byAeschylustranslatedbyE。D。A。MorsheadCHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
AWATCHMAN
CHORUSOFARGIVEELDERS
CLYTEMNESTRA，wifeofAGAMEMNON
AHERALD
AGAMEMNON，KingofArgosCASSANDRA，daughterofPriam，andslaveofAGAMEMNON
AEGISTHUS，sonofThyestes，cousinofAGAMEMNON
Servants，Attendants，SoldiersAGAMEMNON
（SCENE:—BeforethepalaceofAGAMEMNONinArgos。Infrontofthepalacetherearestatuesofthegods，andaltarspreparedforsacrifice。Itisnight。OntheroofofthepalacecanbediscernedaWATCHMAN。）
WATCHMAN
Ipraythegodstoquitmeofmytoils，ToclosethewatchIkeep，thislivelongyear；
Forasawatch—doglying，notatrest，Proppedononearm，uponthepalace—roofOfAtreus’race，toolong，toowellIknowThestarryconclaveofthemidnightsky，Toowell，thesplendoursofthefirmament，Thelordsoflight，whosekinglyaspectshows—
Whattimetheysetorclimbtheskyinturn—
Theyear’sdivisions，bringingfrostorfire。
Andnow，asever，amIsettomarkWhenshallstreamuptheglowofsignal—flame，Thebale—firebright，andtellitsTrojantale—
Troytownista’en:suchissueholdsinhopeSheinwhosewoman’sbreastbeatsheartofman。
ThusuponmineunrestfulcouchIlie，Bathedwiththedewsofnight，unvisitedBydreams—ahme！—forintheplaceofsleepStandsFearasmyfamiliar，andrepelsThesoftreposethatwouldmineeyelidsseal。
Andifatwhiles，forthelostbalmofsleep，ImedicinemysoulwithmelodyOftrillorsong—anontotearsIturn，Wailingthewoethatbroodsuponthishome，Notnowbyhonourguidedasofold—
ButnowatlastfairfallthewelcomehourThatsetsmefree，whene’erthethicknightglowWithbeacon—fireofhopedeferrednomore。
Allhail！
（Abeacon—lightisseenreddeningthedistantsky。）
Fireofthenight，thatbringsmyspiritday，SheddingonArgoslight，anddance，andsong，Greetingstofortune，hail！
LetmyloudsummonsringwithintheearsOfAgamemnon’squeen，thatsheanonStartfromhercouchandwithashrillvoicecryAjoyouswelcometothebeacon—blaze，ForIlion’sfall；suchfierymessagegleamsFromyonhighflame；andI，beforetherest，Willfootthelightsomemeasureofourjoy；
ForIcansay，Mymaster’sdicefellfair—
Behold！thetriplesice，theluckyflame！
Nowbemylottoclasp，inloyallove，Thehandofhimrestored，whorulesourhome:
Home—butIsaynomore:uponmytongueTreadshardtheoxo’theadage。
Haditvoice，Thehomeitselfmightsoothliesttellitstale；
I，ofsetwill，speakwordsthewisemaylearn，Toothers，noughtremembernordiscern。
（Hewithdraws。TheCHORUSOFARGIVEELDERSenters，eachleaningonastaff。DuringtheirsongCLYTEMNESTRA
appearsinthebackground，kindlingthealtars。）
CHORUS（singing）
Tenlivelongyearshaverolledaway，Sincethetwinlordsofsceptredsway，ByZeusendowedwithprideofplace，ThedoughtychiefsofAtreus’race，Wentforthofyore，TopleadwithPriam，facetoface，Beforethejudgment—seatofWar！
AthousandshipsfromArgivelandPutforthtobearthemartialband，ThatwithaspiritsternandstrongWentouttorightthekingdom’swrong—
Pealed，astheywent，thebattle—song，Wildasthevultures’cry；
Wheno’ertheeyrie，soaringhigh，Inwildbereavedagony，Around，around，inairyrings，Theywheelwithoarageoftheirwings，Butnottheeyas—broodbehold，Thatcalledthemtothenestofold；
ButletApollofromthesky，OrPan，orZeus，buthearthecry，Theexilecry，thewailforlorn，Ofbirdsfromwhomtheirhomeistorn—
Onthosewhowroughttherapinefell，Heavensendsthevengefulfiendsofhell。
