EURIPIDES
In better days, but nobody would dare
To touch you or the children while you're here.
(To Herald.)
Go back home, and there say to your king 250
He'll have a hearing if he likes, but you
Won't take these refugees away with you.
Copreus
Not even if my claim is right and wins?
Demophon
What? Right to drag off refugees by force?
Copreus
If I get a bad name, it won't hurt you. 255
Demophon
But I will too, if I let you drag them home.
Copreus
Just banish them, I'll do the rest myself.
Demophon
You fool! To think you can outwit the god!
Copreus
This is a nest for outlaws, I can see.
Demophon
The temple gives protection to all men. 260
Copreus
My countrymen may not agree with you.
Demophon
But I'm the master when in my own house.
142