443
Fragment of a Greek Tragedy.
| Alcmæon. Chorus. | |
| Cho. | O suitably-attired-in-leather-boots Head of a traveller, wherefore seeking whom Whence by what way how purposed art thou come To this well-nightingaled vicinity? My object in inquiring is to know. But if you happen to be deaf and dumb And do not understand a word I say, Then wave your hand, to signify as much. |
| Alc. | I journeyed hither a Bœotian road. |
| Cho. | Sailing on horseback, or with feet for oars? |
| Alc. | Plying with speed my partnership of legs. |
| Cho. | Beneath a shining or a rainy Zeus? |
| Alc. | Mud's sister, not himself, adorns my shoes. |
| Cho. | To learn your name would not displease me much. |
| Alc. | Not all that men desire do they obtain. |
| Cho. | Might I then hear at what your presence shoots? |
| Alc. | A shepherd's questioned mouth informed me that— |
| Cho. | What? for I know not yet what you will say. |
| Alc. | Nor will you ever, if you interrupt. |
| Cho. | Proceed, and I will hold my speechless tongue. |
| Alc. | —This house was Eriphyla's, no one's else. |
| Cho. | Nor did he shame his throat with hateful lies. |
| Alc. | May I then enter, passing through the door? |
| Cho. | Go, chase into the house a lucky foot. And, O my son, be, on the one hand, good, And do not, on the other hand, be bad; For that is very much the safest plan. |
| Alc. | I go into the house with heels and speed. |