Euripides · Medea — full text

Euripides — Medea · urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0006.tlg003 · Greek: Μήδεια — tlg0006.tlg003.perseus-grc2 · English: Medea — trans. Edward P. Coleridge — tlg0006.tlg003.perseus-eng2

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— Book 0 —

§ 0

— Book 1 —

§ 1

Εἴθ’ ὤφελ’ Ἀργοῦς μὴ διαπτάσθαι σκάφος

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,

— Book 2 —

§ 2

Κόλχων ἐς αἶαν κυανέας Συμπληγάδας,

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— Book 3 —

§ 3

μηδ’ ἐν νάπαισι Πηλίου πεσεῖν ποτε

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— Book 4 —

§ 4

τμηθεῖσα πεύκη, μηδ’ ἐρετμῶσαι χέρας

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— Book 5 —

§ 5

ἀνδρῶν ἀρίστων, οἳ τὸ πάγχρυσον δέρας

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

— Book 6 —

§ 6

Πελίᾳ μετῆλθον. οὐ γὰρ ἂν δέσποιν’ ἐμὴ

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— Book 7 —

§ 7

Μήδεια πύργους γῆς ἔπλευσ’ Ἰωλκίας

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— Book 8 —

§ 8

ἔρωτι θυμὸν ἐκπλαγεῖσ’ Ἰάσονος·

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— Book 9 —

§ 9

οὐδ’ ἂν κτανεῖν πείσασα Πελιάδας κόρας

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— Book 10 —

§ 10

πατέρα κατῴκει τήνδε γῆν Κορινθίαν

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

— Book 11 —

§ 11

ξὺν ἀνδρὶ καὶ τέκνοισιν, ἁνδάνουσα μὲν

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— Book 12 —

§ 12

φυγῇ πολιτῶν ὧν ἀφίκετο χθόνα,

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— Book 13 —

§ 13

αὐτή τε πάντα ξυμφέρουσ’ Ἰάσονι·

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— Book 14 —

§ 14

ἥπερ μεγίστη γίγνεται σωτηρία,

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— Book 15 —

§ 15

ὅταν γυνὴ πρὸς ἄνδρα μὴ διχοστατῇ.

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.

— Book 16 —

§ 16

νῦν δ’ ἐχθρὰ πάντα, καὶ νοσεῖ τὰ φίλτατα.

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— Book 17 —

§ 17

προδοὺς γὰρ αὑτοῦ τέκνα δεσπότιν τ’ ἐμὴν

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— Book 18 —

§ 18

γάμοις Ἰάσων βασιλικοῖς εὐνάζεται,

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— Book 19 —

§ 19

γήμας Κρέοντος παῖδ’, ὃς αἰσύμνᾷ χθονός·

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— Book 20 —

§ 20

Μήδεια δ’ ἡ δύστηνος ἠτιμασμένη

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,

— Book 21 —

§ 21

βοᾷ μὲν ὅρκους, ἀνακαλεῖ δὲ δεξιάς,

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— Book 22 —

§ 22

πίστιν μεγίστην, καὶ θεοὺς μαρτύρεται

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— Book 23 —

§ 23

οἵας ἀμοιβῆς ἐξ Ἰάσονος κυρεῖ.

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— Book 24 —

§ 24

κεῖται δ’ ἄσιτος, σῶμ’ ὑφεῖσ’ ἀλγηδόσι,

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— Book 25 —

§ 25

τὸν πάντα συντήκουσα δακρύοις χρόνον,

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

— Book 26 —

§ 26

ἐπεὶ πρὸς ἀνδρὸς ᾔσθετ’ ἠδικημένη,

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— Book 27 —

§ 27

οὔτ’ ὄμμ’ ἐπαίρουσ’ οὔτ’ ἀπαλλάσσουσα γῆς

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— Book 28 —

§ 28

πρόσωπον· ὡς δὲ πέτρος ἢ θαλάσσιος

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— Book 29 —

§ 29

κλύδων ἀκούει νουθετουμένη φίλων·

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— Book 30 —

§ 30

ἢν μή ποτε στρέψασα πάλλευκον δέρην

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

— Book 31 —

§ 31

αὐτὴ πρὸς αὑτὴν πατέρ’ ἀποιμώξῃ φίλον

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— Book 32 —

§ 32

καὶ γαῖαν οἴκους θ’, οὓς προδοῦσ’ ἀφίκετο

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— Book 33 —

§ 33

μετ’ ἀνδρὸς ὅς σφε νῦν ἀτιμάσας ἔχει.

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— Book 34 —

§ 34

ἔγνωκε δ’ ἡ τάλαινα συμφορᾶς ὕπο

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— Book 35 —

§ 35

οἷον πατρῴας μὴ ἀπολείπεσθαι χθονός.

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

— Book 36 —

§ 36

στυγεῖ δὲ παῖδας οὐδ’ ὁρῶσ’ εὐφραίνεται.

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— Book 37 —

§ 37

δέδοικα δ’ αὐτὴν μή τι βουλεύσῃ νέον·

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— Book 38 —

§ 38

βαρεῖα γὰρ φρήν, οὐδ’ ἀνέξεται κακῶς

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— Book 39 —

§ 39

πάσχουσ’· ἐγᾦδα τήνδε, δειμαίνω τέ νιν

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— Book 40 —

§ 40

μὴ θηκτὸν ὤσῃ φάσγανον δι’ ἥπατος,

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;

— Book 41 —

§ 41

σιγῇ δόμους εἰσβᾶσ’, ἵν’ ἔστρωται λέχος,

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— Book 42 —

§ 42

ἢ καὶ τύραννον τόν τε γήμαντα κτάνῃ,

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— Book 43 —

§ 43

κἄπειτα μείζω συμφορὰν λάβῃ τινά.

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— Book 44 —

§ 44

δεινὴ γάρ· οὔτοι ῥᾳδίως γε συμβαλὼν

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— Book 45 —

§ 45

ἔχθραν τις αὐτῇ καλλίνικον οἴσεται.

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.

— Book 46 —

§ 46

ἀλλ’ οἵδε παῖδες ἐκ τρόχων πεπαυμένοι

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— Book 47 —

§ 47

στείχουσι, μητρὸς οὐδὲν ἐννοούμενοι

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— Book 48 —

§ 48

κακῶν· νέα γὰρ φροντὶς οὐκ ἀλγεῖν φιλεῖ.

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— Book 49 —

§ 49

παλαιὸν οἴκων κτῆμα δεσποίνης ἐμῆς,

Why dost thou, so long my lady’s own handmaid,

— Book 50 —

§ 50

τί πρὸς πύλαισι τήνδ’ ἄγουσ’ ἐρημίαν

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?

— Book 51 —

§ 51

ἕστηκας, αὐτὴ θρεομένη σαυτῇ κακά;

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— Book 52 —

§ 52

πῶς σοῦ μόνη Μήδεια λείπεσθαι θέλει;

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— Book 53 —

§ 53

τέκνων ὀπαδὲ πρέσβυ τῶν Ἰάσονος,

Old man, attendant on the sons of Jason, our masters’ fortunes when they go awry make good slaves grieve

— Book 54 —

§ 54

χρηστοῖσι δούλοις ξυμφορὰ τὰ δεσποτῶν

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— Book 55 —

§ 55

κακῶς πίτνοντα, καὶ φρενῶν ἀνθάπτεται.

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.

— Book 56 —

§ 56

ἐγὼ γὰρ ἐς τοῦτ’ ἐκβέβηκ’ ἀλγηδόνος,

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— Book 57 —

§ 57

ὥσθ’ ἵμερός μ’ ὑπῆλθε γῇ τε κοὐρανῷ

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— Book 58 —

§ 58

λέξαι μολούσῃ δεῦρο δεσποίνης τύχας.

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— Book 59 —

§ 59

οὔπω γὰρ ἡ τάλαινα παύεται γόων;

What! has not the poor lady ceased yet from her lamentation?

— Book 60 —

§ 60

ζηλῶ σ’· ἐν ἀρχῇ πῆμα κοὐδέπω μεσοῖ.

Would I were as thou art! the mischief is but now beginning; it has not reached its climax yet.

— Book 61 —

§ 61

ὦ μῶρος—εἰ χρὴ δεσπότας εἰπεῖν τόδε·

O foolish one, if I may call my mistress such a name; how little she recks of evils yet more recent!

— Book 62 —

§ 62

ὡς οὐδὲν οἶδε τῶν νεωτέρων κακῶν.

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— Book 63 —

§ 63

τί δ’ ἔστιν, ὦ γεραιέ; μὴ φθόνει φράσαι.

What mean’st, old man? grudge not to tell me.

— Book 64 —

§ 64

οὐδέν· μετέγνων καὶ τὰ πρόσθ’ εἰρημένα.

’Tis naught; I do repent me even of the words I have spoken.

— Book 65 —

§ 65

μή, πρὸς γενείου, κρύπτε σύνδουλον σέθεν·

Nay, by thy beard I conjure thee, hide it not from thy fellow-slave; I will be silent, if need be, on that text.

— Book 66 —

§ 66

σιγὴν γάρ, εἰ χρή, τῶνδε θήσομαι πέρι.

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— Book 67 —

§ 67

ἤκουσά του λέγοντος, οὐ δοκῶν κλύειν,

I heard one say, pretending not to listen as I approached the place where our greybeards sit playing draughts near Pirene’s sacred spring,

— Book 68 —

§ 68

πεσσοὺς προσελθών, ἔνθα δὴ παλαίτατοι

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— Book 69 —

§ 69

θάσσουσι, σεμνὸν ἀμφὶ Πειρήνης ὕδωρ,

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— Book 70 —

§ 70

ὡς τούσδε παῖδας γῆς ἐλᾶν Κορινθίας

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.

— Book 71 —

§ 71

σὺν μητρὶ μέλλοι τῆσδε κοίρανος χθονὸς

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— Book 72 —

§ 72

Κρέων. ὁ μέντοι μῦθος εἰ σαφὴς ὅδε

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— Book 73 —

§ 73

οὐκ οἶδα· βουλοίμην δ’ ἂν οὐκ εἶναι τόδε.

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— Book 74 —

§ 74

καὶ ταῦτ’ Ἰάσων παῖδας ἐξανέξεται

What! will Jason brook such treatment of his sons,

— Book 75 —

§ 75

πάσχοντας, εἰ καὶ μητρὶ διαφορὰν ἔχει;

even though he be at variance with their mother?

— Book 76 —

§ 76

παλαιὰ καινῶν λείπεται κηδευμάτων,

Old ties give way to new; he bears no longer any love to this family.

— Book 77 —

§ 77

κοὐκ ἔστ’ ἐκεῖνος τοῖσδε δώμασιν φίλος.

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— Book 78 —

§ 78

ἀπωλόμεσθ’ ἄρ’, εἰ κακὸν προσοίσομεν

Undone, it seems, are we, if to old woes fresh ones we add, ere we have drained the former to the dregs.

— Book 79 —

§ 79

νέον παλαιῷ, πρὶν τόδ’ ἐξηντληκέναι.

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— Book 80 —

§ 80

ἀτὰρ σύ γ’—οὐ γὰρ καιρὸς εἰδέναι τόδε

Hold thou thy peace, say not a word of this; ’tis no time for our mistress to learn hereof.

— Book 81 —

§ 81

δέσποιναν—ἡσύχαζε καὶ σίγα λόγον.

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— Book 82 —

§ 82

ὦ τέκν’, ἀκούεθ’ οἷος εἰς ὑμᾶς πατήρ;

O children, do ye hear how your father feels towards you? Perdition catch him, but no! he is my master still; yet is he proved a veiy traitor to his nearest and dearest.

— Book 83 —

§ 83

ὄλοιτο μὲν μή· δεσπότης γάρ ἐστ’ ἐμός·

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— Book 84 —

§ 84

ἀτὰρ κακός γ’ ὢν ἐς φίλους ἁλίσκεται.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 82: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 85 —

§ 85

τίς δ’ οὐχὶ θνητῶν; ἄρτι γιγνώσκεις τόδε,

And who ’mongst men is not? Art learning only now, that every single man cares for himself more than for his neighbour, some from honest, motives, others for mere gain’s sake? seeing that to indulge his passion their father has ceased to love these children.

— Book 86 —

§ 86

ὡς πᾶς τις αὑτὸν τοῦ πέλας μᾶλλον φιλεῖ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 85: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 87 —

§ 87

οἳ μὲν δικαίως, οἳ δὲ καὶ κέρδους χάριν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 85: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 88 —

§ 88

εἰ τούσδε γ’ εὐνῆς οὕνεκ’ οὐ στέργει πατήρ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 85: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 89 —

§ 89

ἴτ’—εὖ γὰρ ἔσται—δωμάτων ἔσω, τέκνα.

Go, children, within the house; all will be well.

— Book 90 —

§ 90

σὺ δ’ ὡς μάλιστα τούσδ’ ἐρημώσας ἔχε

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.

— Book 91 —

§ 91

καὶ μὴ πέλαζε μητρὶ δυσθυμουμένῃ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 90: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 92 —

§ 92

ἤδη γὰρ εἶδον ὄμμα νιν ταυρουμένην

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 90: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 93 —

§ 93

τοῖσδ’, ὥς τι δρασείουσαν· οὐδὲ παύσεται

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 90: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 94 —

§ 94

χόλου, σάφ’ οἶδα, πρὶν κατασκῆψαί τινα . . .

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 90: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 95 —

§ 95

ἐχθρούς γε μέντοι, μὴ φίλους, δράσειέ τι.

At least may she turn her hand against her foes, and not against her friends.

— Book 96 —

§ 96

ἰώ,

(within). Ah, me! a wretched suffering woman I! O would that I could die!

— Book 96a —

§ 96a

δύστανος ἐγὼ μελέα τε πόνων,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 96: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 97 —

§ 97

ἰώ μοί μοι, πῶς ἂν ὀλοίμαν;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 96: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 98 —

§ 98

τόδ’ ἐκεῖνο, φίλοι παῖδες· μήτηρ

’Tis as I said, my dear children; wild fancies stir your mother’s heart, wild fury goads her on.

— Book 99 —

§ 99

κινεῖ κραδίαν, κινεῖ δὲ χόλον.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 98: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 100 —

§ 100

σπεύσατε θᾶσσον δώματος εἴσω

Into the house without delay, come not near her eye, approach her not, beware her savage mood, the fell tempest of her reckless heart.

— Book 101 —

§ 101

καὶ μὴ πελάσητ’ ὄμματος ἐγγύς,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 100: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 102 —

§ 102

μηδὲ προσέλθητ’, ἀλλὰ φυλάσσεσθ’

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 100: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 103 —

§ 103

ἄγριον ἦθος στυγεράν τε φύσιν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 100: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 104 —

§ 104

φρενὸς αὐθάδους.—

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 100: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 105 —

§ 105

ἴτε νῦν, χωρεῖθ’ ὡς τάχος εἴσω.—

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

— Book 106 —

§ 106

δῆλον δ’ ἀρχῆς ἐξαιρόμενον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 105: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 107 —

§ 107

νέφος οἰμωγῆς ὡς τάχ’ ἀνάψει

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 105: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 108 —

§ 108

μείζονι θυμῷ· τί ποτ’ ἐργάσεται

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 105: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 109 —

§ 109

μεγαλόσπλαγχνος δυσκατάπαυστος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 105: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 110 —

§ 110

ψυχὴ δηχθεῖσα κακοῖσιν;

soul, in the anguish of despair, be guilty of? [Exit Attendant with the children.

— Book 111 —

§ 111

αἰαῖ,

(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!

— Book 111a —

§ 111a

ἔπαθον τλάμων ἔπαθον μεγάλων

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 111: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 112 —

§ 112

ἄξι’ ὀδυρμῶν· ὦ κατάρατοι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 111: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 113 —

§ 113

παῖδες ὄλοισθε στυγερᾶς ματρὸς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 111: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 114 —

§ 114

σὺν πατρί, καὶ πᾶς δόμος ἔρροι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 111: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 115 —

§ 115

ἰώ μοί μοι, ἰὼ τλήμων.

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,

— Book 116 —

§ 116

τί δέ σοι παῖδες πατρὸς ἀμπλακίας

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 115: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 117 —

§ 117

μετέχουσι; τί τούσδ’ ἔχθεις; οἴμοι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 115: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 118 —

§ 118

τέκνα, μή τι πάθηθ’ ὡς ὑπεραλγῶ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 115: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 119 —

§ 119

δεινὰ τυράννων λήματα καί πως

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 115: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 120 —

§ 120

ὀλίγ’ ἀρχόμενοι, πολλὰ κρατοῦντες

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!

— Book 121 —

§ 121

χαλεπῶς ὀργὰς μεταβάλλουσιν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 120: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 122 —

§ 122

τὸ γὰρ εἰθίσθαι ζῆν ἐπ’ ἴσοισιν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 120: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 123 —

§ 123

κρεῖσσον· ἐμοὶ γοῦν ἐν μὴ μεγάλοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 120: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 124 —

§ 124

ὀχυρῶς γ’ εἴη καταγηράσκειν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 120: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 125 —

§ 125

τῶν γὰρ μετρίων πρῶτα μὲν εἰπεῖν

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

— Book 126 —

§ 126

τοὔνομα νικᾷ, χρῆσθαί τε μακρῷ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 125: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 127 —

§ 127

λῷστα βροτοῖσιν· τὰ δ’ ὑπερβάλλοντ’

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 125: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 128 —

§ 128

οὐδένα καιρὸν δύναται θνητοῖς·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 125: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 129 —

§ 129

μείζους δ’ ἄτας, ὅταν ὀργισθῇ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 125: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 130 —

§ 130

δαίμων οἴκοις, ἀπέδωκεν.

fortune is wroth with a family.

