LEADER
Thywordso’erbearmydoubt:fornewsofgood，Theearofagehatheveryouthenow:
ButthosewithinandClytemnestra’sselfWouldfainhearall；gladthoutheirearsandmine。
（CLYTEMNESTRAentersfromthepalace。）
CLYTEMNESTRA
Thatnight，whenfirstthefierycouriercame，InsignthatTroyista’enandrazedtoearth，Sowildacryofjoymylipsgaveout，ThatIwaschidden—HaththebeaconwatchMadesureuntothysoulthesackofTroy？
Averywomanthou，whoseheartleapslightAtwanderingrumours！—andwithwordsliketheseTheyshowedmehowIstrayed，misledofhope。
YetoneachshrineIsetthesacrifice，And，inthestraintheyheldforfeminine，Wentheraldsthro’thecity，toandfro，Withvoiceofloudproclaim，announcingjoy；
AndineachfanetheylitandquenchedwithwineThespicyperfumesfadingintheflame。
Allisfulfilled:Ispareyourlongertale—
Thekinghimselfanonshalltellmeall。
RemainstothinkwhathonourbestmaygreetMylord，themajestyofArgos，home。
Whatdaybeamsfaireronawoman’seyesThanthis，whereonsheflingstheportalwide，Tohailherlord，heaven—shielded，homefromwar？
Thistomyhusband，thathetarrynot，Butturnthecity’slongingintojoy！
Yea，lethimcome，andcomingmayhefindAwifenootherthanhelefther，trueAndfaithfulasawatch—dogtohishome，Hisfoemen’sfoe，inallherdutiesleal，TrustytokeepfortenlongyearsunmarredThestorewhereonhesethismaster—seal。
Besteeldeep—dyed，beforeyelooktoseeIlljoy，illfame，fromotherwight，inme！
HERALD
’Tisfairlysaid:thusspeaksanobledame，Norspeaksamiss，whentruthinformstheboast。
（CLYTEMNESTRAwithdrawsagainintothepalace。）
LEADER
Sohasshespoken—beityourstolearnByclearinterpretersherspeciousword。
Turntome，herald—tellmeifanonThesecondwell—lovedlordofArgoscomes？
HathMenelaussafelyspedwithyou？
HERALD
Alas—briefboonuntomyfriendsitwere，Toflatterthem，fortruth，withfalsehoodsfair！
LEADER
Speakjoy，iftruthbejoy，buttruth，atworst—
Tooplainly，truthandjoyareheredivorced。
HERALD
TheheroandhisbarkwereraptawayFarfromtheGrecianfleet；’tistruthIsay。
LEADER
Whetherinallmen’ssightfromIlionborne，Orfromthefleetbystressofweathertorn？
HERALD
Fullonthemarkthyshaftofspeechdothlight，Andoneshortwordhathtoldlongwoesaright。
LEADER
Butsay，whatnowofhimeachcomradesaith？
Whattheirforebodings，ofhislifeordeath？
HERALD
Askmenomore:thetruthisknowntonone，Savetheearth—fostering，all—surveyingSun。
LEADER
Say，bywhatdoomthefleetofGreecewasdriven？
Howrose，howsankthestorm，thewrathofheaven？
HERALD
Nay，illitweretomarwithsorrow’staleThedayofblissfulnews。ThegodsdemandThanksgivingsunderedfromsolicitude。
IfoneasheraldcamewithruefulfaceTosay，Thecursehasfallen，andthehostGonedowntodeath；andonewidewoundhasreachedThecity’sheart，andoutofmanyhomesManyarecastandconsecratetodeath，Beneaththedoublescourge，thatAresloves，Thebloodypair，thefireandswordofdoom—
Ifsuchsoreburdenweigheduponmytongue，’Twerefittospeaksuchwordsasgladdenfiends。
But—comingashecomeswhobringethnewsOfsafereturnfromtoil，andissuesfair，Tomenrejoicinginawealrestored—
DareItodashgoodwordswithill，andsayForfireandsea，thaterstheldbitterfeud，Nowsworeconspiracyandpledgedtheirfaith，WastingtheArgiveswornwithtoilandwar。
NightandgreathorroroftherisingwaveCameo’erus，andtheblaststhatblowfromThraceClashedshipwithship，andsomewithplungingprowThro’scuddingdriftsofsprayandravingstormVanished，asstraysbysomeillshepherddriven。