EvensodothZeus，thejealouslordAndguardianofthehearthandboard，SpeedAtreus’sons，invengefulire，’GainstParis—sendsthemforthonfire，Hertobuyback，inwarandblood，Whomonedidwedbutmanywoo’d！
Andmany，many，byhiswill，Thelastembraceoffoesshallfeel，Andmanyakneeindustbebowed，Andsplinteredspearsonshieldsringloud，OfTrojanandofGreek，beforeThatironbridal—feastbeo’er！
Butashewilled’tisorderedall，Andwoes，byheavenordained，mustfall—
UnsoothedbytearsorspilthofwinePouredforthtoolate，thewrathdivineGlaresvengeanceontheflamelessshrine。
Andweingreydishonouredeld，Feebleofframe，unfitwereheldTojointhewarriorarrayThatthenwentforthuntothefray:
Andhereathomewetarry，fainOurfeeblefootstepstosustain，Eachonhisstaff—sostrengthdothwane，Andturnstochildishnessagain。
Forwhilethesapofyouthisgreen，And，yetunripened，leapswithin，Theyoungareweaklyastheold，AndeachalikeunmeettoholdThevantagepostofwar！
Andah！whenflowerandfruitareo’er，Andonlife’streetheleavesaresere，Agewendethproppeditsjourneydrear，Asforcelessasachild，aslightAndfleetingasadreamofnightLostinthegarishday！
Butthou，OchildofTyndareus，QueenClytemnestra，speak！andsayWhatmessengerofjoyto—dayHathwonthineear？whatwelcomenews，ThatthusinsacrificialwiseE’entothecity’sboundariesThoubiddestaltar—firesarise？
Eachgodwhodothourcityguard，Andkeepso’erArgoswatchandwardFromheavenabove，fromearthbelow—
Themightylordswhoruletheskies，Themarket’slesserdeities，Toeachandallthealtarsglow，Piledforthesacrifice！
Andhereandthere，anear，afar，Streamsskywardmanyabeacon—star，Conjur’dandcharm’dandkindledwellBypureoil’ssoftandguilelessspell，HidnownomoreWithinthepalace’secretstore。
Oqueen，wepraythee，whatsoe’er，Knownuntothee，werewellrevealed，Thatthouwilttrustittoourear，Andbidouranxiousheartbehealed！
Thatwanethnowuntodespair—
Now，waxingtoapresagefair，Dawns，fromthealtar，toscareFromourrentheartsthevultureCare。
strophe1
List！forthepowerismine，tochantonhighThechiefs’emprise，thestrengththatomensgave！
List！onmysoulbreathesyetaharmony，Fromrealmsofagelesspowers，andstrongtosave！
Howbrotherkings，twinlordsofonecommand，LedforththeyouthofHellasintheirflower，Urgedontheirway，withvengefulspearandbrand，Bywarrior—birds，thatwatchedthepartinghour。
GoforthtoTroy，theeaglesseemedtocry—
Andthesea—kingsobeyedthesky—kings’word，Whenontherighttheysoaredacrossthesky，Andonewasblack，oneboreawhitetailbarred。
Higho’erthepalaceweretheyseentosoar，Thenlitinsightofall，andrentandtare，Farfromthefieldsthatsheshouldrangenomore，Bigwithherunbornbrood，amother—hare。
（Ahwoeandwell—a—day！butbetheissuefair！
antistrophe1
Andonebeheld，thesoldier—prophettrue，Andthetwochiefs，unlikeofsoulandwill，Inthetwy—colouredeaglesstraightheknew，Andspaketheomenforth，forgoodandin。
Goforth，hecried，andPriam’stownshallfall。
Yetlongthetimeshallbe；andflockandherd，Thepeople’swealth，thatroambeforethewall，Shallforcehewdown，whenFateshallgivetheword，ButObeware！lestwrathinHeavenabide，Todimtheglowingbattle—forgeoncemore，AndmarthemightycurbofTrojanpride，Thesteelofvengeance，weldedasforwar！
ForvirginArtemisbearsjealoushateAgainsttheroyalhouse，theeagle—pair，Whorendtheunbornbrood，insatiate—
Yea，loathestheirbanquetonthequiveringhare。