— Book 131 —

§ 131

ἔκλυον φωνάν, ἔκλυον δὲ βοὰν

I heard the voice, uplifted loud, of our poor Colchian lady, nor yet is she quiet; speak, aged dame,

— Book 132 —

§ 132

τᾶς δυστάνου Κολχίδος, οὐδέ πω

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 131: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 133 —

§ 133

ἤπιος· ἀλλ’ ὦ γηραιά,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 131: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 134 —

§ 134

λέξον· ἐπ’ ἀμφιπύλου γὰρ ἔσω μελάθρου βοὰν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 131: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 135 —

§ 135

ἔκλυον· οὐδὲ συνήδομαι, ὦ γύναι, ἄλγεσιν

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.

— Book 136 —

§ 136

δώματος· ἐπεί μοι φίλον κέκρανται.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 135: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 139 —

§ 139

οὐκ εἰσὶ δόμοι· φροῦδα τάδ’ ἤδη.

’Tis a house no more; all that is passed away long since;

— Book 140 —

§ 140

τὸν μὲν γὰρ ἔχει λέκτρα τυράννων,

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.

— Book 141 —

§ 141

ἃ δ’ ἐν θαλάμοις τάκει βιοτὰν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 140: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 142 —

§ 142

δέσποινα, φίλων οὐδενὸς οὐδὲν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 140: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 143 —

§ 143

παραθαλπομένα φρένα μύθοις.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 140: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 144 —

§ 144

αἰαῖ· ὦ Ζεῦ καὶ Γᾶ καὶ Φῶς·

(within). Oh, oh! Would that Heaven’s levin bolt would cleave this head in twain!

— Book 144a —

§ 144a

διά μου κεφαλᾶς φλὸξ οὐρανία

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 144: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 145 —

§ 145

βαίη· τί δέ μοι ζῆν ἔτι κέρδος;

What gain is life to me? Woe, woe is me! O, to die and win release, quitting this loathed existence!

— Book 146 —

§ 146

φεῦ φεῦ· θανάτῳ καταλυσαίμαν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 145: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 147 —

§ 147

βιοτὰν στυγερὰν προλιποῦσα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 145: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 148 —

§ 148

—ἄιες· ὦ Ζεῦ καὶ γᾶ καὶ φῶς·

Didst hear, O Zeus, thou earth, and thou, O light, the piteous note of woe

— Book 149 —

§ 149

ἀχὰν οἵαν ἁ δύστανος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 148: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 150 —

§ 150

μέλπει νύμφα;

the hapless wife is uttering? How shall a yearning for that insatiate resting-place ever hasten for thee, poor reckless one, the end that death alone can bring? Never pray for that.

— Book 151 —

§ 151

—τίς σοί ποτε τᾶς ἀπλάτου

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 150: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 152 —

§ 152

κοίτας ἔρος, ὦ ματαία;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 150: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 153 —

§ 153

σπεύσει θανάτου τελευτά·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 150: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 154 —

§ 154

μηδὲν τόδε λίσσου.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 150: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 155 —

§ 155

—εἰ δὲ σὸς πόσις

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.

— Book 156 —

§ 156

καινὰ λέχη σεβίζει,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 155: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 157 —

§ 157

κείνῳ τόδε· μὴ χαράσσου·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 155: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 158 —

§ 158

—Ζεύς σοι τάδε συνδικήσει. μὴ λίαν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 155: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 159 —

§ 159

τάκου δυρομένα σὸν εὐνάταν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 155: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 160 —

§ 160

ὦ μεγάλα Θέμι καὶ πότνι’ Ἄρτεμι

(within). Great Themis, and husband 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,

— Book 161 —

§ 161

λεύσσεθ’ ἃ πάσχω, μεγάλοις ὅρκοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 160: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 162 —

§ 162

ἐνδησαμένα τὸν κατάρατον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 160: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 163 —

§ 163

πόσιν; ὅν ποτ’ ἐγὼ νύμφαν τ’ ἐσίδοιμ’

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 160: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 164 —

§ 164

αὐτοῖς μελάθροις διακναιομένους,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 160: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 165 —

§ 165

οἷ’ ἐμὲ πρόσθεν τολμῶσ’ ἀδικεῖν.

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.

— Book 166 —

§ 166

ὦ πάτερ, ὦ πόλις, ὧν ἀπενάσθην

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 165: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 167 —

§ 167

αἰσχρῶς τὸν ἐμὸν κτείνασα κάσιν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 165: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 168 —

§ 168

κλύεθ’ οἷα λέγει κἀπιβοᾶται

Do ye hear her words, how loudly she adjures Themis, oft invoked, and Zeus, whom

— Book 169 —

§ 169

Θέμιν εὐκταίαν Ζῆνά θ’, ὃς ὅρκων

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 168: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 170 —

§ 170

θνητοῖς ταμίας νενόμισται;

men regard as keeper of their oaths? On no mere trifle surely will our mistress spend her rage.

— Book 171 —

§ 171

οὐκ ἔστιν ὅπως ἔν τινι μικρῷ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 170: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 172 —

§ 172

δέσποινα χόλον καταπαύσει.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 170: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 173 —

§ 173

—πῶς ἂν ἐς ὄψιν τὰν ἁμετέραν

Would that she would come forth for us to see, and

— Book 174 —

§ 174

ἔλθοι μύθων τ’ αὐδαθέντων

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 173: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 175 —

§ 175

δέξαιτ’ ὀμφάν;

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!

— Book 176 —

§ 176

—εἴ πως βαρύθυμον ὀργὰν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 175: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 177 —

§ 177

καὶ λῆμα φρενῶν μεθείη,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 175: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 178 —

§ 178

μήτοι τό γ’ ἐμὸν πρόθυμον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 175: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 179 —

§ 179

φίλοισιν ἀπέστω.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 175: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 180 —

§ 180

—ἀλλὰ βᾶσά νιν

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.

— Book 181 —

§ 181

δεῦρο πόρευσον οἴκων

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 180: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 182 —

§ 182

ἔξω· φίλα καὶ τάδ’ αὔδα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 180: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 183 —

§ 183

—σπεῦσον πρίν τι κακῶσαι τοὺς εἴσω·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 180: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 183a —

§ 183a

πένθος γὰρ μεγάλως τόδ’ ὁρμᾶται.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 180: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 184 —

§ 184

δράσω τάδ’· ἀτὰρ φόβος εἰ πείσω

This will I do; but I have my doubts whether I shall persuade

— Book 185 —

§ 185

δέσποιναν ἐμήν·

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.

— Book 186 —

§ 186

μόχθου δὲ χάριν τήνδ’ ἐπιδώσω.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 185: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 187 —

§ 187

καίτοι τοκάδος δέργμα λεαίνης

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 185: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 188 —

§ 188

ἀποταυροῦται δμωσίν, ὅταν τις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 185: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 189 —

§ 189

μῦθον προφέρων πέλας ὁρμηθῇ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 185: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 190 —

§ 190

σκαιοὺς δὲ λέγων κοὐδέν τι σοφοὺς

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,

— Book 191 —

§ 191

τοὺς πρόσθε βροτοὺς οὐκ ἂν ἁμάρτοις,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 190: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 192 —

§ 192

οἵτινες ὕμνους ἐπὶ μὲν θαλίαις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 190: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 193 —

§ 193

ἐπί τ’ εἰλαπίναις καὶ παρὰ δείπνοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 190: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 194 —

§ 194

ηὕροντο βίου τερπνὰς ἀκοάς·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 190: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 195 —

§ 195

στυγίους δὲ βροτῶν οὐδεὶς λύπας

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,

— Book 196 —

§ 196

ηὕρετο μούσῃ καὶ πολυχόρδοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 195: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 197 —

§ 197

ᾠδαῖς παύειν, ἐξ ὧν θάνατοι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 195: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 198 —

§ 198

δειναί τε τύχαι σφάλλουσι δόμους.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 195: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 199 —

§ 199

καίτοι τάδε μὲν κέρδος ἀκεῖσθαι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 195: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 200 —

§ 200

μολπαῖσι βροτούς· ἵνα δ’ εὔδειπνοι

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.

— Book 201 —

§ 201

δαῖτες, τί μάτην τείνουσι βοήν;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 200: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 202 —

§ 202

τὸ παρὸν γὰρ ἔχει τέρψιν ἀφ’ αὑτοῦ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 200: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 203 —

§ 203

δαιτὸς πλήρωμα βροτοῖσιν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 200: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 204 —

§ 204

ἰαχὰν ἄιον πολύστονον γόων,

I heard a bitter cry of lamentation!

— Book 205 —

§ 205

λιγυρὰ δ’ ἄχεα μογερὰ βοᾷ

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

— Book 206 —

§ 206

τὸν ἐν λέχει προδόταν κακόνυμφον·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 205: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 207 —

§ 207

θεοκλυτεῖ δ’ ἄδικα παθοῦσα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 205: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 208 —

§ 208

τὰν Ζηνὸς ὁρκίαν Θέμιν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 205: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 209 —

§ 209

ἅ νιν ἔβασεν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 205: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 210 —

§ 210

Ἑλλάδ’ ἐς ἀντίπορον

unto Hellas, the land that fronts the strand of Asia, o’er the sea by night through ocean’s boundless gate.

— Book 211 —

§ 211

δι’ ἅλα νύχιον ἐφ’ ἁλμυρὰν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 210: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 212 —

§ 212

πόντου κλῇδ’ ἀπέραντον.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 210: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 214 —

§ 214

Κορίνθιαι γυναῖκες, ἐξῆλθον δόμων,

From the house I have come forth, Corinthian ladies,

— Book 215 —

§ 215

μή μοί τι μέμφησθ’· οἶδα γὰρ πολλοὺς βροτῶν

for fear lest you be blaming me; 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,

— Book 216 —

§ 216

σεμνοὺς γεγῶτας, τοὺς μὲν ὀμμάτων ἄπο,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 215: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 217 —

§ 217

τοὺς δ’ ἐν θυραίοις· οἱ δ’ ἀφ’ ἡσύχου ποδὸς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 215: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 218 —

§ 218

δύσκλειαν ἐκτήσαντο καὶ ῥᾳθυμίαν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 215: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 219 —

§ 219

δίκη γὰρ οὐκ ἔνεστ’ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς βροτῶν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 215: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 220 —

§ 220

ὅστις πρὶν ἀνδρὸς σπλάγχνον ἐκμαθεῖν σαφῶς

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.

— Book 221 —

§ 221

στυγεῖ δεδορκώς, οὐδὲν ἠδικημένος. . . .

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 220: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 222 —

§ 222

χρὴ δὲ ξένον μὲν κάρτα προσχωρεῖν πόλει . . .

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 220: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 223 —

§ 223

οὐδ’ ἀστὸν ᾔνεσ’ ὅστις αὐθάδης γεγὼς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 220: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 224 —

§ 224

πικρὸς πολίταις ἐστὶν ἀμαθίας ὕπο.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 220: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 225 —

§ 225

ἐμοὶ δ’ ἄελπτον πρᾶγμα προσπεσὸν τόδε

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.

— Book 226 —

§ 226

ψυχὴν διέφθαρκ’· οἴχομαι δὲ καὶ βίου

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 225: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 227 —

§ 227

χάριν μεθεῖσα κατθανεῖν χρῄζω, φίλαι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 225: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 228 —

§ 228

ἐν ᾧ γὰρ ἦν μοι πάντα γιγνώσκειν καλῶς,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 225: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 229 —

§ 229

κάκιστος ἀνδρῶν ἐκβέβηχ’ οὑμὸς πόσις.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 225: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 230 —

§ 230

πάντων δ’ ὅσ’ ἔστ’ ἔμψυχα καὶ γνώμην ἔχει

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;

— Book 231 —

§ 231

γυναῖκές ἐσμεν ἀθλιώτατον φυτόν·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 230: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 232 —

§ 232

ἃς πρῶτα μὲν δεῖ χρημάτων ὑπερβολῇ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 230: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 233 —

§ 233

πόσιν πρίασθαι, δεσπότην τε σώματος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 230: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 234 —

§ 234

λαβεῖν· κακοῦ γὰρ τοῦτ’ ἔτ’ ἄλγιον κακόν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 230: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 235 —

§ 235

κἀν τῷδ’ ἀγὼν μέγιστος, ἢ κακὸν λαβεῖν

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

— Book 236 —

§ 236

ἢ χρηστόν. οὐ γὰρ εὐκλεεῖς ἀπαλλαγαὶ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 235: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 237 —

§ 237

γυναιξίν, οὐδ’ οἷόν τ’ ἀνήνασθαι πόσιν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 235: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 238 —

§ 238

ἐς καινὰ δ’ ἤθη καὶ νόμους ἀφιγμένην

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 235: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 239 —

§ 239

δεῖ μάντιν εἶναι, μὴ μαθοῦσαν οἴκοθεν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 235: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 240 —

§ 240

ὅτῳ μάλιστα χρήσεται ξυνευνέτῃ.

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,

— Book 241 —

§ 241

κἂν μὲν τάδ’ ἡμῖν ἐκπονουμέναισιν εὖ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 240: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 242 —

§ 242

πόσις ξυνοικῇ μὴ βίᾳ φέρων ζυγόν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 240: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 243 —

§ 243

ζηλωτὸς αἰών· εἰ δὲ μή, θανεῖν χρεών.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 240: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 244 —

§ 244

ἀνὴρ δ’, ὅταν τοῖς ἔνδον ἄχθηται ξυνών,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 240: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 245 —

§ 245

ἔξω μολὼν ἔπαυσε καρδίαν ἄσης·

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.

— Book 246 —

§ 246

ἢ πρὸς φίλον τιν’ ἢ πρὸς ἥλικα τραπείς·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 245: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 247 —

§ 247

ἡμῖν δ’ ἀνάγκη πρὸς μίαν ψυχὴν βλέπειν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 245: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 248 —

§ 248

λέγουσι δ’ ἡμᾶς ὡς ἀκίνδυνον βίον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 245: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 249 —

§ 249

ζῶμεν κατ’ οἴκους, οἳ δὲ μάρνανται δορί·

And yet they say we live secure at home, while they are at the wars,

— Book 250 —

§ 250

κακῶς φρονοῦντες· ὡς τρὶς ἂν παρ’ ἀσπίδα

with their sorry reasoning, for I would gladly take my stand in battle array three times o’er, than once give birth.

— Book 251 —

§ 251

στῆναι θέλοιμ’ ἂν μᾶλλον ἢ τεκεῖν ἅπαξ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 250: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 252 —

§ 252

ἀλλ’ οὐ γὰρ αὑτὸς πρὸς σὲ κἄμ’ ἥκει λόγος·

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,

— Book 253 —

§ 253

σοὶ μὲν πόλις θ’ ἥδ’ ἐστὶ καὶ πατρὸς δόμοι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 252: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 254 —

§ 254

βίου τ’ ὄνησις καὶ φίλων συνουσία,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 252: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 255 —

§ 255

ἐγὼ δ’ ἔρημος ἄπολις οὖσ’ ὑβρίζομαι

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,—

— Book 256 —

§ 256

πρὸς ἀνδρός, ἐκ γῆς βαρβάρου λελῃσμένη,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 255: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 257 —

§ 257

οὐ μητέρ’, οὐκ ἀδελφόν, οὐχὶ συγγενῆ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 255: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 258 —

§ 258

μεθορμίσασθαι τῆσδ’ ἔχουσα συμφορᾶς.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 255: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 259 —

§ 259

τοσοῦτον οὖν σου τυγχάνειν βουλήσομαι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 255: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 260 —

§ 260

ἤν μοι πόρος τις μηχανή τ’ ἐξευρεθῇ

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,

— Book 261 —

§ 261

πόσιν δίκην τῶνδ’ ἀντιτείσασθαι κακῶν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 260: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 262 —

§ 262

τὸν δόντα τ’ αὐτῷ θυγατέρ’ ἥ τ’ ἐγήματο

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 260: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 263 —

§ 263

σιγᾶν. γυνὴ γὰρ τἄλλα μὲν φόβου πλέα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 260: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 264 —

§ 264

κακή τ’ ἐς ἀλκὴν καὶ σίδηρον εἰσορᾶν·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 260: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 265 —

§ 265

ὅταν δ’ ἐς εὐνὴν ἠδικημένη κυρῇ,

yet in the moment she finds her honour wronged, no heart is filled with deadlier thoughts than hers.

— Book 266 —

§ 266

οὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλη φρὴν μιαιφονωτέρα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 265: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 267 —

§ 267

δράσω τάδ’· ἐνδίκως γὰρ ἐκτείσῃ πόσιν,

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,

— Book 268 —

§ 268

Μήδεια. πενθεῖν δ’ οὔ σε θαυμάζω τύχας.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 267: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 269 —

§ 269

ὁρῶ δὲ καὶ Κρέοντα, τῆσδ’ ἄνακτα γῆς,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 267: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 270 —

§ 270

στείχοντα, καινῶν ἄγγελον βουλευμάτων.

to announce some new resolve.

— Book 271 —

§ 271

σὲ τὴν σκυθρωπὸν καὶ πόσει θυμουμένην,

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,

— Book 272 —

§ 272

Μήδειαν, εἶπον τῆσδε γῆς ἔξω περᾶν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 271: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 273 —

§ 273

φυγάδα, λαβοῦσαν δισσὰ σὺν σαυτῇ τέκνα·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 271: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 274 —

§ 274

καὶ μή τι μέλλειν· ὡς ἐγὼ βραβεὺς λόγου

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 271: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 275 —

§ 275

τοῦδ’ εἰμί, κοὐκ ἄπειμι πρὸς δόμους πάλιν,

and I will not return unto my house till I banish thee beyond the borders of the land.

— Book 276 —

§ 276

πρὶν ἄν σε γαίας τερμόνων ἔξω βάλω.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 275: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 277 —

§ 277

αἰαῖ· πανώλης ἡ τάλαιν’ ἀπόλλυμαι.

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.

— Book 278 —

§ 278

ἐχθροὶ γὰρ ἐξιᾶσι πάντα δὴ κάλων,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 277: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 279 —

§ 279

κοὐκ ἔστιν ἄτης εὐπρόσοιστος ἔκβασις.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 277: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 280 —

§ 280

ἐρήσομαι δὲ καὶ κακῶς πάσχουσ’ ὅμως·

Yet for all my wretched plight I will ask thee, Creon, wherefore dost thou drive me from the land?

