View:
By Scene
But the Trojans were dying, first for their fatherland, fairest fame to win; whomever the sword took, all these found friends to bear their bodies home and were laid to rest in the embrace of their native land,
their funeral rites all duly paid by duteous hands. And all such Phrygians as escaped the warrior’s death lived always day by day with wife and children by them, joys the Achaeans had left behind. As for Hector and his griefs, hear how the case stands;
390
he is dead and gone, but still his fame remains as bravest of the brave, and this was a result of the Achaeans’ coming; for had they remained at home, his worth would have gone unnoticed. And
Paris
married the daughter of Zeus, whereas, had he never done so, the alliance he made in his family would have been forgotten.
395
Whoever is wise should fly from making war; but if he come to this, a noble death will crown his city with glory, a coward’s end with shame. Therefore, mother, you should not pity your country or my bed, for this my marriage
400
will destroy those whom you and I most hate.
405
But the Trojans were dying, first for their fatherland, fairest fame to win; whomever the sword took, all these found friends to bear their bodies home and were laid to rest in the embrace of their native land,
their funeral rites all duly paid by duteous hands. And all such Phrygians as escaped the warrior’s death lived always day by day with wife and children by them, joys the Achaeans had left behind. As for Hector and his griefs, hear how the case stands;
390
he is dead and gone, but still his fame remains as bravest of the brave, and this was a result of the Achaeans’ coming; for had they remained at home, his worth would have gone unnoticed. And
Paris
married the daughter of Zeus, whereas, had he never done so, the alliance he made in his family would have been forgotten.
395
Whoever is wise should fly from making war; but if he come to this, a noble death will crown his city with glory, a coward’s end with shame. Therefore, mother, you should not pity your country or my bed, for this my marriage
400
will destroy those whom you and I most hate.
405
Chorus Leader
How sweetly at your own sad lot you smile, chanting a strain, which, in spite of you, may prove you wrong!
How sweetly at your own sad lot you smile, chanting a strain, which, in spite of you, may prove you wrong!
Talthybius
Had not Apollo turned your wits to maenad revelry, you would not for nothing have sent my chiefs
with such ominous predictions forth on their way. But, after all, these lofty minds, reputed wise, are nothing better than those that are held as nothing. For that mighty king of all
Hellas
, dear son of Atreus, has yielded to a passion
410
Had not Apollo turned your wits to maenad revelry, you would not for nothing have sent my chiefs
with such ominous predictions forth on their way. But, after all, these lofty minds, reputed wise, are nothing better than those that are held as nothing. For that mighty king of all
Hellas
, dear son of Atreus, has yielded to a passion
410
The Trojan Women. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1906.
Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.
Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.