Page:Genius, and other essays.djvu/250

GENIUS AND OTHER ESSAYS Priam's daughter, whom treacherous Klytæmnestra anear me

Slew; and upon the ground I fell in my death-throes, vainly

Reaching out hands to my sword, while the shameless woman departed.

Nor did she even stay to press her hands on my eyelids,

No, nor to close my mouth, although I was passing to Hades.

Oh, there is naught more dire, more insolent than a woman

After the very thought of deeds like these has possessed her,

One who would dare to devise an act so utterly shameless,

Lying in wait to slay her wedded lord. I bethought me,

Verily, home to my children and servants giving me welcome

Safe to return; but she has wrought for herself confusion

Plotting these grievous woes, and for other women hereafter.

Even for those, in sooth, whose thoughts are set upon goodness."

Thus he spake, and I, in turn replying, addressed him:

"Heavens! how from the first has Zeus the thunderer hated,

All for the women's wiles, the brood of Atreus! What numbers

Perished in quest of Helen,—and Klytæmnestra, the meanwhile,

Wrought in her soul this guile for thee afar on thy journey."

Thus I spake, and he, replying, said to me straightway:

"See that thou art not, then, like me too mild to thy helpmeet;

Nor to her ear reveal each secret matter thou knowest,

[236]