— Book 281 —

§ 281

τίνος μ’ ἕκατι γῆς ἀποστέλλεις, Κρέον;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 280: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 282 —

§ 282

δέδοικά σ’—οὐδὲν δεῖ παραμπίσχειν λόγους—

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;

— Book 283 —

§ 283

μή μοί τι δράσῃς παῖδ’ ἀνήκεστον κακόν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 282: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 284 —

§ 284

συμβάλλεται δὲ πολλὰ τοῦδε δείματος·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 282: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 285 —

§ 285

σοφὴ πέφυκας καὶ κακῶν πολλῶν ἴδρις,

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.

— Book 286 —

§ 286

λυπῇ δὲ λέκτρων ἀνδρὸς ἐστερημένη.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 285: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 287 —

§ 287

κλύω δ’ ἀπειλεῖν σ’, ὡς ἀπαγγέλλουσί μοι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 285: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 288 —

§ 288

τὸν δόντα καὶ γήμαντα καὶ γαμουμένην

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 285: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 289 —

§ 289

δράσειν τι. ταῦτ’ οὖν πρὶν παθεῖν φυλάξομαι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 285: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 290 —

§ 290

κρεῖσσον δέ μοι νῦν πρός σ’ ἀπεχθέσθαι, γύναι,

For ’tis better for me to incur thy hatred now, lady, than to soften my heart and bitterly repent it hereafter.

— Book 291 —

§ 291

ἢ μαλθακισθένθ’ ὕστερον μέγα στένειν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 290: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 292 —

§ 292

φεῦ φεῦ.

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

— Book 292a —

§ 292a

οὐ νῦν με πρῶτον, ἀλλὰ πολλάκις, Κρέον,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 292: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 293 —

§ 293

ἔβλαψε δόξα μεγάλα τ’ εἴργασται κακά.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 292: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 294 —

§ 294

χρὴ δ’ οὔποθ’ ὅστις ἀρτίφρων πέφυκ’ ἀνὴρ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 292: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 295 —

§ 295

παῖδας περισσῶς ἐκδιδάσκεσθαι σοφούς·

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;

— Book 296 —

§ 296

χωρὶς γὰρ ἄλλης ἧς ἔχουσιν ἀργίας

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 295: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 297 —

§ 297

φθόνον πρὸς ἀστῶν ἀλφάνουσι δυσμενῆ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 295: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 298 —

§ 298

σκαιοῖσι μὲν γὰρ καινὰ προσφέρων σοφὰ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 295: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 299 —

§ 299

δόξεις ἀχρεῖος κοὐ σοφὸς πεφυκέναι·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 295: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 300 —

§ 300

τῶν δ’ αὖ δοκούντων εἰδέναι τι ποικίλον

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;

— Book 301 —

§ 301

κρείσσων νομισθεὶς ἐν πόλει λυπρὸς φανῇ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 300: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 302 —

§ 302

ἐγὼ δὲ καὐτὴ τῆσδε κοινωνῶ τύχης.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 300: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 303 —

§ 303

σοφὴ γὰρ οὖσα, τοῖς μέν εἰμ’ ἐπίφθονος,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 300: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 304 —

§ 304

τοῖς δ’ ἡσυχαία, τοῖς δὲ θατέρου τρόπου,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 300: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 305 —

§ 305

τοῖς δ’ αὖ προσάντης· εἰμὶ δ’ οὐκ ἄγαν σοφή.

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

— Book 306 —

§ 306

σὺ δ’ οὖν φοβῇ με· μὴ τί πλημμελὲς πάθῃς;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 305: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 307 —

§ 307

οὐχ ὧδ’ ἔχει μοι—μὴ τρέσῃς ἡμᾶς, Κρέον—

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 305: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 308 —

§ 308

ὥστ’ ἐς τυράννους ἄνδρας ἐξαμαρτάνειν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 305: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 309 —

§ 309

σὺ γὰρ τί μ’ ἠδίκηκας; ἐξέδου κόρην

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 305: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 310 —

§ 310

ὅτῳ σε θυμὸς ἦγεν. ἀλλ’ ἐμὸν πόσιν

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

— Book 311 —

§ 311

μισῶ· σὺ δ’, οἶμαι, σωφρονῶν ἔδρας τάδε.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 310: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 312 —

§ 312

καὶ νῦν τὸ μὲν σὸν οὐ φθονῶ καλῶς ἔχειν·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 310: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 313 —

§ 313

νυμφεύετ’, εὖ πράσσοιτε· τήνδε δὲ χθόνα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 310: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 314 —

§ 314

ἐᾶτέ μ’ οἰκεῖν. καὶ γὰρ ἠδικημένοι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 310: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 315 —

§ 315

σιγησόμεσθα, κρεισσόνων νικώμενοι.

I will be still and yield to my superiors.

— Book 316 —

§ 316

λέγεις ἀκοῦσαι μαλθάκ’, ἀλλ’ ἔσω φρενῶν

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,

— Book 317 —

§ 317

ὀρρωδία μοι μή τι βουλεύσῃς κακόν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 316: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 318 —

§ 318

τόσῳ δέ γ’ ἧσσον ἢ πάρος πέποιθά σοι·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 316: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 319 —

§ 319

γυνὴ γὰρ ὀξύθυμος, ὡς δ’ αὔτως ἀνήρ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 316: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 320 —

§ 320

ῥᾴων φυλάσσειν ἢ σιωπηλὸς σοφός.

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.

— Book 321 —

§ 321

ἀλλ’ ἔξιθ’ ὡς τάχιστα, μὴ λόγους λέγε·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 320: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 322 —

§ 322

ὡς ταῦτ’ ἄραρε, κοὐκ ἔχεις τέχνην ὅπως

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 320: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 323 —

§ 323

μενεῖς παρ’ ἡμῖν οὖσα δυσμενὴς ἐμοί.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 320: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 324 —

§ 324

μή, πρός σε γονάτων τῆς τε νεογάμου κόρης.

O, say not so! by thy knees and by thy daughter newly-wed, I do implore!

— Book 325 —

§ 325

λόγους ἀναλοῖς· οὐ γὰρ ἂν πείσαις ποτέ.

Thou wastest words; thou wilt never persuade me.

— Book 326 —

§ 326

ἀλλ’ ἐξελᾷς με κοὐδὲν αἰδέσῃ λιτάς;

What, wilt thou banish me, and to my prayers no pity yield?

— Book 327 —

§ 327

φιλῶ γὰρ οὐ σὲ μᾶλλον ἢ δόμους ἐμούς.

I will, for I love not thee above my own family.

— Book 328 —

§ 328

ὦ πατρίς, ὥς σου κάρτα νῦν μνείαν ἔχω.

O my country! what fond memories I have of thee in this hour!

— Book 329 —

§ 329

πλὴν γὰρ τέκνων ἔμοιγε φίλτατον πολύ.

Yea, for I myself love my city best of all things save my children.

— Book 330 —

§ 330

φεῦ φεῦ, βροτοῖς ἔρωτες ὡς κακὸν μέγα.

Ah me! ah me! to mortal man how dread a scourge is love!

— Book 331 —

§ 331

ὅπως ἄν, οἶμαι, καὶ παραστῶσιν τύχαι.

That, I deem, is according to the turn our fortunes take.

— Book 332 —

§ 332

Ζεῦ, μὴ λάθοι σε τῶνδ’ ὃς αἴτιος κακῶν.

O Zeus! let not the author of these my troubles escape thee.

— Book 333 —

§ 333

ἕρπ’, ὦ ματαία, καί μ’ ἀπάλλαξον πόνων.

Begone, thou silly woman, and free me from my toil.

— Book 334 —

§ 334

πονοῦμεν ἡμεῖς κοὐ πόνων κεχρήμεθα.

The toil is mine, no lack of it.

— Book 335 —

§ 335

τάχ’ ἐξ ὀπαδῶν χειρὸς ὠσθήσῃ βίᾳ.

Soon wilt thou be thrust out forcibly by the hand of servants.

— Book 336 —

§ 336

μὴ δῆτα τοῦτό γ’, ἀλλά σ’ αἰτοῦμαι, Κρέον . . .

Not that, not that, I do entreat thee, Creon!

— Book 337 —

§ 337

ὄχλον παρέξεις, ὡς ἔοικας, ὦ γύναι.

Thou wilt cause disturbance yet, it seems.

— Book 338 —

§ 338

φευξούμεθ’· οὐ τοῦθ’ ἱκέτευσα σοῦ τυχεῖν.

I will begone; I ask thee not this boon to grant.

— Book 339 —

§ 339

τί δαὶ βιάζῃ κοὐκ ἀπαλλάσσῃ χερός;

Why then this violence? why dost thou not depart?

— Book 340 —

§ 340

μίαν με μεῖναι τήνδ’ ἔασον ἡμέραν

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;

— Book 341 —

§ 341

καὶ ξυμπερᾶναι φροντίδ’ ᾗ φευξούμεθα,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 340: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 342 —

§ 342

παισίν τ’ ἀφορμὴν τοῖς ἐμοῖς, ἐπεὶ πατὴρ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 340: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 343 —

§ 343

οὐδὲν προτιμᾷ μηχανήσασθαι τέκνοις.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 340: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 344 —

§ 344

οἴκτιρε δ’ αὐτούς· καὶ σύ τοι παίδων πατὴρ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 340: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 345 —

§ 345

πέφυκας· εἰκὸς δ’ ἐστὶν εὔνοιάν σ’ ἔχειν.

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.

— Book 346 —

§ 346

τοὐμοῦ γὰρ οὔ μοι φροντίς, εἰ φευξούμεθα,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 345: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 347 —

§ 347

κείνους δὲ κλαίω συμφορᾷ κεχρημένους.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 345: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 348 —

§ 348

ἥκιστα τοὐμὸν λῆμ’ ἔφυ τυραννικόν,

Mine is a nature anything but harsh; full oft by showing pity have I suffered shipwreck;

— Book 349 —

§ 349

αἰδούμενος δὲ πολλὰ δὴ διέφθορα·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 348: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 350 —

§ 350

καὶ νῦν ὁρῶ μὲν ἐξαμαρτάνων, γύναι,

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.

— Book 351 —

§ 351

ὅμως δὲ τεύξῃ τοῦδε· προυννέπω δέ σοι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 350: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 352 —

§ 352

εἴ σ’ ἡ ’πιοῦσα λαμπὰς ὄψεται θεοῦ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 350: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 353 —

§ 353

καὶ παῖδας ἐντὸς τῆσδε τερμόνων χθονός,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 350: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 354 —

§ 354

θανῇ· λέλεκται μῦθος ἀψευδὴς ὅδε.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 350: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 355 —

§ 355

νῦν δ’, εἰ μένειν δεῖ, μίμν’ ἐφ’ ἡμέραν μίαν·

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.

— Book 356 —

§ 356

οὐ γάρ τι δράσεις δεινὸν ὧν φόβος μ’ ἔχει.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 355: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 357 —

§ 357

δύστανε γύναι,

Ah! poor lady, woe is thee! Alas, for thy sorrows! Whither wilt thou turn? What protection,

— Book 358 —

§ 358

φεῦ φεῦ, μελέα τῶν σῶν ἀχέων.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 357: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 359 —

§ 359

ποῖ ποτε τρέψῃ; τίνα πρὸς ξενίαν;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 357: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 360 —

§ 360

ἦ δόμον ἢ χθόνα σωτῆρα κακῶν

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!

— Book 361 —

§ 361

ἐξευρήσεις;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 360: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 362 —

§ 362

ὡς εἰς ἄπορόν σε κλύδωνα θεός,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 360: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 363 —

§ 363

Μήδεια, κακῶν ἐπόρευσε.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 360: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 364 —

§ 364

κακῶς πέπρακται πανταχῇ· τίς ἀντερεῖ;

On all sides sorrow pens me in. Who shall gainsay this?

— Book 365 —

§ 365

ἀλλ’ οὔτι ταύτῃ ταῦτα, μὴ δοκεῖτέ πω.

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?

— Book 366 —

§ 366

ἔτ’ εἴσ’ ἀγῶνες τοῖς νεωστὶ νυμφίοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 365: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 367 —

§ 367

καὶ τοῖσι κηδεύσασιν οὐ σμικροὶ πόνοι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 365: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 368 —

§ 368

δοκεῖς γὰρ ἄν με τόνδε θωπεῦσαί ποτε,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 365: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 369 —

§ 369

εἰ μή τι κερδαίνουσαν ἢ τεχνωμένην;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 365: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 370 —

§ 370

οὐδ’ ἂν προσεῖπον οὐδ’ ἂν ἡψάμην χεροῖν.

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—

— Book 371 —

§ 371

ὃ δ’ ἐς τοσοῦτον μωρίας ἀφίκετο,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 370: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 372 —

§ 372

ὥστ’ ἐξὸν αὐτῷ τἄμ’ ἑλεῖν βουλεύματα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 370: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 373 —

§ 373

γῆς ἐκβαλόντι, τήνδ’ ἀφῆκεν ἡμέραν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 370: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 374 —

§ 374

μεῖναί μ’, ἐν ᾗ τρεῖς τῶν ἐμῶν ἐχθρῶν νεκροὺς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 370: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 375 —

§ 375

θήσω, πατέρα τε καὶ κόρην πόσιν τ’ ἐμόν.

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,

— Book 376 —

§ 376

πολλὰς δ’ ἔχουσα θανασίμους αὐτοῖς ὁδούς,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 375: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 377 —

§ 377

οὐκ οἶδ’ ὁποίᾳ πρῶτον ἐγχειρῶ, φίλαι·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 375: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 378 —

§ 378

πότερον ὑφάψω δῶμα νυμφικὸν πυρί,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 375: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 379 —

§ 379

ἢ θηκτὸν ὤσω φάσγανον δι’ ἥπάτος,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 375: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 380 —

§ 380

σιγῇ δόμους ἐσβᾶσ’, ἵν’ ἔστρωται λέχος.

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

— Book 381 —

§ 381

ἀλλ’ ἕν τί μοι πρόσαντες· εἰ ληφθήσομαι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 380: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 382 —

§ 382

δόμους ὑπεσβαίνουσα καὶ τεχνωμένη,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 380: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 383 —

§ 383

θανοῦσα θήσω τοῖς ἐμοῖς ἐχθροῖς γέλων.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 380: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 384 —

§ 384

κράτιστα τὴν εὐθεῖαν, ᾗ πεφύκαμεν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 380: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 385 —

§ 385

σοφαὶ μάλιστα, φαρμάκοις αὐτοὺς ἑλεῖν.

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

— Book 386 —

§ 386

εἶἑν·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 385: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 386a —

§ 386a

καὶ δὴ τεθνᾶσι· τίς με δέξεται πόλις;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 385: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 387 —

§ 387

τίς γῆν ἄσυλον καὶ δόμους ἐχεγγύους

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 385: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 388 —

§ 388

ξένος παρασχὼν ῥύσεται τοὐμὸν δέμας;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 385: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 389 —

§ 389

οὐκ ἔστι. μείνασ’ οὖν ἔτι σμικρὸν χρόνον,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 385: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 390 —

§ 390

ἢν μέν τις ἡμῖν πύργος ἀσφαλὴς φανῇ,

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.

— Book 391 —

§ 391

δόλῳ μέτειμι τόνδε καὶ σιγῇ φόνον·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 390: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 392 —

§ 392

ἢν δ’ ἐξελαύνῃ ξυμφορά μ’ ἀμήχανος,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 390: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 393 —

§ 393

αὐτὴ ξίφος λαβοῦσα, κεἰ μέλλω θανεῖν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 390: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 394 —

§ 394

κτενῶ σφε, τόλμης δ’ εἶμι πρὸς τὸ καρτερόν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 390: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 395 —

§ 395

οὐ γὰρ μὰ τὴν δέσποιναν ἣν ἐγὼ σέβω

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;

— Book 396 —

§ 396

μάλιστα πάντων καὶ ξυνεργὸν εἱλόμην,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 395: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 397 —

§ 397

Ἑκάτην, μυχοῖς ναίουσαν ἑστίας ἐμῆς,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 395: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 398 —

§ 398

χαίρων τις αὐτῶν τοὐμὸν ἀλγυνεῖ κέαρ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 395: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 399 —

§ 399

πικροὺς δ’ ἐγώ σφιν καὶ λυγροὺς θήσω γάμους,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 395: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 400 —

§ 400

πικρὸν δὲ κῆδος καὶ φυγὰς ἐμὰς χθονός.

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

— Book 401 —

§ 401

ἀλλ’ εἶα· φείδου μηδὲν ὧν ἐπίστασαι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 400: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 402 —

§ 402

Μήδεια, βουλεύουσα καὶ τεχνωμένη·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 400: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 403 —

§ 403

ἕρπ’ ἐς τὸ δεινόν· νῦν ἀγὼν εὐψυχίας.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 400: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 404 —

§ 404

ὁρᾷς ἃ πάσχεις· οὐ γέλωτα δεῖ σ’ ὀφλεῖν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 400: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 405 —

§ 405

τοῖς Σισυφείοις τοῖς τ’ Ἰάσονος γάμοις,

to the race of Sisyphus 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.

— Book 406 —

§ 406

γεγῶσαν ἐσθλοῦ πατρὸς Ἡλίου τ’ ἄπο.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 405: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 407 —

§ 407

ἐπίστασαι δέ· πρὸς δὲ καὶ πεφύκαμεν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 405: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 408 —

§ 408

γυναῖκες, ἐς μὲν ἔσθλ’ ἀμηχανώταται,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 405: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 409 —

§ 409

κακῶν δὲ πάντων τέκτονες σοφώταται.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 405: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 410 —

§ 410

ἄνω ποταμῶν ἱερῶν χωροῦσι παγαί,

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.

