Eksodos
[Episode]
Justly so.
1355
Achilles
The wife her father promised me.
Clytemnestra
Yes, and sent to fetch from Argos.
Achilles
But I was overcome by clamorous cries.
Clytemnestra
Truly the mob is a dire mischief.
Achilles
But I will help you for all that.
Clytemnestra
Will you really fight them single-handed?
Achilles
Do you see these warriors here, carrying my arms?
Clytemnestra
Bless you for your kind intent!
Achilles
Well, I shall be blessed.
1360
Clytemnestra
Then my child will not be slaughtered now?
1360
Achilles
No, not with my consent at any rate.
Clytemnestra
But will any of them come to lay hands on the maid?
Achilles
Thousands of them, with Odysseus at their head.
Clytemnestra
The son of Sisyphus?
Clytemnestra
Acting for himself or by the army’s order?
Achilles
By their choice—and his own.
Clytemnestra
An evil choice indeed, to stain his hands in blood.
Achilles
But I will hold him back.
1365
Clytemnestra
Will he seize and bear her off against her will?
1365
Achilles
Yes, by her golden hair no doubt.
Clytemnestra
What must I do, when it comes to that?
Achilles
Keep hold of your daughter.
Clytemnestra
Be sure that she shall not be slain, as far as that that can help her.
Achilles
Believe me, it will come to this.i.e., to an actual appeal to force.
Iphigenia
Mother, hear me while I speak, for I see that you are angry with your husband
to no purpose; it is hard for us to persist in impossibilities. Our thanks are due to this stranger for his ready help; but you must also see to it that he is not reproached by the army, leaving us no better off and himself involved in trouble.
1370
Listen, mother; hear what thoughts have passed across my mind.
I am resolved to die; and this I want to do with honor, dismissing from me what is mean. Towards this now, mother turn your thoughts, and with me weigh how well I speak; to me the whole of mighty Hellas looks; on me the passage over the sea depends; on me the sack of Troy;
1375
