Epeisodion 3
AGAMEMNON.
Those seeming to be mighty gracious to me:
840
While just Odusseus — he who sailed not willing —
When joined on, was to me the ready trace-horse.
This of him, whether dead or whether living,
I say. For other city-and-gods’ concernment —
Appointing common courts, in full assemblage
845
We will consult. And as for what holds seemly —
How it may lasting stay well, must be counselled:
While what has need of medicines Paionian
We, either burning or else cutting kindly,
Will make endeavour to turn pain from sickness.
850
And now into the domes and homes by altar
Going, I to the gods first raise the right-hand —
They who, far sending, back again have brought me.
And Victory, since she followed, fixed remain she!
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Men, citizens, Argeians here, my worships!
855
I shall not shame me, consort-loving manners
To tell before you: for in time there dies off
The diffidence from people. Not from others
Learning, I of myself will tell the hard life
I bore so long as this man was ’neath Ilion.
860
First: for a woman, from the male divided,
To sit at home alone, is monstrous evil —
Hearing the many rumours back-revenging:
And for now This to come, now That bring after
Woe, and still worse woe, bawling in the household!
865
And truly, if so many wounds had chanced on
My husband here, as homeward used to dribble
Report, he’s pierced more than a net to speak of!
While, were he dying (as the words abounded)