— Book 411 —

§ 411

καὶ δίκα καὶ πάντα πάλιν στρέφεται.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 410: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 412 —

§ 412

ἀνδράσι μὲν δόλιαι βουλαί, θεῶν δ’

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 410: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 414 —

§ 414

οὐκέτι πίστις ἄραρε·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 410: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 415 —

§ 415

τὰν δ’ ἐμὰν εὔκλειαν ἔχειν βιοτὰν στρέψουσι φᾶμαι·

Rumour shall bring a change o’er my life, bringing it into good repute. Honour’s dawn is breaking for woman’s sex;

— Book 419 —

§ 419

ἔρχεται τιμὰ γυναικείῳ γένει·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 415: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 420 —

§ 420

οὐκέτι δυσκέλαδος φάμα γυναῖκας ἕξει.

no more shall the foul tongue of slander fix upon us.

— Book 421 —

§ 421

μοῦσαι δὲ παλαιγενέων λήξουσ’ ἀοιδῶν

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

— Book 422 —

§ 422

τὰν ἐμὰν ὑμνεῦσαι ἀπιστοσύναν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 421: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 423 —

§ 423

οὐ γὰρ ἐν ἁμετέρᾳ γνώμᾳ λύρας

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 421: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 425 —

§ 425

ὤπασε θέσπιν ἀοιδὰν

the gift of heavenly song, else had I sung an answering strain to the race of males, for time’s long chapter affords

— Book 426 —

§ 426

Φοῖβος, ἀγήτωρ μελέων· ἐπεὶ ἀντάχησ’ ἂν ὕμνον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 425: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 427 —

§ 427

ἀρσένων γέννᾳ. μακρὸς δ’ αἰὼν ἔχει

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 425: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 430 —

§ 430

πολλὰ μὲν ἁμετέραν ἀνδρῶν τε μοῖραν εἰπεῖν.

many a theme on their sex as well as ours.

— Book 431 —

§ 431

σὺ δ’ ἐκ μὲν οἴκων πατρίων ἔπλευσας

With mind distraught didst thou thy father’s house desert on thy voyage betwixt ocean’s twin rocks, and on a foreign

— Book 432 —

§ 432

μαινομένᾳ κραδίᾳ, διδύμους ὁρίσασα πόντου

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 431: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 433 —

§ 433

πέτρας· ἐπὶ δὲ ξένᾳ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 431: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 435 —

§ 435

ναίεις χθονί, τᾶς ἀνάνδρου

strand thou dwellest, thy bed left husbandless, poor lady and thou an exile from the land, dishonoured, persecuted.

— Book 436 —

§ 436

κοίτας ὀλέσασα λέκτρον,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 435: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 437 —

§ 437

τάλαινα, φυγὰς δὲ χώρας

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 435: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 438 —

§ 438

ἄτιμος ἐλαύνῃ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 435: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 439 —

§ 439

βέβακε δ’ ὅρκων χάρις, οὐδ’ ἔτ’ αἰδὼς

Gone is the grace that oaths once had. Through all the breadth

— Book 440 —

§ 440

Ἑλλάδι τᾷ μεγάλᾳ μένει, αἰθερία δ’ ἀνέπτα.

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

— Book 441 —

§ 441

σοὶ δ’ οὔτε πατρὸς δόμοι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 440: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 442 —

§ 442

δύστανε, μεθορμίσασθαι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 440: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 443 —

§ 443

μόχθων πάρα, τῶν τε λέκτρων

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 440: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 444 —

§ 444

ἄλλα βασίλεια κρείσσων

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 440: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 445 —

§ 445

δόμοισιν ἐπέστα.

preferred to thee.

— Book 446 —

§ 446

οὐ νῦν κατεῖδον πρῶτον ἀλλὰ πολλάκις

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,

— Book 447 —

§ 447

τραχεῖαν ὀργὴν ὡς ἀμήχανον κακόν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 446: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 448 —

§ 448

σοὶ γὰρ παρὸν γῆν τήνδε καὶ δόμους ἔχειν

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— Book 449 —

§ 449

κούφως φερούσῃ κρεισσόνων βουλεύματα,

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— Book 450 —

§ 450

λόγων ματαίων οὕνεκ’ ἐκπεσῇ χθονός.

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.

— Book 451 —

§ 451

κἀμοὶ μὲν οὐδὲν πρᾶγμα· μὴ παύσῃ ποτὲ

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— Book 452 —

§ 452

λέγουσ’ Ἰάσον’ ὡς κάκιστός ἐστ’ ἀνήρ·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 450: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 453 —

§ 453

ἃ δ’ ἐς τυράννους ἐστί σοι λελεγμένα,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 450: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 454 —

§ 454

πᾶν κέρδος ἡγοῦ ζημιουμένη φυγῇ.

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— Book 455 —

§ 455

κἀγὼ μὲν αἰεὶ βασιλέων θυμουμένων

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,

— Book 456 —

§ 456

ὀργὰς ἀφῄρουν καί σ’ ἐβουλόμην μένειν·

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— Book 457 —

§ 457

σὺ δ’ οὐκ ἀνίεις μωρίας, λέγουσ’ ἀεὶ

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— Book 458 —

§ 458

κακῶς τυράννους· τοιγὰρ ἐκπεσῇ χθονός.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 455: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 459 —

§ 459

ὅμως δὲ κἀκ τῶνδ’ οὐκ ἀπειρηκὼς φίλοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 455: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 460 —

§ 460

ἥκω, τὸ σὸν δὲ προσκοπούμενος, γύναι,

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.

— Book 461 —

§ 461

ὡς μήτ’ ἀχρήμων σὺν τέκνοισιν ἐκπέσῃς

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— Book 462 —

§ 462

μήτ’ ἐνδεής του· πόλλ’ ἐφέλκεται φυγὴ

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— Book 463 —

§ 463

κακὰ ξὺν αὑτῇ. καὶ γὰρ εἰ σύ με στυγεῖς,

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— Book 464 —

§ 464

οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην σοὶ κακῶς φρονεῖν ποτε.

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— Book 465 —

§ 465

ὦ παγκάκιστε, τοῦτο γάρ σ’ εἰπεῖν ἔχω,

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

— Book 466 —

§ 466

γλώσσῃ μέγιστον εἰς ἀνανδρίαν κακόν·

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— Book 467 —

§ 467

ἦλθες πρὸς ἡμᾶς, ἦλθες ἔχθιστος γεγώς;

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— Book 468 —

§ 468

θεοῖς τε κἀμοὶ παντί τ’ ἀνθρώπων γένει;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 465: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 469 —

§ 469

οὔτοι θράσος τόδ’ ἐστὶν οὐδ’ εὐτολμία,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 465: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 470 —

§ 470

φίλους κακῶς δράσαντ’ ἐναντίον βλέπειν,

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.

— Book 471 —

§ 471

ἀλλ’ ἡ μεγίστη τῶν ἐν ἀνθρώποις νόσων

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— Book 472 —

§ 472

πασῶν, ἀναίδει’· εὖ δ’ ἐποίησας μολών·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 470: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 473 —

§ 473

ἐγώ τε γὰρ λέξασα κουφισθήσομαι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 470: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 474 —

§ 474

ψυχὴν κακῶς σε καὶ σὺ λυπήσῃ κλύων.

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— Book 475 —

§ 475

ἐκ τῶν δὲ πρώτων πρῶτον ἄρξομαι λέγειν.

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.

— Book 476 —

§ 476

ἔσῳσά σ’, ὡς ἴσασιν Ἑλλήνων ὅσοι

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— Book 477 —

§ 477

ταὐτὸν συνεισέβησαν Ἀργῷον σκάφος,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 475: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 478 —

§ 478

πεμφθέντα ταύρων πυρπνόων ἐπιστάτην

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 475: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 479 —

§ 479

ζεύγλῃσι καὶ σπεροῦντα θανάσιμον γύην·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 475: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 480 —

§ 480

δράκοντά θ’, ὃς πάγχρυσον ἀμπέχων δέρας

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,

— Book 481 —

§ 481

σπείραις ἔσῳζε πολυπλόκοις ἄυπνος ὤν,

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— Book 482 —

§ 482

κτείνασ’ ἀνέσχον σοὶ φάος σωτήριον.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 480: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 483 —

§ 483

αὐτὴ δὲ πατέρα καὶ δόμους προδοῦσ’ ἐμοὺς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 480: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 484 —

§ 484

τὴν Πηλιῶτιν εἰς Ἰωλκὸν ἱκόμην

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— Book 485 —

§ 485

σὺν σοί, πρόθυμος μᾶλλον ἢ σοφωτέρα·

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,

— Book 486 —

§ 486

Πελίαν τ’ ἀπέκτειν’, ὥσπερ ἄλγιστον θανεῖν,

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— Book 487 —

§ 487

παίδων ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ, πάντα τ’ ἐξεῖλον δόμον.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 485: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 488 —

§ 488

καὶ ταῦθ’ ὑφ’ ἡμῶν, ὦ κάκιστ’ ἀνδρῶν, παθὼν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 485: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 489 —

§ 489

προύδωκας ἡμᾶς, καινὰ δ’ ἐκτήσω λέχη—

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 485: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 490 —

§ 490

παίδων γεγώτων· εἰ γὰρ ἦσθ’ ἄπαις ἔτι,

though children have been bom to us. Hadst thou been childless still, I could have pardoned thy desire for this new union.

— Book 491 —

§ 491

συγγνώστ’ ἂν ἦν σοι τοῦδ’ ἐρασθῆναι λέχους.

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— Book 492 —

§ 492

ὅρκων δὲ φρούδη πίστις, οὐδ’ ἔχω μαθεῖν

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,

— Book 493 —

§ 493

ἦ θεοὺς νομίζεις τοὺς τότ’ οὐκ ἄρχειν ἔτι,

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— Book 494 —

§ 494

ἢ καινὰ κεῖσθαι θέσμι’ ἀνθρώποις τὰ νῦν,

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— Book 495 —

§ 495

ἐπεὶ σύνοισθά γ’ εἰς ἔμ’ οὐκ εὔορκος ὤν.

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.

— Book 496 —

§ 496

φεῦ δεξιὰ χείρ, ἧς σὺ πόλλ’ ἐλαμβάνου,

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— Book 497 —

§ 497

καὶ τῶνδε γονάτων, ὡς μάτην κεχρῴσμεθα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 495: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 498 —

§ 498

κακοῦ πρὸς ἀνδρός, ἐλπίδων δ’ ἡμάρτομεν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 495: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 499 —

§ 499

ἄγ’· ὡς φίλῳ γὰρ ὄντι σοι κοινώσομαι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 495: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 500 —

§ 500

—δοκοῦσα μὲν τί πρός γε σοῦ πράξειν καλῶς;

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

— Book 501 —

§ 501

ὅμως δ’· ἐρωτηθεὶς γὰρ αἰσχίων φανῇ—

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— Book 502 —

§ 502

νῦν ποῖ τράπωμαι; πότερα πρὸς πατρὸς δόμους,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 500: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 503 —

§ 503

οὓς σοὶ προδοῦσα καὶ πάτραν ἀφικόμην;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 500: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 504 —

§ 504

ἢ πρὸς ταλαίνας Πελιάδας; καλῶς γ’ ἂν οὖν

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— Book 505 —

§ 505

δέξαιντό μ’ οἴκοις ὧν πατέρα κατέκτανον.

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;

— Book 506 —

§ 506

ἔχει γὰρ οὕτω· τοῖς μὲν οἴκοθεν φίλοις

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— Book 507 —

§ 507

ἐχθρὰ καθέστηχ’, οὓς δέ μ’ οὐκ ἐχρῆν κακῶς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 505: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 508 —

§ 508

δρᾶν, σοὶ χάριν φέρουσα πολεμίους ἔχω.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 505: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 509 —

§ 509

τοιγάρ με πολλαῖς μακαρίαν Ἑλληνίδων

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 505: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 510 —

§ 510

ἔθηκας ἀντὶ τῶνδε· θαυμαστὸν δέ σε

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,

— Book 511 —

§ 511

ἔχω πόσιν καὶ πιστὸν ἡ τάλαιν’ ἐγώ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 510: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 512 —

§ 512

εἰ φεύξομαί γε γαῖαν ἐκβεβλημένη,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 510: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 513 —

§ 513

φίλων ἔρημος, σὺν τέκνοις μόνη μόνοις—

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 510: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 514 —

§ 514

καλόν γ’ ὄνειδος τῷ νεωστὶ νυμφίῳ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 510: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 515 —

§ 515

πτωχοὺς ἀλᾶσθαι παῖδας ἥ τ’ ἔσῳσά σε.

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?

— Book 516 —

§ 516

ὦ Ζεῦ, τί δὴ χρυσοῦ μὲν ὃς κίβδηλος ᾖ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 515: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 517 —

§ 517

τεκμήρι’ ἀνθρώποισιν ὤπασας σαφῆ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 515: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 518 —

§ 518

ἀνδρῶν δ’ ὅτῳ χρὴ τὸν κακὸν διειδέναι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 515: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 519 —

§ 519

οὐδεὶς χαρακτὴρ ἐμπέφυκε σώματι;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 515: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 520 —

§ 520

δεινή τις ὀργὴ καὶ δυσίατος πέλει,

There is a something terrible and past all cure, when quarrels arise ’twixt those who are near and dear.

— Book 521 —

§ 521

ὅταν φίλοι φίλοισι συμβάλωσ’ ἔριν.

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— Book 522 —

§ 522

δεῖ μ’, ὡς ἔοικε, μὴ κακὸν φῦναι λέγειν,

Needs must I now, it seems, turn orator, and, like a good helmsman on a ship with close-reefed sails, weather

— Book 523 —

§ 523

ἀλλ’ ὥστε ναὸς κεδνὸν οἰακοστρόφον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 522: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 524 —

§ 524

ἄκροισι λαίφους κρασπέδοις ὑπεκδραμεῖν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 522: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 525 —

§ 525

τὴν σὴν στόμαργον, ὦ γύναι, γλωσσαλγίαν.

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

— Book 526 —

§ 526

ἐγὼ δ’, ἐπειδὴ καὶ λίαν πυργοῖς χάριν,

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— Book 527 —

§ 527

Κύπριν νομίζω τῆς ἐμῆς ναυκληρίας

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— Book 528 —

§ 528

σώτειραν εἶναι θεῶν τε κἀνθρώπων μόνην.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 525: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 529 —

§ 529

σοὶ δ’ ἔστι μὲν νοῦς λεπτός—ἀλλ’ ἐπίφθονος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 525: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 530 —

§ 530

λόγος διελθεῖν, ὡς Ἔρως σ’ ἠνάγκασε

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

— Book 531 —

§ 531

τόξοις ἀφύκτοις τοὐμὸν ἐκσῷσαι δέμας.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 530: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 532 —

§ 532

ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἀκριβῶς αὐτὸ θήσομαι λίαν·

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— Book 533 —

§ 533

ὅπῃ γὰρ οὖν ὤνησας, οὐ κακῶς ἔχει.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 530: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 534 —

§ 534

μείζω γε μέντοι τῆς ἐμῆς σωτηρίας

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 530: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 535 —

§ 535

εἴληφας ἢ δέδωκας, ὡς ἐγὼ φράσω.

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,

— Book 536 —

§ 536

πρῶτον μὲν Ἑλλάδ’ ἀντὶ βαρβάρου χθονὸς

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— Book 537 —

§ 537

γαῖαν κατοικεῖς καὶ δίκην ἐπίστασαι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 535: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 538 —

§ 538

νόμοις τε χρῆσθαι μὴ πρὸς ἰσχύος χάριν·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 535: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 539 —

§ 539

πάντες δέ σ’ ᾔσθοντ’ οὖσαν Ἕλληνες σοφὴν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 535: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 540 —

§ 540

καὶ δόξαν ἔσχες· εἰ δὲ γῆς ἐπ’ ἐσχάτοις

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!

— Book 541 —

§ 541

ὅροισιν ᾤκεις, οὐκ ἂν ἦν λόγος σέθεν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 540: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 542 —

§ 542

εἴη δ’ ἔμοιγε μήτε χρυσὸς ἐν δόμοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 540: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 543 —

§ 543

μήτ’ Ὀρφέως κάλλιον ὑμνῆσαι μέλος,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 540: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 544 —

§ 544

εἰ μὴ ’πίσημος ἡ τύχη γένοιτό μοι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 540: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 545 —

§ 545

τοσαῦτα μέν σοι τῶν ἐμῶν πόνων πέρι

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

— Book 546 —

§ 546

ἔλεξ’· ἅμιλλαν γὰρ σὺ προύθηκας λόγων.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 545: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 547 —

§ 547

ἃ δ’ ἐς γάμους μοι βασιλικοὺς ὠνείδισας,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 545: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 548 —

§ 548

ἐν τῷδε δείξω πρῶτα μὲν σοφὸς γεγώς,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 545: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 549 —

§ 549

ἔπειτα σώφρων, εἶτα σοὶ μέγας φίλος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 545: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 550 —

§ 550

καὶ παισὶ τοῖς ἐμοῖσιν—ἀλλ’ ἔχ’ ἥσυχος.

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?