Andwhenatlengththesunrosebright，wesawTh’Aegaeansea—fieldfleckedwithflowersofdeath，CorpsesofGrecianmenandshatteredhulls。
Forusindeed，somegod，aswellIdeem，Nohumanpower，laidhanduponourhelm，Snatchedusorprayedusfromthepowersofair，Andbroughtourbarkthro’all，unharmedinhull:
AndsavingFortunesatandsteeredusfair，Sothatnosurgeshouldgulfusdeepinbrine，Norgrindourkeeluponarockyshore。
So’scapedwedeaththatlurksbeneaththesea，But，underday’swhitelight，mistrustfulallOffortune’ssmile，wesatandbroodeddeep，ShepherdsforlornofthoughtsthatwanderedwildO’erthisnewwoe；forsmittenwasourhost，Andlostasashesscatteredfromthepyre。
Ofwhomifanydrawhislife—breathyet，Bewellassured，hedeemsofusasdead，Asweofhimnootherfateforebode。
Butheavensaveall！IfMenelauslive，Hewillnottarry，butwillsurelycome:
Thereforeifanywherethehighsun’srayDescrieshimuponearth，preservedbyZeus，Whowillsnotyettowipehisraceaway，Hopestillthereisthathomewardhemaywend。
Enough—thouhastthetruthuntotheend。
（TheHERALDdeparts。）
CHORUS（singing）
strophe1
Say，fromwhoselipsthepresagefell？
Whoreadthefuturealltoowell，Andnamedher，inhernatalhour，Helen，thebridewithwarfordower’TwasoneoftheInvisible，Guidinghistonguewithprescientpower。
Onfleet，andhost，andcitadel，War，sprungfromher，anddeathdidlour，Whenfromthebride—bed’sfine—spunveilShetotheZephyrspreadhersail。
Strongblewthebreeze—thesurgeclosedoerThecloventrackofkeelandoar，Butwhileshefled，theredrovealong，Fastinherwake，amightythrong—
Athirstforblood，athirstforwar，Forwardinfellpursuittheysprung，ThenleaptonSimois’bankashore，Theleafycoppicesamong—
Norangers，they，ofwoodandfield，Buthuntsmenoftheswordandshield。
antistrophe1
Heaven’sjealousy，thatworksitswill，SpedthusonTroyitsdestinedill，Wellnamed，atonce，theBrideandBane；
Andloudrangoutthebridalstrain；
ButtheytowhomthatsongbefellDidturnanontotearsagain；
Zeustarries，butavengesstillThehusband’swrong，thehousehold’sstain！
He，thehearth’slord，brooksnottoseeItsoutragedhospitality。
Evennow，andinfarothertone，Troychantsherdirgeofmightymoan，WoeuponParis，woeandhate！
Whowooedhiscountry’sdoomformate—
Thisistheburthenofthegroan，WherewithshewailsdisconsolateTheblood，somanyofherownHavepouredinvain，tofendherfate；
Troy！thouhastfedandfreedtoroamAlion—cubwithinthyhome！
strophe2
Asucklingcreature，newlyta’enFrommother’steat，stillfullyfainOfnursingcare；andoftcaressed，Withinthearms，uponthebreast，Evenasaninfant，hasitlain；
Orfawnsandlicks，byhungerpressed，Thehandthatwillassuageitspain；
Inlife’syoungdawn，awell—lovedguest，Afondlingforthechildren’splay，Ajoyuntotheoldandgrey。
antistrophe2
ButwaxingtimeandgrowthbetraysTheblood—thirstofthelion—race，And，forthehouse’sfosteringcare，Unbiddenall，itrevelsthere，Andbloodyrecompenserepays—
Rentfleshofkine，itstalonstare:
Amightybeast，thatslays，andslays，Andmarswithbloodthehouseholdfair，AGod—sentpestinvincible，Aministeroffateandhell。
strophe3
EvensotoIlion’scitycamebystealthAspiritasofwindlessseasandskies，Agentlephantom—formofjoyandwealth，Withlove’ssoftarrowsspeedingfromitseyes—
