HANDliOlND AT THE
UNUCRSITY GF TORONTO TRESS
\^3
THE LOEB CLASSICAL LIBRARY
EDITED BY V ^ I'J
T. K. TACJE, LiTT.D. CAPPS, PH.D., Li.n. W. H. D. ROUSE, mtt.d.
SENECA'S TRAGEDIES
II
'^SENECA'S TRAGEDIES
WITH AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION BY FRANK JUSTUS MILLER, Ph.D., LL.I).
PBOFKSSOB IN THE UNIVERSITY OV CHICAGO
IN TWO VOLUMES II
AGAMEMNON THYESTES
HERCULES OETAEUS PHOENISSAE
OCT AY I A
LONDON : WILLIAM HEINEMANN NEW YORK : G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS
MCMXXIX
Firgt printed 1917 Reprinted and reviled 1929
PRINTED IN OHEAT BRITAIN
CONTENTS
TAOV AOAMEMNOK
THYE8TES
HKRCULES OETAECS PHOENISSAK . . . . OCTAVIA
1 89
183 34.1 399
APPENDIX. COMPARATITB ANALYSES 491
INDEX
511
AGAMEMNON
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
A GAM ESI N ON, king oj Argos, and leader of all the Greeks in their tear against Troy.
Ghost of Thyestes, returned to earth to urge on his son to the vengeance which he ivas hoiii to accomplish.
Aegisthus, son of Thyestes by an incestuous union with his daughter ; paramour of Clytemntstra.
Clytkmnestra, ivife of Agamemnon, who has been plotting with Aegisthus against her husband, in his absence at Troy.
Chorus of A rgive women.
Edbtbates, messenger of Agamemnon.
Cassandra, daughter of Priam,, captive of Agamemnov,^
Electra, daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra.
Stropuius, liing of Phocis.
Orestes, son of Agamemnon (persona muta).
Pylades, son of Strojyhius (persona muta).
Band of captive 2Vojan women.
The Scene is laid partly within and partly without the palace of Aganieniuon at Argos or Mycenae, on the day of the return of tlie king from his long absence at Troj', begin- ning in the period of darkness just preceding the dawn.
ARGUMENT
The hlood-Jcnd belivecn Alreiis and Tliijcstes was nof ended iiilh the terrible vengeaiiee which Atreus wreaked upon his brother. It was yet in fate that Thyestes should live to beget upo7i kis o/vn daughter a son, Aegisthus, who shoidd slay xitreus and bring ruin and death upon the {Treat Alrides. Ammemnon.
The Trojan war is done. And now the near approach of the victorious king, bringing his captives and treasure home to Arnos, has been announced. But little does he dream to what a home he is returning. For Clytemnestra, e7iraged at Agamemnon because he had sacrificed her daughter Iphigenia at Aulis to appease the winds, and full of jealousy because he brings Cassandra as her rival home, estranged also bi/ the long-continued absence of her lord, but most estranged by her oivn guilty union fvifh Aegisthus, is now plolting to slay her husband on his retaiii, gaining thus at once revenge and safely jroni his wrath.
B 2
AGAMEMNON
^ THYESTIS VMBRA
I Opaca linquens Ditis inferni loca
adsum profiindo Tartar! emissus specu^
incertus utras oderim sedes magis —
fugio Thyestes inferos^ superos fugo.
en horret animus et pavor membra excutit :
video paternos, immo fraternos lares.
hoc est vetustum Pelopiae limen domus ;
hinc auspicari regium capiti decus
mos est PelasgiSj hoc sedent alti toro
quibus superba sceptra gestantur manu, 10
'L_locus hie habendae curiae — hie epuHs locus. Libet reverti. nonne vel tristes lacus
incolere satius, nonne custodem Stygis
trigeniina nigris colla iactantem iubis ?
ubi ille celeri corpus evinctus rotae
in se refertur, ubi per adversum irritus n redeunte totiens luditur saxo labor,
ubi tondet ales avida fecundum iecur,
et inter undas fervida exustus siti
aquas fugaces ore decepto aj)petit 20
poenas daturus caclitum dapibus graves.
sed ille nostrae pars quota est culpae sencx }
reputemus omnes quos ob infandas manus
AGAMEMNON
GHOST OF THVESTES
Leaving the murky regions of infernal Dis, I come, sent forth from Tartarus' deep pit, doubting which world I hate the more — Thyestes flees the lower, the upper he j^uts to flight. Lo, my spirit shudders, my limbs quake with fear ; I see my father's, nay more, my brother's house. This is the ancient seat of Pelo})s' line ; here 'tis the custom of the Pelasgians to crown their kings ; on this throne sit high lords whose proud hands wield the sceptre ; here is their council-chamber — here they feast.^
1- Fain would I tui-n me back. Is it not better to haunt even the gloomy pools, better to gaze upon the guardian of the Styx, tossing his three-fold neck with sable mane .'' where one,- his body bound on Ihe swift-flying wheel, is whirled back upon himself ; where vain uphill toil ^ is mocked as the stone rolls ever backward ; where a greedy bird tears at the liver ^ constantl}' renewed ; and the old man,^ thirst- parched midst waters, catches at fleeing waves with cheated lips, doomed to j)ay dearlv for the banquet^ of tlie gods. But how small a part of my offence is liis ? Let us take count of all whom for their
^ He is rcmiiifled of his own horrid banquet in this very place.
■^ Ixion. ' Of Sisyphus. * Of Tityus.
' Tantalus. ^ See Index s.v, "Pelops."
5
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
quaesitor urna Cnosius versat reos : vincam Thyestes sceleribus cunctos meis. a fratre vincar, liberis plenus tribus in me sepultis ; viscera exedi mea.
Nee hactenus Fortuna maculavit patrem, sed maius aliud ausa commisso scelus natae nefandos petere concubitus iubet. 30
non pavidus hausi dicta^ sed cepi nefas. ergo ut per omnes Hberos irem parens, coacta fatis nata fert uterum gravem, me j)atre dignum. versa natura est retro ; avo parentem, pro nefas ! patri virumj natis nepotes miscui — nocti diem.
rSed sera tandem respicit fessos mails post fata demum sortis incertae fides ; rex ille reginn, diictor Agamemnon ducum, cuius secutae mille vexilhmi rates 40
Iliaca velis maria texerunt suis, post decima Phoebi lustra devicto Ilio adest — daturus coniugi iugulum suae. iam iam natabit sanguine alterno domus : enses secures tela, divisu.m gravi ictu bipennis regium video caput ; i;im scelera prope sunt, iam dolus, caedes, cruor — jiarantur epulae. causa natalis tui, Aegisthe, venit. quid pudor vultus gravat? quid dextra dubio trepida consilio labat ? 50
quid ipse temet consulis, torques, rogas,
Lan deceat hoe te .'' respice ad matrem ; decet.
^ Minos. '*' i.e. Tliyestes.
' i.e. Thyestes acted bj' direction of an oracle, which de- clared tliat by this means he might gain vengeance on Atroiis' line.
•* It will not be his braneli of the family that sliall suffer this time.
AGAMEMNON
impious deeds the Cretan jud2;e^ with wliirling urn condemns; all of them by my crimes shall I^ Thyes- tes, coiKiuer. But by my brother shall I be con- (juered, full of my three sons buried in me ; my own riesh have 1 consumed.
23 Nor thus far only has Fortune defiled the sire,^ but, daring greater crime than that committed, she bade him seek his daughter's incestuous embrace. Fearlessly and to the dregs did I drain her bidding, but 'twas an impious thing I did. And th.erefore, that a ftither's power might extend o'er all his children, my daughter, forced by fate," bore child to me, wor- thy to call me father. Nature has been confounded ; father with grandsire, yea, monstrous ! husband with father, grandsons with sons, have I confused — and day with night.
"2'' But at length, though late and coming after death, the promise of dim propliecy is fulfilled to me, worn with my woes ; that king of kings, that leader of leaders, Agamemnon, following whose banner a thousand ships once covered the Trojan waters with their sail?, now that, after ten courses of Phoebus, Ilium is o'erthrown, now is he near at hand — to give his throat into his wife's power. Now, now shall this hou^e swim in blood other than mine;^ swords, axes, spears, a king's head cleft with the axe's heavy stroke, I see ; now crimes are near, now treachery, slaughter, gore — feasts are being spread. The author of tiiy birth has come, Aegisthus.^ Why dost hang thy head in shame ? Why doth thy trembling hand, doubtful of purpose, fall ? Why dost take counsel with thyself, why turn the question o'er and o'er whether this deed become thee? Think on thy mother ; it becomes thee well.
' These and the remaining lines of tlie paragraph are addressed to Aegisthus, seemingly as if he were present.
7
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Sed cur repente noctis aestivae vices hiberna longa spatia producunt mora, aut quid cadentes detinet stellas polo ? Plioebum moramur? redde iam mundo diem.
CHORVS
O regnovum magnis fallax Fortuna bonis, in praeeipiti dubioque locas nimis excelsos. numquam placidam sceptra quietem 60
certumve sui tenuere diem ; alia ex aliis cura fatigat vexatque animos nova tempestas. non sic Libycis syrtibus aequor furit alternos volvere fluctus, non Euvini turget ab imis commota vadis unda nivali vicina polo,
ubi caeruleis immunis aquis lucida versat plaustra Bootes, 70
ut praecipites regum casus Fortuna rotat. metui cupiunt metuique timent, non nox illis ^
alma recessus praebet tutos, non curaruni somnus domitor pectora solvit.
Quas non arces scelus alternum dedit in praeceps ? impia quas non arnia fatigant ? iura pudorque et coniugii sacrata fides 80
fugiunt aulas, sequitur tristis sanguinolenta Bellona manu quaeque superbos urit Erinys,
AGAMEMNON
^^ But wliy suddenly is tlie summer iiiii^ht pro- longed to winter's span ? or what holds the settinf>- stars still in the sky ? Are we delaj'ing Phoebus ? ^Preparing to go.'\ Give back the day now to the universe. [Ghost va7iishesJ\
O Fortune, who dost bestow the throne's high boon with mocking hand, in dangerous and doubtful stjite thou settest the too exalted. Never have sceptres obtained calm peace or certain tenure ; care on care weighs them down, and ever do fresh storms vex their souls. Not so on Libyan quicksands does the sea rage and roll up wave on wave ; not so, stirred from their lowest depths, surge Euxine's waters, hard by the icy pole, where, undipped in the azure waves,^ Bootes follows his shining wain, as does Fortune roll on the headlong fates of kings. To be feared they long, and to be feared they dread ; kindly night gives them no safe retreat, and sleep, which conquers care, soothes not their breasts.
"" What palace has not crime answering crime - hurled headlong ? What palace do impious arms not vex ? Law, shame, the sacred bonds of marriage, all flee from courts. Hard in pursuit comes grim Bellona of the bloody hand, and she who frets the
1 i.e. the Northern constellations never set beneath the sea.
2 i.e. waged hy one member of a royal house against another.
9
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
nimias semper comitata domos, quas in planum quaelibet hora tulit ex alto.
Licet arma vacent cessentque doli, sidunt ipso pondere magna ceditque oneri Fortuna suo. vela secundis inflata notis 9^
ventos nimium timuere sues, nubibus ipsis inserta caput turris pluvio vapulat Austro, densasque nemus spargens umbras annosa videt robora frangi ; feriunt celsos fulmina colles, corpora morbis maiora patent et cum in pastus armenta vagos vilia currantj placet in vulnus maxima cervix. TOO
Quidquid in altum Fortuna tulit, ruitura levat. modicis rebus longius aevum est ; felix mediae quisquis turbae sorte quietus aura stringit litora tuta timidusque mari credere cumbam remo terras propiore legit.
CLVTAEMNESTRA
Quid, segnis anime, tuta consilia expetis.'' (juid riuctuaris ? clausa iani melior via est. licuit pudicos coniugis quondam toros 110
ct sceptra casta vidua tutari fide ; pericre mores ius decus ])ietas fides — - et qui redire cum perit nescit pudor. da frena et omnem prona nequitiam incita ; jier scelera semper sceleribus tutum est iter. 10
AGAMEMNON
proud, Erinys, forever dogging homes too higli, wliich any hour brings low from liigh estate.
8^ Though arms be idle and treachery give o'er, great kingdoms sink of their own weight, and For- tune gives way 'neath the burden of herself. Sails swollen with favouring breezes fear blasts too strongly theirs ; the tower which rears its head to the very clouds is beaten by rainy Auster ; the grove, spreading dense shade around, sees ancient oak-ti-ees riven ; 'tis the high hills that the lightnings strike ; large bodies are more to disease exposed, and while common herds stray o'er vagrant pastures, the head highest upreared is marked for death.
i*^^ Whatever Fortune has raised on high, she lifts hut to bring low. Modest estate has longer life ; then happy he whoe'er, content with the common lot, with safe breeze hugs the shore, and, fearing to trust his skiff to the wider sea, with unambitious oar keeps close to land.
CLVTEMNESTRA
Why, sluggish soul, dost safe counsel seek ? Why waver ? Already the better way is closed. Once thou mightest have guarded thy chaste bed and thy \\idowed sceptre with pure, wifely faith; gone are good fashions, right doing, honour, piety, faith, — and modesty, which, once 'tis gone, knows no return. Fling loose the reins and, forward bent, rouse onward all iniquity ; through crime ever is the safe way for
1]
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
tecum ipsa nunc evolve femineos dolos, —
quod ulla coniunx perfida atque impos sui
amore caeco, quod novei'cales manus
ausae, quod ardens impia virgo face,
Phasiaca fugiens regna Thessalica trabe ; 120
ferruni, venena ; vel Mycenaeas domos
coniiincta socio profuge fui'tiva rate.
quid timida loqueris furta et exilium et fugas ?
sovor ista fecit ; te decet niaius nefas.
r— ^ NVTRIX
Regina Danaum et inclitum Ledae genus, quid taeita versas quidve consilii impotens tumido feroces impetus animo geris ? licet ipsa sileas, totus in vultu est dolor, proin quidquid est, da tempus ac spatium tibi : quod ratio non quit saepe sanavit mora. ISO
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Maiora cruciant quam ut moras possim pati ; flammae medullas et cor exurunt meum, mixtus dolori subdidit stimulos timor, invidia pulsat pectus ; hinc animum iugo premit cupido turpis et vinci vetat. et inter istas mentis obsessae faces, fessus quidem et devinctus et pessumdatus, pudor rebellat. fluctibus variis agor, ut cum hinc profundum ventus, hinc aestus rapit, incerta dubitat unda cui cedat malo. 140
proinde omisi regimen e manibus meis — quocunique me ira, quo dolor, quo spes feret,
^ Medea. * Helen.
12
AGAMEMNON
crime. Devise now in thine own heart a woman's wilcSj — what any faithless wife, beside herself with blind passion, what step-mother's hands have dared, or what she dared, that maid ^ ablaze with impious love, -who fled her Phasian realm in that Thessalian bark ; dare sword, dare poison ; or else flee from Mycenae with the partner of thy guilt, in stealthy bark. But why timidly talk of stealth, of exile, and of flight .'' Such things thy sister ^ did; thee some greater crime becomes.
Queen of the Greeks, Leda's illustrious child, what ponderest thou in silence, what mad deed, ungoverned in thy purpose, art planning with rest- less soul ? Though thou say no word, thy face discovers all thy anguish. Wherefore, whate'er it be, give thyself time and room ; what reason cannot, delay has ofttimes cured.
CLVTEMNESTRA
Passions rack me too strong to endure delay ; flames are burning my very marrow and my heart ; liere fear^ blent with anguish plies the spur, and my breast throbs with jealousy;^ tliere base love forces its yoke upon my mind and forbids me to give way. And midst such fires that beset my soul, shame, weary indeed and conquered and utterly undone, still struggles on.^ By shifting floods am 1 driven, as when here wind, tliere tide harries the deep, and the waters halt uncertain to which foe they will yield. Wherefore I have let go the rudder from my hands — where wrath, where smart, where
•* i.e. of Againeninou'3 vengeance.
* Of Cassandra. ^ i.e. against lust.
13'
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
hue ire pergam ; fluctibus dedimus ratem. ubi animus errat, optimum est casum sequi.
NVTRIX
Caeca est temeritas quae petit casum ducem.
CLVTAEMNESTRA
Cui ultima est fortuna, quid dubiam timet?
NVTRIX
Tuta est latetque culpa, si pateris, tua.
CLVTAEMNESTRA
Perlucet omne regiae vitium doinus.
NVTRIX
Piget prions et novum crimen struis ?
CLVTAEMNESTRA
Res est profecto stulta nequitiae modus. 150
NVTRIX
Quod metuit auget qui scelus scelere obriiit.
CLVTAEMNESTRA
Et ferrum et ignis saepe medicinae loco est.
NVTRIX
Extrema primo nemo temptavit loco.
CLVTAEMNESTRA
Rapienda rebus in malis praeceps via est.
14
AGAMEMNON
hope shall carry me, there will I go ; to the waves have I given my bark. Where reason fails, 'tis best to follow chance.
NUHSE
Blind is he and rash who follows chance.
CLYTEMNESTRA
When fortune is at its worst, why fear its hazard ?
NURSE
Safe is thy sin and hidden, if thou allow it so.
CLYTEMNESTRA
Open to view is a royal house's every sin.
NURSE
Dost repent the old crime, yet plan the new ?
CLYTEMNESTRA
Surely 'tis folly to stop midway in sin. " ■ '
NURSE
Whoso piles crime on crime, makes greater what he dreads.^
CLYTEMNESTRA
Both knife and cautery oft take the place of drugs.
NURSE
Desperate remedies no one tries at first.
CLYTEMNESTRA
In midst of ills, we must snatch at headlong ways. ^ i.e. tlie penalty.
15
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
NVTRIX
At te reflectat coniugi nomen sacrum.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Decern per annos vidua respiciam virum ?
NVTRIX
Meminisse debes sobolis ex illo tuae.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Equidem et iugales filiae memini faces et generum Achillem ; praestitit matri fidcm '
NVTRIX
Redemit ilia classis immotae moras l60
et maria pigro fixa languore impulit.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Pudet doletque — -Tyndaris, caeli genus, lustrale classi Doricae peperi caput ! revolvit animus virginis thalamos raeae quos ille dignos Pelopia fecit domo^ cum stetit ad aras ore sacrifico j)ater quain nuptiales ! horruit Calclias suae responsa vocis et I'ecedentes focos. o scelera semper sceleribus vincens domus ! cruore ventos emimus^ bellum nece I 170
sed vela pariter mille fecerunt rates ? non est soluta prospero classis dec : eiecit Aulis impias porta rates, sic auspicutus bclla non melius gerit. amore captae caj^tuSj immotus prece
16
AGAMEMNON
NURSE
But let the hallowed name of wedlock turn thee back.
CLYTEMNESTRA
For ten years widowed^ shall I still think on husband ?
NURSE
Thine offspring of him thou shouldst remember.
CLYTEMNESTRA
I do remember my daughter's ^ wedding fires, my son-in-law, Achilles ; true faith he^ showed a mother !
She freed our becalmed fleet from delay, and roused the sluggish sea from its deep repose.
CLYTEMNESTRA
Oh, shame ! oh, anguish ! I, child of Tyndarus, of heavenly lineage, have borne a sacrifice for the Cirecian fleet! Once more in memory I see my daughter's wedding rites, which he made worthy of Pelops' house, when, with prayer on lip, the father stood before the altars, how fit for nuptials ! Calchas shuddered at his own oracles and at the recoiling altar-fires. O house that ever o'ertops crime with crime ! With blood we purchased winds, and v,'ar with murder ! But, say you, by this means a thousand ships spread sail together? 'Twas by no favouring god the fleet was freed ; no ! Aulis from port drave forth the impious ships. Thus beginning, not more happily did he wage the war. With love of a captive ' Iphigenia. ^ i.e. Againeuinon.
17
VOL. U. C
THE TRAGEDIES OF SEXECA
Zminthea tenuit spolia Phoebei senis,
ardore sacrae virginis iam turn furens.
non ilium Achilles flexit indomitus minis,
non ille solus fata qui mundi videt,
(in nos fidelis augur^ in captas levis), 180
non populus aeger et relucentes rogi.
inter ruentis Graeciae stragem ultimam
sine hoste victus marcet ac Veneri vacat
reparatque amores ; neve desertus foret
a paelice umquani barbara caelebs torus,
ablatam Achilli diligit Lyrnesida,
nee rapere puduit e sinu avulsam viri —
en Paridis hostem ! nunc novum vulnus gerens
amore Phrygiae vatis incensus furit,
et post tropaea Troica ac versum Ilium 190
captae maritus remeat et Priami gener I
Accingere, anime ; bella non levia apparas. scelus occupandum est. pigra^ quern expectas diem ? Pelopia Phrygiae sceptra dum teneant nurus ? an te morantur virgines viduae domi patrique Orestes similis? horum te mala Ventura moveant, turbo quis rerum imminet. . quid, misera, cessas ? en adest natis tuis furens noverca. per tuum, si aliter nequit, latus exigatur ensis et perimat duos. 200
misce cruorem, perde pereundo virum ; mors misera non est commori cum quo velis.
^ Chryses, father of Chrysels.
^ Cassandra, his second infatuation. ' Calchas.
■* i.e. Agamemnon behevcd him when he demanded the death of Iphigenia, l)ut not when he required the return of Briseis.
18
AGAMEMNON
smitten, anmoved by prayer, he held as spoil the child of SmyiiLhean Apollo's aged priest,^ then as now mad with passion for a sacred maid.^ Neither Achilles, unn)oved by threats, could bend him, nor he ^ who alone sees tlie secrets of the universe, (for me and mine sure seer, for slave-girls of no weight),' nor the plague-smit pco[)le, nor the blazing pyres. M idst the death-struggle of falling Greece, conquered, but by no foe, he languishes, has leisure for love, seeks new amours ; and, lest his widowed couch ever be free from some barbaric mistress, he lusted for the Lyrnesian maid,^ Achilles' spoil, nor blushed to bear her away, torn from her lord's embrace — he, the enemy of Paris ! Now, wounded afresh, he rages with passion for the inspired Phrj-gian maid;" and after Troy's conquest, after Ilium's overthrow, he comes back home, a captive's husband and Priam's son-in-law !
i'J3 Now gird thee up, my soul ; no trivial strife art thou preparing. Crime must be forestalled J Slug- gish, what day dost thou await? Till Phrygian wives shall wield our Pelops' sceptre ? Do the virgin daughters of thy house and Orestes, image of his father, hold thee back ? Nay, 'tis the ills that that threaten them that should urge thee on ; o'er them a storm of woes hangs lowering. Why, wretched woman, dost thou hesitate ? For thy children a mad step-dame is at hand. Through thine own side, if not otherwise it can be done, let the sword be driven, and so slay two. Mingle thy blood with his, in thy death destroy thy husband ; death hath no pang when shared with whom thou wouldest.
* Briseis. ® Cassau(h\a.
' i.e. I must take revenge on .Agamemnon before ho does the like to ii;e.
19
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
NVTRIX
Regina^ frena temet et siste impetus et quanta temptes cogita ; victor venit Asiae ferocis^ ultor Europae, trahit captiva Pergania et diu victos Phrygas. hunc fraude nunc conaris et furto aggredi, quern non Achilles ense violavit fero^ quamvis pi'ocacem torviis armasset manum, non melior Aiax morte decreta furens^ 210
non sola Dan.ds Hector et bello mora^ non tela Paridis certa, non Memnon niger, non Xanthus armis corpora immixtis gerens fluctusque Siraois caede purpureos agens^ non nivea proles Cycnus aequorei dei, non bellicoso Thressa cum Rheso phalanx, non picta pharetras et securigera manu peltata Amazon? hunc domi reducem paras mactare et aras caede maculare impia ? victrix inultum Graecia hoc facinus feret ? 220
equos et arma classibusque horrens fretum propone et alto sanguine exundans solum et tota captae fata Dardaniae domus regesta Danais. coniprime adfectus truces mentemque tibimet ipsa pacifica tuam.
j-^ AEGISTHVS
Quod tempus animo semper ac mente horrui adest profecto, rebus extremum meis.
* i.e. Ajax son of Telamon in contradistinction to Ajax the son of Oileus, called Ajax " the Less,"
20
AGAMEMNON
O Queen, restniiu tliysclf, check thine impetuous \vr;vth and think what thou art daring ; the conqueror of wild Asia is at hand, Europe's avenger, dragging in triumj)h captive Pergama and the Phrygians, long since subdued. Against him now with guile and stealth dost tliou essay to fight, whom Achilles with his savage sword hurt not, though in grim wrath lie armed his insolent hand, nor the better Ajax ^ raging and bent on death, nor Hector, sole bulwark against the warring Greeks, nor the sure-aimed shafts of Paris, nor swarthy Memnon, nor Xanthus, rolling- down corpses and arms commingled, nor Simois, its waves running red with blood, nor Cycnus, snowy 2 offspring of the Ocean-god, nor warlike Rhesus and his Thracian horde, nor the Amazon, with her painted quiver, battle-axe in hand, and crescent shield ? Him, home-returning, dost thou prepare to slay and to defile thine altars with slaughter impious ? Will victorious Greece leave sucli a deed unavenged ? Horses and arms, the sea studded with ships, set these before thine eyes, the ground flowing with streams of blood, and the whole fate of the captured liouse of Dardanus turned 'gainst the Greeks.^ Control thy fiei'ce passions, and do thou thyself set thine own soul at peace. [E.rit.
[Fjiler AEGisTnus.]
AEGisTHUS [in soliloqm/]
The hour which always in my heart and soul I dreaded is here indeed, the hour of fate for me.
2 He was changed into a snow-white swan. ^ i.e. Agamemnon's death will be as terribly avenged as was the injurj' to Helen.
21
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
(juid terga vertis, anime ? quid pvimo impetu
deponis arma ? crede perniciem tibi
et dira saevos fata moliri deos. 230
oppone cunctis vile suppliciis caput,
ferrumque et ignes pectore adverse excipe,
Aegisthe ; non est poena sic nato mori.
Tu nos pericli socia, tu, Leda sata, comitare tantum ; sanguinem reddet tibi ignavus iste ductor ac fortis pater, sed quid trenientes circuit pallor genas iacensque vultu languido optutus stupet ?
CLVTAEMNESTRA
Amor iugalis vincit ac flectit retro : referamur^ illuc, unde non decuit prius 240
abire ; vel " nunc casta repetatur fides^ nam sera numquam est ad bonos mores via : quem paenitet peecasse paene est innocens.
AEGISTHVS
Quo raperis aniens ? credis aut speras tibi Agamemnonis fidele coniugium ? ut nihil subesset animo quod graves faceret metus, tamen superba et impotens flatu nimis Fortuna magno spiritus tumidos daret. gravis ille sociis stante adhuc Troia fuit ; quid rere ad animum suapte natura trucem 250
'I'roiam addidisse ? rex Mycenarum fuit, veniet tyrannus ; prospera animos efferunt.^ efFusa circa paelicum quanto venit
1 refereinus E: Leo referemur: Oronovius, followed by Jiichter, referamur : remeemus A.
- So Peiper, following Gronovius ; Leo with MSS. sed. ^ So the MSS. : Leo, folloxcing Bincheler, efferant
22
AGAMEMNON
Why, soul, dost fear to face it ? Why at the first onslaught dost lay down thy arms ? Be sure that for thee destruction and dread doom the pitiless gods prepare. Then set thy vile life to face all punish- ments, and with confronting breast welcome both sword and flame, Aegisthus ; for one so born, 'tis no penalty to die.
[To clytemnestra] 23* Thou partner of my peril, thou, Leda's daughter, be but my comrade still ; then blood for blood shall he repay to thee, this coAvardly warrior and valiant sire. But why does pallor o'erspread thy trembling cheeks, and why in thy listless face is thine eye so dull and drooping .''
CLYTEMNESTRA
Love for my husband conquers and turns me back. Return we thither whence 'twere well never to have come away. E'en now let us reseek purity and truth, for never too late is trod the path to honesty ; whoso repents his sin is well-nigh innocent,
AEGISTHUS
Whither art borne, mad one ? Dost believe or hope that Agamemnon is still true to his marriage vows ? Though there were nought in thine own heart to rouse grave fears, still would his arrogant, immoderate, o'er-inflated fortune swell his pride. Harsh to his allies was he while Troy still stood ; what thinkest thou Troy ^ has added to a spirit by its own nature fierce ? Mycenae's king he was ; he will come back her tyrant ; — prosperity urges pride beyond itself. With what magnificence the surging throng of harlots
1 i.e. the fall of Troy.
23
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
turba apparatu ! sola sed turba eminet tenetque regem famula veridici dei. feresiie thalami victa consortem tui ? at ilia nolet. ultimum est nuptae malum palam mariti possidens paelex domum. nee regna soeium ferre nee taedae sciunt.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Aegistbe, quid me rursus in praeceps agis 260
iramque flammis iam residentem incitas ? pei-misit aliquid vietor in captam sibi ; nee eoniugem hoe respieere nee dominam decet, lex alia solio est, alia privato in toro. quid quod severas ferre me leges viro non patitur animus turpis admissi memor ? det ille veniam facile cui venia est opus.
AEGISTHVS
Ita est ? paeisci mutuam veniam licet ? ignota tibi sunt iura regnorum aut nova ? nobis maligni indices, aequi sibi 270
id esse regni maximum pignus jmtant, si quidquid aliis non licet solis licet.
u
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Ignovit Helenae ; iuncta Menelao redit quae Europam et Asiam paribus afflixit malis.
AEOISTHVS
Sed nulla Atriden Venere furtiva abstulit nee cci)it animum coniugi obstrictum suae.
24
AGAMEMNON
conies ! But one stands out among the throng and holds the kino in thrall, the handmaid ' of the fate- revealing god."^ Wilt thou give up and endure a sharer in thy marriage bed ? But slie. will not. A wife's utmost of woe is a mistress openly queening it in her husband's house. Nor tln'one nor bed can brook a jiarlnership.
CLYTEMNESTRA
Aegisthus, why dost thou again drive me headlong, and fan to flame my wrath already cooling.^ Suppose the victor has allowed himself some liberty tOAvard a captive maid ; 'tis meet neither for wife nor mistress to take note of this. There is one law for thrones, one for the private bed. What.'' Does my own heart, itself conscious of base guilt, suffer me to pass Iiarsii judgment on my husband? Let her forgive freely who forgiveness needs.
AEGISTHUS
Sayst thou so ? Canst bargain for mutual foi'give- ness? Are the rights of kings unknown to thee or strange ? To us harsh judges, partial to themselves, they deem this the greatest pledge of kingship, if whate'er to others is unlawful is lawful to them alone.
CLYTEMNESTRA
He pardoned Helen ; joined to her Menelaiis she returns, who Europe and Asia to like ruin dashed.
AEGISTHUS
Aye, but no woman with stealthy love has stolen Atrides and caj)tured his heart close-barred against ^ Cassandra. * A})ollo.
25
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
iara crimen ille quaerit et causas parat.
nil esse crede turpe commissum tibi ;
quid honesta prodest vita, flagitio vacans ?
ubi dominus odit fit nocens, non quaeritur. 280
Spartamne repetes spreta et Eurotan tuum
patriasque sedes profiiga ? non dant exitum
repudia reguna. spe metus falsa levas.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Delicta novit nemo nisi fidus mea.
AEGISTHVS ,
Non intrat umquam regium limen fides.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Opibus merebor, ut fidem pi-etio obligera.
AEGISTHVS
Pretio parata vincitur pretio fides.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Surgit residuus pristinae mentis ])udor , quid obstrepis ? quid voce blandiloqua mala consilia dictas ? scilicet nubet tibi, 290
regum relicto rege, generosa exuli?
AEGISTHVS
Et cur Atrida videor inferior tibi, natus Tbyestae ?
26
AGAMEMNON
his wife.^ Already thy lord seeks charge against thee, intends cause of strife. Suppose no baseness has been done by thee ; what boots an honest life and sinless ? Whom a master hates is condemned of guilt unheard. Spurned away, wilt thou go back to Sparta and thy Eurotas, wilt flee to thy father's house ? The rejected of kings have no escape. With false hope dost thou relieve thy fears.
CLVTEMNESTRA
None knows my guilt save one faithful friend.
AEGISTHUS
Faith never crosses the threshold of a king.
CLVTEMNESTRA
With wealth will I purchase, with bribes will I bind faith.
AEGISTHUS
Faith gained by bribes is overcome by bribes.
CLVTEMNESTRA
The remnant of my old time chastity revives ; why dost thou cry against it ? Why with cozening words dost give me evil counsel ? Deserting the king of kings, shall I wed with thee, a high-born woman with an outcast ?
AEGISTHUS
And wherefore less than Atreus' son do I seem to thee, who am Thyestes' son ?
1 i.e. in Menelaiis' case his heart was not already hardened against his wife by another mistress, as is the case with Agamemnon.
27
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Si parum estj adde et nepos.
AEGISTHVS
Auctore Phoebo gignor ; baud generis pudet.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Pboebum nefandae stirpis auctorem vocas, quern nocte subita frena revocantem sua caelo expubstis ? quid deos probro addimus ? subripere doctus fraude geniales toros, quem \'enere tantum scimus inbcita virum, facesse propere ac dedecus nostrae domus 300
asporta ab oculis ; haec vacat I'egi ae viro.
AEGISTHVS
Exilia mibi sunt baud nova^ assuevi malis. si tu imperas, regina, non tantum domo Argisve cedo : nil morov iussu tuo aperire ferro jiectus aeruranis grave.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Siquidem hoc cruenta Tyndaris fieri sinam. quae iuncta peecat debet et culpae fidem. secede mecum potius, ut rerum statum dubium ac minacem iuncta consiba expHcent. )
Canite, o pubes incUta, Pboebum ! 310
tibi fcsta caput turba coroiiat, tiV)i virgineas,
laurum quatiens.
28
AGAMEMNON
CLVTEMNESTRA
If that is not enough^ say grandson, too.
AEGISTHUS
Plioebus was the source of my begetting ; my birth slianic'S me not.
CLVTEMNESTRA
Dost thou name Phoebus as source of an inces- tuous birth, whom, calling back his steeds in sudden night, you ^ drove from heaven ? Why besmirch the gods ? Thou, trained b}^ guile to steal the man'iage bed, whom we know only as man of unlawful love, depart at once, take from my sight the infamy of our house ; this home is waiting for its king and lord.
AEGISTHUS
Exile is not new to me ; I am used to woe. If thou commandest, O queen, not alone from home and v\rgos do I flee: I am ready at thy bidding to plunge sword into my heart, o'erweighed with grief.
CLVTEMNESTRA [aside] Yet, should I, cruel daughter of Tyndareus, let this be done.
[To AEGISTHUS.]
's^Who jointly sins owes also faith to crime. Come thou with me, that the dark and threatening state of our attairs joint plans may set in order. ] [Exeimt.
CHORUS
Sing ye, O maids renowned, of Phoebus ! To thee, Phoebus, the festal throng wreaths the head, to thee, waving laurel-bough, the Argive maid in wonted
' i.e. your house. At the horrid feast of Tliyestes the sun veiled his face in darkness that he might not see.
29
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
de more coinas innuba fudit
stirps Inachia ; 315
quaeque Erasini gelidos fontes, 318
quaeque Eurotan, quaeque virenti taciturn ripa 320
bibis Ismeiion ; tu quoque nostros, Thebais hospes, 3l6
comitare choi'os/ 317
quam fatorum praescia Manto, 322
sata Turesia, Latonigenas nionuit sacris celebrare deos. Areus, victor, pace relata, Phoebe, relaxa umeroque graves levibus telis
pone pharetras resonetque nianu pulsa citata 330
vocale chelys. nil acre veliiii magnumque modis
intoiiet altis, sed quale soles leviore lyra
flectere carmen sim})lex, lusus cum docta tuos
Musa recenset. licet et chorda graviore soues,
quale canebas cum Titanas fulmine victos StO
videre dei, vel cum moiites montibus altis
super iinpositi struxere gradus trucibus monstris,
stetit imposita Pelion Ossa, pinifer ambos pressit Olympus, ^ Lines 316, 317 were transposed by Bolhe.
30
AGAMEMNON
fashion spreads forth her virgin locks ; and thou who drinkest of Erasinus' cool waters, who of Eurotas, and who of Ismenus drinkest, silently flowing along its green banks ; thou, too, though stranger in Thebes, come join in our chorus, whom Manto, reader of fate, Tiresias' daughter, warned with due rites to worship the gods, offspring of Latona.
3^^ Thy bow, now peace has come back, all-con- quering Phoebus, loose, and thy quiver, full of swift arrows, lay down from thy shoulder and let resound, smit by thy flying fingers, the tuneful lyre. No stern, high strains in lofty measures would I have it sound, but such simple song as 'tis thy wont to modulate on lighter shell, when the learned Muse surveys thy sports. 'Tis thy right, too, on heavier strings to sound such strain as thou sangest when gods saw Titans by thunder overcome, even when mountains, on lofty mountains set, furnished pathway for grim monsters, when Pelion stood on Ossa set beneath, and cloud-capped Olympus weighed on both.
31
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Ades, o niagnij soror et coniunx,
censors sceptri, regia luno ! tua te colimus 350
turba Mycenae, tu sollicitum supplexque tui
numinis Argos sola tuerisj tu bella manu
pacenique regis. tu nunc laurus Agameninonias
accipe victrix. tibi multifora tibia buxo
solemne can it, tibi fila movent docta puellae 360
carmine molli, tibi votivam matres Graiae
lampada iactant, ad tua coniunx Candida tauri
del u bra cadet, neseia aratri, nullo collum
signata iugo. Tuque, o magni nata Tonantis,
incluta Pallas, quae Dardanias cuspide turres 370
saepe petisti, te permixto matrona minor
maiorque choro colit et reserat veniente dea
templa sacerdos. tibi nexilibus turba coronis
redimita venit, tibi grandaevi lassique senes
compote voto reddunt grates libantque manu 380
vina trementi. Et te Triviam nota memores
voce precamur :
32
AGAMExMNON
^^^ Thou, too, be near, who as wife and sister sharest the sceptre's might, Juno t!ie royal ! We, thy cliosen band, in Mycenae adore thee. Thou art the soIl' [)rotcclor of Ari;os that calls on thee with anxious prayers ; thou in thy hand boldest war and peace. Accept now the laurels of Agamemnon, victorious goddess. To thee the box-wood flute of many openings soundetli its solemn strains ; to thee skilled maidens touch the strings in soothing melody ; to thee Grecian mothers wave the votive torch ; at thy shrines shall fall the bull's white mate, which knows not the plough, whose neck the yoke ne'er scarred.
2*'^ And thdu, child of the great Thunderer, glorious Pallas, who oft with thy spear didst attack the Dardanian towel's, to thee in mingled chorus mothers, younger and older, kneel, and at thy coming the priest throws wide the doors of the temple. To thee the throng, crowned with woven wreaths, advances ; to thee aged and spent old men, their petitions heard, give thanks and with trtnibliug hand pour wine in libation.
38"2 Thee, too, O Trivia,^ with mindlul hearts and prayer familiar we adore. Thou biddcst thy natal ^ i.e. Diaua.
VOL. II. D
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
tu niaternam sistere Deloii, .
Lucina, iubes, hue atque illuc prius errantem
Cyclada ventis : nunc iani stabilis fixa terras
radice tenet, respuit auras religatque rates 390
assueta sequi. tu Tantalidos funera niatris
victrix nunieras ; Stat nunc Sipyli vertice sumnio
flebile saxum, et adhuc lacrimas mai-mora fundunt
antiqua novas, colit impense femina virque
numen cremiiunn. Tuque ante omnes, pater ac rector 400
fuhnine pollens, cuius nutu siniul extrenii
tremuere poli, generis nostri, luppiter, auctor,
cape dona libens abavusque tuam non degenerem
respiee proleni.
Sed ecce, vasto concitus miles gradu manifesta pi'operat signa laetitiae ferens (nanique hasta sumnio laureara ferro gerit) 410
fidusque regi semper Eurybates adest.
EVRYBATES
Delubra et aras caelitum et patrios lares 392'"'^
post longa fessus spatia, vix credens mihi,
^ Leo in line notation has followed Gronovius except in the chorus ju6t ended, which Gronovius, with E, prints in dimeters,
34.
AGAMEMNON
Delos to stand firm^ Luciiia/ erstwhile a Cyclad^ drifting liither and yon at the will of the winds ; now 'tis a stable land with root firm fixed^ repels the winds and gives anchorage for ships, though wont to follow them. Victorious, thou countest o'er the corpses that their mother/ child of Tantalus, be- moaned ; noAV on Si})ylus' high top she stands, a weeping statue, and to this day fresh tears the ancient marble drips. Zealously both maid and man adore the twin divinities.^
^*^ And thou before all others, father and ruler, god of the thunder, by whose mere nod the farthest I)oles do tremble, O Jove, thou author of our race, kindly accept our gifts, and with a father's care take thought for thine own true progeny.
•*o^ But lo, a soldier, hurrying with huge steps, iiastes hither with signs of joyful tidings clearly visible, (for his spear bears a laurel Avreath on its iron tip,) and Eurybates, the ever faithful servant of the king, is here.
\_Kiitcr EuiiVBATEs ivU/i laurcl-wrcailied spearJ\
EURYBATES
Ye shrines and altars of the heavenly gods, ye liousehold deities of my fathers, after long wanderings wearied, and scarce trusting mine own eyes, I humbly
^ Diana. '^ Niobe. ^ i.e. Phoebus and Phoebe (Diana).
while A alternates dimeters with monometers. Leo follows A , and adopts the notation 302'^-410'^, " t'l order not to break with Gronovius throufjhout the remainder of the play "
35 D 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA supplex adoro. vota supevis solvite ; telluris altuni renieat Argolicae decus tandem ad penates victor Agamemnon suos.
CLYTAEMNEsTRA
Felix ad aures nuntius venit meas ! ubinam petitus per deeem coniuux mihi annos moratur ? pelagus an terriis premit ?
EVRYBATES
IncolumiSj auctus gloria, laude inclitus 400*''
redueem expetito litori impressit pedem.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Sacris colamus prosper um tandem diem et si projiitios attamen lentos deos. tu pande vivat coniiigis frater mei et pande teneat quas soror sedes mea.
EVRYBATES
Meliora votis posco et ohtestor dcos ; nam certa fari sors maris dubii vetat. lit sparsa tumidum classis excepit mare, ratis viderc socia non potuit ratem. qiiin ipse Atrides aequore immenso vagus 410"
graviora pelago damna quam bello tulit reraeatque victo similis, exiguas trahens Incerasque victor classe de tanta rates.
36
AGAMEMNON
pive reverence. [To ihe people.] Pay now your vows to the high gods ; the pride and glory of the Argive land returns to his own house at last, Agamemnon, victorit)us !
[Enter clvtemmcstra in time to hear the herald's con- cluding words.]
CI.YTEMNESTRA
Blessed news this that falls upon mine ears! But wliere delays my husband whom I have sought through ten long 3'ears ? Rests lie on sea, or land ?
EU?YBATES
I'nharmcd, increased in glory, illustrious with praise, he hath set liomeward foot upon the longed- for shore.
CLVTEMNESTRA
With sacred rites let us hail the day, fortunate at last, and the gods, even if propitious, yet slow in urantiiig our request. But tell me, thou, does my husband's brother live, and where is my sister,^ tell.
EIJRVBATES
Better than our hopes I pray and beseech the gods ; for the sea's dubious lot forbids to speak certainty. When our scattered fleet met swollen seas, one ship could scarce descry her sister ship. Nav, e'en Atrides' self, on the boundless ocean wan- dering, eiidured losses heavier by sea than war, and like a vanquished maTi, though victor, he returns, bringing but few and sliattered vessels from his
miirhty fleet.
1 Helen.
37
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Effare casus quis rates hausit meas aut quae maris fortuiia dispulerit duces.
EVRYBATES
Acerba fatu poscis, infaustum iubes miscere laeto nuntium. refugit loqui mens aegra tantis atque inhorrescit malis.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Exprome ; clades scire qui refugit suas gravat timorem ; dubia jilus torquent mala. 420
EVRYBATES
Vt Pergamum omne Dorica cecidit face, divisa praeda est, maria properantes jietunt. iamque ense fessum miles exonerat hitus, neglecta summas scuta per puppes iacent ; ad militares remus aptatur manus omnisque nimium longa properanti mora est signuni recursus regia ut fulsit rate et clara laetum remigem monuit tuba, aurata primas prora designat vias aperitque cursus, mille quos puj^pes secent. 430
Hinc aura primo lenis impellit rates adlapsa velis ; unda vix actu levi tranquilla Zepliyri mollis alflatu tremit, spleiidctque classc j)elagus et pariter latet. iuvat viderc luida Troiae litora, iuvat relicti sola Sigei loca. properat iuventiis omnis adductos simul .'J 8
AGAMEMNON
CLYTEMXESTRA
Tell what calamity has sivallowed up my ships^ or what mishap by sea has dispersed the chiefs.
EURYltATES
A tale bitter in the telliiiji- thou demandest ; thou hiddest me mix the unlucky message with the glad. Mv sick mind shrinks from speech and shudders at the thought of such disasters.
CLYTEMNESTRA
Tell on ; who shrinks from knowledge of his calamities but aggravates his feflr ; troubles half seen do torture all the more.
EURYBATES
When all Pergamum fell 'neath the Doric fire, the spoil was divided and in eager haste all sought the sea. And now the warrior eases his side of the sword's wearv load, and unheeded lie the shields along the liigli sterns ; the oar is fitted to the warrior's hands, and to their eager haste all tarrying seems over long. Then, when the signal for return gleamed on the royal ship, and the loud trumpet-blast warned the glad rowers, the king's gilded prow, leading, marked out the way, and opene<l up the course for a thousand ships to follow.
431 \ gentle breeze at first steals into our sails and drives our vessels onward ; the tranquil waves, scarce stirring, ri))ple beneath soft Zephyr's breathing, and the sea reflects the splendour of the fieet, hiding the while beneath it. 'Tis sweet to gaze on the bare shores of Trov, sweet to behold deserted Sigeum's wastes. The young men all haste to bend the oars,
S9
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
lentare remos, adiuvat ventos manu
et valida nisu braccliia alterno movet.
sulcata vibrant aequora et latera increpant 440
dirimuntqiie canae caerulum spumae mare.
ut aura plenos fortior tendit sinus,
posuere tonsas, credita est vento ratis
tususque transtris miles aut terras procnl,
quantum recedunt vela, fugientes notat,
aut bella narrat : Hectoris fortis minas
currusque et empto redditum corpus rogo,
sparsum cruore regis Herceum lovem.
tunc qui iacente reciprocus ludit salo
tumid unique pando transilit dorso mare 450
Tyrrhenus omni j)*scis exultat freto
agitatque gyros et comes lateri adnatat,
anteire naves laetus et rursus sequi ;
nunc prima tangens rostra lascivit chorus,
millesimam mmc ambit et lustrat rateni.
lam litus omne tegitur et campi latent et dubia parent montis Idaei iuga ; et iam, quod unum pervicax acies videt, Iliacus atra fumus apparet nota.
iam iassa Titan colla relevabat iugo, 460
in astra iam lux prona, iam praeceps dies, exigiia nubes sordido crescens globo nitidum cadentis inquinat Phoebi iubar ; suspecta varius occidens fecit freta.
Nox prima caelum sjiarserat stellis, iacent deserta vento vela, turn murmur grave, maiora minitans, collibus summis cadit
^ i.e. of Achilles, by which Hector's body was dragged.
2 Priam was slain at the altar of Hercean Jove (Zeus 'E()if6?os, protector of the courtyard) in the courtjard of his palace.
'* The dulpliin is so called here in remembrance of the
iO
AGAMEMNON
V. itli strokes together, aid winds with liands and move tiieir sturdy arms with rhytlimic swii)<r. The fur- rowed waters quiver, the vessel's sides hiss throuoh the waves and dash the blue sea into hoary spray. When a fresher breeze strains the swelling sails, the warriors lay by their oars, trust ship to wind and, stretched along the benches, either watch the far- fleeing land as the sails retreat, or rehearse their wars — brave Hector's threats, the chariot ^ and his ransomed body given to the pyre, Hercean Jove sprinkled with royal blood. ^ 'I'hen, too, the Tp-rhene fish 3 plavs to and fro in the smooth water, leaps over the heaving seas with arching back, and sports around, now dashing about in circles, now swimming bv our side, now gaily leading and again following after ; anon the band in sheer wantonness touch the leading prow, now round and round the thousandth ship they swim.
•'^'^ Meanwliile all the shore is hid and the plains sink from view, and dimly the ridges of Ida's mount ajipear ; and now, what alone the keenest eye can see, the smoke of Ilium shows but a dusky spot. Already from the yoke Titan was freeing his hoi*ses' weary necks ; now to the stars his rays sink low, now day goes headlong down. A tiny cloud, growing to a murky mass, stains the bright radiance of the setting sun, and the many coloured sun-set has made us doubt the sea.^
•^'^^ Young night had spangled the sky with stars ; the sails, deserted by tlie wind, hung low. Then from the mountain heights there falls a murmur deep, worse threatening, and the wide-sweeping
Tyrrhene pirates who under the wrath of Bacchus were cl)anged to dolphins. See Oedipus, 449 ff. •• This is one of numerous weather-signs.
41
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
tractuqiie longo litus ac petrae gemunt ;
agitata ventis unda Venturis tumet —
cum subito luna eonditur, stellae latent, 470
in astra pontus tollitur, caelum perit.
nee una nox est ; densa tenebras obruit
caligo et omni luce subducta fretum
caelumque miscet. undique incumbunt simul
rapiuntque pelagus infimo eversum solo ^
adversus Euro Zephyrus et Boreae Notus.
sua quisque mittit tela et infesti fretum
emoliuntur, turbo convolvit mare.
Strymonius altas Aquilo contorquet nives
Libycusque harenas Auster ac Syrtes agit ; 480
nee manet in Austro : flat gravis nimbis Notus,
imbre auget undas, Eurus orientem movet
Nabataea quatiens regna et Eoos sinus.
quid rabidus ora Corns Oceano exerens ?
mundum revellit sedibus totum suis,
ipsosque rupto crederes caelo deos
decidere et atrum rebus induci chaos.
vento resistit aestus et ventus retro
aestum revolvit ; non capit sese mare
undasque miscent imber et fluctus suas. 490
nee hoc levamen denique aerumnis datur,
videre saltern et nosse quo pereant malo.
jM-emunt tenebrae luniina et dirae Stygis
inferna nox est. excidunt ignes tamen
et nube dirum fulmen elisa micat,
miserisque lucis tanta dulcedo est malae ;
hoc lumen optant.
Ipsa se classis prcmit et prora prorae nocuit et lateri latus.
' So A : Leo infiimun t everso polo with E, conjecturing infiinum venti polo, and deleting l. 4^0.
4,2
AGAMEMNON
shore and rocky headlands send foi'th a moaning sound ; the waves, lashed by the rising wind, roll hijrh — when suddenly the moon is hid, the stars sink out of sight, skyward the sea is lifted, the heavens are gone. 'Tis doubly night ; dense fog o'erwhelms the dark and, all light withdrawn, confuses sea and skv. From all sides at once the winds fall on and ravage the sea, from its lowest depths upturned. West wind with East wind striving. South with North. Each wields his own weapons, with deadly assault stirring up the deep, while a whirlwind churns the waves. Strymonian Aquilo sends the deep snow- whirling, and Libyan Auster stirs up the sands of Svrtes;^ nor stands the strife with Auster: Notus, heavy with clouds, blows up, swells waves with rain, while Eurus attacks the dawn, shaking Nabataean realms, and eastern gulfs. What wrought fierce Corns, thrusting forth his head from ocean? The whole sky he tears from its foundations, and you might think the very gods falling from the shattered heavens, and black chaos enveloping the world, flood strives with wind and wind backward rolls the Hood. The sea contains not itself, and rain and waves mingle their waters. Then even this comfort fails their dreadful })light, to see at least and know the disaster by which they perish. Darkness weighs on their eyes, and 'tis the infernal night of awful Styx. Yet fires burst forth, and from the riven clouds gleams the dire lightning flash, and to the jioor sailors great is the sweetness of that fearful gleam ; even for such light they pray.
■*^" The fleet itself helps on its own destruction, prow crashing on prow and side on side. One ship the
' The Syrtes were shallow sand-bars off the northern coast of Africa.
43
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
illam dehiscens pontus in praeceps ra])it
liamitqiie et alto redditam revomit mari ; 500
liaec onere sidit, ilia convulsum latus
submittit undis, fluctus hanc decimus tegit.
haec lacera et omni decore populate levis
fluitat nee illi vela nee tonsae manent
nee rectus altas malus antemnas ferens,
sed tvunca toto puppis Icario natat.
nil ratio et usus audet ; ars cessit malis.
tenet horror artus, omnis officio stupet
navita relicto, remus effngit nianus.
in vota miseros ultinius cogit timer 510
eadenique superos Troes et Danai rogant.
quid fata possunt ! invidet Pyrrhus patri,
Aiaci Vlixes, Hectori Atrides minor,
Aganiemno Priamo ; quisquis ad Troiani incet
felix vocatur, cadere qui meruit manu/
quern fama servat, victa quern tellus tegit.
"nil nobile ausos pontus atque undae ferunt ?
ignava fortes fata consunient viros ?
perdenda mors est? quisquis es nonduni malis
satiate tantis caelitum, tandem tuum 520
numen serena ; eladibus nostris daret
vel Troia laorimas. odia si durant tua
j)1acetque mitti Doricum exitio genus,
quid hos simuLperire nobiscum iuvat,
quibus perimus? sistite infestum mare;
velut ista Danaos dassis et Troas vehit."
nee plnra possunt ; occupat vocem mare.
^ So A : Leo gradu.
' Every tenth wave was supposed to be tlie greatest and most destniftive.
- i.e. in safety. The contrast here is between timorous
+4
AGAMEMNON
yawning deep sucks into the abyss, engulfs and spews tortli again, restored to the sea above ; one sinks of its own weight, anotlier turns its wrecked side to the waves, and one the tenth i wave o'erwhelms. Here, battered and stripped of all its ornament, one floats, with neither sails nor oars nor straight mast hearing the high sailyards, a broken hulk, drifting wide on the Icarian sea. Reason, experience, are of no avail ; skill yields to dire calamity. Horror holds their limbs; the sailors all stand stupefied, their tasks abandoned ; oars drop from hands. To prayer abject fear drives the wretches, and Trojans and (ireeks beg the same things of the gods. What can near doom accomplish ? Pyrrhus envies his father, Ulysses Ajax, the younger Atrides Hector, Agamem- non Priam ; whoever at Troy lies slain is hailed as blessed, who by deeds of arms earned death, whom glory guards, whom the land he conquered buries. " Do sea and wave bear - those who have dared naught noble, and shall a coward's doom o'erwhelm brave men? Must death be squandered.'' Whoe'er of heaven's gods thou art, nut yet with our sore troubles sated, let thy divinity be at last appeased ; o'er our calamities e'en Troy would weep. But if thy hate is stubborn, and 'tis thy pleasure to send the Greek race to doom, why wouldst have those ^ perish along with us, for whose sake we perish.'' AUav the raging sea : this fleet bears Greeks but it bears Trojans too." They can no more ; the sea usurps their words.
folk who have safely sailed the sea and these brave men who must perish in it and throw away their lives for no icturn.
^ i.e. the Trojans, on whose account, it is here assumed, the destructive storm has been sent upon the Greeks.
45
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Ecce alia clades ! fulmine irati lovis amiata Pallas quid([uid haut ^ hasta miiiax, haut ^ aegide liaut^ furore Gorgoneo potest, 530
at ^ igne patrio temj)tat, et caelo novae spirant procellae. solus invictus malis luctatur Aiax. vela cogenteni hunc sua tento rudente flamma perstrinxit cadens. libratur aliud fulnien ; hoc toto impetu certuni reducta Pallas excussit manu, imitata patrem. transit Aiacem et ratem ratisque partem secuni et Aiacem tulit. nil ille motus, ardua ut cautes^ sale ambustus extat, dirimit insanum mare 540
rtuctusque rumpit pectore et navem manu complexus ignes traxit et caeco mari conlucet Aiax, omne resplendet fretum. tandem occupata rupe furibundum intonat: •' superasse cuncta,"* pelagus atque ignes iuvat, vicisse caelum Palladtm tulmen mare, non me fugavit bellici terror dei, et Hectorem una solus et Martem tuli ;^ Phoebea nee me tela pepulerunt gradu. cum Phrygibus istos vicimus — tene horream ? 550 aliena inerti tela mittis dextera. quid, si ipse mittat • — " " plura cum auderet furens,
^ So M. Mueller cmoidinf/ u, folloiccd by lUchter : Leo aut.
"^ eb (11, emended by AT. Mueller : Leo et.
'■^ aut w, emended by M. Mueller : Leo aut.
■* So Richter : nunc E : nunc se A : iuvit, Leo conj.
* 71iis line is properly deleted by Leo, as applicable to the ejrealer Ajax and not to the present speaker. Farnabius, how- ever, allows the line to stand, as befitting the boastful, ivild words of Ajax Oileus.
* All editors read quid si ipse mittat ? a meaningless phrase. J have changed the 2>unctuation as indicated above, leaving the sentence unfinished.
46
AGAMEMNON
^2^ But lo ! disaster on disaster ! Pallas^ armed with the bolt of angry Jove, threatening essays whate'er she may, not with spear, not with aegis, not with Gorgon's ^ rage, but with lier father's Hghtning, and throughout the sky new tempests blow. Ajax '^ alone, undaunted by disaster, keeps up the struggle. Him, slit)rtc!iing sail with straining halyard, the iiurtling lightning grazed. Another bolt is levelled ; tiiis, with all her might, Pallas launehed true, with hand back drawn, in imitation of her father. Through Ajax it passed, and through his ship, and part of the ship with it, and Ajax it bore away. Then he, nothing moved, like some high crag, rises flame- scorched from the briny deep, clea\es the raging sea, with his breast bursts through the floods and, holding to his wrecked vessel with his hand, di*ags flames aloug, shines brightly midst the darkness of the sea and illumines all the waves. At last, gaining a rock, in mad rage he thunders: " 'Tis sweet to have conquered all things, flood and flame, to have van- quished sky, Pallas, thunderbolt and sea. I fled not in terror of the god of war ; both Hector at once and Mars did I with my sole arm withstand ; nor did Plioebus' shafts force me to give way. Such warriors, together with their Phrygians, I conquered ; — and shall 1 shrink from thee ? Another's weapon with weakling hand thou hurlest. What, if he himself should hurl — ?"^ When in his madness lie would
' The shield (aegis) of Mineiva was set with the terrifying Gorgon's head given to her by Perseus.
- i.e. Ajax "the Less," son of Oileus. This scene recalls Vergil, .-leii. i. 41 fF.
' Ajax apparent]}- would have finished by saying — " his bolt, even then I would not fear."
47
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
tridente riipeni subruit pulsam pater Neptunus imis exerens undis caput solvitque niontem ; quem cadens secum tulit terraque et igne victus et pelago iacet.
Nos alia maior naufragos pestis vocat. est humilis uuda, scrupeis mendax vadis, ubi saxa ra})idis clausa verticibus tegit fallax Caphereus ; aestuat scopulis fretum 560
fervetque semper fluctus alterna vice, arx imminet praerupta quae spectat mare iitrimque geminum. Pelopis hinc oras tui et Isthmon, arto qui recurvatus solo Ionia iungi maria Phrixeis vetat, liinc seel ere Lemnon nobilem et Calchedona tardamque ratibus Aulida. hanc arcem occupat Palamedis ille geuitor et clarum manu lumen nefanda vertice e summo elferens in saxa ducit perfida classem face. 570
haerent acutis rupibus fixae rates ; has inopis undae brevia comniinuunt vada, pars veliitur huius prima, pars scopulo sedet ; hanc alia retro spatia relegentem ferit et fracta frangit. iam timent terram rates et mavia malunt. cecidit in lucem furor ; postquam litatum est Ilio, Phoebus redit ct damna noctis tristis ostendit dies.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Vtrumne doleam laeter an reducem virum ? remeasse laetor vulnus et regni grave 580
* i e. of the women who killed all their men, except that Hypsipyle saved her father, Thoaa.
48
AGAMEMNON
be dariniT more, father Neptune, pushini!^ with his trident, o'erwhehned the rock, thrusting forth his iicad from his waves' dej)ths, and broke off the crag. Jliis in his fall Ajax bears down with him, and now he lies, by earth and fire and billows overcome.
^^^ But us shipwrecked mariners, another, worse ruin challenges. There is a shallow water, a deceitful shoal full of rough boulders, where treacherous Capher- eus hides his rocky base beneath whirling eddies ; the sea boils upon the rocks, and ever the flood seethes with its ebb and flow. A preci])itous head- land o'erhangs, Avhich on either hand looks out upon both stretches of the sea. Hence thou mayst descry thine own Peloj)ian shores, and Isthmus which, backward curving with its narrow soil, forbids the Ionian sea to join with Phrixus' waves;. hence also Lemnos, infamous for crime,^ and Calchedon, and Aulis which long dela3'ed the fleet. Seizing tliis summit, the father of Palamed^s with accursed hand raised from the high to;*- a beacon-light and with treacherous torch lured- the fleet upon the reefs. There h.ap.g the ships caught on jagged rocks ; some are broken to })ieces i;,ithe shallow water; the prow of one vessel is earned away, while a part sticks fast u|)on the rock ; one ship crashes with another as it (haws back, both wrecked and wrecking. Now t-hips fear land and choose the seas. Towards dawn the storm's rage is spent ; now that atonement has been made for Ilium, I'hoebus returns and sad day reveals the havoc of the night.
CLYTEMNESTRA
Sh ill I lament or rejoice me at my lord's return ? 1 do rejoice to see him home agaiu^ but o'er our
4P
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
lufjere cogor. redde iain Grais^ pater altisona quatiens regna, placatos deos. nunc omne laeta fronde veletur caput, sacrifica dulces tibia effundat modos et nivea magnas victima ante aras cadat.
Sed ecce, turba tristis incomptae comas Iliades adsunt, quas super celso gradu efifrena Phoebas entheas laurus quatit.
Heu quam dulce malum mortalibus additum vitae dirus amor, cum pateat malis 590
cffugium et miseros libera mors vocet portus aeterna placidus quiete. nullus hunc terror nee impotentis procella ?^ortunae movet aut iniqui riamma Tonantis. pax alta nullo^^
civium coetus timet aut minaces victoris iras, non maila asperis insana coris, non acies leras
pulvereamve nubem 600
motam barbaricis equitum catervis ; non urbe cum tota populos cadentes, hostica muros populante flamma, indomitumve bellum. ])errumpet omne servitiuni contemptor levium deorum, qui vultus Aelierontis atri, qui Slvga tristem non tristis videt audetque vitae ponere finem.
' This aickward duplication of half-lines Richter avoids, n-hile at the same time obtaining a presumably more logical
50
AGAMEMNON
realm's heavy loss am I forced to grieve. At last O father, that dost shake the high-resounding heavens, restore to the Greeks their gods appeased. Now let every head be crowned with festal wreaths, let the sacrificial flute give forth sweet strains, and the white victim at the great altai's fall.
'•'^'^ But see, a mournful throng with locks unbound, the Trojan women are here, while high above them all, vv'ith proud step advancing, Phoebus' mad priestess waves the inspiring laurel branch.
[Enter band of Trojan tromcn led hij cassandra.]
CimRUS OF TROJAN WOMKN
Alas, how alluring a bane is appointed unto mortals, even dire love of life, though refuge from their woes opes wide, and death with generous hand invites the wretched, a peaceful port of ever- lasting rest. Nor fear nor storm of raging Fortune disturbs that calm, nor bolt of tlie harsh Thunderer. Peace so deej) fears no citizens' conspiracy, no victor's threatening wrath, no wild seas ruffled by stormy winds, no fierce battle lines or dark cloud raised by barbaric squadrons' hoofs, no nations falling with their city's utter overthrow, while the hostile flames lav waste the Avails, no fierce, ungovernable war. All bonds wiil he break through, who dares scorn the fickle gods, who on the face of dark Acheron, on fearful Styx can look, unfearful, and is bold enough to put an end to life. A match for kings, a match
arrangement, ly reading II. 605-609 after I. 595. He then 2orints I. 596 with a lacuna : Alta pax . . . nuUos.
51
r
S c
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
par ille regi, par superis erit. 6lO
o qiiam miserum est nescire mori !
\'idimus patriam ruentem nocte funesta, cum Dardana tecta Dorici raperetis ignes. nou ilia bello victa^ non arniis, ut quondam, Herculea cecidit pharetra ; quam non Pelei Thetidisque natus carusque Pelidae nimium feroci vicit, acceptis cum fulsit armis fuditque Troas falsus Acliilles, aut cum ipse Pelides animos feroces 620
sustulit luctu celeremque saltu Troades summis timuere maris, perdidit in malis extremuni decus fortitcr vinci ; restitit quinis bis annis unius noctis peritura furto.
Vidimus simulata dona molis immensae Danaumque fatale munus duximus nostra creduli dextra tremuitque saejie limine in primo sonipes, cavernis 630
conditos reges bellumque gestans ; et licuit dolos versare ut ij)si fraude sua caderent Pelasgi. saepe commotae sonuere parmae tacitumque murmur percussit aurcs, ut fremuit male subdolo parens I'vrrhus Vlixi.
Secura metus Troica pubes sacros gaudet tangere funes. hinc aequaevi gregis Astyanax, 640
* Patroclus.
" i.e. at the death of Patroclus.
52
AGAMEMNON
for the high gods will he be. Oh, how wretched 'tis to know not how to die !
•^12 We saw our country fall on that night of death, when you, ye Doric fires, ravished Dardania's homes. She, not in war conquered, not by arms, not, as aforetime, by Hercules' arrows, fell ; her, not Peleus' and Thetis' son o'ercanie, nor he,^ well-beloved by overbrave Pelides, when in borrowed arms he shone and drove Troy's sons in flight, a false Achilles ; nor, when Pelides' self through griefs gave o'er his fierce resentment,' and the Trojan women, from the ram- parts watching, feared his swift attack, did she lose amid her woes the crowning glor}' of suffering conquest bravely ; for ten long years she stood, fated to perish by one night's treachery.^
627 vVe saw that feigned gift, measureless in bulk, and with our own hands trustfully dragged along the Greeks' deadly offering ; and oft on the threshold of the gate the noisy footed monster stumbled, bearing within its hold hidden chiefs and war. We might have turned their guile against themselves, and caused the Pelasgians by their own trick to fall. Oft sounded their jostled shields, and a low muttering smote our ears, when Pyrrhus grumbled, scarce yielding to crafty Ulysses' will.
^^^ All unafraid, the Trojan youth joy to touch the fatal ropes.^ Companies of their own age here
^ i.e. against Agamemnon. * i.e. liy till; tT'ick of the wooden horse. ^ With tills whole passage compare Vergil's description, and especially Aen. ii. 239.
53
i_'
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
hinc Haemonio desponsa rogo
duciint turmas, haec femineas,
ille viriles. festae mati-es
votiva ferunt munera divis ;
festi patres adeunt aras,
unus tola est viiltus in urbe ;
et, quod numquam post Hectoixos
vidimus ignes, laeta est Hecuba.
quid nunc primum^ dolor inftlix,
quidve extremum defleve paras ? 650
moenia, divum fabricata manu,
diruta nostra ?
an tenipla deos super usta suos ?
non vacat istis lacrimare malls — ■
te, magne parens, flent Iliades.
vidi, vidi senis in iugulo
telum Pyrrlii vix exiguo
sanguine tingui.
CASSANDRA
Coliibete lacrimas omne quas tenipus petet, Troades, et ipsae vestra lamentabili 660
lugete gemitu funera ; aerumnae meae socium recusant, cladibus questus meis removete. nostris ipsa sufficiam malis. ^
CHORVS
Lacrimas lacrimis miscere iuvat ; magis exurunt quos secretae lacerant cui-ae, iuvat in medium deflere suos ; nee tu, quamvis dura virago patiensque mali, poteris tantas flere ruinas. non quae verno mobile carmen 670
ramo cantat tristis aedon
54-
AGAMEMNON
Astyanax leads, there slie,^ to the Thessalian pyre betrothed, slie leading maids, he youths. Gaily do mothers bring votive offerings to the gods ; gaily do fathers approach the shrines ; each wears but one look the city o'er ; and, what never we saw since Hector's funeral, Hecuba was glad. And now, unhappy grief, what first, what last, wilt thou lament ? Walls by divine hands fashioned, by our own destroyed ? Temples upon their own gods consumed? Time lacks to weep such ills — thee, O great fathei', the Trojan women weej). I saw, I saw in the old man's throat the sword of Pyrrhus scarce wet in his scanty blood.
CASSANDRA
Restrain your tears v.hich all time will seek, ye Trojan women, and do you yourselves grieve for your own dead with groans and lamentations ; my losses refuse all sharing. Cease then your grief for my disasters. I myself shall suffice for the woes of mine own house.
CHORUS
'Tis sweet to mingle tears with tears ; griefs bring more smart where they wound in solitude, but 'tis sweet in company to bewail one's friends ; nor shalt thou, though strong, heroic, and inured to woe, avail to lament calamities so great. Not the sad nightingale,^ which from the vernal bough pours
1 Polyxena. * Into which Philomela was changed.
55
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Ityn in varios modulata sonos,
non quae tectis Bistonis ales
residens summis imiiia diri
furta mariti garrula narrat,
lugere tuam poterit digne
conquesta doniiim. licet ipse velit
clarus niveos inter olores
Histrum cycnus Tanainque colens
extrema loqui, licet alcyones 680
Ceyca suuni fluctu levitcr
plangente sonent, cum tranquillo
male confisae credunt iterum
pelago audaces fetusque suos
nido pavidae titubante fovent ;
non si moUes comitata viros
tristis laceret bracchia tecum
quae turritae turba parenti
pectora, rauco concita buxo,
ferit ut Phrygium lugeat Attin, — • 69O
non est lacrimis, Cassandra, modus,
quia quae patimur vicere modum.
Sed cur sacra tas deripis capiti infulas ? ' miseris colcndos maxime superos puteni.
CASSANDRA
Vicere nostra iam metus omnes mala, equidera nee ulla caelites place prece nee, si velint saevire, quo noceant habent. Fortuna vires ipsa consumpsit suas. quae patria restat, quis pater, quae iam soror ?
^ The swallow (hinindo) into which Proone was changed. ^ Cycnus (see Index) is here conceived of as swan rather than man.
56
AGAMEMNON
forlh hei' liquid song, piping of Itys in ever changing strains; not tlie bird ^ which, perching on Bistonian battlenicjits, tells o'er and o'er the hidden sins of her cruel lord, will e'er be able, with all licr passionate lament, worthily to mourn thy house. Should bright Cycnus' - self, haunting midst snowy swans Ister and Tanai's, utter his dying song ; should halcyons mourn their Ceyx midst the light wave's lapping, when, though distrustful, boldly they trust once more to the tranquil ocean, and anxiously on un- steady nest cherish their young ; should tlie sad throng which follows the unmanned men ^ bi'uise their arms along with thee, the throng which, by tlie shrill flute maddened, smite their breasts to the lower-crowned mother,^ that for Phrygian Attis they may lament, — not so, Cassandra, is there measure fur our tears, for wU.il we suffer has outmeasured measure.
1=^3 But why dost tear off the holy fillets from thy head ? Methinks the gods should be most reverenced by unha})py souls.
CASSANDRA
Now have our woes o'ermastered every fear. Neither do I ap})easc the heavenly gods by any jtrayer, nor, should they wish to rage, have they wherewith to harm me. Fortune herself has ex- hausted all he; powers. What fatherland remains? What i't'ivr.'' What sister now? Altars'^ and
» Priests of Cybele. * Cyl)cle.
' Boll) lier brother Polites and lier father Piiam liail been slain at tlie altar of Hercean Jove, fcjee Aen. ii. 5"2(J If.
57
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA bibere tumuli sanguinem atque arae mcum. 700
quid ilia felix turba fratevni gregis ? exhausta iiempe ! regia miseri senes vacua relicti ; totque per thalamos vident praeter Lacaenam ceteras viduas nurus. tot ilia regum mater et regimen Phrygum, fecunda in ignes Hecuba fatorum novas experta leges induit vultus feros : circa ruinas rabida latravit suas, Troiae superstes, Hectori, Priamo, sibi !
Silet repente Phoebas et pallor genas 710
creberque totum possidet corpus tremor ; \ stetere vittae, mollis horrescit coma, anhela corda murmure incluso fremunt, incerta nutant lumina et versi retro torquentur oculi, rursus immoti rigent. nunc levat in auras altior solito caput graditurque celsa, nunc reluctantes parat reserare fauces, verba nunc clauso male custodit ore maenas impatiens dei.
CASSANDRA
Quid me furoris incitam stimulis novi '7'20
quid mentis inopem, sacra Parnasi iuga, rapitis ? recede, Phoebe, iam non sum tua, extingue flammas pectori infixas meo. cui nunc vagor vaesana ? cui bacchor furens ? iam Troia cecidit — falsa quid vates ago ?
58
AGAMEMNON
tombs 1 liave drunk up my blood. What of that h.ippy throiii;- of brothers ? (ione, all ! in the einptv palace only sad old men are left ; and throu<>hout those many chambers they see all women, save her of Sparta, widowed. That mother of so many kin<>s, queen of the Phrygians, Hecuba, fruitful for funeral-fn-es, proving- new laws of fate, has put on bestial form : "^ around her ruined walls madly she barked, surviving Troy, son, husband — and herself!
CHORUS
The bride of Phoebus suddenly is still, pallor o'erspreads her cheeks, and constant tremors master [all her frame. Pier fillets stand erect, her soft locks \ rise in horror, her labouring heart sounds loud with pent murmuring, her glance wanders uncertain, her eyes seem backwai'd turned into herself, anon they stare unmoving. Now she lifts her head into the air higher than her wont, and walks with stately tread ; now makes to unlock her struggling lips, now vainly tries to close them on her words, a mad priestess fighting against the god.
CASSANDRA
Why, O Parnassus' sacred heights, do ye i)rick me with fury's goads anew, why do you sweep me on, bereft of sense .'' Away ! O Phoebus, I am no longer thine ; quench thou the flames set deep within my breast. For whose sake wander I now in madness ? for whose sake in frenzy rave ? Now Troy has fallen — what have I, ftdse prophetess, to do ?
^ Polyxcna had been slain on Achilles' tomb. * i.e. she was changed into a dog.
59
THE TRAGEDIES OF SEXECA
Vbi sum ? fiigit lux alma et obscurat genas nox alta et aether abditus tenebris latet. sed ecce sjjemino sole praefulget dies geminumque duplices Argos attollit domus. Idaea cerno nemora ; fatalis sedet 730
inter potentes arbiter pastor deas. — timete reges, moneo, furtivum genus ; agrestis iste alumnus evertet domum.^ quid ista vaecors tela feminea raanu destricta praefei-t ? quem petit dextra virum Lacaena cultu, ferrum Amazonium gerens ? — quae versat oculos alia nunc facies meos ? victor ferarum colla sublimis iacet ignobili sub dente Marmaricus leo, niorsus cruentos passus audacis leae. — ■ 7-10
quid me vocatis sospitem solam e meis, umbrae meorum ? te sequor testis, pater^ Troiae sepultae ; frater^ auxilium Phrygum terrorque Danaum^ non ego antiquum decus video aut calentes ratibus exustis raanus, sed lacera membra et saucios vinclo gravi illos lacertos ; te sequor^ nimium cito congresse Achilli Troile ; incertos geris, Deiphobe, vultus, coniugis munus novae, iuvat per ipsos ingredi Stygios lacus, 750
iuvat videre Tartari saevum canem avidique regna Ditis ! haec hodie ratis Phlegethontis atri regias animas vehet, vicUimque victricemque. vos, umbrae, precor, iurata sujieris unda, te pariter precor :
^ WUamovntz conjectures that several lines have fallen out after I. 733, concerning the fates of Troy ami the crimes of the Atridfie. Lines 7S0-733 seem to Leo to be spurious.
^ These words have no logical connection with her previous utterance, and are a dark allusion to Aegisthus.
60
AGAMEMNON
"26 Where am I ? Fled is the kindly Hglit, deep darkness blinds my eyes, and the sky, buried in ulciom, is hidden away. But see ! with double sun the day i^leams forth, and double Argus lifts up twin palaces ! Ida's groves I see ; there sits the shepherd, fateful judge midst mighty goddesses. — Fear him, ye kings, 1 warn you, fear the child of stolen love ; ^ that rustic foundling shall overturn your house. What means that mad woman with drawn sword in hand ? What hero seeks she with her right hand, a Spartan in her garb,^ but carrying an Amazonian axe ? — What sight is that other which now employs mine eyes ? The king of beasts with his proud neck, by a base fang lies low, an Afric lion, suffering the bloody bites of his bold lioness. — Why do ye summon me, saved only of my house, my kindred shades.'' Thee, father, do I follow, eye- witness of Troy's burial ; thee, brother, help of the Fln-vgians, terror of the Greeks, I see not in thine old-time splendour, or with thine hands hot from the burning of the ships, but mangled of limb, with tiiose arms wounded by the dcc]5-sunk thongs ; thee, Troilus, I follow, too early with Achilles met ; unrecognisable the face thou wearest, Deiphobus,^ the gift of thy isew wife* 'Tis sweet to fare along the very Stygian pools ; sweet to behold Tartarus' savage dog and the realms of greedy Uis ! To-day this skiff of murky Phlegethon shall bear royal souls,^ vanquished and vanquislier. Ye shades, I pray ; thou stream on wliich the gods make oath, thee no less I pray : for a little withdraw the
^ Slie has a clairvoyant picvisiou of the act of CI ytcnmestra.
^ See Vergil, Aen. vi. 494 IT.
•» i.e. Ilelfii.
^ Her own and Agamemnon's.
61
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
reserate paulum terga iiigrantis poli,
levis ut Mycenas turba prospiciat Phrygum.
spectate^ miseri ; fata se vertunt retro.
Instant sorores squalidae, sanguinea iactant verbera, 760
fert laeva semustas faces turgentque pallentes genae et vestis atri funeris exesa cingit ilia, strepuntque nocturni nietus et ossa vasti corporis corrupta longiuquo situ palude liniosa iacent.^ et ecce, defessus senex
ad ora ludentes aquas 770
non captat oblitus sitim^ maestus futuro funei-e ; exultat et ponit gradus pater decoros Dardaiius.
lam pervagatus ipse se fregit furor, caditque tlexo qualis ante aras genu cervice taurus vulnus incertuni gerens. relevemus artus. en deos tandem suos victrice lauru cinctus Agamemnon adit, et festa coniunx obvios i!li tulit 780
gressus reditque iancta concordi gradu.
AGAMEMNON
Tandem rt'vcrtor sospes ad patrios lares ; o cara salve terra, tibi tot barbarae
' Leo remarks upon the unintelliyibUity ofU. 766-76S. 62
AGAMEMNON
covering of that dark world, that on Mycenae the shadowy tlirong of Phrygians may look forth. Be- hold, poor souls ; the fates turn backward on them- selves.
'''^ They press on, the squalid sisters, their bloody lashes brandishing ; their left hands half-burned torches bear ; bloated are their pallid cheeks, and dusky robes of death their hollow loins encircle ; the fearsome cries of night resound, and a huge body's bones, rotting with long decay, lie in a slimy marsh. ^ And see ! that spent old man,^ forgetting thirst, no longer catches at the mocking waters, grieving at death ^ to come; but father Dardanus exults and walks along with stately tread.
CHOllUS
Now has her rambling frenzy spent itself, and falls, as before the altar with sinking knees falls the bull, receiving an ill-aimed stroke upon his neck. Let us lift up her body. But lo I at last to his own gods, wreathed with victorious bay, Agamemnon comes ; his wife with joy has gone forth to meet him, and now returns, joining her steps in harmony with his.
[Efiter AOAMKMNON. IJc Iius becii met and greeted by /lis wife, >r/io enters with him and goes on ^ilone into the palace.]
AGAMEMNON
At length am I returned in safety to my father's house. O dear land, hail ! To thee many barbaric
^ If Seneca wrote lines 766-768, he may have had some (lefinile reference in his mind unknown to us, or he may have meant merely to add further gruesome detail to the picture.
- Tantahis.
' i.e. of Agamemnon, great-grand.son of Tantalus.
63
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
dedere gentes spolia^ tibi felix diu
potentis Asiae Troia summisit manus. —
quid ista vates corpus effusa ac tremens
dubia labat cervice ? famuli, attollite,
refovete gelido latice. iam reci{)it diem
marcente visu. suscita sensus tuos !
optatus ille jjortus aerumnis adest. 790
festus dies est.
CASSANDRA
Festus et Troiae fuit.
AGAMEMNON
Veneremur aras.
CASSAN'JRA
Cecidit ante aras pater.
AGAMEMNON
lovem precemur pariter.
CASSANDRA
HerccLim lovem ?
AGAMEMNON
Crcdis videre te Ilium ?
CASSANDRA
^ Et Prianium simul.
AGAMEMNON
Hie Troia non est.
CASSANDRA
Vbi Helena est Troiam puto.
* Cassandra. * See Vergil, Aeti. u. 249.
* It was at tlie altar of Herccan Jove that Priam was slain '^Aen. ii. 512 ff.).
64
AGAMEMNON
nations liave f^iven spoil^ to thee proud Asia's Trov, long blest of heaven^ has yielded. — ^Vhy does the priestess ^ there faint and fall tottering Avith droop- ing head ? Slaves, lift her up, revive her with cool water. Now with languid gaze she again beholds the light. [To cassandra.J Awake to life ! that longed for haven from our woes is here ; this is a festal day,
CASS.\NURA
'Twas festal," too, at Troy.
AGAMEMNON
Let us kneel before the altar.
CASSANDRA
Before the altar my father fell.
AGAMEMNON
To Jove let us i)ray together.
CASSANDRA
Hercean Jove ? ^
AGAMEMNON
Dost think thou lookst on Ilium.''
CASSANDRA
And Priam, too.
AGAMEMNON
Here is not Troy.
CASSANDRA
Where a Helen * is, I think is Troy.
* i.e. an evil, adulterous woman such as Helen. Helen was not in Greece at this time. The reference is obviously to Clytemnestra.
65
VOL. II. F
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
AGAMEMNON
Ne metue dominnm famula.
CASSANDRA
Libertas adest.
AGAMEMNON
Secura vive.
CASSANDRA
Milii mori est securitas.
AGAMEMNON
Nullum est periclum tibimet.
CASSANDRA
At magnum til)i
AGAMEMNON
Victor timere quid potest ?
CA^ANDRA
Quod lion timet.
AGAMEMNON
Hanc fida famuli turba, dum excutiat deum, 800 retinete ne quid impotens peccet furor, at te, pater, qui s;ieva torques fulmina pellisque nubes, sidera et terras regis, ad quern triumphi spolia victores feruut, et te sororem cuncta pollentis viri, Argolica luno, pecore votivo libens Arabumque donis supplice et fibra colam.
* Cassandra is supposed to be still under the influence of Apollo.
66
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON
Fear thou no mistress, though a slave.
CASSANDRA
Freedom is near at hand.
AGAMEMNON
Live on, secure.
CASSANDRA
For me, death is security.
AGAMEMNON
For thee there is naught to fear.
CASSANDRA
But much for thee.
AGAMEMNON
What can a victor fear ?
CASSANDRA
What he doth not fear.
AGAMEMNON
Ye faithful slaves, restrain her till she throw off the god,i lest in her wild frenzy she do some harm. But thee, O father, who the dire thunder hurlest, and driv'st the clouds, who the stars and lands dost rule, to whom in triumph victors bring their spoils; and thee, sister of thine almighty lord, Argolian Juno, gladly with votive flocks, with gifts ^ from Araby, and with suppliant offerings of entrails will I adore.
[Eail into the palace.'^
* Incense. c-r-
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Argos nobilibus nobile civibus, Argos iratae caruni novercaCj semper ingentes alumnos 810
educas, nunierum deorum imparem aequasti. tuus ille bis seno meruit labore adlegi caelo
niagnus AlcideSj cui lege inundi luppiter rupta geminavit horas roscidae noctis iussitqiie Plioebum tardius eeleres agitare currus et tuas lente remeare bigas, pallida Phoebe ; rettulit pedem
nomen alternis stella quae mutat 820
seque mirata est Hesperum did ; Aurora movit ad solitas vices caput et relabeus imposuit seni collum marito. sensit ortus, sensit occasus Herculem nasci ; violentus ille nocte non una poterat creari. tibi concitatus substitit munduSj o puer subiture caelum.
Te sensit Nenieaeus arto pressus lacerto fulmiueus leo 830
cervaque Parrhasis, sensit Arcadii populator agri,
' i.e. to Juno, constantly angered by the children of Jove's mistresses.
2 Farnabius thus explains this curious statement : the deification of Hercules (to which Juno at last consented) added to the number, not of the great gods, who were
68
AGAMEMNON
CHORUS OF ARGIVE WOMEN
O Argos, ennobled by thy noble citizens, Argos, dear to the step-dame though enraged,^ ever mighty sons thou fosterest and hast made even 2 the odd number of the gods. That hero of- thine by his twelve labours earned the right to be chosen for the skies, great Hercules, for whom,^ the world's law broken, Jove doubled the hours of dewy night, bade Phoebus more slowly drive his hastening car, and thy team to turn back with laggard feet, O pale Phoebe. Backward the star turned his steps, the star who changes from name to name,* and marvelled still to be called Hesperus, evening star. Aurora stin*ed at the accustomed hour of dawn, but, sinking back, laid her head and neck upon the breast of her aged hus- band.^ The rising, yea, and the setting of the sun felt the birth of Hercules ; a hero so mighty could not be begotten in a single night. For thee the whirling universe stood still, O boy, destined to mount the skies.
^29 The lightning-swift lion of Nemea felt thy power, crushed by thy straining arms, and the Parrhasian hind, the ravager ^ of Arcady's fields, felt
twelve in number, but of the gods of the second rank (diis communihus), three in number — Mars, Bellona, and Victoria — thus making even the number wliich had been odd.
^ i.e. for his begetting. See Ileir. Fur. 11. 2-1 and 1158.
■* i.e. it is now called Lucifer and now Hesperus, according as it is morning or evening star.
^ Titlionus.
'' The Er^niantiiian boar.
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
gemuitque taurus Dictaea linquens
horridus arva.
morte fecundum domuit draconem
vetuitque collo pereunte nasci,
geminosque fratres
pectore ex uno tria monstra natos
stipite incusso fregit insultans,
duxitque ad oitus Hesperiuni pecus, SIO
Gerj'oiiae spoliuni triformis.
egit Threicium gregem^
quern non Strymonii gramine fluminis
Hebrive ripis pavit tyrannus ;
liospitum dims stabulis cruorem
praebuit saevis tinxitque crudos
ultimus rictus sanguis aurigae.
vidit Hippolyte ferox
pectore e medio rapi
spolium^ et sagittis
iiube percussa Stymplialis alto 850
decidit caelo ;
arborque pom is fertilis aureis
extimuit manus insueta carpi
fugitque iii auras leviore ramo.
auciivit sonitum cre})itante lamua
frigidus custos nescius somni,
linqueret cum iain nemus omne fulvo
plenus Alcides vacuum rnetallo.
tractus ad caelum canis infcrorum
triplici catena tacuit ncc ullo 860
latravit ore,
Incis ignotae metuens colorem.
^ It was the nature of the hydra tliat as each liead was cut off two appeared in its place.
■•^ (jeminoa here = Iriijeminos, referring to the triple-man monster, Geryon.
70
AGAMEMNON
thee, too, and loud bellowed the savage bull, leaving
the fields of Crete. The' hydra, fertile in death, he
overcame and forbade new births from each neck
destroyed;^ the mated- brethren, springing three
monsters from a single bod\', he crushed, leaping on
them with his crashing club, and brought to the
east the western herd, spoil of the three-formed
Geryon. He drove the Thracian herd ^ which the
tyrant fed, not on the grass of the Stryraon or on
the banks of the Hebrus ; cruel, he offered his savage
horses the gore of strangers — and the blood of their
driver'* was the last to stain red their jaws. Warlike
Hippolyte saw the spoil ^ snatched from about her
breast ; and by his shafts down from the riven cloud
from high heaven fell the Stymj^halian bird. The
tree, laden with golden fruit, shrank from his hands,
unused to such plucking, and the bough, relieved of
its burden, sprang into the air. The cold, sleepless
guardian '^ heard the sound of the clinking metal,
only when heavy laden Alcides was leaving the grove
all stripped of its tawny gold. Dragged to the upper
world by triple fetters, the infernal dog was silent,
nor with any mouth did he bay, shrinking from the
hues of unex})erienced light. Under thy leader-
^ The man-eating liorses of Diomedes, tyrant of Thrace. * i.e. Hercules gave Diomedes to his own horses to devour. ^ The famous golden girdle. ' Tiie dragon, set to guard the golden apples.
71
f*
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
te duce succidit
mendax Dardanidae doinus
et sensit arciis iteriim timendos ;
te duce concidit
totidem diebiis Troia quot annis.
CASSANDRA
Res agitur intus magna, par annis decern, eheii quid hoc est ? aninie, consurge et cape pretium furoris — vicimus victi Pliryges ! bene est, resurgit Troia ; traxisti iacens, 870
parens, Mycenas, terga dat victor tuus ! tarn clara numquam providae mentis furor ostendit oculis ; video et intersum et fruor ; imago visus dubia non fallit meos ; spectemus.
Epulae regia instructae domo, quales fuerunt ultimae Phrygibus dapes, celebrantur ; ostro lectus Iliaco nitet merumque in auro veteris Assaraci trahunt. en ipse picta veste sublimis iacet, Priami superbas corpore exuvias gerens. 880
detraliere cultus uxor hostiles iubet, induere potius coniugis fidae manu textos amictus — horreo atque animo tremo ! regennie perimet exul et adulter virum ? venere fiita. sanguinem extremae dapes domini videbunt et cruor Bacclio incidet. mortifera vinctum perfide tradit neci induta vestis ; exitum manibus negant
^ In the time of Laoiiiedon.
^ The arrows of Herculen in the liands of Pliiloctetes assisted in tiie final fall of Troy under Priam.
^ She either stands where she can see the interior of tlie
72
AGAMEMNON
ship fell the lying house ^ of Dardanus and suffered the arrows, once again ~ to be feared ; under thy leadership in as many days Troy fell as it took years thereafter.
CASSANDHA [cilone upon the stage] ^
A great deed is done within, a match for ten years of war. Ah ! What is this ? Rise up, my soul, and take the reward of thy madness — we are conquerors, we conquered Phrygians ! 'Tis well ! Troy has risen again I In thy fall, O father, thou hast dragged down Mycenae ; thy conqueror gives way ! Never before did my mind's prophetic frenzy give sight to mine eyes so clear ; I see, I am in the midst of it, I revel in it; 'tis no doubtful image cheats my sight; let me gaze my fill.
^"^ A feast is spread within the royal house and thronged with guests, like that last banquet of the Phr}'gians ; the couches gleam with Trojan purple, and their wine they quaff' from the golden cups of old Assaracus. Lo, he himself* in broidered vest- ments lies on lofty couch, weai-ing on his body the proud spoils of Priam. His wife bids him doff the raiment of his foe and don instead a mantle her own fond hands have woven — I shudder and my soul trembles at the sight ! Shall an exile ^ slay a king } an adulterer^ the husband? The fatal hour has come. The banquet's close shall see the master's blood, and gore shall fall into the wine. The deadly mantle he has put on delivers him bound treacher- ously to his doom ; the loose, impenetrable folds
palace, and describes what is going on within, or else she sees it by clairvoyant power.
* Agamemnon. * Aegisthus.
