Page:Agamemnon (Murray 1920).djvu/63

vv. 1033–1052.

Thou likewise, come within! I speak thy name,

Cassandra;

seeing the Gods—why chafe at them?—

Have placed thee here, to share within these walls

Our lustral waters, 'mid a crowd of thralls

Who stand obedient round the altar-stone

Of our Possession. Therefore come thou down,

And be not over-proud. The tale is told

How once Alcmêna's son himself, being sold,

Was patient, though he liked not the slaves' mess.

And more, if Fate must bring thee to this stress,

Praise God thou art come to a House of high report

And wealth from long ago. The baser sort,

Who have reaped some sudden harvest unforeseen,

Are ever cruel to their slaves, and mean

In the measure. We shall give whate'er is due.

[ is silent.

To thee she speaks, and waits clear words and true!

Oh, doom is all around thee like a net;

Yield, if thou canst. Belike thou canst not yet.

Methinks, unless this wandering maid is one

Voiced like a swallow-bird, with tongue unknown

And barbarous, she can read my plain intent.

I use but words, and ask for her consent.