Love’srose，whosethorndothpiercethesoulinsubtlewise。
Ah，well—a—day！thebitterbridal—bed，WhenthefairmischieflaybyParis’side！
WhatcurseonpalaceandonpeoplespedWithher，theFurysentonPriam’spride，ByangeredZeus！whattearsofmanyawidowedbride！
antistrophe3
Long，longagotomortalsthiswastold，HowsweetsecurityandblissfulstateHavecursesfortheirchildren—somenhold—
Andforthemanofall—tooprosperousfateSpringsfromabitterseedsomewoeinsatiate。
Alone，alone，Ideemfarotherwise；
Notblissnorwealthitis，butimpiousdeed，Fromwhichthatafter—growthofilldothrise！
Woespringsfromwrong，theplantisliketheseed—
WhileRight，inhonour’shouse，dothitsownlikenessbreed。
strophe4
Somepastimpiety，somegreyoldcrime，Breedstheyoungcurse，thatwantonsinourill，Earlyorlate，whenhapsth’appointedtime—
Andoutoflightbringspowerofdarknessstill，Amaster—fiend，afoe，unseen，invincible；
Aprideaccursed，thatbroodsupontheraceAndhomeinwhichdarkAteholdshersway—
Sin’schildandWoe’s，thatwearsitsparents’face；
antistrophe4
WhileRightinsmokycribsshinesclearasday，Anddeckswithwealhislife，whowalkstherighteousway。
Fromgildedhalls，thathandspollutedraise，Rightturnsawaywithproudavertedeyes，Andofthewealth，menstampamisswithpraise，Heedless，topoorer，holiertempleshies，AndtoFate’sgoalguidesall，initsappointedwise。
（AGAMEMNONenters，ridinginachariotandaccompaniedbyagreatprocession。CASSANDRAfollowsinanotherchariot。
TheCHORUSsingsitswelcome。）
Hailtothee，chiefofAtreus’race，ReturningproudfromTroysubdued！
HowshallIgreetthyconqueringface？
Hownorafulsomepraiseobtrude，Norstintthemeedofgratitude？
FormortalmenwhofalltoillTakelittleheedofopentruth，Butseekuntoitssemblancestill:
TheshowofweepingandofruthTotheforlornwillallmenpay，But，ofthegrieftheireyesdisplay，Noughttotheheartdothpierceitsway。
And，withthejoyous，theybeguileTheirlipsuntoafeignedsmile，Andforceajoy，unfeltthewhile；
ButhewhoasashepherdwiseDothknowhisflock，canne’ermisreadTruthinthefalsehoodofhiseyes，WhoveilsbeneathakindlyguiseAlukewarmloveindeed。
Andthou，ourleader—whenofyoreThoubadestGreecegoforthtowarForHelen’ssake—IdareavowThatthenIheldtheenotasnow；
ThattomyvisionthoudidstseemDyedinthehuesofdisesteem。
Iheldtheeforapilotill，Andreckless，ofthyproperwill，EndowingothersdoomedtodieWithvainandforcedaudacity！
Nowfrommyheart，ungrudgingly，Tothosethatwrought，thiswordbesaid—
Wellfallthelabouryehavesped—
Lettimeandsearch，Oking，declareWhatmenwithinthycity’sboundWereloyaltothekingdom’scare，Andwhowerefaithlessfound。
AGAMEMNON（stillstandinginthechariot）
First，asismeet，aking’sAll—hailbesaidToArgos，andthegodsthatguardtheland—
Godswhowithmeavailedtospeedushome，WithmeavailedtowringfromPriam’stownThedueofjustice。InthecourtofheavenThegodsinconclavesatandjudgedthecause，Notfromapleader’stongue，andattheclose，UnanimousintotheurnofdoomThissentencegave，OnIlionandhermen，Death:andwherehopedrewnightopardon’surnNohandtherewastocastavotetherein。
AndstillthesmokeoffallenIlionRisesinsightofallmen，andtheflameOfAte’shecatombislivingyet，Andwherethetowersindustyashessink，RisetherichfumesofpompandwealthconsumedForthismustallmenpayuntothegodsThemeedofmindfulheartsandgratitude:
ForbyourhandsthemeshesofrevengeClosedontheprey，andforonewoman’ssakeTroytroddenbytheArgivemonsterlies—
Thefoal，theshieldedbandthatleaptthewall，WhattimewithautumnsankthePleiades。
Yea，o’erthefencingwallalionsprangRavening，andlappedhisfillofbloodofkings。
Suchpreludespokentothegodsinfull，ToyouIturn，andtothehiddenthingWhereofyespakebutnow:andinthatthoughtIamasyou，andwhatyesay，sayI。
Forfewaretheywhohavesuchinborngrace，Astolookupwithlove，andenvynot，Whenstandsanotherontheheightofweal。
Deepinhisheart，whomjealousyhathseized，Herpoisonlurkingdothenhancehisload；
Fornowbeneathhisproperwoeshechafes，Andsighswithaltoseeanother’sweal。
Ispeaknotidly，butfromknowledgesure—
Therebewhovauntanutterloyalty，Thatisbutastheghostoffriendshipdead，Ashadowinaglass，offaithgoneby。
Oneonly—hewhowentreluctantforthAcrosstheseaswithme—Odysseus—heWasloyaluntomewithstrengthandwill，Atrustytrace—horsebounduntomycar。
Thus—beheyetbeneaththelightofday，Ordead，aswellIfear—Ispeakhispraise。
Lastly，whate’erbeduetomenorgods，Withjointdebate，inpubliccouncilheld，Wewilldecide，andwarilycontriveThatallwhichnowiswellmaysoabide:
Forthatwhichhaplyneedsthehealer’sart，Thatwillwemedicine，discerningwellIfcauteryorknifebefitthetime。
Now，tomypalaceandtheshrinesofhome，Iwillpassin，andgreetyoufirstandfair，Yegods，whobademeforth，andhomeagain—
AndlongmayVictorytarryinmytrain！
（CLYTEMNESTRAentersfromthepalace，followedbymaidensbearingcrimsonrobes。）
CLYTEMNESTRA
OldmenofArgos，liegesofourrealm，ShameshallnotbidmeshrinklestyeshouldseeTheloveIbearmylord。SuchblushingfearDiesatthelastfromheartsofhumankind。
Frommineownsoulandfromnoalienlips，IknowandwillrevealthelifeIbore。
Reluctant，throughthelingeringlivelongyears，ThewhilemylordbeleagueredIlion’swall。
First，thatawifesatsunderedfromherlord，Inwidowedsolitude，wasutterwoeAndwoe，tohearhowrumour’smanytonguesAllbodedevil—woe，whenhewhocameAndhewhofollowedspakeofillonill，KeeningLost，lost，alllost！thro’hallandbower。
Hadthismyhusbandmetsomanywounds，Asbyathousandchannelsrumourtold，Nonetworke’erwasfullofholesashe。
Hadhebeenslain，asoftastidingscameThathewasdead，hewellmightboasthimnowAsecondGeryonoftripleframe，Withtriplerobeofearthabovehimlaid—
Forthatbelow，nomatter—triplydead，Deadbyonedeathforeveryformhebore。
Andthusdistraughtbynewsofwrathandwoe，Oftforself—slaughterhadIslungthenoose，Butotherswrencheditfrommyneckaway。
HencehapsitthatOrestes，thineandmine，Thepledgeandsymbolofourweddedtroth，Standsnotbesideusnow，asheshouldstand。
Normarvelthouatthis:hedwellswithoneWhoguardshimloyally；’tisPhocis’king，Strophius，whowarnedmeerst，Bethinkthee，queen，WhatwoesofdoubtfulissuewellmayfallThylordindailyjeopardyatTroy，Whilehereapopulaceuncurbedmaycry，\"Downwitkthecouncil，down！\"bethinktheetoo，’Tistheworld’swaytosetaharderheelOnfallenpower。
Forthychild’sabsencethenSuchmineexcuse，nowilyafterthought。
Forme，longsincethegushingfountoftearsIsweptaway；nodropislefttoshed。
Dimaretheeyesthateverwatchedtilldawn，Weeping，thebale—fires，piledforthyreturn，Nightafternightunkindled。IfIslept，Eachsound—thetinyhummingofagnat，Rousedmeagain，again，fromfitfuldreamsWhereinIfelttheesmitten，sawtheeslain，Thriceforeachmomentofminehourofsleep。