7S
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
caputque laxi et invii claudunt sinus, haurit trementi semivir dextra latus, 890
nee penitus egit ; vulnere in medio stupet. at ille, ut altis hispidus silvis aper cum casse vinctus temptat egressus tamen artatque motu vincla et in cassum furit, — ■ cupit fluentes undique et caecos sinus disicere et hostem quaerit implicitus suum. armat bipenni Tyndaris dextram furens, qualisque ad aras coUa taurorum popa designat oculis antequani ferro petat, sic hue et illue impiam librat manum. 900
habet ! peractum est ! pendet exigua male caput amputatum parte et hinc trunco cruor exundat, illic ora cum fremitu iacent. nondum recedunt ; ille iam exanimem petit laceratque corpus, ilia fodientem adiuvat. uterque tanto scelere respondet suis — est hie Thyeste natus, haee Helenae soror. stat ecee Titan dubius emerito die, i suane currat an Tiivestea via.
u
ELF.CTHA
Fuge, o paternae mortis auxilium unicum, 910
fuge et scelestas hostium vita manus. eversa domus est funditus, regna occidunt.
Hospes quis iste concitos currus agit .'' germane, vultus veste furabor tuos.
1 i.e. Clytemnestra, daughter of Tyndareiis. ^ i.e. the wound. The formula is taken from the gladia- torial contests.
74
AGAMEMNON
refuse outlet to his hands and enshroud his head. With trembling right hand the lialf-nian stabs at his side, but hath not driven deep; in mid stroke he stands as one amazed. But he, as in the deep woods a bristling boar, though with the net entangled, still tries for freedom, and by his struggling draws elose his bonds and rages all in vain, — he strives to throw off the blinding folds all around him floating, and, though closely enmeshed, seeks for his foe. Now I'vndaris ^ in mad rage snatches a two-edged axe and, as at the altar the priest marks with his eye the oxen's necks before he strikes, so, now here, now there, her impious hand she aims. He has it ! ^ the deed is done ! The scarce severed head hangs by a slender part ; here blood streams o'er his headless trunk, there lie his moaning lips. And not yet do they give o'er ; he attacks the already lifeless man, and keeps hacking at the corpse ; she helps him in the stabbing. Each one in this dire crime answers to his own kin — he is Thyestes* son, she, Helen's sister. See, Titan, the day's work done, stands hesitant whether his own or Thyestes' ^ course to run.
[Remains beside the altar.
[Kjiler ELEcTiiA, leading her young brother, orestes.]
Fly, O sole avenger of our father's death, fly and escape our enemies' miscreant hands. O'erthrown is our house to its foundations, our kingdom fallen.
^^•^ But who is yonder stranger, driving his chariot at speed ? Come brother, I will hide thee 'neath my
^ i.e. backward as on the occasion of Thyestes' banquet on his own sons.
75
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA quid, anime demens, refugis ? externos times ? domus timenda est. pone iam trepidos metus, Oresta ; araici fida praesidia intuor.
STROPHIVS
Phocide relicta Strophius Elea inclutus pal ma revertor. causa veniendi fuit gratari amicOj cuius impulsum manu 920
cecidit decenni Marte concussuin Ilium, quaenani ista lacrimis lugubrem vultum rigat pavetque maesta ? regium agnosco genus. Electra ! Hetus causa quae laeta in domo est ?
ELECTRA
Pater peremptus scelere materno iacet, comes patei-nae quaeritur natus neci, Aegisthus arces Venere quaesitas tenet.
STROPHIVS
O nulla longi temporis felicitas '
ELECTRA
Per te parentis memoriam obtestor mei, per sceptra terris nota, per dubios deos ; 930
recipe hunc Oresten ac pium furtum occule.
76
AGAMEMNON
robe. Why, foolish heart, dost tlioii shrink away ? Strangers dost fear? 'Tis our liome that must be feared. Put away now thy trembling dread, Orestes ; the trusty protection of a friend I see.
[Enter strophius in a chariot, accompanied by his son
PYLADES.] STROPHIUS
I, Strophius, had Phocis left, and now am home returning, made glorious by the Elean palm. The cause of my coming hither was to congratulate my friend, o'erthrown by whose hand and crushed by ten years of w^ar has Ilium fallen. \He notices electra's distress.^ But who is that yonder, watering her sad face with tears, fear-struck and sorrowful ? One of the royal house I recognize. Electra ! What cause of weeping can be in this glad house ?
My father lies murdered by my mother's crime ; they seek the son to share in his father's death ; Aegisthus holds the throne by guilty love secured.
STROPHIUS
Alas ! no happiness is of lengthened stay.
ELECTRA
By the memory of my father I beseech thee, by his sceptre known to all the world, by the fickle gods : ^ take this boy, Orestes, and hide the holy theft.
^ Who may bring quick downfall to thee also.
77
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Etsi timendum caesus Agamenanon docet, aggrediar et te, Oresta, ftirabor libens. fidem secunda poscunt, adversa esigunt.^ cape hoc decoriun ladicri certaminis, insigne frontis ; laeva victricem tenens frondem virenti protegat ramo capat, et ista donum palma Pisaei lovis velamen eadem praestet atqiie omen tibi. tuque o pateriiis assideos frenis comes, 9^
condisce,. Pvlade, patris eseuaplo fidem. vos Graecia nunc teste veloces eqai infida eursu /agite praecipiti lo^a.
iXECTRA
Excessit, abiitj cumis effireno impetu effugit aciem. tuta iam opperiar meoS hostes et ultro vulneri opponam caput.
Adest craenta coniugis victrix sui et signa caedis veste maculata gerit. manus recenti sanguine etianmunc madent vTiltusque prae se scelera tmicolenti ferunt. 950
concedam ad aras. patere me vittis tuis, Cassandra, iangi paria metuentem tibi.
CL\TAE5PIESTHA
Hostis parentiSj irapium atque aodax caput, quo more coetias pablicos virgo petis r
* Zeo deletes £&*s ?«»«, /o/Joidii^ Puiper.
' Of alira. ' Of pakn. * In the Oljnpie gamfa.. 7S
AGAMEMNON
STROPHIUS
Although murdered Agamemnon warns me to beware, I will brave the danger and gladly, Orestes, will I steal thee off. Good fortune asks for faith, adversity demands it. yFakes orestes into the ckaiiol.^ Take thou this crown,^ won in the games, as an orna- ment for thv head, and. holding this victor's bough - in thy left hand, shield thv face v/ith its great branch, and may that palm, the gift of Pisaean Jove, afford thee at once a covering and an omen. And do thou, Pylades, who standest as comrade to guide thy father's car, learn faith from the exam{)le of thy sire. And now, do you, my horses, whose speed all Greece has seen,^ flee from this treacherous place in head- long flight. [Exeunt at great speed.
ELECTRA ]Jooking after them]
He has departed, gone, his car at a reckless pace has vanished from my sight. Now free from care shall I await my foes, and willingly oppose myself to death. [She sees clytemnestka approaching.^
^^"^ Here is the bloody conqueror of her lord, with the signs of murder on her blood-stained robe. Her hands are still reeking with blood fresh-spilled, and her savage features bear tokens of her crime. I'll take me to the altar. Let me be joined, Cassandra, with thy fillets,^ since I fear like doom with thee. [Enter clytemnestka.]
CLYTEMNESTRA
Foe of thy mother, unfilial and froward girl, by what custom dost thou, a maid, seek public gatherings .''
* i.e. let me join her who with the sacred fillets on her head has taken refuge at the altar.
79
TrIE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ELECTUA
Adulterorum virgo deserui domum.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Quis esse credat virginem ?
ELECTRA
Natam tuam ?
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Modestius cum matre !
ELECTRA
Pietatem doces ?
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Animos viriles corde tumefacto geris sed agere domita feminam disces malo.
ELECTRA
Nisi forte fall or, feminas ferrum decet. 960
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Et esse deniens te parem nobis putas ?
ELECTRA
Vobis ? quis iste est alter Agamemnon tuns ? ut vidua loquere ; vir caret vita tuus.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Indomita posthac virginis verba impiae rcgina frangam ; citius interea mihi edissere ubi sit natus^ ubi frater tuus.
80
AGAMEMNON
ELECTRA
Because 1 am a maid have I left the adulterers' home.
CLYTEMNESTRA
Who would believe thee maid ?
ELECTRA
A child of thine ? ^
CLYTEMNESTRA
More gently with thy mother !
ELECTRA
Dost thou teach piety ?
CLYTEMNESTRA
Thou hast a mannish soul, a heart puffed up ; but, tamed by suffering, shalt thou learn to play a woman's part.
ELECTRA
If perchance, I mistake not, a sword befits a woman.
CLYTEMNESTRA
And thinkest thou, mad one, thou art a match for us ?
ELECTRA
For you ? What other Agamemnon is that of thine ? Speak thou as widow ; lifeless is thy lord.
CLYTEMNESTRA
The unbridled tongue of an unfilial girl hereafter as queen Til check ; meanwhile be quick and tell where is my son, where is thy brother.
^ i.e. surely no one, since I am thy cliild.
81
VOL. II. O
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ELECTRA
Extra Mycenas.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Redde nunc natura mihi.
ELECTRA
Et tu parentem redde.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Quo latitat loco ?
Tuto quietus, regna non metuens nova ; iustae parenti satis.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
At iratae parum. 970
morieris hodie.
ELECTRA
Dumniodo hac moriar manu. reccdo ab aris. sive te iugulo iuvat inersisse ferrum, praebeo iugulum tibi ; seu more pecudum colla resecari j)lacet, intenta cervix vulnus expectat tuum. scelus paratum est; caede rcspersam viri atque obsoletam sanguine hoc dextrani abluc.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Censors pericli pariter ac regui mei, Acgisthe, gradere. nata genetricem impie probris lacessit, occulit fratrem abditum. 980
82
AGAMEMNON
ELECTRA
Far from Mycenae.
CLYTEMNESTRA
Restore nie now my son.
ELECTRA
And do thou restore my father.
CLYTEMNESTRA
Where does lie hide ?
In peace and safety, where he fears no new-made king; for a righteous mother 'tis enough.
CLYTEMNESTRA
But too Httle for an angry one. Thou slialt die this day.
ELECTRA
So but it be by this hand of thine. I leave the altar. If 'tis thy pleasure in my throat to plunge the sword, I offer my throat to thee ; or if, as men smite sheep, thou wouldst cut off my neck, my bent neck waits thy stroke. The crime is ready ; thy right hand, smeared and rank with a husband's slaughter, purge with this blood of mine.
\_Enler aegistiius.]
CLYTEMNESTRA
Thou partner equally in my perils and my throne, Aegisthus, come. My child undutifully insults her mother, and keeps her brother hidden.
83 G 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
^ AEGISTHVS
Fuvibunda virgo^ vocis infandae sonum et aure verba indigna materna opprime.
ELECTRA
Etiani monebit sceleris infandi artifex, per scelera natiis, nomen ambiguum siiis, idem sororis natus et patris nejjos ?
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Aegisthe, cessas impium ferro caput demetere ? fratrem reddat aut animam statim.
AEGISTHVS
Abstrusa caeco careere et saxo exigat aevum, et per omnes torta poenarum modos referre quern nunc occulit forsan volet. 990
inops egens inclusa, paedore obruta, vidua ante thalamos^ exul^ invisa omnibus aethere negato sero subcumbet malis.
ELECTRA
Concede mortem.
AEGISTHVS
Si recusai-es, darem. rudis est tyrannus morte qui poenam exigit.
ELECTRA
Mortem aliquid ultra est ? 84
AGAMEMNON
AEGISTHUS
Mad gill, hold thy impious tongue, and speak not words unworthy thy mother's ears.
Shall he e'en give instructions, the worker of an impious crime, one criminall}- begot, wliom even his own parents cannot name, son of his sister, grandson of his sire ?
CLYTEMNESTRA
Acgisthus, why dost hesitate to strike off her wicked head with the sword ? Let her at once give up her brother or her life.
AEGISTHUS
Mured in a dark, rocky dungeon shall she spend her life and, by all kinds of tortures racked, perchance she will consent to give back him she now conceals. Resourceless, starving, in prison pent, buried in filth, widowed ere wedded, in exile, scorned by all, denied the light of day, then will she, though too late, yield to her doom.
ELECTRA
Oh, grant me death.
AEGISTHUS
Shouldst plead against, I'd grant. An unskilled tyrant he who punishes by death.
ELECTRA
Is aught worse than death .''
85
THE TRAGEDIES OF SP:NECA
AEGISTHVS
Vita^ si cupias mod. abripite, famuli, monstviim et avectam procul ultra Mycenas ultimo in regni angulo vincite saeptam nocte tenebrosi specus, ut inquietam virginem career domet. 1000
CLVTAEMNESTRA
At ista poenas capite persolvet suo captiva coniunx, regii paelex tori, trahite, ut-sequatur coniugem ereptum niihi.
CASSANDRA
Ne trahite, vestros ipsa praecedam gradus. perferre prima nuntium Phrygibus meis propero — repletum ratibus eversis mare, captas Mycenas, mille ductorem ducum, ut paria fata Troicis lueret malis, perisse dono feminae — stupro, dolo. nihil moramur, rapite, quin grates ago. lOlU
iam, iam iuvat vixisse post Troiam, iuvat.
CLYTAEMNESTRA
Furiosa, morere.
CASSANDRA
Veniet et vobis furor.
86
AGAMEMNON
A EG I ST H us
Yes, life, if thou longest to die. Away, ye slaves, with this unnatural girl ; far from Mycenae bear her, and in the remotest corner of the realm cliain her immured in tlie black darkness of a cell, that prison walls may curb the unmanageable maid, [electra is dragged awai/.^
CLYTEMNESTRA [indicating cassandka]
But she shall pay her penalty with death, that captive bride, that mistress of the royal bed. Drag her away, that she may follow the husband whom she stole from me.
CASSANDRA
Nay, drag me not, I will precede your going. I hasten to be first to bear news unto mv Phrygians — of the sea covered with the wrecks of ships, of Mycenae taken, of the leader of a thousand leaders (that so he might meet doom equal to Troy's woes) slain by a woman's gift — by adultery, by guile. Take me away ; I hold not back, but rather give you thanks. Now, now 'tis sweet to have outlived Troy, 'tis sweet.
CLVTEMNESTRA
Mad creature, thou shalt die.
CASSANDRA
On you, as well, a madness is to come.'
^ Referring to the madness of Orestes, wlio is later to slay both Aegisthus and Clyteninestra.
87
THYESTES
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Thyestes, brother of Atreus, in exile from his fatherland.
The Ghost of Tantalus, doomed for his sina to come hack to earth and inspire his house to greater sin.
The Fdry, who drives the ghost on to do his allotted part,
Atreus, ling of Argos, grandson of Tantalus, who has quarrelled with his brother and driven him into exile.
An Attendant of Atreus.
Three Sons of Thyestes, Tantalus, PUdhtnes, and another, only one of whom, Tantalus, tabs part in the dialogue.
A Messenger.
Chorus, Citizens of ifyrenae.
The Scene is laid partly without the city of Ai-gos, and partly within the royal palace.
ARGUMENT
Pei-ops, llie son of Tantalus, had hanished his sons for the murder of their half-brother, Chrysippns, with a curse upon them, that they and their posterity might perish by each others' hands. Upon the death of Pelops, Atreus returned and took possession of his father's throne. Thi/estes, also, claimed the throne, and sought to gain it by the foulest means. For he seduced his brother s wife, Aerope, and stole by her assistance the magical, gold-fleeced ram from Atreus" jlocks, upon the possession of ivhich the light to rule was said to rest. For this act he was banished by the king.
But Atreus has long been meditating a more complete revenge upon his brother ; and now in pretended friend- ship has recalled him from banishment, offering him a place beside himself itpon the throne, that thus he may have Tliyestes entirely in his j}0wer.
THYESTES
TANTALI VMBRA
Quis inferorum sede ab infausta extrahit avido fugaces ore captantem cibos, quis male deoruni Tantalo vivas ^ domos ostendit iteruni ? peius inventum est siti arente in iindis aliquid et peius fame hiante semper ? Sisyphi numquid lapis gestandus umeris lubricus nostris venit aut membra celeri difFerens cursu rota, aut poena Tityi qui specu vasto patens visceribus atras pascit efFossis aves 10
et noete reparans quidquid amisit die plenum recenti pabulum monstro iacet ? in quod malum transcriber ? o quisquis nova supplicia functis durus umbrarum arbiter disponis, addi si quid ad poenas potest quod ipse custos cai'ceris diri horreat, quod maestus Acheron paveat, ad cuius metum nos quoque trcmamus, quaere, iam nostra subit e stirpe turba quae suum vincat genus ac me innocentem faciat et inausa audeat. 20
regione quidquid impia cessat loci complebo ; numquam stante Pelopea domo Minos vacabit.
^ So A : Leo visas, with E : invisas N. Ileinsius. 92
THYESTES
THE GHOST OF TANTALUS
Who from the accursed regions of the dead haleth ine forth, snat(;hing at food which ever fleeth from my hungry lips ? What god for his undoing slioweth again to Tantalus the abodes of the living ? Hath somethings worse been found than parching thirst midst water, worse than ever-gaping hunger ? Cometh the slippery stone of Sisyphus to be borne upon my shoulders ? or the v.'heel ^ stretching apart my limbs in its swift round ? or Tityus' pangs, who, stretched in a huge cavern, with torn out vitals feeds the dusky birds and, by night renewing whate'er he lost by day, lies an undiminished banquet for new monsters ? To what new suffering am I shifted ? O whoe'er thou art, harsh judge of shades, who dost allot fresh pun- ishments to the dead, if aught can be added to my sufferings whereat e'en the guardian of our dread prison-house would quake, whereat sad Acheron would be seized with dread, with fear whereof I, too, should tremble, seek thou it out. Now from my seed a multitude is coming up whicli its own race shall ouF-do, Avhich shall make me seem innocent, and dare things yet undared. Whatever space is still empty in the unlioly realm, I " shall fill up ; never, while Pelops' house is standing, will Minos ^ be at rest.
^ Of Ixioa. 2 i.e. with my descendants.
•* A judge in Hades.
93
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
FVRIA
Perge, detestabilis umbra, et penates impios furiis age. certetur omni scelere et alterna vice string;vtur ensis ; ne sit irarum modus pudorve, mentes caecus instiget furor, rabies parentum duret et longnm nefas eat in nepotes ; nee vacet cuiquam vetus odisse crimen — semper oriatur novum, 80
nee unura in uno, dumque punitur seel us, crescat. superl)is fratribus regna excidant repetantque profugos ; dubia violentae domus fortuna reges inter incertos labet ; miser ex potente fiat, ex misero potens fluctuque regnum casus assiduo ferat. ob scelera pulsi, cum dabit patriam deus in scelera redeant, sintque tarn invisi omnibus, quam sibi ; nihil sit ira quod vetitum putet : fratrem expavescat frater et natum parens 40
natusque patrem, liberi pereant male, peius tamen nascantur ; immineat viro infesta coniunx, bella trans pontura vehant, effusus omnes irriget terras cruor, supraque magnos gentium exultet duces Libido victrix. impia stuprum in domo levissimum sit ; fratris et fas et fides iusque omne pereat. non sit a vesti-is malis immune caelum — cur micant stellae polo flammaeque servant debitum mundo decus ? 50
^ Let the brothers, Atreiis and Thyestes, reign, fall, be exiled and recalled, each in turn. In the present case Atreus
94
THYESTES
THE FURY
Onward, damned shade, and goad thy sinful house to madness. Let there be rivalry in guilt of every kind ; let the sword be dr.nvn on this side and on that; let their passions know no bounds, no shame;'' let blind fury prick on their souls ; heartless be , parents' rage, and to children's children let the long / trail of sin lead down ; let time be given to none to hate old sins — ever let new arise, many in one, and let crime, e'en midst its piinishment, increase. From haughty brothers' hands let kingdomsHTall, and in turn let them call back the fugitives ; ^ let the waver- ing fortune of a home of violence midst changing kings totter to its fall ; from power to wretchedness, from wretchedness to power — may this befall, and may chance with her ever-restless waves bear the kingdom on. For crimes' sake exiled, when God sliall bring them home, to crime may they return, and may they be as hateful to all men as to them- selves; let tliere be naught which passion deems un- allowed ; let brother brother fear, father fear son, and son father ; let children vilely perish and be yet more vilely born ; let a murderous wife lift hand against her husband, let wars pass over sea, let streaming blood drench every land, and over the mighty chiefs of earth let Lust exult, triumphant. In this sin-stained house let shameful defilement be a trivial thing ; let fraternal sanctity and faith and every right be trampled under foot. By our sins let ,\>' not heaven be untainted — why do the stars glitter in the sky ? Why do their fires preserve the glory due the world ? Let the face of night be changed, let
is on the throne, and Thyestes, who has been exiled, is recalled.
95
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
nox alia fiat, excidat caelo dies, misce penates, odia caedes funera arcesse et imple Tantalo totam domum.^ Ornetur altum columen et lauro fores laetae virescantj dignus adventu tuo splendescat ignis — Thracium fiat nefas inaiore numero. dextra cur patrui vacat ? nondum Thyestes liberos deflet suos — et quando toilet ? ignibus iam subditis spument aena, membra per partes eant 6o
discerpta, patrios polluat sanguis focos, epulae instruantur — non novi sceleris tibi conviva venies. liberum dedimus diem tuamque ad istas solvimus mensas famem ; ieiunia exple, mixtus in Bacchum cruor spectante te potetur ; inveni dapes quas ipse fugeres — siste, quo praeceps ruis ?
TANTALI VMBRA
Ad stagna et amnes et recedentes aquas labrisque ab ipsis arboris plenae fugas. abire in atrum carceris liceat mei 70
cubile, liceat, si parum videor miser, mutare ripas ; alveo medius tuo, Phlegethon, relinquar igneo cinctus freto.
Quicumque poenas lege fatorum datas pati iuberis, quisquis exeso iaces pavidus sub antro iamque venturi times montis ruinam, quisquis avidorum feros rictus leonum et dira Furiarum agmina
^ imple scelere Tantaleam doimnn A.
^ Procne and her wronged sister, Philomela, served up Itys as a banquet to his father, Tereus, king of Thrace. ■^ i.e. with the murder of three sons instead of one.
96
THYESTES
day foil from heaven. Embroil thy household gods, ' summon up hatred, slaughter, death, and till the ^ whole house with 'rantalus.
^* Adorn the lofty pillar and with laurel let the festal doors be green ; let torches worthy of thine approach shine forth — then let the Thvacian crime ^ be done with greater number." Why is the uncle's^ liand inactive ? Not yet does Thyestes bewail his sons — and when will he lift his hand ? Now set o'er the flames let cauldrons foam ; let the rent members one by one pass in ; let the ancestral hearth be stained with blood, let the feast be spread — to no novel feast of crime * wilt come as banqueter. To-day have we 'H-y, made thee free, have loosed thy hunger to the banquet ', yonder ; go, feed full thy fasting, and let blood, with wine commingled, be drunk before thine eyes. I 1 have found feast which thou thyself wouldst flee — but stay! Whither dost headlong rush.'* ^
GHOST OF TANTALUS
Back to my pools and streams and fleeing waters, i back to the laden tree Avhich shuns my very lips. Let me return to the black couch of my prison-house ; let it be min^,^ if I seem too little Avretched, to change my stream;' in thy bed's midst, O Phlegethon, let ' me be left, hemmed round with waves of fire.
"^■i W'hoe'er thou art, by the fates' law bidden to suffer allotted punishment ; whoe'er liest quaking beneath the hollowed rock, and fearcst the downfall of the mountainous mass even now coming on thee ; ' whoe'er shudderest at the fierce gaping of greedy lions, and, entangled in their toils, dost shudder at
' i.e. Atreus. * See Index x.v. Pclo])s.
^ A common conception of punishment in Hades. See Vergil, Aen. vi. 601.
97
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
implicitus horres, quisquis immissas faces
semiustus abigis, Tantali vocem excipe 80
properantis ad vos : credite experto mihi,
amate poenas. quando continget mihi
efFugere supei'os?
FVRIA
Ante perturba domum inferque tecum ])roelia et ferri malum reffibus amorem, concute insano ferum
o ' ..,^^
pectus tumultu. '
*"^ TANTALI VMBRA
Me pati poenas decet, non esse poenaxu. mittor ut dirus vapor tellure rupta vel gravem populis luem sparsura pestis^ ducam in horrendum nefas avus nepotes. magne divorum parens 90
nosterque, quamvis pudeat, ingenti licet taxata poena lingua crucietur loquax, nee hoc tacebo ; moneo, ne sacra ^ manus violate caede neve furiali malo aspergite aras. stabo et arcebo scelus — Quid ora terres verbere et tortos ferox minaris angues ? quid famem infixam intimis r-agitas medulHs? llagrat incensum siti j cor et perustis flanima visceribus micat — j sequor.2 100
FVRIA
Hunc, hunc furovem divide in totam domum ! sic, sic fcrantur et suum infensi invicem sitiant cruorem. sentit introitus tuos
1 So A : Leo sacras. - Leo deletes this ivord.
98
THYESTES
the dread ranks of furies ; whoe'er^ half burned, shunnest their threatening torches, hear ye the words of Tantalus now hasting to you : believe me who know, and love your punishments. Oh, when shall l/<^ it fall to meTo escape the upper world ? [
THK FURY
First throw thy house into confusion dire, bring strife with thee, bring lust for the sword, an evil thing for rulers, and rouse to mad passion the savage breast.
GHOST OF TANTALUS
'Tis meet for me to suffer punishments, not be a ))unishnient. I am sent as some deadly exhalation from the riven earth, or as a pestilence, spreading grievous plague among the people, that I a grandsire may lead my grandsons into fearful crime. O mighty sire of gods, my father, too, however to thy shame I say it. though to cruel punishment my tattling tongue be doomed, I will not hold my peace ; I warn ye, de- file not your hands with accursed slaughter, nor stain your altars with a madman's crime. Here will I stand and prevent the evil deed. [To the fury.] Why r with thy sc-our^e dost fright mine eyes, and fiercely . uf threaten with thy wTJthing snakes? Why deep in"\ my inmost marrow dost rouse hunger pains ? M^ Hieart is parched with burning thirst, and in my '. scorched vitals the fire is darting — I follow thee. _
^
THE FURY
This, this very rage of thine distribute throughout thy house ! So, e'en as thou, may they be driven on, raging to quem-Xi^ their thirst each in the other's ^^^ blood. Thy house feels thy near approach, and has
99
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
domus et nefando tota contactu honuit. actum est abiinde ! gradere ad infernos specus amnemque notum ; iam tuum inaestae pedem terrae gravantur. cernis ut fontes liquor i_introrsus actus linquat, ut ripae vacent ventusque raras igneus nubes ferat ? pallescit omnis arbor ac nudus stetit 1 10
fugiente pomo ramus, et qua fluctibus ilbnc propinquis Isthmos atque illinc fremit vicina gracili dividens terra vada, longe remotos litus exaudit sonos. iam Lerna retro cessit et Phoronides latuere venae nee suas profert sacer Alpheos undas et Cithaeronis iuga stant parte nulla cana deposita nive timentque veterem nobiles Argi sitim. en ipse Titan dubitat an iubeat sequi 120
cogatque habenis ire periturum diem.
CHORVS
Argos de superis si quis Achaicum Pisaeasque domos curribus inclitas, Isthmi si quis amat regna Corintliii ^et portus gemiuos et mare dissidens, si quis Taygeti conspicuas nives, quas cum Sarmaticus tempore frigido in sumniis Boreas composuit iugis, aestas veliferis solvit Etesiis, quem tangit gelido flumine lucidus 130
Alpheos, studio notus Olympico, advertat placidum numen et arceat, alternae scelerum ne redcant vices nee succedat avo deterior nepos
100
C sT- THYESTES
A vt
^fCjishriink in utter liorror from tliine accursed touch.
^ Enough ! more than enough ! Go thou to the infernal caves and well-known stream ; now is the grieving earth weary of thy presence. Seest thou how the ,watcr, di'iven far witliin, deserts the springs, how /river banks are empty, how the fiery wind drives / away the scattered clouds ? Every tree grows pale, and from the bare branches the fruit has fled ; and where this side and that the Isthmus is wont to roar Avith neighbouring waves, dividing near seas with narrow neck of land, the shore but faintly hears the far oft' sound. Now Lerna lias shrunk back, the ■■'*^- Phoronean stream ^ has disappeared, the sacred Al- pheus no longer bears his waters on, Cithaeron's heights have lost their snows and nowhere stand hoary now, and the lordly Argos fears its ancient drought.- Lo ! Titan himself stands doubtful whether to bid dav follow on, and, plying the reins, compel it to come forth to its undoing.
CHORUS If any god loves Achaian Argos and Pisa's homes '"/'»^-« renowned for chariots ; if any loves Corinthian ^ Isthmus' realm,, its twin harbours,' its dissevered sea ; if any, the far-seen snows of Mount Taj^getus, snows which, when in winter-time the Sarmatian blasts have laid them on the heights, the summer with its sail-filling PLtesian breezes melts away; if any is moved by the cool, clear stream of Alpheus, famed for its Olympic course — let him his kindly godhead hither turn, let him forbid the recurrent waves of crime to come again, forbid that on his grandsire follow a worse grandson, and greater crime
^ i.e. the river Inaclius.
' i.e. in the time of Phaethon.
101
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
et maior placeat culpa minoribus.
tandem lassa feros exuat impetus
sicci progenies impia Tantali.
peccatum satis est ; fas valuit niliil
aut commune nefas. proditus occidit
deceptor domini Myrtilus, et fide 140
vectus qua tulerat nobile reddidit
mutiito pelagus nomine ; notior
nulla est loniis fabula navibus.
exceptus gladio parvulus impio
dum currit patrium natus ad osculum,
immatura focis victima concidit
divisusque tua est, Tantale, dextera,
mensas ut strueres liospitibus deis.
lies aeterna fames persequitur cibos,
hos aeterna sitis ; nee dapibus feris 150
decerni potuit poena decentior.
Stat lassus vacuo gutture Tantalus ; impendet capiti plurima noxio Phineis avibus jiraeda fugacior ; hinc illinc gravidis frondibus incubat et curvata suis fetibus ac tremens alludit patulis arbor hiatibus. haec, quamvis avidus nee patiens morae, deceptus totiens tangere neglegit obliquatque oculos oraque comprimit l60
inclusisque famem dentibus alligat. sed tunc divitias omne nemus suas demittit propius pomaque desuper insultant foliis mitia languidis accenduntque famem, quae iubet irritas
^ A retention of the rhetorical element in this line results in an obscurity impossible to avoid in English. 1'iie meaning is : Let not the descendants (77iinoribus) do worse sin than their ancestor.
102
THYESTES
please lesser men.^ Wearied at last, may the impious race of thirsty Tantalus give o'er its lust for savagery. Enough sin has been wrought ; nothing has right availed, or general wrong. Himself betrayed, fell Myrtilus, beti-ayer of his lord, and, dragged down by the faith which he had shown, he made a sea ^ famous by its change of name ; to Ionian ships no tale is better known. While the little son^ ran to i his father's kiss, welcomed by sinful sword, he fell, ' an untimely victim at the hearth, and by thy right hand was carved, O Tan_tdus, that thou mightest spread a banquet for the gods, thy guests. Such food eternal hunger, such eternal thirst pursues ; ^ i, nor for such bestial viands could have been met^ed penalty more fit. _'' >-'-'- >
1^'- Weary, with empty throat,^ stands Tantalus ; \^ 4' above his guilty head" hmigs- food in plenty, than i Phineus''* birds more elusive ; /mi either side, with laden boughs, a tree leans over him and, bending and trembling 'neath its weight of fruit, makes sport with his wide-straining jaws. The prize, though he is eager and impatient of delay, deceived so oft, he tries no more to touch, turns away his eyes, shuts tight his lips, and behind clenched teeth he bars his Ininger. But then the whole grove lets its riches down nearer still, and the mellow fruits above his head mock him with drooping boughs and whet again the hunger, which bids him ply his hands in
* The Myrtoan sea, that portion of the Aegean south of Euboea. The name is here fancifully derived from Myrtilus. For the whole incident see Index.
* Pelopa. * The Harpies.
103
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
exercere mauus. has ubi protulit
et falli libuit, totus in arduum
autumnus rapitui* silvaque mobilis.
instat deinde sitis non levior fame ;
qua cum percaluit sanguis et igneis 170
exarsit facibus, stat miser obvios
fluctus ore petens, quos profugus latex
avertit sterili deficiens vado
conantemque sequi deserit ; hie bibit
altum de rapido gurgite pulverem.
ATHEVS
Ignave, iners^ enervis et (quod maximum probrum tyranno rebus in summis reor) inulte, ]wst tot scelera, post fratris dolos i'asque omne ru})tum questibus vanis agis iratus Atreus ? fremere lam totus tuis 180
debebat armis orbis et geminum mare utrimque classes agere, iam flammis agi-os lucere et urbes decuit ac strictum undicjue micare ferrum. tota sub nostro sonet Argolica tellus equite ; non silvae tegaiit hostem nee altis montium structae iugis arces ; relictis bellicum totus canat populus Mycenis, quisquis invisum caput tegit ac tuetur, clade funesta occidat. haec ipsa ])ollens incliti Peloj)is domus 190
ruat vel in me, dunmiodo in tratrem ruat. age, anime, fac quod nulla posteritas probet, sed nulla tace.it. aliquod audendum est nefas atrox, cruentum, tale quod f'rater meus suum esse mallet, scelera non ulcisceris, nisi vincis. et quid esse tarn saevum potest
^ Not beoanse he failed, but because he ahnost succeeded. 104
THYESTES
vain. When he has stretched these fovtli and gladly ^ " has been batHed, tlie whole ripe harvest of the bending woods is snatched far out of reach. Then comes a raging tliijst, harder to bear than hunger; when by this his blood has grown hot and glowed as with fiery torches, the poor wretch stands catching at waves that seem to apf)roach his lips ; but these the elusive water turns aside, fuilijig in meagre shallows, -C and leaves him utterly, striving to pursue; then deep from the whirling stream he drinks — but dust. ^,+1
n<^fl. ATUEUs [/« soli/oqiii/]
O undaring, unskilled, unnerved, and (what in high matters I deem a king's worst reproach) yet unavenged, after so many crimes, after a brother's treacheries, and all right broken dov.n, in idle com- j)laints dost busy thyself — a mere_ wr.yLthful Atreus ? By now sliould the whole world be resounding with thy arms, on either side thy fleets be harrying both seas ; by now should fields and cities be aglow with flames and the drawn sword be gleaming evervwhere. Let the whole land of Argolis resound with our horses' tre;id ; let no forests shelter my enemy, nor citadels, built on I;ig!i mountain tops ; let the whole nation leave Mycenae and sound the trump of war ; and whoso hides and protects that hateful head, let 1 him die a grievous death. This mighty palace itself, ^^'x*- j illustrious Pelops' house, may it e'en fall on me, if Ijonly on my brother, too, it;, fall. Up! my soul, do jwlat no coming age shall approve, but none forget. I must dare some crime, atrocious, bloodv, such as mv brother would more wish were In's. Crimes thou dost not avenge, save as thou dost surpass them. And what crime can be so dire as to overtop his sin ?
105
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
quod siiperet ilium ? numquid abiectus iacet ?
uumquid secundis patitur in rebus modum,
fessis quietem ? novi ego ingenium viri
indocile ; flecti non potest — frangi potest. 200
proinde antequam se firmat aut vires parat,
petatur ultro, ne quiescentem petat.
aut perdet aut peribit ; in medio est scelus
positum occiipanti.
adversa terret ?
SATELLES
Fama te populi nihil
Maximum hoc regni bonum est, (juod facta domini cogitur populus sui tarn ferre quam laudare.
Quos cogit metus laudare, eosdem reddit inimicos metus. at qui favoris gloriam veri petit, animo magis quam voce laudari volet. 210
ATREVS
Laus vera et humili saepe contingit viro, non nisi potenti falsa, quod nolunt velint.
SATEI.LES
Rex velit honesta : nemo non eadem volet.
ATHEVS
Vbicumque tantum honesta dominanti licent, precario regnatur. 106
THYESTES
Does he lie downcast ? Does he in prosperity endure control, rest in (Kfeat ? I know the untamable spirit of the man ; bent it cannot be — but it can be broken. Therefore, ere he strengthen himself or marshal his powers, we must begin the attack, lest, while we wait, the attack be made on us. Slay or be slain will he ; between us lies the crime for him who first q shall do it. ^n ; ^ : ^c^^
ATTENDANT
Does public disapproval deter thee not?
ATREUS
The greatest advantage this of royal power, that their master's deeds the people are compelled as well to bear as praised"
ATTENDANT
Whom fear compels to praise, them, too, fear makes into foes ; but he who seeks the glory of true favour, will wish hrart ratlier than voice to sing his praise.
True praise even to the lowly often comes ; fajse, only to the strong. What men choose not, let them choose.
ATTENDANT
Let a king choose the right ; then none will not choose the same.
Where only right to a monarch is allowed, sove- reignty is lield on sufferance.
° ^ 107
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SATELLES
Vbi non est pudor nee cura iuris sanctitas pietas fides, instabile regnum est.
AT REVS
Sanctitas pietas fides privata bona sunt ; qua iuvat reges eant.
SATELLES
Nefas nocere vel malo fratri puta.
ATllEVS
Fas est in illo quidquid in fratre est nefas. 220
quid enim reliquit ci-iniine ijitactum aut ubi sceleri pepevcit? coniugem stupro abstulit regnunique furto ; specimen antiquum imperi fraude est adeptus, IVaude turbavit domum. est Peloiiis altis nobile in stabulis pecus, arcanus aries, ductor opulenti gregis. huius per omne corpus eff'uso coma dependet auro, cuius e tergo ^ novi ^
aurata reges sceptra Tantalici gerunt ; possessor huius regnat, hunc tantae domus 230
fortuna sequitur. tuta sejjosita sacer in parte carpit prata, quae claudit lapis fatale saxeo pascuum nun-o tegens. hunc facinus ingens ausus assumj)ta in scelus consorte nostri perfidus tlialami avehit. hinc omne cladis mutuae fiuxit malum ; per regna trepidus exul erravi mea,
^ Lto coiijtcture.s tracto : Wihimowitz, texto.
^ A ram wiLli golden fleece, whose possession, according to an oracle, guaranteed possession of the throne. See Index s.v. Thyestes. 108
V
/>) (f THYESTES
^ \ ATTENDANT
^ Where is no shame, no care for right, no honour, virtue, t'ailli, sovereignty is insecure.
ATREUS
Honour, virtue, faith ai'e the goods of common len ; let kings go where they please.
ATTENDANT
O count it wrong to harm even a wicked brother.
ATREUS C^^•^^,(S
Whate'er is wrong to do unto a brother is right to r-f?*^ do to him. For what iias he left untouched by > crime, or where has he failed to sin.'' My wife has he debauched, my kingdom stolen ; the ancient token ^ of our dynasty by fraud he gaine(I7T)y fraud o'erturned our house. There is within Pelops' lofty folds a lordly flock, and a wondrous ram, the rich Hock's leader. O'er all his body a fleece of spun gold hangs, and from his back •^ the new-crowned kings of the house of Tantalus have their sceptres wreatlied with gold. His owner rules;. him does the iortune of the whole house follow. Hallowed and apart he grazes in safe meadows fenced with stone, that guards the fated pasture witli its rocky wall. Him did tiie perfidious one,-' daring a monstrous crime, , steal away, witli the partner of my bed iiclping the sinful deed. \ From this source has flowed the whole evil stream of mutual destruction ; throughout my ^i"^"^' kingdom have I wandered, a trembling e.\ile ; no ^ttM'
2 i.e.. frf)m the golden fleece upon ib. * Thj'estes.
109
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
pars nulla generis tuta ab insidiis vacat, corrupta coniunx, imperi quassa est fides, domus aegra, dubius sanguis est — certi nihil 240
nisi frater hostis. quid stupes ? tandem incipe animosque sunie ; Tantalum et Pelopem — aspice ; ad haec manus exempla poscuntur meae. Profare, dirum qua caput mactem via.
SATELLES
FeiTO peremptus spiritum inimicum expuat.
AT REVS
De fine poenae loqueris ; ego poenam volo. perimat tyrannus lenis ; in regno meo mors inijietratur.
SATELLES
Nulla te pietas movet ?
AT REVS
Excede, Pietas, si niodo in nostra dome umquam fuisti. dira Furiarum cohors 250
discorsque Erinys veniat et geminas faces Megaera quatiens ; non satis magno meum ardet furore pectus ; impleri iuvat maiore monstro.
SATELLES
Quid novi rabidus struis ?
Nil quod doloris capiat assueti modus ; nullum relinquam facinus et nullum est satis.
^ i.e. by which tlie two brothers were to reign alternately. 110
THYESTES
part ot 1113- family is safe and free from snares ; my wife seduced, our pledge^ of empire broken, my house impaired, my offspring dubious — no one thing certain save my brother's enmityT^ Why standest in- active ? At last begin, put on tliy courage ; Tantalus and Pelops — look on them ; to work like theirs my hands are sunmioned.
-^^ Tell thou, by what means 1 may bring ruin on his wicked head.
ATTENDANT
Slain by the sword, let him spew forth his hateful soul.
ATREUS
Thou speakest of j)unishment's completion; I punishment itself desire. Let the mild tyrant slay ; injiiy^ dominion death is a boon to pray for. — -
ATTENDANT
Does piety move thee not?
ATREUS
Be gone, O Piety, if ever in our house thou hadst a place. Let the dread band of Furies come, the fiend Discord, and Megaera, brandishing her torches twain ;^not great enough the frenzy with which my bosom burns ; with some greater horror would I be filled. \,
ATTENDANT
What strange design does thy mad soul intend ?
' Naught that the measure of accustomed rage can hold ; no crime will I leave undone, and no crinie is -V eiioughn^
111
H^
.->>
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SATELLES
Ferrum ?
AT REVS
Paiuai est.
SATELLES
Quid ignis ?
ATREVS
Etiamnunc parum est.
SATELLES
Quonam ergo telo tantus utetur dolor ?
ATREVS
Ipso Thyeste,
SATELLES
Mains hoc ira est malum.
ATREVS
' Fateor. tumultus pectora attonitus quatit 260 penitusque volvit ; rapior et quo nescio^ sed rapior. imo mugit e fundo solum, tonat dies serenus ac totis domus ut fracta tectis crepuit et moti laves vertere vultum — fiat hoc^ fiat nefas quod J dij timetis.
SATELLES
Facere quid tandem paras ?
ATREVS
Nescio quid animo maius et solito amplius supraque fines moris humani tumct instatque pigris nianibus — baud quid sit scio, 112
THYESTES
ATTENDANT
The sword ?
ATI'.KUS
'Tis not enough. Fire;, then ? Still not enough.
ATTENDANT
What weapo^i, pray, will thy great anguish use ?
ATTENDANT
ATREU3
Thyestes' self.
\ y „. • ^
Tirtg plague is worse than ps
ATTENDANT
ission.
ATREUS
I do confess it. A frantic tumult shakes and heaves deep my heart. I am hurried I know not whitlier, but I am hurried on. \ The ground _
rumbles from its lowest depths, the clear sky thun- '^'^ ' ^ ders, the whole house crashes as though 'twere rent asunder, and the trembling Lares turn away their faces — let it be done, let a deed of guilt be done whereat, O gods, ye are affrighted.
ATTENDANT
What, pray, would st do ?
ATREUS
Some greater thing, larger than the common and beyond the bounds of human use is swelling in my soul, and it urges on my sluggish hands — I know not
113 '
VOL. II. I
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
sed grande quiddain est. ita sit. hoc, anime. occupa. 270
dignum est Thyeste facinus et digmim Atreo ; uterque faciat. vidit infandas domiis Odrysia mensas — fateor, inunane est scelus, sed occupatum ; maius hoc aliquid dolor inveniat. animuni Daulis inspira parens sororque ; causa est similis ; assiste et manum impelle nostram. Uiberos avidus pater gaudensque laceret et suos artus edat. bene est, abunde est. hie placet poenae mod us. ^
Tantisper^ ubinam est? tamdiu cur innocens 280 versatur Atreus ? tota iam ante oculos meos imago caedis errat, ingesta orbitas in ora patris — anime, quid rursus times et ante rem subsidis ? audendum est, age ! quod est in isto scelere praecipuum nefas, hoc ipse faciet.
SATELLES
Sed quibus captus dolis nostros dabit perductus in laqueos pedem } inimica credit cuncta.
ATREVS
Non poterat capi, nisi capere vellet. I'egna nunc sperat niea ; hac spe minanti fulmen occurret lovi, 2.Q0
hac spe subibit gurgitis tumidi minas dubiumque Libycae Syrtis intrabit fretum, hac spe, quod esse maximum retur malum, fratrem videbit.
^ All editors pimctucUe modus | tantisper. ubinam est? 114
THYESTES
what it is, but 'tis some mighty thing. So let it be. Haste, thou, my soul, and do it. 'TL? a deed worthy r"' of Thyestes, and of Atreus worthy ;/let each perform it. The Odrysian^ house once saw a feast unspeak- able— 'tis a monstrous crime, I grant, but it has been done before ; let my smart find something worse than this. Inspire my soul, O Daulian-^ mothei-, aye and sister,^ too ; my case is like to yours ; help me and urge on my hand. (Let the father with g joyous greed rend his sons, and his own flesh devour. I 'lis well, more than enough. This way of p^nish::Jl ment is pleasingly'
""^^^leanwhilc, where is he .^ VVhy does Atreus so long live harmless? Already before mine eyes flits the whole picture of the slaughter ; his lost children heaped up before their father's face — O soul, why dost shrink back in fear and halt before the deed ? Come ! thou must dare it ! What is the crowning outrage in this crime he himself shall do.
ATTENDANT
But with what wiles caught will he be led to set foot within our snares .-' He counts us all enemies.
He could not be caught were he not bent on catching. Even now he hopes to ^ain my kingdom; in this hope he will face Jove as he brandishes his thunder-bolt, in this hope will brave the whirlpool's rage and enter the treacherous Avaters of the Libyan sands ; in this hope (what he deems the greatest curse of alT)> he will see his brother.
\ i.e. Thracian. See Index. ' Procne. ' Philomela. \^ 115
I 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Quis fidem pacis dabit ? cui tanta credet ?
Credula est spes irnproba. natis tamen mandata quae patriio ferant dabimus : relictis exul hospitiis vagus regno ut niiserias mutet atcjue Argos regat ex parte dominus. si nimis durus preces spernet Thyestes, liberos eius rudes '' 300
malisque fessos gravibijs et faciles capi prece commovebunt. /hiuc vetus regni furor, illiiic egestas tristis ac durus labor quamvis rigentem tot mulis subigeiit viruni.
SATEI.LF.S
lam tempus illi fecit aeruninas leves.
ATREVS
Erras ; malorum sensus accrescit die. leva est miserias ferre, perferre est grave.
SATEl.LES
Alios ministros coiisili tristis lege.
ATIIEVS
Peiora iuvenes facile praecepta audinnt.
SATEI.I.ES
In patre facient quidquid in patriio doces ; .310
saepe in magistrum scelera redierunt sua.
' i.e. other tliaii Atreus' own sons.
116
THYESTES
ATTENDANT
Wlio will give him confidence in peace ? Whose word will lie so greatly trust ?
ATREUS
Base hope is credulous. Still to my sons will I give a message to carry to their uncle : let the exiled wanderer quit strangers' homes, for a throne exchange his wretched state and rule at Argos, a partner of my sway. If too stubbornly Thyestes spurns my prayer, his sons, guileless and spent with hard mis- fortunes and easy to be entreated, will be moved. On this side, his old niacl thjrst for, p.ower, on that, grim want and unfeeling toil by their many w'oes v^ill force the man, however stiff, to yield.
ATTENDANT
By now time has made his troubles light.
ATREUS
Not so ; a sense of wrongs increases day by day. 'Tis easy to bear misfortune ; to_kee£ qn_bearingjt_a heayy^ task.
.\TTENDANT
Choose other ^ agents of thy grim design.
ATREUS
To the worse schooling youth lends ready ear.
ATTENDANT
Toward their father they will act as toward their uncle thou instructest them ; often upon the teacher have his bad teachings turned.
117
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Vt nemo doceat fraudis et sceleris vias, regnum docebit. ne mali Hant times ? nascuntur. istud quod vocas saevum asperum agique dure credis et nimium impie^ fortasse et illie agitur.
SATELLES
Hane fraudem seient nati parari ?
ATREVS
Tacita tam rudibus fides noa est in annis ; detegent forsan dolos ; tacere multis discitur vitae malis.
SATELLES
Ipsosque per quos fallere alium cogitas 320
falles ?
ATKEVS
Vt ipsi crimine et culpa vacent. quid enim necesse est liberos sceleri meos inserere ? per nos odia se nostra explicent. — ■ male agis, recedis, anime : si pai'cis tuis, parces et illis. consili Agamemnon mei sciens minister fiat et patri sciens Menelaus assit. pi'olis incertae fides ex hoc petatur scelere : si bella abnuhnt et gerere nolunt odia^ si patruum vocant, pater est. eatur. — multa sed trepidus solet 830
detegcre vultus, magna nolentem quoque consilia produnt : nesciant quantae rei fiant ministri. nostra tu coepta occules.
' B\' Thyestes against Atreus. 118
THYESTES
ATREUS
Criiough none should teach them the wavs of treachery and crime, the throne will teach them!] Lest tliey become evil, fearest thou ? They were born evil. What thou callest savage, cruel, thinkest is done ruthlessly, with no regard for heaven's law, perchance even there ^ is being done.
ATTENDANT
Shall thy sons know that this snare is being laid ?
ATREUS
Sileht discretion is not found in years so in- experienced ; perchance they will disclose the plot ; the art of silence is taught by life's many ills.
ATTENDANT
Even those by whom thou plannest to deceive
another, wilt thou deceive .''
ATREUS
That they themselves may be free even from blame of crime. What need to entangle my sons in guilt ? By my own self let ray hatred be wrought out. — Thou doest ill, thou shrinkest back, my soul. Let Agamemnon be the witting agent, of my plan, and Menelaus wittingly assist his father. By this deed let their uncertain birth be put to proof: if they refuse the combat, if they will not wage the war of hate, if they plead he is their uncle, he is their sire. Let them set forth. — But a troubled countenance oft discloses much ; great plans betray their bearer even against his will ; let them not know of how great a matter they are the ministers. And do thou conceal my plans. ■
iiy
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Haud sum nionendus ; ista nosti-o in pectore fides timorque, sed magis claudet fides.
Tandem regia nobilis^ antiqui genus Inaehi, fratrum composuit minas.^ Quis vos exagitat furor, alternis dare sanguinem 340
et sceptrum scelere aggredi ? ! nescitis^ eupidi arciuui, '. I'egnum quo iaceat loco, regem non faciunt opes, non vestis Tyriae color, non frontis nota regiae, non auro nitidae fores ^ ; rex est qui posuit metus et diri mala pectoris,
quern non ambitio inpotens 350
et numquam stabilis favor vulgi praecipitis movet, non quidquid fodit Occidens aut unda Tagus aurea claro develiit alveo, non quidquid Libycis terit fervens area messibus, quern non concutiet cadi^ns obliqui via fulminis,
non Eurus rapiens mare 360
aut saevo rabid us freto ventosi tumor Hadriae, quem non lancea militis, ' Jiichter deletes S36-S3S. ^ trabes A.
liiO
THYESTES
ATTENDANT
No need to admonish me; both fear and lojialty shall shut them in my heart, but rather loyalty.
^^ CHORUS
At last our noble house, the race of ancient Inachus, hath allayed the strife of brothers.
3:js) VVhat madness pricks you on to slied by turns each others' blood, and by crime to gain the throne ? Ye know not, for high place greedy, wherein true kingship lies. A king neither riches make, nor robes of Tyrian hue, nor crown upon the royal brow, nor doors with gold bright-gleaming ; a king is he who lias laid fear aside and the base^ longisgs of an evil iuart ; whom ambition unrestrained and tlie fickle favour of the reckless mob move not/ neither all the mined treasures of the West nor the golden sands wliich Tagus sweejjs along in his shining bed, nor all the grain trod out on burning Libya's threshing- Moors ; /whom no hurtling path of the slanting thunderbolt will shake, nor Eurus, harrying the sea, nor wind-swept Adriatic's swell, raging with cruel \\:i\e ; whom no warrior's lance nor bare steel ever
121
122
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
non strictus doniuit chalybs, ; qui tuto positus loco j infra se videt omnia 1 occurritque suo libens ' fato nee queritur niori. Reges conveniant licet
qui sparsos agitant Dahas, 370
qui rubri vada litoris
et gemmis mare lucidis
late sanguineum tenent,
aut qui Caspia fortibus
recludunt iuga Sarmatis,
certet Danuvii vadum
audet qui pedes ingredi
et (quocumque loco iacent)
Seres vellere nobiles —
mens regnum bona possidet. 380
nil ullis opus est equis,
nil armis et inertibus
telis quae procul ingerit
Parthus, cum simulat fiigas, >.
admotis nihil est opus
urbes sternere machinis,
longe saxa rotantibus.
rex est qui metuit nihil,
rex est qui cupiet nihil. ^
hoc I'egnum sibi quisque dat. 390
Stet quicumque volet potens
aulae culmine lubrico ; _^
me dulcis saturet quies ;
obscure positus loco
leni perfruar otio,
nullis nota Quiritibus
aetas per taciturn fluat. * Leo deletes lines 38S, 389.
TH TESTES 'mastered ; who^ in safety 'stablished, sees all things beneath his feet^ goes gladly to meet his fate nov grieves to die.
'■^^^^ Though kings should gather themselves to- gether, both they who vex the scattered Scythians and they Avho dwell upon the Red Sea's marge, who hold wide sway o'er the blood-red main with its gleaming pearls, they who leave unguarded ^ the Caspian heights to the bold Sarmatians ; though he strive against him, who dares on foot to tread the Danube's waves ^ and (wheresoe'er they dwell,) the Serians ^ for fleeces famous — 'tis the upright mind that holds true sovereignty. He has no need of horses, none of arms and the coward weapons which the Parthian hurls from far when he feigns flight, no need of engines hurling rocks,, stationed to batter cities to the ground. A^king^ is lig who has no fear; a king is he who shall naught desire. Such kingdom on himself each man bestows. 2 c-
^'•'^ Let him stand who will, in pride of power, on ^j . empire's slippery height ; let me be filled with sweet \ji repose ; in humble station fixed, let me enjoy un- 3 troubled ease, and, to im' fellow citizens ^ unknown, let my life's stream flow in silence. So when my
^ Because they do not fear these enemies.
^ i.e. the frozen surface.
' The poet here conceives of the Serians as near by Scj'thia.
* Quirites must be taken in a general sense. Specifically, it would be impossible, since it applies only to Roman citi- zens, who at this time had not come into existence.
123
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
sic cum transierint mei
nullo cum strepitu dies,
plebeius moviar senex. 400
illi mors gravis incubat
qui, notus nimis omnibus,
ignotus moritur sibi.
THYESTES
Optata patriae tecta et Argolicas opes miserisque summum ac maximum exulibus bonum, tractum soli natalis et patrios deos (si sunt tanien di) cerno, Cyclopum sacras turres, labore mains humano decus, celebrata iuveni stadia, per quae nobilis palmam paterno non semel curru tuli 410
occurret Argos, populus occurret frequens-^ sed nempe et Atreus. repete silvestres fugas saltusque densos potius et mixtam feris similemque vitam ; clarus hie regni nitor i 'fulgore non est quod oculos falso auferat i cum quod datur spectabis, et dantem aspice. modo inter ilia, quae putant cuncti aspera, fortis fui laetusque ; nunc contra in metus revolvor ; animus liaeret ac retro cupit corpus referre, moveo nolentem gradum. 420
TANTALVS
Pigro (quid hoc est ?) genitor incessu stupet vultumque versat seque in incerto tenet.
124
THYESTES
(lays have passed noiselessly away, lowly may I_ die and full of years. I On him does death lie heavily, who, but too well known to all, dies to himself unknown.
[Enter THYESTES, returning from banishment, accompanied by his three sons.^
THYESTES
At last I see the welcome dwellings of my father- land, the wealth of Argolis, and, the greatest and best of sights to wretched exiles, a stretch of native soil and my ancestral gods (if after all gods there are), the sacred towers reared by the Cyclopes, in beauty far excelling human effort, the race-course thronged with youth, where more than once, lifted to f;ime, have I in my father's cliariot won tlie palm. Argos will come to meet me, the thronging populace will come — but surely Atreus too ! [Rather seek again thy retreats in the forest depths, the impene- trable glades, and life shared with beasts and like to theirs ; this gleaming splendour of the throne is naught that should blind my eyes with its false tinsel show ; when thou lookcst on the gift, scan well the giver, too.. Of late midst such fortune as all count hard, 1 was brave and joyous ; but now I am i:eturned to Jears ; my courage falters and, eager to go back, I move unwillinjj feet along.
TAN'TALUS [cisidc^
My father (what can it mean r) with faltering pace goes as if dazed, keeps turning his face away, and holds uncertain course.
125
X
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
THYESTES
Quidj anime, pendes quidve consilium diu tarn facile torques ? rebus incertissimis, fratri atque regno^ credis ac metuis mala iam victa, iam mansueta et aerumnas fugis bene collocatas ? esse iam miserum iuvat. reflecte gressum, dum licet, teque eripe.
TAXTALVS
Quae causa cogit, genitor, a patria gradum referre visa ? cur bonis tantis sinum 430
subducis ? ira frater abiecta redit partemque regni reddit et lacerae domus componit artus teque restituit tibi.
THYESTES
Causam timoris ipse quam ignoro exigis. nihil timendilm video, sed timeo tamen. placet ire, pigris membra sed genibus labant alioque quam quo nitor abductus feror. sic concitatam remige et velo ratem aestus resistens remigi et velo refert.
TANTALVS
Evince quidquid obstat et mentem impedit 4t0 reducemque quanta praemia expectent vide, jviter, potes regnare.
THYESTES
Cum possim mori.
^ i.e. made the best of by learning how to bear them. "^ Blessings are being poured into his bosom and he will not receive them.
1!26
THYESTES
THYKSTES [m soliloqtiy'\
Why O soul, dost liesjijite, or why dost so lonjif turn o'er and o'er a plan so simple ? Dost thou trust to things most unsure, to a l)rotlR'r and to kingship? Dost fear hardships already mastered, already easier to bear, and dost flee from distresses well employed ? ' 'Tis sweet now to be wretehed. Turn baek, while still thou maycst, and save thyself.
TANTALUS
^^'hat cause eompels thee, father, to turn thee back from sight of thy native land ? Why from so great blessings dost withhold thy bosom ? ^ Thy brother returns to thee with wrath given o'er, gives thee back half the realm, unites the members of thy sundered house, and to thyself restores thee.
THYESTES
My cause of fear, which I m3'self know not, thou demandest of me. Naught to be feared I see, but still I fear. Fain would I go, but my limbs totter with faltering knees, and other-whither than I strive to go am I borne away in thrall. Just so a sjiip, urged on by oar and sail, the tide, resisting both oar and sail, bears back.
TANTALUS
O'ercome thou whate'er opposes and thwarts thy will, and see how great re^vards await thee on thy return. Father, thou canst be king.
THYESTES
Yea, since 1 can die.^
^ The power to die is more _greci0us than the power of kings ; since, therefore, he can die, Thyestes has indeed regal power.
127
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
TANTALVS
Siimma est potestas —
THYESTES
Nulla, si cupias nihil.
TANTALVS THYESTES
Non capit regnum duos.
Natis relinques.
TANTALVS
Miser esse mavult esse qui felix potest ?
THYESTES
Milii crede, falsis magna nominibus placent,
frustra timentur dura, dum excelsus steti,
numquam pavere destiti atque ipsum mei '"Terrum time^-e lateris. o quantum bonum est • obstai'e nulli, capere securas dapes 450
humi iacentem ! scelera non intrant casas,
tutusque niensa capitur angusta cibus ;
vcneuuni in auro bibitur. expertus loquor : Inalam bonae praeferre fortunani licet.
non vertice alti montis impositam domum
et eminentem civitas humilis tremit
nee fulget altis splendidum tectis ebur
sonmosque non defendit e.xcubitor meos ;
non classibus piscamur et retro mare
iacta fugamus mole nee ventrem improbum 460
alimus tributo gentium, nulkis mihi
128
THYESTES
TANTALUS
The hci<>lit of power is —
THVIiSTES
Naught, if nothing thou desirest.
TANTALUS
To thy sons wilt thou bequeath it.
TIIVESTES
The throne achnits not two.
TANTALUS
Would he wish wretchedness who can be blest?
THYESTES
False, believe me, are the titles that give greatness charm ; idle our fears of hardship. While I stood Jiigh in power, never did I cease to dread, yea, to /^^ y,i, fear the very sword upon my thigh. X)h, how good / f it is to stand in no man's road, care-free to eat one's ' bread, on the ground reclining ! Crime enters not Lowly liomes, and in safety is food taken at a slender board ; )ioison is drunk from cu[)s of gold. I speak tliat I do know: evil fortune is to be 'preferred to good.i The lov, ly citizen fears no house of mine set liigh and threatening on a mountain top L/my tower- ing roofs Hash not with gleaming ivory, no guard watches o'er my slumbers ; with no Heet of boats I fish, with no piled break-water do I drive back the sea ; I gorge not my vile belly at the world's expense; for me no fields are harvested beyond the Getae and ' Having tried both, he comes to this co7iclusiou.
129
THE TRAGEDIES OkF SENECA
ultra Getas metatur et Partlios ager ;
non tare coliraur nee meae excluso love
ornautur arae ; nulla culminibus meis
iniposita nutat silva nee fumant manu
sueeensa multa stagna nee somno dies
Baeehoque nox iungenda pervigili datur :
sed non timemur, tuta sine telo est domus
rebusque parvis magna praestatur quies.
immane regnum est })osse sine regno pati. 470
TAXTALVS
Nee abnuendunij si dat iniperium deus, nee appetendum est ; frater ut regnes rogat.
THYESTES
Rogat ? timendum est. errat hie aliquis dolus.
TANTALVS
Redire pietas uude submota est solet reparatque vires iustus amissas amor.
THYESTES
Amat Thyesten frater .'' aetlierias prius perfundet Arctos pontus et Sieuli rapax consistet aestus unda et lonio seges matura pelago surget et luccm dabit nox atra terris^ ante cum flammis aquae, 480
cum morte vita^ cum mari ventus fidcm foedusque iungent.
TANTALVS
Quam tamen fraudem times .''
THYESTES
Oinnein ; timori quern meo statuam moduui ? tantuni potest quantum uc!it. 130
THYESTES
the Partliians ; no iiuciise burns forme, nor are ni}'
shrines adorned in neglect of Jove ; no planted
grove waves on my !)attlements, nor does many a
\ pool heated by art steam for me ; my daj^s are not
1 given to sleep nor are my nights linked with wakeful
^ revelry: but I am not feared, safe without weapons
■ is my house and to my small estate great peace is
granted. 'Tis a boundless kingdom, — the power
without kingdoms to be content. 3
TANTALUS
Neither is empire to be refused if a god bestows it, nor needst thou seek it ; thy brother invites thee to be king.
THYESTES
Invites ? Then must I fear. Some trick strays hereabouts.
TANTALUS
Brotherly regard ofttimes returns unto the heart whence it was driven, and true love regains the vigour it has lost.
THYESTES
His brother love Thyestes .'' Sooner sliall ocean /Y«f ■/" bathe the heavenly Bears, and the devouring waves / of the .Sicilian tides stand still ; sooner shall ri|)ening ^ " grain spring from the Ionian sea, and dark night illume the world ; sooner shall fire with water, life with death commingle, and winds join faith and treaty with the sea.
TANTALUS
And yet what treachery dost thou fear?
THYESTES
All treachery ; to my fear what limit shall I set ? His power is boundless as his hale.
131
K 2
TirlE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
TANTALVS
111 te quid potest?
THYESTES
Pro me nihil i;im inetiio ; vos ftieitis milii Atrea timenduin.
TANTALVS
Decij)i cautus times ?
THYESTES
Serum est cavendi tem])us in mediis malis ; eatur. uiium genitor hoc testor tamen : ego vos sequor, non duco.
TANTAI.VS
Respiciet deus bene cogitata. pcrge non chibio gradu. 490
ATREVS
Plagis tenetur clausa dispositis fera ; et ipsuiii et una generis invisi indolem iunctani parenti eerno. lam tuto in loco versantur odia. venit in nostras inanus tandem Thyestes^ venit, et totus quidem . vix teinpero animo, vix dolor frenos capit. sic, cum feras vcstigat et longo sagax loro tenetur \'niber ac presso vias scrutatur ore, dum procul lento suem odore sentit, paret et tacito locum 500
132
THYESTES
TANTALUS
What power has lie ajrainst thee ?
THYESTES
For myself I have now no fear ; 'tis j^u, my sons^ -f" who make Atreiis cause of dread to me.
TANTALUS
Dost fear to be entrapped if on thy guard?
THYESTES
'Tis too late to guard wlieii in the midst of dangers; but let us on. Yet this one thing your fatlier~duth declare : I follow you, not lead.
TANTALUS
God will protect us if we heed well our ways. With assured step haste thou on.
[Killer ATRKUs. -S^'/z/o- THYESTES (tiid /lis soiix, he glocits over t lie fad thai his h rot her is at last in his po/rer.^
ATREUS [aside]
The prey is f;ist caught in the toils I spread ; both the sire himself and, together with the sire, the offspring of his hated race I see. Now on safe footing does my hatred fare. At last has Thyestes come into my power ; he has come, and the whole ^ of him ! Scarce can I control my spirit, scarce does my nige admit restraint. So Avhen the keen ( Jmbrian hound tracks out the jirey and, held on a long leasli, with lowered muzzle snutfs out the trail, while with faint scent he perceives the boar afar, obediently and
* i.e. sions and all.
133
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
rostro pererrat ; praeda cum pvopior fuit,
cervice tota pugiiat et geniitu vocat
dominum morantem seque retinenti eripit.
cum sperat ira sanguinem^ nescit tegi ;
tamen tegatur. asjiice, ut multo gravis
squalore vultus obruat maestos coma,
quam foeda iaceat bai'ba. praestetur fides —
fratrem iuvat videre. complexus milii
redde expetitos. quidquid iraruin fiiit
transiei'it ; ex hoc sanguis ac pietas die 510
colantur^ animis odia damuata excidant.
THVESTES
Diluere possem cuncta, nisi talis fores, sed fateor, Atreu, fateor, admisi omnia quae credidisti. pessimam causam meam hodierna pietas fecit, est prorsus nocens quicumque visus tam bono fratri est nocens. lacrimis agendum est; su])plicem primus vides ; hae te j)recantur pedibus intactae manus : ponalur omnis ira et ex animo turner erasus abeat. obsides fidei accipe 520
lios innocentes^ frater.
ATREVS
A genibus manum aufer nieosque potius amplexus pete, vos quoquCj senum praesidia, tot iuvenes, meo pendete collo. squalidam vestem exue ociiHsque nostris parce et ornatus cape ])ares meis laclusque fraterni imperi 134
THYESTRS
with silent tongue he scours the field ; but when the game is nearer^ with his whole strength of neck he struggles^ loudly protests against his master's loitering, and breaks away from his restraint. When rage scents blood, it cannot be concealed; yet let it be concealed. See how his thick hair, all unkempt, covers his -woeful face, how foul his beard hangs down. [In hitler ironi/.] Now let me kee{) my pro- mise.^ [To TuvESTEs.] 'Tis sweet to see my brother once again. Gi\'e me the embrace that I have longed for. Let all our angry feelings pass away : from this day let ties of blood and love be cherished and let accursed hatred vanish from our hearts.
I might excuse all my deeds Avert thou not such as this. But I confess, Atreus, I confess that I have (lone all that thou believedst of me. Most foul has thy love to-day made my case appear. Sinful indeed is he who has been proved sinful toward so good a brother. My tears must plead for me ; thou art the first to see me suppliant. These hands, which have never touched man's feet, beseech thee : put away all thy wrath and let swollen anger pass from thy heart and be forgot. As pledge of my faith, O brother, take these guiltless boys.
ATREU3
From my knees remove thy hand and come rather into my embrace. /And you, too, boys, all of you, comforters of age, come cling about my neck. Thy foul garments put off, spare my eyes, and put on royal trap))ings equal to my own, and with glad
1 Which he had made Ihrough his sons. Hgq i. 296.
135
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
capesse partem, raaior haec laus est mea, fratri patenuim reddere incolumi decus ; habere regnum casus est^ virtus dare.
THYESTES
Di paria, frater, pretia pro tantis tibi 530
meritis repeiidant. regiain capitis notam squalor recusat noster et sceptrum nianus infausta refi'.oit. liceat in media mihi latere turba.
ATREVS
Recipit hoc regnum duos.
THYESTES
Meum esse credo quidquid est, frater, tuum.
ATREVS
Quis influentis dona fortunae abnuit ?
THYESTES
Expertus est quicumque quam tacile effluant.
ATREVS
Fratrcm potiri gloria ingenti vetas ?
THYESTES
Tua iam peracta gloria est, restat mea ; resjmere certum est regna consilium mihi. 540
ATREVS
Meam rclinquam, nisi tuam parlcm accipis.
136
THYESTES
heart sliare a brother's kingdom. Mine is the greater glory, to restore to a brother all unharmed ancestral dignity ; [wielding of power is the work of chance, bestowjn^ of itj_virtuej. J
THYESTES
May the gods^ iny brother, fitly repay thee for so great deserts. The kingly crown my wretched state refuses, and the sceptre my ill-omened hand rejects. Let it be mine to hide amidst the thvong.
ATREUS
Our throne has room for two.
THYESTES
I count, my brother, all of thine as mine.^
ATHEUS
Who j)uts aside inflowing fortune's gifts ?
TUYESTES
Whoso has found how easily they ebl).
ATHEUS /'. i
Dost forbid thy brother to gain great glory ?
THYESTES
Thy glory is won already ; mine is still to win : to refuse the throne is my fixed intent.
.\TI!EUS
Mv gliirv must I abandon, uidcss thou accept thy share.
^ But I will not take possession of it.
137
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
TflVESTES
Accipio ; regni nomen impositi feram, sed iura et arma servient mecum tibi.
ATREVS
Imposita capiti vincla \ enerando gere ; ego destinatas victimas superis dabo.
CHORVS
Credat hoc quisquam ? ferus ille et acer nee potens mentis truculentus Atreus fratris aspectu stupefactus haesit. nulla vis maior pietate vera est ; iurgia externis inimica dm-ant, 550
quos amor varus tenuit tenebit. ira cum magnis agitata causis gratiam rupit cecinitque bellum, cum leves frenis sonuere turmae, fulsit hinc illinc agitatus ensis quem movet crebro fui-ibundus ictu sanguinem Mavors cupiens recentem — - opprimet ferrum manibusque iunctis ducet ad Pacem Pietas negantes.
Otium tanto subitum e tumultu 560
quis deus fecit ? modo per Mycenas arma civilis crepuere belli ; pallidae natos tenuere matres, uxor armato timuit marito^ cmii manum invitus sequeretur ensis, sordidus pacis vitio quietae ; ille labentes renovare muros, hie situ quassas stabilire turres, ferreis portas cohibere claustris ille certabatj pav\dusque pinnis 570
nnxiae noctis vigil incubabat — • 138
jr^ t c • — o —
D«. c/'^c'r pi^ <^^
THYESTES
THYKSTES
I_(1q acce])t ; the name of king set on me will I wear ; but unto thee shall laws and arras along with myself be subject.
ATREUs [placing the cronm upon his brother's head]
This crown, set on thy reverend head, wear thou ; but I the destined victims to the gods will pay. [Exit.
Such things are past belief. Atreus, there, the fierce and savage, reckless of soul and cruel, at sight of his brother stood as one amazed. There is no power stronger than true love ; angry strife 'twixt strangers doth endure, but whom true love has bound 'twill bind for ever. When Avrath, by great causes roused, has burst friendship's bonds and sounded alarms of war ; when fleet squadrons with ringing bridles come ; when the brandished sword gleams now here, now there, which the mad god of war, thirsting for fresh-flowing blood, wields with a rain of blows, — then will Love stay the steel, and lead men, even against their will, to the clasped hands of Peace.
'^^ This sudden lull out of so great uproar what god has wrought ? IJut now throughout Mycenae the arms of civil strife resounded ; j)ale mothers held fast their sons, the wife feared for her lord full armed, when to liis hand came the reluctant sword, foul with the rust of peace ; one strove to re])air tottering walls, one to strengthen towers, crumbling with long neglect ; anotlier strove to shut gates tight with iron bars,A\ hile on the battlements the trembling guard kept watch o'er the troubled night — for worse
139
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
peior est bello timor ipse belli.
iani minae saevi cecidere ferri,
iam silet murmur grave classicorum,
iam tacet stridor litui strepentis ;
alta pax urbi revocata laetae est.
sic, ubi ex alto tumuere Huctus
Bruttium Coro feriente poutum,
Scylla pulsatis resonat cavernis
ac mare in portu timuere nautae 580
quod rapax haustum revomit Charybdis.
et ferus Cyclops metuit pareiitem
rupe ferveiitis residcns in Aetnae,
ne superfusis violetur undis
ignis aetcrnis resonans caminis,
et i)utat mergi sua posse pauper
regna Laertes Ithaca tremente — ■
si suae ventis cecidere vires,
mitius stagno pelagus recumbit;
alta, quae navis timuit secare, 590
hinc et Imic fusis speciosa velis
strata ludenti patuere cunibae,
et vaeat uiersos numerare pisces hie ubi ingenti modo sub procella Cyclades pontum timuere motae.
Nulla sors longa est ; dolor ac voluptas invicem cedunt; brevior voluptas. ima pcrniutat levis hora suminis. ille qui donat diadema fronti, quern genu nixae tremuerc gentes, COO
cuius ad nutum posuere bclla Med us et Piiocbi propioris Indus et Dahae Farthis equitem minati, anxius sceptrum tenet et moventes cuncta diviuat metuit(]ue casus nuihilis rci'uiu dubiuMHjuc tcmpus.
1+0
TIIYESTES
tlian war is the very fear of war. Now the sword's dire threats have fallen ; now still is the deep Irunipet-blare ; now silent the shrill t^farion's blast ; deep peace to a glad cit^^ is restored/ So, when the Hoods heave up from ocean's depths and Corns ' lashes the Briittian waters; when Scylla roars in her disturbed cavern, and mariners in Iiarbour tremble at the sea which greedy Charybdis drains and vomits forth aojain^wdien the wild Cyclops, sitting on burning Aetna's crag, dreads his sire's ^ l\^'^\ rage, lest the o'erwhelming waves put out the fires that roar in immemorial furnaces ; and when beg- gared Laertes thinks, while Ithaca reels beneath the shock, that his kinj^dom may be submerged-^then, if their strenglh has failed the winds, the sea sinks back more peaceful than a pool ; and the deep waters which the shij) feared to cleave, now far and wide, studded with bellying sails, a beauteous sight, to pleasure-boats spread out their waves ; and you may now count the fish swimming far below, where but lately beneath the mighty hurricane the tossed Cvelads trembled at the sea.
' ''9'5 No lot endureth long ; pain and pleasure, each in turn, give place ; luorejjuicklyj pleasure.. LoAvest with highest the fickle hour exchanges. He who wears crown on l)^"OW, before whom trembling n.-itions l)end the knee/nt whose nod the Medes lay down their arms, and'the Indians of the nearer sun,-*^ and the Dahae who hurl their horse upon the Parthians, — he with anxious hand holds the sceptre, and both foresecsandfearsficklechar.ee and shiftin<>- time that change all things.
1 The North-west wind. * NepUiiie.
' The sun was supposed to be nearer to the oriental nations.
14)
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Vos qiiibus rector maris atque terrae ius dedit magnum necis atque vitae, ponite inflates tumidosque vultus ; quidquid a vobis minor expavescit. 6 10
maior hoc vobis dominus minatur ; omne sub regno graviore regnum est. quem dies vidit veniens superbum, hunc dies vidit fugiens iacentem. nemo confidat nimium secundis^ nemo desperet meliora lapsis : miscet haec illis prohibetque Clothe stai-e fortunam, rotat omne latum, nemo tam divos habuit faventes, crastiuum ut posset sibi polliceri : 620
res deus nostras celeri citatas turbine versat.
NVNTIVS
Quis me per auras turbo praecipitem vchct atraque nube involv5.tj ut tantum nefas eripiat oculis ? o domus Pelopi quoque et Tantalo pudenda !
CHORVS
Quid portas novi }
NVNTIV8
Quaenam ista regie est ? Argos et Sparte, pios sortita fratres. et maris gemini j)remens fauces Corinthos, an feris Hister fugam praebens Alanis^ an sub aeterna nive 6.S0
H^rcana tell us an vagi passim Scythae ? quis hie nefandi est conscius monstri locus .''
' i.e. Castor and Pollux. See Phoeiiisaae, 128. 142
THYESTES
607 Q you, to wlioiii tile ruler of sea and land has <^iven unbounded rif>lit o'er life and deaths abate your inflated, swelling pride ; all that a lesser subject fears from you, 'gainst you a greater lord shall threaten ; all power is subject to a weightier power. Whom the rishig sun hath seen high in pride, him the setting sun hath seen laid low. Let none be over-conrident when fortune smiles ; lej/ none despair of better things when fortune fails. /Clotho blends weal and woe, lets no lot stand, k^eps every fate a-turning. No one has found the gods so kind that he may p.romisc to-morrow to himself. God keeps all mortal things in swift whirl turning.
[Enter MEssENGKR brcalfi/c'.sslij announcing the horror which has just been enacted behind the sccnes.'\ .
MESSENGER
Wliat whirlwind will headlong bear me through the air and in murk}- cloud enfold me, that it may snatch this awful horror iVom my sight ? O house, to Pelops even and to Tantalus a thing of shame !
CHORUS
What news bringst thou ?
MESSENGER
What place is this? Is it Argos? Is it Sparta, to which fate gave loving brothers.''^ Corinth, resting on the narrow boundary of two seas ? Or the Ister, giving chance of flight to the barbarous Alani ? Or the H}Tcanian land 'neath its ever- lasting snows ? Or tlie wide-wandering Scythians '' What place is this that knows such hideous crime .''
143
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
CHORVS
Effare et istud pande, quodcumque est, malum.
NVNTIVS
Si steterit animus, si metu corpus rigens remittet artus. haeret in vultu trucis imago fact! ! ferte me insanae procul, illo, procellae, ferte quo fertur dies hinc raptus.
CHORVS
Animos gravius incertos tenes. quid sit quod liorres ede et auctorem indiea. non quacro quis sit, sed uter. effare ocius.
640
NVNTIVS
In arce summa Pelopiae pars est domus conversa ad austros, cuius extremum latus aequale monti crescit atque urbem premit et contumacem regibus populum suis liabet sub ictu ; fulget hie turbae ca})ax immane tectum, cuius auratas ti'abes variis columnae nobiles maculis ferunt. post ista vulgo nota, quae populi colunt, in multa dives spatia discedit domus ; arcana in imo regio secessu iacet, 650
alta vetustum valle compescens nemus, penetrale regni, nulla qua lactos solet praebere ramos arbor aut ferro coli, sed taxus et cupressus et nigra ilice obscura nutat silva, quam supra eminens despcctat alte quercus et viucit neiiius. 141.
THYESTES
rtionus Speak out .'ind tell this evil, wliate'er it is.
MESSKNGKR
When my spirit is composed, when numbing fear lets go its hold upon my limbs. Oh, but I see it still, the picture of that ghastly deed I Bear me far hence, wild winds, oh, thither bear me whither ^ the vanished day is borne.
CHORUS
More grievously dost tliou hold our minds in doubt. 'IV'll thou what is this thing which makes thee shudder, and point out the doer of it. I ask not who it is, but which. ^ Speak out and quickly.
MESSENGER
On tlie summit of the citadel a part of Pelops' palace faces south ; its farthest side rises to moun- tainous height, and o'erlooksthc city, having beneath its menace the people, insolent to tlieir kings. Here fleams the gre.it hall that could contain a multitude, whose gilded architraves colunms glorious Avith varied hues upbear. Behind this general hall, which nations throng, the gorgeous palace stretches out o'er many a space ; and, deep Avithdrawn, there lies a ^«:et sp_ot containing in a deep vale an ancient grove, the kingdom's innermost retreat. Here no tree ever affords cheerful shade or is pruned by any knife ; but the yew-tree and the cypress and woods of gloomy ilex-trees wave obscure, above Avhich, towering high, an oak looks down and overtops tlie grove. From
1 i.e. to the other side of the world.
2 It must be one^of the two brothers.
145
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
hinc auspicari regaa Tantalidae solent,
hinc petere lapsis rebus ac dubiis opem.
affixa inhaerent dona ; vocales tubae
fractique currus^ spolia Myrtoi maris, 660
A'ictaeque falsis axibus pendent rotae
at omne gentis facinus ; hoc Phrygius loco
fixus tiaras Pelopis, hie praeda hostium
et de triumplio picta barbarico chlamys.
Fons stat sub umbra tristis et nigra piger haeret palude ; talis est dirae Stygis defonnis unda quae facit caelo fidem. hinc nocte caeca gemere ferales deos fama est, catenis lucus excussis sonat ululantque manes, quidquid audire est metus 670 illic videtur ; errat antiquis vetus emissa bustis turba et insultant loco maiora notis monstra ; quin tota solet micare silva flamma, et excelsae trabes ardent sine igne. saepe latratu nemus trino remugit, saepe simulacris domus attonita magnis. nee dies sedat metum ; nox pro})ria luco est et superstitio inferum in luce media regnat. hinc orantibus responsa dantur certa, cum ingenti sono 680
laxantur adyto fata et inmugit specus vocem deo solvente.
Quo postquam furens intravit Atreus liberos fratris trahens, ornantur arae — quis queat digne eloqui ? post terga iuvenum nobiles religat manus
146
THYESTES
this spot the sons of Tantalus are wont to enter on their reiyn, liere to seek aid midst calamity and doubt. Here hang- their votive <;il"ts ; resounding trumpets and broken ehariotSj spoils of the Myrtoan Sea/ and wheels o'ereome by treacherous axle-trees hang there, and memorials of the race's every crime ; in this place is Pelops' Phrygian turban hung, here spoil of the fjnemy, and the embroidered robe^ token of triumjih o'er barbaric foes.
6^^ A dismal spring starts forth beneath the shadow, and sluggish in a black pool creeps along ; such arc the ugly waters of dread Styx, on which the gods lake oath. 'I'is said that from this place in the dark night the gods of death make moan ; with clanking chains thc'grove^ resounds, and the gliosts howl mournfully. ~ Whatever is dreadful but to hear of, there is seen; throngs of the long-since dead come forth from their ancient tombs and walk abroad, and creatures more monstrous than men have known spring from the place; nay more, through all the wood flames go flickering, and the lofty beams glow without help of fire. Oft times the grove re-echoes with three-throated hayings ; oft-times the house is affrighted with huge, gliostly shades. Nor is terror allayed by day ; the grove is a night unto itself, and the horror of the underworld reigns even at midday. From this spot; sure rcs})onses are given to those who seek oracle^ with thundering noise the fates are uttered from the shrine, and the cavern roars when the god sends forth his voice.
6«- When to this place maddened Atreus came, dragging his brother's sons, the altars were decked — but who could worthily describe the deed? Be- hind their backs he fetters the youths' princely ^ See Index s.r'. "MviliJus."
147 I. 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
et maesta vitta capita purpurea ligat ; non liira deyunt, nou sacer Bacclii liquor tangtnsque salsa victiniam culter mola. servatur omnis ordOj ne tantuui nefas non rite fiat.
CHORVS
Quis manum ferro admovet ? 690
NVNTIVS
Ipse est sacerdos, ij)se funesta prece letale carmen ore violento canit, stat ipse ad aras, ipse devotos ncci contrectat et componit et ferro admovet ^ ; attendit ipse — nulla pars sacri perit. lucus tremescit;, tota succusso solo nutavit aula, dubia quo pondus darct ac fluctuanti similis ; e laevo aetlicre atrum cucurrit limitem sidus trahens, libata in ianes vina mutato fluunt 700
cruenta Baccho, regium capiti decus bis terque lapsum est, flevit in temi)lis ebur.
Movcre cunctos monstra, sed solus sibi immotus Atreus constat atque ultro deos terret minantes. iamque dimissa mora adsistit aris, torvum et obliquum intuens. ieiuna- silvis qualis in Gangeticis inter iuvencos tigris erravit duos, utriusque praedae cupida quo primum ferat incerta morsus (flectit hue rictus suos, 710
illo reflcctit et famem dubiam tenet), sic durus Atreus capita dcvota impiae speculatur irae quern jirius maclet sibi
1 The full form of this technical phrase is seen in line 690. 14-8
THYESTES
lumds and their sad brows lie binds with purple fillets. Nothing is lacking, neither incense, nor sacrificial wine, tlie knife^ the salted meal to sprinkle oil" the victims. The accustomed ritual is all ob- ser\ ed, lest so great a crime be not duly wrought,
CIIOIUJS
Who lays his hand unto the knife ?
MESSENGER
Himself is priest ; himself with baleful prayer chants the deuth-song with boisterous utterance ; himself staiuls by the altar; himself handles those doomed to death, sets them in order and lays hand upon the knife ; himself attends to all — no part of \. | the sacred rite is left undone. The grove begins to ' ^ "" tremble ; the whole palace sways with the quaking earth, uncertain whither to fling its ponderous mass^ and seems to waver. From the left quarter of the sky rushes a star, dragging a murky trail. The wine, poured ujion the fire, changes from wine and .
Hows as blood ; from the king's head falls the crown (^^-"^ twice and again, and the ivory statues in the temples weep.
"0=^ These portent. ' moved all, but Atreus alone, true to his purpose, stands, and e'en appals the threatening gods. And now, delay at end, he stands before the altar with lowering, sidelong glance. As in the jungle by the Ganges river a hungry tigress ' wa\'ers between two bulls, eager for each prey, but doubtful where first to set her fangs (to the one slie turns her jaws, then to the other turns, and keeps her hunger waiting), so does cruel Atreus eye the victims doomed by his impious wrath. He hesitates
149
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
dubitat, seciinda deinde quein caede immolet. nee interest, sed dubitat et saevum scelus iuvat ordinare.
CHORVS
Quern tamen ferro occupat ?
NVNTIVS
Primus locus (ne desse pietatem putes) avo dicatur : Tantalus prima hostia est.
CHORVS
Quo iuvenis animo, quo tulit vultu necem ?
NVNTIVS
Stetit sui securus et non est preces 720
perire frustra passus ; ast illi ferus in vulnere ensem abscondit et penitus premens iugulo manum commisit : educto stetit ferro cadaver, cumque dubrtasset diu, hac parte an ilia caderet, in patruum cadit. tunc ille ad aras Plisthenem saevus trahit adicitque fratri ; colla percussa amputat ; corvice caesa truncus in pronuni ruit, querulum cucin-rit murmure incerto caput.
CHORVS
Quid deinde gemina caede perfunctus facit ? 780 puerone parcit au scelus sceleri ingerit?
150
THYESTES
witliin himself wlioni first to slaV:, wliom next to sacrifice by the second stroke. It matters not^ but still he hesitates, and gloats over the ordering of his savage crime.
Whom, for all that, does he first attack with the steel .^
MESSENGER
The place of honour (lest you deem him lacking in reverence) to his grandsire ^ is allotted — Tantiilus is the first victim.
With what spirit, with what countenance bore tlie lad his death ?
MESSENGER
Careless of self he stood, nor did he plead, knowing such prayer were vain ; but in his wound the savage buried the sword and, deep thrusting, joined hand Avith throat. The sword withdrawn, the corpse still stood erect, and when it had wavered long whether here or there to fall, it feU _uppn tlie uncle. Then Plisthenes to the altar did that butcher drag and set him near his brother. His head with a blow he severed ; down fell the body when the neck was smitten, and the head rolled away, grieving with murmur inarticulate.
CHORUS
What did lie then after the double murder ? Did he spare one boy, or did he heap crime on crime ?
' i.e. the boy, Tantalus, is named after liia graivlfathei-. This " jjlace of honour " is a ghastly jest.
151
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Silva iubatus qualis Armenia leo in caede multa victor armento incubat (cruore rictus madidus et pulsa fame non ponit iras ; hinc et hinc tauros premens vitulis minatiir dente iam lasso piger) — non aliter Atreus saevit atque ira tumet, ferrumque gemina caede perfusum tenens, oblitus in quern fureret, infesta manu exegit ultra corpus ; ac pueri statim 740
pectore receptus ensis in tergo exstitit. cadit ille et aras sanguine extinguens suo per utrumque vulnus moritur.
CHORVS
O saevum scelus !
NVNTIVS
Exhorruistis ? hactenus si stat nefas, pius est.
CHORVS
An ultra maius aut atrocius natura recipit ?
WNTIVS
Sceleris hunc finem putas ? gradus est.
CHORVS
Quid ultra jiotuit ? obiecit feris lanianda forsan corpora atque igne arcuit?
NVNTIVS
Vtinam arcuisset ! ne tegat functos hmnus nee solvat ignis I avibus epulandos licet 750
152
THYESTES
MESSENGER
E'en as a maiicd lion in the Armenian woods with Qiuch slaiigliter falls vietorious on tlic herd (his jaws reek with gore, and still, thougli hunger is appeased, he rages on ; now here, now there charging the bulls, he threatens the calves, sluggishly now and with weary fangs) — not otherwise Atreus ra\es and swells with wrath and, still grasping his sword drenched with double slaughter, scarce knowing 'gainst Avhoni he rages, with deadly hand he drives clean through the body ; and the sword, entering the boy's breast, straightway stood out upon his back. He falls and, staining the altar with his blood, dies by a double wound.
CHORUS
Oh, savage crime !
MESSENGER
Are you so horror-stricken ? If only the crime stops there, 'tis piety.
CHOIILS
Does nature admit crime still greater or more dread ?
MESSENGEIt
Crime's limit deemst thou this ? 'Tis the first step of crime.
CHORUS
What further could he do? Did he perchance throw the bodies to the beasts to tear, and refuse them fire ?
MESSENGER
Would that he had refused ! I pray not that earth cover or fire consume the dead ! He may give tliem to the birds to feast upon, may drag them out as a
15S
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ferisque triste pabulum saevis trahat — votum est sub hoc quod esse supplicium solet — - pater insepultos spectet ! o nullo seel us credibile in aevo quodque posteritas neget— r erepta vivis exta pectoribus tremunt spirantque venae coi-qiie adhuc paviduni salit. at ille fibras tractat ac fata inspicit et adhuc calentes viscerum venas notat.
Postquam hostiae placuere^ securus vacat iam fratris epulis, ipse divisum secat 760
in membra corj^us^ amputat trunco tenus umeros patentes et lacertorura moras^ denudat artus durus atque ossa amputat ; tanturn ora servat et datas fidei manus. haec veribus haerent viscera et lentis data stillant caminis, ilia flammatus latex candente aeno iactat. iinpositas dapes transiluit ignis inque trepidantes focos bis ter regestus et pati iussus moram iavitus ardet. stridet in veribus iecur ; 770
nee facile dicam corpora an flammae magis gemuere. piceos ignis in fumos abit ; et ipse fumus, tristis ac nebula gravis, non rectus exit seque in excelsum levat^ ipsos penates nube deformi obsidet.
