Ah ... revenge! _ant._ That word! it kills me! I see Once more roll back on my house, Never to ebb, the accurst All-flooding ocean of blood. _AEpytus_ Mother, sometimes the justice of the Gods Appoints the way to peace through shedding blood. _Merope_ Sorrowful peace! _AEpytus_ And yet the only peace to us allow'd. _Merope_ From the first-wrought vengeance is born A long succession of crimes. Fresh blood flows, calling for blood. Fathers, sons, grandsons, are all One death-dealing vengeful train. _AEpytus_ Mother, thy fears are idle; for I come To close an old wound, not to open new. In all else willing to be taught, in this Instruct me not; I have my lesson clear.-- Arcas, seek out my uncle Laias, now Conferring in the city with our friends; Here bring him, ere the king come back from council. That, how to accomplish what the Gods enjoin, And the slow-ripening time at last prepares, We two with thee, my mother, may consult; For whose help dare I count on, if not thine? _Merope_ Approves my brother Laias this intent? _AEpytus_ Yes, and alone is with me here to share. _Merope_ And what of thine Arcadian mate, who bears Suspicion from thy grandsire of thy death, For whom, as I suppose, thou passest here? _AEpytus_ Sworn to our plot he is; if false surmise Fix him the author of my death, I know not. _Merope_ Proof, not surmise, shows him in commerce close---- _AEpytus_ With this Messenian tyrant--that I know. _Merope_ And entertain'st thou, child, such dangerous friends? _AEpytus_ This commerce for my best behoof he plies. _Merope_ That thou may'st read thine enemy's counsel plain? _AEpytus_ Too dear his secret wiles have cost our house. _Merope_ And of his unsure agent what demands he? _AEpytus_ News of my business, pastime, temper, friends. _Merope_ His messages, then, point not to thy murder? _AEpytus_ Not yet, though such, no doubt, his final aim. _Merope_ And what Arcadian helpers bring'st thou here? _AEpytus_ Laias alone; no errand mine for crowds. _Merope_ On what relying, to crush such a foe? _AEpytus_ One sudden stroke, and the Messenians' love. _Merope_