AllthisIbore，andnow，releasedfromwoe，Ihailmylordaswatch—dogofafold，Assavingstay—ropeofastorm—tossedship，Ascolumnstoutthatholdstheroofaloft，Asonlychilduntoasirebereaved，Aslandbeheld，pasthope，bycrewsforlorn，Assunshinefairwhentempest’swrathispast，Asgushingspringtothirstywayfarer。
Sosweetitisto’scapethepressofpain。
WithsuchsaluteIbidmyhusbandhailNorheavenbewroththerewith！forlongandhardIborethatireofold。
Sweetlord，stepforth，Stepfromthycar，Ipray—nay，notonearthPlanttheproudfoot，Oking，thattroddownTroy！
Women！whytarryye，whosetaskitisTospreadyourmonarch’spathwithtapestry？
Swift，swift，withpurplestrewhispassagefair，Thatjusticeleadhimtoahome，atlast，Hescarcelylookedtosee。
（Theattendantwomenspreadthetapestry。）
Forwhatremains，ZealunsubduedbysleepshallnervemyhandToworkasrightandasthegodscommand。
AGAMEMNON（stillinthechariot）
DaughterofLeda，watchero’ermyhome，Thygreetingwellbefitsmineabsencelong，Forlateandhardlyhasitreacheditsend。
Know，thatthepraisewhichhonourbidsuscrave，Mustcomefromothers’lips，notfromourown:
SeetoothatnotinfashionfeminineThoumakeawarrior’spathwaydelicate；
Notuntome，astosomeEasternlord，Bowingthyselftoearth，makehomageloud。
StrewnotthispurplethatshallmakeeachstepAnarrogance；suchpompbeseemsthegods，Notme。AmortalmantosethisfootOntheserichdyes？Iholdsuchprideinfear，Andbidtheehonourmeasman，notgod。
Fearnot—suchfootclothsandallgaudsapart，LoudfromthetrumpofFamemynameisblown；
Bestgiftofheavenitis，inglory’shour，Tothinkthereonwithsoberness:andthou—
Bethinktheeoftheadage，CallnoneblestTillpeacefuldeathhavecrownedalifeofweal。
’Tissaid:Ifainwouldfareunvexedbyfear。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Nay，butunsayit—thwartnotthoumywill！
AGAMEMNON
Know，Ihavesaid，andwillnotmarmyword。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Wasitfearmadethismeeknesstothegods？
AGAMEMNON
Ifcausebecause，’tismineforthisresolve。
CLYTEMNESTRA
What，think’stthou，inthyplacehadPriamdone？
AGAMEMNON
Hesurelywouldhavewalkedonbroideredrobes。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Thenfearnotthouthevoiceofhumanblame。
AGAMEMNON
Yetmightyisthemurmurofacrowd。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Shrinknotfromenvy，appanageofbliss。
AGAMEMNON
Warisnotwoman’spart，norwarofwords。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Yethappyvictorswellmayyieldtherein。
AGAMEMNON
Dostcravefortriumphinthispettystrife？
CLYTEMNESTRA
Yield；ofthygracepermitmetoprevail！
AGAMEMNON
Then，ifthouwilt，letsomeonestooptolooseSwiftlythesesandals，slavesbeneathmyfoot；
Andsteppingthusuponthesea’srichdye，Ipray，LetnoneamongthegodslookdownWithjealouseyeonme—reluctantall，Totramplethusandmarathingofprice，Wastingthewealthofgarmentssilver—worth。
Enoughhereof:and，forthestrangermaid，Leadherwithin，butgently:GodonhighLooksgraciouslyonhimwhomtriumph’shourHasmadenotpitiless。NonewillinglyWeartheslave’syoke—andshe，theprizeandflowerOfallwewon，comeshitherinmytrain，Giftofthearmytoitschiefandlord。
—Now，sinceinthismywillbowsdowntothine，Iwillpassinonpurplestomyhome。
