Greek Tragedy — Chronicle
Ordered by chapter. No event in this book could be dated from the text, so it is not dated — no anchor, no chronology; a date is never inferred. Time expressions are copied from the text as written. Every event links back to one sentence of the original.
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1154 events · no event could be dated from the text
Undated
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Hellas]] · at first
he gathered together a mighty host of all nations under his dominion, and led them against Hellas
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Thermopylæ]] · at first
and defeated the Spartans at Thermopylæ
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Athens]] · at first
and took the city of Athens, from which the greater part of its citizens had fled
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Salamis]] · at last
But at last he and his armament met with utter overthrow at Salamis
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 2 · 📍 [[land of the Ionians]]
since my son went forth, Leading a mighty host, with aim to sack The land of the Ionians.
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 2 · 📍 [[isle of Aias]] · Soon as the sun should cease to burn the earth
And he forthwith, this hearing, knowing not The Hellene's guile, nor yet the Gods' great wrath, Gives this command to all his admirals, Soon as the sun should cease to burn the earth With his bright rays, and darkness thick invade The firmament of heaven, to set their ships In threefold lines, to hinder all escape, And guard the billowy straits, and others place In circuit round about the isle of Aias;
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 2
And Xerxes (well I know it) had a thousand Which he commanded—those that most excelled In speed were twice five score and seven in number; So stands the account. Deem'st thou our forces less In that encounter? Nay, some Power above Destroyed our host, and pressed the balance down With most unequal fortune
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Athens]]
Atoss. Is the Athenians' city then unsacked? Mess. Their men are left, and that is bulwark strong.
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Salamis]] · in that same hour
There Xerxes sends these men, that when their foes, Being wrecked, should to the islands safely swim, They might with ease destroy th' Hellenic host
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 3
And Xerxes when he saw how deep the ill, Groaned out aloud, for he had ta'en his seat, With clear, wide view of all the army round, On a high cliff hard by the open sea; And tearing then his robes with bitter cry, And giving orders to his troops on shore, He sends them off in foul retreat.
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Thrakè]]
The king himself, we hear, but hardly 'scapes, Through Thrakè's widespread steppes, And paths o'er which the tempests wildly sweep.
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 3
None now own the sway of Persia, Nor bring any more their tribute, Owning sway of sovereign master. Low upon the Earth, laid prostrate, Is the strength of our great monarch
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 4
Xerxes, they say, alone, with but few others.... Was glad to gain the bridge that joins two mainlands.
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 5
And him with guile Artaphrenes the brave smote down, close leagued With men, his friends
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Hellas]]
Nay, e'en the host which now in Hellas stays Will ne'er return in peace and safety home.
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 5
And now, beyond all doubt, In strife of war defeated utterly, We find this high estate
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 5
Enter XERXES in kingly apparel, but with his robes rent, with Attendants.
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Salaminian shores]]
Now with adverse turn of fortune, With Ionian seamen meeting, Fails in war the race of Persians.
Aeschylus, The Persians — Scene 6
Xerxes Alpistos Batanôchos Sesames Megabates Parthos Oebares
And he, thy faithful Eye, Who told the Persian host, Myriads on myriads o'er, Alpistos, son and heir Of Batanôchos old · · · · · And the son of brave Sesames, Son himself of Megabates? Parthos, and the great Œbares, Did'st thou leave them, did'st thou leave them? Ah, woe! ah, woe is me, For those unhappy ones!
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
When Œdipus king of Thebes discovered that he had unknowingly been the murderer of his father, and had lived in incest with his mother, he blinded himself.
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
And so they compassed it about, and at each of the seven gates of the city was stationed one of the divisions of the army.
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Thebes]] · This very night
But ye, haste all Unto the walls and gateways of the forts; Rush ye full-armed, and fill the outer space
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 2
And if there be that will not own my sway, Or man or woman in their prime, or those Who can be classed with neither, they shall take Their trial for their life, nor shall they 'scape The fate of stoning.
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 2
And I six warriors, with myself as seventh, Against our foes in full state like their own, Will station at the seven gates' entrances
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Prœtan gates]]
And against Tydeus, to defend the gates, I'll set this valiant son of Astacos;
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Electran gates]]
And so 'gainst him, Though very bold of speech, a man is set Of fiery temper, Polyphontes strong,
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Onca-Athenà's]]
And next Hyperbios, The stalwart son of Œnops, has been chosen, A hero 'gainst this hero
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 4
Yet against him the hero Lasthenes, A foe of strangers, at the gates we'll set;
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Cadmeian city]]
It is decreed Eteocles to honour, For his good-will towards this land of ours, With seemly burial, such as friend may claim;
Aeschylus, The Seven Who Fought Against Thebes — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Cadmeian city]]
But for his brother's, Polyneikes' corpse, To cast it out unburied, prey for dogs,
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 1 · then
And then Prometheus, seeing the miseries of the race of men, of whom Zeus took little heed, stole the fire which till then had belonged to none but Hephæstos and was used only for the Gods, and gave it to mankind
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Caucasos]] · then
Zeus Prometheus Hephaestus Strength Force
But Zeus being wroth with Prometheus for this deed, sent Hephæstos, with his two helpers, Strength and Force, to fetter him to a rock on Caucasos.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Skythia]] · now
Hephaestus Strength Force Prometheus
Lo! to a plain, earth's boundary remote, We now are come,—the tract as Skythian known, A desert inaccessible: and now, Hephæstos, it is thine to do the hests The Father gave thee, to these lofty crags To bind this crafty trickster fast in chains Of adamantine bonds that none can break;
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Skythia]] · now
And now this penalty Of that offence I pay, fast riveted In chains beneath the open firmament.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Olympos]]
New pilots now o'er high Olympos rule, And with new-fashioned laws Zeus reigns, down-trampling right, And all the ancient powers He sweeps away.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 2 · soon as He upon his father's throne Had sat secure
But of mortal men He took no heed, but purposed utterly To crush their race and plant another new;
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 2
And therefore am I bound beneath these woes, Dreadful to suffer, pitiable to see:
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Ætna]]
But the unsleeping dart of Zeus came on him, Down-swooping thunderbolt that breathes out flame, Which from his lofty boastings startled him, For he i' the heart was struck, to ashes burnt, His strength all thunder-shattered; and he lies A helpless, powerless carcase, near the strait Of the great sea, fast pressed beneath the roots Of ancient Ætna
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 3
when I sang wedding hymns around thy bath, And at thy bridal bed, when thou did'st take In wedlock's holy bands One of the same sire born, Our own Hesione, Persuading her with gifts As wife to share thy couch.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 3 · now
Zeus [[Hephaistos]] Prometheus
The counsel was of Zeus, the hand Hephæstos'.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 3
Prometheus Io Inachos Zeus Hera
Daughter of Inachos, who warmed the heart Of Zeus with love, and now through Hera's hate Is tried, perforce, with wanderings over-long?
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 4
And then forthwith my face and mind were changed; And hornèd, as ye see me, stung to the quick
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 4
And I, by gadfly stung, By scourge from Heaven am driven from land to land.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 4
He shall wed one for whom one day he'll grieve. ... Yea; she shall bear child mightier than his sire.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 4 · the third generation after ten
It must be one of thy posterity. ... Yea, the third generation after ten.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 5 · when thou shalt cross the straits
Thee, Io, first I'll tell thy wanderings wild,
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Neilotic land]]
And it shall guide thee to Neilotic land, Three-angled, where, O Io, 'tis decreed For thee and for thy progeny to found A far-off colony.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 5 · 📍 Argos
And she at Argos shall a royal seed Bring forth (long speech 'twould take to tell this clear) Famed for his arrows, who shall set me free From these my woes.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 6
And now the third, who reigneth, I shall see In basest, quickest fall.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 6
There is no torture nor device by which Zeus can impel me to disclose these things Before these bonds that outrage me be loosed.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 6
With thunder and the levin's blazing flash The Father this ravine of rock shall crush, And shall thy carcase hide, and stern embrace Of stony arms shall keep thee in thy place.
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound — Scene 6
Yea, now in very deed, No more in word alone, The earth shakes to and fro, And the loud thunder's voice Bellows hard by, and blaze The flashing levin-fires, And tempests whirl the dust, And gusts of all wild winds On one another leap, In wild conflicting blasts, And sky with sea is blent: Such is the storm from Zeus
Aeschylus, The Suppliants — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Canôpos]] · in the fifth generation
And in the fifth generation there were two brothers, Danaos and Ægyptos, the sons of Belos, and the former had fifty daughters and the latter fifty sons, and Ægyptos sought the daughters of Danaos in marriage for his sons. And they, looking on the marriage as unholy, and hating those who wooed them, took flight and came to Argos, where Pelasgos then ruled as king, as to the land whence Io, from whom they sprang, had come.
Aeschylus, The Suppliants — Scene 3
Fierce war we needs must risk Either with these (pointing to the Gods) or those.
Aeschylus, The Suppliants — Scene 4
Whence Io, by the stinging gadfly driven, Flees, of her sense bereft, Passing through many tribes of mortal men;
Aeschylus, The Suppliants — Scene 6
Herald DaughtersofDanaos
Her. Haste, haste ye, to that barque that yonder lies, Ye wretches, curse on you.
