Epeisodion 2
HERALD.
Such things men having heard must praise the city
580
And army-leaders: and the grace which wrought them —
Of Zeus, shall honoured be. Thou hast my whole word.
CHOROS.
O’ercome by words, their sense I do not gainsay.
For, aye this breeds youth in the old — to learn well.
But these things most the house and Klutaimnestra
585
Concern, ’t is likely: while they make me rich, too.
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
I shouted long ago, indeed, for joyance,
When came that first night-messenger of fire
Proclaiming Ilion’s capture and dispersion.
And someone, girding me, said, Through fire-bearers
590
Persuaded — Troia to be sacked now, thinkest?
Truly, the woman’s way, — high to lift heart up!
By such words I was made seem wit-bewildered:
Yet still I sacrificed; and, — female-song with, —
A shout one man and other, through the city,
595
Set up, congratulating in the gods’ seats,
Soothing the incense-eating flame right fragrant.
And now, what’s more, indeed, why need’st thou tell me?
I of the king himself shall learn the whole word:
And, — as may best be, — I my revered husband
600
Shall hasten, as he comes back, to receive: for —
What’s to a wife sweeter to see than this light
(Her husband, by the god saved, back from warfare)
So as to open gates? This tell my husband —
To come at soonest to his loving city.
605
A faithful wife at home may he find, coming!
Such an one as he left — the dog o’ the household —
Trusty to him, adverse to the ill-minded,
And, in all else, the same: no signet-impress
