Tragedies Volume 2; Literally Translated or Revised (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. 1892 Excerpt: ...and that those not unhappy may look upon what is piteous; and that the poet with joy may produce the songs he produces; for if he be not thus circumstanced, he would never be able to delight others, being in troubles at home: for he has not right. Perhaps then you will say: Setting aside the land of Pelops, why dost thou impose this labor upon Athens? I am justified in explaining this. Sparta indeed is cruel and deceitful in disposition, and the other states are small and powerless; but your city alone would be able to support this labor. For it looks upon what is piteous, and possesses thee as a young and brave ruler, through lack of which many cities have perished in want of a general. Chor. And I speak to thee the same words as this man, O Theseus, for thou to take pity on my misfortunes. Thes. With others indeed I have labored, disputing on this question. For one has said11 that among men the worse things are more than the better. But I hold the contrary opinion to these, that there are more good things to mortals than bad. For if this were not so, we should not exist in the light. And I praise him who regulated our life from the confused and savage state,12 first indeed having endued it with intelligence, and then giving the tongue as the messenger of words, so as to distinguish speech, and the nurture of fruits, and for that nurture drops of rain from the sky, so that the fruits of the earth may be nourished, and may refresh the stomach.13 And besides this, he invented coverings against the winter, and for 11 A probable reference to Hom.. II. A. 576, rti cptiovo Vik$. Cf. Duport. Gnom. Homer-p. 8 sq. 18 The reader who desires illustrations of this description of the early civilization of men, may consult my notes on Eseh. Prom. p. 15 sq. D. 5, cd. Boh...