Aeschylus, The Suppliants — Scene 6
Herald DaughtersofDanaos
Her. I bid you go to yon ship double-prowed, With all your speed. Let no one lag behind; But little shall my grasp your ringlets spare. [Seizes on the leader of the Suppliants]
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Troïa]] · the tenth year had come
And now the tenth year had come, and Paris was slain, and the city of the Troïans was taken and destroyed
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Troïa]] · the tenth year had come
the city of the Troïans was taken and destroyed, and Agamemnon and the Hellenes were on their way homeward
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 1 · 📍 Argos · meanwhile
But meanwhile Clytæmnestra too, Agamemnon's queen, had been unfaithful, and had taken as her paramour Ægisthos
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 1 · 📍 Argos · meanwhile
Clytemnestra Aegisthus Agamemnon
she plotted with Ægisthos against her husband's life.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Troïa]] · This very night
O Zeus our King! O Night beloved, Mighty winner of great glories, Who upon the towers of Troïa Casted'st snare of closest meshes, So that none full-grown or youthful Could o'erleap the net of bondage, Woe of universal capture;
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 2
Thus Paris came to the Atreidæ's home, And stole its queen away, And so left brand of shame indelible Upon the board where host and guest had sat.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 3 · in the light of the tenth year
Now in the light of the tenth year I reach thee, Though many hopes are shattered, gaining one.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Troïa]]
For he is come, in darkness bringing light To you and all, our monarch, Agamemnon. Salute him with all grace; for so 'tis meet, Since he hath dug up Troïa with the spade Of Zeus the Avenger, and the plain laid waste; Fallen their altars and the shrines of Gods; The seed of all the land is rooted out, This yoke of bondage casting over Troïa, Our chief, the elder of the Atreidæ, comes, A man full blest, and worthiest of high honour Of all that are. For neither Paris' self, Nor his accomplice city now can boast Their deed exceeds its punishment.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 3
The chief has vanished from the Achæan host, He and his ship. I speak no falsehood here.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 4
Well, then, if thou wilt have it so, with speed Let some one loose my buskins ... as I tread Upon these robes sea-purpled, may no wrath From glance of Gods smite on me from afar! ... I'll to my palace go, on purple treading.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 5
Go with her. What she bids is now the best; Obey her: leave thy seat upon this car.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 5
CASSANDRA leaves the chariot, and bursts into a cry of wailing
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 5
Clytemnestra Agamemnon Cassandra
Nay, the true net is she who shares his bed, Who shares in working death.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 5
Clytemnestra Agamemnon Cassandra
Who having in his bath Tended thy spouse, thy lord, then ... How tell the rest? For quick it comes, and hand is following hand, Stretched out to strike the blow.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 6 · Soon
the man Is murdered by the woman. ... What will be will. Soon, present, pitying me Thou'lt own I am too true a prophetess.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 7 · 📍 [[palace]]
Agam. [from within.] Ah, me! I am struck down with deadly stroke. Chor. Hush! who cries out with deadly stroke sore smitten? Agam. Ah me, again! struck down a second time! [Dies]
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 7 · 📍 [[palace]]
I stand where I Did smite him down, with all my task well done. So did I it, (the deed deny I not,)
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 7 · 📍 [[palace]]
The open doors show the corpses of_ AGAMEMNON and CASSANDRA, the former lying in a silvered bath
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 8
here Agamemnon lies, My husband, now a corpse, of this right hand, As artist just, the handiwork: so stands it.
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 9
Clytemnestra Aegisthus Agamemnon
It is not thine to speak; 'Twas at our hands he fell, Yea, he fell low in death,
Aeschylus, Agamemnon — Scene 9
And thou together, ruling o'er the house, Will settle all things rightly.
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 1 · after Agamemnon had been slain
It came to pass, after Agamemnon had been slain, that
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 1 · 📍 Argos · after Agamemnon had been slain
Clytæmnestra and Ægisthos ruled in Argos
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Delphi]] · when Orestes grew up to man's estate
the Gods straitly charged him to take vengeance on his father's murderers
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 1 · a little while before he came
the Gods sent Clytæmnestra a fearful dream, that troubled her soul greatly
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 1 · in her terror
in her terror she bade Electra go with her handmaids to pour libations on the tomb of Agamemnon
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 3
Loxias' oracle, In strength excelling, will not fail us now, That bade me on this enterprise to start, And with clear voice spake often, warning me Of chilling pain-throes at the fevered heart, Unless my father's murderers I should chase, Bidding me kill them in the self-same fashion
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 5
So must she, as that monster dread she nourished, Die cruel death: and I, thus serpentised, Am here to slay her, as this dream portends;
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 5
“Since thou dost go, my friend, for Argos bound, In any case, tell those who gave him birth, Remembering it right well, Orestes' death; See thou forget it not, and whether plans Prevail to fetch him home, or bury him There where he is, a stranger evermore, Bear back the message as thy freight for us;
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 6
Lead him [to her Slave, pointing to ORESTES] to these our hospitable halls, And these his fellow-travellers and servants: There let them meet with what befits our house.
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 6
Clytemnestra Kilissa Aegisthus
Our mistress bids me with all speed to call Ægisthos to the strangers, that he come And hear more clearly, as a man from man, This newly-brought report.
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 7
Follow: I mean to slay thee where he lies, For while he lived thou held'st him far above My father.
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 8
Agamemnon Aegisthus Clytemnestra
Here, then, upon this palace of our kings A third storm blows again; The blast that haunts the race has run its course. First came the wretched meal of children's flesh; Next what befell our king: Slain in the bath was he who ruled our host, Of all the Achæans lord;
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 8
While my reason stays, I tell my friends here that I slew my mother, Not without right, my father's murderess, Accursed, and hated of the Gods.
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 8
At my heart Stands terror ready or to sing or dance In burst of frenzy. While my reason stays, I tell my friends here that I slew my mother, Not without right, my father's murderess, Accursed, and hated of the Gods. And I As chiefest spell that made me dare this deed Count Loxias, Pythian prophet, warning me That doing this I should be free from blame,
Aeschylus, The Libation-Pourers — Scene 8 · 📍 [[Earth's central shrine]]
With this my bough and chaplet I will gain Earth's central shrine, the home where Loxias dwells, And the bright fire that is as deathless known, Seeking to 'scape this guilt of kindred blood; And on no other hearth, so Loxias bade, May I seek shelter.
Aeschylus, Eumenides — Scene 1
And I dread banquets of the night would offer On altar-hearth, at hour no God might share. And lo! all this is trampled under foot. He is escaped, and flees, like fawn, away;
Aeschylus, Eumenides — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Phœbos' shrine]]
For when 'twas fresh, it then was all dispelled, At Phœbos' shrine, by spells of slaughtered swine.
Aeschylus, Eumenides — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Temple of Athena Polias]]
He, it is true, in full security, Clasping the statue of the deathless goddess, Would fain now take his trial at our hands. This may not be;
Aeschylus, Eumenides — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Temple of Athena Polias]]
Enter ATHENA, appearing in her chariot, and then alights
Aeschylus, Eumenides — Scene 3
I am not now defiled: no curse abides Upon the hand that on thy statue rests;
Aeschylus, Eumenides — Scene 3
He, when he came home, Died without honour; and my dark-souled mother Enwrapt and slew him with her broidered toils
Aeschylus, Eumenides — Scene 4 · 📍 [[Ares' hill]] · for all time to come
And henceforth shall the host of Ægeus' race For ever own this council-hall of judges
Aeschylus, Eumenides — Scene 5
Thou, thou hast brought me back when I had been Bereaved of fatherland, and Hellenes now Will say, “The man's an Argive once again, And dwells upon his father's heritage, Because of Pallas and of Loxias, And Zeus, the true third Saviour, all o'erruling,
Aeschylus, Eumenides — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Erechtheus' home]]
For lo! I promise, promise faithfully, That, seated on your hearths with shining thrones, Ye shall find cavern homes in righteous land, Honoured and worshipped by these citizens.
Sophocles, Antigone — Scene 1 · On this
On this Creon, the brother-in-law of Oedipus, succeeding to the chief power, forbade the burial of Polynices.
Sophocles, Antigone — Scene 2
Then nimbly with her hands she brought dry dust, And holding high a shapely brazen cruse, Poured three libations, honouring the dead. We, when we saw, ran in, and straightway seized Our quarry
Sophocles, Antigone — Scene 2
Thou may'st betake thyself whither thou wilt, Acquitted of the grievous charge, and free.
Sophocles, Antigone — Scene 4
And now by servile hands, for all to see, He hastens me away, unhusbanded, Before my nuptial, having never known Or married joy or tender motherhood.
Sophocles, Antigone — Scene 5
We saw the maiden hanging by the neck With noose of finest tissue firmly tied
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 1 · After the death of Achilles
Achilles Hephaestus Aias Odysseus
After the death of Achilles, the armour made for him by Hephaestus was to be given to the worthiest of the surviving Greeks. Although Aias was the most valiant, the judges made the award to Odysseus, because he was the wisest.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 1 · Brief time hath flown since suddenly we knew
Aias Atreus Agamemnon Menelaus
Brief time hath flown since suddenly we knew / That all our gathered spoil was reaved and slaughtered, / Flocks, herds, and herdmen, by some human hand, / All tongues, then, lay this deed at Aias' door.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 1 · On awakening from his delusion
On awakening from his delusion, he finds that he has fallen irrecoverably from honour and from the favour of the Greeks.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 2 · by night
Madness hath seized our lord by night And blasted him with hopeless blight.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 2 · This night
But he drags within, Tied in a throng, bulls, shepherd dogs, and spoil Of cattle and sheep. Anon he butchers them, Felling or piercing, hacking or tearing wide, Ribs from breast, limb from limb.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 2 · now
And now that Reason's light returns, New sorrow in his spirit burns. For when we look on self made woe, In which no hand but ours had part, Thought of such griefs and whence they flow Brings aching misery to the heart.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 3 · from to-day
Honour in life or honour in the grave Befits the noble heart. You hear my will.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 3
Aias Teucer Eurysakes Telamon Eriboea
I leave in Teucer. He'll not fail, though now He follow far the chase upon his foes. My trusty warriors, people of the sea, Be this your charge, no less,--and bear to him My clear commandment, that he take this boy Home to my fatherland, and make him known To Telamon, and Eriboea too, My mother.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 4
I will find Same place untrodden, and digging of the soil Where none shall see, will bury this my sword, Weapon of hate! for Death and Night to hold Evermore underground.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 4
I must go--whither I must go. Do ye But keep my word, and ye may learn, though now Be my dark hour, that all with me is well. [Exit towards the country.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 4 · as he came
For when they knew his motion from afar They swarmed around him, and with shouts of blame From each side one and all assaulted him As brother to the man who had gone mad And plotted 'gainst the host,--threatening aloud, Spite of his strength, he should be stoned, and die.
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 4 · ere he left his father's door
And Aias, ere he left his father's door, Made foolish answer to his prudent sire. 'My son,' said Telamon, 'choose victory Always, but victory with an aid from Heaven.' How loftily, how madly, he replied! 'Father, with heavenly help men nothing worth May win success. But I am confident Without the Gods to pluck this glory down.'
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Trojan soil]]
Henceforth my speech will be with souls unseen. [Falls on his sword]
Sophocles, Aias — Scene 5 · by night
Who lay in wait for all the host by night, And sallied forth in arms to shed our blood;
Sophocles, King Oedipus — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Pytho]]
Phoebus (albeit the messengers perchance Have told thee this) upon our sending sent This answer back, that no release might come From this disaster, till we sought and found And slew the murderers of king Laius, Or drave them exiles from our land.
Sophocles, King Oedipus — Scene 4
The King should be destroyed by his own son, If son were born to him from me. What followed? Laius was slain, by robbers from abroad, Saith Rumour, in a cross-way! But the child Lived not three days, ere by my husband's hand His feet were locked, and he was cast and left By messengers on the waste mountain wold.
Sophocles, King Oedipus — Scene 4 · 📍 [[Phocis]] · When I drew near the cross-road of your tale
When I drew near the cross-road of your tale, A herald, and a man upon a car, Like your description, there encountered me. And he who led the car, and he himself The greybeard, sought to thrust me from the path. Then in mine angry mood I sharply struck The driver-man who turned me from the way; Which when the elder saw, he watched for me As I passed by, and from the chariot-seat Smote full upon my head with the fork'd goad; But got more than he gave; for, by a blow From this right hand, smit with my staff, he fell Instantly rolled out of the car supine. I slew them every one.