（Ahwoeandwell—a—day！butbetheissuefair！）
epodeForwellsheloves—thegoddesskindandmild—
Thetendernew—borncubsoflionsbold，Tooweaktorange—andwellthesuckingchildOfeverybeastthatroamsbywoodandwold。
SototheLordofHeavensheprayethstill，\"Nay，ifitmustbe，betheomentrue！
Yetdothevisionedeaglespresageill；
Theendbewell，butcrossedwitheviltoo！\"
HealerApollo！beherwrathcontroll’dNorweavethelongdelayofthwartinggales，TowaragainsttheDanaansandwithholdFromthefreeocean—wavestheireagersails！
Shecraves，alas！toseeasecondlifeShedforth，acurstunhallowedsacrifice—
’Twixtweddedsouls，artificerofstrife，Andhatethatknowsnotfear，andfelldevice。
Athometheretarrieslikealurkingsnake，Bidingitstime，awrathunreconciled，Awilywatcher，passionatetoslake，Inblood，resentmentforamurderedchild。
Suchwasthemightywarning，pealedofyore—
Amidgoodtidings，suchthewordoffear，Whattimethefatefuleagleshoveredo’erThekings，andCalchasreadtheomenclear。
（Instrainslikehis，oncemore，Singwoeandwell—a—day！butbetheissuefair！）
strophe2
Zeus—iftoTheUnknownThatnameofmanynamesseemgood—
Zeus，uponTheeIcall。
Thro’themind’severyroadIpassed，butvainareall，SavethatwhichnamestheeZeus，theHighestOne，Wereitbutminetocastawaytheload，Thewearyload，thatweighsmyspiritdown。
antistrophe2
HethatwasLordofold，Infull—blownprideofplaceandvalourbold，Hathfallenandisgone，evenasanoldtaletold:
Andhethatnextheldsway，Bystrongergraspo’erthrownHathpass’daway！
Andwhosonowshallbidthetriumph—chantariseToZeus，andZeusalone，Heshallbefoundthetrulywise。
strophe3
’TisZeusalonewhoshowstheperfectwayOfknowledge:Hehathruled，Menshalllearnwisdom，byafflictionschooled。
Invisionsofthenight，likedroppingrain，DescendthemanymemoriesofpainBeforethespirit’ssight:throughtearsanddoleComeswisdomo’ertheunwillingsoul—
Aboon，Iwot，ofallDivinity，Thatholdsitssacredthroneinstrength，abovethesky！
antistrophe3
Andthentheelderchief，atwhosecommandThefleetofGreecewasmanned，Castontheseernowordofhate，ButveeredbeforethesuddenbreathofFate—
Ah，wearywhile！for，eretheyputforthsail，Dideverystore，eachminish’dvessel，fail，WhilealltheAchaeanhostAtAulisanchoredlay，LookingacrosstoChalcisandthecoastWhererefluentwaterswelter，rock，andsway；
strophe4
AndrifewithilldelayFromnorthernStrymonblewthethwartingblast—
Motheroffaminefell，Thatholdsmenwand’ringstillFarfromthehavenwheretheyfainwouldbe！—
AndpitilessdidwasteEachshipandcable，rottingonthesea，And，doublingwithdelayeachwearyhour，Witheredwithhopedeferredth’Achaeans’warlikeflower。
Butwhen，forbitterstorm，adeadlierrelief，Andheavierwithilltoeitherchief，PleadingtheireofArtemis，theseeravowed，ThetwoAtreidaesmotetheirsceptresontheplain，And，strivinghard，couldnottheirtearsrestrain！
antistrophe4
Andthentheeldermonarchspakealoud—
Illlotweremine，todisobey！
Andill，tosmitemychild，myhousehold’sloveandpride！
Tostainwithvirginbloodafather’shands，andslayMydaughter，bythealtar’sside！
’TwixtwoeandwoeIdwell—
Idarenotlikearecreantfly，Andleavetheleagueofships，andfaileachtrueally；
Forrightfullytheycrave，witheagerfierymind，Thevirgin’sblood，shedforthtolulltheadversewind—
Godsendthedeedbewell！
strophe5
ThusonhisneckhetookFate’shardcompellingyoke；
