Electra
Sophocles
Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 6: The Electra. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1894.
- I will not, for he who sets hand to the deed is likely also to suffer disaster.
- I admire you for your prudence. For your cowardice I hate you.
- I will listen no less calmly when you praise me.
- Never fear to suffer that from me, at least.
- There is time enough in the future to decide that.
- Leave! You have no power to help.
- No, I have it, but you lack the ability to listen and learn.
- Go, reveal everything to your mother!
- But, again, I do not hate you with so great a hate.
- Yet know at least to what dishonor you drive me.
- Dishonor, no! It is forethought for you.
- Am I bound, then, to follow your rule of right?
- Yes, for when you are sensible, then at that time you shall lead the both of us.
- How terrible it is that one who speaks so well should be so wrong!
- You have well described the fault to which you devotedly cling.
- What? Do you think that my words are not the words of Justice?
- But sometimes even Justice herself causes harm.
- I do not care to live where that attitude is lawful.
- Well, if you must do this, you will commend me yet.
- And do it I will, not a bit disturbed by you.