Sophocles, Electra, Richard Jebb (Translator), 1015

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Chorus

Listen to her. There is no better gain for mortals to win than foresight and a prudent mind.
1015

Electra

You have said nothing unexpected. Well I knew that you would reject what I proposed. But the deed must be done with my own hand, by me and me alone.

I certainly will not leave it unaccomplished.
1020

Chrysothemis

Ah! If only you had had such resolve on the day of our father’s death! Then you would have accomplished everything!

Electra

My nature was the same then, but my mind was less ripe.

Chrysothemis

Strive to keep your mind that way through all your life.

Electra

You make these admonitions like one who will not assist me.
1025

Chrysothemis

I will not, for he who sets hand to the deed is likely also to suffer disaster.

Electra

I admire you for your prudence. For your cowardice I hate you.

Chrysothemis

I will listen no less calmly when you praise me.

Electra

Never fear to suffer that from me, at least.

Chrysothemis

There is time enough in the future to decide that.
1030

Electra

Leave! You have no power to help.

Chrysothemis

No, I have it, but you lack the ability to listen and learn.

Electra

Go, reveal everything to your mother!

Chrysothemis

But, again, I do not hate you with so great a hate.

Electra

Yet know at least to what dishonor you drive me.
1035

Chrysothemis

Dishonor, no! It is forethought for you.

Electra

Am I bound, then, to follow your rule of right?

Chrysothemis

Yes, for when you are sensible, then at that time you shall lead the both of us.

Electra

How terrible it is that one who speaks so well should be so wrong!

Chrysothemis

You have well described the fault to which you devotedly cling.
1040

Electra

What? Do you think that my words are not the words of Justice?

Chrysothemis

But sometimes even Justice herself causes harm.

Electra

I do not care to live where that attitude is lawful.

Chrysothemis

Well, if you must do this, you will commend me yet.

Electra

And do it I will, not a bit disturbed by you.
1045

Chrysothemis

Is this true? You will not reconsider your plan?

Electra

No, for no enemy is more damaging than bad advice.

Chrysothemis

You seem to agree with nothing that I say.

Electra

My resolve is not new, but long since fixed.

Electra. Sophocles. Richard Jebb (Translator). Cambridge. 1894.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.

Current edition Experimental

Electra (English) (Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 6: The Electra. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1894. (Modernized by Perseus.))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (2)

Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 1015 focus

πείθου, προνοίας οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ
1015

κέρδος λαβεῖν ἄμεινον οὐδὲ νοῦ σοφοῦ.

ΗΛ.

ἀπροσδόκητον οὐδὲν εἴρηκας· καλῶς δ'

ἤδη ᾔδειν LA. ἤδειν Pal. Brunck corr. σ᾽ ἀπορρίψουσαν ἁπηγγελλόμην ἃ ᾿πηγγελλόμην LA Pal. ἃ ᾿πηγγελόμην ΓL2..

ἀλλ᾽ αὐτόχειρί μοι γρ. ἀλλ᾽ οὐδὲν ἦσσόν μοι C2. αὐτόχειρι A. μόνῃ τε δραστέον

τοὔργον τόδ᾽· οὐ γὰρ δὴ κενόν γ᾽ ἀφήσομεν.
1020

ΧΡ.

φεῦ·

εἴθ᾽ ὤφελες τοιάδε τὴν γνώμην πατρὸς

θνήσκοντος ἦν ἦν MSS. Elmsl. corr.· πάντα γὰρ ἂν gl. interl. M. κατειργάσω.

ΗΛ.

ἀλλ᾽ ἡ φύσιν γε, τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἥσσων ἦσσον L. ἥσσων C1. τότε.

ΧΡ.

ἄσκει τοιαύτη νοῦν γ᾽ οὖν ? L. νοῦν CA. δι' αἰῶνος μένειν.
1025

ΗΛ.

ὡς οὐχὶ συνδράσουσα νουθετεῖς τάδε.

ΧΡ.

εἰκὸς γὰρ ἐγχειροῦντα καὶ πράσσειν κακῶς.

ΗΛ.

ζηλῶ σε τοῦ νοῦ, τῆς δὲ δειλίας στυγῶ.

ΧΡ.

ἀνέξομαι κλύουσα χώταν x from y L. χ᾽ ὦταν A Pal. εὖ λέγῃς.

ΗΛ.

ἀλλ᾽ οὗ ποτ᾿ ἐξ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ πάθῃς μάθηισ LL' πάθης A. μάθηισ CM. μάθης Γ. πάθης Vat. ac. τόδε δ from τ C..
1030

ΧΡ.

μακρὸς τὸ κρίναι ταῦτα χώ λοιπὸς χρόνος.

ΗΛ.

ἄπελθε· σοὶ γὰρ ὠφέλησις οὐκ ἔνι.

ΧΡ.

ἔνεστιν· ἀλλὰ σοὶ μάθησις οὐ πάρα.

ΗΛ.

ἐλθοῦσα μητρὶ ταῦτα πάντ᾽ ἔξειπε σῇ.

ΧΡ.

οὐδ᾽ αὖ τοσοῦτον ἔχθος ἐχθαίρω σ᾽ ἐγώ.
1035

ΗΛ.

ἀλλ᾽ οὖν ἐπίστω γ' οἱ μ᾽ ἀτιμίας ἄγεις.

ΧΡ.

