόμεσθα τοὺς φίλους φιλεῖν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +βούλῃ ξυνεργῶν αὐτὸς ἐκπέμψω στόλον; + +Ἑλένη +ἥκιστα· μὴ δούλευε σοῖς δούλοις, ἄναξ. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ἀλλʼ εἶα· τοὺς μὲν Πελοπιδῶν ἐῶ νόμους· +καθαρὰ γὰρ ἡμῖν δώματʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἐνθάδε +ψυχὴν ἀφῆκε Μενέλεως· ἴτω δέ τις +φράσων ὑπάρχοις τοῖς ἐμοῖς φέρειν γάμων +ἀγάλματʼ οἴκους εἰς ἐμούς· πᾶσαν δὲ χρὴ +γαῖαν βοᾶσθαι μακαρίαις ὑμνῳδίαις +ὑμέναιον Ἑλένης κἀμόν, ὡς ζηλωτὸς ᾖ. + σὺ δʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ἐλθών, πελαγίους ἐς ἀγκάλας +τῷ τῆσδε πρίν ποτʼ ὄντι δοὺς πόσει τάδε, +πάλιν πρὸς οἴκους σπεῦδʼ ἐμὴν δάμαρτʼ ἔχων, +ὡς τοὺς γάμους τοὺς τῆσδε συνδαίσας ἐμοὶ +στέλλῃ πρὸς οἴκους ἢ μένων εὐδαιμονῇς. + +Μενελέως +ὦ Ζεῦ, πατήρ τε καὶ σοφὸς κλῄζῃ θεός, +βλέψον πρὸς ἡμᾶς καὶ μετάστησον κακῶν. +ἕλκουσι δʼ ἡμῖν πρὸς λέπας τὰς συμφορὰς +σπουδῇ σύναψαι· κἂν ἄκρᾳ θίγῃς χερί, +ἥξομεν ἵνʼ ἐλθεῖν βουλόμεσθα τῆς τύχης. +ἅλις δὲ μόχθων οὓς ἐμοχθοῦμεν πάρος. +κέκλησθέ μοι, θεοί, πολλά χρήσθʼ ἐμοῦ κλύειν +καὶ λύπρʼ· ὀφείλω δʼ οὐκ ἀεὶ πράσσειν κακῶς, +ὀρθῷ δὲ βῆναι ποδί· μίαν δέ μοι χάριν +δόντες τὸ λοιπὸν εὐτυχῆ με θήσετε.
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+Χορός +Φοίνισσα Σιδωνιὰς ὦ +ταχεῖα κώπα, ῥοθίοισι μάτηρ +εἰρεσίας φίλα, +χοραγὲ τῶν καλλιχόρων +δελφίνων, ὅταν αὔραις +πέλαγος ἀνήνεμον ᾖ, +γλαυκὰ δὲ Πόντου θυγάτηρ +Γαλάνεια τάδʼ εἴπῃ· +κατὰ μὲν ἱστία πετάσατʼ αὔ- +ραις λιπόντες εἰναλίαις, +λάβετε δʼ εἰλατίνας πλάτας, +ὦ ναῦται, ναῦται, +πέμποντες εὐλιμένους +Περσείων οἴκων Ἑλέναν ἐπʼ ἀκτάς. +
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+Χορός +ἦ που κόρας ἂν ποταμοῦ +παρʼ οἶδμα Λευκιππίδας ἢ πρὸ ναοῦ +Παλλάδος ἂν λάβοις +χρόνῳ ξυνελθοῦσα χοροῖς +ἢ κώμοις Ὑακίνθου +νύχιον ἐς εὐφροσύναν, +ὃν ἐξαμιλλησάμενος +τροχῷ τέρμονα δίσκου +ἔκανε Φοῖβος, τᾷ Λακαί- +νᾳ γᾷ βούθυτον ἁμέραν· +ὁ Διὸς δʼ εἶπε σέβειν γόνος· +μόσχον θʼ, ἃν οἴκοις +ἔλειπες, Ἑρμιόναν, +ἇς οὔπω πεῦκαι πρὸ γάμων ἔλαμψαν.
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+Χορός +διʼ ἀέρος εἴθε ποτανοὶ +γενοίμεσθʼ ᾇ Λιβύας +οἰωνοὶ στοχάδες +ὄμβρον λιποῦσαι χειμέριον +νίσονται πρεσβυτάτᾳ +σύριγγι πειθόμεναι +ποιμένος, ὃς ἄβροχα πεδία καρποφόρα τε γᾶς +ἐπιπετόμενος ἰαχεῖ. +ὦ πταναὶ δολιχαύχενες, +σύννομοι νεφέων δρόμου, +βᾶτε Πλειάδας ὑπὸ μέσας +ὠρίωνά τʼ ἐννύχιον· +καρύξατʼ ἀγγελίαν, +Εὐρώταν ἐφεζόμεναι, +Μενέλεως ὅτι Δαρδάνου +πόλιν ἑλὼν δόμον ἥξει.
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+Χορός +μόλοιτέ ποθʼ ἵππιον οἶμον +διʼ αἰθέρος ἱέμενοι +παῖδες Τυνδαρίδαι, +λαμπρῶν ἄστρων ὑπʼ ἀέλλαισιν· +οἳ ναίετʼ οὐράνιοι, +σωτῆρες τᾶς Ἑλένας, +γλαυκὸν ἔπιτʼ οἶδμα κυανόχροά τε κυμάτων +ῥόθια πολιὰ θαλάσσας, +ναύταις εὐαεῖς ἀνέμων +πέμποντες Διόθεν πνοάς· +δύσκλειαν δʼ ἀπὸ συγγόνου +βάλετε βαρβάρων λεχέων, +ἃν Ἰδαίων ἐρίδων +ποιναθεῖσʼ ἐκτήσατο, γᾶν +οὐκ ἐλθοῦσά ποτʼ Ἰλίου +Φοιβείους ἐπὶ πύργους. +
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+Ἄγγελος +ἄναξ, τὰ κάκιστʼ ἐν δόμοις εὑρήκαμεν· +ὡς καίνʼ ἀκούσῃ πήματʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ τάχα. + +Θεοκλύμενος +τί δʼ ἔστιν; + +Ἄγγελος +ἄλλης ἐκπόνει μνηστεύματα +γυναικός· Ἑλένη γὰρ βέβηκʼ ἔξω χθονός. + +Θεοκλύμενος +πτεροῖσιν ἀρθεῖσʼ ἢ πεδοστιβεῖ ποδί; + +Ἄγγελος +Μενέλαος αὐτὴν ἐκπεπόρθμευται χθονός, +ὃς αὐτὸς αὑτὸν ἦλθεν ἀγγέλλων θανεῖν. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ὦ δεινὰ λέξας· τίς δέ νιν ναυκληρία +ἐκ τῆσδʼ ἀπῆρε χθονός; ἄπιστα γὰρ λέγεις. + +Ἄγγελος +ἥν γε ξένῳ δίδως σύ· τούς τε σοὺς ἔχων +ναύτας βέβηκεν, ὡς ἂν ἐν βραχεῖ μάθῃς. + +Θεοκλύμενος +πῶς; εἰδέναι πρόθυμος· οὐ γὰρ ἐλπίδων +ἔσω βέβηκα μίαν ὑπερδραμεῖν χέρα +τοσούσδε ναύτας, ὧν ἀπεστάλης μέτα. + +Ἄγγελος +ἐπεὶ λιποῦσα τούσδε βασιλείους δόμους +ἡ τοῦ Διὸς παῖς πρὸς θάλασσαν ἐστάλη +σοφώταθʼ ἁβρὸν πόδα τιθεῖσʼ ἀνέστενε +πόσιν πέλας παρόντα κοὐ τεθνηκότα. +ὡς δʼ ἤλθομεν σῶν περίβολον νεωρίων, +Σιδωνίαν ναῦν πρωτόπλουν καθείλκομεν +ζυγῶν τε πεντήκοντα κἀρετμῶν μέτρα +ἔχουσαν. ἔργου δʼ ἔργον ἐξημείβετο· +ὃ μὲν γὰρ ἱστόν, ὃ δὲ πλάτην καθίσατο +ταρσόν τε χειρί, λευκά θʼ ἱστίʼ εἰς ἓν ἦν +πηδάλιά τε ζεύγλαισι παρακαθίετο. + κἀν τῷδε μόχθῳ, τοῦτʼ ἄρα σκοπούμενοι, +Ἕλληνες ἄνδρες Μενέλεῳ ξυνέμποροι +προσῆλθον ἀκταῖς ναυφθόροις ἠσθημένοι +πέπλοισιν, εὐειδεῖς μέν, αὐχμηροὶ δʼ ὁρᾶν. +ἰδὼν δέ νιν παρόντας Ἀτρέως γόνος +προσεῖπε δόλιον οἶκτον ἐς μέσον φέρων· +ὦ τλήμονες, πῶς ἐκ τίνος νεώς ποτε +Ἀχαιίδος θραύσαντες ἥκετε σκάφος; +ἆρʼ Ἀτρέως παῖδʼ ὀλόμενον συνθάπτετε, +ὃν Τυνδαρὶς παῖς ἥδʼ ἀπόντα κενοταφεῖ; + οἳ δʼ ἐκβαλόντες δάκρυα ποιητῷ τρόπῳ, +ἐς ναῦν ἐχώρουν Μενέλεῳ ποντίσματα +φέροντες. ἡμῖν δʼ ἦν μὲν ἥδʼ ὑποψία +λόγος τʼ ἐν ἀλλήλοισι, τῶν ἐπεσβατῶν +ὡς πλῆθος εἴη· διεσιωπῶμεν δʼ ὅμως +τοὺς σοὺς λόγους σῴζοντες· ἄρχειν γὰρ νεὼς +ξένον κελεύσας πάντα συνέχεας τάδε. + +καὶ τἄλλα μὲν δὴ ῥᾳδίως ἔσω νεὼς +ἐθέμεθα κουφίζοντα· ταύρειος δὲ ποὺς +οὐκ ἤθελʼ ὀρθὸς σανίδα προσβῆναι κάτα, +ἀλλʼ ἐξεβρυχᾶτʼ ὄμμʼ ἀναστρέφων κύκλῳ +κυρτῶν τε νῶτα κἀς κέρας παρεμβλέπων +μὴ θιγγάνειν ἀπεῖργεν. ὁ δʼ Ἑλένης πόσις +ἐκάλεσεν· ὦ πέρσαντες Ἰλίου πόλιν, +οὐκ εἶʼ ἀναρπάσαντες Ἑλλήνων νόμῳ +νεανίαις ὤμοισι ταύρειον δέμας +ἐς πρῷραν ἐμβαλεῖτε, φάσγανόν θʼ ἅμα +πρόχειρον ὤσει σφάγια τῷ τεθνηκότι; + οἳ δʼ ἐς κέλευσμʼ ἐλθόντες ἐξανήρπασαν +ταῦρον φέροντές τʼ εἰσέθεντο σέλματα. +μονάμπυκον δὲ Μενέλεως ψήχων δέρην +μέτωπά τʼ ἐξέπεισεν ἐσβῆναι δόρυ. +τέλος δʼ, ἐπειδὴ ναῦς τὰ πάντʼ ἐδέξατο, +πλήσασα κλιμακτῆρας εὐσφύρῳ ποδί +Ἑλένη καθέζετʼ ἐν μέσοις ἑδωλίοις, +ὅ τʼ οὐκέτʼ ὢν λόγοισι Μενέλεως πέλας· +ἄλλοι δὲ τοίχους δεξιοὺς λαιούς τʼ ἴσοι +ἀνὴρ παρʼ ἄνδρʼ ἕζονθʼ, ὑφʼ εἵμασι ξίφη +λαθραῖʼ ἔχοντες, ῥόθιά τʼ ἐξεπίμπλατο +βοῆς κελευστοῦ φθέγμαθʼ ὡς ἠκούσαμεν. + +ἐπεὶ δὲ γαίας ἦμεν οὔτʼ ἄγαν πρόσω +οὔτʼ ἐγγύς, οὕτως ἤρετʼ οἰάκων φύλαξ· +ἔτʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ἐς τὸ πρόσθεν — ἢ καλῶς ἔχει — +πλεύσωμεν; ἀρχαὶ γὰρ νεὼς μέλουσι σοί. +ὃ δʼ εἶφʼ· ἅλις μοι. δεξιᾷ δʼ ἑλὼν ξίφος +ἐς πρῷραν εἷρπε κἀπὶ ταυρείῳ σφαγῇ +σταθεὶς νεκρῶν μὲν οὐδενὸς μνήμην ἔχων, +τέμνων δὲ λαιμὸν ηὔχετʼ· ὦ ναίων ἅλα +πόντιε Πόσειδον Νηρέως θʼ ἁγναὶ κόραι, +σώσατέ μʼ ἐπʼ ἀκτὰς Ναυπλίας δάμαρτά τε +ἄσυλον ἐκ γῆς. αἵματος δʼ ἀπορροαὶ +ἐς οἶδμʼ ἐσηκόντιζον οὔριοι ξένῳ. +καί τις τόδʼ εἶπε· δόλιος ἡ ναυκληρία. +πάλιν πλέωμεν· δεξιὰν κέλευε σύ, +σὺ δὲ στρέφʼ οἴακʼ. ἐκ δὲ ταυρείου φόνου +Ἀτρέως σταθεὶς παῖς ἀνεβόησε συμμάχους· +τί μέλλετʼ, ὦ γῆς Ἑλλάδος λωτίσματα, +σφάζειν φονεύειν βαρβάρους νεώς τʼ ἄπο +ῥίπτειν ἐς οἶδμα; ναυβάταις δὲ τοῖσι σοῖς +βοᾷ κελευστὴς τὴν ἐναντίαν ὄπα· +οὐκ εἶʼ ὃ μέν τις λοῖσθον ἀρεῖται δόρυ, +ὃ δὲ ζύγʼ ἄξας, ὃ δʼ ἀφελὼν σκαλμοῦ πλάτην +καθαιματώσει κρᾶτα πολεμίων ξένων; +ὀρθοὶ δʼ ἀνῇξαν πάντες, οἳ μὲν ἐν χεροῖν +κορμοὺς ἔχοντες ναυτικούς, οἳ δὲ ξίφη· +φόνῳ δὲ ναῦς ἐρρεῖτο. παρακέλευσμα δʼ ἦν +πρύμνηθεν Ἑλένης· ποῦ τὸ Τρωικὸν κλέος; +δείξατε πρὸς ἄνδρας βαρβάρους· σπουδῆς δʼ ὕπο +ἔπιπτον, οἳ δʼ ὠρθοῦντο, τοὺς δὲ κειμένους +νεκροὺς ἂν εἶδες. Μενέλεως δʼ ἔχων ὅπλα, +ὅποι νοσοῖεν ξύμμαχοι κατασκοπῶν, +ταύτῃ προσῆγε χειρὶ δεξιᾷ ξίφος, +ὥστʼ ἐκκολυμβᾶν ναός, ἠρήμωσε δὲ +σῶν ναυβατῶν ἐρετμά. ἐπʼ οἰάκων δὲ βὰς +ἄνακτʼ ἐς Ἑλλάδʼ εἶπεν εὐθύνειν δόρυ. +οἳ δʼ ἱστὸν ᾖρον, οὔριαι δʼ ἧκον πνοαί. +βεβᾶσι δʼ ἐκ γῆς. διαφυγὼν δʼ ἐγὼ φόνον +καθῆκʼ ἐμαυτὸν εἰς ἅλʼ ἄγκυραν πάρα· +ἤδη δὲ κάμνονθʼ ὁρμιατόνων μέ τις +ἀνείλετʼ, ἐς δὲ γαῖαν ἐξέβησέ σοι +τάδʼ ἀγγελοῦντα. σώφρονος δʼ ἀπιστίας +οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν χρησιμώτερον βροτοῖς. + +Χορός +οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ ηὔχουν οὔτε σʼ οὔθʼ ἡμᾶς λαθεῖν +Μενέλαον, ὦναξ, ὡς ἐλάνθανεν παρών. + + + + +
+Θεοκλύμενος +ὦ γυναικείαις τέχναισιν αἱρεθεὶς ἐγὼ τάλας· +ἐκπεφεύγασιν γάμοι με. κεἰ μὲν ἦν ἁλώσιμος +ναῦς διώγμασιν, πονήσας εἷλον ἂν τάχα ξένους· +νῦν δὲ τὴν προδοῦσαν ἡμᾶς τεισόμεσθα σύγγονον, +ἥτις ἐν δόμοις ὁρῶσα Μενέλεων οὐκ εἶπέ μοι. +τοιγὰρ οὔποτʼ ἄλλον ἄνδρα ψεύσεται μαντεύμασιν. + +Θεράπων +οὗτος ὤ, ποῖ σὸν πόδʼ αἴρεις, δέσποτʼ, ἐς ποῖον φόνον; + +Θεοκλύμενος +οἷπερ ἡ δίκη κελεύει με· ἀλλʼ ἀφίστασʼ ἐκποδών. + +Θεράπων +οὐκ ἀφήσομαι πέπλων σῶν· μεγάλα γὰρ σπεύδεις κακά. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ἀλλὰ δεσποτῶν κρατήσεις δοῦλος ὤν; + +Θεράπων +φρονῶ γὰρ εὖ. + +Θεοκλύμενος + οὐκ ἔμοιγʼ, εἰ μή μʼ ἐάσεις — + +Θεράπων + οὐ μὲν οὖν σʼ ἐάσομεν. + +Θεοκλύμενος + σύγγονον κτανεῖν κακίστην — + +Θεράπων + εὐσεβεστάτην μὲν οὖν. + +Θεοκλύμενος + ἥ με προύδωκεν — + +Θεράπων + καλήν γε προδοσίαν, δίκαια δρᾶν. + +Θεοκλύμενος + τἀμὰ λέκτρʼ ἄλλῳ διδοῦσα. + +Θεράπων + τοῖς γε κυριωτέροις. + +Θεοκλύμενος + κύριος δὲ τῶν ἐμῶν τίς; + +Θεράπων + ὃς ἔλαβεν πατρὸς πάρα. + +Θεοκλύμενος + ἀλλʼ ἔδωκεν ἡ τύχη μοι. + +Θεράπων + τὸ δὲ χρεὼν ἀφείλετο. + +Θεοκλύμενος + οὐ σὲ τἀμὰ χρὴ δικάζειν. + +Θεράπων + ἤν γε βελτίω λέγω. + +Θεοκλύμενος + ἀρχόμεσθʼ ἄρʼ, οὐ κρατοῦμεν. + +Θεράπων + ὅσια δρᾶν, τὰ δʼ ἔκδικʼ οὔ. + +Θεοκλύμενος + κατθανεῖν ἐρᾶν ἔοικας. + +Θεράπων +κτεῖνε· σύγγονον δὲ σὴν +οὐ κτενεῖς ἡμῶν ἑκόντων, ἀλλʼ ἔμε· ὡς πρὸ δεσποτῶν +τοῖσι γενναίοισι δούλοις εὐκλεέστατον θανεῖν.
+ + + +
+Διόσκοροι +ἐπίσχες ὀργὰς αἷσιν οὐκ ὀρθῶς φέρῃ, +Θεοκλύμενε, γαίας τῆσδʼ ἄναξ· δισσοὶ δέ σε +Διόσκοροι καλοῦμεν, οὓς Λήδα ποτὲ +ἔτικτεν Ἑλένην θʼ, ἣ πέφευγε σοὺς δόμους· +οὐ γὰρ πεπρωμένοισιν ὀργίζῃ γάμοις, +οὐδʼ ἡ θεᾶς Νηρῇδος ἔκγονος κόρη +ἀδικεῖ σʼ ἀδελφὴ Θεονόη, τὰ τῶν θεῶν +τιμῶσα πατρός τʼ ἐνδίκους ἐπιστολάς. +ἐς μὲν γὰρ αἰεὶ τὸν παρόντα νῦν χρόνον +κείνην κατοικεῖν σοῖσιν ἐν δόμοις ἐχρῆν· +ἐπεὶ δὲ Τροίας ἐξανεστάθη βάθρα, +καὶ τοῖς θεοῖς παρέσχε τοὔνομʼ, οὐκέτι· +ἐν τοῖσι δʼ αὑτῆς δεῖ νιν ἐζεῦχθαι γάμοις +ἐλθεῖν τʼ ἐς οἴκους καὶ συνοικῆσαι πόσει. +ἀλλʼ ἴσχε μὲν σῆς συγγόνου μέλαν ξίφος, +νόμιζε δʼ αὐτὴν σωφρόνως πράσσειν τάδε. +πάλαι δʼ ἀδελφὴν κἂν πρὶν ἐξεσώσαμεν, +ἐπείπερ ἡμᾶς Ζεὺς ἐποίησεν θεούς· +ἀλλʼ ἥσσονʼ ἦμεν τοῦ πεπρωμένου θʼ ἅμα +καὶ τῶν θεῶν, οἷς ταῦτʼ ἔδοξεν ὧδʼ ἔχειν. +σοὶ μὲν τάδʼ αὐδῶ, συγγόνῳ δʼ ἐμῇ λέγω· +πλεῖ ξὺν πόσει σῷ· πνεῦμα δʼ ἕξετʼ οὔριον· +σωτῆρε δʼ ἡμεῖς σὼ κασιγνήτω διπλῶ +πόντον παριππεύοντε πέμψομεν πάτραν. +ὅταν δὲ κάμψῃς καὶ τελευτήσῃς βίον, +θεὸς κεκλήσῃ καὶ Διοσκόρων μέτα +σπονδῶν μεθέξεις ξένιά τʼ ἀνθρώπων πάρα +ἕξεις μεθʼ ἡμῶν· Ζεὺς γὰρ ὧδε βούλεται. +οὗ δʼ ὥρισέν σοι πρῶτα Μαιάδος τόκος, +Σπάρτης ἀπάρας, τὸν κατʼ οὐρανὸν δρόμον, +κλέψας δέμας σὸν μὴ Πάρις γήμειέ σε, +— φρουρὸν παρʼ Ἀκτὴν τεταμένην νῆσον λέγω — +Ἑλένη τὸ λοιπὸν ἐν βροτοῖς κεκλήσεται, +ἐπεὶ κλοπαίαν σʼ ἐκ δόμων ἐδέξατο. +καὶ τῷ πλανήτῃ Μενέλεῳ θεῶν πάρα +μακάρων κατοικεῖν νῆσόν ἐστι μόρσιμον· +τοὺς εὐγενεῖς γὰρ οὐ στυγοῦσι δαίμονες, +τῶν δʼ ἀναριθμήτων μᾶλλόν εἰσιν οἱ πόνοι. + +Θεοκλύμενος +ὦ παῖδε Λήδας καὶ Διός, τὰ μὲν πάρος +νείκη μεθήσω σφῶν κασιγνήτης πέρι· +ἐγὼ δʼ ἀδελφὴν οὐκέτʼ ἂν κτάνοιμʼ ἐμήν. +κείνη δʼ ἴτω πρὸς οἶκον, εἰ θεοῖς δοκεῖ. +ἴστον δʼ ἀρίστης σωφρονεστάτης θʼ ἅμα +γεγῶτʼ ἀδελφῆς ὁμογενοῦς ἀφʼ αἵματος. +καὶ χαίρεθʼ Ἑλένης οὕνεκʼ εὐγενεστάτης +γνώμης, ὃ πολλαῖς ἐν γυναιξὶν οὐκ ἔνι.
+ + + +
+Χορός +πολλαὶ μορφαὶ τῶν δαιμονίων, +πολλὰ δʼ ἀέλπτως κραίνουσι θεοί· +καὶ τὰ δοκηθέντʼ οὐκ ἐτελέσθη, +τῶν δʼ ἀδοκήτων πόρον ηὗρε θεός. +τοιόνδʼ ἀπέβη τόδε πρᾶγμα. + +
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\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg015/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg015/__cts__.xml index 0a4c83a8f..86d3e5aca 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg015/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg015/__cts__.xml @@ -4,12 +4,12 @@ Phoenissae The Phoenician Women - + Φοίνισσαι - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. III. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1920-1978) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. III. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1920-1978) - + The Phoenician Maidens Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-eng1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-eng1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index e381a0a24..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-eng1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9 +0,0 @@ -{ - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "id": "1999.01.0118", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/Classics/Euripides/copyright/eur.phoen_eng.xml", - "status": "not migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-eng1.xml" -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-eng2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..4059f5c6d --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,1833 @@ + + + + + + +The Phoenician Maidens +Machine readable text +Euripides +Edward P. Coleridge + Perseus Project, Tufts University + Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Lisa Cerrato + William Merrill + Elli Mylonas + David Smith + + The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + The Plays of Euripides + Edward P. Coleridge + + London + George Bell and Sons + 1891 + + 2 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + +

Modernization of language.

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This pointer pattern extracts lines

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+ + + + + + English + Greek + Latin + + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + copyrighted CTS texts from sdl and classics in new canonical structure per github repo + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + the card divs had had a line range but there was a problem with this, so we just have the start line in the n attribute. + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + places/dates now actually tagged + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + fix broken titles (too much cutting and pasting too fast + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + bring up to p3, including use of n attribute on sp when a cardbreak comes within a speech, and moving milestones out of speeches + Fixed cardbreak at 427 + Added speaker tags where needed. + Basic SGML tagging and modernizing + +
+ + + +
+ + +