O Phoebe patiens, fugeris retro licet medioque ruptum merseris caelo diem, sero occidisti. lancinat natos pater artusque mandit ore funesto suos ; nitet fluente madidus unguento comam 780
gravisque vino ; saepe praechisae cibum tenuere fauces, in malis unum hoc tuis 154
//
THYESTES
<>hastly meal for ravenous beasts — oh, after wliat befell, one mio-ht pray for what is oft held punish- ment— unburicd may the father gaze upon his sons ! O crime incredible to any age, which coming genera- ^ tions will deny — torn from the still living breasts the vitals quiver; the lun^ still breathe and the flutter- ing heart still beats./^^ut he handles the organs and " enquires the .fates, and notes the markings of the still warm entrails. \
759 When with the victims he has satisfied himself, he is now free to prepare his brother's banquet. With his own hands he cuts the body into parts, severs the broad shoulders at the trunk, and the retarding arms, heartlessly strips off the flesh and severs the bones ; the heads only he saves, and the hands that had been given to him in pledge of faith. Some of the flesh is fixed on spits and, set before slow fires, hangs dripping ; other parts boiling water tosses in heated kettles. The fire overleaps the feast that is set before it and, tw ice and again thrown back upon the shuddering hearth and forced to tarry there, burns grudgingly. The liver sputters on the spits ; nor could I well say whether the bodies or the flames made more cum])laiiit. The fire dies doAvn in pitchy smoke ; and the smoke itself, a gloomy and heavy smudge does not rise straight up and lift itself in air — upon the household gods themselves in dis- figuring cloud it settles.
"^"^^ O all-enduring Phoebus, though thou didst shrink afar, and in m[d-sky didst bury the darkened day, still thou didst set too late. The father rends /^/"'.f liis sons and with baleful jaws chews his own flesh ; with hair dripping with liquid nard he sits resplendent, ^ heavy with wine; oft-times the food sticks in his ioa choking gullet. In the midst of these thy woes,
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
bonum est, Thyesta^ qiiod mala ignoras tua. sed et lioc peribit. vcrterit currus licet sibi ipse Titan obviiim ducens iter tenebrisque facinus obniat tetruni novis uox missa ab ortu tempore alieno gravis, tamen videndum est. tota patefient mala.
Quo terranim superumqiie parens, cuius ad ortus noctis opacae 790
decus omne fugit, quo vertis iter medioque diem perdis Olympo ? cur, Phoebe, tuos rapis aspectus ? nondum serae nuntius horae nocturna vocat luniina Vesper ; nondum Hesperiae flexura rotae iubet emeritos solvere currus ; nondum in noctem vergente die tertia misit bucina signum ; stupet ad subitae tempora cenae 800
nondum fessis bubus arator. quid te aetherio pepulit cursu ? quae causa tuos limite certo deiecit equos ? numquid aperto carcere Ditis victi temptant bella Gigantes ? numquid Tityos pectore fesso renovat veteres saucius iras? num reiecto latus ex})licuit monte Typhocus ? numquid struitur via Phlegraeos 810
alta jier hostcs et Thessalicum Thressa premitur Pelion Ossa ?
* i.e. the day's. ^ i.e. in mid-heaven, at noon. 156
THYESTES
Thyestes, this only good remains, tliat thou knowest ii&£-_thy woes. But even tliis will perisli. 'J'lu)ugh ,y,^^ Titan iiimself should turn his chariot back, taking the opposite course ; though heavy night, rising at dawn and at another's ^ time, with strange shadows should bury this ghastly deed, still it must out. There is no sin but it shall be revealed.
[U/iiia/ural darkness has sellled over the tror/d.]
■^ CHORUS
W'hilhcr, O father of the lands and skies, before , . whose rising thick night with all lier glories flees, / whither dost turn thy course and why dost blot out ^ the day in mid-Olympus ? ^ Wlty, O Phoebus, dost snatch away thy face ? Not )'et does Vesper, twilight's messenger, summon the fires of night ; not yet does thy wheel, turning its western goal, bid free thy steeds from their completed task; not yet as day fades into night has the third trump sounded ; ^ the ploughman with oxen yet unwearied stands amazed at his supper-hour's quick coming. What has driven tlicc from thy heavenly course.'' What cause from their fixed track has turned aside thy horses ? Is the prison-house of Dis thrown wide and are the conquered Giants again essaying war ? Doth sore- wounded Tityos renew in his weary breast his ancieiit wrath ? Has T} phoeus thrown off the mountainous mass and set his body free."^ Is a highway being built by the Phlegraean^ foe, and does Thessalian Pelion press on Thraeian Ossa ?
^ The Greek day was divided into tlireo parts of four hours eacli. The third trump souiuliiig wouhl indicate the l)eginniiig of day's last third.
■* i.e. tiie Giants, so called from Phlegra, a valley in Tlirace, uhere started their battle against the gods.
157
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Solitae inimdi periere vices ; nihil occasus, nihil ortus erit. stupet Eoos^ assueta deo tradere frenos genetrix primae roscida lucis, perversa sui liniina regni ; nescit fessos tinguere currus nee fumantes sudore iubas mergere ponto. 820
ipse insueto novus hospitio Sol Auroram videt occiduus^ tenebrasque iubet surgere nondum nocte parata. non succedunt astra nee iillo niicat igne polus, non Luna graves digerit umbras.
Sed quidquid id est, utinain no.x sit ! trepidant, trepidant pectora magno percussa metu :
ne fatali cuncta ruina 830
quassata labent iterunique deos lioniinesque premat deforme chaos^ iterum terras et mare cingens et vaga picti sidera mundi natura tegat. non aeternae facis exortu dux astrorum saecula ducens dabit aestatis brumaeque notas, non Plioebeis oi)via flammis demet nocti
Luna timores vincetque sui 840
fratris habenas, curvo brcvius limite curiens. ibit in uniini congesta sinum turba deoruni. hie qui sacris pervnis astris secat obliquo tramite zonas flectens longos signifer annos, lapsa videbit sidera labens;
158
THYESTES
^^^ Heaven's aecustomed alternations are no more; no setting, no rising shall there be again. The dewy mother ^ of the early dawn, Avont to hand o'er to the god his morning reins, looks in amaze upon the disordered tln-eshold of her kingdom ; she is not skilled 2 to bathe his w'eary chariot, nor to plunge his steeds, recking with sweat, beneath the sea. Startled himself at such unwonted welcoming, the sinking sun beiiolds Aurora, and bids the shadoAvs arise, though night is not yet ready. No stars come out ; the heavens gleam not with any fires : no moon di,s})els the darkness' heavy pall.
*-' But whatever this may be, would that night were here ! Trembling, trembling are our hearts, sore smit with fear, lest all things fall shattered in fatal ruin and once more gods and men be o'erwhelmed by formless chaos ; lest the lands, the encircling sea, and the stars that wander in the spangled sky, nature l)lot out once more. No more by the rising of his (juenchless torch shall the leader of the stars, guiding the procession of the years, mark off the summer and the winter times ; no more shall Luna, reflecting Phoebus' rays, dispel night's terrors, and outstrip iicr brother's reins, as in scantier space ^ she s{)eeds on her circling path. Into one abyss shall fall the hea|>cd-up throng of gods. The Zodiac, which, making jwissage through the sacred stars, crosses the zones oblicpiely, guide and sign-bearer for the slow- moving years, falling itself, shall sec the fallen
' Aurora.
^ As is Tetliys of the western .sea.
* i.e. her monthly orbit.
159
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
hie qui nondum vere benigno
reddit Zepliyro vela tepenti,
Aries praeeeps ibit in undas, 850
per quas pavidam vexerat Hellen ;
hie qui nitido Taurus eornu
praefert Hyadas, secuni Geiiiinos
trahet et curvi bracchia Cancri ;
Eeo flammiferis aestibus ardeiis
iterum e eaelo cadet Hereuleus,
cadet in terras Virgo relictas
iustaeque cadejit pondera Librae
seeunique trahent Scorpion aerem ;
et qui nervo tenet Haemonio 860
pinnata senex spicula Chiron,
rupto perdet spicula nei'vo ;
pigram referens hiemem gelidus
cadet Aegoceros frangetque tuam,
quisquis es, urnam ; tecum exeedent
ultima caeli sidera Pisces^
Plostraque numquam pcrfusa mari
inerget condcns omnia gurges ;
et qui medias dividit Vrsas,
fluminis iiistar lubricus Anguis, 870
magnoque minor iuncta Draconi
frigida duro Cynosura gelu,
custosque sui tardus plaustri
iam non stabilis ruet Arctoj)liy]ax.
^ This lion and other monsters were said to have fallen
from the moon.
'■^ Astraea. See Index.
•'' Chiron is Sagittarius in the constellations of the Zodiac.
* Capricornus.
" A reference to the Zodiacal sign, Aquarius, the "Water- man," concerning whose identity ancient authorities have not agreed.
160
THYESTES
constellations ; the Ram, who, ere kindly spring has come, gives back the sails to the warm West-wind, headlong shall plunge into the waves o'er which he had borne the trenibling Helle ; the Bull, who before him on bright horns bears the Hyades, shall drag the Twins down with him and the Crab's wide- curving claws ; Alcides' Lion, with bui-ning heat inflamed, once more^ shall fall down from the sky ; the Virgin ^ shall fall to the earth she once abandoned, and the Scales of justice with their weights shall fall and with them shall drag the fierce Scor{)ion down ; old Chiron,^ who sets the feathered shafts upon Haemonian chord, shall lose his shafts from the snapped bowstring; the frigid Goat* who brings back sluggish Avintei", shall fall and break thy urn, whoe'er thou ^ art ; with thee shall fall the Fish, last of the stars of heaven, and the Wain,*^ which was ne'er bathed by the sea, shall be plunged beneath the all-engulfing waves ; the slippery Serpent which, gliding like a river, separates the Bears, shall fall, and icy Cynosura, the Lesser Bear, together with the Dragon vast, congealed with cold ; and that slow- moving driver of his wain, Arctophylax,'' no longer fixed in place, shall fall.
* Otherwise known as the "Bear." The constellation i? unfortunately named here, since there was no mythological reason why the Wain should not be bathed in the Ocean, as was the case with the Bear.
' Seneca badly mixes his mythology here. Arctophylax, the "bear-keeper,"' is appropriate only if the Bear is 'men- tioned in his connection ; he should be I5ootes if the com- panion constellation is thought of as the Wain.
161
VOL. n. M
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Nos e tanto visi populo digni premeret quos everso cardine niundus ? in nos aetas ultima venit ? o nos dura sorte creates,
seu perdidimus solem miseri, 880
sive expulimus !
abeant questus, discede, timor ! vitae est avidus quisquis non vult mundo secum pereunte mori.
Aequalis astris gradior et cunctos super altum superbo vertice attingens polum. nunc decora regni teneo, nunc solium patris. dimitto su})ei-os ; summa votorum attigi.
ene est, abunde est, iam sat est etiam mihi. sed cur satis sit ? pergam et impleto patre ^ 890
funere suorum.^ ne quid obstaret pudor, dies recessit. perge dum caelum vacat. utinam quidem tenere fugientes deos possem et coactos trahere, ut ultvicem dapem omnes viderent ! quod sat est, videat pater, etiam die nolente discutiam tibi tenebras, miseriae sub quibus latitant tuae. nimis diu conviva securo iaces hilarique vultu, iam satis mensis datum est satisque Baccho ; soDiio tanta ad mala 900
opus est Thyeste.
Turba famularis, fores templi relaxa, festa patefiat domus.
^ So L. MiiUer, followed by Bichier: MSS. implebo patrem. ' Leo deletes linen 890'', 891".
^ Probably referring to the golden ram. See 11. 223 flF. 2 i.e. I need make no more prayers to them.
162
THYESTES
^'^^ Have we of all mankind been deemed de- serving that lieaveii, its poles uptorn, should over- whelm us ? In our time has the last day come ? Alas for us, by bitter fate begotten, to misery doomed, whether we have lost the sun or banished it ! Away with lamentations, begone, O fear ! fircedy^ indeed for life is he who would not die when the world is perishing in his company.
[Enler atreus, exulting.^
^'^ ATREUS
Peer of the stars I move, and, towering over all, touch with jn-oud head the lofty heavens. Now the glory ' of the realm 1 hold, now my father's throne. I release the gods,- for the utmost of my prayers I have 1 attained. 'Tis well, 'tis more than avcII, now 'tis enough even for me. But why enough ? Nay, 1 will go forward, e'en though the father is full-fed ' with h[s^ dead sons.^ That shame might not~hoid me back, day has departed. On ! while heaven is ' teiiantless,/ O that I might stay the fleeing deities,* might force and draw them hither that they all might see the avenging feast ! But 'tis enough if but the father see. Even though daylight refuse me aid, I'll dispel the darkness from thee, beneath which thy woes are lurking. Too long thou liest at feast with care-free and cheerful countenance ; now enough time has been given to tables, enough to wine ; for such monstrous ills there needs Thyestes sober. [To the slaves.] Ye menial throng, open the temple doors, let the banquet-hall be disclosed. 'Tis
^ 'I'he horror of the draught of blood and wine is still to follow. * i.e. the stars which have fled in horror from the sky.
163
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA libet videre, capita natorum intuens quos det coloi'eSj verba quae primus dolor effundat aut ut spiritu expulso stupens corpus rigescat. fructus hie operis mei est. miserum videre nolo, sed dum fit miser.
Aperta multa tecta conlucent face, resupinus ipse purpurae atque auro incubat, vino gravatum fulciens laeva caput. 9^0
(^eructat. o me caelitum excelsissimum, regum atque regem ! vota transcendi mea. satur est, capaci ducit argento merum — ne parce potu ; restat etiamnunc cruor tot hostiarum ; veteris hunc Bacchi color abscondet. hoc, hoc mensa cludatur scypho. mixtum suorum sanguinem genitor bibat : meum bibisset. ecce, iam cantus ciet festasque voces nee satis menti imperat.
THVESTES
Pectora longis hebetata malis, 920
iam sollicitas ponite curas. fugiat maeror fugiatque pavor, fugiat trepidi comes exilii tristis egestas rebusque gravis pudor atflictis ; magis unde cad^s qu;mi quo refert. magnum, ex alto culmine lapsum stabilem in piano figere gressum ; magnum, ingenti 164
THYESTES
sweet to note, Avhen lie sees his children's heads, what hue his checks display, what words his first grief pours forth, how his body^ breathless with the shock, grows stiff. This is the fruit of all my toil. To see him wretched I care not, but to see the wretchedness come uf)on him .
[The doors are thrown open, showing thyestes at the
hanqnet-tahle.]
^^^ The oj^en hall with many a torcli is gleaming.
There he himself reclines at full length on gold and
purple, propping his wine-heavy head on his left
f hand. He belches with content. Oh, most exalted
^^f the gods am I, and king of kings ! I have o'er-
topped my hopes. His meal is done ; from the
great silver cup he quaffs the wine — spare not thy
drinking; there still remains the blood of all the
victims, and this the colour of old wine will well
disguise. With this, this goblet let the meal be
done. His sons' m[ngled_ blood let the father
drink ; he would have drunk my own. Lo, now he
raises his joyous voice in song, nor well controls his
spirit.
[Tn\ESTES sits alone at the hanijuet-tahle, halj overcome with wine ; he tries to sing and be gay, but, in spite of this, soine vague premonition of evil weighs upon his spirits.^
T.'IVESTES
O heart, dulled with long miseries, now put aside anxious cares. Away with grief, away with terror, away with bitter Avant, the companion of hunted exiles, and shame that weighs heavy on misfortune ; .Inore matters it whence thou falleSt, than to what. ~'Tis a great thing, when fall'n from a lofty pinnacle, - to set foot firmly on the plain ; great, midst the
165
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
strage malorum pressum fracti
pond era regni non inHexa 930
cervice pati nee degenevem
victumque malis rectum impositas
ferre ruinas. sed iam saevi
nubila fati pelle ac miseri
teniporis omnes dimitte notas ;
redeant vultus ad laeta boni,
veterem ex animo niitte Thy est en.
Proprium hoc niiseros sequitur vitium, numquam rebus credere laetis ; redeat fehx fortuna licet^ 9-*0
tamen afflictos gaudere piget. quid me revocas festumque vetas celebrare diem, quid flei'e iubes, nulla surgens dolor ex causa ? quid me prohibes flore decenti vincire comam ? prohibet, prohibet vernae capiti fluxere rosae, pingui madidus crinis amomo inter subitos stetit horrores, imber vultu nolente cadit, 950
venit in medias voces gemitus. maeror lacrimas amat assuetas, flendi miseris dira cupido est. libet infaustos mittere questus, libet et Tyrio saturas ostro rumj)ere vestes, ululare libet. mittit luctus signa futuri menSj ante sui praesaga mali ; instat nautis fera tempestas, cum sine vento tranquilla tument. 96O
quos tibi luctus quosve tumultus fingis, demens ? credula praesta pectora fratri. iam, quidquid id est,
166
THYESTES
ruins of huge and crushing woes, with unbending neck to endure a wrecked kingdom's weiglit, and with soul heroic, by woes unconquered, erect to bear tlie burden of misfortune. But now, banish the clouds of bitter fate, and remove all marks of those unhajipy days ; greet present hapjiiiiess with joyful countenance, and dismiss the old Thyestes from thy thouglits.
^2s But this peculiar failing dogs the wretched, never to believe that happiness is liere ; though lucky fortune come again, still they who have suffered find it liard to smile. Why dost restrain me and oppose my celebration of this jojful day ? Why dost bid me weep, O grief, that rise^ from no cause ? Why dost forbid with beauteous flowers to wreathe my hair ? It forbids, it does forbid ! The spring roses have fallen from my head ; m\;_hair. drij)ping with precious nard, has started up in sudden liorror, a rain of tears falls down my unwilling cheeks, and in the midst of speech comes groaning. Grief loves her accustomed tears, and to the wretched comes an ominous desire for weeping. Even so, I long to utter ill-omened lamentation, I long to rend these gar- ments, rich dyed with Tyrian purple, I long to shriek' aloud. My mind gives warnings of distress at hand, l)resaging its own woe ; oft does a fierce storm draw nigh to mariners, when without wind the tranquil waters heave. What distresses, what upheavals dost thou imagine for thyself, thou fool ? Let thy heart trust^thy brother. Already, whate'er it be, either
167
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
vel sine causa vel sero times, nolo infelix, sed vagus intra terror obeiTat, subitos fundunt oculi fletuS;, nee causa subest. dolor an metus est ? an habet lacrimas magna voluptas ?
Festum diem, germane, consensu pari 970
celebremus ; hie est, sceptra qui firmet mea solidamque pacis alliget certae fidem.
THVESTES
Satias dapis me nee minus Bacchi tenet, augere cumulus hie voluptatem potest, si cum meis sraudere felici datui*.
Hie esse natos crede in amplexu patris ; hie sunt eruntque ; nulla pars prolis tuae tibi subtrahetur. ora quae exoptas dabo totumque turba iam sua implebo patrem. satiaberis, ne metue. nunc mixti meis 980
iucunda mensae sacra iuvenilis colunt ; sed accientur. poculum infuso cape gentile Baccho.
THYESTES
Capio fraternae dapis donum ; paternis vina libentur deis, tunc hauriaiitur. — sed quid hoc ? nolimt manus parere, crescit pondus et dextram gravat ; admotus ipsis Bacchus a labris fugit l6S
THYESTES
causelessly or too late thou feai*est. I would fain not be unhappy, but within me va^ue terror wanders, sudden tears pour from mine eyes, and all for naught. Is it from grief or fear ? Or doth great joy hold tears ?
ATREUS
[advanchig to his brother with show of effusive affection]
With mutual accord, brother, let us keep this festal day ; this is the day which shall make strong my sceptre and bind firm the bonds of peace assured.
THYESTES ^pushing the remains of the feast from him]
I have had my fill of fot)d, and no less of wine. My pleasure by this crowning joy can be increased, if with my sons I may share my happiness.
ATREUS ^^^^c
Be sure that here, in their father's bosom, are thy sons ; — here now, and here shall be ; no one of thy children shall be taken from thee. The faces which thou desirest will I give, and wholly with his family will I fill the sire. Thou shalt be satisfied, have no fear of that. Just now, in company with mv own, at the children's table, they are sharing the joyful feast ; but I will summon them. Take thou this cup, an heirloom, filled with wine.
THYESTES
I accept this bounty of my brother's feast ; let wine be poured to our ancestral gods, and then be quaffed. — But what is this ? My hands refuse their service, and the cup grows heavy and weighs down my hand ; the lifted wine recoils from my very lips ; around my
169
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
circaque rictus ore decepto fluit
et ipsa trepido mensa subsiluit solo.
vix lucet ignis ; ipse quin aether gravis 990
inter diem noctemque desertus stupet.
quid hoc ? magis magisque concussi labant
convexa caeli ; spissior densis coit
cahgo tenebris noxque se in noctem addidit ;
fugit omne sidus. quidquid est, fratri precor
natisque pai'cat, omnis in vile hoc caput
abeat procella. redde iam natos niihi !
ATREVS
Reddum, et tibi illos nullus eripiet dies.
THVESTES
Quis hie tuniultus viscera exagitat mea ? quid tremuit intus ? sentio impatiens onus 1000
meumque gemitu non meo pectus gemit. adeste, nati, genitor infelix vocat, adeste. visis fugiet hie vobis dolor — unde oblocuntur?
ATllEVS
Expedi anaplexuSj pater ; venere. — natos ecquid agnoscis tuos ?
THYESTES
Agnosco fratrem. sustines tantuni nefas gestare, Tellus ? non ad infernam Styga tenebrasque mergis rupta et ingenti via
* Time itself, as indicated by the heavens, is in suspense. 170
THYESTES
gaping jawsj cheating my mouth, it flows, and the very table leaps up from the trembHng floor. The lights burn dim ; nay, the very heavens, grown heavy, stand ^' in amaze 'twixt day and night,^ deserted. ^ What next ? Now more, still more the vault of the shattered sky is tottering ; a thicker glooin with dense shades is. gathering, and night has hidden away in a blacker! night; every star is in full flight. Whate'er it is, I beg it may spare my brother and ray sons^ and may] the storm break with all its force on this vile liead. Give back now my sons to me !
ATREUS
I will give them back, and no day shall tear them from thee. [Exit.
THYESTES
What is this tumult that distui-bs my vitals ? What trembles in me .'' I feel a load that will not suffer me, and my breast groans with a groaning that is not mine. O come, rny sons, your unhappy father calls you, come ; this pain will pass away at the sight of you^whence come their reproachful voices.'' [Re-enter atreus nilh a covered platler in his Iiands.]
ATREUS
Now, fathei-, spread out thine arms ; they are here.
[He uncovers the platter, revealing the severed heads of TMVESTEs' S071S.] Dost rccognizc thy sons ?
THYESTES
I recognize my brother. Canst thou endure, O Earthj^ to bear a crime so monstrous .'' Why dost not burst asunder and plunge thee down to the infernal
^ i.e. by sun, moon, and stars.
171
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ad chaos inane regna cum rege abrii^is ?
non tola ab imo tecta convellens solo 1010
vertis Mycenas ? stare circa Tantalum
uterque iam debuimus. hinc compagibus
et hinc revulsis, si quid infra Tartara est
avosque nostros, hue tuam inmani sinu
demitte vallem nosque defossos tege
Acheronte toto. noxiae supra caput
animae vagentur nostrum et ardenti freto
Phlegethon harenas igneus totas agens
exilia supra nostra violentus fluat —
immota tellus pondus ignavum iacet, 1020
fugere superi.
ATREVS
lam accipe hos potius libens diu expetitos. nulla per fratrem est mora ; fruere, osculare, divide amplexus tribus.
THYESTES
Hoc foedus ? haec est gratia, haec fratris fides ? sic odia ponis ? non peto, incolumes pater natos ut habeam ; scelere quod salvo dari odioque possit, frater hoc fratrem rogo : sepelire liceat. redde quod cernas statim uri ; nihil te genitor habiturus rogo, sed perditurus.
ATREVS
Quidquid e natis tuis 1030
superest babes, quodcumque non supercst habes.
172
THYESTES
Stygian shades and^ by a huge opening to void chaos, snatch this kiiigdom Avith its king away ? Why dost not raze tliis whole palace to the very ground, and overturn Mycenae ? We should both of us long since have been with Tantalus. Rend asunder thy prison - bars on every side, and if there is any place 'neath Tartai'us and our grandsires,^ thither with huge abyss let doAvn thy chasm and hide us buried beneath all Acheron. Let guilty souls wander above our head, and let fier}'' Phlegethon, with glowing flood down- pouring all his sands, flow tempestuous above our })lace of exile — but the earth lies all unmoved, an insensate mass ; the gods have fled away.
Now, rather, take these with joy, whom thou hast so long_d_e^sired. Thy brother delays thee not ; enjoy them, kiss them, divide thy embraces 'mongst the three.
THYESTES
Is this thy bond ? Is this thy grace^ this thy fraternal pledge ? Thus puttest thou hate away ? I do not ask that I, a father, may have my sons un- harmed ; what can be granted with crime and hate intact, this I, a brother, of a brother ask : that I may bury them. Give_me back what thou mayst see burned at once. The father asks naught of thee with hopes of having, but of losing it.
ATKEUS
Whatever of thy sons is left, thou hast ; whatever is not left, thou hast.
^ He means Tantalus alone, using the plural for the singular by enallage.
173
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
THYESTES
Vtmmne saevis pabulum alitibus iacent, an beluis sevvantur, an pascunt feras ?
ATREVS
Epulatus ipse cs impia natos dape.
THYESTES
Hoc est deos quod puduit, hoc egit diem aversum in ortus. quas miser voces dabo questusque quos ? quae verba sufficient mihi ? abscisa cerno capita et avulsas manus et rupta fi'actis cruribus vestigia — - hoc est quod avidus capere non potuit pater. 1010 volvuntur iutus viscera et clusum nefas sine exitu hictatur et quaerit fugam. da, frater, ensem (sanguinis multum mei habet ille) ; ferro liberis detur via. negatur ensis ? pectora inhso sonent - contusa planctu — sustine, infelix, manum, \ parcamus umbris. tale quis vidit nefas ? quis inhospitalis Caucasi rupem asperam Heniochus habitans quisve Cecropiis metus terris Procrustes? genitor en natos prcmo 10.50
premorque natis — sceleris est aliquis modus ?
ATREVS
Sceleri modus debetur ubi facias scelus, non ubi reponas. hoc quoque exiguum est mihi. ex vulnere ipso sanguinem calidum in tua defundere ora debui, ut viventium biberes cruorem — verba sunt irae data 174
THYESTES
THVESTES
Do tliey lie a prey for the wild birds ? Are they reserved for monsters ? Are they food for beasts ?
ATUEl'S
Thyself hasl feasted on ihy sons, an impious meal.
THYESTES
'Twas this that shamed the gods ; this drove the day back aoainst its dawning. What cries in my misery shall I utter, what complaints ? What words will suffice for me ? I see the severed heads, the torn-off hands, the feet wrenched from the broken legs — this much the father, for all his greed, could not devour. Their flesh is turning round within me, and my imprisoned crime struggles vainly to come forth and seeks way of escape. Give me thy sword, O brother, the S}vord reeking with my blood ; by the steel let deliverance be given to my sons. Dost refuse the sword ? Then let my breast resound, bruised by crushing blows — hold thy hand, unhapjiy man, let us spare the shades. Who ever beheld such crime? What Heniochian, dwelling on wild Caucasus' rough rocks, or what Procrustes, terror of the Ce- cropian land .'' Lo, I, the father, overwhelm my sons, and by my sons am overwhelmed — of crime is there no limit .''
ATREUS
Crime should have limit, when the crime is wrouglit, not when repaid. E'en this is not enough for me. j- Straight from the very wound I should have poured the hot blood dqwrL thy throat, that thou mightst drink gore of thy living sons — my wrath was cheated
175
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
dum pvopero. ferro vulnera inipresso dedi,
cecidi ad aras, caede votiva focos
placavi et artus, corpora exanima aniputans,
in parva carpsi frusta et haec ferventibus IO6O
demersi aenis, ilia lentis ignibus
stillare iussi. membra nervosque abscidi
viventibus^ gracilique traiectas veru
mugire fibras vidi et aggessi manu
mea ipse flammas. omnia haec melius pater
fecisse potuit, cecidit in cassum dolor :
scidit ore natos impio, sed nesciens,
sed nescientes !
THYESTES
Clausa litoribus vagis audite maria, vos quoque audite hoc scelus, quocumque, di, fugistis ; audite inferi, 1070
audite terrae, Noxque Tartarea gi"avis et atra nube, vocibus nostris vaca (tibi sum relictus, sola tu miserum vides, tu quoque sine astris), vota non faciam improba, pro me nihil precabor— et quid iam potest pro me esse ? vobis vota prospicient mea. tu, summe caeli rector, aetheriae potens dominator aulae, nubibus totum horridis convolve mundum, bella ventoruni undique committe et omni parte violentuni iiitona, 1080
manuque ^ non qua tecta et immeritas domos telo petis minore, sed qua montium tergemina moles cecidit ct qui montibus stabant pares Gigantes, — haec arnia expcdi
' So A : Leo, icith E, inaiiuiiKjue.
176
THYESTES
by my haste. With the deep-driven sword I smote tiieni ; I slew thein at the altars ; with tlieir offered blood I appeased the sacred fires ; hewing their life- less bodies, into small scraps I tore them, and some into boiling cauldrons did I i)lunge, and some before slow fires I set to drij). Their limbs and sinews I rent asunder while still they lived, and their livers, transfixed on slender spits and sputtering I saw, and ; with my own hand I fed the flames. All these things 1 better the fjither might have done ; my grief has i fallen fruitless ; with impious teeth he tore his sons, ' but unwittingly, but them unwitting.^
Hear, O ye seas, by shifting shores imprisoned, and ye, too, hear this crime, whithersoever you have fled, y^^iids ; hear, l()rds of the underworld : hear, lamls, and Night, heavy w ith black, Tartarean fogs, give ear unto my cries; (to thee am I abandoned, thou only lookest on my woe, thou als'^ forsaken of the stars :) no wicked pleas will I make, naught for myself im- plore— and what now can I ask in my own behalf ? For you ' shall my prayers be offered. O thou, ex- alted ruler of the sky, who sittest in majesty upon the throne of heaven, enwrap the whole universe in awful clouds, set the winds warring on every hand, and from every quarter of the sky let the loud thunders roll ; not with what hand thou seekest houses and undeserving homes, using thy lesser bolts, but with that hand by which the threefold mass of mountains fell, and the Giants, who stood level with
^ Atrcus would have had both father and sons conscious of whfit they did and sufTered.
- i.e. the gods of heaven, who have fled from the sight of crime, and vmonTEe now addresses.
177
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ignesque torque, vindica amissum diem,
iaculare flammas, lumen ereptum polo
fulminibus exple. causa, ne dubites diu,
utriusque mala sit ; si minus, mala sit mea :
me pete, trisulco flammeam telo facem
per pectus hoc transmitte. si natos pater lOpO
humare et igni tradere extremo volo,
ego sum cremandus. si nihil superos movet
nullumque telis impios numen petit,
aeterna nox permaneat et tenebris tegat
inmensa longis scelera. nil, Titan, queror,
si perseveras.
. AT REVS
Nunc meas laudo manus, nunc parta vera est palma. perdideram scelus, nisi sic doleres. liberos nasci mihi nunc credo, castis nunc fidem reddi toris.
THYESTES
Quid liberi meruere ?
ATIIEVS
Quod fuerant tui. 1100
THYESTES
Natos parenti-
ATREVS
Fateor et, quod me iuvat,
certos. 178
THYESTES
the mountains — these arras let loose and hurl tliy fires. Make compensation for the banished day, brandish thy flames, and the light that was snatched from heaven with thy lightning's flash supply. Let the cause, lest long thou hesitate^ of each one of us be evil ; if not, let mine be evil ; aim thou at me, tlu-ongh this heart send thy three-forked flaming bolt. If I their father would give his sons to burial and commit them to the funeral flames, I must myself be burned. But if naught moves the gods, and no divinity hurls darts against the impious, may ni^it. sta}- on for ever, and cover with endless dark- ness boundless crimes. No jjrotest do I make^ O sun, if thou continue steadfast.^
ATREUS
Now do I praise my handiwork^ now is the true paIm_won. I had wasted my crime, didst thou not suffer thus. Now do I believe my children are my own, now may I trust once more that my niarriage- bed is pure.
THVESTES
What was my children's sin ?
ATHEUS
That they were thine.
THVESTES
Sons to the father ^
ATHEUS
Yea, and what gives me joy, surely_thy sons.
* i.e. in liiding thy face, as at present. 2 thoi\ didst give to be devoured.
179
N 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
THVESTES
Piorum praesides tester deos.
ATREVS
Quin coniugales ?
THVESTES
Scelere quis pensat scelus ?
ATREVS
Scio quid queraris : scelere praerepto doles, nee quod nefandas hauseris angit dapes ; quod non pararis. fuerat hie animus tibi instruere similes inscio fratri cibos et adiuvante liberos matre aggredi similique leto sternere. hoc unum obstitit — tuos putasti.
THVESTES
Vindices aderunt dei ; 1110
his piiiiiendum vota te tradunt mea.
ATREVS
Te puniendum liberis trado tuis.
180
THYESTES
THYESTES
I call on the gods who guard the innocent.
ATREUS
Why not the marriage-gods ?
THYESTES
Wlio punishes crime with crime ?
I know Avhat thou complainst of: thou grievest that I have forestalled thee in the crime, and art distressed, not because thou hast consumed the ghastly feast, but because thou didst not offer it to me. This had been thy purpose, to prepare for thine unwitting brother a like feast, and with their mother's aid to assail his sons and lay them low in like destruction. This one thing stayed thee — thou didst think them thine. i, -^ ;■
THYESTES
The gods will be present to avenge ; to them for punishment my prayers deliver thee.
ATREUS
To thy sons for punishment do I deliver thee.
181
HERCVLES OETAEVS
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Hercules, son of Jupiter and Alcmena. Hyllus, son of Hercules and De'ianira. Alcmena, daughter of Electryon, king of Mycenae.
Ueianira, daughter of Oeneus, king of Aetolia, and wife of
Hercides. loLE, daughter of Etirytus, king of Oechalia. NuKSE of Deianira.
Philoctetes, a prince of Thessaly, son of Poeas, and the faithful friend of Hercules.
LicHAS, the 7nessenger (Tpersona mnt<i) of De'ianira to Hercules.
Chorus of Aetolian iromen, faithful to Deianira.
Chorus of Oechalian maidens, suffering captivity in company u-ith lole.
The Scene is laid, first in Euboea, and later at the home of Hercules in Trachin.
ARGUMENT
The lo>ig, heroic life of Hercules has neared its end. His tire! re great tasks, assigned him by Euri/sthens through Juno's hatred, have been done. His latest victory was over Eurytus, king of Occhalia. Him he sletv and overthrew his house, because the monarch would not give him lole to wife.
And now the hero, having overcome the world, and Pluto's realm beneath the earth, aspires to heaven. He sacrifices to Cenaean Jove, and prays at last to be received into his proper home.
HERCVLES OETAEVS
HERCVLES
Sator deorum, cuius excussum nianu utraeque Phoebi sentiunt fulmen domus, secure regna ; protuli pacem tibi, quacumque Nereus porrigi terras vetat. non est tonandum ; perfidi reges iacent, saevi tyranni. fregimus quidquid fuit tibi fulminandum. sed mihi caelunij parens, adhuc negator ? pai-ui certe love ubique dignus teque testata est meum patrem noverca. quid tamen nectis moras ? 10
numquid timemur ? numquid impositum sibi non poterit Atlas ferre cum caelo Herculem ? quid astra, genitor, quid negas ? mors me tibi certe remisit, omne concessit malum quod terra genuit, pontus aer inferi. nullus per urbes errat Arcadias leo, Stymphalis icta est, Maenali nulla est fera; sparsit peremptus aureum serpens nemus et hydra vires posuit et notos Hebro cruore pingues hospitum fregi greges 20
1 East and West, or both hemispheres.
2 The Arcadian stag. Its capture was the third labour of Hercules.
186
HERCULES OETAEUS
[/« Euboea, near Oechalia, ajler the overthrow of Eurylus, king ojthat cilyJ\
HERCULES
O SIRE of gods, hurled by whose liand both homes ^ of Phoebus feel the thunderbolt, reign thou un- troubled ; peace have I 'st;iblished for thee wherever Nereus forbids the land to extend its bounds. Thou needst not thunder now ; ffilse kings lie low, and cruel tyrants. I have crushed all who merited thy bolts. But to me, father, is heaven still denied ? Of a surety have I everywhere proved worthy Jove ; and that thou art sire of mine my stepdame testifies. Vet why dost still contrive delays ? Am I cause of fear ? Will Atlas not avail to bear up Hercules placed upon him together with the sky .'' Why, O father, why dost thou deny the stars to me ? Verily hath death given me back to thee ; and every evil thing which earth, sea, air, the lower world, produced, hath yielded to my might. No lion prowls amidst Arcadia's towns ; the Stymphalian bird is smitten ; the beast of Maenalus- is no more; the dragon,^ slain, hath sprinkled the golden orchard with his blood; the hydra's* strength is gone; the lierds,^ well known to Hebrus, fat with strangers' blood, have
' Which guarded the apples of the Hesperidea. See Index 8.V. " Hesperides."
* See Index. * i.e. of Dioniedea.
187
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
hostisque traxi spolia Thermodontiae. vidi silentum fata nee tantum redi, sed trepidus atrum Cerberum vidit dies et ille soleni. null us Antaeus Libys animam resumit, cecidit ante aras suas Busiris, una est Geryon sparsus manu taurusque jiopulis horridus centum pavor. quodcumque tellus genu it infesta occidit meaque fusum est dextera ; iratis deis non licuit esse.
Si negat mundus feras SO
animum novereaj^ redde nunc nato patrem vel astra forti. nee peto ut monstres iter ; permitte tantum, genitor ; inveniam viam. vel si times ne terra concipiat feras, properet malum quodcumque, dum terra Herculem habet videtque ; nam quis invadet mala aut quis per urbes rursus Argolicas erit lunonis odio dignus ? in tutum meas laudes redegi, nulla me tellus silet. me sensit ursae frigidum Scythicae genus 40
Indusque Phoebo subditus, cancro Libys. te, clare Titan, tester : occurri tibi quacumque fulges, nee meos lux prosequi potuit triumphos, solis excessi vices intraque nostras substitit metas dies, natura cessit, terra defecit gradum : lassata prior est. nox et extremum chaos
^ So Ricliter, loith A : Leo f animum novercam, conjecturing tandem novercae.
^ i.e. tlie golden girdle of Hippolyte, queen of the Amazons.
2 The gods, in wratli, were supposed to have sent monsters on the earth, and by slaying these Hercules has frustrated that wrath.
188
HERCULES OETAEUS
I destroy edj and have brous^lit away Tliermodon's spoils ^ of war. The lot of the silent throng have I beheld ; and not alone have I returned, but shuddering day hath seen black Cerberus, and he the sun. No longer doth the Libyan Antaeus renew his strength ; before his own altars hath Busiris fallen ; by my sole hand hath Geryon been o'crthrown, and the bull, dread terror of a hundred tribes. Whatever hostile earth hath 'gendered is ftvllen, by my right hand laid low ; the anger of the gods hath been set at naught.^
'^'^ If the earth is done with monsters, if my step- dame is done with wrath, give back now the father to his son, yea, the stars unto the hero. I ask thee not to show the way to me ; but grant thy permission, father, and the way Lll find. Or, if thou fearest that earth shall yet give birth to monsters, let the ill make haste, whate'er it be, while yet the earth doth hold and look on Hercules ; for who else Avill attack evil thmgs, or who, throughout the Argive cities, will be worthy Juno's hate ? I have my honours safe be- stowed ; there is no land but sings my praise. The race that shivers 'neath the Scythian Bear^ hath known me ; the sun-scorched Indian and the tropic African. O glowing Sun, bear witness : I have encountered thee Avhere'er thou shinest, nor could thy beams keep pace with my triumphant course ; I have gone beyond the changes of the sun, and day hath halted far within my bounds. Nature hath yielded to me, and earth hath failed my feet ; she hath been weary Hrst.^ Night and utter chaos have
^ i.e. the Scythians, dwelling far north beneath the Bear.
* It is as if the whole earth, trying to keep pace with Hercules, and to give him new land to travel over, has become weary of the attempt.
189
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
in me incucurrit ; inde ad hunc orbem redi,
nemo unde retro est. tulimus Oceani minas,
nee ulla valuit quatere tempestas ratem 50
quamcimique pressi. pars quota est Perseus mei ?
iam vacuus aether non potest odio tuae
sufficere nuptae quasque devincam feras
tellus timet concipere nee monstra invenit.
ferae negantur ; Hercules monstri loco
iam coepit esse, quanta enim fregi mala,
quot scelera nudus ! quidquid immane obstitit,
solae manus stravere ; nee iuvenis feras
timui nee infans. quidquid est iussum leve est,
nee ulla nobis segnis illuxit dies. 60
o quanta fudi monstra quae nullus mihi
rex imperavit ! institit virtus mihi
lunone peior.
Sed quid inpavidum genus fecisse prodest ? non habent pacem dei ; purgata tellus omnis in caelo videt quodcumque timuit ; transtulit luno feras. ambit peremptus cancer ardentem plagam Libyaeque sidus fertur et messes alit ; annum fugacem tradit Astraeae leo, at ille, iactans fervidam collo iubam, 70
austrum madentem siccat et nimbos rapit. invasit omnis ecce iam caelum fera meque antecessit ; victor e terris meos specto labores, astra portentis prius
^ i.e. he is the only unconquered creature left on earth— a marvel, past the bounds of nature.
2 On the very day of his biith he killed two huge snakes which Juno sent against him. * i. e. Eurystheus.
190
HERCULES OETAEUS
assailed me, and thence to this world have I come again whence none e'er returns. I have borne Ocean's threats, and no storm of his has availed to wreck the ship which I have weighted down. How trivial Perseus' deeds compared with mine I Now can the empty air no more suffice the hatred of thy wife, and earth fears to produce beasts for me to conquer, nor can she find monsters more. Beasts are at end ; 'tis Hercules now begins to hold the place of monster.^ For how great evils have I crushed, how many crimes, and all unarmed ! Whatever monstrous thing opposed me, with but my hands I laid it low ; nor was there ever savage thing which as youth or babe - I feared. ' All my commanded toils seem light, and no inactive day has ever dawned for me. Oh, how great monsters have I overtiirovvn, which no king-^ bade me meet I My courage, more relentless than Juno's self, has urged me on. ;
'^^ But what avails it to have freed the race of men from fear ? Now have the gods no peace ; the freed earth sees in the sky all creatures which she feared ; for there hath Juno set them."* The crab I slew goes round the torrid zone, is known as Libya's constellation,^ and matures her grain ; the lion to Astraea gives the flying year ; '' but he, his burning mane upon his neck back tossing, dries up the dripping south-wind and devours the clouds. Behold, now has every beast invaded heaven, forestalling me ; though victor, I gaze upon my labours from the earth ; for to monsters first and to wild beasts has
■• i.e. she has changed them to constellations in tlie sky.
■* The zodiacal constellation of the Crab, in which the sun attains his suraincr solstice.
" i.e. tlie sun passes from Leo into Virgo. For Astrea see Index, 6. i;.
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ferisque luno tribiiit, ut caelum mihi
faceret timendiim. sparserit mundum licet
caelumque terris peius ac peius Styge
irata faciat, dabitur Alcidae locus.
si post feras, post bella^ post Stygium canem
baud dum astra merui, Siculus Hesperium latus 80
tangat Pelorus^ una iam tellus erit ;
illinc fugabo maria. si iungi iubes^
comtnittat undas Isthmos, et iuncto salo
nova ferantur Atticae puppes via.
mutetur orbis : vallibus currat novis
Hister novasque Tanais accipiat vias.
da, da tuendos, luppiter, saltern deos :
ilia licebit fulmen a parte auferas,
ego quam tuebor. sive glacialem poluni,
seu me tueri fervidam partem iubes, 90
hac esse superos parte securos puta.
Cirrhaea Paean templa et aetheriam domum
serpente caeso meruit — o quotiens iacet
Python in hydra ! Bacchus et Perseus deis
iam se intulere ; sed quota est mundi plaga
oriens subactus aut quota est Gorgon fera !
quis astra natus laudibus meruit suis
ex te et noverca ? quem tuli mundum peto.
Sed tu, comes laboris Herculei, Licha, perfer triumphos, Euryti victos lares 100
stratumque regnum, vos pecus rapite ocius
' i.e. Italian.
^ The Isthmus of Corinth.
192
HERCULES OETAEUS
Juno given stars, that to me she might make the sky a place of dread. Yet, though in her rage she scatter them o'er the sky, though she make heaven worse than earth, yea, -worse than Styx, to Alcides shall room be given. If after beasts, after wars, after the Stygian dog, I have not yet earned the stars, let Sicilian Pelorus touch the Hesperian ^ shore, and the}; both shall become one land ; thence will I put seas to Hight. If thou bidst seas be joined, let Isthmus "^ give passage to the waves and on their united waters let Attic ships along a new way be borne. Let eartli be changed ; along new valleys let Ister run and Tanais receive new channels. Give, give me, O Jujnter, at least the gods to guard ; there mayst thou put aside thy thunderbolts where I shall be on guard. Whether thou bidst me guard the icy pole, whether the torrid zone, there count the gods secure. Cirrha's shrine^ and a place in heaven did Pean* earn by one serpent's ^ slaughter — oh, how many Pythons in the hydra lie o'erthrown I Already have Bacchus and Perseus reached the gods ; but how- small a tract of earth was the conquered east,** or how- meagre a spoil was Gorgon ! ^ what son of thine and of my stepdame has by his praises merited the stars ? I seek the skies which I myself have borne.^
[He (itru.s lo LiciiAs]
^ But do thou, Lichas, comrade of the toils of Hercules, proclaim his triumphs — the conquered house of Eurytus, his kingdom overthrown. [To l/ie other attendants.^ Do you with speed drive the
' i.e. Delphi. * Apollo. « The Python.
• i.e. India, the scene of Bacchus' conquests. ' Slain by Perseus.
* i.e. when he relieved Atlas of his burden.
VOL. II. O
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
qua templa tolleiis acta Cenaei lovis austro timendum spectat Euboicum mare.
Par ille est superis cui pariter dies et fortuna fuit ; mortis habet vices lente cum trahitur vita gementibus. quisquis sub pedibus fata rapacia et puppem posuit Huminis ultimi, non captiva dabit bracchia vinculis nee pompae veniet nobile ferculum ; 110
numquam est ille miser cui facile est mori. ilium si medio decipiat ratis ponto^ cum Borean expulit Africus aut Eurus Zephyrum, cum mare dividunt, non puppis lacerae fi-agmina conligit, ut litus medio speret in aequore ; vitam qui poterit reddere protinus, solus non poterit naufragium pati.
Nos turpis macies et lacrimae tenent et crinis patrio pulvere sordidus ; 120
nos non flamma rapax, non fragor obruit. felices sequeris, mors, miseros fugis. stamus, nee patriae ^ messibus ^ lieu locus at^ silvis dabitur, lapsaque sordidae fient templa casae ; iam gelidus Dolops hac ducet pecudes qua tepet obrutus stratae qui superest Oechaliae cinis.
1 So JRichter, with A : patriis E.
^ messibus N. Heinsixis : moenibus A : Leo marls the line zorrvpt, and conjectures stamus nee patiia est : messibus h. 1. ' Leo et, with o>, corrected by Scali'jer,
194
HERCULES OETAEUS
herds to where the shore^ lifting on high tlie shrine of Cenacan Jove,^ looks out upon the Euboic sea, fearsome with southern gales.
[Exit HERCULES OH his woy to the Cenacan Promontory, intending there to sacri/iee to Jove.]
CHORUS OF CAi'TlVE OECUALI AN MAIDENS IN COMPANY WITH lOLE
Mate of tile gods is he whose life and fortune have gone side by side ; but when 'tis slowly dragged out midst lamentations, life has the lot of death. Whoe'er has set beneath his feet the greedy fates, and the last river's barque,^ he will not give his captive arms to bonds nor fare in the victor's train a noble spoil ; ne'er is he wretched for whom to die is easy. Should his boat be wrecked far out upon the deep, where South with North-wind strives, and East with West, rending the sea asunder, he does not gather up the wreckage of his broken ship, that in mid- ocean he may h()|)e for land ; he who can straightway render up his life, he only from a wreck can suffer naught.
^^^ But us, foul wasting claims, and tears, and hair defiled by the dust of fatherland ; us nor greedy flame nor crashing wall has overwhelmed. The happy dost thou pursue, O Death, the wretched thou rieest. Here we stand, yet alas ! the spot shall no more be given to our country's crops, but to forests wild, and s(pialid hovels shall our fallen shrines become. Here soon shall the chill Dolopian lead his flocks where the buried ashes, sole remnant of Oechalia's ruins, still are warm. Here in our very
' So called because his temple stood at Cenaeum, a lofty promontory on the north-west point of the island of Euboea. ^ I.e. he who does not fear death.
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ipso Thessalicus pastor in oppido indocta referens carmina fistula cantu nostra canet tempora flebili ; 130
et dum pauca deus saecula contrahet, quaeretur patriae quis fuerit locus, felix incolui non steriles focos nee ieiuna soli iugera Thessali ; ad Trachina vocor. saxa rigentia et dumeta iugis horrida tori'idis, vix gratum pecori montivago nemus. at si quas nielior sors famulas vocat, illas aut volucer transferet Inachus aut Dircaea eolent moenia, qua fluit 140
Ismenos tenui flumine languidus ; hie mater tumidi nupserat Herculis. 142
Falsa est de geminis fabula noctibus,^ 147
aether cum tenuit sidera longius commisitque vices Lucifer Hespero et Solem \etuit Delia tardior. 150
quae cautes Scythiae, quis genuit lapis? 143
num Titana ferura te llhodope tulit, te praeruptus Athos, te fera Caspia,^ quae virgata tibi praebuit ubera? 146
nullis vulneribus pervia membra sunt ; 151
ferrum sentit hebes, lentior est chalybs ; in nudo gladius corj^ore frangitur et saxum resilit, fataque neglegit et mortem indomito corpore provocat. non ilium poterant figere cuspides, non arcus Scythica tensus harundine, non quae tela gerit Sarmata frigidus aut qui soliferae suppositus plagae vicino Nabatae vulncra dirigit l60
The transposition ofU. 147-150 after I. 142 is Leo's, So Avantiun, icith a : caseta A : Leo Caspias, icith E.
196
HERCULES OETAEUS
city a Thessalian shepherd^ on rude pipe going o'er liis songs, shall sing of our story with doleful notes ; and ere God shall bring a few more generations lo an end, men will be asking where our country lay. Once I was blest ; not barren the hearth nor hungry the acres of Thessalian soil whereon I dwelt; but now to Trachin am I called, to a rough and stony land, to brambles bristling on her parched hills, to woods which e'en the wandering goats disdain. But if some captives by a milder fate are called, then either swift Inachus will bear them o'er,^ or within Dir- caean ^ walls shall they abide, where flows slow Ismenus with scanty stream, where the mother ^ of haughty Hercules once was wed."*
1^" False is the story ^ of the double night, when the stars lingered in the sky o'erlong, when Lucifer changed place with Hesperus, and Delia,'' too slow, kept back the sun. What Scythian crag, what rockv cliff begot thee.'' As some fierce Titan, did Rhodope bring thee forth, or Athos rough ? Did some wild Caspian beast, some striped tigress give thee suck ? By no Avounds may his limbs be assailed ; iron he feels blunt, steel is too dull ; upon his naked body swords are broken, and stones rebound ; and so he scorns the fates, and with body all invincible defies mortality. Sharp s{)ear-points could not pierce him, nor Scythian arrows shot from bended bow, nor darts which cold Sarmatians wield, or the Parthians who, in the land of the rising sun, with surer aim than ever Cretan's was, direct their shafts against the
^ i.e. either to Argos or Mycenae.
^ Theban, so called from the neighbouring fountain of Dirce. ^ Alcmena. * i.e. to Anipliitryon.
* See Index. 9.17. " Hercules," first part. The cliorus means to say that Hercules is not the son of Jove and Alcmena.
® The moon.
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Parthus Cnosiacis certioi* ictibus.
muros Oechaliae covpore propulit,
nil obstare valet ; vincere quod parat
iam victum est. quota pars vuliiere concidit !
pro foto patuit vultus iniquior
et vidisse sat est Herculeas minas.
quis vastus Briareus, quis tumidus Gyas,
supra Thessalicum cum stetit aggerem
caeloque inseruit vipereas manus,
hoc vultu riguit ? commoda cladibus 170
magnis magna patent : nil superest mali—
iratum miserae vidimus Herculem.
lOLE
At ego infelix non templa suis conla])sa deis s})arsosve focos, natis mixtos arsisse patres hominique deos, templa sepulchris, nullum querimur commune malum ; alio nostras fortuna vocat lacrimas, alias flere ruinas
me fata iubent. quae prima querar ? 180
quae summa gemam ? pariter cuncta deflere iuvat — ^ nee plura dedit pectora Tellus, ut digna sonent verbera fatis.
Me vel Sipylum flebile saxura fingite, superi, vel in Rridani ponite ripis, ubi maesta sonat Phaetontiadum silva sororum ;
^ Afttr iuvat D. Ileinshis recognized a lacuna, luhirh Gro- novius thought should be filled as follows: cur non oculoa plures nobis.
198
HERCULES OETAEUS
neighbouring Arabians. With his bare hands did he o'erthrow OechaHa's walls, and naught can make stand against him ; for whate'er he plans to over- come is overcome already. How few the foes who by his wounds have fallen ! His angry countenance was death in open view, and but to have seen the threats of Hercules is enough. ^ What huge Briareus, what Gyas, puffed with pride, when upon Thessalia's mountain-heap 2 they stood and clutched at heaven with snaky hands, had countenance inflexible as his ? But mighty ills have mighty recompense. No more is left to suffer — we have seen, oh, woe ! the angry Hercules.
But I, unhappy one, bewail not temples fallen on their gods, or hearth-fires scattered, or fathers burned in mingled heaps with sons, and gods with men, temples with tombs, — nay, no common misfortune do I mourn ; elsewhither doth fortune call my tears, for other ruins the fates bid me weep. What lament shall I make first ? What last shall I bewail ? Equally all things is it meet to mourn. Oh me, that Mother Earth hath not given me more eyes for tears, "^ more breasts, that blows worthj^ of my losses might resound.
1^3 Me to a weeping rock^ on Sipylus, ye heavenly gods, transform, or set me on the banks of Po, where the woods give back the grief of Phaethon's sad
^ i.e. was enough to kill his opponent.
^ The giants piled up Ossa, Pelion, and 01yinpu3 in tii<jir efi'ort to reacli tlie skies.
' Translating the suggested insertion of Gronovius. * She is thinking of the fate of Niobe.
199
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
me vel Siculis addite saxis,
ubi fata geniam Thessala Siren, 190
vel in Edonas tollite silvas
qualis natum Daulias ales
solet Ismaria flere sub umbra ;
formam lacrimis aptate meis
resonetque malis aspera Trachin.
Cyprias lacrimas Myrrha tuetui-,
raptum coniunx Ceyca gemit,
sibi Tantalis est facta superstes;
fugit vultus Philomela suos
natumque sonat flebilis Atthis : 200
cur mea nondum capiunt volucres
bracchia plumas ? felix, felix,
cum silva domus nostra feretur
patrioque sedens ales in agro
referam querulo murmure casus
volucremque lolen fama loquetur
Vidi, vidi miseranda mei fata parentis^ cum letifero stipite pulsus tota iacuit
sparsus in aula. 210
a si tumulum fata dedissent, quotiens, genitor^ quaerendus eras ! potuine tuam spectare necem, nondum teneras vestite genas necdum forti sanguine, Toxeu ? quid vestra queror fata, parentes, quos in tutum mors aequa tulit ? mea me lacrimas fortuna rogat. iam iam dominae captiva colus fusosque legam. pro saeve decor
1 i.e. make me one of the number of the Sirens who haunt those rocks. ^ i.e. Thracian. ' Procne. See Index s.v.
200
HERCULES OETAEUS
sisters; or add^ me to the rocks of Sicily, where as a Siren I may weep Thessalia's fate ; or bear me to Edonia's - woods where I may mourn as, beneatli Ismarian shade, the DauHan bird ^ ever mourns her son. Give me a fonii to fit my tears, and let rough Trachin ret-cho with my woes. Myrrha, the Cyprian maid, yet guards her tears ;^ tlie wife ^ of Ceyx mourns his taking off"; and Niobc lives on, surviving e'en herself; her human form has Philomel escaped, and still the Attic maid bewails her son." Why not yet do my arms become swift wings? Happy, ah, hap])y shall I be when the woods shall be called my home, and, in my native meadows resting, witli plaintive strains I shall recall my fate, and fame shall tell of winged lole.
^'^'^ I saw, I saw my father's wretched fate, when, beaten down by the death-dealing club, he lay in scattered fragments throughout the hall. Ah me, if fate had given him burial, how often, father, must thou have been sought ! How could I have looked upon thy death, O To.xeus,'' with thy boyish cheeks as yet unbearded, and thy veins not yet filled with manly vigour ? But why do I lament your fates, my parents, whom kindly death has to a place of safety borne .'' 'Tis my own fortune that requires my tears. Soon, soon in captive state shall I whirl the distaff" and the spindle of my mistress. O cruel beautv,
* Tlie exuding guin of the myrrh tree into which the maid was changed.
^ Alcj'one, still alive in feathered form.
* Itys was not the son of Philomela, but of her sister, Procne. ' Har brother.
801
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
formaque mortem paritura mihi, 220
tibi cuncta domiis concidit imi, dum me genitor negat Alcidae atque Herculeus socer esse timet, sed iam dominae tecta petantur.
Quid regna tui clara parentis casusque tuos respicis amens ? fugiat vultus fortuna prior, felix quisquis novit fomulum regemque pati vultusque suos variare potest, rapuit vires 230
pondusque malis casus animo qui tulit aequo.
O quam cruentus feminas stimulat furor, cum patuit una paelici et nuptae domus ! Scylla et Charybdis Sicula contorquens freta minus tiinendae, nulla non melior fera est. namque ut reluxit paelicis captae decus et fulsit lole qualis innubis dies purisve clarum noctibus sidus inicat, stetit furenti similis ac torvum intuens 240
Herculea coniunx ; feta ut Armenia iacens sub rupe tigris hoste conspecto exilit aut iussa thyrsum quatere conceptum ferens Maenas Lyaeum, dubia quo gressus ferat haesit parumper ; tum ])er Herculeos lares attonita fertur, tota vix satis est domus. incurrit, errat, sistit, in voltus dolor processit omnis, pectori paene intimo
^ Lyaeus. 202
HERCULES OETAEUS
and fomi doomed to bring- dealli to me, for thee alone is all my house undone, for that my sire refused me to Alcides and feared to have Hercules for son- in-law. But now nmst I betake me to a mistress' home/
CHORUS
Why dost thou, foolish one, ever look back upon thy sire's illustrious kingdom and thine own misfor- tunes ? Banish from thy face thy former fortune. Hai)])y is he whoever knows how to bear the estate of slave or king and can match his countenance with either lot. For he who bears his ills with even soul has robbed misfortune of its strength and heaviness.
\_Tlie scene changes lo the space before the palace of Hercules and De'ianira at Trachin. Enter nurse
OF DEIAMRA.]
NURSE
O how bloody is the rage that goads women on, when to mistress and to wife one house has opened ! Scylla and Charybdis, whirling Sicilia's waves, are not more fearful, nor is any wild beast worse. For when her captive rival's beauty was revealed, and lole shone like the unclouded day or a bright star in the clear night glittering, even as one distraught the wife of Hercules stood there with lowering gaze (as a tigress, lying big with young 'neath some Armenian rock, at sight of an enemy leajis forth ; or as a maenad, bidden to toss the thyrsus, what time she l)ears the god^ within her breast, in doubt where she shall take her way, stands still a while) ; then through the house of Hercules she madly dashed and scarce (lid all the house give space enough. Forward she rushes, wanders aimlessly, stands still. All her pas- sion has come forth into her face ; in her heart's
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
nihil est relictum ; fletus insequitur minas.
uec unus habitus durat aut uno furit 250
contenta voltu ; nunc inardescunt genae,
pallor ruborem pellit et formas dolor
errat per omnes ; queritur^ implorat, gemit.
Sonuere postes — ecce pi'aecipiti gradu secreta mentis ore confuso exerit
DEIANIRA
Quamcumque partem sedis aetheviae preniis, coniunx Tonantis, mitte in Aleiden feram quae mihi satis sit. si qua fecundum caput palude tota vastior serpens movet, ignara vinci, si quid excessit feras 260
irqmane dirum horribile, quo viso Hercules avertat oculos, hoc specu immenso exeat, vel si ferae negantur, hanc animara precor converte in aliquod — quodlibet possum malum hac mente fieri, commcda effigiem mihi parem dolori ; non capit pectus minas. quid excutis telluris extremae sinus orbemque versas .'' quid rogas Ditem mala ? omnes in isto pectore invenies feras quas timeat ; odiis accipe hoc telum tuis. 270
ego sim noverca. perdere Aleiden potes ; perfer manus quocumque. quid cessas, dea ? utere furente — quod lubes fieri nefas ?
^ i.e. the Hydra. ',^04
HERCULES OETAEUS
depths almost naught is left; tears follow hard on threats. Nor does one posture last, nor can one countenance contain her rage ; now do her cheeks Hanie with wrath, now pallor drives the flush away, and from form to form her smarting anguish wanders ; she wails, she begs, she groans.
254 "pijg doors have sounded— behold, at headlong pace she comes, with confused words revealing all the secrets of her soul.
[Enter DEiAfiiRA from wilhin ike palace.]
Wife of the Thunderer, whatever portion of thv heavenly home thou treadest, send 'gainst Alcides a wild beast which shall suffice for me. If any ser- pent,^ vaster than all the marsh, rears up its head, to conquest all unknown ; if anything is worse than other beasts, monstrous, dire, horrible, from sight of which Hercules would turn away his eyes, let this from its huge den come forth. Or, if beasts be denied, change, I pray thee, this heart of mine into some — any evil thing there is can I with this present mind become. Give me a form to match my smart- ing grief; my breast carmot contain its rage. Why dost thou search out the folds of farthest earth, and overturn the world.'' Why dost ask ills of Dis? In such a breast thou'lt find all beasts to cause him dread ; take thou this weapon for thy hate — let me be step-dame.- Thou canst destroy Alcides ; use but these hands for any end thou wilt. Why dost thou hesitate, O goddess .'' Use me, the mad one — what
* She tliinks of the possible children of Hercules by lole and her chance for vengeance on them.
205
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
reperi. quid haeres ? ipsa iam cesses licet, haec ira satis est.
Pectoris sani parum^ alumna, questus comprime ct flaiiimas doma ; frena dolorem. coniugem ostende Herculis.
lole meis captiva germanos dabit natis lovisque fiet ex famula nurus ? non flamma cursus pariter et torrens feret 280
et ursa pontum sicca caeruleuni bibet — non ibo inulta. gesseris caelum licet totusque pacem debeat mundus tibi, est aliquid hydra peius : iratae dolor nuptae. quis ignis tantus in caelum furit ardentis Aetnae ? quidquid est victum tibi hie vincet animus, capta praeripiet toros ? adhuc timebam monstra, iam nullum est malum ; cessere pestes, in locum venit ferae invisa paelex. summe pro rector deum 290
et clare Titan, Herculis tantum fui coniunx timentis ; vota quae superis tuli cessere captae, paelici felix fui, illi meas audistis, o superi, preces, incolumis illi remeat. — o nulla dolor contente poena, quaere supplicia horrida, incogitata, infanda, lunonem doce quid odia valeant ; nescit irasci satis, pro me gerebas bella, propter me vagas Achelous undas sanguine infecit suo, 300
* See Index s. I'. "Bears." 206
HERCULES OETAEUS
crime dost bid me do ? Decide. Why dost thou falter? Though now thou dost thyself shrink back, this rage of mine suffices.
Dear child, thy mad heart's plaints restrain, quench passion's fire and curb thy grief. Show thyself wife of Hercules.
Shall captive lole give brothers to my sons? Shall a slave become daughter-in-law of Jove ? Together will flame and torrent never run, and the thirsty Bear ^ from the blue sea ne'er will drink — nor will I go unavenged. Though thou didst bear the heavens up, though the whole Avorld owes its peace to thee, a worse j)est than Hydra waits thee — the wrath of an angered wife. What fire as hot as this rages to heaven from burning Aetna ? Whate'cr has been conquered by thy might, this passion of mine shall conquer. — And shall a slave seize on my marriage bed ? Till now did I fear monsters, but now is no evil more ; the pests have vanished and in the ))lace of beasts has come the hated harlot. O most high ruler of the gods, O lustrous Sun, I have been wife to Hercules but in his perils ; the prayers which to the heavenly ones I raised have been granted to a slave ; for a harlot have I been fortunate ; for her have ye heard my prayers, O gods, for her is he safe returned. — O grief that can be satisfied with no revenge, seek thee some dreadful punishment, unthought, unspeakable ; teach Juno's self what hate can do ; she knows not to rage enough. For me didst thou do battle ; on my account did Acheloiis dye his wandering waves with his own blood, when now he became a
207
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
cum lenta serpens fieret, in taurum trueem nunc flecteret serpente deposita minas, et mille in hoste vinceres uno feras. iani displicemuSj capta praelata est milii — non praeferetur ; qui dies thalami ultimus nostri est futurus, hie erit vitae tuae.
Quid hoc ? recedit animus et ponit minas. iam cessat ira ; quid miser langues dolor ? perdis furorem, coniugis tacitae fidem mihi reddis iterum. — quid vetas flammas ali ? 310 quid frangis ignes ? hunc mihi serva impetum, pares eamus ^ — non erit votis opus ; aderit noverca quae manus nostras regat nee invocata.
NVTRIX
Quod paras deniens scehis ? perimes maritum cuius extremus dies primusque laudes novit et caelo tenus erecta terras fama suppositas habet ? Graiorum in istos terra consurget lares domusque soceri prima et Aetolum genus sternetur onme ; saxa iam dudum ac faces S20
in te ferentur, vindicem tellus suum defendet omnis. una quot poenas dabis ! effugere terras crede et humanum genus te ])osse — fulmen genitor Alcidae gerit. iam iam minaces ire per caelum faces specta et tonantem fulmine excusso diem, mortem quoque ipsam, quam putas tutam, time ;
* So Leo and Rkhter, foUowiivj an emendation of Madvig : patres erimus E : pares eramus A. 208
HERCULES OETAEUS
stubborn serpent, now to a fierce bull changed his threats, the serpent form discarded, and tliou in that one foe didst conquer a thousand beasts. But now I please tliee not ; a captive is preferred to me — but she shall not be preferred ; for that day which shall end our marriage joys shall end thy life.
2'^'' But what is this ? My passion dies away and abates its threats. Now anger ceases ; why dost thou languish, O wretched grief? Thou givest o'er thy madness, makest me again the faithful, uncom- plaining wife. — Why dost forbid the feeding of tlie flames ? Why checkest the fire ? Keep but this passion in me ; hand in hand let us go on — there will be no need of prayers ; a step-dame ^ will be near to direct my hands and unbesought.
W^hat crime, distraught one, dost thou purpose ? Wilt slay thy husband v. hose praises the evening and the morning - know full well, whose fame, towering to the sky, holds all the world beneath .'' The land of Greece will rise to defend that home, and this thy father's ^ house and the whole Aetolian race will be the first to be o'erthrown ; soon rocks and firebrands will be hurled against thee, since every land will rally to its defender. How many penalties wilt thou, one woman, pay ! Suppose thou canst escape the world and the race of men — ^the father of Alcides wields the thunder-bolt. Now, even now behold his threat'ning fires flashing athwart the sky, and the heavens thundering with the lightning shock. Even death itself, which thou deemest a place of safety,
^ Juuo. ^ i.e. East and West.
' Deianira's father, the father-in-law (socer) of Hercules.
209
VOL, n. p
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
doniinatur illic patruus Alcidae tui. quocumque pei'ges, niisera, cognatos deos illic videbis.
DEIANIRA
Maximum fieri scelus 330
et ipsa fateor^ sed dolor fieri iubet.
NVTRIX
Moriere.
DEIANIRA
Moriar Herculis nempe incluti coniunx nee ullus nocte discussa dies viduam notabit nee meos paelex toros captiva capiet. ante ab occasu dies nascetur, Indos ante glacialis polus Scythasve tepida Phoebus inficiet rota, quam me relictam Thessalae aspiciant nurus. meo iugales sanguine extinguam faces, aut pereat aut me perimat ; elisis feris 340
et coniugem addat, inter Herculeos licet me quoque labores numeret ; Alcidae toros moritura certe corpore amplectar meo. ire, ire ad umbras Herculis nuptam libet, sed non inultam. si quid ex nostro Hercule concepit lole, manibus evellam meis ante et per ipsas paelicem invadam faces. me nuptial i victimam feriat die infestus, lolen dum supra exanimem ruam — felix iacet quicumque quos odit premit. 350
NVTRIX
Quid ipsa flammas pascis et vastum foves ultro dolorem ? misera, quid cassum times .''
' Pluto, the brother of Jove. ^ i.e. lole's.
210
HERCULES OETAEUS
fear ; for there the uncle ^ of thine Alcides rein;ns. Turn wliere thou wilt^ poor woman, there wilt thou see his kindred gods.
DEIANIRA
That I am doing a fearful crime, e'en I myself con- fess ; but passion bids me do it.
NURSE
Tiiou'lt die.
DEIANIRA
Yea, truly, will I die, but the wife of glorious Hercules ; neither shall any dawn, banishing night, brand me as widow ; nor shall captive creature make capture of my bed. Sooner shall day be born in the western sky, sooner shall Indians grow pale 'neath the icy pole, or Scythians tan 'neath Phoebus' burning car, than shall the dames of Thessaly see me abandoned. With my own blood Avill I quench her 2 marriage torches. Either let him die or do me to death. 'J'o slaughtered beasts let him add wife as well, and let him count me, too, 'mongst the toils of Hercules; to Alcides' couch, aye with my dying body, will I cling. Ah, sweet, 'tis sweet to go to the shades as bride of Hercules, — but not without my vengeance. If lole from my Hercules has conceived a child, with mine own hands will I tear it forth untimely, and by her very wedding torches' glare will I face the harlot. Eet him in wrath slay me as victim on his nuptial day, so I but fall on the corpse of lole. Happy he lies who crushes those he hates.
NURSE
Why dost thyself feed thy flames and wantonly foster an unmeasured grief? Poor soul, why dost thou cherish a needless fear .'' He did love lole ;
21 1 p 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA dilexit lolen ; nempe cum staret pai-ens regisque natam peteret. in famulae locum regina cecidit ; perdidit vires amor multumque ab ilia traxit infelix status, illicita amantur, excidit quidquid licet.
DEIANIRA
Fortuna amorem peior inflammat magis ; amat vel ipsum quod caret patrio lare, quod nudus auro crinis et gemma iacet, 36o
ipsas misericors forsan aerumnas amat ; hoc usitatum est Herculi, captas amat.
NVTRIX
Dilecta Priami nempe Dardanii soror concessa famula est ; adice quot nuptas prius, quot virgines dilexit. erravit vagus. Arcadia nempe virgo, Palladios chores dum nectit, Auge^ vim stupri passa excidit, nullamque amoris Hercules I'etinet notam. referam quid alias ? nempe Thespiades vacant brevique in illas arsit Aleides face. 370
hospes Timoli Lydiain fovit nurum et amore captus ad leves sedit colus, udum feroci stamen intorquens manu. nempe ilia cervix spolia deposuit ferae crinemque mitra pressit et famulus stetit, hirtam Sabaea marcidus myrrha comam. ubique caluit, sed levi caluit face.
* Hesione. 212
HERCULES OETAEUS
but 'twas while yet her father reigned secure^ and 'twas a king's daughter that lie sought. The ])rincess has now fallen to the place of slave ; love has lost its power, and much from her charm her unhappy lot has stolen. What is forbidden we love ; if granted it falls from our desire.
Nay, but fallen fortunes fan hotter the flames of l(»ve ; for this very cause he loves her, that she hath lost her father's house, that her hair lies stripped of gold and gems ; out of pity, perchance, he loves her very woes ; 'tis the wont of Hercules to love captive maids.
NURSE
'Tis true he loved the captive sister ^ of Dardanian Priam, but he gave her to another ;2 add all the dames, all the maids he loved before. A wanderer on earth, a wanderer in love was he. Why, the Arcadian maiden, Auge, while leading Pallas' sacred dance, suffered his lust's violence, but fell from his regard, and Hercules retains no trace of his love for her. Why mention others ? The Thespiades are forgotten ; for them with but a passing flame Alcides burned. When a guest on Timolus, he caressed the Lydian woman ^ and, daft with love, sat beside her swift distaff, twisting the moistened thread with doughty fingers. His shoulders, indeed, had laid aside the famous lion's-skin, a turban confined his hair, and there he stood like any slave, his shaggy locks dripping with Sabaean myrrh. Everywhere has he burned with love, but burned with feeble flame.
2 i.e. to Telamon, who assisted him in the capture of Troy. * Oniphale, queen of Lydia.
813
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
DEIANIRA
Haerere amantes post vagos ignes solent.
NVTRIX
Famulamne et hostis praeferet natam tibi ?
DEIANIRA
Vt laeta^ silvas forma vernantes habet, 380
cum nemora nuda primus investit tepor, at cum solutos expulit Boreas Notos et saeva totas bruma discussit comas, deforme solis aspicis truncis nemus ; sic nostra longum forma percurrens iter deperdit aliquid semper et fulget minus, nee ilia vetus '^ est. quidquid in nobis fuit olim petitum cecidit, aut pariter labat.^ aetas citato senior eripuit gi-adu,* 390
niaterque multum rapuit ex illo mihi, 389
vides ut altum famula non perdat decus ? 391
cessere cultus penitus et paedor sedet ; tamen per ipsas fulget aerumnas decor nihilque ab ilia casus et fatum grave nisi regna traxit. hie meum pectus timor, altrix, lacessit, hie rapit somnos pa\ or. praeclai'a totis gentibus coniunx eram thalamosque nostros invido voto nurus oj)tabat omnis ; quaeve mens quicquam decs orabat ullos, nuribus Argolicis fui 400
mensura voti. quem lovi socerum parem, altrixj habebo r quis sub hoc niundo mihi
^ alta MSS., corrected hy Madvig.
* So liichter: nee ilia Venus E : haec ilia Venus Kiessling, followed by Leo,
214
HERCULES OETAEUS
DEIAMRA
Oft after wandcrinc^ fires lovers have clunff to one.
A slave and daugliter of his foe shall he prefer to thee ?
As a gladsome beauty covers the budding groves when the first warmth of spring clothes the bare forest trees, but, when the North-wind has put the mild South to flight, and savage winter has shaken off all the leaves, thou seest but a shapeless grove of trunks alone ; so does my beauty, pursuing a length- ening way, lose something ever, and less brightly gleams, nor is it as of yore. Whate'er in me was sought in former days has vanished or is failing along with me. Old age with hastening steps hath taken much, and much of it hath motherhood stolen from me. But seest thou how this slave hath not lost her glorious charm .'' Gone are her adoriiings and squalor clings close upon her ; and yet through her very dis- tresses beauty shines and naught have misfortune and this hard stroke of fate stolen from her .save her realm. O nurse, this fear of her racks my heart ; this dread doth destroy my slumbers. I was a wife celebi'ated in every land, and for marriage such as mine all women prayed with envious prayer ; or whatever soul asked aught of any gods, for the prayers of Grecian dames I was the measure. What fathei--in- law like to Jove, O Nurse, shall I e'er have } Who beneath these heavens will be given me as husband .''
' So Richter: et . . . labat E : et partu labat A : Lto con- jectures labor. * Leo deletes this line.
215
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
dabitur maritus ? ipse qui Alcidae imperat facibus suis me iungat Eurystheus licet, minus est. toris caruisse regnantis leve est : alte ilia eecidit quae viro caret Hercule.
NVTRIX
Conciliat animos eoniugum partus fere.
DEIANIRA
Hie 1 ipse forsan dividet partus toros.
NVTRIX
Famula ilia trahitur interim donum tibi.
DEIANIRA
Hie quem per urbes ire praeclarum vides 410
et fulva tergo spolia gestantem ferae, qui regna miseris donat et celsis rapit^ vasta gravatus horridam clava manum, cuius triumphos ultimi Seres canunt et quisquis alius orbe concepto ^ iacet, — levis est nee ilium gloriae stimulat decor ; errat per orbem, non ut aequetur lovi nee ut per urbes magnus Argolicas eat : quod amet requirit, virgiinnn thalamos petit, si qua est negata, rapitur ; in populos furit, 420
nuptas minis quaerit et vitium impotens virtus vocatur. eecidit Oechalia inclita unusque Titan vidit atque unus dies stantem et cadentem ; causa bellandi est amor.
^ So Richter after tmeivdation of N. Heinsius : sic MSS. and Leo.
* Leo fconcepto, with "iA : consepto j-; Qrotiua conjectures consumpto : Oronoviua conpecto.
216
HERCULES OETAEUS
Though Eurystlieus' self, who rules Alcides, should wed me with his own torches, 'tis not enough. 'Tis .1 trivial thing to have lost a royal couch ; but from a far height has she fallen who loses Hercules.
NURSE
Children ofttimes win back the love of husbands.
These children themselves perchance will dissolve the bond.^
NURSE
Meanwhile that slave is brought as gift to thee.
He whom thou seest going, big with fame, from town to town, wearing the spoil of a tawny lion on his back ; who gives kingdoms to the lowly and takes them from the proud, his dread hand laden with a massive club ; whose triumphs the far otF .Seres sing, and whoe'er besides dwells in the whole known world, — he is a trifler, nor does the charm of glory urge him on. He goes wandering o'er the earth, not in the hope that he may rival Jove, nor that he may fare illustrious through Grecian cities. Some one to love he seeks ; his quest is maidens' chambers. If any is refused him, she is ravished ; against nations doth he rage, midst ruins seeks his brides, and unrestrained excess is called heroic. Oechalia, the illustrious, fell ; one sun, one day beheld her stand and fall ; and passion was the
^ i.e. if one woman's child holds her liusband to her, another's child (lole's) will turn him from the old to his new love.
217
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
totiens timebit Herculi natam parens
quotiens negabit, hostis est quotiens soeer
fieri recusat ; si gener non fit^ ferit.
post haec quid istas innocens servo manus,
donee furentem simulet ac saeva manu
intendat arcus nieque natunique opprimat ? 430
sic coniuges expellit Alcides suas,
haec sunt repudia. nee potest fieri nocens ;
terris videri sceleribus causam suis
fecit novercam. quid stupes, segnis furor ?
scelus occupandum est ; perage dum fervet manus.
NVTRIX
Perimes maritum ?
DEIANIRA
Paelicis certe meae
NVTRIX
At love creatum.
DEIANIRA
Nempe et Alcmena satum.
NVTRIX DEIANIRA
Ferrone ?
Ferro.
NVTRIX
Si iiequis ?
DEIANIRA
Perimam dolo.
218
HERCULES OETAEUS
mother of tliat strife. As oft as a father sliall deny his cliild to Hercules, as oft as a foeman refuses to be liis father-in-law, so oft shall he have cause to fear ; if he is not accepted as a son-in-law, he smites. After all this, why do I harmlessly keep back these hands un- til he feign another fit of madness,^ with deadly hand bend his bow, and slay me and my son ?^ Thus does Alcides put away his wives ; such is his manner of divorce. Yet naught can make him guilty ! He has made the world believe his step-dame answerable for his crimes. Why art inactive then, thou sluggish rage? His crime must be forestalled; act while thy hand is hot !
NURSE
Wilt slay thy husband ?
DEIANIRA
Truly, mv rival's husband.
NURSE
But the son of Jove ?
DEIANIRA
Yes, but the son of Alcmena, too.
NURSE
With the sAvord ?
DEI AN IRA
The sword.
NURSE
If thou canst not ?
DEIANIRA
I'll slay with guile.
^ The reference is to the death of Mcgara and her sons at tlie hands of mad Hercules. - Hyllus.
219
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
NVTRIX
Quis iste furor est ?
DEIANIRA
Queni mens coniunx docet.
NVTRIX
Quem nee noverca potuit, hunc perimes virum? 440
DEIANIRA
Caelestis ira quos premit, miseros facit ; humana nullos.
NVTRIX
Parce^ miseranda, et time.
DEIANIRA
Contempsit omnes ille qui mortem prius ; libet ire in enses.
NVTRIX
Maior admisso tuus, alumna^ dolor est ; culpa par odium exigat. cur saeva modicis statuis ? ut laesa es dole.
DEIANIRA
Leve esse credis paelicem nuptae malum ? quidquid dolorem pascit, hoc nimium })uta.
NVTRIX
Amorne clari fugit Alcidae tibi ?
* i.e. whatever else. 220
HERCULES OETAEUS
NURSE
What madness that ?
DEIAMRA
That which my husband teaches me.
NURSE
Whom e'en his step-dame could not slay — wilt thou slay him ?
DEIAMRA
Celestial wrath but makes wretched those on whom it falls ; man's wrath makes them naught.
NURSE
Spare him, O wretched one, and fear.
DEIANIRA
He has scorned all men, who first has scorn of death ; 'tis sweet to go against the sword.
Thy smart is too great for the offence, my child , let his fault claim but equal hate. Why dost so fiercely judge a light offence ? According as thou hast been injured, grieve.
DEIANIRA
Thinkst thou a mistress is light evil for a wife ? Whatever ^ fosters anguish, count this - beyond all bounds.
NURSE
Has thy love for glorious Alcides fled away ?
2 i.e. llie situation described in the preceding line.
221
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
DEIANIRA
Non fugit, altrix, remanet et penitus sedet 450 fixus medulliSj crede ; sed magnus dolor iratus amor est.
NVTRIX
Artibus magicis fere coniugia nuptae precibus admixtis ligant. vernare iussi frigore in medio nemus missumque fulmen stare ; concussi fretum cessante vento^ turbidum explicui mare et sicca tellus fontibus patuit novis ; habuere motum saxa, discussi fores ^ umbrasque Ditis/ et mea iussi prece manes locuntur, tacuit infernus canis ; 460
nox media solem vidit et noctem dies ^ ; 462
mare terra caelum et Tartarus servit mihi 46 1
nihilque leges ad meos cantus tenet, flectemus illum^ carmina invenient iter.
DEIANIRA
Quas Pontus herbas generat aut quas Thessala sub rupe Pindus alit ^ ubi inveniam malum cui cedat ille ? carmine in ten-as mago descendat astris Luna desertis licet et bruma messes videat et cantu fugax stet deprehensum fulmen et versa vice 470
medius coactis ferveat stellis dies : non flectet ilium.
^ fores CD .• regarded as corruj^t by Leo, who conjectures inferos : arbores Birt. ^ So Richter : Leo umbrae stetistis, with w.
222
HERCULES OETAEUS
DEIANIRA
Not fled, dear Nurse ; it still remains, believe me, deep-seated and fixed in my heart's core ; but out- raged love is poignant misery.
By magic arts and prayers commingled do wives oft hold fast their husbands. I have bidden the trees grow green in the midst of winter's frost, and the hurtling lightning stand ; I have stirred up the deep, though the winds were still, and have calmed the heaving sea ; the parched earth has opened with fresh fountains ; rocks have found motion ; the gates have I rent asunder and the shades of Dis, and at my jirayer's demand the spirits talk, the infernal dog is still ; midnight has seen the sun, and dav, the night ; the sea, land, heaven and Tartarus yield to my will, and naught holds to law against my incantations. Bend him we will ; my charms will find the way.
OKI A XI HA
What herbs does Pontus grow, or what does Pindus nourish 'neath the rocks of Thessaly,^ wherein I may find a bane to conquer him ? Though Luna should leave the stars and come down to earth, obedient to magic ; though winter should see ripe grain ; though Lhe swift bolt should stand still, arrested by thy charm ; though times be changed, and midday burn amid the crowding stars : 'twill not bend him.
1 Where Medea, the famous witch, gathered magic herbs.
' Lines 467, 46^ transposed by Bothe.
* Leo, faluit, u-ilh E: comclcd by Pcipcr, followed by Richter.
223
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
NVTRIX
Vicit et superos Amor.
Vincetur uni forsan et spolium dabit yVmorque summus fiet Alcidae labor. — sed te per omne caelitum numen precor, per hunc timorem : quidquid arcani apparo penitus recondas et fide tacita premas.
NVTRIX
Quid istud est quod esse secretum petis ?
DEIANIRA
Non tela suntj non armaj non ignis minax.
NVTRIX
Praestare fateor posse me tacitam fidem, 480
si scelere careat ; interim scelus est fides.
Circumspice agedum, ne quis arcana occupet, partemque in omnem vultus inquirens eat.
NVTRIX
En locus ab omni tutus arbitrio vacat.
DEIANIRA
Est in remoto regiae sedis loco arcana tacitus nostra defendens specus. non ille primos accipit soles locus.
224
HERCULES OETAEUS
NURSE
But love has conquered e'en heavenly <»ocls.
]]v one ^ alone, })erchance, will he be conquered and yield liis spoils, and Love beconie Alcides' crowning toil. — But thee by all the deities of heaven 1 {)ra\-, bv this niy fear : whatever secret thing I am preparing, hide it deep, and in faithful silence hold it fast.
NURSE
What is it that thou seekst to keep in secret?
OKIANIRA
It is not spears, not arms, not threatening fire.
NURSE
That I can keep faithful silence I confess, if it be free iVom crime ; but silence itself sometimes is criminal.
DEIANIRA
Come, look about, lest someone grasj) my secret, and in all directions turn thy questful glance.
NURSE
Behold the place is safe and free from all observers.
DEIANUtA
In a remote corner of the royal dwelling is a recess that silently guards my secret. Neither the first rays of the sun can reach that spot, nor yet his
^ Herculea.
'225
VOL. II. H
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
tion ille seroSj cum ferens Titan dieiu ^
lassum rubenti mergit Oceauo iugiim ^
illic ainoris pignus Herciilei latet. 490
altriXj fatebor : auctor est Nessus niali
quem gravida Nephele Thessalo genuit duci,
qua celsus"^ astris inserit Pindus caput
ultraque nubes Othrys eductus riget.
namque ut subactus Herculis clava horridi
Achelous omnes facilis in species dari
tandem peractis omnibus patuit feris
unoque turi)e subdidit cornu caputs
me coniugem dum victor Alcides habet,
repetebat Argos.
Forte per cam])os vagus 500
Euenos altum gurgitem in pontum ferens iam paene summis turbidus silvis erat. transire Nessus verticem solitus vadis pretium poposcit. meque iam dorso ferens qua iungit hominem sj)ina deficiens equo, frangebat ipsas fluminis tumidi minas. iam totus undis Nessus exierat ferox medioque adhuc errabat Alcides vado, vasto rapacem verticem scindens gradu, at ille ut esse vidit Alciden procul : 510
" tu ])raeda nobis " inquit " et coniunx eris ; proliibetur undis/' meque complexus ferens gressum citabat.
Non tenent undae Herculem : " infide vector " inquit " immixli licet Ganges et Hister vallibus iunctis eant,
' Leo thinks there is a lacuna after line 488 and fills it thus. exurgit undis, cunique gennanam vocans.
'^ So llichter : diein Leo with E.
^ So A: fU-ei)idiis Leo, ivilh E, conjecturing aethcrius : rigidus 0. liosslach.
226
HERCULES OETAEUS
last, when Titan, bringing the day to rest, plunges his Aveary yoke in tlie ruddy sea. I'liei'e lurks the surety of Alcides' love. Xurse, I'll confess to thee : the giver of the baleful thing was Nessus, whom Nephelc, heavy with child, to the Thessalian chief- tain ^ bore, where lofty Pindus to the stars lifts up his head and Othrys stands stiff, towering above the clouds. For when Aehelous, forced by the club of dread Hercules to shift with ready ease fi'om form to form, his beast-shapes all exhausted, at last stood forth and bowed his head, marred and with single horn,'- victorious Hercules, with me, his bride, set out for Argos.
^o*^ It chanced that Evenus, wandering through the plains, rolling his deep eddies to the sea, was now in flood almost to the tree-tops' level. Ncssus, ac- customed to ford the whirling stream, offered to take me over for a price; and, bearing me on his back, where the backbone, leaving the equine enters the human form, soon was stemming even the threatening waves of the swollen flood. Now had wild Nessus entirely left the waters and Alcides was still wander- ing in mid-stream, cleaving the down-sweeping flood with his mighty strides; but when the centaur saw Alcides still afar, " Thou shalt be spoil of mine," he cried, " and wife ; he is ke])t from thee by the waves" ; and, clasping me in his arms as he bore me on, was galloping away.
^^' But the waves did not hold Hercules ; " C) faithless ferryman," he cried, "though Ganges and Hister commingled in united beds should How, I
^ Ixion.
"^ Hercules had wrenched away one horn from Aehelous while the latter was lighting iu bull-form.
227 Q 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
vinceinus ambos^ cciisequar telo fii_<;;nTi." praecessit areas verba ; turn longuni fercns harundo vulnus teniiit Iiaerentem fugam inortemque fixit. ille^ iani quacrens diem^ tabiim Hueiitem^ volneris dextra excijnt 520
traditque nobis ungulae insertum suae, quam foi'tc saeva sciderat avolsana manu tunc verba moriens addit ; " hoe " inquit " magae dixere aniorem posse defigi malo ; hoc docta Mycale Tliessalas docuit nurus, unam inter omnes Luna quam sequitur magas astris relictis. inlitas vestes dabis hac" inquit "ipsa tabe, si paelex tuos invisa tlialamos tulerit et coniunx levis aliam pareiiti dederit altisono nurum. 530
hoc nulla lux conspiciat, hoc tenebrae tegant tantum remotae ; sic potens vires suas sanguis tenebit." verba deprendit quics mortemque lassis intulit membris sopor. Tu, quam meis admittit arcanis fides, perge ut nitenteni virus in vestem datum mentem per artus adeat et taciturn means ^ iutret medullas
NVTIHX
Ocius iussa exsequar, alumna, precibus tu dcum iuvictum advoca, qui certa tenera tela dimittit manu. 540
' So E : Leo fluente : tabem fluentis A . ^ <So Richter ■ tactus sinu8 A : tacitus mas E Leo tactu sinus.
228
HERCULES OETAEUS
shall o'ercoine them both and with my shaft o'ertake thy flight." His bow was swifter than liis words. Then tlie reedy sliaft, wounding from afar, stayed his ham})cred flight and implanted death. The Centaur, now groping for light, in his right hand caught the jioison ^ flowing from tJie wound, and this he gave me, jjouring it into his hoof, whieli with uiad h.ind he had chanced to wrench away. Then with his dying words he s])oke : '' 13y this charm magicians have said love can be firmly fixed ; so were Tiiessalian wives by the wise Mycale instructed, whom only, midst all wonder-working crones, Luna will forsake the stars and follow, A garment, smeared with this very gore, shalt thou give to him, if ever a hated mistress should usurp thy chamber, and thy fickle husband should gi\e auotlier daughter to his high-thundering sire. This let no light be- liold ; let darkness only, thick and hidden, cover it ; so shall the potent blood retain its powers." Silence seized on his words and to his weary limbs came the sleep of deatii.
^^^ Now do thou, whom loyalty makes sharer of my secret, haste thee that the poison, upon a glittering robe besmeared, go through liis heart and limbs and, stealing silently, enter his very marrow.
NURSE
With s])eed will I do thy bidding, dcartst child ; .ind do tluui pray to the god ^ invincible, who witii tender hand doth send unerring shafts. yExil nuk.se.
• Coininiinicated to the bloud by the Hydra-poisoneti arrow of Hercules. ^ Cupid.