ἀτιμίας μὲν οὔ, προμηθίας δὲ σοῦ.

ΗΛ.

τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ δῆτ᾽ from τ C. ἐπισπέσθαι με δεῖ;

ΧΡ.

ὅταν γὰρ εὐ φρονῇς, τόθ᾽ ἡγήσει σὺ νῷν συ νὰν L. σὺ νῷν C. νῶῖν Pal..

ΗΛ.

ἢ δεινὸν εὐ λέγουσαν ἐξαμαρτάνειν.
1040

ΧΡ.

εἴρηκας ὀρθῶς ᾧ σὺ πρόσκεισαι κακῷ.

ΗΛ.

τί δ᾽; οὐ δοκῶ σοι ταῦτα σὺν δίκῃ λέγειν;

ΧΡ.

ἀλλ᾽ ἔστιν ἔνθα χὴ δίκη βλάβην φέρει.

ΗΛ.

τούτοις ἐγὼ ζῆν τοῖς νόμοις οὐ βούλομαι.

ΧΡ.

ἀλλ᾽ εἰ ποιήσεις ταῦτ᾽, ἐπαινέσεις ἐμέ.
1045

ΗΛ.

καὶ μὴν ποιήσω γ', οὐδὲν ἐκπλαγεῖσά σε.

ΧΡ.

καὶ τοῦτ᾽ ἀληθές, οὐδὲ βουλεύσει πάλιν ;

ΗΛ.

βουλῆς γὰρ οὐδέν ἐστιν ἔχθιον κακῆς.

ΧΡ.

φρονεῖν ἔοικας οὐδὲν ὧν ἐγὼ λέγω.

ΗΛ.

πάλαι δέδοκται ταῦτα κοὐ νεωστί μοι.
1050

ΧΡ.

Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 1015 focus

Χορός

πείθου· προνοίας οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ
1015

κέρδος λαβεῖν ἄμεινον οὐδὲ νοῦ σοφοῦ.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀπροσδόκητον οὐδὲν εἴρηκας· καλῶς δʼ

ᾔδη σʼ ἀπορρίψουσαν ἁπηγγελλόμην.

ἀλλʼ αὐτόχειρί μοι μόνῃ τε δραστέον

τοὔργον τόδʼ· οὐ γὰρ δὴ κενόν γʼ ἀφήσομεν.
1020

Χρυσόθεμις

φεῦ·

εἴθʼ ὤφελες τοιάδε τὴν γνώμην πατρὸς

θνῄσκοντος εἶναι· πᾶν γὰρ ἂν κατειργάσω.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ ἦ φύσιν γε, τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἥσσων τότε.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἄσκει τοιαύτη νοῦν διʼ αἰῶνος μένειν.

Ἠλέκτρα

ὡς οὐχὶ συνδράσουσα νουθετεῖς τάδε.
1025

Χρυσόθεμις

εἰκὸς γὰρ ἐγχειροῦντα καὶ πράσσειν κακῶς.

Ἠλέκτρα

ζηλῶ σε τοῦ νοῦ, τῆς δὲ δειλίας στυγῶ.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀνέξομαι κλύουσα χὤταν εὖ λέγῃς.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ οὔ ποτʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ πάθῃς τόδε.

Χρυσόθεμις

μακρὸς τὸ κρῖναι ταῦτα χὠ λοιπὸς χρόνος.
1030

Ἠλέκτρα

ἄπελθε· σοὶ γὰρ ὠφέλησις οὐκ ἔνι.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἔνεστιν· ἀλλὰ σοὶ μάθησις οὐ πάρα.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἐλθοῦσα μητρὶ ταῦτα πάντʼ ἔξειπε σῇ.

Χρυσόθεμις

οὐδʼ αὖ τοσοῦτον ἔχθος ἐχθαίρω σʼ ἐγώ.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ οὖν ἐπίστω γʼ οἷ μʼ ἀτιμίας ἄγεις.
1035

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀτιμίας μὲν οὔ, προμηθίας δὲ σοῦ.

Ἠλέκτρα

τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ δῆτʼ ἐπισπέσθαι με δεῖ;

Χρυσόθεμις

ὅταν γὰρ εὖ φρονῇς, τόθʼ ἡγήσει σὺ νῷν.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἦ δεινὸν εὖ λέγουσαν ἐξαμαρτάνειν.

Χρυσόθεμις

εἴρηκας ὀρθῶς ᾧ σὺ πρόσκεισαι κακῷ.
1040

Ἠλέκτρα

τί δʼ; οὐ δοκῶ σοι ταῦτα σὺν δίκῃ λέγειν;

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀλλʼ ἔστιν ἔνθα χἠ δίκη βλάβην φέρει.

Ἠλέκτρα

τούτοις ἐγὼ ζῆν τοῖς νόμοις οὐ βούλομαι.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀλλʼ εἰ ποήσεις ταῦτʼ, ἐπαινέσεις ἐμέ.

Ἠλέκτρα

καὶ μὴν ποήσω γʼ οὐδὲν ἐκπλαγεῖσά σε.
1045

Χρυσόθεμις

καὶ τοῦτʼ ἀληθές, οὐδὲ βουλεύσει πάλιν;

Ἠλέκτρα

βουλῆς γὰρ οὐδέν ἐστιν ἔχθιον κακῆς.

