Page:The poetical works of Matthew Arnold, 1897.djvu/348

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310
MEROPE.

In reason good, which justified my deed.
With women the heart argues, not the mind.
But, for thy children's death, I stand assoil'd—
I saved them, meant them honor; but thy friends
Rose, and with fire and sword assailed my house
By night; in that blind tumult they were slain.
To chance impute their deaths, then, not to me.


MEROPE.

Such chance as kill'd the father, kill'd the sons.


POLYPHONTES.

One son at least I spared, for still he lives.


MEROPE.

Tyrants think him they murder not they spare.


POLYPHONTES.

Not much a tyrant thy free speech displays me.


MEROPE.

Thy shame secures my freedom, not thy will.


POLYPHONTES.

Shame rarely checks the genuine tyrant's will.


MEROPE.

One merit, then, thou hast; exult in that.


POLYPHONTES.

Thou standest out, I see, repellest peace.


MEROPE.

Thy sword repell'd it long ago, not I.