229
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
deTanira Te deprecor, quein niiindus et siiperi tinieut et aequor et qui fulmen Aetnaeum quatit, timeude matri te aliger saevae puer : intende certa spicnlum velox manu, non ex sagittis levibus. e niimero precor graviore prome quod tuae nonduin manus misere in aliqueni ; non levi telo est opuSj ut amare possit Hercules, rigidas manus intende et areuin cornibus iunctis para, nunc, nunc sagittam prome qua quondam hor-
ridum 550
lovem petisti, fulmine abiecto deus cum fronte subita tumuit et rabidum mare taurus puellae vector Assyriae scidit ; immitte amorem, vincat exempla omnia — ■ amare discat coniugem. si quas decor loles inussit pectori Herculeo faces, extingue totas, perbibat formam mei, tu fulminantem saepe domuisti lovem, tu furva nigri sceptra gestantem poli, turbae ducem maioris et dominum Stygis ; 5fiO
tuque o noverca gravior irata deus, cape hunc triumphum solus et vince Herculem.
NVTRIX
Prolata vis est quaeque Palladia colu lassavit onmem texta fomularum manum. nunc congeratur virus et vestis bibat
1 The bolts of Jove were forged in Vulcjin's siuitliy umler Aetna. ^ Europa.
'230
HERCULES OETAEUS
DEfANinA
Thee do I pray, by earth and heaven-dwellers held in fear, by sea, by him who wields Aetnaean ^ thunder- bolts, and by thy ruthless mother to be feared, O winged boy ; with unerring hand aim a swift shaft, and not of thy lighter arrows. Choose thee, I pray^ one of tliy heavier shafts, whieh thy hands have ne'er yet sliot at any; for no light wca])on must thou use that tiercules may feel the j)ower of love. Stretch thy hands stiffly forth, and bend thy bow until the tips shall meet. Now, now that shaft let loose with which once thou aimedst at Jove tlie terrible, what time the god threw down his thunder- bolt and as a bull, with liorns quick-sprouting on his brow, clove through the boisterous sea, bearing the Assyrian maid." Fill him with love ; let him outstrip all precedents, — let liim learn to love his wife. If lole's beauty hath kindled fires in the breast of Hercules, extinguish them every one, and of my beauty let him deeply drink. Oft hast thou con- ([uered Jove, the thunderer, oft him who wields the dark sceptre of the dusky world, king of the greater throng, and lord of Styx ; and now, O god moi-e dreadful than a step-dame's wrath, win thou this triumph all alone, and conquer Hercules.
[Hc-eniei' nursk, iri/h rohe and cliarm.'\
NUKRE
The charm has been brought out and a robe from Pallas' 3 distaff, at wdiose weaving thy maidens all have wrought with weary hands. Now let the poison be prepared and let the robe of Hercules
^ The arts of spinning and weaving were of Pallas' in- ventiou.
231
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA Herculea pestem ; precibus augebo malum.
In tempore ipso navus occurrit Lichas ; celauda vis est dira, iie pateant doli.
DEIANIRA
O quod superbae non habent umquam domus^ fidele semper regibus nomen Licha, 570
cape hos amictus, nostra quos nevit manus, dum vagus in orbe fertur et viotus mere tenet feroci Lydiam gremio nurum, dum poscit lolen. sed iecur fors horridum flectam merendo ; merita \icerunt malos. non ante coniunx induat vestes iube quam ture flammas paseat et placet deos, cana rigentem populo cinctus comam.
Ipsa in penates regios gressus feram precibusque Amoris horrid i matrem colam. 580
vos, quas paternis extuli comites focis, Calydoniae, lugete deflendam vicem.
CIIORVS
Flcmiis casus, Oeiiei. tuos
comitum primos turba per annos, 232
HERCULES OETAEUS
soak up its mairic power; and by my incantations will I increase the charm.
[fVkile ihey are occupijing themselves with the robe, LiCHAS is seen approaching.^ ^^' But in the nick of time the zealous Lichas comes; the dire potency of the robe must be con- cealed lest our wiles be punished. [^Enter liciias.]
O Lichas, name ever loyal to thy lords, thougli loyalty proud houses ne'er possess, take thou this garment which my hands have woven while he was wandering o'er the earth, or, spent with wine, was holding in his doughty arms the Lydian queen, or seeking lole. And yet, percliance, I may turn his rough heart to me again by my deserving ; for deserts oft conquer those who work us ill. Before my husband puts tliis garment on, bid him burn in- cense and appease the gods, his stiff" locks wreathed the while with hoary poplar. [lichas ia/ces the robe and departs upon his missiou.] ^''■^ I will myself pass within the royal palace and \\ ith prayers worship the mother of relentless Love.
[To her AeloUan attendant s.~\ Do ye, whom I have brought as comrades from my father's house, ye Calydonian maids, bewail the for- tune that demands your tears. [Exit.
CHonUS OF AETOLIAN WOMEN
O child of Oeneus, truly do we weep for thy
misfortunes, the band of thy companions througli thy childhood years, we weep thy couch dishonoured,
233
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
flemiis dubios, veneranda, toros.
nos Acheloi tecum solitae
pulsare vadiuiij cum iam tumidas
vere pevacto poneret undas
gracilisque gradii ser})eret aequo,
nee praecipitem volveret amnem 590
flavus rupto fonte Lycormas ;
nos Palladias ire per aras
et virgineos celebrare choros,
nos Cadmeis orgia ferre
tecum solitae condita cistis,
cum iam pulso sidere brumae
tertia soles evocat aestas
et spiciferac concessa deae
Attica mystas cludit Eleusin.
nunc quoque casum quemcuuique times, 600
fid as comites accipe fatis ;
nam rara fides ubi iam melior
fortuna ruit.
Tu quicumque es qui scc])tra tenes, licet omne tua vulgus in aula centum pariter limina pulsct ; cum tot populis stipatus eas, in tot populis vix una fides, tenet auratum limen Erinys, et cum magnae patuere fores, 6lO
intrant fraudes cautique doli ferrumque latens ; cumque in populos prodire paras, comes invidia est.
1 Identified by Strabo with the Evenns, a neighbouring river of Aetolia.
~ The sacred objects used in the orgiastic worship of Bacchus.
» CaUcd in the text Cadniacan from Cadinus, founder of Tliebea. '234
HERCULES OETAEUS lady whom we revere. Often with thee have we splashed in Aeheloiis' shallows, wlien now, the springtime })assed, he allayed his swollen waters and, a slender stream, crept on with (piiet course, and Lycormas ^ no longer rolled his headlong waters on, dark-hucd with bursting fountains. Together were we wont to fare to Pallas' shrines and join in virgin dances, to bear the mysteries ^ in Theban ■' baskets hidden, when now the wintry star had fled, and each third summer* called forth the sun, and when the grain-giving goddess' ^ sacred seat, Attic- Eleusis, shut in her mystic worshippers. Now too, whatever lot thou fearest, take us as trusted comrades of thy fates ; for rare is loyalty when now better fortune fails.
*^'^* O thou,'' whoe'er thou art who the sceptre boldest, though all the people throng within thy hall, pressing together through its thousand doors : though when thou walkst abroad whole nations hem thee round ; in all those nations scarce one man is true. Erinys keeps the gilded gate, and when the great doors have opened wide, there come in treacheries and cunning wiles and the lurking dagger ; and when amongst the people thou wouldst walk, envy walks by thy side. As often as dawn
* The festival of Bacchus was celebrated every tliird year in honour of his con(|ue.st of India.
^ Ceres. Tlie reference is to the Kleusinian nij-steries. All these festivals these women had been wont to attend together in childhood.
* Addressed to kings in general.
235
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
noctem quotiens suramovet Eos,
regem totiens credite iiasci.
pauci regeSj non regna colunt ;
plures fulgor concitat aulae.
ciipit liic regi proximus ipsi
clams latas ire per urbes ;
urit miserum gloria pectus. 620
cupit hie gazis iniplere faniem ;
nee tamen omnis plaga geranriferi
sufficit Histri nee tola sitini
Lydia vincit nee quae Zephyro
subdita tellus stupet aurato
flumine claruni radiare Taguni ;
nee si totus serviat Hebrus
ruraque dives iungat Hydaspes
intraque suos currere fines
spectet toto flumine Gangen. 630
avidis, avidis natura parum est.
Colit hie reges regumque lares, non lit {jresso voinere semper numquam cesset curvus anitor vel niille secent arva coloiii ; solas optat quas ponat opes, colit hie reges, calcet ut omnes prrdatque aliquos nulluniqiie levet ; lantuin ut noceat, cupit esse potens.
Quota pars moritur tempore fati ! 640
quos felices Cynthia vidit, vidit miseros eiiata dies, raruni est felix idemque senex. caespes Tyrio m(}llior ostro solet inpavidos ducere somnos ;
^ i.e. so many dangers to the king's life hirk in the night that if he survives tlicsc it is as if he were born anew iu the morning.
236
HERCULES OETAEUS
drives out tlie night, so often believe a king is born.' lew worship kings and not their tin-ones ; for 'tis the glitter of the royal hall that stirs the most. One man is eager to fare illustrious through ])road towns next to the king himself; for greed of glory bums his wretched breast. Another longs with treasure to appease his hunger ; and yet not all gem-bearing Mister's tract would satisfy, nor would the whole of Lydia sate his thirst, nor tlie land ^ which, lying 'neath the west-wind, marvels to see bright Tagus gleam with golden water; nor if all Hebrus were his own, and rich Ilydaspcs should be added to his fields, and he should gaze on Ganges flowing with all its stream within his boundaries. For greed, for greed all nature is too little.
•^^^ One man courts kings and homes of kings, not tliat his ploughman, forever stooping o'er the deep- driven share, may never cease his toil, or tliat the peasantry may till his thousand fields ; but wealth alone, which he may hoard away, he seeks. Another man courts kings that he may tramjile all, may ruin many and establish none ; he covets power only to harm therewith.
"'" How few live out their allotted span ! Whom Cynthia ^ saw in Iiappiness, the new-born day sees wretched. 'Tis rare to find old age and happiness in one. The couch of turf, softer than Tyrian purple, oft soothes to fearless slumber ; but gilded
^ .Spain.
^' i.e. the moon of llif previous uight.
237
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
aurea rumpunt tecta quietem vigilesque trahit imrpura iioctes o si pateant pectora ditum ! quaiitos iiitus sublimis agit fortuna iiietiis ! Bruttia Coro 650
pulsante fretuni lenior unda est. pectora pauper secura gerit ; tenet e patula pocula ftigo, sed rion trepida tenet ilia nianu ; carpit faciles vilesque cibos, sed non strietos respicit enses. ^ aurea niiscet pocula sanguis. "-- Coniunx niodico nupta marito non disposito clara nionili
gestat pelagi dona rubentis, 660
nee gemniiferas detrahit aures lapis Eoa lectus in unda^ nee Sidonio mollis aeno repetita bibit lana rubores, nee Maeonia distinguit acu quae Phoebeis subditus euris legit Eois Ser arboribus. quaelibet herbae tinxere eolus quas indoctae nevere nianus ; sed non dubios fovet ilia toi'os. 670
seqiiitur dira lanipade Erinys quariim ])opuli coluere diem ; nee sibi felix pauper habetur nisi felices cecidisse videt.
Quisquis medium defugit iter stabili numquam tramite ciu'rit. dum petit unum ^ii'aebere diem
^ The north-west wind.
^ The reference is to the story of the sword of Damocles. See Index.
238
HERCULES OETAEUS
ceilings break our rest, and purple coverlets drag out wakeful nights. Oh, if the heai-ts of rich men were laid bare ! What fears does lofty fortune stir within I The waves of Bruttiuni, when Corus^ lashes up the sea, are calmer far. The poor man's heart is free from care ; he holds cuj)s carved from the wide-spreading beech, but holds them with hand untrembling ; he eats but cheap and common food^
et sees no drawn sword - hanging o'er his head !
lis in golden cups that blood is mixed with wine.^
^''^ The wife who is wed to one of modest means is not bedecked with necklaces of pearl, the red sea's gift, nor do stones gathered on Orient shores weigh down her gem-laden ears ; for her no soft wool twice dipped in Sidonian cauldrons drinks scarlet dyes ; not hers with Maeonian ■* needle to embroider stuffs which Serians under sunlit skies gather ^ from eastern trees. 'Tis but common herbs that dye the webs wliich her unskilled hands have woven ; but she therishes a marriage-couch all undisturbed. With cruel torch doth Fury pursue the bride whose wed- ding-day great throngs have celebrated ; nor does the poor man count himself full blest, unless he sees the !)lessed fallen from their height.
075 Whoever has left the middle course fares never in path secure. While for one day the youth "^ sought
•'• The author may have the story of Atreua and Thyestes in inind.
^ The Lydian (Maeonian) women were famous for their skill in embroider}'.
^ The reference is to silk-culture, for which the Seres (the Chinese) were well known among the ancients.
* Phaethou.
'i39
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
patrioque piier constitit axe
nee per solitum decurrit iter,
sed Phoebeis ignota petens 680
sidera flammis errante rota,
secum pariter perdidit orbem.
medium caeli dum sulcat iter,
tenuit placitas Daedalus oras
nullique dedit noniina ponto ;
sed dum volueres vincere veras
Icarus audet patriasque puer
despicit alas Plioeboque volat
proxumus ipsi, dedit ignoto
nomina pouto. male pensantur 690
magna ruinis.
Felix alius magiuisque sonet ; me nulla vocet turba potentem. stringat tenuis litora puppis nee magna meas aura phaselos iubeat medium sciudere })ontum ; transit tutos Fortuna sinus medioque rates quaerit in alto, quarum feriunt sipara nubes.
Sed (juid pavido territa vultu, 700
qualis Haccho s;uicia maenas, fertur dubio ^ regina gradu ? quae te rursus fortuna rotat? miseranda^ refer : licet i])sa neges, vultus loquitur quodcunique tcgis.
DEIANIUA
Vagus per artus en-at excussos tremor, C erectus liorret crinis, impulsis adhuc
* So Groiiovius : fmcdio Leo, with E : rai)ido A: trcpido RaphtUvg : fert in mediura . . . gradum liichltr.
240
HERCULES OETAEUS
to fiirnisli li<;lit and took his stand witliin his father's car, and while he passed not o'er the accustomed track, but sought the stars unknown to Phoebus' rays Avitli wandering wlieel, himself he ruined and the world, as well. Daedalus, cleaving his path midway the heavens, reached peaceful shores and to no sea gave his name ; but while young Icarus dared rival true birds in flight, looked down upon his father's wings and soared aloft close to the sun itself, to an un- known sea ^ he gave his name. To our undoing, high fortunes are by ruin balanced.
*^^'- Let another be noised abroad as blest and great ; but let no throng hail me as powerful. Let my frail craft keep close to shore, and let no strong wind compel my bark to plough the mighty deep ; mis- fortune jiasses by quiet ports, and seeks for ships sailing the open sea, whose topsails smite the clouds-
[df.ianira appears Inirrjjivg didracledly from the palace.^
"•^•^ But why in terror and with f;ice of fear, like some rage-smit Bacchante, comes the queen with step uncertain r
\_Enter deianira]
What new reverse of fortune whirls thee about .'' Poor lady, tell us. Though thou thyself sayst naught, thy face speaks out whate'er thou hidest.
Vague shivers steal through my trembling limbs, /"my hair starts up in horror ; fear sticks in my soul
^ The Icaiian sea.
241
VOL. II. H
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
stat teiToi" aniniis et cor attonitum salit
pavidumque trepidis palpitat venis iecuv.
lit fractus austro pontus etiamnum tumet, 710
quamvis quiescat langiiidis ventis dies,
ita mens adhuc vexatur excusso nietu.
semel pi-ofecto premere felices deus
cum coepit, urget. hos habent magna exitus.
NVTRIX
Quis tarn ini})otens, miseranda, te casus rotat ?
DEIANIRA
Vt missa palla est tabe Nessea inlita thalamisque maerens intuli gressum meis, nescio quid animus timuit ^ et fraudem struit ? libet experiri. solibus dirus ferum flammisque Nessus sanguinem ostendi arcuit ; 720 hie ipse fraudes esse praemonuit dolus.
Et forte, nulla nube respersus iubar, laxabat ardens fervidum Titan diem. — ■ vix ora solvi patitur etiam nunc timor. — medios in ignes solis eiceram facem ^ quo tincta fuerat palla vestisque inlita. abiectus horret sanguis et Phoebi coma ^ tepefactus ardet — vix queo monstrum ekxpii.'* nives ut Rums solvit aut tepidus Notus, quas vere })rimo lucidus perdit Mimas, 730
^ Leo conjectures a lacuna here and suggests an inoriens viro I poenas parat Centaurus : Bichier reads timuit. an fraudem struit?
- f eiccrain facem Leo, with E, conjecturing medios in ignes vellus eieci madens : solis et claram facem A .
242
HERCULES OETAEUS
till now so passioii-tosscd ; my heart leaps wildly and my (juaking liver throbs with pulsing veins. As when the storm-tossed sea still heaves, though the skies are elear and the winds have died away, so is my soul still troubled, though my fear has been allayed. Surely when God has once begun to oppress the fortunate, he bears down hard. To such an end do mighty foi'tunes come.
What headstrong fate, })oor soul, whirls thee about ?
DEIANIRA
When I had sent away the robe anointed with Nessus' blood, and, sad at heart, betook me to my chamber, my soul feared I know not what — did the dying centaur 'gainst my husband plan revenge,^ and plot some treacliery ? I was pleased to make the test. Dread Nessus forbade me to expose the wild blood to the sun's rays and to fire ; and this artifice itself forewarned me of treachery.
"-- It chanced the burning sun, its radiance by no cloud dinnned, was setting free the day's fervid heat. — Even now my fear scarce suffers me to speak. — Right into the hot sunlight I had thrown the blood- soaked fleece ^ with which the robe had been moistened and the garment smeared. The bloody fleece I flung writhed horribly and, warmed with the sun's rays, burst aflame — I liave scarce words to tell of the awful thing. As the East or the warm South-wind melts the snows which glistening Mimas ^ Translating Leo's conjecture.
^ So g- ; Leo f comani.
* So A : Leo fastris vix quoriue est. m. elocor.
21..S
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
utque evolutos frangit lonio salo
opposita fluctus Leucas et lassus tumor
in litore ipso spumatj aut caelestibus
aspersa tepidis tura laxantur focis,
sic languet onme vellus et perdit comas.
dumque ista miror, causa mirandi })erit ;
quin ipsa tellus spumeos motus agit
et quidquid ilia tabe contactum est labat.^
Natum paventem cerno et ardenti pede 74-0
gressus ferentem. prome quid })ortes iiovi.^
HYLLVS
I, profuge, quaei'C si quid ulterius patet terris freto sideribus Oceano infevis^ — ultra labores, mater^ Alcidae fuge !
DEIANIRA
Nescio quod animus grande ])raes;igit malum.
HYLLVS
Regnat, triumphat ^ ; temjjla lunonis pete, haec tibi patent ; delubra praeciusa omnia.
ni;iANiRA EfFare quis me casus insontcin premat.
' Following line 738 in A stands the unintelligible line tuinensquc tacita sequitur et (juassat caput.
^ Leo deletes lines 74O, 741, assuming a considerable lacuna between 738 and 742.
244.
HERCULES OETAEUS
loses in early spring ; as 'gaiiist Leucadia's crags, breasting the Ionian sea, the iip-fiung waves are broken and \vith spent fury foam ujjon the shore, or as incense sprinkled on holy shrines is melted in tlie liot altar-fires ; so all the wool withered and lost its fleece. And while I stood wondering at it, the object of my wonder disappears; nay, even the very ground begins to foam, and whatever that jjoison touched begins to shrink.
[uYLLUS is seen approacIiing\ """'But I see my son apjn-oaching with face of fear and hurrying feet.
\_To HYLLUS]
Sj)eak out — what tidings dost tliou bear ?
nvLLUs \Jiurrijmg upon the scene\
Go ! flee ! seek out whatever place lies far away on land, on sea, 'mongst stars, in Ocean, under- world— far beyond the labours of Alcides, mother, flee!
DEIANUIA
Some great disaster doth my mind ])resage.
She 1 reigns, she triumphs ; Juno's temple seek. This sanctuary waits thee ; closed is all refuge else.
DEIANHJA
Tell what disaster my guiltless self o'erwliclms. ^ i.e. Juno.
* Lto^s conjecture for regna triiunphi of AISS.
2i5
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
HVLLVS
Decus illud orbis atque praesidium unicum, quern fata terris in locum dederant lovis, 750
o mater^ abiit. membra et Herculeos toros urit lues nescio qua ; qui domuit feras^ ille ille victor vincitur maeret dolet. quid quaeris ultra ?
DEIANIRA
Miserias properant suas audi re miseri, fare, quo posita in statu Qiam nostra domus est ? o lares, miseri lares ! nunc vidua, nunc expulsa, nunc ferar obruta.
HVLLVS
Non sola maeres Herculem, toto iaeet mundo gemendus. fata nee, mater, tua privata credas : iam genus totum obstrepit. 760
hunc ecce luctu quern gemis cuncti genunit, commune terris omnibus 2)ateris malum, luctum occupasti : prima, non sola Herculem, miserauda, maeres.
DEIANIRA
Quam propc a leto tamen ede, ede quaeso iaceat Alcides mens,
HVLLVS
Mors refugit ilium victa quae in regno sue semel est nee audeiit fata tarn vastum nefas admittere. ipsas forsitan trej)ida coins Clotho manu proiecit et fata Herculis
246
HERCULES OETAEUS
That glory aiul sole guardian of the world, whom the fates had given to the lands in the place of Jove^
0 mother, is no more. The limbs and thews of Hercules a mysterious plague is wasting ; and he who conquered monsters, he, he, the victor, is van- quished, is in grief, in agony. What more dost ask ?
DEIAMRA
The wretched are in haste to hear their wretched- ness. Tell me : in what condition now stands our (house ? O home, O wretched home ! Now truly am
1 widowed, exiled, overwhelmed.
HYLLUS
Not thou alone dost lament Hercules ; low he lies for the whole world to mourn. And think not, mother, thine is a pi'ivate loss ; now the whole race is clamorous with woe. Lo, all men utter thy self-same groans of grief; common to all lands is the ill thou sutferest. Thou hast forestalled their grief; first, but not all alone, poor soul, dost thou mourn Hercules.
nF;i.\NiRA
Yet tell me, tell, I beg, how near to death does my Aleides lie.
HVLLUS
Death, who once in his own realm was overcome,^ flees from him ; nor do the fates dare countenance so great a crime. Perchance Clotho has thrown aside her very distaft' from her trembling hand, and
^ A probaljle reference to the struggle of Hercules witli Death for the recovery of Alcestis.
247
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
timet pevagere. pro diem, infandum diem ! 770
liocne ille summo magnus Alcides erit ?
DEIANIRA
Ad fata et umbras adque peiorem polum praecedere ilium dicis ? an possum })rior mortem oceupare ? fare, si nondum occidit.
HYLI.VS
Euboica tellus vertice immense tumens pulsatur omni latere. Plirixeum mare scindit Caphereus, servit hoc Austro latus ; at qua nivosi patitur Aquilonis minas, Euripus undas fleclit instabilis vagas septemque cursus volvit et totidem refert, 780
dum lassa Titan mergat Oce.ino iuga. hie rupe celsa, multa quam nubes ferit, annosa fulgent templa Cenaei lovis.
Ut stetit ad aras oinne votivum pecus totumque tauris gemuit auratis nemus, spolium leonis sordidum tabo exuit posuitque clavae pondus et pharetra graves laxavit umeros. veste turn fulgens tua, cana revinctus ptipulo horrentem coniam, succendit aras ;. " aceipe has " inquit " foeis 790
non false messes genitor et largo saccr splendescat ignis ture, quod Plioebum colens dives Sabaeis colligit truncis Arabs, pacata tellus " inquit " et caelum et freta,
1 i.e. the Aegaean. See Index s.r. " Phrixus."
2 Seneca's description in tliis passage of tiie topograi>hy of Euboea is not correct. The Cenaean Promontory is at the far north-western point of the island, while the Strait of
248
HERCULES OETAEUS
is afraid to coin})lete the fates of Hercules. O day, O awful day ! And shall this for the great Alcides be the last ?
UEIANIHA
To the shades of death and to that darker world dost say he has gone already ? Can I not go before and anticipate his death ? Speak, if he is not yet fallen,
nvM.us
Euboca's shore, swelling with mighty headland, on every side is beaten by the waves. Caphereus cleaves the Phrixean^ Sea, on this side the south- wind blows ; but on the side which feels the blasts of snowy Aquilo, restless Euripus turns his wandering waves, whose currents seven times flow and seven times ebb again, till Titan plunges his weary horses in the sea. Here on a lofty cliff, by many a storm-cloud beaten, an ancient temple of Cenaean Jove stands gleaming.^'
"^^ When all the votive herd stood at the altars, and the whole grove was filled with the bellowing of the gilded bulls, he -^ put off his lion's skin, all stained with gore, laid down his heavy club and freed his shoulders of the quiver's weight. Then radiant in thy robe, his rough hair wreathed with huary poplar, he lit the altar-fires. "Accept these gifts," he said, '"'upon thy shrine, O father, not falsely claimed, and let thy sacred fire blaze brightlv vv'ith copious incense which the rich Arab gathers from Sabaean trees, in worship of the Sun. Peace has been given to earth, to sky, to sea ; all monsters
Euripus is very nearly off the middle point. Caphereus, moreover, is exposed not to the south but almost directly to the east wind. ' i.e. Hercules.
249
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
feris subactis omnibus victor redi. depone fuhnen."
Gemitus in inedias preces stupente et ipso cecidit ; liinc caelum horrido clamore complet. qualis iinpressa fugax taurus bipenni volnus et telum ferens delubra vasto trepida niugitu replet^ 800
aut quale mundo fulmen emissum toiiat, sic ille gemitu sidera ct pontum ferit, et vasta Chalcis sonuit et voces Cyclas excepit omnis ; hinc petrae Capherides, hinc omne voces reddit Herculeas nenius. flentem videmus. volgus antiquam ])utut rabiem redisse ; turn fugam famuli peluat.
At ille voltus ignea torquens face unum inter omnes sequitur et quaerit Lichan. complexus aras ille tremibunda manu 810
mortem metu consumpsit et i)arvum sui poenae reliquit. dumque ^ tremibundum manu tenuit cadaver : '' hac manu^ hac " inquit '' I'crar, o fata^ victus ? Herculem vicit Lichas ? ecce alia clades : Hercules perimit Lichan. facta inquinentur ; fiat hie summus labor." in astra missus fertur et nubes vago spargit cruore. t^ilis in caelum exilit harundo Getica visa dimitti manu
aut quam Cydon excussit : inferius tamen 820
et tela fugient. truncus in pontum ( adit, in saxa vertex ; unus ambobus iacet.
^ Leo conjectures semianimuin pareus. 2. 'SO
HERCULES OETAEUS
have I subdued and in triunipli come again. Lay down thy thunderbolt."
^36 As he thus prayed a groan fell from liis lijjs, even he standing aghast; then with dreadful cries he filled the air. As when a bull, Heeing the deep- driven axe, bearing both wound and weapon, fills with his huge bellowings the affrighted shrine, or as the launched thunder crashes in the sky ; so did he with his roarings smite the stars and sea ; towering Chalcis reechoed and all the Cyclades heard his cries ; then all Caphereus' crags and the whole forest resounded with the cries of Hercules. We saw him weep. The commons thought his ancient madness had returned ; then his attendants fled.
^•'^ But he, his face writhing with pain of the burning heat, pursued and sought out Lichas alone among them all. The boy, embracing the altar with trembling hands, through sheer terror tasted the pangs of death, and left small part of his life for punishment. Then Hercules, by his hand seizing the quivering corpse, exclaimed : " By such a hand, by such a hand as this, ye fates, shall I be said to have been undone ? Has Lichas conquered Hercules ? Behold another slaughter ; Hercules in turn sla^^s Lichas. Be my deeds dishonoured ; be this my crowning task." To the stars the boy went hurtling and sprinkled the clouds with his scattered blood. So does a Getan arrow, from the hand let fly, go speeding skyward, or the sliaft a Cydonian has shot ; but far below 1 even these weaj)ons will wing their flight. His body falls into the sea, his head upon the rocks ; one youth lies slain in both.'-'
i.e. below tlio height reached by Licliag. ».e. both head aud body.
2.51
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
" Resistite " inquit " noii furor inentem abstulit, furore gravius istiul atque ira malum est : in me iuvat saevire." vix pestem indicat et saevit ; artus ipse dilacerat suos et membra vasta carpit avellens manu. exuere amictus quaerit ; hoc solum Herculem non posse vidi. traliere conatus tamen et membra traxit ; cor])oris palla liorridi 830
pars est et ipsa ; pestis iinmiscet cuti.^ nee causa dirae cladis in medio patet^ sed causa tamen est ; vixque sufficiens malo nunc ore terram languidus prono }:)reniit, nunc poscit undas — unda non vincit malum ; fluctisona quaerit litora et pontuin occupat ; famularis ilium retinet errantem manus — o sortem acerbam ! fuinius Alcidae pares !
Nunc puppis ilium litore pAiboico refert Austerque lenis jxnulus Herculeum raj)it ; 840
destituit animus membra^ nox oculos premit.
DEIANIRA
Quid,anime, cessas? quid stupes? factum est scelus. natum rcposcit lujjpiter, luno aemulum : reddendus orbi est. quod potes rcdde exiiibe : eat per artus ensis exactus meos. sic, sic agendum est. tarn levis pocnas manus tantas reposcit? perdc fulminibus, socer,
^ FoUoirhm Iiichle7-'s recoiistr action: pars (parum E) est et ipsaiii (ipsa A) 3ISS., for tvhich Leo conjectures ipsum pestis iinmiscet cutem {scil. pallae).
' AikI not against others as heretofore. 252
HERCULES OETAEUS
^-3 "But liold ! " said Hercules ; " 'tis not madness has robbed me of my wits ; this bane is worse than madness and than rage ; I am fain to rave against myself." ^ Scarce has he named tlie plague when lo, he raves, he tears his own flesh apart, with his own hand wounding and rending his huge limbs. He seeks to throw aside the robe ; in this alone have 1 seen Alcides fail. Yet striving to tear the robe, he tears liis limbs as well. The robe is part and parcel of his rugged body ; the pest blends it witli the skin. The cause of his dire suffering is hid, but still there is a cause ; and, scarce able to endure his j)ain, now he lies spent, face down upon the ground, now calls for water — water checks not his pain ; he seeks the wave-resounding shore and plunges in the sea, but a slave's hand restrains him wandering aimless there — oh, bitter lot ! we were Alcides' c-cjuals ! -
^3^ And Jiow a vessel is bringing him from Eiiboea's sliore, ;nid a gentle south wind wafts his huge bulk along; his spirit has left his body; night seals his eyes.
DEIANIRA
Why, soul, dost hesitate ? Why art amazed ? The crime is done. Jupiter demands back his son of thee, Juno, her rival ; yea, to the world must he be restored.^ What still thou canst, give back, make restitution ; let the sword, deep driven, through mv body pass. So, so must it be done. But does so frail hand as this exact punishment so great ? With thy thunderbolts, O sire, destroy thy guilty daughter.
- i.e. in the liei'o's present weakness, common men were al)le to control him.
^ She has robbed tlie world of Hercules, and now mu.st make such restitution as she maj'.
25.3
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
nurum scelestaiii, nee levi telo manus
ai-metur; illud fulmen exiliat polo,
quo, nisi fuisset genitus Alcides tibi, 850
hydvam cremasses. pestem ut insolitam feri
et ut noverea potius irata malum.
emitte telum quale in errantem prius
Phaethonta missum est : perdidi in solo Hercule
et ipsa populos.
Quid I'ogas telum deos ? iam parce socero ; coniug^em Alcida£ necem (Optare pudeat ; haec erit voto manus, a me petatur;, oecupa ferrum ocius. jcur deinde ferrum ? quidquid ad mortem trahit telum est abunde — rupe ab aetheria ferar. 860
haec, liaec renatum prima quae poscit diem, Oeta eligatur, corpus hinc mitti placet, abrupta eautes scindat et partem niei ferat omne saxum, pendeant lacerae manus totumque rubeat asperi montis latus. levis una mors est — levis ? at extendi potest, eligere nescis, anime, cui telo incubes ; utinam esset, utinam fixus in thalamis meis Herculeus ensis ! huic decet ferro ininori. una perire dextera nobis sat est? 870
coite, gentes, saxa et immensas faces iaculetur orbis, nulla nunc cesset manus, corripite tela, vindicem vestrum abstuli. impune saevi sceptra iam reges gerent, impune iam nascetur indomitum malum ; repetentuv arae cernere assuetae hostiam similem colenti. sceleribus feci viam ;
254
HERCULES OETAEUS
And witli no common weapon let thy hand he armed ; let that holt leap from heaven with whieh^ had Alcides not sprung from thee, thou wouldst have scorched tlie Hydra. Destroy me as some strange pest, as a scourge far worse than step-dame's wrath. Launch such a bolt as once thou didst hurl at stray- ing Phaethon ; for I, e'en I myself, in Hercules alone have ruined nations.
^^^ But why dost ask weapons of the gods? At last spare thy father.^ The wife of Hercules should •iTe ashamed to pray for death ; this hand shall gi-ant my prayer ; from myself let death be sought. Then quickly seize the sword. — Whj^ then the sword .^ Whatever brings to death is weapon all-sufficient — from a sky-piercing cliff I'll cast me down. Let this, this crag of Oeta, which is the fii'st to greet the new- born day, be chosen ; from this 'tis well to fling me. May its broken crags rend asunder, and every rock take its share of me ; may my mangled hands hang there, and may the whole rough mountain-side run red. One death is all too light — light ? but still it can be prolonged. Thou canst not choose, O soul, on what weapon thou shalt fall. Oh, would that the sword of Hercules were hanging in my chamber! Upon that steel 'twere well for me to die. But is it enough that by one right hand I perish ? Come all ye nations ; let the world cast rocks and huge fire- brands on me ; let no hand shrink its task ; seize weapons, for your avenger have I done to deatli. Now with impunity shall cruel kings wield sceptres ; yea, with imi)unity now fierce monsters shall be born ; again shall altars be found wont to behold victim like to worshipper.^ A highway to crime have I
' i.e. do not impose thy punishnien! on .Jove. * i.e. where human sacrifices are oliued up.
255
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA ego vos tyrannis regibus monstris feris saevisque rapto vindice opposui deis. cessas, Tonantis socia ? non spargis lacem 880
imitata fratrem et niittis ereptam lovi meque ipsa perdis ? laus tibi erepta iucluta est, ingens triumphus ; aemuli, luno, tui mortem occu^javi.
HYLLVS
Quid domum impulsam trahis ? erroris est hie omne quodciimque est nefas. liaiit est nocens quicumque non sponte est nocens.
DEI AN IRA
Quicumcjue fate ignoscit et parcit sibi, errare meruit, morte damnari placet.
HYLLVS
Nocens videri qui mori quaerit cupit.
DEiANIIlA
Mors iunocentes sola deceptos facit. 890
HVLLUS
Titana fugiens —
DEIANIRA
Ipse me Titan fugit.
HYLLVS
Vitam relinques ?
' i.e. tlie "nation" addicsscd in line 871. 256
HERCULES OETAEFJS
j^repared ; I liave exposed yoii ^ to tyrants, kings, monsters, wild beasts and cruel gods, by slaying your avenger. Dost shirk tliy task, wife - of the thun- derer ? Why dost tliou not, in imitation of tliy l^rother," scatter fire, snatch from Jove's hand his bolt, hurl it, and thyself destroy me ? Illustrious praise and mighty triumph have been snatched from thee ; I have forestalled thee, Juno, in thy rival's death.
HYLLUS
Why dost drag down a house already shaken ? From error springs wholly whatever crime is here. He does no sin who sins without intent.
Who casts the blame on fate and spares himself, has deserved to err. My sentence is for death.
HYLLUS
Fain would he seem guilty who seeks to die.
DEIANIRA
'Tis death alone can make the beguiled ^ innocent.
HYLLUS
Fleeing the sun —
DKIAMllA
The sun himself flees me.
HYLLUS
Wilt abandon life f
' Juno was both sister and wife of Jf)ve. ' i.e. those who have been ensnared into sin.
257
VOL. U. S
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
DEI AN IRA
Miseram, ut Alciden sequar,
HYLLVS
Snperest et auras ille caelestes trahit.
DEIANIRA
Vinci Hercules cum potuit^ hinc coepit mori.
HYLLVS
Natum relinques fataque abrumpes lua ?
DEIANIRA
Qiiaincumque natus sepelit haec vixit diu.
HYLLVS
Virum sequeris.
DEIANIRA
Praegredi castae solent.
HYLLVS
Si te ipsa damnas., scelere te misera arguis.
DEIANIRA
Nemo nocens sibi ipse poenas abrogat.
HYLLVS
Multis remissa est vita quorum error nocens, 900 non dextra fuerat. fata quis dainuat sua?
258
HERCULES OETAEUS
DKIANIRA
Ay ! a wretched life — that Alcides I may follow.
HYI.LUS
But he still lives and breathes the air of heaven.
OEIANIRA
When Hercules could be conquered, then he began to die.
HVLLUS
Wilt leave thy son ? Wilt break thy thread of life ?
DEIANIRA
She whom her son has buried has lived long.
HVLLUS
Follow thy husband. 1
DEFANIHA
Faithful wives go before.
HVLLUS
If thou thyself dost doom thee, thou convictest thyself, unhappy one, of sin.
DEI AN HI A
No guilty one himself annuls his punishment.
HYLLUS
Life has been granted many whose guilt lay in wrong judgment, not in act. Who blames his own destiny ?
^ i.e. do not die until he is dead.
259 s 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
DEI AN IRA
Quicumque fata iniqua sortitus fuit.
HYLLVS
Hie ipse Megaram nempe confixam suis stravit sagittis atque natoruni indoleni Lernaea figens tela furibunda manu ; ter parricida factus ignovit tamen sibi, non fiirori. foute Cinj-phio scelus sub axe Libyco tersit et dextram abluit. quo, niisera, pergis ? cur tuas damnas manus ?
DEIANIRA
Damnat meas devictus Alcides manus. 910
placet scelus punire.
HYLLVS
Si novi Herculem, aderit cruenti forsitan victor mali dolorque fractus cedet Alcidae tuo.
DEIANIRA
Exedit artus virus ut fama est livdr;ie ; iuimensa pestis coniugis membra abstulit.
Serpentis illi virus enectae autumas haut posse viiici qui malum vivum tulit? elisit liydram, dente cum infixo stetit ^ media palude victor, efFuso obrutus artus veneno. sanguis hunc Nessi opprimet, 920 qui vicit ipsas horridi Nessi manus ?
^ So Peiper, with A : tcum fixo tenens Leo, with E, ajid conjectures dum iiifecto tumet : Richter conjectures iam infixo tunieua. 260
HERCULES OETAEUS
DEIANIRA
Whoever has fallen on iiiikiiid fates.
HVl.LUS
But Hercules himself slew Megara, pierced by his arrows, and liis own sons as well, shooting Lernaean shafts with furious liand ; still, though thrice mur- derer, he forgave himself, but not his madness. At the source of Cinyps 'neath Libyan skies he washed away his guilt and cleansed his hands. Whither, poor soul, dost haste thee ? Why dost condemn thy hands .''
DEIANIHA
'Tis Alcides' overthrow that doth condemn my hands. Tis well to punish crime.
HYLLUS
If I know Hercules, he will soon be here, per- chance victorious o'er the cruel plague ; and pain, subdued, will yield to thy Alcides.
DEIANIRA
The hydra's poison, as report declares, hath con- sumed his frame ; the deadly plague hath wasted his giant limbs.
in i.Lus
Thinkst thou the poison of a serpent, slain, cannot be overcome by him who met and overcame the monster, living .-^ He crushed the hydra, and deep in the marsh, with the fangs fixed in his flesh, he stof)d victorious, while his limbs were bathed in venom. Shall Nessus' blood destroy the man who overcame e'en the hands of s.Ava"e Nessus ?
£61
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
DEIANIHA
Frustra tenetur ille qui statuit mori ; proinde lucem fugere decretum est mihi. vixit satis quicumque cum Alcide occidit.
NVTRIX
Per has aniles ecce te supplex comas atque ubera ista paene materna obsecro : depone tumidas pectoris laesi niinas mortisque dirae expelle decretum horridum.
DEIANIRA
Quicumque misero forte dissuadet mori, crudelis ille est ; interim })oena est mori, 930
sed saepe donum ; plui-ibus veniae fuit.
NVTRIX
Defende saltern dexteram, infelix, tuam fraudisque facinus esse, non nuptae, sciat.
DEIANIRA
Defendar illic ; inferi absolvent ream, a me i})sa damnor ; purget has Pluton manus. stabo ante ripas immemor, Lethe, tuas et umbra tristis coniugem excipiam meum.
Sed tu, nigrantis rcgna qui torques poli, para laborem (scelera quae quisqiiam ausus est, hie vincet error ; luno non ansa Herculem est QW eripere terris) horridam poenam para. Sisyphia cervix cesset et nostros lapis
262
HERCULES OETAEUS
Vainly is he restrained wlio is bent on death ; my will is fixed straightwa}^ to Hee the light. Whoever has died with Hercules has lived enough.
NURSE
Lo, by these aged locks and by these breasts which were almost as a mother's to thee, I humbly pray ; put by the wild threatenings of thy wounded heart, and banish thy dread resolve of cruel death.
Whoever, perchance, dissuades the wretched from death, he is the cruel one ; sometimes death is a punishment, but often 'tis a boon, and to man}^ a way of pardon has it })roved.
NURSE
At least absolve thy hand, unhappy one, that he may know that the deed was a treaclierous foeman's, not his wife's.
DEIANIRA
Tiiere ^ shall I be absolved ; the lower gods will acquit the criminal, though I condemn myself. Let Pluto cleanse these hands. Upon thy banks, O Lethe, shall I stand, the past forgotten, and my grieving shade will welcome its lord again.
^2s But do thou, who torturest the realms of the dark under-world, prepare a toil — for this fault of mine outweighs all sins that man has ever dared ; Juno was never bold enough to rob the world of Hercules — some dreadful toil prepare. Let Sisyphus' neck ' lu the lower world.
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
impellat uineros ; me vagus fugiat latex
meanique fallax unda deludat sitim.
merui manus jiraebere turbiiiibus tuiSj
quaecumque regem Thessalum torques rota ;
effodiat avidus hinc et hinc vultur fibras.
vacat^ una Danais, lias ego explebo vices —
laxate manes, recipe me comitem tibi,
Phasiaca coniunx ; peior haec, peior tuo 950
utroque dextra est scelere^ seu mater nocens
sen dira soror es ; adde me comitem tuis,
Threicia coniunx^ sceleribus ; natam tuam.
Althaea mater, recipe, nunc veram tui
agnosce prolem — quid tamen tantum manus
vestrae abstulerunt ? claudite Elysium mihi
quaecumque fidae coniuges nemoris sacri
lucos tenetis ; si qua respersit manus
viri cruore nee memor castae facis
stricto cruenta Bellas ferro stetit, Q60
in me suas agnoscat et laudet manus.
in banc abire coniugum turbam libet — -
sed et ilia fugiet turba tam diras manus.
Invicte coniunx, innocens animus mihi, scelesta manus est. pro nimis mens crcdula! pro Nesse fallax atque semiferi doli ! auferre cupicns paclici erij)ui mihi. recede. Titan, tuque quae blanda tenes in luce miseros vita ; caritura Hercule lux vilis ista est. exigam poenas tibi 970
reddamque vitam — fata an extendo mea mortemquc, coniunx, ad tuas servo manus ?
^ So Rkhier : Leo vacet, ivilh w, corrected hy Raphcling,
^ The punishment of Tantalus. - Ixion. '■ Hypennnostra.
* Medea. ^ Procue.
264
HERCULES OETAEUS
be eased and let his rock press hard upon my shoul- ders ; let the inconstant water fly my lips, my thirst let the elusive waves deceive.^ Unto thy whirlings have I deserved to give my hands, whatsoe'er wheel thou art which rackest Thessalia's king ; - from every side let the greedy vulture tear ray entrails out. There still lacks one 2 from the Danaides; I will fill up their number — ye ghosts make room for me. Take me as thy companion, O Phasian wife ; '* my deed is worse, far worse than both thy crimes, whether as mother or as cruel sister thou hast sinned ; let me be conu-ade also to thy crimes, thou Thracian wife ; '' Althea, mother,*' welcome thy daughter, now recog- nize in me thine own true child — yet what crime so great have your hands ever done ? Shut Elysium against me, O all ye faithful wives who have your dwelling in its sacred grove ; but if any has be- spattered her hands with her husband's blood and her chaste marriage torch forgot, has stood with drawn sword like Belus' bloody child, in me let her recognize and praise her own handiwork. To such a company of wives 'tis well to pass — but e'en that company will shun hands so accursed.
9*^^ O my unconcpiered husband, my soul is inno- cent, though my hands have sinned. O mind too credulous ! O Nessus, false and of half-bestial guile ! Striving to snatch him from a concubine, I have snatched him from myself. Away ! thou sun, and life, who by thy cozening arts dost keep the unhappy in the light of day ; worthless that light without my Hercules. I will exact penalty for thee," will give up my life — or shall I put off my fate, O husband, and save myself for deatli at thine own
* For Althaea's crime see Index. ' i.e. will see that he is avenged.
265
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
virtusne superest aliqiia et armatae manus
intendere arcum tela missurum valent ?
an arma cessant teque langueiiti manu
non audit areas ? si potes letum dare,
animose coniunx, dexteram expecto tuain.
mors difFeratur ; frange ut insonteiu Liclian,
alias in urbes sparge et ignotum tibi
inmitte in orbem. perde ut Arcadiae nefas 980
et quidquid aliud cessit ^ ; ab illis tamen,
eoniuux, redisti.
HYLLVS
Parce iam, mater, precor, ignosce fatis ; error a culpa vacat.
DKIANIRA
Si vera pietas, Hylle, quaerenda est tibi,
•am perime matrem — trepida quid tremuit manus ?
quid era flectis ? hoc erit pietas scelus.
ignave dubitas ? Herculem eripuit tibi
haec, haec peremit dextra cui debes patri
avum Tonantem. maius eripui decus,
quam in luce tribui. si tibi ignotum est nefas, 990
a matre disce. seu tibi iugulo placet
mersisse ferrum sive maternum libet
invadere uterum, mater intrepidum tibi
praebebit animum. non erit tantum scelus
a te peractum ; dextera sternar tua,
sed mente nostra, natus Alcidae, times ?
ita nulla perages iussa nee franges mala ^
^ fccssit Leo, irith E : restitit A.
* Lint 09S, omitted by E, deleted by Leo: erres per orbem. si qua nascetur fera.
266
HERCULES OETAEUS
hands ? Hast still some strength, and can thy armed hands still bend the bow and send the arrow darting ? Or do tliy weajwns fail thee, and does thy how no more lieed thy enfeebled hand ? If thou canst deal destruction, C) undaunted husband, I await thy stroke. Let death be stayed awhile ^ ; crush me as thou didst the unoHending Lichas ; to other cities scatter me, yea, hurl me to a world to thee unknown. Destroy me as thou didst the Arcadian monster,^ and whatever else succumbed to thee ; yet from them, my husband, thou didst return.
HYLLUS
Give o'er now, mother, I beseech thee, pardon thy fate ; an error is not counted as a crime.
DEI AN IRA
If, Hyllus, thou wouldst be truly filial, come, slay thy motiier — why does thy hand quake and treiiible.^ VVliy turnst thy face away ? This crime will be filial piety. Tamely dost hesitate .^ This hand robbed thee of Hercules, yea, this right hand destroyed him to whom as father thou owest descent from Jove. Of greater glory liave I robbed thee than I gave thee at thy birth. If thou art un- skilled in monstrous crime, learn from thy mother. Whether in my throat it j)leases thee to plunge the sword, or 'tis thy will to assail thy mother's womb, thy mother herself will give thee unshrinking courage. Not by thee will this dreadful crime be done ; by thy hand, truly, shall I fall, but by my will. Son of Alcides, art afraid ? Wilt thou not do as bidden, wilt not crush monsters, and so be like
^ i.e. until she may die at her husliaiul's haiuls. * The Krymanthiau boar, Hercules' fourtli labour.
267
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA referens parentem ? dexteram intrepidam para. 999 patet ecce pleDum pectus aerumnis : feri ; 1000
scelus remitto, dexterae parcent tuae Eumenides ipsae — verberum crepuit sonus.
Quaenam ista torquens angue vipereo ^ comaiu temporibus atras ^ squalidis pinnas quatit ? quid me flagranti dira persequeris face, Megaera ? poenas poscis Alcidae ? dabo. iamne inferorunij dira, sedere arbitri ? sedent. reclusas ^ carceris video fores, quis iste saxum immane detritis gerit iam senior umeris? ecce iam victus lapis 1010
quaerit relabi ? membra qiiis quatitur rota ? hie ecce pallens dira Tisipbone stetit, causam reposcit, parce verberibus precor, Megaera, parce, sustine Stygias faces ; scelus est amoris.
Sed quid hoc ? tellus labat et aula tectis crepuit excussis — minax unde iste coetus ? totus in voltus meos decurrit orbis, hinc et hinc populi fremunt totusque poscit vindicem mundus suum. iam parcite, ui'bes. quo fugam praeceps agam ? 1 020 mors sola povtus dabitur aerumnis meis. testor nitentis flammeam Phoebi rotam superosque testor : Herculem in terris adiuic moritura linquo.
' f angue vii>ereo Leo: aiigui E: igue N. Heinsius : angue vibrato Feiiter.
268
HERCULES OETAEUS
thy sire ? Thy dauntless hand make ready. Behold my breastj so full of cares, lies open : smite ; J forgive the deed, the Eumenides themselves will acquit thy hand — but I hear their scourges hissing.
1003 Oh, who is that in whose locks viperous serj)ents coil, who brandishes deadly shafts at her foul temples ? Why dost })ursue me, awful Megaera, with blazing torch ? Penalty for Alcides' murder dost demand ? I'll pay. Already, dread one, have the arbiters of hell passed judgment on me ? They have. I see the prison doors opened wide. Who is that ancient^ who bears a huge stone on his toil-worn back ? But see ! already does the mastered stone seek to roll back again .'' Whose ^ limbs on the wheel are racked .'' Look ! here has Tisiphone taken her stand, ghastly and dread ; she demands revenge. Oh, spare thy scourge, I pray thee, Megaera, spare ! Keep back the Stygian torches ; mine Avas the crime of love.
^•'^^ But what is this ? The earth quakes, the palace resounds with the noise of crashing roofs — whtiice comes that threatening throng.^ The whole world comes rusliing 'gainst me, on every side the nations rage and the whole universe demands of mc its saviour. Oh, s])are me now, ye cities. Whither shall I rush in headlong flight? Death alone will Ik; granted as a haven for my cares. By gleaming Phoebus' flaming car 1 swear, I swear by the heavenly gods : though to my death I go, 1 leave Alcides still upon the earth.
[She runhes wildly from the scene.]
^ Sisyphus. - Ixion.
^ So A : Leo f hastaS) with E : Madviy aplas. " So Bichter: Leo, with A, fsed ecce diras.
269
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Fugit attonita, ei niihi, peracta iam pars matris est — statuit mori ; nunc nostra superest^ mortis auferre impetimi. o misera pietas ! si mori matrem vetas, patri es scelestus ; si mori pateris, tamen in matre peccas. urget hinc illinc scelus. inhibenda tamen est, verum ut eripiam scelus. 1030
Verum est quod cecinit sacer Thressae sub Rhodopes iugis aptans Pieriam chelyn Orpheus Calliopae genus, aeternum fieri nihil, illius stetit ad modos torrentis rapidi fragor, oblitusque sequi fugam amisit liquor impetum ;
et dum fluminibus mora est, 1040
defecisse putant Getae Hebrum Bistones ultimi. advexit volucrem nemus et silva residens venit ; aut si qua aera pervolat, auditis vaga cantibus ales deficiens cadit. abrumpit scopulos Athos Ceutauros obiter ferens
et iuxta Rhodopen stetit 1050
laxata nive cantibus ; et (piercum fugiens suam ad \'atcm pro})crat Dryas. ad cantus veuiunt tuos
270
HErxCULES OETAEUS
HYLLUS
All me ! in frenzy has she fled. Already has my inolher played her part — she has resolved on death ; MOW does my part remain, to thwart her deadly purpose. O wretehed plight of love ! if thou forbidst thy mother's death, thou wrongst thy father ; if thou sufferest her to die, still 'gainst thy mother dost thou sin. Crime drives from either hand ; still nnist I eheek her, that from true ^ crime she may be saved. [Ea-it ajler his mother.']
True sang the bard beneath the heights ot Thracian Rhodope, fitting the word to his Pierian lyre, e'en Orpheus, Calliope's blest son, that naught for endless life is made. At his sweet strains the rushing torrents' roar was stilled, and, forgetful of their eager flight, the W'aters ceased their flow ; and, while the river stayed to hear, the far Bistonians thought their Hebrus had failed the Getjin. The woods came with their birds to him, vea, perched among the trees they came ; or if, in the high air soaring, some wandering bird caught sound of the charming song, his drooping wings said-; earthward. Athos broke off his crags, bringing the Centaurs as he came, and next to Rhodope he stood, his snows melted by the music ; the Dryad, leaving her oaken haunts, sped to the singer's side. To hear thy song, with their very lairs the
^ i.e. the true crime of her own deatli as contrasted witli the fancied crime of her act against Hercules.
271
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ipsis cum latebris ferae,
iuxtaque inpavidum pecus
sedit Marmaricus leo
nee dammae trepidant lupos
et serpens latebras fugit,
tunc oblita veneni. IO6O
Quin per Taenarias foi*es manes cum tacitos adit maerentem feriens chelyn, cantu Tartara flebili et tristes Erebi deos vicit nee timuit Stygis iuratos superis lacus. haesit non stabilis rota victo languida turbine ;
increvit Tityi iecur, 1070
dum cantu volucres tenet ; 1071
et vinei lapis improbus 1081
et vatem potuit sequi.^ 1082
tunc primum Phrygius senex 1075
nndis stantibus immemor excussit rabidam sitim
nee pomis adhibet manus. 1078
audis tu 2 quoque, navita ; 1072
inferni ratis aequoris 1073
nullo remigio venit. 1074
sic cum vinceret inferos 1079
Orplieus carmine funditus, 1080
consumptos iterum deae 1083
supplent Eurydices colus. 1084
sed dum respicit immemor
* The arran</cmf:nt of lints 1070-1084 as they stand in Leo following the MSS. is more or less illogical, besides presenting syntactic difficulties. The re arrangement of Richter has been adopted here.
272
HERCULES OETAEUS wild beasts came, and close to the fearless herds the Marmaric lion crouched ; does felt no fear of wolves, and the serpent fled her gloomy den, her venom at last forgot.
lOCi jNjay^ when through the gates Taenarian to the silent ghosts he came, smiting his mournful lyre, Avith his sad song he conquered Tartarus and the sullen gods of Erebus ; nor was he daunted by the pools of St3x, by which the high gods swear. The never staying wheel ^ stood still, listless, with conquered whirling ; the liver of Tityus grew, undevoured, while spell-bound the singer held the birds. The impisli stone ^ allowed defeat and attended on the bard. Tlien first the aged Phrygian,^ though the waves stood still, banished his raging ihirst, forgetful quite, nor to the apples stretched his hand. Thou also, ferryman,^ didst hear, and thy boat that plies the infernal sea came oarless on. So when by his song Orpheus had utterly o'ercome the infernal gods, then did the goddesses ^ renew- again Eurydice's exhausted thread. But while Orpheus thoughtlessly looked back, all unbelieving
^ On which Ixion was bound. ^ Which Sisypluis was rolling. » Tantalus. * Charon.
^ i.e. the fatal sisters, the Parcae.
^ So Birl'e emendation of tlw impossible MSS. rending audito quoque : JRichttr'i auditum quoque is also impossible.
27:5 VOL. II. r
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
nvc credens sibi redditam Orpheus Euiydicen scqui, caiitus praemia perdidit ; quae nata est iterum perit.
Tunc^ solamina cantibus lOpO
(luaerens^ flebilibus modis 1 haec Orpheus cccinit Getis : leges in superos datas, et qui teinpora digerit quattuor praecipites deus anni disposuit vices nulli noil avidi cohis Parcas stamina nectere, quod natum est^ quod erit. niori.^
Vati credere Tliracio 1100
devictus iubet Hercules, iani, iam legibus obriitis mundo cum veniet dies, australis polus obruet quidquid per Libyam iacet et sparsus Garamas tenet ; arctous polus obruet quidquid subiacet axibus et siccus Boreas ferit.
amisso trepidus polo 1110
Titan excutiet diem, caeli regia concidens ortus atque obitus trahet atque omnes jwviter deos perdet mors aliqua et chaos, et mors fata novissima in se coiistituet sibi. quis mundum capiet locus ?
^ Leo ia of the opinion that the beginning and the end of Orphetui' song have fallen out, and that lines 1097-1099 are to
274
HERCULES OETAEUS
his Eurvdice restored to hiiu and following, he lost his singing's recompense ; and she had come to the verge of life only to die once more.
1000 'rhen, solace in song still seeking, in mournful measures Orpheus thus to the Getans sang : that the gods are under law, e'en he who rules the seasons, who has arranged the four changes of the flying year ; that for no one the Parcae spin again the threads of the greedy distaff", and that all which has been and shall be born shall die.^
1100 I'lie overthrow of Hercules bids us believe the Thracian bard. Soon, soon, when to the universe shall come the day that law shall be o'erwhelmed, the southern skies shall fall upon Libya's plains and all that the scattered Garamantians possess ; the northern heavens shall overwhelm all that lies beneath the pole and that Boreas smites with withering blasts. Then from the lost sky the aff'righted sun shall fall and banish day. The palace of heaven shall sink, dragging down East and West, and death in some form and chaos shall o'erwhelm all gods in one destruction ; and death shall at last bring doom upon itself. What place will then receive the world ? Will the gates of Tartarus
^ Reading according to the arrangement of Ricliter. See critical note ^
he joined ivilh the following lines. Richter reads 109S-1099 as Orpkeui soiHj. ^ Richter proposes quod natuiu est, poterit niori.
275 T 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
disced et via Tartari,
fiac'tis lit ])ateat polis ? 112C
ail quod dividit aetliera
a terris spatiiini sat est
et miindi niuiiuni malis ?
quis tantum capiet (nefas)
fatum, quis superos locus ?
pontum Tartara sidera
regna unus capiet tria.
Sed quis non modicus fragor aures attonitas movet ? est est Herculeus sonus. 1 13C
HERCVLES
Converte, Titan clare, anhelantes equos, emitte noctem ; pereat hie mundo dies quo morior, atra nube inhorrescat polus ; obsta novei'cae. nunc, pater, caecum chaos reddi decebat, hinc et hinc conipagibus ruptis uterque debuit frangi pohis. quid parcis astris ? Herculem amittis, pater, nunc jiartem in omnem, luppiter, specta poU, ne quis Gyas Thessahca iaculetur iuga et fiat Othrys pondus Encelado leve. 1140
laxabit atri carceris iam iam fores Pluton superbus, vincula excutiet j)atri caekimque reddet. ille qui pro fuhnine tuiscjuc facibus natus in terris eram, ad St\-ga revertor ; surget Enceladus ferox mittetque quo nunc pi'emitur in superos onus ; regnuin omne^ genitor, aethcris dubiuin tibi
1 Let the world be shrouded in darkness, that Juno may not see the death of Hercules.
276
HERCULES OETAEUS
spread wide^ that room for the shattered heavens may be found ? Or is the space 'twixt lieaven and earth great enough (perchance too great) for the evils of the world ? What place will be gi-eat enough to hold (oh, horrible !) a death so vastj what place, the gods ? Sea, Tartarus and heaven — three kingdoms shall one place contain.
11'-^ But what outrageous clamour this that assails our startled cars? It is, it is the sound of Hercules.
[Enter hercules in the extremity of su/J'ering.^
HERCULES
Tui-n back/0 shining Sun, thy panting steeds, and let loose the night ; let this day wherein I die perish ibr the world, and let heaven shudder in the pitchy dark. So thwart^ my stepdume. \ow, father, were it fitting to restore blind chaos ; now this side and that should heaven's frame be burst and both poles rent asunder. Why dost thou spare the stars ? Thou art losing Hercules, O father. Now, Jupiter, look well to every part of heaven, lest any Gyas hurl Thessalian crags and Othrys become a slight missile for Enceladus." Now, now Avill haughty Pluto open his dai-k prison gates, strike off his father's ^ chains and give him back to heaven. Since I thy son, who on earth have been in place of thy bolt and lightning flash, am turning me back to Styx, Enceladus, the fierce, will rise, and the mass 'neath which he now is crushed will he hurl against the gods ; yea, father, thy whole realm of air will my deatli put to hazard. Then ere thou art utterly
- The n^ference is to tlie former battle of the Giauta against Jupiter. See Index s.v. "Giaiita." ^ Saturn.
277
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
nioi'S nostra faciet. antequain spoliuni tui^
caelum omne fiat, conde me tota, pater,
mundi ruina_, frange quern perdis polum. 1150
CHORVS
Non vana times, nate Tonantis. nunc Tliessalicam Pelion Ossam premet et Pindo congestus Atlios nemus aetlieriis inseret astris ; vincet scopulos inde Typlioeus et Tyrrhenam feret Inarimen ; feret Aetnaeos inde caminos scindetque latus mentis aperti nondum Enceladus fulmine vjctus. iam te caeli regna secuntur.^ II60
HERCVLES
Ego qui relicta morte, contemj^ta Styge per media Lethes stagna cum spolio redi quo paene lapsis excidit Titan equis, ego quern deorum i-egna senserunt tria, morior ; nee uUus per meum stridet latus transmissus ensis, haut meae telum necis 2 est totus Othrys, non truci rictu gigans 11 68
Pindo cadaver obruit toto meum :
sine hoste vincor, qiiodque me tovquet magis 1170 (o niisera virtus !) sunimus Alcidae dies nullum malum prosternit ; inpendo, ei mihi, in nulla vitam facta.
Pro mundi arbiter superique quondam dcxterae testes meae, pro cuncta tellus, Plerculcm vestrum placet
^ tibi E. ^ signa sequenLur A.
^ Leo deletes line 1167, saxiuii est uec instar nioiitis abrupti latus.
278
HERCULES OETAEUS
{lesj)oile(l of heaven, burv me, father, 'iicatl! the whole ruined world ; shatter the skies which thou art doomed to lose.
Not vain thy fears, son of the Thunderer. Soon now shall Pelion weigh down Thessalian Ossa, and Athos, on Pindus heaped^ shall thrust his forests midst the heavenly stars ; then shall Typhoeus overcome the crags ' and upheave Tuscan Inarime ; the Aetnean furnaces then shall Enceladus uplieave, not yet by thy bolt o'ercome, and rend the gaping mountain's side. E'en now the kingdoms of the sky are following thee.^
HERCULES
Lo I, who have escaped from death, who scorned the Styx, who through the midst of Lethe's pool have returned with spoil,'^ at sight whereof Titan w;is almost flung from his falling car, I, whose presence three realms of gods have felt, am perishing. No deep-thrust sword grates through my side, nor is all Othrys the instrument of my death ; no giant with fierce and gaping jaws has buried my body beneath the whole of Pindus ; no, without enemy am I overcome and, thought which racks me more, (shame to my manhood !) the last day of Alcides has seen no monster slain. Ah, woe is me ! I am squandering my life for no return.
^'^3 O thou ruler of the world, ye gods, once witnesses of my deeds, O earth entire, is it resolved
' Beneath which he is buried.
2 i.e. Jupiter is falling and his kingdom with him.
s Cerbeiua.
279
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
morte hac perire ? ^ dims o nobis pudor,
o turpe fatum — femina Herculeae necis
auctor feretur ! morior Alcides quibus ?
iiivicta si ine cadere feminea manu
voluere fata perque tam turpes colus 1180
mea mors cucurrit, cadere potuissem, ei mihi,
lunonis odio. feminae caderem manu,
sed caelum habentis. si nimis, superi, fuit,
Scythico sub axe genita domuisset meas
vires Amazon, feminae cuius manu
lunonis hostis vincor ? hinc gravior tibi,
lioverca, pudor est. quid diem hunc laetum vocas ?
quid tale tellus genuit iratae tibi?
mortal is odia femina excessit tua.
adhuc ferebas esse te Aleidae imparera ; 1190
victa es duobus — pudeat irarum deos I
utinam meo cruore satiasset suos
Nemeaea rictus pestis aut centum anguibus
vallatus hydram tabe pavissem mea I
utinam fuissem praeda Centauris datus
aut inter umbras vinctus aeterno miser
saxo sederem ! spolia nunc traxi ultima
Fato stupente, nunc ab inferna Styge
lucem recepi, Ditis evici mox-as —
ubique mors me fugit, ut leto inclitae 1 200
sortis carerem. pro ferae, victae ferae !
non me triforniis sole consjiecto canis
ad Styga revexit, non sub Hesperio polo
Hibera vicit turba pastoris feri,
^ So N. Heinsius : fniorte ferire Leo, with IS, conjecturing inertem obire : mortem perire A : perire inertem L. Miiller.
* He is thinking of the many monsters, beasts, tyrants, whom lie has slain, he who must now die by a woman's hand. ■■* i.e. than for rae.
280
HERCULES OETAEUS
vour Hercules should perish by such death as this ? Ohj cruel shame to me, oh, end most foul — a woman will be called author of Alcides' death ! And for whom^ is Alcides dying? If the fates unchanging- have willed that by a woman's hand I fall, if through distaft' so base the thread of my death has run, ah me ! that I might have fallen by Juno's hate ! 'Twould be by woman's hand, but of one who holds the heavens. If, O ye gods, that were too much to ask, the Amazon, born 'neath Scythian skies, might have o'ercome my strength. But by what woman's hand is Juno's foe o'ercome ? This is for thee, my stepdame, heavier ^ shame. Why callest thou this day joyful ? What monster such as this has earth produced to sate thy wrath 3. '^ A mortal woman has outdone thy hate. Till now thou deemdst thyself by Alcides alone outmatched ; by two hast thou been surpassed — of such wrath let heaven be ashamed ! Oh, that the Nemean lion with my blood had sated his gaping jaws, or that, hedged by a hundred snakes, I had fed the hydra with my gore ! O that I had been given to the Centaurs as a prey, or that midst the shades I, bound to an everlasting rock, in wretchedness were sitting! But now have I dragged here my latest spoiH while Death looked on amazed; now from infernal Styx have I regained the light, the bars of Dis I've conquered— on every hand death shunned me, that I might lack at last a glorious end. O beasts, O conquered beasts I Neither did the three-formed dog, when he saw the sun, drag me back to Styx, nor 'neath western skies did the Spanish rout of the wild shepherd "-> conquer
3 He counts Doianira as worse than all monsters Juno has sent against him. She has outdone even Juno's hate. Hence Juno is i3ut to shame. * Cerberus. ^ Geryon.
281
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
non gemiiia serpens — perdidi mortem, ei milii, totiens honestam ! titulus extremus quis est ?
CHORVS
Viden ut laudis conscia virtus non Lethaeos horreat amnes ? pudet auctoris, non morte dolet ; cupit extremum finire diem 1210
vasta tumidi mole gigantis et montiferum Titana pati rabidaeque necem debere ferae, sad tua causa est, miserande, manus, quod nulla fera est nullusque gigas ; nam quis dignus necis Hei'culeae superest auctor nisi dextra tui ?
HERCVLES
Heu qualis intus scorpios, quis fervida plaga revulsus cancer infixus nieas urit medullas ? sanguinis quondam capax 1220
tumidi igne cor ^ pulmonis arentes fibras distenditj ardet felle siccato iecur totumque lentus sanguinem avexit vapor, primam cutem consumpsit, hinc aditum nefas in membra fecit, abstulit pestis latus, exedit artus j^enitus et costas malum, hausit medullas, ossibus vacuis sedet ; nee ossa durant ipsa, sed com])agibus discussa rujjtis mole conlapsa Huunt. defecit ingens corpus et })esti satis 1230
Herculea non sunt membra — pro quantum est malum quod esse vastum fateoi-, o dii'um nefas !
^ So Itichler: Leo, tumidi fiecur, vith w, coiijecl tiring tumeb igne cor : tumidi cor en N. IJeinmts.
282
HERCULES OETAEUS
ine, nor the tv.aiii serpents ^ — ah, woe is me ! how often have I missed a glorious death ! My final claim to glory — what is it ?
CHORU8
Seest thou how virtue, conscious of its fame, shrinks not from Lethe's stream ? He grieves not at death but blushes for its cause ; he longs 'neath some towering giant's vasty bulk to end the last day of life, to suffer some mountain-heaving Titan's weight, to owe his death to some wild, raging beast. But no, poor soul, because of thine own hand, there is no beast, no giant ; for what worthy author of the death of Hercules is left save thy right hand ?
HERCULES
Alas, what broyp'ion,'^ what crab,^ torn from the torrid zone, burns deep fixed in my marrow? My heai-t, once filled with pulsing streams of blood, hotly distends the parched fibres of my lungs ; my liver glows, its bile dried quite away, and a slow fire has exhausted all my blood. First did the dread plague feed upon my skin, next to my limbs it passed, devoured my sides, then deep in my joints and ribs the pest ate its way, and drank my very marrow. In my hollow bones it lurks ; nor do my bones themselves retain their hardness, but, shattered with broken structure, fall in a crumbling mass. My huge frame has shrivelled, and even the limbs of Hercules sate not the ))est. — Oh, how mightv the ill which I admit is great ! Oh, cruel curse ! Behold,
^ Whicli Juno sent against liini iu bis infancy. ^ Pestilent creatures from among the constellations of the zodiac (fervida plaga).
283
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA en cernite, urbes, cernite ex illo Hei'cule quid iam supersit. Herculem agnoscis, pater ? hisne ego lacertis colla Nemeaei mali elisa pressi ? tensus hac ai'cus manu astris ab ipsis detulit Styin})halidas ? his ego citatam gressibus viei feram radiante clarum fronte gestaiatem caput ? his fracta Calpe manibus emisit fretum? 12-1.0
his tot ferae, tot scelera, tot reges iaeent ? his mundus umeris sedit ? haec moles mca est, haecne ilia cervix ? hasne ego opposui manus caelo ruenti ? quis mea custos manu trahetur ultra Stygius ? ubi vires prius memet sepultae ? quid patrem appello lovem ? quid per Tonantem vindico caelum miser ? iam, iam mens credetur Amphitryon pater.
Quaecumque pestis viscei-e in nostro lates, procede — quid me vulnere occulto petis ? 12,50
quis te sub axe fi-igido pontus Scythes, quae pigra Tethys genuit aut Maurum premens Hibera Calpe litus ? o dirum malum ! utrumne serpens squalidum crista caput vibrans an aliquod et mihi ignotum malum, numquid cruore es genita Lernaeae ferae an te reliquit Stygius in terris canis ? omne es malum nullumque — quis voltus tibi est ? concede saltem scii-e quo peream malo. quaecumque pestis sive quaecumque es fcra, I2t)0
284.
HERCULES OETAEUS
ye cities, behold what now remains of tliat great Hercules. Dost recognize thy Hercules, my father? Was it with these arms I crushed and overwlielmed the Nemean plague ? Was it with this liand I stretched the bow that brought down the Styni- jihalian birds from the very stars? With these feet did I o'ertake the swift-fleeing beast ^ with golden antlers gleaming on his head ? By these hands shattered, did Calpe"^ let out the sea? So many beasts, so many monstrous things, so many kings, have these hands of mine brought low ? Upon these shoulders did the heavens rest ? Is this my massive frame, is this my neck ? These hands did I oppose to the tailing sky ? What Stygian watch-dog will hereafter be dragged forth by my hand ? Where are my powers, buried before my burial ? Why on Jove as father do' I call ? Why, wretched man, by right of the Thunderer do I claim heaven ? Now, now will Amphitryon be deemed my sire.
^^^^ O pest, whate'er thou art that lurkest in my vitals, come forth — why dost attack me with a hidden smart? What Scythian Sea beneath the icy pole, what sluggish Tcthvs, what Spanish Calpc, crowding the Moorish coast, begot thee ? O cursed bane ! Art thou some seri)ent, brandishing his foul, full-crested head, or some evil thing even to me unknown ? Ai*t thou begotten of the Lernaean monster's '^ gore, or did the Stygian dog leave thee here on earth ? Every ill thou art and yet no ill — what form hast thou ? Grant me at least to know- by what ill I am perishing. Whatever pest or what-
^ The Arcadian stag.
* When Hercules rent the clilTs of C'alpe and Altyla (the pillars of Hercules) asunder and gave outlet to the Mediter- ranean Sea. * The hydra.
285
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
palara timere ! qiiis tibi in medias locum fecit medullas ? ecce direpta cute viscera manus detexit ; ulterior tamen inventa latebra est — o malum simile Herculi !
Unde iste fletus ? unde in has lacrimae genas ? invictus olim voltus et numquam malis lacrimas suis praebere consuetus (pudet) iam flere didicit. quis dies fletum Herculis, quae terra vidit ? siccus aerumnas tuli. tibi ilia virtus^ quae tot elisit mala, 1270
tibi cessit uni ; prima et ante omnes mihi fletum abstulisti ; durior saxo horrido et chalybe voltus et vaga Symplegade rictus meos infregit et lacrimam ^ expulit.^ flentem gementem, sumnie pro rector poll, me terra vidit, quodque me torquet magis, noverca vidit. urit ecce iterum fibras, incaluit ardor — unde nunc fulmen mihi ?
CHORVS
Quid non possit superare dulor? quondam Getico durior Haemo 1280
nee Parrhasio lenior axe saevo cessit membra dolori fessumque movens ])er colla caput latus alterno pondere flectit, fletum virtus saepe resorbet. sic arctoas laxare nives quamvis tepido sidcre Titan non tamen audet vincitque faces solis adusti glaciale iubar.
^ lacrimas E. ^ extulit A .
286
HERCULES OETAEUS
ever beast thou be, ojipose me openly ! Who gave ihee ])laec witliin my inmost marrow ? See, my hand has vip])ed away the skin and the flesli uncovered ; vet deeper still must its lurking place bo found — O woe, invincible as Hercules !
1-^'' But whence this lamentation ? Whence tears upon these cheeks ? My face, before unmoved, and never wont to expi'ess its woes in tears, at last (oh, shame !) has learned to weep. What day, what country has seen the tears of Hercules ? Dry-eyed have I borne my cares. To thee ^ that strengtii, which lias crushed so many monsters, to thee alone has yielded ; thou first of all hast forced tears from mine eyes ; my face, harder than rough rock, harder than steel and the wandering Symplegades, has re- laxed my visage and driven forth my tears. Me, weeping and groaning, O most high ruler of the heaven, the earth has seen and, thought which racks me more, my step-dame has seen. But lo, again the scorching heat flames up and burns my vitals. Oh, where is the lightning flash to bring me death ?
What may not suffering overcome ? But now, harder than I'hracian Haemus' crags, than Par- rhasian skies more calm, to dire agony has he yielded him ; his head drops wearily uj)on his neck, from side to side he turns his mighty bulk and oft does his fortitude drain back his tears. So, with however fervent beam he shine. Titan avails not to melt the arctic snows, w hose icy splendour defies the torches of the burning sun.
^ Addressed to the hidden pest.
287
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
HERCVLES
Converte voltus ad meas clades^ pater. 1290
nuniquam ad tuas confugit Alcides manus, non cum per artus hydra fecundum meos caput explicaret ; inter infernos lacus possessus atra nocte cum Fato steti nee invocavi ; tot feras vici horridas, reges, tyrannoSj nee tamen voltus meos in astra torsi — semper haec nobis manus votum spopondit ; nulla propter me sacro micuere caelo fulmina — hie aliquid dies optare iussit. primus audierit preces 1300
idemque summus. unicum fulmen peto ; giganta crede. non minus caelum mihi asserere potui ; dum patrem verum puto, caelo pepei-ci. sive crudelis, pater^ sive es misericors^ commoda nato manum properante morte et occupa hanc laudem tibi.
Vel si piget manusque detrectat nefas, emitte Siculo vertice ardentes^ pater, Titanas in me, qui manu Pindon ferant aut te, Ossa, qui me monte proiecto opprimant.^ 1310 abrumpat Erebi claustra, me stricto petat Bellona ferro ; mitte Gradivum trucem, armetur in me dirus. est frater quidem, sed ex noverca. tu quoque, Alcidae soror tantum ex parente, cuspidem in fratrem tuum iaculare, Pallas, supplices tendo manus ad te, noverca : sparge tu saltern, precor,
^ So A : Madvig aut te, Ossa, quae me . . . opprimat : Leo taut Ossa qui . . . opprimat u-ilh E, covjccturing Ossanique ut in me . . . oppriinar. 288
HERCULES OETAEUS
HERCULES
O fatlier, turn thou thine eyes on my calamity. Never till now has Alcidcs fled to thee for aid, not even when around my limbs the hydra entwined its fertile heads. Midst the infernal pools, by the black pall of ni<rht enfolded, I stood with Dt-atii nor did I call upon thee. So many dreadful beasts have I o'ercome, yea kings and tyrants ; yet have I ne'er lifted my face unto the stars. This hand of mine has ever been surety for my prayers; no bolts for my sake have flashed from the sacred sky — but this day has bidden me ask somewhat of thee. 'Tis the first to hear my prayers, 'twill be the last. Just one thunderbolt I ask ; count me a giant.^ I could have laid hands on heaven no less than they ; but while I thought thee my sire in very truth, I spared the skies. Oh, whether thou be harsh, my sire, or merciful, lay hands on thy son with speedy death and claim thee this great renown. ^
1307 Q,.^ if ^j^y Jiand shrinks reluctant from the impious task, 'gainst me release from Aetna's mount the burning Titans, who in their hands niav heave Pindus up, or, Ossa, thee, and by the hurled moimtain overwhelm me quite. Let Bellona burst the bars of Erebus and with drawn sword rush upon me ; or send fierce Mars ; let the dread god 'gainst me be armed. He is my brother, true, but of my stej)- dame born. Thou too, Alcides' sister, but by our sire alone, hurl thy spear, O Pallas, against thy brother hurl. And to thee, my step-dame, do I stretch su])pliant hands ; do thou at least, I pray, let
^ Think of me as one of the old giants storming heaven, anrl Inirl a bolt at me. ' i.e. of killing Hercules ere Juno can do so.
289 vol.. a. u
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
telum (perirc ft-ininae possum manu)
iam fracta^ iam satiata^ quid pascis minas ?
quid quaeris ultra ? supplicem Alciden vides, 1320
et nulla tellus, nulla me vidit fera
te deprecantem. nunc niihi irata quidem ^
opus est noverca — nunc tuus cessat doloi* ?
nunc odia ponis ? parcis ubi votum est mori.
o terra et urbes^ non facem quisquam Herculi,
non arma tradet ? tela subtrahitis mihi ?
ita nulla saevas terra concipiat feras
post me sepultum nee meas umquam manus
imploret orbis ; si qua nascentur mala,
nascatur ultor.- undique infelix caput 1330
mactate saxis, vincite aerumnas meas.
ingrate cessas orbis ? excidimus tibi ?
adhuc malis ferisque suppositus fores,
ni me tulisses. vindicem vestrum malis
eripite, populi ; tempus hoc vobis datur
pensare merita — mors erit pretium omnium.
ALCMENA
Quas misera terras mater Alcidae petam ? ubi natus, ubinam ? certa si visus notat, reclinis ecce cordc anhelantc aestuat ; gemit; peractum est. membra conplccti ultima, 1340 o nate, liceat, spiritus fugiens meo legatur ore ; bracchia, amplexus cajje — ubi membra sunt? ubi ilia quae mundum tuiit stelligera cervix ? quis tibi exiguam tui partem reliquit ?
^ So A : t pater Leo with E, conjedurhuj ac fera. * So Ilichler : nascatur alius A: uascetur oiliuin E : Leo conjectures nascatur opifer.
290
HERCULES OETAEUS
fly thy bolt (I brook to perisli by a woman's hand) ; oh, at last yielding, at last glutted, why still feed thy vengeance ? What seekest thou further ? Thou seest Alcides suppliant ; whereas no land, no monster has ever seen me begging thee for quarter. Now have I need of a wratliful, raging step-dame — now has thy passion cooled ? Now dost lay by thy hate ? Thou sparest me when my prayer is all for death. O earth and cities of the earth, have ye none to bring torches 'gainst your Hercules, none to bring arms ? Do ye withhold weapons from me ? So ^ may no land produce savage monsters more when I am dead, and let the world ne'er ask for aid of mine ; if any evils rise, let avenger rise as Avell. From every side crush out my luckless life with stones, o'erwhelm my woes. O ungrateful world, dost falter? Hast quite forgotten me? E'en now wouldst thou be prey to ills and savage beasts hadst thou not borne me. Then, O ye peoples, rescue your champion from his woes. This chance is given you to requite my services — death will be reward for all.
[En/er alcmena.]
ALCMENA
What lands shall Alcides' wretched mother seek ? Where is my son, oh, w here ? If mine eyes see aright, yonder he lies, panting and fever-tossed ; he groans, his life is at an end. In a last embrace let me enfold thee, O my son, and gather thy parting spirit in my mouth ; take my embracing arms to thine — but where are thy limbs ? Where is that star- bearing neck which propped the heavens up? Who is it has left to thee but a shadow of thyself? * I.e. according as ye grant my prayer.
291 u 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
HERCVLES
Herculem spcctas quideirij mater, seel unibram et vile ncscio quid mei. agnosce, mater — ora quid flectis retro voltumque mergis? Herculem dici tuura })artum erubescis ?
AI.CMENA
Quis feram niundus novam, quae terra genuit ? quodve tam dirum nefas 1350 de te triumpliat ? victor Herculeus quis est ?
HERCVLES
Nuptae iacentem cernis Alciden dolls.
ALCMENA
Quis tantus est qui vincat Alciden dolus ?
HERCVLES
Quicumque, mater, feminae iratae sat est.
ALCMENA
Et unde in artus pestis aut ossa incidit ?
HERCVLES
Aditum venenis palla feniineis dedit.
ALCMENA
\'binam ista palla est ? membra nudata intuor.
HERCVLES
Consum})ta mccum est.
ALCMENA
Tantane inventa est lues ? 292
HERCULES OETAEUS
HERCULES
Hercules thou seest indeed, my mother, but 'tis the shadow and the vile somewhat of myself. Behold lue, mother — why dost thou turn thine eyes away and hide thy face ? Art ashamed to have Hercules called thy son ?
ALCMENA
What world, what land has given birth to a fresh monster ? What so dread horror is triumphing over thee ? Who is a victor over Hercules ?
hkhcuLes By his wife's wiles thou seest Alcides low.
ALCMENA
What wile is great enough to worst Alcides ?
UEHCULES
Whatever, mother, suffices a woman's wrath.
ALCMENA
And how gained the pest entrance to thy joints .md bones ?
HERCULES
A robe, poisoned by woman's hands, gave entrance to it.
ALCMENA
Where is that robe .'' I see but naked limbs.
IIHKCULES
'Twas consumed with me.
ALCMENA
Was so destructive pestilence ever found ?
293
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
HERCVLES
Errare niediis crede visceribus meis, o mater, hydrani et mille cum Lerna feras. 1360
quae tanta nubes flamma Sicanias secat, quae Lemnos ardens, quae plaga igniferi poli vetans flagranti currere in zona diem ? in ipsa me iactate, pro comites, freta mediosque in amnes — quis sat est Hister mihi? non ipse terris maior Oceanus meos franget vapores, omnis in nostris malis defieiet umor, omnis arescct latex, quid, rector Erebi, me remittebas lovi ? decuit tenei-e ; redde me tenebris tuis, 1 370
talem subactis Herculem ostende inferis. nil inde ducam, quid times iterum Herculem ? invade, mors, non trepida ; iam possum mod.
ALCMENA
Compesce lacrimas saltem et aerumnas doma malisque tantis Herculem indomitum refer mortemque differ ; quos soles vince inferos.
HERCVLES
Si me catenis horridus vinctum suis praeberet avidae Caucasus volucri dapem, Scythia gemente flebilis gemitus mihi non extitisset; si vagae Symplegades 1380
utraque premerent rupe, redeuntis minax^
1 So Bichter: redeinites fininas Leo with E, suggeating silens.
' i.e. the hydra.
2 He compares these flames with the fires of Aetna.
294
HERCULES OETAEUS
HERCULES
Believe nie, mother, throuirh my inmost parts the livdra is wandering- and with the Lernaean one ^ a thousand savage beasts. What flames ■^ as hot as these pierce tlie Sicilian clouds^ what Lemnian fires, or heaven's biirnini>- tract, within whose scorching- zone ^ the sun's path may not he ? O comrades, throw me into the sea itself, into the river's midst — alas! what Hister is enough for me? Though greater than all lands, the Ocean itself will not cool my burning pains ; to ease my woe all water will dry up, all moisture fail. Why, ruler of Erebus, didst send me back to Jove ? 'Twere more seemly to have held me fast. To thy glooms restore me, and show such Hercules as this to the ghosts ^ I conquered. Naught will I take away ; why dost fear Hercules a second time ? Assail me, Death, and fear not ; now do I brook to die.
ALCMENA
Restrain thy tears, at least, master thy pains ; even to such woes show Hercules invincible; put death away ; conquer the lords of hell as is thy wont.
IIEIICULES
If rugged Caucasus should offer me, bound by its chains, as a feast to greedy birds,'^ while Scythia mourned around, no doleful cry would issue from my lips ; should the wandering Symplegades crush me 'twixt both their cliffs, their returning rushes would
^ i.e. the space between the ecliptic and the celestial equator.
* All the creatures he conquered on earth are now ghosts in the lower world.
' He is thinking of the sufferings of Prometheus.
295
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA ferrem ruinas ; Pindus incumbat mihi atque Haemus et qui Thracios fluetus Atlios frangit lovisque fulmen excipiens Mimas ; non ipse si in me, mater, hie mundus ruat superque nostros flagret incensus toros Phoebeus axis, degener mentem Herculis clamor domaret. mille decurrant ferae pariterque lacerent, hinc feris elangoribus aetheria me Stymphalis, hinc taurus minax 1390
cervice tota pulset et quidquid fuit sohim quoque ingens ; surgat hinc ilHnc nemus artusque nostros durus immittat Sinis : sparsus silebo — non ferae excutient mihi, non arma gemitus, nil quod impelli potest.
ALCMENA
Non virus artus, nate, femineum coquit, sed dura series operis et longus tibi pavit cruentos forsitan morbos labor.
HERCVLES
Vbi morbus, ubinam est ? estne adhuc aliquid mali in orbe mecum ? veniat ; hue aliquis mihi HOO
intendat arcus — nuda surticiet manus. procedat agedum hue.
ALCMENA
Ei mihi, sensum quoque excussit ille nimius impulsans dolor.
296
HERCULES OETAEUS
I bear, defiant ; were Pindus lying on me, and Haemus, and Athos which resists tlie Thracian waves, and Mimas which welcomes the bolts of Jupiter ; mother, if even this sky should fall upon my head, and over my shoulders the fiery car of Phoebus should go Haming, no coward cry would subdue Alcides' soul. Though a thousand beasts at once should rush against me and rend me sore ; though here from the skies Stymphalus' bird, swooping Willi clangour wild, and there with full strength the tlireatening bull should push upon me, and whatever huge monster has sprung from eartli ; though Sinis' groves should arise this side and that, and the rough giant shoot my limbs ^ afar ; rent limb from limb, still will I hold my peace — no beasts, no arms, naught that can be met and vanquished shall extort one groan from me.
ALCMENA
Son, 'tis no woman's poison melts thy frame ; but thy hard round of labours, thine unceasing toil, per- chance has fed some deadly disease in thee.
HERCULES
Disease.'' Where is it? Wlici-e is it, pray? Is there still aught of evil in the world with me alive ? Let it come on ; let some one reach hither my bow to me — nay, niy bare hands will be enough. Let it come on, I say. [He sinh into a deep, swoon-like slumber. '\
ALCMENA
Alas ! the too great shock of agony hath reft e'en his sense away. [To attendants.'] Remove his w^eapons, ^ See LiJcx 8,c. "Siuis."
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
removete quaeso tela et infestas precor
rapite hinc sagittas : igne sufFuso genae
scelus minantur. quas petam latebras anus ?
dolor iste furor est : Herculem solus domat.
cur deinde latebras aut fugam vaecors j)etam ?
obire forti meruit Alcmene manu :
vel scelere pereat, antequam letum mihi 1410
ignavus aliquis mandet ^ ac turpis manus
de me triumphet.
Ecce lassatus malis sopore fessas alligat venas dolor gravique anhelum pectus impulsu quatit. favete, superi. si mihi natum inclutum miserae negastis^ vindicem saltern precor servate terris. abeat excussus dolor corpusque vires reparet Herculeum suas.
Pro lux acerba, pro capax scelerum dies ! nurus Tonantis occidit, natus iacet, l-tSO
nepos supersum ; scelere materno hie perit, fraude ilia capta est. quis per annorum vices totoque in aevo poterit aerumnas senex referre tantas ? unus eripuit dies parentem utrumque ; cetera ut sileam mala parcamque fatis^ Herculem amitto patrem.
ALCMENA
Compesce voces, inclutum Alcidae genus miseraeque fato similis Alcmenae nepos : longus dolorcm forsitan vincet sopor.
* So A : niandat . . . triumphal Leo with E. 298
HERCULES OETAEUS
take these deadly shafts out of his reach, I pray you ; his burning cheeks portend some violence. Where shall an old woman hide herself? That is the smart of madness ; it alone masters Hercules. But why should I, foolish that I am, seek flight or hiding ? By a brave hand Alcmena deserves to die ; so let me perish even impiously, before some craven decree my death, or a base hand triumph over me.
^*^- But see, all spent with woe, his pain holds his worn heart fast bound in slumber, and his panting chest heaves with laboured breathing. Help him, ye gods ! If to my misery ye have denied my glorious son, at least spare to tlie world, I pray, its champion. May his smart be driven quite away, and the body of Hercules renew its strength.
[Enter hvllus.]
HYLLUS
O bitter light, O crime-filled day! Dead is the Thunderer's daughter,^ his son lies dying, and I, his grandson, still survive. By my mother's crime is he perishing, but she was by guile ensnared. What aged man, throughout his round of years, in his whole life, will be able to recount woes so great ? Both parents has one day taken oft'; to say naught of other ills and to spare the fates,- Hercules, my father, am I losing.
ALCMENA
Restrain thy words, child of illustrious sire, wretched Alcmena's grandson, like her in fate ; per- chance long slumber will o'ex'come his pains. But
^ Deianira, who lias just killed herself offstage. ^ i.e. not to speak too hardly of them by recounting all their cruelty.
299
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
sed ecce, lassam deserit mentem quies 1430
redditque morbo corpus et liictum mihi.
HERCVLES
Quid hoc ? rigeuti cernitur Tracliin iugo aut inter astra positus evasi genus mortale tandem ? quis niihi caelum parat ? te te, pater, iam video, placatam quoque specto novercam. quis sonus nostras ferit caelestis aures ? luno me generum vocat ! video nitentem regiam clari aetheris Phoebique tritam flammea zonam rota, cubile video Noctis ; hinc tenebrae vocant.^ 14'tO
Quid hoc ? quis arcem cludit et ab ipsis, pater, deducit astris ? ora Phoebeus modo afflabat axis, iam prope a caelo fui — Trac'hina video, quis niihi terras dedit ? Oete modo infra steterat ac totus fuit suppositus orbis. quam bene excideras, dolor ! cogis fateri — parce et hanc vocem occupa.
