Prologos
Old man
I do not like these sentiments in one who is a chief. It was not to enjoy all blessings that
Atreus begot you, Agamemnon; but you must experience joy and sorrow alike, mortal as you are. Even though you like it not, this is what the gods decree. But you, after letting your taper spread its light abroad,
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write the letter which is still in your hands and then erase the same words again, sealing and reopening the tablet, then flinging it to the ground with floods
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of tears, and leaving nothing undone in your aimless behavior to stamp you mad. What is it that troubles you? what news is there affecting you,περί σοι, but Monk’s πάρα σοι, what news has reached thee? is a plausible emendation. king? Come, share with me your story;
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you will be telling it to a loyal and trusty heart; for Tyndareus sent me that day to form part of your wife’s dowry and to wait upon the bride with loyalty.
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