Sophocles, King Oedipus — Scene 5
Because with Polybus thou hast no kin. OED. Why? Was not he the author of my life? COR. SH. As much as I am, and no more than I. OED. How can my father be no more to me Than who is nothing? COR. SH. In begetting thee Nor I nor he had any part at all. OED. Why then did he declare me for his son? COR. SH. Because he took thee once a gift from me.
Sophocles, King Oedipus — Scene 6 · 📍 [[bridal room]]
Where high suspended we beheld the queen, In twisted cordage resolutely swung.
Sophocles, King Oedipus — Scene 6 · 📍 [[bridal room]]
And, lifting, smote his eyeballs to the root,
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 1
Agamemnon Clytemnestra Aegisthus
Agamemnon on his return from Troy, had been murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her paramour Aegisthus
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Phocis]]
And let thy tale be that another land, Phocis, hath sent thee forth, and Phanoteus, Than whom they have no mightier help in war. Then, prefaced with an oath, declare thy news, Orestes' death by dire mischance, down-rolled From wheel-borne chariot in the Pythian course.
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 2
Sent by my mother to my father's tomb To pour libations to him.
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Mycenae]] · by night
Then take and firmly plant upon the hearth The sceptre which he bore of old, and now Aegisthus bears: and out of this upsprang A burgeoned shoot, that shadowed all the ground Of loved Mycenae.
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 2
Then cast them to the winds, or deep in dust Conceal them, where no particle may reach His resting-place: but lie in store for her When she goes underground.
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 3
Still holding forth thy father's death, that I Have done it. So I did: I know it well:
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Aulis]]
Wherefore Latona's daughter in fell wrath Stayed the army, that in quittance for the deer My sire should slay at the altar his own child.
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 4 · this day
But this day's chance hath freed me from all fear Of him, and of this maid
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 4
Here is Orestes, learn it from my mouth, As certainly as you now look on me.
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 4
Dear, he is dead. Look not to him, poor girl! Salvation comes to thee no more from him.
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 4
Electra Chrysothemis Aegisthus
To help thy sister boldly to destroy The guilty author of our father's death, Aegisthus.
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 4
And I beseech thee, ere in utter ruin We perish and make desolate our race, Refrain thy rage.
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Aegisthus' dwelling]]
Bearing scant remnants of his body dead In this small vase thou seest, we bring them home.
Sophocles, Electra — Scene 6 · 📍 [[palace]] · to-day
CLY. (within). Oh, I am smitten! EL. Give a second stroke, If thou hast power. CLY. (within). Oh me! again, again! EL. Would thou wert shrieking for Aegisthus too! ... The body of CLYTEMNESTRA is disclosed under a veil: ORESTES standing by
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Pleuron]]
For a river-god, Swift Achelôüs, was my suitor there And sought me from my father in three forms; Now in his own bull-likeness, now a serpent Of coiling sheen, and now with manlike build But bovine front, while from the shadowy beard Sprang fountain-waters in perpetual spray. Looking for such a husband, I, poor girl! Still prayed that Death might find me, ere I knew That nuptial.--Later, to my glad relief, Zeus' and Alcmena's glorious offspring came, And closed with him in conflict, and released My heart from torment. How the fight was won I could not tell. If any were who saw Unshaken of dread foreboding, such may speak. But I sate quailing with an anguished fear, Lest beauty might procure me nought but pain, Till He that rules the issue of all strife, Gave fortunate end--if fortunate! For since, Assigned by that day's conquest, I have known The couch of Heracles
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 1 · this past year
'Tis said that through the length of this past year He wrought as bondman to a Lydian girl. DÊ. Hath he borne that? Then nothing can be strange! HYL. Well, that is over, I am told. He is free.
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 1 · when fifteen moons were spent
When my great husband parted last from home, He left within the house an ancient scroll Inscribed with characters of mystic note, Which Heracles had never heretofore, In former labours, cared to let me see,-- As bound for bright achievement, not for death. But now, as though his life had end, he told What marriage-portion I must keep, what shares He left his sons out of their father's ground: And set a time, when fifteen moons were spent, Counted from his departure, that even then Or he must die, or if that date were out And he had run beyond it, he should live Thenceforth a painless and untroubled life.
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 1
I will go, mother. Had I heard this voice Of prophecy, long since I had been there. Fear is unwonted for our father's lot. But now I know, my strength shall all be spent To learn the course of these affairs in full. DÊ. Go then, my son. Though late, to learn and do What wisdom bids, hath certainty of gain. [Exit HYLLUS.
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 1
Alcmena's child Is living, be assured, and triumphing, And bringing to our Gods the fruits of war.
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Acarnania]]
But the tender fair one far away Sate watching with an eye of piteous cheer (A mother's heart will heed the thing I say,) Till won by him who freed her from her fear. Sudden she leaves her mother's gentle side, Borne through the waste, our hero's tender bride.
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Evenus]] · with dying voice
With a careful hand Collect and bear away the clotted gore That clogs my wound, e'en where the monster snake Had dyed the arrow with dark tinct of gall; And thou shalt have this as a charm of soul For Heracles, that never through the eye Shall he receive another love than thine.
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 4 · to-day
For, as it happened, I had tossed aside The bit of wool I worked with, carelessly, Into the open daylight, 'mid the blaze Of Helios' beam. And, as it kindled warm, It fell away to nothing, crumbled small,
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 4 · 📍 [[Cenaeum]] · When after sacking Eurytus' great city
The herald Lichas Arrived from home, bearing thy fatal gift, The deadly robe: wherewith invested straight, As thou hadst given charge, he sacrificed The firstlings of the spoil, twelve bulls entire,
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 4 · 📍 [[Cenaeum]] · Then
He, all-unknowing, in an evil hour Declared his message, that the gift was thine. Whereat the hero, while the shooting spasm Had fastened on the lungs, seized him by the foot Where the ankle turns i' the socket, and, with a thought, Hurl'd on a surf-vex'd reef that showed i' the sea:
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 5 · Even now
Our Queen hath found her latest journey's end. Even now she is gone, without the help of feet. CH. Not dead? NUR. You know the whole. CH. Dead! hapless Queen! NUR. The truth hath twice been told. CH. O tell us how! What was her death, poor victim of dire woe? NUR. Most ruthless was the deed. CH. Say, woman, say! What was the sudden end? NUR. Herself she slew.
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 5
For now the hapless youth Knew that himself had done this in his wrath, Told all too late i' the house, how she had wrought Most innocently, from the Centaur's wit. So now the unhappy one, with passionate words And cries and wild embracings of the dead, Groaned forth that he had slain her with false breath Of evil accusation, and was left Orphaned of both, his mother and his sire.
Sophocles, The Trachinian Maidens — Scene 5
For, glued unto my side, it hath devoured My flesh to the bone, and lodging in the lungs It drains the vital channels, and hath drunk The fresh life-blood, and ruins all my frame, Foiled in the tangle of a viewless bond.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Lemnos]]
Now Philoctetes had been rejected by the army because of a trouble in his foot, which made his presence with them insufferable; and had been cast away by Odysseus on the island of Lemnos.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 1
Odysseus Neoptolemus Philoctetes
But when the decree of fate was revealed by prophecy, Odysseus undertook to bring Philoctetes back, and took with him Neoptolemus, whose ambition could only be gratified through the return of Philoctetes with the bow.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 1
Odysseus Neoptolemus Philoctetes
The thing that, being named, revolts mine ear, Son of Laërtes, I abhor to do 'Tis not my nature, no, nor, as they tell, My father's, to work aught by craft and guile.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 1
Odysseus Neoptolemus Philoctetes
Shame, to the winds! Come, I will do this thing.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Lemnos]]
Such deeds, my son, the Atridae, and the might Of sage Odysseus, have performed on me.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 2
Whom the two generals and the Ithacan king Cast out thus shamefully forlorn, afflicted With the fierce malady and desperate wound Made by the cruel basilisk's murderous tooth.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 2
There came to fetch me, in a gallant ship, Odysseus and the fosterer of my sire, Saying, whether soothly, or in idle show, That, since my father perished, it was known None else but I should take Troy's citadel.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Sigeum]] · on the second
To obtain my father's armour and all else That had been his. And then,--alas the while, That men should be so hard!--they spake this word: 'Seed of Achilles, thou may'st freely take All else thy father owned, but for those arms, Another wields them now, Laërtes' son.' Tears rushed into mine eyes, and in hot wrath I straightway rose, and bitterly outspake: 'O miscreant! What? And have ye dared to give Mine arms to some man else, unknown to me?' Then said Odysseus, for he chanced to be near, 'Yea, child, and justly have they given me these. I saved them and their master in the field.'
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 3
This moves not my main marvel, but if one Saw this and bore it,--Aias of the shield. NEO. Ah, friend, he was no more. Had he but lived, This robbery had ne'er been wrought on me. PHI. What? Is he too departed? NEO. He is dead. The light no more beholds him.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 3 · now
And Nestor, my old friend, good aged man, Is he yet living? Oft he would prevent Their evils, by the wisdom of his thought. NEO. He too is now in trouble, having lost Antilochus, the comfort of his age.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 3
Patroclus Achilles Neoptolemus
Tell me, I pray, what was become of him, Patroclus, whom thy father loved so well? NEO. He, too, was gone.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Lemnos isle]]
Then sure 'twere shame, should I more backward prove Than thou, to labour for the stranger's need. Come, if thou wilt, let us make voyage, and he, Let him set forth with speed. Our ship shall take him. He shall not be refused.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 3 · now
Phoenix Acamas Demophon Neoptolemus
Old Phoenix, Acamas and Demophon Are gone in thy pursuit with ships and men.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 3
These two men whom I have named, Diomedes and Odysseus, are set forth Engaged on oath to bring this man by force If reasons fail.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Lemnos isle]] · One night
There was a princely seer, A son of Priam, Helenus by name, Whom he for whom no word is bad enough, Crafty Odysseus, sallying forth alone One night, had taken, and in bonds displayed 'Fore all the Achaeans, a right noble prey. He, 'mid his other prophecies, foretold No Grecian force should sack Troy's citadel, Till with fair reasons they had brought this man From Lemnos isle, his lonely dwelling-place.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 4 · 📍 [[cave]]
Nay, but receiving from my hand the bow, As late thou didst desire me, keep it safe And guard it, till the fury of my pain Pass over me and cease.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 4 · 📍 [[cave]]
O! thou knowest, my son! NEO. I know not. PHI. How? Not know? Ah me! Pain, pain!
