Читать книгу The Greatest German Classics (Vol. 1-14) - Various - Страница 327

No, no! I'd pledge my life these men are true.

And shouldst thou find them otherwise, O king,

Then let them perish both, and cast me forth,

That on some rock-girt island's dreary shore

I may atone my folly. Are they true,

And is this man indeed my dear Orestes,

My brother, long implor'd—release us both,

And o'er us stretch the kind protecting arm

Which long hath shelter'd me. My noble sire

Fell through his consort's guilt—she by her son;

On him alone the hope of Atreus' race

Doth now repose. Oh, with pure heart, pure hand,

Let me depart to purify our house.

Yes, thou wilt keep thy promise; thou didst swear,

That were a safe return provided me,

I should be free to go. The hour is come.

A king doth never grant like common men,

Merely to gain a respite from petition;

Nor promise what he hopes will ne'er be claim'd.

Then first he feels his dignity supreme

When he can make the long-expecting happy.