FullReads

CH.
In such affairs, for those who speak and hear
Wise thoughtfulness is still the best ally.

CHR.
True, noble women, and before she spake
Sound thought should have prevented the rash talk
That now hath proved her reckless. What wild aim
Beckons thee forth in arming this design
Whereto thou wouldst demand my ministry?
Dost not perceive, thou art not man but woman,
Of strength inferior to thine enemies,–
Their Genius daily prospering more and more,
Whilst ours is dwindling into nothingness?
Who then that plots against a life so strong
Shall quit him of the danger without harm?
Take heed we do not add to our distress
Should some one hear of this our colloquy.
Small help and poor advantage ’twere for us
To win brief praise and then inglorious die.
Nay, death is not so hateful as when one
Desiring death is balked of that desire.
And I beseech thee, ere in utter ruin
We perish and make desolate our race,
Refrain thy rage. And I will guard for thee
In silence these thy words unrealized;
If thou wilt learn this wisdom from long time,
Having no strength, to bend before the strong.

CH.
Comply. Than prudence and a heedful mind,
No fairer treasure can be found for men.

EL.
Thy words have not surprised me. Well I knew
The good I offered would come back with scorn.
I, all alone and with a single hand,
Must do this. For it shall not rest undone.

CHR.
Would thou hadst been thus minded when our sire
Lay dying! In one act thou hadst compassed all.

EL.
My spirit was the same: my mind was less.

CHR.
Be such the life-long temper of thy mind!

EL.
Thine admonition augurs little aid.

CHR.
Yea. For the attempt would bring me certain bane.

EL.
I envy thee thy prudence, hate thy fear.

CHR.
Even when thou speak’st me fair, I will endure it.

EL.
Take heart. That never will be thine from me.

CHR.
Long time remains to settle that account.

EL.
I find no profit in thee. Go thy way.

CHR.
Profit there is, hadst thou a mind to learn.

EL.
Go to thy mother and declare all this!

CHR.
I am not so in hatred of thy life.

EL.
Yet know the shame thou wouldst prepare for me.

CHR.
No, no! Not shame, but care for thine estate.

EL.
Must I still follow as thou thinkest good?

CHR.
When thou hast wisdom, thou shalt be the guide.

EL.
‘Tis hard when error wears the garb of sense.

CHR.
Right. That is the misfortune of your case.

EL.
Why? Feel you not the justice of my speech?

CHR.
Justice may chance to bring me injury.

EL.
I care not, I, to live by such a rule.

CHR.
Well, if you do it, you will find me wise.

EL.
Well, I will do it, nought dismayed by thee.

CHR.
Speak you plain sooth? and will you not be counselled?

EL.
No, for bad counsel is of all most hateful.