EURIPIDES
with credit. But corrupt with evil schemes
and civil strife, this city lost its mind;
for were it sane, it would not live your slave.
Megara
Old sirs, I thank you. Friends rightly show 275
just indignation on their friends' behalf.
But do not let your rage on our account
involve your ruin too. Amphitryon,
hear what I think for what it may be worth.
I love my children. How not love these boys 280
bom of my labors? I am in terror
of their death. And yet how base a thing it is
when a man will struggle with necessity!
We have to die. Then do we have to die
consumed alive, mocked by those we hate?— 285
for me a worse disaster than to die.
Our house and birth demand a better death.
Upon your helm the victor's glory sits,
forbidding that you die a coward's death;
while my husband needs no witnesses to swear 290
he would not want these sons of his to live
by living cowards. Because it hurts his sons,
disgraces break a man of noble birth;
and I must imitate my husband here.
Consider of what stuff your hopes are made; 295
you think your son will come from underground.
Who of all the dead comes home from Hades?
Or do you think you'll mellow him with prayers?
No, you must shun a brutal enemy;
yield to noble, understanding men 300
who, met halfway as friends, give mercy freely.
The thought had come to me that prayers might win
the children's banishment; but this is worse,
to preserve them for a life of beggary.
How does the saying go? Hardly one day 305
do men look kindly on their banished friend.
Dare death with us, which awaits you anyway.