Andromache

Euripides

Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891.

  1. sister and brother mate together; the nearest and dearest stain their path with each others blood, and no law restrains such horrors. Bring not these crimes amongst us, for here we count it shame that one man should have the control of two wives, and men are content to turn their attention to one lawful love,
  2. that is, all who care to live an honourable life.
Chorus
  1. Women are by nature[*](Nauck, on the authority of Stobaeus, reads θηλείας φρενός for θηλειῶν ἔφυ.) somewhat jealous, and do ever show the keenest hate to rivals in their love.
Andromache
  1. Ah! well-a-day! Youth is a bane to mortals,
  2. in every case, that is, where a man embraces injustice in his early days. Now I am afraid that my being a slave will prevent thee listening to me in spite of many a just plea, or if I win my case, I fear I may be damaged on this very ground, for the high and mighty cannot brook refuting arguments