Χρυσόθεμις

φρονεῖν ἔοικας οὐδὲν ὧν ἐγὼ λέγω.

Ἠλέκτρα

πάλαι δέδοκται ταῦτα κοὐ νεωστί μοι.

Translations (4)

English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 1015 focus

Comply. Than prudence and a heedful mind,
1015

No fairer treasure can be found for men.

EL

Thy words have not surprised me. Well I knew

The good I offered would come back with scorn.

I, all alone and with a single hand,

Must do this. For it shall not rest undone.
1020

CHR

Would thou hadst been thus minded when our sire

Lay dying! In one act thou hadst compassed all.

EL

My spirit was the same: my mind was less.

CHR

Be such the life-long temper of thy mind!
1025

EL

Thine admonition augurs little aid.

CHR

Yea. For the attempt would bring me certain bane.

EL

I envy thee thy prudence, hate thy fear.

CHR

Even when thou speak’st me fair, I will endure it.

EL

Take heart. That never will be thine from me.
1030

CHR

Long time remains to settle that account.

EL

I find no profit in thee. Go thy way.

CHR

Profit there is, hadst thou a mind to learn.

EL

Go to thy mother and declare all this!

CHR

I am not so in hatred of thy life.
1035

EL

Yet know the shame thou wouldst prepare for me.

CHR

No, no! Not shame, but care for thine estate.

EL

Must I still follow as thou thinkest good?

CHR

When thou hast wisdom, thou shalt be the guide.

EL

’Tis hard when error wears the garb of sense.
1040

CHR

Right. That is the misfortune of your case.

EL

Why? Feel you not the justice of my speech?

CHR

Justice may chance to bring me injury.

EL

I care not, I, to live by such a rule.

CHR

Well, if you do it, you will find me wise.
1045

EL

Well, I will do it, nought dismayed by thee.

CHR

Speak you plain sooth? and will you not be counselled?

EL

No, for bad counsel is of all most hateful.

CHR

You take the sense of nothing that I say.

EL

Long since, not newly, my resolve is firm.
1050

CHR

German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 1015 focus

Folg' ihrem Rath; für Menschen ist der edelste

Gewinn die Vorsicht und ein klugbedachter Sinn.

Elektra.

Ich war gefaßt auf deine Reden, wußte wohl,
995

Wegwerfen würd'st du, was ich jezt wohlmeinend rieth.

So muß mit eignen Händen ich allein die That

Vollbringen; denn nicht unvollendet lass' ich sie.

Chrysothemis.

Weh!

O daß du solches Sinnes, als der Vater starb,

Gewesen wärest! Alles hätt'st du durchgesezt.
1000

Elektra.

Des Sinnes war ich, nur an Einsicht noch zu schwach.

Chrysothemis.

An solcher Einsicht halte treu dein Lebenlang.

Elektra.

Du mahnst mich also, weil du nicht mithandeln willst.

Chrysothemis.

Ein böses Unternehmen führt zu bösem Ziel.

Elektra.

Als klug bewundr' ich, aber hass' als feige dich.
1005

Chrysothemis.

Gleichgültig hör' ich's, wenn du mich auch loben magst.

Elektra.

Lob wird dir wahrlich nimmermehr von mir zu Theil.

Chrysothemis.

Noch lang, um hier zu richten, ist die Folgezeit.

Elektra.

Geh hin! In dir erblüht mir keine Hülfe mehr.

Chrysothemis.

Doch! Sie zu müzen, mangelt dir der weise Sinn.
1010

Elektra.

Geh nur, berichte deiner Mutter alles dies.

Chrysothemis.

Mit solchem Grolle groll' ich dir, o Schwester, nicht.

Doch sich, zu welcher Schande du mich niederziehst.

Zur Schande niemals, aber zur Besonnenheit.

Elektra.

So muß ich dem nur folgen, was dir recht erscheint?
1015

Chrysothemis.

Wenn du die Weis're bist, so gehst du mir voran.

Elektra.

Wie Schade, recht zu reden und doch fehlzugehn!

Chrysothemis.

Du gibst das Uebel richtig an, das dich befiel.

Elektra.

Wie meinst du? Sagt' ich dieses nicht mit vollem Recht?

Chrysothemis.

Doch gibt es Fälle, wo das Recht auch Schaden bringt.
1020

Elektra.

Nach solcher Sazung richt' ich nie mein Leben ein.

Chrysothemis.

Doch wirst du mich noch loben, wenn du dieses thust.¹

Elektra.

Gewiß, ich thu' es, nicht zurückgeschreckt von dir.

Chrysothemis.

Und das in Wahrheit? Denkst du nicht auf andern Rath?

Elektra.

Den Rath der Feigheit, über Alles hass' ich ihn.
1025

Chrysothemis.

Nichts achtest du, so scheint es, was ich sagen mag.

Elektra.

Schon lange, nicht erst heute, war dies mein Entschluß.

Chrysothemis.

English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 1015 focus

Submit, convinced that prudence is the
1015

first
1015

Of human blessings.

Electra

'Tis as I expected ;

X knew full well thou wouldst reject my counsel.

But I can act alone ; nor shall this arm

Shrink at the blow, or leave its work unfinished.
1020

Chrysothemis

Would thou hadst siiown this so uiuch Vimnted

prowess

When our loved father died !

Electra

I was the same

By nature then, but of a weaker mind.

