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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HIPPOLYTUS: THE GARLAND by EURIPIDES

First Line: FOR THEE THIS WOVEN GARLAND HAVE I BRAIDED
Last Line: MAY MY LAST COURSE BE AS MY LIFE BEGAN.

FOR thee this woven garland have I braided
And bring it, lady, from a virgin field,
Where never shepherd dares to feed his flocks
Nor ever comes the scythe; unsullied, it
Is traversed only by the vernal bee,
Tended with river-dew by Modesty.
But those who need no teaching -- for their hearts
Belong to shamefastness in everything --
Those have the right to reap it, not the evil.
Do thou, beloved lady, take this garland
From reverent hands to bind thy golden hair.
Alone of men I have this privilege;
To you I speak, with you keep company,
Your voice I hear, but may not see your face.
May my last course be as my life began.



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