Dramatis Personae

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Jocasta

+

Old servant

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Antigone

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Chorus

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Polyneices

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Eteocles

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Creon

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Teiresias

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Menoeceus

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Messenger

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Second Messenger

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Oedipus

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+ + +Before the royal palace of Thebes. +Jocasta +O Sun-god, you who cut your path in heaven’s stars, mounted on a chariot inlaid with gold and whirling out your flame with swift horses, what an unfortunate beam you shed on Thebes, the day +that Cadmus left Phoenicia’s realm beside the sea and reached this land! He married at that time Harmonia, the daughter of Cypris, and begot Polydorus from whom they say Labdacus was born, and Laius from him. +I am known as the daughter of Menoeceus, and Creon is my brother by the same mother. They call me Jocasta, for so my father named me, and I am married to Laius. Now when he was still childless after being married to me a long time in the palace, +he went and questioned Phoebus, and asked for us both to have sons for the house. But the god said: Lord of Thebes famous for horses, do not sow a furrow of children against the will of the gods; for if you beget a son, that child will kill you, + and all your house shall wade through blood. But he, yielding to pleasure in a drunken fit, begot a child on me; and afterwards, conscious of his sin and of the god’s warning, he gave the child to shepherds to expose +in Hera’s meadow and the crag of Cithaeron, after piercing his ankles with iron spikes; from which Hellas named him Oedipus. But Polybus’ horsemen found him and took him home and laid him in the arms of their mistress. +So she suckled the child that I had borne and persuaded her husband she was its mother. + +When my son had become a man, with tawny beard, either because he had guessed or learned it from another, he set out for the shrine of Phoebus, wanting to know for certain who his parents were; +and so did Laius, my husband, seeking to learn if the child he had exposed was dead. And the two of them met at the branching road of Phocis. And Laius’ charioteer ordered him: +Stranger, make way for the king! But he walked on without a word, in his pride. The horses with their hoofs drew blood from the tendons of his feet. Then—why need I speak of matters outside these evils?—son slew father, and taking his chariot +gave it to Polybus, his foster-father. Now when the Sphinx was oppressing and ravaging our city, after my husband’s death, my brother Creon proclaimed my marriage: that he would marry me to anyone who should guess the riddle of the crafty maiden. It happened somehow +that my son, Oedipus, guessed the Sphinx’s song; and so he became king of this land and received the scepter of this land as his prize. He married his mother in ignorance, luckless wretch! nor did his mother know that she was sleeping with her son. + I bore my son two sons, Eteocles and the hero Polyneices, and two daughters; the one her father called Ismene; the other, which was the elder, I named Antigone. Now when Oedipus, who endured so much, +learned that he was married to his mother, he inflicted a dreadful slaughter upon his eyes, making the pupils bloody with a golden brooch. But when my sons grew to bearded men, they hid their father behind bars, so that his misfortune, +needing as it did much skill to hide it, might be forgotten. He is still living in the house. Afflicted by his fate, he makes the most unholy curses against his sons, praying that they may divide this house with a sharp sword. + +So they were afraid +that the gods might fulfil his prayers if they dwell together; and they made an agreement, that Polyneices, the younger, should first leave the land in voluntary exile, while Eteocles should stay and hold the scepter, and then change places yearly. But as soon as Eteocles was seated on the bench of power, +he did not leave the throne, but drove Polyneices into exile from this land. So Polyneices went to Argos and married into the family of Adrastus, and having collected a numerous force of Argives is leading them here; and he has come against these very walls of seven gates, +demanding the scepter of his father and his share of the land. Now I, to end their strife, have persuaded one son to meet the other under truce, before seizing arms; and the messenger I sent tells me that he will come. O Zeus, dwelling in the bright folds of heaven, +save us, and reconcile my sons! For you, if you are really wise, must not allow the same mortal to be forever wretched. Exit Jocasta. + +Old servant +From the roof.Antigone, famous child in your father’s house, although your mother allowed you at your entreaty to leave your maiden chamber +for the topmost story of the house, to see the Argive army, wait, so that I may first investigate the path, whether there be any of the citizens visible on the road, and reproach, a slight matter to a slave like me, should come +to you, my royal mistress; and when I have examined everything, I will tell you what I saw and heard from the Argives, when I carried the terms of the truce from here to Polyneices and back from him again. After a slight pause. +No, there is no citizen near the house, +so mount the ancient cedar steps, and view the plains; beside Ismenus’ streams and the fountain of Dirce see the great army of the enemy. + + +
+Antigone +Stretch out your hand to me from the stairs now, stretch it out, the hand of age to youth, +helping me to rise. + +Old servant +There! clasp it, maiden; you have come at the right time; for Pelasgia’s army is just upon the move, and they are separating the companies. + +Antigone +O Lady Hecate, +child of Leto! The plain is one lightning-flash of bronze. + +Old servant +Ah! this is no ordinary home-coming of Polyneices, with the clash of many horses, many arms. + +Antigone +Are the gates barred, and the brazen bolts +fitted into Amphion’s walls of stone? + +Old servant +Never fear! All is safe within the town. But see the first one, if you want to know him. + +Antigone +Who is that one with the white crest, +who marches before the army, lightly bearing on his arm a shield all of bronze? + +Old servant +A captain, mistress. + +Antigone +Who is he? Who is his family? Tell me his name, old man. + +Old servant +He claims to be Mycenaean; by Lerna’s streams he dwells, the lord Hippomedon. + +Antigone +Ah, ah! How proud, how fearful to see, like an earth-born giant, with stars engraved on his shield, not resembling +mortal race. + +Old servant +Do you see the one crossing Dirce’s stream? + +Antigone +His armor is quite different. Who is that? + +Old servant +Tydeus, the son of Oeneus, Aetolian battle-spirit in his breast. + +Antigone +Is this the one, old man, who married a sister of Polyneices’ wife? What a foreign look his armor has, half-barbarian! + +Old servant +Yes, my child; all Aetolians carry shields, +and are most unerring marksmen with their darts. + +Antigone +How do you know them so clearly, old man? + +Old servant +I saw and learned the devices on their shields before, when I went with the terms of the truce to your brother, since I looked closely at them, I know the armed men. + + + +Antigone +Who is that youth passing by the tomb of Zethus, with long flowing hair, fierce to see? Is he a captain? For an armed crowd follows at his heels. + +Old servant +That is Parthenopaeus, Atalanta’s son. + +Antigone +May Artemis, who rushes over the hills with his mother, lay him low with an arrow, for coming against my city to sack it! + +Old servant +May it be so, my child; but they have come here with justice, +and my fear is that the gods will take the rightful view. + +Antigone +Where is the one who was born of the same mother as I was, by a painful destiny? Oh! tell me, old friend, where Polyneices is. + +Old servant +He is standing by Adrastus, +near the tomb of Niobe’s seven unwed daughters. Do you see him? + +Antigone +I see him, yes! but not clearly; I see the outline of his form, the likeness of his breast. Would I could speed through the sky, swift as a cloud before the wind, +towards my own dear brother, and throw my arms about my darling’s neck, so long, poor boy! an exile. How distinguished he is with his golden weapons, old man, flashing like the morning rays! + +Old servant +He will come to this house, under truce, to fill your heart with joy. + +Antigone +Who is that, old man, on his chariot, driving white horses? + +Old servant +That, lady, is the prophet Amphiaraus; with him are the victims, earth’s bloodthirsty streams. +Antigone +Daughter of the sun with dazzling zone, O moon, you circle of golden light, how quietly, with what restraint he drives, goading first one horse, then the other! But where is the one who utters those dreadful insults against this city? + +Old servant +Capaneus? There he is, calculating how he may scale the towers, taking the measure of our walls up and down. + +Antigone +O Nemesis, and roaring thunder-peals of Zeus and blazing lightning-bolts, oh! put to sleep his presumptuous boasting! +This is the man who says he will give the Theban girls as captives of his spear to the women of Mycenae, to Lerna’s trident, and the waters of Amymone, dear to Poseidon, when he has them enslaved. +Never, never, Lady Artemis, golden-haired child of Zeus, may I endure that slavery.
+ + +
+ Old servant +My child, go inside, and stay beneath the shelter of your maiden chamber, now that you have had +your wish and seen all that you wanted; for a crowd of women is coming toward the royal palace, as confusion enters the city. Now women by nature love scandal; and if they get some slight handle for their gossip +they exaggerate it, for women seem to have pleasure in saying nothing wholesome about each other. +Exeunt Antigone and the old servant.
+
+ + +
+
+Chorus +From the Tyrian swell of the sea I came, a choice offering for Loxias from the island of Phoenicia, +to be a slave to Phoebus in his halls, where he dwells under the snow-swept peaks of Parnassus; through the Ionian sea I sailed in the waves, +over the unharvested plains, in the gusts of Zephyrus that ride from Sicily, sweetest music in the sky.
+ + +
+Chorus +Chosen from my city +as beauty’s gift for Loxias, to the land of Cadmus I came, sent here to the towers of Laius, the home of my kin, the famous sons of Agenor. +And I became the handmaid of Phoebus, dedicated like his statues of wrought gold. But the water of Castalia is still waiting for me to drench the maiden glory of my hair +for the service of Phoebus.
+ + +
+Chorus +Hail, rock that lights up a double-crested flash of fire above the frenzied heights of Dionysus; and the vine, that every day +lets fall the lush cluster of grapes; and the holy cavern of the serpent and the gods’ watchtower on the hills, and the sacred snow-swept mountain! +Would I were free of fear and circling in the dance of the deathless god, having left Dirce for the valleys of Phoebus at the center of the world.
+ + +
+Chorus +But now I find +the impetuous god of war has come to battle before the walls, and is kindling a murderous blaze—may he not succeed!—for this city. For a friend’s pain is shared, and if this land with its seven towers +suffers any mischance, Phoenicia’s realm will share it. Ah me! our blood is one; we are all children of Io, the horned maid; these sorrows I claim as mine.
+ + +
+Chorus +Around the city a thick cloud of shields is kindling a shape of bloody battle, which Ares will soon learn, if he brings upon the sons of Oedipus +the curse of the Furies. O Argos, city of Pelasgia! I dread your might, and also what comes from the gods; for the one who approaches his home in armor is setting out to a contest +that is not without justice.
+
+ + +
+ +Polyneices +The doorkeeper’s bolts admitted me readily within the walls, and so I fear that now they have caught me in their nets, they will not let me out unscathed; +so I must turn my eye in every direction, here and there, to guard against treachery. Armed with this sword, I shall inspire myself with the confidence that is born of boldness. Starting. Oh! Who is that? Or is it a sound I fear? +Everything seems a danger to the daring, when their feet begin to tread an enemy’s country. Still I trust my mother, and at the same time mistrust her, the one who persuaded me to come here under truce. Well, there is help at hand, for the altar’s hearth +is close and the house is not deserted. Come, let me sheath my sword in its dark scabbard and ask these women standing near the house, who they are. +Ladies of another land, tell me from what country do you come to the halls of Hellas? + +Chorus Leader +Phoenicia is my native land where I was born and bred; and the grandsons of Agenor sent me here as first-fruits of the spoil of war for Phoebus. But when the noble son of Oedipus was about to send me to the hallowed oracle and the altars of Loxias, +the Argive army came against his city. Now tell me in return who you are, who have come to this fortress of the Theban land with its seven gates. + +Polyneices +My father was Oedipus, the son of Laius; my mother Jocasta, daughter of Menoeceus; +and I am called Polyneices by the people of Thebes. + +Chorus +O kinsman of Agenor’s race, my royal masters who sent me here! + +I fall to my knees before you, lord, honoring the custom of my home. +At last you have come to your native land. Hail to you! all hail! Lady, come from the house, open wide the gates! Do you hear, you who gave birth to this man? Why do you delay to leave the sheltered hall +and hold your son in your embrace? + +
+ Jocasta +Maidens, I hear your Phoenician voice, and my old feet drag their tottering steps. O my son, +at last after countless days I see your face; throw your arms about your mother’s breast, stretch out to me your cheeks and the dark, curly locks of your hair, overshadowing my neck. +Hail to you! all hail! scarcely here in your mother’s arms, beyond hope and expectation. What can I say to you? How in every way, by hands, by words, in the mazy delight +of the dance, shall I find the pleasure of my former joy? Ah! my son, you left your father’s house desolate, when your brother’s outrage drove you away in exile. +Truly you were missed alike by your friends and Thebes. And so I cut my white hair and let it fall for grief, in tears, not clad in robes of white, my son, +but taking instead these dark rags. + +While in the house the old blind man, always possessed by his tearful longing for the pair of brothers estranged from the home, +rushed to kill himself with the sword or by the noose suspended over his chamber-roof, moaning his curses on his sons; +and now he hides himself in darkness, always weeping and lamenting. And you, my child, I hear you have married and are begetting children to your joy in a foreign home, +and are courting a foreign alliance, a ceaseless regret to me your mother and to Laius your ancestor, ruin brought by your marriage. I was not the one who lit for you the marriage-torch, +the custom in marriage for a happy mother; Ismenus had no part at your wedding in supplying the luxurious bath, and there was silence through the streets of Thebes, at the entrance of your bride. +Curses on them! whether the sword or strife or your father that is to blame, or heaven’s visitation that has burst riotously upon the house of Oedipus; for on me has come all the anguish of these evils. + + + +Chorus Leader +Their offspring are a wonderful thing to women; all of them have some love for their children. + +Polyneices +Mother, I have come among enemies wisely or foolishly; but all men must love their native land; whoever says otherwise +is pleased to say so, but his thoughts are turned elsewhere. I was so fearful and in such terror, lest my brother should kill me by treachery, that I came through the city sword in hand, looking all round. I had one advantage, +the truce and your word, which brought me to to the paternal walls; and I arrived here weeping, to see after a long time my home and the altars of the gods, the training ground, scene of my childhood, and the water of Dirce, from which I was unjustly driven to live in a foreign city, + a stream of tears flowing from my eyes. Now, grief upon grief, I see you with hair cut short and in black robes, alas for my sorrows! + What a terrible thing, mother, is hatred between dear friends. +and how hard it makes reconciliation +What is my old father doing within the house, looking on darkness? What of my two sisters? Surely the unhappy ones lament my exile? + +Jocasta +Some god with evil intent is destroying the race of Oedipus. +So it began, my childbearing was unholy, and in an evil hour I married your father and you were born. But why repeat these horrors? What the gods send we have to bear. I am afraid to ask you what I would, for fear of stinging your heart; yet I long to. + +Polyneices +No, question me, leave out nothing; for your will, mother, is my pleasure too. + + + +Jocasta +Well then, first I ask you what I long to have answered. What is it, to be deprived of one’s country? Is it a great evil? + +Polyneices +The greatest; harder to bear than tell. + +Jocasta +What is it like? What annoys the exile? + +Polyneices +One thing most of all; he cannot speak his mind. + +Jocasta +This is a slave’s lot you speak of, not to say what one thinks. + +Polyneices +The follies of the rulers must be borne. + +Jocasta +That too is painful, to join in the folly of fools. + +Polyneices +Yet to gain our ends we must serve against our nature. + +Jocasta +Hope, they say, is the exile’s food. + +Polyneices +Yes, hope that looks so fair; but always in the future. + +Jocasta +But doesn’t time expose its emptiness? + +Polyneices +It has a certain winsome charm in misfortune. + +Jocasta +Where did you get your living, before your marriage found it for you? + +Polyneices +Sometimes I would have enough for the day, and sometimes not. + +Jocasta +Didn’t your father’s friends and guests assist you? + +Polyneices +Seek to be prosperous; friends are nothing in misfortune. + +Jocasta +Didn’t your noble breeding lead you to the heights? + +Polyneices +Poverty is a curse; breeding did not find me food. + +Jocasta +Man’s dearest treasure, it seems, is his country. + +Polyneices +You could not name how dear it is! + +Jocasta +How did you come to Argos? What was your scheme? + +Polyneices +Loxias gave Adrastus an oracle. + +Jocasta +What was it? What are you saying? I cannot guess. + +Polyneices +That he should marry his daughters to a boar and a lion. + +Jocasta +What did you, my son, have to do with the name of beasts? + +Polyneices +I don’t know; the deity summoned me there to my destiny. + +Jocasta +Yes, for the god is wise; but how did you win your wife? + +Polyneices +It was night when I reached the porch of Adrastus. + +Jocasta +In search of a resting-place, because you were in exile? + +Polyneices +Yes; and then another exile came there. + +Jocasta +Who was he? He too was in trouble, surely. + +Polyneices +Tydeus; they say that Oineus is his father. + +Jocasta +But why did Adrastus compare you to wild beasts? + +Polyneices +Because we came to blows about our bed. + +Jocasta +Was it then that the son of Talaus understood the oracle? + +Polyneices +Yes, and he gave the two of us his two daughters. + +Jocasta +Are you blessed or cursed in your marriage? + +Polyneices +As yet I have no fault to find with it. + + + +Jocasta +How did you persuade an army to follow you here? + +Polyneices +Adrastus swore an oath to his two sons-in-law, Tydeus and myself; for he is my relative by marriage that he would restore us both to our country, me first. +So many Danaan and Mycenaean chiefs have joined me, doing me a bitter though needful service, for it is against my own city I am marching. Now I call the gods to witness, that it is not willingly I have raised the spear against my willing friends. +But it belongs to you, mother, to dissolve this unhappy feud, and, by reconciling loving brothers, to end the trouble for me and you and the whole city. It has been said for a long time, but I will say it anyway: wealth is most valued by men, +and of all things in the world it has the greatest power. This I have come to secure at the head of my great army; for a man well-born but poor is worth nothing. + +Chorus Leader +And see, Eteocles comes here to discuss the truce. It is your task, mother Jocasta, to speak +such words as may reconcile your sons. + +Eteocles +Mother, I am here; I have come to do you a favor. What am I to do? Let some one begin the conference; for I stopped marshalling the citizens in pairs of companies around the walls, so that I might hear your +arbitration between us, by which you persuaded me to admit this man under truce within the walls. + +Jocasta +Wait; haste does not carry justice with it; but slow deliberation often attains a wise result. Restrain the fierceness of your look and panting rage; +for this is not the Gorgon’s severed head but your own brother whom you see has come. You too, Polyneices, turn and face your brother; for if you look at him, you will speak and listen to him the better. +I want to give you both one piece of good counsel; when a man that is angry with his friend confronts him face to face, he ought only to keep in view the object of his coming, forgetting all previous quarrels. +My son Polyneices, speak first, for you have come at the head of a Danaid army, alleging wrongful treatment; may some god be the judge and reconciler of the troubles. + + + +Polyneices +The words of truth are naturally simple, +and justice needs no subtle interpretations, for it has a fitness in itself; but the words of injustice, being sick in themselves, require clever treatment. I provided for his interests and mine in our father’s house, being anxious to escape the curse +which Oedipus once uttered against us; of my own free-will I left this land, allowing him to rule the country for one full year, on condition that I should then take up the rule in turn, instead of plunging into deadly enmity with this man, +doing others harm and suffering it myself, as is now the case. But he, after consenting to this and calling the gods to witness his oath, has performed none of his promises, but is still keeping the sovereignty in his own hands together with my share of our heritage. +And now I am ready to take my own +and dismiss the army from this land, receiving my house in turn to dwell in, and once more restore it to him for an equal period, instead of ravaging our country and bringing scaling-ladders against the towers, +as I shall attempt to do if I do not get my rights. I call the gods to witness that spite of my just dealing in everything I am being unjustly robbed of my country, a most unholy act. I have made my points, mother, without stringing together +words to entangle you, but urging a fair case, I think, in the judgment of the wise and the simple. + +Chorus Leader +To me, although I was not born and bred in Hellas, your words seem full of sense. + + +Eteocles +If all were unanimous in their ideas of honor and wisdom, +there would be no strife to make men disagree; but, as it is, fairness and equality have no existence in this world beyond the name; there is really no such thing. I will tell you this, mother, without any concealment: I would go to the rising of the stars and the sun, +or beneath the earth, if I were able so to do, to win Tyranny, the greatest of the gods. Therefore, mother, I will not yield this blessing to another rather than keep it for myself; for it is cowardly to lose the greater +and to win the less. Besides, I am ashamed to think that he should gain his object by coming with arms and ravaging the land; for this would be a disgrace to Thebes, if I should yield my scepter up to him for fear of Mycenaean might. +He ought not to have attempted reconcilement by armed force, mother, for words accomplish everything that even the sword of an enemy might effect. Still, if on any other terms he cares to dwell here, he may; but that I shall never willingly let go. +Shall I become his slave, when I can rule? Therefore come fire, come sword! Harness your horses, fill the plains with chariots, for I will not give up my tyranny to him. For if we must do wrong, to do so for tyranny +is the fairest cause, but in all else piety should be our aim. + +Chorus Leader +One should not speak well on deeds that are not good; for that is not good, but bitter to justice. + +Jocasta +Eteocles, my child, it is not all evil that attends old age; but experience +has something to say wiser than youth. Why, my son, do you so long for Ambition, that worst of deities? Oh, do not; the goddess is unjust; many are the homes and cities once prosperous that she has entered and left, to the ruin of her worshippers; +and she is the one you are mad for. It is better, my son, to honor Equality, who always joins friend to friend, city to city, allies to allies; for Equality is naturally lasting among men; but the less is always in opposition to the greater, +and begins the dawn of hatred. For it is Equality that has set up for man measures and divisions of weights, and has determined numbers; night’s sightless eye, and radiant sun proceed upon their yearly course on equal terms, +and neither of them is envious when it has to yield. Though both sun and night are servants for mortals, you will not be content with your fair share of your heritage and give the same to him? Then where is justice? + +Why do you honor to excess tyranny, a prosperous injustice, +why do you think so much of it? Admiring glances are to be prized? No, that is an empty pleasure. Or do you want to have many troubles from the many riches in your house? What advantage is it? The name only; for the wise find what suffices to be enough. +Mortals indeed have no possessions of their own; we hold the management of the gods’ property; and when they will, they take it back again. Prosperity is not secure, but as transient as the day. +Come, suppose I put before you two alternatives, and ask you + whether you wish to rule or save your city? Will you say you wish to rule? + Again, if this man conquers you and his Argive warriors take the army of Cadmus, you will see this city of Thebes conquered, and you will see many captured maidens +brutally dishonored by men of the enemy. Then that wealth you seek to have will become grievous to Thebes; but still ambition fills you. +That I say to you; and this to you, Polyneices; Adrastus has conferred a foolish favor on you; +and you too have shown little sense in coming to lay your city waste. Suppose you conquer this land—may it not happen!—tell me, by the gods, how will you set up a trophy to Zeus? How will you begin the sacrifice after your country’s conquest or inscribe the spoils at the streams of Inachus: +Polyneices after giving Thebes to the flames dedicated these shields to the gods? O my son, may you never win such fame from Hellas! If, on the other hand, you are beaten and your brother’s cause prevails, how will you return to Argos, leaving countless dead behind? + Some one will be sure to say: Adrastus, you made an evil betrothal; we are ruined by the marriage of one bride. + You are eager for two evils, my son, the loss of those there and ruin in the midst of your efforts here. +Lay aside your violence, my sons, lay it aside; two men’s follies, +once they meet, result in very deadly mischief. + +Chorus Leader +O gods, avert these troubles and reconcile the sons of Oedipus!
+ + +
+Eteocles +Mother, it is no longer a contest of words; the time we still delay is idle waste; your good wishes accomplish nothing; +for we can never be reconciled except upon the terms already named, that I should keep the scepter and be king of this land. Cease these tedious warnings and let me be. Turning to Polyneices And as for you, get outside the walls, or die! + +Polyneices +Who will kill me? Who is so invulnerable as to plunge a murderous sword +in my body without getting for himself the same fate? + +Eteocles +He is near, not far away. Do you see my hands? + +Polyneices +I see them; but wealth is cowardly, a craven too fond of life. + +Eteocles +Then did you come to battle with so many against a man worth nothing? + +Polyneices +Yes, for a steadfast general is better than a bold one. + +Eteocles +Relying on the truce, which saves your life, you turn boaster. + +Polyneices +And so do you; once more I demand back my scepter and share of the land. + +Eteocles +I admit no demand; I will live in my own house. + +Polyneices +And keep more than your share? + +Eteocles +Yes. Leave the country! + +Polyneices +O altars of my fathers’ gods— + +Eteocles +Which you are here to destroy. + +Polyneices +Hear me— + +Eteocles +Who would hear you after you have marched against your fatherland? + +Polyneices +And temples of the gods who ride on white horses— + +Eteocles +And who hate you. + +Polyneices +I am being driven from my country— + +Eteocles +Yes, for you came to destroy it. + +Polyneices +Unjustly, O gods! + +Eteocles +Call on the gods at Mycenae, not here. + +Polyneices +You have become unholy— + +Eteocles +But I have not, like you, become my country’s enemy. + +Polyneices +By driving me out without my portion. + +Eteocles +I will kill you in addition. + +Polyneices +O father, do you you hear what I am suffering? + +Eteocles +Yes, and he hears what you are doing. + +Polyneices +And you, mother? + +Eteocles +It is not lawful for you to mention your mother. + +Polyneices +O my city! + +Eteocles +Go to Argos, and invoke the waters of Lerna. + + +Polyneices +I will; do not be troubled; but I thank you, mother. + +Eteocles +Go forth from the land! + +Polyneices +I will go; but let me see my father. + +Eteocles +You will not have your wish. + +Polyneices +At least then my maiden sisters. + +Eteocles +You will not ever see them either. + +Polyneices +Ah, my sisters! + +Eteocles +Why do you, their bitterest enemy, call on them? + +Polyneices +To you at least farewell, mother! + +Jocasta +Indeed I am faring well, my son! + +Polyneices +I am no longer your son. + +Jocasta +I was born to great sorrow. + +Polyneices +Because my brother treats me outrageously. + +Eteocles +I am treated just the same. + +Polyneices +Where will you be stationed before the towers? + +Eteocles +Why do you ask me this? + +Polyneices +I will set myself against you for your death. + +Eteocles +I too have the same desire. + +Jocasta +Woe is me! what will you do, my sons? + +Polyneices +The event will show. + +Jocasta +Oh, try to escape your father’s curse! Exit Jocasta. + +Eteocles +May destruction seize our whole house! + +Polyneices +Soon my sword will be busy, plunged in gore. But I call my native land and the gods to witness, with what dishonor and bitter treatment I am being driven forth, as though I were a slave, not a son of Oedipus as much as he. If anything happens to you, my city, blame him, not me; +for I did not come willingly, and unwillingly I am driven from the land. And you, Phoebus, lord of highways, and my home, farewell, and my comrades, and statues of the gods, where sheep are sacrificed. For I do not know if I can ever again address you; though hope is not yet asleep, which makes me confident that with the gods’ help +I shall slay him and rule this land of Thebes. Exit Polyneices. + +Eteocles +Get out of the country! It was a true name our father gave you, when, prompted by some god, he called you Polyneices, man of many quarrels. Exit Eteocles.
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+
+Chorus +Cadmus of Tyre came to this land, and at his feet a four-footed, +untamed heifer threw itself down, fulfilling an oracle, where the god’s prophecy told him to make his home in the plains rich with wheat, +and where the lovely waters of Dirce pour over the fields, the green and deep-seeded fields; here Bromius’ mother gave birth +from her union with Zeus; Bromius, round whom the ivy twined its wreaths while he was still a baby, covering him and blessing him in the shades of its green foliage, +a Bacchic dance for the maids and wives inspired in Thebes.
+ + +
+Chorus +There was Ares’ murderous dragon, a savage guard, +watching with wandering eye the watery rivers and fresh streams. Cadmus destroyed it with a jagged stone, when he came there to draw lustral water; smiting the deadly head +with a blow of his beast-slaying arm; and by the counsel of PalIas, the motherless goddess, he cast the teeth upon the deep fields to fall to the earth, +from which the earth brought forth a sight fully-armed, above the surface of the soil; but grim slaughter once again united them to the earth they loved, bedewing with blood the ground that had +shown them to the sunlit breath of heaven.
+ + +
+Chorus +And you, Epaphus, born from Io, our first mother, and child of Zeus: you I summon in foreign cry, +oh! in foreign prayers: come, come to this land; your descendants settled here; and the goddesses of twofold name, Persephone and the kindly +goddess Demeter the queen of all, Earth the nurse of all, won it for themselves; send to the help of this land those torch-bearing goddesses; for to gods all things are easy.
+
+ + + +
+ +Eteocles +to an attendant + Go, bring Creon, son of Menoeceus, the brother of Jocasta my mother; tell him I want to consult with him on matters public and private, before we set out to battle and the arrangement of the army. +But he is here, saving you the trouble; I see him on his way to my house. + +Creon +I have been everywhere, lord Eteocles, in my desire to see you, and have gone all round the gates and sentinels of Thebes hunting for you. + +Eteocles +And I wanted to see you, Creon; for I found the terms of peace far from satisfactory, when I came to confer with Polyneices. + +Creon +I hear that he has wider aims than Thebes, relying on his alliance with Adrastus and his army. But we must leave this dependent on the gods; +I have come to tell you our chief obstacle. + +Eteocles +What is that? I do not understand what you say. + +Creon +Someone has come who was captured from the Argives. + +Eteocles +What news does he bring from there? + +Creon +He says the Argive army intend at once to wind about the city of Thebes and its towers, with their army. + +Eteocles +In that case the city of Cadmus must lead out its army. + +Creon +Where? Are you so young that your eyes do not see what they should? + +Eteocles +Across those trenches, to fight at once. + +Creon +Our forces are small, while theirs are plentiful. + +Eteocles +I know well they are brave in argument. + +Creon +Argos has some weight among the Hellenes. + +Eteocles +Never fear! I will soon fill the plain with their dead. + +Creon +I could wish it so; but I see great difficulties in this. + +Eteocles +I will not keep my army within the walls. + +Creon +And yet victory is entirely a matter of good counsel. + +Eteocles + Do you then want me to turn to some other way? + +Creon +Yes, to every one, before running the risk once for all. + +Eteocles +Suppose we fall on them by night from ambush? + +Creon +Yes, if in the event of defeat you can return safely here. + +Eteocles +Night equalizes risks, though it rather favors daring. + +Creon +The darkness of night is a terrible time to suffer disaster. + +Eteocles +Well, shall I attack them as they sit at dinner? + +Creon +That might cause them fright, but victory is what we need. + +Eteocles +Dirce’s ford is certainly deep enough to prevent their retreat. + +Creon +No plan so good as to keep well guarded. + +Eteocles +What if we ride out against the army of Argos? + +Creon +Their troops too are fenced all round with chariots. + +Eteocles +What shall I do, then? Am I to surrender the city to the enemy? + +Creon +No indeed! But out of your wisdom form some plan. + +Eteocles +What forethought is wiser than mine? + + +Creon +They have seven men, I hear— + +Eteocles +What is their appointed task? their might is small. + +Creon +. . . To attack the seven gates. + +Eteocles +What are we to do then? I will not wait till every chance is gone. + +Creon +You also choose seven men to set against them at the gates. + +Eteocles +To lead our companies, or to fight single-handed? + +Creon +To lead; choose the very bravest ones. + +Eteocles +I understand; to repel attempts at scaling our walls. + +Creon +With others to share the command, for one man doesn’t see everything. + +Eteocles +Selecting them for courage or thoughtful prudence? + +Creon +Both; for one is nothing without the other. + +Eteocles +It shall be done; I will go to our seven towers and post captains at the gates, as you say, +pitting them man for man against the enemy. To tell each one’s name is a great waste of time, when the enemy are camped beneath our very walls. But I will go, that my hands may no longer hang idle. And may I find my brother face to face, +meet him in battle and kill him with my spear and kill him, for coming to waste my country! But if I suffer any misfortune, you must see to the marriage between Antigone, my sister and Haemon, your son; and now, as I take my leave, +I ratify their previous betrothal. You are my mother’s brother, no need to speak at length. Take care of her as she deserves, both for your own sake and mine. As for my father, he has been guilty of folly against himself in putting out his eyes; I have small praise for him; +by his curses it may be that he will slay us too. +One thing we still have to do: ask Teiresias, the seer, if he has anything to say of heaven’s will. I will send your son Menoeceus, who bears your father’s name, +to fetch Teiresias here, Creon; for he will readily converse with you, but I have before now so scorned his prophetic art to his face, that he has reasons to reproach me. This commandment, Creon, I lay upon the city and you: +if my cause should prevail, never give Polyneices’ corpse a grave in Theban soil, and let the one who buries him die, even if it is a friend. This I say to you; and this to my servants Bring out my weapons and armor, +so that I may start at once for the appointed combat, with justice to lead to victory. We will pray to Caution, the most useful goddess, to save our city. Exit Eteocles. +
+ + +
+
+Chorus +O Ares, god of much suffering! Why, why are you possessed by a love of blood and +death, out of harmony with the festivals of Bromius? Not for young girls crowned in the lovely dance do you toss your curls, singing to the flute’s breath a song to charm the dancers’ feet; no, with warriors clad in armor you inspire the Argive army with a lust +for Theban blood, leading your revels that are held without music. Nor do you rush with wild waving of the thyrsus, clad in fawnskin, but with chariots and horses you go to the waters of Ismenus, inspiring the Argives + with hatred for the Spartans, arraying in bronze armor against these stone-built walls a band of warriors and their shields. + Truly Strife is a goddess to fear, who devised these troubles for the princes of this land, +for the much-suffering sons of Labdacus.
+ + +
+Chorus +O snow-capped Cithaeron, dear to Artemis, holy vale of leaves, crowded with wild animals, would that you had never reared the one exposed to die, Oedipus, Jocasta’s child, when as a baby he was cast forth from his home, +marked with a golden brooch; and would that the Sphinx, that winged maid, monster from the hills, had never come as a grief to our land with her inharmonious songs, she that once drew near our walls and snatched the sons of Cadmus away in her taloned feet to the untrodden light of heaven, +sent by Hades from hell to plague the men of Thebes; once more unhappy strife is coming into bloom between the sons of Oedipus in home and city. For never can wrong be right, +nor can there be good in unlawful children, their mother’s birth pangs, their father’s pollution; she came to the bed of her son. . . .
+ + +
+Chorus +O Earth, you once bore—as I heard, I heard the story told by foreigners once in my own home—you bore + a race which sprang of the teeth of a snake with blood-red crest, that fed on beasts, to be the glory and reproach of Thebes. + In days gone by the sons of heaven came to the wedding of Harmonia, and the walls and towers of Thebes rose to the sound of Amphion’s lyre, +in the midst between the double streams where Dirce waters the grass-green field before Ismenus; and Io, our horned ancestress, was mother of the kings of Thebes; +thus our city, through an endless succession of various blessings, has set herself upon the heights, crowned with the glory of war.
+
+ + +
+ +Teiresias +led in by his daughter.Lead on, my daughter; for you are an eye +to my blind feet, as a star is to sailors; lead my steps on to level ground; then go before, so that I do not stumble, for your father has no strength; keep safe for me in your maiden hand the auguries I took when I observed omens from birds, +seated in my holy prophet’s chair. Tell me, Menoeceus, son of Creon, how much further toward the city is it, to your father? For my knees grow weary, I have come a long way and can scarcely go on. + +Creon +Take heart, Teiresias, for you have reached your harbor and are near your friends; take him by the hand, my child; for just as every chariot has to wait for outside help to lighten it, so does the step of old age. + +Teiresias +Enough; I have arrived; why, Creon, do you summon me so urgently? + +Creon +I have not forgotten that; but first collect your strength and regain your breath, shaking off the fatigue of your journey. + +Teiresias +I am indeed worn out, for I arrived here only yesterday from the court of the Erechtheidae; they too were at war, fighting with Eumolpus. +I gave the victory to Cecrops’ sons, and I received this golden crown, as you see, the first-fruits of the enemy’s spoils. + +Creon +I take your crown of victory as an omen. We, as you know, are exposed to the waves +of war with the Danaids, and great is the struggle for Thebes. Eteocles, our king, is already gone in full armor to meet Mycenae’s champions; and he has bidden me inquire of you our best course to save the city. + + +Teiresias +For Eteocles I would have closed my lips and refrained from all response, but to you I will speak, since it is your wish to learn. This country, Creon, has been long afflicted, ever since Laius became a father against the will of the gods, begetting hapless Oedipus to be his own mother’s husband. +That bloody destruction of his eyes was planned by the gods as an example to Hellas; and the sons of Oedipus went foolishly astray in wishing to throw over it the veil of time—as if they could outrun the gods! For by robbing their father of his due honor +and allowing him no freedom, they exasperated the poor sufferer; so he, suffering and disgraced as well, breathed dreadful curses against them. And I, because I left nothing undone or unsaid, incurred the hatred of the sons of Oedipus. +But death inflicted by each other’s hands awaits them, Creon; and the many heaps of the slain, some from Argive, some from Theban spears, shall cause bitter lamentation in the land of Thebes. Alas for you, poor city, you are being involved in their ruin, +unless I can persuade one man. The best course was to prevent any child of Oedipus becoming either citizen or king in this land, on the ground that they were under a ban and would overthrow the city. But since evil has the mastery of good, there is +one other means of safety; but—for it is unsafe for me to tell, and painful too for those whose fortune it is to supply their city with the saving cure—I will go away. Farewell; among the rest +I will endure what is to come, if I must; for what else can I do? + +Creon +Stay here, old man. + +Teiresias +Do not catch hold of me. + +Creon +Wait; why do you try to escape? + +Teiresias +It is your fortune that tries to escape you, not I. + +Creon +Tell me what can save Thebes and her citizens. + +Teiresias +Though you want this now, you will not want it soon. + +Creon +Not wish to save my country? how can that be? + +Teiresias +Do you really wish to hear it, eagerly? + +Creon +Yes; for where should I show greater zeal? + +Teiresias +Then you will presently hear my prophetic words. But first I would know for certain +where Menoeceus is, who led me here. + +Creon +Here, not far away, but at your side. + +Teiresias +Let him go far from my prophecies. + +Creon +He is my own son and will be silent as he ought. + +Teiresias + Do you want me to tell you in his presence? + +Creon +Yes, for he will rejoice to hear the means of safety. + + +Teiresias +Then hear the intent of my oracle; if you observe it, you will save the city of Cadmus you must sacrifice Menoeceus, your son here, for your country, since you yourself are calling on fate. + +Creon +What do you mean? What is this you have said, old man? + +Teiresias +I have said what is, and you must do it. + +Creon +O great evil, spoken so briefly! + +Teiresias +Evil to you, but to your country great salvation. + +Creon +I did not hear; I never listened; I renounce my city! + +Teiresias +The man is no longer himself; he is drawing back. + +Creon +Go in peace; it is not your prophecy I need. + +Teiresias +Is truth dead, because you are unfortunate? + +Creon +By your knees and gray hair— + +Teiresias +Why implore me? You are demanding evils that are hard to prevent. + +Creon +Be silent; do not tell the city your news. + +Teiresias +You bid me to act unjustly; I cannot be silent. + +Creon +What will you do to me? Kill my child? + +Teiresias +That is for others to decide; it is for me to speak. + +Creon +How did this curse come on me and my son? + +Teiresias +You do right to ask me and to test what I have said. In the chamber where the earth-born dragon kept watch over Dirce’s springs, he must be offered as a sacrifice and shed his blood on the ground, a libation of Cadmus, because of the ancient wrath of Ares, +who now avenges the slaughter of his earth-born snake. If you do this, you shall win Ares as an ally. If the earth receives fruit for fruit and human blood for blood, you shall find her kind to you again, who once +sent up to us a crop of Sown-men with golden helmets; for one of those born from the dragon’s teeth must die. +Now you are our only survivor of the Sown race, pure-blooded both on your mother’s and your father’s side, you and your sons. Haemon’s marriage +holds him back from the slaughter, for he is no longer single; even if he has not consummated his marriage, yet he is betrothed. But this tender youth, consecrated to his city, might by dying rescue his country; and bitter will he make the return of Adrastus and his Argives, +flinging over their eyes a black spirit of death, and he will glorify Thebes. Choose one of these two destinies: either save the city or your son. +Now you have all that I had to say. Daughter, lead me home. The man who practices the prophet’s art +is a fool; for if he happens to give an adverse answer, he makes himself disliked by those for whom he takes the omens; while if he pities and deceives those who are consulting him, he wrongs the gods. Phoebus should have been man’s only prophet, for he fears no one. Exit Teiresias. + + + +Chorus Leader +Creon, why are you so silent, without a word? I too am no less amazed. + +Creon +What can one say? It is clear what my words must be. For I will never come to such misfortune as to devote my son to death for the city; +for all men love their children, and no one would give his own son to die. Let no man praise me, and kill my child at the same time. I myself, for I am in the prime of life, am ready to die to save my country. + But come, my son, before the whole city learns this, fly with all haste away from this land, regardless of these prophets’ reckless warnings; for he will tell all this to our rulers and generals going to the seven gates and the captains; +now if we can forestall him, you are saved, but if you are too late, we are ruined and you will die. + +Menoeceus +Where can I escape? To what city? To which of our guest-friends? + +Creon +Where you will be furthest removed from this land. + +Menoeceus +It is for you to name a place, for me to carry out your bidding. + +Creon +After passing Delphi + +Menoeceus +Where must I go, father? + +Creon +To Aetolia. + +Menoeceus +And where must I go from there? + +Creon +To the land of Thesprotia. + +Menoeceus +To Dodona’s holy threshold? + +Creon +You understand. + +Menoeceus +What protection will I find there? + +Creon +The god will send you on your way. + +Menoeceus +How shall I find the means? + +Creon +I will supply you with money. + +Menoeceus +A good plan of yours, father. Go now; for I will come to your sister, Jocasta, at whose breast I was suckled when bereft of my mother, a lonely orphan, to give her greeting and then I will save my life. +Come, come! be going; it isn’t your part to hinder me. Exit Creon. + +How cleverly, ladies, I banished my father’s fears by crafty words to gain my end; for he is trying to get me away, depriving the city of its chance and surrendering me to cowardice. Though an old man may be pardoned, +yet in my case there is no pardon for betraying the country that gave me birth. Know this, I will go and save the city, and give my life up for this land. For it is shameful: those whom no oracles bind +and who have not come under divine necessity, stand there, shoulder to shoulder, with no fear of death, and fight for their country before her towers; while I leave the land like a coward, a traitor to my father and brother and city; +wherever I live, I shall seem base. +No, by Zeus and all his stars, by Ares, god of blood, who established the Sown-men that sprung one day from earth as lords of this land! I will go, and standing on the topmost battlements, +will sacrifice myself over the dragon’s deep, dark den, the spot the seer described, and will set my country free. I have spoken. Now I go to make the city a present of my life, no mean offering, to rid this kingdom of its affliction. +For if each were to take and expend all the good within his power, contributing it to the common good of his country, our states would experience fewer troubles and would prosper for the future. +Exit Menoeceus. +
+ + + +
+
+Chorus +You came, you came, O winged creature, born of earth +and hellish viper, to prey upon the sons of Cadmus, full of death, full of sorrow, half a maiden, a murderous monster, with roving wings +and ravening claws; you once caught up youths from the haunts of Dirce, with discordant song, +and you brought, you brought a murderous grief, a deadly curse to our native land. A deadly god he was who brought all this to pass. Mourning of mothers, mourning of maidens, +filled the houses with groans; a lamenting cry, a lamenting song, one after another wailed out, in turn throughout the city. The roar of the groaning +was like thunder, whenever the winged maiden bore a man out of sight from the city.
+ + +
+Chorus +At last came Oedipus, the man of sorrow, sent from Delphi +to this land of Thebes, a joy to us then, but afterwards a cause of grief; for, when he guessed the riddle triumphantly, he formed with his mother an unhallowed union, woe to him! + polluting the city; and striking down his sons by his curses, he handed them over to loathsome strife, through blood, the wretched man. + We admire him, we admire him, +who has gone to his death in his country’s cause, leaving tears to Creon, but bringing a crown of victory to our seven fenced towers. +May we be mothers in this way, may we have such fair children, dear PalIas, you who with well-aimed stone spilled the serpent’s blood, rousing Cadmus to brood upon the task, +from which a demon’s curse swooped upon this land and ravaged it.
+
+ + +
+ +Messenger +Ho there! Who is at the palace-gates? Open the door, summon Jocasta forth. Ho there! once again I call; in spite of this long delay, +come forth; listen, noble wife of Oedipus, cease your lamentation and your tears of woe. + +Jocasta +Surely you have not come, dear friend, with the sad news of Eteocles’ death, beside whose shield you have always marched, warding off from him the enemy’s darts? +What tidings are you here to bring me? Is my son alive or dead? Tell me. + +Messenger +He is alive, do not fear that, so that I may rid you of your terror. + +Jocasta +Well? How is it with the seven towers that wall us in? + +Messenger +They stand unshattered; the city is not plundered. + +Jocasta +Have they been in jeopardy of the Argive spear? + +Messenger +Yes, on the very brink; but our Theban warriors proved stronger than Mycenae’s might. + +Jocasta +One thing tell me, by the gods, if you know anything of Polyneices; for this too is my concern, if he is alive. + +Messenger +As yet your sons are living, the pair of them. + +Jocasta +God bless you! How did you succeed in beating off from our gates the Argive army, when beleaguered? Tell me, so that I may go within and cheer the old blind man, since our city is still safe. +Messenger +After Creon’s son, who gave up his life for his country, had taken his stand on the turret’s top and plunged a dark-hilted sword through his throat to save this land, your son told off seven companies with their captains to the seven gates to keep watch on the Argive warriors, +and stationed cavalry to cover cavalry, and infantry to support infantry, so that assistance might be close at hand for any weak point in the walls. Then from our lofty towers we saw the Argive army with their white shields leaving +Teumesus, and, when near the trench, they charged up to our Theban city at a run. In one loud burst from their ranks and from our walls rang out the battle-cry and trumpet-call. + +First to the Neitian gate, Parthenopaeus, son of the huntress, +led a company bristling with thick rows of shields, and he had his own device in the centre of his shield: Atalanta slaying the Aetolian boar with an arrow shot from far. To the gates of Proetus +came the prophet Amphiaraus, bringing the victims on a chariot; he had no boastful sign, but weapons chastely plain. +Next lord Hippomedon came marching to the Ogygian gates with this device in the middle of his shield: +Argus the all-seeing dappled with eyes on the watch, some open with the rising stars, others hiding when they set, as could be seen after he was slain. +At the Homoloian gates Tydeus had his post, +a lion’s skin with shaggy mane upon his shield, while the Titan Prometheus bore a torch in his right hand, to fire the town. +Your own Polyneices led the battle against the Fountain gate; upon his shield for a device +were the colts of Potniae galloping at frantic speed, revolving by some clever contrivance on pivots by the handle, so as to appear distraught. +At Electra’s gate Capaneus brought up his company, bold as Ares for the battle; +this device his shield bore upon its iron back: an earth-born giant carrying on his shoulders a whole city which he had wrenched from its base, a hint to us of the fate in store for Thebes. +Adrastus was at the seventh gate; +a hundred vipers engraved on his shield, as he bore on his left arm the hydra the boast of Argos, and serpents were carrying off in their jaws the sons of Thebes from within our very walls. Now I was able to see each of them, +as I carried the watch-word along to the leaders of our companies. +To begin with, we fought with bows and thonged javelins, with slings that shoot from far and crashing stones; and as we were conquering, Tydeus and your son suddenly cried aloud: +You sons of Danaus, before you are torn to pieces by their attack, why delay to fall upon the gates with all your might, light-armed and cavalry and charioteers? No loitering then, soon as they heard that call; and many fell with bloody head, +and many of us you could have seen thrown to the earth like tumblers before the walls, breathing their last, bedewing the dry ground with streams of blood. + +Then Atalanta’s son, who was not an Argive but an Arcadian, hurling himself like a hurricane at the gates, called for +fire and picks to raze the town; but Periclymenus, son of the ocean-god, stayed his wild career, heaving on his head a wagon-load of stone, the coping from the battlements; and it shattered his head with yellow hair and +crashed through the seams of the skull, dabbling with blood his fresh cheek; and he will never go back alive to his mother with her lovely bow, the maid of Maenalus. +Your son then, seeing these gates secure, went on to the next, and I followed him. +I saw Tydeus and his thick rows of targeteers hurling their Aetolian spears into the opening at the top of the turrets, so that our men fled and left the battlements; but your son rallied them once more, as a huntsman cheers his hounds, +and stationed them at the towers again. And then we hastened to other gates, after stopping the affliction there. As for the madness of Capaneus, how can I describe it? He was going about with a long scaling-ladder, and boasting +that even the holy fire of Zeus would not hold him back from giving the city to utter destruction. And even as he spoke, he climbed up beneath the hail of stones, crouched under the shelter of his shield, rung by smooth rung going up the ladder. +But, just as he was scaling the parapet of the wall, Zeus smote him with a thunderbolt; the earth re-echoed, and fear seized everyone; for from the ladder his limbs were slung far apart, his head toward Olympus, his blood toward earth, +while his legs and arms went spinning round like Ixion’s wheel he was hurled, spinnning; his burning corpse fell to the ground. +But when Adrastus saw that Zeus was hostile to his army, he drew the Argive troops outside the trench. Meanwhile our armed cavalry, seeing the lucky omen of Zeus before us, +were driving forth their chariots, and the armed men charged with spears into the middle of the Argives, and all troubles happened at once: men were dying, hurled headlong from chariots, wheels flew off, axles crashed together, +while the dead were heaped up on the dead. So for to-day we have prevented destruction of the towers of our land; but if this land will be fortunate for the future, that rests with the gods; for even now it owes its safety to some deity. + +Chorus Leader +Victory is fair; and if the gods are growing kinder, it would be well with me. + + + +Jocasta +The gods and fortune have treated us well; for my sons are alive and my land has escaped ruin. But Creon seems to have had bitter enjoyment +from my marriage with Oedipus, by losing his son to his sorrow, a public success, a private grief. But please, come back to your tale again and say what my two sons intend to do next. + +Messenger +Let the rest be; all is well with you so far. + +Jocasta +Your words rouse my suspicions; I cannot let it be. + +Messenger +Have you any further wish than your sons’ safety? + +Jocasta +Yes, to hear if I shall fare well in the future. + +Messenger +Let me go; your son is left without his squire. + +Jocasta +There is some evil you are hiding, veiling it in darkness. + +Messenger +I would not add ill news to the good you have heard. + +Jocasta +You must, unless you take wings and fly away. + +Messenger +Ah! Why did you not let me go after my good news, instead of forcing me to disclose evil? Those two sons of yours are resolved on +deeds of shameful recklessness, a single combat apart from the army; they addressed to Argives and Thebans alike words I would they had never uttered. Eteocles, taking his stand on a lofty tower, after ordering silence to be proclaimed to the army, began: +and said: O captains of Hellas, chieftains of Argos here assembled, and you people of Cadmus, do not barter your lives for Polyneices or for me! For I myself excuse you from this risk, +and will engage my brother in single combat; and if I slay him, I will possess my house alone, but if I am conquered I will hand down the city to him alone. You men of Argos, give up the struggle and return to your land, do not lose your lives here; + there are enough of the Sown-men who lie dead. + So he spoke; then your son Polyneices rushed from the battle-line and assented to his proposal. And all the Argives and the people of Cadmus shouted their approval, as though they thought it just. +On these terms the armies made a truce, and in the space between them the generals took an oath to abide by. + +At once, the two sons of the old Oedipus were hiding themselves in bronze armor; and lords of Thebes with friendly care equipped the captain of this land, +while Argive chieftains armed the other. There they stood dazzling, nor were they pale, all eagerness to hurl their lances at each other. Then their friends came to their sides first one, then another, with words of encouragement, saying: + Polyneices, it rests with you to set up an image of Zeus as a trophy and crown Argos with fair renown. + Others to Eteocles: Now you are fighting for your city; now, if victorious, you have the scepter in your power. + So they spoke, cheering them to the battle. +The seers were sacrificing sheep and noting the tongues and forks of fire, the damp reek which is a bad omen, and the tapering flame which gives decisions on two points, being both a sign of victory and defeat. +But, if you have any power or subtle speech +or charmed spell, go, restrain your children from this terrible combat, for great is the risk they run. The prize of the contest will be grievous sorrow for you, if to-day you are deprived of both your sons. Exit Messenger. + +Jocasta +Antigone, my daughter, come out of the house; +this heaven-sent crisis is no time for dances or girlish pursuits. But you and your mother must prevent two brave men, your own brothers, from plunging into death and falling by each other’s hand. + +Antigone +Mother, what new terror are you proclaiming to your friends before the palace? + +Jocasta +Daughter, your brothers’ lives are going to ruin. + +Antigone +What do you mean? + +Jocasta +They have resolved on single combat. + +Antigone +Oh no! what do you have to say, mother? + +Jocasta +No welcome news; follow me. + +Antigone +Where, away from my maiden’s chamber? + +Jocasta +To the army. + +Antigone +I cannot face the crowd. + +Jocasta +Coyness is not for you now. + +Antigone +But what shall I do? + +Jocasta +You will put an end to your brothers’ strife. + +Antigone +How so, mother? + +Jocasta +By falling at their knees with me. + +Antigone +Lead on till we are between the armies; we must not delay. + +Jocasta +Haste, my daughter, haste! For, if I can forestall the onset of my sons, I may yet live; but if they are dead, I will lie down in death with them. Exeunt Jocasta and Antigone. +
+ + +
+
+Chorus +Alas, alas! My mind is trembling with fear, +trembling; and through my flesh goes a throb of pity, of pity for the hapless mother. Which of her two sons will stain the other with blood— +ah, for the suffering! O Zeus, O earth, alas!—a brother’s throat, a brother’s life, through his shield, through his blood? Ah me! ah me! which of them +will I lament as dead?
+ + + +
+Chorus +Ah, the earth! Ah, the earth! Twin savage beasts, two murderous souls with brandished spears will soon be draining the fallen, fallen enemy’s blood. Unhappy, +that they ever thought of single combat! In foreign voice I will chant a dirge of tears and wailing, in mourning for the dead. Close to murder stands their fortune; +the coming day will decide it. Fatal this slaughter, fatal, because of the Furies.
+
+ + +
+ +Chorus Leader +But hark! I see Creon on his way here to the house with clouded brow, and so I will cease my present lamentations. + + + +Creon +Ah me! what shall I do? Am I to mourn with tears myself or my city, which has a cloud around it as if it went through Acheron? My son has died for his country, bringing glory to his name, but grievous woe to me. +His body I have just now taken from the dragon’s rocky lair and sadly carried the self-slain victim here in my arms; and the house is filled with weeping; but now I have come for my sister Jocasta, age seeking age, that she may bathe my child’s corpse and lay it out. +For those who are not dead must reverence the god below by paying honor to the dead. + +Chorus Leader +Your sister, Creon, has gone out, and her daughter Antigone went with her. + +Creon +Where did she go? What happened? Tell me. + +Chorus Leader +She heard that her sons were about to engage in single combat for the royal house. + +Creon +What do you mean? In my tenderness to my dead son, I was not able to learn this. + +Chorus Leader +It is some time, Creon, since your sister’s departure, +and I expect the struggle for life and death is already decided by the sons of Oedipus. + +Creon +Alas! I see a sign there, the gloomy look and face of the messenger coming to tell us the whole matter. + + +
+Messenger +Ah, woe is me! What story can I tell, what lament can I make? + +Creon +We are lost; your opening words have no fair appearance. + +Messenger +Ah, woe is me! I say again; for I am bringing great horrors. + +Creon +In addition to the other sorrowful deeds. What is your tale? + +Messenger +Your sister’s sons are now no more, Creon. + + + +Creon +sung + Alas! you have a great tale of woe for me and the city. +spoken + O house of Oedipus, have you heard these tidings of sons slain by the same fate? + +Chorus Leader +A tale to make it weep, if it were endowed with sense. + +Creon +sung + Oh! most grievous stroke of fate! :Alas for my sorrows! Oh, alas! + +Messenger +If you only know the sorrows other than those! + +Creon +How can they be more hard to bear than these? + +Messenger +Your sister has died, with her two sons.
+ +
+Chorus +sung + Loudly, loudly raise the wail, and with white hands strike upon your heads! + +Creon +Oh, wretched Jocasta! what an end to life and marriage you have found the riddling of the Sphinx! Tell me how her two sons accomplished the bloody deed, +the struggle caused by the curse of Oedipus. + +Messenger +Of our successes before the towers you know, for the walls are not far away so as to prevent your learning each event as it occurred. Now when they, +the young sons of the old Oedipus, had adorned themselves in their bronze armor, they went and took their stand between the armies, chieftains both and two generals for the contest and the single combat. Then Polyneices, turning his eyes towards Argos, lifted up a prayer: +O Lady Hera, for I am yours, since I have married the daughter of Adrastus and dwell in your land, grant that I may slay my brother, and give my right hand, which is set against him, the victory, stained with his blood. Asking for a shameful crown, to kill his brother. + And tears came to the eyes of many at their sad fate, and men looked at one another, casting their glances round. + But Eteocles, looking towards the temple of Pallas with the golden shield, prayed: Daughter of Zeus, grant that this arm may launch the spear of victory + against my brother’s breast and slay him who has come to sack my country. +When the Tuscan trumpet, like a torch, blew the signal for the bloody battle, they darted wildly against one another; +like boars whetting their savage tusks, they joined battle, their beards wet with foam. They kept shooting out their spears, but crouched beneath their shields to let the steel glance off in vain; but if either saw the other’s eye above the rim, +he would aim his lance there, eager to outwit him with the point. + But both kept such careful outlook through the spy-holes in their shields, that their weapons found nothing to do; while from the onlookers far more than the combatants trickled the sweat caused by terror for their friends. + + +Eteocles, in kicking aside a stone that rolled beneath his tread, exposed a limb outside his shield, and Polyneices, seeing a chance of dealing him a blow, aimed at it, and the Argive shaft passed through his leg; +the Danaid army, one and all, cried out for joy. And the wounded man, seeing Polyneices’ shoulder bare in this effort, plunged his spear with all his might into his breast, restoring gladness to the citizens of Thebes, though he broke off the spear-head. +And so, at a loss for a weapon, he retreated step by step, till catching up a splintered rock he let it fly and broke the other’s spear in the middle; and now the combat was equal, for each had lost his lance. +Then clutching their sword-hilts +they closed, and round and round, with shields clashing, they fought a wild battle. And Eteocles introduced the crafty Thessalian trick, having some knowledge of it from his association with that country. Disengaging himself from the immediate contest, +he drew back his left foot but kept his eye closely on the pit of the other’s stomach from a distance; then advancing his right foot he plunged the weapon through his navel and fixed it in his spine. Down fell Polyneices, dripping with blood, +ribs and belly contracting in his agony. But the other, thinking his victory now complete, threw down his sword and began to despoil him, wholly intent on that, without a thought for himself. And this indeed tripped him up; for Polyneices, who had fallen first, was still faintly breathing, +and having in his grievous fall kept his sword, he made a last effort and drove it through the heart of Eteocles. They both lie there, fallen side by side, biting the dust with their teeth, and they have not decided the mastery. + +Chorus Leader +Ah, ah, how I mourn for your sorrows, Oedipus! The god, it seems, has fulfilled those curses of yours. + + + + +Messenger +Now hear what further woes succeeded. Just as her two sons had fallen and lay dying, their wretched mother came on the scene, +her daughter with her, in great haste. When she saw their mortal wounds, she wailed: O my sons, the help I bring is too late. And throwing herself on each in turn she wept and mourned, sorrowing over all her toil in nursing them, and their sister, by her side, mourned also: +Supporters of your mother’ s age, dearest brothers, leaving me forlorn, unwed! Then lord Eteocles with one deep dying gasp, hearing his mother, laid on her his clammy hand, +and though he could not say a word, his moistened eye was eloquent to prove his love. And Polyneices was still breathing, and seeing his sister and his old mother he said: Mother, our end has come; I pity you + and my sister Antigone and my dead brother. For I loved him though he became my enemy, I loved him in spite of all. Bury me, mother, and you, my sister, in my native land; pacify the city’s wrath that l may get at least that much + of my own fatherland, although I lost my home. With your hand, mother, close my eyes—he himself places her fingers on the lids—and farewell; for already the darkness wraps me round. + +So both at once breathed out their life of sorrow. +But when their mother saw this sad event, in her overmastering grief she snatched a sword from the dead, and did a fearful deed; for she drove the steel right through her throat, and there she lies, dead with those she loved so well, her arms thrown round them both. + The army sprang to their feet and fell to wrangling, we maintaining that victory rested with my master, they with theirs; and there was strife among the generals, some holding that Polyneices gave the first wound with his spear, others that, as both were dead, victory rested with neither. +Meanwhile Antigone crept away from the army. They rushed to their weapons, but by some lucky forethought the people of Cadmus had sat down under arms; and by a sudden attack we surprised the Argive army before it was fully equipped. +Not one withstood our onset, and they filled the plain with fugitives, while blood was streaming from the countless dead our spears had slain. When victory had crowned our warfare, some set up an image of Zeus as a trophy, others were stripping the Argive dead of their shields +and sending their spoils inside the battlements; and others with Antigone are bringing the dead here for their friends to mourn. So for the city, the result of this struggle hovers between the two extremes of good and evil fortune. Exit Messenger.
+ + +
+Chorus +No longer do the misfortunes of this house extend to hearsay only; three corpses of the slain lie here at the palace for all to see; by one common death they have drawn their lot, a life of darkness.
+ + + +
+Antigone +I do not veil my tender cheek shaded with curls, nor do I feel shame, from maiden modesty, at the dark red beneath my eyes, the blush upon my face, as I hurry on, in bacchic revelry for the dead, + casting from my hair its mantle and letting my delicate saffron robe fly loose, a tearful escort to the dead. Ah me! + Oh, Polyneices! you were rightly named, after all; woe to you, Thebes! +Your strife—not strife, but murder on murder— has brought the house of Oedipus to ruin with dire and grim bloodshed. What harmonious or tuneful wailing can I summon, +for my tears, my tears, oh, my home! oh, my home! as I bear these three kindred bodies, my mother and her sons, a welcome sight to the Fury? She destroyed the house of Oedipus, root and branch, +when his shrewdness solved the Sphinx’s unsolvable song and killed that savage singer. Alas for you, father! What other Hellene or barbarian, + what mortal from a noble line ever endured the anguish of such visible afflictions? + Ah! poor girl, how piteous is your cry! +What bird, perched on the high-leaved branches of oak or pine, will come to mourn with me, left motherless? With cries of woe, +I lament before it comes the piteous lonely life, that I shall live for the rest of time, in streaming tears. On which of these +shall I throw my offerings first, plucking the hair from my head? on the breast of the mother that suckled me, or beside the ghastly death-wounds of my brothers’ corpses? + +Oh, oh! Oedipus, my old father with sightless eyes, leave your house, reveal the misery of your life, you who have cast a mist of darkness over your eyes and +draw out a weary existence within the house. Do you hear, you who are wandering with old step across the court, or sleeping on your wretched pallet couch? + +Oedipus +Why, daughter, +have you dragged me to the light by your piteous tears, supporting my blind footsteps, from the gloom of my bed-chamber, gray-haired, invisible as a phantom of the air, or as a spirit from the world below, or +as a dream that flies? + +Antigone +Father, there are tidings of sorrow for you to bear; no longer do your sons see the light, or your wife, who would always labor to tend your blind footsteps as with a staff. +Alas for you, my father! + +Oedipus +Alas for my sorrows! I may well groan and cry. Three lives! Tell me, child, by what fate they left the light. + + +Antigone +I do not say this to reproach or mock you, but in sadness: your own avenging curse, with all its load of swords and fire and ruthless war, came on your sons. Alas for you, my father! + +Oedipus +Ah me! + +Antigone +Why that groan? + +Oedipus +My sons! + +Antigone +You are in pain; but if you could look towards the sun-god’s four-horse chariot and turn the light of your eyes on these corpses— + +Oedipus +The evil fate of my sons is clear; but she, my poor wife, tell me, daughter, by what fate did she die? + +Antigone +All saw her weep and heard her moan, as she rushed forth to carry to her sons her last appeal, a mother’s breast. +But the mother found her sons at the Electran gate, in a meadow where the lotus blooms, fighting out their duel with spears, like lions in their lair, eager to wound each other, +a murderous libation of blood already cold, owed to Hades, poured out by Ares. Then, taking from the dead a sword of hammered bronze, she plunged it in her flesh, and in sorrow for her sons fell with her arms around them. So the god who fulfills these sorrows has brought them all together on this day, +father, for our house.
+ + +
+Chorus Leader +Today is the beginning of many troubles to the house of Oedipus; may he live to be more fortunate! + +Creon +Cease now your lamentations; it is time we thought of +their burial. Hear what I have to say, Oedipus. Eteocles, your son, left me to rule this land, by giving it as a dowry to Haemon with his marriage to your daughter Antigone. Therefore I will no longer allow you to dwell in this land; +for Teiresias clearly said that the city would never prosper as long as you made your home here. So begone! And I say this not in insult, nor because I am your enemy, but from fear that some calamity will come upon the land, through those avenging fiends of yours. + +Oedipus +O destiny! From the beginning, how you have created me wretched and unhappy, if any mortal ever was; for before I had left my mother’s womb and seen the light, Apollo foretold to Laius that I, then unborn, should become my father’s murderer; alas for me! +So, as soon as I was born, the father who begot me tried to kill me, thinking me his enemy, for it was fated he should die at my hand; so he sent me unweaned to make a pitiful meal for beasts; I escaped from that— would that Cithaeron +had sunk into hell’s yawning abyss, because it did not destroy me, but . . . Fate made me a slave in the service of Polybus. And I, poor wretch, after slaying my own father came to my mother’s bed, to her sorrow, +and begot sons that were my brothers, whom I have destroyed, by bequeathing to them the legacy of curses I received from Laius. For I was not born so foolish, that I should have contrived these things against my own eyes and my children’s life, without some god. + Let that pass. What am I, poor wretch, to do? Who now will be my guide and tend the blind man’s step? The one who is dead? If she were alive, I know well that she would. My pair of noble sons? But they are gone from me. But am I still so young myself that I can find a livelihood? +Where? O Creon, why do you seek in this way to kill me utterly? For you will kill me, if you banish me from the land. Yet I will never twine my arms about your knees and seem a coward, for I would not betray my former nobility, no! not for all my ills. + + +Creon +You have spoken well, in refusing to touch my knees, but I could not allow you to dwell in the land. Of these dead, bear one at once to the palace; but the other, who came with strangers to sack his native town, the dead Polyneices, +cast forth unburied beyond the borders of this land. To all the race of Cadmus shall this be proclaimed: Whoever is caught decking his corpse with wreaths or giving it burial, shall be requited with death. let him be unwept, unburied, a meal for birds. +As for you, Antigone, leave your mourning for these lifeless three and go indoors, to lead your maiden life until to-morrow, when Haemon waits to marry you. + +Antigone +O father, in what cruel misery are we plunged! +For you I mourn more than for the dead; for in your woes you do not have something that is grievous and something not; but you were born wholly unfortunate, father. As for you, new-made king, I ask you, who do you insult my father with banishment? +Why do you make laws over a helpless corpse? + +Creon +This was Eteocles’ purpose, not mine. + +Antigone +It is senseless, and you are a fool to obey it! + +Creon +How so? Isn’t it right to carry out his commands? + +Antigone +No; not if they are wrong and ill-advised. + +Creon +What? Isn’t it right for that other to be given to the dogs? + +Antigone +No, for the vengeance you are exacting is not a lawful one. + +Creon +Yes, if he was his country’s enemy, when not born an enemy. + +Antigone +Well, he rendered up his destiny to fate. + +Creon +Let him now pay the penalty in his burial too. + +Antigone +What crime did he commit, in coming to claim his portion of the land? + +Creon +Be very sure of this, he shall have no burial. + +Antigone +I will bury him, although the state forbids. + +Creon +Do so, and you will be making your own grave by his. + +Antigone +A noble end, for two so near and dear to lie side by side! + +Creon +Seize and take her inside. + +Antigone +Oh, no! For I will not let go of this corpse. + +Creon +These are the god’s decrees, my girl, not what seems good to you. + +Antigone +And this has been decreed, not to insult the dead. + +Creon +Be sure that no one will sprinkle over the corpse the moistened dust. + +Antigone +O Creon, by my mother Jocasta, I implore you! + +Creon +Your labor is in vain; you will not gain your prayer. + +Antigone +Let me only bathe the dead body. + +Creon +That would be part of what is forbidden by the city. + +Antigone +At least let me bandage the cruel wounds. + +Creon +No; you will never pay honor to this corpse. + +Antigone +O my dearest! At least I will kiss your mouth. + + +Creon +Do not let this mourning bring disaster on your marriage. + +Antigone +Marriage! Do you think I will marry your son while I am alive? + +Creon +Indeed you must; how will you escape the match? + +Antigone +Then that night will find in me another Danaid bride! + +Creon +turning to Oedipus +Do you see how boldly she reproaches me? + +Antigone +Let the steel know, the sword be my witness! + +Creon +Why are you so eager to be released from this marriage? + +Antigone +I mean to share my hapless father’s exile. + +Creon +A noble spirit yours but there is some folly in it. + +Antigone +And I will share his death, I tell you further. + +Creon +Go, leave the land; you will not murder my son. Exit Creon. + +Oedipus +Daughter, for this loyal spirit I thank you. + +Antigone +How could I marry, while you went into exile alone, father? + +Oedipus +Stay here and be happy; I will bear my own load of sorrow. + +Antigone +And who will tend you in your blindness, father? + +Oedipus +Where fate appoints, there I will fall and lie down upon the ground. + +Antigone +Where is Oedipus, and that famous riddle? + +Oedipus +Lost! One day blessed me, one destroyed me. + +Antigone +May I not also share your sorrows? + +Oedipus +To wander with her blinded father would be shameful for his daughter. + +Antigone +Not so, father, but glory, if she is discreet. + +Oedipus +Lead me near, so that I may touch your mother’s corpse. + +Antigone +There, embrace the aged form so dear to you. + +Oedipus +O mother, o most wretched wife! + +Antigone +Pitiably she lies, who suffered every evil at once. + +Oedipus +Where are the corpses of Eteocles, and of Polyneices? + +Antigone +Here they both lie, stretched out side by side. + +Oedipus +Lay my blind hand upon their poor faces. + +Antigone +There, touch the dead, your children. + +Oedipus +O dear fallen sons, sad offspring of a sad father! + +Antigone +O my brother Polyneices, name most dear to me! + +Oedipus +Now the oracle of Loxias is being fulfilled, my child. + +Antigone +What oracle? Do you have further woes to tell? + +Oedipus +That I should die in Athens after a life of wandering. + +Antigone +Where? What fenced town in Attica will take you in? + +Oedipus +Hallowed Colonus, home of the god of horses. Come then, attend on your blind father, since you are eager to share his exile. +