Chrysothemis

Be sure thy courage fail thee not hereafter.
1025

Electra

Thy aid will ne'er increase it.

Chrysothemis

'Twill be wanted ;

For those who act thus rashly must expect

The fate they merit.

Electra

I admii-e thy prudence,

But I detest thy cowardice.

Chrysothemis

I hear thee

With patience ; for the time must one day come

When thou shalt praise me.

Electra

Never.
1030

Chrysothemis

Be that left

For time to judge ; enough remains.

Electra

Away !

There's no dependence on thee.

Chrysothemis

But there is,

Hadst thou a mind disposed for its acceptance.

Electra

Go, tell thy mother all.

Chrysothemis

I am not yet
1035

So much thy enemy.

Electra

And yet would lead me

To infamy.

Chry To safety and to wisdom.

Electra

Must I then judge as thy superior reason

May dictate to me ?

Chrysothemis

When thy better mind

Shall come, I'll not refuse to follow thee.

Electra

Pity who talks so well should act so poorly !
1040

Chrysothemis

That censure falls on thee.

Electra

What I have said

Is truth.

Chrysothemis

Truth, sister, may be dangerous.

Electra

Bather than thus submit I will not live.

Chrysothemis

Hereafter thou wilt praise me.
1045

Electra

shall act

As seems most fit, nor wait for thy direction.

Chrysothemis

Art thou resolved then ? Wilt thou not repent

And take my counsel ?

Electra

Counsel such as thine

Is of all ills the worst.

Thou dost not seem to understand it.

Electra

Know then,
1050

That long ere this I had determined all.
1050

Chrysothemis

English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 1015 focus

Can without toil succeed.

I weigh it well;

And far as I have pow'r, will bear it all

With thee.

Now hear the purpose of my soul.

The aid of friends (this truth is not unknown

To thee) we have not: the infernal king

Hath snatch'd them from us; and of these deprived

We two are left alone. I, whilst I heard

In youth's fresh vigour that our brother lived,

Fed the fond hope that he would one day come

With vengeance, for his father's murder, arm'd.

He is no more: I now look up to thee,

That, with thy sister join'd, thou wilt be bold,

And kill the bloody author of this deed,

Aegisthus
CHRY.

Assent: no greater good can mortals gain
1015

Than sage discretion, and a prudent mind.

Electra

This is not unexpected: well I knew
1050

That thou with scorn wou'dst spurn what I proposed.
1050

Chrysothemis

Commentary

Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))

mvp-comment-569-1 The difference between πείθου ¹ πιθοῦ ²

mvp-comment-570-1 καλῶς δ’ ³

mvp-comment-571-1 αὐτόχειρί μοι ⁴

mvp-comment-571-2 μόνῃ τε ⁵

mvp-comment-571-3 οὐ γὰρ δὴ ⁶ γε ⁷

mvp-comment-571-4 κενόν ⁸

mvp-comment-572-1 εἴθ’ ὤφελες ⁹

mvp-comment-572-2 πᾶν γὰρ ἂν κατειργάσω ¹⁰

mvp-comment-573-1 φύσιν γε ¹¹ τότε ¹²

mvp-comment-574-1 ὡς οὐχὶ συνδράσουσα ¹³

mvp-comment-574-2 νουθετεῖς ¹⁴

mvp-comment-575-1 εἰκὸς γὰρ ¹⁵ ἐγχειροῦντα ¹⁶ πράσσειν ¹⁷

mvp-comment-576-1 ζηλῶ ¹⁸

mvp-comment-577-1 ἀνέξομαι ¹⁹

mvp-comment-578-1 μὴ πάθῃς τόδε ²⁰

mvp-comment-579-1 τὸ κρῖναι ²¹ μακρὸς ²²

mvp-comment-579-2 χὡ λοιπὸς χρόνος ²³

mvp-comment-580-1 μητρὶ … σῇ ²⁴

mvp-comment-581-1 οὐδ’ αὖ ²⁵ οὐδ’ ²⁶

mvp-comment-581-2 ἔχθος ²⁷

mvp-comment-582-1 ἀλλ’ οὖν … γ’ ²⁸

mvp-comment-582-2 οἷ … ἀτιμίας ²⁹

mvp-comment-583-1 ἀτιμίας μὲν οὔ ³⁰

mvp-comment-584-1 τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ ³¹ δῆτ’ ³²

mvp-comment-585-1 ἦ δεινὸν ³³

mvp-comment-585-2 εὖ λέγουσαν ³⁴ ἐξαμαρτάνειν ³⁵

mvp-comment-586-1 ᾧ σὺ πρόσκεισαι κακῷ ³⁶

mvp-comment-587-1 τί δ); οὐ δοκῶ σοι ³⁷

mvp-comment-588-1 εἰ ποήσεις ³⁸

mvp-comment-589-1 καὶ μὴν ³⁹

mvp-comment-590-1 βουλεύσει πάλιν ⁴⁰

mvp-comment-591-1 φρονεῖν ⁴¹

mvp-comment-592-1 ταῦτα ⁴² νεωστί ⁴³ ι ⁴⁴

Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus

1018. mvp-comment-486-1 ἁπηγγελλόμην] The interpretation preserved by Hesychius, -ἐπηγγελλόμην· παρεκάλουν, ἐπέστελλον, – is hardly adequate. A better meaning is obtained if the word is allowed to retain its usual force, 'The offer which I made.' In proposing that they should together compass the death of Aegisthus, Electra thinks that she has given Chrysothemis a glorious opportunity.

