The Phoenician Women

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. Others to Eteocles: Now you are fighting for your city; now, if victorious, you have the scepter in your power.
  2. So they spoke, cheering them to the battle.
  3. The seers were sacrificing sheep and noting the tongues and forks of fire, the damp reek which is a bad omen, and the tapering flame which gives decisions on two points, being both a sign of victory and defeat.
  4. But, if you have any power or subtle speech
  5. or charmed spell, go, restrain your children from this terrible combat, for great is the risk they run. The prize of the contest will be grievous sorrow for you, if to-day you are deprived of both your sons. Exit Messenger.
Jocasta
  1. Antigone, my daughter, come out of the house;
  2. this heaven-sent crisis is no time for dances or girlish pursuits. But you and your mother must prevent two brave men, your own brothers, from plunging into death and falling by each other’s hand.
Antigone
  1. Mother, what new terror are you proclaiming to your friends before the palace?
Jocasta
  1. Daughter, your brothers’ lives are going to ruin.
Antigone
  1. What do you mean?
Jocasta
  1. They have resolved on single combat.
Antigone
  1. Oh no! what do you have to say, mother?
Jocasta
  1. No welcome news; follow me.
Antigone
  1. Where, away from my maiden’s chamber?
Jocasta
  1. To the army.
Antigone
  1. I cannot face the crowd.
Jocasta
  1. Coyness is not for you now.