Athens: Its Rise and Fall, Book V. by Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron, 1803-1873

33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 A word from our supporters: File extension INS Book V. Chapter I. Chapter Ii. Chapter Iii. Chapter Iv. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * Chor. But now you bade us! Phil. Ay--meet cause for chiding, That a poor desperate wretch, maddened with pain, Should talk as madmen do! Chor. Come, then, with us. Phil. Never! oh--never! Hear me--not if all The lightnings of the thunder-god were made Allies with you, to blast me! Perish Troy, And all beleaguered round its walls--yea; all Who had the heart to spurn a wounded wretch; But, but--nay--yes--one prayer, one boon accord me. Chor. What wouldst thou have? Phil. A sword, an axe, a something; So it can strike, no matter! Chor. Nay--for what? Phil. What! for this hand to hew me off this head-- These limbs! To death, to solemn death, at last My spirit calls me. Chor. Why? Phil. To seek my father. Chor. On earth? Phil. In Hades.