— Book 551 —

§ 551

ἐπεὶ μετέστην δεῦρ’ Ἰωλκίας χθονὸς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 550: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 552 —

§ 552

πολλὰς ἐφέλκων συμφορὰς ἀμηχάνους,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 550: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 553 —

§ 553

τί τοῦδ’ ἂν εὕρημ’ ηὗρον εὐτυχέστερον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 550: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 554 —

§ 554

ἢ παῖδα γῆμαι βασιλέως φυγὰς γεγώς;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 550: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 555 —

§ 555

οὐχ, ᾗ σὺ κνίζῃ, σὸν μὲν ἐχθαίρων λέχος,

’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—

— Book 556 —

§ 556

καινῆς δὲ νύμφης ἱμέρῳ πεπληγμένος,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 555: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 557 —

§ 557

οὐδ’ εἰς ἅμιλλαν πολύτεκνον σπουδὴν ἔχων·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 555: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 558 —

§ 558

ἅλις γὰρ οἱ γεγῶτες οὐδὲ μέμφομαι·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 555: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 559 —

§ 559

ἀλλ’ ὡς, τὸ μὲν μέγιστον, οἰκοῖμεν καλῶς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 555: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 560 —

§ 560

καὶ μὴ σπανιζοίμεσθα, γιγνώσκων ὅτι

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,—

— Book 561 —

§ 561

πένητα φεύγει πᾶς τις ἐκποδὼν φίλος,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 560: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 562 —

§ 562

παῖδας δὲ θρέψαιμ’ ἀξίως δόμων ἐμῶν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 560: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 563 —

§ 563

σπείρας τ’ ἀδελφοὺς τοῖσιν ἐκ σέθεν τέκνοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 560: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 564 —

§ 564

ἐς ταὐτὸ θείην, καὶ ξυναρτήσας γένος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 560: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 565 —

§ 565

εὐδαιμονοῖμεν. σοί τε γὰρ παίδων τί δεῖ;

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,

— Book 566 —

§ 566

ἐμοί τε λύει τοῖσι μέλλουσιν τέκνοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 565: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 567 —

§ 567

τὰ ζῶντ’ ὀνῆσαι. μῶν βεβούλευμαι κακῶς;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 565: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 568 —

§ 568

οὐδ’ ἂν σὺ φαίης, εἴ σε μὴ κνίζοι λέχος.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 565: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 569 —

§ 569

ἀλλ’ ἐς τοσοῦτον ἥκεθ’ ὥστ’ ὀρθουμένης

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 565: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 570 —

§ 570

εὐνῆς γυναῖκες πάντ’ ἔχειν νομίζετε,

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;

— Book 571 —

§ 571

ἢν δ’ αὖ γένηται ξυμφορά τις ἐς λέχος,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 570: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 572 —

§ 572

τὰ λῷστα καὶ κάλλιστα πολεμιώτατα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 570: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 573 —

§ 573

τίθεσθε. χρῆν γὰρ ἄλλοθέν ποθεν βροτοὺς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 570: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 574 —

§ 574

παῖδας τεκνοῦσθαι, θῆλυ δ’ οὐκ εἶναι γένος·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 570: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 575 —

§ 575

χοὕτως ἂν οὐκ ἦν οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις κακόν.

thus would no evil ever have fallen on mankind.

— Book 576 —

§ 576

Ἰᾶσον, εὖ μὲν τούσδ’ ἐκόσμησας λόγους·

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.

— Book 577 —

§ 577

ὅμως δ’ ἔμοιγε, κεἰ παρὰ γνώμην ἐρῶ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 576: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 578 —

§ 578

δοκεῖς προδοὺς σὴν ἄλοχον οὐ δίκαια δρᾶν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 576: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 579 —

§ 579

ἦ πολλὰ πολλοῖς εἰμι διάφορος βροτῶν.

No doubt I differ from the mass of men on many points;

— Book 580 —

§ 580

ἐμοὶ γὰρ ὅστις ἄδικος ὢν σοφὸς λέγειν

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

— Book 581 —

§ 581

πέφυκε, πλείστην ζημίαν ὀφλισκάνει·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 580: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 582 —

§ 582

γλώσσῃ γὰρ αὐχῶν τἄδικ’ εὖ περιστελεῖν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 580: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 583 —

§ 583

τολμᾷ πανουργεῖν· ἔστι δ’ οὐκ ἄγαν σοφός.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 580: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 584 —

§ 584

ὡς καὶ σὺ μή νυν εἰς ἔμ’ εὐσχήμων γένῃ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 580: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 585 —

§ 585

λέγειν τε δεινός. ἓν γὰρ ἐκτενεῖ σ’ ἔπος·

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.

— Book 586 —

§ 586

χρῆν σ’, εἴπερ ἦσθα μὴ κακός, πείσαντά με

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 585: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 587 —

§ 587

γαμεῖν γάμον τόνδ’, ἀλλὰ μὴ σιγῇ φίλων.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 585: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 588 —

§ 588

καλῶς γ’ ἄν, οἶμαι, τῷδ’ ὑπηρέτεις λόγῳ,

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

— Book 589 —

§ 589

εἴ σοι γάμον κατεῖπον, ἥτις οὐδὲ νῦν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 588: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 590 —

§ 590

τολμᾷς μεθεῖναι καρδίας μέγαν χόλον.

canst thou restrain thy soul’s hot fury.

— Book 591 —

§ 591

οὐ τοῦτό σ’ εἶχεν, ἀλλὰ βάρβαρον λέχος

This was not what restrained thee; but thine eye was turned towards old age, and a foreign wife began to appear discreditable to thee.

— Book 592 —

§ 592

πρὸς γῆρας οὐκ εὔδοξον ἐξέβαινέ σοι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 591: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 593 —

§ 593

εὖ νῦν τόδ’ ἴσθι, μὴ γυναικὸς οὕνεκα

Be well assured of this: ’twas not for the woman’s sake I wedded the king’s daughter, my present wife;

— Book 594 —

§ 594

γῆμαί με λέκτρα βασιλέων ἃ νῦν ἔχω,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 593: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 595 —

§ 595

ἀλλ’, ὥσπερ εἶπον καὶ πάρος, σῷσαι θέλων

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.

— Book 596 —

§ 596

σέ, καὶ τέκνοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖς ὁμοσπόρους

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 595: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 597 —

§ 597

φῦσαι τυράννους παῖδας, ἔρυμα δώμασι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 595: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 598 —

§ 598

μή μοι γένοιτο λυπρὸς εὐδαίμων βίος

May that prosperity, whose end is woe, ne’er be mine, nor such wealth as would ever sting my heart!

— Book 599 —

§ 599

μηδ’ ὄλβος ὅστις τὴν ἐμὴν κνίζοι φρένα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 598: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 600 —

§ 600

οἶσθ’ ὡς μέτευξαι, καὶ σοφωτέρα φανῇ;

Change that prayer as I will teach thee, and thou wilt show more wisdom. Never let happiness appear in sorrow’s guise, nor, when thy fortune smiles, pretend she frowns!

— Book 601 —

§ 601

τὰ χρηστὰ μή σοι λυπρὰ φαίνεσθαι ποτέ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 600: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 602 —

§ 602

μηδ’ εὐτυχοῦσα δυστυχὴς εἶναι δοκεῖν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 600: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 603 —

§ 603

ὕβριζ’, ἐπειδὴ σοὶ μὲν ἔστ’ ἀποστροφή,

Mock on; thou hast a place of refuge; I am alone, an exile soon to be.

— Book 604 —

§ 604

ἐγὼ δ’ ἔρημος τήνδε φευξοῦμαι χθόνα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 603: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 605 —

§ 605

αὐτὴ τάδ’ εἵλου· μηδέν’ ἄλλον αἰτιῶ.

Thy own free choice was this; blame no one else.

— Book 606 —

§ 606

τί δρῶσα; μῶν γαμοῦσα καὶ προδοῦσά σε;

What did I do? Marry, then betray thee?

— Book 607 —

§ 607

ἀρὰς τυράννοις ἀνοσίους ἀρωμένη.

Against the king thou didst invoke an impious curse.

— Book 608 —

§ 608

καὶ σοῖς ἀραία γ’ οὖσα τυγχάνω δόμοις.

On thy house too maybe I bring the curse.

— Book 609 —

§ 609

ὡς οὐ κρινοῦμαι τῶνδέ σοι τὰ πλείονα.

Know this, I will no further dispute this point with thee.

— Book 610 —

§ 610

ἀλλ’, εἴ τι βούλῃ παισὶν ἢ σαυτῆς φυγῇ

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,

— Book 611 —

§ 611

προσωφέλημα χρημάτων ἐμῶν λαβεῖν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 610: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 612 —

§ 612

λέγ’· ὡς ἕτοιμος ἀφθόνῳ δοῦναι χερὶ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 610: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 613 —

§ 613

ξένοις τε πέμπειν σύμβολ’, οἳ δράσουσί σ’ εὖ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 610: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 614 —

§ 614

καὶ ταῦτα μὴ θέλουσα μωρανεῖς, γύναι·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 610: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 615 —

§ 615

λήξασα δ’ ὀργῆς κερδανεῖς ἀμείνονα.

but if thou cease from anger the greater will be thy gain.

— Book 616 —

§ 616

οὔτ’ ἂν ξένοισι τοῖσι σοῖς χρησαίμεθ’ ἄν,

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.

— Book 617 —

§ 617

οὔτ’ ἄν τι δεξαίμεσθα, μηδ’ ἡμῖν δίδου·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 616: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 618 —

§ 618

κακοῦ γὰρ ἀνδρὸς δῶρ’ ὄνησιν οὐκ ἔχει.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 616: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 619 —

§ 619

ἀλλ’ οὖν ἐγὼ μὲν δαίμονας μαρτύρομαι,

At least I call the gods to witness,

— Book 620 —

§ 620

ὡς πάνθ’ ὑπουργεῖν σοί τε καὶ τέκνοις θέλω·

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.

— Book 621 —

§ 621

σοὶ δ’ οὐκ ἀρέσκει τἀγάθ’, ἀλλ’ αὐθαδίᾳ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 620: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 622 —

§ 622

φίλους ἀπωθῇ· τοιγὰρ ἀλγυνῇ πλέον.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 620: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 623 —

§ 623

χώρει· πόθῳ γὰρ τῆς νεοδμήτου κόρης

Away! By love for thy young bride entrapped, too long thou lingerest outside her chamber;

— Book 624 —

§ 624

αἱρῇ χρονίζων δωμάτων ἐξώπιος.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 623: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 625 —

§ 625

νύμφευ’· ἴσως γάρ—σὺν θεῷ δ’ εἰρήσεται—

go wed, for, if God will, thou shalt have such a marriage as thou wouldst fain refuse.

— Book 626 —

§ 626

γαμεῖς τοιοῦτον ὥστε σ’ ἀρνεῖσθαι γάμον.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 625: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 627 —

§ 627

ἔρωτες ὑπὲρ μὲν ἄγαν

When in excess and past all limits Love doth come, he brings not glory or repute

— Book 628 —

§ 628

ἐλθόντες οὐκ εὐδοξίαν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 627: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 629 —

§ 629

οὐδ’ ἀρετὰν παρέδωκαν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 627: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 630 —

§ 630

ἀνδράσιν· εἰ δ’ ἅλις ἔλθοι

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.

— Book 631 —

§ 631

Κύπρις, οὐκ ἄλλα θεὸς εὔχαρις οὕτως.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 630: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 632 —

§ 632

μήποτ’, ὦ δέσποιν’, ἐπ’ ἐμοὶ χρυσέων τόξων ἐφείης

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 630: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 633 —

§ 633

ἱμέρῳ χρίσασ’ ἄφυκτον οἰστόν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 630: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 635 —

§ 635

στέργοι δέ με σωφροσύνα,

On me may chastity, heaven’s fairest gift, look with a favouring eye;

— Book 636 —

§ 636

δώρημα κάλλιστον θεῶν·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 635: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 637 —

§ 637

μηδέ ποτ’ ἀμφιλόγους ὀργὰς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 635: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 638 —

§ 638

ἀκόρεστά τε νείκη

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 635: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 639 —

§ 639

θυμὸν ἐκπλήξασ’ ἑτέροις ἐπὶ λέκτροις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 635: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 640 —

§ 640

προσβάλοι δεινὰ Κύπρις, ἀπτολέμους δ’ εὐνὰς σεβίζουσ’

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.

— Book 641 —

§ 641

ὀξύφρων κρίνοι λέχη γυναικῶν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 640: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 643 —

§ 643

ὦ πατρίς, ὦ δώματα, μὴ

O my country, O my own dear home! God grant I may never be an outcast from my city,

— Book 644 —

§ 644

δῆτ’ ἄπολις γενοίμαν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 643: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 645 —

§ 645

τὸν ἀμηχανίας ἔχουσα

leading that cruel helpless life, whose every day is misery. Ere that may I this life complete and yield to death, ay, death;

— Book 646 —

§ 646

δυσπέρατον αἰῶν’,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 645: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 647 —

§ 647

οἰκτροτάτων ἀχέων.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 645: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 648 —

§ 648

θανάτῳ θανάτῳ πάρος δαμείην

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 645: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 649 —

§ 649

ἁμέραν τάνδ’ ἐξανύσασα· μό-

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 645: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 650 —

§ 650

χθων δ’ οὐκ ἄλλος ὕπερθεν ἢ

for there is no misery that doth surpass the loss of fatherland.

— Book 651 —

§ 651

γᾶς πατρίας στέρεσθαι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 650: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 652 —

§ 652

εἴδομεν, οὐκ ἐξ ἑτέρων

I have seen with mine eyes, nor from the lips of others have I the lesson learnt;

— Book 653 —

§ 653

μῦθον ἔχω φράσασθαι·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 652: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 655 —

§ 655

σὲ γὰρ οὐ πόλις, οὐ φίλων τις

no city, not one friend doth pity thee in this thine awful woe. May he perish and find no favour,

— Book 656 —

§ 656

ᾤκτισεν παθοῦσαν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 655: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 657 —

§ 657

δεινότατον παθέων.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 655: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 658 —

§ 658

ἀχάριστος ὄλοιθ’, ὅτῳ πάρεστιν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 655: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 660 —

§ 660

μὴ φίλους τιμᾶν καθαρᾶν ἀνοί-

whoso hath not in him honour for his friends, freely unlocking his heart to them. Never shall he be friend of mine.

— Book 661 —

§ 661

ξαντα κλῇδα φρενῶν· ἐμοὶ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 660: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 662 —

§ 662

μὲν φίλος οὔποτ’ ἔσται.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 660: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 663 —

§ 663

Μήδεια, χαῖρε· τοῦδε γὰρ προοίμιον

All hail, Medea! no man knoweth fairer prelude to the greeting of friends than this.

— Book 664 —

§ 664

κάλλιον οὐδεὶς οἶδε προσφωνεῖν φίλους.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 663: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 665 —

§ 665

ὦ χαῖρε καὶ σύ, παῖ σοφοῦ Πανδίονος,

All hail to thee likewise, Aegeus, son of wise Pandion. Whence comest thou to this land?

— Book 666 —

§ 666

Αἰγεῦ. πόθεν γῆς τῆσδ’ ἐπιστρωφᾷ πέδον;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 665: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 667 —

§ 667

Φοίβου παλαιὸν ἐκλιπὼν χρηστήριον.

From Phoebus’ ancient oracle.

— Book 668 —

§ 668

τί δ’ ὀμφαλὸν γῆς θεσπιῳδὸν ἐστάλης;

What took thee on thy travels to the prophetic centre of the earth?

— Book 669 —

§ 669

παίδων ἐρευνῶν σπέρμ’ ὅπως γένοιτό μοι.

The wish to ask how I might raise up seed unto myself.

— Book 670 —

§ 670

πρὸς θεῶν—ἄπαις γὰρ δεῦρ’ ἀεὶ τείνεις βίον;

Pray tell me, hast thou till now dragged on a childless life?

— Book 671 —

§ 671

ἄπαιδές ἐσμεν δαίμονός τινος τύχῃ.

I have no child owing to the visitation of some god.

— Book 672 —

§ 672

δάμαρτος οὔσης, ἢ λέχους ἄπειρος ὤν;

Hast thou a wife, or hast thou never known the married state?

— Book 673 —

§ 673

οὐκ ἐσμὲν εὐνῆς ἄζυγες γαμηλίου.

I have a wife joined to me in wedlock’s bond.

— Book 674 —

§ 674

τί δῆτα Φοῖβος εἶπέ σοι παίδων πέρι;

What said Phoebus to thee as to children?

— Book 675 —

§ 675

σοφώτερ’ ἢ κατ’ ἄνδρα συμβαλεῖν ἔπη.

Words too subtle for man to comprehend.

— Book 676 —

§ 676

θέμις μὲν ἡμᾶς χρησμὸν εἰδέναι θεοῦ;

Surely I may learn the god’s answer?

— Book 677 —

§ 677

μάλιστ’, ἐπεί τοι καὶ σοφῆς δεῖται φρενός.

Most assuredly, for it is just thy subtle wit it needs.

— Book 678 —

§ 678

τί δῆτ’ ἔχρησε; λέξον, εἰ θέμις κλύειν.

What said the god? speak, if I may hear it.

— Book 679 —

§ 679

ἀσκοῦ με τὸν προύχοντα μὴ λῦσαι πόδα—

He bade me not loose the wineskin’s pendent neck.

— Book 680 —

§ 680

πρὶν ἂν τί δράσῃς ἢ τίν’ ἐξίκῃ χθόνα;

Till when? what must thou do first, what country visit?

— Book 681 —

§ 681

πρὶν ἂν πατρῴαν αὖθις ἑστίαν μόλω.

Till I to my native home return.

— Book 682 —

§ 682

σὺ δ’ ὡς τί χρῄζων τήνδε ναυστολεῖς χθόνα;

What object hast thou in sailing to this land?

— Book 683 —

§ 683

Πιτθεύς τις ἔστι, γῆς ἄναξ Tροζηνίας. . . .

O’er Troezen’s realm is Pittheus king.

— Book 684 —

§ 684

παῖς, ὡς λέγουσι, Πέλοπος, εὐσεβέστατος.

Pelops’ son, a man devout they say.

— Book 685 —

§ 685

τούτῳ θεοῦ μάντευμα κοινῶσαι θέλω.

To him I fain would impart the oracle of the god.

— Book 686 —

§ 686

σοφὸς γὰρ ἁνὴρ καὶ τρίβων τὰ τοιάδε.

The man is shrewd and versed in such-like lore.

— Book 687 —

§ 687

κἀμοί γε πάντων φίλτατος δορυξένων.

Aye, and to me the dearest of all my warrior friends.

— Book 688 —

§ 688

ἀλλ’ εὐτυχοίης καὶ τύχοις ὅσων ἐρᾷς.

Good luck to thee! success to all thy wishes!

— Book 689 —

§ 689

τί γὰρ σὸν ὄμμα χρώς τε συντέτηχ’ ὅδε;

But why that downcast eye, that wasted cheek?

— Book 690 —

§ 690

Αἰγεῦ, κάκιστός ἐστί μοι πάντων πόσις.

O Aegeus, my husband has proved a monster of iniquity.

— Book 691 —

§ 691

τί φῄς; σαφῶς μοι σὰς φράσον δυσθυμίας.

What meanest thou? explain to me clearly the cause of thy despondency.

