Theseus
Mother, the words that I have spoken
[335]
to him are fair, and I have declared my opinion of the counsels that tripped him up; yet I also perceive the truth of your warning to me, that it ill suits my character to shun dangers. For by a long and glorious career
[340]
I have displayed this habit among Hellenes, of ever punishing the wicked. And so I cannot refuse toil. For what will spiteful tongues say of me, when you, my mother, who more than all others fear for my safety,
[345]
bid me undertake this labor? Yes, I will go about this business and rescue the dead by persuasive words; or, failing that, the spear at once shall decide this issue, nor will the gods grudge me this. But I require the whole city's sanction also,
[350]
which my wish will ensure; still, by communicating the proposal to them I would find the people better disposed. For I made them supreme, when I set this city free, by giving all an equal vote. So I will take Adrastus as proof of what I have to say
[355]
and go to their assembly, and when I have won them to these views, I will return here, after collecting a picked band of young Athenians; and then remaining under arms I will send a message to Creon, begging the bodies of the dead. But you, aged ladies, remove from my mother your holy wreaths,
[360]
so that I may take her by the hand and conduct her to the house of Aegeus; for a wretched son is he who does not serve his parents in return—fairest contribution; for, when he made his gift, he in his turn from his own sons receives all such service as he gave to his parents.Aethra leaves the altar and departs.
This text is part of:
Table of Contents:
Euripides. The Complete Greek Drama, edited by Whitney J. Oates and Eugene O'Neill, Jr. in two volumes. 1. The Suppliants, translated by E. P. Coleridge. New York. Random House. 1938.
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