The book of the ancient Greeks: An introduction to the history and civilization of Greece from the coming of the Greeks to the conquest of Corinth by Rome in 146 B.C. — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The book of the ancient Greeks: An introduction to the history and civilization of Greece from the coming of the Greeks to the conquest of Corinth by Rome in 146 B.C.
John Stuart Mill · en
_Iphigenia._
Itself. And the eyes closed one breathing space.
_Thoas._
But why? For those two men's blood-guiltiness?
_Iphigenia._
That, nothing else. For, oh! their guilt is sore.
_Thoas._
They killed some of my herdsmen on the shore?
_Iphigenia._
Their sin was brought from home, not gathered here.
_Thoas._
What? I must know this.--Make thy story clear.
_Iphigenia._ (_She puts down the Image and moves nearer to Thoas._)
The men have slain their mother.
_Thoas._
God! And these
Be Greeks!
_Iphigenia._
They both are hunted out of Greece.
_Thoas._
For this thou hast brought the Image to the sun?
_Iphigenia._
The fire of heaven can cleanse all malison.
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_Thoas._
How didst thou first hear of their deed of shame?
_Iphigenia._
When the Image hid its eyes, I questioned them.
_Thoas._
Good. Greece hath taught thee many a subtle art.
_Iphigenia._
Ah, they too had sweet words to move my heart.
_Thoas._
Sweet words? How, did they bring some news of Greece?
_Iphigenia._
Orestes, my one brother, lives in peace.
_Thoas._
Surely! Good news to make thee spare their lives--
_Iphigenia._
My father too in Argos lives and thrives.
_Thoas._
While thou didst think but of the goddess' laws!
_Iphigenia._
Do I not hate all Greeks? Have I not cause?
_Thoas._
Good cause. But now--What service should be paid?
_Iphigenia._
The Law of long years needs must be obeyed.
_Thoas._
To work then, with thy sword and hand-washing!
_Iphigenia._
First I must shrive them with some cleansing thing.
_Thoas._
What? Running water, or the sea's salt spray?
_Iphigenia._
The sea doth wash all the world's ills away.
_Thoas._
For sure. 'Twill make them cleaner for the knife.
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_Iphigenia._
And my hand, too, cleaner for all my life.
_Thoas._
Well, the waves lap close by the temple floor.
_Iphigenia._
We need a secret place. I must do more.
_Thoas._
Some rite unseen? 'Tis well. Go where thou wilt.
_Iphigenia._
The Image likewise must be purged of guilt.
_Thoas._
The stain hath touched it of that mother's blood?
_Iphigenia._
I durst not move it else, from where it stood.
_Thoas._
How good thy godliness and forethought! Aye,
Small wonder all our people holds thee high.
_Iphigenia._
Dost know then what I fain would have?
_Thoas._
'Tis thine to speak and it shall be.
_Iphigenia._
Put bondage on the strangers both.--
_Thoas._
Why bondage? Whither can they flee?
_Iphigenia._
Put not thy trust in any Greek.
_Thoas._ (_To attendants_)
Ho, men! Some thongs and fetters, go!
_Iphigenia._
Stay; let them lead the strangers here, outside the shrine--
_Thoas._
It shall be so.
_Iphigenia._
And lay dark raiment on their heads--
_Thoas._
To veil them, lest the Sun should see.
_Iphigenia._
And lend me some of thine own spears.
_Thoas._
This company shall go with thee.
_Iphigenia._