Epeisodion 2
KLUTAIMNESTRA.
Soon shall we know — of these light-bearing torches,
And beacons and exchanges, fire with fire —
If they are true, indeed, or if, dream-fashion,
490
This gladsome light came and deceived our judgment.
Yon herald from the shore I see, o’ershadowed
With boughs of olive: dust, mud’s thirsty brother,
Close neighbours on his garb, thus testify me
That neither voiceless, nor yet kindling for thee
495
Mountain-wood-flame, shall he explain by fire-smoke:
But either tell out more the joyance, speaking ..
Word contrary to which, I aught but love it!
For may good be — to good that’s known — appendage!
CHOROS.
Whoever prays for aught else to this city
500
— May he himself reap fruit of his mind’s error!
HERALD.
Ha, my forefathers’ soil of earth Argeian!
Thee, in this year’s tenth light, am I returned to —
Of many broken hopes, on one hope chancing;
For never prayed I, in this earth Argeian
505
Dying, to share my part in tomb the dearest.
Now, hail thou earth, and hail thou also, sunlight,
And Zeus, the country’s lord, and king the Puthian
From bow no longer urging at us arrows!
Enough, beside Skamandros, cam’st thou adverse:
510
Now, contrary, be saviour thou and healer,
O king Apollon! And gods conquest-granting,
All — I invoke too, and my tutelary
Hermes, dear herald, heralds’ veneration, —
And Heroes our forthsenders, — friendly, once more
515
The army to receive, the war-spear’s leavings!
Ha, mansions of my monarchs, roofs beloved,