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 4 · 📍 [[cave]]
NEO. Fear nought. We will not stir. PHI. Wilt thou remain? NEO. Be sure of it.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Troy]]
Here I unveil it. Thou art to sail to Troy, To join the chieftains and the Achaean host.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 5
First to release thee from this plague, and then With thee to go and take the realm of Troy.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 5
Me miserable! I am betrayed, undone! What guile is here? My bow! give back my bow! NEO. I may not. Interest, and duty too, Force me to obey commandment.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 5
Yea. I deny it not. Be sure, 'twas I. PHI. Give back, my son, the bow; release it! OD. That, Though he desire it, he shall never do. Thou too shalt march along, or these shall force thee.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 5
Unhand him there. Let go! Leave him to stay. What further use of thee, When we have ta'en these arms? Have we not Teucer, Skilled in this mystery? Yea, I may boast Myself thine equal both in strength and aim To wield them. Fare thee well, then! Thou art free To roam thy barren isle.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 5
But go not yet, since our friend bids you stay. Till we have prayed, and all be ready on board. Meanwhile, perchance, he may conceive some thought That favours our design.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 6 · to-day
From whom I took these weapons, back again---- OD. O Heaven! thou wilt not give them! Mean'st thou this? NEO. Yea, for I have them through base sinful means.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 6
The deed shall prove it. Only reach thy hand, And be again sole master of thy bow.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 6
Thou art so resolved? PHI. More firmly than I say.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Trojan plain]]
Ay, and thou behold'st him nigh, And he shall force thee to the Trojan plain, Howe'er Achilles' offspring make or mar.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Troia's plain]] · ere harvest time This year
And from this plague thou ne'er shall find reprieve While the same Sun god rears him from the east And droops to west again, till thou be come Of thine own willing mind to Troia's plain, Where our physicians, sons of Phoebus' child, Shall soothe thee from thy sore, and thou with me And with this bow shalt take Troy's citadel.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 7 · 📍 [[Troy]] · to-day
Heracles Philoctetes Neoptolemus
First, son of Poeas, wait till thou hast heard The voice of Heracles, and weighed his word. Him thou beholdest from the Heavenly seat Come down, for thee leaving the blest retreat, To tell thee all high Zeus intends, and stay Thy purpose in the journey of to-day.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 7 · 📍 [[Troy]]
Sailing with this thy comrade to Troy-town, First thou shalt heal thee from thy grievous sore, And then, being singled forth from all the host As noblest, thou shalt conquer with that bow Paris, prime author of these years of harm, And capture Troy
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 7 · 📍 [[Troy]] · now
Heracles Asclepius Philoctetes
Guard thou him, and he thee! and I will send Asclepius Troyward to relieve thy pain.
Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 7 · 📍 [[Lemnos]] · at once
HER. Lose no time: at once depart! Bright occasion and fair wind Urge your vessel from behind. PHI. Come, let me bless the region ere I go.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 1 · Years have now elapsed
Years have now elapsed, and the Delphian oracle proclaims that if Oedipus dies in a foreign land the enemies of Thebes shall overcome her.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 1 · Then
Then the man of many sorrows, whose essential nobleness has survived them all, passes away mysteriously from the sight of men.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 2
Know ye of one Begotten of Laius? CH. Horror! Horror! Oh! OED. Derived from Labdacus? CH. O Heaven! OED. Fate-wearied Oedipus? CH. Art thou he?
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Athens]]
Therefore we are content The Lord of Athens shall decide this case.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Thebes]] · ere many an hour be spent
'Tis said their victory depends on thee. OED. When shrunk to nothing, am I indeed a man? ISM. Yea, for the Gods uphold thee, who then destroyed. OED. Poor work, to uphold in age who falls when young! ISM. Know howsoe'er that Creon will be here For this same end, ere many an hour be spent. OED. For what end, daughter? Tell me in plain speech. ISM. To set thee near their land, that thou may'st be Beyond their borders, but within their power.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Delphi's holy shrine]]
Sworn messengers Brought such report from Delphi's holy shrine. OED. Hath Phoebus so pronounced my destiny? ISM. So they declare who brought the answer back. OED. Did my sons hear? ISM. They know it, both of them.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 3
CH. But, hapless, didst thou slay-- II 2 OED. What seek ye more to know? CH. Thy father? OED. O dismay! Ye wound me, blow on blow. CH. Thy hand destroyed him. OED. Yes. Yet lacks there not herein A plea for my redress. CH. How canst thou clear that sin? OED. I'll tell thee. For the deed, 'twas proved mine,--Oh 'tis true! Yet by Heaven's law I am freed:--I wist not whom I slew.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Athens]] · When I am dead, and thou hast buried me
OED. Herein One word conveys the assurance of the whole. THE. You sum up your petition in brief form. OED. Look to it. Great issues hang upon this hour. THE. Mean'st thou in this the fortune of thy sons Or mine? OED. I mean the force of their behest Compelling my removal hence to Thebes. THE. So thy consent were sought, 'twere fair to yield. OED. Once I was ready enough. They would not then.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 4 · 📍 [[Colonos]]
Let me live here. For even such life as mine Were not amiss, might I but have my will.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 7 · 📍 [[Thebè]] · at this hour
Polynices Amphiaraos Tydeus Etéoclus Hippomedon Capaneus Parthenopaeus
With whose aid levying all that mighty host Of seven battalions, I have deeply sworn Either to die, or drive from Theban ground Those who such wrongs have wrought.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 8
Oedipus Theseus Antigone Ismene
Reach thy right hand, I pray thee (that first pledge) To these my children:--daughters, yours to him!-- And give thy sacred word that thou wilt never Betray these willingly: but still perform All that thou mayest with true thought for their good.
Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 8
He, with grand calmness like his noble self, Promised on oath to keep this friendly bond.
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Chersonese]]
privately sent me from the Trojan land to the house of Polymestor, his Thracian friend, who cultivates the most fruitful soil of the Chersonese, ruling a warlike people with his spear. But my father sends privately with me a large quantity of gold
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 1
the friend of my father slays me, wretched man, for the sake of my gold, and having slain me threw me into the surf of the sea
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Troy]] · after that
But after that both Troy and the life of Hector were put an end to
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 1
and himself falls at the altar built by the God, slain by the blood-polluted son of Achilles
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 2
But Achilles, O lady, is worthy of honor from us, a man who died most gloriously in behalf of the Grecian country.
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 3
I am here and come to thee, O lady, that thou mayest entomb thy dead daughter.
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Troy]]
Was not this the queen of the opulent Phrygians? was not this the wife of the all-blest Priam? And now all her city is overthrown by the spear, but she a captive, aged, childless, lies on the ground
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 4 · 📍 [[the tomb]] · then
But he at once resolved and unresolved through pity of the virgin, cuts with the sword the passage of her breath; and fountains of blood burst forth.
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 6
He lives, and in good health; as far as regards him indeed thou art happy.
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 6
But come into the tent, for the Greeks are desirous of loosing the sheets of their vessels homeward from Troy;
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 6
nor shalt thou behold alive those children which I have slain.
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 7
Polymestor Polydorus Priam Hecuba
There was a certain youth, the youngest of Priam's children, by name Polydore, the son of Hecuba; him his father Priam sent to me from Troy to bring up in my palace, already presaging the capture of Troy. Him I put to death.
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 7
in an instant, snatching from somewhere beneath their garments their daggers, they stab my children.
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 7
having taken their clasps they pierce and gore the wretched pupils of my eyes, then vanish in flight through the tent.
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 7
But to me, be assured, thou neither appearest for my sake, nor for the sake of the Grecians, to have killed this man thy guest, but that thou mightest possess the gold in thy palace.
Euripides, Hecuba — Scene 7
Will ye not as quick as possible cast him out on some desert island, since he is thus, and past endurance insolent?
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 1
but King Agamemnon obtained Clytæmnestra's bed, memorable throughout the Grecians
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 1
from a most unholy mother, who slew her husband, having covered him around with an inextricable robe
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 1
Orestes Electra Pylades Clytemnestra
But nevertheless he did slay her, as he would not be disobedient to the God. I also took a share in the murder, but such as a woman ought to take. As did Pylades also who perpetrated this deed with us.
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 1 · From that time
From that time wasting away, the wretched Orestes is afflicted with a grievous malady
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 1 · 📍 Argos · this is the sixth day
But it has been decreed by this city of Argos, that no one shall receive us who have slain a mother under their roof, nor at their fire, and that none shall speak to us; but this is the appointed day, in the which the city of the Argives will pronounce their vote, whether it is fitting that we should die
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 4
For after that Agamemnon breathed forth his last, struck by my daughter on the head, a most foul deed
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 4 · after him
Him I slew, and after him I sacrificed my mother, doing indeed unholy things, but avenging my father.
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 8 · 📍 [[palace]]
For may I live no longer, if I draw not my black sword upon her. But if then we do not compass the murder of Helen, having fired the palace we will die, for we shall have glory, succeeding in one of these two things, nobly dying, or nobly rescued.
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 8
Orestes Pylades Electra Clytemnestra
ORES. I slew my mother. PYL. But I directed the sword. ELEC. But I at least incited you, and freed you from delay.
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 8 · 📍 [[house]]
Arrange yourselves, some of you in this beaten way, and some there, in that other path, to guard the house.
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 9
before I plainly see the slaughtered Helen lying weltering in her blood within the house
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 10
But the wretched Hermione came to the house at the time when her murdered mother fell to the ground
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 10
Helen indeed, whom thou minded to destroy, working Menelaus to anger, didst fail of thy purpose, she is here, whom ye see wrapt in the bosom of the sky, preserved, and not slain by thy hands. Her I preserved, and snatched from thy sword, commanded by my father Jove. For being the daughter of Jove, it is right that she should live immortal.
