Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1896) v2.djvu/363

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HELEN.
307

My love should weep his memory though afar:
Now, living, saved, shall he be torn from me?
Ah, maiden, not—I implore thee, O not that!
Grant me this grace; so follow in the steps 940
Of thy just sire. 'Tis children's fairest praise,
When one begotten of a noble sire
Is noble, treading in his father's steps.


Chorus.

Piteous thy pleading comes to stay her hand:
Piteous thy plight is. But I fain would hear 945
What words Menelaus for his life will speak.


Menelaus.

I cannot brook to cast me at thy knee,
Nor drown mine eyes with tears; else should I shame
Troy utterly, in turning craven thus.
And yet, men say, it is a hero's part 950
In trouble, from his eyes to shed the tear.
Yet not this seemly part—if seemly it be—
Will I choose rather than stoutheartedness.
But, if thou wilt befriend a stranger, me
Who seek, yea justly, to regain my wife, 955
Restore her, save withal: if thou wilt not,
Not now first shall I taste of misery,
But thou shalt stand convict of wickedness.[1]
Yet, that which worthy of myself I count,
And just,—yea, that which most shall touch thine heart,— 960

  1. ↑ i.e. You will be a greater sufferer than I, since you have never before been esteemed aught but righteous.
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