Iphigenia in Tauris by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
page 16 of 103 (15%)
page 16 of 103 (15%)
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As on the language of an oracle,
E'en gods delighted hung? IPHIGENIA. 'Tis even he; But gods should not hold intercourse with men As with themselves. Too weak the human race, Not to grow dizzy on unwonted heights. Ignoble was he not, and no betrayer; To be the Thunderer's slave, he was too great: To be his friend and comrade,--but a man. His crime was human, and their doom severe; For poets sing, that treachery and pride Did from Jove's table hurl him headlong down, To grovel in the depths of Tartarus. Alas, and his whole race their hate pursues. THOAS. Bear they their own guilt, or their ancestors'? IPHIGENIA. The Titan's mighty breast and nervous frame Was his descendant's certain heritage; But round their brow Jove forg'd a band of brass. Wisdom and patience, prudence and restraint, He from their gloomy, fearful eye conceal'd; In them each passion grew to savage rage, And headlong rush'd uncheck'd. The Titan's son, The strong-will'd Pelops, won his beauteous bride, Hippodamia, child of Ånomaus, |
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