Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/145

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THE CHILDREN OF HERAKLES.

89

Come with me, ancient: in thine arms to die^[1] 560
I ask. Be near me; veil my corse with robes,
Since to the horror of the knife I pass—
If I be of the sire that I boast mine.

Iolaus.

I cannot stand and look upon thy doom.

Makaria.

At least ask thou the king that I may breathe 565
My last breath not in men's but women's hands.

Demophon.

This shall be, hapless among maidens: shame
Were mine to grace thee not with honour meet,
For causes manifold:—for thy great heart,
For justice' sake, and for that thou art brave 570
Above all women that mine eyes have seen.
Wouldst thou say aught to these, or this grey sire,
Speak thy last word, or ever thou depart. [Exit.

Makaria.

Farewell, old sire, farewell, and teach, O teach
These boys to be like thee, in all things wise 575
As thou art—no whit more: that shall suffice.
And strive from death to save them, loyal soul:
Thy children are we, fostered by thine hands.

↑ Some explain ἐνθανεῖν, "die in, i.e., by, thine hands." But (1), Iolaus, in l. 564, would surely have made some reference to such a proposal; (2), in that case, ἐν, in l. 566, should mean "by women's hands," which is absurd.

[1] Some explain ἐνθανεῖν, "die in, i.e., by, thine hands." But (1), Iolaus, in l. 564, would surely have made some reference to such a proposal; (2), in that case, ἐν, in l. 566, should mean "by women's hands," which is absurd.

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