— Book 692 —

§ 692

ἀδικεῖ μ’ Ἰάσων οὐδὲν ἐξ ἐμοῦ παθών.

Jason is wronging me though I have given him no cause.

— Book 693 —

§ 693

τί χρῆμα δράσας; φράζε μοι σαφέστερον.

What hath he done? tell me more clearly.

— Book 694 —

§ 694

γυναῖκ’ ἐφ’ ἡμῖν δεσπότιν δόμων ἔχει.

He is taking another wife to succeed me as mistress of his house.

— Book 695 —

§ 695

οὔ που τετόλμηκ’ ἔργον αἴσχιστον τόδε;

Can he have brought himself to such a dastard deed?

— Book 696 —

§ 696

σάφ’ ἴσθ’· ἄτιμοι δ’ ἐσμὲν οἱ πρὸ τοῦ φίλοι.

Be assured thereof; I, whom he loved of yore, am in dishonour now.

— Book 697 —

§ 697

πότερον ἐρασθεὶς ἢ σὸν ἐχθαίρων λέχος;

Hath he found a new love? or does he loathe thy bed?

— Book 698 —

§ 698

μέγαν γ’ ἔρωτα πιστὸς οὐκ ἔφυ φίλοις.

Much in love is he! A traitor to his friend is he become.

— Book 699 —

§ 699

ἴτω νυν, εἴπερ, ὡς λέγεις, ἐστὶν κακός.

Enough! if he is a villain as thou sayest.

— Book 700 —

§ 700

ἀνδρῶν τυράννων κῆδος ἠράσθη λαβεῖν.

The alliance he is so much enamoured of is with a princess.

— Book 701 —

§ 701

δίδωσι δ’ αὐτῷ τίς; πέραινέ μοι λόγον.

Who gives his daughter to him? go on, I pray.

— Book 702 —

§ 702

Κρέων, ὃς ἄρχει τῆσδε γῆς Κορινθίας.

Creon, who is lord of this land of Corinth.

— Book 703 —

§ 703

συγγνωστὰ μέν τἄρ’ ἦν σε λυπεῖσθαι, γύναι.

Lady, I can well pardon thy grief.

— Book 704 —

§ 704

ὄλωλα· καὶ πρός γ’ ἐξελαύνομαι χθονός.

I am undone, and more than that, am banished from the land.

— Book 705 —

§ 705

πρὸς τοῦ; τόδ’ ἄλλο καινὸν αὖ λέγεις κακόν.

By whom? fresh woe this word of thine unfolds.

— Book 706 —

§ 706

Κρέων μ’ ἐλαύνει φυγάδα γῆς Κορινθίας.

Creon drives me forth in exile from Corinth.

— Book 707 —

§ 707

ἐᾷ δ’ Ἰάσων; οὐδὲ ταῦτ’ ἐπῄνεσα.

Doth Jason allow it? This too I blame him for.

— Book 708 —

§ 708

λόγῳ μὲν οὐχί, καρτερεῖν δὲ βούλεται.

Not in words, but he will not stand out against it. Ο, I implore thee by this beard

— Book 709 —

§ 709

ἀλλ’ ἄντομαί σε τῆσδε πρὸς γενειάδος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 708: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 710 —

§ 710

γονάτων τε τῶν σῶν ἱκεσία τε γίγνομαι,

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

— Book 711 —

§ 711

οἴκτιρον οἴκτιρόν με τὴν δυσδαίμονα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 710: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 712 —

§ 712

καὶ μή μ’ ἔρημον ἐκπεσοῦσαν εἰσίδῃς,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 710: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 713 —

§ 713

δέξαι δὲ χώρᾳ καὶ δόμοις ἐφέστιον.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 710: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 714 —

§ 714

οὕτως ἔρως σοὶ πρὸς θεῶν τελεσφόρος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 710: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 715 —

§ 715

γένοιτο παίδων, καὐτὸς ὄλβιος θάνοις.

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.

— Book 716 —

§ 716

εὕρημα δ’ οὐκ οἶσθ’ οἷον ηὕρηκας τόδε·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 715: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 717 —

§ 717

παύσω δέ σ’ ὄντ’ ἄπαιδα καὶ παίδων γονὰς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 715: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 718 —

§ 718

σπεῖραί σε θήσω· τοιάδ’ οἶδα φάρμακα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 715: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 719 —

§ 719

πολλῶν ἕκατι τήνδε σοι δοῦναι χάριν,

Lady, on many grounds I am most fain to grant thee this thy boon,

— Book 720 —

§ 720

γύναι, πρόθυμός εἰμι, πρῶτα μὲν θεῶν,

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. ’Tis thus with me; if e’er thou reach my land, I will attempt to champion thee as I am bound to do.

— Book 721 —

§ 721

ἔπειτα παίδων ὧν ἐπαγγέλλῃ γονάς·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 720: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 722 —

§ 722

ἐς τοῦτο γὰρ δὴ φροῦδός εἰμι πᾶς ἐγώ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 720: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 723 —

§ 723

οὕτω δ’ ἔχει μοι· σοῦ μὲν ἐλθούσης χθόνα,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 720: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 724 —

§ 724

πειράσομαί σου προξενεῖν δίκαιος ὤν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 720: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 725 —

§ 725

τόσον γε μέντοι σοι προσημαίνω, γύναι·

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,

— Book 726 —

§ 726

ἐκ τῆσδε μὲν γῆς οὔ σ’ ἄγειν βουλήσομαι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 725: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 727 —

§ 727

αὐτὴ δ’ ἐάνπερ εἰς ἐμοὺς ἔλθῃς δόμους,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 725: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 728 —

§ 728

μενεῖς ἄσυλος κοὔ σε μὴ μεθῶ τινι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 725: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 729 —

§ 729

ἐκ τῆσδε δ’ αὐτὴ γῆς ἀπαλλάσσου πόδα·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 725: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 730 —

§ 730

ἀναίτιος γὰρ καὶ ξένοις εἶναι θέλω.

for I have no wish to incur the blame of my allies as well.

— Book 731 —

§ 731

ἔσται τάδ’· ἀλλὰ πίστις εἰ γένοιτό μοι

It shall be even so; but wouldst thou pledge thy word to this, I should in all be well content with thee.

— Book 732 —

§ 732

τούτων, ἔχοιμ’ ἂν πάντα πρὸς σέθεν καλῶς.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 731: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 733 —

§ 733

μῶν οὐ πέποιθας; ἢ τί σοι τὸ δυσχερές;

Surely thou dost trust me? or is there aught that troubles thee?

— Book 734 —

§ 734

πέποιθα· Πελίου δ’ ἐχθρός ἐστί μοι δόμος

Thee I trust; but Pelias’ house and Creon are my foes.

— Book 735 —

§ 735

Κρέων τε. τούτοις δ’ ὁρκίοισι μὲν ζυγεὶς

Wherefore, if thou art bound by an oath, thou wilt not give me up to them when they come to drag me from the land, but, having entered into a compact and sworn by heaven as well, thou wilt become my friend and disregard their overtures. Weak is any aid of mine,

— Book 736 —

§ 736

ἄγουσιν οὐ μεθεῖ’ ἂν ἐκ γαίας ἐμέ·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 735: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 737 —

§ 737

λόγοις δὲ συμβὰς καὶ θεῶν ἀνώμοτος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 735: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 738 —

§ 738

φίλος γένοι’ ἂν τἀπικηρυκεύματα·—

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 735: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 739 —

§ 739

οὐκ ἂν πίθοιο· τἀμὰ μὲν γὰρ ἀσθενῆ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 735: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 740 —

§ 740

τοῖς δ’ ὄλβος ἐστὶ καὶ δόμος τυραννικός.

whilst they have wealth and a princely house.

— Book 741 —

§ 741

πολλὴν ἔλεξας ἐν λόγοις προμηθίαν·

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,

— Book 742 —

§ 742

ἀλλ’, εἰ δοκεῖ σοι, δρᾶν τάδ’ οὐκ ἀφίσταμαι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 741: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 743 —

§ 743

ἐμοί τε γὰρ τάδ’ ἐστὶν ἀσφαλέστατα,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 741: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 744 —

§ 744

σκῆψίν τιν’ ἐχθροῖς σοῖς ἔχοντα δεικνύναι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 741: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 745 —

§ 745

τὸ σόν τ’ ἄραρε μᾶλλον· ἐξηγοῦ θεούς.

and thy case too the firmer stands. Now name thy gods.

— Book 746 —

§ 746

ὄμνυ πέδον Γῆς, πατέρα θ’ Ἥλιον πατρὸς

Swear by the plain of Earth, by Helios my father’s sire, and, in one comprehensive oath, by all the race of gods.

— Book 747 —

§ 747

τοὐμοῦ, θεῶν τε συντιθεὶς ἅπαν γένος.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 746: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 748 —

§ 748

τί χρῆμα δράσειν ἢ τί μὴ δράσειν; λέγε.

What shall I swear to do, from what refrain? tell me that.

— Book 749 —

§ 749

μήτ’ αὐτὸς ἐκ γῆς σῆς ἔμ’ ἐκβαλεῖν ποτε,

Swear that thou wilt never of thyself expel me from thy land,

— Book 750 —

§ 750

μήτ’ ἄλλος ἤν τις τῶν ἐμῶν ἐχθρῶν ἄγειν

nor, whilst life is thine, permit any other, one of my foes maybe, to hale me thence if so he will.

— Book 751 —

§ 751

χρῄζῃ, μεθήσειν ζῶν ἑκουσίῳ τρόπῳ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 750: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 752 —

§ 752

ὄμνυμι Γαῖαν Ἡλίου θ’ ἁγνὸν σέβας

By earth I swear, by the sun-god’s holy beam and by all the host of heaven that I will stand fast to the terms, I hear thee make.

— Book 753 —

§ 753

θεούς τε πάντας ἐμμενεῖν ἅ σου κλύω.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 752: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 754 —

§ 754

ἀρκεῖ· τί δ’ ὅρκῳ τῷδε μὴ ’μμένων πάθοις;

’Tis enough. If thou shouldst break this oath, what curse dost thou invoke upon thyself?

— Book 755 —

§ 755

ἃ τοῖσι δυσσεβοῦσι γίγνεται βροτῶν.

Whate’er betides the impious.

— Book 756 —

§ 756

χαίρων πορεύου· πάντα γὰρ καλῶς ἔχει.

Go in peace; all is well, and I with what speed I may, will to thy city come, when I have wrought my purpose and obtained my wish.

— Book 757 —

§ 757

κἀγὼ πόλιν σὴν ὡς τάχιστ’ ἀφίξομαι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 756: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 758 —

§ 758

πράξασ’ ἃ μέλλω καὶ τυχοῦσ’ ἃ βούλομαι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 756: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 759 —

§ 759

ἀλλά σ’ ὁ Μαίας πομπαῖος ἄναξ

May Maia’s princely son

— Book 760 —

§ 760

πελάσειε δόμοις, ὧν τ’ ἐπίνοιαν

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.

— Book 761 —

§ 761

σπεύδεις κατέχων πράξειας, ἐπεὶ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 760: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 762 —

§ 762

γενναῖος ἀνήρ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 760: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 763 —

§ 763

Αἰγεῦ, παρ’ ἐμοὶ δεδόκησαι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 760: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 764 —

§ 764

ὦ Ζεῦ Δίκη τε Ζηνὸς Ἡλίου τε φῶς,

O Zeus, and Justice, child of Zeus, and sun-god’s light,

— Book 765 —

§ 765

νῦν καλλίνικοι τῶν ἐμῶν ἐχθρῶν, φίλαι,

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;

— Book 766 —

§ 766

γενησόμεσθα κεἰς ὁδὸν βεβήκαμεν·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 765: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 767 —

§ 767

νῦν δ’ ἐλπὶς ἐχθροὺς τοὺς ἐμοὺς τείσειν δίκην.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 765: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 768 —

§ 768

οὗτος γὰρ ἁνὴρ ᾗ μάλιστ’ ἐκάμνομεν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 765: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 769 —

§ 769

λιμὴν πέφανται τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 765: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 770 —

§ 770

ἐκ τοῦδ’ ἀναψόμεσθα πρυμνήτην κάλων,

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

— Book 771 —

§ 771

μολόντες ἄστυ καὶ πόλισμα Παλλάδος.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 770: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 772 —

§ 772

ἤδη δὲ πάντα τἀμά σοι βουλεύματα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 770: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 773 —

§ 773

λέξω· δέχου δὲ μὴ πρὸς ἡδονὴν λόγους.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 770: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 774 —

§ 774

πέμψασ’ ἐμῶν τιν’ οἰκετῶν Ἰάσονα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 770: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 775 —

§ 775

ἐς ὄψιν ἐλθεῖν τὴν ἐμὴν αἰτήσομαι·

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;

— Book 776 —

§ 776

μολόντι δ’ αὐτῷ μαλθακοὺς λέξω λόγους,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 775: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 777 —

§ 777

ὡς καὶ δοκεῖ μοι ταὐτά, καὶ καλῶς ἔχειν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 775: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 778 —

§ 778

γάμους τυράννων οὓς προδοὺς ἡμᾶς ἔχει·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 775: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 779 —

§ 779

καὶ ξύμφορ’ εἶναι καὶ καλῶς ἐγνωσμένα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 775: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 780 —

§ 780

παῖδας δὲ μεῖναι τοὺς ἐμοὺς αἰτήσομαι,

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,

— Book 781 —

§ 781

οὐχ ὡς λιποῦσ’ ἂν πολεμίας ἐπὶ χθονὸς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 780: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 782 —

§ 782

ἐχθροῖσι παῖδας τοὺς ἐμοὺς καθυβρίσαι,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 780: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 783 —

§ 783

ἀλλ’ ὡς δόλοισι παῖδα βασιλέως κτάνω.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 780: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 784 —

§ 784

πέμψω γὰρ αὐτοὺς δῶρ’ ἔχοντας ἐν χεροῖν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 780: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 785 —

§ 785

νύμφῃ φέροντας, τήνδε μὴ φυγεῖν χθόνα,

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.

— Book 786 —

§ 786

λεπτόν τε πέπλον καὶ πλόκον χρυσήλατον·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 785: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 787 —

§ 787

κἄνπερ λαβοῦσα κόσμον ἀμφιθῇ χροΐ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 785: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 788 —

§ 788

κακῶς ὀλεῖται πᾶς θ’ ὃς ἂν θίγῃ κόρης·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 785: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 789 —

§ 789

τοιοῖσδε χρίσω φαρμάκοις δωρήματα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 785: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 790 —

§ 790

ἐνταῦθα μέντοι τόνδ’ ἀπαλλάσσω λόγον·

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

— Book 791 —

§ 791

ᾤμωξα δ’ οἷον ἔργον ἔστ’ ἐργαστέον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 790: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 792 —

§ 792

τοὐντεῦθεν ἡμῖν· τέκνα γὰρ κατακτενῶ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 790: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 793 —

§ 793

τἄμ’· οὔτις ἔστιν ὅστις ἐξαιρήσεται·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 790: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 794 —

§ 794

δόμον τε πάντα συγχέασ’ Ἰάσονος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 790: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 795 —

§ 795

ἔξειμι γαίας, φιλτάτων παίδων φόνον

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.

— Book 796 —

§ 796

φεύγουσα καὶ τλᾶσ’ ἔργον ἀνοσιώτατον.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 795: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 797 —

§ 797

οὐ γὰρ γελᾶσθαι τλητὸν ἐξ ἐχθρῶν, φίλαι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 795: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 798 —

§ 798

ἴτω· τί μοι ζῆν κέρδος; οὔτε μοι πατρὶς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 795: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 799 —

§ 799

οὔτ’ οἶκος ἔστιν οὔτ’ ἀποστροφὴ κακῶν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 795: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 800 —

§ 800

ἡμάρτανον τόθ’ ἡνίκ’ ἐξελίμπανον

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,

— Book 801 —

§ 801

δόμους πατρῴους, ἀνδρὸς Ἕλληνος λόγοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 800: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 802 —

§ 802

πεισθεῖσ’, ὃς ἡμῖν σὺν θεῷ τείσει δίκην.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 800: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 803 —

§ 803

οὔτ’ ἐξ ἐμοῦ γὰρ παῖδας ὄψεταί ποτε

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 800: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 804 —

§ 804

ζῶντας τὸ λοιπὸν οὔτε τῆς νεοζύγου

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 800: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 805 —

§ 805

νύμφης τεκνώσει παῖδ’, ἐπεὶ κακῶς κακὴν

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;

— Book 806 —

§ 806

θανεῖν σφ’ ἀνάγκη τοῖς ἐμοῖσι φαρμάκοις.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 805: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 807 —

§ 807

μηδείς με φαύλην κἀσθενῆ νομιζέτω

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 805: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 808 —

§ 808

μηδ’ ἡσυχαίαν, ἀλλὰ θατέρου τρόπου,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 805: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 809 —

§ 809

βαρεῖαν ἐχθροῖς καὶ φίλοισιν εὐμενῆ·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 805: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 810 —

§ 810

τῶν γὰρ τοιούτων εὐκλεέστατος βίος.

for they win the fairest fame who live their life like me.

— Book 811 —

§ 811

ἐπείπερ ἡμῖν τόνδ’ ἐκοίνωσας λόγον,

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.

— Book 812 —

§ 812

σέ τ’’ ὠφελεῖν θέλουσα, καὶ νόμοις βροτῶν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 811: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 813 —

§ 813

ξυλλαμβάνουσα, δρᾶν σ’ ἀπεννέπω τάδε.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 811: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 814 —

§ 814

οὐκ ἔστιν ἄλλως· σοὶ δὲ συγγνώμη λέγειν

It cannot but be so; thy words

— Book 815 —

§ 815

τάδ’ ἐστί, μὴ πάσχουσαν, ὡς ἐγώ, κακῶς.

I pardon since thou art not in the same sorry plight that I am.

— Book 816 —

§ 816

ἀλλὰ κτανεῖν σὸν σπέρμα τολμήσεις, γύναι;

O lady, wilt thou steel thyself to slay thy children twain?

