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Deianira
600
Lichas, in this my care hath been employ'd,
600
Whilst converse with the strangers thou hast held,
600
That thou may'st bear this beauteous-woven vest,
600
Wrought by my hands, a present to thy lord.
600
This give him, with a charge that but himself
600
No mortal in it proudly be array'd;
600
Nor ever let the sun's resplendent beam
600
Behold it, nor the altar's sacred flame,
Nor the bright-blazing hearth, till he shall stand
In public view, and show it to the gods,
When on some solemn day the victim bleeds:
For such my vow, if e'er I saw or heard
That he return'd in safety, with this robe
To deck his person, that before the gods
Gorgeous in new attire he might appear,
And offer sacrifice. Bear this, in proof
I gave such charge; my signet he will know.
Now go, and take good heed not to presume
Beyond thy orders; so shalt thou obtain
A double meed, my favour and thy lord's.
Lichas, in this my care hath been employ'd,
600
Whilst converse with the strangers thou hast held,
600
That thou may'st bear this beauteous-woven vest,
600
Wrought by my hands, a present to thy lord.
600
This give him, with a charge that but himself
600
No mortal in it proudly be array'd;
600
Nor ever let the sun's resplendent beam
600
Behold it, nor the altar's sacred flame,
Nor the bright-blazing hearth, till he shall stand
In public view, and show it to the gods,
When on some solemn day the victim bleeds:
For such my vow, if e'er I saw or heard
That he return'd in safety, with this robe
To deck his person, that before the gods
Gorgeous in new attire he might appear,
And offer sacrifice. Bear this, in proof
I gave such charge; my signet he will know.
Now go, and take good heed not to presume
Beyond thy orders; so shalt thou obtain
A double meed, my favour and thy lord's.
Trachiniae. Sophocles. Robert Potter (Translator). London. 1820.