1020. mvp-comment-487-1 κενόν] i.e. ἀργόν, 'Unperformed.'

1022. mvp-comment-488-1 πάντα γὰρ κατειργάσω] 'You had effected everything;' i.e. would have prevented the accomplishment of the murder. For the ellipse of av here, cp. esp. Thuc. 8. 86, ἐν ᾧ σαφέστατα Ἰωνίαν καὶ Ἑλλήσποντον εὐθὺς εἶχον οἱ πολέμιοι. It deserves to be considered, whether euphony may not have been sometimes consulted in the omission of av. Certainly πᾶν γὰρ ἄν has not a pleasant sound. Cp. supr. 914: Ant. 604, 5, τίς ἀνδρῶν . . κατάσχοι; Aesch. Ag. 1163, νεογνὸς ἀνθρώπων μάθοι. For πάντα = 'Anything and everything,' cp. Trach. 17, πᾶν τοίνυν . κλύοι τις ἄν: Ο. C. 1503, 4, πάντα γὰρ . . εἰκάσαι πάρα.

1026. mvp-comment-489-1 'No, for in making the attempt one is likely to have ill success.' The masculine gender of the participle and the present tense of the infinitive give generality to the expression :-i.e. εἰκός ἐστι κακῶς πράσσειν τινά, εἰ ἐγχειροίη. καί marks correlation of act and consequence.

1028. mvp-comment-490-1 'I will listen with the same equanimity when you shall praise me;' i.e. 'As I am indifferent to your censure, so I will be to your commendation, when you have learned the truth.' The slight harshness of this, to which av in infr. 1034 is opposed, shows the rising impatience of Chrysothemis. Cp. supr. 430, inf. 1044. 1057. This interpretation is confirmed by l. 1030, μακρὸς χρόνος, ‘A long time, even all the future, is in store to determine that,' where καί is used as elsewhere in adding an equivalent or explanatory phrase. For the article with the epexegetic infinitive = ὥστε, κ.τ.λ., cp. Ο. Τ. 1417, and note.

1033. mvp-comment-491-1 σῇ] i.e. ἀλλ᾽ οὐκ ἐμῇ. Cp. Ant. 549, Κρέοντ᾽ ἐρώτα· τοῦδε γὰρ σὺ κηδεμών.

1034. mvp-comment-492-1 Nay but I do not hate thee to that extent'-i. e. though I am vexed with you.

1035. mvp-comment-493-1 But at least you should understand into what dishonour you would bring me.' Electra's tone is softened for the moment by the affectionate tone of the previous line.

1036. mvp-comment-494-1 It is not dishonour I intend, but rather care for thee.' προμηθίας follows the case of ἀτιμίας, without having any definite construction with the preceding words. See Essay on L. $ 35. p. 60 с. The bisection of the line here and in 1038 helps to mark the earnestness of Chrysothemis, and has something of a lyric effect.

1039. mvp-comment-495-1 How strange and sad it is that she who speaks so fairly should thus err!' The phra phrase εὐ λέγουσαν refers not to any single speech of Chrysothemis, but to the general tone of complacent superiority with which she utters her sentences of prudential morality.

1040. mvp-comment-496-1 ᾧ σὺ πρόσκεισαι] Cp. supr. 240, and note.

1043. mvp-comment-497-1 Electra is revolted by the suggestion of tempering justice with expediency. Cp. supr. 397, οὐκ ἐμοὺς τρόπους λέγεις. For τούτοις.. νόμοις, cp. Ant. 191, τοιοῖσδ᾽ ἐγὼ νόμοισι τήνδ' αὔξω πόλιν.

1044. mvp-comment-498-1 Cp. infr. 1057.

1046. mvp-comment-499-1 καὶ τοῦτ᾽ ἀληθές] ‘And is this real?' i.e. an intention which you will execute. Cp. Phil. 921, καὶ ταῦτ᾽ ἀληθῆ δρᾶν νοεῖς; οὐδὲ βουλεύσει πάλιν] 'And will you not alter your resolve?' Cp. Phil. 961, εἰ καὶ πάλιν | γνώμην μετοίσεις.

1048. mvp-comment-500-1 Nothing that I say seems to make any impression on your mind.' φρονεῖν is here to be receptive of wisdom.' The prudence of Chrysothemis is more calculating than the timidity of Ismene.

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Chorus Listen to her. There is no better gain for mortals to win than foresight and a prudent mind. 1015

Electra You have said nothing unexpected. Well I knew that you would reject what I proposed. But the deed must be done with my own hand, by me and me alone. I certainly will not leave it unaccomplished. 1020

Chrysothemis Ah! If only you had had such resolve on the day of our father’s death! Then you would have accomplished everything!

Electra My nature was the same then, but my mind was less ripe.

Chrysothemis Strive to keep your mind that way through all your life.

Electra You make these admonitions like one who will not assist me. 1025

Chrysothemis I will not, for he who sets hand to the deed is likely also to suffer disaster.

Electra I admire you for your prudence. For your cowardice I hate you.

Chrysothemis I will listen no less calmly when you praise me.

Electra Never fear to suffer that from me, at least.

Chrysothemis There is time enough in the future to decide that. 1030

Electra Leave! You have no power to help.

