She counts the cost all through. Iphigenia is too
timid and delicate to dwell upon the loss of earthly bliss and the due
experience of life, even as much as Jephtha'a daughter did; but
Macaria is explicit, as well befits the daughter of Hercules.
"Should _these_ die, myself
Preserved, of prosperous future could I form
One cheerful hope?
A poor forsaken virgin who would deign
To take in marriage? Who would wish for sons
From one so wretched? Better then to die,
Than bear such undeserved miseries;
One less illustrious this might more beseem.
* * * * *
I have a soul that unreluctantly
Presents itself, and I proclaim aloud
That for my brothers and myself I die.
I am not fond of life, but think I gain
An honorable prize to die with glory."
Still nobler when Iolaus proposes rather that she shall draw lots with
her sisters.
"By _lot_ I will not die, for to such death
No thanks are due, or glory--name it not.
If you accept me, if my offered life
Be grateful to you, willingly I give it
For these; but by constraint I will not die."
Very fine are her parting advice and injunctions to them all:
"Farewell! revered old man, farewell! and teach
These youths in all things to be wise, like thee,
Naught will avail them more.
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