The Suppliants (1035-1054)

with twofold sorrow in my house to mourn, that I may carry to his native land the corpse of my son Eteocles, slain by the Theban spear, and further in quest of my daughter who rushed headlong from the house, for she was the wife of Capaneus

and longed with him to die. Ere this she was well guarded in my house, but, when I took the watch away in the present troubles, she escaped. But I feel sure that she is here; tell me if ye have seen her.

Why question them? Lo, here upon the rock, father, o’er the pyre of Capaneus, like some bird I hover lightly, in my wretchedness.

What wind hath blown thee hither, child? Whither away? Why didst thou pass the threshold of my house and seek this land?

It would but anger thee to hear what I intend, and so I fain would keep thee ignorant, my father.

What! hath not thy own father a right to know?

Thou wouldst not wisely judge my intention.

Why dost thou deck thyself in that apparel?