Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/138
Who, except from truth's pathway he falters,
But shall count it an infamous thing? 370
(Epode)
Peace love I well, but I warn thee,
O tyrant, O treacherous-souled,
Though thou march to the gates of our hold,
Not the crown of thine hopes shall adorn thee.
Not for thine hand the war-spear alone
Nor the brass on the buckler hath shone!
O thou that in battle delightest,
Trouble not, trouble not with thy spear
The burg that the Graces make brightest
Of cities:—dread thou and forbear. 380
Re-enter Demophon.
Iolaus.
My son, why com'st thou with care-clouded eyes?
Tellest thou evil tidings of the foe?
Tarry they?—are they on us?—what hast heard?
No empty promise was yon herald's threat.
Their captain, aye triumphant heretofore, 385
Shall march, I know, with heart uplifted high,
Against our Athens. Notwithstanding Zeus
Chastiseth overweening arrogance.
Demophon.
They are come, the Argive host and king Eurystheus.
Myself beheld them; for behoves the man, 390
Whoso makes claim to know good generalship,
To see—nor that with eyes of scouts—his foes.
But to the plains not yet hath he marched down
His bands, but, couched upon the rocky brow,
Watcheth—I but make guess of that I tell thee— 395