Euripides; With an English Translation by Arthur S. Way Volume 4 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1919 edition. Excerpt: ...Theseus. MESSENGER Theseus, I bring a sorrow-kindling tale To thee and all the citizens which dwell In Athens and the bounds of Troezen-land. THESEUS What now? Hath some disaster unforeseen 1160 Fallen on these two neighbour-citied states? MESSENGER Hippolytus is no more --so may one say, Though yet a little space he seeth light. THESEUS Of whom slain? Hath one met him in his wrath, Whose wife he had outraged, even as his sire's? MESSENGER His proper chariot-team hath dealt him death, And thy mouth's curses, which thou didst call down From the Sea's Lord, thy father, -on thy son. THESEUS 0 Gods Poseidon how thou wast indeed My father, who hast heard my malison 1170 How perished he? In what way did the gin Of justice snap on him who wrought me shame? MESSENGER We, hard beside the beach that greets the surf, With combs were smoothing out his horses' manes Weeping: for word had come to us to say That no more in this land Hippolytus Might walk, of thee to wretched exile doomed. Then came he, bringing the same tale of tears To us upon the strand: a countless throng Of friends his age-mates following with him came. 1180 But, ceasing at the last from moan, he cried: "Why rave I thus? I must obey my sire. Harness the horses to the chariot-yoke, My thralls: this city is no more for me." Then, then did every man bestir himself. Swifter than one could say it were the steeds Harnessed, and by our lord's side set we them. Then the reins caught he from the chariot-rail, And in the car's foot-rests set firm his feet, But to the Gods first stretched his hands and cried: 1190 "Zeus, may I die if I a villain am May my sire know that he is wronging me, When I am dead, if not while I see light " Then in his hand he took the scourge and smote...