+ + + +
+Antigone +Go to unhappy exile; stretch forth your dear hand, my old father, taking me to guide you, like a breeze that guides the ships. + +Oedipus +See, I am advancing; be my guide, my poor child. + +Antigone +I am, I am! The saddest maiden of all in Thebes. + +Oedipus +Where am I placing my aged step? Bring my staff, child. + +Antigone +This way, this way, come to me, place your steps here, like a dream in your strength. + +Oedipus +Oh, oh, driving the old man in most wretched flight from the country! +Oh, oh! the terrible sorrows I have endured! + +Antigone +Why do you speak of enduring? Justice does not see the wicked, and does not requite follies. + +Oedipus +I am the one who came into high songs of victory, +because I guessed the baffling riddle of the girl, half-maiden. + +Antigone +You are bringing up again the reproach of the Sphinx. Talk no more of past success. This misery was in store for you all the while, +to become an exile from your country and die anywhere. +Leaving to my girlhood friends sad tears, I go forth from my native land, to roam as no maiden should. +Ah! This dutiful resolve towards my father’s suffering will make me famous. Alas for the insults heaped on you and on my brother, whose dead body goes from the house unburied, +poor boy! I will bury him secretly, though I have to die for it, father. + +Oedipus +Show yourself to your companions. + +Antigone +My own laments suffice. + +Oedipus +Go pray at the altars. + +Antigone +They have enough of my piteous tale. + +Oedipus +At least go seek the Bromian god in his untrodden sanctuary among the Maenads’ hills. + +Antigone +Bromius, for whom I once dressed in the Theban fawn-skin and +danced upon the hills in the holy choir of Semele—shall I now offer the gods homage that is not homage?
+ + +
+Oedipus +O citizens of a famous country, look at me; I am Oedipus, who solved the famous riddle, and was the greatest of men, +I, who alone controlled the murderous Sphinx’s power, am now myself driven from the land in dishonor and misery. But why do I make this moan and useless lamentation? As a mortal, I must bear the constraint that the gods decree.
+ + +
+Chorus +Greatly revered Victory, +may you occupy my life and never cease to crown me!
+
+
+ +
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-grc1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-grc1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index a5fdb2b45..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-grc1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14 +0,0 @@ -{ - "epidoc_compliant": false, - "fully_unicode": true, - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "has_cts_metadata": false, - "has_cts_refsDecl": false, - "id": "1999.01.0117", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/sdl/Euripides/eur.phoen_murray_gk.xml", - "status": "migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-grc1.xml", - "valid_xml": true -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-grc1.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-grc1.xml deleted file mode 100644 index f079bbd76..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-grc1.xml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3461 +0,0 @@ - - - - -Phoenissae -Machine readable text -Euripides -Gilbert Murray -Perseus Project, Tufts University -Gregory Crane - -Prepared under the supervision of -Lisa Cerrato -William Merrill -Elli Mylonas -David Smith - -The Annenberg CPB/Project - -About 100Kb - -Trustees of Tufts University -Medford, MA -Perseus Project - 1996 - - - - -Euripides -Euripidis Fabulae, vol. 3 - 58816731 -Gilbert Murray - -Oxford -Clarendon Press, Oxford -1913 - - - - - - - - - - - - -Greek - - - - -1988 - -Judith Nelson -tagging - -Basic SGML tagging - - -8/92 - -W. Merrill -ed. - -check tagging - - -6/95 - -Lisa Cerrato -ed. - -Added speaker tags where needed. - - -10/98 - -Bill Merrill -ed. - -Fixed cardbreak at 427 - - -14-Jan-00 - -Anne Mahoney -Markup - - -$Log: eur.phoen_murray_gk.xml,v $ -Revision 1.1 2013-09-13 11:17:32 balmas01 -moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory - -Revision 1.5 2013-06-13 12:41:24 gcrane -tagging now should be compatible with CTS - -Revision 1.4 2012-02-14 18:12:30 ajones06 -Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. - -Revision 1.3 2011-09-07 13:57:47 rsingh04 adding rend=displayNum to lb tags - -Revision 1.2 2011-01-13 03:38:26 gcrane more refinements making these files SDL compatible - -Revision 1.1 2010-12-25 19:01:42 gcrane our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones -- - -Revision 1.1 2009/11/23 18:46:35 rsingh04 moved more xml files around based on copyright status - -Revision 1.2 2005/08/01 21:15:28 packel removed stray item tags - -Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 14:34:48 packel -Converted to XML - -Revision 1.11 2004/04/21 20:27:28 mimno added card 1s - -Revision 1.10 2003/09/09 18:02:09 amahoney put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff - -Revision 1.9 2003/07/01 22:16:11 yorkc -Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) - -Revision 1.8 2000/03/04 20:34:34 dasmith -Added separate funder entity to TEI header. - -Revision 1.7 2000/02/17 15:51:39 amahoney use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp - -Revision 1.6 2000/01/14 21:41:40 amahoney bring up to P3 - - - - - - - - - - -Ἰοκάστη -ὦ τὴν ἐν ἄστροις οὐρανοῦ τέμνων ὁδὸν -καὶ χρυσοκολλήτοισιν ἐμβεβὼς δίφροις -Ἥλιε, θοαῖς ἵπποισιν εἱλίσσων φλόγα, -ὡς δυστυχῆ Θήβαισι τῇ τόθʼ ἡμέρᾳ -ἀκτῖνʼ ἐφῆκας, Κάδμος ἡνίκʼ ἦλθε γῆν -τήνδʼ, ἐκλιπὼν Φοίνισσαν ἐναλίαν χθόνα· -ὃς παῖδα γήμας Κύπριδος Ἁρμονίαν ποτὲ -Πολύδωρον ἐξέφυσε, τοῦ δὲ Λάβδακον -φῦναι λέγουσιν, ἐκ δὲ τοῦδε Λάιον. -ἐγὼ δὲ παῖς μὲν κλῄζομαι Μενοικέως, -— Κρέων τʼ ἀδελφὸς μητρὸς ἐκ μιᾶς ἔφυ — -καλοῦσι δʼ Ἰοκάστην με· τοῦτο γὰρ πατὴρ -ἔθετο. γαμεῖ δὲ Λάιός μʼ· ἐπεὶ δʼ ἄπαις -ἦν χρόνια λέκτρα τἄμʼ ἔχων ἐν δώμασιν, -ἐλθὼν ἐρωτᾷ Φοῖβον ἐξαιτεῖ θʼ ἅμα -παίδων ἐς οἴκους ἀρσένων κοινωνίαν. -ὃ δʼ εἶπεν· ὦ Θήβαισιν εὐίπποις ἄναξ, -μὴ σπεῖρε τέκνων ἄλοκα δαιμόνων βίᾳ· -εἰ γὰρ τεκνώσεις παῖδʼ, ἀποκτενεῖ σʼ ὁ φύς, -καὶ πᾶς σὸς οἶκος βήσεται διʼ αἵματος. -ὃ δʼ ἡδονῇ δοὺς ἔς τε βακχείαν πεσὼν -ἔσπειρεν ἡμῖν παῖδα· καὶ σπείρας, † βρέφος † -γνοὺς τἀμπλάκημα τοῦ θεοῦ τε τὴν φάτιν, -λειμῶνʼ ἐς Ἥρας καὶ Κιθαιρῶνος λέπας -δίδωσι βουκόλοισιν ἐκθεῖναι βρέφος, -σφυρῶν σιδηρᾶ κέντρα διαπείρας μέσον· -ὅθεν νιν Ἑλλὰς ὠνόμαζεν Οἰδίπουν. -Πολύβου δέ νιν λαβόντες ἱπποβουκόλοι -φέρουσʼ ἐς οἴκους ἔς τε δεσποίνης χέρας -ἔθηκαν. ἣ δὲ τὸν ἐμὸν ὠδίνων πόνον -μαστοῖς ὑφεῖτο καὶ πόσιν πείθει τεκεῖν. - - -ἤδη δὲ πυρσαῖς γένυσιν ἐξανδρούμενος -παῖς οὑμὸς ἢ γνοὺς ἤ τινος μαθὼν πάρα -ἔστειχε τοὺς φύσαντας ἐκμαθεῖν θέλων -πρὸς δῶμα Φοίβου, Λάιός θʼ, οὑμὸς πόσις, -τὸν ἐκτεθέντα παῖδα μαστεύων μαθεῖν -εἰ μηκέτʼ εἴη. καὶ ξυνάπτετον πόδα -ἐς ταὐτὸν ἄμφω Φωκίδος σχιστῆς ὁδοῦ. -καί νιν κελεύει Λαΐου τροχηλάτης· -ὦ ξένε, τυράννοις ἐκποδὼν μεθίστασο. -ὃ δʼ εἷρπʼ ἄναυδος, μέγα φρονῶν. πῶλοι δέ νιν -χηλαῖς τένοντας ἐξεφοίνισσον ποδῶν. -ὅθεν — τί τἀκτὸς τῶν κακῶν με δεῖ λέγειν; — -παῖς πατέρα καίνει καὶ λαβὼν ὀχήματα -Πολύβῳ τροφεῖ δίδωσιν. ὡς δʼ ἐπεζάρει -Σφὶγξ ἁρπαγαῖσι πόλιν ἐμός τʼ οὐκ ἦν πόσις, -Κρέων ἀδελφὸς τἀμὰ κηρύσσει λέχη, -ὅστις σοφῆς αἴνιγμα παρθένου μάθοι, -τούτῳ ξυνάψειν λέκτρα. τυγχάνει δέ πως -μούσας ἐμὸς παῖς Οἰδίπους Σφιγγὸς μαθών· - -ὅθεν τύραννος τῆσδε γῆς καθίσταται - -καὶ σκῆπτρʼ ἔπαθλα τῆσδε λαμβάνει χθονός. -γαμεῖ δὲ τὴν τεκοῦσαν οὐκ εἰδὼς τάλας -οὐδʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα παιδὶ συγκοιμωμένη. - -τίκτω δὲ παῖδας παιδὶ δύο μὲν ἄρσενας, -Ἐτεοκλέα κλεινήν τε Πολυνείκους βίαν, -κόρας τε δισσάς· τὴν μὲν Ἰσμήνην πατὴρ -ὠνόμασε, τὴν δὲ πρόσθεν Ἀντιγόνην ἐγώ. -μαθὼν δὲ τἀμὰ λέκτρα μητρῴων γάμων -ὁ πάντʼ ἀνατλὰς Οἰδίπους παθήματα -ἐς ὄμμαθʼ αὑτοῦ δεινὸν ἐμβάλλει φόνον, -χρυσηλάτοις πόρπαισιν αἱμάξας κόρας. -ἐπεὶ δὲ τέκνων γένυς ἐμῶν σκιάζεται, -κλῄθροις ἔκρυψαν πατέρʼ, ἵνʼ ἀμνήμων τύχη -γένοιτο πολλῶν δεομένη σοφισμάτων· -ζῶν δʼ ἔστʼ ἐν οἴκοις. πρὸς δὲ τῆς τύχης νοσῶν -ἀρὰς ἀρᾶται παισὶν ἀνοσιωτάτας, -θηκτῷ σιδήρῳ δῶμα διαλαχεῖν τόδε. - - -τὼ δʼ ἐς φόβον πεσόντε, μὴ τελεσφόρους -εὐχὰς θεοὶ κραίνωσιν οἰκούντων ὁμοῦ, -ξυμβάντʼ ἔταξαν τὸν νεώτερον πάρος -φεύγειν ἑκόντα τήνδε Πολυνείκη χθόνα, -Ἐτεοκλέα δὲ σκῆπτρʼ ἔχειν μένοντα γῆς, -ἐνιαυτὸν ἀλλάσσοντε. ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐπὶ ζυγοῖς -καθέζετʼ ἀρχῆς, οὐ μεθίσταται θρόνων, -φυγάδα δʼ ἀπωθεῖ τῆσδε Πολυνείκη χθονός. -ὃ δʼ Ἄργος ἐλθών, κῆδος Ἀδράστου λαβών, -πολλὴν ἀθροίσας ἀσπίδʼ Ἀργείων ἄγει· -ἐπʼ αὐτὰ δʼ ἐλθὼν ἑπτάπυλα τείχη τάδε, -πατρῷʼ ἀπαιτεῖ σκῆπτρα καὶ μέρη χθονός. -ἐγὼ δʼ ἔριν λύουσʼ ὑπόσπονδον μολεῖν -ἔπεισα παιδὶ παῖδα πρὶν ψαῦσαι δορός. -ἥξειν δʼ ὁ πεμφθείς φησιν αὐτὸν ἄγγελος. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ φαεννὰς οὐρανοῦ ναίων πτυχὰς -Ζεῦ, σῶσον ἡμᾶς, δὸς δὲ σύμβασιν τέκνοις. -χρὴ δʼ, εἰ σοφὸς πέφυκας, οὐκ ἐᾶν βροτὸν -τὸν αὐτὸν αἰεὶ δυστυχῆ καθεστάναι. - - -Παιδαγωγός -ὦ κλεινὸν οἴκοις Ἀντιγόνη θάλος πατρί, -ἐπεί σε μήτηρ παρθενῶνας ἐκλιπεῖν -μεθῆκε μελάθρων ἐς διῆρες ἔσχατον -στράτευμʼ ἰδεῖν Ἀργεῖον ἱκεσίαισι σαῖς, -ἐπίσχες, ὡς ἂν προυξερευνήσω στίβον, -μή τις πολιτῶν ἐν τρίβῳ φαντάζεται, -κἀμοὶ μὲν ἔλθῃ φαῦλος ὡς δούλῳ ψόγος, -σοὶ δʼ ὡς ἀνάσσῃ· πάντα δʼ ἐξειδὼς φράσω -ἅ τʼ εἶδον εἰσήκουσά τʼ Ἀργείων πάρα, -σπονδὰς ὅτʼ ἦλθον σῷ κασιγνήτῳ φέρων -ἐνθένδʼ ἐκεῖσε, δεῦρό τʼ αὖ κείνων πάρα. - -ἀλλʼ οὔτις ἀστῶν τοῖσδε χρίμπτεται δόμοις, -κέδρου παλαιὰν κλίμακʼ ἐκπέρα ποδί· -σκόπει δὲ πεδία καὶ παρʼ Ἰσμηνοῦ ῥοὰς -Δίρκης τε νᾶμα πολεμίων στράτευμʼ ὅσον. - - - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ὄρεγέ νυν ὄρεγε γεραιὰν νέᾳ -χεῖρʼ ἀπὸ κλιμάκων -ποδὸς ἴχνος ἐπαντέλλων. - - -Παιδαγωγός -ἰδοὺ ξύναψον, παρθένʼ· ἐς καιρὸν δʼ ἔβης· -κινούμενον γὰρ τυγχάνει Πελασγικὸν -στράτευμα, χωρίζουσι δʼ ἀλλήλων λόχους. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἰὼ πότνια παῖ -Λατοῦς Ἑκάτα, κατάχαλκον ἅπαν -πεδίον ἀστράπτει. - - -Παιδαγωγός -οὐ γάρ τι φαύλως ἦλθε Πολυνείκης χθόνα, -πολλοῖς μὲν ἵπποις, μυρίοις δʼ ὅπλοις βρέμων. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἆρα πύλαι κλῄθροις — χαλκόδετʼ ἆρʼ ἔμβολα -λαϊνέοισιν Ἀμφίονος ὀργάνοις -τείχεος ἥρμοσται; - - -Παιδαγωγός -θάρσει· τά γʼ ἔνδον ἀσφαλῶς ἔχει πόλις. -ἀλλʼ εἰσόρα τὸν πρῶτον, εἰ βούλῃ μαθεῖν. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -τίς οὗτος ὁ λευκολόφας, -πρόπαρ ὃς ἁγεῖται στρατοῦ πάγχαλκον ἀσπίδʼ -ἀμφὶ βραχίονι κουφίζων; - - -Παιδαγωγός -λοχαγός, ὦ δέσποινα. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -τίς, πόθεν γεγώς; -αὔδασον, ὦ γεραιέ, τίς ὀνομάζεται; - - -Παιδαγωγός -οὗτος Μυκηναῖος μὲν αὐδᾶται γένος, -Λερναῖα δʼ οἰκεῖ νάμαθʼ, Ἱππομέδων ἄναξ. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἒ ἒ ὡς γαῦρος, ὡς φοβερὸς εἰσιδεῖν, -γίγαντι γηγενέτᾳ προσόμοιος -ἀστερωπὸς ἐν γραφαῖσιν, οὐχὶ πρόσφορος -ἁμερίῳ γέννᾳ. - - -Παιδαγωγός -τὸν δʼ ἐξαμείβοντʼ οὐχ ὁρᾷς Δίρκης ὕδωρ; - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἄλλος ἄλλος ὅδε τευχέων τρόπος. -τίς δʼ ἐστὶν οὗτος; - - -Παιδαγωγός -παῖς μὲν Οἰνέως ἔφυ -Τυδεύς, Ἄρη δʼ Αἰτωλὸν ἐν στέρνοις ἔχει. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οὗτος ὁ τᾶς Πολυνείκεος, -ὦ γέρον, αὐτοκασιγνήτᾳ νύμφας -ὁμόγαμος κυρεῖ; -ὡς ἀλλόχρως ὅπλοισι, μειξοβάρβαρος. - - -Παιδαγωγός -σακεσφόροι γὰρ πάντες Αἰτωλοί, τέκνον, -λόγχαις τʼ ἀκοντιστῆρες εὐστοχώτατοι. - - - -Ἀντιγόνη - -σὺ δʼ, ὦ γέρον, πῶς αἰσθάνῃ σαφῶς τάδε; - - -Παιδαγωγός -σημεῖʼ ἰδὼν τότʼ ἀσπίδων ἐγνώρισα, -σπονδὰς ὅτʼ ἦλθον σῷ κασιγνήτῳ φέρων -ἃ προσδεδορκὼς οἶδα τοὺς ὡπλισμένους.] - - - -Ἀντιγόνη -τίς δʼ οὗτος ἀμφὶ μνῆμα τὸ Ζήθου περᾷ -καταβόστρυχος, ὄμμασι γοργὸς -εἰσιδεῖν νεανίας, -λοχαγός, ὡς ὄχλος νιν ὑστέρῳ ποδὶ -πάνοπλος ἀμφέπει; - - -Παιδαγωγός -ὅδʼ ἐστὶ Παρθενοπαῖος, Ἀταλάντης γόνος. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἀλλά νιν ἁ κατʼ ὄρη μετὰ ματέρος -Ἄρτεμις ἱεμένα τόξοις δαμάσασʼ ὀλέσειεν, -ὃς ἐπʼ ἐμὰν πόλιν ἔβα πέρσων. - - -Παιδαγωγός -εἴη τάδʼ, ὦ παῖ. σὺν δίκῃ δʼ ἥκουσι γῆν· -ὃ καὶ δέδοικα μὴ σκοπῶσʼ ὀρθῶς θεοί. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ποῦ δʼ ὃς ἐμοὶ μιᾶς ἐγένετʼ ἐκ ματρὸς -πολυπόνῳ μοίρᾳ; -ὦ φίλτατʼ, εἰπέ, ποῦ ʼστι Πολυνείκης, γέρον. - - -Παιδαγωγός -ἐκεῖνος ἑπτὰ παρθένων τάφου πέλας -Νιόβης Ἀδράστῳ πλησίον παραστατεῖ. -ὁρᾷς; - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ὁρῶ δῆτʼ οὐ σαφῶς, ὁρῶ δέ πως -μορφῆς τύπωμα στέρνα τʼ ἐξῃκασμένα. -ἀνεμώκεος εἴθε δρόμον νεφέλας ποσὶν ἐξανύσαιμι -διʼ αἰθέρος -πρὸς ἐμὸν ὁμογενέτορα, περὶ δʼ ὠλένας -δέρᾳ φιλτάτᾳ βάλοιμʼ ἐν χρόνῳ -φυγάδα μέλεον. ὡς -ὅπλοισι χρυσέοισιν ἐκπρεπής, γέρον, -ἑῴοις ὅμοια φλεγέθων βολαῖς ἀελίου. - - -Παιδαγωγός -ἥξει δόμους τούσδʼ, ὥστε σʼ ἐμπλῆσαι χαρᾶς, -ἔνσπονδος. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οὗτος δʼ, ὦ γεραιέ, τίς κυρεῖ, -ὃς ἅρμα λευκὸν ἡνιοστροφεῖ βεβώς; - - -Παιδαγωγός -ὁ μάντις Ἀμφιάραος, ὦ δέσποινʼ, ὅδε· -σφάγια δʼ ἅμʼ αὐτῷ, γῆς φιλαίματοι ῥοαί. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ὦ λιπαροζώνου θύγατερ Ἀελίου -Σελαναία, χρυσεόκυκλον φέγγος, -ὡς ἀτρεμαῖα κέντρα καὶ σώφρονα -πώλοις μεταφέρων ἰθύνει. -ποῦ δʼ ὃς τὰ δεινὰ τῇδʼ ἐφυβρίζει πόλει; - - -Παιδαγωγός -Καπανεύς; ἐκεῖνος προσβάσεις τεκμαίρεται -πύργων ἄνω τε καὶ κάτω τείχη μετρῶν. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἰώ, -Νέμεσι καὶ Διὸς βαρύβρομοι βρονταί, -κεραυνῶν τε φῶς αἰθαλόεν, σύ τοι -μεγαλαγορίαν ὑπεράνορα κοιμίζεις· -ὅδʼ ἐστίν, αἰχμαλώτιδας -ὃς δορὶ Θηβαίας Μυκηνηΐσιν -Λερναίᾳ τε δώσειν τριαίνᾳ, -Ποσειδανίοις Ἀμυμωνίοις -ὕδασι δουλείαν περιβαλών — -μήποτε μήποτε τάνδʼ, ὦ πότνια, -χρυσεοβόστρυχον ὦ Διὸς ἔρνος -Ἄρτεμι, δουλοσύναν τλαίην. - - - - - -Παιδαγωγός -ὦ τέκνον, ἔσβα δῶμα καὶ κατὰ στέγας -ἐν παρθενῶσι μίμνε σοῖς, ἐπεὶ πόθου -ἐς τέρψιν ἦλθες ὧν ἔχρῃζες εἰσιδεῖν. -ὄχλος γάρ, ὡς ταραγμὸς εἰσῆλθεν πόλιν, -χωρεῖ γυναικῶν πρὸς δόμους τυραννικούς, -φιλόψογον δὲ χρῆμα θηλειῶν ἔφυ, -σμικράς τʼ ἀφορμὰς ἢν λάβωσι τῶν λόγων, -πλείους ἐπεσφέρουσιν· ἡδονὴ δέ τις -γυναιξὶ μηδὲν ὑγιὲς ἀλλήλας λέγειν. - - - - - - - -Χορός -Τύριον οἶδμα λιποῦσʼ ἔβαν -ἀκροθίνια Λοξίᾳ -Φοινίσσας ἀπὸ νάσου -Φοίβῳ δούλα μελάθρων, -ἵνʼ ὑπὸ δειράσι νιφοβόλοις -Παρνασοῦ κατενάσθη, -Ἰόνιον κατὰ πόντον ἐλά- -τᾳ πλεύσασα περιρρύτῳ -ὑπὲρ ἀκαρπίστων πεδίων -Σικελίας Ζεφύρου πνοαῖς -ἱππεύσαντος, ἐν οὐρανῷ -κάλλιστον κελάδημα. - - - - - -Χορός -πόλεος ἐκπροκριθεῖσʼ ἐμᾶς -καλλιστεύματα Λοξίᾳ -Καδμείων ἔμολον γᾶν, -κλεινῶν Ἀγηνοριδᾶν -ὁμογενεῖς ἐπὶ Λαΐου -πεμφθεῖσʼ ἐνθάδε πύργους. -ἴσα δʼ ἀγάλμασι χρυσοτεύ- -κτοις Φοίβῳ λάτρις ἐγενόμαν· -ἔτι δὲ Κασταλίας ὕδωρ -περιμένει με κόμας ἐμᾶς -δεῦσαι παρθένιον χλιδὰν -Φοιβείαισι λατρείαις. - - - - - -Χορός -ἰὼ λάμπουσα πέτρα πυρὸς -δικόρυφον σέλας ὑπὲρ ἄκρων -βακχειῶν Διονύσου, -οἴνα θʼ ἃ καθαμέριον -στάζεις τὸν πολύκαρπον -οἰνάνθας ἱεῖσα βότρυν, -ζάθεά τʼ ἄντρα δράκοντος οὔ- -ρειαί τε σκοπιαὶ θεῶν -νιφόβολόν τʼ ὄρος ἱερόν, εἱ- -λίσσων ἀθανάτας θεοῦ -χορὸς γενοίμαν ἄφοβος -παρὰ μεσόμφαλα γύαλα Φοί- -βου Δίρκαν προλιποῦσα. - - - - - -Χορός -νῦν δέ μοι πρὸ τειχέων -θούριος μολὼν Ἄρης -αἷμα δάιον φλέγει -τᾷδʼ, ὃ μὴ τύχοι, πόλει· -κοινὰ γὰρ φίλων ἄχη, -κοινὰ δʼ, εἴ τι πείσεται -ἑπτάπυργος ἅδε γᾶ, -Φοινίσσᾳ χώρᾳ. φεῦ φεῦ. -κοινὸν αἷμα, κοινὰ τέκεα -τᾶς κερασφόρου πέφυκεν Ἰοῦς· -ὧν μέτεστί μοι πόνων. - - - - - -Χορός -ἀμφὶ δὲ πτόλιν νέφος -ἀσπίδων πυκνὸν φλέγει -σχῆμα φοινίου μάχης, -ἃν Ἄρης τάχʼ εἴσεται -παισὶν Οἰδίπου φέρων -πημονὰν Ἐρινύων. -Ἄργος ὦ Πελασγικόν, -δειμαίνω τὰν σὰν ἀλκάν, -καὶ τὸ θεόθεν· οὐ γὰρ ἄδικον -εἰς ἀγῶνα τόνδʼ ἔνοπλος ὁρμᾷ παῖς - -ὃς μετέρχεται δόμους. - - - - - - -Πολυνείκης -τὰ μὲν πυλωρῶν κλῇθρά μʼ εἰσεδέξατο -διʼ εὐπετείας τειχέων ἔσω μολεῖν. -ὃ καὶ δέδοικα μή με δικτύων ἔσω -λαβόντες οὐκ ἐκφρῶσʼ ἀναίμακτον χρόα. -ὧν οὕνεκʼ ὄμμα πανταχῇ διοιστέον -κἀκεῖσε καὶ τὸ δεῦρο, μὴ δόλος τις ᾖ. -ὡπλισμένος δὲ χεῖρα τῷδε φασγάνῳ -τὰ πίστʼ ἐμαυτῷ τοῦ θράσους παρέξομαι. -ὠή, τίς οὗτος; ἢ κτύπον φοβούμεθα; -ἅπαντα γὰρ τολμῶσι δεινὰ φαίνεται, -ὅταν διʼ ἐχθρᾶς ποὺς ἀμείβηται χθονός. -πέποιθα μέντοι μητρί, κοὐ πέποιθʼ ἅμα, -ἥτις μʼ ἔπεισε δεῦρʼ ὑπόσπονδον μολεῖν. -ἀλλʼ ἐγγὺς ἀλκή· βώμιοι γὰρ ἐσχάραι -πέλας πάρεισι, κοὐκ ἔρημα δώματα. -φέρʼ ἐς σκοτεινὰς περιβολὰς μεθῶ ξίφος -καὶ τάσδʼ ἔρωμαι, τίνες ἐφεστᾶσιν δόμοις. -ξέναι γυναῖκες, εἴπατʼ, ἐκ ποίας πάτρας -Ἑλληνικοῖσι δώμασιν πελάζετε; - - -Χορός -Φοίνισσα μὲν γῆ πατρὶς ἡ θρέψασά με, -Ἀγήνορος δὲ παῖδες ἐκ παίδων δορὸς -Φοίβῳ μʼ ἔπεμψαν ἐνθάδʼ ἀκροθίνιον. -μέλλων δὲ πέμπειν μʼ Οἰδίπου κλεινὸς γόνος -μαντεῖα σεμνὰ Λοξίου τʼ ἐπʼ ἐσχάρας — -ἐν τῷδʼ ἐπεστράτευσαν Ἀργεῖοι πόλιν. -σὺ δʼ ἀντάμειψαί μʼ, ὅστις ὢν ἐλήλυθας -ἑπτάστομον πύργωμα Θηβαίας χθονός. - - -Πολυνείκης -πατὴρ μὲν ἡμῖν Οἰδίπους ὁ Λαΐου, -ἔτικτε δʼ Ἰοκάστη με, παῖς Μενοικέως· -καλεῖ δὲ Πολυνείκη με Θηβαῖος λεώς. - - -Χορός -ὦ συγγένεια τῶν Ἀγήνορος τέκνων, -ἐμῶν τυράννων, ὧν ἀπεστάλην ὕπο — - - - -Χορός -γονυπετεῖς ἕδρας προσπίτνω σʼ, ἄναξ, -τὸν οἴκοθεν νόμον σέβουσʼ — -ἔβας ὢ χρόνῳ γᾶν πατρῴαν. -ἰὼ ἰώ· πότνια, μόλε πρόδομος, -ἀμπέτασον πύλας. -κλύεις, ὦ τεκοῦσα τόνδε μᾶτερ; -τί μέλλεις ὑπώροφα μέλαθρα περᾶν -θιγεῖν τʼ ὠλέναισιν τέκνου; - - - -Ἰοκάστη -Φοίνισσαν βοὰν -κλύουσʼ, ὦ νεάνιδες, γηραιὸν -πόδʼ ἕλκω, τρομερὰν βάσιν· ἰὼ τέκνον, -χρόνῳ σὸν ὄμμα μυρίαις τʼ ἐν ἁμέραις -προσεῖδον· ἀμφίβαλλε μα- -στὸν ὠλέναισι ματέρος, -παρηίδων τʼ ὄρεγμα βο- -στρύχων τε κυανόχρωτα χαί- -τας πλόκαμον, δέραν σκιάζων ἁμάν. -ἰὼ ἰώ, μόλις φανεὶς -ἄελπτα κἀδόκητα ματρὸς ὠλέναις. -τί φῶ σε; πῶς ἅπαντα -καὶ χερσὶ καὶ λόγοισι -πολυέλικτον ἁδονὰν - -ἐκεῖσε καὶ τὸ δεῦρο - -περιχορεύουσα τέρψιν παλαιᾶν λάβω -χαρμονᾶν; ἰὼ τέκος, -ἔρημον πατρῷον ἔλιπες δόμον -φυγὰς ἀποσταλεὶς ὁμαίμου λώβᾳ, -ἦ ποθεινὸς φίλοις, -ἦ ποθεινὸς Θήβαις. -ὅθεν ἐμάν τε λευκόχροα κείρομαι -δακρυόεσσʼ ἀνεῖσα πένθει κόμαν, -ἄπεπλος φαρέων λευκῶν, τέκνον, -δυσόρφναια δʼ ἀμφὶ τρύχη τάδε -σκότιʼ ἀμείβομαι. - - -ὁ δʼ ἐν δόμοισι πρέσβυς ὀμματοστερὴς -ἀπήνας ὁμοπτέρου τᾶς ἀπο- -ζυγείσας δόμων -πόθον ἀμφιδάκρυτον ἀεὶ κατ- -έχων ἀνῇξε μὲν ξίφους -ἐπʼ αὐτόχειρά τε σφαγάν, -ὑπὲρ τέραμνά τʼ ἀγχόνας, -στενάζων ἀρὰς τέκνοις· -σὺν ἀλαλαῖσι δʼ αἰὲν αἰαγμάτων -σκότια κρύπτεται. -σὲ δʼ, ὦ τέκνον, καὶ γάμοισι δὴ -κλύω ζυγέντα παιδοποιὸν ἁδονὰν -ξένοισιν ἐν δόμοις ἔχειν -ξένον τε κῆδος ἀμφέπειν, -ἄλαστα ματρὶ τᾷδε Λα- -ίῳ τε τῷ παλαιγενεῖ, -γάμων ἐπακτὸν ἄταν. -ἐγὼ δʼ οὔτε σοι πυρὸς ἀνῆψα φῶς -νόμιμον ἐν γάμοις - -ὡς πρέπει ματέρι μακαρίᾳ· -ἀνυμέναια δʼ Ἰσμηνὸς ἐκηδεύθη -λουτροφόρου χλιδᾶς, ἀνὰ δὲ Θηβαίαν -πόλιν ἐσιγάθη σᾶς ἔσοδοι νύμφας. -ὄλοιτο, τάδʼ εἴτε σίδαρος -εἴτʼ ἔρις εἴτε πατὴρ ὁ σὸς αἴτιος, -εἴτε τὸ δαιμόνιον κατεκώμασε -δώμασιν Οἰδιπόδα· -πρὸς ἐμὲ γὰρ κακῶν ἔμολε τῶνδʼ ἄχη. - - - -Χορός -δεινὸν γυναιξὶν αἱ διʼ ὠδίνων γοναί, -καὶ φιλότεκνόν πως πᾶν γυναικεῖον γένος. - - -Πολυνείκης -μῆτερ, φρονῶν εὖ κοὐ φρονῶν ἀφικόμην -ἐχθροὺς ἐς ἄνδρας· ἀλλʼ ἀναγκαίως ἔχει -πατρίδος ἐρᾶν ἅπαντας· ὃς δʼ ἄλλως λέγει, -λόγοισι χαίρει τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἐκεῖσʼ ἔχει. -οὕτω δʼ ἐτάρβουν ἐς φόβον τʼ ἀφικόμην, -μή τις δόλος με πρὸς κασιγνήτου κτάνῃ, -ὥστε ξιφήρη χεῖρʼ ἔχων διʼ ἄστεως -κυκλῶν πρόσωπον ἦλθον. ἓν δέ μʼ ὠφελεῖ, -σπονδαί τε καὶ σὴ πίστις, ἥ μʼ ἐσήγαγε -τείχη πατρῷα· πολύδακρυς δʼ ἀφικόμην, -χρόνιος ἰδὼν μέλαθρα καὶ βωμοὺς θεῶν -γυμνάσιά θʼ οἷσιν ἐνετράφην Δίρκης θʼ ὕδωρ· -ὧν οὐ δικαίως ἀπελαθεὶς ξένην πόλιν -ναίω, διʼ ὄσσων νᾶμʼ ἔχων δακρύρροον. -ἀλλʼ ἐκ γὰρ ἄλγους ἄλγος αὖ σὲ δέρκομαι - -κάρα ξυρῆκες καὶ πέπλους μελαγχίμους - -ἔχουσαν, οἴμοι τῶν ἐμῶν ἐγὼ κακῶν. -ὡς δεινὸν ἔχθρα, μῆτερ, οἰκείων φίλων - -καὶ δυσλύτους ἔχουσα τὰς διαλλαγάς. - -τί γὰρ πατήρ μοι πρέσβυς ἐν δόμοισι δρᾷ, -σκότον δεδορκώς; τί δὲ κασίγνηται δύο; -ἦ που στένουσι τλήμονες φυγὰς ἐμάς; - - -Ἰοκάστη -κακῶς θεῶν τις Οἰδίπου φθείρει γένος· -οὕτω γὰρ ἤρξατʼ, ἄνομα μὲν τεκεῖν ἐμέ, -κακῶς δὲ γῆμαι πατέρα σὸν φῦναί τε σέ. -ἀτὰρ τί ταῦτα; δεῖ φέρειν τὰ τῶν θεῶν. -ὅπως δʼ ἔρωμαι, μή τι σὴν δάκω φρένα, -δέδοιχʼ, ἃ χρῄζω· διὰ πόθου δʼ ἐλήλυθα. - - -Πολυνείκης -ἀλλʼ ἐξερώτα, μηδὲν ἐνδεὲς λίπῃς· -ἃ γὰρ σὺ βούλῃ, ταὔτʼ ἐμοί, μῆτερ, φίλα. - - - -Ἰοκάστη -καὶ δή σʼ ἐρωτῶ πρῶτον ὧν χρῄζω τυχεῖν, -τί τὸ στέρεσθαι πατρίδος; ἦ κακὸν μέγα; - - -Πολυνείκης -μέγιστον· ἔργῳ δʼ ἐστὶ μεῖζον ἢ λόγῳ. - - -Ἰοκάστη -τίς ὁ τρόπος αὐτοῦ; τί φυγάσιν τὸ δυσχερές; - - -Πολυνείκης -ἓν μὲν μέγιστον, οὐκ ἔχει παρρησίαν. - - -Ἰοκάστη -δούλου τόδʼ εἶπας, μὴ λέγειν ἅ τις φρονεῖ. - - -Πολυνείκης -τὰς τῶν κρατούντων ἀμαθίας φέρειν χρεών. - - -Ἰοκάστη -καὶ τοῦτο λυπρόν, συνασοφεῖν τοῖς μὴ σοφοῖς. - - -Πολυνείκης -ἀλλʼ ἐς τὸ κέρδος παρὰ φύσιν δουλευτέον. - - -Ἰοκάστη -αἱ δʼ ἐλπίδες βόσκουσι φυγάδας, ὡς λόγος. - - -Πολυνείκης -καλοῖς βλέπουσαί γʼ ὄμμασιν, μέλλουσι δέ. - - -Ἰοκάστη -οὐδʼ ὁ χρόνος αὐτὰς διεσάφησʼ οὔσας κενάς; - - -Πολυνείκης -ἔχουσιν Ἀφροδίτην τινʼ ἡδεῖαν κακῶν. - - -Ἰοκάστη -πόθεν δʼ ἐβόσκου, πρὶν γάμοις εὑρεῖν βίον; - - -Πολυνείκης -ποτὲ μὲν ἐπʼ ἦμαρ εἶχον, εἶτʼ οὐκ εἶχον ἄν. - - -Ἰοκάστη -φίλοι δὲ πατρὸς καὶ ξένοι σʼ οὐκ ὠφέλουν; - - -Πολυνείκης -εὖ πρᾶσσε· τὰ φίλων δʼ οὐδέν, ἤν τι δυστυχῇς. - - -Ἰοκάστη -οὐδʼ ηὑγένειά σʼ ἦρεν εἰς ὕψος μέγαν; - - -Πολυνείκης -κακὸν τὸ μὴ ἔχειν· τὸ γένος οὐκ ἔβοσκέ με. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ἡ πατρίς, ὡς ἔοικε, φίλτατον βροτοῖς. - - -Πολυνείκης -οὐδʼ ὀνομάσαι δύναιʼ ἂν ὡς ἐστὶν φίλον. - - -Ἰοκάστη -πῶς δʼ ἦλθες Ἄργος; τίνʼ ἐπίνοιαν ἔσχεθες; - - -Πολυνείκης -ἔχρησʼ Ἀδράστῳ Λοξίας χρησμόν τινα. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ποῖον; τί τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας; οὐκ ἔχω μαθεῖν. - - -Πολυνείκης -κάπρῳ λέοντί θʼ ἁρμόσαι παίδων γάμους. - - -Ἰοκάστη -καὶ σοὶ τί θηρῶν ὀνόματος μετῆν, τέκνον; - - -Πολυνείκης -οὐκ οἶδʼ· ὁ δαίμων μʼ ἐκάλεσεν πρὸς τὴν τύχην. - - -Ἰοκάστη -σοφὸς γὰρ ὁ θεός· τίνι τρόπῳ δʼ ἔσχες λέχος; - - -Πολυνείκης -νὺξ ἦν, Ἀδράστου δʼ ἦλθον ἐς παραστάδας. - - -Ἰοκάστη -κοίτας ματεύων, ᾗ φυγὰς πλανώμενος; - - -Πολυνείκης -ἦν ταῦτα· κᾆτά γʼ ἦλθεν ἄλλος αὖ φυγάς. - - -Ἰοκάστη -τίς οὗτος; ὡς ἄρʼ ἄθλιος κἀκεῖνος ἦν. - - -Πολυνείκης -Τυδεύς, ὃν Οἰνέως φασὶν ἐκφῦναι πατρός. - - -Ἰοκάστη -τί θηρσὶν ὑμᾶς δῆτʼ Ἄδραστος ᾔκασεν; - - -Πολυνείκης -στρωμνῆς ἐς ἀλκὴν οὕνεκʼ ἤλθομεν πέρι. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ἐνταῦθα Ταλαοῦ παῖς συνῆκε θέσφατα; - - -Πολυνείκης -κἄδωκέ γʼ ἡμῖν δύο δυοῖν νεάνιδας. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ἆρʼ εὐτυχεῖς οὖν τοῖς γάμοις ἢ δυστυχεῖς; - - -Πολυνείκης -οὐ μεμπτὸς ἡμῖν ὁ γάμος ἐς τόδʼ ἡμέρας. - - -Ἰοκάστη -πῶς δʼ ἐξέπεισας δεῦρό σοι σπέσθαι στρατόν; - - - -Πολυνείκης -δισσοῖς Ἄδραστος ὤμοσεν γαμβροῖς τόδε, - -Τυδεῖ τε κἀμοί· σύγγαμος γάρ ἐστʼ ἐμός· - -ἄμφω κατάξειν ἐς πάτραν, πρόσθεν δʼ ἐμέ. -πολλοὶ δὲ Δαναῶν καὶ Μυκηναίων ἄκροι -πάρεισι, λυπρὰν χάριν, ἀναγκαίαν δʼ, ἐμοὶ -διδόντες· ἐπὶ γὰρ τὴν ἐμὴν στρατεύομαι -πόλιν. θεοὺς δʼ ἐπώμοσʼ ὡς ἀκουσίως -τοῖς φιλτάτοις ἑκοῦσιν ἠράμην δόρυ. -ἀλλʼ ἐς σὲ τείνει τῶνδε διάλυσις κακῶν, -μῆτερ, διαλλάξασαν ὁμογενεῖς φίλους -παῦσαι πόνων με καὶ σὲ καὶ πᾶσαν πόλιν. -πάλαι μὲν οὖν ὑμνηθέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως ἐρῶ· -τὰ χρήματʼ ἀνθρώποισι τιμιώτατα, -δύναμίν τε πλείστην τῶν ἐν ἀνθρώποις ἔχει. -ἁγὼ μεθήκω δεῦρο μυρίαν ἄγων -λόγχην· πένης γὰρ οὐδὲν εὐγενὴς ἀνήρ. - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν Ἐτεοκλῆς ἐς διαλλαγὰς ὅδε -χωρεῖ· σὸν ἔργον, μῆτερ Ἰοκάστη, λέγειν -τοιούσδε μύθους οἷς διαλλάξεις τέκνα. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -μῆτερ, πάρειμι· τὴν χάριν δὲ σοὶ διδοὺς -ἦλθον. τί χρὴ δρᾶν; ἀρχέτω δέ τις λόγου· -ὡς ἀμφὶ τείχη καὶ ξυνωρίδας λόχων -τάσσων ἐπέσχον πόλιν, ὅπως κλύοιμί σου -κοινὰς βραβείας, αἷς ὑπόσπονδον μολεῖν -τόνδʼ εἰσεδέξω τειχέων πείσασά με. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ἐπίσχες· οὔτοι τὸ ταχὺ τὴν δίκην ἔχει, -βραδεῖς δὲ μῦθοι πλεῖστον ἀνύουσιν σοφόν. -σχάσον δὲ δεινὸν ὄμμα καὶ θυμοῦ πνοάς· -οὐ γὰρ τὸ λαιμότμητον εἰσορᾷς κάρα -Γοργόνος, ἀδελφὸν δʼ εἰσορᾷς ἥκοντα σόν. -σύ τʼ αὖ πρόσωπον πρὸς κασίγνητον στρέφε, -Πολύνεικες· ἐς γὰρ ταὐτὸν ὄμμασιν βλέπων -λέξεις τʼ ἄμεινον τοῦδέ τʼ ἐνδέξῃ λόγους. -παραινέσαι δὲ σφῷν τι βούλομαι σοφόν· -ὅταν φίλος τις ἀνδρὶ θυμωθεὶς φίλῳ -ἐς ἓν συνελθὼν ὄμματʼ ὄμμασιν διδῷ, -ἐφʼ οἷσιν ἥκει, ταῦτα χρὴ μόνον σκοπεῖν, -κακῶν δὲ τῶν πρὶν μηδενὸς μνείαν ἔχειν. -λόγος μὲν οὖν σὸς πρόσθε, Πολύνεικες τέκνον· -σὺ γὰρ στράτευμα Δαναϊδῶν ἥκεις ἄγων, -ἄδικα πεπονθώς, ὡς σὺ φῄς· κριτὴς δέ τις -θεῶν γένοιτο καὶ διαλλακτὴς κακῶν. - - - -Πολυνείκης -ἁπλοῦς ὁ μῦθος τῆς ἀληθείας ἔφυ, -κοὐ ποικίλων δεῖ τἄνδιχʼ ἑρμηνευμάτων· -ἔχει γὰρ αὐτὰ καιρόν· ὁ δʼ ἄδικος λόγος -νοσῶν ἐν αὑτῷ φαρμάκων δεῖται σοφῶν. -ἐγὼ δὲ πατρὸς δωμάτων προυσκεψάμην -τοὐμόν τε καὶ τοῦδʼ, ἐκφυγεῖν χρῄζων ἀρὰς -ἃς Οἰδίπους ἐφθέγξατʼ εἰς ἡμᾶς ποτε, -ἐξῆλθον ἔξω τῆσδʼ ἑκὼν αὐτὸς χθονός, -δοὺς τῷδʼ ἀνάσσειν πατρίδος ἐνιαυτοῦ κύκλον, -ὥστʼ αὐτὸς ἄρχειν αὖθις ἀνὰ μέρος λαβὼν -καὶ μὴ διʼ ἔχθρας τῷδε καὶ φθόνου μολὼν -κακόν τι δρᾶσαι καὶ παθεῖν, ἃ γίγνεται. -ὃ δʼ αἰνέσας ταῦθʼ ὁρκίους τε δοὺς θεούς, -ἔδρασεν οὐδὲν ὧν ὑπέσχετʼ, ἀλλʼ ἔχει -τυραννίδʼ αὐτὸς καὶ δόμων ἐμῶν μέρος. - -καὶ νῦν ἕτοιμός εἰμι τἀμαυτοῦ λαβὼν -στρατὸν μὲν ἔξω τῆσδʼ ἀποστεῖλαι χθονός, -οἰκεῖν δὲ τὸν ἐμὸν οἶκον ἀνὰ μέρος λαβὼν -καὶ τῷδʼ ἀφεῖναι τὸν ἴσον αὖθις αὖ χρόνον, -καὶ μήτε πορθεῖν πατρίδα μήτε προσφέρειν -πύργοισι πηκτῶν κλιμάκων προσαμβάσεις, -ἃ μὴ κυρήσας τῆς δίκης πειράσομαι -δρᾶν. μάρτυρας δὲ τῶνδε δαίμονας καλῶ, -ὡς πάντα πράσσων σὺν δίκῃ, δίκης ἄτερ -ἀποστεροῦμαι πατρίδος ἀνοσιώτατα. -ταῦτʼ αὔθʼ ἕκαστα, μῆτερ, οὐχὶ περιπλοκὰς -λόγων ἀθροίσας εἶπον, ἀλλὰ καὶ σοφοῖς -καὶ τοῖσι φαύλοις ἔνδιχʼ, ὡς ἐμοὶ δοκεῖ. - - -Χορός -ἐμοὶ μέν, εἰ καὶ μὴ καθʼ Ἑλλήνων χθόνα -τεθράμμεθʼ, ἀλλʼ οὖν ξυνετά μοι δοκεῖς λέγειν. - - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -εἰ πᾶσι ταὐτὸν καλὸν ἔφυ σοφόν θʼ ἅμα, -οὐκ ἦν ἂν ἀμφίλεκτος ἀνθρώποις ἔρις· -νῦν δʼ οὔθʼ ὅμοιον οὐδὲν οὔτʼ ἴσον βροτοῖς, -πλὴν ὀνόμασαι· τὸ δʼ ἔργον οὐκ ἔστιν τόδε. -ἐγὼ γὰρ οὐδέν, μῆτερ, ἀποκρύψας ἐρῶ· -ἄστρων ἂν ἔλθοιμʼ ἡλίου πρὸς ἀντολὰς -καὶ γῆς ἔνερθεν, δυνατὸς ὢν δρᾶσαι τάδε, -τὴν θεῶν μεγίστην ὥστʼ ἔχειν Τυραννίδα. -τοῦτʼ οὖν τὸ χρηστόν, μῆτερ, οὐχὶ βούλομαι -ἄλλῳ παρεῖναι μᾶλλον ἢ σῴζειν ἐμοί· -ἀνανδρία γάρ, τὸ πλέον ὅστις ἀπολέσας -τοὔλασσον ἔλαβε. πρὸς δὲ τοῖσδʼ αἰσχύνομαι, -ἐλθόντα σὺν ὅπλοις τόνδε καὶ πορθοῦντα γῆν -τυχεῖν ἃ χρῄζει· ταῖς γὰρ ἂν Θήβαις τόδε -γένοιτʼ ὄνειδος, εἰ Μυκηναίου δορὸς -φόβῳ παρείην σκῆπτρα τἀμὰ τῷδʼ ἔχειν. -χρῆν δʼ αὐτὸν οὐχ ὅπλοισι τὰς διαλλαγάς, -μῆτερ, ποιεῖσθαι· πᾶν γὰρ ἐξαιρεῖ λόγος -ὃ καὶ σίδηρος πολεμίων δράσειεν ἄν. -ἀλλʼ, εἰ μὲν ἄλλως τήνδε γῆν οἰκεῖν θέλει, -ἔξεστʼ· ἐκεῖνο δʼ οὐχ ἑκὼν μεθήσομαι. -ἄρχειν παρόν μοι, τῷδε δουλεύσω ποτέ; -πρὸς ταῦτʼ ἴτω μὲν πῦρ, ἴτω δὲ φάσγανα, -ζεύγνυσθε δʼ ἵππους, πεδία πίμπλαθʼ ἁρμάτων, -ὡς οὐ παρήσω τῷδʼ ἐμὴν τυραννίδα. -εἴπερ γὰρ ἀδικεῖν χρή, τυραννίδος πέρι -κάλλιστον ἀδικεῖν, τἄλλα δʼ εὐσεβεῖν χρεών. - - -Χορός -οὐκ εὖ λέγειν χρὴ μὴ ʼπὶ τοῖς ἔργοις καλοῖς· -οὐ γὰρ καλὸν τοῦτʼ, ἀλλὰ τῇ δίκῃ πικρόν. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ὦ τέκνον, οὐχ ἅπαντα τῷ γήρᾳ κακά, -Ἐτεόκλεες, πρόσεστιν· ἀλλʼ ἡμπειρία -ἔχει τι λέξαι τῶν νέων σοφώτερον. -τί τῆς κακίστης δαιμόνων ἐφίεσαι -Φιλοτιμίας, παῖ; μὴ σύ γʼ· ἄδικος ἡ θεός· -πολλοὺς δʼ ἐς οἴκους καὶ πόλεις εὐδαίμονας -ἐσῆλθε κἀξῆλθʼ ἐπʼ ὀλέθρῳ τῶν χρωμένων· -ἐφʼ ᾗ σὺ μαίνῃ. κεῖνο κάλλιον, τέκνον, -Ἰσότητα τιμᾶν, ἣ φίλους ἀεὶ φίλοις -πόλεις τε πόλεσι συμμάχους τε συμμάχοις -συνδεῖ· τὸ γὰρ ἴσον μόνιμον ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ, -τῷ πλέονι δʼ αἰεὶ πολέμιον καθίσταται -τοὔλασσον ἐχθρᾶς θʼ ἡμέρας κατάρχεται. -καὶ γὰρ μέτρʼ ἀνθρώποισι καὶ μέρη σταθμῶν -Ἰσότης ἔταξε κἀριθμὸν διώρισε, -νυκτός τʼ ἀφεγγὲς βλέφαρον ἡλίου τε φῶς -ἴσον βαδίζει τὸν ἐνιαύσιον κύκλον, -κοὐδέτερον αὐτῶν φθόνον ἔχει νικώμενον. -εἶθʼ ἥλιος μὲν νύξ τε δουλεύει βροτοῖς -σὺ δʼ οὐκ ἀνέξῃ δωμάτων ἔχων ἴσον -καὶ τῷδε νεῖμαι; κᾆτα ποῦ ʼστιν ἡ δίκη; - - -τί τὴν τυραννίδʼ, ἀδικίαν εὐδαίμονα, -τιμᾷς ὑπέρφευ καὶ μέγʼ ἥγησαι τόδε; -περιβλέπεσθαι τίμιον; κενὸν μὲν οὖν. -ἢ πολλὰ μοχθεῖν πόλλʼ ἔχων ἐν δώμασι -βούλῃ; τί δʼ ἔστι τὸ πλέον; ὄνομʼ ἔχει μόνον· -ἐπεὶ τά γʼ ἀρκοῦνθʼ ἱκανὰ τοῖς γε σώφροσιν. -οὔτοι τὰ χρήματʼ ἴδια κέκτηνται βροτοί, -τὰ τῶν θεῶν δʼ ἔχοντες ἐπιμελούμεθα· -ὅταν δὲ χρῄζωσʼ, αὔτʼ ἀφαιροῦνται πάλιν. - -ὁ δʼ ὄλβος οὐ βέβαιος, ἀλλʼ ἐφήμερος. - - -ἄγʼ, ἤν σʼ ἔρωμαι δύο λόγω προθεῖσʼ ἅμα, -πότερα τυραννεῖν ἢ πόλιν σῷσαι θέλεις, -ἐρεῖς τυραννεῖν; ἢν δὲ νικήσῃ σʼ ὅδε; - -Ἀργεῖά τʼ ἔγχη δόρυ τὸ Καδμείων ἕλῃ, - -ὄψῃ δαμασθὲν ἄστυ Θηβαῖον τόδε, -ὄψῃ δὲ πολλὰς αἰχμαλωτίδας κόρας -βίᾳ πρὸς ἀνδρῶν πολεμίων πορθουμένας. -ὀδυνηρὸς ἆρʼ ὁ πλοῦτος, ὃν ζητεῖς ἔχειν, -γενήσεται Θήβαισι, φιλότιμος δὲ σύ. - -σοὶ μὲν τάδʼ αὐδῶ. σοὶ δέ, Πολύνεικες, λέγω· -ἀμαθεῖς Ἄδραστος χάριτας ἔς σʼ ἀνήψατο, -ἀσύνετα δʼ ἦλθες καὶ σὺ πορθήσων πόλιν. -φέρʼ, ἢν ἕλῃς γῆν τήνδʼ — ὃ μὴ τύχοι ποτέ — -πρὸς θεῶν, τρόπαια πῶς ἀναστήσεις Διί; -πῶς δʼ αὖ κατάρξῃ θυμάτων, ἑλὼν πάτραν, -καὶ σκῦλα γράψεις πῶς ἐπʼ Ἰνάχου ῥοαῖς; -‘Θήβας πυρώσας τάσδε Πολυνείκης θεοῖς -ἀσπίδας ἔθηκε;’ μήποτʼ, ὦ τέκνον, κλέος -τοιόνδε σοι γένοιθʼ ὑφʼ Ἑλλήνων λαβεῖν. -ἢν δʼ αὖ κρατηθῇς καὶ τὰ τοῦδʼ ὑπερδράμῃ, -πῶς Ἄργος ἥξεις μυρίους λιπὼν νεκρούς; -ἐρεῖ δὲ δή τις· ὦ κακὰ μνηστεύματα -Ἄδραστε προσθείς, διὰ μιᾶς νύμφης γάμον -ἀπωλόμεσθα. δύο κακὼ σπεύδεις, τέκνον, -κείνων στέρεσθαι τῶνδέ τʼ ἐν μέσῳ πεσεῖν. - -μέθετον τὸ λίαν, μέθετον· ἀμαθία δυοῖν, -ἐς ταὔθʼ ὅταν μόλητον, ἔχθιστον κακόν. - - -Χορός -ὦ θεοί, γένοισθε τῶνδʼ ἀπότροποι κακῶν -καὶ ξύμβασίν τινʼ Οἰδίπου τέκνοις δότε. - - - - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -μῆτερ, οὐ λόγων ἔθʼ ἁγών, ἀλλʼ ἀναλοῦται χρόνος -οὑν μέσῳ μάτην, περαίνει δʼ οὐδὲν ἡ προθυμία· -οὐ γὰρ ἂν ξυμβαῖμεν ἄλλως ἢ ʼπὶ τοῖς εἰρημένοις, -ὥστʼ ἐμὲ σκήπτρων κρατοῦντα τῆσδʼ ἄνακτʼ εἶναι χθονός· -τῶν μακρῶν δʼ ἀπαλλαγεῖσα νουθετημάτων μʼ ἔα. -καὶ σὺ τῶνδʼ ἔξω κομίζου τειχέων, ἢ κατθανῇ. - - -Πολυνείκης -πρὸς τίνος; τίς ὧδʼ ἄτρωτος, ὅστις εἰς ἡμᾶς ξίφος -φόνιον ἐμβαλὼν τὸν αὐτὸν οὐκ ἀποίσεται μόρον; - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἐγγύς, οὐ πρόσω βέβηκεν· ἐς χέρας λεύσσεις ἐμάς; - - -Πολυνείκης -εἰσορῶ· δειλὸν δʼ ὁ πλοῦτος καὶ φιλόψυχον κακόν. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -κᾆτα σὺν πολλοῖσιν ἦλθες πρὸς τὸν οὐδὲν ἐς μάχην; - - -Πολυνείκης -ἀσφαλὴς γάρ ἐστʼ ἀμείνων ἢ θρασὺς στρατηλάτης. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -κομπὸς εἶ σπονδαῖς πεποιθώς, αἵ σε σῴζουσιν θανεῖν. - - -Πολυνείκης -καὶ σέ· δεύτερον δʼ ἀπαιτῶ σκῆπτρα καὶ μέρη χθονός. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -οὐκ ἀπαιτούμεσθʼ· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὸν ἐμὸν οἰκήσω δόμον. - - -Πολυνείκης -τοῦ μέρους ἔχων τὸ πλεῖον; - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -φήμʼ· ἀπαλλάσσου δὲ γῆς. - - -Πολυνείκης -ὦ θεῶν βωμοὶ πατρῴων — - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -οὓς σὺ πορθήσων πάρει. - - -Πολυνείκης -κλύετέ μου — - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -τίς δʼ ἂν κλύοι σου πατρίδʼ ἐπεστρατευμένου; - - -Πολυνείκης -καὶ θεῶν τῶν λευκοπώλων δώματα — - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -οἳ στυγοῦσί σε. - - -Πολυνείκης -ἐξελαυνόμεσθα πατρίδος — - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -καὶ γὰρ ἦλθες ἐξελῶν. - - -Πολυνείκης -ἀδικίᾳ γʼ, ὦ θεοί. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -Μυκήναις, μὴ ʼνθάδʼ ἀνακάλει θεούς. - - -Πολυνείκης -ἀνόσιος πέφυκας — - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἀλλʼ οὐ πατρίδος, ὡς σύ, πολέμιος. - - -Πολυνείκης -ὅς μʼ ἄμοιρον ἐξελαύνεις. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -καὶ κατακτενῶ γε πρός. - - -Πολυνείκης -ὦ πάτερ, κλύεις ἃ πάσχω; - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -καὶ γὰρ οἷα δρᾷς κλύει. - - -Πολυνείκης -καὶ σύ, μῆτερ; - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἀθέμιτόν σοι μητρὸς ὀνομάζειν κάρα. - - -Πολυνείκης -ὦ πόλις. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -μολὼν ἐς Ἄργος ἀνακάλει Λέρνης ὕδωρ. - - - -Πολυνείκης -εἶμι, μὴ πόνει· σὲ δʼ αἰνῶ, μῆτερ. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἔξιθι χθονός. - - -Πολυνείκης -ἔξιμεν· πατέρα δέ μοι δὸς εἰσιδεῖν. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -οὐκ ἂν τύχοις. - - -Πολυνείκης -ἀλλὰ παρθένους ἀδελφάς. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -οὐδὲ τάσδʼ ὄψῃ ποτέ. - - -Πολυνείκης -ὦ κασίγνηται. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -τί ταύτας ἀνακαλεῖς ἔχθιστος ὤν; - - -Πολυνείκης -μῆτερ, ἀλλά μοι σὺ χαῖρε. - - -Ἰοκάστη -χαρτὰ γοῦν πάσχω, τέκνον. - - -Πολυνείκης -οὐκέτʼ εἰμὶ παῖς σός. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ἐς πόλλʼ ἀθλία πέφυκʼ ἐγώ. - - -Πολυνείκης -ὅδε γὰρ εἰς ἡμᾶς ὑβρίζει. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -καὶ γὰρ ἀνθυβρίζομαι. - - -Πολυνείκης -ποῦ ποτε στήσῃ πρὸ πύργων; - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ὡς τί μʼ ἱστορεῖς τόδε; - - -Πολυνείκης -ἀντιτάξομαι κτενῶν σε. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -κἀμὲ τοῦδʼ ἔρως ἔχει. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ· τί δράσετʼ, ὦ τέκνα; - - -Πολυνείκης -αὐτὸ σημανεῖ. - - -Ἰοκάστη -πατρὸς οὐ φεύξεσθʼ Ἐρινῦς; - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἐρρέτω πρόπας δόμος. - - -Πολυνείκης -ὡς τάχʼ οὐκέθʼ αἱματηρὸν τοὐμὸν ἀργήσει ξίφος. -τὴν δὲ θρέψασάν με γαῖαν καὶ θεοὺς μαρτύρομαι, -ὡς ἄτιμος οἰκτρὰ πάσχων ἐξελαύνομαι χθονός, -δοῦλος ὥς, ἀλλʼ οὐχὶ ταὐτοῦ πατρὸς Οἰδίπου γεγώς· -κἄν τί σοι, πόλις, γένηται, μὴ ἐμέ, τόνδε δʼ αἰτιῶ· -οὐχ ἑκὼν γὰρ ἦλθον, ἄκων δʼ ἐξελαύνομαι χθονός. -καὶ σύ, Φοῖβʼ ἄναξ Ἀγυιεῦ, καὶ μέλαθρα, χαίρετε, -ἥλικές θʼ οὑμοί, θεῶν τε δεξίμηλʼ ἀγάλματα. -οὐ γὰρ οἶδʼ εἴ μοι προσειπεῖν αὖθις ἔσθʼ ὑμᾶς ποτε· -ἐλπίδες δʼ οὔπω καθεύδουσʼ, αἷς πέποιθα σὺν θεοῖς -τόνδʼ ἀποκτείνας κρατήσειν τῆσδε Θηβαίας χθονός. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἔξιθʼ ἐκ χώρας· ἀληθῶς δʼ ὄνομα Πολυνείκη πατὴρ -ἔθετό σοι θείᾳ προνοίᾳ νεικέων ἐπώνυμον. - - - - - - - -Χορός -Κάδμος ἔμολε τάνδε γᾶν -Τύριος, ᾧ τετρασκελὴς -μόσχος ἀδάματον πέσημα -δίκε τελεσφόρον διδοῦσα -χρησμόν, οὗ κατοικίσαι -πεδία νιν τὸ θέσφατον -πυροφόρα δόμων ἔχρη, -καλλιπόταμος ὕδατος ἵνα τε -νοτὶς ἐπέρχεται γύας, -Δίρκας χλοηφόρους -καὶ βαθυσπόρους γύας· -Βρόμιον ἔνθα τέκετο μά- -τηρ Διὸς γάμοισι, -κισσὸς ὃν περιστεφὴς -ἕλικος εὐθὺς ἔτι βρέφος -χλοηφόροισιν ἔρνεσιν -κατασκίοισιν ὀλβίσας ἐνώτισεν, -Βάκχιον χόρευμα παρθένοισι Θηβαΐαισι -καὶ γυναιξὶν εὐίοις. - - - - - -Χορός -ἔνθα φόνιος ἦν δράκων -Ἄρεος ὠμόφρων φύλαξ -νάματʼ ἔνυδρα καὶ ῥέεθρα -χλοερὰ δεργμάτων κόραισι -πολυπλάνοις ἐπισκοπῶν· -ὃν ἐπὶ χέρνιβας μολὼν -Κάδμος ὄλεσε μαρμάρῳ· -κρᾶτα φόνιον ὀλεσίθηρος -ὠλένας δικὼν βολαῖς, -δίας ἀμάτορος δʼ - -ἐς βαθυσπόρους γύας -γαπετεῖς δικὼν ὀδόν- -τας Παλλάδος φραδαῖσιν· -ἔνθεν ἐξανῆκε γᾶ -πάνοπλον ὄψιν ὑπὲρ ἄκρων -ὅρων χθονός· σιδαρόφρων -δέ νιν φόνος πάλιν ξυνῆψε γᾷ φίλᾳ. -αἵματος δʼ ἔδευσε γαῖαν, ἅ νιν εὐηλίοισι -δεῖξεν αἰθέρος πνοαῖς. - - - - - -Χορός -καὶ σέ, τὸν προμάτορος -Ἰοῦς ποτʼ ἔκγονον -Ἔπαφον, ὦ Διὸς γένεθλον, - -ἐκάλεσʼ ἐκάλεσα βαρβάρῳ βοᾷ, -ἰώ, βαρβάροις λιταῖς· -βᾶθι βᾶθι τάνδε γᾶν· -— σοί νιν ἔκγονοι κτίσαν -καὶ διώνυμοι θεαί, -Περσέφασσα καὶ φίλα -Δαμάτηρ θεά, -πάντων ἄνασσα, πάντων δὲ Γᾶ τροφός, -κτήσαντο — πέμπε πυρφόρους -θεάς, ἄμυνε τᾷδε γᾷ· -πάντα δʼ εὐπετῆ θεοῖς. - - - - - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -χώρει σὺ καὶ κόμιζε τὸν Μενοικέως -Κρέοντʼ, ἀδελφὸν μητρὸς Ἰοκάστης ἐμῆς, -λέγων τάδʼ, ὡς οἰκεῖα καὶ κοινὰ χθονὸς -θέλω πρὸς αὐτὸν συμβαλεῖν βουλεύματα, -πρὶν ἐς μάχην τε καὶ δορὸς τάξιν μολεῖν. -καίτοι ποδῶν σῶν μόχθον ἐκλύει παρών· -ὁρῶ γὰρ αὐτὸν πρὸς δόμους στείχοντʼ ἐμούς. - - -Κρέων -ἦ πόλλʼ ἐπῆλθον εἰσιδεῖν χρῄζων σʼ, ἄναξ -Ἐτεόκλεες, πέριξ δὲ Καδμείων πύλας -φυλακάς τʼ ἐπῆλθον σὸν δέμας θηρώμενος. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -καὶ μὴν ἐγὼ σʼ ἔχρῃζον εἰσιδεῖν, Κρέον· -πολλῷ γὰρ ηὗρον ἐνδεεῖς διαλλαγάς -ὡς ἐς λόγους συνῆψα Πολυνείκει μολών. - - -Κρέων -ἤκουσα μεῖζον αὐτὸν ἢ Θήβας φρονεῖν, -κήδει τʼ Ἀδράστου καὶ στρατῷ πεποιθότα. -ἀλλʼ ἐς θεοὺς χρὴ ταῦτʼ ἀναρτήσαντʼ ἔχειν· -ἃ δʼ ἐμποδὼν μάλιστα, ταῦθʼ ἥκω φράσων. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -τὰ ποῖα ταῦτα; τὸν λόγον γὰρ ἀγνοῶ. - - -Κρέων -ἥκει τις αἰχμάλωτος Ἀργείων πάρα. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -λέγει δὲ δὴ τί τῶν ἐκεῖ νεώτερον; - - -Κρέων -μέλλειν πέριξ πύργοισι Καδμείων πόλιν - - -ὅπλοις ἑλίξειν αὐτίκʼ Ἀργείων στρατόν. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἐξοιστέον τἄρʼ ὅπλα Καδμείων πόλει. - - -Κρέων -ποῖ; μῶν νεάζων οὐχ ὁρᾷς ἃ χρή σʼ ὁρᾶν; - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἐκτὸς τάφρων τῶνδʼ, ὡς μαχουμένους τάχα. - - -Κρέων -σμικρὸν τὸ πλῆθος τῆσδε γῆς, οἳ δʼ ἄφθονοι. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἐγᾦδα κείνους τοῖς λόγοις ὄντας θρασεῖς. - - -Κρέων -ἔχει τινʼ ὄγκον τἄργος Ἑλλήνων πάρα. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -θάρσει· τάχʼ αὐτῶν πεδίον ἐμπλήσω φόνου. - - -Κρέων -θέλοιμʼ ἄν· ἀλλὰ τοῦθʼ ὁρῶ πολλοῦ πόνου. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ὡς οὐ καθέξω τειχέων ἔσω στρατόν. - - -Κρέων -καὶ μὴν τὸ νικᾶν ἐστι πᾶν εὐβουλία. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -βούλῃ τράπωμαι δῆθʼ ὁδοὺς ἄλλας τινάς; - - -Κρέων -πάσας γε, πρὶν κίνδυνον εἰς ἅπαξ μολεῖν. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -εἰ νυκτὸς αὐτοῖς προσβάλοιμεν ἐκ λόχου; - - -Κρέων -εἴπερ σφαλείς γε δεῦρο σωθήσῃ πάλιν. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἴσον φέρει νύξ, τοῖς δὲ τολμῶσιν πλέον. - - -Κρέων -ἐνδυστυχῆσαι δεινὸν εὐφρόνης κνέφας. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἀλλʼ ἀμφὶ δεῖπνον οὖσι προσβάλω δόρυ; - - -Κρέων -ἔκπληξις ἂν γένοιτο· νικῆσαι δὲ δεῖ. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -βαθύς γέ τοι Διρκαῖος ἀναχωρεῖν πόρος. - - -Κρέων -ἅπαν κάκιον τοῦ φυλάσσεσθαι καλῶς. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -τί δʼ, εἰ καθιππεύσαιμεν Ἀργείων στρατόν; - - -Κρέων -κἀκεῖ πέφρακται λαὸς ἅρμασιν πέριξ. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -τί δῆτα δράσω; πολεμίοισι δῶ πόλιν; - - -Κρέων -μὴ δῆτα· βουλεύου δʼ, ἐπείπερ εἶ σοφός. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -τίς οὖν πρόνοια γίγνεται σοφωτέρα; - - - -Κρέων -ἕπτʼ ἄνδρας αὐτοῖς φασιν, ὡς ἤκουσʼ ἐγώ — - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -τί προστετάχθαι δρᾶν; τὸ γὰρ σθένος βραχύ. - - -Κρέων -† λόχων ἀνάσσειν † ἑπτὰ προσκεῖσθαι πύλαις. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -τί δῆτα δρῶμεν; ἀπορίαν γὰρ οὐ μενῶ. - - -Κρέων -ἕπτʼ ἄνδρας αὐτοῖς καὶ σὺ πρὸς πύλαις ἑλοῦ. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -λόχων ἀνάσσειν ἢ μονοστόλου δορός; - - -Κρέων -λόχων, προκρίνας οἵπερ ἀλκιμώτατοι. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ξυνῆκʼ· ἀμύνειν τειχέων προσαμβάσεις. - - -Κρέων -καὶ ξυστρατήγους γʼ· εἷς δʼ ἀνὴρ οὐ πάνθʼ ὁρᾷ. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -θάρσει προκρίνας ἢ φρενῶν εὐβουλίᾳ; - - -Κρέων -ἀμφότερον· ἀπολειφθὲν γὰρ οὐδὲν θάτερον. - - -Ἐτεοκλῆς -ἔσται τάδʼ· ἐλθὼν ἑπτάπυργον ἐς πόλιν -τάξω λοχαγοὺς πρὸς πύλαισιν, ὡς λέγεις, -ἴσους ἴσοισι πολεμίοισιν ἀντιθείς. -ὄνομα δʼ ἑκάστου διατριβὴ πολλὴ λέγειν, -ἐχθρῶν ὑπʼ αὐτοῖς τείχεσιν καθημένων. -ἀλλʼ εἶμʼ, ὅπως ἂν μὴ καταργῶμεν χέρα. -καί μοι γένοιτʼ ἀδελφὸν ἀντήρη λαβεῖν -καὶ ξυσταθέντα διὰ μάχης ἑλεῖν δορί. - -κτανεῖν θʼ, ὃς ἦλθε πατρίδα πορθήσων ἐμήν. - -γάμους δʼ ἀδελφῆς Ἀντιγόνης παιδός τε σοῦ -Αἵμονος, ἐάν τι τῆς τύχης ἐγὼ σφαλῶ, -σοὶ χρὴ μέλεσθαι· τὴν δόσιν δʼ ἐχέγγυον -τὴν πρόσθε ποιῶ νῦν ἐπʼ ἐξόδοις ἐμαῖς. -μητρὸς δʼ ἀδελφὸς εἶ· τί δεῖ μακρηγορεῖν; -τρέφʼ ἀξίως νιν σοῦ τε τήν τʼ ἐμὴν χάριν. -πατὴρ δʼ ἐς αὑτὸν ἀμαθίαν ὀφλισκάνει, -ὄψιν τυφλώσας· οὐκ ἄγαν σφʼ ἐπῄνεσα· -ἡμᾶς δʼ ἀραῖσιν, ἢν τύχῃ, κατακτενεῖ. - -ἓν δʼ ἐστὶν ἡμῖν ἀργόν, εἴ τι θέσφατον -οἰωνόμαντις Τειρεσίας ἔχει φράσαι, -τοῦδʼ ἐκπυθέσθαι ταῦτʼ· ἐγὼ δὲ παῖδα σὸν -Μενοικέα, σοῦ πατρὸς αὐτεπώνυμον, -λαβόντα πέμψω δεῦρο Τειρεσίαν, Κρέον· -σοὶ μὲν γὰρ ἡδὺς ἐς λόγους ἀφίξεται, -ἐγὼ δὲ τέχνην μαντικὴν ἐμεμψάμην -ἤδη πρὸς αὐτόν, ὥστε μοι μομφὰς ἔχειν. -πόλει δὲ καὶ σοὶ ταῦτʼ ἐπισκήπτω, Κρέον· -ἤνπερ κρατήσῃ τἀμά, Πολυνείκους νέκυν -μήποτε ταφῆναι τῇδε Θηβαίᾳ χθονί, -θνῄσκειν δὲ τὸν θάψαντα, κἂν φίλων τις ᾖ. - -σοὶ μὲν τάδʼ εἶπον· προσπόλοις δʼ ἐμοῖς λέγω· - -ἐκφέρετε τεύχη πάνοπλά τʼ ἀμφιβλήματα, -ὡς εἰς ἀγῶνα τὸν προκείμενον δορὸς -ὁρμώμεθʼ ἤδη ξὺν δίκῃ νικηφόρῳ. -τῇ δʼ Εὐλαβείᾳ, χρησιμωτάτῃ θεῶν, -προσευχόμεσθα τήνδε διασῷσαι πόλιν. - - - - - - -Χορός -ὦ πολύμοχθος Ἄρης, τί ποθʼ αἵματι -καὶ θανάτῳ κατέχῃ Βρομίου παράμουσος ἑορταῖς; -οὐκ ἐπὶ καλλιχόροις στεφάνοισι νεάνιδος ὥρας -βόστρυχον ἀμπετάσας λωτοῦ κατὰ πνεύματα μέλπῃ -μοῦσαν, ἐν ᾇ χάριτες χοροποιοί, -ἀλλὰ σὺν ὁπλοφόροις στρατὸν Ἀργείων ἐπιπνεύσας -αἵματι Θήβας -κῶμον ἀναυλότατον προχορεύεις. -οὐδʼ ὑπὸ θυρσομανεῖ νεβρίδων μέτα δίνᾳ, -ἅρμασι καὶ ψαλίων τετραβάμοσι μωνυχοπώλων -ἱππείαις ἐπὶ χεύμασι βαίνων -Ἰσμηνοῖο θοάζεις, Ἀργείοις ἐπιπνεύσας -Σπαρτῶν γένναν, -ἀσπιδοφέρμονα θίασον ἐνόπλιον, -ἀντίπαλον κατὰ λάινα τείχεα -χαλκῷ κοσμήσας. -ἦ δεινά τις Ἔρις θεός, ἃ τάδε -μήσατο πήματα γᾶς βασιλεῦσιν, -Λαβδακίδαις πολυμόχθοις. - - - - - -Χορός -ὦ ζαθέων πετάλων πολυθηρότα- -τον νάπος, Ἀρτέμιδος χιονοτρόφον ὄμμα Κιθαιρών, -μήποτε τὸν θανάτῳ προτεθέντα, λόχευμʼ Ἰοκάστας, -ὤφελες Οἰδιπόδαν θρέψαι, βρέφος ἔκβολον οἴκων, -χρυσοδέτοις περόναις ἐπίσαμον· -μηδὲ τὸ παρθένιον πτερόν, οὔρειον τέρας, ἐλθεῖν -πένθεα γαίας -Σφιγγὸς ἀμουσοτάταισι σὺν ᾠδαῖς, -ἅ ποτε Καδμογενῆ τετραβάμοσι χαλαῖς -τείχεσι χριμπτομένα φέρεν αἰθέρος εἰς ἄβατον φῶς -γένναν, ἃν ὁ κατὰ χθονὸς Ἅιδας -Καδμείοις ἐπιπέμπει· δυσδαίμων δʼ ἔρις ἄλλα -θάλλει παίδων -Οἰδιπόδα κατὰ δώματα καὶ πόλιν. -οὐ γὰρ ὃ μὴ καλὸν οὔποτʼ ἔφυ καλόν, -οὐδʼ οἱ μὴ νόμιμοι -† παῖδες ματρὶ λόχευμα, μίασμα πατρός· -ἣ δὲ συναίμονος ἐς λέχος ἦλθεν. † - - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἔτεκες, ὦ Γαῖʼ, ἔτεκές ποτε, -βάρβαρον ὡς ἀκοὰν ἐδάην ἐδάην ποτʼ ἐν οἴκοις, -τὰν ἀπὸ θηροτρόφου φοινικολόφοιο δράκοντος -γένναν ὀδοντοφυῆ, Θήβαις κάλλιστον ὄνειδος· -Ἁρμονίας δέ ποτʼ εἰς ὑμεναίους -ἤλυθον οὐρανίδαι, φόρμιγγί τε τείχεα Θήβας -τᾶς Ἀμφιονίας τε λύρας ὕπο πύργος ἀνέστα -διδύμων ποταμῶν πόρον ἀμφὶ μέσον, -Δίρκα χλοεροτρόφον ᾇ πεδίον -πρόπαρ Ἰσμηνοῦ καταδεύει· -Ἰώ θʼ, ἁ κερόεσσα προμάτωρ, -Καδμείων βασιλῆας ἐγείνατο, -μυριάδας δʼ ἀγαθῶν ἑτέροις ἑτέ- -ρας μεταμειβομένα πόλις ἅδʼ ἐπʼ ἄκροις ἕστακʼ -Ἀρηΐοις στεφάνοισιν. - - - - - - -Τειρεσίας -ἡγοῦ πάροιθε, θύγατερ· ὡς τυφλῷ ποδὶ -ὀφθαλμὸς εἶ σύ, ναυβάταισιν ἄστρον ὥς· -δεῦρʼ ἐς τὸ λευρὸν πέδον ἴχνος τιθεῖσʼ ἐμόν, -πρόβαινε, μὴ σφαλῶμεν· ἀσθενὴς πατήρ· -κλήρους τέ μοι φύλασσε παρθένῳ χερί, -οὓς ἔλαβον οἰωνίσματʼ ὀρνίθων μαθὼν -θάκοισιν ἐν ἱεροῖσιν, οὗ μαντεύομαι. -τέκνον Μενοικεῦ, παῖ Κρέοντος, εἰπέ μοι -πόση τις ἡ ʼπίλοιπος ἄστεως ὁδὸς -πρὸς πατέρα τὸν σόν· ὡς ἐμὸν κάμνει γόνυ, -πυκνὴν δὲ βαίνων ἤλυσιν μόλις περῶ. - - -Κρέων -θάρσει· πέλας γάρ, Τειρεσία, φίλοισι σοῖς -ἐξώρμισαι σὸν πόδα· λαβοῦ δʼ αὐτοῦ, τέκνον· -ὡς πᾶσʼ ἀπήνη πούς τε πρεσβύτου φιλεῖ -χειρὸς θυραίας ἀναμένειν κουφίσματα. - - -Τειρεσίας -εἶἑν, πάρεσμεν· τί με καλεῖς σπουδῇ, Κρέον; - - -Κρέων -οὔπω λελήσμεθʼ· ἀλλὰ σύλλεξαι σθένος -καὶ πνεῦμʼ ἄθροισον, αἶπος ἐκβαλὼν ὁδοῦ. - - -Τειρεσίας -κόπῳ παρεῖμαι γοῦν Ἐρεχθειδῶν ἄπο -δεῦρʼ ἐκκομισθεὶς τῆς πάροιθεν ἡμέρας· -κἀκεῖ γὰρ ἦν τις πόλεμος Εὐμόλπου δορός, -οὗ καλλινίκους Κεκροπίδας ἔθηκʼ ἐγώ· -καὶ τόνδε χρυσοῦν στέφανον, ὡς ὁρᾷς, ἔχω -λαβὼν ἀπαρχὰς πολεμίων σκυλευμάτων. - - -Κρέων -οἰωνὸν ἐθέμην καλλίνικα σὰ στέφη· -ἐν γὰρ κλύδωνι κείμεθʼ, ὥσπερ οἶσθα σύ, -δορὸς Δαναϊδῶν, καὶ μέγας Θήβαις ἀγών. -βασιλεὺς μὲν οὖν βέβηκε κοσμηθεὶς ὅπλοις -ἤδη πρὸς ἀλκὴν Ἐτεοκλῆς Μυκηνίδα· -ἐμοὶ δʼ ἐπέσταλκʼ ἐκμαθεῖν σέθεν πάρα, -τί δρῶντες ἂν μάλιστα σώσαιμεν πόλιν. - - - -Τειρεσίας -Ἐτεοκλέους μὲν οὕνεκʼ ἂν κλῄσας στόμα -χρησμοὺς ἐπέσχον· σοὶ δʼ, ἐπεὶ χρῄζεις μαθεῖν, -λέξω. νοσεῖ γὰρ ἥδε γῆ πάλαι, Κρέον, -ἐξ οὗ ʼτεκνώθη Λάιος βίᾳ θεῶν -πόσιν τʼ ἔφυσε μητρὶ μέλεον Οἰδίπουν· -αἵ θʼ αἱματωποὶ δεργμάτων διαφθοραὶ -θεῶν σόφισμα κἀπίδειξις Ἑλλάδι. -ἃ συγκαλύψαι παῖδες Οἰδίπου χρόνῳ -χρῄζοντες, ὡς δὴ θεοὺς ὑπεκδραμούμενοι, -ἥμαρτον ἀμαθῶς· οὔτε γὰρ γέρα πατρὶ -οὔτʼ ἔξοδον διδόντες, ἄνδρα δυστυχῆ -ἐξηγρίωσαν· ἐκ δʼ ἔπνευσʼ αὐτοῖς ἀρὰς -δεινάς, νοσῶν τε καὶ πρὸς ἠτιμασμένος. -ἁγὼ τί οὐ δρῶν, ποῖα δʼ οὐ λέγων ἔπη -ἐς ἔχθος ἦλθον παισὶ τοῖσιν Οἰδίπου; -ἐγγὺς δὲ θάνατος αὐτόχειρ αὐτοῖς, Κρέον· -πολλοὶ δὲ νεκροὶ περὶ νεκροῖς πεπτωκότες -Ἀργεῖα καὶ Καδμεῖα μείξαντες βέλη -πικροὺς γόους δώσουσι Θηβαίᾳ χθονί. -σύ τʼ ὦ τάλαινα συγκατασκάπτῃ πόλι, -εἰ μὴ λόγοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς τὶς πείσεται. -ἐκεῖνο μὲν γὰρ πρῶτον ἦν, τῶν Οἰδίπου -μηδένα πολίτην μηδʼ ἄνακτʼ εἶναι χθονός, -ὡς δαιμονῶντας κἀνατρέψοντας πόλιν. -ἐπεὶ δὲ κρεῖσσον τὸ κακόν ἐστι τἀγαθοῦ, -μίʼ ἔστιν ἄλλη μηχανὴ σωτηρίας. -ἀλλʼ — οὐ γὰρ εἰπεῖν οὔτʼ ἐμοὶ τόδʼ ἀσφαλὲς -πικρόν τε τοῖσι τὴν τύχην κεκτημένοις -πόλει παρασχεῖν φάρμακον σωτηρίας — -ἄπειμι. χαίρεθʼ· εἷς γὰρ ὢν πολλῶν μέτα -τὸ μέλλον, εἰ χρή, πείσομαι· τί γὰρ πάθω; - - -Κρέων -ἐπίσχες αὐτοῦ, πρέσβυ. - - -Τειρεσίας -μὴ ʼπιλαμβάνου. - - -Κρέων -μεῖνον, τί φεύγεις; - - -Τειρεσίας -ἡ τύχη σʼ, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐγώ. - - -Κρέων -φράσον πολίταις καὶ πόλει σωτηρίαν. - - -Τειρεσίας -βούλῃ σὺ μέντοι κοὐχὶ βουλήσῃ τάχα. - - -Κρέων -καὶ πῶς πατρῴαν γαῖαν οὐ σῷσαι θέλω; - - -Τειρεσίας -θέλεις ἀκοῦσαι δῆτα καὶ σπουδὴν ἔχεις; - - -Κρέων -ἐς γὰρ τί μᾶλλον δεῖ προθυμίαν ἔχειν; - - -Τειρεσίας -κλύοις ἂν ἤδη τῶν ἐμῶν θεσπισμάτων. -πρῶτον δʼ ἐκεῖνο βούλομαι σαφῶς μαθεῖν, -ποῦ ʼστιν Μενοικεύς, ὅς με δεῦρʼ ἐπήγαγεν; - - -Κρέων -ὅδʼ οὐ μακρὰν ἄπεστι, πλησίον δὲ σοῦ. - - -Τειρεσίας -ἀπελθέτω νυν θεσφάτων ἐμῶν ἑκάς. - - -Κρέων -ἐμὸς πεφυκὼς παῖς ἃ δεῖ σιγήσεται. - - -Τειρεσίας -βούλῃ παρόντος δῆτά σοι τούτου φράσω; - - -Κρέων -κλύων γὰρ ἂν τέρποιτο τῆς σωτηρίας. - - - -Τειρεσίας -ἄκουε δή νυν θεσφάτων ἐμῶν ὁδόν· - -ἃ δρῶντες ἂν σώσαιτε Καδμείων πόλιν - -σφάξαι Μενοικέα τόνδε δεῖ σʼ ὑπὲρ πάτρας, -σὸν παῖδʼ, ἐπειδὴ τὴν τύχην αὐτὸς καλεῖς. - - -Κρέων -τί φῄς; τίνʼ εἶπας τόνδε μῦθον, ὦ γέρον; - - -Τειρεσίας -ἅπερ πέφυκε, ταῦτα κἀνάγκη σὲ δρᾶν. - - -Κρέων -ὦ πολλὰ λέξας ἐν βραχεῖ χρόνῳ κακά. - - -Τειρεσίας -σοί γʼ, ἀλλὰ πατρίδι μεγάλα καὶ σωτήρια. - - -Κρέων -οὐκ ἔκλυον, οὐκ ἤκουσα· χαιρέτω πόλις. - - -Τειρεσίας -ἁνὴρ ὅδʼ οὐκέθʼ αὑτός· ἐκνεύει πάλιν. - - -Κρέων -χαίρων ἴθʼ· οὐ γὰρ σῶν με δεῖ μαντευμάτων. - - -Τειρεσίας -ἀπόλωλεν ἡ ἀλήθειʼ, ἐπεὶ σὺ δυστυχεῖς; - - -Κρέων -ὦ πρός σε γονάτων καὶ γερασμίου τριχὸς — - - -Τειρεσίας -τί προσπίτνεις με; δυσφύλακτʼ αἰτῇ κακά. - - -Κρέων -σίγα· πόλει δὲ τούσδε μὴ λέξῃς λόγους. - - -Τειρεσίας -ἀδικεῖν κελεύεις μʼ· οὐ σιωπήσαιμεν ἄν. - - -Κρέων -τί δή με δράσεις; παῖδά μου κατακτενεῖς; - - -Τειρεσίας -ἄλλοις μελήσει ταῦτʼ, ἐμοὶ δʼ εἰρήσεται. - - -Κρέων -ἐκ τοῦ δʼ ἐμοὶ τόδʼ ἦλθε καὶ τέκνῳ κακόν; - - -Τειρεσίας -ὀρθῶς μʼ ἐρωτᾷς κεἰς ἀγῶνʼ ἔρχῃ λόγων. -δεῖ τόνδε θαλάμαις, οὗ δράκων ὁ γηγενὴς -ἐγένετο Δίρκης ναμάτων ἐπίσκοπος, -σφαγέντα φόνιον αἷμα γῇ δοῦναι χοὰς -Κάδμου, παλαιῶν Ἄρεος ἐκ μηνιμάτων, -ὃς γηγενεῖ δράκοντι τιμωρεῖ φόνον. -καὶ ταῦτα δρῶντες σύμμαχον κτήσεσθʼ Ἄρη. -χθὼν δʼ ἀντὶ καρποῦ καρπὸν ἀντί θʼ αἵματος -αἷμʼ ἢν λάβῃ βρότειον, ἕξετʼ εὐμενῆ -γῆν, ἥ ποθʼ ἡμῖν χρυσοπήληκα στάχυν -σπαρτῶν ἀνῆκεν· ἐκ γένους δὲ δεῖ θανεῖν -τοῦδʼ, ὃς δράκοντος γένυος ἐκπέφυκε παῖς. - -σὺ δʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἡμῖν λοιπὸς εἶ σπαρτῶν γένους -ἀκέραιος, ἔκ τε μητρὸς ἀρσένων τʼ ἄπο, -οἱ σοί τε παῖδες. Αἵμονος μὲν οὖν γάμοι -σφαγὰς ἀπείργουσʼ. οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ᾔθεος· -κεἰ μὴ γὰρ εὐνῆς ἥψατʼ, ἀλλʼ ἔχει λέχος. -οὗτος δὲ πῶλος τῇδʼ ἀνειμένος πόλει -θανὼν πατρῴαν γαῖαν ἐκσώσειεν ἄν. -πικρὸν δʼ Ἀδράστῳ νόστον Ἀργείοισί τε -θήσει, μέλαιναν κῆρʼ ἐπʼ ὄμμασιν βαλών, -κλεινάς τε Θήβας. τοῖνδʼ ἑλοῦ δυοῖν πότμοιν -τὸν ἕτερον· ἢ γὰρ παῖδα σῷσον ἢ πόλιν. - -τὰ μὲν παρʼ ἡμῶν πάντʼ ἔχεις· ἡγοῦ, τέκνον, -πρὸς οἶκον. ὅστις δʼ ἐμπύρῳ χρῆται τέχνῃ, -μάταιος· ἢν μὲν ἐχθρὰ σημήνας τύχῃ, -πικρὸς καθέστηχʼ οἷς ἂν οἰωνοσκοπῇ· -ψευδῆ δʼ ὑπʼ οἴκτου τοῖσι χρωμένοις λέγων -ἀδικεῖ τὰ τῶν θεῶν. Φοῖβον ἀνθρώποις μόνον -χρῆν θεσπιῳδεῖν, ὃς δέδοικεν οὐδένα. - - - -Χορός -Κρέον, τί σιγᾷς γῆρυν ἄφθογγον σχάσας; -κἀμοὶ γὰρ οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἔκπληξις πάρα. - - -Κρέων -τί δʼ ἄν τις εἴποι; δῆλον οἵ γʼ ἐμοὶ λόγοι. -ἐγὼ γὰρ οὔποτʼ ἐς τόδʼ εἶμι συμφορᾶς, -ὥστε σφαγέντα παῖδα προσθεῖναι πόλει. -πᾶσιν γὰρ ἀνθρώποισι φιλότεκνος βίος, -οὐδʼ ἂν τὸν αὑτοῦ παῖδά τις δοίη κτανεῖν. -μή μʼ εὐλογείτω τἀμά τις κτείνων τέκνα. -αὐτὸς δʼ — ἐν ὡραίῳ γὰρ ἕσταμεν βίου — -θνῄσκειν ἕτοιμος πατρίδος ἐκλυτήριον. - -ἀλλʼ εἶα, τέκνον, πρὶν μαθεῖν πᾶσαν πόλιν, -ἀκόλαστʼ ἐάσας μάντεων θεσπίσματα, -φεῦγʼ ὡς τάχιστα τῆσδʼ ἀπαλλαχθεὶς χθονός· -λέξει γὰρ ἀρχαῖς καὶ στρατηλάταις τάδε, - -πύλας ἐφʼ ἑπτὰ καὶ λοχαγέτας μολών· - -κἂν μὲν φθάσωμεν, ἔστι σοι σωτηρία· -ἢν δʼ ὑστερήσῃς, οἰχόμεσθα, κατθανῇ. - - -Μενοικεύς -ποῖ δῆτα φεύγω; τίνα πόλιν; τίνα ξένων; - - -Κρέων -ὅπου χθονὸς τῆσδʼ ἐκποδὼν μάλιστʼ ἔσῃ. - - -Μενοικεύς -οὐκοῦν σὲ φράζειν εἰκός, ἐκπονεῖν δʼ ἐμέ. - - -Κρέων -Δελφοὺς περάσας — - - -Μενοικεύς -ποῖ με χρή, πάτερ, μολεῖν; - - -Κρέων -Αἰτωλίδʼ ἐς γῆν. - - -Μενοικεύς -ἐκ δὲ τῆσδε ποῖ περῶ; - - -Κρέων -Θεσπρωτὸν οὖδας. - - -Μενοικεύς -σεμνὰ Δωδώνης βάθρα; - - -Κρέων -ἔγνως. - - -Μενοικεύς -τί δὴ τόδʼ ἔρυμά μοι γενήσεται; - - -Κρέων -πόμπιμος ὁ δαίμων. - - -Μενοικεύς -χρημάτων δὲ τίς πόρος; - - -Κρέων -ἐγὼ πορεύσω χρυσόν. - - -Μενοικεύς -εὖ λέγεις, πάτερ. -χώρει νυν· ὡς σὴν πρὸς κασιγνήτην μολών, -ἧς πρῶτα μαστὸν εἵλκυσʼ, Ἰοκάστην λέγω, -μητρὸς στερηθεὶς ὀρφανός τʼ ἀποζυγείς — - -προσηγορήσων εἶμι καὶ σῴσων βίον. - -ἀλλʼ εἶα, χώρει· μὴ τὸ σὸν κωλυέτω. — - - -γυναῖκες, ὡς εὖ πατρὸς ἐξεῖλον φόβον, -κλέψας λόγοισιν, ὥσθʼ ἃ βούλομαι τυχεῖν· -ὅς μʼ ἐκκομίζει, πόλιν ἀποστερῶν τύχης, -καὶ δειλίᾳ δίδωσι. καὶ συγγνωστὰ μὲν -γέροντι, τοὐμὸν δʼ οὐχὶ συγγνώμην ἔχει, -προδότην γενέσθαι πατρίδος ἥ μʼ ἐγείνατο. -ὡς οὖν ἂν εἰδῆτʼ, εἶμι καὶ σῴσω πόλιν -ψυχήν τε δώσω τῆσδʼ ὑπερθανεῖν χθονός. -αἰσχρὸν γάρ· οἱ μὲν θεσφάτων ἐλεύθεροι -κοὐκ εἰς ἀνάγκην δαιμόνων ἀφιγμένοι -στάντες παρʼ ἀσπίδʼ οὐκ ὀκνήσουσιν θανεῖν, -πύργων πάροιθε μαχόμενοι πάτρας ὕπερ· -ἐγὼ δέ, πατέρα καὶ κασίγνητον προδοὺς -πόλιν τʼ ἐμαυτοῦ, δειλὸς ὣς ἔξω χθονὸς -ἄπειμʼ· ὅπου δʼ ἂν ζῶ, κακὸς φανήσομαι. - -μὰ τὸν μετʼ ἄστρων Ζῆνʼ Ἄρη τε φοίνιον, -ὃς τοὺς ὑπερτείλαντας ἐκ γαίας ποτὲ -Σπαρτοὺς ἄνακτας τῆσδε γῆς ἱδρύσατο. -ἀλλʼ εἶμι καὶ στὰς ἐξ ἐπάλξεων ἄκρων -σφάξας ἐμαυτὸν σηκὸν ἐς μελαμβαθῆ -δράκοντος, ἔνθʼ ὁ μάντις ἐξηγήσατο, -ἐλευθερώσω γαῖαν· εἴρηται λόγος. -στείχω δέ, θανάτου δῶρον οὐκ αἰσχρὸν πόλει -δώσων, νόσου δὲ τήνδʼ ἀπαλλάξω χθόνα. -εἰ γὰρ λαβὼν ἕκαστος ὅ τι δύναιτό τις -χρηστὸν διέλθοι τοῦτο κἀς κοινὸν φέροι -πατρίδι, κακῶν ἂν αἱ πόλεις ἐλασσόνων -πειρώμεναι τὸ λοιπὸν εὐτυχοῖεν ἄν. - - - - - - -Χορός -ἔβας ἔβας, -ὦ πτεροῦσσα, γᾶς λόχευμα -νερτέρου τʼ Ἐχίδνας, -Καδμείων ἁρπαγά, -πολύφθορος πολύστονος -μειξοπάρθενος, -δάιον τέρας, -φοιτάσι πτεροῖς -χαλαῖσί τʼ ὠμοσίτοις· -Διρκαίων ἅ ποτʼ ἐκ -τόπων νέους πεδαίρουσʼ -ἄλυρον ἀμφὶ μοῦσαν -ὀλομέναν τʼ Ἐρινὺν -ἔφερες ἔφερες ἄχεα πατρίδι -φόνια· φόνιος ἐκ θεῶν -ὃς τάδʼ ἦν ὁ πράξας. -ἰάλεμοι δὲ ματέρων, -ἰάλεμοι δὲ παρθένων -ἐστέναζον οἴκοις· -ἰηιήιον βοάν, -ἰηιήιον μέλος, -ἄλλος ἄλλʼ ἐπωτότυζε -διαδοχαῖς ἀνὰ πτόλιν. -βροντᾷ δὲ στεναγμὸς -ἀχά τʼ ἦν ὅμοιος, -ὁπότε πόλεος ἀφανίσειεν -ἁ πτεροῦσσα παρθένος τινʼ ἀνδρῶν. - - - - - -Χορός -χρόνῳ δʼ ἔβα -Πυθίαις ἀποστολαῖσιν -Οἰδίπους ὁ τλάμων -Θηβαίαν τάνδε γᾶν -τότʼ ἀσμένοις, πάλιν δʼ ἄχη· -ματρὶ γὰρ γάμους -δυσγάμους τάλας -καλλίνικος ὢν -αἰνιγμάτων συνάπτει, -μιαίνει δὲ πτόλιν· -διʼ αἱμάτων δʼ ἀμείβει -μυσαρὸν εἰς ἀγῶνα -καταβαλὼν ἀραῖσι -τέκεα μέλεος. ἀγάμεθʼ ἀγάμεθʼ, -ὃς ἐπὶ θάνατον οἴχεται -γᾶς ὑπὲρ πατρῴας, -Κρέοντι μὲν λιπὼν γόους, -τὰ δʼ ἑπτάπυργα κλῇθρα γᾶς -καλλίνικα θήσων. -γενοίμεθʼ ὧδε ματέρες -γενοίμεθʼ εὔτεκνοι, φίλα -Παλλάς, ἃ δράκοντος αἷμα -λιθόβολον κατειργάσω, -Καδμείαν μέριμναν -ὁρμήσασʼ ἐπʼ ἔργον, -ὅθεν ἐπέσυτο τάνδε γαῖαν -ἁρπαγαῖσι δαιμόνων τις ἄτα. - - - - - - -Ἄγγελος -ὠή, τίς ἐν πύλαισι δωμάτων κυρεῖ; -ἀνοίγετʼ· ἐκπορεύετʼ Ἰοκάστην δόμων. -ὠὴ μάλʼ αὖθις· διὰ μακροῦ μέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως -ἔξελθʼ, ἄκουσον, Οἰδίπου κλεινὴ δάμαρ, -λήξασʼ ὀδυρμῶν πενθίμων τε δακρύων. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ὦ φίλτατʼ, οὔ που ξυμφορὰν ἥκεις φέρων -Ἐτεοκλέους θανόντος, οὗ παρʼ ἀσπίδα -βέβηκας αἰεὶ πολεμίων εἴργων βέλη; - -τί μοί ποθʼ ἥκεις καινὸν ἀγγελῶν ἔπος; - -τέθνηκεν ἢ ζῇ παῖς ἐμός; σήμαινέ μοι. - - -Ἄγγελος -ζῇ, μὴ τρέσῃς τόδʼ, ὥς σʼ ἀπαλλάξω φόβου. - - -Ἰοκάστη -τί δʼ; ἑπτάπυργοι πῶς ἔχουσι περιβολαί; - - -Ἄγγελος -ἑστᾶσʼ ἄθραυστοι, κοὐκ ἀνήρπασται πόλις. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ἦλθον δὲ πρὸς κίνδυνον Ἀργείου δορός; - - -Ἄγγελος -ἀκμήν γʼ ἐπʼ αὐτήν· ἀλλʼ ὁ Καδμείων Ἄρης -κρείσσων κατέστη τοῦ Μυκηναίου δορός. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ἓν εἰπὲ πρὸς θεῶν, εἴ τι Πολυνείκους πέρι -οἶσθʼ· ὡς μέλει μοι καὶ τόδʼ, εἰ λεύσσει φάος. - - -Ἄγγελος -ζῇ σοι ξυνωρὶς ἐς τόδʼ ἡμέρας τέκνων. - - -Ἰοκάστη -εὐδαιμονοίης. πῶς γὰρ Ἀργείων δόρυ -πυλῶν ἀπεστήσασθε πυργηρούμενοι; -λέξον, γέροντα τυφλὸν ὡς κατὰ στέγας -ἐλθοῦσα τέρψω, τῆσδε γῆς σεσῳσμένης. - - -Ἄγγελος -ἐπεὶ Κρέοντος παῖς ὁ γῆς ὑπερθανὼν -πύργων ἐπʼ ἄκρων στὰς μελάνδετον ξίφος -λαιμῶν διῆκε τῇδε γῇ σωτήριον, -λόχους ἔνειμεν ἑπτὰ καὶ λοχαγέτας -πύλας ἐφʼ ἑπτά, φύλακας Ἀργείου δορός, -σὸς παῖς, ἐφέδρους δʼ ἱππότας μὲν ἱππόταις -ἔταξʼ, ὁπλίτας δʼ ἀσπιδηφόροις ἔπι, -ὡς τῷ νοσοῦντι τειχέων εἴη δορὸς -ἀλκὴ διʼ ὀλίγου. περγάμων δʼ ἀπʼ ὀρθίων -λεύκασπιν εἰσορῶμεν Ἀργείων στρατὸν -Τευμησὸν ἐκλιπόντα, καὶ τάφρου πέλας -δρόμῳ ξυνῆψαν ἄστυ Καδμείας χθονός. -παιὰν δὲ καὶ σάλπιγγες ἐκελάδουν ὁμοῦ -ἐκεῖθεν ἔκ τε τειχέων ἡμῶν πάρα. - - -καὶ πρῶτα μὲν προσῆγε Νηίταις πύλαις -λόχον πυκναῖσιν ἀσπίσιν πεφρικότα -ὁ τῆς κυναγοῦ Παρθενοπαῖος ἔκγονος, -ἐπίσημʼ ἔχων οἰκεῖον ἐν μέσῳ σάκει, -ἑκηβόλοις τόξοισιν Ἀταλάντην κάπρον -χειρουμένην Αἰτωλόν. ἐς δὲ Προιτίδας -πύλας ἐχώρει σφάγιʼ ἔχων ἐφʼ ἅρματι -ὁ μάντις Ἀμφιάραος, οὐ σημεῖʼ ἔχων -ὑβρισμένʼ, ἀλλὰ σωφρόνως ἄσημʼ ὅπλα. - -Ὠγύγια δʼ ἐς πυλώμαθʼ Ἱππομέδων ἄναξ -ἔστειχʼ ἔχων σημεῖον ἐν μέσῳ σάκει -στικτοῖς Πανόπτην ὄμμασιν δεδορκότα, -τὰ μὲν σὺν ἄστρων ἐπιτολαῖσιν ὄμματα -βλέποντα, τὰ δὲ κρύπτοντα δυνόντων μέτα, -ὡς ὕστερον θανόντος εἰσορᾶν παρῆν. - -Ὁμολωίσιν δὲ τάξιν εἶχε πρὸς πύλαις -Τυδεύς, λέοντος δέρος ἔχων ἐπʼ ἀσπίδι -χαίτῃ πεφρικός· δεξιᾷ δὲ λαμπάδα -Τιτὰν Προμηθεὺς ἔφερεν ὡς πρήσων πόλιν. - -ὁ σὸς δὲ Κρηναίαισι Πολυνείκης πύλαις -Ἄρη προσῆγε· Ποτνιάδες δʼ ἐπʼ ἀσπίδι -ἐπίσημα πῶλοι δρομάδες ἐσκίρτων φόβῳ, -εὖ πως στρόφιγξιν ἔνδοθεν κυκλούμεναι -πόρπαχʼ ὑπʼ αὐτόν, ὥστε μαίνεσθαι δοκεῖν. - -ὁ δʼ οὐκ ἔλασσον Ἄρεος ἐς μάχην φρονῶν -Καπανεὺς προσῆγε λόχον ἐπʼ Ἠλέκτραις πύλαις· -σιδηρονώτοις δʼ ἀσπίδος τύποις ἐπῆν -γίγας ἐπʼ ὤμοις γηγενὴς ὅλην πόλιν -φέρων μοχλοῖσιν ἐξανασπάσας βάθρων, -ὑπόνοιαν ἡμῖν οἷα πείσεται πόλις. - -ταῖς δʼ ἑβδόμαις Ἄδραστος ἐν πύλαισιν ἦν, -ἑκατὸν ἐχίδναις ἀσπίδʼ ἐκπληρῶν γραφῇ, - -ὕδρας ἔχων λαιοῖσιν ἐν βραχίοσιν - -Ἀργεῖον αὔχημʼ· ἐκ δὲ τειχέων μέσων -δράκοντες ἔφερον τέκνα Καδμείων γνάθοις. -παρῆν δʼ ἑκάστου τῶνδέ μοι θεάματα -ξύνθημα παρφέροντι ποιμέσιν λόχων. - -καὶ πρῶτα μὲν τόξοισι καὶ μεσαγκύλοις -ἐμαρνάμεσθα σφενδόναις θʼ ἑκηβόλοις -πετρῶν τʼ ἀραγμοῖς· ὡς δʼ ἐνικῶμεν μάχῃ, -ἔκλαγξε Τυδεὺς καὶ σὸς ἐξαίφνης γόνος· -ὦ τέκνα Δαναῶν, πρὶν κατεξάνθαι βολαῖς, -τί μέλλετʼ ἄρδην πάντες ἐμπίπτειν πύλαις, -γυμνῆτες ἱππῆς ἁρμάτων τʼ ἐπιστάται; -ἠχῆς δʼ ὅπως ἤκουσαν, οὔτις ἀργὸς ἦν· -πολλοὶ δʼ ἔπιπτον κρᾶτας αἱματούμενοι, -ἡμῶν τʼ ἐς οὖδας εἶδες ἂν πρὸ τειχέων -πυκνοὺς κυβιστητῆρας ἐκπεπνευκότας· -ξηρὰν δʼ ἔδευον γαῖαν αἵματος ῥοαῖς. - - -ὁ δʼ Ἀρκάς, οὐκ Ἀργεῖος, Ἀταλάντης γόνος -τυφὼς πύλαισιν ὥς τις ἐμπεσὼν βοᾷ -πῦρ καὶ δικέλλας, ὡς κατασκάψων πόλιν· -ἀλλʼ ἔσχε μαργῶντʼ αὐτὸν ἐναλίου θεοῦ -Περικλύμενος παῖς λᾶαν ἐμβαλὼν κάρᾳ -ἁμαξοπληθῆ, γεῖσʼ ἐπάλξεων ἄπο· -ξανθὸν δὲ κρᾶτα διεπάλυνε καὶ ῥαφὰς -ἔρρηξεν ὀστέων, ἄρτι δʼ οἰνωπὸν γένυν -καθῃμάτωσεν· οὐδʼ ἀποίσεται βίον -τῇ καλλιτόξῳ μητρὶ Μαινάλου κόρῃ. - -ἐπεὶ δὲ τάσδʼ ἐσεῖδεν εὐτυχεῖς πύλας, -ἄλλας ἐπῄει παῖς σός, εἱπόμην δʼ ἐγώ. -ὁρῶ δὲ Τυδέα καὶ παρασπιστὰς πυκνοὺς -Αἰτωλίσιν λόγχαισιν εἰς ἄκρον στόμα -πύργων ἀκοντίζοντας, ὥστʼ ἐπάλξεων -λιπεῖν ἐρίπνας φυγάδας· ἀλλά νιν πάλιν -κυναγὸς ὡσεὶ παῖς σὸς ἐξαθροίζεται, -πύργοις δʼ ἐπέστησʼ αὖθις. ἐς δʼ ἄλλας πύλας -ἠπειγόμεσθα, τοῦτο παύσαντες νοσοῦν. -Καπανεὺς δὲ πῶς εἴποιμʼ ἂν ὡς ἐμαίνετο; -μακραύχενος γὰρ κλίμακος προσαμβάσεις -ἔχων ἐχώρει, καὶ τοσόνδʼ ἐκόμπασε, -μηδʼ ἂν τὸ σεμνὸν πῦρ νιν εἰργαθεῖν Διὸς -τὸ μὴ οὐ κατʼ ἄκρων περγάμων ἑλεῖν πόλιν. -καὶ ταῦθʼ ἅμʼ ἠγόρευε καὶ πετρούμενος -ἀνεῖρφʼ ὑπʼ αὐτὴν ἀσπίδʼ εἱλίξας δέμας, -κλίμακος ἀμείβων ξέστʼ ἐνηλάτων βάθρα. -ἤδη δʼ ὑπερβαίνοντα γεῖσα τειχέων -βάλλει κεραυνῷ Ζεύς νιν· ἐκτύπησε δὲ -χθών, ὥστε δεῖσαι πάντας· ἐκ δὲ κλιμάκων - -ἐσφενδονᾶτο χωρὶς ἀλλήλων μέλη, - - -κόμαι μὲν εἰς Ὄλυμπον, αἷμα δʼ ἐς χθόνα, - - -χεῖρες δὲ καὶ κῶλʼ ὡς κύκλωμʼ Ἰξίονος - -εἱλίσσετʼ· ἐς γῆν δʼ ἔμπυρος πίπτει νεκρός. - -ὡς δʼ εἶδʼ Ἄδραστος Ζῆνα πολέμιον στρατῷ, -ἔξω τάφρου καθῖσεν Ἀργείων στρατόν. -οἱ δʼ αὖ παρʼ ἡμῶν δεξιὸν Διὸς τέρας -ἰδόντες ἐξήλαυνον ἁρμάτων ὄχους -ἱππῆς ὁπλῖται, κἀς μέσʼ Ἀργείων ὅπλα -συνῆψαν ἔγχη· πάντα δʼ ἦν ὁμοῦ κακά· -ἔθνῃσκον ἐξέπιπτον ἀντύγων ἄπο, -τροχοί τʼ ἐπήδων ἄξονές τʼ ἐπʼ ἄξοσι, -νεκροὶ δὲ νεκροῖς ἐξεσωρεύονθʼ ὁμοῦ. -πύργων μὲν οὖν γῆς ἔσχομεν κατασκαφὰς -ἐς τὴν παροῦσαν ἡμέραν· εἰ δʼ εὐτυχὴς -ἔσται τὸ λοιπὸν ἥδε γῆ, θεοῖς μέλει· -καὶ νῦν γὰρ αὐτὴν δαιμόνων ἔσῳσέ τις. - - -Χορός -καλὸν τὸ νικᾶν· εἰ δʼ ἀμείνονʼ οἱ θεοὶ -γνώμην ἔχουσιν — εὐτυχὴς εἴην ἐγώ. - - - -Ἰοκάστη -καλῶς τὰ τῶν θεῶν καὶ τὰ τῆς τύχης ἔχει· -παῖδές τε γάρ μοι ζῶσι κἀκπέφευγε γῆ. -Κρέων δʼ ἔοικε τῶν ἐμῶν νυμφευμάτων -τῶν τʼ Οἰδίπου δύστηνος ἀπολαῦσαι κακῶν, -παιδὸς στερηθείς, τῇ πόλει μὲν εὐτυχῶς, -ἰδίᾳ δὲ λυπρῶς. ἀλλʼ ἄνελθέ μοι πάλιν, -τί τἀπὶ τούτοις παῖδʼ ἐμὼ δρασείετον. - - -Ἄγγελος -ἔα τὰ λοιπά· δεῦρʼ ἀεὶ γὰρ εὐτυχεῖς. - - -Ἰοκάστη -τοῦτʼ εἰς ὕποπτον εἶπας· οὐκ ἐατέον. - - -Ἄγγελος -μεῖζον τί χρῄζεις παῖδας ἢ σεσῳσμένους; - - -Ἰοκάστη -καὶ τἀπίλοιπά γʼ εἰ καλῶς πράσσω κλύειν. - - -Ἄγγελος -μέθες μʼ· ἔρημος παῖς ὑπασπιστοῦ σέθεν. - - -Ἰοκάστη -κακόν τι κεύθεις καὶ στέγεις ὑπὸ σκότῳ. - - -Ἄγγελος -κοὐκ ἄν γε λέξαιμʼ ἐπʼ ἀγαθοῖσι σοῖς κακά. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ἢν μή γε φεύγων ἐκφύγῃς πρὸς αἰθέρα. - - -Ἄγγελος -αἰαῖ· τί μʼ οὐκ εἴασας ἐξ εὐαγγέλου -φήμης ἀπελθεῖν, ἀλλὰ μηνῦσαι κακά; -τὼ παῖδε τὼ σὼ μέλλετον, τολμήματα -αἴσχιστα, χωρὶς μονομαχεῖν παντὸς στρατοῦ, -λέξαντες Ἀργείοισι Καδμείοισί τε -ἐς κοινὸν οἷον μήποτʼ ὤφελον λόγον. -Ἐτεοκλέης δʼ ὑπῆρξʼ ἀπʼ ὀρθίου σταθεὶς -πύργου, κελεύσας σῖγα κηρῦξαι στρατῷ· - -ἔλεξε δʼ· ὦ γῆς Ἑλλάδος στρατηλάται - -Δαναῶν ἀριστῆς, οἵπερ ἤλθετʼ ἐνθάδε, -Κάδμου τε λαός, μήτε Πολυνείκους χάριν -ψυχὰς ἀπεμπολᾶτε μήθʼ ἡμῶν ὕπερ. -ἐγὼ γὰρ αὐτὸς τόνδε κίνδυνον μεθεὶς -μόνος συνάψω συγγόνῳ τὠμῷ μάχην· -κἂν μὲν κτάνω τόνδʼ, οἶκον οἰκήσω μόνος, -ἡσσώμενος δὲ τῷδε παραδώσω μόνῳ· -ὑμεῖς δʼ ἀγῶνʼ ἀφέντες, Ἀργεῖοι, χθόνα -νίσεσθε, βίοτον μὴ λιπόντες ἐνθάδε, -Σπαρτῶν τε λαὸς ἅλις ὅσος κεῖται νεκρός. -τοσαῦτʼ ἔλεξε· σὸς δὲ Πολυνείκης γόνος -ἐκ τάξεων ὤρουσε κἀπῄνει λόγους. -πάντες δʼ ἐπερρόθησαν Ἀργεῖοι τάδε -Κάδμου τε λαὸς ὡς δίκαιʼ ἡγούμενοι. -ἐπὶ τοῖσδε δʼ ἐσπείσαντο, κἀν μεταιχμίοις -ὅρκους συνῆψαν ἐμμενεῖν στρατηλάται. - - -ἤδη δʼ ἔκρυπτον σῶμα παγχάλκοις ὅπλοις -δισσοὶ γέροντος Οἰδίπου νεανίαι· -φίλοι δʼ ἐκόσμουν, τῆσδε μὲν πρόμον χθονὸς -Σπαρτῶν ἀριστῆς, τὸν δὲ Δαναϊδῶν ἄκροι. -ἔσταν δὲ λαμπρὼ χρῶμά τʼ οὐκ ἠλλαξάτην -μαργῶντʼ ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ἱέναι δόρυ. -παρεξιόντες δʼ ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν φίλων -λόγοις ἐθάρσυνόν τε κἀξηύδων τάδε· -Πολύνεικες, ἐν σοὶ Ζηνὸς ὀρθῶσαι βρέτας -τρόπαιον Ἄργει τʼ εὐκλεᾶ δοῦναι λόγον· -Ἐτεοκλέα δʼ αὖ· νῦν πόλεως ὑπερμαχεῖς, -νῦν καλλίνικος γενόμενος σκήπτρων κρατεῖς. -τάδʼ ἠγόρευον παρακαλοῦντες ἐς μάχην. -μάντεις δὲ μῆλʼ ἔσφαζον, ἐμπύρους τʼ ἀκμὰς -ῥήξεις τʼ ἐνώμων ὑγρότητʼ ἐναντίαν -ἄκραν τε λαμπάδʼ, ἣ δυοῖν ὅρους ἔχει, -νίκης τε σῆμα καὶ τὸ τῶν ἡσσωμένων. - -ἀλλʼ, εἴ τινʼ ἀλκὴν ἢ σοφοὺς ἔχεις λόγους -ἢ φίλτρʼ ἐπῳδῶν, στεῖχʼ, ἐρήτυσον τέκνα -δεινῆς ἁμίλλης· ὡς ὁ κίνδυνος μέγας· -κἄπαθλα δεινὰ δάκρυά σοι γενήσεται -δισσοῖν στερείσῃ τῇδʼ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ τέκνοιν. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ὦ τέκνον ἔξελθʼ Ἀντιγόνη δόμων πάρος· -οὐκ ἐν χορείαις οὐδὲ παρθενεύμασι -νῦν σοι προχωρεῖ δαιμόνων κατάστασις, -ἀλλʼ ἄνδρʼ ἀρίστω καὶ κασιγνήτω σέθεν -ἐς θάνατον ἐκνεύοντε κωλῦσαί σε δεῖ -ξὺν μητρὶ τῇ σῇ μὴ πρὸς ἀλλήλοιν θανεῖν. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -τίνʼ, ὦ τεκοῦσα μῆτερ, ἔκπληξιν νέαν -φίλοις ἀυτεῖς τῶνδε δωμάτων πάρος; - - -Ἰοκάστη -ὦ θύγατερ, ἔρρει σῶν κασιγνήτων βίος. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -πῶς εἶπας; - - -Ἰοκάστη -αἰχμὴν ἐς μίαν καθέστατον. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οἲ ʼγώ, τί λέξεις, μῆτερ; - - -Ἰοκάστη -οὐ φίλʼ, ἀλλʼ ἕπου. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ποῖ, παρθενῶνας ἐκλιποῦσʼ; - - -Ἰοκάστη -ἀνὰ στρατόν. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -αἰδούμεθʼ ὄχλον. - - -Ἰοκάστη -οὐκ ἐν αἰσχύνῃ τὰ σά. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -δράσω δὲ δὴ τί; - - -Ἰοκάστη -συγγόνων λύσεις ἔριν. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -τί δρῶσα, μῆτερ; - - -Ἰοκάστη -προσπίτνουσʼ ἐμοῦ μέτα. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἡγοῦ σὺ πρὸς μεταίχμιʼ· οὐ μελλητέον. - - -Ἰοκάστη -ἔπειγʼ ἔπειγε, θύγατερ· ὡς, ἢν μὲν φθάσω -παῖδας πρὸ λόγχης, οὑμὸς ἐν φάει βίος· -θανοῦσι δʼ αὐτοῖς συνθανοῦσα κείσομαι. - - - - - - -Χορός -αἰαῖ αἰαῖ, τρομερὰν φρίκᾳ -τρομερὰν φρένʼ ἔχω· διὰ σάρκα δʼ ἐμὰν -ἔλεος ἔλεος ἔμολε μα- -τέρος δειλαίας. -δίδυμα τέκεα πότερος ἄρα -πότερον αἱμάξει — -ἰώ μοι πόνων, ἰὼ Ζεῦ, ἰὼ γᾶ — -ὁμογενῆ δέραν, ὁμογενῆ ψυχὰν -διʼ ἀσπίδων, διʼ αἱμάτων; -τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ τάλαινα, πό- -τερον ἄρα νέκυν ὀλόμενον ἰαχήσω; - - - - - -Χορός -φεῦ δᾶ φεῦ δᾶ, δίδυμοι θῆρες, -φόνιαι ψυχαὶ δορὶ παλλόμεναι -πέσεα πέσεα δάιʼ αὐ- -τίχʼ αἱμάξετον. -τάλανες, ὅ τι ποτὲ μονομάχον -ἐπὶ φρένʼ ἠλθέτην, -βοᾷ βαρβάρῳ στενακτὰν ἰαχὰν -μελομέναν νεκροῖς δάκρυσι θρηνήσω. -σχεδὸν τύχα πέλας φόνου· -κρινεῖ φάος τὸ μέλλον. ἄ- -ποτμος ἄποτμος ὁ φόνος ἕνεκʼ Ἐρινύων. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἀλλὰ γὰρ Κρέοντα λεύσσω τόνδε δεῦρο συννεφῆ -πρὸς δόμους στείχοντα, παύσω τοὺς παρεστῶτας γόους. - - - -Κρέων -οἴμοι, τί δράσω; πότερʼ ἐμαυτὸν ἢ πόλιν -στένω δακρύσας, ἣν πέριξ ἔχει νέφος - -τοιοῦτον ὥστε διʼ Ἀχέροντος ἱέναι; - -ἐμός τε γὰρ παῖς γῆς ὄλωλʼ ὑπερθανών, -τοὔνομα λαβὼν γενναῖον, ἀνιαρὸν δʼ ἐμοί· -ὃν ἄρτι κρημνῶν ἐκ δρακοντείων ἑλὼν -αὐτοσφαγῆ δύστηνος ἐκόμισʼ ἐν χεροῖν, -βοᾷ δὲ δῶμα πᾶν· ἐγὼ δʼ ἥκω μέτα -γέρων ἀδελφὴν γραῖαν Ἰοκάστην, ὅπως -λούσῃ προθῆταί τʼ οὐκέτʼ ὄντα παῖδʼ ἐμόν. -τοῖς γὰρ θανοῦσι χρὴ τὸν οὐ τεθνηκότα -τιμὰς διδόντα χθόνιον εὐσεβεῖν θεόν. - - -Χορός -βέβηκʼ ἀδελφὴ σή, Κρέων, ἔξω δόμων -κόρη τε μητρὸς Ἀντιγόνη κοινῷ ποδί. - - -Κρέων -ποῖ; κἀπὶ ποίαν συμφοράν; σήμαινέ μοι. - - -Χορός -ἤκουσε τέκνα μονομάχῳ μέλλειν δορὶ -ἐς ἀσπίδʼ ἥξειν βασιλικῶν δόμων ὕπερ. - - -Κρέων -πῶς φῄς; νέκυν τοι παιδὸς ἀγαπάζων ἐμοῦ -οὐκ ἐς τόδʼ ἦλθον ὥστε καὶ τάδʼ εἰδέναι. - - -Χορός -ἀλλʼ οἴχεται μὲν σὴ κασιγνήτη πάλαι· -δοκῶ δʼ ἀγῶνα τὸν περὶ ψυχῆς, Κρέον, -ἤδη πεπρᾶχθαι παισὶ τοῖσιν Οἰδίπου. - - -Κρέων -οἴμοι, τὸ μὲν σημεῖον εἰσορῶ τόδε, -σκυθρωπὸν ὄμμα καὶ πρόσωπον ἀγγέλου -στείχοντος, ὃς πᾶν ἀγγελεῖ τὸ δρώμενον. - - - - -Ἄγγελος -ὦ τάλας ἐγώ, τίνʼ εἴπω μῦθον ἢ τίνας γόους; - - -Κρέων -οἰχόμεσθʼ· οὐκ εὐπροσώποις φροιμίοις ἄρχῃ λόγου. - - -Ἄγγελος -ὦ τάλας, δισσῶς ἀυτῶ· μεγάλα γὰρ φέρω κακά. - - -Κρέων -πρὸς πεπραγμένοισιν ἄλλοις πήμασιν. λέγεις δὲ τί; - - -Ἄγγελος -οὐκέτʼ εἰσὶ σῆς ἀδελφῆς παῖδες ἐν φάει, Κρέον. - - - -Κρέων -αἰαῖ· - -μεγάλα μοι θροεῖς πάθεα καὶ πόλει. -ὦ δώματʼ εἰσηκούσατʼ Οἰδίπου τάδε -παίδων ὁμοίαις συμφοραῖς ὀλωλότων; - - -Χορός -ὥστʼ ἂν δακρῦσαί γʼ, εἰ φρονοῦντʼ ἐτύγχανεν. - - -Κρέων - -οἴμοι ξυμφορᾶς βαρυποτμωτάτας, - -οἴμοι κακῶν δύστηνος· ὦ τάλας ἐγώ. - - - -Ἄγγελος -εἰ καὶ τὰ πρὸς τούτοισί γʼ εἰδείης κακά. - - -Κρέων -καὶ πῶς γένοιτʼ ἂν τῶνδε δυσποτμώτερα; - - -Ἄγγελος -τέθνηκʼ ἀδελφὴ σὴ δυοῖν παίδοιν μέτα. - - - - -Χορός -ἀνάγετʼ ἀνάγετε κωκυ- -τόν, ἐπὶ κάρα τε λευκοπήχεις κτύπους χεροῖν. - - -Κρέων -ὦ τλῆμον, οἷον τέρμονʼ, Ἰοκάστη, βίου -γάμων τε τῶν σῶν Σφιγγὸς αἰνιγμοὺς ἔτλης. -πῶς καὶ πέπρακται διπτύχων παίδων φόνος -ἀρᾶς τʼ ἀγώνισμʼ Οἰδίπου; σήμαινέ μοι. - - -Ἄγγελος -τὰ μὲν πρὸ πύργων εὐτυχήματα χθονὸς -οἶσθʼ· οὐ μακρὰν γὰρ τειχέων περιπτυχαί. - -ὥστʼ οὐχ ἅπαντά σʼ εἰδέναι τὰ δρώμενα. - -ἐπεὶ δὲ χαλκέοις σῶμʼ ἐκοσμήσανθʼ ὅπλοις -οἱ τοῦ γέροντος Οἰδίπου νεανίαι, -ἔστησαν ἐλθόντʼ ἐς μέσον μεταίχμιον - -δισσὼ στρατηγὼ καὶ διπλὼ στρατηλάτα - -ὡς εἰς ἀγῶνα μονομάχου τʼ ἀλκὴν δορός. -βλέψας δʼ ἐπʼ Ἄργος ἧκε Πολυνείκης ἀράς· -ὦ πότνιʼ Ἥρα — σὸς γάρ εἰμʼ, ἐπεὶ γάμοις -ἔζευξʼ Ἀδράστου παῖδα καὶ ναίω χθόνα — -δός μοι κτανεῖν ἀδελφόν, ἀντήρη δʼ ἐμὴν -καθαιματῶσαι δεξιὰν νικηφόρον· — - -αἴσχιστον αἰτῶν στέφανον, ὁμογενῆ κτανεῖν. - - -πολλοῖς δʼ ἐπῄει δάκρυα τῆς τύχης ὅση, - - -κἄβλεψαν ἀλλήλοισι διαδόντες κόρας. - -Ἐτεοκλέης δὲ Παλλάδος χρυσάσπιδος -βλέψας πρὸς οἶκον ηὔξατʼ· ὦ Διὸς κόρη, -δὸς ἔγχος ἡμῖν καλλίνικον ἐκ χερὸς -ἐς στέρνʼ ἀδελφοῦ τῆσδʼ ἀπʼ ὠλένης βαλεῖν -κτανεῖν θʼ ὃς ἦλθε πατρίδα πορθήσων ἐμήν. - -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀφείθη πυρσὸς ὣς Τυρσηνικῆς -σάλπιγγος ἠχὴ σῆμα φοινίου μάχης, -ᾖξαν δράμημα δεινὸν ἀλλήλοις ἔπι· -κάπροι δʼ ὅπως θήγοντες ἀγρίαν γένυν -ξυνῆψαν, ἀφρῷ διάβροχοι γενειάδας· -ᾖσσον δὲ λόγχαις· ἀλλʼ ὑφίζανον κύκλοις, -ὅπως σίδηρος ἐξολισθάνοι μάτην. -εἰ δʼ ὄμμʼ ὑπερσχὸν ἴτυος ἅτερος μάθοι, -λόγχην ἐνώμα, στόματι προφθῆναι θέλων. -ἀλλʼ εὖ προσῆγον ἀσπίδων κεγχρώμασιν -ὀφθαλμόν, ἀργὸν ὥστε γίγνεσθαι δόρυ. -πλείων δὲ τοῖς ὁρῶσιν ἐστάλασσʼ ἱδρὼς -ἢ τοῖσι δρῶσι, διὰ φίλων ὀρρωδίαν. - - -Ἐτεοκλέης δὲ ποδὶ μεταψαίρων πέτρον -ἴχνους ὑπόδρομον, κῶλον ἐκτὸς ἀσπίδος -τίθησι· Πολυνείκης δʼ ἀπήντησεν δορί, -πληγὴν σιδήρῳ παραδοθεῖσαν εἰσιδών, -κνήμην τε διεπέρασεν Ἀργεῖον δόρυ· -στρατὸς δʼ ἀνηλάλαξε Δαναϊδῶν ἅπας. -κἀν τῷδε μόχθῳ γυμνὸν ὦμον εἰσιδὼν -ὁ πρόσθε τρωθεὶς στέρνα Πολυνείκους βίᾳ -διῆκε λόγχην, κἀπέδωκεν ἡδονὰς -Κάδμου πολίταις, ἀπὸ δʼ ἔθραυσʼ ἄκρον δόρυ. -ἐς δʼ ἄπορον ἥκων δορὸς ἐπὶ σκέλος πάλιν -χωρεῖ, λαβὼν δʼ ἀφῆκε μάρμαρον πέτρον -μέσον δʼ ἄκοντʼ ἔθραυσεν· ἐξ ἴσου δʼ Ἄρης -ἦν, κάμακος ἀμφοῖν χεῖρʼ ἀπεστερημένοιν. - -ἔνθεν δὲ κώπας ἁρπάσαντε φασγάνων -ἐς ταὐτὸν ἧκον, συμβαλόντε δʼ ἀσπίδας -πολὺν ταραγμὸν ἀμφιβάντʼ εἶχον μάχης. -καί πως νοήσας Ἐτεοκλῆς τὸ Θεσσαλὸν -ἐσήγαγεν σόφισμʼ ὁμιλίᾳ χθονός. -ἐξαλλαγεὶς γὰρ τοῦ παρεστῶτος πόνου, -λαιὸν μὲν ἐς τοὔπισθεν ἀμφέρει πόδα, -πρόσω τὰ κοῖλα γαστρὸς εὐλαβούμενος, -προβὰς δὲ κῶλον δεξιὸν διʼ ὀμφαλοῦ -καθῆκεν ἔγχος σφονδύλοις τʼ ἐνήρμοσεν. -ὁμοῦ δὲ κάμψας πλευρὰ καὶ νηδὺν τάλας -σὺν αἱματηραῖς σταγόσι Πολυνείκης πίτνει. -ὃ δʼ, ὡς κρατῶν δὴ καὶ νενικηκὼς μάχῃ, -ξίφος δικὼν ἐς γαῖαν ἐσκύλευέ νιν -τὸν νοῦν πρὸς αὑτὸν οὐκ ἔχων, ἐκεῖσε δέ. -ὃ καί νιν ἔσφηλʼ· ἔτι γὰρ ἐμπνέων βραχύ, -σῴζων σίδηρον ἐν λυγρῷ πεσήματι, -μόλις μέν, ἐξέτεινε δʼ εἰς ἧπαρ ξίφος. -Ἐτεοκλέους ὁ πρόσθε Πολυνείκης πεσών. -γαῖαν δʼ ὀδὰξ ἑλόντες ἀλλήλων πέλας -πίπτουσιν ἄμφω κοὐ διώρισαν κράτος. - - -Χορός -φεῦ φεῦ, κακῶν σῶν, Οἰδίπου, σʼ ὅσον στένω· -τὰς σὰς δʼ ἀρὰς ἔοικεν ἐκπλῆσαι θεός. - - - -Ἄγγελος -ἄκουε δή νυν καὶ τὰ πρὸς τούτοις κακά. -ἐπεὶ τέκνω πεσόντʼ ἐλειπέτην βίον, -ἐν τῷδε μήτηρ ἡ τάλαινα προσπίτνει -σὺν παρθένῳ τε καὶ προθυμίᾳ ποδός. -τετρωμένους δʼ ἰδοῦσα καιρίους σφαγὰς -ᾤμωξεν· ὦ τέκνʼ, ὑστέρα βοηδρόμος -πάρειμι. προσπίτνουσα δʼ ἐν μέρει τέκνα -ἔκλαιʼ, ἐθρήνει, τὸν πολὺν μαστῶν πόνον -στένουσʼ, ἀδελφή θʼ ἡ παρασπίζουσʼ ὁμοῦ· -ὦ γηροβοσκὼ μητρός, ὦ γάμους ἐμοὺς -προδόντʼ ἀδελφὼ φιλτάτω. στέρνων δʼ ἄπο -φύσημʼ ἀνεὶς δύσθνητον Ἐτεοκλῆς ἄναξ -ἤκουσε μητρός, κἀπιθεὶς ὑγρὰν χέρα -φωνὴν μὲν οὐκ ἀφῆκεν, ὀμμάτων δʼ ἄπο -προσεῖπε δακρύοις, ὥστε σημῆναι φίλα. -ὃ δʼ ἦν ἔτʼ ἔμπνους, πρὸς κασιγνήτην δʼ ἰδὼν -γραῖάν τε μητέρʼ εἶπε Πολυνείκης τάδε· -Ἀπωλόμεσθα, μῆτερ· οἰκτίρω δὲ σὲ -καὶ τήνδʼ ἀδελφὴν καὶ κασίγνητον νεκρόν. -φίλος γὰρ ἐχθρὸς ἐγένετʼ, ἀλλʼ ὅμως φίλος. -θάψον δέ μʼ, ὦ τεκοῦσα, καὶ σύ, σύγγονε, -ἐν γῇ πατρῴᾳ, καὶ πόλιν θυμουμένην -παρηγορεῖτον, ὡς τοσόνδε γοῦν τύχω -χθονὸς πατρῴας, κεἰ δόμους ἀπώλεσα. -ξυνάρμοσον δὲ βλέφαρά μου τῇ σῇ χερί, -μῆτερ — τίθησι δʼ αὐτὸς ὀμμάτων ἔπι — -καὶ χαίρετʼ· ἤδη γάρ με περιβάλλει σκότος. - - -ἄμφω δʼ ἅμʼ ἐξέπνευσαν ἄθλιον βίον. -μήτηρ δʼ, ὅπως ἐσεῖδε τήνδε συμφοράν, -ὑπερπαθήσασʼ, ἥρπασʼ ἐκ νεκρῶν ξίφος -κἄπραξε δεινά· διὰ μέσου γὰρ αὐχένος -ὠθεῖ σίδηρον, ἐν δὲ τοῖσι φιλτάτοις -θανοῦσα κεῖται περιβαλοῦσʼ ἀμφοῖν χέρας. - -ἀνῇξε δʼ ὀρθὸς λαὸς εἰς ἔριν λόγων, -ἡμεῖς μὲν ὡς νικῶντα δεσπότην ἐμόν, -οἳ δʼ ὡς ἐκεῖνον. ἦν δʼ ἔρις στρατηλάταις, -οἳ μὲν πατάξαι πρόσθε Πολυνείκη δορί, -οἳ δʼ ὡς θανόντων οὐδαμοῦ νίκη πέλοι. -κἀν τῷδʼ ὑπεξῆλθʼ Ἀντιγόνη στρατοῦ δίχα. -οἳ δʼ εἰς ὅπλʼ ᾖσσον· εὖ δέ πως προμηθίᾳ -καθῆστο Κάδμου λαὸς ἀσπίδων ἔπι· -κἄφθημεν οὔπω τεύχεσιν πεφραγμένον -Ἀργεῖον ἐσπεσόντες ἐξαίφνης στρατόν. -κοὐδεὶς ὑπέστη, πεδία δʼ ἐξεπίμπλασαν -φεύγοντες, ἔρρει δʼ αἷμα μυρίων νεκρῶν -λόγχαις πιτνόντων. ὡς δʼ ἐνικῶμεν μάχῃ, -οἳ μὲν Διὸς τροπαῖον ἵστασαν βρέτας, -οἳ δʼ ἀσπίδας συλῶντες Ἀργείων νεκρῶν -σκυλεύματʼ εἴσω τειχέων ἐπέμπομεν. -ἄλλοι δὲ τοὺς θανόντας Ἀντιγόνης μέτα -νεκροὺς φέρουσιν ἐνθάδʼ οἰκτίσαι φίλοις. -πόλει δʼ ἀγῶνες οἳ μὲν εὐτυχέστατοι -τῇδʼ ἐξέβησαν, οἳ δὲ δυστυχέστατοι. - - - - - -Χορός -οὐκ εἰς ἀκοὰς ἔτι δυστυχία -δώματος ἥκει· πάρα γὰρ λεύσσειν -πτώματα νεκρῶν τρισσῶν ἤδη -τάδε πρὸς μελάθροις κοινῷ θανάτῳ -σκοτίαν αἰῶνα λαχόντων. - - - - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οὐ προκαλυπτομένα βοτρυχώδεος -ἁβρὰ παρηίδος οὐδʼ ὑπὸ παρθενί- -ας τὸν ὑπὸ βλεφάροις φοίνικʼ, ἐρύθημα προσώπου, -αἰδομένα φέρομαι βάκχα νεκύ- -ων, κράδεμνα δικοῦσα κόμας ἀπʼ ἐ- -μᾶς, στολίδος κροκόεσσαν ἀνεῖσα τρυφάν, -ἁγεμόνευμα νεκροῖσι πολύστονον. αἰαῖ, ἰώ μοι. -ὦ Πολύνεικες, ἔφυς ἄρʼ ἐπώνυμος· ὤμοι μοι, Θῆβαι· -σὰ δʼ ἔρις — οὐκ ἔρις, ἀλλὰ φόνῳ φόνος — -Οἰδιπόδα δόμον ὤλεσε κρανθεῖσʼ -αἵματι δεινῷ, αἵματι λυγρῷ. -τίνα προσῳδὸν -ἢ τίνα μουσοπόλον στοναχὰν ἐπὶ -δάκρυσι δάκρυσιν, ὦ δόμος, ὦ δόμος, -ἀγκαλέσωμαι, -τρισσὰ φέρουσα τάδʼ αἵματα σύγγονα, -ματέρα καὶ τέκνα, χάρματʼ Ἐρινύος; -ἃ δόμον Οἰδιπόδα πρόπαν ὤλεσε, -τᾶς ἀγρίας ὅτε -δυσξυνέτου ξυνετὸν μέλος ἔγνω -Σφιγγὸς ἀοιδοῦ σῶμα φονεύσας. -ἰώ μοί μοι, πάτερ, -τίς Ἑλλὰς ἢ βάρβαρος ἢ -τῶν προπάροιθʼ εὐγενετᾶν -ἕτερος ἔτλα κακῶν τοσῶνδʼ -αἵματος ἁμερίου -τοιάδʼ ἄχεα φανερά; -τάλαινʼ, ὡς ἐλελίζει — -τίς ἄρʼ ὄρνις, ἢ δρυὸς ἢ -ἐλάτας ἀκροκόμοις ἀμφὶ κλάδοις ἑζομένα, -μονομάτορσιν ὀδυρμοῖς -ἐμοῖς ἄχεσι συνῳδός; -αἴλινον αἰάγμασιν ἃ -τοῖσδε προκλαίω μονάδʼ αἰ- -ῶνα διάξουσα τὸν αἰεὶ χρόνον ἐν -λειβομένοισιν δάκρυσιν ἰαχήσω. -τίνʼ ἐπὶ πρῶτον ἀπὸ χαί- -τας σπαραγμοῖς ἀπαρχὰς βάλω; -ματρὸς ἐμᾶς ἢ διδύμοι- -σι γάλακτος παρὰ μαστοῖς -ἢ πρὸς ἀδελ- -φῶν οὐλόμενʼ αἰκίσματα νεκρῶν; - - -ὀτοτοτοῖ λεῖπε σοὺς -δόμους, ἀλαὸν ὄμμα φέρων, -πάτερ γεραιέ, δεῖξον, -Οἰδιπόδα, σὸν αἰῶνα μέλεον, ὃς † ἐπὶ -δώμασιν ἀέριον σκότον ὄμμασι † -σοῖσι βαλὼν ἕλκεις μακρόπνουν ζόαν. -κλύεις, ὦ κατʼ αὐλὰν -ἀλαίνων γεραιὸν -πόδʼ ἢ δεμνίοις δύ- -στανος ἰαύων; - - -Οἰδίπους -τί μʼ, ὦ παρθένε, βακτρεύμασι τυφλοῦ -ποδὸς ἐξάγαγες ἐς φῶς -λεχήρη σκοτίων ἐκ θαλάμων οἰκ- -τροτάτοισιν δακρύοισιν, -πολιὸν αἰθέρος ἀφανὲς εἴδωλον ἢ -νέκυν ἔνερθεν ἢ -πτανὸν ὄνειρον; - - -Ἀντιγόνη -δυστυχὲς ἀγγελίας ἔπος οἴσῃ, -πάτερ, οὐκέτι σοι τέκνα λεύσσει -φάος οὐδʼ ἄλοχος, παραβάκτροις -ἃ πόδα σὸν τυφλόπουν θεραπεύμασιν αἰὲν ἐμόχθει, - - πάτερ, ὤμοι. - - -Οἰδίπους -ὤμοι ἐμῶν παθέων· πάρα γὰρ στενάχειν τάδʼ, ἀυτεῖν. -τρισσαὶ ψυχαί· ποίᾳ μοίρᾳ -πῶς ἔλιπον φάος; ὦ τέκνον, αὔδα. - - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οὐκ ἐπʼ ὀνείδεσιν οὐδʼ ἐπιχάρμασιν, -ἀλλʼ ὀδύναισι λέγω· σὸς ἀλάστωρ -ξίφεσιν βρίθων -καὶ πυρὶ καὶ σχετλίαισι μάχαις ἐπὶ παῖδας ἔβα σούς, -ὦ πάτερ, ὤ μοι. - - -Οἰδίπους -αἰαῖ. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -τί τάδε καταστένεις, - - -Οἰδίπους -τέκνα. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -διʼ ὀδύνας ἔβας· -εἰ δὲ τέθριππά γʼ ἔθʼ ἅρματα λεύσσων -ἀελίου τάδε σώματα νεκρῶν -ὄμματος αὐγαῖς σαῖς ἐπενώμας — - - -Οἰδίπους -τῶν μὲν ἐμῶν τεκέων φανερὸν κακόν· -ἁ δὲ τάλαινʼ ἄλοχος τίνι μοι, τέκνον, ὤλετο μοίρᾳ; - - -Ἀντιγόνη -δάκρυα γοερὰ -φανερὰ πᾶσι τιθεμένα, -τέκεσι μαστὸν ἔφερεν ἔφερεν -ἱκέτις ἱκέτιν ὀρομένα. -ηὗρε δʼ ἐν Ἠλέκτραισι πύλαις τέκνα -λωτοτρόφον κατὰ λείμακα λόγχαις, -κοινὸν ἐνυάλιον, -μάτηρ, ὥστε λέοντας ἐναύλους, -μαρναμένους ἐπὶ τραύμασιν, αἵματος -ἤδη ψυχρὰν λοιβὰν φονίαν, -ἃν ἔλαχʼ Ἅιδας, ὤπασε δʼ Ἄρης· -χαλκόκροτον δὲ λαβοῦσα νεκρῶν πάρα φάσγανον εἴσω -σαρκὸς ἔβαψεν, ἄχει δὲ τέκνων ἔπεσʼ ἀμφὶ τέκνοισι. -πάντα δʼ ἐν ἄματι τῷδε συνάγαγεν, -ὦ πάτερ, ἁμετέροισι δόμοισιν ἄχη θεὸς ὃς -τάδε τελευτᾷ. - - - - - -Χορός -πολλῶν κακῶν κατῆρξεν Οἰδίπου δόμοις -τόδʼ ἦμαρ· εἴη δʼ εὐτυχέστερος βίος. - - -Κρέων -οἴκτων μὲν ἤδη λήγεθʼ, ὡς ὥρα τάφου -μνήμην τίθεσθαι· τόνδε δʼ, Οἰδίπου, λόγον -ἄκουσον· ἀρχὰς τῆσδε γῆς ἔδωκέ μοι -Ἐτεοκλέης παῖς σός, γάμων φερνὰς διδοὺς -Αἵμονι κόρης τε λέκτρον Ἀντιγόνης σέθεν. -οὐκ οὖν σʼ ἐάσω τήνδε γῆν οἰκεῖν ἔτι· -σαφῶς γὰρ εἶπε Τειρεσίας οὐ μή ποτε -σοῦ τήνδε γῆν οἰκοῦντος εὖ πράξειν πόλιν. -ἀλλʼ ἐκκομίζου. καὶ τάδʼ οὐχ ὕβρει λέγω -οὐδʼ ἐχθρὸς ὢν σός, διὰ δὲ τοὺς ἀλάστορας -τοὺς σοὺς δεδοικὼς μή τι γῆ πάθῃ κακόν. - - -Οἰδίπους -ὦ μοῖρʼ, ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς ὥς μʼ ἔφυσας ἄθλιον -καὶ τλήμονʼ, εἴ τις ἄλλος ἀνθρώπων ἔφυ· -ὃν καὶ πρὶν ἐς φῶς μητρὸς ἐκ γονῆς μολεῖν, -ἄγονον Ἀπόλλων Λαΐῳ μʼ ἐθέσπισεν -φονέα γενέσθαι πατρός· ὦ τάλας ἐγώ. -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐγενόμην, αὖθις ὁ σπείρας πατὴρ -κτείνει με νομίσας πολέμιον πεφυκέναι· -χρῆν γὰρ θανεῖν νιν ἐξ ἐμοῦ· πέμπει δέ με -μαστὸν ποθοῦντα θηρσὶν ἄθλιον βοράν· -οὗ σῳζόμεσθα — Ταρτάρου γὰρ ὤφελεν -ἐλθεῖν Κιθαιρὼν εἰς ἄβυσσα χάσματα, -ὅς μʼ οὐ διώλεσʼ, ἀλλὰ - - - δουλεῦσαί τέ μοι -δαίμων ἔδωκε Πόλυβον ἀμφὶ δεσπότην. -κτανὼν δʼ ἐμαυτοῦ πατέρʼ ὁ δυσδαίμων ἐγὼ -ἐς μητρὸς ἦλθον τῆς ταλαιπώρου λέχος, -παῖδάς τʼ ἀδελφοὺς ἔτεκον, οὓς ἀπώλεσα, -ἀρὰς παραλαβὼν Λαΐου καὶ παισὶ δούς. -οὐ γὰρ τοσοῦτον ἀσύνετος πέφυκʼ ἐγὼ -ὥστʼ εἰς ἔμʼ ὄμματʼ ἔς τʼ ἐμῶν παίδων βίον -ἄνευ θεῶν του ταῦτʼ ἐμηχανησάμην. - -εἶἑν· τί δράσω δῆθʼ ὁ δυσδαίμων ἐγώ; -τίς ἡγεμών μοι ποδὸς ὁμαρτήσει τυφλοῦ; -ἥδʼ ἡ θανοῦσα; ζῶσά γʼ ἂν σάφʼ οἶδʼ ὅτι. -ἀλλʼ εὔτεκνος ξυνωρίς; ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔστι μοι. -ἀλλʼ ἔτι νεάζων αὐτὸς εὕροιμʼ ἂν βίον; -πόθεν; τί μʼ ἄρδην ὧδʼ ἀποκτείνεις, Κρέον; -ἀποκτενεῖς γάρ, εἴ με γῆς ἔξω βαλεῖς. -οὐ μὴν ἑλίξας γʼ ἀμφὶ σὸν χεῖρας γόνυ -κακὸς φανοῦμαι· τὸ γὰρ ἐμόν ποτʼ εὐγενὲς -οὐκ ἂν προδοίην, οὐδέ περ πράσσων κακῶς. - - - -Κρέων -σοί τʼ εὖ λέλεκται γόνατα μὴ χρῴζειν ἐμά, -ἐγὼ δὲ ναίειν σʼ οὐκ ἐάσαιμʼ ἂν χθόνα. -νεκρῶν δὲ τῶνδε τὸν μὲν ἐς δόμους χρεὼν -ἤδη κομίζειν, τόνδε δʼ, ὃς πέρσων πόλιν -πατρίδα σὺν ἄλλοις ἦλθε, Πολυνείκους νέκυν -ἐκβάλετʼ ἄθαπτον τῆσδʼ ὅρων ἔξω χθονός. -κηρύξεται δὲ πᾶσι Καδμείοις τάδε· -ὃς ἂν νεκρὸν τόνδʼ ἢ καταστέφων ἁλῷ -ἢ γῇ καλύπτων, θάνατον ἀνταλλάξεται. - -ἐᾶν δʼ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς βοράν. - -σὺ δʼ ἐκλιποῦσα τριπτύχους θρήνους νεκρῶν -κόμιζε σαυτήν, Ἀντιγόνη, δόμων ἔσω -καὶ παρθενεύου τὴν ἰοῦσαν ἡμέραν -μένουσʼ, ἐν ᾗ σε λέκτρον Αἵμονος μένει. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ὦ πάτερ, ἐν οἵοις κείμεθʼ ἄθλιοι κακοῖς. -ὥς σε στενάζω τῶν τεθνηκότων πλέον· -οὐ γὰρ τὸ μέν σοι βαρὺ κακῶν, τὸ δʼ οὐ βαρύ, -ἀλλʼ εἰς ἅπαντα δυστυχὴς ἔφυς, πάτερ. -ἀτὰρ σʼ ἐρωτῶ τὸν νεωστὶ κοίρανον· -τί τόνδʼ ὑβρίζεις πατέρʼ ἀποστέλλων χθονός; -τί θεσμοποιεῖς ἐπὶ ταλαιπώρῳ νεκρῷ; - - -Κρέων -Ἐτεοκλέους βουλεύματʼ, οὐχ ἡμῶν, τάδε. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἄφρονά γε, καὶ σὺ μῶρος ὃς ἐπίθου τάδε. - - -Κρέων -πῶς; τἀντεταλμένʼ οὐ δίκαιον ἐκπονεῖν; - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οὔκ, ἢν πονηρά γʼ ᾖ κακῶς τʼ εἰρημένα. - - -Κρέων -τί δʼ; οὐ δικαίως ὅδε κυσὶν δοθήσεται; - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οὐκ ἔννομον γὰρ τὴν δίκην πράσσεσθέ νιν. - - -Κρέων -εἴπερ γε πόλεως ἐχθρὸς ἦν οὐκ ἐχθρὸς ὤν. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οὐκοῦν ἔδωκε τῇ τύχῃ τὸν δαίμονα. - - -Κρέων -καὶ τῷ τάφῳ νυν τὴν δίκην παρασχέτω. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -τί πλημμελήσας, τὸ μέρος εἰ μετῆλθε γῆς; - - -Κρέων -ἄταφος ὅδʼ ἁνήρ, ὡς μάθῃς, γενήσεται. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἐγώ σφε θάψω, κἂν ἀπεννέπῃ πόλις. - - -Κρέων -σαυτὴν ἄρʼ ἐγγὺς τῷδε συνθάψεις νεκρῷ. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἀλλʼ εὐκλεές τοι δύο φίλω κεῖσθαι πέλας. - - -Κρέων -λάζυσθε τήνδε κἀς δόμους κομίζετε. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οὐ δῆτʼ, ἐπεὶ τοῦδʼ οὐ μεθήσομαι νεκροῦ. - - -Κρέων -ἔκρινʼ ὁ δαίμων, παρθένʼ, οὐχ ἃ σοὶ δοκεῖ. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -κἀκεῖνο κέκριται, μὴ ἐφυβρίζεσθαι νεκρούς. - - -Κρέων -ὡς οὔτις ἀμφὶ τῷδʼ ὑγρὰν θήσει κόνιν. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ναὶ πρός σε τῆσδε μητρὸς Ἰοκάστης, Κρέον. - - -Κρέων -μάταια μοχθεῖς· οὐ γὰρ ἂν τύχοις τάδε. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -σὺ δʼ ἀλλὰ νεκρῷ λουτρὰ περιβαλεῖν μʼ ἔα. - - -Κρέων -ἓν τοῦτʼ ἂν εἴη τῶν ἀπορρήτων πόλει. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἀλλʼ ἀμφὶ τραύματʼ ἄγρια τελαμῶνας βαλεῖν. - - -Κρέων -οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅπως σὺ τόνδε τιμήσεις νέκυν. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἀλλὰ στόμα γε σὸν προσπτύξομαι. - - - -Κρέων -οὐ μὴ ἐς γάμους σοὺς συμφορὰν κτήσῃ γόοις. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἦ γὰρ γαμοῦμαι ζῶσα παιδὶ σῷ ποτε; - - -Κρέων -πολλή σʼ ἀνάγκη· ποῖ γὰρ ἐκφεύξῃ λέχος; - - -Ἀντιγόνη -νὺξ ἆρʼ ἐκείνη Δαναΐδων μʼ ἕξει μίαν. - - -Κρέων -εἶδες τὸ τόλμημʼ οἷον ἐξωνείδισεν; - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἴστω σίδηρος ὅρκιόν τέ μοι ξίφος. - - -Κρέων -τί δʼ ἐκπροθυμῇ τῶνδʼ ἀπηλλάχθαι γάμων; - - -Ἀντιγόνη -συμφεύξομαι τῷδʼ ἀθλιωτάτῳ πατρί. - - -Κρέων -γενναιότης σοι, μωρία δʼ ἔνεστί τις. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -καὶ ξυνθανοῦμαί γʼ, ὡς μάθῃς περαιτέρω. - - -Κρέων -ἴθʼ, οὐ φονεύσεις παῖδʼ ἐμόν, λίπε χθόνα. - - -Οἰδίπους -ὦ θύγατερ, αἰνῶ μέν σε τῆς προθυμίας. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἀλλʼ εἰ γαμοίμην, σὺ δὲ μόνος φεύγοις, πάτερ; - - -Οἰδίπους -μένʼ εὐτυχοῦσα, τἄμʼ ἐγὼ στέρξω κακά. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -καὶ τίς σε τυφλὸν ὄντα θεραπεύσει, πάτερ; - - -Οἰδίπους -πεσὼν ὅπου μοι μοῖρα κείσομαι πέδῳ. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ὁ δʼ Οἰδίπους ποῦ καὶ τὰ κλείνʼ αἰνίγματα; - - -Οἰδίπους -ὄλωλʼ· ἓν ἦμάρ μʼ ὤλβισʼ, ἓν δʼ ἀπώλεσεν. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οὔκουν μετασχεῖν κἀμὲ δεῖ τῶν σῶν κακῶν; - - -Οἰδίπους -αἰσχρὰ φυγὴ θυγατρὶ σὺν τυφλῷ πατρί. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οὔ, σωφρονούσῃ γʼ, ἀλλὰ γενναία, πάτερ. - - -Οἰδίπους -προσάγαγέ νύν με, μητρὸς ὡς ψαύσω σέθεν. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἰδού, γεραιᾶς φιλτάτης ψαῦσον χερί. - - -Οἰδίπους -ὦ μῆτερ, ὦ ξυνάορʼ ἀθλιωτάτη. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -οἰκτρὰ πρόκειται, πάντʼ ἔχουσʼ ὁμοῦ κακά. - - -Οἰδίπους -Ἐτεοκλέους δὲ πτῶμα Πολυνείκους τε ποῦ; - - -Ἀντιγόνη -τώδʼ ἐκτάδην σοι κεῖσθον ἀλλήλοιν πέλας. - - -Οἰδίπους -πρόσθες τυφλὴν χεῖρʼ ἐπὶ πρόσωπα δυστυχῆ. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἰδού, θανόντων σῶν τέκνων ἅπτου χερί. - - -Οἰδίπους -ὦ φίλα πεσήματʼ ἄθλιʼ ἀθλίου πατρός. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ὦ φίλτατον δῆτʼ ὄνομα Πολυνείκους ἐμοί. - - -Οἰδίπους -νῦν χρησμός, ὦ παῖ, Λοξίου περαίνεται. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ὁ ποῖος; ἀλλʼ ἦ πρὸς κακοῖς ἐρεῖς κακά; - - -Οἰδίπους -ἐν ταῖς Ἀθήναις κατθανεῖν μʼ ἀλώμενον. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ποῦ; τίς σε πύργος Ἀτθίδος προσδέξεται; - - -Οἰδίπους -ἱερὸς Κολωνός, δώμαθʼ ἱππίου θεοῦ. -ἀλλʼ εἶα, τυφλῷ τῷδʼ ὑπηρέτει πατρί, -ἐπεὶ προθυμῇ τῆσδε κοινοῦσθαι φυγῆς. - - - - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἴθʼ ἐς φυγὰν τάλαιναν· ὄρεγε χέρα φίλαν, -πάτερ γεραιέ, πομπίμαν -ἔχων ἔμʼ ὥστε ναυσίπομπον αὔραν. - - -Οἰδίπους - -ἰδοὺ ἰδού, πορεύομαι· -τέκνον, σύ μοι ποδαγὸς ἀθλία γενοῦ. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -γενόμεθα γενόμεθʼ, ἄθλιαί -γε δῆτα Θηβαιᾶν μάλιστα παρθένων. - - -Οἰδίπους -πόθι γεραιὸν ἴχνος τίθημι; -βάκτρα πρόσφερʼ, ὦ τέκνον. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -τᾷδε τᾷδε βᾶθί μοι, -τᾷδε τᾷδε πόδα τιθείς, -ὥστʼ ὄνειρον ἰσχύν. - - -Οἰδίπους -ἰὼ ἰώ, δυστυχεστάτας φυγὰς -ἐλαύνων τὸν γέροντά μʼ ἐκ πάτρας. -ἰὼ ἰώ, δεινὰ δείνʼ ἐγὼ τλάς. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -τί τλάς; τί τλάς; οὐχ ὁρᾷ Δίκα κακούς, -οὐδʼ ἀμείβεται βροτῶν ἀσυνεσίας. - - -Οἰδίπους -ὅδʼ εἰμὶ μοῦσαν ὃς ἐπὶ καλ- -λίνικον οὐράνιον ἔβαν - -μειξοπαρθένου κόρας -αἴνιγμʼ ἀσύνετον εὑρών. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -Σφιγγὸς ἀναφέρεις ὄνειδος. -ἄπαγε τὰ πάρος εὐτυχήματʼ αὐδῶν. -τάδε σʼ ἐπέμενε μέλεα πάθεα -φυγάδα πατρίδος ἄπο γενόμενον, -ὦ πάτερ, θανεῖν που. - -ποθεινὰ δάκρυα παρὰ φίλαισι παρθένοις -λιποῦσʼ ἄπειμι πατρίδος ἀποπρὸ γαίας -ἀπαρθένευτʼ ἀλωμένα. -φεῦ τὸ χρήσιμον φρενῶν -ἐς πατρός γε συμφορὰς -εὐκλεᾶ με θήσει· -τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ σῶν συγγόνου θʼ ὑβρισμάτων, -ὃς ἐκ δόμων νέκυς ἄθαπτος οἴχεται -μέλεος, ὅν, εἴ με καὶ θανεῖν, πάτερ, χρεών, -σκότια γᾷ καλύψω. - - -Οἰδίπους -πρὸς ἥλικας φάνηθι σάς. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -ἅλις ὀδυρμάτων ἐμῶν. - - -Οἰδίπους -σὺ δʼ ἀμφὶ βωμίους λιτὰς — - - -Ἀντιγόνη -κόρον ἔχουσʼ ἐμῶν κακῶν. - - -Οἰδίπους -ἴθʼ ἀλλὰ Βρόμιος ἵνα τε σηκὸς -ἄβατος ὄρεσι μαινάδων. - - -Ἀντιγόνη -Καδμείαν ᾧ νεβρίδα -στολιδωσαμένα ποτʼ ἐγὼ Σεμέλας -θίασον ἱερὸν ὄρεσιν ἀνεχόρευσα, -χάριν ἀχάριτον ἐς θεοὺς διδοῦσα; - - - - - -Οἰδίπους -ὦ πάτρας κλεινῆς πολῖται, λεύσσετʼ, Οἰδίπους ὅδε, -ὃς τὰ κλείνʼ αἰνίγματʼ ἔγνω καὶ μέγιστος ἦν ἀνήρ, -ὃς μόνος Σφιγγὸς κατέσχον τῆς μιαιφόνου κράτη, -νῦν ἄτιμος αὐτὸς οἰκτρὸς ἐξελαύνομαι χθονός. -ἀλλὰ γὰρ τί ταῦτα θρηνῶ καὶ μάτην ὀδύρομαι; -τὰς γὰρ ἐκ θεῶν ἀνάγκας θνητὸν ὄντα δεῖ φέρειν. - - - - - -Χορός -ὦ μέγα σεμνὴ Νίκη, τὸν ἐμὸν -βίοτον κατέχοις -καὶ μὴ λήγοις στεφανοῦσα. - - - - - - diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-grc2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..1aa653c79 --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg015/tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,3395 @@ + + + + + + + Φοίνισσαι +Machine readable text +Euripides +Gilbert Murray +Perseus Project, Tufts University +Gregory Crane + +Prepared under the supervision of +Lisa Cerrato +William Merrill +Elli Mylonas +David Smith + +The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + +Trustees of Tufts University +Medford, MA +Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + Euripidis Fabulae + Gilbert Murray + + Oxford + Clarendon Press + 1913 + + 3 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + + + + +

