Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/425

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Breathing fury out, the while the sweat-gouts poured from every limb, 620
While he gnawed upon his lips—and I beside him watching him
Calmly at mine ease was sitting. Even then our Bacchus came,
And as with an earthquake shook the house, and lit a sudden flame
On his mother's tomb. The king beholding thought he saw his halls
Flame-enwrapped, and hither, thither, rushed he, wildly bidding thralls 625
Bring the water. Now was every bondman vainly toiling there.
Then he let this labour be, as deeming I had 'scaped the snare:
Straight within the building rushed he, drawing forth his falchion fell.
Then did Bromius, as to me it seemed—'tis but my thought I tell,—
Fashion in his halls a wraith: he hurled himself thereon straightway, 360
Rushed, and stabbed the light-pervaded air, as thinking me to slay.
Then did Bacchus bring a new abasement of his pride to pass;
For he hurled to earth the building. There it lies, a ruin-mass,—
Sight to make my bonds full bitter to him! Now, with toil outworn,
Letting drop the sword, he falleth fainting. He, the mortal-born, 635
Dare to brave a God to battle ! Then unhindered passed I through,