— Book 817 —

§ 817

οὕτω γὰρ ἂν μάλιστα δηχθείη πόσις.

I will, for that will stab my husband to the heart.

— Book 818 —

§ 818

σὺ δ’ ἂν γένοιό γ’ ἀθλιωτάτη γυνή.

It may, but thou wilt be the saddest wife alive.

— Book 819 —

§ 819

ἴτω· περισσοὶ πάντες οὑν μέσῳ λόγοι.

No matter; wasted is every word that comes ’twixt now and then.

— Book 820 —

§ 820

ἀλλ’ εἶα χώρει καὶ κόμιζ’ Ἰάσονα·

(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.

— Book 821 —

§ 821

ἐς πάντα γὰρ δὴ σοὶ τὰ πιστὰ χρώμεθα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 820: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 822 —

§ 822

λέξῃς δὲ μηδὲν τῶν ἐμοὶ δεδογμένων,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 820: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 823 —

§ 823

εἴπερ φρονεῖς εὖ δεσπόταις γυνή τ’ ἔφυς.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 820: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 824 —

§ 824

Ἐρεχθεΐδαι τὸ παλαιὸν ὄλβιοι

Sons of Erechtheus, heroes happy from of yore,

— Book 825 —

§ 825

καὶ θεῶν παῖδες μακάρων, ἱερᾶς

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

— Book 826 —

§ 826

χώρας ἀπορθήτου τ’ ἄπο, φερβόμενοι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 825: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 827 —

§ 827

κλεινοτάταν σοφίαν, αἰεὶ διὰ λαμπροτάτου

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 825: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 830 —

§ 830

βαίνοντες ἁβρῶς αἰθέρος, ἔνθα ποθ’ ἁγνὰς

and clear, where, as legend tells, the Muses nine, Pieria’s holy maids, were brought to birth by Harmonia with the golden hair;

— Book 831 —

§ 831

ἐννέα Πιερίδας Μούσας λέγουσι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 830: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 832 —

§ 832

ξανθὰν Ἁρμονίαν φυτεῦσαι·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 830: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 835 —

§ 835

τοῦ καλλινάου τ’ ἐπὶ Κηφισοῦ ῥοαῖς

and poets sing how Cypris drawing water from the streams of fair-flowing Cephissus breathes o’er the land a gentle breeze

— Book 836 —

§ 836

τὰν Κύπριν κλῄζουσιν ἀφυσσαμέναν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 835: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 837 —

§ 837

χώραν καταπνεῦσαι μετρίας ἀνέμων

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 835: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 840 —

§ 840

ἡδυπνόους αὔρας· αἰεὶ δ’ ἐπιβαλλομέναν

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,

— Book 841 —

§ 841

χαίταισιν εὐώδη ῥοδέων πλόκον ἀνθέων

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 840: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 842 —

§ 842

τᾷ Σοφίᾳ παρέδρους πέμπειν Ἔρωτας,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 840: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 845 —

§ 845

παντοίας ἀρετᾶς ξυνεργούς.

to take a part in every excellence.

— Book 846 —

§ 846

πῶς οὖν ἱερῶν ποταμῶν

How then shall the city of sacred streams, the land that welcomes those it loves, receive thee, the murderess of thy children,

— Book 847 —

§ 847

ἢ πόλις; ἦ φίλων

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 846: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 848 —

§ 848

πόμπιμός σε χώρα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 846: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 849 —

§ 849

τὰν παιδολέτειραν ἕξει,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 846: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 850 —

§ 850

τὰν οὐχ ὁσίαν μετ’ ἄλλων;

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,

— Book 851 —

§ 851

σκέψαι τεκέων πλαγάν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 850: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 852 —

§ 852

σκέψαι φόνον οἷον αἴρῃ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 850: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 853 —

§ 853

μή, πρὸς γονάτων σε πάντη

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 850: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 854 —

§ 854

πάντως ἱκετεύομεν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 850: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 855 —

§ 855

τέκνα φονεύσῃς.

slay not thy babes.

— Book 856 —

§ 856

πόθεν θράσος ἢ φρενὸς ἢ

Where shall hand or heart find hardihood enough in wreaking such a fearsome deed upon thy sons?

— Book 857 —

§ 857

χειρὶ τέκνων σέθεν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 856: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 858 —

§ 858

καρδίᾳ τε λήψῃ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 856: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 859 —

§ 859

δεινὰν προσάγουσα τόλμαν;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 856: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 860 —

§ 860

πῶς δ’ ὄμματα προσβαλοῦσα

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

— Book 861 —

§ 861

τέκνοις ἄδακρυν μοῖραν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 860: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 862 —

§ 862

σχήσεις φόνου; οὐ δυνάσῃ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 860: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 863 —

§ 863

παίδων ἱκετᾶν πιτνόντων,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 860: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 864 —

§ 864

τέγξαι χέρα φοινίαν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 860: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 865 —

§ 865

τλάμονι θυμῷ.

in their blood thy hand.

— Book 866 —

§ 866

ἥκω κελευσθείς· καὶ γὰρ οὖσα δυσμενὴς

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.

— Book 867 —

§ 867

οὔ τἂν ἁμάρτοις τοῦδέ γ’, ἀλλ’ ἀκούσομαι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 866: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 868 —

§ 868

τί χρῆμα βούλῃ καινὸν ἐξ ἐμοῦ, γύναι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 866: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 869 —

§ 869

Ἰᾶσον, αἰτοῦμαί σε τῶν εἰρημένων

Jason, I crave thy pardon

— Book 870 —

§ 870

συγγνώμον’ εἶναι· τὰς δ’ ἐμὰς ὀργὰς φέρειν

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,

— Book 871 —

§ 871

εἰκός σ’, ἐπεὶ νῷν πόλλ’ ὑπείργασται φίλα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 870: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 872 —

§ 872

ἐγὼ δ’ ἐμαυτῇ διὰ λόγων ἀφικόμην

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 870: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 873 —

§ 873

κἀλοιδόρησα· Σχετλία, τί μαίνομαι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 870: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 874 —

§ 874

καὶ δυσμεναίνω τοῖσι βουλεύουσιν εὖ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 870: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 875 —

§ 875

ἐχθρὰ δὲ γαίας κοιράνοις καθίσταμαι

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?

— Book 876 —

§ 876

πόσει θ’, ὃς ἡμῖν δρᾷ τὰ συμφορώτατα,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 875: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 877 —

§ 877

γήμας τύραννον καὶ κασιγνήτους τέκνοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 875: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 878 —

§ 878

ἐμοῖς φυτεύων; οὐκ ἀπαλλαχθήσομαι

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 875: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 879 —

§ 879

θυμοῦ—τί πάσχω;—θεῶν ποριζόντων καλῶς;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 875: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 880 —

§ 880

οὐκ εἰσὶ μέν μοι παῖδες, οἶδα δὲ χθόνα

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

— Book 881 —

§ 881

φεύγοντας ἡμᾶς καὶ σπανίζοντας φίλων;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 880: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 882 —

§ 882

ταῦτ’ ἐννοήσασ’ ᾐσθόμην ἀβουλίαν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 880: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 883 —

§ 883

πολλὴν ἔχουσα καὶ μάτην θυμουμένη.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 880: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 884 —

§ 884

νῦν οὖν ἐπαινῶ· σωφρονεῖν τ’ ἐμοὶ δοκεῖς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 880: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 885 —

§ 885

κῆδος τόδ’ ἡμῖν προσλαβών, ἐγὼ δ’ ἄφρων,

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;

— Book 886 —

§ 886

ᾗ χρῆν μετεῖναι τῶνδε τῶν βουλευμάτων,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 885: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 887 —

§ 887

καὶ ξυγγαμεῖν σοι, καὶ παρεστάναι λέχει

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 885: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 888 —

§ 888

νύμφην τε κηδεύουσαν ἥδεσθαι σέθεν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 885: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 889 —

§ 889

ἀλλ’ ἐσμὲν οἷόν ἐσμεν, οὐκ ἐρῶ κακόν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 885: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 890 —

§ 890

γυναῖκες· οὔκουν χρῆν σ’ ὁμοιοῦσθαι κακοῖς,

wherefore thou shouldst not sink to our sorry level nor with our weapons meet our childishness.

— Book 891 —

§ 891

οὐδ’ ἀντιτείνειν νήπι’ ἀντὶ νηπίων.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 890: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 892 —

§ 892

παριέμεσθα, καί φαμεν κακῶς φρονεῖν

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,

— Book 893 —

§ 893

τότ’, ἀλλ’ ἄμεινον νῦν βεβούλευμαι τάδε·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 892: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 894 —

§ 894

ὦ τέκνα τέκνα, δεῦτε, λείπετε στέγας,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 892: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 895 —

§ 895

ἐξέλθετ’, ἀσπάσασθε καὶ προσείπατε

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!

— Book 896 —

§ 896

πατέρα μεθ’ ἡμῶν, καὶ διαλλάχθηθ’ ἅμα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 895: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 897 —

§ 897

τῆς πρόσθεν ἔχθρας ἐς φίλους μητρὸς μέτα·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 895: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 898 —

§ 898

σπονδαὶ γὰρ ἡμῖν καὶ μεθέστηκεν χόλος.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 895: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 899 —

§ 899

λάβεσθε χειρὸς δεξιᾶς· οἴμοι, κακῶν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 895: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 900 —

§ 900

ὡς ἐννοοῦμαι δή τι τῶν κεκρυμμένων.

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 new to tears am I, how full of fear! For now that I have at last released me from my quarrel with your father,

— Book 901 —

§ 901

ἆρ’, ὦ τέκν’, οὕτω καὶ πολὺν ζῶντες χρόνον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 900: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 902 —

§ 902

φίλην ὀρέξετ’ ὠλένην; τάλαιν’ ἐγώ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 900: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 903 —

§ 903

ὡς ἀρτίδακρύς εἰμι καὶ φόβου πλέα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 900: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 904 —

§ 904

χρόνῳ δὲ νεῖκος πατρὸς ἐξαιρουμένη

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 900: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 905 —

§ 905

ὄψιν τέρειναν τήνδ’ ἔπλησα δακρύων.

I let the tear-drops stream adown my tender cheek.

— Book 906 —

§ 906

κἀμοὶ κατ’ ὄσσων χλωρὸν ὡρμήθη δάκρυ·

From my eyes too bursts forth the copious tear; O, may no greater ill than the present e’er befall!

— Book 907 —

§ 907

καὶ μὴ προβαίη μεῖζον ἢ τὸ νῦν κακόν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 906: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 908 —

§ 908

αἰνῶ, γύναι, τάδ’, οὐδ’ ἐκεῖνα μέμφομαι·

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

— Book 909 —

§ 909

εἰκὸς γὰρ ὀργὰς θῆλυ ποιεῖσθαι γένος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 908: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 910 —

§ 910

γάμου παρεμπολῶντος ἀλλοίου πόσει.

when he trafficks in other marriages besides his own. 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

— Book 911 —

§ 911

ἀλλ’ ἐς τὸ λῷον σὸν μεθέστηκεν κέαρ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 910: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 912 —

§ 912

ἔγνως δὲ τὴν νικῶσαν, ἀλλὰ τῷ χρόνῳ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 910: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 913 —

§ 913

βουλήν· γυναικὸς ἔργα ταῦτα σώφρονος.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 910: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 914 —

§ 914

ὑμῖν δέ, παῖδες, οὐκ ἀφροντίστως πατὴρ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 910: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 915 —

§ 915

πολλὴν ἔθηκε σὺν θεοῖς σωτηρίαν·

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.

— Book 916 —

§ 916

οἶμαι γὰρ ὑμᾶς τῆσδε γῆς Κορινθίας

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 915: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 917 —

§ 917

τὰ πρῶτ’ ἔσεσθαι σὺν κασιγνήτοις ἔτι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 915: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 918 —

§ 918

ἀλλ’ αὐξάνεσθε· τἄλλα δ’ ἐξεργάζεται

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 915: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 919 —

§ 919

πατήρ τε καὶ θεῶν ὅστις ἐστὶν εὐμενής·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 915: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 920 —

§ 920

ἴδοιμι δ’ ὑμᾶς εὐτραφεῖς ἥβης τέλος

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?

— Book 921 —

§ 921

μολόντας, ἐχθρῶν τῶν ἐμῶν ὑπερτέρους.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 920: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 922 —

§ 922

αὕτη, τί χλωροῖς δακρύοις τέγγεις κόρας,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 920: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 923 —

§ 923

στρέψασα λευκὴν ἔμπαλιν παρηίδα;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 920: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 924 —

§ 924

κοὐκ ἀσμένη τόνδ’ ἐξ ἐμοῦ δέχῃ λόγον;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 920: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 925 —

§ 925

οὐδέν. τέκνων τῶνδ’ ἐννοουμένη πέρι.

’Tis naught; upon these children my thoughts were turned.

— Book 926 —

§ 926

θάρσει νυν· εὖ γὰρ τῶνδ’ ἐγὼ θήσω πέρι.

Then take heart; for I will see that it is well with them.

— Book 927 —

§ 927

δράσω τάδ’· οὔτοι σοῖς ἀπιστήσω λόγοις·

I will do so; nor will I doubt thy word; woman is a weak creature, ever given to tears.

— Book 928 —

§ 928

γυνὴ δὲ θῆλυ κἀπὶ δακρύοις ἔφυ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 927: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 929 —

§ 929

τί δῆτα λίαν τοῖσδ’ ἐπιστένεις τέκνοις;

Why prithee, unhappy one, dost moan o’er these children?

— Book 930 —

§ 930

ἔτικτον αὐτούς· ζῆν δ’ ὅτ’ ἐξηύχου τέκνα,

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,

— Book 931 —

§ 931

ἐσῆλθέ μ’ οἶκτος εἰ γενήσεται τάδε.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 930: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 932 —

§ 932

ἀλλ’ ὧνπερ οὕνεκ’ εἰς ἐμοὺς ἥκεις λόγους,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 930: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 933 —

§ 933

τὰ μὲν λέλεκται, τῶν δ’ ἐγὼ μνησθήσομαι.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 930: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 934 —

§ 934

ἐπεὶ τυράννοις γῆς μ’ ἀποστεῖλαι δοκεῖ—

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 930: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 935 —

§ 935

κἀμοὶ τάδ’ ἐστὶ λῷστα, γιγνώσκω καλῶς,

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,

— Book 936 —

§ 936

μήτ’ ἐμποδὼν σοὶ μήτε κοιράνοις χθονὸς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 935: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 937 —

§ 937

ναίειν· δοκῶ γὰρ δυσμενὴς εἶναι δόμοις—

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 935: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 938 —

§ 938

ἡμεῖς μὲν ἐκ γῆς τῆσδ’ ἀπαίρομεν φυγῇ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 935: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 939 —

§ 939

παῖδες δ’ ὅπως ἂν ἐκτραφῶσι σῇ χερί,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 935: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 940 —

§ 940

αἰτοῦ Κρέοντα τήνδε μὴ φεύγειν χθόνα.

beg Creon to remit their banishment

— Book 941 —

§ 941

οὐκ οἶδ’ ἂν εἰ πείσαιμι, πειρᾶσθαι δὲ χρή.

I doubt whether I can persuade him, yet must I attempt it.

— Book 942 —

§ 942

σὺ δ’ ἀλλὰ σὴν κέλευσον αἰτεῖσθαι πατρὸς

At least do thou bid thy wife ask her sire this boon, to remit the exile of the children from this land.

— Book 943 —

§ 943

γυναῖκα παῖδας τήνδε μὴ φεύγειν χθόνα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 942: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 944 —

§ 944

μάλιστα, καὶ πείσειν γε δοξάζω σφ’ ἐγώ.

Yea, that will I; and her methinks I shall persuade,

— Book 945 —

§ 945

εἴπερ γυναικῶν ἐστι τῶν ἄλλων μία.

since she is a woman like the rest.

— Book 946 —

§ 946

συλλήψομαι δὲ τοῦδέ σοι κἀγὼ πόνου·

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.

— Book 947 —

§ 947

πέμψω γὰρ αὐτῇ δῶρ’ ἃ καλλιστεύεται

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 946: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 948 —

§ 948

τῶν νῦν ἐν ἀνθρώποισιν, οἶδ’ ἐγώ, πολύ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 946: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 949 —

§ 949

λεπτόν τε πέπλον καὶ πλόκον χρυσήλατον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 946: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 950 —

§ 950

παῖδας φέροντας. ἀλλ’ ὅσον τάχος χρεὼν

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,

— Book 951 —

§ 951

κόσμον κομίζειν δεῦρο προσπόλων τινά.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 950: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 952 —

§ 952

εὐδαιμονήσει δ’ οὐχ ἕν, ἀλλὰ μυρία,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 950: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 953 —

§ 953

ἀνδρός τ’ ἀρίστου σοῦ τυχοῦσ’ ὁμευνέτου

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 950: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 954 —

§ 954

κεκτημένη τε κόσμον ὅν ποθ’ Ἥλιος

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 950: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 955 —

§ 955

πατρὸς πατὴρ δίδωσιν ἐκγόνοισιν οἷς.

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.

— Book 956 —

§ 956

λάζυσθε φερνὰς τάσδε, παῖδες, ἐς χέρας

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 955: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 957 —

§ 957

καὶ τῇ τυράννῳ μακαρίᾳ νύμφῃ δότε

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 955: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 958 —

§ 958

φέροντες· οὔτοι δῶρα μεμπτὰ δέξεται.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 955: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 959 —

§ 959

τί δ’, ὦ ματαία, τῶνδε σὰς κενοῖς χέρας;

But why so rashly rob thyself of these gifts?

— Book 960 —

§ 960

δοκεῖς σπανίζειν δῶμα βασίλειον πέπλων,

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.

— Book 961 —

§ 961

δοκεῖς δὲ χρυσοῦ; σῷζε, μὴ δίδου τάδε.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 960: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 962 —

§ 962

εἴπερ γὰρ ἡμᾶς ἀξιοῖ λόγου τινὸς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 960: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 963 —

§ 963

γυνή, προθήσει χρημάτων, σάφ’ οἶδ’ ἐγώ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 960: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 964 —

§ 964

μή μοι σύ· πείθειν δῶρα καὶ θεοὺς λόγος·

Say not so; ’tis said that gifts tempt even gods;

— Book 965 —

§ 965

χρυσὸς δὲ κρείσσων μυρίων λόγων βροτοῖς.

