Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/140

O children, we are like to shipmen, who,
Escaped the madding fury of the storm,
And now in act to grasp the land, have yet
By blasts been driven from shore to sea again. 430
Even so are we from this land thrust away,
When, as men saved, even now we touched the strand.
Ah me, why didst thou cheer me, wretched hope,
Erst, when thy mind was not to crown thy boon?
The king I cannot blame, who will not slay 435
His people's daughters: yea, I am content
With Athens' dealings with us: if it please
Gods that I fare thus, gratitude dies not.
Ah boys, for you I know not what to do!
Whitherward flee?—what Gods rest unimplored? 440
What refuge upon earth have we not sought?
Die shall we, children, yielded up to foes.
I reck not of myself, if I must die,—
Except that o'er my death yon foes shall gloat:
But for you, babes, I weep in utter ruth, 445
And for your sire's grey mother, even Alkmena.
O lady, hapless in thy length of days!
And hapless I, who have greatly toiled in vain!
Doomed were we, doomed into a foeman's hands
To fall, and die in shame and agony! 450
King, help me!—wouldst know how?—not every hope
Of their deliverance hath fled my soul:—
Me to the Argives yield up in their stead.
So be unperilled thou, the lads be saved.
No right have I to love life: let it go! 455
Me would Eurystheus most rejoice to seize,—
Herakles' ally, me,—and evil-entreat;