Epeisodion 3
[Episode]
Hearken then to me, that the matter may succeed.
Clytemnestra
What is your proposal? for hear you I must.
1010
Achilles
Let us once more urgeReading πείθωμεν. her father to a better frame of mind.
Clytemnestra
He is something of a coward, and fears the army too much.
Achilles
Still argument overthrows argument.
Clytemnestra
Cold hope indeed; but tell me what I must do.
Achilles
Supplicate him first not to slay his children; and if he is stubborn, come to me. ForDindorf marks 11. 1017-23 as spurious; the only wonder is, says Paley, that he tolerated the preceding part. if he consents to your request, my intervention need go no further, since this consent insures your safety. I too shall show myself in a better light to my friend,
1015
and the army will not blame me, if I arrange the matter by reason rather than force; while, should things turn out well, the result will prove satisfactory both to you and your friends, even without my interference.
1020
Clytemnestra
How sensibly you speak! I must act as seems best to you;
but should I fail of my object, where am I to see you again, where? Must I turn my wretched steps and find you ready to champion my distress?
1025
Achilles
I will keep watch to guard you, where occasion calls, that none may see you passing through the army of Danaids
with that scared look. Do not shame your father’s house; for Tyndareus does not deserve not to be ill spoken of, being a mighty man in Hellas.Line 1032 is inclosed in brackets by Nauck.
1030
Clytemnestra
It will be so.ἔστιν τάδ᾽. So Paley; but others, with Markland, read ἔσται τάδ᾽ i.e., I will do as you say. Command me; I must play the slave to you. If there are gods, you for your righteous dealing
will find them favorable; if there are none, what need to toil? Exeunt Achilles and Clytemnestra.
1035
