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.
- I could wish it so; but I see great difficulties in this.
- I will not keep my army within the walls.
- And yet victory is entirely a matter of good counsel.
- Do you then want me to turn to some other way?
- Yes, to every one, before running the risk once for all.
- Suppose we fall on them by night from ambush?
- Yes, if in the event of defeat you can return safely here.
- Night equalizes risks, though it rather favors daring.
- The darkness of night is a terrible time to suffer disaster.
- Well, shall I attack them as they sit at dinner?
- That might cause them fright, but victory is what we need.
- Dirce’s ford is certainly deep enough to prevent their retreat.
- No plan so good as to keep well guarded.
- What if we ride out against the army of Argos?
- Their troops too are fenced all round with chariots.
- What shall I do, then? Am I to surrender the city to the enemy?
- No indeed! But out of your wisdom form some plan.
- What forethought is wiser than mine?
- They have seven men, I hear—
- What is their appointed task? their might is small.