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,

— Book 966 —

§ 966

κείνης ὁ δαίμων, κεῖνα νῦν αὔξει θεός,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 965: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 967 —

§ 967

νέα τυραννεῖ· τῶν δ’ ἐμῶν παίδων φυγὰς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 965: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 968 —

§ 968

ψυχῆς ἂν ἀλλαξαίμεθ’, οὐ χρυσοῦ μόνον.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 965: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 969 —

§ 969

ἀλλ’, ὦ τέκν’, εἰσελθόντε πλουσίους δόμους

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 965: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 970 —

§ 970

πατρὸς νέαν γυναῖκα, δεσπότιν δ’ ἐμήν,

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

— Book 971 —

§ 971

ἱκετεύετ’, ἐξαιτεῖσθε μὴ φυγεῖν χθόνα,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 970: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 972 —

§ 972

κόσμον διδόντες—τοῦδε γὰρ μάλιστα δεῖ—

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 970: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 973 —

§ 973

ἐς χεῖρ’ ἐκείνης δῶρα δέξασθαι τάδε.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 970: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 974 —

§ 974

ἴθ’ ὡς τάχιστα· μητρὶ δ’ ὧν ἐρᾷ τυχεῖν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 970: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 975 —

§ 975

εὐάγγελοι γένοισθε πράξαντες καλῶς.

the glad tidings she fain would hear!

— Book 976 —

§ 976

νῦν ἐλπίδες οὐκέτι μοι παίδων ζόας,

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;

— Book 977 —

§ 977

οὐκέτι· στείχουσι γὰρ ἐς φόνον ἤδη.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 976: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 978 —

§ 978

δέξεται νύμφα χρυσέων ἀναδεσμῶν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 976: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 979 —

§ 979

δέξεται δύστανος ἄταν·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 976: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 980 —

§ 980

ξανθᾷ δ’ ἀμφὶ κόμᾳ θήσει τὸν Ἅιδα

with her own hand will she lift and place upon her golden locks the garniture of death.

— Book 981 —

§ 981

κόσμον αὐτὰ χεροῖν. λαβοῦσα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 980: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 983 —

§ 983

πείσει χάρις ἀμβρόσιός τ’ αὐγὰ πέπλων

Its grace and sheen divine will tempt her to put on the robe and crown of gold,

— Book 984 —

§ 984

χρυσέων τευκτὸν στέφανον περιθέσθαι·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 983: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 985 —

§ 985

νερτέροις δ’ ἤδη πάρα νυμφοκομήσει.

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.

— Book 986 —

§ 986

τοῖον εἰς ἕρκος πεσεῖται

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 985: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 987 —

§ 987

καὶ μοῖραν θανάτου δύστανος· ἄταν δ’

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 985: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 988 —

§ 988

οὐχ ὑπεκφεύξεται.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 985: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 990 —

§ 990

σὺ δ’, ὦ τάλαν, ὦ κακόνυμφε κηδεμὼν τυράννων,

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.

— Book 991 —

§ 991

παισὶν οὐ κατειδὼς

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 990: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 992 —

§ 992

ὄλεθρον βιοτᾷ προσάγεις ἀλόχῳ τε

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 990: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 993 —

§ 993

σᾷ στυγερὸν θάνατον.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 990: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 995 —

§ 995

δύστανε μοίρας ὅσον παροίχῃ.

Woe is thee! how art thou fallen from thy high estate!

— Book 996 —

§ 996

μεταστένομαι δὲ σὸν ἄλγος, ὦ τάλαινα παίδων

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

— Book 997 —

§ 997

μᾶτερ, ἃ φονεύσεις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 996: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 998 —

§ 998

τέκνα νυμφιδίων ἕνεκεν λεχέων, ἅ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 996: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1000 —

§ 1000

σοι προλιπὼν ἀνόμως

thy husband hath deserted impiously to join him to another bride.

— Book 1001 —

§ 1001

ἄλλᾳ ξυνοικεῖ πόσις συνεύνῳ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1000: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1002 —

§ 1002

δέσποιν’, ἀφεῖνται παῖδες οἵδε σοὶ φυγῆς,

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.

— Book 1003 —

§ 1003

καὶ δῶρα νύμφη βασιλὶς ἀσμένη χεροῖν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1002: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1004 —

§ 1004

ἐδέξατ’· εἰρήνη δὲ τἀκεῖθεν τέκνοις.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1002: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1005 —

§ 1005

ἔα.

Ah!

— Book 1005a —

§ 1005a

τί συγχυθεῖσ’ ἕστηκας ἡνίκ’ εὐτυχεῖς;

Why art so disquieted in thy prosperous hour? Why turnest thou thy cheek away, and hast no welcome for my glad news?

— Book 1006 —

§ 1006

τί σὴν ἔστρεψας ἔμπαλιν παρηίδα

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1005a: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1007 —

§ 1007

κοὐκ ἀσμένη τόνδ’ ἐξ ἐμοῦ δέχῃ λόγον;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1005a: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1008 —

§ 1008

αἰαῖ.

Ah me!

— Book 1008a —

§ 1008a

τάδ’ οὐ ξυνῳδὰ τοῖσιν ἐξηγγελμένοις.

These groans but ill accord with the news I bring.

— Book 1009 —

§ 1009

αἰαῖ μάλ’ αὖθις.

Ah me! once more I say.

— Book 1009b —

§ 1009b

μῶν τιν’ ἀγγέλλων τύχην

Have I unwittingly announced some evil tidings?

— Book 1010 —

§ 1010

οὐκ οἶδα, δόξης δ’ ἐσφάλην εὐαγγέλου;

Have I erred in thinking my news was good?

— Book 1011 —

§ 1011

ἤγγειλας οἷ’ ἤγγειλας· οὐ σὲ μέμφομαι.·

Thy news is as it is; I blame thee not.

— Book 1012 —

§ 1012

τί δαὶ κατηφεῖς ὄμμα καὶ δακρυρροεῖς;

Then why this downcast eye, these floods of tears?

— Book 1013 —

§ 1013

πολλή μ’ ἀνάγκη, πρέσβυ· ταῦτα γὰρ θεοὶ

Old friend, needs must I weep; for the gods and I with fell intent devised these schemes.

— Book 1014 —

§ 1014

κἀγὼ κακῶς φρονοῦσ’ ἐμηχανησάμην.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1013: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1015 —

§ 1015

θάρσει· κάτει τοι καὶ σὺ πρὸς τέκνων ἔτι.

Be of good cheer; thou too of a surety shalt by thy sons yet be brought home again.

— Book 1016 —

§ 1016

ἄλλους κατάξω πρόσθεν ἡ τάλαιν’ ἐγώ.

Ere that shall I bring others to their home, ah! woe is me!

— Book 1017 —

§ 1017

οὔτοι μόνη σὺ σῶν ἀπεζύγης τέκνων·

Thou art not the only mother from thy children reft. Bear patiently thy troubles as a mortal must.

— Book 1018 —

§ 1018

κούφως φέρειν χρὴ θνητὸν ὄντα συμφοράς.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1017: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1019 —

§ 1019

δράσω τάδ’. ἀλλὰ βαῖνε δωμάτων ἔσω

I will obey; go thou within the house

— Book 1020 —

§ 1020

καὶ παισὶ πόρσυν’ οἷα χρὴ καθ’ ἡμέραν.

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,

— Book 1021 —

§ 1021

ὦ τέκνα τέκνα, σφῷν μὲν ἔστι δὴ πόλις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1020: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1022 —

§ 1022

καὶ δῶμ’, ἐν ᾧ, λιπόντες ἀθλίαν ἐμέ,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1020: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1023 —

§ 1023

οἰκήσετ’ αἰεὶ μητρὸς ἐστερημένοι·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1020: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1024 —

§ 1024

ἐγὼ δ’ ἐς ἄλλην γαῖαν εἶμι δὴ φυγάς,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1020: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1025 —

§ 1025

πρὶν σφῷν ὀνάσθαι κἀπιδεῖν εὐδαίμονας,

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;

— Book 1026 —

§ 1026

πρὶν λέκτρα καὶ γυναῖκα καὶ γαμηλίους

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1025: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1027 —

§ 1027

εὐνὰς ἀγῆλαι λαμπάδας τ’ ἀνασχεθεῖν.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1025: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1028 —

§ 1028

ὦ δυστάλαινα τῆς ἐμῆς αὐθαδίας.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1025: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1029 —

§ 1029

ἄλλως ἄρ’ ὑμᾶς, ὦ τέκν’, ἐξεθρεψάμην,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1025: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1030 —

§ 1030

ἄλλως δ’ ἐμόχθουν καὶ κατεξάνθην πόνοις,

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,

— Book 1031 —

§ 1031

στερρὰς ἐνεγκοῦσ’ ἐν τόκοις ἀλγηδόνας.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1030: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1032 —

§ 1032

ἦ μήν ποθ’ ἡ δύστηνος εἶχον ἐλπίδας

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1030: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1033 —

§ 1033

πολλὰς ἐν ὑμῖν, γηροβοσκήσειν τ’ ἐμὲ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1030: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1034 —

§ 1034

καὶ κατθανοῦσαν χερσὶν εὖ περιστελεῖν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1030: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1035 —

§ 1035

ζηλωτὸν ἀνθρώποισι· νῦν δ’ ὄλωλε δὴ

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.

— Book 1036 —

§ 1036

γλυκεῖα φροντίς. σφῷν γὰρ ἐστερημένη

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1035: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1037 —

§ 1037

λυπρὸν διάξω βίοτον ἀλγεινόν τ’ ἐμοί.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1035: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1038 —

§ 1038

ὑμεῖς δὲ μητέρ’ οὐκέτ’ ὄμμασιν φίλοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1035: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1039 —

§ 1039

ὄψεσθ’, ἐς ἄλλο σχῆμ’ ἀποστάντες βίου.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1035: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1040 —

§ 1040

φεῦ φεῦ· τί προσδέρκεσθέ μ’ ὄμμασιν, τέκνα;

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;

— Book 1041 —

§ 1041

τί προσγελᾶτε τὸν πανύστατον γέλων;

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1040: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1042 —

§ 1042

αἰαῖ· τί δράσω; καρδία γὰρ οἴχεται,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1040: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1043 —

§ 1043

γυναῖκες, ὄμμα φαιδρὸν ὡς εἶδον τέκνων.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1040: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1044 —

§ 1044

οὐκ ἂν δυναίμην· χαιρέτω βουλεύματα

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— Book 1045 —

§ 1045

τὰ πρόσθεν· ἄξω παῖδας ἐκ γαίας ἐμούς.

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!

— Book 1046 —

§ 1046

τί δεῖ με πατέρα τῶνδε τοῖς τούτων κακοῖς

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— Book 1047 —

§ 1047

λυποῦσαν αὐτὴν δὶς τόσα κτᾶσθαι κακά;

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— Book 1048 —

§ 1048

οὐ δῆτ’ ἔγωγε. χαιρέτω βουλεύματα.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1045: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1049 —

§ 1049

καίτοι τί πάσχω; βούλομαι γέλωτ’ ὀφλεῖν

And yet what am I coming to? Can I consent

— Book 1050 —

§ 1050

ἐχθροὺς μεθεῖσα τοὺς ἐμοὺς ἀζημίους;

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 soft words escape my soul. Into the house, children! and whoso feels he must not be present at my sacrifice,

— Book 1051 —

§ 1051

τολμητέον τάδ’. ἀλλὰ τῆς ἐμῆς κάκης,

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— Book 1052 —

§ 1052

τὸ καὶ προσέσθαι μαλθακοὺς λόγους φρενί.

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— Book 1053 —

§ 1053

χωρεῖτε, παῖδες, ἐς δόμους. ὅτῳ δὲ μὴ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1050: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1054 —

§ 1054

θέμις παρεῖναι τοῖς ἐμοῖσι θύμασιν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1050: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1055 —

§ 1055

αὐτῷ μελήσει· χεῖρα δ’ οὐ διαφθερῶ.

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. Nay, by the fiends of hell’s abyss,

— Book 1056 —

§ 1056

ἆ ἆ.

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— Book 1056a —

§ 1056a

μὴ δῆτα, θυμέ, μὴ σύ γ’ ἐργάσῃ τάδε·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1055: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1057 —

§ 1057

ἔασον αὐτούς, ὦ τάλαν, φεῖσαι τέκνων·

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— Book 1058 —

§ 1058

ἐκεῖ μεθ’ ἡμῶν ζῶντες εὐφρανοῦσί σε.

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— Book 1059 —

§ 1059

μὰ τοὺς παρ’ Ἅιδῃ νερτέρους ἀλάστορας,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1055: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1060 —

§ 1060

οὔτοι ποτ’ ἔσται τοῦθ’ ὅπως ἐχθροῖς ἐγὼ

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.

— Book 1061 —

§ 1061

παῖδας παρήσω τοὺς ἐμοὺς καθυβρίσαι.

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— Book 1062 —

§ 1062

πάντως σφ’ ἀνάγκη κατθανεῖν· ἐπεὶ δὲ χρή,

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— Book 1063 —

§ 1063

ἡμεῖς κτενοῦμεν οἵπερ ἐξεφύσαμεν.

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— Book 1064 —

§ 1064

πάντως πέπρακται ταῦτα κοὐκ ἐκφεύξεται.

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— Book 1065 —

§ 1065

καὶ δὴ ’πὶ κρατὶ στέφανος, ἐν πέπλοισι δὲ

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,

— Book 1066 —

§ 1066

νύμφη τύραννος ὄλλυται, σάφ’ οἶδ’ ἐγώ.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1065: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1067 —

§ 1067

ἀλλ’, εἶμι γὰρ δὴ τλημονεστάτην ὁδόν,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1065: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1068 —

§ 1068

καὶ τούσδε πέμψω τλημονεστέραν ἔτι,

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— Book 1069 —

§ 1069

παῖδας προσειπεῖν βούλομαι.—δότ’, ὦ τέκνα,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1065: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1070 —

§ 1070

δότ’ ἀσπάσασθαι μητρὶ δεξιὰν χέρα.

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,

— Book 1071 —

§ 1071

ὦ φιλτάτη χείρ, φίλτατον δέ μοι στόμα

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— Book 1072 —

§ 1072

καὶ σχῆμα καὶ πρόσωπον εὐγενὲς τέκνων,

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— Book 1073 —

§ 1073

εὐδαιμονοῖτον, ἀλλ’ ἐκεῖ· τὰ δ’ ἐνθάδε

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1070: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1074 —

§ 1074

πατὴρ ἀφείλετ’. ὦ γλυκεῖα προσβολή,

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— Book 1075 —

§ 1075

ὦ μαλθακὸς χρὼς πνεῦμά θ’ ἥδιστον τέκνων.

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,

— Book 1076 —

§ 1076

χωρεῖτε χωρεῖτ’· οὐκέτ’ εἰμὶ προσβλέπειν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1075: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1077 —

§ 1077

οἵα τε πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἀλλὰ νικῶμαι κακοῖς.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1075: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1078 —

§ 1078

καὶ μανθάνω μὲν οἷα δρᾶν μέλλω κακά,

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— Book 1079 —

§ 1079

θυμὸς δὲ κρείσσων τῶν ἐμῶν βουλευμάτων,

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1075: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1080 —

§ 1080

ὅσπερ μεγίστων αἴτιος κακῶν βροτοῖς.

hath triumphed o’er my sober thoughts.

— Book 1081 —

§ 1081

πολλάκις ἤδη

Oft ere now have I pursued subtler themes and have faced graver issues than woman’s sex should seek to probe;

— Book 1082 —

§ 1082

διὰ λεπτοτέρων μύθων ἔμολον

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1081: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1083 —

§ 1083

καὶ πρὸς ἁμίλλας ἦλθον μείζους

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— Book 1084 —

§ 1084

ἢ χρὴ γενεὰν θῆλυν ἐρευνᾶν·

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— Book 1085 —

§ 1085

ἀλλὰ γὰρ ἔστιν μοῦσα καὶ ἡμῖν,

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.

— Book 1086 —

§ 1086

ἣ προσομιλεῖ σοφίας ἕνεκεν·

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1085: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1087 —

§ 1087

πάσαισι μὲν οὔ· παῦρον δὲ δὴ

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1085: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1088 —

§ 1088

γένος ἐν πολλαῖς εὕροις ἂν ἴσως

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1085: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1089 —

§ 1089

κοὐκ ἀπόμουσον τὸ γυναικῶν.

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— Book 1090 —

§ 1090

καί φημι βροτῶν οἵτινές εἰσιν

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

— Book 1091 —

§ 1091

πάμπαν ἄπειροι μηδ’ ἐφύτευσαν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1090: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1092 —

§ 1092

παῖδας, προφέρειν εἰς εὐτυχίαν

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1090: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1093 —

§ 1093

τῶν γειναμένων.

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1090: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1094 —

§ 1094

οἱ μὲν ἄτεκνοι δι’ ἀπειροσύνην

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1090: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1095 —

§ 1095

εἴθ’ ἡδὺ βροτοῖς εἴτ’ ἀνιαρὸν

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,

— Book 1096 —

§ 1096

παῖδες τελέθουσ’ οὐχὶ τυχόντες

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1095: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1097 —

§ 1097

πολλῶν μόχθων ἀπέχονται·

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— Book 1098 —

§ 1098

οἷσι δὲ τέκνων ἔστιν ἐν οἴκοις

[translated within the prose block anchored at line 1095: Coleridge/Perseus anchors continuous prose every few verses]

— Book 1099 —

§ 1099

γλυκερὸν βλάστημ’, ὁρῶ μελέτῃ

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— Book 1100 —

§ 1100

κατατρυχομένους τὸν ἅπαντα χρόνον,

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.

— Book 1101 —

§ 1101

πρῶτον μὲν ὅπως θρέψουσι καλῶς