Chrysothemis No, I have it, but you lack the ability to listen and learn.

Electra Go, reveal everything to your mother!

Chrysothemis But, again, I do not hate you with so great a hate.

Electra Yet know at least to what dishonor you drive me. 1035

Chrysothemis Dishonor, no! It is forethought for you.

Electra Am I bound, then, to follow your rule of right?

Chrysothemis Yes, for when you are sensible, then at that time you shall lead the both of us.

Electra How terrible it is that one who speaks so well should be so wrong!

Chrysothemis You have well described the fault to which you devotedly cling. 1040

Electra What? Do you think that my words are not the words of Justice?

Chrysothemis But sometimes even Justice herself causes harm.

Electra I do not care to live where that attitude is lawful.

Chrysothemis Well, if you must do this, you will commend me yet.

Electra And do it I will, not a bit disturbed by you. 1045

Chrysothemis Is this true? You will not reconsider your plan?

Electra No, for no enemy is more damaging than bad advice.

Chrysothemis You seem to agree with nothing that I say.

Electra My resolve is not new, but long since fixed.

Current edition Experimental

πείθου, προνοίας οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ 1015 κέρδος λαβεῖν ἄμεινον οὐδὲ νοῦ σοφοῦ.

ΧΡ. φεῦ· εἴθ᾽ ὤφελες τοιάδε τὴν γνώμην πατρὸς θνήσκοντος ἦν ἦν MSS. Elmsl. corr.· πάντα γὰρ ἂν gl. interl. M. κατειργάσω.

ΗΛ. ἀλλ᾽ ἡ φύσιν γε, τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἥσσων ἦσσον L. ἥσσων C1. τότε.

ΧΡ. ἄσκει τοιαύτη νοῦν γ᾽ οὖν ? L. νοῦν CA. δι' αἰῶνος μένειν. 1025

ΗΛ. ὡς οὐχὶ συνδράσουσα νουθετεῖς τάδε.

ΧΡ. εἰκὸς γὰρ ἐγχειροῦντα καὶ πράσσειν κακῶς.

ΗΛ. ζηλῶ σε τοῦ νοῦ, τῆς δὲ δειλίας στυγῶ.

ΧΡ. ἀνέξομαι κλύουσα χώταν x from y L. χ᾽ ὦταν A Pal. εὖ λέγῃς.

ΗΛ. ἀλλ᾽ οὗ ποτ᾿ ἐξ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ πάθῃς μάθηισ LL' πάθης A. μάθηισ CM. μάθης Γ. πάθης Vat. ac. τόδε δ from τ C.. 1030

ΧΡ. μακρὸς τὸ κρίναι ταῦτα χώ λοιπὸς χρόνος.

ΗΛ. ἄπελθε· σοὶ γὰρ ὠφέλησις οὐκ ἔνι.

ΧΡ. ἔνεστιν· ἀλλὰ σοὶ μάθησις οὐ πάρα.

ΗΛ. ἐλθοῦσα μητρὶ ταῦτα πάντ᾽ ἔξειπε σῇ.

ΧΡ. οὐδ᾽ αὖ τοσοῦτον ἔχθος ἐχθαίρω σ᾽ ἐγώ. 1035

ΗΛ. ἀλλ᾽ οὖν ἐπίστω γ' οἱ μ᾽ ἀτιμίας ἄγεις.

ΧΡ. ἀτιμίας μὲν οὔ, προμηθίας δὲ σοῦ.

ΗΛ. τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ δῆτ᾽ from τ C. ἐπισπέσθαι με δεῖ;

ΧΡ. ὅταν γὰρ εὐ φρονῇς, τόθ᾽ ἡγήσει σὺ νῷν συ νὰν L. σὺ νῷν C. νῶῖν Pal..

ΗΛ. ἢ δεινὸν εὐ λέγουσαν ἐξαμαρτάνειν. 1040

ΧΡ. εἴρηκας ὀρθῶς ᾧ σὺ πρόσκεισαι κακῷ.

ΗΛ. τί δ᾽; οὐ δοκῶ σοι ταῦτα σὺν δίκῃ λέγειν;

ΧΡ. ἀλλ᾽ ἔστιν ἔνθα χὴ δίκη βλάβην φέρει.

ΗΛ. τούτοις ἐγὼ ζῆν τοῖς νόμοις οὐ βούλομαι.

ΧΡ. ἀλλ᾽ εἰ ποιήσεις ταῦτ᾽, ἐπαινέσεις ἐμέ. 1045

ΗΛ. καὶ μὴν ποιήσω γ', οὐδὲν ἐκπλαγεῖσά σε.

ΧΡ. καὶ τοῦτ᾽ ἀληθές, οὐδὲ βουλεύσει πάλιν ;

ΗΛ. βουλῆς γὰρ οὐδέν ἐστιν ἔχθιον κακῆς.

ΧΡ. φρονεῖν ἔοικας οὐδὲν ὧν ἐγὼ λέγω.

ΗΛ. πάλαι δέδοκται ταῦτα κοὐ νεωστί μοι. 1050

ΧΡ.

Χορός πείθου· προνοίας οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ 1015 κέρδος λαβεῖν ἄμεινον οὐδὲ νοῦ σοφοῦ.