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+ + + + Greek + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + tagging now should be compatible with CTS + Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. + adding rend=displayNum to lb tags + more refinements making these files SDL compatible + our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp + bring up to P3 + Fixed cardbreaks at 427. + Added speaker tags where needed. + check tagging + Basic SGML tagging + +
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+ + + +Ἰοκάστη +ὦ τὴν ἐν ἄστροις οὐρανοῦ τέμνων ὁδὸν +καὶ χρυσοκολλήτοισιν ἐμβεβὼς δίφροις +Ἥλιε, θοαῖς ἵπποισιν εἱλίσσων φλόγα, +ὡς δυστυχῆ Θήβαισι τῇ τόθʼ ἡμέρᾳ +ἀκτῖνʼ ἐφῆκας, Κάδμος ἡνίκʼ ἦλθε γῆν +τήνδʼ, ἐκλιπὼν Φοίνισσαν ἐναλίαν χθόνα· +ὃς παῖδα γήμας Κύπριδος Ἁρμονίαν ποτὲ +Πολύδωρον ἐξέφυσε, τοῦ δὲ Λάβδακον +φῦναι λέγουσιν, ἐκ δὲ τοῦδε Λάιον. +ἐγὼ δὲ παῖς μὲν κλῄζομαι Μενοικέως, +— Κρέων τʼ ἀδελφὸς μητρὸς ἐκ μιᾶς ἔφυ — +καλοῦσι δʼ Ἰοκάστην με· τοῦτο γὰρ πατὴρ +ἔθετο. γαμεῖ δὲ Λάιός μʼ· ἐπεὶ δʼ ἄπαις +ἦν χρόνια λέκτρα τἄμʼ ἔχων ἐν δώμασιν, +ἐλθὼν ἐρωτᾷ Φοῖβον ἐξαιτεῖ θʼ ἅμα +παίδων ἐς οἴκους ἀρσένων κοινωνίαν. +ὃ δʼ εἶπεν· ὦ Θήβαισιν εὐίπποις ἄναξ, +μὴ σπεῖρε τέκνων ἄλοκα δαιμόνων βίᾳ· +εἰ γὰρ τεκνώσεις παῖδʼ, ἀποκτενεῖ σʼ ὁ φύς, +καὶ πᾶς σὸς οἶκος βήσεται διʼ αἵματος. +ὃ δʼ ἡδονῇ δοὺς ἔς τε βακχείαν πεσὼν +ἔσπειρεν ἡμῖν παῖδα· καὶ σπείρας, βρέφος +γνοὺς τἀμπλάκημα τοῦ θεοῦ τε τὴν φάτιν, +λειμῶνʼ ἐς Ἥρας καὶ Κιθαιρῶνος λέπας +δίδωσι βουκόλοισιν ἐκθεῖναι βρέφος, +σφυρῶν σιδηρᾶ κέντρα διαπείρας μέσον· +ὅθεν νιν Ἑλλὰς ὠνόμαζεν Οἰδίπουν. +Πολύβου δέ νιν λαβόντες ἱπποβουκόλοι +φέρουσʼ ἐς οἴκους ἔς τε δεσποίνης χέρας +ἔθηκαν. ἣ δὲ τὸν ἐμὸν ὠδίνων πόνον +μαστοῖς ὑφεῖτο καὶ πόσιν πείθει τεκεῖν. + +ἤδη δὲ πυρσαῖς γένυσιν ἐξανδρούμενος +παῖς οὑμὸς ἢ γνοὺς ἤ τινος μαθὼν πάρα +ἔστειχε τοὺς φύσαντας ἐκμαθεῖν θέλων +πρὸς δῶμα Φοίβου, Λάιός θʼ, οὑμὸς πόσις, +τὸν ἐκτεθέντα παῖδα μαστεύων μαθεῖν +εἰ μηκέτʼ εἴη. καὶ ξυνάπτετον πόδα +ἐς ταὐτὸν ἄμφω Φωκίδος σχιστῆς ὁδοῦ. +καί νιν κελεύει Λαΐου τροχηλάτης· +ὦ ξένε, τυράννοις ἐκποδὼν μεθίστασο. +ὃ δʼ εἷρπʼ ἄναυδος, μέγα φρονῶν. πῶλοι δέ νιν +χηλαῖς τένοντας ἐξεφοίνισσον ποδῶν. +ὅθεν — τί τἀκτὸς τῶν κακῶν με δεῖ λέγειν; — +παῖς πατέρα καίνει καὶ λαβὼν ὀχήματα +Πολύβῳ τροφεῖ δίδωσιν. ὡς δʼ ἐπεζάρει +Σφὶγξ ἁρπαγαῖσι πόλιν ἐμός τʼ οὐκ ἦν πόσις, +Κρέων ἀδελφὸς τἀμὰ κηρύσσει λέχη, +ὅστις σοφῆς αἴνιγμα παρθένου μάθοι, +τούτῳ ξυνάψειν λέκτρα. τυγχάνει δέ πως +μούσας ἐμὸς παῖς Οἰδίπους Σφιγγὸς μαθών· + +ὅθεν τύραννος τῆσδε γῆς καθίσταται + +καὶ σκῆπτρʼ ἔπαθλα τῆσδε λαμβάνει χθονός. +γαμεῖ δὲ τὴν τεκοῦσαν οὐκ εἰδὼς τάλας +οὐδʼ ἡ τεκοῦσα παιδὶ συγκοιμωμένη. +τίκτω δὲ παῖδας παιδὶ δύο μὲν ἄρσενας, +Ἐτεοκλέα κλεινήν τε Πολυνείκους βίαν, +κόρας τε δισσάς· τὴν μὲν Ἰσμήνην πατὴρ +ὠνόμασε, τὴν δὲ πρόσθεν Ἀντιγόνην ἐγώ. +μαθὼν δὲ τἀμὰ λέκτρα μητρῴων γάμων +ὁ πάντʼ ἀνατλὰς Οἰδίπους παθήματα +ἐς ὄμμαθʼ αὑτοῦ δεινὸν ἐμβάλλει φόνον, +χρυσηλάτοις πόρπαισιν αἱμάξας κόρας. +ἐπεὶ δὲ τέκνων γένυς ἐμῶν σκιάζεται, +κλῄθροις ἔκρυψαν πατέρʼ, ἵνʼ ἀμνήμων τύχη +γένοιτο πολλῶν δεομένη σοφισμάτων· +ζῶν δʼ ἔστʼ ἐν οἴκοις. πρὸς δὲ τῆς τύχης νοσῶν +ἀρὰς ἀρᾶται παισὶν ἀνοσιωτάτας, +θηκτῷ σιδήρῳ δῶμα διαλαχεῖν τόδε. + +τὼ δʼ ἐς φόβον πεσόντε, μὴ τελεσφόρους +εὐχὰς θεοὶ κραίνωσιν οἰκούντων ὁμοῦ, +ξυμβάντʼ ἔταξαν τὸν νεώτερον πάρος +φεύγειν ἑκόντα τήνδε Πολυνείκη χθόνα, +Ἐτεοκλέα δὲ σκῆπτρʼ ἔχειν μένοντα γῆς, +ἐνιαυτὸν ἀλλάσσοντε. ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐπὶ ζυγοῖς +καθέζετʼ ἀρχῆς, οὐ μεθίσταται θρόνων, +φυγάδα δʼ ἀπωθεῖ τῆσδε Πολυνείκη χθονός. +ὃ δʼ Ἄργος ἐλθών, κῆδος Ἀδράστου λαβών, +πολλὴν ἀθροίσας ἀσπίδʼ Ἀργείων ἄγει· +ἐπʼ αὐτὰ δʼ ἐλθὼν ἑπτάπυλα τείχη τάδε, +πατρῷʼ ἀπαιτεῖ σκῆπτρα καὶ μέρη χθονός. +ἐγὼ δʼ ἔριν λύουσʼ ὑπόσπονδον μολεῖν +ἔπεισα παιδὶ παῖδα πρὶν ψαῦσαι δορός. +ἥξειν δʼ ὁ πεμφθείς φησιν αὐτὸν ἄγγελος. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ φαεννὰς οὐρανοῦ ναίων πτυχὰς +Ζεῦ, σῶσον ἡμᾶς, δὸς δὲ σύμβασιν τέκνοις. +χρὴ δʼ, εἰ σοφὸς πέφυκας, οὐκ ἐᾶν βροτὸν +τὸν αὐτὸν αἰεὶ δυστυχῆ καθεστάναι. + + +Παιδαγωγός +ὦ κλεινὸν οἴκοις Ἀντιγόνη θάλος πατρί, +ἐπεί σε μήτηρ παρθενῶνας ἐκλιπεῖν +μεθῆκε μελάθρων ἐς διῆρες ἔσχατον +στράτευμʼ ἰδεῖν Ἀργεῖον ἱκεσίαισι σαῖς, +ἐπίσχες, ὡς ἂν προυξερευνήσω στίβον, +μή τις πολιτῶν ἐν τρίβῳ φαντάζεται, +κἀμοὶ μὲν ἔλθῃ φαῦλος ὡς δούλῳ ψόγος, +σοὶ δʼ ὡς ἀνάσσῃ· πάντα δʼ ἐξειδὼς φράσω +ἅ τʼ εἶδον εἰσήκουσά τʼ Ἀργείων πάρα, +σπονδὰς ὅτʼ ἦλθον σῷ κασιγνήτῳ φέρων +ἐνθένδʼ ἐκεῖσε, δεῦρό τʼ αὖ κείνων πάρα. +ἀλλʼ οὔτις ἀστῶν τοῖσδε χρίμπτεται δόμοις, +κέδρου παλαιὰν κλίμακʼ ἐκπέρα ποδί· +σκόπει δὲ πεδία καὶ παρʼ Ἰσμηνοῦ ῥοὰς +Δίρκης τε νᾶμα πολεμίων στράτευμʼ ὅσον. + + + + +
+Ἀντιγόνη +ὄρεγέ νυν ὄρεγε γεραιὰν νέᾳ +χεῖρʼ ἀπὸ κλιμάκων +ποδὸς ἴχνος ἐπαντέλλων. + + +Παιδαγωγός +ἰδοὺ ξύναψον, παρθένʼ· ἐς καιρὸν δʼ ἔβης· +κινούμενον γὰρ τυγχάνει Πελασγικὸν +στράτευμα, χωρίζουσι δʼ ἀλλήλων λόχους. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἰὼ πότνια παῖ +Λατοῦς Ἑκάτα, κατάχαλκον ἅπαν +πεδίον ἀστράπτει. + + +Παιδαγωγός +οὐ γάρ τι φαύλως ἦλθε Πολυνείκης χθόνα, +πολλοῖς μὲν ἵπποις, μυρίοις δʼ ὅπλοις βρέμων. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἆρα πύλαι κλῄθροις — χαλκόδετʼ ἆρʼ ἔμβολα +λαϊνέοισιν Ἀμφίονος ὀργάνοις +τείχεος ἥρμοσται; + + +Παιδαγωγός +θάρσει· τά γʼ ἔνδον ἀσφαλῶς ἔχει πόλις. +ἀλλʼ εἰσόρα τὸν πρῶτον, εἰ βούλῃ μαθεῖν. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +τίς οὗτος ὁ λευκολόφας, +πρόπαρ ὃς ἁγεῖται στρατοῦ πάγχαλκον ἀσπίδʼ +ἀμφὶ βραχίονι κουφίζων; + + +Παιδαγωγός +λοχαγός, ὦ δέσποινα. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +τίς, πόθεν γεγώς; +αὔδασον, ὦ γεραιέ, τίς ὀνομάζεται; + + +Παιδαγωγός +οὗτος Μυκηναῖος μὲν αὐδᾶται γένος, +Λερναῖα δʼ οἰκεῖ νάμαθʼ, Ἱππομέδων ἄναξ. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἒ ἒ ὡς γαῦρος, ὡς φοβερὸς εἰσιδεῖν, +γίγαντι γηγενέτᾳ προσόμοιος +ἀστερωπὸς ἐν γραφαῖσιν, οὐχὶ πρόσφορος +ἁμερίῳ γέννᾳ. + + +Παιδαγωγός +τὸν δʼ ἐξαμείβοντʼ οὐχ ὁρᾷς Δίρκης ὕδωρ; + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἄλλος ἄλλος ὅδε τευχέων τρόπος. +τίς δʼ ἐστὶν οὗτος; + + +Παιδαγωγός +παῖς μὲν Οἰνέως ἔφυ +Τυδεύς, Ἄρη δʼ Αἰτωλὸν ἐν στέρνοις ἔχει. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οὗτος ὁ τᾶς Πολυνείκεος, +ὦ γέρον, αὐτοκασιγνήτᾳ νύμφας +ὁμόγαμος κυρεῖ; +ὡς ἀλλόχρως ὅπλοισι, μειξοβάρβαρος. + + +Παιδαγωγός +σακεσφόροι γὰρ πάντες Αἰτωλοί, τέκνον, +λόγχαις τʼ ἀκοντιστῆρες εὐστοχώτατοι. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +σὺ δʼ, ὦ γέρον, πῶς αἰσθάνῃ σαφῶς τάδε; + + +Παιδαγωγός +σημεῖʼ ἰδὼν τότʼ ἀσπίδων ἐγνώρισα, +σπονδὰς ὅτʼ ἦλθον σῷ κασιγνήτῳ φέρων +ἃ προσδεδορκὼς οἶδα τοὺς ὡπλισμένους.] + + + + +Ἀντιγόνη +τίς δʼ οὗτος ἀμφὶ μνῆμα τὸ Ζήθου περᾷ +καταβόστρυχος, ὄμμασι γοργὸς +εἰσιδεῖν νεανίας, +λοχαγός, ὡς ὄχλος νιν ὑστέρῳ ποδὶ +πάνοπλος ἀμφέπει; + + +Παιδαγωγός +ὅδʼ ἐστὶ Παρθενοπαῖος, Ἀταλάντης γόνος. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἀλλά νιν ἁ κατʼ ὄρη μετὰ ματέρος +Ἄρτεμις ἱεμένα τόξοις δαμάσασʼ ὀλέσειεν, +ὃς ἐπʼ ἐμὰν πόλιν ἔβα πέρσων. + + +Παιδαγωγός +εἴη τάδʼ, ὦ παῖ. σὺν δίκῃ δʼ ἥκουσι γῆν· +ὃ καὶ δέδοικα μὴ σκοπῶσʼ ὀρθῶς θεοί. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ποῦ δʼ ὃς ἐμοὶ μιᾶς ἐγένετʼ ἐκ ματρὸς +πολυπόνῳ μοίρᾳ; +ὦ φίλτατʼ, εἰπέ, ποῦ ʼστι Πολυνείκης, γέρον. + + +Παιδαγωγός +ἐκεῖνος ἑπτὰ παρθένων τάφου πέλας +Νιόβης Ἀδράστῳ πλησίον παραστατεῖ. +ὁρᾷς; + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ὁρῶ δῆτʼ οὐ σαφῶς, ὁρῶ δέ πως +μορφῆς τύπωμα στέρνα τʼ ἐξῃκασμένα. +ἀνεμώκεος εἴθε δρόμον νεφέλας ποσὶν ἐξανύσαιμι +διʼ αἰθέρος +πρὸς ἐμὸν ὁμογενέτορα, περὶ δʼ ὠλένας +δέρᾳ φιλτάτᾳ βάλοιμʼ ἐν χρόνῳ +φυγάδα μέλεον. ὡς +ὅπλοισι χρυσέοισιν ἐκπρεπής, γέρον, +ἑῴοις ὅμοια φλεγέθων βολαῖς ἀελίου. + + +Παιδαγωγός +ἥξει δόμους τούσδʼ, ὥστε σʼ ἐμπλῆσαι χαρᾶς, +ἔνσπονδος. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οὗτος δʼ, ὦ γεραιέ, τίς κυρεῖ, +ὃς ἅρμα λευκὸν ἡνιοστροφεῖ βεβώς; + + +Παιδαγωγός +ὁ μάντις Ἀμφιάραος, ὦ δέσποινʼ, ὅδε· +σφάγια δʼ ἅμʼ αὐτῷ, γῆς φιλαίματοι ῥοαί. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ὦ λιπαροζώνου θύγατερ Ἀελίου +Σελαναία, χρυσεόκυκλον φέγγος, +ὡς ἀτρεμαῖα κέντρα καὶ σώφρονα +πώλοις μεταφέρων ἰθύνει. +ποῦ δʼ ὃς τὰ δεινὰ τῇδʼ ἐφυβρίζει πόλει; + + +Παιδαγωγός +Καπανεύς; ἐκεῖνος προσβάσεις τεκμαίρεται +πύργων ἄνω τε καὶ κάτω τείχη μετρῶν. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἰώ, +Νέμεσι καὶ Διὸς βαρύβρομοι βρονταί, +κεραυνῶν τε φῶς αἰθαλόεν, σύ τοι +μεγαλαγορίαν ὑπεράνορα κοιμίζεις· +ὅδʼ ἐστίν, αἰχμαλώτιδας +ὃς δορὶ Θηβαίας Μυκηνηΐσιν +Λερναίᾳ τε δώσειν τριαίνᾳ, +Ποσειδανίοις Ἀμυμωνίοις +ὕδασι δουλείαν περιβαλών — +μήποτε μήποτε τάνδʼ, ὦ πότνια, +χρυσεοβόστρυχον ὦ Διὸς ἔρνος +Ἄρτεμι, δουλοσύναν τλαίην. + +
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+Παιδαγωγός +ὦ τέκνον, ἔσβα δῶμα καὶ κατὰ στέγας +ἐν παρθενῶσι μίμνε σοῖς, ἐπεὶ πόθου +ἐς τέρψιν ἦλθες ὧν ἔχρῃζες εἰσιδεῖν. +ὄχλος γάρ, ὡς ταραγμὸς εἰσῆλθεν πόλιν, +χωρεῖ γυναικῶν πρὸς δόμους τυραννικούς, +φιλόψογον δὲ χρῆμα θηλειῶν ἔφυ, +σμικράς τʼ ἀφορμὰς ἢν λάβωσι τῶν λόγων, +πλείους ἐπεσφέρουσιν· ἡδονὴ δέ τις +γυναιξὶ μηδὲν ὑγιὲς ἀλλήλας λέγειν. + +
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+Χορός +Τύριον οἶδμα λιποῦσʼ ἔβαν +ἀκροθίνια Λοξίᾳ +Φοινίσσας ἀπὸ νάσου +Φοίβῳ δούλα μελάθρων, +ἵνʼ ὑπὸ δειράσι νιφοβόλοις +Παρνασοῦ κατενάσθη, +Ἰόνιον κατὰ πόντον ἐλά- +τᾳ πλεύσασα περιρρύτῳ +ὑπὲρ ἀκαρπίστων πεδίων +Σικελίας Ζεφύρου πνοαῖς +ἱππεύσαντος, ἐν οὐρανῷ +κάλλιστον κελάδημα. + +
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+Χορός +πόλεος ἐκπροκριθεῖσʼ ἐμᾶς +καλλιστεύματα Λοξίᾳ +Καδμείων ἔμολον γᾶν, +κλεινῶν Ἀγηνοριδᾶν +ὁμογενεῖς ἐπὶ Λαΐου +πεμφθεῖσʼ ἐνθάδε πύργους. +ἴσα δʼ ἀγάλμασι χρυσοτεύ- +κτοις Φοίβῳ λάτρις ἐγενόμαν· +ἔτι δὲ Κασταλίας ὕδωρ +περιμένει με κόμας ἐμᾶς +δεῦσαι παρθένιον χλιδὰν +Φοιβείαισι λατρείαις. + +
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+Χορός +ἰὼ λάμπουσα πέτρα πυρὸς +δικόρυφον σέλας ὑπὲρ ἄκρων +βακχειῶν Διονύσου, +οἴνα θʼ ἃ καθαμέριον +στάζεις τὸν πολύκαρπον +οἰνάνθας ἱεῖσα βότρυν, +ζάθεά τʼ ἄντρα δράκοντος οὔ- +ρειαί τε σκοπιαὶ θεῶν +νιφόβολόν τʼ ὄρος ἱερόν, εἱ- +λίσσων ἀθανάτας θεοῦ +χορὸς γενοίμαν ἄφοβος +παρὰ μεσόμφαλα γύαλα Φοί- +βου Δίρκαν προλιποῦσα. + +
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+Χορός +νῦν δέ μοι πρὸ τειχέων +θούριος μολὼν Ἄρης +αἷμα δάιον φλέγει +τᾷδʼ, ὃ μὴ τύχοι, πόλει· +κοινὰ γὰρ φίλων ἄχη, +κοινὰ δʼ, εἴ τι πείσεται +ἑπτάπυργος ἅδε γᾶ, +Φοινίσσᾳ χώρᾳ. φεῦ φεῦ. +κοινὸν αἷμα, κοινὰ τέκεα +τᾶς κερασφόρου πέφυκεν Ἰοῦς· +ὧν μέτεστί μοι πόνων. + +
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+Χορός +ἀμφὶ δὲ πτόλιν νέφος +ἀσπίδων πυκνὸν φλέγει +σχῆμα φοινίου μάχης, +ἃν Ἄρης τάχʼ εἴσεται +παισὶν Οἰδίπου φέρων +πημονὰν Ἐρινύων. +Ἄργος ὦ Πελασγικόν, +δειμαίνω τὰν σὰν ἀλκάν, +καὶ τὸ θεόθεν· οὐ γὰρ ἄδικον +εἰς ἀγῶνα τόνδʼ ἔνοπλος ὁρμᾷ παῖς + +ὃς μετέρχεται δόμους. + +
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+Πολυνείκης +τὰ μὲν πυλωρῶν κλῇθρά μʼ εἰσεδέξατο +διʼ εὐπετείας τειχέων ἔσω μολεῖν. +ὃ καὶ δέδοικα μή με δικτύων ἔσω +λαβόντες οὐκ ἐκφρῶσʼ ἀναίμακτον χρόα. +ὧν οὕνεκʼ ὄμμα πανταχῇ διοιστέον +κἀκεῖσε καὶ τὸ δεῦρο, μὴ δόλος τις ᾖ. +ὡπλισμένος δὲ χεῖρα τῷδε φασγάνῳ +τὰ πίστʼ ἐμαυτῷ τοῦ θράσους παρέξομαι. +ὠή, τίς οὗτος; ἢ κτύπον φοβούμεθα; +ἅπαντα γὰρ τολμῶσι δεινὰ φαίνεται, +ὅταν διʼ ἐχθρᾶς ποὺς ἀμείβηται χθονός. +πέποιθα μέντοι μητρί, κοὐ πέποιθʼ ἅμα, +ἥτις μʼ ἔπεισε δεῦρʼ ὑπόσπονδον μολεῖν. +ἀλλʼ ἐγγὺς ἀλκή· βώμιοι γὰρ ἐσχάραι +πέλας πάρεισι, κοὐκ ἔρημα δώματα. +φέρʼ ἐς σκοτεινὰς περιβολὰς μεθῶ ξίφος +καὶ τάσδʼ ἔρωμαι, τίνες ἐφεστᾶσιν δόμοις. +ξέναι γυναῖκες, εἴπατʼ, ἐκ ποίας πάτρας +Ἑλληνικοῖσι δώμασιν πελάζετε; + + +Χορός +Φοίνισσα μὲν γῆ πατρὶς ἡ θρέψασά με, +Ἀγήνορος δὲ παῖδες ἐκ παίδων δορὸς +Φοίβῳ μʼ ἔπεμψαν ἐνθάδʼ ἀκροθίνιον. +μέλλων δὲ πέμπειν μʼ Οἰδίπου κλεινὸς γόνος +μαντεῖα σεμνὰ Λοξίου τʼ ἐπʼ ἐσχάρας — +ἐν τῷδʼ ἐπεστράτευσαν Ἀργεῖοι πόλιν. +σὺ δʼ ἀντάμειψαί μʼ, ὅστις ὢν ἐλήλυθας +ἑπτάστομον πύργωμα Θηβαίας χθονός. + + +Πολυνείκης +πατὴρ μὲν ἡμῖν Οἰδίπους ὁ Λαΐου, +ἔτικτε δʼ Ἰοκάστη με, παῖς Μενοικέως· +καλεῖ δὲ Πολυνείκη με Θηβαῖος λεώς. + + +Χορός +ὦ συγγένεια τῶν Ἀγήνορος τέκνων, +ἐμῶν τυράννων, ὧν ἀπεστάλην ὕπο — + + + + +Χορός +γονυπετεῖς ἕδρας προσπίτνω σʼ, ἄναξ, +τὸν οἴκοθεν νόμον σέβουσʼ — +ἔβας ὢ χρόνῳ γᾶν πατρῴαν. +ἰὼ ἰώ· πότνια, μόλε πρόδομος, +ἀμπέτασον πύλας. +κλύεις, ὦ τεκοῦσα τόνδε μᾶτερ; +τί μέλλεις ὑπώροφα μέλαθρα περᾶν +θιγεῖν τʼ ὠλέναισιν τέκνου; + + +
+Ἰοκάστη +Φοίνισσαν βοὰν +κλύουσʼ, ὦ νεάνιδες, γηραιὸν +πόδʼ ἕλκω, τρομερὰν βάσιν· ἰὼ τέκνον, +χρόνῳ σὸν ὄμμα μυρίαις τʼ ἐν ἁμέραις +προσεῖδον· ἀμφίβαλλε μα- +στὸν ὠλέναισι ματέρος, +παρηίδων τʼ ὄρεγμα βο- +στρύχων τε κυανόχρωτα χαί- +τας πλόκαμον, δέραν σκιάζων ἁμάν. +ἰὼ ἰώ, μόλις φανεὶς +ἄελπτα κἀδόκητα ματρὸς ὠλέναις. +τί φῶ σε; πῶς ἅπαντα +καὶ χερσὶ καὶ λόγοισι +πολυέλικτον ἁδονὰν +ἐκεῖσε καὶ τὸ δεῦρο +περιχορεύουσα τέρψιν παλαιᾶν λάβω +χαρμονᾶν; ἰὼ τέκος, +ἔρημον πατρῷον ἔλιπες δόμον +φυγὰς ἀποσταλεὶς ὁμαίμου λώβᾳ, +ἦ ποθεινὸς φίλοις, +ἦ ποθεινὸς Θήβαις. +ὅθεν ἐμάν τε λευκόχροα κείρομαι +δακρυόεσσʼ ἀνεῖσα πένθει κόμαν, +ἄπεπλος φαρέων λευκῶν, τέκνον, +δυσόρφναια δʼ ἀμφὶ τρύχη τάδε +σκότιʼ ἀμείβομαι. + + + +ὁ δʼ ἐν δόμοισι πρέσβυς ὀμματοστερὴς +ἀπήνας ὁμοπτέρου τᾶς ἀπο- +ζυγείσας δόμων +πόθον ἀμφιδάκρυτον ἀεὶ κατ- +έχων ἀνῇξε μὲν ξίφους +ἐπʼ αὐτόχειρά τε σφαγάν, +ὑπὲρ τέραμνά τʼ ἀγχόνας, +στενάζων ἀρὰς τέκνοις· +σὺν ἀλαλαῖσι δʼ αἰὲν αἰαγμάτων +σκότια κρύπτεται. +σὲ δʼ, ὦ τέκνον, καὶ γάμοισι δὴ +κλύω ζυγέντα παιδοποιὸν ἁδονὰν +ξένοισιν ἐν δόμοις ἔχειν +ξένον τε κῆδος ἀμφέπειν, +ἄλαστα ματρὶ τᾷδε Λα- +ίῳ τε τῷ παλαιγενεῖ, +γάμων ἐπακτὸν ἄταν. +ἐγὼ δʼ οὔτε σοι πυρὸς ἀνῆψα φῶς +νόμιμον ἐν γάμοις + +ὡς πρέπει ματέρι μακαρίᾳ· +ἀνυμέναια δʼ Ἰσμηνὸς ἐκηδεύθη +λουτροφόρου χλιδᾶς, ἀνὰ δὲ Θηβαίαν +πόλιν ἐσιγάθη σᾶς ἔσοδοι νύμφας. +ὄλοιτο, τάδʼ εἴτε σίδαρος +εἴτʼ ἔρις εἴτε πατὴρ ὁ σὸς αἴτιος, +εἴτε τὸ δαιμόνιον κατεκώμασε +δώμασιν Οἰδιπόδα· +πρὸς ἐμὲ γὰρ κακῶν ἔμολε τῶνδʼ ἄχη. + + + + + +Χορός +δεινὸν γυναιξὶν αἱ διʼ ὠδίνων γοναί, +καὶ φιλότεκνόν πως πᾶν γυναικεῖον γένος. + + +Πολυνείκης +μῆτερ, φρονῶν εὖ κοὐ φρονῶν ἀφικόμην +ἐχθροὺς ἐς ἄνδρας· ἀλλʼ ἀναγκαίως ἔχει +πατρίδος ἐρᾶν ἅπαντας· ὃς δʼ ἄλλως λέγει, +λόγοισι χαίρει τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἐκεῖσʼ ἔχει. +οὕτω δʼ ἐτάρβουν ἐς φόβον τʼ ἀφικόμην, +μή τις δόλος με πρὸς κασιγνήτου κτάνῃ, +ὥστε ξιφήρη χεῖρʼ ἔχων διʼ ἄστεως +κυκλῶν πρόσωπον ἦλθον. ἓν δέ μʼ ὠφελεῖ, +σπονδαί τε καὶ σὴ πίστις, ἥ μʼ ἐσήγαγε +τείχη πατρῷα· πολύδακρυς δʼ ἀφικόμην, +χρόνιος ἰδὼν μέλαθρα καὶ βωμοὺς θεῶν +γυμνάσιά θʼ οἷσιν ἐνετράφην Δίρκης θʼ ὕδωρ· +ὧν οὐ δικαίως ἀπελαθεὶς ξένην πόλιν +ναίω, διʼ ὄσσων νᾶμʼ ἔχων δακρύρροον. +ἀλλʼ ἐκ γὰρ ἄλγους ἄλγος αὖ σὲ δέρκομαι +κάρα ξυρῆκες καὶ πέπλους μελαγχίμους +ἔχουσαν, οἴμοι τῶν ἐμῶν ἐγὼ κακῶν. +ὡς δεινὸν ἔχθρα, μῆτερ, οἰκείων φίλων + +καὶ δυσλύτους ἔχουσα τὰς διαλλαγάς. +τί γὰρ πατήρ μοι πρέσβυς ἐν δόμοισι δρᾷ, +σκότον δεδορκώς; τί δὲ κασίγνηται δύο; +ἦ που στένουσι τλήμονες φυγὰς ἐμάς; + + +Ἰοκάστη +κακῶς θεῶν τις Οἰδίπου φθείρει γένος· +οὕτω γὰρ ἤρξατʼ, ἄνομα μὲν τεκεῖν ἐμέ, +κακῶς δὲ γῆμαι πατέρα σὸν φῦναί τε σέ. +ἀτὰρ τί ταῦτα; δεῖ φέρειν τὰ τῶν θεῶν. +ὅπως δʼ ἔρωμαι, μή τι σὴν δάκω φρένα, +δέδοιχʼ, ἃ χρῄζω· διὰ πόθου δʼ ἐλήλυθα. + + +Πολυνείκης +ἀλλʼ ἐξερώτα, μηδὲν ἐνδεὲς λίπῃς· +ἃ γὰρ σὺ βούλῃ, ταὔτʼ ἐμοί, μῆτερ, φίλα. + + + + +Ἰοκάστη +καὶ δή σʼ ἐρωτῶ πρῶτον ὧν χρῄζω τυχεῖν, +τί τὸ στέρεσθαι πατρίδος; ἦ κακὸν μέγα; + + +Πολυνείκης +μέγιστον· ἔργῳ δʼ ἐστὶ μεῖζον ἢ λόγῳ. + + +Ἰοκάστη +τίς ὁ τρόπος αὐτοῦ; τί φυγάσιν τὸ δυσχερές; + + +Πολυνείκης +ἓν μὲν μέγιστον, οὐκ ἔχει παρρησίαν. + + +Ἰοκάστη +δούλου τόδʼ εἶπας, μὴ λέγειν ἅ τις φρονεῖ. + + +Πολυνείκης +τὰς τῶν κρατούντων ἀμαθίας φέρειν χρεών. + + +Ἰοκάστη +καὶ τοῦτο λυπρόν, συνασοφεῖν τοῖς μὴ σοφοῖς. + + +Πολυνείκης +ἀλλʼ ἐς τὸ κέρδος παρὰ φύσιν δουλευτέον. + + +Ἰοκάστη +αἱ δʼ ἐλπίδες βόσκουσι φυγάδας, ὡς λόγος. + + +Πολυνείκης +καλοῖς βλέπουσαί γʼ ὄμμασιν, μέλλουσι δέ. + + +Ἰοκάστη +οὐδʼ ὁ χρόνος αὐτὰς διεσάφησʼ οὔσας κενάς; + + +Πολυνείκης +ἔχουσιν Ἀφροδίτην τινʼ ἡδεῖαν κακῶν. + + +Ἰοκάστη +πόθεν δʼ ἐβόσκου, πρὶν γάμοις εὑρεῖν βίον; + + +Πολυνείκης +ποτὲ μὲν ἐπʼ ἦμαρ εἶχον, εἶτʼ οὐκ εἶχον ἄν. + + +Ἰοκάστη +φίλοι δὲ πατρὸς καὶ ξένοι σʼ οὐκ ὠφέλουν; + + +Πολυνείκης +εὖ πρᾶσσε· τὰ φίλων δʼ οὐδέν, ἤν τι δυστυχῇς. + + +Ἰοκάστη +οὐδʼ ηὑγένειά σʼ ἦρεν εἰς ὕψος μέγαν; + + +Πολυνείκης +κακὸν τὸ μὴ ἔχειν· τὸ γένος οὐκ ἔβοσκέ με. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ἡ πατρίς, ὡς ἔοικε, φίλτατον βροτοῖς. + + +Πολυνείκης +οὐδʼ ὀνομάσαι δύναιʼ ἂν ὡς ἐστὶν φίλον. + + +Ἰοκάστη +πῶς δʼ ἦλθες Ἄργος; τίνʼ ἐπίνοιαν ἔσχεθες; + + +Πολυνείκης +ἔχρησʼ Ἀδράστῳ Λοξίας χρησμόν τινα. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ποῖον; τί τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας; οὐκ ἔχω μαθεῖν. + + +Πολυνείκης +κάπρῳ λέοντί θʼ ἁρμόσαι παίδων γάμους. + + +Ἰοκάστη +καὶ σοὶ τί θηρῶν ὀνόματος μετῆν, τέκνον; + + +Πολυνείκης +οὐκ οἶδʼ· ὁ δαίμων μʼ ἐκάλεσεν πρὸς τὴν τύχην. + + +Ἰοκάστη +σοφὸς γὰρ ὁ θεός· τίνι τρόπῳ δʼ ἔσχες λέχος; + + +Πολυνείκης +νὺξ ἦν, Ἀδράστου δʼ ἦλθον ἐς παραστάδας. + + +Ἰοκάστη +κοίτας ματεύων, ᾗ φυγὰς πλανώμενος; + + +Πολυνείκης +ἦν ταῦτα· κᾆτά γʼ ἦλθεν ἄλλος αὖ φυγάς. + + +Ἰοκάστη +τίς οὗτος; ὡς ἄρʼ ἄθλιος κἀκεῖνος ἦν. + + +Πολυνείκης +Τυδεύς, ὃν Οἰνέως φασὶν ἐκφῦναι πατρός. + + +Ἰοκάστη +τί θηρσὶν ὑμᾶς δῆτʼ Ἄδραστος ᾔκασεν; + + +Πολυνείκης +στρωμνῆς ἐς ἀλκὴν οὕνεκʼ ἤλθομεν πέρι. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ἐνταῦθα Ταλαοῦ παῖς συνῆκε θέσφατα; + + +Πολυνείκης +κἄδωκέ γʼ ἡμῖν δύο δυοῖν νεάνιδας. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ἆρʼ εὐτυχεῖς οὖν τοῖς γάμοις ἢ δυστυχεῖς; + + +Πολυνείκης +οὐ μεμπτὸς ἡμῖν ὁ γάμος ἐς τόδʼ ἡμέρας. + + +Ἰοκάστη +πῶς δʼ ἐξέπεισας δεῦρό σοι σπέσθαι στρατόν; + + + + +Πολυνείκης +δισσοῖς Ἄδραστος ὤμοσεν γαμβροῖς τόδε, +Τυδεῖ τε κἀμοί· σύγγαμος γάρ ἐστʼ ἐμός· +ἄμφω κατάξειν ἐς πάτραν, πρόσθεν δʼ ἐμέ. +πολλοὶ δὲ Δαναῶν καὶ Μυκηναίων ἄκροι +πάρεισι, λυπρὰν χάριν, ἀναγκαίαν δʼ, ἐμοὶ +διδόντες· ἐπὶ γὰρ τὴν ἐμὴν στρατεύομαι +πόλιν. θεοὺς δʼ ἐπώμοσʼ ὡς ἀκουσίως +τοῖς φιλτάτοις ἑκοῦσιν ἠράμην δόρυ. +ἀλλʼ ἐς σὲ τείνει τῶνδε διάλυσις κακῶν, +μῆτερ, διαλλάξασαν ὁμογενεῖς φίλους +παῦσαι πόνων με καὶ σὲ καὶ πᾶσαν πόλιν. +πάλαι μὲν οὖν ὑμνηθέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως ἐρῶ· +τὰ χρήματʼ ἀνθρώποισι τιμιώτατα, +δύναμίν τε πλείστην τῶν ἐν ἀνθρώποις ἔχει. +ἁγὼ μεθήκω δεῦρο μυρίαν ἄγων +λόγχην· πένης γὰρ οὐδὲν εὐγενὴς ἀνήρ. + + +Χορός +καὶ μὴν Ἐτεοκλῆς ἐς διαλλαγὰς ὅδε +χωρεῖ· σὸν ἔργον, μῆτερ Ἰοκάστη, λέγειν +τοιούσδε μύθους οἷς διαλλάξεις τέκνα. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +μῆτερ, πάρειμι· τὴν χάριν δὲ σοὶ διδοὺς +ἦλθον. τί χρὴ δρᾶν; ἀρχέτω δέ τις λόγου· +ὡς ἀμφὶ τείχη καὶ ξυνωρίδας λόχων +τάσσων ἐπέσχον πόλιν, ὅπως κλύοιμί σου +κοινὰς βραβείας, αἷς ὑπόσπονδον μολεῖν +τόνδʼ εἰσεδέξω τειχέων πείσασά με. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ἐπίσχες· οὔτοι τὸ ταχὺ τὴν δίκην ἔχει, +βραδεῖς δὲ μῦθοι πλεῖστον ἀνύουσιν σοφόν. +σχάσον δὲ δεινὸν ὄμμα καὶ θυμοῦ πνοάς· +οὐ γὰρ τὸ λαιμότμητον εἰσορᾷς κάρα +Γοργόνος, ἀδελφὸν δʼ εἰσορᾷς ἥκοντα σόν. +σύ τʼ αὖ πρόσωπον πρὸς κασίγνητον στρέφε, +Πολύνεικες· ἐς γὰρ ταὐτὸν ὄμμασιν βλέπων +λέξεις τʼ ἄμεινον τοῦδέ τʼ ἐνδέξῃ λόγους. +παραινέσαι δὲ σφῷν τι βούλομαι σοφόν· +ὅταν φίλος τις ἀνδρὶ θυμωθεὶς φίλῳ +ἐς ἓν συνελθὼν ὄμματʼ ὄμμασιν διδῷ, +ἐφʼ οἷσιν ἥκει, ταῦτα χρὴ μόνον σκοπεῖν, +κακῶν δὲ τῶν πρὶν μηδενὸς μνείαν ἔχειν. +λόγος μὲν οὖν σὸς πρόσθε, Πολύνεικες τέκνον· +σὺ γὰρ στράτευμα Δαναϊδῶν ἥκεις ἄγων, +ἄδικα πεπονθώς, ὡς σὺ φῄς· κριτὴς δέ τις +θεῶν γένοιτο καὶ διαλλακτὴς κακῶν. + + + + +Πολυνείκης +ἁπλοῦς ὁ μῦθος τῆς ἀληθείας ἔφυ, +κοὐ ποικίλων δεῖ τἄνδιχʼ ἑρμηνευμάτων· +ἔχει γὰρ αὐτὰ καιρόν· ὁ δʼ ἄδικος λόγος +νοσῶν ἐν αὑτῷ φαρμάκων δεῖται σοφῶν. +ἐγὼ δὲ πατρὸς δωμάτων προυσκεψάμην +τοὐμόν τε καὶ τοῦδʼ, ἐκφυγεῖν χρῄζων ἀρὰς +ἃς Οἰδίπους ἐφθέγξατʼ εἰς ἡμᾶς ποτε, +ἐξῆλθον ἔξω τῆσδʼ ἑκὼν αὐτὸς χθονός, +δοὺς τῷδʼ ἀνάσσειν πατρίδος ἐνιαυτοῦ κύκλον, +ὥστʼ αὐτὸς ἄρχειν αὖθις ἀνὰ μέρος λαβὼν +καὶ μὴ διʼ ἔχθρας τῷδε καὶ φθόνου μολὼν +κακόν τι δρᾶσαι καὶ παθεῖν, ἃ γίγνεται. +ὃ δʼ αἰνέσας ταῦθʼ ὁρκίους τε δοὺς θεούς, +ἔδρασεν οὐδὲν ὧν ὑπέσχετʼ, ἀλλʼ ἔχει +τυραννίδʼ αὐτὸς καὶ δόμων ἐμῶν μέρος. +καὶ νῦν ἕτοιμός εἰμι τἀμαυτοῦ λαβὼν +στρατὸν μὲν ἔξω τῆσδʼ ἀποστεῖλαι χθονός, +οἰκεῖν δὲ τὸν ἐμὸν οἶκον ἀνὰ μέρος λαβὼν +καὶ τῷδʼ ἀφεῖναι τὸν ἴσον αὖθις αὖ χρόνον, +καὶ μήτε πορθεῖν πατρίδα μήτε προσφέρειν +πύργοισι πηκτῶν κλιμάκων προσαμβάσεις, +ἃ μὴ κυρήσας τῆς δίκης πειράσομαι +δρᾶν. μάρτυρας δὲ τῶνδε δαίμονας καλῶ, +ὡς πάντα πράσσων σὺν δίκῃ, δίκης ἄτερ +ἀποστεροῦμαι πατρίδος ἀνοσιώτατα. +ταῦτʼ αὔθʼ ἕκαστα, μῆτερ, οὐχὶ περιπλοκὰς +λόγων ἀθροίσας εἶπον, ἀλλὰ καὶ σοφοῖς +καὶ τοῖσι φαύλοις ἔνδιχʼ, ὡς ἐμοὶ δοκεῖ. + + +Χορός +ἐμοὶ μέν, εἰ καὶ μὴ καθʼ Ἑλλήνων χθόνα +τεθράμμεθʼ, ἀλλʼ οὖν ξυνετά μοι δοκεῖς λέγειν. + + + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +εἰ πᾶσι ταὐτὸν καλὸν ἔφυ σοφόν θʼ ἅμα, +οὐκ ἦν ἂν ἀμφίλεκτος ἀνθρώποις ἔρις· +νῦν δʼ οὔθʼ ὅμοιον οὐδὲν οὔτʼ ἴσον βροτοῖς, +πλὴν ὀνόμασαι· τὸ δʼ ἔργον οὐκ ἔστιν τόδε. +ἐγὼ γὰρ οὐδέν, μῆτερ, ἀποκρύψας ἐρῶ· +ἄστρων ἂν ἔλθοιμʼ ἡλίου πρὸς ἀντολὰς +καὶ γῆς ἔνερθεν, δυνατὸς ὢν δρᾶσαι τάδε, +τὴν θεῶν μεγίστην ὥστʼ ἔχειν Τυραννίδα. +τοῦτʼ οὖν τὸ χρηστόν, μῆτερ, οὐχὶ βούλομαι +ἄλλῳ παρεῖναι μᾶλλον ἢ σῴζειν ἐμοί· +ἀνανδρία γάρ, τὸ πλέον ὅστις ἀπολέσας +τοὔλασσον ἔλαβε. πρὸς δὲ τοῖσδʼ αἰσχύνομαι, +ἐλθόντα σὺν ὅπλοις τόνδε καὶ πορθοῦντα γῆν +τυχεῖν ἃ χρῄζει· ταῖς γὰρ ἂν Θήβαις τόδε +γένοιτʼ ὄνειδος, εἰ Μυκηναίου δορὸς +φόβῳ παρείην σκῆπτρα τἀμὰ τῷδʼ ἔχειν. +χρῆν δʼ αὐτὸν οὐχ ὅπλοισι τὰς διαλλαγάς, +μῆτερ, ποιεῖσθαι· πᾶν γὰρ ἐξαιρεῖ λόγος +ὃ καὶ σίδηρος πολεμίων δράσειεν ἄν. +ἀλλʼ, εἰ μὲν ἄλλως τήνδε γῆν οἰκεῖν θέλει, +ἔξεστʼ· ἐκεῖνο δʼ οὐχ ἑκὼν μεθήσομαι. +ἄρχειν παρόν μοι, τῷδε δουλεύσω ποτέ; +πρὸς ταῦτʼ ἴτω μὲν πῦρ, ἴτω δὲ φάσγανα, +ζεύγνυσθε δʼ ἵππους, πεδία πίμπλαθʼ ἁρμάτων, +ὡς οὐ παρήσω τῷδʼ ἐμὴν τυραννίδα. +εἴπερ γὰρ ἀδικεῖν χρή, τυραννίδος πέρι +κάλλιστον ἀδικεῖν, τἄλλα δʼ εὐσεβεῖν χρεών. + + +Χορός +οὐκ εὖ λέγειν χρὴ μὴ ʼπὶ τοῖς ἔργοις καλοῖς· +οὐ γὰρ καλὸν τοῦτʼ, ἀλλὰ τῇ δίκῃ πικρόν. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ὦ τέκνον, οὐχ ἅπαντα τῷ γήρᾳ κακά, +Ἐτεόκλεες, πρόσεστιν· ἀλλʼ ἡμπειρία +ἔχει τι λέξαι τῶν νέων σοφώτερον. +τί τῆς κακίστης δαιμόνων ἐφίεσαι +Φιλοτιμίας, παῖ; μὴ σύ γʼ· ἄδικος ἡ θεός· +πολλοὺς δʼ ἐς οἴκους καὶ πόλεις εὐδαίμονας +ἐσῆλθε κἀξῆλθʼ ἐπʼ ὀλέθρῳ τῶν χρωμένων· +ἐφʼ ᾗ σὺ μαίνῃ. κεῖνο κάλλιον, τέκνον, +Ἰσότητα τιμᾶν, ἣ φίλους ἀεὶ φίλοις +πόλεις τε πόλεσι συμμάχους τε συμμάχοις +συνδεῖ· τὸ γὰρ ἴσον μόνιμον ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ, +τῷ πλέονι δʼ αἰεὶ πολέμιον καθίσταται +τοὔλασσον ἐχθρᾶς θʼ ἡμέρας κατάρχεται. +καὶ γὰρ μέτρʼ ἀνθρώποισι καὶ μέρη σταθμῶν +Ἰσότης ἔταξε κἀριθμὸν διώρισε, +νυκτός τʼ ἀφεγγὲς βλέφαρον ἡλίου τε φῶς +ἴσον βαδίζει τὸν ἐνιαύσιον κύκλον, +κοὐδέτερον αὐτῶν φθόνον ἔχει νικώμενον. +εἶθʼ ἥλιος μὲν νύξ τε δουλεύει βροτοῖς +σὺ δʼ οὐκ ἀνέξῃ δωμάτων ἔχων ἴσον +καὶ τῷδε νεῖμαι; κᾆτα ποῦ ʼστιν ἡ δίκη; + + + +τί τὴν τυραννίδʼ, ἀδικίαν εὐδαίμονα, +τιμᾷς ὑπέρφευ καὶ μέγʼ ἥγησαι τόδε; +περιβλέπεσθαι τίμιον; κενὸν μὲν οὖν. +ἢ πολλὰ μοχθεῖν πόλλʼ ἔχων ἐν δώμασι +βούλῃ; τί δʼ ἔστι τὸ πλέον; ὄνομʼ ἔχει μόνον· +ἐπεὶ τά γʼ ἀρκοῦνθʼ ἱκανὰ τοῖς γε σώφροσιν. +οὔτοι τὰ χρήματʼ ἴδια κέκτηνται βροτοί, +τὰ τῶν θεῶν δʼ ἔχοντες ἐπιμελούμεθα· +ὅταν δὲ χρῄζωσʼ, αὔτʼ ἀφαιροῦνται πάλιν. +ὁ δʼ ὄλβος οὐ βέβαιος, ἀλλʼ ἐφήμερος. +ἄγʼ, ἤν σʼ ἔρωμαι δύο λόγω προθεῖσʼ ἅμα, +πότερα τυραννεῖν ἢ πόλιν σῷσαι θέλεις, +ἐρεῖς τυραννεῖν; ἢν δὲ νικήσῃ σʼ ὅδε; +Ἀργεῖά τʼ ἔγχη δόρυ τὸ Καδμείων ἕλῃ, +ὄψῃ δαμασθὲν ἄστυ Θηβαῖον τόδε, +ὄψῃ δὲ πολλὰς αἰχμαλωτίδας κόρας +βίᾳ πρὸς ἀνδρῶν πολεμίων πορθουμένας. +ὀδυνηρὸς ἆρʼ ὁ πλοῦτος, ὃν ζητεῖς ἔχειν, +γενήσεται Θήβαισι, φιλότιμος δὲ σύ. +σοὶ μὲν τάδʼ αὐδῶ. σοὶ δέ, Πολύνεικες, λέγω· +ἀμαθεῖς Ἄδραστος χάριτας ἔς σʼ ἀνήψατο, +ἀσύνετα δʼ ἦλθες καὶ σὺ πορθήσων πόλιν. +φέρʼ, ἢν ἕλῃς γῆν τήνδʼ — ὃ μὴ τύχοι ποτέ — +πρὸς θεῶν, τρόπαια πῶς ἀναστήσεις Διί; +πῶς δʼ αὖ κατάρξῃ θυμάτων, ἑλὼν πάτραν, +καὶ σκῦλα γράψεις πῶς ἐπʼ Ἰνάχου ῥοαῖς; +Θήβας πυρώσας τάσδε Πολυνείκης θεοῖς +ἀσπίδας ἔθηκε; μήποτʼ, ὦ τέκνον, κλέος +τοιόνδε σοι γένοιθʼ ὑφʼ Ἑλλήνων λαβεῖν. +ἢν δʼ αὖ κρατηθῇς καὶ τὰ τοῦδʼ ὑπερδράμῃ, +πῶς Ἄργος ἥξεις μυρίους λιπὼν νεκρούς; +ἐρεῖ δὲ δή τις· ὦ κακὰ μνηστεύματα +Ἄδραστε προσθείς, διὰ μιᾶς νύμφης γάμον +ἀπωλόμεσθα. δύο κακὼ σπεύδεις, τέκνον, +κείνων στέρεσθαι τῶνδέ τʼ ἐν μέσῳ πεσεῖν. +μέθετον τὸ λίαν, μέθετον· ἀμαθία δυοῖν, +ἐς ταὔθʼ ὅταν μόλητον, ἔχθιστον κακόν. + + +Χορός +ὦ θεοί, γένοισθε τῶνδʼ ἀπότροποι κακῶν +καὶ ξύμβασίν τινʼ Οἰδίπου τέκνοις δότε. + +
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+Ἐτεοκλῆς +μῆτερ, οὐ λόγων ἔθʼ ἁγών, ἀλλʼ ἀναλοῦται χρόνος +οὑν μέσῳ μάτην, περαίνει δʼ οὐδὲν ἡ προθυμία· +οὐ γὰρ ἂν ξυμβαῖμεν ἄλλως ἢ ʼπὶ τοῖς εἰρημένοις, +ὥστʼ ἐμὲ σκήπτρων κρατοῦντα τῆσδʼ ἄνακτʼ εἶναι χθονός· +τῶν μακρῶν δʼ ἀπαλλαγεῖσα νουθετημάτων μʼ ἔα. +καὶ σὺ τῶνδʼ ἔξω κομίζου τειχέων, ἢ κατθανῇ. + + +Πολυνείκης +πρὸς τίνος; τίς ὧδʼ ἄτρωτος, ὅστις εἰς ἡμᾶς ξίφος +φόνιον ἐμβαλὼν τὸν αὐτὸν οὐκ ἀποίσεται μόρον; + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἐγγύς, οὐ πρόσω βέβηκεν· ἐς χέρας λεύσσεις ἐμάς; + + +Πολυνείκης +εἰσορῶ· δειλὸν δʼ ὁ πλοῦτος καὶ φιλόψυχον κακόν. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +κᾆτα σὺν πολλοῖσιν ἦλθες πρὸς τὸν οὐδὲν ἐς μάχην; + + +Πολυνείκης +ἀσφαλὴς γάρ ἐστʼ ἀμείνων ἢ θρασὺς στρατηλάτης. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +κομπὸς εἶ σπονδαῖς πεποιθώς, αἵ σε σῴζουσιν θανεῖν. + + +Πολυνείκης +καὶ σέ· δεύτερον δʼ ἀπαιτῶ σκῆπτρα καὶ μέρη χθονός. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +οὐκ ἀπαιτούμεσθʼ· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὸν ἐμὸν οἰκήσω δόμον. + + +Πολυνείκης +τοῦ μέρους ἔχων τὸ πλεῖον; + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +φήμʼ· ἀπαλλάσσου δὲ γῆς. + + +Πολυνείκης +ὦ θεῶν βωμοὶ πατρῴων — + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +οὓς σὺ πορθήσων πάρει. + + +Πολυνείκης +κλύετέ μου — + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +τίς δʼ ἂν κλύοι σου πατρίδʼ ἐπεστρατευμένου; + + +Πολυνείκης +καὶ θεῶν τῶν λευκοπώλων δώματα — + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +οἳ στυγοῦσί σε. + + +Πολυνείκης +ἐξελαυνόμεσθα πατρίδος — + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +καὶ γὰρ ἦλθες ἐξελῶν. + + +Πολυνείκης +ἀδικίᾳ γʼ, ὦ θεοί. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +Μυκήναις, μὴ ʼνθάδʼ ἀνακάλει θεούς. + + +Πολυνείκης +ἀνόσιος πέφυκας — + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἀλλʼ οὐ πατρίδος, ὡς σύ, πολέμιος. + + +Πολυνείκης +ὅς μʼ ἄμοιρον ἐξελαύνεις. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +καὶ κατακτενῶ γε πρός. + + +Πολυνείκης +ὦ πάτερ, κλύεις ἃ πάσχω; + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +καὶ γὰρ οἷα δρᾷς κλύει. + + +Πολυνείκης +καὶ σύ, μῆτερ; + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἀθέμιτόν σοι μητρὸς ὀνομάζειν κάρα. + + +Πολυνείκης +ὦ πόλις. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +μολὼν ἐς Ἄργος ἀνακάλει Λέρνης ὕδωρ. + + + + +Πολυνείκης +εἶμι, μὴ πόνει· σὲ δʼ αἰνῶ, μῆτερ. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἔξιθι χθονός. + + +Πολυνείκης +ἔξιμεν· πατέρα δέ μοι δὸς εἰσιδεῖν. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +οὐκ ἂν τύχοις. + + +Πολυνείκης +ἀλλὰ παρθένους ἀδελφάς. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +οὐδὲ τάσδʼ ὄψῃ ποτέ. + + +Πολυνείκης +ὦ κασίγνηται. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +τί ταύτας ἀνακαλεῖς ἔχθιστος ὤν; + + +Πολυνείκης +μῆτερ, ἀλλά μοι σὺ χαῖρε. + + +Ἰοκάστη +χαρτὰ γοῦν πάσχω, τέκνον. + + +Πολυνείκης +οὐκέτʼ εἰμὶ παῖς σός. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ἐς πόλλʼ ἀθλία πέφυκʼ ἐγώ. + + +Πολυνείκης +ὅδε γὰρ εἰς ἡμᾶς ὑβρίζει. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +καὶ γὰρ ἀνθυβρίζομαι. + + +Πολυνείκης +ποῦ ποτε στήσῃ πρὸ πύργων; + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ὡς τί μʼ ἱστορεῖς τόδε; + + +Πολυνείκης +ἀντιτάξομαι κτενῶν σε. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +κἀμὲ τοῦδʼ ἔρως ἔχει. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ· τί δράσετʼ, ὦ τέκνα; + + +Πολυνείκης +αὐτὸ σημανεῖ. + + +Ἰοκάστη +πατρὸς οὐ φεύξεσθʼ Ἐρινῦς; + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἐρρέτω πρόπας δόμος. + + +Πολυνείκης +ὡς τάχʼ οὐκέθʼ αἱματηρὸν τοὐμὸν ἀργήσει ξίφος. +τὴν δὲ θρέψασάν με γαῖαν καὶ θεοὺς μαρτύρομαι, +ὡς ἄτιμος οἰκτρὰ πάσχων ἐξελαύνομαι χθονός, +δοῦλος ὥς, ἀλλʼ οὐχὶ ταὐτοῦ πατρὸς Οἰδίπου γεγώς· +κἄν τί σοι, πόλις, γένηται, μὴ ἐμέ, τόνδε δʼ αἰτιῶ· +οὐχ ἑκὼν γὰρ ἦλθον, ἄκων δʼ ἐξελαύνομαι χθονός. +καὶ σύ, Φοῖβʼ ἄναξ Ἀγυιεῦ, καὶ μέλαθρα, χαίρετε, +ἥλικές θʼ οὑμοί, θεῶν τε δεξίμηλʼ ἀγάλματα. +οὐ γὰρ οἶδʼ εἴ μοι προσειπεῖν αὖθις ἔσθʼ ὑμᾶς ποτε· +ἐλπίδες δʼ οὔπω καθεύδουσʼ, αἷς πέποιθα σὺν θεοῖς +τόνδʼ ἀποκτείνας κρατήσειν τῆσδε Θηβαίας χθονός. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἔξιθʼ ἐκ χώρας· ἀληθῶς δʼ ὄνομα Πολυνείκη πατὴρ +ἔθετό σοι θείᾳ προνοίᾳ νεικέων ἐπώνυμον. + + +
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+Χορός +Κάδμος ἔμολε τάνδε γᾶν +Τύριος, ᾧ τετρασκελὴς +μόσχος ἀδάματον πέσημα +δίκε τελεσφόρον διδοῦσα +χρησμόν, οὗ κατοικίσαι +πεδία νιν τὸ θέσφατον +πυροφόρα δόμων ἔχρη, +καλλιπόταμος ὕδατος ἵνα τε +νοτὶς ἐπέρχεται γύας, +Δίρκας χλοηφόρους +καὶ βαθυσπόρους γύας· +Βρόμιον ἔνθα τέκετο μά- +τηρ Διὸς γάμοισι, +κισσὸς ὃν περιστεφὴς +ἕλικος εὐθὺς ἔτι βρέφος +χλοηφόροισιν ἔρνεσιν +κατασκίοισιν ὀλβίσας ἐνώτισεν, +Βάκχιον χόρευμα παρθένοισι Θηβαΐαισι +καὶ γυναιξὶν εὐίοις. + +
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+Χορός +ἔνθα φόνιος ἦν δράκων +Ἄρεος ὠμόφρων φύλαξ +νάματʼ ἔνυδρα καὶ ῥέεθρα +χλοερὰ δεργμάτων κόραισι +πολυπλάνοις ἐπισκοπῶν· +ὃν ἐπὶ χέρνιβας μολὼν +Κάδμος ὄλεσε μαρμάρῳ· +κρᾶτα φόνιον ὀλεσίθηρος +ὠλένας δικὼν βολαῖς, +δίας ἀμάτορος δʼ + +ἐς βαθυσπόρους γύας +γαπετεῖς δικὼν ὀδόν- +τας Παλλάδος φραδαῖσιν· +ἔνθεν ἐξανῆκε γᾶ +πάνοπλον ὄψιν ὑπὲρ ἄκρων +ὅρων χθονός· σιδαρόφρων +δέ νιν φόνος πάλιν ξυνῆψε γᾷ φίλᾳ. +αἵματος δʼ ἔδευσε γαῖαν, ἅ νιν εὐηλίοισι +δεῖξεν αἰθέρος πνοαῖς. + +
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+Χορός +καὶ σέ, τὸν προμάτορος +Ἰοῦς ποτʼ ἔκγονον +Ἔπαφον, ὦ Διὸς γένεθλον, + +ἐκάλεσʼ ἐκάλεσα βαρβάρῳ βοᾷ, +ἰώ, βαρβάροις λιταῖς· +βᾶθι βᾶθι τάνδε γᾶν· +— σοί νιν ἔκγονοι κτίσαν +καὶ διώνυμοι θεαί, +Περσέφασσα καὶ φίλα +Δαμάτηρ θεά, +πάντων ἄνασσα, πάντων δὲ Γᾶ τροφός, +κτήσαντο — πέμπε πυρφόρους +θεάς, ἄμυνε τᾷδε γᾷ· +πάντα δʼ εὐπετῆ θεοῖς. + +
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+Ἐτεοκλῆς +χώρει σὺ καὶ κόμιζε τὸν Μενοικέως +Κρέοντʼ, ἀδελφὸν μητρὸς Ἰοκάστης ἐμῆς, +λέγων τάδʼ, ὡς οἰκεῖα καὶ κοινὰ χθονὸς +θέλω πρὸς αὐτὸν συμβαλεῖν βουλεύματα, +πρὶν ἐς μάχην τε καὶ δορὸς τάξιν μολεῖν. +καίτοι ποδῶν σῶν μόχθον ἐκλύει παρών· +ὁρῶ γὰρ αὐτὸν πρὸς δόμους στείχοντʼ ἐμούς. + + +Κρέων +ἦ πόλλʼ ἐπῆλθον εἰσιδεῖν χρῄζων σʼ, ἄναξ +Ἐτεόκλεες, πέριξ δὲ Καδμείων πύλας +φυλακάς τʼ ἐπῆλθον σὸν δέμας θηρώμενος. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +καὶ μὴν ἐγὼ σʼ ἔχρῃζον εἰσιδεῖν, Κρέον· +πολλῷ γὰρ ηὗρον ἐνδεεῖς διαλλαγάς +ὡς ἐς λόγους συνῆψα Πολυνείκει μολών. + + +Κρέων +ἤκουσα μεῖζον αὐτὸν ἢ Θήβας φρονεῖν, +κήδει τʼ Ἀδράστου καὶ στρατῷ πεποιθότα. +ἀλλʼ ἐς θεοὺς χρὴ ταῦτʼ ἀναρτήσαντʼ ἔχειν· +ἃ δʼ ἐμποδὼν μάλιστα, ταῦθʼ ἥκω φράσων. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +τὰ ποῖα ταῦτα; τὸν λόγον γὰρ ἀγνοῶ. + + +Κρέων +ἥκει τις αἰχμάλωτος Ἀργείων πάρα. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +λέγει δὲ δὴ τί τῶν ἐκεῖ νεώτερον; + + +Κρέων +μέλλειν πέριξ πύργοισι Καδμείων πόλιν +ὅπλοις ἑλίξειν αὐτίκʼ Ἀργείων στρατόν. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἐξοιστέον τἄρʼ ὅπλα Καδμείων πόλει. + + +Κρέων +ποῖ; μῶν νεάζων οὐχ ὁρᾷς ἃ χρή σʼ ὁρᾶν; + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἐκτὸς τάφρων τῶνδʼ, ὡς μαχουμένους τάχα. + + +Κρέων +σμικρὸν τὸ πλῆθος τῆσδε γῆς, οἳ δʼ ἄφθονοι. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἐγᾦδα κείνους τοῖς λόγοις ὄντας θρασεῖς. + + +Κρέων +ἔχει τινʼ ὄγκον τἄργος Ἑλλήνων πάρα. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +θάρσει· τάχʼ αὐτῶν πεδίον ἐμπλήσω φόνου. + + +Κρέων +θέλοιμʼ ἄν· ἀλλὰ τοῦθʼ ὁρῶ πολλοῦ πόνου. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ὡς οὐ καθέξω τειχέων ἔσω στρατόν. + + +Κρέων +καὶ μὴν τὸ νικᾶν ἐστι πᾶν εὐβουλία. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +βούλῃ τράπωμαι δῆθʼ ὁδοὺς ἄλλας τινάς; + + +Κρέων +πάσας γε, πρὶν κίνδυνον εἰς ἅπαξ μολεῖν. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +εἰ νυκτὸς αὐτοῖς προσβάλοιμεν ἐκ λόχου; + + +Κρέων +εἴπερ σφαλείς γε δεῦρο σωθήσῃ πάλιν. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἴσον φέρει νύξ, τοῖς δὲ τολμῶσιν πλέον. + + +Κρέων +ἐνδυστυχῆσαι δεινὸν εὐφρόνης κνέφας. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἀλλʼ ἀμφὶ δεῖπνον οὖσι προσβάλω δόρυ; + + +Κρέων +ἔκπληξις ἂν γένοιτο· νικῆσαι δὲ δεῖ. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +βαθύς γέ τοι Διρκαῖος ἀναχωρεῖν πόρος. + + +Κρέων +ἅπαν κάκιον τοῦ φυλάσσεσθαι καλῶς. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +τί δʼ, εἰ καθιππεύσαιμεν Ἀργείων στρατόν; + + +Κρέων +κἀκεῖ πέφρακται λαὸς ἅρμασιν πέριξ. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +τί δῆτα δράσω; πολεμίοισι δῶ πόλιν; + + +Κρέων +μὴ δῆτα· βουλεύου δʼ, ἐπείπερ εἶ σοφός. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +τίς οὖν πρόνοια γίγνεται σοφωτέρα; + + + + +Κρέων +ἕπτʼ ἄνδρας αὐτοῖς φασιν, ὡς ἤκουσʼ ἐγώ — + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +τί προστετάχθαι δρᾶν; τὸ γὰρ σθένος βραχύ. + + +Κρέων +λόχων ἀνάσσειν ἑπτὰ προσκεῖσθαι πύλαις. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +τί δῆτα δρῶμεν; ἀπορίαν γὰρ οὐ μενῶ. + + +Κρέων +ἕπτʼ ἄνδρας αὐτοῖς καὶ σὺ πρὸς πύλαις ἑλοῦ. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +λόχων ἀνάσσειν ἢ μονοστόλου δορός; + + +Κρέων +λόχων, προκρίνας οἵπερ ἀλκιμώτατοι. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ξυνῆκʼ· ἀμύνειν τειχέων προσαμβάσεις. + + +Κρέων +καὶ ξυστρατήγους γʼ· εἷς δʼ ἀνὴρ οὐ πάνθʼ ὁρᾷ. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +θάρσει προκρίνας ἢ φρενῶν εὐβουλίᾳ; + + +Κρέων +ἀμφότερον· ἀπολειφθὲν γὰρ οὐδὲν θάτερον. + + +Ἐτεοκλῆς +ἔσται τάδʼ· ἐλθὼν ἑπτάπυργον ἐς πόλιν +τάξω λοχαγοὺς πρὸς πύλαισιν, ὡς λέγεις, +ἴσους ἴσοισι πολεμίοισιν ἀντιθείς. +ὄνομα δʼ ἑκάστου διατριβὴ πολλὴ λέγειν, +ἐχθρῶν ὑπʼ αὐτοῖς τείχεσιν καθημένων. +ἀλλʼ εἶμʼ, ὅπως ἂν μὴ καταργῶμεν χέρα. +καί μοι γένοιτʼ ἀδελφὸν ἀντήρη λαβεῖν +καὶ ξυσταθέντα διὰ μάχης ἑλεῖν δορί. +κτανεῖν θʼ, ὃς ἦλθε πατρίδα πορθήσων ἐμήν. +γάμους δʼ ἀδελφῆς Ἀντιγόνης παιδός τε σοῦ +Αἵμονος, ἐάν τι τῆς τύχης ἐγὼ σφαλῶ, +σοὶ χρὴ μέλεσθαι· τὴν δόσιν δʼ ἐχέγγυον +τὴν πρόσθε ποιῶ νῦν ἐπʼ ἐξόδοις ἐμαῖς. +μητρὸς δʼ ἀδελφὸς εἶ· τί δεῖ μακρηγορεῖν; +τρέφʼ ἀξίως νιν σοῦ τε τήν τʼ ἐμὴν χάριν. +πατὴρ δʼ ἐς αὑτὸν ἀμαθίαν ὀφλισκάνει, +ὄψιν τυφλώσας· οὐκ ἄγαν σφʼ ἐπῄνεσα· +ἡμᾶς δʼ ἀραῖσιν, ἢν τύχῃ, κατακτενεῖ. +ἓν δʼ ἐστὶν ἡμῖν ἀργόν, εἴ τι θέσφατον +οἰωνόμαντις Τειρεσίας ἔχει φράσαι, +τοῦδʼ ἐκπυθέσθαι ταῦτʼ· ἐγὼ δὲ παῖδα σὸν +Μενοικέα, σοῦ πατρὸς αὐτεπώνυμον, +λαβόντα πέμψω δεῦρο Τειρεσίαν, Κρέον· +σοὶ μὲν γὰρ ἡδὺς ἐς λόγους ἀφίξεται, +ἐγὼ δὲ τέχνην μαντικὴν ἐμεμψάμην +ἤδη πρὸς αὐτόν, ὥστε μοι μομφὰς ἔχειν. +πόλει δὲ καὶ σοὶ ταῦτʼ ἐπισκήπτω, Κρέον· +ἤνπερ κρατήσῃ τἀμά, Πολυνείκους νέκυν +μήποτε ταφῆναι τῇδε Θηβαίᾳ χθονί, +θνῄσκειν δὲ τὸν θάψαντα, κἂν φίλων τις ᾖ. +σοὶ μὲν τάδʼ εἶπον· προσπόλοις δʼ ἐμοῖς λέγω· +ἐκφέρετε τεύχη πάνοπλά τʼ ἀμφιβλήματα, +ὡς εἰς ἀγῶνα τὸν προκείμενον δορὸς +ὁρμώμεθʼ ἤδη ξὺν δίκῃ νικηφόρῳ. +τῇ δʼ Εὐλαβείᾳ, χρησιμωτάτῃ θεῶν, +προσευχόμεσθα τήνδε διασῷσαι πόλιν. + + +
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+Χορός +ὦ πολύμοχθος Ἄρης, τί ποθʼ αἵματι +καὶ θανάτῳ κατέχῃ Βρομίου παράμουσος ἑορταῖς; +οὐκ ἐπὶ καλλιχόροις στεφάνοισι νεάνιδος ὥρας +βόστρυχον ἀμπετάσας λωτοῦ κατὰ πνεύματα μέλπῃ +μοῦσαν, ἐν ᾇ χάριτες χοροποιοί, +ἀλλὰ σὺν ὁπλοφόροις στρατὸν Ἀργείων ἐπιπνεύσας +αἵματι Θήβας +κῶμον ἀναυλότατον προχορεύεις. +οὐδʼ ὑπὸ θυρσομανεῖ νεβρίδων μέτα δίνᾳ, +ἅρμασι καὶ ψαλίων τετραβάμοσι μωνυχοπώλων +ἱππείαις ἐπὶ χεύμασι βαίνων +Ἰσμηνοῖο θοάζεις, Ἀργείοις ἐπιπνεύσας +Σπαρτῶν γένναν, +ἀσπιδοφέρμονα θίασον ἐνόπλιον, +ἀντίπαλον κατὰ λάινα τείχεα +χαλκῷ κοσμήσας. +ἦ δεινά τις Ἔρις θεός, ἃ τάδε +μήσατο πήματα γᾶς βασιλεῦσιν, +Λαβδακίδαις πολυμόχθοις. + +
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+Χορός +ὦ ζαθέων πετάλων πολυθηρότα- +τον νάπος, Ἀρτέμιδος χιονοτρόφον ὄμμα Κιθαιρών, +μήποτε τὸν θανάτῳ προτεθέντα, λόχευμʼ Ἰοκάστας, +ὤφελες Οἰδιπόδαν θρέψαι, βρέφος ἔκβολον οἴκων, +χρυσοδέτοις περόναις ἐπίσαμον· +μηδὲ τὸ παρθένιον πτερόν, οὔρειον τέρας, ἐλθεῖν +πένθεα γαίας +Σφιγγὸς ἀμουσοτάταισι σὺν ᾠδαῖς, +ἅ ποτε Καδμογενῆ τετραβάμοσι χαλαῖς +τείχεσι χριμπτομένα φέρεν αἰθέρος εἰς ἄβατον φῶς +γένναν, ἃν ὁ κατὰ χθονὸς Ἅιδας +Καδμείοις ἐπιπέμπει· δυσδαίμων δʼ ἔρις ἄλλα +θάλλει παίδων +Οἰδιπόδα κατὰ δώματα καὶ πόλιν. +οὐ γὰρ ὃ μὴ καλὸν οὔποτʼ ἔφυ καλόν, +οὐδʼ οἱ μὴ νόμιμοι +παῖδες ματρὶ λόχευμα, μίασμα πατρός· +ἣ δὲ συναίμονος ἐς λέχος ἦλθεν. + + + + +
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+Χορός +ἔτεκες, ὦ Γαῖʼ, ἔτεκές ποτε, +βάρβαρον ὡς ἀκοὰν ἐδάην ἐδάην ποτʼ ἐν οἴκοις, +τὰν ἀπὸ θηροτρόφου φοινικολόφοιο δράκοντος +γένναν ὀδοντοφυῆ, Θήβαις κάλλιστον ὄνειδος· +Ἁρμονίας δέ ποτʼ εἰς ὑμεναίους +ἤλυθον οὐρανίδαι, φόρμιγγί τε τείχεα Θήβας +τᾶς Ἀμφιονίας τε λύρας ὕπο πύργος ἀνέστα +διδύμων ποταμῶν πόρον ἀμφὶ μέσον, +Δίρκα χλοεροτρόφον ᾇ πεδίον +πρόπαρ Ἰσμηνοῦ καταδεύει· +Ἰώ θʼ, ἁ κερόεσσα προμάτωρ, +Καδμείων βασιλῆας ἐγείνατο, +μυριάδας δʼ ἀγαθῶν ἑτέροις ἑτέ- +ρας μεταμειβομένα πόλις ἅδʼ ἐπʼ ἄκροις ἕστακʼ +Ἀρηΐοις στεφάνοισιν. + +
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+Τειρεσίας +ἡγοῦ πάροιθε, θύγατερ· ὡς τυφλῷ ποδὶ +ὀφθαλμὸς εἶ σύ, ναυβάταισιν ἄστρον ὥς· +δεῦρʼ ἐς τὸ λευρὸν πέδον ἴχνος τιθεῖσʼ ἐμόν, +πρόβαινε, μὴ σφαλῶμεν· ἀσθενὴς πατήρ· +κλήρους τέ μοι φύλασσε παρθένῳ χερί, +οὓς ἔλαβον οἰωνίσματʼ ὀρνίθων μαθὼν +θάκοισιν ἐν ἱεροῖσιν, οὗ μαντεύομαι. +τέκνον Μενοικεῦ, παῖ Κρέοντος, εἰπέ μοι +πόση τις ἡ ʼπίλοιπος ἄστεως ὁδὸς +πρὸς πατέρα τὸν σόν· ὡς ἐμὸν κάμνει γόνυ, +πυκνὴν δὲ βαίνων ἤλυσιν μόλις περῶ. + + +Κρέων +θάρσει· πέλας γάρ, Τειρεσία, φίλοισι σοῖς +ἐξώρμισαι σὸν πόδα· λαβοῦ δʼ αὐτοῦ, τέκνον· +ὡς πᾶσʼ ἀπήνη πούς τε πρεσβύτου φιλεῖ +χειρὸς θυραίας ἀναμένειν κουφίσματα. + + +Τειρεσίας +εἶἑν, πάρεσμεν· τί με καλεῖς σπουδῇ, Κρέον; + + +Κρέων +οὔπω λελήσμεθʼ· ἀλλὰ σύλλεξαι σθένος +καὶ πνεῦμʼ ἄθροισον, αἶπος ἐκβαλὼν ὁδοῦ. + + +Τειρεσίας +κόπῳ παρεῖμαι γοῦν Ἐρεχθειδῶν ἄπο +δεῦρʼ ἐκκομισθεὶς τῆς πάροιθεν ἡμέρας· +κἀκεῖ γὰρ ἦν τις πόλεμος Εὐμόλπου δορός, +οὗ καλλινίκους Κεκροπίδας ἔθηκʼ ἐγώ· +καὶ τόνδε χρυσοῦν στέφανον, ὡς ὁρᾷς, ἔχω +λαβὼν ἀπαρχὰς πολεμίων σκυλευμάτων. + + +Κρέων +οἰωνὸν ἐθέμην καλλίνικα σὰ στέφη· +ἐν γὰρ κλύδωνι κείμεθʼ, ὥσπερ οἶσθα σύ, +δορὸς Δαναϊδῶν, καὶ μέγας Θήβαις ἀγών. +βασιλεὺς μὲν οὖν βέβηκε κοσμηθεὶς ὅπλοις +ἤδη πρὸς ἀλκὴν Ἐτεοκλῆς Μυκηνίδα· +ἐμοὶ δʼ ἐπέσταλκʼ ἐκμαθεῖν σέθεν πάρα, +τί δρῶντες ἂν μάλιστα σώσαιμεν πόλιν. + + + + +Τειρεσίας +Ἐτεοκλέους μὲν οὕνεκʼ ἂν κλῄσας στόμα +χρησμοὺς ἐπέσχον· σοὶ δʼ, ἐπεὶ χρῄζεις μαθεῖν, +λέξω. νοσεῖ γὰρ ἥδε γῆ πάλαι, Κρέον, +ἐξ οὗ ʼτεκνώθη Λάιος βίᾳ θεῶν +πόσιν τʼ ἔφυσε μητρὶ μέλεον Οἰδίπουν· +αἵ θʼ αἱματωποὶ δεργμάτων διαφθοραὶ +θεῶν σόφισμα κἀπίδειξις Ἑλλάδι. +ἃ συγκαλύψαι παῖδες Οἰδίπου χρόνῳ +χρῄζοντες, ὡς δὴ θεοὺς ὑπεκδραμούμενοι, +ἥμαρτον ἀμαθῶς· οὔτε γὰρ γέρα πατρὶ +οὔτʼ ἔξοδον διδόντες, ἄνδρα δυστυχῆ +ἐξηγρίωσαν· ἐκ δʼ ἔπνευσʼ αὐτοῖς ἀρὰς +δεινάς, νοσῶν τε καὶ πρὸς ἠτιμασμένος. +ἁγὼ τί οὐ δρῶν, ποῖα δʼ οὐ λέγων ἔπη +ἐς ἔχθος ἦλθον παισὶ τοῖσιν Οἰδίπου; +ἐγγὺς δὲ θάνατος αὐτόχειρ αὐτοῖς, Κρέον· +πολλοὶ δὲ νεκροὶ περὶ νεκροῖς πεπτωκότες +Ἀργεῖα καὶ Καδμεῖα μείξαντες βέλη +πικροὺς γόους δώσουσι Θηβαίᾳ χθονί. +σύ τʼ ὦ τάλαινα συγκατασκάπτῃ πόλι, +εἰ μὴ λόγοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς τὶς πείσεται. +ἐκεῖνο μὲν γὰρ πρῶτον ἦν, τῶν Οἰδίπου +μηδένα πολίτην μηδʼ ἄνακτʼ εἶναι χθονός, +ὡς δαιμονῶντας κἀνατρέψοντας πόλιν. +ἐπεὶ δὲ κρεῖσσον τὸ κακόν ἐστι τἀγαθοῦ, +μίʼ ἔστιν ἄλλη μηχανὴ σωτηρίας. +ἀλλʼ — οὐ γὰρ εἰπεῖν οὔτʼ ἐμοὶ τόδʼ ἀσφαλὲς +πικρόν τε τοῖσι τὴν τύχην κεκτημένοις +πόλει παρασχεῖν φάρμακον σωτηρίας — +ἄπειμι. χαίρεθʼ· εἷς γὰρ ὢν πολλῶν μέτα +τὸ μέλλον, εἰ χρή, πείσομαι· τί γὰρ πάθω; + + +Κρέων +ἐπίσχες αὐτοῦ, πρέσβυ. + + +Τειρεσίας +μὴ ʼπιλαμβάνου. + + +Κρέων +μεῖνον, τί φεύγεις; + + +Τειρεσίας +ἡ τύχη σʼ, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐγώ. + + +Κρέων +φράσον πολίταις καὶ πόλει σωτηρίαν. + + +Τειρεσίας +βούλῃ σὺ μέντοι κοὐχὶ βουλήσῃ τάχα. + + +Κρέων +καὶ πῶς πατρῴαν γαῖαν οὐ σῷσαι θέλω; + + +Τειρεσίας +θέλεις ἀκοῦσαι δῆτα καὶ σπουδὴν ἔχεις; + + +Κρέων +ἐς γὰρ τί μᾶλλον δεῖ προθυμίαν ἔχειν; + + +Τειρεσίας +κλύοις ἂν ἤδη τῶν ἐμῶν θεσπισμάτων. +πρῶτον δʼ ἐκεῖνο βούλομαι σαφῶς μαθεῖν, +ποῦ ʼστιν Μενοικεύς, ὅς με δεῦρʼ ἐπήγαγεν; + + +Κρέων +ὅδʼ οὐ μακρὰν ἄπεστι, πλησίον δὲ σοῦ. + + +Τειρεσίας +ἀπελθέτω νυν θεσφάτων ἐμῶν ἑκάς. + + +Κρέων +ἐμὸς πεφυκὼς παῖς ἃ δεῖ σιγήσεται. + + +Τειρεσίας +βούλῃ παρόντος δῆτά σοι τούτου φράσω; + + +Κρέων +κλύων γὰρ ἂν τέρποιτο τῆς σωτηρίας. + + + + +Τειρεσίας +ἄκουε δή νυν θεσφάτων ἐμῶν ὁδόν· + +ἃ δρῶντες ἂν σώσαιτε Καδμείων πόλιν + +σφάξαι Μενοικέα τόνδε δεῖ σʼ ὑπὲρ πάτρας, +σὸν παῖδʼ, ἐπειδὴ τὴν τύχην αὐτὸς καλεῖς. + + +Κρέων +τί φῄς; τίνʼ εἶπας τόνδε μῦθον, ὦ γέρον; + + +Τειρεσίας +ἅπερ πέφυκε, ταῦτα κἀνάγκη σὲ δρᾶν. + + +Κρέων +ὦ πολλὰ λέξας ἐν βραχεῖ χρόνῳ κακά. + + +Τειρεσίας +σοί γʼ, ἀλλὰ πατρίδι μεγάλα καὶ σωτήρια. + + +Κρέων +οὐκ ἔκλυον, οὐκ ἤκουσα· χαιρέτω πόλις. + + +Τειρεσίας +ἁνὴρ ὅδʼ οὐκέθʼ αὑτός· ἐκνεύει πάλιν. + + +Κρέων +χαίρων ἴθʼ· οὐ γὰρ σῶν με δεῖ μαντευμάτων. + + +Τειρεσίας +ἀπόλωλεν ἡ ἀλήθειʼ, ἐπεὶ σὺ δυστυχεῖς; + + +Κρέων +ὦ πρός σε γονάτων καὶ γερασμίου τριχὸς — + + +Τειρεσίας +τί προσπίτνεις με; δυσφύλακτʼ αἰτῇ κακά. + + +Κρέων +σίγα· πόλει δὲ τούσδε μὴ λέξῃς λόγους. + + +Τειρεσίας +ἀδικεῖν κελεύεις μʼ· οὐ σιωπήσαιμεν ἄν. + + +Κρέων +τί δή με δράσεις; παῖδά μου κατακτενεῖς; + + +Τειρεσίας +ἄλλοις μελήσει ταῦτʼ, ἐμοὶ δʼ εἰρήσεται. + + +Κρέων +ἐκ τοῦ δʼ ἐμοὶ τόδʼ ἦλθε καὶ τέκνῳ κακόν; + + +Τειρεσίας +ὀρθῶς μʼ ἐρωτᾷς κεἰς ἀγῶνʼ ἔρχῃ λόγων. +δεῖ τόνδε θαλάμαις, οὗ δράκων ὁ γηγενὴς +ἐγένετο Δίρκης ναμάτων ἐπίσκοπος, +σφαγέντα φόνιον αἷμα γῇ δοῦναι χοὰς +Κάδμου, παλαιῶν Ἄρεος ἐκ μηνιμάτων, +ὃς γηγενεῖ δράκοντι τιμωρεῖ φόνον. +καὶ ταῦτα δρῶντες σύμμαχον κτήσεσθʼ Ἄρη. +χθὼν δʼ ἀντὶ καρποῦ καρπὸν ἀντί θʼ αἵματος +αἷμʼ ἢν λάβῃ βρότειον, ἕξετʼ εὐμενῆ +γῆν, ἥ ποθʼ ἡμῖν χρυσοπήληκα στάχυν +σπαρτῶν ἀνῆκεν· ἐκ γένους δὲ δεῖ θανεῖν +τοῦδʼ, ὃς δράκοντος γένυος ἐκπέφυκε παῖς. +σὺ δʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἡμῖν λοιπὸς εἶ σπαρτῶν γένους +ἀκέραιος, ἔκ τε μητρὸς ἀρσένων τʼ ἄπο, +οἱ σοί τε παῖδες. Αἵμονος μὲν οὖν γάμοι +σφαγὰς ἀπείργουσʼ. οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ᾔθεος· +κεἰ μὴ γὰρ εὐνῆς ἥψατʼ, ἀλλʼ ἔχει λέχος. +οὗτος δὲ πῶλος τῇδʼ ἀνειμένος πόλει +θανὼν πατρῴαν γαῖαν ἐκσώσειεν ἄν. +πικρὸν δʼ Ἀδράστῳ νόστον Ἀργείοισί τε +θήσει, μέλαιναν κῆρʼ ἐπʼ ὄμμασιν βαλών, +κλεινάς τε Θήβας. τοῖνδʼ ἑλοῦ δυοῖν πότμοιν +τὸν ἕτερον· ἢ γὰρ παῖδα σῷσον ἢ πόλιν. +τὰ μὲν παρʼ ἡμῶν πάντʼ ἔχεις· ἡγοῦ, τέκνον, +πρὸς οἶκον. ὅστις δʼ ἐμπύρῳ χρῆται τέχνῃ, +μάταιος· ἢν μὲν ἐχθρὰ σημήνας τύχῃ, +πικρὸς καθέστηχʼ οἷς ἂν οἰωνοσκοπῇ· +ψευδῆ δʼ ὑπʼ οἴκτου τοῖσι χρωμένοις λέγων +ἀδικεῖ τὰ τῶν θεῶν. Φοῖβον ἀνθρώποις μόνον +χρῆν θεσπιῳδεῖν, ὃς δέδοικεν οὐδένα. + + + + +Χορός +Κρέον, τί σιγᾷς γῆρυν ἄφθογγον σχάσας; +κἀμοὶ γὰρ οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἔκπληξις πάρα. + + +Κρέων +τί δʼ ἄν τις εἴποι; δῆλον οἵ γʼ ἐμοὶ λόγοι. +ἐγὼ γὰρ οὔποτʼ ἐς τόδʼ εἶμι συμφορᾶς, +ὥστε σφαγέντα παῖδα προσθεῖναι πόλει. +πᾶσιν γὰρ ἀνθρώποισι φιλότεκνος βίος, +οὐδʼ ἂν τὸν αὑτοῦ παῖδά τις δοίη κτανεῖν. +μή μʼ εὐλογείτω τἀμά τις κτείνων τέκνα. +αὐτὸς δʼ — ἐν ὡραίῳ γὰρ ἕσταμεν βίου — +θνῄσκειν ἕτοιμος πατρίδος ἐκλυτήριον. +ἀλλʼ εἶα, τέκνον, πρὶν μαθεῖν πᾶσαν πόλιν, +ἀκόλαστʼ ἐάσας μάντεων θεσπίσματα, +φεῦγʼ ὡς τάχιστα τῆσδʼ ἀπαλλαχθεὶς χθονός· +λέξει γὰρ ἀρχαῖς καὶ στρατηλάταις τάδε, +πύλας ἐφʼ ἑπτὰ καὶ λοχαγέτας μολών· +κἂν μὲν φθάσωμεν, ἔστι σοι σωτηρία· +ἢν δʼ ὑστερήσῃς, οἰχόμεσθα, κατθανῇ. + + +Μενοικεύς +ποῖ δῆτα φεύγω; τίνα πόλιν; τίνα ξένων; + + +Κρέων +ὅπου χθονὸς τῆσδʼ ἐκποδὼν μάλιστʼ ἔσῃ. + + +Μενοικεύς +οὐκοῦν σὲ φράζειν εἰκός, ἐκπονεῖν δʼ ἐμέ. + + +Κρέων +Δελφοὺς περάσας — + + +Μενοικεύς +ποῖ με χρή, πάτερ, μολεῖν; + + +Κρέων +Αἰτωλίδʼ ἐς γῆν. + + +Μενοικεύς +ἐκ δὲ τῆσδε ποῖ περῶ; + + +Κρέων +Θεσπρωτὸν οὖδας. + + +Μενοικεύς +σεμνὰ Δωδώνης βάθρα; + + +Κρέων +ἔγνως. + + +Μενοικεύς +τί δὴ τόδʼ ἔρυμά μοι γενήσεται; + + +Κρέων +πόμπιμος ὁ δαίμων. + + +Μενοικεύς +χρημάτων δὲ τίς πόρος; + + +Κρέων +ἐγὼ πορεύσω χρυσόν. + + +Μενοικεύς +εὖ λέγεις, πάτερ. +χώρει νυν· ὡς σὴν πρὸς κασιγνήτην μολών, +ἧς πρῶτα μαστὸν εἵλκυσʼ, Ἰοκάστην λέγω, +μητρὸς στερηθεὶς ὀρφανός τʼ ἀποζυγείς — +προσηγορήσων εἶμι καὶ σῴσων βίον. +ἀλλʼ εἶα, χώρει· μὴ τὸ σὸν κωλυέτω. — + +γυναῖκες, ὡς εὖ πατρὸς ἐξεῖλον φόβον, +κλέψας λόγοισιν, ὥσθʼ ἃ βούλομαι τυχεῖν· +ὅς μʼ ἐκκομίζει, πόλιν ἀποστερῶν τύχης, +καὶ δειλίᾳ δίδωσι. καὶ συγγνωστὰ μὲν +γέροντι, τοὐμὸν δʼ οὐχὶ συγγνώμην ἔχει, +προδότην γενέσθαι πατρίδος ἥ μʼ ἐγείνατο. +ὡς οὖν ἂν εἰδῆτʼ, εἶμι καὶ σῴσω πόλιν +ψυχήν τε δώσω τῆσδʼ ὑπερθανεῖν χθονός. +αἰσχρὸν γάρ· οἱ μὲν θεσφάτων ἐλεύθεροι +κοὐκ εἰς ἀνάγκην δαιμόνων ἀφιγμένοι +στάντες παρʼ ἀσπίδʼ οὐκ ὀκνήσουσιν θανεῖν, +πύργων πάροιθε μαχόμενοι πάτρας ὕπερ· +ἐγὼ δέ, πατέρα καὶ κασίγνητον προδοὺς +πόλιν τʼ ἐμαυτοῦ, δειλὸς ὣς ἔξω χθονὸς +ἄπειμʼ· ὅπου δʼ ἂν ζῶ, κακὸς φανήσομαι. +μὰ τὸν μετʼ ἄστρων Ζῆνʼ Ἄρη τε φοίνιον, +ὃς τοὺς ὑπερτείλαντας ἐκ γαίας ποτὲ +Σπαρτοὺς ἄνακτας τῆσδε γῆς ἱδρύσατο. +ἀλλʼ εἶμι καὶ στὰς ἐξ ἐπάλξεων ἄκρων +σφάξας ἐμαυτὸν σηκὸν ἐς μελαμβαθῆ +δράκοντος, ἔνθʼ ὁ μάντις ἐξηγήσατο, +ἐλευθερώσω γαῖαν· εἴρηται λόγος. +στείχω δέ, θανάτου δῶρον οὐκ αἰσχρὸν πόλει +δώσων, νόσου δὲ τήνδʼ ἀπαλλάξω χθόνα. +εἰ γὰρ λαβὼν ἕκαστος ὅ τι δύναιτό τις +χρηστὸν διέλθοι τοῦτο κἀς κοινὸν φέροι +πατρίδι, κακῶν ἂν αἱ πόλεις ἐλασσόνων +πειρώμεναι τὸ λοιπὸν εὐτυχοῖεν ἄν. + + +
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+Χορός +ἔβας ἔβας, +ὦ πτεροῦσσα, γᾶς λόχευμα +νερτέρου τʼ Ἐχίδνας, +Καδμείων ἁρπαγά, +πολύφθορος πολύστονος +μειξοπάρθενος, +δάιον τέρας, +φοιτάσι πτεροῖς +χαλαῖσί τʼ ὠμοσίτοις· +Διρκαίων ἅ ποτʼ ἐκ +τόπων νέους πεδαίρουσʼ +ἄλυρον ἀμφὶ μοῦσαν +ὀλομέναν τʼ Ἐρινὺν +ἔφερες ἔφερες ἄχεα πατρίδι +φόνια· φόνιος ἐκ θεῶν +ὃς τάδʼ ἦν ὁ πράξας. +ἰάλεμοι δὲ ματέρων, +ἰάλεμοι δὲ παρθένων +ἐστέναζον οἴκοις· +ἰηιήιον βοάν, +ἰηιήιον μέλος, +ἄλλος ἄλλʼ ἐπωτότυζε +διαδοχαῖς ἀνὰ πτόλιν. +βροντᾷ δὲ στεναγμὸς +ἀχά τʼ ἦν ὅμοιος, +ὁπότε πόλεος ἀφανίσειεν +ἁ πτεροῦσσα παρθένος τινʼ ἀνδρῶν. + +
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+Χορός +χρόνῳ δʼ ἔβα +Πυθίαις ἀποστολαῖσιν +Οἰδίπους ὁ τλάμων +Θηβαίαν τάνδε γᾶν +τότʼ ἀσμένοις, πάλιν δʼ ἄχη· +ματρὶ γὰρ γάμους +δυσγάμους τάλας +καλλίνικος ὢν +αἰνιγμάτων συνάπτει, +μιαίνει δὲ πτόλιν· +διʼ αἱμάτων δʼ ἀμείβει +μυσαρὸν εἰς ἀγῶνα +καταβαλὼν ἀραῖσι +τέκεα μέλεος. ἀγάμεθʼ ἀγάμεθʼ, +ὃς ἐπὶ θάνατον οἴχεται +γᾶς ὑπὲρ πατρῴας, +Κρέοντι μὲν λιπὼν γόους, +τὰ δʼ ἑπτάπυργα κλῇθρα γᾶς +καλλίνικα θήσων. +γενοίμεθʼ ὧδε ματέρες +γενοίμεθʼ εὔτεκνοι, φίλα +Παλλάς, ἃ δράκοντος αἷμα +λιθόβολον κατειργάσω, +Καδμείαν μέριμναν +ὁρμήσασʼ ἐπʼ ἔργον, +ὅθεν ἐπέσυτο τάνδε γαῖαν +ἁρπαγαῖσι δαιμόνων τις ἄτα. + + +
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+Ἄγγελος +ὠή, τίς ἐν πύλαισι δωμάτων κυρεῖ; +ἀνοίγετʼ· ἐκπορεύετʼ Ἰοκάστην δόμων. +ὠὴ μάλʼ αὖθις· διὰ μακροῦ μέν, ἀλλʼ ὅμως +ἔξελθʼ, ἄκουσον, Οἰδίπου κλεινὴ δάμαρ, +λήξασʼ ὀδυρμῶν πενθίμων τε δακρύων. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ὦ φίλτατʼ, οὔ που ξυμφορὰν ἥκεις φέρων +Ἐτεοκλέους θανόντος, οὗ παρʼ ἀσπίδα +βέβηκας αἰεὶ πολεμίων εἴργων βέλη; +τί μοί ποθʼ ἥκεις καινὸν ἀγγελῶν ἔπος; +τέθνηκεν ἢ ζῇ παῖς ἐμός; σήμαινέ μοι. + + +Ἄγγελος +ζῇ, μὴ τρέσῃς τόδʼ, ὥς σʼ ἀπαλλάξω φόβου. + + +Ἰοκάστη +τί δʼ; ἑπτάπυργοι πῶς ἔχουσι περιβολαί; + + +Ἄγγελος +ἑστᾶσʼ ἄθραυστοι, κοὐκ ἀνήρπασται πόλις. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ἦλθον δὲ πρὸς κίνδυνον Ἀργείου δορός; + + +Ἄγγελος +ἀκμήν γʼ ἐπʼ αὐτήν· ἀλλʼ ὁ Καδμείων Ἄρης +κρείσσων κατέστη τοῦ Μυκηναίου δορός. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ἓν εἰπὲ πρὸς θεῶν, εἴ τι Πολυνείκους πέρι +οἶσθʼ· ὡς μέλει μοι καὶ τόδʼ, εἰ λεύσσει φάος. + + +Ἄγγελος +ζῇ σοι ξυνωρὶς ἐς τόδʼ ἡμέρας τέκνων. + + +Ἰοκάστη +εὐδαιμονοίης. πῶς γὰρ Ἀργείων δόρυ +πυλῶν ἀπεστήσασθε πυργηρούμενοι; +λέξον, γέροντα τυφλὸν ὡς κατὰ στέγας +ἐλθοῦσα τέρψω, τῆσδε γῆς σεσῳσμένης. + + +Ἄγγελος +ἐπεὶ Κρέοντος παῖς ὁ γῆς ὑπερθανὼν +πύργων ἐπʼ ἄκρων στὰς μελάνδετον ξίφος +λαιμῶν διῆκε τῇδε γῇ σωτήριον, +λόχους ἔνειμεν ἑπτὰ καὶ λοχαγέτας +πύλας ἐφʼ ἑπτά, φύλακας Ἀργείου δορός, +σὸς παῖς, ἐφέδρους δʼ ἱππότας μὲν ἱππόταις +ἔταξʼ, ὁπλίτας δʼ ἀσπιδηφόροις ἔπι, +ὡς τῷ νοσοῦντι τειχέων εἴη δορὸς +ἀλκὴ διʼ ὀλίγου. περγάμων δʼ ἀπʼ ὀρθίων +λεύκασπιν εἰσορῶμεν Ἀργείων στρατὸν +Τευμησὸν ἐκλιπόντα, καὶ τάφρου πέλας +δρόμῳ ξυνῆψαν ἄστυ Καδμείας χθονός. +παιὰν δὲ καὶ σάλπιγγες ἐκελάδουν ὁμοῦ +ἐκεῖθεν ἔκ τε τειχέων ἡμῶν πάρα. + + + +καὶ πρῶτα μὲν προσῆγε Νηίταις πύλαις +λόχον πυκναῖσιν ἀσπίσιν πεφρικότα +ὁ τῆς κυναγοῦ Παρθενοπαῖος ἔκγονος, +ἐπίσημʼ ἔχων οἰκεῖον ἐν μέσῳ σάκει, +ἑκηβόλοις τόξοισιν Ἀταλάντην κάπρον +χειρουμένην Αἰτωλόν. ἐς δὲ Προιτίδας +πύλας ἐχώρει σφάγιʼ ἔχων ἐφʼ ἅρματι +ὁ μάντις Ἀμφιάραος, οὐ σημεῖʼ ἔχων +ὑβρισμένʼ, ἀλλὰ σωφρόνως ἄσημʼ ὅπλα. +Ὠγύγια δʼ ἐς πυλώμαθʼ Ἱππομέδων ἄναξ +ἔστειχʼ ἔχων σημεῖον ἐν μέσῳ σάκει +στικτοῖς Πανόπτην ὄμμασιν δεδορκότα, +τὰ μὲν σὺν ἄστρων ἐπιτολαῖσιν ὄμματα +βλέποντα, τὰ δὲ κρύπτοντα δυνόντων μέτα, +ὡς ὕστερον θανόντος εἰσορᾶν παρῆν. +Ὁμολωίσιν δὲ τάξιν εἶχε πρὸς πύλαις +Τυδεύς, λέοντος δέρος ἔχων ἐπʼ ἀσπίδι +χαίτῃ πεφρικός· δεξιᾷ δὲ λαμπάδα +Τιτὰν Προμηθεὺς ἔφερεν ὡς πρήσων πόλιν. +ὁ σὸς δὲ Κρηναίαισι Πολυνείκης πύλαις +Ἄρη προσῆγε· Ποτνιάδες δʼ ἐπʼ ἀσπίδι +ἐπίσημα πῶλοι δρομάδες ἐσκίρτων φόβῳ, +εὖ πως στρόφιγξιν ἔνδοθεν κυκλούμεναι +πόρπαχʼ ὑπʼ αὐτόν, ὥστε μαίνεσθαι δοκεῖν. +ὁ δʼ οὐκ ἔλασσον Ἄρεος ἐς μάχην φρονῶν +Καπανεὺς προσῆγε λόχον ἐπʼ Ἠλέκτραις πύλαις· +σιδηρονώτοις δʼ ἀσπίδος τύποις ἐπῆν +γίγας ἐπʼ ὤμοις γηγενὴς ὅλην πόλιν +φέρων μοχλοῖσιν ἐξανασπάσας βάθρων, +ὑπόνοιαν ἡμῖν οἷα πείσεται πόλις. +ταῖς δʼ ἑβδόμαις Ἄδραστος ἐν πύλαισιν ἦν, +ἑκατὸν ἐχίδναις ἀσπίδʼ ἐκπληρῶν γραφῇ, +ὕδρας ἔχων λαιοῖσιν ἐν βραχίοσιν +Ἀργεῖον αὔχημʼ· ἐκ δὲ τειχέων μέσων +δράκοντες ἔφερον τέκνα Καδμείων γνάθοις. +παρῆν δʼ ἑκάστου τῶνδέ μοι θεάματα +ξύνθημα παρφέροντι ποιμέσιν λόχων. +καὶ πρῶτα μὲν τόξοισι καὶ μεσαγκύλοις +ἐμαρνάμεσθα σφενδόναις θʼ ἑκηβόλοις +πετρῶν τʼ ἀραγμοῖς· ὡς δʼ ἐνικῶμεν μάχῃ, +ἔκλαγξε Τυδεὺς καὶ σὸς ἐξαίφνης γόνος· +ὦ τέκνα Δαναῶν, πρὶν κατεξάνθαι βολαῖς, +τί μέλλετʼ ἄρδην πάντες ἐμπίπτειν πύλαις, +γυμνῆτες ἱππῆς ἁρμάτων τʼ ἐπιστάται; +ἠχῆς δʼ ὅπως ἤκουσαν, οὔτις ἀργὸς ἦν· +πολλοὶ δʼ ἔπιπτον κρᾶτας αἱματούμενοι, +ἡμῶν τʼ ἐς οὖδας εἶδες ἂν πρὸ τειχέων +πυκνοὺς κυβιστητῆρας ἐκπεπνευκότας· +ξηρὰν δʼ ἔδευον γαῖαν αἵματος ῥοαῖς. + +ὁ δʼ Ἀρκάς, οὐκ Ἀργεῖος, Ἀταλάντης γόνος +τυφὼς πύλαισιν ὥς τις ἐμπεσὼν βοᾷ +πῦρ καὶ δικέλλας, ὡς κατασκάψων πόλιν· +ἀλλʼ ἔσχε μαργῶντʼ αὐτὸν ἐναλίου θεοῦ +Περικλύμενος παῖς λᾶαν ἐμβαλὼν κάρᾳ +ἁμαξοπληθῆ, γεῖσʼ ἐπάλξεων ἄπο· +ξανθὸν δὲ κρᾶτα διεπάλυνε καὶ ῥαφὰς +ἔρρηξεν ὀστέων, ἄρτι δʼ οἰνωπὸν γένυν +καθῃμάτωσεν· οὐδʼ ἀποίσεται βίον +τῇ καλλιτόξῳ μητρὶ Μαινάλου κόρῃ. +ἐπεὶ δὲ τάσδʼ ἐσεῖδεν εὐτυχεῖς πύλας, +ἄλλας ἐπῄει παῖς σός, εἱπόμην δʼ ἐγώ. +ὁρῶ δὲ Τυδέα καὶ παρασπιστὰς πυκνοὺς +Αἰτωλίσιν λόγχαισιν εἰς ἄκρον στόμα +πύργων ἀκοντίζοντας, ὥστʼ ἐπάλξεων +λιπεῖν ἐρίπνας φυγάδας· ἀλλά νιν πάλιν +κυναγὸς ὡσεὶ παῖς σὸς ἐξαθροίζεται, +πύργοις δʼ ἐπέστησʼ αὖθις. ἐς δʼ ἄλλας πύλας +ἠπειγόμεσθα, τοῦτο παύσαντες νοσοῦν. +Καπανεὺς δὲ πῶς εἴποιμʼ ἂν ὡς ἐμαίνετο; +μακραύχενος γὰρ κλίμακος προσαμβάσεις +ἔχων ἐχώρει, καὶ τοσόνδʼ ἐκόμπασε, +μηδʼ ἂν τὸ σεμνὸν πῦρ νιν εἰργαθεῖν Διὸς +τὸ μὴ οὐ κατʼ ἄκρων περγάμων ἑλεῖν πόλιν. +καὶ ταῦθʼ ἅμʼ ἠγόρευε καὶ πετρούμενος +ἀνεῖρφʼ ὑπʼ αὐτὴν ἀσπίδʼ εἱλίξας δέμας, +κλίμακος ἀμείβων ξέστʼ ἐνηλάτων βάθρα. +ἤδη δʼ ὑπερβαίνοντα γεῖσα τειχέων +βάλλει κεραυνῷ Ζεύς νιν· ἐκτύπησε δὲ +χθών, ὥστε δεῖσαι πάντας· ἐκ δὲ κλιμάκων +ἐσφενδονᾶτο χωρὶς ἀλλήλων μέλη, +κόμαι μὲν εἰς Ὄλυμπον, αἷμα δʼ ἐς χθόνα, +χεῖρες δὲ καὶ κῶλʼ ὡς κύκλωμʼ Ἰξίονος +εἱλίσσετʼ· ἐς γῆν δʼ ἔμπυρος πίπτει νεκρός. +ὡς δʼ εἶδʼ Ἄδραστος Ζῆνα πολέμιον στρατῷ, +ἔξω τάφρου καθῖσεν Ἀργείων στρατόν. +οἱ δʼ αὖ παρʼ ἡμῶν δεξιὸν Διὸς τέρας +ἰδόντες ἐξήλαυνον ἁρμάτων ὄχους +ἱππῆς ὁπλῖται, κἀς μέσʼ Ἀργείων ὅπλα +συνῆψαν ἔγχη· πάντα δʼ ἦν ὁμοῦ κακά· +ἔθνῃσκον ἐξέπιπτον ἀντύγων ἄπο, +τροχοί τʼ ἐπήδων ἄξονές τʼ ἐπʼ ἄξοσι, +νεκροὶ δὲ νεκροῖς ἐξεσωρεύονθʼ ὁμοῦ. +πύργων μὲν οὖν γῆς ἔσχομεν κατασκαφὰς +ἐς τὴν παροῦσαν ἡμέραν· εἰ δʼ εὐτυχὴς +ἔσται τὸ λοιπὸν ἥδε γῆ, θεοῖς μέλει· +καὶ νῦν γὰρ αὐτὴν δαιμόνων ἔσῳσέ τις. + + +Χορός +καλὸν τὸ νικᾶν· εἰ δʼ ἀμείνονʼ οἱ θεοὶ +γνώμην ἔχουσιν — εὐτυχὴς εἴην ἐγώ. + + + + +Ἰοκάστη +καλῶς τὰ τῶν θεῶν καὶ τὰ τῆς τύχης ἔχει· +παῖδές τε γάρ μοι ζῶσι κἀκπέφευγε γῆ. +Κρέων δʼ ἔοικε τῶν ἐμῶν νυμφευμάτων +τῶν τʼ Οἰδίπου δύστηνος ἀπολαῦσαι κακῶν, +παιδὸς στερηθείς, τῇ πόλει μὲν εὐτυχῶς, +ἰδίᾳ δὲ λυπρῶς. ἀλλʼ ἄνελθέ μοι πάλιν, +τί τἀπὶ τούτοις παῖδʼ ἐμὼ δρασείετον. + + +Ἄγγελος +ἔα τὰ λοιπά· δεῦρʼ ἀεὶ γὰρ εὐτυχεῖς. + + +Ἰοκάστη +τοῦτʼ εἰς ὕποπτον εἶπας· οὐκ ἐατέον. + + +Ἄγγελος +μεῖζον τί χρῄζεις παῖδας ἢ σεσῳσμένους; + + +Ἰοκάστη +καὶ τἀπίλοιπά γʼ εἰ καλῶς πράσσω κλύειν. + + +Ἄγγελος +μέθες μʼ· ἔρημος παῖς ὑπασπιστοῦ σέθεν. + + +Ἰοκάστη +κακόν τι κεύθεις καὶ στέγεις ὑπὸ σκότῳ. + + +Ἄγγελος +κοὐκ ἄν γε λέξαιμʼ ἐπʼ ἀγαθοῖσι σοῖς κακά. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ἢν μή γε φεύγων ἐκφύγῃς πρὸς αἰθέρα. + + +Ἄγγελος +αἰαῖ· τί μʼ οὐκ εἴασας ἐξ εὐαγγέλου +φήμης ἀπελθεῖν, ἀλλὰ μηνῦσαι κακά; +τὼ παῖδε τὼ σὼ μέλλετον, τολμήματα +αἴσχιστα, χωρὶς μονομαχεῖν παντὸς στρατοῦ, +λέξαντες Ἀργείοισι Καδμείοισί τε +ἐς κοινὸν οἷον μήποτʼ ὤφελον λόγον. +Ἐτεοκλέης δʼ ὑπῆρξʼ ἀπʼ ὀρθίου σταθεὶς +πύργου, κελεύσας σῖγα κηρῦξαι στρατῷ· +ἔλεξε δʼ· ὦ γῆς Ἑλλάδος στρατηλάται +Δαναῶν ἀριστῆς, οἵπερ ἤλθετʼ ἐνθάδε, +Κάδμου τε λαός, μήτε Πολυνείκους χάριν +ψυχὰς ἀπεμπολᾶτε μήθʼ ἡμῶν ὕπερ. +ἐγὼ γὰρ αὐτὸς τόνδε κίνδυνον μεθεὶς +μόνος συνάψω συγγόνῳ τὠμῷ μάχην· +κἂν μὲν κτάνω τόνδʼ, οἶκον οἰκήσω μόνος, +ἡσσώμενος δὲ τῷδε παραδώσω μόνῳ· +ὑμεῖς δʼ ἀγῶνʼ ἀφέντες, Ἀργεῖοι, χθόνα +νίσεσθε, βίοτον μὴ λιπόντες ἐνθάδε, +Σπαρτῶν τε λαὸς ἅλις ὅσος κεῖται νεκρός. +τοσαῦτʼ ἔλεξε· σὸς δὲ Πολυνείκης γόνος +ἐκ τάξεων ὤρουσε κἀπῄνει λόγους. +πάντες δʼ ἐπερρόθησαν Ἀργεῖοι τάδε +Κάδμου τε λαὸς ὡς δίκαιʼ ἡγούμενοι. +ἐπὶ τοῖσδε δʼ ἐσπείσαντο, κἀν μεταιχμίοις +ὅρκους συνῆψαν ἐμμενεῖν στρατηλάται. + +ἤδη δʼ ἔκρυπτον σῶμα παγχάλκοις ὅπλοις +δισσοὶ γέροντος Οἰδίπου νεανίαι· +φίλοι δʼ ἐκόσμουν, τῆσδε μὲν πρόμον χθονὸς +Σπαρτῶν ἀριστῆς, τὸν δὲ Δαναϊδῶν ἄκροι. +ἔσταν δὲ λαμπρὼ χρῶμά τʼ οὐκ ἠλλαξάτην +μαργῶντʼ ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ἱέναι δόρυ. +παρεξιόντες δʼ ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν φίλων +λόγοις ἐθάρσυνόν τε κἀξηύδων τάδε· +Πολύνεικες, ἐν σοὶ Ζηνὸς ὀρθῶσαι βρέτας +τρόπαιον Ἄργει τʼ εὐκλεᾶ δοῦναι λόγον· +Ἐτεοκλέα δʼ αὖ· νῦν πόλεως ὑπερμαχεῖς, +νῦν καλλίνικος γενόμενος σκήπτρων κρατεῖς. +τάδʼ ἠγόρευον παρακαλοῦντες ἐς μάχην. +μάντεις δὲ μῆλʼ ἔσφαζον, ἐμπύρους τʼ ἀκμὰς +ῥήξεις τʼ ἐνώμων ὑγρότητʼ ἐναντίαν +ἄκραν τε λαμπάδʼ, ἣ δυοῖν ὅρους ἔχει, +νίκης τε σῆμα καὶ τὸ τῶν ἡσσωμένων. +ἀλλʼ, εἴ τινʼ ἀλκὴν ἢ σοφοὺς ἔχεις λόγους +ἢ φίλτρʼ ἐπῳδῶν, στεῖχʼ, ἐρήτυσον τέκνα +δεινῆς ἁμίλλης· ὡς ὁ κίνδυνος μέγας· +κἄπαθλα δεινὰ δάκρυά σοι γενήσεται +δισσοῖν στερείσῃ τῇδʼ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ τέκνοιν. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ὦ τέκνον ἔξελθʼ Ἀντιγόνη δόμων πάρος· +οὐκ ἐν χορείαις οὐδὲ παρθενεύμασι +νῦν σοι προχωρεῖ δαιμόνων κατάστασις, +ἀλλʼ ἄνδρʼ ἀρίστω καὶ κασιγνήτω σέθεν +ἐς θάνατον ἐκνεύοντε κωλῦσαί σε δεῖ +ξὺν μητρὶ τῇ σῇ μὴ πρὸς ἀλλήλοιν θανεῖν. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +τίνʼ, ὦ τεκοῦσα μῆτερ, ἔκπληξιν νέαν +φίλοις ἀυτεῖς τῶνδε δωμάτων πάρος; + + +Ἰοκάστη +ὦ θύγατερ, ἔρρει σῶν κασιγνήτων βίος. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +πῶς εἶπας; + + +Ἰοκάστη +αἰχμὴν ἐς μίαν καθέστατον. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οἲ ʼγώ, τί λέξεις, μῆτερ; + + +Ἰοκάστη +οὐ φίλʼ, ἀλλʼ ἕπου. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ποῖ, παρθενῶνας ἐκλιποῦσʼ; + + +Ἰοκάστη +ἀνὰ στρατόν. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +αἰδούμεθʼ ὄχλον. + + +Ἰοκάστη +οὐκ ἐν αἰσχύνῃ τὰ σά. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +δράσω δὲ δὴ τί; + + +Ἰοκάστη +συγγόνων λύσεις ἔριν. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +τί δρῶσα, μῆτερ; + + +Ἰοκάστη +προσπίτνουσʼ ἐμοῦ μέτα. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἡγοῦ σὺ πρὸς μεταίχμιʼ· οὐ μελλητέον. + + +Ἰοκάστη +ἔπειγʼ ἔπειγε, θύγατερ· ὡς, ἢν μὲν φθάσω +παῖδας πρὸ λόγχης, οὑμὸς ἐν φάει βίος· +θανοῦσι δʼ αὐτοῖς συνθανοῦσα κείσομαι. + +
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+Χορός +αἰαῖ αἰαῖ, τρομερὰν φρίκᾳ +τρομερὰν φρένʼ ἔχω· διὰ σάρκα δʼ ἐμὰν +ἔλεος ἔλεος ἔμολε μα- +τέρος δειλαίας. +δίδυμα τέκεα πότερος ἄρα +πότερον αἱμάξει — +ἰώ μοι πόνων, ἰὼ Ζεῦ, ἰὼ γᾶ — +ὁμογενῆ δέραν, ὁμογενῆ ψυχὰν +διʼ ἀσπίδων, διʼ αἱμάτων; +τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ τάλαινα, πό- +τερον ἄρα νέκυν ὀλόμενον ἰαχήσω; + +
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+Χορός +φεῦ δᾶ φεῦ δᾶ, δίδυμοι θῆρες, +φόνιαι ψυχαὶ δορὶ παλλόμεναι +πέσεα πέσεα δάιʼ αὐ- +τίχʼ αἱμάξετον. +τάλανες, ὅ τι ποτὲ μονομάχον +ἐπὶ φρένʼ ἠλθέτην, +βοᾷ βαρβάρῳ στενακτὰν ἰαχὰν +μελομέναν νεκροῖς δάκρυσι θρηνήσω. +σχεδὸν τύχα πέλας φόνου· +κρινεῖ φάος τὸ μέλλον. ἄ- +ποτμος ἄποτμος ὁ φόνος ἕνεκʼ Ἐρινύων. + +
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+ +Χορός +ἀλλὰ γὰρ Κρέοντα λεύσσω τόνδε δεῦρο συννεφῆ +πρὸς δόμους στείχοντα, παύσω τοὺς παρεστῶτας γόους. + + + + +Κρέων +οἴμοι, τί δράσω; πότερʼ ἐμαυτὸν ἢ πόλιν +στένω δακρύσας, ἣν πέριξ ἔχει νέφος + +τοιοῦτον ὥστε διʼ Ἀχέροντος ἱέναι; + +ἐμός τε γὰρ παῖς γῆς ὄλωλʼ ὑπερθανών, +τοὔνομα λαβὼν γενναῖον, ἀνιαρὸν δʼ ἐμοί· +ὃν ἄρτι κρημνῶν ἐκ δρακοντείων ἑλὼν +αὐτοσφαγῆ δύστηνος ἐκόμισʼ ἐν χεροῖν, +βοᾷ δὲ δῶμα πᾶν· ἐγὼ δʼ ἥκω μέτα +γέρων ἀδελφὴν γραῖαν Ἰοκάστην, ὅπως +λούσῃ προθῆταί τʼ οὐκέτʼ ὄντα παῖδʼ ἐμόν. +τοῖς γὰρ θανοῦσι χρὴ τὸν οὐ τεθνηκότα +τιμὰς διδόντα χθόνιον εὐσεβεῖν θεόν. + + +Χορός +βέβηκʼ ἀδελφὴ σή, Κρέων, ἔξω δόμων +κόρη τε μητρὸς Ἀντιγόνη κοινῷ ποδί. + + +Κρέων +ποῖ; κἀπὶ ποίαν συμφοράν; σήμαινέ μοι. + + +Χορός +ἤκουσε τέκνα μονομάχῳ μέλλειν δορὶ +ἐς ἀσπίδʼ ἥξειν βασιλικῶν δόμων ὕπερ. + + +Κρέων +πῶς φῄς; νέκυν τοι παιδὸς ἀγαπάζων ἐμοῦ +οὐκ ἐς τόδʼ ἦλθον ὥστε καὶ τάδʼ εἰδέναι. + + +Χορός +ἀλλʼ οἴχεται μὲν σὴ κασιγνήτη πάλαι· +δοκῶ δʼ ἀγῶνα τὸν περὶ ψυχῆς, Κρέον, +ἤδη πεπρᾶχθαι παισὶ τοῖσιν Οἰδίπου. + + +Κρέων +οἴμοι, τὸ μὲν σημεῖον εἰσορῶ τόδε, +σκυθρωπὸν ὄμμα καὶ πρόσωπον ἀγγέλου +στείχοντος, ὃς πᾶν ἀγγελεῖ τὸ δρώμενον. + + + + +
+Ἄγγελος +ὦ τάλας ἐγώ, τίνʼ εἴπω μῦθον ἢ τίνας γόους; + + +Κρέων +οἰχόμεσθʼ· οὐκ εὐπροσώποις φροιμίοις ἄρχῃ λόγου. + + +Ἄγγελος +ὦ τάλας, δισσῶς ἀυτῶ· μεγάλα γὰρ φέρω κακά. + + +Κρέων +πρὸς πεπραγμένοισιν ἄλλοις πήμασιν. λέγεις δὲ τί; + + +Ἄγγελος +οὐκέτʼ εἰσὶ σῆς ἀδελφῆς παῖδες ἐν φάει, Κρέον. + + + + +Κρέων +αἰαῖ· + +μεγάλα μοι θροεῖς πάθεα καὶ πόλει. +ὦ δώματʼ εἰσηκούσατʼ Οἰδίπου τάδε +παίδων ὁμοίαις συμφοραῖς ὀλωλότων; + + +Χορός +ὥστʼ ἂν δακρῦσαί γʼ, εἰ φρονοῦντʼ ἐτύγχανεν. + + +Κρέων + +οἴμοι ξυμφορᾶς βαρυποτμωτάτας, +οἴμοι κακῶν δύστηνος· ὦ τάλας ἐγώ. + + +Ἄγγελος +εἰ καὶ τὰ πρὸς τούτοισί γʼ εἰδείης κακά. + + +Κρέων +καὶ πῶς γένοιτʼ ἂν τῶνδε δυσποτμώτερα; + + +Ἄγγελος +τέθνηκʼ ἀδελφὴ σὴ δυοῖν παίδοιν μέτα. + + +
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+Χορός +ἀνάγετʼ ἀνάγετε κωκυ- +τόν, ἐπὶ κάρα τε λευκοπήχεις κτύπους χεροῖν. + + +Κρέων +ὦ τλῆμον, οἷον τέρμονʼ, Ἰοκάστη, βίου +γάμων τε τῶν σῶν Σφιγγὸς αἰνιγμοὺς ἔτλης. +πῶς καὶ πέπρακται διπτύχων παίδων φόνος +ἀρᾶς τʼ ἀγώνισμʼ Οἰδίπου; σήμαινέ μοι. + + +Ἄγγελος +τὰ μὲν πρὸ πύργων εὐτυχήματα χθονὸς +οἶσθʼ· οὐ μακρὰν γὰρ τειχέων περιπτυχαί. +ὥστʼ οὐχ ἅπαντά σʼ εἰδέναι τὰ δρώμενα. +ἐπεὶ δὲ χαλκέοις σῶμʼ ἐκοσμήσανθʼ ὅπλοις +οἱ τοῦ γέροντος Οἰδίπου νεανίαι, +ἔστησαν ἐλθόντʼ ἐς μέσον μεταίχμιον +δισσὼ στρατηγὼ καὶ διπλὼ στρατηλάτα +ὡς εἰς ἀγῶνα μονομάχου τʼ ἀλκὴν δορός. +βλέψας δʼ ἐπʼ Ἄργος ἧκε Πολυνείκης ἀράς· +ὦ πότνιʼ Ἥρα — σὸς γάρ εἰμʼ, ἐπεὶ γάμοις +ἔζευξʼ Ἀδράστου παῖδα καὶ ναίω χθόνα — +δός μοι κτανεῖν ἀδελφόν, ἀντήρη δʼ ἐμὴν +καθαιματῶσαι δεξιὰν νικηφόρον· — +αἴσχιστον αἰτῶν στέφανον, ὁμογενῆ κτανεῖν. +πολλοῖς δʼ ἐπῄει δάκρυα τῆς τύχης ὅση, +κἄβλεψαν ἀλλήλοισι διαδόντες κόρας. +Ἐτεοκλέης δὲ Παλλάδος χρυσάσπιδος +βλέψας πρὸς οἶκον ηὔξατʼ· ὦ Διὸς κόρη, +δὸς ἔγχος ἡμῖν καλλίνικον ἐκ χερὸς +ἐς στέρνʼ ἀδελφοῦ τῆσδʼ ἀπʼ ὠλένης βαλεῖν +κτανεῖν θʼ ὃς ἦλθε πατρίδα πορθήσων ἐμήν. +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἀφείθη πυρσὸς ὣς Τυρσηνικῆς +σάλπιγγος ἠχὴ σῆμα φοινίου μάχης, +ᾖξαν δράμημα δεινὸν ἀλλήλοις ἔπι· +κάπροι δʼ ὅπως θήγοντες ἀγρίαν γένυν +ξυνῆψαν, ἀφρῷ διάβροχοι γενειάδας· +ᾖσσον δὲ λόγχαις· ἀλλʼ ὑφίζανον κύκλοις, +ὅπως σίδηρος ἐξολισθάνοι μάτην. +εἰ δʼ ὄμμʼ ὑπερσχὸν ἴτυος ἅτερος μάθοι, +λόγχην ἐνώμα, στόματι προφθῆναι θέλων. +ἀλλʼ εὖ προσῆγον ἀσπίδων κεγχρώμασιν +ὀφθαλμόν, ἀργὸν ὥστε γίγνεσθαι δόρυ. +πλείων δὲ τοῖς ὁρῶσιν ἐστάλασσʼ ἱδρὼς +ἢ τοῖσι δρῶσι, διὰ φίλων ὀρρωδίαν. + +Ἐτεοκλέης δὲ ποδὶ μεταψαίρων πέτρον +ἴχνους ὑπόδρομον, κῶλον ἐκτὸς ἀσπίδος +τίθησι· Πολυνείκης δʼ ἀπήντησεν δορί, +πληγὴν σιδήρῳ παραδοθεῖσαν εἰσιδών, +κνήμην τε διεπέρασεν Ἀργεῖον δόρυ· +στρατὸς δʼ ἀνηλάλαξε Δαναϊδῶν ἅπας. +κἀν τῷδε μόχθῳ γυμνὸν ὦμον εἰσιδὼν +ὁ πρόσθε τρωθεὶς στέρνα Πολυνείκους βίᾳ +διῆκε λόγχην, κἀπέδωκεν ἡδονὰς +Κάδμου πολίταις, ἀπὸ δʼ ἔθραυσʼ ἄκρον δόρυ. +ἐς δʼ ἄπορον ἥκων δορὸς ἐπὶ σκέλος πάλιν +χωρεῖ, λαβὼν δʼ ἀφῆκε μάρμαρον πέτρον +μέσον δʼ ἄκοντʼ ἔθραυσεν· ἐξ ἴσου δʼ Ἄρης +ἦν, κάμακος ἀμφοῖν χεῖρʼ ἀπεστερημένοιν. +ἔνθεν δὲ κώπας ἁρπάσαντε φασγάνων +ἐς ταὐτὸν ἧκον, συμβαλόντε δʼ ἀσπίδας +πολὺν ταραγμὸν ἀμφιβάντʼ εἶχον μάχης. +καί πως νοήσας Ἐτεοκλῆς τὸ Θεσσαλὸν +ἐσήγαγεν σόφισμʼ ὁμιλίᾳ χθονός. +ἐξαλλαγεὶς γὰρ τοῦ παρεστῶτος πόνου, +λαιὸν μὲν ἐς τοὔπισθεν ἀμφέρει πόδα, +πρόσω τὰ κοῖλα γαστρὸς εὐλαβούμενος, +προβὰς δὲ κῶλον δεξιὸν διʼ ὀμφαλοῦ +καθῆκεν ἔγχος σφονδύλοις τʼ ἐνήρμοσεν. +ὁμοῦ δὲ κάμψας πλευρὰ καὶ νηδὺν τάλας +σὺν αἱματηραῖς σταγόσι Πολυνείκης πίτνει. +ὃ δʼ, ὡς κρατῶν δὴ καὶ νενικηκὼς μάχῃ, +ξίφος δικὼν ἐς γαῖαν ἐσκύλευέ νιν +τὸν νοῦν πρὸς αὑτὸν οὐκ ἔχων, ἐκεῖσε δέ. +ὃ καί νιν ἔσφηλʼ· ἔτι γὰρ ἐμπνέων βραχύ, +σῴζων σίδηρον ἐν λυγρῷ πεσήματι, +μόλις μέν, ἐξέτεινε δʼ εἰς ἧπαρ ξίφος. +Ἐτεοκλέους ὁ πρόσθε Πολυνείκης πεσών. +γαῖαν δʼ ὀδὰξ ἑλόντες ἀλλήλων πέλας +πίπτουσιν ἄμφω κοὐ διώρισαν κράτος. + + +Χορός +φεῦ φεῦ, κακῶν σῶν, Οἰδίπου, σʼ ὅσον στένω· +τὰς σὰς δʼ ἀρὰς ἔοικεν ἐκπλῆσαι θεός. + + + + + +Ἄγγελος +ἄκουε δή νυν καὶ τὰ πρὸς τούτοις κακά. +ἐπεὶ τέκνω πεσόντʼ ἐλειπέτην βίον, +ἐν τῷδε μήτηρ ἡ τάλαινα προσπίτνει +σὺν παρθένῳ τε καὶ προθυμίᾳ ποδός. +τετρωμένους δʼ ἰδοῦσα καιρίους σφαγὰς +ᾤμωξεν· ὦ τέκνʼ, ὑστέρα βοηδρόμος +πάρειμι. προσπίτνουσα δʼ ἐν μέρει τέκνα +ἔκλαιʼ, ἐθρήνει, τὸν πολὺν μαστῶν πόνον +στένουσʼ, ἀδελφή θʼ ἡ παρασπίζουσʼ ὁμοῦ· +ὦ γηροβοσκὼ μητρός, ὦ γάμους ἐμοὺς +προδόντʼ ἀδελφὼ φιλτάτω. στέρνων δʼ ἄπο +φύσημʼ ἀνεὶς δύσθνητον Ἐτεοκλῆς ἄναξ +ἤκουσε μητρός, κἀπιθεὶς ὑγρὰν χέρα +φωνὴν μὲν οὐκ ἀφῆκεν, ὀμμάτων δʼ ἄπο +προσεῖπε δακρύοις, ὥστε σημῆναι φίλα. +ὃ δʼ ἦν ἔτʼ ἔμπνους, πρὸς κασιγνήτην δʼ ἰδὼν +γραῖάν τε μητέρʼ εἶπε Πολυνείκης τάδε· +Ἀπωλόμεσθα, μῆτερ· οἰκτίρω δὲ σὲ +καὶ τήνδʼ ἀδελφὴν καὶ κασίγνητον νεκρόν. +φίλος γὰρ ἐχθρὸς ἐγένετʼ, ἀλλʼ ὅμως φίλος. +θάψον δέ μʼ, ὦ τεκοῦσα, καὶ σύ, σύγγονε, +ἐν γῇ πατρῴᾳ, καὶ πόλιν θυμουμένην +παρηγορεῖτον, ὡς τοσόνδε γοῦν τύχω +χθονὸς πατρῴας, κεἰ δόμους ἀπώλεσα. +ξυνάρμοσον δὲ βλέφαρά μου τῇ σῇ χερί, +μῆτερ — τίθησι δʼ αὐτὸς ὀμμάτων ἔπι — +καὶ χαίρετʼ· ἤδη γάρ με περιβάλλει σκότος. + +ἄμφω δʼ ἅμʼ ἐξέπνευσαν ἄθλιον βίον. +μήτηρ δʼ, ὅπως ἐσεῖδε τήνδε συμφοράν, +ὑπερπαθήσασʼ, ἥρπασʼ ἐκ νεκρῶν ξίφος +κἄπραξε δεινά· διὰ μέσου γὰρ αὐχένος +ὠθεῖ σίδηρον, ἐν δὲ τοῖσι φιλτάτοις +θανοῦσα κεῖται περιβαλοῦσʼ ἀμφοῖν χέρας. +ἀνῇξε δʼ ὀρθὸς λαὸς εἰς ἔριν λόγων, +ἡμεῖς μὲν ὡς νικῶντα δεσπότην ἐμόν, +οἳ δʼ ὡς ἐκεῖνον. ἦν δʼ ἔρις στρατηλάταις, +οἳ μὲν πατάξαι πρόσθε Πολυνείκη δορί, +οἳ δʼ ὡς θανόντων οὐδαμοῦ νίκη πέλοι. +κἀν τῷδʼ ὑπεξῆλθʼ Ἀντιγόνη στρατοῦ δίχα. +οἳ δʼ εἰς ὅπλʼ ᾖσσον· εὖ δέ πως προμηθίᾳ +καθῆστο Κάδμου λαὸς ἀσπίδων ἔπι· +κἄφθημεν οὔπω τεύχεσιν πεφραγμένον +Ἀργεῖον ἐσπεσόντες ἐξαίφνης στρατόν. +κοὐδεὶς ὑπέστη, πεδία δʼ ἐξεπίμπλασαν +φεύγοντες, ἔρρει δʼ αἷμα μυρίων νεκρῶν +λόγχαις πιτνόντων. ὡς δʼ ἐνικῶμεν μάχῃ, +οἳ μὲν Διὸς τροπαῖον ἵστασαν βρέτας, +οἳ δʼ ἀσπίδας συλῶντες Ἀργείων νεκρῶν +σκυλεύματʼ εἴσω τειχέων ἐπέμπομεν. +ἄλλοι δὲ τοὺς θανόντας Ἀντιγόνης μέτα +νεκροὺς φέρουσιν ἐνθάδʼ οἰκτίσαι φίλοις. +πόλει δʼ ἀγῶνες οἳ μὲν εὐτυχέστατοι +τῇδʼ ἐξέβησαν, οἳ δὲ δυστυχέστατοι. + +
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+Χορός +οὐκ εἰς ἀκοὰς ἔτι δυστυχία +δώματος ἥκει· πάρα γὰρ λεύσσειν +πτώματα νεκρῶν τρισσῶν ἤδη +τάδε πρὸς μελάθροις κοινῷ θανάτῳ +σκοτίαν αἰῶνα λαχόντων. + +
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+Ἀντιγόνη +οὐ προκαλυπτομένα βοτρυχώδεος +ἁβρὰ παρηίδος οὐδʼ ὑπὸ παρθενί- +ας τὸν ὑπὸ βλεφάροις φοίνικʼ, ἐρύθημα προσώπου, +αἰδομένα φέρομαι βάκχα νεκύ- +ων, κράδεμνα δικοῦσα κόμας ἀπʼ ἐ- +μᾶς, στολίδος κροκόεσσαν ἀνεῖσα τρυφάν, +ἁγεμόνευμα νεκροῖσι πολύστονον. αἰαῖ, ἰώ μοι. +ὦ Πολύνεικες, ἔφυς ἄρʼ ἐπώνυμος· ὤμοι μοι, Θῆβαι· +σὰ δʼ ἔρις — οὐκ ἔρις, ἀλλὰ φόνῳ φόνος — +Οἰδιπόδα δόμον ὤλεσε κρανθεῖσʼ +αἵματι δεινῷ, αἵματι λυγρῷ. +τίνα προσῳδὸν +ἢ τίνα μουσοπόλον στοναχὰν ἐπὶ +δάκρυσι δάκρυσιν, ὦ δόμος, ὦ δόμος, +ἀγκαλέσωμαι, +τρισσὰ φέρουσα τάδʼ αἵματα σύγγονα, +ματέρα καὶ τέκνα, χάρματʼ Ἐρινύος; +ἃ δόμον Οἰδιπόδα πρόπαν ὤλεσε, +τᾶς ἀγρίας ὅτε +δυσξυνέτου ξυνετὸν μέλος ἔγνω +Σφιγγὸς ἀοιδοῦ σῶμα φονεύσας. +ἰώ μοί μοι, πάτερ, +τίς Ἑλλὰς ἢ βάρβαρος ἢ +τῶν προπάροιθʼ εὐγενετᾶν +ἕτερος ἔτλα κακῶν τοσῶνδʼ +αἵματος ἁμερίου +τοιάδʼ ἄχεα φανερά; +τάλαινʼ, ὡς ἐλελίζει — +τίς ἄρʼ ὄρνις, ἢ δρυὸς ἢ +ἐλάτας ἀκροκόμοις ἀμφὶ κλάδοις ἑζομένα, +μονομάτορσιν ὀδυρμοῖς +ἐμοῖς ἄχεσι συνῳδός; +αἴλινον αἰάγμασιν ἃ +τοῖσδε προκλαίω μονάδʼ αἰ- +ῶνα διάξουσα τὸν αἰεὶ χρόνον ἐν +λειβομένοισιν δάκρυσιν ἰαχήσω. +τίνʼ ἐπὶ πρῶτον ἀπὸ χαί- +τας σπαραγμοῖς ἀπαρχὰς βάλω; +ματρὸς ἐμᾶς ἢ διδύμοι- +σι γάλακτος παρὰ μαστοῖς +ἢ πρὸς ἀδελ- +φῶν οὐλόμενʼ αἰκίσματα νεκρῶν; + +ὀτοτοτοῖ λεῖπε σοὺς +δόμους, ἀλαὸν ὄμμα φέρων, +πάτερ γεραιέ, δεῖξον, +Οἰδιπόδα, σὸν αἰῶνα μέλεον, ὃς ἐπὶ +δώμασιν ἀέριον σκότον ὄμμασι +σοῖσι βαλὼν ἕλκεις μακρόπνουν ζόαν. +κλύεις, ὦ κατʼ αὐλὰν +ἀλαίνων γεραιὸν +πόδʼ ἢ δεμνίοις δύ- +στανος ἰαύων; + + +Οἰδίπους +τί μʼ, ὦ παρθένε, βακτρεύμασι τυφλοῦ +ποδὸς ἐξάγαγες ἐς φῶς +λεχήρη σκοτίων ἐκ θαλάμων οἰκ- +τροτάτοισιν δακρύοισιν, +πολιὸν αἰθέρος ἀφανὲς εἴδωλον ἢ +νέκυν ἔνερθεν ἢ +πτανὸν ὄνειρον; + + +Ἀντιγόνη +δυστυχὲς ἀγγελίας ἔπος οἴσῃ, +πάτερ, οὐκέτι σοι τέκνα λεύσσει +φάος οὐδʼ ἄλοχος, παραβάκτροις +ἃ πόδα σὸν τυφλόπουν θεραπεύμασιν αἰὲν ἐμόχθει, + πάτερ, ὤμοι. + + +Οἰδίπους +ὤμοι ἐμῶν παθέων· πάρα γὰρ στενάχειν τάδʼ, ἀυτεῖν. +τρισσαὶ ψυχαί· ποίᾳ μοίρᾳ +πῶς ἔλιπον φάος; ὦ τέκνον, αὔδα. + + + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οὐκ ἐπʼ ὀνείδεσιν οὐδʼ ἐπιχάρμασιν, +ἀλλʼ ὀδύναισι λέγω· σὸς ἀλάστωρ +ξίφεσιν βρίθων +καὶ πυρὶ καὶ σχετλίαισι μάχαις ἐπὶ παῖδας ἔβα σούς, +ὦ πάτερ, ὤ μοι. + + +Οἰδίπους +αἰαῖ. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +τί τάδε καταστένεις, + + +Οἰδίπους +τέκνα. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +διʼ ὀδύνας ἔβας· +εἰ δὲ τέθριππά γʼ ἔθʼ ἅρματα λεύσσων +ἀελίου τάδε σώματα νεκρῶν +ὄμματος αὐγαῖς σαῖς ἐπενώμας — + + +Οἰδίπους +τῶν μὲν ἐμῶν τεκέων φανερὸν κακόν· +ἁ δὲ τάλαινʼ ἄλοχος τίνι μοι, τέκνον, ὤλετο μοίρᾳ; + + +Ἀντιγόνη +δάκρυα γοερὰ +φανερὰ πᾶσι τιθεμένα, +τέκεσι μαστὸν ἔφερεν ἔφερεν +ἱκέτις ἱκέτιν ὀρομένα. +ηὗρε δʼ ἐν Ἠλέκτραισι πύλαις τέκνα +λωτοτρόφον κατὰ λείμακα λόγχαις, +κοινὸν ἐνυάλιον, +μάτηρ, ὥστε λέοντας ἐναύλους, +μαρναμένους ἐπὶ τραύμασιν, αἵματος +ἤδη ψυχρὰν λοιβὰν φονίαν, +ἃν ἔλαχʼ Ἅιδας, ὤπασε δʼ Ἄρης· +χαλκόκροτον δὲ λαβοῦσα νεκρῶν πάρα φάσγανον εἴσω +σαρκὸς ἔβαψεν, ἄχει δὲ τέκνων ἔπεσʼ ἀμφὶ τέκνοισι. +πάντα δʼ ἐν ἄματι τῷδε συνάγαγεν, +ὦ πάτερ, ἁμετέροισι δόμοισιν ἄχη θεὸς ὃς +τάδε τελευτᾷ. + +
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+ + + +Χορός +πολλῶν κακῶν κατῆρξεν Οἰδίπου δόμοις +τόδʼ ἦμαρ· εἴη δʼ εὐτυχέστερος βίος. + + +Κρέων +οἴκτων μὲν ἤδη λήγεθʼ, ὡς ὥρα τάφου +μνήμην τίθεσθαι· τόνδε δʼ, Οἰδίπου, λόγον +ἄκουσον· ἀρχὰς τῆσδε γῆς ἔδωκέ μοι +Ἐτεοκλέης παῖς σός, γάμων φερνὰς διδοὺς +Αἵμονι κόρης τε λέκτρον Ἀντιγόνης σέθεν. +οὐκ οὖν σʼ ἐάσω τήνδε γῆν οἰκεῖν ἔτι· +σαφῶς γὰρ εἶπε Τειρεσίας οὐ μή ποτε +σοῦ τήνδε γῆν οἰκοῦντος εὖ πράξειν πόλιν. +ἀλλʼ ἐκκομίζου. καὶ τάδʼ οὐχ ὕβρει λέγω +οὐδʼ ἐχθρὸς ὢν σός, διὰ δὲ τοὺς ἀλάστορας +τοὺς σοὺς δεδοικὼς μή τι γῆ πάθῃ κακόν. + + +Οἰδίπους +ὦ μοῖρʼ, ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς ὥς μʼ ἔφυσας ἄθλιον +καὶ τλήμονʼ, εἴ τις ἄλλος ἀνθρώπων ἔφυ· +ὃν καὶ πρὶν ἐς φῶς μητρὸς ἐκ γονῆς μολεῖν, +ἄγονον Ἀπόλλων Λαΐῳ μʼ ἐθέσπισεν +φονέα γενέσθαι πατρός· ὦ τάλας ἐγώ. +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἐγενόμην, αὖθις ὁ σπείρας πατὴρ +κτείνει με νομίσας πολέμιον πεφυκέναι· +χρῆν γὰρ θανεῖν νιν ἐξ ἐμοῦ· πέμπει δέ με +μαστὸν ποθοῦντα θηρσὶν ἄθλιον βοράν· +οὗ σῳζόμεσθα — Ταρτάρου γὰρ ὤφελεν +ἐλθεῖν Κιθαιρὼν εἰς ἄβυσσα χάσματα, +ὅς μʼ οὐ διώλεσʼ, ἀλλὰ + δουλεῦσαί τέ μοι +δαίμων ἔδωκε Πόλυβον ἀμφὶ δεσπότην. +κτανὼν δʼ ἐμαυτοῦ πατέρʼ ὁ δυσδαίμων ἐγὼ +ἐς μητρὸς ἦλθον τῆς ταλαιπώρου λέχος, +παῖδάς τʼ ἀδελφοὺς ἔτεκον, οὓς ἀπώλεσα, +ἀρὰς παραλαβὼν Λαΐου καὶ παισὶ δούς. +οὐ γὰρ τοσοῦτον ἀσύνετος πέφυκʼ ἐγὼ +ὥστʼ εἰς ἔμʼ ὄμματʼ ἔς τʼ ἐμῶν παίδων βίον +ἄνευ θεῶν του ταῦτʼ ἐμηχανησάμην. +εἶἑν· τί δράσω δῆθʼ ὁ δυσδαίμων ἐγώ; +τίς ἡγεμών μοι ποδὸς ὁμαρτήσει τυφλοῦ; +ἥδʼ ἡ θανοῦσα; ζῶσά γʼ ἂν σάφʼ οἶδʼ ὅτι. +ἀλλʼ εὔτεκνος ξυνωρίς; ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔστι μοι. +ἀλλʼ ἔτι νεάζων αὐτὸς εὕροιμʼ ἂν βίον; +πόθεν; τί μʼ ἄρδην ὧδʼ ἀποκτείνεις, Κρέον; +ἀποκτενεῖς γάρ, εἴ με γῆς ἔξω βαλεῖς. +οὐ μὴν ἑλίξας γʼ ἀμφὶ σὸν χεῖρας γόνυ +κακὸς φανοῦμαι· τὸ γὰρ ἐμόν ποτʼ εὐγενὲς +οὐκ ἂν προδοίην, οὐδέ περ πράσσων κακῶς. + + + + + +Κρέων +σοί τʼ εὖ λέλεκται γόνατα μὴ χρῴζειν ἐμά, +ἐγὼ δὲ ναίειν σʼ οὐκ ἐάσαιμʼ ἂν χθόνα. +νεκρῶν δὲ τῶνδε τὸν μὲν ἐς δόμους χρεὼν +ἤδη κομίζειν, τόνδε δʼ, ὃς πέρσων πόλιν +πατρίδα σὺν ἄλλοις ἦλθε, Πολυνείκους νέκυν +ἐκβάλετʼ ἄθαπτον τῆσδʼ ὅρων ἔξω χθονός. +κηρύξεται δὲ πᾶσι Καδμείοις τάδε· +ὃς ἂν νεκρὸν τόνδʼ ἢ καταστέφων ἁλῷ +ἢ γῇ καλύπτων, θάνατον ἀνταλλάξεται. +ἐᾶν δʼ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς βοράν. +σὺ δʼ ἐκλιποῦσα τριπτύχους θρήνους νεκρῶν +κόμιζε σαυτήν, Ἀντιγόνη, δόμων ἔσω +καὶ παρθενεύου τὴν ἰοῦσαν ἡμέραν +μένουσʼ, ἐν ᾗ σε λέκτρον Αἵμονος μένει. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ὦ πάτερ, ἐν οἵοις κείμεθʼ ἄθλιοι κακοῖς. +ὥς σε στενάζω τῶν τεθνηκότων πλέον· +οὐ γὰρ τὸ μέν σοι βαρὺ κακῶν, τὸ δʼ οὐ βαρύ, +ἀλλʼ εἰς ἅπαντα δυστυχὴς ἔφυς, πάτερ. +ἀτὰρ σʼ ἐρωτῶ τὸν νεωστὶ κοίρανον· +τί τόνδʼ ὑβρίζεις πατέρʼ ἀποστέλλων χθονός; +τί θεσμοποιεῖς ἐπὶ ταλαιπώρῳ νεκρῷ; + + +Κρέων +Ἐτεοκλέους βουλεύματʼ, οὐχ ἡμῶν, τάδε. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἄφρονά γε, καὶ σὺ μῶρος ὃς ἐπίθου τάδε. + + +Κρέων +πῶς; τἀντεταλμένʼ οὐ δίκαιον ἐκπονεῖν; + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οὔκ, ἢν πονηρά γʼ ᾖ κακῶς τʼ εἰρημένα. + + +Κρέων +τί δʼ; οὐ δικαίως ὅδε κυσὶν δοθήσεται; + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οὐκ ἔννομον γὰρ τὴν δίκην πράσσεσθέ νιν. + + +Κρέων +εἴπερ γε πόλεως ἐχθρὸς ἦν οὐκ ἐχθρὸς ὤν. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οὐκοῦν ἔδωκε τῇ τύχῃ τὸν δαίμονα. + + +Κρέων +καὶ τῷ τάφῳ νυν τὴν δίκην παρασχέτω. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +τί πλημμελήσας, τὸ μέρος εἰ μετῆλθε γῆς; + + +Κρέων +ἄταφος ὅδʼ ἁνήρ, ὡς μάθῃς, γενήσεται. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἐγώ σφε θάψω, κἂν ἀπεννέπῃ πόλις. + + +Κρέων +σαυτὴν ἄρʼ ἐγγὺς τῷδε συνθάψεις νεκρῷ. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἀλλʼ εὐκλεές τοι δύο φίλω κεῖσθαι πέλας. + + +Κρέων +λάζυσθε τήνδε κἀς δόμους κομίζετε. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οὐ δῆτʼ, ἐπεὶ τοῦδʼ οὐ μεθήσομαι νεκροῦ. + + +Κρέων +ἔκρινʼ ὁ δαίμων, παρθένʼ, οὐχ ἃ σοὶ δοκεῖ. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +κἀκεῖνο κέκριται, μὴ ἐφυβρίζεσθαι νεκρούς. + + +Κρέων +ὡς οὔτις ἀμφὶ τῷδʼ ὑγρὰν θήσει κόνιν. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ναὶ πρός σε τῆσδε μητρὸς Ἰοκάστης, Κρέον. + + +Κρέων +μάταια μοχθεῖς· οὐ γὰρ ἂν τύχοις τάδε. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +σὺ δʼ ἀλλὰ νεκρῷ λουτρὰ περιβαλεῖν μʼ ἔα. + + +Κρέων +ἓν τοῦτʼ ἂν εἴη τῶν ἀπορρήτων πόλει. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἀλλʼ ἀμφὶ τραύματʼ ἄγρια τελαμῶνας βαλεῖν. + + +Κρέων +οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅπως σὺ τόνδε τιμήσεις νέκυν. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἀλλὰ στόμα γε σὸν προσπτύξομαι. + + + + +Κρέων +οὐ μὴ ἐς γάμους σοὺς συμφορὰν κτήσῃ γόοις. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἦ γὰρ γαμοῦμαι ζῶσα παιδὶ σῷ ποτε; + + +Κρέων +πολλή σʼ ἀνάγκη· ποῖ γὰρ ἐκφεύξῃ λέχος; + + +Ἀντιγόνη +νὺξ ἆρʼ ἐκείνη Δαναΐδων μʼ ἕξει μίαν. + + +Κρέων +εἶδες τὸ τόλμημʼ οἷον ἐξωνείδισεν; + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἴστω σίδηρος ὅρκιόν τέ μοι ξίφος. + + +Κρέων +τί δʼ ἐκπροθυμῇ τῶνδʼ ἀπηλλάχθαι γάμων; + + +Ἀντιγόνη +συμφεύξομαι τῷδʼ ἀθλιωτάτῳ πατρί. + + +Κρέων +γενναιότης σοι, μωρία δʼ ἔνεστί τις. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +καὶ ξυνθανοῦμαί γʼ, ὡς μάθῃς περαιτέρω. + + +Κρέων +ἴθʼ, οὐ φονεύσεις παῖδʼ ἐμόν, λίπε χθόνα. + + +Οἰδίπους +ὦ θύγατερ, αἰνῶ μέν σε τῆς προθυμίας. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἀλλʼ εἰ γαμοίμην, σὺ δὲ μόνος φεύγοις, πάτερ; + + +Οἰδίπους +μένʼ εὐτυχοῦσα, τἄμʼ ἐγὼ στέρξω κακά. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +καὶ τίς σε τυφλὸν ὄντα θεραπεύσει, πάτερ; + + +Οἰδίπους +πεσὼν ὅπου μοι μοῖρα κείσομαι πέδῳ. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ὁ δʼ Οἰδίπους ποῦ καὶ τὰ κλείνʼ αἰνίγματα; + + +Οἰδίπους +ὄλωλʼ· ἓν ἦμάρ μʼ ὤλβισʼ, ἓν δʼ ἀπώλεσεν. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οὔκουν μετασχεῖν κἀμὲ δεῖ τῶν σῶν κακῶν; + + +Οἰδίπους +αἰσχρὰ φυγὴ θυγατρὶ σὺν τυφλῷ πατρί. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οὔ, σωφρονούσῃ γʼ, ἀλλὰ γενναία, πάτερ. + + +Οἰδίπους +προσάγαγέ νύν με, μητρὸς ὡς ψαύσω σέθεν. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἰδού, γεραιᾶς φιλτάτης ψαῦσον χερί. + + +Οἰδίπους +ὦ μῆτερ, ὦ ξυνάορʼ ἀθλιωτάτη. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +οἰκτρὰ πρόκειται, πάντʼ ἔχουσʼ ὁμοῦ κακά. + + +Οἰδίπους +Ἐτεοκλέους δὲ πτῶμα Πολυνείκους τε ποῦ; + + +Ἀντιγόνη +τώδʼ ἐκτάδην σοι κεῖσθον ἀλλήλοιν πέλας. + + +Οἰδίπους +πρόσθες τυφλὴν χεῖρʼ ἐπὶ πρόσωπα δυστυχῆ. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἰδού, θανόντων σῶν τέκνων ἅπτου χερί. + + +Οἰδίπους +ὦ φίλα πεσήματʼ ἄθλιʼ ἀθλίου πατρός. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ὦ φίλτατον δῆτʼ ὄνομα Πολυνείκους ἐμοί. + + +Οἰδίπους +νῦν χρησμός, ὦ παῖ, Λοξίου περαίνεται. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ὁ ποῖος; ἀλλʼ ἦ πρὸς κακοῖς ἐρεῖς κακά; + + +Οἰδίπους +ἐν ταῖς Ἀθήναις κατθανεῖν μʼ ἀλώμενον. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ποῦ; τίς σε πύργος Ἀτθίδος προσδέξεται; + + +Οἰδίπους +ἱερὸς Κολωνός, δώμαθʼ ἱππίου θεοῦ. +ἀλλʼ εἶα, τυφλῷ τῷδʼ ὑπηρέτει πατρί, +ἐπεὶ προθυμῇ τῆσδε κοινοῦσθαι φυγῆς. + +
+ + + +
+Ἀντιγόνη +ἴθʼ ἐς φυγὰν τάλαιναν· ὄρεγε χέρα φίλαν, +πάτερ γεραιέ, πομπίμαν +ἔχων ἔμʼ ὥστε ναυσίπομπον αὔραν. + + +Οἰδίπους +ἰδοὺ ἰδού, πορεύομαι· +τέκνον, σύ μοι ποδαγὸς ἀθλία γενοῦ. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +γενόμεθα γενόμεθʼ, ἄθλιαί +γε δῆτα Θηβαιᾶν μάλιστα παρθένων. + + +Οἰδίπους +πόθι γεραιὸν ἴχνος τίθημι; +βάκτρα πρόσφερʼ, ὦ τέκνον. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +τᾷδε τᾷδε βᾶθί μοι, +τᾷδε τᾷδε πόδα τιθείς, +ὥστʼ ὄνειρον ἰσχύν. + + +Οἰδίπους +ἰὼ ἰώ, δυστυχεστάτας φυγὰς +ἐλαύνων τὸν γέροντά μʼ ἐκ πάτρας. +ἰὼ ἰώ, δεινὰ δείνʼ ἐγὼ τλάς. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +τί τλάς; τί τλάς; οὐχ ὁρᾷ Δίκα κακούς, +οὐδʼ ἀμείβεται βροτῶν ἀσυνεσίας. + + +Οἰδίπους +ὅδʼ εἰμὶ μοῦσαν ὃς ἐπὶ καλ- +λίνικον οὐράνιον ἔβαν +μειξοπαρθένου κόρας +αἴνιγμʼ ἀσύνετον εὑρών. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +Σφιγγὸς ἀναφέρεις ὄνειδος. +ἄπαγε τὰ πάρος εὐτυχήματʼ αὐδῶν. +τάδε σʼ ἐπέμενε μέλεα πάθεα +φυγάδα πατρίδος ἄπο γενόμενον, +ὦ πάτερ, θανεῖν που. + +ποθεινὰ δάκρυα παρὰ φίλαισι παρθένοις +λιποῦσʼ ἄπειμι πατρίδος ἀποπρὸ γαίας +ἀπαρθένευτʼ ἀλωμένα. +φεῦ τὸ χρήσιμον φρενῶν +ἐς πατρός γε συμφορὰς +εὐκλεᾶ με θήσει· +τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ σῶν συγγόνου θʼ ὑβρισμάτων, +ὃς ἐκ δόμων νέκυς ἄθαπτος οἴχεται +μέλεος, ὅν, εἴ με καὶ θανεῖν, πάτερ, χρεών, +σκότια γᾷ καλύψω. + + +Οἰδίπους +πρὸς ἥλικας φάνηθι σάς. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +ἅλις ὀδυρμάτων ἐμῶν. + + +Οἰδίπους +σὺ δʼ ἀμφὶ βωμίους λιτὰς — + + +Ἀντιγόνη +κόρον ἔχουσʼ ἐμῶν κακῶν. + + +Οἰδίπους +ἴθʼ ἀλλὰ Βρόμιος ἵνα τε σηκὸς +ἄβατος ὄρεσι μαινάδων. + + +Ἀντιγόνη +Καδμείαν ᾧ νεβρίδα +στολιδωσαμένα ποτʼ ἐγὼ Σεμέλας +θίασον ἱερὸν ὄρεσιν ἀνεχόρευσα, +χάριν ἀχάριτον ἐς θεοὺς διδοῦσα; + +
+ + + +
+Οἰδίπους +ὦ πάτρας κλεινῆς πολῖται, λεύσσετʼ, Οἰδίπους ὅδε, +ὃς τὰ κλείνʼ αἰνίγματʼ ἔγνω καὶ μέγιστος ἦν ἀνήρ, +ὃς μόνος Σφιγγὸς κατέσχον τῆς μιαιφόνου κράτη, +νῦν ἄτιμος αὐτὸς οἰκτρὸς ἐξελαύνομαι χθονός. +ἀλλὰ γὰρ τί ταῦτα θρηνῶ καὶ μάτην ὀδύρομαι; +τὰς γὰρ ἐκ θεῶν ἀνάγκας θνητὸν ὄντα δεῖ φέρειν. + +
+ + + +
+Χορός +ὦ μέγα σεμνὴ Νίκη, τὸν ἐμὸν +βίοτον κατέχοις +καὶ μὴ λήγοις στεφανοῦσα. + + +
+
+
+ +
+
\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg016/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg016/__cts__.xml index 43703884f..282a95c8a 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg016/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg016/__cts__.xml @@ -4,12 +4,12 @@ Orestes - + Ὀρέστης - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. III. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1920-1978) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. III. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1920-1978) - + Orestes Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-eng1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-eng1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index e9facf045..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-eng1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9 +0,0 @@ -{ - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "id": "1999.01.0116", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/Classics/Euripides/copyright/eur.orest_eng.xml", - "status": "not migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-eng1.xml" -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-eng2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..41b16d11b --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,2201 @@ + + + + + + +Orestes +Machine readable text +Euripides +Edward P. Coleridge + Perseus Project, Tufts University + Gregory Crane + + Prepared under the supervision of + Lisa Cerrato + William Merrill + Elli Mylonas + David Smith + + The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + + Trustees of Tufts University + Medford, MA + Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + The Plays of Euripides + Edward P. Coleridge + + London + George Bell and Sons + 1891 + + 2 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + +

