Agamemnon

But out of this man’s wealth will I endeavour

To rule the citizens: and the no-man-minder

— Him will I heavily yoke — by no means trace-horse,

A corned-up colt! but that bad friend in darkness,

Famine its housemate, shall behold him gentle.

Why then, this man here, from a coward spirit,

Didst not thou slay thyself? But, — helped, — a woman,

The country’s pest, and that of gods o’ the country,

Killed him! Orestes, where may he see light now?

That coming hither back, with gracious fortune,

Of both these he may be the all-conquering slayer?

But since this to do thou thinkest — and not talk — thou soon shalt know!

Up then, comrades dear! the proper thing to do—not distant this!

Up then! hilt in hold, his sword let everyone aright dispose!

Ay, but I myself too, hilt in hold, do not refuse to die.

Thou wilt die, thou say’st, to who accept it. We the chance demand.

Nowise, O belovedest of men, may we do other ills!

To have reaped away these, even, is a harvest much to me.

Go, both thou and these the old men, to the homes appointed each,

Ere ye suffer! It behoved one do these things just as we did:

And if of these troubles there should be enough — we may assent

— By the Daimon’s heavy heel unfortunately stricken ones!

So a woman’s counsel hath it — if one judge it learning-worth.

But to think that these at me the idle tongue should thus o’erbloom,

And throw out such words — the Daimon’s power experimenting on —

And, of modest knowledge missing, — me, the ruler, . . .

Ne’er may this befall Argeians — wicked man to fawn before!

Anyhow, in after days, will I, yes, I, be at thee yet!

Not if hither should the Daimon make Orestes straightway come!

O, I know, myself, that fugitives on hopes are pasture-fed!

Do thy deed, get fat, defiling justice, since the power is thine!

Know that thou shalt give me satisfaction for this folly’s sake!

Boast on, bearing thee audacious, like a cock his females by!

Have not thou respect for these same idle yelpings! I and thou

Will arrange it, o’er this household ruling excellently well.