Χρυσόθεμις φεῦ· εἴθʼ ὤφελες τοιάδε τὴν γνώμην πατρὸς θνῄσκοντος εἶναι· πᾶν γὰρ ἂν κατειργάσω.

Ἠλέκτρα ἀλλʼ ἦ φύσιν γε, τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἥσσων τότε.

Χρυσόθεμις ἄσκει τοιαύτη νοῦν διʼ αἰῶνος μένειν.

Ἠλέκτρα ὡς οὐχὶ συνδράσουσα νουθετεῖς τάδε. 1025

Χρυσόθεμις εἰκὸς γὰρ ἐγχειροῦντα καὶ πράσσειν κακῶς.

Ἠλέκτρα ζηλῶ σε τοῦ νοῦ, τῆς δὲ δειλίας στυγῶ.

Χρυσόθεμις ἀνέξομαι κλύουσα χὤταν εὖ λέγῃς.

Ἠλέκτρα ἀλλʼ οὔ ποτʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ πάθῃς τόδε.

Χρυσόθεμις μακρὸς τὸ κρῖναι ταῦτα χὠ λοιπὸς χρόνος. 1030

Ἠλέκτρα ἄπελθε· σοὶ γὰρ ὠφέλησις οὐκ ἔνι.

Χρυσόθεμις ἔνεστιν· ἀλλὰ σοὶ μάθησις οὐ πάρα.

Ἠλέκτρα ἐλθοῦσα μητρὶ ταῦτα πάντʼ ἔξειπε σῇ.

Χρυσόθεμις οὐδʼ αὖ τοσοῦτον ἔχθος ἐχθαίρω σʼ ἐγώ.

Ἠλέκτρα ἀλλʼ οὖν ἐπίστω γʼ οἷ μʼ ἀτιμίας ἄγεις. 1035

Χρυσόθεμις ἀτιμίας μὲν οὔ, προμηθίας δὲ σοῦ.

Ἠλέκτρα τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ δῆτʼ ἐπισπέσθαι με δεῖ;

Chorus

Listen to her. There is no better gain for mortals to win than foresight and a prudent mind.
1015

Electra

You have said nothing unexpected. Well I knew that you would reject what I proposed. But the deed must be done with my own hand, by me and me alone.

I certainly will not leave it unaccomplished.
1020

Chrysothemis

Ah! If only you had had such resolve on the day of our father’s death! Then you would have accomplished everything!

Electra

My nature was the same then, but my mind was less ripe.

Chrysothemis

Strive to keep your mind that way through all your life.

Electra

You make these admonitions like one who will not assist me.
1025

Chrysothemis

I will not, for he who sets hand to the deed is likely also to suffer disaster.

Electra

I admire you for your prudence. For your cowardice I hate you.

Chrysothemis

I will listen no less calmly when you praise me.

Electra

Never fear to suffer that from me, at least.

Chrysothemis

There is time enough in the future to decide that.
1030

Electra

Leave! You have no power to help.

Chrysothemis

No, I have it, but you lack the ability to listen and learn.

Electra

Go, reveal everything to your mother!

Chrysothemis

But, again, I do not hate you with so great a hate.

Electra

Yet know at least to what dishonor you drive me.
1035

Chrysothemis

Dishonor, no! It is forethought for you.

Electra

Am I bound, then, to follow your rule of right?

Chrysothemis

Yes, for when you are sensible, then at that time you shall lead the both of us.

Electra

How terrible it is that one who speaks so well should be so wrong!

Chrysothemis

You have well described the fault to which you devotedly cling.
1040

Electra

What? Do you think that my words are not the words of Justice?

Chrysothemis

But sometimes even Justice herself causes harm.

Electra

I do not care to live where that attitude is lawful.

Chrysothemis

Well, if you must do this, you will commend me yet.

Electra

And do it I will, not a bit disturbed by you.
1045

Chrysothemis

Is this true? You will not reconsider your plan?

Electra

No, for no enemy is more damaging than bad advice.

Chrysothemis

You seem to agree with nothing that I say.

Electra

My resolve is not new, but long since fixed.

πείθου, προνοίας οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ
1015

κέρδος λαβεῖν ἄμεινον οὐδὲ νοῦ σοφοῦ.

ΧΡ.

φεῦ·

εἴθ᾽ ὤφελες τοιάδε τὴν γνώμην πατρὸς

θνήσκοντος ἦν ἦν MSS. Elmsl. corr.· πάντα γὰρ ἂν gl. interl. M. κατειργάσω.

ΗΛ.

ἀλλ᾽ ἡ φύσιν γε, τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἥσσων ἦσσον L. ἥσσων C1. τότε.

ΧΡ.

ἄσκει τοιαύτη νοῦν γ᾽ οὖν ? L. νοῦν CA. δι' αἰῶνος μένειν.
1025

ΗΛ.

ὡς οὐχὶ συνδράσουσα νουθετεῖς τάδε.

ΧΡ.

εἰκὸς γὰρ ἐγχειροῦντα καὶ πράσσειν κακῶς.

ΗΛ.

ζηλῶ σε τοῦ νοῦ, τῆς δὲ δειλίας στυγῶ.

ΧΡ.

ἀνέξομαι κλύουσα χώταν x from y L. χ᾽ ὦταν A Pal. εὖ λέγῃς.

ΗΛ.