Modernization of language.

+ +
+ + +

This pointer pattern extracts lines

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+ + + + + +English +Greek +Latin + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + copyrighted CTS texts from sdl and classics in new canonical structure per github repo + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + the card divs had had a line range but there was a problem with this, so we just have the start line in the n attribute. + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + bring up to p3, including use of n attribute on sp when a cardbreak comes within a speech, and moving milestones out of speeches + Added speaker tags where needed. + Basic SGML tagging and modernizing + +
+ + + +
+ + +

Dramatis Personae

+ +

Electra

+

Helen

+

Chorus

+

Orestes

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Menelaus

+

Tyndareus

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Pylades

+

Messenger

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Hermione

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Phrygian

+

Apollo

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+ +
+ + +Before the royal palace at Argos. Orestes lies sleeping on a couch in the background. + +Electra +There is nothing so terrible to describe, or suffering, or heaven-sent affliction, that human nature may not have to bear the burden of it. The blessed Tantalus—and I am not now taunting him with his misfortunes— +Tantalus, the reputed son of Zeus, flies in the air, quailing at the rock which looms above his head; paying this penalty, they say, for the shameful weakness he displayed in failing to keep a bridle on his lips, when admitted by gods, though he was a man, +to share the honors of their feasts like one of them. + He begot Pelops, the father of Atreus, for whom the goddess, when she had carded her wool, spun a web of strife—to make war with his own brother Thyestes. But why need I retrace that hideous tale? +Well, Atreus slew Thyestes’ children and feasted him on them. Atreus, now; I pass over intermediate events; from Atreus and Aerope of Crete were born the famous Agamemnon, if he really was famous, and Menelaus. Now Menelaus married Helen, +the gods’ abhorrence; while lord Agamemnon married Clytemnestra, notorious in Hellas; and we three daughters were born: Chrysothemis, Iphigenia, and myself, Electra; also a son Orestes; all from that one accursed mother, +who slew her husband, after snaring him in an inextricable robe. Her reason a maiden’s lips may not declare, and so I leave it unclear for the world to guess at. What need for me to charge Phoebus with wrong-doing? Though he persuaded Orestes +to slay his own mother, a deed that few approved. Still it was his obedience to the god that made him kill her; I had a share in the murder, in so far as a woman could, and Pylades, who helped us to bring it about. + +After this my poor Orestes, wasting away in a cruel disease, +lies fallen on his couch, and it is his mother’s blood that drives him round and round in frenzied fits; I am ashamed to name the goddesses, whose terrors are chasing him—the Eumenides. It is now the sixth day +since the body of his murdered mother was committed to the cleansing fire; since then no food has gone down his throat, nor has he washed his skin; but wrapped in his cloak he weeps in his lucid moments, whenever the fever leaves him; +at other times he bounds headlong from his couch, as a colt when it is loosed from the yoke. This city of Argos has decreed that no man give us shelter in home or hearth, or speak to matricides like us; and this is the fateful day on which the Argives will take a vote, +whether we are both to die by stoning. or to whet the steel and plunge it in our necks. There is, it is true, one hope of escape from death: Menelaus has landed from Troy; his fleet now crowds the haven of Nauplia where he has come to anchor on the shore, returned at last from Troy +after ceaseless wanderings; but Helen, that so-called lady of sorrows, he has sent on to our palace, waiting for the night, lest any of those parents whose sons died at Troy might see her if she went by day, and set to stoning her. +Within she sits, weeping for her sister and the calamities of her family, and yet she has still some solace in her woe; for Hermione, the child she left at home when she sailed for Troy, the maid whom Menelaus brought from Sparta +and entrusted to my mother’s keeping, is still a cause of joy to her and a reason to forget her sorrows. +I am watching each approach, until I see Menelaus arriving; for unless we find some safety from him, we have only a feeble anchor to ride on otherwise. +A helpless thing, an unlucky house! + + + +Helen +Daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, unhappy Electra, a maiden for so long, how is it with you and your brother, this ill-starred Orestes who slew his mother? +For referring the sin as I do to Phoebus, I incur no pollution by addressing you; and yet I am truly sorry for the death of my sister Clytemnestra, whom I never saw after I was driven by heaven-sent frenzy to sail as I did to Ilium; +but now that I am parted from her, I bewail our misfortunes. + +Electra +Helen, why should I speak of that which your own eyes can see? Agamemnon’s house in misfortune? +Beside his wretched corpse I sit, sleepless—for corpse he is, so faint his breath— +not that I reproach him with his sufferings; but you are highly blessed and your husband too. you have come upon us in the hour of adversity + +Helen +How long has he lain in this way on the couch? + +Electra +Ever since he spilt his mother’s blood. + +Helen +Unhappy wretch! unhappy mother! what a death she died. + +Electra +Unhappy enough to succumb to his misery. + +Helen +By the gods, would you hear me a moment, maiden? + +Electra +Yes, with such leisure as this watching over a brother leaves. + +Helen +Will you go for me to my sister’s tomb? + +Electra +Would you have me seek my mother’s tomb? Why? + +Helen +To carry an offering of hair and a libation from me. + +Electra +Isn’t it right for you to go to the tomb of one you love? + +Helen +No, for I am ashamed to show myself in Argos. + +Electra +A late repentance surely for one who left her home so shamefully then. + +Helen +You have told the truth, but your telling is not kind to me. + +Electra +What is this supposed shame before the eyes of Mycenae that possesses you? + +Helen +I am afraid of the fathers of those who lie dead at Ilium. + +Electra +Good cause for fear; your name is on every tongue in Argos. + +Helen +Then free me of my fear and grant me this favor. + +Electra +I could not bear to look upon my mother’s grave. + +Helen +And yet it would be shame indeed for servants to bear these offerings. + +Electra +Then why not send your daughter Hermione? + +Helen +It is not good for maidens to go into a crowd. + +Electra +And yet she would be repaying her dead foster-mother’s care. + + +Helen +You have told the truth and have convinced me, maiden. Yes, I will send my daughter for you are right.Calling. Hermione, my child, come out, before the palace. Take these libations and these tresses of mine in your hands, and go pour round Clytemnestra’s tomb +a mingled cup of honey, milk, and frothing wine; then stand upon the heaped-up grave, and say this: Helen, your sister, sends you these libations as her gift, fearing herself to approach your tomb from terror of the Argive mob and bid her harbor kindly thoughts +towards me and you and my husband; towards these two wretched sufferers, too, whom the gods have destroyed. And promise that I will pay in full whatever funeral gifts are due from me to a sister. Now go, my child, and hurry; +and soon as you have made the libations at the tomb, think of your return. +Exit Helen. + +Electra +O human nature, how great an evil you are in men! and what salvation, too, to those who have a goodly heritage there. +Did you see how she cut off her hair only at the ends, to preserve its beauty? She is the same woman as of old. +May the gods hate you! for you have proved the ruin of me and my brother and all Hellas. +Alas! here are my friends once more, coming to unite their plaintive dirge with mine; they will soon put an end to my brother’s peaceful sleep, and cause my tears to flow +when I see him in frenzy. +Dearest friends, step softly; not a sound; not a whisper! For though this kindness of yours is well-meant, rouse him and I shall rue it.
+ + + +
+
+The Chorus of Argive Maidens enters quietly. The following lines between Electra and the Chorus are chanted responsively. + +Chorus +Hush, hush! let your footsteps fall lightly! not a sound! + +Electra +Go further from his couch, further, I beseech you! + +Chorus +There, I obey. + +Electra +Ah, ah! Speak like the breath of a slender reed-pipe, my dear, I pray. + +Chorus +See, how soft and low I drop my voice. + +Electra +Yes, do so; approach now, softly, softly! +Give me an account of why you have come here. For at last he has lain down, and sleeps. +
+ + + +
+ +Chorus +How is he? You give us an account, my dear; what has happened, what misfortune? + +Electra +He is still breathing, but his moans grow feeble. + +Chorus +What are you saying? turning to Orestes. Unhappy Orestes! + +Electra +You will kill him, if you disturb him from the sweet sleep he now enjoys. + +Chorus +Poor sufferer, for his hateful deeds, inspired by a god! + +Electra +Ah, misery! Injustice it was, after all, from an unjust mouth, when Loxias on the tripod of Themis +decreed my mother’s most unnatural murder. +
+ + +
+ +Chorus +Do you see? He stirs beneath his robe! + +Electra +Alas! Your noisy chatter has roused him from his sleep. + +Chorus +No, I think he is asleep. + +Electra +Leave us, go away from the house! circle back again! cease this noise! + +Chorus + He is asleep. + +Electra + You are right.These words are assigned to the Chorus in the translation but have been moved to correlate to the Greek. O Lady Night, +giver of sleep to hard-working mortals, come from Erebus, come, wing your way to the palace of Agamemnon. +For with misery and woe we are lost, we are gone. +There! To the Chorus.that noise again! Do be still and keep the sound of your voice +away from his couch; let him enjoy his sleep in peace, my dear! +
+ + +
+ +Chorus +Tell me, what end of troubles awaits him. + +Electra +Death, death; what else? For he has no desire for food. + +Chorus +Then his destiny is already clear. + +Electra +Phoebus offered us up for sacrifice, when he ordered the pitiable, unnatural murder of our mother, who killed our father. + +Chorus + It was just. + +Electra + But it was not well done. +You killed and were killed, my mother! and you have slain a father and your own children; +for we are dead or as good as dead. You are in your grave, and the greater part of my life is spent in weeping and wailing, +and tears at night; unmarried, childless, I drag out forever a joyless existence. +
+ +
+ + + +
+ +Chorus Leader +Electra, you are nearby; see whether your brother has not died without your knowing it; +for I do not like his utter prostration. + +Orestes +awaking refreshed +Sweet charm of sleep, savior in sickness, how sweetly you came to me, how needed! Revered forgetfulness of troubles, how wise a goddess you are, and invoked by every suffering soul! +Addressing Electra.Where have I come from? How am I here? For I have lost all previous recollection and remember nothing. + +Electra +My dearest, how glad I was to see you fall asleep! Do you want me take you in my arms and lift your body? + +Orestes +Take, oh! take me in your arms, and from this sufferer’s mouth +and eyes wipe off the flakes of foam. + +Electra +There! The service is sweet, and I do not refuse to tend a brother’s limbs with a sister’s hand. + +Orestes +Prop me up, your side to mine; brush the matted hair from my face, for I see dimly. + +Electra +Ah, poor head, how dirty your hair! How savage you look, remaining so long unwashed! + +Orestes +Put me once more upon the couch; whenever the madness leaves me, I am unnerved and weak. + +Electra +As she lays him down.There! His couch is welcome to the sick man, +a painful possession, but a necessary one. + +Orestes +Set me upright once again, turn my body round; it is their helplessness that makes the sick so hard to please. + +Electra +Will you set your feet upon the ground and take a step at last? Change is always pleasant. + +Orestes +Oh, yes; for that has a semblance of health; and the semblance is preferable, though it is far from the truth. + +Electra +Hear me now, my brother, while the Furies permit you to use your senses. + +Orestes +You have news to tell; if it is good, you do me a kindness; +but if it tends to my hurt, I have suffered enough. + +Electra +Menelaus, your father’s brother, has come; his ships are moored in Nauplia. + +Orestes +What did you say? Has he come to be a light in our troubles, a man of our own family, who owes gratitude to our father? + +Electra +He has come, and is bringing Helen from the walls of Troy—accept this as proof of what I say. + +Orestes +If he had returned alone in safety, he would be more enviable; but if he is bringing his wife, he has come with great mischief. + +Electra +Tyndareus begot a race of daughters notorious for blame, +infamous throughout Hellas. + +Orestes +Then you be different from that evil brood, for you can be; and not only in words, but also in heart. + + +Electra +Ah! brother, your eye is growing wild, and in a moment you are turning mad again, when you were just now sane. + +Orestes +starting up wildly +Mother, I implore you! Do not shake at me those maidens with their bloodshot eyes and snaky hair. Here they are, close by, to leap on me! + +Electra +Lie still, poor sufferer, on your couch; your eye sees nothing, you only imagine that you recognize them. + +Orestes +O Phoebus! they will kill me, the hounds of hell, death’s priestesses with glaring eyes, the dreadful goddesses. + +Electra +I will not let you go; but with arms twined round you, I will prevent your piteous leaping. + +Orestes +Let me go! you are one of my Furies, +and are gripping me by the waist to hurl me into Tartarus! + +Electra + Alas for me! What aid can I find, when we have Heaven’s forces set against us? + + Orestes +Give me my horn-tipped bow, Apollo’s gift, with which he told me to ward off the goddesses, +if ever they sought to scare me with wild transports of madness. +A mortal hand will wound one of them, unless she departs from my sight. Don’t you hear me? Don’t you see the feathered arrows springing out from my far-shooting bow? What! +Do you linger still? Mount the sky on your wings, and blame those oracles of Phoebus. +Ah! why am I raving, gasping? Where, oh! where have I leapt, from my couch? Once more the storm is past, I see a calm. + +Sister, why do you weep, your head wrapped in your robe? I am ashamed that I should make you a partner in my sufferings and distress a maiden like you through my sickness. Do not waste away over my troubles; for though you consented to it, yet I was the one that spilled +our mother’s blood. I blame Loxias, for urging me on to do a deed most unholy, encouraging me with words but not in deed. I believe that, if I had asked my father to his face whether I must slay my mother, +he would have strongly entreated me, by this beard, never to plunge a sword into her throat, since he would not regain his life, and I, poor wretch, would accomplish such evil! + And now, my sister, unveil your face +and cease to weep, despite our misery. Whenever you see me give way to despair, it is for you to calm and soothe the terrors and distorted fancies of my brain. Whenever sorrow comes to you, I must be at your side and give you comforting advice; +for to help our friends like this is noble. +Go in the house now, my poor sister; lie down and close your sleepless eyes; take food and bathe your body. For if you leave me or fall sick from nursing me, +I am lost. You are my only ally; I am deserted by all the rest, as you see. + +Electra +I will not leave you; with you I will choose to live and die; for it is the same: if you die, what shall I, a woman, do? How shall I escape alone, +with no brother, or father, or friends? Still, if you think it right, I must do your bidding. But lie down upon your couch, and do not pay too great heed to the terrors and alarm that scare you from your rest; lie still upon your pallet. For even if you are not sick, but only think you are, +this brings weariness and perplexity to mortals. +Exit Electra.
+ + + +
+
+ +Chorus +Ah! ah! you goddesses swiftly careering on your wings, whose lot it is to hold a revel, not with Bacchic rites, +in tears and groans; you black-skinned avenging spirits, that dart along the spacious air, exacting a penalty for blood, a penalty for murder, I beg you, I beg you! + Allow the son of Agamemnon to forget his wild whirling frenzy. + Alas for the toils which you, poor wretch, strove after to your ruin, when you heard the voice from the tripod, proclaimed by Phoebus, +at his sanctuary, where the hollows are called the navel of the earth.
+ + + +
+ +Chorus +O Zeus! What pity, what deadly struggle is here, +hurrying you on, the wretch on whom some avenging fiend is heaping tears upon tears, bringing to the house your mother’s blood, which drives you raving mad? +Great prosperity is not secure among mortals. I lament, I lament! But some divine power, shaking it to and fro like the sail of a swift ship, plunges it deep in the waves of grievous affliction, violent and deadly as the waves of the sea. +For what other family must I still revere, rather than the one from a divine marriage, from Tantalus. +
+
+ + + +
+
+ +Chorus Leader +And see, a king draws near, lord Menelaus; from his magnificence it is plain to see + that he belongs to the blood of the Tantalids. + All hail! you that set out with a thousand ships to Asia’s land; good fortune is your friend, +for you have accomplished, with divine aid, all that you prayed for. +
+ + + +
+Menelaus +O my home, some joy I feel to see you again on my return from Troy, but I also grieve at the sight; for never have I seen another house more closely encircled by dire affliction. +For I learned Agamemnon’s fate and the death he died at his wife’s hands, as I was trying to put in at Malea; when the sailors’ prophet, the truthful god Glaucus, Nereus’ seer, brought the news to me from the waves; +he stationed himself in full view and told me this: Menelaus, your brother lies dead, plunged in a fatal bath, the last his wife will ever give him. My sailors and I wept greatly at his words. When I arrived at Nauplia, +my wife already on the point of starting here, I was expecting to give a fond embrace to Orestes, Agamemnon’s son, and his mother, thinking that they were doing well, when I heard from a sailor the unholy murder of Tyndareus’ child. +And now tell me, young ladies, where to find the son of Agamemnon, who dared such evil. For he was a baby in Clytemnestra’s arms when I left my home to go to Troy, so that I would not recognize him if I saw him. + +Orestes +Staggering towards him from the couch. +Menelaus, I am Orestes, whom you are asking about. I will of my own accord inform you of my sufferings. But as my first portion, I clasp your knees as a suppliant, giving you prayers from the mouth of one without the suppliant’s bough; save me, for you have come at the crisis of my troubles. + +Menelaus +O gods, what do I see? What living corpse greets my sight? + +Orestes +You are right; I am dead through misery, though I still gaze upon the light. + +Menelaus +How savage the look your unkempt hair gives you, poor wretch! + +Orestes +It is not my looks, but my deeds that torture me. + +Menelaus +Your tearless eyes glare dreadfully! + +Orestes +My body is gone, though my name has not deserted me. + +Menelaus +Unsightly apparition, so different from what I expected! + +Orestes +Here I am, the murderer of my wretched mother. + +Menelaus +I have heard, spare your words; evils should be seldom spoken. + +Orestes +I will be sparing; but the deity is lavish of woe in my case. + +Menelaus +What ails you? what is your deadly sickness? + +Orestes +My conscience; I know that I am guilty of a dreadful crime. + +Menelaus +What do you mean? Wisdom is shown in clarity, not in obscurity. + +Orestes + Grief especially has ruined me— + +Menelaus +Yes, she is a dreadful goddess, yet are there cures for her. + +Orestes +And fits of madness, the vengeance of a mother’s blood. + +Menelaus +When did your madness begin? Which day was it? + +Orestes +On the day I was heaping the mound over my poor mother’s grave. + +Menelaus +When you were in the house, or watching by the pyre? + +Orestes +As I was waiting by night to gather up her bones. + +Menelaus +Was any one else there, to help you rise? + +Orestes +Pylades who shared with me the bloody deed, my mother’s murder. + +Menelaus +You are sick from phantom shapes; what sort? + +Orestes +I seemed to see three maidens, black as night. + +Menelaus +I know whom you mean, but I do not want to name them. + +Orestes +Yes, for they are revered; you were well-informed, to avoid naming them. + +Menelaus +Are these the ones that drive you to frenzy, with the curse of kindred blood? + +Orestes +Oh! the torment I endure from their pursuit! + +Menelaus +It is not strange, if those who have done dreadful things should suffer them. + +Orestes +But I have a way to recover from these troubles. + +Menelaus +Do not speak of death; that is not wise. + +Orestes +It is Phoebus, who commanded me to kill my mother. + +Menelaus +Showing a strange ignorance of what is fair and right. + +Orestes +We are slaves to the gods, whatever those gods are. + +Menelaus +And does Loxias not help your affliction? + +Orestes +He will in time; this is the nature of gods. + +Menelaus +How long is it since your mother breathed her last? + +Orestes +This is the sixth day; her funeral pyre is still warm. + +Menelaus +How soon the goddesses arrived to avenge your mother’s blood! + +Orestes +I am not clever, but I am by nature a true friend to my friends. + +Menelaus +Does your father give you any help at all, for your avenging him? + +Orestes +Not yet; I call delay the equal of inaction. + + +Menelaus +How do you stand in the city after that deed of yours? + +Orestes +I am so hated that no one will speak to me. + +Menelaus +Have your hands not even been cleaned of blood, according to custom? + +Orestes +No, for wherever I go, the door is shut against me. + +Menelaus +Which citizens are driving you from the land? + +Orestes +Oeax, who refers to my father his reason for hating Troy. + +Menelaus +I understand; he is avenging on you the blood of Palamedes. + +Orestes +That was nothing to do with me; yet I am destroyed for three reasons. + +Menelaus +Who else? Some of the friends of Aegisthus, I suppose? + +Orestes +They insult me, and the city listens to them now. + +Menelaus +Will the city allow you to keep the scepter of Agamemnon? + +Orestes +How, seeing that they will not allow me to remain alive? + +Menelaus +What is their method? Can you tell me plainly? + +Orestes +A vote will be taken against us today. + +Menelaus +To leave the city? Or to die, or not to die? + +Orestes +Death by stoning at the hands of the citizens. + +Menelaus +Then why not cross the border and try to escape? + +Orestes +Because we are encircled by men fully armed. + +Menelaus +Private foes or Argive troops? + +Orestes +All the citizens, so that I may die; it is shortly told. + +Menelaus +Poor wretch! you have arrived at the extremity of woe. + +Orestes +In you I have hopes of escape from my troubles. But since you have come with good fortune, +share with your friends, who are wretched, your prosperity; do not hold aside that goodness for yourself alone; but partake of troubles in your turn, and so pay back my father’s kindness to those who have a claim on you. For such friends as desert us in adversity +are friends in name but not in deed. + +Chorus Leader +And here is Tyndareus, the Spartan, struggling with aged step, clad in black robes, with his hair cut short in mourning for his daughter. + +Orestes +Menelaus, I am ruined. See, Tyndareus +approaches us, the man of all others I most shrink from facing, because of the deed I have done. For he nursed me when I was small, and lavished on me many a fond caress, carrying me about in his arms as the son of Agamemnon; and so did Leda; + for they both honored me no less than the Dioscuri. + Ah me! my wretched heart and soul, it was a sorry return I made them! What darkness can I find for my face? What cloud can I spread before me in my efforts to escape the old man’s eye? + + + +Tyndareus +Where, where may I see Menelaus, my daughter’s husband? For as I was pouring libations on Clytemnestra’s grave I heard that he had come to Nauplia with his wife, safe home again after many years. Lead me to him; for I want to approach him +and clasp his hand, as a friend whom at last I see again. + +Menelaus +Hail, old man, rival of Zeus for a bride! + +Tyndareus +All hail to you, Menelaus, my kinsman! +Catching sight of Orestes. Ah! What an evil it is to be ignorant of the future! There is that matricide before the house, a viper darting venomous flashes from his eyes, whom I loathe. + Menelaus, are you speaking to that godless wretch? + +Menelaus +And why not? He is the son of one whom I loved. + +Tyndareus +This is his son, this creature here? + +Menelaus +Yes, his son; if he is in misfortune, he ought to be honored. + +Tyndareus +You have been so long among barbarians that you have become one of them. + +Menelaus +Always to honor one’s kin is a custom in Hellas. + +Tyndareus +And another custom is to yield a willing deference to the laws. + +Menelaus +The wise hold that everything which depends on necessity is a slave. + +Tyndareus +Keep that wisdom for yourself; I will not have it. + +Menelaus +Yes, for you are angry, and also old age is not wise. + +Tyndareus +What does a dispute about foolishness have to do with him? If right and wrong are clear to all, who was ever more senseless than this man, because he never weighed the justice of the case, +nor appealed to the universal law of Hellas? For instance, when Agamemnon breathed his last struck on his head by my daughter a most foul deed, which I will never defend, +he should have brought a charge against his mother and inflicted a holy penalty for bloodshed, banishing her from his house; thus he would have gained moderation instead of calamity, keeping strictly to the law and showing his piety as well. As it is, he has come into the same fate as his mother. +for though he had just cause for thinking her a wicked woman, he has become more wicked by murdering her. + +I will ask you, Menelaus, just one question. If a man’s wedded wife should kill him, and his son in turn will kill his mother in revenge; +next the avenger’s son to expiate this murder will commit another: where will the chain of horrors end? +Our forefathers settled these matters the right way. They forbade any one with blood upon his hands to appear in their sight or cross their path; +but they purified him by exile, they did not kill him in revenge. Otherwise someone, by taking the pollution last upon his hands, is always going to be liable to have his own blood shed. +Now I hate wicked women, especially my daughter who killed her husband; +Helen, too, your own wife, I will never commend, nor would I even speak to her; and I do not envy you a voyage to Troy for a worthless woman. But the law I will defend with all my might, to put an end to this brutal spirit of murder, +which is always the ruin of countries and cities alike. +Turning to Orestes Wretch! Had you no heart when your mother was baring her breast in her appeal to you? I, who did not see that awful deed, weep unhappy tears from my old eyes. +One thing at least agrees with what I say: you are hated by the gods, and you pay atonement for your mother by your fits of madness and terror. Why do I need to hear from other witnesses what I can see for myself? Therefore, Menelaus, take heed; +do not oppose the gods in your wish to help this man; but leave him to be stoned to death by the citizens, or do not set foot on Spartan land. My daughter is dead, and rightly; but it should not have been his hand that slew her. +In all except my daughters I have been a happy man; there I am not blessed. + +Chorus Leader +He is enviable, who is fortunate in his children, and does not bring hazardous notoriety on himself. + + +Orestes +Old man, I am afraid to speak before you, +in a matter where I am sure to grieve you to the heart. I am unholy because I killed my mother, I know it, yet holy on another count, because I avenged my father. Only let your years, which frighten me from speaking, set no barrier in the path of my words, +and I will go forward; but now I fear your gray hairs. +What ought I to have done? Set one thing against another. My father begot me; your daughter gave me birth, being the field that received the seed from another; for without a father no child would ever be born. +So I reasoned that I ought to stand by the author of my being rather than the woman who undertook to rear me. Now your daughter—I am ashamed to call her mother—came to a man’s bed in a private and unchaste wedding; I speak against myself when I speak +badly of her, yet I will speak. Aegisthus was her secret husband in the home; I killed him, and I sacrificed my mother, an unholy crime, no doubt, but done to avenge my father. +Now, as regards the matters for which I deserve to be stoned as you threatened, +hear the service I am conferring on all Hellas. For if women become so bold as to murder their husbands, taking refuge in their children, with the mother’s breast to catch the pity, they would think nothing of destroying their husbands +on any charge whatsoever. But I, by a horrible crime, as you boast it to be, have put an end to this custom. I hated my mother and killed her justly. She was false to her husband when he was gone from his home to fight for all Hellas at the head of its armies, +and she did not keep his bed undefiled; and when her sin had found her out, she did not impose punishment on herself, but, to avoid paying the penalty to her husband, punished my father by death. By the gods! it is not a good time for me to mention the gods, +when defending the charge of murder; but if I consented by my silence to my mother’s conduct, what would the murdered man have done to me? Would he not now in hatred be tormenting me with the Furies? Or does my mother have goddesses as allies, but he does not, in his deeper wrong? +You, yes! you, old man, have been my ruin by begetting a wicked daughter; for it was owing to her audacious deed that I lost my father and became my mother’s murderer. + You see, Telemachus did not kill the wife of Odysseus, because she did not marry husband upon husband, +but the marriage-bed remained untainted in her home. + +And you see Apollo, who makes the navel of the earth his home, dispensing to mortals unerring prophecies, whom we obey in all he says; I killed my mother in obedience to him. +Find him guilty of the crime, slay him; his was the sin, not mine. What ought I to have done? or is the god not competent to expiate the pollution when I refer it to him? Where then should anyone flee, if he will not rescue me from death after giving his commands? +Do not say that the deed was done badly, but unfortunately for the ones who did it. + A blessed life those mortals lead who make wise marriages; but those for whom it does not fall out well are unfortunate in their public and private concerns. + +Chorus Leader +Women by nature always meddle in the doings of men, with unfortunate results. + +Tyndareus +Since you are so bold and suppress nothing, but answer me back in such a way as to vex my heart, you will lead me to go to greater lengths in procuring your execution; +and I shall regard this as a fine addition to my labors in coming here to adorn my daughter’s grave. Yes, I will go to the chosen band of Argives and set the city, willing or not, on you and your sister, to pay the penalty of stoning. +She deserves to die even more than you, for it was she who embittered you against your mother, always carrying tales to your ear to increase your hate the more, announcing dreams from Agamemnon, and Aegisthus’ bed, +may the gods in Hades loathe it! for even here on earth it was bitter; till she set the house ablaze with fires never kindled by Hephaestus. +Menelaus, I tell you this, and I will do it, too: if you then consider my hatred or our marriage connection of any account, do not ward off this man’s doom in defiance of the gods, +but leave him to be stoned to death by the citizens, or do not set foot on Spartan land. Remember you have been told all this, and do not choose the ungodly as friends, pushing aside the more righteous. Servants, lead me from this house. +Exit Tyndareus. + +Orestes +Go, so that the remainder of my speech may come to this man without interruption, free from your old age. +Menelaus, why are you pacing round and round in thought, going back and forth, in a dilemma? + +Menelaus +Let me alone! When I think it over, +I am perplexed to know where to turn in these events. + +Orestes +Do not come to a final decision now, but after first hearing what I have to say, then make up your mind. + +Menelaus +Good advice! Speak. There are times when silence would be better than speech, and the reverse also. + + +Orestes +I will speak now. A long statement has advantages over a short one and is more intelligible to listen to. Give me nothing of your own, Menelaus, but repay what you received from my father. As Menelaus makes a deprecating gesture.I am not speaking of possessions; if you save my life, + you will save my dearest possession. + I have done wrong; I ought to have a little wrong-doing from you to requite that evil, for my father Agamemnon also did wrong in gathering the Hellenes and going to Ilium, not that he had sinned himself, +but he was trying to find a cure for the sin and wrong-doing of your wife. So this is one thing you are bound to pay me back. For he really gave his life, as friends should, toiling hard in battle with you, so that you might have your wife again. + Pay back to me the same thing you got there. For one day exert yourself, on my behalf standing up in my defense, not ten full years. +As for what Aulis took, the sacrifice of my sister, I let you have that; do not kill Hermione. +For in my present plight, you must have an advantage over me and I must pardon it. But give to my miserable father my life and the life of my sister, a maiden so long; for by my death I shall leave my father’s house without an heir. +You will say it is impossible. That’s the point; friends are bound to help friends in trouble. But when fortune gives of its best, what need of friends? For the god’s help is enough of itself when he is willing to give it. + All Hellas believes that you love your wife, + and I am not saying this to flatter or wheedle you; by her I implore you. + As Menelaus turns away.Ah me, my misery! to what have I come! Well? (preparing to make a final appeal) I must suffer, for I am making this appeal on behalf of my whole family. O my uncle, my father’s own brother! Imagine that the dead man in his grave +is listening, that his spirit is hovering over you and saying what I say, this much for tears and groans and misfortunes. I have spoken and I have begged for my safety, hunting what all seek, not myself alone. + +Chorus Leader +I, too, though I am only a woman, beseech you to help those who need it; for you have the power. + + +Menelaus +Orestes, you are a man for whom I have a deep regard, and I want to take part in your troubles; it is a duty, too, to help relatives bear their ills, +by dying or killing enemies, if god gives the power to do so. I wish I had that power granted me by the gods. For I have come quite destitute of allies, after my long weary wanderings, +with the small strength of my surviving friends. We should never get the better of Pelasgian Argos by fighting; if we should prevail by soothing speeches, we will come to some hope there. For how can you win a great cause by small +efforts? It is foolish even to wish it. + For when the people fall into a vigorous fury, they are as hard to quench as a raging fire; but if you gently slacken your hold and yield a little to their tension, cautiously watching your opportunity, +they may possibly calm down; if their gusts abate, you may obtain whatever you want from them easily. They have pity, and a hot temper too, an invaluable quality if you watch it closely. So for you I will go and try to persuade Tyndareus +and the city to moderation. A ship also dips if its sheet is hauled too taut, but rights itself again if it is let go. +The god hates excessive eagerness, and the citizens do also; I must save you, I don’t deny it, +by cleverness, not by violence against those who are stronger. I could not do it by strength, as you perhaps imagine; for it is not easy to triumph single-handed over the troubles that beset you. I would never have tried to bring the Argive land over to softness; +but it is necessary. for the wise to be slaves to fortune.Exit Menelaus. + +Orestes +O you that have no use, except to lead an army in a woman’s cause! O worst of men in your friends’ defense, +do you turn your back on me and flee, the deeds of Agamemnon lost and gone? +After all, father, you had no friends in adversity. Alas! I am betrayed; no longer do I have any hope of finding a refuge where I may escape the death-sentence of Argos; for this man was my haven of safety. +But I see Pylades, the best of friends, coming at a run from Phocis—a pleasant sight! A man who can be trusted in troubles is a better sight than a calm to sailors.
+ + +
+ +Pylades +I have come through the city quickly, as I should, +having heard and myself clearly seen the citizens assembling, against you and your sister, to kill you at once. What is happening? How is it with you? How are you doing, my best of comrades, friends and kin? For you are all these to me. + +Orestes +I am ruined, to make plain to you my troubles in brief. + +Pylades +You must destroy me also; for friends have all in common. + +Orestes +Menelaus is the worst of men to me and my sister. + +Pylades +It is natural for the husband of an evil woman to become evil. + +Orestes +He no more repaid me by coming here, than if he had never come. + +Pylades +Oh, has he really arrived in this land? + +Orestes +He took a long time, but he was very soon detected as evil to his friends. + +Pylades +And did he bring his wife, the worst of women, with him on his ship? + +Orestes +It was not he who brought her here, but she who brought him. + +Pylades +Where is she, the one woman who proved the ruin of so many Achaeans? + +Orestes +In my house; if, that is, I ought to call it mine. + +Pylades +And what did you say to your father’s brother? + +Orestes +Not to see me and my sister killed by the citizens. + +Pylades +By the gods! What did he say to that? I would like know this. + +Orestes +He was cautious, the usual policy of ignoble friends. + +Pylades +What excuse did he advance? When I have learned that, I know everything. + +Orestes +There was a new arrival, the father who begot those noble daughters. + +Pylades +You mean Tyndareus; he was angry with you, perhaps, for his daughter’s sake? + +Orestes +You understand. And Menelaus preferred the family relationship with him to that with my father. + +Pylades +He did not have the courage to share your troubles, when he was here? + +Orestes +No, for he was not born a warrior, though strong among women! + +Pylades +Your case is desperate, it seems, and you must die. + +Orestes +The citizens must give their vote about us on the murder. + +Pylades +And what is that to decide? Tell me, for I am alarmed. + +Orestes +Our life or death; a brief speech on a large subject. + +Pylades +Leave the palace with your sister now and try to escape. + +Orestes +Don’t you see? We are being watched by guards on every side. + +Pylades +I saw that the streets of the city were secured with armed men. + +Orestes +We are as closely beleaguered as a city by its foes. + + +Pylades +Ask me now of my state; for I too am ruined. + +Orestes +By whom? This would be a further trouble to add to mine. + +Pylades +Strophius, my father, in a fit of anger, has banished me from his house. + +Orestes +Bringing against you a private charge, or one in which the citizens share? + +Pylades +He says it is an unholy crime to have helped you slay your mother. + +Orestes +Alas! It seems my troubles will cause you grief as well. + +Pylades +I am not like Menelaus in character; this must be endured. + +Orestes +Are you not afraid that Argos will desire your death as well as mine? + +Pylades +I am not theirs to punish; I belong to Phocis. + +Orestes +A terrible thing is the mob, whenever it has villains to lead it. + +Pylades +But with honest leaders its counsels are always honest. + +Orestes +Very well; we must consult together. + +Pylades +About what necessity? + +Orestes +Suppose I go and tell the citizens— + +Pylades +That your action was just? + +Orestes +In avenging my father? + +Pylades +I am afraid they would be glad to catch you. + +Orestes +Well, am I to crouch in fear and die without a word? + +Pylades +That is cowardly. + +Orestes +How then should I act? + +Pylades +Suppose you stay here, what means of safety do you have? + +Orestes +I have none. + +Pylades +And if you go, is there any hope of escaping your troubles? + +Orestes +There might be, possibly. + +Pylades +Then that is better than staying. + +Orestes +Then I will go. + +Pylades +At least you die in this way, you will die more honorably. + +Orestes +You are right; in this way I escape cowardice. + +Pylades +Better than by staying. + +Orestes +After all, my action was just. + +Pylades +Pray that this may be the only view they take. + +Orestes +Some one or two might pity me— + +Pylades +Yes, your noble birth is a great point. + +Orestes +Resenting my father’s death. + +Pylades +That is all quite clear. + + +Orestes +I must go, for to die ignobly is a coward’s part. + +Pylades +Well said. + +Orestes +Shall we tell my sister? + +Pylades +God forbid! + +Orestes +True, there might be tears. + +Pylades +That would be a grave omen. + +Orestes +Yes, silence is clearly better. + +Pylades +And you will gain time. + +Orestes +There is only one obstacle in my way. + +Pylades +What fresh objection now? + +Orestes +I am afraid the goddesses will prevent me by madness. + +Pylades +But I will take care of you. + +Orestes +It is annoying to have to touch a sick man. + +Pylades +Not to me, when it is you. + +Orestes +Beware of becoming a partner in my madness. + +Pylades +Let that pass. + +Orestes +You will not hesitate? + +Pylades +No, for hesitation is a grave mischief among friends. + +Orestes +On then, pilot of my course! + +Pylades +A service I am glad to render. + +Orestes +And guide me to my father’s tomb. + +Pylades +For what purpose? + +Orestes +That I may appeal to him to save me. + +Pylades +Yes, that is the proper way. + +Orestes +May I not see my mother’s grave! + +Pylades +No; she was an enemy. But hasten, so that the vote of Argos may not catch you first, +supporting those limbs, slow from sickness, on mine; for I will carry you through the town, thinking little of the mob and unashamed. For how shall I prove my friendship, if not by helping you in sore distress? + +Orestes +Ah! the old saying again, get friends, not relations only. +For a man who fuses into your ways, though he is an outsider, is better for a man to possess as a friend than a whole host of relations. +Exeunt Orestes and Pylades.
+ + + +
+
+ +Chorus +The great prosperity and the prowess, proudly boasted throughout Hellas and by the streams of Simois, +went back again from good fortune for the Atreidae long ago, from an old misfortune to their house, when strife came to the sons of Tantalus over a golden ram, to end in most pitiable banqueting and +the slaughter of high-born children; and this is why murder exchanges for murder, through blood, and does not leave the two Atreidae. +
+ + +
+ +Chorus +What seemed good was not good, +to cut a mother’s flesh with ruthless hand and show the sword stained black with blood to the sun’s bright beams; to commit a noble crime is an impious, subtle, malignant madness! +The wretched daughter of Tyndareus in terror of death screamed to him: My son, this is unholy, your bold attempt upon your mother’s life; do not, while honoring your father, +fasten on yourself an eternity of shame. +
+ + +
+ +Chorus +What affliction on earth surpasses this? What calls for keener grief or pity, than to shed with your hand a mother’s blood? Oh! what a dreadful crime he committed, +and now is raving mad, a prey to the Furies, whirling blood with racing eyes, the son of Agamemnon! O the wretch! when +he saw a mother’s bosom over her robe of golden weave, and yet he made her his victim, in recompense for his father’s sufferings. +
+ + + +
+ +Electra +Women, has my poor Orestes left the house, +mastered by the heaven-sent madness? + +Chorus Leader +Not at all; he has gone to the Argive people to stand the appointed trial for his life, in which he and you must live or die. + +Electra +Oh! Why did he do it? Who persuaded him? + +Chorus Leader +Pylades; but this messenger will no doubt soon tell us what happened to your brother there. + +Messenger +Wretched, unhappy daughter of the general Agamemnon, my lady Electra, hear the sad tidings I bring you. + +Electra +Alas! we are ruined; your words show it; you have clearly come with tidings of woe. + +Messenger +The Pelasgians have decided by vote that you, poor lady, and your brother are to die this day. + +Electra +Alas! my expectations are realized; I have long feared this, +and have been wasting away in mourning for what was sure to happen. But what was the trial, what was said by the Argives, to condemn us and ratify our death? Tell me, old friend; must I die by stoning or the sword? +For I share my brother’s misfortunes. + + +Messenger +I had just come from the country and was entering the gates, needing to learn what was decided about you and Orestes, for I was always well disposed to your father when he was alive, and it was your house that reared me, +poor indeed, yet loyal in the service of friends. I saw a crowd going and taking their seats on the height, where they say Danaus first gathered his people for a meeting, making amends to Aegyptus. So, when I saw the throng, I asked a citizen: +What news in Argos? Tidings of the enemy haven’t ruffled the city of Danaus, have they? But he said: Don’t you see Orestes there, on his way to he tried for his life? I saw an unexpected sight, which I wish I had not seen, +Pylades and your brother approaching together, the one with his head down, weakened by sickness; the other sharing his friend’s sorrow like a brother, tending his illness with constant care. +Now when the Argives were fully gathered, +a herald rose and said: Who wishes to give his opinion whether Orestes should be slain or not for the murder of his mother? Then up stood Talthybius, who helped your father sack the Phrygians. He spoke out of both sides of his mouth, a mere tool of those in power as he always is, +expressing high admiration for your father, but not praising your brother, urging his crooked sentiments in specious words, that it would establish laws as to parents that are not good; and all the while he was darting lively glances at the friends of Aegisthus. +Such is that tribe; heralds always trip across to the lucky side; the one who has power in the city or a post in the government is their friend. + +After him lord Diomedes made a speech; he said they should not kill you and your brother, +but keep clear of guilt by punishing you with exile. Some roared out that his words were good, but others disapproved. +Next stood up a fellow, who cannot close his lips; one whose impudence is his strength; an Argive, but not of Argos, forced on us; +confident in bluster and ignorant free speech, and plausible enough to involve them in some mischief sooner or later; for whenever a man with a pleasing trick of speech, but of unsound principles, persuades the mob, it is a serious evil to the state; but those who give sound and sensible advice on all occasions, +if not immediately useful to the state, yet prove so afterwards. And this is the way in which to regard a party leader; for the position is much the same in the case of an orator and a man in office. He was for stoning you and Orestes to death, +but it was Tyndareus who kept suggesting arguments of this kind to him as he urged the death of both of you. +Another then stood up and said the opposite; he was not handsome in appearance, but a brave man, rarely coming in contact with the town or the circle in the market-place; +a farmer—and they are the only ones who preserve our land—but clever, and eager to grapple with the arguments, his character without a blemish, his walk in life beyond reproach. He said that they should crown Orestes, the son of Agamemnon, for showing his willingness to avenge a father +by the murder of a wicked and godless woman who would prevent men from taking up arms and going on foreign service, if those who remain behind, corrupt and seduce wives left at home to keep house. +To the better sort, at least, his word carried conviction. + +No one spoke after him. Then your brother came forward and said: You dwellers in the land of Inachus! Pelasgians in ancient times, and later Danaids I helped you no less than my father +when I slew my mother; for if the murder of men by women is to be sanctioned, then the sooner you die, the better, or you must become the slaves of women; and that will be doing the very reverse of what you should. As it is, she who betrayed my father’s bed +has died, but if you take my life, the law becomes relaxed, and the sooner each one of you dies, the better; for it will never be daring at any rate that they will lack. Yet, for all he seemed to speak well, he did not persuade the assembly; but that villain who spoke in favor of slaying you and your brother +gained his point by appealing to the mob. +Poor Orestes scarcely persuaded them not to kill him by stoning, promising to die by his own hand, with you, on this day. Pylades, in tears, is now bringing him from the conclave; +and his friends bear him company, with wailing and lamentation; so he comes, a bitter sight and piteous vision. Make ready the sword or prepare the noose for your neck, for you must leave the light; your noble birth +availed you nothing, nor did Phoebus from his seat on the tripod at Delphi; he was your undoing. +Exit Messenger. + +Chorus Leader +Ah, hapless maiden! How silent you are, your face covered and bent to the ground, as if about to dash upon a course of lamentation and wailing.
+ + + +
+
+ +Electra +O Pelasgia, I take up the dirge, doing bloody outrage on my cheeks with white nail, and beating on my head; these are the portion of Persephone, fair young goddess of the nether world. +Let the Cyclopian land break forth into wailing for the sorrows of our house, laying the steel upon the head to crop it close. This is the piteous, piteous strain that goes up for those who are about to die, +once the battle-leaders of Hellas. +
+ + + +
+ +Electra +It has gone, it has gone, and is lost, all the race of Pelops, and the glory that crowned their happy home once; the envy of heaven seized them and that cruel +murdering vote among the citizens. + Oh, oh! you tribes of short-lived men, full of tears, full of suffering, see how fate runs counter to your hopes! All receive in turn their different +troubles in length of time; and the whole of mortal life is uncertain. +
+ + + +
+ +Electra +Oh! to reach that rock which hangs suspended midway between earth and heaven, that fragment from Olympus, which swings on chains of gold, so that I may utter my lament +to Tantalus, my forefather, who begot the ancestors of my house. They saw infatuate ruin, the chase of winged steeds, when Pelops in four-horse chariot +drove over the sea, hurling the body of murdered Myrtilus into the ocean swell, after his race near Geraestus’ strand, foam-flecked from the tossing sea. +From this came a woeful curse upon my house, brought to birth among the sheep by the son of Maia, when there appeared a baleful, baleful portent of a lamb with golden fleece, +for Atreus, breeder of horses; from which Strife changed the course of the sun’s winged chariot, fitting the westward path of the sky towards the single horse of Dawn; +and Zeus diverted the career of the seven Pleiads into a new track and exchanged . . . death for death: both the banquet to which Thyestes gave his name, and the treacherous love of Cretan Aerope, +in her treacherous marriage; but the crowning woe has come on me and on my father by the bitter constraints of our house. +
+ + + +
+
+ +Chorus Leader +Look, here comes your brother, condemned to die, and with him Pylades, most loyal of friends, +true as a brother, guiding his feeble steps, his yoke-fellow, pacing carefully. + + + +Electra +Alas! I weep to see you stand before the tomb, my brother, face to face with the funeral pyre. +Alas, again! as I take my last look at you, my senses leave me. + +Orestes +Be silent! an end to womanish lamenting! resign yourself to your fate. It is piteous, but nevertheless you must bear the present fate. + +Electra +How can I be silent, when we poor sufferers are no longer to gaze upon the sun-god’s light? + +Orestes +Oh! spare me that death! Enough that this unhappy wretch is already slain by Argives; let our present sufferings be. + +Electra +Alas for your unhappy youth, Orestes, and for your fated +untimely death! When you should have lived, you are going to die. + +Orestes +By the gods, do not unman me, bringing me to tears by the recollection of my sorrows. + +Electra +We are about to die; it is not possible for me not to grieve over our troubles; it is a piteous thing for all men to lose life, that is so sweet. + +Orestes +This is the day appointed for us; we must fit the dangling noose about our necks or whet the sword for use. + +Electra +You be the one to kill me, brother, so that no Argive may insult Agamemnon’s son by my death. + +Orestes +Enough that I have a mother’s blood upon me; I will not kill you, +but die by your own hand, however you wish. + +Electra +Agreed; I will not be behind you in using the sword; only I long to throw my arms about your neck. + +Orestes +Enjoy that empty satisfaction, if embraces have any joy for those who have come so near to death. + +Electra +My dearest, you who have a name that sounds most loved and sweet to your sister, partner in one soul with her! + +Orestes +Oh, you will melt my heart! I want to give you back a fond embrace. And why should such a wretch as I still feel any shame? Embracing Electra Heart to heart, my sister! how sweet to me this close embrace! +In place of children and the marriage bed this greeting is all that is possible to us poor sufferers. + +Electra +Ah! If only the same sword, if it is right, could kill us both, and one coffin of cedar-wood receive us! + +Orestes +That would be very sweet; but surely you see +we are too destitute of friends to be allowed one tomb between us. + +Electra +Did that coward Menelaus, that traitor to my father, not even speak for you, or make an effort to save your life? + +Orestes +He did not even show himself, but, with his hopes centered on the throne, he was careful not to attempt the rescue of his friends. +But let us see how we may die a noble death, one most worthy of Agamemnon. I, for my part, will let the city see my noble spirit when I plunge the sword to my heart, and you in turn must imitate my daring. +Pylades, be the arbitrator of our slaughter and, when we both are dead, lay out our bodies decently; carry them to our father’s grave and bury us there with him. Farewell, now; I am leaving for the deed, as you see. + + +Pylades +Stop! there is first one point I have to blame you for, +if you thought I would care to live when you are dead. + +Orestes +But why are you called on to die with me? + +Pylades +Do you ask? What is life to me without your companionship? + +Orestes +You did not kill your mother, as I did to my sorrow. + +Pylades +At least I helped you; and so I ought to suffer the same penalty. + +Orestes +Surrender to your father, do not die with me. You still have a city, while I no longer have, and your father’s home, and a great refuge of wealth. You have failed to marry my poor sister, whom I betrothed to you from a deep regard for your companionship; +but find another bride and rear a family; for the marriage-tie which bound us is no more. Farewell, be happy, my beloved friend; we cannot, but you may; for we, the dead, are robbed of happiness. + +Pylades +How far you are from grasping what I mean! May the fruitful earth, the radiant sky refuse to hold my blood, if ever I turn traitor and desert you when I have freed myself. For I shared in the murder, which I will not deny, +and also schemed the whole plot, for which you are now paying the penalty; and so I ought to die together with you and her. For I consider her, whom you betrothed to me, as my wife. Whatever shall I say, when I reach Delphi, the citadel of Phocis, +if I was your friend before your misfortunes, but ceased to be your friend, when you were unfortunate? That must not be; no, this concerns me, too. But since we are to die, let us take counsel together that Menelaus may share our misfortune. + +Orestes +Best of friends! if only I could see this before I die. + +Pylades +Listen to me, and delay the stroke of the sword. + +Orestes +I will, if I may take vengeance on my enemy. + +Pylades +Hush now! I have small confidence in women. + +Orestes +Have no fear of these; for they are our friends who are here. + + +Pylades +Let us kill Helen, a bitter grief to Menelaus. + +Orestes +How? I am ready, if there is any chance of success. + +Pylades +With our swords; she is hiding in your house. + +Orestes +Indeed she is; and already she is putting her seal on everything. + +Pylades +No longer, after she is married to Hades. + +Orestes +But how? She has her barbarian attendants. + +Pylades +Barbarians indeed! I am not the man to fear any Phrygian. + +Orestes +They are only fit to look after mirrors and perfumes! + +Pylades +Has she brought Trojan luxury with her here? + +Orestes +So much so, that Hellas is too small for her to live in. + +Pylades +The race of slaves is nothing to those who are free. + +Orestes +Well, if I can do this deed, I do not shrink from dying twice over. + +Pylades +No, nor I either, if it is you I am avenging. + +Orestes +Explain the matter, and continue describing your plan. + +Pylades +We will enter the house on the pretence of going to our death. + +Orestes +So far I follow you, but not beyond. + +Pylades +We will lament our sufferings to her. + +Orestes +So that she will shed tears, although her heart is glad. + +Pylades +And our condition will be like hers. + +Orestes +How shall we proceed next in our contest? + +Pylades +We shall have swords concealed in our cloaks. + +Orestes +Will we dispose of her attendants first? + +Pylades +We will shut them up in different parts of the house. + +Orestes +And whoever refuses to be quiet, we must kill. + +Pylades +And then the deed itself shows us where we must exert ourselves. + +Oretes +To kill Helen; I understand that watchword. + +Pylades +You have it; now hear how sound my scheme is. If we drew the sword upon a woman of greater chastity, the murder would be infamous; but, as it is, she will be punished for the sake of all Hellas, +whose fathers she slew, whose children she destroyed, and made widows out of brides. There will be shouts of joy, and they will kindle the altars of the gods, invoking on our heads many blessings, because we shed a wicked woman’s blood. +After killing her, you will not be called the matricide, but, resigning that title, you will succeed to a better, and be called the slayer of Helen the murderess. It can never, never be right that Menelaus should prosper, and your father, your sister and you should die, +and your mother—but I pass that by, for it is not seemly to mention it—and for him to possess your home, though it was by Agamemnon’s prowess that he recovered his bride. May I die, if we do not draw our swords upon her! But if we do not accomplish Helen’s death, +we will set fire to the house and die. For we will not fail to achieve one distinction, an honorable death or an honorable escape. + +Chorus Leader +The daughter of Tyndareus, who has brought shame on her sex, has justly earned the hatred of every woman. + + +Orestes +Ah! there is nothing better than a trusty friend, neither wealth nor monarchy; a crowd of people is of no account in exchange for a noble friend. You were the one who devised the vengeance against Aegisthus, and stood by me in danger, +and now again you are offering me a means to punish my foes and do not stand aside—but I will cease praising you, for there is something wearisome even in being praised to excess. Now since in any case I must breathe my last, I want to do something to my enemies before my death, +so that I may requite with ruin those who betrayed me, and so that those who made me suffer may grieve. Yes! I am the son of Agamemnon, who was considered worthy to rule Hellas, no tyrant but yet god-like in power; I will not disgrace him +by submitting to die like a slave; my last breath shall be free and I will take vengeance on Menelaus. For if we could secure one object, we would be lucky, if a means of safety should unexpectedly come our way from somewhere, and we should be the slayers, not the slain; this is what I pray for. +This wish of mine is a pleasant dream to cheer the heart, without cost, by means of the mouth’s winged words. + +Electra +I think I have it, brother, a means of safety for you, and for him and thirdly for myself. + +Orestes +You mean divine providence. But why do I say that? +Since I know the natural shrewdness of your heart. + +Electra +Listen to me now; and you (to Pylades) pay attention also. + +Orestes +Speak; the prospect of good news holds a certain pleasure. + +Electra +You know Helen’s daughter? Of course you do. + +Orestes +I know her, Hermione, whom my mother reared. + +Electra +She has gone to Clytemnestra’s tomb. + +Orestes +To do what? What hope are you hinting at? + +Electra +She was going to pour a libation over the tomb of our mother. + +Orestes +Well, how does what you have said lead to our safety? + +Electra +Seize her as a hostage on her way back. + +Orestes +What good can your suggested remedy do us three friends? + +Electra +If, after Helen’s slaughter, Menelaus tries to do anything to you or to Pylades and me—for this bond of friendship is wholly one—say that you will kill Hermione; you must draw your sword and hold it to the maiden’s throat. +If Menelaus, when he sees Helen fallen in her blood, tries to save you to insure the girl’s life, allow him to take his daughter to his arms; but if he makes no effort to curb the angry outburst and leaves you to die, then cut the maiden’s throat. +And I think if he puts in a mighty appearance at first, he will calm down in time; for he is not bold or brave by nature. That is my line of defense for our safety. My speech is over. + + +Orestes +O you that have the spirit of a man, +though your body shows you to be a woman, how far more worthy you are to live than to die! Pylades, you will lose such a woman to your sorrow, or if you live, you will have a blessed marriage. + +Pylades +Then may it be so, and may she come to the city of Phocis +with all the honors of a happy wedding. + +Orestes +How soon will Hermione return to the palace? All the rest was very well said, if we succeed in catching this impious father’s cub. + +Electra +Well, I expect she is near the house already, +for the length of time agrees exactly. + +Orestes +Good; you, Electra, my sister, stay before the palace and await the maiden’s approach; keep watch in case any one, whether an ally or my father’s brother, forestalls us by his entry before the murder is complete; +and then make a signal to the house, either by beating on a panel of the door or calling to us within. +Let us enter now and arm ourselves with swords for the final struggle, Pylades, for you share the labor with me. +O father, in your home of gloomy night, your son Orestes calls you to come to the rescue of the destitute. It is on your account I am wrongfully suffering, and it is by your brother that I have been betrayed for doing right; it is his wife I wish to take +and kill; you be our accomplice for this deed. + +Electra +Oh father, come! if within the ground you hear the cry of your children, who are dying for your sake. + +Pylades +O kinsman of my father, Agamemnon, hear my prayers also; save your children. + +Orestes +I killed my mother— + +Electra +I held the sword— + +Pylades +I . . . set them free from fear— + +Orestes +To aid you, father. + +Electra +Nor did I betray you. + +Pylades +Will you not hear these reproaches and rescue your children? + +Orestes +With tears I pour you a libation. + +Electra +And I with laments. + +Pylades +Cease, and let us set about our business. If prayers really do pierce the ground, he hears. O Zeus, god of my fathers, and holy Justice, give success to him and me and her; for there is one struggle for three friends, and one penalty, +for all to live or—pay death’s account. +Exeunt Orestes and Pylades. +
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+
+ +Electra +My dear friends of Mycenae, of foremost rank in Argos, the home of the Pelasgians. + +Chorus +What are you saying to us, mistress? +For this honored name is still left for you in the Danaid town. + +Electra +Station yourselves, some here along the high road, others there on some other path, to watch the house. + +Chorus +But why do you call me to this service? Tell me, my dear. + +Electra +I am afraid that some one, who is stationed at the house for slaughter, may find trouble upon trouble. + +First Semi-Chorus +Let us make haste and go on; I will keep careful watch upon this road towards the east. + +Second Semi-Chorus +And I on this one, that leads westward. + +Electra +Throw a glance sideways. + +Chorus +Here and there, then we are looking back again, +as you tell us. +
+ + +
+ +Electra +Cast your eyes around, let them see everything, through your tresses. + +First Semi-Chorus +Who is that on the road? Who is this +country-man wandering round your house? + +Electra +Ah! friends, we are ruined; he will at once reveal to our enemies the armed ambush. + +Second Semi-Chorus +(Reconnoitring.Calm your fears; the road is not occupied, as you think, my dear. + +Electra +(Turning to the other watchers.)Well? Is your side still secure? Give me a good report, if the space before the court-yard is deserted. + +First Semi-Chorus +All goes well here; look to your own watch, for no Danaid is approaching us. + +Second Semi-Chorus +Your report agrees with mine; there is no noise here either. + +Electra +Well then, I will listen in the gateway. + +Chorus +(Calling through the door.)You within the house, why are you delaying to spill your victim’s blood, +now that all is quiet? +
+ + + +
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+ +Electra +spoken +They do not hear; alas for my troubles! Can it be that her beauty has blunted their swords? +sung +Soon some Argive in full armor, hurrying +to her rescue, will attack the palace. +spoken +Keep a better look-out; it is not a contest of sitting still; turn about, some here, some there. + +Chorus +sung +I am looking everywhere in turn along the road. + +Helen +within +Oh, Pelasgian Argos! I am being foully murdered. + +Chorus +Did you hear? The men have put their hand to the slaughter. +It is Helen screaming, at a guess. + +Electra +sung +O eternal might of Zeus, of Zeus, only come to help my friends! + +Helen +within +Menelaus, I am dying, but you do not help me, though you are near. + + +Electra +sung +Slay her, kill her, destroy her! Stab with your twin double-edged swords +the woman who left her father, left her husband, and killed so many of the men of Hellas, slain beside the river-bank, where tears rained down, by the iron darts +all round the eddies of Scamander. +
+ + +
+ +Chorus Leader +Hush! hush! I caught the sound of a foot-fall on the road near the house. + +Electra +My dearest friends, it is Hermione advancing into the middle of the bloodshed; let our clamor cease. +For she comes headlong into the meshes of the net. The prey will be good, if it is caught. Take up your places again with looks composed and faces not betraying what has happened; I too will have a gloomy look, +as if I knew nothing of what has been done. Addressing Hermione as she approaches. Ah! maiden, have you come from wreathing Clytemnestra’s grave and pouring libations to the dead? + +Hermione +Yes, I have returned after securing her favor; but I was filled with some alarm about a cry I heard from the palace +as I was still at a distance. + +Electra +But why? Our present lot gives cause for groans. + +Hermione +Oh, don’t say so! What is your news? + +Electra +Argos has sentenced Orestes and me to death. + +Hermione +Oh no! not my own relatives! + +Electra +It is decreed; we have put on the yoke of necessity. + +Hermione +Was this the reason of the cry within? + +Electra +Yes, a suppliant cried out as he fell at Helen’s knees— + +Hermione +Who is he? I know nothing more, if you do not tell me. + +Electra +Unhappy Orestes, entreating mercy for himself and me. + +Hermione +The house then has good reason to shout. + +Electra +What else would make someone entreat more earnestly? But come and throw yourself before your mother in her prosperity, join your friends’ supplication that Menelaus may not see us die. +O you that were nursed in my mother’s arms, have pity on us and relieve our pain. Come here to the struggle, and I myself will be your guide; for you alone have power over our safety. + +Hermione +See, I am hastening to the house; +as far it as rests with me, regard yourselves as safe. +Exit Hermione . + +Electra +Now, friends in the house with swords, seize the prey! + +Hermione +calling from within + Oh no! Who are these I see? + +Orestes + (within.)Silence! You are here for our safety, not yours. + +Electra +Hold her, hold her! Point a sword at her throat, +then wait in silence, that Menelaus may learn that he has found men, not Phrygian cowards, and he has been treated as cowards deserve. +
+ + + +
+
+ +Chorus +Oh, oh, friends! raise a din, a din and shouting before the house, that the murder when done +may not inspire the Argives with wild alarm, to make them bring aid to the palace, before I see for certain that Helen’s corpse lies bloody in the house, or hear the news from one of her attendants; +for I know a part of the tragedy, of the rest I am not sure. In justice, retribution from the gods has come to Helen; for she filled all Hellas with tears, through that accursed, accursed Paris of Ida, +who drew Hellas to Troy. +
+ + + +
+ +Chorus Leader +But the bolts of the palace-doors rattle; be silent; for one of the Phrygians is coming out, from whom we will inquire of the state of matters within. + +
+ +Phrygian +(expressing the most abject terror.) I have escaped from death by Argive sword, +in my Asian slippers, by clambering over the cedar-beams that roof the porch and the Doric triglyphs, away, away! O Earth, Earth! in barbaric flight! +Alas! You foreign women, where can I escape, flying through the clear sky or over the sea, which bull-headed Ocean rolls about as he circles the world in his embrace? + +Chorus Leader +What is it, Helen’s slave, creature from Ida? + +Phrygian + Ilium, Ilium, oh me! city of Phrygia, and Ida’s holy hill with fruitful soil, how I mourn for your destruction a shrill song +with barbarian cry; destroyed through her beauty, born from a bird, swan-feathered, Leda’s cub, hellish Helen! to be a curse to Apollo’s tower of polished stone. Ah! Alas! +woe to Dardania, its wailing, wailing, for the horsemanship of Ganymede, bedfellow of Zeus. + + +Chorus Leader +Tell us clearly each event within the house. for till now I have been guessing at what I do not clearly understand. + +Phrygian +Ah, for Linus! Ah, for Linus! That is what barbarians say, alas, in their eastern tongue as a prelude to death, whenever royal blood is spilled upon the ground by deadly iron blades. + To tell you everything in turn, they came into the house, two twin lions of Hellas; one was called the general’s son; the other was the son of Strophius, a crafty plotter, like Odysseus, treacherous in silence, +but true to his friends, bold for the fight, clever in war and a deadly serpent. Curse him for his quiet plotting, the villain! + In they came to the throne of the wife of Paris the archer, +faces wet with tears, and took their seats in all humility, one on this side, one on that, each with weapons. They threw, they threw their suppliant arms round the knees +of Helen. Her Phrygian servants sprang up frantic, frantic; they called to each other in terror that there was treachery. +To some there seemed no cause, but others thought that the viper who killed his mother was entangling the daughter of Tyndareus in the snare of his plot. + + +Chorus Leader +And where were you? fled long before in terror? + +Phrygian +It happened that I, in Phrygian style, Phrygian, was wafting the breeze, the breeze by the curls of Helen, Helen, with a round feathered fan, before her face, +in barbarian style; and she was twisting flax on her distaff with her fingers, and letting her yarn fall on the floor, for she wanted to sew with her flax purple cloth +as adornment for the tomb from the Trojan spoils, a gift to Clytemnestra. +Orestes said to the Spartan girl: Daughter of Zeus, get up from your chair +and come here to the old hearth of Pelops, our ancestor, to hear something I have to say. He led her, led her, and she followed, +no prophet of the future. But his accomplice, the Phocian villain, was off on other business: Out of my way! Well, Phrygians always were cowards. So he shut them up in different parts of the house, some in the stables, others in the halls, +one here, one there, disposing of them severally at a distance from their mistress. + +Chorus Leader +What happened next? + +Phrygian +Mother of Ida, great, great mother! +Oh! the murderous scenes and lawless wickedness that I saw, I saw, in the palace! They drew forth swords from hiding under their purple-bordered cloaks, each darting his eye a different way, lest anyone should be near. Like boar of the hills, +they stood opposite the woman and said: You will die, you will die; your cowardly husband is killing you, because he betrayed his brother’s son to death in Argos. +She screamed, oh, oh! she screamed, and brought down her white arm upon her breast and beat her poor head; then turned her golden-sandalled steps in flight, in flight; but Orestes got before her in his Mycenean boots and clutched his fingers in her hair, +and, bending back her neck on to her left shoulder, was on the point of driving the black sword into her throat. + + +Chorus Leader +Where were you Phrygians in the house to help her? + +Phrygian +With a loud cry from the house we battered down with bars the doors and doorposts where we had been, +and ran to her assistance from every direction, one with stones, another with javelins, a third with a drawn sword; but Pylades came to meet us, undaunted, like +Hector of Troy or Ajax triple-plumed, as I saw him, saw him, in Priam’s gateway; and we met at sword’s point. But then it was very clear how the Phrygians were, +how much less we were in battle strength to the Hellene might. There was one man gone in flight, another slain, another wounded, yet another pleading to stave off death; but we escaped under cover of the darkness; while some were falling, some were about to fall, and others were lying dead. +And just as her unhappy mother sank to the ground to die, the luckless Hermione came in. Those two, like Bacchantes when they drop the thyrsus for a mountain cub, rushed and seized her; then turned again to the daughter of Zeus to slay her; but she had vanished from the room, +passing right through the house, O Zeus and Earth and light and night! whether by magic spells or wizards’ arts or heavenly theft. +What happened afterwards I do not know; for I stole out of the palace, a runaway. +So Menelaus endured his painful, painful suffering to recover his wife Helen from Troy to no purpose. + +Chorus Leader +And look, here is a strange sight succeeding others; for I see Orestes sword in hand before the palace, +advancing with excited steps.
+ + +
+ +Orestes +Where is the one who fled from the palace to escape my sword? + +Phrygian +falling at the feet of Orestes +Before you I prostrate myself, lord, and supplicate you in my foreign way. + +Orestes +We are not in Ilium, but the land of Argos. + +Phrygian +Everywhere, the wise find life sweeter than death. + +Orestes +I suppose that shouting of yours was not for Menelaus to come to the rescue? + +Phrygian +Oh no! it was to help you I called out, for you are more deserving. + +Orestes +Did the daughter of Tyndareus die justly, then? + +Phrygian +Most justly, even if she had three throats to die with. + +Orestes +Your cowardice makes you glib; this is not what you really think. + +Phrygian +Why, surely she deserved it, the one who destroyed Hellas and the Phrygians too? + +Orestes +Swear you are not saying this to humor me, or I will kill you. + +Phrygian +I swear by my life, an oath I would keep! + +Orestes +Did every Phrygian in Troy show the same terror of steel as you do? + +Phrygian +Take your sword away! Held so near it flashes a dreadful gleam of blood. + +Orestes +Are you afraid of being turned to a stone, as if you had seen a Gorgon? + +Phrygian +To a stone, no! but to a corpse; I don’t know this Gorgon’s head. + +Orestes +A slave, and yet you fear death, which will release you from trouble? + +Phrygian +Slave or free, every one is glad to gaze upon the light. + +Orestes +Well said! Your shrewdness saves you; go inside. + +Phrygian + You will not kill me after all? + +Orestes +You are spared. + +Phrygian +How well you said that! + +Orestes + Now it’s time to change my plans. + +Phrygian + You didn’t say that well! + +Orestes +You fool! Do you think I could endure to make your throat bloody? You weren’t born a woman, nor do you belong among men. The reason I left the palace was to stop your shouting; +for Argos is quickly roused, once it hears a cry to the rescue. As for Menelaus, I am not afraid of measuring swords with him; let him come, proud of the golden ringlets on his shoulders; for if, to avenge the slaying of Helen, he gathers the Argives and leads them against the palace, refusing to attempt the rescue of me, +my sister, and Pylades, my fellow conspirator, he will have two corpses to behold, his daughter’s as well as his wife’s. +Exeunt Orestes and The Phrygian Slave. +
+ + + +
+
+ +Chorus +Ah, fortune! Again and yet again the house comes to a fearful contest, for the race of Atreus. +What are we to do? Carry tidings to the town? +Or hold our peace? It is safer, friends. +Look, look at that sudden rush of smoke to the sky in front of the palace, telling its tale! +They are kindling torches to fire the halls of Tantalus; nor do they hold back from murder. +A god determines the end where he wishes, for mortals. +Great is the power; by avenging fiends, this house has fallen, fallen, through blood, by reason of the hurling Myrtilus from the chariot.
+ + + +
+
+ +Chorus Leader +But look! I see Menelaus approaching the palace +in haste; no doubt he has heard what is happening here. Descendants of Atreus within, make haste and secure the doors with bars. A man in luck is a dangerous adversary for luckless wretches like you, Orestes. Orestes and Pylades appear on the roof, holding Hermione. +
+ + +
+ +Menelaus +I have come at the report of strange and violent deeds perpetrated +by a pair of lions, men I do not call them. What I heard was that my wife was not dead, but had vanished out of sight, an idle rumor which someone fooled by his own fear brought me. But that is a plot +of the matricide’s—ridiculous! +Open the doors! I tell my servants to force the gates, so that I may rescue my child at any rate from the hands of those blood-stained men and recover my poor wretched wife, +while the ones who destroyed her must die at my hands. + +Orestes +from the roof. +You there! Keep your hands off those bolts; I mean you, Menelaus, towering in your audacity! Or I will tear off the ancient parapet, the work of masons, +and shatter your skull with this coping-stone. The doors are bolted and barred, which will prevent your eagerness to bring aid and keep you from entering. + +Menelaus +Oh! What is this? I see a blaze of torches and men standing at bay on the top of the house, +with a sword guarding my daughter’s throat. + +Orestes +Would you question me or hear me speak? + +Menelaus +Neither; but I suppose I must hear you. + +Orestes +I intend to kill your daughter, if you want to know. + +Menelaus +After slaying Helen, you will add murder to murder? + +Orestes +Would I had accomplished that, instead of being duped by the gods! + +Menelaus +Do you deny having slain her, and say this out of wanton insult? + +Orestes +Yes, I do deny it, to my sorrow. If only I had— + +Menelaus +Done what? You frighten me! + +Orestes +Hurled the pollution of Hellas to Hades! + +Menelaus +Give back my wife’s dead body, so that I may bury her. + +Orestes +Ask the gods for her; but I will kill your daughter. + +Menelaus +This matricide is adding murder to murder. + +Orestes +This champion of his father, betrayed by you to death. + +Menelaus +Are you not content with the present stain of your mother’s blood? + +Orestes +I would not grow tired if I had these wicked women to slay for ever. + +Menelaus +Are you too, Pylades, a partner in this bloody work? + +Orestes +His silence says he is; let it suffice for me to say it. + +Menelaus +You’ll say it to your cost, unless you fly away! + +Orestes +We will not try to escape; we will set fire to the palace. + +Menelaus +What! will you destroy the home of your ancestors? + +Orestes +Yes, so that you don’t have it, and I will offer this girl in sacrifice on the fire. + +Menelaus +Kill her; and if you do, I will punish you for it. + + +Orestes +All right, then. + +Menelaus + No, no! Don’t do it! + +Orestes +Silence! Your sufferings are just; endure them. + +Menelaus + Well, is it just that you should live? + +Orestes + And rule a kingdom, yes. + +Menelaus +A kingdom, where? + +Orestes +Here in Pelasgian Argos. + +Menelaus +You are so well qualified to handle holy water! + +Orestes +And why not? + +Menelaus +And to slay victims before battle! + +Orestes +Well, are you? + +Menelaus +Yes, my hands are clean. + +Orestes +But not your heart. + +Menelaus +Who would speak to you? + +Orestes +The one who loves his father. + +Menelaus +And the one who honors his mother? + +Orestes +He was born fortunate. + +Menelaus +Not like you! + +Orestes +No, for I do not delight in these wicked women. + +Menelaus +Remove that sword from my daughter! + +Orestes +You are a liar. + +Menelaus +Will you kill my daughter? + +Orestes +Now you are not a liar! + +Menelaus +Ah me! what shall I do? + +Orestes +Go to the Argives and persuade them— + +Menelaus +Persuade them what? + +Orestes +Not to kill us; entreat the city. + +Menelaus +Or you will slay my child? + +Orestes +That is correct. + +Menelaus +O wretched Helen— + +Orestes +Am I not wretched? + +Menelaus +I brought you back from Troy to be a victim— + +Orestes +If only she had been! + +Menelaus +After innumerable troubles. + +Orestes +Except where I was concerned. + +Menelaus +I have suffered dreadfully! + +Orestes +Yes, for you would not help me then. + +Menelaus +You have me there. + +Orestes +Your own cowardice has you. Calling from the roof to Electra Fire the palace from beneath, Electra; and, Pylades, my most trusty friend, +kindle the parapet of these walls. +The palace is seen to be ablaze. + +Menelaus +O Danaid earth! Dwellers in Argos, city of horses, put on your armor and come to help! For this fellow is forcing his life from your whole city, though he has caused pollution by shedding his mother’s blood. + + +Apollo +Appearing in the clouds.Menelaus, calm your anger that has been whetted; I am Phoebus, the son of Leto, drawing near to call you by name. And you also, Orestes, who are keeping guard on the girl, sword in hand, so that you may hear what I have come to say. Helen, whom all your eagerness +failed to destroy, when you were seeking to anger Menelaus, is here as you see in the enfolding air, rescued from death and not slain by you. I saved her and snatched her from beneath your sword at the bidding of father Zeus, +for she, his child, must be immortal, and take her seat with Castor and Polydeuces in the enfolding air, a savior to mariners. Choose another bride and take her to your home; for the gods by that one’s loveliness +joined Troy and Hellas in battle, causing death so that they might draw off from the earth the outrage of unstinting numbers of mortals. + So much for Helen; as for you, Orestes, you must cross the broders of this land +and dwell for one whole year on Parrhasian soil, which from your flight shall be called the land of Orestes by Azanians and Arcadians. And when you return from there to the city of Athens, undergo your trial by the Avenging Three for your mother’s murder; +the gods will be arbitrators of your trial, and will take a most righteous vote on you at the hill of Ares, where you are to win your case. And it is destined, Orestes, that you will marry Hermione, at whose neck you are holding your sword; +Neoptolemus shall never marry her, though he thinks he will; for he is fated to die by a Delphian sword, when he claims satisfaction of me for the death of his father Achilles. Give your sister in marriage to Pylades, to whom you formerly promised her; the life awaiting him is one of happiness. +Menelaus, leave Orestes to rule Argos; go and reign over the Spartan land, keeping it as the dowry of a wife who till this day never ceased causing you innumerable troubles. I will set matters straight between Orestes and the citizens, +for I forced him to murder his mother. + + +Orestes +Hail, prophetic Loxias, for your oracles! You were not a lying prophet after all, but a true seer; and yet I was afraid that it was some fiend I had listened to, when I seemed to hear your voice; +but all is ending well, and I obey your word. There! I release Hermione from slaughter and agree to make her my wife whenever her father gives her. + +Menelaus +All hail, Helen, daughter of Zeus! I wish you joy of your home in heaven’s happy courts. +To you, Orestes, I betroth my daughter, as Phoebus said; being noble yourself, may you have benefit from a noble wife, and may I also, in giving her to you. + +Apollo +Go now each one to the place appointed by me; reconcile your quarrels. + +Menelaus +I must obey. + +Orestes +And so must I; I make a truce with my fate, Menelaus, and with your oracles, Loxias.
