Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Jebb 1917).djvu/232

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SOPHOCLES.
[1342—1362

were not just, then, that he should suffer dishonour at thy hand; 'tis not he, 'tis the law of Heaven that thou wouldst hurt. When a brave man is dead, 'tis not right to do him scathe—no, not even if thou hate him.

Ag. Thou, Odysseus, thus his champion against me?

Od. I am; yet hated him, when I could honourably hate.

Ag. And shouldst thou not also set thy heel on him in death?

Od. Delight not, son of Atreus, in gains which sully honour.

Ag. 'Tis not easy for a king to observe piety.1350

Od. But he can show respect to his friends, when they counsel well.

Ag. A loyal man should hearken to the rulers.

Od. Enough:—the victory is thine, when thou yieldest to thy friends.

Ag. Remember to what a man thou showest the grace.

Od. Yon man was erst my foe, yet noble.

Ag. What canst thou mean? Such reverence for a dead foe?

Od. His worth weighs with me far more than his enmity.

Ag. Nay, such as thou are the unstable among men.

Od. Full many are friends at one time, and foes anon.

Ag. Dost thou approve, then, of our making such friends?1360

Od. 'Tis not my wont to approve a stubborn soul.

Ag. Thou wilt make us appear cowards this day.