Stasimon 5
[Episode 1]
What! hath not thy own father a right to know?
Evadne
Thou wouldst not wisely judge my intention.
Iphis
Why dost thou deck thyself in that apparel?
Evadne
A purport strange this robe conveys, father.
1055
Iphis
Thou hast no look of mourning for thy lord.
Evadne
No, the reason why I thus am decked is strange, maybe.
Iphis
Dost thou in such garb appear before a funeral-pyre?
Evadne
Yea, for hither it is I come to take the meed of victory.
Iphis
Victory! what victory? This would I learn of thee.
1060
Evadne
A victory o’er all women on whom the sun looks down.
Iphis
In Athena’s handiwork or in prudent counsel?
Evadne
In bravery; for I will lay me down and die with my lord.
Iphis
What dost thou say? What is this silly riddle thou propoundest?
Evadne
To yonder pyre where lies dead Capaneus, I will leap down.
1065
Iphis
My daughter, speak not thus before the multitude!
Evadne
The very thing I wish, that every Argive should learn it.
Iphis
Nay, I will ne’er consent to let thee do this deed.
Evadne
(as she is throwing herself). ’Tis all one; thou shalt never catch me in thy grasp.
Lo! I cast me down, no joy to thee, but to myself and to my husband blazing on the pyre with me.
1070
[Episode]
O lady, what a fearful deed!