+ + +
+ +Apollo +Go your ways, and honor Peace, fairest of goddesses; I will bring Helen to the halls of Zeus, +when I have come to the sky, bright with stars. There, enthroned beside Hera and Hebe, the bride of Heracles, she will be honored by men with libations as a goddess for ever; along with those Zeus-born sons of Tyndareus, +she will be a guardian of the sea, for the good of sailors. + +Chorus +Greatly revered Victory, may you occupy my life, and never cease to crown me! +
+
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-grc1.tracking.json b/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-grc1.tracking.json deleted file mode 100644 index 12b4605da..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-grc1.tracking.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,14 +0,0 @@ -{ - "epidoc_compliant": false, - "fully_unicode": true, - "git_repo": "canonical-greekLit", - "has_cts_metadata": false, - "has_cts_refsDecl": false, - "id": "1999.01.0115", - "last_editor": "", - "note": "", - "src": "texts/sdl/Euripides/eur.orest_murray_gk.xml", - "status": "migrated", - "target": "canonical-greekLit/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-grc1.xml", - "valid_xml": true -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-grc1.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-grc1.xml deleted file mode 100644 index 0bfeaac85..000000000 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-grc1.xml +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3728 +0,0 @@ - - - - -Orestes -Machine readable text -Euripides -Gilbert Murray -Perseus Project, Tufts University -Gregory Crane - -Prepared under the supervision of -Lisa Cerrato -William Merrill -Elli Mylonas -David Smith - -The Annenberg CPB/Project - -About 100Kb - -Trustees of Tufts University -Medford, MA -Perseus Project - 1996 - - - - -Euripides -Euripidis Fabulae, vol. 3 - 58816731 -Gilbert Murray - -Oxford -Clarendon Press, Oxford -1913 - - - - - - - - - - - - -Greek - - - - -1988 - -Judith Nelson -tagging - -Basic SGML tagging - - -8/92 - -W. Merrill -ed. - -check tagging - - -6/95 - -Lisa Cerrato -ed. - -Added speaker tags where needed. - - -10/98 - -W. Merrill -ed. - -Fixed cardbreaks at 280, 1473, 1549; added line nos. 274b, 276b, 1472b, 1545b. - - -14-Jan-00 - -Anne Mahoney -Markup - - -$Log: eur.orest_murray_gk.xml,v $ -Revision 1.1 2013-09-13 11:17:32 balmas01 -moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory - -Revision 1.5 2013-06-13 12:41:24 gcrane -tagging now should be compatible with CTS - -Revision 1.4 2012-02-14 18:12:30 ajones06 -Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. - -Revision 1.3 2011-09-07 13:57:46 rsingh04 adding rend=displayNum to lb tags - -Revision 1.2 2011-01-13 03:38:26 gcrane more refinements making these files SDL compatible - -Revision 1.1 2010-12-25 19:01:42 gcrane our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones -- - -Revision 1.1 2009/11/23 18:46:35 rsingh04 moved more xml files around based on copyright status - -Revision 1.2 2005/08/01 21:15:28 packel removed stray item tags - -Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 14:34:42 packel -Converted to XML - -Revision 1.10 2004/04/21 20:27:28 mimno added card 1s - -Revision 1.9 2003/09/09 18:02:08 amahoney put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff - -Revision 1.8 2003/07/01 22:16:11 yorkc -Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) - -Revision 1.7 2000/03/04 20:34:34 dasmith -Added separate funder entity to TEI header. - -Revision 1.6 2000/02/17 15:51:39 amahoney use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp - -Revision 1.5 2000/01/14 21:41:40 amahoney bring up to P3 - - - - - - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -Οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν δεινὸν ὧδʼ εἰπεῖν ἔπος -οὐδὲ πάθος οὐδὲ ξυμφορὰ θεήλατος, -ἧς οὐκ ἂν ἄραιτʼ ἄχθος ἀνθρώπου φύσις. -ὁ γὰρ μακάριος — κοὐκ ὀνειδίζω τύχας — -Διὸς πεφυκώς, ὡς λέγουσι, Τάνταλος -κορυφῆς ὑπερτέλλοντα δειμαίνων πέτρον -ἀέρι ποτᾶται· καὶ τίνει ταύτην δίκην, -ὡς μὲν λέγουσιν, ὅτι θεοῖς ἄνθρωπος ὢν -κοινῆς τραπέζης ἀξίωμʼ ἔχων ἴσον, -ἀκόλαστον ἔσχε γλῶσσαν, αἰσχίστην νόσον. -οὗτος φυτεύει Πέλοπα, τοῦ δʼ Ἀτρεὺς ἔφυ, -ᾧ στέμματα ξήνασʼ ἐπέκλωσεν θεὰ -ἔριν, Θυέστῃ πόλεμον ὄντι συγγόνῳ -θέσθαι. τί τἄρρητʼ ἀναμετρήσασθαί με δεῖ; -ἔδαισε δʼ οὖν νιν τέκνʼ ἀποκτείνας Ἀτρεύς. -Ἀτρέως δέ· τὰς γὰρ ἐν μέσῳ σιγῶ τύχας· -ὁ κλεινός, εἰ δὴ κλεινός, Ἀγαμέμνων ἔφυ -Μενέλεώς τε Κρήσσης μητρὸς Ἀερόπης ἄπο. -γαμεῖ δʼ ὃ μὲν δὴ τὴν θεοῖς στυγουμένην -Μενέλαος Ἑλένην, ὃ δὲ Κλυταιμήστρας λέχος -ἐπίσημον εἰς Ἕλληνας Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ· -ᾧ παρθένοι μὲν τρεῖς ἔφυμεν ἐκ μιᾶς, -Χρυσόθεμις Ἰφιγένειά τʼ Ἠλέκτρα τʼ ἐγώ, -ἄρσην δʼ Ὀρέστης, μητρὸς ἀνοσιωτάτης, -ἣ πόσιν ἀπείρῳ περιβαλοῦσʼ ὑφάσματι -ἔκτεινεν· ὧν δʼ ἕκατι, παρθένῳ λέγειν -οὐ καλόν· ἐῶ τοῦτʼ ἀσαφὲς ἐν κοινῷ σκοπεῖν. -Φοίβου δʼ ἀδικίαν μὲν τί δεῖ κατηγορεῖν; -πείθει δʼ Ὀρέστην μητέρʼ ἥ σφʼ ἐγείνατο -κτεῖναι, πρὸς οὐχ ἅπαντας εὔκλειαν φέρον. -ὅμως δʼ ἀπέκτεινʼ οὐκ ἀπειθήσας θεῷ· -κἀγὼ μετέσχον, οἷα δὴ γυνή, φόνου. - -Πυλάδης θʼ, ὃς ἡμῖν συγκατείργασται τάδε. - - - -ἐντεῦθεν ἀγρίᾳ συντακεὶς νόσῳ νοσεῖ - -τλήμων Ὀρέστης ὅδε πεσὼν ἐν δεμνίοις -κεῖται, τὸ μητρὸς δʼ αἷμά νιν τροχηλατεῖ -μανίαισιν· ὀνομάζειν γὰρ αἰδοῦμαι θεὰς -εὐμενίδας, αἳ τόνδʼ ἐξαμιλλῶνται φόβῳ. -ἕκτον δὲ δὴ τόδʼ ἦμαρ ἐξ ὅτου σφαγαῖς -θανοῦσα μήτηρ πυρὶ καθήγνισται δέμας, -ὧν οὔτε σῖτα διὰ δέρης ἐδέξατο, -οὐ λούτρʼ ἔδωκε χρωτί· χλανιδίων δʼ ἔσω -κρυφθείς, ὅταν μὲν σῶμα κουφισθῇ νόσου, -ἔμφρων δακρύει, ποτὲ δὲ δεμνίων ἄπο -πηδᾷ δρομαῖος, πῶλος ὣς ὑπὸ ζυγοῦ. -ἔδοξε δʼ Ἄργει τῷδε μήθʼ ἡμᾶς στέγαις, -μὴ πυρὶ δέχεσθαι, μήτε προσφωνεῖν τινα -μητροκτονοῦντας· κυρία δʼ ἥδʼ ἡμέρα, -ἐν ᾗ διοίσει ψῆφον Ἀργείων πόλις, -εἰ χρὴ θανεῖν νὼ λευσίμῳ πετρώματι. - -ἢ φάσγανον θήξαντʼ ἐπʼ αὐχένος βαλεῖν. - - -ἐλπίδα δὲ δή τινʼ ἔχομεν ὥστε μὴ θανεῖν· -ἥκει γὰρ ἐς γῆν Μενέλεως Τροίας ἄπο, -λιμένα δὲ Ναυπλίειον ἐκπληρῶν πλάτῃ -ἀκταῖσιν ὁρμεῖ, δαρὸν ἐκ Τροίας χρόνον -ἄλαισι πλαγχθείς· τὴν δὲ δὴ πολύστονον -Ἑλένην, φυλάξας νύκτα, μή τις εἰσιδὼν -μεθʼ ἡμέραν στείχουσαν, ὧν ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ -παῖδες τεθνᾶσιν, ἐς πέτρων ἔλθῃ βολάς, -προύπεμψεν ἐς δῶμʼ ἡμέτερον· ἔστιν δʼ ἔσω -κλαίουσʼ ἀδελφὴν συμφοράν τε δωμάτων. -ἔχει δὲ δή τινʼ ἀλγέων παραψυχήν· -ἣν γὰρ κατʼ οἴκους ἔλιφʼ, ὅτʼ ἐς Τροίαν ἔπλει, -παρθένον ἐμῇ τε μητρὶ παρέδωκεν τρέφειν -Μενέλαος ἀγαγὼν Ἑρμιόνην Σπάρτης ἄπο, -ταύτῃ γέγηθε κἀπιλήθεται κακῶν. -βλέπω δὲ πᾶσαν εἰς ὁδόν, πότʼ ὄψομαι -Μενέλαον ἥκονθʼ· ὡς τά γʼ ἄλλʼ ἐπʼ ἀσθενοῦς -ῥώμης ὀχούμεθʼ, ἤν τι μὴ κείνου πάρα -σωθῶμεν. ἄπορον χρῆμα δυστυχῶν δόμος. - - - -Ἑλένη -ὦ παῖ Κλυταιμήστρας τε καὶ Ἀγαμέμνονος, -παρθένε μακρὸν δὴ μῆκος Ἠλέκτρα χρόνου, -πῶς, ὦ τάλαινα, σύ τε κασίγνητός τε σὸς -τλήμων Ὀρέστης μητρὸς ὅδε φονεὺς ἔχει; -προσφθέγμασιν γὰρ οὐ μιαίνομαι σέθεν, -ἐς Φοῖβον ἀναφέρουσα τὴν ἁμαρτίαν. -καίτοι στένω γε τὸν Κλυταιμήστρας μόρον, -ἐμῆς ἀδελφῆς, ἥν, ἐπεὶ πρὸς Ἴλιον -ἔπλευσʼ ὅπως ἔπλευσα θεομανεῖ πότμῳ, -οὐκ εἶδον, ἀπολειφθεῖσα δʼ αἰάζω τύχας. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -Ἑλένη, τί σοι λέγοιμʼ ἂν ἅ γε παροῦσʼ ὁρᾷς; - -ἐν συμφοραῖσι τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος δόμον - -ἐγὼ μὲν ἄυπνος πάρεδρος ἀθλίῳ νεκρῷ -— νεκρὸς γὰρ οὗτος οὕνεκα σμικρᾶς πνοῆς — -θάσσω· τὰ τούτου δʼ οὐκ ὀνειδίζω κακά. -σὺ δʼ εἶ μακαρία μακάριός θʼ ὁ σὸς πόσις. - -ἥκετον ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς ἀθλίως πεπραγότας - - - -Ἑλένη -πόσον χρόνον δʼ ἐν δεμνίοις πέπτωχʼ ὅδε; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐξ οὗπερ αἷμα γενέθλιον κατήνυσεν. - - -Ἑλένη -ὢ μέλεος· ἡ τεκοῦσά θʼ, ὡς διώλετο. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὕτως ἔχει τάδʼ, ὥστʼ ἀπείρηκεν κακοῖς. - - -Ἑλένη -πρὸς θεῶν, πίθοιʼ ἂν δῆτά μοί τι, παρθένε; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὡς ἄσχολός γε συγγόνου προσεδρίᾳ. - - -Ἑλένη -βούλῃ τάφον μοι πρὸς κασιγνήτης μολεῖν; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -μητρὸς κελεύεις τῆς ἐμῆς; τίνος χάριν; - - -Ἑλένη -κόμης ἀπαρχὰς καὶ χοὰς φέρουσʼ ἐμάς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -σοὶ δʼ οὐχὶ θεμιτὸν πρὸς φίλων στείχειν τάφον; - - -Ἑλένη -δεῖξαι γὰρ Ἀργείοισι σῶμʼ αἰσχύνομαι. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὀψέ γε φρονεῖς εὖ, τότε λιποῦσʼ αἰσχρῶς δόμους. - - -Ἑλένη -ὀρθῶς ἔλεξας, οὐ φίλως δʼ ἐμοὶ λέγεις. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -αἰδὼς δὲ δὴ τίς σʼ ἐς Μυκηναίους ἔχει; - - -Ἑλένη -δέδοικα πατέρας τῶν ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ νεκρῶν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -δεινὸν γάρ· Ἄργει τʼ ἀναβοᾷ διὰ στόμα. - - -Ἑλένη -σύ νυν χάριν μοι τὸν φόβον λύσασα δός. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην μητρὸς ἐσβλέψαι τάφον. - - -Ἑλένη -αἰσχρόν γε μέντοι προσπόλους φέρειν τάδε. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τί δʼ οὐχὶ θυγατρὸς Ἑρμιόνης πέμπεις δέμας; - - -Ἑλένη -ἐς ὄχλον ἕρπειν παρθένοισιν οὐ καλόν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καὶ μὴν τίνοι γʼ ἂν τῇ τεθνηκυίᾳ τροφάς. - - - -Ἑλένη -ὀρθῶς ἔλεξας, πείθομαί τέ σοι, κόρη. - -καὶ πέμψομέν γε θυγατέρʼ· εὖ γάρ τοι λέγεις. - -ὦ τέκνον, ἔξελθʼ, Ἑρμιόνη, δόμων πάρος -καὶ λαβὲ χοὰς τάσδʼ ἐν χεροῖν κόμας τʼ ἐμάς· -ἐλθοῦσα δʼ ἀμφὶ τὸν Κλυταιμήστρας τάφον -μελίκρατʼ ἄφες γάλακτος οἰνωπόν τʼ ἄχνην, -καὶ στᾶσʼ ἐπʼ ἄκρου χώματος λέξον τάδε· -Ἑλένη σʼ ἀδελφὴ ταῖσδε δωρεῖται χοαῖς, -φόβῳ προσελθεῖν μνῆμα σόν, ταρβοῦσά τε -Ἀργεῖον ὄχλον. πρευμενῆ δʼ ἄνωγέ νιν -ἐμοί τε καὶ σοὶ καὶ πόσει γνώμην ἔχειν -τοῖν τʼ ἀθλίοιν τοῖνδʼ, οὓς ἀπώλεσεν θεός. -ἃ δʼ εἰς ἀδελφὴν καιρὸς ἐκπονεῖν ἐμέ, -ἅπανθʼ ὑπισχνοῦ νερτέρων δωρήματα. -ἴθʼ, ὦ τέκνον μοι, σπεῦδε καὶ χοὰς τάφῳ -δοῦσʼ ὡς τάχιστα τῆς πάλιν μέμνησʼ ὁδοῦ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ φύσις, ἐν ἀνθρώποισιν ὡς μέγʼ εἶ κακόν, -σωτήριόν τε τοῖς καλῶς κεκτημένοις. -εἴδετε παρʼ ἄκρας ὡς ἀπέθρισεν τρίχας, -σῴζουσα κάλλος; ἔστι δʼ ἡ πάλαι γυνή. -θεοί σε μισήσειαν, ὥς μʼ ἀπώλεσας -καὶ τόνδε πᾶσάν θʼ Ἑλλάδα. ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ· -αἵδʼ αὖ πάρεισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς θρηνήμασι -φίλαι ξυνῳδοί· τάχα μεταστήσουσʼ ὕπνου -τόνδʼ ἡσυχάζοντʼ, ὄμμα δʼ ἐκτήξουσʼ ἐμὸν -δακρύοις, ἀδελφὸν ὅταν ὁρῶ μεμηνότα. - - -ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες, ἡσύχῳ ποδὶ - - -χωρεῖτε, μὴ ψοφεῖτε, μηδʼ ἔστω κτύπος. - - -φιλία γὰρ ἡ σὴ πρευμενὴς μέν, ἀλλʼ ἐμοὶ - - -τόνδʼ ἐξεγεῖραι συμφορὰ γενήσεται. - - - - - - - -Χορός -σῖγα σῖγα, λεπτὸν ἴχνος ἀρβύλης -τίθετε, μὴ κτυπεῖτʼ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἀποπρὸ βᾶτʼ ἐκεῖσʼ, ἀποπρό μοι κοίτας. - - -Χορός -ἰδού, πείθομαι. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἆ ἆ σύριγγος ὅπως πνοὰ -λεπτοῦ δόνακος, ὦ φίλα, φώνει μοι. - - -Χορός -ἴδʼ, ἀτρεμαῖον ὡς ὑπόροφον φέρω -βοάν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ναί, οὕτως· -κάταγε κάταγε, πρόσιθʼ ἀτρέμας, ἀτρέμας ἴθι· -λόγον ἀπόδος ἐφʼ ὅ τι χρέος ἐμόλετέ ποτε. -χρόνια γὰρ πεσὼν ὅδʼ εὐνάζεται. - - - - - -Χορός -πῶς ἔχει; λόγου μετάδος, ὦ φίλα· -τίνα τύχαν εἴπω; τίνα δὲ συμφοράν; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἔτι μὲν ἐμπνέει, βραχὺ δʼ ἀναστένει. - - -Χορός -τί φῄς; ὦ τάλας. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὀλεῖς, εἰ βλέφαρα κινήσεις -ὕπνου γλυκυτάταν φερομένῳ χάριν. - - -Χορός -μέλεος ἐχθίστων θεόθεν ἐργμάτων, -τάλας. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -φεῦ μόχθων. -ἄδικος ἄδικα τότʼ ἄρʼ ἔλακεν ἔλακεν, ἀπό- -φονον ὅτʼ ἐπὶ τρίποδι Θέμιδος ἄρʼ ἐδίκασε -φόνον ὁ Λοξίας ἐμᾶς ματέρος. - - - - - -Χορός -ὁρᾷς; ἐν πέπλοισι κινεῖ δέμας. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -σὺ γάρ νιν, ὦ τάλαινα, -θωΰξασʼ ἔβαλες ἐξ ὕπνου. - - -Χορός -εὕδειν μὲν οὖν ἔδοξα. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκ ἀφʼ ἡμῶν, οὐκ ἀπʼ οἴκων -πάλιν ἀνὰ πόδα σὸν εἱλίξεις -μεθεμένα κτύπου; - - -Χορός -ὑπνώσσει. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -λέγεις εὖ. -πότνια, πότνια νύξ, -ὑπνοδότειρα τῶν πολυπόνων βροτῶν, -ἐρεβόθεν ἴθι, μόλε μόλε κατάπτερος -τὸν Ἀγαμεμνόνιον ἐπὶ δόμον. -ὑπὸ γὰρ ἀλγέων ὑπό τε συμφορᾶς -διοιχόμεθʼ, οἰχόμεθα. κτύπον ἠγάγετʼ· οὐχὶ σῖγα -σῖγα φυλασσομένα στόματος -ἄνα κέλαδον ἀπὸ λέχεος ἥ- -συχον ὕπνου χάριν παρέξεις, φίλα; - - - - - -Χορός -θρόει τίς κακῶν τελευτὰ μένει. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -θανεῖν θανεῖν, τί δʼ ἄλλο; -οὐδὲ γὰρ πόθον ἔχει βορᾶς. - - -Χορός -πρόδηλος ἆρʼ ὁ πότμος. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐξέθυσʼ ὁ Φοῖβος ἡμᾶς -μέλεον ἀπόφονον αἷμα δοὺς -πατροφόνου ματρός. - - -Χορός -δίκᾳ μέν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καλῶς δʼ οὔ. -ἔκανες ἔθανες, ὦ -τεκομένα με μᾶτερ, ἀπὸ δʼ ὤλεσας -πατέρα τέκνα τε τάδε σέθεν ἀφʼ αἵματος· -ὀλόμεθʼ ἰσονέκυες, ὀλόμεθα. -σύ τε γὰρ ἐν νεκροῖς, τό τʼ ἐμὸν οἴχεται -βίου τὸ πλέον μέρος ἐν στοναχαῖσί τε καὶ γόοισι -δάκρυσί τʼ ἐννυχίοις, ἄγαμος - -ἐπὶ δʼ ἄτεκνος ἅτε βίοτον ἁ -μέλεος ἐς τὸν αἰὲν ἕλκω χρόνον. - - - - - - -Χορός -ὅρα παροῦσα, παρθένʼ Ἠλέκτρα, πέλας, -μὴ κατθανών σε σύγγονος λέληθʼ ὅδε· -οὐ γάρ μʼ ἀρέσκει τῷ λίαν παρειμένῳ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ φίλον ὕπνου θέλγητρον, ἐπίκουρον νόσου, -ὡς ἡδύ μοι προσῆλθες — ἐν δέοντί γε. -ὦ πότνια Λήθη τῶν κακῶν, ὡς εἶ σοφὴ -καὶ τοῖσι δυστυχοῦσιν εὐκταία θεός. - -πόθεν ποτʼ ἦλθον δεῦρο; πῶς δʼ ἀφικόμην; -ἀμνημονῶ γάρ, τῶν πρὶν ἀπολειφθεὶς φρενῶν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ φίλταθʼ, ὥς μʼ ηὔφρανας εἰς ὕπνον πεσών. -βούλῃ θίγω σου κἀνακουφίσω δέμας; - - -Ὀρέστης -λαβοῦ λαβοῦ δῆτʼ, ἐκ δʼ ὄμορξον ἀθλίου -στόματος ἀφρώδη πέλανον ὀμμάτων τʼ ἐμῶν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἰδού· τὸ δούλευμʼ ἡδύ, κοὐκ ἀναίνομαι -ἀδέλφʼ ἀδελφῇ χειρὶ θεραπεύειν μέλη. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὑπόβαλε πλευροῖς πλευρά, καὐχμώδη κόμην -ἄφελε προσώπου· λεπτὰ γὰρ λεύσσω κόραις. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ βοστρύχων πινῶδες ἄθλιον κάρα, -ὡς ἠγρίωσαι διὰ μακρᾶς ἀλουσίας. - - -Ὀρέστης -κλῖνόν μʼ ἐς εὐνὴν αὖθις· ὅταν ἀνῇ νόσος -μανίας, ἄναρθρός εἰμι κἀσθενῶ μέλη. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἰδού. φίλον τοι τῷ νοσοῦντι δέμνιον, -ἀνιαρὸν ὂν τὸ κτῆμʼ, ἀναγκαῖον δʼ ὅμως. - - -Ὀρέστης -αὖθίς μʼ ἐς ὀρθὸν στῆσον, ἀνακύκλει δέμας· -δυσάρεστον οἱ νοσοῦντες ἀπορίας ὕπο. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἦ κἀπὶ γαίας ἁρμόσαι πόδας θέλεις, -χρόνιον ἴχνος θείς; μεταβολὴ πάντων γλυκύ. - - -Ὀρέστης -μάλιστα· δόξαν γὰρ τόδʼ ὑγιείας ἔχει. -κρεῖσσον δὲ τὸ δοκεῖν, κἂν ἀληθείας ἀπῇ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἄκουε δὴ νῦν, ὦ κασίγνητον κάρα, -ἕως ἐῶσιν εὖ φρονεῖν Ἐρινύες. - - -Ὀρέστης -λέξεις τι καινόν· κεἰ μὲν εὖ, χάριν φέρεις· -εἰ δʼ ἐς βλάβην τινʼ, ἅλις ἔχω τὸ δυστυχεῖν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -Μενέλαος ἥκει, σοῦ κασίγνητος πατρός, -ἐν Ναυπλίᾳ δὲ σέλμαθʼ ὥρμισται νεῶν. - - -Ὀρέστης -πῶς εἶπας; ἥκει φῶς ἐμοῖς καὶ σοῖς κακοῖς -ἀνὴρ ὁμογενὴς καὶ χάριτας ἔχων πατρός; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἥκει — τὸ πιστὸν τόδε λόγων ἐμῶν δέχου — -Ἑλένην ἀγόμενος Τρωικῶν ἐκ τειχέων. - - -Ὀρέστης -εἰ μόνος ἐσώθη, μᾶλλον ἂν ζηλωτὸς ἦν· -εἰ δʼ ἄλοχον ἄγεται, κακὸν ἔχων ἥκει μέγα. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐπίσημον ἔτεκε Τυνδάρεως ἐς τὸν ψόγον -γένος θυγατέρων δυσκλεές τʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδα. - - -Ὀρέστης -σύ νυν διάφερε τῶν κακῶν· ἔξεστι γάρ· -καὶ μὴ μόνον λέγʼ, ἀλλὰ καὶ φρόνει τάδε. - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οἴμοι, κασίγνητʼ, ὄμμα σὸν ταράσσεται, -ταχὺς δὲ μετέθου λύσσαν, ἄρτι σωφρονῶν. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ μῆτερ, ἱκετεύω σε, μὴ ʼπίσειέ μοι -τὰς αἱματωποὺς καὶ δρακοντώδεις κόρας. -αὗται γὰρ αὗται πλησίον θρῴσκουσί μου. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -μένʼ, ὦ ταλαίπωρʼ, ἀτρέμα σοῖς ἐν δεμνίοις· -ὁρᾷς γὰρ οὐδὲν ὧν δοκεῖς σάφʼ εἰδέναι. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ Φοῖβʼ, ἀποκτενοῦσί μʼ αἱ κυνώπιδες -γοργῶπες, ἐνέρων ἱέρεαι, δειναὶ θεαί. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὔτοι μεθήσω· χεῖρα δʼ ἐμπλέξασʼ ἐμὴν -σχήσω σε πηδᾶν δυστυχῆ πηδήματα. - - -Ὀρέστης -μέθες· μίʼ οὖσα τῶν ἐμῶν Ἐρινύων -μέσον μʼ ὀχμάζεις, ὡς βάλῃς ἐς Τάρταρον. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα, τίνʼ ἐπικουρίαν λάβω, -ἐπεὶ τὸ θεῖον δυσμενὲς κεκτήμεθα; - - -Ὀρέστης -δὸς τόξα μοι κερουλκά, δῶρα Λοξίου, -οἷς μʼ εἶπʼ Ἀπόλλων ἐξαμύνασθαι θεάς, -εἴ μʼ ἐκφοβοῖεν μανιάσιν λυσσήμασιν. -βεβλήσεταί τις θεῶν βροτησίᾳ χερί, -εἰ μὴ ʼξαμείψει χωρὶς ὀμμάτων ἐμῶν. -οὐκ εἰσακούετʼ; οὐχ ὁρᾶθʼ ἑκηβόλων -τόξων πτερωτὰς γλυφίδας ἐξορμωμένας; -ἆ ἆ· -τί δῆτα μέλλετʼ; ἐξακρίζετʼ αἰθέρα -πτεροῖς· τὰ Φοίβου δʼ αἰτιᾶσθε θέσφατα. -ἔα· -τί χρῆμʼ ἀλύω, πνεῦμʼ ἀνεὶς ἐκ πλευμόνων; -ποῖ ποῖ ποθʼ ἡλάμεσθα δεμνίων ἄπο; -ἐκ κυμάτων γὰρ αὖθις αὖ γαλήνʼ ὁρῶ. - - -σύγγονε, τί κλαίεις κρᾶτα θεῖσʼ ἔσω πέπλων; -αἰσχύνομαί σε, μεταδιδοὺς πόνων ἐμῶν -ὄχλον τε παρέχων παρθένῳ νόσοις ἐμαῖς. -μὴ τῶν ἐμῶν ἕκατι συντήκου κακῶν· -σὺ μὲν γὰρ ἐπένευσας τάδʼ, εἴργασται δʼ ἐμοὶ -μητρῷον αἷμα· Λοξίᾳ δὲ μέμφομαι, -ὅστις μʼ ἐπάρας ἔργον ἀνοσιώτατον, -τοῖς μὲν λόγοις ηὔφρανε, τοῖς δʼ ἔργοισιν οὔ. -οἶμαι δὲ πατέρα τὸν ἐμόν, εἰ κατʼ ὄμματα -ἐξιστόρουν νιν, μητέρʼ εἰ κτεῖναι χρεών, -πολλὰς γενείου τοῦδʼ ἂν ἐκτεῖναι λιτὰς -μήποτε τεκούσης ἐς σφαγὰς ὦσαι ξίφος, -εἰ μήτʼ ἐκεῖνος ἀναλαβεῖν ἔμελλε φῶς, -ἐγώ θʼ ὁ τλήμων τοιάδʼ ἐκπλήσειν κακά. -καὶ νῦν ἀνακάλυπτʼ, ὦ κασιγνήτη, κάρα, -ἐκ δακρύων τʼ ἄπελθε, κεἰ μάλʼ ἀθλίως -ἔχομεν. ὅταν δὲ τἄμʼ ἀθυμήσαντʼ ἴδῃς, -σύ μου τὸ δεινὸν καὶ διαφθαρὲν φρενῶν -ἴσχναινε παραμυθοῦ θʼ· ὅταν δὲ σὺ στένῃς, -ἡμᾶς παρόντας χρή σε νουθετεῖν φίλα· -ἐπικουρίαι γὰρ αἵδε τοῖς φίλοις καλαί. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, βᾶσα δωμάτων ἔσω -ὕπνῳ τʼ ἄυπνον βλέφαρον ἐκταθεῖσα δός, -σίτων τʼ ὄρεξαι λουτρά τʼ ἐπιβαλοῦ χροΐ. -εἰ γὰρ προλείψεις ἢ προσεδρείᾳ νόσον -κτήσῃ τινʼ, οἰχόμεσθα· σὲ γὰρ ἔχω μόνην -ἐπίκουρον, ἄλλων, ὡς ὁρᾷς, ἔρημος ὤν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκ ἔστι· σὺν σοὶ καὶ θανεῖν αἱρήσομαι -καὶ ζῆν· ἔχει γὰρ ταὐτόν· ἢν σὺ κατθάνῃς, -γυνὴ τί δράσω; πῶς μόνη σωθήσομαι, -ἀνάδελφος ἀπάτωρ ἄφιλος; εἰ δὲ σοὶ δοκεῖ, -δρᾶν χρὴ τάδʼ. ἀλλὰ κλῖνον εἰς εὐνὴν δέμας, -καὶ μὴ τὸ ταρβοῦν κἀκφοβοῦν σʼ ἐκ δεμνίων -ἄγαν ἀποδέχου, μένε δʼ ἐπὶ στρωτοῦ λέχους. -κἂν μὴ νοσῇς γάρ, ἀλλὰ δοξάζῃς νοσεῖν, -κάματος βροτοῖσιν ἀπορία τε γίγνεται. - - - - - - -Χορός -αἰαῖ, -δρομάδες ὦ πτεροφόροι -ποτνιάδες θεαί, -ἀβάκχευτον αἳ θίασον ἐλάχετʼ ἐν -δάκρυσι καὶ γόοις, -μελάγχρωτες εὐμενίδες, αἵτε τὸν -ταναὸν αἰθέρʼ ἀμπάλλεσθʼ, αἵματος -τινύμεναι δίκαν, τινύμεναι φόνον, -καθικετεύομαι καθικετεύομαι, -τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος -γόνον ἐάσατʼ ἐκλαθέσθαι λύσσας -μανιάδος φοιταλέου. φεῦ μόχθων, -οἵων, ὦ τάλας, ὀρεχθεὶς ἔρρεις, -τρίποδος ἄπο φάτιν, ἃν ὁ Φοῖβος ἔλακε, δε- -ξάμενος ἀνὰ δάπεδον, -ἵνα μεσόμφαλοι λέγονται μυχοί. - - - - - -Χορός -ἰὼ Ζεῦ, -τίς ἔλεος, τίς ὅδʼ ἀγὼν -φόνιος ἔρχεται, -θοάζων σε τὸν μέλεον, ᾧ δάκρυα -δάκρυσι συμβάλλει -πορεύων τις ἐς δόμον ἀλαστόρων -ματέρος αἷμα σᾶς, ὅ σʼ ἀναβακχεύει; -ὁ μέγας ὄλβος οὐ μόνιμος ἐν βροτοῖς· -κατολοφύρομαι κατολοφύρομαι. -ἀνὰ δὲ λαῖφος ὥς -τις ἀκάτου θοᾶς τινάξας δαίμων -κατέκλυσεν δεινῶν πόνων ὡς πόντου -λάβροις ὀλεθρίοισιν ἐν κύμασιν. -τίνα γὰρ ἔτι πάρος οἶκον ἕτερον ἢ τὸν ἀπὸ -θεογόνων γάμων, -τὸν ἀπὸ Ταντάλου, σέβεσθαί με χρή; - - - - - - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν βασιλεὺς ὅδε δὴ στείχει, -Μενέλαος ἄναξ, πολλῇ ἁβροσύνῃ -δῆλος ὁρᾶσθαι -τῶν Τανταλιδῶν ἐξ αἵματος ὤν. -ὦ χιλιόναυν στρατὸν ὁρμήσας -ἐς γῆν Ἀσίαν, -χαῖρʼ, εὐτυχίᾳ δʼ αὐτὸς ὁμιλεῖς, -θεόθεν πράξας ἅπερ ηὔχου. - - - - - -Μενέλαος -ὦ δῶμα, τῇ μέν σʼ ἡδέως προσδέρκομαι -Τροίαθεν ἐλθών, τῇ δʼ ἰδὼν καταστένω· -κύκλῳ γὰρ εἱλιχθεῖσαν ἀθλίως κακοῖς -οὐπώποτʼ ἄλλην μᾶλλον εἶδον ἑστίαν. -Ἀγαμέμνονος μὲν γὰρ τύχας ἠπιστάμην -καὶ θάνατον, οἵῳ πρὸς δάμαρτος ὤλετο, -Μαλέᾳ προσίσχων πρῷραν· ἐκ δὲ κυμάτων -ὁ ναυτίλοισι μάντις ἐξήγγειλέ μοι -Νηρέως προφήτης Γλαῦκος, ἀψευδὴς θεός, -ὅς μοι τόδʼ εἶπεν ἐμφανῶς κατασταθείς· -Μενέλαε, κεῖται σὸς κασίγνητος θανών, -λουτροῖσιν ἀλόχου περιπεσὼν πανυστάτοις. -δακρύων δʼ ἔπλησεν ἐμέ τε καὶ ναύτας ἐμοὺς -πολλῶν. ἐπεὶ δὲ Ναυπλίας ψαύω χθονός, -ἤδη δάμαρτος ἐνθάδʼ ἐξορμωμένης, -δοκῶν Ὀρέστην παῖδα τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος -φίλαισι χερσὶ περιβαλεῖν καὶ μητέρα, -ὡς εὐτυχοῦντας, ἔκλυον ἁλιτύπων τινὸς -τῆς Τυνδαρείας παιδὸς ἀνόσιον φόνον. - -καὶ νῦν ὅπου ʼστὶν εἴπατʼ, ὦ νεάνιδες, -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, ὃς τὰ δείνʼ ἔτλη κακά. -βρέφος γὰρ ἦν τότʼ ἐν Κλυταιμήστρας χεροῖν, -ὅτʼ ἐξέλειπον μέλαθρον ἐς Τροίαν ἰών, -ὥστʼ οὐκ ἂν αὐτὸν γνωρίσαιμʼ ἂν εἰσιδών. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὅδʼ εἴμʼ Ὀρέστης, Μενέλεως, ὃν ἱστορεῖς. -ἑκὼν ἐγώ σοι τἀμὰ μηνύσω κακά. -τῶν σῶν δὲ γονάτων πρωτόλεια θιγγάνω -ἱκέτης, ἀφύλλου στόματος ἐξάπτων λιτάς· -σῷσόν μʼ· ἀφῖξαι δʼ αὐτὸς ἐς καιρὸν κακῶν. - - - -Μενέλαος -ὦ θεοί, τί λεύσσω; τίνα δέδορκα νερτέρων; - - -Ὀρέστης -εὖ γʼ εἶπας· οὐ γὰρ ζῶ κακοῖς, φάος δʼ ὁρῶ. - - -Μενέλαος -ὡς ἠγρίωσαι πλόκαμον αὐχμηρόν, τάλας. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐχ ἡ πρόσοψίς μʼ, ἀλλὰ τἄργʼ αἰκίζεται. - - -Μενέλαος -δεινὸν δὲ λεύσσεις ὀμμάτων ξηραῖς κόραις. - - -Ὀρέστης -τὸ σῶμα φροῦδον· τὸ δʼ ὄνομʼ οὐ λέλοιπέ μοι. - - -Μενέλαος -ὦ παρὰ λόγον μοι σὴ φανεῖσʼ ἀμορφία. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὅδʼ εἰμὶ μητρὸς τῆς ταλαιπώρου φονεύς. - - -Μενέλαος -ἤκουσα, φείδου δʼ· ὀλιγάκις λέγειν κακά. - - -Ὀρέστης -φειδόμεθʼ· ὁ δαίμων δʼ ἐς ἐμὲ πλούσιος κακῶν. - - -Μενέλαος -τί χρῆμα πάσχεις; τίς σʼ ἀπόλλυσιν νόσος; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἡ σύνεσις, ὅτι σύνοιδα δείνʼ εἰργασμένος. - - -Μενέλαος -πῶς φῄς; σοφόν τοι τὸ σαφές, οὐ τὸ μὴ σαφές. - - -Ὀρέστης -λύπη μάλιστά γʼ ἡ διαφθείρουσά με — - - -Μενέλαος -δεινὴ γὰρ ἡ θεός, ἀλλʼ ὅμως ἰάσιμος. - - -Ὀρέστης -μανίαι τε, μητρὸς αἵματος τιμωρίαι. - - -Μενέλαος -ἤρξω δὲ λύσσης πότε; τίς ἡμέρα τότʼ ἦν; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐν ᾗ τάλαιναν μητέρʼ ἐξώγκουν τάφῳ. - - -Μενέλαος -πότερα κατʼ οἴκους ἢ προσεδρεύων πυρᾷ; - - -Ὀρέστης -νυκτὸς φυλάσσων ὀστέων ἀναίρεσιν. - - -Μενέλαος -παρῆν τις ἄλλος, ὃς σὸν ὤρθευεν δέμας; - - -Ὀρέστης -Πυλάδης, ὁ συνδρῶν αἷμα καὶ μητρὸς φόνον. - - -Μενέλαος -ἐκ φασμάτων δὲ τάδε νοσεῖς· ποίων ὕπο; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔδοξʼ ἰδεῖν τρεῖς νυκτὶ προσφερεῖς κόρας. - - -Μενέλαος -οἶδʼ ἃς ἔλεξας, ὀνομάσαι δʼ οὐ βούλομαι. - - -Ὀρέστης -σεμναὶ γάρ· εὐπαίδευτα δʼ ἀπετρέπου λέγειν. - - -Μενέλαος -αὗταί σε βακχεύουσι συγγενῆ φόνον; - - -Ὀρέστης -οἴμοι διωγμῶν, οἷς ἐλαύνομαι τάλας. - - -Μενέλαος -οὐ δεινὰ πάσχειν δεινὰ τοὺς εἰργασμένους. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀλλʼ ἔστιν ἡμῖν ἀναφορὰ τῆς συμφορᾶς. - - -Μενέλαος -μὴ θάνατον εἴπῃς· τοῦτο μὲν γὰρ οὐ σοφόν. - - -Ὀρέστης -Φοῖβος, κελεύσας μητρὸς ἐκπρᾶξαι φόνον. - - -Μενέλαος -ἀμαθέστερός γʼ ὢν τοῦ καλοῦ καὶ τῆς δίκης. - - -Ὀρέστης -δουλεύομεν θεοῖς, ὅ τι ποτʼ εἰσὶν οἱ θεοί. - - -Μενέλαος -κᾆτʼ οὐκ ἀμύνει Λοξίας τοῖς σοῖς κακοῖς; - - -Ὀρέστης -μέλλει· τὸ θεῖον δʼ ἐστὶ τοιοῦτον φύσει. - - -Μενέλαος -πόσον χρόνον δὲ μητρὸς οἴχονται πνοαί; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἕκτον τόδʼ ἦμαρ· ἔτι πυρὰ θερμὴ τάφου. - - -Μενέλαος -ὡς ταχὺ μετῆλθόν σʼ αἷμα μητέρος θεαί. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐ σοφός, ἀληθὴς δʼ ἐς φίλους ἔφυν φίλος. - - - -Μενέλαος -πατρὸς δὲ δή τι σʼ ὠφελεῖ τιμωρία; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὔπω· τὸ μέλλον δʼ ἴσον ἀπραξίᾳ λέγω. - - - -Μενέλαος -τὰ πρὸς πόλιν δὲ πῶς ἔχεις δράσας τάδε; - - -Ὀρέστης -μισούμεθʼ οὕτως ὥστε μὴ προσεννέπειν. - - -Μενέλαος -οὐδʼ ἥγνισαι σὸν αἷμα κατὰ νόμον χεροῖν; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐκκλῄομαι γὰρ δωμάτων ὅποι μόλω. - - -Μενέλαος -τίνες πολιτῶν ἐξαμιλλῶνταί σε γῆς; - - -Ὀρέστης -Οἴαξ, τὸ Τροίας μῖσος ἀναφέρων πατρί. - - -Μενέλαος -συνῆκα· Παλαμήδους σε τιμωρεῖ φόνου. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὗ γʼ οὐ μετῆν μοι· διὰ τριῶν δʼ ἀπόλλυμαι. - - -Μενέλαος -τίς δʼ ἄλλος; ἦ που τῶν ἀπʼ Αἰγίσθου φίλων; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὗτοί μʼ ὑβρίζουσʼ, ὧν πόλις τὰ νῦν κλύει. - - -Μενέλαος -Ἀγαμέμνονος δὲ σκῆπτρʼ ἐᾷ σʼ ἔχειν πόλις; - - -Ὀρέστης -πῶς, οἵτινες ζῆν οὐκ ἐῶσʼ ἡμᾶς ἔτι; - - -Μενέλαος -τί δρῶντες ὅ τι καὶ σαφὲς ἔχεις εἰπεῖν ἐμοί; - - -Ὀρέστης -ψῆφος καθʼ ἡμῶν οἴσεται τῇδʼ ἡμέρᾳ. - - -Μενέλαος -φεύγειν πόλιν τήνδʼ; ἢ θανεῖν ἢ μὴ θανεῖν; - - -Ὀρέστης -θανεῖν ὑπʼ ἀστῶν λευσίμῳ πετρώματι. - - -Μενέλαος -κᾆτʼ οὐχὶ φεύγεις γῆς ὑπερβαλὼν ὅρους; - - -Ὀρέστης -κύκλῳ γὰρ εἱλισσόμεθα παγχάλκοις ὅπλοις. - - -Μενέλαος -ἰδίᾳ πρὸς ἐχθρῶν ἢ πρὸς Ἀργείας χερός; - - -Ὀρέστης -πάντων πρὸς ἀστῶν, ὡς θάνω· βραχὺς λόγος. - - -Μενέλαος -ὦ μέλεος, ἥκεις συμφορᾶς ἐς τοὔσχατον. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐς σὲ ἐλπὶς ἡμὴ καταφυγὰς ἔχει κακῶν. -ἀλλʼ ἀθλίως πράσσουσιν εὐτυχὴς μολὼν -μετάδος φίλοισι σοῖσι σῆς εὐπραξίας, -καὶ μὴ μόνος τὸ χρηστὸν ἀπολαβὼν ἔχε, -ἀλλʼ ἀντιλάζου καὶ πόνων ἐν τῷ μέρει, -χάριτας πατρῴας ἐκτίνων ἐς οὕς σε δεῖ. -ὄνομα γάρ, ἔργον δʼ οὐκ ἔχουσιν οἱ φίλοι -οἱ μὴ ʼπὶ ταῖσι συμφοραῖς ὄντες φίλοι. - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν γέροντι δεῦρʼ ἁμιλλᾶται ποδὶ -ὁ Σπαρτιάτης Τυνδάρεως, μελάμπεπλος -κουρᾷ τε θυγατρὸς πενθίμῳ κεκαρμένος. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀπωλόμην, Μενέλαε· Τυνδάρεως ὅδε -στείχει πρὸς ἡμᾶς, οὗ μάλιστʼ αἰδώς μʼ ἔχει -ἐς ὄμματʼ ἐλθεῖν τοῖσιν ἐξειργασμένοις. -καὶ γάρ μʼ ἔθρεψε σμικρὸν ὄντα, πολλὰ δὲ -φιλήματʼ ἐξέπλησε, τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος -παῖδʼ ἀγκάλαισι περιφέρων, Λήδα θʼ ἅμα, -τιμῶντέ μʼ οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἢ Διοσκόρω· -οἷς, ὦ τάλαινα καρδία ψυχή τʼ ἐμή, -ἀπέδωκʼ ἀμοιβὰς οὐ καλάς. τίνα σκότον -λάβω προσώπῳ; ποῖον ἐπίπροσθεν νέφος -θῶμαι, γέροντος ὀμμάτων φεύγων κόρας; - - - -Τυνδάρεως -ποῦ ποῦ θυγατρὸς τῆς ἐμῆς ἴδω πόσιν, -Μενέλαον; ἐπὶ γὰρ τῷ Κλυταιμήστρας τάφῳ -χοὰς χεόμενος ἔκλυον ὡς ἐς Ναυπλίαν -ἥκοι σὺν ἀλόχῳ πολυετὴς σεσῳσμένος. -ἄγετέ με· πρὸς γὰρ δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ θέλω -στὰς ἀσπάσασθαι, χρόνιος εἰσιδὼν φίλον. - - -Μενέλαος -ὦ πρέσβυ, χαῖρε, Ζηνὸς ὁμόλεκτρον κάρα. - - -Τυνδάρεως -ὦ χαῖρε καὶ σύ, Μενέλεως, κήδευμʼ ἐμόν. - -ἔα· τὸ μέλλον ὡς κακὸν τὸ μὴ εἰδέναι. -ὁ μητροφόντης ὅδε πρὸ δωμάτων δράκων -στίλβει νοσώδεις ἀστραπάς, στύγημʼ ἐμόν. -Μενέλαε, προσφθέγγῃ νιν, ἀνόσιον κάρα; - - -Μενέλαος -τί γάρ; φίλου μοι πατρός ἐστιν ἔκγονος. - - -Τυνδάρεως -κείνου γὰρ ὅδε πέφυκε, τοιοῦτος γεγώς; - - -Μενέλαος -πέφυκεν· εἰ δὲ δυστυχεῖ, τιμητέος. - - -Τυνδάρεως -βεβαρβάρωσαι, χρόνιος ὢν ἐν βαρβάροις. - - -Μενέλαος -Ἑλληνικόν τοι τὸν ὁμόθεν τιμᾶν ἀεί. - - -Τυνδάρεως -καὶ τῶν νόμων γε μὴ πρότερον εἶναι θέλειν. - - -Μενέλαος -πᾶν τοὐξ ἀνάγκης δοῦλόν ἐστʼ ἐν τοῖς σοφοῖς. - - -Τυνδάρεως -κέκτησό νυν σὺ τοῦτʼ, ἐγὼ δʼ οὐ κτήσομαι. - - -Μενέλαος -ὀργὴ γὰρ ἅμα σου καὶ τὸ γῆρας οὐ σοφόν. - - -Τυνδάρεως -πρὸς τόνδʼ ἀγὼν τίς ἀσοφίας ἥκει πέρι; -εἰ τὰ καλὰ πᾶσι φανερὰ καὶ τὰ μὴ καλά, -τούτου τίς ἀνδρῶν ἐγένετʼ ἀσυνετώτερος, -ὅστις τὸ μὲν δίκαιον οὐκ ἐσκέψατο -οὐδʼ ἦλθεν ἐπὶ τὸν κοινὸν Ἑλλήνων νόμον; -ἐπεὶ γὰρ ἐξέπνευσεν Ἀγαμέμνων βίον -† πληγεὶς θυγατρὸς τῆς ἐμῆς ὑπὲρ κάρα †, -αἴσχιστον ἔργον — οὐ γὰρ αἰνέσω ποτέ — -χρῆν αὐτὸν ἐπιθεῖναι μὲν αἵματος δίκην, -ὁσίαν διώκοντʼ, ἐκβαλεῖν τε δωμάτων -μητέρα· τὸ σῶφρόν τʼ ἔλαβεν ἀντὶ συμφορᾶς -καὶ τοῦ νόμου τʼ ἂν εἴχετʼ εὐσεβής τʼ ἂν ἦν. -νῦν δʼ ἐς τὸν αὐτὸν δαίμονʼ ἦλθε μητέρι. -κακὴν γὰρ αὐτὴν ἐνδίκως ἡγούμενος, -αὐτὸς κακίων μητέρʼ ἐγένετο κτανών. - - -ἐρήσομαι δέ, Μενέλεως, τοσόνδε σε· -εἰ τόνδʼ ἀποκτείνειεν ὁμόλεκτρος γυνή, -χὡ τοῦδε παῖς αὖ μητέρʼ ἀνταποκτενεῖ, -κἄπειθʼ ὁ κείνου γενόμενος φόνῳ φόνον -λύσει, πέρας δὴ ποῖ κακῶν προβήσεται; -καλῶς ἔθεντο ταῦτα πατέρες οἱ πάλαι· -ἐς ὀμμάτων μὲν ὄψιν οὐκ εἴων περᾶν -οὐδʼ εἰς ἀπάντημʼ, ὅστις αἷμʼ ἔχων κυροῖ, -φυγαῖσι δʼ ὁσιοῦν, ἀνταποκτείνειν δὲ μή. -αἰεὶ γὰρ εἷς ἔμελλʼ ἐνέξεσθαι φόνῳ, -τὸ λοίσθιον μίασμα λαμβάνων χεροῖν. -ἐγὼ δὲ μισῶ μὲν γυναῖκας ἀνοσίους, -πρώτην δὲ θυγατέρʼ, ἣ πόσιν κατέκτανεν· -Ἑλένην τε, τὴν σὴν ἄλοχον, οὔποτʼ αἰνέσω -οὐδʼ ἂν προσείποιμʼ· οὐδὲ σὲ ζηλῶ, κακῆς -γυναικὸς ἐλθόνθʼ οὕνεκʼ ἐς Τροίας πέδον. -ἀμυνῶ δʼ, ὅσονπερ δυνατός εἰμι, τῷ νόμῳ, -τὸ θηριῶδες τοῦτο καὶ μιαιφόνον -παύων, ὃ καὶ γῆν καὶ πόλεις ὄλλυσʼ ἀεί. - -ἐπεὶ τίνʼ εἶχες, ὦ τάλας, ψυχὴν τότε, -ὅτʼ ἐξέβαλλε μαστὸν ἱκετεύουσά σε -μήτηρ; ἐγὼ μὲν οὐκ ἰδὼν τἀκεῖ κακά, -δακρύοις γέροντʼ ὀφθαλμὸν ἐκτήκω τάλας. -ἓν δʼ οὖν λόγοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς ὁμορροθεῖ· -μισῇ γε πρὸς θεῶν καὶ τίνεις μητρὸς δίκας, -μανίαις ἀλαίνων καὶ φόβοις. τί μαρτύρων -ἄλλων ἀκούειν δεῖ μʼ, ἅ γʼ εἰσορᾶν πάρα; -ὡς οὖν ἂν εἰδῇς, Μενέλεως, τοῖσιν θεοῖς -μὴ πρᾶσσʼ ἐναντίʼ, ὠφελεῖν τοῦτον θέλων, -ἔα δʼ ὑπʼ ἀστῶν καταφονευθῆναι πέτροις, -ἢ μὴ ʼπίβαινε Σπαρτιάτιδος χθονός. -θυγάτηρ δʼ ἐμὴ θανοῦσʼ ἔπραξεν ἔνδικα· -ἀλλʼ οὐχὶ πρὸς τοῦτʼ εἰκὸς ἦν αὐτὴν θανεῖν. -ἐγὼ δὲ τἄλλα μακάριος πέφυκʼ ἀνήρ, -πλὴν ἐς θυγατέρας· τοῦτο δʼ οὐκ εὐδαιμονῶ. - - -Χορός -ζηλωτὸς ὅστις εὐτύχησεν ἐς τέκνα -καὶ μὴ ʼπισήμους συμφορὰς ἐκτήσατο. - - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ γέρον, ἐγώ τοι πρὸς σὲ δειμαίνω λέγειν, -ὅπου σὲ μέλλω σήν τε λυπήσειν φρένα. -ἐγᾦδʼ, ἀνόσιός εἰμι μητέρα κτανών, -ὅσιος δέ γʼ ἕτερον ὄνομα, τιμωρῶν πατρί. -ἀπελθέτω δὴ τοῖς λόγοισιν ἐκποδὼν -τὸ γῆρας ἡμῖν τὸ σόν, ὅ μʼ ἐκπλήσσει λόγου, -καὶ καθʼ ὁδὸν εἶμι· νῦν δὲ σὴν ταρβῶ τρίχα. - -τί χρῆν με δρᾶσαι; δύο γὰρ ἀντίθες δυοῖν· -πατὴρ μὲν ἐφύτευσέν με, σὴ δʼ ἔτικτε παῖς, -τὸ σπέρμʼ ἄρουρα παραλαβοῦσʼ ἄλλου πάρα· -ἄνευ δὲ πατρὸς τέκνον οὐκ εἴη ποτʼ ἄν. -ἐλογισάμην οὖν τῷ γένους ἀρχηγέτῃ -μᾶλλόν με φῦναι τῆς ὑποστάσης τροφάς. -ἡ σὴ δὲ θυγάτηρ — μητέρʼ αἰδοῦμαι λέγειν — -ἰδίοισιν ὑμεναίοισι κοὐχὶ σώφροσιν -ἐς ἀνδρὸς ᾔει λέκτρʼ· ἐμαυτόν, ἢν λέγω -κακῶς ἐκείνην, ἐξερῶ· λέξω δʼ ὅμως. -Αἴγισθος ἦν ὁ κρυπτὸς ἐν δόμοις πόσις. -τοῦτον κατέκτεινʼ, ἐπὶ δʼ ἔθυσα μητέρα, -ἀνόσια μὲν δρῶν, ἀλλὰ τιμωρῶν πατρί. - -ἐφʼ οἷς δʼ ἀπειλεῖς ὡς πετρωθῆναί με χρή, -ἄκουσον ὡς ἅπασαν Ἑλλάδʼ ὠφελῶ. -εἰ γὰρ γυναῖκες ἐς τόδʼ ἥξουσιν θράσους, -ἄνδρας φονεύειν, καταφυγὰς ποιούμεναι -ἐς τέκνα, μαστοῖς τὸν ἔλεον θηρώμεναι, -παρʼ οὐδὲν αὐταῖς ἦν ἂν ὀλλύναι πόσεις -ἐπίκλημʼ ἐχούσαις ὅ τι τύχοι. δράσας δʼ ἐγὼ -δείνʼ, ὡς σὺ κομπεῖς, τόνδʼ ἔπαυσα τὸν νόμον. -μισῶν δὲ μητέρʼ ἐνδίκως ἀπώλεσα, -ἥτις μεθʼ ὅπλων ἄνδρʼ ἀπόντʼ ἐκ δωμάτων -πάσης ὑπὲρ γῆς Ἑλλάδος στρατηλάτην -προύδωκε κοὐκ ἔσῳσʼ ἀκήρατον λέχος· -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἁμαρτοῦσʼ ᾔσθετʼ, οὐχ αὑτῇ δίκην -ἐπέθηκεν, ἀλλʼ, ὡς μὴ δίκην δοίη πόσει, -ἐζημίωσε πατέρα κἀπέκτεινʼ ἐμόν. -πρὸς θεῶν — ἐν οὐ καλῷ μὲν ἐμνήσθην θεῶν, -φόνον δικάζων· εἰ δὲ δὴ τὰ μητέρος -σιγῶν ἐπῄνουν, τί μʼ ἂν ἔδρασʼ ὁ κατθανών; -οὐκ ἄν με μισῶν ἀνεχόρευʼ Ἐρινύσιν; -ἢ μητρὶ μὲν πάρεισι σύμμαχοι θεαί, -τῷ δʼ οὐ πάρεισι, μᾶλλον ἠδικημένῳ; -σύ τοι φυτεύσας θυγατέρʼ, ὦ γέρον, κακὴν -ἀπώλεσάς με· διὰ τὸ γὰρ κείνης θράσος -πατρὸς στερηθεὶς ἐγενόμην μητροκτόνος. -ὁρᾷς, Ὀδυσσέως ἄλοχον οὐ κατέκτανε -Τηλέμαχος· οὐ γὰρ ἐπεγάμει πόσει πόσιν, -μένει δʼ ἐν οἴκοις ὑγιὲς εὐνατήριον. - - -ὁρᾷς δʼ Ἀπόλλωνʼ, ὃς μεσομφάλους ἕδρας -ναίων βροτοῖσι στόμα νέμει σαφέστατον, -ᾧ πειθόμεσθα πάνθʼ ὅσʼ ἂν κεῖνος λέγῃ· -τούτῳ πιθόμενος τὴν τεκοῦσαν ἔκτανον. -ἐκεῖνον ἡγεῖσθʼ ἀνόσιον καὶ κτείνετε· -ἐκεῖνος ἥμαρτʼ, οὐκ ἐγώ. τί χρῆν με δρᾶν; -ἢ οὐκ ἀξιόχρεως ὁ θεὸς ἀναφέροντί μοι -μίασμα λῦσαι; ποῖ τις οὖν ἔτʼ ἂν φύγοι, -εἰ μὴ ὁ κελεύσας ῥύσεταί με μὴ θανεῖν; -ἀλλʼ ὡς μὲν οὐκ εὖ μὴ λέγʼ εἴργασται τάδε, -ἡμῖν δὲ τοῖς δράσασιν οὐκ εὐδαιμόνως. -γάμοι δʼ ὅσοις μὲν εὖ καθεστᾶσιν βροτῶν, -μακάριος αἰών· οἷς δὲ μὴ πίπτουσιν εὖ, -τά τʼ ἔνδον εἰσὶ τά τε θύραζε δυστυχεῖς. - - -Χορός -αἰεὶ γυναῖκες ἐμποδὼν ταῖς συμφοραῖς -ἔφυσαν ἀνδρῶν πρὸς τὸ δυστυχέστερον. - - -Τυνδάρεως -ἐπεὶ θρασύνῃ κοὐχ ὑποστέλλῃ λόγῳ, -οὕτω δʼ ἀμείβῃ μʼ ὥστε μʼ ἀλγῆσαι φρένα, -μᾶλλόν μʼ ἀνάξεις ἐπὶ σὸν ἐξελθεῖν φόνον· -καλὸν πάρεργον δʼ αὐτὸ θήσομαι πόνων -ὧν εἵνεκʼ ἦλθον θυγατρὶ κοσμήσων τάφον. -μολὼν γὰρ εἰς ἔκκλητον Ἀργείων ὄχλον -ἑκοῦσαν οὐχ ἑκοῦσαν ἐπισείσω πόλιν -σοὶ σῇ τʼ ἀδελφῇ, λεύσιμον δοῦναι δίκην. -μᾶλλον δʼ ἐκείνη σοῦ θανεῖν ἐστʼ ἀξία, -ἣ τῇ τεκούσῃ σʼ ἠγρίωσʼ, ἐς οὖς ἀεὶ -πέμπουσα μύθους ἐπὶ τὸ δυσμενέστερον, -ὀνείρατʼ ἀγγέλλουσα τὰ Ἀγαμέμνονος, -καὶ τοῦθʼ — ὃ μισήσειαν — Αἰγίσθου λέχος — -οἱ νέρτεροι θεοί· καὶ γὰρ ἐνθάδʼ ἦν πικρόν· -ἕως ὑφῆψε δῶμʼ ἀνηφαίστῳ πυρί. - -Μενέλαε, σοὶ δὲ τάδε λέγω δράσω τε πρός· -εἰ τοὐμὸν ἔχθος ἐναριθμῇ κῆδός τʼ ἐμόν, -μὴ τῷδʼ ἀμύνειν φόνον ἐναντίον θεοῖς· -ἔα δʼ ὑπʼ ἀστῶν καταφονευθῆναι πέτροις, -ἢ μὴ ʼπίβαινε Σπαρτιάτιδος χθονός. -τοσαῦτʼ ἀκούσας ἴσθι, μηδὲ δυσσεβεῖς -ἕλῃ, παρώσας εὐσεβεστέρους φίλους· -ἡμᾶς δʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων ἄγετε τῶνδε, πρόσπολοι. - - -Ὀρέστης -στεῖχʼ, ὡς ἀθορύβως οὑπιὼν ἡμῖν λόγος -πρὸς τόνδʼ ἵκηται, γῆρας ἀποφυγὼν τὸ σόν. -Μενέλαε, ποῖ σὸν πόδʼ ἐπὶ συννοίᾳ κυκλεῖς, -διπλῆς μερίμνης διπτύχους ἰὼν ὁδούς; - - -Μενέλαος -ἔασον· ἐν ἐμαυτῷ τι συννοούμενος -ὅποι τράπωμαι τῆς τύχης ἀμηχανῶ. - - -Ὀρέστης -μή νυν πέραινε τὴν δόκησιν, ἀλλʼ ἐμοὺς -λόγους ἀκούσας πρόσθε, βουλεύου τότε. - - -Μενέλαος -λέγʼ· εὖ γὰρ εἶπας· ἔστι δʼ οὗ σιγὴ λόγου -κρείσσων γένοιτʼ ἄν. ἔστι δʼ οὗ σιγῆς λόγος. - - - -Ὀρέστης -λέγοιμʼ ἂν ἤδη. τὰ μακρὰ τῶν σμικρῶν λόγων -ἐπίπροσθέν ἐστι καὶ σαφῆ μᾶλλον κλύειν. -ἐμοὶ σὺ τῶν σῶν, Μενέλεως, μηδὲν δίδου, -ἃ δʼ ἔλαβες ἀπόδος πατρὸς ἐμοῦ λαβὼν πάρα. -— οὐ χρήματʼ εἶπον· χρήματʼ, ἢν ψυχὴν ἐμὴν -σῴσῃς, ἅπερ μοι φίλτατʼ ἐστὶ τῶν ἐμῶν. — - -ἀδικῶ· λαβεῖν χρή μʼ ἀντὶ τοῦδε τοῦ κακοῦ -ἄδικόν τι παρὰ σοῦ· καὶ γὰρ Ἀγαμέμνων πατὴρ -ἀδίκως ἀθροίσας Ἑλλάδʼ ἦλθʼ ὑπʼ Ἴλιον, -οὐκ ἐξαμαρτὼν αὐτός, ἀλλʼ ἁμαρτίαν -τῆς σῆς γυναικὸς ἀδικίαν τʼ ἰώμενος. -ἓν μὲν τόδʼ ἡμῖν ἀνθʼ ἑνὸς δοῦναί σε χρή. -ἀπέδοτο δʼ, ὡς χρὴ τοῖς φίλοισι τοὺς φίλους, -τὸ σῶμʼ ἀληθῶς, σοὶ παρʼ ἀσπίδʼ ἐκπονῶν, -ὅπως σὺ τὴν σὴν ἀπολάβοις ξυνάορον. -ἀπότεισον οὖν μοι ταὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖ λαβών, -μίαν πονήσας ἡμέραν, ἡμῶν ὕπερ -σωτήριος στάς, μὴ δέκʼ ἐκπλήσας ἔτη. - -ἃ δʼ Αὐλὶς ἔλαβε σφάγιʼ ἐμῆς ὁμοσπόρου, -ἐῶ σʼ ἔχειν ταῦθʼ· Ἑρμιόνην μὴ κτεῖνε σύ. -δεῖ γὰρ σʼ ἐμοῦ πράσσοντος ὡς πράσσω τὰ νῦν -πλέον φέρεσθαι, κἀμὲ συγγνώμην ἔχειν. -ψυχὴν δʼ ἐμὴν δὸς τῷ ταλαιπώρῳ πατρὶ -κἀμῆς ἀδελφῆς, παρθένου μακρὸν χρόνον· -θανὼν γὰρ οἶκον ὀρφανὸν λείψω πατρός. - -ἐρεῖς· ἀδύνατον. αὐτὸ τοῦτο· τοὺς φίλους -ἐν τοῖς κακοῖς χρὴ τοῖς φίλοισιν ὠφελεῖν· -ὅταν δʼ ὁ δαίμων εὖ διδῷ, τί δεῖ φίλων; -ἀρκεῖ γὰρ αὐτὸς ὁ θεὸς ὠφελεῖν θέλων. -φιλεῖν δάμαρτα πᾶσιν Ἕλλησιν δοκεῖς· -κοὐχ ὑποτρέχων σε τοῦτο θωπείᾳ λέγω· -ταύτης ἱκνοῦμαί σʼ — ὦ μέλεος ἐμῶν κακῶν, -ἐς οἷον ἥκω. τί δέ; ταλαιπωρεῖν με δεῖ· -ὑπὲρ γὰρ οἴκου παντὸς ἱκετεύω τάδε. -ὦ πατρὸς ὅμαιμε θεῖε, τὸν κατὰ χθονὸς -θανόντʼ ἀκούειν τάδε δόκει, ποτωμένην -ψυχὴν ὑπὲρ σοῦ, καὶ λέγειν ἃ ἐγὼ λέγω, -ταὔτʼ ἔς τε δάκρυα καὶ γόους καὶ συμφοράς. -εἴρηκα κἀπῄτηκα τὴν σωτηρίαν, -θηρῶν ὃ πάντες κοὐκ ἐγὼ ζητῶ μόνος. - - -Χορός -κἀγώ σʼ ἱκνοῦμαι καὶ γυνή περ οὖσʼ ὅμως -τοῖς δεομένοισιν ὠφελεῖν· οἷός τε δʼ εἶ. - - - -Μενέλαος -Ὀρέστʼ, ἐγώ τοι σὸν καταιδοῦμαι κάρα -καὶ ξυμπονῆσαι σοῖς κακοῖσι βούλομαι· -καὶ χρὴ γὰρ οὕτω τῶν ὁμαιμόνων κακὰ -ξυνεκκομίζειν, δύναμιν ἢν διδῷ θεός, -θνῄσκοντα καὶ κτείνοντα τοὺς ἐναντίους· -τὸ δʼ αὖ δύνασθαι πρὸς θεῶν χρῄζω τυχεῖν. -ἥκω γὰρ ἀνδρῶν συμμάχων κενὸν δόρυ -ἔχων, πόνοισι μυρίοις ἀλώμενος, -σμικρᾷ σὺν ἀλκῇ τῶν λελειμμένων φίλων. -μάχῃ μὲν οὖν ἂν οὐχ ὑπερβαλοίμεθα -Πελασγὸν Ἄργος· εἰ δὲ μαλθακοῖς λόγοις -δυναίμεθʼ, ἐνταῦθʼ ἐλπίδος προσήκομεν. -σμικροῖσι μὲν γὰρ μεγάλα πῶς ἕλοι τις ἄν; - -πόνοισιν; ἀμαθὲς καὶ τὸ βούλεσθαι τάδε. - - -ὅταν γὰρ ἡβᾷ δῆμος εἰς ὀργὴν πεσών, -ὅμοιον ὥστε πῦρ κατασβέσαι λάβρον· -εἰ δʼ ἡσύχως τις αὑτὸν ἐντείνοντι μὲν -χαλῶν ὑπείκοι καιρὸν εὐλαβούμενος, -ἴσως ἂν ἐκπνεύσειεν· ἢν δʼ ἀνῇ πνοάς, -τύχοις ἂν αὐτοῦ ῥᾳδίως ὅσον θέλεις. -ἔνεστι δʼ οἶκτος, ἔνι δὲ καὶ θυμὸς μέγας, -καραδοκοῦντι κτῆμα τιμιώτατον. -ἐλθὼν δὲ Τυνδάρεών τέ σοι πειράσομαι -πόλιν τε πεῖσαι τῷ λίαν χρῆσθαι καλῶς. -καὶ ναῦς γὰρ ἐνταθεῖσα πρὸς βίαν ποδὶ -ἔβαψεν, ἔστη δʼ αὖθις, ἢν χαλᾷ πόδα. -μισεῖ γὰρ ὁ θεὸς τὰς ἄγαν προθυμίας, -μισοῦσι δʼ ἀστοί· δεῖ δέ μʼ — οὐκ ἄλλως λέγω — -σῴζειν σε σοφίᾳ, μὴ βίᾳ τῶν κρεισσόνων. -ἀλκῇ δέ σʼ οὐκ ἄν, ᾗ σὺ δοξάζεις ἴσως, -σῴσαιμʼ ἄν· οὐ γὰρ ῥᾴδιον λόγχῃ μιᾷ -στῆσαι τροπαῖα τῶν κακῶν ἅ σοι πάρα. -οὐ γάρ ποτʼ Ἄργους γαῖαν ἐς τὸ μαλθακὸν -προσηγόμεσθα· νῦν δʼ ἀναγκαίως ἔχει. - -δούλοισιν εἶναι τοῖς σοφοῖσι τῆς τύχης - - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ πλὴν γυναικὸς οὕνεκα στρατηλατεῖν -τἄλλʼ οὐδέν, ὦ κάκιστε τιμωρεῖν φίλοις, -φεύγεις ἀποστραφείς με, τὰ δʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος -φροῦδʼ; ἄφιλος ἦσθʼ ἄρʼ, ὦ πάτερ, πράσσων κακῶς. -οἴμοι, προδέδομαι, κοὐκέτʼ εἰσὶν ἐλπίδες, -ὅποι τραπόμενος θάνατον Ἀργείων φύγω· -οὗτος γὰρ ἦν μοι καταφυγὴ σωτηρίας. - -ἀλλʼ εἰσορῶ γὰρ τόνδε φίλτατον βροτῶν -Πυλάδην δρόμῳ στείχοντα Φωκέων ἄπο, -ἡδεῖαν ὄψιν· πιστὸς ἐν κακοῖς ἀνὴρ -κρείσσων γαλήνης ναυτίλοισιν εἰσορᾶν. - - - - - -Πυλάδης -θᾶσσον ᾗ με χρῆν προβαίνων ἱκόμην διʼ ἄστεως, -σύλλογον πόλεως ἀκούσας, τὸν δʼ ἰδὼν αὐτὸς σαφῶς, -ἐπὶ σὲ σύγγονόν τε τὴν σήν, ὡς κτενοῦντας αὐτίκα. -τί τάδε; πῶς ἔχεις; τί πράσσεις, φίλταθʼ ἡλίκων ἐμοὶ -καὶ φίλων καὶ συγγενείας; πάντα γὰρ τάδʼ εἶ σύ μοι. - - -Ὀρέστης -οἰχόμεσθʼ, ὡς ἐν βραχεῖ σοι τἀμὰ δηλώσω κακά. - - -Πυλάδης -συγκατασκάπτοις ἂν ἡμᾶς· κοινὰ γὰρ τὰ τῶν φίλων. - - -Ὀρέστης -Μενέλεως κάκιστος ἐς ἐμὲ καὶ κασιγνήτην ἐμήν. - - -Πυλάδης -εἰκότως, κακῆς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα γίγνεσθαι κακόν. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὥσπερ οὐκ ἐλθὼν ἔμοιγε ταὐτὸν ἀπέδωκεν μολών. - - -Πυλάδης -ἦ γάρ ἐστιν ὡς ἀληθῶς τήνδʼ ἀφιγμένος χθόνα; - - -Ὀρέστης -χρόνιος· ἀλλʼ ὅμως τάχιστα κακὸς ἐφωράθη φίλοις. - - -Πυλάδης -καὶ δάμαρτα τὴν κακίστην ναυστολῶν ἐλήλυθεν; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἐκεῖνος, ἀλλʼ ἐκείνη κεῖνον ἐνθάδʼ ἤγαγεν. - - -Πυλάδης -ποῦ ʼστιν ἣ πλείστους Ἀχαιῶν ὤλεσεν γυνὴ μία; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐν δόμοις ἐμοῖσιν, εἰ δὴ τούσδʼ ἐμοὺς καλεῖν χρεών. - - -Πυλάδης -σὺ δὲ τίνας λόγους ἔλεξας σοῦ κασιγνήτῳ πατρός; - - -Ὀρέστης -μή μʼ ἰδεῖν θανόνθʼ ὑπʼ ἀστῶν καὶ κασιγνήτην ἐμήν. - - -Πυλάδης -πρὸς θεῶν, τί πρὸς τάδʼ εἶπε; τόδε γὰρ εἰδέναι θέλω. - - -Ὀρέστης -εὐλαβεῖθʼ, ὃ τοῖς φίλοισι δρῶσιν οἱ κακοὶ φίλοι. - - -Πυλάδης -σκῆψιν ἐς ποίαν προβαίνων; τοῦτο πάντʼ ἔχω μαθών. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὗτος ἦλθʼ, ὁ τὰς ἀρίστας θυγατέρας σπείρας πατήρ. - - -Πυλάδης -Τυνδάρεων λέγεις· ἴσως σοι θυγατέρος θυμούμενος; - - -Ὀρέστης -αἰσθάνῃ. τὸ τοῦδε κῆδος μᾶλλον εἵλετʼ ἢ πατρός. - - -Πυλάδης -κοὐκ ἐτόλμησεν πόνων σῶν ἀντιλάζυσθαι παρών; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐ γὰρ αἰχμητὴς πέφυκεν, ἐν γυναιξὶ δʼ ἄλκιμος. - - -Πυλάδης -ἐν κακοῖς ἄρʼ εἶ μεγίστοις· καί σʼ ἀναγκαῖον θανεῖν; - - -Ὀρέστης -ψῆφον ἀμφʼ ἡμῶν πολίτας ἐπὶ φόνῳ θέσθαι χρεών. - - -Πυλάδης -ἣ κρινεῖ τί χρῆμα; λέξον· διὰ φόβου γὰρ ἔρχομαι. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἢ θανεῖν ἢ ζῆν· ὁ μῦθος οὐ μακρὸς μακρῶν πέρι. - - -Πυλάδης -φεῦγέ νυν λιπὼν μέλαθρα σὺν κασιγνήτῃ σέθεν. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐχ ὁρᾷς; φυλασσόμεσθα φρουρίοισι πανταχῇ. - - -Πυλάδης -εἶδον ἄστεως ἀγυιὰς τεύχεσιν πεφραγμένας. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὡσπερεὶ πόλις πρὸς ἐχθρῶν σῶμα πυργηρούμεθα. - - - -Πυλάδης -κἀμὲ νῦν ἐροῦ τί πάσχω· καὶ γὰρ αὐτὸς οἴχομαι. - - -Ὀρέστης -πρὸς τίνος; τοῦτʼ ἂν προσείη τοῖς ἐμοῖς κακοῖς κακόν. - - -Πυλάδης -Στρόφιος ἤλασέν μʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων φυγάδα θυμωθεὶς πατήρ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἴδιον ἢ κοινὸν πολίταις ἐπιφέρων ἔγκλημά τι; - - -Πυλάδης -ὅτι συνηράμην φόνον σοι μητρός, ἀνόσιον λέγων. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ τάλας, ἔοικε καὶ σὲ τἀμὰ λυπήσειν κακά. - - -Πυλάδης -οὐχὶ Μενέλεω τρόποισι χρώμεθʼ· οἰστέον τάδε. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐ φοβῇ μή σʼ Ἄργος ὥσπερ κἄμʼ ἀποκτεῖναι θέλῃ; - - -Πυλάδης -οὐ προσήκομεν κολάζειν τοῖσδε, Φωκέων δὲ γῇ. - - -Ὀρέστης -δεινὸν οἱ πολλοί, κακούργους ὅταν ἔχωσι προστάτας. - - -Πυλάδης -ἀλλʼ ὅταν χρηστοὺς λάβωσι, χρηστὰ βουλεύουσʼ ἀεί. - - -Ὀρέστης -εἶἑν. ἐς κοινὸν λέγειν χρή. - - -Πυλάδης -τίνος ἀναγκαίου πέρι; - - -Ὀρέστης -εἰ λέγοιμʼ ἀστοῖσιν ἐλθὼν — - - -Πυλάδης -ὡς ἔδρασας ἔνδικα; - - -Ὀρέστης -πατρὶ τιμωρῶν ἐμαυτοῦ; - - -Πυλάδης -μὴ λάβωσί σʼ ἄσμενοι. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀλλʼ ὑποπτήξας σιωπῇ κατθάνω; - - -Πυλάδης -δειλὸν τόδε. - - -Ὀρέστης -πῶς ἂν οὖν δρῴην; - - -Πυλάδης -ἔχεις τινʼ, ἢν μένῃς, σωτηρίαν; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἔχω. - - -Πυλάδης -μολόντι δʼ ἐλπίς ἐστι σωθῆναι κακῶν; - - -Ὀρέστης -εἰ τύχοι, γένοιτʼ ἄν. - - -Πυλάδης -οὐκοῦν τοῦτο κρεῖσσον ἢ μένειν. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀλλὰ δῆτʼ ἔλθω. - - -Πυλάδης -θανὼν γοῦν ὧδε κάλλιον θανῇ. - - -Ὀρέστης -εὖ λέγεις· φεύγω τὸ δειλὸν τῇδε. - - -Πυλάδης -μᾶλλον ἢ μένων. - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ τὸ πρᾶγμά γʼ ἔνδικόν μοι. - - -Πυλάδης -τῷ Δοκεῖν εὔχου μόνον. - - -Ὀρέστης -καί τις ἄν γέ μʼ οἰκτίσειε - - - -Πυλάδης -μέγα γὰρ ἡ εὐγένειά σου. - - -Ὀρέστης -θάνατον ἀσχάλλων πατρῷον. - - -Πυλάδης -πάντα ταῦτʼ ἐν ὄμμασιν. - - - -Ὀρέστης -ἰτέον, ὡς ἄνανδρον ἀκλεῶς κατθανεῖν. - - -Πυλάδης -αἰνῶ τάδε. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἦ λέγωμεν οὖν ἀδελφῇ ταῦτʼ ἐμῇ; - - -Πυλάδης -μὴ πρὸς θεῶν. - - -Ὀρέστης -δάκρυα γοῦν γένοιτʼ ἄν. - - -Πυλάδης -οὐκοῦν οὗτος οἰωνὸς μέγας. - - -Ὀρέστης -δηλαδὴ σιγᾶν ἄμεινον. - - -Πυλάδης -τῷ χρόνῳ δὲ κερδανεῖς. - - -Ὀρέστης -κεῖνό μοι μόνον πρόσαντες. - - -Πυλάδης -τί τόδε καινὸν αὖ λέγεις; - - -Ὀρέστης -μὴ θεαί μʼ οἴστρῳ κατάσχωσι. - - -Πυλάδης -ἀλλὰ κηδεύσω σʼ ἐγώ. - - -Ὀρέστης -δυσχερὲς ψαύειν νοσοῦντος ἀνδρός. - - -Πυλάδης -οὐκ ἔμοιγε σοῦ. - - -Ὀρέστης -εὐλαβοῦ λύσσης μετασχεῖν τῆς ἐμῆς. - - -Πυλάδης -τόδʼ οὖν ἴτω. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἄρʼ ὀκνήσεις; - - -Πυλάδης -ὄκνος γὰρ τοῖς φίλοις κακὸν μέγα. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἕρπε νυν οἴαξ ποδός μοι. - - -Πυλάδης -φίλα γʼ ἔχων κηδεύματα. - - -Ὀρέστης -καί με πρὸς τύμβον πόρευσον πατρός. - - -Πυλάδης -ὡς τί δὴ τόδε; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὥς νιν ἱκετεύσω με σῶσαι. - - -Πυλάδης -τό γε δίκαιον ὧδʼ ἔχει. - - -Ὀρέστης -μητέρος δὲ μηδʼ ἴδοιμι μνῆμα. - - -Πυλάδης -πολεμία γὰρ ἦν. -ἀλλʼ ἔπειγʼ, ὡς μή σε πρόσθε ψῆφος Ἀργείων ἕλῃ, -περιβαλὼν πλευροῖς ἐμοῖσι πλευρὰ νωχελῆ νόσῳ· -ὡς ἐγὼ διʼ ἄστεώς σε, σμικρὰ φροντίζων ὄχλου, -οὐδὲν αἰσχυνθεὶς ὀχήσω. ποῦ γὰρ ὢν δείξω φίλος, -εἴ σε μὴ ʼν δειναῖσιν ὄντα συμφοραῖς ἐπαρκέσω; - - -Ὀρέστης -τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖνο, 20κτᾶσθʼ ἑταίρους, μὴ τὸ συγγενὲς μόνον20· -ὡς ἀνὴρ ὅστις τρόποισι συντακῇ, θυραῖος ὢν -μυρίων κρείσσων ὁμαίμων ἀνδρὶ κεκτῆσθαι φίλος. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ὁ μέγας ὄλβος ἅ τʼ ἀρετὰ -μέγα φρονοῦσʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδα καὶ -παρὰ Σιμουντίοις ὀχετοῖς -πάλιν ἀνῆλθʼ ἐξ εὐτυχίας Ἀτρείδαις -πάλαι παλαιᾶς ἀπὸ συμφορᾶς δόμων, -ὁπότε χρυσείας ἔρις ἀρνὸς -ἤλυθε Τανταλίδαις, -οἰκτρότατα θοινάματα καὶ -σφάγια γενναίων τεκέων· -ὅθεν φόνῳ φόνος ἐξαμεί- -βων διʼ αἵματος οὐ προλεί- -πει δισσοῖσιν Ἀτρείδαις. - - - - - -Χορός -τὸ καλὸν οὐ καλόν, τοκέων -πυριγενεῖ τεμεῖν παλάμᾳ -χρόα μελάνδετον δὲ φόνῳ -ξίφος ἐς αὐγὰς ἀελίοιο δεῖξαι· -τὸ δʼ εὖ κακουργεῖν ἀσέβεια ποικίλα -κακοφρόνων τʼ ἀνδρῶν παράνοια. -θανάτου γὰρ ἀμφὶ φόβῳ -Τυνδαρὶς ἰάχησε τάλαι- -να· Τέκνον, οὐ τολμᾷς ὅσια -κτείνων σὰν ματέρα· μὴ πατρῴ- -αν τιμῶν χάριν ἐξανά- -ψῃ δύσκλειαν ἐς αἰεί. - - - - - -Χορός -τίς νόσος ἢ τίνα δάκρυα καὶ -τίς ἔλεος μείζων κατὰ γᾶν -ἢ ματροκτόνον αἷμα χειρὶ θέσθαι; -οἷον ἔργον τελέσας -βεβάκχευται μανίαις, -Εὐμενίσι θήραμα, φόνον -δρομάσι δινεύων βλεφάροις, -Ἀγαμεμνόνιος παῖς. -ὦ μέλεος, ματρὸς ὅτε -χρυσεοπηνήτων φαρέων -μαστὸν ὑπερτέλλοντʼ ἐσιδὼν -σφάγιον ἔθετο ματέρα, πατρῴ- -ων παθέων ἀμοιβάν. - - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -γυναῖκες, ἦ που τῶνδʼ ἀφώρμηται δόμων -τλήμων Ὀρέστης θεομανεῖ λύσσῃ δαμείς; - - -Χορός -ἥκιστα· πρὸς δʼ Ἀργεῖον οἴχεται λεών, -ψυχῆς ἀγῶνα τὸν προκείμενον πέρι -δώσων, ἐν ᾧ ζῆν ἢ θανεῖν ὑμᾶς χρεών. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οἴμοι· τί χρῆμʼ ἔδρασε; τίς δʼ ἔπεισέ νιν; - - -Χορός -Πυλάδης· ἔοικε δʼ οὐ μακρὰν ὅδʼ ἄγγελος -λέξειν τὰ κεῖθεν σοῦ κασιγνήτου πέρι. - - -Ἄγγελος -ὦ τλῆμον, ὦ δύστηνε τοῦ στρατηλάτου -Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖ, πότνιʼ Ἠλέκτρα, λόγους -ἄκουσον οὕς σοι δυστυχεῖς ἥκω φέρων. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -αἰαῖ, διοιχόμεσθα· δῆλος εἶ λόγῳ. -κακῶν γὰρ ἥκεις, ὡς ἔοικεν, ἄγγελος. - - -Ἄγγελος -ψήφῳ Πελασγῶν σὸν κασίγνητον θανεῖν -καὶ σέ, ὦ τάλαινʼ, ἔδοξε τῇδʼ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οἴμοι· προσῆλθεν ἐλπίς, ἣν φοβουμένη -πάλαι τὸ μέλλον ἐξετηκόμην γόοις. -ἀτὰρ τίς ἁγών, τίνες ἐν Ἀργείοις λόγοι -καθεῖλον ἡμᾶς κἀπεκύρωσαν θανεῖν; -λέγʼ, ὦ γεραιέ· πότερα λευσίμῳ χερὶ -ἢ διὰ σιδήρου πνεῦμʼ ἀπορρῆξαί με δεῖ, -κοινὰς ἀδελφῷ συμφορὰς κεκτημένην; - - - -Ἄγγελος -ἐτύγχανον μὲν ἀγρόθεν πυλῶν ἔσω -βαίνων, πυθέσθαι δεόμενος τά τʼ ἀμφὶ σοῦ -τά τʼ ἀμφʼ Ὀρέστου· σῷ γὰρ εὔνοιαν πατρὶ -ἀεί ποτʼ εἶχον, καί μʼ ἔφερβε σὸς δόμος -πένητα μέν, χρῆσθαι δὲ γενναῖον φίλοις. -ὁρῶ δʼ ὄχλον στείχοντα καὶ θάσσοντʼ ἄκραν, -οὗ φασι πρῶτον Δαναὸν Αἰγύπτῳ δίκας -διδόντʼ ἀθροῖσαι λαὸν ἐς κοινὰς ἕδρας. -ἀστῶν δὲ δή τινʼ ἠρόμην ἄθροισμʼ ἰδών· -Τί καινὸν Ἄργει; μῶν τι πολεμίων πάρα -ἄγγελμʼ ἀνεπτέρωκε Δαναϊδῶν πόλιν; -ὃ δʼ εἶπʼ· Ὀρέστην κεῖνον οὐχ ὁρᾷς πέλας -στείχοντʼ, ἀγῶνα θανάσιμον δραμούμενον; - -ὁρῶ δʼ ἄελπτον φάσμʼ, ὃ μήποτʼ ὤφελον, -Πυλάδην τε καὶ σὸν σύγγονον στείχονθʼ ὁμοῦ, -τὸν μὲν κατηφῆ καὶ παρειμένον νόσῳ, -τὸν δʼ ὥστʼ ἀδελφὸν ἴσα φίλῳ λυπούμενον, -νόσημα κηδεύοντα παιδαγωγίᾳ. -ἐπεὶ δὲ πλήρης ἐγένετʼ Ἀργείων ὄχλος, -κῆρυξ ἀναστὰς εἶπε· Τίς χρῄζει λέγειν, -πότερον Ὀρέστην κατθανεῖν ἢ μὴ χρεών, -μητροκτονοῦντα; κἀπὶ τῷδʼ ἀνίσταται -Ταλθύβιος, ὃς σῷ πατρὶ συνεπόρθει Φρύγας. -ἔλεξε δʼ, ὑπὸ τοῖς δυναμένοισιν ὢν ἀεί, -διχόμυθα, πατέρα μὲν σὸν ἐκπαγλούμενος, -σὸν δʼ οὐκ ἐπαινῶν σύγγονον, καλοὺς κακοὺς -λόγους ἑλίσσων, ὅτι καθισταίη νόμους -ἐς τοὺς τεκόντας οὐ καλούς· τὸ δʼ ὄμμʼ ἀεὶ -φαιδρωπὸν ἐδίδου τοῖσιν Αἰγίσθου φίλοις. -τὸ γὰρ γένος τοιοῦτον· ἐπὶ τὸν εὐτυχῆ -πηδῶσʼ ἀεὶ κήρυκες· ὅδε δʼ αὐτοῖς φίλος, -ὃς ἂν δύνηται πόλεος ἔν τʼ ἀρχαῖσιν ᾖ. - - -ἐπὶ τῷδε δʼ ἠγόρευε Διομήδης ἄναξ. -οὗτος κτανεῖν μὲν οὔτε σὲ οὔτε σύγγονον -εἴα, φυγῇ δὲ ζημιοῦντας εὐσεβεῖν. -ἐπερρόθησαν δʼ οἳ μὲν ὡς καλῶς λέγοι, -οἳ δʼ οὐκ ἐπῄνουν. κἀπὶ τῷδʼ ἀνίσταται -ἀνήρ τις ἀθυρόγλωσσος, ἰσχύων θράσει, -Ἀργεῖος οὐκ Ἀργεῖος, ἠναγκασμένος, -θορύβῳ τε πίσυνος κἀμαθεῖ παρρησίᾳ, -πιθανὸς ἔτʼ αὐτοὺς περιβαλεῖν κακῷ τινι· - -ὅταν γὰρ ἡδύς τις λόγοις φρονῶν κακῶς - - -πείθῃ τὸ πλῆθος, τῇ πόλει κακὸν μέγα· - - -ὅσοι δὲ σὺν νῷ χρηστὰ βουλεύουσʼ ἀεί, - - -κἂν μὴ παραυτίκʼ, αὖθίς εἰσι χρήσιμοι - - -πόλει. θεᾶσθαι δʼ ὧδε χρὴ τὸν προστάτην - - -ἰδόνθʼ· ὅμοιον γὰρ τὸ χρῆμα γίγνεται - - -τῷ τοὺς λόγους λέγοντι καὶ τιμωμένῳ. - -ὃς εἶπʼ Ὀρέστην καὶ σὲ ἀποκτεῖναι πέτροις -βάλλοντας· ὑπὸ δʼ ἔτεινε Τυνδάρεως λόγους -τῷ σφὼ κατακτείνοντι τοιούτους λέγειν. - -ἄλλος δʼ ἀναστὰς ἔλεγε τῷδʼ ἐναντία, -μορφῇ μὲν οὐκ εὐωπός, ἀνδρεῖος δʼ ἀνήρ, -ὀλιγάκις ἄστυ κἀγορᾶς χραίνων κύκλον, -αὐτουργός — οἵπερ καὶ μόνοι σῴζουσι γῆν — -ξυνετὸς δέ, χωρεῖν ὁμόσε τοῖς λόγοις θέλων, -ἀκέραιος, ἀνεπίπληκτον ἠσκηκὼς βίον· -ὃς εἶπʼ Ὀρέστην παῖδα τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος -στεφανοῦν, ὃς ἠθέλησε τιμωρεῖν πατρί, -κακὴν γυναῖκα κἄθεον κατακτανών, -ἣ κεῖνʼ ἀφῄρει, μήθʼ ὁπλίζεσθαι χέρα -μήτε στρατεύειν ἐκλιπόντα δώματα, -εἰ τἄνδον οἰκουρήμαθʼ οἱ λελειμμένοι -φθείρουσιν, ἀνδρῶν εὔνιδας λωβώμενοι. -καὶ τοῖς γε χρηστοῖς εὖ λέγειν ἐφαίνετο. - - -κοὐδεὶς ἔτʼ εἶπε. σὸς δʼ ἐπῆλθε σύγγονος, -ἔλεξε δʼ· ὦ γῆν Ἰνάχου κεκτημένοι, - -πάλαι Πελασγοί, Δαναΐδαι δεύτερον, - -ὑμῖν ἀμύνων οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἢ πατρὶ -ἔκτεινα μητέρʼ. εἰ γὰρ ἀρσένων φόνος -ἔσται γυναιξὶν ὅσιος, οὐ φθάνοιτʼ ἔτʼ ἂν -θνῄσκοντες, ἢ γυναιξὶ δουλεύειν χρεών· -τοὐναντίον δὲ δράσετʼ ἢ δρᾶσαι χρεών. -νῦν μὲν γὰρ ἡ προδοῦσα λέκτρʼ ἐμοῦ πατρὸς -τέθνηκεν· εἰ δὲ δὴ κατακτενεῖτʼ ἐμέ, -ὁ νόμος ἀνεῖται, κοὐ φθάνοι θνῄσκων τις ἄν· -ὡς τῆς γε τόλμης οὐ σπάνις γενήσεται. - -ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔπειθʼ ὅμιλον, εὖ δοκῶν λέγειν. -νικᾷ δʼ ἐκεῖνος ὁ κακὸς ἐν πλήθει λέγων, -ὃς ἠγόρευσε σύγγονον σέ τε κτανεῖν. -μόλις δʼ ἔπεισε μὴ πετρουμένους θανεῖν -τλήμων Ὀρέστης· αὐτόχειρι δὲ σφαγῇ -ὑπέσχετʼ ἐν τῇδʼ ἡμέρᾳ λείψειν βίον -σὺν σοί. πορεύει δʼ αὐτὸν ἐκκλήτων ἄπο -Πυλάδης δακρύων· σὺν δʼ ὁμαρτοῦσιν φίλοι -κλαίοντες, οἰκτίροντες· ἔρχεται δέ σοι -πικρὸν θέαμα καὶ πρόσοψις ἀθλία. -ἀλλʼ εὐτρέπιζε φάσγανʼ ἢ βρόχον δέρῃ· -ὡς δεῖ λιπεῖν σε φέγγος· ἡ εὐγένεια δὲ -οὐδέν σʼ ἐπωφέλησεν, οὐδʼ ὁ Πύθιος -τρίποδα καθίζων Φοῖβος, ἀλλʼ ἀπώλεσεν. - - - -Χορός - -ὦ δυστάλαινα παρθένʼ, ὡς ξυνηρεφὲς -πρόσωπον εἰς γῆν σὸν βαλοῦσʼ ἄφθογγος εἶ, -ὡς εἰς στεναγμοὺς καὶ γόους δραμουμένη.] - - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -κατάρχομαι στεναγμόν, ὦ Πελασγία, -τιθεῖσα λευκὸν ὄνυχα διὰ παρηίδων, -αἱματηρὸν ἄταν, -κτύπον τε κρατός, ὃν ἔλαχʼ ἁ κατὰ χθονὸς -νερτέρων Περσέφασσα καλλίπαις θεά. -ἰαχείτω δὲ γᾶ Κυκλωπία, -σίδαρον ἐπὶ κάρα τιθεῖσα κούριμον, -πήματʼ οἴκων. -ἔλεος ἔλεος ὅδʼ ἔρχεται -τῶν θανουμένων ὕπερ, -στρατηλατᾶν Ἑλλάδος ποτʼ ὄντων. - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -βέβακε γὰρ βέβακεν, οἴχεται τέκνων -πρόπασα γέννα Πέλοπος ὅ τʼ ἐπὶ μακαρίοις -ζῆλος ὤν ποτʼ οἴκοις· -φθόνος νιν εἷλε θεόθεν, ἅ τε δυσμενὴς -φοινία ψῆφος ἐν πολίταις. -ἰὼ ἰώ, πανδάκρυτʼ ἐφαμέρων -ἔθνη πολύπονα, λεύσσεθʼ, ὡς παρʼ ἐλπίδας -μοῖρα βαίνει. -ἕτερα δʼ ἕτερος ἀμείβεται -πήματʼ ἐν χρόνῳ μακρῷ· -βροτῶν δʼ ὁ πᾶς ἀστάθμητος αἰών. - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -μόλοιμι τὰν οὐρανοῦ -μέσον χθονός τε τεταμέναν -αἰωρήμασι πέτραν, -ἁλύσεσιν χρυσέαισι φερομέναν δίναισι, -βῶλον ἐξ Ὀλύμπου, -ἵνʼ ἐν θρήνοισιν ἀναβοάσω -γέροντι πατρὶ Ταντάλῳ -ὃς ἔτεκεν ἔτεκε γενέτορας ἐμέθεν δόμων, -οἳ κατεῖδον ἄτας, -ποτανὸν μὲν δίωγμα πώλων -τεθριπποβάμονι στόλῳ Πέλοψ ὅτε -πελάγεσι διεδίφρευσε, Μυρτίλου φόνον -δικὼν ἐς οἶδμα πόντου, -λευκοκύμοσιν -πρὸς Γεραιστίαις -ποντίων σάλων -ᾐόσιν ἁρματεύσας. -ὅθεν δόμοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς -ἦλθʼ ἀρὰ πολύστονος, -λόχευμα ποιμνίοισι Μαιάδος τόκου, -τὸ χρυσόμαλλον ἀρνὸς ὁπότʼ -ἐγένετο τέρας ὀλοὸν ὀλοὸν -Ἀτρέος ἱπποβώτα· -ὅθεν Ἔρις τό τε πτερωτὸν -ἁλίου μετέβαλεν ἅρμα, -τὰν πρὸς ἑσπέραν κέλευθον -οὐρανοῦ προσαρμόσα- -σα μονόπωλον ἐς Ἀῶ, -ἑπταπόρου τε δράμημα Πελειάδος -εἰς ὁδὸν ἄλλαν Ζεὺς μεταβάλλει, -τῶνδέ τʼ ἀμείβει θανάτους θανά- -των τά τʼ ἐπώνυμα δεῖπνα Θυέστου -λέκτρα τε Κρήσσας Ἀερόπας δολί- -ας δολίοισι γάμοις· τὰ πανύστατα δʼ -εἰς ἐμὲ καὶ γενέταν ἐμὸν ἤλυθε -δόμων πολυπόνοις ἀνάγκαις. - - - - - - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν ὅδε σὸς σύγγονος ἕρπει -ψήφῳ θανάτου κατακυρωθείς, -ὅ τε πιστότατος πάντων Πυλάδης, -ἰσάδελφος ἀνήρ, ἰθύνων -νοσερὸν κῶλον Ὀρέστου, -ποδὶ κηδοσύνῳ παράσειρος. - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οἲ ἐγώ· πρὸ τύμβου γάρ σʼ ὁρῶσʼ ἀναστένω, -ἀδελφέ, καὶ πάροιθε νερτέρου πυρᾶς. -οἲ ἐγὼ μάλʼ αὖθις· ὥς σʼ ἰδοῦσʼ ἐν ὄμμασιν -πανυστάτην πρόσοψιν ἐξέστην φρενῶν. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐ σῖγʼ ἀφεῖσα τοὺς γυναικείους γόους -στέρξεις τὰ κρανθέντʼ; οἰκτρὰ μὲν τάδʼ, ἀλλʼ ὅμως - -φέρειν σʼ ἀνάγκη τὰς παρεστώσας τύχας. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καὶ πῶς σιωπῶ; φέγγος εἰσορᾶν θεοῦ -τόδʼ οὐκέθʼ ἡμῖν τοῖς ταλαιπώροις μέτα. - - -Ὀρέστης -σὺ μή μʼ ἀπόκτεινʼ· ἅλις ὑπʼ Ἀργείας χερὸς -τέθνηχʼ ὁ τλήμων· τὰ δὲ παρόντʼ ἔα κακά. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ μέλεος ἥβης σῆς, Ὀρέστα, καὶ πότμου -θανάτου τʼ ἀώρου. ζῆν ἐχρῆν σʼ, ὅτʼ οὐκέτʼ εἶ. - - -Ὀρέστης -μὴ πρὸς θεῶν μοι περιβάλῃς ἀνανδρίαν, -ἐς δάκρυα πορθμεύουσʼ ὑπομνήσει κακῶν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -θανούμεθʼ· οὐχ οἷόν τε μὴ στένειν κακά. -πᾶσιν γὰρ οἰκτρὸν ἡ φίλη ψυχὴ βροτοῖς. - - -Ὀρέστης -τόδʼ ἦμαρ ἡμῖν κύριον· δεῖ δʼ ἢ βρόχους -ἅπτειν κρεμαστοὺς ἢ ξίφος θήγειν χερί. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -σύ νύν μʼ, ἀδελφέ, μή τις Ἀργείων κτάνῃ -ὕβρισμα θέμενος τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος γόνον. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἅλις τὸ μητρὸς αἷμʼ ἔχω· σὲ δʼ οὐ κτενῶ, -ἀλλʼ αὐτόχειρι θνῇσχʼ ὅτῳ βούλῃ τρόπῳ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἔσται τάδʼ· οὐδὲν σοῦ ξίφους λελείψομαι. -ἀλλʼ ἀμφιθεῖναι σῇ δέρῃ θέλω χέρας. - - -Ὀρέστης -τέρπου κενὴν ὄνησιν, εἰ τερπνὸν τόδε -θανάτου πέλας βεβῶσι, περιβαλεῖν χέρας. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ φίλτατʼ, ὦ ποθεινὸν ἥδιστόν τʼ ἔχων -τῆς σῆς ἀδελφῆς ὄνομα καὶ ψυχὴν μίαν. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔκ τοί με τήξεις· καί σʼ ἀμείψασθαι θέλω -φιλότητι χειρῶν. τί γὰρ ἔτʼ αἰδοῦμαι τάλας; -ὦ στέρνʼ ἀδελφῆς, ὦ φίλον πρόσπτυγμʼ ἐμόν, -τάδʼ ἀντὶ παίδων καὶ γαμηλίου λέχους — - -προσφθέγματʼ ἀμφοῖν τοῖς ταλαιπώροις πάρα. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -φεῦ· -πῶς ἂν ξίφος νὼ ταὐτόν, εἰ θέμις, κτάνοι -καὶ μνῆμα δέξαιθʼ ἕν, κέδρου τεχνάσματα; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἥδιστʼ ἂν εἴη ταῦθʼ· ὁρᾷς δὲ δὴ φίλων -ὡς ἐσπανίσμεθʼ, ὥστε κοινωνεῖν τάφου. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐδʼ εἶφʼ ὑπὲρ σοῦ, μὴ θανεῖν σπουδὴν ἔχων, -Μενέλαος ὁ κακός, ὁ προδότης τοὐμοῦ πατρός; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐδʼ ὄμμʼ ἔδειξεν, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ σκήπτροις ἔχων -τὴν ἐλπίδʼ, εὐλαβεῖτο μὴ σῴζειν φίλους. -ἀλλʼ εἶʼ ὅπως γενναῖα καὶ Ἀγαμέμνονος -δράσαντε κατθανούμεθʼ ἀξιώτατα. -κἀγὼ μὲν εὐγένειαν ἀποδείξω πόλει, -παίσας πρὸς ἧπαρ φασγάνῳ· σὲ δʼ αὖ χρεὼν -ὅμοια πράσσειν τοῖς ἐμοῖς τολμήμασιν. - -Πυλάδη, σὺ δʼ ἡμῖν τοῦ φόνου γενοῦ βραβεύς, -καὶ κατθανόντοιν εὖ περίστειλον δέμας -θάψον τε κοινῇ πρὸς πατρὸς τύμβον φέρων. -καὶ χαῖρʼ· ἐπʼ ἔργον δʼ, ὡς ὁρᾷς, πορεύομαι. - - - -Πυλάδης -ἐπίσχες. ἓν μὲν πρῶτά σοι μομφὴν ἔχω, -εἰ ζῆν με χρῄζειν σοῦ θανόντος ἤλπισας. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί γὰρ προσήκει κατθανεῖν σʼ ἐμοῦ μέτα; - - -Πυλάδης -ἤρου; τί δὲ ζῆν σῆς ἑταιρίας ἄτερ; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἔκτανες σὴν μητέρʼ, ὡς ἐγὼ τάλας. - - -Πυλάδης -σὺν σοί γε κοινῇ· ταὐτὰ καὶ πάσχειν με δεῖ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀπόδος τὸ σῶμα πατρί, μὴ σύνθνῃσκέ μοι. -σοὶ μὲν γὰρ ἔστι πόλις, ἐμοὶ δʼ οὐκ ἔστι δή, -καὶ δῶμα πατρὸς καὶ μέγας πλούτου λιμήν. -γάμων δὲ τῆς μὲν δυσπότμου τῆσδʼ ἐσφάλης, -ἥν σοι κατηγγύησʼ ἑταιρίαν σέβων· -σὺ δʼ ἄλλο λέκτρον παιδοποίησαι λαβών, -κῆδος δὲ τοὐμὸν καὶ σὸν οὐκέτʼ ἔστι δή. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ ποθεινὸν ὄμμʼ ὁμιλίας ἐμῆς, -χαῖρʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἡμῖν ἔστι τοῦτο, σοί γε μήν· -οἱ γὰρ θανόντες χαρμάτων τητώμεθα. - - -Πυλάδης -ἦ πολὺ λέλειψαι τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων. -μήθʼ αἷμά μου δέξαιτο κάρπιμον πέδον, -μὴ λαμπρὸς αἰθήρ, εἴ σʼ ἐγὼ προδούς ποτε -ἐλευθερώσας τοὐμὸν ἀπολίποιμι σέ. -καὶ συγκατέκτανον γάρ, οὐκ ἀρνήσομαι, -καὶ πάντʼ ἐβούλευσʼ ὧν σὺ νῦν τίνεις δίκας· -καὶ ξυνθανεῖν οὖν δεῖ με σοὶ καὶ τῇδʼ ὁμοῦ. -ἐμὴν γὰρ αὐτήν, ἧς γε λέχος ἐπῄνεσα, -κρίνω δάμαρτα· τί γὰρ ἐρῶ κἀγώ ποτε -γῆν Δελφίδʼ ἐλθὼν Φωκέων ἀκρόπτολιν, -ὃς πρὶν μὲν ὑμᾶς δυστυχεῖν φίλος παρῆ, -νῦν δʼ οὐκέτʼ εἰμὶ δυστυχοῦντί σοι φίλος; -οὐκ ἔστιν. ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν κἀμοὶ μέλει· -ἐπεὶ δὲ κατθανούμεθʼ, ἐς κοινοὺς λόγους -ἔλθωμεν, ὡς ἂν Μενέλεως συνδυστυχῇ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ φίλτατʼ, εἰ γὰρ τοῦτο κατθάνοιμʼ ἰδών. - - -Πυλάδης -πιθοῦ νυν, ἄμμεινόν τε φασγάνου τομάς. - - -Ὀρέστης -μενῶ, τὸν ἐχθρὸν εἴ τι τιμωρήσομαι. - - -Πυλάδης -σίγα νυν· ὡς γυναιξὶ πιστεύω βραχύ. - - -Ὀρέστης -μηδὲν τρέσῃς τάσδʼ· ὡς πάρεισʼ ἡμῖν φίλαι. - - - -Πυλάδης -Ἑλένην κτάνωμεν, Μενέλεῳ λύπην πικράν. - - -Ὀρέστης -πῶς; τὸ γὰρ ἕτοιμον ἔστιν, εἴ γʼ ἔσται καλῶς. - - -Πυλάδης -σφάξαντες. ἐν δόμοις δὲ κρύπτεται σέθεν. - - -Ὀρέστης -μάλιστα· καὶ δὴ πάντʼ ἀποσφραγίζεται. - - -Πυλάδης -ἀλλʼ οὐκέθʼ, Ἅιδην νυμφίον κεκτημένη. - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ πῶς; ἔχει γὰρ βαρβάρους ὀπάονας. - - -Πυλάδης -τίνας; Φρυγῶν γὰρ οὐδένʼ ἂν τρέσαιμʼ ἐγώ. - - -Ὀρέστης -οἵους ἐνόπτρων καὶ μύρων ἐπιστάτας. - - -Πυλάδης -τρυφὰς γὰρ ἥκει δεῦρʼ ἔχουσα Τρωικάς; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὥσθʼ Ἑλλὰς αὐτῇ σμικρὸν οἰκητήριον. - - -Πυλάδης -οὐδὲν τὸ δοῦλον πρὸς τὸ μὴ δοῦλον γένος. - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ μὴν τόδʼ ἔρξας δὶς θανεῖν οὐχ ἅζομαι. - - -Πυλάδης -ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ἐγὼ μήν, σοί γε τιμωρούμενος. - - -Ὀρέστης -τὸ πρᾶγμα δήλου καὶ πέραινʼ, ὅπως λέγεις. - - -Πυλάδης -ἔσιμεν ἐς οἴκους δῆθεν ὡς θανούμενοι. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔχω τοσοῦτον, τἀπίλοιπα δʼ οὐκ ἔχω. - - -Πυλάδης -γόους πρὸς αὐτὴν θησόμεσθʼ ἃ πάσχομεν. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὥστʼ ἐκδακρῦσαί γʼ ἔνδοθεν κεχαρμένην. - - -Πυλάδης -καὶ νῷν παρέσται ταῦθʼ ἅπερ κείνῃ τότε. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔπειτʼ ἀγῶνα πῶς ἀγωνιούμεθα; - - -Πυλάδης -κρύπτʼ ἐν πέπλοισι τοισίδʼ ἕξομεν ξίφη. - - -Ὀρέστης -πρόσθεν δʼ ὀπαδῶν τίς ὄλεθρος γενήσεται; - - -Πυλάδης -ἐκκλῄσομεν σφᾶς ἄλλον ἄλλοσε στέγης. - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ τόν γε μὴ σιγῶντʼ ἀποκτείνειν χρεών. - - -Πυλάδης -εἶτʼ αὐτὸ δηλοῖ τοὔργον οἷ τείνειν χρεών. - - -Ὀρέστης -Ἑλένην φονεύειν· μανθάνω τὸ σύμβολον. - - -Πυλάδης -ἔγνως· ἄκουσον δʼ ὡς καλῶς βουλεύομαι. -εἰ μὲν γὰρ ἐς γυναῖκα σωφρονεστέραν -ξίφος μεθεῖμεν, δυσκλεὴς ἂν ἦν φόνος· -νῦν δʼ ὑπὲρ ἁπάσης Ἑλλάδος δώσει δίκην, -ὧν πατέρας ἔκτεινʼ, ὧν δʼ ἀπώλεσεν τέκνα, -νύμφας τʼ ἔθηκεν ὀρφανὰς ξυναόρων. -ὀλολυγμὸς ἔσται, πῦρ τʼ ἀνάψουσιν θεοῖς, -σοὶ πολλὰ κἀμοὶ κέδνʼ ἀρώμενοι τυχεῖν, -κακῆς γυναικὸς οὕνεχʼ αἷμʼ ἐπράξαμεν. -ὁ μητροφόντης δʼ οὐ καλῇ ταύτην κτανών, -ἀλλʼ ἀπολιπὼν τοῦτʼ ἐπὶ τὸ βέλτιον πεσῇ, -Ἑλένης λεγόμενος τῆς πολυκτόνου φονεύς. -οὐ δεῖ ποτʼ, οὐ δεῖ, Μενέλεων μὲν εὐτυχεῖν, -τὸν σὸν δὲ πατέρα καὶ σὲ κἀδελφὴν θανεῖν, -μητέρα τε — ἐῶ τοῦτʼ· οὐ γὰρ εὐπρεπὲς λέγειν — -δόμους δʼ ἔχειν σοὺς διʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος δόρυ -λαβόντα νύμφην· μὴ γὰρ οὖν ζῴην ἔτι, -ἢν μὴ ʼπʼ ἐκείνῃ φάσγανον σπασώμεθα. -ἢν δʼ οὖν τὸν Ἑλένης μὴ κατάσχωμεν φόνον, -πρήσαντες οἴκους τούσδε κατθανούμεθα. -ἑνὸς γὰρ οὐ σφαλέντες ἕξομεν κλέος, -καλῶς θανόντες ἢ καλῶς σεσῳσμένοι. - - -Χορός -πάσαις γυναιξὶν ἀξία στυγεῖν ἔφυ -ἡ Τυνδαρὶς παῖς, ἣ κατῄσχυνεν γένος. - - - -Ὀρέστης -φεῦ· -οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν κρεῖσσον ἢ φίλος σαφής, -οὐ πλοῦτος, οὐ τυραννίς· ἀλόγιστον δέ τι -τὸ πλῆθος ἀντάλλαγμα γενναίου φίλου. -σὺ γὰρ τά τʼ εἰς Αἴγισθον ἐξηῦρες κακὰ -καὶ πλησίον παρῆσθα κινδύνων ἐμοί, -νῦν τʼ αὖ δίδως μοι πολεμίων τιμωρίαν -κοὐκ ἐκποδὼν εἶ — παύσομαί σʼ αἰνῶν, ἐπεὶ -βάρος τι κἀν τῷδʼ ἐστίν, αἰνεῖσθαι λίαν. -ἐγὼ δὲ πάντως ἐκπνέων ψυχὴν ἐμὴν -δράσας τι χρῄζω τοὺς ἐμοὺς ἐχθροὺς θανεῖν, -ἵνʼ ἀνταναλώσω μὲν οἵ με προύδοσαν, -στένωσι δʼ οἵπερ κἄμʼ ἔθηκαν ἄθλιον. -Ἀγαμέμνονός τοι παῖς πέφυχʼ, ὃς Ἑλλάδος -ἦρξʼ ἀξιωθείς, οὐ τύραννος, ἀλλʼ ὅμως -ῥώμην θεοῦ τινʼ ἔσχε· ὃν οὐ καταισχυνῶ -δοῦλον παρασχὼν θάνατον, ἀλλʼ ἐλευθέρως -ψυχὴν ἀφήσω, Μενέλεων δὲ τείσομαι. -ἑνὸς γὰρ εἰ λαβοίμεθʼ, εὐτυχοῖμεν ἄν, -εἴ ποθεν ἄελπτος παραπέσοι σωτηρία -κτανοῦσι μὴ θανοῦσιν· εὔχομαι τάδε. -ὃ βούλομαι γάρ, ἡδὺ καὶ διὰ στόμα -πτηνοῖσι μύθοις ἀδαπάνως τέρψαι φρένα. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐγώ, κασίγνητʼ, αὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἔχειν δοκῶ, -σωτηρίαν σοὶ τῷδέ τʼ ἐκ τρίτων τʼ ἐμοί. - - -Ὀρέστης -θεοῦ λέγεις πρόνοιαν. ἀλλὰ ποῦ τόδε; -ἐπεὶ τὸ συνετόν γʼ οἶδα σῇ ψυχῇ παρόν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἄκουε δή νυν· καὶ σὺ δεῦρο νοῦν ἔχε. - - -Ὀρέστης -λέγʼ· ὡς τὸ μέλλειν ἀγάθʼ ἔχει τινʼ ἡδονήν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -Ἑλένης κάτοισθα θυγατέρʼ; εἰδότʼ ἠρόμην. - - -Ὀρέστης -οἶδʼ, ἣν ἔθρεψεν Ἑρμιόνην μήτηρ ἐμή. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -αὕτη βέβηκε πρὸς Κλυταιμήστρας τάφον. - - -Ὀρέστης -τί χρῆμα δράσουσʼ; ὑποτίθης τίνʼ ἐλπίδα; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -χοὰς κατασπείσουσʼ ὑπὲρ μητρὸς τάφῳ. - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ δὴ τί μοι τοῦτʼ εἶπας ἐς σωτηρίαν; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ξυλλάβεθʼ ὅμηρον τήνδʼ, ὅταν στείχῃ πάλιν. - - -Ὀρέστης -τίνος τόδʼ εἶπας φάρμακον τρισσοῖς φίλοις; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -Ἑλένης θανούσης, ἤν τι Μενέλεώς σε δρᾷ -ἢ τόνδε κἀμέ — πᾶν γὰρ ἓν φίλον τόδε — -λέγʼ ὡς φονεύσεις Ἑρμιόνην· ξίφος δὲ χρὴ -δέρῃ πρὸς αὐτῇ παρθένου σπάσαντʼ ἔχειν. -κἂν μέν σε σῴζῃ μὴ θανεῖν χρῄζων κόρην -Ἑλένης Μενέλεως πτῶμʼ ἰδὼν ἐν αἵματι, -μέθες πεπᾶσθαι πατρὶ παρθένου δέμας· -ἢν δʼ ὀξυθύμου μὴ κρατῶν φρονήματος -κτείνῃ σε, καὶ σὺ σφάζε παρθένου δέρην. -καί νιν δοκῶ, τὸ πρῶτον ἢν πολὺς παρῇ, -χρόνῳ μαλάξειν σπλάγχνον· οὔτε γὰρ θρασὺς -οὔτʼ ἄλκιμος πέφυκε. τήνδʼ ἡμῖν ἔχω -σωτηρίας ἔπαλξιν. εἴρηται λόγος. - - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ τὰς φρένας μὲν ἄρσενας κεκτημένη, -τὸ σῶμα δʼ ἐν γυναιξὶ θηλείαις πρέπον, -ὡς ἀξία ζῆν μᾶλλον ἢ θανεῖν ἔφυς. -Πυλάδη, τοιαύτης ἆρʼ ἁμαρτήσῃ τάλας -γυναικὸς ἢ ζῶν μακάριον κτήσῃ λέχος. - - -Πυλάδης -εἰ γὰρ γένοιτο, Φωκέων δʼ ἔλθοι πόλιν -καλοῖσιν ὑμεναίοισιν ἀξιουμένη. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἥξει δʼ ἐς οἴκους Ἑρμιόνη τίνος χρόνου; -ὡς τἄλλα γʼ εἶπας, εἴπερ εὐτυχήσομεν, -κάλλισθʼ, ἑλόντες σκύμνον ἀνοσίου πατρός. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -καὶ δὴ πέλας νιν δωμάτων εἶναι δοκῶ· -τοῦ γὰρ χρόνου τὸ μῆκος αὐτὸ συντρέχει. - - -Ὀρέστης -καλῶς· σὺ μέν νυν, σύγγονʼ Ἠλέκτρα, δόμων -πάρος μένουσα παρθένου δέχου πόδα, -φύλασσε δʼ ἤν τις, πρὶν τελευτηθῇ φόνος, -ἢ ξύμμαχός τις ἢ κασίγνητος πατρός, -ἐλθὼν ἐς οἴκους φθῇ, γέγωνέ τʼ ἐς δόμους, -ἢ σανίδα παίσασʼ ἢ λόγους πέμψασʼ ἔσω· -ἡμεῖς δʼ ἔσω στείχοντες ἐπὶ τὸν ἔσχατον -ἀγῶνʼ ὁπλιζώμεσθα φασγάνῳ χέρας, - -Πυλάδη· σὺ γὰρ δὴ συμπονεῖς ἐμοὶ πόνους. - - -ὦ δῶμα ναίων νυκτὸς ὀρφναίας πάτερ, -καλεῖ σʼ Ὀρέστης παῖς σὸς ἐπίκουρον μολεῖν -τοῖς δεομένοισι. διὰ σὲ γὰρ πάσχω τάλας -ἀδίκως· προδέδομαι δʼ ὑπὸ κασιγνήτου σέθεν, -δίκαια πράξας· οὗ θέλω δάμαρθʼ ἑλὼν -κτεῖναι· σὺ δʼ ἡμῖν τοῦδε συλλήπτωρ γενοῦ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ πάτερ, ἱκοῦ δῆτʼ, εἰ κλύεις ἔσω χθονὸς -τέκνων καλούντων, οἳ σέθεν θνῄσκουσʼ ὕπερ. - - -Πυλάδης -ὦ συγγένεια πατρὸς ἐμοῦ, κἀμὰς λιτάς, -Ἀγάμεμνον, εἰσάκουσον· ἔκσῳσον τέκνα. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔκτεινα μητέρα — - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἡψάμην δʼ ἐγὼ ξίφους — - - -Πυλάδης -ἐγὼ δʼ † ἐπεβούλευσα † κἀπέλυσʼ ὄκνου — - - -Ὀρέστης -σοί, πάτερ, ἀρήγων. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐδʼ ἐγὼ προύδωκά σε. - - -Πυλάδης -οὔκουν ὀνείδη τάδε κλύων ῥύσῃ τέκνα; - - -Ὀρέστης -δακρύοις κατασπένδω σε. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἐγὼ δʼ οἴκτοισί γε. - - -Πυλάδης -παύσασθε, καὶ πρὸς ἔργον ἐξορμώμεθα. -εἴπερ γὰρ εἴσω γῆς ἀκοντίζουσʼ ἀραί, -κλύει. σὺ δʼ, ὦ Ζεῦ πρόγονε καὶ Δίκης σέβας, -δότʼ εὐτυχῆσαι τῷδʼ ἐμοί τε τῇδέ τε· -τρισσοῖς φίλοις γὰρ εἷς ἀγών, δίκη μία, -ἢ ζῆν ἅπασιν ἢ — θανεῖν ὀφείλεται. - - - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -Μυκηνίδες ὦ φίλαι, -τὰ πρῶτα κατὰ Πελασγὸν ἕδος Ἀργείων. - - -Χορός -τίνα θροεῖς αὐδάν, πότνια; παραμένει -γὰρ ἔτι σοι τόδʼ ἐν Δαναϊδῶν πόλει. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -στῆθʼ αἳ μὲν ὑμῶν τόνδʼ ἁμαξήρη τρίβον, -αἳ δʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἄλλον οἶμον ἐς φρουρὰν δόμων. - - -Χορός -τί δέ με τόδε χρέος ἀπύεις; -ἔνεπέ μοι, φίλα. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -φόβος ἔχει με μή τις ἐπὶ δώμασι -σταθεὶς ἐπὶ φοίνιον αἷμα -πήματα πήμασιν ἐξεύρῃ. - - -Ἡμίχορος -χωρεῖτʼ, ἐπειγώμεσθʼ· ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν τρίβον -τόνδʼ ἐκφυλάξω, τὸν πρὸς ἡλίου βολάς. - - -Ἡμίχορος -καὶ μὴν ἐγὼ τόνδʼ, ὃς πρὸς ἑσπέραν φέρει. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -δόχμιά νυν κόρας διάφερʼ ὀμμάτων. - - -Χορός -ἐκεῖθεν ἐνθάδʼ, εἶτα παλινσκοπιὰν -ἔχομεν, ὡς θροεῖς. - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἑλίσσετέ νυν βλέφαρα, -κόραισι δίδοτε πάντα διὰ βοστρύχων. - - -Ἡμίχορος -ὅδε τις ἐν τρίβῳ προσέρχεται. τίς ὅδʼ ἄρʼ ἀμ- -φὶ μέλαθρον πολεῖ σὸν ἀγρότας ἀνήρ; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἀπωλόμεσθʼ ἄρʼ, ὦ φίλαι· κεκρυμμένους -θῆρας ξιφήρεις αὐτίκʼ ἐχθροῖσιν φανεῖ. - - -Ἡμίχορος -ἄφοβος ἔχε· κενός, ὦ φίλα, -στίβος ὃν οὐ δοκεῖς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τί δέ; τὸ σὸν βέβαιον ἔτι μοι μένει; -δὸς ἀγγελίαν ἀγαθάν τινʼ, -εἰ τάδʼ ἔρημα τὰ πρόσθʼ αὐλᾶς. - - -Ἡμίχορος -καλῶς τά γʼ ἐνθένδʼ. ἀλλὰ τἀπὶ σοῦ σκόπει· -ὡς οὔτις ἡμῖν Δαναϊδῶν πελάζεται. - - -Ἡμίχορος -ἐς ταὐτὸν ἥκεις· καὶ γὰρ οὐδὲ τῇδʼ ὄχλος. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -φέρε νυν ἐν πύλαισιν ἀκοὰν βάλω. - - -Χορός -τί μέλλεθʼ οἱ κατʼ οἶκον ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ -σφάγια φοινίσσειν; - - - - - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -οὐκ εἰσακούουσʼ· ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ κακῶν. -ἆρʼ ἐς τὸ κάλλος ἐκκεκώφηται ξίφη; -τάχα τις Ἀργείων ἔνοπλος ὁρμήσας -ποδὶ βοηδρόμῳ μέλαθρα προσμείξει. -σκέψασθέ νυν ἄμεινον· οὐχ ἕδρας ἀγών· -ἀλλʼ αἳ μὲν ἐνθάδʼ, αἳ δʼ ἐκεῖσʼ ἑλίσσετε. - - -Χορός -ἀμείβω κέλευθον σκοποῦσα πάντῃ. - - -Ἑλένη -ἰὼ Πελασγὸν Ἄργος, ὄλλυμαι κακῶς. - - -Χορός -— ἠκούσαθʼ; ἅνδρες χεῖρʼ ἔχουσιν ἐν φόνῳ. -— Ἑλένης τὸ κώκυμʼ ἐστίν, ὡς ἀπεικάσαι. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ Διός, ὦ Διὸς ἀέναον κράτος, -ἔλθʼ ἐπίκουρος ἐμοῖς φίλοισι πάντως. - - -Ἑλένη -Μενέλαε, θνῄσκω· σὺ δὲ παρών μʼ οὐκ ὠφελεῖς. - - - -Ἠλέκτρα -φονεύετε, καίνετε, -ὄλλυτε, δίπτυχα δίστομα φάσγανα -ἐκ χερὸς ἱέμενοι -τὰν λιποπάτορα λιπόγαμον, ἃ -πλείστους ἔκανεν Ἑλλάνων -δορὶ παρὰ ποταμὸν ὀλομένους, -ὅθι δάκρυα δάκρυσιν ἔπεσεν -σιδαρέοισι βέλεσιν ἀμ- -φὶ τὰς Σκαμάνδρου δίνας. - - - - - -Χορός -σιγᾶτε σιγᾶτʼ· ᾐσθόμην κτύπου τινὸς -κέλευθον ἐσπεσόντος ἀμφὶ δώματα. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες, ἐς μέσον φόνον -ἥδʼ Ἑρμιόνη πάρεστι· παύσωμεν βοήν. -στείχει γὰρ ἐσπεσοῦσα δικτύων βρόχους. -καλὸν τὸ θήραμʼ, ἢν ἁλῷ, γενήσεται. -πάλιν κατάστηθʼ ἡσύχῳ μὲν ὄμματι, -χρόᾳ δʼ ἀδήλῳ τῶν δεδραμένων πέρι· -κἀγὼ σκυθρωποὺς ὀμμάτων ἕξω κόρας, -ὡς δῆθεν οὐκ εἰδυῖα τἀξειργασμένα. -ὦ παρθένʼ, ἥκεις τὸν Κλυταιμήστρας τάφον -στέψασα καὶ σπείσασα νερτέροις χοάς; - - -Ερμιόνη -ἥκω, λαβοῦσα πρευμένειαν. ἀλλά μοι -φόβος τις εἰσελήλυθʼ, ἥντινʼ ἐν δόμοις -τηλουρὸς οὖσα δωμάτων κλύω βοήν. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τί δʼ; ἄξιʼ ἡμῖν τυγχάνει στεναγμάτων. - - -Ερμιόνη -εὔφημος ἴσθι· τί δὲ νεώτερον λέγεις; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -θανεῖν Ὀρέστην κἄμʼ ἔδοξε τῇδε γῇ. - - -Ερμιόνη -μὴ δῆτʼ, ἐμοῦ γε συγγενεῖς πεφυκότας. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἄραρʼ· ἀνάγκης δʼ ἐς ζυγὸν καθέσταμεν. - - -Ερμιόνη -ἦ τοῦδʼ ἕκατι καὶ βοὴ κατὰ στέγας; - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἱκέτης γὰρ Ἑλένης γόνασι προσπεσὼν βοᾷ — - - -Ερμιόνη -τίς; οὐδὲν οἶδα μᾶλλον, ἢν σὺ μὴ λέγῃς. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -τλήμων Ὀρέστης· μὴ θανεῖν, ἐμοῦ θʼ ὕπερ. - - -Ερμιόνη -ἐπʼ ἀξίοισί τἄρʼ ἀνευφημεῖ δόμος. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -περὶ τοῦ γὰρ ἄλλου μᾶλλον ἂν φθέγξαιτό τις; -ἀλλʼ ἐλθὲ καὶ μετάσχες ἱκεσίας φίλοις, -σῇ μητρὶ προσπεσοῦσα τῇ μέγʼ ὀλβίᾳ, -Μενέλαον ἡμᾶς μὴ θανόντας εἰσιδεῖν. -ἀλλʼ, ὦ τραφεῖσα μητρὸς ἐν χεροῖν ἐμῆς, -οἴκτιρον ἡμᾶς κἀπικούφισον κακῶν. -ἴθʼ εἰς ἀγῶνα δεῦρʼ, ἐγὼ δʼ ἡγήσομαι· -σωτηρίας γὰρ τέρμʼ ἔχεις ἡμῖν μόνη. - - -Ερμιόνη -ἰδού, διώκω τὸν ἐμὸν ἐς δόμους πόδα. -σώθηθʼ ὅσον γε τοὐπʼ ἐμέ. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ὦ κατὰ στέγας -φίλοι ξιφήρεις, οὐχὶ συλλήψεσθʼ ἄγραν; - - -Ερμιόνη -οἲ ἐγώ· τίνας τούσδʼ εἰσορῶ; - - -Ὀρέστης -σιγᾶν χρεών· -ἡμῖν γὰρ ἥκεις, οὐχὶ σοί, σωτηρία. - - -Ἠλέκτρα -ἔχεσθʼ ἔχεσθε· φάσγανον δὲ πρὸς δέρῃ -βάλλοντες ἡσυχάζεθʼ, ὡς εἰδῇ τόδε -Μενέλαος, οὕνεκʼ ἄνδρας, οὐ Φρύγας κακούς, -εὑρὼν ἔπραξεν οἷα χρὴ πράσσειν κακούς. - - - - - - - -Χορός -— ἰὼ ἰὼ φίλαι, -κτύπον ἐγείρετε, κτύπον καὶ βοὰν -πρὸ μελάθρων, ὅπως ὁ πραχθεὶς φόνος -μὴ δεινὸν Ἀργείοισιν ἐμβάλῃ φόβον, -βοηδρομῆσαι πρὸς δόμους τυραννικούς, -πρὶν ἐτύμως ἴδω τὸν Ἑλένας φόνον -καθαιμακτὸν ἐν δόμοις κείμενον, -ἢ καὶ λόγον του προσπόλων πυθώμεθα· -τὰ μὲν γὰρ οἶδα συμφορᾶς, τὰ δʼ οὐ σαφῶς. -— διὰ δίκας ἔβα θεῶν -νέμεσις ἐς Ἑλέναν. -δακρύοισι γὰρ Ἑλλάδʼ ἅπασαν ἔπλησε, -διὰ τὸν ὀλόμενον ὀλόμενον Ἰδαῖον -Πάριν, ὃς ἄγαγʼ Ἑλλάδʼ εἰς Ἴλιον. - - - - - - -Χορός - -ἀλλὰ κτυπεῖ γὰρ κλῇθρα βασιλείων δόμων, - - -σιγήσατʼ· ἔξω γάρ τις ἐκβαίνει Φρυγῶν, - - -οὗ πευσόμεσθα τἀν δόμοις ὅπως ἔχει. - - - - -Φρύξ -Ἀργέϊον ξίφος ἐκ θανάτου πέφευγα -βαρβάροις ἐν εὐμάρι- -σιν, κεδρωτὰ παστάδων ὑπὲρ τέραμνα -Δωρικάς τε τριγλύφους, -φροῦδα φροῦδα, γᾶ γᾶ, -βαρβάροισι δρασμοῖς. -αἰαῖ· -πᾷ φύγω, ξέναι, πολιὸν αἰθέρʼ ἀμ- -πτάμενος ἢ πόντον, Ὠκεανὸς ὃν -ταυρόκρανος ἀγκάλαις -ἑλίσσων κυκλοῖ χθόνα; - - -Χορός -τί δʼ ἔστιν, Ἑλένης πρόσπολʼ. Ἰδαῖον κάρα; - - -Φρύξ -Ἴλιον Ἴλιον, ὤμοι μοι, -Φρύγιον ἄστυ καὶ καλλίβωλον Ἴ- -δας ὄρος ἱερόν, ὥς σʼ ὀλόμενον στένω - -ἁρμάτειον ἁρμάτειον μέλος - -βαρβάρῳ βοᾷ διʼ ὀρνιθόγονον -ὄμμα κυκνοπτέρου καλλοσύνας, Λήδας -σκύμνου, δυσελένας -δυσελένας, -ξεστῶν περγάμων Ἀπολλωνίων -ἐρινύν· ὀττοτοῖ· -ἰαλέμων ἰαλέμων -Δαρδανία τλᾶμον Γανυμήδεος -ἱπποσύνᾳ, Διὸς εὐνέτα. - - - -Χορός -σαφῶς λέγʼ ἡμῖν αὔθʼ ἕκαστα τἀν δόμοις. - -τὰ γὰρ πρὶν οὐκ εὔγνωστα συμβαλοῦσʼ ἔχω. - - - -Φρύξ -αἴλινον αἴλινον ἀρχὰν θανάτου -βάρβαροι λέγουσιν, αἰαῖ, -Ἀσιάδι φωνᾷ, βασιλέων -ὅταν αἷμα χυθῇ κατὰ γᾶν ξίφεσιν -σιδαρέοισιν Ἅιδα. -ἦλθον ἐς δόμους, ἵνʼ αὔθʼ ἕ- -καστά σοι λέγω, λέοντες -Ἕλλανες δύο διδύμω· -τῷ μὲν ὁ στρατηλάτας πατὴρ ἐκλῄζεθʼ, -ὃ δὲ παῖς Στροφίου, κακόμητις ἀνήρ, -οἷος Ὀδυσσεύς, σιγᾷ δόλιος, -πιστὸς δὲ φίλοις, θρασὺς εἰς ἀλκάν, -ξυνετὸς πολέμου, φόνιός τε δράκων. -ἔρροι τᾶς ἡσύχου -προνοίας κακοῦργος ὤν. -οἳ δὲ πρὸς θρόνους ἔσω -μολόντες ἇς ἔγημʼ ὁ τοξότας Πάρις -γυναικός, ὄμμα δακρύοις -πεφυρμένοι, ταπεινοὶ -ἕζονθʼ, ὃ μὲν τὸ κεῖθεν, ὃ δὲ -τὸ κεῖθεν, ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν πεφραγμένοι. -περὶ δὲ γόνυ χέρας ἱκεσίους ἔβαλον ἔβαλον -Ἑλένας ἄμφω. -ἀνὰ δὲ δρομάδες ἔθορον ἔθορον -ἀμφίπολοι Φρύγες· -προσεῖπε δʼ ἄλλος ἄλλον ἐν φόβῳ πεσών, -μή τις εἴη δόλος. -κἀδόκει τοῖς μὲν οὔ, -τοῖς δʼ ἐς ἀρκυστάταν -μηχανὰν ἐμπλέκειν -παῖδα τὰν Τυνδαρίδʼ ὁ -μητροφόντας δράκων. - - - -Χορός -σὺ δʼ ἦσθα ποῦ τότʼ; ἢ πάλαι φεύγεις φόβῳ, - - -Φρύξ -Φρυγίοις ἔτυχον Φρυγίοισι νόμοις -παρὰ βόστρυχον αὔραν αὔραν -Ἑλένας Ἑλένας εὐπαγεῖ -κύκλῳ πτερίνῳ πρὸ παρηίδος -ἀίσσων βαρβάροις νόμοισιν. -ἃ δὲ λίνον ἠλακάτᾳ -δακτύλοις ἕλισσεν, -νῆμα δʼ ἵετο πέδῳ, -σκύλων Φρυγίων ἐπὶ τύμβον ἀγάλ- -ματα συστολίσαι χρῄζουσα λίνῳ, -φάρεα πορφύρεα, δῶρα Κλυταιμήστρᾳ. -προσεῖπεν δʼ Ὀρέστας -Λάκαιναν κόραν· ὦ -Διὸς παῖ, θὲς ἴχνος -πέδῳ δεῦρʼ ἀποστᾶσα κλισμοῦ, -Πέλοπος ἐπὶ προπάτορος ἕδραν -παλαιᾶς ἑστίας, -ἵνʼ εἰδῇς λόγους ἐμούς. — -ἄγει δʼ ἄγει νιν· ἃ δʼ ἐφείπετʼ, -οὐ πρόμαντις ὧν ἔμελλεν· -ὁ δὲ συνεργὸς ἄλλʼ ἔπρασσʼ -ἰὼν κακὸς Φωκεύς· -οὐκ ἐκποδὼν ἴτʼ; ἀλλʼ ἀεὶ κακοὶ Φρύγες. -ἔκλῃσε δʼ ἄλλον ἄλλοσʼ ἐν -στέγαισι· τοὺς μὲν ἐν σταθμοῖ- -σιν ἱππικοῖσι, τοὺς δʼ ἐν ἐξ- -έδραισι, τοὺς δʼ ἐκεῖσʼ ἐκεῖθεν ἄλλον ἄλ- - - -λοσε διαρμόσας ἀποπρὸ δεσποίνας. - - -Χορός -τί τοὐπὶ τῷδε συμφορᾶς ἐγίγνετο; - - -Φρύξ -Ἰδαία μᾶτερ -μᾶτερ ὀβρίμα ὀβρίμα, -αἰαὶ φονίων παθέων ἀνόμων -τε κακῶν ἅπερ ἔδρακον ἔδρακον -ἐν δόμοις τυράννων. -ἀμφιπορφυρέων πέπλων -ὑπὸ σκότου ξίφη σπάσα- -ντες ἄλλος ἄλλοσʼ ἐν χεροῖν -δίνασεν ὄμμα, μή τις παρὼν τύχοι. -ὡς κάπροι δʼ ὀρέστεροι γυ- -ναικὸς ἀντίοι σταθέντες -ἐννέπουσι· Κατθανῇ -κατθανῇ, -κακός σʼ ἀποκτείνει πόσις, -κασιγνήτου προδοὺς -ἐν Ἄργει θανεῖν γόνον. -ἃ δʼ ἀνίαχεν ἴ- -αχεν· Ὤμοι μοι. -λευκὸν δʼ ἐμβαλοῦσα πῆχυν στέρνοις -κτύπησε κρᾶτα μέλεον πλαγᾷ· -φυγᾷ δὲ ποδὶ τὸ χρυσεοσάνδαλον -ἴχνος ἔφερεν ἔφερεν· ἐς -κόμας δὲ δακτύλους δικὼν Ὀρέστας, -Μυκηνίδʼ ἀρβύλαν προβάς, -ὤμοις ἀριστεροῖσιν ἀνακλάσας δέρην, -παίειν λαιμῶν ἔμελ- -λεν εἴσω μέλαν ξίφος. - - - -Χορός -ποῦ δʼ ἦτʼ ἀμύνειν οἱ κατὰ στέγας Φρύγες; - - -Φρύξ -ἰαχᾷ -δόμων θύρετρα καὶ σταθμοὺς -μοχλοῖσιν ἐκβαλόντες, ἔνθʼ ἐμίμνομεν, -βοηδρομοῦμεν ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν στέγης, -ὃ μὲν πέτρους, ὃ δʼ ἀγκύλας, -ὃ δὲ ξίφος πρόκωπον ἐν χεροῖν ἔχων. -ἔναντα δʼ ἦλθε Πυλάδης -ἀλίαστος, οἷος οἷος Ἕκ- -τωρ ὁ Φρύγιος ἢ τρικόρυθος Αἴας, -ὃν εἶδον εἶδον ἐν πύλαις -Πριαμίσι· φασγάνων δʼ ἀκμὰς -συνήψαμεν. -δὴ τότε διαπρεπεῖς τότʼ ἐγένοντο Φρύγες, -ὅσον Ἄρεως ἀλκὰν -ἥσσονες Ἑλλάδος ἐγενόμεθʼ αἰχμᾶς, -ὃ μὲν οἰχόμενος φυγάς, ὃ δὲ νέκυς ὤν, -ὃ δὲ τραῦμα φέρων, ὃ δὲ λισσόμενος, -θανάτου προβολάν· -ὑπὸ σκότον δʼ ἐφεύγομεν· -νεκροὶ δʼ ἔπιπτον, οἳ δʼ ἔμελλον, οἳ δʼ ἔκειντʼ. -ἔμολε δʼ ἁ τάλαινʼ Ἑρμιόνα δόμους -ἐπὶ φόνῳ χαμαιπετεῖ ματρός, ἅ -νιν ἔτεκεν τλάμων. -ἄθυρσοι δʼ -οἷά νιν δραμόντε Βάκχαι -σκύμνον ἐν χεροῖν ὀρείαν -ξυνήρπασαν· πάλιν δὲ τὰν Διὸς κόραν -ἐπὶ σφαγὰν ἔτεινον· ἃ δʼ -ἐκ θαλάμων -ἐγένετο διαπρὸ δωμάτων -ἄφαντος, ὦ Ζεῦ καὶ γᾶ -καὶ φῶς καὶ νύξ, -ἤτοι φαρμάκοισιν ἢ -μάγων τέχναις ἢ θεῶν κλοπαῖς. -τὰ δʼ ὕστερʼ οὐκέτʼ οἶδα· δρα- -πέτην γὰρ ἐξέκλεπτον ἐκ δόμων πόδα. -πολύπονα δὲ πολύπονα πάθεα -Μενέλεως ἀνασχόμενος ἀνόνητον ἀ- -πὸ Τροίας ἔλαβε τὸν Ἑλένας γάμον. - - -Χορός -καὶ μὴν ἀμείβει καινὸν ἐκ καινῶν τόδε· -ξιφηφόρον γὰρ εἰσορῶ πρὸ δωμάτων -βαίνοντʼ Ὀρέστην ἐπτοημένῳ ποδί. - - - - - -Ὀρέστης -ποῦ ʼστιν οὗτος ὃς πέφευγεν ἐκ δόμων τοὐμὸν ξίφος; - - -Φρύξ -προσκυνῶ σʼ, ἄναξ, νόμοισι βαρβάροισι προσπίτνων. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἐν Ἰλίῳ τάδʼ ἐστίν, ἀλλʼ ἐν Ἀργείᾳ χθονί. - - -Φρύξ -πανταχοῦ ζῆν ἡδὺ μᾶλλον ἢ θανεῖν τοῖς σώφροσιν. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὔτι που κραυγὴν ἔθηκας Μενέλεῳ βοηδρομεῖν; - - -Φρύξ -σοὶ μὲν οὖν ἔγωγʼ ἀμύνειν· ἀξιώτερος γὰρ εἶ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐνδίκως ἡ Τυνδάρειος ἆρα παῖς διώλετο; - - -Φρύξ -ἐνδικώτατʼ, εἴ γε λαιμοὺς εἶχε τριπτύχους θανεῖν. - - -Ὀρέστης -δειλίᾳ γλώσσῃ χαρίζῃ, τἄνδον οὐχ οὕτω φρονῶν. - - -Φρύξ -οὐ γάρ, ἥτις Ἑλλάδʼ αὐτοῖς Φρυξὶ διελυμήνατο; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὄμοσον — εἰ δὲ μή, κτενῶ σε — μὴ λέγειν ἐμὴν χάριν. - - -Φρύξ -τὴν ἐμὴν ψυχὴν κατώμοσʼ, ἣν ἂν εὐορκοῖμʼ ἐγώ. - - -Ὀρέστης -ὧδε κἀν Τροίᾳ σίδηρος πᾶσι Φρυξὶν ἦν φόβος; - - -Φρύξ -ἄπεχε φάσγανον· πέλας γὰρ δεινὸν ἀνταυγεῖ φόνον. - - -Ὀρέστης -μὴ πέτρος γένῃ δέδοικας ὥστε Γοργόνʼ εἰσιδών; - - -Φρύξ -μὴ μὲν οὖν νεκρός· τὸ Γοργοῦς δʼ οὐ κάτοιδʼ ἐγὼ κάρα. - - -Ὀρέστης -δοῦλος ὢν φοβῇ τὸν Ἅιδην, ὅς σʼ ἀπαλλάξει κακῶν; - - -Φρύξ -πᾶς ἀνήρ, κἂν δοῦλος ᾖ τις, ἥδεται τὸ φῶς ὁρῶν. - - -Ὀρέστης -εὖ λέγεις· σῴζει σε σύνεσις. ἀλλὰ βαῖνʼ ἔσω δόμων. - - -Φρύξ -οὐκ ἄρα κτενεῖς με; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀφεῖσαι. - - -Φρύξ -καλὸν ἔπος λέγεις τόδε. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀλλὰ μεταβουλευσόμεσθα. - - -Φρύξ -τοῦτο δʼ οὐ καλῶς λέγεις. - - -Ὀρέστης -μῶρος, εἰ δοκεῖς με τλῆναι σὴν καθαιμάξαι δέρην· -οὔτε γὰρ γυνὴ πέφυκας — οὔτʼ ἐν ἀνδράσιν σύ γʼ εἶ. -τοῦ δὲ μὴ στῆσαί σε κραυγὴν οὕνεκʼ ἐξῆλθον δόμων· -ὀξὺ γὰρ βοῆς ἀκοῦσαν Ἄργος ἐξεγείρεται. -Μενέλεων δʼ οὐ τάρβος ἡμῖν ἀναλαβεῖν ἔσω ξίφους· -ἀλλʼ ἴτω ξανθοῖς ἐπʼ ὤμων βοστρύχοις γαυρούμενος· -εἰ γὰρ Ἀργείους ἐπάξει τοῖσδε δώμασιν λαβών, -τὸν Ἑλένης φόνον διώκων, κἀμὲ μὴ σῴζειν θέλει -σύγγονόν τʼ ἐμὴν Πυλάδην τε τὸν τάδε ξυνδρῶντά μοι, -παρθένον τε καὶ δάμαρτα δύο νεκρὼ κατόψεται. - - - - - - - -Χορός -— ἰὼ ἰὼ τύχα, -ἕτερον εἰς ἀγῶνʼ, ἕτερον αὖ δόμος -φοβερὸν ἀμφὶ τοὺς Ἀτρείδας πίτνει. -— τί δρῶμεν; ἀγγέλλωμεν ἐς πόλιν τάδε; -ἢ σῖγʼ ἔχωμεν; ἀσφαλέστερον, φίλαι. -— ἴδε πρὸ δωμάτων ἴδε προκηρύσσει -θοάζων ὅδʼ αἰθέρος ἄνω καπνός. -— ἅπτουσι πεύκας, ὡς πυρώσοντες δόμους -τοὺς Τανταλείους, οὐδʼ ἀφίστανται φόνου. -— τέλος ἔχει δαίμων βροτοῖς, -τέλος ὅπᾳ θέλῃ. -— μεγάλα δέ τις ἁ δύναμις † διʼ ἀλαστόρων -ἔπεσʼ ἔπεσε μέλαθρα τάδε διʼ αἱμάτων † -διὰ τὸ Μυρτίλου πέσημʼ ἐκ δίφρου. - - - - - - - -Χορός -ἀλλὰ μὴν καὶ τόνδε λεύσσω Μενέλεων δόμων πέλας -ὀξύπουν, ᾐσθημένον που τὴν τύχην ἣ νῦν πάρα. -οὐκέτʼ ἂν φθάνοιτε κλῇθρα συμπεραίνοντες μοχλοῖς, -ὦ κατὰ στέγας Ἀτρεῖδαι. δεινὸν εὐτυχῶν ἀνὴρ -πρὸς κακῶς πράσσοντας, ὡς σὺ νῦν, Ὀρέστα, δυστυχεῖς. - - - - - -Μενέλαος -ἥκω κλύων τὰ δεινὰ καὶ δραστήρια -δισσοῖν λεόντοιν· οὐ γὰρ ἄνδρʼ αὐτὼ καλῶ. -ἤκουσα γὰρ δὴ τὴν ἐμὴν ξυνάορον -ὡς οὐ τέθνηκεν, ἀλλʼ ἄφαντος οἴχεται — -κενὴν ἀκούσας βάξιν, ἣν φόβῳ σφαλεὶς -ἤγγειλέ μοί τις. ἀλλὰ τοῦ μητροκτόνου -τεχνάσματʼ ἐστὶ ταῦτα καὶ πολὺς γέλως. -ἀνοιγέτω τις δῶμα· προσπόλοις λέγω -ὠθεῖν πύλας τάσδʼ, ὡς ἂν ἀλλὰ παῖδʼ ἐμὴν -ῥυσώμεθʼ ἀνδρῶν ἐκ χερῶν μιαιφόνων, -καὶ τὴν τάλαιναν ἀθλίαν δάμαρτʼ ἐμὴν -λάβωμεν, ᾗ δεῖ ξυνθανεῖν ἐμῇ χερὶ -τοὺς διολέσαντας τὴν ἐμὴν ξυνάορον. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὗτος σύ, κλῄθρων τῶνδε μὴ ψαύσῃς χερί· -Μενέλαον εἶπον, ὃς πεπύργωσαι θράσει· -ἢ τῷδε θριγκῷ κρᾶτα συνθραύσω σέθεν, -ῥήξας παλαιὰ γεῖσα, τεκτόνων πόνον. -μοχλοῖς δʼ ἄραρε κλῇθρα, σῆς βοηδρόμου -σπουδῆς ἅ σʼ εἴρξει, μὴ δόμων ἔσω περᾶν. - - -Μενέλαος -ἔα, τί χρῆμα; λαμπάδων ὁρῶ σέλας, -δόμων δʼ ἐπʼ ἄκρων τούσδε πυργηρουμένους, -ξίφος δʼ ἐμῆς θυγατρὸς ἐπίφρουρον δέρῃ. - - -Ὀρέστης -πότερον ἐρωτᾶν ἢ κλύειν ἐμοῦ θέλεις; - - -Μενέλαος -οὐδέτερʼ· ἀνάγκη δʼ, ὡς ἔοικε, σου κλύειν. - - -Ὀρέστης -μέλλω κτενεῖν σου θυγατέρʼ, εἰ βούλῃ μαθεῖν. - - -Μενέλαος -Ἑλένην φονεύσας ἐπὶ φόνῳ πράσσεις φόνον; - - -Ὀρέστης -εἰ γὰρ κατέσχον μὴ θεῶν κλεφθεὶς ὕπο. - - -Μενέλαος -ἀρνῇ κατακτὰς κἀφʼ ὕβρει λέγεις τάδε; - - -Ὀρέστης -λυπράν γε τὴν ἄρνησιν· εἰ γὰρ ὤφελον — - - -Μενέλαος -τί χρῆμα δρᾶσαι; παρακαλεῖς γὰρ ἐς φόβον. - - -Ὀρέστης -τὴν Ἑλλάδος μιάστορʼ εἰς Ἅιδου βαλεῖν. - - -Μενέλαος -ἀπόδος δάμαρτος νέκυν, ὅπως χώσω τάφῳ. - - -Ὀρέστης -θεοὺς ἀπαίτει. παῖδα δὲ κτενῶ σέθεν. - - -Μενέλαος -ὁ μητροφόντης ἐπὶ φόνῳ πράσσει φόνον; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὁ πατρὸς ἀμύντωρ, ὃν σὺ προύδωκας θανεῖν. - - -Μενέλαος -οὐκ ἤρκεσέν σοι τὸ παρὸν αἷμα μητέρος; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐκ ἂν κάμοιμι τὰς κακὰς κτείνων ἀεί. - - -Μενέλαος -ἦ καὶ σύ, Πυλάδη, τοῦδε κοινωνεῖς φόνου; - - -Ὀρέστης -φησὶν σιωπῶν· ἀρκέσω δʼ ἐγὼ λέγων. - - -Μενέλαος -ἀλλʼ οὔτι χαίρων, ἤν γε μὴ φύγῃς πτεροῖς. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐ φευξόμεσθα· πυρὶ δʼ ἀνάψομεν δόμους. - - -Μενέλαος -ἦ γὰρ πατρῷον δῶμα πορθήσεις τόδε; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὡς μή γʼ ἔχῃς σύ, τήνδʼ ἐπισφάξας πυρί. - - -Μενέλαος -κτεῖνʼ· ὡς κτανών γε τῶνδέ μοι δώσεις δίκην. - - - -Ὀρέστης -ἔσται τάδε. - - -Μενέλαος -ἆ ἆ, μηδαμῶς δράσῃς τάδε. - - -Ὀρέστης -σίγα νυν, ἀνέχου δʼ ἐνδίκως πράσσων κακῶς. - - -Μενέλαος -ἦ γὰρ δίκαιον ζῆν σε; - - -Ὀρέστης -καὶ κρατεῖν γε γῆς. - - -Μενέλαος -ποίας; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἐν Ἄργει τῷδε τῷ Πελασγικῷ. - - -Μενέλαος -εὖ γοῦν θίγοις ἂν χερνίβων — - - -Ὀρέστης -τί δὴ γὰρ οὔ; - - -Μενέλαος -καὶ σφάγια πρὸ δορὸς καταβάλοις. - - -Ὀρέστης -σὺ δʼ ἂν καλῶς; - - -Μενέλαος -ἁγνὸς γάρ εἰμι χεῖρας. - - -Ὀρέστης -ἀλλʼ οὐ τὰς φρένας. - - -Μενέλαος -τίς δʼ ἂν προσείποι σέ; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὅστις ἐστὶ φιλοπάτωρ. - - -Μενέλαος -ὅστις δὲ τιμᾷ μητέρα; - - -Ὀρέστης -εὐδαίμων ἔφυ. - - -Μενέλαος -οὔκουν σύ γε. - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐ γὰρ ἁνδάνουσιν αἱ κακαί. - - -Μενέλαος -ἄπαιρε θυγατρὸς φάσγανον. - - -Ὀρέστης -ψευδὴς ἔφυς. - - -Μενέλαος -ἀλλὰ κτενεῖς μου θυγατέρα; - - -Ὀρέστης -οὐ ψευδὴς ἔτʼ εἶ. - - -Μενέλαος -οἴμοι, τί δράσω; - - -Ὀρέστης -πεῖθʼ ἐς Ἀργείους μολὼν — - - -Μενέλαος -πειθὼ τίνα; - - -Ὀρέστης -ἡμᾶς μὴ θανεῖν· αἰτοῦ πόλιν. - - -Μενέλαος -ἢ παῖδά μου φονεύσετε; - - -Ὀρέστης -ὧδʼ ἔχει τάδε. - - -Μενέλαος -ὦ τλῆμον Ἑλένη — - - -Ὀρέστης -τἀμὰ δʼ οὐχὶ τλήμονα; - - -Μενέλαος -σὲ σφάγιον ἐκόμισʼ ἐκ Φρυγῶν — - - -Ὀρέστης -εἰ γὰρ τόδʼ ἦν. - - -Μενέλαος -πόνους πονήσας μυρίους. - - -Ὀρέστης -πλήν γʼ εἰς ἐμέ. - - -Μενέλαος -πέπονθα δεινά. - - -Ὀρέστης -τότε γὰρ ἦσθʼ ἀνωφελής. - - -Μενέλαος -ἔχεις με. - - -Ὀρέστης -σαυτὸν σύ γʼ ἔλαβες κακὸς γεγώς. -ἀλλʼ εἶʼ, ὕφαπτε δώματʼ, Ἠλέκτρα, τάδε· -σύ τʼ, ὦ φίλων μοι τῶν ἐμῶν σαφέστατε, -Πυλάδη, κάταιθε γεῖσα τειχέων τάδε. - - -Μενέλαος -ὦ γαῖα Δαναῶν ἱππίου τʼ Ἄργους κτίται, -οὐκ εἶʼ ἐνόπλῳ ποδὶ βοηδρομήσετε; -πᾶσαν γὰρ ὑμῶν ὅδε βιάζεται πόλιν -ζῆν, αἷμα μητρὸς μυσαρὸν ἐξειργασμένος. - - - -Ἀπόλλων -Μενέλαε, παῦσαι λῆμʼ ἔχων τεθηγμένον· -Φοῖβός σʼ ὁ Λητοῦς παῖς ὅδʼ ἐγγὺς ὢν καλῶ· -σύ θʼ ὃς ξιφήρης τῇδʼ ἐφεδρεύεις κόρῃ, -Ὀρέσθʼ, ἵνʼ εἰδῇς οὓς φέρων ἥκω λόγους. -Ἑλένην μὲν ἣν σὺ διολέσαι πρόθυμος ὢν -ἥμαρτες, ὀργὴν Μενέλεῳ ποιούμενος, - -ἥδʼ ἐστίν, ἣν ὁρᾶτʼ ἐν αἰθέρος πτυχαῖς, - - -σεσῳσμένη τε κοὐ θανοῦσα πρὸς σέθεν. - -ἐγώ νιν ἐξέσῳσα κἀπὸ φασγάνου -τοῦ σοῦ κελευσθεὶς ἥρπασʼ ἐκ Διὸς πατρός. -Ζηνὸς γὰρ οὖσαν ζῆν νιν ἄφθιτον χρεών, -Κάστορί τε Πολυδεύκει τʼ ἐν αἰθέρος πτυχαῖς -σύνθακος ἔσται, ναυτίλοις σωτήριος. -ἄλλην δὲ νύμφην ἐς δόμους κτῆσαι λαβών, -ἐπεὶ θεοὶ τῷ τῆσδε καλλιστεύματι -Ἕλληνας εἰς ἓν καὶ Φρύγας συνήγαγον, -θανάτους τʼ ἔθηκαν, ὡς ἀπαντλοῖεν χθονὸς -ὕβρισμα θνητῶν ἀφθόνου πληρώματος. - -τὰ μὲν καθʼ Ἑλένην ὧδʼ ἔχει· σὲ δʼ αὖ χρεών, -Ὀρέστα, γαίας τῆσδʼ ὑπερβαλόνθʼ ὅρους -Παρράσιον οἰκεῖν δάπεδον ἐνιαυτοῦ κύκλον. -κεκλήσεται δὲ σῆς φυγῆς ἐπώνυμον -Ἀζᾶσιν Ἀρκάσιν τʼ Ὀρέστειον καλεῖν. -ἐνθένδε δʼ ἐλθὼν τὴν Ἀθηναίων πόλιν -δίκην ὑπόσχες αἵματος μητροκτόνου -Εὐμενίσι τρισσαῖς· θεοὶ δέ σοι δίκης βραβῆς -πάγοισιν ἐν Ἀρείοισιν εὐσεβεστάτην -ψῆφον διοίσουσʼ, ἔνθα νικῆσαί σε χρή. -ἐφʼ ἧς δʼ ἔχεις, Ὀρέστα, φάσγανον δέρῃ, -γῆμαι πέπρωταί σʼ Ἑρμιόνην· ὃς δʼ οἴεται -Νεοπτόλεμος γαμεῖν νιν, οὐ γαμεῖ ποτε. -θανεῖν γὰρ αὐτῷ μοῖρα Δελφικῷ ξίφει, -δίκας Ἀχιλλέως πατρὸς ἐξαιτοῦντά με. -Πυλάδῃ δʼ ἀδελφῆς λέκτρον, ὥς ποτʼ ᾔνεσας, -δός· ὁ δʼ ἐπιών νιν βίοτος εὐδαίμων μένει. - -Ἄργους δʼ Ὀρέστην, Μενέλεως, ἔα κρατεῖν, -ἐλθὼν δʼ ἄνασσε Σπαρτιάτιδος χθονός, -φερνὰς ἔχων δάμαρτος, ἥ σε μυρίοις -πόνοις διδοῦσα δεῦρʼ ἀεὶ διήνυσεν. -τὰ πρὸς πόλιν δὲ τῷδʼ ἐγὼ θήσω καλῶς, -ὅς νιν φονεῦσαι μητέρʼ ἐξηνάγκασα. - - - -Ὀρέστης -ὦ Λοξία μαντεῖε, σῶν θεσπισμάτων. -οὐ ψευδόμαντις ἦσθʼ ἄρʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐτήτυμος. -καίτοι μʼ ἐσῄει δεῖμα, μή τινος κλύων -ἀλαστόρων δόξαιμι σὴν κλύειν ὄπα. -ἀλλʼ εὖ τελεῖται, πείσομαι δὲ σοῖς λόγοις. -ἰδού, μεθίημʼ Ἑρμιόνην ἀπὸ σφαγῆς, -καὶ λέκτρʼ ἐπῄνεσʼ, ἡνίκʼ ἂν διδῷ πατήρ. - - -Μενέλαος -ὦ Ζηνὸς Ἑλένη χαῖρε παῖ· ζηλῶ δέ σε -θεῶν κατοικήσασαν ὄλβιον δόμον. -Ὀρέστα, σοὶ δὲ παῖδʼ ἐγὼ κατεγγυῶ, -Φοίβου λέγοντος· εὐγενὴς δʼ ἀπʼ εὐγενοῦς -γήμας ὄναιο καὶ σὺ χὡ διδοὺς ἐγώ. - - -Ἀπόλλων -χωρεῖτέ νυν ἕκαστος οἷ προστάσσομεν, -νείκας τε διαλύεσθε. - - -Μενέλαος -πείθεσθαι χρεών. - - -Ὀρέστης -κἀγὼ τοιοῦτος· σπένδομαι δὲ συμφοραῖς, -Μενέλαε, καὶ σοῖς, Λοξία, θεσπίσμασιν. - - - - - -Ἀπόλλων -ἴτε νυν καθʼ ὁδόν, τὴν καλλίστην -θεῶν Εἰρήνην τιμῶντες· ἐγὼ δʼ -Ἑλένην Δίοις μελάθροις πελάσω, -λαμπρῶν ἄστρων πόλον ἐξανύσας, -ἔνθα παρʼ Ἥρᾳ τῇ θʼ Ἡρακλέους -Ἥβῃ πάρεδρος θεὸς ἀνθρώποις -ἔσται σπονδαῖς ἔντιμος ἀεί, -σὺν Τυνδαρίδαις, τοῖς Διὸς υἱοῖς, -ναύταις μεδέουσα θαλάσσης. - - -Χορός -ὦ μέγα σεμνὴ Νίκη, τὸν ἐμὸν -βίοτον κατέχοις -καὶ μὴ λήγοις στεφανοῦσα. - - - - - - diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-grc2.xml new file mode 100644 index 000000000..dd7d13585 --- /dev/null +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg016/tlg0006.tlg016.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -0,0 +1,4133 @@ + + + + + + +Orestes +Machine readable text +Euripides +Gilbert Murray +Perseus Project, Tufts University +Gregory Crane + +Prepared under the supervision of +Lisa Cerrato +William Merrill +Elli Mylonas +David Smith + +The Annenberg CPB/Project + + + +Trustees of Tufts University +Medford, MA +Perseus Project + 1996 + + + + + Euripides + Euripidis Fabulae + Gilbert Murray + + Oxford + Clarendon Press + 1913 + + 3 + + The Internet Archive + + + + + + + + + +