Euripides, Orestes — Scene 10 · 📍 [[Parrhasian plain]] · during the revolution of a year
Thus is it with regard to Helen; but thee, on the other hand, Orestes, it behooveth, having passed beyond the boundaries of this land, to inhabit the Parrhasian plain during the revolution of a year, and it shall be called by a name after thy flight, so that the Azanes and Arcadians shall call it Oresteum: and thence having departed to the city of the Athenians, undergo the charge of shedding thy mother's blood laid by the three Furies.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
and Creon her brother received the kingdom.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 2 · 📍 [[the palace]]
But the old man in the palace deprived of sight, always preserving with tears regret for the unanimity of the brothers which is separated from the family, has madly rushed on self-destruction with the sword and with the noose above the beams of the house
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
thou hast left thy father's house deserted, sent away an exile by wrongful treatment from thy brother
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Thebes]] · after a length of time
The bolts indeed of the gate-keepers have with ease admitted me, that I might come within the walls
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
I am leading an army against this my own city; but I have called the Gods to witness how unwillingly I have raised the spear against my dearest parents.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 3
I will go, do not distress thyself; but thee, my mother, I mention with honor.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 4 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
Eteocles Tiresias Menoeceus (Creon's son)
I will send thy son, Creon, Menœceus, of the same name with thy father, to bring Tiresias hither.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 5
For never will I go to this degree of calamity, to expose my son a victim for the state. For all men live with an affection toward their children, nor would any give up his own child to die. Let no one praise me for the deed, and slay my children. But I myself, for I am arrived at a mature period of life, am ready to die to liberate my country. But haste, my son, before the whole city hears it, disregarding the intemperate oracles of prophets, fly as quickly as possible, having quitted this land.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 5
But I will depart, and standing on the summit of the battlements, stabbing myself over the dark deep lair of the dragon, where the prophet appointed, will give liberty to the country--the word has been spoken.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Neïtan gate]]
But Periclymenus the son of the God of the Ocean stopped him in his raging, hurling at his head a stone, a wagon-load, a pinnacle rent from the battlement; and dashed in pieces his head with its auburn hair, and crushed the suture of the bones, and besmeared with blood his lately blooming cheeks; nor shall he carry back his living form to his mother, glorious in her bow, the daughter of Mænalus.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 6
but when he was now mounting the battlements of the walls Jupiter strikes him with his thunder; and the earth resounded, insomuch that all trembled; and his limbs were hurled, as it were by a sling, from the ladder separately from one another, his hair to heaven, and his blood to the ground, and his limbs, like the whirling of Ixion on his wheel, were carried round; and his scorched body falls to the earth.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 6
But ours on the contrary, when they saw the auspicious sign from Jove, drove out their chariots, horsemen and heavy-armed, and rushing into the midst of the Argive arms engaged in fight: and there were all the sorts of misery together: they died, they fell from their chariots, and the wheels leaped up and axles upon axles: and corses were heaped together with corses.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 6
O my child, Antigone, come forth from before the palace; the state of thy fortune suits not now the dance, nor the virgin's chamber, but it is thy duty, in conjunction with thy mother, to hinder two excellent men, and thy brothers verging toward death from falling by each other's hands.
Euripides, The Phœnician Virgins — Scene 9 · 📍 [[Athens]]
That I must die an exile at Athens.
Euripides, Medea — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Corinth]]
But Medea, when she had slain her children, escapes to Athens
Euripides, Medea — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Athens]]
Medea, when she had slain her children, escapes to Athens, in a chariot drawn by winged dragons
Euripides, Medea — Scene 2
O my father, O my city, whom I basely abandoned, having slain my brother.
Euripides, Medea — Scene 3
Best then is it to pursue the straight path, in which I am most skilled, to take them off by poison. Let it be so.
Euripides, Medea — Scene 4
if thou comest to my country, I will endeavor to receive thee with hospitality, being a just man; so much however I beforehand apprise thee of, O lady, I shall not be willing to lead thee with me from this land; but if thou comest thyself to my house, thou shalt stay there in safety, and to no one will I give thee up.
Euripides, Medea — Scene 6
Thy sons, my mistress, are reprieved from banishment, and the royal bride received thy presents in her hands with pleasure
Euripides, Medea — Scene 6
At all events they must die, and since they must, I who brought them into the world will perpetrate the deed.
Euripides, Medea — Scene 7
But the fire, when she shook her hair, blazed out with double fury, and she sinks upon the ground overcome by her sufferings
Euripides, Medea — Scene 7
The deed is determined on by me, my friends, to slay my children as soon as possible, and to hasten from this land
Euripides, Medea — Scene 8 · 📍 [[shrine of Juno]]
Never indeed; since I will bury them with this hand bearing them to the shrine of Juno, the Goddess guardian of the citadel
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 1
Theseus was the son of Othra and Neptune, and king of the Athenians; and having married Hippolyta, one of the Amazons, he begat Hippolytus
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Trœzene]]
where it happened that Hippolytus was being brought up by Pittheus
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Trœzene]] · this very day
wherein he has erred toward me, I will avenge me on Hippolytus this very day
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Trœzene]]
Hippolytus, pupil of the chaste Pittheus, alone of the inhabitants of this land of Trœzene, says that I am of deities the vilest, and rejects the bridal bed, and will have nothing to do with marriage. But Dian, the sister of Phœbus, daughter of Jove, he honors, esteeming her the greatest of deities.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 1
Phædra, having learned that he was exasperated, eluded the nurse, and hung herself.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 1
And he, believing what was written, ordered Hippolytus to go into banishment, and put up a prayer to Neptune, in compliance with which the god destroyed Hippolytus.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 2 · this day for the third
And I hear that she this day for the third keeps her body untouched by the fruit of Ceres, [which she receives not] into her ambrosial mouth, wishing in secret suffering to hasten to the unhappy goal of death.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 2
I have gone mad; I have fallen by the evil influence of some God.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 3
What say'st? Thou lovest, my child? What man! ... Him whoever he is, that is born of the Amazon.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 4
rightly have I surrendered my life to love; but if thou speak base things in fair phrase, I shall be consumed
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 5
As thou also hast, O evil woman, come to the purpose of admitting me to share a bed which must not be approached--a father's.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 5
I know not, save one thing; to die as soon as possible is the only cure of my present sufferings.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 5 · during the time that Theseus is absent from the land
But now will I depart from the house, and stay during the time that Theseus is absent from the land, and will keep my mouth silent; but I will see, returning with my father's return, how you will look at him, both you and your mistress.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Trœzene]]
But you, noble daughters of Trœzene, grant thus much to me requesting it, bury in silence what you here have heard.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 6 · this day
but, having quitted life this day, I shall gratify Venus, who destroys me
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 7
Hippolytus has dared by force to approach my bed, having despised the awful eye of Jove.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 7 · beyond this day
But O father Neptune, by one of these three curses, which thou formerly didst promise me, by one of those destroy my son, and let him not escape beyond this day
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 7
Depart an exile from this land as soon as possible.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 7
Servants, will ye not drag him out? did you not hear me long ago pronounce him banished!
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 8 · 📍 [[Athens]]
Hippolytus no longer trod on this land, having from thee received the sentence of wretched banishment.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 8
His own chariot slew him, and the imprecations of thy mouth, which thou didst put up to thy father, the ruler of the ocean, concerning thy son.
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 9
Theseus, wherefore dost thou, wretched man, take delight in these things, seeing that thou hast slain in no just way thy son, being persuaded by the lying words of thy wife
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 9
Whereof one thou hast expended, O most evil one, on thy son
Euripides, Hippolytus — Scene 9 · 📍 [[Trœzene]] · for many an age
to thee, O unhappy one, in recompense for these evils, will I give the greatest honors in the land of Trœzene
Euripides, Alcestis — Scene 1 · not long after the time when this calamity happened
Hercules having arrived, and having learned from a servant what had befallen Alcestis
Euripides, Alcestis — Scene 2 · this day
Never will I aver that marriage brings more joy than grief, forming my conjectures both from former things, and beholding this fortune of the king; who, when he has lost this most excellent wife, will thenceforward pass a life not worthy to be called life.
Euripides, Alcestis — Scene 3
ADM. These things shall be so, they shall be, fear not: since I, when alive also, possessed thee alone, and when thou art dead, thou shalt be my only wife, and no Thessalian bride shall address me in the place of thee
Euripides, Alcestis — Scene 3 · for twelve completed moons
And let there be no noise of pipes, nor of the lyre throughout the city for twelve completed moons.
Euripides, Alcestis — Scene 3
But be present, for I will have the corse borne forth, and while ye stay, chant a hymn to the God below that accepteth not libations. And all the Thessalians, over whom I reign, I enjoin to share in the grief for this lady
Euripides, Alcestis — Scene 7
But to the citizens, and to all the tetrarchy I issue my commands, that they institute dances in honor of these happy events, and make the altars odorous with their sacrifices of oxen that accompany their vows.
Euripides, The Bacchæ — Scene 1
The grief and banishment of Agave for her unwitting offense conclude the play.
Euripides, The Bacchæ — Scene 2 · 📍 [[meadows]]
You see the hapless fate of Actæon, whom his blood-thirsty hounds, whom he had reared up, tore to pieces in the meadows
Euripides, The Bacchæ — Scene 2
the Bacchæ whom you shut up, whom you carried off and bound in the chains of the public prison, they being set loose are escaped, and are dancing in the meadows, invoking Bromius as their God, and of their own accord the fetters were loosed from their feet, and the keys opened the doors without mortal hand
Euripides, The Bacchæ — Scene 3 · 📍 [[house of Pentheus]]
Begone! confine him near the stable of horses that he may behold dim darkness! There dance; and as for these women whom you bring with you, the accomplices in your wickedness, we will either sell them away, or stopping their hand from this noise and beating of skins, I will keep them as slaves at the loom.
Euripides, The Bacchæ — Scene 4 · 📍 [[the Electra gates]]
But I must not hesitate; go to the Electra gates, bid all the shield-bearers and riders of swift-footed horses to assemble, and all who brandish the light shield, and twang with their hand the string of the bow, as we will make an attack upon the Bacchæ
Euripides, The Bacchæ — Scene 4
BAC. Put on then linen garments on your body. PEN. What then, shall I be reckoned among women, being a man? BAC. Lest they slay you if you be seen there, being a man. PEN. You say this well, and you have been long wise. BAC. Bacchus taught me this wisdom. PEN. How then can these things which you advise me be well done? BAC. I will attire you, going into the house. PEN. With what dress--a woman's? but shame possesses me. BAC. Do you no longer wish to be a spectator of the Mænads? PEN. But what attire do you bid me put on my body? BAC. I will spread out your hair at length on your head. PEN. And what is the next point of my equipment? BAC. A garment down to your feet; and you shall have a turban on your head. PEN. Shall you put any thing else on me besides this? BAC. A thyrsus in your hand, and the dappled hide of a deer. PEN. I can not wear a woman's dress. BAC. But you will shed blood if you join battle with the Bacchæ. PEN. True; we must first go and see.
Euripides, The Bacchæ — Scene 5
And indeed I think I see two suns, and twin Thebes, and seven-gated city
Euripides, The Bacchæ — Scene 7 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
Dionysus Cadmus Agave Autonoe Ino
Alas! a miserable banishment is the decree [for us,] old man. BAC. Why do ye then delay what must needs be? CAD. O child, into what terrible evil have we come; both you wretched and your * * * * sisters, and I miserable, shall go, an aged sojourner, to foreigners.
Euripides, The Bacchæ — Scene 7
Farewell, O house! farewell, O ancestral city! I leave you in misfortune a fugitive from my chamber.
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Athens]]
Eurystheus Iolaus Demophon Heracles Hyllus
For the sons of Hercules having been driven out of every part of Greece by Eurystheus, he came with them to Athens; and, embracing the altars of the Gods, was safe, Demophoon being king of the city;
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 1
But hearing the oracles promise him victory if he sacrificed the most noble Athenian virgin to Ceres, he was grieved;
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 1
But Macaria, one of the daughters of Hercules, hearing of the prediction, willingly devoted herself.
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 1
Eurystheus Demophon Iolaus Hyllus
The play ends with their victory, and the capture of Eurystheus.