Hoc, Hylle, dona matris hoc munus parant. utinam liceret stipite ingesto impiam effringere animam quale Amazonium malum 1450 circa nivalis Caucasi domui latus. o cara Megara, tune cum furerem mihi coniunx fuisti ? stipitem atque arcus date,
^ So Richicr xoUh MSS. order: Leo reads thi.^ line after 300
HERCULES OETAEUS
see, repose is desertin<; his weary heart, and gives back Ills frame to suficring, me to grief.
HERCULES [aivakening in delniinti^
Why, what is this ? Do I see Trachin midst her lugged hills, or have I, set 'mongst the stars, at last left behind the race of men ? Who opens heaven for me? Thee, thee, my father, now do I behold, and my step-dame also, at last appeased, I see. What heavenly sound strikes on mine ears ? Juno calls me son ! I see bright heaven's gleaming palace, and the track worn by Phoebus' burning wheels. I see Night's couch ; her shadows call me hence. [Begins to come out of his deliriwn.]
i^^i But what is this ? Who shuts heaven's gates to me, O father, and draws me down even from the stars? But now the car of Phoebus breathed hot upon my face, now was I near to heaven — but I sec Trachin. Who has given me earth again? A moment since, and Oeta stood below me, and the whole world lay beneath my feet. How well, O pain, hadst thou fallen from me ! Thou compellest me to confess— but stay, forestall that word.^
[To HVLLU.S.]
144S Q Hyllus, this, this is thy mother's boon, her gift to me. Would that with lifted club I might crush out her wicked life just as I smote down the Amazonian pest - upon the slopes of snowy Caucasus. O Avell-loved Megara, wast thou wife ^ to me when madness came upon me ? Give me my club and
1 He thus checks himself on the brink of an unmanly confession of his weakness.
2 i.e. the Amazons themselves.
^ It should have been Deianira.
301
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
dextra inquinetur, laudibus maculam imprimam, summus.legatur femina Herculeus labor.
Compesce diras^ genitor^ irarum minas ; habet, peractum est^ quas petis poenas dedil; sua perempta dextera mater iacet.
HERCVLES
Cecidit dolose ^ ; manibus irati Herculis occidere meruit; perdidit comitem Lichas. 1460
saevire in ipsum corpus exanime impetus atque ira cogit. cur minis nostris caret ipsum cadaver ? pabulum accipiant ferae.
HVLLVS
Plus misera laeso doluit ; hinc aliquid quoque detrahere velles. occidit dextra sua^ tuo dolore ; plura quam poscis tulit. sed non cruentae sceleribus nu])tae iaces nee fraude matris ; Nessus hos struxit dolos ictus sagittis qui tuis vitam expuit. cruore tincta est palla semiferi^ pater, 1470
Nessusquc nunc has exigit poenas sibi.
HERCVLES
Habet, peractum est, fata se nostra explicant ; lux ista summa est. quercus banc sortem mihi
^ SoRichler: relicte dolor es Leo: caeci dolores ^ ; recte <lolor es E : iacet ? ei dolori est Ptiptr.
302
HERCULES OETAEUS
boWj let iny right hand be defiled, let me put stain upon niv glory, and let a woman be chosen as the last toil of Hereules.
HYLI.US
Check the dire threatenings of thy wrath, my father ; she has it,^ 'tis over, the penalty which thou desirest she has paid ; slain by her own hand, my mother lies in death.
HERCULES
Treacherously has she fallen ; by the hands of enraged Hercules should she have died ; Lichas has l(jst a comrade. I am moved to rage e'en 'gainst her lifeless body, and wrath impels me. Why is even her corpse safe from my assaults ? Let the wild beasts make banquet on it.
HYLLUS
The unhappy woman has suffered more than him she injured ; somewhat still of this thou wouldst wish to lighten. By her own hand has she fallen, through grief for thee ; more suffering than thou demandest has she borne. But 'tis not by crimes of a murderous wife, nor by my mother's guile, thou hcst low ; Nessus contrived this snare, who, by thine arrow smit, spewed out his life. Father, 'twas in tliat half-beast's gore the robe was dip})ed, and Xessus by these thy sufferings doth requite his own.
nEllCULES
'Tis well, 2 'tis over, my fate unfolds itself; this is my last day on earth. This oracle the prophetic
1 The formula of the gladiatorial contest when one of the contestants has received his death stroke. ■■' See note ou 1. 1457.
SOS
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA fatidica quondam dederat et Parnassio Cirrhaea quatiens templa mugitu specus : " dextra perempti victor, Alcide, viri olim iacebis ; hie tibi emenso freta terrasque et umbras finis extremus dulur." nil querimur ultra ; decuit hunc finem dari, ne quis superstes Hcrculis victor foret. 1480
nunc mors legatur clara memoranda incluta, me digna prorsus. nobilem hunc faciam diem, caedatur onniis silva et Oetaeum nemus conripite, ut ingens Herculem accipiat rogus, sed ante mortem, tu, genus Poeantium, hoc triste nobis, iuvenis, officimn appara ; Herculea totum flamma succendat diem.
Ad te preces nunc, Hylle, supremas fero. est clara captas inter, in voltu genus regnumque referens, Euryto virgo edita 1490
lole. tuis hanc facibus et thalamis para, victor cruentus abstuli patriam lares nihilque miserae praeter Alciden dedi ; et ipse rapitur. penset aerumnas suas, lovis nepotem foveat et natum Herculis ; tibi ilia pariat quidquid ex nobis habet.
Tuque ipsa planctus pone funereos, precor, o clara genetrix ; vivit Alcides tibi. virtute nostra paelicem feci tuam
^ The oracle of the talking oaks, sacred to Jupiter, was at Dodona, in Ki)irus ; tlie oracle of Apollo at Delphi was in Phocis, on Mount Parnassus. The poet either means that
S04
HERCULES OETAEUS
oak ^ once gave me, and the Parnassian grot,^ shaking the shrines of Cirrha with rumbling tones, declared : " ]5y the liand of one whom, conquering, thou hast slain, Alcides, one day slialt thou lie low ; this end, when thou liast traversed seas and lands and shades, awaits thee at the last." We complain no more ; such end was meet, that no living thing might conquer Hercules. Now let me choose a death glorious, renowned, illustrious, full worthy of myself. 'I'his day will I make famous. Go, cut down all the woods, heap Octa's grove together, that a mighty pyre may receive Hercules, and that before he dies. Tliou, son 2 of Poeas, dear youth, perform this sad office for me ; set the whole sky aglow with the flames of Hercules.
I'^s And now to thee, Hyllus, I bring my latest prayer. Among the captives is a beauteous maid, in feature revealing her race and royal state, lole, daughter of king Eurytus. Lead her to thy chamber with wedding torch. Victorious, blood- stained, I robbed her of her fatherland and home, and to the wretched girl gave naught except Alcides ; and now e'en he is reft from her. Let her find recompense for her sorrows, and cherish Jove's grandson and tlie son of Hercules ; to thee be born whatever seed she has conceived by me.
[To ALCMENA.]
'*^^ Do thou thyself cease thy death-wails for me, I pray, illustrious mother ; thy Alcides lives ; by my heroic deeds have I made my step-dame seem but
two oracles foretold the same fate, or simply mingles the two references by way of emphasis on the oracular utterance itself. ^ Philoctetea.
305 VOL. n. X
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
credi novercam. sive nascente Hercule 1500
nox ilia certa est sive mortalis meus
pater est — ^licet sit falsa progenies mei,i
merui parentem ; contuli caelo decus
materqiie me concepit in laudes lovis.
quin ipse, quamquam luppiter, credi meus
pater esse gaudet. parce iam lacrimis, parens ;
superba matres inter Argolicas eris.
quid tale luno genuit aetherium gerens
sceptrum et Tonanti nupta ? mortali tamen J 510
caelum tenens invidit, Alciden suum
dici esse voluit.
Perage nunc, Titan, vices solus relictus ; ille qui vester comes ubique fueram, Tartara et manes peto. lianc tamcii ad imos perferam laudem incUitam, quod nulla pestis fudit Alciden palam omnemque pestem vicit Alcides palam.
CHORVS
O decus mundi, radiate Titan, cuius ad priuios Hecate vapores lassa nocturnae levat ora bigae, 1520
die sub Aurora positis Sabaeis, die sub occasu positis Hiberis, quique sub j)laustro patiuntur iirsae quique ferventi quatiuntur axe, die sub aeternos properare manes ^ Lto dehtes I. 1503 : materna culpa cesset et crimen lovis.
^ By bearing such a son to Jove, Alcmena is proved to be real wife, and Juno the mistress.
306
HERCULES OETAEUS
the concubine.^ VNIietlur the talc ^ of the night of Hercules' begetling be the truth, or wliether my sire be mortal •* — though I be falsely called the son of Jove, I have deserved to be his son ; glor}' on heaven have I conferred, and to Jove's glory did my mother bring me forth. Nay, he himself, though he be Jupiter, is glad to be believed my sire. Dry now thy tears, my mother ; proud 'mongst the Grecian mothers shalt thou be. What son like thine has Juno borne, though she wield the sceptre of the skies, and be the Thunderer's bride ? Still, thougli queen of heaven, she envied a mortal woman, and wished that Alcides might be called her own.
1512 Now, O Sun, must thou speed thy course alone, for I, who have been thy companion everj'- where, am bound for Tartarus and the land of shades. Yet to the depths shall I bear this glorious fame, that no pest openly has laid Alcides low, and that all pests openly has Alcides slain.
[//e goes Old totrard the pyre which has been prepared J'or
CHORUS
O glory of the world, O ray-girt Sun, at Avhose first warmth Hecate loosens the bits from the wear}' steeds of lier nocturnal car, tell the Sabaeans who lie beneath the dawn, tell the Iberians who lie beneath thy setting, tell those who suffer 'ncath the Wagon of the IJear,^ and those who pant beneath thy burning car : Hercules is hasting to the endless
* See Index s.v. " Hercules," at beginning.
* I.e. Amphitrj'on.
* This noitliern con.stellation is eitiier tlie Wain (wagon) or the Bear. The poet confuses the two conceptions.
307 X 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Herculem et regnuni caiiis inquicti,
unde non umquam remeabit ille.^
sunie quos nubes radios sequantur,
pallidus maestas speculave terras
et caput turpes nebulae pererrent. 1 530
quando^ pro Titan, ubi, quo sub axe
Herculem in terris alium sequeris?
quas manus orbis miser invocabit,
si qua sub Lerna numerosa pestis
sparget in centum rabiera draconcs,
Areadum si quis populis vetustis
fecerit silvas aper inquietas.
Tliraciae si quis Rhodopes alumnus
durior terris Helices nivosae
sparget humano stabulum cruore ? 1540
quis dabit pacem populo timenti,
si quid irati superi per orbem
iusserint nasci ? iaeet omnibus j)ar,
quern parem tellus genuit Tonanti.
planctus immensas resonet per urbes
et comas nullo coliibente nodo
feminae exertos feriant lacertos,
solaque obductis foribus deorum
temi)la securae pateant iiovcrcae.
Vadis ad Lethen Stvgiumque litus, 1550 unde te nullae referent carinae ; vadis ad manes miserandus, uiule Morte devicta tuleras triumphum, umbra nudatis veniens lacertis languido vultu tenuique collo ; teque non solum feret ilia puppis ^
1 So Richter : unde non umquam remcavit uUus A: Leo iunde non numquam remeavit inde u'/.'/i E, Leo conjcclirriiiy denuo numquam remeabit inde.
- Pciper notes a lacuna after I. 1556, tchich Leo thus sup- plies : quae tulit solum metuitque mergi.
308
HERCULES OETAEUS
sliades, to the realm of sleepless Cei-beruSj whence he will never more return. Let thy bright rays be overcast with cloiuls ; gaze on the grieving world ^\■ith pallid face and let disfiguring mists roam o'er thy head. When, O Titan, where, beneath v/hat sky wilt thou follow another Hercules on the earth ? To whose aid will the wretched world appeal if within Lerna's swamp some many-headed pest in a hundred snakes shall spread its poisonous rage ; if for the ancient tribes of Arcady some boar shall disturb the quiet of the woods ; if some son ^ of Thracian Rhodo})e, harder th.in the ground of snow- clad Helice, shall spatter his stalls with the blood of men ? Who to the trembling nations will give peace, if the angry gods shall raise up new monsters o'er the world ? Level with all men he lies,^ whom earth produced level with the Thunderer. Through countless cities let cries of brief resound ; let women with streaming hair smite their bare arms ; let the temples of all gods be closed save his stej)- (lame's only, for she only is free from care.
i5iO Xhou farest to Lethe and the Stygian shore whence no keel will ever bring thee back ; thou farest, lamented one, unto the ghosts whence, over- coming Death, thou didst once return in triumph, now but a shade, with flesliless arms, wan face and drooj)ing neck ; nor will that skiff, which once bore thee alone and feared 'twould l)e plunged beneatii
* Like Diomedes, the bloody tyrant of Thrace.
* i.e. brought to the common level by death.
309
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
non tamen viles eris inter umbras,
Aeacon ^ inter geminosque Cretas
facta discernens, feriens tyrannos.
pareite, o dites, inhibete dextras. J560
laudis est purum tenuisse fen-uni,
cumque regnabas, minus in procellis
in tuas urbes licuisse fatis.
Sed locum vii'tus habet inter astra. sedis arctoae spatium tenebis an graves Titan ubi promit aestus ? an sub occasu tepido nitebis, unde commisso resonare ponto audies Calpen ? loca quae sereni deprimes caeli ? quis erit recepto 1570
tutus Alcide locus inter astra ? liorrido tantum procul a leone det pater sedes calidoque cancro, ne tuo vultu tremefacta leges astra conturbent trepidetque Titan, vere dum flores venient tepenti et coniam silvis liiemes recident, vel coraam silvis revocabit aestas pomaque autumno fugiente cedent, nulla te terris rapiet vetustas ; 1580
tu comes Phoebo, comes ibis astris. ante nascetur seges in profundo vt'l fretum dulci resonabit unda, ante descendet glacialis ursae sidus et ponto vetito fruetur, quam tuas laudes po])uli quiescant.
Te, j)ater rerum, miseri precamur : nulla nascatur fera. nulla pestis, non duces saevos miseranda tellus liorreat, nulla dominetur aula 1590
* So Gronoiijis : Aeacos Leo with E: Aeacumque A. 310
HERCULES OETAEUS
the waves,^ hear thee alone. And yet thou shalt not dwell midst common shades ; midst Aeacus and the two Cretans'- shalt thou be, sitting in judgment on men's deeds, scourging tyrannic kings. Spare, O ye mighty, restrain your hands. 'Tis thy praise to have kept the sword unstained and that, what time thou didst bear sway, late midst its storms had less power against thy cities.
1564 gjj^- jjQ^y jj^g ^i^y niauliood place amongst the stars. Wilt occupy the spaces of the north, or where Titan sends forth his oppressive rays ? Or in the warm western sky wilt shine, where thou wilt hear Calpe resound with the charging sea ? What region of the cloudless heavens wilt thou weigh down ? What place, when Alcides comes, will be safe amidst the stars ? Only may Jove give thee thy seat far from the dread Lion and the burning Crab, lest at sight of thee the affrighted stars make turmoil of their laws and Titan tremble. While Howers shall bloom as the spring days grow warm ; while winter shall strip the foliage from the trees, and summer to the trees recall their foliage ; while fruits shall fall as autunui takes his flight, no lapse of time shall snatch thee from the world ; comrade of Phoebus, comrade of the stars, shalt thou pass on. Sooner shall wheat sprout from the surface of the deep ; sooner the roaring waves of the sea be sweet; sooner shall the icy Bear come down and enjoy the forbidden waters, than shall the nations be silent of thy praise.
1587 Xo thee, father of all, in wretchedness we pray : let no dread beast be born, no pest ; from the fear of savage kings keep this poor world free ; let no one lord it in palace hall who deems it the sole
^ Translating Leo's suggested line, * Minus and Rhadamauthus.
311
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
qui putet solum decus esse regni semper impensum tenuisse ferrum. si quid in terris iterum timetur, vindicem terrae petimus relictae.
Heu quid hoc ? mundus sonat. ecce maeret, maeret Alciden pater ; an deorum clamor, an vox est timidae novercae ? Hercule an viso fugit astra luno ? passus an pondus titubavit Atlas ? an magis diri tremuere manes I6OO
Herculem et visum canis inferorum fugit abruptis trepidus catenis ? iallimur ; laeto venit ecce voltu quem tulit Poeans uraerisque tela gestat et notas populis pharetras, Herculis heres.
Effare casus, iuvenis, Herculeos pvecor voltuque quonam tulerit Alcides necem.
PHILOCTETES*^
Quo nemo vitam.
CHORVS
Laetus adeone ultimos invasit ignes ?
PHILOCTETES
Esse iam flammas nihil l6lO
ostendit ille. quid sub hoc mundo Hercules immune vinci liquit ? en domita omnia.
CHOllVS
Inter vapores quis fuit forti locus ?
* The didhgue (hrouyhoxt this scene is given hy Leo and Richler to 2^iinliris and Chorus, foil oicing E ; to Nutrix and Philoctetes A ; since the messenger is obcious/i/ Philoctetes (see
312
HERCULES OETAEUS
i>lory of his realm to liave held the sword e'er threatening. If some dread thing should come again to earth, oh, give to forsaken earth a champion. ^^'^^ But what is this ? The universe resounds. IJchold, he mourns, the father mourns Alcides ; or is it the outcry of the gods or the voice of his frighted stei)-dame? At the sight of Hercules does Juno flee the stars ? Under the mighty weight has Atlas staggered? Or is it that tlie awful ghosts have trembled and at sight of Hercules tlie hell-hound in affright has broken his chains and fled ? No, we ai'e wrong ; behold with joyful face comes Poeas' son and on his shoulders he bears the shafts and the quiver known to all, the heir of Hercules.
[Elller PHILOCTETES.]
^^0'' Speak out, good youth, and tell the end of Hercules, I pray, and with what countenance Alcides bore his death.
PHILOCTETES
With such as none e'er bore his life.
CHORUS
So joyous did he mount his funeral i>yre ?
PHILOCTETES
He showed that now flames were as naught to him. What 'neath the heavens has Hercules left by defeat unscathed } Lo, all things have been subdued.
CHORUS
Midst the hot flames what room was there for valour ?
/. Iii04) (Did there is no pertinency in. the introduction of the nurse, loe have given the diulotjue to Philocleles and the Choru-<i.
313
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
PHILOCTETES
Quod unum in orbe vicerat nondum malum, et flamma victa est ; haec quoque acccssit feris : inter labores ignis Herculeos abit.
CHORVS
Edissere agedum^ flamma quo victa est mode ?
PHILOCTETES
Vt omnis Oeten maesta eorripuit manus, huic fagus umbras perdit et toto iacet suecissa trunco, flectit liic pinum ferox l620
astris minantem et nube de media vocat ; ruitura cautem movit et silvam tulit secum minorem. Chaonis qualis loquax stat vasta late quercus et Phoebum vetat ultraque totos porrigit ramos manus ; gemit ilia multo volnere impresso minax frangitque cuneos, resilit incussus chalybs volnusque ferrum ])atitur et rigidum est parum. commota tandem cian cadens latam sui duxit ruinam, protinus radios locus 6S0
admisit omnes ; sedibus pulsae suis volucres pererrant nemore succiso diem quaeruntque lassis garrulae pinnis donms. iamque omnis arbor sonuit et sacrae quoque sensere quercus horridam ferro manum nuUique priscum |)rofuit luco nenuis. aggeritur omnis silva et alternae trabes in astra tollunt Herculi an"ustum rt)gum :
' See Index s.v. "Chaonian Oaks."
2 Oak-tiees wore especially sacied to Jove,
314
HERCULES OETAEUS
PHILOCTETES
The one enemy on earth which he had not o'er- come, e'en fire^ is vanquished ; this also ^has been added to the beasts ; fire has taken its place midst the toils of Hercules.
CHORUS
But tell us, in what wise were the Hames o'er- come ?
PHII.OCT£TES
When the whole sorrowing band fell upon Oeta's woods, by the hands of one the beech-tree lost its shade and lay full length, hewn to the ground ; one fiercely felled a pine-tree, towering to the stars, and from the clouds' midst he summoned it ; in act to fall, it shook the rocky slope and with itself brought down the lesser woods. A huge oak stood, wide spreading, such as Chaonia's oak ^ of prophecy, ex- cluding the light of day and stretching its branches far beyond all the grove. Threat'ning it groaned, by many a blow beset, and broke the wedges ; back bounded the smiting steel ; its edge Avas dulled, too soft for such a task. When the tree, at last dis- lodged, falling, brings widespread ruin down, straight- way the place lets in the sun's full rays ; the birds, driven from their j)erches, flit aimless through the day midst the felled grove, and, loudly complaining, with wearied wings seek for their nests. And now every tree resounded, and even the sacred oaks ^ felt the dread steel-armed hand, and its ancient woods availed no holy grove. '^ The whole forest was piled into a heap ; and the logs, starward in layers rising, made all too small a pyre for Hercules — the pine-
' A deep, primeval forest, for agea left untouched, had acquired a special sanctity.
315
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
raptnra flammas pinus et robur tenax
et brevior ilex silva ; sed complet rogum l640
populea silva, frontis Herculeae deciis.
At ille, ut ingens nemore sub Nasamonio aegro reclinis pectore imniugit leo, fertur — quis ilium credat ad flammas rapi ? voltus petentis astra, non ignes erat, ut pressit Oeten ac suis oculis rogum lustravit omiiem. fregit impositus trabes. arcus poposcit. " accipe haec " iuquit, " sate Poeante, dona et munus Alcidae cape, lias hydra sensit, his iacent Stymjihalides l650
et quidquid aliud eminus vici malum, virtute felix/ iuvenis, has numquam irritas mittes in hostem ; sive de media voles auferre volucres nube, descendent aves et certa praedae tela de caelo fluent, nee fallet umquam dextenmi hie arcus tuam. librare tela didicit et certam dare fugam sagittis, ipsa non falkmt iter emissa nervo tela, tu tantum precor accommoda ignes et facem extremam mihi. I66O
hie nodus " iiiquit " nulla quem cepit manus, mecum ])er ignes flagret ; hoc telum Herculem tantum scquetur. hoc quoque acciperes " ait "si ferre posses, adiuvet domini rogum." turn rigida secum spolia Nemeaei mali arsura poscit ; latuit in spolio i-ogus.
Ingemuit omiiis turba nee lacrimas dolor cuiquam remisit. mater in luctum furcns diduxit avidum pectus atque utero tenus
So Gronoviiis with ^ : tvictrice felix Leo loith E: victure felix. has enim numqnani irritas A : his utere felix Peiper : arifuing from sive (Z6'.75) Leo thinks the other alternative muH have begun in 1. 1053 with some such wordu aa sive eris in acie.
316
HERCULES OETAEUS
tree, quick to burn, the tough-fibred oak, the ilex of shorter trunk ; but poplar wood, whose foliage adorns Alcidcs' brow, filled out the pyre.
i'""- But he, like some huge, suffering lion, which, in Libyaai forest lying, roars out his pain, hurried along, — who would sui)pose him hasting to the flames ? His gaze was of one who seeks the stars, not fires of earth, when he set foot on Oeta and with his eyes surveyed the pyre complete. The great beams broke bencatli him. Then for his shafts and bow he called, and said : " Take these, thou son of Poeas, take them as Alcides' gift and pledge of love. These did the Hydra feel ; by these the Stymphalian birds lie low, and all other pests Avhich at distance I overcame. O youth with valour blest, never in vain shalt thou send these 'gainst a foe ; or if birds from the very clouds thou wouldst fetch away, birds will fall down, and out of the sky will thy shafts, sure of their prey, come floating ; and ne'er will this bow disappoint thy hand. Well has it learned to poise the feathered shafts and unerringly send them flying ; while the shafts themselves, loosed from the string, fail never to find their mark. Only do thou, I pray, apply the fire and set the last torch for me. Let this club," he said, " which no hand but mine has wielded, burn in the flr.mes with me; this weapon alone shall follow Hercules. This also shouldst thou have," said he, " if thou couldst wield it. Let it add fuel to its master's pyre." Then did he call for the Nemean monster's shaggy skin to burn with him ; 'neath the skin the pyre was hidden.
1667 i"he whole throng set up a lamentation, and sorrow filled the eyes of all with tears. His mother, passionate in grief, her eager bosom stript, and she
yi7
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
exerta vastos ubera in planctus ferit. 1670
superosque et ipsum vocibus pulsans lovem
implevit omnem voce feminea locum.
" deforme letum, mater, Herculeum facis ;
compesce lacrimas" inquit, ^Mntrorsus dolor
femineus abeat. luno cur laetum diem
le flente ducat ? paelicis gaudet suae
spectare lacrimas. comprime infimium iecur,
mater ; nefas est ubera atque uterum tibi
laniare, qui me genuit." et dirum fremens,
qualis per urbes duxit Argolicas canem, I68O
cum victor Erebi Dite contempto redit
tremente fato, talis incubuit rogo.
quis sic triumphans laetus in curru stetit
\ictor? quis illo gentibus voltu dedit
leges tyrannus ? quanta pax habitum tulit !
haesere lacrimae, cecidit impulsus dolor
nobis quoque ipsis, nemo periturum ingemit.
iam flere pudor est ; ipsa quam sexus iubet
maerere_, siccis haesit Alcmene genis
stetitque nato paene iam similis parens. 1 690
CHORVS
Nullasne in astra misit ad sujieros prcces arsurus aut in vota respexit lovem ?
PHII.OCTETES
lacuit sui securus et caelum intuens quaesivit oculis, parte an ex aliqua pater despiceret ilium, turn manus tendens ait : " quacumque parte jirospicis natum pater (iste est pater, cui nocte commissa dies
318
HERCULES OETAEUS
smote her breasts, naked e'en to the waist, in endless lamentation ; and with her cries assaihng the gods and Jove liimself, she filled all the region round with womanish bewailings. "Mother," he said, "thou dost disgrace the death of Hercules ; restrain thy tears and confine th}' womanish grief within thy heart. Why for thy weeping should Juno count this day joyful ? For she rejoices to see her rival's tears. Curl) thy faint heart, my mother ; 'tis a sin to tear the breasts and the womb that bore Alcides." Then with dread mutterings, as when through Argive towns he dragged the dog, what time, triumphant over hell, in scorn of Dis and trembling death he returned to earth, so did he lay him down upon the jnre. What victor ever stood in his chariot so joy- fully triumphant? W^iat tyrant king with such a countenance ever gave laws to nations ? How calmly he bore his fate ! Even our tears were stayed, griefs shock subsided, none grieves that he must perish. Now were we 'shamed to weep ; Alcmena, iierself, whose sex impels to mourning, stood with dry cheeks, a mother now well-nigh equal to her son.
ClIOUUS
Sent he no supplications heavenward to tlie gods e'er the fire was lit.'' Looked he not to Jove to hear his pravers ?
PHILOCTETES
Careless of self he lay and, gazing at heaven, quested with his eyes whether from any quarter his sire looked down at him. Then, with hands out- stretched, he spoke : " O fatlier, from what quarter soe'er thou lookest on thy son, (he truly is my father, for whose sake night joined with day and one
319
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
quievit unus), si meas laudes canit
utrumque Phocbi litus et Scythiae genus
et omnis ardens ora quam torret dies, 1700
si pace tellus plena, si nuUae gemunt
urbes nee aras impias quisquam inquinat,
si scelera desiint, spiritum adniitte luinc precoi
in astra. non me mortis infernae locus
nee maesta nigri rcgna conterrent lovis ;
sed ire ad illos umbra, quos vici, deos,
pater, erubesco. nube discussa diem
pande, ut deorum voltus ardentem Herculem
spectet ; licet tu sidera et mundum neges,
ultro, pater, cogere — si voces dolor 1710
abstulerit ullas, pande tum Stygios lacus
et redde fatis ; approba natum prius.
ut dignus astris videar, hie faciet dies.
leve est quod actum est ; Herculem hie, genilor, dies
inveniet aut damnabit."
Haec postquam edidit, 1715 flammas poposcit. "hoc age, Alcidae comes 1717 non segnis " inquit " corripe Oetaeam facem ; noverca cernat quo feram flammas modo.^ I7l6
quid dcxtra tremuit ? num manus pavida impium 1719 scelus refugit ? redde iam pharetras mihi, 17~0
ignave iners inermis — en nostros manus quae tendat arcus ! quid sedet pallor genis ? aninio fixces invade quo Alciden vides voltu iacere. respice arsurum, miser.
Vocat ecce iam me genitor et pandit polos, venio, pater." voltusque non idem fuit. tremente pinum dextera ardentem iinpuli ;^
* Leo deletes (his line with E: Bichter, folloiving tironovius places it after I. 171S. ^ So A : Leo impulit loith E.
320
HERCULES OETAEUS
day ceased to be,) if both the bounds of Phoebus sing my praise, the tribes of Scythia and every burn- ing strand whicli dayHght j)arches ; if peace fills all the earth ; if no cities groan and no man stains with sin his altar-fires ; if crimes have ceased, admit this soul, I pray thee, to the stars. I have no fear of the infernal realm of death, nor do the sad realms of dusky Juve ^ aH'right me ; but to go, nauglit but a shade, to those gods I overcame, O sire, I am ashamed. Dispel the clouds, spread wide the day, that the eyes of gods may gaze on burning Hercules. Though thou deny me stars and a place in heaven, O sire, thou slialt even be compelled — ah ! if pain will excuse any words ^ of mine, then open the Stygian j)ools and give me to death again ; but prove me first thy son. This day will make me seem worthy ot the stars. Worthless is all that has been done; this day, my father, will bring Hercules to light or doom him."
^•^■' When he had thus said, he called for fire, "Up now, Alcidcs' willing friend," said he, "catch up the Oetaean torch ; let my step-dame see how 1 can bear the flames. Why did thy right hand tremble? Did thy hand shrink timid from such unholy deed .^ Then give me my quiver back, thou undaring, unskilled, unwarlike — that the hand to bend my bow ! Why do thy cheeks grow pale ? Come, seize on the torch with courage, with face thou seest on prone Alcides. Poor soul, have some regard for him who soon will burn.
i"^^ But lo I now doth my father call me and he oj)ens heaven. I come, O sire." Then was his face no more the same. With trembling hand 1 applied 1 Pluto. * i.e. tiie latest defiant word, "compelled."
321
VOL. II. Y
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
refugit ignis et reluctantur faces
et membra vitant, sed recedentem Hercules
insequitur ignem. Caucasum aut Pindum aut
Athon 1730
ardere credas ; nullus erumpit sonus^ tantum ingemescit ignis, o durum iecur ! Typhon in illo positus immanis rogo gemuisset ipse quique convulsam solo imposuit umeris Ossan Enceladus ferox.
At ille medias inter exurgens faces, semiustus ac laniatus, intrepidum tuens : " nunc es parens Herculea ; sic stare ad rogum te, mater," inquit, "sic decet fieri Herculem." inter vapores positus et flammae minas 1740
immotus, inconcussus, in neutrum latus correpta torquens membra adhortatur, monet, gerit aliqiiid ardens. omnibus fortem addidit animum niinistris ; urere ardentem putes. stupet omne volgus, vix habent flammae fidem, tam placida frons est, tanta maiestas viro. nee propcrat uri ; cumque iam forti datum leto satis pensavit, igniferas trabes liinc inde traxit, minima quas flamma occupat, totasquc in igncs vertit et quis pluriums 1750
exundat ignis re))etit intrepidus ferox. tunc ora flannnis implet. ast illi graves luxere barbae ; cumque iam voltum minax appcteret ignis, lamberent flammae caput, non prcssit oculos. — sed quid hoc ? maestam intuur .322
HERCULES OETAEUS
the blazinw pine ; the flames slirunk back, the torch resisted and would not touch his limbs; but Hercules followed up the shrinking flames. Thou wouldst suppose that Caucasus or Pindus or Athos was ablaze ; no sound burst forth, save that the fire seemed groaning. O stubborn heart ! Had huge Typhon been lying on that pyre, he Avould have groaned aloud, and fierce Enceladus who upon his shoulders bore Ossa, uptorn from earth.
1'"^'' But Hercules, midst roaring flames upstarting, all cliarred and mangled, gazed dauntless round and cried : " Now art thou parent true of Hercules ; thus 'tis meet that thou shouldst stand, my mother, beside the pyre, and thus 'tis meet that Hercules be mourned." Midst scorchino; heat and threat'nino- flames, unmoved, unshaken, to neither side turning his tortured limbs, he encourages, advises, is active still, though all aflame. To all his ministrants stout- ness of soul he gives ; you would deem him all on fire to burn. The whole crowd stands in speechless wonder and the flames have scarce belief,^ so calm his brow, the hero so majestic. Nor does he speed his burning; but when now he deemed that courage enough had been shown in death, from every side lie dragged the burning logs which the fire least fed upon, and into that blazing mass he strode and sought where the flames leaped highest, all unafraid, defiant. Awhile he feasted his eyes upon the fires. Hut now his heavy beard burned bright; and even when threat'ning fire assailed his face and the hot tongues licked about his head, he did not close his eyes. — But what is this ? I see the sad mother
* The people hardly helieved tliat the fire was real.
323 Y 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
sinu gerentem reliquias rnagm Herculis ^ crinemque iactans squalidum Alcmene gemit.
ALCMENA
Timete, snperi, fata ! tarn parvus cinis Herculcus, hue hue ille decrevit gigaiis ! o quanta, Titan, ad nihil moles abit ! 1760
anilis, heu me, reeipit Alciden sinus, hie tumulus illi est. ecce vix totam Hercules complevit urnam ; quam leve est pondus mihi, cui totus aether pondus incubuit leve. ad Tartara dim regnaque, o nate, ultima rediturus ibas — quando ab inferna Styge remeabis iterum .'' non ut et spolium trahas rursusque Theseus debeat lucem tibi — sed quando solus ? mundus impositus tuas compescet umbras teque Tartareus canis 1770
iiihibere poterit ? quando Taenarias fores pulsabis, aut quas mater ad fauces agar qua mors aditur ? vadis ad manes iter habiturus unum. quid diem questu tero ? quid misera duras vita? quid lucem tenes? quern parere rursus Herculem jjossum lovi ? quis me parentem natus Alcmenen suam tantus vocabit .'' o nimis felix nimis, Thebane coniunx, Tartari intrasti loca Horente nato teque vcnientem inferi 1780
timuere forsan, quod pater tantum Herculis,
^ Leo deletes II. 1155, 175C, liichter 1755-1757 : the last 2)art of the speech of Philocletes is supposed lo hace fallen out.
3^24
HERCULES OETAEUS
1)0.1 rin<j in her bosom the remains of great Alcides,
and Alcmcna, tossini:; her squalid locks, bewails her
son.
[Enter ai.cmena, carrying in her bosom a funeral urn.^
ALCMENA
Fear ye the fates, O powers above! (^Holding tip the urn.) See the scant dust of Hercules— to this, to this has that mighty body shrunk ! O Sun, how great a mass has passed away to nothingness ! Ah me, this aged brcjist can hold Alcides, tins is a tomb lor him. See, Hercules has scarce filled all the urn; how light for me his weight uj)on whose shoulders the whole heavens as a light weight rested. Once to the farthest realms of Tartarus, () son, didst thou go l)ut to return — Oh, when from infernal Styx wilt thou come again ? Not in such v.ise as to bring e'en spoil with thee, nor that Theseus again may owe tiiee the light of day, — but when, though all alone? Will the whole world, heaped on thee, hold thy shade, or the hell-hound avail to keep thee back? When wilt thou batter down the Taenarian ^ gates, or to what yawning jaws shall thy mother betake herself, Avhere is the approach to death ? Thou takest thy journey to the dead, and 'twill be thy only one. W^hy do I waste time in wailing? Why dost endure, O wretched life? Why clingest to the light? What Hercules can I again bring forth to Jove ? What son so great will call me mother, will call me his Alcmena ? Oh, too, too happy thou, my Theban husband,'^ for thou to the realms of Tartarus didst descend, thy son still living ; at thy ajiproach the infernal ones, perchance, were filled with fear, merely because thou Avast the sire of Hercules, even ' Sec Index s.r. " Tacnarua." * Amphitryon.
S25
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
vel falsuSj aderas — quas petam terras anus, invisa saevis regibus, si quis tamen rex est relictus saevus ? ei miserae mihi ! quicumque caesos ingemit natus patres, a me petet supplicia, me cuncti obruent. "si quis minor Busiris aut si quis minor Antaeus orbem fervidae terret plagae, ego praeda ducar ; si quis Ismarius greges Thracis cruenti vindicat, carpent greges 1790
mea membra diri. forsitan poenas petet irata luno ; totus hue verget ^ dolor ; secura victo tandem ab Alcide vacat, paelex supersum — a quanta supplicia expetet ne parere possim ! fecit hie natus mihi uterum timendum.
Quae petam Alcmene loca ? quis me locus, quae regio, quae mundi plaga defendet aut quas mater in latebras agar ubique per te nota ? sic patriam petam laresque miseros ? Argos Eurystheus tenet. 1800 marita Thebas regna et Ismenon petam thalamosque nostros, in quibus quondam lovem dilecta vidi ? pro nimis felix, nimis, si fulminantem et ipsa sensissem lovcin ! utinam meis visceribus Alcides foret exectus infans ! nunc datum est tempus, datum est videre natum laude certantem lovi, ut et hoc daretur, scire quid fatum mihi eripere posset.
^ So Ilichter with N, lleinsius : Leo reads furetur tcith a.-, and conjectures exurget.
3^6
HERCULES 0P:TAEUS
llioufrh falsely called. — What lands shall an aged woman seek, hated by savage kings, if spite of all any savage king is left alive ? Oh, Avoe is me ! All sons^ who lament their murdered sires will seek revenge from me ; they all will overwhelm me. If any young Busiris or if any young Antaeus terrifies the region of the burning zone,^ I shall be led off as booty ; if any Ismarian ^ seeks revenge for the herds of the bloody king * of Thrace, upon my limbs \will his horrid herds be fed. Juno, perchance, in anger will seek revenge ; against me w ill the whole force of her wrath incline ; though her soul is no more disturbed by Alcides, o'ercome at last, I, the concubine, am left — ah ! what punishments will she inflict, lest I be again a mother ! This son has made my womb a thing of fear.
>^36 Whither shall Alcmcna flee? What place, \\ hat region, what quarter of the world will take my j)art, or to what hiding-place shall thy mother betake herself, known everywhere through thee .'' Shall I seek my fatherland and my wretched home ? Eurystheus is king at Argos. Shall I seek Thebes, my husband's kingdom, the Ismenus and my bridal chamber, where once, greatly beloved by him, I looked on Jove ? Oh, happy, far too happy had I been, if I myself, too,'' had known Jove's thunder- bolt ! Oh, would that from my womb the infant Alcides had been ripped ! But now was the chance given me, yea 'twas given to see my son v^'ing in praise with Jove, that this, too, might be given me — to know of how much fate had power to rob me,
^ I.e. whose fathers Hercules has slain. 2 Both these enemies of Hercules had lived in Africa. * i.e. Thracian. •• Diomedes. She is thinking of the experience of Seinele.
327
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Quis memor vivet tui, o nate, populus? omne iam ingratum est genus. 1810 petam Cleonas ? Arcadum pojiulos petam meritisque terras nobiles quaeram tuis ? liic dira serpens cecidit, liie ales fera, hie rex cruentiis, hie tiia fractus manu qui te sepulto possidet caelum leo. si grata terra est, populus Alcmcnen tuam defendat omnis. Thracias gentes petam Hebrique populos ? liaec quoque est mentis tuis defensa tell us ; stabula cum regno iacent. hie pax cruento rege prostrato data est ; 18'<iO
ubi enim negata est ?
Quod tibi infelix anus quaeram sepulchrum ? de tuis totus rogis contendat orbis. reliquias magni Herculis quis populus aut quae templa, quae gentes rogant ? quis, quis petit, quis poscit Alcmenes onus ? quae tibi sepulchra, nate, quis tumulus sat est ? hie totus orbis ; fama erit titulus tibi. quid, anime, trepidas ? Hei'culis cineres tenes ; complectere ossa ; reliquiae auxilium dabunt, erunt satis })raesidia, terrebunt tuae IS.SO
reges vel umbrae.
HYLF.VS
Debitos nato quidem compescc Actus, mater Alcidae incluti. non est gemendus nee gravi urgendus prece,
^ Lcrna. ^ The Styni2)lialian bird.
328
HERCULES OETAEUS
1800 What people will live minclful of thee, O son ? Now is the whole raec ungrateful. Shall I seek Cleonae? seek the Arcadian trihes and hunt out the lands made famous by thy righteous toils ? Here ^ fell the serpent dire, here the bii-d-monster,^ here ^ fell a bloody king, and here ^ by thy hand subdued, the lion fell, who, while thou liest buried here, holds a place in heaven. If earth is grateful, let every people shield thine Alemena. Sliall I go to the Thracian peoples, and to Hebrus' tribes ? for tliis land, too, was defended by thy toils ; low do the stables ^ with the kingdom lie. Here peace was granted when the bloody king was overthrown ; for where has it not been granted ?
I'^-i ^^'hat tomb for thee shall a luckless old woman seek ? Let the whole world contend for ihy remains. The ashes of mighty Hercules, what people or what temples, what races desire to have ? Who then, who seeks, who demands Alcmena's burden '^ ? What sepulchre, O son, what tomb is great enough for thee ? Thy tomb is the whole wide world, and fame shall be thine ejiitaph. Why, soul of mine, art fear- ful ? Thou holdst the dust of Hercules ; embrace his bones ; his mere dust will bring thee aid, will be defence enough ; even thy ghost will cause kings to tremble.
nvr.i.us Ur/io seems to liavc been prcscnl ditring the
preceding sccne^
Tliough truly they are due thy son, restrain thy
tears, mother of Alcides the illustrious. He is
neither to be mourned nor j)ursued with grievous
^ Egypt, Thrace, or Libj-a, according as Busiris, Diomedes, or Antaeus is in her mind. ■* Neinca. * i.e. of Diomedes. ^ i.e. the urn containing the allies of Hercules.
329
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
virtute quisquis abstulit fatis iter ; aeterna virtus Hcrculem fieri vetat. fortes vetant maerere, degeneres iubeiit.i
ALCMENA
Sedabo questus vindice amisso parens ?
Terra atque pelagus quaque purjiurcus dies utrumque clara spectat Oceanum rota^
ALCMENA
Quot misera in uno condidi natos parens ! 1840 regno carebam^, regna sed poteram dare, una inter omnes terra quas matres gerit votis perperci, nil ego a superis peti incolumc nato ; quid dare Herculeus mihi noil poterat ardor ? quis deus quicquam niihi negare poterat ? vota in hac fuerant manu ; quidquid negaret luppiter, daret Hercules, quid tale genetrix uUa mortalis tulit .'' deriguit aliqua mater ut toto stetit succisa fetu bisque septenos gregem 1850
deplanxit una ; gregibus aequari mens quot ille poterat .'' niatribus miseris adhuc exemplar ingens derat — Alcmene dabo. cessatc, matres^ pertinax si quas dolor adhuc iubet lugere, quas luctus gravis in saxa vertit ; ccdite his cunctae malis. agedum senile pectus, o miscrae manus, pulsate — et una funeri tanto sat es,
^ Lto delctta this line.
- Eridently there is a Incmia folhivinfi this Jiiie. Leo sue/- (jests: (non sola niaeres) vintHce amisso dolent.
330
HERCULES OETAEUS
prayers, whoe'er bv his valour hath lialtcd the march of rate ; his deathless valour forbids to weep for Hercules. Brave men forbid to mourn, cowards command.
AI.CMENA
When iier deliverer is lost, shall a mother abate her grief?
HYLLUS
Both land and sea and where the shininjT sun from his bright ear looks down upon both oceans, (not thou alone dost grieve) all mourn for their lost
deliverer.^
ALCMENA
How many sons has his wretched mother buried in him alone ! Kingdom I lacked, yet kingdoms could I give. I only, midst all the mothers whom the earth contains, I'efrained from prayer ; naught from the gods I asked, while my son remained ; for what could the love of Hercules not grant to me ? What god could deny me aught.'' In my own hands were the answers to my prayers ; whatever Jove denied, Hercules could bestow. What son like this has a mortal mother borne? Once a mother ^ stiffened into stone when, stripped of her whole brood, she stood and, one alone, lamented her twice seven children ; but to how many broods like hers could my son be comj)ared ? Till now for mother's grief a measure vast enough was lacking — Alcmena will furnish it. Then cease, ye mothers, whom l)ersistent woe still bids to mourn, whom crushing sorrow has transformed to stone ; yield ye, yea, all of you, to these my woes. Then come, beat on this aged breast, O wretched hands, — and canst thou alone
' Tiiinslating Leo's conjecture, - Niobe.
331
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
grandaeva anus defectaj quam totus brcvi iam quaeret^ orbis ? ex})edi in planctus tamen 18(^0 defessa quamquam bracchia ; invidiam ut deis lugendo facias, advoca in planctus genus.
Ite Alcmenae magnique lovis plangite natum, cui concepto lux una perit noctesque duas contulit Eos : ipsa quiddara plus luce perit. totae pariter plangite gentes, quarum saevos ille tyrannos iussit Stygias penetrare domos 1 870
))opulisque madens ponere fei rum. Hctum mevitis reddite tantis, totus, totus personet orbis. fleat Alcidcn caerula Crete, magno tellus cara Tonanti ; centum pojnili bracchia pulsent ; nunc Curetes, nunc Cor}'bantes arma Idaea quassate manu ; armis ilium lugere decet ; nunc, nunc funus plangite verum ; 18S0
iacet Alcides non miuov ipso, Creta, Tonante.
flete Herculeos, Arcades, obitus, nondum Phoebe nascente genus ; iuga Parthenii Nemeaeque '' sonent ferialque graves Maenala jilanctus. magno Alcidae poscit gemitum
' Lto fiam quaerct loith E, and conjectures iam totus hrevi I conourret orlns : seqiietur N. Htiimut: conveniet Koelschan: iam pcragot liichter.
2 ^Nemeaeque Leo la'Ch a- • Tegoaeque de Wilamowitz: Plieiieique Richter.
332
HERCULES OETAEUS
suffice for loss so vast, an aged spent old woman r Soon will the whole world unite to mourn with thee.^ Vet raise thy arms, however weary, in lamentation ; that by thy grief thou mayst stir envy in the gods, summon the whole race of men unto thy mourning.
[Here follows alcmena's fonnal song of mourning accompanied by the usual Orienlal gestures of lamentation^ 1S63 Come ye, bewail Alcmeiia's son and mighty Jove's, for whose conception one day was lost and lingering dawn joined two nights in one; something- greater than the day itself is lost. Together lament, ye nations all, whose cruel tyrants he bade descend to the abodes of Styx and lay down the sword, reeking with blood of peoples. To such deserts pay tribute of your tears ; let all, yea all the world echo to your laments. Alcides let sea-girt Crete bcAvail, land to the great Thunderer dear ; let its hundred peoples beat upon their arms. Now Cretans, now l)riests of Cybele, with your hands clash Ida's cymbals; 'tis meet tliat with arms ye mourn liim. Now, now make him just funeral ; low lies Alcides, equal, O Crete, to the Thunderer himself. Weep for Alcides' passing, O Arcadians, who vvere a people ere yet the moon was born ; let Parthenius' heights and Nemea's hills resound and Maenalus smite heavy blows of grief. The bristly boar, within your fields laid low, demands lament for great Alcides, and the 1 Translating Leo's conjecture. See critical note 1.
3SS
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
stratus vestris saetiger agris
alesque sequi iussa sagittas
totum pinna velante diem. 1890
flete Argolicae, flete, Cleonae ;
liic terrentem nioenia quondam
vestra leonem fregit nostri
dextera nati ; date Bistoniae
verbera matres gelidusqne sonet
planctibus Hebi'us ; flete Alciden,
quod non stabulis nascitur infans
nee vestra greges viscera carpunt.
fleat Antaeo libera tellus
et rapta fero plaga Geryonae ; 1900
mecum miserae ])langite gentes,
audiat ictus utraque Tethys.
Vos quoque, mundi turba citati, flete Herculeos^ numina, casus; vestrum Alcides cerviee meus mundum, superi, caelumque tulit, cum stelligeri vector Olynipi pondere liber sjnravit Atlans. ubi nunc vestrae, Iuj)piter, arces ? ubi proniissi regia mundi ? 1910
nempe Alcides mortalis obit, nempe sepultus. quotiens telis facibusque tuis ille pepcrcit, quotiens ignis spargendus cral ! in me saltem iaculare faceni Semelenque j)uta.
lamne Rlysias, o nate, donuis, iam lit us liabes ad quod populos natura vocat ?
an post raptum Styx atra canem jn-aeclusit iter teque in |)rinio 1920
limine Ditis fata murantur ?
334
HERCULES OETAEUS huge bird whose wings hid all the sky, challenged ' to meet his shafts. Weep, Argive Cleonae, weep ; here long ago the lion who kept your walls in fear my son's right hand destroyed. Ye Bistonian dames, beat your breasts, and let cold Hebrus resound to your beatings ; weep for Alcides, for no more are your children born for the stalls,- nor your offspring as food for tlie herds. Weep thou, O land from Antaeus delivered, ye regions from fierce Geryon saved ; yea, with me, ye unhappy nations, lament ; let both seas^ re-echo your beatings.
1903 Yqii too, ye thronging deities of the whirling heavens, bewail Hercules' fate ; for my Alcides bore your heavens upon his shoulders, your sky, ye gods above, when Atlas, starry Olympus' prop, was eased of his load awhile. Where now are thy heights, O Jove.'' Where is the promised* palace in the sky? Alcides, mortal, is dead ! mortal, is buried ! How oft did he save thee thy lightnings, how seldom thy fire needed hurling!^ Against me at least brandish thy lightning, and deem me Semele.
1916 And now, O son, holdst thou the Elysian seats,
holdst now the shore whither nature calls all ])eoples?
Or after the dog was stolen has the dark Stvx
barred thy way, and on the very threshold of l)is do
the fates delay thee .'' VVliat confusion now, my
' Hercules roused the bird from its Styinphalian lair by tlio noise of a great rattle. ^ i.e. of Diomedes.
•* i.e. tiie eastern and western limits of the sea.
* Jove had promised Hercules a place in heaven.
* i.e. Hercules had taken upon himself the puiiisliment of sinful men.
335
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
quis nunc umbras, nate, tumultus
manesque tenet ?
fugit abducta iiavita cumba
et Centauris Thessala motis
terit attonitos ungula manes
anguesque suos hydra sub undas
territa mersit teque laboreSj
o nate, timent?
fallor, fallor vaesana furens ! 1930
nee te manes umbraeque tinient,
non Argolico rapta leoni
fulva pellis contecta iuba
laevos operit dira laccrtos
vallantque ferae tem})ora dentes ;
donum pharetrae cessere tuae
telaque mittet iam dextra minor.
vadis inermis, nate, per umbras,
ad quas semper mansurus eris.
vox HEUCVL.
Quid me tenentem regna siderei poll ] 94'U
caeloque tandem redditum planctu iubes sentire fatum ? parce ; iam virtus niihi in astra et ipsos fecit ad superos iter. '
Vnde, unde sonus trepidas aures ferit .'' unde meas inhibct lacrimas fragor .'' agnosco vietum esse chaos.
A Styge, nate, redis iterum mihi frattaque non semel est mors horrida.'' vicisti rursus mortis loca puj)pis et infernae vada tristia ? 1950
336
HERCULES OETAEUS
son, seizes the shadowy spirits ? Does the boatman draw away his skiff in flight ? Do TliessaHan Centaurs with flying hoofs smite the affrighted ghosts ? Docs tlic hydra in terror plunge liis snaky heads beneath the waves and do thy toils all fear thee, O my son? Fooled, fooled am I, distracted, mad! Xor ghosts nor shadows are afraid of thee ; the fear- some pelt, stripped from the Argolic lion, with its tawny mane shields thy left arm no more, and its savage teeth hedge not thy temples ; thy quiver thou hast given away and now a lesser hand will aim thy shafts. Unarmed, my son, thou forest through the shades, and with them forever shalt thou abide.
THE VOICE OF HERCULES [ /)o??/ ahoVf.^
Why, since I hold the realms of starry heaven and at last have attained the skies, dost by lamentation bid me taste of death ? Give o'er ; for now has my valour borne me to the stars and to the gods them- selves. /
Ai.cMBNA [^bewildered.]
Whence, oh, whence falls that sound upon my startled ears ? Whence do the thunderous tones bid check my weeping ? Now know I that chaos has been o'ercomc.
lyii Ki-oni the Styx, O son, art come again to me ? Broken a second time is the power of grisly death ? I last escaped once more death's stronghold and the infernal skiff's dark pools ? Is Acheron's wan stream
337
VOL. II. Z
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
pervius est Acheron iam languidus
et remeare licet soli tibi
nee te fata tenent post funera ?
an tibi praeclusit Pluton iter
et pavidus regni metuit sibi ?
certe ego te vidi flagrantibus
impositum silvis, cum plurimus
in caelum fureret flammae metus.
arsisti — cur te, cur ultima
non tenuere tuas umbras loca ? 196O
quid timuere tui manes precor ?
umbra quoque es Diti nimis horrida ?
HERCVLES
Non me gementis stagna Cocyti tenent nee puppis umbras furva transvexit meas ; iam parce, mater, questibus ; manes semel umbrasque vidi. quidquid in nobis tui mortale fuerat, ignis evictus tulit ; paterna caelo, pars data est flammis tua. proinde planctus pone, quos nato paret genetrix inerti. luctus in turpes eat; 1970
virtus in astra tendit, in mortem timor. praesens ab astris, mater, Aleides cano : poenas cruentus iam tibi Eurystheus dabit ; curru superbum vecta transcendes caput, me iam decct siibire caelestem plagam ; inferna vici rursus Aleides loca. 338
HERCULES OETAEUS
retraceable and niayst thou alone recross it ? And after thy death do the fates hold thee no more ? Has Pluto barred thy way, and tremhlinsf feared for his own sovereignty? Surely upon the bhizing logs I saw thee laid, when the vast, fearful Humes raged to the sky. Thou wast consumed — why, why did the bottomless abyss not gain thy shade ? VVHiat part of thee did the ghosts fear, I pray ? Is e'en thy shade too terrible for Dis ?
uercui.es \_/iis form now ta/ihig shape in the air ahove.]
The pools of groaning Cocytus hold me not, nor has the dark skiff borne o'er my shade ; then cease thy laments, my mother ; once and for all have I seen the shadowy ghosts. Whate'er in me was mortal and of thee, the vanquished flame has borne away^^ my father's part to heaven, thy part to the flames has been consigned. Cease then thy lamentations which to a worthless son might well be given. Let tears for the inglorious flow ; valour fares starward, fear, to the realm of death. In living presence, mother, from the stars Alcides speaks ; soon shall bloody Eurystheus make thee full recompense; o'er his ])roud head shalt thou in triumph ride. But now 'tis meet that I pass to the realm above ; Alcides once again has conquered hell.
[//e vanishes from sig]il.'\
^ Both text ami meaning are doubtful liere. The sense seems to be that though the mortal part of Hercules has been consumed by tlie Hames, they have in reality been vanquished by his spirit.
339 z 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ALCMENA
Mane parumper — cessit ex oculis, cabit, in astru fertur. fallor an voltus putat vidisse natum ? misera mens incredula est — es numen t;t te mundus aetenium tenet ; 19^0
credo triuniphis.
Regua Thebaruni jietam novunique templis addituui numen canam.
CHORVS
Numquam Stygias fertur ad umbras inclita virtus, vivunt fortes nee Letbaeos saeva per amnes vos fata trabent, sed cum summas exiget boras consumpta dies, iter ad superos gloria pandet.
Sed tu, domitor magne ferarum orbisque simul pacator, ades ; 1990
nunc quoque nostras respice terras, et si qua novo belua voltu quatiet i)opulos terrore gravi, tu fubiiinibus frange trisulcis — fortius ipso geiiitore tuo fubnina mitte.
3*0
HERCULES OETAEUS
ALCMRNA
Slav but <a little ! — he has vanished from iny sight, is gone, to the stars faring. Am I deceived or do my eyes but deem they saw my son ? My soul for very grief cannot believe it. — But no ! thou art divine, and deathless the heavens possess thee. In thy triumi)hant entrance I believe.
19S1 ]^Qxy ^vill I take me to the realm of Thebes and there proclaim the new god added to their temples.
[Exit.
CHORUS
Never to Stygian shades is glorious valour borne. The brave live on, nor shall the cruel fates bear you o'er Lethe's waters ; but when the last day shall bring the final hour, glory will open wide the path to heaven.
^^^^ I5ut do thou, O mighty conqueror of beasts, pcace-bringer to the world, be with us yet; still as of old regard this earth of ours ; and if some strange- visagcd monster cause us with dire fear to tremble^ do thou o'ercome him witli the forked thunder- bolts— yea, more mightily than thy father's self the thunders hurl.
S41
PHOENISSAE
DRAMATIS TERSONAE
Oedipi'S, lale. liiuj of Thehes.
Antigone, daughter of Oediptt^, constant to him in his mis- fortnnes.
JocASTA, imfe and mother of Oedipus.
POLYNICES,^
\ sons of Oedipus and rivals for the throne. Eteoci.es, J
Messenger.
The Scene is lairl, first in the wild coinitn' to wliich Oedipus, accompanied by Antigone, lias l)etaken himself; then in Thebes ; and lastly in the plain before Thebes.
The Time is three years after the downfall of Oedipus.
AUGUMENT
TiiF stroke, of fate, iluil //as been threalenivg Oedipus since long hejhrc his hiiih, has fallen at last, and he has done the thing he feared to do. And now, sclfhiinded and self-exiled from his land, he has for three tjears wandered in rough and traclclcss places, attended by Antigone, his daughter, who, alone of all his friends, has condoned his fated si7is and remained attached to him.
Meanwhile his sons, though titey agreed to reign alter- nate years, are soon to vieet in deadly strife ; for Eteoclcs, although his year of royal ])on'er is at an end, refuses to give up the throne ; and notr Polynices, irlio has in exile wed the daughter of Adrastus, king of Argos, is march- ing against the gates of Thebes, with seven great armies to enforce his rights.
[/>?/ a dijlerent version fro7n the " Oedipus," Jncasta did vol slay herself at once as in that tale, but slill is living on in grief and shame, and strives to reconcile her sons.^
PHOENISSAE
OEDIPVS
Caeci parentis regimen et fessi unicum lateris levamen, nata, quam tanti est mihi genuisse vel sic, desere infaustuin patrem. in recta quid deflectis errantem gradum ? permitte labi ; melius inveniam viani, quam quaero, solus, quae me ab hac vita extraliat et hoc nefandi capitis aspectu levet caelum atque terras, quantulum liac egi manu ? non video noxae conscium nostrae diem, sed videor. hinc iam solve inhaerentem manuui 10 et patere caecum qua volet ferri pedem. ibo, ibo qua praerupta protendit iuga meus Cilhaeron, qua peragrato celer per saxa monte iacuit Actaeon suis nova praeda canibus, qua per obscurum nemus silvamque opacae vallis instinctas dec egit sorores mater et gaudens malo vibrante fixum praetulit thyrso cajnit ; vel qua cucurrit, corpus inlisum tralicns, Zethi iuvencus, qua per horrentes rubos 20
1 In the corresponding Greek play a chorus of Phoenician maidens on their way to Delphi chanced to be at Thebes. This circumstance gives the play its name,
346
PHOENISSAE,! OR THEBAIS A FRAGMENT
OEDtPUS
[To ANTU.ONE, jvfio hus followed Ilim tnln rxUe.'\ Thou guide of thy blind father's ste])S, his weary side's sole stay, daughter, whose getting, even so, was worth the cost to nie, quit thou thy heaven-cursed sire. Wliv into right paths wouldst turn aside my wandering feet ? Let me stumble on ; better alone shall I find the way I seek, the way which from this life shall deliver me and free heaven and earth from sight of this impious head. How little did I accomplish with this hand ! I do not see the light, witness of mv crime, but I am seen. Therefore, now unclasp thy clinging hand and let my sightless feet wander where they will. I'll go, I'll go where my own Cithaeron lifts his rugged crags ; where, speed- ing over the mountain's rocky ways, Actaeon lay at last, strange quarry for his own hounds ; where, through the dim grove and woods of the dusky glade, a mother- led her sisters, by the god impelled, and, rejoicing in the crime, bore in advance the head ^ fixed on a quivering thj'rsus ; or where Zethus' bull rushed along, dragging a mangled corpse, while through the thorny brambles the mad
* Agave, who with her sisters, in a frenzy inspired by Bacchus, slew her son, Penthcus, ' i.e. of Pentheug.
347
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
lauri ferocis sanguis ostendit fugas ; vel qua alta maria vertice immenso prcmit Inoa rupes, qua scelus fugiens novum novunique faciens mater insiluit freto mersura natum seque. felices quibus fortuna melior tarn bonas matres dedit.
Est alius istis noster in silvis locus^ qui me reposcitj hunc petam cursu incito ; non haesitabit gressus^ hue omni duce spoliatus ibo. quid moror sedes meas ? SO
C.iportem, Cithaeron, redde et hospitiuni milii illud meum restitue^ ut expirem senex ubi debui infans. recipe supplicium vctus. semper ci'uente saeve crudelis ferox, cum occidis et cum parcis^ olim iam tunm est hoc cadaver : perage mandatum patris, fiam et matris. animus gestit antiqua execiui supplicia. quid me, nata, pestifero tenes araore vinctum ? quid tenes ? genitor vocat. sequor, sequor, iam parcey— sanguineum gercns 40 insigne regni Laius rapti fui'it ; en ecce, inanes manibus infestis petit foditque vultus. nata, genitorem vides ? egovideo. tandem spiritum inimicum cxpue, deserter anime, fortis in partem tui. omitte poenae languidas longae moras, mortemque totam admitte. quid segnis traho quod vivo ? nuUum facere iam possum scelus. possum miser, praedico— discede a patre, discede, virgo. timco post matrem omnia, 50
S48
PHOENISSAE
creature's flight was traceable in blood ; or where Ino's cliff juts out into the deep sea with tower- ing peak, where, fleeing strange crime and yet strange crime committing, a mother leaped into the strait to sink both son and self.^ Oh, haj)py they whose better fortune has given such kindly mothers ! 2^ There is another place within these woods, my own place, which calls for me ; I would fain hasten to it ; my stc})S will falter not; thither will I go bereft of every guide. Why keep my own place waiting ? Death, O _Cithaeron^^i\'e me back ;. restore me that resting-place of mine, that I may die in age where I should have died in infancy. Claim now that penalty of old. O ever bloody, savage, cruel, fierce, both when thou slayest and when thou sparest, this carcass of mine long since belonged to thee ; fulfil my father's behest — aye, and now my mother's too. My_soul
(yearns to suffer the penalty of long ago. Why, daughtei-, dost hold me bound by thy baleful love ? Why dust thou hold me ? My father calls. I come,
. 1 come ; at last let me go -'— >r>aius rages yonder, wearing the blood-stained badge of his ravished kingdom ; see ! behold ! there he assails and seeks to tear at my sightless countenance with his threatening
fTiands. Daughter, dost see my father .^ I surely see
{ him. [lie soliloqiil.~es.] At length spew out thy hateful breath, O traitor soul, brave 'gainst but a portion of thyself. Away with the slow delays of thy long- due punishment ; receive death wholly. VVhy do I sluggishly drag on this life ? Now can 1 do no crime. I can, wretch that I am, this I forebode — away from thy father, away, while still a maid. After my mother I fear all happenings.
^ Sec ludex s.v. "Ino."
2 i.e. (to his daughter) " spare mc thy further opposition."
31.<)
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ANTIGONA
Vis nulla, genitor, a tiio nostram nianum
corpore resolvet, nemo me coniitem tibi
eripiet umquam. Labdaci claram domum,
opulenta ferro regna germani petant ;
pars summa magno patris e regno mea est,
pater ipse, non hune auferet frater mihi
Thebana rapto sceptra qui regno tenet,
non hunc catervas alter Argolicas agens ;
non si revulso luppiter mundo tonet
mediumque nostros fulmen in nexus cadat, 6()
manum banc remittam. proliibeas, genitor, licet ;
regam abnuentem, dirigam inviti gradum.
in plana tendis ? vado ; praerupta appetis ?
non obsto, sed praecedo ; quo vis utere
duce me : duobus omnis eligitur via.
perire sine me non potes, mecuni potes.
hie alta rupes arduo surgit iugo
spectatque longe spatia subiecti maris,
vis banc petamus ? nudus liic pendet silex,
hie scissa tellus faucibus ruptis biat ; 70
vis banc; petamus .'' liic rapax torrens cadit
partesque lapsi mentis cxesas rotat ;
in bunc ruanuis ? dum prior, quo vis eo. ("non deprecor, non hortor. / extingui cupis [votumquc, genitor, maxinnim mors est tibi } I si moreris, antecedo ; si vivis, sequor.
sed flecte meiitem, pectus antiquum advoca 1 victasque magno roborc acrunnias doma ;
'resiste; tantis in mails vinci mori est.
S50
PHOENISSAE
ANTIGONE
No force, mv father, shall loose my hold of thee ; no one shall ever tear me from thy side. The sovereignty of Labdacus' noble house and all its riches — let my brothers fight over these ; the best jiart of my father's mighty kingdom is my own, my father's self. Him no brother shall take from me, not he 1 who holds the Theban sceptre by stolen right, not he ^ who is leading the Argive hosts ; no, though Jove should rend the universe with his thunders, and his bolt fall 'twixt our embrace, I will not let go my hands. Thou mayst forbid me, father ; I'll guide thee against thy will, Fll direct thine unwilling feet. Wouldst go to the level plain ? I go. Wouldst seek the craggy mo^mtains? I oppose not, but I go before. Whither thou wilt, use me as guide ; by two will all paths be chosen. Without me thou canst not perish ; with me thou canst. Here rises a cliff, lofty, precipitous, and looks out upon the long reaches of the underlying sea; wouldst have us seek it ? Here is a bare rock over- hanging, here the riven earth yawns with gaping jaws ; shall we go here ? Here a raging torrent falls and rolls along worn fragments of the fallen mountains ; shall we plunge to this ? Where'er thou wilt, I go, so it be first. I neither oppose nor Turge. Art eager to be destroyed, and is death, father, thy highest wish ? If thou diest, I go before lathee ; if thou livest, I follow. But change thy \ purpose ; , summon up thine old-time courage ; [conquer thy sorrows and with all thy might be master of them, resist them; amidst such woes, to \l)e conquered is to die.
* Eteocles, "' Pulynicea.
351
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Vnde in nefanda speciiuen egregium domo ? 80 unde ista generi virgo dissimilis suo ? Fortuna, credis ? aliquis est ex me pius ? non esset umquam, fata bene novi mea, nisi ut noceret. ipsa se in leges novas natura vertit ; regeret in fontem citas revolutus undas amnis, et noctem afferet Phoebea lampas, Hesperus faciet diem ; ut ad miserias aliquid accedat meas, pii quoque erimus. unica Oedipodae est sal us, non esse salvum. liceat ulcisci patrem 90
adhuc inultum ; dextra quid cessas iners exigere poenas ? quidquid exactum est adhuc, Tnatri dedisti. mitte genitoi-is manum, animosa virgo ; funus extendis meum longasque vivi ducis exequias patris. aliquando terra corpus invisum tege ; peccas honesta mente, pietatem vocas patrem insepultum traliere. qui cogit mori nolentem in aequo est quique properantem im])edit ; occidcrc est vitare cupientem mori/ 100
nee tamen in aequo est ; alteram gravius reor. malo imperari quam eripi mortem mihi. desiste coe})to, virgo ; ius vitae ac necis nieae penes me est. regua deserui libens, regnum mei i-etineo. si fida es comes, cnsem parenti trade, sed notum nece ensem paterna. tradis ? an nati tencnt cum regno et ilium ? facinorc ubicumque est opus, ibi sit — relinquo ; natus lumc habeat mcus,
^ Lto deities this line. 352
FHOENISSAE
OEDIPUS
Wlieiice this rare type in a house so impious ? Whence this maid so unlike her race ? Is it fortune^ thinkst thou? lias any dutiful child sprung from me ? Never would it be so, for well I know my fate, save for harmful ends. Nature herself has reversed her laws ; now will the river turn and bear its swift waters backward to their source, Phoebus' torch will bring in the night, and Hesperus herald the day ; and, that something be added to my woes, I, too, shall become holy. For Oedipus the only salvation is not to be saved. Let me avenge my father, till now unavenged ; Avhy, sluggish hand, dost thou hesi- tate to exact penalty ? All thou hast as yet exacted, to my mother hast thou given. Let go thy father's hand, courageous girl ; thou dost but protract my burying, and prolong the funeral rites of a living- sire. Bui*y in the earth at last this hateful body ; thou wrongst me, though with kind intent, and thou deemst it piety to drag along an unburied father. 'Tis all one — to force him Avho shrinks from death, and stay him who seeks to die ; 'tis the same as killing to forbid death to him who wants it ; and yet 'tis not all one ; the second course I count the worse. Rather would I have death enforced than snatched from me. Desist, girl, from thine attempt ; the right to live or die is in my own hands. The sovereignty over my realm have I yielded gladly ; the sovereignty over myself I keep. If thou art true conn-ade, hand thy sire a sword, but be it the sword made famous by his father's slaugliter. Dost give it ? or hold my sons that, too, together with my kingdom? Wherever is need of crime, there let it be — I relinquish it ; let my sou have it — nay, both my
353
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
sed uterque. flammas potius et vastum aggereni 110
compone ; in altos ipse me immittaiii rogos^
haerebo ad ignes, funebri abscondar strue ;
pectusque solvam durum et in cinerem dabo
hoe quidquid in me vivit. ubi saevum est mare ?
due ubi sit altis prorutum saxis iugum,
ubi torva rapidus ducat Ismenos vada.^ II 6
si dux es, illue ire morituro jilacet^ 1 1 8
ubi sedit alta rupe semifero dolos
Sphinx ore nectens. dirige hue gressus pedum, 120
hie siste patrem. dira ne sedes vacet,
monstrum repone maius. hoc saxum insidens
obscura nostrae verba fortunae loquar,
quae nemo solvat. quisquis Assyrio loca
possessa regi scindis et Cadmi nemus
serpente notum, sacra quo Dirce latet,
supplex adoras, quisquis Eurotan bibis
Spartamque fratre nobilem gemino colis,
quique Elin et Parnason et Boeotios
colonus agros uberis tondes soh^ 130
adverte mentem — saeva Thebarum lues
luctifica caecis verba committens modis
quid simile posuit ? quid tarn inextricabile ?
avi gener jjatrisque rivalis sui,
frater suorum liberum et fratrum parens ;
uno avia partu liberos peperit viro,
sibi et nepotes. monsti'a quis tanta explic-at?
ego ipse, victae spolia qui Sphingis tuli^
haerebo fati tardus interpres mei.
2 9|c 4: * * *
' Leo deletes line 1J7 : due ubi ferae sunt, ubi fretum, ubi praeceps locus.
* A Kpeech of Antigone may have dropped out at this point, or Oedipus may hark back to the earlier speech of Antigone
354
PHOENISSAE
sons. Flames, if thou prefer, and a huge mound prepare ; myself, will I fling me on the lofty pyre, embrace the flames, and hide in the funeral pile. There will I set free this stubborn soul and give up to ashes this — all that is left of me alive. Where is the raging sea? Lead me where some beetling crag juts out with its high, rocky cliff, or where swift Ismenus rolls his wild waters. If thou art my guide, thither would I go to die where on a high cliff the Sphinx once sat and wove crafty speech with her half-bestial lips. Guide my feet thither, there set thy father. Let not that dreadful seat be empty, but place thereon a greater monster. On that rock will I sit and propound the dark riddle of my fate which none may answer. All ye who till the fields once ruled by the Assyrian king,^ who suppliant worship in tlie grove of Cadmus for the serpent famed, where sacred Dirce lies ; all ye who drink of tlie Eurotas, who dwell in Sparta for its twin brethren - famous ; ye farmers who reap Elis and Parnassus and lioeotia's fertile fields, give ear. That dire pest of Thebes, who wrapped death-dealing words in puzzling measures, what riddle like this did she ever propound? What maze so bewildering? He was Iiis grand father s son-in-law and his father's rival, brother of his children and father of his brothers ; at one birth the grandmother bore children to her husband and grandchildren to herself. Wlio can unfold a coil so monstrous ? Even I, who gained spoils from the conquered Sphinx, shall prove but slow in unriddling mine own doom.
4: 4= >H 4: >):
^ Cadmus. ^ Castor and Pollux.
after a dramatic pause. Leo holds that the hiatus is, as Swohoda thinks, left by the poet himself.
S55 A A 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA Quid perdis ultra verba ? quid pectus ferum 140 mollire temptas precibus ? hoc animo sedet effundere banc cum morte luctantem din animam et tenebras petere ; nam sceleri haec meo parum alta nox est ; Tartaro condi iuvat, et si quid ultra Tartarum est ; tandem libet quod olim oportet. morte proliiberi baud queo. ferrum negabis ? noxias lapsu vias eludes et artis col la laqueis inseri proliibebis ? herbas quae ferunt letum auferes ? quid ista tandem cura proficiet tua? 150
ubique mors est. optume hoc cavit deus : eripere vitam nemo non homini potest, at nemo mortem ; mille ad banc aditus patent, nil quaero. dextra noster et nuda solet ■bene animus uti — dextra, nunc toto impetu, toto dolore, viribus totis veni. non destine unum vulneri nostro locum — totus nocens sum ; qua voles mortem exige. efFringe pectus corque tot scelerum capax evelle, totos viscerum nuda sinus. l60
fractum incitatis ictibus guttur sonet laceraeque fixis unguibus venae fluant. aut dirige iras quo soles ; haec vulnera rescissa luulto sanguine ac tabe ini-iga, hac extrabe animam duram, inexj)ugnabilem. et tu, parens, ubicumque poenaruui arbiter adstas mearum — non ego hoc tantum scelus ulla expiari credidi poena satis umquani, nee ista morte contentus fui, nee me redemi parte ; membratim tibi 170
356
PHOENISSAE
'^*'^ Wliy dost thou waste further words? Why dost try to soften my hard heart with prayers? My will is fixed to pour forth this life which has long been strufffflinfT with death, and to seek the nether dark- ness ; for this deep night is not deep enough for my crime ; in Tartarus would I be buried^ or if there be aught deeper than Tartarus ; 'tis pleasing to do at last what long ago I 5!M)uld have done. I cannot be kept from death. Wilt withhold the sword? Wilt bar paths where I might ftill to death ? Wilt keep my neck from the choking noose ? Wilt remove death-bringing herbs ? What, pi*ay, will that care of thine accomplish ? Death is everywhere. This hath God with wisdom excellent provided : of life anyone can rob a man, but of death no one ; to this a thousand doors lie open. I ask for naught. This right hand, though bare, my soul hath practice to use well — () Iiand of mine, come now with all thy force, with all thy smarting rage, with all thy might. Not one spot only do I mark out for the wound — I am all sin ; inflict death where thou wilt. Break through my breast and tear out my heart, which has room for so many crimes ; lay bare my vitals, every nook ; rain resounding blows upon my neck until it break, and let my veins flow, torn by my gouging fingers. Or aim thy mad attack at the accustomed place ; ^ these wounds reopen ; bathe them in streams of blood and gore ; through this passage drag out my stubborn life, imjH'cgnable. And do thou, my father, where'er thou standst as arbiter of my sufferings — I have never deemed that this grievous crime of mine was sufiicicntly atoned by any suffc-ring, nor have I been content with such death as this, nor have I bought my pardon with a portion of myself; limb by limb
'His eyes.
357
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
perire volui — debitum tandem exige.
nunc solvo poenas, tunc tibi inferias dedi.
ades atque inertem dexteram introrsus preme
magisque merge ; timida tunc parvo caput
libavit haustu vixque cuj^ientes sequi
eduxit oculos. haeret etiam nunc mihi
ille animus, haeret, cum recusantem manum
pressere vultus. audies verum, Oedipus :
minus eruisti lumina audacter tua,
quam praestitisti. nunc manum cerebro indue ; 180
hac parte mortem pcrage qua coepi mori.
ANTIGONA
Pauca, o parens magnanime, miserandae precor ut verba natae mente placata audias. non te ut reducam veteris ad speciem domus habitumque regni flore pollentem inclito peto aut ut iras, temporum haut ipsa mora fractas, remisso pectore ac placid o feras ; at hoc decebat roboris tanti virum, non esse sub dolore nee victum malis dare terga ; non est, ut putas, virtus, pater 190
timere vitam, scd malis ingentibus obstare nee se vertere ac retro dare, qui fata proculcavit ac vitae bona proiecit atque abscidit et casus sues oncravit ipse, cui deo nullo est opus, quare ille mortem cupiat aut quare i)etat? utrumque timidi est ; nemo contemiisit mori qui concui)ivit. cuius haut ultra mala exire possunt, in loco tuto est situs. 358
PHOENISSAE
have I desired to die for thee — at length exact the debt. Now am I paying my penalty ; before, I did but offer sacrifices to thy ghost. Come to my aid, help me to plunge my nerveless hand deep down and deeper ; timidly, aforetime, and with but a meagre outpouring did it sprinkle my head, when it scarce drew fortli the eyes that yearned to follow. Even now this soul of mine halts, yes halts, when my face has bent downward to my shrinking hands. Thou shalt hear the truth, Oedipus : less boldly didst thou pluck out thine eyes than thou didst undertake to do. Thrust now thy hand e'en to the brain ; through that door whereby I began to die fulfil my death.
ANTIGONE
r Father, great-souled, I beseech thee that with \ calm mind thou listen to some few words of thy L wretched daughter. I seek not to lead thee back again to the splendours of thine ancient home, and to thy royal estate, flourishing in power and fame ; nor do I ask that thou bear with calm and peaceful soul that tempest of passion which has not been allayed even by lapse of time ; and yet 'twere fitting that one so stalwart should not yield to pain nor turn in flight, by disaster overcome. It is not man- hood, father, as "thou deemst it, to shrink from life, but to make stand against mighty ills and neither turn nor yield. He who has trodden destiny under foot, who has torn off and thrown away life's blessings, and himself piled up the burden of his woes, who has no need of God, wherefore should he desire death, or wherefore seek it ? Each is a coward's act ; no one despises death who yet yearns for it. He whose misfortunes can no further go, is safely lodged.
359
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Quis iam deoi'um, velle fac, qiiicquam potest 200 malis tuis adicere ? iam nee tu potes nisi hoc, ut esse te putes dignum nece. non es nee ulla pectus hoc culpa attigit. et hoc magis te, genitor, insontem voca, quod innocens es dis quoque invitis. quid est quod te efferarit, quod novos suffixerit stimulos dolori ? quid te in infernas agit sedes, quid ex his pelHt ? ut careas die ? cares, ut altis nobilem muris domum patriamque fugias ? patria tibi vivo perit. 2 1 0
natos fugis matremque ? ab aspectu omnium fortuna te summovitj et quidquid potest auferre cuiquam mors, tibi hoc vita abstnlit. regni tumultus ? turba fortunae prior abscessit a te iussa — quem, genitor, fugis ?
OEDIPVS
Me fugio, fugio conscium scelerum omnium pectus, manumque banc fugio et hoc caeUmi et deos ; et dira fugio scelera quae feci innocens.^ ego hoc solum, frugifera quo surgit Ceres, premo ? has ego auras ore pestifero tralio ? 220
ego laticis baustu satior aut ullo fruor almae parentis munere ? ego castam manura nefandus incestificus exsecrabilis attrecto ? ego ullos aure concipio sonos, per quos parentis nomen aut nati audiani ? utinam quidem rescindere has quireni vias
* Leo deletes this line. 360
PHOENISSAE
""" Who now of the gods^ granting lie wills it so, can add aught to thy misfortunes ? Now not even canst thou add aught save this, to deem thyself worthy of death. Thou art not worthy, nor has any taint of guilt touched thy heart. And for this all the more, father, call thyself guiltless ; for thou art guiltless, though even the gods willed otherwise. What is it which has so maddened thee, which has goaded thy grief afresh ? What drives thee to the infernal regions? What forces thee out of these? That thou mayst avoid the light of day ? Thou dost avoid it. That thou mayst flee thy noble palace with its high walls, and thy native land ? Thy Tiative land, though thou still livest, is dead to thee. Dost flee from thy sons and mother? From the sight of all men fate has removed thee, and whatever death can take away from any man, this has life taken from thee. Wouldst avoid the tumult around a throne? They who once in pros])crity thronged around thee, at thy command have left thee. Whom dost thou flee, my father ?
Myself I flee ; I flee my heart conscious of all crimes ; I flee this hand, this sky, the gods ; I flee the dread crimes which I committed, though in innocence. Do I tread this earth from Avhich whole- some grain springs up ? This air do I inhale with pestilential lips ? Does water quench my thirst, or do I enjoy any gift of kindlv mother earth ? Do I, impious, incestuous, accursed, touch thy pure hand ? Do my ears take in sound b}^ which I mav still hear the name of parent or of son ? I would indeed that I might destroy these paths and might
S6l
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA manibusque adactis omne qua voces meant aditusque verbis tramite angusto patet eruere possem ; nata, iam sensum tui, quae pars raeorum es criminum, infelix pater 230 fugissem.
Inhaeret ac recrudescit nefas subinde, et aures ingerunt quidquid milii donastis, oculi. cur caput tenebris grave non mitto ad umbras Ditis aeternas ? quid hie manes meos detineo ? quid terram gravo mixtusque superis erro ? quid restat mali ? regnum parentes liberi, virtus quoque et ingeni sollertis eximium decus periere, cuncta sors mihi infesta abstulit. lacrimae supererant — has quoque eripui mihi. 240 - Absiste ! nullas animus admittit preces novamque poenam sceleribus quaerit parem. et esse par quae poterit ? infanti quoque decreta mors est. fata quis tam tristia sortitus umquam ? videram nondum diem uterique nondum solveram clausi moras, et iam timebar. protinus quosdam editos nox occupavit et novae luci abstuht ; mors me antecessit ; aliquis intra viscera materna letum praecoquis fati tuht ; 250
sed numquid et peccavit ? abstrusum, abdilum dubiumque an essem sceleris infandi i-eum deus egit ; illo teste damnavit parens caHdoque teneros transuit ferro pedes et in alta nemora pabulum misit ferig
362
PHORNISSAE
with my hands driven deep pluck out every part wliere voices enter and where a narrow passage gives access to the words of men ; then, daughter, thy wretched father would have escaped all consciousness of thee, who art part and parcel of my crimes.
231 My guilt sticks fast within me, threatens each moment to break out afresh, and my ears pour in upon me all that you, my eyes, have bestowed. ^ Why do I not plunge this life, weighted with gloom, down to the everlasting shades of Dis ? Why here do I detain my ghost .'' ^Vhy do I burden the earth and wander amongst the living? What evil is left for me.'' My kingdom, parents, children, my manhood, too, and the illustrious fame of my cunning wit — all these have perished, all have been stripped from me by hostile chance. Tears were still left me — of these, too, have I I'obbed myself.
I 241 Stand off ! My soul will not listen to any prayers ( and seeks some new punishment to match its crimes. And what match can there be .^ Even in my infancy I was doomed to death. Who ever drew lot so sad ? I had not yet seen the light, was still imprisoned in the womb, and already I was held in fear. Some there are whom straightway at birth night hath seized upon and snatched from tlieir first dawn ; but on me death came ei'e birth. Some, while still within the mother's womb, have suffered untimely death; but have they sinned also? Hidden away, confined, my very being in doubt, the god made me guilty of a charge unspeakable. On that charge my sire condemned me, spitted my slender ankles on hot iron, and sent me to the deep forest as prey
' Oedipus paradoxically deems that his eyes in their blind- uess bestow on him the boon of avoiding sight ; but his ears still bring Antigone to his consciousness.
S6S
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA avibusque saevis quas Cithaeron noxius cruore saepe regio tinctas alit. sed quern deus damnavit, abiecit pater, mors qiioque refugit. praestiti Delphis fideni ; genitorem adortus impia stravi nece. 260
hoc alia pietas redimet : occidi patrem, sed matrem — amavi. proloqui h}Tiiehaeum pudet taedasque nostras, has quoque invitum pati te coge poenas ; facinus ignotum efferum inusitatiim efFare quod populi horreant, quod esse factum nulla non aetas neget, quod pnrricidam pudeat : in patrios toros tuli paterno sanguine aspersas nianus scelerisque pretium maius accept scelus.
Leve est paternum facinus ; in thalamos nieos 270 deducta mater, ne parum sceleris forct, fecunda — nullum crimen hoc maius potest natura ferre. si quod etiamnum est tamen, qui facere possunt dedimus. abieci necis pretium paternae sceptrum et hoc iterum manus armavit alias ; optime regni mei fatum ipse novi ; nemo sine sacro feret illud cruore. magna praesagit mala paternus animus, iacta iam sunt scmina cladis futurae ; spernitur pacti fides. 280
hie occupato cedere imperio negat, ius ille et icti foederis testes deos invocat et Argos exul atque urbes mo vet Graias in arma. non levis fessis venit ruina Thcbis ; tela flammae vulnera
S64
PHOENISSAE
for wild beasts and savage birds which baleful Cithaeron, oft stained with royal blood, doth breed. Yet him whoni God condemned, whom his sire cast away, hath death also shunned. I ke})t- faith with Delphi ; I assailed my father and with impious death-stroke slew him. For this another act of piety will atone ; I killed my father, true, but my mother — I loved. Oh, 'tis shame to speak of wed- lock and my marriage torches. But this punishment also force thyself to bear though against thy will ; proclaim thy crime, unheard of, bestial, unexampled, at which nations would shudder, which no age would believe ever befell, which would put even a parricide to shame : into my fatliers bed 1 bore hatids smeared with my father s blood, and there, as the reivard of my crime, I did worse crime.
'■'■'^^ A trivial sin is my father's murder ; my mother, brought to my marriage chamber, that my guilt might be complete, conceived — no greater crime than tliis can nature brook. And yet, if there is even now worse crime, we have given the world those who can commit it. I have flung away the sceptre, price of my father's murder, and this, again, has armed other hands. I myself best know my kingdom's destiny ; no one unstained by sacred blood shall bear sway there. Dire misfortunes my father-soul presages. Already are sown the seeds of calamit}' to come ; the plighted pact^ is scorned. The one will not retire from the throne he has usurped ; the other proclaims his right, calls on the gods to witness the broken bond, and, wandering in exile, is rousing Argos and the cities of Greece to arms. 'Tis no light destruction that is coming on weary Thebes ; weapons, flames, wounds
* ».e. between Eteocles and Pol^nicea.
365
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
instant et istis si quod est maius malum, — ut esse genitos nemo non ex me sciat.
ANTIGONA
Si nulla, genitor, causa vivendi tibi est, haec una abunde est, ut pater natos regas graviter furentes. tu impii belli minas 290
avertere unus tuque vaeeordes potes inhibere iuvenes, civibus pacem dare, patriae quietem, foederi laeso fidem. vitam tibi ipse si negas, multis negas.
lUis parentis ullus aut aequi est amor, avidis cruoris imperi armorum doll, diris, scelestis, breviter ut dicam — meis? certant in omne facinus et pensi nihil ducunt, ubi ijjsos ira praecipites agit, nefasque nullum per nefas nati putant. 300
non patris illos tangit afflieti pudor, non patria ; regno pectus attonituni furit. scio quo ferantur, quanta nioliri ])arent, ideoque leti quaero maturam viam morique propero, dum in domo nemo est mea nocentior me. nata, quid genibus meis fles advoluta ? quid prece indomitum domus ? unum hoc habet fortuna quo possim capi, invictus aliis ; sola tu afFectus potes mollire duros, sola pietatem in domo 310
docere nostra, nil grave aut miserum est mihi quod te sciani voluisse ; tu tantum impera ; 366
PHOENISSAE
press round her and a greater ill than these, if greater there be, — that all may know I have begotten sons.
ANTIGONE
If, my father, thou hast no other cause for living, this one is more than enough, that as father thou mayst restrain thy sons from their fatal frenzy. Thou alone canst avert the threats of impious war, canst check these mad youths, give peace to our citizens, rest to our land, faith to the broken pact. If life to thyself thou dost deny, to many dost thou deny it.
Have they any love for ftither or for right, they who lust for blood, power, arms, treachery, they the cruel, the accursed, — in brief, my sons ? They vie one with the other in every crime, and have no scruple where passion drives them lieadlong ; im- piously born, they count nothing impious. No feeling for their stricken father, none for their fatherland, moves them ; their hearts are mad with lust of empire. I know well whither they tend, what monstrous deeds they are planning, and for this cause I seek an early path to destruction, rush on my death, while still there is none in my liouse more guilty than myself. Daughter, why dost thou fall weeping at my knees ? Why seekst with prayer to conquer my unconquerable resolve .'' This is the one means by which fortune can take me captive, invincible in all else ; thou only canst soften my hard heart, thou only canst teach piety in our house. Nothing is heavy or grievous to me which I know thou hast desired. Do thou but command ; I,
367
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
hie Oedipus Aegaea transnabit freta iubeute tc, flamuiasque quas Siculo vomit de monte tellus igneos volvens globos, excipiet ore seque sei-penti ofFeret, quae saeva furto nemoris Herculeo furit ; iubente te praebebit alitibus iecur— iubente te vel vivet.
368
PHOENISSAE
Oedi])us, at thy bidding will swim the Aegean sea, will drink the flames which earth from tlie Sicilian mountains belches forth, pouring down balls of lire, will beard the dragon still savagely raging in the grove at the theft of Hercules ; at thy bidding will offer my liver to the birds — at thy bidding e'en will live.
The first episode seems to be complete Iicre, except for the commenting chorus which would naturally follow. OEDIPUS has tempoj-arily yielded to his daughter's will.
S69
VOL. II. a B
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
NUNTIUS 1 ♦ * * * *
Exemplum in ingeiis regia stirpe editum 820
Thebae paventes arma fraterna invocaiit rogantque tectis arceas patriis faces. non sunt minae, iam propius accessit malum ; nam regna repetens frater et pactas vices in bella cunctos Graeciae populos agit. septena muros castra Thebanos premunt. succurre^ prohibe pariter et bellum et scelus.
OEDIPVS
Ego ille sum qui scelera committi vetem et abstiiieri sanguine a caro manus doceam .' magister iuris et amoris pii 330
ego sum ? meorum facinorum exempla appctunt^ me nunc secuntiir ; laudo et agnosco libens, exhortor^ aliquid ut patre hoc dignum gcrant. agite, o proj)ago cara, generosam indok-m
' Leo, with Eip, assujns this speech to Antigone: Richter, with A , gives it to Nuntius.
370
PHOENISSAE
The foUoning passage Jillingly opens the second episode. Although some editors would assign it to antigone, it seems more properly to belong to a messenger who has just arrived, for the double reason that it gives fresher information from Thebes than antigone would naturallij possess; and that oedipuSj after the speech to his daughter rvith which the previous episode ended, would hardlij address to her as rough a reply as he uses in his next speech.
MESSENGER
Thee, sprung from regal ancestry to be our great exemplar, Thebes calls to her aid, trembling at fratricidal strife, and prays that thou fend off from thy country's homes the brands of war. These are no mere threats ; already is destruction at our gates ; for the brother ^ demands his turn to rule according to the bond, and is marshalling to war all the peojiles of Greece. Seven bands are encamped against the walls of Thebes. Haste to our aid ; prevent in one act both war and crime.
OEDIPUS
Am I one to forbid crime and teach hands to refrain from the blood of loved ones.^^ Am I a teacher of righteousness and love of kin } 'Tis from my crimes they seek their pattern, 'tis my example they follow now. I praise tiiem and gladly acknowledge them as sons ; I urge them on to do something worthy of such a father. Go on, dear offspring, prove your noble breeding by your deeds ; surpass ' Poly II ices.