ἀλλ᾽ οὗ ποτ᾿ ἐξ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ πάθῃς μάθηισ LL' πάθης A. μάθηισ CM. μάθης Γ. πάθης Vat. ac. τόδε δ from τ C..
1030

ΧΡ.

μακρὸς τὸ κρίναι ταῦτα χώ λοιπὸς χρόνος.

ΗΛ.

ἄπελθε· σοὶ γὰρ ὠφέλησις οὐκ ἔνι.

ΧΡ.

ἔνεστιν· ἀλλὰ σοὶ μάθησις οὐ πάρα.

ΗΛ.

ἐλθοῦσα μητρὶ ταῦτα πάντ᾽ ἔξειπε σῇ.

ΧΡ.

οὐδ᾽ αὖ τοσοῦτον ἔχθος ἐχθαίρω σ᾽ ἐγώ.
1035

ΗΛ.

ἀλλ᾽ οὖν ἐπίστω γ' οἱ μ᾽ ἀτιμίας ἄγεις.

ΧΡ.

ἀτιμίας μὲν οὔ, προμηθίας δὲ σοῦ.

ΗΛ.

τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ δῆτ᾽ from τ C. ἐπισπέσθαι με δεῖ;

ΧΡ.

ὅταν γὰρ εὐ φρονῇς, τόθ᾽ ἡγήσει σὺ νῷν συ νὰν L. σὺ νῷν C. νῶῖν Pal..

ΗΛ.

ἢ δεινὸν εὐ λέγουσαν ἐξαμαρτάνειν.
1040

ΧΡ.

εἴρηκας ὀρθῶς ᾧ σὺ πρόσκεισαι κακῷ.

ΗΛ.

τί δ᾽; οὐ δοκῶ σοι ταῦτα σὺν δίκῃ λέγειν;

ΧΡ.

ἀλλ᾽ ἔστιν ἔνθα χὴ δίκη βλάβην φέρει.

ΗΛ.

τούτοις ἐγὼ ζῆν τοῖς νόμοις οὐ βούλομαι.

ΧΡ.

ἀλλ᾽ εἰ ποιήσεις ταῦτ᾽, ἐπαινέσεις ἐμέ.
1045

ΗΛ.

καὶ μὴν ποιήσω γ', οὐδὲν ἐκπλαγεῖσά σε.

ΧΡ.

καὶ τοῦτ᾽ ἀληθές, οὐδὲ βουλεύσει πάλιν ;

ΗΛ.

βουλῆς γὰρ οὐδέν ἐστιν ἔχθιον κακῆς.

ΧΡ.

φρονεῖν ἔοικας οὐδὲν ὧν ἐγὼ λέγω.

ΗΛ.

πάλαι δέδοκται ταῦτα κοὐ νεωστί μοι.
1050

Χορός

πείθου· προνοίας οὐδὲν ἀνθρώποις ἔφυ
1015

κέρδος λαβεῖν ἄμεινον οὐδὲ νοῦ σοφοῦ.

Χρυσόθεμις

φεῦ·

εἴθʼ ὤφελες τοιάδε τὴν γνώμην πατρὸς

θνῄσκοντος εἶναι· πᾶν γὰρ ἂν κατειργάσω.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ ἦ φύσιν γε, τὸν δὲ νοῦν ἥσσων τότε.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἄσκει τοιαύτη νοῦν διʼ αἰῶνος μένειν.

Ἠλέκτρα

ὡς οὐχὶ συνδράσουσα νουθετεῖς τάδε.
1025

Χρυσόθεμις

εἰκὸς γὰρ ἐγχειροῦντα καὶ πράσσειν κακῶς.

Ἠλέκτρα

ζηλῶ σε τοῦ νοῦ, τῆς δὲ δειλίας στυγῶ.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀνέξομαι κλύουσα χὤταν εὖ λέγῃς.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ οὔ ποτʼ ἐξ ἐμοῦ γε μὴ πάθῃς τόδε.

Χρυσόθεμις

μακρὸς τὸ κρῖναι ταῦτα χὠ λοιπὸς χρόνος.
1030

Ἠλέκτρα

ἄπελθε· σοὶ γὰρ ὠφέλησις οὐκ ἔνι.

Χρυσόθεμις

ἔνεστιν· ἀλλὰ σοὶ μάθησις οὐ πάρα.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἐλθοῦσα μητρὶ ταῦτα πάντʼ ἔξειπε σῇ.

Χρυσόθεμις

οὐδʼ αὖ τοσοῦτον ἔχθος ἐχθαίρω σʼ ἐγώ.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἀλλʼ οὖν ἐπίστω γʼ οἷ μʼ ἀτιμίας ἄγεις.
1035

Χρυσόθεμις

ἀτιμίας μὲν οὔ, προμηθίας δὲ σοῦ.

Ἠλέκτρα

τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ δῆτʼ ἐπισπέσθαι με δεῖ;

Χρυσόθεμις

ὅταν γὰρ εὖ φρονῇς, τόθʼ ἡγήσει σὺ νῷν.

Ἠλέκτρα

ἦ δεινὸν εὖ λέγουσαν ἐξαμαρτάνειν.

Χρυσόθεμις

εἴρηκας ὀρθῶς ᾧ σὺ πρόσκεισαι κακῷ.
1040

Ἠλέκτρα

τί δʼ; οὐ δοκῶ σοι ταῦτα σὺν δίκῃ λέγειν;