A purport strange this robe conveys, father.IphisThou hast no look of mourning for thy lord.EvadneNo, the reason why I thus am decked is strange, maybe.IphisDost thou in such garb appear before a funeral-pyre?EvadneYea, for hither it is I come to take the meed of victory.IphisVictory!
what victory? This would I learn of thee.EvadneA victory o’er all women on whom the sun looks down.IphisIn Athena’s handiwork or in prudent counsel?EvadneIn bravery; for I will lay me down and die with my lord.IphisWhat dost thou say? What is this silly riddle thou propoundest? EvadneTo yonder pyre where lies dead Capaneus, I will leap down.IphisMy daughter, speak not thus before the multitude!EvadneThe very thing I wish, that every Argive should learn it.IphisNay, I will ne’er consent to let thee do this deed.Evadne(as she is throwing herself). ’Tis all one; thou shalt never catch me in thy grasp. Lo! I cast me down, no joy to thee, but to myself and to my husband blazing on the pyre with me.
ChorusO lady, what a fearful deed!IphisAh me! I am undone, ye dames of Argos! ChoruschantingAlack, alack! a cruel blow is this to thee, but thou must yet witness, poor wretch, the full horror of this deed.