Makaria'S Death

To die for these, my brothers, and myself; For by not loving my own life too much, I found the best of finds, a glorious death.

EURIPIDES, Herakleidae, 532-534.

On Athens' earth, Zeus of the Market place Sees Hercules's children kneeling down On his pure altar, strange, forlorn, thrice-orphan. Fearful the Argive sweeps on; duty's hand

Is weak. The king of Athens pities them, But cruel oracles vex him with fear: "Lo, from thy blood, thrice-noble virgin, shall The conquerless new enemy be conquered."

None stirs, alas! Orphanhood is forsaken By all. Then, filled with pride of heroes, thou, Redeemer of a land and race, divine

Daughter thrice-worthy of the great Alcides, Plungest into thy breast the victim's sword And diest a thrice-free death, Makaria.

1896.