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+ + + + + Greek + + + + EpiDoc and CTS conversion + moving Greg's work-in-progress on CTS-izing greco-roman collection texts to a Work directory + tagging now should be compatible with CTS + Standardized and in a few cases added in header info. + adding rend=displayNum to lb tags + more refinements making these files SDL compatible + our existing files but with L tags converted to LB milestones + moved more xml files around based on copyright status + removed stray item tags + Converted to XML + added card 1s + put spaces around em-dash entity so as not to confuse morphology stuff + Updated texts to TEI P4 and Perseus P4 extensions; minor cleanup (esp. character encodings and typos.) + Added separate funder entity to TEI header. + use n attribute on sp to carry over speaker names when long speeches are interrupted by card breaks -- and move card break past close tag of sp + bring up to P3 + Fixed cardbreaks at 280, 1473, 1549; added line nos. 274b, 276b, 1472b, 1545b. + Added speaker tags where needed. + check tagging + Basic SGML tagging + +
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+ + + +Ἠλέκτρα +Οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν δεινὸν ὧδʼ εἰπεῖν ἔπος +οὐδὲ πάθος οὐδὲ ξυμφορὰ θεήλατος, +ἧς οὐκ ἂν ἄραιτʼ ἄχθος ἀνθρώπου φύσις. +ὁ γὰρ μακάριος — κοὐκ ὀνειδίζω τύχας — +Διὸς πεφυκώς, ὡς λέγουσι, Τάνταλος +κορυφῆς ὑπερτέλλοντα δειμαίνων πέτρον +ἀέρι ποτᾶται· καὶ τίνει ταύτην δίκην, +ὡς μὲν λέγουσιν, ὅτι θεοῖς ἄνθρωπος ὢν +κοινῆς τραπέζης ἀξίωμʼ ἔχων ἴσον, +ἀκόλαστον ἔσχε γλῶσσαν, αἰσχίστην νόσον. +οὗτος φυτεύει Πέλοπα, τοῦ δʼ Ἀτρεὺς ἔφυ, +ᾧ στέμματα ξήνασʼ ἐπέκλωσεν θεὰ +ἔριν, Θυέστῃ πόλεμον ὄντι συγγόνῳ +θέσθαι. τί τἄρρητʼ ἀναμετρήσασθαί με δεῖ; +ἔδαισε δʼ οὖν νιν τέκνʼ ἀποκτείνας Ἀτρεύς. +Ἀτρέως δέ· τὰς γὰρ ἐν μέσῳ σιγῶ τύχας· +ὁ κλεινός, εἰ δὴ κλεινός, Ἀγαμέμνων ἔφυ +Μενέλεώς τε Κρήσσης μητρὸς Ἀερόπης ἄπο. +γαμεῖ δʼ ὃ μὲν δὴ τὴν θεοῖς στυγουμένην +Μενέλαος Ἑλένην, ὃ δὲ Κλυταιμήστρας λέχος +ἐπίσημον εἰς Ἕλληνας Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ· +ᾧ παρθένοι μὲν τρεῖς ἔφυμεν ἐκ μιᾶς, +Χρυσόθεμις Ἰφιγένειά τʼ Ἠλέκτρα τʼ ἐγώ, +ἄρσην δʼ Ὀρέστης, μητρὸς ἀνοσιωτάτης, +ἣ πόσιν ἀπείρῳ περιβαλοῦσʼ ὑφάσματι +ἔκτεινεν· ὧν δʼ ἕκατι, παρθένῳ λέγειν +οὐ καλόν· ἐῶ τοῦτʼ ἀσαφὲς ἐν κοινῷ σκοπεῖν. +Φοίβου δʼ ἀδικίαν μὲν τί δεῖ κατηγορεῖν; +πείθει δʼ Ὀρέστην μητέρʼ ἥ σφʼ ἐγείνατο +κτεῖναι, πρὸς οὐχ ἅπαντας εὔκλειαν φέρον. +ὅμως δʼ ἀπέκτεινʼ οὐκ ἀπειθήσας θεῷ· +κἀγὼ μετέσχον, οἷα δὴ γυνή, φόνου. +Πυλάδης θʼ, ὃς ἡμῖν συγκατείργασται τάδε. + +ἐντεῦθεν ἀγρίᾳ συντακεὶς νόσῳ νοσεῖ +τλήμων Ὀρέστης ὅδε πεσὼν ἐν δεμνίοις +κεῖται, τὸ μητρὸς δʼ αἷμά νιν τροχηλατεῖ +μανίαισιν· ὀνομάζειν γὰρ αἰδοῦμαι θεὰς +εὐμενίδας, αἳ τόνδʼ ἐξαμιλλῶνται φόβῳ. +ἕκτον δὲ δὴ τόδʼ ἦμαρ ἐξ ὅτου σφαγαῖς +θανοῦσα μήτηρ πυρὶ καθήγνισται δέμας, +ὧν οὔτε σῖτα διὰ δέρης ἐδέξατο, +οὐ λούτρʼ ἔδωκε χρωτί· χλανιδίων δʼ ἔσω +κρυφθείς, ὅταν μὲν σῶμα κουφισθῇ νόσου, +ἔμφρων δακρύει, ποτὲ δὲ δεμνίων ἄπο +πηδᾷ δρομαῖος, πῶλος ὣς ὑπὸ ζυγοῦ. +ἔδοξε δʼ Ἄργει τῷδε μήθʼ ἡμᾶς στέγαις, +μὴ πυρὶ δέχεσθαι, μήτε προσφωνεῖν τινα +μητροκτονοῦντας· κυρία δʼ ἥδʼ ἡμέρα, +ἐν ᾗ διοίσει ψῆφον Ἀργείων πόλις, +εἰ χρὴ θανεῖν νὼ λευσίμῳ πετρώματι. +ἢ φάσγανον θήξαντʼ ἐπʼ αὐχένος βαλεῖν. +ἐλπίδα δὲ δή τινʼ ἔχομεν ὥστε μὴ θανεῖν· +ἥκει γὰρ ἐς γῆν Μενέλεως Τροίας ἄπο, +λιμένα δὲ Ναυπλίειον ἐκπληρῶν πλάτῃ +ἀκταῖσιν ὁρμεῖ, δαρὸν ἐκ Τροίας χρόνον +ἄλαισι πλαγχθείς· τὴν δὲ δὴ πολύστονον +Ἑλένην, φυλάξας νύκτα, μή τις εἰσιδὼν +μεθʼ ἡμέραν στείχουσαν, ὧν ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ +παῖδες τεθνᾶσιν, ἐς πέτρων ἔλθῃ βολάς, +προύπεμψεν ἐς δῶμʼ ἡμέτερον· ἔστιν δʼ ἔσω +κλαίουσʼ ἀδελφὴν συμφοράν τε δωμάτων. +ἔχει δὲ δή τινʼ ἀλγέων παραψυχήν· +ἣν γὰρ κατʼ οἴκους ἔλιφʼ, ὅτʼ ἐς Τροίαν ἔπλει, +παρθένον ἐμῇ τε μητρὶ παρέδωκεν τρέφειν +Μενέλαος ἀγαγὼν Ἑρμιόνην Σπάρτης ἄπο, +ταύτῃ γέγηθε κἀπιλήθεται κακῶν. +βλέπω δὲ πᾶσαν εἰς ὁδόν, πότʼ ὄψομαι +Μενέλαον ἥκονθʼ· ὡς τά γʼ ἄλλʼ ἐπʼ ἀσθενοῦς +ῥώμης ὀχούμεθʼ, ἤν τι μὴ κείνου πάρα +σωθῶμεν. ἄπορον χρῆμα δυστυχῶν δόμος. + + + + +Ἑλένη +ὦ παῖ Κλυταιμήστρας τε καὶ Ἀγαμέμνονος, +παρθένε μακρὸν δὴ μῆκος Ἠλέκτρα χρόνου, +πῶς, ὦ τάλαινα, σύ τε κασίγνητός τε σὸς +τλήμων Ὀρέστης μητρὸς ὅδε φονεὺς ἔχει; +προσφθέγμασιν γὰρ οὐ μιαίνομαι σέθεν, +ἐς Φοῖβον ἀναφέρουσα τὴν ἁμαρτίαν. +καίτοι στένω γε τὸν Κλυταιμήστρας μόρον, +ἐμῆς ἀδελφῆς, ἥν, ἐπεὶ πρὸς Ἴλιον +ἔπλευσʼ ὅπως ἔπλευσα θεομανεῖ πότμῳ, +οὐκ εἶδον, ἀπολειφθεῖσα δʼ αἰάζω τύχας. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +Ἑλένη, τί σοι λέγοιμʼ ἂν ἅ γε παροῦσʼ ὁρᾷς; +ἐν συμφοραῖσι τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος δόμον +ἐγὼ μὲν ἄυπνος πάρεδρος ἀθλίῳ νεκρῷ +— νεκρὸς γὰρ οὗτος οὕνεκα σμικρᾶς πνοῆς — +θάσσω· τὰ τούτου δʼ οὐκ ὀνειδίζω κακά. +σὺ δʼ εἶ μακαρία μακάριός θʼ ὁ σὸς πόσις. +ἥκετον ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς ἀθλίως πεπραγότας + + + +Ἑλένη +πόσον χρόνον δʼ ἐν δεμνίοις πέπτωχʼ ὅδε; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐξ οὗπερ αἷμα γενέθλιον κατήνυσεν. + + + +Ἑλένη +ὢ μέλεος· ἡ τεκοῦσά θʼ, ὡς διώλετο. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὕτως ἔχει τάδʼ, ὥστʼ ἀπείρηκεν κακοῖς. + + + +Ἑλένη +πρὸς θεῶν, πίθοιʼ ἂν δῆτά μοί τι, παρθένε; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὡς ἄσχολός γε συγγόνου προσεδρίᾳ. + + + +Ἑλένη +βούλῃ τάφον μοι πρὸς κασιγνήτης μολεῖν; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +μητρὸς κελεύεις τῆς ἐμῆς; τίνος χάριν; + + + +Ἑλένη +κόμης ἀπαρχὰς καὶ χοὰς φέρουσʼ ἐμάς. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +σοὶ δʼ οὐχὶ θεμιτὸν πρὸς φίλων στείχειν τάφον; + + + +Ἑλένη +δεῖξαι γὰρ Ἀργείοισι σῶμʼ αἰσχύνομαι. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὀψέ γε φρονεῖς εὖ, τότε λιποῦσʼ αἰσχρῶς δόμους. + + + +Ἑλένη +ὀρθῶς ἔλεξας, οὐ φίλως δʼ ἐμοὶ λέγεις. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +αἰδὼς δὲ δὴ τίς σʼ ἐς Μυκηναίους ἔχει; + + + +Ἑλένη +δέδοικα πατέρας τῶν ὑπʼ Ἰλίῳ νεκρῶν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +δεινὸν γάρ· Ἄργει τʼ ἀναβοᾷ διὰ στόμα. + + + +Ἑλένη +σύ νυν χάριν μοι τὸν φόβον λύσασα δός. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην μητρὸς ἐσβλέψαι τάφον. + + + +Ἑλένη +αἰσχρόν γε μέντοι προσπόλους φέρειν τάδε. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +τί δʼ οὐχὶ θυγατρὸς Ἑρμιόνης πέμπεις δέμας; + + + +Ἑλένη +ἐς ὄχλον ἕρπειν παρθένοισιν οὐ καλόν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +καὶ μὴν τίνοι γʼ ἂν τῇ τεθνηκυίᾳ τροφάς. + + + + +Ἑλένη +ὀρθῶς ἔλεξας, πείθομαί τέ σοι, κόρη. +καὶ πέμψομέν γε θυγατέρʼ· εὖ γάρ τοι λέγεις. +ὦ τέκνον, ἔξελθʼ, Ἑρμιόνη, δόμων πάρος +καὶ λαβὲ χοὰς τάσδʼ ἐν χεροῖν κόμας τʼ ἐμάς· +ἐλθοῦσα δʼ ἀμφὶ τὸν Κλυταιμήστρας τάφον +μελίκρατʼ ἄφες γάλακτος οἰνωπόν τʼ ἄχνην, +καὶ στᾶσʼ ἐπʼ ἄκρου χώματος λέξον τάδε· +Ἑλένη σʼ ἀδελφὴ ταῖσδε δωρεῖται χοαῖς, +φόβῳ προσελθεῖν μνῆμα σόν, ταρβοῦσά τε +Ἀργεῖον ὄχλον. πρευμενῆ δʼ ἄνωγέ νιν +ἐμοί τε καὶ σοὶ καὶ πόσει γνώμην ἔχειν +τοῖν τʼ ἀθλίοιν τοῖνδʼ, οὓς ἀπώλεσεν θεός. +ἃ δʼ εἰς ἀδελφὴν καιρὸς ἐκπονεῖν ἐμέ, +ἅπανθʼ ὑπισχνοῦ νερτέρων δωρήματα. +ἴθʼ, ὦ τέκνον μοι, σπεῦδε καὶ χοὰς τάφῳ +δοῦσʼ ὡς τάχιστα τῆς πάλιν μέμνησʼ ὁδοῦ. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ φύσις, ἐν ἀνθρώποισιν ὡς μέγʼ εἶ κακόν, +σωτήριόν τε τοῖς καλῶς κεκτημένοις. +εἴδετε παρʼ ἄκρας ὡς ἀπέθρισεν τρίχας, +σῴζουσα κάλλος; ἔστι δʼ ἡ πάλαι γυνή. +θεοί σε μισήσειαν, ὥς μʼ ἀπώλεσας +καὶ τόνδε πᾶσάν θʼ Ἑλλάδα. ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγώ· +αἵδʼ αὖ πάρεισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς θρηνήμασι +φίλαι ξυνῳδοί· τάχα μεταστήσουσʼ ὕπνου +τόνδʼ ἡσυχάζοντʼ, ὄμμα δʼ ἐκτήξουσʼ ἐμὸν +δακρύοις, ἀδελφὸν ὅταν ὁρῶ μεμηνότα. + +ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες, ἡσύχῳ ποδὶ +χωρεῖτε, μὴ ψοφεῖτε, μηδʼ ἔστω κτύπος. +φιλία γὰρ ἡ σὴ πρευμενὴς μέν, ἀλλʼ ἐμοὶ +τόνδʼ ἐξεγεῖραι συμφορὰ γενήσεται. + +
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+ +Χορός +σῖγα σῖγα, λεπτὸν ἴχνος ἀρβύλης +τίθετε, μὴ κτυπεῖτʼ. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἀποπρὸ βᾶτʼ ἐκεῖσʼ, ἀποπρό μοι κοίτας. + + + +Χορός +ἰδού, πείθομαι. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἆ ἆ σύριγγος ὅπως πνοὰ +λεπτοῦ δόνακος, ὦ φίλα, φώνει μοι. + + + +Χορός +ἴδʼ, ἀτρεμαῖον ὡς ὑπόροφον φέρω +βοάν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ναί, οὕτως· +κάταγε κάταγε, πρόσιθʼ ἀτρέμας, ἀτρέμας ἴθι· +λόγον ἀπόδος ἐφʼ ὅ τι χρέος ἐμόλετέ ποτε. +χρόνια γὰρ πεσὼν ὅδʼ εὐνάζεται. + +
+ + +
+ +Χορός +πῶς ἔχει; λόγου μετάδος, ὦ φίλα· +τίνα τύχαν εἴπω; τίνα δὲ συμφοράν; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἔτι μὲν ἐμπνέει, βραχὺ δʼ ἀναστένει. + + + +Χορός +τί φῄς; ὦ τάλας. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὀλεῖς, εἰ βλέφαρα κινήσεις +ὕπνου γλυκυτάταν φερομένῳ χάριν. + + + +Χορός +μέλεος ἐχθίστων θεόθεν ἐργμάτων, +τάλας. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +φεῦ μόχθων. +ἄδικος ἄδικα τότʼ ἄρʼ ἔλακεν ἔλακεν, ἀπό- +φονον ὅτʼ ἐπὶ τρίποδι Θέμιδος ἄρʼ ἐδίκασε +φόνον ὁ Λοξίας ἐμᾶς ματέρος. + +
+ + +
+ +Χορός +ὁρᾷς; ἐν πέπλοισι κινεῖ δέμας. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +σὺ γάρ νιν, ὦ τάλαινα, +θωΰξασʼ ἔβαλες ἐξ ὕπνου. + + + +Χορός +εὕδειν μὲν οὖν ἔδοξα. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκ ἀφʼ ἡμῶν, οὐκ ἀπʼ οἴκων +πάλιν ἀνὰ πόδα σὸν εἱλίξεις +μεθεμένα κτύπου; + + + +Χορός +ὑπνώσσει. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +λέγεις εὖ. +πότνια, πότνια νύξ, +ὑπνοδότειρα τῶν πολυπόνων βροτῶν, +ἐρεβόθεν ἴθι, μόλε μόλε κατάπτερος +τὸν Ἀγαμεμνόνιον ἐπὶ δόμον. +ὑπὸ γὰρ ἀλγέων ὑπό τε συμφορᾶς +διοιχόμεθʼ, οἰχόμεθα. κτύπον ἠγάγετʼ· οὐχὶ σῖγα +σῖγα φυλασσομένα στόματος +ἄνα κέλαδον ἀπὸ λέχεος ἥ- +συχον ὕπνου χάριν παρέξεις, φίλα; + +
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+ +Χορός +θρόει τίς κακῶν τελευτὰ μένει. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +θανεῖν θανεῖν, τί δʼ ἄλλο; +οὐδὲ γὰρ πόθον ἔχει βορᾶς. + + + +Χορός +πρόδηλος ἆρʼ ὁ πότμος. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐξέθυσʼ ὁ Φοῖβος ἡμᾶς +μέλεον ἀπόφονον αἷμα δοὺς +πατροφόνου ματρός. + + + +Χορός +δίκᾳ μέν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +καλῶς δʼ οὔ. +ἔκανες ἔθανες, ὦ +τεκομένα με μᾶτερ, ἀπὸ δʼ ὤλεσας +πατέρα τέκνα τε τάδε σέθεν ἀφʼ αἵματος· +ὀλόμεθʼ ἰσονέκυες, ὀλόμεθα. +σύ τε γὰρ ἐν νεκροῖς, τό τʼ ἐμὸν οἴχεται +βίου τὸ πλέον μέρος ἐν στοναχαῖσί τε καὶ γόοισι +δάκρυσί τʼ ἐννυχίοις, ἄγαμος +ἐπὶ δʼ ἄτεκνος ἅτε βίοτον ἁ +μέλεος ἐς τὸν αἰὲν ἕλκω χρόνον. + +
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+ +Χορός +ὅρα παροῦσα, παρθένʼ Ἠλέκτρα, πέλας, +μὴ κατθανών σε σύγγονος λέληθʼ ὅδε· +οὐ γάρ μʼ ἀρέσκει τῷ λίαν παρειμένῳ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ φίλον ὕπνου θέλγητρον, ἐπίκουρον νόσου, +ὡς ἡδύ μοι προσῆλθες — ἐν δέοντί γε. +ὦ πότνια Λήθη τῶν κακῶν, ὡς εἶ σοφὴ +καὶ τοῖσι δυστυχοῦσιν εὐκταία θεός. +πόθεν ποτʼ ἦλθον δεῦρο; πῶς δʼ ἀφικόμην; +ἀμνημονῶ γάρ, τῶν πρὶν ἀπολειφθεὶς φρενῶν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ φίλταθʼ, ὥς μʼ ηὔφρανας εἰς ὕπνον πεσών. +βούλῃ θίγω σου κἀνακουφίσω δέμας; + + + +Ὀρέστης +λαβοῦ λαβοῦ δῆτʼ, ἐκ δʼ ὄμορξον ἀθλίου +στόματος ἀφρώδη πέλανον ὀμμάτων τʼ ἐμῶν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἰδού· τὸ δούλευμʼ ἡδύ, κοὐκ ἀναίνομαι +ἀδέλφʼ ἀδελφῇ χειρὶ θεραπεύειν μέλη. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὑπόβαλε πλευροῖς πλευρά, καὐχμώδη κόμην +ἄφελε προσώπου· λεπτὰ γὰρ λεύσσω κόραις. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ βοστρύχων πινῶδες ἄθλιον κάρα, +ὡς ἠγρίωσαι διὰ μακρᾶς ἀλουσίας. + + + +Ὀρέστης +κλῖνόν μʼ ἐς εὐνὴν αὖθις· ὅταν ἀνῇ νόσος +μανίας, ἄναρθρός εἰμι κἀσθενῶ μέλη. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἰδού. φίλον τοι τῷ νοσοῦντι δέμνιον, +ἀνιαρὸν ὂν τὸ κτῆμʼ, ἀναγκαῖον δʼ ὅμως. + + + +Ὀρέστης +αὖθίς μʼ ἐς ὀρθὸν στῆσον, ἀνακύκλει δέμας· +δυσάρεστον οἱ νοσοῦντες ἀπορίας ὕπο. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἦ κἀπὶ γαίας ἁρμόσαι πόδας θέλεις, +χρόνιον ἴχνος θείς; μεταβολὴ πάντων γλυκύ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μάλιστα· δόξαν γὰρ τόδʼ ὑγιείας ἔχει. +κρεῖσσον δὲ τὸ δοκεῖν, κἂν ἀληθείας ἀπῇ. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἄκουε δὴ νῦν, ὦ κασίγνητον κάρα, +ἕως ἐῶσιν εὖ φρονεῖν Ἐρινύες. + + + +Ὀρέστης +λέξεις τι καινόν· κεἰ μὲν εὖ, χάριν φέρεις· +εἰ δʼ ἐς βλάβην τινʼ, ἅλις ἔχω τὸ δυστυχεῖν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +Μενέλαος ἥκει, σοῦ κασίγνητος πατρός, +ἐν Ναυπλίᾳ δὲ σέλμαθʼ ὥρμισται νεῶν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +πῶς εἶπας; ἥκει φῶς ἐμοῖς καὶ σοῖς κακοῖς +ἀνὴρ ὁμογενὴς καὶ χάριτας ἔχων πατρός; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἥκει — τὸ πιστὸν τόδε λόγων ἐμῶν δέχου — +Ἑλένην ἀγόμενος Τρωικῶν ἐκ τειχέων. + + + +Ὀρέστης +εἰ μόνος ἐσώθη, μᾶλλον ἂν ζηλωτὸς ἦν· +εἰ δʼ ἄλοχον ἄγεται, κακὸν ἔχων ἥκει μέγα. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐπίσημον ἔτεκε Τυνδάρεως ἐς τὸν ψόγον +γένος θυγατέρων δυσκλεές τʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδα. + + + +Ὀρέστης +σύ νυν διάφερε τῶν κακῶν· ἔξεστι γάρ· +καὶ μὴ μόνον λέγʼ, ἀλλὰ καὶ φρόνει τάδε. + + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οἴμοι, κασίγνητʼ, ὄμμα σὸν ταράσσεται, +ταχὺς δὲ μετέθου λύσσαν, ἄρτι σωφρονῶν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ μῆτερ, ἱκετεύω σε, μὴ ʼπίσειέ μοι +τὰς αἱματωποὺς καὶ δρακοντώδεις κόρας. +αὗται γὰρ αὗται πλησίον θρῴσκουσί μου. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +μένʼ, ὦ ταλαίπωρʼ, ἀτρέμα σοῖς ἐν δεμνίοις· +ὁρᾷς γὰρ οὐδὲν ὧν δοκεῖς σάφʼ εἰδέναι. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ Φοῖβʼ, ἀποκτενοῦσί μʼ αἱ κυνώπιδες +γοργῶπες, ἐνέρων ἱέρεαι, δειναὶ θεαί. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὔτοι μεθήσω· χεῖρα δʼ ἐμπλέξασʼ ἐμὴν +σχήσω σε πηδᾶν δυστυχῆ πηδήματα. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μέθες· μίʼ οὖσα τῶν ἐμῶν Ἐρινύων +μέσον μʼ ὀχμάζεις, ὡς βάλῃς ἐς Τάρταρον. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οἲ ʼγὼ τάλαινα, τίνʼ ἐπικουρίαν λάβω, +ἐπεὶ τὸ θεῖον δυσμενὲς κεκτήμεθα; + + + +Ὀρέστης +δὸς τόξα μοι κερουλκά, δῶρα Λοξίου, +οἷς μʼ εἶπʼ Ἀπόλλων ἐξαμύνασθαι θεάς, +εἴ μʼ ἐκφοβοῖεν μανιάσιν λυσσήμασιν. +βεβλήσεταί τις θεῶν βροτησίᾳ χερί, +εἰ μὴ ʼξαμείψει χωρὶς ὀμμάτων ἐμῶν. +οὐκ εἰσακούετʼ; οὐχ ὁρᾶθʼ ἑκηβόλων +τόξων πτερωτὰς γλυφίδας ἐξορμωμένας; +ἆ ἆ· +τί δῆτα μέλλετʼ; ἐξακρίζετʼ αἰθέρα +πτεροῖς· τὰ Φοίβου δʼ αἰτιᾶσθε θέσφατα. +ἔα· +τί χρῆμʼ ἀλύω, πνεῦμʼ ἀνεὶς ἐκ πλευμόνων; +ποῖ ποῖ ποθʼ ἡλάμεσθα δεμνίων ἄπο; +ἐκ κυμάτων γὰρ αὖθις αὖ γαλήνʼ ὁρῶ. + + +σύγγονε, τί κλαίεις κρᾶτα θεῖσʼ ἔσω πέπλων; +αἰσχύνομαί σε, μεταδιδοὺς πόνων ἐμῶν +ὄχλον τε παρέχων παρθένῳ νόσοις ἐμαῖς. +μὴ τῶν ἐμῶν ἕκατι συντήκου κακῶν· +σὺ μὲν γὰρ ἐπένευσας τάδʼ, εἴργασται δʼ ἐμοὶ +μητρῷον αἷμα· Λοξίᾳ δὲ μέμφομαι, +ὅστις μʼ ἐπάρας ἔργον ἀνοσιώτατον, +τοῖς μὲν λόγοις ηὔφρανε, τοῖς δʼ ἔργοισιν οὔ. +οἶμαι δὲ πατέρα τὸν ἐμόν, εἰ κατʼ ὄμματα +ἐξιστόρουν νιν, μητέρʼ εἰ κτεῖναι χρεών, +πολλὰς γενείου τοῦδʼ ἂν ἐκτεῖναι λιτὰς +μήποτε τεκούσης ἐς σφαγὰς ὦσαι ξίφος, +εἰ μήτʼ ἐκεῖνος ἀναλαβεῖν ἔμελλε φῶς, +ἐγώ θʼ ὁ τλήμων τοιάδʼ ἐκπλήσειν κακά. +καὶ νῦν ἀνακάλυπτʼ, ὦ κασιγνήτη, κάρα, +ἐκ δακρύων τʼ ἄπελθε, κεἰ μάλʼ ἀθλίως +ἔχομεν. ὅταν δὲ τἄμʼ ἀθυμήσαντʼ ἴδῃς, +σύ μου τὸ δεινὸν καὶ διαφθαρὲν φρενῶν +ἴσχναινε παραμυθοῦ θʼ· ὅταν δὲ σὺ στένῃς, +ἡμᾶς παρόντας χρή σε νουθετεῖν φίλα· +ἐπικουρίαι γὰρ αἵδε τοῖς φίλοις καλαί. +ἀλλʼ, ὦ τάλαινα, βᾶσα δωμάτων ἔσω +ὕπνῳ τʼ ἄυπνον βλέφαρον ἐκταθεῖσα δός, +σίτων τʼ ὄρεξαι λουτρά τʼ ἐπιβαλοῦ χροΐ. +εἰ γὰρ προλείψεις ἢ προσεδρείᾳ νόσον +κτήσῃ τινʼ, οἰχόμεσθα· σὲ γὰρ ἔχω μόνην +ἐπίκουρον, ἄλλων, ὡς ὁρᾷς, ἔρημος ὤν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκ ἔστι· σὺν σοὶ καὶ θανεῖν αἱρήσομαι +καὶ ζῆν· ἔχει γὰρ ταὐτόν· ἢν σὺ κατθάνῃς, +γυνὴ τί δράσω; πῶς μόνη σωθήσομαι, +ἀνάδελφος ἀπάτωρ ἄφιλος; εἰ δὲ σοὶ δοκεῖ, +δρᾶν χρὴ τάδʼ. ἀλλὰ κλῖνον εἰς εὐνὴν δέμας, +καὶ μὴ τὸ ταρβοῦν κἀκφοβοῦν σʼ ἐκ δεμνίων +ἄγαν ἀποδέχου, μένε δʼ ἐπὶ στρωτοῦ λέχους. +κἂν μὴ νοσῇς γάρ, ἀλλὰ δοξάζῃς νοσεῖν, +κάματος βροτοῖσιν ἀπορία τε γίγνεται. + + + +
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+ +Χορός +αἰαῖ, +δρομάδες ὦ πτεροφόροι +ποτνιάδες θεαί, +ἀβάκχευτον αἳ θίασον ἐλάχετʼ ἐν +δάκρυσι καὶ γόοις, +μελάγχρωτες εὐμενίδες, αἵτε τὸν +ταναὸν αἰθέρʼ ἀμπάλλεσθʼ, αἵματος +τινύμεναι δίκαν, τινύμεναι φόνον, +καθικετεύομαι καθικετεύομαι, +τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος +γόνον ἐάσατʼ ἐκλαθέσθαι λύσσας +μανιάδος φοιταλέου. φεῦ μόχθων, +οἵων, ὦ τάλας, ὀρεχθεὶς ἔρρεις, +τρίποδος ἄπο φάτιν, ἃν ὁ Φοῖβος ἔλακε, δε- +ξάμενος ἀνὰ δάπεδον, +ἵνα μεσόμφαλοι λέγονται μυχοί. + +
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+ +Χορός +ἰὼ Ζεῦ, +τίς ἔλεος, τίς ὅδʼ ἀγὼν +φόνιος ἔρχεται, +θοάζων σε τὸν μέλεον, ᾧ δάκρυα +δάκρυσι συμβάλλει +πορεύων τις ἐς δόμον ἀλαστόρων +ματέρος αἷμα σᾶς, ὅ σʼ ἀναβακχεύει; +ὁ μέγας ὄλβος οὐ μόνιμος ἐν βροτοῖς· +κατολοφύρομαι κατολοφύρομαι. +ἀνὰ δὲ λαῖφος ὥς +τις ἀκάτου θοᾶς τινάξας δαίμων +κατέκλυσεν δεινῶν πόνων ὡς πόντου +λάβροις ὀλεθρίοισιν ἐν κύμασιν. +τίνα γὰρ ἔτι πάρος οἶκον ἕτερον ἢ τὸν ἀπὸ +θεογόνων γάμων, +τὸν ἀπὸ Ταντάλου, σέβεσθαί με χρή; + +
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+ +Χορός +καὶ μὴν βασιλεὺς ὅδε δὴ στείχει, +Μενέλαος ἄναξ, πολλῇ ἁβροσύνῃ +δῆλος ὁρᾶσθαι +τῶν Τανταλιδῶν ἐξ αἵματος ὤν. +ὦ χιλιόναυν στρατὸν ὁρμήσας +ἐς γῆν Ἀσίαν, +χαῖρʼ, εὐτυχίᾳ δʼ αὐτὸς ὁμιλεῖς, +θεόθεν πράξας ἅπερ ηὔχου. + +
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+ +Μενέλαος +ὦ δῶμα, τῇ μέν σʼ ἡδέως προσδέρκομαι +Τροίαθεν ἐλθών, τῇ δʼ ἰδὼν καταστένω· +κύκλῳ γὰρ εἱλιχθεῖσαν ἀθλίως κακοῖς +οὐπώποτʼ ἄλλην μᾶλλον εἶδον ἑστίαν. +Ἀγαμέμνονος μὲν γὰρ τύχας ἠπιστάμην +καὶ θάνατον, οἵῳ πρὸς δάμαρτος ὤλετο, +Μαλέᾳ προσίσχων πρῷραν· ἐκ δὲ κυμάτων +ὁ ναυτίλοισι μάντις ἐξήγγειλέ μοι +Νηρέως προφήτης Γλαῦκος, ἀψευδὴς θεός, +ὅς μοι τόδʼ εἶπεν ἐμφανῶς κατασταθείς· +Μενέλαε, κεῖται σὸς κασίγνητος θανών, +λουτροῖσιν ἀλόχου περιπεσὼν πανυστάτοις. +δακρύων δʼ ἔπλησεν ἐμέ τε καὶ ναύτας ἐμοὺς +πολλῶν. ἐπεὶ δὲ Ναυπλίας ψαύω χθονός, +ἤδη δάμαρτος ἐνθάδʼ ἐξορμωμένης, +δοκῶν Ὀρέστην παῖδα τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος +φίλαισι χερσὶ περιβαλεῖν καὶ μητέρα, +ὡς εὐτυχοῦντας, ἔκλυον ἁλιτύπων τινὸς +τῆς Τυνδαρείας παιδὸς ἀνόσιον φόνον. +καὶ νῦν ὅπου ʼστὶν εἴπατʼ, ὦ νεάνιδες, +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖς, ὃς τὰ δείνʼ ἔτλη κακά. +βρέφος γὰρ ἦν τότʼ ἐν Κλυταιμήστρας χεροῖν, +ὅτʼ ἐξέλειπον μέλαθρον ἐς Τροίαν ἰών, +ὥστʼ οὐκ ἂν αὐτὸν γνωρίσαιμʼ ἂν εἰσιδών. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὅδʼ εἴμʼ Ὀρέστης, Μενέλεως, ὃν ἱστορεῖς. +ἑκὼν ἐγώ σοι τἀμὰ μηνύσω κακά. +τῶν σῶν δὲ γονάτων πρωτόλεια θιγγάνω +ἱκέτης, ἀφύλλου στόματος ἐξάπτων λιτάς· +σῷσόν μʼ· ἀφῖξαι δʼ αὐτὸς ἐς καιρὸν κακῶν. + + + + +Μενέλαος +ὦ θεοί, τί λεύσσω; τίνα δέδορκα νερτέρων; + + + +Ὀρέστης +εὖ γʼ εἶπας· οὐ γὰρ ζῶ κακοῖς, φάος δʼ ὁρῶ. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὡς ἠγρίωσαι πλόκαμον αὐχμηρόν, τάλας. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐχ ἡ πρόσοψίς μʼ, ἀλλὰ τἄργʼ αἰκίζεται. + + + +Μενέλαος +δεινὸν δὲ λεύσσεις ὀμμάτων ξηραῖς κόραις. + + + +Ὀρέστης +τὸ σῶμα φροῦδον· τὸ δʼ ὄνομʼ οὐ λέλοιπέ μοι. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὦ παρὰ λόγον μοι σὴ φανεῖσʼ ἀμορφία. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὅδʼ εἰμὶ μητρὸς τῆς ταλαιπώρου φονεύς. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἤκουσα, φείδου δʼ· ὀλιγάκις λέγειν κακά. + + + +Ὀρέστης +φειδόμεθʼ· ὁ δαίμων δʼ ἐς ἐμὲ πλούσιος κακῶν. + + + +Μενέλαος +τί χρῆμα πάσχεις; τίς σʼ ἀπόλλυσιν νόσος; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἡ σύνεσις, ὅτι σύνοιδα δείνʼ εἰργασμένος. + + + +Μενέλαος +πῶς φῄς; σοφόν τοι τὸ σαφές, οὐ τὸ μὴ σαφές. + + + +Ὀρέστης +λύπη μάλιστά γʼ ἡ διαφθείρουσά με — + + + +Μενέλαος +δεινὴ γὰρ ἡ θεός, ἀλλʼ ὅμως ἰάσιμος. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μανίαι τε, μητρὸς αἵματος τιμωρίαι. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἤρξω δὲ λύσσης πότε; τίς ἡμέρα τότʼ ἦν; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἐν ᾗ τάλαιναν μητέρʼ ἐξώγκουν τάφῳ. + + + +Μενέλαος +πότερα κατʼ οἴκους ἢ προσεδρεύων πυρᾷ; + + + +Ὀρέστης +νυκτὸς φυλάσσων ὀστέων ἀναίρεσιν. + + + +Μενέλαος +παρῆν τις ἄλλος, ὃς σὸν ὤρθευεν δέμας; + + + +Ὀρέστης +Πυλάδης, ὁ συνδρῶν αἷμα καὶ μητρὸς φόνον. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἐκ φασμάτων δὲ τάδε νοσεῖς· ποίων ὕπο; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἔδοξʼ ἰδεῖν τρεῖς νυκτὶ προσφερεῖς κόρας. + + + +Μενέλαος +οἶδʼ ἃς ἔλεξας, ὀνομάσαι δʼ οὐ βούλομαι. + + + +Ὀρέστης +σεμναὶ γάρ· εὐπαίδευτα δʼ ἀπετρέπου λέγειν. + + + +Μενέλαος +αὗταί σε βακχεύουσι συγγενῆ φόνον; + + + +Ὀρέστης +οἴμοι διωγμῶν, οἷς ἐλαύνομαι τάλας. + + + +Μενέλαος +οὐ δεινὰ πάσχειν δεινὰ τοὺς εἰργασμένους. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἀλλʼ ἔστιν ἡμῖν ἀναφορὰ τῆς συμφορᾶς. + + + +Μενέλαος +μὴ θάνατον εἴπῃς· τοῦτο μὲν γὰρ οὐ σοφόν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +Φοῖβος, κελεύσας μητρὸς ἐκπρᾶξαι φόνον. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἀμαθέστερός γʼ ὢν τοῦ καλοῦ καὶ τῆς δίκης. + + + +Ὀρέστης +δουλεύομεν θεοῖς, ὅ τι ποτʼ εἰσὶν οἱ θεοί. + + + +Μενέλαος +κᾆτʼ οὐκ ἀμύνει Λοξίας τοῖς σοῖς κακοῖς; + + + +Ὀρέστης +μέλλει· τὸ θεῖον δʼ ἐστὶ τοιοῦτον φύσει. + + + +Μενέλαος +πόσον χρόνον δὲ μητρὸς οἴχονται πνοαί; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἕκτον τόδʼ ἦμαρ· ἔτι πυρὰ θερμὴ τάφου. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὡς ταχὺ μετῆλθόν σʼ αἷμα μητέρος θεαί. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐ σοφός, ἀληθὴς δʼ ἐς φίλους ἔφυν φίλος. + + + + +Μενέλαος +πατρὸς δὲ δή τι σʼ ὠφελεῖ τιμωρία; + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὔπω· τὸ μέλλον δʼ ἴσον ἀπραξίᾳ λέγω. + + + + +Μενέλαος +τὰ πρὸς πόλιν δὲ πῶς ἔχεις δράσας τάδε; + + + +Ὀρέστης +μισούμεθʼ οὕτως ὥστε μὴ προσεννέπειν. + + + +Μενέλαος +οὐδʼ ἥγνισαι σὸν αἷμα κατὰ νόμον χεροῖν; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἐκκλῄομαι γὰρ δωμάτων ὅποι μόλω. + + + +Μενέλαος +τίνες πολιτῶν ἐξαμιλλῶνταί σε γῆς; + + + +Ὀρέστης +Οἴαξ, τὸ Τροίας μῖσος ἀναφέρων πατρί. + + + +Μενέλαος +συνῆκα· Παλαμήδους σε τιμωρεῖ φόνου. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὗ γʼ οὐ μετῆν μοι· διὰ τριῶν δʼ ἀπόλλυμαι. + + + +Μενέλαος +τίς δʼ ἄλλος; ἦ που τῶν ἀπʼ Αἰγίσθου φίλων; + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὗτοί μʼ ὑβρίζουσʼ, ὧν πόλις τὰ νῦν κλύει. + + + +Μενέλαος +Ἀγαμέμνονος δὲ σκῆπτρʼ ἐᾷ σʼ ἔχειν πόλις; + + + +Ὀρέστης +πῶς, οἵτινες ζῆν οὐκ ἐῶσʼ ἡμᾶς ἔτι; + + + +Μενέλαος +τί δρῶντες ὅ τι καὶ σαφὲς ἔχεις εἰπεῖν ἐμοί; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ψῆφος καθʼ ἡμῶν οἴσεται τῇδʼ ἡμέρᾳ. + + + +Μενέλαος +φεύγειν πόλιν τήνδʼ; ἢ θανεῖν ἢ μὴ θανεῖν; + + + +Ὀρέστης +θανεῖν ὑπʼ ἀστῶν λευσίμῳ πετρώματι. + + + +Μενέλαος +κᾆτʼ οὐχὶ φεύγεις γῆς ὑπερβαλὼν ὅρους; + + + +Ὀρέστης +κύκλῳ γὰρ εἱλισσόμεθα παγχάλκοις ὅπλοις. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἰδίᾳ πρὸς ἐχθρῶν ἢ πρὸς Ἀργείας χερός; + + + +Ὀρέστης +πάντων πρὸς ἀστῶν, ὡς θάνω· βραχὺς λόγος. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὦ μέλεος, ἥκεις συμφορᾶς ἐς τοὔσχατον. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἐς σὲ ἐλπὶς ἡμὴ καταφυγὰς ἔχει κακῶν. +ἀλλʼ ἀθλίως πράσσουσιν εὐτυχὴς μολὼν +μετάδος φίλοισι σοῖσι σῆς εὐπραξίας, +καὶ μὴ μόνος τὸ χρηστὸν ἀπολαβὼν ἔχε, +ἀλλʼ ἀντιλάζου καὶ πόνων ἐν τῷ μέρει, +χάριτας πατρῴας ἐκτίνων ἐς οὕς σε δεῖ. +ὄνομα γάρ, ἔργον δʼ οὐκ ἔχουσιν οἱ φίλοι +οἱ μὴ ʼπὶ ταῖσι συμφοραῖς ὄντες φίλοι. + + + +Χορός +καὶ μὴν γέροντι δεῦρʼ ἁμιλλᾶται ποδὶ +ὁ Σπαρτιάτης Τυνδάρεως, μελάμπεπλος +κουρᾷ τε θυγατρὸς πενθίμῳ κεκαρμένος. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἀπωλόμην, Μενέλαε· Τυνδάρεως ὅδε +στείχει πρὸς ἡμᾶς, οὗ μάλιστʼ αἰδώς μʼ ἔχει +ἐς ὄμματʼ ἐλθεῖν τοῖσιν ἐξειργασμένοις. +καὶ γάρ μʼ ἔθρεψε σμικρὸν ὄντα, πολλὰ δὲ +φιλήματʼ ἐξέπλησε, τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος +παῖδʼ ἀγκάλαισι περιφέρων, Λήδα θʼ ἅμα, +τιμῶντέ μʼ οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἢ Διοσκόρω· +οἷς, ὦ τάλαινα καρδία ψυχή τʼ ἐμή, +ἀπέδωκʼ ἀμοιβὰς οὐ καλάς. τίνα σκότον +λάβω προσώπῳ; ποῖον ἐπίπροσθεν νέφος +θῶμαι, γέροντος ὀμμάτων φεύγων κόρας; + + + + +Τυνδάρεως +ποῦ ποῦ θυγατρὸς τῆς ἐμῆς ἴδω πόσιν, +Μενέλαον; ἐπὶ γὰρ τῷ Κλυταιμήστρας τάφῳ +χοὰς χεόμενος ἔκλυον ὡς ἐς Ναυπλίαν +ἥκοι σὺν ἀλόχῳ πολυετὴς σεσῳσμένος. +ἄγετέ με· πρὸς γὰρ δεξιὰν αὐτοῦ θέλω +στὰς ἀσπάσασθαι, χρόνιος εἰσιδὼν φίλον. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὦ πρέσβυ, χαῖρε, Ζηνὸς ὁμόλεκτρον κάρα. + + + +Τυνδάρεως +ὦ χαῖρε καὶ σύ, Μενέλεως, κήδευμʼ ἐμόν. +ἔα· τὸ μέλλον ὡς κακὸν τὸ μὴ εἰδέναι. +ὁ μητροφόντης ὅδε πρὸ δωμάτων δράκων +στίλβει νοσώδεις ἀστραπάς, στύγημʼ ἐμόν. +Μενέλαε, προσφθέγγῃ νιν, ἀνόσιον κάρα; + + + +Μενέλαος +τί γάρ; φίλου μοι πατρός ἐστιν ἔκγονος. + + + +Τυνδάρεως +κείνου γὰρ ὅδε πέφυκε, τοιοῦτος γεγώς; + + + +Μενέλαος +πέφυκεν· εἰ δὲ δυστυχεῖ, τιμητέος. + + + +Τυνδάρεως +βεβαρβάρωσαι, χρόνιος ὢν ἐν βαρβάροις. + + + +Μενέλαος +Ἑλληνικόν τοι τὸν ὁμόθεν τιμᾶν ἀεί. + + + +Τυνδάρεως +καὶ τῶν νόμων γε μὴ πρότερον εἶναι θέλειν. + + + +Μενέλαος +πᾶν τοὐξ ἀνάγκης δοῦλόν ἐστʼ ἐν τοῖς σοφοῖς. + + + +Τυνδάρεως +κέκτησό νυν σὺ τοῦτʼ, ἐγὼ δʼ οὐ κτήσομαι. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὀργὴ γὰρ ἅμα σου καὶ τὸ γῆρας οὐ σοφόν. + + + +Τυνδάρεως +πρὸς τόνδʼ ἀγὼν τίς ἀσοφίας ἥκει πέρι; +εἰ τὰ καλὰ πᾶσι φανερὰ καὶ τὰ μὴ καλά, +τούτου τίς ἀνδρῶν ἐγένετʼ ἀσυνετώτερος, +ὅστις τὸ μὲν δίκαιον οὐκ ἐσκέψατο +οὐδʼ ἦλθεν ἐπὶ τὸν κοινὸν Ἑλλήνων νόμον; +ἐπεὶ γὰρ ἐξέπνευσεν Ἀγαμέμνων βίον +πληγεὶς θυγατρὸς τῆς ἐμῆς ὑπὲρ κάρα, +αἴσχιστον ἔργον — οὐ γὰρ αἰνέσω ποτέ — +χρῆν αὐτὸν ἐπιθεῖναι μὲν αἵματος δίκην, +ὁσίαν διώκοντʼ, ἐκβαλεῖν τε δωμάτων +μητέρα· τὸ σῶφρόν τʼ ἔλαβεν ἀντὶ συμφορᾶς +καὶ τοῦ νόμου τʼ ἂν εἴχετʼ εὐσεβής τʼ ἂν ἦν. +νῦν δʼ ἐς τὸν αὐτὸν δαίμονʼ ἦλθε μητέρι. +κακὴν γὰρ αὐτὴν ἐνδίκως ἡγούμενος, +αὐτὸς κακίων μητέρʼ ἐγένετο κτανών. + +ἐρήσομαι δέ, Μενέλεως, τοσόνδε σε· +εἰ τόνδʼ ἀποκτείνειεν ὁμόλεκτρος γυνή, +χὡ τοῦδε παῖς αὖ μητέρʼ ἀνταποκτενεῖ, +κἄπειθʼ ὁ κείνου γενόμενος φόνῳ φόνον +λύσει, πέρας δὴ ποῖ κακῶν προβήσεται; +καλῶς ἔθεντο ταῦτα πατέρες οἱ πάλαι· +ἐς ὀμμάτων μὲν ὄψιν οὐκ εἴων περᾶν +οὐδʼ εἰς ἀπάντημʼ, ὅστις αἷμʼ ἔχων κυροῖ, +φυγαῖσι δʼ ὁσιοῦν, ἀνταποκτείνειν δὲ μή. +αἰεὶ γὰρ εἷς ἔμελλʼ ἐνέξεσθαι φόνῳ, +τὸ λοίσθιον μίασμα λαμβάνων χεροῖν. +ἐγὼ δὲ μισῶ μὲν γυναῖκας ἀνοσίους, +πρώτην δὲ θυγατέρʼ, ἣ πόσιν κατέκτανεν· +Ἑλένην τε, τὴν σὴν ἄλοχον, οὔποτʼ αἰνέσω +οὐδʼ ἂν προσείποιμʼ· οὐδὲ σὲ ζηλῶ, κακῆς +γυναικὸς ἐλθόνθʼ οὕνεκʼ ἐς Τροίας πέδον. +ἀμυνῶ δʼ, ὅσονπερ δυνατός εἰμι, τῷ νόμῳ, +τὸ θηριῶδες τοῦτο καὶ μιαιφόνον +παύων, ὃ καὶ γῆν καὶ πόλεις ὄλλυσʼ ἀεί. +ἐπεὶ τίνʼ εἶχες, ὦ τάλας, ψυχὴν τότε, +ὅτʼ ἐξέβαλλε μαστὸν ἱκετεύουσά σε +μήτηρ; ἐγὼ μὲν οὐκ ἰδὼν τἀκεῖ κακά, +δακρύοις γέροντʼ ὀφθαλμὸν ἐκτήκω τάλας. +ἓν δʼ οὖν λόγοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς ὁμορροθεῖ· +μισῇ γε πρὸς θεῶν καὶ τίνεις μητρὸς δίκας, +μανίαις ἀλαίνων καὶ φόβοις. τί μαρτύρων +ἄλλων ἀκούειν δεῖ μʼ, ἅ γʼ εἰσορᾶν πάρα; +ὡς οὖν ἂν εἰδῇς, Μενέλεως, τοῖσιν θεοῖς +μὴ πρᾶσσʼ ἐναντίʼ, ὠφελεῖν τοῦτον θέλων, +ἔα δʼ ὑπʼ ἀστῶν καταφονευθῆναι πέτροις, +ἢ μὴ ʼπίβαινε Σπαρτιάτιδος χθονός. +θυγάτηρ δʼ ἐμὴ θανοῦσʼ ἔπραξεν ἔνδικα· +ἀλλʼ οὐχὶ πρὸς τοῦτʼ εἰκὸς ἦν αὐτὴν θανεῖν. +ἐγὼ δὲ τἄλλα μακάριος πέφυκʼ ἀνήρ, +πλὴν ἐς θυγατέρας· τοῦτο δʼ οὐκ εὐδαιμονῶ. + + + +Χορός +ζηλωτὸς ὅστις εὐτύχησεν ἐς τέκνα +καὶ μὴ ʼπισήμους συμφορὰς ἐκτήσατο. + + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ γέρον, ἐγώ τοι πρὸς σὲ δειμαίνω λέγειν, +ὅπου σὲ μέλλω σήν τε λυπήσειν φρένα. +ἐγᾦδʼ, ἀνόσιός εἰμι μητέρα κτανών, +ὅσιος δέ γʼ ἕτερον ὄνομα, τιμωρῶν πατρί. +ἀπελθέτω δὴ τοῖς λόγοισιν ἐκποδὼν +τὸ γῆρας ἡμῖν τὸ σόν, ὅ μʼ ἐκπλήσσει λόγου, +καὶ καθʼ ὁδὸν εἶμι· νῦν δὲ σὴν ταρβῶ τρίχα. +τί χρῆν με δρᾶσαι; δύο γὰρ ἀντίθες δυοῖν· +πατὴρ μὲν ἐφύτευσέν με, σὴ δʼ ἔτικτε παῖς, +τὸ σπέρμʼ ἄρουρα παραλαβοῦσʼ ἄλλου πάρα· +ἄνευ δὲ πατρὸς τέκνον οὐκ εἴη ποτʼ ἄν. +ἐλογισάμην οὖν τῷ γένους ἀρχηγέτῃ +μᾶλλόν με φῦναι τῆς ὑποστάσης τροφάς. +ἡ σὴ δὲ θυγάτηρ — μητέρʼ αἰδοῦμαι λέγειν — +ἰδίοισιν ὑμεναίοισι κοὐχὶ σώφροσιν +ἐς ἀνδρὸς ᾔει λέκτρʼ· ἐμαυτόν, ἢν λέγω +κακῶς ἐκείνην, ἐξερῶ· λέξω δʼ ὅμως. +Αἴγισθος ἦν ὁ κρυπτὸς ἐν δόμοις πόσις. +τοῦτον κατέκτεινʼ, ἐπὶ δʼ ἔθυσα μητέρα, +ἀνόσια μὲν δρῶν, ἀλλὰ τιμωρῶν πατρί. +ἐφʼ οἷς δʼ ἀπειλεῖς ὡς πετρωθῆναί με χρή, +ἄκουσον ὡς ἅπασαν Ἑλλάδʼ ὠφελῶ. +εἰ γὰρ γυναῖκες ἐς τόδʼ ἥξουσιν θράσους, +ἄνδρας φονεύειν, καταφυγὰς ποιούμεναι +ἐς τέκνα, μαστοῖς τὸν ἔλεον θηρώμεναι, +παρʼ οὐδὲν αὐταῖς ἦν ἂν ὀλλύναι πόσεις +ἐπίκλημʼ ἐχούσαις ὅ τι τύχοι. δράσας δʼ ἐγὼ +δείνʼ, ὡς σὺ κομπεῖς, τόνδʼ ἔπαυσα τὸν νόμον. +μισῶν δὲ μητέρʼ ἐνδίκως ἀπώλεσα, +ἥτις μεθʼ ὅπλων ἄνδρʼ ἀπόντʼ ἐκ δωμάτων +πάσης ὑπὲρ γῆς Ἑλλάδος στρατηλάτην +προύδωκε κοὐκ ἔσῳσʼ ἀκήρατον λέχος· +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἁμαρτοῦσʼ ᾔσθετʼ, οὐχ αὑτῇ δίκην +ἐπέθηκεν, ἀλλʼ, ὡς μὴ δίκην δοίη πόσει, +ἐζημίωσε πατέρα κἀπέκτεινʼ ἐμόν. +πρὸς θεῶν — ἐν οὐ καλῷ μὲν ἐμνήσθην θεῶν, +φόνον δικάζων· εἰ δὲ δὴ τὰ μητέρος +σιγῶν ἐπῄνουν, τί μʼ ἂν ἔδρασʼ ὁ κατθανών; +οὐκ ἄν με μισῶν ἀνεχόρευʼ Ἐρινύσιν; +ἢ μητρὶ μὲν πάρεισι σύμμαχοι θεαί, +τῷ δʼ οὐ πάρεισι, μᾶλλον ἠδικημένῳ; +σύ τοι φυτεύσας θυγατέρʼ, ὦ γέρον, κακὴν +ἀπώλεσάς με· διὰ τὸ γὰρ κείνης θράσος +πατρὸς στερηθεὶς ἐγενόμην μητροκτόνος. + ὁρᾷς, Ὀδυσσέως ἄλοχον οὐ κατέκτανε +Τηλέμαχος· οὐ γὰρ ἐπεγάμει πόσει πόσιν, +μένει δʼ ἐν οἴκοις ὑγιὲς εὐνατήριον. + +ὁρᾷς δʼ Ἀπόλλωνʼ, ὃς μεσομφάλους ἕδρας +ναίων βροτοῖσι στόμα νέμει σαφέστατον, +ᾧ πειθόμεσθα πάνθʼ ὅσʼ ἂν κεῖνος λέγῃ· +τούτῳ πιθόμενος τὴν τεκοῦσαν ἔκτανον. +ἐκεῖνον ἡγεῖσθʼ ἀνόσιον καὶ κτείνετε· +ἐκεῖνος ἥμαρτʼ, οὐκ ἐγώ. τί χρῆν με δρᾶν; +ἢ οὐκ ἀξιόχρεως ὁ θεὸς ἀναφέροντί μοι +μίασμα λῦσαι; ποῖ τις οὖν ἔτʼ ἂν φύγοι, +εἰ μὴ ὁ κελεύσας ῥύσεταί με μὴ θανεῖν; +ἀλλʼ ὡς μὲν οὐκ εὖ μὴ λέγʼ εἴργασται τάδε, +ἡμῖν δὲ τοῖς δράσασιν οὐκ εὐδαιμόνως. + γάμοι δʼ ὅσοις μὲν εὖ καθεστᾶσιν βροτῶν, +μακάριος αἰών· οἷς δὲ μὴ πίπτουσιν εὖ, +τά τʼ ἔνδον εἰσὶ τά τε θύραζε δυστυχεῖς. + + + +Χορός +αἰεὶ γυναῖκες ἐμποδὼν ταῖς συμφοραῖς +ἔφυσαν ἀνδρῶν πρὸς τὸ δυστυχέστερον. + + + +Τυνδάρεως +ἐπεὶ θρασύνῃ κοὐχ ὑποστέλλῃ λόγῳ, +οὕτω δʼ ἀμείβῃ μʼ ὥστε μʼ ἀλγῆσαι φρένα, +μᾶλλόν μʼ ἀνάξεις ἐπὶ σὸν ἐξελθεῖν φόνον· +καλὸν πάρεργον δʼ αὐτὸ θήσομαι πόνων +ὧν εἵνεκʼ ἦλθον θυγατρὶ κοσμήσων τάφον. +μολὼν γὰρ εἰς ἔκκλητον Ἀργείων ὄχλον +ἑκοῦσαν οὐχ ἑκοῦσαν ἐπισείσω πόλιν +σοὶ σῇ τʼ ἀδελφῇ, λεύσιμον δοῦναι δίκην. +μᾶλλον δʼ ἐκείνη σοῦ θανεῖν ἐστʼ ἀξία, +ἣ τῇ τεκούσῃ σʼ ἠγρίωσʼ, ἐς οὖς ἀεὶ +πέμπουσα μύθους ἐπὶ τὸ δυσμενέστερον, +ὀνείρατʼ ἀγγέλλουσα τὰ Ἀγαμέμνονος, +καὶ τοῦθʼ — ὃ μισήσειαν — Αἰγίσθου λέχος — +οἱ νέρτεροι θεοί· καὶ γὰρ ἐνθάδʼ ἦν πικρόν· +ἕως ὑφῆψε δῶμʼ ἀνηφαίστῳ πυρί. +Μενέλαε, σοὶ δὲ τάδε λέγω δράσω τε πρός· +εἰ τοὐμὸν ἔχθος ἐναριθμῇ κῆδός τʼ ἐμόν, +μὴ τῷδʼ ἀμύνειν φόνον ἐναντίον θεοῖς· +ἔα δʼ ὑπʼ ἀστῶν καταφονευθῆναι πέτροις, +ἢ μὴ ʼπίβαινε Σπαρτιάτιδος χθονός. +τοσαῦτʼ ἀκούσας ἴσθι, μηδὲ δυσσεβεῖς +ἕλῃ, παρώσας εὐσεβεστέρους φίλους· +ἡμᾶς δʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων ἄγετε τῶνδε, πρόσπολοι. + + + +Ὀρέστης +στεῖχʼ, ὡς ἀθορύβως οὑπιὼν ἡμῖν λόγος +πρὸς τόνδʼ ἵκηται, γῆρας ἀποφυγὼν τὸ σόν. + Μενέλαε, ποῖ σὸν πόδʼ ἐπὶ συννοίᾳ κυκλεῖς, +διπλῆς μερίμνης διπτύχους ἰὼν ὁδούς; + + + +Μενέλαος +ἔασον· ἐν ἐμαυτῷ τι συννοούμενος +ὅποι τράπωμαι τῆς τύχης ἀμηχανῶ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μή νυν πέραινε τὴν δόκησιν, ἀλλʼ ἐμοὺς +λόγους ἀκούσας πρόσθε, βουλεύου τότε. + + + +Μενέλαος +λέγʼ· εὖ γὰρ εἶπας· ἔστι δʼ οὗ σιγὴ λόγου +κρείσσων γένοιτʼ ἄν. ἔστι δʼ οὗ σιγῆς λόγος. + + + + +Ὀρέστης +λέγοιμʼ ἂν ἤδη. τὰ μακρὰ τῶν σμικρῶν λόγων +ἐπίπροσθέν ἐστι καὶ σαφῆ μᾶλλον κλύειν. +ἐμοὶ σὺ τῶν σῶν, Μενέλεως, μηδὲν δίδου, +ἃ δʼ ἔλαβες ἀπόδος πατρὸς ἐμοῦ λαβὼν πάρα. +— οὐ χρήματʼ εἶπον· χρήματʼ, ἢν ψυχὴν ἐμὴν +σῴσῃς, ἅπερ μοι φίλτατʼ ἐστὶ τῶν ἐμῶν. — +ἀδικῶ· λαβεῖν χρή μʼ ἀντὶ τοῦδε τοῦ κακοῦ +ἄδικόν τι παρὰ σοῦ· καὶ γὰρ Ἀγαμέμνων πατὴρ +ἀδίκως ἀθροίσας Ἑλλάδʼ ἦλθʼ ὑπʼ Ἴλιον, +οὐκ ἐξαμαρτὼν αὐτός, ἀλλʼ ἁμαρτίαν +τῆς σῆς γυναικὸς ἀδικίαν τʼ ἰώμενος. +ἓν μὲν τόδʼ ἡμῖν ἀνθʼ ἑνὸς δοῦναί σε χρή. +ἀπέδοτο δʼ, ὡς χρὴ τοῖς φίλοισι τοὺς φίλους, +τὸ σῶμʼ ἀληθῶς, σοὶ παρʼ ἀσπίδʼ ἐκπονῶν, +ὅπως σὺ τὴν σὴν ἀπολάβοις ξυνάορον. +ἀπότεισον οὖν μοι ταὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖ λαβών, +μίαν πονήσας ἡμέραν, ἡμῶν ὕπερ +σωτήριος στάς, μὴ δέκʼ ἐκπλήσας ἔτη. +ἃ δʼ Αὐλὶς ἔλαβε σφάγιʼ ἐμῆς ὁμοσπόρου, +ἐῶ σʼ ἔχειν ταῦθʼ· Ἑρμιόνην μὴ κτεῖνε σύ. +δεῖ γὰρ σʼ ἐμοῦ πράσσοντος ὡς πράσσω τὰ νῦν +πλέον φέρεσθαι, κἀμὲ συγγνώμην ἔχειν. +ψυχὴν δʼ ἐμὴν δὸς τῷ ταλαιπώρῳ πατρὶ +κἀμῆς ἀδελφῆς, παρθένου μακρὸν χρόνον· +θανὼν γὰρ οἶκον ὀρφανὸν λείψω πατρός. +ἐρεῖς· ἀδύνατον. αὐτὸ τοῦτο· τοὺς φίλους +ἐν τοῖς κακοῖς χρὴ τοῖς φίλοισιν ὠφελεῖν· +ὅταν δʼ ὁ δαίμων εὖ διδῷ, τί δεῖ φίλων; +ἀρκεῖ γὰρ αὐτὸς ὁ θεὸς ὠφελεῖν θέλων. +φιλεῖν δάμαρτα πᾶσιν Ἕλλησιν δοκεῖς· +κοὐχ ὑποτρέχων σε τοῦτο θωπείᾳ λέγω· +ταύτης ἱκνοῦμαί σʼ — ὦ μέλεος ἐμῶν κακῶν, +ἐς οἷον ἥκω. τί δέ; ταλαιπωρεῖν με δεῖ· +ὑπὲρ γὰρ οἴκου παντὸς ἱκετεύω τάδε. +ὦ πατρὸς ὅμαιμε θεῖε, τὸν κατὰ χθονὸς +θανόντʼ ἀκούειν τάδε δόκει, ποτωμένην +ψυχὴν ὑπὲρ σοῦ, καὶ λέγειν ἃ ἐγὼ λέγω, +ταὔτʼ ἔς τε δάκρυα καὶ γόους καὶ συμφοράς. + εἴρηκα κἀπῄτηκα τὴν σωτηρίαν, +θηρῶν ὃ πάντες κοὐκ ἐγὼ ζητῶ μόνος. + + + +Χορός +κἀγώ σʼ ἱκνοῦμαι καὶ γυνή περ οὖσʼ ὅμως +τοῖς δεομένοισιν ὠφελεῖν· οἷός τε δʼ εἶ. + + + + +Μενέλαος +Ὀρέστʼ, ἐγώ τοι σὸν καταιδοῦμαι κάρα +καὶ ξυμπονῆσαι σοῖς κακοῖσι βούλομαι· +καὶ χρὴ γὰρ οὕτω τῶν ὁμαιμόνων κακὰ +ξυνεκκομίζειν, δύναμιν ἢν διδῷ θεός, +θνῄσκοντα καὶ κτείνοντα τοὺς ἐναντίους· +τὸ δʼ αὖ δύνασθαι πρὸς θεῶν χρῄζω τυχεῖν. +ἥκω γὰρ ἀνδρῶν συμμάχων κενὸν δόρυ +ἔχων, πόνοισι μυρίοις ἀλώμενος, +σμικρᾷ σὺν ἀλκῇ τῶν λελειμμένων φίλων. +μάχῃ μὲν οὖν ἂν οὐχ ὑπερβαλοίμεθα +Πελασγὸν Ἄργος· εἰ δὲ μαλθακοῖς λόγοις +δυναίμεθʼ, ἐνταῦθʼ ἐλπίδος προσήκομεν. +σμικροῖσι μὲν γὰρ μεγάλα πῶς ἕλοι τις ἄν; + +πόνοισιν; ἀμαθὲς καὶ τὸ βούλεσθαι τάδε. +ὅταν γὰρ ἡβᾷ δῆμος εἰς ὀργὴν πεσών, +ὅμοιον ὥστε πῦρ κατασβέσαι λάβρον· +εἰ δʼ ἡσύχως τις αὑτὸν ἐντείνοντι μὲν +χαλῶν ὑπείκοι καιρὸν εὐλαβούμενος, +ἴσως ἂν ἐκπνεύσειεν· ἢν δʼ ἀνῇ πνοάς, +τύχοις ἂν αὐτοῦ ῥᾳδίως ὅσον θέλεις. +ἔνεστι δʼ οἶκτος, ἔνι δὲ καὶ θυμὸς μέγας, +καραδοκοῦντι κτῆμα τιμιώτατον. +ἐλθὼν δὲ Τυνδάρεών τέ σοι πειράσομαι +πόλιν τε πεῖσαι τῷ λίαν χρῆσθαι καλῶς. +καὶ ναῦς γὰρ ἐνταθεῖσα πρὸς βίαν ποδὶ +ἔβαψεν, ἔστη δʼ αὖθις, ἢν χαλᾷ πόδα. +μισεῖ γὰρ ὁ θεὸς τὰς ἄγαν προθυμίας, +μισοῦσι δʼ ἀστοί· δεῖ δέ μʼ — οὐκ ἄλλως λέγω — +σῴζειν σε σοφίᾳ, μὴ βίᾳ τῶν κρεισσόνων. +ἀλκῇ δέ σʼ οὐκ ἄν, ᾗ σὺ δοξάζεις ἴσως, +σῴσαιμʼ ἄν· οὐ γὰρ ῥᾴδιον λόγχῃ μιᾷ +στῆσαι τροπαῖα τῶν κακῶν ἅ σοι πάρα. +οὐ γάρ ποτʼ Ἄργους γαῖαν ἐς τὸ μαλθακὸν +προσηγόμεσθα· νῦν δʼ ἀναγκαίως ἔχει. +δούλοισιν εἶναι τοῖς σοφοῖσι τῆς τύχης + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ πλὴν γυναικὸς οὕνεκα στρατηλατεῖν +τἄλλʼ οὐδέν, ὦ κάκιστε τιμωρεῖν φίλοις, +φεύγεις ἀποστραφείς με, τὰ δʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος +φροῦδʼ; ἄφιλος ἦσθʼ ἄρʼ, ὦ πάτερ, πράσσων κακῶς. +οἴμοι, προδέδομαι, κοὐκέτʼ εἰσὶν ἐλπίδες, +ὅποι τραπόμενος θάνατον Ἀργείων φύγω· +οὗτος γὰρ ἦν μοι καταφυγὴ σωτηρίας. +ἀλλʼ εἰσορῶ γὰρ τόνδε φίλτατον βροτῶν +Πυλάδην δρόμῳ στείχοντα Φωκέων ἄπο, +ἡδεῖαν ὄψιν· πιστὸς ἐν κακοῖς ἀνὴρ +κρείσσων γαλήνης ναυτίλοισιν εἰσορᾶν. + +
+ + +
+ +Πυλάδης +θᾶσσον ᾗ με χρῆν προβαίνων ἱκόμην διʼ ἄστεως, +σύλλογον πόλεως ἀκούσας, τὸν δʼ ἰδὼν αὐτὸς σαφῶς, +ἐπὶ σὲ σύγγονόν τε τὴν σήν, ὡς κτενοῦντας αὐτίκα. +τί τάδε; πῶς ἔχεις; τί πράσσεις, φίλταθʼ ἡλίκων ἐμοὶ +καὶ φίλων καὶ συγγενείας; πάντα γὰρ τάδʼ εἶ σύ μοι. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οἰχόμεσθʼ, ὡς ἐν βραχεῖ σοι τἀμὰ δηλώσω κακά. + + + +Πυλάδης +συγκατασκάπτοις ἂν ἡμᾶς· κοινὰ γὰρ τὰ τῶν φίλων. + + + +Ὀρέστης +Μενέλεως κάκιστος ἐς ἐμὲ καὶ κασιγνήτην ἐμήν. + + + +Πυλάδης +εἰκότως, κακῆς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα γίγνεσθαι κακόν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὥσπερ οὐκ ἐλθὼν ἔμοιγε ταὐτὸν ἀπέδωκεν μολών. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἦ γάρ ἐστιν ὡς ἀληθῶς τήνδʼ ἀφιγμένος χθόνα; + + + +Ὀρέστης +χρόνιος· ἀλλʼ ὅμως τάχιστα κακὸς ἐφωράθη φίλοις. + + + +Πυλάδης +καὶ δάμαρτα τὴν κακίστην ναυστολῶν ἐλήλυθεν; + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἐκεῖνος, ἀλλʼ ἐκείνη κεῖνον ἐνθάδʼ ἤγαγεν. + + + +Πυλάδης +ποῦ ʼστιν ἣ πλείστους Ἀχαιῶν ὤλεσεν γυνὴ μία; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἐν δόμοις ἐμοῖσιν, εἰ δὴ τούσδʼ ἐμοὺς καλεῖν χρεών. + + + +Πυλάδης +σὺ δὲ τίνας λόγους ἔλεξας σοῦ κασιγνήτῳ πατρός; + + + +Ὀρέστης +μή μʼ ἰδεῖν θανόνθʼ ὑπʼ ἀστῶν καὶ κασιγνήτην ἐμήν. + + + +Πυλάδης +πρὸς θεῶν, τί πρὸς τάδʼ εἶπε; τόδε γὰρ εἰδέναι θέλω. + + + +Ὀρέστης +εὐλαβεῖθʼ, ὃ τοῖς φίλοισι δρῶσιν οἱ κακοὶ φίλοι. + + + +Πυλάδης +σκῆψιν ἐς ποίαν προβαίνων; τοῦτο πάντʼ ἔχω μαθών. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὗτος ἦλθʼ, ὁ τὰς ἀρίστας θυγατέρας σπείρας πατήρ. + + + +Πυλάδης +Τυνδάρεων λέγεις· ἴσως σοι θυγατέρος θυμούμενος; + + + +Ὀρέστης +αἰσθάνῃ. τὸ τοῦδε κῆδος μᾶλλον εἵλετʼ ἢ πατρός. + + + +Πυλάδης +κοὐκ ἐτόλμησεν πόνων σῶν ἀντιλάζυσθαι παρών; + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐ γὰρ αἰχμητὴς πέφυκεν, ἐν γυναιξὶ δʼ ἄλκιμος. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἐν κακοῖς ἄρʼ εἶ μεγίστοις· καί σʼ ἀναγκαῖον θανεῖν; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ψῆφον ἀμφʼ ἡμῶν πολίτας ἐπὶ φόνῳ θέσθαι χρεών. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἣ κρινεῖ τί χρῆμα; λέξον· διὰ φόβου γὰρ ἔρχομαι. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἢ θανεῖν ἢ ζῆν· ὁ μῦθος οὐ μακρὸς μακρῶν πέρι. + + + +Πυλάδης +φεῦγέ νυν λιπὼν μέλαθρα σὺν κασιγνήτῃ σέθεν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐχ ὁρᾷς; φυλασσόμεσθα φρουρίοισι πανταχῇ. + + + +Πυλάδης +εἶδον ἄστεως ἀγυιὰς τεύχεσιν πεφραγμένας. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὡσπερεὶ πόλις πρὸς ἐχθρῶν σῶμα πυργηρούμεθα. + + + + +Πυλάδης +κἀμὲ νῦν ἐροῦ τί πάσχω· καὶ γὰρ αὐτὸς οἴχομαι. + + + +Ὀρέστης +πρὸς τίνος; τοῦτʼ ἂν προσείη τοῖς ἐμοῖς κακοῖς κακόν. + + + +Πυλάδης +Στρόφιος ἤλασέν μʼ ἀπʼ οἴκων φυγάδα θυμωθεὶς πατήρ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἴδιον ἢ κοινὸν πολίταις ἐπιφέρων ἔγκλημά τι; + + + +Πυλάδης +ὅτι συνηράμην φόνον σοι μητρός, ἀνόσιον λέγων. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ τάλας, ἔοικε καὶ σὲ τἀμὰ λυπήσειν κακά. + + + +Πυλάδης +οὐχὶ Μενέλεω τρόποισι χρώμεθʼ· οἰστέον τάδε. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐ φοβῇ μή σʼ Ἄργος ὥσπερ κἄμʼ ἀποκτεῖναι θέλῃ; + + + +Πυλάδης +οὐ προσήκομεν κολάζειν τοῖσδε, Φωκέων δὲ γῇ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +δεινὸν οἱ πολλοί, κακούργους ὅταν ἔχωσι προστάτας. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἀλλʼ ὅταν χρηστοὺς λάβωσι, χρηστὰ βουλεύουσʼ ἀεί. + + + +Ὀρέστης +εἶἑν. ἐς κοινὸν λέγειν χρή. + + + +Πυλάδης +τίνος ἀναγκαίου πέρι; + + + +Ὀρέστης +εἰ λέγοιμʼ ἀστοῖσιν ἐλθὼν — + + + +Πυλάδης +ὡς ἔδρασας ἔνδικα; + + + +Ὀρέστης +πατρὶ τιμωρῶν ἐμαυτοῦ; + + + +Πυλάδης +μὴ λάβωσί σʼ ἄσμενοι. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἀλλʼ ὑποπτήξας σιωπῇ κατθάνω; + + + +Πυλάδης +δειλὸν τόδε. + + + +Ὀρέστης +πῶς ἂν οὖν δρῴην; + + + +Πυλάδης +ἔχεις τινʼ, ἢν μένῃς, σωτηρίαν; + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἔχω. + + + +Πυλάδης +μολόντι δʼ ἐλπίς ἐστι σωθῆναι κακῶν; + + + +Ὀρέστης +εἰ τύχοι, γένοιτʼ ἄν. + + + +Πυλάδης +οὐκοῦν τοῦτο κρεῖσσον ἢ μένειν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἀλλὰ δῆτʼ ἔλθω. + + + +Πυλάδης +θανὼν γοῦν ὧδε κάλλιον θανῇ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +εὖ λέγεις· φεύγω τὸ δειλὸν τῇδε. + + + +Πυλάδης +μᾶλλον ἢ μένων. + + + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ τὸ πρᾶγμά γʼ ἔνδικόν μοι. + + + +Πυλάδης +τῷ Δοκεῖν εὔχου μόνον. + + + +Ὀρέστης +καί τις ἄν γέ μʼ οἰκτίσειε + + + + +Πυλάδης +μέγα γὰρ ἡ εὐγένειά σου. + + + +Ὀρέστης +θάνατον ἀσχάλλων πατρῷον. + + + +Πυλάδης +πάντα ταῦτʼ ἐν ὄμμασιν. + + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἰτέον, ὡς ἄνανδρον ἀκλεῶς κατθανεῖν. + + + +Πυλάδης +αἰνῶ τάδε. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἦ λέγωμεν οὖν ἀδελφῇ ταῦτʼ ἐμῇ; + + + +Πυλάδης +μὴ πρὸς θεῶν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +δάκρυα γοῦν γένοιτʼ ἄν. + + + +Πυλάδης +οὐκοῦν οὗτος οἰωνὸς μέγας. + + + +Ὀρέστης +δηλαδὴ σιγᾶν ἄμεινον. + + + +Πυλάδης +τῷ χρόνῳ δὲ κερδανεῖς. + + + +Ὀρέστης +κεῖνό μοι μόνον πρόσαντες. + + + +Πυλάδης +τί τόδε καινὸν αὖ λέγεις; + + + +Ὀρέστης +μὴ θεαί μʼ οἴστρῳ κατάσχωσι. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἀλλὰ κηδεύσω σʼ ἐγώ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +δυσχερὲς ψαύειν νοσοῦντος ἀνδρός. + + + +Πυλάδης +οὐκ ἔμοιγε σοῦ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +εὐλαβοῦ λύσσης μετασχεῖν τῆς ἐμῆς. + + + +Πυλάδης +τόδʼ οὖν ἴτω. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἄρʼ ὀκνήσεις; + + + +Πυλάδης +ὄκνος γὰρ τοῖς φίλοις κακὸν μέγα. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἕρπε νυν οἴαξ ποδός μοι. + + + +Πυλάδης +φίλα γʼ ἔχων κηδεύματα. + + + +Ὀρέστης +καί με πρὸς τύμβον πόρευσον πατρός. + + + +Πυλάδης +ὡς τί δὴ τόδε; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὥς νιν ἱκετεύσω με σῶσαι. + + + +Πυλάδης +τό γε δίκαιον ὧδʼ ἔχει. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μητέρος δὲ μηδʼ ἴδοιμι μνῆμα. + + + +Πυλάδης +πολεμία γὰρ ἦν. +ἀλλʼ ἔπειγʼ, ὡς μή σε πρόσθε ψῆφος Ἀργείων ἕλῃ, +περιβαλὼν πλευροῖς ἐμοῖσι πλευρὰ νωχελῆ νόσῳ· +ὡς ἐγὼ διʼ ἄστεώς σε, σμικρὰ φροντίζων ὄχλου, +οὐδὲν αἰσχυνθεὶς ὀχήσω. ποῦ γὰρ ὢν δείξω φίλος, +εἴ σε μὴ ʼν δειναῖσιν ὄντα συμφοραῖς ἐπαρκέσω; + + + +Ὀρέστης +τοῦτʼ ἐκεῖνο, κτᾶσθʼ ἑταίρους, μὴ τὸ συγγενὲς μόνον· +ὡς ἀνὴρ ὅστις τρόποισι συντακῇ, θυραῖος ὢν +μυρίων κρείσσων ὁμαίμων ἀνδρὶ κεκτῆσθαι φίλος. + +
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+ +Χορός +ὁ μέγας ὄλβος ἅ τʼ ἀρετὰ +μέγα φρονοῦσʼ ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδα καὶ +παρὰ Σιμουντίοις ὀχετοῖς +πάλιν ἀνῆλθʼ ἐξ εὐτυχίας Ἀτρείδαις +πάλαι παλαιᾶς ἀπὸ συμφορᾶς δόμων, +ὁπότε χρυσείας ἔρις ἀρνὸς +ἤλυθε Τανταλίδαις, +οἰκτρότατα θοινάματα καὶ +σφάγια γενναίων τεκέων· +ὅθεν φόνῳ φόνος ἐξαμεί- +βων διʼ αἵματος οὐ προλεί- +πει δισσοῖσιν Ἀτρείδαις. + +
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+ +Χορός +τὸ καλὸν οὐ καλόν, τοκέων +πυριγενεῖ τεμεῖν παλάμᾳ +χρόα μελάνδετον δὲ φόνῳ +ξίφος ἐς αὐγὰς ἀελίοιο δεῖξαι· +τὸ δʼ εὖ κακουργεῖν ἀσέβεια ποικίλα +κακοφρόνων τʼ ἀνδρῶν παράνοια. +θανάτου γὰρ ἀμφὶ φόβῳ +Τυνδαρὶς ἰάχησε τάλαι- +να· Τέκνον, οὐ τολμᾷς ὅσια +κτείνων σὰν ματέρα· μὴ πατρῴ- +αν τιμῶν χάριν ἐξανά- +ψῃ δύσκλειαν ἐς αἰεί. + +
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+ +Χορός +τίς νόσος ἢ τίνα δάκρυα καὶ +τίς ἔλεος μείζων κατὰ γᾶν +ἢ ματροκτόνον αἷμα χειρὶ θέσθαι; +οἷον ἔργον τελέσας +βεβάκχευται μανίαις, +Εὐμενίσι θήραμα, φόνον +δρομάσι δινεύων βλεφάροις, +Ἀγαμεμνόνιος παῖς. +ὦ μέλεος, ματρὸς ὅτε +χρυσεοπηνήτων φαρέων +μαστὸν ὑπερτέλλοντʼ ἐσιδὼν +σφάγιον ἔθετο ματέρα, πατρῴ- +ων παθέων ἀμοιβάν. + +
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+ +Ἠλέκτρα +γυναῖκες, ἦ που τῶνδʼ ἀφώρμηται δόμων +τλήμων Ὀρέστης θεομανεῖ λύσσῃ δαμείς; + + + +Χορός +ἥκιστα· πρὸς δʼ Ἀργεῖον οἴχεται λεών, +ψυχῆς ἀγῶνα τὸν προκείμενον πέρι +δώσων, ἐν ᾧ ζῆν ἢ θανεῖν ὑμᾶς χρεών. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οἴμοι· τί χρῆμʼ ἔδρασε; τίς δʼ ἔπεισέ νιν; + + + +Χορός +Πυλάδης· ἔοικε δʼ οὐ μακρὰν ὅδʼ ἄγγελος +λέξειν τὰ κεῖθεν σοῦ κασιγνήτου πέρι. + + + +Ἄγγελος +ὦ τλῆμον, ὦ δύστηνε τοῦ στρατηλάτου +Ἀγαμέμνονος παῖ, πότνιʼ Ἠλέκτρα, λόγους +ἄκουσον οὕς σοι δυστυχεῖς ἥκω φέρων. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +αἰαῖ, διοιχόμεσθα· δῆλος εἶ λόγῳ. +κακῶν γὰρ ἥκεις, ὡς ἔοικεν, ἄγγελος. + + + +Ἄγγελος +ψήφῳ Πελασγῶν σὸν κασίγνητον θανεῖν +καὶ σέ, ὦ τάλαινʼ, ἔδοξε τῇδʼ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οἴμοι· προσῆλθεν ἐλπίς, ἣν φοβουμένη +πάλαι τὸ μέλλον ἐξετηκόμην γόοις. +ἀτὰρ τίς ἁγών, τίνες ἐν Ἀργείοις λόγοι +καθεῖλον ἡμᾶς κἀπεκύρωσαν θανεῖν; +λέγʼ, ὦ γεραιέ· πότερα λευσίμῳ χερὶ +ἢ διὰ σιδήρου πνεῦμʼ ἀπορρῆξαί με δεῖ, +κοινὰς ἀδελφῷ συμφορὰς κεκτημένην; + + + + +Ἄγγελος +ἐτύγχανον μὲν ἀγρόθεν πυλῶν ἔσω +βαίνων, πυθέσθαι δεόμενος τά τʼ ἀμφὶ σοῦ +τά τʼ ἀμφʼ Ὀρέστου· σῷ γὰρ εὔνοιαν πατρὶ +ἀεί ποτʼ εἶχον, καί μʼ ἔφερβε σὸς δόμος +πένητα μέν, χρῆσθαι δὲ γενναῖον φίλοις. +ὁρῶ δʼ ὄχλον στείχοντα καὶ θάσσοντʼ ἄκραν, +οὗ φασι πρῶτον Δαναὸν Αἰγύπτῳ δίκας +διδόντʼ ἀθροῖσαι λαὸν ἐς κοινὰς ἕδρας. +ἀστῶν δὲ δή τινʼ ἠρόμην ἄθροισμʼ ἰδών· +Τί καινὸν Ἄργει; μῶν τι πολεμίων πάρα +ἄγγελμʼ ἀνεπτέρωκε Δαναϊδῶν πόλιν; +ὃ δʼ εἶπʼ· Ὀρέστην κεῖνον οὐχ ὁρᾷς πέλας +στείχοντʼ, ἀγῶνα θανάσιμον δραμούμενον; +ὁρῶ δʼ ἄελπτον φάσμʼ, ὃ μήποτʼ ὤφελον, +Πυλάδην τε καὶ σὸν σύγγονον στείχονθʼ ὁμοῦ, +τὸν μὲν κατηφῆ καὶ παρειμένον νόσῳ, +τὸν δʼ ὥστʼ ἀδελφὸν ἴσα φίλῳ λυπούμενον, +νόσημα κηδεύοντα παιδαγωγίᾳ. +ἐπεὶ δὲ πλήρης ἐγένετʼ Ἀργείων ὄχλος, +κῆρυξ ἀναστὰς εἶπε· Τίς χρῄζει λέγειν, +πότερον Ὀρέστην κατθανεῖν ἢ μὴ χρεών, +μητροκτονοῦντα; κἀπὶ τῷδʼ ἀνίσταται +Ταλθύβιος, ὃς σῷ πατρὶ συνεπόρθει Φρύγας. +ἔλεξε δʼ, ὑπὸ τοῖς δυναμένοισιν ὢν ἀεί, +διχόμυθα, πατέρα μὲν σὸν ἐκπαγλούμενος, +σὸν δʼ οὐκ ἐπαινῶν σύγγονον, καλοὺς κακοὺς +λόγους ἑλίσσων, ὅτι καθισταίη νόμους +ἐς τοὺς τεκόντας οὐ καλούς· τὸ δʼ ὄμμʼ ἀεὶ +φαιδρωπὸν ἐδίδου τοῖσιν Αἰγίσθου φίλοις. + τὸ γὰρ γένος τοιοῦτον· ἐπὶ τὸν εὐτυχῆ +πηδῶσʼ ἀεὶ κήρυκες· ὅδε δʼ αὐτοῖς φίλος, +ὃς ἂν δύνηται πόλεος ἔν τʼ ἀρχαῖσιν ᾖ. + + +ἐπὶ τῷδε δʼ ἠγόρευε Διομήδης ἄναξ. +οὗτος κτανεῖν μὲν οὔτε σὲ οὔτε σύγγονον +εἴα, φυγῇ δὲ ζημιοῦντας εὐσεβεῖν. +ἐπερρόθησαν δʼ οἳ μὲν ὡς καλῶς λέγοι, +οἳ δʼ οὐκ ἐπῄνουν. κἀπὶ τῷδʼ ἀνίσταται +ἀνήρ τις ἀθυρόγλωσσος, ἰσχύων θράσει, +Ἀργεῖος οὐκ Ἀργεῖος, ἠναγκασμένος, +θορύβῳ τε πίσυνος κἀμαθεῖ παρρησίᾳ, +πιθανὸς ἔτʼ αὐτοὺς περιβαλεῖν κακῷ τινι· +ὅταν γὰρ ἡδύς τις λόγοις φρονῶν κακῶς +πείθῃ τὸ πλῆθος, τῇ πόλει κακὸν μέγα· +ὅσοι δὲ σὺν νῷ χρηστὰ βουλεύουσʼ ἀεί, + +κἂν μὴ παραυτίκʼ, αὖθίς εἰσι χρήσιμοι +πόλει. θεᾶσθαι δʼ ὧδε χρὴ τὸν προστάτην +ἰδόνθʼ· ὅμοιον γὰρ τὸ χρῆμα γίγνεται +τῷ τοὺς λόγους λέγοντι καὶ τιμωμένῳ. +ὃς εἶπʼ Ὀρέστην καὶ σὲ ἀποκτεῖναι πέτροις +βάλλοντας· ὑπὸ δʼ ἔτεινε Τυνδάρεως λόγους +τῷ σφὼ κατακτείνοντι τοιούτους λέγειν. +ἄλλος δʼ ἀναστὰς ἔλεγε τῷδʼ ἐναντία, +μορφῇ μὲν οὐκ εὐωπός, ἀνδρεῖος δʼ ἀνήρ, +ὀλιγάκις ἄστυ κἀγορᾶς χραίνων κύκλον, +αὐτουργός — οἵπερ καὶ μόνοι σῴζουσι γῆν — +ξυνετὸς δέ, χωρεῖν ὁμόσε τοῖς λόγοις θέλων, +ἀκέραιος, ἀνεπίπληκτον ἠσκηκὼς βίον· +ὃς εἶπʼ Ὀρέστην παῖδα τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος +στεφανοῦν, ὃς ἠθέλησε τιμωρεῖν πατρί, +κακὴν γυναῖκα κἄθεον κατακτανών, +ἣ κεῖνʼ ἀφῄρει, μήθʼ ὁπλίζεσθαι χέρα +μήτε στρατεύειν ἐκλιπόντα δώματα, +εἰ τἄνδον οἰκουρήμαθʼ οἱ λελειμμένοι +φθείρουσιν, ἀνδρῶν εὔνιδας λωβώμενοι. +καὶ τοῖς γε χρηστοῖς εὖ λέγειν ἐφαίνετο. + +κοὐδεὶς ἔτʼ εἶπε. σὸς δʼ ἐπῆλθε σύγγονος, +ἔλεξε δʼ· ὦ γῆν Ἰνάχου κεκτημένοι, +πάλαι Πελασγοί, Δαναΐδαι δεύτερον, +ὑμῖν ἀμύνων οὐδὲν ἧσσον ἢ πατρὶ +ἔκτεινα μητέρʼ. εἰ γὰρ ἀρσένων φόνος +ἔσται γυναιξὶν ὅσιος, οὐ φθάνοιτʼ ἔτʼ ἂν +θνῄσκοντες, ἢ γυναιξὶ δουλεύειν χρεών· +τοὐναντίον δὲ δράσετʼ ἢ δρᾶσαι χρεών. +νῦν μὲν γὰρ ἡ προδοῦσα λέκτρʼ ἐμοῦ πατρὸς +τέθνηκεν· εἰ δὲ δὴ κατακτενεῖτʼ ἐμέ, +ὁ νόμος ἀνεῖται, κοὐ φθάνοι θνῄσκων τις ἄν· +ὡς τῆς γε τόλμης οὐ σπάνις γενήσεται. +ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔπειθʼ ὅμιλον, εὖ δοκῶν λέγειν. +νικᾷ δʼ ἐκεῖνος ὁ κακὸς ἐν πλήθει λέγων, +ὃς ἠγόρευσε σύγγονον σέ τε κτανεῖν. +μόλις δʼ ἔπεισε μὴ πετρουμένους θανεῖν +τλήμων Ὀρέστης· αὐτόχειρι δὲ σφαγῇ +ὑπέσχετʼ ἐν τῇδʼ ἡμέρᾳ λείψειν βίον +σὺν σοί. πορεύει δʼ αὐτὸν ἐκκλήτων ἄπο +Πυλάδης δακρύων· σὺν δʼ ὁμαρτοῦσιν φίλοι +κλαίοντες, οἰκτίροντες· ἔρχεται δέ σοι +πικρὸν θέαμα καὶ πρόσοψις ἀθλία. + ἀλλʼ εὐτρέπιζε φάσγανʼ ἢ βρόχον δέρῃ· +ὡς δεῖ λιπεῖν σε φέγγος· ἡ εὐγένεια δὲ +οὐδέν σʼ ἐπωφέλησεν, οὐδʼ ὁ Πύθιος +τρίποδα καθίζων Φοῖβος, ἀλλʼ ἀπώλεσεν. + + + + +Χορός + +ὦ δυστάλαινα παρθένʼ, ὡς ξυνηρεφὲς +πρόσωπον εἰς γῆν σὸν βαλοῦσʼ ἄφθογγος εἶ, +ὡς εἰς στεναγμοὺς καὶ γόους δραμουμένη.] + +
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+ +Ἠλέκτρα +κατάρχομαι στεναγμόν, ὦ Πελασγία, +τιθεῖσα λευκὸν ὄνυχα διὰ παρηίδων, +αἱματηρὸν ἄταν, +κτύπον τε κρατός, ὃν ἔλαχʼ ἁ κατὰ χθονὸς +νερτέρων Περσέφασσα καλλίπαις θεά. +ἰαχείτω δὲ γᾶ Κυκλωπία, +σίδαρον ἐπὶ κάρα τιθεῖσα κούριμον, +πήματʼ οἴκων. +ἔλεος ἔλεος ὅδʼ ἔρχεται +τῶν θανουμένων ὕπερ, +στρατηλατᾶν Ἑλλάδος ποτʼ ὄντων. + +
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+ +Ἠλέκτρα +βέβακε γὰρ βέβακεν, οἴχεται τέκνων +πρόπασα γέννα Πέλοπος ὅ τʼ ἐπὶ μακαρίοις +ζῆλος ὤν ποτʼ οἴκοις· +φθόνος νιν εἷλε θεόθεν, ἅ τε δυσμενὴς +φοινία ψῆφος ἐν πολίταις. +ἰὼ ἰώ, πανδάκρυτʼ ἐφαμέρων +ἔθνη πολύπονα, λεύσσεθʼ, ὡς παρʼ ἐλπίδας +μοῖρα βαίνει. +ἕτερα δʼ ἕτερος ἀμείβεται +πήματʼ ἐν χρόνῳ μακρῷ· +βροτῶν δʼ ὁ πᾶς ἀστάθμητος αἰών. + +
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+ +Ἠλέκτρα +μόλοιμι τὰν οὐρανοῦ +μέσον χθονός τε τεταμέναν +αἰωρήμασι πέτραν, +ἁλύσεσιν χρυσέαισι φερομέναν δίναισι, +βῶλον ἐξ Ὀλύμπου, +ἵνʼ ἐν θρήνοισιν ἀναβοάσω +γέροντι πατρὶ Ταντάλῳ +ὃς ἔτεκεν ἔτεκε γενέτορας ἐμέθεν δόμων, +οἳ κατεῖδον ἄτας, +ποτανὸν μὲν δίωγμα πώλων +τεθριπποβάμονι στόλῳ Πέλοψ ὅτε +πελάγεσι διεδίφρευσε, Μυρτίλου φόνον +δικὼν ἐς οἶδμα πόντου, +λευκοκύμοσιν +πρὸς Γεραιστίαις +ποντίων σάλων +ᾐόσιν ἁρματεύσας. +ὅθεν δόμοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς +ἦλθʼ ἀρὰ πολύστονος, +λόχευμα ποιμνίοισι Μαιάδος τόκου, +τὸ χρυσόμαλλον ἀρνὸς ὁπότʼ +ἐγένετο τέρας ὀλοὸν ὀλοὸν +Ἀτρέος ἱπποβώτα· +ὅθεν Ἔρις τό τε πτερωτὸν +ἁλίου μετέβαλεν ἅρμα, +τὰν πρὸς ἑσπέραν κέλευθον +οὐρανοῦ προσαρμόσα- +σα μονόπωλον ἐς Ἀῶ, +ἑπταπόρου τε δράμημα Πελειάδος +εἰς ὁδὸν ἄλλαν Ζεὺς μεταβάλλει, +τῶνδέ τʼ ἀμείβει θανάτους θανά- +των τά τʼ ἐπώνυμα δεῖπνα Θυέστου +λέκτρα τε Κρήσσας Ἀερόπας δολί- +ας δολίοισι γάμοις· τὰ πανύστατα δʼ +εἰς ἐμὲ καὶ γενέταν ἐμὸν ἤλυθε +δόμων πολυπόνοις ἀνάγκαις. + +
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+ +Χορός +καὶ μὴν ὅδε σὸς σύγγονος ἕρπει +ψήφῳ θανάτου κατακυρωθείς, +ὅ τε πιστότατος πάντων Πυλάδης, +ἰσάδελφος ἀνήρ, ἰθύνων +νοσερὸν κῶλον Ὀρέστου, +ποδὶ κηδοσύνῳ παράσειρος. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οἲ ἐγώ· πρὸ τύμβου γάρ σʼ ὁρῶσʼ ἀναστένω, +ἀδελφέ, καὶ πάροιθε νερτέρου πυρᾶς. +οἲ ἐγὼ μάλʼ αὖθις· ὥς σʼ ἰδοῦσʼ ἐν ὄμμασιν +πανυστάτην πρόσοψιν ἐξέστην φρενῶν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐ σῖγʼ ἀφεῖσα τοὺς γυναικείους γόους +στέρξεις τὰ κρανθέντʼ; οἰκτρὰ μὲν τάδʼ, ἀλλʼ ὅμως +φέρειν σʼ ἀνάγκη τὰς παρεστώσας τύχας. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +καὶ πῶς σιωπῶ; φέγγος εἰσορᾶν θεοῦ +τόδʼ οὐκέθʼ ἡμῖν τοῖς ταλαιπώροις μέτα. + + + +Ὀρέστης +σὺ μή μʼ ἀπόκτεινʼ· ἅλις ὑπʼ Ἀργείας χερὸς +τέθνηχʼ ὁ τλήμων· τὰ δὲ παρόντʼ ἔα κακά. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ μέλεος ἥβης σῆς, Ὀρέστα, καὶ πότμου +θανάτου τʼ ἀώρου. ζῆν ἐχρῆν σʼ, ὅτʼ οὐκέτʼ εἶ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μὴ πρὸς θεῶν μοι περιβάλῃς ἀνανδρίαν, +ἐς δάκρυα πορθμεύουσʼ ὑπομνήσει κακῶν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +θανούμεθʼ· οὐχ οἷόν τε μὴ στένειν κακά. +πᾶσιν γὰρ οἰκτρὸν ἡ φίλη ψυχὴ βροτοῖς. + + + +Ὀρέστης +τόδʼ ἦμαρ ἡμῖν κύριον· δεῖ δʼ ἢ βρόχους +ἅπτειν κρεμαστοὺς ἢ ξίφος θήγειν χερί. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +σύ νύν μʼ, ἀδελφέ, μή τις Ἀργείων κτάνῃ +ὕβρισμα θέμενος τὸν Ἀγαμέμνονος γόνον. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἅλις τὸ μητρὸς αἷμʼ ἔχω· σὲ δʼ οὐ κτενῶ, +ἀλλʼ αὐτόχειρι θνῇσχʼ ὅτῳ βούλῃ τρόπῳ. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἔσται τάδʼ· οὐδὲν σοῦ ξίφους λελείψομαι. +ἀλλʼ ἀμφιθεῖναι σῇ δέρῃ θέλω χέρας. + + + +Ὀρέστης +τέρπου κενὴν ὄνησιν, εἰ τερπνὸν τόδε +θανάτου πέλας βεβῶσι, περιβαλεῖν χέρας. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ φίλτατʼ, ὦ ποθεινὸν ἥδιστόν τʼ ἔχων +τῆς σῆς ἀδελφῆς ὄνομα καὶ ψυχὴν μίαν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἔκ τοί με τήξεις· καί σʼ ἀμείψασθαι θέλω +φιλότητι χειρῶν. τί γὰρ ἔτʼ αἰδοῦμαι τάλας; +ὦ στέρνʼ ἀδελφῆς, ὦ φίλον πρόσπτυγμʼ ἐμόν, +τάδʼ ἀντὶ παίδων καὶ γαμηλίου λέχους — +προσφθέγματʼ ἀμφοῖν τοῖς ταλαιπώροις πάρα. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +φεῦ· +πῶς ἂν ξίφος νὼ ταὐτόν, εἰ θέμις, κτάνοι +καὶ μνῆμα δέξαιθʼ ἕν, κέδρου τεχνάσματα; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἥδιστʼ ἂν εἴη ταῦθʼ· ὁρᾷς δὲ δὴ φίλων +ὡς ἐσπανίσμεθʼ, ὥστε κοινωνεῖν τάφου. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐδʼ εἶφʼ ὑπὲρ σοῦ, μὴ θανεῖν σπουδὴν ἔχων, +Μενέλαος ὁ κακός, ὁ προδότης τοὐμοῦ πατρός; + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐδʼ ὄμμʼ ἔδειξεν, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ σκήπτροις ἔχων +τὴν ἐλπίδʼ, εὐλαβεῖτο μὴ σῴζειν φίλους. + ἀλλʼ εἶʼ ὅπως γενναῖα καὶ Ἀγαμέμνονος +δράσαντε κατθανούμεθʼ ἀξιώτατα. +κἀγὼ μὲν εὐγένειαν ἀποδείξω πόλει, +παίσας πρὸς ἧπαρ φασγάνῳ· σὲ δʼ αὖ χρεὼν +ὅμοια πράσσειν τοῖς ἐμοῖς τολμήμασιν. +Πυλάδη, σὺ δʼ ἡμῖν τοῦ φόνου γενοῦ βραβεύς, +καὶ κατθανόντοιν εὖ περίστειλον δέμας +θάψον τε κοινῇ πρὸς πατρὸς τύμβον φέρων. +καὶ χαῖρʼ· ἐπʼ ἔργον δʼ, ὡς ὁρᾷς, πορεύομαι. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἐπίσχες. ἓν μὲν πρῶτά σοι μομφὴν ἔχω, +εἰ ζῆν με χρῄζειν σοῦ θανόντος ἤλπισας. + + + +Ὀρέστης +τί γὰρ προσήκει κατθανεῖν σʼ ἐμοῦ μέτα; + + + +Πυλάδης +ἤρου; τί δὲ ζῆν σῆς ἑταιρίας ἄτερ; + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἔκτανες σὴν μητέρʼ, ὡς ἐγὼ τάλας. + + + +Πυλάδης +σὺν σοί γε κοινῇ· ταὐτὰ καὶ πάσχειν με δεῖ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἀπόδος τὸ σῶμα πατρί, μὴ σύνθνῃσκέ μοι. +σοὶ μὲν γὰρ ἔστι πόλις, ἐμοὶ δʼ οὐκ ἔστι δή, +καὶ δῶμα πατρὸς καὶ μέγας πλούτου λιμήν. +γάμων δὲ τῆς μὲν δυσπότμου τῆσδʼ ἐσφάλης, +ἥν σοι κατηγγύησʼ ἑταιρίαν σέβων· +σὺ δʼ ἄλλο λέκτρον παιδοποίησαι λαβών, +κῆδος δὲ τοὐμὸν καὶ σὸν οὐκέτʼ ἔστι δή. + ἀλλʼ, ὦ ποθεινὸν ὄμμʼ ὁμιλίας ἐμῆς, +χαῖρʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἡμῖν ἔστι τοῦτο, σοί γε μήν· +οἱ γὰρ θανόντες χαρμάτων τητώμεθα. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἦ πολὺ λέλειψαι τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων. +μήθʼ αἷμά μου δέξαιτο κάρπιμον πέδον, +μὴ λαμπρὸς αἰθήρ, εἴ σʼ ἐγὼ προδούς ποτε +ἐλευθερώσας τοὐμὸν ἀπολίποιμι σέ. +καὶ συγκατέκτανον γάρ, οὐκ ἀρνήσομαι, +καὶ πάντʼ ἐβούλευσʼ ὧν σὺ νῦν τίνεις δίκας· +καὶ ξυνθανεῖν οὖν δεῖ με σοὶ καὶ τῇδʼ ὁμοῦ. +ἐμὴν γὰρ αὐτήν, ἧς γε λέχος ἐπῄνεσα, +κρίνω δάμαρτα· τί γὰρ ἐρῶ κἀγώ ποτε +γῆν Δελφίδʼ ἐλθὼν Φωκέων ἀκρόπτολιν, +ὃς πρὶν μὲν ὑμᾶς δυστυχεῖν φίλος παρῆ, +νῦν δʼ οὐκέτʼ εἰμὶ δυστυχοῦντί σοι φίλος; +οὐκ ἔστιν. ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν κἀμοὶ μέλει· +ἐπεὶ δὲ κατθανούμεθʼ, ἐς κοινοὺς λόγους +ἔλθωμεν, ὡς ἂν Μενέλεως συνδυστυχῇ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ φίλτατʼ, εἰ γὰρ τοῦτο κατθάνοιμʼ ἰδών. + + + +Πυλάδης +πιθοῦ νυν, ἄμμεινόν τε φασγάνου τομάς. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μενῶ, τὸν ἐχθρὸν εἴ τι τιμωρήσομαι. + + + +Πυλάδης +σίγα νυν· ὡς γυναιξὶ πιστεύω βραχύ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μηδὲν τρέσῃς τάσδʼ· ὡς πάρεισʼ ἡμῖν φίλαι. + + + + +Πυλάδης +Ἑλένην κτάνωμεν, Μενέλεῳ λύπην πικράν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +πῶς; τὸ γὰρ ἕτοιμον ἔστιν, εἴ γʼ ἔσται καλῶς. + + + +Πυλάδης +σφάξαντες. ἐν δόμοις δὲ κρύπτεται σέθεν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μάλιστα· καὶ δὴ πάντʼ ἀποσφραγίζεται. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἀλλʼ οὐκέθʼ, Ἅιδην νυμφίον κεκτημένη. + + + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ πῶς; ἔχει γὰρ βαρβάρους ὀπάονας. + + + +Πυλάδης +τίνας; Φρυγῶν γὰρ οὐδένʼ ἂν τρέσαιμʼ ἐγώ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οἵους ἐνόπτρων καὶ μύρων ἐπιστάτας. + + + +Πυλάδης +τρυφὰς γὰρ ἥκει δεῦρʼ ἔχουσα Τρωικάς; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὥσθʼ Ἑλλὰς αὐτῇ σμικρὸν οἰκητήριον. + + + +Πυλάδης +οὐδὲν τὸ δοῦλον πρὸς τὸ μὴ δοῦλον γένος. + + + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ μὴν τόδʼ ἔρξας δὶς θανεῖν οὐχ ἅζομαι. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ἐγὼ μήν, σοί γε τιμωρούμενος. + + + +Ὀρέστης +τὸ πρᾶγμα δήλου καὶ πέραινʼ, ὅπως λέγεις. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἔσιμεν ἐς οἴκους δῆθεν ὡς θανούμενοι. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἔχω τοσοῦτον, τἀπίλοιπα δʼ οὐκ ἔχω. + + + +Πυλάδης +γόους πρὸς αὐτὴν θησόμεσθʼ ἃ πάσχομεν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὥστʼ ἐκδακρῦσαί γʼ ἔνδοθεν κεχαρμένην. + + + +Πυλάδης +καὶ νῷν παρέσται ταῦθʼ ἅπερ κείνῃ τότε. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἔπειτʼ ἀγῶνα πῶς ἀγωνιούμεθα; + + + +Πυλάδης +κρύπτʼ ἐν πέπλοισι τοισίδʼ ἕξομεν ξίφη. + + + +Ὀρέστης +πρόσθεν δʼ ὀπαδῶν τίς ὄλεθρος γενήσεται; + + + +Πυλάδης +ἐκκλῄσομεν σφᾶς ἄλλον ἄλλοσε στέγης. + + + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ τόν γε μὴ σιγῶντʼ ἀποκτείνειν χρεών. + + + +Πυλάδης +εἶτʼ αὐτὸ δηλοῖ τοὔργον οἷ τείνειν χρεών. + + + +Ὀρέστης +Ἑλένην φονεύειν· μανθάνω τὸ σύμβολον. + + + +Πυλάδης +ἔγνως· ἄκουσον δʼ ὡς καλῶς βουλεύομαι. + εἰ μὲν γὰρ ἐς γυναῖκα σωφρονεστέραν +ξίφος μεθεῖμεν, δυσκλεὴς ἂν ἦν φόνος· +νῦν δʼ ὑπὲρ ἁπάσης Ἑλλάδος δώσει δίκην, +ὧν πατέρας ἔκτεινʼ, ὧν δʼ ἀπώλεσεν τέκνα, +νύμφας τʼ ἔθηκεν ὀρφανὰς ξυναόρων. +ὀλολυγμὸς ἔσται, πῦρ τʼ ἀνάψουσιν θεοῖς, +σοὶ πολλὰ κἀμοὶ κέδνʼ ἀρώμενοι τυχεῖν, +κακῆς γυναικὸς οὕνεχʼ αἷμʼ ἐπράξαμεν. +ὁ μητροφόντης δʼ οὐ καλῇ ταύτην κτανών, +ἀλλʼ ἀπολιπὼν τοῦτʼ ἐπὶ τὸ βέλτιον πεσῇ, +Ἑλένης λεγόμενος τῆς πολυκτόνου φονεύς. +οὐ δεῖ ποτʼ, οὐ δεῖ, Μενέλεων μὲν εὐτυχεῖν, +τὸν σὸν δὲ πατέρα καὶ σὲ κἀδελφὴν θανεῖν, +μητέρα τε — ἐῶ τοῦτʼ· οὐ γὰρ εὐπρεπὲς λέγειν — +δόμους δʼ ἔχειν σοὺς διʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος δόρυ +λαβόντα νύμφην· μὴ γὰρ οὖν ζῴην ἔτι, +ἢν μὴ ʼπʼ ἐκείνῃ φάσγανον σπασώμεθα. +ἢν δʼ οὖν τὸν Ἑλένης μὴ κατάσχωμεν φόνον, +πρήσαντες οἴκους τούσδε κατθανούμεθα. +ἑνὸς γὰρ οὐ σφαλέντες ἕξομεν κλέος, +καλῶς θανόντες ἢ καλῶς σεσῳσμένοι. + + + +Χορός +πάσαις γυναιξὶν ἀξία στυγεῖν ἔφυ +ἡ Τυνδαρὶς παῖς, ἣ κατῄσχυνεν γένος. + + + + +Ὀρέστης +φεῦ· +οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδὲν κρεῖσσον ἢ φίλος σαφής, +οὐ πλοῦτος, οὐ τυραννίς· ἀλόγιστον δέ τι +τὸ πλῆθος ἀντάλλαγμα γενναίου φίλου. +σὺ γὰρ τά τʼ εἰς Αἴγισθον ἐξηῦρες κακὰ +καὶ πλησίον παρῆσθα κινδύνων ἐμοί, +νῦν τʼ αὖ δίδως μοι πολεμίων τιμωρίαν +κοὐκ ἐκποδὼν εἶ — παύσομαί σʼ αἰνῶν, ἐπεὶ +βάρος τι κἀν τῷδʼ ἐστίν, αἰνεῖσθαι λίαν. +ἐγὼ δὲ πάντως ἐκπνέων ψυχὴν ἐμὴν +δράσας τι χρῄζω τοὺς ἐμοὺς ἐχθροὺς θανεῖν, +ἵνʼ ἀνταναλώσω μὲν οἵ με προύδοσαν, +στένωσι δʼ οἵπερ κἄμʼ ἔθηκαν ἄθλιον. +Ἀγαμέμνονός τοι παῖς πέφυχʼ, ὃς Ἑλλάδος +ἦρξʼ ἀξιωθείς, οὐ τύραννος, ἀλλʼ ὅμως +ῥώμην θεοῦ τινʼ ἔσχε· ὃν οὐ καταισχυνῶ +δοῦλον παρασχὼν θάνατον, ἀλλʼ ἐλευθέρως +ψυχὴν ἀφήσω, Μενέλεων δὲ τείσομαι. +ἑνὸς γὰρ εἰ λαβοίμεθʼ, εὐτυχοῖμεν ἄν, +εἴ ποθεν ἄελπτος παραπέσοι σωτηρία +κτανοῦσι μὴ θανοῦσιν· εὔχομαι τάδε. +ὃ βούλομαι γάρ, ἡδὺ καὶ διὰ στόμα +πτηνοῖσι μύθοις ἀδαπάνως τέρψαι φρένα. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐγώ, κασίγνητʼ, αὐτὸ τοῦτʼ ἔχειν δοκῶ, +σωτηρίαν σοὶ τῷδέ τʼ ἐκ τρίτων τʼ ἐμοί. + + + +Ὀρέστης +θεοῦ λέγεις πρόνοιαν. ἀλλὰ ποῦ τόδε; +ἐπεὶ τὸ συνετόν γʼ οἶδα σῇ ψυχῇ παρόν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἄκουε δή νυν· καὶ σὺ δεῦρο νοῦν ἔχε. + + + +Ὀρέστης +λέγʼ· ὡς τὸ μέλλειν ἀγάθʼ ἔχει τινʼ ἡδονήν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +Ἑλένης κάτοισθα θυγατέρʼ; εἰδότʼ ἠρόμην. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οἶδʼ, ἣν ἔθρεψεν Ἑρμιόνην μήτηρ ἐμή. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +αὕτη βέβηκε πρὸς Κλυταιμήστρας τάφον. + + + +Ὀρέστης +τί χρῆμα δράσουσʼ; ὑποτίθης τίνʼ ἐλπίδα; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +χοὰς κατασπείσουσʼ ὑπὲρ μητρὸς τάφῳ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ δὴ τί μοι τοῦτʼ εἶπας ἐς σωτηρίαν; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ξυλλάβεθʼ ὅμηρον τήνδʼ, ὅταν στείχῃ πάλιν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +τίνος τόδʼ εἶπας φάρμακον τρισσοῖς φίλοις; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +Ἑλένης θανούσης, ἤν τι Μενέλεώς σε δρᾷ +ἢ τόνδε κἀμέ — πᾶν γὰρ ἓν φίλον τόδε — +λέγʼ ὡς φονεύσεις Ἑρμιόνην· ξίφος δὲ χρὴ +δέρῃ πρὸς αὐτῇ παρθένου σπάσαντʼ ἔχειν. +κἂν μέν σε σῴζῃ μὴ θανεῖν χρῄζων κόρην +Ἑλένης Μενέλεως πτῶμʼ ἰδὼν ἐν αἵματι, +μέθες πεπᾶσθαι πατρὶ παρθένου δέμας· +ἢν δʼ ὀξυθύμου μὴ κρατῶν φρονήματος +κτείνῃ σε, καὶ σὺ σφάζε παρθένου δέρην. +καί νιν δοκῶ, τὸ πρῶτον ἢν πολὺς παρῇ, +χρόνῳ μαλάξειν σπλάγχνον· οὔτε γὰρ θρασὺς +οὔτʼ ἄλκιμος πέφυκε. τήνδʼ ἡμῖν ἔχω +σωτηρίας ἔπαλξιν. εἴρηται λόγος. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ τὰς φρένας μὲν ἄρσενας κεκτημένη, +τὸ σῶμα δʼ ἐν γυναιξὶ θηλείαις πρέπον, +ὡς ἀξία ζῆν μᾶλλον ἢ θανεῖν ἔφυς. +Πυλάδη, τοιαύτης ἆρʼ ἁμαρτήσῃ τάλας +γυναικὸς ἢ ζῶν μακάριον κτήσῃ λέχος. + + + +Πυλάδης +εἰ γὰρ γένοιτο, Φωκέων δʼ ἔλθοι πόλιν +καλοῖσιν ὑμεναίοισιν ἀξιουμένη. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἥξει δʼ ἐς οἴκους Ἑρμιόνη τίνος χρόνου; +ὡς τἄλλα γʼ εἶπας, εἴπερ εὐτυχήσομεν, +κάλλισθʼ, ἑλόντες σκύμνον ἀνοσίου πατρός. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +καὶ δὴ πέλας νιν δωμάτων εἶναι δοκῶ· +τοῦ γὰρ χρόνου τὸ μῆκος αὐτὸ συντρέχει. + + + +Ὀρέστης +καλῶς· σὺ μέν νυν, σύγγονʼ Ἠλέκτρα, δόμων +πάρος μένουσα παρθένου δέχου πόδα, +φύλασσε δʼ ἤν τις, πρὶν τελευτηθῇ φόνος, +ἢ ξύμμαχός τις ἢ κασίγνητος πατρός, +ἐλθὼν ἐς οἴκους φθῇ, γέγωνέ τʼ ἐς δόμους, +ἢ σανίδα παίσασʼ ἢ λόγους πέμψασʼ ἔσω· +ἡμεῖς δʼ ἔσω στείχοντες ἐπὶ τὸν ἔσχατον +ἀγῶνʼ ὁπλιζώμεσθα φασγάνῳ χέρας, +Πυλάδη· σὺ γὰρ δὴ συμπονεῖς ἐμοὶ πόνους. +ὦ δῶμα ναίων νυκτὸς ὀρφναίας πάτερ, +καλεῖ σʼ Ὀρέστης παῖς σὸς ἐπίκουρον μολεῖν +τοῖς δεομένοισι. διὰ σὲ γὰρ πάσχω τάλας +ἀδίκως· προδέδομαι δʼ ὑπὸ κασιγνήτου σέθεν, +δίκαια πράξας· οὗ θέλω δάμαρθʼ ἑλὼν +κτεῖναι· σὺ δʼ ἡμῖν τοῦδε συλλήπτωρ γενοῦ. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ πάτερ, ἱκοῦ δῆτʼ, εἰ κλύεις ἔσω χθονὸς +τέκνων καλούντων, οἳ σέθεν θνῄσκουσʼ ὕπερ. + + + +Πυλάδης +ὦ συγγένεια πατρὸς ἐμοῦ, κἀμὰς λιτάς, +Ἀγάμεμνον, εἰσάκουσον· ἔκσῳσον τέκνα. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἔκτεινα μητέρα — + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἡψάμην δʼ ἐγὼ ξίφους — + + + +Πυλάδης +ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπεβούλευσα κἀπέλυσʼ ὄκνου — + + + +Ὀρέστης +σοί, πάτερ, ἀρήγων. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐδʼ ἐγὼ προύδωκά σε. + + + +Πυλάδης +οὔκουν ὀνείδη τάδε κλύων ῥύσῃ τέκνα; + + + +Ὀρέστης +δακρύοις κατασπένδω σε. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἐγὼ δʼ οἴκτοισί γε. + + + +Πυλάδης +παύσασθε, καὶ πρὸς ἔργον ἐξορμώμεθα. +εἴπερ γὰρ εἴσω γῆς ἀκοντίζουσʼ ἀραί, +κλύει. σὺ δʼ, ὦ Ζεῦ πρόγονε καὶ Δίκης σέβας, +δότʼ εὐτυχῆσαι τῷδʼ ἐμοί τε τῇδέ τε· +τρισσοῖς φίλοις γὰρ εἷς ἀγών, δίκη μία, +ἢ ζῆν ἅπασιν ἢ — θανεῖν ὀφείλεται. + +
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+ +Ἠλέκτρα +Μυκηνίδες ὦ φίλαι, +τὰ πρῶτα κατὰ Πελασγὸν ἕδος Ἀργείων. + + + +Χορός +τίνα θροεῖς αὐδάν, πότνια; παραμένει +γὰρ ἔτι σοι τόδʼ ἐν Δαναϊδῶν πόλει. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +στῆθʼ αἳ μὲν ὑμῶν τόνδʼ ἁμαξήρη τρίβον, +αἳ δʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἄλλον οἶμον ἐς φρουρὰν δόμων. + + + +Χορός +τί δέ με τόδε χρέος ἀπύεις; +ἔνεπέ μοι, φίλα. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +φόβος ἔχει με μή τις ἐπὶ δώμασι +σταθεὶς ἐπὶ φοίνιον αἷμα +πήματα πήμασιν ἐξεύρῃ. + + + +Ἡμίχορος +χωρεῖτʼ, ἐπειγώμεσθʼ· ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν τρίβον +τόνδʼ ἐκφυλάξω, τὸν πρὸς ἡλίου βολάς. + + + +Ἡμίχορος +καὶ μὴν ἐγὼ τόνδʼ, ὃς πρὸς ἑσπέραν φέρει. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +δόχμιά νυν κόρας διάφερʼ ὀμμάτων. + + + +Χορός +ἐκεῖθεν ἐνθάδʼ, εἶτα παλινσκοπιὰν +ἔχομεν, ὡς θροεῖς. + +
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+ +Ἠλέκτρα +ἑλίσσετέ νυν βλέφαρα, +κόραισι δίδοτε πάντα διὰ βοστρύχων. + + + +Ἡμίχορος +ὅδε τις ἐν τρίβῳ προσέρχεται. τίς ὅδʼ ἄρʼ ἀμ- +φὶ μέλαθρον πολεῖ σὸν ἀγρότας ἀνήρ; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἀπωλόμεσθʼ ἄρʼ, ὦ φίλαι· κεκρυμμένους +θῆρας ξιφήρεις αὐτίκʼ ἐχθροῖσιν φανεῖ. + + + +Ἡμίχορος +ἄφοβος ἔχε· κενός, ὦ φίλα, +στίβος ὃν οὐ δοκεῖς. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +τί δέ; τὸ σὸν βέβαιον ἔτι μοι μένει; +δὸς ἀγγελίαν ἀγαθάν τινʼ, +εἰ τάδʼ ἔρημα τὰ πρόσθʼ αὐλᾶς. + + + +Ἡμίχορος +καλῶς τά γʼ ἐνθένδʼ. ἀλλὰ τἀπὶ σοῦ σκόπει· +ὡς οὔτις ἡμῖν Δαναϊδῶν πελάζεται. + + + +Ἡμίχορος +ἐς ταὐτὸν ἥκεις· καὶ γὰρ οὐδὲ τῇδʼ ὄχλος. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +φέρε νυν ἐν πύλαισιν ἀκοὰν βάλω. + + + +Χορός +τί μέλλεθʼ οἱ κατʼ οἶκον ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ +σφάγια φοινίσσειν; + +
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+ +Ἠλέκτρα +οὐκ εἰσακούουσʼ· ὦ τάλαινʼ ἐγὼ κακῶν. +ἆρʼ ἐς τὸ κάλλος ἐκκεκώφηται ξίφη; +τάχα τις Ἀργείων ἔνοπλος ὁρμήσας +ποδὶ βοηδρόμῳ μέλαθρα προσμείξει. +σκέψασθέ νυν ἄμεινον· οὐχ ἕδρας ἀγών· +ἀλλʼ αἳ μὲν ἐνθάδʼ, αἳ δʼ ἐκεῖσʼ ἑλίσσετε. + + + +Χορός +ἀμείβω κέλευθον σκοποῦσα πάντῃ. + + + +Ἑλένη +ἰὼ Πελασγὸν Ἄργος, ὄλλυμαι κακῶς. + + + +Χορός +— ἠκούσαθʼ; ἅνδρες χεῖρʼ ἔχουσιν ἐν φόνῳ. +— Ἑλένης τὸ κώκυμʼ ἐστίν, ὡς ἀπεικάσαι. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ Διός, ὦ Διὸς ἀέναον κράτος, +ἔλθʼ ἐπίκουρος ἐμοῖς φίλοισι πάντως. + + + +Ἑλένη +Μενέλαε, θνῄσκω· σὺ δὲ παρών μʼ οὐκ ὠφελεῖς. + + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +φονεύετε, καίνετε, +ὄλλυτε, δίπτυχα δίστομα φάσγανα +ἐκ χερὸς ἱέμενοι +τὰν λιποπάτορα λιπόγαμον, ἃ +πλείστους ἔκανεν Ἑλλάνων +δορὶ παρὰ ποταμὸν ὀλομένους, +ὅθι δάκρυα δάκρυσιν ἔπεσεν +σιδαρέοισι βέλεσιν ἀμ- +φὶ τὰς Σκαμάνδρου δίνας. + +
+ + +
+ +Χορός +σιγᾶτε σιγᾶτʼ· ᾐσθόμην κτύπου τινὸς +κέλευθον ἐσπεσόντος ἀμφὶ δώματα. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ φίλταται γυναῖκες, ἐς μέσον φόνον +ἥδʼ Ἑρμιόνη πάρεστι· παύσωμεν βοήν. +στείχει γὰρ ἐσπεσοῦσα δικτύων βρόχους. +καλὸν τὸ θήραμʼ, ἢν ἁλῷ, γενήσεται. +πάλιν κατάστηθʼ ἡσύχῳ μὲν ὄμματι, +χρόᾳ δʼ ἀδήλῳ τῶν δεδραμένων πέρι· +κἀγὼ σκυθρωποὺς ὀμμάτων ἕξω κόρας, +ὡς δῆθεν οὐκ εἰδυῖα τἀξειργασμένα. + ὦ παρθένʼ, ἥκεις τὸν Κλυταιμήστρας τάφον +στέψασα καὶ σπείσασα νερτέροις χοάς; + + + +Ερμιόνη +ἥκω, λαβοῦσα πρευμένειαν. ἀλλά μοι +φόβος τις εἰσελήλυθʼ, ἥντινʼ ἐν δόμοις +τηλουρὸς οὖσα δωμάτων κλύω βοήν. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +τί δʼ; ἄξιʼ ἡμῖν τυγχάνει στεναγμάτων. + + + +Ερμιόνη +εὔφημος ἴσθι· τί δὲ νεώτερον λέγεις; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +θανεῖν Ὀρέστην κἄμʼ ἔδοξε τῇδε γῇ. + + + +Ερμιόνη +μὴ δῆτʼ, ἐμοῦ γε συγγενεῖς πεφυκότας. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἄραρʼ· ἀνάγκης δʼ ἐς ζυγὸν καθέσταμεν. + + + +Ερμιόνη +ἦ τοῦδʼ ἕκατι καὶ βοὴ κατὰ στέγας; + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἱκέτης γὰρ Ἑλένης γόνασι προσπεσὼν βοᾷ — + + + +Ερμιόνη +τίς; οὐδὲν οἶδα μᾶλλον, ἢν σὺ μὴ λέγῃς. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +τλήμων Ὀρέστης· μὴ θανεῖν, ἐμοῦ θʼ ὕπερ. + + + +Ερμιόνη +ἐπʼ ἀξίοισί τἄρʼ ἀνευφημεῖ δόμος. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +περὶ τοῦ γὰρ ἄλλου μᾶλλον ἂν φθέγξαιτό τις; + ἀλλʼ ἐλθὲ καὶ μετάσχες ἱκεσίας φίλοις, +σῇ μητρὶ προσπεσοῦσα τῇ μέγʼ ὀλβίᾳ, +Μενέλαον ἡμᾶς μὴ θανόντας εἰσιδεῖν. + ἀλλʼ, ὦ τραφεῖσα μητρὸς ἐν χεροῖν ἐμῆς, +οἴκτιρον ἡμᾶς κἀπικούφισον κακῶν. +ἴθʼ εἰς ἀγῶνα δεῦρʼ, ἐγὼ δʼ ἡγήσομαι· +σωτηρίας γὰρ τέρμʼ ἔχεις ἡμῖν μόνη. + + + +Ερμιόνη +ἰδού, διώκω τὸν ἐμὸν ἐς δόμους πόδα. +σώθηθʼ ὅσον γε τοὐπʼ ἐμέ. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ὦ κατὰ στέγας +φίλοι ξιφήρεις, οὐχὶ συλλήψεσθʼ ἄγραν; + + + +Ερμιόνη +οἲ ἐγώ· τίνας τούσδʼ εἰσορῶ; + + + +Ὀρέστης +σιγᾶν χρεών· +ἡμῖν γὰρ ἥκεις, οὐχὶ σοί, σωτηρία. + + + +Ἠλέκτρα +ἔχεσθʼ ἔχεσθε· φάσγανον δὲ πρὸς δέρῃ +βάλλοντες ἡσυχάζεθʼ, ὡς εἰδῇ τόδε +Μενέλαος, οὕνεκʼ ἄνδρας, οὐ Φρύγας κακούς, +εὑρὼν ἔπραξεν οἷα χρὴ πράσσειν κακούς. + +
+
+ + +
+
+ +Χορός +— ἰὼ ἰὼ φίλαι, +κτύπον ἐγείρετε, κτύπον καὶ βοὰν +πρὸ μελάθρων, ὅπως ὁ πραχθεὶς φόνος +μὴ δεινὸν Ἀργείοισιν ἐμβάλῃ φόβον, +βοηδρομῆσαι πρὸς δόμους τυραννικούς, +πρὶν ἐτύμως ἴδω τὸν Ἑλένας φόνον +καθαιμακτὸν ἐν δόμοις κείμενον, +ἢ καὶ λόγον του προσπόλων πυθώμεθα· +τὰ μὲν γὰρ οἶδα συμφορᾶς, τὰ δʼ οὐ σαφῶς. +— διὰ δίκας ἔβα θεῶν +νέμεσις ἐς Ἑλέναν. +δακρύοισι γὰρ Ἑλλάδʼ ἅπασαν ἔπλησε, +διὰ τὸν ὀλόμενον ὀλόμενον Ἰδαῖον +Πάριν, ὃς ἄγαγʼ Ἑλλάδʼ εἰς Ἴλιον. + +
+
+ + +
+ +Χορός + +ἀλλὰ κτυπεῖ γὰρ κλῇθρα βασιλείων δόμων, +σιγήσατʼ· ἔξω γάρ τις ἐκβαίνει Φρυγῶν, +οὗ πευσόμεσθα τἀν δόμοις ὅπως ἔχει. + +
+ +Φρύξ +Ἀργέϊον ξίφος ἐκ θανάτου πέφευγα +βαρβάροις ἐν εὐμάρι- +σιν, κεδρωτὰ παστάδων ὑπὲρ τέραμνα +Δωρικάς τε τριγλύφους, +φροῦδα φροῦδα, γᾶ γᾶ, +βαρβάροισι δρασμοῖς. +αἰαῖ· +πᾷ φύγω, ξέναι, πολιὸν αἰθέρʼ ἀμ- +πτάμενος ἢ πόντον, Ὠκεανὸς ὃν +ταυρόκρανος ἀγκάλαις +ἑλίσσων κυκλοῖ χθόνα; + + + +Χορός +τί δʼ ἔστιν, Ἑλένης πρόσπολʼ. Ἰδαῖον κάρα; + + + +Φρύξ +Ἴλιον Ἴλιον, ὤμοι μοι, +Φρύγιον ἄστυ καὶ καλλίβωλον Ἴ- +δας ὄρος ἱερόν, ὥς σʼ ὀλόμενον στένω +ἁρμάτειον ἁρμάτειον μέλος +βαρβάρῳ βοᾷ διʼ ὀρνιθόγονον +ὄμμα κυκνοπτέρου καλλοσύνας, Λήδας +σκύμνου, δυσελένας +δυσελένας, +ξεστῶν περγάμων Ἀπολλωνίων +ἐρινύν· ὀττοτοῖ· +ἰαλέμων ἰαλέμων +Δαρδανία τλᾶμον Γανυμήδεος +ἱπποσύνᾳ, Διὸς εὐνέτα. + + + +Χορός +σαφῶς λέγʼ ἡμῖν αὔθʼ ἕκαστα τἀν δόμοις. +τὰ γὰρ πρὶν οὐκ εὔγνωστα συμβαλοῦσʼ ἔχω. + + + +Φρύξ +αἴλινον αἴλινον ἀρχὰν θανάτου +βάρβαροι λέγουσιν, αἰαῖ, +Ἀσιάδι φωνᾷ, βασιλέων +ὅταν αἷμα χυθῇ κατὰ γᾶν ξίφεσιν +σιδαρέοισιν Ἅιδα. +ἦλθον ἐς δόμους, ἵνʼ αὔθʼ ἕ- +καστά σοι λέγω, λέοντες +Ἕλλανες δύο διδύμω· +τῷ μὲν ὁ στρατηλάτας πατὴρ ἐκλῄζεθʼ, +ὃ δὲ παῖς Στροφίου, κακόμητις ἀνήρ, +οἷος Ὀδυσσεύς, σιγᾷ δόλιος, +πιστὸς δὲ φίλοις, θρασὺς εἰς ἀλκάν, +ξυνετὸς πολέμου, φόνιός τε δράκων. +ἔρροι τᾶς ἡσύχου +προνοίας κακοῦργος ὤν. +οἳ δὲ πρὸς θρόνους ἔσω +μολόντες ἇς ἔγημʼ ὁ τοξότας Πάρις +γυναικός, ὄμμα δακρύοις +πεφυρμένοι, ταπεινοὶ +ἕζονθʼ, ὃ μὲν τὸ κεῖθεν, ὃ δὲ +τὸ κεῖθεν, ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν πεφραγμένοι. +περὶ δὲ γόνυ χέρας ἱκεσίους ἔβαλον ἔβαλον +Ἑλένας ἄμφω. +ἀνὰ δὲ δρομάδες ἔθορον ἔθορον +ἀμφίπολοι Φρύγες· +προσεῖπε δʼ ἄλλος ἄλλον ἐν φόβῳ πεσών, +μή τις εἴη δόλος. +κἀδόκει τοῖς μὲν οὔ, +τοῖς δʼ ἐς ἀρκυστάταν +μηχανὰν ἐμπλέκειν +παῖδα τὰν Τυνδαρίδʼ ὁ +μητροφόντας δράκων. + + + +Χορός +σὺ δʼ ἦσθα ποῦ τότʼ; ἢ πάλαι φεύγεις φόβῳ, + + + +Φρύξ +Φρυγίοις ἔτυχον Φρυγίοισι νόμοις +παρὰ βόστρυχον αὔραν αὔραν +Ἑλένας Ἑλένας εὐπαγεῖ +κύκλῳ πτερίνῳ πρὸ παρηίδος +ἀίσσων βαρβάροις νόμοισιν. +ἃ δὲ λίνον ἠλακάτᾳ +δακτύλοις ἕλισσεν, +νῆμα δʼ ἵετο πέδῳ, +σκύλων Φρυγίων ἐπὶ τύμβον ἀγάλ- +ματα συστολίσαι χρῄζουσα λίνῳ, +φάρεα πορφύρεα, δῶρα Κλυταιμήστρᾳ. +προσεῖπεν δʼ Ὀρέστας +Λάκαιναν κόραν· ὦ +Διὸς παῖ, θὲς ἴχνος +πέδῳ δεῦρʼ ἀποστᾶσα κλισμοῦ, +Πέλοπος ἐπὶ προπάτορος ἕδραν +παλαιᾶς ἑστίας, +ἵνʼ εἰδῇς λόγους ἐμούς. — +ἄγει δʼ ἄγει νιν· ἃ δʼ ἐφείπετʼ, +οὐ πρόμαντις ὧν ἔμελλεν· +ὁ δὲ συνεργὸς ἄλλʼ ἔπρασσʼ +ἰὼν κακὸς Φωκεύς· +οὐκ ἐκποδὼν ἴτʼ; ἀλλʼ ἀεὶ κακοὶ Φρύγες. +ἔκλῃσε δʼ ἄλλον ἄλλοσʼ ἐν +στέγαισι· τοὺς μὲν ἐν σταθμοῖ- +σιν ἱππικοῖσι, τοὺς δʼ ἐν ἐξ- +έδραισι, τοὺς δʼ ἐκεῖσʼ ἐκεῖθεν ἄλλον ἄλ- +λοσε διαρμόσας ἀποπρὸ δεσποίνας. + + + +Χορός +τί τοὐπὶ τῷδε συμφορᾶς ἐγίγνετο; + + + +Φρύξ +Ἰδαία μᾶτερ +μᾶτερ ὀβρίμα ὀβρίμα, +αἰαὶ φονίων παθέων ἀνόμων +τε κακῶν ἅπερ ἔδρακον ἔδρακον +ἐν δόμοις τυράννων. +ἀμφιπορφυρέων πέπλων +ὑπὸ σκότου ξίφη σπάσα- +ντες ἄλλος ἄλλοσʼ ἐν χεροῖν +δίνασεν ὄμμα, μή τις παρὼν τύχοι. +ὡς κάπροι δʼ ὀρέστεροι γυ- +ναικὸς ἀντίοι σταθέντες +ἐννέπουσι· Κατθανῇ +κατθανῇ, +κακός σʼ ἀποκτείνει πόσις, +κασιγνήτου προδοὺς +ἐν Ἄργει θανεῖν γόνον. +ἃ δʼ ἀνίαχεν ἴ- +αχεν· Ὤμοι μοι. +λευκὸν δʼ ἐμβαλοῦσα πῆχυν στέρνοις +κτύπησε κρᾶτα μέλεον πλαγᾷ· +φυγᾷ δὲ ποδὶ τὸ χρυσεοσάνδαλον +ἴχνος ἔφερεν ἔφερεν· ἐς +κόμας δὲ δακτύλους δικὼν Ὀρέστας, +Μυκηνίδʼ ἀρβύλαν προβάς, +ὤμοις ἀριστεροῖσιν ἀνακλάσας δέρην, +παίειν λαιμῶν ἔμελ- +λεν εἴσω μέλαν ξίφος. + + + + +Χορός +ποῦ δʼ ἦτʼ ἀμύνειν οἱ κατὰ στέγας Φρύγες; + + + +Φρύξ +ἰαχᾷ +δόμων θύρετρα καὶ σταθμοὺς +μοχλοῖσιν ἐκβαλόντες, ἔνθʼ ἐμίμνομεν, +βοηδρομοῦμεν ἄλλος ἄλλοθεν στέγης, +ὃ μὲν πέτρους, ὃ δʼ ἀγκύλας, +ὃ δὲ ξίφος πρόκωπον ἐν χεροῖν ἔχων. +ἔναντα δʼ ἦλθε Πυλάδης +ἀλίαστος, οἷος οἷος Ἕκ- +τωρ ὁ Φρύγιος ἢ τρικόρυθος Αἴας, +ὃν εἶδον εἶδον ἐν πύλαις +Πριαμίσι· φασγάνων δʼ ἀκμὰς +συνήψαμεν. +δὴ τότε διαπρεπεῖς τότʼ ἐγένοντο Φρύγες, +ὅσον Ἄρεως ἀλκὰν +ἥσσονες Ἑλλάδος ἐγενόμεθʼ αἰχμᾶς, +ὃ μὲν οἰχόμενος φυγάς, ὃ δὲ νέκυς ὤν, +ὃ δὲ τραῦμα φέρων, ὃ δὲ λισσόμενος, +θανάτου προβολάν· +ὑπὸ σκότον δʼ ἐφεύγομεν· +νεκροὶ δʼ ἔπιπτον, οἳ δʼ ἔμελλον, οἳ δʼ ἔκειντʼ. +ἔμολε δʼ ἁ τάλαινʼ Ἑρμιόνα δόμους +ἐπὶ φόνῳ χαμαιπετεῖ ματρός, ἅ +νιν ἔτεκεν τλάμων. +ἄθυρσοι δʼ +οἷά νιν δραμόντε Βάκχαι +σκύμνον ἐν χεροῖν ὀρείαν +ξυνήρπασαν· πάλιν δὲ τὰν Διὸς κόραν +ἐπὶ σφαγὰν ἔτεινον· ἃ δʼ +ἐκ θαλάμων +ἐγένετο διαπρὸ δωμάτων +ἄφαντος, ὦ Ζεῦ καὶ γᾶ +καὶ φῶς καὶ νύξ, +ἤτοι φαρμάκοισιν ἢ +μάγων τέχναις ἢ θεῶν κλοπαῖς. +τὰ δʼ ὕστερʼ οὐκέτʼ οἶδα· δρα- +πέτην γὰρ ἐξέκλεπτον ἐκ δόμων πόδα. +πολύπονα δὲ πολύπονα πάθεα +Μενέλεως ἀνασχόμενος ἀνόνητον ἀ- +πὸ Τροίας ἔλαβε τὸν Ἑλένας γάμον. + + + +Χορός +καὶ μὴν ἀμείβει καινὸν ἐκ καινῶν τόδε· +ξιφηφόρον γὰρ εἰσορῶ πρὸ δωμάτων +βαίνοντʼ Ὀρέστην ἐπτοημένῳ ποδί. + +
+ + +
+ +Ὀρέστης +ποῦ ʼστιν οὗτος ὃς πέφευγεν ἐκ δόμων τοὐμὸν ξίφος; + + + +Φρύξ +προσκυνῶ σʼ, ἄναξ, νόμοισι βαρβάροισι προσπίτνων. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἐν Ἰλίῳ τάδʼ ἐστίν, ἀλλʼ ἐν Ἀργείᾳ χθονί. + + + +Φρύξ +πανταχοῦ ζῆν ἡδὺ μᾶλλον ἢ θανεῖν τοῖς σώφροσιν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὔτι που κραυγὴν ἔθηκας Μενέλεῳ βοηδρομεῖν; + + + +Φρύξ +σοὶ μὲν οὖν ἔγωγʼ ἀμύνειν· ἀξιώτερος γὰρ εἶ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἐνδίκως ἡ Τυνδάρειος ἆρα παῖς διώλετο; + + + +Φρύξ +ἐνδικώτατʼ, εἴ γε λαιμοὺς εἶχε τριπτύχους θανεῖν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +δειλίᾳ γλώσσῃ χαρίζῃ, τἄνδον οὐχ οὕτω φρονῶν. + + + +Φρύξ +οὐ γάρ, ἥτις Ἑλλάδʼ αὐτοῖς Φρυξὶ διελυμήνατο; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὄμοσον — εἰ δὲ μή, κτενῶ σε — μὴ λέγειν ἐμὴν χάριν. + + + +Φρύξ +τὴν ἐμὴν ψυχὴν κατώμοσʼ, ἣν ἂν εὐορκοῖμʼ ἐγώ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὧδε κἀν Τροίᾳ σίδηρος πᾶσι Φρυξὶν ἦν φόβος; + + + +Φρύξ +ἄπεχε φάσγανον· πέλας γὰρ δεινὸν ἀνταυγεῖ φόνον. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μὴ πέτρος γένῃ δέδοικας ὥστε Γοργόνʼ εἰσιδών; + + + +Φρύξ +μὴ μὲν οὖν νεκρός· τὸ Γοργοῦς δʼ οὐ κάτοιδʼ ἐγὼ κάρα. + + + +Ὀρέστης +δοῦλος ὢν φοβῇ τὸν Ἅιδην, ὅς σʼ ἀπαλλάξει κακῶν; + + + +Φρύξ +πᾶς ἀνήρ, κἂν δοῦλος ᾖ τις, ἥδεται τὸ φῶς ὁρῶν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +εὖ λέγεις· σῴζει σε σύνεσις. ἀλλὰ βαῖνʼ ἔσω δόμων. + + + +Φρύξ +οὐκ ἄρα κτενεῖς με; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἀφεῖσαι. + + + +Φρύξ +καλὸν ἔπος λέγεις τόδε. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἀλλὰ μεταβουλευσόμεσθα. + + + +Φρύξ +τοῦτο δʼ οὐ καλῶς λέγεις. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μῶρος, εἰ δοκεῖς με τλῆναι σὴν καθαιμάξαι δέρην· +οὔτε γὰρ γυνὴ πέφυκας — οὔτʼ ἐν ἀνδράσιν σύ γʼ εἶ. +τοῦ δὲ μὴ στῆσαί σε κραυγὴν οὕνεκʼ ἐξῆλθον δόμων· +ὀξὺ γὰρ βοῆς ἀκοῦσαν Ἄργος ἐξεγείρεται. +Μενέλεων δʼ οὐ τάρβος ἡμῖν ἀναλαβεῖν ἔσω ξίφους· +ἀλλʼ ἴτω ξανθοῖς ἐπʼ ὤμων βοστρύχοις γαυρούμενος· +εἰ γὰρ Ἀργείους ἐπάξει τοῖσδε δώμασιν λαβών, +τὸν Ἑλένης φόνον διώκων, κἀμὲ μὴ σῴζειν θέλει +σύγγονόν τʼ ἐμὴν Πυλάδην τε τὸν τάδε ξυνδρῶντά μοι, +παρθένον τε καὶ δάμαρτα δύο νεκρὼ κατόψεται. + +
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+ +Χορός +— ἰὼ ἰὼ τύχα, +ἕτερον εἰς ἀγῶνʼ, ἕτερον αὖ δόμος +φοβερὸν ἀμφὶ τοὺς Ἀτρείδας πίτνει. +— τί δρῶμεν; ἀγγέλλωμεν ἐς πόλιν τάδε; +ἢ σῖγʼ ἔχωμεν; ἀσφαλέστερον, φίλαι. +— ἴδε πρὸ δωμάτων ἴδε προκηρύσσει +θοάζων ὅδʼ αἰθέρος ἄνω καπνός. +— ἅπτουσι πεύκας, ὡς πυρώσοντες δόμους +τοὺς Τανταλείους, οὐδʼ ἀφίστανται φόνου. +— τέλος ἔχει δαίμων βροτοῖς, +τέλος ὅπᾳ θέλῃ. +— μεγάλα δέ τις ἁ δύναμις διʼ ἀλαστόρων +ἔπεσʼ ἔπεσε μέλαθρα τάδε διʼ αἱμάτων +διὰ τὸ Μυρτίλου πέσημʼ ἐκ δίφρου. + +
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+ + + +
+
+ +Χορός +ἀλλὰ μὴν καὶ τόνδε λεύσσω Μενέλεων δόμων πέλας +ὀξύπουν, ᾐσθημένον που τὴν τύχην ἣ νῦν πάρα. +οὐκέτʼ ἂν φθάνοιτε κλῇθρα συμπεραίνοντες μοχλοῖς, +ὦ κατὰ στέγας Ἀτρεῖδαι. δεινὸν εὐτυχῶν ἀνὴρ +πρὸς κακῶς πράσσοντας, ὡς σὺ νῦν, Ὀρέστα, δυστυχεῖς. + +
+ + + +
+ +Μενέλαος +ἥκω κλύων τὰ δεινὰ καὶ δραστήρια +δισσοῖν λεόντοιν· οὐ γὰρ ἄνδρʼ αὐτὼ καλῶ. +ἤκουσα γὰρ δὴ τὴν ἐμὴν ξυνάορον +ὡς οὐ τέθνηκεν, ἀλλʼ ἄφαντος οἴχεται — +κενὴν ἀκούσας βάξιν, ἣν φόβῳ σφαλεὶς +ἤγγειλέ μοί τις. ἀλλὰ τοῦ μητροκτόνου +τεχνάσματʼ ἐστὶ ταῦτα καὶ πολὺς γέλως. + ἀνοιγέτω τις δῶμα· προσπόλοις λέγω +ὠθεῖν πύλας τάσδʼ, ὡς ἂν ἀλλὰ παῖδʼ ἐμὴν +ῥυσώμεθʼ ἀνδρῶν ἐκ χερῶν μιαιφόνων, +καὶ τὴν τάλαιναν ἀθλίαν δάμαρτʼ ἐμὴν +λάβωμεν, ᾗ δεῖ ξυνθανεῖν ἐμῇ χερὶ +τοὺς διολέσαντας τὴν ἐμὴν ξυνάορον. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὗτος σύ, κλῄθρων τῶνδε μὴ ψαύσῃς χερί· +Μενέλαον εἶπον, ὃς πεπύργωσαι θράσει· +ἢ τῷδε θριγκῷ κρᾶτα συνθραύσω σέθεν, +ῥήξας παλαιὰ γεῖσα, τεκτόνων πόνον. +μοχλοῖς δʼ ἄραρε κλῇθρα, σῆς βοηδρόμου +σπουδῆς ἅ σʼ εἴρξει, μὴ δόμων ἔσω περᾶν. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἔα, τί χρῆμα; λαμπάδων ὁρῶ σέλας, +δόμων δʼ ἐπʼ ἄκρων τούσδε πυργηρουμένους, +ξίφος δʼ ἐμῆς θυγατρὸς ἐπίφρουρον δέρῃ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +πότερον ἐρωτᾶν ἢ κλύειν ἐμοῦ θέλεις; + + + +Μενέλαος +οὐδέτερʼ· ἀνάγκη δʼ, ὡς ἔοικε, σου κλύειν. + + + +Ὀρέστης +μέλλω κτενεῖν σου θυγατέρʼ, εἰ βούλῃ μαθεῖν. + + + +Μενέλαος +Ἑλένην φονεύσας ἐπὶ φόνῳ πράσσεις φόνον; + + + +Ὀρέστης +εἰ γὰρ κατέσχον μὴ θεῶν κλεφθεὶς ὕπο. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἀρνῇ κατακτὰς κἀφʼ ὕβρει λέγεις τάδε; + + + +Ὀρέστης +λυπράν γε τὴν ἄρνησιν· εἰ γὰρ ὤφελον — + + + +Μενέλαος +τί χρῆμα δρᾶσαι; παρακαλεῖς γὰρ ἐς φόβον. + + + +Ὀρέστης +τὴν Ἑλλάδος μιάστορʼ εἰς Ἅιδου βαλεῖν. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἀπόδος δάμαρτος νέκυν, ὅπως χώσω τάφῳ. + + + +Ὀρέστης +θεοὺς ἀπαίτει. παῖδα δὲ κτενῶ σέθεν. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὁ μητροφόντης ἐπὶ φόνῳ πράσσει φόνον; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὁ πατρὸς ἀμύντωρ, ὃν σὺ προύδωκας θανεῖν. + + + +Μενέλαος +οὐκ ἤρκεσέν σοι τὸ παρὸν αἷμα μητέρος; + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐκ ἂν κάμοιμι τὰς κακὰς κτείνων ἀεί. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἦ καὶ σύ, Πυλάδη, τοῦδε κοινωνεῖς φόνου; + + + +Ὀρέστης +φησὶν σιωπῶν· ἀρκέσω δʼ ἐγὼ λέγων. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἀλλʼ οὔτι χαίρων, ἤν γε μὴ φύγῃς πτεροῖς. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐ φευξόμεσθα· πυρὶ δʼ ἀνάψομεν δόμους. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἦ γὰρ πατρῷον δῶμα πορθήσεις τόδε; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὡς μή γʼ ἔχῃς σύ, τήνδʼ ἐπισφάξας πυρί. + + + +Μενέλαος +κτεῖνʼ· ὡς κτανών γε τῶνδέ μοι δώσεις δίκην. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἔσται τάδε. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἆ ἆ, μηδαμῶς δράσῃς τάδε. + + + +Ὀρέστης +σίγα νυν, ἀνέχου δʼ ἐνδίκως πράσσων κακῶς. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἦ γὰρ δίκαιον ζῆν σε; + + + +Ὀρέστης +καὶ κρατεῖν γε γῆς. + + + +Μενέλαος +ποίας; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἐν Ἄργει τῷδε τῷ Πελασγικῷ. + + + +Μενέλαος +εὖ γοῦν θίγοις ἂν χερνίβων — + + + +Ὀρέστης +τί δὴ γὰρ οὔ; + + + +Μενέλαος +καὶ σφάγια πρὸ δορὸς καταβάλοις. + + + +Ὀρέστης +σὺ δʼ ἂν καλῶς; + + + +Μενέλαος +ἁγνὸς γάρ εἰμι χεῖρας. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἀλλʼ οὐ τὰς φρένας. + + + +Μενέλαος +τίς δʼ ἂν προσείποι σέ; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὅστις ἐστὶ φιλοπάτωρ. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὅστις δὲ τιμᾷ μητέρα; + + + +Ὀρέστης +εὐδαίμων ἔφυ. + + + +Μενέλαος +οὔκουν σύ γε. + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐ γὰρ ἁνδάνουσιν αἱ κακαί. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἄπαιρε θυγατρὸς φάσγανον. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ψευδὴς ἔφυς. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἀλλὰ κτενεῖς μου θυγατέρα; + + + +Ὀρέστης +οὐ ψευδὴς ἔτʼ εἶ. + + + +Μενέλαος +οἴμοι, τί δράσω; + + + +Ὀρέστης +πεῖθʼ ἐς Ἀργείους μολὼν — + + + +Μενέλαος +πειθὼ τίνα; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ἡμᾶς μὴ θανεῖν· αἰτοῦ πόλιν. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἢ παῖδά μου φονεύσετε; + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὧδʼ ἔχει τάδε. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὦ τλῆμον Ἑλένη — + + + +Ὀρέστης +τἀμὰ δʼ οὐχὶ τλήμονα; + + + +Μενέλαος +σὲ σφάγιον ἐκόμισʼ ἐκ Φρυγῶν — + + + +Ὀρέστης +εἰ γὰρ τόδʼ ἦν. + + + +Μενέλαος +πόνους πονήσας μυρίους. + + + +Ὀρέστης +πλήν γʼ εἰς ἐμέ. + + + +Μενέλαος +πέπονθα δεινά. + + + +Ὀρέστης +τότε γὰρ ἦσθʼ ἀνωφελής. + + + +Μενέλαος +ἔχεις με. + + + +Ὀρέστης +σαυτὸν σύ γʼ ἔλαβες κακὸς γεγώς. +ἀλλʼ εἶʼ, ὕφαπτε δώματʼ, Ἠλέκτρα, τάδε· +σύ τʼ, ὦ φίλων μοι τῶν ἐμῶν σαφέστατε, +Πυλάδη, κάταιθε γεῖσα τειχέων τάδε. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὦ γαῖα Δαναῶν ἱππίου τʼ Ἄργους κτίται, +οὐκ εἶʼ ἐνόπλῳ ποδὶ βοηδρομήσετε; +πᾶσαν γὰρ ὑμῶν ὅδε βιάζεται πόλιν +ζῆν, αἷμα μητρὸς μυσαρὸν ἐξειργασμένος. + + + +Ἀπόλλων +Μενέλαε, παῦσαι λῆμʼ ἔχων τεθηγμένον· +Φοῖβός σʼ ὁ Λητοῦς παῖς ὅδʼ ἐγγὺς ὢν καλῶ· +σύ θʼ ὃς ξιφήρης τῇδʼ ἐφεδρεύεις κόρῃ, +Ὀρέσθʼ, ἵνʼ εἰδῇς οὓς φέρων ἥκω λόγους. +Ἑλένην μὲν ἣν σὺ διολέσαι πρόθυμος ὢν +ἥμαρτες, ὀργὴν Μενέλεῳ ποιούμενος, +ἥδʼ ἐστίν, ἣν ὁρᾶτʼ ἐν αἰθέρος πτυχαῖς, +σεσῳσμένη τε κοὐ θανοῦσα πρὸς σέθεν. +ἐγώ νιν ἐξέσῳσα κἀπὸ φασγάνου +τοῦ σοῦ κελευσθεὶς ἥρπασʼ ἐκ Διὸς πατρός. +Ζηνὸς γὰρ οὖσαν ζῆν νιν ἄφθιτον χρεών, +Κάστορί τε Πολυδεύκει τʼ ἐν αἰθέρος πτυχαῖς +σύνθακος ἔσται, ναυτίλοις σωτήριος. +ἄλλην δὲ νύμφην ἐς δόμους κτῆσαι λαβών, +ἐπεὶ θεοὶ τῷ τῆσδε καλλιστεύματι +Ἕλληνας εἰς ἓν καὶ Φρύγας συνήγαγον, +θανάτους τʼ ἔθηκαν, ὡς ἀπαντλοῖεν χθονὸς +ὕβρισμα θνητῶν ἀφθόνου πληρώματος. +τὰ μὲν καθʼ Ἑλένην ὧδʼ ἔχει· σὲ δʼ αὖ χρεών, +Ὀρέστα, γαίας τῆσδʼ ὑπερβαλόνθʼ ὅρους +Παρράσιον οἰκεῖν δάπεδον ἐνιαυτοῦ κύκλον. +κεκλήσεται δὲ σῆς φυγῆς ἐπώνυμον +Ἀζᾶσιν Ἀρκάσιν τʼ Ὀρέστειον καλεῖν. +ἐνθένδε δʼ ἐλθὼν τὴν Ἀθηναίων πόλιν +δίκην ὑπόσχες αἵματος μητροκτόνου +Εὐμενίσι τρισσαῖς· θεοὶ δέ σοι δίκης βραβῆς +πάγοισιν ἐν Ἀρείοισιν εὐσεβεστάτην +ψῆφον διοίσουσʼ, ἔνθα νικῆσαί σε χρή. + ἐφʼ ἧς δʼ ἔχεις, Ὀρέστα, φάσγανον δέρῃ, +γῆμαι πέπρωταί σʼ Ἑρμιόνην· ὃς δʼ οἴεται +Νεοπτόλεμος γαμεῖν νιν, οὐ γαμεῖ ποτε. +θανεῖν γὰρ αὐτῷ μοῖρα Δελφικῷ ξίφει, +δίκας Ἀχιλλέως πατρὸς ἐξαιτοῦντά με. +Πυλάδῃ δʼ ἀδελφῆς λέκτρον, ὥς ποτʼ ᾔνεσας, +δός· ὁ δʼ ἐπιών νιν βίοτος εὐδαίμων μένει. +Ἄργους δʼ Ὀρέστην, Μενέλεως, ἔα κρατεῖν, +ἐλθὼν δʼ ἄνασσε Σπαρτιάτιδος χθονός, +φερνὰς ἔχων δάμαρτος, ἥ σε μυρίοις +πόνοις διδοῦσα δεῦρʼ ἀεὶ διήνυσεν. +τὰ πρὸς πόλιν δὲ τῷδʼ ἐγὼ θήσω καλῶς, +ὅς νιν φονεῦσαι μητέρʼ ἐξηνάγκασα. + + + +Ὀρέστης +ὦ Λοξία μαντεῖε, σῶν θεσπισμάτων. +οὐ ψευδόμαντις ἦσθʼ ἄρʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐτήτυμος. +καίτοι μʼ ἐσῄει δεῖμα, μή τινος κλύων +ἀλαστόρων δόξαιμι σὴν κλύειν ὄπα. +ἀλλʼ εὖ τελεῖται, πείσομαι δὲ σοῖς λόγοις. + ἰδού, μεθίημʼ Ἑρμιόνην ἀπὸ σφαγῆς, +καὶ λέκτρʼ ἐπῄνεσʼ, ἡνίκʼ ἂν διδῷ πατήρ. + + + +Μενέλαος +ὦ Ζηνὸς Ἑλένη χαῖρε παῖ· ζηλῶ δέ σε +θεῶν κατοικήσασαν ὄλβιον δόμον. +Ὀρέστα, σοὶ δὲ παῖδʼ ἐγὼ κατεγγυῶ, +Φοίβου λέγοντος· εὐγενὴς δʼ ἀπʼ εὐγενοῦς +γήμας ὄναιο καὶ σὺ χὡ διδοὺς ἐγώ. + + + +Ἀπόλλων +χωρεῖτέ νυν ἕκαστος οἷ προστάσσομεν, +νείκας τε διαλύεσθε. + + + +Μενέλαος +πείθεσθαι χρεών. + + + +Ὀρέστης +κἀγὼ τοιοῦτος· σπένδομαι δὲ συμφοραῖς, +Μενέλαε, καὶ σοῖς, Λοξία, θεσπίσμασιν. + +
+ + +
+ +Ἀπόλλων +ἴτε νυν καθʼ ὁδόν, τὴν καλλίστην +θεῶν Εἰρήνην τιμῶντες· ἐγὼ δʼ +Ἑλένην Δίοις μελάθροις πελάσω, +λαμπρῶν ἄστρων πόλον ἐξανύσας, +ἔνθα παρʼ Ἥρᾳ τῇ θʼ Ἡρακλέους +Ἥβῃ πάρεδρος θεὸς ἀνθρώποις +ἔσται σπονδαῖς ἔντιμος ἀεί, +σὺν Τυνδαρίδαις, τοῖς Διὸς υἱοῖς, +ναύταις μεδέουσα θαλάσσης. + + + +Χορός +ὦ μέγα σεμνὴ Νίκη, τὸν ἐμὸν +βίοτον κατέχοις +καὶ μὴ λήγοις στεφανοῦσα. + +
+
+
+ +
+
\ No newline at end of file diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg017/__cts__.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg017/__cts__.xml index 6e94ae561..f60ec98c8 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg017/__cts__.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg017/__cts__.xml @@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ Βάκχαι - Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. III. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1920-1978) + Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. III. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1920-1978) diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg017/tlg0006.tlg017.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg017/tlg0006.tlg017.perseus-eng2.xml index 7e9fc666b..ffc95e483 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg017/tlg0006.tlg017.perseus-eng2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg017/tlg0006.tlg017.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ Bacchae Machine readable text Euripides -T. A. Buckley +T. A. Buckley Perseus Project, Tufts University Gregory Crane @@ -92,7 +92,7 @@
- +