Then，inthecounter—galeofwillabhorr’d，accursed，Torecklessnesshisshiftingspiritveered—
Alas！thatFrenzy，firstofillsandworst，Withevilcraftmen’ssoulstosinhatheverstirred！
Andsohesteeledhisheart—ah，well—a—day—
Aidingawarforonefalsewoman’ssake，Hischildtoslay，AndwithherspiltbloodmakeAnoffering，tospeedtheshipsupontheirway！
antistrophe5
Lustingforwar，thebloodyarbitersClosedheartandears，andwouldnorhearnorheedThegirl—voiceplead，Pityme，Father！norherprayers，Nortender，virginyears。
So，whenthechantofsacrificewasdone，HerfatherbadetheyouthfulpriestlytrainRaiseher，likesomepoorkid，abovethealtar—stone，FromwhereamidherrobesshelaySunkallinswoonaway—
Badethem，aswiththebitthatmutelytamesthesteed，Herfairlips’speechrefrain，LestsheshouldspeakacurseonAtreus’homeandseed，strophe6
So，trailingontheearthherrobeofsaffrondye，Withonelastpiteousdartfromherbeseechingeye。
ThosethatshouldsmiteshesmoteFair，silent，asapictur’dform，butfainToplead，Isallforgot？
Howoftthosehallsofold，Whereinmysirehighfeastdidhold，Rangtothevirginalsoftstrain，WhenI，astainlesschild，Sangfrompurelipsandundefiled，Sangofmysire，andallHishonouredlife，andhowonhimshouldfallHeaven’shighestgiftandgain！
antistrophe6
Andthen—butIbeheldnot，norcantell，Whatfurtherfatebefell:
Butthisissure，thatCalchas’bodingstrainCanne’erbevoidorvain。
Thiswagefromjustice’handdosufferersearn，Thefuturetodiscern:
Andyet—farewell，OsecretofTo—morrow！
Fore—knowledgeisfore—sorrow。
Clearwiththeclearbeamsofthemorrow’ssun，Thefuturepressethon。
Now，letthehouse’stale，howdarksoe’er，Findyetanissuefair！—
Sopraystheloyal，solitarybandThatguardstheApianland。
（TheyturntoCLYTEMNESTRA，wholeavesthealtarsandcomesforward。）
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Oqueen，Icomeinreverenceofthysway—
For，whiletheruler’skinglyseatisvoid，Theloyalheartbeforehisconsortbends。
Now—beitsureandcertainnewsofgood，Orthefairtidingsofaflatt’ringhope，Thatbidstheespreadthelightfromshrinetoshrine，I，faintohear，yetgrudgenotifthouhide。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Assaiththeadage，FromthewombofNightSpringforth，withpromisefair，theyoungchildLight。
Ay—fairereventhanallhopemynews—
ByGrecianhandsisPriam’scityta’en！
LEADER
Whatsay’stthou？doubtfulheartmakestreach’rousear。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Hearthenagain，andplainly—Troyisours！
LEADER
Thrillsthro’heartsuchjoyaswakenstears。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Ay，thro’thosetearsthineeyelooksloyalty。
LEADER
Buthastthouproof，tomakeassurancesure？
CLYTEMNESTRA
Goto；Ihave—unlessthegodhaslied。
LEADER
Hathsomenight—visionwontheetobelief？
CLYTEMNESTRA
Outonallpresageofaslumb’roussoul！
LEADER
ButwertthoucheeredbyRumour’swinglessword？
CLYTEMNESTRA
Peace—thoudostchidemeasacredulousgirl。
LEADER
Saythen，howlongagothecityfell？
CLYTEMNESTRA
Eveninthisnightthatnowbringsforththedawn。
LEADER
Yetwhososwiftcouldspeedthemessagehere？
CLYTEMNESTRA
FromIda’stopHephaestus，lordoffire，Sentforthhissign；andon，andeveron，Beacontobeaconspedthecourier—flame。
FromIdatothecrag，thatHermesloves，OfLemnos；thenceuntothesteepsublimeOfAthos，throneofZeus，thebroadblazeflared。
