Page:Agamemnon (Murray 1920).djvu/64

46

Ah, come! 'Tis best, as the world lies to-day.

Leave this high-thronèd chariot, and obey!

How long must I stand dallying at the Gate?

Even now the beasts to Hestia consecrate

Wait by the midmost fire, since there is wrought

This high fulfilment for which no man thought.

Wherefore, if 'tis thy pleasure to obey

Aught of my will, prithee, no more delay!

If, dear to sense, thou wilt not understand

Thou show her, not with speech but with brute hand!

[To the Leader of the.

The strange maid needs a rare interpreter.

She is trembling like a wild beast in a snare.

'Fore God, she is mad, and heareth but her own

Folly! A slave, her city all o'erthrown,

She needs must chafe her bridle, till this fret

Be foamed away in blood and bitter sweat.

I waste no more speech, thus to be defied.

[She goes back inside the Palace.

I pity thee so sore, no wrath nor pride

Is in me.—Come, dismount! Bend to the stroke

Fate lays on thee, and learn to feel thy yoke.

[He lays his hand softly on shoulder.