Stichomythic script, HF 406-38

This script is the collective work of the following students from this class (Latin 316, Franklin and Marshall, Fall 2009):

Brad Boileau, Theresa Burke, Celine Chao, Paulette Cutruzzula, Kyle English, Stephanie Fuga, Anna Hall, Megan Helsel, Matt Holt, Erica Koppenhoeffer, Ariel Kornhauser, Zachary Leh, and Becca Patterson.

It was compiled and edited by myself, Abram Ring, for us to stage a dramatic reading performed by Ariel Kornhauser and Amanda Fox on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009. Anyone may access this translation for personal or educational use. However, it should not be included in a for-profit publication without contacting myself as the editor, and it should be cited by giving full credit to all the translators as would any translation since it is an original artistic creation and thus subject to copyright.

Script

LY. But that man for his own kingdom, and I* led on by wicked desire? The end of war is sought, not the cause. But now, let all of the memory pass away: when the victor has set down arms, it is fitting also that the conquered put aside hatred*. I* do not entreat you to pay homage to a ruler on bent knee: this of itself is pleasing that with a great spirit you embrace your ruin*. You are a worthy spouse for a king (or "be a spouse worthy of a king"). Let us join marriage beds.
* poetic pl. in Latin

ME. Icy trembling rushes through my bloodless limbs. What crime struck my ears? Truly I hardly shuddered when with peace smashed a warlike crash echoed round the walls, fearlessly I endured it all. I tremble at your bed; now I seem to myself captured. Now let the chains weigh down my body and let slow death be prolonged by long hunger. No power will conquer my* faith; I will die yours, Alcides.
*poetic pl.

LY. Does your spouse buried below produce such feelings?

ME. He touched the underworld in order that he could pursue higher places.

LY. That burden of immense earth overwhelms him.

ME. He will be crushed by no burden, he who bore the heavens.

LY. You will be forced.

ME. He who can be forced does not know how to die.

LY. Say what better regal service I may prepare for the new marriage.

ME. Either your death or mine.

LY. You will die, demented one.

ME. I will meet my husband.

LY. Surely to you a slave* is not better than our scepter?
*household slave, born at home, not bought

ME. How many kings that "slave" has given to death!

LY. Why therefore does he serve a king and suffer the yoke?

ME. Remove the harsh commands, what will virtue be?

LY. Do you suppose it virtue to be thrown before beasts and monsters?

ME. It is the nature of virtue to subdue those things which all men fear.

LY. The Tartarean shades oppress him boasting*.
*Literally "speaking big (words)"

ME. There is no easy way from the earth* to the stars.
*poetic pl.

LY. Born of what father does he hope for the palaces of heaven*?
*Actually of the "heavenly ones", i.e. "the gods"