Thence，raisedalofttoshootacrossthesea，Themovinglight，rejoicinginitsstrength，Spedfromthepyreofpine，andurgeditsway，Ingoldenglory，likesomestrangenewsun，Onward，andreachedMacistus’watchingheights。
There，withnodulldelaynorheedlesssleep，Thewatcherspedthetidingsoninturn，UntiltheguarduponMessapius’peakSawthefarflamegleamonEuripus’tide，Andfromthehigh—piledheapofwitheredfurzeLitthenewsignandbadethemessageon。
Thenthestronglight，far—flownandyetundimmed，Shotthro’theskyaboveAsopus’plain，Brightasthemoon，andonCithaeron’scragArousedanotherwatchofflyingfire。
Andtherethesentinelsnowhitdisowned，Butsentredoubledon，thehestofflameSwiftshotthelight，aboveGorgopis’bay，ToAegiplanctus’mount，andbadethepeakFailnottheonwardordinanceoffire。
Andlikealongbeardstreaminginthewind，Full—fedwithfuel，roaredandrosetheblaze，Andonwardflaring，gleamedabovethecape，BeneathwhichshimmerstheSaronicbay，AndthenceleaptlightuntoArachne’speak，Themountainwatchthatlooksuponourtown。
Thencetoth’Atreides’roof—inlineagefair，AbrightposterityofIda’sfire。
Sospedfromstagetostage，fulfilledinturn，Flameafterflame，alongthecourseordained，Andlo！thelasttospeeduponitswaySightstheendfirst，andglowsuntothegoal。
AndTroyista’en，andbythissignmylordTellsmethetale，andyehavelearnedmyword。
LEADER
Toheaven，Oqueen，willIupraisenewsong:
But，wouldstthouspeakoncemore，IfainwouldhearFromfirsttolastthemarvelofthetale。
CLYTEMNESTRA
Thinkyou—thisverymorn—theGreeksinTroy，Andloudthereinthevoiceofutterwail！
Withinonecuppourvinegarandoil，Andlook！unblent，unreconciled，theywar。
SointhetwofoldissueofthestrifeMinglethevictor’sshout，thecaptives’moan。
ForalltheconqueredwhomtheswordhassparedClingweeping—someuntoabrotherslain，Somechildliketoanursingfather’sform，Andwailthelovedandlost，thewhiletheirneckBowsdownalready’neaththecaptive’schain。
Andlo！thevictors，nowthefightisdone，Goadedbyrestlesshunger，farandwideRangealldisorderedthro’thetown，tosnatchSuchvictualandsuchrestaschancemaygiveWithinthecaptivehallsthatoncewereTroy—
Joyfultoridthemofthefrostanddew，Whereintheycouchedupontheplainofold—
Joyfultosleepthegraciousnightallthrough，Unsummonedofthewatchingsentinel。
Yetletthemreverencewellthecity’sgods，ThelordsofTroy，tho’fallen，andhershrines；
Soshallthespoilersnotinturnbespoiled。
Yea，letnocravingforforbiddengainBidconquerorsyieldbeforethedartsofgreed。
Forweneedyet，beforetheracebewon，Homewards，unharmed，toroundthecourseoncemore。
Forshouldthehostwaxwantonereitcome，Then，tho’thesuddenblowoffatebespared，YetinthesightofgodsshallriseoncemoreThegreatwrongoftheslain，toclaimrevenge。
Now，hearingfromthiswoman’smouthofmine，Thetaleandekeitswarning，praywithme，Luckswaythescale，withnouncertainpoise，Formyfairhopesarechangedtofairerjoys。
LEADER
Agraciouswordthywoman’slipshavetold，Worthyawiseman’sutterance，Omyqueen；
NowwithcleartrustinthyconvincingtaleIsetmetosalutethegodswithsong，Whobringusblisstocounterpoiseourpain。
（CLYTEMNESTRAgoesintothepalace。）
CHORUS（singing）
Zeus，Lordofheaven！andwelcomenightOfvictory，thathastourmightWithallthegloriescrowned！
