Euripides' IPHIGENIA AT AULIS Complete

Translated by E. Coleridge.

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80 pages - You are on Page 48

Achilles: Like thee I blame thy lord, nor do I view it with mere indifference.

Clytaemnestra: No longer will I let shame prevent my kneeling to thee,
a mortal to one goddess-born; why do I affect reserve? whose interests
should I consult before my child's? (Throwing herself before Achilles)
Oh! help me, goddess-born, in my sore distress, and her that was
called thy bride-in vain, 'tis true, yet called she was. For thee
it was I wreathed her head and led her forth as if to marriage, but
now it is to slaughter I am bringing her. On thee will come reproach
because thou didst not help her; for though not wedded to her, yet
wert thou the loving husband of my hapless maid in name at any rate.
By thy beard, right hand, and mother too I do implore thee; for thy
name it was that worked my ruin, and thou art bound to stand by that.
Except thy knees I have no altar whereunto to fly; and not a friend
stands at my side. Thou hast heard the cruel abandoned scheme of Agamemnon;
and I, a woman, am come, as thou seest, to a camp of lawless sailor-folk,
bold in evil's cause, though useful when they list; wherefore if thou
boldly stretch forth thine arm in my behalf, our safety is assured;
but if thou withhold it, we are lost.

Chorus: A wondrous thing is motherhood, carrying with it a potent
spell, wherein all share, so that for their children's sake they will
endure affliction.

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