371 B B 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
probate factis, gloriam ac laudes nieas
Kuperate et aliquid facite propter quod patrem
adhuc iuvet vixisse. facietiS;, scio :
sic estis orti. scelere defungi haut levi,
haut usitato tanta nobilitas potest.
ferte arma^ facibus petite penetrales deos 340
frugemque flamma metite natalis soli^
miscete cuncta, rapite in exitium omnia,
disicite passim moenia^ in planum date,
templis deos obruite^ maeulatos lares
conflate, ab imo tota considat domus ;
urbs concremetur — primus a thalamis meis
incipiat ignis.
ANTIGONA
C Mitte violentum impetum doloris ac te i)ublica exorent mala, aijctorque placidae liberis pacis veni.
Vides modestae deditum menti senem 350
placidaeque amantem pacis ad partes vooas ? tumet animus ira, fervet imraensus dolor, maiusque quam quod casus et iuvenum furor conatur aliquid cupio. non satis est adhuc civile bellum ; frater in fratrem ruat ; nee hoc sat est ; quod debet, ut fiat nefas de more nostro, quod mcos deceat toros, date arma matri. nemo me ex his eruat silvis ; latebo rupis exesae cavo
aut sepe dcnsa corpus abstrusum tegam. 360
hinc aucupabor verba rumoris vagi et saeva fratrum bella, quod possum, audiam.
372
PHOENISSAE
my fame and praises and do some deed whereat your father may rejoice that he lias lived till now. You will do it, I know : of such mind were you born ; no trivial, no common crime can such high birth per- form. Forward your arms I With torches have at your household gods ; reap with fire the ripened grain of your native land ; confound all things, hurry all to destruction ; on all sides throw down the walls, raze them to the ground ; bury the gods beneath their own temples ; the defiled deities of your hearths melt in the fire, and let our whole house from its foundations fall ; let the city be consumed — and be my marriage chamber the first to feel the flames.
ANTIGONE
Give o'er this raging storm of grief; let the public calamities prevail with thee ; go to thy sons as the adviser of calm peace.
Seest thou an old man given to gentle thoughts ? dost summon me as lover of calm peace to take her part.'' My heart swells with rage, my smarting grief burns measureless, and I long for some crime more dreadful than what the casual madness of young men attempts. Not enough for me is war that as yet is between citizens ; let brother rush on brother. Nor is that enough ; that, as is due, a horror may be wrought after my fashion, one that may befit my marriage-couch, arm )-e your mother. Let no one drag me from these woods ! I'll lurk in the cliffs' wave-worn caves or hide away in the thick under- brush. Here will I catch at vague rumour's words and the dire strife of brothers, as 1 can, will hear.
«73
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
lOCASTA
Felix Agaue ! facinus horrendum raanu, qua fecerat, gestavit et spolium tulit cruenta nati maenas in partes dati ; fecit sceluSj sed misera non ultro suo sceleri occucurrit. hoc leva est quod sum nocens ; feci nocentes. hoc quoque etiamnunc leve est ; peperi nocentes. derat aerumnis meis, ut et hostem amarem. brunia ter posuit nives 370 et tertia iam falce decubuit Ceres, ut exul errat natus et patria caret profugusque regum auxilia Graiorum rogat. gener est Adrasti, cuius imperio mare quod scindit Isthmos regitur ; hie gentes suas septemque secum regna ad auxilium trahit genero. quid optem quidve decernam haut scio. regnum reposcit ; causa repetentis bona est, mala sic petentis. vota quae faciam parens ? utrimque natum video ; nil possum pie 380
pietate salva facere. quodcumque alter! optabo nato fiet alterius malo. sed utrumque quamvis diligam afFectu pari, quo causa melior sorsque deterior trahit inclinat animus semper iufii-mo favens. miseros masris fortuna conciliat suis.
1 i.e. Pol^nices, who has now become a public foe of Thebes. 374 .
PHOENISSAE
It is possible that the foUotring fragments belong to another play. The presence of antigone in Thebes, notwithstanding her resolve to remain with her father, would strengthen this view.
JOCASTA
Fortunate Agave ! she carried her ghastly crime in the hand that wrought it, and as a bloody maenad bore spoil of her dismembered son. She wrought a crime, but not Avantonly did the wretched woman go to meet her crime. 'Tis but a trivial thing that I am guilty ; I have made others guilty. This, too, bad as it is, is trivial ; I have borne guilty sons. 'Twas as yet lacking to my woes that I should love even my enemy. 1 Thrice have the snows of winter fallen, three harvests now have yielded to the sickle, while my son in exile wanders, expatriate, and as an outcast begs aid from the Greek kings. And now he is son- in-law of Adrastus, whose sway is over the waters which Isthmus cleaves, and who brings with him his own tribes and seven kingdoms to the aid of his son-in-law. What I should pray for, or which side espouse, I know not. He demands back the king- dom ; to reseek it is an honest plea, but ill to seek it thus. What should be a mother's prayer ? On either side I see a son ; I can do nothing piously that is not impious. Whatever blessing I shall ask for one, to the other will jjrove a curse. But, though I love both equally, whither the better cause and the worse fortune draw, my heart inclines, which always takes the weaker side. Misfortune knits the wretched closer to their kin.
[Aw/er MESSENGER in hastei]
375
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SATELLES
Regina, dum tu flebiles questus cies terisque tempus^ saeva nudatis adest acies in armis ; aera iam bellum cient aquilaque pugnam signifer mota vocat ; 390
septena reges bella dispositi parant, animo pari Cadmea progenies siibit, cursu citato miles liinc atque hinc ruit. viden ? atra nubcs pulvere abscondit diem fumoque similes campus in caelum e rig it nebulas, equestri fracta quas tellus pede summittit et, si vera metuentes vident, infesta fulgent signa, subrectis adest frons prima telis, aurea clarum nota nomen ducum vexilla praescriptum feruiit. 400
1, redde amorem fratribus, pacem omnibus, et impia arma matris oppositu impedi.
ANTIGONA
Perge, o parens, perge et cita celerem gradum, compesce tela, fratribus ferrum excute, nudum inter enses pectus infestos tene ! aut solve bellum, mater, aut prima excipe.
lOCASTA
Ibo, ibo et armis obvium opponam caput, stabo inter arma ; petere qui fratrem volet, petat ante matrem. tela, qui fuerit pius, rogante ponat matre ; qui non est pius 410
incipiat a me. fervidos iuvenes anus tenebo, nullum teste me fiet nefas ; 376
PHOENISSAE
MESSENGER
O queen, whilst tliou art uttering tearful com- plaints and wasting time, the fierce battle-line with bared swords is at hand ; the trumpets' blare sounds to war, the standard-bearer with eagle advanced signals for contest ; the kings, each in his place, are setting their sevenfold battle in array, while Avith equal courage Cadmus' race advances ; at the double- quick the soldiers on either side rush on. Dost see them? A dark cloud of dust hides the day; the jilain lifts heavenward dense, smoke-like billows which the earth, beaten by horses' hoofs, sends up ; and, if terror-stricken eyes see aught aright, hostile standards are gleaming there ; the front rank, with lifted spears, is close at hand, and the battle-flags have the leaders' names clearly limned in golden characters. Go, restore love to brothers, peace to us all, and let a mother be the barrier to stay unholy anns.
ANTIGONE
Hasten, mother, hasten on flying feet ! hold back their weajwns, strike the steel from my brothei's' hands, set thy bared breast between their hostile swords ! Either stop the war, mother, or be the first to feel it.
I go, I go, and my own life will I set against their arms ; I'll stand between their arms ; and he who shall wish to attack his brother must attack his mother first. Let the more filial lay down his arms at a mother's prayer ; let the unfilial begin with me. These fiery youths, old though I be, will I restrain ; there shall be no impious crime committed in my sight ; or, if
S77
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
aut si aliquod et me teste committi potest, non fiet unum.
ANTIGONA
Signa collatis micant vicina signis, clamor hostilis fremit ; scelus in propinquo est ; occupaj mater, preces. et ecce motos fletibus credas meis, sic agmen armis segne compositis venit.
SATELLES
Procedit acies tarda, sed properant duces.
lOCASTA
Quis me procellae turbine insane vehens 420
volucer per auras ventus aetherias aget ? quae Sphinx vel atra nube subtexens diem Stymphalis avidis praepetem pennis feret? aut quae per altas aeris rapiet vias Harpyia saevi regis observans famera et inter acies proiciet raptam duas ?
SATELLES
^^^dit furenti similis aut etiam furit. sagitta qualis Parthica velox manu excussa fertur, qualis insane ratis
premente vento rapitur, aut qualis cadit 430
delapsa caelo stella, cum stringens polum rectam citatis ignibus rumpit viam, attonita cursu fugit et binas statim diduxit acies. victa materna prece haesere bella, iamque in alternam neccm 378
PHOENISSAE
e'en in my siglit one crime can be committed, it shall not be only one.
ANTIGONE
The opposing standards gleam face to face, the hostile battle-cry is sounding, the crime is near at hand ; forestall it, mother, with thy i)rayers ! And see, )-ou might deem them moved by tears of mine, so sluggishly moves the line with weapons held at rest.
MESSENGER
The line advances slowly, but the leaders haste.
JOCASTA
What swift wind with the storm-blast's mad whirl will carry me through the air of heaven ? What Sphinx, what Stymphalian bird, with its dark cloud veiling day, will speed me headlong on eager wings ? Or what Harpy, hovering over the barbarian king's ^ famished board, will hurry me along the highways of the air, hurry and fling me 'twixt the two battle- lines.''
[Escit]
MESSENGER \^looking offer her^
She goes like a mad thing, or is mad indeed. Swift as a dart hurled by some Parthian's hand, or as a vessel driven on by wild, raging winds, or as a star, dislodged from the firmament,when, sweeping o'er the heavens, with swift fire it cleaves its unswerving way, so has the frenzied queen sj)ed on and at once has parted the two battle-lines. Stayed by a mother's prayer the battle hangs ; and now the l)an(ls, eager to ^ See Index s.v. " Phineus."
379
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
illinc et hinc miscere cupieiites manus
librata dextra tela suspensa tenent.
paci favetur, omnium ferrum iacet
cessatve tectum ; vibrat in fratrum inanu.
laniata canas mater ostendit comas, 440
rogat abnuentes, ini'igat fletu genas.
negare matri, qui diu dubitat, potest.
lOCASTA
In me arma et ignes vertite, in me omiiis ruat unani inventus quacque ab In.-icliio venit animosa muro quaeque Thebana ferox descendit arce ; civis atque hostis simul hunc petite ventiem, qui dedit fratres viro. haec membra passim spargite ac divellite. ego utrumque peperi— ponitis ferrum ocius ? an dico et ex quo ? dexteras matri date, 450
date dum piae sunt, error invitos adhuc fecit nocentes, omne Fortunae fuit peccantis in nos ci'imen ; hoc prinnnn nefas inter scientes geritur. in vestra manu est, utrum velitis : sancta si pietas placet, donate matri pacem ^ ; si placuit scelus, mains paratum est — media se op])onit parens, proinde bellum toUite aut belli moram.
^ So Leo and Bichler, tcith m : matri pacta L. MiiUer : date arnia matri saeva Tachau: domate Martem paco M. Midler.
380
PHOENISSAE
join from both sides in mutual slaughter, hold their swords poised iii lifted hands. They incline to peace, the swords of all are lowered, or idly sheathed ; but they still quiver in the brothers' hands. The mother shows them her hoary hair, tearing it, beseeching them as they stubbornly refuse, and floods her cheeks with weeping. Who wavers long may say his mother " No ! "
[jT/ie scene sliifls to the field before Thebes, between the battle-lines.^
JOCASTA
[K7}eel/vg between her two hostile sons.'\ Against me turn your arms and torches ; against me only let every warrior charge, both those who come with high courage from the city of Inachus,^ and those who from the Theban citadel descend thirsting for the fray. Townsman and enemy, to- gether attack this womb which bore my husband brothers. Rend these limbs asunder and scatter them everywhere. I bore you both — lay you not down your arms with speed ? Or shall I tell from what father, too ? Your right hands — to your mother give them, give while they are still filial. Ignorance till now against our will hath made us ^ guilty; the whole crime was Fortune's, who sinned against us ; this is the first crime wrought between those who know. It is yours to choose which thing you Avill : if holy affection please you, grant to your mother peace ; if crime has pleased, a greater is to hand — your mother sets herself between you. Therefore rid ye of strife or of this stay of strife.^
' Argos. 2 i e. Oedipus and Jocasta especially.
' i.e. or kill me who stand between you to stay your fighting.
^81
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Sollicita cui nunc mater alterna prece verba adniovebo? misera quern amplectar prius? 460 in utramque partem ducor afFectu pari, hie afuit ; sed pacta si fratrum valent, nunc alter aberit. ergo iam numquam duos nisi sic videbo ?
lunge complexus prior, (jui tot labores totque perpessus mala longo parentem fessus exilio vides. accede propius, elude vagina impium ensem et trementem iamque cupientem excuti hastam solo defige ; maternum tuo coire pectus pectori clipeus vetat ; 470
hunc quoque repone. vinculo frontem exue tegumenque capitis triste belligeri leva et era matri redde. quo vultus refers acieque pavida fratris observas manum ? affusa totum corpus amplexu tegam, tuo cruori per meum fiet via. quid dubius haeres ? an times niatris fidem ?
POLVNICES
Timeo ; nihil iam iura naturae valent. post ista fratrum exempla ne matri quidem fides habenda est.
lOCASTA
Redde iam capulo manum, 480
astringe galeam, laeva sc dipeo inserat ; dum frater exarmatur, armatus mane.
* i.e. in enmity. 382
PHOENISSAE
*^9 To which of you now sliall your anxious mother with alternate prayers address her words ? Whom shall I in my wretchedness first embrace ? To both sides am I drawn with equal love. This son has been absent from me ; but if the brothers keep their pact, now will the other be away. And shall I never see you both, save thus .'' ^
[Turnhig to polynices]
*^^ Come thou first to thy mother's arms, thou who hast endured so many toils, so many misfortunes, and, w^orn with long exile, seest thy mother at last. Come nearer, sheathe thine impious sword, and thy spear, which is even now quivering and eager to be thrown, thrust it in the ground. Thy shield keeps thee from coming close to thy mother, breast to breast ; put that by, too. Unbind thy brow, take the grim helmet from thy warlike head, and let thy mother see thy face. Why dost thou look away, and with fearful glance watch thy brother's hand ? I will cover thy whole body with my protecting embrace and allow way to thy blood only through my own. Why dost thou still halt in doubt ? Dost fear thy mother's pledge ?
POLYNICES
I am in fear ; no longer do nature's laws avail. Since this example of a brother's faithlessness, even a mother's pledge may not be trusted.
JOCASTA
Put now hand to hilt again, bind on thy helmet, let thy left hand clasp its shield ; and while thy brother unarms, remain thou armed. [She turns to eteocles.]
383
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Tu pone ferruni^ causa qui ferri es prior, si pacis odium est, furere si bello j)lacet, inducias te mater exiguas rogat, ferat ut reverse post fugam nato oscula vel prima vel suprema. dum pacem i)eto, audite iiiermes. ille te^ tu ilium times ? ego utrumquCj sed pro utroque. quid strictum abnuis recondere ensem ? qualibet gaude mora ; 490
id gerere bellum cupitis, in quo est optinuim vinci. vereris fratris infesti dolos ? quotiens necesse est fallere aut falli a suis, patiare potius ipse quam facias scelus. sed ne verere ; mater insidias et hinc et rursus illinc abiget. exoro ? an patri invideo vestro ? veni ut arcerem nefas an ut videi'em propius ? hie ferrum abdidit, reclinis hasta est, arma defixa incubaiit.
Ad te preces nunc, nate, maternas feram, 500
sed ante lacrimas. teneo longo tempore petita votis ora. te profugum solo patrio penates regis externi tegunt, te maria tot diversa, tot casus vagum egere. non te duxit in thalamos parens comitata primes, nee sua festas manu ornavit aedes, nee sacra laetas faces vitta revinxit ; dona non auro graves gazas socer, non ar\a, non urbes dedit ; dotale bellum est. hostium es factus gener, 510 l^atria remetus hespes alieni laris^
384
PHOENISSAE
*^3 Do thou put by the sword, who art the sword's first cause. Jf thou hatest peace, if 'tis thy pleasure to rage in war, tliy mother begs brief truce of tliee, that to her son returned from exile she may give a kiss — the first, perchance the last. While 1 beg for peace, hearken ye, unarmed. Doth he fear thee ; thou, him ? I fear you both, but for the sake of both. ^Vhy dost refuse to sheathe thy drawn sword ? lie glad of any delay ; ye both seek to wage a war wherein 'twere best to be o'ercome. Dost thou fear thy hostile brother's wiles ? When one must either cheat or be cheated by one's own, do thou thyself suffer rather than commit the crime. 13ut do not fear ; thy mother will shield thee from snares on either hand. Do I prevail .'' or must I envy ^ your father } Have I come to prevent crime ? or to see it done before my eyes ? [eteocles yields to her.] He has sheathed his sword, his spear droops, his arms are laid aside.
[She lurns hack to poi.vnkes.] 500 Now to thee, son, thy mother will bring her prayers, but her tears first. After a weary time I hold the face I prayed to see. Thee, an outcast from thy native soil, the gods of a foreign king protect ; thee many seas far distant, many fates have driven wan- dering. Thy mother, at thy side, did not lead thee to thy first bridal chamber, nor with her own hand deck the festal hall, nor with sacred fillets wreathe the glad torches. As wedding gifts no rich golden treasure, no fields, no cities did thy father-in-law bestow : war is thy bridal gift. Thou hast become thine enemy's son, far from thy land, guest of an
* i.e. hia blindness, which would shield iier from unhallowed sights.
385 VOL. II. C C
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
externa conseeutus, expulsus tuis, sine criniine exiil. ne quid e fatis tibi desset paternis, hoc quoque ex illis habes, eiTasse thalamis.
Nate post multos mihi remisse soles, nate suspensae metus et spes parentis, cuius aspectum deos semper rogavi, cum tuus reditus mihi tantum esset erepturus, adventu tuo quantum daturas : " quando pro te desinam " 520 dixi " timere ? " dixit inridens deus : "ipsum timebis." nempe nisi bellum foret, ego te carerem ; nempe si tu non fores, bello carerem. a, triste conspectus datur pretium tui durumque, sed matri placet, hinc modo recedant arma, dum nullum nefas Mars saevus audet ; hoc quoque est magnum nefus, tam prope fuisse. stupeo et exanguis tremo, cum stare fratres hinc et hinc video duos sceleris sub ictu. membra quassantur metu ; 530 quam paene mater mains aspexi nefas, quam quod miser videre non potuit pater, licet timore facinoris tanti vacem videamque iam nil tale, sum infelix tamen quod paene vidi.
Per decern mensum graves uteri labores perque pietatem inclitae precor sororis et per irati sibi genas parentis, scclere quas nullo nocens, erroris a se dira supplicia exigens, hausit — nefandas moenibus patriis faces 540
averte, signa bellici retro agminis flecte. ut recedas, magna })ars sceleris tamen vestri peracta est ; vidit hostili grege
386
PHOENISSAE
alien house, seeking another's, driven from tliine own, exiled for no fault. That thou mightst lack nothing of thy father's fates, this also thou hast of them, that thou hast erred in marriage.
*i^ O son, returned to me after so many years, son, fear and hope of thy anxious mother, for sight of whom I have ever prayed the gods, though thy return was destined to take as much from me as by thy coming it could give : "When shall I cease to fear for thee ? " I cried ; and the god, mocking me, answered : " 'Tis himself thou shalt fear." Surely if there were no war, I should be without thee ; surely if thou wert not here, I should be free from war. Oh, bitter price and hard, to pay for a sight of thee ; but thy mother pays it willingly. Only let thy hostile hosts fall back while as yet savage Mars dares no impious crime. Even this is an outrageous crime, that they have come so near. I am appalled ; pale am I and I tremble to see two brothers stand, one here, one there, 'neath guilt's o'erhanging stroke. My limbs quake with fear : how near did I, thy mother, come to seeing greater infamy than that which thy wretched father could not bear to see. 'I'hough I am free fi-om fear of so great a crime, and now see no such thing, still I am unhappy because 1 almost saw it.
^3^ By the womb that bore thee for ten weary months, by the devotion of thy noble sister, by thy self-hating father's eyes which he, though innocent, yet, seeking to inflict on himself dire punishment for his mistake, tore from their sockets — save thy country's walls from the accursed torch ; turn back again the standards of this warring host. Though thou shouldst retire, still is the great part of your sin already done ; thy country has seen its plains o'errun
S87 c c 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
campos repleri patria^ fulgentes procul
aiinis catervas \ddit, equitatu levi
Cadmea frangi prata et excelsos votis
volitare proceres^ igne flagrantes trabes
fumare, cineri quae petunt nostras domos,
fratresque (facinus quod novum et Thebis fuit)
in se ruentes. totus hoe exercitus, 550
hoc populus omnis ; utraque hoc vidit soror
genetrixque vidi : nam pater debet sibi
quod ista non spectavit. occurrat tibi
nunc Oedipus^ quo iudice erroris quoque
poenae petuntur. ne, precor, ferro erue
patriam ac penates neve^ quas regere expetis,
everte Thebas. quis tenet mentem furor ?
petendo patriam perdis ? ut fiat tua,
vis esse nullam ? quin tuae causae noeet
ipsum hoc quod armis uris infestis solum 5G0
segetesque adultas sternis et totos fugam
edis per agros. nemo sic vastat sua ;
quae corripi igne, quae meti gladio iubes
aliena credis. rex sit ex vobis uter,
manente regno quaerite. haec tehs petis
Hammisque tecta ? poteris has Aniphionis
quassare moles ? nulla quas struxit manus
stridente tardum machina ducens onus,
sed convocatus vocis et citharae sono
per se ipse summas venit in turres lapis — 570
haec saxa franges ? victor hinc spolia auferes
vinctosque duces patris aequales tui,
matresque ab ipso coniugum raj)tas sinu
saevus catena miles imposita trahet ?
adulta virgo, mixta captivo gregi,
Thebana nuribus munus Argolicis eat?
888
PHOENISSAE
by hostile hordes, has seen ai-med squadrons gleaming from afar, the Cadmean meadows trampled by flying hoofs, princes in their chariots careering high, the smoke and flames of blazing torclies which seek to burn our homes, and brothers (a crime new even to Thebes) rushing upon each other. This crime the whole army saw, this, all the people, this, both thy sisters saw and I, thy mother, saw — for thy father owes it to his own act that he beheld not such deeds. Let Oedipus stand before thee now, in whose judgment even for error is penalty demanded. Do not, I beg of thee, with the sword destroy thy country and thy household gods, nor overthrow Thebes, which thou seekst to rule. What madness holds thee ? By seeking thy land wouldst wreck it.^ to make it thine, wouldst have it no land at all ? Nay, thou harmst thine own cause in this very act of harrying the land with hostile arms, trampling the full-grown crops, and spreading terror through the whole country-side. No one works such havoc on his own ; what thou bidst be plundered with fire and reaped with sword, thou deemst another's. Question whether of you be king, but let the kingdom stand. These homes dost thou seek with sword and fire ? Wilt have the heart to batter these walls which Amphion built, whose stones no hand set in place, moving the slow weight with creaking crane, but, marshalled by sound of singing and of lyre, each stone of its own accord came to the turrets' top — wilt batter down these stones ? Wilt thou bear spoils hence as victor, and shall conquered chieftains, thy father's friends, and matrons torn from their husbands' very arms, be led off in chains by thy rough soldiery.^ Shall Thebes' grown maidens, mingled with the captive herd, go as gifts to the dames of Argos ? Or shall
389
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
an et ipsa, palmas viucta post tergum datas, mater triuniphi praeda fraterni veliar ? potesne cives leto et exitio datos videre passim ? moenibus caiis potes 580
liostem admoverCj sanguine et flamma })otes implere Thebas ? tam ferus durum geris saevumque in iras pectus ? et nonduni imperas — quid sceptra facient ? pone vaesanos, ])recor, animi tumores teque pietati refer.
POLYNICES
Vt profugus errem ? semper ut patria arcear opemque gentis hospes externae seqiiar ? quid paterer aliud, si fefellissem fidem ? si peierassem ? fraudis alienae dabo poenas, at ille praemium scelerum feret ? 590
iubes abire ; matris imperio obsequor. da quo revertar. regia frater mea habitet superbus, parva me abscondat casa, banc date repulso_, liceat exiguo lare pensare regnum. coniugi donum datus arbitria thalami dura felicis ferara liumilisque socerum lixa dominantem sequar? in servitutem cadere de regno grave est.
lOCASTA
Si regna quaeris nee potest sceptro manus vacare saevo, multa quae possunt peti 600
in orbe toto quaelibet tellus dabit. hinc nota Baccho Tmolus attoUit iuga qua lata terris spatia frugiferis iacent,
S90
PHORNISSAE
I myself, with hands bound behind my back, thy mother, be borne as prize in thy triumph o'er a brother ? Canst thou bear to see thy countrymen given to death and destruction on every hand ? Against these dear walls canst thou lead the enemy, canst fill Thebes with l)lood and fire ? Art thou so wild, is thy licart so hard, so full of savage rage ? And thou art not yet a king — what will the sceptre do? Oh, I beseecli thee, allay the mad ferment of thy soul, and come back to duty's ways.
POLYNICES
That I may wander outcast ? That I may be for ever shut out from my country and as a stranger look to the bounty of an alien race? What worse should I suffer if I had broken faith, if I had forsworn myself? Am I to pay the penalty of another's sin, while he enjoys the profit of his crimes ? Thou bidst me go ; I bend to my mothei**s will. Show me whither I shall get me back. Let my haughty brother dwell in my palace, let a little hut hide me away ; this grant to the banished brother, let it be mine to match a kingdom with a paltry hearth. A wife's mere chattel, shall I bear the harsh sway of a rich bride and, like a humble camp-follower, attend upon her domineering father? To fall from a king's estate to slavery is hard.
JOCASTA
If thou seekst a king's estate, and the harsh sceptre thy hand cannot forego, any land in the whole world will offer many kingdoms to be won. Here Tmolus lifts his ridges, the Wine-god's haunts, where stretch broad plains of grain-producing lands,
391
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
et qua trahens opulenta Pactolus vada
inundat auro rura ; nee laetis minus
Maeandros arvis flectit errantes aquas,
rapidusque campos fertiles Hermus secat.
hinc grata Cereri Gargara et dives solum
quod Xanthus ambit nivibus Idaeis tumens ;
hinc qua relinquit nomen lonii mare ^ 6lO
faucesque Abydo Sestos opposita premit ;
aut qua latus "^ iam propior orienti dedit
tutamque crebris portibus Lyciam videt.
haec regna ferro quaere, in hos populos ferat
socer arma fortis, has tuo sceptro paret
tradatque gentes. hoc adluic regnum puta
tenere patrem. melius exilium est tibi
quam reditus iste. crimine alieno exulas,
tuo redibis. melius istis viribus
nova regna nullo scelere maculata appetes. 620
quin ipse frater arma comitatus tua
tibi militabit.
Vade et id bellum gere in quo pater materque pugnanti tibi favere jjossint. regna cum scelere omnibus sunt exiliis graviora. nunc belli mala propone, dubias Martis incerti vices : licet omne tecum Graeciae robur trahas, licet arma longe miles ac late explicet, fortuna belli semper ancipiti in loco est, quodcumque Mars decernit. exaequat duos, 630
licet impares sint, gladius ; et spes et metus Fors caeca versat. praemium incertum petis, ceitum scelus. favisse fac votis decs
' So Richler : Leo, with u, maris : Biichder conjectures Ionium Tlietis : Wi'amowitz qua reliquit nomen Inois mari.
2 So Leo, with u : Richter quae : N. Heinsius aut qua Thetis se. 392
PHOENISSAE
and where Pactolus, rolling liis rich waves, o'erflows the fields with gold ; nor does Meander through meadows less joyful bend his wandering waters, and swift Ilermus cleaves the fertile plains. Here is Gargara, beloved of Ceres, and the soil which rich Xanthns compasses, swollen by Ida's snows ; here the land where the Ionian sea gives up its name, and Sestos, over against Abydos, hugs the narrow strait ^ ; or where, now nearer to the east, it curves and sees Lycia secure with its many harbours. These kingdoms seek thou with the sword ; against these peoples let thy brave father in-law bear arms ; these tribes let him acquire and deliver to thy sway. As for this king- dom, deem that thy father still holds it fast. Better is exile for thee than such return as this. Through another's sin thou livest in exile, through thine own wilt thou return. With yonder forces, 'tAvere better to seek new realms, stained by no crime. Nay, thy brother's self, accompanying thine arms, will fight for thee.
•^-2 Go thou, then, and wage such warfare that, as thou fightest, thy father and thy mother may pray for tliy success. Kingdoms won by crime are heavier than any exile. Now picture to thy- self war's mishaps, the wavering chances of un- certain Mars : though thou bring with thee the whole strength of Greece, though thy armed soldiery spread far and wide, the fortune of war hangs ever in doubtful scale, according as Mars determines. The sword makes two warriors equal though they be ill- matched ; both hope and fear are in blind Fortune's hand. The prize thou seekst is uncertain ; certain, the crime. Grant that all the gods have been
* The Hellespout.
393
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA omnes tuis ; cessere et aversi fugam petiere cives, clade funesta iacens obtexit agros miles — exultes licet victorque fratris spolia deiecti geras, frangenda palma est. quale tu hoc belluni putas, in quo execrandum victor admittit nefas, si gaudet ? hunc quern vincere infelix cupis, 640 cum viceris, lugebis. infaustas age dimitte pugnas, libera patriam metu, luctu parentes.
POLYNICE8
Sceleris et fraudis suae poenas nefandus frater ut nullas ferat ?
Ne metue. poenas et quidem solvet graves : regnabit. est haec poena, si dubitas^ avo patrique crede ; Cadmus hoc dicet tibi Cadmique proles, sceptra Thebano fuit impune nulli gerere, nee quisquam fide rupta tenebit ilia, iam numeres licet 650
fratrem inter istos.
Numeret, est tanti mihi cum regibus iacere. te turbae exulum ascribe.
IOCA8TA
Regna^ dummodo invisus tuis. 394
PHOENISSAE
favourable to thy prayers ; grant that the citizens have given way, that they have turned and fled, that soldiers, lying in bloody heaps, cover the fields— though thou shouldst triumph and as victor bear off the spoils of thy conquered brother, broken must be the victor's palm. What manner of war deemst thou that, wherein the conqueror takes on him the curse of guilt if he rejoices? Mim whom, unhappy man, thou art so eager to o'ercome, when thou hast o'ercome thou wilt lament. Oh, then, forego this unhallowed strife, free thy country from fear, from agony thy parents.
POLYNICES
That my cursed brother may receive no penalty for his crime and treachery ?
JOCASTA
Have no fear. Penalty, yes, heavy penalty shall he pay : he shall reign. That is the penalty. If thou dost doubt it, believe thy grandsire and thy sire ; Cadmus will tell thee this, and the race of Cadmus. No Theban hath e'er borne sceptre without j)enalty, nor will any hold it who has broken faith. Now mayst thou count thy brother amongst these.
ETEOCLES
So let him count me ; 'tis worth the price, me- thinks, to lie with kings.
[To POLYNICES.]
^^2 Thee I enrol amongst the exiled throng.
JOCASTA
Reign, then, but hated by thy people.
895
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
ETEOCLES
Regnare iion vult esse qui invisus timet; simul ista mundi conditor posuit deus^ odium atque regnura. regis hoc magni reor, odia ipsa premere. multa domiiiantem vetat amor suorum ; plus in iratos licet, qui vult amarij languida regnat manu.
lorASTA Invisa numquam imperia retinentur diu. 660
ETEOCLES
Praecepta melius imperi reges dabunt ; exilia tu dispone, pro regno velim — ■
lOCASTA
Patriam penates coniugem Hammis dare ?
ETEOCLES
Imperia pretio quolibet constant bene.
^96
PHOENISSAE
To reign lie hath no will who feareth to be hated ; the god who made the world set those two things together, hatred and sovereignty. This is the part of a great sovereign, I think, to tread e'en hatred under foot. A people's love forbids a ruler many things ; against their rage he has more rights. Who would be loved reigns with a nerveless hand.
JOCASTA
But hated sovereignty is never long retained.
The rules for sovereignty kings will better give ; do thou make rules for exiles. For sovereignty I would fain —
JOCASTA
Give country, home, wife to the flames ?
ETEOCI.ES
Sovereignty is well bought at any price.
* * * * *
397
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA
A FABULA PRAETEXTA
THE ONLY EXTANT ROMAN HISTORICAL DRAMA
Introduction
The Roman liistorical drama had a place among the earliest products of Roman literature, and seems to have enjoyed a degree of poj)ularity through all succeding periods. That Roman literary genius did not find a much fuller expression tlirough this channel was not due to a lack of national pride and patriotism, nor yet to a dearth of interesting and inspiring subjects in Roman liistory. The true reason is probably to be found in the fact that by the time national conditions were ripe for the development of any form of literature, the Greeks had already worked, and well worked, nearly all available fields, and had produced a mass of literature which dazzled the Roman mind when at last circumstances brought these two nations into closer contact.
The natural and immediate result was an attempt on the })art of the Romans to imitate these great models. And hence we have in drama, both in tragedy and in comedy, a wholesale imitation of the Greek dramas, oftentimes nothing more than a trans- lation of these, with only here and there an attempt to produce something of a strictly native character, entirely independent of the Greek influence.
This imitative impulse was augmented by the fact
401
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
that the Romans were following the line of least resistance^ since it is always easier to imitate than to create. Furthermore, they had as yet developed no national pride of literature to hold them to their own lines of national development ; they had no forms of their own so well established that the mere force of literary momentum would carry them steadily on toward a fuller develojiment, in spite of the dis- turbing effects of the influx of other and better models. They had, indeed, developed a native Saturnian verse which, had it been allowed a free field, might have reached a high pitch of literary excellence. But it speedily gave way at the approach of the more elegant imported forms.
The overwhelming influence of Greek tragedy upon the Roman di'amatists can be seen at a glance as we review the dramatic product of the Roman tragedians. We have titles and fragments of nine tragedies by Livius Andronicus, seven by Naevius, twenty-two by Ennius, thirteen by Pacuvius, forty-six by Accius, and many fragments from each of these, unassignable to definite i:)lays, which indicate numerous other plays of the same character. To these should be added addi- tional fragments from nearly a score more of Roman writers during the next two hundred yeaj's after Accius. All the above-mentioned phxys are on Greek subjects ; and most of those whose fragments are suf- ficientl}' extensive to allow us to form an opinion of their character are either translations or close imita- tions of the Greeks, or are so influenced by these as to be decidedly Greek rather than Roman in character.
And what of the genuine Roman dramatic product ? Speaking for the fabii/a pracle.vfa, or Roman historical drama, alone, the entire outj)ut, so far as our records go, is contained in the following list of authors and titles. 402
OCTAVIA
From Naevius (265-204 d.c.) we have the Cla.itidiuvi, written in celebration of the victory of Marcelkis (at Chistidium in 222 b.c.) over Vidumarus, king of the Transpadane Gauls, whom Marcellus slew and stripped of his armour, thus gaining the rare spoUa opima. The play was probably written for the especial occasion either of the triumph of Marcellus or of the celebra- tion of his funeral.
We have also from Naevius a ])lay variously entitled Lupus or Romulus or ALmonium Eeini el Rojnidi, evidently one of those dramatic reproductions of scenes in the life of a god, enacted as a part of the ceremonies of his worship. This play is comparable to dramatic representations among the Greeks in the worship of Dionysus.
The Ambracia and the Sahinae of Ennius (239-169 B.C.) are ordinarily classed as fahulae praetextae, although Lucian M tiller classes the fragments of the Ambracia among the Scdurae of Ennius ; while V^'ihlen puts the Ambracia under the heading Comoe- dlarum el celerorum carminum re'ujuiae, and classifies the fragments of the Sabiiiae under ex incerlis satur- arum libris. The Ambracia is evidently called after the city of that name in Epirus, celebrated for the long and remarkable siege which it sustained against the Romans under M. Fulvius Nobilior. That general finally captured the city in 189 b.c. If the piece is to be considered as a play, it was, like the Clastidium, written in honour of the Roman general, and acted on the occasion either of his triumph or of his funeral.
We have four short fragmeiits from the Paidus of Pacuvius (220-130 b.c.), written in celebration of the exploits of L. Aemilius Faulus who conquered Perseus, king of Macedonia, in the battle of Pydna, 16S b.c.
The fragments of the plays already mentioned
403 D D 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
are too brief to afford any adequate idea of their character or content. But in the Bruhis of Accius (b. 170. B.C.), whicli centres around the expulsion of the Tarquins and the estabUshment of the Re- public, we have a larger glimpse into the play through two most interesting fragments consisting of twelve iambic trimeters and ten trochaic tetra- meters, respectively. In the first. King Tarquin re- lates to his seer an ill-ominous dream which he has had ; the second is the seer's interpretation of this dream, pointing to Tarquin's dethronement by Brutus. Other short fragments give glimpses of the outrage of Lucretia by Sextus at Collatia, and the scene in the forum where Brutus takes his oath of office as first consul. This play, unlike most of its predecessors, was not written at the time of the events which it portrays, but may still be classed with them, so far as its object is concerned, since it is generally thought to have been written in honour of D. Junius Brutus, who was consul in 138 B.C., and with whom the poet enjoyed an intimate friendship.
Ano\\\ex praetexta of Accius is presei'ved, the Decius, of v,-hich eleven short fragments remain. This play celebrates the victory of Quintus Fabins Maximus and P. Decius Mus over the Samnites and Gauls at Sentinum in 295 B.C. The climax of the play would be the self-immolation of Decius after the example of his father in the Latin war of 340 b.c.
In addition to these plays of the Roman dramatists of the Republic, we have knowledge of a few which date from later times. There was a historical drama entitled Iter,hy L. Cornelius Balbus, wlio dramatized the incidents of a journey whicli he made to Pompey's camp at Dyrrachium at the opening of civil war in 49 B.C. Balbus was under commission from Caesar 404
OCTAVIA
to treat with the consul, L. Cornelius Lcntulus, and other optimates who had fled from Rome, concerning their return to the city. The journey was a complete fiasco, so far as results were concerned ; but the vanity of Balbus w^as so flattered by this (to him) important mission that he must needs dramatize his experiences and present the play under his own direction in his native city of Gades.
We have mention also of an Aoiens by Pomponius Secundus, and of two praelexlae by Curiatius Maternus, entitled Domilius and Ca/o.
These eleven historical plaj's ai"e, as we have seen, for the most part, plays of occasion, and would be at best of but temporary interest, born of the sj)ecial circumstances which inspired them. They are in no way comparable with such historical dramas on Roman subjects as Shakespeare's Julius Caesar or Corio/anus, whose interest is for all times.
We have still a twelfth play of this class, which enjoys the unique distinction of being the only Roman historical drama which has come down to us in its complete form — the Oclavia. Its authorship is unknown, although tradition gives it a place among the tragedies of Seneca, the philosopher. The general opinion of modern critics, however, is against this tradition, chiefly because one passage in the play, in the form of a prophecy, too circum- stantially describes the death of Xero, which occurred three years after the death of Seneca. It is generallv agreed that the play must have been written soon j after the death of Nero, and by some one, possibly Maternus, who had been an eye-witness of the events, and who had been inspired by his sympathies for the unfortunate Octavia to write this story of her sufferings.
405
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Summary of the Imperiai, Family History which FORMS A Background to the Ocfavia and to WHICH References are made throughout the Play.
Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Caesar Ger- MANicus, more commonly known as Claudius^ fourth emperor of Rome, liad taken for his third ^\ife tlie daughter of M. Valerius Messala, Messalina, who bore to him two children, Britannicus and Octavia. Always notorious for her profligacy and licentiousness, Mess;ilina crowned her career by publicly marrying C. Silius at Rome during the temporary sojourn of lier imperial husband at Ostia. Claudius long wavered as to her punishment, but at last, through the influence of his favourite, Narcissus, he signed her death warrant, and she was executed by a tribune of the guards in 48 a.d.
In the following year, through the intrigue of the freedraan Pallas, Claudius married his brother's daughter, Agrippina, who brought with her into the emperor's household Lucius Domitius, her son by her first husband, Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus.
Immediately Agrijipina began to plot for the succession of her son to the throne of the Caesars. In 50 A.D. she prevailed upon Claudius to adopt, to the prejudice of Britannicus, her own son, who was thereafter known as Nero. She had already caused Seneca, who liad been exiled at the instance of Messalina, to be recalled that he might serve as 406
OCTAVIA
Nero's tutor. In 53 a.d. she further advanced her plans by conipassin*^ the marriage of her son to Octaviaj the emperor's daughter. Octavia had ah-eady been betrothed by Claudius to L. Silanus, who now, to escape the vengeance of Agrippina, committed suicide.
Her plans being now fully laid for the final act, Agrippina secretly poisoned Claudius on October 12th, 54 A.D., and on the following day Nero succeeded to the throne, being then seventeen years of age. In the following year, by the joint plotting of mother and son, the young Britannicus, also, was poisoned.
Because of the youth and inexperience of her son, Agrippina enjoyed four years of pnictically imperial power ; but at last, in 59 a.d., Nero, tired of his mother's ascendancy, caused her to be assassinated, after an unsuccessful attempt upon her life by means of a treacherous vessel, in which death-trap he had sent her to sea.
Nero had long since become enamoured of Poppaea, a beautiful proHigate, who had left her husband, Rufinus Crispinus, to live with Otho, and who now became mistress of the emperor. Aspiring to be his wife, she had plotted to bring about the death of Agrippina and later the divorce of Octavia. Through these machinations of his mistress and Nero's own more than ready acquiescence, Octavia was falsely accused of adultery and in 62 a.d. she was banished to Pandataria, where she was shortly afterwards put to death.
Poppaea herself died in 65 a.d. as the result, it was said, of a kick by her brutal husband when she was far advanced in pregnancy. In the same year, at the command of the emperor, Seneca committed
407
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
suicide ; and three years thereafter, in 68 a.d., Nero himself, deposed by the praetorian guards, who had espoused the cause of Galba, and condemned to death by the Senate, fled from Rome and, after vain efforts to escape, received his death-stroke by his own request at the hands of a faithful attendant who had fled with him.
408
DRAMATIS PERSONAE
OcTAviA, stepsister and ivi/e of Ne7-o.
Nurse of Oclavia.
PoPPAEA, mistress and afterward wife of Nero.
Nurse of Poppaea.
Ghost of Agrippina, mother of Nero , slain by him,
Nero, Emperor of Borne.
Seneca, former tutor of Nero, and later one of his chief cotinscllors.
Prefect of Roman Soldiers.
Messenger.
Chorus of Romans, sympathetic with Oclavia.
Chorus, attached to the interests of the court.
The Scene is laid throughout in different apartments of the palace of Nero, aud is concerned with the events of the year 62 a. D.
OCTAVIA
I AM vaga caelo sidera fulgens Aurora fugat, surgit Titan radiante coma mundoque diem reddit clarum.
age, tot tantis onerata mails, repete assuetos iam tibi questus atque aequoreas vince Alcyonas, vince et volucres Pandionias; gravior namque his fortuna tua est. semper, genetrix, deflenda mihi, 10
prima meorum causa malorum, tristes questus natae exaudi, si quis remanet sensus in umbris. utinam ante manu grandaeva sua niea rupisset stamina Clothe, tua quam maerens vulnera vidi oraque foedo sparsa cruore ! o lux semper funesta milii, tempore ab illo
lux es tenebris invisa magis ! 20
tulimus saevae iussa novercae, hostilem animum vultusque truces, ilia ilia meis tristis Erinys thalamis Stygios praetulit ignes toque extinxit, miserande pater, mode cui totus paruit orbis ultra Oceanum
410
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA
Now doth flushing dawn drive the wandering stars from heaven ; with radiant beams the sun arises and gives the world once more the liglit of day. On thenj with all thy woes Aveighed down, resume thy now accustomed plaints and out- wail the sea-bred Halcyons,^ out-wail the birds ^ of old Pandion's house ; for more grievous is thy lot than theirs. O mother, constant source of tears to me, first cause of my misfortunes, hearken to thy daughter's sad complaints, if any consciousness remains among the shades. Oh, that the ancient Clotho with her own hand had clipped my threads before sadly I saw thy wounds, thy face with foul gore besmeared ! O light, ever calamitous to me, from that time, O light, thou art more hateful than the dark ! We have endured a cruel step-dame's ^ orders, her hostile spirit and her aspect fierce. 'Twas she, 'twas she, the baleful fury, who bore the Stygian torches to my bridal chamber, and quenched thy light, O wretched father, whom but yesterday the whole world obe3'ed, even beyond Ocean's bounds, before whom the
^ See Index s.v. " Ceyx."
2 See Index a.v. " Philomela."
• Agrippina.
411
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
cuique Britanni terga dedere,
ducibus nostiis ante ignoti
iurisque sui. SO
coiiiugis, heu me, pater^ insidiis
oppresse iaces servitque domus
cum prole tua capta tyranno.
NVTRIX
Fulgore primo captus et fragili bono ^ fallacis aulae quisquis attonitus stupet, subito^ latentis ecce Fortunae inipetu modo praepotentem cernat eversam donium stirpemque Claudi, cuius imperio fuit subiectus orbis, paruit liber diu
Oceanus et recepit invitus rates. 40
en qui Britannis primus imposuit iugiun, igaota tantis classibus texit freta interque gentes barbai-as tutus fuit et saeva maria^ coniugis scelere occidit ; mox ilia nati ; cuius extinctus iacet frater venenis. maeret infelix soror eademque coniunx nee graves luctus valet ira coacta tegere crudelis viri ; quern sancta refugit semper, atque odio pari ardens maritus imj)ia flagrat face. 50
animum dolentis nostra solatur fides pietasque frustra ; vincit immitis dolor consilia nostra nee regi mentis potest generosus ardor^ sed malis vires capit. heu quani nefaiidum prospicit noster timor scelus, quod utinam nunicn avertat dcum.
' So Richter: Leo conjectures facie nova. 2 So Bichler : Leo sub uno, with n*, but conjectui-ea sxxhiio involantis.
412
OCTAVIA
Britons ^ fled, erstwhile to our leaders all unknown and unsubdued. Alas, my father, by thy wife's plots thou liest crushed, and thy house together with thy child 2 bends to a tyrant's ^ will.
[Exit to her chamber. Enter nukse.]
NURSE
Whoso, o'erpowered by the novel splendour and the frail blessings of deceitful royalty, stands awe- struck and amazed, lo, 'neath the sudden blow of lurking Fate, let him behold, o'erthrown, the house and stock of Claudius, but now all powerful, under whose rule the whole world was brought, whom the Ocean, long to sway unknown, obeyed and, all un- willingly, received his ships. Lo, he who first on the Britons set a yoke, who covered unknown floods with his mighty fleets, who was safe midst tribes barbaric, midst raging seas, by his wife's* crime is fallen ; she soon by her son's hand fell ; and by his poison lies my brother ^ slain. The unhappy sister,'' yea, the unhappy wife grieves on, nor can she hide her bitter sufferings, forced to the angry will of her cruel husband. From him ever the pure girl recoils, and her husband, though by equal hate inspired, with incestuous passion burns. Our fond love strives in vain to console her grieving heart ; her cniel smart o'ercomes our counsels, nor can the noble pas- sion of her soul be governed, but from her woes she draws new strength. Alas ! how my fears forbode some desperate deed, which may the gods forbid.
' Claudius had made an expedition to Britain in 43 a.d. ^ i.e. herself. ' Nero.
■* Agrippina. * Britaiinicus.
* i.e.. step-sister, Octavia ; she was also Nero's sister hy adoption.
418
414
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
OCTAVIA
O mea nullis aequauda malis fortunaj licet
repetam luctus, Electra tuos. tibi maerenti caesum licuit 6o
flere parentem, scelus ulcisci vindice fratre, tua quern pietas hosti rapuit texitque fides ; me crudeli sorte parentes raptos prohibet lugere timor fratrisque necem deflere vetat, in quo fuerat spes una mihi totque malorum breve solameu. nunc in luctus servata meos 70
niagni resto nominis umbra.
NVTRIX
Vox en nostras perculit aures tristis alumnae ; cesset thalaniis inferre gradus tarda senectus ?
OCTAVIA
Excipe nostras lacrinias, nutrix, testis nostri fida doloris.
NVTRIX
Quis te tantis solvet curls, niiseranda, dies ?
OCTAVIA
Qui me Stygias mittet ad umbras.
NVTRIX
Ouiina quaeso sint ista procul. 80
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA [heard speaking from her chamber^
O fate of mine, to be matched by no misfortunes, lliough I recall tliy woes, Electra. Thou couldst weep out thy grief for thy father's murder, couldst take vengeance on the crime with thy brother as avenger, whom thy love snatched from tlie foe and thy faithful care protected ; but me fear forbids to mourn my parents reft from me by cruel fate, forbids to bewail my brother's taking off, in whom was my sole hope, the fleeting solace of my many woes. And now, saved but to my suffering, I remain, the shadow of a noble name.
NURSE
Hark ! the voice of my sad foster-child strikes on mine ears. Does thy slow age take thee to her chamber with lagging steps ?
yShe advances toward the chamber, hut is met by Octavia, coming forth.^
OCTAVIA
Receive my tears, dear nurse, thou trusty witness of my suflering.
NURSE
What day will free thee from thy miglity cares, poor child ?
OCTAVIA
Tiie day that sends me to the Stygian shades.
NURSE
Far from us be the omen of that word, I pray.
415
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Non vota meos tua nunc casus, sed fata regunt.
NVTRIX
Dabit afflictae meliora deus tempoi-a mitis ; tu modo blando vince obsequio placata viruni.
OCTAVIA
Vincam saevos ante leones tigresque truces^ fera quam saevi corda tyranni. odit genitos sanguine claro^ spernit superos hominesque simul, 90
nee fortunam capit ipse suam quam dedit illi per scelus ingens infjinda parens, licet ingratum dirae pudeat munere matris hoc imperium cepisse, licet tantum munus morte rependat, feret hunc titulum post fata tanien femina longo semper in aevo.
NVTRIX
Animi retine verba furentis, temere emissam comprime voceni.
OCTAVIA
Toleranda quamvis patiar, baud uniquam que- ant "00
nisi morte tristi nostra finiri mala, genetrice caesa, per scelus rapto patre, orbata fratre, miseriis luctu obruta, maerore pressa, coniugi invisa ac meae 4,16
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA
No longer is it thy prayers that shape my life but the fates.
NunsE
God in his mercy will bring to thine affliction better days. Do thou but be soothed,, and win thy husband with gentle courtesy.
OCTAVIA
Sooner shall I win savage lions and fierce tigers, than that savage tyrant's brutal heart. He hates all born of noble blood, scorns gods and men alike ; nor can he of himself wield his liigh fortune which by a monstrous crime his impious mother bestowed on him. Yes ! though the ungrateful wretch count it shame to take this empire as his cursed mother's gift, though he requite her mighty gift with death, still will the woman even after death win the fame thereof for ever through unending age.
NURSE
Check thou the utterance of thy raging heart; repress the words thou hast poured forth too rashly.
OCTAVIA
Though I should endure what must be borne, ne'er could my woes be ended, save by gloomy death. With my mother slain, my father by crime snatched from me, robbed of my brother, by wretchedness and grief o'erwhelmed, by sorrow crushed, by my husband
417
vol.. II E E
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
subiecta famulae luce non grata fiuor,
tre})idante semper corde non mortis metu
sed sceleris — absit crimen a fatis meis,
mori iuvabit ; poena nam gravior nece est
videre tumidos et truces miserae mihi
vultus tyranni iungere atque hosti oscula, 110
timere nutus cuius obscquium mens
baud ferre posset fata post fratris dolor
scelere interempti, cuius imperium tenet
et sorte gaudet auctor infandae necis.
quam saepe tristis umbra germani meis
ofFertur oculis, membra cum solvit quies
et fessa fletu luniina oppressit sopor.
modo facibus atris armat infirmas manus
oculosque et ora fratris infestus petit,
modo trepidus idem refugit in thalamos meos ; 120
persequitur hostis atque inbaerenti mihi
violentus ensem per latus nostrum rapit.
tunc tremor et ingens cxcutit somnos pavor
renovatque luctus et metus miserae milii.
adice bis superbam paelicem, nostrae donuis
spoliis nitentem, cuius in munus suam
Stygiae parentein natus imposuit rati,
quam dira post naufragia superato mari
f'erro interemit sae\ ior pelagi fretis.
quae spes salutis post nefas tantum milii ? 130
inimica victrix imminet tlialamis meis
odioque nostri Hagrat et j)retium stupri
iustae maritum coniugis poscit caput.
emergere umbris et f'er auxilium tuae
natae invocanti, genitor, aut Stygios sinus
tellure rupta pande, quo praeceps ferar.
* j.e. Acte. See line 197, note.
- Nero, in divorcing Octavia, alleged adultery as the cause.
418
OCTAVIA
hated, and set beneath my slave,^ the sweet liglit brings no joy to me ; for my heart is ever trembling, not with the fear of death, but of crime ^ — be crime but hicking to my misfortunes, death will be delight. For 'tis a punishment far worse than death to look in the tyrant's face, all swollen with rage 'gainst wretched me, to kiss my foe, to fear his very nod, obedience to whom my smarting grief could not endure after my brother's death, most sinfully de- stroyed, whose throne he usurps, and rejoices in being the worker of a death unspeakable. How oft does my brother's sad shade appear before my eyes when rest has relaxed my body, and sleep weighed down my eyes, weary with weeping. Now with smoking torches lie arms his feeble hands, and with deadly purpose aims at his brother's eyes and face ; and now in trembling fright takes refuge in my chamber; his enemy pursues and, e'en while the lad clings in my embrace, savagely he thrusts his sword tin-ough both our bodies. Then trembling and mighty terror banish my shnnbers, and bring back to my wretched heart its grief and fear. Add to all this the proud concubine, bedecked with our house's spoil, as gift for whom the son set his own mother on the Stygian bark ; and, when she had o'ercome dread sliipwreck and the sea, himself more pitiless than ocean's waves, slew her with the sword. What hope of safety, after crime so great, have I ? My victorious foe threatens my chamber, blazes with hate of me, and, as the reward of her adultery, demands of my husband his lawful consort's head. Arise thou, my father, from the shades and bring help to thy daughter who calls on thee ; or else, rending the earth, lay bare the Stygian abyss, that I may plunge thither headlong.
419 E E 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Frustra parentis invocas manes tui, miseranda, frustra^ nulla cui prolis suae manet inter umbras cui'a ; qui nato suo praeferre potuit sanguine alieno satura 140
genitanicjue fratris coniugem pactus sibi toris nefandis flebili iunxit face, hinc orta series facinorum — caedes^ doll, regni cupidoj sanguinis clari sitis ; mactata soceri concidit thalamis gener victima, tuis ne fieret h)Tiienaeis potens. pro facinus ingens ! feminae est munus datus Silanus et cruore foedavit suo patrios penates, criminis ficti reus, intravit hostis, ei mihi, captam domum, 150
dolis novercae principis factus gener idemque natus^ iuvenis infandi iiigeni,__ scelerum capacis, dira cui genetrix facem accendit et te iunxit invitam metu. tantoque victrix facta successu ferox ausa imminere est orbis imperio sacri. quis tot referre facinorum formas potest et spes nefandas feminae et blandos dolos regnum petentis per gradus scelerum onniium ? tunc sancta Pietas extulit trepidos gradus iGO
vacuamque Erinys saeva funesto j)ede intravit aulam, })olluit Stygia face sacros penates^ iura naturae furens fasque omne rupit. miscuit coniunx vii-o * venena saeva^ cecidit atque eadem sui mox scelere nati ; tu quoque extinctus iaces, deflende nobis semper infelix puer, modo sidus orbis, columen augustae domus, Britannice, lieu me, nunc levis tantum cinis 420
OCTAVIA
NURSE
In vain dost thou call upon thy father's ghost, poor girl, in vain, for no care for his child abides amidst the shades with him who to his own son could prefer one born of otlier blood, and, taking his brother's child to wife, wed her with couch incestuous and gloomy torch. Thence sprung a train of crimes — murders, deceits, the lust for empire, thirst for illustrious blood ; as victim offered to the father's marriage bed the son-in-law was slain, lest, wedded to thee he might become too strong. Oh, monstrous crime ! To a woman was Silanus given as a boon and with his blood defiled the ancestral gods, charged with a crime that was not his. Then entered the foe, ah me ! into the conquered palace, by a step- mother's wiles made an emperor's son-in-law and son withal, a youthjofbent unnatural, fertile in crime, whose passion thy crueTlnother fanned, and forced thee by fear to wed him, 'gainst thy will. Triumphant and emboldened by such success, she dared aspire to the awful empire of the world. Who can rehearse the various forms of crime, the wicked hopes, the cozening wiles of her who by all crimes would mount to empire round by round ? Then holy Piety with trembling step withdrew, and raging Fury with bale- ful feet entered the empty palace, defiled with Stygian torch the holy household-gods, and in mad rage rent nature's laws and all things sacred. The wife for her husband mingled deadly poison, and soon by her son's crime the same wife fell. Thou too dost lie dead, unhappy youth, ever to be mourned by us, but late the world's sbir, the prop of a noble house, Biilanuicus, and now, ah me! only light ashes
421
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
et tristis umbra ; saeva cui lacrimas dedit 170
etiam noverca^ cum rogis artus tuos dedit ^ cremandos membraque et vultus deo similes volanti funebris flamma abstulit.^
OCTAVIA
Extinguat et me, ne manu nostra cadat !
NVTRIX
Natura vires non dedit tantas tibi.
OCTAVIA
Dolor ira maeror miseriae luctus dabunt.
NVTRIX
Vince obsequendo potius immitem virum.
OCTAVIA
Vt fratrem ademptum scelere restituat mihi ?
NVTRIX
Incolumis ut sis ipsa, labentem ut domum genitoris olim subole restituas tua. 180
OCTAVIA
Expectat aliam j)rincipis subolem donius ; me dira miseri fata germani trahunt.
NVTRIX
Confirmet animuin civium tantus favor.
1 So the MSS.: Leo, with Buecheler, dedi.
* Some editors siujgest a lacuna of thirty or more lines fol- lowing 17S, 422
OCTAVIA
and a mournful shade, o'er whom e'en thy step- mother wept, when on the pyre she gave thy body to be burned, and when thy limbs and features, that were like a winged god's, were by the mournftil flame consumed.
OCTAVIA
Let him^ destroy me also, lest by my hand he fall.
NURSE
Nature has not bestowed on thee such strength.
OCTAVIA
Anguish, anger, sorrow, wretchedness, grief will bestow it.
NURSE
By compliance, rather, win thine unfeeling lord.
OCTAVIA
That he may give back to me my brother, wickedly destroyed ?
NURSE
That thou mayst be thyself unharmed, that one day thou mayst i-estore thy father's tottering house with sons of thine.
OCTAVIA
The royal house expects another son; 2 nie my poor brother's cruel fates drag down.
NURSE
Let thy soul be strengthened by the citizens' great love.
1 Noro.
* I.e. Nero's by Poppaeti.
423
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
OCTAVIA
Solatur iste nostra^ non relevat mala.
NVTRIX
Vis magna populi est.
OCTAVIA
Prineipis maior tamen.
NVTIUX
Respiciet ipse coniugem.
OCTAVIA
Paelex vetat.
NVTRIX
Invisa cunctis nempe.
OCTAVIA
Sed cara est viro.
NVTRIX
Nondum uxor est.
OCTAVIA
lam fietj et genelrix simul.
NVTRIX
luvenilis ardor impetii primo furit, languescit idem facile nee durat diu 190
in Venere turpi, ceu le\ is flammae vapor ; amor pereniiis coniugis castae manet. violare j)rima quae toros ausa est tuos animumque doiuini famula posscdit diu, iam metuit eadem — 424
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA
That comforts my woes but docs not lighten them.
NUHSE
Tlic people's power is mighty.
OCTAVIA
But the emperor's mightier.
NUKSE
Of himself will he respect liis wife.
OCTAVIA
His concubine forbids.
NURSE
Surely she is scorned by all.
OCTAVIA
But to her husband, dear.
NURSE
She is not yet a wife.
OCTAVIA
But soon will bcj and a mother^ too.
NURSE
Youthful passion burns fierce at the first rush but readily grows dull, nor long endures in foul adultery, like heat of flickering flame ; but a chaste wife's love remains perpetual. She who first dared profane thy bed, and, though a slave, has long held in thrall her master's heart, already herself fears — •
4,25
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
OCTAVIA
Nempe praelalam sibi.
NVTRIX
subiecta et humilis, atque moniraenta extruit
quibus timorem fassa testatur suum.
et banc levis fallaxque destitiiet deus
volucer Cupido ; sit licet forma eminens,
opibus superba, gaudium capiet breve. 200
Passa est similes ipsa dolores regina deum,
cum se formas vertit in omnes dominus caeli divumque pater, et modo pennas sumpsit oloris modo Sidonii cornua tauri, aureus idem fluxit in imbri ; fulgent caelo sidera Ledae, patrio residet Bacchus Olympo, deus Alcldes possidet Heben 210
nee lunonis iam timet iras, cuius gener est qui fuit hostis. vieit sapiens tamen obsequium coniugis altae pressusque dolor ; sola Tonantem tenet aetberio secura toro maxima luno, nee mortali captus forma deserit altam luppiter aulam. tu quoque, terris altera luno, soror Augusti coniunxque, graves 220
vince dolores.
1 It is the opinion of Gruterus that the common inter- pretation of this whole passage is wrong in its assumption that the poet has Poppaea in mind ; he would have it that the froed-woman, Acta, is the concubine referred to here.
426
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA
Aye ! a more favoured mistress.
NURSE
— subdued and humble, and gives signs by which she confesses her own great fear.^ Even her'''sTialI winged Cupid, false and fickle god, betray ; thougli she be passing fair, boastful in power, hers shall be but a transitory joy.
201 The queen of the gods herself like sorrows suf- fered, when the lord of heaven and father of the gods into all forms changed, and now wings of a swan 2 put on, now the horns of a bull '' of Sidon, and again in a golden shower* poured down ; the stars of Leda glitter in the sky, Bacchus •'' on his father's Olympus dwells, Alcides^ as a god possesses Hebe and now no more fears Juno's wrath ; he is her son-in-law who was her enemy. Yet wise compliance and controlled wrath won victory for the queenly wife ; without rival, without care does Juno hold the Thunderer on her heavenly couch, and no more does Jupiter, by mortal beauty smitten, desert the court of heaven. Thou too, on earth a second Juno, Augustus' ^ wife and sister, thy grievous woes o'ercome.
^ In which form he came to Leda. ' Thus he appeared to Europa. * Thus lie appeared to Danae. 8 Son of Jove and a ujortal woman. See Index. ^ A surname not only of the first, but of all the Roman emperors. Here, Nero.
427
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
lungentur ante saeva sideribus freta et ignis undae, Tartaro tristi polus, lux alma tenebris, roscidae nocti dies, quam cum scelesti coniugis mente impia mens nostra, semper fratris extincti memor. utinam nefandi principis dirum caput obruere flanimis caelitum rector paret, qui saepe terras fulmine infesto quatit mentesque nostras ignibus terret sacris 230
novisque monstris ; vidimus caelo iubar ardens cometam pandere infestam facem, qua plaustra tardus noctis aeterna vice regit Bootes, frigore Arctoo rigens. I en ipse dire spiritu saevi ducis polluitur aether, gentibus clades novas minantur astra, quas regit dux impius. non tam ferum Typhona neglecto love irata Tellus edidit quondam parens ; hie gravior illo pestis, hie hostis deum 240
hominumque templis expulit superos suis civesque patria, spiritum fratri abstulit, hausit cruorem matris — ct lucem vidct fruiturque vita noxiam atque animam trahit ! pro summ.e genitor, tela cur frustra iacis invicta totiens temere rcgali manu ? in tam noccntem dextra cur cessat tua ? utinam suorum facinorum poenas luat Nero insitivus, Domitio genitus patre, orbis tyrannus, quern premit turpi iugo 250
morumque vitiis nomen Augustum inquinat !
^ A comet actually did appear at this time (Tacitus, An- nales, xiv. 22). The appearance of a comet was portentous, and was supposed to prelude the death of a king.
428
OCTAVIA
Sooner shall savan^e seas unite with stars, water with fire, heaven with sad Tartarus, the kindly light with darkness, day with the dewy night, than with my accursed husband's impious soul this soul of mine, that ever broods upon my brother's death. And oh, that the lord of the heaven-dwellers, who often shakes the lands with deadly bolt and terrifies our souls with awful fires and portents strange, would make ready to whelm with flames this impious piince. We have seen a glowing radiance in the sky, a comet 1 spreading its baleful trail, where slow Bootes, numb with Arctic chill, with endless, nightlong wheeling, guides his wain. Lo, by the pestilential
■ breath of this destructive leader the very air is tainted ; the stars threaten unheard disasters for the
' nations which this godless leader rules. Not such a pest was Typhon, whom wrathful mother Earth pro- duced in scorn of Jove ; this scourge, worse than he, this enemy of gods and men, has driven the heavenly ones from their shrines, and citizens from their country, from his brother has he reft the breath of life, and drained his mother's blood — and he still sees the light of day, still lives and draws his baneful breath ! O high exalted father, why vainly, why so oft at random dost thou hurl thy darts invincible with thine imperial hand ? 'Gainst one so criminal why is thy right hand stayed ? Would that he might pay penalty for his crimes, this spurious - Nero, son of Domitius, tyrant of a world he burdens with his shameful yoke, and with foul ways pollutes the name Augustus !
* Refening to the fact that Nero \\ as not the true son and rightful heir of Claudius.
429
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
NVTBIX
Indii^nus ille, fateor, est thalamis tuis ; sed cede fatis atque fortunae tuae, alumna, quaeso neve violent! move iram mariti. forsitan vindex deus existet aliquis, laetus et veniet dies.
Gravi deorum nostra iam pridem domus urgetur ira, prima quam pressit \'enus furore miserae dura genetricis meae, quae nupta demens nupsit incesta face, 260
oblita nostri, coniugis, legum immemor. illi soluta crine, succincta anguibus ultrix Erinys venit ad Stygios toros raptasque thalamis sanguine extinxit faces ; incendit ira principis pectus truci caedem in nefandam ; cecidit infclix parens, heu, nostra ferro meque perpetuo obruit extincta luctu ; coniugem traxit suum natumque ad umbras, prodidit lapsam domum.
Renovare luctus parce cum fletu pios, 270
manes ])arcntis neve sollicita tuae, graves furoris quae sui })oenas dcdit.
Quae fama modo venit ad aures ? utinam falso crcdita })crdat frustra totiens iactata fidem.
* I.e. C. Siliua.
430
OCTAVIA
NURSE
Unworthy he, I do confess it, to mate with tliee ; but yield thee to the fates and to tliy lot, my child, I beg, nor rouse thy violent husband's wrath. Per- chance some god will arise as thine avenger, and a day of happiness will come again.
Long since has the heavy wrath of the gods pursued our house, whicli harsh Venus first o'er- whelmed in my poor mother's madness ; for she, already wed, in mad folly wed another ^ with un- holy torch, of me, of her husband forgetful, and re- gardless of the laws. Against her to that hellish couch, with streaming hair and girt about with snakes, came the avenging Fury and quenched those stolen Avedding fires in blood ; with rage she inflamed tlu^ cruel emperor's heart to impious murder ; my ill- starred mother fell, alas, and, by the sword destroyed, o'erwhelmed me in endless suffering; her husband and her son did she drag down to death ^ and shame- fully betrayed our fallen house.
NURSE
Forbear with weeping to renew thy filial griefs, and vex not thy mother's spirit, who for her madness has grievously atoned. [E.veu?it.
cnoiius What rumour has but now come to our ears ? May it prove false and gain no credence though vainly told o'er and o'er ; and may no new wife tlie
" Because, after Messalina's death, Claudius married Agrippina wlio was responsible for the death of Claudius and Britaiuiieus.
431
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
nee nova coniunx nostri thalamos
principis intret teneatque suos
nupta penates Claudia proles ;
edat partu pignora pacis
qua traaquillus gaudeat orbis 280
servetque decus Roma aeternuni.
fratris thalamos sortita tenet
maxima luno ; soror Augusti
sociata toris cur a patria
pellitur aula ? sancta quid illi
prodest pietas divusque pater,
quid virginitas castusque pudor?
nos quoque nostri sumus immemores
post fata ducis, cuius stirpem
prodimus aegro ^ suadente metu. 290
vera priorum virtus quondam
Romana fuit verumque genus
Martis in illis sanguisque viris.
illi reges hac expulerunt
urbe superbos idtique tuos
sunt bene maneSj
virgo, dextra
caesa parentis, ne servitium
patereve grave et improba ferret
praemia victrix dira libido. 300
te quoque bellinn triste secutuni est,'^
mactata tua miseranda manu,
nata Lucreti, stuprum saevi
j)assa tyranni.
dedit infandi sceleris poenas
cum Tarquinio Tullia coniunx,
quae per caesi membra parentis
cgit saevos impia currus
laceroque seni violenta rogos
nuta negavit.
432
OCTAVIA emperor's chamber enter, and may his bride, the child of Claudius, keep her rightful home, and bring forth sons, pledges of peace, wherein the untroubled world may rejoice and Rome preserve her everlast- ing glory. Her brother's bridal chamber mightiest Juno won and holds ; why is Augustus's sister, made partner of his couch, driven from her fathei*'s house ? Of what avail to her is pure devotion, a father deified, virginity, unblemished chastity ? We too, after his death have quite forgot our leader, and betray his child at the bidding of sick fear. Right Roman virtue of old our fathers had ; in such men was the true race and blood of Mars. They from this city arrogant kings expelled, and well did they avenge thy ghost, O virgin,^ slain by thy father's hand lest thou shouldst suffer slavery's heavy load, and lest cruel lust, victorious, should gain its shameless prize. Thee - also a sad war followed, daughter of Lucretius, slain, poor girl, by thine own hand, by a brutal tyrant outraged. With Tarquin Tullia, his wife, paid penalty for crime unspeakable, who, over the body of her murdei'ed father heartlessly drove her cruel car, and, mad daughter, refused the mangled old man a
funeral-pyre.
* Virginia. See Index.
* Lucretia. See Index.
^ So Richter: Xeo faevo : A sevo : i|/ evo : /"eipcr eheii. 2 Leo deletM lines 297-301.
433
VOL. 11. F F
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Haec quoque nati videre nefas 310
saecula magnum^ cum Tyrrhenum rate ferali princeps captam fraude parentem misit in aequor. properant placidos linquere portus iussi nautae, resonant remis pulsata freta.
fertur in altum provecta ratis, quae resoluto robore labens pressa dehiscit sorbetque mare, tollitur ingens clamor ad astra 320
cum femineo mixtus planctu. mors ante oculos dira vagatur ; quaerit leti sibi quisque fugam ; alii lacerae puppis tabulis haerent nudi fiuctusque secant, repetunt alii litora nantes ; multos mergunt fata pi-ofundo. scindit vestes Augusta suas laceratque comas rigat et maestis fletibus ora. 330
Postquam spes est nulla salutis, ardens ira, iam victa malis : *' haec " exclamat '' mihi pro tanto munere reddis praemia, nate ? hac suin^ fateor, digna carina, quae te genui, quae tibi lucem atque imperium nomenque dcdi Caesaris aniens, exere vultus Acherontc tuos poenisque meis pascere, coniunx ; 346
ego causa tuae, miserande, necis natoque tuo funeris auctor en, ut merui, fcrar ad manes iiihumatii tuos, obruta saevis acquoris undis."
434
OCTAVIA
^^^ This age as well has seen a son's dire crime, when in a deadly bark the prince^ sent his mother out on the Tyrrhene sea, by a trick ensnared. At his bidding tlie sailors make haste to leave the peaceful port and, smit by the oars, the sea resounds. The vessel is borne far out upon the deep ; and there, with loosened timbers, sinking, overwhelmed, it yawns wide and drinks in the sea. A mighty outcry rises to the stars, mingled with shrieks of women. Death stalks dire before the eyes of all ; each for himself seeks refuge from destruction ; some cling naked to planks of the broken ship and face the floods, while others, swimming, seek to gain the shore ; fate plunges many into the depths below. Augusta ^ rends her garments and tears her hair and waters her cheeks with grieving tears.
331 At last, with hope of safety gone, blazing with anger and now o'ercome with woe, she cries ; "Such reward as this for my great boon, O son, dost thou return nie ? Worthy am I of this ship, I do confess, who brought thee forth, who gave thee light and empire and the name of Caesar, fool that I was. Thrust forth thy face from Acheron, and glut thee with my j)unishment, O husband ; I caused tin- death, poor soul, was the author of thy son's de- struction, and lo, as I have merited, to thy ghost am I now borne unburied, whelmed in the cruel waters of the sea."
' Nero. * i.e. Agrijjpiiia.
435 r F 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Feriunt fluctus ora loquentis, ruit in pelagus rursumque salo pressa resurgit, pellit palmis cogente metu freta, set cedit fessa labori. mansit tacitis 350
in pectoribus spreta tristi iam morte fides, multi dominae ferre auxilium pelago fractis viribus audent^ bracchia quamvis lenta trahentem voce hortantur nianibusque levant, quid tibi saevi fugisse maris profuit undas .'' ferro es nati moritura tui, cuius facinus vix postevitas, tarde semper saecula credent. S60
furit ereptam pelagoque dolet vivere matrem
impius, ingens geminatque nefas ; ruit in miserae fata parentis patiturque moram sceleris nuUam. missus peragit iussa satelles ; reserat dominae pectora ferro. caedis moriens ilia ministrum rogat infeliXj utero diruui condat ut ensem : 370
"hie est, hie est fodiendus" ait "ferro, monstrum qui tale tulit." post hanc vocem mixtam gemitu cum supremo animam tandem per fera tristem vulnera reddit.
SENECA
Quid me, potcns Fortuna, fallaci mihi blandita vultu, sorte contentum nieu
4^6
OCTAVIA
'*^ E'en while she speaks tlie waves wash o'er her lips, and down into the deep she j)hingcs ; anon she rises from the briny weight and with her hands, fear driving her, lashes the sea ; but soon, outwearied, gives o'er the struggle. There still lived in secret hearts ^ fidelity which scorned the grim fear of death. Many to their mistress dare bring aid, when her strength is exhausted by the sea, and, as she drags her arms, though sluggishly, along, with their voices cheer her and lift her with their hands. Hut what availed it to have escaped the waters of the cruel sea ? By the sword of thine own son thou art to die, to whose crime scarce will posterity, slowly will all future ages, give belief. He rages and grieves that his mother, snatched from the sea, still lives, the impious monster, and heaps huge guilt on guilt ; bent on his wretched mother's death, he bi'ooks no stay of crime. Sent to the task, his creature works his will, and with the sword lays open his mistress' breast. The unhappy woman, dving, begs her murderer to sheathe his fell sword within her womb : " 'Tis this, 'tis this that must with the sword be pierced, which gave such monster birth ! " After such utterance, with a dying groan commingled, at length through the cruel wound she yielded her sad ghost.
SENECA [alone] Why, potent Fortune, with false, flattering looks, hast high exalted me when contented with my lot, ^ i.e. of some of her servants.
437
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
alte extulisti, gravius ut ruerem edita
receptus arce totque prospicerem metus ? 380
melius latebam procul ab invidiae malis
remotus intei* Corsici rupes maris,
ubi liber animus et sui iuris mihi
semper vacabat studia recolenti mea.
o quam iuvabat^ quo nihil maius parens
Natura genuit, operis immensi artifex,
caelum intueri, solis et currus sacros
mundique motuSj^ solis alternas vices
orbemque Phoebes^ astra quern cingunt vaga,
lateque fulgens aetheris magni decus ; 390
qui si senescit^ tantus in caecum chaos
casurus iterum, tunc adest mundo dies ^
supremus ille^ qui premat^ genus impium
caeli ruina, rursus ut stirpem novam
generet renascens melior, ut quondam tulit
iuveniSj tenente regna Saturno poli.
tunc ilia virgo, numinis magni dea,
lustitiaj caelo missa cum sancta Fide
terris regebat mitis humanum genus.
non bella norant^ non tubae fremitus truces, 400
non anna gentes, cingere assuerant suas
muris nee urbes : pervium cunctis itei',
communis usus omnium rcrum fuit ;
et ipsa Tellus laeta fecundos sinus
pandebat ultro, tam piis felix parens
et tuta alumnis.
I Alia sed suboles^ minus
' exjierta mitis, tertium sollers genus
novas ad artes extitit, sanctum tamen ;
mox inquietum, quod sequi cursu feras
^ Leo deities solis . . . motus.
^ So Bichter with MSS. : Leo casurus itcruni est— nunc ades noundo, dies. * So Jiichter with MSS.: Leo premas.
438
OCTAVIA
that, raised to a lott}' pinnacle, in heavier ruin I might fall, and might look out upon so many fears ? Better was 1 hid, far out of the reach of envy's sting, midst the crags of Corsica, facing on the sea, where my spirit, free and its own lord, had ever time to contemplate my favourite themes. Oh, 'twas joy — a joy surpassing anything to which mother Nature, contriver of this fabric infinite, hath given birth, to gaze upon the heavens, the sun's sacred chariot, the motions of the universe and the sun's recurring- rounds, and the orb of Phoebe, which the wandering stars encircle, and the far effulgent glory of the mighty sky. If this sky is growing old, doomed wholly once more to fall into blind nothingness, then for the universe is that last day at hand which shall crush sinful man beneath heaven's ruin, that so once more a reborn and better world may bring fortli a new race such as she bore in youth, when Saturn ^ held the kingdoms of the sky. Then did that virgin, Justice,2 goddess of mighty sway, from heaven sent down with holy Faith to earth, rule with mild sway the race of men. No wars the nations knew, no trumpet's threatening blasts, no arms, nor were they used to surround their cities with a wall : open to all was the way, in common was the use of every thing ; and the glad Earth herself willingly laid bare her fruitful breast, a mother happy and safe amid such duteous nurslings.
'"'^ But another race arose which proved less gentle ; another yet, cunning in unknown arts, but holy still ; then came a restless r.iec, which dared
1 In the Golden Age. = i.e. Astraea.
^ 439
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
auderet acres, fluctibus tectos gravi 410
extrahere jnsces rete vel calauio levi,
decipere volucres^
tenere laqueo, premere subiectos iugo
tauros feroces, vomere immuncm prius
sulcare terram, laesa quae fruges suas
interius alte condidit sacro sinu.
sed in parentis viscera intravit suae
deterior aetas ; eruit ferrum grave
aurumque, saevas mox et armavit manus ;
partita fines regna constituit, novas 420
extruxit urbes^ tecta defendit sua,
aliena telis aut petit praedae imminens.
neglecta terras fugit et mores fcros
hominuni et cruenta caede pollutas manus
Astraea virgo, siderum magnum decus.
cupido belli crevit atque auri fames
totum per orbem, maximum exortum est malum
luxuria, pestis blanda, cui vires dedit
roburque longum tempos atque error gravis.
collecta vitia per tot aetates diu 430
in nos redundant ; saeculo premimur gravi,
quo scelera regnant, saevit impietas furens,
turpi libido Venere dominatur potens,
luxuria victrix orbis immensas opes
iam pridem avaris manibus, ut perdat, rapit.
Sed ecce, gressu fertur attonito Nero trucique vultu. quid ferat mente horreo.
NERO
Perage imperata ; mitte, qui Plauti mihi Sullaeque caesi referat abscisum caput.
^ Lio conjectures a lacuna, and sugycsCa <turbidos forti canes >.
440
OCTAVIA
pursue the wild beasts in tlic chase, draw fish from tiieir coverts 'neath the sea with Aveighted net or slender rod, catch birds, on a strong leash hold unrul}' dogs,i force headstrong bullocks to endure the yoke, fin-row the earth which had never felt the plough, and which, now thus outraged, had hidden her fruits deeper in her sacred bosom. But into its mother's bowels did tliat degenerate age intrude ; it (big out heavy iron and gold, and soon did it arm savage hands for war. Marking out boundaries, it established kingdoms, built cities, hitherto unknown, guarded its own dwellings or, bent on booty, with weapons attacked another's. Away from earth that scorned her, from the wild ways of men and hands defiled with bloody slaughter, fled the maid, Astraea, chief glory of the firmament. Lust for war increased and hunger for gold throughout the world; luxury arose, deadliest of ills, a luring pest, which acquired strength and force by long use and grievous error. These sins, through many ages gathering, are o'er- flowing upon us; a heavy age weighs us down, wherein crime is regnant, impiety runs mad, all-potent lust lords it with shameless love, and triumphant luxury has long with greedy hands been clutching the world's unbounded stores — that she may squander them. [nero is seen approaching.'^ ^^•^ But see, with startled step and savage mien Nero approaches. At thought of what he brings I tremble. [Enfe7- -HKiw , followed hij a Prefect.]
NERO [to Prefect]
Go do my bidding ; send one to slay me Plautus and Sulla and bring back their severed heads.
^ Translating Leo's conjecture.
441
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
PRAEFECTVS
lussa haud morabor : castra coiifestim petam.
SENECA
Nihil in propinquos temere constitui decet. 440
NERO
lustum esse facile est cui vacat pectus metu.
SENECA
Magnum timoris remedium dementia est.
NERO
Extinguere hostem maxima est virtus ducis.
SENECA
Servare cives maior est patriae patri.
NERO
Praecipere mitem convenit pueris senem.
SENECA
Regenda magis est fervida adolescentia.
NERO
Aetate in liac sat esse consilii reor.
SENECA
Vt facta superi comjjrobent semper tua.
NERO
Stulte verebor, ipse cum faciam, deos.
442
OCT A VI A
PIIEFECT
Thy bidding will I do : to tlie camp forthwitli I'll take inc. [K.rif.
SENECA
'Tis not becoming to proceed rashly 'gainst one's friends.
NERO
'Tis easy to be just when the heart is free from fear.
SENECA
A sovereign cure for fear is clemency.
NERO
To destroy foes is a leader's greatest virtue.
SENECA
For the father of his country to save citizens, is greater still.
NERO
A mild old man should give schooling to bovs.
SENECA
More needful 'tis that fiery youth be ruled.
NERO
I deem that at this age we are wise enough.
SENECA
May thy deeds be ever pleasing to the gods.
NERO
Foolish I'd be to fear the gods, when I myself make them.^
* Referring to his own act in deifying the late Claudius.
443
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SENECA
Hoc plus verere quod licet tantum tibi. 450
NERO
I Fortuna nostra cuncta permittit niihi.
SENECA
Crede obsequenti parcius ; levis est'dea.
NERO
Inertis est nescire quid liceat sibi,
SENECA
Id facere laus est quod decet, non quod licet.
NERO
Calcat iacentem vulgus.
SENECA
Invisum opprimit.
NERO
Ferrum tuetur principem.
SENECA
Melius fides.
NERO
Decet timeri Caesarcm.
SENECA
At plus diligi.i
NERO
Metuant necesse est —
^ Leo deletes decet . . . diligi. 444
OCTAVIA
SENECA
Fear thou the more, that so great j)ower is thine.
NERO
My fortune doth allow all things to me.
SENECA
Indulgent fortune trust more cautiously ; she is a
fickle goddess.
NERO
^ 'Tis a dullard's part not to know what he may do.
SENECA
'Tis praiseworthy to do, not what one may, but what one ought.
NERO
Him who lies down the crowd trample on.
SENECA
Him whom they hate, they crush.
NEUO
The sword protects the ])rince,
SENECA
Still better, loyalty.
NERO
A Caesar should be feared.
SENECA
But more be loved.
NERO
But men must fear —
44:
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SENECA
Quidquid exprimitur grave est.
NERO
lussisque nostris pareant.
SENECA
lusta impera — ■
NERO
Statiiam ipse.
SENECA
Quae consensus efficiat rata. 460
NERO
Respectus ^ ensis faciei.
SENECA
Hoc absit nefas.
NERO
An patiar ultra sanguinem nostrum peti, inultus et contemptus ut subito opprimar ? exilia non fregere suniniotos procul Plautum atque Sullam, pertinax quorum furor aruiat ministros sceleris in caedem nieam, absentium cum maneat etiam ingens favor in urbe nostra, qui fovet spes exulum. tollantur hostes ense suspecti niilii, invisa coniunx pereat et caruni sibi 470
fratrem secjuatur. quidquid excelsum est cadat.
SENECA
Fulcrum eminere est inter illustres viros, consulere patriae, parcere afflictis, fera
' So Buechder and Richttr: Leo, with the MSS., Despectus Wilamowitz despectum ut eusis feriat ?
446
OCTAVIA
SENECA
What is compelled is burdensome.
NERO
Let them obey our orders.
SENECA
Give righteous orders —
NERO
I shall myself decide.
SENECA
which the general thought may ratify.
NERO
Reverence for the sword will ratify them.
SENECA
May heaven forbid !
NERO
Shall I then go on suffering them to seek my blood, that, unavenged and scorned, I may suddenly be crushed ? Exile has not broken Plautus and Sulla, though far removed, whose persistent rage arms the agents of their guilt to work my death, since still, though absent, great is the favour they enjoy in this our city, which nurtures the exiles' hopes. Let the sword remove foemen whom I suspect ; let my hateful wife perish and follow the brother whom she loves. Whatever is high exalted, let it fall.
SENECA
'Tis glorious to tower aloft amongst great men, to have care for father-land, to spare the downtrodden,
4+7
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
caede abstinere tempus atque irae dare,
orbi quietem, saeculo pacem suo.
haec summa virtus, petitur hac caelum via.
sic ille patriae primus Augustus parens
complexus astra est colitur et templis deus.
ilium tamen Fortuna iactavit diu
terra marique per graves belli vices, 480
hostes parentis donee oppressit sui ;
tibi numen incruenta summisit suum
et dedit habenas imperi facili manu
nutuque terras maria subiecit tuo.
invidia tristis victa consensu pic
cessit ; senatus, equitis accensus favor ;
plebisque votis atque iudicio patrum
tu pacis auctor, generis humani arbiter
electus orbem iam sacra specie regis
patriae parens ; quod nomen ut serves petit 490
suosque cives Roma commendat tibi.
Munus deorum est, ipsa quod servit mihi Roma et senatus quodque ab invitis preces humilesque voces exprimit nostri metus. servare cives principi et patriae graves, claro tumentes genere — quae dementia est, cum liceat una voce suspectos sibi mori iubere ? Brutus in caedem ducis, a quo salutem tulerat, armavit manus ; invictus acie, gentium domitor, lovi 500
aequ.atus altos ipse i)er honorum gradus Caesar nefando civium scelere occidit. quantum cruoris Roma tum vidit sui, lacerata totiens ! ille qui meruit })ia virtute caelum, divus Augustus, viros
448
OCTAVIA
to abstain from cruel bloodshed^ to be slow to wrath, give (juiet to the world, peace to one's time. This is \ irtue's crown, by this way is lieavcn sought. So did that first Augustus, his country's father, gain the stars, and is Avorship{)ed in the temples as a god. Vet him did Fortune toss for long on land and sea in battle's deadly chances, until his father's foes he overwhelmed. But to thee hath she yielded her divinity, unstained of blood ; hath with easy hand given thee the reins of government, and to thy nod subjected lands and seas. Sour hate, o'ercome, hath yielded in loyal harmony ; the senate's favour and the knights' is warm toward thee ; and by the peojile's praj'ei's and the judgment of the Fathers, thou art the source of peace, the arbiter of human destinies, chosen to rule the world with godlike mien, the country's father. This name Rome prays thee to j)reserve, and to thy care connnends her citizens.
'Tis the gift of heaven that Rome herself and the senate arc subject unto me, and that from unwilling lips prayers and servile words are extorted by fear of me. To preserve citizens, to ruler and father- land alike opjiressive, puffed up with pride of race — what folly is't, when with a v/ord one may give to de.-ith those he suspects? Brutus for the murder ol his chief, to whom he owed his safety, armed his hands ; and Caesar, invincible in battle shock, tamer of nations, walking, a very Jove, along the upward path of honours, died by the unspeakable crime of cillz/^nx. ^^'hat streams of her own blood did Rome then behold, so often rent with strife ! He Avho earned heaven by piety, the deified Augustus, how
419
VOL. II. O O
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
quot intercmit nobiles, invents senes
sparsos per orbem^ cum siios mortis metu
fugerent pcnates et trium ferrum diicum,
tabula notante deditos tristi neci !
exposita rostris capita caesorum patres 510
videre maesti, flere nee licuit suos,
noil gemere dira tabe polluto foro,
stillante sanie per putres vultus gravi,
nee finis hie cruoris aut caedis stetit :
pavere volucres et feras saevas diu
tristes Philippi, hausit et Siculum mare
classes virosque ^ saepe cedentes ; suis
coneussus orbis viribus. magnus ducum
supei'atus acie, pup])ibus Niiinn petit
fugae paratiSj ipse periturus br(n'i ; 520
hausit cruorem incesta Romani ducis
Aegyptus iterum ; nunc leves umbras tegit,
illic sepultum est impie gestiim diu
civile bellum. condidit tandem suos
iam fessus enses victor hebetatos feris
vulneribus, et continuit imperium nutiis.
armis fideque militis tutus fuit,
pietate nati factus eximia deus,
post fata consccratus et templis datus.
nos quoque manebunt astra^ si saevo jjrior 530
ense occuparo quidquid infestum est niihi
dignaque nostram subole fundaro donnnn.
^ The text here is hopelessly corrupt and hai hrai variously tmended. Schroeder's emendation is at least infelligihle. Lto reads
saeije cedentes siioa coneussus orbis viribus magnus ducum Hupcratus, etc. 150
OCTAVIA
many nobles did lie put to dcath^ yniini;- men and old, scattered throiif;hout ihe world, \vhcn they (led their own homes throuoh I'tar of death and the sword of the three handed ehiels ' — all b}' the aeciisin<^ list- delivered to grim destruction ! Tlie grieving fathers saw the heads of the slain set out upon the rostra, but dared not weep then* dead nor groan, while tlie forum reeked with foul corruption, and sluggish gore dripped down the rotting faces. Nor was tliis the end of slaughter and of blood : long did grim Philippi feed birds and beasts of prey, and the Sicilian sea engulfed (leets and men often retreating ; the world ^ was shaken by its own contending forces. The great * connuander, by the leaders' array o'ercome, with his ships prepared for flight, hied him to the Nile, him- self doomed soon to perish ; incestuous ^ Egypt a second^' time drank a Roman leader's blood, and now covers his Hitting shade. There civil strife is buried, waged imi)iously and long. At last the victor' now weary, sheathed his sword, blunted with savage blows, and maintained his sway by fear. Safe under the protection of his loyal guards he lived, and when he died, by the surpassing jnety of his son *^ was made a god, hallowed and enshrined. Me, too, shall the stars await, if with relentless sword I first destroy whate'er is hostile to me, and on a worthv oflspring found my house.
^ The Second Triumvirate, Lepidus, Antonius, and Octavius. ' The proacription lists.
** i.e. the world of the Roman Kmpire.
■• p]vidonlly referring to Marcus Antonius, as the context shows.
* Because of tlie marriage of Cleopatra v\illi her brother, Ptolemy.
•* The implied first was On. Pompoius. ' Octavius.
' Tiberius, the adopted son of Augustus.
451 G G 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SENECA
Implebit aul.im stirpe caelesti tuam generata divo Claudiae gentis decus, sortita fratris more lunonis toros.
NKRO
Incesta genetrix detrahit generi fidem, animusque numquam coniiigis iunctus mihi.
SENECA
Teneris in annis baud satis clarus ferest,' pudore victus cum tegit flammaSj amoi*.