OntowersofIlion，freenomore，Hastflungthemightymeshofwar，Andcloselygirtthemround，Tillneitherwarriormay’scape，NorstriplinglightlyoverleapThetrammelsastheyclose，andclose，TillwiththegripofdoomourfoesInslavery’scoilarebound！
Zeus，Lordofhospitality，IngratefulaweIbendtothee—
’Tisthouhaststrucktheblow！
AtAlexander，longago，Wemarkedtheebendthyvengefulbow，ButlongandwarilywithholdTheeagershaft，which，uncontrolledAndloosedtoosoonorlaunchedtoohigh，Hadwanderedbloodlessthroughthesky。
strophe1
Zeus，thehighGod！—whate’erbedimindoubt，Thiscanourthoughttrackout—
TheblowthatfellsthesinnerisofGod，Andashewills，therodOfvengeancesmitethsore。Onesaidofold，ThegodslistnottoholdAreckoningwithhimwhosefeetoppressThegraceofholiness—
Animpiousword！forwhenso’erthesireBreathedforthrebelliousfire—
WhattimehishouseholdoverflowedthemeasureOfblissandhealthandtreasure—
Hischildren’schildrenreadthereckoningplain，Atlast，intearsandpain。
Onmeletwealthatbringsnowoebesent，Andtherewithal，content！
WhospurnstheshrineofRight，norwealthnorpowerShallbetohimatower，Toguardhimfromthegulf:therelieshislot，Whereallthingsareforgot。
antistrophe1
Lustdriveshimon—lust，desperateandwild，Fate’ssin—contrivingchild—
Andcureisnone；beyondconcealmentclear，Kindlessin’sbalefulglare。
AsanillcoinbeneaththewearingtouchBetraysbystainandsmutchItsmetalfalse—suchisthesinfulwight。
Before，onpinionslight，FairPleasureflits，andlureshimchildlikeon，WhilehomeandkinmakemoanBeneaththegrindingburdenofhiscrime；
Till，intheendoftime，Castdownofheaven，hepoursforthfruitlessprayerTopowersthatwillnothear。
AndsuchdidPariscomeUntoAtreides’home，Andthence，withsinandshamehiswelcometorepay，Ravishedthewifeaway—
strophe2
Andshe，untohercountryandherkinLeavingtheclashofshieldsandspearsandarmingships，AndbearinguntoTroydestructionforadower，Andoverboldinsin，Wentfleetlythro’thegates，atmidnighthour。
Oftfromtheprophets’lipsMoanedoutthewarningandthewail—Ahwoe！
Woeforthehome，thehome！andforthechieftains，woe！
Woeforthebride—bed，warmYetfromthelovelylimbs，theimpressoftheformOfherwholovedherlord，awhileagoAndwoe！forhimwhostandsShamed，silent，unreproachful，stretchinghandsThatfindhernot，andsees，yetwillnotsee，Thatsheisfaraway！
Andhissadfancy，yearningo’erthesea，ShallsummonandrecallHerwraith，oncemoretoqueenitinhishall。
Andsadwithmanymemories，Thefaircoldbeautyofeachsculpturedface—
Andalltohatefulnessisturnedtheirgrace，Seenblanklybyforlornandhungeringeyes！
antistrophe2
Andwhenthenightisdeep，Comevisions，sweetandsad，andbearingpainOfhopingsvain—
Void，voidandvain，forscarcethesleepingsightHasseenitsolddelight，Whenthro’thegraspsoflovethatbiditstayItvanishesawayOnsilentwingsthatroamadownthewaysofsleep。
Sucharethesights，thesorrowsfell，Aboutourhearth—andworse，whereofImaynottell。
But，allthewidetowno’er，EachhomethatsentitsmasterfarawayFromHellas’shore，Feelsthekeenthrillofheart，thepangofloss，to—day。
For，truthtosay，Thetouchofbitterdeathismanifold！
Familiarwaseachface，anddearaslife，Thatwentuntothewar，Butthither，whenceawarriorwentofold，Dothnoughtreturn—
Onlyaspearandsword，andashesinanurn！
strophe3
ForAres，lordofstrife，Whodoththeswayingscalesofbattlehold，War’smoney—changer，givingdustforgold，Sendsback，toheartsthatheldthemdear，Scantashofwarriors，weptwithmanyatear，Lighttotheband，butheavytothesoul；
