Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/324

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Scan well the giver too. Of late I lived
With bold and joyous spirit, though my lot
All men considered hard to bear. But now
My heart is filled with fears, my courage fails;
And, bent on flight, my feet unwilling move. 420
Tantalus [one of Thyestes' sons]: Why, O my father, dost thou falter so
With steps uncertain, turn away thy face
And hold thyself as on a doubtful course?
Thyestes [in soliloquy]: Why hesitate, my soul, or why so long
Deliberate upon a point so clear?
To such uncertain things dost thou intrust
Thyself as throne and brother? And fearest thou 425
Those ills already conquered and found mild?
Dost flee those cares which thou hast well bestowed?
Oh, now my former wretchedness is joy.
Turn back, while still thou mayst, and save thyself
Tantalus: What cause, O father, forces thee to leave
Thy native land at last regained? Why now, 430
When richest gifts are falling in thy lap,
Dost turn away? Thy brother's wrath is o'er;
And he has turned himself once more to thee,
Has given thee back thy share of sovereignty,
Restored our shattered house to harmony,
And made thee master of thyself again.
Thyestes: Thou askest why I fear—I cannot tell.
No cause for fear I see. but still I fear. 435
I long to go, and yet my trembling limbs
Go on with faltering steps, and I am borne
Where I most stoutly struggle not to go.
So, when a ship by oar and sail is driven,
The tide, resisting both, bears it away.
Tantalus: But thou must overcome whate'er it be 440
That doth oppose and hold thy soul in check;
And see how great rewards await thee here:
Thou canst be king.
Thyestes: ⁠Since I have power to die.
Tantalus: But royal power is—
Thyestes: ⁠Naught, if only thou
No power dost covet.