Persons Represented

Dionysus

@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@
- + Dionysus I, the son of Zeus, have come to this land of the Thebans—Dionysus, whom once Semele, Kadmos’ daughter, bore, delivered by a lightning-bearing flame. And having taken a mortal form instead of a god’s, I am here at the fountains of Dirke and the water of Ismenus. And I see the tomb of my thunder-stricken mother here near the palace, and the remnants of her house, smouldering with the still living flame of Zeus’ fire, the everlasting insult of Hera against my mother. @@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ But here is another wonder—I see Teiresias the soothsayer in dappled fawn-skin Do you, the child of Echion, bring shame to your race? - + Teiresias Whenever a wise man takes a good occasion for his speech, it is not a great task to speak well. You have a rapid tongue as though you were sensible, but there is no sense in your words. A man powerful in his boldness, one capable of speaking well, becomes a bad citizen in his lack of sense. This new god, whom you ridicule, I am unable to express how great he will be throughout Hellas. For two things, young man, @@ -779,7 +779,7 @@ Listen first to the words of this man, who has come from the mountain to bring y the more I will punish this one here who taught the women these tricks. - + Messenger The herds of grazing cattle were just climbing up the hill, at the time when the sun sends forth its rays, warming the earth. I saw three companies of dancing women, one of which Autonoe led, the second your mother Agave, and the third Ino. All were asleep, their bodies relaxed, some resting their backs against pine foliage, diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg017/tlg0006.tlg017.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg017/tlg0006.tlg017.perseus-grc2.xml index 9064f59ee..c107d1eac 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg017/tlg0006.tlg017.perseus-grc2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg017/tlg0006.tlg017.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ -Bacchae + Βάκχαι Euripides Gilbert Murray Perseus Project, Tufts University @@ -87,7 +87,8 @@
- + + Διόνυσος ἥκω Διὸς παῖς τήνδε Θηβαίων χθόνα @@ -132,7 +133,7 @@ ἀτέλεστον οὖσαν τῶν ἐμῶν βακχευμάτων, Σεμέλης τε μητρὸς ἀπολογήσασθαί μʼ ὕπερ φανέντα θνητοῖς δαίμονʼ ὃν τίκτει Διί. - + Κάδμος μὲν οὖν γέρας τε καὶ τυραννίδα Πενθεῖ δίδωσι θυγατρὸς ἐκπεφυκότι, ὃς θεομαχεῖ τὰ κατʼ ἐμὲ καὶ σπονδῶν ἄπο @@ -156,7 +157,7 @@ ἐλθὼν ἵνʼ εἰσί, συμμετασχήσω χορῶν.
- +
@@ -170,7 +171,7 @@ ἅπας ἐξοσιούσθω· τὰ νομισθέντα γὰρ αἰεὶ Διόνυσον ὑμνήσω. - +
@@ -194,7 +195,7 @@ Φρυγίων ἐξ ὀρέων Ἑλλάδος εἰς εὐρυχόρους ἀγυιάς, τὸν Βρόμιον· - +
@@ -218,7 +219,7 @@ μαινάδες ἀμφιβάλλονται word split in text ἀμφι-βάλλονται πλοκάμοις. - +
@@ -239,7 +240,7 @@ ἀφʼ ἱστῶν παρὰ κερκίδων τʼ οἰστρηθεὶς Διονύσῳ. - +
@@ -260,7 +261,7 @@ συνῆψαν τριετηρίδων, αἷς χαίρει Διόνυσος. - +
@@ -296,7 +297,7 @@ δʼ ἄρα, πῶλος ὅπως ἅμα ματέρι φορβάδι, κῶλον ἄγει ταχύπουν σκιρτήμασι βάκχα. - +
@@ -389,7 +390,7 @@ Πενθεὺς πρὸς οἴκους ὅδε διὰ σπουδῆς περᾷ, Ἐχίονος παῖς, ᾧ κράτος δίδωμι γῆς. ὡς ἐπτόηται· τί ποτʼ ἐρεῖ νεώτερον; - + Πενθεύς @@ -451,7 +452,7 @@ τῆς δυσσεβείας. ὦ ξένʼ, οὐκ αἰδῇ θεοὺς Κάδμον τε τὸν σπείραντα γηγενῆ στάχυν, Ἐχίονος δʼ ὢν παῖς καταισχύνεις γένος; - + Τειρεσίας @@ -490,7 +491,7 @@ βροτοὶ ῥαφῆναί φασιν ἐν μηρῷ Διός, ὄνομα μεταστήσαντες, ὅτι θεᾷ θεὸς Ἥρᾳ ποθʼ ὡμήρευσε, συνθέντες λόγον. - + μάντις δʼ ὁ δαίμων ὅδε· τὸ γὰρ βακχεύσιμον καὶ τὸ μανιῶδες μαντικὴν πολλὴν ἔχει· ὅταν γὰρ ὁ θεὸς ἐς τὸ σῶμʼ ἔλθῃ πολύς, @@ -545,7 +546,7 @@ ὃ μὴ πάθῃς σύ· δεῦρό σου στέψω κάρα κισσῷ· μεθʼ ἡμῶν τῷ θεῷ τιμὴν δίδου. - + Πενθεύς οὐ μὴ προσοίσεις χεῖρα, βακχεύσεις δʼ ἰών, @@ -578,7 +579,7 @@ Πενθεὺς δʼ ὅπως μὴ πένθος εἰσοίσει δόμοις τοῖς σοῖσι, Κάδμε· μαντικῇ μὲν οὐ λέγω, τοῖς πράγμασιν δέ· μῶρα γὰρ μῶρος λέγει. - +
@@ -602,7 +603,7 @@ δʼ ἐν θαλίαις ἀνδράσι word split in text ἀν-δράσι κρατὴρ ὕπνον ἀμφιβάλλῃ word split in text ἀμ-φιβάλλῃ - +
@@ -625,7 +626,7 @@ κακοβούλων παρʼ ἔμοιγε φωτῶν.word and line split in text ἔμοι-||γε φωτῶν. - +
@@ -646,7 +647,7 @@ ἐκεῖ δὲ Πόθος· ἐκεῖ δὲ βάκχαις word split in text βάκ-χαις θέμις ὀργιάζειν. - +
@@ -667,7 +668,7 @@ τὸ φαυλότερον ἐνόμισε χρῆταί word split in text χρῆ-ταί τε, τόδʼ ἂν δεχοίμαν. - +
@@ -760,7 +761,7 @@ Πενθεύς εὖ τοῦτʼ ἐκιβδήλευσας, ἵνʼ ἀκοῦσαι θέλω. - + Διόνυσος @@ -909,7 +910,7 @@ παθεῖν. ἀτάρ τοι τῶνδʼ ἄποινʼ ὑβρισμάτων μέτεισι Διόνυσός σʼ, ὃν οὐκ εἶναι λέγεις· ἡμᾶς γὰρ ἀδικῶν κεῖνον εἰς δεσμοὺς ἄγεις. - +
@@ -938,7 +939,7 @@ Διονύσου χάριν οἴνας, ἔτι σοι τοῦ Βρομίου μελήσει. - +
@@ -963,7 +964,7 @@ ἄνα, θύρσον κατʼ Ὄλυμπον, φονίου δʼ ἀνδρὸς ὕβριν κατάσχες. - +
@@ -989,7 +990,7 @@ εὔιππον χώραν ὕδασιν καλλίστοισι λιπαίνειν. - +
@@ -1062,7 +1063,7 @@ δίκετε, Μαινάδες· ὁ γὰρ ἄναξ ἄνω κάτω τιθεὶς ἔπεισι μέλαθρα τάδε Διὸς γόνος. - +
@@ -1070,7 +1071,7 @@ Διόνυσος βάρβαροι γυναῖκες, οὕτως ἐκπεπληγμέναι φόβῳ πρὸς πέδῳ πεπτώκατʼ; ᾔσθησθʼ, ὡς ἔοικε, Βακχίου -διατινάξαντος † δῶμα Πενθέως· ἀλλʼ ἐξανίστατε † +διατινάξαντος δῶμα Πενθέως· ἀλλʼ ἐξανίστατε σῶμα καὶ θαρσεῖτε σαρκὸς ἐξαμείψασαι τρόμον.
@@ -1136,7 +1137,7 @@ ἐς προνώπιʼ αὐτίχʼ ἥξει. τί ποτʼ ἄρʼ ἐκ τούτων ἐρεῖ; ῥᾳδίως γὰρ αὐτὸν οἴσω, κἂν πνέων ἔλθῃ μέγα. πρὸς σοφοῦ γὰρ ἀνδρὸς ἀσκεῖν σώφρονʼ εὐοργησίαν. - + Πενθεύς @@ -1223,7 +1224,7 @@ ὅσῳ δʼ ἂν εἴπῃς δεινότερα βακχῶν πέρι, τοσῷδε μᾶλλον τὸν ὑποθέντα τὰς τέχνας γυναιξὶ τόνδε τῇ δίκῃ προσθήσομεν. - + Ἄγγελος @@ -1278,7 +1279,7 @@ Ἴακχον ἀθρόῳ στόματι τὸν Διὸς γόνον Βρόμιον καλοῦσαι· πᾶν δὲ συνεβάκχευʼ ὄρος καὶ θῆρες, οὐδὲν δʼ ἦν ἀκίνητον δρόμῳ. - + κυρεῖ δʼ Ἀγαύη πλησίον θρῴσκουσά μου· κἀγὼ ʼξεπήδησʼ ὡς συναρπάσαι θέλων, λόχμην κενώσας ἔνθʼ ἐκρυπτόμην δέμας. @@ -1327,7 +1328,7 @@ οἴνου δὲ μηκέτʼ ὄντος οὐκ ἔστιν Κύπρις οὐδʼ ἄλλο τερπνὸν οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις ἔτι. - + Χορός ταρβῶ μὲν εἰπεῖν τοὺς λόγους ἐλευθέρους @@ -1410,7 +1411,7 @@ Πενθεύς ἐκφέρετέ μοι δεῦρʼ ὅπλα, σὺ δὲ παῦσαι λέγων. - + Διόνυσος @@ -1568,7 +1569,7 @@ Πενθεῖ προσάψων· γνώσεται δὲ τὸν Διὸς Διόνυσον, ὃς πέφυκεν ἐν τέλει θεός, δεινότατος, ἀνθρώποισι δʼ ἠπιώτατος. - +
@@ -1598,7 +1599,7 @@ τῶν ἐχθρῶν κρείσσω κατέχειν; ὅ τι καλὸν φίλον ἀεί. - +
@@ -1625,7 +1626,7 @@ τῶν ἐχθρῶν κρείσσω κατέχειν; ὅ τι καλὸν φίλον ἀεί. - +
@@ -1642,7 +1643,7 @@ τὸ δὲ κατʼ ἦμαρ ὅτῳ βίοτος εὐδαίμων, μακαρίζω. - +
@@ -1717,7 +1718,7 @@ Διόνυσος ἐν δεξιᾷ χρὴ χἅμα δεξιῷ ποδὶ αἴρειν νιν· αἰνῶ δʼ ὅτι μεθέστηκας φρενῶν. - + Πενθεύς @@ -1816,7 +1817,7 @@ Κάδμου θυγατέρες· τὸν νεανίαν ἄγω τόνδʼ εἰς ἀγῶνα μέγαν, ὁ νικήσων δʼ ἐγὼ καὶ Βρόμιος ἔσται. τἄλλα δʼ αὐτὸ σημανεῖ. - +
@@ -1842,7 +1843,7 @@ τὸν ἄθεον ἄνομον ἄδικον Ἐχίονος γόνον γηγενῆ. - +
@@ -1866,7 +1867,7 @@ τὸν ἄθεον ἄνομον ἄδικον Ἐχίονος τόκον γηγενῆ. - +
@@ -1878,7 +1879,7 @@ θανάσιμον ὑπʼ ἀγέλαν πεσόντι word split in text πεσόν-τι τὰν μαινάδων. - +
@@ -1942,7 +1943,7 @@ Χορός ἔννεπέ μοι, φράσον, τίνι μόρῳ θνῄσκει ἄδικος ἄδικά τʼ ἐκπορίζων ἀνήρ; - + Ἄγγελος @@ -1987,7 +1988,7 @@ γέλων τιθέμενον· ἀλλὰ τιμωρεῖσθέ νιν. καὶ ταῦθʼ ἅμʼ ἠγόρευε καὶ πρὸς οὐρανὸν καὶ γαῖαν ἐστήριξε φῶς σεμνοῦ πυρός. - + σίγησε δʼ αἰθήρ, σῖγα δʼ ὕλιμος νάπη φύλλʼ εἶχε, θηρῶν δʼ οὐκ ἂν ἤκουσας βοήν. αἳ δʼ ὠσὶν ἠχὴν οὐ σαφῶς δεδεγμέναι @@ -2018,7 +2019,7 @@ ὑψοῦ δὲ θάσσων ὑψόθεν χαμαιριφὴς πίπτει πρὸς οὖδας μυρίοις οἰμώγμασιν Πενθεύς· κακοῦ γὰρ ἐγγὺς ὢν ἐμάνθανεν. - + πρώτη δὲ μήτηρ ἦρξεν ἱερέα φόνου καὶ προσπίτνει νιν· ὃ δὲ μίτραν κόμης ἄπο ἔρριψεν, ὥς νιν γνωρίσασα μὴ κτάνοι @@ -2061,7 +2062,7 @@
- +
@@ -2078,14 +2079,14 @@ ἐς στόνον, ἐς δάκρυα. καλὸς ἀγών, χέρʼ αἵματι στάζουσαν περιβαλεῖν τέκνου. - + Χορός ἀλλʼ, εἰσορῶ γὰρ ἐς δόμους ὁρμωμένην Πενθέως Ἀγαύην μητέρʼ ἐν διαστρόφοις ὄσσοις, δέχεσθε κῶμον εὐίου θεοῦ. - +
@@ -2165,7 +2166,7 @@ - +
@@ -2237,7 +2238,7 @@ μεγάλα μεγάλα καὶ φανερὰ τᾷδʼ ἄγρᾳ κατειργασμένα. - +
@@ -2296,7 +2297,7 @@ γαυρούμενος δὲ τοῖς ἐμοῖς ἀγρεύμασιν κάλει φίλους ἐς δαῖτα· μακάριος γὰρ εἶ, μακάριος, ἡμῶν τοιάδʼ ἐξειργασμένων. - + Κάδμος @@ -2390,7 +2391,7 @@ Κάδμος σκέψαι νυν ὀρθῶς· βραχὺς ὁ μόχθος εἰσιδεῖν. - + Ἀγαύη @@ -2526,7 +2527,7 @@ - + Διονυσος @@ -2608,7 +2609,7 @@ Κάδμος οὐκ οἶδα, τέκνον· μικρὸς ἐπίκουρος πατήρ. - +
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg018/tlg0006.tlg018.perseus-eng2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg018/tlg0006.tlg018.perseus-eng2.xml index ec1750984..38b4e97a0 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg018/tlg0006.tlg018.perseus-eng2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg018/tlg0006.tlg018.perseus-eng2.xml @@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ Iphigenia in Aulis Machine readable text Euripides -E. P. Coleridge +Edward P. Coleridge Perseus Project, Tufts University Gregory Crane @@ -64,6 +64,7 @@ English Greek + Latin @@ -88,9 +89,9 @@
- - -

Dramatis Personae

+ + +

Dramatis Personae

Agamemnon

Old man

Chorus

@@ -105,6 +106,7 @@
+ AgamemnonScene. — The sea-coast at Aulis.This edition starts with the traditional line 49. Traditional line 1 appears following line 114. Regular numbering resumes at line 115. The print source represents these lines in the usual order. Leda, the daughter of Thestius, had three children, maidens, @@ -220,7 +222,7 @@ Agamemnon Preserve the seal which you bear on this tablet. Away! Already the dawn is growing grey, lighting the lamp of day and the fire of the sun’s four steeds; help me in my trouble. Exit Old man. -No mortal is prosperous or happy to the last, for no one was ever born to a painless life.Exit Agamemnon. +No mortal is prosperous or happy to the last, for no one was ever born to a painless life. Exit Agamemnon.
@@ -1352,7 +1354,7 @@ No mortal is prosperous or happy to the last, for no one was ever born to a pain and the numbers of bronze-clad warriors from Hellas, who can neither make their way to Ilium’s towers nor raze the far-famed citadel of Troy, unless I offer you according to the word of Calchas the seer. The following passage from 1. 1264-75 is regarded by Dindorf as spurious. Hennig thinks 1. 1269 and ll. 1271-75 are genuine.Some mad desire possesses the army of Hellas to sail at once to the land of the barbarians, and put a stop to the rape of wives from Hellas, and they will slay my daughter in Argos as well as you and me, if I disregard the goddess’s commands. It is not Menelaus who has enslaved me to him, child, nor have I followed his wish; no, it is Hellas, for whom I must sacrifice you whether I will or not; to this necessity I bow my head; for her freedom must be preserved, as far as any help of yours daughter, or mine can go; or they, who are the sons of Hellas, must be -pillaged of their wives by barbarian robbery.Exit Agamemnon.
+pillaged of their wives by barbarian robbery. Exit Agamemnon.
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg018/tlg0006.tlg018.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg018/tlg0006.tlg018.perseus-grc2.xml index b95f32984..43837ceac 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg018/tlg0006.tlg018.perseus-grc2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg018/tlg0006.tlg018.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ -Iphigenia in Aulis + Ἰφιγένεια ἐν Αὐλίδι Machine readable text Euripides Gilbert Murray @@ -95,7 +95,7 @@
- + ἈγαμέμνωνThis edition starts with the traditional line 49. Traditional line 1 appears following line 114. Regular numbering resumes at line 115. Ἐγένοντο Λήδᾳ Θεστιάδι τρεῖς παρθένοι, Φοίβη Κλυταιμήστρα τʼ, ἐμὴ ξυνάορος, @@ -156,14 +156,14 @@ πειθὼ γὰρ εἶχον τήνδε πρὸς δάμαρτʼ ἐμήν, ψευδῆ συνάψας ἀντὶ παρθένου γάμον. μόνοι δʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἴσμεν ὡς ἔχει τάδε -Κάλχας Ὀδυσσεὺς Μενέλεώς θʼ. ἃ δʼ οὐ καλῶς -ἔγνων τότʼ, αὖθις μεταγράφω καλῶς πάλιν -ἐς τήνδε δέλτον, ἣν κατʼ εὐφρόνης σκιὰν -λύοντα καὶ συνδοῦντά μʼ εἰσεῖδες, γέρον. -ἀλλʼ εἶα χώρει τάσδʼ ἐπιστολὰς λαβὼν -πρὸς Ἄργος. ἃ δὲ κέκευθε δέλτος ἐν πτυχαῖς, -λόγῳ φράσω σοι πάντα τἀγγεγραμμένα· -πιστὸς γὰρ ἀλόχῳ τοῖς τʼ ἐμοῖς δόμοισιν εἶ. +Κάλχας Ὀδυσσεὺς Μενέλεώς θʼ. ἃ δʼ οὐ καλῶς +ἔγνων τότʼ, αὖθις μεταγράφω καλῶς πάλιν +ἐς τήνδε δέλτον, ἣν κατʼ εὐφρόνης σκιὰν +λύοντα καὶ συνδοῦντά μʼ εἰσεῖδες, γέρον. +ἀλλʼ εἶα χώρει τάσδʼ ἐπιστολὰς λαβὼν +πρὸς Ἄργος. ἃ δὲ κέκευθε δέλτος ἐν πτυχαῖς, +λόγῳ φράσω σοι πάντα τἀγγεγραμμένα· +πιστὸς γὰρ ἀλόχῳ τοῖς τʼ ἐμοῖς δόμοισιν εἶ.
@@ -1049,7 +1049,7 @@ Ἰφιγένεια ἐγὼ δὲ βούλομαι τὰ σὰ στέρνʼ, ὦ πάτερ, -ὑποδραμοῦσα προσβαλεῖν διὰ χρόνου· +ὑποδραμοῦσα προσβαλεῖν διὰ χρόνου· ποθῶ γὰρ ὄμμα δὴ σόν. ὀργισθῇς δὲ μή. Κλυταιμήστρα @@ -2731,75 +2731,75 @@ Τροίας τε πέργαμʼ ἐξελεῖν ἡμᾶς δορί. ἐς γῆν δʼ Ἀτρεῖδαι πᾶς στρατός τʼ ἔστη βλέπων. -ἱερεὺς δὲ φάσγανον λαβὼν ἐπεύξατο, -λαιμόν τʼ ἐπεσκοπεῖθʼ, ἵνα πλήξειεν ἄν· -ἐμοὶ δέ τʼ ἄλγος οὐ μικρὸν εἰσῄει φρενί, -κἄστην νενευκώς· θαῦμα δʼ ἦν αἴφνης ὁρᾶν. -πληγῆς κτύπον γὰρ πᾶς τις ᾔσθετʼ ἂν σαφῶς, -τὴν παρθένον δʼ οὐκ εἶδεν οὗ γῆς εἰσέδυ. -βοᾷ δʼ ἱερεύς, ἅπας δʼ ἐπήχησε στρατός, -ἄελπτον εἰσιδόντες ἐκ θεῶν τινος -φάσμʼ, οὗ γε μηδʼ ὁρωμένου πίστις παρῆν· -ἔλαφος γὰρ ἀσπαίρουσʼ ἔκειτʼ ἐπὶ χθονὶ -ἰδεῖν μεγίστη διαπρεπής τε τὴν θέαν, -ἧς αἵματι βωμὸς ἐραίνετʼ ἄρδην τῆς θεοῦ. -κἀν τῷδε Κάλχας πῶς δοκεῖς χαίρων ἔφη· -Ὦ τοῦδʼ Ἀχαιῶν κοίρανοι κοινοῦ στρατοῦ, -ὁρᾶτε τήνδε θυσίαν, ἣν ἡ θεὸς -προύθηκε βωμίαν, ἔλαφον ὀρειδρόμον; -ταύτην μάλιστα τῆς κόρης ἀσπάζεται, -ὡς μὴ μιάνῃ βωμὸν εὐγενεῖ φόνῳ. -ἡδέως τε τοῦτʼ ἐδέξατο, καὶ πλοῦν οὔριον -δίδωσιν ἡμῖν Ἰλίου τʼ ἐπιδρομάς. -πρὸς ταῦτα πᾶς τις θάρσος αἶρε ναυβάτης, -χώρει τε πρὸς ναῦν· ὡς ἡμέρᾳ τῇδε δεῖ -λιπόντας ἡμᾶς Αὐλίδος κοίλους μυχοὺς -Αἴγαιον οἶδμα διαπερᾶν. -ἐπεὶ δʼ ἅπαν -κατηνθρακώθη θῦμʼ ἐν Ἡφαίστου φλογί, -τὰ πρόσφορʼ ηὔξαθʼ, ὡς τύχοι νόστου στρατός. -πέμπει δʼ Ἀγαμέμνων μʼ ὥστε σοι φράσαι τάδε, -λέγειν θʼ ὁποίας ἐκ θεῶν μοίρας κυρεῖ -καὶ δόξαν ἔσχεν ἄφθιτον καθʼ Ἑλλάδα. -ἐγὼ παρὼν δὲ καὶ τὸ πρᾶγμʼ ὁρῶν λέγω· -ἡ παῖς σαφῶς σοι πρὸς θεοὺς ἀφίπτατο. -λύπης δʼ ἀφαίρει καὶ πόσει πάρες χόλον· -ἀπροσδόκητα δὲ βροτοῖς τὰ τῶν θεῶν, -σώζουσί θʼ οὓς φιλοῦσιν. ἦμαρ γὰρ τόδε -θανοῦσαν εἶδε καὶ βλέπουσαν παῖδα σήν. +ἱερεὺς δὲ φάσγανον λαβὼν ἐπεύξατο, +λαιμόν τʼ ἐπεσκοπεῖθʼ, ἵνα πλήξειεν ἄν· +ἐμοὶ δέ τʼ ἄλγος οὐ μικρὸν εἰσῄει φρενί, +κἄστην νενευκώς· θαῦμα δʼ ἦν αἴφνης ὁρᾶν. +πληγῆς κτύπον γὰρ πᾶς τις ᾔσθετʼ ἂν σαφῶς, +τὴν παρθένον δʼ οὐκ εἶδεν οὗ γῆς εἰσέδυ. +βοᾷ δʼ ἱερεύς, ἅπας δʼ ἐπήχησε στρατός, +ἄελπτον εἰσιδόντες ἐκ θεῶν τινος +φάσμʼ, οὗ γε μηδʼ ὁρωμένου πίστις παρῆν· +ἔλαφος γὰρ ἀσπαίρουσʼ ἔκειτʼ ἐπὶ χθονὶ +ἰδεῖν μεγίστη διαπρεπής τε τὴν θέαν, +ἧς αἵματι βωμὸς ἐραίνετʼ ἄρδην τῆς θεοῦ. +κἀν τῷδε Κάλχας πῶς δοκεῖς χαίρων ἔφη· +Ὦ τοῦδʼ Ἀχαιῶν κοίρανοι κοινοῦ στρατοῦ, +ὁρᾶτε τήνδε θυσίαν, ἣν ἡ θεὸς +προύθηκε βωμίαν, ἔλαφον ὀρειδρόμον; +ταύτην μάλιστα τῆς κόρης ἀσπάζεται, +ὡς μὴ μιάνῃ βωμὸν εὐγενεῖ φόνῳ. +ἡδέως τε τοῦτʼ ἐδέξατο, καὶ πλοῦν οὔριον +δίδωσιν ἡμῖν Ἰλίου τʼ ἐπιδρομάς. +πρὸς ταῦτα πᾶς τις θάρσος αἶρε ναυβάτης, +χώρει τε πρὸς ναῦν· ὡς ἡμέρᾳ τῇδε δεῖ +λιπόντας ἡμᾶς Αὐλίδος κοίλους μυχοὺς +Αἴγαιον οἶδμα διαπερᾶν. +ἐπεὶ δʼ ἅπαν +κατηνθρακώθη θῦμʼ ἐν Ἡφαίστου φλογί, +τὰ πρόσφορʼ ηὔξαθʼ, ὡς τύχοι νόστου στρατός. +πέμπει δʼ Ἀγαμέμνων μʼ ὥστε σοι φράσαι τάδε, +λέγειν θʼ ὁποίας ἐκ θεῶν μοίρας κυρεῖ +καὶ δόξαν ἔσχεν ἄφθιτον καθʼ Ἑλλάδα. +ἐγὼ παρὼν δὲ καὶ τὸ πρᾶγμʼ ὁρῶν λέγω· +ἡ παῖς σαφῶς σοι πρὸς θεοὺς ἀφίπτατο. +λύπης δʼ ἀφαίρει καὶ πόσει πάρες χόλον· +ἀπροσδόκητα δὲ βροτοῖς τὰ τῶν θεῶν, +σώζουσί θʼ οὓς φιλοῦσιν. ἦμαρ γὰρ τόδε +θανοῦσαν εἶδε καὶ βλέπουσαν παῖδα σήν. Χορός -ὡς ἥδομαί τοι ταῦτʼ ἀκούσασʼ ἀγγέλου· -ζῶν δʼ ἐν θεοῖσι σὸν μένειν φράζει τέκος. +ὡς ἥδομαί τοι ταῦτʼ ἀκούσασʼ ἀγγέλου· +ζῶν δʼ ἐν θεοῖσι σὸν μένειν φράζει τέκος.
Κλυταιμήστρα -ὦ παῖ, θεῶν τοῦ κλέμμα γέγονας; -πῶς σε προσείπω; πῶς δʼ οὐ φῶ -παραμυθεῖσθαι τούσδε μάτην μύθους, -ὥς σου πένθους λυγροῦ παυσαίμαν; +ὦ παῖ, θεῶν τοῦ κλέμμα γέγονας; +πῶς σε προσείπω; πῶς δʼ οὐ φῶ +παραμυθεῖσθαι τούσδε μάτην μύθους, +ὥς σου πένθους λυγροῦ παυσαίμαν; Χορός -καὶ μὴν Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ στείχει, -τούσδʼ αὐτοὺς ἔχων σοι φράζειν μύθους. +καὶ μὴν Ἀγαμέμνων ἄναξ στείχει, +τούσδʼ αὐτοὺς ἔχων σοι φράζειν μύθους. Ἀγαμέμνων -γύναι, θυγατρὸς ἕνεκʼ ὄλβιοι γενοίμεθʼ ἄν· -ἔχει γὰρ ὄντως ἐν θεοῖς ὁμιλίαν. -χρὴ δέ σε λαβοῦσαν τόνδε μόσχον νεαγενῆ -στείχειν πρὸς οἴκους· ὡς στρατὸς πρὸς πλοῦν ὁρᾷ. -καὶ χαῖρε· χρόνια γε τἀμά σοι προσφθέγματα -Τροίηθεν ἔσται. καὶ γένοιτό σοι καλῶς. +γύναι, θυγατρὸς ἕνεκʼ ὄλβιοι γενοίμεθʼ ἄν· +ἔχει γὰρ ὄντως ἐν θεοῖς ὁμιλίαν. +χρὴ δέ σε λαβοῦσαν τόνδε μόσχον νεαγενῆ +στείχειν πρὸς οἴκους· ὡς στρατὸς πρὸς πλοῦν ὁρᾷ. +καὶ χαῖρε· χρόνια γε τἀμά σοι προσφθέγματα +Τροίηθεν ἔσται. καὶ γένοιτό σοι καλῶς. Χορός -χαίρων, Ἀτρείδη, γῆν ἱκοῦ Φρυγίαν, -χαίρων δʼ ἐπάνηκε, -κάλλιστά μοι σκῦλʼ ἀπὸ Τροίας ἑλών. +χαίρων, Ἀτρείδη, γῆν ἱκοῦ Φρυγίαν, +χαίρων δʼ ἐπάνηκε, +κάλλιστά μοι σκῦλʼ ἀπὸ Τροίας ἑλών.
diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-eng3.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-eng3.xml index b913ad9f5..6a4c025b9 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-eng3.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-eng3.xml @@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ Rhesus Machine readable text Euripides - E. P. Coleridge + Edward P. Coleridge Perseus Project, Tufts University Gregory Crane @@ -90,7 +90,7 @@
- +

Dramatis Personae

Chorus

@@ -361,7 +361,7 @@ Dolon I shall return in safety, and bring to you the head of Odysseus -when I have slain him, or the son of Tydeus, and with this clear proof before you you shall assert that Dolon went to the Argive fleet; for, before the dawn, I will come back home with bloodstained hand.Exit Dolon.
+when I have slain him, or the son of Tydeus, and with this clear proof before you you shall assert that Dolon went to the Argive fleet; for, before the dawn, I will come back home with bloodstained hand. Exit Dolon. @@ -481,7 +481,7 @@ Hector You counsel rightly; you too take the proper view. -Let Rhesus in his gilded armor join the allies of this land, thanks to the messenger’s report.Exit the Messenger. +Let Rhesus in his gilded armor join the allies of this land, thanks to the messenger’s report. Exit the Messenger. @@ -732,7 +732,7 @@ Athena You can not overreach destiny. It is not decreed that he should fall by your hand. But hasten on your mission of fore-ordained slaughter, while I, feigning to be Cypris, his ally, and to aid him in his efforts, will answer the foe with unsound words. -I tell you this; but the fated victim does not know, nor has he heard, for all he is so near.Exeunt Odysseus and Diomedes. +I tell you this; but the fated victim does not know, nor has he heard, for all he is so near. Exeunt Odysseus and Diomedes. @@ -814,7 +814,7 @@ Chorus Close on their track each man of you! Or should we shout for aid? -The print edition attributes line 691 to Odysseus.No, it would be strange conduct to disturb our friends with wild alarms by night.Exeunt Odysseus and Diomedes. +The print edition attributes line 691 to Odysseus.No, it would be strange conduct to disturb our friends with wild alarms by night. Exeunt Odysseus and Diomedes. @@ -973,7 +973,7 @@ Hector Take him away; carry him to my palace and tend him carefully, that he may have no fault to find. And you must go to those upon the walls, -to Priam and his aged councillors, and tell them to give orders for the burial of the dead at the resting-place along the public road.The charioteer is carried off. +to Priam and his aged councillors, and tell them to give orders for the burial of the dead at the resting-place along the public road. The charioteer is carried off. diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-eng4.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-eng4.xml index cb34b66ad..735feca31 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-eng4.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-eng4.xml @@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Rhesus Euripides - Gilbert Murray + Gilbert Murray Perseus Project, Tufts University Gregory Crane @@ -73,7 +73,7 @@
- +

INTRODUCTION

THIS short play needs rather a long introduction. It has had the bad fortune to become a literary problem, and almost all its few readers are so much occupied with the question whether it can be the work of Euripides—and if not his, whose?—that they seldom allow themselves to take it on its merits as a stirring and adventurous piece, not particularly profound or subtle, but always full of movement and life and possessing at least one or two scenes of great and penetrating beauty.

diff --git a/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-grc2.xml b/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-grc2.xml index 32e67d35a..346961e85 100644 --- a/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-grc2.xml +++ b/data/tlg0006/tlg019/tlg0006.tlg019.perseus-grc2.xml @@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ -Rhesus + Ῥῆσος Machine readable text Euripides Gilbert Murray @@ -94,7 +94,7 @@
- + Χορός — Βᾶθι πρὸς εὐνὰς τὰς Ἑκτορέους. τίς ὑπασπιστῶν ἄγρυπνος βασιλέως,