Yea，fillsthelighturnfullWithwhatsurvivedtheflame—
Death’sdustymeasureofahero’sframe！
Alas！onecries，andyetalasagain！
Ourchiefisgone，theheroofthespear，Andhathnotlefthispeer！
Ahwoe！anothermoans—myspouseisslain，Thedeathofhonour，rolledindustandblood，Slainforawoman’ssin，afalsewife’sshame！
SuchmutteredwordsofbittermoodRiseagainstthosewhowentforthtoreclaim；
Yea，jealouswrathcreepsonagainstth’Atreides’name。
Andothers，farbeneaththeIlianwall，Sleeptheirlastsleep—thegoodlychiefsandtall，Couchedinthefoeman’sland，whereontheygaveTheirbreath，andlordsofTroy，eachinhisTrojangrave。
antistrophe3
Thereforeforeachandallthecity’sbreastIsheavywithawrathsupprest，AsdeeplyanddeadlyasacursemoreloudFlungbythecommoncrowd:
And，broodingdeeply，dothmysoulawaitTidingsofcomingfate，Buriedasyetindarkness’womb。
Fornotforgetfulisthehighgods’doomAgainstthesonsofcarnage:alltoolongSeemstheunjusttoprosperandbestrong，TillthedarkFuriescome，Andsmitewithsternreversalallhishome，Downintodimobstruction—heisgone，Andhelpandhope，amongthelost，isnone！
O’erhimwhovauntethanexceedingfame，Impendsawoecondign；
Thevengefulboltuponhiseyesdothflame，Spedfromthehanddivine。
Thisblissbemine，ungrudgedofGod，tofeel—
Totreadnocitytothedust，NorseemyownlifethrustDowntoaglave’sestatebeneathanother’sheel！
epodeBehold，throughoutthecitywideHavetheswiftfeetofRumourhied，Rousedbythejoyfulflame:
Butisthenewstheyscatter，sooth？
OrhaplydotheygivefortruthSomecheatwhichheavendothframe？
Achildwereheandallunwise，Wholethisheartwithjoybestirred。
Toseethebeacon—firesarise，Andthen，beneathsomethwartingword，Sickenanonwithhopedeferred。
Theedgeofwoman’sinsightstillGoodnewsfromtruedividethill；
LightrumoursleapwithintheboundThenfencesfemalecredenceround，But，lightlyborn，aslightlydiesThetalethatspringsofhersurmise。
（Severaldaysareassumedtohaveelapsed。）
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Soonshallweknowwhereofthebale—firestell，Thebeacons，kindledwithtransmittedflame；
Whether，aswellIdeem，theirtaleistrue，OrwhetherlikesomedreamdelusivecameThewelcomeblazebuttobefooloursoul。
Forlo！IseeaheraldfromtheshoreDrawhither，shadowedwiththeolive—wreath—
Andthirstydust，twin—brotheroftheclay，Speaksplainoftravelfarandtruthfulnews—
Nodumbsurmise，nortongueofflameinsmoke，Fitfullykindledfromthemountainpyre；
Butplainliershallhisvoicesay，Alliswell，Or—butaway，forebodingsadverse，now，Andonfairpromisefairfulfilmentcome！
Andwhosoforthestatepraysotherwise，Himselfreapharvestofhisilldesire！
（AHERALDenters。HeisanadvancemessengerfromAGAMEMNON’S
forces，whichhavejustlanded。）
HERALD
OlandofArgos，fatherlandofmine！
Totheeatlast，beneaththetenthyear’ssun，Myfeetreturn；thebarkofmyemprise，Tho’onebyonehope’sanchorsbrokeaway，Heldbythelast，andnowridessafelyhere。
Long，longmysouldespairedtowin，indeath，Itslonged—forrestwithinourArgiveland:
Andnowallhail，Oearth，andhailtothee，New—risensun！andhailourcountry’sGod，High—rulingZeus，andthou，thePythianlord，Whosearrowssmoteusonce—smitethounomorelWasnotthywrathwreakedfulluponourheads，OkingApollo，byScamander’sside？
