Читать книгу The Greatest German Classics (Vol. 1-14) - Various - Страница 139

When they ordain a man to noble deeds,

To shield from dire calamity his friends,

Extend his empire, or protect its bounds,

Or put to flight its ancient enemies,

Let him be grateful! For to him a god

Imparts the first, the sweetest joy of life.

Me have they doom'd to be a slaughterer,

To be an honor'd mother's murderer,

And shamefully a deed of shame avenging,

Me through their own decree they have o'erwhelm'd.

Trust me, the race of Tantalus is doom'd;

And I, his last descendant, may not perish,

Or crown'd with honor or unstain'd by crime.