They say you can
see the Apollo Belvidere in a plaster cast, and I cannot doubt it, so
great the benefit conferred on my mind by a transcript thus imperfect.
And so with these translations from the Greek. I can divine the
original through this veil, as I can see the movements of a spirited
horse by those of his coarse grasscloth muffler. Besides, every
translator who feels his subject is inspired, and the divine Aura
informs even his stammering lips.
Iphigenia is more like one of the women Shakspeare loved than the
others; she is a tender virgin, ennobled and strengthened by sentiment
more than intellect; what they call a Woman _par excellence_.
Macaria is more like one of Massinger's women. She advances boldly,
though with the decorum of her sex and nation:
"_Macaria_. Impute not boldness to me that I come
Before you, strangers; this my first request
I urge; for silence and a chaste reserve
Is Woman's genuine praise, and to remain
Quiet within the house. But I come forth,
Hearing thy lamentations, Iolaus;
Though charged with no commission, yet perhaps
I may be useful." * *
Her speech when she offers herself as the victim is reasonable, as one
might speak to-day.
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