Epeisodion 5
KASSANDRA.
Having consented, I played false to Loxias.
CHOROS.
Already when the wits inspired possessed of?
KASSANDRA.
Already townsmen all their woes I foretold.
1210
CHOROS.
How wast thou then unhurt by Loxias’ anger?
KASSANDRA.
I no one aught persuaded, when I sinned thus.
CHOROS.
To us, at least, now sooth to say thou seemest.
KASSANDRA.
Halloo, halloo, ah, evils!
Again, straightforward foresight’s fearful labour
1215
Whirls me, distracting with prelusive last-lays!
Behold ye those there, in the household seated, —
Young ones, — of dreams approaching to the figures?
Children, as if they died by their beloveds —
Hands they have filled with flesh, the meal domestic —
1220
Entrails and vitals both, most piteous burthen,
Plain they are holding! — which their father tasted!
For this, I say, plans punishment a certain
Lion ignoble, on the bed that wallows,
House-guard (ah, me!) to the returning master
1225
— Mine, since to bear the slavish yoke behoves me!
The ship’s commander, Ilion’s desolator,
Knows not what things the tongue of the lewd she-dog
Speaking, outspreading, shiny-souled, in fashion
Of Até hid, will reach to, by ill fortune!
1230
Such things she dares — the female, the male’s slayer!
She is . . . how calling her the hateful bite-beast
May I hit the mark? Some amphisbaina, — Skulla
Housing in rocks, of mariners the mischief,
Revelling Haides’ mother, — curse, no truce with,
1235
Breathing at friends! How piously she shouted,
The all-courageous, as at turn of battle!
