EURIPIDES
lolaus
There speaks the hero's daughter, Heracles'
Own child. At any rate, there's no way to 540
Mistake your family tree. But, though I'm proud
Of what you've said, your plight goes to my heart
Yet there's a better way. You ought to call
Your sisters and draw lots to choose the one
Who'll die to save us all. Why, otherwise, 545
It isn't fair for you to die this way.
Macaria
I -won't be butchered as a gambling debt.
No, it won't do; there's nothing fine in that.
But if you'll take me and consent to use
Me of yourselves, I offer up my life 550
For them of my own accord, but won't be forced.
lolaus
Wonder of wonders!
That answer was more splendid than the fine
One that you made before, if anything;
And you outdo yourself in pluck and sense. 55;
I can't tell you to die or not to die,
Although your death will save your brothers' lives.
Macaria
Well put. Don't worry, no guilt can attach
To you, since I myself elect to die.
Come on; I'd like to have you hold me when 560
I die, and cover me up afterward,
Since now it's time to go to meet the knife,
If I'm my father's daughter, as I claim.
lolaus
Oh, no, I couldn't bear to watch you die.
Macaria
Then ask the king to let me end my days 565
In women's hands, and not the hands of men.
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