Eksodos
[Episode]
and in my power it lies to check henceforth barbarian raids on happy Hellas, if ever in the days to come they seek to seize her women, when once they have atoned by death Lines 1381-2 are corrupt. The corrections here followed are τάσδ᾽ for τὰς in l. 1381, and ὀλέθρῳ γάμον ὄν Hermann’s emendation of ὄλεθρον, ἥντιν᾽ in l. 1382. for the violation of Helen’s marriage by Paris. All this deliverance will my death insure, and my fame for setting Hellas free will be a happy one.
1380
Iphigenia
Besides, I have no right at all to cling too fondly to my life; for you did not bear me for myself alone, but as a public blessing to all Hellas. What! shall countless warriors, armed with shields, those myriads sitting at the oar, find courage to attack the foe and die for Hellas, because their fatherland is wronged,
1385
and my one life prevent all this? WhatReading Hermann’s correction of this corrupt line, τί τὸ δίκαιον τοῦτό γ᾽; ἆρ᾽ ἔχοιμ᾽ ἂν ἀντειπεῖν ἔπος; kind of justice is that? could I find a word in answer? Now let us turn to that other point. It is not right that this man should enter into battle with all Argos or be slain for a woman’s sake. Better a single man should see the light than ten thousand women.
1390
If Artemis has decided to take my body, am I, a mortal, to thwart the goddess? no, that is impossible. I give my body to Hellas; sacrifice it and make an utter end of Troy. This is my enduring monument; marriage, motherhood, and fame—all these is it to me.
1395
And it is right, mother, that Hellenes should rule barbarians, but not barbarians Hellenes, those being slaves, while these are free.
1400
Chorus Leader
You play a noble part, maiden; but the whims of Fate and the goddess are diseased.
Achilles
Daughter of Agamemnon! some god was bent
on blessing me, if I could have won you for my wife. In you I consider Hellas happy, and you in Hellas; for this that you have said is good and worthy of your fatherland; since you, abandonIng a strife with heavenly powers, which are too strong for you, have fairly weighed advantages and needs.Τhese two lines 1409-10 are rejected by Monk; Dindorf thinks the entire passage from 1. 1408-33 spurious, an opinion in which Paley does not concur.hese two lines 1409-10 are rejected by Monk; Dindorf thinks the entire passage from 1. 1408-33 spurious, an opinion in which Paley does not concur.
1405
But now that I have looked into your noble nature, I feel still more a fond desire to win you for my bride. Look to it; for I want to serve you and receive you in my halls; and, Thetis be my witness, how I grieve to think I shall not save your life by doing battle with the Danaids.
1410
Reflect, I say; a dreadful ill is death.
1415
Iphigenia
This I say, without regard to anyone.The words οὐδὲν οὐδέν᾽ εὐλαβουμένη have small MSS. authority, and were probably inserted by a grammarian to complete the verse. Enough that the daughter of Tyndareus is causing wars and bloodshed by her beauty; then be not slain yourself, stranger, nor seek to slay another on my account;
but let me, if I can, save Hellas.
1420
Achilles
Heroic spirit! I can say no more to this, since you are so minded; for yours is a noble resolve; why should not one speak the truth? Yet I will speak, for you will perhaps change your mind;
that you may know then what my offer is, I will go and place these arms of mine near the altar, resolved not to permit your death but to prevent; for brave as you are at sight of the knife held at your throat, you will soon avail yourself of what I said.
1425
So I will not let you perish through any thoughtlessness of yours, but will go to the goddess with these arms and await your arrival there.Lines 1431-3 are rejected by Monk. Nauck, on Dindorf’s authority, also incloses 1. 1426 and ll. 1429-33 in brackets. Exit Achilles.
1430
Iphigenia
Mother, why so silent, your eyes wet with tears?
Clytemnestra
I have reason, woe is me! to be sad at heart.
Iphigenia
Stop; do not make me a coward; here in one thing obey me.
1435
Clytemnestra
Tell me, my child, for at my hands you shall never suffer injury.
Iphigenia
Cut not off the tresses of your hair for me, nor clothe yourself in sable garb.This line was rejected by Hermann, Burges, and most other editors.
Clytemnestra
Why, my child, what is it you have said? When I have lost you?The aposiopesis may be supplied by forbear to mourn.
Iphigenia
You wll not lose me; I am saved and you renowned, as far as I can make you.
1440
Clytemnestra
How so? Must I not mourn your death?
Iphigenia
By no means, for I shall have no tomb heaped over me.
Clytemnestra
What then? It is death, not the tomb, that is rightly mourned.
Iphigenia
The altar of the goddess, Zeus’s daughter, will be my tomb.
Clytemnestra
Well, my child, I will let you persuade me, for you speak well.
1445
Iphigenia
Yes, as one who prospers and does Hellas service.
Clytemnestra
What message shall I carry to your sisters?
Iphigenia
Do not put mourning raiment on them either.