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 2
Eurystheus, the king of Mycenæ, sends me hither to lead away these men; and I have come
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 2 · 📍 Argos
going to Argos, both tell this to Eurystheus; and besides that, if he has any charge against these strangers, he shall meet with justice
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 3
I go; for the struggle of a single hand is powerless. But I will come, bringing hither many a brazen spear of Argive war; and ten thousand shield-bearers await me, and Eurystheus, the king himself, as general.
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 3
I will make an assembly of the citizens, and draw them up so as to receive the army of the Mycenæans with a large force. First, I will send spies toward it, that it may not fall upon me by surprise
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 3
I will not leave the altar; but we will sit here, as suppliants, waiting till the city is successful
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 3
The army of the Argives is coming, and Eurystheus the king. I have seen it myself
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 3
they command me to sacrifice to the daughter of Ceres a damsel who is of a noble father.
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 3
I will neither slay my own child nor compel any other of my citizens to do so unwillingly; and who is so mad of his own accord, as to give out of his hands his dearest children?
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 4
for I myself, old man, before I am commanded, am prepared to die, and to stand for slaughter
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 5
He is stationing and marshaling the army which he has come bringing.
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 6
And with difficulty doing every thing, not without toils did we put the Argive force to flight
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Scironian rocks]]
The glorious Iolaus takes the four-horse chariot of Eurystheus at the Scironian rocks--and having bound his hands in fetters, he comes bringing as glorious first-fruits of victory, the general
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 6
Your son, O old woman, is gone to heaven; he shuns the report of having descended to the realm of Pluto, being consumed as to his body in the terrible flame of fire
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 6
We are come, bringing to you Eurystheus here, an unhoped-for sight
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 7 · 📍 [[Pallene]] · when I am dead
I will present with an ancient oracle of Apollo, which, in time, will be of greater profit than you would expect; for ye will bury me when I am dead, where it is fated, before the temple of the divine virgin of Pallene
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 7
Take him away, O servants; then having slain him, ye must give him to the dogs; for hope not thou, that living, thou shalt again banish me from my native land.
Euripides, The Heraclidæ — Scene 7
the city, being wise, has let me go, having greater honor for God than for its enmity toward me.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Aulis]] · Henceforth
Henceforth the Greeks hastening with the spear, having taken their arms, come to this Aulis with its narrow straits, with ships and shields together, and accoutred with many horses and chariots. And they chose me general of the host, out of regard for Menelaus, being his brother forsooth.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Aulis]] · But Calchas the seer proclaimed to us
Calchas Agamemnon Iphigenia Artemis
But Calchas the seer proclaimed to us, being at a loss, that we should sacrifice Iphigenia, whom I begat, to Diana, who inhabits this place, and that if we sacrificed her, we should have both our voyage, and the sacking of Troy
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Aulis]] · But I hearing this in rousing proclamation
But I hearing this in rousing proclamation, bade Talthybius dismiss the whole army, as I should never have the heart to slay my daughter.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Phthia]] · Upon this
Agamemnon Clytemnestra Iphigenia Achilles
Upon this, indeed, my brother, alleging every kind of reasoning, persuaded me to dare the dreadful deed, and having written in the folds of a letter, I sent word to my wife to send her daughter as if to be married to Achilles, both enlarging on the dignity of the man, and asserting that he would not sail with the Greeks, unless a wife for him from among us should come to Phthia.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Aulis]] · But the things which I then determined not well
Agamemnon Clytemnestra Iphigenia
But the things which I then determined not well, I am now differently writing so as to be well, in this letter, which by the shadow of night thou beheldest me opening and closing, old man.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Aulis]]
Iphigenia Clytemnestra Orestes Agamemnon
I am come, bringing thy daughter to thee, whom thou didst name Iphigenia in thy palace. But her mother follows, the person of thy [wife] Clytæmnestra, and the boy Orestes
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 4 · 📍 [[Aulis]] · before I take and offer my daughter to Hades
Agamemnon Menelaus Clytemnestra Iphigenia
Take care of one thing for me, Menelaus, going through the army, that Clytæmnestra may not learn these matters, before I take and offer my daughter to Hades
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 4 · 📍 Argos
Clytemnestra Agamemnon Iphigenia
But go you, and attend to matters abroad, but I [will mind] the affairs at home, as to the things which should be present to virgins at their wedding.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 5
Agamemnon Clytemnestra Iphigenia Achilles
That thou rejoicing mightest bring thy child, as if about to wed her to Achilles.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 5
Menelaus Agamemnon Clytemnestra
Menelaus, who is the cause of these evils, took it from me.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 5
Clytemnestra Agamemnon Iphigenia
The father who begat her is about to slay thy daughter with his own hand.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 6
Achilles Clytemnestra Iphigenia Agamemnon
a mighty contest awaits me, to release you from these evils.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 6
Clytemnestra Achilles Agamemnon
But what thou sayest must be done.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 7
and thou again didst possess me as a wife
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 7
And I bear thee this son, besides three virgins
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 7
Agamemnon Clytemnestra Iphigenia
I know and have learned all that you are about to do to me, and the very fact of thy silence, and of thy groaning much, is a proof that you confess it.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 7
Send forth thy daughter from the house with her father, since the lustral waters are ready prepared, and the salt-cakes to scatter with the hands upon the purifying flame, and heifers, which needs must be slain in honor of the Goddess Diana before the marriage solemnities
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 8
Achilles Clytemnestra Iphigenia
But nevertheless I will aid thee.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 8
As far as this goes she shall not be slain.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 9 · 📍 [[meadow of Diana]]
But let some one of these my father's followers conduct me to the meadow of Diana, where I may be sacrificed. CLY. O child, thou art going. IPH. Ay, and I shall ne'er return.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 10 · 📍 [[Aulis]] · on this day
I am here for thee, and I willing give my body on behalf of my country, and of the whole land of Greece
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 10 · 📍 [[Aulis]] · suddenly
For every one could clearly perceive the sound of the blow, but beheld not the virgin, where on earth she had vanished. But the priest exclaimed, and the whole army shouted, beholding an unexpected prodigy from some one of the Gods
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 10 · this day
For this day hath beheld thy daughter dying and living [in turn.]
Euripides, Iphigenia In Aulis — Scene 10 · 📍 [[Troy]] · long hence
for the army is looking toward setting sail. And fare thee well, long hence will be my addresses to thee from Troy
Euripides, Iphigenia In Tauris — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Aulis]]
Agamemnon Clytemnestra Iphigenia
from Atreus his sons, Menelaus and Agamemnon, from which [latter] I was born, Iphigenia, child of [Clytæmnestra,] daughter of Tyndarus
Euripides, Iphigenia In Tauris — Scene 1
when I had avenged the blood of my father by slaying my mother? But by successive attacks of the Furies was I driven an exile, an outcast from the land
Euripides, Iphigenia In Tauris — Scene 2
whom, the first-born germ the wretched daughter of Leda, (Clytæmnestra,) wooed from among the Greeks brought forth, and trained up as a victim to a father's sin
Euripides, Iphigenia In Tauris — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Aulis]]
But in a horse-chariot they brought me to the sands of Aulis, a bride, alas! unhappy bride to the son of Nereus' daughter
Euripides, Iphigenia In Tauris — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Mycenæ]]
He perished, as the story ran, at Mycenæ.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Tauris — Scene 3
He has not yet returned to his home, but he is alive, as report goes.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Tauris — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Aulis]]
He is not. In vain he held his wedding in Aulis.
Euripides, Iphigenia In Tauris — Scene 6
on my part all shall be kept secret, the mighty Jove be witness! in the things thou enjoinest.
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Tænarus]]
he through Tænarus’ jaws at length Went to the house of Pluto, to drag forth Into the realms of day hell’s triple hound
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
Lycus’ son who bears His father’s name, no Theban, but arriving From the Eubœan state, slew royal Creon, And having slain him, seized the throne
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 1
With their afflicted mother, lest the race Of Hercules should bleed, for an asylum Have chosen this altar of protecting Jove
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
Lycus (the younger) Megara Amphitryon
Lycus th’ egregious monarch of this land Would with the children of Alcides kill His consort, by fresh murders to extinguish The past, and kill me too
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 1
this great reward He on Eurystheus promised to bestow, That he would rid the world of every pest
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 1
Which my illustrious son for a memorial Of his victorious arms did here erect, When he in battle had subdued the Minyans
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Pelion]]
O’er Hebrus’ silver tide at the command Of Argos’ unrelenting king Eurystheus, he these captive steeds did bring, Close to Anauros’ mouth on Pelion’s strand.
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Mæotis]]
Foe to the Amazons’ equestrian race He crossed the boisterous Euxine tide, And gave them battle by Mæotis’ side. What friends through Greece collected he to face Hippolita, th’ intrepid maid, That he the belt of Mars might gain,
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Pluto’s mansion]]
All hail, thou mansion, and thou vestibule Of my abode; thee with what joy once more Do I behold, revisiting the light.
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
By revolt He holds the sceptre of the Theban realm.
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
My valiant brothers, And aged sire, alas! are now no more. HER. Who slew them, how, or with what weapon? MEG. Lycus, The monarch of this city, was their murderer.
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 4 · after a long delay
From the sunless caves beneath Of Proserpine, after a long delay Returning, first to our domestic gods Will I be mindful to address my vows.
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 4
From his bed thy sire Was forcibly dragged forth.
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 4
But go, command the children and the wife Of Hercules without these gates t’ appear, Because ye have engaged that ye will die By your own hands.
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 5 · now
but, each toil Eurystheus’ hate enjoined, now he hath finished,
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 6
we, by his sire Assisted, to the pillar bound him fast With thongs
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 7
Ha! I breathe, And view each wonted object, air, and earth, And these bright solar beams.
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 7
See there The corses of your murdered children lie.
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 7
Why delay To leap from the high rock, or with a sword Transpierce this bosom
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 8
But I at last, wretch that I am, this murder Did perpetrate, and my own children slay
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 8 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
My fate is such That in my native Thebes I must not dwell
Euripides, Hercules Distracted — Scene 8 · 📍 [[Thebes]]
To the tomb Consign their corses with funereal pomp, And o’er them shed the tributary tear: For me the laws allow not to perform This office.
Euripides, Rhesus — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Argive fleet]]
I to my back will fit the tawny hide Of a slain wolf, will muffle up my front With the beast’s hairy visage
Euripides, Rhesus — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Euxine shore]]
Having conquered them, and taken For hostages their children, them I bound To pay me annual tribute;
Euripides, Rhesus — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Ilion]]
Entering Minerva’s fane, he stole her image, And bore it to the Grecian fleet: disguised In tattered vest, that vile impostor next Entered the gates, and cursed the Argive host, Sent as a spy to Ilion; having slain The sentinels, he through the gates escaped
Euripides, Rhesus — Scene 3 · 📍 [[camp of Greece]]
He sailed, And still is here, but angry with the chiefs, Refuses to assist them.
