Helen

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.

  1. I will not let go of your robe, for you are striving after great wickedness.
Theoklymenos
  1. Will you rule over your master, although you are a slave?
Servant
  1. Yes, for I am in my right mind.
Theoklymenos
  1. Not in my opinion, if you will not let me—
Servant
  1. No, I will not let you!
Theoklymenos
  1. Let me kill my most wicked sister—
Servant
  1. No, she is most pious.
Theoklymenos
  1. Who betrayed me—
Servant
  1. It was a noble betrayal, correctly done.
Theoklymenos
  1. When she gave my bride to another.
Servant
  1. To the one who had a better right.
Theoklymenos
  1. Who has rights over my property?
Servant
  1. The one who received her from her father.
Theoklymenos
  1. But fortune gave her to me.
Servant
  1. And necessity took her away.
Theoklymenos
  1. It is not for you to judge my affairs.
Servant
  1. Yes, if my counsel is better.
Theoklymenos
  1. So I am your subject, not your ruler.
Servant
  1. Subject to do right, not wrong.
Theoklymenos
  1. It seems you desire to be killed.