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Achilles
Where is
Achaea
’s general? Which of his servants will announce to him that Achilles, the son of Peleus, is at his gates seeking him? For this delay at the Euripus is not the same for all of us;
there are some, for instance, who, bing still unwed, have left their houses desolate and are idling here upon the beach, while others are married but without children;
1
so strange the longing for this expedition that has fallen on their hearts by the will of the gods.
2
805
My own just plea I must declare, and whoever else has any wish will speak for himself. Though I have left Pharsalia, and Peleus, still I linger
3
here by reason of these light breezes at the Euripus, restraining my Myrmidons, while they are always pressing on me,
810
saying:
Why do we tarry, Achilles? how much longer must we count the days to the start for
Ilium
? do something if you are so minded; or lead home your men, and do not wait for the tardy action of these Atridae.
815
Where is
Achaea
’s general? Which of his servants will announce to him that Achilles, the son of Peleus, is at his gates seeking him? For this delay at the Euripus is not the same for all of us;
there are some, for instance, who, bing still unwed, have left their houses desolate and are idling here upon the beach, while others are married but without children;
1
so strange the longing for this expedition that has fallen on their hearts by the will of the gods.
2
805
My own just plea I must declare, and whoever else has any wish will speak for himself. Though I have left Pharsalia, and Peleus, still I linger
3
here by reason of these light breezes at the Euripus, restraining my Myrmidons, while they are always pressing on me,
810
saying:
Why do we tarry, Achilles? how much longer must we count the days to the start for
Ilium
? do something if you are so minded; or lead home your men, and do not wait for the tardy action of these Atridae.
815
Clytemnestra
Hail to you, son of the Nereid goddess! I heard your voice
from within the tent and came forth.
820
Hail to you, son of the Nereid goddess! I heard your voice
from within the tent and came forth.
820
Achilles
O modesty revered! who can this lady be whom I behold, so richly dowered with beauty’s gifts?
O modesty revered! who can this lady be whom I behold, so richly dowered with beauty’s gifts?
Clytemnestra
No wonder you do not know me, seeing I am one you have never before set eyes on; I praise your reverent address to modesty.
No wonder you do not know me, seeing I am one you have never before set eyes on; I praise your reverent address to modesty.
Achilles
Who are you, and why have you come to the mustering of the Danaids—you, a woman, to a fenced camp of men?
825
Who are you, and why have you come to the mustering of the Danaids—you, a woman, to a fenced camp of men?
825
Clytemnestra
I am the daughter of Leda; my name is Clytemnestra; and my husband king Agamemnon.
I am the daughter of Leda; my name is Clytemnestra; and my husband king Agamemnon.
Achilles
Well and shortly answered on all important points,
but it is shameful for me to stand talking to women.
830
Well and shortly answered on all important points,
but it is shameful for me to stand talking to women.
830
Iphigenia in Aulis. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1891.
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