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. And you, mother?
Eteocles
  1. It is not lawful for you to mention your mother.
Polyneices
  1. O my city!
Eteocles
  1. Go to Argos, and invoke the waters of Lerna.
Polyneices
  1. I will; do not be troubled; but I thank you, mother.
Eteocles
  1. Go forth from the land!
Polyneices
  1. I will go; but let me see my father.
Eteocles
  1. You will not have your wish.
Polyneices
  1. At least then my maiden sisters.
Eteocles
  1. You will not ever see them either.
Polyneices
  1. Ah, my sisters!
Eteocles
  1. Why do you, their bitterest enemy, call on them?
Polyneices
  1. To you at least farewell, mother!
Jocasta
  1. Indeed I am faring well, my son!
Polyneices
  1. I am no longer your son.
Jocasta
  1. I was born to great sorrow.
Polyneices
  1. Because my brother treats me outrageously.
Eteocles
  1. I am treated just the same.
Polyneices
  1. Where will you be stationed before the towers?
Eteocles
  1. Why do you ask me this?