Iphigenia in Aulis

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. in carrying a scepter about and marching at the head of an army? When you might have made this fair proposal among the Argives; Is it your wish, Achaeans, to sail for Phrygia’s shores? Why then, cast lots whose daughter has to die. For that would have been a fair course for you to pursue, instead of picking out
  2. your own child for the victim and presenting her to the Danaids; or Menelaus, as it was his concern, should have slain Hermione for her mother. As it is, I, who still am true to your bed, must lose my child; while she, who went astray,
  3. will return with her daughter, and live in happiness at Sparta. If I am wrong in my words, answer me; but if they have been fairly urged, do not still[*](The reading adopted by Paley is εἰ δ᾽ εὖ λέλεκται τάμὰ, μηκέτι . . . for the admittedly corrupt reading of the MSS.) slay your child, who is mine too, and you will be wise.
Chorus Leader
  1. Hearken to her, Agamemnon, for to join in saving your children’s lives is surely a noble deed;
  2. no one will deny this.