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266 Aeschylus [1040-1064]
Bear witness, Argives, in the after time,
How came on me this dread fatality.
Living, I pass a banished wanderer hence,
To leave in death the memory of this cry.
LEADER OF THE CHORUS
Nay, but the deed is well; link not thy lips
To speech ill-starred, nor vent ill-boding words—
Who hast to Argos her full freedom given,
Lopping two serpents' heads with timely blow.
ORESTES
Look, look, alas!
Handmaidens, see—what Gorgon shapes throng up
Dusky their robes and all their hair enwound—
Snakes coiled with snakes—off, off,—I must away!
LEADER
Most loyal of all sons unto thy sire,
What visions thus distract thee? Hold, abide;
Great was thy victory, and shalt thou fear?
ORESTES
These are no dreams, void shapes of haunting ill,
But clear to sight my mother's hell-hounds come!
LEADER
Nay, the fresh bloodshed still imbrues thine hands,
And thence distraction sinks into thy soul.
ORESTES
O king Apollo—see, they swarm and throng—
Black blood of hatred dripping from their eyes!
LEADER
One remedy thou hast; go, touch the shrine
Of Loxias, and rid thee of these woes.
ORESTES
Ye can behold them not, but I behold them.
Up and away! I dare abide no more.
(He rushes out.)
LEADER
Farewell then as thou mayst,—the god thy friend
Guard thee and aid with chances favouring.