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。