Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/313

Me Hermes caught away in folds of air,
And veiled in cloud,—for Zeus forgat me not,— 45
And in these halls of Proteus set me down,
Of all men holding him most continent,
That I might keep me pure for Menelaus.
So am I here: mine hapless lord the while
Gathered a host, set forth for Ilium's towers, 50
Questing the track of me his ravished bride.
And many a life beside Skamander's streams
Perished for me. I, that endured all this,
Yet am cursed too, held traitress to my lord,
Enkindler of a mighty war for Greeks. 55
Why then live on? This prophecy of Hermes—
Who knew that ne'er to Troy I passed—I heard,
That with my lord in Sparta's plain renowned
I yet should dwell, nor serve an alien couch.
While Proteus yet beheld yon light of day, 60
Inviolate I abode: but he is veiled
Now in earth's darkness; and the dead king's son
Pursues me. Honouring more mine ancient spouse,
At Proteus' tomb I cast me, suppliant
That he may keep me unsullied for my lord, 65
That, though through Hellas evil fame I bear,
Mine honour here may take no stain of shame.

Enter Teucer.

Who hath the lordship of these castle-halls?
To Plutus' palace might one liken them—
Fair battlements and royal flanking-towers! 70
Ha!
Ye Gods, what sight!—the loathed similitude
Of her, the murderess, who ruined me