（Hedescendsfromthechariot，andmovestowardsthepalace。）
CLYTEMNESTRA
ASeathereis—andwhoshallstayitssprings？
Anddeepwithinitsbreast，amightystore，Preciousassilver，ofthepurpledye，Wherebythedippedrobedothitstintrenew。
Enoughofsuch，Oking，withinthyhallsTherelies，astorethatcannotfail；butI—
IwouldhavegladlyvoweduntothegodsCostofathousandgarmentstroddenthus，（Hadoncetheoraclesuchgiftrequired）
Contrivingransomforthylifepreserved。
Forwhilethestockisfirmthefoliageclimbs，Spreadingashade，whattimethedog—starglows；
Andthou，returningtothinehearthandhome，Artasagenialwarmthinwinterhours，Orasacoolness，whenthelordofheavenMellowsthejuicewithinthebittergrape。
SuchboonsandmoredothbringintoahomeThepresentfootstepofitsproperlord。
Zeus，Zeus，Fulfilment’slord！myvowsfulfil，Andwhatsoe’eritbe，workforththywill！
（ShefollowsAGAMEMNONintothepalace。）
CHORUS（singing）
strophe1
WhereforeforeveronthewingsoffearHoversavisiondrearBeforemybodingheart？astrain，Unbiddenandunwelcome，thrillsmineear，Oracularofpain。
Notasofolduponmybosom’sthroneSitsConfidence，tospurnSuchfears，likedreamsweknownottodiscern。
Old，oldandgreylongsincethetimehasgrown，WhichsawthelinkedcablesmoorThefleet，whenerstitcametoIlion’ssandyshore；
antistrophe1
Andnowmineeyesandnotanother’sseeTheirsafereturn。
YetnonethelessinmeTheinnerspiritsingsabodingsong，Self—prompted，singstheFuries’strain—
Andseeks，andseeksinvain，Tohopeandtobestrong！
Ah！tosomeendofFate，unseen，unguessed，Arethesewildthrobbingsofmyheartandbreast—
Yea，ofsomedoomtheytell—
Eachpulse，aknell。
Lief，liefIwere，thatallTounfulfilment’shiddenrealmmightfall。
strophe2
Toofar，toofarourmortalspiritsstrive，Graspingatutterweal，unsatisfied—
Tillthefellcurse，thatdwellethhardbeside，Thrustdownthesunderingwall。Toofairtheyblow，ThegalesthatwaftourbarkonFortune’stide！
Swiftlywesail，thesoonerantodriveUponthehiddenrock，thereefofwoe。
ThenifthehandofcautionwarilySlingforthintotheseaPartofthefreight，lestallshouldsinkbelow，Fromthedeepdeathitsavesthebark:evenso，Doom—ladenthoughitbe，oncemoremayriseHishousehold，whoistimelywise。
Howoftthefamine—strickenfieldIssavedbyGod’slargegift，thenewyear’syield！
antistrophe2
Butbloodofmanoncespilled，Onceathisfeetshedforth，anddarkeningtheplain，—
Norchantnorcharmcancallitbackagain。
SoZeushathwilled:
ElsehadhesparedtheleechAsclepius，skilledTobringmanfromthedead:thehanddivineDidsmitehimselfwithdeath—awarningandasign—
Ahme！ifFate，ordainedofold，Heldnotthewillofgodsconstrained，controlled，Helplesstous—ward，andapart—
SwifterthanspeechmyheartHadpoureditspresageout！
Now，fretting，chafinginthedarkofdoubt，’TishopelesstounfoldTruth，fromfear’stangledskein；and，yearningtoproclaimItsthought，mysoulisprophecyandflame。
（CLYTEMNESTRAcomesoutofthepalaceandaddressesCASSANDRA，whohasremainedmotionlessinherchariot。）
CLYTEMNESTRA
Gettheewithinthoutoo，Cassandra，go！
ForZeustotheeingraciousmercygrantsTosharethesprinklingsofthelustralbowl，Besidethealtarofhisguardianship，Slaveamongmanyslaves。What，haughtystill？
Stepfromthecar；Alcmena’sson，’tissaid，Wassoldperforceandboretheyokeofold。
