Iph. Why dost thou deck thyself in that apparel?
Eva. A purport strange this robe conveys, father.
Iph. Thou hast no look of mourning for thy lord.
Eva. No, the reason why I thus am decked is strange, maybe.
Iph. Dost thou in such garb appear before a funeral-pyre?
Eva. Yea, for hither it is I come to take the meed of victory.
Iph. "Victory!" what victory? This would I learn of thee.
Eva. A victory o'er all women on whom the sun looks down.
Iph. In Athena's handiwork or in prudent counsel?
Eva. In bravery; for I will lay me down and die with my lord.
Iph. What dost thou say? What is this silly riddle thou propoundest?
Eva. To yonder pyre where lies dead Capaneus, I will leap down.
Iph. My daughter, speak not thus before the multitude!
Eva. The very thing I wish, that every Argive should learn it.
Iph. Nay, I will ne'er consent to let thee do this deed.
Eva. (as she is throwing herself). 'Tis all one; thou shalt never catch me in thy grasp. Lo! I cast me down, no joy to thee, but to myself and to my husband blazing on the pyre with me.
Cho. O lady, what a fearful deed!
Iph. Ah me! I am undone, ye dames of Argos!
Cho. Alack, alack! a cruel blow is this to thee, but thou must yet witness, poor wretch, the full horror of this deed.
Iph. A more unhappy wretch than me ye could not find.