NERO
Hoc equidem et ipse credidi frustra diu, 540
manifesta quamvis pectore insociabili vultuque signa proderent odium mei ; tandem quod ardciis statuit ulcisci dolor, dignamque tlialamis coniugem inveni meis genere atque format victa cui cedat Venus lovisque coniunx et ferox armis dea.
SENECA
Probitas fidesque coniugis, mores pudor placeant marito ; sola perpetuo manent subiecta nulli mentis atque animi bona ; (lorem decoris singuli carpunt dies. 550
NEHO
Omnes in unam contulit laudes deus talemque nasci fata voluerunt mihi.
^ clara eet fides A, emended hy Leo, and irith reason, for the fides of line 536 is not in question, but the amor implicit in line 537. 452
OCTAVIA
With stock celestial will she ^ fill thy halls, she, the daiii^hter of a god,'- the Claudian race's glory, who has, like Juno, gained her brother's bed.
NKRO
A harlot mother-'' brings her birth in doubt; — and the soul of my wife was never linked with mine.
SENECA
In tender years rarely is love revealed, when, bv modesty o'ercome, it hides its fires.
NEIJO
This truly I, too, myself have vainly trusted long, although clear signs from her unloving heart and face betrayed her hate of me ; which to avenge at last my hot grief has resolved. And now I have found a wife worthy of m}'^ bed in birlh and beauty, to whom V^enus, outshone, would yield, and the wife of Jove and the goddess^ bold in battle.
SENEC.V
But honour, wifely faith, virtue and modesty, should please a husband ; for 'tis these only, the treasures of mind and heart, that, subject to none, abide perpetual ; but beauty's flower each passing day despoils.
NERO
All charms upon one woman has God bestowed, and such was she born, — so have the fates decreed, — ■ for me.
' Octavia.
' Claudius, by courtesy and custom called divus after death. * Messalina. * Minerva.
453
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SENECA
Recedet a te (temere ne credas) amor.
Quern summovere fulminis dominus nequit, caeli tyrannum^ saeva qui penetrat freta Ditisque regnaj detrahit superos polo?
V^olucreni esse Amorem fingit iuimitem deum mortalis error, armat et telis manus arcuque sacras, instruit saeva face genitumque credit Venere, Vulcano satum. 560
vis magna mentis blandus atque animi calor Amor est ; iuventa gignitur, luxu otio nutritur inter laeta Fortunae bona ; quem si fovere atque alcrc desistas, cadit brevique vires perdit extinctus suas.
Ilane esse vitae maximam causam reor, per quam voluptas oritur ; interitu caret, cum procreetur semper humanum genus Amore grato, qui truces midcet feras. Iiic miiii iugales praeferat tacdas deus 570
iungatque nostris igne Poj)paeam toris.
Vix sustinere possit hos thalamos dolor videre pojudi, sancta nee j)ietas sinat.
NEIIO
I'roliibcbor unus facere quod cunclis licet? 454
OCT A VI A
SENECA
Love will depart from thee, be not too credulous.
What? He whom the lightning's lord cannot put off? Heaven's t}' rant, who enters the savage seas and tiie realm of Dis, and draws gods from the sky ?
SF.NFCA
'Tis our human ignorance f;\shions Love a winged god, implncablc, and arms with shafts and bow his sacred iiands, equips him with bla/ing torch, and counts him the son of Venus, Vulcan's seed. This " Love " is a mighty force of mind, a fond heat of the soul; 'tis born of youth, 'tis nursed by luxury and ease midst the glad gifts of Fortune ; and if thou cease to feed and foster it, it falls away and quickly is its power dead and lost.
This do I deem the chiefest source of life, whence pleasure hath its birth ; 'tis a deathless thing, since the human race is evermore renewed by j)l casing Love, who softens e'en savage beasts. May this god bear before me the wedding torch, and with his fire join Poppaea to my bed.
SENECA
The people's grief could scarce endure to see such marriajie, nor would holv reverence allow it.
XKllO
Shall I alone be forbidden what all may do?
455
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SENECA
Maiora populus semper a summo exigit.
NERO
Libet experiri, viribus fractus meis an cedat animis temere conceptus favor.
SENECA
Obsequere potius civibus placidus tuis.
NERO
Male imperatur, cum regit vulgus duces.
SENECA
Nihil impetrare cum valet, iuste dolet. 580
NERO
Exprimere ius est, ferre quod nequeunt preces .''
SENECA
Negare durum est.
NERO
Princijiem cogi nefas.
SENECA
Remittat ipse.
NERO
Fama sed victum feret.
SENECA
Levis atque vana.
NERO
Sit licet, multos notat, 456
OCTAVIA
SENECA
Greatest from highest ever the state exaets.
NERO
Fain would I make trial whether, broken by my might, this rashly cherished regard would not vanish from their hearts.
SENECA
Bend, rather, peacefully to thy people's will.
NERO
111 fares the state when commons govern kings.
SENECA
He justly chafes who naught avails by prayer
NERO
Is it right to extort what prayer cannot obtain
SENECA
To refuse is harsh.
NERO
To force a prince is outrage.
SENECA
He should himself give way.
NERO
But rumour will report him conquered.
SENECA
A trivial and empty thing is rumour.
NERO
E'en GO, it disgraces many. 457
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SEN KCA
Excelsa meluit.
NEHO
Non minus carpit tamen.
Facile opprimetur. merita te divi patris aetasque frangat coiiiugis, probitas pudor.
Desiste tandem, iam gravis nimium milii, instare ; liceat facere quod Seneca imjirobat. iam pridem et i{)se vota Pojipaeae moror,^ 590
cum })ortet utero pignus et partem mei. quin destinamus proximum thalamis diem ?
AGRIPPINA
(^ Tellure rupta Tartaro gressum extuli, Stygiam cruenta praeferens dcxtra facem thalamis scelestis. nubat his flammis mco Popj)aea nato iuneta, quas vindex manus dolorque matris vertet ad tristes rogos. manet inter umbras iinpiae caedis mihi semper memoria, manibus nostris gravis adlnic inultis. I'eddita est meritis meis 600
funesta merccs pupj)is et pretium imperi nox ilia qua naufragi i deflevi mea ; comitum necem nati<juc crudelis ncfas deflere votum fuerat — baud tempus datum est
' So Buerlulcr. Lvo reads et ipse popiili vota iam piiileiii moror. populi is impossible in view 0/ (he next line.
459
OCTAVIA
SIlNECA
It fears tlie liigh exalte(K
NEIIO
But none the less maligns.
SENF.CA
'Twill easily be crushed. Let the merits of thy sainted father ^ break thy wiW,- and thy wife's youth, her faith, her chastity.
NERO
Have done at last ; already too wearisome has thy insistence grown ; permit me to do what Seneca disapproves. Long since am 1 myself Poppaea's prayers delaying, since in her womb she bears a pledge and ])art of me. Why not appoint to-morrow for the wedding day? [Exeunt.
[Enter Gliost of .\grippin.\ hearing a Jiaming torch.^
AiatnM'iXA
S Through the rent earth from Tartarus have I come brth, bringing in bloody liand a Stygian torch to these curst marriage rites. With these flames let Poppaea wed my son, which a mother's avenging hand and grief shall turn to grim funeral pyres. Ever amidst the shades the memory of my impious murder abides with me, burdening my ghost still iniavenged. The payment I received for all my services was that death-fraught ship, and the reward of empire, that night wherein I mourned my wreck. My comrades' murder and my son's heartless crime I would have wept — no time was given for
* i.e. his adoptive fatlier, Cluuilina. ' In the matter of I'oppaea.
459
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
lacriraiSj sed ingens scelere geminavit nefas.
perempta ferro^ foeda vulneribus sacros
intra penates spiritum effudi gravem
erepta pelago^ sanguine extinxi meo
nee odia nati. saevit in nomen ferus
matris tyranniis^ obrui meritum cupit, 6lO
simulacra, titulos destruit mortis ^ metu
totum per orbem quern dedit poenam in meara
puero regendum noster infelix amor.
Extinctus umbras agitat infestus mcas flammisque vultus noxios coniunx petit, instat, minatur, imputat fatum mihi tumulumque nati, poscit auctorem necis. iam parce ; dabitur, tempus baud longum peto. ultrix Erinys impio dignum parat letum tyranno, verbera et turpem fugam 620
poenasque quis et Tantali vincat sitim, dirum laborem Sisyphi, Tityi abtem Ixionisque membra rapientem rotam. licet extruat marmoribus atque auro tegat superbus aulam, limen armatae ducis servent cohortes, mittat immensas oj)es exhaustus orbis, supplices dextram petant Partlii cruentam, regna divitias ferant ; veniet dies tempusque quo reddat suis animam nocentem sceleribus, iugulum liostibus 630 dcsertus ac dcstructus et cunctis egens.
Heu, quo labor, quo vota ceciderunt mea ?
^ So A. Leo, following Buecheler, matris.
* Britannicus. * X( ro.
* It is llic following passage which forms the chief argii-
460
OCTAVIA
tears, but with crime lie doubled that awful crime. Though saved from the sea, yet by the sword un- done, loathsome with wounds, midst tlie holy images I gave up my troubled ghost. Still my blood quenched not the hatred of my son. Rages the mad tyrant against his mother's name, longs to blot out her merits ; my statues, my inscriptions he destroys by threat of death throughout the world — the world which, to my own punishment, m}' ill- starred love gave to a boy's government.
[.S'//6' .seems to see her husband's ghost.'\
6'^ Wrathfully doth my dead husband hai-ass my ghost, and with torches attacks my guilty face ; pur- sues me, threatens, charges to me his death and his son's ^ burial mound, demands the author- of the murderous deed. Have done ; he shall be given ; 'tis no long time I seek. The avenging Fury plans for the impious tyrant a worthy doom ^ ; blows and base flight and sufferings whereby he may surpass e'en Tantalus' thirst, the dread toil of Sisyphus, the bird of Tityus and the wheel which whirls Ixion's limbs around. Though in his pride he build him marble palaces and roof them in with gold, though armed guards stand at their chieftain's door, though the beggared world send him its boundless riches, though Parthians in suj)pliance seek his bloody hand, though kingdoms bring wc.dth to him; the daj'and the hour will come when for his crimes he shall pay his guilty soul, shall give his throat to his enemies, abandoned and undone and stripped of all.
^^'^ Alas ! to what end my labour and my prayers ?
ment of those who deny the Senecan authorship of this play, on the ground that it gives in the form of prophecy a cir- cumstantial account of the death of Nero, iu 68 a.d., whereas Seneca died in 65.
461
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
quo te furor provexit attonitum tuus
et fata, iiate, cedat ut tantis malis
genetricis ira quae tuo scelere occidit ?
utinam antcquam te parvulum in lucem cdidi
aluique, saevae nostra laccrassent ferae
viscera ; sine ullo scelere, sine sensu innocens
meus occidisses ; iunctus atque haerens mihi
semper quietam cerneres sedem inferum, 64-0
proavos patremque, nominis magni viros,
quos nunc pudor luctusque perpetuus manet
ex te, nefande, meque quae talem tuli.
quid tegere cesso Tartaro vultus nieos,
aoverca coniunx mater infelix meis ?
OCTAVIA
Parcite lacrimis urbis festo laetoque die, ne tantus amor nostrique favor principis acres suscitet iras vobisque ego siin causa malorum. non hoc j)rimum 630
pcctora vulnus mea senserunt ; graviora tuli ; dabit hie nostris iinem curis vel morte dies, non ego saevi cernere cogar coniugis ora, non i avisos intrare mihi thalamos famulae ; soror Augusti, non uxor ero. absint tantum tristes poenae letique metus. 660
scelerum diri, miseranda, viri potes hoc demcns sperare memor ? hos ad thalamos servata diu +62
OCTAVIA
Hath thy frcn/y carried thee so far in madness^ and thy destiny, my son, that the wrath of a mother murdered by thy liand gives way before such woes? Would that, ere I brought thee, a tiny babe, to light, and suckled thee, savage beasts of prey had rent my vitals ; then without crime, without sense and innocent, thou wouldst have died— my OM'n ; close clinging to my side, thou wouldst forever see the quiet seats of the underworld, thy grandsires and thy sire, heroes of glorious name, whom now shame and grief perj)etual await because of thee, thou monster, and of me who bore such son. But why- delay to hide my face in Tartarus, as step-dame, mother, Avife, a curse unto my own ?
[^rhe Ghost vanishes. Fjifcr octavia.]
OCTAVIA [to the Chorus'\ Restrain your tears on this glad, festal day of Rome, lest your great love and care for me arouse tlie emperor's sharp wrath, and I be cause of suffering to you. This wound ^ is not the first my heart has felt ; far heavier have I borne ; but this day shall end my cares e'en by my death. Xo more shall 1 be forced to look on my brutal husband's face, nor to enter a slave's chamber which I hate ; Augustus' sister shall I be, not wife. Only may I be spared dire iTimishments and fearful death. — And canst thou, poor, foolish girl, remembering thy cruel husband's crimes, yet hope for this.'' Long kept back for this marriage-festival, thou shalt fall
' i.e. her divorce aiid disgrace.
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
victima tandem funtsta cades, sed quid j)atrios saepe penates i-espicis udis coufusa genis ? propera tectis etFerre gradus^ linque cruentam principis aulam.
En illuxit suspecta diu, fama totiens iactata dies. 670
cessit tlialamis Claudia diri pulsa Neronis, quo iam victrix Poppaea tenet, cessat pietas dum nostra gi-avi compressa metu segnisque dolor, ubi Roniani vis est populi, fregit claros quae saepe duces, dedit invictae leges patriae, fasces dignis civibus olim, iussit belluni pacemque, feras 680
gentes donuiit, captos reges carcere clausit ? gravis en oculis undique nostris iam Poppaeae fulget imago, iuncta Neroni ! affligat humo violenta manus similes nimium vultus dominae ipsamque toris detrahat altis, petat infestis mox et flammis telisque feris principis aulam.
NVTHIX roi'PAF.AE
Quo trepida gressum coniugis tlialamis tui 690
efl'ers, alumna, quidve secretum petis
^ i.e. Octavia. 464
OCTAVIA at last, an ill-i-'ian-cd victim. Hut why so often to thy father's house dost look back with streaming eyes? Haste thee to leave this roof; abandon the blood-stained i)alace of the emj)cror. [Ea-il.
CilORUS
Lo, now has dawned the day long dim foreseen, so oft by rumour bruited. Departed is Claudia' from cruel Nero's chamber, which e'en now Po])paea holds in triumph, while lags our love by grievous fear repressed, and grief is numb. Where is the Roman people's manhood now, which oft in olden times hath crushed illustrious chiefs, given laws to an unconquered land,- the fasces to worthy citizens, made war and peace at will, conquered wild races and ini])risoned captive kings ? Lo, grievous to our sight, on every hand now gleams Poppaea's image, with Nero's joined ! Let violent hands throw them to the ground, too like their mistress' features ; let them drag her down from her lofty couch, and then with devouring flames and savage spears attack the palace of the emperor. [E.r// chorus.
[Etiier poppaka's nuiisk and poi'pak.a /terse!/', tv/io appears, distraug/il, coming out of /ler c/iamberA
NUllSE
Whither, dear child, dost pass all trembling from the chamber of thy lord, or what hidden place seekst
- i.e. withstood all outside enemies and righteously ruled within the father-land.
465 VOL. n. H M
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
turbatn vullu ? cur genae fletu madent ?
certe petitus precibus et votis dies
nostris refulsit ; Caesari iuncta es tuo
taeda iugali, quern tuus cepit decor,
contemj)ta i Senecae tradidit vinctum tibi
genetrix Amoris, maximum numen, Venus.
o qualis altos quanta pressisti toros
residens in aula ! vidit attonitus tuam
formam senatus, tura cum superis dares 700
sacrasque grato spargeres ai'as mero,
velata summum flammeo tenui caput ;
et ipse lateri iunctus atque haerens tuo
sublimis inter civium laeta omina
incessit habitu atque ore laetitiam gerens
princeps superbo. talis emersam freto
spumante Peleus coniugem accepit Thetin,
quorum toros celebrasse caelestes ferunt,
pelagique numen omne consensu pari.
quae subita vultus causa mutavit tuos ? 710
quid pallor iste, quid ferant lacrimae doce.
POPPAEA
Confusa tristi proximae noctis metu visuque, nutrix, mentc turbata feror, defecta sensu. laeta nam j)ostquam dies sideribus atris cessit et nocti polus, inter Neronis iuncta comj)lexus mei somno resolvor ; nee diu })lacida frul quietc licuit. visa nam thalamos meos celebrare turba est macsta ; resolutis coniis matres Latinae flebiles planctus dabant ; 720
inter tubarum saepe terribilem sonuni sparsam cruore coniugis genetrix mei vultu minaci saeva quatiebat facem.
* et culjia Senecae A, variously tmendtd by Leo as above.
466
OCTAVIA
thou with troubled face ? Why arc tliy checks wet with weeping? Surely the day sought by our prayers and vows has dawned ; to thy Caesar art thou joined by the marriage torch^ him whom thy beauty snared, whom ^^enus hath delivered in bonds to thee, Venus, of Seneca flouted, mother of Love, most mighty deity. Oh, how beautiful and stately wast thou on the high couch i*eclining in the hall ! The senate looked on thy beauty in amaze, when incense to the gods thou offeredst and with pleasing wine didst sprinkle the sacred shrines, thy head covered with filmy marriage-veil, flame-coloui'cd. And close beside thee, majestic midst the favouring plaudits of the citizens, walked the })rince himself, showing, in look and bearing, his jov and pride. So did Peleus take Thetis for his bride, risen up from Ocean's foam, to whose marriage, they say, the heaven-dwellers thronged, and with equal joy each sea divinity. What cause so suddenly has changed thy face ? Tell me what mean thy pallor and thy tears.
My sad heart, dear nurse, is confused and troubled by a fearful vision of yester-night, and my senses reel. For, after joyful day had to the dark stars yielded, and the sky to night, held close in my Nero's arms I lay relaxed in slumber. But not long was it granted to enjoy sweet rest ; for my marriage chamber seemed thronged with many mourners ; with stream- ing hair did Roman matrons come, making tearful lamentations ; midst oft repeated and fearful trumj)et blasts, my husband's mother,^ with threatening mien and savage, brandished a blood-spattered torch.
' Agrippina.
467 H H 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
(jiiani dum sequor coacta pracsenti nietii,
didiicta subito patiiit ingenti mihi
tellus liiatu ; lata quo praeceps toros
cerno iugales pariter et miror meos,
in quis residi fcssa. venientem intuor
comitante tiirba coniugem quondam iDeuni
natumque ; properat petere com plexus meos 730
Crispinus, intennissa libare oscubi :
irrupit intra tecta cum tre{)idus mea
ensemque iugulo condidit saevum Nero.
tandem quietem magnus excussit timer ;
quatit ossa et artus horridus nostros tremor
j)ulsatque pectus ; continet vocem timor,
quarn nunc fides pietasquc produxit tua.
heu quid minantur infevuni manes mihi
aut quern cruorem coniugis vidi mei ?
NVTRIX
Quaecumque mentis agitat intentus ^ vigor 740 ea per quietem sacer et arcanus refert veloxque sensus. coniugem thalamos toros vidisse te miraris amplexu novi haerens mariti ? sed movent laeto die pulsata j)almis pectora et fusae comae ? Octaviae discidia ])lanxerunt sacros inter penaLes fV;itris et patrium larem. fax ilia, quam secuta es^ Augustae manu praelata clarum nomen invidia tibi j)artum omiuatur. inferum sedes toros 750
stabiles futures spondct aeternae domus. iugulo quod ensem condidit princej)s tuus, bella liaud niovebit, pace sed ferrum teget. ^ So G'ro)iovnis : Leo, with A, infest us.
^ Crispinus. 468
OCTAVIA
While I was fbllowiii<r lier, driven by urgent fear, suddenly the earth j-awned beneath me in a mighty chasm. Downward through this I plunged and there, as on earth, beheld my wedding-couch, wondering to behold it, whereon I sank in utter weariness, I saw apj)roaching, witii a throng around him, my former husband^ and my son.^ Crispinus^ hastened to take me in his arms, to kiss me as long ago ; when hurriedly into my chamber Nero burst and buried his savage sword in the other's throat. At length a mighty fear roused me from slumber ; my bones and limbs shook with a violent trembling ; my he.irt beat wildly ; fear checked my utterance, which now thy love and loyalty have restored to me. Alas ! Wliat do the spirits of the dead tin-eaten me, or what means the blood of my husband that I saw ?
NURSE
Whate'er the mind's waking vigour eagerly pur- sues, a mysterious, secret sense, swift working, brings back in sleep. Dost marvel that thou didst behold husband and marriage-bed, held fast in thy new lord's arms ? 13ut do hands beating breasts and streaming hair on a day of joy trouble thee ? 'Twas Octavia's divorce they mourned midst her brother's sacred gods and her father's house. That torch which thou didst follow, bcrne in Augusta's * hand, foretells the name that thou shall gaiji illumed by envy. Thy abode in the lower world ^ promises the stablishcd marriage-bed of a home unending. Where- as thine emperor buried his sword in that other's throat, wars shall he not wage, but in peace shall
- Rufrius Crispinus. For his fate, see Index. 3 i.e. her hushand. ■• i.e. Agrippina's,
* yiiice in that world all things are changele.ss.
469
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
recollige animum, recipe laetitiam, precor, timore pulso redde te thalamis tuis.
POPPAEA
Delubra et ai-as petere constitui sacras, caesis litai-e victimis numen deum, lit expientur noctis et somni iiiinae teiTorque in hostes redeat attonitus meos. til vota pro me suscipe et precihus piis 760
superos adora^ nianeat ut praesens status.
Si vera loquax fama Tonantis furta et gratos narrat aniores (quern modo Ledae pressisse sinuni tectum plumis pennisque ferunt, modo per fluctus raptam Europen taurum tei'go portasse trucem), quae regit et nunc deseret astra, petet amplexuSj Poppaea, tuos, quos et Ledae praeferre potest 770
et tibi, quondam cui miranti fulvo, Danae, fluxit in auro. formam S})arte iactet alumnae licet et Phrygius praemia pastor vincet vultus haec Tyndaridos qui moverunt horrida bella Phrygiaecpie solo regna dedere.
Sed quis gressu ruit attonito aut quid portat pectore anhelo ?
NVNTIVS
Qiiicunique tectis cxcubat miles ducis, 780
del'endat aulam cui furor populi inuninct.
470
OCT A VI A
slieatlie his sword. Take lieart again, recall thy joy, I pray ; banish thy fear and return thee to thy chamber.
POPPA EA
Rather am I resolved to seek the shrines and sacred altars, and with slain victims sacrifice to the holy gods, that the threats of night and sleep may be averted, and that my crazed terror may turn against my foes. Do thou make vows for me and with pious prayers implore the gods of heaven that my present lot may be abiding. [Exeunl.
CHORUS [of Roman rvotnen in sympalhij ivilh poppaeaJ
If truly speaks babbling rumour of the Thunderer's sweet stolen loves, (who now, they say, in feathery plumage hid, held Leda in his embrace, now over the waves, in fierce bull-form, the stolen Europa bore,) e'en now will he desert the stars o'er~*which he rules and seek thy arms, Poppaea, which even to Leda's he might prefer, and to thine, O Danae, before whose wondering eyes in olden time he poured down in yellow gold. Let Sparta vaunt the beauty of her dauj^hter,^ and let the Phrygian shepherd - vaunt his prize ; she ^ will outshine the face of Tvndaris,^ which set dread war on foot and levelled Phrygia's kingdom with the ground.
"^* But who comes running with excited steps .'' What tidings bears he in his heaving breast ? [Enter messenger.]
MESSENGER
Whatever guard holds watch o'er our leader's house, let it defend the palace which the peo|)le's ' Helen, • Paris. • I'oppaea. * Helen.
471
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
trepidi cohoi'tes ecce praefecti tralumt praesidia ad urbis, victa nee cedit iiictu concepta rabies temere, sed vires ca})it.
CHORUS
Quis iste mentes agitat attonitus furor ?
NVNTIVS
Octav^iae favore percussa agniina et efFerata ])er nefas ingens riiunt.
CHORVS
Quid ausa facere quove consilio doce.
Reddere penates Claudiae divi parant torosque Iratris, debitam partem imperi. 790
CHORVS
Quos iam tenet Pojipaea eoncordi fide ?
Hie urit animos pertinax nimium favor et in furorcm teniere praecipites agit. quaecunique claro marmore effigies stetit aut aere fulgens, era Pojipaeae gerens, aftiicta vulgi manibus et saevo iacet eversa ferro ; membra per partes trahunt deducta laqueis, obruunt turpi diu calcata caeno. verba conveniunt feris immixta factis quae timor reticet meus. 800
sepire Hammis princi]>is sedeui parant,
472
OCTAVIA
fury threatens. See, in trembling haste the captains are briiifj^ing- cohorts to defend the town ; nor does the mob's madness, raslily roused, give place, o'er- come witli fear, but gathers strength.
niuKUs Wliat is tliat wild iVenzy which stirs their hearts ?
MESSENGER
Smitten with love for Octavia and beside them- selves with rage, the throngs rush on, in mood for any crime.
CHORUS
What do they dare to do, or what is their plan, tell tiiou.
MESSENGER
They plan to give back to Claudia ^ her dead father's house, her brother's bed and her due share of empire.
( HORUS
Wliich even now Poj)paea shares with her lord in mutual loyalty ?
MESSENGER
'Tis this too stubborn love - that inflames their minds and into rash madness drives them headlong. Whatever statue was set up of noble marble or of gleaming bronze, which bore the features of I'oppaea, lies low, cast down by base-born hands and by relentless bars o'erturned ; the limbs, pulled down bv ropes, they drag piecemeal, trample them o'er and o'er and cover them with foul mud. Conmiingled curses match their savage acts, which I am afraid to tell of They make ready to hem the emperor's ' Octavia. * i.e. for Oclavia.
473
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
populi nisi irae coniugem rcddat novam, reddat penates Claudiae victus suos. ut noscat ipse civium motuSj mea voce hand morabor iussa pracfecti exequi.
Quid fera frustra belbi movetis? invicta gerit tela Cupido ; fiainmis vestros obriiet ignes quibus extinxit fulmina saepe captumque lovem caelo traxit. 810
laeso tristes dabitis poenas sanguine vestro. non est patiens fervidiis irae facilisque regi ; ille ferocem iussit Achillem pulsare lyram, fregit Danaos, IVegit Atridem, regna evertit Priami, claras diruit urbes ; et nunc animus quid ferat horret vis immitis violenta dei.
NERO
O lenta niniium militis nostri manus 820
et ira patiens post nefas tantum mea, quod non cruor civiiis accensas faces extinguit in nos, caede nee populi madet funerea Roma quae viros tales tulit. 824^
at ilia, cui me civium subicit furor, 827
suspecta coniunx et soror semper milii, tandem dolori spiritum reddat meo iramque nostram sanguine extinguat suo. 830
adinissa sed iam morte puniri parum est. graviora meruit impium plebis scelus ;
* The inverted order of the following lines is that oj Richter. +74
OCTAVIA
house with flames sliould he notyiekl to tlie jn-ople's wrath his new-made bride, not yield to Chuidia the home that is her own. Tliat he himself may know of the citizens' uprising, with my own lips will I hasten to perform the prefect's bidding. [Exit.
CHORUS
Why do you stir up dire stx-ife in vain ? Invincible the shafts that Cu})id bears ; with his own flames will he o'erwhelm your fires, with which he oft has quenched thunderbolts and dragged Jove as his captive from the sky. To the offended god ^ dire penalties shall you pay e'en Avith your blood. Not slow to wrath is the glowing boy, nor easy to be ruled ; 'twas he who bade the fierce Achilles smite the lyre, broke down the Greeks, broke down Atrides, the kingdoms of Priam overthrew, and famed cities utterly destroyed ; and now my mind shudders at the thought of what the unchecked power of the relentless god will do.
[Enter nero.]
NKRO
Oh, too slow are my soldiers' hands, and too patient my wrath after such sacrilege as this, seeing that the blood of citizens has not quenched tlie fires they kindled 'gainst me, and that with the slaughter of her people mourning Rome reeks not, who bore such men as these. But she for whose sake the citizens rage at me, my sister-wife whom with dis- trust I ever look upon, shall give her life at last to sate my grief, and quench my anger with her blood. But now death is too light a punishment for her deeds. Heavier doom has the people's unhallowed ^ Cupid.
475
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA niox tecta flammis concidant urbis meis, 831
ignes ruinae noxium populum premant turpisque egestas^ saeva cum luctu fames, exsultat ingens saeculi nostri bonis corrupta turba uec capit clementiam ingrata nostram ferre nee pacem potest, sed inqiiieta vapitur hinc audacia, hine tcmeritate fei'tuv in praeceps sua. nialis domanda est et gravi semper iugo premenda, ne quid simile temptare audeat 840
contraque sanctos coniugis vultus meae attollerc oculos ; fracta per poenas metu parere discet princi])is nutu sui.
Sed adesse cerno rara quem pietas virum fidesque castris nota praeposuit meis.
PRAEFECTVS
Populi furorem caede paucorum, diu qui restiterunt temere, compressum atrcro.
NERO
Et hoc sat est ? sic miles audisti duccm ? compeseis ? liaec vindicta dcbetur mihi ?
PRAEFECTVS
Cecidere motus imj)ii fcrro duces. 850
NKHO
Quid ilia turba, petere quae flammis meos ausa est penates, principi legem dare, 476
OCTAVIA
ijuilt deserved. Quickly let Rome's roofs fall be- neath my flames ; let fires^ let ruins crush the guilty pojndace, and wretched want, and grief and hunger dire. The huge mob grows riotous, distempered by the blessings of my age, nor hath it understanding of my mercy in its thanklessness nor can it suffer peace ; but here 'tis swej)t along by restless insolence and there by its own recklessness is headlong borne. l}y suffering must it be held in check, be ever |)ressed beneath the heavy yoke, that it may never dare the like again, and against my Avife's sacred countenance lift its eyes ; crushed by the fear of punishment, it shall be taught to obey its emperor's nod.
^*' But here I see the man Avhose rare loyalty and j)roven faith have made him captain of my royal gu-.rds.
[Kilter pi;k!'i:ct.]
PHKFECT
The people's rage by slaughter of some few, wdio recklessly long resisted, is put down : such is my report.
NERO
And is this enough ? Is't thus a soldier has obeyed his cliief? "Put down," sayst thou? Is this the vengeance due to me }
VRKVECT
The guilty ring-leaders of the mob have fjillen by the sword.
NERO
But the mob itself, that dared to attack my house- hold with their torches, dictate to the emperor, from
477
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
abstrahere nostris coniugein tan tarn tovis, violare quantum licuit incesta )iianu et voce dira ? debita poena vacat ?
PRAEFECTVS
Poenam dolor constituet in cives tuos ?
NERO
Constiluetj aetas nulla quam famae eximat.
PRAEFECTVS
Quam ^ temperet non ira^ non iioster timor ?
NERO
Irani expiabit prima quae meruit meam.
PRAEFFXTVS
Quam poscat ede, nostra ne parcat manus. S60
NERO
Caedem sororis poscit et dirum caput.
PRAEFECTVS
Horrore vinctum trcpidus astrinxit rigor
NERO
Parere dubitas?
PRAEFECTVS
Cur meani damnas fidcni ?
NERO
Quod parcis hosti.
1 Reading with Schroeder. Leo tna . . . nos. 178
OCTAVIA
my very bed to drag my noble vifc, to offer lier \iolcnce, so far as lay in their power, with hands unclean and voices insolent ? Are they still without due punishment ?
IMU.FKfT
Shall angry grief determine j)cnalty against thy citizens ?
NEHO
It shall determine, the tale of Avhich no age shall l)anish from men's lips.
I'RF.KKCT
Which neither wrath nor fear of us can hold in check ?
NERO
She first shall appease who has first deserved my wrath.
PREFECT
Whom it demands tell thou, that my hand may spare not.
NERO
The slaughter of my sister it demands, and her hateful head.
IMtEl'ECr
Fearful, benumbing horror holds me fast.
NERO
Does thy obedience falter ?
PREFFXT
Why dost condemn my faith ?
NERO
Because thou spar'st my foe.
479
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
PIIAEFECTVS
Femina hoc nonien capit ?
Si scelera cepit.
PRAEFECTVS
Estne qui sontera arguat ?
NERO
Populi furor.
PRAEFECTVS
Quis regere dementes valet ?
XERO
Qui concitare potuit.
PRAEFECTVS
Haud quemquam reor.
Mulier, dedit natura cui pronum malo animunij ad noceiidum pectus instruxit dolis.
PRAEFECTVS
Sed vim negavit.
NERO
Vt ne inexpugnabilis 870
esset, sed acgras frangeret vires tiinor vel poena ; quae iam sera damnatam prcinct diu nocentem.
Tolle consilium ac preces et imperata perage : devcctam rate 480
OCTAVIA
PREFECT
Call'st thou a woman foe ?
NEHO
If crime she has committed.
The people's rage.
PREFECT
Who cliarges lier with guilt ?
NEIIO
PREFECT
But who can check their madness ?
NERO
She who could rouse it.
PREFECT
Not any one, I think.
NERO
Woman, to whom nature has given a mind to mis- chief prone, and equipped her heart with wiles to work us ill.
PREFECT
But strength it has denied her.
NERO
That so she might not be impi-egnahle, but that fear or punishment might break her feeble strength, a punishment which now, though late, shall crush the criminal, who has too \on(r been guilty.
^"^ But have done with advice and j)rayers, and do my bidding : let her be borne by ship to some far
481 vol.. It. II
THE TRAGEDIIiS OF SENECA
procul in remotum litus interimi iube, tandem ut residat pectoris nostri timor.
CHORVS
O funestus multis populi dirusque favor, qui cum flatu vela seeundo ratis implevit vexitque ])roculj languidus idem 880
deserit alto saevoque mari. flevit Gi-acchos miseranda parens, perdidit ingens quos plebis amor nimiusque favor genere illustres, {)ietate fide lingua clai-os, pectore fortes, legibus ; eras. te quoque, Livi, simili leto Fortuna dedit, qi'.em neque fiisees texere suae nee tecta domus. plura referre prohibet praesens 890
exempla dolor, modo cui patriam reddere cives aulam et fratris voluere tores, nunc ad pocnam letumque tralii flentem miseram cernere possunt. bene paupei-tas humili tecto contenta latet ; quatiunt altas saepe procellae aut evertit Fortuna domos.
OCT A VI A
(^uo me trabitis quodve tyrannus aut exilium regina iubet, 900
si milii vitam fracta remittit tot iam nostris et victa malis ? sin caedc mea cuniularo parat luctus nostros, invidet etiam
482
OCTAVIA
distant shore and there be slain, that at last the terror at my heart may be at rest. [Eaeunt.
CHORUS
Oh, dire and deadly to many has the people's favour proved, that has filled their vessels' sails with prosperous breeze and borne them out afar, then, languishing, has failed them on the deep and dangerous sea. The wretched mother ^ of the Gracchi wept her sons, whom, though nobly born, for loyal faith and eloquence renowned, though brave in heart, keen in defence of law, the great love and excessive favour of the citizens destroyed. Thee also, Livius,^ to fate like theirs did fortune give, whom neither his lictors' rods nor his own house protected. But present grief forbids us to rehearse more instances. Her, to whom but now the citizens decreed the restoration of her father's house, her brother's bed, now may they sec dragged out in tears and misery to punishment and death. Oh, blessed poverty, content to hide beneath a lowly roof, while lofty homes the storm-blasts oft-times shatter, or fortune overthrows.
[Enter octavia in the custody of the palace guards, ivlio arc dragging her roughly an-aij.^
OCTAVIA
Oh, whither do ye drag me ? What exile does the tyrant or his queen ordain, if, softened and o'ercome by all my miseries, she grants me life ? But if by death she is ready to crown my sufferings, why, cruel, does
1 Cornelia. ^ Liviu.s Diusus. See Index.
483 I I 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
cur in patria mihi saeva movi ?
seel iam spes est nulla salutis —
fratris cerno miseranda ratem.
hac en cuius vecta carina
quondam genetrix^ nunc et thalamis
expulsa soror miseranda vehar. 910
nullum Pietas nunc numen hahet
nee sunt superi ; regnat mundo
tristis Eiinys.
quis mea dignc deflere potest
mala? quae lacrimis nostvis questus
reddat aedon ? cuius pennas
utinam miserae mihi fata darent !
fugerem luctus sublata meos
penna volucri pi-ocul et coetus
hominum tristes caedemque feram 920
sola in vacuo nemore et tenui
ramo pendens querulo possem
gutture maestum fundere murmur.
CHORVS
Regitur fatis mortale genus, nee sibi quisquam spondere })otcst firmum et stabilem vitae cursum * per quem casus volvit varies semper nobis metuenda dies, animum firment exempla tuum, iam multa domus quae vestra tulit. 9S0
quid saevior est Fortuna tibi ?
Tu mihi primum tot natorum memoranda parens^ nata Agrippae, nurus Augusti,
' ReadiiKj with ]\i'-hter''s proposed emendation. Leo with the MSS. reads firminn et stabile ♦ * per quae. The lacuna ha<: been variously fdkd and the passage variously emended. 4-84
OCTAVIA
she e'en orudjre me death at home ? But now is no hope of safety — ah, woe is me, I see my brother's ship. And lo, on that vessel on which his mother once was borne, now, driven from his chamber, his wretched sister, too, shall sail away. Now Piety no longer has divinit}-, nor are there any gods ; grim Fury reigns throughout the universe. Who worthily can lament my evil jjlight? \Vhat niglitingale can match my tears with her complaints ? Whose wings would that the fates might grant to wretched me I Then on swift pinions borne, would I leave my grievous troubles far behind, the dismal haunts of men, and cruel slaughter. 'J'here, all alone, within some solitary wood, perched on a slender bough, might I pour forth from plaintive throat my song of woe.
CHORUS
Our mortal race is ruled by falc, nor may any promise to himself that the path of life will be sure and steadfast, along which each coming day with its continual fears brings ever-shifting chances. Comfort now thy heart with the many sufferings which thine own house has borne. In what has fortune been more harsh to thee ?
'3- And thee first must 1 name, the mother of so many sons, Agrippa's child, ^ Augustus' - daughter-
1 Agrippina, (1) daugliter of M. Vipsaniua Agrippa and of Julia, d. of Aiigiistus ; inirried Gerinanicus, sou of Tiberius AuguBtus, and l)ore to liiiii uiue sous.
* i.e. Tiberius.
485
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Caesaris uxor, cuius nomen
clarum toto fulsit in orbe,
utero totiens enixa gravi
pignora pads, mox exilium
verbera, saevas passa catenas,
funera, luctus, tandem letum 94-0
cruciata diu. felix thalamis
Livia Drusi natisque ferum
ruit in facinus poenamque suam,
lulia matris fata secuta est ;
post longa tamen tempora ferro
caesa est, quamvis crimine nullo.
quid non potuit quondam genetrix
tua quae rexit priucipis aulam
cara marito partuque potens ?
eadem famulo subiecta suo 950
cecidit diri militis ense.
quid cui licuit regnum in caelum
sperare, parens tanta Neroiiis ?
non funesta violata manu
reniigis ante,
mox et ferro lacerata diu
saevi iacuit victima nati ?
OCTAVIA
Me quoque tristes mittit ad umbras ferus et manes ecce tyrannus. quid iam frustra miseranda moror ? 96O
rapite ad letum quis ius in nos Fortuna dedit. testor supcros — quid agiSj demeus ? parce precari
* i.e. Gerinaiiicus.
^ She was banished by Tiberius, who was jealous of the people's favour toward her, to tlie island of Pandataria, where she died three years afterward.
486
OCTAVIA
in-Iiiw, a Caesar's ^ wife, whose name shone bright throughout the world, whose teeming womb brought forth so many hostages of peace ; yet thou wast doomed to suffer exile, blows and galling chains, loss of thy friends, and bitter grief, and at last a death of lingering agony.2 And Livia,^ blest in her Drusus' chamber, in her sons, fell into brutal crime — ^and punishment. Julia met her mother's fate ; though after long delay, yet she was slain by the sword, though no man called her guilty. What power once was thy mother's,** who ruled the palace of the em- peror,^ dear to her husband, and in her son ^ secure f Yet she was made subject to her slave,^ and fell beneath a brutal soldier's sword. And what of her who might have hoped for the very throne of heaven, the emperor's great mother ? Was she not first by a murderous boatman's hand abused, then, mangled by the sword, lay she not long the victim of her cruel son?
OCTAVIA
Me also to the gloomy shades and ghostci, the cruel tyrant, see, is sending. Why do I now make vain and pitiable delay ? Hurry me on to death, ye to whose power fortune hath given me. Witness, ye heavenly gods — what wouldst thou, fool ? Pray not
^ See Index. •• Messalina.
'' Clautlins. « l-iritannicua.
' The freedraan, Narcissus.
487
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
quibus invisa es numina divuni.
Tartara tester
Erebique deas sceleium ultrices
et te, genitor ^ dignum tali
morte et poena, non invisa est
mors ista mihi.
armate ratem, date vela fretis 970
ventisque petat {>uppis rector
Pandatariae litora terrae.
Lenes aurae zephyrique leves^ tectam quondam nube aetheria qui vexistis raptam saevae virginis aris Iphigeniam, banc quoque tristi procul a ])oena portate, precor^ templa ad Triviae. urbe est nostra mitior Aalis et Taurorum barbara tellus : 980
liospitis illic caede litatur nunieii superum ; civis gaudet Roma cruore.
^ Leo suf/yents perde tyrannum 6e<u)ee7i genitor a?icZdignuui.
488
OCTAVIA
to deities wlio scorn tliee. Witness, O Tartarus, ye goddesses of Erebus who punish crime, and thou, O father : destroy the tyrant,^ worthy such death and punishment. [To her guards.] I dread not the death you threaten. Put your ship in readiness, set sail upon the deep, and let your pilot speed before the winds to Pandataria's shore.
[Exit OCTAVIA tvil/t her guards.]
CHORUS
Ye gentle breezes and ye zephyrs mild, that once caught Iphigenia wrapped in an airy cloud, and bore her from the altar of the cruel maid,'- this maiden, too, far from her dire i)unishment bear ye, I pray, to the shrine of Trivia. More merciful than Rome is Aulis and the Taurians' barbarous land : there by the blood of strangers are the gods appeased ; but Rome's delight is in her children's blood.
' Traiiektiiig Leu".s suggestiou. '•* Dir.iia.
489
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
OF THE TRAGEDIES IN THIS VOLUME AND THE CORRESPONDING GREEK DRAMAS
The Phoeninsae, if, indeed, these fragments are to be considered as belonging to one play, has no direct corre- spondent iti Greek drama ; altlunigh, in the general situations and in some details, it is similar to parts of three plays : The. Seven against Thehes of Aescliylus, the Oedijms at Coloiim of Sophocles, and tlie r'hotukian Ikim-^els of p]uripides. The Thyesles is without a parallel in extant Greek drama; and the Oc/ucia, of course, stands alone.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
THE GREEK DRAMAS
THP] AGAMEMNON OF AESCHYLUS
Prologiie. — A watchman, stationed upon the palace roof at Argos, laments the tedium of his long and solitary task ; and pra3's for the time to come when, through the darkness of the night, he shall see the distant flashing of the beacon fire, and by this sign know that Troy has fallen and that Agamemnon is returning home. And suddenly he sees the gleam for whicli lie has been waiting so long. He springs lip with shouts of joy and hastens to tell tiie queen. At the same time ho makes dark reference to that which has been going on within the palace, and which must now be hushed up.
Parode, or ehorus entry. — A chorus of twelve Argivc elders nings of the Trojan war, describing the omens with which the (Jreeks started on their mission of \engeance. They dwell especially upon the hard fate wliich forced Agamemnon to sacrilice his daughter. And in this they unconsciously voice one of the motives wliicli led to the king's own death.
First epjsot/e.— Clytemnestra appears with a statelj' pro- cession of torch-bearers, liaving set the whole city in gala .•ittire, with sacrificial incense burning on all the altars. The cliorus asks tlie meaning of this. Has siie had news from Troy ? The queen replies that this very night she has had news, and describes at length how the signal
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
SENECA'S TRAGEDIES
THE AGAMEMNON' OF SENECA
Prolo'jue. — The ghost of Thyestes coming froin the lower regions recites the rnnfif of the play : how he had been most foully dealt with by Agauicinnon's father, Atrcns, and how he had been promised revenge by the oracle of Apollo through his son Aegisthus, begotten of an incestuous union with his daughter. The gliost announces that the time for his revenge is come with the return of Agamemnon from the Trojan war, and urges Aegisthus to perform liis fated part.
Parade, or chorus entry. — The chorus of Argive women complains of the uncertain condition of exalted fortune, and recommends the golden mean in preference to this.
First episode. — Cl^'temnestra, conscious of guilt, and fearing that her returning husband will severely punish her on account of her adulterous life \\'\ih Aegisthus, resolves to add crime to crime and murder Agam-minon as soon as ho comes back to his home. She is further impelled to this action by his conduct in the matter of her daughter,
4<)S
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
fires had gleamed, and thus the news had leaped from height to height, all the long way from Troy to Argos,
"And this sure proof and token now I tell thee, Seeing that my lord hath sent it me from Troy."
She expresses the hope that the victors in their joy will do nothing to offend the gods and so prevent their safe return :
" Ma}- good prevail beyond all doubtful chance ! For I have got the blessing of great J03'."
With these words she covers up the real desires of her own false heart, while at the same time voicing the principle on which doom was to overtake the Greeks.
The chorus receives Olj'temnestra's news with joy and prepares to sing praises to the gods, as the queen with her train leaves the stage.
First choral iiiterlude. — The chorus sings in praise of Zeus, who lias signal!}' disproved the sceptic's claim that
' ' The gods deign not to care for mortal men By whom the grace of things inviolable Is trampled under foot."
The shameful guilt of Paris is described, the woe of the wronged Menelaiis, and the response of all Greece to his cry for vengeance. But, after all, the chorus is in doubt as to whether the good news can be true — when a herald enters with fresh news.
Second episode. — The herald describes to the chorus the complete downfall of Troj', which came as a punishment for the sin of Paris antl of the nation which upheld him in it. At the same time the sufferings of the Greeks during the progress of the war are not forgotten. Clytemnestra, entering, prompted by her own guilty conscience, bids the herald tell Agamemnon to hasten home, and take to him her own protestation of absolute faithfulness to him :
" wlio has not broken One seal of his in all this length of time."
The herald, in response to further questions of the chorus, describes the great storm which wrecked the Greek fleet upon their homeward voyage.
49i
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
l|)liigeni<i, and by his own unfaithfulness to her during Ills long absence. Throughout this scene the nurse vainly tries to dissuade her.
Clytcnniestni ia either influenced to recede from her purpose \)y the nurse, or el.«e pretends to be resolved to draw back in order to test Aegisthus, who now enters. In the end, the two conspirators withdraw to plan their ititendcd crime.
F^r8f choral interlude. — The chorus .sings in ])rai.se of Apollo for the victory over Troj'. To this are added tlio praises of Juno, Minerva, and Jove. In the end the chorus hails tiie approach of the herald Eurybates.
Second episode. — P^urybates announces to Clytennie.stra the return and approach of Agamemnon, and describes the tcrriljlc storm wliicli overtook llie Greeks upon their home- ward vo3age. At the command of the queen victims are prepared for sacrifice to the gods, and a baiujuet for the victorious Agamennion. At last the captive Trojan women, headed by Cassandra, are seen approaching.
495
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Second choral tnterlude.— The chorus sings of Helen as the bane of the Trojans :
" Dire cause of strife with bloodshed in her train."
And now
"The penalty of foul dishonour done To friendship's board and Zeus "
has been paid by Troy, which is likened to a man who fosters a lion's cub, which is harmless while still young, but when full grown " it shows the nature of its sires," and brings destruction to the house that sheltered it.
Third episode. — Agamemnon is seen approaching in Iiia chariot, followed by his train of soldiers and captives. The chorus welcomes him, but with a veiled hint that all is not well in Argos. Agamemnon fittingly thanks the gods for his success and for his safe return, and promises in due time to investigate affairs at home.
Clytemnestra, now entering, in a long speech of fulsome welcome, describes the grief which slie has endured for her lord's long absence in the midst of perils, and protests her own absolute faithfulness to him. She explains the absence of Orestes by saying that she has entrusted him to Strophius, king of Pliocis, to be cared for in the midst of the troublous times. She concludes with the ambiguous prayer :
"Ah, Zeus, work out for me All that I pray for ; let it be thy care To look to that thou purposest to work."
Agamemnon, after briefly referring to Cassandra and bespeaking kindly treatment for her, goes into tiie palace, accompanied by Clytemnestra.
Third choral interlude.— The chorus, though it sees with its own eyes that all is well with Agamemnon, that he is returned in safety to his own home, is filled with sad forebodings of some hovering evil which it cannot dispel.
Exode. — Clytemnestra returns and bids Cassandra, who still remains standing in her chariot, to join the other slaves in ministering at the altar. Jiut Cassandra stands motionless, paying no l)ocd to the words of the queen, who leaves the scene saying :
"I will not bear the shame of uttering more." 496
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
Scro7}d choral inUrlude.—A chorus of captive Trojan women sings the fate and fall of Troy ; while Cassandra, seized with fits of prophetic fury, prophesies the doom that hangs over Agamemnon.
Third ephod".— A gamemrton comes npon the scene, and, meeting Cassandra, is warned by her of the fate that hangs over him ; but she is nob believed.
Third choral inferbtde. — Apropos of the fall of Troy, the chorus of Argive women sing the praises of Hercules, whose arrows had been required by fate for the destruction of Troy.
I'Jxode. — Cassandra, cither standing where she can see within the palace, or else by clairvoyant power, reports the murder of Agamemnon, which is being done within.
Electra urges Orestes to flee before his mother and Aegisthus shall murder him also. Very opportunely, •Strophius comes in his chariot, just returning as victor from
497 VOL. II. li K
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Cassandra now descends from her chariot and bursts into wild and woeful lamentations. By her peculiar clairvoyant power she foresees and declares to the chorus the death of Agamemnon at the hands of Clytemnestra and Aegisthus, as well as the manner of it ; she also foretells the vengeance which Orestes is destined to work upon the murderers. Her own fate is as clearly seen and announced, as she passes through the door into the palace.
Soon the chorus hears the death-cry of Agamemnon, that he is "struck down with deadlj' stroke." They are faint- heartedly and with a multiplicity of counsel discussing what it is best to do, wlien Clytemnestra, with bloodstained garments and followed by a guard of soldiers, comes out from the palace. The corpses of Agamemnon and Cassandra are seen through tlie door within the palace. The queen confesses to, describes, and exults in the murder of her husband. The chorus makes elaborate lamentation for Agamemnon, and prophesies tliat vengeance will light on Clytemnestra. But she scorns their threatening prophecies. In the end Aegisthus enters, avowing that he has plotted this murder and has at last avenged his father, Thyestes, upon the father of Agamemnon, Atreus, who had so foully- wronged Thyestes. Tlae chorus curses him and reminds him that Orestes still lives and will surely avenge his father.
THE MAIDENS OF TRACHIN OF SOPHOCLES
Prologue. —In the courtyard of her palace in Trachin, Deianira recounts to her attendants and the chorus of Trachinian maidens how her husband had won her from the river god, Acheloii?, and how, during all these years, she has lived in fear and longing for her husband, who has been kept constantly wandering over the earth by those v:\\o hold him in their power ; and even now he has been for many months absent, she knows not where.
An old servant proposes that she send her son, Hyllus, abroad to seek out his father. This the youth, who enters at this juncture, readily promises to do, especially on
498
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
the Olympic gaincs. Elcclra entrusts her hrothcr to his care, and betakes her own self to the altar for protection.
Electra, after defying and denouncing her mother and Aegisthus, is dragged away to prison and torture, and Cassandra is led out to her death.
THE HERCULES OETAEUS OF SENECA
Prologvr. — Hercules, about to sacrilice to Cenaean Jove after having conquered Eurylus, king of Oechalia, recounts at length his mighty toils on earth, and prays that now nt last he may be given his proper place in heaven. Ife dis- patches his herald, Lichas, home to Trachin, to tell the news of his triumph, and to conduct the train of captives thither.
499
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
hearing from his mother that the oracle declares this is the year in which his father shall end his life,
"Or, having this his task accomplished, Shall, through the coming years of all his life, Rejoice and prosper."
Parade, or chorus entry. — The chorus prays to Hulios, the bright sun-god, for tidings of Hercules, for Deianira longs for him, and "ever nurses uuforgetting dread as to her husband's paths." Hercules is tossed upon the stormy sea of life, now up, now down, but ever kept from death by some god's hands. Deianira should, therefore, be comforted :
' ' For who hath known in Zeus forgetf ulnesa Of those he children calls ? "
First episode. — Deianira confides to the chorus her special cause for grief : she feels a strong presentiment that Hercules is dead ; for, when he last left home, he left a tablet, as it were a will, disposing of his chattels and his lands,
"and fixed a time. That when for one wliole year and three months more He from his land M'as absent, then 'twas his Or in that self-same hour to die, or else, Escaping that one crisis, thenceforth live with life unvexed."
At this moment, however, a messenger enters and announces the near approach of Hercules, accompanied by his spoils of victory.
First choral interlnde. — The chorus voices its exultant joy over this glad and unexpected news.
500
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
Parode, or chorus entry. — The place of the chorus entry, which should be filled by the chorus proper, composed of Aetolian maidens, is taken by tlie band of captive Oechalian maidens. They bewail their lot and long for death ; they dwell upon the utter desolation of tlicir fatherland, and upon the hard-heartedness of Hercules, who has laid it waste.
lole, their jirincess, joins in their lamentations, recalls the horrors of her native city's overthrow, and looks forward with dread to her captivitj'.
First episode. — During the interval just preceding this episode the captives have been led to Trachin ; Deianira has seen the beauty of lole, and learned of Hercules' infatuation for her. She has by this news been thrown into a niad rage of jealousy, and takes counsel with her nurse as to how she may wreak vengeance upon her faithless husband, while the nurse vainly advises moderation.
The nurse at last suggests recourse to magic, professing lierself to be proficient in these arts. Tiiis suggests to Deianira the use of that blood of Nessus which the dying centaur had commended to her as an infalliljle love-charm. She takes occasion to relate at length the Nessus incident. She at once acts upon her deci.sion to use the charm ; and speedily, with the nurse's aid, a gorgeous robe is anointed with the blood, and this is sent by Lichas' hand to Hercules.
First choral interlude. — The chorus of Aetolian women, who have followed Deianira from her girlhood's home to this refuge in Trachin, now tender to her their sympathy in her present sufferings. They recall all their past intercourse with her, and assure her of their undying fidelity.
This suggests the rarity of such fidelity, especially in the courts of kings, and they discourse at large upon the sordid- ness and seltisluiess of courtiers in general. Tlie moral of their discourse is that men should not aspire to great wealth and power, but should ilioose a middle course in life, whicli alone can bring happiness.
50]
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Second episode. — Lichas, the personal herald of Hercules, now enters, followed by lole and a company of captive women. He explains to Deianira how Hercules had been driven on bj' petty persecutions to slay Iphitus, the son of Eurytus, treacherously ; how he had for this been doomed by Zeus to serve Omphale, queen of Lydia, for a jear ; and how in revenge he has now slain Eurytus, and even now is sending home these Oeohalian captives as spoil ; Hercules himself is delaying yet a little while in Euboea, until he has sacrificed to Cenaean Jove.
Deianira looks in pity upon the captives, praying that their lot may never come to her or hers ; and is especiall}' drawn in sympathy to one beautiful girl, who, however, will answer no word as to her name and state.
As all are passing into the palace, the messenger detains Deianira and tells her the real truth which Lichas has withheld: that tiiis seemingly unknown girl is lole, daughter of Eurj'tus ; that it was not in revenge, but for love of lole, that Hercules destroyed her father's house, and that he is now sending her to his own home, not as his slave, but as his mistress, and rival of his wife.
Lichas, returning from the palace, on being challenged by the messenger and urged by Deianira to speak the whole truth, tells all concerning Hercules' love for lole.
Deianira receives this revelation with seeming equanimity and acquiescence.
Second choral interlude. — The chorus briefly reverts to the battle of Acheloiis and Hercules for the hand of Deianira.
Third episode. — Deianira tells to the chorus the story of how Nessus, the centaur, had once insulted her, and for this had been slain by Hercules with one of hi.^ poisoned
502
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
Second episode. — Deianira conies hurrjiiig distractedly out of the palace, and relates her discover}- as to the horrible and deadly power of the charm wliich she has sent to her husband.
While she is still speaking, Hyllus rushes in and cries out to his mother to flee from the wrath of Hercules, \\ hose dreadful sufferings, after putting on tiie robe which liis wife had sent to him, the youth describes at length. He narrates also the death of Lichas. Tiic suffering hero is even now on liis way b}' sea from Euhoea, in a death-like swoon, and will soon arrive at Trachin.
Deianira, smitten with (juick repentance, begs Jupiter to destroy her with his wrathful tiuuidcrbolts. She resolves on instant self-destruction, though Hyllus and the nurse vainly try to dissuade her, and to "belittle her responsibility for the disaster ; and in the end she rushes from the scene, Hyllus following.
Second choral interlude.— The chorus, contemplating the changing fates of their prince's house, is reminded of the sayin°g ol Orpheus, "that naught for endless life is made." This leads to an extended description of Orpheus' sweet music and its power over all things, both animate and inanimate, and suggests the story of his unsuccessful attempt to regain Eurvdice.
Returning \o the original theme, the chorus speculates upon the tunc when all things shall fall into death, and chaos resume her primeval sway.
It is startled out of these thoughts by loud groans, which prove to be the outcries of Hercules, borne home to Tracliin.
Third episode.— Hercules in his ravings warns Jove to l(jok well to his heavens, since now their defender is perishing. The giants will be sure to rise again and make
50^
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
arrows ; how, also, the centaur in djnng liad given her a portion of liis blood, saying this woukl be a eliarin able to restore to her her husband's wandering love. She now resolves to use this charm. She anoints a gorgeous robe with the blood which she has preserved through all these years, and bids Lichas carry this to her lord as a special gift from her. He is to wear it as he ofi'ers his sacrifices to Cenaean Jove. Lichas departs upon this mission.
504
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
another attempt upon the skies. He bitterly laments that lie, who has overcomo so many monsters, must die at last, slain by a woman's iuuid, and IhaL woman nut Juno, nor oven an Amazon :
" Ah, woe is me, How often have I 'scaped a glorious death ! What honour comes from such an end as this ?"
His burning pains coming on again, he cries out in agony, and describes the abject misery and weakness tiiat have come ujwn him. Are those the shoulders, the liands, the feet, that were once so strong to bear, so terril^le to strike, so swift to go? He strives to apprehend and tear away the pest tiiat is devouring him, but it is too deep-hidden in his frame. He curses tlie day that lias seen him weep, and beseeches Jove to smite him dead with a thunderbolt.
Alcmena enters, and while she herself is full of grief, she strives to soothe and comfort her sutfcring son. He fulls into a delirium, and thinks that he is in the heavens, looking down upon Trachin. But soon he awakes, and, realizing his pains once more, calls for tiie author of his misery, that he may slaj' her with his own hands.
H3'ilus, wiio has just entered from the palace, now informs his father that Deianira is already dead, and by her own hand ; that it was not her fault, moreover, but by the guile of Nessus, that Hercules is being done to deatii. The hero recognizes in this the fultilment of an oracle once delivered to him :
" By the hand of one whom thou hast slain, some day, Victorious Hercules, shalt Ihou lie low."
And he comforts himself witli the reflection that such an end as this is meet, for
" Thus shall no conqueror of Hercules Survive to tell the tale."
He now bids Philoctetes prepare a mighty pyre on neighbouring Mount Oeta, and there take and burn bia body while still alive. Hyllus lie bids to take the captive princess, lule, to wife. He calls upon his mother, Alcmena, to comfort her grief by pride in her great son's deeds on earth, aud the noble fame which he has gained thereby.
505
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Third choral interlude. — The chorus prays for the early and safe return of Hercules from where he lingers :
" Thence may he come, yea, come with strong desire, Tempered by suasive spell Of that rich unguent, as the monster spake."
Fourth episode. — Deianira discovers by experiment, now that it is too late, the destructive and terrible power of the charm which she has sent, and is filled with dire forebodings as to the result.
Her lamentations are interrupted by Hyllns, who comes liurrying in ; lie charges his mother with the murder of his father, and curses her. Tie then describes the terrible sufferings that have come upon the hero through the magic robe, and how Hercules, in the macbiess of pain, has slain Lichas, as the immediate cause of his suiTerings. He has brought his father with him from Euboea to Trachin. Deianira withdraws into the palace, without a word, in an agony of grief.
Fourth choral interlude. — The chorus recalls the old oracle that after twelve years the son of Zeus should gain rest from toil, and sees in his impending death the fulfdinent of this oracle. They picture the grief of Deianira over her act, and foresee the great changes that are coming upon their prince's house.
Fifth episode. — The nurse rushes in from the palace, and tells liow Deianira has slain herself with the sword, bewail- ing the wliile the sufferings which she has unwittingly brought on Hercules; and how Hyllus repents liim of his harshness towards his mother, realizing tliat she was not to blame.
Fifth choral interlude. — The chorus pours out its grief for the double tragedy. And now it sees Hyllus and attendants bearing in the dying Hercules.
Exode. — Hercules, awaking from troubled sleep, laments the calamity that has befallen hir^i ; he chides the lands which he has helped, that now they do not hasten to liisaid ; and prays Hyllus to kill him with the sword, and so put him out of his misery.
506
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
Third choral interlude. — Tlie cliorus bids all nature mourn the death of Hercules. Verily the earth is bereft of her defender, and there is no one loft to whom she may turn if again harassed by monsters. They speculate upon the place of the departed Hercules. Shall ho sit in judgment among the pious kings of Crete in ITadcs, or shall he be given a place in heaven ? At least on earth he shall live in deathless gratitude and fame.
Exode. — Philoctetes enters and, in response to the questions of the nurse, describes the final scene on Oeta's top. There a mighty pjTC had been built, on which Hercules joy- fully took his place. There he reclined, gazing at the heavens, and praying hia father, Jupiter, to take him thither, in
507
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
He denounces Deianira because she has brought suffering and destruction upon him which no foe, man or beast, has ever been able to bring. He curses his own weakness, and laments that he must weep and groan like a woman.
He marvels that his mighty frame, which for years has withstood so many monsters, his encounters with which he describes, can now be so weak and wasted. Reverting to his wife, he bids her to be brought to him that he may visit punishment upon her.
H3'l]us informs his father that Deianira has died by her own hand, for grief at what she has unwittingly brought upon her dear lord. It was, indeed, through Nessus' guile that the deed was done.
Hercules, on hearing this, recognizes the fulfilment of the oracle :
" Long since it was revealed of my sire That I should die by hand of none that live, But one who, dead, had dwelt in Hades dark."
He exacts an oath of obedience from Hyllus, and then bids him take him to Mount Oeta, and there place him upon a pyre for burning. Hyllus reluctantly consents in all but the actual firing of the ijyre. The next I'equest is concerning lole, that Hyllus should take her as his wife. This mandate he indignantly refuses to obey, but finally yields assent. And in the end Hercules is borne away to his burning, while the chorus mournfully chants its concluding comment :
"What Cometh no man may know ; What is, is piteous for us. Base and shameful for tliem And for him who endureth this woe, Above all that live hard to bear."
508
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES
compensation for his service on the earth. Tfis prayer seemed to be answered, and he cried aloud :
" ' But lo, my father calls me from the sky, And opens wide the gates. 0 sire, I come !' And as he spake his face was glorified."
He presented his famous bow and arrows to Pliiloctetcs, bidding him for this prize apply the torcli and light the pyre, which his friend most reluctantly did. Tiie hero courted the flames, and eagerly pressed into the very heart of the burn- ing mass.
In the midst of this narrative Alcmena enters, bearing in her bo-som an urn containing the ashes of Hercules. The burden of her lament is that so small a compass and so pitiful an estate have come to the miglity body of her son, which one small urn can hold. But when she thinks upon his deeds, her thoughts fly to the opposite pole :
" What sepulchre, 0 son, what tomb for thee Is great enough ? Naught save the world itself."
Then she takes up in quickened measures her funei-al song of mourning, in the midst of which the deified Hercules, taking shape in the air above, speaks to his mother, bidding her no longer mourn, for he ha."; at last gained his place in heaven.
The chorus strikes a fitting final note, that the truly brave are not destined to the world below :
" But when life's days are all consumed. And comes the final hour, for them A pathway to the gods is spread By glory."
509
INDEX
INDEX
[References are to the lines of the Latin text. If the passage Is longer than one line, only the first line is cited. Line citations to passages of especial importance to the subject under discussion are starred. The names of tlie characters appearing in tlieso tragedies are printed in large capitals, with the name of the tragedy in which the character occurs following in parentheses.]
Absyrtus, son of Aeetes and brother of Sfedea. Medea, fleeing with Jason from Colchis, slew him and scattered his mangled remains bcliind her, in order to retard her father's pursuit, Med. 121, 125, *i:31, 4.52, 473, 911 ; his dismembered ghost appears to Medea, ibid. 963
Abyla, see Calpe
AOASTUS, son of Pelias, king of Thessaly Demands Jason and Medea from Creon, king of Cor- inth, to punish him for the murder of Pelias through Medea's machinations, Med. 257, 415, 521, ,52G
ACHKLOirs, t'lie river-c,'od. Fought with Hercules for the possession of Dcianira, changing himself into various forms, //. Oet. *299 ; defeated by Hercules, ibid. *495
AciiEROX, one of the rivers of Hades, Thi/. 17 ; described by Theseus, H. Fur. l\i>
Achilles, son of Pelcus and Thetis, a hero in the Trojan War. Was connected by birth witli heaven (Jupiter), the sea (Thetis), and the lower world (Aeacus), Tro. 344 ; educated by Chiron, the centaur, ibid. 832 ; hidden by hi> mother in the court of Lycomedes, king of Scyros. in a girl's dis- guise, in order to keep him from the war, ibid. 213 ; while there, became the father of Pyrrhus by
SEN. TRAO. II.
Deldamia, the king's daughter, ibid. 342 ; liis activifes early in Trojan War, ibid. 182; wounds and cures Tclcphus, ibid. '^215 ; overthrows Lyrnessus and Chry- sa, taking captive Briseis and Chrj'seis, ibid. 220 ; his anger on account of the loss of Briseis, ibid. 194, 318 ; example of the taming power of love, Ocl. 814 ; slays Mcmnon and trembles at his own victory, Tro. *239 ; slays Penthcsilea, the Amazon, ibid. 243 ; works havoc among Trojans in revenge for Patroclus' death. Again. 019 ; slays Hector and drags his body around walls, Tro. 189 ; is slain by Paris, ibid. 347 ; his ghost appears to Greeks on eve of their homeward voyage, demanding sacrifice of Polyxena upon liistomb, ibid. *170
ACTAEON, grandson of Cadmus, who saw Diana bathing near Cithae- ron. For this was changed by the goddess into a stag which was pursued and slain by his own dogs, Oed. *751 ; rhocn. 14
AcTE, the mistress of Nero who displaced Poppaca, Oct. 195
AdmLtus, see Aloestis
At.RASTOS, king of .A.rgos. Received the fugitive Polynices, gave him his daughter in marriage, and headed the Seven against Thidjes, in order to seat Polynices upon throne, Phoen. 374
513
INDEX
Ar,A0tr8, son of Jupiter and Europa, father of Peleus ; for his just rule on eartli was made a judge in Hades, H. Oct. 1558 ; E. Fur. 734. See under JUDGES IN HADES
Aeetes, king of Colchis, son of Phoebus and Persa, father of Medea, 3IeJ. 210 ; grandeur, ex- tent, and situation of kingdom, ibid. 209 ; its wealth, ibid. 483 ; had a wonderful robe as proof that Phoebus was his father ; tlois Medea anoints with magic poison and sends to Creiisa, ibid. 570 ; was despoiled of realm tlirough theft of golden fleece, ibid. 913
Aegeus, see Theseus
AECaSTHUS iAgamem7ion), son of incestuous union of Thyestes and his daughter. His birth the result of ApoUo's advice to Thyestes, Agam. 48, 294 ; recog- nises that the fatal day is come for which he was born, ibid. 226 ; lived in guilty union with Clytemnestra, wife of Agamem- non, ibid, passim
Aegoceros, poetical expression for Cavricornus, constellation of the Goat, Thy. 864
Aegyptus, see DaxaI'des
Aesculapius, son of Apcllo and the nymph Coronis ; vv:is versed in niedicine, was deified, and wor- Bliipped at Epidaurus, Hip. 1022
Aetna, volcano in Sicily, Phoen. 314 ; its flres. Hip. 102 ; ZZ. Oet. 285 ; seat of Vulcan's forge, //. Fur. 106 ; lay upon the buried Titan's breast, Med. 410
AGAMEMKON {Troadcs, Agamem- non), king of Mycenae, son of Atreus. brother of Menelaiis, commander of the Greeks at Troy, lie and Menelaiis used by Atreus to entrap Thyestes, Thy. 325 ; tamed by love, Oct. 815 ; took captive Chry.scis, Agam. 175 ; compelled to give iicr up, he took liryseis from Achille.s. ibid. ISO; attempts to di-ssuade Pyrrhus from the sacrifice of Polyxena, Tro. *203 ; loved Cassandra, Agam. 188, 255 ; his power magnified ibid. 204 ; Ills home- ward voyage and wreck ef his
514
fleet, ibid. *421 ; returns to Mycenae, ibid. 782 ; his murder described by Cassandra, ibid. *867. See Cassaxpra, Clytem- kestra, Iphigenia, Pytirhus
Agave, daugliter of Cadmus and Harmonia. mother of Pentheus, kir.g of Thebes. Slie and her sisters, in Bacchic frenzy, slew Pentheus on Cithaeron, and bore his head to Thebes, Oed. 1006 ; Phoen. 15, 363 ; her shade appears from Hades, Oed. 616. See Pentheus
Agrippina I, daughter of M. Vip- sauius Agrippa and Julia, daugh- ter of Augustus, mother of Caligula. Died in exile at Pandataria, Oct. *932
AGBIPPINA II (Octavia), daughter of the preceding, wife of Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus, mother of Kero. Married Claudius, whom she poisoned, Oct. 26, 45, 165, 340 ; was stepmother of Octavia, and cause of all her woes, ibid. 22 ; plotted murder of Silanus, betrothed lover of Octavia, and forced her to marry Nero, ibid. 150 ; sought in aU this her own power, ibid. 155, 612 ; was murdered by her son, Nero, ibid. 46, 95, 165 ; her murder attribu- ted to Poppaea's influence, ibid. 126 ; descril-ed in full detail, ibid. »310, *0u0 ; former high estate and pitiable death con- trasted, i^id. 952 ; her ghost appears to curse Kero, ibid. »593
Ajax, son of Oileus, called simply Oileus ; his death descrihod, Med. 660; for liis deiiauce of the gods was destroyed by Pallas and Neptune in storm wliich wrecked the Greek fleet, Agam. *5;i2
Ajax, son of Telamon, crazed with rage because the armour of Acliilles was awarded to Ulysses, Agam. 210
Alcestis, wile of Admetus, king of Pherae, to save wliosc life she resigned her own, J/erf. 662
ALClDES, see Hkkcules
ALCMENA {Hercules Oclaein), wife of Amphitr.von, a Theban prince, beloved of Jupiter, mother by
INDEX
him of Hercules, n. Fur. 22, 4'jO, See Hercules
Alcyone, see Cevx
Althaea, wife of Oencu>i, kint; of Calydonia, mother of Meleager. In revenge for Meleager's slaugh- ter of her two brothers, burned the charmed billet on whicli her sou's life depended, and so compassed his deatli, Med. 779 ; unnatural mother, II. Oct. 954
Amalthea, goat of Oleuus, fed the infant Jove, was set as constella- tion in the sky ; not yet known as such in the golden age, Med. 313. See Olenus.
Amazons, warlike women on Ther- modon, Med. 215; even they have loved, Hip. 575 ; conquered by Bacchus, Oed. 479 ; Clytem- uestra compared to them. Again. 730; allies of Troy, Tro. 12; their queen, Penthe-silea, slain by Achilles, ibid. 243 ; Hercules laments that he had not been slain by the Amazon, Uippolyte, H. Oct. 1183. See Antiope, Pknthesilea, Hjppolyte
AmpiiIon', son of Antiope by Jupiter, king of Thebes, liusband of Niobe-; renowned forliis music ; built Tliebes' walls liy the mociic of his lyre, Phuen. 500 ; U. Fur 262 ; his hounds are iieard baying at the time of the plague at Thebes, Oed. 179 ; liis shade arise* from Hades, ibid. 612
AMI'HITIIYOX Ulercida Furrns), Theban prince, husband of Her- cules' motlier. Alcmena, II. Fur. 309 ; proves that Jupiter is father of Hercules, ibid. 44ii; welcomes Hercules returning from Hades, ibid. 018
Anoaecs, Arcadian hero. Argonaut, slain by Calydonian boar, Med. 643
ANDROMACHE (Troades), wife of Hector, mother of Astyanax ; attempts to hide and save her son from Ulysses, Tro. •430 ; given by lot to PjTrhus, ibid. 976. See Astyanax
Antaeus, Libyan giant, son of Keptime and Terra, famous \vrestler, who gained new strength by being tlirown to mother earth ;
strangled by Hercules, who held liim aloft, n. Fur. 482, 1171 ; JL Oct. 24, 1809 ; Alcmena fears that a son of his may come to vex the earth, U. Oet. 1788. See Hercules
ANTIGONE {Phoenissae), daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta ; refuses to desert Oedipus, Phoen. 51 ; Oedipus wonders that one so pure should have sprung from so vile a liouse, ibid. 80 ; argues her father's innocence, ibid. 203
Antiope, Amazon wife of Theseus, slain by him. Hip. 226, 927, 1167 ; mother of Hippolytus by Theseus, ibid. 398 ; personal appearance, ibid. *iQSi ; her beauty inherited by Hippolytus, ibid. 059
Antonius (Marc Antony), Boraan general, defeated by Octaviauus at Actium ; tied with Cleopatra to Egypt, Oct. 518
Apollo, son of Jupiter and Latona, born in Delos, U. Fur. 453 ; twin brother of Diana, Med. 87 ; the laurel his sacred tree, Again. 588 ; god of the prophetic tripod, Med. 80 ; hispirer of priestess at Ilia oracle, Oed. 2()9 ; god of the bow, is himself pierced by Cupid's arrows. Hip. 192 ; killed Python, H. Fur. 455 ; doomed to serve a mortal for killing the Cyclopes, kept the Hocks of Admetus, ibid. 451; Hip. 290; hymn in praise of, Agam. 310 ; worshipped as the sun under the name of Phoebus Apollo. See Phoebus
Aqu^vrius, zodiacal constellation, the Water-bearer, 2'h>/. SG5
Au.\-BES, inhabitants of Arabia, famed for their spices, Oed. 117 ; sun-worsiiippers, H. OH. 793 ; use poisoned darts, Med. 711
Arctopuylax, Pear-keeper, a nor- thern constellation, called also Bootes, according aa the two adjacent constellations are called tiie Bears (Arclos, Ursnc), or the Wa'OTiis (Plaustra). By a fusion of the two conceptions, is called Arctophylax and cu-stos plauslri in the same connection, Thy, 874. See Bootes
515
L L 2
INDEX
Arcadian."?, most ancient race of men, Tl. Oct. 1883 ; Hip. 786
Arcadian Bears, constellations of tlie Great and Little Bears, which do not sot, H. Fur. 129. See Arctos, Bears, and Cailisto
Arcadian Boar, captured by Her- cules and brought to Eurystheus, Agam. 832; H. Fur. 229; B. Oet. 1536. See Hercules
Arcadian Stag, captured by Her- cules, E. Fur. 222. See Hercules
&RCIOS, the double coustellatiou of the Great and Little Bears, Ocd. 507 ; called also Arcadian stars, ibid. 478. See Bears and Callisto
Argo, ship in which the heroes under Jason sailed to Colchis in quest of the golden fleece, Mrd. 361 ; sailed from lolchos lu Thc3<aly, Tro. 819 n. ; adventure of tiie Argonauts, ibid. *301 ; this
. voyage was impious, ibid. 335 ; Tiphys the builder and pilot of Argo, ibid. 3, 318 ; he was in- structed by Minerva, ibid. 3, 365 ; the Argo's keel made from the talking oak of Dodona, ibid. 349 ; sailing of the new ship described, ibid. *318 ; how it escaped the Symplegades, ibid. *341 ; roll of the Argonauts. ibid. *227 ; nearly all came to a violent death, ibid. *607
Akgos, capital of Argolis, sacred to Juno, home of heroes, Agam. 808 ; paid homage to Bacchus, after he had won Juno's favour, Oed. 486
Ariadne, daughter of Minos, king of Crete ; loved Theseus, whom she helped escape from the labyrinth, Hip. 662 ; fled with Theseus, but was deserted by him on Naxos, ibid. 665 ; was there found and beloved by Bacchus, Ocd. 448, who married her and set her bridal crown as a constellation in the sky, ibid. 497 ; U. Fur. 18 ; Hip. 663 ; pardoned by her father for her love of Theseus, ibid. 245
Aries, golden-fleeced ram which bore Phrixus and HcUe, and was afterwards set in the sky as a zodiacal constellation, Thi/. 850
516
Astraea, goddess of Justice, who lived among men in tlie golden age, but finally left earth because of man's sins, Off. 424, Thji. 857 ; is the zodiacal constellation, Virgo, H. Oet. 69 ; called, incor- rectly and perhaps figuratively, mother of Somnus, H. Fur. 1068. See Justice
ASTYANAX {Troadcs), son of Hector and Andromache, pic- tured as leading his playmates in a dance around the wooden horse. Amm. 634 ; compared with his father, Tro. 464; his death demanded by the Greeks, ibid. 369 ; reasons for liis death from the Greek standpoint, ibid. 526 ; hi3 doom announced to Andro- mache, ibid. 620, who tells of her disappointed hopes of him, ibid. *770 ; his death described by messenger, ibid. *1068
Atlantiades, see Pleiades
Atlas, mountain in north-west Libya, conceived as a giant upon whose head the heavens rest E. Oet. 12, 1599 ; eased of his burden bv Hercules, ibid. 1905
ATREUS (Thijestcs), son of Pelops, father of Agamemnon and Mene- laiis, brother of Thyestes, between whom and liimseif existed a deadly feud. Plans how he will avenge himself upon his brother, Thy. 176 ; de.scribes his brother's sins against himseU, ibid. 220 ; liis revenge takes shape, ibid. 260 ; place and scene of his murder of the sons of Thyes- tes, ibid. *650 ; gloats over his brother's agony, ibid. 1057
Attis, Phi-ygian shepherd, mourned by priests of Cybele, Aiiam. 686
Auge, Arcadian maiden, loved by Hercules, mother by him of Telephus, U. Oct. 367
Augean Staules, stables of Augeas. king of Elis, containing three thousand head of cattle and uncleansed for thirty years ; cleaned by Hercules in a single day, n. Fur. 247
Augustus, first emperor of Rome ; his rule cited by Seneca to Nero as a model of strong but merciful sway, Oct. *4l77 ; his bloody path
INDEX
ii jiower ilescribecl by Kero, ibid. '505 ; deified at death, ibid 528 AULiS, seaport of Boeotia, rendez- vous of the Greek fleet. Here it was stayed by adverse -wiiids, until Iphigenia was sacrificed, Agam. 5G7 ; Tro. 104 ; hostility of Aulis to all ships because her king. Tiphys, liad met death on the Argonautic expedition, Med. (522. See ipniGENIA
B
lUcc£nTS, son of Jupiter and Seinele, daughter of Cadmus. Saved from the womb of his iiDthcr. Oed. 502; ^red. 84; U. Fur. 457 ; to escape the -wrath of Juno, he was lud ;vn hi Ar.abian (or Indian) Nysa, vWiere, di.s- guised as a girl , he was nourished by the nymphs, Oed. ♦418 ; in childhood captured by Tyrian pirates, who, frightened by marvellous manifestations of di- vine power on board their ship, leaped overboard and were changed into dolphins, ibid. *449 ; visited India, accompanied by Theban heroes, ibid. *\Vi; H. Fur. 903 ; visited Lydia and sailed on the Pactolus, Oed. 407 ; conquered tlie Amazons and many other savage peoples, ibid. 469 ; god of tlie flowing locks, crowned with ivy, carrying the thyrsus, ibid. 403 ; H. Fur. 472 ; Uip. ♦753 ; marvellous powers of the thyraus, Oed. ^491 ; attended by his foster-father Silenus, ibid. 429 ; called Bassareus, Oed. 432 ; Bromius, Uip. 700 ; Ogygian lacchus, Oed. 437 ; Nyctelius, ibid. 492; destroyed Lycurgus, king of Tlirace, because of oppo- sition to him, II. Fur. 903 ; inspired his maddened worship- pers, the women of Thebes, to rend Pentheus in pieces, Oed. 441, 483 ; helped Jupiter in war against the giants, //. Ftir. 458 ; found Ariadne on Naxos, made her his wife, and set her bridal crown in the sky, Ve<l. 488, 407
Uip. 760 ; H Fur. 18 ; ditliyram bic chorus in his praise, givinii numerous incidents in his career. Oed. **403 ; won the favour of Juno and the homage of her city of Argos, ibid. 486 ; gained a place in heaven, H. Oct. 94. See Ariadne, Bassarides, Bromius, Nycteliits, Ogyges, Pentheus, Proetides, Se.mele, Silenus
Bass.uiides, female worsliippers of Bacchus, so called because clad in fox-skius, Oed. 432
Bears, the northern constellations of the Great and Little Bears ; were forbidden by the jealous Juno to bathe in the ocean, //. Oet. 281, 1585 ; Thj. 477 ; 3Ied. 405 ; have plunged into the sea under influence of magic, ibid 758 ; shall some day, by reversal of Nature's laws, plunge beneatli the sea, Tki/. 867 ; Great Bear used for steering ships by Greeks, Little Bear by Phoenicians, Med. 694. See ARCADIAN Bears, Arctos, Callisto
Belias, one of the Belides, or granddaughters of Belus; they were also called Danaides from their father. Danaiis, U. Oet. 960
Bellona, goddess of war, dwells in hell, U. Oet. 1312 ; haunts the palaces of kings, A 'jam. 82
Boeotia, named from the heifer wliich guided Cadmus to the place where he should found his city, Oed. 722
Bootes, northern constellation of the Wagoner, driving his wawns (plavstra), under which form also the two Bears are conceived, Oct. 233 ; Agam. 70 ; unable to set beneath the sea, ibid. 09 ; not yet known as a constellation in the golden age, Med. 315
Bri.vreus, one of the giants who stormed heaven, 77. Oet. 107
Briseis, a captive maiden, beloved by her captor, Achilles, from whom she was taken by Aga- memnon, Tro. 194, 220, 318
Britannious, son of tiie emperor Claudius and Messaliiia, brother of Octavia, and strpbrotlier of Nero, by whom, at tlie instigation of Agrippiua, Nero's luotlier, he
517
INDEX
was murdered, in order that Nero might undisputed have the throne, Oct. 47, 67, *166, 2i2, 269
BROinus (the " noisy one "), epithet of Bacchus, Eip. 760
Bruttjs, friend of JuUus Caesar, leader of the conspirators against him, Oct. 498
BusiEis, lung of Egypt, who sacri- ficed strangers and was slain by Hercules, Tro. 1106; II. Fur. 483 ; H. Get. 26 ; Alcmena fears that a son of his may conio to vex the earth, ibid. 1787
CadmeIdes, daughters of Cadmus, e.ff. Agave, Autonoe, Ino, who tore Pentheus in jneces, II. Fur. 758
Cadmus, son of Agenor, king of Phoenicia. Sent by his fatlier to find his lost sister, Europa, he wandered over the earth, at last founding a land of his own (Boeotia), guided thither by a heifer sent by ApoUo. Here he kills the serpent sacred to Mars, sows its teeth, and from them armed men spring up, Oed. ••712; H. Fur. 261, 917; Phoen. 125 ; was changed to a serpent, H. Fur. 392 ; his house was accursed, Phoen. 641
Caesae, Julius, a mighty general, slain by his fellow-citizens, Oct. 500
CALCHAS (Troadcs), seer of the Greeks before Troy ; his prophetic power, Tro. *353 ; decides that Polyxena must be sacrificed, ibid. 360
Calijsto, nymph of Arcadia, be- loved of Jove, changed into a bear by Juno, and set in the heavens by Jove as the Great Bear, while her son Areas was made tlie Little Bear, //. Fur. (5 ; is the constellation by whicli Greek sailors guidctl their ships, ibid. 7 ; called the frozen Bear, ibid. 1139. See JuriTEu, Arctos, Bears
Calpe, one side of the passage rent by Hercules. One of the
" pillars of Hercules," Gibraltar, the opposite mass in Africa being called Abyla, H. Fur. 237 ; fl. Get. 1240, 1253, 1569
Cancer, zodiacal constellation of the Crab, in which the sun is found at the summer solstice. Thy. 854 ; Hip. 287 ; H. Get. 41, 67, 1219, 1573
Caphereus, cliff of Euboea, where Nauplius lured the Greek fleet to destruction. Again 560. See Nauplius
CapnomantIa, method of divining by observation of the smoke of sacrifice. Oed. *325
CASSANDRA (.Aoamemnon), be- loved by Apollo, but, since she was false to him, the gift of prophecy was made of no avail by liis decree that she should never be believed, Tro. 34 ; Agam. 255, 5SS ; given by lot to Agamemnon, Tro. 978 ; in prophetic frenzy describes the murder of Agamemnon, Agam. *720 ; is led to death, predicting death of Clytemnestra and Aegis- Ihus, ibul. 1004
Castor, one of the twin sons of Jupiter and Leda, wife of Tyn- dareus, king of Sparta ; his brother was Pollux, Phoen. 128 ; Castor rode the famous horse, Cyllarus, given by Juno, Hip. 810 ; the twins were Argonauts, Med. 230 ; called Tyndaridae, B. Fur. 14 ; Castor a horseman, Pollux a boxer, Med. 89 ; the two were set as constellations in the skv to the grief of Juno, Oct. 208 ; Thy. 028
Caucasus, mountain range between the Black and Caspian Seas, Thi/. 1048 ; here Prometheus was chained, 27. Get. 1378 ; Med. 709. See Prometheus
Cecrops, mythical founder and first king of Athens; the Athe- nians called Cecrupians, Med. 70 ; Thy. 1049
Cenaeum, north-west promontory of Euboea ; here Hercules sacri- ficed to Cenaean Jove after liis victory over Eurytus, H. Gel. 102 ; while sa( rifuing here, Hercules donned the poisoned robe sent by Deianira, ibid. 7'^2
5J8
INDEX
Centaurs, race in Thessaly, hall man, half horse, H. Oei. 1049, 1195, 1925; their light with Lapithao, H. Fur. 778 ; the centaur Kessiis killed by Her- cules, H. Oct. *503. See Cuiron, Nessus
C'EEBERUS, thrcc-headed dog, guar- dian of Hades, Thy. 16; H. Oct. 23; H. Fur. 1107 ; his existence denied, Tro. 404 ; said to have broken out of Hades and to be abroad in the Theban land, Oed. 171 ; his clanking chains heard on earth, ibid. 581 ; Hercules brought him to the upper world, U. Oet. 1245 ; Agam. 859 ; n. Fur. *50, 547 ; Theseus describes him and tells how he was brought to the upper world by Hercules, ibid. •760 ; liis actions in the light of day, ibid. *813. See Hercules
Ceres, daughter of Saturn, sister of Jupiter, mother of Proserpina, and goddess of agriculture ; her vain and anxious search for her daugliter, II. Fur. 659 ; taught Triptolemus the science of agri- culture, Hip. 838 ; mystic rites of her worship, H. Fur. 300, 845. Her name used by metonymy for grain. See Eleusin, Proser- pina, Triptolemus
Ceyx, king of Trachiu, suffered deatii by shipwreck. His wiic, Alcyone, mourned him incessant- ly ; finally both were changed into kingfishers, H. Oet. 197 ; Agam. 681 ; Oct. 7
CHAONiAN Oaks, sacred grove m Chaonia of Epirus containing a temple and oracle of Jupiter, said to be oldest oracle in Greece ; oracles supposed to be given out by the oaks themselves, endowed with speech, or by tlie doves which resorted there. " Chaonian trees " used for tall trees in general, Oed. 728 ; the " talking oak " of Chaonia, 11. Oet. 1023. See DODONA
Charon, aged ferryman of the Styx, n. Fur. 555 ; Agam. 752 ; his personal appearauce, ibid. •764 ; forced by Hercules to bear him across the Lethe (not Styx),
ibid. *770 ; overwearied by transporting throngs of Theban dead, Oed. 160 ; charmed by music of Orpheus, H. Oet. 1072
Charvbdis, wliiilpool between Italy and Sicily, opposite Scylla, Med. 408; H. Oet. 235; Thy. 581. See SOYLLA
Chimaera, mon^ie:- combining lion, dragon, and goat, vomited forth fire, Med. 828
Chiron, centaur dwelling in a cavern on Pelion, famous for his knowledge of medicine and divination. To his training were entrusted Jason, Hercules, Aesculapius, and Achiilcs, //. Fur. 971 ; Tro. 832 ; set in the sky as zodiacal constellation of Sagittarius, Thy. 860
Chryseis, daughter of Chryses, priest of Apollo at Chrysa. Taken captive, she fell to the lot of Agamemnon, who, forced to give her up, claimed Briseis, captive maid of Achilles. Hence arose strife between the two, Tro. 223. Sec Achillks
Cirrha, ancient to\vn in Phocis, near Delphi, Oed. 269 ; Jl. Oet. 92, 1475
Cithaeron, mountain near Thebes where the infant Oedipus was exposed, Phoeii. 13 ; the scene of many wild and tragic deeds, see Actaeon, Agave, Hirce, Pen-
TUEUS
Glaxiuius, fourth Roman emperor, father of Octavia, murdered by his second wife, Agrippina, Oct. 26, 45, 269.