Ay，harditis，but，ifsuchfatebefall，’TisafairchancetoservewithinahomeOfancientwealthandpower。Anupstartlord，Towhomwealth’sharvestcamebeyondhishope，Isasaliontohisslaves，inallExceedingfierce，immoderateinsway。
Passin:thouhearestwhatourwayswillbe。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Clearuntothee，Omaid，ishercommand，Butthou—withinthetoilsofFatethouart—
Ifsuchthywill，Iurgetheetoobey；
YetImisdoubtthoudostnorhearnorheed。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Iwot—unlesslikeswallowsshedothuseSomestrangebarbariantonguefromoversea—
Mywordsmustspeakpersuasiontohersoul。
LEADER
Obey:thereisnogentlerwaythanthis。
Stepfromthecar’shighseatandfollowher。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Trucetothisbootlesswaitingherewithout！
Iwillnotstay:besidethecentralshrineThevictimsstand，preparedforknifeandfire—
Offeringsfromheartsbeyondallhopemadeglad。
Thou—ifthoureckestaughtofmycommand，’Twerewelldonesoon:butifthysensebeshutFromthesemywords，letthybarbarianhandFulfilbygesturethedefaultofspeech。
LEADER
Nonativeisshe，thustoreadthywordsUnaided:likesomewildthingofthewood，New—trapped，behold！sheshrinksandglaresonthee。
CLYTEMNESTRA
’Tismadnessandtheruleofminddistraught，Sinceshebeheldhercitysinkinfire，Andhithercomes，norbrooksthebit，untilInfoamandbloodherwrathbechampedaway。
Seeyetoher；unqueenly’tisforme，Unheededthustocastawaymywords。
（CLYTEMNESTRAentersthepalace。）
LEADER
Butwithmepitysitsinanger’splace。
Poormaiden，comethoufromthecar；nowayThereisbutthis—takeupthyservitude。
CASSANDRA（chanting）
Woe，woe，alas！Earth，MotherEarth！andthouApollo，Apollo！
LEADER
Peace！shrieknottothebrightpropheticgod，Whowillnotbrookthesupplianceofwoe。
CASSANDRA（chanting）
Woe，woe，alas！Earth，MotherEarth！andthouApollo，Apollo！
LEADER
Hark，withwildcurseshecallsanewonhim，Whostandsfaroffandloathesthevoiceofwail。
CASSANDRA（chanting）
Apollo，Apollo！
Godofallways，butonlyDeath’stome，Onceandagain，Othou，Destroyernamed，Thouhastdestroyedme，thou，myloveofold！
LEADER
Shegrowspresagefulofherwoestocome，Slavetho’shebe，instinctwithprophecy。
CASSANDRA（chanting）
Apollo，Apollo！
Godofallways，butonlyDeath’stome，OthouApollo，thouDestroyernamed！
Whatwayhastledme，towhatevilhome？
LEADER
Know’stthouitnot？ThehomeofAtreus’race:
Takethesemywordsforsoothandasknomore。
CASSANDRA（chanting）
HomecursedofGod！Bearwitnessuntome，Yevisionedwoeswithin—
Theblood—stainedhandsofthemthatsmitetheirkin—
Thestranglingnoose，and，spatteredo’erWithhumanblood，thereekingfloor！
LEADER
Howlikeasleuth—houndquestingonthetrack，Keen—scenteduntobloodanddeathshehies！
CASSANDRA（chanting）
Ah！cantheghostlyguidancefail，Wherebymyprophet—soulisonwardsled？
Look！fortheirfleshthespectre—childrenwail，Theirsoddenlimbsonwhichtheirfatherfed！
LEADER
Longsinceweknewofthypropheticfame，—
Butforthosedeedsweseeknoprophet’stongue—
CASSANDRA（chanting）
God！’tisanothercrime—
Worsethanthestoriedwoeofoldentime，Cureless，abhorred，thatoneisplottinghere—
Ashamingdeath，forthosethatshouldbedearAlas！andfaraway，inforeignland，Hethatshouldhelpdothstand！
LEADER
Iknewth’oldtales，thecityringswithal—
Butnowthyspeechisdark，beyondmyken。
CASSANDRA（chanting）
Owretch，Opurposefell！