Euripides, Rhesus — Scene 4 · 📍 [[Troy]] · this night
Although the gods forbid you to destroy Hector or Paris, heard ye not that Rhesus, A mighty chief, with numerous troops is come To Troy? If he outlives this night, nor Ajax, Nor can Achilles hinder him from wasting The camp of Greece
Euripides, Rhesus — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Ilion]] · this night
Our host is utterly destroyed, our king Hath been despatched by some foul secret stroke.
Euripides, Rhesus — Scene 5 · midnight darkness
Bearing the steeds away, and glittering car, They by the swiftness of their feet escaped
Euripides, Rhesus — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Thrace]]
When, O my dearest son, thou hadst received The best of educations, thou becam’st Monarch of Thrace, the first of men.
Euripides, Rhesus — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Pangeum]]
With silver mines abounding, from a man Exalted to a god, restored to life, The priest of Bacchus, and of him who dwells Beneath Pangeum’s rock
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Troy]]
Poseidon Apollo Epeus Athena Priam
Framed with a skilful hand, and through the gates Sent that accursed machine, the horse which teemed With ambushed javelins. Through forsaken groves, Through the polluted temples of the gods, Flow tides of crimson slaughter; at the base Of altars sacred to Hercæan Jove, Fell hoary Priam.
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 1 · 📍 [[tomb of stern Achilles]]
At the tomb Of stern Achilles her unhappy daughter Polyxena died wretchedly
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Ilion’s coast]] · as to their homes from Ilion’s coast they sail
Athena Poseidon Zeus Agamemnon Menelaus
Their journey home I am resolved to make Most inauspicious. ... For Jove will send down rain, immoderate hail, And pitchy blasts of air; he promises To give me too his thunderbolts to smite The Greeks and fire their ships; but join your aid, Cause the Ægean deep with threefold waves
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Achilles’ tomb]]
At Achilles’ tomb It is decreed that she shall minister. HEC. Wretch that I am! for his sepulchral rites Have I then borne a priestess? but what law Is this, what Grecian usage, O my friend? TAL. Esteem your daughter happy; for with her All now is well. HEC. What saidst thou? doth she live? TAL. ’Tis her peculiar fate to be released From all affliction.
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 2
But, alas! what fortune Attends the warlike Hector’s captive wife, How fares it with the lost Andromache? TAL. Her to Achilles’ son hath from the band Of captives chosen.
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Ilion]]
Now hear the fate Of Hector, him whom thou bewail’st, esteemed The bravest of our heroes, by the Greeks Landing on Ilion’s coast the warrior fell
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 3 · At midnight
Thou in the tomb ignobly shalt be plunged At midnight; nor shall the auspicious beams Of day illumine thy funereal rites
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 3
Behold ye not your mistress, how she falls Upon the pavement speechless?
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 4
these eyes beheld him slain, E’en at the altar of Hercæan Jove, And Ilion taken.
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 4 · 📍 [[Ilion]]
Them saw I fall beneath the hostile spear, And at their tomb these tresses cut
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 4 · 📍 [[Greece]]
an aged slave, shall I be borne To Greece
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 4
but now a slave, Drag from the palace to the rushy mat And stony pillow
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 4
Seest thou, Andromache, O queen, this way Advancing, wafted in a foreign car? Eager to cling to the maternal breast Close follows her beloved Astyanax, The son of Hector.
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 5 · 📍 [[tomb of Peleus’ son]]
Polyxena, thy daughter, at the tomb Of Peleus’ son hath breathed her last, a gift To the deceased.
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 5
when I became A captive, Neoptolemus resolved To take me to his bed, and in the house Of murderers I to slavery am consigned.
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 5
Neoptolemus resolved To take me to his bed
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Ilion]]
They resolve To slay thy son
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 5 · 📍 [[towers of Ilion]]
He from the towers of Ilion must be thrown
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Troy]]
thy city Is overthrown, thy husband is no more, Thou art reduced to servitude
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 6
Whence ’tis by Greece decreed thy parting breath Shall issue. Take him hence.
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 8 · 📍 [[Ilion]]
Of your unhappy Hector’s son, who perished From Ilion’s ramparts thrown
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 8 · 📍 [[Phthia’s coast]]
For Neoptolemus, Hearing that recent evils hath befall’n His grandsire Peleus, and that Pelias’ son Acastus hath expelled him from his realm, Already hath departed with such speed As would admit of no delay: with him Andromache is gone
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 8
For she the corse Hath to your arms consigned, that you may grace it With many a fragrant garland, and with vests Such as your present fortunes will afford
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 9
But now hath Helen, by the gods abhorred, Stripped thee of all thou didst possess, and caused Thy murder, and the ruin of our house.
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 9
Slain, uninterred, abandoned by thy friends, Thou sure, O Priam, know’st not what I suffer.
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 9 · 📍 [[Troy]]
But had not Jove O’erthrown and plunged us in the shades beneath, We had remained obscure
Euripides, The Trojan Captives — Scene 9 · 📍 [[Ilion]]
The blaze Of Ilion glares, the fire hath caught the roofs, The streets of Pergamus, and crashing towers.
Euripides, The Cyclops — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Ithaca]]
We in the realms of Ithaca were born; But after we had laid Troy’s bulwarks waste, O Cyclops, by those howling winds which raise The ocean’s boisterous surges, to your coast Our vessel was impelled.
Euripides, The Cyclops — Scene 3
When overcome By Bacchus’ gifts he sleeps, this sword shall point An olive pole, which to my purpose suited Lies in the cave: I in the fire will heat, And, when it flames, direct the hissing brand Full on the Cyclops’ forehead, to extinguish The orb of sight.
Euripides, The Cyclops — Scene 3
By wine enlivened, he resolves to go And revel with his brethren.
Euripides, The Cyclops — Scene 4 · 📍 [[the cave]]
Come on, ye sons Of Bacchus, generous youths; for soon dissolved In slumber shall the monster from those jaws Vomit forth flesh, within the hall now smokes The brand, and nought remains but to burn out The Cyclops’ eye: act only like a man.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Sparta]]
But proposing For a reward, my beauty (if the name Of beauty suit this inauspicious form) And promising in marriage to bestow me On Paris, Venus conquered: for the swain Of Ida, leaving all his herds behind, Expecting to receive me for his bride, To Sparta came.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Troy]]
But Juno, whose defeat Fired with resentment her indignant soul, Our nuptials frustrated; for to the arms Of royal Priam’s son, she gave not me, But in my semblance formed a living image Composed of ether. Paris falsely deemed That he possessed me;
Euripides, Helen — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Pharos]]
But Mercury, receiving me in folds Of air, and covering with a cloud (for Jove Was not unmindful of me), in this house Of royal Proteus, who of all mankind Was in his judgment the most virtuous, placed me, That undefiled I might preserve the bed Of Menelaus.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 1 · since the darksome grave hath covered his remains
the royal son Of the deceased solicits me to wed him:
Euripides, Helen — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Salamis]]
TEU. One of that miserable race the Greeks. HEL. No wonder is it then, if you detest The Spartan Helen. But to me declare, Who are you, whence, and from what father sprung? TEU. My name is Teucer, Telamon my sire; The land which nurtured me is Salamis. HEL. But wherefore do you wander o’er these meads Laved by the Nile? TEU. I from my native land Am banished. HEL. You, alas! must needs be wretched. Who drove you thence? TEU. My father Telamon.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 2 · 📍 [[Ilion]]
The tidings which yon sailor brought Call forth these tears; for Ilion is no more, By him of Ida, that predicted flame Destroyed;
Euripides, Helen — Scene 2
By th’ ignominious noose is Leda dead Who my imaginary guilt deplored;
Euripides, Helen — Scene 2
And doomed by the relentless Fates in vain To tedious wanderings, my unhappy lord At length hath perished ’midst the billowy main:
Euripides, Helen — Scene 2
And Juno seated on her golden throne, Consort of thundering Jove, Sent Hermes from the realms above, Who found me, when I carelessly had strewn Leaves plucked from roses in my vest, As Minerva’s votary drest; He bore me through the paths of air To this loathed, this dreary land,
Euripides, Helen — Scene 2
Then the gods, ’Midst men of barbarous manners, placed me far From my loved country: torn from every friend, I languish here, to servitude consigned
Euripides, Helen — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Troy]]
But I, most wretched, o’er the briny waves Of ocean wander, since I have o’erthrown The battlements of Troy
Euripides, Helen — Scene 3
The sea Hath swallowed up my robes, my tissued vests, And every ensign of my former state.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Egypt]]
To him belongs This tomb; his son is ruler of this land.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Egypt]] · Before the Greeks went to Troy
Beneath these roofs Jove’s daughter Helen dwells. MEN. What mean’st thou? Ha! what words with wonder fraught Are these which thou hast uttered? O repeat them. FEMALE SER. The child of Tyndarus, she who in the realm Of Sparta erst abode. MEN. Whence came she hither? How can this be? FEMALE SER. From Lacedæmon’s realm. MEN. When? Hath my wife been torn from yonder cave? FEMALE SER. Before the Greeks, O stranger, went to Troy
Euripides, Helen — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Nile]]
Not she: we were deceived By those immortal Powers, whose plastic hand Moulded a cloud into that baleful image. MES. What words are these you utter? have we toiled In vain, and only for an empty cloud? MEN. These deeds were wrought by Juno, and the strife ’Twixt the three goddesses.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 5
MES. My daughter, O how variable is Jove, And how inscrutable! for he with ease Whirls us around, now here, now there; one suffers Full many toils; another, who ne’er knew What sorrow was, is swallowed up at once In swift perdition, nor in Fortune’s gifts A firm and lasting tenure doth enjoy. Thou and thy husband have endured a war,
Euripides, Helen — Scene 5
One only hope of safety yet remains. MEN. By gold can it be purchased, or depends it On dauntless courage, or persuasive words? HEL. Of your arrival if the monarch hear not. MEN. Who can inform him? he will never sure Know who I am. HEL. He hath a sure associate, Within his palace, equal to the gods. MEN. Some voice which from its inmost chambers sounds? HEL. No: ’tis his sister, her they call Theonoe. MEN. She bears indeed a most prophetic name; But say, what mighty deeds can she perform? HEL. All things she knows, and will inform her brother That you are here. MEN. We both, alas! must die, Nor can I possibly conceal myself. HEL. Could our united supplications move her? MEN. To do what action? Into what vain hope Wouldst thou mislead me? HEL. Not to tell her brother That you are in the land. MEN. If we prevail Thus far, can we escape from these domains? HEL. With ease, if she concur in our design, But not without her knowledge.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 5
What sayst thou, wilt thou die, and never change Thy husband? HEL. By the self-same sword: my corse Shall lie beside you. MEN. To confirm the words Which thou hast spoken, take my hand. HEL. I take Your hand, and swear that after you are dead I will not live.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 6 · this day
Theonoe Menelaus Helen Hera Aphrodite Paris
And Jove on thy account this day will hold A council; Juno who was erst thy foe, Now grown benignant, with thy consort safe To Sparta would convey thee, that all Greece May understand that the fictitious nuptials Of Paris, were the baleful gift of Venus. But Venus wants to frustrate thy return,
Euripides, Helen — Scene 6
At thy knees I fall, O virgin, as a suppliant, and here take My miserable seat, both for myself, And him whom, scarce restored to me, I see Now on the verge of death. Forbear t’ inform Thy brother, that to these fond arms my lord Again is come. O save him, I implore thee;
Euripides, Helen — Scene 6
Know then, O virgin, first I by an oath Have bound myself, your brother to encounter, And he, or I, must perish; the plain truth Is this. But foot to foot in equal combat. If he refuse to meet me, and attempt To drive us suppliants from the tomb by famine, My consort will I slay, and with the sword Here on this sepulchre my bosom pierce
Euripides, Helen — Scene 7
Yet stay; for I behold Those we pursue still here beneath this roof, Nor are they fled.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 7
My Menelaus, (Ah, how shall I express myself?) is dead.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 8 · 📍 Libya
Most wretchedly, engulfed amid the waves. THEOC. Where? as he passed o’er the barbarian seas? HEL. Dashed on the rocks of Libya, which affords No haven.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 8
But I will fly no longer: haste, begin The nuptial rite.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 8
Let us conclude The peace, and O be reconciled. THEOC. All strife With thee I to the winds of heaven consign.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 8
Perform funereal rites, and heap the tomb On any ground thou wilt.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 8
I will enter The palace, and from thence for the deceased Bring forth rich ornaments;
Euripides, Helen — Scene 8
For clearly I perceive That you are wretched now. But torture not Thy bosom with unprofitable cares, O hapless woman, for thy Menelaus Is now no more, nor can the dead revive.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 9
For Proteus’ royal daughter, in our schemes Conspiring when her brother questioned her About my lord, no information gave Of his arrival
Euripides, Helen — Scene 9
Go thou, and furnish them a Tyrian bark Of fifty oars, with skilful sailors manned.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 9
My sailors must to him Yield an implicit deference.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 9
And bid the nobles bear into my house The bridal gifts: for the whole earth is bound To celebrate in one consenting hymn My blest espousals with the lovely Helen.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 10 · 📍 [[Laconian strand]]
Fair stripling, whom with luckless hand Unwitting did Apollo slay At games that crowned the festive day, Hurling his quoit on the Laconian strand;
Euripides, Helen — Scene 10
Then seized with his right hand the falchion, leaped Upon the prow, and standing o’er the bull The victim ... thus prayed: “O Neptune, Who in the ocean dwell’st, and ye chaste daughters Of Nereus, to the Nauplian shore convey Me and my consort, from this hostile land, In safety.”
