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！