Rhesus

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. and restore it to its old security, I should indeed feel deep gratitude towards the gods. But, as for sacking Argos and the pasture-lands of Hellas with the spear, it is no such easy task as you say.
Rhesus
  1. Do they not say that here came the greatest chiefs of Hellas?
Hector
  1. Yes, and I do not scorn them; I have enough to do in driving them away.
Rhesus
  1. Well, when we slay these, is our task not fully done?
Hector
  1. Do not leave the present need to look to distant schemes.
Rhesus
  1. You are, it seems, content to suffer and make no return.
Hector
  1. Yes, for I rule a great empire, even though I am here.
  2. But on the left wing or the right or in the centre of the allies you may plant your shield and marshal your troops.
Rhesus
  1. Alone I will face the foe, Hector. But if you are ashamed, after all your previous toil,
  2. to have no share in firing their ships’ prows, place me face to face with Achilles and his army.
Hector
  1. Against that man you cannot range your eager spear.
Rhesus
  1. Why, it was surely said he sailed to Ilium.
Hector
  1. He sailed and he is here; but he is angry
  2. and takes no part with the other chieftains in the battle.