Euripides, Helen — Scene 10
A tide of slaughter Ran down the ship. But Helen from the poop The Greeks encouraged ... But Menelaus ... Driving us headlong from the lofty deck Into the waves, and forced your mariners To quit their oars.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 10
Seek another wife, For Helen hath departed from this realm.
Euripides, Helen — Scene 11
Kill me. Your sister you with my consent Shall never slay
Euripides, Helen — Scene 11 · 📍 [[Ægypt’s realm]]
Restrain that ire that hurries thee away Beyond the bounds of reason, O thou king Of Ægypt’s realm
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Troy]]
that unhappy son whom to my lord I bore, Astyanax, from Troy’s high towers Thrown headlong; when our foes had sacked the city
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 1
Myself descended from a noble line Of freeborn warriors, reached the Grecian coast, On Neoptolemus that island prince For the reward of his victorious arms Bestowed
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 1
Andromache Neoptolemus Hermione
since my lord (Spurning my servile couch) that Spartan dame Hermione espoused
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 1 · 📍 [[Thetis’ temple]]
Fearing his rage, I near the palace take My seat, in Thetis’ temple, that the goddess From death may save me
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 2
From this asylum Soon will I rouse thee by thy own consent, I with such baits am furnished, but conceal My purpose, which th’ event itself ere long Will make conspicuous.
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 3 · 📍 [[sacred Ida]]
When he through sacred Ida’s piny grove Guided the car of three immortal dames, (The golden prize of beauty to obtain, In hateful strife engaged, who urged their claims); To where in his mean hut abode a lonely swain. I. 2. No sooner had they reached the destined bower, Than in the limpid spring her snowy frame Each goddess laved; to Priam’s son then came With artful speeches of such winning power As might beguile the rash and amorous boy: Venus prevailed; her words, though sweet their sound, Proved of destructive consequence to Troy,
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 3 · When new-born Paris first beheld the light
When new-born Paris first beheld the light, Would that his mother, o’er her head, this brand Ordained by Heaven to fire his native land, Had cast, before he dwelt on Ida’s height. Unheeded from the bay’s prophetic shade Exclaimed Cassandra: “Let the child be slain; Kill him, or Priam’s empire is betrayed.” Frantic she raved and sued to every prince in vain.
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 3 · 📍 [[Phthia]]
I to my master’s bed By force was dragged: yet me alone, not him The author of that crime, thou mean’st to slay. Thou, the first cause o’erlooking, on th’ effect Which it produces, vent’st thy rage. What woes Encompass wretched me! alas! my country! How dreadful are the wrongs which I endure! But wherefore was I doomed to bear a child, And to the burden under which I groan Add a new burden? what delight can life To me afford? or on what fortunes past Or present should I turn these eyes which saw The corse of Hector by the victor’s car Whirled round the walls, and wretched Troy a heap Of blazing ruins? I meantime a slave By my dishevelled hair was dragged aboard The Argive navy; when I reached the coast Of Phthia, and cohabited with those Who slew my Hector;
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 3
Your son I hither bring, whom from this fane With secrecy, you to another house, Without my daughter’s knowledge, had removed.
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 3
Lo! I leave the altar And now am in thy hands, stab, slay me, bind, Strain hard the deadly noose. My son, thy mother, To rescue thee from an untimely grave, Descends the shades beneath;
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 3 · 📍 [[shrine of Thetis]]
I proposed to slay Your son, that you might leave that hallowed altar Of Thetis, and thus craftily induced you To fall into my hands, and meet your death; Be well assured, such is the present state Of your affairs:
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 4
Go both together to th’ infernal realm: For ye from hostile turrets hither came.
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 4
My orders are that you those galling chains Unbind and loose her hands, else will I make The disobedient weep.
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Phthia]]
These mischiefs both to you and me, old man, Foreseeing, have I snatched her from your hands With a design to kill her.
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 5 · 📍 [[Phthia]]
On thee and thy descendants may the gods Shower every blessing, venerable man, For having saved this child, and wretched me;
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Phthia]] · this day
Hermione my mistress, by her sire Forsaken, and grown conscious of the guilt She hath incurred, by that attempt to murder Andromache and her unhappy son, Resolves to die
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Phthia]]
The servants who attend Can hardly by their vigilance prevent her From fixing round her neck the deadly noose, Or snatch the dagger from her hand
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Phthia]]
I would have killed Her and her spurious son.
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 7 · 📍 [[Delphi]]
This hand Hath with such cautious artifice prepared For him th’ inevitable snares of death
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 7
His furious son sent to the shades of Hell The murderess, and returned th’ unnatural deed
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 8 · 📍 [[Delphi]]
Thy grandson too he meditates to slay. PEL. Stationed in secret ambush, or resolved To meet the dauntless warrior face to face? CHOR. Beneath Apollo’s unpolluted fane With Delphi’s citizens.
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 8 · 📍 [[Delphi]]
Achilles’ son then smitten through the flank With a keen sword, by one of Delphi fell, Who slew him, yet ignobly, with the aid Of multitudes.
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 9
I have no children, no descendants left, To occupy these mansions.
Euripides, Andromache — Scene 9 · 📍 [[Molossia’s land]]
but yon captive dame, I mean Andromache, on Helenus bestowed In marriage, in Molossia’s land must dwell
Euripides, Electra — Scene 1 · in due course of revenge
Orestes Electra Clytemnestra Aegisthus
It narrates how the son and daughter of the murdered king, Agamemnon, slew, in due course of revenge, and by Apollo's express command, their guilty mother and her paramour.
Euripides, Electra — Scene 1
The son is an exile, bred in the desperate hopes and wild schemes of exile; he is a prince without a kingdom
Euripides, Electra — Scene 2
Aegisthus hath his queen, and reigns among His people.
Euripides, Electra — Scene 2
Then her mother, she so wild Aforetime, pled with him and saved her child.
Euripides, Electra — Scene 3
Agamemnon Clytemnestra Aegisthus
Till a wife stood waiting thee; Not with crowns did she stand, Nor flowers of peace in her hand; With Aegisthus' dagger drawn For her hire she strove, Through shame and through blood alone; And won her a traitor's love.
Euripides, Electra — Scene 3
But our mother lieth wed In another's arms, and blood Is about her bed.
Euripides, Electra — Scene 3
The grave of Agamemnon, even now, Lacketh the common honour of the dead; A desert barrow, where no tears are shed, No tresses hung, no gift, no myrtle spray. And when the wine is in him, so men say, Our mother's mighty master leaps thereon, Spurning the slab, or pelteth stone on stone, Flouting the lone dead
Euripides, Electra — Scene 5
Orestes Aegisthus Clytemnestra
Strike down Aegisthus ... and thy mother.
Euripides, Electra — Scene 5 · the tenth morn
Tell Clytemnestra ... tell her I lie sick, New-mothered of a man-child.
Euripides, Electra — Scene 6 · when the world was still
For, lo, when the world was still, With his brother's bride he lay, And won her to work his will, And they stole the Lamb away!
Euripides, Electra — Scene 6 · 📍 [[Mycenae]]
Then with one accord They crowned thy brother's temples, and outpoured joy and loud songs.
Euripides, Electra — Scene 7
Aye. So be it.--I have ta'en A path of many terrors: and shall do Deeds horrible. 'Tis God will have it so.... Is this the joy of battle, or wild woe? [He goes into the house.]
Euripides, Electra — Scene 7
The lords of all the wrong Must hear no curse!--I slew him. I trod then The only road: which led me to the men He hated.
Euripides, Electra — Scene 8 · on the tenth night
It reached thee, My word that a man-child is born to me?
Euripides, Electra — Scene 8
Orestes Electra Clytemnestra Aegisthus
The door bursts open, and ORESTES and ELECTRA come forth in disorder. Attendants bring out the bodies of CLYTEMNESTRA and AEGISTHUS.
Euripides, Electra — Scene 8
Orestes Clytemnestra Aegisthus
Gathered as one they lie Slain; and the slayer was I, I, to pay for my pain!
Euripides, Electra — Scene 9 · this day
And the sword found her throat. ELECTRA. I gave thee the sign and the word; I touched with mine hand thy sword.