Choephori.
121
Ægisthos.
Fain would I see the messenger and learn
Whether himself was present at the death,
Or if from blind report this tale he heard;
A mind clear-sighted they will not deceive.
[Exit into the palace.
Chorus.
Zeus, great Zeus, how frame my cry 840
Thine aid to win?
How, invoking thee on high,
My strain begin?
For anon with murderous blow,
Either shall the gory blade
Atreus' royal house o'erthrow,—
Prone in dust for ever laid,—
Or in Freedom's sacred name,
Kindling fire and holy light,
Shall the rightful heir reclaim
†Wealth and crown,—his twofold right. 850
Sole against the tyrant pair,
To such deadly grapple hies
Agamemnon's godlike heir;—
None to follow if he dies![1]
Crown, oh crown, the great emprize!
Ægisthos.
[Behind the scene.]
Alas, woe's me! Alas!
- ↑ Ἔφεδρος, an antagonist in reserve. The Chorus uses the technical language of wrestlers in the games.
