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Rh I sware an oath which should for ever set

In memory those they taught me to forget:

If once I came to manhood, so I sware,

In tresses twain I would divide mine hair,

One tress for Inachos river, by whose grace

I live, and one for mourning at this place.

Which oath I here fulfil.

O Herald, lay

Before his sight the gift I bring this day,

Who stood not by to mourn him as he fell,

Nor reached mine arms to bid the dead farewell.

Ha!

What sight is this? What stricken multitude

Of women here in raiment sable-hued

Far-gleameth? How shall I interpret it?

Hath some new death upon my lineage lit?

Or is it to my father's grave they go

With offerings, to appease the wrath below?

It must be. Surely 'tis Electra there,

My sister, moves alone, none like to her

In sorrow. Zeus, Oh, grant to me this day

My vengeance, and be near me in the fray!

Come, Pylades, stand further, till we know

More sure, what means this embassy of woe.