Turnthou，beturned，besaviour，healer，nowAndhail，allgodswhorulethestreetandmartAndHermeshail！mypatronandmypride，Heraldofheaven，andlordofheraldshere！
AndHeroes，yewhospedusonourway—
TooneandallIcry，ReceiveagainWithgracesuchArgivesasthespearhasspared。
Ah，homeofroyalty，belovedhalls，Andsolemnshrines，andgodsthatfrontthemorn！
Benignaserst，withsun—flushedaspectgreetThekingreturningaftermanydays。
Forasfromnightflashoutthebeamsofday，Sooutofdarknessdawnsalight，aking，Onyou，onArgos—Agamemnoncomes。
ThenhailandgreethimwellIsuchmeedbefitsHimwhoserighthandheweddownthetowersofTroyWiththegreataxeofZeuswhorightethwrong—
Andsmotetheplain，smotedowntonothingnessEachaltar，everyshrine；andfarandwideDiesfromthewholeland’sfaceitsoffspringfair。
SuchmightyyokeoffatehesetonTroy—
Ourlordandmonarch，Atreus’elderson，Andcomesatlastwithblissfulhonourhome；
Highestofallwhowalkonearthto—day—
NotParisnorthecity’sselfthatpaidSin’spricewithhim，canboast，Whate’erbefall，Theguerdonwehavewonoutweighsitall。
ButatFate’sjudgment—seattherobberstandsCondemnedofrapine，andhispreyistornForthfromhishands，andbyhisdeedisreapedAbloodyharvestofhishomeandlandGonedowntodeath，andforhisguiltandlustHisfather’sracepaysdoubleinthedust。
LEADER
Hail，heraldoftheGreeks，new—comefromwar。
HERALD
Allhail！notdeathitselfcanfrightmenow。
LEADER
Wasthineheartwrungwithlongingforthyland？
HERALD
Sothatthisjoydothbrimmineeyeswithtears。
LEADER
Onyoutoothenthissweetdistressdidfall—
HERALD
Howsay’stthou？makememasterofthyword。
LEADER
Youlongedforuswhopinedforyouagain。
HERALD
Cravedthelanduswhocravedit，loveforlove？
LEADER
Yea，tillmybroodingheartmoanedoutwithpain。
HERALD
Whencethydespair，thatmarsthearmy’sjoy？
LEADER
Solecureofwrongissilence，saiththesaw。
HERALD
Thykingsafar，couldstthoufearothermen？
LEADER
Deathhadbeensweet，asthoudidstsaybutnow。
HERALD
’Tistrue；Fatesmilesatlast。Throughoutourtoil，Thesemanyyears，somechancesissuedfair，Andsome，Iwot，werechequeredwithacurse。
Butwho，onearth，hathwontheblissofheaven，Thro’time’swholetenoranunbrokenweal？
Icouldataleunfoldoftoilingoars，Illrest，scantlandingsonashorerock—strewn，Allpains，allsorrows，forourdailydoom。
Andworseandhatefullerourwoesonland；
Forwherewecouched，closebythefoeman’swall，Theriver—plainwaseverdankwithdews，Droppedfromthesky，exudedfromtheearth，Acursethatclunguntooursoddengarb，Andhairashorrentasawildbeast’sfell。
Whytellthewoesofwinter，whenthebirdsLaystarkandstiff，sosternwasIda’ssnow？
Orsummer’sscorch，whattimethestirlesswaveSanktoitssleepbeneaththenoon—daysun？
Whymournoldwoes？theirpainhaspassedaway；
Andpassedaway，fromthosewhofell，allcare，Forevermore，toriseandliveagain。
Whysumthecountofdeath，andrenderthanksForlifebymoaningoverfatemalign？
Farewell，alongfarewelltoallourwoes！
Tous，theremnantofthehostofGreece，Comeswealbeyondallcounterpoiseofwoe；
Thusboastwerightfullytoyondersun，Likehimfar—fleetedoverseaandland。
TheArgivehostprevailedtoconquerTroy，AndinthetemplesofthegodsofGreeceHungupthesespoils，ashiningsigntoTime。
LetthosewholearnthislegendblessarightThecityanditschieftains，andrepayThemeedofgratitudetoZeuswhowilledAndwroughtthedeed。Sostandsthetalefulfilled。
