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36 Well can I speak. I know the mirrored glass

Called friendship, and the shadow shapes that pass

And feign them a King's friends. I have known but one—

Odysseus, him we trapped against his own

Will!—who once harnessed bore his yoke right well

Be he alive or dead of whom I tell

The tale. And for the rest, touching our state

And gods, we will assemble in debate

A concourse of all Argos, taking sure

Counsel, that what is well now may endure

Well, and if aught needs healing medicine, still

By cutting and by fire, with all good will,

I will essay to avert the after-wrack

Such sickness breeds.

Aye, Heaven hath led me back;

And on this hearth where still my fire doth burn

I will go pay to heaven my due return,

Which guides me here, which saved me far away.

O Victory, now mine own, be mine alway!

Ye Elders, Council of the Argive name

Here present, I will no more hold it shame

To lay my passion bare before men's eyes.

There comes a time to a woman when fear dies

For ever. None hath taught me. None could tell,

Save me, the weight of years intolerable