The Trojan Women
Euripides
Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. I. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1906.
- For you were wantoning in Alexander’s house, wishing to have obeisance done you by barbarians. Yes, it was a proud time for you; and now after all this you have adorned yourself, and come forth and have dared to appear under the same sky as your husband, revolting wretch!
- Better if you had come in tattered raiment, cowering humbly in terror, with hair cut short, and if your feeling for your past sins were one of shame rather than effrontery. Menelaus, hear the conclusion of my argument;
- crown Hellas by slaying her as she deserves, and establish this law for all other women: death to every one who betrays her husband.
- Avenge yourself, Menelaus, on your wife, as is worthy of your home and ancestors,
- clear yourself from the reproach of effeminacy at the lips of Hellas, and let your foes see your spirit.
- Your thoughts coincide with mine, that she, without constraint, left my palace, and sought a stranger’s bed, and now Cypris is introduced for mere bluster. Away to those who shall stone you,
- and by your speedy death requite the weary toils of the Achaeans, so that you may learn not to bring shame on me!
- Oh, by your knees, I implore you, do not impute that heaven-sent affliction to me, or slay me; forgive me!