Clotuo, one of the three fates or Parcae, supposed to hold the distaff and spiu the thread of life, H. Oet. 768; Oct. 16; Thu. 617
CLYTEMNESTRA Ugamemmn), daughter of Tyndareus and Leda, sister of Helen, wife of Agamem- non, mother of Orestes, Iphigenia, and Electra ; called Tyndaris, Agam. 897. During lier husband's absence engaged in conspiracy with Aegisthus to murder Aga- memnon. Deliberates whether Ui give up her ((burse of crime or carry it through, ibid. 108 ; tests Aegisthus' courage and deter-
519
INDEX
mination, ibid. 239 ; her murder of Agamemnon prophesied and described by Cassandra, "731. See Agamemnon and Aegisthus
C'ocvTUS, " the river of hvraen- tation," river of Hades, H. Oet. 1963 ; " sluggisli, vile," U. Fur. 686 ; the river over wiiich spirits cross to tlie laud of the dead, ibid. 870
COLCHIAN BciL. fire-breatliing mon- ster which Jason was set to yoke to the plougti ; Medea claims to have preserved some of his breath for her magic uses, Med. 829
COLCHiAN Woman, see Medea
DREON (Medea), king of Corinth, to wliose court Jason and Medea fled when driven out of Thessaly ; father of Creiisa, for whom he selected Jason as husband, de- creeing bauisliment of Medea ; headstrong and arbitrary, Med. 143 ; allows Medea one day of respite from exile, ibid. *190 ; called son of Sisyphus, ibid. 512 ; ius death and that of his daughter, ibid. *879
CREON (Oedipus), Theban prince, brother of Jocasta, Oed. 210 ; sent by Oedipus to consult oracle, reports that cause of plague is unavcDKcd murder of Laius, ibid. *210 ; announces that Oedipus himself is guilty of the murder. Is tlurown into prison by Oedipus on charge of conspi- racy with Tlresias, ibid. *509 ; slain by the usurper, Lycus, U. Fur. 254
Cretan Bull, laid waste Ihe island of Crete ; caught and taken to Eurystheus by Hercules, TI. Fur. 230 ; Agam. 833. See Hercbles
CREtJSA (Medea), daughter of Creon, king of Corintli ; Creon chose Jason as her husband, Med. 105 : Jason's wife, Medea, swears that Creiisa shall not bear brothers to her children, ibid. 509 ; Jason charged by Medea with love for Creiisa, ibid. 495 ; Medea prepares a magic robe as present for Creiisa, ibid. *816 ; Creiisa's deatli, i6iV/. .S79
CRisPisrs, Roman knight, the husband of Poppaea, Oct. 731
320
Cupid, god of love, son of Veuus ; addressed and characterised by Deianira, U. Oet. *541 ; all-power- ful over gods and men. Hip. *185 'j his wide sway and instances of his irresistible power, ibid. **275 ; his power, Oct. 806; there is no sucli god, ibid. **557 ; Hip. **275
Cybele, goddess worshipped in Plirygian groves, Hip. 1135 ; pines of Ida sacred to her, Tro. 72 ; wears a turreted crown, her worship described, Agam. 686
Cyclopes, race of giants in Sicily, each having but one eye ; said to have built walls of Mycenae, H. Fur. 997 ; Thij. 407 ; Poly- phemus, a Cyclop, sits on a crag of Aetna, ibul. 582
Cycnus, son ot Mars, slain by Hercules, H. Fur. 485
Cycnus, son of Neptune, slain by AchiUes and changed into a swan, Agam. 215 ; Tro. 184
Cyllasits, famous horse which Juno received from Neptune and presented to Castor, Hip. 811
Cynosura, constellation of t)ie Lesser Bear, Thy.' 872
D
Daedaltts, Athenian architect, the father of Icarus. Helped Pasi- phae, wife of Minos, to accom- plish her unnatural desires. Hip. 120; built the labyrinth for Minotaur, ibid. 122, 1171; his escape from Crete on wings, Oed. *822: safe because he pursued a middle course, H. Oet. GS3
Damocles, a courtier of Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, who showed his guest a sword hanging by a hair over his head as he lay at banquet, H. Oet. 656
DanaK, daughter of Acrisius, mother of I'erseus by Jupiter, who approached her in a golden shower, Oct. 207, 772. See Perseus
DanaIdes, fifty daugliters of Dan- aiis, brother of Aegyjitus. They, being forced to marry the llfty
INDEX
sons of Aegyptus, slew their husbands on their wedding nisht, with the exception of Hyper- innestra, //. Fur. 498 ; tlieir punishment in Hades the task of lilling a bottomless cistern with water carried in sieves, ibid. 757 ; Medea summons these to lier aid, Med. 749 ; Deiaiiira would fill the vacant place in their number, H. Oct. 948 ; called also ISelides, ibid. 960. See Belus, Hypermnestra
Dardanus, son of Jupiter and Electra, one of the royal house of Troy. Exults in Hades over the impending doom of Aga- memnon, enemy of his house, Again. 773
Daulian Bird, i.e. Procne, changed into a nightingale after the tragedy connected witlj her name, enacted at Daulis, a city of Phocis. She mourns continu- ally for Itys, //. Oct. 192. See Philomela and Itys
DEIANIRA (Hercules Oetaeus), daugiiter of Oeneus, king of Calydonia, sister of Meleager, wife of Hercules, mother of Hyllus, plays with her maidens on banks of Acheloiis, E. Get. 586 ; her abduction by Nessus, ibid. *500 ; her rage when siie hears of Hercules' infatuation for lole, ibid. 237 ; ignorant of its power, prepares to send the charmed robe to Hercules, ibid. *535 ; gives it to Lichas, ibid. 569 ; discovers its power, ibid. *716 ; learns from Hyllus effect of poison on Hercules, ibid. *742 ; prays for death, ibid. 842 ; begs Hyilus to slay her, ibid. 984 ; goes mad, ibid. 1002 ; dies by her own hand, ibid. 1420
JM-iD.iiilA, daughter of Lycomedes, king of Scyros, mother of Pyrrhus by Achilles, Tro. 342
DiciPHOBUS, son of Priam and Hecuba, husband of Helen after death of Paris ; slain and mangled by the Greeks through wife's treachery, Again. 740
Delos, floating island in Aegean Sea, birthplace of Apollo and Diana, H. Fur 453 ; made firm
at command of Diana, Agam. 384
Deli'IIIO Or.\cle, of Apollo at Delplii in Phocis ; expressed in enigmatic form, Oed. 214; the giving out of an oracle described, ibid. *225 ; U. Oct. 1475
Deucalion, son of Prometheus, husband of Pyrrha ; this pair the only survivors of the flood, Tro. 1039. See Pyrriia
Diana, daughter of Jupiter and Latona, twin sister of Apollo, H. Fur. 905 ; hymn to. Again. *367 ; caused Delos to stand firm, ibid. 369 ; punished Nioiie for impiety, ibid. a75 ; conceived as Luna or Phoebe in heaven, Diana on earth, and Hecate in Hades, Hip. 412 ; called Trivia, w'orshipped where tliree ways meet, Agam. 367 ; Hippolytus prays to lier as goddess of the chase, Hip. 54; her wide sway, ibid. *54 ; nurse of Phaedra prays that she may turn Hippolytus to love, ibid. 406 ; in form of I.una, an object of attack by ThessaUan witch- craft, ibid. 421 ; sUghted by Oeneus, she sent a huge boar to ravage the country. Hence Pleuron is hostile to her, Tro. 827
DiCTYNNA, " goddess of the nets," epithet of Diana, Med. 795
DiOMEDES, king of the Bistones, in Thrace, who gave his captives to his man-eating horses to devour, H. Oct. 1538; Tro. 1108; Her- cules captured his horses, having given their niast<3r to them to devour, Agam. 842 ; E. Fur. 220, 1170 ; //. Get. 20; Alcmena fears that she may be given to these horses now that Hercules is dead, H. Get. 1790. See HERCULES
DiROE, wife of Lycus, king of Tliebes, who, on account of her cruelty to Antiipe, was tied by her sons, Zethus and Amphion, by the hair to a wild bull, and so dragged to death on ( itiiaeron, Phoen. 19; changed to the foimtain Dirce, ibid. ]•>('> ; //. Fur. 910 ; this fountain flowed with blood at the time of the plague at Tliebes, Oed. 177
521
INDEX
Discord, a Fury, summoned by Juno from Hades to drive Her- cules to madness, S. Fur. 93 ; her abode, ibid. ♦93
DODONA, city of Chaonia in Epirus, famous for ancient oracle of Jupiter, in a grove of oaks, which had the gift of speech, H. Get. 1473 ; when Minerva aided in the construction of the Argo, she set in its prow timber cut from the speaking oak of Dodona, and this piece had oracular power ; the Argo's " voice " was lost through fear of the Symplegades, Med. 349. See CnAONiAN Oaks
DOMiTius, father of Nero, Oct. 249
Dragon, (l) guardian of the apples of the Hesperides, slain by Her- cules, and afterwards set in the heavens as constellation Draco, between the two Bears , Thy. 870 ; Med. 694 ; (2) of Colchis, guardian of the golden fleece, put to sleep by Medea's magic, Med. 703 ; (3) dragon sacred to Mars killed by Cadmus near the site of his destined city of Thebes. From the teeth of this dragon, sown by Cadmus, armed men sprang up, Oed. **725 ; R. Fur. 200 ; some of these teeth were sown by Jason in Colchis with a similar result, Med. 469 ; the brothers who sprang up against Cadmus are described as living in Hades, Oed. 580
Drtjsus, Livius, the fate of, Oct. 887, 942
Dryads, race of wood-nymphs, 27. Oet. 1053 ; Hip. 784
E
Echo, nymph who pined away to a mere voice for unrequited love of Narcissus. She dwells in mountain caves, and repeats the last words of all that is said in her hearing, Tro. 109
E;LECTHA (Ai/amemnon), daughter of Agamemnon and Clytenmes- tra, sister of Orestes; gives her brother to Stropliius, king of Phocis, to save him from Cly- teninestra and Acgisthus, Again.
910 ; defies her mother and Aegisthus, ihid. 953 ; is taken away to imprisonment, ihid. 1000 ; Octavia compares her woes with Electra's, to the advantage of the latter, Oct. 60
Eleusin (Eleusis), ancient city of Attica, famous for its mysteries of Ceres, fl. Oet. 599 ; Tro. 843 ; H. Fur. 300 ; Uip. 838 ; the mysteries described, H. Fur. *842. See Cerbs, Triptolbmcs
Elysium, abode of the blest, Tro. 159, 944; H. Oet. 950, 1916; E. Fur. 744
ENCELADtrs, oue of the Titans who attempted to detlnone Jove, overtlu-own and buried under Sicily, E. Fur. 79 ; E. Oet. 114(1, 1145, 1159, 1735
Eridanus, mythical and poetical name of the Po, E. Oet. 180. See PhaEtiiontiades
Erinyes, the Furies, E. Fur. 982 ; Med. 952 ; Oed. 590 ; Agam. 83 ; Thij. 251 ; E. Oct. 009, 071 ; Oct. 23, 161, 263, 619, 913. See Furies
Eryx, son of Butes and Venus, famous boxer, overcome by Her- cules, E. Fur. 481 ; mountain in Sicily, said to have been named from the preceding, Oed. COO
ETKOCLES (Plweniasae), one of the two sons of Oedipus and Jocasta. After Oedipus aban- duned the throne of Thebes (Phoen. 104), Eteocles and Poly- nices agreed to reign alternately. Eteocles, the elder, ascended the throne, but when his year was up refused to give way to his brother, Phoen. 55, 280, 389 ; E. Fur. 389. See Polynices
EUMENIDES (" the gracious ones "), a euphemistic name for the Furies, E. Fur. 87 ; E. Oet. 1002
EUKOPA, danghlcr of Agenor, king of Tyre, beloved of Jupiter, who, as a bull, carried her away to Crete, Oct. 200, 700 ; E. Oet. 550 ; this episode inunortalised by the constellation of Taurus, 11. Fur. 9 ; sought in vain by her brother Caduuis, Oed. 715; the continent of ICurope named after her, Agam. 205, 274 ; Tro. ti90
522
INDEX
EURY3ATES (Agamemnon), mes- senger of Apameinnon who an- nounces victory of Greeks at Troy and the hero's near approach to Mycen;u>. Agam. 392 ; relates the sufTerinj^s of the Greek tleet on the homeward voyage, ibid, »421
EURYDICE, wife of Orplieus, slain by a serpent's sting on her wed- ding day ; story of Orpheus' quest for her in Hades, U. Fur. *569 ; rescued by Orpheus from the lower world, but lost again, E. Oet. *1084. See Orpheus
ETJRYSTnEtJS, son of Sthenehis, grandson of Perseus, who, by a trick of Juno, was given power over Hercules, and, at Juno's instance, laid upon Hercules his various labours, //. Oet. 403 ; //. Fur. 43, 78, 479. 526, 830 ; lord of Argos and Mycenae, ibid. 1 ISO ; U. Oet. 1800 ; his punish- ment predicted, ibid. 1973
EURYTUS, king of Oechalia and father of lole, //. Oet. 1490 ; he and his house destroyed by Hercules because he refused the hitter's suit for lole, ibid 100, 207, 221 ; //. Fur. 477. See IlEROULES
Fksceitnine, of Fescennla, ancient town of Etruria, famous for a species of coarse dialogues in verse which bear its name, Med. 113
Fortune, goddess of fate, ruling over affairs of men, II. Fur. 326, 524; Tro. *1, •259, 269, 697. 735 ; Phoen. 82, 308, 452 ; Med. 159, 176, 287 ; Hip. 979, 1124, 1143 ; Oed. 11. 86, 674, 786, 825, 934 ; A(fatn. 28. 58, 72, 89, 101, 248, 594, 698 ; H. Oet. 697 ; Oct. 36, 377, 479, 563, 888, 898, 931, 962 ; Thy. 618
Furies, avenging goddesses, dwell- ing in Hades, set to punish and torment men both on earth and in the li)\vcr world ; described and appealed to, Med. 13 ; Juno plots to summon them from
Hades to make Hercules mad, H. Fur. 86 ; describeti, ibid. 87 ; described by Cassandra. Again. *759 ; move in bands, 'Thy. 78, 250 ; Med. 958 ; a Fury used as a character in prologue, driving on Thyestcs' ghost to perform his mission. Thy. *23. See EuMExiDEs, Erinyes, Meoaera,
TiSIl'HONE
Gemini, zodiacal constellation of the Twins, Castor and Pollux, Thy. 853
Geryon, mythical king in Spain, having three bodies ; Hercules slew him and brought his famous cattle to Eurystheus as his tenth labour, //. Fur. 231, 487, 1170; Agam. 837 ; U. Oet. 26, 1204, 1900. See Herodlks
CHOSTS. The ghost appears as a dramatis persona in the following plays: Agametnnon,h\ which the ghost of Thyestes appears in the prologue to urge Aegisthus on to fullil his ndssion ; Thyeates, in which the ghost of Tantalus simi- larly appears in the prologue ; Octuv.ia, in which the ghost of Agrippina appears. In the fol- lowing plays the ghost affects tlie action though not actually ap- pearing u[)ou the stage : Troades. m uhich the ghost of Achilles is reported to have appeared to the Greeks and demanded the sacri- fice of Polyxena, 168 If.; Andro- mache also claims to have seen the ghost of Hector warning her of the impending fate of .•Vstyanax, 443 ff.; Oedipus, in which the ghost of Laius and other departed spirits are described as set free by the necromancy of Tiresias, 582 ff.; .U <(/('(!, in which the mangled ghost of Al)syrtusseems to appear to the distracted Medea, 963; ghosts appear larger than mortal forms, Oi'd. 175
Giants, monstrous sons of Earth, made war upon the gods, scaling heaven by piling mountains oni- on another, Tro. 829 ; Thy. 804,
5i{3
INDEX
810, 1084; B. Fur. 4i5, 976; H. Oet. 1139, *1151; over- thrown by Jove's thunderbolt, H. Oet. 1302 ; Oed. 91 ; wth the help of Hercules, H. Oet. 1215 ; buried under Sicily, ibid. 1309. See Briareus, Enoela- D0S, Gyas, Mimas, Othrys, Ty- PHOETJS, Titans Golden Age, first age of mankind, when peace and innocence reij-'ned on earth. Hiv. *525 ; Oct. *o95 ; Med. *329
OOLDEN-FIEECED BAM, (1) On
wliich Phrixus and his sister, Helle, escaped from Boeotia ; as they fled through the air Helle fell off into tlie sea, Tro. 1035 ; on arrival at Colchis Phrixus sacrificed the ram and gave his fleece to King Aeet€3, who hung it in a tree sacred to Mars. This fleece the prize sought by the Argonauts, Med. 361, 471. See Pup.ixus, Helle, Argonauts. (2) The emblem and pledge of sovereignty iu the house of Pelops, Thy. *225
Gorgon, Medusa, one of the three daughters of Phorcys, whose head was covered with snaky locks ; tiie sight of her turned men to .stone. Killed by Perseus, her head presented to IViinerva, who fixed it upon her shield, 77. Oet. 96 ; Agam. 530. See Per- seus
GRACcni, two popular leaders of the Sempronian gens, brought to ruin by popular renown, Oct. 882
GradIvus, surname of Mars, fl. Fur. 1342
Gyas, one of the giants who sought to dethrone Jove, E. Oet. 167, 1139
Hares, place of departed spirits, situated in the underworld ; entrance to, 77. Fur. 662 ; description of, ibid. 547 ; Theseus, returned thcn'from. describes places and porsi>ns tlicre, ibid. **658 ; the world of the dead
and the tlurongs who pour into it. ibid. *830 ; its torments and personages described by ghost of Tantalus, Thy. 1 ; its regions and inhabitants seen by Creon tlu'ough the chasm in the earth made by Tiresias' incantations, Oed *582
Harpies, mytlucal monsters, half woman and half bird ; driven from Phineus by Zetes and Calais, Med. 782 ; still torment Phineus in Hades, 77. Fur. 759 ; used as type of winged speed, Phoen. 424
Hebe, daughter of Juno, cupbearer to the gods, given as bride to Hercules, Oct. 211
Hecate, daughter of Perses, pre- sider over enchantments ; identi- fied with Proserpina as the underworld manifestation of tS'.o deity seen in Diana on eartli and Luna in heaven, 77. Oet. 1519 ; Med. 6, 577, 833, 841 ; Tro. 389 ; MiV. 412 ; Oed. 569
Hector, son of Priam and Hecuba, husband of Andromache, bravest warrior and cliief support of Troy, Tro. 125 ; burns Greek fleet, ibid. 444 ; Aijam. 743 ; slays Patroclus, Tro. 446 ; slaiTi by Achilles and his body dragged around the walls, ibid. *4l3 ; Agam. 743 ; lus body ransomed by Priam, ibid. 447 ; lamented by the captive Trojan women, I'ro. 98 ; his ghost warns Andromache in a dream of the danger of their son Astyanax, ibid. 443
HECUBA (Troades), wife of Priam, sur\^ves Troy ; leads the captive women in lament for Troy's downfall, Tro. *1 ; before the birth of Pari-,, dreamed that slie had given birth to a firebrand, ibid. 36 ; her once happy estate described, and contra.sted with her present wretchcelness, ibid. *958 ; given to Ulysses by lot, ibid. 980 ; having sulfered the loss of all her loved ones, she is at last clianged into a dog, Agam. *705 ; reioicps for the first time after ] lector's doatli on occasion of woodi'ii horse being taken into Troy, ibid. 648
5S24
INDEX
HELEN {Troofles), daughter of Jupiter and Lcda, sister of Clyteinnestra, wife of Menelaiis, tiie most beautiful woman iu Greece ; given by Venus to Paris as a reward for his judgment in her favour, Oct. 773 ; lied from her husband for love of Paris, Again. 123 ; pardoned by Aga- memnon, she returns home with Menelaiis, ibid. 273 ; sent by Greeks to deceive Polyxena and prepare her for sacrifice on Aciiilles' tomb, Tro. 861 ; cursed by Andromache, ibid. *892 ; bewails her own lot, ibid. 905 ; she is not to Idamc for the woes of Troy, ibid. 917 ; Clytemnestra likened to her, Agam. 795
IlELLK, sister of Phrixus, who fled with liim on the goldeu-ileeced ram, and fell olf into tlie sea, which tliercafter bore her name (Hellespont). Tro. 1034 ; Thy. 851. See PURIXUS
Hercean JO'vt:, epithet of Jupiter as protector of t!ie house ; at his altar Priam was slain, Tro. 140 ; Agam. 448. 793
HEKCULES (Uerculcs Ftirens, Her- cules Oetaeus), son of Jupiter and Alcmena, U. Fur. 20 ; //. Oct. 7 and passim : night unnaturally prolonged at his conception, Agam. 814; H. Fur. 24, 1158; n. Oet. 147, 1500. 1697, 1864 ; born in Thebes, (Jal. 749 ; in infancy strangled two serpents which Juno sent against him, U. Fur. *214 ; U. Oet. 1205; by a trick of Juno was ma le subject to Eurystheus, who set him vari- ous labours, //. Oet. 403 ; H. Fur. 78, 524, *830. These twelve labours are as follows : (1) Kilting of Nemean lion, IJ. Fur. 46, 224; n. Oet. 16, 411. 1192, 1235. 1885 ; Agam. 829 ; (2) destruction of Leruean hydra. Agam. 835 ; Med. 701 ; U. Fur. 46, 241, 529. 780. 1195: //. Oet. 19, 918, 1193, 1534, 1813 ; (3) capture of Arcadian stag, famous for its lleetness and its golden antlere, E. Fur. 222 ; H. Oet. 17, 1238 ; Agam. 831 ; (4) capture 01 wUd boar of Erymanthus, H.
Fur. 228 ; H. Oet. 980, 1536, 1888 ; Agam. 832 ; (5) cleansing of Augean stables, //. Ftir. 247 ; (6) killing of Stymiilialian birds, //. Fur. 244; //. Oct. 17, 1237, 1813, 1889 ; Agam. 850 ; (7) capture of Cretan bull, H. Fur. 230 ; H. Oet. 27 ; Agam. 834 ; (8) capturing mares of Diomedes and slaving of Diomedes, 77. Fur. 226 ; 77. Oet. 20, 1538, 1814, 1894 ; Agam. 842 ; (9) securing girdle of Hippolyte, II. Fur. 245, 542 ; 77. Oet. 21, 1183, 1450; Agam. 848 ; (10) killing Geryon and capturing his oxen, 77. Fur. 231, 487 ; 77. Oet. 26, 1204, 1900; Agam. 837 ; (11) securing golden apples of llesperides, 77. Fur. 239, 530 ; B. Oet. 18 ; Phoen. 316 ; Agam. *S52 ; (12) descent to Hades and bringing back Cerbe- lus, 77. Fur. •46, *»760 ; H. Oet. 23, 1162, 1244; Agam. 859. Other deeds of Hercules are : bore the Iicavens upon Ids shoulders in place of Atlas, 77. Fur. *69, 528, 1101; 77. Oct. 282, 1241, 1764, 1905 ; burst a passage for Peneus between Ossa and Olym- pus, H. Fur. *283 ; rent C'alps and Abyla (the " Pillars of Hercules ") apart and made a passage for the sea into the ocean, H. Fur. 237 ; II. Oet. 1240, 1253, 1569 ; overcame Centaurs, ibid. 1195 ; fought with Acheloiis for possession of Deianira, ibid. 299, 495 ; slew Nc^sus, who was carrying off his bride, ibid. *500, 921 ; overcame Eryx the boxer, H. Fur. 4sl ; slew Antaeus, H. Fur. 482, 1171 ; 77. Oet. 24, 1899 ; killed Busiris, 77. Fur. 483 ; H. Oet. 26 ; Tro. 1106 ; slew Cycnus, son of Mars, 77. Fur. 485 ; killed Zctes and Calais, Med. 634 ; killed Periclynienus, ibid. 635; wounded Pluto, who was gomg to aid the Pyliaiis, 77. Fur. 560 ; fought with Death for the reco- very of Alcestis, 77. 0.7. 766 «. ; wrecked off the African coast, made his way on foot to shore. ibid. 319 ; assisted the gods iii their light Jigainst the giants, ibid. 444 ; H. Oct. 170 ; captured
525
INDEX
Troy with aid of Telamon during reign of Laomedon, Tro. 136, 719 ; his arrows said to be twice fated for the destruction of Troy, ibid. 825 ; Agam. 863 ; forced Charon to bear him across the Letlie (not Styx), H. Fur. *762 ; H. Oet. 1556 ; rescued Theseus from Hades, Hip. 843 ; H. Fur. 806 ; H. Oet. 1197, 1768 ; overcame Eurytus, king of Oecha- lia, H. Fur. 477 ; H. Oet. 422. More or less extended recapitula- tions of the deeds of Hercules are found in the following passages : Agam. 808-866 ; H. Fur. 205-308, 481-487, 524-560 ; E. Oct. 1-98, 410-435, 1161-1206, 1218-1257, 1518-1606,1810-1830, 1872-1939. The loves of Hercules are as follows : Hesioue, daughter of Laomedon, rescued from the sea-monster, and made captive to Hercules with the first fall of Troy ; he afterward.^ gave her to Telamon, H. Oct. 363; Auge, daughter of Aleus, king of Tegea, ibid. 367 ; the fifty daughters of Thespius, ibid. 369 ; Omphale, queen of Lydia, to whom Her- cules, in expiation of an act ol sacrilege, went into voluntary servitude for three years, ibid. •371, 573 ; H. Fur. *465 ; Eip. 317 ; lole, daughter of Eurytus, king of Oechalia, whom Hercules destroyed because lole was denied to him, H. Oet. 100, 207, 221 ; H. Fur. 477. His wives were (1) Megara, daughter of Creon, king of Thebes ; Hercules, in a fit of madness, slew her and his children by lier, H. Fur. •987, 'lOlO ; U. Oet. 429, 903 ; when his sanity returned, The- seus promised him cleansing for his crime by Mars at Athens, JEf. Fur. 1341 ; elsewhere said to have been cleansed by washing In the Cinyps, a river in Africa, H. Oet. 907; (2) Deianira. daughter of Oeneus, king or Calydonla. See Beianir.v and ACHELOfiS. The favourite tree of Hercules was the poplar, 77. Fur. 894, 912; 77. Oet. 1641. Hercules destined to come to a
526
tragic end after a life of great deeds. Med. 637 ; death in accordance with an oracle which declared that he should die by the hand of one whom lie had slain, II. Oet. 1473 ; Deianira, ignorantly seeking to regain her husband's love from lole, sends him a robe anointed with the poisoned blood of Nessus, ibid. 535 ; Lichas bears the robe to Ixis master, ibid. 569 ; Hercules was worshipping Cenaean Jove in Euboea when the robe was brought to him, ibid. 775 ; liis Bufferings caused bv the poison, ibid. *740, 1218; hurls Lichas over a cliff, ibid. 809 ; after dire suffering, is borne by boat from Euboea to Mt. Oeta, where lie was to perish, ibid. 839 ; funeral pyre built for liim on Oeta, ibid. 1483 ; his place in heaven after death, ibid. 1565 ; liis triumphant death in the midst of the flames, ibid. **1610, 1726 ; liis fated bow is given to PliLloctetes. ibid. 1648 ; his ashes are collected by his mother, Alcmena, ibid. 1758 ; Medea possessed some of the ashes of Oeta's pyre soaked with his blood, Med. 777; his voice is heard from heaven. I/. Oet. *1940; received into heaven in spite of Juno's opposition, he is given Hebe as liis wife, Oct. 210
Hermione, daughter of Menelaiis and Helen. Tro. 1134
Hesioxe, daughter of Laomedon, exposed to a sea-monster sent by Keptune to punish the perfidy of Laomedon. Rescued by Her- cules when he and Telamon took Troy, 77. Oet. 363
Hesperides, golden ajiples of, on far western islands, watched over by tliree nymphs, guarded by dragon ; Hercules iu eleventh labour secured them for Eurys- theus, Agam. 852 ; Phoen. 316 ; H. Fur. 239, 530
Hespeucs, evening staf, messenger of night, Med. 87s ; Hip. 750 ; 77. Fur. 883 ; impatiently awaited by lovers, Med. 72; Phoen. 87; functions of evening and morning stars interchauged at the coucep-
INDEX
tlon of Hercules, 11 Fur. 821 ; //. Oct. 149
lliiiROSCOi'lA (extisp ilium), metliod of prophesying by inspecting viscera of sacrificial victim, practised by Tiresias, Oed. *353
HippodamIa, daughter of Oeiio- maiis, king of Pisa. SeeMYRTiLUS
HirpoLYTE, queen of Amazons, possesried of belt of Mara ; HercHles as his ninth labour secured this belt, Aiiam. 848; H. Fur. 215, 542; U. Oet. 21, 1183, 1450
HIPPOLYTUS (Uippoli/tus), son of Theseus and Hippolyte, or, according to others, of Theseus and Aiitiope ; devoted to the hunt and to Diana, Hip. 1 ; object of Phaedra's guilty love, ibitl. *99 ; hates ail womankind, ibid. 230 ; liis life as a recluse, ibid. 435 ; sings the praises of life in woods and fields, ibid. •483 ; is charged with a.-saulting Phaedra, ibid. 725 ; death caused by a monster sent by Neptune in response to prayer of Tlieseus, ibid. 1000 ; liis innocence dis- covered, ibid. 1191
Hyades, daughters of Atlas and Bisters of the Pleiades ; a con- stellation borne on horns of Taurus. Thy. 852 ; storm-bringing constellation, not yet recognised as such in the golden age, Med. 311 ; disturbed by magic power of Medea, ibid. 769
Hydra, monster which mfested the marsh of Lerna ; had nine heads, one of wliich was immortal. Slain by Hercules as his second labour, Agam. 835 ; Med. 701 ; H. Fur. 40, 241, 529, 780, 1195 ; H. Oel. 19, 94, 259, 851, 914, 918, 1193, 1534, 1650, 1813, 1927
IIYLAS, youth, beloved by Her- cules, accompanied him on Ar- gonautic expedition ; was seized by water-nymphs, Hip. 780 ; Med. *G47
HYLLUS (.nereides OeUteus), son of Hercules and Delanira, U. Oet. 742 •. the grandson of Jove. ibid. 1421; lole consigned to mm as wife by the dying Hercules, ibid. 1490
UVMKN, god of marriagp, Tro. 861, S95 ; Med. *M. ill), 110, .SOO
Hypkumnestka, one of the (Ifty daughters of IJanaiis, who refused to murder her husband, //. Fur. 500 ; not punished with her sisters in Hades, fl. Oet. 948. See DanaIdes
ICARtJS, son of Daedalus ; the wings on wliich he attempted flight were melted by the sun ; fell into the sea, which received lii.s name, Agam, 500 ; Oed. •892 ; H. Oet. 086. See Daedalus
IDMON, son of Apollo and Asteria, Argonaut, had prophetic power ; was killed by a wild boar, not, as Seneca says, by a serpent, Med. 052
Ino, daughter of Cadmus, sister of Semele, wife of Athamas, king of Tliebea. Athamas, driven mad by Juno, because Ino had nursed the infant Bacchus, attempted to slay her ; she escaped by leaping into the sea witli her son Meli- ccrta. Both changed into sea- divinities, Plwen. 22 ; Oed. 445 See Palaemon
lOLE (Hercules Oetaeus), daughter of Eurytils, king of Oechalia. Was sought in marriage by Hercules, who, when refused, destroyed her father and all his house, H. Oet. 221 ; in captivity she mourns her fate, ibid. 173 ; sent as captive to Deianira, ibid. 224 ; her reception by Deianira, ibid. 237 ; is given to Hyllus as wife by the dying Hercules, ibid. 1490
IpiiiqenIa, da\ighter of Agamem- non and Clytcmnestra ; taken to be sacriticed at Aulis, on pretext of marriage to Acliilles, Agam. 168 ; sacrificed that Greeks might sail from Aulis, ibid. 100 ; Tro. 249, 300, 555 n., 570 n. ; her sacrifice described, Agam. 'lOl ; rescued by Diana and taken to serve in goddess' temple among the Taurians, Oct. 972
527
INDEX
Iris, messenger of Juno, goddess of the rainbow, Oed. 315
ITYS, son of Tereus, king of Thrace, and Procne, who, to punish her husband for his outrage upon her sister, Pliilomela, slew and served Itys at a banquet to liis father. The sisters, changed to birds, ever bewail Itys, H. Oet. 192 ; Agam. 670
IxION, for his insult to Juno wliirlcd on a wheel in Hades, Hip. 1236; Thy. 8; Agayn. 15; Oct. 623 ; H. Fvr. 750 ; H. Oet. 945, 1011; Med. 744; his wlieel stood still at music of Orpheus, ibid. 1068. See Nephele
JASON (Medea), son of Aeson, king of Thessaly, nephew of the usurping king, Pelias. Was persuaded by Pehas to undertake the adventure of the Golden Fleece, for which he organised and led tlie Argonautic expedi- tion. Tlirough Medea's aid per- formed the tasks in Colchis set by Aeetes : tamed tlie fire-breath- ing bull, Bled. 121, 241, 466; overcame the giants spruiig from the serpent's teeth, ibid. 467 ; put to sleep the dragon, ibid. 471. Had no part iri murder of Pelias, for which lie and Medea were driven out of Thessaly, ibid. 262 ; but this and all Medea's crimes had been done for his sake, ibid. *275 ; living in exile in Corinth, is forced by Creon into marriage with the king's daughter, Creiisa, ibid. 137 ; Medea curses him, ibid. 19 ; he laments the dilemma in which he finds himself, ibid. 431 ; decides to yield to Creon 's demands for the sake of his children, ibid. 441
JOCASTA (OedipHU, Phoenissae), wife of Laius, king of Thebes, mother and afterwards wife ()f Oedipus ; on learning that Oedi- pus is her son, kills herself, Ocd. 1024. According to another version, she is still livmg after
Oedipus goes into exile ; bewail.*
the strife between her sons, Eteocles and Polynices, Pkoeii. 377 ; rushing between the two hosts, tries to reconcile her sons, ibid. *443
Judges in Hades, Aeacus, Minos, and llhadamanthus, weep when they hear Orpheus' strains, H. Fur. 579 ; Theseus describes their persons and judgments, the moral law under which the souls of men are judged, the punish- ments and rewards meted out, ibid. **727
Julia, daughter of Drusus and Li\ia Drusilla, exiled and after- wards slain, Oct. 944
JUNO (Hercules Furens), reveals her motive in persecuting Her- cules ; recounts Jove's infidelities and relates her struggles with Hercules ; she cannot overcome Mm by any toil, H. Fur. *1 ff . ; type of wife who, by wise manage- ment, won back her husband's love, Oct. *201 ; hymn in praise of, Agam. 340 ; Argos is dear to her, ibid. 809
JuriTER, lord of Olympus, ruler of the skies and seasons. Hip. *960 ; ruler of heaven and earth, to whom victors consecrate their spoils, Again. *802 ; his mother, Rhea, brought him forth in Crete and hid him in a cave of Ida, lest his father, Saturn, should dis- cover and destroy him, H. Fur. 459 ; hymn in praise of, Agam 381 ; his thunderbolts forged in Aetna, Hip. 156 ; his amours wnth mortals : with Leda, to whom he appeared as a swan, Hip. 301 ; H. Fur. 14 ; wth Europa, as a bull. Hip. 303 ; H. Fur. 9 ; H. Oet. 550 ; with I)anae, as a golden shower, H. Fur. 13; with Callisto, ibid. 6; with the Pleiades (Eloctra, Maia, Taygete), ibid. 10 ; with Latona, ibid. 15; with Semele, ibid. 16; with Alcmena, ibid. 22. For his ancient oracle in Epirus, see DODONA ; sec also Hekcean Jove and Cesaeum
Justice (JuslUia), the goddess Astraea, who once lived on eaitb
528
INDEX
during t)ic innocence of man in the golden >itfc of Saturn, Oct. 308 ; lied the earth when sin became dominant, ibid. 424.
ScO ASTRAEA
Labdacidae, Tliehang, from Lab- dacus, king of Thebes, father of Laius, Oed. 710 ; Phoen. 53 ; n. Fur. 405
r.ACHESis, one of the tliree fates, or Parcae, who measured out the tliread of human life, Oed. 985. The other two were C'lotho and Atropo-s. See ClOTno
LaKrtes, father of Ulysses, dwell- ing in Ithaca, Tro. 700 ; Thy. 587
LAius, king of Thebes, husband of Jocasta, father of Oedipus, whom, fearing an oracle, he had exposed ill infancy ; his murder by an unknown man must be avenged before the plague alTlicting Thebes can be relieved, Oed. *217 ; place and supposed manner of his death, ibiii. *276, 776 ; his shade, raised by Tiresias, declares that Oedipus is liis murderer, ibid. *610 ; his shade seems to appear to the blind Oedipus in exile, Phoen. 39
LaOxMEDON, king of Troy, father of Priam ; deceived Apollo and Xeptune, who built the walls of Troy, and again cheated Hcr- cides out of his promised reward for delivering Hesioue ; hence his house is called a " lying house," Agam. 864
I.Ai'iTUAE. tribe of Thessaly, asso- ciated in story with the Centaurs, and both with a struggle agaiust Hercules in wluch they were worsted ; in Hades still fear their great enemy when he appears, n. Fur. 770
Latona, beloved of Jupiter, to whom she bore Apollo and Diana, Aoam. 324 ; the floating island, Delos, the only spot allowed her by jealous Juno for her travail, R. Fur. 15
SEN. TRAG. II.
Leda, wife of Tyndareus, king of Sparta ; was beloved by Jupiter in the form of a swan, Oct. 205, 764 ; became by him mother ot Castor and Pollux, U. Fur. 14 ; Oct. 208 ; mother of Clyteranes- tra by Tyndareus, Agam. 125, 234
Lemnos, island in the Aegean, where Vulcan fell and established his forges, U. Oet. 1362 ; all the Lemnian women, except Hypsipyle, murdered their male relatives, Agam. 566
Leo, zodiacal constellation of the Lion, representing the Nemean lion slain by Hercules, U. Fur. 69, 945 ; Thy. 855 ; said to have fallen from the moon, where, according to the Pythagoreans, all monsters had their origin, H. Fur. 83
Lethe, river of the lower world whose waters cause tliose wlio drink to forget the past, U. Oet. 936 ; H. Fur. 080 ; Hip. 1202 ; is used as equivalent to Styx or the lower world in general, ibid. 147 ; Oed. 500 ; H. Oet. 1162, 1208, 15,50, 1985; Charon plies his boat over tliis river, E. Fur. 'ill
Libra, zodiacal constellation of the Scales, marking tiie autumnal equinox. Hip. 839 ; Thy. 858
LiCHAS, messenger of Hercules to Deianira, //. Oct. 99 ; bearer of the poisoned robe from Deianira, tlirown over a cliff by Hercules, ibid. 567, 570, 809, 814, 978, 1400
LiviA, wife of Drusus ; her fate, Oct. 942
Loves, 'Hpun (Cupid) and 'Ai'Ttpw;, twin sons of Venus, Hip. 275
LuciFEU, morning star, the lierald of the sun, Hip. 152, ; Oed. 507, 741 ; 77. Oct. 149
LuciXA, goddess who presides over child-birth, i.e. Diana or Luna, Agam. 385 ; 3Ied. 2 ; or Juno, ibid. 61
LrcRETiA, daughter of Lucretius, wife of CoUatinus, avenged by a bloody war for the outrage committed upon her by Sextu Tarquiuius, Oct. 300
529
INDEX
Luna, goddess of the moon, iden- tified with Diana upon the earth, called also Phoebe as sister of Phosbus, Oed. 44 ; relletts her brother's fires, ibid. 253 ; passes his car in shorter course, Thy. 838 ; in love with Endymion, she seeks the earth, Bip. 309, 422, 785 ; gives her chariot to her brother to drive, ibid. 310 ; saved by the clashing of vessels from the infiuence of niagic, ibid. 790
Lyourgtjs, king of Tlirace ; des- troyed for his opposition to Bacchus, E. Fur. 903 ; Oed. 471
LYCUS (Rermles Furens), usurper in Thebes while Hercules is absent in Hades ; slew Creon and his sons, H. Fur. 270 ; boasts of his power and wealth, ibid. 332 ; desires union with Megara, wife of the absent Hercules, daughter of Creon, ibid. 345; proposes marriage to Megara, ibid. 300 ; scorned by her, ibid. 372 ; slam by Hercules, ibid. 895
Ltnoetjs, one of tlie Argonauts, renomied for his keenness of vision, Med. 232
M
BIABANBER, river of Phrygla, cele- brated for its winding course, rhoen. 606; K. Fur. 684
Maenads, female attendants and worshippers of Bacchus, Oed. 436 ; mad under inspiration of Bacchus, B. Oct. 243 ; uncon- sciousness of pain, Tro. 674 ; range over the mountains, Med. 383
Magic Akts, as practised by Medea, Med. 670-842 ; by Tire- Bias, Oed. 548-025 ; by tlic nurse of Dcianira, //. Oet. 452-64
MAT\ TO (Occ/yju.?), prophetic daugh- ter of Tiresiaa, Agam. 22 ; leads her blind fatlier, Oed. 290 ; describes to iiim the sacrifices, which ho interprets, ibid. 303
Mars, son of Jupiter and Juno, god of war, Tro. 185, 783, 1058 ; Phoen. 527, 626, 630 ; Med. 62 ;
Hip. 465, 808 ; Oa. 293 ; Agam. 548 ; called also Mavors, Bip. 550 ; Thy. 557 ; Oed. 90 ; and Qra- diviis, B. Fur. 1342 ; used of war or battle, Oed. 275, 640 ; Agam. 921 ; his amour with Venus discovered by Phoebus, who with the aid of Vulcan caught them In a net : for this reason Venus hates tlte race of Phoebus, Bip. 125; summoned to judgment by Nep- tune for the murder of his son, was tried and acquitted by the twelve gods at Athens on the Areopagus, B. Fur. 1342
MEDEA (Medea), daughter of Aeetes, king of Colchis, grand- daughter of Sol and Perseis, Med. 28, 210 ; grandeur of her estate in Aeetes' kingdom, ibid: *209, 483 ; mistress of magic arts, ibid. *750, whereby she helped Jason perform tlie tasks set by Aeetes, ibid. 169, 467, 471 ; helped Jason carry off the golden fleece, ibid. 1 30 ; did all for love of Jason, ibid. 119; slew her brother, Absyrtus, and strewed Ms mem- bers to retard Aeetes' pursuit, ibid. 121 ; B. Oet. 950 ; tricked the daughters of Pelias into murdering their father, Med. 133, 201, *258 ; driven out of Thessaly and pursued by Acastus, she, with Jason, sought safety in Cormth, ibid. 247, 257 ; aU her crimes were for Jason's sake, ibid. 275 ; exiled by Creon, she obtains one day of respite, ibid. 295 ; prepares a deadly robe for her rival, Creiisa, ibid. 570 ; her magic incantations, ibid. *675 ; sends robe to Creiisa, ibid. 816 ; rejoices in its terrible effect, ibid. 893 ; kills her two sons, ibid. 970, 1019 ; gloats over her hus- band's misery and vanishes in the air in a chariot drawn liy dragons, ibid. 1025 ; goes to Athens and marries Aegeus ; type of an evil woman, Bip. 563 ; stepmother of Theseus, ibid. 097
Medusa, one of the tliree Gorgons, slain by Perseus. He cut off her head, which had power to petrify whatever looked upon it, and gave it to Minerva, who set it upon her
530
INDEX
aegis. Agam. 530 ; her gall used by Mcdca In maRic, ^fed. 831
Meoaf.ka, one of the Furies, sum- moned by Juno to drive Hercules to madness, //. Fur. 102 : appears to tlie maddened Medea with scourge of serpents, Med. 9(U) ; seems to appear to tlie distracted Deianlra, 11. Oct. 1006, 1014 ; summoned by Atreus to assist him in liis revenge upon his brother, Thi/. 252. See FuuiKS
MEGARA (Hercules Furens), daugh- ter of Creon, king of Tliebes, viit of Hercules, H. Fur. 202 ; laments her husband's constant absence from home, ibid. *205 ; scorns t!ie advances of Lycus, ibid. *372 ; slain by her husband in a fit of madness brought on by Juno. ibid. 1010 ; H. Oet. 429, 903. 1452
Meleager, son of Oeneus, king of Calydon, and Althaea ; lus tragic death caused by his mother's ^v^ath because he had killed her brothers, Med. 644, 779. See Althaea
Melicerta, see INO
Memnon, son of Aurora, slain by Achilles, Tro. 10, 239 ; Agam. 212
Menelaus, son of Atreus, brother of Agamemnon, husband of Helen, king of Sparta, employed by his father to tricl: liis uncle, Thyestes, 'I'hy. 327 ; Helen looks forward with fear to his judgment, 2>o. 923 : pardoned Helen for her desertion of liini. Agam. 273
SlEROi'E, wife of I'olybus. king of Corinth ; adopted Oedipus and reared him to manhood as her own child, Oed. 272, 601, 802
Messalina, wife of Claudius, mother of Octavia, Oct. 10 ; cursed by Venus with insatiate hist, ibid. 258 ; openly married Silius in the absence of Claudius, ibid. *200 ; slain for this by order of Clauiiius, ibid. 265 ; her death, ibid. *974
5IIMAS, one of the giants, H. Fur. 981. See Giants
Minos, son of Jupiter, king of Crete ; lather of Phaedra, Ilip. 1 49 ; father of Ariadne, ibid. 245 ;
powerful monarch, ibid. 149; no dnugliter of Minos loved without sin, ibid. 127 ; because of his rigliteoiisness on cartli, made a judge in Hades. Aqam. 24 ; Thy. 23 ; 11. Fur. 733. See JrDGES IN Hades
Minotaur, hybrid monster, born of the union of Pasiphae, wife of Minos, and a bull ; called brother of Phaedra, Hip. 174 ; conlined in the labyrinth in Crete, ibid. c;49, 1171
Mopsus, Thessalian soothsayer. Argonaut, killed by the bite of a serpent in Libya, Med. 655
Mulciber, name of Vulcan. Gave to Medea sulpliurous fires for her magic, Med. 824
Myoale, witch of Thessaly, H. Oet. 525
Mycenae, city of Argolis ; its walls built by the Cyclopes, Thy. 407 ; E. Fur. 997 ; ruled by the house of Pelops, Thy. 188, 561, 1011; Tro. 855 ; favourite city of Juno, Agam. 351 ; home of Agamemnon, ibid. 121, 251, 757, 871, 967, 998 ; Tro. 150, 245
Myrrha, daughter of Cinyras ; conceived an unnatural passion for her father. Pursued by him, she was changed into the myrrh tree, whose exuding gum resem- bles tears, H. Oet. 196
MYRTiLrs, son of Mercury, chariot- eer of Oenomaiis. Bribed by Pelops, suitor of Hippodamia, daughter of Oenomaiis, he secret- ly withdrew the linch-pins of his master's chariot, thus WTCckiug liis master's car in the race which was to decide the success of I'elops' suit. His sin and fate, 7'hy. 140 ; the WTCcked chariot preserved as a trophy in palace of Pelopidae, ibid. 660
N
>i aides, deities, generally conceived as young and beautiful maidens, inhabiting brooks and springs. Hip. 780. See Uylas
Naui'LICs, son of Xeptune, king of Euboea ; to avenge death of
531
M M 2
INDEX
his son, Palamedcr,. lured the Greek Ueet to dc-.truction by displaying false beacon flres oil Euboea, Again. *567 ; when Ulysses, \vhom he hated most, escaped, threw himself from the din ^ Med. 659. See Paiamedes
]Secr03iIantia, necromancy. Prac- tised by Tircsias in order to discover Laius' murderer, Oed. **530
Nemean Lion, slain by Hercules near Nemea, a city of Argolis, first of his twelve labours, Agam 830 ; U. Fur. 224 ; H. Oet. 1193, 1235, 1G65, 1885 ; set in the heavens as a zodiacal constella- tion, Oed. 40. See Leo
Nephele, cloud form of Juno, devised by Jupiter, upon which Ixion begot the centaur Nessus, in the belief that it was Juno herself, H. Oei. 492
Neptune, son of Saturn, brother of Jupiter and Pluto, with whom, after the dethronement of Saturn, he cast lots for tlie three great divisions of Ills father's realm : the second lot, giving iiim the sovereignty over the sea, fell to Neptune, Med. 4, 597 ; H. Fur. 515, 599; Oed. 266; Eip. 904, 1159; rides over tlie sea m his car, Oed. 254 ; sends a monster to destroy Hippolytus in answer to Theseus' prayer. Hip. 1015 ; assists Minerva to destroy Ajax, son of Oilei'S, in the storm wluch assailed the Greek fleet, Agam. 554 ; father of Theseus, to whom he gave three v/ishes, ibid. 942; other sons were Cycnus, Agam. 215 ; Tro. 183 ; Periclymenus, Med. 635
Nereus, sea-deity, used often for the sea itself, Oed. 450, 508 ; n. Oet. 4 ; Hip. 88 ; father by Doris of Thetis and tiie other Nereids, Tro. 882 ; Oed. 446 ; even they feel the fires of love, Hip. 330
NERO (Odavia), son of Cn. Domitius Ahcnobarbus and Agrip- pina, Oct. 240 ; married his step- sister, Octavia, wliom lie treated with great cruelty ; liis diameter depicted by her, ibid. 86 ; em-
532
peror from A.D. 54 until his death in 68 ; murdered his Mother, ibid. 46, 95, 243 ; lauds beauty of Poppaea and proclaims her his next wife, ibid. 544 ; Iris death prophesied by ghost of Agrippina, ibid. **618 ; decrees banisliraent and death of Octavia, ibid. 861
Nessus, centaiu-, son of Ixion and NcDhele, H. Oet. 492 ; msults Deiauira, is slain by Hercules; dying gives his blood, poisoned by the arrow of Hercules, to Deianira as a charm wliich shall recall her husband's wandering affections, ibid. *500 ; some of this blood is in Medea's collection of charms, Med. 775 ; the power of this blood tested by Deianira after she has sent the fatal robe to Hercules, H. Oet. 716 ; Nessus conceived the plot against Her- cules, Deianira the innocent instrument, ibid. 1468
Nioee, daughter of Tantalus, wife of Ampliion, king of Thebes ; punished by the loss of her seven sons and seven daughters by Diana for her defiance of Latona, mother of the goddess, Agam. 392 ; clianged to stone, she still sits on Mt. Sipylus and mourns her children, Aaain. 394 ; H. Fur. 390 ; H. Oet. 185, 1849 ; her shade comes up from Hades, still proudly counting her children's shades, Oed. 613
Nyctelius, epithet of Bacchus, because nis mysteries were cele- brated at night, Oed. 492
O
OCTAVIA (Octavia), daughter of the Emperor Claudius and Mcs- salina, Oct. 10, 26, 45 ; became first the stepsister and then the wife of Nero, ibid. 47 ; with whom she led a most wretched life, ijiid. *100; had been be- trothed to Silanus, ibid. 145, who was murdered to make way for Nero, ibid. 154 ; beloved by her people, ibid. 183 ; is compared Mitli Juno, sister and wife of hei husband, ibid. 282 ; doomed
INDEX
by Nero to exile and death, ibid. 868 ; banished to Pandataria, ibid. 071
Odrysian Housk, of the Thraciun king, Tereiis, polluted by the banquet in which Terens' son was served up to him, Thii. 273
OEDIPUS (Oe.lipus, Phoenissae), king of Thebes, son of Jocasta and Laius. An oracle liad declared that Laius should meet death at the hands of Ills son. Oedipus wa3 accord inj»ly to be slain, Oed. 34, 235 ; Phoen. 243 ; at birth was exposed upon Cithaeron, ibid. 13, •27, wth an iron rod through his ankles, ibid. 254 ; Oed. 857 ; by a shep- herd was piven to Merope, wife of the king of C'orintli, by whom he was brought up as her own son, ibid. 806; gro^\ii to manhood, fled the kingdom of liis supposed parents that he might not fulfil an oracle that had come to liim, tliat he should kill his father and wed his mother, ibid. 12, 263 ; in the course of his flight met ynd killed Laius, liis real father, Pkocn. 168, 260 ; Oed. 708, 782 ; solved the riddle of the Sphinx, and so saved Thebes^roin that pest, Phoen. 120 ; Oed. *92, 210 ; as a reward for this gained the throne of Thebes, and Jocasta (his mother) as his wife, Oed. 104 ; Phoen. 50, 262 ; Oed. 386 ; i7. Fur. 388 ; attempts to Und out the murderer of Laius, and utters a curse upon the unknown criminal, ibid. *257 ; declared by tlie ghost of Laius, which Tiresias had raised, to be his father's murderer and his motlier's husband, ibid. *634; refutes tliis charge by tlie asser- tion tliat his father and mother are still living in C'orintli, ibid. 661 ; learns by messenger tliat Polybus and Merope arc not lus true parents, ibid. 784 ; rushes on his fate and forces old Phorbas to reveal the secret of his birth, ibid. •848 ; in a frenzy of grief digs out his eyes, ibid. 915 ; goes into exile, tlins lifting tlie curse from Thebes, ibid. 1042 ; Phoen.
104 ; begs Antigone, who alone had followed him, t« leave him, bewailing his fate and longing for death, ibid. 1
Ogygks, mythical founder and king of Thebes ; hence —
OOYGIAN, i.''. Tlieban, epitliet of Bacchus, whose mother was a Theljan, Oed. 437 ; epithet of tlic Thebans, ibid. 589
OllEUS, used instead of his son, Ajax, Med. 602. See Ajax
Olenus, city in Aetolia, Tro. 820 ; Oed. 283 ; hence—
Olenian Goat, nurtured in the vicinity of this place. See Amalthea
Ojiphale, queen of Lydia, to whose service Hercules submitted for three years, 77 Oct. •371, 573 ; H. Fur. 405; Hip. 317. See Herotjles
Ophiox, one of the companions of Cadmus, sprung from the ser- pent's teeth : in adjectival form, it means simply Theban, U. Fur. 268 ; referring to Pentheiis, Oed. 485.
QpniuCHTJS, the northern constella- tion of the " Serpent Holder," Med. 008
ORESTES (Agamemnon), son of Agamemnon and ClytemneBtra, Agarn. 196 ; Tru. 555 ; saved by his sister, tlirough the agency of Stropliius, king of Phocis, from deatli at the hands of his motlier and Aegisthus, Aqam. 910 ; avenced his father's murder, Oct. 02 ; Agam. 1012 n.
OrIon, said to have been miracu- lously generated by Jupiter, Neptune, and Mercury out of an ox's hide ; set as a constellation in the heavens, where his glitter- ing swnrd menaces the heavenly ones, U. Fur. 12
Orpheus, son of Apollo and the muse Calliope, Med. 025 ; king of 'Ihrace ; Argonaut ; sweet singer and liarper, whose music could draw to liim rocks and trees, ibid. 228; //. Oet. 'lOaO: dropped liis lyre in fear of the Symplegades, Med. 348 ; played so sweetly that tiie Argonauts were not enchanted by the Sirens,
0'6'6
INDEX
ibid. *355 ; went to Hades in search of his wife, Eurydice, and by the charm of his music persuaded the nether gods to release her j lost her again, because he did not keep the con- dition imposed upon him, H. Fur. •*569 ; E. Oet. *1061 ; 3Ied. 632 ; sang that notliing is everlasting, H. Oet. 1035, 1100; his death at the hands of the Thracian women, Med. *625
Pactolus, river of Lydia, cele- brated for its golden sands, P;wcn. 604 ; Ocd. 407
Paeax, appellation of Apollo, who gained the oracle at Delplii and earned a place in heaven by Flaying the Python, H. Oet. 92
Palaemon, once a mortal, called Melicerta, son of Athamas and Ino, changed by Neptune into a sea-diviuity, Oed. 448. See iNO
Palamedes, son of Kauplius, king of Euboea ; put to death by the Greeks on false charges brought by Ulysses ; avenged by liLs father, who displayed false lights to the Greek fleet, Again. 563 ALLAS, appellation of !Minerva. Friend and helper of Hercules in his labours, H. Fur. 900 ; bearer of aegis upon which was Medusa's head, ibid. 902; Again. 530; patroness of woman's liandi- crafts, Rip. 103 ; patron goddess of Athenians, ibid. 109, 1149; helps to o\ertlirow Troy, Again. 370 ; stirs up storm agamst the Greek ships, ibid. 529 ; with Jove's tluiuderbolt destroys Ajax, son of Oileus, ibid. *532 ; hymn in praise of, ibid. 368-81 ; helped build the Argo, Med. 2, 365
Pandataria, lonely island near Italy, Oct. 972
PanuIon, mythical king of Athens, father of Procne and Philomela, who were changed to birds, Oct. S
Parcae, the three Fates, who spin out the threads of human Ufe. E. Fur. 181, 559, See Clotho and LACiiKsij
Paris, son of Priam and Hecuba Doomed to destroy Troy, Tro. 36 ; exposed to die on Ida, but preserved by shepherds and brought up in ignorance of his parentage, Agam. 733 ; " judg- ment of Paris," Tro. 66, 920 ; Again. *730 ; abducts Helen, Tro. 70 ; slays Achilles, ibid. 347, 956
Parrhasias {i.e. Arcadian) hind, captured by Hercules, his tiiird labour, Agam. 831 ; bear, Eip. 288 ; axis (i.e. Northern), E. Oet. 1231
PasiphaE, daughter of the Sun and Perseis, wife of Minos, king of Crete ; her unnatural passion for a bull, Eip. 113, 143 ; mother of the Minotaur, ibid. *688
Patrocli's, Greek cliief before Troy, friend of Achilles ; fought In Acliilles' armour, Agam. 617 ; slain by Hector, Tro. 446
Pegasus, ringed horse, offspring of Neptune and Medusa, Tro. 385
Peleus, son of Aeacus, and king of Thessaly ; married the sea-god- dess Thetis, Oct. 708 ; Med. 657 ; father of Achilles, Tro. 247, 882 ; Agam. 616 ; Argonaut, died in exile, Med. 657
Pelias, usurper of throne of lol- chos, whence he dr(^"o Aeson, father of Jason. Pr^osed Ar- gonautic expecUtion, wherefore was doomed to suffer violent death, Med. 664 ; liis daughters, tricked by Medea, cut him in pieces and boiled him in order to rejuvenate him, Med. 133, 201, 258, 475, 913
Pelion, mountain range in Thes- saly ; the giants piled PeUon upon Ossa and Olympus in attempt to scale heaven, E. Fur. 971 ; Tro. 829 ; Agam. *346 ; Thy. 812 ; E. Oct. 1152 ; home of Cliiron, who educated Acliilles, E. Fur. 971; Tro. *830 ; fur- nished Argo's timbers, Med. 609
PelopIa, daughter of Thyestes. became by him mother of Aegisthus, Agam. 30, 294
Pr.Lops, was slain by his father, Tantalus, and served as a banquet to the gods, Thij. *144 ; restored to life, and Tantalus puuiahed
534-
INDEX
(see Tantalus) ; Pelops and Tantalus, ibid. 242 ; his house doomed to sin, ibid. 22 ; degener- ate, ibid. 025 ; came from Phrygia and settled Pelopon- nesus (whence its name), E. Fur. 1165 ; Tro. 855 ; Agam. 563 ; liis palace, Thij. »641
PelOrus, promontory of Sicily opi>osite Italy, H. Oet. 81 ; Scylla dwelt under it, Mc.l. 350
Penihesilea, queen of Amazons, came to aid Priam ; arnicd with battle-axe and moon-shaped sliield, Agam. 217 ; her struggles iu battle, Tro. 12, 672 ; slain by AchUles, ibid. 2-13
Pentheus, king of Thebes, son of Eclilon and Agave ; opposed worship of Bacchus ; spying upon his mother and her sisters, was torn in pieces by them m their Bacchic madness, Phoen. 15, 363; Oed. 441, 483; his shade comes up from Hades, ibid. 618
Periclymencs, son of Neptune, who could assume various shapes; Argonaut, slain by Hercules, Med. 635
Perseps, son of Danao and Jove, U. Fur. 13 ; earned a place iu heaven by slaying the Gorgon, H. Oet. 51, 94
PHAEDRA (Uippoliitus or Vl.ae- dra), daughter of Minos, king of Crete, and Pasipliae, daughter of the Sun, Ilip. 155, 156, 078, 688, 888 ; sister of the Minotaur, ibid. 174 ; of Ariadne, ibid. 245, 760 ; bewails her exile from Crete, and her marriage to Theseus, ibid. 85 ; her unnatural passion lor Hippolytus, ibid. 113, 640 ; is scorned by him, ibid. *671 ; confesses her sin tp her husband and slays herself, ibid. 1159
PiiAliTHoy, son of Clymene and Phoebus ; driving liis father's chariot, was hurled from the car, hip. 1090 ; slain by Jove's thunderbolt, U. Oct. 854 ; a warning against ambition and impious daring, ibid. 677 ; Med. 599 ; gave magic fire to Medea, ibid. 826
I'HAErnoNTiADES, sistcfs of Phae- thou wept for liiiu on the bauka
of the Po, and were changed into poplar trees, //. Oct. 188
PilASis, river of Colcliis, Med. 44, 211, 451, 762 ; Uip. 907 ; Agam. 120 ; Medea named from the river, H. Oet. 950
Pherae, city in Thessaly, ruled over by Admctus, husband of Alcestis, Med. 663 ; here Apollo kept Admetus' flocks, H. Fur. 451
PHILOCTETES (Hercules Oetaeus), Thessalian prince, son of Poeas. friend of Hercules, H. Oet. 1604 ; receives bow aiul arrows of Hercules, ibid. 1648, to whose pyre he applies the torch, ibid. 1727; describes death of Hercules, ■U)id. *1610 ; Hercules' arrows used a second time against Troy, Tro. 136 and note
Pmtippi, city of Thrace; there Antony and Octavianus con- quered forces of Brutus and Cassius, Oct. 516
Philomela, daughter of Pandion, Mng of Athens, sister of Procne, who had married Terens, king of Thrace ; outraged by Tereus, she and Procne punished Tereus by slaying and serving to him his son Itys ; she was changed into a nightingale, who ever mourns for Itys, Agam. 670 ; H. Oet. 199 ; Thracia pellex, used simply as a nightingale singing at sunrise and hovering over her young, H. Fur. 149
Phineus, king of Salmydessus ui Tlirace ; blind and tormented by the Harpies, T/i</. 154 ; tormented in Hades, U. fur. 759
Phlegbthon, liery river iu the lower world, Oed. 162 ; Th;/. 73, 1018; encircles the guilty, Ilip. 1227 ; the river over wliich Charon rows his boat. Again. 753; for Hades in general. Hip. 848
PiiLEQRA, vale in Thrace where the giants fought with the gods, Th;/. 810 ; Hercules assisted the gods, H. Fur. 444
Phoehus, one of Apollo's names; most frequently conceived of as the sun-god, ilrivnig his flery chariot across the sky, seeing all
535
INDEX
things, darkening Lis face or withdrawing from the sky at siglit of monstrous sin, lord of the changing seasons, etc., H. Fur. 595, 607, 844. 940 ; Ph.oen. 87 ; Med. 728, 874; Hip. 889; Oed. 250; Agam. 42, 816; Thy. 776, 789, 838 ; H. Oct. 2, 680, 792, 1387, 1439. 1442 ; his sister is Luna, or Phoebe, H. Fur. 905 ; Med. 86 ; Hip. 311 ; Oed. 44 ; the name freriuently used of the sun, its light, its heat, etc., H. Fur. 25, 940 ; Tro. 1140 ; Med. 298, 768 ; Oed. 122, 540, 545 ; Agam. 463, 577 ; Thy. 602 ; H. Oet. 41, 337, 666. 688, 727, 1022, 1581, 1624, 1699 ; intimately concerned in the affairs of men ; is grandfather of Medea, Med. 512 ; father of Pasiphae, Hip. 126, 154, 654, S89 ; lover and insptrer of Cassandra, Tro. 978 ; Again. 255, 722 ; god of prophecy, giving oracles to mortals, Med. 86 ; Oed. 20. 34, 214, 222, 225, 231, 235, 269, 288, 291, 296, 719, 1046 ; Agam. 255, 294, 295 ; god of the lyre, H. Fur. 906 ; Oed. 498 ; Agam. 327 ; of the bow, H. Fur. 454 ; Hip. 192 ; Agam. 327, 549 ; his tree is tlie laurel, Oed. 228, 453 ; Agam. 588 ; Cilia is dear to him, Tro. 227 ; beautiful god of flowing locks. Hip. 800 ; worshipped a-s Smiutheus, Agam. 176 ; hymn in praise of, ibid. 310 ; slew Python, H. Fur. 454 ; exposed the shame of Venus, whence her wrf.tli is upon his descendants, Hip. 126 ; kept flocks of Admetus, king of Pherae, for a year, ibid. 296
PHORBAS (Oedipus), old man, head shepherd of the royal flocks, teUs the secret of Oedipus' birth, Oed. 867
Pheixus, Boa of Athamas and Nephele, brother of Helle ; per- secuted by his stepmother, Ino, fled throu.gh the air with Helle upon a golden-fleeced ram ob- tained from Mercury. Tro. 1034 ; Helle fell into the sea (Helli'spont), n. Oet. 776 ; Aot:can Sea is called Phri.vian Sea, Agam. 565 ; H. Oet. 776 ; Piu-jxus fared ou alone
536
to Colchis, where he sacrificed the ram and presented to Aeetes its golden fleece, winch was the object of the Argonauts' quest Med. 361, 471
PiRiTHOtJS, son of Ixion, Hip. 1235 ; friend of Theseus; with Theseus attempted to steal Proserpina from Hades, ibid. 94, 244, 831
Pisa, city of Elis where the OljTnpic games were held, H. Fur. 840; Thy. 123 ; Agam. 938
Pisces, zodiacal constellation of the Pish, Thy. 866
Pleiades, called also Atlantides, the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione, tliree of whom, Electra, Maia, and Taygete, were beloved of Jove, H. Fur. 10 ; a constella- tion which pales before the moon, Med. 96
Plistrenes, son of Thyestes, slain by Atreus, Thy. 726
Pirro, brother of Jupiter and Nep- tune, lord of the underworld, H. Fur. 560, 658 ; Oed. 256. 809 ; Med. 11 ; Hip. 625, 1240 ; H. Oet. 559, 933, 938, 1142, 1369, 1954 ; " grim Jove." H. Fur. 608; " dark Jove," H. Oet. 1705; obtained liis kingdom by drawing lots with his two brothers, H. Fur. 833 ; his \nie is Proserpina, ibid. 658 ; Theseus and Pirithoiis try to steal liis wife. Hip. 95, are punished, ibid. 625 ; Hercules prevails upon him to give up Cerberus, H. Fur. 805 ; H. Oet. 559 ; gives up The.seus to Her- cules, H. Fur. 805; Hip. 1152; uncle of Hercules, H. Get. 328 ; and of Pallas, Hip. 1152; un- moved by tears. H. Fur. 578 ; conquered by Orpheus' music, ibid. 582 ; his court and appear- ance, ibid. *72l ; wounded by Hercules, H. Fur. 560
POI.LUX, see Castor
POLYBUS, king of Corinth, adopted Oedipus, Oed. 12, 270 ; liis death announced. Hid. 784
POLYNlCES (Phoetii-ssae), son of Oedipus and Jocasta ; cheated of the tlvrone of Thebes l>y liis brother Kteocles. Ucd to Adrastus, king of Argos, who made liim liis sou -in -law. To avenge Polyaicca,
INDEX
Adrastus marclied asainst Thebes with an army headed by seven chiefs, I'hoen. 58, 320 ; Oedipus forotells this fraternal strife and the death of both, ibid. 273, 334. 35."); I'olyiiiie.-; remains at court of Adrastus three years, ibid. 370, •502; liardsliips of his exile, ibid. ♦580 ; appears before walls of Thebes, ibid. 387 ; Jocasta ap- peals to her SODS, ibid. 434. See T'tt'oct rs POLYXENA, daughter of Priam and Hoouba ; the ghost of Achilles, who had been enamoured of her, appears to the Greeks and de; niands her sacrifice on Achilles tomb, Tro. 170 ; Calrhas ratifies her doom, ibid. 300: Helen announces tins fate to her, and she receives it with joy, ibil. 945 ; her death described, ibid. •1117 ; leads in dance about the wooden horse, unconscious of lier approaching doom, Agam.
Oil . ,.,
POPPAEA {Odavia), one of the most beautiful and unscrupulous women of her time ; v/as first married to Rufus Crispinus, pretorian prefect under Claudius ; abandoned liim for Otho, and him, in turn, she left to become mistress of Nero, rival of Nero s wife, Octavia, Oft. 125; iunuenced Nero to murder his mother, ibid 126 ; demanded Octavw s death, ibul. 131 ; with child by Kero, ibid. 188. ."-91 ; her rejection by Nero prophesied, ibid. 193; her beauty lauded by Nero, li/id. 544 ; her wedding with Nero cursed by Agrippina's t-host, ibul. 595 ; her marriage, ibid. *C93 ; is terrified by a dream, ibid. •712 PRIAM, king of Troy ; in his youth, at the fu-st taking of Troy, was spared by Hercules and allowed to retain throne, Tro. 719; \iew3 contending hosts from battlements of Troy in company with Astyanax, ibid. •IOCS ; sues to AcWlles for body ot Hector, ibid. 315. 324 ; his city destroyed tiirough power of love, Oct. 817 ; liis death at Pyrrhus
hands, Tro '44 ; Aoam. C5.') : fell before altar of Hercean Jove, A'jam. 448, 702 ; his death and former greatness, Tro. 140
Procxe, daughter of Pandion, wife of Tereus, king of Tlirace ; in revenge for Tereus' outrage upon her sister, Pliilomela, served to him his son, Itys, H. Oct. 192, 953 ; Agam. 673 ; Thy. 275
Prockustes, robber of Attica, killed by Theseus, Uip. 1170 ; Thij. 1050
Proetides, daughters of Proetus, king of Argolis ; counted them- selves more beautiful tlian Juno, and refused to worship Bacchus. Made mad by Bacchus, they thought theinsehes cows and wandered tiirough the woods. Bacchus thus won favour of Juno. Ocd. 480
Prometheus, son of lapetus and Clymene ; gave lire to mortals, Med. 821 ; for this was bound by Jove's command to a crag of Caucasus, where an eagle fed upon his ever-renewed vitals, n. Fur. 1206 ; Zled. 709 ; H. Oet. 1378
Prosekpixa, d.iughter of Ceres and Jujiiter ; stolen away by Pluto and made his ciuecn in Hades, Med. 12; U. Fur. 1105; was sought in vain by her mother, ibid. 659 : Pirithoiis and Theseus attempt to steal her away from lower world, Uip. 95
Proteus, son of Oceanus and Tethys, shepherd and guardian of the sea-calves. Hip. 1205
Pvlades, son of Strophius, king of PhocLs, one of Agamemnon's sisters ; accompanied his father as charioteer when Strophius visited Argos just after Agamem- non's murder ; they take Orest«9 away and so save him from death, Agam. 940
PrROMANTiA, sootlisaying by means of fire practiced by Tiresias in his elfort to discover Lalus' murderer. 0>'d. '307
Pyrrha, sister of Deucalion, saved with him from the flood, Tro. 1038. See Deucalion
PYRRHUS (rrooi/tfs), son of Achil-
537
INDEX
les and Deidamia, daughter of Lycomedee, king of Scyros ; born on island of Scyros, Tro. 339 ; quarrelled with Ulysses inside the wooden horse, Agam. 635 ; slew old Priam, Tro. 44, 310 Python, huge serpent that sprang from the slime of the earth when the flood subsided ; slain by Apollo, U. Oet. 93 ; Meil. 700
R
Rhadamanthus, son of Jupiter and Europa, brother of Minos ; was made one of tliree judges in Hades, H. Fur. 734
Rhesus, king of Thrace, who came, late in Trojan War, to Priam's aid ; oracle that Troy could never be taken if horses of Rhesus sliould drink of the Xanthus and feed upon grass of Trojan plain was frustrated by Ulysses and Diomedes, Agam. 216 ; Tro. 8
S
Saturn, son of Coelus and Terra, succeeded to his father's kingdom of heaven and earth ; golden age was said to have been in las reign, Oct. 395 ; dethroned by his tliree sons, Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto, who divided up liis kingdom ; kept chained in Hades by Pluto, H. Oet. 1141 ; Hercules threatens to unchain him against Jove unless the latter grant him a place in Iieaven, 27. Fur. 905
Scales {Libra), zodiacal constel- lation marking the autumnal equinox, U. Fur. 842
SciRON, robber in Attica, who threw his victims over clitfs into sea ; was slain by Theseus, Uip. 1023, 1225
Scorpion, one of the zodiacal con- stellations. Thy. 859
Sotlla, one of the two shipwreck- ing monsters in Sicilian Strait, U. Fur. 376 ; E. Oet. 235 ; Med. 350, 407 ; Thy. 579. See Charym-
DIS
538
ScYTHiA, a portion of northern Asia of indefinite extent ; its nomadic tribes, frozen streams, H. Fur. *533
Semelb, Theban princess, daughter of Cadmus, beloved of Jove, by whom she became mother of Bacchus, H. Fur. 16 ; was blasted by a thunderbolt while Bacchus was stiU unborn, B. Fur. 457 ; H. Oet. 1804. See Bacchus
SENECA {Oclavia), introduced into the play as Nero's counsellor, Oct. 377 ; recalls his life in exile in Corsica, and considers it happier and safer than Ms present life, ibid. 381 ; strives la vain to prevent marriage of Nero and Poppaea, ibid. G95
Seres, nation of Asia, suppo-^ed to be the Chinese ; they gatlier silken tlireads (spun by the silkworm) from trees, H. Oet. 666; Hip 389 ; Thy. 379
SilInus, L. Junius, praetor in A.D. 49 ; was betrothed to Octavia, but slain that Octavia might marry Nero, Oct. 145
SILENUS, demigod, foster-father and constant attendant of Bacchus, Oed. 429
SiNis, giant robber of the Isthmus of Corinth, who bent down tree- tops and, fixing his victims to these, shot them through tlie air ; was slain by Theseus, II Oet. 1393 ; Hip. 1169, 1223
SiNON, Greek warrior, who deceived the Trojans as to character and purpose of wooden horse, and so procured downfall of Troy, Tro. 39 ; Agam. '*626
SiPYLUS, mountain in Phrygia, on wliich Niobe, changed to stone, was said to sit and weep eternally over her lost cliUdreu, H. Het. 185; Agam. 394; Z7. Fur. 391. See Niobe
Sirens, mythical maidens dwelling on an island of the ocean, whose beautiful singing lured sailors to destruction, H. Oet. 190 ; were passed m safety by Argonauts because Orpheus played sweeter music .Med. 355
Sisyphus, son of Aeolus, founder of ancient Corinth father of
INDEX
Creon, Med. 512, 776 ; Oed. 282 ; for disobedience to the gods was set to rolling a liURo stone up n liill in Hades, whicii ever rolled bacli again, Med. 746 ; Hip. 1230; Agam. 16; H. Fur. 751; Thi/. 6; Oct. 622; U. Oct. 942, 1010 ; tlie stone followed the music of Orpheus, ibid. 1081
SiUNTHEUS, epithet of Phoebus Apollo, Agam. 176
Soi^ the Sun personifled as sun-god, it. Fur. 37, 61 ; Med. 29, 210; Thij. 637, 776, 789, 822, 990, 1035; Hip. 124, 1091; it. Oct. 150
SoMNUS, cod of sleep, brother of Death, H. Fur. 1069 ; called son of Astraea, ibid. 106S ; character- istics, symbols, and powers, ibid. *1065
Sphinx, fabulous monster with face of a woman, breast, feet, and tail of a lion, and wings of a bird ; sent to harass Thebes, slaying everyone who could not answer her riddle, Oed. 246 ; Phoen. 120, 131; Oedipus' encounter with her, Oed. *92 ; slain by Oedipus, ibid. 641 ; seen by Creon in Hades, called by liim the " Ogygian " (i.e. Boeotian or Theban) pest, ibid. 589 ; type of winged speed, Phocn. 422
STROPUIUS (Agamemnon), see Pylades
Stymi'iialian Birds, monstrous creatures haunting a pool near town of Stymphalus in Arcadia ; were killed by Hercules as his sixth labour, H. Fur. 244 ; Metl 783 ; Agam. 850 ; U. Oct. 17, 1237, 1890 ; type of winged speed, Phoen. 422
Styx, river of Hades, H. Fur. 780; Oed. 162, over which spirits pass into nether world, river of death ; in Seneca, tliis conception is not confined to Styx, but is used of that river in common with Acheron, H. Fur. ^713 ; Tlip. 1180; Agam. 008; with Lethe, Hip. 148; H. Oct. 1161, 1550 ; with Phlegethon. Agam. •750 ; by the Styx the gods swear their inviolable oaths, H. Fur. 713; Uip. 944; Thij. 666;
H. Oct. 1066 ; comes to mean death itself, E. Fur. 185, 558 ; most frequently the river signiflea the lower world in geaeral, the land of the dead ; so are found Stygian " shades " " homes," " caverns," " ports," " gates," " borders/' " torches," " fires," etc., U. Fur. 54, 90, 104, 1131 ; Tro. 430 ; Med. 632, 804 ; Hip. 477, 625, 928, 1151 ; Oed. 396, 401, 621 ; Agam. 493 ; Thy. 1007; H. Oet. 77, 560, 1014, 1145, 1198, 1203, 1711, 1766, 1870, 1919, 1983 ; Oct. 24, 79, 135, 162, 263, 594 ; Cerberus is the " Stygian dog " and " Sty- gian guardian," Agam. 13 ; Hip. 223 ; H. Oet. 79, 1245 ; tlie " deep embrace of Styx " is the pit which Andromache prays may open up beneath Hector's tomb and hide Astyanax, Tro. 520 ; the boat on which Agrippina wan to meet her death is called the Stygian boat, Oct. 127 Symi'LEQades (the " dashers "), two rocks or crags at entrance of Euxine Sea, which clashed to- gether when an object passed between them, H. Fur. 1210; H. Oet. 1273, 1380 ; escaped by the Argo, Med. 341, 456, 610
T
Taenaeus, promontory on the southernmost point of Pelopon- nesus, near wnicii was a cave, said to be entrance to the lower world, Tro. 402 ; U. Fur. 587, ♦663, 813 ; Oed. 171 ; Hip. 1203 ; //. Oet. 1061, 1771
Tagxjs, river of Spain, celebrated for its golden sands, H. Fur. 1325 ; Thii. 354 ; 77. Oet. 626
TANTALUS (ThyesUs) (1), king of Lydia, son of Jupiter and the nympn Pluto, father of Pelops and Niobe, H. Fur. 390 ; Oed. 613 ; Med. 954 ; Agam. 392 ; 27. Oet. 198 ; because of hia sin against the gods (see Pelops) was doomed to sulfer in Hades endless pangs of hunger and thirst with fruit and water almost within reach of his lips, H. Fur.
539
INDEX
*752 ; Eip. 1232 ; Agam. 19 ; Thy. 1011 ; Oct. 621 ; his sin and punishment, Thy. *137 ; E. OH. 943 ; his ghost appears, descrilies his sufferings in Hades, and is incited by a fury to lurge on his house to greater crimes, ibid. 1 ; Med. 745 ; type of out- rageous sinner, Thi/. 242 ; he forgets liis thirst in his grief for disasters wWch tlueaten his house, Aga7n. 769 ; forgets his tiiLrst under influence of Orplaeus' music, H. Oct. 1075
TANTALUS (Thyestes) (2), one of the sons of Thyestes, great-grand- son of Tantalus (1), encourages his father to hope for reconcilia- tion with liis brother Atreus, Thy. 421 ; slain by Atreus, ibid. 718
Tartarus (also ^v^itten Tartara), strictly that portion of the lower world devoted to the punishment of the wicked, the abode of the Furies and of those hlic Tantalus, Ixion, etc., who are suffering torments. If. Fur. 83 ; Oed. 161 ; Med. 742 ; Oct. 965 ; usuaUy, however, the lower world in general, whence ghosts come back to earth, Agam. 2 ; Oct. 593 ; to which Orpheus went in search of his wife, Med. 632; H. Oet. 1064 ; to whicli Hercules went to fetch Cerberus, H. Oct. 461 ; Rip. 844 ; where was tlie palace of Dis, ibid. 951 ; Agam. 751 ; where Cerberus stands guard, H. Fur. 649 ; U. Oct. 1770 ; where are the " Tartarian pools," Hip. 1179 ; and so in general, 5. Fur 436, 710, 889, 1225 ; Oed. 869 ; Phoen. 144, 145; Thy. 1013, 1071 ; n. Oet. 1126, 1119, 1514, 1765, 1779 ; Oct. 223, 044
TAtTRtrs, second zodiacal constel- lation, the Bull ; tlie bull (Jupiter) wliich bore Europa from Phoe- nicia to Crete, H. Fur. 9, 952; Thy. 852
Telepiius, king of Mysia, wounded byAcliilles' spear, and afterwards cured by apxilication of tlie rust scraped from its point, Tro. 215
Tereus, king of I'hrace, wliose feivst upon liis own son, itys, is
540
called the " Tluacian crime,' Thy. 56. See Philomela and PaocNB Tethys, goddess of the sea. used frequently for the sea itself, in which the sun sets and from wliich it rises. Hip. oil, 1161 ; H. Fur. 887, 1328; Tro. 879; Med. 378 ; H. Oet. 1252, 1002 Thebes, capital city of Boeotia, founded by Cadmus, H. Fur. 268 ; its walls buiit by magic oi Ampliion's IjTe, ibid. 262 ; fre- quently visited by the gods, especially Jove, ibid. 265 ; plague- smitten under Oe^lipus, Oed. *37 ; plague described, tfc«i. *125 ; a curse was on Thebes from the time of Cadmus, ibid. *709 ; conquered by Lycus, usurper, who slew C'reon, father of Megara, H. Fur. 270 ; scene of the Hercules Furens, Oedipus, and Phoenissae (in part) THESEUS (Hercules Furens, Hip- polytus), king of Athens, son of Aegeus and Aethra, daughter of Pittheus, king of Troezene ; reputed son of Neptune, who had granted him tiiree wishes. Hip. 942, 943, 1252, the last of whicli he used against liis son, Hippoly- tus, ibid. 945 ; went to Crete to Slav the jlinotaur ; his beauty, ibid. *646, 1067 ; Imds his way out of tlie labjTinth by aid of a thread given by Ariadne, ibid. 650, 662 ; fled with Ariachie, but deserted her on Naxos, Oe)l. 488 ; was cause of liis father's death, since he did not display the white sail on liis return to Athens, Hip. 1 165 ; married Antiope, the Amazon, wlio be- came the mother of Hippolytus, but afterwards slew her, ibid. 226, 927, 1167 ; married Phaedra, ibid, passim ; went to Hades with his friend Pirithoiis, to assist in carrying away Proserpina , ibid. 91, 627; the two were appre- hended by Dis and set upon an enchanted rock which held them fast, 77. Fur. 1339 ; Theseus rescued by Hercules, ibid. 806; 77. Oct. 1107, 1703; Hip. 843; returns from Hades, ibid. 829
TNDKX
I iir.SPlAPES, fifty daugliters of Thespius, loved bv Hercules, 77. Get. 369
TiiKTis, sea-goddess, daughter of Jv'ereus; was given as wife to Peleiis, Med. 607 ; Oct. 707 ; became by liiiii mother of Achilles, Tro. 346, SSO ; Agam. 616 ; to keep her son from Trojau War hid him disguised in girl's garments at the court of l.yco- niedes, Tro. 213 ; this ruse discovered and exposed by Ulys- ses, ibid. 560
THtJLK, farthest known land ; all lands one day will be known, and thare will be no tdtima Thule, Mz-ri. 379
THYLSTES (Th'jcstcs, Agamem- non), see Atkeus
TiPHTS, pilot of the Argo, Med. 3, 318 ; his management of the vessel, ibid. 'SIS; grew pale at sight of Syniplegades, ibid. 346 ; death, *617
TU^ESIAS (Oedipus), prophet of Thebes, father of Manto ; at- tempts to discover the murderer of Laius, Oed. 288 ; practises pyromantia, capno),iantia, kiero- scopia, and later tiecromantia, ibid. *307 ; discovers by the last process that Oedipus himself slew Laius, ibid. *!)W
TisinioxE, one of the Furies, who seems to appear to Deiar.ira, 77. OH. 1012 ; seems to appear to Hercules, H. Fur. 984. See Furies
Titans, sons of Coelus and Terra, one of whom was Hyi)erion, identified by Homer with the Sun. Warred against one of their own number, Satinn, wlio had succeeded to his father's throne. Freriuently confounded with the Giants, who banded together to dethrone Jove ; they pile<l up mountains in their attempt to scale heaven, but were over- tlirown by Jove's thunderbolt and buried under Sicily, U. Fur. 79, 967 ; Med. 410; Aaam 340; 77. Oct. 144, 1212, 1309 in all other passages in Seneca Titan means the Sun, more or less completely persouilied as tbe
8un-god, 7/. Fur. ]:il, 133, 443, 1060, 1333; Med. 5; Tro. 170; 77 1>. 678, 779; Oed. 1, 40; Thif. 120, 785, 1095 ; Agam. 480, 908; 77. Oct. 42, 291, 423, 488, 723, 781, 891, 968, 1111, 1131, 1163, 1287, 1512, 1518, 1566, 1575, 1760 ; Oct. 2. See Giajjts,
PHOKB0S
TiTYtJS, giant, sou of Earth, who offered violence to Latona ; for this he was punished in Hades, where a vulture kept feeding upon his ever-renewed vitals, 77. Fur. 756, 977 ; H. Oct. 947 ; Hip. 1233 ; Agam. 17 ; Thi/. 9, 800 ; Oct. 622 ; relieved for a, while by music of Orpheus, H. Oct. 1070
Tmolus, mountain in Lydia, haunt of Bacchus, Phoen. 602
TOXEUS, youth slain by Hercules, H. Oct. 214
TRii'TOiiEMtTS, son of the king of Eleusis, tlirough whom Ceres gave the arts of agi'iculture to man- kind, 77i>. 838
Tritons, sea-deities : they sang the marriage chorus of Achilles, Tro. 202
Trivia, epithet of Diana, because she presided over places where three roads meet, Agam. 382 ; Oct. 978 ; applied by association to Luna, the heavenly manifesta- tion of Diana, Med. *787
TROlLrs, son of Priam, slain by Achilles, Agnm. 748
Troy, ancient city of Troas; its walls built by Neptune and Apollo, Tro. 7 ; first destroyed in reign of Laomedon, father of Priam, by Hercules and Tclamon, because of tiie perfidy of Laome- don, Agam. 614, 802; Tro. 135, *719 ; its second fall was after ten years of siege by the Greeks, Tro.li. ; her festal day turned out to be a day of doom, Agavt. 791 ; it was Sinon who destroyed Troy, by deceiving the Trojans about the wooden liorse, ibid. 615; mourning for the fall of Troy, ibid. 589 ; smouldering ruins as seen from the Greek vessels, ibid. 450
TULUA, daughter of Servius Tul-
54]
INDEX
Hus, king of Rome ; her Impious sin and its punishment. Oct. 304
Tyndaeidae, Castor and Poliux, sons of Jupiter and Leda, but falsely named from Tyndareus, husband of Leda ; their stars give help to sailors E. Fur. 14, 552 ; Oct. 208. See Castor. Leda
Tyndaris, Clytemnesfra, Agam. 897
Ttphoeits, one of the Giants who fought against Jove, Med. 773 ; Thy. 809 ; he is supposed to be buried under the island of Inarime, H. Oct. 1155
Typhon, giant, api>arently the same as Typhoeus, H. Oct. 1733 ; Oct. 238
Tyrrhene, epithet appUed to Phoenician pirates who attempted to kidnap Bacchus, Oed. 249 ; to the dolphin, because these pirates were changed into dol- phins by Bacchus, Agam. 451 ; to the Tuscan Sea, because the Etrurians were supposed to have been of Tyrrhenian stock, Oct. 311 ; to Inarime, an island, possibly to be identified with Ischia, lying in the Tyrrhene Sea off Campania, H. Oct. 1156
U
ULYSSES (Troades), Tro. passim
Venus, goddess, sprung from the foam of the sea Eip. 274 ; goddess of love, ibid. 417, 576, 910 ; Oct. 645 ; mother of Cupid, Hip. 275 ; 27. Oct. 543 ; Oct. 097; called Krycina, because Mt. Eryx in Sicily was sacred to her. Hip. 199 ; persecuted tlie stock of Phoebus (i.e. Pasiphae and Phaedra) because that god had published her amours with Mars. ibid. 124 ; cursed JMessalina with insatiate lust, Oct. 258 ; effect
upon the world which the ces- sation of Venus' power would produce, Eip. **4i59 ; has no existence, but is used as an excuse for men's lust. ibid. 203 ; used frequently for the passion of love, either lawful or unlawful, ibid. 211, 237, 339, 447, 462, 721, 913 ; Agam. 183, 275, 927 ; Oct. 191, 433
Virginia, daughter of Virginius, slain by her father to save her from the lust of Appius Claudius, Oct. 296
Virgo, zodiacal constellation of the Virgin, Astraea, daughter of Jove and Themis, who left the eaxth last of all the gods on account of man's sin. Thy. 857
VuLOAN', god of fire ; forges thun- derbolts of Jove, Eip. 190 ; is pierced by Cupid's darts, ibid. 193 ; father of Cupid and husband of Venus, Oct. 560
Zetes, winged son of Boreas, who, together with his brother Calais, was a member of Argonautic expedition ; they were slain by Hercules, Med. 634 ; they had previously driven away the Harpies from Phineus. ibid. 782
Zethus, Theban prince, son of Antiope, niece of Lycus, king of Thebes ; he and his twin brother, Amphion, exposed in infancy on Cithaeron, but were saved by shepherds. Arrived at manliood, they killed Lycus and Dirce, his wife, on account of their cruelties to Antiope, and together reigned in Tliebes. Keference is made to their rustic life in U. Fur. 916 ; the shade of Zethus comes up from Hades, still holding by the horn the wild btdl to which he had tied Dirce, Ocd. 610. See Dirce
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ARISTOTLE, ORGANON. W. M. L. Hutchinson.
ARISTOTLE, PHYSICS. Rev. P. Wickslced.
ARISTOTLE, POLITICS and ATHENIAN CONSTI- TUTION. H. Rackham.
ARRIAN, HIST. OF ALEX.\NDER and INDICA. Rev. E. Iliffe Robson. 2 Yols.
DEMOSTHENES, OLYNTHIACS, PIHLIPl'ICS, LEP- TINES and minor SPEECHES. J. H. Vince.
DEMOSTHENES, MEIDIAS, ANDROTION, ARISTO- CRATES, TIMOCl^TES. J. II. Vincc.
DEMOSTHENES, PRIVATE ORATIONS. G. M. Calhoun.
DIO CIIRYSOSTOM. W. E. Waters.
GREEK I/TMBIC AND ELEGI.\C POETS and thk ANACREONTEA. J. M. Edmomls.
LYSIAS. W. R. M. Lamb.
MANETHO. S. de Ricci.
PAPYRI. A. S. Hunt.
PHILOSTRATUS, IMAGINES. Arthur Fairbanks.
PLATO, REPUBLIC. Paul Shorcy.
PLATO, TnrAEUS, CRITIAS, CLITOPHO, MENEXE NUS, EPISTULAi:. Rev. R. G. Bury.
SEXTUS EMI'IKICUS. Rev. R. G. Bury.
Latin Authors
AMMIANUS MARCELLINUS. J. C. Rolfe.
BEDE, ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. J. E. King.
CICERO, IN CATILINAIM, PRO MURENA, PRO SULLA. B. L. UUmann.
CICERO, DE NATURA DEORUM. H. Rackham.
CICERO, DE ORATORE, ORATOR, BRUTUS. Charles
Stuttaford. CICERO, IN PISONEM, PRO SCAURO, PRO FONTEIO,
PRO MILONE, etc. N. H. Watts.
CICERO, PRO QUINCTIO, PRO ROSCIO AMERINO, PRO ROSCIO COMOEDO, CONTRA RULLUM. J. II. Freese.
CICERO, PRO SEXTIO, IN VATINIUM, PRO CAELIO, PRO PROVINCIIS CONSULARIBUS, PRO BALBO. CORNELIUS NEPOS. J. C. Rolfe.
ENNIUS, LUCILIUS and other specimens of Old Latin. E. II. Warmington.
FLORUS. E. S. Forster.
MINUCIUS FELIX. W. C. A. Ker.
OVID: ARS AMATORIA, REMEDIA AMORIS, etc. J. 11. Mozley.
OVID, FASTI. Sir J. G. Frazer.
PLINY, NATURAL HISTORY. W. H. S. Jones and L. F. Newman.
ST. AUGUSTINE, MINOR WORKS. J. II. Baxter.
ST. JER0MP:'S LETTERS. F. A. Wright.
SIDONIUS, LETTERS. E. V. Arnold and W. B. Anderson.
TACITUS, ANNALS. John Jackson.
TERTULLIAN : APOLOGY. T. R. Glover.
VALERIUS FLACCUS. A. F. Scholfield.
VITRUVIUS, DE ARCIHTB:CTURA. F. Granger.
DESCRIPTIVE PROSPECTUS ON APPLICATION
London - - WILLIAM HEINEMANN
New York - - - G. PUTNAM'S SONS
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